Charlotte Mason homeschooling encompasses everything that is wonderful about homeschooling. Gentle lessons in a literature-rich environment, short lessons that focus on real-life with plenty of opportunity to explore the world indoors and out. And, these are just a few of the reasons I love this style of homeschooling! In these articles, my goal is to share the wonder, joy and creativity of the Charlotte Mason style, while giving you plenty of ideas and practical advice for implementing it in your own home. Enjoy!
One of the best ways to perk up the school year during the winter is to get outside. These free winter nature study printables can help you do just that! Yes, you heard right – get outside! I know it’s cold, but I also know what “going stir crazy” feels like and how {even cold weather}…
You’ll love reading winter working animal books for a new spin on winter-themed reading in your homeschool. Plus, the topic adds a unique layer of science to reading time. Not to mention, several books are inspired by true stories, too! I love pulling together stacks of themed books for my children. Whether for seasonal fun…
An earthquake nature study offers a fun way to teach science while exploring natural disasters. This week’s No Sweat Nature Study Podcast focuses on the largest earthquake ever recorded—the Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960. Children will learn how earthquakes are measured and discover how they can create giant ocean waves called tsunamis. Seismologists, or earthquake scientists, play…
I’m excited to share these free winter play dough mats with you! They can help elementary students learn nature study observation skills through hands-on play. You might think play-based learning is mainly for the preschool crowd, but playing in the elementary years still has plenty of benefits. Learning through play is more important than you…
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…
Have you ever wondered why bald eagles build such enormous nests? These majestic birds of prey create homes that can grow as wide as 10 feet and weigh as much as a small car! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, soar into an engaging bald eagle nature study. Listen to discover the fascinating…
This fun activity using Christmas glyphs will spice up December homeschooling. You’ll be glad to know it also counts as a living math lesson! What is a glyph? A glyph, as it relates to math, is a pictorial representation of data. That sounds like a pictograph because it is. Rather than putting pictures in the…
Have you ever thought of spider webs as Christmas decorations? You might change your mind after listening to this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode! Cobweb nature study is more fun than you might imagine. Learn about the Theridiidae spiders, often called cobweb spiders, and the tangled webs they create. These messy but fascinating webs…
This cranberry nature study is perfect for families who enjoy hands-on learning. The topic works well for your science lessons about the harvest season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, your children will explore the surprising science behind cranberries and why they float. Mrs. Cindy uses simple yet effective descriptions…
These exponential growth activities offer an excellent way to blend literature and math! Gather the books One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale by Demi and The King’s Chessboard by David Birch. The activities below offer hands-on experiences with exponential growth to help children visualize the rapid expansion of doubling numbers. Your children will love…
These Thanksgiving and gratitude living books have been favorites around our house for years. Some help explain the history of our Thanksgiving celebration, while others are just sweet stories with a Thanksgiving theme. Yet others really have nothing to do with Thanksgiving, in particular, but focus on a spirit of gratitude that’s such an important…
Corn isn’t just tasty; it comes in a rainbow of colors! Discover why corn kernels can be yellow, white, purple, red, and even blue in this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode. Your family will learn how natural pigments, like carotenoids and anthocyanins, create these vibrant shades in corn and other plants, such as carrots…