Blog

Teaching Kids to Write- One Day at a time

Drum roll…

My 3 biggest tricks for turning kids into writers are:

1. Repeat the same sayings all through each week. I call them broken record sayings:

“Writing is a muscle. It gets stronger as you exercise”.

“What are the 3 Know-Knows of writing?

Know the PURPOSE of each writing.
Know your AUDIENCE.
Know the specialized vocabulary for that piece of writing.”

2. Buy journals.

Require 10-30 minutes of free unedited writing every day. Use timer.

The only real rule… the pencils keep moving entire time.

Drawing counts.

So does writing in the sand with a stick

So do random sentences like “ I don’t want to write today but I hav too keep my pencil moving. My little red pencil that I got from the doctors after I slipped and fell in the front yard and everyone thought I broke my foot. Nope. But I did a pencil out of it…” (mistakes were intentional on my part)

3. You must journal at the same time.

Writing is a muscle. You can write and your kids need to see you holding a pencil too. While the kids are journaling, you write: letters, lists, cards, silly poems, etc.

My favorite pencil sharpener of all time: demonstrated by my goofiest son.

Adjust the daily time to meet age and ability.

10 minutes is a long time for a younger “I hate writing” person. So start low and add time.

What can they write?

The list is endless: lists, comics, drawings, describe something random, story, poem, rewrote their favorite picture book but change the place and characters and tweak the details to match the switch.

Rules:

Don’t edit journals.
No spelling or punctuation or anything!
Free and creative writing needs to flow without fear of being redirected.

The best way to snuff out enthusiasm is to have a kids fill up a page or two and then correct it and make them rewrite.

The first goal of writing is to write daily, grow to the ability to write freely, and to press into an idea.

You know they are READY starting to learning the writing process when the timer goes off and they beg for a few minutes to finish their thought. Always give it those few minutes.

Once you see them writing daily and diving in and chasing ideas, add another broken record saying.

“Writing is a process. No one sits at a blank piece of paper and writes a perfect anything. Writing is a process.steps to a completed piece.”

Then say things like, “You’ve already mastered and will keep practicing the first step in the process. Finding an idea and writing a rough draft.

Let’s go a little bit further now.Start thinking about what you’ve written so far and let’s pick ONE of your ideas to push through the whole process.”

Homeschool mom… You’ve got this.

Writing muscles take a LONG time to develop. Daily practice is your best friend!

Before you start all the wonderful writing activities, go ahead and grab a copy of my book, Homeschooling from the Inside Out.

It’s completely FREE. Just click over and fill in your first name and primary email below and we will send you a digital copy immediately!!

MouthWatering Pizza Dough Recipes

Pizza… oh pizza:)

I have has pizza every Friday Night since my childhood. My parents took us out for pizza every week and I loved it.

Family time, pizza, the simple pause in everyone’s week to gather.

It’s a tradition I carried into marriage and it still is a highlight of our week.

I’m not sure when I began making pizza rather than ordering out. Maybe 25 years ago?

I probably started with those Boboli pizza crusts and packs from the grocery store.

We all have to start somewhere!

I upped my pizza skills when a friend sold me Pampered Chef Pizza stones. You don’t need them to make pizza, but they are worth the investment.

I’ve made BBQ pizza on the grill, pizza in small wood fire box that cooks the dough in 90 seconds, and in the oven.

Yes, my husband bought us a ROCCBOX as a kickstart supporter!

This baby cooks pizzas in 90 seconds! Perfect for entertaining!

Our current recipe uses 100year old sourdough starter, gifted from a friend.

When she handed me the containers, I was blessed she thought of us. But it wasn’t until I asked for help with using the starter that I learned it was a family sourdough starter passed down for over 100 years!

If you can get your hands on a sourdough starter this is wonderful. Yes, you can begin one EASILY.

2 cups proofed starter
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup water
3 cups organic flour
2 Tbsp oil (not olive)

Love your dough. This life-changing dough video is how I make my doughs.

Mix
Form ball
Cover
Let rise (I usually let mine rest and rise for 6 hours+)

Preheat oven to 475
If you have stones, let them heat in oven!

Break into balls and roll into pizza shape. That recipe makes about 3-4 balls of dough. I double the recipe for my crew.
Lay on parchment paper.

Top with favorites.
Bake 15-ish minutes.
Yum!!

Related: One of my sons did a Chemistry of pizza presentation years ago.

No sourdough starter?

This was my go-to Pizza dough for years:

Dissolve 1 Tbsp oil, 1Tbsp yeast, 1 tsp sugar in 1 cup lukewarm warm water
Wait until frothy
Add 2-2.5 cups flour & 1tsp salt

Roll out
Lay in parchment paper.
Top with favorites!

475 degrees, 22ish minutes

Enjoy

Pizza making is an art and your ability to make, roll, and understand the texture of dough takes practice.

Weather, humidity and elevation have always effected my doughs.

Always start with less flour than needed, so you can add more if necessary.

And seriously, use this video to help you love your dough.

Want to make dough with me? I recorded the process on Facebook a while back.

Part One: Getting the dough ready

Part 2: Rolling the dough and topping

Zoom Backgrounds for Teachers

My kids are always scrambling to find a new background for their next zoom class or meetings.

I think it’s a simple way to spice things up in a world that is becoming more and more comfortable working, teaching, and learning at home.

A creative virtual backdrop can be more than entertaining; they can be a stress reliever too!

No last minute scramble to tidy up those stray toys
Laundry can wait until after you’re done with your class
You can enjoy living in a virtual dream home

Great zoom backgrounds are bright, crisp, and clean.

They’re like your Sunday Best outfit, only for your computer screen.

Every day, my son is quizzed by his calculus professor, looking for a good joke.

This professor knows that laughing releases “feel good” hormones from your brain and sets you up for learning. It’s kind of a sneaky pro tip for teachers… make them laugh.

I create zoom backgrounds that not only allow you ignore your laundry for a little bit longer, but actually add room for creativity and fun with subtle message changes from one image to the next.

Zoom makes it easy to switch out your background.

Who needs clean, crisp, professional zoom backdrops? Honestly, anyone who meets online for work or school.

People react differently to you based on what’s in the background.

Who wants to live here? You can virtually!

Give it a try!

4 stunning backdrops for everyday
Funny zoom backdrops to make people laugh
Backdrops specifically for teachers; filled with affirmations
Funny math teacher backgrounds

In case you’re wondering… yes, I do custom backdrops too.

Funny Birthday Card for Mom

My favorite?

Now that I’m older I really want to thank you for never leaving me in a shopping cart and running for the exit.
I know it was tempting.
Stephen- Age 15

Yes, I laughed so hard I cried. Then I created greeting cards for other kids to bless their moms.

Because, this is the BEST blessing possible.

Thank you and respect for our sacrifice and effort in raising them all wrapped up in a giggle.

I made a few different versions.

Thanks for never leaving me in a shopping cart…

Fun Earth Science Worksheets for Middles Schoolers

Kids slumped over their Earth Science books, eyes glazed. This is NOT how I wanted my boys to march through rocks, minerals, plate tectonics and all the other AMAZING topics to dig into during middle school.

If you love science, you understand that textbooks are a great place to start, but definitely NOT the final destination when getting your students excited about this incredible planet we call home.

When they’re little, some fun earth day activities whet their appetites.

But now that they’re in middle school, we get to dive into the good stuff.

3 Ways to make Earth Science Amazing for Middle School Students

“For heaven sakes, please take us outside,” our kids beg.

Go outside! Find amazing rock formations, mountains, and even a friendly volcano to visit.
Let the kids get dirty with some fun hands-on activities.
Make every piece of paper count!

earth science for middle school — Earth Science Worksheets Worth the Ink to Print

YOUR TURN

What are your favorite EARTH activities and Crafts? Share in a comment below!

Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers

Hey my printable friend,

I earned a whole new gray stripe in my once dark brown hair when I began selling printables.

There were so many parts to discover and master and I didn’t have anyone leading me down the dark path.
This year, I’d like to bless you with some secret sauce.

No, not for your next dinner.

For your printable business.

If you’re selling on your website, Etsy, or Teachers pay Teachers this recipe is for you.

But, if like me, you have AMAZING ideas, but you don’t have 37 hours in your day.

Laundry, kids homework, and hanging Christmas lights are great activities. They just happen to take up some of your creating time.

To get your selling journey up to speed, you’re gonna want EASY.

I believe many sellers give up too soon.

NOT because they don’t have amazing ideas, but because they get tangled in the web of brainstorming, product covers and Pinterest.

That’s where I come in.

One of my passions is sharing what I’ve learned with other sellers.
I wish someone had reached out to me a the beginning of my journey, so that’s what motivates me to reach out to you.

Let me help you make your journey EASIER.

A FREE Community for encouragement and Support

A SELF-PACED Master Class

Grab your free Success Path Printable Bookmark. Here

The Day The Thanksgiving Bird Imploded

I sauntered into the kitchen. That 30 pound bird smelled so good. Opening the oven door to baste the turkey… I had a mini heart attack.

My Thanksgiving turkey had imploded.

Sitting in 3 inches of juice, with black charred ribs showing from under the skin, I panicked.

I ran to my dad.

“I need to show you something.” I whispered. “NOW.”

I’ve began cooking Thanksgiving at 17-years old.

My dad walked up to me and smiled. “We’re having 30 people over for dinner and you will be in charge of all the cooking!”

I cried, whined and begged, but he wouldn’t budge.

Bekki, YOU will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner.

At that point in my life, I could make Spaghetti and a bowl of cereal, so the thought of destroying a feat for 30 people made my face turn green.

“I will be there every step of the way.” Dad said.

I can still his his face as we handed me a piece of paper and pencil. First, write out a menu.

He took me step-by-step:

Menu
Recipes
Grocery list
Prep cook tasks
Cooking times
Cooking schedule
Finding bowls and serving utensils

As a homeschool mom, I can tell you he was teaching me project planning! But as a teenaged girl, I thought I was being tortured.

Dad gave me confidence by teaching me to cook Thanksgiving

By the time I was standing in the kitchen looking at an imploded turkey, I was a seasoned Thanksgiving chef with 6 successful feast notches on my chef apron.

“I need to show you something.” I whispered. “NOW.”

Dad followed me into the kitchen, leaving out house full of guests in the other room.

“I don’t know what happened. The bird has only been on the over for a couple of hours… but, look.”

The charred black ribcage mocked us.

Much later, we would realize that my parent’s oven malfunctioned and had spiked to over 600 degrees, but now. NOW, I just needed to figure out how to seve dinner tot he 23 people in the house, without dying of embarrassment.

We grabbed one more accomplice. My cousin.

Dad gave us careful instructions: Stand shoulder to shoulder and walk sideways to the garage as I carry the destroyed turkey.

Trying not to laugh, we kind of side stepped while dad removed the bird.

No one noticed.

Standing in the garage, we realized we had another problem. What are we going to feed everyone?

By the way, this Thanksgiving is one of my all-time favorite memories.

Dad hopped in his truck and reappeared 30 minutes later with a cooked turkey breast.

We popped it into the over and proceeded to finish all the sides.

No one knew about the imploding turkey until much much later.

Sometimes, the BEST memories are born out of adversity, challenge, and even kitchen catastrophes.

How about you?

Do you have a story of disaster turned to blessing?

Ways to distract your houseful of guests when your turkey implodes.

Have the Kids and guests make a fort.

Make a cootie catcher and tell jokes

Have them play Scattergories

Send everyone on a scavenger hunt!

Pull out paper and pens and have them learn a few Doodles together. Better yet? Pair the adults with kids and have the kids teach them!

Convince a cousins to help you dance as a shield.

Earth Science Worksheets: Geology BUNDLE

Inside: Earth Science Worksheets: Geology BUNDLE Mini-Lessons

Most of these products are No Prep: Just print and go!

Studying geology this year with your students?

These Earth Science and geology mini lessons are meant as a companion to all of the various topics your students will explore this year. Geology and Earth Science in general are fascinating and engaging. I hope your students enjoy these activities!

Topics covered:

Composition of the Earth: layers including core, outer core, mantle and crust, Rocks: metamorphic rock, igneous rock, sedimentary rock, and the rock cycle, minerals and all their glory, plate tectonics and oreos, weathering/erosion/deposition, glaciers, mountains: fold, fault-block, and volcanics, topography, topographical maps, volcanoes: cinder, composite, shield and lave dome, and earthquakes, and video records

Get your Earth Science Bundle in my TpT Shop

11 Mini lessons and Activities Included

Layers of the Earth (5 pages)

Layers of the earth reading
Label the layers of the earth worksheet
Layers of earth poster labeled
Layers of the earth poster unlabeled
Layers of the Earth writing paper: Teacher created prompt.

Rocks (6 pages)

The Rock Cycle reading
Rock Cycle poster
Rock Cycle Writing
Label rock cycle (color and black and white)
Types of Rocks
Minerals (4 pages)
About Minerals reading
Mineral mini booklet
Minerals foldable
Types of minerals Writing

Plate Tectonics (6 pages)

About Plate tectonics reading (2 pages)
Oreo Lab: plate tectonics (2 pages)
Plate tectonics Word search and answer key (2 pages)
Weathering , Erosion, Deposition (7 pages)
Weathering Reading
Erosion Memory Game
Weathering writing

Glaciers (4 pages)

About Glaciers Reading
Glaciers foldable
Soil
About soil reading
Soil mini-booklet
Soil profile reading
Label soil

Mountains (5 pages)

Mountains reading
Mountain vocabulary
Mountain feature foldable
Mountain word search and answer key

Topography (4 pages)

Topography reading
Topography writing
Topography internet activity and questions

Volcanoes (5 pages)

Volcano reading
Volcano vocabulary
Ring of fire
Volcano in a cup lab
Volcano writing

Earthquakes (5 pages)

Earthquake reading
Earthquake questions
Earthquake project and rubric
Make a seismograph project
Video record sheet

Super Secret Code

If there’s time on the clock keep reading…

3 Ridiculous things.

One time, I opened the refrigerator and found my brother’s left shoe. No explanation. Just a left shoe.

Another time, one of my sons was hard at work making a mountain knife with his dad and needed to make sure the blade wasn’t hot. So he placed it on his arm. “That was dumb!” He screamed.
Last week, I agreed to host a Bekki Hates Bra online party. And I thought the left shoe was ridiculous!

In a closed SAFE group of homeschool moms I asked for recommendations…

A friend tagged another friend and soon I was looking at this image.

All I said was WOW, I need that!

Short version:

I need some new bras and I decided to try the ones in the picture.
When asked if I wanted to host a party to earn discounts or freebies, I RUDELY said “No!”
I felt bad for being rude, so I asked my homeschool group if anyone else hates bras and would come to a bra haters party…
Now there are almost 70 of us inside giggling about hating underwire and other bra-ish things.

What does this have to do with homeschooling?

Moms are people too!
Moms need to feel more secure and confident too!
Most moms are wearing bras that don’t fit.

Grab Your Secret Code.

Yes. The code is: SuperSecretCode

Just for pausing for 2 seconds and asking yourself if you LOVE your bras, I’m giving you a HUGE discount on anything (or a bunch of things) in my Shop.

Do you love your bras? Skip to number 3.
You hate your bras? Me too! Join the fun.
Use your SuperSecretCode before the timer runs out.

This year is DEFINITELY the year of the ridiculous. Hopefully you don’t end yours with a shoe in your refrigerator.

How To Find Your Sofa Under All That Laundry

She turned and asked the salesman, “so how many loads can this baby handle?”

“Um. Ma’am, that’s a sofa…”

She doesn’t blink, “looks like 6 loads, maybe 7. I’ll take it!”

Unless your name is Karen, you likely are a lot like me.

Sofa typically has a pile of laundry (or 12) ready to be folded.

Kitchen counter is covered in paint, an incomplete science project, and a few cardboard boxes.

Drawers are filled with an assortment of 42 things you haven’t thrown away yet that TANGLE and TRAP the drawer from sliding open so you can access the pen you need right at this moment.

If you are in this club, raise your hand…

I have something to help us.

Image may contain: 1 person, stripes, text that says 'A Raise your hand'

I don’t know about your house, but mine has basically fallen apart since COVID lockdowns.

Although I am NOT a super organized and tight ship gal, I typically keep my home pretty tidy. You too?

But now we need help getting it back under control.

If you’re nodding your head and saying, “Bekki… ME TOO!”

I’m gonna encourage you to do something scary.

Take a sober look around and ask your self these questions.

Do I have any cluttered areas that are causing me stress, frustration, or anxiety?
Do I need HELP to get the areas under control?
Would you be willing to attack ONE small space a day, in less than 30 minute chunks?
Are you willing to play “follow the leader” with someone who has NINJA skills at organizing?

Nope. It’s not me.

I need this challenge as much as the next non-Karen gal.

Don’t neglect this opportunity!

We have the ability to find our sofas and kitchen counters BEFORE the holidays bury us in trimming and decor.

Sure, you can build Christmas trees from laundry, but there really is a better way.

PS- It’s worth it.

Why is it only a few dollars?

Free challenges and classes get neglected, so a few bucks gives us extra motivation.
Sarah, my Ninja friend, is a single mom and knows how tight a budget can be… so she keeps her challenges within reach

If you Join me, I have a $10 incentive/gift for you!

Consider it a bribe.
When we visit each other’s homes I want us to be able to sit on the sofa:).

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?

There are two boxes and an envelope on the kitchen table for your child.

YOU are so excited, you can’t contain yourself.

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?”

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?

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

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.

…

INSIDE: Fun and Easy Action Verb Activities for teaching verb tenses

I was browsing Pinterest this morning over a cup of coffee looking for a creative action verb activities.

I know, not your typical read-over-coffee topic.

But I’m tired of kids falling asleep or worse groaning when we begin talking about verbs and other parts of speech. “There has to be a verb game I can use to bring this area of learning to life!” I dreamed.

If verbs are really where all the ACTION is expressed in writing, then why can’t we find ways to make them jump off the page with our kids.

I took another big sip and started digging.

…

How to Keep Kids Dreaming, Thinking, and Happy

Inside: Easy to follow Step By Step Drawing Lessons for your kids!

Working from home is an incredible perk…

Not all homeschoolers work from home. Not all work from home parents homeschool. But MOST of us are dealing with distractions and interruptions.

Usually, it’s fine. This whole have ‘our own life at home’ thing.

UNTIL:

Your 5-year-old princess interrupts your Zoom Call for the 12th time.
Your son designs a nerf ambush for his brother right in the middle of the baby’s nap.
All of your kids decide the perfect time to come give you a group hug is right in the middle of your online presentation.
Someone screams.

Let’s be real.

You ADORE your kids.
You want to see their drawings and listen to their stories.
You want to play.

Mixing work and parenting is NOT for the faint of heart. You really want to be the best parent on the planet right now and join the nerf battle and hug your kids…

But RIGHT at THIS moment you just need 20 minutes of UNINTERRUPTED time to focus on this project.

Why don’t you let me keep your kids busy doodling, dreaming and thinking for the next 20 minutes while you focus!

In just a few minute, your child will be FOCUSED, entertained, and learning something valuable.

Developing fine motor skills
Working QUIETlY
Practicing the art of visual thinking
Building their visual vocabulary
Having FUN

How?
Learning to draw!

Let me introduce you and your kids to the Doodle Clubhouse!

Each week, I release a new series of How to Draw Videos for Kids of All ages (well, 5 and up if they need to do them independently)

The videos are EASY to follow and are sure to give them Instant mastery over drawing.

While you are Thinking and WORKING, your child will be focusing and practicing the art of bringing drawings to life, all while I teach them how to draw step by step.

Start with a Plan for Success

Without a plan, your budding little artist may decide to decorate your dining room wall, rather than that piece of copy paper.

You can’t just slap those kids of yours in front of a screen and say, “see you in 3 hours.” Even the BEST online activities require set-up and practice with kids. Because they can smell busy work and “get out of my space” tactics faster than your dog can smell the peanut butter jar open.

So, let me give you some NINJA Skills for getting those kids to draw happily for a few minutes! NINJA skills are those secrets for success that we brilliant work from home parents keep to ourselves so our kids begin to trust in our creative brilliance.

I won’t tell on you if you won’t tell on me; deal?

NINJA TIPS for SUCCESS:

Do the first one TOGETHER. Seriously. Don’t roll your eyes. Do the first few videos of the SPACE theme inside the clubhouse together. Your kids will buy in to these drawing lessons if YOU show them they are worth YOUR time and interest.
Layout paper and markers. If necessary, buy some new ones as a surprise. Drawing with pen is a powerful lesson for letting go of perfectionism. I talk about that all the time in the videos. Don’t let a lack of supplies slow you down. Use what you have and then sneak in a few new markers later to keep them doodling!
Pick up a pen and a blank piece of paper and write the words: DOODLE CLUBHOUSE across the top. Set a timer and draw with your kids. Every day. One doodle goes a LONG way. (NINJA high five)
ESTABLISH rules of engagement. “I know you’re going to be excited to show me what you’re learning, but when I am working, you’ll need to wait until (insert your secret cue here… I suggest a timer) to show me.”
Instruct young kids about markers… Only on paper, not on the baby, or the wall… you know the drill… Once, I thought my little angel was doing exactly what I thought he was doing. Reality? He was painting hime]self and the bathroom with red nail polish. A few minutes of proactive will set you up for success!
AFTER work, or when you take that coveted break mid-day, Be sure to find a few minutes to OOh and Ahhh over their creations. Better yet, watch their favorite How to Draw Videos together and YOU DRAW WITH them and create a happy memory.

The Great news?
Anyone can draw.

The Better news?
I’ve grouped the themes into 20-25 minute themes, BUT each image is its own separate video, making them easy to follow!

Sign your kids up for the Doodle Clubhouse for Kids today!

For only a few dollars a month, I can give you those 20 minutes you are looking for instantly.

Ready?

FAIR WARNING: Your kids are gonna LOVE the Doodle Clubhouse!

Be sure you establish the boundaries for your work time.
PRACTICE for a few minutes each day for the first few days.
Heads up. The first few minutes of each theme include fun hand warmup videos that will make them laugh. Out-loud. They will make a little noise as they get started and then they will quiet down as they draw. The goofy videos are a NINJA trick to get kids to exercise their fine-motor muscles.

You need some time to work.

Let me help you!!

Doodling and Drawing is NOT just something to keep your kids busy. It’s REALLY powerful and beneficial for their learning!

Who benefits from the Doodle Clubhouse for Kids?

Kids ages 5 and up. Our oldest doodlers are in their 50s!
Anyone who wants to draw, but feels like all they can muster is a dot or a very short line. Yes! You can draw!
Homeschool kids
Public School Kids
Your kids
My kids

There’s something MAGIC that happens when a person suddenly is able to MASTER a little drawing.

CONFIDENCE blossoms
Creativity is UNLOCKED
JOY flows in

The Doodle Clubhouse for Kids includes:

Video lesson on how to deal with mistakes. Really important lesson for our perfectionists!
Weekly themes including multiple step-by-step videos showing just hands and the images come to life.
Printable sheets including step by step drawing, a coloring page, a worksheet template and a colorful display of the theme.
Access to a private Facebook Group where you kids can share their creations (optional; but fun)

Why only a few dollars a month?

All kids benefit from the POWER that is unlock as they master hand eye control and overcome those self-imposed hurdles. “I can’t draw” TRANSFORMS into “LOOK what I drew!!”

I believe all kids need this type of confidence building, fine-motor development, joy bringing activity in their lives.

I don’t want any child to be left out. This Clubhouse could easily be priced much higher… but then the kids who really need it would miss out.

You need a few minutes to think, true. But you’re kids need the CONFIDENCE and JOY just inside the Doodle Clubhouse for Kids.

Give it a test spin, today. Those 20 minutes of time for you to focus are hiding right around the pile of colorful markers and smiling faces.

How to Make Math more fun for Your Kids

Inside: 7 Math Picture Books For Kids

As I dreamed about my future as a little girl, I KNEW I was going to do a few things.

Be an amazing wife and mom.
Grow up to be a teacher.
And dance. I was CONVINCED I’d be a ballerina.

The only problem I didn’t factor in, was math.

It turns out that being good at math and teaching math are two very different skill sets.

How do you bring math to life for your kids?

I stayed awake many nights trying to figure that out.

It turns out the solution is also one of my favorite “do with kids” activities.

Reading!

7 Math Picture Books For Kids

The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades.

Do Not Open This Math Book: Addition + Subtraction

Finally, a FUN book to read with kids that helps bridge the gap between what’s being taught in school and how today’s parents learned math back in the day. Giggle your way through entertaining lessons on addition and subtraction involving muffins, turkey sandwiches, kittens, googly eyes, and more!

A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars

Did you know that the earth is covered in three trillion trees? And that seven billion people weigh about the same as ten quadrillion ants? Our world is full of constantly changing numbers, from a hundred billion trillion stars in space to thirty-seven billion rabbits on Earth. Can you imagine that many of anything?

Place Value

You had better not monkey around when it comes to place value. The monkeys in this book can tell you why!

Order of Operations Task Cards

Students work backwards from the answer and a set of four numbers.

Using the information given, the student (or team) must add the appropriate symbols to solve their task.

Fractions in Disguise: A Math Adventure

Crack the case with George Cornelius Factor in this entertaining math adventure that introduces simplified and reduced fractions with equal parts intrigue and humor.

When a valuable fraction goes missing, George Cornelius Factor (a.k.a. GCF) vows to track it down.

I’m Trying to Love Math

Do multiplication tables give you hives? Do you break out in a sweat when you see more than a few numbers hanging out together? Then I’m Trying to Love Math is for you! In her signature hilarious style, Bethany Barton introduces readers to the things (and people) that use math in amazing ways — like music, and spacecraft, and even baking cookies!

Fall Worksheets: Math Mazes, Targets and more

These Fun Math worksheets are all centered around 3rd Grade multiplication practice and mastery.

9 No PREP 3rd Grade Math-Multiplication Activities Included in this pack:

3rd Grade Math: Multiplication- Mazes solved with multiples
3rd Grade Math- Sudoku puzzles
3rd Grade Math: Multiplication-Candy Corn Multiplication Families

The Grapes Of Math

“This…clever math book uses rhyming couplets… riddles…visual clues to help the reader find new ways to group numbers for quick counting…A winning addition!

FANTASTIC Math Manipulatives and Games

Best math books — Problem solving is so important!!

Best Subscription Boxes for Kids

More Math Products

Fun Math Worksheets for Middle School: Division (Thanksgiving)

Fun Math Worksheets for Middle School: Division and Divisibility (Christmas)

Classifying Numbers Bundle.

Fun Math Worksheets for Middle School: Order of Operations

14 Divisibility Games and Activities.

Scattergories Game BUNDLE (Thanksgiving & Christmas Themed)

Fun Math Worksheets for Middle School: Number of the Day

Middle School Math Worksheets: Budget Project

How to Turn Homeschool Frustration into Joy and Learning

Dear homeschool mom,

Don’t homeschool. I’m not kidding.

Yes, kids need to read and write and solve basic math problems, but they don’t need school at home.

They need to have plenty of time to run, jump, slide, swing, lay, laugh, build, and rest.

Related: building toys

Give them time to be bored, time to think, time to day dream.

Don’t give them workbooks, worksheets, and hours of assignments.

Instead, give them LESS.

…

17 of the Best Advent for Kids Activities for your Family

<small>Inside: Fun Advent for Kids Printables to help countdown Christmas</small>

Share the nativity with your kids in a fun and unique way with these FUN and Easy Advent Activities.

On Christmas morning, there were ash boot prints on my carpet and sleigh marks on my roof in the snow. To say my parents went over board to help us believe in Santa is an under statement.

My child hood is filled with stories of Santa, reindeer, and all things Christmas.

Did you grow up KNOWING Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas? I sure didn’t. And yet, Christmas remains magical in my life, even without a jolly old man in a red suit.

Weaving the truth about the nativity story into our kids’ lives while surrounded by tinsel and elves can be a bit challenging, right?

17 Quick Advent for Kids Activities

All 17 activities included in the BUNDLE

1. Advent Door Hanger Craft

For 8 days, read a little bit about the nativity Story as found in the Bible.

Then cut, laminate, and hang a decorative door hanger as a reminder that we choose to let Jesus in.

A New Door Hanger for 8 days!

Includes: mini story book foldable with prompts to help your child learn and re-tell the greatest true story of all time: The Birth of our Lord and Savior!

8 Advent style Door hangers (With light and dark skin alternatives!)

These make fun and easy craft and story time, but also make a fantastic gift set!

I laminated mine with –> peel and stick self laminate.

Get your free copy of this set here.

2. Advent Scattergories

3. Advent Dice Game for Toddlers

4. Build your own Nativity Board Game

5. Mini Jesse Tree Activity/Craft

6. Daily Readings to Help your Kids understand the Nativity story from the Bible.

As I began having kids of my own, i really wrestled with Christmas in general. Yes, I LOVE that it’s all about Jesus. But would my kids miss out on the MAGIC I experienced as a child?

Nope.

Heads up: No judgement here! Although you and I both know Santa is a myth and Jesus is real, many still bring the belly jiggling fellow into their homes. Like my third son.

He was about 5-years old when he said, “Mom, I KNOW Santa is make believe, but I’m gonna have fun pretending to believe in him anyway.”

Even at 18-years old, he just loves to add ALL the holiday flair into the scene; even as a sold-out-for-Jesus worship leader at church.

7. Ornaments for a flip Book

8. Advent Ornaments for a tree

9. Christmas Chain Countdown Craft

10. Advent: Make Your Own Calendar

Adding Advent themed activities into our kids learning activities is another fun way to bring the advent season alive.

Just make the focus the Lord, rather than the grade.

11. Advent: Language Activity- Find the Missing parts of the word

12. Advent: Writing: Diamante poem about Jesus

13. Advent Themed Math: Fact families

14. Advent themed math:Pie Graph

15. Advent Maze: Help Joseph and Mary find Bethlehem

16. Maze: Help the wise men find Jesus

17. Christmas Eve Reading

No matter how you bring the Nativity truth, advent, and Jesus into your lives, have fun.

It’s LOVE, laughter and memories that bring this amazing season to life for our kids!

More Christmas Activities

Bible Studies for Kids:

Your Brilliant Dyslexic Child Will Surprise You The Most

Homeschool Hack: Grammarly is free. This is one of those “no-brainer” add-ons for your devices.

“Mom, can I sit next to you and work on my story?”

Sure kiddo!

Enjoying the warmth of his shoulder resting upon mine as he typed away at the computer, I glance at his screen and almost spit out my drink.

…

Life Skills for Kids of All Ages

This is where the rubber hits the road in homeschooling and raising up the future generation!

Be nice to people
How to make a bed
The proper handshake
5 ways to cook an egg
How to sew a button
How to iron a shirt
Digital manners
How to tie a tie
How to secure passwords
What to do if locked out of your house
Gross habits to STOP and avoid
Small talk
How to pass on a compliment
Small talk
and so much more!!!

These mini units are hands-on, FUN, and guaranteed to be filled with things your kids REALLy need to know to ROCK Life!

Don’t miss a lesson!

PRINT THIS FREE HOMESCHOOL MOM REMINDER.

This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on those important life lessons. 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.

WANT MORE POSTS ON HOMESCHOOLING FROM THE HEART?

120 is the number of classics you need to read

Don’t homeschool your kids

Godly women and homeschool

You don’t need to apologize

Homeschool and Delayed Reader

I spent about 30 minutes searching for my then 10-year old.

It was cold and rainy, so I doubted that he had adventured outside.

I looked everywhere.

We lived in a big home then, so it took me a while to go back and forth while calling his name.

Silence.

I couldn’t find him anywhere.

I walked faster toward the back door so I could begin looking outside.

Movement caught my eye as I called again from the kitchen.

The little squirt was hiding in plain sight, as still as a statue, curled between a black bean bag and our fluffy black and white dog.

“What the heck are you doing?” I asked.

He lifted a Magic Tree House Book in the air without making eye contact.

I almost spit out my gum.

The boy’s reading!!!!

Did you catch that he was 10-years old?

That’s old enough to thoroughly enjoy the sight of me walking right by without seeing him.

It’s also way beyond the “normal” reading age.

I get messages from frantic mama’s often about:

how to teach their 4-year olds to read
What language curriculum to buy for their kindergartener
and suggestions for chapter books for 5-year olds

Meanwhile, my own kids took their sweet time learning to read.

As my son grew into the, “I’m starting to wonder if I am the right teacher for this child” age I began to leave him hanging in a story.

My goal became leave him begging for more…

And you know what? It worked.

We never stressed about his lack of reading skills (out loud).

We just kept reading.

All five of our sons were delayed readers.

Our youngest was the most delayed.

His brain had too much going on to be troubled with the task of decoding the dancing syllables on the page.

This extra busy, brilliant, and wiggly son couldn’t be bothered until that day he disappeared in plain sight.

So how did I get him to read?

I didn’t.

I just kept reading to him.

I read his math instructions, his history and science lessons to him and marinated him in exciting read-alouds.

Sure, I pointed to words, tracked with my finger, and read slowly and carefully, but I kept reading without adding pressure on him.

That day he curled up in the beanbag with our dog and read his first chapter book launched him from not reading, to devouring books almost overnight.

Some may be tempted to roll their eyes.

A 10-year old reading Magic Tree House? Big Deal.

I think that’s where so many people miss the point.

The point is not to rush your kids through the easy readers and into the ocean of “Big Kids Books”, the point is to get your kids to love to read.

I mean head over heels in love with reading, reading.

I make it a point to never roll my eyes at the book choices of my kids to their face.

Instead, we embrace the fact that they love to read.

Magic Tree House for Big Kids ? You Bet!

My son burned through 1-3 books a day when he discovered he could read.

I even sat him down and picked his brain.

Together, we created learning activities to go along with the books he was reading.

Excited, overjoyed, and proud.

That’s how those silly little kid books made him feel.

Just keep reading to them.

It will click eventually.

The goal is NOT when they read, but THAT they LOVE to read.

When that cold rainy day comes and you are frantically searching for them, just be sure to check the beanbag in the corner!

Do your kids love Magic Tree House Books?

Click here to grab some fun activities for books 1 and 2.

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!