I love homeschooling and am very grateful to have found a "post-homeschool" career that expands on that passion. Married to Manuel since 1989, we chose to homeschool in 1997 when our daughter, Amanda, was in first grade.
Our approach to homeschooling was very eclectic to meet our children’s unique learning needs. Blessed with very different children - a natural, gifted learner and a struggling learner on the spectrum, my homeschool philosophy focused on giving my children a love for learning and teaching them how to learn. If I had to classify my methodology, it could be summed up as “a modified Charlotte Mason, delight-directed approach" with a bit of Unit Study thrown in! Homeschooling has been a tremendous blessing to my family, and although it is not the easiest thing I have ever done, it has been my greatest accomplishment.
It is my joy to serve homeschool families as a curriculum/product consultant at Rainbow Resource Center! Whether reviewing catalogs for new products to equip homeschool families, evaluating curriculum, or writing and recording helpful videos and articles, it is my desire to provide you with the best information and options to help you meet your family’s goals.
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!
'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a delightful tale known by parents and children alike. As you read those five simple words, did you find yourself continuing, “And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”? Part of Christmas tradition for over 100 years, there is much to explore about this treasured family read-aloud. If you have a copy of the poem, this is the perfect time to read it aloud and then spend a few minutes as a family learning more about this beloved story!
Joyful holidays are created through making memories with our children. I cherish the time (and memories!) from the unit studies my family experienced. It is my hope that your family will be blessed learning together this Christmas season. In this unit study about O’ Tannenbaum, you will notice underlined words in our study which link to family friendly videos and websites to enhance the learning journey. Without further ado, let’s get started!
What do rabbits, pine cones, snail shells and giant sunflowers have in common? Our study this month seeks to answer these questions and introduce the fascinating history behind a unique number pattern: the Fibonacci Sequence!
Thanksgiving brings wonderful memories of sitting around the dining room table filling ourselves with turkey and all the fixings while conversation and laughter fill the air. In this unit study, we want to highlight one of the stars of Thanksgiving: the turkey!
What makes the sloth so sensational? Is it simply the slower pace of life he takes or is it the adorable image we have of a sloth dangling from a tree limb? If we’re honest, I think we all find something fascinating and compelling about this tropical mammal. Whether setting aside time to learn more, or enjoying a slow paced, slothful kind-of-day, unite your family in celebration of International Sloth Day on October 20th!
By now, you are settled (or mostly settled!) into a homeschool routine that is working well for your family. You may be surprised to discover that there is free time available to pursue other activities and interests! Fall is the perfect time of year to incorporate nature-based activities and craft projects.
With the holiday season fast approaching, we look forward to a break from our typical busy routines, and to time spent together with family and friends. Hopefully this means MORE cozy mornings and LESS rushed evenings. More time around the table or fireplace – steeped in conversation or playing...
Family traditions at Christmas are important because they create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and provide a sense of stability and belonging. They bring us together, allowing for shared experiences and deeper connections with our loved ones. When it comes to making memories, there are truly...
Homeschooling during the holidays doesn’t need to be stressful. It can be a joyful time if you adapt your schedule and mindset to focus on making wonderful memories while still learning. Putting in a little thought ahead of time will save you from feeling overwhelmed so you can still have...
It’s that festive time of year again! This has always been my favorite time of year. When I look back at my childhood, my fondest memories were the fun traditions my family made together during the holidays. Children find comfort and bonding in these traditions and it generates a special joy...
Enjoyed by families for generations, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade made its debut in 1924 to celebrate and show off the opening of their World’s Largest Store in New York City. Offering a whopping 1 million square feet of clothing, household goods, and children’s toys, the newly expanded store...
