Nature journaling and exploration are great activities for families and children. It is thereby not surprising that nature study is a popular component of many homeschools. Simply put, it is the study of nature via simple, truthful observations which over time cultivate one's understanding and appreciation for the world around them. Nature study helps the student to see science face to face, to … [Read more...] about Our Favorite Homeschool Nature Study Resources
Middle School STEM Activity Books – Rocks, Minerals, & Fossils – My Review
Are you looking for a fun way to teach science to your middle schoolers? Do you want something that is clearly written and also hands-on? When my daughter was in 5th grade, she wanted to learn all about rocks and geology. So, to add to our nature explorations, we went to our local teacher's store looking for Middle School STEM Activity Books and found a resource called Rocks, Minerals, and … [Read more...] about Middle School STEM Activity Books – Rocks, Minerals, & Fossils – My Review
Smarter Every Day
If you like science, you will love Smarter Every Day! My boys and I found the Smarter Every Day YouTube channel about a year ago, and we cannot get enough of it. In the words of its creator, Destin, “I explore the world using science. That’s pretty much all there is to it.” You will find short, engaging videos about everything science and I love that Destin also includes additional links to … [Read more...] about Smarter Every Day
Electronics Experiment Kits for Your Budding Scientist
My boys tend to go through stretches of intense study on one subject. Trains, cars, nature, science, history, technology and more. They immerse themselves in a subject and learn all they can. One subject they continue to revisit is electronics. My boys especially enjoy electronic experiments. Their favorite is the series of electronics experiment kits from Elenco called Snap … [Read more...] about Electronics Experiment Kits for Your Budding Scientist
The Allowance Game
I have to admit that in our early years of homeschooling I was very enthusiastic about buying educational gifts for every occasion. Therefore, we have tons, and yes I means tons of educational games in our house. Some have been and a big hit, and others not so much. One that was a favorite of all three of my children is The Allowance Game. The Allowance Game from Lakeshore Learning reminds me … [Read more...] about The Allowance Game
Ready Readers Review
I was looking for a way to really dig deep into some literature with our children. However, I was met with the reality that I didn't have the time to really teach literature the way that I really wanted to do. So, basically in despair, I began to look for really good literature guides and I ran across the Center for Lit which is run by the Andrews. The Center for Lit is rather unique in that they … [Read more...] about Ready Readers Review
The Online Homeschool Maths for Critical Thinking, Redbird Mathematics
Mathematics is a subject that needs a lot of practice. Children are often bored using a single resource to finish assignments, especially when they are a line of exercises on a mathematics workbook. I know that it would be a good drill to familiarize them with certain mathematics concepts. Although I can force them to do the drilling part, I also think that giving them another variation on … [Read more...] about The Online Homeschool Maths for Critical Thinking, Redbird Mathematics
Nature Study with John Muir Laws
Nature study and journaling have always been a major component of our homeschool. Over the years, the kids and I have filled up several nature journals with sketches, photographs, trail maps, and pressed leaves commemorating our outings. Train your mind to see deeply and with internal curiosity, and the beauty and wonder of the world will open before you. Keeping a journal of your observations, … [Read more...] about Nature Study with John Muir Laws
Exploring Nature with Children
One of the most appealing aspects of a Charlotte Mason education for me is the seamless interplay between art and science that is possible with nature study. Nothing compares to tromping through the woods in all weathers to track the first crocus. Alright, we usually just walk around our neighborhood...and only when it's not too wet! But we still keep our Calendar of Firsts, and it still counts … [Read more...] about Exploring Nature with Children
Our Favorite Homeschool Art Resources
I have a confession to make. I am not a craft-loving, messy project mom. So when I hear the words 'art project' I cringe just a little. But my daughter absolutely loves doing art projects (sometimes the messier the better)! I realized that I needed to give her time to be creative so I make sure to schedule time for her to explore different art mediums and, with time, I've learned to embrace … [Read more...] about Our Favorite Homeschool Art Resources
Art C by ABeka – My Review
Are you looking for a complete art program for your children? In our homeschool, art was always a big part of our days. We often did our own projects, using ideas from our curriculum (Oak Meadow) or finding things to do on the web. But as my daughter grew, she wanted a more structured art program, and we found this helpful resource for our art and crafts projects - Art C by ABeka Books. A Beka … [Read more...] about Art C by ABeka – My Review
A.C.E. Word Building
We have been using Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) in our homeschool for about three years with all the children (except the twins who are too young). Although I was skeptical at first, we have great success using the program. You may read my Review of ACE English which details my thoughts about the program. Several years ago when I first saw ACE I thought it was too simple and that it … [Read more...] about A.C.E. Word Building