Our Homeschool Update: Curriculum We’re Using, Summer Plans & What’s Working for Our Family
It has been a while since I’ve shared an update on our homeschooling journey, so I thought it would be a good time to share where we are, what curriculum we’re currently using, whether we take a summer break, and just give an honest update on how the boys are doing.
One question I get a lot is: Do you homeschool year-round or take a summer break?
For our family, we homeschool year-round.
That doesn’t mean we are doing full school days every single day of the year, but we personally chose not to take a long summer break. One thing I love about homeschooling is the flexibility. We can move at our kids’ pace, take lighter weeks when needed, and keep momentum going without feeling rushed.
Our Current Homeschool Schedule
Right now our weekly homeschool rhythm looks like this:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday:
- English Language Arts (ELA)
- Math
Wednesday:
- Science
- Social Studies
This schedule has been working really well for us because it keeps our core subjects consistent while making Wednesdays feel a little different.
Since we currently live in Washington state, I am following Washington homeschool laws and requirements. Just a reminder that what works for our family may not align with homeschooling laws in your state, and that’s okay! Every state has different homeschool requirements, so always make sure to check what applies where you live.
The Curriculum We’re Using
After trying different programs, we made some changes and have found a setup that is working really well for our family.
For ELA and math, we switched the boys to Christian Light Education, and so far we are loving it.
One of the biggest reasons I made the switch is because I wanted something with a little more structure, stronger academic expectations, teacher guidance, and something that included assessments so I could make sure they were truly understanding the material before moving forward.
I really love that Christian Light Education has a portion we work through together and a portion they can complete independently. As a homeschool mom, having a teacher guide to reference has been incredibly helpful because sometimes I need reassurance that I’m teaching concepts correctly too.
For science and social studies, we are using Master Books, which has been a great fit for our Wednesday schedule.
Alan’s Homeschool Update
Alan is currently working at a Kinder 2 level in Christian Light Education.
When he finished preschool with The Good and the Beautiful, we didn’t take a break, we just kept moving forward.
For reading, we are currently using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, and honestly, we are loving it.
I think it has been such a great introduction to reading. It’s simple, structured, and easy to follow without being overwhelming.
Once he officially moves into first grade, we plan to switch him over to the Christian Light Education reading program, but for now this has been working really well.
Adrian’s Homeschool Update
Adrian is currently working in 1st grade.
When we pulled the boys from public school, I did make the decision to bring him back academically so we could fill in some learning gaps and help build his confidence.
We started with The Good and the Beahttps://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/kindergartenutiful Kindergarten program, and honestly, it was the perfect transition into homeschooling.
What I loved most was that it was open-and-go, required very little prep, and gave us a gentle but solid foundation.
Once we were ready for something a little more challenging, I wanted a curriculum that offered more structure, stronger academics, and a teacher guide. Which is what led us to Christian Light Education.
So far, he has been absolutely thriving.
PE, Social Time & Extracurricular Activities
One thing I hear a lot about homeschooling is questions about PE and socialization.
Right now, both boys are doing jiu-jitsu, and it has honestly been such a great experience for them.
Alan attends 3 times a week for 1 hour each class, and Adrian attends 4 times a week for 1 hour each class.
Not only does this count toward their PE, but it has also helped so much with discipline, confidence, listening skills, and getting all that boy energy out in a positive way.
The boys have also been wanting to try other sports, so we are currently working on getting them enrolled in another sport on base.
This is one of the things I love most about homeschooling. We have the flexibility to explore their interests, try new things, and build friendships in different environments.
It’s the perfect way for them to stay active, make new friends, and figure out what they truly enjoy.
Because homeschooling doesn’t always mean learning only happens at the kitchen table.
Sometimes learning looks like math books… and sometimes it looks like sweaty kids in a gi after jiu-jitsu.
Our Honest Thoughts So Far
Homeschooling definitely has hard days.
Some days feel chaotic.
Some days someone cries (sometimes me).
But overall? We are so happy with this decision.
Watching the boys grow academically, gain confidence, and learn at their own pace has been such a gift.
For now, this setup is working beautifully for our family.
And as most homeschool moms know… that could always change next year
Because homeschooling is all about adjusting, learning, and doing what works best for your kids.
If you homeschool, I’d love to hear what curriculum you’re using right now!
— Julie
Our Beautiful Chaos
