My four older kids all have their own tablets. We originally got them so the kids could use educational apps to improve their reading and math skills. The kids are allowed to play games on them, but we decided when and for how long. We chose to focus on these no-guilt kids apps that educate and entertain. We have set rules and apps they must do before playing on them non-stop. It has been fun to search and find educational apps they love and enjoy. Apps are a great way to increase their learning in a fun, interactive way. Apps can be great for any age and any subject and can be used anywhere. And they are easily ...Read More
Homeschooling 11 Lies Homeschoolers Like to Tell
We all know those perfect little homeschool families. You know, the ones who have it all together. Their kids excel at everything. They get along wonderfully. They love being together. I honestly thought that was what my family would be like in the future just because we chose to homeschool. I'm not sure if I was buying in to the stereotype or that I was just that naive, but that's not our family at all. Don't get me wrong, we love homeschooling, but there are some lies that I have believed and even told on occasion. 1. Homeschooling is fun. Please hear me, we absolutely love homeschooling, but if you ...Read More
Do you make one of these 13 homeschool mistakes?
Homeschooling is a journey. Whether you are a multi-generational or a first-generation homeschooler, there are homeschool mistakes to be made. But thankfully, there are several you can avoid, if you know what they are ahead of time. I can't guarantee avoiding these mistakes will make your days flawless, however, I can tell you they will be more enjoyable! 13 Common Homeschool Mistakes 1. Over Scheduling When we began our homeschool journey, I knew my son needed structure. So I set up a detailed schedule with time slots that "needed to be followed." We also joined a local homeschool group that had activities ...Read More
59 Fun and Educational Field Trips
One of the things I most looked forward to when we began homeschooling was taking educational field trips. I could literally plan a field trip (or two) every week and be happy. However, I know that we do need to actually accomplish school work aside from field trips. I mean...looking at historical handwriting doesn't exactly teach you how to write, ya know? Nevertheless, I have compiled a list of fun and educational field trips that can be added to any homeschool. While I would love to take field trips every week, its simply not possible with our family schedule. So, I try to plan big field trips that will ...Read More
11 Ways to Simplify Your Homeschool Day
Homeschooling laws differ from state to state. While some states do require certain subjects to be taught during specific years, there are others that leave it up to the parents. If you live in one of those states like we do, that leaves a lot of leeway for subjects, topics, and approaches to your homeschool day. And if you're like me, all the choices out there can get overwhelming. I know during our first couple of years, I was just so excited to do everything, that we almost did nothing. We did the basics—math, science, reading/phonics, spelling, etc.—we packed it all in to every day. I soon realized that while my ...Read More
9 Surprising Reasons to Homeschool
When we decided to homeschool, I sought counsel in one of my best friends. She had so many great reasons for homeschooling, but the most poignant one was because of her faith. And while that wasn't our primary reason to begin with, it has certainly become a more prominent reason in recent years. Over the last 7 years, we have discovered a few more reasons that have surprised even me. While our core reasons remain the same, there are little things that make homeschooling a wonderfully, perfect fit for our family. With my husband in the ministry, our plans can be derailed due to an emergency with a member or an ...Read More
6 Steps to Choosing the Best Homeschool Curriculum for Your Family
If you're new to homeschooling, you are probably feeling pretty overwhelmed about now. There are so many choices for homeschool curriculum out there. Some good, some not so good. Some Biblically-based and others not so much. Just because you're a veteran homeschooler doesn't mean you escape these feelings. My family is entering our 7th year of homeschooling, and we're changing things up a bit since our oldest is officially entering the "middle school" age. That means new curriculum and time to start thinking ahead to his *gulp* high school years. When we first started homeschooling, I let my inner teacher get the ...Read More
11 Ways Dads Can Get Involved in Homeschooling
When we began our homeschooling journey nearly 6 years ago, I had visions of grandeur. Things were going to flow smoothly, our house was going to be a fun place of learning, and my husband would be completely involved in our homeschooling process. (With his work schedule, I had it all worked out how he would be involved and help on his days off, which were Wednesday and Thursday at the time.) Things, however, did not go as planned—life happened. Truthfully, the rigidness of the schedule was more than he could manage when he worked 45 hours/week on the graveyard shift. We adjusted and life went on, but the kids ...Read More
