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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Who Delivers Homeschool Help for Moms?

Could you use someone to cheer you on as you homeschool? Or better yet—how about a whole bunch of people to lean on, who know what it is like to be in your shoes? Wouldn’t it be great to sit down with people who have answers, people who deliver homeschool help for moms? Wouldn’t that
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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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Morning Basket Ideas

Do you have a morning basket routine in your homeschool? This is a time when everyone in the family gathers together to work on certain subjects together—regardless of any age gaps. A morning basket does not need to be a physical basket, although that is a handy way to keep everything together in one spot.
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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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Social Studies or History?

I read an interesting article in the New York Times recently. The author Dr. Daniel Bessner, a historian, wrote about history becoming controversial and the rapid decline of the history profession (researchers, professors, and teachers). Dr. Bessner goes so far as to say, “It’s the end of history. And the consequence will be great.”1 What!?
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“Do Colleges Accept Homeschool Diplomas?” and Other Questions About Higher Ed

When I first started homeschooling, skeptics appeared out of nowhere. A common concern was “do colleges accept homeschool diplomas?” Friends and family that I thought would be supportive held me at a distance. Others would reason within themselves that it would be alright since I have a college degree while some tried to convince themselves
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Do You Have a Late Reader, Mama?

Half of my children were early readers, and half were late readers. There were struggles that we pushed through. Some tears were dried. But in the end, with consistent day by day help and encouragement, they are all good readers now. One needed vision help; one needed help for dyslexia—some needed more time. We read
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