Momspirational Life

As a former teacher, current homeschool parent, and resource creator, I’ve spent a lot of time searching for educational resources over the years. But, can I be honest?

Sometimes, finding the right resource is harder than teaching the lesson itself.

I’ve downloaded worksheets that looked wonderful at first glance, only to realize I wasn’t entirely sure how to explain the directions, terminology, or strategy being used. Maybe it’s because I learned differently in the 90s than children often learn today. Maybe it’s because every child learns differently. Whatever the reason, I’ve found myself setting aside resources that simply felt too complicated to use.

Over the years, I spent countless hours learning how to explain concepts in ways that made sense to different students. One child might understand something immediately, while another needed the information presented in a completely different way.

That experience taught me that knowing a subject and teaching a subject are often two very different things.

It also taught me how important clear instructions and straightforward explanations can be for both students and the adults helping them.

Even now, as a homeschool parent, I still keep this in mind. There have been times when I’ve paused a lesson altogether because the explanation wasn’t connecting with my son. Instead of pushing through frustration, I’ve gone looking for a different approach, a different example, or a different resource that made more sense for him.

Those experiences continue to influence how I create resources today. I want the student to understand the lesson, but I also want the adult helping them to feel confident and equipped along the way.

Before I publish a resource, I try to ask myself a simple question:

“If I handed this to myself as a parent, would I immediately understand what to do?”

If the answer is no, I keep working on it.

That doesn’t mean my resources are perfect. It also doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit for every family, classroom, or homeschool. What works well for me, my son, or the students I taught may not work for someone else.

But, when I create something, it’s usually because I saw a need that I personally couldn’t find a solution for.

Sometimes that need became a resource like my Summer Writing Prompts. I wanted students to practice writing in a way that felt creative and approachable while still strengthening important language arts skills.

Sometimes it became a resource like my Jack and the Beanstalk Mock Trial. I noticed that students were often more engaged when they were already familiar with the storyline. When students recognize the characters and events, they can spend less time figuring out what is happening and more time applying critical thinking, discussion, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Recently, it even became a published coloring book after I transformed one of my coloring printables into a physical book. I wanted something simple, creative, and screen-free that children could enjoy at home, on the go, or during quiet moments.

While printable resources are convenient, I know some families prefer the ease of having a ready-to-use book in hand. That realization has led me to begin exploring workbook versions of some of my existing resources as well. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s one more way I’m hoping to serve families with different needs and preferences.

What all of these resources have in common is that they started with a simple thought:

“I wish I could find something that does this.”

So, I decided to create it.

At the same time, I’m incredibly grateful for the teachers, homeschool parents, and creators who share their own resources. Every worksheet, lesson, activity, workbook, and printable began because someone else saw a need and decided to meet it.

Educational resources aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s actually a good thing.

The variety gives families and educators options to find what works best for their unique situations.

As for me, I’ll continue creating resources the same way I always have: by looking for ways to make learning straightforward, engaging, and accessible for the families who choose to use them.

Love,
Tabitha