Since my daughter is in 8th grade this year, I was eager to start some formal home economics classes with her as part of her school day. Not only do I feel that home economics classes teach valuable life skills, I think they are a wonderful, hands-on break from the more academic subjects which compose her school days. My daughter had shown interest in learning to sew, so I wanted to add a sewing … [Read more...] about Sew Teach Me Sewing Curriculum Review
Little House in the Big Woods Notebooking Study
I can’t remember how I stumbled upon September West’s 4RPress, but I was immediately drawn to her beautiful notebook pages for a few of my favorite books, Hans Brinker, The Apple and the Arrow, and Heidi. When her Little House in the Big Woods study was published, I added it to my wish list. A few days later, September offered me a free copy in exchange for a review. I was thrilled! I … [Read more...] about Little House in the Big Woods Notebooking Study
Letter of the Week Curriculum Review
I have to admit that I am not able to be creative every minute of every day. I just do not have the energy. When I was preparing for our summer learning adventures I knew I wanted something fun for my younger 4 children, ages 1-5, to do each day. The other big requirement was that it was laid out for me. Enter the Letter of the Week curriculum from Confessions of a Homeschooler. I am really … [Read more...] about Letter of the Week Curriculum Review
The Royal Diaries Series
Since I was a little girl, I've been an avid reader. I remember coming home from the library, barely able to balance on my 10-speed because of my huge load of delightful reading. Even earlier than that, I remember my mom sighing as I climbed into bed, struggling with the stack of books I expected her to read to me before bedtime. Memories like these come back to me when I take the kids to the … [Read more...] about The Royal Diaries Series
Red Chair Press Tickles your Funny Bone
Red Chair Press graciously allowed me to review their Funny Bone Readers: Developing Character series of books along with the lesson plan and activity book. Having one child just entering the world of reading, I was excited to get started on this series, especially since it focused on character development. These colorful and delightful books help a child learn to read while nurturing a quality … [Read more...] about Red Chair Press Tickles your Funny Bone
Saxon Math (K-2)
When I began homeschooling, I chose to use Saxon Math curriculum. We’ve gone through Saxon K, 1, and halfway through 2. It has proven to be a great fit for my family. At first, I thought Saxon Math K started out a little slow. It feels like there’s more playing with the manipulatives than actual work. But I came to realize that for a kindergartener, that is the work. As they’re doing this, … [Read more...] about Saxon Math (K-2)
The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History
When we used Winter Promise last year for studying Early American History, we were introduced to the book The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History by Jennifer Armstrong. Although I had been advised against using it in our homeschool (which I'll touch on later), I found myself delighted by the stories that make up this fun and informative history book. Things That We've Enjoyed … [Read more...] about The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History
History Comes Alive
As a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, teaching with living literature is imperative to me. And considering that I like to package much of our history and science learning into unit studies, incorporating living literature into our current unit makes awesome connections for my children. The History Comes Alive books written by Barbara Greenwood fit both the CM and unit study aspects of our … [Read more...] about History Comes Alive
First Day of School Ideas
It's that time of year again! Many homeschoolers are finishing up their summer breaks, the smell of new school supplies is in the air, and co-ops and support groups are gearing up again. For many folks it's Back-to-School time. There is something exciting about the fresh start of a new school year! Even though we school year round, we take a short break at the end of summer and officially kick … [Read more...] about First Day of School Ideas
Hands-On Foreign Language for Kids
While there are many ‘foreign’ languages a homeschool family can study, the one I recommend for those with young children is American Sign Language. Our journey to ASL began out of necessity with a child who was non-verbal. However, as our family has grown and our need disappeared we discovered that sign language was a wonderful tool in our parenting arsenal. ASL is uniquely hands-on, giving … [Read more...] about Hands-On Foreign Language for Kids
Memorable Faith, Courage and Virtue Stories
I like to begin our homeschool day with a faith reading, it sets a good tone for the day. A few years ago I came across a little gem of a book titled Rare Catholic Stories and Poems with Reading Comprehension, second edition, published by Catholic Heritage Curricula. This book is now newly revised to include over thirty stories and two hundred and eighteen pages. My review here is based on the … [Read more...] about Memorable Faith, Courage and Virtue Stories
Blackbird Exploring Poetry Unit
Blackbird & Company has a poetry unit study that I taught to my 12 year old son, his friend of the same age, and my 10 year old daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed the unit, and at the end, the kids didn’t want to be done. It was perfectly age-appropriate for these kids (who, for what it’s worth, are all reading well above grade level). From the site description of the unit: “Reading and … [Read more...] about Blackbird Exploring Poetry Unit