Homeschool Blog
The homeschool methods that I’ve embraced are those of Charlotte Mason and Unschooling. I would probably say that I’m mainly Charlotte Mason with an Unschooling attitude. Intrigued? Click around below for homeschool advice and encouragement.
- Books about Mushrooms and More
This term’s nature study is: mushrooms! I found fun books about mushrooms and added videos and projects. - Diverse Versions: Little House on the Prairie
I’m not saying “don’t read Little House on the Prairie.” But also check out these two books, rooted in history, and sharing Asian and Jewish perspectives. - Great Books for How to Write Poetry for Beginners
This past summer, I tried a few informal poetry projects with the kids. I’m no expert on how to write poetry for beginners, but these books helped a ton! - The Old Kingdom of Egypt: Fun Activities and Books
We had an incredible amount of fun learning about the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Check out the activities we did, videos we viewed, and the books we read! - What is Mother Culture in a Charlotte Mason Homeschool?
Mother Culture is slightly different from self-care. If you’re familiar with Charlotte Mason, you have probably heard of it. So, what is Mother Culture? - Finland’s Education System: Awesome Results
It was in 2014 that Finland appeared on my radar. A newly released book highlighted parenting styles around the world, and Finland’s education system stood out! - What does Sisu mean: The Finnish Way to Happiness
When we studied Finland, I encountered the concept of sisu through author Katja Pantzar. What is sisu? Here are 10 ways I’m incorporating it in our homeschool. - Easy ways to Introduce Shakespeare to your kids
With memories of a attending a magical Shakespeare production at the Globe Theater in London, I knew that I wanted to introduce Shakespeare to my kids. - Nature Study: 5 Easy Tips the Charlotte Mason Way
Having gone to public school, I would say that Nature Study was probably the most foreign subject for me. Here are 5 ways to increase your nature knowledge. - What to Bring on a Hike: Love Nature with Kids
Nature Walks are such a great part of homeschooling. Don’t know what to bring on a hike? Over the years, I’ve found these items useful when curiosity strikes. - Citizenship Subject: Practical applications the Charlotte Mason way
What is Citizenship, exactly? Charlotte Mason considered the citizenship subject as intertwined with history and encompassing a study of government. - How to Implement Charlotte Mason Narration
Narration is highlighted in number 14 and 15 of the list of Charlotte Mason principles. But first things first…what IS Charlotte Mason narration? You’ve narrated before! Surprise! When you summarize the events of the day, or a book, or a movie…that is narration! Think of narration as a re-telling or a summary. After hearing the information… Read more: How to Implement Charlotte Mason Narration - Geography Board Games Inspired by Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
We are currently studying Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in our history cycle. In addition to interesting picture books, historical fiction chapter books, crafts, food, and art, I found these geography board games! I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: Geography is the best interdisciplinary subject! Geography Board Games that are Actually Ancient Games… Read more: Geography Board Games Inspired by Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia - 5 Reasons to Add Strategy Games to your Homeschool
Games! Even before kids, we were huge fans of strategy games. Aside from books, Board Games are what take up most of our shelf and closet space! Here are 5 reasons to add strategy games to your homeschool: 1. Connection through strategy games It’s really hard to switch between being the homeschooling leader and just… Read more: 5 Reasons to Add Strategy Games to your Homeschool - Why do People Homeschool? This is Our Story
Why do people homeschool? Well, hmm…I have two answers for you. The first is for people who are challenging my audacity to teach my children. The second answer is for current or potential homeschoolers who really want to have a deep conversation about it. Both answers are true! Here’s our story. The First Answer So,… Read more: Why do People Homeschool? This is Our Story - Homeschool Music Education: Advice from a Piano Teacher
Music Education is near and dear to my heart. I used to run a full piano studio, and when people found out, they would almost always say, regretfully, “I wish I hadn’t quit piano.” There are so many parallels between teaching private piano lessons and homeschool music education! My Background When I started teaching piano,… Read more: Homeschool Music Education: Advice from a Piano Teacher - Living US History Curriculum: How to Implement it
This is our second time going through a living US History Curriculum with picture books and experiences. I’ve learned so much from homeschooling this way for seven years now. Our First time The first time we went through US History, my twins were 7 years old and the littles were 3 and 4. We lived… Read more: Living US History Curriculum: How to Implement it - Our Family Style Homeschool Curriculum for this year: 2024
Here are our family style homeschool curriculum picks: what we are starting and continuing in 2024. If I mention a specific curriculum, please know that I pick and choose from multiple curricula, modify everything, and add reads as I please. My oldest kids (twins) are in 6th grade! Please don’t tell me that’s Middle School… Read more: Our Family Style Homeschool Curriculum for this year: 2024 - 2024: New Year, New Curriculum
Isn’t the New Year always such a thrill? It feels brand new to write January 1, concentrating on writing the next numbers 2-0-2-4 correctly. Let me share what has worked for us: New Year, New Curriculum. Combatting the January Blues Does anyone else find January a bit dull after all the fall holidays? I noticed… Read more: 2024: New Year, New Curriculum - When Real Life Interrupts School
When real life interrupts school, shift and think of real life as school! This paradigm shift has been 2 years in the making for this type-A, list making homeschooler! To help, read Peter Gray’s 5-point definition of play. This is from his book, Free to Learn. Carpe Diem This has been my motto since high… Read more: When Real Life Interrupts School - Find a new way to add play to your day
You might not think of yourself as a playful parent. Having twins, I certainly do not remember actively sitting down with them for creative and imaginative play. They had each other to play with, as soon as they were old enough to realize it. My next two kids are 18 months apart, so they also… Read more: Find a new way to add play to your day - Save Money with these Top Twelve Travel Tips
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day has me reminiscing about the week I spent on the Emerald Isle, two decades ago! Friends and I traveled around the island for one amazing week, taking buses from the Guinness Storehouse to the house of Waterford Crystal to the Cliffs of Moher. For now, we are getting as close as… Read more: Save Money with these Top Twelve Travel Tips