Curriculum is defined as:
1. courses offered by an educational institution,
2. a list of all the courses of study offered by a school or college,
3. a program or plan of activities.
Your "homeschool curriculum" probably matches definition #3, above. New homeschoolers often become confused over "which curriculum to use" or "where to buy a curriculum."
But a homeschool curriculum is simply a "plan of activities" that you use in your homeschool. It need not be an expensive curriculum, nor does it need to incorporate textbooks or workbooks.
Your children will learn more readily and more fully when you and they homeschool in a manner that best complements their unique learning styles.
Observe your child's preferred style of learning -- such as hands-on learning through touch (tactile), or through moving and doing (kinesthetic), or seeing/visualizing (visual), or hearing/verbal (auditory), or a combination of these.
For help determining your child's learning style, check out some of these books:
* 8 Great Smarts for Homeschoolers, by Tina Hollenbeck
* Discover Your Child’s Learning Style, by Mariaemma Willis
* How Children Learn, by John Holt
* Learning All the Time, by John Holt
* The Way They Learn, by Cynthia Tobias
Remember: Homeschooling is not a "school at home." Don’t confuse yourself, or your children, thinking that it should be. You’ll only make it harder on yourself.
As John Holt warned: “To parents I say, above all else, don’t let your home become some terrible miniature copy of the school. Live together, as well as you can; enjoy life together, as much as you can. Ask questions to find out something about the world itself, not to find out whether or not someone knows it.”
Remind yourself each day that your duty is to guide your children, not force instruction upon them. Your role is to help them learn how to learn and to encourage them to seek answers to questions, find materials and information that will help them learn, explore the things that interest them, and allow them the freedom to learn in the style that works best for them.
This, then, will become the curriculum -- the "plan of activities" -- that best suits your children and your family!
For more help creating your own homeschool curriculum, using homeschooling or unschooling activities, or hundreds of educational ideas for weekly homeschool lessons, see our Home page at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
For a pastel painting demo, see "Summer Fields" at MistyGlowStudio.com or on my YouTube channel here: Misty Glow Studio.
Happy homeschooling!
Showing posts with label homeschool activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool activities. Show all posts
Monday, August 18, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Science of Colorful Sunrises and Sunsets
Why are sunrises and sunsets so colorful? The blue of our sky and the vivid oranges of sunrises and sunsets are caused by sunlight traveling through particles in the air. At sunrise or sunset, the light from the sun travels a longer path through the atmosphere, which removes most of the blue color of the sky, leaving the bright oranges and pinks that we see.
Isaac Newton discovered that “white light” was a combination of the colors of the rainbow. He used a prism to separate a ray of sunlight into a multitude of colors. This is an experiment you can do, using a prism or even a stream of water from a hose in the sunlight, to see the different colors of the rainbow.
The wavelengths of colors determine the varying colors of our days. Blue-ish colors have shorter wavelengths. Red-ish colors have longer wavelengths. So when the sunlight travels the longer path – or longer wavelength – in the mornings and evenings, we see those red-ish colors in the sky.
Learn more about colors, wavelengths, sunrises, and sunsets here:
1. Optics 4 Kids: https://www.optics4kids.org/what-is-optics/scattering/why-is-the-sky-blue-why-are-sunsets-red
2. Sunrise Facts for Kids: https://kids.kiddle.co/Sunrise
3. Sunrise Sunset PDF: https://www.frostscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lesson-3-Sunrise-Sunset.pdf
4. Curious Kids Sunsets Sunrises: https://www.space.com/curious-kids-how-does-the-sun-make-such-pretty-colours-at-sunsets-and-sunrises
5. Sunrise Colors: https://mountwashington.org/why-is-sunrise-so-colorful
6. Paint a Sunrise! A demonstration of the painting above can be seen on my YouTube channel, Misty Glow Studio, at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jnmtiFb1_w Bright Orange Sunrise.
Try painting a sunrise or sunset you’ve seen!
Happy homeschooling!
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
New Year + New Interests = New Learning
It’s another New Year with New Opportunities for New Interests and New Learning! Take time to enjoy the things that truly interest you this year, as a family and individually. We learn the most when we enjoy what we're doing, regardless of age. So, rather than focusing on the things we "should" be doing, let's focus on the things we "could" be doing!
Here’s a few thoughts to keep in mind as you begin your New Year:
1. “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. He felt that imagination opened up an entire world of possibilities. He believed that imagination was a major factor in scientific research. How do you use your imagination? You can imagine a make-believe world, imagine a new world, imagine a new story, new song, new artwork, new adventures, new ideas. It’s all possible, because you have imagination! Imagine and create new things this year!
2. “Creativity is intelligence having fun,” Albert Einstein said. When you are having fun creating things, you are using your intelligence. Create clay objects, create wire sculptures, create twirling mobiles, create with construction kits, create a building, create a model, create art, create whatever interests you. As a result, you’ll be using your intelligence, creating, learning, and having fun!
3. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled,” said Plutarch, a Greek philosopher. By kindling a fire or sparking an idea in your mind, you are filled with excitement, curiosity, new interests, and new learning! When an idea excites or interests you, learning naturally occurs. This is because you are inspired and motivated to learn all you can about it. Be excited and curious, and you'll naturally learn more!
4. “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning,” observed writer William Arthur Ward. Imagine this: Without a wick, a candle can’t burn very well. Without curiosity, one can’t learn very well. Find ways to spark your own curiosity by asking questions like: “What if? How? Why? Who? When? Where?” Regardless of the topics you might currently be studying, be curious about them. Ask more questions! Go further! Learn more!
5. “Ask questions and you will gain new knowledge,” many have observed. If the tower you built collapsed, ask why and how you can keep it from collapsing the next time. If the clay sculpture you created didn’t turn out as expected, ask how you might improve it next time. If the story you wrote isn’t as exciting as you’d hoped, ask what characters or situations could liven it up. If this week’s history lesson, or math lesson, or science experiment is confusing or dull, ask what activities could make the lessons more exciting, more real, more fun, more clear. When you ask yourself, or others, you will find answers, every day and every week!
Remember to Explore! Experiment! Imagine! Create! Read! Write! Play! Build! Ask! Seek! Research! Be Curious! Be Innovative! Be Adventurous!
Resolve to make your New Year an exciting one filled with fun, imaginative, creative learning!
If interested in seeing my Nature-Inspired Paintings, please visit:
My Website: MistyGlowStudio.com
My Etsy shop: Etsy.com/Shop/MistyGlowStudio
My YouTube channel: YouTube.com/MistyGlowStudio
Happy homeschooling every week of this New Year!
Here’s a few thoughts to keep in mind as you begin your New Year:
1. “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Albert Einstein. He felt that imagination opened up an entire world of possibilities. He believed that imagination was a major factor in scientific research. How do you use your imagination? You can imagine a make-believe world, imagine a new world, imagine a new story, new song, new artwork, new adventures, new ideas. It’s all possible, because you have imagination! Imagine and create new things this year!
2. “Creativity is intelligence having fun,” Albert Einstein said. When you are having fun creating things, you are using your intelligence. Create clay objects, create wire sculptures, create twirling mobiles, create with construction kits, create a building, create a model, create art, create whatever interests you. As a result, you’ll be using your intelligence, creating, learning, and having fun!
3. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled,” said Plutarch, a Greek philosopher. By kindling a fire or sparking an idea in your mind, you are filled with excitement, curiosity, new interests, and new learning! When an idea excites or interests you, learning naturally occurs. This is because you are inspired and motivated to learn all you can about it. Be excited and curious, and you'll naturally learn more!
4. “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning,” observed writer William Arthur Ward. Imagine this: Without a wick, a candle can’t burn very well. Without curiosity, one can’t learn very well. Find ways to spark your own curiosity by asking questions like: “What if? How? Why? Who? When? Where?” Regardless of the topics you might currently be studying, be curious about them. Ask more questions! Go further! Learn more!
5. “Ask questions and you will gain new knowledge,” many have observed. If the tower you built collapsed, ask why and how you can keep it from collapsing the next time. If the clay sculpture you created didn’t turn out as expected, ask how you might improve it next time. If the story you wrote isn’t as exciting as you’d hoped, ask what characters or situations could liven it up. If this week’s history lesson, or math lesson, or science experiment is confusing or dull, ask what activities could make the lessons more exciting, more real, more fun, more clear. When you ask yourself, or others, you will find answers, every day and every week!
Remember to Explore! Experiment! Imagine! Create! Read! Write! Play! Build! Ask! Seek! Research! Be Curious! Be Innovative! Be Adventurous!
Resolve to make your New Year an exciting one filled with fun, imaginative, creative learning!
If interested in seeing my Nature-Inspired Paintings, please visit:
My Website: MistyGlowStudio.com
My Etsy shop: Etsy.com/Shop/MistyGlowStudio
My YouTube channel: YouTube.com/MistyGlowStudio
Happy homeschooling every week of this New Year!
Monday, August 1, 2022
Weekly Homeschool Lessons, Learning Activities, Where I Am
Some “school years” begin in August (which seems too early!), but we at Everything Homeschooling will begin providing homeschool activities and homeschool lessons this month, too.
To ease into your homeschool year, here are some learning ideas and activities, which will be fun and educational for your children this week. See the end of this post for ways to document homeschool activities each week.
Week 1:
Have your children ask: “Where in the world am I?”
Then think about that. Maybe their answers will include: Home. With my family. In a town or city. In the country. On a farm.
Then ask your children: What’s the name of your town, city, or neighborhood? What’s your address? Write this down.
How far do you live from the grocery store, the dollar store or convenience store, library, park, zoo, gym, museum, recreation center, and other special places?
Draw a map of your area and label these places on your map. Mark the location of your home on the map, too, along with your address.
Do the math: Determine how far each of these places are from your home. Use Google Maps to measure the distance and calculate the time it takes to travel there by car or by walking or biking. Or, track the distance and time it takes the next time you visit those places.
Write these details on your map or keep them in a notebook.
Print maps of the world, the United States, regional maps, state maps, and more here: Maps to Print link.
Label the maps, noting your location in the world, in the United States, and in your state.
Learn more about map making and reading maps, research different types of maps, view aerial or satellite maps, street maps, terrain or topography maps, and more.
Arts and Crafts Activities: Make your own map by cutting out colorful shapes to match states or provinces. Cut out an outline of your country from cardboard, then glue your states in place. Be creative, and use whatever colorful materials or supplies you have to make your map unique and decorative!
Music and Songs: On the Map Song; Geography Songs; 50 States Songs; 7 Continents Songs; and more.
Books to Read: Me on the Map; Where on Earth?; Beginner’s World Atlas; Fun with 50 States; Maps & Geography; Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia; Draw the USA; Draw the World; Geography Activity Books; and many more at your library or online.
Games to Play: World Game Board Game; Race Across the USA; Great States; Ticket to Ride; Map of the World Puzzles; United States Puzzles; and more.
Lessons learned and skills honed: Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Community, Geography, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Math Skills, Map Drawing, Spatial Thinking, Computer Skills, Technology, Reasoning Skills, Arts and Crafts, Music, and more. Jot down these lessons and activities in your lesson logbook or on our log sheets (available here: Weekly Planner Log link.)
Happy Homeschooling!
To ease into your homeschool year, here are some learning ideas and activities, which will be fun and educational for your children this week. See the end of this post for ways to document homeschool activities each week.
Week 1:
Have your children ask: “Where in the world am I?”
Then think about that. Maybe their answers will include: Home. With my family. In a town or city. In the country. On a farm.
Then ask your children: What’s the name of your town, city, or neighborhood? What’s your address? Write this down.
How far do you live from the grocery store, the dollar store or convenience store, library, park, zoo, gym, museum, recreation center, and other special places?
Draw a map of your area and label these places on your map. Mark the location of your home on the map, too, along with your address.
Do the math: Determine how far each of these places are from your home. Use Google Maps to measure the distance and calculate the time it takes to travel there by car or by walking or biking. Or, track the distance and time it takes the next time you visit those places.
Write these details on your map or keep them in a notebook.
Print maps of the world, the United States, regional maps, state maps, and more here: Maps to Print link.
Label the maps, noting your location in the world, in the United States, and in your state.
Learn more about map making and reading maps, research different types of maps, view aerial or satellite maps, street maps, terrain or topography maps, and more.
Arts and Crafts Activities: Make your own map by cutting out colorful shapes to match states or provinces. Cut out an outline of your country from cardboard, then glue your states in place. Be creative, and use whatever colorful materials or supplies you have to make your map unique and decorative!
Music and Songs: On the Map Song; Geography Songs; 50 States Songs; 7 Continents Songs; and more.
Books to Read: Me on the Map; Where on Earth?; Beginner’s World Atlas; Fun with 50 States; Maps & Geography; Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia; Draw the USA; Draw the World; Geography Activity Books; and many more at your library or online.
Games to Play: World Game Board Game; Race Across the USA; Great States; Ticket to Ride; Map of the World Puzzles; United States Puzzles; and more.
Lessons learned and skills honed: Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Community, Geography, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Math Skills, Map Drawing, Spatial Thinking, Computer Skills, Technology, Reasoning Skills, Arts and Crafts, Music, and more. Jot down these lessons and activities in your lesson logbook or on our log sheets (available here: Weekly Planner Log link.)
Happy Homeschooling!
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Virtual Field Trips!
Enjoy Virtual Field Trips from the comfort of your home!
See Animal Cams, Baby Polar Bears, Explore Mars, National Parks, Zoos, Aquariums, and more!
Learn About: Habitats, Animal Behavior, Animal Care, plus Geographic Details and Scenery across the nation.
A Printable Field Trip Form provides space for kids to describe their Virtual Field Trips, what they liked best about the trips, and space to draw pictures depicting the field trips.
Happy homeschooling from EverythingHomeschooling.com!
See Animal Cams, Baby Polar Bears, Explore Mars, National Parks, Zoos, Aquariums, and more!
Learn About: Habitats, Animal Behavior, Animal Care, plus Geographic Details and Scenery across the nation.
A Printable Field Trip Form provides space for kids to describe their Virtual Field Trips, what they liked best about the trips, and space to draw pictures depicting the field trips.
Happy homeschooling from EverythingHomeschooling.com!
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Learning at Home!
We’ve often said that your local library has nearly every resource a homeschooler needs for learning. If your library is currently closed, you can still use online libraries, either through your local library or through online websites.
For free books, here’s links to great sites for easily reading books or picture books online, or downloading free classics, fiction, or nonfiction on a variety of educational topics.
So even if you can’t visit your favorite library right now, you can still have fun and continue learning every day!
Also, continue to share your homeschooling knowledge and experience with all those who are suddenly learning at home, too!
Happy homeschooling from EverythingHomeschooling.com!
For free books, here’s links to great sites for easily reading books or picture books online, or downloading free classics, fiction, or nonfiction on a variety of educational topics.
So even if you can’t visit your favorite library right now, you can still have fun and continue learning every day!
Also, continue to share your homeschooling knowledge and experience with all those who are suddenly learning at home, too!
Happy homeschooling from EverythingHomeschooling.com!
Thursday, April 23, 2015
April Learning Activities
The month of April offers many fun learning topics!
What new things can you learn in April? Learn about 5 new topics and surprise your family and friends with your new-found knowledge!
To help you get started, here are some April events you could learn about:
Happy homeschooling!
What new things can you learn in April? Learn about 5 new topics and surprise your family and friends with your new-found knowledge!
To help you get started, here are some April events you could learn about:
-
1. The first ice-cream sundae was made in 1892, and the first iPad in the U.S. was sold in 2010. Have you experienced either of these?
2. Richard Peck was born in 1934. Who was Richard Peck, and what did he write?
3. Explorers reached the North Pole in April. Who are some of those explorers? Where is the North Pole, and how might you travel there?
4. The Civil War ended in 1865. Who surrendered? What is Appomattox, and where is it located?
5. The Civil Rights Act was signed in 1964. What is the Civil Rights Act?
6. Beverly Cleary was born in 1916. Who was Beverly Cleary, and what did she write?
7. The Titanic struck an iceberg and sunk in 1912. What was The Titanic? What is an iceberg, and where might you find more icebergs?
8. Leonardo Da Vinci was born in 1452. Who was Da Vinci, and what are some of the many things he accomplished?
9. On April 18, 1775, what famous horseman rode from Boston to Lexington? What message did he carry, and why?
10. The Curies made an amazing discovery in 1902. Who were the Curies and what did they discover?
11. Earth Day was established in 1970. What is the purpose of Earth Day? How do you celebrate Earth Day?
12. William Shakespeare was born in 1564. Who was Shakespeare, and what did he write?
13. The Hubble Telescope was launched in 1990. What is its purpose? How might you build a model Hubble Telescope?
14. Charles Francis Richter was born in 1900. What is he known for? Part of his name provides a helpful clue.
15. What is Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day? How might you celebrate the day?
16. April 27 is Tell-a-Story Day. Tell a story to family and friends. Also tell them about the many things you learned this month!
Happy homeschooling!
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Back to School Costs versus Summer Learning Fun
Meanwhile, some families are spending far too much money on back to school costs. I just read that the cost for school supplies, alone, is approximately $100 per child, according to the National Retail Federation. And with clothes, shoes, and electronics, the cost can be close to $700 per family with kids in kindergarten through high school!
Fortunately, through EverythingHomeschooling.com, families can educate ALL their children, from Kindergarten through High School, for FREE! And that allows children to remain in a safe, comfortable, low-stress environment — which is priceless!
Avoid the outrageous Back-to-School costs this year and come join us! It'll be less stressful for you and your family, and your children will enjoy a fun, well-rounded education all year long through our site: EverythingHomeschooling.com!
Happy Homeschooling!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Create a Snow Globe and Learn History
You’ll also learn about early 19th century France, the Paris Expo of 1878, the Eiffel Tower, the French Revolution, the first snow globes in America, and more.
When children are involved in hands-on projects, they learn so much more and retain what they learn for much longer, too.
See our “Today’s Lesson” at EverythingHomeschooling.com and have fun learning this winter!
Happy homeschooling and enjoy the Christmas season!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Easy Homeschool Forms for Keeping Homeschool Records
Our Homeschool Forms make record-keeping easy!
Subscribers can print and use the following homeschool forms from our EverythingHomeschooling.com site.
* Weekly Planner Logs - Includes space for recording daily lessons for all subjects, week by week. Tip: Use the 36 Weeks of Lessons on our site. Then jot down the activities for each subject area each day, along with any other educational activities you do.
* Reading Logs - Includes space for recording all books read, plus all reference materials you use, along with the authors' names.
* Attendance Records - For recording the days that your homeschool is "in session."
* Report Cards - For recording your child's grades, if desired.
* High School Transcripts - For recording grades and credits earned in each subject, semester by semester, year by year.
* Notice of Intent to Homeschool - For submitting to your school district, if required.
* Educational Philosophies & Educational Goals - For determining the directions you want to go with your homeschool, along with your goals and expectations for your child's education.
* High School Diploma - For awarding to your child upon his or her graduation, when your child has met the goals and standards you set for your family's homeschool.
To print these Homeschool Forms, click the "Homeschool Forms" button in the menu on the left of our EverythingHomeschooling.com site.
Happy homeschooling!
Subscribers can print and use the following homeschool forms from our EverythingHomeschooling.com site.
* Weekly Planner Logs - Includes space for recording daily lessons for all subjects, week by week. Tip: Use the 36 Weeks of Lessons on our site. Then jot down the activities for each subject area each day, along with any other educational activities you do.
* Reading Logs - Includes space for recording all books read, plus all reference materials you use, along with the authors' names.
* Attendance Records - For recording the days that your homeschool is "in session."
* Report Cards - For recording your child's grades, if desired.
* High School Transcripts - For recording grades and credits earned in each subject, semester by semester, year by year.
* Notice of Intent to Homeschool - For submitting to your school district, if required.
* Educational Philosophies & Educational Goals - For determining the directions you want to go with your homeschool, along with your goals and expectations for your child's education.
* High School Diploma - For awarding to your child upon his or her graduation, when your child has met the goals and standards you set for your family's homeschool.
To print these Homeschool Forms, click the "Homeschool Forms" button in the menu on the left of our EverythingHomeschooling.com site.
Happy homeschooling!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Everything Homeschooling, Homeschool Help, & Love of Learning
I came across the 1st Edition of my Everything Homeschooling Book a while back. Someone had highlighted various passages with a yellow marker.
It was interesting to read the parts that "clicked" or made an impression on that reader. Here's just a few of the passages that she (or he) highlighted in my book:
* "Children are natural learners, and parents are natural teachers."
* "Homeschooling, however, is not 'school at home.' Rather, it is a lifestyle, a learning style, that is a natural part of each day."
* "Every child benefits from learning in a safe, caring, stimulating environment surrounded by those who truly love and value him. Never doubt that you are the best teacher your child could have."
* "Children are natural learners. Learning is an integral part of their lives, woven throughout the hours that make up each day. As they go about their normal lives, they encounter, gather, process, and grow from the information they naturally absorb. This is learning."
* A statement by former Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, was highlighted. He said: "I believe that all parents, indeed any adult, regardless of his or her station in life, or even their level of education, has the capacity and obligation to teach their children a love of learning."
These are just a few passages from the 1st Edition. The new 2nd Edition of my Everything Homeschooling Book was released in February this year. New chapters were added to the 2nd Edition: "Fun Learning Activities" and "Frugal Homeschooling Hints." Plus, updated homeschool resources and information are included in the new edition.
The new Everything Homeschooling Book also includes homeschool help, activities, and ideas for:
* Veteran homeschoolers
* New homeschoolers
* Single parents
* Two-career families
* Only children or multiple children
* Special-needs children
* Early-years learning at home
* Elementary-years homeschool
* Middle-years homeschool
* High-school homeschool and graduation
* College and career preparations
* Typical homeschool days, curriculum choices, record-keeping tips, and much more!
Visit our online homeschool site at EverythingHomeschooling.com for more information or to purchase the new 2nd Edition of my Everything Homeschooling Book.
Happy homeschooling!
It was interesting to read the parts that "clicked" or made an impression on that reader. Here's just a few of the passages that she (or he) highlighted in my book:
* "Children are natural learners, and parents are natural teachers."
* "Homeschooling, however, is not 'school at home.' Rather, it is a lifestyle, a learning style, that is a natural part of each day."
* "Every child benefits from learning in a safe, caring, stimulating environment surrounded by those who truly love and value him. Never doubt that you are the best teacher your child could have."
* "Children are natural learners. Learning is an integral part of their lives, woven throughout the hours that make up each day. As they go about their normal lives, they encounter, gather, process, and grow from the information they naturally absorb. This is learning."
* A statement by former Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, was highlighted. He said: "I believe that all parents, indeed any adult, regardless of his or her station in life, or even their level of education, has the capacity and obligation to teach their children a love of learning."
These are just a few passages from the 1st Edition. The new 2nd Edition of my Everything Homeschooling Book was released in February this year. New chapters were added to the 2nd Edition: "Fun Learning Activities" and "Frugal Homeschooling Hints." Plus, updated homeschool resources and information are included in the new edition.
The new Everything Homeschooling Book also includes homeschool help, activities, and ideas for:
* Veteran homeschoolers
* New homeschoolers
* Single parents
* Two-career families
* Only children or multiple children
* Special-needs children
* Early-years learning at home
* Elementary-years homeschool
* Middle-years homeschool
* High-school homeschool and graduation
* College and career preparations
* Typical homeschool days, curriculum choices, record-keeping tips, and much more!
Visit our online homeschool site at EverythingHomeschooling.com for more information or to purchase the new 2nd Edition of my Everything Homeschooling Book.
Happy homeschooling!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Free Homeschool Lesson Plans
The Free Homeschool Lessons at our "Everything Homeschooling" website can be accessed simply by clicking: EverythingHomeschooling.com.
The many lessons include Historic and Current Information, Activities, and Games for many of the topics, such as:
- Airplanes
- Animals & Sleep
- Elevators
- Solar Energy
- Lasers
- Static Electricity
- Human Skeleton
- Medieval Times
- Geography Fun
- Green Living
- Paper Structures
- Geometric Shapes in Nature
- Ostriches, Owls, Bats, Spiders, and More!
These are just a few of the thousands of activities on our Everything Homeschooling website, designed to make homeschooling easy, yet educational for your entire family! Visit us at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy Homeschooling!
The many lessons include Historic and Current Information, Activities, and Games for many of the topics, such as:
- Airplanes
- Animals & Sleep
- Elevators
- Solar Energy
- Lasers
- Static Electricity
- Human Skeleton
- Medieval Times
- Geography Fun
- Green Living
- Paper Structures
- Geometric Shapes in Nature
- Ostriches, Owls, Bats, Spiders, and More!
These are just a few of the thousands of activities on our Everything Homeschooling website, designed to make homeschooling easy, yet educational for your entire family! Visit us at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy Homeschooling!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Homeschool Activities + Homeschool Lessons + Unschooling
Homeschooling begins to wind down for many families in May and June. However, your children can continue learning with fun, educational projects all Spring and Summer at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
It's a great time to try the "unschooling" method of homeschooling, too. Our site provides a section just for unschoolers or for those of you who would like to incorporate some of the unschooling strategies into your homeschools.
You might be so impressed with how much your children learn through "unschooling" over the Spring and Summer, you'll continue unschooling year-round! If so, come visit us often at EverythingHomeschooling.com, and watch for our expanded "Unschooling" section debuting soon on our Everything Homeschooling website.
Happy homeschooling!
It's a great time to try the "unschooling" method of homeschooling, too. Our site provides a section just for unschoolers or for those of you who would like to incorporate some of the unschooling strategies into your homeschools.
You might be so impressed with how much your children learn through "unschooling" over the Spring and Summer, you'll continue unschooling year-round! If so, come visit us often at EverythingHomeschooling.com, and watch for our expanded "Unschooling" section debuting soon on our Everything Homeschooling website.
Happy homeschooling!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Successful Homeschool Activities
Successful homeschool experiences are most often the result of "student-driven interest" and the willingness to be flexible and adaptable to the learning opportunities that present themselves each day.
We hear from many parents who are thinking about homeschooling their children. Some of their most-pressing questions revolve around "grading" and "testing" their children. However, grading and testing are tools that are used for judging a large mass, when you, otherwise, do not have the time nor opportunity to determine a child's true knowledge, skills, and abilities, one-on-one.
Most tests simply show how well children do in taking tests. They are an indication of test performance, and little more.
When considering homeschooling or a homeschool curriculum, try not to become overly concerned about "grading" and "testing." "Grading" is done through discussing each day's learning experiences with your children. "Testing" is achieved through observing their strengths and weaknesses in the subjects and topics you've been covering.
Yes, tests can be "interesting" and quizzes can be "fun" when they are kept in perspective. But for determining your child's learning successes, you can focus more on discussions and observations to see, first-hand, how well your child is progressing or where he or she might need extra help.
For more insight, see EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy homeschooling!
We hear from many parents who are thinking about homeschooling their children. Some of their most-pressing questions revolve around "grading" and "testing" their children. However, grading and testing are tools that are used for judging a large mass, when you, otherwise, do not have the time nor opportunity to determine a child's true knowledge, skills, and abilities, one-on-one.
Most tests simply show how well children do in taking tests. They are an indication of test performance, and little more.
When considering homeschooling or a homeschool curriculum, try not to become overly concerned about "grading" and "testing." "Grading" is done through discussing each day's learning experiences with your children. "Testing" is achieved through observing their strengths and weaknesses in the subjects and topics you've been covering.
Yes, tests can be "interesting" and quizzes can be "fun" when they are kept in perspective. But for determining your child's learning successes, you can focus more on discussions and observations to see, first-hand, how well your child is progressing or where he or she might need extra help.
For more insight, see EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy homeschooling!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Avoid Homeschool Burnout
Your family can avoid homeschool burnout by discussing what is still enjoyable each day and what is not.
Try these tips to reduce the chance of burnout in your homeschool:
- Discuss what is working and what is not. Ask for suggestions and ideas to inspire and motivate learning.
- Determine the ways your children learn best and use those learning methods.
- Add more flexibility to your homeschool days, and take advantage of spontaneous learning opportunities.
- Avoid over-scheduling your days. You need a good balance of quiet activities with the busy activities.
- Add more fun and laughter to your homeschool lessons and homeschool activities.
- Set aside homeschool curriculum packages or programs that are not interesting to your children. (If your children aren't interested, they won't learn as well.)
- Switch from "busy-work" -- such as worksheets, writing assignments, or dull reading assignments -- to fun, hands-on learning projects and science experiments.
- Try unit studies or "unschooling" for a while, rather than traditional subjects. Remember that "homeschool" is not "school at home." Experiment with different learning methods.
- Ask children what they would like to learn this week, this month, this year. Encourage them to find and share fun ways to learn those things.
- Take field trips to the library and allow children to check out books that appeal to them. Also guide them in selecting informative books that look interesting. Use those books as the backbone of your daily learning, and discuss the books you read.
- Use arts and crafts as an excellent way to reinforce learning and to complement the topics you read, study, or explore.
- Find online homeschool activities that promote family learning projects. Many interesting projects and activities are available at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
- Reduce stress by lowering your expectations. Try not to do so much each day. Get support and help from others.
- Have children record their daily lessons in their homeschool logs, organize their homeschool books and supplies, and clean up after homeschool experiments or learning projects.
- Ask family members to help with daily chores around the home and to be responsible for specific aspects of the homeschool day.
- Take time for yourself to relax and unwind. Spend at least an hour each day on something you especially enjoy, such as reading, painting, knitting, or sitting in the sunshine.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Weekly Homeschool Lessons & Homeschool Activities
How do you find weekly homeschool lessons to keep your children actively involved in learning each day? New Weekly Homeschool Lessons are provided at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
It's simple, easy homeschooling, designed to make your homeschool run smoothly every day. It's a huge time-savings for you, too! The homeschool lessons and the homeschool activities are right there at your fingertips, any time, day or night! The research has been done for you, and your children can start learning and exploring right away, in a fun, interesting way.
At EverythingHomeschooling.com, we provide lessons for Grades K-2, or Grades 3-8, or Grades 8-12 Weekly Lessons for your children.
In addition, we provide Hands-On Activities, Homeschool Unit Studies, Virtual Field Trips, Writing Activities, Creative Thinking Activities, Unschooling Activities, Book Lists for Homeschoolers, Weekly Challenges, Science Experiments for all ages, and much more.
This site is here to make your homeschool experiences enjoyable, educational, and successful! Stay tuned!
Happy homeschooling!
It's simple, easy homeschooling, designed to make your homeschool run smoothly every day. It's a huge time-savings for you, too! The homeschool lessons and the homeschool activities are right there at your fingertips, any time, day or night! The research has been done for you, and your children can start learning and exploring right away, in a fun, interesting way.
At EverythingHomeschooling.com, we provide lessons for Grades K-2, or Grades 3-8, or Grades 8-12 Weekly Lessons for your children.
In addition, we provide Hands-On Activities, Homeschool Unit Studies, Virtual Field Trips, Writing Activities, Creative Thinking Activities, Unschooling Activities, Book Lists for Homeschoolers, Weekly Challenges, Science Experiments for all ages, and much more.
This site is here to make your homeschool experiences enjoyable, educational, and successful! Stay tuned!
Happy homeschooling!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Remove Child from School
About six weeks into the school year, I begin getting e-mails from parents who want to remove their child from school.
"My son is having problems in school. Can I take him out?"
"My daughter is being harassed in school. Can I withdraw her from school?"
Yes, and yes. No child HAS to go to a certain school. Every child CAN be educated at home.
So that you'll know your homeschool laws, check with your state's Department of Education. Don't rely upon information from your school or from the local school district. Call your state's Department of Education and request to speak with the Homeschool Department. (Every state Department of Education has a Homeschool Division.)
Armed with the information you receive from them, write a letter to your son's or daughter's school and explain that you are withdrawing them from school. There is no need to explain why, or to get into a lengthy discussion at your child's school, or try to "defend" your decision. At the same time, if you need to submit an "Intent to Homeschool" notice to your school's superintendent, you can do so. (The homeschool information you receive from the Dept. of Ed. will tell you if a Notice needs to be filed or not.)
Caution: If you start feeling overwhelmed by the legalese contained in the packet of homeschool information you receive from the State, don't let it bother you. Call your local homeschool support group, and they will explain what you need to do. It's truly much simpler than it sounds!
Once you have removed your child from the school system, the fun begins! And so does the learning! You'll be amazed at how much enthusiasm your child will begin showing for learning!
But FIRST, he or she will need to "decompress." This is a very important step that falls between the removal of your child from school and the beginning of the homeschool adventure.
Children are "conditioned" to function in a certain manner in school settings. When they are taken out of school, they need time to get used to NOT going to school. They need time to begin viewing their home as a place where their education will continue. They need to get a feel for how their days will play out in their home. They need a couple weeks -- sometimes more -- to get used to their new routine.
Don't worry. Your child won't "fall behind" during this decompression time. Many homeschoolers finish their homeschool year in half the time of a regular school year!
So go ahead, find out your state laws and withdraw your child from school. Then let the fun and learning begin!
If you need help or guidance, just contact us at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy homeschooling!
"My son is having problems in school. Can I take him out?"
"My daughter is being harassed in school. Can I withdraw her from school?"
Yes, and yes. No child HAS to go to a certain school. Every child CAN be educated at home.
So that you'll know your homeschool laws, check with your state's Department of Education. Don't rely upon information from your school or from the local school district. Call your state's Department of Education and request to speak with the Homeschool Department. (Every state Department of Education has a Homeschool Division.)
Armed with the information you receive from them, write a letter to your son's or daughter's school and explain that you are withdrawing them from school. There is no need to explain why, or to get into a lengthy discussion at your child's school, or try to "defend" your decision. At the same time, if you need to submit an "Intent to Homeschool" notice to your school's superintendent, you can do so. (The homeschool information you receive from the Dept. of Ed. will tell you if a Notice needs to be filed or not.)
Caution: If you start feeling overwhelmed by the legalese contained in the packet of homeschool information you receive from the State, don't let it bother you. Call your local homeschool support group, and they will explain what you need to do. It's truly much simpler than it sounds!
Once you have removed your child from the school system, the fun begins! And so does the learning! You'll be amazed at how much enthusiasm your child will begin showing for learning!
But FIRST, he or she will need to "decompress." This is a very important step that falls between the removal of your child from school and the beginning of the homeschool adventure.
Children are "conditioned" to function in a certain manner in school settings. When they are taken out of school, they need time to get used to NOT going to school. They need time to begin viewing their home as a place where their education will continue. They need to get a feel for how their days will play out in their home. They need a couple weeks -- sometimes more -- to get used to their new routine.
Don't worry. Your child won't "fall behind" during this decompression time. Many homeschoolers finish their homeschool year in half the time of a regular school year!
So go ahead, find out your state laws and withdraw your child from school. Then let the fun and learning begin!
If you need help or guidance, just contact us at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy homeschooling!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Back to "HomeSchool"
August is "Back to School" month for some. For homeschoolers, it could be viewed as "Back to Homeschool" month.
However you think of it, one of the most important things to remember about homeschooling is that it's not "school at home."
Homeschool parents are scrambling right now to find the "perfect" homeschool supplies, the "most educational" curriculum, and some are even seeking teachers to teach their homeschooler and to grade assignments!
Please, parents, remember WHY you are homeschooling!
The reasons are varied, and each family has their own educational goals, objectives, and philosophies. Most reasons to homeschool have to do with family values, social issues, faith, flexibility, one-on-one learning, higher academic achievement, natural learning, unschooling as a way of life, and so on.
Whatever your reasons, avoid turning your homeschool adventures into a "school at home!"
For lots of fun and interesting homeschool activities, weekly learning ideas, reading suggestions, hands-on projects, thinking activities, and more, remember to visit us at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy Homeschooling!
However you think of it, one of the most important things to remember about homeschooling is that it's not "school at home."
Homeschool parents are scrambling right now to find the "perfect" homeschool supplies, the "most educational" curriculum, and some are even seeking teachers to teach their homeschooler and to grade assignments!
Please, parents, remember WHY you are homeschooling!
The reasons are varied, and each family has their own educational goals, objectives, and philosophies. Most reasons to homeschool have to do with family values, social issues, faith, flexibility, one-on-one learning, higher academic achievement, natural learning, unschooling as a way of life, and so on.
Whatever your reasons, avoid turning your homeschool adventures into a "school at home!"
For lots of fun and interesting homeschool activities, weekly learning ideas, reading suggestions, hands-on projects, thinking activities, and more, remember to visit us at EverythingHomeschooling.com.
Happy Homeschooling!
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