Never let your schooling interrupt your education.

The secret to Teaching from Rest (and a giveaway!)

The Secret to Teaching From RestWritten by Sarah Mackenzie of Amongst Lovely Things

We’re tiptoeing to the end of summer, and if you’re anything like me, you’re looking over your plans for the school year, making sure you’ve dotted your i’s, crossed your t’s, that you’ve stocked up on 10 cent notebooks and colorful pens.

And maybe… juuuuust maybe… you’re sneaking a few extra things into the curriculum.

After all, you want this to be the BEST homeschool year ever, right?

Me too. But I’ve been down this new-year-of-homeschooling road a few times, and I want to tell you the secret for setting out for a new school year with mindful intention that has the staying power to carry us through the year– that will get us through that November slump and even the February burnout that threatens us year after year.

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Simplify your homeschool

My husband enjoys backpacking in the wilderness. The first few times he went, he packed up his backpack like any other ordinary hiker and set out for his weekend with everything he thought he might want or need for his journey.

He had made a list, gathered up supplies, and laid them upon the dining room table to make sure he had everything he needed before packing them into his backpack. Once loaded, the pack would easily weigh 60 pounds or more.

He knew it would be heavy, but it was the beginning of the trail and enthusiasm was running high, so he’d foist the pack onto his back and set out.

Here’s the thing- a mile in, that pack didn’t feel like it was 60 pounds anymore. The straps would dig into his shoulders, and he would slow to a creeping pace. Struggling to enjoy himself, he often wanted to quit.

Sometimes he chucked nonessentials into the fire the night before packing back up to leave camp- after all, every ounce matters when the blisters on your feet are aching and your shoulders are sore.

That way of backpacking didn’t last long. He would dread trips, knowing that he’d be miserable halfway down the trail.

Instead, now he does something called ultralight backpacking. The difference? Only what is absolutely essential goes into the pack.

Every ounce is carefully considered, meticulously measured. No extra water (water can be filtered from sources along the trail), or snacks. Calculations are made beforehand so the hiker knows exactly what he will need.

Some ultralight backpackers go so far as to cut their plastic toothbrushes in half. That small bit of plastic weighs almost nothing, but every ounce matters. Ounces add up to pounds, and pounds add to up to misery on the journey.

If a hiker wants to enjoy the journey itself, get to his destination, and do more than sprawl flat on his back, panting for breath and feeling like he can’t take another step, he simply can’t bring any extra weight.

Well, I don’t know about you, but that looks an awful lot like the way I plan my homeschool.

I set out for a new year with enthusiasm and exuberance and a curriculum packed to the gills with every good thing I want to get to during the year.

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Then November rolls around, and I’m flat on my back, panting for breath and feeling like I can’t take another step. I’m calling the local school asking about enrollment, I’m turning on Bill Nye and calling it science class, I’m longing for something different– any other way of living that would feel less exhausting, more sustainable.

Perhaps the biggest mistake homeschooling moms make as a whole is overcomplicating things.

After all, curriculum is not something you buy. It is far too robust to be purchased online or checked off on a set of lesson plans. It is a set of encounters that form the soul and shape the intellect.

It’s a stack of books. Hours of reading. Poetry. Long walks outside. Bike rides. Spelling words. Visits to the orchards. Sitting for hours with toddlers on laps, flipping through picture books, singing silly rhymes.

Algebra problems. Library visits. Outings. Winter evenings spent huddled around a board game or listening to a story. Phonics. Handwork. A five paragraph essay. Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes.

Mapwork. Drawing. Music. Conversations about everything under the sun. A garden. A grammar page. A memorized fact. A meal eaten with grandparents. A camping trip in August.

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So how do you head into a new school year with an ultralight backpack? How do you make sure your essentials are in tow and that you aren’t needlessly weighing yourself down with burden that will drag you down mid-year?

I can’t really answer that for you. In our homeschool, there are a few things that are non-negotiable: math, the arts of language, reading (and lots of it).

Beyond that, I’m trying not to load too much into my pack. I know that if we keep our load light, we’ll have the time and energy to be wide awake to the beautiful things happening all around us as the days follow one another right into winter and on into spring.

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The secret to teaching from rest, to setting out on a new homeschool year with a plan that you can sustain throughout the year is this: pack light.

Live your life, relish ideas, wrestle. Remember, think, and converse. A curriculum like that is full and robust, and yet at the very same time, it is simple. Its simplicity lies in knowing that we have chosen the better parts, the key ingredients that will have the greatest impact on our students’ lives.

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Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

This post is a selection from Sarah’s newly released book: Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace, published by Classical Academic Press.

Today five lucky readers will win a copy of Teaching from Rest and the corresponding Audio Companion, including four hours of audio conversations about restful teaching and learning with Andrew Kern, Christopher Perrin, Cindy Rollins, and Brandy Vencel–and a printable Teaching from Rest Companion Journal!

How to Win

This giveaway has ended; thanks for your interest!

To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment on this post answering the question: If you were packing an ultralight homeschool backpack, what would be your absolute essentials?

(If you’re reading this via email or reader, you must click here to leave your comment on this post at Simple Homeschool. Comments or emails left elsewhere don’t count as entries.)

Note: This giveaway is open to U.S. readers only. So sorry, international readers!

For an extra entry, share about this giveaway on Facebook. Then leave another comment here letting me know you’ve done so!

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace is available from Classical Academic Press and on Amazon. You can get the Companion materials exclusively at Classical Academic Press.

A note from Jamie: I’ve found so much encouragement from Sarah’s writing in Teaching from Rest and highly recommend it for your shelves! As I wrote in my endorsement: “In Teaching from Rest, Sarah beautifully reminds us that we will never be able to give our children the perfect education. Instead of crumbling under the weight of our attempts to do so, we can let the burdens fall off our tired backs.”

The book went to second printing before it even released and the second print run is going fast. Order yours to make sure you’re first in line when it comes off the presses in a couple of weeks!

This giveaway has ended and the winners are: Tashena, Devon Ham, Heather Hollander, Cassey Golden, and Denise–congratulations!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I think for me the essentials would be math skills…and LOTS of reading. Reading can cover a multitude of subjects and from a place of interest, not a place of drudgery.

  2. This is so timely because I just referred my readers to this resource as well! Thinking of hosting a reading group of mamas who want to work through “Teaching from Rest” together! (Check out my website if you’re interested in this online accountability group!)

    My ultralight homeschool backpack would include:
    Library card. Books, books, books – but not all going home with us.
    Phone for 2 things – Siri has all the answers to the greatest questions like the recent: Mom if lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun, then why don’t people die when they are struck by lightning?” And the camera for capturing those bite-size memories.
    Journal – for 90% recording and 10% planning
    Snacks and water bottles for attitudes – we’re always hungry
    Spare notebooks for my kids
    iPad for Kindle and bigger research than the phone can handle

    I think that’s it!
    Cara Thompson’s latest post: Day 18: Chores, Grace, and Sales Announcements #B2S #31Days

  3. So easy to make a long last i have to remind myself a lot of extra learning happens along the way. I would say language arts, humanities, math.

  4. My bare essentials would include math, writing something, library visits and Bible time. Probably walks outside!

  6. Just starting our homeschool journey for Kindergarten… I’m trying to not let my over-achiever self make homeschooling about achievement. So I’m going to say the mentorship and perspective of other homeschooling moms who have been there!

  10. Overdrive on my iPhone, sketchbook, colored pencils, math workbooks, and calm.com for mamma!

  12. Oh, math and reading, lots of reading, communication skills, both oral and written, and time outside. Our unofficial rule is that if you’re dirty at the end of the day, you’re doing it right.

  14. I love the comparison to backpacking! In my homeschool backpack, I would carry hiking, math and reading. I finally made this realization this summer as I was planning out the year. I have very little for everyone to do on a regular basis so that we do not get “behind.”
    Sharon’s latest post: Planning Break

  16. I’ve always thought if I could teach my kids to read well, some math facts, and give them a love of learning, they they could learn anything on their own.

  20. What an amazing resource! Thank – you for sharing. My essentials are my Bible (and the audio version), a classic novel for me and each kid, and some addition, subtraction, and multiplication flashcards. Possibly pencils and drawing paper. 🙂 Can’t wait to read more about teaching from a place of rest!

  23. Bible and a library card for the basics…lots of exploring outdoors & blank journals for extra!

  24. Time outside, Library card, a glue stick, some markers. You can do a lot with a glue stick some markers.

  26. #1 essential would be the Bible, and #2 a couple friends who encourage you on the hard days. #3 literature books

  30. A drawing pad, colored pencils, the Bible, Comstock’s Nature Journal and the Narnia books. Math we can do with acorns…

  31. Oh my goodness, I have been dragging a trailer behind me….. with flat tires. My bible, library card, and laptop.

  32. Nature journal, paints, pencils, Bible, notepad, math book, map of the world, how things work book, tin whistle and song sheets, a few famous paintings to study. Ultra light for a several week trip of fun in the mountains for this family of 7!

  33. Number one essential, reading. Number two would probably just be experiences. Visiting different places, meeting different people, those things can spark so many conversations that can end up covering things like math, history, etc.

  35. Our essentials continue to be our library cards, napkin holders full of books on the dining room table, math workbooks, legos, and backpacks always prepared with water bottles for outings that last a little longer than planned.

  37. My ultimate essentials would include: A Bible, notebook, dictionary, assorted pencils, eraser, sharpener, water bottle and snack.
    Thanks for the opportunity!

  38. If I were packing an ultra light homeschooling pack, it would include a math word problem book, my language arts supplies, and some of our favorite classics. 🙂

  40. My ultra light pack would only include our bible/devotions/memory work, reading (& our library card!), Math, & Language Arts.

  43. Our state requires reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies, so in order to pack light, I might consider unit studies to tie as much of that in together as I possibly could.

  45. Mine are still so young- lots of reading, playing outside, music. Phonics for the oldest and math. He’s started collecting bugs, so nature study! That’s it, and nothing held onto tightly except for phonics and reading aloud. ☺️

  47. Notebooks … colored pencils … favorite pens … great books … some real-life math problems … cookies.

  48. Our essentials would be books, time outdoors, and paper and pencils/crayons/paint for creating.

  49. For this year I bought a Bible History curriculum and Science and so far we have not started those (we homeschool all year round). We do math, language arts and reading every day. I have chosen to let my kids pick what they would like to learn, what are their interests? What I have found with myself though is I have a very hard time letting us take breaks. I know in my mind one day off here and there won’t put us behind but it makes me feel so guilty when we don’t spend that time doing or main course work. I’m praying soon I will be able to rest a little more easily knowing no matter what everything will be okay.

  50. I would pack the following: my Bible, McGuffey Readers Set (to cover reading and other lessons), pencils, paper, and Ray’s Arithmetic Set (math). They would be able to do copy work from McGuffey Readers, as well as from the Bible. The Bible would be our guideline and inspiration.

  52. Our ultra light back pack includes … Lots of reading/listening to audio books, writing, games and plenty of time to explore/investigate!

  53. A library card, map, pencil, journal and hand sanitizer (for post pond and farm exploring!)

    • Whoops! I didn’t follow the instructions. Books, notepad, writing instruments, crayons, Kindle.

  57. Simple. A Camera! Children grow and learn all the time. Their home, community and the world is their oyster. Books are always within reach through local libraries and online. Websites offer free instruction like Skill Share or Khan academy for anyone who wants to learn about anything. Parks museums, community centers have never been more accessible before now. Homeschoolers have so much freedom to explore from the wide amount of resources acrose our world . Everyday my children become better stewards of their own quest to pursue thier life passions. I would want to have my camera with me to capture that.

  59. Chapter books, picture books, magazines, poetry – good literature to immerse ourselves in. And math made fun! Math manipulatives games, etc…

  60. Sunscreen, a bible, a ton of books, blank notebooks and colorful pens and markers for sketching and dreaming up stories…

  62. I am gearing up to start this homeschool journey for the very first time with my daughter in kindergarten. In answer to the question I would say (which is what I used when I taught high school): lots of real, living, whole books.

  63. I love this concept- now if I can just implement it, we would be golden!! My backpack would include the Bible (lots of character work needed these days!), Pippi Longstocking (I’ve never heard my kids laugh out loud so much at a book), some notebooks, and snacks because some of our greatest discussion happens at snack time 🙂

  65. Books of all kinds on all topics – science, history, fiction, biography, etc. And a good writing program…

  71. Our backpack would include read-alouds, math, Bible, lots of time outside, and regular opportunities to serve others!

  72. In my ultralight homeschooling backpack I would include:
    Pencil and paper
    Library card
    59 pounds of toys and activities to keep my 14-month-old occupied while I homeschool the big brothers

  73. My essentials would be my iPhone for worship, bible and lots of paper and colored pencils .. And a lighter for the science lovers I have would do so much w the outdoors..fires w lots to burn and explore????

  75. Loads of reading, make bread and all kinds of yummies. Spending time just being with my kiddos. Games also!

  76. This is a hard question… I’d bring my phone, library card, and a rain jacket(just in case). As we discover last night, mommies phone can help answer many questions when the library is closed. A rain jacket is so versatile-protection from the elements, a seat, a bag to carry items collected! (Confession I have a toddler and we’re starting tot school next week. I am a little overwhelmed but looking forward to this adventure.)

  77. An ultra-light backpack…now that’s hard. It would have to include the children’s bible we’re reading (or maybe just the Jesus Storybook Bible!), a couple of excellent chapter books for read-alouds, scissors, glue, multi-colored paper, and a math game or two. 🙂
    Sarah M
    Sarah M’s latest post: Summer Break

  79. I have a baby due in November, so I’ve been planning an ultralight school year for my other four. Reading, writing, and ‘rithmatic remain my standbys, but I’ve been adding geography and science from education.com. It’s such fun to do something totally oddball every day–solve a map puzzle or complete a word search, or cut out paper dolls.
    Kessie’s latest post: Snapshots from our week

  82. Reading, writing and arithmetic with a wide variety of reading – the Bible and the church, history and the arts, living stories. And things to be creative with! Art tools and building toys.

  83. I’m just starting homeschool with my five year old, and we are sticking to reading, math, writing and lots of play.

  84. Our ultralight homeschooling backpack would include lots of reading (all kinds of books), math, and time outdoors.

  88. We would pack our library card, a pencil, notebook and our sense of adventure. Our camera would document the fun along the way and the new discoveries along our journey.

  89. Bible, read alouds, library card for more books they want to read on their own, paper and pencils/markers for writing/drawing.

  90. Books, lots of art supplies, playing cards, friends and lots of fresh air. (And coffee…for mom of course)

  93. Our restful day includes morning time (Bible and reading aloud), math and language arts. That leaves us time to play, explore, create and enjoy our favorite places.

  98. lots of books about lots of topics, shoes for hiking and playing outside, deck of cards for math games. I know I couldn’t fit a kitchen in a backpack but I hope our year has room for cooking together????.

  99. Congratulations on your book and thank you for the give-away! What a good question! All we need is our family, the outdoors, good walking shoes, plenty of imagination, and our library cards!
    Nicola’s latest post: camping with friends

  102. Our backpack would need to include our family devotion time, lots of story time, and some great music to listen and dance to. Thanks for the giveaway!

  103. Ultralight right now would probably be just a library card, bc my little is only 4. We do use workbooks, but even for letters & numbers it can be so much incorporated into daily life. Maybe a list of skills for myself so I could check things off as we go.

  106. Ah, so good! Packing light! Our family backpack would include nature – in whatever capacity you can harness it, in whatever the season. Going outside! A hike. A nature walk. The beach. The mountains … even small hills. All of nature. Living our faith, everyday. And books – all kinds, for all ages, and all interests. Lovely giveaway! 🙂

  109. Our ultralight homeschool backpack would include wonderful literature being read aloud and time spent in nature.

  111. My backpack would consist of morning time list, a library card and my well loved Bible and our book of prayers.

  112. For my 4 & 6 yr olds that would include reading and lots of audiobooks and classical kids music (which they love listening to during our midday rest time or just while playing). I would probably add in a bit of spelling and math for my 6yo….but mostly lots of unstructured free time outside.

  119. I would pack the Bible. We can’t find our way without it! I would pack some fun games and some maps to go off the beaten trail!

  121. If I were keeping it light – and yes I OVERTHINK EVERY DETAIL – as if I knew God’s plan – when a kiddo needs a math support or whatever – another book. My grandmother says the “gift” of intellect is the burden of overthinking… I’ve never felt all that smart but I sure do overthink! WHAT I WOULD PACK… my kids… protein based FOOD… library card… CD player for books on tape … and a huge stack of books with tie-ins like tea, gummy crocodiles, Captain Hook hook, drawing pads, art supplies (cheap) – Peter Pan. Oh and Reading Roadways – so our books might follow some flow with history. And LofF Algebra for my oldest. AND a dry erase board and pen and sock (great eraser). And my camera! Thank you for reminding me to pack lightly and to better enjoy the grace, blessings, and beauty that surround us.

  123. I’d pack, The bible, Music of all sorts and kinds, Art supplies or at least chalk, paper, books all kinds, a few pencils and a magnifying glass.

  125. I would pack pencils, paper, water colors, and food. All the rest of it can be learned from nature. Wow! Amazing after I just ordered a crazy amount for my kids this year!

  127. I love the line curriculum is not something you buy, very powerful. I would love to have a link from your blog/web site that I could share on my blog if you are interested. I homeschooled our three children for over 20 years and truly do miss those days.

  129. A Bible, math, paper, pens & colored pencils, library card, and maybe Anna Comstock’s nature study book (even though that’s pretty heavy!)

  130. The absolute essentials would be good stories — fiction and non-fiction. And art supplies. I really liked reading that section from the book — I’m going to think that over today, lots of wisdom in it. Thanks for the giveaway.

  133. If I were packing a light homeschool backpack, it would include our Bible, my car keys (for field trips), and a computer!

  134. In my backpack would be a nature journal, magnifying glass, one read aloud, and maybe a game-
    Thanks for giveaway, been wanting this book!!

  135. I’ve got young children right now so I’d pack Mother Goose nursery rhymes, a Children’s Bible, Beatrix Potter’s “little books”, crayons with lots of blank paper, paints and markers.

  138. Math books, a plan to get outside every day, lots of biographies and classic books, journals, sketch books and colored pencils and our Bibles

  140. I think a great read-aloud, nature journals and paints, nature study book, poetry anthology, and Scripture!

  142. Ahhh! Just what I needed to read today! Our pack would include the nuances of nature, a softly spoken moment in what surrounds us, an interesting story whether it be fairy tale or non-fiction, a hug, and engaging conversation. Also some raisins and a chocolate bar because HUNGER and sweet tooth.

    Rachael J.

  143. I would think a Kindle and a few notebooks would be about it. With so many electronic books available , I would maximize the kindle’s use as much as possible.

  145. Like many have already said- Library card and our Table Time stack 🙂
    Thank you for this opportunity!

  146. My kindle with 3g access, sketchpads for all and a set of colored pencils and a pencil sharpener.

  147. Our audiobook ipod and a library card. But I’d also take a sketchbook and a couple of good pens bc those things can be used in a myriad of ways.

  148. As curriculum goes, math…as for everything else? Books books books! This is certainly what I need to read, a few years of burn out and now helping out with my mom having cancer….lets just say lightening my pack is needed! Thanks!
    Danna’s latest post: Mom School!

  149. Hello!
    To ask my son for his thoughts in the adventure of filling the backpack! Which I can see would include a bible, great music to hear and play, and running shoes!

  150. Library card, paper and pens! I would have said a math book a week ago if I hadn’t been re thinking it after reading the math series that you posted to facebook! 🙂

  152. Love the backpack analogy. We are keeping it simple this year with family bible time, memory work, math, language arts, lots of read alouds and outings to the library and nature studies. Spending time reading, playing games and having fun together are the focus this year!!

  155. I think meditation is essential, even if I can only get a couple of minutes where my 7yo actually does it. And for regular subjects, math, reading, language arts, and history (whether it’s family history or world history). I think it’s important to learn about our past. I really am wanting to focus on making sure my kids are learning what they want to learn this year, what ignites passion and interest in them. So we’ll do our essentials, but we’ll be also doing a lot of their interests that there isn’t a curriculum for. That we discover together. I can’t wait!

  156. We’d pack math and reading into our ultralight homeschool! Everything else can be picked up along the way in the world around us:)

  158. I would pack our bible, blank paper, pencils, a small world map, Handbook of Nature Study, and a few good books!

  159. Our ultra-light would be a library card, Newbery, and Caldecott book lists, good food to cook, and the outdoors.

  160. This year we’re going simple: math, reading, writing, science for the 8th grader, and lots of reading together. Plus some field trips, simplified unit studies, and family activities.

  164. My “ultralight” Backpack includes a bible, a library card, and a math program… thanks for continuously reminding me to keep it simple. It’s hard to keep the abundance of resources out there from creeping into our peace, but we’re working on it.

  165. Scripture, math, reading, writing, and music in some form. History and science need a place, too, but we could always just do nature study along the trail. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway! I’ve been very blessed by Sarah’s blog.

  169. Our essentials are the Bible, a sketchpad for notebooking, Singapore Math, and some good quality history and fiction readers and read alouds.

  172. Our essentials are math, history, and language arts. When we start to feel the burnout, those are the subjects that endure! 🙂

  175. I love this. Culling our homeschool down to the essentials is so helpful to having a successful year. In our school we know that skill based subjects of math and language arts are non-negotiable and STEM is important. Knowing what is valued most ensures that we accomplish those first and all of the other fun can be added in or taken out depending on the weight of the pack.
    Cassie’s latest post: It’s dizzy time!

  176. So true how overpacking exhausts us. Our educating lightly includes a Bible (we love reading the Child’s Story Bible), reading and math, CC memory work, library card, librivox. I feel better already….Looking forward to reading TFR with our book club! Thanks Sarah!

  177. Essentials -paper and pencils – the world around can be used as inspiration for language, math, geography, history, religion, music and art and with those two very simple essentials – learning is so POSSIBLE.

  178. At our stage of the game, we really only need writing, reading and math with read alouds. We are only covering 1st, but our state has so many subjects we must cover. The regs make it feel so overwhelming. But this article was a good reminder to start with the basics and everything else is gravy.

  179. Math, Grammar/Writing, and trying to get the kids to see that reading is fun (as they do not currently believe) – that would be our ultra-light. But since my kids don’t believe in reading, I have to add a lot more “structured” time in to get the same info into their heads. ;-P

  180. Reading is a must, and my first love, also math, language arts and science. We love science.

  182. We could probably get by with just a Bible, a math book, and a few art supplies. But how to pack light with so many wonderful books in the world? I would want to bring them all. Thanks for the giveaway.

  183. If we went absolute bare minimum, it would be Bible and literature (so making good use of the library so as to not “own” the weight of all those books) and a great deal of time in the outdoors.

  186. Essentials include reading (especially Bible and poetry), much of it read aloud, grammar, history, and (more reluctantly), math. The best assessment is communicating what they’ve learned in writing.

  188. God’s Word, some good books, some math, some grammar, nature, and history. lots and lots of relaxing moments with my kid

  191. Part of me is inspired by the notion to just “pack light” but then I read “About Sarah” and how she has 6 kids, wrote a book, maintains a blog, and hosts a podcast, on top of homeschooling and my head is spinning.
    We are in our 4th year, and I feel less equipped now than I did when we began. As my kids get older (9 and 13) and have more of their own interests I find it increasingly difficult to manage their education and different outside interests , the tangents of life (and all the stimulation that goes along with that) and still have space in my head to think straight!! And I only have 2 kids!! More often than not, I think “what is wrong with me? Why do I find it so difficult to function?”
    To answer your question, if I were packing and ultralight homeschool backpack, what would be my absolute essentials? I start with Bible, Teaching Godly character, Math, English, and countless conversations on the life application of God’s Word. But here’s where I get in to trouble. Ideally, I’d like to stop there in order to leave time for all the dreamy non academic little things you mention as “encounters that form the soul and shape the intellect.” Sadly, we seldom get to those things, because I then add to our backpack all the other academic things I feel like we “have” to do to check off the list of requirements of “education” as determined by the Testing authorities, colleges, and what not. More often than not, I wish to get off the rollercoaster and decide for myself what’s important for my children’s education, but then I doubt myself for not knowing what I don’t know. I just keep seeking God’s guidance to direct me and hope I’m not blinded to His Will by the obscene amount of distractions and busyness this world throws at me. Does anyone else feel this way? I assume so, hence Sarah’s book. I need to buy it and read it, but then I think to myself “but I already have so much on my plate! How do I make time to read what I want to read?” As you can probably tell, I’m in a season of burn out. Lord, help me! Thank you Sarah for this post and to the other commenters for sharing their thoughts. You all are encouraging, more than you know! 🙂

  194. In my homeschool pack I’d include reading aloud which I’ve grown to love, a thick notebook for everyone, and colored pencils to draw, write, work math problems, and record what we learn from the world around us. And some chocolate!

  197. I already started this year, and I packed our backpack to heavy (again). After unpacking the French, and other assorted unnecessary bits, I have our library card, Journals, assorted Games, binoculars and nets left. Thanks for this post, I really needed to be reminded as to what was truly important. I’m not a drill sergeant, I’m a mom who wants to backpack pack through this world with 4 happy, rested, and inspired children.

  202. Being this is our first year to HS, I am making myself to only pack the essentials – reading, math, and interests of my son for science/social studies. Then a whole lot of faith and reminders to take each day as they come and do NOT compare our life of HS to other HS.

  205. Packing light….love that idea. There are so many worthwhile things that can be taught. I think packing light really makes me think about not only what to teach, but how to integrate more. Not so much to “sneak” the work in, but rather to help my kids better see how the “real” world really works. Subjects don’t exist in isolation :). It’s one of the great benefits of homeschooling, in my opinion! Packing light means….God’s Word…and then reading. That is followed by science (often achieved through the reading….) and math. And art. My kids would be miserable without art. The rest is gravy….but remembering that along the way – much, much harder. Thank you for the post. I’ve only homeschooled for one year and we are starting our second – I love to read the encouragement and insights posted by veteran homeschoolers. It gives me much hope for the future and much relief to know that my thoughts are not crazy :)!

  208. The essentials in our homeschool would be bible/devotions, math and reading/writing. Also, great conversations and time together.

  210. I would pack a kindle fire, sketch book and colored pencils. There is so much learning that you can do with just those items.

  211. I absolutely love all these ideas. I am planning to do reading, we take turns reading aloud and lots of car audiobooks), CC memory work (including maps), we are changing our math to life of Fred and a little professor B, our CC grammar and IEW writing. This will be our most laid back, just do the next page/lesson ever for us. We’re all excited!

  212. Oh, I needed this post. I am trying to fit more into my school year. This is our second year homeschooling and I might be feeling over ambitious after my summer break. For me the essentials are: Bible, math and reading. Thank you for helping me see my schedule in a different light.

  213. Packing light to homeschool my 6 and 9 year old children means remembering my Montessori training mantra: Follow the Child. I don’t need to burden them with tasks and to-do’s rather I trust them to show me how to guide them in their development. We are fortunate to live on the edge of open space and they love to explore the outdoors so the backpacking metaphor you described really is illustrative of going light on our journey together. Here’s what you might find in our packs this fall: A journal, a nature guidebook, binoculars, colored pencils, a great read-aloud novel, a camera, tea and snacks. Thank you for your beautiful post with its gentle reminders as to the “Why” of homeschooling.

  215. That’s a hard question – I think I’d have a laptop computer (for teaching textbooks and internet), white boards and markers, a kindle full of free classics, and a library card 🙂

  217. Math, reading, language, history. Absolutely. This book looks amazing! After our first homeschool year last year (and definitely having some burn out) and just adding a 4th kid to the mix just a week ago, I could really use the advice offered here!

  221. First of all, what does “ultralight” mean? An OCD mom like me, who totes around everything but the kitchen sink everyday, finds the word ultralight stressful. Haha!! I would pack art journals, with watercolor pencils, pens, and water. I will be reading this book, regardless if I win or not, just because I am curious to know what “rest” means also.
    From an OCD, homeschooling, small business owning, too busy mom.

  222. Today we just began our first day back to homeschooling. I started the year with light packing as well: Bible, reading aloud, discussing the book some and then onto math and independent reading. We will continue to add grammar and writing, but we’re starting our first week off ultra-light. Love, love the hiking/packing analogy!

  223. Love this post. I really need to remember these words and reduce our daily work. Unschooling is calling me but my fears are greater. Reading this just reinforces my desire to let our daily journey be “child led”. A nature journal. Tons of books for our daily reading. History and Science as grandson chooses his wishes and imagination leads us.

  225. My ultralight pack would have a blank notebook, pencils, math book, a good book to read, Bible, ..oh a library card (that’s sort of like cutting your toothbrush in half, right?)

  226. Small Bible, watercolour pencils, brush, sketchbook, notebook, pen, compass, magnifying glass, local spotter’s guide, missionary biography for read aloud, small dictionary, calculator, world map and map of current area. Oh, and my son’s IPAD, which was prescribed because writing is very difficult for him.

  227. For my young kids, packing light means focusing on reading (stories) and listening (stories or music), with lots of play time and learning responsibility and cooperation thrown in. Math is reading, history is reading, science is just books from home or library. Art thrown in when we can. Aim for three things per day and if we get to more, great.

  232. Small water filter
    Nuts,dried fruits
    Bug repellent
    Knife
    Thin thermal cover
    3 pairs of socks
    3 tees
    1 shorts
    That’s it.

  233. My essentials this year are Bible, math, crayons & markers, and a library card. Everything else is bonus.

  234. Such a good reminder today!! Here’s our ultra light essentials:
    Reading aloud
    Learning journals
    Devotional
    Projects
    Outside time
    Outings
    Quite time
    Discussions and inquiry
    Play, work, service

  236. This is my very first year doing home school. So, I am starting with Math, reading and writing.

  237. I am not sure where to begin in packing.
    This is my 3rd year homeschooling and I already feel sunk! Not a great place to start…but I know with the Lord’s help, we can do this.
    This is a fabulous question to ponder as I feel this is exactly where I am right now – I need to do ESSENTIALS – nothing more.

    BIBLE – need it daily
    Math
    Reading
    Exploration – which would include science and history as we find those 2 subjects pop into many conversations throughout our day.

    Thank you for a chance to win this book. I feel it will be a huge blessing to moms like me who struggle with fear, no peace, and confusion in homeschooling.

    🙂

  238. For our family, the essentials are Bible, practical application faith-lessons, reading, writing and math.

  240. My Kindle (which has a million great books available as well as the Bible), small dry erase boards with dry erase pens and an eraser, pencils, a lined notebook, a smartphone (my 8yr old son LOVES to see youtube vids of animals or historical sites we are studying) plus I could pull up color maps which aren’t available on my Kindle, the Teaching Textbooks 5 CDROM, Professor B CDROM, and 2-3 Life of Fred books.

  243. Reading, writing for practical purposes, math in practice, and whatever else strikes the kids’ interests. We’re expecting a new baby this year, so we’re really paring down to just the barest of essentials as we all adjust to our new arrival!

  246. This is my first year, first grade, so our essentials are simply: lots of paper, crayons, paints, and fairy tales! (With a few math gnomes mixed in!)

  248. I’m with you. Lots of reading, and math. Hmmmm…. Maybe I should take a look at my backpack before November rolls around??!!

  250. We are home schooling first grade, so I’d say the three R’s and lots of good literature to read aloud. Plus time spent in nature daily and lots of free play.

  253. Shorter, more fun, lessons. More unschooly type things…science experiments and read alouds. Nature and life learning!

  254. My son is starting preschool and will be doing Kinder next year. I really want to homeschool but am super overwhelmed by what to teach! This post was awesome. I guess my ultralight pack would be something for reading (lots of books!!), some math, and lots of bible and grace.

  255. Though we are homeschooling for two years and heading to the third we felt that heavy load that Sarah is talking about. This is especially hard to manage in a big family;) . For this year I carefully weight all the things we wanna do. First there are our faith studies, math and language arts. One thing that I will probably prioritize when we are exausted of our daily routine is nature study. This brings us all close as a family and close to God. It is itself more than just a nature walk. It brings peace and joy to our day. We also do in blocks science and history and sneak in the art and mapping. This much is my backpack and you judge it : it is light or not?

  257. I would carry my Bible, library card, sneakers and jacket for being outside and a pad of paper and pen for creative writing and drawing. Also, some good, healthy food!

  261. Bible, lots of prayer, hymn book (I guess I can’t pack the piano? 🙂 ), read alouds, outside time every day, library card, blank paper and pencils!

  263. God, Reading, Language arts and History. Praying I can homeschool, as I’m a full time nurse and my husband works as well. Would really love to find a way to lighten up an already heavy load.

  265. I would definitely burn my “should” list to lighten my pack along with the heavy guilt!! I love the analogy you’ve used. That’s one that will stick with me!! Having only one child in 5th still home, I believe I “should” be able to do it all. Besides only the essentials, my lightened pack would have more reading together, more conversations, more life lessons, music and outdoors. Thanks for a great prompt!

  269. Packing light for us would for certain include a library card, high quality art supplies-paper, pencils, paint. And some form of music. I just have to have beauty in our home school.

  270. Left Facebook to “lighten my pack” so I emailed your blog to some homeschooling friends! 🙂

  272. Bible, Brain, Pencils, Books, Paper, Ideas (ie curriculum, lots of curriculum) We are not simple and restful yet, maybe this book would help!

  274. I kind of feel like that’s what we’re doing this year. 3 boys under 6 with another on the way in November. There’s no room for any nonessentials, so the bulk of the Kindergartener’s “schoolwork” will be concentrating on developing skills: I have one math workbook, one handwriting workbook, and a phonics book that we are continuing from last year. Beyond that, I’m focusing on exposure and exploration. We’ll read Story of the World on rainy days, and look up the leaves from our backyard on sunny ones. I have a list of read-alouds to be done on an “if I get around to it” basis, and some small motor stuff for the preschooler if I’m feeling particularly inspired. But if they do puzzles and play Legos for most of the day, then so be it.

  276. My essentilas in a backback would be paper, pencils, pens, literature books, living history books, and math.

  279. Essentials: math, language arts, history, science, living books (we are in the high school years)

  280. Goodness…I think if I literally had to pack light, I would just pack my smart phone. 😉 I can access everything we need on there. But on a less literal note, I think I would pack a few good literature selections, Bible, and Scripture memorization.
    Becky’s latest post: Speaking Good Things Over Our Children

  281. I’m packing light for my preschooler with Bible, Saints, read-alouds, and basic math concepts. 🙂

  291. Reading instruction, math of some sort, books of all kinds, and our Classical Conversations group are what is worth lugging here! This book really perks my interest!

  292. I love your analogy of the back pack – puts so much into perspective. This is something we as homeschoolers need to be reminded of REGULARLY. Thank you.

  293. I think I would definitely need at the very least a library card, a cozy chair, a pad of paper and pen.

  294. Discipleship and the 3 R’s, active play for my older child, creative free play for the younger, snuggles for the baby.

  295. Library card, book on kids meditation/yoga, stuffed animal classmates, pad of paper and crayons, grandma’s phone number 🙂

  297. Yellow pencils, my library card, lined paper, Bible and the ikea kalax shelving to hold all our library books!

  299. Our essentials would be Nature Study, Spanish, and Math. All of these have reading built right in them too!

  301. Can I add something that seems off topic but really isn’t? The same thing- simplification- applies to *everything*, particularly housework. I know a lot of homeschooling moms who are always stressed out about keeping up with chores and cleaning. A few years ago I was overwhelmed because I didn’t know how I was going to homeschool my kids and have time when I couldn’t even keep the house up (and it was BAD, not even striving for unreasonable goals).

    I had a friend who introduced me to minimalism and decluttering. I started getting rid of so much “stuff” that we truly didn’t need. I probably have gotten rid of 40% of our possessions. It has simplified my cleaning and housework so much and helped eliminate so much stress. I now spend about 30 minutes daily cleaning and keep the house company ready (a little more cleaning once a week to do things like mop). This is with 3 kids 6 & under. I never thought it would be possible a few years ago. I have so much more free time and can be much more present with my kids and RELAX. It also makes me more willing to sit and help them through chores and really teach them instead of rushing because I have so much to do.

    It also motivates me to do more with the kids because doing a project/finding things isn’t such a hassle, because storage isn’t overcrowded and there’s a clean space open to work in. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with housecleaning I really recommend simplifying your possessions. Less stuff=less work. I don’t miss anything I’ve gotten rid of, and the kids haven’t either.

  302. Hi, I would pack my travel-sized Bible, My cell phone to listen to children’s books on Audible with my kids, and bring along a calm heart.

  303. Math, literature/language, religion as a “spine” and lots of creativity and exploring time.

  304. I WANT (NO NEED) THIS SO BADLY! We started Preschool (with twins), Kindergarten, and HIGH SCHOOL on Monday and I feel like giving up ALREADY… sigh. My excitement can not be gone already. I’ve been meaning to snag this book for a while now. It is time. My bare bones looks like what we’ve ended up with three days in – reading, about everything, and just talking about what we’ve read. I follow Sarah and love what she does. Thanks

  307. Goodness, the bare essentials for us right now are probably our library card and markers! Such a good post, thanks!!!

  310. I love this idea of packing light for our school at home. Our essentials are language arts and math, lots and lots of literature with God’s Word on the top of the stack, fresh air, and good friends.

  311. Our essentials – Bible/Character training, Math, Reading, and lots and lots of read-alouds! 🙂

  317. So true! Wow, great reminder, and just what I need to read right now 🙂
    I think, bible, math, living books, lots of them and TIME to explore, research, create, etc ( I have a HS, JrH, and 2 elementary kids)

  319. Funny, I’m with Breanne on the almost ready to give up on the first day. 🙂 I “planned” so well, then get the push-back. Great post and perspective! Thank you! Math, good books, and lots of Science, especially anything with rocks, makes my kids’ day. History is a love too.

  324. This is so beautiful! Perfect timing.
    So far, I’m making this journey with a library card, the Bible, and art supplies. And, what you pack is almost as important as who you choose to travel with you! I’m learning that a home school community as a support and resource is priceless, and definitely an essential when “packing.”

  327. My child is two and I’m expecting my second in October. We are planning on homeschooling them. What I’m planning our essentials to be are math, reading & writing. At least till about age 8. Science can be incorporated in reading and grammar can be incorporated in writing. Once they are about 8 we can go into other subjects such as history and arts but they have to have the basics down first. And that’s reading, writing & math.

  328. Oh boy!! I love this!
    I’d pack whatever our current read aloud book is, art supplies and notebooks annnnd….that is it!!!

  329. Ultralight homeschool backpack, huh? Well, my students are 7, 5, and 2 this year, so I’m not needing to “pack” much more than a Bible, Winnie-the-Pooh box collection, a notebook, and “Nature Anatomy” by Julia Rothman. Oh, and some matchbox cars for the toddler:)

  330. My essentials would be:
    *Bible
    * pen/pencils/crayons/paper
    *Teaching Textbooks Math
    *Books to read and explore
    *Library Card
    (And how I would LOVE to win this giveaway!)

  332. Aloha,

    The pack would be filled with water, nuts, pen, paper and a book of poetry.

    Have a great day!

  333. Bible (I consider God‘s word is literature), math, science, a lot of patient, love, and fun.
    My little Ryan just earned his tenth star of potty success and he had counted them last few days. Not perfect but getting there as a 3 years old. Great article, must share!

  334. Math, reading, and keeping everyone fed, including a kindergartner, preschooler, toddler and new baby.

  335. Lots of books (on Kindle to lighten the load), language arts, math, nature notebooks, and some good music.

  336. Our essentials are: Reading out loud, nature walks, play and science experiments (my son’s eyes light up when he hears the words “science experiment”).

  337. Ultra light backpack: Bible, CC Foundations guide, SQUILT, …and…an all-in-one-volume-containing-all-21-Redwall-books (what?…what’s 8000 pages between friends?) 😉

  344. History as a spine for reading and writing and grammar and geography, math and a kindle for good books to read! Fun writing/art materials.

  346. I would pack a Bible, The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading, Saxon Math, an iPad and a library card!

  349. This will be my first year homeschooling, starting preschool with my oldest! While I wanted to hold off on school for at least 2 more years, she begged, so my ultralight curriculum is a phonics book, a few fun math manipulatives, and some cartoon saints’ lives videos. I hope to have some prayers and Bible verses and poems memorized by next summer, but I’m trying to keep it simple and quick–she learns so much just reading with me and exploring the outdoors! I don’t feel like any formal curriculum can top that right now.

  351. packing light would HAVE to include our adventure bible, pencil, notebook and magnifying glass! Its light, but amazing what you can do with so little! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!!

  352. Our bible, library card, sketchbooks with drawing materials, and a joyful spirit!! Yay!

  354. Packing light…ummm….pencil, sharpener, notebooks, index cards, our math books and a great read aloud.

  356. Ultra light schooling for me would be some classical music, Bible, pencils and 1 subject notebooks (my favorite homeschooling/planning/organizing item!), math book, and living books! And some good shoes for lots of outdoor exploring! Simplicity is so attractive, and so rewarding. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, even in homeschooling. Keeping it simple gives one the ability to take time to really enjoy the journey!

  357. We’d back our library card, composition notebooks, sketchbooks, pencils, colored pencils and our Read Aloud. bible Stories book.

  360. What a great way of looking at it. I’m now realizing I can’t “do all the things” and it would be so unfair to expect me to teach ALL the things and have my kids learn ALL the things too.

  361. Mine are still little (starting K properly this year) and I’m definitely NOT the person dotting her T’s… I’m still working up the courage to properly jump all the way into this homeschooling thing! I’ve been wanting to buy this book forever, but haven’t managed to fit it into the budget between start-up and baby costs, so I’m so grateful for this chance at a giveaway. 🙂 I may be starting on the ultra-ultra light side of things, but I think my essentials for serious homeschooling are going to be songs, numbers, and lots and lots of letters!
    Amy’s latest post: Mary, our Mother

  362. 1. Bible & Catechism
    2. Library card
    3. Blank sketchbooks & lined notebooks
    4. Pencils & art supplies

  366. This was a MUCH NEEDED read. I have totally done this! This is my second official year of homeschooling and the first year for my little guy and I’ve gotten so excited that we haven’t even started and I’m already feeling overwhelmed…all summer we’ve done math and reading work and I think I’m going to stick with that and see what other fun stuff we feel like doing.
    Katie Laws’s latest post: Favorite YouTube Videos for Homeschooling

  368. If I were packing an ultralight homeschool backpack, my absolute essentials would be language, math, and reading. And coffee.

  370. Lightweight homeschool: Bible, paper, pencils, math book, language lessons book, and LOTS of great read alouds/Audio books for everything else (or library card.)

  371. Our ultra-light backpack would hold our atlas, our dictionary, some colored pencils and our library cards. In the words of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati- “To the Heights!”

  372. We are just starting First Grade this year. My plan is to focus on learning to read, math, and lots of reading aloud everything from the Bible, poetry, picture books, chapter books biographies science…. The library is one of our favorite resources! Other than that we plan to just live life and learn as we go!
    Celeste’s latest post: The Market Gardener: A Book Review

  373. Outstanding post! I’d pack our bible, a great read aloud, our favorite kids’ poetry book (toss up between RLS’s Children’s Garden of Verses and Shirley Hughes’s Out and About), math book, a notebook, and colored pencils.

  375. Packing light: Saxon Math and Phonics Museum for the little ones
    Packing light for older ones: They’ve developed some big muscles by 5th grade, and so has mom, so the pack can be filled with good things. IEW, Historical Fiction, Latin, Art History, Music Lessons, Life of Fred.

  376. How many Legos can you cram into one backpack before it’s not light anymore? Probably not many so… Book to read aloud first, then a journal and colored pencils, magnifying glass, plastic jar with holes in the lid, small traveling chess set. If the pack was deemed too heavy, my son would happily jettison anything resembling math (except maybe a Life of Fred book).

  379. Our ultra light homeschool pack would contain a notebook, pencils, a pencil sharpener, library card, and maybe a tablet to help connect us to all those wonderful people and resources out in the world.

  382. My ultralight pack would have to include a Children’s Story Bible, notebook, pencil, library card and math book. Such a good exercise to challenge all of my planning this year!

  383. I would love a copy of this book! Our homeschooling backpack would include our morning devotional, reading aloud, math, language arts and a few extras as part of our loop schedule such as nature study, poetry, artist study, and composers.

  386. For our ultra light homeschool pack, I would need a bible, art supplies, kindle, library card, phone (or ipod) for audiobook. This is hard. I think I would have to have a few packs and make my kids carry some stuff. Books, books and books.

  388. Ultralight….well, we could easily spend a whole day in nature learning with just our nature notebooks and pencils!

  389. Packing light means math time and devotional everyday. The hard work goes into character development….for me first and then the kids!

  390. ultra light would have to be some music, a library card, and definitely a snack
    Thank you for the opportunity.

  392. I’m a homeschooling wannabe…but for us, the essentials would be a Bible, paper & pencils, our library card and my Moleskine that holds all of my favorite reading lists for the kids and me.

  394. Packing ultralight: chronicles of Narnia audiobook, blank notebooks and good colored pencils:) thanks for a chance to win.

  397. If I was packing an extra light backpack I would have my ipad mini with Kindle App and tons of read aloud books downloaded. A small notebook with a few pencils for writing and Journaling (we can all share one) and that would be about it. Isn’t it funny how you can do so much with so little?

  400. I was just reevaluating my backpack today! haha Haven’t decided, but a good book to share together, good music, time in nature, and time just to be…those are essentials!

  401. When this question was posed; I did some thinking. To pair down and just do basics to leave the heart just as pure as the soul; I would take just a few things with me. I would take my Scriptures with me, a notebook, colored pencils, and water! (Ok, maybe a snack or two). The notebook would hold a multi-purpose use. To journal any thoughts on what I was reading in my Bible and drawing to captures God’s beautiful masterpiece!!! Just to be at total rest and soak it all in!

    • btw, I did order a set. but, sadly, it is backordered. so, I will have to wait! thank you for the offer you posted!

  402. With a 6 and 3 year old, all we need is our library card, paper and colored pencils, and lots of time outside. My tendency is to plan WAY too much and try to check all the boxes at the end of the day. I definitely need a daily reminder to go for quality over quantity!

  406. My essentials: Bible, some art supplies (paper, scissors, glue, crayons), audible app (because there are better storytellers than me), pencil, and our memory work and the binder we hold it in.

  411. My oldest is in 1st grade so for ultralight backpack – a couple level readers, pencil and notebook for math problems, science journaling, and bible songs (kids’ favorite).

  413. This is interesting! We are just headed into kindy with our first, and I am so! excited! about all! the things we could do this year! But really, if everything else fell away, our only essential is to keep reading.

  415. Library card, my van for field trips, math, pencils, and science . My kids are 13, 11 and 7

  417. I’d pack crayons, watercolors, drawing paper, my camera, my Bible, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and peanut M&M’s! Oh, and I might strap a guitar to the outside of the pack!

  418. If you were packing an ultralight homeschool backpack, what would be your absolute essentials?
    -a solid math text for each kid
    -Bibles, and Training Hearts Teaching Minds (catechism, all ages)
    -a Kindle/library card
    -notebooks, mechanical pencils, spare Pink Pearl erasers
    -laptops/tablets it there’s room

  420. I would pack a bible, notebooks, pencils and my camera. My children said they’d pack lunch to take on an adventure.

  422. If I had to just pack the essentials,I would pack read alouds, paper and crayons and our museum membership. 🙂

  423. Great, thought provoking question! My essentials: a Bible, math, some language arts, a library card, smiles, and a prayerful heart.

  424. We would definitely want our Apologia exploring creation textbook and notebooking journals. Along with colored pencils and our handy dandy double sided adhesive roller. 🙂

  426. I haven’t started official homeschooling yet. My daughter is only 4. Thanks for this post! I have been reading about homeschooling to prepare myself and as I do; I should keep your post in my mind and avoid overwhelming myself and her. I love seeing what everyone considers their essentials. Because my kiddo is only four, I mostly need to put a smile on my face and open my mind. Pretty much anything can turn into a lesson with her!

  428. The basics of homeschool backpack: I would totally take the camera, colored pencils and sketch pad. My more serious daughter said laptop, charger, graph paper, books, notebook, planner, reading book. LOL! Great question!

  430. We’d want to keep up on Math, Grammar, Reading and Writing. So we’d need our math textbook, a tablet and some paper and pencils/colored pencils.

  431. I would narrow it down to Bible reading/study, math, language arts, reading books full of truth, beauty and goodness.

  433. I would pack a bible, my favorite pens, and a journal for each of my kids,,, probably also a few books? Ü

  435. Just read aloud. (Well, you DID say packing light, no point quibbling over anything else at all!)

  436. My children are older and can start carry some of their own load now. My eldest would carry L/A and typing, the next math, the third a book, and my little one paper and a pencil. God has been showing me a slow and steady pace is better than a fast start. Consider each day, each step so we can finish.

  437. This is a really tough question. As a homeschooling mother we are often drawn towards so many wonderful books. Upon stopping and really thinking about this question it made me realize curriculum is nice, but it isn’t really necessary. So, if I needed to pack and hit the trails with our 7 children, I think I could provide them with a beautiful education using the scriptures, a notebook, and some colored pencils. I trust Heavenly Father would provide the rest.

  438. I’d pack my Bible, a library card, dominoes (not the pizza) and a sketch book and pencils. The Lord is my strength, reading is my candy, math and fun are a manditory mixture and sketching God’s creation feeds my soul!

  442. I’ve actually backpacked both ways! For my home school backpack I’d pack: a Bible, Math textbooks, library card, iPad, harmonica, soccer ball, snacks, water bottles (and a filter)! 🙂

  445. The Bible
    Dry erase markers
    White board
    Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses

  446. My homeschooling light backpack includes the scriptures and the three R’s. However, music, poetry, nature, and sketching do a heart good, so we sprinkle those in. For a voyage in the woods, we take sketch books and a camera.

  447. I would bring my Bible, the catechism, a journal, and a library card, along with the iPad and some internet.

  448. I shared on Facebook! I have a friend with this book, and she can’t say enough good things about it!

  449. I would bring our math books, sketchbooks and colored pencils, journals, and library card. And a cozy blanket.

  451. If I were to pack an ultralight homeschool backpack I would pack the Bible. Without it our homeschool would never truly flourish in what matters most. I would also pack some classic story books, one joke book and chocolate. ????

  453. My essentials to homeschooling, besides the basic subjects like math and English, would be books and the Bible. And my laminator of course 🙂

  455. I would pack our Bibles, magnifying glasses and journals for observing, recording and drawing all kinds of things, our CC memory work, and math.

  456. Ultralight packing list: library card, empty sketchbooks, pens, colored pencils, great read alouds, right start math at the kids level not grade level, and time to sit and let them lead. Which I forget to do but always has led to the deepest learning.

  457. Packing light would include a tablet for all the YouTube videos that take us vicariously to other places, sketchbook and pencils to put our ideas and dreams on paper, a library card, and our museum pass for when vicarious travels come to life.

  459. My must pack item for home school would be a membership in a youth service and development organization. Like scouting or rotary club.
    A sense of humor and adventure.

  460. This is our ninth year homeschooling and I would bring my ipad and their math curriculum. Everything else, I can get on Kindle or apps on my ipad. Even my bible!

  461. Having a first grader, I would pack reading and math resources. He learns much more science from educational shows and nature than from any curriculum.

  462. Thanks for the giveaway! I would pack a phone to play some jazz & classical tunes on and to watch some fun videos, and to take pictures with, our library card, blank journals for each of us, and some comfy socks. 🙂

  463. Bible, Math, Lang Arts…if we get through these in a day I feel like we’ve hit the foundation blocks of our school day. The rest is icing on the cake!

  464. Adventure. Nature. All of the books. All of the prayer. And a little math thrown in for good measure.

  465. I would bring my Bible, paper & pencils, library card, math book and some art supplies for drawing.

  466. I would pack my listening ears to hear all the wonderful stories my kids are always making up and all the sounds nature has to offer. I would pack my sense of humor because we all have those days when that is the only thing that gets you through. Lastly, the ipad and internet because my kids are always reminding me if we have a question we can always just look up the answer.

  467. I have a preschooler so Reading in 100 Lessons, Bible, Faith, and Virtue. I do switch it up some every week.

  469. If I were to pack an extra light backpack it would contain colored pencils, a local field guide, nature notebook and a leisure reading novel. We did this exact thing today and set out on a nature hike. I love homeschooling!

  471. I loved this encouraging post so much! Packing light is something I struggle with, but I’m praying and working towards this year being different. I’m really desiring to foster a love for learning in my kiddos…oh, how I long for it! I love the time we have as a family and want to make the most of it. So, one thing I’m doing differently this year is focusing on math, reading, and language arts in the morning and trying to have the afternoons open for exploring and diving into subjects like science, history, art, music, sewing etc. (Less workbooks)

  474. I would pack my iPad (kind of cheating, I know, since everything is on it) and crayons, blank paper, scissors, and glue. Of course, I’m not really planning on giving up my 1000+ volume library. ????

  476. Hi – I would pack our bible, my Ipad, a good book, a drawing sketch pad and some colored pencils.
    Thank you so much!

  477. I would bring my Language Arts, Math curriculum and a phone. So many great apps and access to the library will allow for books to read and other subjects to explore. I would have said Bible but you can access that on your phone now. I am trying so hard to keep it simple with our Classical Conversations memory work , Bible, LA and Math this year for Kindergarten. The memory work will cover so much besides the basics.

  478. Hi. My ultra light packing List would include: my Bible, lots of classic stories, the Well Trained Mind, lots of paper, and colored pencils. Oh, and a pencil sharpener.

  480. Ultralight backpack contents: Bible, library card, paper, pencil, chocolate covered blueberries 🙂

  482. Bible, Nature study book, journal, The Core, geography maps, classic children’s stories, colored pencils.

  483. My ultra light homeschool packing list would be read alouds (Bible, history, literature, poetry, science, math, art, biography, etc.—all encompassing!), math and journaling/notebooking.

  484. I would pack my iPad since I can access the You version Bible app, math apps, Kindle, You Tube, etc. I would also take my library card and chocolate.

  487. I’m finding homeschooling in the midst of parenting a bit overwhelming right now. I’m not sure exactly what are my essentials, but I know reading, language arts and math are never set aside. Unless your throwin up or running fever!! I’ve yet to find our groove for everything else.

  495. We just learned that our oldest is dyslexic (just like Daddy) so I am focusing on reading and math, once we get our feet a little firmer into reading I’ll add spelling. Anything else is bonus at this point. I’m thinking Science and history might happen once or twice a week because reading needs to be our focus.

  497. If I were packing for an ultralight year, I’d bring my Bible, math, and plenty of literature books.

  498. In my backpack, you would find my Bible; 7 in 1 binoculars; Crayola Twistables (they have a regular pencil included); a yellow notepad for each child; Encoder/Decoder book; and my Classical Conversations Foundations guide.

  501. My backpack would include apples, popcorn, a big fluffy blanket for me & my kids to snuggle in and lots of books. It’s really all we need. Oh, and some ice cold water!

  503. I would pack the eyes of a child, a heart that’s been renewed by Gods word, and as much patience as I can.

  505. My children are 10,9,6,3. My essentials are good books to read, a good math curriculum, blank paper and writing utensils/art supplies.

  506. Our essentials are good books and some art supplies. From there, you can teach just about anything AND make it fun!

  511. I would pack my scriptures, snacks, water, my music rhythm book, and my favorite old novel my grandpa gave me a few years before he died.

  512. Our essentials–lots of reading great stories as well as reading/phonics for my kiddo (she’s entering 1st grade and still learning to read) and math. I’m hoping we can get other subjects under that heading of “reading great stories….”

  514. My Bible, library card, a notebook with plenty of pages and a pen as well as some colored pencils. Perhaps some sunscreen so we can spend the day outside. And bandaids because I have three boys 😉

  515. I love this analogy, so helpful! I am packing your words of wisdom, Bible, a stack of good books, life abroad and some math problems!

  517. My ultra light back pack would include: The study bible, notebook, pencils, math, world map, water, 4 apples, and Cycle 1 cc CD to listen to on our way to a great hiking spot.

  518. My sonlight curriculum guide, everything in one! And some snacks, because food makes everything funner!

  520. The only true essentials in my ultralight pack? God, and my family. All of us together, facing whatever comes our way. As time passes, the rest of it is far less important than those relationships . 🙂

  522. My ultralight is scriptures, math, nature study notebooks with good art supplies, literature, and internet access. It’s interesting that this is such a common answer. Maybe I am OK!

  526. Our ultra light pack needs stories to read, paper to write on, problems to solve, and music to listen to and/or sing/play along with (might have to sneak in a shaker or recorder!).

  529. Homeschool essentials? A good planner, a streamlined plan, library card, an open heart toward the Lord and my family, some creative energy reserved for this year, a pocket full of “no’s” to apply to activities that interfere with our peace and our most important goals.

  531. Exercise, time in nature, reading, free play, good songs and stories, time for crafting and plenty of healthy food!

  533. One another. Our senses & use them all! Questions, answers, patience, love, understanding, enthusiasm & support.

  535. I would pack an ipad and charger because that gives me lots of books! And some snacks to keep the kids happy. Probably a camera to record the things we find as we explore.

  539. My backpack would include a colorful blanket, some notebooks and colored pencils and pens, good books, some Lego pieces for manipulatives, and of course some snacks! With that and the digital resources on my phone and a library card, there really isn’t much else we need.

  541. I would pack lots of books, journals for all the kids, crayons, and The Jesus Storybook Bible!

  543. I’d pack my bible, a stack of good books, chocolate and a snuggley blanket. Because, obviously.

  546. My daughter just loves school, so she wants it all – Bible, science, history, math, grammar. But she got that way because of a love of reading – so that has always been promoted in our house! Thank you for this article!

  550. Hmmm. I love this idea (as I’m making lists upon lists….). The essentials would have to be a few really good read-alouds, sketchbooks, dixon ticonderogas and a tin of prismacolor pencils. And a picnic blanket. Ah, good to remember that things haven’t really changed so much since the girls were really small…
    debbie’s latest post: the cabin

  551. My backpack would include my kids favorite books and some yummy snacks that are sweet, but healthy! (Shared on Facebook for an extra entry)

  552. Math and living books would be my essentials to my ultralight backpack for homeschool.

  553. I had big plans for first grade this year and then realized, with the help of some articles by veteran moms, that I bad way too much. So we’re starting with phonics and math and we’ll add às the year progresses of needed.

  556. My light pack would include math, reading in lots of subjects, writing, and getting outdoors as much as possible! (and maybe Latin…I’m wavering on that one)

  557. Barton reading and spelling for my son with dyslexia. Math books. Pencils and paper. Lots of books.

  558. I would pack my iPad (which has my bible and gives me access to thousands of books and educational material) my always present water bottle, almonds and blueberries (our favorite snack!) and head out to the great outdoors.

  559. I am definitely guilty of packing my pack too full but this year I am really trying to whittle it down. The essentials for us are math and reading/writing (which means lots of reading aloud and audio books) and history(because my daughter loves it). I know that occasionally we will stop along the trail to explore something unexpected. Thanks for your encouragement. I have shared this post with my co-op friends so they can benefit from your sage advice.

  560. Our Bible, journals and crayons for their writing and drawing, a few favorite stories and our Star Wars math books 🙂

  561. My ultralight homeschool backpack would have a few good story books, lots of Legos, and plenty of sunshine!! My boys are still pretty young and just starting PreK this year. We did our “first day of school” and then Mama got sick and we haven’t done any more “school” but books, Legos, and playing outside are keeping us going!

  564. A notepad and pencils/crayons. It’s simple, yet we can do so much with them. Draw what we see, practice writing/penmanship, scribble what we observe, and cherish it for the future to see all we’ve learned.

  565. While we are just starting our homeschooling adventure this year, I would have to say reading, nature, and art – I think everyone a little person needs can be found among those 3 things 🙂

  566. Our essentials are Bible, math, reading, and writing. Oh, and outside time! Since we live in a high-powered, fast-paced area, there are always too many things to add. Good blessed us with a surprise baby this summer (our sixth), so we are wonderfully “forced” to stay home and enjoy her and each other!

  568. I just shared your article and news about the contest on my timeline 🙂 Thank you for sharing such freeing truths!

  569. My ultralight backpack would include our Bible study, 2 paint brushes and a dollar store water color box, blank paper, a jar for bugs, dice, and our kitten, a map of the world, a hammer and a few nails, a pencil. It seems the more freedom I give my son the faster he grows and learns. It’s hard to trust that he will be just fine if I don’t cram every fact down his throat and make him regurgitate it on que.

  571. If I was really to try ULTRA light, it would probably be paper, colored pencils , and a magnifying glass and heading out into the world. I could probably teach just about everything with those.
    Unfortunately, I am too nervous for that, so, in real life with 2nd grade, K, and PreK, I have Logic Of English Foundations language arts curriculum, Right Start Mathmetics curriculum, Song School Latin, Story of the World History, some kids podcasts on my phone (“Brains On” is great), a ton of other books and curriculum ‘add-ons’ I am considering, and the aforementioned paper colored pencils, and magnifying glass. 🙂
    Gwen @ ButtercupsBabies.com’s latest post: Finally, a good use for Jello: Homemade Jello Playdough

  572. My ultralight would include our library cards and a prescription for mandatory couch time everyday. We need more time to enjoy and appreciate each other, being in awe of each other, and finding in each other and ourselves God’s special gifts to the world around us.

  573. I’m still wrapping my head around the direction I now know my homeschool needs to take, but I think my backpack would include OT exercises, even more time outside, handwriting practice, typing practice, singing and memorizing songs/poems, and reading aloud. This is not the homeschool I had planned this year but it’s what we need. I’m working on how this will look for our family.

  574. Math, a Kindle to access numerous books, a sketch pad with partly lined pages for drawing and other art and for writing with illustrations, a prayer/meditation book.

  576. I home school three teen/preteen boys and my toddler princess So I would pack a flora and fauna field guide, bug nets, journals, pencils, camera and crayons. We would be on a wilderness exposition.

  577. Our backpack would include the Bible, my phone with our favorite apps, books to read, and some games.

  578. My ultra light homeschooling backpack would include an ereader full of living books and the Bible in our favorite translation. It would also contain lined and unlined paper and some drawing and writing tools.

  580. My oldest just turned 2 yesterday (eek), so we’re not doing much more than play right now. My backpack would include books, songs, paper and crayons, long walks in nature, lots of outdoor play time, and more books. We love stories.

  581. I would pack a Bible, a notebook per child (and for me!), nice pens and pencils, and books on a variety of subjects to read (both silently and aloud).

  582. I’m just starting to plan the new school year and I will definitely be considering what my essentials are. I think I would start with the bible and a library card. Thanks!

  583. My essentials are my kids to have relationship with their Heavenly Father, positive family relationships, math, reading and writing. Everything else will fall in to place. Thanks for posting this because I realized I am adding too much.

  584. Excellent idea!!
    My essentials are reading, history, science and math. Thanks for the reminder to not set myself up for disappointment.

  590. My list:
    A small Bible that I take with me when I travel. A small paperback journal for each of us with lined and blank pages. Of course pens, sharpened pencils (a few colored ones too), a couple of lightweight very good books for read aloud, and a sweet treat for right before bed.

  594. This is my first year homeschooling so I think I would bring the bible and lots of literature and your book!????

  596. My ultralight backpack would include colored pencils, paper, and a Bible. I’d love to win a copy of your book!

  599. It is our second year ( 1st grade) so I would include Math U See Alpha, Horizons Language Arts, pencils, CLassical Conversations connected website and lots of books!

  600. The essentials…
    My bible and my laptop with access to the Internet and Kindle…with lots of books downloaded on it! Oh…and a notebook and pencil!

  601. My items would include a Bible, pencils, notebooks, colored pencils, library card, glue, scissors, magnify glass, Atlas of the world, & a dictionary. With a library card you can access great read-a-louds, books on history, science, geography, even math & grammar! This was a great thought provoking post! Makes me re-assess our choices for this year. Maybe we don’t need all the fancy curriculum to learn like I thought we did. 🙂

  602. My essentials are Bible time, math and reading (and everything that goes along with reading – phonics, spelling, vocabulary, etc.)

    I have plans for history and science this year as well, but if things get too hectic, they’ll be first to go.

  603. This year I’m packing light! We started in July so I could give it a test run and we are really loving it so far. Our essentials are language (reading, writing, spelling), math and history/geography. I find I can fit almost all subjects into those categories. We are loving it!

  604. My essentials would be Bible, a library card, the Internet and enough gas to take us anywhere our hearts desired!

    I do require math, writing and reading — and plan curriculum for science, history & foreign language. But the way those things are approached can change and evolve depending on the day or week!

  608. Hard to think of leaving something out, but the essentials would be Bible, library card, and computer (with Internet).

  610. A good book
    nature journals and pencils
    guide book for plants/trees/birds
    this is my dream world, i am type a and don’t think i could actually ever do this

  612. We would defiantly pack our bible and library card. I think our pass to the National Parks would be important for our wandering days. We seem to fit math and science and history in our trips and discussions. Drawing pads and journals and pencils would be great as well. This has been fun! Thanks.

  614. My essentials that we “pack” are Bible, math, and lots of reading. Another essential is family time – something we missed so desperately when our children were in public school! Such a great article, and a great reminder! Thank you!

  617. We would be packing our Bible, reading, writing , and math curriculums, our math learning songs that help us memorize math facts , story of the world audiobook…library card and a bunch of pre sharpened pencils!!!

  619. Thank you for this reminder. I am an over-planner and do tend to make my projects too complicated to actually enjoy them. This is my first year home schooling and I am so afraid to mess it up. I want it to be perfect. Keeping it simple will definitely make this an easier endeavor and an experience that I and hopefully my kids will cherish. My absolute must haves for our school will be the Bible, learning to love reading and for my kids to know how much they are loved!

  621. We would pack paint, paper and colored pencils, bible, math games , lots of good classic reading books, a globe, clay, laughter and play outside!

    This is such a good way to really see what to focus on and what is ok to let go of when life happens 🙂
    For sure I will share on Facebook.

  623. After thinking that I had a fairly light “backpack”, I found out last year when we packed up the family (4 kids) and volunteered and lived at an orphanage in Mexico. Bible, math, language arts, reading and a little science. With a healthy dose of culture and compassion and Spanish from living in another place. And we didn’t miss it at all. Back in the US this year but still trying to keep it to the basics. Not only in school subjects, but also in our schedule! We don’t have to go to every field trip (or any!) offered!!! Great post. Thanks for the reminder.
    Heidi’s latest post: Please answer 10 questions about parenting

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