

you know from the last issue, this year has been a bit more challenging than usual for us. Not just us, but also our beloved columnist Durenda Wilson who is walking her way through a cancer diagnosis. In an introduction to her Mom to Mom column, I have provided a website where you can learn more about what’s going on and consider offering support if possible.
Homeschool rhythms are quite a bit different than the rhythms of the world around us. We tend to stay home when the rest of the world is getting out, and vice versa. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to create our own unique schedules based on what works best for our families, the season of life we’re in, and where we’re located.
For the past few years, we’ve followed a seasonal publishing schedule with the magazine. It just seemed like it made sense. We’ve been wanting to break away from it though, and with this year’s delayed Autumn Issue, that has in turn made the Winter Issue come out later than we wanted, we’re taking the opportunity to switch things up.




- Healthy relationships provide a strong foundation for all home learning.
- Children were designed to learn from the day they are born.
- Each child has a unique blend of learning preferences, talents, and passions.
- There’s no one-size-fits-all education—including what they should learn and when they should learn it!
- The more ways kids interact with concepts, the better they understand them.
- Different seasons of life may require different approaches.
- Education should be an adventure!
- YOU are the best teacher for your children.
That’s why we bring you a variety of resources from trusted sponsors and recommended companies we choose to partner with. We hope you’ll check them out!





Ages: 13-21

ur theme for these past four issues, stepping in, reminds me of our dog, Gus. But he doesn’t “step” into anything, he bounds in—whether it’s eating or playing or being stubborn.
I sometimes find myself wanting to live life like Gus, to be all in. Especially when it comes to peace. Peace sounds like something we should gently stroll into or maybe even quietly tip toe. But y’all, this world has been crazy. There’s so much tension and anger out there that I want to bound into peace. My soul needs it. The world around me needs it. Our kids NEED it.
You’ll also find a variety of both encouraging and practical help from our other columnists as well as several feature articles. Dr. Scott Turansky shares how to strengthen the working relationship between parents and children. And in Back to Basics, Stacy Farrell explains why rotating your pantry is important and she’ll teach you an easy system for how to do it. You’ll even discover a discipleship curriculum that left me wanting MORE. Michelle & Jaron Brownell will give you a fresh approach to dealing with your children’s attitudes (and maybe even your own)! I told you there’s a lot of variety in this issue!
In Cultivating Little Learners, Kathy Eggers will convince you that there is great power in process art (she definitely inspired me to do some when my favorite littles come over!). Cheryl Bastian answers a question about helping your high schooler take ownership of their organization, or lack of it. There’s so much more of course! I truly love every article and I think you will too.
…just like Gus.



bestselling author

bestselling author








Enhanced – Listen: to the audio article

er big brown eyes welled up with tears. Our oldest child was six. She was learning to read, but we were at a point where she was frustrated and I had insisted that she keep going. I told myself when we decided to homeschool that if my young children indicated to me that they were feeling done with a lesson, I wouldn’t push. I wanted them to love learning, and I knew pushing would not end well because pressure snuffs out learning.
Nonetheless, here I was, acting out of fear and bringing our young daughter to tears. I never forgot that day, and as we added seven more children to our family, my resolve grew stronger to let this learning thing begin and continue naturally, following their cues. Often that meant they weren’t doing some things as quickly as I would have liked, but I knew that I needed to trust whatever natural course seemed a good fit for each of them. I found that when kids are ready, learning can often happen so quickly that it’s hard to keep up!
Our early homeschool days were relaxed and full of wonder. Of course, with eight kids, chaos erupted occasionally, but overall it was pretty peaceful. Much time was spent playing outside, turning over rocks, examining bugs, taking walks, noticing changes in nature, sledding, and biking, or inside, baking and reading books together, experiencing all the wonderful things that childhood should include. Children are so curious and ready to learn about the world around them. It can be very tempting as parents to always insist on a results-driven outcome.


with Steve Demme

nytime I can pause and reflect on the nature of Jesus, I am encouraged and challenged. Jesus was and is the most loving being who has ever set foot on the earth. He was a perfect Son and a perfect Savior. He is God in the flesh for all the world to see. He walked among the inhabitants of Israel for thirty years and lived intimately with twelve.
There is one sentence that He uttered in John 13 and 15 which has transformed my understanding of what it means to love my wife and children well. “Love one another: just as I have loved you.” It’s become my Magna Carta for how to love.
Loving others flows from our inner nature. It stems from the hidden man of the heart. If I want to love well, I must be transformed from within. One attribute or characteristic of Jesus that I want to focus on today is His humility. His meek and lowly heart.
On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus was teaching His disciples and uttered these amazing two sentences, which many of us have memorized.



with
Ashley Wiggers
ave you ever had a day when you wake up and everything you look at or think about can only be viewed by what’s wrong or missing? Small things seem insurmountable. Your focus is on the lack. It makes the child’s bad attitude toward his brother seem so pervasive that it’s hard to remember a time when he has been kind to his sibling. The dirty floor and cluttered counter feel like giant flashing roadsigns signaling what you knew to be true all along: Life has spun out of control and just as you suspected, it’s because you’re not enough.
It’s almost as if your eyes themselves have been coated with a filter that twists everything you see. This coating, if left to itself, becomes your perspective. One that sees circumstances through the lens of hopelessness. I know that word seems overly dramatic here, but if you think about it, that really is at the root. Because if you had hope, you wouldn’t only be seeing what’s wrong and then combining it with that feeling of I don’t know how this will change. That’s hopelessness.
If praise and worship are the language of heaven, what might the language sound like that points the other way? It would have to be complaining, grumbling, no hope, no faith. Ugh. Just think about what these words and attitudes release into our midst.

Join the growing movement of parents who set aside comparisons, take control of their children’s education, choose courage over fear, and let God lead. Parents who homeschool boldly.


Wherever you listen to podcasts or at:






he peace we’re going to talk about isn’t the absence of hard circumstances and never experiencing pain, conflict, or any other type of struggle. If peace were based on perfection it would never happen.
So what does it mean for us to step into peace when it comes to homeschooling?
It’s about creating an atmosphere that supports learning because it gives children a firm foundation to stand on no matter what.





- How can we as Christians have so much knowledge about what the Bible says, yet still struggle so much to live it out?
- Why do so many young people abandon their faith in their young adult years?
- Why are so many people of all ages deconstructing their faith, and what does that even mean?
- What am I personally missing in my walk?
I’m so thankful that when I ask questions, my Father lovingly provides answers in His timing, at least in part. He continues to do so even through working with this magazine. For example, I received access to a sample of RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum from Focus on the Family. It allowed me to preview two of the lessons—and once again, God reinforced what I believe He’s been teaching me over this past year.




ave you ever found yourself wondering if your child will be ready to handle the real world when the time comes? As a mom of grown children, I can tell you—teaching life skills is one of the best investments you can make. Sure, academics are important, but what about the skills they’ll need to actually live day-to-day? Life skills—those practical, everyday abilities—are just as critical as any math problem or book report. And trust me, the effort you put in now will pay off when your adult kids are thriving in their own lives.
Let me give you a couple of examples from my own family. When my kids were younger, I thought saying, “You need to manage your time better,” was enough. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. So, I printed each of them a simple daily schedule and taped it to the refrigerator, expecting they would manage it themselves. They set their own alarms, tracked their activities, and learned how to balance their time. Sure, we had our fair share of missed alarms and “I forgot” moments, but watching them figure it out was pure gold. These days, I delight in knowing they can juggle work, family, and life without constant reminders from mom.


by



rocess art, where the emphasis lies on the journey of creation rather than the final product, is a cornerstone of child development. It offers a unique opportunity to nurture children’s natural curiosity and foster a love for creative expression through hands-on exploration.
I vividly recall speaking at a conference on this topic. After the session, a father approached me and shared his own artistic history. As a child, he had a strong desire to become an artist and enjoyed spending time creating. However, once he entered school, a teacher harshly criticized his work. This profoundly impacted him, not only causing him to abandon his dream of becoming an artist, but also extinguishing his interest in art altogether. This heartbreaking experience highlights the importance of supporting children’s artistic explorations. As homeschool parents, we have the opportunity to nurture a love for art and discovery by understanding the significant benefits of process art.
But first, let’s differentiate between process art and product art. Process art involves providing children with various art materials and allowing them the freedom to explore and experiment with those materials as they see fit. It means that as parents, our only expectation of the art is that the child explores with the materials. What they create or how they create it is up to them.



homeschooling parents, we’re all familiar with planning the curriculum, choosing the right books, and organizing lesson plans. But there’s one “class” often overlooked—the foundational relationship between us and our children. I’m convinced that this relationship is the most important factor in creating a thriving homeschool environment. My wife and I homeschooled our five children, and we view it as giving a huge gift to them.



with Trish Corlew

But let’s be real—reading about animals in a textbook doesn’t always spark that same excitement. So, let’s turn learning about animals into a fun adventure!


with
Kay Chance










into Calm & Connected Learning
ver notice how both your challenging attitudes and your children’s seem to feed off each other? In those moments when power struggles hijack your homeschool day, there’s actually something deeper happening. Something that, once you see it, changes everything about how you respond to each other. This is about creating the kind of relationship you’ve always hoped for—one where both you and your children feel understood, supported, and truly connected.
You know that moment. Your sweet child suddenly morphs into an eye-rolling drama machine, and there you are again trying to stay calm while your child’s attitude is pushing every button you have. Somehow, the more you try to keep it together, the more the attitude seems to escalate.
What if I told you that attitudes—both yours and your children’s—are actually revealing something completely different than most of us realize? Seeing these moments in a new way can transform your daily homeschool life, just like it transformed ours.








your pantry working as hard as it could be? If you’ve ever tossed out expired food or bought duplicates of items you already had, it might be time to rethink your pantry organization.
By learning to rotate your pantry efficiently, you can ensure that nothing goes to waste and everything is used at its peak freshness.
Enhanced – Listen: to the audio article



Jennifer Cabrera

To Your Battle Stations! Never Surrender!

Sighs. Sips coffee. Shoves an ungraded chemistry test aside; a smoldering battlefield we’ll meet on later.
ertainly, stepping into “poised and patient homeschool mom mode” each morning would be a good first step into homeschool peace. If only it were a simple fuzzy-slippered stride into the kitchen; well rested, prepped and planned. Where smiling faces await, united in eagerness to learn together.


with Michelle Moody


ermafrost is ground that stays frozen all year long. It is found in areas where the temperatures stay cold enough to keep the ground frozen every year, all the time.
You might live in an area with very cold weather, and the ground is frozen from November through March (or thereabouts). Ground has to be frozen continuously for two years to be considered permafrost.
“Permafrost covers about 20% of the Earth’s land surface and even extends under the Arctic sea floor.”
Where in the World?
Permafrost covers about 20% of the Earth’s land surface.
Plus, permafrost is also under the Arctic sea floor.
Here are the different areas in the world where permafrost is found:


Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.




Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
ames and his dad shared a passion for gardening, turning it into a cherished hobby. Their journey began with late-night YouTube sessions, where they’d watch garden shows, learning the ropes of gardening from online experts. As their interest grew, they decided to delve into the world of potato cultivation, sparking a year-long project. Surprisingly, they managed to turn this into a high school botany credit without following any specific curriculum. Instead, they faithfully watched 40-minute YouTube gardening shows, absorbing knowledge about plant identification, soil types, and climate variations across the United States. Living in Florida, they ventured to garden shops to gather supplies and experimented with seed planting, nurturing and propagating various plants.
This hobby soon transformed into a passion, offering James a unique approach to scientific learning. It took him outdoors, digging holes, setting up irrigation systems, and solving problems as they arose. His enthusiasm persisted, with him even drafting a list of vegetables to grow in the upcoming year. Beyond the garden, James assumed responsibility for yard maintenance, dealing with tasks like weeding and grass care. He began to contemplate the possibility of turning this skill into a side job. Their family also incorporated gardening into their travels, making it a point to visit botanical gardens nationwide. James’s deep interest and knowledge allowed him to identify plants and trees with ease, showcasing the depth of his passion.




How do I help my high schooler take ownership of organization?
wanted to reorganize my kitchen. Before jumping in, I thought about what items I would be organizing. Would baskets, bins, or drawer organizers be helpful? Could I rehome items that were no longer needed? Did I need to make a list before heading to the store? Successfully reorganizing my kitchen required knowledge, but it also needed to come from personal motivation. Why am I wanting to reorganize my kitchen? The answers to all of these questions helped me move forward.


Curriculum Consultants
Gina Burmeier & Amber Garcia



or kids that love science related activities, Dissect It! ® Lab kits [1] by Top Secret Toys offer a variety of dissection labs targeted for students in Grades 5–8. These labs provide future scientists with a fun learning experience with more choice and less mess compared to preserved specimens. Following the basic instructions, children cut through the gel-like skin to view the interlocking bones and organs. Once completed, each kit includes additional refill packs to recreate the experience. The kits also include safe instruments and interesting information about the animal and its bone structure and organs.

Gina Burmeier & Amber Garcia




or kids that love science related activities, Dissect It! ® Lab kits [1] by Top Secret Toys offer a variety of dissection labs targeted for students in Grades 5–8. These labs provide future scientists with a fun learning experience with more choice and less mess compared to preserved specimens. Following the basic instructions, children cut through the gel-like skin to view the interlocking bones and organs. Once completed, each kit includes additional refill packs to recreate the experience. The kits also include safe instruments and interesting information about the animal and its bone structure and organs.
Science Kits by National Geographic™ explore meteors, chemistry, or worms [2]. Mold together polymers to make two bouncing balls that glow like a real meteor in the meteor kit. Make solutions to see different reactions in the chemistry kit. The worm kit includes making worm eggs, bursting a giant worm egg, making glowing worms, color changing worms, and zombie worms. Adult supervision required.
Thames & Kosmos has two interesting science labs that are just plain fun! Make gummy candy with the Dino Gummy Candy Lab [3] or instant snow with the OOZE Labs Instant Snow Station [4]. All the supplies you need are included, minus a few household items to complete your experiments. A full color illustrated booklet shows you exactly what to do.









ong ago, I was newly married, kidless, and a new pastor at a small country church in rural Indiana. I met a little, wrinkled, old farmer named Walter. He spoke slowly and with unsettling gaps between his thoughts. It was one of my first Sundays at the church, and I vividly remember our first conversation.
“How long have you gone to this church?” I asked, looking down into his face.
Long pause. I was about to repeat myself when he finally spoke, like he was coming out of a trance. “My wife and I are charter members.”
“Wow, that’s a long time,” I responded. “Is your wife here today?”
Pause. “No, she stayed home because she’s been sick,” he said flatly.
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Building Faith Families
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Celebrate Simple & Cheryl Bastian
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Connie Albers/Parenting Beyond the Rules
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Dianne Craft: “Right Brain” Learning System
www.diannecraft.org
Durenda Wilson
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Evangel University
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Focus on the Family
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Folly Beach
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Harding University
www.harding.edu
Heart of Dakota
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Hifalutin Homeschooler
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Hip Homeschool Moms
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Homeschool.com
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Homeschool Boldly Podcast
www.homeschoolboldly.com
Homeschool Essentials
www.homeschoolessentials.net
Kathy Eggers
www.kathyeggers.com
Math Mammoth
www.mathmammoth.com
Moody Publishers
www.moodypublishers.com
Northwest University
www.northwest.edu
Notgrass History
www.notgrasshistory.com
Rainbow Resources
www.rainbowresource.com
Rethink Geography World Map Set
www.geomatters.com/rethink-maps
Spelling Power
www.thespellingpower.com
The Smiling Homeschooler & Todd Wilson
www.thesmilinghomeschooler.com
Summit Ministries
www.Summit.org

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Ashley Wiggers
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Co-Executive Editors
ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR
COPY EDITOR
Subscription Inquiries
ADVERTISING
WEBSITE
Ashley Wiggers
Kay Chance
Alex Wiggers
Cindy Wiggers
Greg Strayer
info@homeschoolingtoday.com
advertising@homeschoolingtoday.com
www.homeschoolingtoday.com
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