Informer Blog

Nature Study: Squirrels

Just a tawny glimmer, a dash of red and gray,Was it a flitting shadow, or a sunbeam gone astray!It glances up a tree trunk, and a pair of bright eyes glowWhere a little spy in ambush is measuring his foe.I hear a mocking chuckle, then wrathful, he grows boldAnd stays his pressing business to scold … Continue reading Nature Study: Squirrels

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784) was born in West Africa and came to the New World on a slave ship. She was both purchased and eventually freed by Boston commercialist John Wheatley. Phillis was part of a group of refugee slaves who were too young or frail for rigorous labor. She did housework for the Wheatleys. They … Continue reading Phillis Wheatley

Justin Morgan

Biography During the colonial period, there was a lot of work to do everywhere, and people worked very long hours every day, though most tried to rest on Sunday. Even on the day of rest, there was still the work of feeding both people and animals. Justin Morgan’s life was no different. He was born … Continue reading Justin Morgan

Organize Your Homeschool Using Habits

What is a habit? A “habit is a routine or behavior that is performed regularly—and, in many cases, automatically” (Clear 13).  Are there things that you ought to do regularly, but that you don’t ever accomplish? Would you like to get them done? If you could incorporate them into your day as habits, they would … Continue reading Organize Your Homeschool Using Habits

Homeschool Lite: Ease into Your Year

Starting off the school year at full speed seems natural since there is so much to learn, and we want to get our routines in place as soon as possible. But if you’ve taken a significant break, coming in like a wrecking-ball can cause trouble within just a few days’ time. This suggested method is … Continue reading Homeschool Lite: Ease into Your Year

Mapping a Plan for High School

The number one question I hear over and over again is: “How can you homeschool through high school?” The answer is a resounding, “yes, you can!” The first step in conquering this task is to make a four year plan. When my oldest approached high school age, he was interested in going to college. So, … Continue reading Mapping a Plan for High School

Nature Study: Honeybees

By Julie McIntosh, beekeeper and HSOK Trustee Can you imagine having over 20,000 sisters? A honeybee can have that many or more! Almost all bees in a hive are female, and all the eggs they hatched from were laid by the same queen mother. That makes them all sisters!  The honeybee is a fantastic creature … Continue reading Nature Study: Honeybees

Frederic Edwin Church

Frederic Edwin Church (May 4, 1826 – April 7, 1900) was an American landscape painter and a central figure of the Hudson River School. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut. His father was a successful silversmith and businessman, so Church had time and supplies to pursue art as a career. When he was eighteen, he began … Continue reading Frederic Edwin Church

The Four Language Arts (Andrew Pudewa)

When asked, “What are the language arts?” people may respond by listing numerous subjects: spelling, phonics, grammar, penmanship, copying, dictation, narration, and composition. But actually it’s much simpler! For those adhering to the classical model, those ascribing to a Charlotte Mason approach, or those who just want a common-sense curriculum, there are really only four … Continue reading The Four Language Arts (Andrew Pudewa)

Johann Pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel lived from 1653-1706 in Germany. He left many compositions, including the very well-known Canon in D, and he instructed many students, including Johann Christoph Bach (older brother and guardian to Johann Sebastian Bach). It may seem strange to include Pachelbel with a group of innovative American composers that we’ll study this year since … Continue reading Johann Pachelbel