The thing about homeschool schedules is that they're difficult to keep. As real life happens, flexibility is essential. However, as my children get older, we're moving from a loose homeschool rhythm to a slightly more disciplined schoolwork schedule. When planning our year, I use two important tools: a paper teacher planner and a digital calendar. … Continue reading How I’m Scheduling our 2021-2022 Homeschool Year
It's hard to believe that we're heading into our seventh year of homeschooling in September. Last year, I was pretty near ready to give up, so we embraced a year of more relaxed homeschooling. As we head into summertime, I'm feeling much more refreshed and prepared to tackle homeschooling again in the fall. My oldest … Continue reading 2021-2022 Curriculum Choices
We found our rhythm after Christmas break. Finally. Our few months of relaxed homeschooling was needed and restful, but in January, we were ready to dive into the deep end again. The thing I love most about homeschooling is that it's flexible enough that we can shape it to fit our needs. And sometimes, needs … Continue reading A Homeschooling Update
Anyone who says that homeschoolers aren't socialized has not met my children. Or most of the homeschooled children that I know. Even during a pandemic when gathering sizes are limited and social distancing rules are in place, there are plenty of opportunities to interact (safely) with others. Last week: music lessons, hikes with friends, outdoor … Continue reading An (Almost) Unschooling Update
Confession: I'm not a good unschooler. I had intended for this year (or at very least the first few months) to be a break. Aside from Morning Time (A Year in the Hundred Acre Woods), math and reading, our learning was supposed to be entirely delight-directed. We were going to dive into the world of … Continue reading A New Year of Homeschooling
From wrapping each other up in toilet paper when learning about mummies to building the Great Wall of China out of blocks, we've always had so much fun studying ancient times. I've mentioned in previous posts that we do a four-year history rotation (ancient, medieval, renaissance and modern). We've done two cycles of ancient history … Continue reading Ancient World History: Living Books and Resources
Centennial Park fountain in Dunnville, Ontario This particular frieze was her favourite. Because it's a girl. Because it's a canoe. Because it reminds her of herself. It reminds me of her too, but also of E. Pauline Johnson, one of my favourite Canadian poets. As we looked at the sculpted panel, I told my daughter … Continue reading The Best Kind of Learning
What do you picture when you think of the Middle Ages? Do you imagine castles and knights and damsels in distress? What about smelly cess pits or teeth-pulling barbers or the bubonic plague? There are so many interesting things to learn about when studying medieval times. I've always found the Middle Ages to be the … Continue reading Living Books and Other Resources for Medieval History Studies
There's something so beautiful about the wide open space of a new calendar year, isn't there? It's a chance to start fresh. The first few months of school have centered around creating routine and a sense of normalcy for my girls in the midst of challenging circumstances. Although we start our school day a little … Continue reading Starting the New Year with A Year of Tales
Charlotte Mason Style Watercolor LessonIf I'm honest, I have to admit that art is the first thing to fall by the wayside when homeschooling gets busy. It's not just because I find drawing stick people a challenge, it's also the mess that bothers me. Paint splatters, pastel dust, spilled watercolours ... and don't get me … Continue reading Bringing Art Into The Homeschool When You’re Not Artistically Inclined
The Grace-Filled Life 