Once children have spent time drawing letters, connecting them to images, and writing them with confidence, reading naturally follows. They begin to recognize the symbols they have been forming and internalizing through their artwork and stories. Instead of struggling to decode unfamiliar text, they already have a relationship with the letters and their sounds, making reading a smooth transition rather than a forced task.

July is a time of long days, warm sunshine, and a natural shift in energy. For homeschooling families, it’s the perfect season to slow down, embrace nature-based learning, and cultivate a gentle rhythm that aligns with the season. Whether you homeschool year-round or take a summer break, July offers endless opportunities to weave learning into daily life in a way that feels joyful and effortless.

In our home, movement is woven into our rhythm rather than being something separate. Some days, it’s as simple as an impromptu dance to a favorite song or balancing across a log at the park. Other times, I bring in imaginative movement stories, where we transform into animals, travel through enchanted forests, or move like the elements—flowing like water, growing like trees, soaring like birds. These kinds of activities make movement feel like play, which is exactly how children learn best.

Free play is more than just a break between lessons or a way to pass the time. It is a child’s natural language, a way for them to explore the world on their own terms. Whether they are building elaborate fairy houses from sticks and leaves, transforming blankets into castles, or making up their own songs, free play allows children to express themselves in ways that structured activities never could.

In March we stepped into a world of leaves, roots, and muddy boots. Our homeschool days were full of books, little hands planting seeds, jars on windowsills, and the smell of rain-soaked soil. This was our Tree and Forest Unit Study—and it might just be one of my favorite ones we’ve ever done.

Mason believed that children are born as whole persons, capable of forming their own connections with knowledge. Her philosophy rejects rote memorization and dry textbooks, instead fostering a love for learning through engaging, meaningful material.

Homeschooling has been one of the most joyful parts of our family life, and I love sharing bits of what’s worked for us. If you’re new to homeschooling, this guide offers simple, encouraging steps to help you find your own rhythm—from choosing an approach to creating a day that feels good for your family.

There’s something magical about playdough—soft, squishy, and full of endless possibilities. This no-cook, all-natural playdough recipe is simple, safe, and perfect for little hands to explore. Plus, you can infuse it with nature’s beauty by adding herbs, flowers, or natural colors!

There’s something truly special about working with clay, a medium that connects us to the earth and invites both creativity and deep sensory engagement. In our home, sculpting isn’t just about making shapes—it’s about feeling, exploring, and embracing the process.

In my homeschool I blend many philosophies and ideas— but, Waldorf has a special place in my heart and today I want to share a little more about my way into Waldorf.

My journey into Waldorf education and philosophy truly began when my oldest daughter was a baby, though, in many ways, it had already been a part of me long before.

May is an invitation to slow down on nature walks, connect with nature, and rediscover the joy of learning through experience. Whether through gardening, storytelling, or simple seasonal rhythms, spring homeschooling can be a magical, nourishing time for both children and parents. By embracing a gentle approach, you create a learning environment that feels natural, joyful, and deeply enriching.

I’ve never followed just one homeschooling philosophy. Instead, I pull inspiration from many—Waldorf, Charlotte Mason, Montessori—and blend them into something that feels right for us. In this post, I’m sharing how Montessori’s focus on independence and real-life learning has quietly but powerfully shaped our days, even though we don’t follow it by the book.

A Slow and Muddy March: Forests, Books, and New Beginnings
This month, we wandered through tree studies, messy experiments, and the joy of switching up our homeschool rhythm. With stories like Big Tree and The Hidden Life of Trees guiding the way, March turned into a season of growth — for all of us. Come read our gentle recap and a little life update too.

There’s something magical about baking with children. The scent of fresh dough rising in the oven, the feel of flour-dusted fingers, and the giggles that erupt as tiny hands squish and knead—it’s a sensory experience like no other. But beyond the joy and mess, baking is also a wonderful way to teach children math, patience, and creativity. I love baking with my two girls.

Spring has a way of calling us to create. The colors, the fresh air, the tiny bursts of green peeking through after winter—it all feels like an invitation to make something beautiful. My daughter loves yellow and daffodils, so when she sketched out a little design for a felted flower, I knew we had to bring it to life.