I have to admit, homeschooling with toddlers has not always been smooth sailing. Our 15 children are spaced an average of 21 months apart, and between some there were only 14 months. At one time we had three under the age of three, and another time we had … Read More…
There is a stage where the gap between the ability to read and the ability to write is enormous. Of course, early efforts are so precious and endearing! What cold-hearted person could discourage such amazing beginnings, and yet… …I have observed that, if not corrected early-on, some habits … Read More…
When it comes to rearing children, I am all for enforcing requirements and boundaries. In our house we make beds, wash dishes, brush teeth, respect the space and belongings of others, and answer with respect. I am also a great believer in giving children freedom wherever possible, and … Read More…
We homeschoolers are living an educator’s dream. No top-down imperatives to get in our way. If we find something that works, we can implement it immediately instead of waiting for permission from some remote authority. This is one reason why I am so thankful for the Internet. We … Read More…
Family matters. The culture says, “Don’t worry about it, just let it happen,” or, “Family can be anyone or anything, even a group of regulars at a bar, college roomies, or two mommies and two daddies.” None of this is true. Yes, people can enjoy the bond of … Read More…
One of my favorite things about this digital age is the easy access to old books. They are such a boon to modern homeschooling in so many ways and the price is just right (mostly FREE)! The only problem is how to get them into the hands of … Read More…
I was not raised to want a lot of kids. In fact, when I was carrying my first child I was very, very afraid. Babies and children were a mystery to me. Even the men I knew were better with infants than I was. But as … Read More…
During my 27 years of homeschooling, nothing has contributed more to our stability and success than the McGuffey Readers. I am a great promoter of delight-directed learning and I believe it is the only way to allow the God-given genius in each child flourish and take flight. I … Read More…
Lots of distractible children and a huge, long dining table do not make for a productive study time. I know this because I have a humongous table and a whole parcel of highly distractible children. My solution?–Study Carrels. The idea is an old one, employed by educators for … Read More…
Athletes have stars in their eyes. Their focus is to become champions. They see themselves standing on the podium, hand over heart, swelling with pride as the medal is draped and the crowd erupts in applause. But the road to that point is long. Denial. Pain. Begging … Read More…