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 a while, we often get lost in a stack of picture books or chapter after chapter from a current read-aloud (or two). There are lots of components to summer…
If you have a cooperative extension service in your community, you’ve hit the homeschooling jackpot. A homeschool 4-H club through our cooperative extension service is one of the best groups we’ve ever joined. What’s a cooperative extension service? It’s a cooperation between communities and universities that provides training and services to the community on the…
Are you looking for a fun and educational activity to engage your children’s curiosity about prickly things in nature? Look no further than the latest episode of the No Sweat Nature Study podcast, where Mrs. Cindy teaches a bramble nature study. Explore the fascinating world of blackberries and raspberries while discovering the science behind these…
I’m thrilled to share these fantastic summer-themed play dough mats with you! Get ready to have a blast using the mats in your elementary homeschool for a fun and educational summer experience. Play dough mats offer a wide range of benefits. Beyond just being enjoyable, shaping and molding dough helps enhance fine motor skills. While…
I have another senior. How is that possible? It’s really, indescribably true when you hear that time flies and your kids will be grown in the blink of an eye. So, this year I’ve prepared boyschooling homeschool curriculum for a 12th grader and a 5th grader. These boys keep me so busy with music lessons,…
A garden pest is any insect, animal, or other organism that can cause damage to plants and gardens. They can be harmful to both ornamental plants and crops, and can negatively impact the health and productivity of the garden. Common garden pests include insects like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, as well as animals like rodents,…
Summer field trips have been a consistent tool in my toolbox to beat boredom and get in some sneaky learning. Living on a cattle farm and having a library full of nature studies, you’d think boredom wouldn’t be an issue at my house, but all kids get bored here and there. A summer break from…
When I used to teach elementary school, every teacher used a portion of the fourth-grade year to teach a rich Kentucky unit study. It was always full of learning about historical events and people, as well as important state symbols, culture, and things that make KY a special place to live. As a proud Kentucky…
Strewing can be a great way to keep your kids busy this summer – or during any break from homeschooling. This post is packed full of summer strewing ideas for you! Strewing is kind of a strange word, isn’t it? The act of strewing is quite simple though, you basically scatter educational things about for…
Did you know March is National Reading Month? Because living books are so very good, every month is all about reading in our house! But in honor of this annual celebration of reading, I thought I’d take some time to share some of my best tips for raising readers. 11 Tips for Raising Readers Not only…
Bees are insects that belong to the same family as ants and wasps. Yes, they are related to ants! Additionally, there are over 20,000 different species of bees in the world. As you can already see, bee nature study is fascinating and I’m excited for you to learn alongside me! One of the best things…
Do you have a child who began reading well at three or four years old? A child who reads far above grade level? Early readers who soak in more books in a year than you’ve read in your entire life? Do you wonder what to do with all that advanced ability? Just how do you…