The Rainbow Resource Center Homeschool Blog

When our littles wake up or refuse to nap and show big emotions, we instinctively extend grace and compassion. As our big-feeling little ones try to accomplish day-to-day tasks, we guide them, break down big tasks into small steps, take our time, and make things fun. When a spouse or a loved one returns from a long day at work and that exhaustion is visible, we evaluate, adjust, and extend grace as we interact. Why is it, then, that when we look in the mirror or evaluate our semester of homeschooling, grace can get thrown out the window?! We tend to be our own worst critics, and this has a way of derailing even the best things in our lives.

Learning to read isn’t about speed. It’s slow and challenging work, particularly at first, when the goal is learning how to read. Novice readers will read slowly, and it’s important that we remind them and ourselves that the end goal (fluency) is worth the hard work. Skills take time!

No matter what winter looks like for you, at this point in the school year, you may be feeling a little dry and spent and in need of hibernation—or you may be experiencing cabin fever! And you know what? That’s okay! Let's talk about some fun activities and projects you can do to make some fun memories during this winter season.

Many people consider it to be the perfect food, blending all the food groups. But it also has a reputation for being a diet buster because of the salt and fat content. Pizza is beloved by people across the world for its versatility and low-cost preparation. After all, where else can you feed a family of 6 for under $50?Without further ado, gather your children and celebrate National Pizza Day (February 9th) by learning a little more about the wildy popular food and finish the day creating a pie together through one of included recipe links.

Inspired by the dedication of scientists from over 150 years ago, Chemistry teacher Dr. David Steineker has created a day on February 7th to celebrate one of science’s most recognizable icons: the Periodic Table of Elements. I invite you and your children to join me this month in celebration of the this remarkable scientific achievement!

As winter descends, most children and even adults eagerly anticipate the first snow fall. While snow is not common across the US, research shows that every state experiences snow. What is so unique about this majestic moisture that fascinates and delights us? While our unit study will be more science focused compared to others we’ve done, my hope is that learners of all ages will discover something new!

It’s after the holidays. The long, cold, dark days of January have set in. So, it’s time to have some fun and celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day!

As the winter doldrums settle in this month, National Puzzle Day on January 29th is the perfect time to liven up your day with a celebration!

If you are following a traditional school year or have a schedule unique to your family, the half-way mark is a fair time to look at your curriculum choices. What do we like? What is not working for us?  If you feel that you are missing something, supplemental materials might be helpful to plug those gaps!

It’s a new year! For many of us, this is when we really try to hit the books hard. The holidays are over, and now is the time to get down to business. But some of us might be feeling a bit of burn-out. So we are continuing on each morning (hopefully with a smile on our face) in hopes to make every day as productive as possible. Today, I would like to send some encouragement your way to spur you on as you joyfully finish out the year and prepare to begin a new one.