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You might have noticed many homeschooling families spend a lot of time outdoors, regardless of the season of the year. If you need to jumpstart your homeschooling, consider the potential benefits of going outside more. Continue reading »
The education pendulum swings, and homeschoolers often swing along with the trends of public schools. I’m old enough to have heard the experts be sure of phonics then whole language then phonics again. I’ve been through arithmetic, new math, and Common Core math. Various approaches to education have experts in their corner, and the experts often draw the battle lines clearly. Their way is the way. You do it their way, or you are doing it the wrong way. At least that’s the perception. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Consider Both/And instead of Either/Or. Continue reading »
Reading aloud doesn’t come without its challenges — especially when you have multiple kids spanning a wide range of ages. How do you choose what book to read? Do you pick one on the oldest’s reading level? The youngest’s? What time of day do you read? And for how long? How do you keep them quiet and listening harmoniously? Continue reading »
How do you make language arts fun and engaging? There are lots of ways you can do this, and it depends on your child’s age, your goals, and your time, and perhaps your state’s requirements. I’m sharing some of our favorite language arts resources below that can work for a wide variety of ages and stages. Continue reading »
Studying scientific current events—or science news—is a good way to help your kids understand that scientists are always learning and revising their understanding. Here are some ways you can follow science news with your kids as a way to help them understand the scientific process. Continue reading »
When I sit down to plan homeschool this summer, it will be for three high schoolers. Were all of our homeschool days these last ten years filled with Instagram-worthy shares and fantastic projects and the best curricula and memorizing things? No, not even a little. If I’m being honest, most days were pretty ho-hum and some seasons we were literally just getting by with meals, Lego building, and lots of television. So, what do my three kids remember about their early years of homeschooling? I recently chatted with them and was pleasantly surprised to get some good feedback and not too many grumbles. Continue reading »
What makes spring? The vernal equinox! Well, at least that’s the term for what’s happening as the Earth’s tilt and revolution around the sun change whether the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere gets the most sunlight. Learning about the vernal equinox is a great way to welcome spring. Continue reading »
Since we’re spending more time at home right now (and I’m a work-from-home mom), it’s vital that we have stuff to keep the kids busy and engaged — and one part of that, for our family, is TV that’s both educational AND entertaining. That is the beauty I’ve found in Disney+. Here are 6 science shows on Disney+ your kids (and you!) will love. Continue reading »
You might have noticed many homeschooling families spend a lot of time outdoors, regardless of the season of the year. If you need to jumpstart your homeschooling, consider the potential benefits of going outside more. Continue reading »
We’re halfway through February. Can we do this? February is the second semester version of October. Here’s how to get perspective on the February blahs, when new pencils aren’t sharp and our own minds don’t feel so sharp either. Continue reading »
It’s too wet and muddy to go to the playground and as newbs to our state, we just don’t have the proper outdoor gear to enjoy extended periods out in the cold. When it’s gray and dreary and the weather just won’t let up, what’s a mom to do? Move the party indoors, of course! Continue reading »
Our twins, now 13, are in eighth grade. When we started the academic year, I sat down with each twin (a boy and a girl) to discuss what they wanted to learn about this homeschool year and to share what I had planned for them as well. Homeschooling middle school is a fluid, flexible few years. I have an older son, now in high school, and he was my test subject and helped me loosen up my rigid thoughts and fears that middle school had to JUST be a launching pad to high school. We’re interest-led with a dollop of what I call my “non-negotiables.” Continue reading »
As home educators, we have the flexibility to craft learning experiences for our kids that don’t have to follow the traditional school path to a tee. But, what about other skills and topics beyond math, language arts, and science? I remember taking Home Economics in school (back in the 1980s), shop class, study habit classes, health classes, etc. When we choose to homeschool our kids, we need to cover these topics as well. I’ve put together a list below of classes and subjects to consider, especially with your teens. Continue reading »
Homeschoolers know we can help our kids learn through life experience, curriculum, field trips, art, library books, nature walks, documentaries, and projects. Don’t forget games! Playing games with your kids has so many benefits. Here’s how playing games can help your kids. Continue reading »
Winter is the perfect time for a bird unit study! Birds can provide you and your kids with a wild distraction from current events, a connection to the natural world, and a chance to be grounded in an off-screen reality. If you’re in a winter climate, the leafless trees, snow, and dormant vegetation provide a crisp backdrop for spotting birds. In moderate climates, your locale may be the recipient of migratory birds, providing an ideal opportunity to spot species that aren’t around during other times of the year. Continue reading »
If you’ve got high-energy kids, you may find yourself humming those catchy lyrics when the weather won’t cooperate and outdoor playtime isn’t on the day’s agenda. Here are 10 screen-free activities to keep high-energy kids entertained indoors on bad weather days. Continue reading »
In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, winter is downright chilling, and both the season and the change from Daylight Saving Time mean the sun sets early. An activity that works well for homeschoolers this time of year is amateur astronomy—and you don’t even have to stay up late to see the night sky! Continue reading »
After planning the perfect homeschool schedule, imagine my surprise when my three precious (and energetic) children didn’t always stay on task or got sick, or plans changed, etc. After trial and error and tears (mine and my kids), I realized that just because we chose to homeschool, didn’t mean I had to do it all and do it all perfectly. I learned that I had to practice homeschooling and the art of letting go. Continue reading »
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When you think of the first day of school, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you imagine crisp autumn air. Maybe you picture fun “first day” signs and shiny new backpacks. Likely, in your mind, the start of school syncs up with the end of summer. What if it didn’t though? What if your school year ran in line with the calendar year? Continue reading »
What do we, as homeschooling parents, want this holiday season so that we can stay fresh, sane, and grateful? I’ve put together a list that I hope will inspire you and make you smile too. Continue reading »
The celebration of Christmas offers a world of fun activities and lesson opportunities for homeschoolers. From recipes and crafts to discussing the historical and cultural background of Christmas traditions, opportunities for learning are endless. Continue reading »
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