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…
How to Homeschool
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…
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 do…
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…
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…
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 14 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…
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….
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…