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Carolina

@stxschoolhouse

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🦆🪿🐥7th yr Homeschooling
4th(10yo) - 2nd(8yo)- PreK(4yo)
CMEC / Alveary - Eclectic Classical 💫📚

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The school year has begun! 🎉📚✏️

Across the CMEC, families are settling into a new school year—opening new books, heading outside for nature study, and finding their way back into the familiar rhythms of learning together. Every family begins in its own time and in its own way, but we’re so glad to be beginning another year alongside all of you. 💛

We’d love to celebrate with you! Share a first-day-of-school photo, a glimpse of your morning lessons, a nature walk, or whatever marked the beginning of the year for your family.

Be sure to tag @the.cmec so we can enjoy these special moments alongside you!

And a special thank you to @heathertullyphotography and @stxschoolhouse for kicking us off and sharing some of the first glimpses of the school year. We can’t wait to see all the beautiful ways this year’s feast unfolds across our community! 🌿✨

#cmec #thecmec #homeschoolingfamilies #charlottemasonfamilies #homeschoolcommunity

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Today’s agenda: cousin library date & cookies 🩷🍪📚

support local | small business | homeschool | library with toddlers

My sister and I loved these statues as kids too 😂

Cousin time 👯‍♀️

the best @cookies4collegergv 🍪👯‍♀️

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Wishing you a happy start to the 2025-2026 school year!

Whenever your official start date is, we are so excited for you and your family to dive into lessons.

To celebrate the beginning of the school year, we are having a giveaway of some fun CMEC gear. All particpants must be CMEC members for the 2025-26 school year and be following our page. Here’s how it will work:

1 ENTRY: Comment below and tell us – What are you most excited about for this school year with the CMEC?

5 ENTRIES: Tag us in your First Day of School post on your feed and use the hashtag #CMECfirstdayofschool! Be sure your account is public or DM us a screenshot to make sure we see your post.

💫 **UPDATE: Giveaway will now run through September 12th**

🎉 Winner will be announced on our stories and will be sent their CMEC gear and have their first day of school photos shared to our page!

Let’s spread some encouragement and inspiration as we begin this beautiful year together!

#thecmec #cmec #charlottemason #charlottemasoninspired #homeschoolgroup #homeschoolcoop #communitylearning #firstdayofhomeschool #homeschoolers #homeschoollife #homeschoolfall #cmecfirstdayofschool

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3 random homeschool resources!

What are yours?!

See what my friends are sharing today by way of their favorite resources!

#inspireyourhomeschool

@littlehomeschoolontheprairies
@thisjoyfilledhouse
@wearethehawleys
@accidentallyhomeschooled
@bornebackhomeschool
@herolds.at.home

#homeschoolresources #ahg #homeschool

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Pre-reading is definitely time consuming but the trade off is less work later while also feeling more prepared and organized to teach those lessons.

I use a notebook and a ruler to keep my notes neat and organized.

Homeschooling year round leaves me with less time to get through all the books before I want to start the new and a new year. So I read one terms worth at a time and keep things organized by term, then book and then subject.

As I pre-read I’m looking for as many details I think are important and include them in my captain idea or concept as a written narration. This is so helpful for recapping the next time we read from this book.

I also look for good narration questions and define any words or terms my children might not know. This can be helpful with detail with hard topics. I like to write down any dates and historical figures to include in our book of centuries.

Pre-reading is not something you need to do but if you felt like CM homeschooling was difficult why not start with one book.

I had planned to just pre-read some books to give to my daughter to read independently and it bloomed from there.

Homeschooling is hardwork and I find I get out of it what I put in. Using this to further my own education is a huge benefit.

@willowtree_schoolhouse and @stxschoolhouse and @charlottemasonmotherhood are great accounts to follow for more on this topic.

Tell me how you pre-read or feel free to ask any questions, I might not have the answers since this is new to me as well but I know our community will!!
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#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolideas #homeschoolencouragement #newtohomeschool #charlottemason #charlottemasoneducation #homeschoolers #homeeducator #homeschoolmomlife #homeschoolmomsupport #homeschoolcommunity #prereading #amblesideonlinehomeschool #amblesideonline #cmhomeschool

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🌸🌿How I plan for a new Homeschooling Year🌿🌸

I start by Researching Curriculum. It’s easier when I’m able to use the curriculum I’ve used before because I already know what to expect.
I’ll Print out the AO schedule & go through it.

Acquire the books for the new year, always checking my home library first & the public library to see what I really need to buy. Works well on a tight budget to check ebooks too. Then I thrift (thrift stores in person and online like Thrift Books and the used section on Amazon) and finally I’ll purchase new if I can’t find it anywhere else and I’ll compare prices on a few sights like Christian books, Living books press, Amazon and Rainbow Resources, etc…sometimes Book Outlet has it too.

I really value reading up on homeschooling books like Teaching from Rest and For The Children’s Sake, they are read yearly (short too) & I read up on CM my chosen method for home education. I’ll read blogs, ask questions from wiser moms that have come before me & moms in the same stage as me, listen to podcasts. So many opportunities to get more confident in the homeschooling lifestyle.

Some moms Pre read everything. I’m not there yet but I’m starting to pre read some things like what my oldest reads independently this will be our first year she starts independent reads and I’m over the moon with joy!

I first saw this tip from @stxschoolhouse and it’s genius. I like to mark the Books I’ll be reading aloud for our lessons with these sticky tabs. I’ll mark the chapters with each week they need to be read. So much easier for me to just jump in and start the lesson!

I’ll print out Art Prints for Artist Study (yes the Epson can print amazing art prints). I’ll make playlists for our Composer Studies and a playlist with all our hymn and folksongs for the year then I put them on Make Your Own Yoto cards. I’ll add biographies and lyrics into my teacher binder & print anything I want to add to morning menus for the kiddos!

(Continued in comments because apparently I’m talking to much 😂)

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Academic rigor gets a bad rap in this space sometimes. The opposite is also true- just because you see pretty activities set up doesn’t make it less than. Often times those activities were literally taken out of the curriculum but made in a more enticing way to engage the student, provide additional hands on application, and used to spiral review concepts learned.

My kids don’t mind workbooks AT ALL. BUT, if all you’re doing is working from the book, it’s bound to get stale.

So many of you messaged me last night with the same common question— how can you prevent them from getting bored? Switching it up! Not giving them an opportunity to get bored by introducing outside elements like games, hands on activities, etc. Regardless of how much they love something though, if you don’t switch it up they will get bored. It’s like eating cupcakes everyday for a month. You’re bound to get tired of it. Will they have to do work they don’t want to do? Will they still get bored at times? Yes! That’s just the way it is sometimes. But we can do what we can to minimize it while still maintaining rigor and academic readiness. The key is balancing it out 🫶

There may come a time where the learning activities you set up become less effective, not as efficient, and less interesting as your child matriculates in school years but there’s always ways. And sometimes they just have to do it 🤷🏻‍♀️

How do I ensure that I’m doing what I have to as far as academic standards? I print out our states standards and review it every quarter, I select appropriate curricula that meets the standards I’m looking for, and I implement unit studies that help knock out the 1-2 items that our state requires that our curricula doesn’t (ahem, William Penn, like really?🤣). I’m always looking at the “what if” scenarios. What if we don’t homeschool next year? I’d want my child to be on par with his peers.

I’ll talk more in stories today and through the weekend answering the questions you guys asked me last night and this morning, how I keep track of being where we’re supposed to be, and some of the curriculum/supplemental books we use.

Check out the other homeschool moms sharing in my stories.

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If you scroll long enough you might think that homeschooling is little more than adorable manipulatives, watercolor printables, and time in nature.

While I'm guilty of showcasing all of these things, it's a common cry is to preserve childhood, child led, wild and free days. I don't entirely disagree but here's my take -

Wonder and rigor are not mutually exclusive.

When I decided to take on homeschooling I decided that it was my job to make sure that my child is getting her academic needs met. Be it though me, curriculum, or supplementing with another teacher. I take my role seriously because I would expect any teacher working with my children to take their role seriously.

Areas I pay attention towith our homeschool are:

-Staying up to date on the state standards of my child's grade level. Since she is expected to take standardized tests every other year, I make sure we've covered those of concepts.

-Noticing when there may be an academic gap and working to correct that.

-Using well vetted curriculum for core subjects.

-Keeping her future academic goals in mind while we homeschool.

-I remember there's a difference in being behind in a schedule and behind academically. A homeschool child can be behind, just like a public school child. While the effort to "catch up" isn't always as monumentous, sometimes it requires intervention, which shouldn't be looked down upon.

We chase that interest spark to the ends of the earth, but not at the expense of core subjects which are required.

We have beautiful, delightful, wonderful days that are Instagram worthy: in-between a very structured core academic schedule.

While I know most homeschool moms have high rigor in their homeschool, it bears repeating over the loudest voices out there- a rigorous academic life for your child at home is not bad for them, as long as you are respecting their person. Just like living books, the way you go about it will be different for each child.

But wonder and rigor: they're not mutually exclusive.

What do you think? I'd love for you to weigh in.

Several other friends are tackling this subject today. You can find them linked and shared in my stories.

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What I Wish Someone Had Told Me My First Year Homeschooling...

📌 Establish Good Habits
The children's habits and your own habits serve as a foundation. Create for yourself a habit of learning about teaching, child development, and planning effectively. Nurture habits that create a positive environment—how we speak, what's important, behavior and expectations. Instill regular family habits like reading, curiosity, and creativity.

📚 Quality > Quantity
Amidst the sea of curricula options, remember quality over quantity. Professionally crafted curricula are fantastic, but be mindful to choose what you can master. Begin with core subjects and build from there. Consistency = progress, so focus on steady learning rather than overcomplicating with elaborate resources. (Read Essentialism!)

🔄 Change Is Inevitable
Homeschooling is a journey of growth, and that includes change. Your philosophy, kids, community, curricula, and desires WILL evolve. Embrace the fluid nature of life. What works today might shift tomorrow. Adaptation is your ally as you weave through the ever-changing landscape of parenting and education.

🌿 Prioritize Wellness
Prioritize their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Invest time in physical activities, fostering friendships, expanding your homeschool community, and visiting the library. Outdoor adventures, park days, hikes, and quality time are days well spent. These experiences are a vital rice of the puzzle in nurturing the development of children.

🌟 Embrace the Journey
Remember, homeschooling is a journey that evolves with your children’s development. Cherish the learning experiences, embrace change, and prioritize the things that truly matter. As you plan for this year and beyond, hold your vision with an open heart, allowing for the shifts and discoveries that make homeschooling an adventure.

Visit my friends to see their thoughts this month and join us in the comments to discuss further!
@kindly_kia
@jackandlinktoys
@homespun.childhood
@little_worldwanderers
@stxschoolhouse

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Thank you Carolina for this beautiful member testimony about of Kinderleben guide!

Repost @stxschoolhouse
・・・
📗 Literature for Littles 📗

Luisa (4.5yo) is showing such interest in her big brother’s weekly line up of fairytales and beautiful and rich literature every week. 🥰

We are gearing up for another wonderful year with @the.cmec - a Charlotte Mason educational membership. They offer a rich guide for children 5 and under, the Kinderleben! Art, poetry, book selections, seasonal handicrafts, and so much more. It’s a hefty guide 🙈 but I so appreciate the well researched resource!

📚I’ve already started to order and read a few stories from different books each week just for her. It’s been very special and even my older Form 1B loves to listen in!

Shown here:
🌲Nature Lore - Old Mother West Wind (Burgess)
🌎Geography - Children of Many Lands (McCrady)
🦄Tales - Cat Goes Fiddle-I-Fee (Galdone)

We read a different tale or story a day in the afternoons as my older son has his independent reading and her baby sister takes a nap. Along with beautiful literature I will be adding in activities developmentally appropriate for her age. Building good habits and appreciating the natural world around us ✨

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🔨 Kids can do hard things! 🥽 ⁣
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It can be scary as a parent to let your child do hard things like hammering nails to make a name board in KINDERGARTEN 😳 ⁣
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But just look how big that smile is on Wylie from @stxschoolhouse! This is a huge step in confidence, muscle control, and safety that kids THRIVE ON, and it’s a great activity in Oak Meadow’s Kindergarten curriculum. ⁣
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So many people ask us, “Can we skip Kindergarten?” It’s always an option, as we believe parents know their children best. But we also believe that Oak Meadow’s developmentally-based activities will be enjoyed by most kindergarten-age kids! ⁣
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We’ve built this curriculum to create a solid foundation of learning, and Kindergarten is such a wonderful, foundational time in childhood development. Some of the most memorable projects are in Kindergarten too! ⁣
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⁣”All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten.” Robert Fulghum ⁣
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#oakmeadow #oakmeadowK #kindergartenhomeschool #homeschool #homeschoolkindergarten

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What a CUTIE!!! Omg the best part about designing kids games is seeing the adorable expressions when they play. Thank you Carolina for the priceless post! Check out her homeschool ideas @stxschoolhouse

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