Welcome back to Safe Haven Homeschooling!

https://youtu.be/pEdbBpTsdNI  Here’s the link to the video version of the newsletter.

Hi from Waco, Texas! Now that we’re here we had to go visit the Magnolia Silos. A friend actually invited us, so we looked at the map and saw that it was about 10 minutes away, so we agreed to go.

And yes, I’m sweating in those pictures. It’s HOT in Texas!

And maybe you already knew this, but I didn’t. Waco is the home of the world’s tallest Dr Pepper bottle!

My oldest son, Shawn, and his wife, Brandi, and their friend, Ethan, were with us.

The first thing I noticed was the numbers 10, 2 and 4. We were trying to figure out what they could mean. Shawn noticed that it could mean something about time – the numbers on a clock, but it should be a 6 at the bottom instead of a 4. We found out in the museum that it really was about time. They told people that they should drink Dr. Pepper at 10, 2, and 4 o’clock because those were the times their blood sugar went down! Can you believe that?

They have a museum and gift shop. The best thing about them – they’re air conditioned!

I personally don’t like Dr. Pepper, but Brandi does, so it was a fun little field trip.

Well, the day we’ve all been anxiously awaiting, The 250th Birthday of America, is almost here!

I’m very excited because of the prophetic significance of our nation having a special birthday and our leaders celebrating it by reading the Bible out loud for a week in Washington with our President actually reading 2 Chronicles 7:14. And then a few weeks later our leaders re-dedicated our country to God and again our President read 2 Chronicles 7:14. I believe our country is headed toward amazing times.

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate freedom. And one of my favorite freedoms we have in our country is the freedom to homeschool. Not every country enjoys this freedom. So I’m especially grateful that I live in this country, and I was able to peacefully and confidently homeschool all 10 of my children without fear.

This story sums up how I feel about this sacred freedom that we enjoy here in America.

On the morning of the Fourth of July, the house woke slowly.

Sunlight slipped through the curtains, and somewhere down the street a flag rustled in the breeze. The children padded into the kitchen barefoot, still sleepy, still small enough that the day felt full of promise rather than plans. On the table sat a stack of well-worn books, a spiral notebook, and a box of colored pencils – ordinary things, easily overlooked. Yet today, they felt quietly sacred.

Outside, neighbors were already hanging bunting and stringing lights. Fireworks would come later. Speeches, songs, and history lessons would be shared in town squares and on television. But here, in this home, freedom showed up in quieter ways.

It looked like a mother pouring coffee while listening to a child explain a new idea.

It sounded like laughter breaking out in the middle of a lesson because curiosity had taken a joyful detour.

It felt like the deep peace of knowing that learning could unfold in a way that honored each child’s pace, passions, and personality.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, people risked everything for the idea that families should be free – free to worship, free to speak, free to live according to conscience rather than command. They could not have imagined laptops or library cards, nature journals or kitchen-table classrooms. But they understood something timeless: that freedom thrives best when it is lived out in homes.

Homeschooling, in its simplest form, is an act of gratitude. It is saying, We recognize this gift, and we will steward it well. It is choosing to shape our days intentionally, to pass on not just information, but values – faith, responsibility, compassion, courage. It is teaching children that liberty is not loud or reckless, but thoughtful and rooted in love.

As the day unfolds, the children will help bake pies and watch parades. They will hear stories of courage and sacrifice. They will hold sparklers at dusk, their faces glowing as tiny stars fizz into the summer air. And woven through it all will be an unspoken understanding: that the freedom they are celebrating is the same freedom that allows them to learn at this table, in this home, with these people.

Tonight, when the fireworks burst overhead, their colors will fade quickly. But the freedom to raise our children, to educate them according to our convictions, and to shape a family culture of faith and gratitude – that endures.

Two hundred and fifty years in, America’s story is still being written. It is written in classrooms and courtrooms, yes – but also in living rooms, on back porches, and around kitchen tables. It is written every time a parent chooses presence over pressure, curiosity over conformity, and gratitude over fear.

And on this Fourth of July, as flags wave and songs are sung, we give thanks – not only for a nation born in courage, but for the quiet, daily freedom to raise our children in love.

That is a liberty worth celebrating.

You have a few days left to grab these amazing activities for the 4th of July!

K-2 4th of July Activity Pack  

Celebrate Independence Day with Fun and Learning! 🎆

This 4th of July Activity Pack is perfect for young children (ages 5–8) and homeschool classrooms. It’s filled with patriotic coloring pages, simple stories, and hands-on activities that teach kids about American history in a fun, engaging way.

Included in the pack:

• Colonial Life Coloring Pages – Explore daily life in the colonies with families, gardens, and historic homes.
• Revolutionary Figures Coloring Pages – Meet George Washington and colonial soldiers.
• Patriotic Symbols – Color the Liberty Bell, early American flags, and fireworks.
• Freedom & Independence – Celebrate with a family and flag scene featuring the word FREEDOM.
• Simple Stories & Activities – Short, easy-to-read lessons about the American Revolution, Independence Day, and colonial life.

• Matching activity pages, Word searches, and crossword puzzle included

Ultimate 4th of July Activity Bundle

🎆 Make your Fourth of July celebration fun, easy, and screen-free!

This Ultimate Fourth of July Activity Bundle for Kids is packed with engaging printable games that keep kids entertained while learning and celebrating 🇺🇸

Perfect for families, classrooms, summer camps, BBQs, and holiday parties!

⭐ WHAT’S INCLUDED:

✔ 3 Themed Scavenger Hunts

• Backyard BBQ Hunt
• Parade Hunt
• Classroom Hunt
  (Each includes versions for multiple age levels!)

✔ U.S. Presidents Trivia Game (Ages 8–10)

✔ Fourth of July Fact or Fiction Game

✔ Finish the Patriotic Lyrics Game 🎶

✔ Game Show Version (Interactive Group Play!)

✔ Score Sheets + Bonus Challenge Pages

✔ Completion Certificates 🏆

✔ Parent/Teacher Instructions

🎯 PERFECT FOR:

• Fourth of July parties
• Family gatherings
• Classrooms & summer camps
• Neighborhood events
• Screen-free summer fun

🧠 WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:

• Fun + educational activities
• Easy prep (just print & play!)
• Great for mixed age groups
• Encourages teamwork + creativity

4th of July Celebration for the Family – All Ages!

This includes 6 products, including the ones up above! History resources for older kids, scavenger hunts, puzzles, a planner for your 4th of July celebration and so much more! Look at it on Teachers Pay Teachers to see how huge it is. Jump on this right away and start planning the best 4th of July party you’ve ever had! This year is a very special year, so commemorate it with a great celebration.

One thing I want to do to celebrate the 4th of July, America’s birthday, and our freedom is to go watch Young Washington at the theater. It’s in theaters starting July 3.

From the website:

“Before he was the Father of a Nation, he was a soldier fighting to survive. A single misstep thrusts young George Washington into the center of a global conflict, testing his honor, loyalty, and courage. As alliances crumble and the frontier erupts into war, he must confront not only his enemies but the man he’s becoming. This is the untold story of Young Washington.”

Here’s the website where you can find showtimes.

Here’s your recipe for the 4th of July!

4th of July Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients 

– 2 watermelons
– 1 (10.5 ounce) package fresh blueberries
– wooden skewers

Directions

1. Slice watermelon in thick slices. Cut out stars using a cookie cutter.
2. Skewer about 15 blueberries on a wooden skewer and 1 watermelon star on top. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Older kids can help with the assembly. Don’t cut the watermelon too thinly, otherwise the stars will break when you are trying to skewer them.

Serve with a side of yogurt or cream cheese dip to really stick with the red, white, and blue theme.

Cream cheese dip

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Beat cream cheese in a stand mixer until whipped; add brown sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until dip is well mixed.*You can use another kind of sugar if you prefer.

Freebie Corner

American Symbols Pattern Block Mats – These mats have patterns for American eagle, Statue of Liberty and American flag – great idea!

I just made this beautiful website called Butterfly Books! You have to see it! It’s lovely. It has a list of picture books that I have curated from my favorites that I read to my own children and new ones that I have found. These books have beautiful pictures and stories and factual information that young children can learn easily and joyfully. You can use these books in conjunction with the Butterfly Unit Study that you may already have gotten from my TPT store or you can get for $1.50. And this list is the same as on the website, but please go look at my beautiful website!

Homeschool of 1 has free worksheets for July HERE

And she has free printables for the 4th of July HERE

Here are some 4th of July freebies on Teachers Pay Teachers 

4th of July Activities, Crafts, Free Worksheets, Science and more! from 123 Homeschool 4 Me

🇺🇸 Celebrate Freedom with Bold Faith 🇺🇸
This 4th of July, wear your values loud and proud with our “We Pray in School” T-shirt. A powerful front statement reminds the world that faith still has a place in education—especially in the homeschool classroom. On the back, “Homeschoolers of America” is emblazoned alongside the American flag, honoring the freedoms that make homeschooling – and praying – possible.

Perfect for Independence Day parades, homeschool gatherings, or everyday wear, this shirt boldly celebrates faith, family, and freedom. Let’s stand for the rights we cherish and the God we serve.

✝️ Because in our schools, we still pray.
🇺🇸 Because in our nation, we are still free.

And I have a collection of Patriotic Decor and Apparel HERE at my Amazon Store!

Paula Kochanek of Speak Your Rhyme makes these patriotic stickers and t-shirt

With Free Shipping!

I discovered a lady named Alison Herron on an interview HERE.

She talked about neuroplasticity. And she has this teaching on her website.

“Did you know that your brain can “re-wire” itself? It’s called “neuroplasticity,” and it opens up exciting possibilities for healing from chronic anxiety, illness, pain, and fear. These issues sometimes arise when the limbic system gets stuck in a fight-flight-freeze-or-fawn response as the result of trauma or prolonged stress. (The “fawn” response refers to becoming an excessive people-pleaser, as though appeasing others, even at the expense of our own well-being, will somehow keep us safe.)

Once a brain becomes trapped in a state of hyper-vigilance or dysregulation, it can be very difficult to reverse, and medical interventions often fall short. And, cute web graphics notwithstanding, there’s nothing cute or funny about being stuck in this situation. It may contribute to existing anxiety, which in turn can contribute to difficulty functioning at home, at work, or in relationships. It may also cause sleep issues, illness and/or chronic pain, and destructive negative behaviors.

The issue is not that the nervous system isn’t functioning – it’s just functioning inappropriately, because its natural ebb and flow are not being properly regulated. Once a brain becomes trapped in a state of hyper-vigilance – a form of traumatic brain injury – it can be very difficult to reverse. (Learn more about this dysregulation and its causes and effects at Trauma and the Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective.)

You may believe that engaging in more fervent and faithful prayer, scripture study, obedience, and selfless service will fix things. And, sometimes, it does. But if it doesn’t, where does that leave you as a Christian? Wondering why God isn’t answering your prayers can be salt in the already-deep wounds of your ongoing distress. If this sounds familiar – whether in your own life, or the life of someone you love – please understand that it is not your fault, not permanent, and not God’s will for anyone’s life.

How Neuroplasticity Can Help

Our brains are malleable (plastic) and can be “rewired” to create lasting feelings of safety and peace, as well as physical healing… no matter our age or the duration of our suffering. The healing emotions and chemicals produced during this process have remarkable, scientifically-proven effects which facilitate the capacity for wholeness God created in us all. Principles of neuroplasticity, – also known as limbic system rewiring, or brain rewiring – when purposefully applied in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ, empower us to turn fear into peace, despair into joy, and illness into health.

Our ever-expanding library of songs has been created with this miraculous gift of self-directed healing in mind. Think of it as your home for Christ-centered MUSICAL brain rewiring! That said, we understand that the concepts of neuroplasticity and brain rewiring are unfamiliar to many people. So, we have included a lot of additional information on this website to help explain what it is, how it works, who it can benefit, how to get started, and what to expect.”

There’s so much good stuff here! I’ve been doing the songs in the playlist every day, and I’m memorizing the words and the dance moves. It’s fun, and the words are very life-giving and restorative, making my thoughts and emotions come into a place of peace and joy. I’m only on Section B, Level 2, but I’m not going to move on until I can do them perfectly. But I know this is really good for me, and I’m really enjoying it!

This is their website:
Faith Squared Music

Here are some of the great videos on their site.

And here is the playlist on YouTube that you can use to Dance Right into Wholeness!

Safe Haven Coaching

I’m putting together a coaching program that helps homeschool moms who don’t feel qualified, are afraid they’ll miss something important, or that their kids will fall behind. After we work together, they trust themselves again as their child’s teacher, stop second-guessing every decision, choose learning paths that actually fit their family, and homeschool from a place of peace – not pressure.

Start your coaching with me now!

Reminder that I’m tutoring on Zoom now!

Safe Haven Tutoring is open for business!

I taught in public school for 5 years and then homeschooled for 27 years. I have also tutored for 7 years including 3 years with Varsity Tutors and 1 year with Outschool.

I tutor Elementary through 5th grade. I specialize in Reading, Beginning Reading, Math, and English Language Arts.

✨ Here’s a testimonial from a parent whose daughter I tutored. ✨

“My youngest daughter was struggling with reading and I knew she needed some extra support. Mrs. Douglas was amazing. She took the time to get to know Abby and she made the work they did together fun. Abby looked forward to the lessons and I saw improvement quickly. Abby is a strong reader now and she reads all the time! I am so thankful for Mrs. Douglas and the help she provided. I highly recommend her as a tutor.”

I use Zoom for the sessions. I charge $30/half hour or $47/hour. You can pay through Paypal or Zelle.

If you would like to talk to me about tutoring your child, hit reply and put “Tutoring Request” in the subject line so I’ll be sure to see it.

If there’s anything I can help you with, just reach out to me. I can help with curriculum suggestions or help with problems. Or I can help you find solutions to problems that might be coming up as you try to homeschool, take care of babies and toddlers, cook and clean the house, and the million other things you have to do. I’ve been there. I know you can do this! And I would be honored to come alongside you with encouragement and solutions.

To book a 15 minute call with me just go to:
https://calendly.com/safehavenhomeschool

And << Test First Name >>,

 If you have a friend who you think would like to read this newsletter, please pass it on!

And if you have a prayer request, hit reply and let me know how I can pray for you. I really will pray for you. You can count on it!

Make sure you come back next month when we talk about a funny birthday story since next month is birthday month for me and my youngest daughter.

See you next month!

With hope for homeschoolers,

Penney Douglas, B.S. in Elem. Ed.

Safe Haven Homeschooling

Safe Haven Homeschooling Resources

My books on Amazon

Curriculum I’ve created with a Charlotte Mason twist plus other conventional types of curriculum

E-course I created – The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling

Coaching Course I created – Also called The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling – I take you through the course and do a coaching call with you each month

My shop for homeschool merch, t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, phone covers, and much more!

linktr.ee/penneydouglas – All the places you can find me!

Changed By Love – My original Blog about Homeschooling, Family, Faith, and Alternative News

My YouTube Channel – Safe Haven Homeschooling Channel – Homeschool Encouragement for Newbies and Burnt-out veterans, Family projects, Relationship Building, and Interviews with Homeschool Experts

My Substack – Where I share posts with a rich blend of educational insight, spiritual encouragement, and practical wisdom to help families embrace homeschooling as a lifestyle—not just a school alternative.

My interview about Homeschooling with Ramona Trevino of Blossoms of My Life

My interview about Refined By Fire – Our Family’s Journey with Ramona Trevino of Blossoms of My Life Radio

Rakuten – Use my link for savings when you shop at your favorite stores

Etsy store SafeHavenByPenney

Homeschooling Can Be Fun Facebook group

Make Homeschooling Joyful and Creative – website with resources to help you make homeschooling fun