living literature

Cartoon monkey hods a red pipe wrench on a blog image for a post about simple machines.

A Simple Machines Unit Study

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 simple 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….

Blog image about using picture books to teach narrative writing. Green pencil image with images of little picture books.

Picture Books That Demonstrate Narrative Writing for Older Students

If there’s one subject that seems to befuddle homeschoolers more than any other, it’s writing. I hear it during homeschool consultations and casually talking among homeschool friends. Plus, I see questions about it all over the internet. People are often surprised when I tell them I don’t formally teach writing until middle school. Really, I don’t. And here’s…