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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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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

Pulled some of our favorite classics from what we Pulled some of our favorite classics from what we had on the shelves. I already found a couple I wish I added to this stack. Have you read these and what would you add?

More classic books from #livingbooklegacy here:

@brittsbookbin
@juiceboxhomeschool
@brave.little.learners
@treasuredhourbooks
@playinghomeschool
@moraviapress
@thisnewday_
@blessedwithmotherhood
@livingbrighthomeschool

#bookstagram #juiceboxreads #classicbooks #modernclassics homeschooling readaloudfamily
We talk a lot about academics in homeschooling… bu We talk a lot about academics in homeschooling… but what about capability? #ad

Raising kids who can think, act, contribute, and take initiative in the real world, that’s the long game. I’ve been reading Capable from @sissygoff @raisingboysandgirls and @bethany_house_nonfiction, and it’s been such a timely reminder for me in this season with older kids.

A few small shifts I’m focusing on lately:
• inviting more ownership in daily responsibilities
• giving space for problem-solving before stepping in
• following up on their follow-through
• letting real-life practice be part of their education I’m learning that raising capable kids starts with trusting the process a little more than controlling it (hard for me!).

If this is something you’re thinking about too, you’re not alone.🤍

Comment “capable” and I’ll send you more info on this instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

#capablebook #iamcapable #homeschoolmom #raisingteens
When the homeschool slump hits, I try to add in tr When the homeschool slump hits, I try to add in trusted resources I know they will enjoy. It usually happens around this time when the books aren’t hitting the same, the kids are a little weary, and you are too. #ad

If everyone can use a fresh spark in the homeschool rhythm, check out Night Zookeeper! It’s been such a fun shift in our days. It gives a structured language arts program, but in a way that feels playful and engaging. A perfect little spring reset.

✔️ Guided reading + writing through “Quests”
✔️ Creative prompts that actually get them excited to write
✔️ A parent dashboard so I can still check in on their progress

If you’re needing a reset right now, this is a good one 🤍

Comment “night” and I’ll send you a link to try it for free!

#homeschoolmom #nightzookeeper #homeschoolhelp #homeschoolcurriculum homeschoolrhythm
This principle is one I came back to when I was te This principle is one I came back to when I was tempted to simplify things too much for my kids, especially in their younger years. Mason believed children have the mental power to engage with real, rich, meaningful knowledge presented as living ideas. A generous curriculum. A trusting heart. 

It was never close to a perfect scene, and I didn’t consistently have the positive homeschool vibes 😅, but I can see now how the Lord can still use that! The blessing of homeschooling is time, but when you do it for the long run, you also get to see the other side of those early challenges and doubts.

Which subjects are giving your family life lately? Drop it below and check out other #charlottemasonmondays friends sharing on #cmmprinciple11 today:

@truthgoodness_and_beauty
@the.henderson.haus
@hannahs.healthyhabits
@notebookingwithdelight
@juiceboxhomeschool
@livingideasplanner

#charlottemasoninspired #homeschoollife homeschoolhighschool
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m sharing a few storie 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:

@agoodbookhunt
@playinghomeschool
@thisnewday_

#livingbooks #readaloudfamily #homeschoolreadalouds #homeschooling morningbasket juiceboxreads
One thing the homestretch of homeschooling is teac One thing the homestretch of homeschooling is teaching me is this: so much of what felt small in the early years was actually foundational.

The habit of attention, a steady homeschool rhythm to our days, narrations, chores, church life, nature study, discipline, family read alouds... 

At the time, it can feel repetitive and almost invisible. At times, it felt like a fight to keep at it and not lose my mind.

Years later, those same practices begin showing up with a new look. I see focus, initiative, spiritual rootedness, a sense of responsibility, and connectedness.

We are planting and toiling, often unseen, long before we see a hint of growth.

The fruit may come slowly, but it does come. 🤍

Save this for the days when the small things feel insignificant. What seeds are you planting in this season?

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

#homeschoollife #homeschoolmom #homeschoolrhythm #motherhood
Nothing brings science curriculum to life like inc Nothing brings science curriculum to life like including hands-on science labs for kids! I used to dread science experiments because it just felt like a lot of work, but here are some things that have eased the process:

🔬 Remind your child and yourself that the goal of science labs are to discover, experiment, and let your curiosity play. It’s meant to be fun, not perfect!
🔬 Fun may mean a little mess to clean at the end, and that’s okay because we will all help clean up.
🔬 If you can, purchase a supplemental lab kit. I personally love @naturesworkshop - they have supplies organized by lesson, which was a game changer.
🔬 I found these “messy mats” online that are waterproof and help contain things. We use them for science labs and art projects to protect surfaces.
🔬 Use a notebook to record lab findings and/or take photos to print and save in their notebooks. We like the @apologiaworld colorful and engaging student notebooks for processing information well and making each lesson fun! Use code “TRISHA10” for a discount on those.

Do your kids like doing science labs in your homeschool? Share your tips for ACTUALLY DOING THEM!

Comment “science” for the direct link to some of our favorite products, including 25% all new products at Apologia! I highly recommend taking a look at the Activity Videos for Astronomy and Earth Science! 👌🏻 

#sciencelab #sciencecurriculum #homeschoolscience #apologiascience #homeschoolmom
If you want books that quietly shape character, st If you want books that quietly shape character, start here...

Some of the books that have added a lot to our homeschool most deeply are the true stories. 🤍

There is something so powerful about placing real lives in front of our kids. Stories of courage, conviction, sacrifice, faith, and ordinary people choosing obedience in hard moments stay with them in such a different way.

Some longtime favorites:
📚 Portraits of Integrity: A Family Treasury, real people who demonstrated Godly character
📚 YWAM biographies, which have made such meaningful family read-alouds over the years, and wonderful independent reads for middle schoolers.

These kinds of books have sparked some of our best conversations about character and what it looks like to live with purpose.

If you love biography-rich homeschooling too, comment “books” and I’ll send over some of our family favorites.

More from #livingbooklegacy here:
@treasuredhourbooks
@brittsbookbin
@delightfullyfeastingpress
@agoodbookhunt
@thisnewday_
@brave.little.learners
@playinghomeschool
@moraviapress
@letthemlovelearning
@blessedwithmotherhood

#biographiesforkids #familyreadalouds #juiceboxreads #booksforkids
Some things I’m not planning to repeat with my you Some things I’m not planning to repeat with my younger kids (sorry, first kid! 😉)...

Not that the first time was a big fail, but walking through the high school years has a way of shaping you.

There are things I see a little clearer.
There are things I want to hold with more gentleness.
There are things I don’t want to rush past.

Homeschooling in different seasons has reminded me that we’re growing right alongside our kids. These are just a few quiet shifts I’m making as I go.

If you’re in a similar season, I’d love to hear. What is something you’re doing differently now?

More from #homestretchhomeschooling friends tagged in the last slide!

#homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #motherhoodjourney #homeschoolingteens
POV: the coziest little reading corner just levele POV: the coziest little reading corner just leveled up ✨📚

We added this 360° rotating bookshelf from @Flycitymall and my daughter had the best time filling it with her favorite books, games, and even a stuffy.

It’s one of those pieces that’s both practical and pretty... everything within reach, easy to rotate, and somehow makes reading feel even more inviting.

Ours is the gold 5-tier, but they have other colors and sizes depending on your space!

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to make books more visible and loved in your home, this is such a sweet option.

Comment “bookshelf” and I’ll send you the link + my discount code!

#flycitymall #flycity #RotatingBookshelf #livingbooks #homeschoollife
Some of our very favorite stories are those we hav Some of our very favorite stories are those we have read together and have a strong theme of FAMILY.

The kind of stories that squash our own bickering, bring everyone on the same page, and gently shape how our kids see family, unity, and what really matters.

These are a few of our favorite family-centered living books we’ve come back to over the years. Those special stories that I will want to keep my shelf long after they are grown!

If you’re looking to add more of that to your days, I’d love to share a larger list of favorite family read-alouds with you.

Comment “books” and I’ll send you the link 📚

More from #livingbooklegacy here:
@treasuredhourbooks
@juiceboxhomeschool
@thisnewday_
@letthemlovelearning

#juiceboxreads #livingbooks #homeschoolmom #readalouds
This giveaway is now closed. Sometimes the car c This giveaway is now closed. 

Sometimes the car can become one of the easiest places for learning!

If you’re looking for a simple way to help kids practice Scripture memory, the Teach Me the Faith podcast from Generations Ministries is such a helpful tool. The episodes are short, engaging, and designed especially for kids, making them easy to play while driving to activities or running errands.

Generations also created a bundle of resources that pair beautifully with the podcast, including:

📖 a companion book
🎨 a coloring book
⭐️ a sticker pack

I’m excited to give away 5 of these bundles to bless a few families in this community!

To enter:

1️⃣ Follow @juiceboxhomeschool and @generations.min 
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Comment below and share one place your family loves listening to podcasts or audio learning (car rides, breakfast time, quiet time, etc.). You will receive a link to see details of this bundle on their website.

That’s it!

Giveaway will close on Friday, 3/20 at 1pm PST, and winners will be announced in stories. This fun giveaway is not associated with Meta in any way.

#christianhomeschool #scripturememory #homeschoolresources #homeschoolmom #podcastforkids
The quiet homeschool days rarely make the highligh The quiet homeschool days rarely make the highlight reel, but they tend to be the ones that shape the most. 🤍

Homeschooling is rarely flashy.
Mostly it’s small, ordinary moments that slowly add up over time.

If you ever feel like your days look too simple, save this as a reminder that simple is often exactly where the building happens. 

#cmmditl from #charlottemasonmondays here:
@livingideasplanner
@moraviapress
@notebookingwithdelight
@aroundtheworld_homeschool

#homeschooling #homeschoolditl #charlottemasoninspired
History in our homeschool has become one of the si History in our homeschool has become one of the simplest parts of our day.

There are so many good ways to study history, but for us, history has slowly grown into something that feels a little more like gathering.

🙌🏼 We read stories together.
🙌🏼 The kids keep simple narration journals.
🙌🏼 We talk about what stood out and what felt difficult.
🙌🏼 Sometimes we watch a short video to add another perspective.

It is not fancy. 

One of my favorite parts is hearing what resonates or surprises my kids. Their thoughts often lead us into the best informal conversations.

If you are homeschooling multiple ages, doing history family style has also helped simplify our rhythm.

This is just a small peek into how history looks in our home right now with my 5th and 8th graders. My oldest is currently taking a government course at a community college online.

I would love to hear from you. How does history work in your homeschool these days?

And if this gave you an idea to try, feel free to save it for later. 

#charlottemasonmondays

#cmmhowwestudyhistory
@truthgoodness_and_beauty
@juiceboxhomeschool
@moraviapress
@notebookingwithdelight
@arrowsforchrist
@livingideasplanner
@hannahs.healthyhabits
@aroundtheworld_homeschool

#historycurriculum #beautifulfeetbooks #homeschoolcurriculum charlottemasoninspired
If you’ve ever ended the day feeling behind… this If you’ve ever ended the day feeling behind… this is for you.

Education is life.

Not a checklist.
Not a race.
Not something to “get done.”

For a long time, I thought a good homeschool day meant we finished everything in the planner.

But over the years, and especially now in the teen years, I’m seeing the effects of the faithful day-to-day.

Education is happening...
in the mealtime conversations.
in the living books that stir empathy.
in the habit of finishing what we start.
in learning to apologize, to serve quietly, and to try again.

You probably heard that Charlotte Mason stated that education is life. Believe or not, but formation is happening even on the days that feel messy and unproductive.

It’s not only about what our kids know, but about who they are becoming. That kind of education doesn’t always fit neatly in your homeschool planner spread.

What “counted” as education in your home this week? 

More from the #charlottemasonmondays crew:
#cmmprinciple8
@truthgoodness_and_beauty
@moraviapress
@arrowsforchrist
@hannahs.healthyhabits
@livingideasplanner

#charlottemason #charlottemasoninspired homeschoolingteens
Giveaway is now closed. After a month of using S Giveaway is now closed. 

After a month of using Simply Piano, my daughter is actually asking to play… just for fun. 🎹 Her confidence has grown so much, and that daily practice streak has been the best motivator. #ad

I’m so excited because one of you will win a family subscription, which includes access for up to 5 students plus Simply Guitar, Simply Draw, and Simply Sing. Such a fun way to add more creativity to your homeschool or family rhythm!

How to Enter:

1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow @hellosimplypiano + @juiceboxhomeschool
3️⃣ Comment “piano” to receive a special link where you can have up to 4 additional users for the price of 1! 🎉

Giveaway closes on Monday, 3/2/26 at 1pm PST, and is in no way associated with Instagram. The winner will be contacted via DM by this account only.

#simplypianohomeschool #homeschoolresources #pianoforkids homeschooling
At the start of the year, I shared in IG stories t At the start of the year, I shared in IG stories that we revisited our homeschool boundaries. So many great questions came in surrounding this topic! They exist to make the most of our time and to build and practice healthy habits for the long run.

Homeschool burdens did become lighter when I decided what we needed, and let the rest go. 🤍 These are a few boundaries that helped when my kids were younger, and some that are guiding our days right now. They are flexible as each season, child, moment organically requires.

What boundaries have served your homeschool days well lately? Or what would you like to try to implement?

#homeschoolboundaries #homeschoolsanity #homeschoolmom #homeschoolrhythm #homeschoolplanning
These are the Bible studies working well for us in These are the Bible studies working well for us in this season of homeschooling an elementary, middle schooler, and high schooler.

My personal study: Christ in All of Scripture
This study is designed for one-year, but hey, it’s going to be a two-year study for me (seasonally pausing to pick up other studies with my church)! I love the style and length because it is clear, beautiful, and helps me stay consistent, even on busy weeks.

For different levels of readers: Faithfulness Series
My kids are using the Increase Faithfulness series for individual study. If you have children of different reading and comprehension levels, this one offers 3 different levels on the same topics. You can learn the same truths together!

For family-style around the table: Proverbs
I appreciate this open-and-go shot of wisdom for us all. It includes short commentary plus discussion questions for easy conversations during morning meetings.

If you’re wanting something that supports both your personal study and family discipleship, these have been such a sweet fit in this season.

Comment “Bible” and I’ll send you the blog post with all of these linked.

What Bible study are you loving right now?

Check out #livingbooklegacy for more ideas:
@brittsbookbin
@moraviapress
@juiceboxhomeschool
@letthemlovelearning

#biblestudy #familybiblestudy #homeschooling #morningbasket
If you’ve been wanting an Easter study that’s Scri If you’ve been wanting an Easter study that’s Scripture-rich, family-friendly, and actually doable, take a look at Above Every Name!

What stands out to me:
✅ clear structure that doesn’t weigh down mornings
✅ prompts that lead to real conversation
✅ works well with multiple ages
✅ pages you’ll actually want to come back to
✅ keeps the focus where it belongs!

I’m sharing a few favorite features in this post. Comment “Easter,” and I’ll send you a closer look!

Thank you to @notconsumed for gifting this study. We have completed several of their Bible studies, and I tend to level up a couple years from the suggested age range, but check the samples to see for yourself!

#easterstudy #biblestudyforkids #homeschooling #biblecurriculum #notconsumed
Author Spotlight: Grace Lin Her books are full of Author Spotlight: Grace Lin

Her books are full of heart, heritage, and hope, and I love how they bring light in by opening windows to new stories.

Here are the titles pictured: 
The Ugly Vegetables
Kite Flying
Bringing in the New Year
Fortune Cookie Fortunes
Dumpling Days

She has many more books, too! Have you read Grace Lin yet? 
👇 Drop your favorite title below.

More author spotlights from #livingbooklegacy here:

@moraviapress
@playinghomeschool
@thisnewday_
@letthemlovelearning

Determined to get it together and post early this week.

#gracelin #aapiauthors #authorspotlight #juiceboxreads
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