Hi, I’m Cindy, your homeschool science and nature teacher!
Or, as many homeschool families know me, Mrs. Cindy from No Sweat Nature Study.
For more than 20 years, I’ve been helping homeschool families make learning creative, joyful, and meaningful. I hold a master’s degree in education, but my greatest qualifications come from homeschooling my own children and spending two decades helping other families do the same. Today, I teach thousands of students through No Sweat Nature Study, create homeschool curriculum, and speak at homeschool conventions across the country.
But none of that is what led me here.
Like many homeschool parents, I simply wanted my children to love learning.
I wanted them to ask questions, think deeply, read broadly, spend time outdoors, and discover that education is about so much more than checking boxes and memorizing facts. Over the years, our homeschool became a blend of living books, nature study, hands-on projects, living math, habit training, and plenty of adventures both inside and outside the home.
Those experiences eventually grew into Our Journey Westward – a place where I can encourage and equip other homeschool families to create meaningful learning experiences of their own.
What You’ll Find Here
Whether you’re looking for science curriculum, homeschool encouragement, practical teaching ideas, or fresh inspiration, you’ll find resources designed to help you teach with confidence.
No Sweat Nature Study
Engaging science classes for students in grades 1–8 through the lens of nature. Families can choose between LIVE classes with interactive nature journaling or access a growing library of more than 175 on-demand lessons.
No Sweat Nature Study Podcast
Short, nature-based science episodes that make it easy for families to explore fascinating topics together.
Homeschool Resources & Blog Articles
Browse nearly 20 years of blog posts filled with literature lists, nature study ideas, hands-on projects, curriculum reviews, unit studies, and practical homeschool encouragement.
Curriculum & Educational Resources
From nature study guides and living math resources to unit studies and creative homeschool materials, you’ll find practical tools designed to make teaching easier and learning more engaging.
Homeschool Masterclasses
Practical training for homeschool parents who want to confidently implement nature study, living math, Charlotte Mason methods, and other creative teaching strategies.
Speaking & Events
I regularly speak at homeschool conventions, conferences, and online events, encouraging families to embrace creative and meaningful learning.
Our Homeschool Philosophy
Our homeschool style has always been eclectic with a Charlotte Mason heart.
Over the years, we’ve combined short lessons, living books, nature study, living math, handicrafts, narration, notebooking, habit training, and project-based learning. The variety keeps learning fresh, encourages creativity, and allows children to make meaningful connections across subjects.
Yet my most important homeschool goal has never been academic.
I plan, prepare, and teach so that my children will be equipped for whatever work the Lord has prepared for them. More importantly, I hope to guide them gently toward Him each day.
Do I do that perfectly? Not even close.
But by God’s grace, it has been a joy to watch my children grow in knowledge, character, and faith. I wouldn’t trade this homeschooling life for anything.