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…
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…
Typical teen reading lists are filled with either fluff or ideological dribble. Books suggested for college prep are especially boring, irrelevant and cater to progressive brainwashing. Teens are not just older children, they are developing adults, and they need to be armed to the teeth as they face … Read More…
There’s nothing wrong with a travel vacation, but most of the time it’s all go, go, go! Then, after the “break” is over, you feel like you need another vacation just to rest. Since we are so big, and since almost all of us live in the same … Read More…
Theories are nice to read about, but we all need to have real-life examples of just how things work, don’t we? (I know I sure do!) So, how ’bout hearing how we’ve done things at our house? Here is an example of a relaxed homeschool schedule (although I … Read More…