In our homeschool we try to follow an interest-led learning approach outside of our core subjects. In the first grade, my daughter thought it would be fun to do school with Jack and Annie from the Magic Treehouse book series. She was obsessed with the books and the characters so I decided to take the idea and run with it! I designed a Magic Treehouse curriculum that turned each of the … [Read more...] about Passport to More Adventures: Homeschool Studies for Interest-led Learning
Botany in 8 Lessons –Homeschool Science Course for All Ages
This semester I asked my children to select a science topic we could study together as a family. With the spring season right around the corner they chose BOTANY! Although we love to get outside and explore plants and nature together (especially during the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival) we have never spent much time learning specifically about botany, the scientific study of plants. Botany … [Read more...] about Botany in 8 Lessons –Homeschool Science Course for All Ages
Easter Homeschool Activities
Spring is fast approaching and with it many will celebrate Easter. Whether it's eggs and bunnies or the cross that has you celebrating, this is a collection of Easter Homeschool Activities to help you! Easter Homeschool Activities Whether you are staying home, or taking a Spring Break vacation, Easter is an often celebrated holiday. It may include an Easter service to celebrate the … [Read more...] about Easter Homeschool Activities
Birdwatching with Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Okay, I’ll just admit it right here and now. Nature study is not our strong point. We don’t go on nature walks, nor do we keep nature journals. But we have one saving grace in this department: we’ve been backyard birders for years. In fact, my eldest could identify four bird species before she was three years old! Birdwatching is simply part of our lives. Birdwatching is also an easy and … [Read more...] about Birdwatching with Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Vocabulary Cartoons – SAT Word Power
My goal in homeschooling is to raise overall well-rounded sons who will one day enter this world and be positive contributing parts of our society. I am concerned with life skills, character, and a solid vocabulary. "Without grammar, very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary, nothing can be conveyed." David Wilkins Wikipedia shares the importance of vocabulary: aids expression and … [Read more...] about Vocabulary Cartoons – SAT Word Power
Learning to Sew with Sewing School {a Review}
As an avid sewer myself, I knew that sewing was a life skill I wanted my girls to have. But sometimes it’s hard to teach a beginner when you’ve been doing something for so long that it’s become second nature to you. Learning to Sew with Sewing School That’s why I was excited to find Sewing School by Amie Petronis Plumley and Anbdria Lisle. This book focuses on the basics, … [Read more...] about Learning to Sew with Sewing School {a Review}
Teaching Creative Writing with Bardsy Homeschool
For some reason, I thought teaching creative writing to my homeschooled kids would feel simple. I’m a writer! But, feeling comfortable as a writer didn’t quite equal to easily teaching the skill. Helping my students put together an academic paper? Not a problem. Teaching creative writing? Not so much. So I feel grateful for helpful tools in this area. I’ve discovered how Bardsy … [Read more...] about Teaching Creative Writing with Bardsy Homeschool
What do Homeschool Methods Look Like In Real Life?
Homeschooling does not fit into one box. In fact, I'd be willing to say that no two homeschools look alike. In this series I am going to dive deep into the major homeschool methods. What are they? How do they work in daily life? Where can I find resources for each homeschool method? These are the questions I will answer, to offer you insight and practical help for choosing and … [Read more...] about What do Homeschool Methods Look Like In Real Life?
Homeschool Spelling with Spelling Power
When we first started homeschooling, spelling was one subject that I thought I could easily handle with a workbook. We trudged through many years of Abeka spelling books and then switched to Spelling Workout for a few years with the youngest boys. By the time I reached my third child, spelling lists and tests had begun to try my patience. It seemed silly for them to be studying words for a … [Read more...] about Homeschool Spelling with Spelling Power
Evan-Moor The World Reference Maps and Forms
The Evan-Moor company has become one of my favorites over the past couple of years. Even though they don’t write curriculum specific to homeschoolers, I’ve found that much of their material is suitable for those of us who teach at home. One of my most recent Evan-Moor treasures is called The World Reference Maps and Forms. Why do I love this so much? Being a mom who enjoys designing her own … [Read more...] about Evan-Moor The World Reference Maps and Forms
High School Electives: Driver’s Education and Auto Shop
We have two teenage boys in our house and you know what that means. Driving a car is just around the corner. We found two driver's education resources that will help us prepare our teens for the privilege of driving. I hope if you have an up and coming teenage driver that you will check these programs out. Driver's Education and Auto Shop Both driver's education and auto shop are important … [Read more...] about High School Electives: Driver’s Education and Auto Shop
Learn How to Teach History Without a Textbook
Is it possible to craft a customized, multi-age homeschool history curriculum…without a textbook? Ditch the textbooks, the worksheets, and the lists of dates and dead people. Learning history together can not only be fun, but it might even become your favorite homeschool subject! Yes! You can learn how to teach history without a textbook. I’m a 2nd-generation homeschooling mom of 5 from age 5 … [Read more...] about Learn How to Teach History Without a Textbook