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!

Hundreds of Fun Creative Writing Ideas

November is “National Novel Writing Month” – but your child doesn’t have to write a novel to enjoy the process of creating a story!

Creative writing activities help children:

* Develop important thinking processes
* Expand inventive and imaginative skills
* Communicate ideas to others
* Convey feelings and emotions
* Organize thoughts and sequencing
* Exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills
* Practice analytical and cognitive skills
* Enjoy learning and retaining knowledge longer

The age of your child is no barrier to creating stories, either. Even if she or he isn’t yet writing, children are still very adept at imagining stories and sharing them with others. You can write down the stories for them, illustrate them together, then create booklets containing their stories.

Reading their stories aloud, re-imagining them, or developing new stories sparked by their previous stories can establish a lifelong love of reading, writing, and creating.

Older children can create stories based on Writing Prompts such as those shared on the sites listed below.

Here, kids will have hundreds of writing ideas to keep them creating over the coming weeks, months, and years! Not to mention the spin-off learning that naturally occurs when children read and write! Enjoy!

* 300 Writing Prompts for Kids (PDF):

https://shakeragalley.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/300-writing-prompts-for-kids-list.pdf

* 300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids:

https://thinkwritten.com/writing-prompts-for-kids/

* 225 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids:

https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/writing-prompts-for-kids/

* 140 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids:

https://www.squibler.io/learn/writing/writing-prompts/writing-prompt-for-kids/

* 100 Writing Prompts for Kids:

https://www.3plearning.com/blog/writing-prompts-for-kids/

For More Leaning Activities, see A Year's Worth of Learning Ideas, 500+ Science Experiments; Hands-On Math Activities; 40+ STEM/STEAM Activities; Free Worksheets for Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies; Unschooling Activities; and much more here on our blog.

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!

Free Worksheets for Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies

If your kids enjoy worksheets, here are Hundreds of Free, Printable Worksheets for Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies.

But if your kids do NOT enjoy worksheets, these links provide a multitude of topics to explore and learn more about throughout the year.

These sites are especially easy to browse and easy to download or print worksheets.

MATH:

* Math Worksheets Grades 1 – 6:

Here’s free, printable Math Worksheets for each week of the year, on Numbers, Patterns, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Measurement, Money, Mental Math, and more for Grades 1 – 6:

https://www.mathworksheets.com

* More Math Worksheets Grades K – 7:

Here’s more free, printable Math Worksheets, focusing on Math Skills, Math Puzzles, Money, Measurement, Roman Numerals, Fractions, Decimals, Venn Diagrams, Bar Graphs, and more for Grades for K – 7:

https://www.futuristicmath.com/worksheets.html

* Even More Math Worksheets Grades K – 8:

Here’s even more free, printable Math Worksheets, focusing on Math, Geometry, Algebra, Equations, Percentages, Measurement, Statistics, Logistics, Trigonometry, Calculus, and more for Grades K – 8:

https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/math.php


SCIENCE:

* Science Worksheets Grades K – 6:

Here’s free, printable Science Worksheets, focusing on Insects, Plants, Animals, Life Cycles, Classification, Human Body, Matter, Mixtures, Force, Motion, Heat, Chemical Changes, Earth, Solar System, and more for Grades K – 6:

https://www.ecosystemforkids.com/worksheets.html

* More Science Worksheets Grades 1 – 7:

Here’s more free, printable Science Worksheets, focusing on Plants, Insects, Animals, Dinosaurs, Herbivores, Food Chain, Human Body, Five Senses, Weather, Electricity, Machines, Magnetism, Periodic Table, and more for Grades 1 – 7:

https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/science.php


LANGUAGE ARTS:

* Language Arts Worksheets Grades K – 12:

Here’s free, printable Language Arts Worksheets, focusing on Reading (Story Elements, Comprehension, Literature); Spelling (Word Lists by Grade); Vocabulary (Dictionary Skills, Word Roots, Prefix, Suffix); Grammar (Parts of Speech, Sentence Structure); Composition (Writing, Editing); and more for Grades K – 12:

https://www.k12reader.com/reading-worksheets-by-main-subject/

* More Language Arts Worksheets Grades 1 – 8:

Here’s more free, printable Language Arts Worksheets, focusing on Phonics, Alphabet, Vocabulary, Sentence Structure, Writing Prompts, Grammar, Comprehension, Cause and Effect, Metaphors, Similes, Idioms, Alliteration, and more for Grades 1 – 8:

https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/language-arts.php


SOCIAL STUDIES:

* Social Studies Worksheets Grades 1 – 6:

Here’s free, printable Social Studies Worksheets, focusing on Colonial America, Fifty States, Map Skills, Continents, Oceans, Landforms, Explorers, Presidents, Famous Men, Famous Women, and more for Grades 1 – 6:

https://www.mathworksheets4kids.com/social-studies.php


* More Social Studies Worksheets Grades 1 – 8:

Here’s more free, printable Social Studies Worksheets, focusing on Explorers, Map Skills, Landforms, Notable People, Native Americans, Early America, American Revolution, Branches of Government, the Wars, States and Capitals, and more for Grades 1 – 8:

https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/full-social-studies.html


FUN LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Hands-On Activities, Unschooling Ideas, Science Experiments, STEM Projects, and hundreds of FUN learning activities are available here on our site. Just click the labels below. And remember to Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter in the column at right.

Happy Homeschooling!

Second Semester Homeschooling, Unschooling, and Learning More!

Unschooling, Worksheets, Unit Studies, Lesson Plans, Hands-On Activities? Continue reading, plus see links below!

In traditional schools, the second semester usually begins in January. That means the kids are now about halfway through the year.

Homeschoolers can follow a traditional school instructional calendar. Or you can follow your own educational plans and schedules. And, of course, you can add other topics, as well, such as Art, Music, Foreign Languages, Life Skills, etc.

The way you homeschool is totally up to you and your family, depending on what works best for your educational goals, your family values, your child’s best learning styles, and most workable homeschool schedule.

Now is a great time to reflect on the first semester of your homeschool, consider what went well, what worked best, and what could perhaps work better for the next few months of homeschooling.

If you’d like to focus on individual Lessons covering Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies, we’ll include some links below to help you out.

If, alternatively, you’d like to try theme studies, unit studies, or unschooling activities, we’ll include some links for those.

Remember, also, to revisit our previous posts of Weekly Homeschool Lessons and Learning Activities, posted in August; 500+ Science Experiments and Hands-On Math Activities, also posted in August; Unschooling Activities and Reading Activities, posted in September; Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science Activities, posted in October; Crafting History, posted in November; and Winter Learning Activities, posted in December, along with many other educational ideas over the past months.

*** Here are some Links to Lessons covering Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies:

1. Math Solutions, Grades K-8:

https://mathsolutions.com/classroom-lessons

2. Math Goodies, Elementary to Pre-Algebra:

https://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons

3. Math Worksheets:

https://www.math-drills.com

4. Homeschool Math Worksheets:

https://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets

5. 80 Science Activities:

https://elementalscience.com/blogs/news/80-free-science-activities

6. Science Worksheets:

https://www.easyteacherworksheets.com/science.html

7. Language Arts Lesson Plans:

https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/archives/lang.shtml

8. Language Arts Worksheets:

https://www.easyteacherworksheets.com/languagearts.html

9. Social Studies Activities:

https://sharemylesson.com/subject/social-studies

10. Social Studies Worksheets:

https://www.education.com/worksheets/social-studies

*** Here are some Links to Theme Studies, Unit Studies, or Unschooling Activities:

1. BookShark Unit Studies:

https://www.bookshark.com/freebies

2. Discover Unit Studies:

https://discoverunitstudies.com

3. Hess UnAcademy Unit Studies:

https://hessunacademy.com/unit-studies

4. Crafty Classroom Unit Studies:

https://thecraftyclassroom.com/free-unit-studies

5. Unschooling and Hands-On Ideas:

https://www.weedemandreap.com/learn-subjects-unschooling

6. Unschooling Ideas for Older Kids:

https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/100-hands-on-activities-for-middle-school-and-high-school

7. More Unschooling Ideas:

https://zenhabits.net/unschool



Happy homeschooling!

Unschooling Activities, Curiosity, and Learning!

Children are born with natural curiosity. When their curiosity is suppressed, their learning is diminished. When their curiosity is encouraged with nurturing guidance, their learning accelerates. Unschooling focuses on interest-driven activities sparked by curiosity. Your guidance can help enhance your child’s curiosity, creativeness, and education.

Here are some unschooling activities that have been suggested by our readers. These are just a few of the many possibilities. Each can radiate out into further learning and even more activities. Below this list is additional information on why and how unschooling works so well.

Remember: Playing is learning! These activities and ideas can evolve into a world of learning!

Unschooling Activities Suggested by Readers:

• Daily explorations and play
• Hands-on activities
• Science experiments
• Invention projects
• Construction projects
• Composing or playing music
• Arts and crafts
• Drawing and painting
• Sculpting, clay, and pottery
• Puzzles and sorting games
• Pretend play
• Forts and teepees
• Scrapbooking
• Journaling
• Creative writing
• Writing books and stories
• Reading and researching
• Library trips
• New books or authors to read
• Drama, acting, and performing
• Dancing and singing
• Making videos and animations
• Board games
• Outdoor or backyard games
• Family games
• Nature walks
• Relay races
• Scavenger hunts
• Math manipulatives
• Cooking and baking
• Gardening
• Decorating
• Home projects
• Sports activities
• Recreational activities
• Family activities
• Camping and hiking
• Weekend trips or getaways
• Swimming and skating
• Surfing and skiing
• Gymnastics or wall-climbing
• Picnics and socials
• Field trips
• Museum and zoo visits
• Local tours
• Community courses
• Family discussions
• Family newsletters
• Family businesses
• Apprenticeships
• Internships
• Volunteering
• Life skills
• Interest-driven learning pursuits
• Independent learning activities
• Natural living and learning every day

Curiosity increases activity in specific areas of the brain, helping people to absorb and retain information longer. When you are interested and curious about a topic, your brain becomes more inclined to learn about it. Children who are allowed to ask questions, and to remain curious about the world around them, remain eager to learn.

Children are naturally curious about everything, and because curiosity helps them to learn, it’s a trait that should never be discouraged. Asking “Why?” is an innate part of the way children learn. They should always be encouraged to ask why, and to be encouraged to find answers to “Why?”

Unschooling is one of the most natural ways for children to seek the answers to their “Why” questions, and one of the most natural ways for children to acquire knowledge. You’ll want to keep their curiosity alive and encourage them to follow their interests as they learn about the world around them.

Children gain a huge amount of knowledge and skills between birth and age five, without formal schooling. They learn by experimenting, doing, trying and failing, then trying again. Rarely are they deterred, and rarely do they give up. Young children love to experiment. They enjoy trying things their own way, and if it doesn’t work, they’ll try another way. Just as curiosity is an in-born trait in children, so is the desire to learn new things.

Trying the Unschooling Method

If you’re not sure about the unschooling method, try unschooling during weekends, vacations, summertime, or any time! Watch them play, and you’ll see them learn. Encourage their curiosity, and guide them in finding answers and resources. Follow their interests, and you’ll learn right alongside them. You’ll certainly be amazed at how adept they are at learning through the myriad topics that interest them.

More Unschooling Activities

Children are eager to play, and, consequently, learn. Sometimes, though, they might feel that they’ve forgotten how to play, or can’t think of anything to do. Spend time brainstorming ideas together. Ask your children what they’d like to do if they had all the time in the world to do whatever they liked. Then explore those ideas together.

Revisit fun activities from the past, which they might’ve forgotten about, but which could interest them in new or different ways now.

Activities could include:

• Building simple models or 3D structures
• Performing plays based on books or movies
• Creating new types of board games to play
• Designing video games for handheld devices
• Learning to play new instruments and composing music
• Writing and creating comic books or cartoon strips
• Performing and making videos of scientific experiments
• Using LEGO sets or electronic kits to create new gadgets
• Cooking or baking new concoctions for the family

Every day provides multiple ideas for playing, unschooling, and learning. There’s no limit to what your children can do and achieve!

Happy homeschooling!

Re-Energize Your Homeschool

Re-Energize Your Homeschool: Coping with “Burnout” and Sparking New Ideas

Burnout is usually a result of trying to do too much or trying to stick to an old format. It can be a sure sign that it’s time to try something different, to broaden your horizons, to make changes not only in your homeschool, but in your lifestyle. Change can help us keep growing and lead to many happy years of exciting, rewarding homeschool experiences.

Encouragement for Your Homeschool Journey

Burnout can occur after ten years of homeschooling or after two years. Parents may feel that they have exhausted all the ideas that once seemed so fabulous and endless. After a few years of homeschooling, the kids might not be as excited about the homeschool experience as they were in the beginning. Getting them to open a book or finish an assignment seems like a losing battle. But it needn’t be a battle with the kids nor yourself.

Eliminating Stress

Stress is one of the main causes of burnout. Parents may find themselves trying to fill two full-time roles in the home: as a parent and as a “schoolteacher”. This adds unnecessary stress to your life. As we've noted in previous articles, learning is a natural part of living, and homeschooling should be a natural part of your family’s lifestyle. Homeschooling is not “school at home”. Teaching your children is simply a part of parenting your children.

Burnout also comes from setting expectations too high, then trying to reach them, day after day, and finding yourself falling short. If you feel you’d be a “better teacher” if your children were ready for learning every morning at 8:00 A.M., dove into their lessons with glee each day, stayed on task throughout the morning and afternoon, achieved 100% on all their assignments, and were able to deliver the Gettysburg Address over dinner, then you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. Occasionally, a day may work out this way, but it’d be a miracle for nearly any teacher to experience such success.

If you, on the other hand, feel you’re accomplishing your goals when your children enjoy most of their lessons, like to explore things that interest them, are learning new information and skills, and can deliver the Gettysburg Address by the end of a school year, then you and your kids are probably enjoying the homeschool process, and you won’t be as likely to burn out.

Preventing Burnout

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Lower your expectations for yourself and for your children, and you will lower your feelings of stress and chances of burnout. It’s true that you’ll want your children to attain certain goals, so you naturally have some expectations of them. Just remember that you have an entire year to reach those goals. And then there’s next year, too, and the year after that.

When you begin to get that nagging feeling that maybe you’re not doing enough in your homeschool, or read or hear about the fantastic adventures of other homeschool families, take some moments to step back and look at your own family. Consider the happiness and well-being of your own children. Consider how much they’ve grown, how much they’ve learned since you began homeschooling.

Overcoming Boredom

If your children are exhibiting signs of boredom, then they may not be challenged enough. Set the learning rail a little higher for them—just enough to entice them to try a little harder. But not so high that they become frustrated, which will lead to feelings of frustration and burnout for everyone.

Revisit areas of interest or new ideas for learning. Explore new hobbies. Learn new art techniques, try a different musical instrument, or try a new sport or recreational activity. Create something, invent something, no matter how simple. The fun and learning occur as a result of "doing" and "exploring".

Less Structure and More Flexibility

Remember that childhood is a time for being a child, not for squeezing hundreds of lessons or extracurricular activities into their lives. Remind yourself that childhood is a time for being curious and explorative, for daydreaming and thinking, playing and learning, having fun and being happy. The child who has plenty of time for these simple activities will grow into a curious, creative, thinking, happy adult who enjoys the freedom and fun of learning.

More Helpful Tips

For more Helpful Homeschool Help, visit us often at EverythingHomeschooling.com site. (Portions of this article are excerpts from our Everything Homeschooling Book by Sherri Linsenbach.)

Happy homeschooling!