History is on of my very favorite subjects to teach. I've always loved history and if you've read my blog for very long at all, you know I'm a project kind of homeschool mama. I don't use any one history curriculum...I use a wide variety of project books with one or two great spine books to base our unit off of. One resource that I've gone back to over and over is Evan Moor's History Pocket … [Read more...] about Evan-Moor History Pockets
Things People Do
Do you remember elementary school social studies? I remember a few bits and pieces—my memories are of a little American history and a lot of social studies. It seems that we talked quite a bit about how society works. We talked about the police, the fire department, community leaders, the library, and other societal mechanisms. Though I have chosen a chronological approach to history, I still … [Read more...] about Things People Do
Teaching the Essay from Analytical Grammar
My oldest child is in 8th grade this year and is taking a Literary Analysis class for the first time. The class involves writing many literary analysis essays. Rather than dive right into the Literary Analysis class, I thought it would be prudent and fruitful to first teach her how to write a literary analysis essay. Even though I feel confident in my own writing, I wasn't sure how to go about … [Read more...] about Teaching the Essay from Analytical Grammar
Dover Coloring Books
We have many, many Dover coloring books, and they have changed the life of at least one of our children. Miss 12 spends hours carefully coloring fashions of the past. She has learned so much history simply from studying the pictures and reading the captions. In fact, when she looks at paintings she can date them accurately, just by what the people are wearing! She’s also learned a lot about … [Read more...] about Dover Coloring Books
Apples Spelling
Apples: Daily Spelling Drills for Secondary Students has been a wonderful addition to our middle school curricula. My daughter has been through years of spelling since she's in 8th grade. I wasn't quite ready to completely stop spelling instruction, but I didn't want it to take up too much time and be drudgery this year either. Apples has been the perfect fit for us! Each week my daughter … [Read more...] about Apples Spelling
Learning Beginning Math Inch by Inch
If you have not seen Inchimals than you are in for a treat. I had my eye on Inchimals but hated to take the leap and purchase the set. Why? I have enough math manipulatives to fill a truck. However, I suspected these were a bit different so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I had the opportunity to review this item. What are Inchimals? Inchimals are 12 wooden blocks, each with a … [Read more...] about Learning Beginning Math Inch by Inch
Doodle Books for Creativity
Though I never did well in art in school, I like to encourage lots of different types of art activities with my children. I want them to feel like art has many different forms and it can be fun. Although we do artist studies, Artistic Pursuits, and lots of free art time, we also really enjoy doodle books. What is a doodle book? There are a variety of doodle book available. Each of my … [Read more...] about Doodle Books for Creativity
Master Writer Quotation Copybooks
I have fairly high standards for copywork. I like for it to be easy to use and cost effective. In addition, while I certainly care about their handwriting, I want my kids' writing practice to consist of more than drill. I want it to provide food for thought. Of course, I really like it when the copywork complements our studies. The Master Writer Quotation Copybooks by Westvon Publishing do … [Read more...] about Master Writer Quotation Copybooks
Grandpa’s Box
Grandpa's Box: Retelling the Biblical Story of Redemption by Starr Meade Looking for an overview of the Bible from Creation to Revelation in a fun read aloud? This book might be just what you're looking for! Grandpa loves to hang out with his grandchildren, Amy and Marc. He owns a trash-to-treasure shop where the children spend hours playing. One day, he decides to show the children his … [Read more...] about Grandpa’s Box
Answers in Genesis: History Revealed Curriculum Review
We have a new resource in our homeschool: Answers in Genesis' History Revealed. I am learning about spiritual revivals that occurred in the United States in the early 1800s. It is the Biblical basis of history that I now realize I never had in my schooling. I'm so thankful my children are learning HIS-story the first time around. Not only that, Diana Waring and her resources have them excited … [Read more...] about Answers in Genesis: History Revealed Curriculum Review
Seterra Geography Program
My kids can easily locate many countries, cities, and landforms on the map. Part of this is because we like atlases and we look places up when we read about them. The main reason, however, is that we like to play Seterra. Seterra is an addicting and highly educational geography program. What’s more, it is free. Here is how it works. You open the program and decide what area of the world … [Read more...] about Seterra Geography Program
Doyle and Fossey, Science Detective Series
As many moms out there can probably relate to, I have a son that's obsessed with SCIENCE!! Or maybe more accurately, I have a son that's obsessed with reading science books. He can fly through a book in a day and if I can't find him, I can almost count on the fact that he's off somewhere reading. I know, only a homeschool kid, right?? No, it's not just because he's homeschooled and I make him … [Read more...] about Doyle and Fossey, Science Detective Series