Starting the New Year Write: Building a Love for Language in Homeschool
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Release Date: 01/23/2025
Order With Me: 2025–2026 Homeschool Curriculum Picks (4th & 8th Grade Favorites!)
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
It’s that time again—Order With Me for next school year! 🎉 I’m walking you through our 2025–2026 homeschool curriculum picks for 4th and 8th grade: what we’re sticking with, what we’re trying new, and how I’m keeping things simple, structured, and still flexible. Because let’s be honest—clicking “place order” is both terrifying and deeply satisfying. 😅📚 ✨ If you’re knee-deep in homeschool prep, this episode is your permission to get excited. We’re not just planning—we’re planting seeds for a great year. 🛒 BONUS: I’ve got a FREE homeschool planning...
info_outline
Plan With Me For Next Year | Real-Life Homeschool Planning for 2025–2026 (4th & 8th Grade!)
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Hey friends! ✨ It’s that time again—Plan With Me For Next Year! I’m diving headfirst into our 2025–2026 homeschool plans for 4th and 8th grade, and you’re coming along for the ride. 📚🗓️ I’m sharing how I map out our homeschool year—from curriculum picks to building in flexibility and creating a rhythm that actually fits real life. Because let’s be honest, the best plan is the one that works for your family. 💡 Want to plan right alongside me? Grab my FREE homeschool planning template here: 👉 Whether you’re new to homeschooling or deep in the trenches, this...
info_outline
Are You Confusing School With Learning? The Truth Most People Miss
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Hey friends, Shanna here! 💖 Today we’re talking about a BIG mindset shift: Are you making the mistake of confusing school with learning? Because let’s be real—school and learning are not the same thing. 📚❌ Just because a kid checks all the boxes or sits through all the lessons doesn’t mean they’re actually learning something that sticks. And that pressure to “do school right” can get in the way of some of the best learning moments—like those late-night deep talks, kitchen science, or car ride trivia battles. ✨ In this episode, I’m breaking down how we draw the line...
info_outline
Need to Know, But Rarely Taught | Life Skills Our Kids Actually Need
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Let’s talk real life—because some of the most important things our kids need to know just aren’t being taught. I’m talking life skills: time management, stress regulation, basic home and health know-how… the stuff that builds confident, capable humans. But where are the resources? In this episode, I’m diving into the gaps—what’s missing, what I’ve pieced together, and why I think we’re all out here low-key winging it. 💁♀️✨ 💬 Do you have a go-to book, video, course, or game that actually teaches these life skills in a meaningful way? Or are you, like me,...
info_outline
Small Dose of Commitment: Homeschooling Without the Overwhelm
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Feeling like homeschooling—or just life—is a lot right now? Let’s simplify. In this episode of Making Everyday Magic, I’m talking about how a small dose of commitment can go a long way in creating consistency, calm, and actual progress without the overwhelm. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t have to go all-in. You just need a little courage to show up, take a micro step, and keep moving forward. I’m sharing how that’s working in our secular homeschool journey, why I’m leaning into grace over perfection, and how you can do the same—no matter what season...
info_outline
Simplify or Burn Out: Getting Honest About Our Homeschool Limits
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Okay, friend—this one’s raw, real, and exactly what I needed to hear myself say. As we look ahead to our ninth year of homeschooling (what?!), I’m getting brutally honest about where we’re heading, what’s working, and what absolutely isn’t. It’s time to stop pretending we can do all the things. I’m chatting about why I’m skipping the guilt, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and finally leaning all the way in to a simpler homeschool—on purpose. From considering new history options (like Black American History + TPT resources) to passing on curriculum I want to love but...
info_outline
Planting Prior Knowledge: The Secret to Real, Lasting Learning in Homeschool
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Let’s talk about the kind of learning that actually sticks. In today’s episode, I’m diving into why planting prior knowledge—exposing our kids to big ideas early and often—matters way more than cramming facts or teaching to the test. This one’s for all my fellow homeschoolers playing the long game. We’re building a foundation of understanding, not just a checklist of facts. When we let go of the "test everything" mindset and focus on meaningful exposure, we’re setting our kids up for those “ah-ha” moments later on. It’s not about what they can recite today—it’s about...
info_outline
Thinking Homeschool? Start Here! | Your Real-Life, Quick-Start Homeschool Guide
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
So, you're thinking about homeschooling... but have no clue where to start? I’ve got you. 💛 In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life, no-fluff quick-start homeschool guide to help you move from “just thinking about it” to actually getting started—with confidence. We’ll talk about why people homeschool, bust some common myths, and cover the most important first steps to take. I’ll also share a bit of my own homeschool journey and what I wish I had known when I started. ✨ What You’ll Learn: ✅ What you actually need to get started ✅ The biggest mindset shifts to make...
info_outline
Is Free Chemistry Worth It? 🔥 | Honest Review of ACS Middle School Chemistry Curriculum
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Is free chemistry actually worth it? 🤔 Spoiler alert: YES, it is! 🙌 In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the ACS Middle School Chemistry curriculum is one of the BEST completely free homeschool resources out there. From high-quality lessons to hands-on experiments using everyday materials, this curriculum brings chemistry to life without costing you a dime. 🔬✨ I’m sharing exactly how we’re using it in our homeschool, what makes it such an amazing find, and how you can grab it (plus a free bonus from me—test blanks to make it even easier! 📄🎯). Why ACS Middle...
info_outline
Never Have I Ever: Homeschool Mom Confessions 🤭 | Popular Trends & Curriculum I’ve Skipped!
Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast
Let’s play Never Have I Ever: Homeschool Mom Edition! 🤭✨ In today’s episode, I’m spilling the tea on all the homeschool trends, popular curriculum, and "must-dos" that I’ve never tried — and honestly? I don’t regret it one bit. 😂 Homeschooling looks different for every family, and sometimes skipping the popular things is the best way to make your magic. 💖 I’m sharing my real experiences with popular learning trends I passed on, curriculum I’ve never used, and why doing your own thing is totally okay. 🙌 Now it's your turn: what's on YOUR “Never Have I Ever”...
info_outlineLet’s kick off the new year by focusing on what truly matters—fostering a love for language and storytelling in homeschool! 🎉
In this episode, I’m sharing my philosophy on teaching the essential building blocks that help kids develop a passion for expressing themselves through language. Instead of diving straight into formal writing, I focus on nurturing creativity, communication, and confidence. Night Zookeeper has been an incredible resource for bringing these concepts to life in a fun and engaging way.
Why Focus on Language Before Formal Writing?
Encouraging kids to explore storytelling, wordplay, and creative expression helps them build a natural comfort with language. These foundational skills make formal writing a smoother, more enjoyable process.
How Night Zookeeper Helps:
Night Zookeeper uses interactive lessons and fun activities to spark excitement about storytelling and language exploration. It’s the perfect tool for helping kids develop a love of language while gently introducing writing concepts in an approachable, stress-free way.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- My approach to teaching the building blocks of language in homeschool.
- How storytelling fosters a natural love for communication.
- Why Night Zookeeper is an amazing tool for creative growth.
- Practical tips for creating a homeschool environment where writing feels effortless and fun.
Special Offer:
👉 Get 50% off Night Zookeeper! Start the New Year Write with this amazing tool: https://bit.ly/3ZWQJwu
Let’s Connect!
Follow me for more homeschool inspiration, secular resources, and tips for Making Everyday Magic.
#StartingTheNewYearWrite #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolWriting
💖-Shanna