Happy Hive Homeschooling

Hey Reader, “Why does my child need to learn this?” It's a fair question. More homeschool families are placing an emphasis on life skills, trades, entrepreneurship, and practical preparation for adulthood. I think that can be a wonderful shift. Not every child needs to follow the same path after graduation, and college does not have to be the automatic goal for every family. During our recent homeschool roundtable, we talked about what can happen when immediate usefulness becomes the only...

Hey Reader, Every Thursday morning I meet with a group of homeschool moms. During our recent roundtable, we discussed the growth of co-ops, microschools, outside classes, Facebook communities, and even homeschool coaches/mentors. There are more ways than ever for homeschool families to get help. I think that's a wonderful thing. Homeschooling does not have to mean teaching every subject yourself, planning every activity, answering every question, and carrying every decision alone. But, on the...

Hey Reader, During a recent podcast episode, I shared that the pandemic did homeschooling a favor. It introduced more families to the possibility of learning at home, and it helped bring one of today’s clearest homeschool trends into the mainstream: The move toward online learning. Online programs can make homeschooling possible for families who are juggling work, multiple children, different learning needs, or simply a season when Mom cannot personally teach every lesson. That can be a...

Hey Reader, All week, we’ve been looking at curriculum differently. We asked what you’re hoping the curriculum will solve. We separated the topics you want to teach (this is actually what curriculum means) from the tools you might use. We put the child back at the center of the decision. And we let go of the search for one perfect program. Now comes the part that can feel surprisingly hard: Making the decision. Research can feel productive. You can compare samples, watch reviews, ask friends,...

Hey Reader, If I had a dime for every time I hear advice directed at homeschool families, urging them to avoid "school at home," I'd have a nice-sized donation for my favorite non-profit. The thing is, it's not really about avoiding "schoolish" things. It's about the freedom to customize. That message has given families permission to embrace flexibility, conversation, movement, real-life learning, child-led interests, and individualized pacing. During a recent homeschool roundtable, we raised...

Hey Reader, I have good news for you today. The perfect curriculum does not exist. I know that may not sound like good news at first. You may have been hoping it was tucked away on page seven of a Google search. Maybe one more review would reveal it, or one more Facebook post would lead you to the mom whose children love every lesson, finish without reminders, and wake up asking for extra grammar. But the perfect curriculum is not hiding in someone else’s homeschool. It is not waiting inside...

Hey Reader, Yesterday, I asked you to consider what you’re hoping curriculum will solve. Today, I want to clear up one little word that may be making the entire decision feel heavier than it needs to be: Curriculum. When most homeschool moms say “curriculum,” they’re thinking about: The boxed program.The math workbook.The online classes.The unit study.The giant stack of books currently taking over the dining room table. But those things are actually tools. Your curriculum is what you want...

Hey Reader, I bet you're excited to unpack and explore all the new curriculum you bought for the new school year. A new math program.An all-in-one style.An online platform.A prettier planner with tabs that surely contain the secret to omeschool peace. I understand the appeal. When homeschooling feels uncertain, a new curriculum feels like a plan. It gives you something concrete to research, compare, purchase, organize, and confidently announce: “This is what we’re using next year.” But before...

Hey Reader, You found a curriculum with glowing reviews. (brain, translate this into curriculum = tool to teach topics. Topics = curriculum) Other homeschool moms love it. The lessons are beautifully organized.The samples look engaging, and the scope and sequence make you feel wonderfully responsible. Quick as a fiddle, you order it, and it’s delivered… There is just one small problem. Your child hates it. Now every lesson takes twice as long. The workbook that promised independence requires...