Economics – How About a Lemonade Stand, Mama?

The children begged me to have their own garage sale and lemonade stand recently. I knew the amount of work that it would take, and my weekend was already full so I agreed as long as they did everything themselves. I knew they needed to learn their own lessons, but I had to fight the
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Homeschooling While Working, Mama

I homeschool full time. I work full time. I pray for wisdom all the time. There are two things that we keep in mind as I work from home and also homeschool. They are. . . Family First My family must always come first; so I must often set aside the business that is calling my name to deal
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Do You Fancy Yourself a Grammarian, Mama?

Grammar! Does that word bring up good feelings? Probably only to the few and the brave and the nerdy. I love words, but I sometimes dislike the rigor of proper grammar. I have found in my own homeschool that it’s all in the way I teach grammar, as well as the timing of teaching grammar,
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Who Wants to Get Organized, Mama?

Who wants to get organized? I think the answer is EVERYONE! Just not me–today. How do I get out of this slump? I’ve lost the enthusiasm I had at the beginning of the year. Looking back, the times I’ve lost my joy are the times that I’ve been worn out physically or the house is
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Habits Bring Peace, Mama

Classical education and Charlotte Mason education both vouch for creating good habits and starting them when the children are young. There are so many benefits that result from the forming of good habits. Peace is one of them. Wouldn’t we all like a dose of peace in our homeschool days?  It took me a few
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Literature-Based Learning, Mama

I am not an expert on literature-based learning, as we are a bit eclectic in style. (If you are wondering about styles, take a look at back issues of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine or explore literature courses at SchoolhouseTeachers.com.)  But I can say that, after teaching more than twenty years, my children have learned exponentially
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Are You In Survival or Revival, Mama?

Let’s talk about the hard things of homeschooling. There are times (maybe years) where you are homeschooling through illness. Or, maybe the lack of finances or job security is particularly hard. What about that marriage that is hanging in the balance? What about those teens that are rebellious? What about the trials that keep coming? 
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Should You Teach Typing, Mama?

When I first began homeschooling 25 years ago, I didn’t even think to add typing to my children’s education. But when I saw them use an online learning game and watched them “hunt and peck” for letters on the keyboard, I knew it was time.  Today, typing has become a skill that most of our
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