Making Everyday Magic: The Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

🎙️ Deep Dive: 7th Grade Language Arts | Michael Clay Thompson Level 4 in Our Homeschool

Let’s break down our 7th grade language arts curriculum! This year, we’re using Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts Level 4—the Classic Literature Level—in our secular homeschool. If you’ve been wondering how this curriculum works, what makes it unique, and if it’s the right fit for your homeschool, I’ve got you covered!

🔥 What’s inside this episode?
✔️ A full look at Michael Clay Thompson Level 4 (Classic Literature)
✔️ What works, what’s challenging, and how we adapt it to fit our homeschool
✔️ Is it too much? Let’s talk about it!

If you’re looking for a rigorous, literature-rich language arts program that prioritizes deep understanding over busywork, this curriculum is worth a look. But is it the right fit for every homeschool? Let’s get into it!

📢 Do you use MCT in your homeschool? Drop a comment and let’s chat! Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share for more deep dives into our homeschool journey.

#DeepLook7thGradeLanguageArts #MakingEverydayMagic #MichaelClayThompson #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolCurriculum

My Use Strategy: Start the Year with: Grammar (1 Chap Weekly), Writing (1 Chap Weekly), Vocabulary (1 Chap Ever 2 Weeks), & Readers Follow Grammar with Pratice Sentence Daily Second Semester Add Poetry (1 Chap Weekly)

Somehow, we’re already closing out the 3rd quarter of our homeschool year! 🤯 As we roll into the final stretch, we’re finally settling into our new routine, soaking up that fresh spring energy, and—because homeschool planning never really stops—starting to think about next year.

🌸 In this episode:
✔️ How we’re settling into our new homeschool routine
✔️ The boost of spring energy & a fresh mindset
✔️ Wrapping up the school year & what’s left to finish

This is the time of year when things start feeling real. We’re adjusting, reevaluating, and gearing up for what’s next. Anyone else feeling that mix of excitement and “wait, how is it almost the end of the year?!”

💬 Where are you in your homeschool year? Wrapping things up? Making big changes? Let’s chat in the comments! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share so you don’t miss the next homeschool update.

#Wrapping3rdQuarter #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolPlanning #SpringHomeschool #HomeschoolRoutine 

Let’s kick off the new year by focusing on what truly matters—fostering a love for language and storytelling in homeschool! 🎉

In this episode, I’m sharing my philosophy on teaching the essential building blocks that help kids develop a passion for expressing themselves through language. Instead of diving straight into formal writing, I focus on nurturing creativity, communication, and confidence. Night Zookeeper has been an incredible resource for bringing these concepts to life in a fun and engaging way.

Why Focus on Language Before Formal Writing?
Encouraging kids to explore storytelling, wordplay, and creative expression helps them build a natural comfort with language. These foundational skills make formal writing a smoother, more enjoyable process.

How Night Zookeeper Helps:
Night Zookeeper uses interactive lessons and fun activities to spark excitement about storytelling and language exploration. It’s the perfect tool for helping kids develop a love of language while gently introducing writing concepts in an approachable, stress-free way.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• My approach to teaching the building blocks of language in homeschool.
• How storytelling fosters a natural love for communication.
• Why Night Zookeeper is an amazing tool for creative growth.
• Practical tips for creating a homeschool environment where writing feels effortless and fun.

Special Offer:
👉 Get 50% off Night Zookeeper! Start the New Year Write with this amazing tool: https://bit.ly/3ZWQJwu

Let’s Connect!
Follow me for more homeschool inspiration, secular resources, and tips for Making Everyday Magic.

#StartingTheNewYearWrite #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolWriting

💖-Shanna

✨ Is it time to refresh your why for homeschooling? ✨

Sometimes, we all need to pause, reflect, and realign. In our latest podcast episode, we’re diving into how reevaluating your reasons for homeschooling can reignite your passion, refocus your goals, and breathe new life into your homeschool journey. 🌟

🖍️ Why Refreshing Your Why Matters:
Your “why” is the foundation of everything you do in homeschool. Reflecting on it can help you:
✅ Reignite your enthusiasm
✅ Manage challenges with clarity
✅ Create a learning environment that aligns with your family’s needs and values

🌿 Overwhelmed? Needing a reset? It’s the perfect moment to reassess and ensure your homeschool brings joy and fulfillment to your days.

💡 Let’s reassess together—take that step back and refresh your why!

👉 Follow @MakingEverydayMagic for more tips, inspiration, and encouragement on your homeschooling journey!

#HomeschoolJourney #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolTips #ReevaluateYourWhy #MakingEverydayMagic

🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you set up for success. Don't miss out!

It’s time to Plan and Prep the New Homeschool Year! 🖍️ Whether you're gearing up for a new semester or reassessing where you are midyear, this video will guide you through my process for organizing, evaluating, and preparing for the upcoming homeschool months.

#MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolPlanning #HomeschoolPrep #SecularHomeschool #HomeschoolLife #PlanForSuccess #NewHomeschoolYear #HomeschoolOrganization

It’s time for an honest Mid-Year Homeschool Update! This year has been nothing short of “other”—a vibe that’s hard to define but undeniably different from what I envisioned. In this episode, I’m reflecting on where we are, what’s working (or not), and how this year compares to those before it.

The start of a new year often comes with fresh goals and plans, but sometimes life has other ideas. From curriculum changes to unexpected challenges, I’m diving into the emotional and practical sides of homeschooling when things take an unplanned turn.

If your homeschool year feels off-track or just different, you’re not alone. Let’s chat about the lessons, surprises, and the unique vibe of this year.

✨ Join the conversation: How is your homeschool year going? Are you feeling a similar “other” vibe, or is everything on track?

#MidYearUpdate #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolUpdate #HomeschoolJourney

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!

Homeschool regulation is a hot topic in the homeschooling community, and in this episode, I’m diving into my mixed feelings about it. As a homeschooler, I cherish the freedom to create a learning environment tailored to my family’s needs. But I also recognize the critical importance of protecting children who might benefit from more oversight.

Homeschooling is as diverse as the families who choose it, and discussions around regulation often bring passionate opinions. Let’s navigate this nuanced conversation with open minds, respect for different perspectives, and a shared focus on what’s best for kids.

Join me as I explore the complexities of homeschool regulation and what it means for families like ours.

#MyThoughtsHomeschoolRegulation #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolOversight

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!

Unpopular opinion alert! It's OK to quit homeschooling, and I’m here to tell you why. Not everyone’s homeschool journey starts from a place of choice. For some, it’s a "no better option" scenario. This life is challenging, and it’s not for everyone—and that’s perfectly fine.

In this episode, I share my perspective on why quitting doesn’t mean failure. Instead, it’s an opportunity to learn what doesn’t work and move forward with grace. Whether homeschooling isn’t the right fit or you’re exploring different educational paths, remember: you’ve tried, you’ve done your best, and you’re not alone. Let’s break down the stigma around quitting and embrace the freedom to choose what works best for your family.

Tune in for empowering advice, honest truths, and a reminder that knowing when to quit is a skill worth celebrating.

#ItIsOKToQuit #HomeschoolSupport #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolTips #EducationalChoices #HomeschoolLife

📚✨ Resources Above Grade Level ✨📚

Ever wondered if using advanced materials in your homeschool is worth it? 🤔 In our latest podcast episode, we're diving into the benefits of going above grade level! From boosting confidence to encouraging deeper learning, we’re sharing why challenging your learners can make a big difference. 🚀

🎙️ Tune in for:
✅ Tips on incorporating advanced resources
✅ How to adapt them for your homeschool
✅ The surprising perks of stretching their potential

Tag a fellow homeschooler who loves thinking outside the box! 💡 #Homeschooling #AdvancedLearning #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolResources #StretchTheirPotential #SecularHomeschool

-Shanna

Game Changer: Mom And Me Monday

In my quest to balance it all—homeschooling, running a small business, and being a productive work-from-home mom—I had a lightbulb moment: why not structure our homeschool week the same way I organize my day? That’s when Mom And Me Monday was born!

So, what is Mom And Me Monday? It’s all about front-loading our homeschool week with the hardest tasks—the ones where my kids need the most help from me. By tackling the tough stuff first, the rest of our week becomes smoother and more enjoyable.

The results? My girls now look forward to this day. Despite being the most work-heavy, they call it the easiest and their favorite day of the week! 🎉

✨ What you'll learn in this episode:

• How front-loading your week can transform your homeschool.
• Tips for making hard work feel fun and rewarding.
• Why small changes can lead to big wins in homeschooling.

👉 Ready to revolutionize your week? Tune in now!

💖 #GameChangerMomAndMeMonday #MakingEverydayMagic #HomeschoolTips

-💖Shanna

Just a mama making magic!