We follow a four-year cycle for teaching science. In the elementary years, science picture books have helped me introduce and explain scientific topics so well that I consider them as much curriculum as anything else we use to teach science. How We Learn Science While we do use the occasional science textbook during the elementary…
Welcome to Day 3 of my 10 Days of Teaching Values series. Today’s topic focuses on one of the most important things we’ve added to our homeschooling schedule – service and leadership opportunities that lead to beautiful character growth AND benefit others. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use…
These data picture books will help your preschool, elementary, and even middle schoolers understand sorting and graphing. Sorting is a skill that is also called categorizing, ordering, classifying, or organizing. It’s simple enough in many cases for preschoolers to do and complex enough that scientists sometimes form teams to figure it out. Either way, it’s…
Learning about natural disasters can be scary for children, but it’s important to understand them to be safe in an emergency. Hear a personal story from Mrs. Cindy’s childhood as she describes some signs and safety tips in this tornado nature study. Tornadoes are one of nature’s fiercest weather phenomena. Understanding their strength and destructive…
Do you have more than one child? How about gifted kids? Perhaps struggling learners? Do you have active children? Is hands-on learning a preference? Do your children love to get lost in certain topics? Could they take more ownership of their work? Would you love for them to really “get” what they’re learning? Do you want to teach all of your children the…
It’s a big world out there, filled with amazing creatures big and small. But did you know that some of these incredible animals are in danger of disappearing forever? In this endangered animals nature study podcast episode, children will learn about the Javan rhinoceros from Southeast Asia. Javan rhinos are one example of a critically…
Brain training activities are good for everyone because they build neuron connections. Who couldn’t use a few extra neuron connections, right? A previous article shares the what, why, and how of brain training. You can read it to understand the concept of brain training and learn how it improves cognitive skills for ALL learners. This…
How does a Charlotte Mason education mesh with busy kids – or inquisitive gifted kids – or minds that jump from one thing to another in seconds? Actually, pretty well. Charlotte Mason and active kids can be a match made in heaven! Quite naturally, many of the methods of Charlotte Mason’s style work alongside children…
Yes, logic and critical thinking really do matter. A lot, in fact. We all want children who can stop and think before they act, right? That takes logic and critical thinking. And, I bet at least one of your homeschooling goals is to raise a well-rounded child who can transition into successful adulthood. Well, that…
How is it possible to enjoy an Amazon Rainforest nature study when most of us will never travel to South America for a nature walk? It’s easy. Not every nature study topic has to be experienced outdoors. When a nature walk isn’t possible, the next best thing is to study from afar. This episode of…
Book smarts are important, but they aren’t the only things that matter for gifted learners. It’s essential to make common sense connections through real-world gifted homeschooling, too. One of the often-mentioned challenges about gifted children is that sometimes brilliant-minded kids don’t always make those common-sense connections. It can be infuriating for the parent and embarrassing…
Do you prefer pancakes or waffles? It’s a tie for me! Of course, the best part of either one is the sweet maple syrup drizzled over top. Where does that delicious maple syrup come from? Believe it or not, maple syrup comes from maple trees. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study podcast,…