In this episode, I’m sharing how The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment shaped my vision for homeschooling and gave me the encouragement I needed to embrace my ideals. I’ll walk you through the heart behind our homeschool, the resources and curriculum we’ve chosen for this season, and the eclectic mix of styles that influence our days. Whether you’re just starting to dream about homeschooling or you’re in the thick of choosing curriculum, I hope this peek into our setup reminds you that there isn’t one “right” way to school – just the way that works best for your family.

Check out this episode!

Curriculum we are currently using:

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All About Reading

We have loved this curriculum! We’ve used Pre-Reading, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 with plans to finish out with Level 4. “This scripted, open-and-go program was developed for busy parents, teachers, and tutors who want to teach reading in the most effective way possible. Research-based multisensory instruction with lightly scripted lessons that give results with only 20 minutes a day. Proven, mastery-based program that covers phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension ensuring no gaps in learning.”

We also started using the All About Spelling program as well and the boys are enjoying it, too!

Math-U-See

“The Math-U-See Curriculum is a complete and comprehensive K–12 math curriculum. Each level concentrates on a specific set of skills, while continuously reviewing and integrating topics and concepts presented in previous levels. By using tools such as videos, manipulatives, and other resources, the Math-U-See Curriculum is designed to appeal to all types of learners in a variety of learning environments.”

Handwriting without tears

Focused on Explicit Handwriting

“With our clear, systematic instruction and child-friendly methods, we streamline the learning process, keeping students engaged from uppercase through to cursive letters.

• ^{Explicit instruction combined with guided practice to promote handwriting automaticity.} 
• ^{Developmentally appropriate sequence flows from Pre-K–6.} 
• ^{Seamlessly integrates with literacy curricula for effective handwriting instruction.} 
• ^{Hands-on tools build vocabulary and alphabet knowledge prior to writing.}  
• ^{Multisensory activities engage all learners and develop fine motor skills.} 
• ^{Research-backed curriculum with an intuitive and customizable design.} “

Writing Instruction

I follow Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop and I love the book Talking, Drawing, Writing as well. Those two books below are so helpful for really understanding the writing process and the process of learning to be a writer for kids.

I also enjoy using some of the Building Writers workbooks from Handwriting without Tears. This is great for helping students write in different styles: Informative, persuasive, etc. It gives them a more technical writing opportunity, and the workbooks are really easy and fun to use.

The Art of Teaching Writing

Talking, Drawing, Writing: Lessons for Our Youngest Writers

Some other curriculum recommendations are Master Books for science and social studies – they offer a ton of different subjects and grade levels as well though.

Classical Conversations

We’re so excited to be joining a CC Community this year and we can’t wait to dive into Classical education alongside other families. Here’s a brief description about Classical Conversations from their website:

“Classical Conversations empowers you to guide your child’s educational development at every age (and teaches you, too!). Our Christ-centered homeschool curriculum is rooted in the classical model and is in tune with the way children naturally learn.

We believe education is best experienced together, and that’s why community is the bedrock of our homeschool model. When you’re a part of Classical Conversations, you belong to a local community that’s got your back, whether you need help with math or an extra hand running errands.

You and your child benefit from the type of comprehensive, Christian education that creates a lifelong love of learning.

We’re the homeschool program that helps you cultivate an inquisitive, thoughtful child through an intentional, community-based approach. Learning together with families like yours, you’re equipped with the tools and support to teach a Christ-centered worldview that’s rooted in the classical model.”

Book Recommendations:

The following are books that I revisit time and time again when I need encouragement or a refresher or even a reminder of why we homeschool especially in the tough seasons.

The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace

The Wild + Free Family

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Slow Family Living

Raising Mentally Strong Kids

The Young Child and Mathematics

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or mama who might be walking a similar path. You can also leave a review or message me — your words mean the world and help others find this space.

I’ve included links to some of the books that helped shape my homeschool journey. These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to purchase through them. I only share what I truly love and trust.

Thank you for being here. I’m so grateful to walk this journey with you.

— Brittany