Homeschool record keeping doesn't have to be stressful—or take up all your time. In this episode, I'm sharing my easy homeschool portfolio and record keeping system for 2025–2026, plus the digital tools and resources I'm using to stay organized this year.

Whether you're brand new to homeschool organization or just looking for a simpler way to manage records, this episode will give you ideas to keep everything consistent and stress-free.

Let's make homeschool record keeping easier, faster, and actually doable—so you can focus on what really matters: learning together.

💡 Have a favorite record keeping hack or portfolio tip? Send it my way—I'd love to hear how you're keeping your homeschool organized this year!

Hey friends, Shanna here! 🌟 Can you believe this is the 50th episode of Making Everyday Magic? 🎉 To celebrate, I'm getting extra real with you about something every homeschool parent struggles with but doesn't always admit—confessions.

If you've ever felt homeschool guilt, compared yourself to others, or worried you're not doing enough, you're not alone. 💛 In this milestone episode, I'm sharing the confessions every parent needs to hear and how to finally let go of the guilt so you can embrace joy, connection, and a positive homeschool mindset.

Fifty episodes in, and the biggest lesson I've learned is this: perfection isn't the goal—connection is. ✨

Thank you for being here, thank you for listening, and thank you for making this journey magical with me. Here's to the next 50 episodes together! 🥂

#HomeschoolConfessions #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolEncouragement #PositiveHomeschoolMindset #HomeschoolJourney #HomeschoolLife #50thEpisode

Hey friends, Shanna here! 🌟 Thinking about starting secular homeschooling? Before you dive in, let's talk about the 5 realities I wish someone had told me when we first began.

Secular homeschooling isn't less—it's just different. It means teaching with evidence-based resources, critical thinking, and academic excellence without faith-based content. But the path comes with a few surprises:

1️⃣ Finding quality secular curriculum is harder than expected 2️⃣ You'll feel like the odd one out… a lot 3️⃣ Advocating for yourself is a must 4️⃣ It's not less, just different 5️⃣ Freedom is amazing—but also a challenge to structure

If you're considering secular homeschooling or already feeling a little overwhelmed, this episode will give you real talk, encouragement, and practical tips. Join our Making Everyday Magic community as we navigate homeschooling with honesty, humor, and heart. 💛

What secular homeschool reality surprised you most? Share your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going!

#SecularHomeschoolRealities #MakingEverydayMagic #WhatIWishIKnew #SecularHomeschooling #HomeschoolJourney #HonestHomeschool

Hey friends, Shanna here! 🌟 Today's episode is extra special—I'm joined by our resident dad to share his honest take on why we homeschool. You've heard my side of the story, but what does Dad really think about kitchen-table science, pajama math lessons, and the rollercoaster ride of learning at home? 🤔

We're diving into the ups, downs, and unexpected joys that make our homeschool journey unique. Whether you're curious about homeschooling, already on the path, or just love hearing different perspectives, this conversation is full of laughs, real talk, and plenty of magic. ✨

Hit play, subscribe, and let's keep making everyday magic together! 💛

#WhyIHomeschool #MakingEverydayMagic #DadThoughtsOnHomeschool #HomeschoolLife #FamilyLearning #HomeschoolJourney

Alright friends—let's talk history. If you've ever felt like homeschool history is either boring, overwhelming, or impossible to find without the fluff—this episode is for you.

I'm sharing my Hot Takes: History I Would Recommend—the secular, smart, and actually engaging resources that are making a real difference in our homeschool. No busywork. No filler. Just meaningful, context-rich history that sticks.

Here's what I'm covering: ✨ The power of Crash Course Black American History ✨ The depth of David's History for the Ages ✨ Affordable finds on Teachers Pay Teachers ✨ Thought-provoking lessons from the OER Project ✨ The immersive storytelling of The Nomadic Professor

If you're tired of history feeling like a snoozefest or you've been struggling to find secular homeschool history resources that spark curiosity—this is your sign. These are the tools that bring clarity, context, and critical thinking into our homeschool days.

💬 I'd love to hear from you! What's the best history resource that's worked in your homeschool? Drop a comment or share with me so we can build a library of awesome options together.

And as always—don't forget to subscribe and join me here every week as we keep making everyday magic.

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• Crash Course Black American History → https://thecrashcourse.com/ @crashcourse

• Teachers Pay Teachers → https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/

• Quiz Bundle I Use → https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/COMPLETE-CRASH-COURSE-Black-American-History-Series-Google-Forms-Quiz-Bundle-8225051

• David's History for the Ages → https://www.youtube.com/@HistoryfortheAges

• OER Project → https://www.oerproject.com/

• The Nomadic Professor → https://www.thenomadicprofessor.com/

#HotTakesHistoryIWouldRecommend #HomeschoolHistory #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolPodcast #MakingEverydayMagic

💖 Just a mama making magic, —Shanna

Alright friends, let's get real—is it a privilege? Today, I'm digging into a tough but necessary conversation about privilege: how it shows up in homeschooling, how it shapes our choices, and the role it plays in everyday life.

This isn't the fluffy side of homeschooling—it's the real talk we need if we're going to be honest about the blessings, blind spots, and challenges that come with the journey.

⚠️ Heads up: this episode is not for kids. This one's for the grown-ups ready to reflect on what privilege looks like in our homeschool lives and beyond.

I'm sharing my own experiences, questions, and reflections on the ways privilege impacts access, opportunities, and the way we see the world. Ignoring it doesn't help anyone—so let's talk about it.

👉 What do you think? Drop your thoughts, questions, or pushback. Let's have the conversation together.

#IsItAPrivilege #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolTruths #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolCommunity #RealTalk #HomeschoolMoms #HomeschoolFamily #HomeschoolJourney

So… I did a thing. I organized my very first homeschool science class—and I lived to tell the tale! 🧬🌍

In this episode of Making Everyday Magic, I'm spilling all the details about pulling together a group for homeschool science classes at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. We've been attendees before, but being the one coordinating everything? Whole. Different. Story.

✨ What you'll hear: ✔️ My honest experience organizing a homeschool class from scratch (well… sort of) ✔️ How the HMNS setup works (and why it's totally worth it) ✔️ Finding local homeschool opportunities you didn't know existed ✔️ Tips for creating your own group or co-op—without losing your sanity

If you've ever wondered what it takes to organize something like this—or you're just curious if you should—this is your behind-the-scenes peek at the good, the tricky, and the surprisingly doable parts.

💬 I'd love to know—have you ever taken the plunge and organized a class, a field trip, or a co-op? What would you want to plan for your homeschool crew?

#HomeschoolScience #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolMomLife #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolCoop #HomeschoolTips #HomeschoolCommunity #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolOrganization

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!

Just wrapped up a whirlwind homeschool road trip through the South—and I'm giving you the full download. From feeding parrots in the Smokies to rafting, go-karts, and yes… Buc-ee's bathrooms, this trip had everything—adventure, learning, and a bit of chaos.

So would I recommend this homeschool field trip? Well… there were some wins, a few surprises, and some definite "next time we'll skip that" moments.

In this episode, I'm sharing:

• What worked, what flopped, and what I'd do differently

• Honest reflections as a secular homeschool mom planning around learning AND fun

• Real tips for roadschooling and traveling with kids

• The surprising places that made the biggest impact (and the ones that didn't)

💡 Whether you're planning your own homeschool field trip or just want the scoop on educational travel in the South, this one's for you. Let's talk flexible learning, making memories, and how we find everyday magic—even on the road.

🎯 Perfect for: • Secular homeschoolers • Families planning a multi-stop trip • Travel lovers wondering what's actually worth it with kids

👇 Hit play and let's chat about: Nashville | Graceland | Dollywood | New Orleans | The Smokies | Go-Karts | Live Bears | Mini Golf | and more

Got a favorite homeschool-friendly destination? I want to hear it! #WouldIRecommendThisHomeschoolFieldTrip #HomeschoolTravel #MakingEverydayMagic #Roadschooling #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolFieldTrip #HomeschoolMomLife #EducationalTravel #DollywoodWithKids #HomeschoolPodcast

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!

Let's talk about record keeping for this school year—or in my case, playing some serious catch-up. 😅 If you're behind on logging hours, organizing your homeschool year, or just trying to remember what actually happened… you're in good company.

In this episode, I'm diving into: 📚 what record keeping looks like in our homeschool 🧠 why I'm finally shifting gears as we head into 8th grade 📂 how I'm simplifying systems to make things more sustainable next year

Here in Texas, we don't technically have to track much—but with high school (and college) on the horizon, it's time to start laying the groundwork. Whether you're super organized or totally winging it, there's space for you here.

💬 Are you caught up on your records—or flying by the seat of your pants like me? Come join the conversation and let's figure it out together.

If you're into honest homeschool chats, real-life strategies, and encouragement without pressure, hit that SUBSCRIBE button and let's keep the magic going. 💛

#RecordKeepingForThisSchoolYear #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolPlanning #SimpleHomeschool #HomeschoolCatchUp #HomeschoolOrganization #HomeschoolPrep #SecularHomeschool #RealLifeHomeschool #HomeschoolMomLife

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!

We made it, friends! 🎓 In this Year End Review Of Our Homeschool, I'm reflecting on what might've been our most unpredictable—and most meaningful—year yet. Life got messy, but homeschool let us breathe through the chaos and come out stronger.

This episode dives into: 📚 What actually worked (and what totally didn't) 🔁 How flexibility carried us through the hard stuff 🌿 The real-life lessons we didn't plan for 💡 Why I'm feeling hopeful and already dreaming about next year

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to homeschool through a hard season and still find growth and joy on the other side—this one's for you.

✨ Whether you're planning, pivoting, or just surviving—you are not alone. Let's wrap up the year with honesty, gratitude, and a little bit of magic.

💬 What did you learn this homeschool year? Come share your wins and lessons with me!

#YearEndReviewOfOurHomeschool #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolReflection #EndOfHomeschoolYear #FlexibleHomeschooling #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolWins #HomeschoolMomLife #RealLifeHomeschool #HomeschoolReview

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!