How We Make Time for Learning on Busy Days

How do I make time for learning in busy mom days? It can be a jungle raising four kids…There are days when the morning rush feels like a marathon before breakfast.

The baby needs a diaper change, my toddler is missing one shoe (and somehow found glitter glue), and our homeschool day hasn’t even begun. We’re out the door to the chiropractor by 9:00 AM, followed by a playdate at the park, and a few errands that always take longer than planned.

Motherhood is busy, to say the least.

But one thing that doesn’t get lost in the noise of our days? Learning.

I have been pleasantly surprised how easy it is to incorporate learning into our day, which was my original concern when starting homeschooling.

Even amidst the car seat buckles which take an extra ten minutes, prepping for the day, making lunch (and cleaning up after all meals), learning is still woven into the rhythm of our lives.

That’s the beauty of homeschooling: you get to shape it to fit your real life—and with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be complicated. You get to set the rules!

Our Anchor: Time4Learning Digital Curriculum

Time4Learning has become one of the most important tools in our homeschool journey.

It’s more than just a learning tool, it’s a full curriculum, accessible anywhere, and designed to grow with your child. Whether we’re curled up on the couch, on a road trip, or waiting on the bleachers for a sibling’s practice to end, Time4Learning fits into our flow.

Why we love it:

• PreK–12th grade curriculum that covers math, language arts, science, and more

• Interactive multimedia lessons that keep kids engaged (even my wiggliest one!)

• Self-paced learning so every child can move at their speed

• Automatic grading & recordkeeping that makes portfolio reviews easy

• Access anywhere—no rigid schedule, no printed packets to carry

4 Other Learning Apps We Love in Our Homeschool

1. One Minute Reader (by Read Naturally)

Best for: Early readers, reluctant readers, or children who need fluency practice

This app has been a gentle yet effective way to build reading fluency and confidence. It uses a timed, guided reading approach with audio support to help children read along, then re-read for improvement.

Top Features:

• Fluency building through repeated reading

• Self-correcting, audio-supported lessons

• Vocabulary and comprehension questions

• Motivating progress tracking

2. ST Math

Best for: Visual learners, math thinkers, and kids who struggle with traditional math instruction

ST Math is a completely visual, logic-based math program that builds concepts before introducing math language. My kids love JiJi the penguin, and I love that they’re learning to think and problem-solve—not just memorize formulas.

Top Features:

• Game-based, visual learning

• Conceptual understanding without early reliance on symbols

• Builds math confidence from pre-K through middle school

• Progress tracking for parents

3. IXL

Best for: Mastery-based learners and those who thrive on targeted practice

IXL is a comprehensive platform that covers all core subjects, but it shines in the way it adapts to your child’s skill level. Whether you’re working through a full curriculum or just need extra practice on a tricky concept, IXL meets your child where they are.

Top Features:

• Diagnostic testing to personalize learning

• Real-time skill adaptation

• Detailed explanations and feedback

• Covers PreK–12th grade in math, language arts, science, and social studies

4. SplashLearn

Best for: Younger learners needing interactive practice in math and reading

This app is vibrant, engaging, and perfect for early elementary learners. It turns core skills into games that are fun but effective—ideal for our younger homeschoolers who need movement, sounds, and color in their learning.

Top Features:

• Game-based learning aligned to common core standards

• Reading and math for PreK–5th grade

• Progress reports for parents

• Option for live classes and personalized learning paths

Real Life Learning, Made Simple

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a Pinterest‑perfect scene of children quietly journaling at the kitchen table. Most days, it looks more like learning while babywearing, teaching fractions in the backseat, and reading aloud between doctor’s appointments.

These apps help make that real‑life learning possible. They’re flexible, thorough, and designed with busy families in mind.

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or just trying to make your days more manageable, know this: it’s okay to lean on tools that help. You don’t have to do it all from scratch.

Let the chaos come—because learning?

We’re never too busy for that. Have you tried any of these curriculums? Let me know in the comments below!

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