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Continuing Education for the Homeschool Mom

The homeschooling mom is ALWAYS learning.

Not only are we learning at a break-neck pace to follow our child, we’re also trying to stay abreast of methods, philosophies, child development, and more.

There are “tried and true” resources, and then there are also new resources being published constantly.

It can all be overwhelming - to the point of debilitating. Too many choices = too much confusion.

This post will outline for you how I approach continuing education, and some of my favorite resources. I don’t promise that is an EXHAUSTIVE list of all the latest and greatest (or even all the tried and true), but I DO promise each resource has been used and loved by me throughout our 12 year journey in home education.

I do know this: don’t try to skip this part of your homeschooling life. You owe it to your children to be the very best homeschooling parent you can be!

Continuing Education for the #Homeschool Mom

Continuing Education for the #Homeschool Mom

For me, continuing education has always been the grout of my homeschooling life - it fills in all the cracks. I’m always searching for time in my day when I can learn something new.

Podcasts, books, and in-person connections are the three best ways I’ve learned throughout our homeschooling tenure.

The easiest way for me to do this when my children were little was through podcasts. It’s easy enough to pop in your earbuds while making dinner or folding laundry - (you can leave one earbud out so you can be present if someone needs you)

I don’t have many, but those that I DO listen to I love and listen to faithfully.

Favorite Homeschool (and learning) Podcasts

Simply Charlotte Mason Podcast

Homeschool Conversations with Amy Sloan

Simply Convivial: Pep Talks for Homemakers & Homeschoolers

Homeschooling 365 Podcast

Read Aloud Revival Podcast

It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool High School Podcast

And, if you’re feeling like geeking out a bit and have more time, I recommend these:

The Literary Life Podcast

Classical Stuff You Should Know

Homeschool Books for Continuing Education

At the risk of inundating you with so many books, I’m limiting this to just TEN books.

You may even want to invest in these books (maybe one a month?) and add them to your library. I find them helpful to read during the summer because it always reinvigorates me and helps me remember my WHY.

During my first year of homeschooling I was in a wonderful book study group - facilitated by more experienced homeschooling moms. If you can find something like this, it is such a blessing. If you can’t find one - maybe ask an experience mother you trust if they would like to lead a group?

I’m also always filling up notebooks with what I’ve learned. I will look back at these notebooks for ideas - and taking notes while I am reading really helps cement the ideas for me.

Brainstorm With Your Tribe

For several years I had a trusted group of friends with who I could learn from and share ideas.

We were on the same page for our children and could share what had worked and what hadn’t worked. We could share resources (easing the financial burden). This “in the field” learning is probably the best by far!

Nothing compares to a personal connection - and now that our world seems to be opening up a bit more we can get back to gathering with friends.

A Final Thought About Continuing Education

And - one other important thing: be sure your family knows that you will need time and resources to fulfill your calling as a homeschooling mother.

This might mean a weekend away on a retreat with friends. It might look like dad taking over dinner time and bedtime routine once a week so mom can escape to a coffee shop to read.

It might mean the kids watch a movie once a week during school time while you sit down to read or listen to a podcast.

This time for continuing education is important, but YOU are the only one who can make it happen. Train your people!

What has been your most successful way to keep learning as a homeschooling mom?

Do you have a book, podcast - or something else you’d like to share?

Leave it in the comments below!

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Father's Day Scavenger Hunt

When we talk about homeschooling, the topic of homeschooling moms comes up frequently. Dads, however, often do not get the recognition they deserve for all they do in our homeschools. 

Whether dad jumps in to help with math, joins you on field trips, or simply works hard so you have the flexibility to homeschool, they are an important part of the process. 

As we were approaching Father's Day, I wanted to do something extra special to celebrate my husband. I wanted more than just a store-bought gift and a little more original than a handprint painting from the kids (which he saves and adores). 

This year, I decided we would do a special painted rock scavenger hunt to celebrate him! This project gives the children a chance to express their creativity while practicing writing skills and critical thinking skills. 

It is also an opportunity for them to express all of the reasons they love and appreciate him. 

Take every chance you can to help your children think of others - and articulate those thoughts. This training pays off!

Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Materials Needed

Smooth Rocks

Paint Pens

Paper

Depending on where you live, you might be able to go outside and collect some small rocks/stones to use for your scavenger hunt. You can also, however, purchase them online or from your local craft store. 

We live in a very sandy area where rocks are more difficult to find and I like to keep things simple, so we ordered our rocks. 

You can use a variety of things to decorate the rocks, including regular markers. However, if you want the painting to last and be a little more durable, I recommend using oil-based paint pens. 

(This rock painting kit is super simple - comes with everything you need. Something like this allows your kids to get creative beyond their gifts for dad.)


Rock Painting Directions 

My older children decorated rocks on their own and then added a word on each rock to describe their dad. For example, my daughter chose to use the words CARING and LOVING on two of the rocks she decorated.

For younger children, like my son, they can decorate the rocks and then an adult or older sibling can help them write the word or words that they choose. 

Note: The paint pens will stain and are hard to get off of surfaces so I recommend doing this outside or on a plastic disposable table cloth. We always try to keep a few extra disposable table cloths around for messy art projects. We can purchase them for $1 and they do a great job at protecting the furniture and making the mess easier to clean up. 

Painted Rocks Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt


Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Next, it is time to plan the scavenger hunt! If you have children that are old enough to read and write, this is a great way for them to have fun and practice those writing skills. 

Step One:

Decide where you want to hide each rock.

Step Two:

Create a clue that you can put with each rock that will lead to the next rock. Depending on your children's ages this could be super simple or a little more creative. 

For example, it might be as simple as, "where we wash the dishes" for a rock that is near the kitchen sink. However, for more of a challenge the clue could be, " I am something that has a plug but there’s no electricity." 

If they need help coming up with clues, there are lots of ideas online. We found some great ones here. 

You will also need one clue that is not attached to a rock to start the hunt. This clue will lead to the first rock.

Step Three:

Decide how you want to end your scavenger hunt. The fun-painted rocks could be the purpose of the hunt or you could have something else to be found at the end of the hunt. 

That could a favorite treat, a yummy meal, or a fun Father's Day gift. (If you are like me and sometimes struggle to come up with good gift ideas, be sure to check out the fun suggestions below. ) 

Step Four:

Once your rocks are painted, your clues are written, and your ending is decided it is time to have fun! Have the children give dad the first clue and let the games begin! 

Not only will dad get the benefit of seeing all the wonderful things the children had to say about him, but the scavenger hunt itself can be a great family memory! The painted rocks can be saved to use as decorations on a desk or bookshelf as a daily reminder of your love and appreciation. 

Father’s Day Scavenger Hunt

Below are a few Father’s Day gifts recommended by Mary.

Tshirts, books, kitchen gadgets, and massagers are always popular - these suggestions will just get you thinking.

It’s most important the father in your life feel esteemed, cherished, and LOVED on this Father’s Day!

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Dawn is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to Chris, and homeschool mom of four. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and write on her blog Schoolin’ Swag. She enjoys reviewing curriculum and helping moms find the right fit for their family. Some of her favorite parts of homeschooling are hymn studies, living history, and read alouds. She and her children also enjoy incorporating food into their studies as often as possible.

Do you have a special way you honor the fathers in your life on Father’s Day?

Leave me a comment below - I’d love to hear about it!

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