Articles by Sara Carothers

Some homeschool parents respond with enthusiasm when given an opportunity to teach art. They pull up artist biographies, look up famous works of art, and find ways to practice the techniques of art masters with their children. These parents may or may not be using an art curriculum. If they are, they may be making lesson modifications based on their students’ ages, availability of art supplies, and time. But this isn’t all homeschool parents, is it?

Now that we have separate catalogs for Curriculum and Enrichment at Rainbow Resource Center, it's easier than ever to see the differences between the two functions. If you're making a sandwich, curriculum is like the turkey and sourdough bread - it's the main substance. Enrichment is like what you add to the sandwich to make it even better, such as the lettuce, tomato, aioli, and avocado. You might love most of what your curriculum offers, but you may also notice some gaps. Enriching your homeschool curriculum through supplemental resources helps perfect it by closing those gaps!

What is the difference between teaching and coaching, and how does this difference apply to homeschooling? As it turns out, both can be appropriate depending on the context, situation, and type of learner. Understanding the distinction between the two terms will help you when choosing homeschool curriculum and supplemental resources for your child, especially as you consider the level of instruction that your student needs in a given subject area. 

What makes a job fulfilling versus a job where you can’t wait for the day to be over? What makes the difference for adults who like their job versus those who are going through the motions? One major factor is that you find purpose in your job. This is also called internal motivation. There are other factors, such as the location, salary, and benefits, that are also important. This is external motivation. But if you know that your work is making a difference in the world, big or small, this is often very motivating. How do we help our teens find this kind of motivation as they move toward adulthood?

For the last 10 summers, I have been honored to work on the Rainbow Resource Summer Book Contest for young authors from ages 7 to 18. Every student who writes and illustrates a story (and sends it in) receives a hardcover copy of their book in the mail. Since it is their book, the contest rules state that parents are not allowed to help. “At all?” you might ask. And of course, any parent involved in their child’s life would want to help with the creation of their child’s book! But for this contest, this is their product, and the challenge presents a unique opportunity for your child to learn how to take ownership to make a vision come to life.

Homeschooling parents are often accused of turning ordinary events into learning opportunities – even in the summer! Out here in Illinois where Rainbow Resource Center is located, the summer months are often hot and humid. This heat inspired me to think of some summer learning ideas to explore in your homeschool!

It happens, often catching us off guard. Typically, it arises in the middle grades: high school looms in the distance and we still can’t get past fractions, decimals, and percents. Or perhaps our student is struggling to read a novel and write an essay. It’s that “Oh no!” moment that sneaks up on us while we are busy with other children and life in general. Every situation is different, but the situation is not abnormal, and it’s okay to ask for help!

Have you ever met someone who is just the most natural teacher and thought, that is SO not me? I am not patient enough. I am not nice enough. I am not good enough to teach my own children school-y things. Wait. Whoa. Back up!

How does a parent go from hands-on, exploratory, interest-driven learning in the early grades to the super-structured, credit-driven, academic standards content of high school? The middle grades (about 5-8) are a time to prepare students for the expectation of high school. It might not be around the corner, but it is down the street!

Is it just me, or are homeschooled kids particularly good at exploring their interests? There seems to be a natural curiosity that, when combined with a flexible schedule, leads them on all sorts of rabbit trails. With time and research, practice and development, these interests can become a hobby. These hobbies can become a high school elective and, if we are lucky, these interests can lead to a lifelong profession!