Parenting

52 posts

Preparing Your Eighth Grader for High School

When Eighth Grade Counts as High School Some eighth grade students are ready to begin tackling high school level work—especially in core academic subjects such as math, science, or foreign language. If that sounds like your student, you might consider using high school-level course materials now and noting these courses […]

Math for Charlotte Mason Learning

As a homeschool consultant, I get asked for ideas for math that would be consistent with a Charlotte Mason approach to learning. One of the keys to a CM approach to math isn’t dependent so much on the “brand” of the book, but on the approach and the “why” (because […]

More Encouragement from Vicki

A few recordings – video, audio, FB Live, podcasts, and more Some of the recordings and interviews I’ve done in the past to equip and encourage families — I’ll add more as I find them. (Keep in mind that HSLDA’s Homeschool Heartbeat episodes were written and recorded as quickie one-minute […]

Exploring the World with Your Young Scientist

I just love Dr. Rebecca Woodbury’s passion for teaching science. Some of you in the homeschool world may know her as Dr. Rebecca Keller, founder of Real Science 4 Kids,  and she’s given us permission to share some great tips and insights for young scientists — her guest article follows […]

Early Learning: The Toddler Years

Many parents of young children are eager to start their educational journey but often feel overwhelmed by where to begin. Traditional preschool tips usually cater to kids aged 3 to 5, leaving parents of toddlers (and maybe into preschool) wondering how to best support their little ones’ development.  By focusing […]

Do I Need a “Curriculum” for Kindergarten?

If nobody told you that when your child turned five years old, he had to go to school, what would you do with him? You’ve actually been his first teacher these past several years, so what have you been doing with him? What works well in the rhythm of your […]

Getting the Most Out of Your Homeschool Convention

Many state or regional conventions are not just for homeschoolers, but are truly family expositions, with lots of workshops and exhibits of interest to families–regardless of education choice. If this is your first or second (or tenth) homeschool convention, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the […]

Mid-Year Motivation

Got the mid-winter blahs? You are not alone! Maybe you’re having trouble getting back on track after the holidays — you may need to re-visit your daily routine. Many moms find that having a household routine and their daily learning goals or lesson plans in writing gives them accountability, as […]

10 Last-Minute Christmas Ideas for Families

Many families gear down to a more relaxed school routine during the week (or weeks!) before Christmas. Our family deliberately took off four weeks in December so we could enjoy the activities and traditions of the season—we just considered it a Christmas unit study, with a home economics, practical arts, […]

When Your Child Won’t Cooperate

I’ll be honest. There are days I just don’t feel like doing the dishes. I may balk at getting started. I may dread taking the time. But eventually common sense (or the idea of having to do two days’ worth tomorrow!) wins, and I talk myself into doing the responsible […]