Taking Simple Into Our Homeschool: Intentional Choices for Next Year

If you’ve been around here a while, you know that Taking Simple Into Our Homeschool isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a survival strategy. I’m Shanna, and here at Making Everyday Magic, we’ve been homeschooling for eight years. As we look ahead to year nine, I’m leaning harder than ever into simplicity, honesty, and doing what really works for us.

Because if I’ve learned anything, it’s this: more isn’t always more.

Be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be an insider and to follow along with our days over on Instagram @makingeverydaymagic.

Taking Simple Into Our Homeschool Means Getting Honest

You know those moments when life gets wild, the to-do list is full, and you realize something has to give? Yeah, I had one of those. In my car, of all places—because sometimes the only quiet time we get is between errands. But it was the perfect space for a personal check-in.

I needed to get honest with myself. Not Pinterest-homeschool honest. Real honest. Like what will I actually do honest. Taking simple into our homeschool means fewer grand plans and more grounded choices.

And that starts with knowing myself—and admitting when something isn’t going to work.

Letting Go of the Guilt

There are so many wonderful resources and curriculum options out there. So many that I want to use. But if I’m being honest with myself (and I am), some of those things just don’t fit my style or our rhythm.

Take the Oh Freedom curriculum. I love what it stands for, the mission behind it, and the depth it offers. But I also know that I wouldn’t do it justice. The sourcing, the structure, the pacing—it’s not realistic for how we homeschool. And Taking Simple Into Our Homeschool means being brave enough to walk away from something good if it’s not the right fit.

Instead, we’re pivoting. We’re using Crash Course videos, guided notes from Teachers Pay Teachers, and building a book list with titles from diverse voices—Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ, and more—because those stories matter. But we’re doing it our way, in a way that feels doable and meaningful.

Find the book list on my Amazon Storefront  

Less Stuff, More Meaning

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—just because it’s great doesn’t mean it’s great for us. We’ve had years with multiple sciences, multiple histories, and let me tell you, we don’t need that anymore.

What we do need? Breathing room. Margin. Flexibility. Room to pivot when life changes midweek (as it always does). My girls are growing, and their interests are deepening. Simplifying our homeschool gives them the time to explore what they’re really into—and gives me the energy to support that exploration well.

Taking Simple Into Our Homeschool is about making fewer decisions with more impact. It’s about setting ourselves up for success, not stress.

Building the Homeschool We Actually Want

As we head into a new homeschool year, here’s what I’m keeping in mind:

• Know your limits. Be honest about your time, your energy, and your follow-through.

• Plan for the life you live, not the one you hope to create through curriculum.

• Skip the guilt. Don’t set yourself up to fail with unrealistic expectations.

• Build a homeschool that reflects your values and goals. Not someone else’s checklist.

The homeschool I want is more focused, more intentional, and more aligned with the people actually living it. And Taking Simple Into Our Homeschool is how we get there.

Can I Stick With It?

Planning season is full of shiny new things, exciting resources, and that little voice whispering, “But maybe this year you can do it all…” But I’m not going to fall for it.

I’m choosing simple. I’m choosing what actually works. I’m choosing the path that supports growth, peace, and purpose—not panic.

So if you needed the reminder too—get honest with yourself. Take simple into your homeschool. You’re not quitting. You’re creating space for what really matters.