No parent has ever made it through the great journey of child-rearing without hearing two very frustrating words - "I'm bored!" Whether it's sitting in a church service, a lazy day at home, or even partaking in the wonders of nature, kids everywhere are just a few breaths or activities away from finding themselves simply unable to proceed without complaining that they're bored. Kids, though, ... Read More
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Hands-On Candy Math and Science Lessons Make Learning Fun
Rather than eat all that candy sitting around the house after trick-or-treating (or another holiday), why not put it to good use? These fun candy math and science lesson ideas will keep your kids busy, happy, and learning! What will we do with all this candy? Honestly, most of the candy that comes in this house after trick-or-treating eventually gets pitched or given away. There's only so ... Read More
40 Games to Teach History in the Homeschool
Do your children love history or do you hit walls every time you try to teach it? I hated history as a child, mostly because the textbooks were horribly boring, the teachers were dry as a crust of day-old bread, and those long lists of dates were entirely frustrating. Given the opportunity to teach homeschool history my way, everything changed. I LOVE history now and so do my children! From ... Read More
9 Simple Tips To Help Kids Love Creative Writing
One of my goals in homeschooling creatively has always been to help kids love writing. Whether students believe it or not, writing is an essential skill that finds its way into real life quite often. Teaching writing with real-life methods is a great way to convince kids of its importance. Not to mention, anytime an assignment can be connected to real life, it finally has a meaningful purpose ... Read More
How To Help Gifted Children Who Need Foundational Skills
It's long been a saying 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 gradually and predictably rising, their milestones can track more like the peaks and ... Read More
Why Audubon Are the Best Field Guides for Homeschoolers
Homeschoolers who want to enjoy serious nature study often ask me, "Which are the best field guides?" I do have favorites and I'll be sure to tell you in just a minute, but first you should know that you have lots of really wonderful options. Most likely, you won't go wrong if you choose field guides that appeal to you for one reason or another. If you have younger children, pictures and ... Read More
An Appleseed Adventure: Apple Unit Study
I love unit studies and autumn is the perfect time for several fun, nature-based science topics. In September particularly, apple orchards are at peak harvest and it just so happens to be the birth month of Johnny Appleseed! Use any or all of the ideas below to enjoy an educational and yummy autumn unit study about apples with the entire family this month! This post contains affiliate ... Read More
Why Hybrid Homeschooling Has Been a Great Fit
Please welcome Courtney Day to the blog. She has found great success with eclectic homeschooling by adding various methods of hybrid homeschooling to her plans over the years. She has given you a nice overview of why and how she's chosen to farm out some of the teaching to other people. I think you'll be inspired! ~Cindy This post contains affiliate links. I have so much respect and awe ... Read More
Why Nature Journals Are Important
If you've been around here much, you know the importance I place on nature study. The real-life science lessons that offer a consistent "lab" experience are unmatched compared to simply studying the same topics from a textbook. But, just as important, nature study reaches so naturally into other academic areas that it's priceless for gently integrated learning. Today I'm focusing ... Read More
6 Tips To Develop Better Social Skills in the Homeschool
We've talked a lot about brain training for cognitive skills here at Our Journey Westward. Closely related to cognitive skills are social skills. This article focuses on some easy ways to improve social skills in the homeschool. Don't get "social skills" confused with "socialization". One of the biggest thorns in the side of any homeschooler is the idea that homeschooling leads to a lack of ... Read More
Charlotte Mason Was Right About Nature Study
Charlotte Mason was a very wise teacher. I've been pondering her thoughts about nature study lately and have to say...she was right! My children are living proof - as are so many children of families who make nature study a priority. Just what exactly was she right about? Oh, so many things. I've taken some time to pull together several of her thoughts about nature ... Read More
Around the USA Study
Our 1st grade trip Around the World was wonderful. Our 2nd grade trip across the United States of America was even more wonderful! Take a peek at our around the USA study and enjoy a trip yourself! Around the USA Study Our brief stops in each state began with living literature "tour guide(s)" who introduced us to important historical and geographical highlights. When appropriate, we ... Read More
