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Juice Box Homeschool

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I wanted to share all my homeschool favorites with you as far as resources and products that have served us well. When you are new to homeschooling, it could seem like you need to run to a school supply store and give them all your money. However, I found it has been wise to figure out what could be helpful in the process of actually homeschooling.

After reading this, you can take or leave whatever may work for you. You will find I have listed out the items that have proved themselves worth their dollar in our years of experience.

Everything mentioned are things we have used for years, and have earned their place on this list. I hope you will find something that will make your homeschool days more efficient or delightful!

This post is all about our homeschool favorites.

homeschool favorites

Homeschool Favorites by Category

1. Notebooks

  • Narration Notebooks: These special notebooks are used about 3-4 times a week to keep written narrations for History, Bible, and Science. We ordered them top-bound with room for illustrations. It took each child about a year to complete one notebook. They are precious keepsakes that hold special memories!
homeschool favorites notebooks
Narration Notebooks
  • Watercolor Journals: The watercolor journals I have been using are no longer available, but these are what I am purchasing next. Quality brand that we have used many times, and I am fan of top bound notebooks because it doesn’t get in the way while trying to create!
homeschool favorites
Watercolor journals always come in handy!

[RELATED POST: Favorite Art Supplies for Homeschooling]

  • Reading Journal: With so many family read alouds, I wanted a way to keep track of what we read together. Ideally, there would be a way where my children and I could jot down a few thoughts of the books as well. I could almost cry when I read the pages of this Family Read Aloud Journal we found! We each write a blurb of thoughts about each read aloud. So sweet!
homeschool favorites journal
Family Read Aloud Journal

[RELATED POST: Summer Reading Book List Ideas]

2. Homeschool Planning Accessories

  • Highlighters: I have a few that I enjoy using, but this set is my current go-to for using in my Anna Vance Paper Co Planner. I rotate between this pastel brush pens set and this newer to me set as well. Of course, these are not necessary, but I do use them very often.
  • Pen Pouch: This is where I keep all of my planner supplies, including highlighters, brush pens, and washi tape.
  • Washi Tape: Purely decorative, that my kids and I use in our planners or to seal cards we write to family and friends. This is the exact one I have been using for the last 2 years (it has lasted me this long, with much to spare).
homeschool planning
Homeschool Planner Accessorries

3. Curriculum Binding Supplies

Since we purchase some downloadable curriculum, I decided to invest in a binding system so we do not have to outsource printing and binding. This has come in handy with 3 kids over the last few years.

  • Binder: Trubind Spiral/Coil Binding Machine
  • Large Coils: 1″ coils – 100 pack
  • Small Coils: 3/8″ coils – 100 pack
  • Plastic Sheets: Covers – 100 pack
  • Black Binding Page: Back Covers – 100 pack

4. Handy Homeschool Tools

  • Book Stand: This is so helpful! We use it when we are watercoloring or for typing practice. I sometimes bring it in the kitchen to prop up cookbooks.
homeschool favorites
Book Stand Used During Nature Study
  • LCD Writing Tablet: We pull this out in place of math scratch paper and to use for illustrating a concept. It saves on paper waste, and during read alouds, my little one uses it to doodle.
  • Silent Time: This comes in handy! I use this when I want to limit the amount of time for independent work. It also helps when my children are having a hard time focusing. “I need math done by the time this timer goes off,” usually gets them super focused. The visible color showing how much time is left is convenient if you have younger children who may not understand number values yet.

5. Homeschool Storage

  • Sturdy Vertical File Holders: These are so cute, but also very functional. I use them to hold curriculum together on the top tier of my rolling cart.
  • 3-Tier Rolling Cart: I could not find my exact cart, but I use TWO of them daily. Linked a very similar one. We store individual curriculum for 3 kids on one cart. The other holds are art supplies, teacher guides for myself to reference, and my admin supplies for work.
  • Portable File Boxes: This is where I store my kids’ curriculum. I like that it is portable, spacious, durable, and they can each have their own. If we need to move quickly or decide to take school outside, they can easily close the lid and be on their way. There is also a pencil holder within the lid.

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Product Spotlight

I learned about this cute coffee maker from my sister. I am so used to the bulky black coffee maker eye sores on the kitchen counter. This beauty totally lightens up the space! You will love seeing it sitting on the counter each morning.

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These are some of our current homeschool favorites, and will be updated as we go along.

Other Posts You May Like:

  • 2022-2023 Family Subjects Curriculum
  • The Best Homeschool Planner
  • Our Go-To Writing Curriculum for Years

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@juiceboxhomeschool

juiceboxhomeschool

Looking for a simple way to keep skills sharp this Looking for a simple way to keep skills sharp this summer without the daily battle? IXL has been an easy go-to for low-pressure, high-impact skills practice, and my kids are genuinely enjoying it.

My 7th grader loves the variety and built-in video help. My 4th grader is all about the fun games. And me? I appreciate having time to get work accomplished while also having peace of mind that my kids are learning independently. 

It’s a great way to sneak in some learning during those long summer days. Have you tried IXL before?

They have provided me a link that will give our community 25% off your first month. Comment “learning” for the discount link. Summer is a great time to give it a try!

#IXL #IXLPartner #Ad #summerlearning #summerhomeschooling #homeschoolhelp
GIVEAWAY is now closed. We recently watched an ea GIVEAWAY is now closed.

We recently watched an early screening of How to Train Your Dragon from @dreamworks and it was action packed!

I wish I could compare the storyline to the book series, but we have not read the books yet. However, my youngest borrowed a copy from her cousins ASAP.

BRIEF REVIEW:
All of my kids (ages 10-16) enjoyed the film with the amazing action sequences to the heartwarming relationships between father and son, as well as man and dragon. There were a few jump scares that were entertaining, but nothing gory at all. If you or your kids enjoy action movies, this was very entertaining! We had a lot of chatter on the drive home about the plot, characters, and excitement.

Now for the GIVEAWAY! One winner will receive a merch package with these fun #HowtoTrainYourDragon items.

How to enter:
🐉 Like this post
🐉 Follow @juiceboxhomeschool
🐉 Tag a friend (each tag is an entry)

Bonus optional 🐉 Share to stories and tag me for an extra 3 entries

This giveaway closes on Friday, 6/6/25 at 5pm PST, and is in no way associated with Meta. The randomly selected winner will be contacted by @juiceboxhomeschool only.

#dreamworks @httydragon #familyfilm #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolsummer
My alternate caption was “pov: it’s summer, bu My alternate caption was “pov: it’s summer, but you’re a homeschool mom with zero chill.” 😏 

I have very realistic plans for summer homeschooling, I promise! We won’t be home everyday, so I hold these plans loosely and many things will be carried over into the school year or next summer. 

Comment “summer” for a link to the video where I explain myself. 😉 

More #charlottemasonmondays on #cmmsummerstudies here:

@arrowsforchrist
@hannahs.healthyhabits
@notebookingwithdelight
@aroundtheworld_homeschool
@kindlingwild
#homeschoolcurriculum #summerhomeschool #homeschoolmiddleschool #homeschoolhighschool #charlottemasoninspired #homeschoolschedule
Teen takeover! The one who made me a homeschool Teen takeover! 

The one who made me a homeschool mom has been in this with me for 11 years, and she is answering some frequently asked questions today. Feel free to add more in the comments, and she will hop on to answer!

More from #homestretchhomeschooling here:
@delightfullyfeastingpress
@redefiningschool 
@rootedinrest

#homeschooler #homeschoolteen #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoollife
One of the best things I did for my daughter recen One of the best things I did for my daughter recently was upgrade her mattress and pillow to @helixsleep. As a growing teen with a very active lifestyle, she commonly had aches, pains, and interrupted sleep.

It finally dawned on me when she talked about how awesome a hotel bed felt that it was time for an upgrade! We chose the Midnight Luxe mattress and a down and feather pillow. 

What a difference it has made in the last month! She is our girl who doesn’t sleep in, but not lately (good thing it is summer).

They gave me a great link with a discount if you need to upgrade your mattress too. Comment “mattress” to check out the discount. 

#homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #helixsleep #bestmattress #homeschoolinghighschool
Our annual favorite book picks for 2024-2025 are i Our annual favorite book picks for 2024-2025 are in! Recognize any of your favorites? 

📖 4th Grader: A Place to Hang the Moon
I have to say if she didn’t pick this one, I might have. We read it as a family read aloud in the winter, and she read it again in her free time a couple times again. Such a heartwarming story set in the WWII period with themes of family and compassion throughout.

📖 7th Grader: Daniel Boone: Frontiersman
We have loved many biographies from @ywampublishing so it isn’t a surprise to me that my son gravitates to these as his free reads. We have a new Heroes of History discounted bundle available a few posts back if you’d like a great deal!

📖 10th Grader: Carnegie’s Maid
I have not read this one, but a few friends of mine have enjoyed this too. My daughter said it was one of her favorite historical fiction reads. She doesn’t have as much free time to choose just-for-fun reads, but was glad she found this one that was entertaining and held her interest when she had time to do so.

📖 Mom pick: Lift Your Eyes
I may be biased because I just adore @brighterdaypress, but this devotional for moms was so special to read, and is not my favorite gift to give. Whitney shares transparently, yet with edification to truly lift our eyes no matter the circumstance.

More favorite reads for 2024-2025 from #livingbooklegacy here:

@agoodbookhunt
@delightfullyfeastingpress
@brittsbookbin
@thisnewday_
@playinghomeschool
@letthemlovelearning

#livingbooks #favoritereads #juiceboxreads #readaloudfamily #bookstagram
It was an all-family-on-deck weekend at @cheaofca It was an all-family-on-deck weekend at @cheaofca for the @apologiaworld booth. 

I loved meeting some of you, and chatting about homeschooling. My kids were so helpful and loved sharing their personal experiences using and growing with Apologia science for so many years. 

Also I was encouraged to meet many families who were planning to begin their very first year of homeschooling this fall. So excited for you! 🎉 

Sharing online about homeschooling has its awesome moments, but talking to you in person about it is a JOY!

#homeschoolconvention #cheaofca #cheacon #biola #homeschoolmom #homeschoolcurriculum #sciencecurriculum #apologia
Studying Modern American history soon? Or just nee Studying Modern American history soon? Or just need some FANTASTIC family read alouds on hand?

I’ve got you!

Check out this curated book bundle with exclusive pricing! You’ll get these 5 biographies for $30 and FREE shipping:

📖 Clarence Jones: Mr. Radio
📖 Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Storybook Life
📖 Milton Hershey: More Than Chocolate
📖 Douglas MacArthur: What Greater Honor
📖 Louis Zamperini: Redemption

I shared previously what we were doing for history next year, and I always like to find biographies to go alongside the curriculum. These are it! 

If you’d like to read along with us and grab this discounted @ywampublishing bundle for your family, comment “bundle” for the link sent to your inbox!

#historicalbiographies #ywampublishing #historycurriculum #homeschoolhistory #juiceboxreads #modernamericanhistory
A good old fashioned homeschool lately post for my A good old fashioned homeschool lately post for my birthday. It is slowly starting to look like summer in our corner (cue the summer nails @oliveandjune with my little one).

Homeschool life makes me feel so rich with lessons learned and experiences had. Sharing the journey with you for the last 5 years has been a blessing! 🤍 

#homeschoollately #homeschoollife #homeschooldays #homeschoolmom
As my kids grow in their independence, I am taking As my kids grow in their independence, I am taking on a bit more work, and the timing couldn’t be better.

If you’re a working mom, check out this beautiful 2025-2026 Work Planner from @passionatepennypincher (gifted). It is not only pretty, but so functional as I have been using one diligently for the last 2 years.

My rookie tip is having it sit next to you as you work and/or homeschool to quickly jot down ideas and reminders as they pop into your head during a read aloud. It happens so often! 

Comment “work planner” if you’d like a closer view of this one!

#workplanner #passionatepennypincher #workingmom #homeschoolmom #plannerlove #plannercommunity
giveaway is now closed* Wrapping up one homeschoo giveaway is now closed*

Wrapping up one homeschool year and dreaming up the next - anyone else feeling all the things? 👋🏽

In the midst of it all, one shop that always helps me stay grounded is @christianbook. From curriculum by subject + grade to inspiring reads for the whole family, they make planning feel a little more peaceful.

I’ve gathered my very favorites from their site into one easy-to-browse list - and now for the really fun part. I’ve teamed up with Christianbook for a GIVEAWAY! 🎉 One winner will receive a $100 gift card to shop their site!

Here’s how to enter:
✨ Comment “christianbook” to get the link to my favorites
✨ Follow @christianbook, @homeschoolcompass, and @juiceboxhomeschool
✨ Tag a friend (each tag = another entry, so bring the whole crew!)

That’s it! 🥳 Giveaway ends on Friday, May 9 (my birthday!) at 3pm PST, and the randomly selected winner will be contacted by @juiceboxhomeschool only. This giveaway is not affiliated in any way with Meta. 

Let’s celebrate the end of one chapter and the start of another with a little help from Christianbook.

#homeschoolgiveaway #homeschoolplanning #christianbookpartner #homeschoolcurriculum #readalouds #chapterbooks #homeschoolmom
A simple yet effective practice we aim for over al A simple yet effective practice we aim for over all these years is SHORT LESSONS.

It may seem easy, but if you have children asking for “one more chapter,” or who love to do lessons in those early elementary years of innate wonder, it is tempting to let lessons linger. However, I have had to stop myself from reading on in order to build the habit of attention and cover a breadth of subjects with a positive attitude.

“Not the number of subjects but the hours of work bring fatigue to the scholar.”

The meaning of short lessons can vary depending on the age and temperament of your children. I have value in committing to short lessons because of the effect it has on my kids’ love of learning. 

Does this practice give you a feeling of challenge or a feeling of relief? 

More on #cmmshortlessons from the #charlottemasonmondays crew this week:

@hannahs.healthyhabits
@thesewildknights

Comfy slides gifted from @myrslides 

#charlottemasoninspired #charlottemasoneducation #homeschoolmom #homeschooltip #homeschoolhelp
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m sharing a few st In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m sharing a few stories with mom figures we adore! Let me know yours in a comment below.

🌻 All-of-a-Kind-Family: Cilly Brenner, aka Mama, was written after the author’s own mother, and the series is based on her childhood experiences on New York City’s Lower East Side. 
🌻 Heartwood Hotel, Home Again: Mona’s mother is a figure from the past who is revealed to have been a talented cook, similar to Mona’s new friend, Strawberry. 
🌻 The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue: Mama is a professional pastry chef who bakes from their Harlem brownstone with her 5 children.
🌻 Kisses from Katie: Katie Majors’ story revolves around her adoption of 14 Ugandan girls and her work as the director of a non-profit organization that provides support to hundreds of other children. 
🌻 Star of Light: Kinza’s mother, Zohra, and a caring nurse work hard to protect Zohra’s blind daughter.
🌻 A Place to Hang the Moon: A friendly librarian makes the world of a difference to 3 young orphans fleeing London during WWII.

Have you read any of these? What literary mom comes to find as one of your family’s favorites?

More from #livingbooklegacy here:

@blessedwithmotherhood
@playinghomeschool
@alearningwewillgo

#livingbooks #readaloudfamily #homeschoolreadalouds #homeschooling #morningbasket #juiceboxreads
I remember thinking Sally Clarkson’s words in Th I remember thinking Sally Clarkson’s words in The Life-Giving. Home sounded so far away. My kids were still in the single digits and the thought of focusing education on an atmosphere, discipline, and a life felt big. Here I was trying to survive.

Now that all my kids are in the double digits, I feel the urge to re-read her book. Asking yourself how do you want your children to think back on their childhood definitely deserves its moment. We have now, and are not guaranteed much more.

The intentionality of how we set our home life to be provides a direction for our next steps. The simplest  practices and habits can change the tone and attitude toward learning and family life. For today, that means putting down my inbox and pulling out the ice cream after lunch. 😋

Resource: @lily_and_thistle 

#charlottemasonmondays
#cmmprinciple5
@arrowsforchrist
@notebookingwithdelight

#charlottemasoninspired #sallyclarkson #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolmiddleschool #homeschoollife #lifegivinghome #watercolor
Balancing parenting and teaching is tricky in ever Balancing parenting and teaching is tricky in every season as a homeschool mom, but the teen years bring a whole new layer.

Because now, at least for me, it’s not just about lesson plans and corrected math problems. It’s a temptation to fire hose spray all the life lessons - how to manage time, how to cope with overwhelm, how to avoid the trap of people-pleasing, how to fail and not fall apart.

Oftentimes, I say too much. Other times, I say nothing and wonder if I missed a moment. It’s this quiet wrestle of discerning when to speak and when to wait - when to guide and when to let them come to you.

It’s not easy. It is an art that I have much to learn. There are days I second-guess if I’m doing enough or doing too much. But what’s helping me is learning that the long game matters more than the quick fix. That listening is often more powerful than lecturing. And that connection doesn’t involve constant correction.

If you’re navigating the teen years and figuring out how to wear both the parent and mentor hat, I’m right here with you.

I’d love to know - how do you decide when to lean in and when to pull back with your teens? Share some wisdom in the comments.

More on this #homestretchhomeschooling topic:
@redefiningschool
@delightfullyfeasting
@rootedinrest

#homeschoolteens #homeschoolmomlife #homeschoolhighschool #parentingteens #homeschoolfordiscipleship #homeschooldays
Homeschooling the middle school years has a very s Homeschooling the middle school years has a very special place in my heart. I recall being in 7th grade and telling myself to NEVER become a middle school teacher because I thought the kids were so naughty.

However, now that I have indeed become a teacher to middle schoolers, I realize what a crucial opportunity we have. Such impressionable minds and eager hearts to grapple with their growth and independence. 

This book bundle is designed for the middle school years and includes stories of faith, courage, compassion, and more. I am excited to read them in our mornings (they are suitable for the range of ages of all my kids).

One thing I appreciate about these is that they have been re-published by @generations.ministries in original form and content. Take a closer look at this bundle by commenting “middle school” and I will send you the site!

More middle school book suggestions from #livingbooklegacy here:

@treasuredhourbookshop
@thesewildknights 
@brave.little.learners
@brittsbookbin
@livingbrighthomeschool
@agoodbookhunt
@blessedwithmotherhood
@thisnewday_

#juiceboxreads #readaloudfamily #homeschoolmiddleschool #generationscurriculum #homeschoolfordiscipleship
I’ll never forget the moment one of my kids inte I’ll never forget the moment one of my kids interjected during a history read-aloud book to say, “Wait, is this a true story?”

That’s the beauty of using living books as a tool in your homeschool, especially for history. Instead of skimming over names and dates, we enter into a story. We have walked through ancient cities, eavesdropped on world changers, and felt the weight of big decisions made by real people (or at least in real settings).

For my soon-to-be 5th and 8th graders, we’re using a rich, literature-based history curriculum next year, and I’m already swooning over the book list. It’s the kind of resource that sparks conversations at lunch and lingers in their thoughts long after we close the book.

Curious what we’re using? Comment “history curriculum” below and I’ll send you the link!
EDIT: @beautifulfeetbooks offered the code “juicebox2025” for $20 off code on a full literature pack!

For #charlottemasonmondays we are sharing about #cmmhistory today:

@miajewellreads
@raising_arrows_mama
@aroundtheworld_homeschool
@hannahs.healthyhabits

#livingbooks #homeschoolhistory #readaloudfamily #beautifulfeetbooks #homeschoolcurriculum #charlottemasoninspired #homeschooling
I started homeschooling my daughter when she was j I started homeschooling my daughter when she was just 5 years old, with a heart full of hope (and some fear). Not long after, I also had a vision shaped largely by the Charlotte Mason philosophy - one rooted in truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Now she’s halfway through high school, and I find myself grateful for the foundation that’s quietly and steadily been laid over the years:
• Giving her best effort, even when it’s hard
• The habit of attention in both work and wonder
• Family Bible study grounding our days in truth and ongoing inner work
• A genuine love for reading that spills into every part of life
• The stamina to read widely and narrate with thoughtfulness
• Eyes and ears aware of beauty and a heart that appreciates the arts

This journey hasn’t been by-the-book or easy for both of us, but it’s been rich and sanctifying. And what a gift it’s been to be stretched alongside her. 

If you are just behind me or just getting started in your homeschool journey, I encourage you to faithfully move forward each day in the disciplines and good habits. Anything good takes remaining in Him and time to develop and grow. 

Here’s to the second half of high school - and the lifelong learning that continues beyond it. Are you hoping to homeschool in high school too? What are your feelings about it?

Check out this week’s #charlottemasonmondays friend’s posts on #cmmhighschool:

@miajewellreads
@notebookingwithdelight
@hannahs.healthyhabits
@arrowsforchrist
@raising_arrows_mama
@kindlingwild

#charlottemasoneducation #homeschoolhighschool #truthgoodnessbeauty #lifelonglearner #homeschooljourney #charlottemasonhomeschool #livingbooks #homeschoolmomlife
I asked my kids (16, 13, and 10 years old) how our I asked my kids (16, 13, and 10 years old) how our World Watch News subscription has impacted their daily rhythm, and their answers confirmed what I already felt - these 10-minute news videos strike the perfect balance between factual current events and engaging stories around the world.

I love how it fits seamlessly into our day, keeping us informed without feeling overwhelmed. Staying aware of what’s happening in the world with kids has never been easier.

I’m thrilled to partner with @worldwatchnews to offer you 7 days + 3 months FREE to check it out! Want the link? Comment “world watch” below, and I’ll send it your way!

#worldwatchnews #homeschooling #currentevents #newsforkids #homeschoolresources
My youngest helped me select our family favorite b My youngest helped me select our family favorite books about courage. Slowly, but surely, Lucie is taking over all the #livingbooklegacy posts for me. 🥰

📖 Little Pilgrim’s Progress: we really enjoy the @moodypublishers version
📖 Elisabeth Elliot: Living for Christ in the Jungles of Ecuador @voyagesofvalor
📖 The Sign of the Beaver
📖 God’s Smuggler
📖 The Courage of Sarah Noble
📖 Daniel Boone: part of @ywampublishing Heroes of History series
📖 The Hiding Place

Each of these stories display incredible courage! Have you read any of these?

Book flipping inspo from a favorite: @livingbrighthomeschool 🤍 

Check out these accounts for more ideas (I’ll share their posts in stories too):
@thisnewday_
@brittsbookbin
@agoodbookhunt

#livingbooks #chapterbooks #bookstagram #childrensliterature #booksaboutcourage #juiceboxreads
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