Updates from Daisy Witherell Déry

Look, You Don't Need a Curriculum to Start Homeschooling

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 15:47:56 CDT

Do You Want Structure, but Struggle with Homeschool Curriculum?

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:08:59 CDT

It's December--and Homeschooling is Even Tougher

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:49:14 CDT

This Homeschool Comment Nearly Made Me Lose It

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:25:07 CDT

Easing Into a New Homeschool Year: Why You Don’t Have to Do Everything the First Week

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:53:29 CDT

Starting a new homeschool year doesn’t have to mean diving into every subject and routine all at once. In this post, I share why easing in gently works better for both you and your kids, plus simple ideas for building your schedule step by step. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do it all” right away, this is the encouragement you need—and there’s even a free resource to help you get started with less stress.

What If Homeschooling Wasn't About Achievement at All?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:39:12 CDT

What Counts as Learning During the Summer?

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:31:43 CDT

Yes, all of it counts. The play, the questions, the messy projects, the walks, the conversations, the spontaneous curiosity. It's all learning. Maybe not the kind you can file or check off in a curriculum guide… but the kind that sticks. The kind that builds confident, capable, connected kids.

So if you're feeling behind, or worried your summer doesn't look "productive enough," I hope this list reminds you that your kids are still learning, and you're still doing enough.

Give yourself permission to enjoy this season. You don’t have to press pause on joy to keep moving forward.

Need a Simple Summer Activity Plan? Try This Fun Choice Board!

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:35:00 CDT

Summer homeschooling doesn’t have to mean worksheets. Here’s a choice board your kids can use to stay active, creative, and just the right amount of screeny. 😉

Dear Homeschool Mom: You’re Making Language Arts Harder than It Needs to Be

Tue, 20 May 2025 16:12:32 CDT

In navigating the complexities of homeschooling language arts, many parents grapple with the misconception that a "complete" language arts curriculum is essential. Language arts, comprising various interwoven skills like reading, writing, grammar and listening, isn't confined to a singular subject that needs exhaustive coverage each year. Attempting to tackle every aspect simultaneously can lead to burnout and an overwhelming schedule for both parents and children.

Interestingly, schools themselves don't delve deeply into every facet of language arts annually; instead, they employ methods like spiral learning which allow for flexibility and progression over time. Homeschoolers have the autonomy to tailor their approach, focusing on individual strengths and specific needs rather than adhering to a predetermined checklist. By moving away from rigid structures, parents can better support their children's learning through real-world application, creative writing and engaging discussions.

A more effective approach emphasizes quality over quantity by fostering environments where children read, write and engage with language organically. Encouraging discussions about books, allowing for free writing and targeting specific areas of struggle with brief lessons can be more beneficial. Remember, language arts flourishes through active use and enjoyment, so stepping away from overly structured programs can often liberate a child's potential and nurture their love for language.

Fun & Low-Stress Math Activities

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:29:00 CDT

Looking to make math engaging and enjoyable without the pressure of traditional schoolwork? Whether you're involved in homeschooling, after-school enrichment, or simply wanting to incorporate some practical number sense into daily life, this guide offers a variety of fun math activities that don't require complex equations or worksheets. These activities are designed to reignite a love for math in kids who might be overwhelmed by conventional methods, putting the emphasis on puzzles, games, and real-world experiences.

Choose from a myriad of games, puzzles, and creative projects to encourage mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dive into Sudoku, tangram challenges, or unique card games that foster addition and subtraction. Young learners can also bolster their reasoning abilities with math riddles, logic puzzles, and real-life problem-solving scenarios like planning budgets or estimating grocery costs.

Incorporate math into daily life by comparing grocery prices, designing dream spaces, or even experimenting in the kitchen with recipe adjustments and measurements. Creativity takes center stage with activities like designing a math-themed comic strip or crafting a board game. All these activities ensure math learning remains a dynamic and enjoyable adventure beyond the classroom.