Community has always been at the heart of homeschooling, and with our Groups feature, we're taking that connection to the next level. Whether you're looking to collaborate online, meet up locally, or join virtual communities, there's something for everyone.

October often brings a distinct shift in the homeschooling year—the initial excitement has waned, and the long stretch before holiday breaks begins to feel daunting. This mid-semester dip is what many refer to as the "October Slump." Let's explore practical strategies to overcome this challenge and keep the momentum going strong.

Goal setting in homeschooling helps create a clear roadmap for the year. It ensures that both you and your children have defined objectives and benchmarks to strive for. This clarity fosters motivation and can significantly enhance the educational experience by keeping learning targeted and efficient.

Navigating your child's educational journey means more than choosing between homeschooling and traditional schooling. By staying informed, engaged, and proactive, you can ensure that your child's learning environment is enriching and customized, much like it would be with homeschooling.

It’s that time of year again—back to HOMEschool! And who says it has to be all about pencils and textbooks? Let’s kick off the new homeschool year with a splash of fun, a dash of creativity, and heaps of enthusiasm. Here are some spirited ideas to make this year’s back-to-school kickoff unforgettable for you and your kiddos!

Resistance often stems from uncertainty or fear of the unknown. Children, much like adults, can be wary of change, especially when it involves leaving behind familiar routines and friends. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings and provide a safe space where they can express their concerns.

The beginning of a new homeschool year is like the first blank page of a notebook—full of possibilities and opportunities for growth. It’s a chance to reevaluate what worked last year and to introduce new methods or routines that might work even better. Here’s how you can start strong:

If you’re a new homeschool mom, I hope these reflections offer you comfort and guidance as you navigate your path. For the veterans, may they serve as reminders or validations of your experiences. Remember, homeschooling is not just an educational choice; it’s a lifestyle that embraces learning in all its forms, fostering a love for discovery that lasts a lifetime.

"First Semester Foundations" is more than a guide—it’s a companion in your homeschooling journey that reassures, instructs, and inspires. Whether you’re grappling with the basics of daily scheduling or the complexities of educational philosophy, this eBook will provide the clarity and support you need to educate with confidence and joy.

Handwriting is a foundational skill that supports educational development across a spectrum of areas. As homeschooling parents, fostering a love and respect for handwriting can provide our children with tools that benefit them academically, developmentally, and creatively.

Life skills go beyond traditional academic subjects, covering everything from financial literacy to basic cooking and problem-solving. Teaching these skills is not just about preparing kids to manage on their own; it’s about empowering them with the confidence to make informed decisions, solve problems creatively, and handle the ups and downs of life effectively.

The perception that homeschooled middle schoolers miss out on crucial social development is widespread but unfounded. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to engage in diverse social activities beyond the classroom. From group projects with local homeschooling co-ops to participation in community service and sports teams, homeschooled children often interact with a wider range of age groups, fostering adaptability and empathy.

As a former school principal turned homeschool advocate, I've poured my heart, soul, and a wealth of educational expertise into creating what I believe to be the cornerstone of any effective homeschool curriculum: My Basic Bundles. These aren't just collections of resources; they're your all-in-one solution for morning baskets, independent work times, and those crucial practice moments in between.

The summer slide is a well-documented phenomenon where children lose knowledge and academic skills due to the long break from formal learning. My Summer Learning Bundles are crafted to keep your child's mind active and learning throughout the summer, ensuring they return to your homeschool routines in the fall, ready and refreshed, without missing a beat!

What is Deschooling?

Deschooling refers to a period of adjustment where families take time away from formal educational structures and curricula to allow for a smoother transition into homeschooling. This period is not simply a break but an important time to unlearn the rigidity of traditional school settings and embrace the flexibility and personalized learning that homeschooling offers.

Kindergarten readiness often brings to mind lists of skills like counting to 10, knowing the alphabet, or being able to sit still. But readiness should not be about pushing kids to give up naps prematurely, part with their comfort items, or sit motionless. It isn’t just about what they know or how quickly they learn—learning paces can vary greatly among children, and that's perfectly okay. True readiness isn't a fixed state; rather, it's about fostering a love for learning, developing curiosity, and nurturing emotional and social maturity. We should be asking, "Does my child love learning?" rather than checking off skills on a list.

Even if you’ve been homeschooling for a while, it’s always beneficial to refresh your strategy and explore new resources. Take this opportunity to inject new life into your homeschooling practices, ensuring your children remain curious and passionate learners.

Incorporating state standards into your homeschool doesn't mean sacrificing the uniqueness of your educational path. Instead, it means enriching your child's learning with a broad base, then expanding beyond it in ways that ignite their passion, creativity, and critical thinking. With the flexibility of homeschooling, you can use state standards not as a strict checklist, but as a framework to ensure your child's education is comprehensive and well-rounded, all while keeping their individual needs and interests at the forefront.