Summer is a great time to get outside and explore nature using our free printable nature scavenger hunt. Little ones can mark off all the things they find. Your budding artist can sketch their finds if they'd like. Pack a bag with some colored pencils or bingo dotters. Clip your free printable to a clipboard. Head outside! Want to sneak in a little learning this summer? If your Continue Reading >>
The Astonishing World of the Galapagos Islands: a Book Review
But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind? Job 12:7-10 So begins the section titled A Biblical Continue Reading >>
Fourth of July Ideas: Free Printables – Writing Paper and More!
Driving across our great country for ten days has been a great way to appreciate the beauty and variety that is our United States of America. If you are not from the United States, please forgive me for today, while I wax eloquent. We left California expecting beautiful national parks and great highways, and we were not disappointed. A complete lack of internet service and very little cell Continue Reading >>
See No Evil: Protecting Your Children On-Line
Do you trust your kids? I mean implicitly trust them to never yield to a clear temptation? I did, and I've learned that to do so is foolishness. Children are going to be tempted. And they are going to sin. And sometimes, they are going to sin in ways you never expected. A few nights ago, we noticed a data charge on our phone plan that was way above the expected amount. It was significant Continue Reading >>
Teaching the History of Independence Day to Young Children
The 4th of July is a rather big celebration in our home. So a few years ago when my husband announced that he would like to do an annual lesson with the kids on Independence Day, I was not at all surprised. He jumped right onto his computer and before I knew it he had printed out photos, planned snacks, and told me what supplies he would need for some crafts that would help illustrate what he Continue Reading >>
Summer Homeschooling Roundup
Summer is here! Camping, swimming, hiking, and… schooling? Many homeschoolers “do school” right through the summer, but not all summer school looks the same! Here are several different approaches to choose from when it comes to teaching your kids over the warmer months. A Lighter Load Many homeschoolers go year-round but have a lighter load during the nicer weather. This approach is flexible Continue Reading >>
End of the Homeschool Year Woes
My homeschool year is officially finished. At least, it's supposed to be. I'm cleaning off the bookcase to get ready for a new year, and a new plan, but I can't help feeling like I am doing something wrong. Last year, I dreamed big. I made the same mistake many other homeschoolers do, and I overcommitted. I planned not one language arts curriculum, but three, which overlap in more than one Continue Reading >>
Adventures to Remember: My Moving Memories (a Teen’s Perspective)
As of June 11, 2014, Move 2014 had begun. That was the day the packers arrived and packed the boxes, which they were able do in one day -- much to our surprise. It started me thinking about our last move in 2011. All I remember of the packing process was leaving my cousin's wedding early and how huge the moving truck was. But I do remember how sad I was to leave DC and how much fun we had on Continue Reading >>
Fun Math and Phonics Practice? A Review of Learning Wrap ups
My littlest boys were beyond excited when the Learning Palette games from Learning Wrap ups arrived for review. We actually got to review a ton of stuff and all four of my youngest children ended up enjoying the contents of that box. They don't get review products very often and this one looked beautiful and amazing from the get-go. First, we reviewed the 2nd Grade Math Learning Palette 1 Continue Reading >>
5 Reasons We Don’t Homeschool Over the Summer
Sometimes, I feel like the odd mom out. We don't homeschool in the summer. I have seen and heard the arguments for homeschooling year-round. In theory, I think this approach is fantastic! If I had it to do all over again, I would certainly start out this way. However, homeschooling year-round doesn't work for my family for several reasons. I don't homeschool over the Summer because I have a Continue Reading >>