The Carl Angel 5 Pencil Sharpener- My Top Pick Worth every single dollar. Bonus points if you can name the movie he’s quoting! … Read More »
Best Way to Teach Basic Math Facts Video Mini- Series on the best way to teach basic math facts Part 1 Where to begin? Part 2 Our Mindset Part 3 Math + ART!! Learn to doodle with your kids! Part 4 Be sure to grab the freebie! Part 4 Get your FREE sea turtle page in my TpT Shop Math Printables More math teaching tips! Fun Math Activities 97+ Amazing Ways to Make Math Fun for Our Kids Growing collection of resources to help you teach your kids basic math facts. Get your FREE Math Road map here!
35 Homeschool Fun Friday Ideas Come on! We can be FUN once a week! Who’s in? Once a week, do something fun with your kidsGather all the materials a week in advance so you are ready A school year is about 180 days long. If we plan to be fun once a week, we only need 25 great ideas! Here are 35 great Homeschool Fun Friday Ideas to get you started Watch a movie together day! You decide if it’s kid choice, or mom suggestion! You can even make it a learning activity later if you dare, by having them complete a movie response page. I recommend doing that piece on a different day! 2. Visit a museum! Most towns have small little museums nearby. Don’t neglect those tiny little gems! Historical homes, interesting places, and even oddities make GREAT excursions! No museums at all near by? Go virtual! 3. Paint together! Don’t overcomplicate it! Some simple watercolors, watercolor paper, a good guide book and 15 minutes is all it takes! 4. Doodle together!! When you sign up, you will have access to: 12 Monthly Doodle Challenge Prompts12 Mini Activity Books for Adults & KidsColoring PagesActivity PagesSticker Pages Doodling is incredible powerful for learning! 5. Explore the neighborhood together! Make it fun by completing a scavenger hunt too! Road Trip Teacher has all sorts of them to read to print! 6. Plan and prepare a meal. But let your kids choose! Pick the food, prepare a grocery list, estimate a budget, go shopping, check to see how close their estimate was for that meal, then get to work cooking! Teaching kids to plan and prepare meals is an essential life skill and if done correctly is a fun educational activity! 7. Make HUGE Bubbles! Making a giant bubble wand is the easiest thing in the world, and all you really need are a few sticks and some string!These kid-made tri-string wands make the biggest bubbles I’ve ever seen – the kids won’t be able to resist playing with these all day long…Read on to find out how they can make their very own giant bubble wands, with our totally home-made and plastic-free tutorial!Forest School Tutorial by Rhubarb and Wren 8. Definitely do outside! Messy science = AWESOME Transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary one by combining Diet Coke and Mentos to create a spectacular soda fountain. Kids love watching (and doing) this fun, easy chemical reaction that combines two delicious ingredients to create a geyser of carbon dioxide bubbles.Scholastic Parents Looking for more mess? We have you covered. 9. So something with glitter outside! How about a glitter sensory bottle? TIPS for cleaning up 10. Make Ice Cream in a bag! Yes! This is where science meets taste buds and your kids will be overjoyed! 11. Play a board game! Don’t overthink this one either. Any game will do! Board games have incredible benefits for learning, building confidence and strengthening relationships! I share about our favorites games here: TabooSpeed CupsSettlers of CatanUnoYahtzee and MonopolyTicket to RideSequence 12. Build an Epic Fort Living room forts are NOT just for little kids!! Call all the kids and announce you have a plan that requires zip ties, boxes, blankets, and food. Then watch their faces. Your big kids may look at you funny. That’s ok. If you dangle the correct snack, they’ll jump on board too. Once the BIG kids get on board, prepare yourself for some EPIC fort building! Let’s do it. 13. Go on a hike, or long walk. Make Ketchup cookies to bring along:). 14. Build a cup tower together. As a TEAM. It’s a great lesson in self-control and teamwork. 15. Watch a local play or musical production. Check with your local school and news and mark your calendar. 16. Cloud watch! You can even create a FREE cloud identifier and learn about the types of clouds. Want to add a pinch of academics? Have your kids graph the weather for a month. 17. Play Basketball Basketball doesn’t have to be a sweaty, competitive game of five-on-five. Maybe there are only three children playing, or the game is being dominated by more athletic children, leaving others without the opportunity to play. Either way, there are numerous games played with a ball and basket that youngsters of all skill levels will enjoy.Here are plenty of H-O-R-S-E alternatives kids can play with just a basketball and a hoop.ActiveKids.com 18. Sidewalk chalk! Yes, kids can simply draw. But my kids play longer if I can stir up their creativity a little. Make and takes has 10 great ideas to get your kids chalking. Would you be stunned that #8 was my boys’ favorite? 19. Ride bikes together. TOGETHER. Nuff said! Except you may need to hunt for hero dirt! 20. Build Legos Together. But then let them stay out for an extra bit of time and see what happens. At first, all you might see is chaos. But maybe, just maybe, you will see order coming through... 21. Play Dress Up together. This delightful season of make-believe is short, so have fun, dress up, and pretend! Great Role Play Ideas Ice Cream Shop Dramatic Play Printables + Play Ice CreamPretend RestaurantMenus for playDoctor OfficePlay schoolSandwich shopVet’s officePost officeHair SalonDentist OfficeFlower ShopZooSuperhero FUNPizza ShopAirportMidwife Hospital Have FUN!! 22. Have kids do a fashion show. If you’re brave, give them access to your clothes. 23. CARDBOARD DAY!! Combat the “she loved the box more than the gift” blues. Do not use banned gift words: educational, learning, smart, prepare you for life, helpfulUse kid approved words: FUN, exciting, dangerous, popular, phantasmagoric!Be prepared with a list of challenges so you can get educational value out of that box if the gift itself backfires:) Get your cardboard idea kit here!! 24. Go Geocaching! Geocaching is the real-world adventure that’s happening right now, all around you. Watch this video to learn more about what geocaching is, how it works and how you can become a part of it. Ready? Get started here. 25. Visit a water feature near you. Lakes, rivers, brooks, ocean, or even waterfalls! Do a quick google search to find the nearest wonder near you. Water is calming. Calm = Good. *Practice water safety! Supervise kids closely around water. 26. Go fishing! Or create a fishing day right at home! Materials needed: Fishing poleweight/clayPaintPaint brushSmall snack like golf fish crackersTie a weight to the line.Set up targets in the yardHave kids try to land the weight in the target. Directions 27. Paint with Pudding!! 28. Make pretzels! This is a great fine motor activity, but also delicious cooking fun! These homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British Columbia Recipe to print 29. Create with Fimo Clay FIMO kids is an oven-hardening modelling clay. Unlike conventional modelling clay, FIMO kids can be used to shape figures and objects for lasting playtime fun due to the fact that, once modelled, items can be oven-baked to harden. All that needs to be done is place the FIMO kids clay in an oven for 30 minutes at 110°C. Once cool, the material is hard and solid.Staedtler 30. Learn to Crochet! I began teaching my son to crochet at 4-years old, because he was driving his older brothers crazy during reading time. Let him teach your kids how to crochet too! PS- You can view and of the “preview” lessons for free! 31. Learn some new songs! How about songs about the 50 states?!?! The State Songs of the 50 U.S. States online course is the perfect course to do with any state study! Listen to the state’s official –and unofficial –songs as you learn about each state. Videos of the songs, as well as links to lyrics and sheet music are included.Music In Our Homeschool 32. Yes day. For the bravest and coolest of parents. Only one day a year, purpose to simply say YES to everything within reason your kids ask. Tell them in advance is you are SUPERHERO brave. 33. Kids give mom directions. Get in the car and start driving. At each stop sign or light ask the kids, “left or right”? Do this 10-24 times and see where you end up! 34. Curl up and read. Never underestimate the POWER of an extended reading day. Jammies, popcorn, goodies, and great books. Not your cup of tea? Let someone read aloud for you! 35. Blow eggs and paint. But don’t hurt your cheeks! Use a baby snot sucker (also known as an infant bulb syringe). Fun craft to do with kids, or when they are are all busy. Yes, that means it’s a great mom craft too! Get your Free FUN Friday Idea List
How to Make Homeschool More Fun? If you’re looking for answers to the question how to make homeschool more fun, you’re in the right place. …Read More »
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What I Need to Know About Homeschooling that will Give Me Confidence If you are looking for the answers to “what I need to know about homeschool” so you can be confident in your journey, I have a short and sweet video class for you. …Read More »
Fine Motor Skills In Young Children Are you looking for ways to develop fine motor skills in young children? Let me tell you about my son Stephen and his free lesson inside his class! This is a fun one. Wait until you see what he created yesterday! Enjoy! Bekki Sayler ==================== Looking for the free lesson? It’s right in his class! Scroll down to “Chain Stitch” https://a-better-way-to-homeschool.teachable.com/p/crochet-whales/ ==================== Want to see more of Stephen’s creations?
Homeschool Your Child (FREE BOOK) I would love to bless you with something to help you homeschool your child (Free book). …Read More »
Homeschool Mentor One of the best things to find to help you navigate the waters of teaching you own children is a homeschool mentor. …Read More »
Homeschooling a child who is behind How do you approach homeschooling a child who is behind? Let’s talk math because it’s black and white.
Getting Kids Organized for School Today we are discussing getting kids organized for school. …Read More »
Overwhelmed homeschool mom? Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss a video! Sometimes we only need to look in the mirror to find an overwhelmed homeschool mom. …Read More »
5 Hands-on Hobbies for Your Sons That Will Make Your Heart Race “Don’t go too high!” “Slow Down!” “I don’t care that he has a helmet on, you may not push your baby brother down the hill in the wagon.” Boys. …Read More »
Critical Thinking Activities- Begin with WONDER Teach your kids to THINK by “wondering” out-loud. Hmmm Be intentional I wonder WHERE toilet paper was invented? our rice comes from? that missing sock goes once it packs itself and leaves the dryer? you will love when you move out someday? Hmmm I wonder WHAT would happen if I didn’t eat every bite on my plate. I take the time to send a card or visit in person rather than text message. I unplugged all electronic devices for the day Hmmm I wonder WHY you can hear me unwrap chocolate from across the house, but you don’t hear me ask you a question when we are two feet apart. it’s colder at the top of a mountain if heat rises? the author chose to end this book they way she did? Hmmm I wonder WHEN we can lay outsode and look at the clouds go by? you will realize how much I respect you as a person? you will no longer need me to show you how to do that because you become a pro? Hmmm I wonder WHO discovered moldy cheese is edible? will cure cancer? comes to complete stops at stop signs more: men, women, new drivers? was the first person to sky dive/snorkel/ strap themselves into a rocket ship decided link is a girl color? Hmmm I wonder HOW people use this math concept in real life? many different words we can think of together that would replace the word “said” how we can organize our day so we are BOTH content with our progress tonight? how I can help you achieve your goals?Wonder.It’s caught by our kids when they see our own curiousity and excitement. Be ok if wondering causes you to chase rabbits that are not on your to-do list. At the end of the day, we want our kids to be excited, curious, and motivated to learn……and those things are discovered along the way. Get your copy
Custom Advent Calendar as a Gift? WOW! I Squealed when I opened the first two “Bekki, you should post these online so people know how much you mean to me…” My little sister sent me a box filled with manilla envelopes, dated Dec1- Dec 25. When I tore open the first envelope I SQUEALED. This is by FAR, the BEST gifts I’ve ever received in the mail. HandmadeThoughtfulPaper adorablenessand a story that build each day… Want to bless your sister, mom, wife, daughter, or bestie? Here’s how to build your own Custom Advent Calendar Kit Step 1: Pause and close your eyes. Who comes to mind? Pick her. Step 2: Assemble your materials Supplies. You’ll need card making supplies. There are many kits available, but my amazing sister used goodies she had on hand. You can buy a hand full of cards, or even find advent DIY ornaments. Trust me, it’s the thought that counts! Step 3: Envelopes! Place each day’s card inside the manilla envelope and write the date on the front. My sister, Jackie included fun number stickers for me inside too, so I could number the set as I open them! Step 4: Box the envelopes up and mail them to your loved one. When I called my sister to say thank you, she said, “You told me you never receive letters in the mail and I just had to fix that! Blessed beyond blessed. That’s what your bestie will be. Send some Mini Clothes pins and ribbon and she can hang them each year:) PS- Remember to teach your kids to write good old fashioned letters, it’s such a small way to make a HUGE difference in someone’s day.
Paper Project for Kids- Notebooking Paper projects can help transform your homeschooling!! Today’s Paper Project: Notebooking