Vocabulary » The Curriculum Choice

Rod and Staff English

Bible, Classical, Elementary, Language Arts, Middle School, Spelling, Vocabulary, Writing 10 Responses »

May 092011

I was reminded again why we’ll be heading into our sixth year enjoying Rod and Staff English. Yesterday, third grader and I read…

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

The assignment to emphasize that when we read God’s word we “should be careful to get all the good sweetness we can…

…We must not read so quickly that we miss the important truths God wants to teach us. Nor should we read so slowly that our minds wander and bits of truth slip away.”

Further on the assignment was to copy and memorize the above verse. I adore that we are using God’s word to study English.

Just the day before we read sentences, pictured above. Do you see the names of Biblical cities? Goshen. Tarshish. Some of these might be difficult for a third grader to read. But why shy away from them? Practice pronouncing them now for confidence later.

In our home, many times we do the lessons orally. The curriculum is written for a classroom, so we adapt. The children and I can read through the written exercises together. Other times I ask that they do a writing assignment. There is a nice variation of poetry, writing and good old diagramming (in older grades). We simply buy a spiral notebook to accompany the grade – so all written assignments are in one spot.

We also don’t begin grammar lessons until mid way through the second grade year. Even then we may only do a couple lessons a week. So far each of our children have enjoyed this series so much that they have each asked to do more. Now, my older three children head into their 4th, 7th and 8th grade years with Rod and Staff.

“I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” Psalm 77:12 – from inside cover of Preparing to Build, English 2

The verse we found at the bottom of another lesson, illustrated with clouds, butterflies and mushrooms….

Whatsoever things are true,

Whatsoever things are honest,

Whatsoever things are just,

Whatsoever things are pure,

Whatsoever things are lovely,

Whatsoever things are of good report;

think on these things.

–Philippians 4:8–

For a detailed listing of specific levels available and ordering information, please see Annie Kate’s review: Rod and Staff Grammar or Kristen’s review: Rod and Staff English.

~Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. She contributes a blend of writing at parenting and homeschool sites as well as her own daily Hodgepodge.

Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons from IEW

Elementary, History, Junior High Language Arts, Language Arts, Middle School, Vocabulary, Writing No Responses »

Oct 062010

After trying many different writing programs, I am using a writing curriculum this year with my 4th and 6th grade sons that I KNOW I will continue using year after year. I am absolutely thrilled with the writing curriculum I purchased from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. More specifically, we are using Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons. Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons is one of many theme-based writing programs available from IEW. While this review will focus exclusively on Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons, the use of this curriculum assumes that the parent/teacher has attended (either live or via DVD) IEW’s Basic Seminar on Teaching Writing Structure and Style. An overview and review of IEW’s Basic Seminar can also be found here at Curriculum Choice.

Basically, Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons takes the nine units of writing instruction covered in Teaching Writing: Structure and Style and applies them to specific writing assignments that pertain directly to Ancient History topics. For example, three lessons cover IEW Units I and II (Note Making and Summarizing from Notes). More specifically, three lessons focus on writing from key-word outlines using articles about ziggurats, the Sumerians, and ”The Epic of Gilgamesh” story. Within those three lessons, several aspects of writing style are practiced as well:

creating titles
sentence openers (starting with an -ly word and very short sentences)
appealing to five senses

A wide variety of writing assignments are given in this curriculum including:

Poems
Writing paragraphs from key-word outlines
Writing narrative stories
Writing critiques
Research reports
Formal essays and reports
Writing from pictures
Creative writing.

To learn more about the writing skills and history topics covered in Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons, the entire Table of Contents and the Scope and Sequence can be viewed.

The program consists of a Student Book and a Teacher Book. Not only do I highly recommend purchasing both components, I highly recommend purchasing a Student Book for each student. To make things even more convenient, it would be beneficial for the parent/teacher to have a copy of the Student Book as well. Much of the material in the Student Book is simply not included in the Teacher Book.

Advantages

The program meshes very well with our history studies in Ancient History. I adore that the boys’ writing lessons are related to and reinforce the topics they are learning about in history.
Many of the assignments include a picture as part of the assignment. This element particularly appeals to my artistic sons.

The expectations for the assignments are clearly given in Final Checklists. My boys appreciate knowing exactly what they need to do to do well on their writing assignments.
Four vocabulary words are introduced almost every week. The cardstock vocabulary cards with pictures on the front and definitions on the back are wonderful for learning the new words. Since the program encourages the vocabulary words to be used in the writing projects and quizzes are included, my sons are internalizing the vocabulary words.
The program can easily be used with multiple grades at one time. Instructions and suggestions are given for Level A students (3rd-5th grade) and Level B students (6th-8th grade). As well, the lessons can be adjusted according to the readiness level of the child rather than the grade level. For example, I am teaching this course to my 4th and 6th grade boys this year but they are both working at Level A.
The Student Book includes many very helpful pages in the Appendix including: Stylistic techniques chart, Quality adjectives, Strong verbs, -ly words, Five-senses words, Proofreading marks, and Vocabulary words.

The program does require quite a bit of parent/teacher involvement but I am finding that the time investment is paying rich dividends in improved writing skills for my sons. After years of searching for a writing program that is a perfect fit for our family, I feel confident that I’ve finally found a great fit with IEW’s Theme Based Programs.

For the 2010-2011 school year Samantha is teaching her 4th, 6th, and 8th grade children at home. Samantha writes about homeschooling and family life at To Be Busy At Home. In addition to her own blog, she writes for The Homeschool Classroom, Curriculum Choice, and is a member of the TOS Review Crew.

English From the Roots Up

Foreign Language, Language Arts, Vocabulary 10 Responses »

Aug 022010

We’ve implemented a new foreign language/vocabulary plan this year that’s working quite well! Every school day after Bible reading we have some sort of skill drill – math flashcards, quick math or logic games, and Greek & Latin roots.

Twice a week, using English from the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist, we are learning one new root word and reviewing all we have already learned. This is resulting in an amazing Greek/Latin connection to words we use everyday and boosting my children’s ability to break apart new vocabulary words for meaning. (Talk about a great way to boost spelling skills AND future ACT/SAT scores!)

Here’s how the program works in a nutshell…

Your children create a notecard that includes the daily root on one side and the definition and derivations on the back. Don’t worry, all the information is included in the guide for you – your children simply copy the information from the guide to their notecard. (This is the author’s preferred method. HOWEVER, I chose to cheat and purchase the prepared notecards. In our extremely busy life, preparing the notecards seemed like busy work. On the other hand, I see the author’s point that actually writing the information makes a bigger impression on the kiddos.)
Then you simply go over the information on the cards using the short and simple teaching notes provided in the guide. Make whatever connections you can with English and possibly any other languages like Spanish or French that you are studying.
Finally, use the previous cards as flashcards to review roots, meanings, and derivatives.

A pronunciation key and the Greek alphabet are included for your convenience at the beginning of the book.

In only about 5-10 minutes twice a week, my children are really adding onto their understanding of vocabulary, word parts and spelling! I’m using the curriculum with a 5th grader and an 8th grader, but the author has used it with children as early as 2nd grade.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with English from the Roots Up!

-Written by Cindy, eclectically Charlotte Mason mom of 3. You can find her blogging at Our Journey Westward and view her nature study curriculum at Shining Dawn Books.

Games for Writing: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Write

Elementary, Hands On, Handwriting, Language Arts, Uncategorized, Vocabulary, Writing 1 Response »

May 252010

Do have a child who is a reluctant writer, one who has an allergy to writing instruments, or who fills your house with moans and groans when it’s time to put pencil to paper? Whether you do or not, Games for Writing by Peggy Kaye is sure to make writing a fun subject for all of your children – and for you too!

The book contains fifty-two games designed for ages ranging from kindergarten through third grade, and is divided into five sections:

Part One: Just for Starters – These activities are designed to ease kindergarteners and first-graders into writing, helping them to learn pencil control, letter formation, and how to tell a well-organized tale.
Part Two: Stress Busters – These are silly activities that help children get over writer’s block, choose a suitable topic, and get words down on paper. These are quick games and will probably have your child giggling before they’re finished.
Part Three: Bugaboos – Spelling, Handwriting, and Grammar – The section title pretty much says it all.
Part Four: Writing with Style - These games will help children create unusual characters, develop an understanding of story structure, and learn to choose the right words to express their ideas.
Part Five: Made with Pride – These are longer writing projects that can take anywhere from a half-hour to several sessions of work to complete.

What I like about this book:

This is a “grab it and use it” kind of book. The games do not require many supplies or much preparation. Many just require pencil, paper, and a few minutes to sit down and have fun with your child.
The games are fun and motivating. (The ones I’ve played with my children have had them asking for more.)
The activities provide a great opportunity for some enjoyable parent/child interaction – not just another boring writing lesson.
The author includes entertaining stories of how she has used each specific game with her own students. This makes for an interesting and informative read that shows you how to practically apply the games with your children.
In the introduction Ms. Kaye shares insights she has gained from her experience as a reading and math teacher and tutor over the last twenty-five years. I have found her ideas to be extremely helpful in my own teaching.

What I don’t like:

Every now and then a game features witches or monsters, which may or may not be a problem for you. I’ve found that these games can be easily adapted by using characters that are more to my family’s liking and interest.

Games for Writing is available in many public libraries and can be purchased from most online booksellers. You can visit Peggy Kaye’s website to view samples of the games from this book and others she has written.

I hope that you’re able to try some of these games and that they will inject some fun and pizzaz into your writing program!

Written by Shannon, who blogs about her family’s homeschool adventures at Song of My Heart.

Wordly Wise 3000

Elementary, Language Arts, Vocabulary 14 Responses »

May 192010

This year, we decided to add in more branches of language arts into our schooling. One of the things that I felt we were lacking was in vocabulary. I was thrilled to add in Wordly Wise 3000 (Second Edition), in which we are currently using Book 3.

While I can only speak for Book 3, since it’s all we have used, hopefully readers might chime in with any differences in other levels.

In Wordly Wise 3000 (Book 3), the general lesson make up is as follows:

It starts with either two or three pages of vocabulary words for that lesson. (Each vocabulary word lists the word, part of speech, definition(s), and a sample sentence that uses that word.)
Five to six exercises that work on identifying the meaning of the vocabulary words and applying them in a variety of manners

We are already sure that we will be continuing to use Wordly Wise next school year, and I will also introduce their lower levels to my daughter who will be starting kindergarten in the fall.

What I Like About Wordly Wise 3000:

A variety of exercises – Because Wordly Wise uses a variety of types of exercises in the workbook to help understand and apply meaning, it can meet the needs of a variety of learners. From simple matching to reading it in passages to crossword puzzles, words are more easily remembered and applied.
Can be shortened – If we don’t have time to do all of the exercises for a word list, I don’t feel like I have cheated the kids if we do three of the exercises, instead of five, for instance. The kids still seem to get just about as much out of it. We just need that kind of flexibility sometimes.
Independent work – I have my boys (though they are one grade apart) in the same book, and I let them work together on Wordly Wise. However, I rarely have to assist them. Directions are clear and easy for kids to follow. Also, because many exercises are the same format, they know what to expect when given directions.
Increased vocabulary – This is probably obvious, but since we are studying new words, they will often try to use some of their new vocabulary in conversation.
Appropriate Length – I sometimes stress when we can’t finish a whole book in a school year. It may not be right, but if I plan that we can and then we can’t, I practically get hives over it. With 15 lessons (each with 5 – 6 exercises), it is very possible to do this book in one school year.
Website – Though we haven’t used the Wordly Wise 3000 website, there is one and there are review games for each lesson (and each book) on it! In writing this, I found that they also read aloud the word lists, which is perfect for struggling readers (especially those with learning disabilities).

What I Would Change:

Nothing – I like to try to highlight something I would change about a book or resource in a review, but I just can’t think of anything at all. If I got very picky, I might say that I would prefer it to be spiral bound to allow for easier opening, but that’s just picky.

I would definitely recommend Wordly Wise 3000 to friends who wanted to infuse vocabulary lessons into their language arts program.

Angie is a university trained elementary and special ed teacher turned eclectic homeschooler. She can be found working at Many Little Blessings, The Homeschool Classroom, Catholic Mothers Online, and Homeschool Lifestyle Media. It is also very likely that if you find her, she will be tired.

Epi Kardia Curriculum

Bible, Biblical Principle Approach, Charlotte Mason, Elementary, Hands On, High School, History, Lapbooks, Literature, Living books, Philosophies, Science, Vocabulary, Writing 14 Responses »

Apr 162010

I had my eye on the Epi Kardia curriculum from the moment I heard of it. I was caught immediately by their name alone as it conveyed exactly the type of homeschooling theology in our home! Imagine my delight when I was offered a 1st grade set to review! We couldn’t wait for it to arrive!

Epi Kardia is a “historically structured, literature-based curriculum using Charlotte Mason methods” available for grades Kindergarten through High School. So why Epi Kardia as the curriculum name?…

(from their website) “The Greek words “Epi Kardia” mean at the heart. At Epi Kardia, we feel the heart of home education is the Christ-centered mentoring and discipleship relationship between parents and their children.”

This completely embodies our goals for our homeschool so I just had to try it out.

The day the box came in we were so excited! I had to rip the box open and dig right in!

(Epi Kardia right as we ripped in the box) (Zander is happily showing off a peanut stuck to his nose)

My kids were so excited and I was even more pleased with the packaging: eco-friendly packing peanuts! I joyfully packaged those up for crafts at a later date! (As frugal homeschooling mom, I never miss a moment to reuse and recycle!)

I enjoy the way that the curriculum is broken down into three books so they were not cumbersome to use and their packaging was really pretty! (LOL)

I received the Epi Kardia 1st grade “Lesson Plans” set. This choice is laid out in a daily lesson plan format that outlines each subject for each day, including hands-on ideas, lapbooking suggestions, arts, crafts and more; so you can really just jump in and go!

Epi Kardia offers two different types of curriculum:

1. Complete Programs — their most cost-effective option, Complete Programs can be used for three years each following our methodology. Using unit overviews, history, science and music/fine arts book-lists divided by topic, along with the suggested projects and activities, you write your own lesson plans.

2. Daily Lesson Plans — Love homeschooling (or want to homeschool) but you know you are not a planner, organized or you have a hard time following through? The Daily Lesson Plans are already-planned-in-advance and are written for specific grade levels. They include weekly goals and objectives for each subject and daily lessons planned integrating the studies of history, science (K-8), language arts and projects.

Features of Epi Kardia Curriculum

Based on Charlotte Mason methodologies include reading whole, living books, short lessons, oral narration, using copy work and dictation to teach grammar and composition, and more!
All books listed in the curriculum have been read and evaluated from an evangelical Christian worldview by at least one of the authors
Integrates the subjects of history, science, language arts (including reading, grammar, composition, phonics, poetry, literature studies, spelling) and fine arts
Activities, books and projects recommended for each learning style
Provided in their complete program, components are historical overviews of each time period for teachers/older students, as well as a customizable CD with teaching tools and helpful forms
The 100+ page teacher’s manuals include abundant information about teaching covered subjects and as well as curriculum related material
The 6th – 12th grade manual includes an extensive section regarding teaching high school writing.

Epi Kardia is a living book based curriculum, so books are an integral part of it. In each set there is an outline of books that will be used for that quarter. Although the books are not offered as part of the curriculum purchase, I have found that most are easily found online for free, at your local library, or available used online. (They even offer the books via links to amazon on their website, to save you time and energy).

Being the frugal family that we are, I’ve elected to procure the books from our local library and online at the free books sites (as listed in my listing of free curriculum). So far, the books have been fun and fairly easy to get. We love going to the library!

I look forward to finding new books that we may have never been exposed to! Like others in living book style curricula, I fully expect to find some books my kids will adore so much they won’t want to return them.

In my humble opinion, Epi Kardia compares nicely with other, more known curriculum such as Sonlight, My Father’s World, or Tapestry of Grace. Of course, each of these curriculum offer their own perspective, features and lesson plans, which makes each one unique and tailored to each families personal needs. However, I think the Sullivan family has joyfully found our core curricula of choice!

Prices for the curriculum varies according to your curriculum style choice and media. You can elect to buy the spiral bound books (like pictured above) or a CD. Prices start at $75.00 for a full curriculum book or, you can choose to try their lesson plans, you may purchase the first unit (The Ancients–six weeks of plans) for only $25. Epi Kardia is so sure you are going to love them, they even offer a full credit if you choose to buy the full set after purchasing the trial.

Time4Learning Web-Based Curriculum

Language Arts, Mathematics, Phonics, Science, Vocabulary 1 Response »

Feb 052010

When I first found out I was going to review this product, I was excited. Since my boy’s love to play on their (non internet) computer with their educational games, I thought this would be great to try out. In the past we looked into different curriculum that offered computer learning and we currently use a (non-internet) computer program for my oldest son. Since we use one already I thought it would be great to see how others work.

Some thoughts I had before I registered and started the program:

I have heard of other programs having lesson plans to set up before your child works on their lessons so that would be very helpful with this if I plan to have them work independently.
Is it cost effective? Cost is a huge factor in deciding any type of curriculum or program for my kids.
How much will my children learn while using this product?
Will it touch base on all Math and Language Arts for that grade level?
Will it be engaging as far as interest for my children?
Is it online or offline? Internet is tricky for me with my children. I don’t like them online at all..
Are they graded or assessed?
It mentions Science.. Is it Creation based or Evolution based?
How much prep work is it for Mom?
Do I need to assist or can they work independently?

First Impressions:
(I used this program on my youngest who is currently in 2nd grade)

PROS:

You are allowed to have your children work in their designated level and also choose one grade below and one grade ahead to maximize their learning potential.
The stories are catchy and they really enjoy playing the games and are eager to get to the next one.
In the younger levels there is a lot of praise when they receive a correct score and they are encouraging when they don’t.
Little to no prep time needed for Mom.. Which is a huge bonus for me since we use other forms of teaching and prep time is necessary for those.
In the younger levels it speaks to the kids so if they don’t know how to read they can still follow along.
My son has now asked to do Time4Learning each day

CONS:

I found out it was an ONLINE course so independent study was to a minimum since I don’t allow my children internet access, but might be ok for us as I get used to them using it and I keep an eye on them.
I found out that they don’t have a lesson plan right now to where we can set up what we would like them to work on to allow more independent study.
Science curriculum is Evolution based and not Christian based.
The price is worth looking at but not sure if it would work for us in the long term.

As the week’s went by and my son continued to use the program, he really enjoyed working through each lesson. He had access to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade curriculum but we mainly focused on the 1st and 2nd grade since some of the topics in the 1st grade Language Arts ended up being a wonderful review for him.

I am truly looking for a Language Arts curriculum for my youngest son that gives him more independence since he is still a beginning reader and a lot of his work requires my assistance. I was happy with what I saw in the month we’ve tried this out.

I am not sure how the 3rd grade and up works or the pros and cons to those grade levels but so far in the younger grades, it seems to be very friendly, encouraging and my son really enjoys it.

Here is my review of our experience using Time4Learning for one month.

PROS:

Parent Forum available to discuss many topics from sharing recipes to homeschooling curriculum to using the online program
Additional printable worksheets to help your child better understand the lessons
Scope and Sequence on all grades and subjects
Each child has there own separate account
You can opt out on or remove any subject that doesn’t interest your family
Teacher’s Guides for Language Arts to engage your child in a deeper level outside each lesson
Subjects offered: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies
You can change your child’s educational level one grade up or back to help with missing learning gaps at no additional charge and can change it with a click of a button
Refer a friend program helps you save money on the program fees
Two week money back guarantee
THREE PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Monthly plan
Annual plan.
Paying quarterly reduces the monthly fee
Your child has his own log in and password
Parent’s have separate log in and password to enter forum and to change membership
Continuously updated curriculum
Student paced learning
Science and social studies programs are provided as a free bonus for most grades
Preschool through eighth grade curriculum

CONS:

This is a secular program
Designed for the public school system but working towards homeschooling families
Evolution Based
Program was developed as a web-based Internet curriculum
No way to limit access to lessons or establish a lesson plan you specify for your child to follow. They are free to do what they would like if not monitored or watched.

Having the program web based for our family was a bit difficult so I placed that as a con for us but probably wouldn’t be for most families. I just limit my children’s access to the Internet and with them on this program I have to monitor them at all times since our Internet access is tucked away in my office and limits my freedom while the boys work on their lessons.

Like I mentioned, not everything that is a con for our family will be a con for your family and vice versa for the pros’.

This is a great value for an online curriculum for the two main core subjects of Math and Language Arts and with the free bonus of Science and Social Studies makes it a great value. Check them out!

If you would like to learn more about this online program you can at Time4Learning

Vocabulary Cartoons, SAT Word Power

High School, Vocabulary 2 Responses »

Jan 312010

I have to admit, when I find a book or resource that works wonderfully for my family, I love to tell everyone about it. That’s exactly how I felt when I found this book. I was so excited by the results I saw right away that I literally carried this around in my purse so I wouldn’t forget to show it to my friends on homeschool outings.

Are you curious to know what has me so excited? Allow me to introduce Vocabulary Cartoons, SAT Word Power, written by Sam Burchers and published by New Monic Books, Inc. Though there is an entire line of these incredible teaching books to choose from, my focus will be on the one designed to improve SAT scores because that is the book that we have used. However, from viewing the website, it looks as though all the books in the Vocabulary Cartoon series are written using the same format.

Written directly to 7^th-12^th grade students, Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power claims that your child can learn hundreds of SAT level words effortlessly, but just how is that possible? And the question you want to know is does it really work? In my experience of using SAT Word Power with my 13, 14 and 16 year old children, I would say, yes it certainly does.

How the book works

These books use mnemonics, a nifty devise that aids in the memorization process. It could be a phrase, a rhyme or an acronym that allows you to remember something by associating it with something you already know. Confused? How about an example? Do you remember learning the colors in a rainbow in elementary school? My teacher helped me learn them by introducing the mnemonic, Roy G. Biv. I already knew my colors; I just needed to learn the colors that made up a rainbow in order. Remembering the mnemonic she gave me I was easily able to picture the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet by associating each letter in the name Roy G. Biv with a color. R= red, O= orange, Y= yellow; okay you get the point. Another mnemonic you’re probably familiar with is the phrase, Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. The catchy rhyme makes this little tidbit of information easy to remember, doesn’t it?

Vocabulary Cartoons use the same principle but takes it one step further. Not only are the vocabulary words linked with a word that you would know by association, they also introduce a silly cartoon drawing so you really see the picture in your head. Are you familiar with the phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words?’ Never underestimate the power of a picture. In my opinion, this is invaluable for visual learners like my children and this aspect of the book is what really drives home the meaning and makes it stick.

How we use these books

Since I enjoy learning new vocabulary words as much as my children, we use this book together. I’ll read the subject word, followed by the definition, the link word or association word, show the kids the goofy cartoon while reading the silly sentence that describes the picture and then I’ll read the three sentences at the bottom of the page which you can see from the insert above, use the word in different contexts.

After we learn our new word, we will review the words we learned previously. I do this by saying the vocabulary word and asking them to share it in a sentence of their own. The book does have its own review system in place. Every ten words you’ll find a chapter quiz with matching and fill-in-the-blank questions that we choose to do orally. My children love this book and will often pick it up between sessions so they can try to stump each other with the new words they’ve learned. If you’d like to take a peek at the words included, you can do that here. http://www.vocabularycartoons.com/images/stories/i_word_list.pdf

Time to wrap this Review Up

According to the publisher, Vocabulary Cartoons boost verbal standardized test scores and students learn 72% more words with 90% retention.

While I can’t attest to the claim that this book will raise SAT scores, since my children have not taken the SAT, I can say that they have learned a new word, effortlessly, in minutes each day and have retained what they’ve learned.

Vocabulary Cartoons, SAT Word Power sells for $12.95 and can be purchased through the publisher’s website http://www.vocabularycartoons.com/index.php or through Amazon.com. I encourage you to check out this book and others in the series, you’ll find something for learners of all ages.

I’ve been impressed with the results that I’ve seen; whether my children ever take an SAT test or not, vocabulary is important to reading comprehension and communication skills, written or verbal. I’ve found this book particularly helpful for my right brain children and look forward to beginning the second book in the series.

Written by Tonya, slightly Charlotte Mason, mostly unschooling, always traveling homeschool mom of three teens. You’ll find Tonya blogging at Live the Adventure.