Dear Homeschool Families,
As we move further into the school year, it’s easy to get caught up in what still needs to be done or the challenges that may arise. But this week, I’d like to encourage you to take a moment and celebrate the small wins.
Maybe you finished a project that your child was really excited about. Maybe you finally figured out a routine that works for your family (at least for now!), or you had one of those sweet “a-ha” moments where a concept just clicked for your child. These little victories are often the building blocks of a fulfilling homeschool experience, so let’s take some time to reflect on them.
Tying in Passion First
This month, we’ve been exploring the Passion First mindset as part of our 7 Mindsets program with SELF, which emphasizes the importance of discovering and nurturing what excites us. This same principle applies to homeschooling; when we focus on what our kids are truly passionate about, learning becomes a joy rather than a chore. If you haven’t yet, consider using the Explore Your Interests activities from our SELF Talk newsletter earlier this week to help your kids reflect on their interests. You can find those SELF lessons here.
Practical Tip: The “Small Wins” Journal
This week, consider starting a simple “small wins” journal. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — just a place where you and your child can jot down one or two highlights from each day. It could be completing a math lesson without frustration, reading a new book, or even successfully getting outside for a nature walk. At the end of the week, look back and see all the progress you’ve made, no matter how small it may seem at the time.
Resources of the Week
If you’re looking for more tools to reinforce the Passion First mindset, revisit this week’s SELF Talk newsletter and visit the Seven Mindsets page and SELF page in the Parent Hawks’ Nest. Don’t forget the resources we provide from Big Life Journal, which help your kids develop introspection and self-reflection. New activities will be in your SELF talk Newsletter every week. These free printable activities are great for students to explore their interests and passions:
Action Idea: Reflect Together
As part of this week’s reflection, take a few minutes with your kids to ask them about their favorite parts of the week. What did they enjoy learning? Was there something they felt proud of? Encouraging these conversations helps your children see their own progress and reminds them that learning happens in all kinds of ways.
Remember, homeschooling is a journey, not a race. You’re doing incredible work every day, and it’s those small, steady steps that add up to something amazing. You’ve got this!
Kindly, Kara