A Homecoming
By Kimberly Somarriba
Have you ever felt like you’re swimming against the current? Maybe you’ve struggled to find homeschooling families in your community. Maybe you’ve been answering a lot of questions such as why bother with nature study or classical music, will the humanities really help your kids in this tech-driven world, or even - what’s the point of writing when students can just use AI? Sometimes it is edifying to participate in these conversations, and sometimes I just want to be in the company of friends and fellow sojourners who get it.
One of my favorite memories from the CMI conference last year actually occurred after the conference ended. My teenager, my mom, the Assistant Conference Coordinator (my two-month-old baby,) and I headed to the beautiful Driftwood Beach, GA, to take in the sunset. Lo and behold, as we walked onto the beach, we saw one familiar face after another. I should have known that we would find a bunch of Charlotte Mason educators at this incredible nature spot. Some of us stood on the beach and chatted, some were in the waves belly laughing and enjoying the water, others were hunting for treasures, video calling their kids at home, or enjoying a moment of quiet after a full weekend.
We had just spent the weekend immersed in Mason’s ideas, and we were living them out right then and there - together. No explanations required, we were simply present together in that beautiful place.. I couldn’t help but think about all my fellow Alveary users and wish we could all have an experience like this - to feel that camaraderie with fellow educators passionate about relational education.
It felt like belonging.
As an Alveary member, you have a unique opportunity to come together with other educators who are walking this path too. We might come from a variety of different homes or schools, but we have so much in common. The conference offers many workshops and opportunities for your professional development. It also offers time for fellowship and connection. Sing a hymn or have lunch alongside a new friend. Take a short walk in the woods and process some of what you’ve learned that day. Meet up with fellow Alveary families after dinner. This is a time for you to belong. To be present in a community.
I hope to see you there! This week, in celebration of mothers and teachers, we are giving away a conference experience! Please check out the giveaway on our social media and share with a friend!
Spotlight: May is packed with giveaways leading up to our Alveary 2026–27 Lesson Plan Launch Party on June 4th. If you’re a 2026–27 Alveary member, you’re already entered. Winners will be announced in Alveary Weekly and emailed directly. You can also earn bonus entries by sharing and tagging us on social media. This week's winner: Heidi E.Next giveaway: Video Latin Course!
Notes:
- Alveary+: Syllabird recently released a dark theme by popular request. You can enable it anytime in your settings. They’re also rolling out a new drag-and-drop feature that makes planning even easier. If you registered for Alveary+ this year, check your email for your unique code to activate your account.
- 2026–27: Have you seen the new Foundations content? We especially recommend this video on approaching lessons with flexibility.
- Latin: Alveary includes Latin lesson plans with your membership. Members also have the option to add an online video course, and since we’re giving one away this week, we wanted to highlight it. Learn more here.
- Office Hours: Join us for a relaxed conversation with the Alveary team, where you can ask questions, explore the dashboard, and feel supported as you begin the year. RSVP here.
- Nature Readers: Great news! Our new nature readers are now available for purchase. If you pick up a copy, we’d be grateful if you’d leave a review on Amazon to help other families find it. Look under grade 1 and 2 science (natural history) in the 2026-27 book list here.
- Home Science Tools: Use code ALVEARY10 during the month of May to get 10% off your order. Only one offer code may be used per order. Discount does not apply to shipping, tax, gift certificates, sale items, or select individual products. Maximum discount amount cannot exceed $150. Offer expires on 5/31/26.
- 2026 CMI Conference: Will we see you this summer at Faithfully Present? We’re especially looking forward to the Fireside Chat, “When the Hive Meets in Real Life,” a space for real conversation and connection for Alveary members. Bring friends and save with the group discount when four or more register together.
- Friends & Fellow Labourers: The first Friends and Fellow Labourers talk is this month. Join Amber O’Neal Johnston for “Parenting the Charlotte Mason Way,” a conversation on living out these principles at home. Saturday, 30 May 2026 | 3:00–4:30 pm Learn more here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
