Informer Blog

Nature Study: Stars

Nature study is harder in February than at other times of the year. Flowers are dormant. Creatures are hiding. Trees are bare. But, the night sky is beautiful. It gets dark early, and the cold seems to make the stars brighter. We’ve gathered some information about constellations that you might be able to see from … Continue reading Nature Study: Stars

Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was one of America’s greatest poets, but most of what she wrote wasn’t discovered until after her death. She was a recluse for most of her adult life. While she rarely left her house, she composed many poems about the outside world as well as the small world in which she lived. … Continue reading Emily Dickinson

Dear Homeschooling,

As we start the last First Day of our semester, I am overcome with emotion. I watch our firstborn work diligently and cannot believe we are here. As we near the end of our homeschool journey with our oldest, I wanted to take a moment and write a letter to you. First, you have not … Continue reading Dear Homeschooling,

Managing a Home in a State of Flux

How do you get it all done? Washing the dishes, turning over the laundry, planning and prepping meals, vacuuming the incessant dog hair, keeping surfaces clean and dust-free, making the beds, chauffeuring kids to activities, AND homeschooling?  The truth is, it CAN’T all be done.  Unfortunately, things that get done are quickly undone by others … Continue reading Managing a Home in a State of Flux

Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 ) was born in Massachusetts. He was a pianist and conductor who also composed beautiful pieces. Music was a great joy to him, and he listened to and enjoyed all kinds of it. Many people suggested that he’d be better off if he picked one of his favorite branches of music and … Continue reading Leonard Bernstein

John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) was an American painter, even though he was born in Florence, Italy and he died in London, England. He painted all sorts of things in different mediums. Sargent worked in between Impressionism and Expressionism, and he broke the tradition of drawing on the canvas with a pencil first, preferring to use … Continue reading John Singer Sargent

Nature Study: Bodies of Water

Nature study can be as simple as a short walk in the neighborhood or as elaborate as a week in Yellowstone National Park. Don’t make it hard. Just go outside. This month, we suggest you spend some time outside every day that the weather is reasonable, and walk or drive to some different bodies of … Continue reading Nature Study: Bodies of Water

Amy Beach

Amy Beach is one of the greatest composers that you’ve never heard of. She was born in New Hampshire on September 05, 1867. She was born into a musical family, and she was naturally gifted in music. By the time she was four, Amy played four-part hymns on the piano and composed several waltzes. At … Continue reading Amy Beach