I finally had a chance to take a peek at the Grammar Galaxy curriculum to see what all the buzz is about. Teaching doesn't get much better than using stories to impart serious language arts skills - and enticing children into those stories through exciting missions. The author, Dr. Melanie Wilson, is a dear friend of mine, but I don't want you to get the impression that I'm saying nice things about Grammar Galaxy because of our friendship. She has truly written an engaging elementary language arts program! This post contains affiliate links. What is Grammar Galaxy? Grammar Galaxy is a language arts program for 1st-6th graders that uses stories and missions to teach language ... Read More
The Best Language Arts Games and Manipulatives for Homeschoolers
Have you ever wondered which are the best language arts games to use in your homeschool? There are so many options out there, but not every game is both educational and fun. I've pulled together a list of more than 20 games (and a few manipulatives) that I have used to get my kids excited about things like reading, spelling, and sentence structure. For the most part, everything on the list can be used with multiple ages as long as the student can already read. This post contains affiliate links. We usually play at least one language arts game per week during school hours. But, a few are family favorites that we often enjoy during family game night. I'll note the family favorites in ... Read More
A Happy Collision of Nature Study and Language Arts
One of the things I love so much about nature study is its ability to merge together so many other academic subject areas. Nature study and language arts, for example, go hand in hand together. Think about all the reading and writing that take place as nature journals are written, field guides read, or new finds researched. Keep reading to learn how to naturally make connections between nature study and language arts. At the end of the post, I think you'll be super-excited about the surprises waiting to help you connect the dots between the two subjects! This post includes affiliate links. The Language Arts Language arts includes four main areas: reading, composition ... Read More
How To Improve Language Arts Skills with Typing
Typing instruction has always been an important part of our homeschool. Not just for the sake of learning to type, but as an integral part of our language arts program. In today's technology age, of course it makes perfect sense to introduce our children early and often to correct typing format before bad habits are formed. Have you considered, though, how much of the language arts as a whole can be taught through the mode of typing? I'm not at all suggesting we throw out paper and pencils in lieu of keyboards, but I am suggesting that typing might play a bigger role in successful teaching of the language arts than many of us have considered before. This post has been sponsored by ... Read More
You’ll Love These Christmas Nature Study Books
Since the Christmas season can bring along busy days and sometimes cold weather, it can be difficult 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 tons of effort. Each book description gives you an idea of how to use these books as living literature resources. Hopefully, they will spark curiosity and a hunger for learning. How could they not! Especially when the first story on the list includes a yummy cookie recipe! This post contains affiliate links. Christmas Nature Study Books Cranberry Christmas This classic story comes with an incredible ... Read More
Why the Math and Literature Connection is So Important (with GIVEAWAY!)
Books are incredibly effective tools for teaching. Charlotte Mason homeschoolers certainly understand that fact as it pertains to subjects like history and science. But, did you know the math and literature connection can be just as powerful? Why Math and Literature? There are many reasons math and literature pair so well together: Books introduce math concepts in a non-threatening way and build interest. Good stories make math come alive and children find that math isn't boring or inaccessible. Mathematics within stories provides context that illuminates the meaning of otherwise abstract concepts. This is especially helpful for struggling learners. Oftentimes, ... Read More
How To Make Friends with Books
What is a friend? Webster's 1828 Dictionary of the English language defines a friend as, "One who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company." I can easily apply that definition as I make friends with books and I definitely seek to pass that friendship on to my own children. This post contains affiliate links. Living Book Characteristics Charlotte Mason advocated the use of living books. We can define a living book by some of these characteristics: A book that has the power to say what would be said in such a way that we're not likely to forget it. It becomes forged in ... Read More
Homeschool Writing Curriculum: A Review of Writers in Residence by Apologia
How do you feel when I ask, "What's your plan for teaching writing this year?" Does it fill you with so much excitement that you chatter on and on - or do you just look at me with frustrated eyes and groan? The subject of writing seems to give more homeschooling families fits than any other subject (besides math.) I think the problem may stem from four things: Lots of kids don't like to write - whether it's physically cumbersome or the ideas just don't flow easily. Many parent's don't feel comfortable enough with writing themselves to find the confidence to teach it well. Writing is so subjective and personal that it can be hard to grade. Because people are often sharing ... Read More
Using Picture Books to Teach Expository Writing
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 writing? Expository writing is a fancy name that simply means writing that conveys information or ideas and offers explanations or evidence to back up said information or ideas. Informational children's books, textbooks, autobiographies, magazine articles, and newspaper articles are all examples of expository writing. This post contains affiliate links. That sounds ... Read More
Free Nature in Your Notebook Winter Printables
One of the best ways to perk up the school year during the winter is to get outside. 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} nature walks can rejuvenate the spirit. Not to mention, there's a world of nature waiting to be studied during the winter! Nature in Your Notebook To get you started in your nature explorations, I've created THREE fun notebooking pages that will guide you on walks from Valentine's Day through those first sweet signs of spring. To download them, simply click on the graphics. Lovely Winter Walk: Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so how about ... Read More