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Jen Merckling

life.unimaginable

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Free Preschool Math Worksheets (Numbers 1-5)

As much as I truly believe that young children learn best through play…my littles love sitting down and doing “work”! I think it makes them feel grown-up…So in a sense, it’s truly an extension of their imagination and play! When they are doing their “work,” I want them to experience success and joy–this should be fun…

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Filed Under: Early Learning, Homeschooling, Math Tagged With: Affiliate, Homeschool, Kindergarten, math, Preschool, Preschool Games

How to Homeschool History (Without a Curriculum)

The homeschool world is full of shiny curriculum…I love it!  I love researching it, shopping for it, and opening it all up (it’s like Christmas in July when the boxes start to arrive)! The smell of new books and fresh crayons–it’s the smell of hope and endless possibilities!  I’ve definitely chased my fair share of…

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Filed Under: Curriculum, Elementary, History, Homeschooling Tagged With: Affiliate, Charlotte Mason, Classical Education, Elementary, History, Homeschool, Morning Basket, Routines, Unit Studies

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

“Once upon a time…” There’s just nothing like those four words signaling the start of an enchanting story…a fairy tale. Personally, I adore fairy tales—give me all the princesses, castles, bad wolves, and magic beans! And I love sharing them with my kiddos!  One of my favorites is Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s lite…

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Filed Under: Early Learning, Homeschooling Tagged With: Affiliate, Fairy Tales, Goldilocks, Kindergarten, Preschool, Thematic Units, Three Bears

4th of July for Kids (FREE Printable)!

Aren’t we all a bit of a kid on the 4th of July?  Give me all the streamers, popsicles, black snakes, and hot dogs! The 4th of July is just plain fun–it isn’t fancy or stressful! (Except when 20 children are all doing arm circles with sparklers within inches of each other’s faces…) It will…

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Filed Under: Family, Holidays, Lifestyle Tagged With: 4th of July, Affiliate, Free Printable, kid activities

Summer Math in the Kitchen: Make Learning Fun!

Summer math lessons…Always high on my “good intentions,” list, but somewhere between the swimming pool and sidewalk chalk, they don’t always become a reality! The truth is–I love math, but it can be an exhausting subject! In the early years, we’re memorizing facts and nailing down foundational concepts. Later we’re tackling algebra and geometry!  Sometimes…

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Filed Under: Homeschooling, Math Tagged With: Affiliate, Free Printable, Homeschool, math, Summer, Year Round Homeschooling

Why Sensory Play is Important!

Welcome to my house–don’t mind the tub of pinecones, collection of rocks, and the bowl brimming with water and toy frogs!  It’s all part of play–which as you know, is where kiddos learn best!  There’s a fancy term for letting our kids collect, pour, mix, sniff, and generally make a mess…It’s called Sensory Play!  And…

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Filed Under: Early Learning, Family, Homeschooling Tagged With: Affiliate, Homeschool, Importance of Play, Parenting, Preschool, Sensory Play, Toddlers

Choosing Homeschool Curriculum: Where Do I Start?

  Homeschooling has been such a huge blessing in my life and family–I’d do it again in a heartbeat!  I started researching homeschooling when my oldest son was about 3 years old–I really wrestled with the decision! (Here’s my post about why I homeschool and still love it). And after that initial decision to homeschool,…

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Filed Under: Curriculum, Early Learning, Elementary, High School, Homeschooling, Middle School Tagged With: Affiliate, Getting Started, Homeschool, Homeschool Curriculum, Homeschool Resources, How to Homeschool

Essential End of Homeschool Year Checklist and 5 Day Challenge!

Whew…We just wrapped up another year (our 15th year of homeschooling)! And the truth is–I’m so tempted to shove all our homeschool books in a cabinet, jump in the pool, and not think two bits about school until August! But this year, I’m vowing to actually end with some semblance of grace and be intentional…

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Filed Under: Homeschooling, Organization Tagged With: Affiliate, End of School Year, FlyLady, Freebie, Homeschool, Homeschool Organization, How to Homeschool

4 Easy Steps for Organizing Your Digital Homeschool Files

Once upon a time I taught 2nd grade in a public school–before the age of Pinterest.  In fact, we barely used email. I certainly never looked for teaching ideas on the internet–I barely even knew what the internet was…So what the heck did teachers do back in 1999?!  Well, we coveted our beautiful, black file cabinets!…

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Filed Under: Homeschooling, Organization Tagged With: Affiliate, Digital Files, Homeschool, Homeschool Organization, How to Homeschool

Sharing 3 Amazing Books that will change the way you homeschool! I read them this year and was so encouraged and inspired! If you're new to homeschooling or a veteran homeschool mom--these should be on your must read list!

3 Books That Will Change the Way You Homeschool

I’ve been at this homeschool gig for a while now…(wrapping up my 15th year—unbelievable)! And in many ways it feels like I’ve got it down.  I’ve grown into a pretty relaxed, eclectic homeschool mom.  But sometimes when you’ve been doing something for awhile—you just don’t appreciate how much you still need encouragement. How the weariness…

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Filed Under: Encouragement, Homeschooling Tagged With: Affiliate, Homeschool, Homeschool Encouragement, Homeschool Resources, How to Homeschool, Must Read Books

What Grade Level is My Child In?

I always try to prepare my children for social situations–just doing our part to break the awkward turtle homeschool stereotypes!  (“Okay, Little Loves…We are about to enter the library–let’s not run and yell and tear every book off the shelves! That would be awesome!“).  I guarantee my 4-year-old twins will be asked, “How old are…

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Filed Under: Encouragement, Homeschooling Tagged With: Affiliate, Grade-Levels, Homeschool Grades, How to Homeschool

Everything you need to know for your BEST vacation to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort! #floridabeachresort #jwmarriottmarcoisland #jwmarriott #marcoisland #romanticvacation #beachvacation #beachretreat #familyvacation #bestfloridabeaches #traveltips #beachgetaway

Beach Getaway: JW Marriott Marco Island Review

I love Florida.  Maybe it’s because the first time I ever laid eyes on the ocean (and became completely enamored) was on Florida’s sunny coast.  The ocean is my happy place.  But for whatever reason, my life is firmly planted in the Midwest (about as land-locked as a girl can get).  So–I dream of vacation…And…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Affiliate, Florida, JW Marriott Marco Island, Marriage, Romantic Getaway, Travel, Vacation

Like classroom teachers, Homeschool Moms need workdays to keep organized and learn new skills! Here are 5 Ways Teacher Workdays will help your Homeschool!

5 Reasons Homeschool Moms Need Teacher Workdays

  Years ago I taught 2nd grade in a public school.  And while I loved teaching my students–I sure did love my teacher work days!  These are days carved out on the calendar for teachers to get work done–without students! Sometimes they’re called Professional Days or Inservice Days–but regardless of what you call these special work…

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Filed Under: Encouragement, Homeschooling, Organization Tagged With: Affiliate, Homeschool Organization, homeschooling, How to Homeschool

Sometimes we wonder if God hears our prayers! We may even feel unworthy to come before Him in prayer. Here are biblical truths to help overcome your doubt!

Does God Hear Me?

Recently, I had the most interesting conversation…A new friend, curious about raising teenagers, asked, “How exactly does one survive that?  All the worries about drinking, drugs, sex, friends–you name it…” And I laughed (while pointing to my glass of wine)–but then dead serious, I explained that prayer is everything when raising teens.  That is how you…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Affiliate, Encouragement, Faith, How to Pray, Prayer, Prayer Life

After 21 years of marriage, I treasure romantic getaways! Here are 5 Reasons Romantic Getaways should be a Top Priority for you and your marriage!

5 Reasons You Need a Romantic Getaway

Here’s the scoop–if you’re married with kids, you need a couple’s getaway! I know this is entirely easier said than done when you have little people–and the littler they are, the harder it is to leave! But you need this! So get ready to call grandma and pack your bags–I’ve got 5 reasons you need a…

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Affiliate, Marriage, Travel, Vacation

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Hello! Welcome--I'm Jen! I've got 6 kiddos, twins, toddlers, teens--lots of laundry and always dirty dishes! I've been Jason's wife for 20 years, a mommy for 18 years, and a homeschooler for 14 years...I'd love to be friends. ♡

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Happy New Year!!🤩 Time to take down this tree Happy New Year!!🤩

Time to take down this tree & make some changes in 2021!🥳

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{Link in My Bio!!}
This sweet little book is meant to be read with ou This sweet little book is meant to be read with our little ones! They love joining in & “reading” the pictures! ❤️ 
It’s part of The Story of Christmas product in my shop—which also includes a game, narration, & coloring pages. 
 
Link in my bio!!❤️
All dressed up & nowhere to go!😂 #2020life All dressed up & nowhere to go!😂 #2020life
Happy Halloween from Harry, Hermione, & Professor Happy Halloween from Harry, Hermione, & Professor McGonagall!🎃🧙‍♀️
Math can be cozy too!❤️ We’re loving The G Math can be cozy too!❤️ 

We’re loving The Good and The Beautiful Math 3!❤️ 

Decided to mix it up a bit & try something different for math...Have you found any curriculum gems this year?❤️
Learning + Play = Engaged Learners The twins hel Learning + Play = Engaged Learners 

The twins helped the shapes move into their new homes! They are still playing...😉 

So excited about Ready for Math...Coming  Spring of 2021!🎉💗

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