I started this list with what I consider are lesser-known or older books that every parent and teacher must read. Maybe I am showing my age, but I think a lot of these “older” books are sometimes better than some of the “newer” books. This book list is for any parent, any educator, or even just anyone who is into self-help and learning more about the brain. Smart Moves by Carla Hannford, Ph.D In order for kid’s brains to learn, they have to move! Parents and teachers know this, but Hannaford’s book explains the how and the why, and goes …
Category: Homeschool
History Timeline for Homeschoolers
Keeping a history timeline is a fun, hands-on way to go over what you’ve learned in your homeschool! I created these blank history timeline pages to use in your homeschool or classroom. I hope that this makes learning about history even more fun! Ways to Use the History Timeline There are endless ways to use this blank timeline and make it work for you! Younger students can print pictures out and glue them in the timeline. Older students can type up a small summary of what they remember as a review of what they have read or watched, and cut …
Constitution Day: Color Your Way Through the Constitution
Civics is a mandatory subject for homeschoolers and public school kids alike. Unfortunately, learning about the Constitution can be a bit dry. Why not make it a bit more fun and hands-on? Constitution Day is September 17. As homeschoolers, we take this day to delve into learning about the documents that created the foundation of our government. Learning what is written (and not written) in the Constitution is important for each person to know their rights, to know if the government is doing its job, or if the government is over-reaching. I created these pages in hopes that they would …
How to Make Homeschool History Fun and Hands-On!
When I was younger, I thought seriously of becoming a full-fledged history teacher, while my career ended up taking a different path, now that I homeschool my kiddo, I am now a history teacher! In reality, I am more of a history student because we mostly learn together. Here are some ways to make homeschool history fun, hands-on, and memorable. Lego Battle Scenes: Unfortunately, a lot of history involves wars and fighting, but little boys won’t object to a play battle! Play and learn history at the same time! Bust out Legos, planes, ships, and a map, and reenact a …
How to Host a Homeschool Co-op on Reading Nutrition Facts Labels & Hands-on Activity for How to Measure Grams of Sugar
The week before Valentine’s Day I thought would be a great time to teach kids in our homeschool co-op about reading nutrition facts labels and learning all about added sugar, just in time for the candy-filled holiday. But really, these activities would be great for anytime of year! Reading the Nutrition Facts Label for Total Sugars First, have the kids sit in a circle and take out their snacks. We did this activity during snack time. Hopefully some of their snacks have a Nutrition Facts label. Then, have them look for the “Serving size.” If needed, use measuring spoons and …
7 Ways to Teach Math Without Worksheets and Workbooks
Does your kiddo balk at sitting in front of a math workbook? You know that they know how to do the math, but when in front of a workbook they all of a sudden turn ADD? This is my kiddo. And I don’t really blame him. There are a ton of fun ways to learn math, instead of just sitting in front of a boring workbook. For the child who hates math workbooks and worksheets, here are some hands-on activities that have helped us to make math more fun and exciting! Use Games! Who can say no to a game?! …
How to Host a Homeschool Co-op on Plant and Animal Cells: With Hands-on Slime Cell Models
This article goes over how to host an awesome, hands-on homeschool co-op on plant and animal cells, microscopes, and the “micro-verse.” Learning about cells and microbiology, a whole other world that we can’t see with the naked eye, inspires a wonder of learning. I’m thrilled when I get to see the kids learning something new and they have a look of awe and amazement on their faces. Honestly, our homeschool co-op learning about cells was a little too much for the kindergarteners in our group, but was perfect for 7 to 9-year-olds. Ideal for grades 2-4, in my opinion. (Or if …
“Am I Doing Enough?” Thoughts Every Homeschool Parent Has
Often, as a homeschool parent, we ask ourselves, “Am I doing enough?” We feel we need to be doing more, more, more! More hands-on activities, more classes, more life skills! Of course, thinking these thoughts cause one to pause and reflect: And there is certainly no one-size-fits-all answer. To help me figure this out, I decided to make a list of everything I remember learning (and retained!) from K-12. I went to a private school, and honestly, that list wasn’t very long. Try it! Make a list of everything you remember learning in school, and see how long it is. …
Relaxed Homeschooling versus Unschooling: Which is Better?
I am certainly no expert in labels nor in homeschooling, but as far as labels go, I’d probably be in the “relaxed homeschooling” or “eclectic” mix it up category. I think a lot of us homeschoolers are in this category. And I imagine most homeschoolers follow some mix of various teaching methods and philosophies depending on their child’s needs, learning style, and personality. It seems that Unschooling is growing in popularity, with Unschoolers making up 10-20% of the homeschool community. Here is why we’ve chosen a Relaxed Homeschooling path versus Unschooling. Relaxed Homeschooling versus Unschooling: What’s the Difference? Unschooling is …
How to Promote Kindness and Character in Your Homeschool Co-op: Social Emotional Learning Activities for Kids
A friend mentioned that around 8 years old some pre-puberty hormones start to kick in, and I think some of us are feeling it! In our homeschool co-op, the kids’ behavior has been getting out of hand lately, so we decided that it would be a good idea to focus on developing kindness and character this year. This article will give you some social emotional learning activities for kids to use in your homeschool co-op or classroom, and some fun ideas for developing kindness. Rules & Expectations First, have clear rules and expectations. Kids need and want this. If things …