Hi, I’m Tracy—former elementary teacher of thirteen glue-stick-covered, book-loving years, now homeschool mom to two adventurous boys (Kindergarten Captain and Toddler Deckhand). After years in the classroom, I’m trading school bells for backyard bird calls and building something new: a home where learning is rooted in values and fueled by curiosity.
From Classroom to Couch (and Beyond)
I spent over a decade teaching Pre-K through Fifth Grade in public schools. I gave early mornings, late nights, and way too many Target dollar-spot purchases to other people’s children—an honor I’ll always cherish.
Then, after a long journey through infertility, I finally held my own babies—and everything shifted.
I began to wonder:
- What if field trips weren’t occasional rewards, but a way of life?
- What if academics were built on top of connection and character, not in place of them?
- What if home wasn’t just a shelter, but a school filled with meaning?
So I left the classroom behind, and Anchor and Sail Collective was born.
What Does “Anchor and Sail” Mean?
Anchor = Grounding our days in home rhythms, character-building habits, and strong family ties.
Here, we focus on:
- One character trait at a time through secular, literature-rich units
- Simple daily practices—like affirmations, chores, and reflections—that teach kindness, responsibility, patience, and more
- Connection-first learning, where emotional growth matters just as much as academics
Sail = Saying yes to wonder—exploring the world beyond worksheets.
You’ll find us:
- Turning nature walks into science lessons
- Reading aloud under the stars
- Taking “learning vacations” instead of waiting for summer
- Using our curiosity to guide our homeschool journey
What You’ll Find on the Blog
This site is equal parts teacher know-how, homeschool heart, and real-life family chaos.
I share:
- Character-building units that are hands-on, secular, and designed to stick
- How-to guides for gentle homeschooling with intention (especially for early learners)
- Field trip and travel ideas that turn any zoo pass or camping trip into a living classroom
- Teacher hacks reimagined for the couch, the car, and the kitchen counter
- Honest reflections on what’s working (and what’s not) in our homeschool life
Why I’m Here (Even Before I “Have It All Figured Out”)
I’m not here to teach from a mountaintop. I’m here to share the map as I draw it.
You’ll see:
- The joy of my five-year-old proudly reciting our affirmation while stashing Hot Wheels in his shoebox organizer
- The frustration when plan A melts down by 10 a.m. and the toddler’s covered in marker
- The messy, beautiful work of rethinking everything I was taught about teaching
If anything I share helps you feel less alone—or gives you a fresh spark of inspiration—I’ll count that a win.
Come Learn With Us
Anchor and Sail Collective is for families who want to:
- Homeschool with heart
- Teach character and life skills with intention
- Let curiosity lead
- Create a childhood rooted in connection, not just curriculum
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Neither do I. Let’s build something beautiful, one day at a time.
Stay as long as you’d like- bring your coffee.
Anchor and Sail Collective 