It's messy. Even on the best days, homeschooling is messy. I'm not just talking about the books strewn across the table, the toys strewn across the living room and the dirt, grass, leaves and shoes strewn across the front entryway. It's the conflict that can arise when four people are together—all day, every day. Yes, … Continue reading Why Did We Choose Home Education?
My husband has been away this week. Normally, the days that he's away drag long. But this time, because I was sharing at a homeschool parent support group on Tuesday night and needed someone to watch the kids, we were invited to spend a few glorious days with my parents. They are absolutely wonderful, so … Continue reading The Week in Review
Friendship, fear, life and loss: Sometimes, our little ones deal with big emotions. As a parent, I’ve found that one of the most effective tools to help me walk my children through these emotions is story-centred discussion. Here are seven books (plus discussion starters) to help you help your child navigate big emotions.
"Mom, look!" She stoops beside a rotting log, her voice loud with excitement. "Look at the way this fungus is growing — it's shaped just like a rose!" We stop in our tracks, all four of us. Even the littlest one bends low to look close. I've been asked before just how it is … Continue reading Charlotte Mason and Richard Louv: Nature Study and the “Powers of Observation”
Winter. When the temperature drops and the icy wind howls, there is nothing cozier than snuggling up under a blanket with your children and reading stories together. Add in some candles or twinkle lights? Gezellig! I usually start our day with picture books and read-alouds, and we all treasure these sweet times together. Especially when … Continue reading 100+ Winter and Holiday Themed Storybooks to Read to Your Child
Happy November! Halloween is over so that means ... it's Christmastime! Some of you are probably thinking that it's a little bit early to jingle those bells just yet. My husband and I have this discussion every year. He thinks that the Christmas tree shouldn't go up until December 1st. I've always thought it should … Continue reading The Week in Review
Christmas Eve. Voices echoed angelic songs in darkness lit by hundreds of tiny flames that flickered like stars. I held my candle carefully as I sang the miracle and mystery of a Saviour come to earth. Heaven stooping low. The glorious beauty of ancient prophecy fulfilled. My children, beside me, looked on with wonder-filled eyes. … Continue reading Charlotte Mason Inspired: Step-by-Step Christmas Hymn Study
For a long time, I've dreamed of having a light table. I probably wanted it more for me than the kids, to be honest. Pinterest is full of bright photos of beautiful light table fun. It looks like such a fun way to teach ... well, anything. But then I looked into the cost. … Continue reading Preschool Corner: 10 Budget-Friendly Light Table Ideas (and one Really Budget-Friendly Light Table Substitute)
Hey everyone, Welcome to the weekend feature! It's all the very best things in one end-of-the-week roundup: books, homeschooling, blog posts, nature and wonderful things from around the web. But before we get to that, have you ever checked out The Grace-Filled Life Facebook page? It's your one-stop place for encouragement, inspiration and laughs throughout … Continue reading The Week in Review
Gulls swoop and wheel in the air, screeching loudly. Two men grunt as they pull in a large net from the water. Slimy fish flop frantically inside the mesh, sides heaving and scales glinting. One of the men looks up for a moment to watch the gulls. He sucks in a deep breath of the tangy sea air before saying, “Good catch today.”
