Homeschool Treasure Chest 2019 It’s spring. The sun is beginning to stay in the sky longer, the birds are signing, the bees are buzzing, and homeschoolers are running in a million directions. Finishing up all their school projectsDriving from one event to the nextExploring their backyardsBeginning to plan for next year Most of us hit Spring and begin day dreaming about next year. Can you do better? Did you miss anything? Do you want next year to be a repeat of this year, or do you want to design something a bit more… FUN, challenging, and SPECIAL. Welcome to Homeschool Planning Season. This is the time of year that the kids finish their school day early, play outside a little longer than you planned and dinner is left-overs. AGAIN. You are spending time online looking for hands-on projects, solutions to declutter your home, and easy recipes a two year old can cook… because your tired of having to make dinner AGAIN. So you’re on the hunt. Better activities, meals, lessons, cleaning solutions, curriculum, a delivery service for yoga pants, and anything that will make your life easier, cleaner, happier, less productive, and comes wrapped in chocolate. I’ve got your back. Somehow, after blogging for a bazillion years, I landed in the middle of the cool girls circle. Please don’t tell them. I love rubbing shoulders with the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate, smartest, and skilled homeschooling moms on the planet. They’ve taught me grace, confidence, and mentored me on technology so I can deliver all my years of experience to you… It’s like a dream world for a blogger like me. What this means for you? TREASURE. LOTS and LOTS of Treasure! Immediately bookmark this page. I am unveiling treasure after homeschool treasure through May right here on this page. You’re gonna want to be able to find this specific page again.Create a FILE on your computer to store all the goodies you are about to discover. A FILE will help you sort everything later. This is collecting time, study time is usually the summer. I suggest a master HOMESCHOOL file, then subfolders for Activities for Kids, Home, Meals, Bundles, and PrintablesSubscribe so you get all the treasure updates sent to your email inbox (Make those same files in your email!)Set a reminder to check for treasure every day through May. Some of the BEST freebies and deals are only around for a few moments. FREE Homeschool Treasure Organizer {Printable} Your Homeschool Treasure Chest This list will be updated often through May. Activities for Kids 5 Day Independent Play Challenge (CLOSED) Now CLOSED. But You can get on the VIP list for next time hereh Stay tuned… The Activity Room for Kids is coming April 29, 2019 (Only open April 29-MAY 2) Home Management FREE Declutter Your Scariest Spaces Challenge Click here to Join BEFORE April 27, 2019 Is there a spot wish you could keep hidden, because it’s so full of stuff you don’t know what to do with? Maybe it’s a particular closet, cupboard or drawer, a guest room or corner of your basement? Have you ever wished you could finally tackle that space in your house that’s seemed so daunting for so long? My friends at Ultimate Bundles teamed up with Dana K. White, the founder of ASlobComesClean.com to bring you the Declutter Your Scariest Space Challenge. Here’s what you’ll get when you join this free challenge: a 20-minute video where Dana teaches you the smartest, fastest way to clean up a cluttered spaceprintable worksheets to walk you through the challenge step-by-stepThe mindset and tools you’ll need to start decluttering with confidence2 questions that can help you decide what to keep and what to get rid ofHow to find the perfect home for every item you hang on toWhat to do with unwanted items you feel guilty throwing awayHow to know when to wrap up and feel great about what you’ve accomplished Enter BEFORE 4/27/2019 Easy and Delicious Meals for Busy Moms Bundles of Homeschooling Goodness Doors open on Wednesday 4/23/2019 for Early Birds The ONLY 100% online homeschool conference that is able to bring you ALL of the perks and features of in-person homeschool conferences from the comfort of your home. Not only that, but we’ve even upped the homeschool conference ante and are featuring over 50 expert speakers, with more than 100 unique workshops! Features of the 2019 Homeschool Mom Conference include: LIFETIME access to ALL conference sessions/workshops. ALL attendees receive a digital swag bag full of homeschool freebies and discounts valued at over $900!ALL attendees receive access to an online vendor hall featuring 20+ vendors including top homeschool publishers like: Apologia, Teaching Textbooks, Notgrass History, Usborne Books, and more providing EXCLUSIVE conference discounts.ALL attendees receive access to the conference community group full of fun, fellowship, and HUNDREDS of dollars worth of prizes and giveaways! Pinch me! My workshops are are found under the Specific Subject Category How to Teach Kids to WriteA Roadmap for Teaching Math all the Way through High School And Under Homeschool Encouragement Make and Sell Printables on Teachers Pay Teachers Grab your seat BEFORE Doors Close on May 4, 2019 Printables Classes for You Join the FREE video Series Join the FREE Make and Sell Printables Bootcamp
The BEST Homeschool Conference for Busy Moms Are you wanting to attend a homeschool conference this year, but can’t because of travel or childcare? Maybe the costs are holding you back? I’ve been there! That’s why I’m SO excited to announce the Annual ONLINE Homeschool Mom Conference! With dozens of speakers and 100+ sessions full of encouragement, practical tips and ideas all from the comfort of your home, you don’t want to miss this! This is the BEST Homeschool Mom’s Conference around and it only comes around once a year. Who is the conference for? Homeschool mamas, moms, and mothers:)Moms outnumbered by childrenWomen trying to make that fancy and expensive curriculum work because they can’t afford another setMamas trying to remember how to do algebra but finding it harder with baby vomit on their shoulderHomeschool moms of all ages and stageWomen who need to, want to, or are thinking about working from home while teaching their kids 2019 Homeschool Mom’s Conference- SOON!! If you’re like me, you’re gonna want to know the second registration opens up.That’s the easiest part==>> “PLEASE, let me know when the annual Homeschool Mom is scheduled so I can get a seat!” **FREE gift for you inside This page will be updated when the details are released. When? Rhymes with Straprile (made up word) I am so excited!! Make sure you don’t miss your chance!! You may also like:
The Advantages of Homeschooling: More Than Academic Advantage Every day, I wake up long before my teenage sons. It’s always been that way. Maybe it’s that fact that I need a few moments where no one in my world is calling, “mom!” Maybe its the fact that I love silence. But really, it’s because I know kids need to sleep. Let’s face it, I’m not the only one who believes one of the best advantages of homeschooling is sleep. I don’t mean that as a joke. …Read More »
Easy Preschool Crafts and Activities Our littles can get pretty creative while we are heating our tea for the third time, switching the laundry, or answering a math question. Moms know there’ quiet. And then there’s “TOO QUIET”. One mom shared, “My son siphoned chocolate milk from his sippy cup and put it into a squirt gun and sprayed the entire house!”😂🤣 I know it’s only funny if you don’t have to clean up the mess! Can you top that? LOL.Oh, the exciting days with littles. Baby powder, vaseline, lipstick, peanut butter, and glitter. “I painted it for you!!” It’s amazing we ever try to get anything done with littles around. So how do moms do it? With Secret Parenting Weapons! Because if we try to parent and homeschool without being fully armed with brilliance, we’re doomed. 👇Those cutie pies can destroy a house faster than an untrained golden Labrador puppy who just discovered the sofa is filled with fluff!!! 🐕🐾 Don’t worry. I got your back. Easy Preschool Craft and Activities to help you keep your little busy during school Are you in? Imagine that you wake up each day feeling excited, and knowing you’ll create a meaningful childhood experience THAT day. You feel in control because you know not only when those moments of chaos happen, but what you can do when they do happen. You’ve come to appreciate what activities can do for your parenting and your child — you feel more confident that you’re the parent you’ve always wanted to be. You can do this! Jamie is here to help! (It’s worth putting your name on the wait list) DIY Arts and Crafts! Forest Rose knows the best way to get kids involved in a fun activity is to include them in the process of getting all the goodies ready! (Don’t you love here name? Forest Rose). In her DIY Arts and Crafts recipe post, Forest gives us everything we need to help our kids create and use finger paint, flubber, play-doe, bubbles and more! (Read more here) Create a Reading Corner for Preschoolers How cute is this? Preschoolers LOVE forts, tents, and anyplace they can crawl inside. Joanie, with Simply Living Mama, encourages moms to take advantage of that desire to stir up a desire for reading. How? Create a Comfy Reading Corner!
11 Creative Ways for Moms to Make Money from Home Sitting in my kitchen staring at my computer thinking, “Can I make money from home?” Before we go too far… My definition of HUSTLE is “busy movement and activity”. I use the phrase hustle because it’s a popular search term. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to make sure my work online is actually found. Write that tip down. No matter what YOU decide to do, that one is key! I’ve tried lots of things to earn cash from home, but my favorite way is using what I call magic and monopoly. I don’t want to turn my garage into a knife forge, or my living room into a craft creation warehouse. Is it too much to ask to simply wave my magic wand, pull an idea out of my head and make a little money? LOL! I’m guessing you’ve had the same thought. After years of trying to make measurable cash from my imagination, I finally did it well enough to share with you! Magic. An idea can earn income if you can package it in an attractive way and bring enough people to come and take a look at it. Our kids do this all the time when they set up a lemonade stand our front yards. The prettier the stand and the bigger the smiles the larger the sales, right? It’s not hard to think of a great (or even just good) idea. As a homeschooler and blogger, my brain is always on creative mode. Printable, lessons, planners, and classes come to me in my sleep. I’m guessing you have some ideas too. The Magic Happens when you learn to package your idea in a way that causes someone to stop scrolling on their screen just long enough to think, “Hey! I need that!” When the number of people who pause to look at your “thing” grows, so does your income. MAGIC. Monopoly. After creating about 100 printables for homeschoolers, teachers, and parents I began thinking, “HEY! I like what that seller over there created too. Is there a way that I can share her thing and make a few pennies too?” I call this monopoly money. Making a profit through the easy-peasy process of sharing other peoples creations. The business world calls this affiliate marketing. I call it monopoly- like the game. Because games are fun. Creative Ways I personally have earned at least $300 Network marketing. Come on. Most of us have “tried it” at one point or another! I’ve been a part of Amway (In the old days) and Advocare in the more recent decade. In the end, network marketing just isn’t my sweet spot, but there are some incredible companies out there! Blogging. This is where my online journey began and continues to grow today. “How can I turn my passion for writing and sharing stories into dimes, quarters, and dollar bills?” I earn income through ads, reviews, and selling products and classes I create all from my blog. All digital products. (Magic) Get 3 powerful strategies that will make readers love you + grow your traffic {Time-Sensitve} If you want to grow your blog’s traffic, you’ll love this free workshop for bloggers: How to Get More Traffic With Fewer Posts. In one hour, you learn how to get more traffic with fewer posts using the best blogging strategies backed by science. A lot of free blogging workshops aren’t worth your time, but I went through this one myself and can vouch that you’ll get a ton of new practical tips and tricks for converting visitors to fans who keep coming back. Grab your spot by Sunday, May 5: –>>Sign up Here Selling printables. “I’m making them for my own kids… “Can I package my printable to sell online?” YEP! (Magic) I began my journey uploading my creations to Teachers Pay Teachers and now sell them on my blog and in an online store too. Join the NEXT Free Make and Sell Printables Bootcamp Affiliate Marketing. After taking a blogging class, I shared a link to the next series of training and earned $300. “Wait? WHAT!?!” You mean I can share other peoples golden products and classes and earn a small (or big) commission for that sale? YES!! (Monopoly) Create e-Classes. “If I make classes online will people enroll?” YES!! (Magic)W List of Side Hustles for Homeschool Moms Don’t let the word hustle throw you off. I get emails all the time from stay at home homeschool moms who are desperate to make a few hundred dollars a month. We homeschool moms who wake before dawn and stay up too late to work are the image of hustle- busy and moving toward our goals. Download your FREE Printable List Here. Just want a no-fuss list of ways to make money from home? Blogging Network marketing (Direct Sales)Affiliate MarketingSelling Digital PrintablesSell Online ClassesAnswer PhonesTutor onlineSell PhotosSell CraftsSell your Clutter But some of us need more than a no-fuss list. Some of us need a little more help and guidance. That’s why I created this guide. Grab your printable Guide for working from home. It includes: A Plan ChecklistFive Ways I’ve Made $300+/eachWork from Home Checklist8 Goals for the Work from Home MomTips for Working with Kids Around Use this guide to help you jump start your ideas, get yourself motivated and keep a hold of your family. When you’re done, do something cool with the paper! Psst! That’s another creative idea for your kids:). My name is Rebekah Sayler, Professional Nerf Bullet Dodger, author of Homeschooling From the Inside Out, owner of A Better Way to Homeschool and homeschooling mom of five rambunctious sons. Yep. It’s as crazy as it sounds! I am most thankful for the love and support of my husband of almost 30 years, Craig, for being my rock and best friend in this wildlife we created. When I’m not dodging nerf bullets or stepping over piles of Legos, I create classes, printables, books, and resources to encourage Christian homeschool moms to trust the Lord in their journey. My heart’s passion is to share the truth that it is possible to educate your kids using God’s word as a guide while focusing on the holy trinity of homeschooling: heart, attitude, and character. More from Bekki So, God Made You a Homeschool Mom 7 Things You Need in Order to Have a Peaceful Home God is in Control in the Beginning, Middle, and End of the Story
Elderberry Recipes and Printables: A Pretty Plant with Amazing Benefits! Elderberries are on the rise thanks to their healthy and anti-inflammatory effects. Even though this is old news to our grandmothers, some of us (cough-cough) have only recently begun looking to this wonder berry. Health Benefits of Elderberries High in Nutrients Elderberries are: High in vitamin CHigh in dietary fiberA good source of phenolic acidsA good source of flavonolsRich in anthocyanins Bottom line? They’re good for you! May Improve Cold and Flu Symptoms My friend makes elderberry syrup every cold and flu season and swears by its super healing powere. She places a quiet little shout out on Facebook that she’s making a new batch and moms from all over our area swoop in to fill their bottles. As a homeschooler, you and I both know that this pretty little berry provides the perfect backdrop for a learning opportunity that comes in straight through our kids mouths and penetrates their minds right through their immune system! My kids prefer to eat first, learn later. They are boys, so let’s begin with recipes. Yummy Elderberry Recipes Elderberry syrup by Tasty Yummies Elderberry Pie by Twin Eagles Elderberry Fool (a Medieval Recipe) by BBC Good Food Peanut Butter and Jelly Energy Balls by Gaia Herbs Insta Pot Elderberry Recipes Elderberry Syrup made with an Insta pot by Girl and the Kitchen Elderberry Gummies with Insta Pot by Instant Loss Looking for a Gardening Activity? Try an Editable Landscaping project for Kids! Elderberries are one of the easiest and most versatile shrubs to grow in your edible landscape. Elderberries grow well in full- to part-sun locations. Some of the European varieties may die back to the ground in colder climates but will resprout from the roots in spring. Elderberries grow best when fertilized annually with compost. Printable Elderberry Activities for Kids How much do you know about and use Elderberries? Related: 5 Recipes to Empower Kids in the Kitchen Also Popular Be in the KNOW. Get on the list so you get the first word of the BIG Annual Online Homeschool Mom’s Conference! Praying for Our Kids 97 Fun and Inexpensive Way to Teach Math Homeschooling: I wish someone had told me this from the beginning!!
5 Hands-on Hobbies for Your Sons That Will Make Your Heart Race Inside: fun hobbies for boys plus a Free Printable- Water Balloon Blasters to Nerf Gun Bazookas “Don’t go too high!” “Slow Down!” “I don’t care that he has a helmet on, You may not push your baby brother down the hill in the wagon.” Boys. I still remember the day my cousin predicted that I would have five sons. She believed the old wive’s tale. If you tie a ring on a string and hang it over your belly, it will predict whether you are having a boy or a girl. If it swings in a circular motion, you are having a girl, but if it’s swinging side to side, it means you’re having a boy. She counted my swinging ring and declared that I would have five sons. After I spit out my drink, I replied, “Who in their right mind would have five sons?” Me that’s who. Apparently, the ring trick worked, cause here I am over 25 years later with five gorgeous sons. I was unprepared for the LIFE and ENERGY of five sons. … Read More »
Typing for Kids Made Easy with the BEST Online Program “MOM! This is so cool! The game knows where I am in the lessons and adapts to fit the keys I’m learning!” I wasn’t looking for another thing for my sons to do every day. Already busy with math, writing, sword fighting and Lego I didn’t think they needed another task to complete. But they asked so nicely… A few weeks ago, Typesy asked if I’d be willing to look at their online typing program for kids and write a review. I took one look at the Lego mess on the floor and thought, “Yes, maybe the boys have time to add a useful skill-building activity into their day.” The boys BEG me to do their typing practice every day We’ve done typing tutors and online typing games before, but even after such a short period of time I can tell you this one is the best we’ve ever used. I won’t bore you with all the nitty-gritty details, because a simple “It’s the BEST typing practice for kids” I’ve seen pretty much sums it up. Typesy has three versions of their typing program: Individuals, homeschool, and EDU version. They blessed us with a Homeschool version to test out. Have I said I LOVE this yet? Related: 8 Benefits of Touch Typing Skills Good news for the technologically challenged parent, like me! It’s super easy to set up and use! Phew! I decided that I’d give the program one day to hook me in. If it gave me any headaches or issues I was gonna jump ship immediately. Let’s face it, I’d rather have the kids clean up all those Lego toys than spend time fighting something online. Set up was as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4 Going to https://www.typesy.com/type/Setting up an accountLogging into the Admin Interface > Users > Add New User (to add my kids’ accounts)Once the Kids had accounts, I went to Class > Create Class > Fill in the details. Once I had our little “typing for kids school” created, I let the boys loose. Use Typesy for 15-30 minutes a day: 1-2 lessons and 1-2 games every day. It’s working! There are all kinds of easy to locate charts and graphs to see your kids’ progress under Student > Statistics. But what I really love is the control I have over what the kids do everyday. I can assign the kids lessons or test that they have to do BEFORE they can do anything else! Go to Classes > The name of your plan > Tests and Assignments > Create New > test or assignment > customize the skill you want the kids to do!! “Mom! Make me another assignment!” You read that correctly. That’s not a typographical error (pun intended). The boys and I love this typing program. It’s super easy to use, even if you’re old enough to remember life without the internet, computers and smartphones!It’s adaptive, which means you don’t need to do much once the kids get started. The software figures out which keys they kids are practicing and alters the games to accomodate their needs.It’s controllable, meaning the kids aren’t just saying they are practicing typing, but they are actually strengthening their skills (assuming you peek over their shoulder often to remind them to sit up straight and to only look at the screen. Food for thought. I do not believe we should throw away all pens and pencils. I am a firm believer in handwriting, cursive, and fine motor skills in elementary school.I believe writing begins with experience, followed by brainstorming and assembling some kind of writing. With something held in your hand.It’s proven that handwritten notes are better for memory than typing, but we can’t deny the need for decent typing skills for our kid’s future. In my own home, our three older sons have excellent typing skill and that has saved them countless hours as they rewrite history, create screenplays, or complete 12- page essay assignments in college.I believe kids should write with pens, crayons, pencils, and markers and hone their knowledge of the keyboard as they grow. I personally do start my kids’ typing before they are in middle school, and then it’s closely monitored.Bekki Sayler Types of Typing Activities in the Typesy Typing Fun– games designed to help kids grow int heir knowledge of the keyboard, helping their fingers know their way around intuitively.Accuracy Building Games– Designed to reward accuracy. These activities are a bit addictive, so I encourage you to set timers for your kids. First timer, “two-minute warning”; second timer, “time’s up!”Speed Boosting Games– Designed to reward those who “feel the need for speed!”Keyboarding Skills– Designed to fine tune your knowledge of the keyboard and to help push you to your personals limitsStandard Activities– This is what grey haired mamas like me think a typing lesson should look like, but Typesy still made them fun! Typesy vs. Standard Typing Tutors Worth the cost? Let’s start with the Fearless 12 Month Money Back Guarantee + $50! Wait, for real? I’m shaking my head as I type this, but read that guarantee!!! “… or you will make $50!” THAT’s called putting your money where your mouth is folks! The Homeschool Version we are using comes with two admin accounts (Thank you that BOTH parents can be in charge) and four student accounts.! When I do the math, this amazing, adaptive, fun and even addictive typing tutor is only $6.70 a year for each of my sons! (You pay upfront for 5-year access) For homeschoolers, Typsey has three options based on how many kiddos are gonna be learning to type. They each come with 5-year access and that ridiculous Fearless guarantee. Most of us will fall into the Typsey Homeschool Family, or the Typsey Homeschool BIG Family. But they even have an option with Co-ops in mind (Up to 30 kids) I had to catch a tear on my cheek because two of my kids are grown so I don’t need the BIG family option anymore. SNIFF. So there you have it. You may not be looking for a typing tutor for kids. I wasn’t either. I never would have found this program if they hadn’t reached out to me first. But I’m sold. This one’s a win-win. The kids have a little less time to leave Legos on my floor and you can always get your money back + $50 if the kids don’t love it and begin typing laser-fast. Disclaimer. This review is written based on my family’s person experience with the Homeschool Version of the Typsey program. We received a free 5-year subscription and compensation to the product and give our honest feedback. If I didn’t LOVE it I would have simply said “no-thank you” and returned everything. But, we DO LOVE IT and I’m NOT giving it back!!! Now, if only someone would contact me with a practical solution for Lego chaos… my life would be complete!
Praying for Our Kids: A Plan for Prayer Inside: Free Printable Plan to help you in your journey of praying for your children. Miss Clara calls it a strategic battle plan in the movie, The War Room.Beth Moore teaches about Praying God’s Word over others.Stormie O’Martin writes about the power of a praying wife and mom. God says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 The first time I talked to the Lord was at a friend’s wedding. I’d never heard anyone simply talk to the Lord before and my heart beat faster and faster and faster as the Spirit fell. I wanted more of whatever that was in my life. The first time the Lord “unlocked His word to me” was in the middle of the night at a moment of desperation. I had no one to talk to, nowhere to run, no place to go, so I hit my knees and opened my Bible. “Lord, if You’re truly there I need You to speak to me now and tell me what to do.” Pages: Page 1 Page 2
Snow Day Activities for Kids that will Make them Smile We don’t usually get measurable snow where we live. I ran into the store to grab a few vegetables for dinner and barely made it out. We are in the “perfect storm” for snowfall for the next week and people are in a frenzy. Maybe I should have bought that banana? My husband is from Chicago. He didn’t rush to the grocery store or fret about fruit. He took the boys to the hardware store and bought them each a snow shovel and told them, “You kids are about to make some money.” He wasn’t joking. After two full days of shoveling, I can’t imagine that they’re gonna be excited about the six inches of snow that fell last night, or the four inches that are supposed to fall today. In honor of the record level snow that is falling in our back yard and covering our city, I am putting together a collection of Snow day fun. Related: Free Snow Day Activities Printable Make Some Extra Cash I’m still gonna start here. So many people can’t shovel their own snow without pulling a few muscles or truly causing injury. A smiling kid with a shovel is gonna earn some extra cash. Just don’t forget the smile and a bottle of water. Shoveling snow is hard work! Pro tip: How to shovel snow fast. My husband’s genius A new Snow Shovel for each child = instant business and excellent sleep! More creative ways to earn extra money when the snow falls. Hubby bought each son a snow shovel. Boys+Shovels+record snowfall= Cha-ching (and some exhausted teens) Make a Snow Creation! When I was a little girl, my father took his snowblower and created a mound of snow the size of the empire state building. Actually it was about 12′ feet high. He then led us kids in our effort to shape Puff the Magic Dragon out of snow. When the dragon was formed he piled us into the car and drove us to the hardware store and bought some spray paint. Puff the Magic Dragon is one of my favorite childhood memories. Get creative! (source: https://www.boredpanda.com/creative-snowman-ideas/ Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/207306389077497721/ Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/268597565252153660/ Outdoor Snow Fort Before you dig in the snow, you’re gonna want to set firm rules. Can’t say it any better than Dad Goes Round. Snow Tunnel Safety Rules No one goes in the tunnel unless there is a spotter. A sister, friend or adult are all acceptable.Only one person in the tunnel at a time.Anyone going through the tunnel has to do it on their belly.If parts of the tunnel start to fall out on the inside, get out immediately and don’t use the tunnel again. If there is a snow tunnel collapse; The spotter must immediately attempt to help the person in the tunnel out. If they cannot get the tunneller out immediately, they are to come inside to get assistance from an adult.The person in the tunnel should use their arms and hands to create an air pocket in front of their face (hence the belly travel) so they can breathe until rescued. Snow Tunnel Collapse Prevention Dig down, not up so as to maintain as much strength in the roof as possible.Don’t walk over or jump on the top of the tunnel. Source: http://www.njfamily.com/How-To-Build-An-Amazing-Snow-Fort/ Print FUN Snow Day Themed Activities These are best for day two or three of a big snow. A Growing Collection of Snow Day Printables! Did you get your snow day activity printable? Learn a New Skill Being snowed in provides an excellent opportunity to teach your kids something new. They’ll be more content standing by your side learning a skill than sitting in from of a screen for hours. While a little screentime is a wonderful way to relax for a short while, too much will cause attitude issues. Have your kids tie on an apron and learn how to help in the kitchen. It’s scientifically proven to help boost their development. Cooking Camp for Kids Source: https://happyhooligans.ca/3-ingredient-delicious-vanilla-snow-ice-cream/ Surprise Craft: Grab cardboard, scissors and yarn. Let me and my boys lead your kids in a surprise craft. (About an hour video tutorial) Build an Epic Fort Really, kids don’t need a lot of encouragement to do this snow day activity. “Let’s Build a fort!” Don’t let your BIG kids roll their eyes. They’ll LOVE this too! Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7318418122646987/ Materials You WILL NEED: IMAGINATIONblanketssleeping bagssheetssofa cushions and pillowsmattressestarpschairsBroom stickclothes pins, rubber bands or safety pinsNerf weapons for defenseFlash Light You Might NEED Twinkly lightssnacksbooksumbrellatablemusical instrumentsmore blanketspvc pipingCardboard boxessewing machine and materialvelcrotvstuffed friendsreal friendsfunny hats and costumes When you’re done playing, and BEFORE you tell the kids they need to clean up, write out your recipe for a “perfect indoor fort”. Fun Things to do with Snow Pro Tip: Bring snow INSIDE for your littles! You can put the snow in the tub and give them some fun accessories! Like Mr. Potato Head Parts Source: https://happyhooligans.ca/creative-snow-play-ideas/ Play Tic Tac Toe Source: https://www.parents.com/fun/activities/outdoor/snow-activities-kids/ Paint the snow! Source: https://alittlepinchofperfect.com/winter-snow-play-ideas-with-pain/ Create an Indoor Obstacle Course to warm them up! All you need? Painter’s Tape Source https://www.pinterest.com/pin/566749934343282183/ Use Crepe Streamers Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/640426009481038701/ source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/28851253849666318/ Read Aloud Together It seems so obvious, but we can be guilty of skipping the simple activities. Just grab a stack of your kids’ favorite books and curl up together on the sofa for read-aloud time! Related: This is the BEST list of delightful books for preschoolers (and their parents) Rest One of the BEST aspects of big, unexpected, or terrible weather is the fantastic opportunity to rest. Curl up with a stack of books with your kids and read until you are all sleepy, then smile and sigh. The nap juts around the corner will feel like heaven. Snow days, Ice storms, hurricanes, and terrible weather don’t have to mean stir crazy, grumpy and boring. Think ahead and grab a few fun snacks and supplies to prepare for your own unexpected time indoors. Maybe even grab the last banana.
24 Fun Verb Crafts and Activities for Teaching Verbs INSIDE: 24 Fun and Easy Verb Activities for teaching verb tenses {Plus FREE Printable} I was browsing Pinterest this morning over a cup of coffee looking for a creative way to explore verbs and their three main tenses. With three different ages and stages of grammar going this year, I thought a hands-on verb craft would be more engaging than a fill in the blank worksheet. It can often be challenging to teach the same concept to kids of different ages and abilities. I find that if I can incorporate scissors, glue and the potential to get ink on their skin, the boys become a captivated audience. Lesson + Scissors = a win, win. Because boys are verbs personified! Younger kids get to cut and paste while listening to a new concept while older kids can exercise their knowledge in a hands-on way. … Read More »
Why didn’t anyone tell me this BEFORE I started Homeschooling? I was TERRIFIED as I stepped into homeschooling. I never taught anything but Sunday school before. Why didn’t people rush to tell me: Curriculum has nothing to do with homeschooling success Showers are optional and overrated No amount of knowledge looks beautiful on someone with a terrible attitude Coffee is one of the major food groups Children’s shirts have four clean surfaces: Front, back, inside front, and inside back Feeding kids chicken nuggets and corndogs doesn’t make you a bad mom The Lord will lead the way in raising and educating my kids That’s why I’m here today… Homeschooling with Confidence {free}
97+ Simple Inexpensive and FUN Ways to Teach Math Inside: A master list of simple, inexpensive, and fun ways to teach all the basic math principles your kids need to thrive. PLUS- Free Math Roadmap Most homeschoolers overcomplicate math with fancy curriculum, worksheets, quizzes, stop-watches and tests. We choose to be different! Related: Grab your FREE Math Roadmap Printable Stripping math back to its basic foundational core, we can set our kids up for success in life by giving them a solid foundation with allows them to add, subtract, multiply, divide, count, measure, weigh, and estimate. Most kids are not mathematicians hiding inside little bodies. They are dancers, chefs, architects, designers, farmers, mechanics, bankers, writers or yet-to-be-decideds. Let’s give our kids a solid foundation in the area of math so they can balance their checkbook, decide which deal is the best bargain, measure that granite with accuracy, give an estimate for that remodel, or plan out their crops. If they decide that math is their universe, then we can strap on a deep sea diving suit and bring them face to face the parabolas, quadratic formulas, and matrixes in the last years of high school or pass them off to a college professor. For now, we serve our kids and their future best by giving them a solid foundation in math. Join me at the next online Homeschool Moms Conference Table of Contents of 16 Math Concepts Covered Here: Fine motor skillsColorsShapesPatterningSortingMath artAddition/subtractionTally marksNumber linesMultiplication/DivisionEstimatingFractionsDecimalsMoneyTimePercentages 4 Ways to Build and Strengthen Fine Motor Skills According to studies, “fine motor skills were a better predictor of early maths ability than they were of early reading ability,” (source) Safety Tip: You know this, but I have to say it anyway… Kids like to put things in their mouths. Always closely supervise your kids when they are working with things they might choose to taste. Like Legos, marbles, pom poms, and play dough. If it fits through a toilet paper roll, consider it a choking hazard and watch them closely. Pom-Pom Sorting by Busy Toddler Texture Balloons for Kids by Little Bins for Little Hands Pasta Threading Activity by Laughing Kids Learn Play dough Fun Trays by Pocket of Preschool Fine Motor Skills Printable Bundle by A Better Way to Homeschool https://laughingkidslearn.com/pasta-threading-activity-for-toddlers/https://www.prekinders.com/songs-teach-kids-colors/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+prekinders+(PreKinders+Blog) Related: Do you daydream about making your own printables? https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fine-Motor-Skills-BUNDLE-Over-100-Activities-2223410 8 Fun Ways to Teach Kids Colors and Shapes Songs about colors collected by Prekinders Goldfish sorting by Live Like You Are Rich Hungry Monster Sorters by Like Like You Are Rich Easy Color Wheel Sorting by Craftionary FREE All About Colors Learning Pack by This Reading Mama Learning shapes unit by Planning Playtime FREE Dab a Dot Shapes by 123 Homeschool 4 me 36+ Fun Patterning and Sorting Activities FREE Bear Counter Strip Patterns by The Measured Mom Introducing Patterns to Toddlers by Busy Toddler Shape Sorting for Toddlers by Mess for Less My Favorite Shape Sorter by Melissa and Doug Graph that Pattern by A Better Way to Homeschool 25+ Fun with Math-Art Ideas 21 Math Art Ideas by What Do We Do All Day Print and Color Tessellations by Frugal Fun for Boys The Art of Circles by Nurture Store Radial Symmetry by Art with Mrs. Nguyen Compass Painting by Housing a Forest 7+ FUN Addition and Subtraction Activities and Ideas Whack a Ball Subtraction Game by Planning Playtime Addition puzzles to 100 by Teaching Products Addition and Subtraction Fun Sheets by A Better Way to Homeschool Addition and subtraction BUNDLE by Rebekah Sayler Fun with Uni fix Cubes by Homegrown Learners 4 Tally Mark and Number Line Activities Tally Marks: Right Start Math Activity by Two Happy Homeschoolers Tally Marks Activity by Kindergarten Smorgasboard Related:A Printable Math Roadmap Walk the Number Line by PBS LEGO Number Line by Royalbaloo 7 Fun Multiplication and Division Activities and Ideas Star Wars Multiplication Practice by A Better Way to Homeschool Multiplication Bundle by A Better Way to Homeschool How to teach multiplication and Division with LEGO by Math Geek Mama Hands-On Division Activity by Rainy Day Mum 2 Fun Estimating Activities for Kids Estimation Jars for Preschool by Mama Papa Bubba Estimating Task Cards FREE by You’ve Got this Math Related: Why Teaching BOTH estimation and accuracy are important. 7 Fun Ways to Teach Kids Fractions Cooking Camp for Kids by A Better Way to Homeschool Pizza Fraction Project by 4th Grade Frolics Fraction Mats by ABCs with Mrs B 5 FUN Decimal Activities and Ideas Rules of Decimals by Moore Resources How to introduce decimals by Classroom Caboodle FREE Multiplying and Dividing Decimals Game By Math Geek Mama 4 FUN Money Activities and Ideas Budgeting for Kids by A Better Way to Homeschool FREE Counting Money Flip Cards by Life Over CS Coin Caterpillar by Miss Kindergarten Money Sorting Mat by Mrs. Hodge and Her Kindergarten Kids 4 Fun Activities and Ideas for Teaching Time Making Clocks to Practice Telling Time by A Better Way to Homeschool Hula Hoop Clock by Creekside Learning It’s Always Time to Pray by A Better Way to Homeschool After School Routine Clock by Heathered Nest https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Clock-Craft-Making-Clocks-to-Tell-Time-2765448https://amzn.to/2FJvHLhhttp://creeksidelearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/hula-hoop-clock.jpg The Easy Way to Solve Percentages
Many Homeschoolers are Delayed Readers Too Inside: Ways to inspire your late reader. {Plus free cheatsheet} All FIVE of our sons were delayed Learners #1 Son Didn’t talk until he was four Couldn’t read until he was six Wouldn’t drive until he turned 19 #2 Son Didn’t walk until he was almost 2 Didn’t read until he was six Couldn’t follow simple directions until he was too old #3 Son Didn’t walk until he was 18 months old Couldn’t be without his “blankie” until he was 5 Believed balloons and umbrellas would eat him until he was 3 #4 Son Didn’t walk until 18-months Didn’t read until he was six Took an entire summer to ride a bike at age 7 Still can’t hold a pencil correctly at 15 #5 Didn’t read until he was TEN Still can’t spell at 13 Didn’t know where New Zealand was until 3 weeks ago Join me at the next online conference for homeschool moms Our kids were all delayed at something, some at a bunch of somethings. But, thankfully, they were also delayed at: Surviving being teased and tormented by other kids Being exposed to teaching that doesn’t line up with our Biblical worldview Failing in unsafe environments Thinking that they are entitled Making sitting at a table/desk a priority Being lazy and ungrateful <br /> Where are they now? #1 is married and moving up quickly in his career. He reads over 500 words a minute and is a historian. In an emergency, you want this guy to show up. Calm, cool, clear, and knowledgable. #2 Is almost done with his BA, leads a prayer group weekly, knows God’s word inside out, and devours everything written. He is currently completing his first screenplay and is in the editing process of completing his first short film. He is loving, compassionate, trustworthy and kind. He has also worked his way through college and lives a debt-free life. #3 The funniest, wittiest one of the bunch. Self-taught musician, this is the musically gifted one of the bunch. He is currently writing his first score. I am pleased to announce he no longer runs from the sight of balloons or umbrellas (which is great because we live in the WET side of Washington) #4 We call him DATA. As in the robot from Star Trek. He is the most academic brain in the bunch, desiring to understand how we can prove any and every scientific fact and finding. Just yesterday he shared that he wants to memorize the periodic table of elements so he will be better equipped to decipher chemical combination. We call this one the gentle giant. At Six foot one and growing, he towers over us all, but has the most compassionate heart of all. #5 Continues to be the busiest bee in the hive. He must move, disassemble, and repair everything. He is the reason I believe, “If I could go back I wouldn’t teach any of the boys to read until they turned ten or begged me”. His reading comprehension is through the roof because he spent his childhood absorn=bing stories, vocabulary and ideas as words were read aloud to him. He didn’t spend his childhood decoding… WOW. What a gift. My kids need to be delayed by the world’s standards, so they can develop according to the Lord’s Plan for their life. Don’t Panic if Your Kids Cannot Read Yet! Just keep reading to them. Leave them hanging in stories. Grab an exciting book and suddenly have to “Stop Reading” at an extremely exciting part. Talk to them about the books you are reading. Listen to audiobooks in the car. Give them access to books, lots and lots of books. Gather books that are below their reading level and have them “hanging around”. You, mom, pick up children’s literature and read silently to yourself. Let your kids see you reading kid’s books, grown-up books, funny books, well, any books. Help them see that a good book is fun. What to read? Delightful Books for Preschoolers and their parents 120 Classics to you should read with your kids before they leave home I have had 5 reluctant readers myself. Five. I chose not to panic about it, but to follow my own advice. Our youngest was the most reluctant yet. He didn’t begin reading until he was ten. Yes, TEN. I always read aloud to him and kept giving him the opportunity to read, but it never “clicked”. One day, that all changed. I was walking all over our home looking for him one day. He was silent… I was shocked to stumble over him reading quietly in a corner while snuggling with the dog. Did I say I was shocked? I knew it would eventually happen, but I was still shocked when it did. He fell in love with the Magic Tree House Series. As a matter of fact, he has read a whole book every day since the day I took this picture. Amazing! Do you have a reluctant reader? Keep reading to them. Supply them with lots of books. Visit the library. Often. Leave ’em hanging in a story. Just never give up. They will read. Never make it a negative, reading is fun. The only thing that matters is THAT they learn to read. Don’t Panic if Your Kids Cannot __________! Just fill in the blank. We live in a world that preaches, “don’t judge.” And yet we do. Usually, we judge ourselves to tears. We feel so wonderful about the walk, conversation and science activity our kids goggled through, and then feel deflated when someone shares the essay their 4-year old wrote on astrophysics. I used to color my grey hair. Now I simply listen to it closely. Let your kids develop at their own pace, but push them just slightly. Embrace your child’s natural talents and abilities. Do they need to run? Have them “do laps” and make them pause to catch their breath while you read aloud. See a growing interest on a topic? Visit the library and check out all the books on the subject you can carry, and then prop them up on your window sills. Don’t worry, they’ll ask you to read. Read aloud to your kids. EVERY day. Yes, audiobooks in the car count!! Encourage kids to uncover solutions, rather than “get the right answers”. Use the curriculum as a last resort, not the primary teaching tool. Trust your husband. He may see things you don’t. Trust the Lord. He knows exactly what your kids need. So my youngest son didn’t read until he was ten. So what? We were careful to keep him out of situations where this would embarrass him and we equipped him with what to say if he found himself stumbling over the printed page. Big deal! My oldest son didn’t talk until he was four. Honestly, he was our first child so we were stressed about it. But hindsight reveals why. He WALKED at six and a half month old. The child was too focused on gross motor and then fine motor development to be concerned with the pestering little details about language. Frustrating, that our second son couldn’t follow a string of instructions when he was little. He just needed extra time. Mama, whatever you think your child should be able to do right now… relax. If he is developmentally ready, set up FUN practice sessions. But keep it fun. Childhood should be filled with smiles, love, and delight. Our kids should be safe in our hands as they develop at their own pace. Relax. Breathe. I promise. They will read, write, experiment, solve equations, load dishwashers, and drive their cars away to their own home… when it’s the right time. You’re doing great. So are they. The only “behind” in homeschooling is the one the child sits upon. Full ClaFree Confidence Come inside Masterclass
It’s Exciting To Earn Extra Cash By Selling Printables Online One of the things I do in my spare time is teaching moms how to turn their creative ideas into sellable printables on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers. Well, just the other day I received an email from a reader who is desperate to make money from home, and I thought… Yup. It’s time to teach the workshop again. Related: Everything you need to make and sell printables Twice a year I host a free LIVE workshop where I walk moms through all the steps necessary for selling printables online. ~Because I REALLY do make $300-$1200/month selling printables JUST on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT)~I really do WANT to help other moms learn to do the same.~I BELEIVE making Printables is a skill all of our kids should learn (Taking ideas from concept to completion while using text boxes, charts, and clip art) I know what you’re thinking. Spare time? What’s that? Is spare time that moment our eyes pop open 30 seconds before the alarm clock goes off and we peek with one eye at the clock to see if we can roll over and go back to sleep? LOL.Spare time? I think I had some when my kids were little, but I can’t remember. Why I teach my kids to how to make printables and the process of selling printables online. (In my spare time) Teaches them to work from an idea to a finished product. This is a huge life skill. Being able to develop a solution to a problem and then packaging that solution in an attractive package is a skill that will give them an edge later in life. Gives them a tool for their toolbelt. Creating documents, adding textboxes, creating and adding graphics, creative design are all valuable skills for their futures as business owners, managers, designers, employees and even as parents. They’ll be equipped to create a presentation or report that will stand out and grab attention. Empowers them to earn cash from their ideas with some hardwork. Making and selling printables online is one of those funny abilities. Once kids create and upload some quality products they might experience the same joy that my youngest son feels when someone buys the snowman pack he created when he was 9-years old. Can You Earn Extra Cash Making and Selling Printables on Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers? With the right knowledge, some creativity, and a full skill set, you can have a great chance! It took me a few years to move from “I wonder if I can earn any money selling printables online” to where I am today earning between $300-$1200 each month on sales from printables just from Teachers Pay Teachers. Now, I am helping other moms learn the process faster than I did! I offer a FREE Selling Printables Cheatsheet. I Host a FREE and LIVE workshop twice a year to walk moms through all the step live. (With a free copy of the workshop itself) You get on that guest list simply by grabbing your cheatsheet here. I even created a complete Step-by-Step Class with video tutorials for moms who are ready to begin their journey selling printables online, or who want to teach their kids how to make printables as a homeschool/life-skill unit. I’ve been Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers for quite a few years, and earning measurable income for that past 4 years. I’d love to help you do the same! Free Cheatsheet Full Class Free Confidence Come inside Masterclass
Mitosis: Cell Cycle Flip Book I remember the first time I wore my contact lenses to bed. Everything was fine and dandy until I woke up the next day. I was dumbfounded. I could see every leaf on the tree outside my bedroom window! I had been wearing glasses since forth grade and never could see clearly without my glasses. I just laid there gazing at the leaves blowing in the morning breeze. I couldn’t believe how beautiful they were. That’s what really seeing something for the first time does for us. It amazes us. My kids had that kind of experience today. We are learning about cells and cell division from a boring book science text book and we were not impressed. What happened? The stars aligned and we unexpectedly gained access to a microscope, some plant cell slides, and a science teacher all at the same time… excitement was born! Amazement was release. The kids were hooked. Join me at the next online Homeschool Moms Conference While all I could say was, “That slide looks neat,” the science teacher was able to share his love for cell division with the boys. In five minutes, the boys transformed from “boys trying to use a microscope for the first time”, to biologists trying to identify the different stages of cell division. God’s creation is truly amazing! Here’s how I helped fuel the flames of excitement: We watched a few videos on cell division! We loved Crash Course: Mitosis (He a fast talker, but does great overviews!) We also loved Bozeman’s “Phases of Mitosis” Although these video’s are targeting high schoolers, my boys caught the main ideas without a hitch! Then I stayed up waaay too late creating a Cell Cycle Flip Book kit for each son (for both plant and animal cells). The boys have been busy today coloring, cutting, arranging and flipping about cells. It’s been a fun and productive morning! I posted my cell flipbook kit for anyone to grab a copy just a while ago. Download your FREE “Science is Curiosity” {Printable}
Ant Farm Kits: An Easy Science Lesson for Multiple Ages Our boys exchange names every year for Christmas and then are blessed to buy gifts for their selected brother. This year, our youngest picked out an Ant Farm for his brother. Not only is this an excellent gift for the animal lover of our family, but it has turned into an amazing “cross-grade” science lesson. I find it crazy that I have been the mom of boys for over 22 years and this is the first ant farm, don’t you? The boys were beside themselves when the ants finally arrived. Note: ants are not included in the ant farm. We ordered them from AntsAlive. The crazy cold weather caused them to be behind in shipping, but the ants arrived safe and sound! It has been fascinating to watch these industrious little creature go to town! 6 Lessons from Kids Learn from Ant Farms Ants are Purpose Driven. “By purpose, I mean having a clear long term objective or goal which shapes everything you do. For example, one ant’s sole job description is to find food for the colony. This is his purpose, and all that he inputs this time and energy into, and so it compounds his chances of success.” – Diana Quartey Ants are Well-Organized. They are so well organized, that they carry out their entire task through the division of labor. Nothing is left undone in the Ant colony, because of the well-organized structure, which has already been put in place. Ants are Unselfish. If they find something eatable, they immediately spread the word to others. Ants are Efficient. They take the shortest path possible. Ants Communicate. They take the time to pass on all information. Ants are Know their Limits. They only carry what they can handle. The Coolest Ant Farms Available! When my boys received their first ant farm, I simply ordered it from Amazon. It’s that clear blue get filled farm above. And it worked just fine. And then we met Thomas and his son from Formica Ant Farms. We started ant keeping a few years back. There is something new to learn every day and it just never gets boring. Ants are such exciting creatures! One day we realized that all the ant farms you can buy are kind of boring and almost all look the same. So we came up with the idea of creating witty, easy to maintain yet serious ant farms for beginners and pros alike. All of our products are compatible with each other. So the ant farm can grow with the size of your colony! Thomas & Eric Download your FREE "Science is Curiosity" {Printable} More from A Better Way to Homeschool Insect Bundle: Bees, Ants, Butterflies, and Spiders (Yes, I know spiders are arachnids)97+ Simple Inexpensive and FUN Ways to Teach Math Easy Survival Tips for Living with a 12-Year Old Boy Don’t Panic if Your Kids Can’t Read Yet How Parenting Books Make You a Better Mom So God Made a HOMESCHOOL Mom, Like YOU The Beauty of Leaving Kids Hanging in a Story Choosing a Chore System that Works for Your Family Banana Blueberry Muffins: It’s That Kind of Morning Should I Homeschool: Am I a Good Enough Teacher to Homeschool My Kids? New to Homeschooling? Here are Mistakes to Avoid! 5 Free Recipes to Empower Your Kids In the Kitchen Minds In Bloom: Unexpected Hobbies for Kinesthetic Learners 4 Tips to Homeschooling Multiple Grades Simultaneously For the win! Homeschooling from the Inside Out 71 Easy Adorable And Inexpensive Mothers Day Crafts The Beauty of the Perfect Picture Book at the Right Moment Letting Teens Go Too Soon= Disaster Childhood Should be Filled with Joy, Imagination, and WONDER 7 Things You Need to Get in Order to Have a Peaceful Home Why didn’t anyone tell me this BEFORE I started Homeschooling?
Easy Survival Tips for Living with a 12-Year Old Boy Inside: The secret to surviving life with your hormonal 12-year old son, 3 must reads if your raising boys and {Free printable: Raising Godly Men} My son almost died today. That’s right, I almost killed him. If you just sucked in all your breath thinking, “How can she say that?” then I can tell you’ve never had a 12-year-old son, or your sweet little boys are under the age of ten. Now, of course, I would never harm my children. I adore them and see them as precious gifts from the Lord on High. This, however, doesn’t stop them from fighting, arguing, rolling their eyes, huffing and puffing, backtalking, second-guessing, and testing the limits of my love, patience, and self-control daily. Twelve is a funny age. As a mom of five sons, I would testify in a court of law that nothing tests a mom more than a 12-year-old son. Nothing. I mean NOTHING. Do you have a hormonal 12-year-old boy (maybe 11-14)? Are you at your witts end with that hormonal pre-man? Are you looking for a way to reach his heart and pull him safely through the adolescent gauntlet that taunts him day and night?… Read More »
Raising Independent Learners You stumble into the kitchen to start your coffee and you find your 8th grader already plugging away at school. You rub your eyes and look again. Sure enough, there he sits quietly working on his math for the day. Can you imagine?… Read More »