Homeschooling, Running & Biking Adventures
Last weekend we packed up the camper van and headed out for a few days with some friends. It had been a while since our last trip, but the moment we pulled in and set up camp, I remembered why I love it so much—spending all day outdoors. I love our camper van, quirks and all. And … Continue reading The Closest Thing to an Off Switch
If you’ve ever wished Circle Time could be simple, meaningful, and actually doable in a homeschool setting—this is for you. I just finished creating a yearlong Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time Curriculum designed for homeschool families who want structure without the overwhelm. Whether you’re teaching one kid or wrangling a toddler while a 2nd grader reads aloud … Continue reading A Full Year of Preschool & Kindergarten Circle Time – Created for Real-Life Homeschoolers
A little life update on what we’re reading, what bedtime looks like with three kids, and how we’re settling back into our rhythm after a much-needed break (and a finished kitchen remodel!).
I knew the remodel would be disruptive. I knew we’d basically lose access to our upstairs — the main living area and our bedroom. I knew it would be dusty and loud and a lot of work. I designed the whole kitchen and bathrooms myself, so even before construction started, it was a mental marathon. … Continue reading How We’re Adjusting Homeschooling During a Remodel
Growing up, my mom had a sign in our bathroom that said, 'Our home is clean enough to be healthy and messy enough to be happy.' That phrase has stuck with me, and it’s a pretty good description of what I’m aiming for now. I would love to embrace more of a minimalist lifestyle, but … Continue reading Our Attempt at Minimalism
In our homeschool, English is a blend of structured curriculum and organic learning moments throughout the day. We use The Good and the Beautiful for both English and handwriting. I love the simplicity and depth of these programs, and they work well for my kids. Alongside this, I’ve created my own copy work practice that … Continue reading Our English Curriculum
It started with a Christmas promise: a trip to LEGOland and the Wild Animal Park (okay, Safari Park—but I’ll always call it the Wild Animal Park). We decided to wrap it around my husband’s big bike race, the Belgium Waffle Ride—yes, there were waffles, no, it wasn’t in Belgium—and turn it into a full-blown family … Continue reading Our First Big “theme park” Family Vacation: Nine Days, One Van, Zero Regrets
How we embrace technology intentionally, balancing tech use with unplugged activities. We utilize audiobooks, texting for typing practice, and educational platforms like PBS Kids and Khan Academy. The kids engage in creative projects, such as vlogging, blending learning with fun. Technology serves as a valuable tool, enhancing our homeschooling experience.
Reflecting on our homeschooling journey, transitioning from a rigid structure to a focus on connection and curiosity. Initially striving for perfection, we learned that spontaneity, relationships, and mastery are more valuable than adherence to a schedule. Homeschooling has evolved into a lifestyle prioritizing wonder, rest, and lifelong learning.
Homeschooling has allowed our family to align our learning with the seasons, highlighting nature as our primary curriculum. Spring brings discovery, summer emphasizes immersion in play, fall craves structure, and winter invites stillness. This approach fosters curiosity and connection, demonstrating that learning often occurs in unstructured, everyday moments, embracing the world's rhythms.
The author reflects on their four-year homeschooling journey, detailing trials with various curricula. They explored options during the 2023-2024 school year, testing Blossom and Root, Singapore Math, Pandia Press, Sonlight, and ultimately finding The Good and the Beautiful as the best fit for their family, promoting strong morals and an effective learning experience.
The recent shift in homeschooling involves using text messaging as a practical learning tool for typing, spelling, and communication. A safe messaging system allows Bug to interact with a trusted group, enhancing her skills in a low-pressure environment. This approach has notably improved her spelling confidence, keyboard awareness, and overall communication abilities.
Pretty sure moms are the worst when it comes to mom shamming. Why?
Ah, screen time. That never-ending uphill trail that I swear will get easier, but somehow, I’m always winded and questioning my life choices halfway up. Managing my own screen time is like thinking I’ll take an easy recovery ride and then somehow ending up climbing the steepest hill in town. I tell myself, "Just one … Continue reading Managing Screen Time: A Reality Check
Transcribed by mommy during bedtime. Hi. Welcome to bugs corner. Today I found a slug! It was on a sunflower, a flower that mom had thrown off the deck from her flower vase. The slug needs soil to survive. My sister and I, we knew that a slug needed soil so we put rocks and … Continue reading Bug’s Diary #1
We’ve all seen them—the super cute homeschool planners with their perfect pastel color coding, neatly filled-out calendars, and detailed lesson plans handwritten in Pinterest-worthy script. You know, the ones that make you feel like you’re failing before you even open the book? Yeah, that wasn’t working for me. Which is truthfully sad because I find … Continue reading Curriculum Planning for the Non-Planner Planner
Let’s get real—sick days hit differently when you're a parent. Remember those NyQuil & DayQuil commercials? "Moms don't get sick days?" Yeah, kind of like that but I'm talking about when your kiddos are sick, which lets face it is often. And when the kiddos are sick you can feel completely helpless. When my kids … Continue reading Sick Days & Screen Time – Let’s Talk About It
You know what’s wild? Homeschooling with a 20-month-old. I mean, homeschooling in general is an adventure, but add in a pocket-sized tornado of energy, and suddenly, we’ve entered a whole new level of chaos. Our little guy—oh, he is something else. The cutest, most stubborn, most hilarious, and most determined tiny human I’ve ever met. … Continue reading Homeschooling with a 20-Month Old: The Naked Truth
Let me start by saying this—I have nothing against public schools. I taught in one! My background is in Special Education and General Education, and I absolutely love students and teachers. The dedication, the hard work, and the passion that go into traditional schooling are incredible. My husband? Homeschooled his entire life. And me? I spent my last three years of high school … Continue reading Why We Homeschool
Hi, I'm bug. My mom said I need to use my nickname so that is what I am doing. I am almost in second grade (I have 5 lessons left of first grade) and my mom is my teacher. I like being homeschooled and now I get to start writing for Mommy's website and sharing … Continue reading Bug’s Corner
Run Teach Bike 