Is Your Homeschooling Journey Aligned With Your Dreams?What’s your score? Take this quick quiz to reflect on your current homeschool experience and see if you’re on the path to joy-filled learning and growth!Instructions:Read each question carefully and answer honestly with a Yes or No. Yes = 1 point, No = 2 points. Be brutally honest—this quiz is just for you, and no one else will see your answers!Dream Big: Are These Your Homeschool Goals?Do you dream of a homeschooling life where…☑️ You focus more on your children’s character and heart than checking off boxes on a curriculum?☑️ Your family bonds grow stronger every day through meaningful learning experiences?☑️ You experience the freedom to break away from rigid schooling methods and schedules?☑️ Every day feels like an adventure, filled with peace, joy, and discovery?What’s Holding You Back?Have you ever felt…☑️ Tied down by routines that leave little room for spontaneity or joy?☑️ Overwhelmed by too many curriculum options, unsure of what’s right for your child?☑️ Concerned about teaching everything your child needs to ensure a successful future?☑️ Like you’re missing out on homeschooling’s true potential for fun and creativity?What Do You Believe?Do you believe…☑️ Education should be customized to your child’s natural curiosity and unique learning stage?☑️ Setting clear, joy-filled goals can turn homeschooling from stressful to blissful?☑️ Homeschooling should focus on character building alongside academics, preparing your child for a balanced and meaningful life?Ready for Change?Would you like to…☑️ Break free from the overwhelm of endless choices and second-guessing?☑️ Join a community of homeschoolers who support, inspire, and share your values?☑️ Gain access to coaching and resources that help you create a joyful, enriching homeschool environment tailored to your family’s needs?Tally Up Your Score!Add up your points for all the questions.Now what?If your score reveals you’re craving more joy, freedom, and clarity in your homeschooling journey, it might be time to take the next step. Let’s work together to create the homeschooling experience you’ve always dreamed of! Go back to your Breaking the Chains of Curriculum to learn more!
How to Bring the Bible to Life and Make It Unforgettable! It’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re sitting at the kitchen table with your kids, trying to squeeze in a Bible lesson before dinner. You crack open the book and start reading, but the energy in the room is as flat as a pancake. Your youngest is doodling on the edge of the page, your middle child is glancing at the clock, and your oldest is trying to suppress a yawn. You can almost hear the crickets chirping in the background.Frustration sets in. You want your children to connect with the stories, to feel the weight of their lessons, and to see how these ancient tales can illuminate their lives today. Bringing the Bible to life isn’t just important; it’s essential. It’s the key to sparking curiosity, fostering a genuine love for scripture, and making faith an adventure rather than a chore.In this post, we’ll explore why it’s crucial to make Bible lessons engaging and how you can transform those mundane moments into unforgettable experiences. Plus, I’ve got a fantastic resource to help you out: my Easy Bible Lessons for Kids (Printables) that turn scripture into a hands-on journey!Why Bringing the Bible to Life Matters1. Build Deep ConnectionsYour kids need more than just words; they need to experience the stories. Imagine them not just hearing about Moses parting the Red Sea but actually reenacting it with their friends. These memories will stick with them, creating an emotional anchor to their faith that no amount of lecturing can replicate.2. Encourage Authentic ReflectionWhen kids see how biblical principles apply to their lives, they begin to understand what it means to live out their faith. It’s about fostering a personal connection to God’s teachings, turning abstract concepts into relatable experiences. This isn’t just education; it’s transformation.3. Ignite a Passion for ScriptureYou want your kids to love the Bible, not just see it as another boring subject. When lessons are fun and interactive, they’ll eagerly dive into scripture. Imagine their excitement when they can’t wait to share what they learned or create their own version of a parable.4. Strengthen Family BondsThe best memories are made together. When you actively engage with Bible stories as a family, you’re building a strong spiritual foundation. Shared experiences foster connection, making your family Bible time a cherished tradition rather than a chore.Tips to Make Bible Lessons EngagingYou might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but how do I actually pull it off?” Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some simple yet powerful ways to make Bible lessons come alive:Interactive Storytelling: Ditch the dry readings! Use props, costumes, or puppets to act out Bible stories. Let your kids jump into the roles of their favorite characters. Watch as their eyes light up with excitement! Creative Craft Projects: Connect stories with hands-on activities. For instance, after learning about the Good Samaritan, have your kids create “helping hands” art projects that illustrate kindness in action. They’ll love it, and you’ll love the lasting impressions they create. Bible Games Galore: Turn lessons into games! Create a scavenger hunt where kids find items that relate to different parables or host a family trivia night focused on Bible stories. Who said learning can’t be competitive and fun? Multimedia Magic: Don’t shy away from tech! Use videos, songs, or apps that make scripture engaging. There’s a wealth of resources out there that will have your kids begging for more Bible time.Ready to Bring the Bible to Life?Now, let’s circle back to that afternoon at the kitchen table. You’ve got the chance to change the game, to transform those flat moments into vibrant experiences filled with laughter and discovery. Teaching your children about the Bible is monumental, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, you can turn scripture into an exciting part of your homeschooling journey.That’s why I created Easy Bible Lessons for Kids (Printables)—because you deserve to have fun while teaching faith!This printable bundle includes:Engaging lesson plans filled with storytelling, crafts, and activities. Step-by-step activities designed for kids of all ages, ensuring everyone can join the fun. Visual aids and crafts that turn scripture into tangible experiences, allowing your children to truly experience the Word of God.With these printables in hand, you’ll transform your Bible lessons from mundane to magical. Your kids will be asking to learn more—and you’ll love every moment of it.Don’t wait another second! Click here [Link] to grab your Easy Bible Lessons for Kids (Printables) and watch your children’s faith come alive in ways you never imagined. Let’s make that kitchen table a place of joy, connection, and spiritual adventure!
Why MLA Formatting Matters for Your Homeschooler—and How to Make It Fun Let’s be real—when you’re juggling a homeschooling schedule, wrangling kids, and running the household, teaching something like MLA formatting feels like a “maybe someday” task. But what if I told you it’s not just about writing some stuffy research papers? Mastering MLA is a game-changer that teaches your child skills they’ll carry into every part of life—from organizing ideas clearly to giving credit for others’ work (hello, character development!).And the best part? It doesn’t have to be boring.In this post, I’m going to show you why MLA matters for your homeschoolers and how to make it fun—even exciting—with an easy-to-use MLA Printable Bundle that’ll take the stress out of teaching and put the fun back into learning.Why Your Homeschooler Needs MLA FormattingHere’s the thing: MLA formatting isn’t just another box to check. It’s a powerful tool that gives your kids structure, integrity, and a competitive edge. Here’s why:1. Gives Them Superpowers in OrganizationImagine your child being able to clearly present ideas—whether they’re writing a paper, explaining a concept, or organizing their day. MLA teaches a structured way to think and communicate, which is essential for success in college, career, and life.It’s like building a house—you need a solid framework. MLA is that framework for writing.2. Builds Integrity by Teaching Respect for IdeasYou’re raising your kids with strong values, right? MLA reinforces those values by teaching them to give credit where it’s due. When your children use MLA to cite sources, they’re learning honesty, respect, and accountability—skills that will shape their character.3. Prepares Them for Higher Learning (and Life)College may not be the path for every child, but strong communication skills are non-negotiable in today’s world. Whether they’re writing papers, proposals, or business plans, knowing how to present information professionally sets them up for future success. MLA is the gold standard that helps them get there.4. Hones Attention to DetailLet’s face it, homeschooling requires a lot of attention to detail (yes, I’m looking at you, messy kitchen counters!). MLA teaches your child to focus on the little things that matter—like formatting, citations, and structure. And guess what? This discipline carries over into all areas of life.Making MLA Fun (Yes, Really!)I get it. When you hear “MLA,” you might feel a twinge of dread, but trust me—you can make it a blast! Here’s how to turn this academic chore into an engaging activity your kids will actually look forward to:Turn it Into a Game: Create a citation scavenger hunt. Give your kids a list of books or online sources and challenge them to format citations correctly. The faster they get it right, the bigger the prize! Family Citation Showdown: Host a fun family competition where everyone gets to “fix” the citations in a piece of writing. The first one to correct everything wins bragging rights (and maybe their favorite dessert). Printable Fun Sheets: My MLA Printable Bundle has worksheets, cheat sheets, and even a sample paper template that break down each step. Your kids will have fun while learning how to nail MLA formatting, without the eye rolls.Ready to Make MLA Easier?Here’s the secret: with the right tools, teaching MLA becomes effortless. That’s why I created the MLA Formatting Printable Bundle, specifically designed for busy homeschooling parents like you. This bundle will:Simplify MLA formatting with visual, easy-to-follow guides Include practice worksheets to reinforce learning (think puzzles, challenges, and rewards!) Provide a sample paper template so your child can see how it all comes together Turn a potentially overwhelming topic into bite-sized, fun lessonsYou’ll be amazed at how fast your kids will pick this up when it’s broken down into fun, digestible activities. No more second-guessing or Googling MLA rules at the last minute!The Time to Start Is NowMLA formatting might not seem like a priority today—but trust me, when your child can confidently write, organize, and cite their work, you’ll be so glad you took the time to teach them this valuable skill. It’s more than just learning to format a paper. It’s setting your child up for success in ways that go beyond academics.And you don’t have to do it alone. Grab the MLA Printable Bundle and make this a fun, stress-free part of your homeschool journey.Click here [Link] to get your bundle and watch your kids master MLA without the headache.
Make Learning Basic Math Facts a Breeze In the fast-paced world of education, the race to move from one grade level to the next often overshadows the importance of mastering the basics. Nailing down fundamental math skills—addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, and measurements—is the key to unlocking a world of mathematical possibilities for kids. Here’s why taking it slow and focusing on the essentials can set them up for higher math success, and how easy, daily practice can make all the difference.Related: FREE KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly) List of my favorite math resourcesQUICK Guide- Free for you!The Power of FoundationsImagine math skills as the building blocks of a towering structure. The stronger and more secure the foundation, the higher and more confidently the structure can rise. Similarly, mastering basic math skills is not about rushing through grade levels; it’s about building a robust foundation that can support the complexities of higher-level math.No Rush, Just MasteryIn a world where speed often takes precedence, it’s crucial to emphasize that there’s no rush in the journey of learning. Instead of focusing on progressing to the next grade level, parents and educators should encourage a mastery-based approach. A solid understanding of basic math concepts ensures that children are well-equipped to tackle more advanced topics with confidence.Daily Practice: The Secret SauceThe key to mastering math basics lies in consistent, daily practice. However, this doesn’t mean hours of tedious worksheets. Instead, opt for a curriculum that strikes the perfect balance—just enough to move kids forward at a steady pace without overwhelming them with unnecessary busy work.Fun with Manipulatives and FlashcardsBoring drills are a thing of the past! Introduce fun manipulatives and flashcards to make learning engaging and enjoyable. Turn small pockets of time, like waiting for pasta to boil or sitting in a waiting room, into opportunities for quick math practice. Incorporate games, interactive apps, and colorful flashcards to keep things lively and maintain a positive attitude toward learning.Seizing the MomentLife is filled with little pockets of time that often go underutilized. Waiting for a sibling to finish practice or sitting in the waiting room can become valuable moments for drilling math facts. Compact, focused sessions in these moments add up, contributing significantly to a child’s overall math proficiency.Slow down to speed up later!In the quest for mathematical excellence, the journey begins with a solid foundation in the basics. By emphasizing mastery over speed, incorporating daily, manageable practice, and infusing fun into learning, parents and educators can ensure that children not only understand math but also develop a genuine love for it. So, let’s slow down, focus on the essentials, and watch as our kids embark on a journey of mathematical success that lasts a lifetime.
Free Copy of My book The key to a successful homeschool journey lies in recognizing the stage your kids are in—whether it’s the foundational years, the flourishing and fun phase, or the launching into independence. Tailoring your approach to these stages ensures a well-rounded education. Yet, the real magic happens when you prioritize nurturing their hearts and character development above all. By fostering a love for learning, cultivating resilience, and instilling values, you set the foundation for a holistic education that goes beyond academics, preparing them not just for exams but for life’s diverse challenges.In my 3 Stages of Homeschool Class, you’ll get your foundation established!Yes pleaseYes, you can simply download a free copy of my book below, but the MAGIC is in combining the lessons in the pages with the solid understanding of where your kids are in their homeschool journey today.I desperately needed this kind of HOPE and JOY in my own homeschooling journey, so I created them for you…Come grab your seat in the self-paced class 3 Stages of Homeschool and get your free copy as well.Picture a warm morning in the cozy corner of the living room, where a mom, brimming with joy, embarks on an imaginative journey with her children. In the foundations stage, they explore letters and numbers through playful games and stories. As the homeschool adventure progresses into the flourishing and fun years, laughter fills the room as they delve into exciting experiments and creative projects. Now, in the launching phase, the mom witnesses her children spreading their wings, equipped not just with academic knowledge but also with resilience and kindness. Through this homeschooling odyssey, joy isn’t just a fleeting moment; it’s the backdrop to a tapestry of learning, laughter, and the beautiful symphony of a family growing together.Yes PleasePrefer a hard copy? Yes, it’s on Amazon!Better?Get the same pdf copy inside the free 3 Stages of Homeschool Class
Successful Homeschooling: What if… What if by the time you finish teaching your kids… They are kind. They are confident. They look people in the eye when spoken to. They befriend the new kids. What if: They put down their phone when others are in the room. They are strong and hard working. They know how to cook, chop wood and change the oil on a car. They are compassionate and caring. They LOVE to read and devour the written word. They never text and drive What if: They hunt down information when their interests are piqued. They can balance their checkbook and manage a budget. They can break down a project into a workable timeline. They can manage a calendar. They can create powerpoint presentations and present their ideas to a group. Related: Download your free “WHAT IF” printable What if: They know how to receive instruction. They can add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. They can measure accurately using various tools. They can take a disappointment in stride. They lose with dignity and win with humility. Follow me on YouTube What if: They pass on compliments (…”my dad taught me that”) They can manage their own small business, like lawn care. They put things back where they found them. They acknowledge that a great team is worth its weight in gold. They master the art of harmony– working together blending talents and abilities for the greater good. … Read More »
97+ Amazing Ways to Make Math Fun for Our Kids Inside: A master list of simple, inexpensive, and fun ways to teach all the basic math principles your kids need to thrive. PLUS- Free Math RoadmapMost homeschoolers overcomplicate math with fancy curriculum, worksheets, quizzes, stop-watches and tests. We choose to be different!Before you scroll, get your free gift…Read More »
Need Help Finding Real Scholarships? We currently have three kids in college and one in the trades. In case you’re wondering… that’s a lot !We don’t believe that all kids need to attend college to be a success in life, but sheesh. Does it have to cost a fortune for those who choose that route?Jocelyn has our full attention!She made finding scholarships to fund her education her job and succeeded in earning enough money to pay for school AND earn overage cash. Finding Scholarships- Help is a click away!!Yes please!! How to avoid scams: https://scholarship.samcart.com/referral/spot-scholarship-scams/WQllwdXXWD7Roh70
Why didn’t anyone tell me this BEFORE I started Homeschooling? I was TERRIFIED as I stepped into homeschooling. … Read More »
How to Make Learning Fun: EASY! She lays awake at night tossing and turning. She tries to rest, but when she closes her eyes she sees the slumped over image of her son burned into her memory.“I failed again.”She is confused. She read all the latest and greatest articles on how to teach her child, but when she tries to follow the advice, her son closes down and she becomes frustrated, discouraged and depressed.“I’m messing up my kid!”…Read More »
How to Turn Homeschool Frustration into Joy and Learning Dear homeschool mom,Don’t homeschool. I’m not kidding. Yes, kids need to read and write and solve basic math problems, but they don’t need school at home.They need to have plenty of time to run, jump, slide, swing, lay, laugh, build, and rest.Related: building toysGive them time to be bored, time to think, time to day dream.Don’t give them workbooks, worksheets, and hours of assignments. Instead, give them LESS.…Read More »
You Don’t Need to Apologize for Raising Kids In a Greenhouse It’s not fair.When you dedicate your life to raising your kids and personally stay at home to make sure their needs are met, you are like a master gardener inside a greenhouse.Greenhouses are safe and controlled environments which provide optimum conditions for seeds to grow. …Read More »
This is the Best List of Delightful Books for Preschoolers (and their Parents) What’s that I see?My little guy toddling around the corner in just his underwear and cowboy boots tightly gripping his treasures: his snuggly blue satin blanket, a loaded nerf gun and 3 tattered books.My face relaxes. It must be almost bedtime.I panic a little.…Read More »
Choosing a Chore System that Works for Your Family Inside: Age Appropriate Chores {printable} We have always believed in the philosophy that children are a welcomed addition to our family. We love, eat, live, play and WORK together as a family unit. We also make messes faster than the chicken can cross the road to prove to the opossum it can be done. … Read More »
Don’t Panic if Your Kids Can’t Read Yet Last week I couldn’t find him. I was walking all over our new home looking for our youngest son. No matter how many times I called his name, he didn’t answer. Just about the time I started to be concerned, I saw him out of the corner of my eye; buried in a bean bag, snuggling with the dog and reading. READING! This may not seem like a big deal to you, but the boy was almost ten and hadn’t jumped into the world of stories on his own. I wasn’t concerned. All five of our sons were reluctant readers in the beginning. But our youngest? He was the most reluctant yet. He never really picked up a book on his own… until that day… Got kids who just can’t read, don’t want to read, or are struggling? Don’t panic…Just keep reading aloud to them. What can you do to tickle their desire to pick up books? Grab an exciting book and suddenly “Stop Reading” at an extremely exciting part. Leave them hanging in stories. Talk to them about the books you are reading. Give them access to books, lots and lots of book. Gather books that are below their reading level and have them “hanging around”. You, mom, pick up children’s literature and read silently to yourself. Let your kids see that there are no age-appropriate kid’s books. Help them see that a good book is simply that, a good book. Even though we took a very laid back approach to teaching this guy to read, I was still shocked when the lightbulb finally came on. His progress from zero to a million miles an hour? FIRST, he fell in love with the Magic Tree House Series. As a matter of fact he has read 1-2 books every day until he completed all the book in the house. Next, he just kept going. After the first 20-ish books were devoured, he began reaching for bigger and bigger books. Fast forward to today… He reads no less than 2 hours a day, has the HIGHEST reading comprehension out of all the boys in our family, and is an amazing writer. Do you have a reluctant reader? Keep reading to them. Supply them with lots of books. Visit the library. Often. Leave ’em hanging in a story. Just never give up. They will read. Never make it a negative, reading is fun. Every child learns to read at their own pace, and for some, the journey to literacy may be a bit delayed. Delayed readers, as we affectionately call them, are those who take a little longer to grasp the art of reading compared to their peers. While it can be a source of concern for parents and educators, it’s crucial to remember that this is entirely normal. In fact, patience and support are the keys to helping delayed readers flourish. The only thing that matters is THAT they learn to read. Help for Homeschoolers!
Boys: Messy, Loud, Combative, Energetic-Verbs Personified Are you a mom of boys? I am. I am the proud mom of five Messy, Loud, Combative, Wonderful and Energetic future men. My boys are “Verbs Personified”. (Combative- In this writing, I mean competitiveness to the extreme. Possessing a willingness to die for victory. A spirit of “all-in”. A determination that is indescribable) If you only have girls, I am not sure how much this one will apply to you, but please read on and share with your friends who have boys. I have spent a lot of time trying to stop myself from treating my boys like girls. I am very aware that boys are made quite unique from we girls. For the sake of this rambling thought, let’s agree on a few things first. … Read More »
Many Homeschoolers are Delayed Readers Too Inside: Ways to inspire your late reader. {Plus free cheatsheet} All FIVE of our sons were delayed Learners #1 Son Didn’t talk until he was four Couldn’t read until he was six Wouldn’t drive until he turned 19… Read More »
Easy Survival Tips for Living with a 12-Year Old Boy Inside: The secret to surviving life with your hormonal 12-year old boy and 3 must reads if you’re raising boys. {PLUS Free Raising Sons Cheatsheet} My 12-year old boy almost died today. That’s right, I almost killed him. … Read More »
10 Heartwarming Mother’s Day Crafts to Make with Your Kids Ready?!? Mother’s Day is a special day dedicated to honoring and celebrating the love, care, and hard work of mothers all around the world, and it’s time to help our kids make our special cards and gifts!!Because we’re moms! Making a Mother’s Day craft is not only a fun and creative activity for kids, but it also teaches them important lessons about gratitude, empathy, and love. Adorable craft…Read More »