Weekly Homeschool Roundup - 11/22/19

We’re on the final stretch of our first semester studies.

It’s hard to believe my youngest is halfway through his first year of high school.

Not to sound cliche, but time is going by so quickly - I made an Instagram post about that very thing yesterday. (I hope this encourages all of the mamas out there!)

As I drove endless trips to the local Christian school for basketball, helped with difficult math problems, and edited a paper about Franklin Roosevelt, I was reminded these things are my JOY and calling right now. Sometimes all of the day to day doesn’t feel like a joy - but our attitude can make all the difference.

Enjoy the findings for this week - I hope you can find at least one thing that is of use to you!

• When Less Becomes More

  This book, by Emily Ley, truly spoke to my heart. (In fact, it motivated me to stop using my personal Facebook until 2020.) I listened to the audio - which was only three hours. It was just the check I needed right now, and I know it will be encouraging to so many of you as well.

  And, if you’re wondering when I get the time to read so much… I listen to A LOT of audiobooks. Between folding laundry, taking showers, and driving this week, this book took no time at all!

• Equal Opportunity Players

  This article is interesting to me. Because my son plays sports we are always on the lookout for opportunities in a school setting. Our state did not pass the Tim Tebow Bill , so we play at a local Christian school. The topic is of interest to me, though, and the above article was great.

• It’s Time to Blow Up The Public School System

It’s been a long time since the concept of the public school was invented and a long time since school became compulsory. The world has changed a lot since then.

It’s at least worth asking if school should have changed, too.

• 5 Christmas Activites for Children of All Ages

  This is a post from my archives, but it’s one of my favorites - with tried and true Christmas activities for kids of ALL ages.

• Screen Time: 3 Reasons Why Your Daughter Can’t Stop

  This free video series is excellent. Because I have an 18 year old daughter, I know what a hold devices can have on our girls, and how destructive screen time can be to their healthy emotional development. This series is a good resources for parents of girls.

I hope each of you has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for this community of homeschoolers!

We’re headed to the North Carolina mountains to spend the holiday with family. I’m looking forward to a few days away - largely unplugged!

As always, let me know if you’ve found anything interesting this week!!

Weekly Homeschool Roundup: 11/15/19

Are you feeling the pressure of November?

It seems that this is the time when we can see Christmas break right around the corner, but we still have a few (long) miles to go before we get there.

The November slump - as we talked about in last week’s roundup - is a real thing. It’s important to have grace with ourselves and with our children. Homeschool life is far from perfect, and some days might be just plain awful - but I still maintain that we can learn a lot from even our worst of days.

Our week was cold and rainy. I am feeling the pressure of the last couple weeks of school before the break. I am feeling the pressure of the holidays.

But then I remember the TRUTH - my feelings are not an accurate indication of my situation. Take a deep breath. Know that this too shall pass. Rely on God’s mercies to sustain me for yet another day, and it’s all good.

• The Homeschool Trap (and how we’re falling into it)

  I’m shamelessly promoting one of my own blog posts here - but it’s an important one that has resonated with so many of you. Are we trying to hard to keep up with what all the other homeschoolers are doing? STOP!

• Why You Should Find Time to Be Alone With Yourself

  I have often remarked that my kids know what to do with ALONE time. In fact, they crave it - and I know they are better for having that alone time. Homeschooling allows our children time and space that is desperately needed in their worlds.

• How Technology is Changing Homeschooling

  I’ve seen such a change in just the 10 years we’ve been homeschooling - we use a variety of learning options in our homeschool. I can see the positives of technology, but also the negatives - because it can cause parents to be too complacent. This article is thought-provoking.

The technological advances have made it easier for a wider variety of families to access some of the resources that make homeschooling effective, but the success of any such program ultimately comes down to motivation on the part of parents. No matter how acclaimed these models and programs are or how state-of-the-art their technology is, none of them will work without one vital component: parents who are invested in the outcome of their children’s education.

• In Defense of Latin: Per Angusta ad Agusta

  This appeared in my inbox at just the right time.

  Latin is getting difficult for my son. It has always been something that comes easily to him, but now the struggle is real and I’m seeing the true value in Latin! This article articulates 10 reasons why Latin is just GOOD for us to study... it gave me the push I needed to continue encouraging my son.

Latin education equips men and women to live with honor. As the Latin proverb says, “To high places by narrow roads”—also rendered, “Through difficulties to honor”: Per angusta ad augusta.

• Favorite Books List @ Currently Reading

  I love the podcast “Currently Reading”.

  It is a solid hour of nothing but BOOKS. (And, one of the co-hosts is a homeschooling mom of 4.) I’m super impressed with the time she carves out for reading!

  The Currently Reading favorites book list is a great - you’ll find some good recommendations here for yourself AND the kids.

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Something Fun for Your Christmas Homeschool

I took a very fun field trip today… to see my friend Nana from Chalk Pastels. Some of you might not know that Nana & I are practically neighbors. It was a definite treat for me to spend time with her (and her daughter - my good friend Tricia from Hodgepodge) today.

We are working together to bring you something SUPER fun at the end of next week - and then throughout the month of December.

Keep your eyes on your inbox for more details soon!

There is a fire in our fireplace, chili on the stove, and we’re planning an UNO tournament tonight. I’m thankful for a quiet night at home after a VERY busy week.

Be sure to take time to stop and appreciate your blessings in this season of busy-ness and stress… it’s important, mamas!

How was your week?

Did you discover anything to share with me?

Tell me in the comments below!