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Here we are at the other blank slate moment, the New Year—which means co-op starts anew after a holiday break, new calendars are hung on the wall, new commitments to schedules and habits are made, art supplies are refreshed, and math and reading get new approaches. What if we could keep the blank slate feeling all the time? Here are some ways you can. Continue reading »
Homeschooling high school can be challenging. And it would be a disservice to you, the reader, if I pretended that it was all sunshine, rainbows, and parent-teen bonding 24/7. But just because something is challenging, doesn't mean we should just give up on it, right? Let's dive in and chat about three challenging things when it comes to homeschooling high school and some tips on how to address them. Continue reading »
No-matter-what holiday traditions are a solid foundation for family bonds, whether they are traditions you are starting or ones you are continuing from your own childhood. This is ours. Continue reading »
Gameschooling is a popular term in the homeschool world — and for good reason (hint - it works!). Learn what gameschooling is and see examples of games you can play with your kids to teach a variety of subjects. Continue reading »
Take advantage of learning with your mobile phone by using these identification apps. Download a couple of these apps and show your kid how to use the apps to identify wildlife, the stars, and phases of the moon. Continue reading »
Pets are fun and offer so many learning opportunities. Here are 8 reasons why pets are good for homeschool families and some creative alternatives for apartment dwellers and those with allergies. Continue reading »
Looking to start homeschooling and you have teens? I've put together five helpful tips to help you get started. You and your teen can partner to create a unique home education adventure. Continue reading »
Homeschooling is a drag with a child who will not try, does not give a good effort, makes a mess, doesn’t take responsibilities seriously, and doesn’t care a bit about the amount of effort you are putting into homeschooling. If they would just stop being lazy, you could get through the school work and have time to do things they might even find more enjoyable. What’s wrong with this picture? Continue reading »
October is Fire Prevention Month in the U.S., most often communicated to us with reminders to check the batteries in our smoke detectors as Halloween approaches. Here are some ways that as homeschoolers we can do more than check smoke detectors to prepare for what may come, whether that be fire safety or another emergency. Continue reading »
As I came into my own as a homeschooling parent, I realized that academics—while important—were not the main focus of our days.
Instead, these five important areas have become our core values. Continue reading »
One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the freedom it allows my kids to explore their passions and interests. Here is a list of resources for you to check out if you have a teen and that likes technology, learning new skills, and exploring their interests. Continue reading »
Even if you know you’re on the right path as a homeschool parent, there will still be bumps in the road. Here are 40 quotes to encourage you and help you keep moving forward. Continue reading »
If your homeschooling is taking too long, and it’s having a negative effect, you missed the moment to quit while you were ahead. Demanding more than children can give in a single day or a single session doesn’t actually help you stay on pace. Try this shift in strategy to reverse setbacks. Continue reading »
If you live in an urban area where nature is elusive, don’t assume that there’s no nature to be found! Here are some ways that city-dwelling families can get outside and find nature in their urban surroundings. Continue reading »
This post was originally published as the introduction to an issue of TheHomeSchoolMom newsletter. Sign up here and get access to subscriber exclusive resources. I’m reading lots of frantic posts on social media requesting help finding the best homeschool curriuculum (or at least better-than-what-we’re-using-now curriculum). I’m seeing lots of concern over creating the perfect homeschool Continue reading »
Do you have a reluctant reader? If so, here’s how TV can help aid in the learning-to-read process. Even if your kids are bookworms, there are benefits to watching TV shows and movies together if it’s something your family enjoys. Continue reading »
If you want to liven up homeschool for your older kids as you start the new year, consider whether they might be ready for a mentor. Mentors can be powerful positive influences in the lives of homeschooled teens. Here are six ways mentors can help homeschooled teens. Continue reading »
Back-to-school is firmly established in the seasonal section of the big discount stores, and the mom and pop shops do their part to stock up on the awesome pens, backpacks and planners families need or want on hand to prepare for school. But what does your homeschooling family need? None of the above? All the things? Continue reading »
You might like to hear about what I’ve been seeing while in the thick of homeschool evaluation season in Virginia. I meet with families, and they tell me what they’ve been learning about and show me evidence of progress. I write a letter documenting that progress as one way of satisfying our state’s annual homeschool requirements. I've previously shared some of the things I have seen when I review homeschool learning. Here are more ways homeschoolers have shared their learning with me. Continue reading »
During 2020, many parents felt extra-justified and got less criticism for homeschooling because of school closings. You may feel like a target now, with school attendance returning as a default expectation in many communities. What can you do when people feel comfortable making negative comments about your choice to homeschool? Try one or more of these strategies. Continue reading »
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