Elementary

Bird Center

Here’s the newest summer center at our house – Birds! The box of books on the right includes nonfiction books about all sorts of birds – everything from birds we see around here to penguins to toucans.  I’ve also included some really good children’s literature that have birds as characters – Make Way for Ducklings…

Miller Stories

My children pulled all the Miller’s books out again the other day.  I can’t tell you how much we’ve enjoyed these books!   From the time they were preschoolers and we started reading Storytime With the Millers, my children have intently listened to and learned from the stories.  I think they’re so good, in fact, that they were…

Learning Centers

Whether it’s a unit, a special holiday, someone’s birthday or just something you want to do to peak your children’s interest in a certain subject, think about creating a special place of learning in your home to create a buzz of inquisitiveness in your children.  We call them learning centers, but you call them whatever…

Summer Art Centers

If you’re anything like me, art tends to take somewhat of a back seat to other subjects during the school year.  So, I’ve decided to make an art center that will stay around all summer long! I plan to fill it with all sorts of goodies, but only a few at a time.  I’ll change out…

I’m Bored! List

On a recent blog, I posted some of the things I do to keep my kids busy and learning during our summer break. One of the things was creating a 100 Things To Do If Bored List. I just recently came up with this summer’s list and thought it might be useful as a Tip…

Keepers At Home

What a pleasure this group has been!  This summer, a few moms of girls ages 8-12 got together to organize a Keepers At Home group.  We meet twice a month and use the Keepers At Home Handbook as a loose guide when planning what to teach the girls.  The moms take turns teaching classes – choosing what we feel…

Busy boxes blog post with images of little educational toys

Busy Boxes

(This post contains affiliate links.) Preschoolers Have you ever heard of Preschool Activities in a Bag?  Basically, they are learning activities stored in large ziplock bags which can be given to preschoolers to keep them busily learning while Mom works with other children. I love the idea, but don’t have a preschooler right now. Early…

Caleb’s Days

Caleb told me the other day that first grade sure is harder than Kindergarten!  He’s right.  I’m expecting a lot more from him this year, but nothing he can’t handle.  He’s a very active child and would much prefer to climb a tree than do a phonics page.  I make sure he has PLENTY of…