Homeschooling Tips & Ideas

Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part of the writing process. In college, my writing professors noted my ability to get content on the page and how this was a gift for a writer. On the other hand, the red pen was dominant on all my papers, and a few were “not worthy of a grade.” You might be wondering whether or not you should grade your homeschooler's writing assignments. In this article, we will look at some of the benefits of deciding not to grade!

The term “classical education” is one you hear frequently in home school circles. There are some well-known publishers who specialize in products following a classical education model. These products have a lot of appeal because they are structured, academically rigorous, and often, user-friendly. On the other hand, the whole approach can seem a bit intimidating and overwhelming with all that is offered. One is left wondering if you can do “a little bit” of classical education rather than embrace the whole thing. The short answer is: You can!

As homeschooling has become more popular, there are seemingly endless programs available in every color, shape, and style. You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed by all of the choices! Fortunately, a wide array of curriculum options also means that with a little bit of effort, you can find what will be the perfect fit for your family. In this article, we will walk through 6 important factors to consider when looking for the right homeschool curriculum!

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 during middle school can be challenging but also rewarding. Kids mature at different ages, and while some might be ready for more independence in their schoolwork, others may need more time with you. This is a transition time, not only in kids’ studies but also in their physical bodies. Here are 7 things to remember as a parent as you both navigate this season!

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!

Are you thinking about homeschooling but unsure if you can take on the task? Lately, we have had a few customers call desiring special training so they can homeschool their children. Even with a college degree, they still feel inadequate to teach their children. Their thought? Get some kind of brief training before attempting to teach. After all, it’s been years since the parent was in elementary school. How could they possibly know how to teach them when they have been removed from it for so long?

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!