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Blog

Rowing for Kids! An Amazing Opportunity

Rowing is NOT an easy sport. That makes it perfect for kids that thrive on challenge.

Our youngest son, Stephen, fell in love with rowing the year my husband signed three of our sons up on our local rowing crew.

While his older brothers loved the sport, Stephen immediately became driven.

As the youngest of five boys, he owned this one.

I would have not been as calm!!

Stephen would love your help with a CRAZY AMAZING opportunity!!

  1. Leave a word of encouragement below!
  2. Spread the word, by simply sharing this link: https://gofund.me/6f252753
  3. Consider supporting him on the road to this Olympic Development Camp

Stephen writes,

“USRowing has selected me to attend the Olympic Development Program (ODP) from a pool of over 66,000 teenaged rowers across the country.

This month-long program is not only a place to help me advance my rowing skills, but is a way to help me pay for college and medical school with possible scholarships.

Visit my GoFundMe Page and learn all about it!“


Benefits of Rowing

  • It’s a full-body workout
  • It can be high-intensity without the impact
  • It doesn’t exacerbate sore muscles
  • It can improve your posture
  • It’s hard to slack off

Stephen Rows with Clam Island Rowing in Silverdale, Washington. If you live anywhere in Kitsap County, you can learn more here.


Free Phone Wallpaper!

Download Phone WALLPAPER share the fundraiser!!

Filed Under: blog

Color with Me EVENT- Homeschool Mom Encouragement

May 11, 2022 10:00am PST
Get your copy here!!

WHAT?

Not your typical homeschool “training”.

Words of encouragement that will marinate your soul as we color and talk about the secrets of Homeschooling Successfully

Where?

Here on YouTube

Subscribe and hit the Bell Icon at the top of my page so you do NOT miss the LIVE event!

Details

This is NOT your typical homeschooling event! YAY!

Come color your FREE Homeschool Success Plan with me as we talk about secrets hiding in plain sight. You will NOT want to miss this one! Join my little corner of the internet to get your free copy. I recommend having it printed BIG so you can hang it on your wall as a sweet reminder later!

Let’s do this!!

XOXO Bekki


Materials needed:

  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  • Printout of your Homeschool Success Plan
  • 40 minutes on the timer

If technology cooperates, you will be able to watch it again and again!

FAQ

Do I need to subscribe if I’m already on your email list?

Yes please, because there is a behind the scenes checkmark that happens for I can make sure you get the details!

How long will the event be?

I am budgeting 40 minutes. This is our FIRST EVER color with me event!!

Is it really FREE?

Yes! I believe the details on that page are so important that I want to make sure to share them with as many homeschool moms as possible!

Will there be a replay?

Assuming that technology cooperates, the link will turn into a traditional youtube link after the LIVE event is over! Fingers crossed!

Filed Under: blog

Crazy Things People have said to you about Homeschooling

I bet you have stories.

It’s a Tuesday and you’re out of an essential ingredient for lunch and so you load all of your kids into the car for a “field trip” to the grocery store.

As you chat with your kids about how to determine which can of tomatoes is a better deal, a woman in business attire looks down at your fluffy slippers from high on her stilettos and says, “no school today?”

You smile.

We homeschool.

Stiletto woman snorts and walks away.

Click, clack, click, clack.

You make a mental note to read the Billy Goats Gruff to your kids when you get home.

 

Am I the only one who has heard insensitive, rude, or careless things from strangers, neighbors, friends, or family?

I’d love to hear your stories.

So I’m asking…

  • What are the most  ridiculous things people have said to you about homeschooling?
  • What have you said in response?
  • Do you always answer nicely?

Who are the boldest objectors and nay-sayers in your life?

  • Family
  • Kids
  • Ladies in stilettos in the grocery store at lunchtime?

Share your stories with us!!

Filed Under: blog

35 Homeschool Fun Friday Ideas

Come on!

We can be FUN once a week! Who’s in?

  • Once a week, do something fun with your kids
  • Gather all the materials a week in advance so you are ready

A school year is about 180 days long. If we plan to be fun once a week, we only need 25 great ideas!

Here are 35 great Homeschool Fun Friday Ideas to get you started

  1. Watch a movie together day! You decide if it’s kid choice, or mom suggestion! You can even make it a learning activity later if you dare, by having them complete a movie response page. I recommend doing that piece on a different day!

2. Visit a museum! Most towns have small little museums nearby. Don’t neglect those tiny little gems! Historical homes, interesting places, and even oddities make GREAT excursions! No museums at all near by? Go virtual!

3. Paint together! Don’t overcomplicate it! Some simple watercolors, watercolor paper, a good guide book and 15 minutes is all it takes!

4. Doodle together!! When you sign up, you will have access to:

  • 12 Monthly Doodle Challenge Prompts
  • 12 Mini Activity Books for Adults & Kids
  • Coloring Pages
  • Activity Pages
  • Sticker Pages

Doodling is incredible powerful for learning!

5. Explore the neighborhood together! Make it fun by completing a scavenger hunt too!

Road Trip Teacher has all sorts of them to read to print!

6. Plan and prepare a meal. But let your kids choose! Pick the food, prepare a grocery list, estimate a budget, go shopping, check to see how close their estimate was for that meal, then get to work cooking!

Teaching kids to plan and prepare meals is an essential life skill and if done correctly is a fun educational activity!

7. Make HUGE Bubbles!

Making a giant bubble wand is the easiest thing in the world, and all you really need are a few sticks and some string!

These kid-made tri-string wands make the biggest bubbles I’ve ever seen – the kids won’t be able to resist playing with these all day long…

Read on to find out how they can make their very own giant bubble wands, with our totally home-made and plastic-free tutorial!

Forest School Tutorial by Rhubarb and Wren

8. Definitely do outside! Messy science = AWESOME

Transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary one by combining Diet Coke and Mentos to create a spectacular soda fountain. Kids love watching (and doing) this fun, easy chemical reaction that combines two delicious ingredients to create a geyser of carbon dioxide bubbles.

Scholastic Parents

Looking for more mess? We have you covered.

9. So something with glitter outside! How about a glitter sensory bottle?

TIPS for cleaning up

10. Make Ice Cream in a bag! Yes!

This is where science meets taste buds and your kids will be overjoyed!

11. Play a board game! Don’t overthink this one either. Any game will do!

Board games have incredible benefits for learning, building confidence and strengthening relationships!

I share about our favorites games here:

  • Taboo
  • Speed Cups
  • Settlers of Catan
  • Uno
  • Yahtzee and Monopoly
  • Ticket to Ride
  • Sequence

12. Build an Epic Fort

Living room forts are NOT just for little kids!! Call all the kids and announce you have a plan that requires zip ties, boxes, blankets, and food. Then watch their faces.

Your big kids may look at you funny. That’s ok. If you dangle the correct snack, they’ll jump on board too.

Once the BIG kids get on board, prepare yourself for some EPIC fort building!

Let’s do it.

13. Go on a hike, or long walk.

Make Ketchup cookies to bring along:).

14. Build a cup tower together. As a TEAM.

It’s a great lesson in self-control and teamwork.

15. Watch a local play or musical production. Check with your local school and news and mark your calendar.

16. Cloud watch!

You can even create a FREE cloud identifier and learn about the types of clouds. Want to add a pinch of academics? Have your kids graph the weather for a month.

17. Play Basketball

Basketball doesn’t have to be a sweaty, competitive game of five-on-five. Maybe there are only three children playing, or the game is being dominated by more athletic children, leaving others without the opportunity to play. Either way, there are numerous games played with a ball and basket that youngsters of all skill levels will enjoy.

Here are plenty of H-O-R-S-E alternatives kids can play with just a basketball and a hoop.

ActiveKids.com

18. Sidewalk chalk!

Yes, kids can simply draw. But my kids play longer if I can stir up their creativity a little.

Make and takes has 10 great ideas to get your kids chalking. Would you be stunned that #8 was my boys’ favorite?

19. Ride bikes together.

TOGETHER.

Nuff said! Except you may need to hunt for hero dirt!

20. Build Legos Together. But then let them stay out for an extra bit of time and see what happens.

At first, all you might see is chaos.

But maybe, just maybe, you will see order coming through...

21. Play Dress Up together. This delightful season of make-believe is short, so have fun, dress up, and pretend!

Great Role Play Ideas

  • Ice Cream Shop Dramatic Play Printables + Play Ice Cream
  • Pretend Restaurant
  • Menus for play
  • Doctor Office
  • Play school
  • Sandwich shop
  • Vet’s office
  • Post office
  • Hair Salon
  • Dentist Office
  • Flower Shop
  • Zoo
  • Superhero FUN
  • Pizza Shop
  • Airport
  • Midwife
  • Hospital

Have FUN!!

22. Have kids do a fashion show. If you’re brave, give them access to your clothes.

23. CARDBOARD DAY!!

Combat the “she loved the box more than the gift” blues. 

  • Do not use banned gift words: educational, learning, smart, prepare you for life, helpful
  • Use kid approved words: FUN, exciting, dangerous, popular, phantasmagoric!
  • Be prepared with a list of challenges so you can get educational value out of that box if the gift itself backfires:)

Get your cardboard idea kit here!!

24. Go Geocaching!

Geocaching is the real-world adventure that’s happening right now, all around you. Watch this video to learn more about what geocaching is, how it works and how you can become a part of it.

Ready? Get started here.

25. Visit a water feature near you. Lakes, rivers, brooks, ocean, or even waterfalls!

Do a quick google search to find the nearest wonder near you. Water is calming.

Calm = Good.

*Practice water safety! Supervise kids closely around water.

26. Go fishing!

Or create a fishing day right at home!

Materials needed:

  • Fishing pole
  • weight/clay
  • Paint
  • Paint brush
  • Small snack like golf fish crackers
  • Tie a weight to the line.
  • Set up targets in the yard
  • Have kids try to land the weight in the target.

Directions

27. Paint with Pudding!!

28. Make pretzels!

This is a great fine motor activity, but also delicious cooking fun!

These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard.

Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British Columbia

Recipe to print

29. Create with Fimo Clay

FIMO kids is an oven-hardening modelling clay. Unlike conventional modelling clay, FIMO kids can be used to shape figures and objects for lasting playtime fun due to the fact that, once modelled, items can be oven-baked to harden. All that needs to be done is place the FIMO kids clay in an oven for 30 minutes at 110°C. Once cool, the material is hard and solid.

Staedtler

30. Learn to Crochet!

I began teaching my son to crochet at 4-years old, because he was driving his older brothers crazy during reading time. Let him teach your kids how to crochet too!

PS- You can view and of the “preview” lessons for free!

31. Learn some new songs! How about songs about the 50 states?!?!

The State Songs of the 50 U.S. States online course is the perfect course to do with any state study! Listen to the state’s official –and unofficial –songs as you learn about each state. Videos of the songs, as well as links to lyrics and sheet music are included.

Music In Our Homeschool

32. Yes day.

For the bravest and coolest of parents. Only one day a year, purpose to simply say YES to everything within reason your kids ask.

Tell them in advance is you are SUPERHERO brave.

33. Kids give mom directions.

Get in the car and start driving. At each stop sign or light ask the kids, “left or right”?

Do this 10-24 times and see where you end up!

34. Curl up and read.

Never underestimate the POWER of an extended reading day. Jammies, popcorn, goodies, and great books.

Not your cup of tea? Let someone read aloud for you!

35. Blow eggs and paint. But don’t hurt your cheeks!

Use a baby snot sucker (also known as an infant bulb syringe).

Fun craft to do with kids, or when they are are all busy. Yes, that means it’s a great mom craft too!


Get your Free FUN Friday Idea List

Filed Under: blog, sticky

Great Homeschool Curriculum Workbooks

One of the biggest questions for new homeschoolers is “which curriculum should we use?”.

Good news? Curriculum is not the most important part of homeschooling!

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, Secret Sauce, sticky

100 Easy Earth Day Activities for Families just like Yours

Inside: 100 Earth day activities for families

Earth Day was established to help moms like me not implode when the clean laundry turns into a sand box.

Earth Day Freebie!

Download Your Free cheat sheet of the Earth Crafts and Activities for kids!

Use this cheat sheet of to help you whip up creative and inspiring activities and memories – even when life is busy.

  1. Download the free cheat sheet. Join my weekly-ish newsletter and as a bonus, you’ll get the printable! Just click here to download and subscribe.
  2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
  3. ENJOY making memories: even if they involve getting sand in the dryer!

Here’s a SNEAK PEEK at your printable Cheatsheet

 

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, Preschool Printables, Ready to go Resources, Shop, sticky

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms

What is Secret Sauce?
…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, Secret Sauce, sticky

Successful Homeschooling: What if…

What if by the time you finish teaching your kids…

    • They are kind.
    • They are confident.
    • They look people in the eye when spoken to.
    • They befriend the new kids.
What if:
    • They put down their phone when others are in the room.
    • They are strong and hard working.
    • They know how to cook, chop wood and change the oil on a car.
    • They are compassionate and caring.
    • They LOVE to read and devour the written word.
    • They never text and drive
…

Read More »

Filed Under: Blog, sticky Tagged With: a better way to homeschool, curriculum, free email class, homeschool, homeschool freebies, how to homeschool, popular, teaching

Thank you for staying!!!

  1. If you ever wish to unsubscribe, there is a link at the bottom of any email you receive from me.
  2. The cost of the Heart of Homeschooling Class goes up next week! Give it a test spin before it more than doubles in price!

THANK you for sharing space with me in your inbox!

Do you have questions? email me at abetterwaytohomeschool@gmail.com I BETR I know someone who can help you if I don’t have the answers/resources you need.

Be blessed!

XOXO

Bekki

PS- Have you check out my patreon page? The Masterclass is included after three months inside!! There are only a few more spots left at the current cost. Once those seats are gone, the cost jumps to $10/month.

Filed Under: blog

Character First Homeschooling

Yesterday, as I was thinking about my free homeschooling with grace and confidence class for you,   I suddenly thought of a  perfect visual for you.

…

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Filed Under: blog, sticky, YouTube for Homeschoolers

Fine Motor Skills In Young Children

Are you looking for ways to develop fine motor skills in young children?

Let me tell you about my son Stephen and his free lesson inside his class! This is a fun one. Wait until you see what he created yesterday!

Enjoy!

Bekki Sayler

====================

Looking for the free lesson? It’s right in his class!

Scroll down to “Chain Stitch” https://a-better-way-to-homeschool.teachable.com/p/crochet-whales/

====================

Want to see more of Stephen’s creations?

Filed Under: blog, sticky, YouTube for Homeschoolers

Homeschool Mentor

One of the best things to find to help you navigate the waters of teaching you own children is a homeschool mentor.

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, sticky, YouTube for Homeschoolers

97+ Amazing Ways to Make Math Fun for Our Kids

Inside: A master list of simple, inexpensive, and fun ways to teach all the basic math principles your kids need to thrive. PLUS- Free Math Roadmap

Most homeschoolers overcomplicate math with fancy curriculum, worksheets, quizzes, stop-watches and tests. We choose to be different!

fun math

Stripping math back to its basic foundational core, we can set our kids up for success in life by giving them a solid foundation with allows them to add, subtract, multiply, divide, count, measure, weigh, and estimate.

Pickin’ Cute!!!
…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, Homeschool Hacks, Ready to go Resources, sticky Tagged With: Fine Motor Skills, math, Math art, Math facts, Patterning and sorting, teach addition and subtraction

Overwhelmed homeschool mom?

Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss a video!

Sometimes we only need to look in the mirror to find an overwhelmed homeschool mom.

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, sticky, YouTube for Homeschoolers

Learning in the car with Print and GO Goodies

Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss a video!

Today I have some print and go goodies for you to help your kids enjoy learning in the car!

Do you need and the kids need to be in the car for more than a few minutes today?

Take advantage of that time!

GET Your Road Trip Activities here https://abetterwaytohomeschool.com/product/road-trip-activities-learning-in-the-car

Filed Under: blog, YouTube for Homeschoolers

5 Hands-on Hobbies for Your Sons That Will Make Your Heart Race

“Don’t go too high!”  

“Slow Down!”  

“I don’t care that he has a helmet on, you may not push your baby brother down the hill in the wagon.”  

Boys.  

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, Mom Solutions, sticky Tagged With: knitting, knitting for Boys, video

Transfiguration of Jesus Lessons

This important passage in scripture shows us that Jesus is not that same as you and me.

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, YouTube for Homeschoolers

How to Make Maths Easy and Interesting

If you are looking for the answer to how to make maths easy and interesting, you may want to consider simply focusing on the basics rather than curriculum.

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, YouTube for Homeschoolers

Cool Easy Space Drawings

Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss a video!

This is for you and your kids; let’s do some cool easy space drawings together! Grab your pens and paper and let’s doodle!!

Filed Under: blog, YouTube for Homeschoolers

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost?

How much does homeschool cost?

…

Read More »

Filed Under: blog, sticky, YouTube for Homeschoolers

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Hi, I'm Bekki,

A professional Nerf Buller Dodging Homeschool Mom of five sons!
My passion is to help homeschooling moms educate their kids from the inside out.
Read More…

Recent Posts

  • Rowing for Kids! An Amazing Opportunity
  • Color with Me EVENT- Homeschool Mom Encouragement
  • Crazy Things People have said to you about Homeschooling
  • 35 Homeschool Fun Friday Ideas
  • Great Homeschool Curriculum Workbooks
  • 100 Easy Earth Day Activities for Families just like Yours
  • Protected: Homeschool Secret Sauce Mini-Booklet Activity
  • Encouragement for Homeschool Moms
  • How to Make Homeschool More Fun?
  • Adorable Homeschool Bumper Sticker

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