ENCOURAGEMENT
handwork: a philosophy + practice in the homeschool
When children are very young, they have natural curiosities about the world and explore them, trying diligently to figure out what is real. As they become “producers ” they fall away from exploration and start
Five Ideas for the Introverted Homeschool Mother
Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe. ―Susan Cain, Quiet It feels redundant to mention the messy and loud work of motherhood, let alone with the homeschool. Whether by the practical work of our
fighting the lull
Around this point in every semester, my children and I tend to hit a lull in our learning together. The enthusiasm of fresh beginnings is waning and other areas of life begin to crowd in,
preparing for another homeschool year
Everyone relates to planning differently. Some depend on it. Others despise it. I’m definitely in the “I love plans” group, but I also love change and spontaneity–go figure. I enjoy re-creating old ideas and nurturing self-directed
on finishing
We just quietly finished our seventh year of homeschooling. We didn’t have an award ceremony or any large posters or completed books or projects to show off this year. Instead we simply wrapped up our
Finding Community in Motherhood
Finding friendship as a mother can be challenging. Our time is so often filled with taking care of our homes and children and work that we can simply forget to reach out to our existing
little zooey magazine
The other day, I spoke with a friend who recently pulled her children out of public school to homeschool. Only a few months into the semester she was now upset and questioning her decision, “I
on planners and plans
So many friends’ children begin school this week, and as we fumble our way into our own year, I admit I’m a little sad to say good-bye to this care-free season of flushed cheeks and
courageous and considerate parenting
I recently read a Twitter chat between a cluster of homeschooling moms mourning that one had recently been asked which curriculum to use for a three-year-old. Although these moms were well-intentioned in their encouragement of one another allowing young children to