How to
Creative Writing for Elementary Homeschool Students
0It’s July. The summer has heated up, and all across the country home educators are waking up to the realization that the new school year is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you’re considering what to keep the same, what to change and what to add or delete in your homeschool in the coming school year.
One of the areas I’d like to add to our homeschool, is creative writing and journaling. My children are still young so I’m looking for a creative and fun way to introduce creative writing. I wanted to share some of the resources I’ve found.
First, I’ve heard lots of great reports More >
Free Summer Science Study on Plants
0A few years ago, I was looking for easy activities to keep my kiddos entertained. All the endless hours of summer were driving us batty. So I put together this simple study on plants to keep us entertained and engaged. I used books that I already owned as well as my local library. Most of the supplies were things I already had in reserves. My kiddos had fun and learned something at the same time. So if you find yourself dreading all the free time that summer offers, enjoy this free plant study. Happy homeschooling!
Summer Science Plant Study
Books:
- How do Plants Grow? (HDPG) by Melissa More >
How to Answer the Question, “Why Can’t I Go to School?”
0Recently on a homeschool forum, a mom asked the question, “What do I say to my children when they ask, ‘Why can’t I go to school like everyone else?’”
It’s a natural question for kids who are around friends and family who attend public or private schools. They look around and discover that their family does things differently. In times like this it’s best to be proactive and positive. Here are a few strategies for getting your children excited about home education.
Show Your Enthusiasm
If you are enthusiastic about your homeschool, then your children will be too. Show them what they will be More >
9 Good Reasons NOT to Homeschool, Part 2
0Last week, I gave you 10 Good Reasons to Homeschool. This week, I’m giving the opposing view. In my last post, 9 Good Reasons NOT to Homeschool, Part 1, I began my list of why homeschooling may not be a good fit for your family. If you missed it, be sure to check it out. Today, I’m continuing this list.
6. Your Relationship with Your Child is in Disarray
If you and your child are constantly at odds or if you can’t even get your child to do the simplest task without it turning into a war, then getting them to do their school work may be an exercise in frustration. Before you embark on More >
9 Good Reasons NOT to Homeschool, Part 1
03 months ago
I recently wrote two posts entitled 10 Good Reasons to Homeschool, Parts 1 & 2. And in the spirit of fairness, I want to give the opposing side its due.
While some maintain that homeschooling is the responsibility of every parent, I disagree. Homeschooling is a privilege that only a few want to or even should do. If you and your spouse have thoughtfully and prayerfully considered the best way to educate your child and it involves something other than homeschooling, then you should feel content with your final decision. Homeschooling is a wonderful journey, but it is challenging, and it does More >
How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part II
0Here is the follow up email that I sent to a dear friend who was asking about homeschooling. Check out the first email, How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part I. I hope you find both of these letters helpful and encouraging. Enjoy!
Dear Friend,
It sure sounds like you are well on your way! If there’s anything that I am personally learning through homeschooling it’s that this is a marathon, not a sprint. There are days when my daughter pushes my buttons and my son begs for attention and the baby is crying, and I think, It would be so much easier to send you to school. But then a More >
How to Start Homeschooling – My Letter to You, Part I
0I’ve recently had two friends ask me about homeschooling. They are either considering it or looking for advice on how to start homeschooling. I answered one with a couple of lengthy emails, which I’m posting over the next couple of days. Perhaps the information I included will be helpful to you. Enjoy!
Dear Friend,
I’m really excited that you’ve chosen to homeschool. Check out the post I wrote on the best homeschooling books. These really helped me, so maybe they’ll help you too. Remember, you may be able to borrow them from your library.
For your first year, I say, keep it simple. If you More >
FREE Homeschool Curriculums
0FREE! That’s a word we all like. We like free refills, buy-one-get-one-free coupons and free upgrades to just about anything. Rental cars, spa services, vacation packages, you name it; if it’s free, we’re all over it. That’s why I can’t pass up this opportunity to share about some free homeschool curriculum. That’s right; families can educate their children at home for free. Take a look at these complete, free homeschool curriculum and see if there is one that is right for your family.
Ambleside Online is a free curriculum for those interested in the Charlotte Mason style of More >
Free Nutrition Curriculum for Elementary Students
3Do your elementary children need to learn the basics of good nutrition? Are you looking for some fun, inexpensive nutrition curriculum to add to your homeschool? That’s where I found myself this past holiday season.
Around New Year’s I got a sinking feeling whenever I thought of my children’s eating habits. We are a normal American family that favors eating healthy. We like fresh fruits and veggies. I even try to introduce “new” vegetables to my family on a regular basis just to break up the broccoli and carrot monotony.
But after two months of holiday cooking—cookies, candies, heavy meals More >
Rediscover the Library
0When was the last time you ventured into the library? When was the last time you allowed yourself time to peruse the books, books on tape, DVDs and magazines? If you’re a homeschooler, the answer may be “last week” or “last month.” That’s because the library offers wonderful opportunities for homeschoolers.
For me, homeschooling reintroduced me to the library. As a child, I spent hours there discovering all the books, attending children’s workshops and participating in read-a-thons. It was a treasure hunt each and every time. I loved finding just the right books and checking out my favorites More >
