5 Things We Still Do After 13 Years of Homeschooling

Some things have changed over the years—curriculums, schedules, and the ages of my kids—but a few things have stood the test of time.

After 13 years of homeschooling (and counting!), I now have a high schooler, a middle schooler, and an elementary student. Our days look different than they once did, but there are a few habits and rhythms that continue to anchor our homeschool life. These are the things that keep us grounded and bring joy and connection to our days.

Slower Mornings

One of the most significant shifts we made early on was embracing slower mornings. There’s no rush to get everyone to the table by 8 a.m. We ease into the day and don’t begin our group studies until 10:00.

This gives each of us time to prepare in our own ways—whether that means reading quietly, organizing the day’s lessons, cleaning up, painting, or getting a head start on independent work. Those calm, unhurried mornings set the tone for peaceful learning and allow us all to begin the day from a place of rest rather than hurry.

Morning Time

Morning Time has always been the heart of our homeschool, and even after all these years, it’s something I treasure. These days, we often call it our Group Study time, because it doesn’t always happen in the morning anymore. Depending on the day, it might take place after lunch or even in the afternoon—and that’s okay.

No matter when it happens, it remains a special time for us to gather together to pray, sing hymns, read the Bible, and dig into truth, beauty, and goodness through history, geography, art, music, apologetics, and science.

It’s the time when we’re all learning side by side—no matter the age or grade level. Those shared moments of discovery, worship, and conversation are what I’ll remember most from these years at home.

Click here for a peek at our 2023 Homeschool Morning Time.

Field Trips

Learning beyond the walls of our home is still a priority. We try to plan at least one field trip each month—whether it’s to a museum, nature center, historical site, or local farm. We also make sure to spend time outside with friends each week.

Some of our best learning (and laughter!) happens when we’re exploring together. Field trips keep curiosity alive and remind us that the world truly is our classroom.

Bucket Planning

My Bucket Planning system has been with us for years, and I still rely on it to keep our homeschool intentional. It helps me focus on our goals—both academic and character-based—and remember what’s most important to us as a family.

Each year, I fill our “buckets” with lists of experiences, activities, unit studies, curriculums, and resources that we’d like to do or explore together. These serve as inspiration and direction throughout the year, keeping our learning meaningful without feeling rigid or overwhelming.

From there, I schedule in our homeschool days, prioritizing our "bucket lists," and the unique goals I have for each child. It keeps our homeschool flexible, creative, and aligned with our values.

Student Checklists

Each child still has their own daily planner with assignments and chores. They love knowing what’s expected and having the freedom to work at their own pace. Some days they’re done by lunch; other days, they take their time.

This system gives them ownership of their learning and leaves plenty of room for individual interests, hobbies, and projects. It’s one of the best tools for building independence and responsibility.

Every homeschool looks a little different, and that’s one of the beautiful things about this journey. But I’ve learned that it’s often the small, steady rhythms—the ones that work for your unique family—that make the biggest difference over time.

So even as our homeschool continues to grow and change, these five things remain the core of what we do.

What about you? What are some things you still do in your homeschool year after year?