AuthorBritany Sproul – Jul 1, 2024 – 3 min read As co-executive director of Homeschool Hub Utah, I had the privilege of attending the Homeschool 101 event in Spanish Fork. Listening to the personal stories and practical tips from seasoned homeschoolers was both inspiring and enlightening. Here are some key takeaways from the event that can guide anyone considering or currently on the homeschooling journey.  Emphasizing Family Culture Anna from Spanish Fork shared a poignant insight about the importance of family culture in homeschooling. "I'm really glad I focused on family culture and keeping the kids at home during my first years while they were little. As they get older, they are so busy (speaking of her 17-year-old)." Her words highlight how creating a strong family bond and culture can be a cornerstone of successful homeschooling. Personal and Flexible ApproachesNany reminded us of the deeply personal nature of homeschooling decisions: "Every reason to homeschool is as personal as choosing how to have your family." Kaylie added, "We don't know every year how we're going to do it but it works out and we figure it out." Their experiences underscore the importance of flexibility and adaptability in homeschooling.  Youthful VoicesHearing from the youth themselves was particularly enlightening. They shared how homeschooling allowed them to pursue their passions and enjoy more family time. Here are a few of their thoughts: - "I like homeschool because I could get my black belt and I get to spend time with my friends." - "I love to homeschool because I have the best brother in the world." - "I was afraid to tell my friends [that I was going to be homeschooled]. But they were excited when they learned and wanted to be homeschooled, too. I get to do cool things like cooking, sewing, ropes course and more." Transitioning with SupportTransitioning to homeschooling, especially for older children, can be a significant shift. One mom shared her strategy: One mom of teens wants to pull her kids out of school. Her oldest, however, wants to stay in public school. "So, he'll do that," she says. The next child will do part-time public school and the rest of the time will be at home learning. Having the older kids take responsibility for their education is healthy. "Now I get to do the things I want to do [referring to homeschooling her kids]," she says, "And I get to be their mentor."  Mentorship and PlanningEffective homeschooling often involves structured support and planning. Katie shared that regular mentor meetings and family councils can provide this structure:
- Mentor Meetings: Parents meet with their children once a week, bring their planners, and discuss what they need to focus on and what support they need. - Family Council: Regular family meetings with a calendar to schedule and plan activities are crucial for guiding and motivating kids. Choosing the Right CurriculumSelecting a curriculum can be daunting, but, as one veteran mom pointed out, these steps can simplify the process: 1. The curriculum doesn't really matter very much. 2. Figure out how you want your homeschool to look and what values you want to prioritize. 3. Read up on different curriculums and see if they resonate with you. 4. Narrow down to a curriculum that aligns with your values and your child's learning style. 5. Be flexible and willing to change if something doesn't work. Encouraging Interests and FunOne of the most exciting aspects of homeschooling is the ability to tailor learning to your child’s interests and make it fun. Here are some suggested activities by veteran moms to foster a love for learning: - Watch science videos together. - Play educational games. - Go swimming. - Have daily devotionals and discussions. - Provide lots of experiences, travel, and fun activities. - Encourage reading and learning in a way that avoids excessive screen time. - Focus on building relationships and creating a bond with your kids. Conclusion The insights and experiences shared at the Spanish Fork Homeschool 101 event reaffirmed that homeschooling is a dynamic and rewarding journey. By emphasizing family culture, maintaining flexibility, and fostering a love for learning, we can create a nurturing and effective educational environment for our children. It was a joy to listen to these stories and I am excited to see how our homeschooling community continues to grow and thrive. Would you like to attend a Homeschool 101? I guarantee you won't regret it! Check out which ones are happening in July and August near you!
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AuthorEmily Belnap – Jul 31, 2024 – 3 min read Finding the right resources for homeschooling can feel like a treasure hunt. One where you dig and dig but don’t find things that work for you. Or you dig and find some resources that are more like fools gold. They look shiny and pretty and you use them for a while only to realize they don’t work as well as real gold. Every once in a while you find something that’s amazing and works like a big beautiful diamond. Shiny, fun, and the perfect fit for your needs.  As a mom that has homeschooled her four kids for over 10 years, I’ve found some fool’s gold as well as diamonds. I’d love to share some wisdom with you.
 When looking for ideas and resources I like to use the following resources:
AuthorBritany Sproul – Jun 19 – 3 min read There’s a quiet conversation that echoes through many homeschool homes—soft enough that you won’t always hear it unless you’re listening closely. It’s the voice of a mom who’s tired, worn thin, and running on empty. Recently, I came across a heartfelt conversation among homeschool mothers on Utah homeschool social media, and it struck me deeply. Not only because the words were raw and real, but because they were mine too. I’ve felt that burnout, that desire to hit pause, to walk away, even if just for a moment.  Burnout is not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that you’ve been giving too much for too long without enough replenishment. And while burnout can feel lonely, I was reminded through this conversation that many of us are walking this road together, even if we don’t always say it out loud. One mother bravely shared how mental health challenges have made daily life feel like an uphill climb. She talked about therapy, support groups, and self-care—all of which help, but don’t make the struggle disappear. Her honesty opened the floodgates, and the responses were full of grace, understanding, and wisdom.  Some spoke of their own experiences with EMDR or Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Others reminded each other that our culture often convinces us our worth is found in works, in productivity—but our value is never determined by how much we get done in a day. We are worthy because we are, not because we do.  There were practical reminders too:
And so here I am, doing the same. As someone who has experienced this season again and again—usually in cycles—I want to offer my piece of advice, one that I’ve had to learn the hard way: Learn to say “no.” Say no to new obligations when you feel your reserves running low. Say no when you’re stretched too thin. Not because you’re weak, but because wisdom often lies in restraint.  One book that helped me give myself permission to let go of perfectionism is The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. If you’re someone who struggles with giving yourself grace, this may be a timely read. This post, while drawn from a conversation among spiritual women, is not meant to speak to only one kind of homeschooler. At Homeschool Hub Utah, we serve families of all beliefs, backgrounds, and educational styles. While this conversation is spiritual in tone, we believe that the encouragement and strategies shared are broadly helpful—whether you find your strength in God, in nature, in community, or in your own quiet inner knowing.  Mothers talked of filling up on scripture, praying for strength, casting out negative thoughts, and journaling their conversations with God. And others simply offered a hand: “Let’s hike. Let’s talk. Let’s support each other.”
And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway. This is a season. Just like winter gives way to spring, the weariness you feel now will give way to peace again. Keep walking. Keep breathing. Keep doing the next small thing. This, too, shall pass. With love and solidarity, —A fellow homeschool mom walking the road beside you (P.S. I used my personal “burnout assistant”—AI via chatGPT—to help me organize these thoughts. Another great tip for busy moms with little time!) If you're feeling burnt out and unsure where to turn, you're not alone. We encourage you to connect with other families in your local homeschool groups, online communities, or even consider reaching out to us here at Homeschool Hub Utah. You matter. You are enough. And the work you are doing is sacred. Every homeschool family is different—some thrive on structure, others crave flexibility, and some of us just need a simple way to keep the chaos at bay. Whether you're a seasoned planner or the kind of mom who flies by the seat of her denim jumper, there is a way to schedule your homeschool curriculum that works for you.  Let’s start with the genius method recently shared by @redbrickschoolhouse on Instagram. It’s a flexible yet structured approach that’s become a favorite in many homeschool homes: 1. The “Lesson Landmark” Schedule Method (Inspired by Red Brick Schoolhouse)This method is perfect for the mom who wants structure without overwhelm. How it works:
Why it works: ✅ Takes just minutes to plan ✅ Helps you see your progress ✅ Allows for natural flexibility ✅ Encourages early completion ✅ Lets you "bank" time for trips, breaks, or sick days ✅ VISUAL progress boosts motivation This is a low-fuss, high-reward way to pace your year. It’s perfect if you want to keep your eye on the big picture without locking yourself into a rigid daily plan.  2. The “Check-the-Box” Weekly Grid (For the Ultra-Organized Mom) If you love spreadsheets, color-coded folders, and that crisp “start of the school year” feeling, this one’s for you. How it works:
Why it works: ✅ Gives a crystal-clear plan for the entire year ✅ Keeps you on pace with little guesswork ✅ Perfect for co-op requirements or transcript needs ✅ Built-in accountability This is the method for moms who want to stay on top of things and avoid the panic of falling behind. It’s especially helpful for families juggling multiple ages and outside commitments.  3. The “Progress as We Go” Tracker (For the Free-Spirited Mom)
Maybe you’re new to homeschooling—or maybe you’ve just realized life is too short for daily planner guilt. This simple method gives you freedom with a dash of direction. How it works:
Why it works: ✅ Totally customizable ✅ Great for relaxed homeschoolers or interest-led learning ✅ No stress if life gets unpredictable ✅ Still lets you track and celebrate your progress This method shines when flexibility is your top priority—especially with younger kids or big life transitions. Which One is Right for You?You might be a mix of these. Maybe you plan like a boss for your high schooler but go with the flow for your younger kids. That’s the beauty of homeschooling—you can adjust your approach by kid, by subject, and by season. No matter your style, here’s the real secret: The best schedule is the one that gets used. Don’t be afraid to experiment, adjust, and give yourself grace. And whether you’re checking off boxes, hitting lesson landmarks, or just writing it all down as you go… you’re doing a great job. Feeling discouraged about homeschooling with a baby or toddler underfoot? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. In this beautifully written post, Diane Hopkins shares the powerful mindset shift that changed everything: "The baby IS the lesson." What if your children’s most lasting education isn’t in the workbook—but in watching you love, serve, and value each child in the thick of real life?  This post is full of wisdom, including insights like:
👉 Read the full post here |
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