Have the winter homeschooling blues set in yet? When the blues come around our house, my first line of defense is to kick up the interest level of our lessons. This might mean adding some fun art projects, science experiments or (cold) nature walks to our typical daily schedule. Or, it might mean setting aside regular lessons for a week or two while we dive into a wintery unit study. Like many of you, I save the best learning ideas I come across on my Pinterest boards. Ahem...I have more than 100 learning boards now - but, hey, I'm more organized than ever before! (This post contains links to my business website.) Winter Homeschooling Which boards will I be perusing ... Read More
Sweet Blessings: A Handicrafting Service Project
(This post contains links to my products.) Blessed to be a blessing Serving others is important to our family. We've looked for unique opportunities from the time my children were very young. Luckily, we've never had to look far because needs are all around us. One of the most fun projects we've done this year also turned out to be a surprise handicraft lesson! Sweet Blessings makes birthday cakes for needy children. Whether the children are homeless, living in poverty, living in foster care, suffering with a serious illness, or struggling to live a full life in other ways, Sweet Blessings sets out to make their birthday super-special with uh-mazingly beautiful and yummy ... Read More
Elementary Homeschool Science Can Be Fun AND Easy!
(This post contains affiliate links and links to my business website, Shining Dawn Books.) Homeschool Science Fun? When you think about homeschool science in the elementary years, do you think "UGH! All those experiments, all that equipment, all those technical definitions! Let's just skip it. Surely my kids can catch up later." I'm going to let you in on a few secrets about science: Science in the elementary years is vitally important for understanding of the bigger concepts later. Elementary science can be SO much easier than you think. Elementary science can be SO much fun that neither you or your children will consider complaint. Tips for Teaching Homeschool Science ... Read More
How I Teach Active Kids Using the Charlotte Mason Method
Active Kids and Charlotte Mason - Do They Go Together? Yes. Oh, yes! Maybe you've never thought about that side of Charlotte Mason homeschooling before? Let me tell you, I've HAD to think about it. I have a couple of boys (who shall remain nameless) that are VERY active. Aren't most boys, though? Just how does a CM education mesh with the busyness of boys - or inquisitive gifted kids - or minds that jump from one thing to another in a matter of seconds? 1. Lots of outdoor time. Besides frequent nature study (active and outdoors), Charlotte Mason encouraged plenty of daily outdoor play time. Time to be free, wild, creative, inquisitive...and to work out much of the excess energy ... Read More
Win a Back-To-School Toolkit!
This post contains affiliate links and links to my business website, Shining Dawn Books. Are you thinking about back-to-homeschool yet? How would you like to win a Shining Dawn Books creative learning e-book bundle with a bonus $5.00 gift certificate to CurrClick? Here's your chance to win! The Shining Dawn Books back-to-school toolkit includes: Incredible Creeks NaturExplorers study: "You’ll discover the power of water, but investigate rocks, erosion, freshwater animals, and the health of a creek. You’ll dig deep into the riparian zone learning about its protection, and the abundance of plants and critters who live near the creek. Get wet or stay dry – you get to choose how to ... Read More
Summer Break: Homeschool Style
Why I'm not posting much... And this isn't the half of it! Summer break doesn't mean our homeschool stops spinning. Learning time is different, family time is relaxed and fun, and we're making memories! Ah, summer. I hope you're enjoying your family and taking at least some time off for a summer break! ... Read More
Sick Schooling
This post contains affiliate links. Read my entire disclosure policy here. We recently had one of those days - I mean weeks. You know, when everyone feels just good enough to do something, but not good enough to do a normal day of school. What to do so the week isn't a total flop? Sick Schooling... We pulled out all sorts of low-key learning and ended up having a great week! A little family reading time, several educational DVD's and a few easy going games pulled us through - and we actually learned quite a lot! These were on our agenda this round... How Should We Then Live? (10 DVD's) - AMAZING. In this series of (10) 30-minute DVD's, Francis Schaeffer takes you from ancient ... Read More
Ultimate Guide to Christmas Nature Study
The holly bears a berry as red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good. The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn. ~The Holly and the Ivy | Harrison S. Morris I bet you thought I covered everything related to nature study a few months ago in my Ultimate Guide to Nature Study post, didn't you? No way! In this post, I've pulled together everything related to CHRISTMAS nature study for you. Christmas nature study?? Yep. Who is Christmas about? Who made creation? Well then, studying nature at Christmastime is a perfect way to talk more about our Lord and Savior, ... Read More