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.
March 28th celebrates weeds: those pesky plants that grow in the cracks of concrete, abundantly in our yards and even our flower or vegetable garden. What is their purpose? Is it only to annoy the average gardener and wreak havoc on the agriculture? Join us this month and learn a bit more about weeds.
First published in London, England in 1719, the adventurous tale of Robinson Crusoe has stood the test of time as a literary classic. In today's unit study, we're setting aside time to celebrate the novel in honor of Robinson Crusoe Day on February 1st!
Kazoo: musical instrument or annoying children’s party favor? Love or hate it, the kazoo has had a fascinating history, remarkable staying power, and is fun for all ages. So, grab your kazoo and your kiddos and join me today for a fun, yet educational unit study, dedicated in honor of National Kazoo Day on January 28th.
If you are like me, packages seemingly arrived every day as the holidays approached. Excitedly, I opened the boxes and tried to remember which gift was wrapped in the rolls of air-filled plastic bubbles. If you still have this delightful, pop-worthy plastic, grab a handful to share with your children! Let’s celebrate the irresistible, pop-able, BUBBLE WRAP®!
Nothing says Christmas more than the iconic candy cane. This simple, delectable sugar stick is the number one non-chocolate candy sold between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. What makes the candy cane so special that it is nationally celebrated on December 26th? Grab a peppermint stick and join me in our December unit study to celebrate America’s favorite peppermint candy!
As a family who loves to celebrate the Christmas season, we were excited when the sounds of Christmas filled the air. Whether meandering through the grocery story or hearing children sing loudly and joyfully through their lessons, the songs of Christmas excite our senses in ways no other music does. Welcome to our December Unit Study on The Little Drummer Boy! I invite you and your family to set aside time to savor facets of this simple song.
Magical moments abound at Christmas time. Joy can be found in the wide, bright eyes of a child on Santa’s lap–or in the silence of the Holy Night or contemplative Advent readings. For centuries, one magic of Christmas has been found in the simple snow globe. Set aside time to learn about this simply magical child’s toy!
COOKIES! Ahhh, the sights and sounds of fresh baked treats, children giggling as they cut out and decorate their own sugar cookies, pans crashing to the floor, flour everywhere…ok, so maybe the last two aren’t things to celebrate, but they are certainly a part of the treasured holiday experience. As a mom now looking back on those messy but fun baking sessions…mom, don’t miss this time to make great memories with your family!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the fall season, I thought it might be fun to learn the fascinating history, geography and science of a beloved holiday food in this unit study: cranberries! You will notice underlined words with hyperlinks to family friendly videos and websites to inspire further learning.
Pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin scented candles, pumpkin desserts, and various gourd assortments flourish as cooler temperatures invade. Ah, pumpkin, nothing says autumn like pumpkin! Whether the abundance of pumpkin causes delight or dismay, our unit study this month will inform and entertain, and may help you fall more deeply in love with this beloved fruit.
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...