Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. Do you want to make reading more meaningful and engaging in your homeschool? One of the best ways to deepen your child’s understanding of literature — and build a genuine love for books — is through novel studies.

A novel study goes beyond just reading. It encourages your child to:
✨ Explore characters, settings, and themes
✨ Develop comprehension and critical thinking skills
✨ Build vocabulary naturally
✨ Make real-world connections with the story

But if you’ve ever wondered how to implement novel studies at home, you’re not alone! The key is having the right structure and resources in place — without adding more stress to your planning.

That’s why I’ve created my Digital Year 3–6 Novel Study Resource — designed especially for Australian homeschooling families. It’s packed with activities and practical tools that make it easy to integrate a novel study into your weekly routine.

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or simply looking for fresh ideas, this resource will help you:
✅ Choose the right book for your child’s level and interests
✅ Plan a manageable schedule
✅ Keep your child engaged with fun, interactive activities
✅ Foster deeper thinking and better comprehension

📘 Get your Digital Year 3–6 Novel Study Resource today!

Let’s make learning meaningful, simple, and fun — one story at a time.

Happy homeschooling,
Emma

At Home Education Support with Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. In the early years of homeschooling, reading aloud and exploring books together is one of the most powerful ways to build your child’s learning foundations.

A book study goes beyond simply reading the story. It helps children in Prep to Year 2:

• Strengthen listening and comprehension skills
• Begin to recognise story elements like characters, settings, and problems
• Grow their vocabulary naturally
• Develop early writing and creative expression through related activities

The key is to keep it simple, fun, and interactive. Here are a few easy ways you can bring book studies into your homeschool routine:

✨ Ask open-ended questions – After reading, ask “Why do you think the character did that?” or “What might happen next?” to encourage deeper thinking.

🎨 Get creative – Let your child draw their favourite scene, make a simple craft, or act out a part of the story.

✍️ Connect to writing – Encourage them to write (or dictate) a sentence about their favourite character or what they would change in the ending.

🧩 Link to other subjects – Choose stories that can tie into nature, maths, or history topics you’re already learning about.

These small steps make storytime not just enjoyable but also an opportunity to build essential skills for later literacy and learning.

If you’d love a little extra guidance, I’ve created a Digital Prep/Reception/Kindergarten/Pre-Primary –Year 2 Book Study Resource that provides ready-to-use activities, questions, and creative tasks to make this process simple for homeschooling families. Link is below!

Happy homeschooling,
Emma

At Home Education Support with Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your educational journey.

Social and Emotional Learning involves teaching children to understand and manage their emotions, develop empathy, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. These skills are crucial for personal well-being and success in both academic and social environments.

It feels like my five year old daughter always has big emotions. Honestly sometimes they feel too big and seem to overflow at what feels like the worst time (usually when we are rushing somewhere). It is important to remember that as children grows they become more conscious about the world around them. The last thing I would want is my daughter to feel like she is too much or feelings aren't ok. Sometimes words just aren't needed and a hug is what is needed. Something that helps me get through the big feelings and emotions is reminding myself that they are age-appropriate and she will learn to work through those emotions with practise.

Here are some practical strategies to integrate Social and Emotional Learning into your homeschooling routine:

1. Emotional Vocabulary: Encourage your children to express their feelings by expanding their emotional vocabulary. Discuss various emotions, their causes, and appropriate ways to handle them.
2. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness activities, like deep breathing or meditation, to help children manage stress and develop focus. These practices promote emotional regulation and enhance resilience.
3. Role-Playing: Use role-playing scenarios to teach empathy and perspective-taking. This helps children understand different viewpoints and enhances their ability to navigate social situations.
4. Problem-Solving Discussions: Involve your children in discussions about real-life problems. Guide them to brainstorm solutions, considering the consequences for themselves and others.
5. Community Involvement: Engage your children in community service projects or group activities to build teamwork skills and foster a sense of belonging and responsibility.

I encourage you to explore these strategies and adapt them to suit your family’s unique needs and interests. Your efforts in nurturing these essential skills will empower your children for a lifetime of personal and social success.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or need any support.

Happy homeschooling,
Emma

At Home Education Support with Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. Does teaching maths sometimes leave you (and your child!) frustrated? You’re not alone — especially when it comes to helping children master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can make maths time easier, calmer, and more effective.

Here are my top tips for tackling each skill:

1. Addition — Build Number Sense First

Instead of relying only on memorisation, help your child see the relationships between numbers:

- number bonds (e.g. 5 + 3 = 8, so 3 + 5 = 8)
- making 10: e.g. 7 + 3 = 10, then build up from there
- counters, LEGO bricks, or beads to visualise problems

- When children understand why addition works, they become faster and more confident.

2. Subtraction — Think of It as ‘Taking Away’ and ‘Finding the Difference’

Subtraction can be tricky because it’s often taught as one method, but there are multiple ways to help kids understand it:

Great for smaller numbers, e.g. 12 − 3 → count back 3 steps
Visual learners benefit from seeing the jumps
If 15 − 7 = ?, think “7 + what = 15?”
Concrete, hands-on practice makes subtraction less scary.

3. Multiplication — Make It Visual and Fun

Before memorising times tables, focus on understanding what multiplication means:

• arrays (e.g. 3 rows of 4 = 12)
• repeated addition so the connection is clear

Once the concept clicks, memorising times tables becomes much easier.

4. Division — Teach Sharing and Grouping First

Division is best introduced with real-world, hands-on examples:

• “We have 12 lollies, and 3 friends. How many each?”
  “Put these 12 blocks into groups of 3 — how many groups?”
  Start simple and gradually move to more abstract division problems.

✨ The key is short, consistent practice. Just 10–15 minutes a day can make a huge difference when using strategies that suit your child’s learning style.

If you’d like more support, I am just a message away. You’ve got this — and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Happy Homeschooling,
Emma

💛 Helping Aussie homeschoolers grow curious, capable learners.

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. As we continue to nurture our children’s love for learning, focusing on maths fluency is crucial in developing their confidence and proficiency in mathematics. To support you in this endeavour, I have compiled some key areas of focus for each primary school year level.

Mathematical fluency is the ability to understand and use math concepts efficiently and accurately. It includes skills like quick calculation, problem-solving, and critical thinking about numbers. This fluency develops through practice and exposure to various math tasks.

Foundation (Prep/Kindergarten): At this stage, focus on number recognition, counting to 20, and understanding basic addition and subtraction with concrete objects. Incorporating games and songs can make learning numbers fun and engaging.

Year 1: Develop your child’s ability to count to 100 by ones and tens. Encourage them to explore simple addition and subtraction problems and introduce the concept of place value. Hands-on activities with everyday objects can greatly enhance their understanding.

Year 2: Reinforce addition and subtraction facts up to 20 and introduce simple multiplication concepts. Focus on understanding place value up to 100 and start exploring simple fractions such as halves and quarters using visual aids.

Year 3: Encourage fluency with addition and subtraction within 100 and introduce multiplication tables, especially 2, 3, 5, and 10. Begin exploring division and enhance understanding of fractions, especially familiarities like halves, thirds, and quarters.

Year 4: Strengthen multiplication and division skills, focusing on tables up to 12. Work on understanding larger numbers and develop skills in multi-digit addition and subtraction. Encourage your child to solve word problems to apply their mathematical thinking.

Year 5: By this stage, aim for fluency in all multiplication tables and enhance division skills. Focus on decimal operations and introduce more complex fractions. Encourage problem-solving with multiple steps and real-world applications.

Year 6: Prepare your child for advanced concepts by reinforcing all previous skills. Work on ratios, percentages, and introduce basic algebraic ideas. Encourage logical reasoning and problem-solving involving more complex scenarios.

Remember, consistent practice and real-life application are key to developing maths fluency. Incorporate practical activities like cooking, shopping, and budgeting to make maths relevant and enjoyable. If you have any questions or need further resources, please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,
Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey!

Teaching science at the primary level offers a fantastic opportunity to nurture curiosity and inspire young minds to explore the world around them. Based on the Australian Curriculum Version 9, I’m excited to share some tips and ideas to enrich your science lessons at home.

• 
  Hands-On Experiments: Science comes alive with interactive experiments. Consider simple projects like creating a mini volcano with baking soda and vinegar, or exploring plant growth by sprouting seeds. These activities not only align with the curriculum but also engage children in active learning.
  
• 
  Nature Walks: Take advantage of the great outdoors by organising nature walks. Encourage your kids to observe and document different plant species, insects, or weather patterns. This aligns perfectly with the curriculum’s focus on biological and Earth sciences, fostering observational skills and a love for nature.
  
• 
  Science Journals: Encourage your children to maintain a science journal. They can record their findings from experiments, nature walks, or even interesting science facts they encounter. This practice enhances their writing skills and helps retain the knowledge they acquire.
  
• 
  Online Resources and Apps: Utilise educational apps and websites like ABC Education or CSIRO’s Double Helix to access a wealth of interactive content and experiments that complement the curriculum. These resources can provide visual and auditory learners with alternative ways to grasp scientific concepts.
  
• 
  STEM Challenges: Incorporate STEM challenges into your lessons, such as building a bridge from popsicle sticks or creating a simple circuit. These activities encourage problem-solving and critical thinking, key components of the science curriculum.
  

Remember, the goal is to make science fun and engaging while adhering to the structured learning objectives of the Australian Curriculum.

Thank you to everyone that placed an order this week and over the last few weeks! I truly appreciate your support!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further resources.

Happy experimenting!

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

Teaching HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) at home can be one of the most rewarding parts of your homeschool journey — it's where your child learns about their place in the world, their community, and Australia’s rich history and geography.

HASS is focused on critical thinking, connections to real-world issues, and helping children become active and informed citizens.

To support you in making HASS both educational and engaging, here are some practical tips and teaching ideas you can use at home:

1. Make Geography Local and Hands-On: Use maps, globes, or Google Earth to explore your local area. Talk about landmarks, natural features, and the way people interact with the environment. Create a simple map of your neighbourhood – kids love including their house, school, or favourite park!

2. Teach History Through Family Stories and Photos: Connect the History strand to real life by exploring your family tree, old photos, or local historical places. Explore and investigate personal and community histories – perfect for a walk down memory lane.

3. Use a “HASS Day” Weekly: Dedicate one day a week to focus on HASS. Include storytelling, discussions, map work, timelines, or even short local excursions. Themed days help children connect ideas across the different strands of HASS.

4. Bring Civics and Citizenship to Life: Role-play elections at home, talk about fairness, or explore rules and responsibilities with real-life examples (like chores or family decisions). These activities help children understand their role in the community.

5. Explore Indigenous Perspectives: Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures throughout your HASS activities. Use Dreaming stories, traditional land maps, or visit local sites of significance (if available) focusing on respectful understanding of First Nations Peoples.

6. Use Quality Resources: Choose picture books, videos, and hands-on activities that align with curriculum content. Many library and museum websites (like the National Museum of Australia or ABC Education) offer free, curriculum-linked materials.

7. Document Learning Creatively: Encourage your child to keep a HASS journal, scrapbook, or digital slideshow to record what they’ve learned. This doubles as a lovely portfolio and assessment tool for homeschool records.

8. Integrate Arts and Drama: Let children act out historical events, draw maps, or create posters about community values. Creative activities make content more memorable and fun.

9. Take It Outside: Whether you’re exploring land use, local environments, or community features – learning outdoors connects HASS to the real world.

You're not alone on this journey — we’re here to help you bring HASS to life at home. I do also have HASS resources for families that are wanting a guide/some direction to empower you and your child's learning.

Tonight is the last night to order before I take some time off next week. You are welcome to order anytime but any orders of workbooks that are made next week will be sent on 13th August.

Happy Homeschooling!

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your educational journey. As we continue to explore creative and effective ways to teach our children, I wanted to share some tips and ideas to help you teach the concept of time, in line with the Australian Curriculum Version 9.

Understanding the Basics: Begin by introducing your child to the fundamentals of time, such as reading analogue and digital clocks. Use real-life scenarios, like scheduling daily activities, to make this learning relevant and engaging.

Interactive Activities: Consider creating a daily schedule together with your child. This can include setting times for different activities—like reading, play, and meals—to help them understand how time is structured throughout the day.

Hands-On Learning: Use a DIY clock with movable hands to help your child explore the concept of hours and minutes. This tactile approach can be particularly helpful in reinforcing their understanding.

Incorporate Technology: There are various educational apps and online games designed to teach time-telling skills. These interactive platforms can provide additional practice in a fun and engaging manner.

Linking to Real-Life Skills: Encourage your child to plan a simple event, like a family picnic or a small party, where they can apply their time-telling skills to organise the event timeline.

I hope these ideas are helpful as you continue to nurture your child's learning journey at home. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further resources.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone that has already placed their orders for term three. It isn't too late to order your workbooks.

Make sure you check out my free course that explains everything you need to know about my workbooks to make sure they will suit your child. No obligations to purchase after checking it out.

Happy Homeschooling!

P.S. We would love to hear how you implement these ideas or any other creative approaches you have found effective. Sharing our experiences can be a wonderful way to support each other! A post all about telling time can be found in my community group (Link below). I would love to hear your ideas and I know other families would too.

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. Today, I’d like to introduce you to the exciting concept of worldschooling and offer practical tips on how to incorporate it into your child’s education, making learning an engaging and enriching experience.

Worldschooling is an educational philosophy that combines travel and experiential learning, allowing children to explore different cultures, languages, and environments. Here are a few practical tips to help you get started:

• Local Exploration: Begin by exploring your local community. Visit museums, cultural festivals, and historical sites. These experiences can spark curiosity and provide rich learning opportunities right in your backyard.
• Virtual Tours and Online Resources: Utilise technology to take virtual tours of museums, landmarks, and natural wonders around the world. Websites like Google Arts & Culture offer a plethora of resources to explore global cultures from home.
• Cultural Exchange: Connect with other homeschooling families or groups from different countries. Pen pal programs or virtual meetups can provide your child with a global perspective and an opportunity to learn about day-to-day life in other parts of the world.
• Language Learning: Encourage your child to learn a new language. This can be done through online courses, apps, or even local language groups. Language learning opens doors to understanding different cultures more deeply.
• Thematic Learning: Choose themes based on countries or cultures and incorporate them into your lessons. For example, study the geography, history, cuisine, and art of a particular region. Cooking traditional dishes together can be a fun and delicious way to learn.
• Document the Journey: Encourage your child to keep a travel journal or create a blog sharing their worldschooling experiences. This not only enhances writing skills but also allows them to reflect on their learning journey.

Remember, worldschooling is about making education a living, breathing experience that goes beyond textbooks. It’s about nurturing curiosity and a love for lifelong learning.

I hope these tips inspire you to embark on your own worldschooling adventure and create unforgettable learning experiences for your children.

Happy Homeschooling!

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Parents,

I hope you have had a great week. I am excited to share some practical tips to help you on your homeschooling journey when focusing on English, Maths, Science and HASS (Humanities and Social Science). Here are the top 10 tips:

• English: Encourage Reading Variety – Introduce a wide range of genres to spark curiosity and develop comprehension skills. Engage in discussions about their favourite parts or characters to enhance critical thinking.
• Maths: Use Real-Life Examples – Maths is everywhere! Use cooking, shopping, or DIY projects to illustrate mathematical concepts like measurements, fractions, and budgeting.
• Science: Hands-On Experiments – Conduct simple experiments at home to make learning interactive. Projects like growing plants or creating a homemade volcano can make scientific principles tangible.
• HASS: Incorporate Storytelling – Use storytelling to bring historical events and cultural studies to life. Encourage your child to research and narrate stories from different perspectives.
• English: Writing Journals – Encourage your children to maintain a daily journal. This not only enhances writing skills but also fosters self-expression and creativity.
• Maths: Gamify Learning – Utilise educational games and apps that make mathematical concepts fun and engaging. Board games that require counting or strategy can also reinforce skills.
• Science: Nature Walks – Explore local parks or gardens to study ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental science.
• HASS: Map Skills – Use maps and globes to teach geography. Encourage your child to map out their neighbourhood or chart a route for a family outing.
• English: Vocabulary Building – Introduce a "word of the day" to expand their vocabulary. Encourage your children to use new words in sentences to reinforce understanding.
• Cross-Subject Integration – Connect subjects by creating interdisciplinary projects.

I hope these tips help. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like any further ideas or information.

Happy Homeschooling!

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

The systematic synthetic approach to phonics is a structured method of teaching reading that is highly effective for Australian homeschooling families. It involves teaching children to read by blending the individual sounds (phonemes) of letters to form words.

This approach is systematic because it follows a planned sequence, starting with simple letter-sound correspondences and gradually moving to more complex patterns. This approach is particularly beneficial in a homeschooling setting, allowing parents to tailor the pace to their child's unique learning needs.

Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Where to start when teaching phonics?

Introduce Letter-Sound Correspondences: Use flashcards or magnetic letters to teach the sounds of each letter systematically. Focus on a few letter-sound relationships at a time.

Your child doesn't need to learn all of their letters to start the next focus:
Blending Sounds: Practice blending sounds together to form words. Use a set of letter tiles to physically move letters together as you blend their sounds to create simple words.
Segmenting Words: Teach children to break words into their individual sounds. This can be done with the help of counters or blocks to represent each sound.

As they start to grasp letters, you can start introducing:
Decodable Texts: Provide books that contain a high percentage of phonically regular words. Encourage children to read aloud to practice their decoding skills.

All children regardless of their knowledge of phonics would benefit from:

Multi-Sensory Activities: Incorporate tactile activities like writing in sand, using playdough to form letters, or tracing letters in the air to reinforce learning.
Phonics Games: Use board games, online phonics games, or apps designed to reinforce phonemic skills in a fun and engaging way.
Incorporate Writing: Encourage children to write using the sounds they have learned. Start with simple words and gradually build up to sentences. Make sure they are also writing for pleasure. This needs to be just for fun and without corrections.

I do have a Teaching Phonics Course if you would like to know more!

Happy Homeschooling!

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Parents,

I hope this email finds you well. This week, I wanted to share with you what you should be focusing on by grade and some tips on how you could work towards it:

Foundation Year:

• Focus on understanding numbers up to 20.
• Use hands-on activities like counting objects and using number lines.
• Incorporate everyday experiences, such as counting steps or sorting toys.

Year 1:

• Explore numbers up to 100 and begin understanding place value.
• Utilise visual aids like base-ten blocks or place value charts.
• Encourage skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s with songs or chants.

Year 2:

• Expand knowledge to numbers up to 1,000 and introduce addition and subtraction with regrouping.
• Use real-life scenarios, such as shopping simulations.
• Incorporate puzzles and math games for engagement.

Year 3:

• Introduce multiplication and division using arrays and grouping activities.
• Identify patterns in numbers.
• Explore simple fractions with everyday items like pizza slices.

Year 4:

• Develop fluency with multiplication tables and understand larger numbers.
• Use interactive tools, such as online games or flashcards.
• Introduce concepts of decimals and fractions through cooking activities.

Year 5:

• Delve deeper into fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Employ visual models like fraction strips or decimal grids.
• Encourage problem-solving with real-world applications, such as calculating discounts.

Year 6:

• Develop a strong grasp of number operations, including order of operations.
• Use projects or investigations that require higher-order thinking.
• Encourage discussions about strategies and solutions.

Here are some tips:

1. Use Hands-On Materials

• Counting Blocks or Beads: Encourage your child to physically manipulate counting blocks or beads to understand addition, subtraction, and basic arithmetic operations.
• Number Lines: Provide number lines to help visualise and jump between numbers, aiding in comprehension of sequencing and operations.
• Place Value Charts: Utilise place value charts with movable digits to teach the concept of tens, hundreds, and beyond.
• Fraction Tiles: Use fraction tiles or circles to help grasp the concept of fractions and their equivalencies.

2. Relate to Real-Life Experience

• Shopping Scenarios: Create mock shopping experiences where your child can use play money to buy and sell items, reinforcing concepts of addition, subtraction, and money handling.
• Cooking Activities: Involve your child in cooking or baking, where they can measure ingredients and explore fractions and measurements.
• Daily Schedules and Time: Use daily schedules to teach time management and the concept of time, such as differentiating between minutes and hours.

Please reach out if you have any questions or need me to clarify anything.

Happy Homeschooling!

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Parents,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to focus on the topic of introducing and teaching the concept of money but before that I wanted to talk to you about what is new on my website. You may have noticed I am beginning to offer HASS and Science (with more detail) on my website. English and Mathematics will remain available with the option of adding HASS and Science. These new subjects will also be available as a digital download when I have completed them. Currently Prep/Kindergarten/Pre-Primary/Reception and Year One is available with each grade being added as soon as I have finished them. Keep an eye on my FB page for the announcement on when they become available (aiming to have them all done ready for term three).

Let's talk money! Now that we are moving towards a cashless society, understanding money is just as important. Giving your child opportunities to use and pay with coins and notes is essential to knowing how to use money but also the value of money.

With our daughter, we have started talking more about money. She is nearly five so our conversations involve telling her that she can't have everything her heart desires and that we need to work towards it. She earns money and is able to spend it on what she likes. She is surprisingly good at saving her money but does complain how long it takes (welcome to the real world lol). We have already started talking about what coins and notes are worth and her favourite thing is to order and pay for her own ice cream when we go for a play at our local McDonalds.

If you aren't sure when or how to introduce money, please don't hesitate to reach out. Here is what the Australian Curriculum identifies to introduce and when:

Year 1: Modelling simple money problems involving addition and subtraction using whole dollar amounts; for example, setting up a shop and role-playing practical problems of buying and selling of goods, using addition and subtraction with play money and prices in whole dollar amounts; solving the problem “I had \(\$14\) and was given \(\$15\) for my birthday” using addition to answer the problem

Year 2: Modelling and solving simple money problems involving whole dollar amounts with addition, subtraction, multiplication or division; for example, if each member of our team contributes \(\$5\), how much money will we have in total?

Year 3: Representing money values in multiple ways when role-playing money transactions; for example, using play money to represent the coins and dollars you could use to pay for items.

Money can be difficult for some children to grasp which is why relating it to real life and allowing them plenty of practice is incredibly important.

Reach out if you have any questions

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Parents,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving on your homeschooling journey! Organising your week efficiently can make a significant difference in creating a productive and enjoyable learning environment for both you and your children. Here are my top five tips to help you set up your week effectively:

• Create a Flexible Schedule: Design a weekly timetable that balances structured learning with free time. Flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected events or delve deeper into subjects that spark your children's curiosity.
• Set Achievable Goals: Break down larger learning objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This not only makes it easier for children to focus but also helps them experience a sense of achievement regularly.
• Incorporate Varied Learning Activities: Mix academic tasks with hands-on projects, outdoor excursions, and arts and crafts. Diverse activities keep learning engaging and cater to different learning styles.
• Establish a Dedicated Learning Space: Designate a specific area in your home for learning. A clutter-free, organised space can help minimise distractions and foster a focused mindset.
• Schedule Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to allow children to recharge. Breaks are essential for maintaining concentration and can be used for physical activity, relaxation, or pursuing a hobby.

I hope these tips assist you in creating a harmonious and effective homeschooling environment. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further support.

Happy Homeschooling!

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

Homeschooling offers the unique opportunity to customise your child's education, but it can also come with financial challenges. Here’s a list of practical tips to help you homeschool effectively without stretching your budget.

Cost-Effective Homeschooling Tips

1. Utilise Free Online Resources: There are numerous websites offering free lesson plans, worksheets, and educational videos. Websites like Khan Academy, ABC Education, and National Geographic Kids provide comprehensive resources across various subjects.
2. Take Advantage of Your Local Library: Libraries are treasure troves of free books, audiobooks, and sometimes even educational kits or free sessions you can sign up for. Make regular trips to your local library to diversify your learning materials.
3. Buy Second-Hand or Swap Curriculum Materials: Look for second-hand textbooks and educational materials through online marketplaces or homeschool groups. Consider organising a swap with other homeschooling families to exchange materials you no longer need.
4. Use Household Items for Science Experiments: Many science experiments can be conducted with items found around the house, like baking soda, vinegar, or food coloring. This can make learning both fun and affordable.
5. Explore Free Community Resources: Many communities offer free or low-cost educational resources such as museums, botanical gardens, or science centres. Check for free admission days or discounted rates for homeschoolers.
6. Create a Budget-Friendly Schedule: Plan your curriculum around low-cost activities and field trips. Schedule regular park visits or nature walks, which are excellent and free ways to learn about biology and ecology.
7. Craft Supplies from Nature: Encourage your child to use natural materials for art projects. Collect leaves, sticks, or stones from your surroundings to create beautiful and budget-friendly art.

By incorporating these strategies, you can create a rich and diverse homeschooling experience without financial strain. Remember, the essence of education lies in curiosity and creativity, not in the cost of materials.

Happy Homeschooling!

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

We hope this email finds you well and thriving on your homeschooling journey! Today, we’re focusing on a crucial aspect of education: developing critical thinking skills. Encouraging critical thinking helps your child become independent learners, innovative problem-solvers, and thoughtful decision-makers. Below, we’ve outlined some engaging activities and lessons to incorporate into your homeschooling routine.

Activities to Foster Critical Thinking

1. Debate Discussions: Encourage your child to explore different perspectives by organising debates on various topics. This not only enhances their reasoning skills but also boosts their confidence in expressing their opinions.
2. Puzzle and Logic Games: Integrate puzzles and logic games like Sudoku or chess into your homeschooling day. These activities challenge the mind and improve strategic thinking.
3. Scientific Method Exploration: Engage in experiments where your child formulates a hypothesis, conducts an experiment, and evaluates the results. This approach nurtures analytical thinking and curiosity.
4. Creative Storytelling: Ask your child to create stories or scenarios with unexpected plot twists. This exercise enhances creativity and the ability to think outside the box.
5. Problem-Solving Scenarios: Present real-life scenarios or problems and ask your child to come up with solutions. This activity helps in developing practical thinking skills.
6. Cause and Effect Analysis: Discuss historical events, scientific phenomena, or social issues, and explore their causes and effects. This encourages deeper understanding and connectivity in learning.

These activities will not only make learning more enjoyable but will also equip your child with essential skills for future success. Remember, fostering critical thinking is about encouraging curiosity, inquiry, and a willingness to explore different solutions.

Feel free to adapt these ideas to suit your child’s interests and learning style. We’re excited to see how these activities enhance your homeschooling experience! Reach out if you would like any further ideas or suggestions.

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. As you navigate the diverse educational opportunities available, I am excited to share some inspiring ideas on how you can use nature as a classroom. My daughter loves getting outside and I feel like her behaviour and attitude changes dramatically when we get outside. We regularly play on the monkey bars in our backyard, do messy play and she loves going to golf with her dad (my favourite as well as I am at home by myself for hours).

The beauty of homeschooling in Australia is the abundance of natural landscapes that offer endless learning possibilities. Below, you'll find a list of creative outdoor learning experiences and environmental education activities to enrich your homeschooling curriculum:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Organise a scavenger hunt in a local park or nature reserve. Create a list of items for your child to find, such as specific leaves, flowers, or animal tracks. This activity encourages observation and teaches about biodiversity.

Garden Science Projects: Start a small garden at home and involve your child in planting, caring for, and observing the growth of plants. This hands-on project can teach lessons in biology, ecology, and sustainability.

Bird Watching and Identification: Equip your child with binoculars and a field guide to birds native to your area. Spend a morning spotting and identifying different species. This activity can enhance their understanding of ecosystems and bird behaviour.

Beach Exploration Day: Visit a nearby beach and explore tide pools, collect shells, and learn about marine life. Discuss topics such as ocean conservation and the importance of marine ecosystems.

Outdoor Art Projects: Encourage your child to create art inspired by nature. Use natural materials like leaves, twigs, and stones to create sculptures or try painting to capture the beauty of the landscape.

Tree Identification Walk: Take a walk in a nearby forest or botanical garden and learn to identify different tree species. Discuss their role in the environment, such as providing oxygen and habitats for wildlife.

I hope these ideas inspire you to embrace the natural world as an integral part of your child's education. By incorporating outdoor experiences into your homeschooling routine, you not only provide hands-on learning but also foster a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. Getting out and exploring the outdoors and getting some fresh air might be a great addition to your homeschooling schedule.

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. Teaching your child to read is an exciting journey, especially in a homeschooling setting where you have the flexibility to tailor the learning experience to your child's unique needs. Here are my top tips to help you guide your child through this important milestone, with a focus on various text and book options available in Australia.

1. Start with Phonics: Phonics is a fundamental building block for reading. Begin by introducing your child to the sounds of letters and simple letter combinations.

2. Incorporate Australian Literature: Incorporate books that reflect Australian culture and landscapes to make reading relatable and engaging. Titles such as Possum Magic by Mem Fox and The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay can spark interest and familiarity.

3. Use Picture Books: Picture books are excellent for early readers because they provide visual context that supports text comprehension. Choose books with vibrant illustrations and simple text, such as Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek.

4. Read Aloud Together: Reading aloud is a powerful tool for developing listening skills and building a love for reading. Make it a daily habit to read together, using expressive voices and discussing the story to deepen understanding.

5. Select Diverse Genres: Expose your child to diverse genres to broaden their reading interests. Include fairy tales, informational texts, poetry, and non-fiction books. This variety can cater to different interests and learning styles.

6. Create a Print-Rich Environment: Surround your child with various types of texts. Label household items, display alphabet charts, and have a collection of books readily accessible. This constant exposure reinforces the importance and presence of written words.

9. Leverage Libraries and Online Resources: Make use of public libraries and online resources which offer free access to a vast range of books and audiobooks. Many libraries also provide homeschooling support and reading programs.

10. Encourage Writing Alongside Reading: Encourage your child to write their own stories, which helps reinforce reading skills. Start with simple sentences and gradually progress to short stories, using story prompts and writing journals.

By incorporating these tips and utilising a variety of texts and books, you can create a rich, engaging, and effective reading environment for your child. Happy reading!

If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to message me.

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. Today, I want to discuss an essential aspect of education that often goes hand-in-hand with academic success: building a healthy attachment with your children.

Healthy attachment is crucial for a child's emotional and social development. It involves creating a secure environment where children feel loved, understood, and supported. This secure attachment forms a foundation that allows children to explore the world confidently, engage in learning with enthusiasm, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.

Research has shown that children with strong, healthy attachments are more likely to excel academically, as they possess the emotional stability necessary to focus on learning. When children know they have a safe and supportive base at home, they are better equipped to tackle new concepts and ideas.

Interestingly, many high-performing countries in education, such as Finland, emphasise the importance of starting formal education at a slightly later age. This approach allows children to spend more time developing social skills and forming secure attachments in early childhood before diving into the academic rigors. This is why I am a big believer is play based learning. Children are sponges and are eager to learn but for a lot of children, the tradition school doesn't work.

In Finland, formal education typically begins at age seven. During the early years, children are encouraged to engage in play-based learning, which supports emotional growth and attachment. This method has been associated with higher academic performance and well-adjusted individuals who value lifelong learning.

How to Foster Healthy Attachment at Home

As homeschooling parents, you have the unique opportunity to nurture a strong attachment with your children. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Spend Quality Time Together: Engage in activities that your child enjoys and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
• Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions and opinions.
• Be Consistent and Reliable: Establish routines and be a dependable presence in your child's life to foster a sense of security.
• Support Their Interests: Encourage their passions and involve them in decision-making processes related to their education.

By prioritising healthy attachment, you are not only contributing to your child's emotional and social development but also laying the groundwork for academic success.

If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to message me.

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. If you have followed me for a while, you would have heard me talk about how we use a play-based approach to homeschooling. A play-based approach to learning can greatly benefit primary school-aged children by fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.

Here are my top tips to effectively incorporate this method into their educational routine:

1. Understand the Philosophy: Before implementing a play-based approach, it's important to understand the philosophy behind it. Play-based learning emphasises exploration and discovery through play, allowing children to learn at their own pace while developing critical thinking and cooperation skills.

2. Create a Flexible Schedule: Design a flexible homeschooling schedule that allows ample time for unstructured play. Unlike traditional schooling, a play-based approach thrives on spontaneity and the natural flow of children's interests.

3. Design a Stimulating Environment: Transform your homeschooling space into an engaging environment with diverse materials like building blocks, art supplies, and nature elements. This stimulates curiosity and encourages children to explore different concepts through play.

4. Integrate Play with Curriculum: Incorporate play into your curriculum by aligning educational goals with playful activities. For example, use role-playing games to teach history or science experiments to explore physical phenomena.

5. Encourage Outdoor Play: Outdoor play is crucial for physical development and connects children with nature. Encourage activities like gardening, nature walks, or sports to enhance physical skills and environmental awareness.

6. Emphasise Social Interaction: Facilitate group play sessions with other homeschooling families or community playgroups. Social interaction during play helps children develop communication skills and build friendships.

7. Observe and Reflect: Regularly observe your child's play to gain insights into their interests and developmental progress. Reflect on these observations to tailor future activities and ensure they remain engaging and educational.

8. Foster a Love for Learning: Encourage your child’s natural curiosity by allowing them to lead play sessions. When children pursue their interests, they develop a lifelong love for learning.

9. Utilise Technology Wisely: Incorporate educational apps and games that promote creativity and problem-solving skills. Balance screen time with hands-on activities to ensure a holistic approach to learning.

10. Stay Informed and Connected: Join homeschooling networks and online forums to share tips and resources with other families. Staying informed about new play-based learning strategies will help you continuously improve your homeschooling approach.

By focusing on a play-based approach, homeschooling families can create a rich, engaging educational experience that nurtures their children’s development in a holistic manner. I always follow my daughter's lead with learning. She asks amazing questions, so we explore and investigate topics that interest her in combination with learning activities that I choose. Phonics is a huge focus for us which we structure using the GRR model (more information about this can be found in my FREE course).

If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to message me.

Warmest regards

Emma

Dear Homeschooling Families,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving in your homeschooling journey. Balancing homeschooling with other parental duties, like household chores and work, can be challenging. Here are ten tips to help manage these responsibilities effectively:

1. Create a Structured Schedule

• Use a Calendar: Utilise digital or physical calendars to organise your day. Allocate specific times for homeschooling, work, chores, and family time.
• Set Routines: Establish a daily routine that includes fixed homeschooling hours. Consistency helps children know what to expect and keeps everyone on track.

2. Prioritise Tasks

• Daily To-Do List: Create a daily list of tasks, prioritising them based on urgency and importance. This helps focus on what truly needs attention each day.
• Flexibility is Key: While routines are important, be flexible to adjust plans as necessary. Life often throws unexpected challenges your way.

3. Involve the Whole Family

• Assign Chores: Distribute household responsibilities among all family members, including children. This teaches them responsibility and lightens your load.
• Family Meetings: Hold regular meetings to discuss the weekly schedule, allowing everyone to voice concerns and contribute ideas.

4. Find Your Village

• Connect with Other Homeschooling Families: Join local or online homeschooling groups for support, resource sharing, and social interaction for your children.
• Seek Help: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance from family members or friends when needed. A strong support system is invaluable.

5. Time Management Tools

• Utilise Apps: Consider using time management apps to stay organised. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar can help streamline tasks and schedules.
• Set Timers: Use timers to allocate specific periods for tasks, ensuring you stay focused and efficient.

6. Create a Dedicated Learning Space

• Designate a Homeschool Area: Set up a specific area in your home for learning. This separates school time from leisure time, helping children focus.
• Minimise Distractions: Keep this space free from distractions like toys or electronics not related to learning.

7. Incorporate Breaks and Downtime

• Scheduled Breaks: Ensure regular breaks are part of your schedule to prevent burnout for both you and your children.
• Relaxation Time: Dedicate time for relaxation and hobbies, which is essential for maintaining mental health.

8. Utilise Educational Resources

• Online Resources: Make use of free or subscription-based educational platforms that offer lessons and activities.
• Library Visits: Regularly visit the library to access diverse learning materials and foster a love of reading.

9. Work-Life Balance

• Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours and homeschooling hours to prevent overlap. Communicate these boundaries to your employer if necessary.
• Remote Work Flexibility: If possible, negotiate flexible work arrangements to accommodate your homeschooling schedule.

10. Self-Care

• Prioritise Your Well-being: Make time for self-care activities, whether it's exercise, reading, or meditation. A healthy parent is better equipped to handle multiple responsibilities.
• Seek Professional Advice: If feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking support.

By implementing these tips, parents can better manage the demands of homeschooling alongside other responsibilities, creating a harmonious and effective home environment.

If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to message me.

Warmest regards

Emma