• Home
  • Subscribe
Our Life in the Shire

  • Home
  • Shop
  • Homeschool
  • Amazon Favorites
  • Recipes
    • Allergy Friendly
    • Desserts
    • Freezer Cooking
    • Soups & Stews
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
  • Freebies
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Homeschool
  • Amazon Favorites
  • Recipes
    • Allergy Friendly
    • Desserts
    • Freezer Cooking
    • Soups & Stews
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
  • Freebies
  • Subscribe
  • Homeschool

    Charlotte Mason Homeschool

    CM Homeschool Curriculum Options I first became interested in a Charlotte Mason education years ago, when my oldest was only 3 years old. I bought the book, A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola and a few others. I fell in love. That said, I didn’t fully understand the philosophy or try to implement it until years later. Many people hear “Charlotte Mason” and they think “nature study and books,” and they’re not wrong. However, there is so much more to a Charlotte Mason education. Some years ago I went from Charlotte Mason “inspired” to fully embracing and implementing it in our homeschool. You don’t need any particular curriculum and…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    25 Days of Christmas Books for Kids and Families

    December 2, 2022
    Owl Handprints Keepsake Kid Craft

    Handprint Owl Kid Craft and Free Printable

    September 28, 2019

    Ladybug Anatomy – FREE Homeschool Printable

    May 9, 2021
  • Homeschool,  Printables

    Free Handwriting Story Pages

    I created this homeschool writing and notebooking resource for my own kids, and thought I’d share it with you! I’ve included 4 size options that will work for children in preschool through elementary age. Every student is unique, so you can choose whichever works best. They have traditional blue and red lines to give visual cues on where to start and stop. For black and white, you may just choose to print in grayscale. I’ve included one version with a box at the top for a visual cue of where to draw, as well as one without for those who prefer it. This free homeschool resource if available to subscribers…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Proverbs 16:24 | HomeInTheShire.com

    Proverbs 16:24

    July 18, 2015
    Best Children's Books about Owls

    Best Books for Children about Owls

    November 14, 2020
    Coloring and Activity Pages for Kids

    Kids Coloring Pages and Activities for Fall

    November 7, 2020
  • Homeschool,  Printables

    NEW & IMPROVED Homeschool Planner

    Last year I shared my homeschool planner, and I received so much positive feedback that I thought I’d share it again! It’s free for email subscribers. If you’re not yet a subscriber, SIGN UP HERE and you’ll immediately receive an email with a link to download! If you’re already a subscriber, head over to our freebie library to get your copy. If you prefer not to subscribe, it’s also available in our Etsy shop. This download includes PDF files in TWO styles – the original style from last year, with updated calendars, and the one I’ll be using this year. Each style includes: 2021 | 2022 Homeschool Planner Cover Editable…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Gluten Free Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli Soup

    Gluten Free Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli Soup

    September 2, 2019
    Toddler GAPS Lunch | HomeInTheShire.com

    GAPS Toddler Lunch – What They Eat Wednesday

    July 1, 2015

    Spring Nature Books for Kids (and Parents too!)

    April 9, 2021
  • Homeschool

    Spring Nature Books for Kids (and Parents too!)

    Are you looking for Spring nature books for kids? We love children’s books about nature! My family loves nature walks and hiking, and my kids love learning about all the nature topics – flowers, gardening, plants, trees, birds, animals…they love it all! And I love seeing them follow their interests and learn more! And a pretty bookshelf is always fun! If you’d like even more ideas, check out our amazon favorites, to browse for ideas to borrow from the library, purchase, or add to your wish list! I really enjoy seeing my kids light up when they follow their interests and learn more. Spring is such a great season, full of…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Best Children's Books about Owls

    Best Books for Children about Owls

    November 14, 2020
    Gluten Free Lasagna Soup

    Gluten Free Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot) Lasagna Soup

    October 2, 2019
    Poetry Teatime

    Poetry Teatime!

    August 29, 2019
  • Kids Q-Tip Painting Activity
    Homeschool,  Printables

    Spring Tree Q-Tip Painting – Free Printable Craft Activity for Kids

    I originally put this together for Fall when we were studying Autumn trees. However, we enjoyed it so much that I decided to turn it into a Spring craft activity! We love the cherry blossoms and it’s really calming and fun to paint the pink blossoms all over the paper. This would be a great Spring craft activity for toddlers, preschool, kindergarten, first grade, or beyond. (Honestly, I really enjoy it too!) And it fits perfectly with our Spring Tree nature study theme this week! I printed the page on cardstock and then glued it to a piece of construction paper. Then we just dotted our papers with paint to…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Quick Weekday Lunch for Kids – Salmon Salad

    August 26, 2015
    DIY Personal and Homeschool Discbound Planner

    My New Discbound Personal and Homeschool Planner

    August 31, 2019
    Summer Nature Related Bible Verses

    Summer Nature Related Bible Memory Verses

    September 7, 2020
  • Best Children's Books about Owls
    Homeschool

    Best Books for Children about Owls

    Are you looking for children’s books about owls? My kids love learning about animals, and I really enjoy seeing them light up when they follow their interests and learn more. We have loved studying about owls in our homeschool, and I compiled this list of kids picture books about owls to share with you! A few of these are not technically “children’s” books, but I know that even my 6 year old loves to look at books full of facts and photographs about owls. Whether you are doing a unit study about owls in your homeschool or just looking for some fun books about owls, I hope you enjoy this…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Fall Nature Related Bible Verses

    Autumn Nature Study Bible Memory Verses

    September 30, 2019
    Poetry for Kids

    Poetry for Kids

    September 9, 2019
    DIY Personal and Homeschool Discbound Planner

    My New Discbound Personal and Homeschool Planner

    August 31, 2019
  • Coloring and Activity Pages for Kids
    Homeschool,  Printables

    Kids Coloring Pages and Activities for Fall

    Looking for a fun set of printable activities to keep your kids entertained this Fall season? I designed our newest kids printable pack – Fall Forest Friends kids coloring pages and activities for just that purpose. It’s full of fun coloring pages and activities for children that are sure to keep your kids engaged (while working on valuable skills) this Fall and Thanksgiving season. While you prepare the holiday meal, kids can sit nearby and color, do word searches, or play memory match.   Includes: -Word Search Pages -Coloring Pages -Memory Match Game -I Spy Colors -Cutting Practice “Snip” Strips -Mazes -Which One is Different? The kids coloring pages are…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Proverbs 16:24 | HomeInTheShire.com

    Proverbs 16:24

    July 18, 2015

    Charlotte Mason Homeschool

    February 3, 2023

    Books of the Bible – Bookmarks!

    August 1, 2021
  • Free Reading Incentive Tracker for Kids
    Homeschool,  Printables

    Free Reading Tracker for Kids

    All of my kids love to read, and honestly don’t really need a lot of incentive. But they LOVE working towards a goal. My youngest finished her homeschool reading curriculum All About Reading, but missed the progress chart. So, I created a reading tracker for her to work toward a goal of reading 50 books. I bought these cute and simple round stickers for her to put on each of the little books on the tracker. We could have just as easily just checked off each one, but what kid doesn’t love stickers?! When she reaches her goal, she’ll get a one-on-one date with me. As a homeschool family, we…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Green Fries | HomeInTheShire.com

    Green Fries – Quick and Easy GAPS Snack

    July 15, 2015
    Poetry Teatime

    Poetry Teatime!

    August 29, 2019
    Allergy-Friendly "Graham" Crackers | HomeInTheShire.com

    Allergy-Friendly Animal Crackers (GAPS, Paleo, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free)

    October 19, 2015
  • Family,  Homeschool,  Our Home,  Printables

    Seasonal Nature Poem Printables are HERE!

    This has been a year-long labor of love, and the Seasonal Nature Poem Printables are finally ready! Beautiful artwork for your home or homeschool for every season. Change it out weekly to go with your nature study theme or display multiple pieces to suite your home decor. I designed these printable pieces so that they can stand alone for seasonal decoration as well. Nature and poetry combined for two of my favorite ways to decorate! You can purchase each season separately or bundled for better value. I wanted to make these as affordable as possible, while still making it worth the considerable time and expense I’ve put into them.  …

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Gluten & Dairy Free Pumpkin Cupcakes Recipe

    Gluten and Dairy Free Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

    September 5, 2019

    Ladybug Anatomy – FREE Homeschool Printable

    May 9, 2021
    Healthy Instant Pot Refried Black Beans Recipe

    Refried Cuban Black Beans w/Extra Veggies

    August 10, 2017
  • Faith,  Family,  Homeschool

    Children’s Devotional How Great Is Our God

    I was so thrilled to be blessed with a complimentary copy of Louie Giglio’s new children’s devotion about God and Science. As homeschoolers we are always looking for ways to incorporate great fact-filled learning with our faith. We already have his first devotional, and my kids LOVE the new one as much as the first. We read it as part of our morning basket time. Actually, I often have to go in search of it because my 8 year old tends to take it out of the basket to look at! ⠀ I really can’t blame her. This book is full of scientific facts, adorable illustrations, beautiful photographs and more,…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Jesse Tree Advent Tradition

    December 4, 2022

    Spring Nature Books for Kids (and Parents too!)

    April 9, 2021
    Best Picture Books for an Autumn Tree Nature Study

    Best Picture Books about Autumn Trees & Fall Leaves

    October 11, 2019
12

@instagram

View
Open
Once again it was down to the wire with my weekly photo project! Originally I had something else in mind, but we had a dry day, so we took advantage and got out for a hike. I used a crystal chandelier ring for my (subtle) prop. I love seeing these blossoms every year!

12 | Props

We are a group of photographers supporting each other weekly on our P52.	Follow #TFF52Clicks2025 to see our year-long creative journey. 

#TFF52Clicks2025_week12
#TFF52Clicks2025_ourlifeintheshire
67 59
View
Open
We got out to a wildlife refuge that’s been on my list for a while. We started off on our hike, looking for wildlife and “creatures” as my daughter likes to say. We recently bought her a very inexpensive little camera and she loves to go around “photographing creatures”. No idea where she gets it from 😄 

I was feeling a little discouraged because we hadn’t seen much more than a few ducks and a hawk too far away to photograph. It was nice just spending time in nature, but I really wanted to come away with at least one bird photo! As we were huffing and puffing up a hill, we heard the beautiful sounds of a songbird. My husband said he thought he knew which tree it was in. And I was absolutely thrilled to see this Western Meadowlark, sitting pretty, singing a beautiful tune.

11 | Negative Space

We are a group of photographers supporting each other weekly on our P52. Follow #TFF52Clicks2025 to see our year-long creative journey.

#TFF52Clicks2025_week11 #TFF52Clicks2025_ourlifeintheshire #birdphotography #canonr6 #westernmeadowlark #meadowlark #songbird
47 40
View
Open
Finally! I’ve experienced this book on my own, but the last time I introduced it to my girls they weren’t quite ready for it. So, it’s been a real joy to have opened it up again for our bedtime read-aloud. They are enjoying it, and I am re-enjoying it :) This particular version is an unabridged hardcover with really lovely illustrations. I know there is some debate among those who love good books, so tell me... are you Team Illustrations or Team No Illustrations?
67 15
View
Open
Just trying to keep up with my photography project over here. Setting aside perfectionist tendencies and just going with this duck because it’s what I have. I feel like it doesn’t quite work with the squirrel. Ever have those “editing crises” where you just want to redo everything you’ve ever edited? Ha. That’s me right now. But, no time for that. So, I’ll just keep taking my camera out, and head into the next theme! 

10 | Movement

We are a group of photographers supporting each other weekly on our P52. Follow #TFF52Clicks2025 to see our year-long creative journey. 

#TFF52Clicks2025_week10
#TFF52Clicks2025_ourlifeintheshire
47 42
View
Open
Nicer weather means lots of hiking and nature walks 🌲 I know I’ve been quiet the past several months, but I’m still here and look forward to reconnecting :)

9 | Layering

We are a group of photographers supporting each other weekly on our P52. Follow #TFF52Clicks2025 to see our year-long creative journey. 

#TFF52Clicks2025_week9
#TFF52Clicks2025_ourlifeintheshire

#canonr6 #1000hoursoutside #livingeducation #naturestudy
53 44
View
Open
How do people who live in hot climates ever go outside?

It is way too hot to be outside in the afternoons this week. Even to play in water it’s a nope. I love the sunshine, but I’ll take sunshine with a side of temps in the 70’s please :D We’ve moved into the 100’s this week, and that is just not appropriate for this pacific northwest girl here.  Give me all your survive the hot weather tips! 

*
*
*
*
*

#homeschoollife #homeschooldays #slowandsimpledays #hyggehomeschool #homeeducation #charlottemason #homeschoolfamily #welleducatedheart #morningbasket #poetryteatime #charlottemasoneducation #enchantededucation #homeschooling #homeschool #fromtheheart #charlottemasonhomeschool #bedeeplyrooted #charlottemasonliving #slowchildhood
39 18
View
Open
Swipe to see our favorite easy readers for kids!

I shared in my stories recently that my 12yo daughter (who has Down syndrome) loves to read, and these are some of her favorite books! She’s a good reader, and can read almost anything. Comprehension often doesn’t match her ability to read the words on the page, so easier readers are perfect. We do have “stretch” books, but when she’s reading for fun (which is often!) these are the books she reaches for time and again. You can see some of them are well-loved :) They are great for narration practice too. I love them because they are high quality, not twaddle, and actually enjoyable for me as well.

I’ve added a link to these books on my profile, and I’ll list them below:

-Owl at Home
-Uncle Elephant
-Mouse Tales
-Mouse Soup
-Any Frog and Toad book (or really anything by Arnold Lobel!)
-Any of the Little Bear books
-Any of the Mr. Putter and Tabby books (you can see she has quite a collection! Super sweet series about an elderly man and his cat.)
-Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (Great author, we have some of his other books too. This one is on the younger side, but I couldn’t leave it out of the lineup of her favorite books!)
-Amelia Bedelia (I grew up on Amelia Bedelia, and introduced them to my kids. They all think these books are hilarious, and I love when my daughter is reading and stops to give me an incredulous look at the funny misunderstandings.)
-The Josefina Story Quilt by Eleanor Coerr (A sweet story about a pioneer girl and her chicken, as they travel west. I don’t know why this one resonated with her, but for whatever reason it was her most favorite book for a while!)
-Clara and the Bookwagon by Nancy Smiler Levinson (Based on the true story of America’s first “bookmobile.” My book-loving girl loves this one!)

I hope this list has been helpful. What would you add to our list?
Michelle
@ourlifeintheshire

 #charlottemason #kidsbookstagram #picturebooks #booksforkids #raisingreaders #childhoodunplugged #readtoyourkids #childrensbooks #bookish #bookstagram #kidlitshelfie #shelfiesunday #kidsbookswelove
37 10
View
Open
Real talk - my girls and I long for more community. 

I struggle because I’m an introvert so I like the idea of more community, but it’s also draining. It’s also challenging for other reasons. Because my 12yo is developmentally years younger, it’s really, really hard to place her. Not to mention she needs a 1:1 at all times, for safety and just to help her to integrate and follow along. I am always happy (and probably best qualified) to be her helper, but that means I can’t participate in leading or assisting a co-op class. I hesitate to share our struggles here because I don’t want anyone to misunderstand my heart for my daughter. I would not change her (though I would perhaps make things a little easier for her if I could.) She is a joy to everyone she meets, and I truly consider our family blessed. That said, there are extra considerations and challenges that our family has to think about.

And to top it off, often, we just don’t fit in. For example, cell phones are not happening here. We’re also a conservative family living in a liberal area. We’ve tried a couple of traditional co-ops, met some lovely families, but none have been just the right fit. A big part of this is that I really try to guard our school mornings, and it’s hard to justify giving up half a day (realistically it’s a full day) for a morning co-op, particularly when it doesn’t take anything off my plate.

My ideal would be an afternoon TBG group to do things like Shakespeare, singing games, recitations, handicrafts, etc. But I’ve had no luck in finding one nearby. I’ve considered starting one, but I also don’t have any local Charlotte Mason friends. Sooooo, I feel a little stuck. I’ve been praying about it, and I’m wondering if I should think outside the box. If I can find like-minded families who perhaps aren’t CM homeschoolers, but would be interested in sharing some of these afternoon riches, maybe that would be an option?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Michelle

#charlottemasoneducation #cmhomeschool #livingeducation #charlottemason
77 30
View
Open
Robin on the fence. We love our backyard birds! They brighten up the gray days 💕

#americanrobin #canonr6
29 10
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed. New posts will not be retrieved for at least 5 minutes.

Subscribe

Join our mailing list to receive exclusive freebies, special offers and updates!

Loading…

Yay! You did it!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. I’m so excited to connect with you! Please check your email to confirm your subscription and receive a link to your freebies!

If you don’t see the welcome email:

  • Check your Spam folder, as it might have ended up there. 
  • Or, check your Promotions folder if you use Gmail. ​
  • To make sure you never miss an email from us, be sure to add us to your Contacts and move our email to your Primary folder (if you use Gmail, they might go to Promotions.) 


.

Home in The Shire | 2025 ©
  • Affiliate Disclosure