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
Slips of white paper curled and blackened as flames licked the edges. We gathered round, my three daughters and I, and watched our handwritten words fade into fire. And then they were gone, and all that was left were a few glowing embers and a bowl full of ash. I added a little bit of … Continue reading The Grace-Filled Homeschool: Rituals that Touch the Heart
"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” (Thoughts on “Home Education”)
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)
Every winter, my parents leave Canada and drive south to Florida, towing their large fifth wheel behind them. They travel around for a few months—hiking, biking and soaking in the warmth and sunshine. They see incredible wildlife and always share the most gorgeous wildlife photos. Inspired by their travels, I’ve wanted to do a unit […]
When I first started teaching geography, it was through country studies. We read beautiful, living books. We invited people into our home to teach us about places they lived or ministered in. We sampled food from around the world, coloured flags, dressed up and did some pretty cool crafts and activities. But my children needed … Continue reading Product Review: Daily Geography Practice
Summer is almost here! We're looking forward to sunny trips to the beach, tall glasses of homemade iced tea, and chasing fireflies at dusk. We're also looking forward to spreading a blanket in the cool shade of the backyard and reading a stack of good books. This year, we've chosen five novels to read aloud … Continue reading Five Family Read-Alouds for Summer
Confession: We're only half focusing on school this week. I'd really like to give it my all. Honestly, I would. But the great outdoors has been beckoning... I've been itching for months to get out. Not in the snow. Not in the ice. Not in subarctic temperatures. I've been itching for spring. And it's finally … Continue reading Geography Adventures: East Africa
This week, we read, "How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World" (by Marjorie Priceman). First off, let me say that I love this book. It's about traveling around the world to gather ingredients to bake an apple pie, There are so many fun extension activities that you can do to go along … Continue reading How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World {Our First FULL Week of Homeschooling}
