15 Ideas to Improve Concentration

15 Ideas to Improve Concentration

We have all seen it — we have all lived it!  There are simply days in which we have a very difficult time concentrating.  Our children are no different.  But when the days stretch into weeks, or months of poor concentration loom, we know we have a problem that needs attention. Here are 15 ideas [...]

Science Experiment Notebooking Pages – Freebie

Science Experiment Notebooking Pages - Freebie

There is the science that is found in textbooks … and then there is “real” science – the science that encourages students to under proper guidance, observe, examine, describe, reason upon, and finally draw his own conclusions concerning the matter in hand… Science for Beginners by Delos Fall To guide this process, we can provide [...]

The Horse: A Mini-Unit

Maine: A Mini-Unit

Does your child have a sudden fascination in horses?  Ready to use this interest to spur investigation, exploration, creativity and develop his skills? Remember, the one doing the research learns the most – so, as much as possible, leave the researching to your child!   They have carried armored knights, and saddle-less native Americans. They [...]

5 Traits of a Good Writer

5 Traits of a Good Writer

We spend hundreds of dollars looking for the “perfect” curriculum that will turn our children into good writers.  We try everything – the great classical writing program, the seminar experience offered by “experts,” the step-by-step instructions by professors of writing, and every traditional offering from the textbook publishers.  Nothing seems work.  Not only has our [...]

Cloud Chart – Free

Cloud Chart - Free

If you are studying weather and climate, or just enjoy cloud watching, you may appreciate this free cloud chart available as a 2-page color (.pdf) download from NOAA. On the first side is a sky-watcher’s identification chart showing examples of the high, middle and low clouds, the various types of clouds per per cloud base [...]

The Iditarod: A Mini-Unit

The Iditarod: A Mini-Unit

While portions were originally used by Native Americans, the Iditarod Trail as we know it was surveyed in 1908 by the Alaska Road Commission.  During the Alaskan Gold Rush, the trail became the main route through Alaska, used for transporting mail, mining equipment and other supplies from village to village along the route to Nome. [...]

4 Favorite Science Suppliers

4 Favorite Science Suppliers

We tend to get a bit formal when it comes to science.  There are full science programs complete with “textbooks” reaching down to the first grade level.  Our young children certainly need to be exposed to nature and the wonders of science.  The best way to whet the appetite for formal science in the later [...]

Presidents Day 2012

Presidents Day (Holiday Helps)

Presidents Day 2012 We have added a President’s Day Holiday Helps page. You will find history, interactive sites, biographies, art, units, lapbooks, notebooking pages, copywork, crafts, activities and recommended literature to help you and your family learn more about our country’s leaders.

The Haunted Room: Free eBook

eHomeschooling: Free eBook

It can be very difficult to find children’s fiction that provides exciting adventure without sacrificing sterling quality, and a Christian message without moralizing. The Haunted Room by A.L.O.E. (A Lady of England) is one of these rare gems.  Suitable for a wide range of readers, or perhaps even as a family read-aloud, this tale is [...]

The Fox and the Grapes: A Mini-Unit

The Fox and the Grapes: A Mini-Unit

Hopefully this post will inspire the DIY Homeschool mom to encourage our students to interact with literature.  Not all of the activities will be age-appropriate for every child.  Begin where you child is and adapt (read the fable aloud if your child is not yet ready to read at this level, etc.) Not all of [...]

14 Ways to Plan Studies Around An Interest

14 Ways to Plan Studies Around An Interest

The secret behind developing an educational program tailored to meet the needs of each individual child is simply getting to know the child! And part of knowing the child is respecting him for who he is and developing his talents and interests. Here are 14 ideas to help you incorporate essential skills, while appreciating the [...]

February 2012 Edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine – Free

February 2012 Edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - Free

The February 2012 Digital Edition of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is available free.  This edition includes Interview with Dave Ramsey – Financial Help for Homeschoolers 4 Ways to Avoid Burnout 12 Fun Writing Projects for Reluctant Writers A how-to from Karen Andreola on children writing their own stories Establishing a routine Writing vs. Handwriting by [...]

Receive a Free Issue of Practical Homeschooling Magazine

Receive a Free Issue of Practical Homeschooling Magazine

This year Practical Homeschooling Magazine will be celebrating its 20th year of publication.  In honor of the event they are giving away 20,000 copies of the magazine. The first 4,000 to visit the site and fill out the form will receive the 102nd issue. Sorry, this offer is for U.S. residents only.

10 Free Downloads – Time Limited

10 Free Downloads - Time Limited

Now through February 16, CurrClick is giving away 10 freebies as part of their Winter Whisper sale.  This limited time offer includes: Physical Science Notebook from Hands of a Child Astronomy Basics Lapbook from Knowledge Box Central Bee Mine, a grammar game product from Ingles 360 Easter Preschool Printables Mini Unit from Itsy Bitsy Learners [...]

Groundhog Day: A Mini-Unit

Groundhog Day: A Mini-Unit

Every child knows the basics of Groundhog Day.  On February 2, the groundhog peeks out of his hole to decide if he wants to take the trouble of staying awake or if he would rather sleep in a while longer.  If the sun is out, he casts a shadow which is apparently frightening enough that [...]