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Is This Curriculum Really Secular and Inclusive? Here’s How to Find Out
There’s a growing demand for homeschool and educational resources that are truly secular and inclusive, especially for families who are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or from other marginalized communities. But here’s the problem: anyone can slap “secular” or “inclusive” on their website, regardless of whether the content lives up to the label. If you want…
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The Illusion of Inclusion: Why Moving Beyond the Page Isn’t Secular or Inclusive
As a secular homeschooling parent committed to inclusive, anti-racist education, I often find myself searching for curricula that align with both my academic goals and my values. Moving Beyond the Page (MBTP) is frequently recommended in secular homeschooling circles and praised for its literature-based approach and creative projects. But after working through its materials and…
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BFSU or SCI: Which Science Program Fits Your Family?
When it comes to teaching science at home, finding the right curriculum can feel overwhelming. You want something that builds true understanding, encourages curiosity, and fits your family’s needs. Two of the best science options out there are BFSU (Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding) and SCI (Scientific Connections Through Inquiry). The good news? Both are…
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What Is Whitewashing? (And Why It Matters in Homeschooling)
If you’ve been in progressive homeschool spaces for a while, chances are you’ve run across the word whitewashing—especially in conversations around history and literature. It’s a term that’s often misunderstood or brushed off, but it’s one that deeply impacts how our kids see the world, understand history, and relate to others. So let’s talk about…
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Where Build Your Library Falls Short: A Call for Greater Inclusivity in Secular Homeschooling
Build Your Library is often recommended in homeschooling circles as a well-structured, secular, and literature-rich curriculum. For families searching for a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach without religious content, it can feel like the golden ticket. It’s organized, affordable, and offers a book-loving path through education, which is no small thing. But while BYL has many strengths,…
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Why I Use Levels Instead of Grades in Our Homeschool
When people ask what “grade” my kids are in, I usually pause. Not because I don’t know—but because that word doesn’t mean what it used to in our home. We don’t really do grades. We use levels. And there’s a good reason for that. For years, I tried to make grade levels work. I matched…
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What We Mean by “Secular and Inclusive”
In the world of homeschooling, the words secular and inclusive get thrown around a lot. But when you start looking closely, those words don’t always mean what you think they mean. You’ll find “secular” programs that still frame science through a religious lens. You’ll find “inclusive” resources that offer little more than a token picture…
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Is BookShark Secular? Inclusive?
For many secular homeschoolers, finding an open-and-go curriculum that doesn’t include religious bias can be challenging. BookShark has been applauded by many as a “secular” option, often marketed as an alternative to Sonlight, a well-known Christian homeschool curriculum. BookShark itself seems to be moving away from calling themselves “secular” and instead is calling themselves “faith…
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Introducing My Free 36-Week Kindergarten ELA Guide (Based on Fishtank Learning!)
If you’ve ever tried using a high-quality classroom curriculum for homeschooling, you know it can be a lot to adapt. Fishtank Learning is an amazing, free resource designed for classroom teachers, but it isn’t always homeschool-friendly. That’s why I created a 36-week Kindergarten ELA guide—to make it easier for homeschoolers to follow while keeping the…

