What kid wouldn’t love a break from the regular homeschooling routine to enjoy a funschooling day full of candy-heart lessons? I promise that your day won’t be wasted, and you’ll be able to check off almost every box in your lesson planner! Teaching with Candy Hearts Grab a big bag of candy hearts from the…
Get ready for an animal superpower nature study exploring some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, Mrs. Cindy shares the shocking strength of the mantis shrimp, a small sea creature with an unbelievable punch, as well as facts about other animals with seemingly…
Having a home full of the best art supplies for kids will help foster your children’s ability to express themselves. Art keeps them busy doing something far more constructive than using electronics or watching TV. And that comes in handy… especially during the winter months. Being cooped up inside can make everyone go a little…
It’s long been said that we have to crawl before we can walk, walk before we can run, and run before we can race. Development is typically easy to track and anticipate as a child builds upon previous skills, a steady line sloping up. Gifted kids, though, develop much differently. Instead of a straight line…
One of my favorite ways to support independent learning is by setting up a simple homeschool learning center. It is nothing fancy and definitely not permanent. It is just a small, welcoming space that invites children to joyfully follow their curiosity. Learning happens naturally as children browse books, handle tools, engage in simple activities, and…
Animals appear in stories all the time, often talking, thinking, and teaching lessons. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, children will explore animal intelligence through an Aesop’s Fables nature study. From clever crows to dolphins that understand hand signals, listeners will learn how to distinguish between instinct and learned behavior. The…
Any time is a good time to read a fantastic picture book, but when that book serves double duty as an educational tool, it’s truly a “keeper.” The character building picture books listed below are definitely keepers. We know that good character is best taught through example, right? The saying goes that way more is…
Enjoy cold-weather science with this free winter nature study printable packet! The six activities are perfect for children of all ages and will help with observational skills. When homeschool families think of nature study, winter might not be the first season that comes to mind. As with any season, winter is a great time to…
Winter is the perfect time for snuggling up with books – lots of them! Over the years, we’ve returned to certain books time after time during the winter. I thought I’d share our list of winter books for kids and give you an idea of some of the extension activities we’ve used to turn the…
What was the very first thing ever seen through a telescope? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, children take a step back in time for a Galileo nature study that introduces the curious scientist who pointed a telescope at the sky and changed science forever. From surprising details on the moon’s…
Christmas stockings are a long-held tradition in the West household. Of all the gifts around the Christmas tree, it seems the stockings are the most anticipated – which is why we save them until the very last. I remember feeling the same way as a little girl. There’s just something extra special about finding the…
A donkey nature study is the perfect way to combine science, history, and holiday fun. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, children learn how donkeys, camels, horses, and sled dogs helped people travel long distances before cars and trains. From snowy roads to desert trails, they’ll explore how each animal’s unique…