Too many parents see the library as a drop off place for their children after school. Many of these children have not been taught how to use the library or how to behave, once there. But here, homeschoolers are different. Often the family comes in together. The children are usually well-behaved. They know what
Rather than work through one particular curriculum, I prefer to encourage self-research, reading plenty of books, and when possible, actually interviewing and spending time with people that are knowledgeable about our current focus of study. This approach to education has been extremely helpful in subjects like electives, life skills, and especially history. Though we
As a relaxed homeschooler who veers more towards natural learning and unschooling, I often seek out Charlotte Mason materials to use with my kids. Of all the different homeschooling philosophies and methods, hers meshes well with a natural learning environment. I emphatically agree with her emphasis on nurturing a child’s love of learning through
Did you know that June 4th is National Cheese Day? Folks all over the world are encouraged to eat cheese. So go ahead and eat macaroni and cheese, fondue, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese soup, or cheese and crackers. You can also turn National Cheese Day into a learning experience. History of Cheese We
Hey Mama, I heard you were feeling under the weather. Being sick is such a drain not only on the body, but emotionally, too. Things that normally take very little effort seem monumental. Tasks that should be done in an hour take three. Kids become burdensome; joy is hard to muster. It’s temporary, Mama. It
It’s the final stretch of the school year. While many homeschooling moms will put lesson plans aside and breathe a sigh of relief, another group is planning summer lessons to get their children caught up. I firmly believe in taking a summer break. Regardless if you follow a traditional or year-round school schedule, both
Hiking with kids is a lot of fun—except when it isn’t. I grew up overnight backpacking with my parents through the Canadian Rockies for family vacations. As a mom, I frequently drag invite my kids out on dayhikes with me around Vancouver. Over the past decade, I’ve learned how to keep these hikes fun
