There is not one teaching resource I treasure more than children’s literature. The good ones have such a masterful knack for presenting factual information amidst incredible storylines. The illustrations, of course, help children put pictures to names, places, and ideas. This list of picture books for nature study is perfect for exploring science topics. When…
These living chapter books for nature study capture the attention of readers with wonderful tales that beautifully weave a storyline and nature together! From harrowing adventures to hidden gardens, many of these timeless stories have been well-loved for years. They also happen to subtly encourage a love for nature and make perfect read-alone or read-aloud…
Teaching simple machines through hands-on, experimental lessons is a hit for children. While gathering materials takes just a bit of time, the engagement factor makes this quick and straightforward unit study worthwhile. This post includes affiliate links. Simple Machines Unit Study Before reading the first book about simple machines, set up some little centers for self-discovery….
I love using living books to help children “see” math. These math operations picture books specifically focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to help build understanding and connect math to the real world. Books are powerful in helping children relate to abstract mathematical concepts! They can be used as pre-reading before introducing something new…
Studying the Middle Ages is so much fun! Our Middle Ages unit was packed with excitement, from knights and castles to medieval feasts and daily life. My children stayed engaged the entire time! I carefully selected the best hands-on activities from the two reference books below to keep our study to six weeks. With the…
Tackling a Civil War unit study with kids can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to discover one of the most pivotal times in American history. When my children and I explored the Civil War and the complex topic of slavery, I wanted more than just dates and battles. I wanted them to…
I have always loved teaching a Leonardo da Vinci unit study. It quickly covers almost every academic subject, from the Renaissance to various science topics like inventions, simple machines, and the human body. History, science, and art combine with research-based learning and good books for a fabulous learning adventure! Leonardo da Vinci Unit Study Taking…
The study of astronomy with my seven and 10-year-old children was surprisingly fascinating! As usual, we used bits and pieces of this and that, with lots of living literature, a field trip, and projects, to learn about our solar system. I hope you find something helpful to add to your astronomy unit study! This post…
Time and money picture books are invaluable to teach complex math concepts to children. These fun books will keep everyone inspired to learn! Did you know that time and money are forms of measurement? Yes! The minutes and hours that tick by on a clock are a standard way to measure time, as are the…
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…
Winter homeschooling can feel long, especially with restless kids and the slower daily rhythm. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With some creativity, winter can become a season full of engaging and vibrant learning opportunities. In this post, I’ve gathered some of my favorite winter learning ideas to inspire your homeschool days. These…
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…