Crafty Team

How to Camp the Homeschool Way

July 3, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Are you looking to getaway? Want to just unplug, relax, and get back to nature? However, you are worried about falling behind in your homeschool! Right? Now is the perfect time to plan an educational vacation. Camping is not only affordable but bursting with learning opportunities. Leave the books and gadgets behind, so you can learn how to camp the homeschool way.

Learning on a Hike

What is camping without a hike? Hiking is great exercise for your body and your mind. It brings you close to the learning and gives you the chance to explore the great outdoors. So, find a trail or forge your own and see what learning opportunities come across your path. However, be prepared! Make sure to carry water, a compass, first aid supplies, and a map. Going off the beaten path is exciting, but be sure you can find your way back. Once everyone has proper clothing, bug protection and basic necessities, it is time for the learning to begin. Take the opportunity to learn about the following on your homeschool hiking expedition:

How to identify plants and trees
Orienteering and using trail blazes
Trail safety, including what to do if you get lost.
Nature rubbings
Preserving flowers that you find
Identifying and tracking wildlife
Geology and rock formations
Bodies of water habitats—ponds, streams, and lakes

Fishing for Learning Opportunities

Now that you have worked up a sweat and an appetite, it’s time to cool off by the water. Fishing is fun and educational. You can choose to catch and release or fish for your supper. Either way, you will be catching multitudes of lessons along the way. Be sure to check local fishing regulations and licensing restrictions. Cast your line into learning with these fishy lessons:

Learn to identify fish
Learn about the fish habitats
Identify other creatures in the lake ecosystem and how they relate to the fish you want to catch
Experiment with lures, baits, and different methods of fishing
Create fish art prints as a souvenir.
Learn how to clean the fish and prepare them for a meal.

Set Your Homeschool Learning on Fire

At the end of a camping day, everyone loves to sit around the campfire. This is a chance to tell stories, recap your day, and just relax. Campfires are a quintessential camping experience. However, they are also an amazing classroom for more learning. Now, always check local fire warnings and requirements before setting up a campfire. However, sitting around the fire is a perfect place to have family learning. This will ignite the fire of learning in your homeschool and create memories that last a lifetime. Here are some lessons to incorporate into your camping fire experience:

Fire safety
How to start a fire
Cooking on a fire—it’s really different than the stove at home!
The art of storytelling
Campfire songs and folk songs
The anatomy of a flame—what do the colors mean and how do fires burn?

Homeschooling while Camping

Camping does not mean homeschooling needs to end. In fact, it could be the best way to keep you learning the rest of the year. Sometimes you need to get out of the classroom and invest time learning as a family. While you are camping, you can explore other topics as well. Bring along nature guides and basic tools, like a magnifying glass, tweezers, collection bags, and a camera. Be prepared to learn and to be safe. First aid is a life skill that is great to practice before you need it. Take the time to meet with a park ranger and discuss local wildlife, habitats, and how you can help protect the natural wonders you are enjoying. Most importantly, let the learning come. You will be surprised how much a little time in nature can teach you, even when you leave the lesson planning book at home!

George Washington Craft

June 29, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Did you know when George Washington was born? He was born Feb 22, 1732. That was a long time ago! He was the first president of the United States and was considered one of the reasons why we enjoy our freedom today. In celebration of America’s Birthday, here is a FREE George Washington Craft your kids will love to create.

Presidential Holidays

Did you know that we also celebrate famous presidents on President’s Day on the third Monday of February every year? In addition, there are some fun facts about George Washington.

Fun Facts about George Washington

He was the only president unanimously elected because all of the state representatives voted for him. In addition, chopping down the cherry tree and not telling a lie is supposed to be a fictional story.

Lastly, George Washington’s birthday was changed. When he was 20 years old, Britian converted their calendar to a new one called the Gregorian Calendar. Before this, it was called a Julian Calendar and his birthday landed on Feb 11, 1731. So, after the change, his birthday was now Feb 22, 1732! He got to rewind a year, lucky guy!

Now, let’s get to the George Washington Craft for kids. It’s easy to assemble with a step by step tutorial, along with close up images to help guide you.

George Washington Craft for Preschoolers

George Washington Supplies

Paper plate
Cotton balls
Crayons; blue, skin color and black
Google eyes
Scissors
Glue

George Washington Instructions

To start the George Washington Paper plate, take the paper plate and color the top 3^rd blue and the rest skin color.

2. Next cut two vertical lines going from the bottom of the plate up to the blue, you can use the center circle imprint on the plate as a guide.

3. Now fold those two pieces upwards and crease. Color the pieces blue.

4. To finish the hat, cut to round the two pointed pieces and glue them down.

5. Then cut the bottom of the plate in a curved shape to make the face. You can use the center circle imprint on the plate as a guide.

6. Complete the face by popping on the google eyes and drawing a nose and smile.

7. Lastly, glue on the cotton balls to each side of the face to create the classic George Washington hairstyle.

The preschool George Washington Craft is now complete!

Grab our affordable George Washington Unit Study for Kids just in time for the holiday! Kinder S.M.A.R.T. stands for Social Studies, Math, Art and Reading Theme pack! This thematic pack includes 20 pages of activities, games and worksheets to use in your kindergarten classroom this President’s Day or Fourth of July!

Summer Homeschool Options

June 19, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Summer is here and school is ending. What are you doing this summer? Should you take the summer off or continue school through the fall? These are questions every homeschool mom asks. After working so hard all year, you might want to just kick back and relax. On the other hand, you don’t want your children to suffer from the infamous “summer slide.” Summer homeschool has many advantages and options. Let’s look at the pros, cons, and opportunities of homeschooling through summer.

Homeschooling During the Summer

If you are wrestling with deciding if you should do summer school or not, you are not alone. In fact, most homeschool families consider this question every year. For some students, summer school is very important. It helps them retain the skills learned over the year and bolster reading and math before the next year begins. Summer school can also give children the opportunity to learn some different skills, such as coding, or a second language. So, working through the summer has advantages. Students who struggle in math or reading, may need continued practice. On the other hand, students may want to learn something that is difficult to fit into their already busy day during the year. Either situation is a perfect reason to do homeschool summer school.

When is Homeschooling through the Summer not a Good Idea?

Homeschooling year round has many advantages. However, children still need to be children. After a long year, everyone needs some down time. Usually, mom could use a break as well. Homeschooling all year can be very stressful. We want our children to succeed and excel. However, we don’t want that to happen at the cost of their happiness. Likewise, you will need time to plan for next year and catch your breath. So, if you are very overwhelmed right now or burned out, you might want to skip homeschooling through the summer. You could always start next year early or do a mid-summer skills boost. Also, typical summer activities such as swimming, biking, and playing outside for hours do boost skills and brain power.

Summer School Options for Homeschoolers

There are so many options when it comes to homeschooling summer school. You can use a pre-built program or design your own. In addition, several platforms offer online summer school. Also, there may be local in-person options such as skills based programs and summer camps. If you are going to design your own, focus on one or two skills. Summer school should always be a lighter load that is highly focused. Phonics, reading, math, writing, and electives are the typical subjects covered over the summer. In addition, unit studies make a perfect option for summer school.

Do it Yourself Summer School

Perhaps you only want to focus on skills for an hour each day. Or, you may not want to invest in another program. Either way, putting together a summer school program for your kids is easy. Which subjects or topics do you want to cover? Decide how long you want to spend on summer school each day/week. Then, pick printables, games, and manipulatives to teach or reinforce the subjects chose. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Online Summer School Options

There are also many online options. Some are short classes, while others are full programs. When choosing a program, make sure it is something you can reasonably do. If you want to do a stand alone course, shoot for 8 weeks or less for length. Here are some online opportunities for homeschools this summer:

Connections Academy Online Summer School

Time 4 Learning Summer Learning Curriculum

Free Online Summer Camp

Bridgeway Academy Summer School

American Academy National Home School Summer Homeschool Programs

How to Code: Computer Science Concepts and Python Exercises

The Power of Mathmatical Visualization

Time for Writing

Write Back When Camp

Online coding courses (free trial)

Letter of the Week Simplified! Over 650 pages of downloadable resources for teaching children the Alphabet one week at a time. For each letter of the alphabet you’ll receive 25 pages of activities, worksheets, charts, coloring pages, math explorations and more. Designed to keep the prep work to a minimum, our letter of the week Alphabet Curriculum can be spread over 26 weeks. Suggested age range is Preschool to K4.

Summer Learning with School Beach Days

June 12, 2020 By Crafty Team 1 Comment

Nothing says summer like a day at the beach. The sand, the sun, the surf…it’s what memories are made of. The beach is also an amazing classroom teeming with possibilities. Get ready for some easy, entertaining, and highly educational fun! Here are some simple activities that anyone can do at the beach. Surf’s up, and so is summer learning with school beach days!

She Sells Seashells

Seashells are chock full of possibilities. They are fun to find and exciting to collect. Don’t stop at just collecting them in pails. Seashells can be used to make simple games like chess or tic-tac-toe. They also make excellent math manipulatives and can be painted to create a wonderful sorting activity for young children. Using seashells to learn can also be as easy as bringing along a nature guide to shells so the family can identify and learn about all the shells they find.

Natural Beauty

Beaches are some of the most beautiful places on earth. They have been photographed, painted, and recreated in just about every medium. How about creating art on the beach instead of just from its vista! Think about other school beach days using a scavenger hunt can amass piles of artifacts. These can be used to decorate sand sculptures, or crafted into a one of a kind souvenir! The crafting itself could be a little tricky at the beach. It will require a glue gun to secure your finds into a piece of art. However, that shouldn’t stop you from designing. Use the flat sand as your backdrop and design the souvenir you want for your home. Take a photo of your design and recreate it at home with crafting supplies.

Digging for Science Experiments

Sand is everywhere at the beach…it likes to come home with you, too. It’s taken for granted against the majestic ocean and colorful shells. However, sand is an entire science curriculum waiting to be unpacked. Bring along some basic supplies (magnets, magnifying glass, eyedropper, black paper, tweezers, etc) and a container to bring more sand home!

With your science kit on your school beach day, you can conduct experiments right there! Take a spoonful of sand and sort it out using a magnifying glass and tweezers. How many types of sand particles did you find? If you bring along a little vinegar, you can test the sand to see if any of it came from coral reefs. The calcium carbonate will react with the vinegar and cause CO2 bubbles! Lastly, you can push a magnet through the sand to see how much of it is made of metals. Be sure to bring some home for observing under the microscope. There’s nothing ordinary about sand!

Tidal Treasure Trove

Don’t leave the beach without searching for tidal pools. This is a chance to see all kinds of creatures close up. Tiny crabs, beached clams, snails, and more! The tidal pools are a micro-ecosystem that comes and goes. They can provide intriguing entertainment as the sea rests in a shallow basin. Use tide charts to plan your visit and be sure to take along a camera!

What do you have planned on your school beach days this summer?

60 thematic, hands-on activities to build fine motor control skills in June! These thematic activity pages are perfect for your June learning centers. Great for early finishers, take-home resources, or as a tutoring binder you can bring on the go!

Summer Fun Activities with Games

June 5, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

There are a ton of summer fun activities to do with your kids. You can turn lessons into games and it doesn’t matter what the subject is, kids can’t wait to learn! Summer is a perfect time to play games that will keep kids entertained while practicing skills. This will help prevent the summer slide that so many parents lament. So grab your kids, head outside, and let the learning begin.

Sidewalk Chalk Games

Who doesn’t love sidewalk chalk? It’s easy to use, colorful, and mother nature does all the cleaning up when you are finished. Chalk is a perfect way to practice basic skills and create challenges for your children this summer. Here are some ideas:

1.Letter race – See how quickly everyone can write their alphabet or spelling list on the driveway. Letters need to be formed correctly to count.

2. Connect the dots – Create a giant connect the dots page on your driveway or sidewalk

3. Obstacle course – Map out an obstacle course made out of chalk! Draw lanes to run in, squiggly lines to walk on, and wide boxes to jump over.

4. Scale the Universe – Plot out a scaled version of the solar system and have kids draw each planet in the correct position.

Water Balloon Games

Water balloons are cool fun. They fascinate kids as they explode, and provide a sweet respite from the summer heat. The sky’s the limit with water balloon game ideas. Plan some summer learning fun, just add water!

Target Practice- Write numbers or letters on the pavement with chalk. As you call out each one, have the kids throw their balloon at the correct number or letter. This exercise gross motor skills, too.
Epic Counting – Practice counting by tossing a water balloon back and forth gently. Count each time it is successfully passed. How long can you keep it going? This can be used for skip counting, too.
Spelling Bash – Write one spelling word on each balloon. Have you child find each word that you say. If he finds the correct word, he gets to throw that balloon. Refreshing victory.

Beach Ball Games

Beach balls are colorful, versatile, and easy to find. They can be used at the beach or in your local park. The best part is that they easily deflate for storage. Gather up some inexpensive beach balls in different sizes and have a ball learning!

Add It up! – Write numbers all over a large beach ball. Toss it back and forth to your child. Each time someone catches it, he has to add up the numbers his fingers are touching. This can be used for multiplication, too!
Mini Ball Scramble – Collect 26 mini beach balls. Write one large letter on each ball. Have children take turns to see how many words they can make using the balls in 1 minute. For younger children, put all the balls in a bin and see how many they can identify.
Fast Facts – Write multiple questions on each section of the ball. When a child catches the ball, he only has 10 seconds to answer one of the questions on the section he is touching before having to throw the ball to someone else. Keep a tally of points for each player. Add them up to see who won once all the questions are answered.

Summer learning can be easy, fun, and inexpensive! How are you keeping the kids learning this summer?

Backyard Ideas for Kids

June 2, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Homeschooling shouldn’t mean you are stuck in your schoolroom. The world is full of opportunities and lessons waiting to be learned. We have all heard of the phenomenon of road-schooling and world-schooling where the classroom becomes wherever you are. The possibilities are endless. However, that is not feasible for everyone, nor is it necessary. In fact, you can make the world your classroom right in your own backyard! Here are the best opportunities for backyard learning during each season.

Backyard Learning in all Seasons

Spring has sprung and now summer is here — so have the opportunities for learning. After a long winter, everyone is dying to bask in the sun. So, springtime is the perfect time to start your backyard learning adventure. There is so much to explore and observe. Every day something new is happening. Here are some topics to get you started in outdoor learning:

Vernal ponds– Hurry, they don’t last long! Vernal ponds are a short lived environment that is teaming with wildlife to explore. So, get your nets and notebooks, let the pond do the teaching.
Weather-March winds, April showers, and the occasional snowstorm make springtime the perfect classroom for meteorology. Set up a weather station and start learning!
Birds and nests-During the spring, birds are hard at work building nests and preparing for chicks. Since the leaves are still forming, this is your best opportunity to observe your feathers neighbors.
Flower life cycles-Flowers are the hallmark of spring. Some come back every year, others only last a couple of seasons. Why is that? Explore perennial vs annual varieties.
Soil testing and micro-organisms-Do you know what kind of soil you have? This is a great time to test soil, learn about soil types/amendments, and study the tiny organisms that keep soil healthy.
Seed germination-Last fall, plants dropped their seeds. Maybe you even ordered seeds for spring. What happens when a seed goes into the ground though? Keep a log and do some dissecting to get you started.
Composting and worm farms-Worms are important for healthy soil and plants. Why not raise your own or simply start a composting pile. It’s an art and a science!
Color theory-Is there anything as beautiful as the colors of spring? After a drab winter, every shade of the rainbow is bursting forth. Learn more about colors and how they relate to each other.
Flower pressing and Flower crafts-So, spring doesn’t last forever, but spring flowers can. Learn how to press flower (and which ones cannot be pressed). Then explore crafts and gifts you can make from your treasures.
Foraging and noxious plants-The plants around your home can be helpful or harmful. Ask an expert to help you identify the friends and foes. Learn about how plants like poison ivy make life difficult.
Chick life cycles-Does anything say spring like baby chicks? Raise your own chicks, observe a neighbors chicks, or keep an eye on backyard bird chicks.

Learning in Your Backyard over the Summer

Now that the yard has exploded with vegetation and life, your backyard learning opportunities are just getting started. The summer heat provides now chances to explore and learn. Make the most of the opportunities right outside your door. Now, is the time for hands-on and outside the box learning. So, put on your shades and sunblock, here’s what you could learn about this season:

Insects-Creepy crawlies and bugs abound. Learn how insects help and hurt us, and how to identify them.
Local wildlife – who’s living in your backyard? Track prints, keep logs, and learn about the neighbors who live outside your home.
Hummingbirds-These little wonders can be hard to find. Set up a hummingbird feeder and watch them in action.
Gardening– Gardens are where learning really grows. Math, science, art, and logic all come into play. Learn about growing food, while protecting plants from pests and disease
Sunflowers-Tons of lessons in a little seed. Watch the flowers follow the sun and study how they grow. Then enjoy a harvest of crisp sunflower seeds in the fall.
Solar ovens-Too hot to cook? Try building a solar oven and learn how to harvest the power of the sun.
Water safety-Life lessons are always important. Learning to swim and be safe around the water is a lesson that will keep giving for the rest of your children’s lives.
Skin health-Between sun, bugs, and poison ivy, your skin may be suffering a bit. How can you keep it healthy and safe while having fun?
Butterfly and bee preservation-Save the bees and butterflies! We need them to pollinate crops and keep our food supply going. Learn how to provide what pollinators need to survive and thrive.
Medicinal and culinary herb-So, what’s growing in your garden? Add some spice with herbs that help heal or add bursts of flavor to your favorite meals.

Outside Lessons for Fall

Autumn learning opportunities are ripe for the harvest. The world is changing right before our eyes, so there is so much to explore. Now’s the time to gather up backyard learning and enjoy this bountiful season. If you need some ideas to get going, here’s a list of autumn backyard learning.

Harvest and preservation-Now that you have been gardening all summer, learn how to harvest and store all your hard work.
Photosynthesis-Plants are happy to be green. But, why do the leaves change colors. Learn about photosynthesis and the hidden colors of leaves.
Animals preparing for winter-Remember the story of the ant and the grasshopper? Animals can’t just turn on the heat. How do they get ready to survive the long winter months?
Tree life cycles-Trees change from season to season. How does the weather affect their growth and production?
Corn and popcorn-Corn is a staple. How can it be used? What is the history of corn, and how does it affect your backyard and home?
Leaf identifications-Now that leaves are piling up, it’s time to do some investigation. Get your magnifying glasses and take a closer look. What are the parts of a leaf? Can you identify all the ones that you find?

Winter Learning in Your Backyard

Just because the natural world looks like it’s sleeping, doesn’t mean outdoor learning has to stop. Winter is still a wonderful time to take your homeschooling outside and explore learning opportunities. So, bundle up and dive into these topics:

Tree identification-Can you identify trees without their leaves? Learn about the silhouettes of trees and how to tell one from another even in the dead of winter.
Hibernation-Some animals sleep all winter, or at least most of it. How does hibernation work and why do they do it?
Animal dens and burrows: Speaking of hibernation, where are the animals all winter? Learn about where your furry neighbors are spending their time and see how many you can identify in your own backyard.
Snow science-Ready, set, let’s experiment with snow. Make your own ice cream, witness the water cycle, and study all the ways snow helps the soil.
Winter food sources for animals-It might look like everything is dead, but animals still need to eat. What are they eating and how do they survive?
Igloos -Now that you have had fun playing with and in the snow, learn about how snow is used by humans. Igloos aren’t just fun, they are functional. How have Inuits used snow to protect themselves and provide warmth?

Free Distance Learning Programs

May 13, 2020 By Crafty Team 1 Comment

Learning from home is on the rise. However, being home doesn’t mean your educational resources are limited. In fact, this is the best time to try distance learning. The Internet opens a world of possibilities. Better yet, there are masses of free resources to be used for everything from lesson planning and instruction, to supplemental resources and practice. If you are just beginning with distance learning for kids, here is a comprehensive guide with many subjects included to get you started with free distance learning programs.

What is Distance Learning?

While distance learning or distance education seems to coincide with online education, the official definition is a method of studying using live broadcast or classes through correspondence online, without the student requiring to attend a school or college.

Free Educational Websites & Subscriptions

The Internet is teeming with distance learning options. Some are actual online schools or curriculum suppliers. Beyond the curriculum, though, many websites provide educational games, interactive instruction, and incremental learning. There is something for everyone from early learning, to continuing education.

Here is a list of the most popular distance learning websites that are free or offering a free trial. (Note: these were free at the time of posting 5/13/2020, some offers may have changed or expired.)

Free Online Math Resources

If you are looking for awesome math resources online, here are some popular virtual math education portals and cool online math games. You’ll find several videos, articles, and lessons for free for many age ranges and levels.

Online Games for Kids

Kids love games and its a perfect way to teach strategic thinking, problem-solving, and focused learning. You’ll find these amazing websites a great tool to get your kids excited about their education!

Free Preschool Games

While preschoolers have a hard time sitting still, you may have an easier time keeping them focused on the tasks at hand using these interactive and free websites! You’ll find a ton of free preschool games along with sit down work such as worksheets, coloring pages, and more.

Free All in One Homeschool Curriculum

If you are looking for an all-inclusive learning site, these free online all-in-one resources are some of the most popular in the online world. As you can see, there are some great options. Please note that some may have a free trial for a limited period of time before expiring.

Virtual Extracurricular Activities

Looking for other subjects besides the 3 R’s? There are a ton of online curriculum homeschool based, but maybe you are looking for extra curriculum activities outside of these core subjects? Here are some websites and apps that teach everything from foreign languages, learning code, music appreciation, and learning to play instruments. These options will help round out your curriculum and serve your child’s unique needs.

Science Websites and History for Kids using Webcams

Sometimes, you need to close the books (or educational websites) and take an adventure. However, travel can be difficult or impossible for you right now. That’s when you have the adventure come to you! Here’s a collection of interactive experiences to keep your children’s interest piqued.

Science and history often go hand in hand as you take a tour around the world. You’ll discover virtual trips to see exotic animals, amazing space stations, and a broad range of sea creatures!

Science Websites for Kids

History for Kids

Geography for kids

Geography may sound a bit dull and boring, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised how fun this subject is with a visual experience! Try these fantastic and free websites to go around the world in a flash, plus you’ll fun some interactive games!

Online Art Classes for Kids

Museums are a wonderful way to experience the subject of art first hand. Even if you don’t live near a major museum, several offer virtual tours, interactive exhibits, and educational experiences. Below is a list of museums and other points of interest around the world that offer virtual experiences for art distance learning.

Free Organization Platforms for Teachers

Now that you have plenty of resources, it’s time to organize your lessons. This could be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are many online tools for teachers to plan lessons for school. These are also wonderful resources for at-home teachers. Therefore, we have a list of free online lesson planning programs, below.

Free Online Meeting Platforms

Distance learning at home can get lonely. Or perhaps you want to host a virtual activity or club. The Internet makes it possible to connect with other distance learners. Therefore, video conferencing software and apps are important tools for distance education. The following are popular online meeting platforms for students, clubs, and one-on-one instruction.

Continuing Education Teens & Adults

Parents and Teens, we’ve got awesome online courses and lessons for you too! Discover a new world of learning code, earn a degree, or expand your business skill sets with these continuing ed websites.

Free Editable Diplomas from Kindergarten Mom

Free Printable Education Resources

Online resources make distance learning easier than ever. However, distance learning does not have to happen online. Printable resources are a great no-tech option. Likewise, printables are ready immediately. You don’t want to wait for the mail to finally show up. Simply click and print. So, fire up your printer and check out these printable packets for your homeschool. You’ll find a ton of worksheets for multiple subjects including science, spelling, reading, writing, math, and more!

Homeschool Year-End Assessment Guide

May 12, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

The end of the year is coming and it’s time to wrap up homeschooling. Before you rush off to your much-deserved summer break, take some time to assess your homeschool. Here is a homeschool year-end assessment guide to help you can finish out the year strong.

Setting and Meeting Homeschool Goals

Did you start the year with lofty goals? Goals are part of planning. Now is the time to take out that list of goals, again. How many have you met? Are there any goals that were unrealistic? Did one of your children blow your goals out of the water? Could you set a bigger goal next year?

Assessing your goals will help you plan better for next year. In addition, you can see how far you have come. Sometimes, we all have difficult homeschooling years. However, every year has its own successes. Yet, it’s difficult to see progress in the every day. So, look at your goals, celebrate the ones you met, and re-evaluate those that you didn’t.

Prepare Homeschool Portfolios for Evaluation

Portfolios are an important part of homeschooling for many families. If your state requires a portfolio, this is a vital step in concluding your year. Here are some simple steps to prepare your portfolios for submission:

Gather any required documents and ensure that they are filled out completely
Finalize grade sheets
Tally hours/days completed
Update field trip and book lists
Collect any certificates or outside documentation for courses
Go through sample work and make final decision on what to include
Double check that all subjects are represented
Organize all the contents and submit

Assessment of Your Curriculum Choices

Curriculum choices are big decisions. We all invest abundant effort, time, and energy into finding what our family needs. Sometimes those choices are perfect fits. However, sometimes our choices don’t live up to our expectations. So, how did you choices work this year? What did you love? On the other hand, what was a struggle for you or the kids? First, make a list of what worked well. Next, make a list of what didn’t work and why. Now, make notes of anything you would do differently with the curriculum you liked. This will help you plan an even better year for the fall.

Review Student Progress in Each Subject

Student assessments are essential for reviewing your year. In fact, it should be your central focus.

What progress did each child make?
What new skills were mastered?
Where did they each struggle?
What surprised you about their progress?
How do your children feel about their school year?

How do I Preform a Homeschool Assessment?

There are many ways to assess your children. In general, standardized tests and final exams are the most common end of year assessments. However, there are endless means for evaluating student progress. Here are some suggestions:

End of year narration (Students retell everything that they learned over the year.)
Comparison of samples of work throughout the year.
Student self-evaluations
- Score based evaluation
- Written narrative
- One on one interview
Cumulative project for each subject
Administer the same skills test at the beginning and end of year
Grade appropriate checklist

Review of Homeschool Schedule and Systems

Before you finalize your year, take a moment to review how your homeschool is run. Firstly, how is your homeschool schedule working for you? Consider start times, end times, length of the day, extracurricular activities, and online courses/meetings. Next, consider where you have been homeschooling. Is that space still adequate? What can you change? Do you need a new organization system? Conversely, do you need to re-locate your school area? Lastly, review your habits and systems. What worked and what didn’t?

Make a list of what changes you want to make. In addition, record any items you need to replace, replenish, or would like to try next year. Now, take a deep breath, pay yourself on the back, close your “homeschool door.” and enjoy your summer break with your children.

Do you have the itch to plan out your Summer? Try our Free Homeschool Field Trip Guide!

How to Setup a Homeschool P.E. Program

May 8, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

You have all your books and notebooks ready, but there may be one subject you completely overlooked. Physical Education is a key component of a well-rounded education. While all of us know what P. E. class is, it may be difficult to implement. What should I be teaching my children? How much time should be spent on P. E. class each week or day? Do I need to keep records for this class? So, we put together a guide on setting up a homeschool P. E. program.

What is P. E Class?

A P. E. class is sometimes also called a gym. It is where students learn about sports, physical fitness, and healthy living. Traditionally, bodybuilding and competitive sports have been the cornerstones of gym class. The purpose is to teach healthy lifestyle habits. These include exercise, healthy eating, and physical activity. So, students get into the habit of regular workouts, sports, and physical exertion. This will set them up for a lifetime of healthy living.

What is the Difference between Physical Education and Physical Activity?

Physcial activity is anything that gets your body moving. Playing with the dog, going for a walk, playing on a swing set. These actvities get your body moving and your heart pumping. However, Physical Education is a curriculum. So, it is an intentional activity. P. E. class should meet regularly, include instruction and lessons, plus have benchmarks that students need to obtain. Physical activty is obviously part of physical education, however just being active is not the same as a true P. E. program.

How often Should We Have Phys. Ed. Class in Our Homeschool?

Children need at least one hours of physical activity per week. However, physical education should meet at leat 150 mins per week for elementary aged children. This can be broken into 50 minute sessions three (3) times per week, or 30 minute sessions five (5) times per week. In fact, you can come up with a schedule that fits your family best as long as it is a regular part of your homeschool schedule.

What Types of Activities Should We do for Homeschool Physical Education?

The best thing about homeschooling is that there are limitless opportunities. Therefore, homeschool P. E. can look very different from one family to another. It can be tailored to your family’s interests and abilities. Here are some ideas for activities and exercises for you homeschool program.

Activities:

Dancing
Mountain Biking
Hiking
Gymnastics
Obstacle Courses
Running
Horseback Riding
Ice Skating
Karate or other Martial Arts
Golf

Exercises:

Jumping Jacks
Running in place
Stretching
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Lunges
Stationary equiment: rowing machine, stationary bike, treadmill, etc.
Exercise videos or games
Weight training (with proper supervision)

What about Sports?

Organized sports are fun and engaging. If you child plays on a local team or at a gym, that time can be counted toward P. E. class. Just make sure it includes instruction or coaching. However, sports can be a part of your physical education at home, too. Here are some sports that require minimal equipment, space, and people to play:

Tennis
Soccer (one-on-one or two-on-two, you can use any landmarks as the goals)
Basketball
Volleyball or Badmitton (both can be played with smaller teams)

How do I grade Physical Education for Homeschool?

First, be sure to check your state requirements. Every state is different, this is just a general guide. Next, track progress for each student and set benchmarks. Time how quickly an activity can be completed. Record how many of a specific exercise the child can do. Track this throughout the year to show progress and growth. This information can also be included in your yearly portfolio. Using a tracking system helps students see how much they have improved, and helps them to set goals.

Helpful Homeschool P.E. Tips:

YMCA and PAL (Police Athletic League) both offer gym classes. These could be organized sports, general gym, or open court opportunities/pick-up games. Check out what your local organization has to offer, both also offer scholarships for families in need.
Game systems, like Wii, have interactive exercise programs that include goal setting and activity tracking.
The more the merrier, see if there is a local co-op that offers physical education or sports. Consider meeting other families at the park each week for a group class or free playtime.
Make P. E. class fun! Like anything homeschool, you are in control. Build a program that is perfect for your family.
Include information on healthy living and eating. Discuss eating habits and set goals as a family to live a healthier lifestyle.
Check out the President’s Challenge for extra motivation, instructional videos, and other resources.
Use programs such as “Couch to 5k” to build up endurance and get the whole family moving. Grab my student packet for physical activity tracking!
Search Youtube for free exercise video programs for all ages and abilities.

How to Memorize the 50 States

May 1, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Memorization is an important technique for homeschool families. It helps students to build knowledge, while also exercising the brain. As homeschoolers, we want to provide better educations and opportunities for our children. Memorizing the 50 states and capitals can actually put your head and shoulders above the rest. In fact, 49% of Americans under age 25, can’t find New York on a map (11% can’t find the United States, either). Let’s strive for better. Here are some resources to help your homeschooler memorize the 50 states.

Why Memorize All 50 States

Besides rocking trivia contests, memorizing the 50 states is an important exercise in geography. You will also better understand history and current events. Knowing where states are located, helps you visualize events. It also means that you can better plan trips and understand weather patterns. There are many reasons to memorize the states and capitals.

How to Memorize the State Capitals

There are several ways to memorize the states and their capitals. The best way is to pick a method that aligns with your child’s learning style. You can also use multiple resources for a multi-sensory approach to learning the 50 states and capitals. Here are some suggestions on how to memorize the states and capitals.

Music: Facts set to a rhythm or silly songs about the 50 states will help your family memorize the state names and capital cities easily.
Flashcards: Flashcards of each state and capital use auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning.
Board Games: Learning should be fun. Use geography games to help you memorize your states and capitals. Or make your own game up and practice while you play.
Repetition: Good old fashioned, repetition never fails. Recite the 50 states and capitals every day. You could also do this through call and response.
Mnemonic Devices: Mnemonic devices use funny or catchy phrases to help you remember something. This technique can be used to memorize anything.

Free Resources to Help Memorize the States and Capitals

We’ve collected some of the best free resources for memorizing the states and capitals. So, here’s a great list to get you started on learning the fabulous fifty states. These will help you and your family easily learn these easily and quickly!

Fun Ways to Learn about the 50 States

There are so many methods of memorization. Therefore, you might wonder what the best way to learn all 50 states is. So, here it is! Just have fun! Sometimes, you need to think a bit outside the box. Doing puzzles and fun activities enhance learning and make kids eager to learn more. Also, you can connect learning to your child’s interest. Does your child love nature? Then, include state birds and flowers in your memorization work. Here’s some of our favorite fun ways to learn about the 50 states.

Learn to Draw the 50 States of America

When you write something, you remember it. The same goes for drawing. Practice drawing the outline of each state and the map of the United States to memorize state shapes, locations, and capital cities. So, you can start by tracing each state over and over. In addition, you could practice drawing the states by freehand. Then, when you know the outline of each state well, you can start drawing the entire country. Conversely, you can print United States outlines and practice drawing in the borders. Once you have the 50 states in place, write in the names and capitals. Check out these resources for learning how to draw the 50 states:

How to Teach Cursive Writing

April 17, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

As homeschool moms, we teach our children so many things to give them the best education possible. Across the board, teaching cursive penmanship is a dying art. Many schools no longer teach cursive. However, it is a valuable skill that helps to build your brain and develop cognitive abilities. Cursive is also helpful for children with dyslexia and is actually easier to produce than manuscript printing. You may be wondering where to begin, though. Here is a complete guide on how to teach your child cursive writing.

Must-do Pre-Writing Activities

Like everything, teaching your child to write requires laying a solid foundation. This is where pre-writing exercises and activities come in. These help strengthen hands, increase pen control, and teach important strokes. Here are some ideas for pre-writing cursive activities:

Pen Control Workbook
Practice strokes and shapes in sand with your finger or a stick
Draw in chalk on the driveway, sidewalk, or chalkboard.
Write letters or words in cursive on large sheets of paper, have the child “trace” the letters in dots using a bingo marker
Use Wiki Stiks or yarn to create loops, curves, and angled lines

How to Teach Cursive Strokes

Once you have completed enough pre-cursive activities that your child feels confident, it is time to start practicing strokes. Cursive writing is a series of strokes. These make up the basic form of the letters. Practicing strokes, helps children master letter formation before learning any of the letters. It also makes it easier to write fluidly once letter formation begins. The best resource I have found to demonstrate cursive strokes is this video. You can also use a tracing board that has strokes, and shapes on it for practice.

How to Teach Individual Cursive Letters and in What Order

Writing is made up of letters, so it is important to learn and master the letters one by one. Unlike manuscript printing, which is usually taught in alphabetical order, cursive letters are taught in groups. Each group has similar strokes. Generally, the groups progress from easier to more challenging strokes. Teaching the individual letters in this order will make learning cursive easier and more enjoyable.

Here are some additional resources for teaching individual letters:

Practicing Simple Words in Cursive Penmanship

Now, your child is ready to start writing simple words. It is best to start with short words and gradually try longer ones. Remember to look back at the letter order. Choose words with simpler letters when children are first learning to combine letters into words. Use pre-made worksheets with common words or make your own. A cursive template is really useful for this, to get the examples perfect. However, do not expect perfection from your child. Mastering handwriting takes abundant practice and is something that improves with age. Young children, especially, are still building muscle control and hand/eye coordination.

Once your child has mastered short, simple words, it’s time to move on to sentences. Here are some excellent resources to get your child using his new cursive skills in various subjects.

Complete Cursive Writing Curriculum Choices

If you are looking for a ready-made curriculum to teach cursive writing to your child, here are some recommendations. A complete curriculum will offer the ease of having it done already. You should feel free to incorporate resources and items listed above to meet your child’s individual needs and increase interest.

Handwriting without Tears Cursive workbook and kit
Handwriting for A Reason Cursive
IEW Cursive Knowledge

Keeping Christ at the Center of Easter

April 3, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Easter is on its way, and the stores are full of chocolates and bunnies. As Christians, we know what Easter is really about. We want our children to focus on Christ’s resurrection, not just the candy. Here are some fun ways to keep Christ at the center of your Easter celebrations.

Be More Christ-Like Ideas

At the Last Supper, Jesus did something amazing. He bent down and washed the apostles’ feet.

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I have given you an example,

that you should do as I have done to you.

Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master;

nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

John 13: 13-17

Washing the feet of others has become a symbol of service and devotion. Why not try it in your home? You can pair up family members to wash each other’s feet or have each person wash everyone else’s.

You can also do a metaphorical foot washing. Place the name of each family member in a hat or box. Have each member draw one name. Now each person has to decide how he or she will serve their assigned family member. This could be a fun game like “secret Santa.” Or you can serve each other openly. However, you chose to “wash each other’s feet” the point is to serve each other in big ways out of love.

Backyard Easter Scavenger Hunt Game

We all know about Easter Egg Hunts. This is a fun, biblical twist. Print out scripture verses on slips of paper. Fill plastic Easter eggs with the verses. Hide the eggs throughout your backyard. Now it is time to find the eggs! This can be done together or individually. For individual hunts, use color coded eggs to make sure everyone finds all the verses.

Finding the eggs is only the beginning, though. Now it is time for the scavenger hunt. You can hide small toys, candies, or tokens that correspond to each verse or have the children get creative. See who can find a symbol for each verse in your yard.

How to Make Resurrection Rolls

Resurrection Rolls are more than just another Easter treat. They tell the story of the burial and resurrection of Christ. These are easy to make and very kid-friendly. You will need a roll of refrigerator rolls or croissants, marshmallows, melted butter, and cinnamon.

Lay out all the ingredients and wash everyone’s hands.
Pour some cinnamon on a plate and place it next to the melted butter.
Give each child a marshmallow. Tell them that this represents Jesus’ body that suffered to save us from our sins.
Have each child dip and coat the marshmallow with butter. This symbolizes his mother and friends anointing Him with oil.
Roll the buttered marshmallows in cinnamon. The cinnamon represents the spices that were mixed with the oil.
Now give each child a roll or croissant. Stretch them out slightly but be sure not to rip them.
Wrap the dough around each marshmallow, just like Jesus was wrapped in a burial shroud.
Now place the wrapped marshmallows onto a baking sheet and put it in the oven. Tell the children about how Jesus was laid in a tomb that was sealed with a large rock. Close the oven door.
It’s time to set the timer. Just like the centurions stood watch, the timer will make sure we don’t take them out too soon!
When the rolls are ready, take them out and cut one open. The inside is empty, just like Jesus’ tomb.
The rolls will be sweet inside. Remind the children how sweet it is to be forgiven of our sins.

Christ in Easter Ideas

Jesus asked us to spread the Good News to all the nations! Many people will not get to be with family this Easter. They are too sick or frail to be home. The current pandemic has made life even harder for those in the hospital and nursing homes. Most are not allowing visitors. But there is always hope for those who know and love Christ.

Send messages of hope to your local hospital or nursing home. Make cards, draw pictures, or simply handwrite an Easter card. Include your favorite verse about hope. Let those who feel forgot to know how much they are loved.

How to Start a Kids Weather Station

March 29, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Homeschoolers don’t get snow days (most of the time) but the weather is still a part of their learning. Meteorology is an engaging science with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. Let’s face it, the weather is always there! No matter where you live, you experience weather first hand, on a daily basis. This makes it a perfect real-world science for kids. Ready to get your kids hooked on learning about weather patterns and meteorological terms? Keep reading for a step by step guide on how to start a kid’s weather station in your homeschool.

Tools to Start a Homeschool Weather Station

Every scientist needs tools. For meteorology, tools can be pretty expensive and high tech, or simple and low cost. However, evey weather station will need a way to measure the following:

Temperature (Thermometer)
Precipitation (Raingauge)
Wind Direction (Anemometer)
Wind Speed (Anemometer)
Air Pressure (optional)

Pick out tools that fit your budget and outdoor space. Look for opportunities to double up on tools. For example, a thermometer might also have a barometer. Find a safe spot to house each of your tools, then create a routine for checking each tool.

Weather Journals for Kids:

Part of the fun of setting up a weather station is recording the daily weather! Encourage your children to record their findings each day in their weather journals. Using a daily weather journal will help you see patterns and over time help you predict what the weather will be. There are a variety of different types of weather journals available on SuperStarWorksheets.com You’ll find simple daily weather sticker charts, monthly calendar tracking sheets, and more advanced daily weather tracking which includes extras like wind direction, wind speed, precipitaion and more.

Annual Weather Tracker & Monthly Weather Tracker

You can also track the weather on an annual weather journal sheet to see longer-term patterns at a glance. It’s also a fun and colorful way to add some color to your homeschool classroom.

See Inside Weather & Climate Book by Usborne & Weather Sticker Chart

Weather Science Books for Kids:

Now that you have all those special tools and instruments set up, it’s time to learn how to use them! Grab a couple of good books on weather and weather predicting to get your homeschool weather station off the ground. Some recommendations are listed below.

Weather Tracing Pages for Fine Motor Skills

Weather Youtube Channels:

There are also some amazing channels on Youtube about meteorology for children. The best thing about them is they are free to use. It’s like getting your own personal meteorological science tutor delivered right to your school room! Let these experts help you start a homeschool weather station for your family.

Galileo Thermometer

Barometer, Hygrometer, & Galileo Thermometer

There are many decorative weather tracking options available as well. You might find that setting up a children’s weather station, inspires you to add more tracking elements indoors as well. Since these elements will be in your home, you might consider more visually appealing options if that is a concern for you.

Homeschool Weather Station Activities for All Ages

Time to add some hands-on learning activities. A homeschool weather station can be a hobby or a full blown science study. Add activities and experiments to suit your homeschool needs. The printables include everything from a weather journal to STEM challenges. If you really want to dive deeply into meteorology, check out the weather lab kits. These are packed with activities, information, and experiments.

Weather Lab Kits:

Electronic Weather Station:

If you opt to get a professional level weather station, you can even join the “Weather Underground” and help predict the weather for your area.

Need more kid-friendly weather station ideas? Try our preschool Kids Weather Station Printables Page!

Educational Spring Break Activities

March 13, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

You made it through the long winter and spring has sprung. Whether you follow the traditional school calendar or not, spring is a perfect time to take a break and have some fun! Spring break activities do not have to be expensive, though. They also can be highly educational. Need some spring break ideas for kids? Here are some ideas of how to break out of your homeschool and enjoy spring break with educational activities that won’t break the bank.

Enjoying Spring Break Outdoors

After a long weekend, head outdoors for some fresh air and hands-on learning. There is so much to see in spring, as the earth wakes up. Vernal ponds can provide hours of fun, and buckets of education. Take a hike and use a field guide to identify the new plants popping up along the trail. You could even find a foraging walk and learn how to find a delectable snack out in the wild. Local and National Park are perfect destinations and often have free or low-cost activities for families.

Springtime on the Farm

Spring is a time for new life. It’s also a great opportunity to experience animals up close. Farms come in many different shapes, from your local dairy farm to fish hatcheries. There are so many opportunities to learn about how things grow. Do a quick search to see what opportunities you have nearby. You could also consider a day trip somewhere a bit further away. Contact the farm and see if there are any opportunities to take a tour, or volunteer to help out.

Here are some spring break ideas for kids that include farms to visit:

Local farms
Fish hatcheries
Butterfly farm
Wildlife refuge
Wolf Sanctuary

Take a Trip Under the Sea

Aquariums can be a riveting spring break idea. Check out the animal feeding schedule. See if there are any special homeschool days, too. Many attractions will offer discounted admission and special events for homeschoolers in the fall and spring. This can make a trip much more affordable. It also gives you more opportunities to learn with additional activities. Have your children take photos and notes of their experience at the aquarium, then write your own travel journal or brochure to share with friends.

Spring is in the Air

March and April are known for windy weather. It’s a perfect time to go fly a kite. This is also a great educational activity when you build your own kites. This can be an exercise in experimentation, lay out supplies and see what your children come up with. If you want to be more scientific, spend some time learning about physics and design the perfect kite. You can go to a local park or take a trip to the beach. Wherever you decide to fly your kites, it is sure to be a memorable spring break activity for your homeschool.

State and Local History Spring Break Activities

Sometimes the best educational spring break activities for kids are right around the corner. We all know the saying about those who don’t learn history. However, many still find history boring. It’s time to close the textbook and hit the road. Visit local and state landmarks. Pick up some brochures and read historical landmark placards. There is so much to be learned, just by being the place where history happened. Here are some other ideas for budget-friendly, education, spring break family fun:

State capitol building
County courthouse
National and local monuments
Historic National Parks
Local landmarks
Living historical parks (for Williamsburg, Virginia)
Civil War encampment
Town Hall

Homeschool Conventions by State

March 6, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

You have made it through the dead of winter and are eagerly looking forward to spring. You are probably also starting to think about next year. Homeschool conferences offer the opportunity to meet other homeschool families, hear inspiring speakers, and browse through curriculum. It is important to fuel your homeschooling “tank” regularly. Homeschool conventions give you the motivation and information to keep going and solve any struggles you may be having. So, what are the best homeschool conventions 2020?

Free Homeschool Planning Pack from The Crafty Classroom

Glad you asked! Here is a list I compiled of homeschool conferences 2020 by state. This way you can determine the best ‘homeschool conventions near me’. Whether you’re looking for the great homeschool convention nearest you or by state, we’ve got you covered!

If you know of any others, I would love to hear about them! Which homeschool conference will you attend this year?

Homeschool Conventions near Me in 2020

Alabama

Birmingham Homeschool Convention and Fair Birmingham, AL March 20

Mobile Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Convention Mobile, AL May 7-9

Alaska

APHEA 2020 Convention Anchorage, AK March 27-28

IDEA 22nd Annual Curriculum Fair Soldotna, AK April 29

Anchorage, AK April 30-May 1

Fairbanks, AK May 4-5

Juneau, AK May 7

Arizona

AFGE Convention Phoenix, AZ July 10-11

Free to Be 2020 Unschooling Conference Phoenix, AZ September 3-6

Arkansas

Teach Them Diligently Arkansas Rogers, AR March 6-8

California

California Homeschool Network Family Expo Garden Grove, CA May 7-10

SCOPE Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair Rockland, CA June 7-8

HSC Conference San Jose, CA August 6-9

Idaho

Homeschool Idaho Nampa, ID June 4-5

Illinois

APACHE Homeschool Convention Edwards, IL March 27-28

ICHE Family Conference Bourbonnais, IL May 28-31

Indiana

IAHE Conference Indianapolis, IN March 27-28

Iowa

Homeschool Iowa Conference West Des Moines, IA June 12-13

Kansas

2020 Kansas Homeschool Expo Wichita, KS May 15-16

Kentucky

East Kentucky Homeschool Convention Pikeville, KY June 27

Memoria Press Conference Louisville, KY July 6-7

Louisiana

LAgniappe Conference New Orleans, LA June 3-5

Maine

30th Annual “Lead the Way Home” 2020 Convention Rockport, ME March 19-21

Central Maine Homeschool Expo Bangor, ME April 21

Massachusetts

MassHope 2020 Convention Sturbridge, MA May 8-9

Northeast Unschooling Conference Wakefield, MA August 13-16

Michigan

2020 INCH Conference Lansing, MI May 15-16

Minnesota

Minnesota Catholic Home Educators Conference St Paul, MN May 29-30

Missouri

Midwest Parent Educator Homeschool Conference Kansas City, MO April 3-4

Great Homeschool Convention St Charles, MO March 26-28

Nebraska

NCHEA Lincoln, NE March 7-8

New Jersey

Refresh North Jersey Homeschool Conference Knowlton, NJ March 7

IHM New York Mahwah, NJ July 18

New Mexico

CAPE NM Albuquerque, NM June 19-20

New York

New York Homeschool Convention Rodchester, NY July 30- August 1

North Carolina

Thrive! The NCHE Annual Conference Winston-Salem, NC May 28-30

North Dakota

NDHSA Home Educators Association Jamestown, ND March 7-8

Ohio

Great Homeschool Convention Ohio Cincinnati, OH April 16-18

Teach Them Diligently Columbus, OH May 28-30

Oklahoma

Tulsa Homeschool Expo Tulsa, OK February 28-29

HSOK Celebration 2020 Oklahoma City, OK April 30-May 2

Oregon

Oregon Christian Home Educator Conference Albany, OR June 19-20

Pennsylvania

CHAP Conference Lancaster, PA June 12-13

South Carolina

Great Homeschool Conventions South Carolina Greenville, SC March 19-21

South Dakota

Christian Homeschool Conference of South Dakota Sioux Falls, SD May 7-8

Tennessee

Teach Them Diligently Nashville, TN February 27-29

CSTHEA Curriculum Fair Chattanooga, TN July 17-18

Texas

Texas Unschooler Conference 2020 Waller, TX April 16-20

Called to Teach Allen, TX April 30-May 2

The Woodlands, TX May 28-30

South Texas Homeschool Conference Corpus Christi, TX May 29-30

Texas Home Educators Conference The Woodlands, TX August 7-8

Utah

LDSHE Home Education Conference West Ogden, UT May 27-29

Virginia

LDSHE Home Education Conference East Virginia Beach, VA May 6-8

HEAV Virginia Homeschool Convention Richmond, VA June 11-13

IHM National Catholic Homeschool Conference Fredericksburg, VA June 19-20

Washington

Life is Good Unschooling Conference Vancouver, WA May 21-24

2020 WHO Conference Tacoma, WA June 26-27

West Virginia

CHEWV Homeschooling 101 Hurricane, WV March 21

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Parents Association Conference Stevens Point, WI May 8-9

Wyoming

Homeschoolers of WY 2020 Convention Cheyenne, WY May 14-16

Online Summits:

Sometimes, attending a homeschool convention isn’t possible. Perhaps you live too far away from the nearest conference. Or it could be that you are going through a season of life that doesn’t allow you to attend. Either way, online summits are a perfect way to bridge the gap between you and the homeschool convention you can’t attend.

Online conferences come to you. You often get lifetime access, so you can watch when it is convenient for you. Also, they usually have some type of vendor fair. Now, it isn’t the same as holding a book in your hand. However, online homeschool vendor halls still give you the chance to explore new curriculum and resource options. Here are some suggestions if there are no homeschool conventions near you in 2020

Homegrown Generation https://homegrowngeneration.com/

The Homeschool Teaching Online Summit 2.0 https://homeschoolsummits.com/

Homeschool 2.0 Global Summit https://hgsummit.com/

Homeschool Mom Conference https://mailchi.mp/d1e895905925/homeschool-mom-conference

Are you going to a homeschool convention this year? If so, which one are you attending, and is it in person or online?

DIY Homeschool Spelling Curriculum

February 21, 2020 By Crafty Team 1 Comment

Spelling is a skill that we all need. It’s the first step in effective written communication. However, does that mean you have to buy a complete spelling curriculum? The answer is no. You can easily design your own homeschool spelling curriculum. The key is knowing how to collect, curate, and customize spelling word lists.

Create Spelling Lists from Phonics Lessons

Phonics and spelling go hand in hand. So, why not use phonics lesson words for spelling. Dolch sight words and word families are the perfect lists to start with DIY spelling lists. Use the same word lists you would teach your child to read. Break down the lists into weekly chunks and collate in order of difficulty.

Here are some places to find phonics based spelling lists:

Curate from Spelling Lists by Grade Level

Another approach is to use already created spelling lists for your curriculum. These are easy to find and use. You can even update or edit them for your learners if needed. The nice part about pre-made lists is that it is less work for you. Also, if you are concerned with keeping up with your child’s grade level, you will feel reassured that you are right on track. There are many places online to find spelling lists by grade level. Some are paid and some are free. Your first step should be to do a search for “spelling lists grade X” and see what you find.

Here are some sources for free lists by grade.

Collect Spelling Words From Literature and Life

Another fun way to create your spelling curriculum is from your own experiences. Choose a favorite book and select spelling words from the story. This can be done at any grade level. For younger children, the list can be based on the entire book. For older children, you can choose spelling words by chapter or section. This will make the words more relatable and relevant, especially if it is a favorite book.

In the same way, you can collect spelling lists from life experience. Every family has words that are used frequently in conversation. These make excellent words for your spelling lessons. Relevant words are easier to remember and more meaningful to study.

Here’s some ideas for where to find new spelling words:

Family Read Alouds
Literature Lessons
A Favorite Book
Hobbies
Vacations and Trips
Family Business
Frequently Misspelled Words (keep a log for each child to use for spelling lists)

Theme Based Spelling Lessons

Curating a themed list can be another fun approach. This is especially helpful if you do unit studies. Pick a theme for each month or week. Create lists of words related to that theme. You can even get the kids to help you brainstorm themes.

A few ideas to get you started:

Holidays
Favorite Toys or Games
Unit Study
Seasonal
Nature Study
History Study
Geographically Based

If you are looking for a fun and interactive way to memorize your new spelling lists, be sure to check out our editable spelling activity pack! Simply type in your word list and watch as each activity instantly auto-fills with your words! Click Here for Details.

14 Acts of Love for your Homeschool Classroom

February 13, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day commemorates a 3rd-century monk who sent letters about God’s love from his prison cell. He could not stop sharing the Good News, even after being arrested for his faith. Over the year, Valentine’s Day has become commercialized and lost its Christian roots. So here are 14 acts of love to bring to your homeschool classroom this Valentine’s Day. Take this opportunity to spread God’s undying love.

Feed the birds with heart-shaped feeders.

God loves us even more than the birds in the air that have such beautiful feathers. He always provides what we need. Here is a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus and feed your feathered friends. Make simple, heart-shaped bird feeders to decorate your yard.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26

Secret Sibling Admirer doing Acts of Love.

Having siblings is a blessing. However, even the best families have sibling squabbles and rivalries. Have each child draw the name of a sibling or family member to bless. Everyone needs to do their act of kindness in secret. It could be doing a chore in place of a sibling or leaving a surprise treat for someone. The point is to do something kind for someone else, without thinking about the reward you will receive. God will reward your efforts richly.

That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:4

Give drinks to the thirsty.

Jesus asks us to help those who are in need. One of the biggest needs for the homeless is water. People don’t often think of donating bottled water. However, water is essential for a healthy life. Find a local ministry that helps the poor and homeless. Bring them some bottled water. If you have time, cut out small paper hearts and write a message about how much God loves the person who will receive the bottle. Glue on the hearts and spread God’s love to those who need it most.

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

Spread Light and Truth of God’s Love.

The best way we can show our love for others is by leading them to Jesus. Write a short letter about how much God loves the world and the Good News of the Gospel. Mail or hand-deliver them to each of your neighbors.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

Valentines for the elderly this Valentine’s Day.

Remember those who are often forgotten. God loves all people at all stages of life. The elderly are often forgotten in our busy world. Mail a large envelope full of handmade or store-bought valentines to a local nursing home. Write a quick note about God’s love on each valentine.

Write Love letters to each child.

Homeschooling is a busy life. We love our children and want the best for them, right. But, when was the last time you put that in writing? Compose a letter about your love and God’s undying love for each child. These letters will be special treasures for your children. Children can also write letters to each of their parents. Language arts for the day, done!

Make a list of all the ways God shows His love to us.

Ann Voscamp’s best selling book, One Thousand Gifts, began as a list of all the ways God had blessed her. Sometimes God’s love comes in unexpected or difficult packages. How many gifts of God’s love can you list? Have a competition to see who can list the most.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalms 103:2

Love your enemies.

Loving our family and friends is easy. God calls us to a much higher love, though. Loving our enemies is hard! Exercise your loving muscles this February! Think of someone who has been hard to get along with or you have difficulty with. Send a card or letter just because. Remind them how much God loves them.

PS Include that you love them, too!

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Send a card to someone who is difficult to get along with. Matthew 5:44

John 3:16 Valentine Craft.

Make a special Valentine’s gift based on John 3:16. Learn how at Christianity Cove. Decide who needs most to hear the Truth about God’s Love for the world!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Memorize a verse about God’s love.

The best way to know and learn about God’s love is through His Word. Hide the Truth in your heart with a little memory work.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalms 119:11

Send a note of thanks to your pastor.

Our pastors do amazing work. We sometimes forget how much they give for us. Send your pastors notes of thanks. Include a favorite verse for each of them. Remind them that God loves them, too! Everyone needs to hear that, even pastors.

Pray for orphans and widows.

We need to remember to love those who don’t have anyone to love them. Take some time to pray as a family for orphans and widows around the world. If you know a widow, let her know you are praying for her. You could also find a waiting child through many websites online, choose one and pray specifically for him or her.

Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. Job 29:12

Decorate with Hearts of God’s Love.

Illustrate your favorite verse about God’s love. Glue onto paper heart and string together the family’s hearts. Hang on a wall or curtain rod to decorate your homeschool area.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21

Support Missionaries for God’s Love

Do you know a missionary overseas? Would you like to know more about what missionaries do? Connect with a missionary family by mail or online to learn about how they are spreading God’s love. Share your support through prayer, monetary gifts, and/or friendship.

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Luke 10:1-12

Our Holiday Packs are some of our most popular teaching resources because they are NO-PREP, available in an instant download and include TONS of hands on activities, games, crafts, printables and teaching resoruces for K-5 students. Each set comes with special take home activities too, making them perfect for Children’s Ministry and Outreach.

Editable Sight Word Worksheets

February 11, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

Wondering what the fuss is all about with editable worksheets? You’ll be surprised to discover how much easier life is with their versatile and interactive features. Editable worksheets are great for creating customized word lists, spelling sheets, games, and more! And, you’ll love our new editable sight word worksheets to add to your keepsake collection of literacy tools!

What are Editable Worksheets?

Maybe you’re not sure about their value; what exactly are editable worksheets? Editable simply means that these special worksheets have certain elements with data that can be changed for personalization.

In other words, editable worksheets are like templates, you just edit or add the data in the text boxes. You can quickly type or paste your information directly in the text boxes, or placeholders.

With our easy to use interactive tools, you can use them as spelling worksheets, handwriting practice, handwriting worksheets, name tracing worksheets, letter tracing worksheets, and SO much more!

Editable Worksheets for Spelling

For example, let’s discuss the subject of spelling. As teachers, we usually have new spelling lists for our students each week. So, using editable worksheets is perfect practice for spelling. Plus, it’s at an affordable price if you’re on a strict budget!

With our Editable Sight Word Worksheets, we give you control to add any spelling lists based on their grade or level. Students practice writing and spelling their word while building key fine motor skills:

In addition, our interactive activity pack will help your students learn sight words and names that they struggle with or are new to. If my kids struggle with certain spelling words, I write them down. Then, add them to my very own customized list to ensure they are remembering words we practiced.

This is the key to what makes editable and interactive worksheets so flexible and valuable.

It’s easy to start — simply type in your word list and instantly your words auto-fill into the activity mats. Viola, you’ve got a customized word list!

You can also save your customized list using editable worksheets and create many more! The possibilities are endless as you come up with a ton of other ideas to create your very own DIY learning center!

Why Editable Worksheets Work

While static worksheets are great for some students, sometimes we need to make mundane spelling and word lists more exciting, interactive, and visually appealing to others. That’s why editable worksheets cover every student’s situation or struggle. Think about this:

Is your child practicing certain word lists at school? Got it covered!
Are your students working on a grade-level word list and want to make it fun? Check!
Do you have a stressed student who continuously struggles with reading, writing, or saying certain words? Yep — we’ve got your special student in mind!
Looking for an engaging, motivating activity to help students enjoy learning new words? We know exactly what you need!

Editable Sheets with Playdough

Editable Sight Word Playdough Mats is another activity pack to help students learn their names, words, and more! Using a customized feature, just type in a name and you’ve got an instant DIY Playdough Mat!

Got some extra playdough and your kids love to squish, poke, and prod? This is the perfect way to incorporate your very own unique word list while adding interactive fun to their day.

Editable Sheets using Pattern Blocks

Does your child love unique shapes or patterns? If so, we’ve got great news. Our Editable Sight Words Task Cards allow your child to utilize unique shapes in forming new words AND learning math all at the same time! Plus, they’ll even get to show off their art skills by drawing shapes and coloring them in.

Dynamic Worksheets for a Deal

Not sure what works best for your child or classroom? Try all three for a super affordable price! Our GROWING Editable Worksheet Bundle is just what you need to keep the energy alive during education time. Each packet contains a special place for sight words, names, spelling, games and more to keep your child focused on the right words. You’ll get the Editable Playdough Mats, Editable Activity Pages, AND Editable Pattern Block Sheets!

Find out more about our Editable Sight Word Packet — you’ll get easy to follow instructions, eye-catching quality worksheets, and a ton of ideas to glean from using your very own word and spelling lists!

NOTE: THIS IS A GROWING BUNDLE! THE PRICE WILL INCREASE AS WE ADD MORE RESOURCES. Purchase NOW for the BEST deal!

Current Packs:

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Homeschooling Through The Winter: Tips & Tricks to Make it Through

January 31, 2020 By Crafty Team 1 Comment

Winter is here and the homeschool year is beginning to drag on. With the colder temperatures and shorter days, homeschooling through winter can be a challenge. This is the perfect time to have some fun, experience new things, and build precious memories. Here are some tips and tricks for making it through winter this year.

Winter Field Trips for Homeschooling

Leave the classroom behind! It is easy to focus on “doing school” and forget one of the best benefits of homeschooling–educating on your terms. Homeschooling shouldn’t be about plowing through checklists. It is really more about home than school!

Take some field trips (see below), participate in a service project or visit family. Give your children so hands-on, real life experience. These memories will stick with them for years to come. Plus, they will have a chance to practice everything they are learning during school hours.

Schedule a Reading Week

Sometimes you just need a break. However, you don’t want to lose momentum and have to regroup everyone, especially after the holiday season. Reading week to the rescue! For reading week, everyone has to read during school hours. It could be something specific or just anything they choose. You can mix assigned readings with free choice.

Have everyone put together a pile of books, and then take a reading vacation. This maintains the rhythm of school without the burden of lessons. Make sure mom and dad get in on the act. Print these FREE Reading Bookmarks, Charts and More for your Homeschool Reading Week!

Have a Snow Day

Every public school kid looks forward to snow days. Sometimes, homeschoolers just need to do the same. Close your school for the day, light a fire, mix up some hot chocolate, and let the kids just play in the snow. This will help burn off some steam in the middle of winter. Plus, they will be exploring nature, every moment is a learning opportunity.

Don’t get snow? You can still take a day off. Try whipping up a batch of this Super Soft & Sparkly Wintermint Playdough! Schools take off for all kinds of reasons. Pick your own and enjoy hours of play. Homeschool life is not meant to be all work and no fun! Try these fun Fine Motor Snow Man activity pages for some hands-on fun!

Mix It Up with Some Delicious Winter Cooking Lessons

Cook up some fun and tasty treats this winter. The kitchen is the best place to learn about science, math, geography, history, and nutrition. So, put down the books and notebooks, and take out the pots and pans.

Here are a few Kid-Friendly Winter Recipes to get you started:

You don’t have to be a master chef to teach through cooking. There are plenty of YouTube channels and cookbooks to guide you. Start where you feel comfortable and grow from there…or take on a challenge and learn together.

Winter Field Trip Ideas for homeschooling in winter

Winter is a great time for field trips, here are some ideas:

Museums
Art Gallery
Underground Mine Tour
Aquarium
Winter Nature Walk
Ice Skating
Factory tour
Town Hall
Fire Station
Tour of Your Town or County
A New Library
Skiing
Snow Tubing
Craft Studio
Train trip (near or far)

Homeschool Encouragement for Mom

Homeschooling through the winter can be hardest for mom. The excitement of the new year has worn off, the holidays are over, and summer feels very far away. It’s important to realize that homeschooling in winter is hard on every homeschool mom. You are not alone. Let’s look at some other self-care tips and tricks to make it through for mom. Here are some encouraging homeschool mom ideas:

Take care of your health. Get plenty of sleep and eat well. Sometimes getting sick is impossible to avoid. However, do what you can to keep yourself healthy and avoid the added pressure of homeschooling while sick.
Be willing to take time out and catch your breath. Sometimes, you just need 30 seconds to take a deep breath and move on. Giving yourself space and a bit of time is healthy and useful.
Get moving. Even if exercise is just a walk around your house or a quick workout on your stairs, getting your body moving will help you deal with the added stress.
Find a bit of comfort. Homeschool moms don’t have much time for pampering. However, make a routine of doing something nice for yourself each day. Enjoy a cup of tea. Use a nice body butter to smooth rough winter skin. Listen to a podcast. It doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact.
Connect with other moms. Whether it is online or in real life, having other moms on your side is therapeutic. Everyone has difficult homeschool days. And every homeschool mom is just trying to make it through the long winter. Get inspired by others, vent if you have to, and know that you are doing an amazing job!

January Homeschool Checklist: Taking Inventory

January 10, 2020 By Crafty Team Leave a Comment

The new year is here, and even though it isn’t a new homeschool year, there is some housekeeping to be done! January is the perfect time to do a mid-year review of your homeschool, assess your progress, and set goals for the rest of the year. This ultimate January homeschool checklist will get your homeschool organizing and thriving.

Tasks to Focus on in January

Mid-year review of your homeschool
Portfolio organization and planning
Student assessments
Homeschool goal setting and evaluation
Organization systems for your homeschool

How to Do a Mid-Year Homeschool Review

Do you remember the excitement when you finished plans for the year and the new books arrived? How are you feeling about your choices, now? Sometimes, we have the “best” plans but they just are not the best for our family. Or, we realize that there are gaps that need to be filled. A mid-year review gives you the opportunity to evaluate how your homeschool is running, and how your children are learning. This is not a time to be overly critical. If aspects of your homeschool need to be changed, feel empowered that you can change for the better. Do not worry about the “should have” or “could have” ideas. The best homeschool are ones that grow and change with family needs.

Mid-Year Homeschool Review Steps:

Evaluate how you feel about each book or curriculum resource. Is the beautiful language arts book dull and dry? Are you pleasantly surprised by the last minute science choice? Do you wish you had never bought that geography curriculum? Be honest with yourself and make a list of what you would like to change in your homeschool.
Ask the children about how they feel. Child input is essential to a healthy homeschool. Ask them to recount how they feel about their progress and resources.
Track your goals and set new ones. Have you met your goals for first semester? Are there topics you still haven’t addressed? Where do you want to be in June?
Organize and evaluate your portfolios.
Assess your students and look for gaps and growth. See if anyone is ready to skip ahead, or needs some extra support to keep going. Where have they blossomed? Where are they struggling?
Look at organization systems in your homeschool. Where do you need more organization? Are the systems you have working or do they need a little tweak?
Consider your homeschooling schedule. Is your general plan for the day still working? Are there unexpected difficulties that you need to address? Are you spending enough time on schooling? Are you spending too much?
Formulate a plan to fix what is broken. Decide which areas need the most attention. Choose how you will address these concerns.
Revise your plans for the year and proceed with confidence.

Tracking Goals

Tracking your homeschool goals is essential to meeting them. It also helps you form better goals in the future. Look at what you planned to do before the year began. How are you doing with that plan? Are you meeting your goals? Have you surpassed them?

Take out your homeschool checklist of goals for the year
Check off the ones that have been met
Circle those that you have not gotten around to
Evaluate if your original goals are realistic
Decide which goals were easy to meet.
Rework goals that are unrealistic
Rewrite your goals list for the rest of the year

Portfolio Planning and Maintenance

Portfolios are the perfect way to track progress and evaluate your children. They also provide ongoing records of what you learned for state evaluations. However, building a portfolio from scratch in June is a daunting task. Take the time to plan what you will be including and do some maintenance work on your portfolios, now. This will make the rest of the year easier and mean that you have a completed portfolio at the end of the year.

Make a list of what must be included or take out the list you already made
Make a note of any items missing from the first part of the year
Ask your child to do a self assessment on their portfolio. How does he or she feel about the work included? What would he or she change?
Set up a routine for updating portfolio contents
Update record keeping logs
Celebrate what you have already accomplished this school year

How to Assess Students with a Homeschool Checklist

We often think of student assessment as tests or stressful requirements. An assessment is simply evaluating where a child is and where he needs to be. It does not have to be a written test and can be completed fairly quickly. A thorough assessment of a student’s abilities, needs, and accomplishments will help you build a better educational experience.

Where has your child done very well?
What new skills has he mastered?
Can he demonstrate his learning in each of the core subjects?
Where is he struggling?
Is there a gap that needs to be filled?
How is his learning style affecting his progress?
Is he investing enough time and effort into his studies?
Is there something that would make his learning easier?
Are there environmental factors? Work space? Noise levels? Dietary needs? How can you provide a better environment?
Is there something your child really wants to learn in the new year?

Tips for Homeschooling in January

It is important to not be overly hard on yourself in January. A new year is a new beginning. You have 365 opportunities ahead of you. Focus more on what you have accomplished and less on what you didn’t. Also, do not take too long doing a mid-year assessment. Work through the January homeschool checklist and move on. There is still plenty of year left for homeschooling.

Go gentle on yourself and your children
Take the time to work through the checklist and evaluations, but don’t spend too long.
Approach the next half of the school year with optimism
Make sure your children know what they are doing well, and where they can improve
Be willing to let go of resources, goals, or preconceptions that don’t serve your family
Celebrate how far you have come