If you’ve ever stared at a painting in a museum and thought, “I have no idea what I’m supposed to be seeing here,” you’re not alone. And if you’ve wondered how on earth you’re supposed to teach your kids to appreciate art when you can barely tell Monet from Manet—friend, pull up a chair. We’re going to figure this out together.

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Here’s the beautiful truth about Charlotte Mason art appreciation: you don’t need an art history degree. You don’t need to take your kids to fancy galleries (though our Florida museums are lovely when you can get there). You just need beautiful pictures, short lessons, and the willingness to look—really look—alongside your children.

What Is Picture Study, Anyway?

Charlotte Mason called her method “picture study,” and it’s refreshingly simple. The basic idea is this: children spend time with a single piece of art, observing it carefully, then describe what they see from memory. That’s it. No worksheets. No multiple choice questions about brush strokes. Just looking, absorbing, and narrating.

Mason believed that children deserve the best—the finest literature, the most beautiful music, and yes, the greatest works of art. She called these “living ideas,” and she trusted that when children spend time with beautiful things, those things become part of who they are.

It’s the same philosophy behind nature study, really. We don’t quiz our kids on the parts of a flower while we’re out catching bugs in the backyard. We observe. We wonder. We let the natural world speak for itself. Picture study works the same way.

How We Do Picture Study in Our Homeschool

Keep It Short

This is where so many of us overcomplicate things. A picture study session should be 10-15 minutes, tops. For my youngest, sometimes it’s closer to five. Charlotte Mason was all about short lessons with full attention, and art appreciation is no exception.

We typically do picture study once a week, though honestly? Some weeks it happens on the couch after lunch, and some weeks it happens because I remembered while we were eating breakfast. Grace, mama. Grace.

Choose One Artist Per Term

Instead of hopping around from artist to artist, we spend an entire term (about 12 weeks) with one painter. This gives the kids time to really get to know someone’s work—their style, their favorite subjects, the colors they loved.

Over the years, we’ve studied Monet, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer (his beach scenes feel very Florida to us), and Van Gogh. Right now we’re spending time with John James Audubon, which ties in beautifully with our bird watching and chicken keeping. The kids love pointing out details in his bird paintings that they’ve noticed in real life.

The Simple Method

1. Display the painting. We use a printed copy or pull it up on a tablet—ironic for a low-screen family, I know, but beautiful art is beautiful art.

2. Look together in silence. I set a timer for 2-3 minutes. No talking. Just looking.

3. Turn the picture over (or close the screen). Now we narrate. “Tell me everything you remember about the painting.”

4. Look again. What did we miss? What do we notice now?

5. Optional: sketch or paint a response. Sometimes the kids want to try painting something inspired by what they saw. We pull out our Faber-Castell watercolors and let them play.

That’s it. No right answers. No grades. Just attention and observation.

Why This Approach Actually Works

It Builds Attention

In a world of 30-second videos and constant notifications, teaching children to really look at something for several minutes is countercultural. And necessary. The skill of sustained attention transfers to everything—nature observation, reading, listening, relationships.

It Develops Visual Literacy

Children who practice picture study start noticing composition, light, mood, and detail in the world around them. My daughter will stop on a walk now and say, “Mama, look at how the light is coming through those oak trees. It looks like a painting.” That’s picture study working its way into real life.

It Creates Personal Connection

When you spend twelve weeks with an artist, they become almost like a friend. My kids have opinions about artists now. “Monet’s gardens were beautiful, but I like Winslow Homer better because he painted the ocean.” They’re developing their own aesthetic sense, not just parroting what I tell them.

Resources That Make It Easy

You don’t need much to get started, but a few tools help.

For finding prints: Many libraries have art print collections you can borrow. We’ve also printed high-quality images from museum websites. If you want a more curated approach, Timberdoodle and Rainbow Resource both carry Charlotte Mason-style art curriculum and print sets.

For keeping a record: We keep a simple nature journal that doubles as an art response journal. After picture study, the kids sometimes sketch what they remember or jot down their favorite details. It’s become a sweet record of what we’ve studied together.

For going deeper: As the kids get older, I’ll occasionally read aloud a short biography of the artist we’re studying. Nothing textbook-dry—just enough to make them feel like a real person. Where did they live? What did they love? Did they have pets? (You better believe my kids always want to know about the pets.)

Taking It Outside

One of my favorite things about picture study is how naturally it connects to the rest of our Charlotte Mason days. After a morning of looking at Audubon’s birds, we might head outside with our Sibley bird guide to see what’s visiting the feeders. The chickens always provide entertainment, even if they’re not exactly what Audubon had in mind.

We’ve also done picture study outside—spreading a blanket in the backyard and looking at landscape paintings while the dog naps beside us. There’s something special about studying art in the fresh air, especially here in Florida where we can be outside most of the year.

What If My Kids Don’t “Get” a Painting?

That’s okay. Really. Some paintings don’t resonate with every person, and that’s part of developing taste. Charlotte Mason wasn’t trying to make children love every piece of art equally. She was giving them the opportunity to form their own relationships with beautiful things.

If a particular painting falls flat, we just observe what we can and move on. No forcing. No lecturing about why they should appreciate it. Trust the process, trust the exposure, and trust that over time, a rich visual vocabulary is building.

The Bigger Picture (Pun Intended)

Honestly, picture study has become one of my favorite parts of our homeschool week. It’s quiet. It’s slow. It’s the opposite of everything rushing and noisy in our world.

When we sit together looking at a Van Gogh sky or a Cassatt mother and child, we’re not just checking off a box. We’re practicing wonder. We’re training our eyes to see beauty. We’re doing what Charlotte Mason believed education should do—introducing children to the best that humanity has created and letting those ideas take root.

So grab a cup of coffee, find a painting you love, and sit down with your kids this week. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be willing to look.

And who knows? You might find yourself falling in love with art right alongside them.

Best Nature Scavenger Hunts for Kids: Free Printable Ideas That Actually Get Them Outside

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If you’ve ever stood at the back door watching your kids wander aimlessly in the yard — maybe poking at something with a stick for thirty seconds before declaring they’re bored — you know the struggle. They want to be outside. You want them outside. But sometimes they just need a little direction to unlock that natural curiosity hiding under all those indoor distractions.

That’s where nature scavenger hunts come in, and honestly? They’ve become one of our family’s favorite tools for turning “I don’t know what to do” into two hours of focused, joyful exploration.

Why Nature Scavenger Hunts Work So Well

There’s something almost magical about handing a child a list and watching their whole demeanor shift. Suddenly they’re not just walking through the backyard — they’re hunting. They’re investigators. They’re scientists on a mission.

For our Charlotte Mason-style homeschool, scavenger hunts fit beautifully into the idea of learning through living books and real experiences. Charlotte Mason talked about children needing direct contact with nature, and a scavenger hunt gives them that framework without making it feel like schoolwork.

Plus, here in Northwest Florida, we’re blessed with such diverse ecosystems. We can do a hunt focused on coastal finds one week and pine forest discoveries the next. Even our backyard — complete with chickens scratching around and our labradoodle trying to “help” — becomes an adventure zone.

How to Use Nature Scavenger Hunts With Different Ages

For Little Ones (Ages 3-5)

Keep it simple and picture-based. Instead of reading a list, use images of things they can find: a leaf, a rock, something soft, something that makes noise. Let them collect items in a basket or bag, and don’t worry about completing the whole list. The goal is wonder, not achievement.

For Elementary Kids (Ages 6-10)

This is the sweet spot for scavenger hunts. You can add more specific items — different types of leaves, evidence of animals, something a bird might eat — and introduce observation skills. My kids love racing to find everything, but I also encourage them to slow down and really look. Sometimes we’ll take one interesting find and spend ten minutes just examining it with our pocket microscope.

For Older Kids (Ages 10+)

Challenge them with identification-based hunts. Instead of “find a feather,” try “find evidence of three different bird species.” This is where having a good field guide like the Sibley Guide to Birds becomes invaluable. They’re not just checking boxes — they’re building real naturalist skills.

Free Printable Nature Scavenger Hunt Ideas

You don’t need anything fancy to get started. Here are several hunt themes you can create yourself or find free printables for online:

The Classic Backyard Hunt

• Something smooth
• Something rough
• A feather
• Three different leaf shapes
• Something an animal left behind
• A flower (or part of one)
• Something that makes a sound in the wind
• Evidence of an insect

The Five Senses Hunt

• Something that smells good
• Something soft to touch
• Something that makes noise when you shake it
• Something beautiful to look at
• Something rough
• Something cool to the touch
• Something warm from the sun

The Color Hunt

• Something red
• Something yellow
• Something brown
• Something green (but NOT a leaf)
• Something white
• Something with more than one color

The Florida-Specific Hunt

Living here gives us some unique options:

• A palmetto frond
• Spanish moss
• A pinecone from a longleaf pine
• Sand (yes, even inland we find it everywhere)
• A lizard sighting (anoles count!)
• Something washed up from rain
• Evidence of an armadillo

Making It More Than Just a Hunt

Here’s where the real learning happens. After the scavenger hunt, we don’t just dump everything and move on. We choose one or two finds to explore deeper.

Maybe someone found an interesting beetle, so we get out the bug collection kit and observe it up close before releasing it. Or we found a beautiful feather, and now we’re flipping through our bird guide trying to figure out who left it behind.

This naturally flows into nature journaling — another Charlotte Mason staple. Even my youngest can do simple sketches and dictate observations while my older one writes detailed notes. We use a basic nature journal and watercolor pencils that hold up well to our Florida humidity.

Tips for Successful Nature Hunts

Dress for it. Here in Pensacola, that means rain boots half the year and sunscreen the other half. We don’t let weather stop us — some of our best hunts have been right after afternoon thunderstorms when everything is fresh and the creatures are active.

Bring collection tools. A bag, a magnifying glass, maybe a bug catcher. Having the right tools makes kids feel like real explorers.

Don’t rush. I know, easier said than done. But a scavenger hunt isn’t a race. Some of our best discoveries have happened when someone got “distracted” by something not on the list at all.

Make it social. We’ve done hunts with our homeschool co-op, and there’s nothing like watching six kids sprint toward something one of them spotted. Walkie talkies add a fun element if you have a bigger group spread out.

Where to Find Free Printable Scavenger Hunts

While I’ve shared ideas above that you can easily create yourself, there are wonderful free printables available online. A quick search for “free printable nature scavenger hunt” will give you dozens of options. Look for ones that match your region and your children’s ages.

For more comprehensive nature study resources, curriculum suppliers like Rainbow Resource and Timberdoodle have wonderful nature study materials that include scavenger hunts as part of larger unit studies.

Making Memories the Old-Fashioned Way

You know what I love most about scavenger hunts? They’re the kind of thing I remember from my own childhood. Running around outside with a mission, finding treasures in ordinary places, coming home dirty and happy and full of stories.

That’s the kind of childhood I want for my kids. Not perfect or Pinterest-worthy — just real. Outside. Curious. Connected to the natural world around them.

So grab a piece of paper, jot down ten things to find, and send them out the back door. The chickens will probably follow them around (ours always do), the dog will definitely “help,” and somewhere between the pine needles and the anthills, your kids will find exactly what they need — even if it wasn’t on the list.

Happy hunting, friends. 🌿

Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaner Safe for Septic Systems: What Actually Works

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If you’ve ever stood in the cleaning aisle wondering which bottle won’t destroy your septic tank or fill your bathroom with fumes while your kids are doing school in the next room, you’re in good company. When we moved to our little place here in Northwest Florida, the septic system was one of the first things the previous owner warned us about. “Don’t put anything harsh down those drains,” she said. And honestly? That was the nudge I needed to finally figure out a better way to clean.

Between our homeschool days, the backyard chickens, a muddy labradoodle who thinks she belongs on the couch, and kids who treat every outdoor adventure like a dirt bath, our bathrooms get a workout. But I refused to trade clean toilets for chemical exposure or a failing septic system. So I started researching, testing, and learning what actually works — and what’s just marketing fluff.

Why Your Septic System Cares What You Flush

Here’s the thing most of us don’t think about: your septic tank is basically a living ecosystem. It relies on beneficial bacteria to break down waste. When you pour antibacterial cleaners, bleach, or harsh chemicals down the drain, you’re essentially killing the very bacteria that keep your system functioning.

And in Florida? With our high water tables and sandy soil, a failing septic system isn’t just expensive — it’s an environmental issue. The last thing I want is for our backyard (where the kids play and the chickens roam) to become contaminated because I used the wrong bathroom cleaner.

Non-toxic cleaners that are septic-safe work with your system instead of against it. They clean effectively without wiping out that bacterial balance.

What Makes a Bathroom Cleaner Septic-Safe?

When I’m evaluating whether a cleaner is safe for our septic system, I look for a few things:

Ingredients to Avoid

• Chlorine bleach — kills septic bacteria and is harsh on pipes
• Antibacterial agents (like triclosan) — same problem
• Phosphates — can cause algae blooms if they leach into groundwater
• Synthetic fragrances — often contain undisclosed chemicals
• Quaternary ammonium compounds — antibacterial and septic-unfriendly

Ingredients That Work

• Plant-based surfactants — clean effectively without bacterial damage
• Citric acid — great for hard water stains and naturally derived
• Hydrogen peroxide — breaks down into water and oxygen
• Essential oils — for scent and mild antibacterial properties (in small amounts)
• Baking soda and vinegar — old-school and septic-approved

Our Favorite Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaners

After a lot of trial and error, here’s what actually works in our home:

DIY Bathroom Cleaner (My Go-To)

Honestly, most days I reach for a simple DIY spray:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10-15 drops tea tree or lavender essential oil
• 1 tablespoon castile soap

I keep this in a glass spray bottle under the sink. It handles counters, sinks, and general surface cleaning beautifully. For the toilet bowl, I sprinkle baking soda, spray with vinegar, let it fizz, and scrub. Simple, effective, and completely septic-safe.

For When You Want a Ready-Made Option

I get it — some weeks, mixing up cleaners is not happening. We’re in the middle of a nature study unit, someone’s chicken math project needs finishing, and the dog tracked mud through the house again. Life happens.

For those times, I love ordering through Grove Collaborative. They carry brands that are actually transparent about ingredients, and I can filter specifically for septic-safe options. Their delivery service means I’m not wandering Target with three kids trying to read ingredient labels.

Some specific brands I trust:

• Branch Basics — one concentrate that does everything
• ECOS — affordable and widely available
• Seventh Generation — look for their Free & Clear line
• Aunt Fannie’s — vinegar-based and effective

Tackling Tough Bathroom Jobs Without Harsh Chemicals

Hard Water Stains

Florida water is hard, y’all. Our bathroom fixtures constantly battle mineral buildup. Citric acid is my secret weapon here. You can buy it in powder form and make a paste, or use straight lemon juice for smaller spots. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing.

Mold and Mildew

With our Florida humidity, mold is just part of life. Hydrogen peroxide (the regular 3% kind from the drugstore) works wonderfully. Spray it on, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe. Tea tree oil is also antifungal — I add it to my regular cleaner for ongoing prevention.

Good ventilation helps too. We run the bathroom fan during and after showers, and I crack the window when weather allows.

Toilet Bowl Rings

For stubborn toilet rings, I make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply it to the ring, and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing. A pumice stone (the kind made for toilets) also works wonders and is completely chemical-free.

Teaching Kids to Clean (Without Toxic Exposure)

One of the reasons I’m so committed to non-toxic cleaning is that my kids help. Part of our homeschool rhythm includes age-appropriate chores, and I want them to learn how to care for a home without breathing in fumes or handling dangerous chemicals.

My elementary-age crew can safely spray and wipe counters with our DIY cleaner. They can sprinkle baking soda in the sink and scrub. It’s practical life skills (very Charlotte Mason, honestly) without me worrying about chemical burns or respiratory irritation.

It reminds me of how we all cleaned growing up — with whatever mom had under the sink, usually something simple that didn’t require hazmat gear.

A Note on “Green” Marketing

Just because something says “natural” or “eco-friendly” doesn’t mean it’s septic-safe or truly non-toxic. I’ve learned to flip the bottle and read the actual ingredients. If they won’t list them? That’s a red flag.

The same skepticism I apply to our cleaning products extends to other areas of our home — from the non-toxic sunscreen we slather on before beach days to the pest control we use around the coop. Speaking of which, Wondercide has been great for keeping bugs at bay without introducing chemicals that could harm our chickens, dog, or the kids who are constantly barefoot in the yard.

The Bigger Picture

Switching to non-toxic bathroom cleaners safe for septic systems isn’t just about protecting your plumbing (though that’s a great reason). It’s about creating a home where your family isn’t constantly exposed to unnecessary chemicals.

Our bodies already deal with so much — the air quality, the water, the processed everything. The way I see it, our home should be a refuge. A place where my kids can breathe easy, help with chores without risk, and grow up in an environment that supports their health.

Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing that what goes down our drains won’t end up causing problems in the groundwater where we live. Florida’s ecosystem is precious, and our little corner of it — chickens, garden, and all — is worth protecting.

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If you’re just starting to make the switch to non-toxic cleaning, don’t feel like you have to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one product — maybe your bathroom cleaner — and go from there. Small, intentional changes add up. And if you ever want to chat about what’s working for us, I’m always happy to share. We’re all just figuring this out together.

How to Make a Chicken First Aid Kit: What You Need for Backyard Emergencies

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It’s 7 AM on a Saturday, and one of our hens is limping. Maybe she jumped off the roost wrong, or maybe she caught her foot on something in the run. Either way, you’re standing there in your pajamas, coffee getting cold on the porch railing, wondering if you have what you need to help her.

I’ve been there. More than once, actually.

If you keep backyard chickens long enough, you’re going to need to play chicken nurse at some point. Bumblefoot, minor wounds from pecking order squabbles, heat stress (hello, Florida summers), or the occasional mystery ailment — it happens. And when it does, you don’t want to be scrambling to find supplies or making a panicked run to Tractor Supply.

That’s why every chicken keeper needs a dedicated first aid kit. Here’s exactly what we keep in ours.

Why You Need a Chicken-Specific First Aid Kit

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use the regular first aid kit from under the bathroom sink?” And sure, in a pinch, some of those supplies will work. But chickens have some unique needs, and having everything in one dedicated spot means you’re not hunting through the house while your hen is stressed and hurting.

Plus, there’s something to be said for being prepared. It’s the same reason I keep a well-stocked nature study basket and a bin of art supplies ready to go — when the moment comes, you want to be able to just grab it and go.

The Container: Keep It Simple and Accessible

We use a large plastic tackle box with multiple compartments. It lives on a shelf in the garage, right next to where we store the chicken feed. Some folks use a five-gallon bucket with a lid, which works great too — you can even sit on it while you’re treating a bird.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s:

• Waterproof or at least water-resistant
• Easy to carry to the coop
• Big enough to hold everything without being a jumbled mess

Essential Supplies for Your Chicken First Aid Kit

Wound Care Basics

This is the stuff you’ll reach for most often. Chickens peck at each other, they scratch themselves on hardware cloth, they get into scuffles. Minor wounds are just part of flock life.

What to include:

• Saline wound wash (for cleaning wounds without stinging)
• Vetericyn poultry spray (our go-to for wound care)
• Triple antibiotic ointment WITHOUT pain relief (the “caine” ingredients are toxic to chickens)
• Non-stick gauze pads
• Vet wrap or self-adhesive bandage (it sticks to itself, not feathers)
• Medical tape
• Cotton balls and cotton swabs

Tools You’ll Actually Use

What to include:

• Sharp scissors (for cutting bandages and trimming feathers around wounds)
• Tweezers (for splinters or removing debris)
• Disposable gloves (a whole box of them)
• Small flashlight or headlamp (coop lighting is never great)
• Old towels (for wrapping and restraining birds — we keep two dedicated chicken towels)
• A pocket microscope can actually be handy for examining mites or skin issues up close — plus, it doubles as a nature study tool when everyone’s healthy

Parasite Prevention and Treatment

Here in Florida, the humidity and warmth mean we deal with mites and other pests more than folks up north might. Staying ahead of parasites is half the battle.

What to include:

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth (for dust baths and coop maintenance)
• Poultry dust or spray for mites/lice
• Permethrin spray (use carefully and according to directions)

We also use Wondercide around the coop and run for general pest control — it’s plant-based and I feel good about using it near the kids and the dog.

Medications and Supplements

What to include:

• Electrolyte powder (essential for Florida heat — we add it to water on really brutal summer days)
• Probiotics for poultry
• Nutri-Drench or similar vitamin supplement
• VetRx (for respiratory issues)
• Epsom salt (for soaking feet with bumblefoot)
• Blu-Kote or similar wound sealant (also helps prevent pecking at wounds)

For Serious Situations

I hope you never need these, but it’s better to have them:

• Styptic powder or cornstarch (stops bleeding fast)
• Veterinary eye wash
• Syringe without needle (for administering liquids)
• A pet carrier or dog crate (for isolating sick or injured birds)

A Few Things I’ve Learned the Hard Way

Keep a chicken care book in your kit. When something goes wrong, you want a reliable reference right there. We keep Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens on the shelf with our first aid supplies — it’s comprehensive and has gotten us through more than one late-night “what is happening with this chicken” situation.

If you have kids who help with the chickens, Gail Damerow’s guide written for young people is wonderful too. My oldest has read it cover to cover and now feels confident helping assess when a hen is “off.”

Check expiration dates. Once a year, I go through the kit and replace anything that’s expired or running low. I usually do this in early spring, before the heat really kicks in.

Know your limits. A first aid kit is for first aid — stabilizing a bird until you can get proper help, or treating minor issues at home. If something seems serious, don’t hesitate to find an avian vet. Yes, they exist, and yes, some of them will see backyard chickens.

Involving the Kids

Putting together a chicken first aid kit is actually a great homeschool activity. There’s anatomy involved (why can’t we use certain medications?), practical life skills, responsibility, and animal husbandry all wrapped into one project.

We treated it like a nature study afternoon — we talked about chicken physiology, practiced wrapping bandages on stuffed animals, and discussed what signs might tell us a chicken isn’t feeling well. The kids took it seriously because it was real. That’s the beauty of learning alongside actual living creatures.

Final Thoughts

Keeping chickens has taught our family so much — responsibility, the rhythm of daily chores, where food actually comes from, and the reality that caring for animals means caring for them on the hard days too.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit won’t prevent every problem, but it will help you respond calmly when something does go wrong. And there’s a lot of peace in that.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go refill our electrolyte powder. It’s supposed to hit 95 this week, and the ladies are going to need it.

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What’s in your chicken first aid kit? Anything I missed? I’d love to hear what’s worked for your flock — drop a comment below or send me a message!

Florida Homeschool Standardized Testing Requirements: What You Actually Need to Know

If you’re new to homeschooling in Florida — or even if you’ve been at it a while — the question of standardized testing can feel murky. Do you have to test? What are the actual requirements? And what does this look like for a family that’s more focused on nature journals and chicken keeping than bubble sheets?

I get it. When we first started homeschooling, I spent way too many hours down rabbit holes trying to figure out exactly what Florida law required. So let me save you some time and share what I’ve learned — both from the statutes and from living this out with elementary-age kids in the Pensacola area.

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What Florida Law Actually Says About Evaluation

Here’s the good news: Florida is considered a very homeschool-friendly state. Under Florida Statute 1002.41, you’re required to file a Notice of Intent with your county superintendent and maintain a portfolio of your child’s work. At the end of each school year, you need to provide an annual evaluation.

But here’s where people get confused — standardized testing is only ONE option for that evaluation. You’re not locked into it.

Florida gives you three choices:

1. A standardized test scored at or above the 15th percentile

2. An evaluation by a certified Florida teacher who determines your child is demonstrating appropriate educational progress

3. An evaluation by a licensed psychologist (though this is rarely used)

Most families I know in our area choose either the standardized test or the teacher evaluation. Both are perfectly valid, and which one works best depends entirely on your family and your homeschool style.

Standardized Testing: The Nuts and Bolts

If you do choose standardized testing, you have several options. Common tests used by Florida homeschoolers include:

• Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
• Stanford Achievement Test
• CAT (California Achievement Test)
• TerraNova

You can administer some of these at home, while others need a certified proctor. Many local homeschool co-ops and support groups offer group testing days — which honestly makes the whole thing feel less intimidating for kids who’ve never filled in tiny bubbles before.

The threshold is the 15th percentile, which is quite low. This isn’t about proving your child is “above average” — it’s simply demonstrating basic educational progress. If your child scores at or above that mark, you’ve met the requirement.

A Few Things to Consider

Standardized tests measure a very specific type of knowledge in a very specific way. If you’re doing a Charlotte Mason approach like we are — heavy on living books, nature study, narration, and hands-on learning — your child might know way more than a bubble test can capture.

My kids can identify a dozen native Florida birds, explain the life cycle of our backyard chickens, and calculate how many eggs we’ll have by Friday if each hen lays one egg every 26 hours. But can they fill in the right oval under time pressure? That’s a different skill entirely.

This doesn’t mean testing is bad — it just means it’s one data point, not the whole picture.

The Teacher Evaluation Option

This is the route our family currently uses, and honestly, it fits our homeschool style much better.

A certified Florida teacher reviews your portfolio — which should include samples of your child’s work, a log of educational activities, and any other materials that show what you’ve been learning throughout the year. The teacher then writes a letter stating that your child is making appropriate progress.

For a nature-based, literature-rich homeschool, this option lets your actual work shine. That nature journal filled with bird sketches and observations? It counts. The math work from your hands-on curriculum? It counts. The research your kid did on chicken breeds using Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens? Absolutely counts.

You can find evaluating teachers through local homeschool groups, co-ops, or online directories. Some charge a small fee; others do it as a service to the homeschool community. In the Pensacola area, there are several options — ask around at local park days or homeschool meetups.

What About the Florida PEP Scholarship?

If you’re using the Florida PEP homeschool scholarship like we are, the evaluation requirements are the same as the standard homeschool statute. You still need an annual evaluation — either a standardized test or teacher evaluation — and you submit that along with your other documentation.

PEP funds can be used for curriculum, educational materials, and other approved expenses. We’ve used ours for everything from Math-U-See blocks to art supplies to field trip admission fees. Places like Rainbow Resource and Timberdoodle are great for finding curriculum that actually fits your approach.

Just keep good records throughout the year — both for your portfolio and for PEP documentation purposes. A little organization goes a long way.

Building a Portfolio That Reflects Real Learning

Whether you test or use a teacher evaluation, maintaining a solid portfolio throughout the year makes everything easier come spring.

Here’s what we include:

• Work samples from each subject (writing, math, art)
• Nature journal pages — our Faber-Castell watercolors get heavy use for these
• Reading logs with books we’ve enjoyed
• Photos of hands-on projects, science experiments, and field work
• Field trip documentation — we’re blessed in Florida with so many state parks and nature centers
• Activity logs showing what we covered each week

I keep a simple binder and add to it weekly. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect — it just needs to tell the story of your year.

My Honest Thoughts After Several Years

Here’s what I’ve come to believe: the evaluation requirement isn’t something to stress over. It’s actually one of the lighter accountability measures compared to many states.

The real work — the daily showing up, the reading aloud, the answering of endless questions about why chickens do what they do — that’s where education happens. The annual evaluation is just a small checkpoint.

If your kid spent the year digging in the dirt, observing insects with a pocket microscope, learning to read through stories that sparked their imagination, and figuring out fractions while baking bread? They’re getting an education. The paperwork just confirms what you already know.

Final Encouragement

Florida gives us a lot of freedom to homeschool in ways that fit our families. Whether you go the standardized testing route or choose a teacher evaluation, you’re meeting the legal requirement while raising kids who are curious, capable, and connected to the real world around them.

Don’t let testing anxiety steal your joy. Do what works for your family, keep reasonable records, and trust the process. Our kids are learning — maybe not always in ways a scantron can measure, but in ways that matter.

Now if you’ll excuse me, someone’s hollering that the chickens got into the garden again. Never a dull moment around here.

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Have questions about Florida homeschool requirements? Drop them in the comments — I’m always happy to share what’s worked for our family.

Best Homeschool Spelling Curriculum for Charlotte Mason Families: A Real Mama’s Guide

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If you’ve ever watched your child copy spelling words twenty times in a row while their eyes glaze over, you know that feeling in your gut — the one that says there has to be a better way. When I first started homeschooling, I grabbed a traditional spelling workbook because that’s what I knew. Flashbacks to my own 1990s classroom, right? But here’s the thing: Charlotte Mason had some pretty revolutionary ideas about spelling, and once I understood her approach, everything clicked into place.

So let’s talk about finding the best homeschool spelling curriculum Charlotte Mason style — one that honors your child’s natural learning process and doesn’t feel like pulling teeth every morning.

What Charlotte Mason Actually Said About Spelling

Charlotte Mason believed spelling is primarily a visual skill, not an auditory one. She wasn’t a fan of spelling lists memorized in isolation or the classic “spell it out loud five times” method. Instead, she advocated for children to see words correctly — over and over — through quality literature and careful copywork.

Her approach was simple but profound: prevent misspellings rather than correct them endlessly. When a child sees and writes a word correctly from the start, it gets stamped into their visual memory. It’s the same reason I can still picture certain words from books I loved as a kid.

This doesn’t mean we ignore spelling instruction entirely. It means we approach it differently — through living books, copywork, studied dictation, and natural exposure rather than drill-and-kill worksheets.

Our Favorite Charlotte Mason Spelling Methods

Copywork: The Foundation of It All

Copywork is the bread and butter of Charlotte Mason spelling. Your child copies beautiful, meaningful passages from real books — paying attention to each word, each letter, each punctuation mark. It’s spelling, handwriting, grammar, and literature appreciation all wrapped into one gentle practice.

We keep a nature journal specifically for copywork from our nature readings. My kids have copied everything from descriptions in The Sibley Guide to Birds to passages about local Florida wildlife. When they’re copying words like “sandpiper” or “mangrove,” they’re learning to spell words that actually mean something to them.

Studied Dictation: The Next Step

Once your child has a solid foundation in copywork (usually around age 8-10), you can move into studied dictation. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a short passage from their current reading

2. Let them study it carefully — looking at tricky words, punctuation, everything

3. Remove the passage and dictate it back to them

4. They write it from memory

The key is that they study it first. No surprises. No setting them up for failure. This builds confidence and trains that visual memory Charlotte Mason valued so highly.

Prepared Dictation for Younger Ones

For my younger elementary kids, we do a simplified version called prepared dictation. They might study just a sentence or two, and I’ll point out any words that might trip them up. We talk about them. They notice them. Then they write.

It sounds almost too simple, but that’s the beauty of it.

Curriculum Options That Fit the Charlotte Mason Approach

Now, some families piece together their own spelling program using copywork and dictation from living books. That’s absolutely valid — we did it for years. But if you want a bit more structure (no shame in that game), here are some options that align well with Charlotte Mason principles:

All About Spelling — While it’s technically an Orton-Gillingham program, many CM families use it for children who need more explicit phonics instruction. It’s hands-on with tiles and teaches spelling rules systematically.

Spelling Wisdom — This is probably the most purely Charlotte Mason spelling curriculum out there. It uses prepared dictation with passages from classic literature. Beautiful and simple.

Simply Spelling (from Simply Charlotte Mason) — Another solid option that walks you through the studied dictation process step by step.

Natural Speller — A reference-style book organized by phonetic patterns. Great for families who want to create their own word lists based on their child’s reading.

You can find many of these through homeschool retailers like Rainbow Resource or Timberdoodle, which is helpful for comparing options and reading reviews from other homeschool families.

What We Actually Do in Our Florida Homeschool

Honestly? We keep it pretty relaxed. Our spelling instruction is woven into everything else we do rather than existing as its own separate subject.

Morning time includes copywork from whatever living book we’re reading. Right now, that’s a lot of nature study passages since we’re outside so much — Florida winters are basically the perfect outdoor classroom weather. When we’re learning about our backyard chickens, my kids might copy a passage from Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens or their own kid’s chicken care book.

We also do a lot of nature journaling, which sneaks in spelling practice without anyone really noticing. When you’re labeling a sketch of a Gulf fritillary butterfly or writing observations about what the hens did today, you’re practicing spelling in context. It sticks better because it matters to them.

For my child who needs more structured phonics work, we supplement with explicit instruction. Charlotte Mason herself recognized that some children need different approaches, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We use manipulatives similar to the hands-on style of Math-U-See — tactile and multi-sensory.

Tips for Making Charlotte Mason Spelling Work

Start with books they love. The whole approach falls apart if you’re using dry, boring passages. Use their read-alouds, their nature guides, their beloved chapter books.

Keep it short. Charlotte Mason was big on short lessons. Five to ten minutes of focused copywork beats thirty minutes of mindless repetition every single time.

Don’t over-correct. If they misspell a word during dictation, simply show them the correct spelling and move on. No drama. No red pen massacre.

Trust the process. Spelling ability develops over time with exposure to good books and consistent, gentle practice. Most kids aren’t strong spellers at age 7. That’s okay.

A Word About Developmental Readiness

Here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: some kids just aren’t neurologically ready for spelling until later. If your 6-year-old is struggling, it might not be a curriculum problem. It might just be a “not yet” situation.

Charlotte Mason started formal spelling instruction around age 8 or 9. Before that, it was all about exposure through reading aloud and very simple copywork. Give yourself permission to slow down.

Finding Your Family’s Rhythm

The best homeschool spelling curriculum Charlotte Mason style is ultimately the one that fits your family — your child’s learning needs, your daily rhythm, your sanity levels. For us, that means keeping it integrated with nature study, copywork, and real books rather than isolated worksheets.

Some mornings, our spelling practice happens at the kitchen table with fresh eggs from the coop cooling on the counter and our labradoodle snoring at our feet. Other days, we’re journaling outside, sketching what we see and labeling it carefully. It’s not Pinterest-perfect, but it’s working.

And honestly? Watching my kids become confident writers who actually enjoy putting words on paper — that’s the whole point, isn’t it? Not perfect spelling tests, but kids who love language and aren’t afraid to use it.

You’ve got this, mama. Trust the process, trust your kids, and keep it simple.

How to Teach Kids About Ecosystems with Backyard Science (No Curriculum Required)

If you’ve ever watched your kid squat down to examine a line of ants marching across the patio, you already know something important: children are natural scientists. They don’t need fancy labs or expensive curriculum to understand how the world works. They need time, space, and a little guidance — and honestly? Your backyard is one of the best science classrooms you’ll ever find.

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Here in Northwest Florida, we’re surrounded by an incredible diversity of life — from the longleaf pine ecosystems to our coastal marshes to whatever’s happening under that rotting log by the fence. And when it comes to teaching kids about ecosystems, I’ve found that the best approach isn’t opening a textbook. It’s opening the back door.

What Is an Ecosystem, Anyway? (In Kid Terms)

Before we get into the how, let’s keep the what simple. An ecosystem is just a community of living things interacting with each other and their environment. That’s it. The plants, the bugs, the birds, the soil, the water, the sunshine — all working together.

When I explain this to my elementary-age kids, I tell them: “Everything in our backyard has a job, and everything is connected.” The chicken poop fertilizes the grass. The grass feeds the grasshoppers. The grasshoppers feed the birds. The birds spread seeds. And around we go.

Once they start seeing those connections, they can’t unsee them. That’s the magic.

Start with Observation (Charlotte Mason Had It Right)

If you’re familiar with Charlotte Mason’s approach to education, you know that nature study isn’t a subject — it’s a way of seeing. And ecosystem science fits perfectly into this philosophy.

We don’t start with definitions or worksheets. We start with sitting still and paying attention.

Grab a nature journal and some colored pencils, head outside, and just… look. Ask your kids questions like:

• What do you notice today that you didn’t notice yesterday?
• What animals do you see? What are they doing?
• What do you think that bug eats? What might eat that bug?

You don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, wondering together is half the fun. When my kids asked why the mockingbirds always hang out near our elderberry bush, we got to talk about food sources, shelter, and how one plant can support a whole chain of creatures.

Create an Ecosystem Map of Your Backyard

One of our favorite projects is making a simple map of our backyard ecosystem. This works beautifully for elementary-age kids and can be as basic or detailed as you want.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Walk the perimeter together. Note the different zones — sunny spots, shady corners, wet areas, dry patches.

2. Sketch it out. Draw a rough map in the nature journal, including trees, bushes, garden beds, and any water sources.

3. Add the living things. Over several days, observe and add animals, insects, and birds to the map where you see them most often.

4. Draw the connections. Use arrows to show who eats what, who lives where, and how things relate.

My kids loved adding our chickens to the map and tracing all the ways they’re part of the ecosystem — eating bugs, scratching up soil, fertilizing the garden beds. Even our labradoodle made it on there (she’s our official squirrel patrol).

Hands-On Backyard Science Ideas

Bug Hunting and Identification

Nothing teaches food webs faster than catching bugs and asking, “What eats this?” A bug catcher kit is a backyard essential around here. We catch, observe, identify, and release.

For closer investigation, we use a pocket microscope to look at wings, legs, and other tiny details. My kids were mesmerized the first time they saw an ant’s antenna up close.

Bird Watching

Birds are perfect ecosystem teachers because they’re easy to observe and clearly connected to everything else — they eat bugs and seeds, spread plants, and become food for larger predators.

We keep a Sibley bird guide on our back porch and tally which species visit. In Florida, we get everything from blue jays to painted buntings to the occasional hawk eyeing our chicken run (not on my watch, buddy).

Decomposition Station

This sounds grosser than it is, and kids LOVE it. Find a spot in your yard where leaves, sticks, or food scraps are decomposing. Check it weekly and observe what’s happening. Who’s living in there? How is the material changing?

This is where you get to talk about decomposers — fungi, bacteria, worms, and insects that break things down and return nutrients to the soil. The circle of life, happening right under their feet.

The Chicken Connection

If you have backyard chickens, you’ve got a built-in ecosystem lesson. Our hens are constantly demonstrating nutrient cycling, pest control, and the predator-prey relationship (we’ve had many conversations about why we lock them up at night).

For families considering chickens or wanting to go deeper, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is excellent for parents, and there’s also a great kid’s guide to keeping chickens that makes my elementary kids feel like real chicken scientists.

Make It a Regular Practice

The real secret to backyard ecosystem study isn’t one big lesson — it’s showing up consistently. In the Charlotte Mason tradition, we call this “nature study,” and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

We aim for 15-30 minutes a few times a week. Sometimes we have a focus (today we’re counting pollinators). Sometimes we just wander and see what we find. Both are valuable.

Over time, your kids will start noticing things you’d miss. They’ll spot the spider web between the tomato plants. They’ll tell you the anoles are more active after rain. They’re building scientific observation skills without even realizing it.

Florida-Specific Ecosystem Ideas

Living in the Pensacola area gives us some unique opportunities:

• Coastal ecosystems: If you can get to the beach or a salt marsh, compare what lives there versus your backyard. What’s different? What’s the same?
• Pine flatwoods: If you’re near any preserved longleaf pine habitat, explore the understory. Talk about fire ecology and why controlled burns help these ecosystems thrive.
• Water sources: Ponds, creeks, and even drainage ditches host their own little worlds. (Just bring the bug spray — preferably something like Wondercide that won’t make you cringe.)

Let Them Get Dirty

I know this sounds obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: let your kids get messy. Let them dig in the dirt. Let them pick up the worms. Let them come inside with mud on their rain boots and a beetle in their pocket.

This is how kids learned about the natural world for generations before screens took over — through touch, smell, observation, and wonder. It’s what I think of as “1990s childhood” science. No apps required.

Bringing It All Together

Teaching kids about ecosystems doesn’t require a degree in ecology or a stack of curriculum. It requires a backyard, some curiosity, and the willingness to say, “I don’t know — let’s find out.”

When your kids understand that everything is connected — that the butterfly needs the flower, the flower needs the bee, the bee needs the tree, and the tree needs the soil — they start seeing the world differently. They become observers, protectors, and stewards.

And honestly? Those afternoons spent crouched over an anthill or sketching a mockingbird are some of my favorite homeschool moments. No worksheets, no grades. Just us, learning together in the place we call home.

Now if you’ll excuse me, someone just found a caterpillar and we need to figure out what it’s going to become.

Non-Toxic Furniture Polish Safe for Homes with Kids: What We Actually Use

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If you’ve ever watched your kid lick the coffee table (just me?), you understand why finding a non-toxic furniture polish safe for homes with kids suddenly becomes a priority. Between sticky fingers, impromptu snack stations on every flat surface, and the general chaos of childhood, our furniture sees a lot of action. And I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have my kids absorbing a cocktail of synthetic fragrances and petroleum-based chemicals through their skin every time they sprawl across the dining table to color.

Here in Florida, we deal with humidity that can be rough on wood furniture, plus all the sand and sunscreen that inevitably gets tracked through the house. Finding something that actually works while keeping our home intentionally non-toxic has been a journey — and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned.

Why Traditional Furniture Polish Is Worth Avoiding

Most conventional furniture polishes contain ingredients I can’t pronounce and definitely don’t want building up on surfaces my kids touch constantly. We’re talking about things like:

• Synthetic fragrances — often hiding dozens of undisclosed chemicals
• Petroleum distillates — linked to respiratory irritation
• Silicones — that build up over time and can actually damage wood
• Propellants — in aerosol cans that affect indoor air quality

When I started looking into what was actually in the bright yellow can under my sink, I realized we needed a change. Not in a panic-throw-everything-away kind of way, but in a slow, intentional shift toward better options.

Simple Non-Toxic Furniture Polish Options That Actually Work

The DIY Route: Olive Oil and Vinegar

Honestly? The simplest solution is usually the best one. Our go-to furniture polish is something my grandmother probably used:

Basic Recipe:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional, but it smells lovely)

Shake it up in a glass jar, apply with a soft cloth, and buff. That’s it. The olive oil conditions the wood, the vinegar cuts through grime and water spots, and the lemon adds a fresh scent without synthetic fragrance.

I keep a small jar of this under the kitchen sink, and it works beautifully on our dining table, bookshelves, and the kids’ wooden toys. In our humid Florida climate, I use it sparingly — a little goes a long way, and you don’t want to over-oil furniture in high humidity.

Beeswax Polish for Deeper Conditioning

For pieces that need more love — like the antique dresser we inherited or our well-worn homeschool table — I use a simple beeswax polish. You can buy pre-made versions or make your own with beeswax and coconut oil. This is especially nice for raw or unfinished wood pieces.

The beeswax creates a protective barrier that holds up well to the daily wear and tear of homeschool life. And trust me, between nature journals, watercolor projects, and the occasional chicken egg that makes it inside for observation, our table sees everything.

Castile Soap for Cleaning First

Sometimes furniture doesn’t need polish — it needs a good cleaning first. A few drops of castile soap in water, applied with a damp (not wet!) cloth, works wonders for removing the mysterious sticky spots that appear overnight in homes with kids. Follow up with a dry cloth and then your polish of choice.

What About Store-Bought Options?

I get it — not everyone wants to DIY everything. On busy weeks (which is most weeks, let’s be honest), having a good ready-made option matters.

Look for furniture polishes that are:

• Free from synthetic fragrances
• Made with plant-based oils
• Free from petroleum products
• Packaged in non-aerosol containers

Grove Collaborative is a great place to find cleaner options for home care products, including furniture polish. They do the ingredient vetting so you don’t have to spend hours reading labels.

Caring for Wood in a Florida Home

Living in Northwest Florida means dealing with humidity levels that can wreak havoc on wood furniture. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Don’t over-polish. In humid climates, too much oil-based polish can make furniture feel tacky or attract dust. I polish our main pieces maybe once a month, with simple dusting in between.

Watch for water rings. Between sweaty glasses and the kids’ water bottles, water rings happen. A paste of baking soda and non-gel toothpaste, rubbed gently with a soft cloth, usually takes care of them.

Let wood breathe. I try not to leave things sitting directly on wood surfaces — we use cotton placemats and trivets made from natural materials.

Creating an Intentionally Non-Toxic Home (Without Losing Your Mind)

Switching to non-toxic furniture polish is just one small piece of creating a healthier home environment. It’s the same reason we use Wondercide for pest control around the house and yard — when you have kids and pets running around, you start thinking differently about what you’re bringing into your space.

Our mini labradoodle is constantly underfoot, and the kids are always barefoot and touching everything. Making these small swaps over time adds up to a home that just feels cleaner in the truest sense.

I’ll be honest — I don’t stress about perfection. We still have some conventional products around, and I’m not going to panic if we’re at someone else’s house where they use regular furniture spray. But in our own space, where we have control, we choose differently when we can.

The Connection to How We’re Raising Our Kids

This might sound like a stretch, but hear me out: caring about non-toxic furniture polish is part of the same mindset that leads us to homeschool with a Charlotte Mason approach, to get outside every single day, and to let our kids get dirty and explore.

It’s all about being intentional. About questioning the “normal” way of doing things and asking if there’s a better path.

We want our kids to grow up with fewer chemicals in their bodies, yes — but we also want them to grow up knowing that the easy answer isn’t always the best answer. That taking time to make something yourself, to research and learn and choose carefully, is a skill worth having.

So while I’m teaching them to identify birds in our backyard or tend to the chickens or press wildflowers into their nature journals, I’m also (maybe without them realizing it) teaching them to think critically about the products we use and why.

A Few More Non-Toxic Swaps Worth Considering

If you’re working on reducing toxins in your home, furniture polish is a great starting point. Here are a few other easy swaps that have made a difference for us:

• Non-toxic sunscreen — essential for Florida kids who live outside. We’re constantly reaching for safer sunscreen options before heading out.
• Food-grade diatomaceous earth — we use this in the chicken coop and around the garden for natural pest control.
• Simple, unscented castile soap for all-purpose cleaning

Wrapping Up

Finding a non-toxic furniture polish safe for homes with kids doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple olive oil and vinegar mix handles 90% of our needs, with beeswax polish for occasional deeper conditioning.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Small, intentional swaps that, over time, create a home environment that’s a little gentler on our kids, our pets, and ourselves.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go wipe down the coffee table. Someone definitely licked it again.

Backyard Chickens Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment from a Florida Chicken Mama

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You’ve seen the dreamy Instagram photos — fluffy hens pecking around a picturesque garden, kids collecting eggs in little baskets, the whole homestead aesthetic. And now you’re wondering: is backyard chicken keeping actually worth it? Or is it one of those ideas that sounds magical until you’re knee-deep in chicken poop at 7 AM in July Florida heat?

Friend, I’ve been there. We’ve had our backyard flock for several years now, and I’m going to give you the real, honest truth about what chicken keeping actually looks like — the beautiful parts and the messy parts. Because you deserve to make this decision with your eyes wide open.

The Genuine Joys of Backyard Chickens

Fresh Eggs Are Everything They’re Cracked Up to Be

Let’s start with the obvious: the eggs really are better. Those deep orange yolks, the way they taste richer and more flavorful than anything from the grocery store — it’s not just in your head. When your hens are eating bugs and kitchen scraps and getting sunshine, it shows up in what they produce.

There’s also something deeply satisfying about walking out to the coop and collecting breakfast. My kids still get excited about it, and we’ve been doing this for years. It never gets old.

The Best Nature Study Teachers You’ll Ever Have

If you’re a Charlotte Mason homeschooler like us, chickens are basically a living curriculum. We’ve learned about life cycles, anatomy, animal behavior, and even some hard lessons about predators and loss. My kids can tell you about the pecking order, how hens communicate danger, and why our rooster does that little dance.

We keep Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens on our bookshelf for reference, and my kids love flipping through A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens when they have questions. It’s become part of our nature study rotation, and honestly, observing our flock has taught us more about animal husbandry than any textbook could.

They Actually Help Your Yard

Chickens are incredible pest control. Our flock devours mosquito larvae, fire ants, and all sorts of creepy crawlies that would otherwise be feasting on us. In Florida, where the bugs are basically aggressive, this is no small thing.

They also turn kitchen scraps into compost gold. Vegetable peels, leftover rice, watermelon rinds — the girls take care of it all and turn it into the most beautiful garden fertilizer you’ve ever seen.

That 1990s Childhood Magic

This might sound sentimental, but watching my kids care for living creatures — feeding them, checking their water, learning their personalities — feels like the kind of childhood I want for them. No screens, just real responsibility and connection. The chickens have names. My kids know which hen is bossy and which one likes to be held. That matters to me.

The Real Challenges Nobody Talks About

Florida Heat Is Hard on Chickens (and You)

I need to be honest with my fellow Florida folks: summer chicken keeping is not for the faint of heart. Chickens don’t handle heat well, and our Pensacola summers are brutal. We’ve had to get creative with frozen treats, extra waterers, and shade solutions.

A good nipple waterer system has been essential for keeping clean, cool water available all day. We refill it constantly in July and August.

The Daily Commitment Is Real

Chickens need care every single day. Every. Single. Day. Rain, shine, vacation, sick kids, busy homeschool weeks — they still need to be fed, watered, and locked up safely at night.

We eventually invested in an automatic coop door, and honestly, it was worth every penny. It gives us a little flexibility and peace of mind, especially on mornings when everything else is chaos.

Predators Are Everywhere

In Northwest Florida, we deal with hawks, raccoons, possums, and neighborhood dogs. We’ve lost hens, and it’s heartbreaking every time. Secure housing is non-negotiable, and even then, you have to stay vigilant.

Mites, Lice, and Other Unpleasantries

Chickens can get parasites. It’s part of the deal. We do regular coop cleanings and dust with food-grade diatomaceous earth as a natural preventative. It helps, but you still have to check your birds regularly and treat issues when they pop up.

The Costs Add Up

Feed, bedding, coop maintenance, supplements, veterinary care if needed — it’s not free. If you’re doing this purely for cheap eggs, I hate to break it to you: grocery store eggs are cheaper. We do this for the quality, the experience, and the education. But go in knowing that this is an investment.

Is It Worth It? My Honest Take

After years of keeping chickens in our Florida backyard, here’s what I’ve landed on: it’s absolutely worth it for our family, but it’s not for everyone.

If you’re looking for a way to connect your kids to where food comes from, to slow down and observe the natural world, and to add some genuine responsibility and rhythm to your days — chickens might be your people. Er, your birds.

But if you travel constantly, hate early mornings, or want something low-maintenance, this probably isn’t your season for a flock. And that’s okay.

Tips If You Decide to Take the Leap

• Start small. Three or four hens is plenty for a family. You can always add more later.
• Build your coop stronger than you think you need. Florida predators are creative.
• Research breeds for heat tolerance. We’ve had good luck with Leghorns and Easter Eggers in our climate.
• Connect with local chicken keepers. There are Facebook groups for Pensacola-area folks that have been incredibly helpful.
• Accept that you’ll make mistakes. We all do. The chickens are pretty forgiving.

A Few Final Thoughts

Our chickens have become part of the family — as much as our mini labradoodle, honestly. The kids check on them first thing every morning. We’ve laughed at their antics, cried when we’ve lost them, and marveled at the simple miracle of a fresh egg.

Is it work? Yes. Is it messy? Absolutely. Is it worth it for a family trying to raise kids close to the land, with wonder and responsibility and a little bit of that old-fashioned magic?

For us, it really is.

If you’re on the fence, I’d say start researching, visit a local farm if you can, and trust your gut. You’ll know if chickens are right for your family. And if you decide to dive in, I’ll be here cheering you on — probably while refilling a waterer in the August heat, but cheering nonetheless.

Best Outdoor Learning Resources for Florida Homeschool Families

If you’re homeschooling in Florida and trying to get your kids outside more, you’re already ahead of the game. We’ve got year-round growing seasons, incredible wildlife, and enough sunshine to make outdoor learning a daily reality — not just a nice idea for spring.

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But here’s the thing: having access to nature doesn’t automatically mean you know what to do with it. I remember standing in our backyard during our first year of homeschooling, watching the kids poke at something in the grass, thinking, “This is great… but now what?” We had the outdoors. We had the curiosity. What we needed were the right tools to turn exploration into actual learning.

Over the past few years, we’ve figured out what works — what gets used over and over, what sparks real wonder, and what just collects dust in the garage. If you’re building a nature-based or Charlotte Mason homeschool in Florida (or honestly anywhere with decent weather), these are the outdoor learning resources that have made the biggest difference for our family.

Start With Observation Tools

Nature Journals

Charlotte Mason had it right — the best way to learn about nature is to slow down and actually look at it. We use these simple blank nature journals for sketching, pressing leaves, and jotting down observations. Nothing fancy. Nothing intimidating. Just a place to record what we see.

My kids aren’t artists (and neither am I), but that’s not really the point. The act of drawing something — really looking at the veins on a leaf or the way a beetle’s legs bend — changes how you see it. Even my kindergartner participates by drawing wobbly circles and calling them “rolly pollies.” It counts.

A Good Field Guide

We keep The Sibley Guide to Birds on our back porch at all times. Florida has an incredible variety of birds — we’ve spotted everything from painted buntings to ospreys right from our yard. Having a real, physical field guide (instead of just Googling everything) makes identification feel like detective work. The kids race to find the matching picture, and honestly, I’ve learned more about birds in the past two years than in my entire life before homeschooling.

Pocket Microscope

This one surprised me with how much we use it. A pocket microscope is small enough to carry on walks and powerful enough to see things that blow kids’ minds — the scales on a butterfly wing, the texture of tree bark, the weird details on a beetle shell. It’s turned “Mom, look at this bug” into actual mini science lessons more times than I can count.

Gear That Gets Kids Outside

Rain Boots

This might sound too simple to include, but hear me out: good rain boots remove one of the biggest barriers to outdoor play. Muddy yard? Who cares. Afternoon thunderstorm just ended? Perfect time to explore. Florida summers mean daily rain, and instead of keeping everyone inside, we’ve learned to embrace the puddles.

My kids wear their boots practically year-round. They’re essential for checking on the chickens too — because nothing ruins your morning like stepping in wet chicken poop in sneakers.

Bug Catching Supplies

We live in Florida. We have bugs. Lots of bugs. Instead of fighting it, we’ve leaned in. A bug catcher kit lets kids catch, observe, and release all kinds of creatures — from dragonflies to beetles to the occasional very confused anole lizard who wandered into the wrong container.

We pair this with a bug collection and observation kit that has magnifying containers, tweezers, and a little field guide. It’s the kind of hands-on science that doesn’t feel like school, which is exactly the point.

Art Supplies for Outdoor Study

Charlotte Mason emphasized “painting from nature,” and while I’m not raising the next Audubon, I do think there’s something special about creating art outside. We bring Faber-Castell watercolor pencils on nature walks — you can sketch with them dry and then add water later for a painted effect. They’re forgiving for beginners and portable enough to toss in a backpack.

Even if the finished product looks nothing like the flower we were trying to capture, the process matters. My kids notice colors and shapes they’d otherwise miss. And honestly? Some of their nature journal pages are pretty charming.

Curriculum Resources for Outdoor Learning

If you’re looking for more structured support — especially if you’re using Florida’s PEP homeschool scholarship — there are a couple of places I always recommend.

Rainbow Resource has an incredible selection of nature study curricula, field guides, and hands-on science materials. I’ve ordered from them more times than I can count, and their search filters make it easy to find Charlotte Mason-friendly options.

Timberdoodle is another favorite — they curate kits that include a lot of outdoor and hands-on learning components. Their science picks tend to be excellent, and they carry many of the observation tools I mentioned above.

Both of these are PEP-approved vendors, which makes purchasing easier if you’re using scholarship funds.

Don’t Forget Free Play

Here’s the part where I remind you (and myself) that not every moment outside needs to be educational with a capital E. Some of the best outdoor learning happens when kids are just… playing. Building forts. Digging holes. Chasing the dog around the yard while she barks at the chickens.

We keep a basket of lawn games on the back porch for when the kids need to burn energy but I need them to stay outside a little longer. Bocce ball, ring toss, ladder golf — these aren’t academic, but they’re physical, they’re outside, and they keep screens off.

I also invested in a pair of walkie talkies for when the kids want to explore the “far corners” of our half-acre lot like they’re on some kind of expedition. It gives them independence and gives me peace of mind.

A Note About the Florida Heat

Let’s be real: outdoor learning in Florida requires some strategy, especially May through September. We do most of our nature time in the early morning or late afternoon. We take water everywhere. And we’ve accepted that some days, it’s just too hot — and that’s okay.

But even in the heat, there’s so much to explore. Summer storms bring out frogs. Our chickens are most active in the cooler parts of the day. The golden hour light in our backyard is genuinely beautiful. You work with it instead of against it.

Final Thoughts

The best outdoor learning doesn’t require a ton of stuff or a perfect plan. It requires showing up — getting outside, slowing down, and letting curiosity lead. The tools I’ve shared here are just that: tools. They’re not the magic. The magic is in watching your kid spend twenty minutes studying an ant hill, or hearing them identify a bird call without any help, or seeing them run inside covered in dirt with something cupped carefully in their hands.

That’s the kind of childhood I’m trying to give my kids. Less structured, more wonder. Less screen time, more mud. It’s what I remember from my own childhood in the ’90s, and it’s what I hope they’ll remember from theirs.

If you’re in Northwest Florida and figuring out this whole nature-based homeschool thing too, I hope this list helps. We’re all just learning as we go — kids and mamas alike.