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 »
Hitting the February Homeschool Wall
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 »
10 "Kid-Approved" Workouts on YouTube for Homeschool P.E. Class on Cold Winter Days
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 Interest-Led Middle School Homeschool
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 »
6 Topics to Round Out Your Homeschool Schedule
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 »
Benefits of Playing Games with Kids
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 »
Make Your Own Bird Unit Study
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 »
10 Screen-Free Ways to Keep High-Energy Kids Entertained Indoors
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 »
Night Vision: Homeschool Astronomy Activities
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 »
Homeschooling and the Art of Letting Go
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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Benefits of Year-Round Homeschooling from January to December
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 »
20 Things Almost Every Homeschool Parent Wants This Holiday Season
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 »
Christmas Around the World for Kids
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 »
Grandparent Tips for Helping during Virtual Learning
If your kids are learning at home for virtual classes, it’s time to call on grandparents, family friends, and helpful aunts and uncles to join your virtual education team. How can they help via Facetime or Zoom? Share these nineteen ideas for your relatives and friends who are meeting with your kids online. Continue reading »
7 Holiday Activities for Kids for Frugal Family Fun
We’ve put together a handy list of ways to keep the family entertained that are budget-friendly, easy to pull together, and fun for all ages! Continue reading »
How Will You Change Homeschooling?
A question to consider: how will you change homeschooling? You might be a long-term homeschooler, or you might be homeschooling in reaction to public school closures and virtual classes. If so, your choice, along with the choices of many others, may impact both public school and homeschooling. Will the public education ecosystem change as a result of so many people opting out of the public schools? Will homeschooling change? Continue reading »
8 Reasons I am Grateful to Be Homeschooling
There are thousands of reasons to be grateful for homeschooling. I was so inspired when I polled my Instagram community and they shared all the reasons they love and appreciate the ability to homeschool. These are my top 8. What are yours? Continue reading »
Plan Now for Homeschool End-of-Year Requirements
Many homeschoolers have to submit an end-of-year homeschool progress report of some kind to meet state, school division, or charter school requirements. Plan now to save yourself turmoil and make that process easier by asking yourself these questions now to prepare for spring requirements. Continue reading »
10 Ways To Nurture Your Child’s Creativity
We all want to nurture our children to develop their creative potential and find opportunities for artistic expression (especially as homeschooling parents), but sometimes we may worry about what our role should be in that process. Here are ten starting points for nurturing your child’s creativity... Continue reading »
Our 10th Grade Plan for a Non-Traditional Learner
Our 10th grade non-traditional learner stated that he wanted to tackle more challenging content, more in-person classes with homework and projects, and wanted to be in charge of his schedule. I got to work researching local classes, online classes, curricula, and more. We had long conversations, lots of texting back and forth, and finally came up with a plan that worked for him, for me and his dad, and for our budget and schedule. Continue reading »
