Seasonal Posts

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?

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!

I love board games any time of the year but as Summer approaches, I am thinking about games that have a summer “vibe” and/or travel well for trips to the beach, picnics, camping or wherever else summer takes you! Here are three fabulous games that I have played and chosen that remind me of summer or that I have packed and played away from home. 

Welcome to our June unit study in celebration of National Bald Eagle Day celebrated annually on June 20th. This short unit study is designed to take an hour and serve as a springboard for your children to go deeper into topics they would like to learn more about this Summer. As we work through the study, you will notice some words in blue–these are hyperlinked to child-friendly sites to provide more information. As always, supervised online time is recommended although at the time this unit was written, we have verified the content in the included links. Gather your children and let’s begin!

What fits into a 9 ½” x 6” space and is more fun than a whole barrel of monkeys on a rainy vacation day? You guessed it — these six games, which come in small boxes, but pack loads of vacation fun for the whole family!

Here’s the reality, you get 18 summers with your child…gulp! Spend them wisely and make the most of your time as you learn and make memories together! Here are some great ways to bond as a family thoughout the summer months.

“If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.” How many times have we heard this saying or have said this to our children? When we are learning a new skill, whether baking, a sport, crafting, or math homework, practice does make progress! We have this mentality when it comes to learning new things. What about when we are developing a new habit?

Summertime at Rainbow Resource Center means it’s time for our annual writing contest! Students from ages 7 to 18 (by January 1, 2025) who wish to participate will write and illustrate an original story involving time travel. Two or more winners in each age group are selected by a team of Rainbow Resource judges and will win cash prizes. One of these winners is selected as the Grand Prize Winner and will be published and sold on our website! Keep reading to learn more about the official rules and how to participate.

Generations have regaled in the whimsical writings of Theodor Seuss Geisel. On March 2nd, we celebrate beloved children’s author, Dr. Seuss, in honor of his birthday. Without further ado, grab your favorite Dr. Seuss book and join our March unit study to learn about the man, the manuscripts and the message of Theodor Geisel. You’ll find links throughout to family friendly sites for further study!

No matter what winter looks like for you, at this point in the school year, you may be feeling a little dry and spent and in need of hibernation—or you may be experiencing cabin fever! And you know what? That’s okay! Let's talk about some fun activities and projects you can do to make some fun memories during this winter season.