Daily Advent Readings: Where Do You Begin? Inside: What Bible Verses should you read with your kids during Advent? Here are Daily Bible Readings for every day during Advent. It’s as simple as: Download, Print, and Begin. Download your FREE “Advent Reading Freebie HERE” {Printable} Starting Late? No Worries. Jump in at any time! Related: When the Holidays Mess with your Homeschooling Mojo
Lifelong learning: What Does Long Hair Have to Do with Homeschool? If you jump over to my instagram, you will catch a glimpse of a common theme developing in my life… Hair. french braids buns ponytails mermaid braid I’ve almost always worn long hair. In my youth, I’ve dreamed of being able to create stunning princes level hairstyles, but couldn’t figure them out on my own. When I began growing my hair out I quickly became bored with the plain old braid I wore every other day. And then it dawned on me to look on YouTube and I found the Missy Sue Blog. Related: Tips for growing longer hair Missy Sue did all the hard work for me, showed me how to divided my locks, use mini-bands and bobby pins, and create fantastic designs with my hair. Related: a beautiful hair pin really makes a big difference Hair and Homeschooling The theme for this year has been “falling in love with learning”… for me. Homeschool mama, we need to become excited about a few things to model the modern truth- You can really learn almost anything on YouTube. This is a different world from when we were in high school. Today, Kids walk around with supercomputers in their hands and have the ability to become experts in pretty much any field with a little determination and a whole bunch of practice. Gone are the days when kids graduate high school, go to college to become an expert in their chosen field, and then quietly settle in a career for 40 years. The average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life according to career change statistics. With an ever-increasing number of different career choices on offer, approximately 30% of the total workforce will now change jobs every 12 months. By the age of 42 you will probably already have had about ten jobs. [DOL] That little fact would have given me a heart attack as a teenager, but as a homeschool mom, it makes me more determined than ever to equip kids for this ever-changing world. Freebie: 70 Creative ideas for Homeschooling Homeschoolers are in a unique position to help their kids. Our children have time to explore topics can identify areas of interest and dig deep have the ability to become expert learners Model Learning: Show them how it’s Done It is so important that we model learning for our kids. They need to see learning in action. Find something to be excited about, something challenging… and then go find some YouTube videos, books, magazines, or a tutor and learn. Learn a new skill simply for the challenge and joy of it. Share your enthusiasm with your kids. Model perseverance. Don’t be afraid to fail, but never quit! So far I have taught myself (and a few sons) how to knit and now how to style long hair. They all want to be daddies someday and hope to have little girls. Maybe they’ll even have the opportunity to teach their wives how to braid. Ideas for learning are endless All about herbs Improving your blog’s SEO hairstyles rebuilding an engine life skills building treehouses making a quilt aquaponics coin collecting starting a store on Etsy Social Media Marketing writing Resumes and cover letters sustainable living creating apps recycling for profit making wooden arrows cooking painting with watercolors homeschooling with littles The possibilities are truly endless. What are you excited to learn about? Start today! Preview of the Heart of Homeschooling God’s Way Master Class. We need to STOP measuring success by grades, achievements, awards, and worksheets. Enroll in the sneak peek class here.
90 Thanksgiving Jokes to Make Your Kids Laugh Thanksgiving Homeschooling ideas: The Best Gift for Your Family: Laughter The holidays can be quite stressful. Make it a point to laugh a lot this year, better yet get your kiddos to laugh. Now, my kids would be the first to tell you that I do not laugh enough, so this year I am arming myself with a huge list of jokes to surprise them with through Thanksgiving week. Here’s to a smiling and belly-laughing week! Just for FUN: Download Your Thanksgiving Jokes- Cootie Catcher {Printable} I collected 90, that’s right 90 jokes to help you travel your merry way:) Childhood Beckons has 30 great starter jokes… Read More »
77 Easy No-Prep Thanksgiving Activities Entertain and Teach Inside: Thanksgiving Ready to go Activities and Thanksgiving coloring pages. Just in time for Thanksgiving! Kids love the holidays! They feed off the energy and excitement that surrounds them. Even kids that may not usually enjoy coloring, may find inspiration from a holiday themed coloring activity. Just for FUN: Thanksgiving Jokes- Cootie Catcher {Printable} Here are links to loads and loads of coloring and activity pages!! Add them to your toolbelt. Kids love the holidays! They feed off the energy and excitement that surrounds them. Even kids that may not usually enjoy coloring, may find inspiration from a holiday themed coloring activity. Here are links to loads and loads of coloring pages!!Add them to your toolbelt. Single Page Activities by artists helping children thanksgiving coloring pages click here There are 16 great pages about the First Thanksgiving here. They would make a great little coloring book! 16 Thanksgiving Foods Pages 16 Pages of Pilgrim History 16 fabulous Turkeys 10 Cornucopias Download Your Thanksgiving Jokes- Cootie Catcher {Printable} Holiday Fun for the Whole Family: 90 Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids 7 Thanksgiving Science Experiments Preview of the Heart of Homeschooling God’s Way Master Class. We need to STOP measuring success by grades, achievements, awards, and worksheets. Enroll in the sneak peek class here.
22 Simple Manners Every Kids Should Know By High School On his big day, our son sat in a pile of gifts. He had that, “Oh my goodness look at all the gifts for me” daze. BAD MOMMY. I hadn’t learned the lesson of prepping kids ahead of time for situations like this. I hadn’t given him the skills to succeed. He didn’t even know he was set to fail and worse, let down a good friend… It makes the blood drain from my face as I remember Jay. Our son tore into his presents like a lion who had taken down a gazelle. Jay’s body stood a little taller when our son grabbed his gift. He cut grass, pulled weeds, and did odd jobs that spring. All so he could bless his friend with the Lego set he knew his friend, my son, would want. Jay was so excited. All that hard work, all that careful planning. You could see Jay had invested more than money into that carefully wrapped Lego. Our son tore through the wrapping, glanced at the Lego and declared, “I have this already”. Without a second glance, he tossed the Lego aside and broke his friend’s heart. 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. Kids are not born with good manners. Children are not gifted with social graces. Actually, it seems as though the opposite is true. Our kids need our help. They need loving, patient, and consistent training to help them learn how to love and be kind to others. Sure, some kids are born ready to help, serve, and love. Most need a bit of help, or in some cases a total overhaul. And that’s ok. Actually, it should be one of our central parenting to-dos. MANNERS ARE A LOST ART. When our son tossed Jay’s gift aside, he wasn’t trying to hurt his friend. He lost himself in the moment and became consumed by the excitement. As his mom, I could have prepared him better. A simple two minute role-play session before the party would have set him up for success. “Opening presents can be thrilling. What should you do after you open each gift?” “What happens if you see that you already have that toy?” “How can you show each of your friends that you are thankful?” 22 Manners for Your Kids {Printable} This lesson needs to be reinforced all throughout life. One of our college-aged sons recently did an act of kindness that blew up in his face. Her arms were full, and he raced to open the door for her as a courtesy. He held the door open and smiled. Imagine his shock when the young woman he tried to help she cussed him out! I can’t even share the things she said. Horrible. All because he opened the door… AND YET, HE STILL OPENS THE DOOR FOR OTHERS- WITH A SMILE. “Because it matters, mom. It’s kind, and it’s the right thing to do…” Yes, it matters. According to Family Time, Good Manners Are Good for Your Kids. Good manners are attractive. Other parents and adults prefer kids who are polite and so do school teachers. So do future employers. Good manners build self-esteem. When you respect others you respect yourself and that makes a person more confident. Good manners make others feel good. We all benefit when the people around us are more caring, respectful and compassionate. Good manners impress people. Your children will get positive attention and respect. Politeness is a sign of strength, not weakness. So What’s a Mom to Do? Take action. Let’s decide that Our Kids, Our Family will be different. Incorporated manners training into our everyday lives; as a part of homeschooling. How to Teach Manners Effectively Start where you are. It’s no use teaching your daughter to say, “It was so nice of you to visit today” if she hasn’t mastered the art of saying thank you. Pick one or two manners to focus on with your kids. Set up a “let’s practice” area and take turns exercising the new skill. Keep the practice sessions short and fun. Before a playdate, outing, or family visit- Do a Quick Review of manners you want them to practice. SO WHAT MANNERS SHOULD YOU TEACH YOUR KIDS? It’s completely up to you and your family. The most important thing is that you pick a few and get practicing. This world needs people who: Say thank you Open doors for strangers Remember people’s names Offer to help And give and receive with kindness and grace. Manners go a long way… 22 Manners for Your Kids {Printable} Preview of the Heart of Homeschooling God’s Way Master Class. We need to STOP measuring success by grades, achievements, awards, and worksheets. Enroll in the sneak peek class here.
Teaching Math Doesn’t Need to be Boring Inside: everything you need to teach your kids their math facts! When our oldest son was in 5th grade my husband tricked me into homeschooling. “Just give it a year“. That was ages ago, and I’m still teaching my younger kids around the kitchen table. I remember our first real day of homeschool. I arrogantly sat across the kitchen counter from my son and ran a quick “teacher like” math fact drill. photo by aaron burden He didn’t know his math facts! … Read More »
Mama, Be super excited about the Eclipse- It’s Contagious Inside 3 Tips to Grab the Most out of the Ecplise (Or any other experience) “There were kids on the soccer fields honey.” The color drained from my face. Of course, I blew it again. Without fail, every year, without exception, I miss the critical sign-up dates for sports. I’m not talking 5-years of missed sports; I’m talking 20 years. Maybe it’s because I don’t wanna drive to and from practice on 3 different fields twice a week. Could it be that the thought of sitting wrapped in plastic and covered with 2 umbrellas so I don’t get soaked in the Pacific Northwest rain is not my idea of how I want to spend a Saturday? Most likely is that my “Dory mind” is too busy and I forget. But this deadline I can’t miss. The Big Eclipse is almost here! Sure, there are total eclipses happening in 2019, 2020, 2021 2024 and 2016 but, the path of this event will not happen right over our kids’ heads. The Total Eclipse of 2017 is nothing to “forget” or “overlook” “On Aug. 21, 2017, people across the United States will see the sun disappear behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature drop rapidly and revealing massive streamers of light streaking through the sky around the silhouette of the moon. On that day, America will fall under the path of a total solar eclipse.” –Space.com Are you Ready? Nope, me neither, but there’s time if you act now. A Total Eclipse in 3, 2, 1 3. Learning So What’s a Solar Eclipse? I’m pretty sure Pumba from the Lion King would explain, “It’s when a really big bird flies slowly across the sun and blocks out all the light- Hakkuna Matata.” Yea, there’s more to it than that, Pumba. Eclipse Megamovie has a great overview for you and your kids, plus… there’s an interactive map where you can add your city, state, and zip and get a quick animation of what the eclipse will look like for you! Pro Tip- (Experience First.) Briefly, explain the eclipse to your kids and then wait. Don’t make them read 1,000 books or write a research paper ahead of time, just a brief explanation. Then, get ready and watch the big event together. You, mama, be super excited- it’s contagious. Then, after the “sun returns to the sky”. After the “sun returns to the sky”… 2. Recording So when the sky darkens and the temperature drops be ready to enjoy. But after the light returns and the safety glasses are destroyed, be ready to learn! Movies to watch: (Use your Movie Response sheets to turn any movie into a learning film!) Space Camp Hidden Figures Guardians of the Galaxy Star Trek Star Wars Power Rangers Armageddon (Older kids) Books to read Eclipse Moon The Martian (I had to get over my fear of the “F” word to enjoy this one. Definitely not a read aloud) Packets to complete with a pencil and fancy coloring pencils Free-Style writing. No rules! Using Cookies to Learn Moon Phases A Letter to Me– Let your kids write to their future selves about the eclipse! FREE Eclipse Book! Take pictures! Here are some pro tips. photo by Gabby Orcutt PSST- It’s not safe to look at the eclipse through a telescope, even with your eclipse glasses! 1. Safety Protect your kids’ eyes! This is not one of those paranoid warnings. Remember Syd from Toy Story? You know, that Bratty-Out-of-Control kid who burned bugs with a magnifying glass? Imagine that beam of light on the back of your Muchkin’s eye. The biggest issue with eclipse glasses is that everyone and their brother is selling them. Make sure they come from a NASA approved company. Read more here. Yes, I am having trouble finding them too, because like soccer sign-ups the cool moms beat me to the punch. But I haven’t given up. Think NASA certified. Check with your local library! Embrace the opportunity to study the heavens with your kids before, during and after rather than being the one who drives by the soccer field and hears your daughter say, “Look, mommy, those kids are playing soccer in the dark!” Preview of the Heart of Homeschooling God’s Way Master Class. We need to STOP measuring success by grades, achievements, awards, and worksheets. Enroll in the sneak peek class here.
Do You Need to be an Artist to Teach Homeschool Art? Inside: Homeschool Art- The surprising way to teach your kids to grow in their confidence and ability in art. {Plus a fun freebie} I remember the day I peeked over my son’s shoulder. He was 12-years old. He was sitting there so quietly- completely absorbed in his work. His intensity intrigued me, so I snuck over to take a peek. I shouldn’t have been stunned, but I was. How the in the world did he learn to draw so well? Here’s the secret… … Read More »
I Just had a Homeschool Heart Attack Inside- You’ll find a craft that is out of this world. {pun intended} Usually, I see it coming. But this year it snuck up on me. I was minding my own business, sipping a cup of coffee, and scrolling through Facebook when I saw it. 13 Days until Thanksgiving. I almost snorted coffee through my nose. … Read More »
Chores Made Simple Free Chore Printable Preview of the Heart of Homeschooling God’s Way Master Class. We need to STOP measuring success by grades, achievements, awards, and worksheets. Enroll in the sneak peek class here.
Forget Math Flashcards! This is the Best Way to Learn Math Facts Almost pulled out my hair today. My 11-year-old Stephen, woke up more bouncy than usual. That’s saying something. (I’m guessing Winnie the Pooh’s buddy, Tigger, was inspired by an 11-year-old ADHD boy. Just sayin’.) While I am not a big labeler, if this son of mine were in a “traditional classroom”, I’m confident he would have been stamped as dyslexic, ADHD, and an overall handful. He is, it’s true. But that’s why God gave him to my husband and me. (Big toothy grin) Most days, his bounciness is controlled by sitting on one of those exercise balls at the table, or knitting when we read aloud. But some days, like today, there is no way possible to get him to unbounce. You see, tomorrow we venture 8 hours to visit our beloved In-N-Out Burger joint. The fact that there isn’t an In-N-Out in Washington state was almost a deal breaker when we relocated here. Anyhoo, Stephen is so excited. He barely sleeps. He has been counting down the days, hours, and now minutes to our departure. Every few minutes, he lets us know that the reason he swinging from the ceiling is that he is excited. Now, Try to teach Tigger a traditional math lesson. Yea, I spit out my coffee too. It ain’t gonna happen…. Read More »
Ants and Homeschool Nothing makes my skin crawl faster than crawling ants. Kaiser rolls are tasty. Imagine a hot ham and cheese sandwich on a kaiser roll. I even like those little black poppy seeds as long as they do not get trapped between my teeth. Yum. When I was in high school, I worked at a wonderful shop. It was like working with family. Only this family never got under your skin. Until they asked me to do the unthinkable. Photo by Skitter We had a five-gallon bucket of poppy seeds. That’s a lot in case you are wondering. … Read More »
How to Trim the Fat out of Your Homeschool Lessons Inside: How to trim the excess weight from your homeschool curriculum. {Plus-Free printable cheatsheet} Exactly 16 days ago I weighed 11 pounds more than I do today. I happened to see a picture of me and my family and I could not believe how much heavier I had become since settling in the mountains. I took immediate note and changed my ways. As I weighed in yesterday I had broken through a barrier that had been alluding me for a few years. I am well on my way to my target goal. Just 18 more pounds to go. Weight a Second (pun intended). You thought this was a homeschooling article? Well, it is. When I saw that I had gained about 30 unwanted pounds, I stopped immediately and made effective changes. I went back to the basics. I reapplied healthy eating habits. I began planning my entire “food day” before I finished my first cup of coffee; including the dessert, I knew I would not want to deny at the end of my day. So what does any of this have to do with homeschooling? … Read More »
How to Put $1200 of Homeschooling Supplies on Your Shelf for Free Pinch Me Now!! Food, Boys, and a Homeschool Treasure Grocery shopping is one of my least favorite things to do, but cramming four sons in a Prius and grocery shopping qualifies me as crazy! Nothing makes my boys play the “stop touching me” game fast than putting them in that car. After barely making it home with all my hair, we put the groceries together and I sent them to their own corners of the universe. Sometimes, mama just needs a break. I had a few minutes to kill before making dinner, so I quickly peeked at my email. I had to look a couple of times before I saw it. NO WAY! “Guess who” got chosen to have her book be a part of the $1200 GRAND Prize in this years Back to School Giveaway? That’s right! Yes, I’m standing in my kitchen grinning and doing my happy dance. But, a $1200 Giveaway? … Read More »
Submit Freebies {no cost to you if accepted} Do you have a great freebie that you’d like to share with homeschooling families? Are you a blogger, author, speaker, or company who would like to bless homeschool families while getting your product and brand before thousands of individuals? You can submit your freebie to A Better Way to Homeschool/ PLEASE NOTE that ABW receives dozens of submissions each month. Submission does not guarantee publication. ABW reserves the right to not publish submissions for whatever reason. All chosen submissions will receive a link on this site in our Freebie Round-up, and social media promotion. FREEBIE Submission Guidelines: You may submit any homeschooling or family friendly freebie. No affiliate links, please. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING. Thank you for your interest in submitting a homeschool or family freebie to A Better Way to Homeschool! We accept quality freebies covering the following topics: homeschooling, DIY, and crafts. Please remember to include an image and direct url within your freebie descriptions. Please DO NOT submit round-ups if they do not include an original free printable within the post. Thank you! Submit your freebie at abetterwaytohomeschool@gmail.com Subject line: Freebie submission Guest Posts, Product Links, and Social Media Share Requests? We do offer opportunities for guest posts, product linking, product reviews, and targeted social media and email marketing. Please download our Media Kit below for current pricing.
Simple Last Minute Thanksgiving Activities for Kids Inside: 10 Last Minute Thanksgiving Activities for Kids that even your Uncle Bob can Supervise. Hosting Thanksgiving without a plan for the kids attending in my back pocket was my biggest mistake ever. “They look so innocent.” Photo by Andrew Branch Have you seen what a ‘handful of littles’ can do when the adults are all busy preparing food, watching football or eating pie? It’s in the category of, “grab your camera and snap a picture. Once I calm down this may be funny enough to send to America’s Funniest Videos.” I think homeowners and renter’s insurance was invented on Thanksgiving Day. … Read More »
13 Last Minute Educational Gifts Your Kids will Actually Love Inside: Ammunition to help you win the Holiday Gift Giving Battle with Kids. Keep your camera ready.Unfortunately for her, the ugliest facial expression my mother ever used was captured on film. Oh, I wish I could find a copy of the picture. Just the thought of it makes me snort. This is not the “Red Shirt Face”. Photo by Veronika Balasyuk … Read More »
Dozens of Simple Activities for Kids to Do During the Holidays Inside: 5 Steps to Homeschool through the Holidays plus dozens of learning activities wrapped in turkeys and trees.The day after Halloween is like the trash compactor scene from Star Wars. The Christmas fairies have completed their magical decoration party. Every square inch of retail space is covered with tinsel and eggnog. Commercials promise Christmas joy and the Holiday toy of the year lures your child every time they watch a show. The Holidays beg us to slow down, sip cocoa, and find a new gadget to make gift wrapping less stressful. Photo by Luis Llerna But we are homeschoolers. … Read More »
Despite What You May Think, Writing Doesn’t Have to be Boring Inside: 3 Writer’s Skills that Students should learn long before heading to college. Stealing is bad. Teaching kids to be thieves is worse. “But I would never do that!” the person next to you, says. … Read More »