So I’ve been seeing this question a lot lately — “Do you know any homeschool curriculums that feel more like regular school?” And honestly… yes. Yes I do. Because sometimes we just want something that tells us what to do so we can stop Googling until midnight and maybe get some sleep.

While there is an allure to while initially homeschooling that says you can do things however you want, sometimes that is not at all what you are looking for. And if that’s you, you’re not less of a homeschool mom. It doesn’t mean you’re not “creative enough” or “free-spirited enough” or whatever else the internet tries to make us feel guilty about. Some seasons just need structure. 

If you’re wanting something that resembles the traditional school vibe — textbooks, lesson plans, checkboxes, ALL of those things — here are some solid options. And no, you don’t have to love them all. Just skim and see what makes your shoulders relax a little. There is structure out there for your family. 

Here is MY list of traditional curriculums that could work for you:

• Abeka

Okay, this one is probably the closest to traditional school. Textbooks, quizzes, tests, the whole shebang. Some people love the predictability; some people feel like it’s very intense. Just depends on your kid and your bandwidth. A lot of christian schools use this curriculum because it is so solid.

• A.C.E ( Accelerated Christian Education)

These are the workbooks called “PACEs.” Super structured, very independent. Honestly great if you have multiple kids and need someone — or something — to help keep everyone on track. 

• Alpha Omega Publications

LIFEPAC, Monarch (online), Horizons… they’ve got options. It’s very school-like but still doable at home. Good if you want open-and-go without feeling like you’re assembling a NASA launch sequence. Whats great about this company is you can piece together what works for your kids because there are so many options. 

• Apologia

If you want a strong, biblical curriculum … Apologia is wonderful. Think textbooks + notebooking journals. Very structured but not stiff. Apologia is written in a conversational way to help your student feel like the teacher is right there.

• Berean builders

Another great science option — created by the same author who helped develop early Apologia materials. Very hands on and designed to be the go-to while learning. This is a very solid science curriculum for your middle and high school students. And I see Dr. Jay Wiles name all the time at the homeschool conferences. 

• Bilingual Books

If you want something that actually teaches a second language without you needing to remember your high school Spanish… this is a great one. Not “traditional school” exactly, but structured enough to count.

• Bluestocking Press

Think economics, personal finance, worldview — the kind of stuff you wish you’d learned in high school. Feels very school-ish, but in a good, grown-up way. So again not exactly open and go text books, but it doesn’t necessarily fit in the other learning style boxes.

• Bob Jones University/ Homeworks by Precepts (BJU)

Another classic, traditional, full-curriculum option. Textbooks, tests, teacher guides… it’s all there. Honestly, if you handed this to a former teacher, they’d probably feel right at home. This is a VERY solid, christian option.

• Book Shark (Secular)

If you like the idea of literature-based learning but still want a schedule that tells you exactly what to read on Tuesday… this is it. This is Sonlights sister company, a truly secular version though. It feels like school, but with a lot more books you actually want to read.

• Calvert Homeschool

Very traditional. Very structured. Lots of families love it because it feels like a private school program you can do at home in your pajamas, which honestly sounds incredible.

• Christian Light Education (CLE)

Worktext style. Affordable. Straightforward. Feels like the textbooks we grew up with, but in bite-size pieces. Good for kids who thrive with routine.

• Constitutional Literacy

This one’s more for middle/high school, but if you're wanting something that feels like a legit civics course taught by someone who actually knows what they’re talking about… this is it.

• Eagle’s Wings Education

Good for younger grades. Solid, simple, very structured. Almost feels like those classic workbooks we used growing up, just… better.

• Notgross History

This is a great one because it mixes stories with assignments, and I love it because it actually teaches history in a way biblical way that’s not boring. Very school-ish, but with more heart. I’ve had a lot of friends use Notgross for the kids and I’ve never heard negative reviews.

• Oak Meadow ( Secular)

If you want traditional structure but with a gentler, artsier vibe… Oak Meadow’s your friend.

• Rod & Staff

Very traditional, very straightforward. If you want something that feels like the textbooks you used in the 90s, but more wholesome, this is it. They have very solid grammar and math programs.

• Singapore Math

Okay, if you’ve Googled math at all, you’ve seen this. It’s used in a lot of traditional schools too. Logical, consistent, and actually builds number sense. Yes, it can feel challenging, but in a good “my kid actually gets it” way.


So… do you NEED a “school-like” curriculum?

I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. You know your kids better than anyone. And God has this funny way of equipping us as we go — not before, not all at once, but as we walk it out day by day. Maybe the structure of the curriculum is what you need to see in order to be inspired to build your own curated curriculum.

Some families thrive with textbooks and structure. Some need more freedom. Some switch back and forth depending on the week, the weather, the attitude level in the house… all of it. If you’re just trying to make a decision today, give yourself grace. Pick something that feels doable, not perfect for your family. 
​
And hey — if you’re still overwhelmed after reading all this, grab your coffee and message me. We’ll sort it out together. 

Lori Lacey
To know God and to make Him known

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If you’re thinking about pulling your kids out after Christmas break… just know you are not the only mom Googling homeschool things at 11pm trying to figure this out. Truly. So from the jump, DO.NOT.PANIC.

You are the parent and you are allowed to take control of your child’s education. And good for you for doing so. Redeeming this part of your childs life will be one of the best decisions you will make for your family.

So if you’re starting in January, here are a few things I really want you to know:

1. You don’t have to start perfectly
Can we just agree that January is a weird time to start anything? My kids are still in post-holiday candy withdrawal and I’m over here trying to remember what day it is. AND I’m not sure about you, but January is forever and always tied to failed New Year's resolutions. I never keep these. And I’m sure you struggle too. 

But beginning the journey of homeschooling your kids is NOT a New Years resolution. So don't fall into the trap of thinking you must do this thing perfectly every single day or you fail.
You are transforming the dynamic of your family and that takes time. 

If you are taking your children out of public school I highly, highly recommend deschooling for a period of time. Spend your “school” days reading, spending time together, doing simple crafts, and going for lots of walks. You could start a new hobby together.  And I really do mean this for high schoolers as well. Take 3-4 weeks to just be together and allow the muscle memory of what public school feels like to fade away.

One big thing I would do is check out the HSLDA website for your state's homeschool laws. Especially if your child has been in public school. There are probably some steps you may have to do to notify the local school system. 

Also, it is ok to not jump through the school districts hoops if what they want isn't spelled out in the law… Just saying.

2. You don’t need a full curriculum right away
Don’t panic-order five different math programs. Starting after Christmas actually gives you this beautiful window to try things, borrow things, or even just do a simple workbook from Target while you figure out what your family needs. A lot of curriculum websites offer free intro’s into their curriculums.

 If you know other homeschool families, peruse their curriculums. I would also take the opportunity to attend an open house for co-ops/ microschools/ hybrid schools/ resource centers that are iin your area. This is a fantastic way to see what other homeschool families are doing.

Classical conversations offers all sorts of open houses throughout the “academic year.” You can find a list of their events here. You can join a couple of homeschooling FB groups and see what other families are talking about. You have time to pick out a curriculum that fits your family rhythm. 

Lastly, check out your local library. Chances are they are probably plugged into the local homeschool community and have resources available too. 

3. It might feel weird. And that’s okay
The transition from school to home can be amazing… and also really awkward. For everyone. You’re suddenly with your kids all day and they’re also trying to figure out their new “normal.” Some kids decompress fast, others take months. Some moms too, honestly.

If your house feels a little upside down, you’re probably doing it right. If it feels illegal, you are definitely doing it right. And this is especially true for us parents that grew up in the public school system, it feels absolutely wild to be doing something that fundamentally looks different than state school. It just does.

This season might look messy. A little loud. Maybe confusing. But I promise, the sweetest homeschool moments don’t happen on the first day anyway. They sneak up later when you’re not even trying and you think, wait… we actually get to do this life together. That is the gift of redeeming your time with your children.

If you’re starting after Christmas…

Honestly the biggest thing I want you to hear is this: You’re not behind. There’s no schedule you’re supposed to match. You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. And if this is where God is nudging you, you can absolutely trust that gentle whisper and take this step.
You are the expert of your child and you can trust that knowledge. 

Lori Lacey
To know God and to make Him Known

​

So I’ll be honest, when I first heard “Charlotte Mason,” I thought it was a Pinterest aesthetic.
You know—lace curtains, watercolor quotes, fresh-pressed nature journals, maybe a goat in the backyard nibbling on a vintage tea towel.
And look—I like pretty things. I really do. But I also live in the real world, where breakfast is often just pop-tarts and the toddler is doing somersaults on the couch while I try to remember which child I was supposed to be reading to.

So who was Charlotte Mason, anyway?

Okay. Tiny history detour (I promise I’ll keep it short because I know someone’s already climbing on the kitchen counter right now).
Charlotte Mason was a christian British educator in the late 1800s and early 1900s who believed kids are whole people—not just little buckets to dump information into. She spent her life developing an approach to education that was centered on habits, character, nature, and “living books.” She taught that kids learn best when they’re given rich ideas to chew on—not just facts to memorize.

And also? She didn’t believe in cramming in 7 hours of school a day.

Bless.

Her.

So what is Charlotte Mason homeschooling, exactly?

At its core, Charlotte Mason homeschooling is about feasting on beautiful ideas through books, nature, art, and real-life conversations. It’s slow and intentional and sometimes a little wild (in a muddy-boots-and-frogs-in-pockets kind of way).

Here’s the basic gist:

• Living books (which just means well-written, engaging books—not dry textbooks that make your eyes glaze over)
• Short lessons (especially for little ones—like 10–20 minutes tops)
• Nature time every day if you can swing it (but also, no guilt if it’s raining and you’re surviving)
• Art and music and big ideas—but not turned into worksheets with bubble letters and color-by-number composer facts
• And most of all? Respecting your child as a person.
  Not a project. Not a product. A person.

We’re not hardcore Charlotte Mason purists over here BUT I do believe her style of education has so much to pull from and we’ve borrowed a few things from her style. We love the nature walks that turn into bug hunts. Or reading a chapter of a really good story instead of doing ten pages of a workbook. I have Sam narrate back to me the stories we read but its not that serious.

If you’re coming from public school—or you’re Type A (like so many moms I know)—Charlotte Mason might feel a little… too soft at first.

Like, “What do you mean we’re just reading and going outside and talking about art?” But if you’re craving a slower, more connected kind of learning—it’s worth exploring. It’s not about perfection. Or adding more. Honestly, it gave me permission to do less—and still feel like we were actually learning. Deeply.

And no, you don’t need to buy watercolor paints or go to the woods every day. You don’t need to churn your own butter or start pressing wildflowers between pages of Pride and Prejudice.

Start small.

Read a story.

Step outside.

Look at a flower.

Wonder out loud.

That’s it. That’s the vibe.

And on the hard days (because oh yes, there will be hard days), just know this: You’re doing just fine. You’re loving your kids. You’re building something slow and sacred and lasting.

You’ve got this. 💛

Lori
To know God and to make Him know

P.S Find all sorts of Charlotte Mason curriculums here! You can also find a direct link to her 20 points.  Go check it out now!

Also, are you still interested in homeschooling but really still don't know what it is. Go check out my eBook, it's all about how to start homeschooling.
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My love affair with classical education started many years ago, when I first started going to the Great Homeschool Convention. My absolute favorite session was when Martin Cothran from Memoria Press read a chapter from Anna Kerenina and 200 people discussed it in a classical way. I was enamored by the depth we were able to achieve in such a large group. I went home and read the 900 page book myself.

And it was AMAZING.

So in full honesty, I have always known we would use the classical model in homeschool. No other method seemed like it would be the right fit.

Ok, so the big question… What is classical education? 

Classical education is a method that teaches kids how to think by teaching and following three stages of learning: memorize (Grammar), understand (Logic), and express (Rhetoric).
It’s all about building a strong foundation with facts, then helping kids connect ideas, and finally teaching them to communicate clearly—through great books, big questions, and meaningful conversations.

These 3 stages together are called the Trivium. Which sounds vaguely medieval and a little intimidating. But once I actually looked into it, it made SO. MUCH. SENSE. It’s basically teaching kids how to think, not just what to think. And I love that.

Ok so let's look at each of these 3 stages of the Trivium:

• Grammar stage (the early years): all about memorizing facts, chants, and songs. Think multiplication tables, geography songs, and Bible verses with motions.
• Logic stage (middle school-ish): kids start asking why, and now they’re learning how to reason through stuff instead of just memorizing it.
• Rhetoric stage (teen years): this is where they learn to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. Like, make an argument that isn’t just "because I said so" (which honestly I still use regularly, but whatever).

What does this actually look like in our house?

Well… some days it looks like joining our Classical Conversations (CC) group once a week, coming home feeling inspired (and slightly overwhelmed), and then re-listening to the week's memory work in the car while everyone’s eating Veggie Straws. Other days, it’s just singing skip-counting songs while folding laundry. Or reading a library book about Ancient Rome, and then watching a random but surprisingly educational YouTube video about gladiators.

It’s messy. It’s flexible. And honestly, it’s kind of beautiful.

I won’t pretend I have it all together. I’ve definitely forgotten which week we’re on in our CC guide more times than I want to admit. Some weeks we do memory work in the car, other weeks I completely forget to print the maps. Some days it’s just math and a read-aloud and calling it good. Other days the kids ask big questions and we chase rabbit trails and somehow that feels more valuable than anything I planned.

If you’re thinking about classical homeschooling and you feel like you have to have a Great Books list printed out, a Latin curriculum ordered, and a 10-year plan ready to go—I just want to say: you don’t.

Start small. Try one thing.

Play a song. Read a book. Watch a video.

Let curiosity lead you.

You don’t have to do all the things at once. Honestly, you shouldn’t.
A few memory songs, some good stories, and a lot of grace?
That’s classical homeschooling, too.

And no—you don’t need to know Latin. Unless you want to. (In which case, I fully support your nerdiness and also need your help translating something from my CC guide.)

You’re doing great. Keep going. With you in the mess + the magic,

Lori
To know God and to make Him known

Want some ideas on Classical curriculums? Click here to see what we recommend!

Today we're talking about… learning styles.

Let’s just go ahead and say it — figuring out how your kid learns can feel like a mystery wrapped in a riddle wrapped in a tantrum. One day they love worksheets. The next day they sob over a pencil like it betrayed them. The third their recall over a book they just read was the best you've ever heard! But then the following day they can't read.

If you’ve been wondering:
“Do I have a visual learner? Or auditory? Or maybe they just learn by osmosis while chewing on a crayon?”

You’re not alone.

We’ve been there. Honestly, we’re still there sometimes. 😅 But here’s what I’ve been learning the messy, slow way — your kid does have a natural way they take in information. And when you pay attention to it (instead of just doing what the book says)... things just click more.

👀 Visual Learners

These are the kids who love pictures, charts, color-coded anything. They might:

• Love flipping through picture books
• Be drawn to diagrams, maps, or doodles
• Remember what they saw on the page

What helps:

• Colorful books
• Visual schedules
• YouTube videos or animations
• Highlighters (so many highlighters)

Curriculum Ideas: 

• The Good and The Beautiful
• Apologia Science
• Math-U-See
• All About Reading/All About Spelling
• Sonlight

👂 Auditory Learners

These kiddos are all about sound. They remember what they heard, not what they read. They might:

• Repeat things out loud to themselves
• Love music, rhymes, or read-alouds
• Struggle with written instructions but totally get it when you explain it out loud

What helps:

• Audio books
• Singing songs for memorization
• Talking through concepts
• Read-alouds (even for older kids!)

Curriculum ideas:

• Classical Conversations ( Especially Foundations)
• Story of the World
• IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)
• Compass Classroom
• Veritas Press (Self Paced)

✋ Kinesthetic Learners

These are the movers. The touchers. The kids who have to get their hands on something to figure it out.
They might:

• Wiggle constantly
• Build, climb, act things out
• Remember what they did, not what they saw or heard

What helps:

• Hands-on activities
• Flashcards they can move
• Acting things out
• Drawing while listening

Curriculum ideas

• Handwriting Without Tears
• RightStart Math
• Gather Round Homeschool
• Five in a Row
• Real Science Odyssey

So How Do You Figure Out What They Are?

Here’s what worked for us: Just… watch them. Seriously. Don’t overthink it. Sit back and notice:

• What are they drawn to?
• When do they light up?
• What frustrates them?

And spoiler: most kids are a mix.

Mine? Totally auditory and kinesthetic. So we do lots of fidget toys and songs with hand movements and sometimes snacks. Because why not.

You don’t have to put your kid in a box. You’re just figuring out what helps them connect with the material better. And that’s not cheating. That’s teaching.

Final Thought:There’s no perfect style. No perfect curriculum. No perfect anything. Just a mama doing her best with the kids God gave her.

So take a breath. Watch your child. Adjust as you go.

You’re doing better than you think.
—Lori 💛

To know God and to make Him known

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Okay, real talk? I used to think a “real homeschool routine” meant color-coded blocks and laminated checklists and waking up at 6:00 AM with a smile.

                                                Spoiler: it doesn’t. And I don’t. 😅

I’ve tried to make quite a few versions of “the perfect daily homeschool schedule” and honestly… most of them lasted about a week. Two weeks if I was in a Pinterest mood. I'm not very good with sticking to a super strict schedule. The more detailed I've made them, the easier it seemed to fail.

But I’ve learned a few things the hard way (is there any other way?) and I wanted to share what’s working for us right now. Because building a homeschool routine that actually works is less about structure and more about grace.

                                                      1. Start With Anchors, Not Hours

I don’t plan by the clock. I plan more by the moments of the day. We eat breakfast — then we do our first subject. We clean up lunch and the youngest goes down for a nap — then it’s read-aloud time. Dinner’s in the oven — that’s when I finally do the dishes I've ignored all day. Routines built around natural parts of the day feel way easier to stick to.
 
                                             2. Pick 3 Priorities (And Let the Rest Be Bonus)

Some days we get math, reading, and CC memory work done. Some days it’s just math and a meltdown... If I’ve hit our 3 core things, I call it a win. I do also try to make sure Sam reads at least 1 book by himself at bedtime, before he goes to sleep.

The extras? Art, music, baking, nature walks — they happen when they happen. And they’re lovely. But they’re not required for me to feel like “we did school.” And I feel like when you let these things happen more naturally, they tend to happen more often.

                                                            3. Make Room for Life

Doctor’s appointments, toddler chaos, weird moods, cereal for dinner — they ALL count. Your homeschool routine isn’t meant to replace real life. It’s meant to fit inside it. 

One big thing I do, is I purposely do not make any plans for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This allows us to have more spontaneity for fun things in our routine.

                                                            4. Keep It Short and Sweet

Little kids don’t need hours of seat work. And you know big kids don’t either, honestly. Short lessons, movement breaks, snacks, and grace. Lots of grace. You know when your kids need a break. Don't feel like you have to keep pushing them to finish something just because you have to.

It really is ok if you’re still figuring it out how to plan your homeschool day (like I am every year, honestly), you’re not behind. You’re just building something real. Something sustainable. And something that leaves space for both learning and living.

You’ve got this. ❤️

Lori

To Know God and To Make Him Known

There is culture shift happening. More and more parents, religious or not, are realizing that they are able to raise AND educate their own children. We have all grown up in the “age of experts” and are slowly starting to realize, that we are actually the experts of our own children.

I'm sure the growth of homeschooling today would just blow the minds of those homeschoolers that came before us. It's an exciting time to start homeschooling!

Lori

To Know God and To Make Him Known

My new eBook is available for purchase for JUST $5! It is a simple, how-to guide on how to get started homeschooling today. How To Start Homeschooling With the End in Mind will help you:

• Learn what homeschooling is and isn't.
• Determine the educational philosophy for your family.
• Learn how to determine the best homeschool curriculum for your children.
• A solid list of resources to further your own education.

In Indiana, July 1st marks the start of the NEW SCHOOL YEAR. I don't even know how time went so fast to get us here, but here we are. We will be starting school today. And while I am still working on what curriculum and rhythm looks like, we are getting started with a few things.

One thing that will be different this year, is we will be walking a little bit in step with my sisters-in-law family.  And we don't know exactly what that looks like yet. Also, she's new to homeschooling like me, so we're going to take advantage of learning things together. One thing we are doing together this year is co-op which is going to be so great!

Moving along to the purpose of today's blog!

​Each week I will blog what is coming up in our week, both academically and activities. This is definitely an accountability thing. If I put it out into the internet, my follow though will be better, right?

So, anyways, this year I have actually tried to map out a bit what our day looks like. One thing that has been so hard for me is getting into good routines here at home. It's hard for ME to stay on track. AND it's been hard for me to cut back on some of our tv habits. I will say, I've worked pretty hard on cutting out electronic devices, which I have been fairly successful at. Sams behavior has been all the better for it. Now we just need to adjust how much tv we're actually watching. Like this thing does not need to be on all day.

Ok, this is what we have on deck for activities this week. It's going to be a pretty slow week:

Monday- Start our new routine.
Tuesday- Woods and Books creek play in the morning
Wednesday- Regular homeschool day
Thursday- Holiday! No school.
Friday- Regular homeschool day
Saturday- Regular homeschool day
Sunday- Church

For anything curriculum this week, we are focusing mostly on reading right. Sam is VERY VERY ready to read. So, my goal is to ramp up reading times. Later this week I will post what our daily schedule looks like and give an update on how well I'm following through. Eventually we will be adding in other subjects.

Reading list:
Proverbs- 1 chapter each morning at breakfast
Winnie the Pooh- Finish at least 3 chapters
Bob Books- Officially move past the first 5 books. Sam has struggled with remembering certain key words, such as the word and. It's been a month or so since we last read any of these books. So, I am hoping some of these reading word issues have resolved themselves.

Bible memory:
Deuteronomy. 6:5

Thats it for now friends! Have a lovely week!

Lori

To Know God and To Make Him Known