A photo of Erin Vincent

Erin Vincent

I'm Erin, an introverted homeschooling mom to two intense extroverted kids. We are child led with a heavy emphasis on read alouds, games, art, nature hikes, and hands-on everything! My kids just learn better when they can use their hands. You can find me at Nourishing My Scholar.

We traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the quiet that only farm life can provide. This creates a wonderful environment for our children, complete with chickens, goats, ducks, and cows. I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls. When we're not homeschooling, you'll find me curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book or possibly enjoying a random dance party in the front yard to the newest Disney soundtrack.

I Want to Homeschool, But I’m Afraid I’ll Fail

a child leaps from a swing seat

Are you thinking of taking the plunge into homeschooling your children?

But you’re worried, right? You might even feel overwhelmed.

What if you fail?

I’m here to tell you we’ve all had those thoughts and feelings, but guess what? Homeschooling is not going to chew you up and spit you out, and here’s why.

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4 Ways You Waste Time In Your Homeschool Day and 4 Ways You Don't

4 Ways You Waste Time In Your Homeschool Day and 4 Ways You Don’t

Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind, where the time wasters seem to eat up your whole twenty-four hours? It’s easy for them to sneak into your life.Do you know how to spot them?

Preparing for the day includes at least having an idea in mind of what needs to be accomplished, if not a full schedule. This also includes having needed items on hand. For us, that means having library books and games to go along with the interests of the children.

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How to Extend Your Family Culture of Reading Through Winter Break

a turquoise mug sits on a stack of two books: red and green

The temperatures are beginning to drop. Autumn is well and truly here which means winter is not far behind. I look forward to the first snowflake, the first icicle, and that muffled silence that falls over everything after a heavy snow. But then just as quickly as it all arrived, I am ready for warmth and sun again. Yet my kiddos could spend all day in the great outdoors of winter, provided there is plenty of hot cocoa and a cozy Read-Aloud by the fire afterwards. Reading is part of our family culture. It brings joy and happiness to both children and adults alike in my home.

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Why the Homeschool Day Is So Much Shorter Than a Typical School Day

an old fashioned silver alarm clock stands in front of a stack of books

Why the Homeschool Day Is So Much Shorter Than a Typical School Day

How long is a typical homeschool day and how does it compare with the hours of a day in public school? Many parents, new to homeschooling, wrongly assume that they should homeschool for the same length of time as their public school counterparts. 

In general, a homeschool day is much shorter than that of a traditional school.

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The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling from the Library

one child loads up the arms of another with a tall stack of library books

The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling from the Library

I am a book lover. I am also homeschooling two miniature book lovers. We are a family with an affinity for books. Books fill our home; they are in every nook and cranny. Shelves are piled high with the written word. You’ll probably need to move a book (or three) before sitting on our couch.

And yet, we never seem to have enough. Thank goodness for our local library!

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5 Ways to Give Accountability to a Kid Who Is Slacking in Homeschool

a boy throws a green frisbee against a blue sky

I want to develop my child’s natural love of learning. But some days it seems he’s more interested in smashing through the next level of a favorite video game than doing his homeschool assignments. 

Yes, kids can lose steam with their school work even with the most engaging of curriculum.Encouraging a child’s accountability for their assignments is a challenge, but it is a worthwhile endeavor.

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Shark Week Videos: The Ultimate Guide to Free Streaming for Homeschoolers

a shark swims in a gorgeous reef

Shark Week Videos: The Ultimate Guide to Free Streaming for Homeschoolers

Are you ready for Shark Week? We get super excited about it around here because my kids love everything to do with this apex predator of the oceans. It's the perfect way to keep summer learningfun!

We’ve already created our sharky library list and now I’m looking into documentaries. My kids adore documentaries as they add a visually compelling and storytelling element to my kids’ studies.

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5 Ways to Explore Backyard Birds

a child in a pink jacket and boots looks through binoculars

Birds are a fascinating topic for many kids. They are colorful, intriguing, and can have an array of beautiful calls and songs. Plus, they can fly. What's more, they can be found right in your own backyard. This makes it even easier for your kids to learn more about these intriguing creatures.

If your children want to learn more about birds, then check out these 5 ways to explore birds in your own backyard.

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Fostering a Love of Rocks in Your Homeschool

a girl with cropped hair holds rocks

Fostering a Love of Rocks in Your HomeschoolDoes your child love rocks? Perhaps you find a beautiful mess of rocks all over their bedroom and your home. And let's not forget when you suddenly realize that the horrible banging in your dryer is not the motor or drum malfunctioning, but a collection of rocks from the days earlier excursions.

Have you ever been on a nature walk and your little cherub excitedly shows you the most beautiful rock they have ever seen? Maybe you gaze upon this gray lump of hardness and wonder what's so exciting about this dirty inanimate object?

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