No Higher Calling

2026 Curriculum Choices

Brettnay Brazzell — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:00:32 +0000

Hear about these resources and our new homeschool year on the NHC Podcast!

COMING SOON!

2025 was the best homeschool year we’ve had yet! It wasn’t without it’s daily challenges, and I went through two tough first trimesters of pregnancy- the first when we miscarried in March, the second Sept/Oct when we were surprised with our rainbow baby. Life also had many busy ministry aspects throughout the year. In spite of all the ups and downs, it was a year where so much learning and loving happened. I am grateful!

2026 will hold much for our family as well as we are expect Baby #6 in June, host three different groups of family visiting, and have our normal busy ministry schedule. And that’s just the known events! As I plan, I remember to do what I can with the capacity God gives and embrace margin in seasons of special moments.

The more I walk this journey of homeschooling, the more I learn what works best for our family, and the rhythms that help us thrive.

4 Day School Week: After several years of tweaking and reworking our schedule, a four day school day has been where I’ve landed. We do school Monday-Thursday. Fridays we rotate biweekly between meeting with a co-op and having a family fun day. This is a blessing to our schedule because being in ministry, Saturday is taken up with outreach and Sunday prep, and of course Sunday is church. Having Friday gives us time for family and fun.
Daddy Day: I have written more on this below, but one day each week (Wednesday this school year), Simeon takes over with the kids and does their schooling. If you ask the kids what school day is their favorite, it will hands down be “Daddy Day”!
Loop Schedule: I don’t do every subject every day. That’s just what works best for us. Below, I will post a photo of our schedule, and you will see how we focus on certain subjects on certain days. This keeps our days interesting, and allows margin to cover a broader variety of subjects without making our school day too long.
Learning Together: I have five children with one on the way. Though only three of them are currently in school, there is no way I can teach each child all of their individual subjects, nor do I want to! A big reason why we’ve chosen to homeschool is so that we can do life together, and part of that is learning together. Below, you will see the subjcts that we do together. We gather around the table, usually with a snack distributed to all, and work on our “together” subjects. This works well for us for so many reasons, but memorization is a big one. I find that we accomplish our memory work much more quickly and with more ease when we are all doing it together.
Daily Quiet Time: I wrote an entire blog post on this here, but this has been one of the best rhytms we’ve implemented into our daily lives. From 1:30-3, we have quiet time. Everyone finds their own corner of the house for rest. The littles nap, the older kids can read, listen to audio adventures on their headphones, draw, or do a quiet activity. Depending on the day, I spend this time reading, getting a shower, prepping dinner, working on my podcast, etc. This time is lifegiving for me as I rest and refresh after a busy homeschool morning and prepare for the afternoon and evening together as a family.

2026 Curriculum Choices

Learning Together: Morning Moments

Memory Work: Scripture, Poetry, Catechism, Latin & Greek Roots, Flags of Africa & South America
Literature
Mail Monday
Current Events with World Watch News

Learning Together: Core Subjects

History: The Good and The Beautiful History Year 1
Shakespeare
Science: Journey On Homeschool Elementary Physical Science

Eden’s Year 5 Curriculum

Bible: Keep Thy Heart Bible Study from Not Consumed (Junior Level)
Independent Work:
- Reading/Narration: A Castle with Many Rooms by Lorene Lambert
- Handwriting: The Good and The Beautiful Handwriting Level 7
- Mental Math Daily Practice: The Good and The Beautiful Math 5
Math: The Good and The Beautiful Math 5
Language Arts:
- Grammar: IEW’s Fix It! Grammar Level 3
- Spelling: Spell to Write and Read
- Writing/Composition: IEW’s Structure & Style Year 1 Level A
- Biography: Each quarter, she will read one of the Christian Heroes Then & Now, write a biography report, and present it to us orally.
Extra-curricular
- Weekly piano lessons with New Mercies Music
- Drawing I: The Good and The Beautiful
- Typing I: The Good and The Beautiful

Knox’s Year 3 Curriculum

Bible: Keep Thy Heart Bible Study from Not Consumed (Primary Level)
Independent Work:
- Handwriting: The Good and The Beautiful Level 3 Handwriting
- Grapheme Review
- Reading Comprehension: Abeka’s Adventures in Nature
Math: The Good and The Beautiful Math 3
Language Arts:
- Spelling: The Reading Lamp/Spell to Write and Read
- Grammar (a mix of my own resources mostly utilizing the Shurley method of grammar instruction)
- Biography: Each quarter, he will read one of the Christian Heroes Then & Now, write a biography report, and present it to us orally.
Extra-curricular
- Weekly piano lessons with New Mercies Music

Ivy’s K5 Curriculum

Independent Work:
- Cursive Handwriting with The Reading Lamp
- Graphemes
Math: The Good and The Beautiful Math K
Language Arts: The Reading Lamp/ Spell to Write and Read

Daddy Day

Wednesday is Daddy Day! My husband steps in and schools the children while I get a day to work on ministry, home, or No Higher Calling tasks. This has been the biggest blessing to me, but also to the kids! This year, Simeon will be taking a few subjects that will be his focus on this one day each week.

Daddy Day Schedule:

Bible: Resources mentioned above from Not Consumed. While I work on other aspects of the kid’s Bible education throughout the week such as Scripture memory and character growth, this will be a focused discipleship lesson with Dad.
Fallacy Detective: This book has lessons that teach reasoning and logic. The older two began working through this with Simeon at the end of our previous school year, and they will continue throughout this school year.
Independent Work: The kids have a list of tasks as mentioned above that they work through for 30 minutes.
Science: Physical Science resource mentioned above from Journey On Homeschool. Simeon will dive into physical science with the kids as they learn through living books, engaging lessons, and hands-on experiments. This is definitely Simeon’s area of strength, so it will be great for everyone to have him lead these lessons.
Weekly Piano Lesson: Eden and Knox both have their 30 minute piano lesson on this day.

Homeschooling is one of my FAVORITE things to talk about! I have learned so much through the years (though I stil l have much more to learn), and each year gets better as my confidence and vision grows. The Lord is always so faithful to guide as Simeon and I make decisions regarding curriculum choices, learning styles and needs of our children, and direction for our family. This year we are changing up many aspects of our school, and I am so excited to see what is in store for us this year!

How to Encourage a Reluctant Reader

Brettnay Brazzell — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:29:50 +0000

On The No Higher Calling Podcast: How to Encourage a Reluctant Reader

Read Aloud Together

One of the best things we have done is to introduce our children to the wonder of a good story and create a “bookish” culture in our home. Whether it’s a school read-aloud, an audiobook in the car, or an evening read with Daddy, we always have several read-alouds going at once. It’s been a sweet aspect of family life that has bonded us. And who doesn’t love a good story?!

Enjoy Books Yourself

Let your children see that reading is important to you! Learn to put down the phone and pick up a book. If it is important to you, your children will see it as something that can be important to them.

Let Your Child Choose

A child will be much more likely to dive into a book that interests them! I do assign my children reading and books, but I try to balance that with their selections so reading doesn’t become a chore.

Minimize Distractions

It can be very difficult for a child who is new to reading and decoding to handle distractions. Reading takes quite a bit of effort in the early days, so minimize distractions as much as possible to allow them to focus fully.

Create a Designated Reading Time

Set aside time each day for children to read. This could be during an afternoon quiet time or before bed. Setting aside daily time helps form habits.

Introduce an Engaging Series

Find a series that your child can’t put down! Engaging books will keep your children begging for “just one more chapter”!

Use Audiobooks

This tip came from Whitney Newby with Brighter Day Press. She suggested allowing a child to follow along in their physical book while listening to the audiobook.

Be Okay with Letting Them Read Below Their Level

This builds confidence. If the child understands the context of the story and is making considerable progress, even finishing the book in a reasonable amount of time, this encourages them to keep going.

Be Patient and Encourage Often

Learning to read can be frustrating and discouraging for both child and parent. Keep a positive attitude! Encourage often! Believe that they can grow in their ability and speak that into their heart. One day, the light switch will flip, and it will be so rewarding!

Our Favorite First Series

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo

Frog and Toad: The Complete Collection by Arnold Lobel

A Madeline Treasury by Ludwig Bemelmans

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Our Favorite Chapter Books for Girls

Sophie Mouse by Poppy Green

Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George

Cobble Street Cousins by Cynthia Rylant

Grandma’s Attic Treasury by Arleta Richardson

Our Favorite Chapter Books for Boys

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Mouse Detective by Eve Titus

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls Series by M. J. Thomas

The King’s Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin and Kevin Chandler

Beginning Chapter Books for All Ages

Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White

There are many places where you can purchase or borrow books! Some of my favorites for getting books on a budget are thrift stores, Hoopla, Libby, or your local library. If you watch for sales, you can often find deals on Amazon Audible or on physical books on Amazon. Should you choose to purchase these books through the Amazon links I have provided, thank you! They are affiliate links which gives a little back to our ministry at no extra cost to you!

What tips to do you have for encouraging a reluctant reader? I’d love to hear in the comments!

2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 3)

Brettnay Brazzell — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:28:39 +0000

Hear me share about these books on the No Higher Calling podcast.

Faith That Sticks

By:

Tricia Goyer and Leslie Nunnery

As a mother with an almost 9 year old, I apprecaited the authors candid, biblical wisdom in navigating the preteen years. Much can be said about these years of transition between child and teen, but they focus on the spiritual foundation. This book gave me tools to walk into this season with joy and confidence as I continue to guide my child in their relationship with the Lord and with others.

Availability

Amazon

Reclaiming Quiet

By:

Sarah Clarkson

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed. I loved the premise and the call to be quiet and present in our daily lives, ready to hear from God. I apprecaited her honesty about her struggle with technology and thoughts on how to navigate all the distractions in our age.

Her writing is beautiful… like it is from another time or age. It’s almost like poetry, drawing in the senses.

But I gave it 3 stars because her theology is VERY different from mine. She and her vicar husband are high church Anglicans in England, but it gave very Catholic vibes. I would not recommend this read to someone who isn’t solidly grounded in their faith.

Availability

Amazon

The Mythmakers

By:

John Hendrix

This unique book delves into the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis though fun illustrations and comic style writing. I enjoyed learning more about these two men and gleaning insight into different aspects of their lives that read them to writing their great works of The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. It also shares insight into the history behind myths and fairytales, which I found quite interesting.

Availability

Amazon

Wormwood Abbey

By:

Christina Baehr

Jane Austen meets dragons. That’s what this book is! It is an enchanting read full of mystery and intrigue making me want to read another chapter. The plot unfolds slowly throughout which keeps the reader engaged all the way to the last page.

My almost 9 year old enjoyed reading it as well.

*This was a very clean novel. One reference is made to a man “taking advantage” of a woman because they were in a room alone (no, no for that time period!) and he was threatening her for information. It was clear after the comment that was not his intent as he proceeded to only seek information. I did not feel uncomfortable with the comment, but just a heads up for parents!

Availability

Amazon

The Phantom Tollbooth

By:

Norton Juster

This topsy-turvey, whimsical book gave us Lewis Carroll vibes. It is a delightfully enchanting read as you follow Milo, Tock, and the Humbug on a quest to save the Princesses Rhyme and Reason. The kids and I all gave it 5 stars!

*Parent note: It uses the word “demons” often to describe the villians. I just used “monsters” instead. But they are more like funny play-on-word creatures as opposed to being scary.

Availability

Amazon

Michael’s Gentle Wife

By:

Karen Andreola

The subtitle was well chosen- a family love story. That’s exactly what this book is. From the first pages, you will fall in love with the Weaver family. Michael and Carol’s marriage is sweet and warm with a little romance sprinkled throughout. They have strong relationships with their children, their friends, and their church community. Carol was a delightful character! I felt like we became friends, and she inspired me to serve with more joy and purpose. I also loved the emphasis on family worship and being a light for Christ. This book follows their every day life reminding me that there is so much beauty even in the ordinary moments. A lovely read!

Availability

Amazon

It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn

By:

Greta Eskridge

Must read for parents! Greta does a great job tackling a difficult topic with intensity yet with love, grace, and hope. Parents, we MUST be equipped to teach and talk to our children about porn and what to do when they’ve been exposed to it. I appreciate Greta being brave enough to speak about a very real issue facing children today. Highly recommend!

*Covers topics like pornography, mastrubation, sexting, sextortion, etc. Topics parents don’t want to acknowledge as dangers to our sweet children, but they are very real in this broken world!

Availability

Amazon

The Prince and The Blight

By:

Kathryn Butler

I started this as a read aloud with my kids, but I wound up finishing the last quarter or more by myself. It began to reference dark magic in a way I was not comfortable with for my little ones (dark sorceress, a warlock monster of the deep, a demon shroud, magical crystals). This book was much more allegorical than the first. I was just disappointed in the darker elements. We probably won’t read any more of this series.

Availability

Amazon

Mother Culture

By:

Karen Andreola

It felt like I wasw sitting down to tea and a chat with an older mentor/friend who was bestowing her godly wisdom and life experience! A great read- especially for homeschool mamas that appreciate Charlotte Mason ideals.

“A mother does a lot of taking care, so she needs to take care of herself, too. As a mother is feeding and cultivationg the souls of her children, she is nourishing her own soul with ideas, while taking a little time for her own play and creativity. Nourished and refreshed, she keeps growing closer to God and into the Christian woman God is designing her to be.”

Availability

Amazon

The Only Raised Bed Gardening Book You’ll Ever Need

By:

I.V. Fieldstone

I learned a lot about gardening, and specifically raised bed gardening. The practical tips on helping your garden thrive were good and used common materials found around the house. It gave me a good foundation for starting my own raised bed garden answering many of my questions.

The writing style was very poor. Sentences and even entire paragraphs were repeated again and again throughout the book. You could probably have cut the book in half and still had all the information, removing the parts that were restated multiple times- sometimes in various places througout the book, but often within the same chapter.

I enjoyed this for the gardening tips, not the presentation of information.

Availability

Amazon

Princess Academy

By:

Shannon Hale

My oldest has read many books, and she emphatically says this is her favorite read ever. She’s been begging me to read it, and I wish I would have sooner. This enchanting tale whisks you away to a distant village where young women are summoned as potential brides for the Prince. Before any can win his heart, they must attend the prestigious Princess Academy to master the art of royalty.Only one will be chosen, who will it be?

*Parent Note: While this is a very clean read, love is a main theme of the book. Moreso little girl giggly infatuation and crushes, but had I been more aware of this, I would’ve waited to have my daughter read it. She was around 7 when she read the series for the first time.

Availability

Amazon

Kingdom’s Dawn

By:

Chuck Black

This series came highly recommended by several friends, and it did not disappoint! Knights, swords, secrets, questions of purpose… this Medieval tale will keep you engage from beginning to end.

*I listened to the audiobook, and it was so good. It was dramatized which added depth to the read. As soon as I finished it, I told my husband this would be a great father/son read for him as Knox as a father and son are key characters in the story. Virtues like loyalty, love, determination, and bravery are championed throughout.

Availability

Amazon

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

By:

Karina Yan Glaser

I want to sign the Vanderbeekers petition to let them stay at the brownstone!! (if you know, you know!) This story really is a heartwarming read. You’ll go through the ups and downs of everyday life in a family with lots of kids plus pets. Set on a friendly street in Harlem, you’ll fall in love with the Vanderbeerks as they fight to keep living in the house they love so dear.

Availability

Amazon

Drake Hall

By:

Christina Baehr

This series has been such a fun read. It is so different from other fiction I have read before pairing dragons with Jane Austen England. This book continued to develop the plot as Edith took up her place as warden of the dragons residing at Wormwood Abbey. Mystery, secrets, dragon breeding and a budding romance make for a thrilling read!

*Note: There is reference to a man taking advantage of one of his servant girls, resulting in a pregnancy. Nothing explicit is said, but the situation is clearly implied.

Availability

Amazon

The Palace of Stone

By:

Shannon Hale

Book #2 in the Princess Academy series. While this probably classifies as middle-grade fiction, I am really enjoying this series. Palace of Stone finds Miri and Britta swept up in a revolution in Asland. Who do you trust? What can be done? Will the country unite or tear itself apart?

Availability

Amazon

Time Saving Mom

By:

Crystal Paine

This is my second time reading this book, and I loved just as much, if not more, than the first time! Crystal Paine offers so much wisdom into managing your time, rhythms, and life well while staying balanced in her approach. I gleaned so much from this book as I highlighted, dog-eared pages, and took notes. She masterfully guides you through crafting schedules, designing morning and evening routines, setting priorities, and building habits, all while inspiring you to create a life you truly love. Highly recommend!

Availability

Amazon

The Forgotten Sisters

By:

Shannon Hale

I am sad to see this series come to a close, although the ending was beautifully written! In this final chapter, Miri finds herself stranded in a dismal swamp trying to make princesses out of three orphans. While there, she discovers that things aren’t as they appear to be. The linder walls of their home hold secrets, secrets that might change the course of their beloved homeland.

Availability

Amazon

Castle of the Winds

By:

Christina Baehr

In Christina Baehr fashion, she kept my attention from first page to last (or first word to last since I listened to the audiobook version, which is fantastic. I love the readers British accent!) Edith and her handsome distant cousin, Simon, embark on a journey shrouded in mystery but holding truths that will change the course of their future. Peril and suspense are at every turn!

*Parents Note: CONTENT WARNING. While these feel like middle grade fiction, this is not one I will be giving my daughter anytime soon. And illegitimate child was introduced in book 2 (noted in the review above). This book gives more detail regarding that, but it also delves into other mature themes. None of which are necessarily inappropriate content for adult readers (while stated, nothing is graphic or erotic), but they are too mature for my preteen. Topics include forced marriage, wooing the attention of a desired man, a man having a mistress and children by her.

Availability

Amazon

Little House in the Big Woods

By:

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Why has it taken me so long to read this classic? We did it as a read-aloud, and all of us fell in love with it instantly! I grew up watching the Little House TV series, but introducing my children to the book was a delightful experience. They were so fascinated by how people lived life in the late 1800s. Garth Williams is an incredible illustrator who brought the story to life in our imaginations. My son ran off with Farmer Boy as soon as we finished this one! Delightful, heartwarming, family-centric, champion of moral character. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t wait any longer!

Availability

Amazon

There are many places where you can purchase or borrow books! Some of my favorites for getting books on a budget are thrift stores, Hoopla, Libby, or your local library. If you watch for sales, you can often find deals on Amazon Audible or on physical books on Amazon. I use this option often when I know it’s a book that I want to add to our home library.

Should you choose to purchase these books through the Amazon links I have provided, thank you! They are affiliate links which gives a little back to our family at no extra cost to you!

Body Talk Basics Mom/Daughter Puberty Course

Brettnay Brazzell — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:28:20 +0000

Puberty. It’s funny how one word can conjure up so many emotion.

My memories of walking through this stage of life aren’t the greatest. I knew the very basics about what was to come as my body transitioned from little girl to young woman, but looking back, I wish I had been better equipped.

There could have been much less fear and confusion as my body went through so many changes.

There could have been a greater understanding for all that was transpiring in my brain and emotions.

There could have been an opportunity for me to see God’s beautiful design for womanhood.

There could have been more bonding with older women in my life as they held my hand through this season.

God has so wonderfully chosen to make me Mama to four precious little girls. I am thankful for my parents and for my upbringing. I know they were doing their best, and in so many ways, they were blazing new ground as they sought to parent better than they were parented. But this was one area that I wanted to be sure that I did better for my girls. This transition can be so much better than what I experienced. I wanted to behold their Creator and get a front row seat as He transforms their little girl bodies into those of women.

My daughter, Eden, is going on nine years old. Wow, the time goes by so quickly! She isn’t showing any signs at present that puberty is upon us, but we try to parent ahead of the game. I’d rather she learn things a bit early, but from her daddy and I then from her peers. We’ve always been very open with our children, her in particular as she’s been full of questions from day one! Being the oldest, she has also seen me go through several pregnancies and births which brings up a lot of conversations. That said, things like female anatomy, periods, and such are not a new concept to her. But I wanted to make sure I was preparing her well and didn’t leave any gaps.

That’s when I came across the puberty course from Body Talk Basics with Megan Ziegenfus. Eden and I just finished going through it together, and we both have learned a lot! It’s been so sweet for our relationship to make this special. The courses are divided up into 10-15 minute videos, so we often would brew tea, put on a face mask, and watch a video or two together. Girl time was a hit!

Personal Review of Body Talk Basics Puberty Course

What’s Included?

-Over 3 hours of videos

-A book for mom and a book for daughter with guided conversations

-The Puberty Playbook (text of all that was taught in each lesson)

-Period Product Expiermient kit

Things I Enjoyed

Thorough: So many topics are covered, not just getting your period! Megan does a great job of explaining how our bodies and cycles work in a way that is easy to follow and understandable. She even goes into talking about proper nutrition, sleep, skin care, and more as she encourages girls to be healthy and make good choices.

Fun and Engaging: Throughout the course, there are points where Megan encourages you to pause the video and chat together. These are opportunities for mom to share her experience with different aspects of puberty as well as giving your daughter a chance to ask questions. There are also some conversation prompts, some of which are just for fun. It kept the mood light and enjoyable!

Positive Perspective: Megan made puberty sound like such a fun experience—like something to look forward to, not to dread. I appreciated that. Yes, there are a lot of changes to navigate, but it is all part of growing up! That is an exciting thing! I feel like my daughter walked away from this course excited to embrace what lies ahead.

Natural Approach: Several resources are included for making homemade supplies like magnesium spray and pit paste. There is also information on ingredients to avoid in products such as deodorant and skin care. These were good conversation prompts where I could teach my daughter about how different products and ingredients affect our bodies.

Emphasizes the Mother/Daughter Relationship: All throughout the course, Megan directs daughters to their moms. Ask your mom what ____ was like when she was younger? Ask your mom how she felt about ____? Ask your mom what she wished she would’ve known about _____? There are even specific parts of the course where she has you pause the video and have a guided discussion together. I greatly appreciated the emphasis on allowing me as mom to be my daughter’s go-to person.

Things I Wished Were Included

God’s Design: There was no mention of God or His design throughout the course. From a business perspective, I understand why the course was created this way. It makes it available to all audiences. But as a Christian, it could have been so much stronger to support the beautiful design of the female body with “Isn’t God amazing for designing us this way?!” Since this was missing from the course, I chose to use the conversation opportunities provided throughout to bring up our Creator.

Things to Note

I would recommend that moms pre-watch the course videos so that you are prepared for further conversations, and so that you know if there’s anything you want to skip. For example, I skipped the quick video on birth control. (She was not teaching about birth control options, but more to be aware of the side effects since doctors are quick to prescribe that to young women with period problems.) While I agreed with all she said in this video, it’s not information that my daughter needs at this stage.

The term “sexually active” was used twice. While my daughter does know how babies are made, we have not used this term with her yet. If she would have asked, I would have answered, but she didn’t so we moved right along. It was used once when talking about a woman’s cycle and the second time with regard to how the egg can be fertilized during ovulation. She made mention to not worry, a sperm cannot reach the egg unless you are sexually active. (I found this an interesting mention, because I remember being young and wondering if sperm was on a toilet seat, could I get pregnant? Told you I didn’t know much!) The other mention was again referencing having a baby.

The course does not go into “the birds and the bees.” Megan talks about a woman’s cycle and how it works with fertility and conception (mentioning that when a sperm and egg join, a baby is made), but there is no discussion of sex.

Final Thoughts

Eden and I both enjoyed going through the Body Talk Basics course. It was a special bonding time for us allowing us to have deep conversations and lay foundations for more conversations to come in the future as she enters the puberty years. I am thankful for all the work Megan put into creating a course like this. I wish I would’ve been able to go through something like this when I was young.

When I asked my daughter if she thought this course helped her feel more confident to walk through puberty and begin a menstrual cycle, she smiled and said “yes!” We will continue to have chats as I guide her through the coming years, but this course answered so many of her questions, always directing her to ask me for advice, insight, and stories from when I was a girl.

We both enjoyed working through this course together, and we learned a lot!

Find more about the Body Talk Basics course at www.bodytalkbasics.com Use code NHC10 to save 10% off.

Establishing an Afternoon Quiet Time

Brettnay Brazzell — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:34:13 +0000

I remember those first days of motherhood. They were precious, a dream come true, and exhausting! By the time my 14 month old and I found a good rhythm to life, we got the news that brother would be joining the crew. I was nervous and unsure about the transition from one to two. Then a lady gave me some of the best mama advice I’ve ever received! She encouraged to me to work to establish a daily rhythm of quiet time each day. I set to doing just that. When my darling baby boy made his arrival, I arranged our schedule so that they both would take naps from 1:30-3pm. This time was a lifeline, allowing me time to rest and refresh myself, giving me the energy to finish out the day strong.

I look back now, and those were the easy days! The days when I had a baby and a toddler who still didn’t mind to sleep in the afternoon. Fast foward to today, I have an 8 year old, almost 7 year old, 5 year old, 3 year old, and 18 month old. Guess what? We still have an afternoon quiet time *almost* every day, and it is still a lifeline! It’s actually become a time of day that we look forward to. As a homeschool family who spends most moments of the day together, this is our opportunity to find our own corner of the house and do something quiet and relaxing. I find that we come back together refreshed and ready to jump into an afternoon of play.

What is “quiet time”?

Quiet time is just that, a time where our home is quiet and still. I love playing an instrumental hymn station as it adds to a peaceful, calm atmosphere.

What do you do during this time?

Depending on the age of my children, it varies what you might find them doing.

18 month old and 3 year old: These two still take a nap, so this is their rest time.
5 year old: She has phased out of naps, but she will lay on the couch and look at books, listen to Patch the Pirate on her headphones, do a quiet activity, or rest.
7 year old: He spends at least the first 30 minutes reading from a chapter book. After that, he can play in his room (legos are often his toy of choice!), listen to an audio book, listen to audio dramas such as Patch the Pirate or Jonathan Park, or read more.
8 year old: She reads for at least the first 30 minutes. I usually have her read one chapter from a biography she is reading for school, then she can read from a novel of her choice. She spends the rest of her time crafting, writing, listening to Jonathan Park audio dramas, or sewing.
Mama: This is my chance to do whatever is most needed for the day! That might be catching up on laundry, prepping dinner, prepping ahead breakfast for the next day, cleaning the bathrooms- most of these while listening to a podcast or an audiobook. Some days it’s for resting, doing an exercise video, or lying on my Pranamat. Some days, it’s when I get a undisturbed shower and do my hair and makeup. If I can squeeze in a chapter or two of a book, I try to! If I did not have the chance to do my devotional time in the morning (hello mama with little children!), I make that a priority during this time before I do anything else.

What if I haven’t been doing this, and my kids are struggling to adjust to having a daily quiet time?

While the goal might be 1-1/2 hours of quiet time, if it’s new, I would start with much smaller increments of time. If your child is little and can only be quiet in their room for 5 minutes, start there! Then try to push to 10 minutes, then 20 minutes, etc. An “ok to wake clock” or visual timer is great for this! Kids have no concept of time, so having somethingfor them to see the time go by helps them know you haven’t abandoned them indefinitely to their room. Even little ones who can’t read clocks yet can see the color of a visual timer.
Have activities that are only for quiet time. Special books, drawing, toys, and such. Check out some of our favorite activities for little ones here!
Is the child ok to be free in thier room, or do you want them to stay in their bed? My boy was my latest kid to give up naps. Although he didn’t think he needed naps, I knew he still did. His attitude was drastically better if he slept! To get out of a battle everytime I told him to rest, I told him he had to stay in his bed. He could read, play toys, or whatever, but he needed to stay there. I’d peek from time to time to check. Inevitably, he’d fall asleep. Win for me!
Audiobooks or audio dramas are a huge help! When I had less kids, I’d just play something from my phone or a bluetooth speaker. Now, we do headphones and a little mp3. They love Patch the Pirate, Jonathan Park, and Focus on the Family’s dramatization of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Play hard throughout the morning and get outside as much as possible. Feed them a good lunch, then off to rest time we go!
Separate kids. We all find our own little corner of the house. Sometimes you have to get creative if kids share a bedroom. In that case, whichever kid is younger I give bedroom preference to because the littles will nap in their bed. One kid might be at the dining room table (usually my oldest because she likes her afternoon tea while she reads). One might be downstairs on the couch. One might be in the living room.

Consistency over perfection. With time, kids pick up on it. Many moms who established afternoon quiet time when their kids were young find that, as teens, their children still choose to set aside this time for reading, crafting, or pursuing personal interests Like I said, implementing this has been my #1 tip for moms with multiple kids! It’s my time to read, rest, get a shower, catch up on laundry, or whatever. And especially as a homeschool family, while I love all of us being together so much, by the afternoon we are happy to find our own corners and get some quiet time to ourselves.

Hear me share more about Establishing a Quiet Time on the No Higher Calling Podcast.

Do you have questions about establishing a daily quiet time? Or tips to share? I’d love to hear them in the comments!

Mid-Year Homeschool Update

Brettnay Brazzell — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:59:14 +0000

While many of my friends in the States are soaking up summer sunshine and planning for the school year head, we are smack in the middle of our homeschool year. I love that the Australian school year corresponds with the calendar year. It makes January a fresh start in every sort of way! Living in the southern hemisphere, our summer moths are December, January, and February. So this time of year finds us crossing the halfway mark! I thought I’d share what we’ve been up to in homeschooling the past few months as well as an update on some things we are loving and that are working well for us.

School Rhythms

This year has been our best homeschool year yet! One mom and five kids together all day has its challenges, but I’m truly enjoying this year. Maybe it’s because my older two have taken on a bit more independent work. Maybe it’s because my toddler loves to play and my baby (even though she’s 18 months, she’s my baby!!) is the easiest child I’ve had to date. I have been so delighted with how this year is going and the curriculum and rhythm choices we have made.

4 Day School Schedule

This has been the perfect fit for our family. I do our regular school routine with the kids 3 days each week. Daddy takes one school day where he leads school and does math, grammar, and a Gather Round Homeschool unit with the kids- Life Skills. This unit has been a perfect “daddy” unit because it cover things like lawncare, first aid, emergency preparedness, taking a trip, and home maintenance. (I will admit, I stepped in and taught the lessons on cooking, cleaning, and laundry!) That leaves Fridays open. Every other week, we meet with a homeschool group for a few co-op style lessons. So far, we have done sports, health, and woodworking. The other Fridays are family days. We love to hit the road and go hiking in the mountains, swimming at the beach, exploring at the zoo, or on a low-key day, playing games at home and going to library storytime.

Daily Rhythm

We have found a flow to our homeschool days that is the perfect fit for this season of life.

7:00am- Kids wake up and do their morning routines (make bed, get dressed, do devotions, put away dishes in dishwasher)

7:30am- Breakfast with daddy (We share what we learned in our devotions. I love this time together!)

8:15-9:15am- Morning Moments (read more about that here)

9:15-9:45am- Independent Work (I have task sheets for my older three that they work through while I read my toddler a book and put the littlest down for a nap)

9:45-10:30am- Math

10:30-11:00am- Outside/Free time

11:00-11:30- Gather Round Unit and snack

11:30-12:30- My older two take turns rotating between piano practice and Language Arts

12:30- Tidy up the house

12:45- Lunch

After lunch, we transition into our afternoon quiet time. (Hear more on establishing a daily quiet time on the podcast)

Time blocking gives me a mental gameplan and helps me keep the day moving foward.

Read-Alouds

We have been reading through so many good books this school year, but some stand out above the rest!

–Everyday Graces by Karensantorum (a child’s book of manners- HIGHLY RECOMMEND!)

–Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen Taylor

–The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

–Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou

–Eric Liddell: Something Greater than Gold by Janet & Geoff Benge

Curriculum

Bible

We have been working on memorizing the 24 Family Ways by Clay Clarkson for a while. We almost have all 24 memorized! During our family devotions, we are working through the book. Sctipure memory is also an emphasis in our home. These are the passages we’ve memorized this year: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 23 & 100; I Corinthians 13:4-9; Matthew 5:13-16 & 22:36-39; Luke 2:8-14; John 14:1-6

Memorization

Memorizing poetry together is one of my favorite parts of our homeschooling! This year, we have memorized: The Duel by Eugene Field; Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley; and Wynken, Blynken, and Nod by Eugene Field

We have also been memorizing Latin roots, and plan to start working on Greek roots in the 2nd semester.

Math

The Good and the Beautiful Math has been a great fit for our family! My oldest is in Math 4 which includes a brief video lesson each day explaining the new topic. This is something she’s really enjoying, and it gives me the time to work with my next child on his math lesson.

Unit Study

We love immersing ourselves in a specific topic for 6 weeks or so, and Gather Round Homeschool has given us that opportunity! Gathered around the kitchen table, we eat our snack and work through our unit. This year we’ve done Space, Reptiles, Africa, and are currently working through The Human Body. My son’s favorite was obviously Reptiles! I always enjoy doing a continent study. Seeing peoples of other places and cultures is so intriguing. I also try to emphasize missionaries and missions work as we do these units, so that makes then extra special to my heart. (more on that here)

Language Arts

This is an area where I’ve seen my son (age 6) flourish this year. He is starting to read with more confidence, and that opens so many exicitng doors for a child. We enjoy reading poetry together, and he’s discovering a love for chapter books. He isn’t doing a formal grammar curriculum right now, but I incorporate some grammar while he practices sentence writing and spelling. My oldest is doing IEW Fix It Grammar. While we love IEW’s writing course, I’m not totally happy with Fix It Grammar, but it’s working for now. I’d like to find something that is a bit more systematic with grammar instruction as opposed to IEW’s editing style.

Art

The watercolor classes by Brighter Day Press have been a huge hit with my kids! Mama, who is NOT an artist, is enjoying them as well! It’s been fun to see our ability expand and display our watercolor artwork in our school area.

Read a more detailed description of our 2025 curriculum choices on the blog: Curriculum Line-Up for 2025

It is a delight to share this journey of learning and growth with my children, cherishing the moments we spend together. I’m thrilled to see what awaits us in the second half of our school year! I’d love to hear about the resources, tools, or subjects you’re enjoying with your kids, or what exciting topics you’re eager to explore together this coming school year.

2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 2)

Brettnay Brazzell — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:39:57 +0000

2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 2)

Listen to me share about these books on the NHC podcast.

Mr. Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace

by:

Roy Thomas Williams and Elizabeth Meyers

This book tells the gripping story of Arthur Stace, more commonly known as Mr. Eternity. Born in Sydney, Australia, the first few decades of this man’s life we full of abandonment, alcohol, and despair. He comes to the very end of himself, and that is where he meets Jesus. Arthur’s life radically changes! His desires are now for eternal things, and he wants everyone to know his God. For years, he went around Sydney and the outlying areas writing the word “eternity” in chalk on sidewalks. It may seem like a small gesture, but God used it in mighty ways. Many souls were saved, lives were influenced for Christ, and at the celebration of New Years 2000, the words “eternity” in Arthur’s famous script lit up the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the world to see. What a legacy!

No Higher Calling

2026 Curriculum Choices

How to Encourage a Reluctant Reader

2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 3)

Faith That Sticks

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Reclaiming Quiet

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The Mythmakers

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Wormwood Abbey

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The Phantom Tollbooth

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Michael’s Gentle Wife

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It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn

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The Prince and The Blight

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Mother Culture

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The Only Raised Bed Gardening Book You’ll Ever Need

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Princess Academy

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Kingdom’s Dawn

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The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

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Drake Hall

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The Palace of Stone

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Time Saving Mom

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The Forgotten Sisters

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Castle of the Winds

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Little House in the Big Woods

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Body Talk Basics Mom/Daughter Puberty Course

Establishing an Afternoon Quiet Time

Mid-Year Homeschool Update

2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 2)

2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 2)

Mr. Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace

by:

Roy Thomas Williams and Elizabeth Meyers

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Hormone Repair Manual

by:

Lara Briden

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Between Flowers and Bones

by:

Carolyn Leiloglou

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Your Mom Walk with God

by:

Sally Clarkson

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Eternity in Their Hearts

by:

Don Richardson

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Mooses with Bazookas

by:

S. D. Smith

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Sweep

by:

Johathan Auxier

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Sincerely, Stoneheart

by:

Emily Wilson Hussem

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The Dragon and the Stone