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Homeschool Hustle Bowls: Korean-Inspired Dinner in 30 Minutes

4/30/2025

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​Looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels like takeout without the drive-thru? These Korean-inspired beef and pork bowls are a weeknight win, combining bold, savory flavors with wholesome ingredients your whole family will love. Served over your choice of fluffy white rice or light cauliflower rice and paired with roasted broccoli, this dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Serve with: rice, riced cauliflower, or lettuce wraps
Quick Instructions: Brown meat with garlic and onion. Add:

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp ginger
Optional: red pepper flakes
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Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried egg!

Garlic Herb Rice & Cauli-Rice Seasoning
Add these directly to the pot before cooking:
1–2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon per cup of dry rice)
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (after cooking)

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Creek Play and Macroinvertebrate Magic: A Nature Study Adventure for Kids

4/24/2025

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There’s something magical about creek days.  The splash of cool water, the thrill of finding a critter beneath a rock, and the spark of curiosity in our children’s eyes. As homeschool moms, we have the flexibility to turn these moments into rich learning experiences. One of our favorite spring science studies is a Creek Play Day focused on macroinvertebrates the tiny, backbone-free creatures that call the creek home.

What Are Macroinvertebrates (And Why Do They Matter)?
Macroinvertebrates are animals without backbones that are large enough to be seen without a microscope. You’ve probably met a few already: crawfish, snails, and water striders are just the beginning!
These creatures aren’t just fun to find they’re also bioindicators. That means their presence (or absence) helps us understand the health of our local waterways. Studying them gives kids a real-life connection to environmental science.

For a complete lesson plan on this activity, click ​here!

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Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan

4/10/2025

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If your day looks anything like mine—homeschool lessons, snack requests every 30 minutes, a toddler underfoot, and a to-do list that won’t quit—then dinner needs to work for you, not the other way around.
This Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan is one of those reliable, crowd-pleasing dinners that feels fancy but is secretly super simple. It's crispy, cheesy, saucy, and completely kid-approved. Best part? You can get it in the oven while your kids are finishing up their afternoon read-aloud or quiet work.
And yes—this is perfect for homeschool families feeding a full table (serves 6).

How the Kids Can Help (Ages 5–10):
  • Measuring breadcrumbs and cheese
  • Cracking and beating the eggs
  • Dipping the chicken into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture (great sensory task!)
  • Laying out the breaded chicken on the baking tray
  • Sprinkling cheese on top after the sauce goes on
  • Setting the table or making a salad while it bakes
This is such a great confidence booster for little kitchen helpers.

Ingredients:

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally to make 6 cutlets)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions:
Prep chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make 6 thin cutlets. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.

Bread the chicken:
  • Dredge in flour
  • Dip in beaten eggs
  • Coat in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano.
  • Press lightly to help coating stick.

Air fry:
  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes.
  • Spray the basket and chicken lightly with olive oil spray.
  • Air fry chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Add sauce and cheese:
  • Spoon marinara over each piece of chicken.
  • Sprinkle with mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan.
  • Return to air fryer and cook 2–3 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: Pop in a preheated oven (see below)
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
 
(Optional) After Air Frying for 10-12 minutes:
Assemble:
Place browned cutlets in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over each.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly, and chicken reaches 165°F.
​
Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra golden, bubbly cheese.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serve With:
Spaghetti or garlic butter noodles
Caesar salad
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Garlic bread
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Exploring History with Sacagawea: A Hands-On Unit Study for Homeschoolers

3/12/2025

 
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Get ready to step into the past and experience the incredible journey of Sacagawea! Through stories, maps, crafts, and adventures, you'll discover how one brave young woman helped shape history. So grab your explorer’s hat, sharpen your pencils, and let’s begin this exciting journey together!

Have fun learning! – Mrs. A
Click here for this lesson plan
(Members Only)

Homemade Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

2/23/2025

 
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Homemade Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • Salt & pepper to taste Mix everything in a bowl, adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy!

Super Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

2/23/2025

 
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As a homeschooling stay-at-home mom, I know firsthand how hectic our days can get. Between lessons, playtime, and managing the household, finding easy, healthy meals that my kids want to eat can be tricky when trying new things. That’s where my trusty air fryer comes in! These crispy, homemade air fryer chicken tenders are a go-to in our house—quick to make, kid-approved, and perfect for busy homeschool days.

Why We Love This Recipe
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • Healthier Than Fried: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—without all the grease.
  • Perfect for Picky Eaters: Simple ingredients and a classic flavor that kids love.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and reheat for easy lunches.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Great opportunity for kids aged 5-10 to help in the kitchen!
Ingredients
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional, but adds great flavor)
  • Cooking spray or a drizzle of avocado oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F and let it warm up while you prepare the tenders.
  2. Set Up Breading Station:
    • Bowl 1: Whisk eggs.
    • Bowl 2: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
    • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Coat the Chicken:
    • Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess.
    • Dip into the egg mixture.
    • Coat in the panko mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks.
  4. Air Fry the Tenders:
    • Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
    • Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with avocado oil.
    • Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve & Enjoy:
    • Pair with honey mustard (recipe below!) or your favorite dipping sauce.
    • Serve with air fryer sweet potatoes or a side salad for a complete meal.

How Kids (Ages 5-10) Can Help
Getting kids involved in cooking makes mealtime more fun and helps build confidence in the kitchen. Here’s how they can help with this recipe:

Younger Kids (5-7):
  • Crack and whisk the eggs.
  • Help measure and mix the dry ingredients.
  • Sprinkle the panko onto the chicken.
  • Older Kids (8-10):
    • Dip and coat the chicken tenders.
    • Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket.
    • Lightly spray with oil (with supervision).
    • Help mix the honey mustard sauce.

Homemade Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • Salt & pepper to taste Mix everything in a bowl, adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy!

Tips for Busy Moms
  • Make-Ahead Option: Bread the tenders in the morning and store them in the fridge until dinnertime.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked, breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
  • Lunchbox Approved: Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer for a quick homeschool lunch.

Air fryer
chicken tenders have been a game-changer in our homeschool kitchen—fast, delicious, and a meal everyone loves. Plus, getting the kids involved makes it even more special! Give them a try and let me know if they become a favorite in your home too!
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    WElcome!

    I am a homemaker and Home Educator of our four children at Soaring Pine Private Academy. Gratitude fills my heart for each day that God blesses me with my sweet family. I invite you to explore my blog, where I share our homeschooling adventures from our home nestled in the woods, along with delightful recipes and more!

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  • Home
    • Schedule
    • Our Beliefs
  • Nature Studies
    • Macroinvertebrates
    • Night Time Sky
    • Amphibians
    • Fresh Water Fish
  • Unit Studies
    • Unit Study: Sacagawea
    • Unit Study: Amelia Earhart
    • Unit Study: 4th Grade Georgia Geography
  • Blog