If history feels like a struggle in your homeschool, the problem may not be the subject—it’s the method.
When taught well, history comes alive. So how do you choose between Story of the World vs Notgrass History?
The answer depends on your child.
Story of the World vs Notgrass History
Story of the World presents history as a narrative, covering ancient to modern times across four volumes. Continue reading
Putting a child to bed is easy when they’re babies. But what about ages 3–8—after a full day of stimulation, energy, and emotions?
That’s where many parents struggle.
Calm Bedtime?
In a recent interview on Homeschool Ways, I spoke with children’s author Karen Brough about how to create calm, connected bedtime routines that actually help kids settle down. Continue reading
If you’re deciding between Life of Fred vs Saxon Math, you’re not alone. These two popular homeschool math curricula take completely different approaches—and choosing the right one can make all the difference.
Life of Fred vs Saxon Math
The key isn’t which program is better. It’s which one fits your child.
Saxon Math uses a spiral approach, meaning students continuously review concepts over time. Each lesson mixes new material with ongoing practice.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Students who need routine, repetition, or help filling learning gaps.
Life of Fred teaches math through engaging stories, helping students understand concepts in a creative, memorable way.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Creative learners who want to understand the why behind math.
Choose Saxon Math if your child:
Choose Life of Fred if your child:
Many homeschool families use a hybrid approach, combining a structured “spine” curriculum with Life of Fred for enrichment.
Choosing a homeschool math curriculum can feel overwhelming. But if you’re asking these questions, you’re already on the right track.
The best curriculum is the one that helps your child succeed.
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Every parent knows the feeling. One moment you’re full of love and indulgence, the next your kids are testing every limit and you swing hard in the opposite direction — yelling, threatening, or going completely permissive to make up for it. It’s human. We love our children deeply and desperately want to get it right, so we overcorrect.
Parenting in the Extremes
On a recent episode of the Homeschool Ways Podcast, I spoke with Manu Brune, author of Overcorrecting: Parenting in the Middle While the World Shouts in Extremes. Manu is a parent coach, postpartum specialist, and founder of Beyond Birth Basics. She sees this pendulum swing in families everywhere — especially among intentional parents who are trying hard not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations. Continue reading
If you’re homeschooling a teen and quietly wondering, “Am I messing this up?” – you’re not alone.
High school feels different. Credits matter. Transcripts matter. It feels real.
Three Common Fears
Let’s look at three common worries – and what actually matters most. Continue reading
In the evolving landscape of educational tools, Google’s Learn Your Way stands out as an innovative experiment from Google Labs. Launched in September 2025, this AI-powered platform reimagines traditional textbooks. How? By transforming static content into dynamic, personalized learning experiences. Built on LearnLM, Google’s family of models infused with pedagogical principles, it adapts materials to a student’s grade level and interests. This likely fosters deeper engagement and better retention.
Learn Your Way from Google
At its core, Learn Your Way allows users to upload PDF textbooks or use provided samples, such as those from OpenStax. The AI generates multiple formats: immersive text, narrated slides, audio lessons, mind maps, and interactive quizzes. Realtime feedback is one of the tools, too. Early studies show students using it scored 11 percentage points higher on retention tests compared to traditional methods. Continue reading
Homeschooling thrives on love, connection, and joyful experiences—and the same holds true for raising bilingual children. On the Homeschool Ways podcast, I spoke with Christine Yang Barry, founder of JoJo Learning and creator of the JoJo Chinese Songs for Baby & Me musical book series. [affiliate link]
Christine, a native Mandarin speaker raising three multilingual children (Mandarin, English, Spanish) in the U.S., draws from 20+ years helping families start bilingual journeys.
JoJo Learning
The big question she hears? “Bilingualism is exciting, but where do I start?” Her answer: Start young, start with love, and start with music. Babies are natural language sponges during the critical period from birth to age 7, when the brain absorbs languages effortlessly through listening, repetition, and patterns. Research from experts like Dr. Patricia Kuhl shows newborns distinguish all world sounds (fading by 6–12 months), and early bilingual exposure boosts executive function, focus, multitasking, reading, and math skills. Continue reading
Valentine’s Day sneaks up fast. As homeschool parents, we juggle lessons, meals, and family time. This year, treat yourself or your spouse to some love. Here are ideas with Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
Start with self-care for you, the homeschool mom. A lavender essential oil diffuser calms the chaos. Pair it with bath bombs for a quick soak. These help recharge after a long day of teaching.
Lavender Diffuser
Chocolate boxes make great treats. Go for a variety pack with dark, milk, and filled chocolates to cover your bases. They satisfy sweet cravings without much effort.
Hot cocoa boxes add warmth. Choose ones with marshmallows and flavors like peppermint. Perfect for cozy evenings after kids bedtime.
Other treats? Try gourmet popcorn tins or fruit baskets. Nuts and dried fruits offer healthy options. These snacks fuel busy schedules.
Books bring inspiration. Pick a homeschooling memoir or any Alison Armstrong book. Reading relaxes the mind.
Coloring books for adults provide creative outlets. Ones with intricate patterns and markers reduce stress. Easy to do during quiet moments.
Don’t forget homeschool dads. A coffee mug warmer keeps drinks hot during work calls. Or a tool organizer for DIY projects.
These gifts show appreciation. They fit tight budgets too. Valentine’s Day reminds us to care for ourselves amid the homeschool hustle. Pick one and enjoy. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Science education can either spark lifelong curiosity or shut it down. That’s why I was genuinely excited to sit down with illustrator, professor, and father of three Keith Lowe to talk about The Fuel Factory. This is a children’s book that teaches digestion through story, imagination, and beautifully human-made art.
The Fuel Factory – A Biology Picture Book About Digestion
Keith’s path to children’s science books wasn’t linear. A self-described “geeky kid” who loved both drawing and games, he spent years working in the gaming and publishing industries. His work included strategy guides and board game development. Those experiences taught him teamwork, storytelling, and how people actually learn. Now, those skills show up powerfully in his educational work. Eventually, Keith followed a clear calling into education: he teaches illustration at Indiana Wesleyan University, while continuing to create as a practicing artist.
I recently had the joy of welcoming Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen to the Homeschool Ways podcast. Martina is a lawyer, a children’s pastor, a new mom, and now an author of the sweetest children’s book series, The Adventures of Tiny Tale. Her first book, Always Room for More, is all about welcoming a new sibling with love and reassurance. We had such a heartfelt conversation – it felt like chatting with a friend over coffee!
Always Room For MoreVersion 1.0.0
Martina shared her journey so openly. She started in psychology, pivoted to law (after God clearly redirected her!), and practiced juvenile law. She even failed the bar exam the first time but tried again and passed. “Fail forward,” right? I love that! It reminded me of my own detours – I was headed to law school too, but God had other plans with marriage, motherhood, and homeschooling. Continue reading