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The life of a migraineur is one of uncertainty and often fear not knowing when the next big migraine is going to strike. Mix that with being a mother that homeschools and you have an unfortunate mix.

First, let me encourage you that you are not alone. While you may feel alone in the darkness of migraines. There is a world of others that suffer from migraines. I am one of those people.

How Do You Survive Homeschooling When You Have Migraines?

Don’t be too hard on yourself

You need to remember that as a homeschool family your teaching day isn’t just from 8:00 am- 2:00pm Monday through Friday. You are constantly teaching your children throughout the entire day. So when you need to take a “day off” remember that your children live in an atmosphere of learning. Therefore, when you need to take a day off, they are not going to fall behind.

How to Plan for the unexpected migraine

If your kids are anything like mine, then they know migraines can come out of nowhere. I have suffered from chronic migraines for years. God has been gracious to me in that the severity and frequency has gone down for me. Nevertheless, when one strikes, I am often withdrawn to my bed. Lights out. Quiet please.

While migraines are horrible, I have seen some benefits from them. My children are sympathetic to others and helpful when they see someone in pain.  Having a mother with chronic pain, although frustrating, prepares your children for empathy towards others.

Migraines cause you to appreciate every moment that you feel well. I have learned to wake up and thank God for the days that I wake up feeling well and I do not take them for granted.

It is important to be prepared and not be caught off guard when a migraine strikes

Creating an Emergency Migraine Homeschool Kit

When you are “prepared” for your migraine or a sick day, the school day will feel a bit easier. I recommend creating an “Emergency Migraine Homeschool Kit” for those days you wake up with the dreaded migraine. Here are the essential items you need for your DIY Emergency Migraine/Sick Day Kit:

Depending Upon the Ages of Your Children You Can Create Your Own Emergency Migraine Kit

Some items to consider putting in your emergency kit. If your kids are very young, this may not be the best option, you know your kids best, so here are the ideas.

Books on CD

Having books on CD readily available is a great idea because they are using their listening skills and imagination. My children were ages 2 and 4 when I discovered audio books at the public library . Some of our favorites are: The Chronicles or Narnia, Anne of Green Gables, and any of the short stories by Jim Weiss. You can even search for small picture books that come with CDs. We have the Toy Story collection book and it came with a CD that my kids follow along with. They can even listen to it with you in bed (if you are up for it).

DVDs that are educational

I have a set of “Wild Kratts” DVDs that we continually go back to. I bought them online. I know when they watch these DVDs that they are getting some type of education. Some other good educational videos are: “The Magic School Bus Series”, and “Octonauts”.

Word searches

Print up some word searches from this site: Discoveryeducation.com. You can even offer a small prize for finishing (or not).

Review workbooks that are independent level

Choosing some review workbooks for math, spelling, or any other subject is great so that they can review skills that they already have. Your children can practice multiplication or addition or anything else they have been working on in school. You can even allow them to check each others work by putting in stickers and stamps that they can put on when they are finished. (Don’t forget to add some stickers to your kit.

Novel toys

Have some toys set aside for when you are having a migraine. If these toys are novel, they will keep your kids busier longer. For example, you can have a new lego set or something random from the Dollar Tree or the 99 Cents Store.

New Books

Set aside some fun books that your children have never read. Make sure that they are at their reading level or at least they enjoy looking at the pictures. Where’s waldo and I spy books are great for independent time.

Sticker books

My daughter in particular loves these types of books. We recently purchased some “Timeline Sticker Books” and she loves them. So, I stuck one in my migraine kit.

Easy card games/board games

Having a pack of playing cards for kids to play go fish, war, or other simple games is a great idea. Other games that you can include are Bingo, Go Nuts for Donuts, Sushi Go, and Rummicube. Make sure these are games that your kids know well, so that they don’t have to come to you and ask for instructions. You want the games to be an indendent level.

Easy no mess crafts

The 99 Cents Store and the dollar tree are your best friends. They have so many easy and fun crafts for 99 cents. Put a couple of these into your Emergency Migraine Homeschool Kit to keep your kids occupied during your migraine. My Dollar Tree has a selection of easy wood crafts. While they may create a small mess with glue, I know that the benefits of these kits outweigh the mess.

Coloring pages and coloring supplies

I like to stock up on extra school supplies at the beginning of the school year when they are on sale. I stick a couple of them in the emergency kit so that they are new and crisp. Kids always seem to enjoy a new pack of crayons.

I have created some coloring books. You can see them by clicking here.

Easy Age appropriate snacks

Use your discretion for this one :-).

Plastic Tub or cardboard box to keep your DIY kit. You can even have the kids decorate it and make it special for when that dreaded day comes.

Store your Emergency Migraine Homeschool kit in an easy to reach place for your kids when migraine strikes.

**Note** You will notice that I have CDs and DVDs in the Emergency kit. I purposely put them in there because the last thing I want is to have my children freely looking online for material (movies, books, etc.) without supervision. I know firsthand that a child doesn’t need to be actively “looking” for inappropriate material to find it. In order to safeguard my children, I only allow searching on the internet when I am supervising them.

Be Flexible With Your Homeschooling Plans

I admit that I am a super planner. I love having my homeschooling lessons planned out and organized. When a Migraine strikes, I find that letting go of my plans for the day are the hardest part for me emotionally. It brings me down and it frustrates me. Once I start feeling better, I can’t wait to readjust and catch up with our learning lessons.

Remember to Not Be Too Hard on Yourself

Migraines are not your fault. Let me repeat. Migraines are not your fault. Please do not be hard on yourself.

While Migraines have been a part of my life since my childhood, I still haven’t been able to fully figure out what causes them and what triggers them. I have been able to figure out ways to naturally cope with the pain. I thought I would share them with you below.

Ways That Help Me Cope With Migraine Pain- My List.

The List FOR MOM

Pelegrino water – I know this sounds silly, but I feel like it helps me. It hydrates well because of all of the naturally occurring minerals found in it.

Keeping my water bottle filled at all times. I use the Takeya water bottle to keep my drink cool all day long and I make sure that I fill it up first thing in the morning so I do not get sidetracked and forget to drink water.

Menthol or peppermint ointment to rub my neck and shoulders

Getting to bed on time

Neck support pillow

Warm compress “Bed Buddy”

Wearing sunglasses (yes in the house)

Not drinking too much coffee

Watching my diet for triggers

Drinking Electrolyte water

Keep a migraine journal. You can find free ones online. Print one up, staple it and get to work recording when you have a migraine and what you  did differently or ate differently.

Ask for Help from friends and family

If you are able, ask for help from trusted family and friends. While others may not fully understand your migraines, those that love you are there to comfort and help you in your time of need.

If you suffer from Migraines or chronic pain, I hope that these homeschooling tips and tricks have helped you. If anything, I hope that you know that you are not alone in your suffering. I am right there in the battle with you. While I have found many ways to cope with Migraines, I still have room to grow. If you have any suggestions of what helps you, leave a comment below. We are in this together!

Living With Migraines- MY STORY

I wanted to include an excerpt from my Migraine journal. It hops around and is disjointed, but that is because it is straight from my journal. I hope that it is encouraging to know that you are not alone.

“It’s one of those days… again.”

You know how it is. You wake up and something is not right. Your brain isn’t quite working like it usually does. You’re crankier than usual. That wrinkle between your eyes is a bit more obvious, the light is hurting your eyes, the fact that your kids didn’t put their cereal bowl away annoys you more today. There is a dull pain in your head. It is bearable; nothing to write home about. But, you know that the other symptoms you are beginning to experience are none other than a prodrome. —a migraine is brewing, like a storm.

“If you are like me, then the fear begins to settle in. You know today might get pretty bad. Do you stay home, or do you ignore the symptoms of your migraine and go about your normal day?

“You hate that this is another one of those days. You end up laying down and closing your eyes because the pain is increasing. It has become unbearable. Your brain feels like it is on fire. You want to sleep, to try and pass the day as quickly as possible, but the reality of sleeping is a joke. There will be no sleep with a migraine like this. You can’t read, your eyes hurt too bad. You can’t watch T.V. because that light that emits from the screen seems to penetrate your eyes like a laser beam. You can’t check your phone for the same reason. Your kids seem so loud to that it also hurts your brain (even though they are just being normal kids).

“I cry sometimes during a migraine episode (even though it hurts to cry). I see how much my children and husband love me and it makes me cry. You see, they lose out on days too. Not because of pain or an aura, but because they lose their mama. I cry because they come to my bedside to comfort me. My 6 year old son quietly kisses me on the cheek and does his best to massage my neck. I cry because my 8 year old daughter has become accustomed to keeping things quiet in the house when mom has a “headache.” I pray that my children do not inherit this misery. I want them to have a brain that doesn’t fight them with pain and inconsistencies.

This is part of my migraine journey

*** Side Note***

It was interesting that During the couple of days that I was writing this article, I came down with one of the worst migraines I have had in a long time. It was a staunch reminder to me how horribly these affect our lives. While each person’s migraine has differences, the consistent aspect is that they impact our lives.

What things do you do to cope with Migraines when you are homeschooling?

Do you think that putting together a Emergency Migraine Kit for your kids is helpful? What are some things that you do to cope with migraines when homeschooling?

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If you are anything like me, planning for school (or anything really) is a highlight! Nothing brings me more satisfaction than filling in boxes and writing in my plans for school and for our year. I LOVE PLANNING!

“This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.”

Simple Homeschool Planner

I just love the simplicity of this planner. I created this to include the basics of what a homeschooling mama would need to keep organized as she homeschools her children. Print it up and organize it in a way that suits you.

What is included in this freebie:

Front Cover
Page 2: Planning out your Educational Purpose and Mission
Page 4: Growing in your knowledge as a homeschool mom
Page 5: Child Information page. Use this to help your child achieve their educational and
personal goals, encourage habits, etc. Keep track of their curriculums as well.
Page 6: Blank Chore Chart
Page 7: Blank Assignment Chart
Page 8: Blank monthly planner. Print multiple copies of these.
Pages 9-10: These pages are your weekly lesson plans for your homeschooling and I think the
most important. Print up the corresponding number of weeks that you will be homeschooling.
You may want to print these up separately and print them Front and back so that they lay
nicely in your planning book.
Page 11: This is a Monthly planning page for all subjects. Having this on one sheet, allows you
to see how your subjects coincide for the month.
Page 12 : Lesson Planning Page. Use this page when you have your own lessons you want to
plan out and teach your child.
Page 13: Master Read Aloud book list to help you keep track of the books that you are
reading
Page 14: List your favorite websites here
Page 15 : Note taking page

Supplies to Help You Plan For Your Homeschool Year

I love having nice pens and paperclips to help me plan and organize for my year. Here are my amazon choices.

HP Paper Printer | 8.5 x 11 Paper | Premium 32 lb | 1 Ream – 500 Sheets | 100 Bright | Made in USA – FSC Certified | 113100R

SHARPIE Felt Tip Pens, Fine Point (0.4mm), Black, 4 Count

Samsill Earth’s Choice, 1-Inch Durable D-Ring View Binder 4 Pack, USDA Certified Biobased, Eco-Friendly, Boho Assortment

Avery 8-Tab Binder Dividers, Write & Erase White Big Tabs, 1 Set (23078)

Swingline 3 Hole Punch, 20 Sheet Capacity Three Hole Puncher 3 Ring, Paper Punch, SmartTouch Low Effort, Black & Silver (74133)

Some Suggestions for your Minimalist Planner:

I suggest printing up this planner on a high quality paper and binding it or placing it in a 3-ring binder with tabs to separate sections.

The Perfect Minimalist Homeschool Planner was designed with the busy homeschool mom in mind. I know what it is like to worry about all the tasks of home, a small business, and homeschooling. It helps to have a simple way to plan out the curriculum you are using and lessons needed for your child.

Looking for a more detailed planner?

Get the free Charlotte Mason Inspired Planner by subscribing today.

Looking for a Unit Study Planner?

If you are a homeschool mom that enjoys digging deep into subjects with your kiddos, you may find that this Unit Study Planner is just what you need to keep your unit study focused planned and organized. This Homeschool Unit Study Planner is available for Purchase in my TeachersPayTeachers and Etsy Stores.

NOW…. For your Free Minimalist Homeschool Planner. Simply Subscribe today and receive your FREE PDF Download.

Get the Free Minimalist Homeschool Planner and Get Organized Today!

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It is a new year, try keeping your homeschool year planned with this Perfect minimalist Homeschool Planner.

Why should I use a planner?

Using a planner in your homeschooling helps you to keep focused and on track. While we don’t always complete everything that we write down in our planners, it still helps us meet both short term and long term goals.

Join my mailing list for this limited time offer for the Perfect Minimalist Homeschool Planner.

14 amazing pages to keep you organized in 2023 and it is FREE!

How do you keep organized and ready for teaching at home? Do you have any tips or recommendations for other homeschool families?

Are there any suggestions that you have to make this minimalist planner even better?

Thanks again for stopping by!

IF you are new to homeschooling you may enjoy this post about the best books for homeschool moms!

You may also like:

The post The Perfect Minimalist Homeschool Planner FREE appeared first on .

With so much going on as a homeschool mom, I need a little extra help keeping every area someone organized. Let me be honest, I do not always feel organized in the kitchen. It is not my strength. I find that when I am not prepared for meals, I end up at the store more times than I should be and I go over budget. Now that I have these meal planning tools, I have found that we are not only feeling prepared for our meals each day, but I have actually been able to save money at the store. Less food is getting wasted and I am making way less trips to the store.

This organization tools lets me spend more time with my kids and less time stressing over what I am preparing for each meal.

While I know that not everyone has this problem, I know that some of you may struggle with keeping organized as I do. I hope that you find this FREE resource helpful.

Teaching Our Kids to be Organized Planners

As a homeschool family, we like to use each opportunity to teach our children important life skills. Organization is one of those life skills that is essential for success in today’s busy world.

I have created a series of planners for each age level. You can print up these forms and use them with your children as well, especially the older ones.

I have created special PDF printable planners for students from elementary through high school available for purchase by clicking on each link below. Each is formatted for 8.5 x 11 inch paper.

I hope that you find it helpful as you plan out your days, weeks, meals, and goals.

I hope to add on cleaning schedules and other household matters in future printables. I will let you know when those are ready!

Thanks for visiting ACreativeLearner.com

Let me know what types of printables you are looking for to help make teaching your children at home a bit easier

The post FREE Printable Life Planner and Meal Organizer appeared first on .

Are you new to homeschooling? Are you wondering what to consider before you begin this journey? Here are 14 homeschooling tips that will encourage you and set you off on the right path! Interested? Keep reading.

These tips would have really been good to know 6 years ago when we made the decision to homeschool our first child. You see, I was a former public school teacher turned homeschool mom. I thought I was super equipped to teach at home. I literally put my supplies, books, and teaching style on a conveyor belt to my home. Wasn’t what I was doing “homeschooling?”

Turns out, it wasn’t.

Homeschool is not public school at home. It is, however, a beautiful addition to your family where a culture of learning is a part of daily life. It is kind, personal, and focused on your children’s personal growth as well as their academic growth.

Before we jump into the tips, I want you to know that you can do this!! The steps you have taken to homeschool your precious children will be the most amazing gift to you and your family. It is a tough job, BUT SO worth it!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure for more details.

Tip #1 Nourish Your Relationship with Your Kids

Homeschooling is a beautiful thing. It is in homeschooling where you get to enjoy all of the “Aha” moments of your child’s milestones and achievements! Because homeschoooling isn’t just focused on academics

The drawback to homeschooling can sometimes be getting stuck in the traps of check-off lists and daily routines, sticking to a curriculum that isn’t working, etc. that you can hurt the relationship with your kids.

Homeschooling is going to cause you to spend a lot of time with your kids. It will be easy to get caught up in the motion of your daily routines, to-do lists, and meeting all of your educational planning goals.

However, do not let any of that get in the way of your relationship with your kids. If your schedule is too busy or you are trying to fit too much into your day, you may find yourself annoyed or short-fused with your children. It is at this point you should reassess what you are doing with homeschooling and how you can adjust it so that you feel less overwhelmed.

Evaluate the decisions you make? Are these helping our relationship?

When I began homeschooling, I signed up for every co-op and learning opportunity that presented itself. I found myself teaching multiple classes, going out 3 days a week, and feeling like I was burning out. I became short with my kids, annoyed at my lack of time at home, and frustrated that my house was falling apart. And to make matters worse, my kids didn’t seem happy.

Now I would like to say that I stopped everything (like what I am suggesting you all do) to reassess my schedule and goals. However, I did not. It took special circumstances to take these things away from us to open my eyes to how I wasn’t putting the relationship with my kids first.

Fast forward to today… I have learned to start saying no to good opportunities if they didn’t fit into our homeschooling goals. I have learned to “protect” my schedule so that I can protect my relationship with my kids. I am so glad I did and so are my kids.

Are you task oriented or relationship oriented?

I tend to be very task oriented and sometimes I throw my children’s emotions out the window in order to hurry them along so I can check off a box. This sounds so harsh and admitting it makes me sad. But I know that I am not the only one who does this.

Let me give you an example of what I mean. Let’s say my child is writing their journal entry of the day. They keep misspelling the same word and writing letters backwards that we have gone over and over. They seem like they are never going to finish writing 2 simple sentences. They are spending more time on the picture than the writing itself. I start to feel annoyed because we have to move on with our day. I hurry them and I know that the tone of my voice is obviously one of impatience.

I don’t patiently redirect them, instead I bark commands at them to stop being sidetracked and focus. FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS!!! How can I remember in my annoyed moment that this is my precious (and young) child and that maybe we need to slow down and learn how to write the “S” correctly?

Because I know a weakness of mine is to be task oriented, I am continually asking God to help me in this area. I spend time in prayer, studying scripture, and asking my child’s forgiveness when I mess up.

These years that you get to spend with your child, homeschooling, are laying the foundation for your lifelong relationship with them. Be patient with them, listen to them, and learn with them. Be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and meet them where they are in every aspect of life.

Your Child needs to know that you love them no matter what. If they struggle with math, aren’t good about cleaning their room, or struggle with peer relationships, they need to know that you will love them through their shortcomings. One thing you can add into your homeschooling day is Morning Time. Click here to learn more about morning time and how it can benefit your homeschool day.

Cherish this time with your child and create a solid foundation for a lifelong relationship.

I know what I am about to write seems obvious, but I forget this simple act of love so often… Ready for it? Smile and make eye contact. Nothing beats the emotional connection of looking into the eyes of your child and smiling and being at the receiving end of their sincere and warm smile. So while you are working through a history lesson, pause and connect with them through a sincere smile. Then tell them how much you love being with them and learning with them.

Here are 8 simple ways to show your child that you love them:

• Read a book with them cuddled up on the couch
• Put down your phone and engage with them
• Plan a special date with your child and have a picnic at the park (make sure you include them in the lunch making)
• Play or pretend with your kids
• Instead of saying “just a minute” when they ask you to do something with them, say “yes”
• Give them a hug and tell them you love them often
• Sit down and watch a movie with them
• List all the reasons why you are glad that they are your child.

Tip #2 Create a Peaceful Home Environment

This does not mean that you spend a lot of money on decor. However, add simple touches that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here are some easy ways to accomplish that.

• Use a string of lights or candles to give warmth to your dining room or area that you homeschool.
• Add a beautiful table cloth to your table (I keep my eyes open at thrift stores and yard sales that way if they get ruined, it is okay.)
• Purchase some beautiful pieces of artwork, natural history prints, or maps and hang them on the walls- these are great decor but also can be used for the kid’s studies- I actually found a company that makes beautiful “wrapping paper” but I use it as wall hangings
• You can print up famous artwork that is free of copyright laws (like my Albrecht Durer “Hare” print.) Having a good printer helps it to turn out great!
• Hang or display your child’s art work around your home
• Add cozy pillows and throw blankets to the areas where you do your read-alouds or morning times (you can even add making pillow covers if your kids are old enough to use a sewing machine)
• PLANTS! Oh I love plants! They add so much warmth and dimension to a room, not to mention they are good for the air. I never spend more than $6-$10 on a plant and now I am working on trying to transplant clippings of plants I already own. – Hey, isn’t that a homeschooling science lesson?
• Comfy seating (I got my current homeschool cozy seating from a yard sale. )

Tip #3 Know Your Purpose for Homeschooling

Why are you choosing to homeschool? Answering this question will help guide you in your homeschooling decisions.

Knowing the answer to this question will also help you when things get tough (and there will be tough days). I have many reasons why I chose to homeschool and it helps to write these out in a journal and reference them occasionally. Sometimes you will even add more reasons as the years pass and you see ALL of the benefits of choosing to homeschool your children. Here is my list (not comprehensive- my list is very long):

• Teaching them a Christian Worldview
• Teaching in a cohesive and natural way
• Building a solid relationship with my kids
• Creating lifelong learners
• Showing them how to love learning
• Building on their strengths
• Encouraging them through their weaknesses
• Learning in the real world
• Giving them an individualized learning plan that meets their needs and interests
• Preparing them for the world

While your list may be different from mine, writing it out will help you as you teach your child at home. It will help you to when you have to make critical decisions about your homeschooling journey and plan. I have created a planner that will assist you in writing out your goals and planning out your perfect homeschool year.

Tip #4 Have Confidence in yourself- You CAN Teach your Child

While you may not have a teaching credential (or maybe you do), know that you are fully capable and equipped to teach your own child.

Because I went through the teaching credentialing program and also spent so much time in the classroom, I can tell you that what I had to know in order to teach was specific to teaching large groups of children. I was trained to manage a class of 30-35 students behaviorally, learned about the laws for California Education, how to differentiate instruction, how to formally assess, etc. None of this in which is pertinent to teaching your children at home. As the parent, you know your child best. You know how they learn, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and how to manage them in your family household. You get to spend time with them to understand and know them.

You DO NOT have to possess a teaching credential to be qualified to teach your child.

Do you want the best for your child? Can you read and research? Are you a teachable person? If you answered yes to these questions then you can successfully teach your child. You can study up on homeschool teaching philosophies, curriculum, and different strategies. If you are willing to learn and ask questions as you begin your homeschooling journey then you can be successful.

Homeschooling is so popular now that the resources available are abundant.

Tip #5 Your Curriculum is a Guide, NOT a Law to Follow in Homeschooling

When I look back at my first years of homeschooling, I wish I could go back and tell my daughter that I am sorry for being a stick in the mud. I was just coming out of the classroom and I was task oriented and worksheet driven. I literally made my 4 year old complete worksheets! SMH! I didn’t follow the cues of my child’s learning, I simply stuck to my curriculum, scope and sequence, and list of check-offs. Oh poor girl, I am sorry! It took me about 2 years and a kind older mother’s words and wisdom to help me to see what I was doing wrong.

Now, I am proud to say that I use my curriculum as a guide and not a law. (Patting myself on the shoulder now). In fact I actually create my own curriculum for my children that is focused on helping them be independent learners and creating an atmosphere of lifelong learning. Creative time has become an essential part of our homeschooling as well!

There are times when I skip lessons, or speed through them depending on the academic needs of my children. This is so freeing. There are also times that we stop what we are doing to go on a field trip or do a special activity and it is okay to skip lessons in your curriculum.

Tip #6 Lead by Example- Never Stop Learning Mom!

The Amazing thing about homeschooling is that you and I get to learn too! I actually feel like I am in school too and this is perfect because when our children see us learning and getting excited about it, they are encouraged to have a lifelong love of learning.

As I have gone through homeschooling my children I have discovered passions that I didn’t know existed. My children often see me going off and researching further on a subject we covered in their history or science time.

By being an example of lifelong learning, we give our children the best homeschooling lesson possible, that we are never finished learning. That this world is so complex and mysterious and that our life’s goal should be to learn about what our creator has made.

Tip #7 Be Prepared For Doubters

Oh the stories I have…. I could write a book about naysayers. A stranger at a yard sale telling me that my child would not be prepared for high school if I continued to homeschool them, the pharmacist letting me know I was raising socially awkward kids, my in-law’s family friend grilling me at El Torito letting me know that my child has to live in the real world, my own family telling me that I can’t shelter my kids from reality… Those are just a handful of the things people have said to me and might say to you as well. The unknown or any new idea (what homeschooling is to many) is frightening. They do not know much about this way of education, so they judge and condemn even though what they know is hearsay.

As a new homeschooling mom, you may feel like I did when I started: unsure about the results, unlearned about education statistics, and flustered when confronted. With time you will gain confidence in your responses, but for the time being it is good to have a quick “shut down” response.

You DO NOT have to explain yourself to a stranger or even a family friend. Now, if they want to truly discuss why you homeschool and they are open to hearing your reasons, then go ahead and have the discussion. But if their sole purpose is to change your mind (without even knowing your choice and purpose), then there is no point in talking about it. Move on and change the subject.

Down the road if you feel like it is your purpose to defend homeschooling and be a source of change in the way this education is viewed, then do your research and have a list of answers to the questions we most often face. I like how Ainsley Arment approaches this issue in her homeschooling book “The Call of the Wild and Free: Reclaiming Wonder in your Child’s Education”.

Tip #8 Get to Know Your Child’s Learning Style

Children are so diverse in how they learn. One child may be an auditory learner, the other a kinesthetic learner, and the other a visual learner. There are assessments you can informally do at home to inform you of your child’s learning style or you can just observe them as you work with them and begin to teach them at home.

My daughter is a quick learner. If she hears something in a lesson or you explain a math concept to her, she gets it right away and remembers the skill long term She is predominantly an auditory learner. My son, on the other hand is a visual and kinesthetic learner. He has to see the concept I am teaching visually and then he has to interact with the concept physically. For example, when I taught him addition. I knew he would need to see physical objects being manipulated to represent the addition problems we were doing.

What is your child’s prominent learning style? How do you try to adjust your homeschooling lessons to their learning style?

Tip #9 Teach Good Habits and Skills to your Kids

Don’t get stuck in academic skills only, use the opportunity that homeschooling allows to get your children to have good habits and lifelong skills for success. For example, a morning routine where they make their bed, get dressed, brush their teeth, and do their chores. I also love that my kids can start a load of laundry, weed, sweep, mop, and put dishes away. We make it fun by listening to catchy dance music.

Tip #10 Allow Time For Exploration and Creativity

This is an area that I am super passionate about. Children need this set-aside time to simply explore with their imaginations and to also use their creativity. I haven’t always done this because I didn’t know how important this was in childhood development until about 2 years ago. This time of the day (which I actually schedule in just like I do math time and reading time) becomes their favorite part.

We have created special work stations both in the house and in the garage for our children to explore with materials and supplies and to create their wild thingamabobs. I am always on the search at yard sales for cheap crafts, tools, and contraptions that my children can explore and create with.

Tip #11 Begin to Study Educational Philosophies

Take me back several years to when I made my mind up that I was going to homeschool my first child. It seemed that no matter where I went, the question that I kept getting was, “What is your homeschool philosophy?”. I admit, this question would always take me by surprise. I didn’t know what philosophy I was going to use, in fact I didn’t even know what that really meant. My response usually went something like this: “I plan to teach my child in a way that they will understand and I think we will have fun doing it. I mean I did teach in the public schools for 8 years, so I will probably just do something like that…”

And let me tell you, that is what I started out doing. I replicated my classroom teaching days with my daughter. Flash cards to learn letters, worksheets to practice writing her name, blocks to learn numbers, etc. This all worked fine and she started to learn quickly, but as time passed I started looking into different homeschooling philosophies. I wasn’t happy replicating what I did with 30 students every day for the last 8 years with my child. It wasn’t engaging, challenging, or what I even felt was right. This is where I love the fact that more experienced homeschooling moms are always ready to help and encourage.

I remember hearing the name Charlotte Mason for the first time from another homeschool mom. So much of how Charlotte Mason taught her students and even how she viewed them really challenged me to rethink how I was approaching the education of my own child. I love the idea that Charlotte Mason viewed each student as a whole person that deserved respect. She believed that education should be a rich with beautiful ideas and naturally engaging.

Reading great homeschooling books will encourage you in your teaching style. I love gleaning wisdom from other homeschool moms and educators. Susan Wise-Bauer, Karen Glass, Cindy Rollins, Andrew Pudewa, and so many other educators have helped to shape my educational philosophies as I teach my children at home. I want to do the best job that I can and provide my kids with the best education possible. That is why I am constantly learning and trying to refine my skills and I encourage you too as well. I love learning more and it is important for you to always be learning beside your child.

Ambleside online is a great resource on the Charlotte Mason Philosophy of education. Or you can check out my brief overview of the Charlotte Mason philosophy of homeschooling. Simply Charlotte Mason is another website that has a plethora of Charlotte Mason information for beginners.

While I call myself a Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Mom now (with a pull toward classical education as well), I tend to incorporate other philosophies as well. I love the sciences and so while many “Charlotte Masoners” (and classical educators) don’t place an emphasis on science study and curriculum in the early years, I definitely do. We do have our nature journaling time (and we love that), but I have come to a place where I believe it is essential to form a strong scientific foundation in my children. So we spend a good amount of time learning about the sciences.

In fact, I often bring out our high powered microscope and we complete biology and chemistry labs. We use living books to teach science as it’s own subject. While I do not use textbooks at this young age to guide our science, I do teach it systematically. For example, we went through a basic biology unit (that I designed) where I followed a scope and sequence of basic biology topics. It was hands on and I integrated writing, math, and reading into our science learning. It was funny to hear my kids talking about bacteria and other unicellular organisms after we viewed them under the microscope and read books about them.

The great thing about homeschooling is that you get to choose how you educate your child. As each year passes, you may find your philosophy changing and varying from how you began it. That is okay. I recommend always being open, researching, and discussing the hows and whys of homeschooling. Keep challenging and educating yourself.

Tip #12 Take Care of Yourself

If you do not take care of yourself, then you cannot take care of others.

Being a mom is the most rewarding, but also the most demanding. When you have kids, you rightly put them above yourself as you seek to love them, teach them, and take care of them. Even as I try to write this article, I know that I need to get up at 5AM because if I don’t then my time will be focused on them rather than what I am trying to write. We make sacrifices as mothers because we love our children so much. We need to set aside time whether it is going out for coffee with a good friend or asking your husband to take over for a couple of hours so you can go on a run or read in the bath tub with some classical music. Whatever it is that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, make sure you carve out some time to do this important task.

Personally I don’t need to leave my home or go somewhere away from my family to feel refreshed. I feel renewed even if I get a couple of hours uninterrupted to play around with my goauche paints or to garden alone for a bit.

Taking breaks during the school day is important too for you and your children. We take many breaks during our school day (click here to see my free printable daily schedule). We enjoy tea time and snack time occasionally and it helps us to get ready for the rest of our homeschooling day.

We always feel refreshed and ready to take on more after a nice break. I try to also pencil into our schedule a “Quiet” time for my kids and I. They choose a quiet activity and I usually make a cup of coffee and sit down and either read or work on the computer. This lasts about an hour now, but when my children were younger, our quiet time was about 30 minutes.

Tip #13 Some Days will Just Stink… But don’t Give up, There is Always Tomorrow

Not-so-great days happen when you are homeschooling. One kid is cranky, another kid woke up sick, and you ran out of your favorite creamer. Ugh! You can’t seem to get through morning time without the kids bickering, school lessons are just unsuccessful for some reason and you just want to throw your hands up in the air and give up.

I cannot tell you how many times this has happened, but let me encourage you that we have had so many amazing days that it helps us to get through the stinky ones. There are occasional times when it is best to end the school day early and go refresh. Tomorrow will be better!

Here are some questions you can ask yourself if you notice you are having too many of those days that just stink:

• Is there someone that I respect that I can go to and have a heart-to-heart talk?
• Am I preparing for each day spiritually, emotionally, and physically?
• Does my curriculum match the needs of my children?
• Am I expecting too much or too little of my children?

Answering these questions can help guide you as you reassess your homeschooling goals.

Tip #14 Have Fun and Enjoy Your Children!!!

I cannot stress this tip enough. After a couple of years fine tuning what homeschooling meant for our family, I can now say that we have fun while we learn. To really smile at your child and to look deep into their eyes to see their joy and love for you is priceless. That is one of the main reasons we homeschool.

Our relationships are deep and connected because we seek to truly know each other. I continue to read up on how I can best teach my kids at home. I am constantly growing in my knowledge of homeschooling and growing in how to be the best teacher for my sweet kiddos.

Do you have any lessons that you have learned while homeschooling your children? What tips can you offer to the new homeschool mom?

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How I began Using Morning Time in my Homeschooling Routine

How I began Using Morning Time

I was in my third year of homeschooling when I first heard about “morning time”. I was reading Cindy Rollins Book “Mere Motherhood” that I picked up at the Great Homeschool Convention and I immediately fell in love. I purchased her “Morning Time Handbook” the second I realized it was available and we have been doing Morning Time consistently ever since. Morning time is amazing in that it allows you to come together for family time at the beginning of your day. We talk about our daily plans, pray together, read, memorize together, and have an enjoyable and relaxed time listening to various read alouds. It usually takes about an hour. Sometimes more if we are really having fun with the read aloud. It has become a sweet time of togetherness before the other school work begins. This is such a relationship building time.

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What is Morning time?

Morning time is a part of your day that is set aside to certain routines. It can be different depending on the homeschool family. But the consistent part is that it is done together as a family (all ages) and it is usually done first thing in the morning before you start your official subjects and independent work.

Morning time has been around for about 30-40 years. It however has had a strong resurgence in the last 5 years in the homeschooling world. And I am so grateful to the women who brought it back to the forefront.

How Do I Get Started With Morning Time?

I started morning time full force and tried to get way too many things in at first. Over time, however, I started to realize what would work for our family and you will too. I came up with a Weekly Morning Time Planner to assist and keep me on track while doing morning time, feel free to use it if it is something that can help you. Sometimes, however, we sway from the plan (I am good at that….I don’t always like to follow the directions I give myself). But having some type of plan is good to have which is why I created one.

What do I Need for Morning Time?

I also learned that it was important for me to be organized and ready for morning time when it began. Thus I put together a morning time binder and a basket with all the supplies I would need. You do not have to use a basket. You can put all of your morning time items on a shelf, in a tote bag, or anywhere that you might like. What is essential is that all of your materials are together and ready to go before you start.

Take the time to prepare for your morning time so it will be successful.

You do not want to sit down to do your morning time and realize that you can’t find what you need. Taking time to search for books, your water, or other necessary items can disrupt your morning time. Sometimes it can even throw the whole morning time plan out the window; trust me from experience. I am sitting down with my coffee (I didn’t forget that ) but then I can’t find the read aloud book, so I get up and start looking for it. When I am up and about, I am easily distracted. I can go from focused on teaching and morning time to “oh, I forgot to switch the laundry to the dryer…” and all of the sudden I am putting off the most important time of our homeschooling day. I have learned that preparing my morning time basket with these essential items ensures its success.

What should I include in my Morning Time Basket?

Your Morning time schedule (I keep a 6×9 binder with my schedule, memory verses, read aloud list, catechism questions, poetry, etc. so that it is all in one spot. No matter how many days I have completed morning time (usually 3 days a week) I sometimes lose sight of what comes next in our morning. Having a schedule keeps me on track and focused. You can even make a binder for each of your kids, especially the ones who are good readers. They can follow along or take notes using their own notebook.)

8 Essential Items for your Morning Time Basket

Your essential  books (Each family will have a different set of books that they choose for their morning time basket. Mine are: Bible, Catechism, devotional, philosophy book, logic book, Shakespeare, etc.)

Manipulatives and quiet toys (small bin Legos, Rubiks Cube, Magformers, thinking games like Kanoodle)

Your read-aloud book(s)

Art Notebooks (we like Strathmore sketch books at least 50lb weighted paper)

Coloring Supplies (I put mine in a small pencil box and make sure I have a pencil sharpener as well)

Nature books (Audubon, animals books, how to draw books)

A bottle of water and/or cup of coffee.

Strathmore 200 Series Sketch Pad, 8.5×11 inch, 100 Sheets, Side Wire – Artist Sketchbook for Drawing, Illustration, Art Class Students

Magformers Basic Set (30 pieces) magnetic building blocks, educational tiles, STEM toy – 63076 , Rainbow

LEGO Classic Creative Bricks 10692 Building Blocks, Learning Toy (221 Pieces)

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 12 count

Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game, Featuring 200 Challenges, Gift for Ages 7+

Birds (National Audubon Society First Field Guides)

Reptiles (National Audubon Society First Field Guide)

Wildflowers (National Audubon Society First Field Guide)

National Audubon Society First Field Guide Mammals (National Audubon Society First Field Guide)

Drawing Birds

Can I see your Morning Time Basket?

So here is what my morning time basket looks like. I wanted mine to be cute because I always leave it in the living room. It is tall enough to where everything fits in it nicely. My house is a 1950’s house and we have so little storage space. I suppose if I had a closet or something, I may store it in there. But…. No storage closets here.

What does a sample schedule look Like?

Like I mentioned earlier, when I started morning time, I tried to do way too much at first. My kids are young and I was overwhelming them. But being a homeschool family, we are always assessing and reassessing what we are doing and how we can do it better. I may plan to do several things during morning time, but if my kids and I start having an amazing conversation, I let that play out over getting to my next scheduled item. Once we hit the 45 minute to 1 hour mark, I can usually tell that my kids have had enough. It is break time!!!

Here is how my morning time goes: (I try to keep it simple:-))

              1.  We are a Christian family so we always start our morning time with our devotional, Bible Reading, Memory verses, prayer time, Catechism, and hymn singing.  This usually takes 10 minutes or so.

              2. We also alternate reading a logic book, a philosophy book, a biography of a composer, or great speeches, and an artist biography.

              3. We end our morning time with a read aloud. Sometimes I grab a read aloud that coincides with history, but sometimes it is just a fun enjoyable story. I always let my kids draw in their nature journals as I read. I keep a variety of nature books for them to peruse and copy from.

You can download my free PDF sample fill-in schedule here or go to my TeacherspayTeachers page and download it for free there. Keep in mind that it is a template and that there is always more than what can fit in a day . I am always more optimistic and put way too much in.

Inspirational Homeschool Mamas

So many of the veteran homeschool moms that I admire and follow have excellent resources on morning time: Pam Barnhill, Cindy Rollins, and Sarah Mackenzie. Each has a lot of experience and expertise to add to your knowledge of morning time. Here are some links to these amazing morning time resources:

Cindy Rollins with Circe Institute at CindyRollins.net

Your Morning Basket by Pam Barnhill at PamBarnhill.com

Read-Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie at ReadAloudRevival.com

I hope that you have been inspired to look into morning time for your homeschooling day. I have been so thankful for what this treasured time has brought to my family. It is helping not only my children, but also myself to establish great routines for life joy and success.

Do you include morning time into your day? Do you have any tips for someone just starting out? Leave your response in the comments below.

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