A Gracious Space: Fall: Daily Reflections to Sustain Your Homeschooling Commitment

I am a huge fan of Julie Bogart and have listened to her podcasts, listened to Brave Learner several times, watched her videos. I was super excited about this book.So far, this book has actually left me feeling a little inadequate. In her podcasts, book, etc she seems much more relaxed about homeschooling, and I always feel amazing after listening, but so far in this book, it's making me feel like I am not doing enough or something. I can't even out my finger on it, but I'm feeling less encouraged after reading it most days. I never felt that way when listening to her book or podcast, even though admittedly she's always done a TON in comparison to me as a homeschool mom. I have a special needs child and that definitely limits our family outings and abilities to do certain projects without someone else being "on duty" with our special needs kiddo. I'm proud of how much we're able to do. But this book makes me feel like I'm just not doing enough. Which is odd because there are also days she mentions we are doing enough even on days when we just watch a movie with our kids. That's why I'm confused as to why this book is making me more discouraged. I just can't put my finger on it. I'll read more and maybe decide when I'm finished. I'm realizing this is the first time I've READ something of her's. I've always listened. So maybe it's the written words that are not translating as well for me compared to listening to her voice, tone, etc?I'm not a part of the Brave Writer curriculum at all yet, no reason, just haven't seen the need for it yet and there are some days that are specifically about the program and do not apply to me at all. I bought this because it was about encouraging your homeschooling commitment, reminding yourself why you are doing it, maybe even give you an idea to implement today to make that day run smoothly or make you stop and smell the roses. I wasn't expecting plugs for the Brave writer program or for it to be a how to for the program where an entire day entry of what I hoped would be an encouraging thought that I look forward to with my fluffy robe on and hot coffee in hand, ends up being about using her program, boring to me because I don't even know the difference between the programs or what it entails even, and just a waste. I gotta run back inside and upstairs, risking waking the kids, to grab a different book, or just hop on my phone like I'm doing right now which is a habit I'm trying to get out of.

When you listen to Julie speak through her Periscope chats you can really see, hear and feel how passionate she is about homeschooling. Julie Bogart is a professional writer and mother of 5 children, who she homeschooler over the course of 17 or 18 years. Her children are all adults now and if you are wondering, they all seemed to gave turned out beautifully. A real compliment to her highly empathetic parenting and education style.In A Gracious Space:Fall, Julie's voice and support for all homeschooling families comes through loud and clear. Each of her thoughtful essays let's you know that she understands where you have been on your homeschool journey, let's you know that there is a season in life for everything and above all, she wants you to know that you are doing the best job you can. She knows that there is light at the end of each tunnel and that she will help guide you in any way you can. If you, as an educator need an encouraging friend. Julie and A Gracious Space have a place for you, at the table. Highly recommended.!

Julie is what I would call my homeschool fairy godmother, she is so inspiring, and listening to her podcasts/ social media/ reading her books is what I would describe as having an amazing conversation with a friend who you always know will have the best advice. This book is a perfect motivator through the week, it feels like having your mom cheer you on at a sports event. She is such an asset to the homeschool community, definitely worth purchasing.

While Julie focuses primarily on the homeschooling family, as that has been most of her experience, she shares the wisdom to help parents understand that education of our children, no matter what pathway selected, truly occurs with a happy engaged family.I am starting my 3rd year of homeschooling & I feel so grateful to have found Julie! Many times people ask me what book what I recommend for them to look if they were considering homeschooling - This book and her two other journals would be at the top of my list! Julie helps you understand that home education, actually ANY avenue of education used, really requires an intact family & healthy mom! My children love her online writing & literature courses. I feel like I have found my focus, intention & am better able to create the education I desire with her support, honesty & guidance! Check her out on periscope! It will change your life!!

Great daily support and encouragement for any mom, but especially homeschooling moms. I look forward to reading in it every day in the morning (or really whenever I get to it). I would absolutely recommend it.

Can I give this 100 stars?! This is a wonderful and very encouraging read. I'd been looking for a book like this for years and never found it until A Gracious Space. So many homeschooling books are written from a "how to" angle, but this one is simply uplifting and reminds the reader of what is really important inside the home (and out!). It covers so many topics and concerns that will affect today's homeschooler but it remains lighthearted. It's honestly so freeing to read a book like this - hearing from someone who really gets it and who has been where you are now. Can't recommend this enough and I will definitely be getting the winter and spring versions soon!

This book has been so uplifting for me this fall. Sometimes as a mother or home educator I feel alone and not understood. This book has given me validation when I deserved it, encouragement when I needed it, and a warm hug on those mornings that i dragged my feet. Every essay, not just a few, resonated with me. This paperback with so many meaningful words, has given me power and strength to defend my choices as a mother; and has taught me how to look back at all the beautiful things i have done with my family and know that i have succeeded. I'm very thankful to the author that she has shared her words with me. And I am looking forward to reading more by her.

I've bought all 3 Gracious space books from Julie, and I will buy any more she releases....a summer edition would be welcomed!I've taken so much inspiration from Julie Boggarts works, not only as a home educater but as a mother as well. She understands the challenges, the struggles, as well as the joys and rewards of the parent-child dynamic in a home school environment.I can vouch and say the book comes from a secular perspective.I hugely recommend reading and is a must have on every home schoolers shelf .......Julie to me is a home school and parenting mentor. She is filling in the experiences I don't have, and helping me to be a better home educater and mum. What she offers is unique, and she is an asset to the home educating community world wide.

Reading this book is like having a pep talk coffee visit every morning before I greet my homeschool kiddos in the kitchen for toast and tea. This book IS Julie Bogart. Julie Bogart can join me for coffee every morning, any morning. Her encouragements remind me I got this. Her encouragements remind me my kids are amazing. Her encouragements remind me that no matter the season of my family's life, it'll all turn out great!

Easy read and encouraging, practical advise