The holiday season is the perfect time to set aside our homeschool schedules and switch our focus to all of the extra holiday fun. When we first started homeschooling, I thought that we didn’t need the traditional 2 week school break during Christmas. Now, it seems like the whole month of December ... Read More about Homeschooling During the Holidays
Homeschooling During the Holidays
Favorite Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
This year I'm focusing on supporting small businesses more than ever. It's been an exceptionally tough year for these businesses and many have shuttered their doors forever. I'm trying to bypass the huge chain stores because they will survive this year. Many more small business are at risk ... Read More about Favorite Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Winter Activities for Kids – Free Printable
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy some fun family activities. This is the time for warm and cozy indoor activities, exciting outdoor adventures, and giving back to our communities through good deeds and volunteering. You'll find many suggestions to fill your days with winter activities for kids ... Read More about Winter Activities for Kids – Free Printable
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Printing Practice
One of my best tricks for getting kids to not complain about learning how to print (or write in cursive) is using meaningful passages for them to copy. My oldest quickly learned how boring learning how to write can be when faced with simple phrases and sentences. It was quite a struggle until I let ... Read More about ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Printing Practice
Five Reasons to Skip Black Friday Sales
This year has definitely been full of challenges and changes for many people. We’ve learned a lot of hard lessons about needs and wants. We’ve learned to be thankful all year for what we have instead of just thinking about gratitude during the holiday season. These lessons in gratitude and ... Read More about Five Reasons to Skip Black Friday Sales
Fall Apple Activities and Treats for Kids
Growing up in the Midwest, I always went apple picking every fall at a massive orchard. Now, I live in the desert Southwest. We have one tiny orchard that has just a small section of apple trees that never really produces all that well. Apples are still a favorite fall treat, but now I just have to ... Read More about Fall Apple Activities and Treats for Kids
Christmas Cursive Handwriting Practice with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Keep your kids engaged this Christmas season with cursive handwriting practice with the poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (a.k.a. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas) by Clement C. Moore. ... Read More about Christmas Cursive Handwriting Practice with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
When it’s Time to Change Curriculum
Our generation of homeschoolers is certainly blessed with a seemingly endless supply of homeschool curriculum options. However, this can feel overwhelming when choosing curriculum, and it can make it so tempting to change curriculum frequently. Changing curriculum can be expensive and time ... Read More about When it’s Time to Change Curriculum
Holiday Planning for Challenging Times
***Time for another guest post from my husband Mike from Independence Financial Coaching. You might want some tissues for this one... I think it is very safe to say that the holidays this year will be more different than any of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. Some of us have lost loved ... Read More about Holiday Planning for Challenging Times
Creating a Homeschool Routine
As we kick off another homeschool year, finding a new routine may be a top priority. For those just starting their first ever homeschool year, this can be one of the most daunting tasks. How can we structure our homeschool days to make the best use of our time? How do we find our own unique ... Read More about Creating a Homeschool Routine
8 Reasons to Skip Homeschool Lessons Today
We just started our new school year, and I’m already thinking about how we’re going to “skip” homeschool lessons some days. Homeschool doesn’t just happen at home. It doesn’t just happen while using educational books, apps, and videos. It doesn’t just happen while engaged in structured learning. ... Read More about 8 Reasons to Skip Homeschool Lessons Today
Making Homeschool Middle School Unique
As we head into our 7th year of homeschooling, our oldest is kicking off her first year of middle school. For kids attending regular schools, this is marked by big changes in their school routine. As homeschoolers, how can we mark this rite of passage? My daughter was worried that she ... Read More about Making Homeschool Middle School Unique