Family Style Schooling: A Year in Review
2016 was a year of twists and turns. As I look back over my time as a blogger, I'm so thankful that I've had this outlet to connect with others, share my heart, and continue to learn. I wanted to share my top posts of the year and how they impacted my journey as a blogger. Thank you all for being a part of my journey with me!
The Best Giveaway of the Year
I love hosting giveaways on my blog. It's been fun to share books, events, and treasures that I love with my readers. My best giveaway by far was my back to school gift basket of goodies. You all responded in an incredible way to the loot, and I loved it!
My Favorite Review
I get to review a lot of great things on my blog, and one of our family's favorites was videos teaching how to Memorize the Periodic Table. They are brilliantly clever. I had so much fun taking the pictures for this one as well. Sometimes there are products that you connect with, and the periodic table was our fav this year!
Classical Conversations Highlights
I love blogging about our time in Classical Conversations. We've really been blessed by the programs, and have cultivated some wonderful friendships through our time in CC. I have two posts that rank up in the top 10 viewed of the year.
The first one is a resource post. These are my favorite to write. We started CC in Cycle 2, so it has a special place in my heart. I have a ton of great books for this cycle, so I'm glad that so many of you enjoyed reading this post!
Another CC passion of mine is helping Challenge parents find success in their journey. I'm in my fourth year as a Challenge director, and I've learned so many amazing things about education, learning, and parenting by getting in the trenches with my kids. I've got two Challenge students in my home this year, and I've also realized that it's not always easy to do all of their work with them. Sometimes you have to let go and trust your kids to work on their own. Conversations are still vital, as is checking in on their work, and that's what my most popular Challenge post was about.
Favorite Resource: Latin Charts
I have been overwhelmed at the wonderful response to my Latin resources. I hope all of you that purchased them are using them! It has been revolutionary in our Latin studies. I'm cooking up some new Latin helps that I hope to launch in the spring. So keep your eyes open!
https://familystyleschooling.com/2016/02/01/latin-declension-charts/
I love that so many people enjoyed my Latin Noun Gender info-graphic. It was so much fun to make, and has really helped my students get a handle on genders of nouns.
Best Series of the Year
In response to a desperate need to get a grip of all the kids running around my home, this 31 days of hands-on learning stations series was born. I love giving my kids hands-on learning experiences, and I'm so glad that I have all of my ideas in one place to look back on now!
Best Freebies
I've created several freebies this year for my subscribers, and these key ring math flashcards have been a hit! I'm so glad you all enjoyed them.
Another fan favorite was this scripture coloring sheet. I love meditating on God's Word, and the winter is a great time to cozy up by the fire with some colored pencils and a coloring sheet!
Organization and Design
It's funny that as I write this, I'm working on reclaiming the school room again...that's how life is. I'm following my own advice to get life back in order. I can't wait to show you the finished result. It's very exciting. Here's a sneak peek!
Bearing My Soul
If there is one post that I wrote this year that was 100% of my heart, it was the post I wrote after my sister passed away. It's hard losing a family member, but she was also my best friend. We collaborated in just about everything. It's been challenging to look forward to a new year without her. I know many of you have lost loved ones and found it challenging to be joyful this holiday season. You might enjoy reading this post again as I share ideas of harmony and home.
This blog has been a source of healing for me as I continue on in my journey without her. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to continue many of my favorite conversations with all of you.
I'd love to hear what topics you'd like me to cover in the new year. May God richly bless you!
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.