I love & appreciate you so much!! ❤ You are one of the FEW homeschool TH-cam mamas who has a brain that functions similarly to mine. 🙏 You are a breath of fresh air!!
Aww!! This is encouraging to hear! I love finding people that think similarly to myself, especially when to comes to homeschooling. There’s just so much out there!
I realized I was putting way too much busy work on my kids (a curriculum for each LA topic, for example, on top of an all in one 🤦♀️), and math supplements on top of math curriculum… to the point where we had no time for the “fun” stuff (history/science/riches) and the spark was gone from our homeschool. This year I wanted to include the beauty subjects, incorporate more art, reading together and nature study. So I trimmed all the extra, and we are starting A Gentle Feast for pretty much everything! We’ve never felt so exited for homeschool as we do now. ✨
I just unloaded SO MUCH from my homeschool closet. Always thinking ahead and not enjoying the NOW. I only have a short time left with my kids at 13 and 15 years old, so I feel what you're saying so deeply! If I wasn't using it, I sold it. GONE! It has helped me focus so much better!
I needed to hear this so bad, you have no idea!! I've been in tears wondering why I can't do all the things and stay organized and be patient and everyone else can! We are going back to the basics!
Oh my heart is so happy!! I really feel for you and completely know that feeling. 😊 I’m so glad I could encourage you! I pray you have a blessed year full of the basics!!
Thanks Ashley. Sometimes my little kids fly through their day and I think, hmm we need more. And then I’m quickly reminded that we don’t. They are always learning and great self starters. Finish your work and go explore, create and adventure. That’s why we homeschool.
I have also been evaluating our homeschooling--being more organized, and also what we actually have time to do. We do unit studies for history and science and were thinking we will try scheduling each on alternate days. Then after considering how this might be too overwhelming, we decided to do one study until finished, whether 1, 2 or even 3 weeks, before starting the other. Like you said, can't do everything so that it becomes overwhelming. Thanks for your honesty, you are not the only one who is sometimes on the pendulum.
I am a single father, with full custody of my daughters. I am in a bit of panic because just what was being pushed to my daughter's in school. I have multiple recordings of just some more in the last 10 days of school. Very alarming. One of my daughters is in 8th grade and my oldest is in 11th this year. This is all new and I am trying to find a workable solution.
Are you saying you're interested in homeschooling them instead? I know a widower at my church who homeschools his 2 daughters ( one currently in highschool, and one in 6th grade) while also being a working dad. There are many ways around it as a single or working parent, like outsourcing subjects like math (Teaching Textbooks online curriculum ) and homeschool in the evenings and weekends. Keep researching the topic if God is calling you to do it, there are a ton of single homeschooling parents out there.
@@GardenMinistry. Thank you so much, I have been researching like crazy since hearing directly what two of my daughters teachers were pushing. I would pull them tomorrow if I wasn't stuck in the state law issue. Interesting the world we live in currently. I would have never guessed, and it was due to one of my daughters being so upset after school about a week ago that I had her record some of her classes and I could hear what was happening myself. I will reach out to my church here too, because I don't think many parents are aware what is happening in the classrooms.
@@LilmissJ111just curious what laws you are referring to. You're talkin about divorce ruling in a courtroom that's different but if you're talkin about state laws homeschooling is legal in every state.
Thank you for your honesty! Last year I tried to bite off more than we could chew also. I’m humbled now and realize my kiddos are still so little and we don’t need all the things! This year looks more simplified and doable, and I’m determined to be flexible. Fingers crossed lol
You got this! I still am working on my "School Closet." I got rid of a lot a few months ago, but now to put thing back in order and pair down a little more :)
You are not alone and I absolutely have felt this exact same way!!! I needed to hear this video today as Im standing in my completely overwhelming school room! Thank you for the encouragement ❤
Great encouragements, Ashley! We need to consider what our kids need, and who God made us to be (with strengths and weaknesses!). We're all so different and so it makes sense that each homeschool environment should look different - that's the beauty of home education! Something I've decluttered from our homeschool is morning time. I like the idea of it, but it has never stuck so I'm not pushing it right now.
Thanks for your thoughts, Kim! I get that about Morning Time. We've been doing it for 7 years consistently, but I'm noticing it's hard to get everyone together with my oldest so independent! I'm having to adapt how we do it now. Glad you've figured out what works for your family and not pushing something that doesn't.
Your video has already inspired me sister! I have so much good curriculum at home but it’s just cluttering things up! Simplify makes life so much more doable! Thank you sweet friend! Hugs!
This is so on point, I’ve done all new curriculum this year and honestly, I had wayyyyyu too much and so much ended up not working out. I had to just pick what worked and find what didn’t and see if I needed replacement or not. I may even be simplifying even more! Love the six rule. Thanks for sharing!
This year i cut out most of our tests, with a first and second grader there wasnt a need for testing in every single subject and i was relieved to let them go. Love this topic of decluttering, its so relevant for this busy busy day in age.
It's amazing how sometimes only a few things need to be changed or dropped to help. You really only dropped 1 thing and moved around the others. That's cool. Sometimes I really want to add things but I just can't figure out how to do it without pushing in a bad way. I would like to have some sort of block time where maybe some of those extras can be rotated 1 day a week. So many ideas. Thank you for the encouraging video. I've avoided watching homeschool videos because of all that so many are doing. I haven't been wanting to feel like I need to do more. These kinds of videos are right up my alley for this season I'm in. If you have any other video suggestions like this I would LOVE to know.💐
It's not too late to cut back :) We can always make changes if it's too much. What I've been doing this year is starting with less, then adding in something every week or so. It's helped ease into our load and made it not so overwhelming for me or the kids. Wish I would have done this sooner and not my 10th year of homeschooling 😂
I don't like math and science as much either. I do like apologia but to be honest,...we skip a lot of experiments, which is terrible I know but I'd rather at least get it read!! Anyways, thanks for this. Last year we were in foreign missions and I still piled on the Curriculum and we've moved 2 times since then. We are still working on last year's books, obviously we've taken out some stuff. We will probably be moving one more time plus I'm pregnant with number 8 and I've got 8th grade 2 in 6th one in 3rd one on first a 4 year old and a one year old. It's a good time to think about simplifying before I order next year's books.
Oh so many great ideas to try, but all of it together is too much! I'm cutting some helpful language arts supplements (for now), so I will have more time to focus on the ones we already use. Also cutting back time in some family subject areas to allow more individual help for kids who need it. This is a fantastic video!!
Heavy on the history and light on the science… sounds like me! 😆 We’re choosing to do science through co-op because it just doesn’t seem to happen at home with a toddler.
I am working on our Morning Time this year. I’m doing the family subjects with Ambleside Online, but it has definitely increased the stuff and the time we spend. So we’ll see how it goes. I wanted more emphasis on family time though and kept the rest simple. ❤
I have cut our morning warm up work. I found we really need to focus on math first thing and that replaces the need for that. We are still easing into homeschool and need to add a few more things so hopefully I have not planned more than we can do.
Would you mind sharing the podcast and videos that helped you to watch? I don't like to cram in too much so I am super selective and I am always searching for others who do this too. P.S. I loved your video about Math with Confidence vs. Right Start. I needed to know those things so I didn't choose something that would make me feel stressed. I appreciated it so much!♥️
I was listening to “Modern Miss Mason” on audiobook. And I think I it was Scholé Sisters for the podcast… This episode- scholesisters.com/time-management-homeschooling/
🙋♀️🙋♀️ Lots of History, little science. I also cut back this year and put a purposeful focus on Science. Before, we kinda just... did what we did for science if that makes sense😂.
I started with using an audio app for my 2nd/3rd graders. They listen to The Action Bible while they follow along with the book. My oldests use a Bible reading plan, and I just put it on their checklist as part of their morning routine. Exploring the Bible is great! It's short sections that doesn't overwhelm them.
Here’s the link for Made 2 Homeschool Membership- www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/Z5jELRfx.
I’d love to see you there! 😊
Love how you keep it real. You seem real and not instagram perfect. Much appreciated
homeschooling with an adhd brain is soo difficult. youre the only one i can relate to. thankyou for documenting your journey❤
I love & appreciate you so much!! ❤ You are one of the FEW homeschool TH-cam mamas who has a brain that functions similarly to mine. 🙏 You are a breath of fresh air!!
Aww!! This is encouraging to hear! I love finding people that think similarly to myself, especially when to comes to homeschooling. There’s just so much out there!
I realized I was putting way too much busy work on my kids (a curriculum for each LA topic, for example, on top of an all in one 🤦♀️), and math supplements on top of math curriculum… to the point where we had no time for the “fun” stuff (history/science/riches) and the spark was gone from our homeschool. This year I wanted to include the beauty subjects, incorporate more art, reading together and nature study. So I trimmed all the extra, and we are starting A Gentle Feast for pretty much everything! We’ve never felt so exited for homeschool as we do now. ✨
Oh yay!! I’m so happy for you! That sounds like a great plan 👏🏻👏🏻💗
I just unloaded SO MUCH from my homeschool closet. Always thinking ahead and not enjoying the NOW. I only have a short time left with my kids at 13 and 15 years old, so I feel what you're saying so deeply! If I wasn't using it, I sold it. GONE! It has helped me focus so much better!
So proud of you, Jenny!!!
I needed to hear this so bad, you have no idea!! I've been in tears wondering why I can't do all the things and stay organized and be patient and everyone else can! We are going back to the basics!
Oh my heart is so happy!! I really feel for you and completely know that feeling. 😊 I’m so glad I could encourage you! I pray you have a blessed year full of the basics!!
Thanks Ashley. Sometimes my little kids fly through their day and I think, hmm we need more. And then I’m quickly reminded that we don’t. They are always learning and great self starters. Finish your work and go explore, create and adventure. That’s why we homeschool.
Love that!
Facts!
Yes I needed this video after healing from being sick I need to revamp our homeschooling
I literally just decluttered a TON from my homeschool and this year has felt so much more free!
That's great! So good to start fresh!
I have also been evaluating our homeschooling--being more organized, and also what we actually have time to do. We do unit studies for history and science and were thinking we will try scheduling each on alternate days. Then after considering how this might be too overwhelming, we decided to do one study until finished, whether 1, 2 or even 3 weeks, before starting the other. Like you said, can't do everything so that it becomes overwhelming. Thanks for your honesty, you are not the only one who is sometimes on the pendulum.
I am a single father, with full custody of my daughters. I am in a bit of panic because just what was being pushed to my daughter's in school. I have multiple recordings of just some more in the last 10 days of school. Very alarming. One of my daughters is in 8th grade and my oldest is in 11th this year. This is all new and I am trying to find a workable solution.
Are you saying you're interested in homeschooling them instead? I know a widower at my church who homeschools his 2 daughters ( one currently in highschool, and one in 6th grade) while also being a working dad. There are many ways around it as a single or working parent, like outsourcing subjects like math (Teaching Textbooks online curriculum ) and homeschool in the evenings and weekends. Keep researching the topic if God is calling you to do it, there are a ton of single homeschooling parents out there.
@@GardenMinistry. Thank you so much, I have been researching like crazy since hearing directly what two of my daughters teachers were pushing. I would pull them tomorrow if I wasn't stuck in the state law issue. Interesting the world we live in currently. I would have never guessed, and it was due to one of my daughters being so upset after school about a week ago that I had her record some of her classes and I could hear what was happening myself. I will reach out to my church here too, because I don't think many parents are aware what is happening in the classrooms.
@@LilmissJ111just curious what laws you are referring to. You're talkin about divorce ruling in a courtroom that's different but if you're talkin about state laws homeschooling is legal in every state.
Yes, there are many online curriculums with live teachers. Abeka is one I believe. At their age, that may be a doable option.
I wish you all the luck.
Homeschooling is amazing my kids have never been in public school I'm on my 12th year Homeschooling.
Thank you for your honesty! Last year I tried to bite off more than we could chew also. I’m humbled now and realize my kiddos are still so little and we don’t need all the things! This year looks more simplified and doable, and I’m determined to be flexible. Fingers crossed lol
Praying it goes well for you ☺️👏🏻👏🏻💗
We just cleaned out our childrens room. Oh man!!!!
Next i have to go through my homeschool section.
I'm nor ready.. i need to declutter
You got this! I still am working on my "School Closet." I got rid of a lot a few months ago, but now to put thing back in order and pair down a little more :)
Your hair is so cute on this video!!! 😉
It’s so easy to get caught up in the “shiny, new things!”
Thank you!! 😃
You are not alone and I absolutely have felt this exact same way!!! I needed to hear this video today as Im standing in my completely overwhelming school room! Thank you for the encouragement ❤
You are so welcome!
It's very refreshing to hear about simplifying among a few of my favorite homeschool moms, including you !
Oh thank you! 😍
Oh, I needed this so badly. 😬 I've totally been focusing on "all the stuff" and not what is best for our family.
🥰
Great encouragements, Ashley! We need to consider what our kids need, and who God made us to be (with strengths and weaknesses!). We're all so different and so it makes sense that each homeschool environment should look different - that's the beauty of home education!
Something I've decluttered from our homeschool is morning time. I like the idea of it, but it has never stuck so I'm not pushing it right now.
Thanks for your thoughts, Kim! I get that about Morning Time. We've been doing it for 7 years consistently, but I'm noticing it's hard to get everyone together with my oldest so independent! I'm having to adapt how we do it now. Glad you've figured out what works for your family and not pushing something that doesn't.
I had JUST done this a couple weeks ago! I decided to just stick with the basics for now!
Your video has already inspired me sister! I have so much good curriculum at home but it’s just cluttering things up! Simplify makes life so much more doable! Thank you sweet friend! Hugs!
Awwww! Thank you, sweet sister!!! 🥰
This is so on point, I’ve done all new curriculum this year and honestly, I had wayyyyyu too much and so much ended up not working out. I had to just pick what worked and find what didn’t and see if I needed replacement or not. I may even be simplifying even more! Love the six rule. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! I hope you can simplify to what is best for you and the kids right now :)
This year i cut out most of our tests, with a first and second grader there wasnt a need for testing in every single subject and i was relieved to let them go. Love this topic of decluttering, its so relevant for this busy busy day in age.
That is so good! Yes! No need for so many tests at that age AT ALL!
I love how real you are. 😊
Oh, thank you 🥰 I work hard at that. It's easy to fall into being a persona. 😬
Love your honesty and your heart
🥰
It's amazing how sometimes only a few things need to be changed or dropped to help. You really only dropped 1 thing and moved around the others. That's cool. Sometimes I really want to add things but I just can't figure out how to do it without pushing in a bad way. I would like to have some sort of block time where maybe some of those extras can be rotated 1 day a week. So many ideas. Thank you for the encouraging video. I've avoided watching homeschool videos because of all that so many are doing. I haven't been wanting to feel like I need to do more. These kinds of videos are right up my alley for this season I'm in. If you have any other video suggestions like this I would LOVE to know.💐
I’m so glad this video hit the spot!!
I thought I didn’t need to watch this video but I did! Thanks for all these reminders and ideas. ❤
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing! I struggle with this greatly. Already this year I feel like I have added in too much.
It's not too late to cut back :) We can always make changes if it's too much. What I've been doing this year is starting with less, then adding in something every week or so. It's helped ease into our load and made it not so overwhelming for me or the kids. Wish I would have done this sooner and not my 10th year of homeschooling 😂
Loved this, thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome!
I don't like math and science as much either. I do like apologia but to be honest,...we skip a lot of experiments, which is terrible I know but I'd rather at least get it read!! Anyways, thanks for this. Last year we were in foreign missions and I still piled on the Curriculum and we've moved 2 times since then. We are still working on last year's books, obviously we've taken out some stuff. We will probably be moving one more time plus I'm pregnant with number 8 and I've got 8th grade 2 in 6th one in 3rd one on first a 4 year old and a one year old. It's a good time to think about simplifying before I order next year's books.
Oh so many great ideas to try, but all of it together is too much! I'm cutting some helpful language arts supplements (for now), so I will have more time to focus on the ones we already use. Also cutting back time in some family subject areas to allow more individual help for kids who need it. This is a fantastic video!!
Thanks so much, Deanna! I hope you see the fruit of you priorities soon!
Thank you for this video
So nice of you!
Great advice, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Heavy on the history and light on the science… sounds like me! 😆 We’re choosing to do science through co-op because it just doesn’t seem to happen at home with a toddler.
Ha ha! You get it!
This is helpful, so practical and so much wisdom! Thank you!!
I am working on our Morning Time this year. I’m doing the family subjects with Ambleside Online, but it has definitely increased the stuff and the time we spend. So we’ll see how it goes. I wanted more emphasis on family time though and kept the rest simple. ❤
Wonderful! Love that you've considered your goals and priorities. Hopefully you see the fruit soon!
I have cut our morning warm up work. I found we really need to focus on math first thing and that replaces the need for that. We are still easing into homeschool and need to add a few more things so hopefully I have not planned more than we can do.
Sounds like a great plan, Erika! Good to see you here, by the way :) Miss chatting with you on Clubhouse!
Would you mind sharing the podcast and videos that helped you to watch? I don't like to cram in too much so I am super selective and I am always searching for others who do this too. P.S. I loved your video about Math with Confidence vs. Right Start. I needed to know those things so I didn't choose something that would make me feel stressed. I appreciated it so much!♥️
I was listening to “Modern Miss Mason” on audiobook. And I think I it was Scholé Sisters for the podcast… This episode- scholesisters.com/time-management-homeschooling/
I'd love it if you'd share a video of the books you've planned for your kids to read this year!
Great suggestion!!
What’s the online math you started for your son? Great video! I found you from the collaboration with Dawn 💕
Hi and Welcome!! I moved him back to Teaching Textbooks. I talk about it more in this video: th-cam.com/video/dUbyUIf86N4/w-d-xo.html
🙋♀️🙋♀️ Lots of History, little science. I also cut back this year and put a purposeful focus on Science.
Before, we kinda just... did what we did for science if that makes sense😂.
SAME! My kids are natural at asking questions, or figuring out "how does this work?" and testing their hypothesis.... It's so great!
Also, what do you do for having your kids read the Bible on their own. I need some ideas.
I started with using an audio app for my 2nd/3rd graders. They listen to The Action Bible while they follow along with the book. My oldests use a Bible reading plan, and I just put it on their checklist as part of their morning routine. Exploring the Bible is great! It's short sections that doesn't overwhelm them.
😊
I went through this exact process recently and came to very similar conclusions. And we also would like to not keep math, LOL!
Ha ha!! Poor math! 😆 It's got such a bad reputation!
Typo in your title?
I didn't see one
@@victoriahuyck4949...CHOOSING what s best instead of closing
THANK YOU! 😆