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.
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.
When you see a butterfly, how does it make you feel? Are you happy? Curious? Whether colorfully fluttering across the sky or resting upon a vibrant flower, butterflies bring joy and hope. Butterflies are thought to bring joy because they represent change, resurrection, and even new life. What is so special about the butterfly that fills us with hope and joy? Join me as we learn about this unique insect!
Much has been written to teach children the legacy of African American men and women. Today, however, we want to honor those whose impact was greatest during the tumultuous American Civil War. Often called the "War Between the States," the Civil War lasted 4 years, from 1861-1865. Surprisingly, the effects of this war may still be felt today. Follow the included links to child friendly videos and web sites to learn more.
“‘Penmanship is dying out!’ is a common lament of parents, educators, and even pencil salesmen.” Would it surprise you to learn that this quotation is from an interview in Time Magazine April 15, 1935? The 1940s and 50s seemingly confirmed the demise of handwriting, as parents held revolts against local school districts for phasing out cursive until the 1980s when an epidemic of illegibility was declared. Sound familiar? This January unit study is a celebration of the pen and penmanship!
Delighting families for 100 years, A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh is a collection of charming stories about a lovable stuffed bear, a young boy, and their many friends! As children, and then again as parents introducing our own children, we went with Winnie to the “Hundred Acre Wood,” and we would be remiss to not take a unit study “Expotition” celebrating this classic children’s story—no matter your age. With childhood themes of cherished companions, memorable conversations, adventures, and melodic “hums” (or ditties), Milne provided endearing stories for the generations. Throughout this study, hyperlinks will lead you to family-friendly websites for enhanced learning.
During the early years of our homeschool journey, the weeks leading up to Christmas were filled with turmoil as I tried (and failed!) to do it all: School, Choir practice, Co-op parties, Church Christmas events, family holiday traditions, not to mention cleaning, shopping and cooking…oh my! The “to-do” list was endless! Trying to “do it all” drained our joy. As a family, we learned that time spent immersed in learning about the season brought a fresh perspective and peace to this busy time of year. In reflecting on my own family holiday memories to prepare this article, I was inspired to brainstorm and write the below brief one-day study on a traditional Christmas carol.
Remember that beautiful homeschool plan you made in August? The carefully chosen curriculum, the schedule that looked completely doable, and the vision of everyone happily getting their work done each day? And then the school year started. In August, we make plans based on what we think our...
You made an important decision to homeschool your children, and with it comes a lot of changes. Walking away from the rhythm and structure of the school day might leave you a little overwhelmed. But take heart, even though there are big changes, the blessings will be plentiful! Many years ago, my...
Reading aloud equips your children with a personal toolbox they’ll use throughout their lives as readers, learners and communicators. In our busy and demanding home school lives, though, making time for this activity can be a challenge. In Part 1, we discussed the Why of reading aloud to all ages....
Snuggle up before bedtime, pull out a picture book, and read to your preschooler. Many families read to their children in the early years. They know that reading aloud plays a significant role in a preschool child’s thinking and language development. Reading aloud to preschoolers increases their...
Lesson plans done. School books organized and tucked neatly on the shelf. Pencils sharpened. Meals planned. Laundry caught up. The conditions are PERFECT for back to (home)school! In my mind, I can see your total look of despair and eye rolling. That’s ok! Looking back on 15 years of homeschooling,...
