While this was originally written for a homeschool audience, the principles apply within any family, so I wanted to share with you. No kiddos? I hope you can still glean some how-to encouragements! Hospitality is defined by Merriam-Webster as “generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests.” So how does […]
Homeschooling
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“I see so many homeschooling parents stressing about the right curriculum, “getting behind,” or feeling inadequate….” If I wrote a mini-book on homeschooling, it would sound pretty much like this…Durenda and I must be kindred spirits! And I love the subtitle: “a simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling.” Haha! (I […]
Training in Diligence and Thoroughness Each August, our family would try to get a fresh homeschooling start with new notebooks, shiny pens, freshly decorated pencils boxes, and a tidy house (okay, I said we’d try!). Even if we started organized and tidy, it was an everyday struggle to keep on […]
Who wants to get the waffle iron or griddle out for just one meal? When I make pancakes, waffles, French toast, etc. I try to make extra and freeze on cookie sheet in single layer. When frozen, pop them into freezer bags. French toast and waffles heat well in the […]
We’ve had a long-standing tradition of decorating gingerbread houses — well, the girls have, at least (vs. mom). We aren’t advanced enough to bake our own houses –we’re happy to buy a Wilton kit and spend all our energy on the actual decorating. As the girls got older, they started […]
In our house, it just isn’t the Christmas season without a marathon baking day with all the sisters and as many grandkids as we can gather–with our favorite holiday music providing the atmosphere, of course. Most of the cookies are set aside for about 14 plates for the neighbors, but […]
Want to give a special child a gift that says, “You’re special and I want you to celebrate life!” all throughout the year? Give him a “Holiday of the Month” gift box. Using Silvana Clark’s great resource, Every Day a Holiday, as the basis, select a holiday (or two or […]
It’s that time of year when we stock up for next year. One way we homeschool on a shoestring budget is to consider buying used materials. Buying used curriculum is sort of like taking a shortcut when I drive: If I am familiar with the area through which I’m being […]
Laying a Foundation (Part One) (excerpted from The Everyday Family Chore System) Child training is the first step to successful home management training. The purposes of implementing a family chore system are (1) to train your children to be responsible members of a family and to diligently serve one […]
(Adapted from Home Education 101: A Mentoring Program for New Homeschoolers and Home Education 101: A Mentor’s Manual © 2003/2005 by Vicki Bentley) Set up a Command Center. Remember The Bridge on “Star Trek”? This should be an area close to your family’s activities in the house, not totally isolated […]