You may have never thought you would consider homeschooling, or maybe you were thinking about starting in the fall, but circumstances are forcing you to consider bringing your child home mid-year. Perhaps it is bullying, a negative school environment, an illness, school anxiety, a stressful family situation, or some other unexpected circumstance causing you to consider pulling your child out before the end of the school year. Regardless of the motivation, your first question is likely, “Can I start homeschooling mid-year?” Continue reading »
Homeschooling Thoughts
Mid-Year Homeschooling: Connection, Not Curriculum
Did you or someone you know just start homeschooling “after the holidays” – right in the middle of the school year? “What curriculum should I use?” Even among experienced homeschoolers, January ruminations run toward assessing the curriculum and whether it is working. I know you don’t want to hear this – but your homeschool priority should be connection, not curriculum. Continue reading »
Adjusting to Homeschooling Mid-Year
Making the decision to switch gears and begin homeschooling partway through the school year takes courage and faith. Whatever you were doing before wasn’t working, and whatever you are beginning hasn’t had time to feel routine yet. Here are ten suggestions to ease the way. 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 »
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 »