Thirty years ago, President Bill Clinton declared, “Classical music is a celebration of artistic excellence… Whether in new American works or in the masterpieces of the great composers of old, music is a unifying force in our world, bringing people together across vast cultural and geographical divisions. Classical music speaks both to the mind and to the heart, giving us something to think about as well as to experience.” Whether a treasured family experience or something you only know about from commercials or movies, there is always a new discovery waiting when you explore the world of classical music.
“My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas” or did she? Parents today learned this clever mnemonic to learn the order of the planets. That is, until 2006, when suddenly Pluto lost planet status. Like many in my generation, I struggled to accept this drastic change. Whether you accept the International Astronomical Unit’s decision or not, science’s understanding of planets has changed since 1930. Let’s explore the fascinating story of Pluto’s planetary problem!
Ernő Rubik believed his invention, the Rubik's Cube, was more than a fidget or puzzle to solve. Join me on a fascinating journey behind the scenes of the wildly popular Rubik’s Cube in this mini unit study designed to inspire families to learn together!
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!
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.
If you are like me, packages seemingly arrived every day as the holidays approached. Excitedly, I opened the boxes and tried to remember which gift was wrapped in the rolls of air-filled plastic bubbles. If you still have this delightful, pop-worthy plastic, grab a handful to share with your children! Let’s celebrate the irresistible, pop-able, BUBBLE WRAP®!
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.
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!
This time of year often marks the end of the homeschool season for many families. It’s a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and celebrate the skills learned and the relationships strengthened. No matter where you are in your homeschool journey, there are always memories worth holding on to as you...
Summer is the perfect time to do fun and educational activities without the pressure of formal lessons! Kids can take time to explore things they enjoy and absorb learning through a wide range of summer activities. Here are some summer activities that double as learning opportunities,...
Do you remember that sinking feeling when you opened your report card and it wasn’t quite what you hoped for? Many homeschool parents feel the same way when reflecting on the school year. It’s easy to fixate on what went wrong — the illnesses that derailed your schedule, the curriculum that took...
In central Illinois, our local farmers have been busy planting with their tractors and equipment. By May, the fields already have a tinge of green. People are planning their home gardens, too. Around our office you hear talk of trying new vegetables and there are more than a couple seed catalogs in...
The beginning of May brings many bright colors, new life springing forth, birds chirping merrily, and exuberant Mariachi music! Wait, what!? On the fifth of every May, many Mexicans celebrate the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla. This holiday is conveniently called Cinco de Mayo (5th of May)....
