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Life in the Trenches
United States
Registrace 14. 07. 2020
Hi, I'm Xuan! I’m passionate about mindful living and relaxed homeschooling.
As a mom of three, life can get loud and messy, but embracing a slower, more intentional approach has brought more peace, joy, and clarity to my days. Join me as I share my journey, practical tips, and advice for living a fulfilling life-on your terms.
Thanks for being here!
DISCLAIMER - When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a small commission if you purchase a product or service.
As a mom of three, life can get loud and messy, but embracing a slower, more intentional approach has brought more peace, joy, and clarity to my days. Join me as I share my journey, practical tips, and advice for living a fulfilling life-on your terms.
Thanks for being here!
DISCLAIMER - When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a small commission if you purchase a product or service.
How to make learning fun | gameschooling
In this video, I’m sharing how gameschooling can make learning at home more engaging and fun. I’ll walk you through some of my family's favorite games and share my thoughts on why we need to MAKE HOMESCHOOL FUN AGAIN!
REPRESENT! Yes, I turned my slogan into a shirt 😂 Get yours today 👉🏼 karasumedia.etsy.com
//GAMES:
Scattegories amzn.to/3yLXLuN
Labyrinth amzn.to/4fZ4FNV
Battleship amzn.to/4dX2kkL
Pac-Man amzn.to/3APSrXG
Scooby Doo Spooky Journey amzn.to/470NmrH
Count Your Chickens amzn.to/475TE9F
Spot It amzn.to/3AJ5332
DND Starter Kit amzn.to/3T9pyfx
Family Charades amzn.to/478okXB
Race Across the USA amzn.to/4e3C7RJ
Triolet amzn.to/3Ml5ink
Horrified amzn.to/4cD8ZiY
Money Bags amzn.to/4cGe0Hv
Election Night! amzn.to/4cE8oO9
American Trivia Board Game amzn.to/3X4OLZz
Ticket to Ride amzn.to/3z7ilFT
California Bingo amzn.to/4e3Cgof
Shelby's Snack Shack amzn.to/3AHzdDF
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel amzn.to/4e1TK48
Frankie's Food Truck Fiasco amzn.to/4dKZi3y
Franklin's Fortune amzn.to/4g0ZVr6
The Oregon Trail amzn.to/3yTxbjm
Monza amzn.to/4g0cXoK
Pandemic amzn.to/3z01YuP
Prime Climb amzn.to/3yTxsCU
Jurassic Park Danger! amzn.to/472DWvM
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Game amzn.to/3XjEqKN
Outfoxed! amzn.to/3X3oPO3
Sorry! amzn.to/4dC6wqg
Great States! amzn.to/4dIyvF0
Trailblazer
Dragon Realm amzn.to/4dRs3uW
Tiny Polka Dot amzn.to/3T4snyg
Dominoes amzn.to/4g5xqZw
Monopoly amzn.to/3MmkjFp
Dino Math Tracks amzn.to/3yZ03GR
Hail to the Chief
Snap It Up! amzn.to/3MpUkNi
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza amzn.to/3yWFP0n
Taco vs. Burrito amzn.to/3T6G5Rf
Guess in 10 - States of America amzn.to/3T5sqtM
Clumsy Thief amzn.to/3YY9t01
Phase 10 amzn.to/3Xm3BMU
Sleeping Queens amzn.to/4e49Ni5
Candyland amzn.to/3XkwKaZ
Sum Swamp amzn.to/3Z1ILDN
Sums in Space amzn.to/3XnSxyR
Cat Crimes amzn.to/4cHK6mj
Sight-Word Bingo amzn.to/4cI4aEX
Dragonwood amzn.to/4e1Uqqc
Place Race
Sushi Go amzn.to/4g0dCGK
Scrabble amzn.to/472KZVo
Go amzn.to/3AEhjBV
Uno amzn.to/3MIvngx
Ramen Fury amzn.to/3MsgEG0
Story Cubes amzn.to/3X1neZi
Zeus on the Loose amzn.to/4e1Ux56
Proof amzn.to/3WVFFyc
Quiddler amzn.to/3X63eVa
Math Dice amzn.to/4cKGlwz
//SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER
Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/
//HOW I CAN HELP
Homeschool Mentoring bit.ly/4cbHqgv
Mindful Living Coach www.xuanklevecka.co/
Homeschool blog www.thehomeschoolfront.com/
//LINKS:
My go-to camera amzn.to/3X68xUu
Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referral/5wkk5j
Create Your Blog Dream & CZcams Success bit.ly/3W4RkeZ
Stupid Simple Blogging bit.ly/37jROri
//FREE DOWNLOADS:
🌿 Nature Scavenger Hunt www.thehomeschoolfront.com/naturescavengerhunt
📚 Simple Unit Study www.thehomeschoolfront.com/simpleunitstudy
✔️ Homeschool Curriculum Checklist www.thehomeschoolfront.com/curriculumchecklist
📓 Homeschool Mindset Journal
www.thehomeschoolfront.com/mindsetjournal
//BROWSE MY SHOPS:
Etsy Shop: karasumedia.etsy.com
Homeschool Store www.thehomeschoolfront.com/shopnow
Bookshop bookshop.org/shop/thehomeschoolfront
//LET'S BE FRIENDS!
Instagram - xuanklevecka
Pinterest - bit.ly/3mADNaA
***
//WHO AM I?
I'm Xuan, a Southern California-based homeschool mama of three and a Slow Living Coach. On this channel, I like to share everything about slow living - homeschooling, travel, cooking, and so much more.
Thank you for subscribing!
#lifeinthetrenches #homeschoolmom #slowliving #homeschoolmentor #slowlivingcoach #lifecoach #intentionaliving #simpleliving #slowlife #suburbs #suburbia #antihustle #relaxedhomeschooling #slowschooling #mindfulliving #intentionalliving
***
DISCLAIMER - When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a small commission if you purchase a product or service. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing me to continue providing free content weekly.
REPRESENT! Yes, I turned my slogan into a shirt 😂 Get yours today 👉🏼 karasumedia.etsy.com
//GAMES:
Scattegories amzn.to/3yLXLuN
Labyrinth amzn.to/4fZ4FNV
Battleship amzn.to/4dX2kkL
Pac-Man amzn.to/3APSrXG
Scooby Doo Spooky Journey amzn.to/470NmrH
Count Your Chickens amzn.to/475TE9F
Spot It amzn.to/3AJ5332
DND Starter Kit amzn.to/3T9pyfx
Family Charades amzn.to/478okXB
Race Across the USA amzn.to/4e3C7RJ
Triolet amzn.to/3Ml5ink
Horrified amzn.to/4cD8ZiY
Money Bags amzn.to/4cGe0Hv
Election Night! amzn.to/4cE8oO9
American Trivia Board Game amzn.to/3X4OLZz
Ticket to Ride amzn.to/3z7ilFT
California Bingo amzn.to/4e3Cgof
Shelby's Snack Shack amzn.to/3AHzdDF
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel amzn.to/4e1TK48
Frankie's Food Truck Fiasco amzn.to/4dKZi3y
Franklin's Fortune amzn.to/4g0ZVr6
The Oregon Trail amzn.to/3yTxbjm
Monza amzn.to/4g0cXoK
Pandemic amzn.to/3z01YuP
Prime Climb amzn.to/3yTxsCU
Jurassic Park Danger! amzn.to/472DWvM
The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Game amzn.to/3XjEqKN
Outfoxed! amzn.to/3X3oPO3
Sorry! amzn.to/4dC6wqg
Great States! amzn.to/4dIyvF0
Trailblazer
Dragon Realm amzn.to/4dRs3uW
Tiny Polka Dot amzn.to/3T4snyg
Dominoes amzn.to/4g5xqZw
Monopoly amzn.to/3MmkjFp
Dino Math Tracks amzn.to/3yZ03GR
Hail to the Chief
Snap It Up! amzn.to/3MpUkNi
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza amzn.to/3yWFP0n
Taco vs. Burrito amzn.to/3T6G5Rf
Guess in 10 - States of America amzn.to/3T5sqtM
Clumsy Thief amzn.to/3YY9t01
Phase 10 amzn.to/3Xm3BMU
Sleeping Queens amzn.to/4e49Ni5
Candyland amzn.to/3XkwKaZ
Sum Swamp amzn.to/3Z1ILDN
Sums in Space amzn.to/3XnSxyR
Cat Crimes amzn.to/4cHK6mj
Sight-Word Bingo amzn.to/4cI4aEX
Dragonwood amzn.to/4e1Uqqc
Place Race
Sushi Go amzn.to/4g0dCGK
Scrabble amzn.to/472KZVo
Go amzn.to/3AEhjBV
Uno amzn.to/3MIvngx
Ramen Fury amzn.to/3MsgEG0
Story Cubes amzn.to/3X1neZi
Zeus on the Loose amzn.to/4e1Ux56
Proof amzn.to/3WVFFyc
Quiddler amzn.to/3X63eVa
Math Dice amzn.to/4cKGlwz
//SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER
Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/
//HOW I CAN HELP
Homeschool Mentoring bit.ly/4cbHqgv
Mindful Living Coach www.xuanklevecka.co/
Homeschool blog www.thehomeschoolfront.com/
//LINKS:
My go-to camera amzn.to/3X68xUu
Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referral/5wkk5j
Create Your Blog Dream & CZcams Success bit.ly/3W4RkeZ
Stupid Simple Blogging bit.ly/37jROri
//FREE DOWNLOADS:
🌿 Nature Scavenger Hunt www.thehomeschoolfront.com/naturescavengerhunt
📚 Simple Unit Study www.thehomeschoolfront.com/simpleunitstudy
✔️ Homeschool Curriculum Checklist www.thehomeschoolfront.com/curriculumchecklist
📓 Homeschool Mindset Journal
www.thehomeschoolfront.com/mindsetjournal
//BROWSE MY SHOPS:
Etsy Shop: karasumedia.etsy.com
Homeschool Store www.thehomeschoolfront.com/shopnow
Bookshop bookshop.org/shop/thehomeschoolfront
//LET'S BE FRIENDS!
Instagram - xuanklevecka
Pinterest - bit.ly/3mADNaA
***
//WHO AM I?
I'm Xuan, a Southern California-based homeschool mama of three and a Slow Living Coach. On this channel, I like to share everything about slow living - homeschooling, travel, cooking, and so much more.
Thank you for subscribing!
#lifeinthetrenches #homeschoolmom #slowliving #homeschoolmentor #slowlivingcoach #lifecoach #intentionaliving #simpleliving #slowlife #suburbs #suburbia #antihustle #relaxedhomeschooling #slowschooling #mindfulliving #intentionalliving
***
DISCLAIMER - When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a small commission if you purchase a product or service. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing me to continue providing free content weekly.
zhlédnutí: 304
Video
How I'm teaching the U.S. Presidential Election this year | homeschool history & current events
zhlédnutí 459Před 14 dny
In this video, I share how I plan to teach my kids about the U.S. presidential election, using helpful resources like books, games, and websites to make learning fun and informative. 📚 BOOKS 📚 History of US amzn.to/4cwGBiA Cartoon History of the United States amzn.to/3ArXRYK For Which We Stand amzn.to/4dwdflz Understanding the U.S. Constitution amzn.to/46Uhu84 Becoming a Critical Thinker amzn.t...
One month of science in a box! 🚀 Science Unlocked Blast Off 🚀 Homeschool Curriculum
zhlédnutí 344Před 21 dnem
Join me as I unbox Blast Off: Ready, Set, Rocket! kit from Home Science Tools and walk you through how we use it in our homeschool. Follow along and see how fun and engaging science can be with hands-on learning! Blast Off: Ready, Set, Rocket! is an exciting Science Unlocked curriculum kit where K-2 students explore rocket physics through hands-on activities like flying tea bags, gas-powered ca...
Redefining Rigor in Homeschooling: Tips for a Relaxed Approach
zhlédnutí 817Před 2 měsíci
Do we really want a rigorous homeschool? Learn practical tips on how to create a high-quality homeschool environment that balances rigor and relaxation. Also, I organize our subscription letters in our homeschool room. //LINKS: 📓 FREE Homeschool Mindset Journal www.thehomeschoolfront.com/mindsetjournal SUMMER HOMESCHOOL RESET thehomeschoolfront.myflodesk.com/summerhomeschoolreset Homeschool Men...
Letting Go of Homeschool Anxiety
zhlédnutí 621Před 2 měsíci
In this video, I’ll share how to let go of the anxiety around proving your child is learning when you’re homeschooling. I’ll give you practical tips to trust the process and enjoy a more natural, joyful learning journey. Also, I opened up ALL the subscription letters we received over the past few months. //LINKS: 📓 FREE Homeschool Mindset Journal www.thehomeschoolfront.com/mindsetjournal SUMMER...
Do you trust yourself to teach your kids?
zhlédnutí 355Před 2 měsíci
I believe that you are more than capable of teaching your kids, and that you don't need a credential to be legit. Also, you're joining me as I organize our homeschool basket for summer ☀️ 📚 //LINKS: ☀️ Summer Homeschool Reset ttps://thehomeschoolfront.myflodesk.com/summerhomeschoolreset 📓 FREE Mindset Journal www.thehomeschoolfront.com/mindsetjournal Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsoun...
Where is your mind set when it comes to homeschooling?
zhlédnutí 494Před 2 měsíci
Sometimes breaking away from limiting beliefs and embracing a growth mindset can help make homeschooling more enjoyable for both you and your family. Oh, and I also open our summer homeschool box from our independent study charter school. ☀️📚 //LINKS: ☀️ SUMMER HOMESCHOOL RESET thehomeschoolfront.myflodesk.com/summerhomeschoolreset 📓 FREE Mindset Journal www.thehomeschoolfront.com/mindsetjourna...
Opting for a soft finish to our homeschool year | homeschool mom vlog
zhlédnutí 252Před 2 měsíci
Instead of a mad rush to finish our curriculum by the end of the homeschool year, we opted to celebrate the last days of school with field trips, hikes, and park days. 📚 Interested in my 4-week Summer Homeschool Reset? Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! thehomeschoolfront.myflodesk.com/summerhomeschoolreset //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ //HOW I CA...
We received $300 worth of FREE books this spring!
zhlédnutí 573Před 3 měsíci
Each of my kids received a $100 voucher ($300 total!) from our Independent Study Charter School to use at their Amazon Bookshelf for the spring semester. Join me as I unbox all the books we received, plus some books I bought for myself to read this summer. //WATCH ME UNBOX OUR FALL SEMESTER AMAZON BOOKSHELF HAUL (yes, we received $600 in free books this homeschool year!) czcams.com/video/yW1VTx...
my life is not busy, it's full | morning routine, science & art | homeschool mom vlog (Ep.7)
zhlédnutí 401Před 3 měsíci
Day 7 - It's Tuesday, and our day is filled with science lessons, art class, a little too much sugar, and more. Thanks for joining me on my Week in My Life - Spring Edition series! Watch from the start! czcams.com/play/PLCiHDTPHmAklLoLODCpXGWsfLpEwjh8dA.html&si=S0jTfaFqHLopLlOA //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ //HOW I CAN HELP Homeschool Mentoring bit.ly/3o660MK ...
a gentle start to our week | homeschool mom spring vlog (Ep.6)
zhlédnutí 680Před 3 měsíci
Day 6 - It's Monday, and we don't homeschool today. Instead, it's admin day for my work, life, etc. I'm batch-baking some baguettes, working on my laptop, and so much more. Thanks for watching! //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ //HOW I CAN HELP Homeschool Mentoring bit.ly/3o660MK Slow Living Coach thehomeschoolfront.myflodesk.com/slowlivingcoach //LINKS: Music fro...
slow living in the suburbs | homeschool mom vlog (Ep. 5)
zhlédnutí 461Před 3 měsíci
Day 5 - It's Sunday, and it's another rainy day here in Southern California. Join me as I romanticize my very basic but happy life. //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ //HOW I CAN HELP Homeschool Mentoring bit.ly/3o660MK Slow Living Coach thehomeschoolfront.myflodesk.com/slowlivingcoach //LINKS: Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referral/5wkk5j Bluel...
relaxed, rainy saturday with lots of food | chatty homeschool mom vlog (Ep.4)
zhlédnutí 484Před 3 měsíci
Day 4 - It was a lazy, rainy Saturday, so I talked more than usual and cooked some yummy food. Thanks for joining me on this day in the life of a homeschool mom, and I'll see you on "Sunday!" //WATCH THE SERIES FROM THE START! czcams.com/play/PLCiHDTPHmAklLoLODCpXGWsfLpEwjh8dA.html&si=lVixCBrNFaxA6dwO //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ //HOW I CAN HELP Homeschool M...
making my future self happy | DITL homeschool mom & life coach | spring vlog (Ep.3)
zhlédnutí 480Před 3 měsíci
Day 3-It's Friday, and usually, we dive deep into history or science for homeschool, but instead, we're getting caught up on chores. Join me as we get it ALL done today! Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referral/5wkk5j //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ //HOW I CAN HELP Homeschool Mentoring bit.ly/3o660MK Slow Living Coach thehomeschoolfront.myflod...
you can't draw water from an empty well | homeschool mom & life coach DITL | spring vlog (Ep.2)
zhlédnutí 380Před 3 měsíci
Day 2-On Thursdays, I take my homeschooled kids to a self-directed learning center a couple of towns away. While there, I enjoy being out in nature and going on a rejuvenating hike (my version of self-care). Be sure to subscribe to my channel to continue watching the spring week in my life series! I'm so happy to have you here 💝 //SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK Slow Notes xuanklevecka.substack.com/ /...
day in the life of a homeschool mom and life coach | spring vlog (Ep.1)
zhlédnutí 384Před 4 měsíci
day in the life of a homeschool mom and life coach | spring vlog (Ep.1)
Inside Treasure Hunt! from Mail Order Mystery
zhlédnutí 495Před 4 měsíci
Inside Treasure Hunt! from Mail Order Mystery
Secular(ish) homeschooler answers ALL your questions
zhlédnutí 935Před 4 měsíci
Secular(ish) homeschooler answers ALL your questions
Why we don't use just one curriculum for homeschool history
zhlédnutí 1,5KPřed 5 měsíci
Why we don't use just one curriculum for homeschool history
My BIGGEST homeschool haul to date! ✨ plus stuff for mama
zhlédnutí 4,5KPřed 5 měsíci
My BIGGEST homeschool haul to date! ✨ plus stuff for mama
Embracing Spring in Our Homeschool 🌸 slow living vlog 🌸 life lately
zhlédnutí 277Před 5 měsíci
Embracing Spring in Our Homeschool 🌸 slow living vlog 🌸 life lately
Slow Homeschooling ✨ Setting New Year Intentions ✨ Gameschooling ✨ Preparing for Christmas
zhlédnutí 570Před 8 měsíci
Slow Homeschooling ✨ Setting New Year Intentions ✨ Gameschooling ✨ Preparing for Christmas
Boost Math Skills with These Awesome Games!
zhlédnutí 579Před 9 měsíci
Boost Math Skills with These Awesome Games!
The Joy of Gameschooling: Language Arts Edition
zhlédnutí 407Před 9 měsíci
The Joy of Gameschooling: Language Arts Edition
Science Unlocked: Peak Inside Home Science Tools' Subscription Kits
zhlédnutí 531Před 9 měsíci
Science Unlocked: Peak Inside Home Science Tools' Subscription Kits
New Year, New Curriculum - why we chose Write By Number
zhlédnutí 2,6KPřed 9 měsíci
New Year, New Curriculum - why we chose Write By Number
Homeschooling Through the Fall: A Week in Our Life
zhlédnutí 305Před 9 měsíci
Homeschooling Through the Fall: A Week in Our Life
I would love an update on how you are getting on with ttis curriculum
I have a super mini-review in my upcoming video (it should be out tomorrow). But my oldest son loves it, and his writing has improved by leaps and bounds since we started using it in January.
Evolution has not been the “mainstream” accepted theory for more than a decade in science environments (it violates the third thermodynamics laws among other absurd “beliefs”). But the “news” will arrive to the masses when the editorials get rid of all the materials they still have, as usually happens. Science and public are widely diverted according to economic purposes. But this happen to any field of science I guess. I am lucky to be a scientist myself… I am so sorry no curriculum is still Talking about the electric universe theory and other updated more accepted theories.
These look great! I have been looking for more games to buy for homeschooling!
Thanks! So many new games out there. I always have to hold myself back when we're at Target 😂
We are trying to organise our games!!! I haven’t bought any math game but we use playing cards for math games alongside boards we have!!! We have the same approach to subjects!!! We sometimes finish a subject in November and then pick up another subject!!! We only use workbooks for what we need to!!! We use a lot of books and documents for learning!!!
Playing cards are fantastic. I carry a pack with me wherever we go.
What age do you think this is good for? My son is in first so I was planning to find CZcams videos lol. I'm wondering if I should do more though. Thank you for sharing all this.
Most of what I shared is geared toward upper elementary and middle school. My daughter is in 1st grade, too, and she'll get a more simplified version of this. We'll read Duck for President and then create a ballot box and vote. She'll probably play the board games with her siblings, but she'll be on my team or have modified rules. I usually teach to the highest denominator (my 8th grader) and then scaffold down to meet the needs of each of my kids. I hope that helps!
@@lifeinthetrenches ok thank you. So my plan of CZcams videos is probably good then.
I just got the election night game in mail today lol❤
It's a great game! I still need to get the expansion packs.
Love this video content. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was an amazing selection of ideas and resources! Thanks so much for this.
You are so welcome!
History class was one of my favorite classes when I was in school
Same here...at least when I had a good history teacher!
What is your favorite history curriculum and resources to use from preschool thru high-school?
I don't have a favorite or one curriculum to rule them all. I think for the under 7 crowd I would just work on being a good citizen/person and learn local history, upper elementary I would use Beautiful Feet Books or Pandia Press curriculum, and then middle school and high school I would stitch different curriculum & resources and utilize current events for Socratic discussions and critical thinking activities. There's no perfect curriculum, and as your kids age so will their needs. But I plan on doing a history curriculum/resources deep dive in the future!
We did U.S history last year and we learned the founding fathers but didn’t do elections!!! We are using easy peasy government!!! Those books are awesome!!! I don’t like workbooks either!!! I feel we need to be critical thinkers as ppl!!! We have got fed up with using all books!!! We got sucked into the idea of just books and we are moving back out of it again!!! I have family members who think they kno everything!!! We love the easy peasy videos!!! I didn’t kno of school house rocks!!!
I have to check out easy peasy!
I would love to see a deep dive for history!
Would love to do one!!
Hey @lifeinthetrenches we were wondering if you would be interested in reading the world atlas we wrote? (If not yeah I get it, I might not respond to a random comment in my comment section either ) Our atlas is called "The World A Comprehensive Guide to Geopolitics" It has breakdowns for over 1,400 geographic regions covered. Every continent, every UN member, every partially recognized nation (Taiwan, Kosovo, Palestine etc.), every autonomous region, every external territory. We even included breakdowns for every known base camp in Antarctica, by both summer and winter populations. It has over 440 colorized maps. And over 490 colorized flags. And we even included a geography section full of facts such as the largest rivers, lakes, deserts, the lowest elevations, highest altitudes, longest mountain ranges, most northerly and southerly nations just to name a few. It took us almost 2 years to make. I'm proud of it. We finally published on June 12, 2024. Almost 2 and a half months ago.
Feel free to email me - it should be in my channel description. Thanks for reaching out!
@@lifeinthetrenches Thank you for responding.
I’ve been buying more kits but I still get extra stuff for experiments in our curriculum!!! When we travel science experiments can be hard depending upon our location so we try to get it in when we are at home even though our home is a different place now!!! Being in the U.S it’s even easier to get supplies!!!our film things are in the U.K!!! We got our science curriculums and we are doing 2 as it’s 2 subjects but both this year are health themed!!! One curriculum we are only doing certain chapters I think!!! That’s what we seem to be doing as I got the 2nd curriculum for rabbit trails as my kids had questions!!!
Love it!
I used to be so NO RELIGIOUS COMPANIES! I have aged and like a fine wine, I take what is good from whatever source I see fit, now. I am sad that I spent so much time avoiding a lot of good material from religious companies. Most especially if that material can be downloaded as a PDF and I can open it in an OCR, like Wondershare Element, and just...edit it. Any way I like.
I totally get it! My younger self had that very black-and-white thinking as well. Now I just glance over things that I don't care about or find useful. I love how you use OCRs to edit the curriculum! Such a great idea
I "think" we will be using Beautiful Feet, Joy Hakim, AND Pandia Press.... LOL It is a bit difficult, eh? It is SO easy to make Beautiful Feet secular. I change out a book here and there and then just use a similar format as them for those book lessons.
Yes, I feel like BFB's curriculum has smatterings of religion and is not overtly religious like some curricula. But I also think it's because they're based in California, and we have a lot of public charter schools here that cater to homeschoolers. They were losing out on $$$. But I think it's fun gathering different resources and using them here and there when teaching, at least for history. I don't do it much for other subjects 😂
Can you find the readers at the library?
I've found all the books at the local library except for Stories from Where We Live. However, I did end up finding that at our local university's library but I ended up buying it used. I hope that helps!
@lifeinthetrenches thank you for replying! It's a big help! We are doing this curriculum for our new school year.
I am in CA, with a charter, and they will buy the curriculum, just not the teachers guide.
I'll be honest and say that I've never used a teacher's guide, even when I was a teacher. Maybe with math you may want a teacher's guide to get the answers and explanations to problem solving, but for the other subjects I don't feel like they are necessary. Just another way for curriculum companies to make money. Does your charter school have a lending library? The one we homeschool with does, and we're able to check out teachers guides, curriculum, and more. Perhaps you can do the same to see if they are really necessary before spending your own money on them.
Can give a list of field trip you took or would have liked taking during each unit? I will be using this curriculum this year and I want to take lots of fields trips 😊 Thank you!
I would love to! Would you be open to traveling all over California, or would you prefer to stay local to your area? You can DM me on Instagram @XuanKlevecka or email me at hello@thehomeschoolfront.com. CZcams doesn't alert me to comment responses.
Nice idea mam. Keep rocking ❤
Thanks
@@lifeinthetrenches ❤️
We lived in New Zealand for 5 years and it was so amazing!!!
I bet! My bff lived there to do post-grad work, and she loved it. Convinced me and another BFF to come visit her!
I can’t love this video any more! 💖 I so appreciate your perspective and topics you’ve been sharing through your videos lately. We also homeschool through a CA charter, and between 2 back to back pregnancies/newborns in the last 3 years, we’ve ended up schooling through the summer to “catch up” or finish our curriculum. It’s so hard to get the public school model out of my head. Where we are in northern CA, temps have been 105-115° this summer which isn’t uncommon. While watching this, I realized that we really should be utilizing our break time during the spring and fall since we literally will burn if we spend time outdoors. 🥵 Your content and calm demeanor are so encouraging to me while I lose the rigidity that I hold myself. 🫶🏻
You're not alone! It has taken me years to get to this "relaxed" mindset, and I still feel like I need a lot more work. BUT YEAH, take advantage of the nice weather when you get it! Even though we homeschool through a charter that has a traditional school calendar year, it doesn't mean we have to keep to their schedule. And thank you for your kind words and for continuing to watch my videos! I love getting comments like yours, as it reminds me that I'm not just talking to myself and that there are people out there I am impacting in some small way. 💝
@@lifeinthetrenches YES! Please continue speaking into us fellow homeschool mommas! 🩵🩵🩵
I struggle with this topic as I want to homeschool In a rigorous Way but doable so relaxed!!! I like a hands on approach as well!!! I often switch up when we do certain things!!! I refuse to do long hrs of instruction and we focus on depth!!! We love rabbit trails!!! In Aussie history textbooks the 1st ppls aren’t mentioned, I don’t agree with that personally!!! One of my kids does masterbooks math and they encourage math outside the textbook!!! We do more discussions than essays!!! My older kids call them papers as they have to write a few for their classes but I think they write enough!!! We have to keep a portfolio but I doubt it will be a binder per kid!!! I reflect a lot!!! We are classical homeschoolers but I want to do it in a relaxed way!!!
I love how you homeschool! Your kids seem to be getting a good mix of both worlds. I'm sure your years of experience have helped you find the right balance for you and your family.
I think for myself, focusing on consistency is providing rigor for my kids💕love your videos lately!!
Love that! I agree, consistency is key!
We find a discussion is a good marker but sometimes I have to ask certain questions!!! I backwards plan and I’ve taught my older kids to backwards plan!!! We have a mix of curriculum and kid led research projects and deep dives!!! Public schools focus on in and out but I agree on skill development!!! Our homeschool room is a storage room and we homeschool in different places!!! The woman you didn’t kno I remember hearing it from Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography audiobook!!! We are planning on visiting the Bondi aboriginal places that still exist in the spring or summer (September to January)!!!
Oooooh, we need to check out that audiobook!
I’m a first time viewer here. I have to just say I love listening to you. You just talk like you’re talking to a friend. I love your personality and your comments. You’re so honest. I’m subscribing. “It’s not all about the kids.” Haha yes. Love it.
Thanks for subbing! I'm so happy to have you be a part of my world!
My son was homeschooled for 3 years, but I outsourced everything because we constantly argued throughout it all. It wasn't worth continuing and ruining our relationship. Now I'm homeschooling my daughter (5) and my biggest fear was not being qualified to teach her to read. We do use a curriculum. it's an open and go style. She's reading like a champ. We have surpassed my expectations by leaps and bounds. I'm glad that there are people out there (like you!) who say don't cut yourself short.
Our relationship with our kids is so much more important than academics. And hooray for reading! We're all so much more capable than what our inner critic likes to tell us.
May I ask what how you are pacing this? How long is each lesson if you were to do all the things listed? Would this be too much for a 7th and 4th grader, my 4th grader?
I use it more as a reference or spine than as a traditional curriculum. But I think you should be able to use it with both of your kids with no problem. The book has a suggested scope and sequence, but you can move at your kids' pace.
@@lifeinthetrenches thank you,
Thanks for sharing. This looks great and not at all overwhelming to me. When you talked about other history curriculums in this video, may I ask what is ‘history of the world,’ I haven’t heard of that one, would you mind linking it for me? X
Maybe I meant Story of the World! History of the World is that old Mel Brooks movie. I sometimes get names mixed up.
I love curriculum but we sometimes don’t bother!!! We don’t use a geography curriculum unless my kids ask for one!!! We addat curriculum!!! Rabbit trails are awesome!!! I have 3 kids doing write by numbers in a class now!!! One of my twins was sitting in with her bother and asked me to enroll her so I did alongside her twin brother!!! My older daughter is doing a year of research for a social studies credit (Japanese culture, geography and history) she wanted to do it!!! Reflection is key in education especially home education!!!
I love the year of research! That's such a great idea. I love curriculum, too, but I realized my kids prefer to follow rabbit trails.
Love this style of video. My son is in mainstream school here in Australia but I’m strongly leaning towards homeschool for next year (ex teacher here too). It’s amazing how many teachers homeschool their kids!
Thanks! I try to make videos that I'd actually like to watch 😂 But I think all these former teachers homeschooling their kids definitely says something about our current school systems.
The whole family got burned out apart from my older daughter but she’s only researching Japanese history and culture and geography!!! We travel to different countries so it’s more travel schooling!!! I saw travel schooling is any homeschool that travels in any way!!! I love to buy a curriculum to adapt to our needs so we have a guideline!!! Homeschool classes helped me to pull out my kids as I knew I’d struggle in certain areas to teach!!! Homeschool is completely different than school!!! The mean mum had to come out recently but I have teenagers who don’t listen!!! We don’t use summer books but we homeschool year round!!!
Yes! I love using a curriculum as a guideline or spine, and not as a strict plan that we must follow to the letter. Road schooling, travel schooling, world schooling - they're all the same in my book!
@@lifeinthetrenches hey 😊
Thank you for sharing your family adventures. ❤ This was an enjoyable video to watch. I love how beautiful California was at this time of year. Once I realized how much our fam life is being weighed down by trying to keep up with the curriculum's pacing, I finally took the hint in spring just to slow down. And we got to enjoy, too, Southern California's natural beauty. Just watching this makes me already miss it! 🥲 Didn't get to finish any curriculum in my first year of homeschooling 🤷♀️ but that's okay because I also remember having teachers that didn't either.
Yes, I love spring in California! Even if my allergies don't feel the same 😂 There's a big misconception in the homeschooling world that you need to finish a curriculum in order to have a successful, productive year, but that is far from the truth. Like you, I vividly remember not finishing a curriculum in school, both as a student and a teacher, and my life didn't lack because of it. And I just love, love, love how you took note of how keeping up with the pacing affected your family, and then you made the decision to slow down and embrace the season. You're totally rocking at this homeschool thing! 🙌🏼
Thank you for the kind words! Learning to slow down and taking more mental health breaks were valuable lessons. But I still feel burned out at the end. My health fell apart last month (part of the reason I struggled finishing curriculum 😅) and now I am recovering and starting to catch up cleaning and organizing and fixing family routine again. And I know I have no mental capacity at the moment to open any curriculum to do "light schooling" for the summer - that is not the treadmill I need to be on. It is my time for much needed self-care, so I am in a better position for next school year. I really love reading your newsletters. I haven't commented or liked them yet but I want to let you know I do enjoy them.
We end the yr at Easter so we just did a Easter unit and went to New Zealand for a few days with my older kids so we could jump off the sky tower!!! My younger kids stayed at home with their grandparents!!! We had an event at home and then had some time off and New Zealand is a quick flight for us!!!
Nice! That sounds like a good time to end the year. I love New Zealand, but still haven't been to Australia even though I had an Aussie exchange student live with me for 6 weeks. One day I'll make it out there.
You have been such an inspiration to me. I have been going through the motions for the last year. I've been nothing but overwhelmed and easily irritated. Now, I just need to talk my husband into letting me do some life changes so we can slow down, too. Thank you. ❤
I'm so touched by your words and glad you found inspiration here. I think it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to meet certain societal standards, whether it's about productivity or how we choose to educate our kids. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling or living a fulfilling life. Each family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's all about finding what resonates with your family's values and pace. And I think it's awesome that you're going to talk about your overwhelm with your husband. I had a client who recently did the same with her husband, and they've started to make some changes so homeschooling becomes sustainable over the long haul. Mom burnout and homeschool burnout are REAL, and people in our circle need to be aware. You're doing an incredible job recognizing your needs and advocating for a slower, more intentional life! 💝
Thank you for this. It really eased my mind❤. I often wonder “but what if I ‘m not teaching what they need to know or enough of something”? Got to take it step but step 👍🏽
I'm glad it helped! I think it's normal for us parents to worry that we're not doing enough.
Woohoo!
I hope anyone new to homeschooling listened to Xuan's advice at 17:04. I wish I didnt overdid the curriculum research last summer when I first started. 😅 Xuan, thanks for the little extra video footage (like the June Gloom weather) you added to this book haul. I too have kits I would like to finish this summer before the start of the new school year (when we may end up with surprise more subscription kits) but I am still trying to take it easy this summer since I am just getting over a health scare last month. How do you go almost no curriculum in a public charter school situation?
Thanks! Our independent study charter school is one of the more flexible ones in California, and we don't have to use a curriculum if we don't want to. We do check in with our homeschool teacher every 20 days to go over what the kids learned and submit one work sample. She checks off what standards they met based on what they learned. When my son gets to high school, he’ll have to submit a work sample for each subject every month. We also do benchmark and standardized testing so the school can keep their accreditation. I think it helps that the majority of the homeschool teachers and admin at the charter are homeschoolers themselves, so they understand how different each homeschooler’s needs are.
@@lifeinthetrenches Wow your charter is the opposite of mine! I think my charter is run by type A admins who want to make sure we don't risk losing our charter, so they are little more strict. But that makes me stress out too 😅 Edit: I just asked if the charter will let is go no curriculim, I got a big no.
We are in Lima so it’s mega hot!!! My stepdad went to the mountains and said it was cold tho!!! We heard the season depends on elevation!!! Our homeschool room wasn’t ever used apart from storage so not having one isn’t a problem!!! My older kids are in their own hotel room next to ours so they have their own space!!! Individual learning is awesome!!! We had a week of food technology on a cruise and it was awesome!!! My older kids went on their own to their room for the classes!!! The ocean book looks awesome!!! The vlogs are awesome!!! We love the Clark the shark books and my older kids will read them for extra phonics practice!!! Nothing wrong with rolling over curriculum!!! We love Easy Peasy, it’s free and online!!! This year we watched a movie of a book instead of reading it!!! We where learning about a famous athlete who refused to run on a Sunday!!! I was an early years teacher so we could be more creative!!!
So nice that your older kids have their own space!
Thank you for this review!
My pleasure!
I don’t fold laundry but we hang it up!!! For family subjects I do the same thing!!! My high schooler is included as well as my 8th grader doing high school credits and I let her do high school level!!! History is different for my 16 year old at the moment due to my kids hating it!!! We’ve been doing food classes for everyone in our community so it’s been fun and my kids are doing different classes to us adults!!! I learned to braid bread!!! Still got a lot to learn!!!
Cooking classes are so much fun!
I LOVE YOU! So real and beautiful ✨
Thank you, that means more to me than you know 💝
We have stopped homeschooling on comp days as my kids love to watch them!!! I love the kneading process of baking bread!!! I’m trying to teach my kids the separation of work and life!!! I love working in bed as well!!! I plan trips for work as I used to be a travel agent!!! We still have seaweed left from Japan!!!
Kneading bread is so therapeutic!
I used to do heatless curls like that!!! I was a kid so I’d forgotten how k did it!!! It’s awesome that ur finished your course!!! I’ve never made lemonade but often buy cloudy lemonade as it’s a made form Lemons!!! I’ve been making sure laundry is done before we move locations even if I did it the day before!!! My kids have been eating too much Mac and cheese but I’ve allowed them as a treat!!!
Super smart to do laundry before you leave locations! I try to do the same when we travel.