We are headed into Back to School season here in Arizona. The heat is kicking our butts and we are all anxious for the fall weather to bring us rain and some relief. But, unfortunately, we have a few more months of desert heat to get through. So public schools go back early (usually end…
Before I can plan out subjects and specific homeschool lessons, I need to know what our school year schedule will look like. I need to know what classes we are signing up for and what our daily rhythm will be. Each school year is slightly different and often the extra classes change with the kids’…
I needed a break from my teaching job this summer. I needed a rest from constantly holding so much information and responsibility. I could feel myself getting close to burnout again and so I took the summer off. I decided to just be Mom to my kiddos. Not teacher, planner, homeschooler, and doer of all…
I often add a sense of urgency to education which is not helpful for a learning atmosphere. When I was a teacher in the public school system, I was pushed to have my students perform well on test scores. To fill them up with as much information as I could. The goal was to meet…
I think we all deserve a summer break. I have come across an interesting phenomenon in homeschool families. They expect to be doing school work year-round. Whether they are intentionally year-round schooling or just always feeling guilty for “not getting enough school work done”. I have experienced this guilt in my own home as well.…
Here is a glimpse into what my day looks like. I sit at the schoolroom table with 4 kids (with 4 different grade levels), 2 dogs, 3 cats, and my cup of coffee. It is a Wednesday and we are working on our schoolwork. Two kids are reading on the couch, a dog is playing with…
Let’s pretend that you and I could sit down for a cup of coffee and chat. We all need some encouragement in the job of homeschooling. If we were in person I would listen to what is hard. You could share your struggles and mishaps. And if you asked me for advice I would say…
We all need a break every now and then. Mom and kids both get drained and need a change in routine. Sometimes we need to make space to take a more relaxed approach to homeschooling. To do the activities that are enjoyed by all. Homeschooling is more than educating our kids. It is relationships and…
This week I am organizing our schoolroom. I am cleaning out and making room for what the next year holds. As I declutter my homeschool space my thoughts begin to change. I begin the mental shift from Summer Break to Back to School. What does your home school space look like? Where is it in…
Why should I go? Homeschool conventions are helpful because they create community, I can see the materials in person, and I can listen to great speakers. I am able to see friends I have made, make new ones, and connect with other homeschoolers from around the state. My favorite convention is AFHE: Arizona Families for…
Photos are either taken by Mary Edwards or April Edwards.
Most are uploaded from the awesome site Unsplash.com.