Free Class for Bloggers: Get more traffic with fewer posts In this FREE 5-day email course, you’ll get powerful science-backed strategies that will bring you more traffic with fewer posts. And they work for every niche. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS *FREE* CLASS… Research shows all you get is 10-20 seconds before readers decide whether they should keep reading your post or leave forever. Publishing more blog posts won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to keep the reader longer than 20 seconds. When you enroll in this course, you’ll discover: The powerful secret to coming up with headlines that readers can’t resist The magic ingredient that will make readers share your content (but most bloggers are missing it) How to convert your reader to a loyal fan who keeps coming back for more But let’s be real. You’re already up to your eyeballs in advice for what you should be doing to grow your blog. Write more! Pin more! Network more! More, more, more! You don’t need more tasks on your blogging to-do-list. You need to find out which tasks will give you the biggest and best results for the time you spend. Results in the form of new subscribers, more traffic, and higher earnings. Claim your seat in this class, and you’ll get 3 lessons over 5 days, with each one taking 15 minutes or less. After one week, you’ll know how to step off the hamster wheel of cranking out more and more content that doesn’t go anywhere. You in?
You have been SUCCESSFULLY UNSUBSCRIBED! Let my son teach you and your kids how to crochet. YES! you’ve been successfully unsubscribed. Before you go reheat your coffee again, my 15-year old son wanted to invite you to peek at the class he created for kids of all ages to learn to crochet. Stephen, 15-year old future surgeon… Use the code: UNSUBSCRIBE to get a special discount to this already very affordable class. Stitching with Stephen: WHALES
Fun POPCORN Activities to do with your kids! She wrote, “Bekki, here’s a challenge for you. “The only thing my son is excited about is standing in front of the microwave watching popcorn pop. How do I work with that?🤔🍿Can you give me some ideas for how a Homeschooling Olympian would turn that into fun and learning?”Olympian mom (Snort) I don’t think she expected an actual answer. ANYTHING can be used as a backdrop for teaching and delighting in learning. Even popcorn! How to take this excitement and turn it in to a Homeschool Olympians Style teaching moment? FREE Popcorn Olympics Printable! START Preparing for POPCORN OLYMPICS!! Welcome to the “Homeschool Popcorn Olympics” 🏆, where we’ll turn your microwave’s favorite spectator sport into a full-blown learning extravaganza. Harnessing the unexpected, like the simple pleasure of popcorn, and transforming it into a series of engaging, hands-on activities holds immense power in the realm of homeschooling. This approach breathes life into learning by fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder. It breaks free from the conventional and often mundane approaches to education, injecting an element of surprise and excitement into the daily routine. When children discover that even something as seemingly ordinary as popcorn can serve as a catalyst for exploration, experimentation, and creativity, they develop a broader perspective on learning itself. It instills the notion that knowledge isn’t confined to textbooks but is a dynamic, living entity that can be found in the most unexpected places. In a kernel, these unconventional learning experiences ignite a passion for discovery and encourage children to view the world as their classroom, making homeschooling a vibrant and memorable journey. I Grab your outline for creating Popcorn Olympics here Learn how to break free from Curriculum
Teaching Math Doesn’t Need to be Boring Inside: everything you need to teach your kids their math facts! When our oldest son was in 5th grade my husband tricked me into homeschooling. “Just give it a year“. That was ages ago, and I’m still teaching my younger kids around the kitchen table. I remember our first real day of homeschool. I arrogantly sat across the kitchen counter from my son and ran a quick “teacher like” math fact drill. photo by aaron burden He didn’t know his math facts! … Read More »
Am I Alone in this Crazy Battle? Inside: 5 Things Parents Should Pass On To Thier Kids Look for the ray of hope… The year was 2010, and our oldest son was excitedly describing a new novel series he stumbled upon at the library. “Mom, don’t freak out.” Those words sent a shiver through my spine, but I bit my tongue really hard so my ears would stay open. … Read More »
Mama, Be super excited about the Eclipse- It’s Contagious Inside 3 Tips to Grab the Most out of the Ecplise (Or any other experience) “There were kids on the soccer fields honey.” The color drained from my face. Of course, I blew it again. Without fail, every year, without exception, I miss the critical sign-up dates for sports. I’m not talking 5-years of missed sports; I’m talking 20 years. … Read More »
Do You Need to be an Artist to Teach Homeschool Art? Inside: Homeschool Art- The surprising way to teach your kids to grow in their confidence and ability in art. {Plus a fun freebie} I remember the day I peeked over my son’s shoulder. He was 12-years old. He was sitting there so quietly- completely absorbed in his work. His intensity intrigued me, so I snuck over to take a peek. I shouldn’t have been stunned, but I was. How the in the world did he learn to draw so well? Here’s the secret… … Read More »
How to Make a Homeschool Schedule Making a homeschool schedule can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some steps to help you create a homeschool schedule: …Read More »
What You Really Need to Homeschool Homeschool Supplies at Your Fingertips When we had our first son, we had all the gadgets. Bassinet, stroller, carrier, car seat, bouncy seat, playpen, baby gate, huge diaper bag, and a baby monitor for our 425 square foot apartment. …Read More »
10 of the BEST Homeschool Subscription Boxes for your Kids Inside: Top picks for homeschool subscription boxes by moms like you. These subscriptions will spice up your homeschool Travel to the future with me, and let’s give each other a virtual high five today. Ready? HIGH FIVE There are two boxes and an envelope on the kitchen table for your child. YOU are so excited, you can’t contain yourself. Visit Ivy Kids Kits here You close your eyes and think to yourself: “Don’t say they’re for school!”“Don’t say they’re educational!”“Don’t say they’ll be fun learning lessons!” You are squirming with excitement, because you know your child is holding the future in their hands and waiting with anticipation for the go ahead to peek inside. They hold up one of the boxes. “This one?” YOU: Not, yet. They try to hide disappointment, and hold the the other box. “This one?” What’s inside?!?!? YOU: Maybe you should open the envelope first.((Insert wink.)) They tear open the paper and read, “You are about to get a glimpse of the future. Something that will some to you every month for the rest of next year!!!” At this point, tell them to pause while you get another cup of tea or coffee and ask them to guess what’s inside. YOU: What do you think it could be? ((Insert virtual high-five here)) They are so excited, they can barely contain themselves. What is in the boxes? 💛 Excitement💛 Curiosity💛 Fine motor Development💛 FUN How is this possible? Something for everyone Related: Learning by Surprise Enhances Memory I polled hundreds of homeschool moms and compiled their favorites list of kits into a list for you. My own 15-year old gets the Kiwi Co Tinker Crate each month. When it arrives, he places it on the ottoman and waits for the end of the day. That evening, he opens the box with great fanfare, making sure his DAD sees and is equally impressed. Then he gets building. Careful reading of instructions Fine motor development Engineering and design Problem solving and math skills Those are the words we HIDE AWAY from his ears and replace them with WOW! FUN! Let me see. MAGIC. You have time to make this happen. Most kits take a few weeks to get to you and there is one for almost every kind of child and passion. Just be stealthy and I promise… …I won’t spoil the surprise. Food for thought: These make GREAT gifts for people in nursing homes too!! Quick Links to the top Homeschool Subscription Boxes Green Kid Crafts KiwiCo Mel Science Bitsbox Ivy Kids Young Woodworkers Let’s Make Art Rock By Rock Raddish Letter from Afar Highlights Little Passports Think Outside Craftsman Crate Sensory Therapy Play Box BarkBox DIY Preschool Earth Box Plan DIY ABCs of God Plan Free Science for three months from Mel Science? Here’s how you register! When you really want to know what’s best you ask the experts, right?Kids LOVE getting stuff in the mail! Surprise them with a special gift – A subscription box just for THEM! Perfect for birthdays, holidays and more! But, if you’re like me you’re wondering which are the BEST Subscription Boxes for kids. So I asked all the moms On our Facebook page: I’m looking for subscription box and membership ideas for homeschoolers. Most subscription boxes are chosen to meet a specific need, want, or interest. Throw in the fact that you don’t need to look for duct tape, buttons, or instructions for how to whip together something cool and BOOM. Your kids will think you’re the coolest mom on the planet. Not sure which boxes will best fit your family? That’s exactly why I asked a few dozen of my homeschooling friends. Check out all the AMAZING subscription boxes other Homeschool Moms love. …Read More »
I Just had a Homeschool Heart Attack Inside- You’ll find a craft that is out of this world. {pun intended} Usually, I see it coming. But this year it snuck up on me. I was minding my own business, sipping a cup of coffee, and scrolling through Facebook when I saw it. 13 Days until Thanksgiving. I almost snorted coffee through my nose. … Read More »
Will You Kids be Ready to Leave Your Nest? Inside: If you’re hoping your kids will live with you forever, don’t read this. In the old days, children were given a suitcase for their 18th birthday. That’s right. “When you graduate, be ready to hit the road, Jack!” photo by Mike Birdy Take my dad.… Read More »
Chores Made Simple Free Chore Printable Print this free homeschool mom reminder. This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on the heart of homeschooling. I always have the hardest staying focused. This printable simplifies it! Here is a sneak preview… Download Your Free Printable Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join 9,000+ homeschool moms who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas! Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal. Place it on your refrigerator as a helpful reminder.
But What if “I HATE” Poetry? How can I Teach it? Inside: 7 Steps to Accidentally Teach Your Kids Poetry. I promise it won’t hurt. Recently, I was talking with our local librarian and I chuckled. OK, I laughed at her. photo by kazu end I know it’s not nice, but she had set a fishing book out for all to see. FISHING. Her eyes twinkled as she told my youngest son about one of the funny snippets between the covers. Nope. He didn’t believe her either, but we checked it out anyway. … Read More »
The One Skill Your Homeschooler is Missing As a homeschooler, I can struggle with pride. I can become so puffed up about the skills that my sons have developed under my watchful eye. It’s an easy challenge. We’re right there guiding them from crawling, to walking, to reading, and eventually to solving quadratic equations. We even require that they keep their art supplies neat. But, honestly… Sometimes I miss the mark entirely. … Read More »
Forget Math Flashcards! This is the Best Way to Learn Math Facts Almost pulled out my hair today. My 11-year-old Stephen, woke up more bouncy than usual. That’s saying something. (I’m guessing Winnie the Pooh’s buddy, Tigger, was inspired by an 11-year-old ADHD boy. Just sayin’.) While I am not a big labeler, if this son of mine were in a “traditional classroom”, I’m confident he would have been stamped as dyslexic, ADHD, and an overall handful. He is, it’s true. But that’s why God gave him to my husband and me. (Big toothy grin) Most days, his bounciness is controlled by sitting on one of those exercise balls at the table, or knitting when we read aloud. But some days, like today, there is no way possible to get him to unbounce. You see, tomorrow we venture 8 hours to visit our beloved In-N-Out Burger joint. The fact that there isn’t an In-N-Out in Washington state was almost a deal breaker when we relocated here. Anyhoo, Stephen is so excited. He barely sleeps. He has been counting down the days, hours, and now minutes to our departure. Every few minutes, he lets us know that the reason he swinging from the ceiling is that he is excited. Now, Try to teach Tigger a traditional math lesson. Yea, I spit out my coffee too. It ain’t gonna happen…. Read More »
Teaching with Legos! How to Look Beyond the Mess Sometimes going up the stairs is enough to ruin your day. … Read More »
Tips for Driving Safely in the Snow They laughed at my husband. “You’re gonna get stuck,” they teased as they all stood around watching him put autosocks on his car. Autosocks. Yes, they’re real Visiting from California, those native Iowans thought he’d lost his mind. How could he possibly drive in the ice and snow with socks? “You need chains!” My husband is what we affectionately call a research-a-holic. He doesn’t just read about something; he dives deep. Multiple articlescase studiesspecification sheets You Tube videosReviews. If he says something is the best, I’ve learned to simply smile and say, “ok!” Autosocks were one of those discoveries I wanted to debate, but I kept quiet for the sake of peace in the home. Really. I forced myself to keep quiet and it was a good thing I did. Once again, my husband proved he’s brilliant. We moved into the mountains after spending most of our marriage in San Diego and he wanted us to be prepared for snow. So he dug in. Being from Chicago, the man had nightmares about chains. If you love in snowy areas, you are well acquainted with the drama. So he searched alternatives. I still remember him staring at his computer and turning his head sideways, like a puppy trying to understand your last sentence. “Hmmm” A few days, and many hours of research later, autosocks arrived at our home via AmazonPrime. He couldn’t wait for it to snow so he could give them a spin. His First Chance Came when He traveled to Iowa for Grandma’s Memorial Service. Eight inches of snow fell during the memorial and he pulled out his new socks. Folks gathered ’round to see what the “crazy Californian” was doing to his car. Everyone lined the streets to mock him. Family. Enough said. He quickly slipped them over the tops of the tires, then drove forward and snapped them into place. All the bystanders gave the “yea, right head nod” as he drove away. Mouths dropped open. That day, many of his family members got stuck in the snow. But not my brilliant man. I had my own opportunity to try the socks recently. I kept sliding down the last hill to civilization. I needed to get to the grocery store, but the hill was a sheet of ice. I smiled at the son sitting next to me. “You get to learn how to use the autosocks today!” My neighbor hung out the second story window and told me I was crazy. “You need chains to get up that hill!” I smiled and told her about the socks. She replied, “I’m just gonna hang out the window and watch you slide.” Really, she’s wonderful. She’s kind, friendly, and helpful. She just couldn’t believe those things were going to work. Her mouth dropped open as I drove right up the hill. Tips for driving safely in the Snow According to AAA, these tips will help keep you safer on the road: Stay home. Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill. Tips for Teaching Teens to Drive in the Snow by The Brad Connection Make sure you have the right equipment in the car (shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, etc)Turn on your lights so others can see youDrive slower and leave three times the room needed to stopBrake gently so you don’t skidNever use cruise controlBe careful of ice on bridges and overpasses. “Black Ice” is transparent and may look like a wet spot but can put you in a spin.Four wheel drive doesn’t mean you can drive on ice or in snow at the regular speed.Don’t pass snow plows. Staying behind them can make a clear road for you to drive on.Brake gently and if your brakes lock up, ease off the brake I know it’s tempting to go for a drive when it’s snowy and icy. It is truly beautiful. I’d recommend waiting for the roads to clear, but if you find yourself in need of being on the road, grab your socks!