One question I see asked a lot from homeschool moms is how do I create motivated learners?

This is one of the biggest struggles in homeschool. Or at least it can feel like it. I confess, I’ve never struggled with motivating my kids to learn. And I am going to let you in on the secret sauce. This post is all about creating motivated learners.

Getting my kids to learn and do their schoolwork hasn’t been a struggle. Yes, sometimes things haven’t been done with excellence or to the level of excellence I expect. But I never felt like I was struggling to get them to do their schoolwork.

So let’s talk about how to create motivated learners. It is possible, and I want to help you take the struggle out of homeschooling.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

What is a Motivated Learner

Before we dive into the nitty gritty of learning, let’s define what a motivated learner looks like.

A motivated learner is a child who will finish his work without a lot of reminders from mom. This is age dependent.

Your homeschool day isn’t full of struggle, intense discussions on getting it done, and your time isn’t spent talking your kids into doing their schoolwork.

Mom, it is possible to have a stress free homeschool day.

Now, don’t get me wrong. All our days aren’t stress free, but most of them are. It is possible to create motivated learners for a mostly stress free homeschool day.

Understand Motivation to Create a Motivated Learner

In order to understand how to create motivated learners, we need to know what motivation is, and the different ways our kids are motivated.

Motivation is the desire to fulfill a goal. Now, you know I’m not a fan of SMART goals, so we aren’t talking goals like that. But a goal as an end result. It is one of the driving forces behind our behavior.

Motivation is either extrinsic, inspired by an outside force. Or intrinsic, inspired from within.

In my homeschool, I have a mix of motivations. The boys are usually motivated by an outside force. My oldest daughter is intrinsically motivated. We tell her to slow down more than to speed up.

How are your kids motivated? Observe how they accomplish goals. Distinguish between what they need to do and what is important to them. The motivation is different in each case.

Get a Curriculum They Like

Curriculum plays an important role in motivated learners. Your kids aren’t not going to be in love with all curricula, but there will be some that they prefer over others. Whether it is a homeschool all in one or you piece it together. Try to give them a curriculum they will like.

This will not be perfect, so set realistic expectations. A curriculum they don’t dread is a good enough goal for your curriculum choices.

If your kids dread the curriculum they are using, then every day is going to be frustrating for all of you. If you dread the curriculum they are using, then you will be frustrated too.

Also, keep this in mind. Just because you like a curriculum doesn’t me it fits their learning style. And the curriculum you dislike may be the perfect fit.

My daughter has begged me not to change her curriculum. She uses Abeka Academy, and always has. Here’s the thing, when I was homeschooled and I used Abeka Math, I swore to myself that I would never use it again. I did not like it at all…and now I use it for my kids.

Ditch Perfection

If you spend any time on social media, then you see the posts of the ideal homeschool. We all post them. It’s ok because we have some days like that. But not every day is like it.

We are going to have bad days, frustrating days, and days we just need to take a break. That is the entire reality of homeschooling. Ditch your ideas of the perfect homeschool day. It doesn’t exist and you won’t attain it.

You want to give your kids the best education and you can. Sometimes kids need deadlines. Yes, depending on the age, it is a life skill to teach your kids how to meet deadlines. A free flowing schedule is not going to encourage motivated learning. Or teach them important life skills.

Let me add this. I don’t think your four- or five-year-olds need to learn how to meet deadlines. Or sit at a desk for 7 hours a day. That isn’t age appropriate. But your high school student should be more than capable of meeting a deadline and finishing the tasks before him.

The perfect homeschool day doesn’t need to look like all the social media posts we see of kids splashing through the creek or climbing rocks in the woods. We have neither of those where I live, or very few.

It can be sitting at their desks finishing their workbooks because that is best for them.

I recently listened to a podcast on writing. The interviewee was talking about how the school system doesn’t encourage the creative process. The creative process involves making mistakes, but the school system only allows for one chance to take a test or write a paper, and that’s it. However, the writing process is all about being able to get something wrong and change it.

Mom, this is the greatest gift we can give to our kids. Things don’t have to be perfect, even with their schoolwork. We get the opportunity to take steps in a direction and fix it later.

Ditch the idea of a perfect homeschool day or striving for your first grader to learn algebra. Teach your kids that they can make mistakes, but also how to fix them.

I might need to say this too. Obviously, this doesn’t apply to everything. There needs to be self-control and taking responsibility for stupid actions (you know, play stupid games, win stupid prizes). But academics doesn’t have to be perfect.

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Embrace Independence to Create a Motivated Learner

One of the biggest tools to create a motivated learner is to embrace independent learning. Yes, you can teach your kids to take responsibility for their schoolwork in the early grades.

Again, this is age appropriate. Start with one or two subjects that you know your child can succeed at independently. You want to encourage confidence that he can do it, so when you add the next subject, it isn’t overwhelming. Your child has learned that he can do well working independently.

My kids thrive on managing their own schedules and being responsible for their schoolwork. Our homeschool day starts with set routines. They all know that schoolwork gets done before anything else, but they get to decide which subjects and how they want to work. Math on the stairs is pretty popular in our house. I’m still trying to figure out why.

Give them age-appropriate autonomy and watch them soar.

Create a Motivated Learner by Feeding Interests

This is one of our homeschool superpowers. We can focus on interest-based learning. I still use our homeschool all in one curriculum, but I also fuel their curiosity with other learning tools.

Skillshare is probably the one tool that all my kids use when they want to learn something new. From stop motion to 3D printing to photography and bookkeeping. They all use these classes to learn something new.

Homeschooling online gives you the freedom, if you don’t have the knowledge, for your kids to explore more. Spark their curiosity and feed their interest. They will be motivated learners.

Unrealistic and Clear Expectations

I see a lot of parents frustrated with homeschool. And I get it, things aren’t going as planned. But here’s the thing, sometimes your expectations are unrealistic, or they aren’t clear.

If your 5-year-old has no interest in school and really doesn’t want to learn. You are getting frustrated with this. You start to think homeschooling will never work if it is like this. Reset your expectations. It is normal for 5-year-olds to show no interest in school, especially boys. All my kids fought me at this age. After 6 kids, I learned to just stop.

There is a lot of maturing that happens between 5 and 6. If your young child is fighting you on it, then just wait until 6. I promise, you will thank me for it.

This is just one example of unrealistic expectations. Think of a struggle or frustration you are experiencing. Are your expectations realistic?

Sometimes we expect our kids to do something or act a certain way, but we haven’t actually told them this is what we expect. That can be very frustrating for everyone.

My kids know I expect an 80% on their schoolwork. They also know that they will keep working on the problems until they are successful. This is very clear to them, and I don’t get too much complaining when they have to go back and redo something. They know. It isn’t a surprise.

Do your kids clearly know what you expect? A morning routine really helps to set your expectations for the day.

Empower Your Homeschool Journey: Create a Motivated Learner

Creating a motivated learner is an ongoing process. Every year brings a new season that you need to adapt to. But this is all part of the growth process for you and your kids.

Curriculum plays one of the most important role in whether your kids are motivated to learn. I invite you to grab a copy of The Momtrepreneur’s Guide to Curriculum, 2nd edition: Over 60 Pages of Sanity Saving Tips. I’ve bought a lot of curricula over the years (like a lot, I homeschool 6 kids), and this is the good, the bad, and the ugly on curriculum.

FAQs for Creating a Motivated Learner

Q: How do I keep my child motivated if they lose interest?

A: If your child loses interest, try to reconnect with their interests, or change the curriculum. Sometimes a change of pace or subject can reignite their enthusiasm.

Q: What if my child resists independent learning?

A: Gradually introduce independent learning by offering choices and empowering them with small responsibilities. Start with short, manageable tasks and build up as they gain confidence.

Q: How can I set clear expectations for the day?

A: Creating routines will help to set your day on autopilot, so your kids know what to do, and you keep your sanity. Routines put mundane tasks on autopilot, so you aren’t being peppered with constant questions about when to eat lunch.

Q: What resources are best for promoting independent learning?

A: All in one curriculum is create resource to encourage independent learning. Everything is planned for you, and your kids can open the box and run.

The post Discover The Secret Sauce To Create Motivated Learners appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

You can homeschool, work, and eat in as small space. It just takes a little imagination to organize a small space.

Your home is both a living space and a learning space, the line between chaos and calm gets blurry really fast. Whether you have a dedicated homeschool room or you are making magic happen in the corner of your kitchen, you can absolutely create a space that works. You can organize a small space to work for you.

If you are buying the same book twice because you can’t find it, or the quiz book disappears for months like it joined witness protection, then it is time to organize your small space. Your homeschool space should work for functionality, flexibility, and peace of mind.

The good news? You don’t need a bigger house. You just need a few genius strategies to organize a small space.

Organize Your Small Space by Creating Zones

Small spaces feel chaotic because everything is happening everywhere all at once.

When work, school, meals, laundry, and life overlap in the same square footage, it overwhelms your brain. The visual clutter turns into mental clutter. Supplies migrate. Papers multiply like rabbits. And before long, irritation levels rise for everyone involved.

A disorganized space doesn’t just look messy. It increases friction. If books are always missing or the table is too cluttered to work, frustration builds quickly. Even in a large space, disorganization creates tension. In a small one, it magnifies it.

Instead of wishing for more square footage, we need clearer boundaries.

Creating zones will help organize a small space, minimize the clutter, and keep mom from overwhelm. A zone is simply a clearly defined purpose for a specific area, even if that area is three feet wide.

When you assign purpose to space, your brain relaxes. Kids also thrive when they know exactly where things happen. Suddenly, you are not constantly redirecting. The environment does some of that work for you.

In other words, zones create calm without construction.

You can use a small rug to define a reading corner. Position a desk facing the wall to reduce distractions. You can use a bookshelf as a divider or even hang a curtain to create needed separation.

A lamp on your work desk signals mom’s office. A basket beside the couch signals read aloud space. These subtle cues train your family to shift mentally when they move physically.

Consequently, the space begins to feel intentional instead of accidental.

And, mom, you need one area that remains yours. That you can put something down and know that it will be there when you get back. This is going to protect your sanity. My kids aren’t allowed to take anything off my desk. And that means anything. Need a pen? Not from mom’s desk. Need paper? Not from mom’s desk. This one little thing saves my sanity every day. I hate searching for pens.

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The Only Things You Really Need—Bookshelf and Storage

Your homeschool space doesn’t need to be Pinterest worthy. I know, some of those homeschool rooms even make me jealous they are so cute, but we have to work with the space we have. Instead of pining for the cute matching furniture, take a step back, evaluate your space, and just get a bookshelf and storage bins.

There are so many ways to use a bookshelf to organize a small space. You can give each child a shelf and that is where all the school books go. Or you can designate each shelf by subject—art supplies go on the bottom shelf, read aloud books on the next one, math books on the next one, etc.

One of my favorite organizational tools that I use with my bookshelf are magazine holders. You can organize the curriculum in them, label the front, and they keep your shelf looking neat. This is a great way to organize a small space, especially if you are homeschooling multiple kids.

Storage bins are another must have for homeschool organization because you need a place to put everything when you are done. If you are saving curriculum to use again, then you need to keep it organized but out of the way when you aren’t using it. Keep each bin to one grade level (don’t mix the grades), and then label the bin. You will thank me.

It is easy for us to get stuck in the mindset of wanting everything to be perfect. This is for our kids, and we want to give them the best. But the best thing you can give to your kids is your time and influence. You don’t need to give them the perfect homeschool room, you just need to give them you.

Your homeschool space doesn’t need to be Pinterest worthy. It needs to be practical.

Instead of chasing matching furniture, step back and evaluate what actually supports your day.

Simple storage reduces daily decision fatigue.

Organize a Small Space by Having A Place for Everything

Homeschooling multiple grades means you have a lot of curriculum. And you need a defined home for every item.

Whether everyone has their own desk or you are using a bookshelf or even a China cabinet as storage, the principle remains the same: give everything a place to live.

When items have designated homes, your family develops automatic habits. You stop thinking about where something goes. You simply return it. This frees up valuable brain space.

And as a mom running a business and teaching kids, you need all the brain space you can get.

Out with the Old and in with the New

When we first started homeschooling, I saved everything. I put curriculum in bins in the basement, fully convinced I would reuse it. Then I forgot what I had.

More often than not, the next child needed something different. The old materials became clutter instead of savings.

Evaluate honestly. If you will not use it, sell it, donate it, or pass it along. If you store it, label it clearly and separate it by grade.

The same rule applies to supplies. Toss the tiny pencils, dried-out markers, and scraps of paper. They are not memories. They are mess.

Simplicity strengthens organization. Fewer items mean fewer frustrations.

Organize a Small Space, Avoid These Mistakes

One of the biggest organizing traps is trying to recreate a traditional school classroom in your home. Your homeschool space does not need bulletin boards on every wall or rows of desks to be effective.

What it actually needs is functionality. Keep it simple and let the space serve your family instead of impressing Pinterest.

Another common mistake is overbuying organizing products. More bins and baskets will not fix a system that is unclear. Before you buy anything, decide exactly where items will live and how they will be used. Most of the time, you can repurpose what you already have. Buy solutions, not aesthetics.

Finally, small spaces require bold editing. If something has not been used for a while, it is time to question whether it deserves shelf space. Regularly editing your materials keeps your homeschool area functional, flexible, and breathable instead of cluttered and overwhelming.

Conclusion: Organize a Small Space That Works

You do not need a picture-perfect homeschool room. You need a space that supports your real life.

The best homeschool spaces are not the ones that impress visitors. They are the ones that reduce daily friction. They make it easy to find the quiz books, and they prevent tears over missing pencils.

Perfection is unnecessary. Function is powerful.

You do not need to give your kids a perfect room. You need to give them your presence, your time, and a space that works for your family.

FAQ: Organize a Small Space

Q: How do I organize a small homeschool space with multiple kids?

A: Assign each child a defined shelf, bin, or container and label it clearly. Ownership reduces confusion and arguments.

Q: What if I only have a kitchen table?

A: Use containers or caddies that can be placed on the table during school time and stored away afterward. The key is consistency.

Q: Should I save old curriculum?

A: Only if you have a clear plan to reuse it. Otherwise, sell or donate it to reduce clutter.

Q: How often should I declutter my homeschool space?

A: Do a quick edit weekly and a deeper purge at the end of each semester.

Q: What is the most important organizing principle?

A: Give everything a designated home and build habits around returning it there.

The post Genius Ways To Organize A Small Space: Working And Homeschooling appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Mom, we are the unicorns in the homeschool world, or maybe not so much anymore. But it can feel like no one else knows what our homeschool day is like.

The key to a successful homeschool day is to plan in such a way that you can set your day on autopilot, and it doesn’t require too much intervention from you. Yes, it is possible.

I am a major advocate for creating routines. From morning routines to workout routines. You can create a routine that works for everyone.

When it comes to time management for moms who work from home, I know there are a lot of gurus giving advice. Time blocking, scheduling every minute of your day, time budget, and anything else you can come up with.

If one of these systems works for you, then keep at it. But if nothing is working for you and your frustration is threatening to spill over. Then take a deep breath and let’s plan a homeschool day that works for you…not the gurus.

This post is going to unlock the secret to planning your homeschool day.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Consider the Season You are in

This is the most important thing to consider when you plan your homeschool day. Are you in a busy season? Did you just have a baby? Is your baby a high needs baby? Do you have a toddler running around? What does your work schedule look like?

If you are in a busy season or working from home with a newborn, then plan a lighter homeschool day. It is ok to pick the easy homeschool curriculum for a season. Your first grader doesn’t need to learn algebra right now.

My homeschool days have looked different each year. Yes, there are similarities, but each year brings distinct changes. I’ve made adjustments for newborns. Or kids getting jobs and needing to drive them to work. Adjustments had to be made for college schedules. Things are always going to change.

What season are you in?

Start Your Homeschool Day with a Morning Routine

I know you want to take on the world and conquer it, but that usually leads to feelings of overwhelm, and then feeling like a failure because you didn’t accomplish what you set out to do. Sound familiar to anyone other than me?

Start small and start with creating a morning routine. It is the easiest time of day to create a routine because you are doing the same things every morning.

Creating a routine will set your day on autopilot. Your kids will know what to do, and you get to keep your sanity.

Fit in Work and Schoolwork in Your Homeschool Day

Teach your kids to be independent learners. This helps to juggle schoolwork and work. It also gives them the tools they need to be successful in life. We can’t know everything, and we can’t teach them everything. But we can show them how to find the answer to their questions.

Teach them that they can learn anything from a book. This can happen even if you have a reluctant reader.

Use a homeschool all in one curriculum. There are several choices out there. We use Abeka. Everything is scheduled for you and the kids can easily pick it up and run with it.

Have office hours. Yes, it isn’t easy to work and homeschool, but it can be done. Put boundaries on yourself and clients. If you can’t hang a physical close sign on your office, then you need to hang a mental one.

The only way to work and homeschool well is to create boundaries, teach your kids to learn independently, and create routines around work and school.

They Want to Eat Again

We eat more as homeschoolers and work from home moms because we are home, and everything is available. Feeding them can feel like a momentous act. Once again, we create a routine around food.

In our house, we don’t snack all day. We do have set times to eat, so they don’t keep asking me if they can eat. It is easier to just say you can get lunch at noon every day.

I have a first litter and a second litter. The first litter gets the second litter lunch. They each have one kid they make lunch for. This empowers them to be independent in the kitchen and helps to manage the mealtimes.

Take a Break in Your Homeschool Day

Rest is fundamental for your mental self-care. Moms, we are very good at doing the next thing. It needs to get done. If we don’t do it, who will?

You need to take a break during the day. Build it into your schedule. Find the pocket of time in the margin of your day to rest. I’m not talking about hours or anything like that. Grab 15 minutes to sit quietly in your rocking chair and drink coffee. Or take a walk and listen to a book.

Whatever gives you a moment of rest and quiet, do that. Here’s the thing. When you give your brain a chance to slow down and take a break, you will come up with new ideas and creative solutions to problems.

Some of my best ideas come from taking a walk. Make sure you can write them down when they come to you.

Sample Homeschool Day

Here’s what a day looks like for working from home and homeschooling. For the kids and for me.

Morning

For mom

Wake up at 5am so I am up before the kids. This wake-up time is flexible. I may hit snooze.

Work on my blog. I have a to do list of what to get done in this time period.

Start on client work. I usually do this for an hour and a half.

Kids get up. Mom does her workout routine and gets ready for the day.

Mom gets breakfast.

Continues with client work.

For kids

Wake up at 8am.

Make beds

Eat breakfast

Brush teeth

Start schoolwork. Everyone starts independently from the first grader to the 12th grader. They all know what to do and are expected to self-start. The first grader gets some help from his big sister. The kids can do their schoolwork in whatever order they want. They have a list of what needs to get done each day. So expectations are very clear for schoolwork.

They do schoolwork until it is finished.

Afternoon

Kids get lunch

Mom grabs something

Continues working with clients

Littlest one goes down for nap time

Kids get electronic time (at the moment they get 2 hours)

They can watch YouTube on Wednesdays only

Play outside, read books, run errands

Wrap up client work around 3pm

Work on blog or creating journals

Mom takes a break

Depending on the day, kids or mom get dinner started

Evening

Eat dinner as a family

Start the bedtime routine

Read and relax until lights out

Conclusion: Finding Balance and Embracing Flexibility in Your Homeschool Day

Balancing work and homeschooling is a continuous learning process. And a flexible one. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect routine, something changes it. Seasons change. Plan your homeschool day around the season you are in.

Want more personalized help delivered right to your inbox? Grab your copy of the Rebel Mom Checklist and join the movement.

FAQs for Your Homeschool Day

Q: How do you manage interruptions from kids during work hours?

A: Setting clear boundaries and having a dedicated workspace helps manage interruptions. Homeschool and work in the same space, so you are available to your kids and they know when to interrupt. It is ok to tell your kids to wait until you finished a task.

Q: What tools do you use to plan your day?

A: Planners and to-do lists help me organize my day. However, I do not use planners with times listed on them.

Q: How do you handle days when things don’t go as planned?

A: Flexibility is key. Adapting the routine and prioritizing tasks helps manage unexpected changes. Life happens. Routines keep things flexible.

Q: What are some tips for staying productive while homeschooling and working from home?

A: Creating a routine, setting clear expectations for the kids, and using productivity tools are vital. Taking regular breaks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance also boosts productivity.

Q: How do you ensure your kids stay engaged in their learning activities?

A: Using curriculum that matches their learning styles. Introducing them to new ideas.

The post What A Homeschool Day Looks Like For A Work From Home Mom appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Till We Have Faces is C.S. Lewis’s retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth, but this is not a light, whimsical fairy tale. This has been widely regarded as one of his most important works. He also thought of it as one of his best pieces of writing, but commercially it was a disaster.

I saw well why the gods do not speak to us openly.

Author: C.S. Lewis

Genre: Fiction, Myth Retelling, Christian Allegory

Recommend: Yes (but for book club)

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Overview: Till We Have Faces

Lewis considered this one of his best pieces of writing. It is dense, reflective, and asks uncomfortable questions about love, jealousy, faith, and what it really means to see clearly.

This is not The Chronicles of Narnia. There are no wardrobes or friendly fauns. Instead, there is longing, bitterness, envy, and betrayal in Till We Have Faces.

Summary

The story is told from the perspective of Orual, the ugly and fiercely intelligent daughter of a barbaric king. She loves her beautiful half-sister Psyche more than anything in the world.

When Psyche is sacrificed to appease the gods, Orual is devastated, until she discovers Psyche is alive and living in what she claims is a magnificent palace given to her by a god-husband she cannot see.

Here is the catch: Orual cannot see the palace.

Psyche insists it is real. Orual sees only wilderness.

What follows is not just a battle between sisters, but a battle between sight and blindness, love and possession, faith and control. Orual demands proof. Psyche offers trust. And the consequences are devastating.

The entire novel unfolds as Orual’s written complaint against the gods, and her story of ruling the kingdom.

Key Themes of Till We Have Faces

• Love vs. Possession: Lewis dismantles the idea that all love is pure. Orual loves Psyche deeply, but her love is tangled with control, jealousy, and fear.
• The masks we wear: Orual veils her face for much of her life. The title hints at something deeper: we cannot truly meet the divine until we know who we are. We must have faces before we can speak honestly.
• Complaint against the gods: Orual rages, question, and accuses. But in doing so, we see how limited human perspective can be.

Who Should Read This Book

This is for readers who love layered storytelling and do not mind a weird story. If you enjoy philosophical fiction that wrestles with faith and identity, this is for you.

Fans of myth retellings will appreciate the depth. If you are looking for a cozy, quick read, this is not it. If you are ready to underline half the book and stare at the ceiling afterward, welcome.

If I were rating this like a movie, I would call it PG-13. There is pagan sacrifice, references to marriage and devotion to a god, and emotional intensity throughout. Nothing graphic, but the themes are mature and weighty.

Final Verdict on Till We Have Faces

I admit I didn’t really enjoy this book. Greek mythology is not something that I enjoy, and I didn’t think the storytelling was well done. The retelling of Cupid and Psyche was a subplot instead of the main plot. I understand why it wasn’t a commercial success, but I rarely read a book that I regret. There have been a few, but for the most part there is always something to be gained.

Till We Have Faces is a book I would recommend for a book club because it is all about the conversation and there is definitely a lot to talk about.

This is not a book you breeze through. I would not call this an easy read.

Bottom line: If you like Greek mythology, then you will probably enjoy this book. If you need your next book club read, then I would recommend this one. If you’re looking for a book to chill with, then skip this one.

The post Till We Have Faces By C.S. Lewis appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Homeschool math curriculums can cause you to question all of your life choices. Or at least questions your ability to homeschool well.

Whether you are a math genius or feeling like you are just scrapping by let’s talk homeschool math curriculums. I confess this is not my favorite subject, especially as I get into the older grades and I can’t remember anything. But math is necessary, and so we need to do it.

On of the best things about homeschooling is that we get to tailor curriculum for our individual kids. One of the hardest things about homeschooling is that we get to tailor curriculum for our individual kids.

There can be a lot of trial and error to find the right curriculum for your tribe. Sometimes you can find the right curriculum right away, but other times it takes testing and sampling. You can follow all the trends, pick the homeschool math curriculums that everyone is raving about, and it just doesn’t work for you.

But here is the good news. There is homeschool math curriculums out there that will work for you. After all my years of homeschooling, we’ve tried a lot of different math programs. This post is all about the homeschool math curriculums we’ve used to help save your sanity as you pick curriculum.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Help! My Homeschool Math Curriculums are Failing Me

This happens with any subject, but I think math and science is where it happens most often. Math has a special way of making everyone cry before noon. It can become a daily battle, and you start to doubt yourself and lose your patience (let’s be real).

Math can quickly be the subject that drains your confidence and your sanity. But struggling with math doesn’t mean you’re failing. More often than not, it simply means your curriculum isn’t a good fit.

Even if it is the one everyone recommends. Singapore Math is a curriculum that I heard rave reviews about it. I have friends who use it and absolutely love it. We used it our first year of homeschooling, and I felt like I was going to meltdown. It just didn’t work for us.

There might be homeschool math curriculums that your best friend loves, and you despise with every fiber of your being. And that’s ok, we homeschool to tailor curriculum for our kids not our friends kids.

If your homeschool math curriculums are failing you, then let’s talk homeschool math curriculums that work for real families—where moms work from home, kids learn at different speeds, and sanity matters.

And, yes, you can change your homeschool curriculum mid-year.

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What Makes Homeschool Math Curriculums Sanity Saving

There are a few things that I always look for in a homeschool curriculum: easy to use, easy to be independent, and the instructions are clear. I don’t think I’m asking for a lot here.

Not all homeschool math curriculums are created equal. Some seem designed to break a parent’s spirit. Yes, I’ve used that curriculum too. But you don’t have to. Let’s avoid the frustration of picking the wrong math curriculum. Here are a few things to look for.

Make sure the instructions are in the student book or there are videos. The important thing is that kids can find the steps to the problem without asking you all the time. This also helps to teach them to be independent learners. You want the instructions student-facing.

You want to include regular reviews without drowning your kids in repetitive problems. If the review is too much it can lead to burnout and frustration on your part. Your kids got the concept last week and now they can’t do it. I was that student. There was so much repetition, I was burned out and just done.

The homeschool math curriculums should also be designed for independent learning. This is always at the top of my list. If you are homeschooling multiple grades and working from home independence is a requirement. If will also build your child’s confidence and responsibility over time.

Mastery Math vs Spiral

There are basically two methods of teaching math—mastery and spiral. Neither is inherently better, but one may work better for your kids. Or work better for one child and not for the other two…yes, that happens.

Mastery-based math focuses on one concept at a time until it sticks. Students practice a skill thoroughly before moving to the next topic.

This approach works well for kids who learn through repetition.

The spiral approach constantly reviews sold concepts while introducing new ones. Skills reappear regularly, which supports long-term retention.

This approach works well for kids who thrive off learning new concepts while reviewing old ones.

9 Homeschool Math Curriculums for Any Grade

Here are my homeschool math curriculums recommendations in no particular order.

1. Math-u-See

We have used this for lower elementary and high school. There is a video lesson and then a worksheet. The video lessons are usually very short, focusing on one concept, and the worksheets usually have 15 questions on them for the upper grades and 10 questions for the lower grades.

This is my go-to curriculum for kindergarten-2nd grade. For homeschooling kindergarten through second, I will piece the curriculum together and in 3rd grade we switch to an all in one curriculum.

Math-u-See is a mastery-based curriculum.

2. Abeka

Most of my kids have used Abeka Academy for 3rd grade and up. The math is more traditional. It will remind you of being in a classroom, but the kids learn a lot. There is always a learning curve when I switch them from Math-u-See to Abeka math. But it is one that they’ve easily overcome.

Abeka math used the spiral learning approach.

3. Mr D Math

This is one of my favorite math courses to recommend for high school math because it is online. While we haven’t used the math courses, my kids have taken other courses from Mr D Math and enjoyed them.

If you are struggling with high school math, you know because you can’t remember any of it, then check out Mr D Math.

Mr D Math is mastery-based.

4. IXL

While this isn’t a full curriculum, but designed to enhance what you are already using, it is a great way to reinforce concepts that kids can do independently. My youngest enjoys using it every day. She gets on it herself.

It isn’t always easy balancing working from home and homeschooling, IXL is a tool to help with that balance.

IXL is mostly spiral, however it is intended to be an adaptive skills-based platform, so kids can jump around various skills.

5. CTCMath

This is another online learning platform that we’ve used. I like it because kids are completely independent, and it grades for you. That is always a win.

The only drawback I found was how they teach the circumference of a circle. We ended up changing math curriculum when we reach that point. The explanations weren’t clear. What I’ve heard is that the math problems are intended to use pi beyond two decimal places. Pi was always 3.14, but I believe they use it until the sixth decimal place. This wasn’t clear in the lessons, and I was getting frustrated with it. I knew I was doing the equation correctly, but it kept saying I had the wrong answer. So we changed homeschool math curriculums.

For everything else, I really like the math curriculum and the online learning platform.

CTCmath is a mastery-paced approach. Students work through lessons at their own speed and focus on understanding concepts before proceeding.

6. Teaching Textbooks

While we’ve never used Teaching Textbooks, I have a friend who uses it and raved about, so I thought it was worth a mention. It is a math app, so it is available wherever you go. And it also keeps grades for you. That is a big win in my book. They do offer a free trial. It is always a great way to test out homeschool math curriculums.

Teaching Textbooks is a spiral-based approach. It introduces new concepts and regularly revisits old ones.

7. Saxon Math

This math has been around forever. This is what I used when I was homeschooled. In my junior year of high school, I went to the local community college and took a college-level math class. The teacher told me that I had the highest grade of the class. And I don’t even like math. But this more than prepared for college math.

On the other hand, my sister hated this math. She calls it the drill and kill because there is so much repetition in it.

I did try this for one of my kids and it wasn’t a good fit. It is one of those homeschool math curriculums that you are going to really love or really hate.

It is a rigorous curriculum, but it is very repetitive. When I used it I finally convinced my mom to let me do every other problem. And that worked.

Saxon math is also a spiral-based learning approach.

8. BJU Math

This is another math that I haven’t used, but my sister has used the online math program and liked it. It is the best of both worlds. You get the online teaching as well as the textbook.

I really like online math courses, especially for the upper grades. It is a reality that I can’t spend hours helping my kids understand concepts. It is also a reality that I don’t remember most of my high school math…I’ve never used since high school.

BJU math is more spiral-based with built-in review rather than strict mastery.

9. Life of Fred

This is a unique math program. I’ve used it to supplement some of our Algebra curriculum. My child who used it said it helped him to grasp the concepts better. It is a complete math program, I just haven’t used it that way.

The curriculum takes an informal approach and is designed to engage students in a fun narrative without repetitive drills.

If your student is struggling with traditional math curriculum, then this out of the box curriculum might be the perfect fit.

Life of Fred is mostly spiral-based.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Homeschool Math Curriculums

The best homeschool math curriculum is the one that fits your real life, not someone else’s Instagram homeschool.

Consider your load. Be honest about how much daily involvement you can realistically give. A curriculum that requires constant one-on-one teaching may not be sustainable long-term.

Choosing a program that supports independence can dramatically improve consistency and reduce stress.

When you’re teaching multiple kids, easy becomes paramount. Curriculums that share a similar structure across grade levels make planning easier and days smoother.

Your comfort level with math matters. A curriculum that supports you as the teacher will lead to better outcomes for everyone. It is ok to outsource subjects that you struggle to teach, don’t like to teach, or don’t have time to teach.

What’s your favorite homeschool math curriculum? Drop a comment below.

FAQs: Homeschool Math Curriculums

Q: How long should homeschool math lessons take?

A: Most math lessons should take 20–45 minutes, depending on age and focus. Longer sessions don’t always mean better learning.

Q: Is it okay to switch math curriculums mid-year?

A: Yes. If a curriculum isn’t working, switching can actually improve consistency and confidence.

Q: What if my child is behind in math?

A: Being “behind” is less important than mastering concepts. Focus on understanding rather than grade level.

Q: Can online math replace parent teaching entirely?

A: For many families, yes—especially with older students. Younger kids may still need occasional guidance.

Q: Do I need manipulatives for homeschool math?

A: Manipulatives can be helpful, especially for visual learners, but they’re not required for every child.

The post Homeschool Math Curriculums That Save Your Sanity appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Homeschooling and working from home can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to both. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it is possible to balance both successfully.

Starting anything new can be overwhelming. There are so many questions that plague our minds. Can I work this many hours and still do schoolwork? Is it ok to school at night? How will I find the right curriculum? Will I know if the kids are getting an excellent education? How to homeschool and work from home? And I could keep going with all the questions we can come up.

Yes, it can feel daunting. Check that off your list. Yes, you will have a lot of questions. Another check on the list. Yes, it will take time planning for homeschooling and figuring out what works for you. But the bottom line is it can be done.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

If you are starting out and you need a list of steps to take on how to homeschool and work from home. This beginner’s guide is all you need to navigate unfamiliar territory and help you keep your sanity. Check out this post for work from home mom jobs.

How to Homeschool and Work From Home

Follow these steps to get started.

Step 1: Homeschool is Not Public School at Home

Yes, this is one of those mindset things that you need to complete overhaul. We are conditioned to expect school to last seven hours a day. And spending the whole time with the books open.

First, that doesn’t even happen in public school. Think about all the breaks, recesses, classroom management time, movies watched, and all the extras. Once you subtract all these from the school day, you realize how little time they actually spend in books.

Your school day isn’t going to look like public school. Kids will amaze you when they can start marching to the beat of their own drum.

Your homeschool will not look like the public school classroom. The hours you count as school will go beyond the curriculum books. There are everyday activities that count as homeschooling. There are also online classes you can add like online science and self-paced online classes to make it easier for you.

Change your mindset, so you aren’t trying to match an unrealistic expectation that your homeschool should be like public school. It won’t.

Step 2: Know the Legal Requirements

Every state is different. It is extremely important to know how to legally homeschool in your state. The best resource for find the legal requirements in your state is HSLDA. This is a legal homeschool advocate group. It has great resources state by state.

Step 3: Find Your Tribe

When it comes to homeschooling, one of the newbie questions that is always asked: What about socialization? This is one myth of homeschooling…you don’t get enough socialization. It was a myth when I was homeschooled. And it is one of those urban legends that still persist.

Although it is a myth, it doesn’t mean that socialization happens with a wave of a magic wand. You need to find your tribe. Whether that is a homeschool Facebook group, a homeschool co-op, or something else. Find the people you and your kids can connect with and be a part of. These groups are as much for moms as for the kids.

Find your tribe.

Step 4: Pick Your Curriculum

Your curriculum can make or break your homeschool year. Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way. You have the freedom and flexibility to change your curriculum.

How to homeschool and work from home will come down to the curriculum you use. Pick a curriculum that works with your child’s learning style. Grab your copy of the Momtrepreneur’s Guide to Curriculum for more guided help.

Step 5: Designate Your Space

I am a big encourager of working and schooling in the same space. Now, this may not work for everyone, so you need to figure out what works best for you.

Since I work and kids school at the same time. It makes it easier for me to monitor what is happening. Most of my kids do not require direct involvement from me, but I want to see what is going on.

Since they use computers, I also monitor their screens. All the screens face my desk, so I can easily glance at them to see what each child is doing.

I also think you need a workspace that you can walk away from at the end of the day. It is really easy to keep working when everything is at your fingertips. Boundaries for yourself are not always easy. One of my boundaries is to turn my computer off and walk away from my desk. I only do work at my desk, so once I am done for the day, the office is closed.

We are fortunate to have 3 living spaces (formal living room, family room, and loft). The formal living room is our schoolroom and office. Each kid has their own desk and space to store their schoolwork. With so many of us, we need the space. Otherwise, we would lose curriculum left and right.

For your space, find a way to keep clutter to a minimum and have a designated space for all your curriculum. That looks different for everyone. Figure out what works for you. The most important thing is to not lose your curriculum, so it helps to have a designated space for it.

You may also want to read

How to Pick the Best Curriculum for Your Tribe

Homeschool Curriculum we use for a Family of 6

How to Teach Your Kids to be Independent Thinkers

15 Everyday Activities that Count as Homeschool

Step 6: Create a Routine

After many years of figuring how to work from home and homeschool, I’ve concluded that routines are better than schedules.

There are so many experts who will tell you the only way to get anything done is to schedule every minute of your day. If you want to get these big, hairy scary goals done, then you need to schedule every minute of your day.

I always want to raise my hand and ask, “So tell me exactly how I do that with 6 kids?”

There are so many unexpected things that pop up. If you are a mom of any number of kids, your day is getting interrupted.

You can’t schedule every minute of your day because nothing will get done.

The alternative is to create a routine. Think about the morning and what needs to get done. Start teaching your kids to do these things in the same order every morning. This starts to add structure to your day, so your kids know what to do and your keep your sanity.

Step 7: Involve Your Kids

One way to balance homeschooling and working from home is to involve your kids in your work. Yes, you really can get your kids to help. This gives them work experience to add to their resumes, and they learn job skills.

Some tasks that I delegate are social media creation, editing videos and podcasts, research, and creating b-roll for videos.

Step 8: Use Online Tools

I am all for outsourcing learning. There are so many online learning tools you can incorporate into your homeschool.

There are online math programs, science with virtual labs and a lot more.

Don’t be afraid to use the internet in your homeschool. There are a lot of tools you can use to outsource learning. Which will help to take a lot of pressure off your day.

Step 9: Take Breaks

This is something that is very easy to forget. Honestly, I am not very good at it. So do as I say, not as I do.

Be sure to take breaks. It is easy to keep working and keep working. There is always something else to do. If I just finish this one thing, I will be good. Then you think of one more thing, and it keeps going and going.

Be intentional about finding time in your day to take breaks.

One thing that I want to do is to add more time to read aloud to the younger kids. I know there is a lot of value in reading to them, so I want to add this into our day.

Step 10: Test and Change

There isn’t a perfect how to work from home and homeschool guide. Things can change from year to year, or season to season. Our homeschool doesn’t look exactly the same from year to year. Things change.

The important thing is to figure out what’s important to you. Then adapt your routine as needed.

You will test and change your homeschool every year. This is a natural part of it. So don’t be discouraged if you finally figured it out, just to have it change the next year.

Conclusion: How to Work from Home and Homeschool

Your homeschool and work from home won’t look the same as mine, but that’s ok. These are just a few ideas to get you started.

Your curriculum is going to have the greatest impact on your homeschool—for good or bad. Check out The Momtrepreneur’s Guide to Homeschool Curriculum. It is 55 pages of sanity saving tips.

The post How To Homeschool And Work From Home: A Beginners Guide appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Do you feel like you need a parenting guide for the real world? You know one that isn’t full of ideas that no one will use, but a practical guide from parents who have done this thing well.

Real world parenting isn’t Instagram or Pinterest perfect. It is one giant learning curve with no checkpoints, cheat codes, and no refunds. But it is the greatest thing you will ever do. Kids don’t come with a parenting guide, but we can learn from those who are further ahead of us.

Parenting can feel like you are making decisions on the fly. It is mismatched socks, questionable stains, and hiding in the pantry to eat your breakfast because you just want one morning without anyone asking for your food. Yet, even in these hectic times you’re showing up, adjusting, and figuring it out as you go. And that’s exactly what this parenting guide is here to help you do.

This is your official permission slip to ditch the idea of being perfect and embrace the real life, boots-on-the-ground version of parenting.

You Are the Parent Start Acting Like It

Parenting is hard, but it is totally worthy. Your kids are not your emotional support animal. They aren’t there to make you feel better about yourself or to make you look good. They are there so you can parent them. You’ve been entrusted with these tiny creatures be the parent.

We have a culture that says, my happiness at any cost. If something doesn’t make me happy, then I must be doing it wrong. If I’m not happy as a mom, then I must be doing something wrong. Happiness is a poor measuring stick for anything. It is a fleeting feeling that comes and goes with every wave of your emotions.

Happiness should be an outcome, not something that we measure everything by. It is a fleeting feeling. It is momentary. And it depends on your circumstance being just right, or just what you imagined. Parenting is never what we imagined.

Yes, parenting can be chaotic. But if your days on constant chaos, then this is your wake up call to put your big girl pants on and do what you need to do. Yes, there will be days of chaos, but this should not be your standard.

But I have good news for you. It is never too late to change things. Yes, you may have fallen into some bad habits, but if you are ready to put your big girl pants on and do what you have to do, then this parenting guide is for you.

Understanding Your Kids (Even When They Make No Sense)

Seriously, kids rarely make sense. I am constantly fascinated by how their little minds work, and the things they come up with. Kids are mysterious creatures, often ruled by emotion, whim, and whatever they last ate.

My sister-in-law has a master’s in psychology, and I asked her one day how she would diagnosis a child’s behavior. Her response was she always looks at the food. This was some of the best parenting advice I’ve heard. If your kids aren’t making any sense, and their emotional reactions to everything are out of the ordinary. Then check their food. In my personal experience, the culprits are usually food dyes and high fructose corn syrup.

Sometimes food isn’t the culprit, but it is a clash of personalities. Take time to understand your kids and what makes them tick. I get it, you can’t do this in every situation. But when the opportunities arise, ask them why. If you can understand their thought process, then this will help you to explain yourself better or explain the situation in a way that your kids understand.

Parenting can feel like a long series of educated guesses. Sometimes you nail it, and other times not so much. Understanding your kids is about gathering data and applying it the next time.

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Parenting Guide for Boundaries, Consistency, and Expectations

You need to set boundaries, be consistent with them, and have clear expectations. You aren’t a mind reader and neither are your kids.

Have your kids ever done things that cause you to wonder? You know, something that you thought they should’ve known better, but, clearly, they did not. This is why you need to clearly communicate your boundaries and expectations.

Kids push boundaries not because they want freedom, but because they want to know where the safety lines are. Boundaries offer security, stability, and clarity. They don’t just help kids thrive, they help you keep your sanity.

One of the hardest parts about parenting is being consistent with everything. When my older kids were in school, child number 4 was a toddler. We were getting ready to drop them off (can I just say, I am so glad I am not doing that anymore), and I told the toddler he couldn’t bring a toy. I can’t remember why, but I had a good reason. Anyway, we are halfway to the school, and I discovered that he brought. What was I going to do? I can’t turn around. But the thought going through my head was, “I need to deal with this now, or I am going to regret it for the rest of my life.” So I did the only thing I could do. I pulled to the side of the road and took the toy from him. Not a big deal, but I needed to be consistent and follow through with what I’ve already told him.

Your kids need to believe you, and they only know that they can trust you when you are consistent with your parenting.

It isn’t fair to your kids if you have expectations, but you’ve never communicated those with them. You are setting them up for failure. It is necessary to clearly communicate your expectations for behavior, day-to-day, and what you expect from them individually. This doesn’t need to be a long list, but things like you expect them to tell you the truth. You expect them to treat people with kindness and politeness. Keep your expectations clear.

Practical Parenting Strategies

It is easy to offer ideas about parenting, but it is more helpful when someone gives practical strategies. Here is your practical parenting guide.

1. Never lie to your kids

I know parents want to excuse white lies, but never lie to your kids. Your kids need to trust you. When you call out to them because they are running headlong into the street, they need to know that you mean what you say and will stop immediately. It is a safety issue.

My oldest daughter, who is a teenager now, told me a story that she remembers me saying something to her that wasn’t true. I told her that never happened. She replied, “I know it didn’t, but that is how I remember it. I know you would never have said that because it was a lie.”

Your kids needs to trust you. This is the foundation for any relationship including a relationship with your kids.

Yes, I get it. Kids ask uncomfortable questions that they just aren’t ready to handle the answer to. Instead of making up a story, like the stork brought the baby, just tell them the truth. They aren’t ready for the answer, and you will answer the question in a few years. It is honest.

2. Have a bedtime

This was the best piece of advice I heard before we had kids. Have a set bedtime because your kids will stay up to all hours of the night if you let them. This isn’t good for them and it is not good for you.

You need to continue to invest in your relationship with your spouse. When your kids are young, after bedtime is about the only time you will have. Cherish the time, and put your kids to bed at a reasonable hour.

It will be tempting to give in, but don’t do it. From the time your kids are babies you want to have a bedtime routine and a set time they go to bed. This will also help with the newborn sleep.

3. Eat dinner together

It is easy to get up caught in the events of the day and just disconnect with each other. Eating dinner together consistently will allow for connection at the end of the day.

Yes, as kids get older this will get harder. Especially when they get jobs. But make an effort to eat together whenever you can.

Relationships just don’t happen. There needs to be cultivation and an investment in each other. Eating together is a natural way for conversations to flow and laughter to fill the air. Our table is full laughter.

4. Say what you mean, and mean what you say

This goes back to being consistent. Your kids needs to trust you. So be clear with what you say, and don’t change your mind all the time.

Yes, sometimes we need to change our minds, but this is the exception and not the rule. You need to mean what you say, and say what you mean.

5. Teach your kids self-control

What’s cute at 2 will be a nightmare at 12. It is possible for kids to learn to control themselves. If your 6 year old is spitting out food because he doesn’t like it. This is not ok.

This is an easier lesson to learn when you start teaching it at a young age. Yes, your two year old can learn age appropriate ways to practice self-control. Trust me you want them to have a good handle on this lesson by the time they reach their teen years.

Mom, put your big girl pants on and start teaching your kids how to control their impulses, their emotions, and their behavior.

This isn’t easy, but if you want to raise good humans, then it is necessary.

Conclusion: Real World Parenting Guide

Parenting is not easy. But it is the greatest thing you will ever do. Sometimes we make it harder because we haven’t set clear expectations and boundaries. Our kids are out of control because they weren’t taught to control themselves.

Mom, chaos doesn’t have to be an everyday occurrence. You can teach your kids. Yes, it will take time and consistency, but you can do it.

Parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, growth, and staying committed even when things feel hard.

FAQ: Parenting Guide

Q: What if I feel like I’m failing?

A: Every parent feels this way at some point. Feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you care. Look for progress, not perfection.

Q: How do I know if I’m doing enough?

A: Ask yourself: Are my kids loved, fed, and supported? If yes, you’re doing enough. Kids don’t need perfection, they need connection and guidance.

Q: What if my kid’s behavior feels “not normal”?

A: Every kid has quirks. But if something seems truly off, trust your instincts and ask for help. Support doesn’t equal failure.

Q: What do I do when my spouse and I disagree on parenting?

A: Find common goals first. You don’t need identical methods, just aligned values. And talk when neither of you is tired or irritated.

Q: What should I do on days when everything falls apart?

A: Start fresh. Apologize if needed. Simplify expectations. And remember: one hard day does not define your parenting.

The post Parenting Guide For The Real World: Kids Don’t Come With Manuals appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated for my time to review and write about Steadfast Press a complete homeschool literature curriculum. All opinions are always my own. Thank you to Steadfast Press for sponsoring this post. For more information on sponsored posts, see my disclosure.

High School is coming and it can feel like you are starting over with homeschooling. All of your curriculum choices in the past are no longer relevant. All of your homeschooling comes down to these four years. This will be test as to whether you succeeded or failed.

Ok. Not really, but it can feel like it. Especially if are approaching high school for the first time. The stakes look higher in high school. But keep in mind high school is going to look different for each child. I’ve had kids who used real books for most of their textbooks. Another who did it all online. And another who is planning to have her associates degree completed by the time she is seventeen.

We homeschool so we can tailor learning and curriculum to each child and that doesn’t change in high school.

That’s why Steadfast Press homeschool literature curriculum stands out.

Integrated Homeschool Curriculum

Steadfast Press uniquely integrates literature, history, Bible, worldview, geography, philosophy, and apologetics in a way the cultivates both the mind and the heart. Each subject is learned as part of a whole, which helps students to connect the dots across the academic spectrum.

As someone who is a homeschool graduate and also homeschooling my own kids. I realized that my own learning was disconnected. As an adult, I realized how much I learned independent of each subject. It was a little disconcerting connecting the dots after I was out of high school. Steadfast homeschool literature curriculum connects these dots for students. It is really helpful to learn all these subjects as one whole instead of disconnected pieces.

The high school curriculum covers a four-year history cycle from Creation to the modern day. And each student notebook has a breakdown of the course credits earned for each history cycle. Or you can find it on the Steadfast Press website. If is really helpful when you are creating a high school transcript or planning for high school.

Homeschool Literature Curriculum that Stands Out

Steadfast Press Literature and Composition emphasize great books that aligns with the historical period being studied. This helps to make literature feel more meaningful as well as giving more context to the intent of the author. Which helps to understand it better.

The weekly assignments may include: reading, answering questions, writing essays using a clearly designed writing process, memorization, and reader’s theater. The homeschool literature curriculum incorporates great books as well as audio drams and feature films. So it engages different learning styles. I was excited to see that Focus on the Family Radio Theater: Ben Hur was part of the curriculum. It is an engaging rendition of the story.

The quality writing instruction is going to give high school students the skills they need well into the future. Writing helps to analyze, think, and communicate clearly. This is a skill that will continue to be used even after high school. Students will encounter varies writing assignments throughout the cycles, so it won’t be the same old thing week after week that just ends in burnout.

Steadfast Press Year One Complete Bundle includes history and humanities, which teaches students to think critically about what they believe and why they believe it. It examines the beginnings of Western Civilization and the worldviews that shaped it. Literature and Composition are also part of the bundle, and it gives students the opportunity dive into some of Western Civilization’s oldest documents to understand the historical and cultural significance. Check out the complete bundle.

Easy to Use High School Curriculum

One of my top priorities when it comes to choosing a homeschool curriculum is that is has to be easy to use. Everything needs to be open and go. I don’t want to do any long planning sessions or be searching for materials on Sunday night hoping to find them in time.

Many homeschool curricula that uses great books requires a lot of parent planning. But Steadfast Press Literature and Composition provides the best of both worlds—real books and the planning is done. When I first opened the student weekly plans, my thought was, “This is easy.”

The weekly plans are clearly laid out over a four-day week. So you don’t have to augment each week if you participate in a homeschool co-op or another enrichment program on a weekly basis. Everything is planned for you. It is possible to hand your kids the curriculum and tell them to get started.

The books needed throughout the year are listed right at the beginning of the student notebook. You aren’t searching for them. You can easily order them right at the beginning of the year or start putting them on hold at the library.

This is one of the easiest to use homeschool high school curriculum that I’ve seen. And I’m on my third high schooler, so I’ve seen a few and used a few.

Conclusion: Homeschool Literature Curriculum for High School

High school homeschool curriculum can feel like a lot. The stakes seem higher, the choices feel bigger, and suddenly every decision looks like it will determine your child’s entire future. But that’s why Steadfast Press curriculum is incredibly helpful. It connects the subjects, brings structure to using great books, and it is all planned out.

The biggest strengths to Steadfast Year One complete bundle are an integrative approach to many subjects, writing instruction, intellectual seriousness, and a clear biblical worldview.

Check out Steadfast Press Year One Complete Bundle!

The post A Premier Homeschool Literature Curriculum For High School Readers appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Highschool credits are important regardless of the path your teenager takes. If your homeschooling highschool, then you need to know about highschool credits.

Understanding homeschool highschool credits is going to help you create a strong homeschool high school transcript, and preparing your teen for life beyond homeschool. If you’ve ever wondered how many credits your teen needs and how to assign them, you’re in the right place.

Yes, the idea of planning for high school can feel overwhelming at first, but let me help you simplify the process, so you can confidently plan for high school. Knowing how to track highschool credits and what to track will make it so much easier.

I am currently on my third high schooler and third driver, help us all, and I know the anxiety that I felt when my oldest was in 8th grade. I didn’t have a clue. In the moment it felt very stressful. But now that I am 3 kids deep, it is totally a piece of cake. Mom, you can do this, and it is easier than you think. Get all my tips for homeschooling high schoolers.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Why do You Need to Track Highschool Credits?

Let’s talk tracking credits because these are going to be very important no matter what path you take to graduation. Yes, you give a diploma, and you can order one from HSLDA, but it is the transcript that is going to validate your diploma. And it is the credits on the transcript that are showing the completed courses.

That means a diploma doesn’t carry any weight without the transcript. Colleges, military, or any other institution will always ask for the transcript and not the diploma. It is the credits on the high school transcript that validates your homeschooling highschool. The diploma is just the certificate of completion.

What Exactly Are Highschool Credits?

A credit is a unit of measurement representing completed academic course work. The credits on a high school transcript represent the students time spent on the course.

Typically, one year’s worth of course work is 1 credit hour.  It is usually calculated at 150 hours of academic work is one credit and 75 hours is a half a credit, or 1 semester worth of work. These hours include course content, instruction time, and the time spent by the student on the work outside of the classroom or outside of the textbooks.

For example, Drivers Education is on my kids’ transcripts. They are required to do 50 hours of actual driving time, then we discussions, online drivers education, etc. All of this time spent on driver’s education comes to a half a credit, which is 75 hours.

I know what’s going through your mind, how do I actually determine if they put in the time? Do I need track hours now. The answer is no. Look at the publisher. Many times the publisher will mention how many credit hours the curriculum is. If the schedule requires them to work on the curriculum 5 days per week for 30-36 weeks, then this is a full-year course, and it is one credit hour.

If the curriculum is once a week for a year or it is 5 days per week for 15 weeks, then it is a half credit.

It is important to use reasonable judgement. You don’t want to inflate your kids’ academic performance, but you also don’t want to take away any achievements from them. When in doubt, look to see what the publisher recommends.

I know this might be more difficult if you are doing a literature-based or unschooling approach. In this case you might want to track hours more carefully. But I typically use a homeschool all in one curriculum, so there are probably better ways to track highschool credits for an unschooling approach.

Highschool Credit Standards

Now, let’s talk credits. Where did they even come from? The standard credit hour used is the Carnegie Credit. Now, before I go full nerd there are five states where the public schools use different credit values. Those states are California, Nebraska, New Jersey, Idaho, and Indiana. If you live in these states, you can follow the public schools’ credit system or you can use Carnegie Credits. The important thing is to be consistent with the system you use.

If you want to explore more on these other credit systems, then read this post.

Now, I am going to go full nerd for a minute, and let’s talk about Carnegie Credits. This is the standard credit that the majority of institutions use. This unit of measurement was developed in 1906 with the express purpose to measure how much time a student spent on a subject. The idea of credits was to standardize educational outputs and faculty loads.

The Carnegie Credit originally represented 120 hours of instruction. This comes out one full hour, 5 days per week, for a total of 24 weeks in a year. Remember, these hours are not just time spent in the textbook. Any time spent outside of the textbook on the subject counts.

I am done going full nerd and that if probably more information than you actually need, but I like to know the backstory of things.

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Where Will I Use Highschool Credits?

Credits are add to the high school transcript, and it is the transcript that will validate the diploma given. You can’t just give a diploma you also need a transcript.

The most important thing to know about credits is make sure your child is getting the right ones for his next step. While public schools will follow state or district requirements for high school graduation. There aren’t any state mandated requirements for high school.

Yes, there may be subject requirements for homeschoolers, but as of this writing states do not mandate graduation requirements. But each state is different, so double-check the specific requirements for your state.

That’s the easy part. Here is the big however. If your student is wanting to go to a four-year university, attend a two-year college, join the military, or another vocational path. All of these institutions will have entrance requirements for high school graduates.

Your student will need a high school transcript showing the specific subject areas that are required by these institutions as completed.

Properly assigning and tracking credits ensures your teen stays competitive and meets expectations for future opportunities.

Sample Homeschooling Highschool Plans

After high school plans will determine how you plan highschool credits, and it will vary. Total highschool credits are usually 20-30 credits for graduation. Here’s what a typical graduation plan looks like (this is just to give suggestions and educational purposes, please do your own research):

Planning for a 4-year University (approximately 26-30 credits)

• 4 credits of English
• 4 credits of Math
• 4 credits of Science
• 4 credits of History/Social Studies
• .5 credit of Personal Finance
• .5 credit of Health
• 1 credit of Physical Education
• 2 credits of Foreign Language (same language taken in consecutive years)
• 1 credit Computer Course
• 5 credits of Electives

Planning for a 2-year college, military, or trade school (approximately 24-28 credits)

• 4 credits of English
• 3 credits of Math
• 3 credits of Science
• 3 credits of History/Social Studies
• .5 credit of Personal Finance
• .5 credit of Health
• 1 credit of Physical Education
• 2 credits of Foreign Language (same language taken in consecutive years)
• 1 credit Fine Arts
• 6 credits of Electives

These plans are just to give you a general idea. Full disclosure, none of my 3 teens followed these plans to the letter. We used them as a guide and tailored high school for their interests.

Yes, they all did 2 years of a foreign language and health. My daughter has more Language Arts classes because that interests her. My son has more digital arts classes because that interests him. My oldest son had way too many science classes because we thought we needed them (we did not). They also do dual enrollment, and once they have their associates degrees the high school transcript really doesn’t matter anymore.

There really are so many options for homeschooling highschool. Find out what your child wants to do or if he doesn’t know (and that’s ok too), then set him up with the best possible outcomes. We decided to do college dual enrollment, so the kids would get an associate’s degree for really cheap, and an associate’s degree looks better on the resume than just a high school diploma. If they want to continue after that, it is up to them.

Keeping Track of Highschool Credits

Now that you have an idea of highschool credits, you need to keep track of them. The best way to do that is with a homeschool high school transcript. I usually create the transcript the summer before high school starts, and then I will update it every year. This way I have a current transcript, and I don’t need to try and remember everything they did for four years.

Conclusion: Confidently Navigating Homeschooling Highschool

Assigning and tracking homeschool high school credits may seem complicated, but once you understand the system you realize how easy it is.

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FAQS: Homeschool Highschool Credits

Can I make up my own courses?

Yes! You can create customized courses that meet your teen’s interests and needs. Just make sure to document the objectives, materials, and assessments.

How many hours equal one credit?

Generally, 120–150 hours of instruction equals one credit. However, if your student masters the material in less time, it’s still valid to count it as a full credit.

Do homeschool credits really count for college?

Absolutely. As long as your records are clear and well-documented, colleges accept homeschool credits. In fact, many colleges actively recruit homeschoolers.

Can I include work experience as credit?

Yes, work experience can count as elective credit under career education, business, or life skills.

What if my state has no homeschool credit requirements?

In that case, use college admissions standards or nearby school district guidelines as your roadmap. It’s better to aim high and cover your bases.

The post Highschool Credits Made Simple: Homeschooling Highschool appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

I know you have so many questions on how do you start homeschool. How do I know if I am doing enough? Will my kids be weird if I homeschool them?

You have a lot of questions on how do you start homeschool. Some of them are totally valid. Others you just need to toss them in the bin, because they are, well, absurd. Don’t waste your time on those.

I get it. Homeschool can feel like jumping in the deep end without your floaties on. Mom, I have your life ring. Take a deep breath. I got you. And I am going to guide you through how do you start homeschool.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you start. You just need to be willing to start, adjust, and figure it out as you go along.

You don’t learn how to swim by staring at the water. It actually requires you getting in. You didn’t know how to do this marriage thing until you actually said, “I do.” And you didn’t have a clue how to be a parent until you actually had kids (or you were the annoying single person trying to tell parents how to parent).

There are so many things in life that require the courage of starting. It takes courage to be a beginner. It is the same with homeschooling. You aren’t going to have it all figured out before you start. Sometimes you just need to find the courage to take the first step and the willingness to figure it out as you go along.

But it does help to know how do you start homeschool. And I am going to be answering all your questions.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Veteran Homeschool Mom Shares How Do You Start Homeschool

Before we dive in. Let me give you my mom credentials because it helps to know that I am not just a mom of two who’s been homeschooling a few years.

I am a homeschool graduate. I was homeschooled from fifth grade through graduation. And I am now homeschooling my six kids. Well, technically 5 now because the oldest did graduate and he already has his college degree. My accumulated years of homeschool comes out to 30 or something like that. Basically, I’ve reached a high enough number that I just stopped counting. But I’m not old.

I’ve also homeschooled every grade at least twice. Some grades it has been three or four times now. I’ve been around the block a time or two and learned a few things along the way.

Our First Year of Homeschooling

At this point, I consider myself an expert homeschool mom. But when we started out, I really wasn’t sure if we would make it. Our first year of homeschool was a disaster. Mainly due to the curriculum we used. But I walked into homeschooling with the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman cape.

But I had a rude awakening. My boys were not motivated like I was when I was homeschooled. We needed to deschool, and the curriculum was just terrible.

Despite all this and my doubts that I was messing everything up. We kept going, and it has just gotten better and easier.

Doubts About Homeschooling

The biggest obstacle we face with homeschooling are our own doubts. We are so afraid of messing up. Or our kids will be weird. They won’t be able to hold a job. Or other crazy thoughts.

You would rather entrust your kids to people who see them as a job, then believe that you can teach them, and teach them well.

Banish the doubts.

You aren’t going to mess up your kids. But you will be the greatest influence in their lives. That is worth more than anything a school could offer.

And your kids won’t be weird. Have you met public school kids? If that is the standard of normal, then embrace the weird. You know the weird of your kids carrying on a conversation with adult. The weird of being polite. And you know the weird of knowing who the fifth vice president is because you kids had a question and looked it up. I will take that weird.

Your kids will get jobs and be really good at them. I saw this question posted by a mom. She was worried that her kids would have a hard time with careers because they weren’t used to a public school structure. There are so many fallacies in this statement, I just don’t have time to unpack. So let me say this. Your kids will learn to motivate themselves. They will know how to take on responsibility and finish their tasks better than any public school student.

Banish your doubts and jump in.

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How to Do You Start Homeschool

I know you have so many questions, so let’s jump in to how do you start homeschool.

1. Understand what homeschooling really is

The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that public school is the only way to school. I get it, you are most familiar with this structure. Just because something is familiar doesn’t make it the right way or the best way to do something.

Homeschool is not public school at home. Yes, math can be done on the stairs or with a dog in your chair. No, you don’t need to school for hours and hours a day.

Boil public school down to actual learning time and see what you come up with. Eliminate recess, classroom management, lunch breaks, and all other breaks. You will come up with about four hours of actual learning time.

Homeschooling is about freedom. It is the freedom to learn on your schedule, to not rush the process, and to pick what, how, and when you learn.

I know it is scary to move away from what’s familiar to you. But we’ve seen the results, if you look past all the stereotypes. Homeschool kids turn out happy, well-adjusted, and engaged. And that’s not me saying it, even though I know it is true, Harvard is saying it.

2. The legal side

How do you start homeschool? Start with the legal side of it. In my experience, the local board of education or the local school district are usually unfamiliar with homeschool law. They may know what is required of public schools, but it won’t be the same for homeschooling.

If you contact them, more than likely they will give you incorrect information and demand more from you than is legally required.

You need to know how to homeschool in your state. And the good news is that it is not hard. Look at HSLDA and ask moms in your local area. Find local homeschool groups on social media, these will be a great resource for.

3. Why do you want to homeschool

Starting to homeschool is going to be hard. Anything new is going to be hard. But anything worth doing is hard. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.

You are going to be figuring out something new. Your kids are going to test the boundaries. Yes, some days you are going to wonder if you can do this. I know this because I’ve been there. But it is totally worth it.

Why do you want to homeschool? I homeschool because I want to be the greatest influence in my kids’ lives. I want to be the one who sees them through their emotional ups and downs. And I want to be the one who shapes their character. To be honest with you, I don’t homeschool because I love it (that is not a pre-requisite). I homeschool because it is the best thing for my kids.

4. Choosing your style

There are so many ways to homeschool. You will hear this way is the best or that way is the best. Let me tell you the best way to homeschool—it is the one that works for you.

Yes, you should look into the different styles. You never know, you might just fall in love with one. But if it doesn’t work for you that’s ok.

I always thought classic education was perfect. You know when I was reading the books about it. Then my ideas met my kids, and this perfect way to educate flew out the window. They had zero interest in learning Latin or reading the classics. So I changed it.

Our style has been eclectic, but since I work from home and homeschool it is easier for everyone to use an all in one curriculum. We’ve mostly used Abeka, but we have also used Sonlight. This depends on the learning style and what works for the kids.

5. Picking curriculum

This can feel like the most overwhelming part of homeschooling. You want to pick the perfect curriculum—one that will fit learning styles, easy to use, and you will all love.

Here’s the reality. There is no such thing as a perfect curriculum. Sometimes curriculum is great for one year and then terrible for the next year. Or you love the math and hate the rest. This is just the reality of homeschooling. And that’s ok.

Pick the curriculum that you think will work for you, and then make adjustments as you go along. There are pros and cons to every curriculum. If you are looking for free or cheap, then know that it will require more planning on your part and probably printing. So think about the printing costs too. If you want an open and go homeschool curriculum, then those are going to be more expensive. But you are paying for the ease of use.

Keep this in mind. You aren’t married to your curriculum. This isn’t an everlasting covenant you are making, although it can feel like it. You are free to change your curriculum mid-year or make changes the following year. And you will, so just plan on it.

If you want more guidance on picking a curriculum. Let me take the overwhelm and stress out of it. Grab The Momtrepreneur’s Guide to Homeschool Curriculum over 60 pages of sanity saving tips.

6. Create routines

It is going to take time to get into the groove of your homeschool day, so be patient with yourself and your kids. But start with creating routines. This will help to set your day on autopilot and take some of the nagging out of it.

If your kids know what do, then guess what, they will do it. Routines help to set your expectations for the day.

Start with a morning routine and set your homeschool day up for success.

7. Find community

We homeschool so we have the freedom to school on our terms, but that doesn’t mean we need to do it alone. Find a community of like-minded homeschool families that you can do life with.

This will give you a support system you need to ask questions, get advice from moms who’ve been doing this longer than you, and even vent to someone who understands exactly where you are at.

Find a local homeschool group.

8. Get started

Stop thinking about it and get started. Sometimes you just need to make the leap. It may look like a belly flop when you first do it, but with more practice and experience your homeschool can be a beautiful dive. But to get there, you need to make the first jump.

Buy the curriculum and just do it.

9. Banish the doubts

I know the thoughts that will be tumbling through your mind. Am I doing enough? Can they keep up with public school? Will they be successful in life?

Mom, the stats are on your side. Remember the Harvard study from earlier. Yes, you are probably doing more than enough. The public school system is a failing system, why would you want to keep up with it? That is just a downward spiral. Yes, your kids can be very successful in life.

Banish the doubts and homeschool your kids.

10. Make adjustments

You will never have a perfect homeschool. Tell yourself this over and over again. The beauty of homeschooling is that you can make adjustments. And you will.

Just when you think you finally land on the perfect way to homeschool for your family, you will change it. And that ok. This is completely normal.

Start homeschooling and make adjustments along the way.

Conclusion: How Do You Start Homeschool

Mom, you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to start. The first day won’t be perfect (spoiler: neither will the fifth), but each day is a chance to learn, grow, and reconnect as a family.

How do you start homeschool isn’t about creating the perfect student or mom. It’s about freedom, being the greatest influence in your child’s life, and having the courage to take the first step.

FAQ: How Do You Start Homeschool

Q: Do I need to be a certified teacher to homeschool?

A: Nope! In most states, you don’t need any formal teaching certification. You just need the willingness to guide your child’s education and follow your state’s legal requirements.

Q: What about socialization?

A: Homeschool kids are some of the most social humans out there, because they interact with people of all ages, not just same-age peers. Between co-ops, sports, and community activities, they’ll get plenty of interaction.

Q: Can I homeschool while working full-time?

Yes, but it requires creativity and flexibility. Many working homeschool moms use online programs or alternate schedules. It’s not easy, but it’s doable with planning.

The post How Do You Start Homeschool? appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom