Brookside Music is committed to providing students with patient instruction in a creative and positive environment. Our individualized piano lessons are fun and inspiring for all students, from beginners to advanced! Flexible lesson times are available for home-schoolers, retirees and stay-at-home parents. At Brookside Music, patient instruction and positive guidance make learning fun and inspiring. Continue reading »
Search Results for: interest led learning
8 Things That Are Working in Our Homeschool Right Now
During certain times of the year, I can be a "Debbie Downer" when it comes to homeschooling. Everything looks and feels difficult. Or wrong. Or annoying. Changing my perspective and focusing on the positives and the positively awesome helps me feel anchored. Here are a few of the things that I'm focusing on right now. Do any of them resonate for you? Continue reading »
Should I Homeschool? 8 Questions To Ask Yourself
As you consider homeschooling, answering these questions will help you to decide whether homeschooling is a good fit for your child, for you, and for your family situation. Continue reading »
Where To Turn When You Have Questions About Homeschooling
I don’t know everything about homeschooling. I don’t always know what to do with my gaggle of kids. I don’t always know if I’m pushing too hard or not enough or if we should just throw in the towel. I need expert guidance for this homeschooling journey, especially during the high school years. I needed someone who’d been down this path with a teen similar to mine and could listen and offer suggestions. Continue reading »
3 Simple Steps to Successful (and Fun) Homeschool Parent/Teacher Conferences
If you attended traditional schools growing up, then your teachers usually held parent-teacher conferences and had teacher “in-service” days. That meant no school for the students and a day for teachers to review, plan, and prep lesson plans. They meet with parents to discuss students' work and progress and answer questions. Well, what about us homeschooling parents? We’re parents and teachers. How does this work? Continue reading »
30+ Educational Podcasts for Homeschoolers with Teens
Do you use educational podcasts for homeschooling? If not, you should! Podcasts are a great way for homeschoolers to explore a variety of topics and current events. Podcasts can be easily integrated into nearly all subject areas. Depending on the podcast platform you're using, you can search for topics, people, events, etc. We've recently had some great conversations about the Loch Ness Monster, Amelia Earhart, and King Arthur. Continue reading »
Our 9th Grade Plan for a Non-Traditional Learner
Since it can be helpful to read about what other homeschoolers are doing for high school, I’ve detailed out our plan for our first year of homeschooling high school with a non-traditional learner. I’m not an expert by any means—my teen is my guinea pig and I definitely needed some guidelines on how I could build an experience for him and not just school. My kid thrives on experiences. The more the better. Continue reading »
Homeschooling a Non-Traditional Learner for High School
My oldest child started high school at home this year. He's a very non-traditional learner, which can present a challenge when mom is the opposite. I never intended to homeschool and I really couldn't imagine homeschooling high school. But here we are, and here's how we are preparing a high school plan that works for us. Continue reading »
My Favorite Homeschooling and Parenting Podcasts
Are you a podcast lover like me? If you're a busy homeschooling mom (and I know you are), podcasts are a perfect way to learn, laugh and, let's be honest, block out the 237 questions about food choices and screen time. I've curated a list of my current favorite homeschooling and parenting podcasts. These are my go-to podcasts for encouragement, ideas, and connection. Grab your earbuds and let's get listening! Continue reading »
The Magic, Mayhem, and Mostly Awesomeness of Middle School Homeschooling
When I decided to tackle a blog post about our 7th grade plans for my twins, I had to pause and catch my breath. How are they already in 7th grade? Why are they taller than me? Will they notice if we do Five In A Row again for old time’s sake? My oldest, a rising high schooler, made his way through middle school homeschool. Sometimes, his learning looked super structured, but often it looked more unschool-ish than I had anticipated. Here are my three key insights about homeschooling middle school . . . Continue reading »
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is an entirely outdoor early childhood program. They are committed to nature immersion, interest-led learning, inquiry-based teaching, and authentic play. The ever-changing landscape of the Arnold Arboretum provides endless opportunities to spark children's curiosity, discovery, and learning. They build community while valuing each child’s unique experiences and needs.
Creating a Teen Book Club to Build Connections
My newly 13 year old son was insisting that he wanted different school projects that didn’t always include his younger siblings (11 year old twins). After discussing, we decided to start a teen book club that would appease my desire for him to branch out into other literary genres AND would give him a social opportunity with his friends. There would, of course, be lots of food too. Continue reading »
Lighthouse Teacher Services
Lighthouse Teacher Services exists to help homeschooling families achieve their goals, offering small group classes in Spanish language and English literature and composition, consultation, and presentations on topics of homeschool interest. Students benefit from the personal attention of the small group setting, as well as the knowledge and enthusiasm of an experienced teacher. Parents benefit Continue reading »
How We Keep a Spring in Our Springtime Homeschooling
Spring might be my favorite time to homeschool. It has quickly replaced the awesomeness of back-to-homeschool in late summer. It’s not necessarily because of the weather—spring just feels different. My kids are all working on different things at this point. It can be overwhelming because I feel like I'm not staying on top of everyone's everything. In the end, that's not my job. My role is to be an Educational Opportunity Provider. We can flow with the seasons and our energy levels. It's spring and it's a good time to both shake things up and create a flowing routine. Continue reading »
Homestead Economics
Homestead Economics is a exciting and innovative education program offering homesteaders aged 8 and up the opportunity to experience the building of an urban homestead. We will learn the traditional home based arts including organic gardening, animal care, natural medicine, knitting, cooking, sewing and anything else that captures our interest. Homestead Economics offers two programs. Continue reading »
Ask Jeanne: Do I Need Teacher Training to Homeschool?
I am not a parent yet but intend on having children and homeschooling them in the future. I've done a lot of research but never really found an answer to my question. I know that in my state it is not necessary for the parent to have a teaching degree, but I'd like to know whether getting a teaching degree (there are some online as well) or even attending a few college courses surrounding how to teach children would benefit the parent homeschooling the children. I'm getting my pharmacy doctorate so a teaching degree would be extra time and money so I'd like your opinion on whether you think it would be worth it. Continue reading »
Benefit of Homeschooling: Embracing the Wide Range of Normal
When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. One of the benefits of homeschooling is parents' ability to shape education to fit each, not all. Kids come with a wide range of abilities—academically, developmentally, socially, temperamentally, artistically, physically, and emotionally. Expectations in schools are based on a "standard" student when there is no standard student. Kids mature at different rates, have unique interests, have their own home environments, and have their own genetic traits. Here's how homeschooling can make the most of that. Continue reading »
10 Tips for Adjusting to Homeschooling or a New Curriculum
Has your family recently made a decision to switch gears and begin homeschooling or use a new curriculum? Either way, embarking on a different educational path takes courage and faith, and it may take time to find your rhythm. Here are ten suggestions to ease the way. Continue reading »
Ask Jeanne: Tips for Homeschooling a Difficult or Defiant Child
My 7-yr old spends most of her homeschool time in tantrums wanting to short-cut her work. We have tried everything from punishment to taking away free-time activities. I am at my wit's end and I don't know what to do to get her to do her school work without a meltdown every few minutes. Do you have any advice that may help? Continue reading »
IDEA Curriculum Fair - Juneau
The IDEA Curriculum Fair at Juneau Christian Center in Juneau on Thursday, April 25th. A wonderful day or two learning about curriculum and homeschooling! If you haven't been to one of these homeschool conferences, it's hard to describe what a great surprise you have in store: inspiring talks, informative workshops, practical tips, supportive community, door Continue reading »
IDEA Curriculum Fair - Soldotna
The IDEA Curriculum Fair at Soldotna Wed-Thur, 4/17-18 (Sterling Community Center) A wonderful day or two learning about curriculum and homeschooling! If you haven't been to one of these homeschool conferences, it's hard to describe what a great surprise you have in store: inspiring talks, informative workshops, practical tips, supportive community, door prizes, and an Continue reading »
Are You a Type B Homeschooler?
I don’t particularly love labels—they can be too general or cause assumptions and are likely not 100% accurate. That said, labels can be helpful when you’re searching for information on various topics. Google is better when you’re using key words, which is how I heard of Type B homeschooling a few years ago. A good old Google search brought me to a few articles, which I read and breathed a sigh of relief. I felt like I discovered a secret society of homeschoolers. I was not alone. Fast forward to this past summer, when a good friend and I were chatting, and we both realized we were talking about the same thing. Type B Homeschooling. Continue reading »
Create an Engaging Homeschool Geography Club
Geography. It was not my favorite subject growing up in traditional schools, and I wanted to teach homeschool geography differently from the way I learned it in school. Sure, I knew my states, could identify other countries, large bodies of water, various cities, etc. But, the process was lots of memorizing, spitting out facts, and then promptly forgetting everything. I didn’t want that for my kids. When we began homeschooling, I knew I wanted my kids to have a natural curiosity about out our world. I wanted our homeschool geography study to be something that we naturally discussed in fun and hands-on ways, using a variety of resources. Continue reading »
Right-Brained Reading
Kids with right-brain characteristics have hit the jackpot when it comes to homeschooling! Although students with a right-brain orientation often struggle in traditional school environments, homeschooling provides the perfect flexibility and individualization to help these children shine! Previous articles explore specific techniques and strategies to help these learners be successful in math. But what about reading? Continue reading »
Right-Brained Reading Strategies, Part 2
Children with right-brain characteristics can learn to read effectively! These holistic thinkers often just need a different approach - one with plenty of visual and kinesthetic stimuli, and a whole-to-part perspective. A previous article provided an overview of the characteristics of the right-brained reader, and Right-brained Reading Strategies detailed a variety of approaches and resources to help these kids read effectively. Don't stress out, homeschool moms - use some of these additional strategies to help your right-brained reader maximize his or her potential. Continue reading »
Fun Thanksgiving Unit Studies for November
Well, it's already into the first week of November, and I'm realizing that I am supposed to be doing something Thanksgiving-y with my kids. I mean, I even write for TheHomeSchoolMom on creative ways to celebrate the holiday with the family, fun Thanksgiving activities, and ways to express gratitude. You'd kind of think that I would have this whole Thanksgiving-focus-during-the-month-of-November thing down. But, here I am, already into November, and realizing I'm not prepared. Have no fear, Thanksgiving homeschooling procrastinators, all is not lost. Continue reading »
What Is Accreditation? Should My Homeschool Be Accredited?
With the slow but steady growth of homeschooling across the United States comes a parallel growth in online, distance learning programs and schools. While many parents continue to provide independent, customized instruction to their children, others seek “enrolled homeschooling”—that which provides teacher-guided instruction, report cards/transcripts/credits, and other familiar elements of traditional education. Choosing a provider for this type of schooling naturally leads to an increase in questions about accreditation: what is it exactly, and how does it pertain to homeschooling? Continue reading »
Instead of Curriculum: Boomerang Audio Magazine
Those of us who have been homeschooling a while know that sometimes the best resources aren't the newest or flashiest. That's the case with Boomerang Audio Magazine for kids. A big benefit of these audio resources is that kids can be busy doing other things with their hands or bodies while listening. For some kids, this actually enhances learning, because they're not focused on having to keep still, which can take a lot of energy. Continue reading »
Tips for Homeschooling an Anxious Child
Just attending school doesn't, by itself, help kids overcome abnormal anxiety because they are "sticking it out." Just homeschooling doesn't prevent, treat, or cure abnormal anxiety. These tips can help you move past just homeschooling to helping your anxious child cope with their anxiety. Ways to get help: Combine homeschooling with professional treatment for abnormal anxiety. Consider cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for your child, which helps many people manage abnormal anxiety. Seek a counselor or therapist who is knowledgeable and unbiased about homeschooling. Know that homeschooling brings with it the "Power of Now" - you can do what's right for your child now, even if that means you prioritize mental health over academics. Continue reading »
Homeschooling for School Anxiety / School Refusal
Can you homeschool your child who refuses to go to school due to school anxiety? Should you? Kids in crisis who are too anxious to go to school are in a challenge called school resistance or school refusal. What if school refusers are telling us something through their refusal? What can we do to help? This post covers reasons we might homeschool a child with school anxiety along with concerns that might arise and tips to make the best of homeschooling in such a situation. Continue reading »
7 Ways to Embrace Homeschooling Your Polar Opposite Child
My three kids are very different from me. They are their own people. They have a mix of me and their dad and HUGE dollops of their own uniqueness. However, what happens when one of your kiddos is basically the South to your North? The Oil to your Water? The Day to your Night? As the kids got older, I noticed that I was struggling a bit more with one of my children. They would basically do the exact opposite of whatever I had planned for the day. Or question everything. This was really hard for a rules-following, go-by-the-book, authority respecting, uber-feeler to understand. Continue reading »
The Power of Socialization to Build Your Homeschool Enthusiasm
Homeschooling is a tough job that not only brings joy but also trying times. As the adage states, nothing worthwhile comes easy. Your enthusiasm will wane at times. And for those times when you have trouble motivating yourself during the school year, you can use socialization as a way to help boost everyone’s mood and enthusiasm. Continue reading »
Middle School Mania: How We’re Transitioning to Homeschooling Middle School
Homeschooling middle school is a new season of life. I prepared by buying a new prepackaged curriculum, and while I loved everything about this curriculum, I had forgotten to take my kids' learning styles and desires into account. I assumed they would be happy to go along with whatever I put on the table. I had to accept that we were in a new season of homeschooling. I had to acknowledge that my kids were growing up and had developed their own interests. They had their own strengths and weaknesses. They were ready to let go of some anchors in our days that I was clinging to for dear life. Anchors that I thought were required to have a “good” or “productive” homeschool. Continue reading »
Benefits of Homeschooling
The many benefits of homeschooling mean more kids and teens than ever are learning at home. Families want the advantages of homeschooling, with the flexibility, academic benefits, efficiency, and opportunities homeschooling can offer. They seek an education and even a lifestyle that's not based on minimum standards and a one-size-fits-all approach. Continue reading »
Outside Evidence of College Readiness
Homeschooling parents whose kids will likely seek admission to college usually realize their homeschool graduates will need parent-made homeschool transcripts. They will probably also need "outside evidence." That's because a homeschool transcript full of parent-graded courses and independent learning done at home may not by itself convince university admissions counselors of a teen's preparation for college-level work. Continue reading »
Homeschool Transcripts Explained—Spoiler Alert... They're Easy & Free!
One of the things that intimidates people the most about homeschooling high school is how to make homeschool transcripts. Thankfully, the solution is much easier than homeschoolers expect it to be, and it's free—you don't need a homeschool transcript service or expensive record-keeping software in order to create a homeschool transcript to send to colleges. There are several ways to produce homeschool transcripts for your student, including availability from various organizations, online planner services, or creating your own. We have made it easy to print your own transcripts with our free homeschool transcript template for Excel—just input the information, set the print area, and print the spreadsheet. You'll find the link at the bottom of this page. Continue reading »
Should I Continue Homeschooling: Hard Education Choices
The yellow legal pad had a line down the middle: the pros and cons of homeschooling were written on opposite sides of the blue-inked vertical line. Not content with that, I flipped to the next page and drew another line down the middle: pros of public school to the left and cons of school to the right. Continue reading »
How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum
Choosing curriculum is important to new and prospective homeschooling parents, as well as those who want to improve homeschooling or adjust to a new phase, such as kids starting high school. Many parents start with the question, "What's the best homeschool curriculum?" A more productive question is, "What homeschool curriculum is the best fit?" Continue reading »
Homeschooling: The Power of Now
What if you asked, "What does my child need right now?" and immediately began working on it, with little to no red tape? Welcome to Homeschooling's Power of Now. Homeschooling allows the choice to prioritize what your child needs today, whether that's refuge from bullies, time to make art, help for a learning difference, treatment for mental or physical illness, advanced learning opportunities, or more time to play outside. Continue reading »
Can Someone Else Homeschool My Child?
You work. Or you cannot imagine yourself as a homeschool parent. Or your kids are demanding, and you don't mesh with them well. Or you have a child who has special needs you don't feel prepared to help with. Or you have a health problem that will make homeschooling challenging to impossible. Or really, you just don't want to homeschool. But your kids need to be out of school, and they need to be homeschooled. I hear your question: "Can somebody homeschool my kids?" Continue reading »
Find Us Outside Forest Nature Immersion Program
Find Us Outside Nature Immersion Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 2016. The mission of Find Us Outside (FUO) is to instill a love of learning through our holistic nature immersion program. The program encourages each child to develop socially, emotionally, and physically through interest-led play and exploration. The natural landscapes, fresh air, Continue reading »
Simple Homeschool Art Ideas
Artistic expression is a wonderful way to encourage creativity in your children. Children's imaginations are BIG, so inspiration can be as easy as supplying them with paper and pencil for sketching. Continue reading »