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
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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
20+ Ideas for Creative Christmas Homeschooling in December
Homeschooling in December can be rough. We all need a bit of a break from the monotony of the regular homeschooling schedule, don't we? Some people choose to take the entire month off to focus on the preparations of Christmas and turning the hearts of their children toward the One that Christmas is all about. I've found several ways over the years to accomplish both homeschooling and Christmas ... Read More
An Abstract Art and Math Activity Inspired by Kandinsky
Art and math are so often a wonderful duo. Anytime you can combine the creativity of art with the logical side of nature, you've got a powerful activity that connects both sides of the brain for meaningful learning. This particular lesson brings art and math together through a fun project inspired by famous abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. Who was Wassily Kandinsky Wassily Kandinsky ... Read More
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 ... Read More
Pumpkin School: Math and Science Activities for Autumn
Math, science, geography, history, AND language arts all in one super-fun day of pumpkin school? YES! Skip the textbooks for a few days and enjoy some fall-themed learning with your elementary and middle school students. We have enjoyed one version or another of pumpkin school for years. While you can certainly have fun with without friends, these activities are so much fun to do with a ... Read More
Brain Training: FUN Ways to Build Stronger and Faster Brains
At the IAHE Conference (Indiana Association of Home Educators), I taught four workshops. While they were all well-attended and well-received, one of the sessions sparked an emotional reaction like none other. My brain training session was the last on my schedule and one of the last of the weekend. I fully expected a low turnout and glazed-over eyes from those few. To my shock, the room ... Read More
Nature Study During Morning Time
Morning Time. Morning Basket Time. Circle Time. In our home we call it Brain Training Time. Whatever you might call it, I have some great ideas to help you include nature study during the time you gather for family learning before jumping into the rest of your homeschool day. I bet you think I'm going to tell you that circle time should begin with a quick nature ... Read More
Have You Found This Hidden Homeschooling Gem in Your Community?
If you have a cooperative extension service in your community, you've hit the homeschooling jackpot. What's a cooperative extension service? It's a cooperation between communities and universities that provides training and services to the community on the topics of agriculture, horticulture, homemaking skills, and homesteading skills. 4-H is the most well-known program that cooperative ... Read More
Sneaky Summer Learning Library
In our home, summer break has always been an opportunity for more reading rather than less. With the obligations of regular school lessons on hold for awhile, we often get lost in a stack of picture books or chapter after chapter from a current read-aloud (or two.) I don't necessarily plan for learning during all this extra reading time, but living books tend to have a way of making one ... Read More
Get Your Free I’m Bored Activity List to Save Sanity This Summer
Do you take a long summer break from homeschooling? If so, you NEED the I'M BORED Activity List! Because we live on a farm that requires a lot of attention in the summer, it's always been necessary to take a "traditional" long break from school. Even though we stay busy with farm, mowing, and gardening tasks, there is still plenty of time for children younger than 13 to say, "I'm ... Read More
