One of the main goals I set early on in our homeschool was to give my children a love of learning. Creative homeschooling is the mode I’ve used to successfully do that. Don’t think that you can never put your child in front of a textbook or computer screen to homeschool creatively! Instead, think of it as offering your children curriculum and styles to meet their needs. Sometimes that will be a textbook or computer class. Other times, it may be a unit study, living literature, field trips, games, project-based learning, co-op classes, or interest-based studies. These articles show you how. Be inspired!
A leaf nature study is a simple way to combine outdoor exploration with meaningful science. This week’s No Sweat Nature Study Podcast makes it easy and fun. Children will discover that leaves aren’t just pretty but are designed with smart defenses. These defenses help protect them from insects and other hungry animals. This episode highlights…
One of the best things about nature study is that it works wonderfully when teaching multiple age groups at once. For years, my friend Lynna thought that nature study might be a bit overwhelming for her large family. I asked her to give NaturExplorers a try, and she agreed. I think you’ll love this glimpse…
Using movies in your homeschool might seem like a cop-out, but it’s not when you use them for fun learning. Project-based learning is the best. My kids have not only been more excited and engaged during a project compared to traditional textbook learning, but also absorbed significantly more information. Their interest is fueled each day…
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kristina Garner in this post! She and her girls recently enjoyed some exciting, hands-on nature study in their backyard creek, and Kristina is sharing the experiences with all of us. I think you’ll especially love to see how much they learned about creeks (and how much fun they had)…
Have you ever been to the same nature study destination so often that you almost forget there are always new things to discover? My friend Tracy and her children had visited the same ponds many times over. They never really got tired of exploring, but she found a simple way to refocus their attention, which…
Let’s wrap up homeschooling for the year! I promise it doesn’t have to be stressful. No matter your homeschool style, I bet you’re staring down piles of workbooks, notebooks, lapbooks, projects, worksheets, and folders. The end of the school year comes with wonderful examples of your family’s hard work! I’ve been asked before if I…
Have you ever wondered why bird eggs come in so many colors? From bright blue to speckled brown, the variety is not only beautiful—it’s also full of scientific meaning! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, children will explore colorful bird eggs while building excitement for an upcoming egg-laying animals nature study video class….
Teaching simple machines through hands-on, experimental lessons is a hit for children. While gathering materials takes just a bit of time, the engagement factor makes this quick and straightforward unit study worthwhile. This post includes affiliate links. Simple Machines Unit Study Before reading the first book about simple machines, set up some little centers for self-discovery….
Your elementary homeschool children will love these spring nature study play dough mats. Playing with dough is more meaningful than you might think! Sculpting with play dough sounds like a preschool activity, but older children can benefit, too. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can practice important science and artistic skills through a motivating…
Looking for a meaningful way to combine math and art in your homeschool? Positive negative symmetry art is the perfect project! This hands-on activity introduces important concepts like symmetry, spatial awareness, and the artistic principles of positive and negative space—all in one simple lesson. It’s a fantastic example of how living math can bring abstract…
Research and anecdotal evidence have repeatedly proven that creativity is as vital a trait as resilience or wit. Creativity can often be considered a skill, but it’s such a broad concept that it’s difficult to explain just how to practice it. This list of art and handicraft gifts will help! Creativity can be applied to…
Rainbows are one of nature’s most breathtaking displays—a perfect topic for a rainbow nature study! Whether you’ve spotted one stretching across the sky after a rainstorm or only seen them in books, these colorful arcs spark curiosity and wonder in learners of all ages. In the latest No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, I answer,…