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What Private Schools Teach That You Can Replicate at Home
When people talk about private schools, they usually focus on academics. But the real difference isn’t just the curriculum—it’s the network children join and the mindset culture they absorb. Here’s what private schools teach that you can replicate at home. Mindset Shapes Possibilities Children learn more from what they see than from what they’re told. In private schools,
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“I Can’t” vs. “How Can I?” Mindset Matters
The Mindset That Shapes a Child’s Future “I can’t afford it.” This sentence gets blurted out constantly—and while it sounds practical, it often shuts down thinking before it ever starts. Most of the time, “I can’t” isn’t a statement of fact.It’s a (bad) habit. What “I Can’t” Teaches Children (Without Us Realizing) When adults default
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Fun with Dandelions
🌼 What Can You Do With Dandelions? A Nature Walk Turned Art + Tea Day This morning on our nature walk, my son gathered a handful of dandelions. He looked up at me and asked, “What are dandelions used for?” Great question! Dandelions are more than just bright yellow spots in the grass—they’re a powerhouse herb
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The Sweet & Sneaky World of Japanese Honeysuckle
What every homeschooler (and backyard explorer) should know If you’ve ever wandered outside in late spring and caught the scent of something sweet on the breeze, there’s a good chance you’ve met Japanese Honeysuckle. With its white and yellow blooms and sugary scent, it’s easy to see why kids (and bees) are drawn to it. But
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Carolina Wren: A Small Bird with a Big Voice
The Carolina Wren: A Small Bird with a Big Voice The Carolina Wren is one of those little birds that you hear before you see. With its bold, bubbly song and curious personality, this feathered friend is a delightful visitor in Tennessee backyards and forests year-round. It’s also an ideal bird to introduce to children
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Philadelphia Fleabane: The Cheerful Healer of Spring
If you’ve ever taken a spring walk through fields, roadsides, or woodland edges and noticed clusters of small daisy-like flowers with delicate pink or white petals, you’ve likely met Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus). This humble wildflower is easy to overlook, but it’s rich with history, beauty, and quiet medicinal value. 🌼 What Is Philadelphia Fleabane?
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Field Mustard: The Sunshine Plant with a Superpower
At Stonewall Forest Academy, we love teaching children to recognize the wild plants growing right in their own backyard—and Field Mustard is one of spring’s brightest and most fascinating herbs. What Is Field Mustard? Field Mustard (Brassica rapa) is a wild plant that blooms in early spring with tall green stems and clusters of small, bright yellow
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Discovering Purple Dead Nettle: A Springtime Favorite
Let’s discover together Discovering Purple Dead Nettle: A Springtime Favorite! At Stonewall Forest Academy, we believe learning should be rooted in nature—and there’s no better teacher than the land beneath our feet. This spring, our students are discovering one of the first wild herbs to appear: Purple Dead Nettle. Don’t let the name fool you—this soft,
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The Real New Normal
During the pandemic, we were told to “get used to the new normal.” Masks, remote learning, and social distancing were pushed as the answer. But let’s be honest—was any of that truly normal, or even healthy? I believe the events of 2020 weren’t just a public health crisis—they were a wake-up call. Since then, anxiety and
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Growing Entrepreneurs at Stonewall Forest Academy
At Stonewall Forest Academy, we believe kids learn best through hands-on experience, connection with nature, and meaningful work. That’s why we’re building a one-of-a-kind learning environment that blends homesteading skills with entrepreneurial education. Here’s a glimpse into daily life at our forest-based school: 🌱 Worm Farming – Students will manage our worm farm and learn how composting