Homeschooling during the holidays can feel like a balancing act. Do you stay on schedule or jump into all the festive fun? 

In today’s video, I’m sharing practical, realistic, and fun ways to homeschool through December without burning out, losing your rhythm, or missing out on Christmas magic.

Whether you want to take the whole month off, switch to Christmas-themed learning, or keep your routine with a few festive twists, I’ve got ideas to help you build the perfect December homeschool plan for your family.

If you want a fun, cozy, festive December without losing your homeschool flow, this video will give you tons of ideas and inspiration!

Intro
How to decide whether to take time off or keep homeschooling
Christmas novel study ideas
Fun Christmas unit studies your kids will love
Simple festive activities to add to your school days
How we structure our own holiday homeschool schedule
Outro

Christmas Novels
A Boy Called Christmas ➡️ https://amzn.to/4o9uv4N 
How Winston Delivers Christmas ➡️ https://amzn.to/4pyzE7D 
How Winston Came Home for Christmas ➡️ https://amzn.to/3LXErRk 
The Christmas Carrols ➡️ https://amzn.to/43PdhCh 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever ➡️ https://amzn.to/44g5TQA

Christmas Unit Studies
Christmas Around the world ➡️ https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1812390966/christmas-around-the-world-unit-study 
Christmas Hymns ➡️ https://campfirecurriculums.com/product/caroling_noel/ 
Signs of the Saviour ➡️ https://littlehouselearningco.com/products/signs-of-the-savior-at-christmas 
History of Christmas ➡️ https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/ (this one goes on SALE November 28th!)

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#holidaylearning #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Looking for the best gifts for kids this year? These tried-and-true favourites are fun, creative, and parent-approved! Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, birthdays, or just because.... these are toys and activities your kids will play with again and again.

✨ Here’s what we’re loving lately:

Intro
Alcohol Markers 
Mama Surprise
Polaroid Camera & Printer 
Microphone 
Magna-Tiles & Add-Ons.
Air Dry Clay – Soft, colourful, and mixable for custom creations.
Lego Flower Kits 
Journal with Lock 
Board Games 

💡 These toys spark creativity, imagination, and connection — and they’ve been kid-tested in our house!

Magna tiles https://amzn.to/3XktRpT 
Magna tile doors and windows https://amzn.to/3JLzGJO 
Magna tile car bases https://amzn.to/3JoGehC 
Mama surprise Big https://amzn.to/49tGSVJ 
Mama surprise little https://amzn.to/442O7jA 
Air dry clay https://amzn.to/49Leka7 
Polaroid Camera https://amzn.to/4qHYfbg 
Instax Printer https://amzn.to/3XkYf3u 
Lego Flower kit https://amzn.to/4p34fK9 
Journal with lock https://amzn.to/4nS0g27 
Alcohol Markers https://amzn.to/49HE5bg 
Microphone https://amzn.to/43nOwwS 
Catan https://amzn.to/3WJMLXd 
Ticket to Ride https://amzn.to/43Z8JsY 
Hues and Cues https://amzn.to/49b5MZT 

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#GiftIdeas #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

This week, I’m sharing some of our family’s favourite board games that focus on language, logic, and co-operative play. These games are fun, educational, and get everyone thinking and laughing together!

These board games are perfect for family game nights, homeschoolers, or anyone who loves a good challenge mixed with a lot of fun!

Intro
Scrabble Jr.  
Banana gram 
Pickles to penguins
Kids against maturity 
Clue 
Art society
Hues and Cues
Elf   
5-minute dungeon
5-minute mystery
Villainous
Outro

These games are fantastic for building literacy, problem-solving, and teamwork skills (all while keeping things fun and screen-free).

If you missed last week’s video (all about our math and number games), make sure to check that out next! 🔗 https://youtu.be/Aj9jsxaxWNs

Villainous https://amzn.to/4qrZOtK 
banana gram https://amzn.to/4huZx5l 
Scrabble Jr. https://amzn.to/4qskyS2 
5 minutes mysteries https://amzn.to/4qrC7Sg 
Kids against maturity https://amzn.to/4ozzAUm 
5-minute dungeons https://amzn.to/4nnAh26 
Art society https://amzn.to/4nhNzgz 
Pickles to penguins https://amzn.to/47Fwc4L 
Clue https://amzn.to/3WQPjme 
Elf - https://amzn.to/4hMDiYQ

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#boardgames  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Who says math has to be boring? In this video, we’re sharing our favourite math and number-based board games that make learning fun for the whole family! These games incorporate real math skills—such as addition, strategy, logic, and problem-solving—while keeping kids (and parents!) laughing and engaged.

Whether you’re a homeschool family looking to make math time more exciting, or just want screen-free games that actually teach something, this list is packed with tried-and-true favourites your kids will love.

Kingdomino 
Battleship
Honeycombs 
Monopoly 
Dominos
Dutch blitz 
Blokus 
Mancala 
Catan 
Ticket to ride 
Rummikub 
Tell me in the comments: What’s your family’s favourite educational board game?
Kingdomino https://amzn.to/3L6Z6Sy 
Battleship https://amzn.to/4o7p7ja 
Honeycombs https://amzn.to/3L9kTcg 
Monopoly https://amzn.to/3Wp19Uv 
Dominos https://amzn.to/3WjrpzJ 
Dutch Blitz https://amzn.to/42YpxA5 
Blokus https://amzn.to/3WQPsWO 
Mancala https://amzn.to/4ovd9Qg 
Catan https://amzn.to/4qwl69S 
Ticket to ride https://amzn.to/478rLiT 
Rummikub https://amzn.to/3JvUBAu 

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#boardgames #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

A few years ago, I attended a mompreneur conference where a mom asked how to balance working with kids underfoot. The speaker’s only advice? “Work while the kids are at school!”

That mom nearly cried... and honestly, as a homeschooling parent, I get it. We don’t have the option of sending our kids off for six hours a day. So, how do you make it work when you’re juggling work deadlines, homeschool lessons, and family life (all under one roof)?

In this video, I’m diving into the real struggles, realistic expectations, and practical strategies that make working and homeschooling possible.

Mompreneur Conference Story
The Struggles – Split attention, guilt, and unpredictability are real—but they don’t mean you’re failing.
Setting Realistic Expectations – Balance doesn’t mean equal time; it means being intentional and giving yourself grace.
Practical Strategies That Actually Work:
Time-blocking to stay focused and productive
Working from home tips – quiet baskets, routines, and focus signals
Working outside the home – flexible schooling hours and prioritizing essentials
Outsourcing help – partners, older homeschoolers, delivery services, and online classes
Outro

You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Homeschooling while working is messy, flexible, and full of tradeoffs—but it’s also doable and rewarding.
🌿 Give yourself permission to find a rhythm that fits this season of your life.
💬 I’d love to hear from you: Do you work while homeschooling? What’s your best tip—or biggest struggle? Share in the comments below!

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#balance  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Homeschooling your kids means wearing two very important hats (teacher and parent), and learning when to switch between them isn’t always easy.

In this video, we’re diving into what it really looks like to balance those roles without burning out or breaking connection.

We’ll talk about the challenges every homeschool parent faces (yes, everyone struggles with this!) and share practical ways to make both roles work together—so your home stays both a place of learning and love.

Here’s what’s inside this episode:

Intro
Understanding the Dual Role – The “hat-switching” dynamic of being both teacher and parent—why it’s rewarding and tricky.
The Three Core Areas of Tension:
Discipline – When behaviour interrupts learning: is it disobedience or frustration? 
Learn how to tell the difference and respond with calm consistency.
Relationship – How to protect your connection so homeschooling doesn’t feel like constant correction.
Academics – Managing the pressure to “cover it all” while keeping the focus on mastery, not perfection.
Practical Strategies for Balance – From setting “school hours” and using role cues, to knowing when to pause for peace.

Homeschooling is a beautiful blend of teaching and parenting, but it takes intention to keep that balance. You don’t have to choose between being a great teacher or a loving parent… You can be both!

💬 Let’s chat in the comments: Which role (teacher or parent) do you find hardest to balance?

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#balance  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Ever feel like every other homeschool parent is “doing it all”? Spotless house, thriving academics, home-cooked meals, extracurriculars, happy kids… the list goes on. The truth? Nobody is doing it all. And trying to will only lead to burnout.

In this video, I’m breaking down what balance really looks like in homeschooling—and how to create it in your own home. We’ll bust the myths, redefine balance, and share practical steps you can start using this week to feel less overwhelmed and more at peace in your homeschool.

Homeschooling isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about choosing what matters most in this season and letting the rest go.
I’d love to hear from you! What does balance look like in your homeschool right now? Drop a comment below and let’s encourage each other.

Don’t forget to subscribe for the rest of the series on balance in homeschooling.

Intro
“We’re NOT Doing it All!”
What balance really means 
Acknowledging Different Seasons
Balance in academics  
Balance in the household 
Balance in relationships,  
Balance in personal rest
Practical strategies
Outro

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#Balance #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Come spend the day with us as we share a peek into what homeschooling really looks like in our home! From morning lessons to errands, meals, and our cozy bedtime routine, you’ll see how we balance family life, learning, and everyday responsibilities.

Here’s what’s in today’s vlog:
 📚 School Time – A look at our homeschool rhythm, what we’re working on, and how we keep learning fun.
 🥪 Lunch Break – Simple meals that keep everyone fueled and happy.
🧹 Chores – Pitching in around the house and teaching responsibility as part of our day.
 😬 Orthodontist Visit – Fitting real-life appointments into our homeschool day.
 🌙 Bedtime Routine – Winding down after a full day with reading, family time, and getting ready for tomorrow.

Morning & Breakfast
Chicken Chores
Morning Basket 
Tea
Lessons
Lunch Prep and Piano Practice
Lunch
Laundry
Afternoon Independent Quiet Time
Appointment
Tuesday Evening Activities
Bedtime

Homeschooling isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s full of moments that make it worth it. I hope this video gives you encouragement and inspiration for your own homeschool journey!

💬 Let me know in the comments what your homeschool days look like—I’d love to hear!

Laundry Folding Board ➡️ https://amzn.to/4gNBz4P 

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#dayinthelife #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

A few years ago, we introduced a morning basket into our homeschool, and it completely transformed how our days begin. It’s a simple way to jumpstart learning, add variety, and sneak in a mix of subjects—all in just about 30 minutes! Best of all, the kids love it and don’t even realize how much they’re learning.

Here’s what’s inside our basket:

Intro
Word of the Day 
Poem of the Day
Fun Fact Book
Country of the Day
Canada 365 
Word Games
Novel of the Month 
Wrap-up

In just half an hour, our brains are awake, our creativity is sparked, and we’re ready to dive into the rest of our homeschool day.

✨ Whether you’re new to morning baskets or just looking for fresh ideas, I hope this gives you some inspiration for your own routine!

Word of the Day - Old - https://amzn.to/4mKguul 
New- https://amzn.to/41Am2za 
Poem - https://amzn.to/4m2NNaP 
Canada 365 - https://amzn.to/41Cjtwy 
Weird But True Canada - https://amzn.to/4g9cqS1 
Countries of the world https://amzn.to/42ffZjF 
iPad - https://amzn.to/47p6PEK 


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#morningbasket  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

In this video, I’m walking you through how I lay out our weekly homeschool rhythm. I start by plugging in the non-negotiables (outside activities and commitments), then add in family routines that support our health and connection, and finally layer in the homeschool subjects that happen daily or on specific days.

Here’s how our week looks:
 ✨ Outside commitments – Jiu-Jitsu, co-op, choir, Girl Guides
 ✨ Family health & rhythms – Tea Time, errands, and Family Game Night
 ✨ Homeschool subjects – Language Arts and Math every day, plus Art, Unit Studies and weekly Spelling Tests

This system keeps us organized without being overwhelming. It gives structure, helps me see where the “fixed” pieces of our week are, and makes it easier to plan lessons around real life.

Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or just need ideas for a smoother routine, I hope this gives you inspiration for planning your own homeschool week.

Intro
Planning - to start
Adding some details
Deciding what lessons
Week Walk-through
Outro

PDF Planners available at True North History https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/ 
Printed Planners:
Rainbow Stained Glass: https://amzn.to/3VI5sK1
Black and White flower: https://amzn.to/483oTo0 
Undated: https://amzn.to/45SMruD 

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#weeklyplanning #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling