I’m so excited to get started with my shiny new 1st grade curriculum! I don’t homeschool year-round (Sweet Friends, I need a break from formal lessons!! Summer is my absolute favorite. Summer is life to me–and isn’t all of life learning? Maybe I’m technically an unschooler in the summer…). Anyway, for me, it’s back-to-school time–at…
Homeschool
Homeschooling Will Save My Child (one of many myths)
So excited to be part of an important series–Homeschool Myths: Busted–Exposing the Truth Behind Homeschool Myths! Myself and other members of the Homeschool Blogging Connection Team are tackling a wide range of homeschool myths in this series, with the hope of offering encouragement and support. And while–yes, there are many misconceptions about homeschooling out…
Why I Love Teaching Textbooks (and how it just got better!)
(FYI…Teaching Textbooks provided me with their updated curriculum–version 3.0 for review…I was already using and loving Teaching Textbooks 2.0! As always–this post reflects my personal experiences and is 100% my opinion!) Excited to share with you why I love Teaching Textbooks, and give you an update and review of the newest version! My Switch to…
2018 Homeschool Moms Conference {ONLINE}
Thanks Registration for the 2018 Homeschool Moms Conference is now closed! It was a huge success–please join us next year! Earlier this year I was super honored to speak at my local homeschool conference! (And I was a complete nervous wreck and wanted to puke for about a week leading up to the event…) But…
Free Homeschool Planner — a Long-Range View
I love seeing the BIG picture! When I sit down to chart out our plans for the school year–I always start with long-range planning. Over my 14 years homeschooling, I’ve established an important planning routine. It basically goes something like this…Choose my curriculum, start locating books and resources, identify goals, and finally–plot it all out…
A Peek at My Build Your Bundle Purchases
Hi Sweet Friends! There has been a lot of excitement and buzz in the homeschool world this week about the Build Your Bundle sale! For years, I got the emails–and ignored them! Finally, I decided to check out what all the hoopla is about…And it really is an amazing sale on homeschool curriculum and…
Homeschooling Multiple Ages — With Unit Studies
I’ve always homeschooled multiple children…Which makes for some interesting curriculum decisions. Do I teach three different historical periods? Should I buy a different science curriculum for each child (because surely I can juggle Chemistry with a side of Physical Science topped with Marine Biology)…? Here’s the truth, Sweet Friends–in the early years (which in this…
The Best Curriculum for Kindergarten
Kindergarten…so full of possibilities! For many it’s the beginning of their “official,” journey into the world of homeschooling! If that’s you–welcome!! Along with all the excitement of starting something so monumental, comes a lot of pressure! You are homeschooling because you feel it’s the best choice for your child and your family…You want to…
Top 10 Favorite Math Manipulatives
I know I may be in the minority—but I love math, and I really love teaching math! I’m truly a nerd at heart. When it comes to teaching math to young students—using manipulatives is definitely the way to go! Regardless of what math curriculum you’re using—math manipulatives help kids gain a more concrete understanding of…
FREE Easter Copywork
Easter is almost here!! And I’m so excited to share my free Easter Copywork pages with you! It’s my prayer that writing out and reflecting on the Bible verses and copywork sentences will help your kids grow in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus and His great love for them! What an amazing privilege and…
Top 12 Favorite Homeschool Curriculums
After 14 years of homeschooling–I’ve tried a lot of curriculums! Homeschoolers have so many great curriculum choices available…Which is awesome, BUT–it can be totally overwhelming! Don’t let the multitude of homeschool curriculums scare you into analysis paralysis! Here’s the thing–there is no one perfect curriculum! We all have different needs and preferences. However, I do…
Teaching Music to Celebrate the Holidays
One of my favorite things about homeschooling is celebrating (and learning about) the holidays with my kids! There’s good food to make, stories to read, art projects and crafts to make–but there’s also great music to share! I love music–however, this is one of my weakest subjects when it comes to teaching my kids! That…
Tips for Teaching Your Left Handed Child Handwriting
All the boys in my house are lefties…My hubby, my teenage son, and my kindergarten son. It makes for some elbow bumping at the dinner table–but that’s nothing compared to the struggle with handwriting! Teaching my left-handed children fine-motor skills (specifically handwriting) has been one of the more challenging tasks for this right-handed momma! I’ve…
St. Patrick’s Day Copywork and Activity Packet {FREEBIE}
Somebody pinch me! Suddenly we’re seeing green–in the best way possible! I don’t know about you, but getting to March is such a relief to me–bring on all the joy of St Patrick’s Day and Spring Break! My husband is part Irish–and my kids have always loved getting into the spirit of the holiday! I’ve…
Spelling Practice — Mix it Up!
Getting our kids to practice spelling words—sometimes it feels like pulling teeth. We know spelling practice has to happen, but it doesn’t have to be busy work! I’m sharing 4 strategies to spice up your spelling routine! A Note About Spelling Programs…My Personal Favorite: Before we jump into the 4 strategies, I have to tell…
