Much of the mystery and mayhem associated with the raging hormones of the middle school years can be mitigated by choosing to homeschool. While many of us remember the drama, tears, and embarrassment of attending public school in junior high, we can offer our own children a safe haven of support and understanding during these … Continue reading Managing Middle School Mayhem
Ah, those upper elementary years! They’re not chubby-fingered cherubs any more, but they’re not yet ready to learn on their own. This is the age of emerging skills. Most students are still mastering the basics of reading, writing, and math, and schoolwork can seem incredibly tedious. Here are a few things to keep in mind … Continue reading Teaching Older Elementary Students
Last week, I spent a few days in a cabin up in the mountains. To say that I was excited to spend some quiet time with friends and family would be an understatement. As we drove up to our cabin, we were treated with the beautiful view and a hint that fall was on the … Continue reading Fall is Here!
You’ve probably heard a lot of talk in the homeschool community about the importance of reading aloud. Reading is fast becoming a lost art in our video-based society. But it still remains the most efficient means of gaining information as well as a very pleasant way to slow down and enjoy a story. Today we’re … Continue reading Why Read Aloud?
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
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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
Planning our homeschool journey is by far my favorite thing to do each year. There is something heavenly about dreaming of the future. What goals do we want to achieve as a family, for each of my children, and for goals do I have for myself? Every year I build a planner for the year. … Continue reading Plan a School Year in Five Steps
by Andrea Hogue Tip #1: What to Do When Choose the two hardest subjects and do those first. At most, spend one well-spent hour per subject. Don’t do more. Assess why there is work left. Was too much work assigned? Was the student wasting time? Decide: Should homework be assigned? Should your expectations change for … Continue reading Tips for Homeschooling Middle School Students
I’ve had people tell me that “Classical music is boring and pretentious.” I strongly disagree. Actually, when I’ve been told this, I’ve asked, “What classical music have you listened to?” Typically, the person declaring that classical music is boring has rarely listened to it. So, how do we grow a love for this source of … Continue reading Adding Beauty: Music Appreciation
