Midwest Mimi

  • The Real Heart of Midwest Mimi

    This blog started as a place for accessible nature reviews and homeschooling resources. But it’s become something bigger: a story about resilience, family, and belonging, with nature, books, and art still at the heart. From Accessible Nature and Homeschooling to Something Bigger When I first started Midwest Mimi, my focus was clear. I wanted to…

  • Homeschooling in Nature’s Classroom

    Introduction: Learning Beyond the Books When people picture homeschooling, they often imagine stacks of workbooks and long kitchen tables covered in flashcards. In our house, the classroom looks a little different: it’s the trail where my son pauses to listen for bird calls, the lake where my daughter learns patience with a fishing pole, and…

  • How to Homeschool on a Budget: Making the Most of What You Have

    Homeschooling can feel intimidating when you start looking at the price tags on full boxed curriculums, endless supply lists, and glossy catalogs promising the “perfect” education. The truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to give your kids a meaningful education at home. In fact, some of the richest learning happens with free…

  • From Vacation Mode to Lesson Plans: Our Homeschool Prep Process

    We just got home from vacation and you’d think we’d still be unpacking, doing laundry, and easing back into our daily rhythm. And yes, we’re doing all of that. But in the back of my mind there’s another clock ticking: the start of a new homeschool year. For us, that means more than just picking…