While many find themselves enjoying the lazy days of summer, some of us find ourselves restless – in need of more direction. If this describes you, here are a few ideas to spice up your summer through fun and educational learning opportunities!
March 28th celebrates weeds: those pesky plants that grow in the cracks of concrete, abundantly in our yards and even our flower or vegetable garden. What is their purpose? Is it only to annoy the average gardener and wreak havoc on the agriculture? Join us this month and learn a bit more about weeds.
First published in London, England in 1719, the adventurous tale of Robinson Crusoe has stood the test of time as a literary classic. In today's unit study, we're setting aside time to celebrate the novel in honor of Robinson Crusoe Day on February 1st!
There is no greater joy, as a kid, than to open one’s eyes in the morning and see your world blanketed in snow. For some, this joy and enthusiasm wanes as we grow and must navigate our world, now covered in frozen fractals. For children, this joy should be fostered. Winter is full of magic and wonder ready for children of all ages to encounter. Let’s fill your arsenal with winter literature, games, activities, and crafts this season!
Kazoo: musical instrument or annoying children’s party favor? Love or hate it, the kazoo has had a fascinating history, remarkable staying power, and is fun for all ages. So, grab your kazoo and your kiddos and join me today for a fun, yet educational unit study, dedicated in honor of National Kazoo Day on January 28th.
Nothing says Christmas more than the iconic candy cane. This simple, delectable sugar stick is the number one non-chocolate candy sold between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. What makes the candy cane so special that it is nationally celebrated on December 26th? Grab a peppermint stick and join me in our December unit study to celebrate America’s favorite peppermint candy!
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.
Christmas is the time for making special memories with your kids. Now that our four children are ages 18-23, we look back and realize even more that it was the little things that made the best memories. I love listening to them reminisce and recall favorite traditions and experiences. Here’s just a few!
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!
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,...