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…
Homeschool
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…
How To Homeschool –Teaching 101
So you’ve taken the plunge—you’ve decided to start homeschooling! And I’m so excited for you—it truly has been one of the greatest blessings in my life! When I started 20 years ago—it felt like a huge leap of faith (you can read all about why I got started and still love it—HERE)! But now you…
FREE Valentine’s Day Copywork
Love is in the air! Spring is around the corner (that’s my story—at least we’re through January)! And in honor of Valentine’s Day and all things lovely, I’ve created a set of Valentine’s Day Copywork! I love copywork—it’s such a gentle way to focus on grammar, spelling, handwriting, and memorization. Honestly—I think it’s a great…
5 Ways I’ve Sabotaged My Homeschool
Homeschooling has been part of our family for 14 years—it’s etched into our lifestyle. There are so many reasons I truly love it—but like most worthwhile endeavors…it comes with some hard days (hard years even)! Sometimes it’s because we’ve all been sick—nothing like the stomach flu to take you way off your game (and add…
How to Start Homeschooling Midyear — Emergency Homeschooling
A little over a year ago, a neighbor approached me–full of concern for a friend, who was wondering how to start homeschooling midyear. Second semester was well underway–but her friend found herself in crisis-mode and in search of alternative educational choices for her daughter in high school. The friend was facing a divorce–which involved moving….
Homeschooling Middle School Math — 5 Tips for Success!
Homeschooling middle school math —that subject brings up some serious emotions among us mamas! For some fear. Maybe disdain. Confusion. A few might admit to joy (it’s okay—I’m nerdy like that too). AND Passion…homeschool moms feel some real passion about their math curriculum choices! Middle School Math Success But regardless of what curriculum you’re using…
Kid Activities — Are the Sacrifices Worth It?
The last snowflakes just fell on this year’s Nutcracker ballet. It was beautiful—truly lovely. I wish I could just watch and enjoy the show—but instead I sit with shoulders tense, holding my program in a death grip and barely breathing. My eyes following my fourteen year-old daughter’s every move. Partly because I know the hours…
How to Homeschool With Toddlers
A common question I hear from moms is, “How do you homeschool with toddlers?” Sometimes it’s moms questioning whether or not they should even consider homeschooling, because the idea of adding something extra to the job of raising little people who are still in diapers, can’t dress themselves, and are constantly requesting snacks (on very…
Developing Gratitude in Your Child — Start One Simple Habit Tonight!
My six-year-old may be the perfect child…If only he ate something besides yogurt and graham crackers—I truly think he may be perfect (not that I’m biased or anything). The sweet baby has been JOY since the day he was born. His name, Asher, means Happy, Fortunate, and Blessed–and suits him completely. He was our SURPRISE…
Free Handwriting Worksheets for Kids!
Get Your Free Handwriting Worksheets! Now, I’m not the biggest fan of handwriting worksheets –but sometimes you just can’t avoid them! (Because—kids gotta learn to write!) And interestingly, my son actually takes great joy in doing independent work and views handwriting worksheets as fun–so go figure! I’ve created an entire workbook to practice letter writing,…
Homeschooling High School —Finding the Courage
Though I’ve homeschooled for 14 years—I’ve never homeschooled through high school. My oldest two children were adamant about going to the public high school…That is another story for another day, and whether or not it was really the best decision is debatable some days! I always intended to homeschool through high school and was truly…
Free Christmas Copywork Printable–A Heart for Christmas
The Christmas excitement is tangible at our house…and a little bit distracting! It’s hard to stick to traditional lessons, and I know many homeschool families take a lengthy break this time of year. We will be schooling through mid-December—but I like to add in special activities that incorporate the wonder and beauty of Christmas. Homeschooling…
Best Way to Teach Reading–My Top 5 Strategies
I’m about 20 years removed from those first major homeschooling fears…(I forget how much they once consumed me!) Will everyone think we’re weird? Will my kids be “socialized”? Is this a viable, sound educational option for our family? Am I about to ruin my kids? Am I crazy? So after jumping through those first…
Ultimate Guide to Preschool Toys and Gifts
I’ve been told we have a lot of toys… But, you have to remember—I have 6 kids! So yes, I do have a lot of toys. And some of them are pure junk and destined for the trash can. However, most are part of a collection, slowly acquired over 20+ years—toys that have been…
