Homeschooling Tips & Ideas

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. 

We live in an age of distractions - from phone alerts to unexpected interruptions - making it hard to focus on what's important! This is a common struggle, especially in a homeschool environment where school tasks can easily get derailed. But what if there was a simple way to reclaim your focus and boost productivity? Let's explore the Pomodoro Technique, a proven method for training your brain to concentrate. Learn how using this simple technique in your homeschool can help both you and your children overcome distractions, manage time effectively, and celebrate accomplishments!

You’ve picked out your curriculum and you’ve unpacked your Rainbow boxes. You’ve got the fresh school supplies. You’ve cleaned off the dining room table and hung up some maps and charts. But as your start day looms closer, you panic and think, exactly how am I going to do this? There’s no one-size-fits-all, unfortunately. But there are several elements of a typical homeschool day to take into consideration as you plan your school day and school year. Your day will be filled with different types of activities!

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!