Language Arts Survival Guide for Homeschooling Moms Who Live for Words

If you know me, then you know that if there’s one subject I get genuinely excited about, it’s Language Arts. Reading stories, analyzing characters, crafting essays, and exploring the magic of words—it’s my happy place. Sharing that excitement with my kids? Well, it’s a mix of joy, chaos, and occasional eye-rolling, but it’s worth every minute.

1. Stories Are the Heart of Language Arts

I believe reading is an adventure waiting to happen. From picture books with toddlers to complex novels with my high schoolers, stories ignite imagination and critical thinking. They give you an escape each and every day, so you can live a thousand lives. I love seeing my kids light up when a plot twist hits, or when a character’s choices spark a lively discussion.

2. Writing is Play—and Discovery

Some days, writing is messy, frustrating, or full of groans. But I encourage my kids to play with words, craft stories, and express themselves—even if it’s a silly poem about the dog eating homework. Writing is less about perfection and more about exploring ideas and finding your voice. And honestly, their creativity often surprises me (and makes me laugh).

3. Make Grammar Less Scary

Grammar doesn’t have to be a monster hiding under the bed. I approach it with humor, games, and real-life examples. We diagram sentences like detectives solving a puzzle or hunt for nouns and verbs in our favorite books. When learning is interactive, it sticks—and nobody’s falling asleep mid-lesson.

4. Let Discussions Flow

I love hearing my kids’ interpretations, even when they’re wildly different from mine. Why did the character make that choice? What would you have done? Discussion nurtures critical thinking and builds a love for analyzing and questioning—not just memorizing plot points. Plus, it helps develop deeper emotional intelligence. 

5. Celebrate Every Little Victory

Maybe my 4th grader wrote a clever paragraph, or my high schooler finally nailed a persuasive essay. Celebrate it! Every bit of progress in reading, writing, or thinking critically deserves applause. Positive reinforcement fuels motivation more than any worksheet ever could.

6. Use Multimedia to Spark Interest

Videos, audiobooks, and interactive story apps can breathe life into lessons. Sometimes, listening to a dramatic reading of a classic poem sparks more excitement than a quiet textbook approach—and it gives me a break from having to narrate every line. I do a ton of reading out loud, but an audio book can save my voice and give even more depth to the characters, with background music and sound effects. 

7. Short, Engaging Lessons Win

Even with a love for words, attention spans matter. Fifteen to twenty-minute bursts of focused reading, discussion, or writing keep energy high and frustration low. And yes, it leaves space for me to sneak a coffee or catch my breath.

8. Humor and Flexibility Keep Us Sane

Language Arts is emotional (just ask my teen daughter who fell in love with Mr. Dacy), messy, and occasionally chaotic—especially with younger kids or a toddler underfoot. Laugh at typos, celebrate creative tangents, and be willing to adapt. My enthusiasm for the subject keeps me patient, flexible, and excited, even when a grammar game turns into an impromptu living room charade.

Bonus Tip: Keep a “Language Arts Mom Kit” nearby—favorite books, pens, highlighters, notebooks, sticky notes, and maybe hot cocoa. Passion for words is contagious, and being prepared helps you share it without losing your mind (or your lunch, if we’re honest).

History Survival Guide for Homeschooling Moms Who Love History (and Want to Share It!)

I’ll admit it: I love history. Give me a good story about a revolutionary hero, an ancient civilization, or a wild turn of events, and I’m hooked. Sharing that passion with my kids? That’s the fun (and sometimes challenging) part of homeschooling. Here’s how I keep history engaging, even when the kids might not be as naturally obsessed as I am.

1. Stories Are Everything

History isn’t about memorizing dry dates—it’s about stories. I tell my kids about the people behind the events: their fears, their triumphs, their mistakes. Whether it’s the “oops” moments of the American Revolution or the adventurous journeys of explorers, making history human keeps everyone interested and is much more memorable than a date.

2. Hands-On History is Magical

I love bringing history to life with props, costumes, projects, and trips. We’ve built cardboard castles, reenacted famous speeches, and even cooked a few historical recipes (yes, the kids are surprisingly fond of 18th-century bread). We've spent days at Michillimakinac watching the re-enactments. Hands-on activities turn lessons into memories—and give me a chance to share my own enthusiasm for the subject.

3. Videos, Podcasts, and Virtual Trips Keep Us Going

Even a history-loving mom needs backup sometimes. I lean on documentaries, podcasts, and virtual museum tours to enrich lessons. Not to mention shows like Liberty Kids. These resources spark discussion, and they allow me to geek out with the kids without sounding like a history lecture machine.

4. Connect the Past to Today

I love showing my kids why history matters. From holidays to government, music to architecture, history is all around us. Making these connections turns my excitement into theirs—it’s one thing to read about the Boston Tea Party, and another to explain how it shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

5. Short, Sweet, and Engaging Lessons Work Best

Even a history lover knows that attention spans can be short. We do focused 15–20 minute lessons for younger kids, with longer discussions for the older ones. This keeps the excitement high, the debates lively, and prevents history fatigue.

6. Encourage Opinions and Debate

I love asking my kids, “What would you have done?” or “Do you think that was fair?” History is full of perspectives, and hearing their takes—even when they’re silly—keeps lessons interactive and fun. Bonus: it’s a chance to challenge them to think critically while I get to cheer on the discussion. There are so many "moments" that shaped our culture and society, and kids love to talk about the "what ifs" of history.

7. Celebrate Curiosity and Passion

I celebrate every “aha” moment, every interesting observation, and every question—even the ones that lead to rabbit holes. History is a living subject, and my job is to share my excitement while letting their curiosity guide the journey.

8. Keep Humor and Flexibility Close

Sometimes lessons don’t go as planned: a project collapses, a debate goes sideways, or a toddler wanders in with a dinosaur question. Laugh it off, explore the tangent, and roll with it. My love for history helps me stay patient, flexible, and excited, even on chaotic days.

Bonus Tip: Keep a “History Mom Kit” handy—maps, sticky notes, props, and maybe an old-fashioned recipe for emergencies. Sharing your love of history is easier when you’re prepared for tangents, debates, and enthusiastic interruptions.

Science Survival Guide for Homeschooling Moms Who Don’t Feel Like Scientists

For my second segment of teaching tips, I thought I would discuss one of the harder subjects to remember to teach. We all remember to teach Math (perhaps because so many of us dread it?) but Science is easy to forget. 

If the thought of dissecting frogs, memorizing the periodic table, or explaining photosynthesis makes you break out in a cold sweat, take heart: science can be fun, messy, and even enjoyable—without requiring a PhD. I have to admit, I enjoy the dissections, but my kids don't enjoy it quite as much. But here’s how to survive (and maybe even thrive) teaching science at home.

1. Science is Curiosity, Not Perfection

You don’t need to know all the answers. Modeling curiosity is the secret sauce. Say things like, “I wonder what will happen if…?” or “Let’s find out together!”—your kids learn that exploration is more important than correctness. Bonus: you don’t have to Google everything in front of them. Although if you find a really neat caterpillar, it is absolutely fine to use Google to learn about it right in that moment. 

2. Hands-On Experiments Are Your Lifesaver

Forget dry textbooks. Simple experiments bring science to life and keep everyone engaged. Baking soda volcanoes (just be mindful that Dad may use too much baking soda and stain the ceiling!), floating eggs, or rainbow in a glass—all these are easy, cheap, and messy enough to make learning memorable. And yes, the mess can double as a reason to laugh together.

3. Turn Everyday Life into a Lab

Science isn’t confined to a classroom. Cooking is chemistry, gardening is biology, and laundry is physics (yes, gravity is real when socks fly in the dryer). Observing clouds, birds, or even ants teaches kids to notice patterns and ask questions. Plus, it’s a chance to get fresh air without leaving your backyard.

4. Use Videos, Apps, and Virtual Field Trips

Not a scientist? No problem. YouTube, science apps, and virtual museum tours let your kids explore complex topics with friendly guides. You can “co-pilot” the lesson without feeling like you’re leading a lecture you barely remember from school. A day trip to the local museum or STEM center can be an amazing learning opportunity. 

5. Short Bursts Beat Long Lectures

Science experiments can be exhausting for both kids and parents. Fifteen to twenty-minute sessions—especially for younger kids—keep focus high and frustration low. The bonus: you can sneak in a coffee break while the experiment “runs” itself (think vinegar baking soda reactions or a seed sprouting in a cup).

6. Encourage Questions (Even the Silly Ones)

Science thrives on questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do cats purr?” “Why can’t I eat my science textbook?” Answer some, investigate others, and occasionally laugh at the ridiculousness. Modeling curiosity beats memorization every time. Teach your children to search for answers, and they'll be able to learn anything.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Maybe your 4th grader finally grasps the water cycle, or your 7th grader builds a working simple machine. Celebrate it! Science is cumulative—small discoveries lead to big understanding, and confidence grows faster than a fast-germinating bean.

8. Keep Humor and Flexibility Front and Center

Science doesn’t always go as planned. Explosions might be bigger than intended, plants might not sprout, or your toddler may dump the experiment all over the floor. Laugh, reset, and remember: the goal is learning, not perfection.

Bonus Tip: Keep a “Science Survival Kit” handy—paper towels, goggles, a sense of humor, and maybe coffee for the parent. Experiments are more fun when you’re prepared for anything (including accidental eruptions).