This post was originally published a few years ago, but I've seen a surge of questions and interest in how to plan student-led courses in high school. As you take a peek into the planning process of our high school equine course, I hope to help you cast a vision for developing your own course for any subject of interest! My college freshman is rocking her equine science studies. I think one ... Read More
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Early Elementary Homeschool Curriculum: Top Picks
I first published this post of early elementary homeschool curriculum picks a few years back, but I'm still a super-fan of everything listed below. My little fella is steadily moving on in school. He's reading real books and working real math problems. He builds amazing Minecraft structures and plays basketball better than me. And he loves history and science. (Shh...You ... Read More
Upper Elementary Homeschool Curriculum: Top Picks
You will love these top picks for upper elementary homeschool curriculum! Third through fifth grades are probably my favorite years to teach. During this period, children are usually pretty good readers - making it more fun to dive deeper into other subjects. And, they still have a zestful spirit about learning which means we get to have A LOT of fun! The hardest part for me during ... Read More
Middle School Homeschool Curriculum: Top Picks
Middle school homeschool curriculum is some of my favorite! Read on... The year before I got a full-time job teaching, I was a substitute teacher for three school systems, K-12. Let me tell you...after about two months, I let the central office know that I was available for anything except middle school. I loathed middle school. There were so many stinky attitudes and hormonal ... Read More
High School Homeschool Curriculum: Top Picks
Ah…high school. Why do I love homeschooling high school so much? Mostly because my teens don't need my constant attention and instruction anymore! Ha! While I'm not kidding about the independent learning thing above, there are other reasons I really enjoy the high school homeschool: We have great discussions.My children can (finally) logically defend issues that are near ... Read More
Planning Homeschool Bible Time
We homeschool for many reasons, but one of them is more important than all of the others combined. It's our desire to pass on a bold Christian faith that finds our children seeking God with all their hearts and sharing Him with others from here to eternity. While I know it's God who does the work in my children (Phil. 1:6), I also know He called us to teach my them about Him and His ways (Prov. ... Read More
100 Educational Games for Homeschooling
During my workshops about creative homeschooling and living math, I often talk about incorporating games into the school schedule. If your family has an established game night, you probably already know how educational many board and card games really are. Math, language, history, science, logic and so much more can be practiced without your kiddos ever catching on that real learning is ... Read More
Candy Heart Valentine’s Day Math Printables
Do you and your children need a break from monotonous math lessons this winter? I have two FREE Valentine printables that should help! These elementary lessons use candy hearts to inspire some fun and yummy math learning. Candy Heart Valentine's Day Math Lessons Area and Perimeter with Candy Hearts The Measure of a Heart worksheet uses candy hearts to practice ... Read More
Armor of God Object Lesson
On Fridays, I attempt to plan a simple object lesson to go along with Bible study. Since we have been studying knights of the Middle Ages lately, I thought a lesson on the Armor of God made a nice tie-in. The lesson is quick, but powerful. Armor of God Object Lesson Materials: two orangesa glass bowl large enough for two oranges to be completely submergedwaterBible Read ... Read More
Nature Study Book List to Supplement No Sweat Nature Study LIVE Lessons
We are having an amazing time in the No Sweat Nature Study LIVE membership! If you haven't joined us there yet, it's never too late! What is No Sweat Nature Study LIVE? Twice a month, your 1st-8th graders can take part in fun, interactive, LIVE science lessons with a nature study twist. Within each 30-45 minute lesson, your students learn scientific concepts and vocabulary, while ... Read More
15 Fantastic Logic and Critical Thinking Games
Games are wonderful additions to any homeschool. In fact, we typically play at least one game a day - sometimes even gameschooling for an entire day! Not only do games bring joy and lightheartedness to the school day, they can help teach new concepts and practice old ones. One of the most important reasons I include games in our homeschool frequently is because they are amazing for building ... Read More
Sneaky Educational Stocking Stuffers
Christmas stockings are a long held tradition in the West household. Of all the gifts around the Christmas tree, it seems the stockings are the most anticipated - which is why we save them until the very last. I remember feeling the same way as a little girl. There's just something extra special about finding the tiny treasures inside that small space! While we always ... Read More
