Celebrating Passions: How Extracurriculars Enrich Education

Celebrating Passions: How Extracurriculars Enrich Education

Dear Cottonwood Families, One of the most rewarding aspects of homeschooling is the ability to nurture the whole child — not just academically, but personally, creatively, and socially. This week, as we open submissions for Cottonwood’s Got Talent, I’m reminded of the...

Lead with Relationship

Lead with Relationship

Hello Cottonwood Families, My name is Deanna Dyer, and I’m the Associate Director of Instructional Teams and a former homeschooling mom of 3 teenagers, one of whom is a high school graduate, and one who is currently a senior in high school. I have found, in the 13...

Embracing World Cultures in Our Homeschool Journey

Embracing World Cultures in Our Homeschool Journey

As we welcome November, there’s a feeling of anticipation and warmth that comes with exploring the many celebrations, traditions, and stories this time of year brings. It’s the perfect season to enrich your homeschool with world studies and cultural exploration. Our...

Playful Learning with Simple Homeschool Hacks

Playful Learning with Simple Homeschool Hacks

Hello Friends, As a homeschool parent, I’ve learned that some days flow beautifully, while others feel like we’re just trying to make it to bedtime! Lately, I’ve been tapping into playful learning (something we talked about last week) and thought I’d share a few...

The Freedom to Play and Explore

The Freedom to Play and Explore

Hello Friends, Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research,” and as homeschoolers, we know how true this is. Play and exploration have always been at the heart of how children learn best. Whether it's running through a forest, experimenting with a...

October Homeschooling Memories

October Homeschooling Memories

October is my favorite month, and it was also my favorite time to homeschool. October homeschooling with my daughters included making pumpkin muffins for a trek into the wetlands, reading nestled in the limb of a giant oak tree, and discovering grinding stones and...

Celebrating Small Wins in Homeschool

Celebrating Small Wins in Homeschool

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...

Homeschooling in October

Homeschooling in October

Happy Fall, y'all! October is upon us, and while we’re still waiting for cooler weather, it’s a great time to embrace the seasonal changes in our homeschool. With fall-themed learning ideas, upcoming events, and a little self-care for us parents, there’s a lot to look...

Finding Your Groove: Learning and Growing in Homeschool

Finding Your Groove: Learning and Growing in Homeschool

As we move into October, many of us are beginning to settle into the rhythms of our homeschool days. Whether this is your first year homeschooling or you’re a seasoned pro, every year brings its own unique challenges, triumphs, and opportunities for growth, not just...