The Rainbow Resource Center Homeschool Blog

In this Game Corner, I focus on one game mechanic commonly used in board games and then will feature a few of the games that we offer that use that specific set of game characteristics!

Generations have regaled in the whimsical writings of Theodor Seuss Geisel. On March 2nd, we celebrate beloved children’s author, Dr. Seuss, in honor of his birthday. Without further ado, grab your favorite Dr. Seuss book and join our March unit study to learn about the man, the manuscripts and the message of Theodor Geisel. You’ll find links throughout to family friendly sites for further study!

Officially opening on March 1, 1936, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering and architecture. From the beginning, engineers, and designers sought to improve American lives in the Southwest, but it came at a cost. Whether the story of Hoover Dam is familiar or unknown, rally your children and let’s explore the good, the bad, and the beautiful of this stunning structure.

Considered one of nature’s most huggable mammals, the polar bear is a marvelous creation. At birth polar bear cubs weigh about 16 oz and measure 12” in length. Reaching adulthood, they will stand nearly 10 feet high and weigh around 1,000 lbs., becoming one of the largest known mammals. Together let’s discover more about this magnificent marine mammal!

As home educators, we want our children to learn facts and information. But truly, our goal is not just for them to hoard information, like we’re filling some giant pitcher with water. Very simply put, we learn stuff to apply it in context. We want our children to take that “pitcher of knowledge” and skillfully use the contents to grow things. Learning is, in actuality, using what we’ve learned to discern, analyze, create, build… We want our kids to be excited to say, “I know stuff and I can do things!”

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!