One of the best ways to explore U.S. history and geography in your homeschool is through meaningful, story-based reading. This living literature approach helps children connect emotionally and intellectually to the people, places, and events that make each state unique. Over the course of a school year, my children and I took a journey across…
Why would anyone use picture books to teach expository writing? Because picture books are written by master authors who can teach us clearly through their examples. Not to mention, it doesn’t take long to read through most picture books, so you can share examples and get right to the work of writing. What is expository…
Beautifully written and illustrated picture books are the perfect inspiration for nature study! In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we explore “Barbara Cooney nature study” while learning a little about the biography of this famous author and illustrator of beloved children’s books. If you’re looking for a fun way to combine…
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…
Winter is the perfect time for snuggling up with books – lots of them! Over the years, we’ve gone back to certain books time after time during the winter season. I thought I’d share our winter book list and give you an idea of some of the book extension activities we’ve done to turn the…
Adding a good picture book to any lesson makes learning come alive. It also adds terrific visual references to help concepts have more meaning. This particular Christmas book activity is the perfect way to celebrate the season and help children learn empathy at the same time. In my mind, character-building is just as important in…
Enjoy the magic of Christmas with this precious literature-based lesson, which includes a special service project for your family to do together. You’ll love the Silver Packages book activity so much that it might even become a Christmas tradition. Traditions help families build relationships and give children peace and security. Because they are so meaningful,…
Since the Christmas season can bring along busy days and sometimes cold weather, it can be challenging to incorporate nature study into your homeschooling routine. I’ve created a list of Christmas nature study books that will help you bring new and inviting ideas to the table without much effort. Each book description gives you an…
Creating opportunities for children to publish their work can be incredibly rewarding. Published books for kids offer a tangible way for young writers to see their creativity and effort come to life. When students go beyond the final draft and produce a finished bound book, it instills a sense of pride and accomplishment that motivates…
Field trip notebooks are a fantastic way to sneak in some writing practice while creating a memorable keepsake for your kids. Here’s how you can turn your family trips into learning experiences that your children will cherish for years. Field Trip Memories (And Learning, Too!) After a family trip to Michigan, we came home with…
Living literature isn’t just for reading but also for teaching writing styles! Serious writing lessons don’t start in our homeschool until middle and high school, but believe it or not, I often use picture books to help me teach. Since picture books can be read in one sitting, they are perfect examples of good writing from…