I hated geography as a child. It was tedious and repetitive, and it involved a lot of looking up things like the population of a given country, which I have never cared to look up since. It wasn’t until I learned to teach geography with living books and learned right alongside my children that I…
Now that I’m a “boy-only mom” (because my daughter is in college) choosing read-aloud books requires a new consideration. Will the potential book appeal to my boys? I can’t get away any longer with reading books that have any sort of girly-girl flavor. Lucky for me, there are TONS of wonderful living books to fill…
No matter what has changed in our homeschool over the years or how old my children have grown, one thing has remained constant… read-aloud time. My children still remember so many of the books we’ve enjoyed as a family – and so do I! Whether snuggled under blankets on the couch or lounging on a…
A cube-shaped tomato is used as a simple way to introduce a GMO nature study topic in the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast. Mrs. Cindy talks about how tomatoes grow, why they are usually round, and how fruit shapes form as plants develop. The episode explains why tomatoes do not naturally grow into cube shapes…
Are math lessons monotonous this winter? These FREE Valentine’s Day math printables should help to inspire some fun learning! Candy motivates kids, and these lessons use candy hearts to bring sweet smiles to elementary students. Candy Heart Valentine’s Day Math Lessons Hands-on math connects concepts in a child’s brain. By building patterns and practicing measurement…
What kid wouldn’t love a break from the regular homeschooling routine to enjoy a funschooling day full of candy-heart lessons? I promise that your day won’t be wasted, and you’ll be able to check off almost every box in your lesson planner! Teaching with Candy Hearts Grab a big bag of candy hearts from the…
Get ready for an animal superpower nature study exploring some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy shares the shocking strength of the mantis shrimp, a small sea creature with an unbelievable punch, as well as facts about other animals with seemingly…
Having a home full of the best art supplies for kids will help foster your children’s ability to express themselves. Art keeps them busy doing something far more constructive than using electronics or watching TV. And that comes in handy… especially during the winter months. Being cooped up inside can make everyone go a little…
It’s long been said that we have to crawl before we can walk, walk before we can run, and run before we can race. Development is typically easy to track and anticipate as a child builds upon previous skills, a steady line sloping up. Gifted kids, though, develop much differently. Instead of a straight line…
One of my favorite ways to support independent learning is by setting up a simple homeschool learning center. It is nothing fancy and definitely not permanent. It is just a small, welcoming space that invites children to joyfully follow their curiosity. Learning happens naturally as children browse books, handle tools, engage in simple activities, and…
Animals appear in stories all the time, often talking, thinking, and teaching lessons. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, children will explore animal intelligence through an Aesop’s Fables nature study. From clever crows to dolphins that understand hand signals, listeners will learn how to distinguish between instinct and learned behavior. The…
Any time is a good time to read a fantastic picture book, but when that book serves double duty as an educational tool, it’s truly a “keeper.” The character building picture books listed below are definitely keepers. We know that good character is best taught through example, right? The saying goes that way more is…