Many parents think they need to teach their children how to write before they tackle something as advanced as an essay, but here’s the truth: it’s actually the other way around! Essay writing is one of the best places to start when teaching kids how to write. Essays give children a clear, simple framework to work within. There’s an introduction, a body, and a conclusion—a natural rhythm that helps them organize their thoughts. Instead of staring at a blank page and wondering

Politics might seem like a grown-up topic, full of complex ideas and heated debates. The question is: should children learn about politics? Absolutely! Introducing politics to children, especially preteens and teens, can be a powerful way to help them grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens. It’s not about pushing opinions or causing arguments. It’s about opening doors to understanding the world around them and encouraging critical thinking. Let’s explore why teaching politics

Preteens and teens are wired to crave both steady tradition and a burst of something new, which makes “switching things up” in your homeschool routine a powerful tool rather than a sign of inconsistency. A small change in timing, format or setting can reset attention, relieve burnout, and actually help your older kids engage more deeply with the subjects that matter most. One of the great blessings of homeschooling is precisely this freedom to pivot when a routine stops servi

There’s something magical about opening a classic book. The pages whisper stories that have survived generations, inviting us to step into worlds crafted by brilliant minds long ago. These books aren’t just old stories; they are treasures that shape our understanding of life, language, and human nature. As someone who loves guiding young readers through the wonders of literature, I find that classic books offer a unique blend of challenge and charm that modern stories sometim

One of the quiet challenges of homeschooling, especially with teenagers, is balancing the need for rigorous academics with real opportunities for genuine social connection. As parents, we want our teens not only to grow in knowledge, but also to flourish socially: to learn how to discuss ideas, share their thoughts confidently, and build friendships grounded in respect and shared values. Online language arts classes have become a surprising blessing for homeschooling families

For homeschooling families especially, this season offers a beautiful opportunity to nurture minds in playful, meaningful ways. Instead of more toys that clutter a closet, imagine giving your child a hands-on history kit, a digital coding course, or a gripping biography that opens new worlds. Grandparents, too, can join in by gifting experiences: museum memberships, online classes, or even a shared project to tackle together. Here is a list of what's available from Classics A

Simple Ways to Stay Close to Your Teen While Homeschooling Them All Day Homeschooling a teenager can feel like walking a fine line between parent, teacher, and friend. You spend almost every waking moment together, yet sometimes it’s easy to feel distant. Teens are stretching toward independence, and parents are juggling lessons, chores, and emotions. Staying close doesn’t require grand gestures, though; it often comes from simple, intentional moments woven through the day. M

Homeschool as Launch Pad Homeschooling gives families something most schools can’t: time and flexibility. Those are exactly the ingredients needed to turn the teen years into a thoughtful “launch sequence” instead of a panicked scramble at 18. When life skills are woven into the day, not tacked on as an afterthought, teens practice adulthood in small, low-stakes ways while they are still safely at home. ​ Think of your home as a flight simulator. Your teen gets to push the bu

Writing essays can feel like a mountain to climb, especially when you're learning at home. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be that way! With the right approach, essay writing can become an exciting journey of discovery and expression. I’ve gathered some of the best homeschool writing tips to help you and your child navigate this path with confidence and joy. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started! Creating a Comfortable Writing Environment One of the first things I learned is

Why Ruth Heller’s Books Belong in Every Language-Learning Home There’s something quietly magical about the way Ruth Heller teaches grammar. I used to be somewhat tempted by flashy language arts curricula that promised to make nouns and verbs come alive, but to be honest, none of them came close to what happened when we brought home Ruth Heller’s picture books. Her series on the parts of speech does something no workbook can. Ruth's exuberant, intricate illustrations invite bo

So many parents ask me for book recommendations when we get close to Christmastime each year. This year, I am highlighting one of the very best book series our family has ever enjoyed. We read these books again and again. They are the perfect books for children who are making that transition from picture books to chapter books. Thornton Burgess' books have a unique way of bringing families together during story time. These stories, like “The Adventures of Happy Jack” or “Old

Reading is a magical journey that opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and adventures. But how do we keep that magic alive, especially for preteens and teens who might sometimes find reading a chore? I’ve found that mixing things up with creative and fun reading activities can make all the difference. Whether you’re guiding a young reader or a budding teen, these ideas will spark curiosity and deepen their love for books. Fresh Reading Ideas to Try Today Let’s dive into some pra

In today's fast-paced world, traditional education often seems out of touch. Parents frequently wonder if their child should really...

Why Our Children Need to Learn About Politics As homeschooling parents, we carry a unique responsibility: not only to nurture our...

Parents can make classic literature highly accessible to their kids without resorting to simplified or “dumbed-down” editions by...

Reading is more than just decoding words on a page. It’s a gateway to imagination, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. When...

You're wondering what to add to your child's learning schedule this year. What if I told you that the one skill that sets a person up for...

Homeschooling parents often wonder where to begin when it comes to teaching writing. Creative writing feels intimidating; freewriting can...

When it comes to nurturing young minds, few skills are as essential as literacy. It’s the foundation for learning, communication, and...

We live in a time when people seem to talk at  each other instead of with each other. Opinions get louder, but listening gets rarer....