14+ Amazing Gifts for Homeschoolers- 2021 He was adorable… When our oldest was little, his FAVORITE book was the Christmas Catalogue that came in the mail. He carried it everywhere, sat and looked at the pages for hours, practiced reading with the delicious sounding product descriptions, and marked every single toy he wanted that year. IMAGINE my shock, here in 2021, that anAmazon FUN Gift BOOK showed up in the mail!! I combed through it and marked it up, just like my son used to do! “I want a copy!” Wonderful toys and games to drool overstickers to mark favorite goodiescoloring page and paper activities All inside the colorful pages. Warning! You may want to join the Mother’s Against Cardboard Club too!! Don’t make Rookie Mistakes!! Here are my 14 Top Picks from this year’s Toy Guide! With shipping a little wonky this year, I thought it would be fun to start early wishlists! Lego Pickup Truck! I LOVE all things Melissa and Doug, but this ice cream scoop and serve is adorable! Balancing blocks are a GREAT hand eye coordination builder! PIZZA is Love! I say that every single Friday, because it’s a family tradition in our home. This wooden pizza kitchen and restaurant play set makes me want to harass my married son for grandkids!! Classic Sit and Spin! This toy saved me when my very active sons were little. They would spin their hearts out while I worked with an older brother during school. A fun cozy INSTANT a reading spot. Just add something fluffy, some books, and a cute kid. Wooden Teaching Clock! Homeschooler refuse to raise kids who can’t read an analogue clock! I don’t care that it’s frivolous. My family is obsessed with baby Yoda (his name is Grogu). Lego kits for older kids, like my husband are called Technic. Very detailed and amazingly challenging. My husband will be getting the JEEP for Christmas from the boys. Shhh. BEST throwback toy ever! Super Spirograph is still mesmerizing. 5 in one knitting station. This is such a fun craft. All five of my sons have used them to make beanie hats. Our youngest son can crank out beanies in abou an hour! Settlers of Catan is a family favorite in our home.so much fun! Good Ole Trike! This one is a MUSThave for gross motor development! Our backyard was always filled with fun toys! But I have to say I’m drooling over that glamping set! LOL. My husband and boys are all hammock lovers. Get Your Cardboard Box Challenge Kit Here!! Get Your free kit here!
7 Pre-K Thanksgiving Crafts 15 days of Thanksgiving Homeschooling ideas! Free of course! 7 Finger and Hand-painting Thanksgiving Crafts is a post from Bekki @ A Better Way to Homeschool where we learn to train our children to become lifelong learners. If you have enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Bekki on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google+! 20 Thanksgiving Math and Reading Activities Day one: Give ‘Em a Hand So I have been looking for those Easy Crafts that Even Mom … Read More »
Examples of Courage for Students The water was clear as glass. The air was still. PERFECT rowing conditions for our two youngest sons and their rowing crew. Picture this: three double rowing boats, one single boat and a coach in a small safety boat. The rowing crew set to practice on perfect water- four boats rowing in slightly different directions, coach flitting back and forth between each team. Our sons, Sam and Stephen were in one of the double boats and are the strongest on the water this year. Practice was half way complete. The boats were far away from shore and my youngest son got a “sick feeling” in the pit of his stomach. We call it a “check” in our family. Just as he was about to call out to the coach, BOOM!! A direct downward gust of wind slammed the water and turned the glass into a churning pool of disaster. The air went from still to sustained downward blasts over 20 knots. (These boats are unsafe when winds are over 8 knots!) My sons laughed for a split second, and then clicked into protective mode. Their team was in DANGER! It was a mad dash. My sons rowed straight for the typical shoreline, and helped one of the boats to shore. Then one sprinted to the opposite shoreline about 1/4 mile away to help the new crew while the other helped other teammates get the boats out of the water. Coach had her hands full helping the single rower boat because he was bobbing up and down like a cork trying desperately to stay right-sided. As the boys were telling the tale to me later, the hair was standing on the back of my neck. This could have been the day that 2 of my sons drowned! Instead, it was a day of relief and pride. My youngest son ran the 1/4 mile to reach the newbie crew. He raced into the water, grabbed the boat and dragged them to shore. “Everything became about saving the newbie crew” he told me later. After the team was on dry-ish land, their heartbeats settled. My youngest son looked the new crew in the eyes and grinned. When you tell this “near death tale” later, here’s some advice: Tune it down for your momTurn up the excitement for your dadAnd when you tell your friends? FULL drama. Add 10 foot waves and sharks into the story. The story you tell your friends. LOL Homeschooling and teaching in classrooms has little to do with actual academics. Oh, they’re important, the same way car insurance is important. Our kids need to be critical thinkers. They need compassion, mercy, and a healthy dose of courage. Not all of our kids will sprint a 1/4 mile to run into crazy water to save wide-eyed teammates. And that’s not the point either. We need to educate the whole child. We need to focus on a gentle and balanced education for the whole child, including body, mind, and spirit. I am so thankful that my boys’ adventure ended in a way that I can smile and be proud of how they responded.This could have been a very different message.And yet, I want you and I to keep our eye on the ball.Strength, Character, Attitudes, Grit, determination- these are the ingredients we want to add to our child’s lives.And it takes years- decades even.Hug your kids.Celebrate the big and little things that highlight character.You can teach them to divide fractions in an afternoon when they are 14-16.But character?That will take a full focus effort. Tell me more
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Christmas Activities: Build Your Own Christmas Tree Game Christmas is that wonderful time of year that delights our souls, causes us to wonder and distracts the daylights out of our kids. The best way to grab their attention during Christmas and the whole advent season is to improvise. This Christmas Activity is guaranteed to make them smile!! Buy Now Easy to Play …Read More »
Best Homeschool Math Curriculum for Struggling Students and Their Parents Since you mentioned math… Five kids later, I can testify that most kids are NOT future mathematicians. In my “scientific study” of five kids, only one is a math guy. He went all the way through Calculus 3 and cried when it was done. The other four? They burned their books the moment they reached “high enough”. Please… …don’t try to make your artist, dancer, or farmer fit into a mathematicians world. Mathematicians reveal themselves. I knew my son was a math brain long before high school, but I purposefully held him back until he touched 9th grade so I could make sure he didn’t miss the math of daily life. Measuring twice, cutting once.Building and managing a budget.Tripling recipes.How to know you have enough gas to make it home.Are the beans on sale for $3.00 a can REALLY a better deal than the ones sitting next to them? Math has always been my love hate subject- yours too? I love math.I just hate teaching it to kids older than 12 because I have to study their math lesson and do all the problems first- then teach them the lesson and have to endure the frustration.I always frustrated my older sons when teaching math. SIGH. Why? Because I don’t know the harder math off of the top of my head. But we survived. And the boys all thrived!!! Lessons from a mom of five boys who all made it through Algebra without dying. Get a clear understanding of what your kids really need to learn: It will have nothing to do with a chapter or page number!Always look for hands on lessons to practice skills!If your kids don’t know how to add, subtract, multiply, divide, solve fractions and decimals, and do percentages… They are NOT ready for algebra.Do a little math every day.Solve math problems on windows with dry erasers or on the sidewalk with chalk.Hang a white board and do math together.If a math curriculum isn’t working DITCH IT! (Try my favorite on for size)Use graph paper for help kids learn to solve math neatly.Make math funny. Solve math with jokes, or get your kids funny shirts. My math kid LOVES his latest shirt. WARNING- You may not think it’s funny because its a higher math shirt. Trust me. It’s funny.Look for math picture books and read aloud daily! Yes, slip in a math book or two each week.Eat the problems. Whenever possible, teach math with food. Best Homeschool Math Curriculum for Struggling Students and Their Parents This is a tricky one. What works for my kids may not work for yours, but here is a list of amazing math curriculum and youtube channels to give you and your kids assistance as they follow their math roadmap to success. Pro Tips: Know what your kids need to learn before starting to teach.Look at the table of contents in your child’s math book. I bet you know how to solve most of the math. Use the Table of contents as a guide. Teach what you KNOW. If you get stuck- turn to the lesson page! Teaching Textbooks is by far the most recommended math curriculum by homeschool moms. They have video lessons so your kids can simply follow along and do the work. Math You See is another homeschool mom favorite. It is very hands-on and makes very small steps forward so your child can achieve mastery. My boys didn’t love it; but I know MANY homeschool families who do!Evan Moor is HANDS DOWN my favorite publisher for teaching materials for kids PreK-6th grade! I discovered them before entering into homeschooling. Easy to follow and fun, I recommend them for all subjects- but especially math, history and science!All Things Algebra. I WISH I had found Gina when my older sons were beginning pre-algebra! Her curriculum is hands-on, challenging, but fun. She’s not cheap- but her materials are WORTH the money!Abeka Math is wonderful! They appeal to me, someone who loves color. “If mama doesn’t love the math curriculum, no one will.” Kids with Special needs? Teaching Math to Students with Autism Homeschooling Kids with Dyslexia YouTube Channels for Math help The trick is finding the correct teaching from someone you can relate to and learn from, right? The Organic Chemistry Tutor saved us when my sons hit Algebra and beyond. Math MashUp Is great! Goofy Math to make your kids laugh These are video my kids loved, or that I loved to torture them with when they needed to learn or practice a concept. Sergeant Seven will have your kids master their 7 multiplication facts in 7 minutes. School house rock! Why? Because it works. The number three is our favorite! Goodies I’ve created for over the years. Printable Math Basics through grade 6 Your Turn! Did I miss anything that worked well in your home? PLEASE share below!!
Earth Schooling by Accident: Teaching and Learning as we Go A reader emailed me. “My 16 year old is really struggling with his purpose in life. He asks WHY about everything, lately. It’s just why about finishing high school, why he’s here, and what is he supposed to do in life (all in a very negative way). It’s heartbreaking as a mom, and while I’ve always taught them they are here on earth for a purpose… I can’t always answer those questions thrown at me. Have any of your boys struggled with that?” Her heart beckoned me to respond. I stopped in my tracks and wrote her back. “Yes… My youngest son was really struggling a few years ago (when he was 14 I think). I did something extreme. Every day, rain or shine, we began our day with a walk. I didn’t give him a choice. Honestly, his dyslexic brain needed the fresh air. Every day we laced our shoes and hit the road for the first 1-2 hours of school. I found myself looking at the man-child and realized I have very little time with him. It was killing me that when he struggled with school our relationship suffered. I named our new way of learning Tom Sawyer schooling. I handed him my phone and encouraged him to take pictures. We walked to a local beach and searched for treasures.We purposely splashed in puddles.He began to talk more and more each dayI began to listen with intensity. After a few weeks, (yes weeks), he said, “don’t laugh… but I think I might know what I want to do when I grow up.” “Buddy, I won’t laugh… what?” He took a deep breath. “A cardiothoracic surgeon.” My eyes went wide. ignoring the truth that he is dyslexic and can’t spell for beans, I replied. “WOW!! How can I help you get there?” Mom, this is the most important thing I learned that day. He already KNEW what his first steps were! We continued walking and talking and he became more and more excited. Not wanting to lose any of the GOLD flowing from his lips, I recorded his developing plan so he could write it down when we got home. The Un FANCY recording of our conversation He’s now almost 16. He’s been studying human anatomy and the history of medicine since. He studies on his own, unprompted. Things like: how to survive and thrive in medical schoolhow to sleep enough in medical schoolhow to learn complex ideaadvance note taking skills Everything he studies has a clear purpose in helping him reach his goal. and he’s ALL IN. New homeschool word: Earthschooling. I didn’t know this is what I was doing; but it works. No. I didn’t buy any curriculum:). Everything he does has purpose. Everything he does has purpose. Taking photographs to relax his mind and soak in the outdoors and improving his fine motor skills through sewing and crocheting earning money for medical school with: photos he’s takena DIY heart foldableHeart BOOM cardssnowman printablesteaching kids to crochet, opening his Etsy shop. He’s laser focused on his goal, and we give him time, resources and assistance by wrapping all his school in a way to align with his goals. Oh the JOY As his teacher, I lay the practical skills he needs right on top of his goals. And then I stand back and rub my eyes in astonishment with what he accomplishes. Your teen can do the same kinds of amazing. If I could whisper in your ear it would be to say… stop normal school for the next few weeks, at least for an hour or two a day and hang out with him without technology. For me, walking was the ticket. It may be going on a drive with him… you know him best. That season is a serious gauntlet where the enemy not only discourages their hearts, but floods their minds with hormones so they can be testy. Prayer is key. So is leaning into their lives and listening. Even if it’s late at night. Once you’ve spent time enjoying each other, he may be open enough to share some of his hopes/wishes with you… respond with “how can I help you get there?” And then listen and take notes.” 3 Tips to Unlocking this Magical Learning Spend enough time shoulder to shoulder with your kids that they relax and learn to TRUST YOU with their heart.LISTEN a lot more than you speak. Take notes even.Choose materials and hobbies that feed their passion. Yes, even buying gifts like this for your wanna be surgeon like we did. (He LOVES it). I learned this “How can I help you reach your goals” and then listen from Kerry Beck. Wow! One workshop from her transformed my homeschooling. 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. WANT MORE POSTS ON HOMESCHOOLING FROM THE HEART? Don’t homeschool your kids Godly women and homeschool You don’t need to apologize
Solution for “My Child Hates School” In our Facebook group, Our Lives as Homeschool Moms, she hesitantly asked, “How long do you go without a child doing his (homeschool) work before you just enroll him in public school?” My favorite answers from other homeschool moms: …Read More »
Make Toys from Sticks, Stones, and Natural Materials Just because you’re stuck at home due to injury, illness, or global pandemic, doesn’t mean you can’t create a magical playtime for you and your kids. While we all live in different climates and have different types of raw materials near our back doors, we can use what we find to make some fun natural toys. Browse for a few ideas.Go outside and gather your materials with your kidsLet them lead I bet you’ll make something cool, but I’m also guessing you’re gonna make something else: MEMORIES! Learn more from The Best Ideas for Kids Nature Sun Catchers! Learn more from Hands on As We Grow Learn more from Adventure in a box Make a fairy Garden! Learn more from Family Handy Man Make a tie tac toe board! Learn more from Chicken Scratch NY Paint Name, or word, rocks! Learn more from Mama Papa Bubba Make story stones! Learn more from Happy Hooligans Related: Turn classic puppet show stories into story stones Sea Glass Chime! Learn more from All Snug as a Bug Nature Sensory Bottles! Learn More from Rhythms of Play Make a SIMPLE draw string bag with your kids to store these NATURAL WONDERS! Learning at Home: Everything you need in one place Don’t stress about Screen Time
Easy Fall Art Crafts for Preschool and Up I held onto summer for as long as I could, but the rain, cold, and gorgeous colors peeking through the trees have convinced me it’s ok to declare that fall is in the air! I’ve scoured the internet looking for the tastiest fall, pumpkin, leaf and fall themed goodies for you and your kids. Whether you are enjoying the sunshine for a few more weeks, or are already curled up by a fore with a hot delicious drink, these easy fall crafts and activity ideas are sure to delight! …Read More »
Thanksgiving Writing Prompts Thanksgiving Writing Prompts for Homeschoolers.While we do break free from our regular homeschooling routine during the holidays, it is important to continue writing:). Grab your free Notebooking Templates and have your child choose one of the Thanksgiving Writing Prompts Below (source: Alpha Omega Publications) Download Thanksgiving Printable Paper homeschool helpers printables Grab your pencil and put on your thinking cap! • On Thanksgiving, my family likes to… • If I had been a Pilgrim child on the very first Thanksgiving, I would have… • My favorite Thanksgiving memory is… • What I like/dislike about Thanksgiving is… • I think a turkey would/wouldn’t make a good pet because… • If I had been a Pilgrim travelling to America on the Mayflower, I would have taken along… • On Thanksgiving, it’s traditional for my family to… • The Pilgrims’ feast on the first Thanksgiving included… • The best thing the Indians did to help the Pilgrims was… • I am thankful for my family because… • When I think of Thanksgiving, I think about… • To make a great Thanksgiving turkey, you… • The first Thanksgiving I can remember was… • As I walked up to the table to share Thanksgiving with my family,… • My favorite part about Thanksgiving is… • To me, Thanksgiving symbolizes… • My perfect Thanksgiving meal would include… • Thanksgiving at Grandma’s house is… • Being thankful means… • I think brown and orange are Thanksgiving colors because… • The first Thanksgiving and today’s Thanksgiving are very similar/different because… More Thanksgiving Activities Here Thanksgiving Math, Reading, Science Activities for 3rd Grade 30 Thanksgiving Activities, Crafts, and Games for K-2nd Grade 21 Thanksgiving Math Activities for Kindergarten 4 Thanksgiving Jokes Solved with Divisibility Fall Math and Literacy Super Bundle- Grades K-2 Download your 44 Writing Ideas {Printable}
Teaching Kids to Write- One Day at a time Drum roll… My 3 biggest tricks for turning kids into writers are EASY Write and send paper letters- together Bring back letter openers There’s something magical about going to the mailbox and pulling out envelopes with handwriting on them. “I just got a letter?” This will take quite a bit of effort, but it is so worth it for your kids. Imagine the excitement of tearing open a letter and reading together over tea! Need to find a penpal for you and your kids? Hope Notes for Dakota Boys and GirlsPenpal SchoolsLetters to soldiersLetters to THEMSELVES in the future in a time capsule! Looking for some letter writing prompts? My friend, Let’s do it! Buy some cute stationary, some fun stamps and a letter opener and let us ‘correspond’ by mail!! Oh, you KNOW you want the thrill of opening your mailbox and finding a handwritten letter from me.I know I’d love to receive on from you as well. This beats text messages every day of the week! XOXO, me!! 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. Pro-tip: Be a broken record about writing-Repeat the same sayings all through each week. “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.” Writing muscles take a LONG time to develop. Daily practice is your best friend!
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 multiples3rd Grade Math- Sudoku puzzles3rd 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 So FUN!! 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
Memory for Kids: Building Better Minds! Mind Blown. The book that BLEW MY MIND About a month ago, ordered Limitless as an audiobook and devoured it on my daily walks. I am on a mission to walk 1,200 miles this year and one of the ways I stay motivated is to listen to audiobooks. I knew I was listening to GOLD. The BEST thing we can teach our kids is:*HOW to learn*HOW to remember*HOW to improve their reading speed and comprehension Walking in circles around the local football track, I became obsessed with the possibility that I could improve my own memory. I quickly invested in Jim’s Memory Masterclass and Kwik reading programs. I planned to try them for a week or two and get my money back if it wasn’t working. I figured I could race through, test to see if it was a scam, and then ask for a refund. NO WAY. I don’t want my money back!!!!! HUGE life changing is happening as I roll up my sleeve each day and read and study and YOU need to know about this today. Imagine beginning your day with your kids: 10-20 minute reading videos. I started doing this a with my youngest son. The results so far?My son is BLOWING me away. I knew he would. I told him he would… He’s dyslexic and I honestly believe he was boring his brain to death trying to read before… He went from 200 to 500 words per minute in a week… Now he is just barely getting started and has jumped from about 200 words per minute to over 500 words per minute! Me?I’ve stopped calling myself “Dory” from Finding Nemo and have embraced the truth that I can build a better brain.My reading speed has doubled, and we’re only a few lessons in to the Kwik Reading. I keep surprising myself with the memory tactics I’m learning in the full memory class as well. * Two days ago I learned 24 different meanings of the word fervent and know them backwards and forward.* I learned two Bible verses this morning while walking and listening to birds. Have you ever met someone new and forget their name within a few seconds? Me too! So we are working on learning the tactics to quickly and permanently remember names! * I memorized the Top 100 Male names and began teaching them to my 15 year old so we can become name learners together. Womens names are next on my agenda! I learned about Jim Kwik during an interview. He was a guest on a podcast with one of the doctors we follow online. I was mesmerized by Jim’s story and purchased his book while watching the interview. What if my short term memory issue could become a part of my past? What if you could really memor? Today, I am deep into this new land of brain super powers, neuroplasticity and so many other things I didn’t know I was missing. In days, this is the kind of progress I’ve made: I memorized my favorite poem, “Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” by William Wordsworth.I created an “imaginary news paper” in my mind so I can record what happens in my day, so when my husband comes home from work at night I can give him the highlights, rather than my typical “not much happened” answer.I find myself no longer saying, “I forgot.”Instead, I find myself saying, “I didn’t draw the memory on my mind well enough to remember; just a second.” Learning HOW to learn is unlocking things in my life that I never thought possible! My next personal goal is to go grocery shopping without a list with the confidence of knowing I will remember everything I need while I am still at the store! It’s a whole new world for me and I am diligently working on “infecting” each of the others in my family, plus anyone who will read or listen. In this world full of technology and digital overload, what of you could teach you and your kids to:: have a super power memoryquickly learn everything from vocabulary words to grocery listsbuild better recall of people’s names and eventsread faster and with much higher comprehension What if you really could unlock your memory, increase your reading by 25%-100% or more? Or like my son, increase reading speed by 150% in less than a week! Better yet…What if, like me, you can teach your kids to do it… Resources I’ve absorbed, invested in, and am devouring: Limitless, a book by Jim KwikMoonwalking with Einstein, by Joshua Foer (This book was mentioned in the Limitless book and I downloaded it and almost have it complete. Some language and suggestive language inside)Recall Masterclass by Jim KwikKwik Reading by Jim Kwik If I could rewind the clock and teach all five of my sons over again, I’d teach them how to read effectively and quickly, how to REMEMBER what they read, and how to learn anything. If your kids already know how to read, it’s a great time to begin learning and weaving these types of trainings into your day. Get excited and learn along with them and join me on this path of unlimiting our minds! 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.
7 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts that Kids Will be Proud to Make Inside: Thanksgiving Desserts for kids and made by kids. Important: Keep kids safe in the kitchen! When teaching kids to cook, don’t forget to make sure they master Turkey Tetris. Seriously. Nothing makes you aware of how blessed you are like having to move a bunch of food around so you can fit an over-sized bird in your refrigerator. Remember- Your kids WANT to help when they are little. I think one of the the biggest mistakes we make is how we respond to the question, “Mommy, can I help?” “No, sweetie, go play while mommy cleans up/makes dinner/folds laundry.” When kids are 3-years old, we know that “let me make eggs” means they run to the fridge, open the door and break 11 eggs on the floor before we can stop them. But, this stage- the “can I help” stage is where the magic of raising wonderfully helpful teens happens. Answers to the question: Can I help? Absolutely! Yes! Here are your very own rubber gloves to protect your hands while you do dishes. Oh, thank you! Go get your apron. Pretty please! I need help making dinner. Of course! Many hands make light work! How would you like to help me? I was hoping you’d ask! Which job should mommy do, and which job should you do? Sure! Do you want to be the boss or the helper? Helping around the house should be fun, natural and expected. Create a special playlist that tune in kids to the fact that it’s time to cook, time to sweep, time to fold. Relationships aren’t built over coffee at a cafe; relationships are built over piles of dirty dishes and mounds of laundry. Food. It’s a BIG deal. We have encouraged our five sons to help in the kitchen from the time before they could walk (think-rolling high chair). I remember the first time my oldest son decided to make eggs for the family. “I make eggs!” I tried to beat the little squirt to the fridge, but the 3-year old had broken a dozen eggs on the kitchen floor before I could stop him. He beamed with pride. While I always had kids open cans, dice veggies, and stir pots of delicious foods, my husband is truly the brilliance behind teaching my sons how to run a kitchen. Kids love to help in the kitchen. All five of our sons can cook to some degree or another. We even have their favorite “fails”- like chili. … Read More »
22 Simple Manners Every Kid Should Know By High School Has this ever happened to you? You beam with pride with joy at how wonderful, caring, and thoughtful your kids are; and without warning, they prove your heart wrong. Before you beat yourself up for being a terrible mom, Before I drag my ungrateful son away from his new pile of gifts, I need to tell us something. They’re kids. … Read More »
7 Patriotic 4th of July Activities for Preschoolers Celebrate Independence Day with these amazing 4th of July Activities for Preschoolers! Because they’ll LOVE them all!! Have a red, white, and blue fashion show! Kids will love throwing together wild and patriotic clothing combinations and come strutting through the room to make you smile. Build a float and march in a parade (or down the street) 4 of our five sons The first year we lived in a small town in California, we decided to enter the boys in the 4th of July parade. Can you believe they won 1st prize? One of the boys is riding his bike ahead. It was all decked out with red, white, and blue party streamers. We created a tank by wrapping our wagon with spray painted cardboard and stuck our preschooler in the driver’s seat (secret plan to keep him busy). The air is sucked from my lungs as I see my oldest son in my hubby’s Navy dress uniform. That’s the same uniform my husband wore to our wedding! Make 4th of July Pinwheels! These pinwheels make great cupcake toppers or party picks, and with the awesome 4th of July ribbons from the Ribbon Retreat, they will add some fun and festive flair to your next patriotic gathering! 4th of July Printables get yours here This 16 page fun and engaging reader is just the ticket to help your preschoolers dive into the 4th of July! Your preschoolers wil: Trace say and trace the sight words they will find in their readerColor and read their bookinteract with each word inside the readerFall in love with reading 4th of July books F is for Flag Every day seems like Flag Day. Perfect for reading together with a young child, F Is for Flag shows in simple terms how one flag can mean many things: a symbol of unity, a sign of welcome, and a reminder that-in good times and in bad-everyone in our country is part of one great big family. Red, White, and BOOM! It’s the Fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic, and fireworks in the park in this poetic celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America’s birthday BOOM! I Spy July the 4th A Is For America! A Fun Fourth of July National Patriotic Holiday Guessing Game Gift for … Preschoolers and Toddlers! 4th of July Activity Book Beautiful projects appropriate for child ages 6 -12.Printed on a high quality paper.80 Pages various activities for children 4th of July Gross Motor Boom! Crash! Fireworks! Great games by Preschool Plan it! The children pretend to be fireworks! When you yell “BOOM” they start making fireworks movements and sounds and when you yell “CRASH” they fall to the floor! EXTENSION: Give the children colored dancing scarves to use during this! Fence Weaving Image and Activity from Centers and Circle time This is the simplest activity, but it is wonderfully entertaining. Materials needed: FenceRed, white, and blue streamersAdorable kids Patriotic Windsock Craft Craft by All Kids Network “This craft would make a great gift for a Veteran or a 4th of July decoration. Wrap red, white, and blue yarn around a toilet paper roll to form patriotic stripes. Then have your child help you fold a sheet of paper to make rows of stars reminiscent of paper dolls. The paper folding can be a lesson on the term “half”, since you will be folding the paper in half 4 times!” Summertime FUN from my friend Amy with Planning Playtime!! Preschool summer theme Summer continues with our most favorite summer theme!Enjoy pool noodle sight words, flip flop matching, and pool noodle tallies. Preschool Camping theme Letter Matching Smore’s, Tent Patterns, and, Alphabet Hunt Bag, and 10 Frame activities! Space theme The Space theme is packed full of learning fun like marshmallow constellations, 10 Frame moon rock counting, and space play dough patterns. What’s your favorite activity to help preschoolers celebrate summer and the 4th of July? More preschool FUN The BEST list of delightful books for preschoolers and their parents Preschool at Home- MAGIC Easy Preschool Crafts and Activities
How to make a fan cooler Free Printable for your fridge! Fun Science projects: How to Make a Fan Cooler! How to make a fan coolerMake an Easy Air Conditioner DIY Air Conditioners Home Cool Down Tips If cool in morning, open all windows and cool off houseUse fans to keep air circulatingKeep curtains and shades closedUse dehumidifier if humidDo not use oven Keep People Cool Wear lightweight breathable clothingKeep clothes on!Cold bath for feetCool showers/bathsCold wash rags held to neckStay indoorsStick to the shadeDrink lots of cold drinksEat cold/cool foodsKeep a pack of wet wipes in the fridge – wipe your neck, face, hands and pressure points Pets need to stay cool Never leave your pet in a parked carUse cooling collarLimit exerciseProvide shade and waterMake pet pop cycles Food Ideas for HOT days Do meal prepping when weather is cooler!Frozen fruitTaco saladGreek chicken pitasAntipasto saladRolled sandwich meat, cheese, fruitCold sandwichesCerealYogurt with fruitWatermelonCarrots, celery, and veggie trayTuna saladDeli wrapsIce cream & pop-cyclesCold pasta saladsBLTA (cook bacon in cool of the day!) Seriously! Ways to Entertain kids Long cool baths with toysMovie marathonIndoor forts with fansMovie theaterLong drives in ACSwimming after heat of the day passes: SUNSCREEN!! Dream About SNOW? YES!! printable fun Perfect for distraction from the heat! Activities Included in this pack: KWL Chart about snowMy Weather ReportThe color of snow readingComprehension questions: The color of snowThe Sound of Snow readingSound of snow mazeTypes of snow readingFill in the blank: Types of snowSnowfall, Snow-cover, and formations vocabulary (3 pages)Crossword: Snowfall, Snow-cover, and FormationsAvalanche ReadingTips to Surviving an Avalanche Flip-ableWilson “snowflake” Bentley?Comprehension Questions: Snowflake BentleyMake paper snowflakesSnowflake Sudoku
Homeschool Mom- Printable Bingo Game Free There is no right or wrong way to be a great homeschool mom. You already qualify as the best teacher and mentor on the planet for your kids. No one else cares as much about their success as you! Instead of being too hard on ourselves, let’s have a little fun. Invite a friend to Play Homeschool Mom Bingo! Print your gameMark off the ones you’ve completedShare the fun with friends! Need help completing a square? 1. Turns baking into science “Believe it or not, cooking and baking can be great teaching tools. You know what I always say….“Science is everywhere!” You may be wondering how spending an afternoon baking chocolate chip cookies can relate to math and science. Then again, you may not care if the end result is cookies. Let’s go over the super important sounding words that are at the heart of learning in the kitchen.” 2. Buys copy paper by the case 3. Homeschool Master Goals Established… check! 4. Follows 2+ Homeschool bloggers Ok, this one is subjective. If you are lucky enough to have homeschooling friend’s next door, like I did when I first began homeschooling you may not need to follow a homeschool blogger. There are many, many, many moms (like me) who share their homeschool journey through their own blogs. My favorite homeschool bloggers: Amy with Planning Playtime has amazing preschool goodiesAna with They Call Me BlessedGena with Music in Our HomeschoolKelly with Happy You, Happy Family (not a homeschool blog… but she sees you through your screen)Don’t forget A Better Way to Homeschool (That’s me) 5. Asks homeschool questions in FB group Come join Our Lives as Homeschool Moms! If you ask 100 homeschoolers a question, you will get 137 different answers. I may be a bit biased, but this little corner of the internet is the most encouraging I’ve found! 6. Owns a FANTASTIC pencil sharpener Worth every penny My husband doesn’t understand. He laughed when I told him how much I spent on this bad boy. But it’s a life changer. It treats expensive, wonderful, quality pencils and cheap, peeling, “can’t hold their lead” pencils equally and without prejudice. I will almost never say what I am about to say, but I can’t help myself. Go buy yourself a Carl Angel 5 Pencil Sharpener right now. 7. Knows That LEARNING is the goal, not page numbers What does successful homeschooling look like? You’re gonna want this printable for your fridge. 8. Attends 1+ online or in-person homeschool conference After I attended my first homeschool conference, I was hooked with connecting with other homeschool moms. Especially older homeschoolers. There’s something magical about gleaning hard earned wisdom from people a little farther ahead of you than you are today. Pro-tip: Make it a goal to find one GOLDEN nugget (wisdom, advice, or resource) from any conference you attend. It only takes one to make the whole conference worth your time and money! Online conferences worth attending at least once: Charlotte Mason Inspired All Kerry’s Conferences and Workshops are amazing! 9. Knows where to ask MATH questions I highly recommend collecting mathematicians for your homeschool journey. Yes, you’ll want a math roadmap, but sometimes you just need someone to explain things to you. While I’ve collected a few math whizzes in my time homeschooling, I’ve also found some amazing YouTube teachers! Organic Chemistry Tutor! Wow this guy has made a huge difference for usMath Antics: Clear and easy to followMath and Science: My personal favorite. He helped me remember how to do all the math things I forgot! 10. Has books in EVERY room of the house Adoring books may be the one common trait of homeschool moms! 120 Classics to read This is the Best List of Delightful Books for Preschoolers (and their Parents) 11. Ignores the “you should” comments Everyone on the planet will give you advice about homeschooling. You’ll want to quickly learn to fine-tune who you collect advice from. Years ago, a friend taught me to inspect the life of the person who is freely giving me advice before listening. 12. New BUG? Homeschool moms can turn anything into a learning activity, but the best homeschool moms hide the truth that kids are learning. Their kids believe they play all day! Discovers new bugcollects itturns into science lesson for the week 13. Trains CHARACTER 14. Buys or creates printables 15. Confident that art, music, dance, and LEGOs are important 16. Loses sleep while thinking about teaching kids 17. Sometimes feels alone and overwhelmed 18. Sometimes feels alone and overwhelmed 19. Googles “how to make learning FUN” 20. Looking for affirmation that she’s on right track 21. Has thought it might be easier if they go to school-school 22. Has gifts and abilities she wants to use in teaching but doesn’t know how
Ways to Say Happy Father’s Day Husband Let’s join our kids and celebrate their father with these fun ways to say Happy Father’s Day Husband to their dad! Let’s get creative this year and celebrate Father’s Day, with FUN and creative ways to Say Happy Father’s Day. Sure, the mud pie and t-shirt with handprints are amazing, but so are these! 5 Amazing Gift Ideas for Father’s Day 1. Camping Gifts for Dad Camping Gifts for Dad Maybe it the fact that being dirty is just part of the fun, but most kids LOVE camping with their dads! Help their next camp out be amazing. Fun camping gifts HammockGreat multi-toolGloves with flashlights in the fingers! 2. Father’s Day from Bump From your little bump If you’re expecting, your husband may still feel like a deer in the headlights. Help him feel extra special with a fun gift from that moving bump! 3. Best Dad By Par Best dad by par If your hubby loves golf, he’s gonna love these. 4. Cycling Gifts for Dad Cycling Gifts for Dad These are my personal favorites, because all five of our sons enjoy biking with their dad. They can’t revisit the feel of hero dirt! Hero Theme to help celebrate dad! 5. Ways to Make Dad a Homeschool Lesson Interview himCreate a Power point presentation “My Dad”Oh! How about a a secret message with your own special code that he will need to break to readMake a dad collage! Have dad lay down on butcher paper and trace his body. Yes, kids LOVE this one. Then color, decorate, or label with all the things dad loves!Print, cut, color, and create your own keepsake craft while sharpening fine-motor skills Get your kit here There are many, many ways to let your husband know how important he is in the live of your children. Father’s Day can get overlooked because it falls right after the school year ends and all the kids scatter into doing summery things. Take some time to pause and celebrate Father’s Day for and with your husband! More about Fathers Dad’s Role in Homeschooling: The Powerful Man Behind the Scenes