Creating a Custom Homeschool Schedule
Are you creating a custom homeschool schedule based on the needs of your family? Find out what to consider when doing this.
Creating a Custom Homeschool Schedule Read Post »
Are you creating a custom homeschool schedule based on the needs of your family? Find out what to consider when doing this.
Creating a Custom Homeschool Schedule Read Post »
No yard? No problem. Discover creative urban homeschooling hacks that make the most of city life, small spaces, and local resources.
Urban Homeschooling Hacks: Learning Without a Large Yard Read Post »
These 8 tips will help you create an unschooling lifestyle in your homeschool that sets your child up for a lifelong love of learning.
How to Cultivate an Unschooling Lifestyle in Your Homeschool Read Post »
One piece of advice I will never follow is this: You have to set homeschool goals. Find out why I dislike goal setting and prefer habit formation instead.
Why Habits Are Better Than Homeschool Goals Read Post »
Discover how to write a homeschool vision statement that inspires clarity, purpose, and joy—no matter where you are in your journey.
How to Write a Homeschool Vision Statement That Actually Inspires You Read Post »
Bring your child’s education alive through engaging and immersive experiences! Creating a homeschool unit study to cater to your child’s needs is the way.
How to Create a Homeschool Unit Study Read Post »
When most people hear the phrase “play-based learning,” they immediately picture a preschool classroom full of blocks, dress-up clothes, and sensory bins. But here’s the truth: play-based learning is not just for little kids. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful and underused tools we have — for learners of all ages. Whether you’re homeschooling a kindergartener or navigating middle school at home, incorporating play into your learning routine can boost motivation, deepen understanding, and bring joy back into education. So let’s talk about why play matters more than you think—and how to bring it into your homeschool without feeling like you’ve abandoned “real school.” What Is Play-Based Learning? Play-based learning is exactly what it sounds like—learning through play. It’s child-led, curiosity-driven, and often looks a lot less structured than traditional instruction. But don’t be fooled: real, meaningful learning is absolutely happening. Play-based learning allows kids to explore concepts, solve problems, express creativity, and make sense of the world around them in a way that feels natural and engaging. At its core, play-based learning is: And it works far beyond the preschool years. But… Isn’t Play Just for Fun? Yes—and that’s the point. Play feels fun. But underneath the giggles and pretend voices, brains are busy. During play, kids are: When children are immersed in play, they’re more engaged, more focused, and more likely to retain what they’ve learned. And that doesn’t stop just because they turned 6 or 10 or 13. Why Play Still Matters for Big Kids Once kids move out of the early years, play often gets replaced with worksheets, textbooks, and tests. But older learners still need opportunities to explore and create without constant structure. Here’s why play continues to matter: 1. It Builds Critical Thinking Whether it’s designing a LEGO city, running a pretend store, or building a Minecraft world, play pushes kids to plan, problem-solve, and think ahead. These are the same skills they’ll use in algebra, writing, and real-world decision-making. 2. It Strengthens Social and Emotional Skills Through imaginative and cooperative play, kids learn how to negotiate, take turns, navigate conflict, and manage frustration. Older kids often use role-playing, storytelling, and group games to explore emotions and relationships in a safe way—especially during those tween and teen years when everything feels so big. 3. It Encourages Risk-Taking Without Fear of Failure When learning is playful, the pressure to “get it right” disappears. Kids are more willing to try new things, explore unfamiliar topics, and get creative. That kind of risk-taking leads to growth—and it builds resilience. What Play Can Look Like for Older Kids Play for older learners doesn’t always look like dress-up or building with blocks (though it totally can). It often takes the form of: And yes, it can even include video games—especially when kids are thinking critically, creating, or collaborating with others. How to Add More Play to Your Homeschool You don’t have to overhaul your entire homeschool to make room for more play. Start small. Try one or two of these ideas to get things going: 1. Start With Interests Ask your child: “What do you wish we could do more of during the day?” Let their answers guide the types of play you incorporate, especially if you’re seeing resistance or burnout. 2. Turn Lessons Into Games Math doesn’t have to be workbook-only. Turn it into a card game, a scavenger hunt, or a dice challenge. Language arts? Try storytelling dice, Mad Libs, or role-played debates. 3. Make Room for Unstructured Time Leave space in the day for “boredom.” Unstructured time often leads to the most creative kinds of play and discovery. It’s not wasted time—it’s where self-directed learning thrives. 4. Let Go of the Guilt You’re not slacking off. You’re making room for deep learning. If your child is building a pretend business, creating an elaborate world in Minecraft, or writing a fantasy story for fun—that’s education. Play is the Path If your homeschool feels dry, tense, or stuck in a rut, play might just be the missing ingredient. It’s not a side dish—it’s part of the main course. When you make space for play, you create space for joy, connection, and curiosity. You remind your child that learning is theirs—something they can love and lead. So go ahead: build, create, pretend, explore. Play isn’t just for preschoolers. It’s for anyone who wants to learn deeply, live fully, and maybe laugh a little along the way. Brandi JordanBrandi Jordan is a former classroom teacher turned homeschooler. She’s also a certified youth and adult yoga instructor, personal trainer, and youth exercise specialist. When not creating things for her sites, she can be found hanging out with her three kids, hubby, and a menagerie of pets. mamateaches.com
The Power of Play: Why Play-Based Learning Isn’t Just for Preschoolers Read Post »
Learn how to deschool and why it matters for both you and your children!
How to Deschool (And Why It Matters More Than You Think) Read Post »
Getting unsolicited opinions about homeschooling? Here’s how to handle them firmly but gracefully.
How to Handle Unsolicited Opinions About Your Homeschool (With Grace and Grit) Read Post »
One of our favorite ways of learning is through roadschooling. I believe that any one who homeschools can roadschool their kids!
Roadschooling – The Ultimate Homeschool Adventure Read Post »
Not sure where to start when it comes to your homeschool philosophy? Here are some tips!
Finding Your Homeschool Philosophy (When You Don’t Even Know Where to Start) Read Post »
A homeschooler’s guide to take any subject and turn it into a unit study using a simple and clear process.
How to Turn Any Subject Into a Homeschool Unit Study Read Post »
Homeschooling allows for a relaxed, intuitive pace — if you design your family that way. Escape the treadmill of performance in your homeschool and the peaceful ease of a laid back lifestyle.
Embracing a Relaxed Homeschooling Lifestyle Read Post »
So, you’ve made the decision to homeschool and now you’re wondering how to go about finding your local homeschool community? Here’s how!
Finding your Local Homeschool Community Read Post »
There is certainly something quirky about homeschoolers. Let’s stop denying it. Homeschoolers don’t fit in, because they have been trained differently.
Why Homeschoolers are Accused of Not Fitting In: Because They Don’t Read Post »
Writing a homeschool transcript is something every family will navigate if they have a student in high school. It might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think.
8 Steps to Writing a Homeschool Transcript Read Post »
Routines are good, but ruts are deadly. Break out of your homeschool blahs or prevent them altogether with these creative learning ideas. With the over 230 different activities outlined in this free digital guide, there is a fresh idea for every day of your school year with plenty to spare!
Banish Blah: Over 200 Teaching Ideas to Motivate Homeschool Kids & Make Mom’s Job Easier Read Post »
Would you ever consider homeschooling WITH the public school? Here are five benefits to homeschooling with the public school!
5 Benefits of Homeschooling with the Public School Read Post »
Learn how to set up a seasonal themed Montessori activity table for children to learn and explore at their own pace. Create an invitation to learn & play.
How to Set Up a Seasonal Themed Montessori Activity Table Read Post »
Homeschool scheduling. Some love it. Some hate it. Here are my must-do steps for planning out curriculum, schedule, and rotation.
Homeschool Scheduling Tips and Tricks Read Post »
Back-to-school sales are a great time for homeschool families to stockpile the supplies that get used the most in our homeschools.
10 Items to Stockpile During Back to School Sales Read Post »
Tired of feeling like your homeschool is always busy, but not achieving anything of worth? You need to set your homeschooling priorities – learn how here.
Setting Your Homeschooling Priorities Read Post »
Help prepare your middle schooler for high school with 5 simple ideas you can start implementing in your homeschool today!
How to Help Your Middle Schooler Prepare for High School Read Post »
The homeschool purists may not like this article about doing “school at home,” but if you’ve been shamed about this topic, then read to be encouraged!
In Defense of “School at Home” Read Post »
Homeschooling in a large family has its challenges. Here are five of the challenges we’ve faced and the approaches we have found that work for us.
Homeschooling in a Large Family with a Wide Age Spread Read Post »
Curb homeschool curriculum clutter with these practical tips and tricks that will work for any homeschooling family! Learn how!
Top 10 Ways to Curb Homeschool Curriculum Clutter (Besides Just Throwing It Away) Read Post »
Learn how to simplify your homeschool to create a more enriched learning environment for your children.
Simplify Your Homeschool to Create an Enriched Learning Environment Read Post »
Supporting a child with a chronic illness can be a daunting experience for the whole family. Read our story and the 6 things we kept as normal as possible.
Homeschooling and Supporting a Child with a Chronic Illness Read Post »
By planting the right seeds at the right time, we are nurturing creative minds in our kids, and helping them develop good habits for life.
Inspired Homeschooling: Creative Minds, Beautiful Lives Read Post »
There are many instances when homeschooling needs structure and routine. Here’s why child-led learning can’t happen all the time.
Homeschooling: It Can’t Always Be Child-Led Read Post »
If you’ve always been a paper planner but it’s just not working anymore, here are 5 reasons to switch to an online homeschool planner.
5 Reasons to Switch From a Paper Planner to Online Homeschool Planning Read Post »
Whether we like it or not, in homeschool and life, twins are barraged with comparisons, which can be harmful to the twins’ identities and development.
Homeschooling Twins: What to Do When They’re Learning at Different Speeds Read Post »
Have you ever worried about teaching success to multiple learning styles? Success is not an accident. We must teach our children how to be successful.
Teaching Success to Multiple Learning Styles While Homeschooling Read Post »
Reverse homeschool planning is when you write down what you accomplish rather than filling your planner ahead of time with what you will cover.
Reverse Homeschool Planning: It Doesn’t Have to Be So Hard! Read Post »
Middle School Hybrid Learning can be a fulfilling experience for you and your child. Here are some ways to make it happen!
Hybrid Middle School Homeschooling Read Post »
Explore how to use AI to homeschool, enhance lessons, customize study plans and provide personalized learning experiences.
5 Ways to Use AI to Homeschool Read Post »
Hybrid homeschooling combines home education and classes taken outside the home at a traditional brick-and-mortar building. It’s often used for high schoolers and can include dual enrollment where teens earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
Hybrid Homeschooling: Is It the Best of Both Worlds? Read Post »
Transitioning from homeschooling to unschooling can be a liberating and transformative experience for both parents and children.
How to Transition from Homeschooling to Unschooling Read Post »
Is your homeschool getting a bit dull? Here are five ways to supplement your homeschooling to keep things interesting and a ton of fun!
5 Ways to Supplement Your Homeschooling to Keep Things Interesting Read Post »
Strength-based homeschooling is about giving our children the tools to succeed and the confidence to approach life’s obstacles with their best.
Strength-Based Homeschooling: How to Homeschool Strong Read Post »
With iugo.world homeschooling is easy! Connect with parents, plan field trips, access expert guidance, and enjoy a FREE trial. See why parents love it.
The One-Stop Homeschool Hub iugo.world | Featured Favorite Read Post »
Think you know which approach to take? Think again. Eclectic homeschooling might be the right path for you instead. Here’s why!
Why Every Homeschooler Should Consider Eclectic Homeschooling Read Post »
Check out five ways AI can make homeschool easy from planning to building unit studies to grading writing assignments.
5 Ways AI Can Make Homeschool Easy Read Post »
Many of us are taking time right now to plan for the next school year, and while curriculum planning and routines are important, so is homeschool success.
Make a Plan for Homeschool Success Read Post »
Struggling through your homeschooling days? Using the wrong homeschooling style may be the problem. Learn to to homeschool outside the box instead!
Help! My Homeschooling Style Isn’t Working! Read Post »