Homeschooling parents wear many hats. While our primary role is that of teacher and facilitator, we may also play roles such as cafeteria lady, school janitor, or bus driver. One position we may not consider is that of their homeschool guidance counselor. It is particularly important that we understand how to fill the role of homeschool guidance counselor once our teens reach high school. Understanding Your Role as Homeschool Guidance Counselor A high school guidance counselor has many jobs, but the four primary responsibilities are guiding and helping students: choose their high school cour ..read more

A while back, I noticed a sign near the cash register while waiting to be seated. It said that the restaurant had gotten a new payment system and it could take up to 15 seconds to process a payment. Then, it thanked patrons for their patience.  Fifteen seconds. How much patience does it take to endure fifteen seconds of waiting? But that’s the world we live in. And in this fast-paced, modern world, the idea of something as slow-paced and labor-intensive as homesteading may seem like a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era.  However, for homeschooling families, homesteading and the sel ..read more

“The sun did not shine, it was too wet to play, so we sat in the house all that cold, cold, wet day…” Do you remember reading The Cat in the Hat as a kid? I know I do! I also have sweet memories of reading it to both of my children. Few stories ignite the imagination across generations like this beloved classic, written by the legendary Dr. Seuss in 1957. In case it’s been a while since you read it, let me refresh your memory before introducing The Cat in the Hat diorama. Don't be unsocialized! Click over to read the rest at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers ..read more

Homeschooling can be lonely without a strong support system. That’s why it’s so important to find your homeschool community. If you’ve ever struggled to find your tribe, you’ll appreciate the following tips. Have you had trouble finding a supportive homeschool community? You are not alone! I am right there with you! Finding supportive homeschool groups can be hard, especially if you’re an introverted homeschool mom like me. We homeschool parents carry loads of pressure to be perfect and to do this homeschool thing right. We need allies, cheerleaders, and friends to support us on this educatio ..read more

Whether clutter drives you batty or you’re the one who always knows where everything is amid the chaos, too much homeschool clutter may be a problem. Read on to discover why too much clutter may be hurting your homeschool and what you can do about it.  Everywhere we look – on Pinterest, blogs, Instagram, you name it – people are decluttering. I’ve seen umpteen clutter-purging room-by-room lists and photos of donation bin bags piled high, boasting another victory in the challenge of getting rid of the obscene amount of things we don’t really need. Marie Kondo has undoubtedly made heaps of ..read more

This year my family, like many others, has faced an inexplicably relentless season of sickness. Just when we think we’re out of the woods, another random illness strikes. In the last six months, I think we’ve all been well for maybe a handful of days. This seems to be a common theme among families I’ve talked to this year, both locally and afar. This got me thinking about lessons for homeschooling in challenging seasons. And while I don’t know what’s up with these health challenges from a medical standpoint, it has made me think about how hard seasons are always opportunities. Don't be u ..read more

One of the best things about homeschooling is the flexibility it offers, and one of the areas in which we get to enjoy that flexibility is how we schedule our homeschool calendar. I’m not talking about your day-to-day schedule (that’s a whole other level of flexibility), but, rather, how we schedule the overall homeschool year. I’m one of those people who plan out our school year calendar every year before we get started. Our state requires a 180-day school year, so I want to make sure I’ve got a plan for getting them all accounted for in a way that suits our family’s needs. Don't be unsocial ..read more

By Jennifer Smeltser Economics is a subject we all know is important to teach our children, but we do not generally get around to completing a study until high school. It is just one of those subjects you are supposed to teach, and it should be, especially since economics affects every financial decision we make–from purchasing a piece of gum to buying a yacht. Notgrass Exploring Economics breaks down the concept of economics and explores the human behaviors behind how we use our money. This curriculum helps students gain a better understanding of the importance of economics in their lives.&n ..read more

When cold weather strikes, all I want to do is stay snuggled up in the house. However, that’s not always possible nor is it the best plan for the three months leading up to spring. Instead of hibernating in your house all winter, try these ideas for fun winter field trips! Even if refusing to step foot outside your house until spring were plausible, it would also be a sure-fire recipe for cabin fever. Stir-crazy kids are not good for a mama’s sanity, y’all! Plus, fresh air and sunshine are the best way to beat the winter blues whether you’re simply tired of being confined or you have a true c ..read more

Are you homeschooling high school? Even high school students benefit from hands-on learning. And there are ways to easily add more hands-on learning to your high school homeschool! (Plus, keep reading for a chance to win a little spending money to support those educational activities!) When we first began homeschooling ten years ago, I was determined to help my boys learn in fun and engaging ways. It was one of the reasons we decided to homeschool in the first place! I distinctly remember telling my husband how excited I was about project-based learning and how valuable it would be for o ..read more