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Valerie Mcclintick

Leaf Unit Study

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Fall is in the air! It’s time for pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts. Leaves changing color is the telltale sign that Fall is officially here. Autumn is a perfect time to harvest some fun learning and explore new projects as a family. There’s so much to do with Fall colored leaves than just rake them up. Although, raking them up can be some super family fun! If you are looking for something to do with your family this Autumn, check out this Fall Leaves Unit Study. It’s packed with projects, activities, lessons, and most importantly, fun.

Language Arts

Art

Bible

Math

Science

History

Extension Activities

If you are looking for more, why not keep the fun going? Here are some more Fall themed unit studies that would complement studying Fall leaves very well.

How to Encourage Independent Learning

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Independent Learning in your Homeschool

Homeschooling is hard work. You may be feeling overwhelmed by how much work it is, especially if you have a few children. There is only one of you versus a mountain of lessons, housework, activity schedules, and laundry. However, just because you are homeschooling, doesn’t mean you have to be teaching every lesson. Wait…what?? That’s right, it’s a myth that homeschooling moms need to teach everything. The ultimate goal of homeschooling is actually to foster independent learning. So, here’s a quick guide to how you can start teaching independent learners in your homeschool.

Helping Students Become Independent Learners

One of the first, and best ways, to help students become independent learns is through outsourcing some education. This could mean a co-op, however, it also could mean a math program that teaches itself or a science book that is on CD. You see, having the children work through classes that aren’t taught by you actually increases their independence. Also, outsourcing a subject or two can be completely affordable when done this way. Students will be required to complete the lesson and keep track of what they have done. You will need to check their work, but that is quicker than doing the lessons and will take the pressure off of you. Building independent learners can be as easy as buying a curriculum resource that somehow provides lessons so you don’t have to.

Start a Homeschool Student Portfolio Today

How to Encourage Children to Learn through Their Passions

The best way to encourage self-education and independent learners are to encourage their passions. When children want to learn, they love to learn. So, if you focus on what they love, you won’t have to teach that subject. This works great for history and science. Let students dive deep into their passions. They can read, write, graph, research, and do projects of all types. Teaching independent learners is simple when learners want to learn independently. Notebooking and journaling are fantastic homeschool methods that will encourage your young learners to seek out answers on their own.

Family Learning together Builds Independent Learning

We think that everyone has to have their own curriculum for every subject, however, several subjects lend themselves to learning as a family. This can be done as read alouds, group projects, or field trips. In addition, siblings can learn together without mom or dad. Independent doesn’t have to mean all alone. Team up siblings, let friends put together a study club, or have older kids tutor younger ones.

Building Independent Learners through Problem Solving

Independent learners need to be able to problem-solve. This isn’t just solving math problems, but being able to push through difficulty or confusion. Learning is a process, and not always a straight line. When children self educate, they need to be able to come up with solutions, theories, and test what they are considering. So, by teaching children how to solve problems independently you are in turn build independent learners. Take the time to build these skills in your children, remember the age-old adage, “Teach a man to fish….”

Dedicate a specific time in your week to simply teaching your children HOW to find the answers they seek. In today’s day and age with the world at our fingertips, you can easily setup a safe and effective method for your kiddos to use when ever they are stumped on a problem or activitiy. You might even create a small checklist to hang in the classroom for them to refer too when Mom or Dad are busy.

What does Teaching Responsibility and Self Sufficiency do for Your Homeschool

In addition to problem-solving, responsibility is an essential skill for independent learning. Independent learning requires personal responsibility to stay on track. They need to be self-motivated to keep going. On the other hand, self-sufficiency also encourages independent learners. Teach children life skills, handy crafts, and study skills. All of these foster self-sufficiency which gives children the confidence to pursue their own studies. It also fosters independence and the desire to do things unassisted.

A Year of Free Unit Studies to Explore

Easy to Use Organization System for Homeschoolers

There is a sure way to set your children up for success, create an easy to use organization system. Organization is important to a smooth-running homeschool. Creating an organization system for resources, books, tools, and materials will help your children learn independently more readily. They will be able to find and return whatever they need to study and grow. This takes the pressure off of you and puts the responsibility onto the children to get their supplies and clean up after lessons are finished.

Free Homeschool Planning Pack

In addition, organize lessons and have clear goals. When everyone is heading in the same direction and knows where the finish line is, it gives them the freedom to reach that goal independently. This Free Homeschool Planning Pack will help you get your independent learners off to the right start!

Free Homeschool Student Planner

Homeschool Survival Guide

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The school year is not what you anticipated. You’ve never imagined yourself as a homeschool mom. Yet, here you are. Homeschooling was probably not your first choice, but it was the best choice given the circumstances. But, what now? How do you get through this and not lose your mind? You know it’s not the kids’ fault, but you really wish you could just send them back to school. Being a sudden and unexpected homeschooler is not easy. However, it is a special opportunity for your family, if you tap into the right resources and embrace the gift of homeschooling, even if it is only for a year. Here’s the homeschool survival guide you’ve been looking for.

How to Homeschool Your Children and Keep Your Sanity

There is already so much to process and deal with. Perhaps you are working from home and homeschooling. You probably wonder if you will lose your mind before the end of the year. Homeschooling is a lot of work, but doing homeschooling well should never come at the cost of your physical and mental health. YOU are the most important part of your homeschool. So, here are some ways to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

  • Connect with other moms who understand through a homeschool group either virtually or in-person
  • Make time to pray and read the Bible
  • Enlist family and friends for added support (help with teaching, give you a break with childcare, just listen when you need someone to listen, etc)
  • Set priorities and realize that they will not be the same as they were before. You may have to embrace some more mess now that the kids are home all the time. Have the top three things you need to accomplish each day, and let the rest go.
  • Simplify your life! Keep things simple so you are less stressed
  • Make sure you are eating, sleeping, and drinking plenty of water! Really!!
  • Outsource work in your home or homeschool where you need it most.
  • Be willing to let go of things that aren’t working. You didn’t fail, the resource just isn’t made for your family.

Homeschool Mom Support Network Essentials

Homeschool moms need support. You are working hard and need a network to help you through the rough patches. Support networks are also important for celebrating victories. But, how can you build a support network when you barely have time to shower? Here are some tips for finding the network you need:

  • Start on social media. Search “homeschool” plus your area, town, or state. Groups will pop up for moms just like you. Join a few and see which ones meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to post if you need help, or leave if the group just isn’t for you.
  • Join a co-op or local homeschool group. Even though there may be less activities going on, it’s a chance to connect with people in your area for virtual or in-person get togethers.
  • Enlist tutors, online classes, or family members to teach subjects you don’t want to teach or you are struggling to teach to your child.
  • Participate in a “moms night out” or plan your own. Scheduling regular breaks will give you a chance to decompress, have some fun, and fight off overwhelm.

Building a Positive Homeschool Mindset

A positive outlook is the first step to a positive outcome. It is understandable that you may be frustrated or even angry about having to homeschool. You could be grieving the loss of your vision for this school year. All of this is normal. However, if you are going to make it through successfully and with your sanity in tact, you need to look on the bright side. Try to accept that life is not what you planned. Look for ways that you can make this year special. What are the positives of your new situation? Make a list of them and keep it somewhere safe. Whenever you start to feel those negative feels, remind yourself of the positives, take a deep breath, and move on.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling is about so much more than traditional education. It’s a lifestyle. This lifestyle takes some adjusting but it is a great opportunity for your family to grow in ways that weren’t possible during a traditional school schedule. Consider how you can incorporate some of these benefits into your day to make this year of unexpected homeschooling an adventure. Just another tool to add to your personal homeschool survival guide!

  • Work on character development as a family
  • Take more time to read, study, or memorize the Bible as a family
  • Learn some life skills that will stick with your kids for decades to come
  • Volunteer for a local charity or neighbor as a diversion from the daily school work
  • Incorporate practical lessons and activities
  • Develop or discover personal hobbies
  • Visit family and friends more often

How to Keep Homeschool Kids Busy

You may be overwhelmed with just what to do with the kids all day long, every day! So, no homeschool survival guide for mom would be complete without a list of suggestions for keeping the kids busy when they are home all the time.

  • Allow them to pursue personal hobbies
  • Encourage child interest-led learning. Provide books, resources, and tools to learn about what their passions once the regular work is finished
  • Take field trips—locally, long-distance, and virtually
  • Spend more time in nature
  • Find some good documentaries to enjoy together
  • Adopt a school pet—from a goldfish to a new dog, get the kids engaged in caring for this new member of the family
  • Let them get bored! They say necessity is the mother of all invention. So is boredom. If the kids have enough downtime, they will dream up new ways to entertain themselves.
  • Organize project or fun days with other homeschoolers
  • Join a local sports team, dance troop, or gym.

Trick or Treat Alternatives

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After so many months of life being different, you may be looking for ways to bring some normalcy into your life. A hallmark of Fall is trick or treating with family and friends. However, as with most of 2020, this year Halloween will look a bit unusual. So what can you do to make this a fun time if you can’t do what you usually do? Here are 7 trick or treat alternatives for celebrating Halloween without the Trick or Treating part!

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Host a Small Get Together

If you are able and willing, bring the celebrating to you. Get together a small group of your closest friends or family. Host your party outdoors or in, either way it will be a treat. Here are some ways that you can make a small get-together into big fun:

  • Have a movie night with popcorn and movie-style candy boxes
  • Serve crazy, Halloween themed drinks. Check out these ideas!
  • Munch on fun Fall food like popcorn balls, caramel apples, or funnel cakes.
  • Play Fall themed games like these.

Create an Escape Room in Your Home

Want to make your party a total experience? Why not try creating an escape room in your home. It’s an exciting alternative to trick or treating. Escape rooms are action packed, family entertainment that will keep your mind active. Transport your family to a riveting adventure without leaving home. Here are some resources for planning your own escape room party at home.

Virtual Escape Rooms

Perhaps you really want to play with family and friends. However, getting together is just not possible. Virtual escape rooms let anyone and everyone join in, restrictions or not! These games can be hosted over Zoom and offer exciting entertainment that makes you work together, even when you have to be apart. Here’s some of the best options for family online escape rooms:

Hold a Virtual Costume Contest with Family and Friends

All dressed up and no where to go? Don’t let that fabulous costume go to waste. Host a virtual costume contest with family and friends. Have everyone dress up in their favorite costume, then create categories and prizes. Prizes can be mailed or a simple, printable certificate that can be sent over email. Next set a time to gather online and show off what you have. If full blown costumes are just too much, simplify but keep the fun. Some ideas for simplified contests are face painting contests, make-up contest, crazy hat contest, or best mask contest. This is the Best Facepaint kit, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Have a Candy Hunt Alternative to Trick or Treating

Trick or Treating is so much fun. The thrill of what each house is handing out. The excitement of counting and sorting your bounty. Oh, and let’s not forget about trading for your favorites. Just because you can’t go trick or treating, doesn’t mean you need to miss out on that annual fun! Have a candy hunt in your home or backyard. You could even set one up at a local park with a handful of friends.

This works the same way as an Easter egg hunt. Hide candy around the yard or house. You can hide individually wrapped candy or fill these adorable pumpkins with treats, pennies, or candy and hide where you want.

DIY Pumpkin Window Decorations

Host a Harvest Festival in Your Backyard

Make your backyard into a festival wonderland. A harvest festival doesn’t have to be overly elaborate or expensive. Set up stations that are easy to do without a lot of oversight. This is a fantastic alternative to trick or treating around the neighborhood. Here’s some station ideas:

  • Halloween or Fall temporary tattoos
  • Paint a mini pumpkin
  • Knockdown the cans
  • Plastic duck pond
  • Fall scavenger hunt
  • Craft station
  • Bob for apples
  • Cider and donuts
  • Backyard games center (think Bocce, volleyball, or crochet)
  • Decorate a candy bag
  • Pin the tail on the donkey
  • Egg and spoon races
  • Make your own mask
  • DIY games
Fall Art Projects for Kids

Compete in a Pumpkin Carving Contest at Home or Virtually

Put some skin in the game with a pumpkin carving contest. Like the costume contest, set a time and pick categories to compete in. These could be age-based or themes. Then have everyone make their pumpkin. Gather round in person at home or online to show off your masterpiece. Have an impartial judge participate to choose a winner. Take a picture, or screenshot, of each pumpkin and send it to all participants and add them to a PDF. Send it to participants as a keepsake of this unusual but exciting Halloween season.

Got a kid who loves building with bricks? Try our creative Building Bricks Fall Activity for hours of fun!

Practical Homeschooling Projects

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Many people think that homeschoolers just lock themselves in their homes and never see another soul. However, homeschooling is full of opportunities to get out, stay busy, and make new friends. That was until recently. Recent shutdowns have affected the homeschooling community just as much as everyone else. However, you want to keep your kids engaged and learning even when you can’t go to co-op, clubs, field trips, and more. So, here are some practical homeschool projects to keep your young learners learning and growing right at home.

4-H and Small Scale Farming Projects for Homeschoolers

It’s rewarding and challenging to work with animals. Even if you just have a small amount of space, your children participate in a rabbit or chicken project with 4-H. If you have a larger property, you could consider sheep, goats, pigs, or even cows. These will teach children responsibility, organization, and along with endless lessons in biology. However, if raising an animal outside is completely out of the question, you could consider fostering a cat or dog. This will give a waiting animal a loving home until he can be adopted. Also, your child will get the experience of raising animals without long-term commitment or farm animals. To join 4-H contact your state extension office (which is usually at a state university). However, to foster cats and dogs, you will need to find a shelter or charity that arranges that.

The Benefits of Children Learning to Garden

Garden are ripe with learning opportunities. Aside from personal responsibility and understanding botany, gardens provide bushels of hands-on learning fun that is practical and highly educational. So, set up some raised beds or places a few containers on your porch, and get gardening. Here are some skills that can be learned from any sized garden.

  • Planning/plotting the garden
  • Companion gardening
  • Cultivation
  • Harvesting
  • Record keeping
  • Propagating new plants
  • Pressing flowers
  • Canning food
  • Pest control (especially organic pest control)
  • Effects of weather and climate
  • Beneficial organisms
  • Selling surplus
  • Discovering new recipes for bumper crops

Why You Should Add Sewing and Handiwork to Your Homeschool

The domestic arts are becoming lost skills. Although sewing and handiwork are not considered academics, they are chock full of learning potential. In fact, sewing, knitting, needlepoint, crochet, etc are mini math lessons in disguise. So pull out some yarn and craft the perfect project for your homeschool. Here are some other ideas:

  • Knitting
  • Sewing
  • Quilting
  • Interior decorating
  • Small crafts
  • Crafts or sewing projects for charity:
    • Quilts for NICU babies
    • Knit hats for babies in need
    • Crochet hats for cancer patients
  • Learn to repair home goods and clothing
  • Tailoring
  • Scrapbooking
  • Floral arranging

Survival Skills for Homeschooling

Learning survival skills can be fun and challenging. Best of all, you don’t have to travel far to practice your new skills. Your backyard, a state park, or the local walking/biking path all offer opportunities to practice surviving in the wild. Also, these skills are incredibly practical. Here are some skills to tackle:

  • Tree identification
  • Orienteering
  • Foraging and plant identification
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Fire building
  • First Aid
  • Tracking and identifiying animals
  • Knot tying
  • Swimming
  • Building emergency shelter
  • Fishing
  • Map reading

Practical Homeschool Projects to Try this Fall

Here are some additional ideas of practical projects and skills you could add to your homeschool day. So, you can have amazing adventures even if you can’t leave home!

  • Carpentry
  • Car repair
  • Home repair
  • Building and woodworking
  • Household maintenance
  • Run a food drive
  • Send cards to those in hospitals or nursing homes
  • Walk-a-thon or jump-a-thon
  • Build a community garden for beneficial insects
  • Start a home-based business
  • Help younger siblings
  • Tutor neighbors or friends over Zoom
  • Lawn care
  • Landscaping
Looking for Homeschool Field Trip Ideas? This this list 100 fun filled field trips your Homeschool children will love!

Homeschool Burnout: Why You Should Plan to Fail

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You have been planning for weeks, maybe months. The pencils are all sharpened, the textbooks are nice and shiny, and you have your schedule all laid out. What could do wrong? The truth is anything! Just as in life, things can and will go wrong. Does that mean you have failed? Not really. Every homeschooling mom faces challenges and failures. So the key is to prepare for them before it happens. Difficulties can easily lead to burnout unless you plan to fail! Here are the many ways you can plan to fail, so you can pull through and succeed.

Schedule Fails

On paper, your schedule looks perfect. You envision the day running smoothly from one subject to another, then enjoying an afternoon with the kids or tackling your own work while the happily play. However, even the best designed schedule can fail. Maybe starting at 8 AM is never going to work. Perhaps, by the time you get to history or science the kids are spent. Or what happens when language arts takes 45 mins instead of the 20 you plan? Instead of beating yourself up that you can’t stick to the schedule, make the schedule stick to your homeschool. A schedule is a tool, be willing to revise and adapt. Use the first couple of weeks to get a feel for how your homeschool works and then set a schedule, remember to be flexible, though. Scheduling failures will happen, re-evaluate your plan periodically to adjust for seasonal and family changes.

SIMPLE Homeschool Planner

Curriculum Fails

So, you spent 24,578 hours researching curriculum. You consulted all the experts, and checked out what your favorite influencers on Instagram are using. You know this is THE BEST curriculum for your family and homeschooling is going to be amazing. That is until it isn’t. What happens when the textbook or course that “everyone” is raving about becomes what you dread every morning as you open your eyes? The truth is that there are no bad curriculum choices, only bad choices for your family. That top rated math program or celebrated history book could be great but if it doesn’t work for you family, it really doesn’t matter. Give yourself grace and be willing to walk away. The frustration from trying to make curriculum work can easily spill into overall overwhelm with homeschooling. Then, the burnout will begin. Instead, be willing to make a change, sell the curriculum or shelve it for later. Either way, look at this as a new possibility and learning experience.

Life Fails

Life happens! Right? So don’t be surprised when life happens in your homeschool. The sink may get clogged or the dog get loose. You could easily fall behind on the laundry or lose power because of a storm. Then there are the unexpected interruptions. Remember, life isn’t perfect and it’s the challenges and surprises that keep it interesting. So, plan on the best-laid plans often going astray. Leave some wiggle room in your planning so you have built-in catch up time and aren’t scrambling at the end or a quarter or end of the year to fit everything in.

How to Fail At Homeschool (And What You Can Do Instead)

Behavior Fails

Sometimes the moon is full, the sugar levels are high, or kids just are being silly. All of these can make getting through a lesson really difficult. You may begin to question if you have what it takes to homeschool. How can you really make it work if you can’t get Johnny to just finish his math work without you reminding him a million times? Kids will be kids and sometimes they just won’t love doing homeschool work. Other times, there may be growing pains or personal struggles to deal with. Be patient, work it out, and take a deep breath. You can do this, just take a step back instead of going down the rabbit hole of overwhelm and exasperation. That is the surest way to burnout.

Mom Fails

Ok, mom, even you are going to have bad days. There are going to be times when you just don’t feel like doing school. There may be times when you feel lonely, or maybe you are tired or sick. That’s okay. Just as with life, challenges will come. Some days, mom just need a day off, too! So, consider taking a snow day, rain day, or even a sun day! Pick an educational movie, pop some popcorn, and veg out with the kids on the couch. Also, realize that homeschool moms need support, you can’t do this alone. Find another homeschool mom to connect with so you can give each other pep talks when needed.

Homeschooling Without a Classroom

Classroom Fails

In a high-tech classroom, failure is inevitable. As great as technology is, it is prone to problems. You never really know when the computer will decide to do a 2-hour update or the Internet will go out. Does that mean you shouldn’t use technology to make your school day run more smoothly? No, just plan for things to go wrong. If most of your lessons are online, have a set of off-line activities and books to use when you can’t get online. The key is to be flexible and realize that the minor setback does not have to derail your entire year.

Some other Ways to Prepare to Fail:

  • Join a co-op so you don’t have to teach every class and have activities all in one place
  • Build a community for social activities, fun, and support
  • Have a back up plan for days that don’t go as planned
  • Take a step back and make decisions objectively instead of with high emotions
  • Realize that no decision has to last forever
  • Remember even experienced homeschoolers have failures during the year, the trick is planning to fail before it happens.
Homeschool Failure Meme

50 State Minibooks

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If you’re looking for a fun resource to teach all 50 states in an engaging, interactive way, check out our 50 States Mini Book! It’s the perfect way to introduce little learners their fabulous Fifty States.

Designed for Kindergarten, First and Second Grade, each booklet shows special facts to learn about each state, along with an illustration and writing lines. The pages can be colored in as a follow-up activity for your students. What a wonderful activity for your child to learn all about the United States of America!

Fifty States of America Activity

Each USA State Minibook will give your child an opportunity to practice several subjects including art, writing, history, and fine motor skills. In addition, we’ve added a huge bonus with American Sign Language (ASL) letter pages! Your student will learn a new language using the ASL format by signing each letter of all fifty states.

USA State Minibooks

With 12 pages in each State minibook, your students will explore:

  • State Shape Name & Capital
  • State Location on a USA Map
  • State Animal
  • State Tree
  • State Flower
  • State Bird
  • State Insect
  • State Landmarks
  • American Sign Language Name for State

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity on sharing our amazing country’s united states in a unique, colorful, and DIY type activity. Teachers may even learn a thing or two so discover more about our great states today.

50 States Book Materials

What kind of materials will you need for these adorable, affordable, fun to assemble fifty states booklets? We strive to make sure it’s easy for moms and teachers to find supplies. All you should grab are some writing and coloring utensils, scissors, and staples. Just print these 50 states activities printable and you’re ready!

50 States Minibook

Apple Unit Study

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Apples are iconic fruits of fall. When we think about apples, we usually think about school. That’s why learning about apples in September is a perfect way to start your homeschool year. Unit studies tie together all aspects of your homeschool around one central theme. An apple-themed unit study isn’t just interesting, it can be pretty tasty. Here is a collection of resources to help you build a complete apple unit study for your homeschool.

Apple Themed STEAM Activities

Parts of an Apple Worksheets: Tons of apple science worksheets for multiple ages and abilities. Use to create a science journal.

Apple Science Fun: Scholastic offers an entire digital magazine issue on Apple Science.

Apple Investigation with Worksheet: Complete easy, apple experiments and use the information that you learn to fill in the apple themed worksheet.

Apple Science STEM Activities: Keep your homeschool busy with a collection of STEM based activities and projects.

Apple Life Cycle Printables

What’s the Biggest Apple in the World?: This Youtube video explores apple origins and breeding practices that have produced all the apple varieties we have today, and many you have probably never heard of!

Apple, Baking Soda & Vinegar Experiment: Fall Science Experiments For Kids: Add a fall themed twist to this kid approved experiment via a video lesson on Youtube.

Parts of an Apple Printables: Learn about the structure of an apple.

Apple Math Fun for Homeschools

#Math Activity Thursday with Apples: A collection of fun math activities for parents to do with their children.

20+ Apple Math Games, Activities and STEM for Kids: A treasure trove of everything apple for your homeschool.

Apple Multiplication Game: Reinforce multiplication facts with this fall themed game.

Apple Fractions by Jerry Pallotta on Once upon a Story: An enchanting read-aloud video that uses apples to teach fractions.

Apple Themed Addition with Regrouping and without: Two digit addition worksheets that teach when to regroup.

Apple Themed Bible Verse Printables and Memory Work

Bible Activities for Apple Unit Study

Yarn Apple Fall Bible Craft: Learn God’s word through a special craft just for Fall.

Did Eve Eat an Apple?: We all know the story of Eve eating fruit in the garden, however did she eat an apple?

Apples in the Bible: Memorize Bible verses about apples.

Is the Apple the Forbidden Fruit?: The forbidden fruit is always depicted as an apple, but why?

Good Fruit (Apples don’t Grow on Pear Trees): A fun song and video that teaches the concept of bearing good fruit for the Lord.

Adam and Eve Coloring Pages: Coloring pages that teach the story of Adam and Eve.

Tree of Knowledge Craft: Try this puzzle craft to learn more about the Tree of Knowledge.

Tons of Apple Fun with this Fine Motor September Pack

The History of Apples

All about Apples: A History Channel collection of amazing facts about apples throughout history.

Johnny Appleseed Read Aloud for Kids: Learn about the intriguing history of Johnny Appleseed and how he helped shape the history of our country.

History and Legends of Apples: Collection of amazing facts, trivia, and cooking tips.

World’s Most Common Types of Apples: A history and description of the most popular apples worldwide.

29 Historic New England Apple Recipes: Enjoy a taste trip through history with these recipes from the past.

Kindergarten Writing Prompts for September

Language Arts Resources for Homeschool Apples Unit Study

Teaching Ideas for Upper Elementary-Apples: Includes creative writing prompts, vocabulary, and famous quotes project.

September Themed Cursive Practice: Practice cursive with a September poem to copy.

Fall Themed Spelling Words: Two spelling lists for words associated with fall.

American Scrapbook – September: Poem to memorize about apples and the changing seasons.

Parts of an Apple Worksheets

Simple First Day of Homeschool Traditions

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You’ve spent hours planning and days shopping for curriculum supplies. Now, the first day of homeschool is right around the corner! So, how are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Back to school is a special time for everyone, including homeschool families. Make your first day memorable and exciting for your family this year. Whether this is your first year or your tenth, that first day of homeschool is something to celebrate. Here are ten ideas for your first day of homeschooling.

Free Editable Back to Homeschool Photo Signs

First Day of Homeschool Photos

First day of school photos are an iconic tradition. So, why not continue it in your home. Establish a tradition of when, how, and where you take your photos. They can be individual pictures of each child or a group shot in your schoolroom. Either way, these will be precious keepsakes for years to come. Try these free, editable Back to School Photo Signs!

Also, you can use this time to do a one-on-one interview with each child. Record the answers on a sign and include it in the photo or add it to a scrapbook with the photos. However you choose to memorialize these precious moment, it is sure to be treasured for decades to come. Some ideas for interview questions include:

  • What’s your favorite subject?
  • What do you hope to learn this year?
  • What are you most looking forward to?
  • What’s your favorite color?
  • What is your favorite food?
  • What was the best memory from summer vacation?
  • What do you want to be when you grow up?
  • What’s the best book you read this summer?

Have a Special Breakfast

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, the first breakfast of the homeschool year must be the most important breakfast of the year! Gather the family and jump start your home education year with a special and delicious breakfast. Pick favorite foods, or establish a food tradition for First Day Breakfast. Also, take your time at breakfast. Connect with each other, chat and laugh. Let this meal set the tone for the rest of the year.

Go on a Field Trip

The beauty of homeschooling is that school happens wherever you are! Mark the start of the homeschool year with a field trip. Local field trips or a special “not back to school” long weekend are both possibilities. Also, you could do something educational or something that is just plain fun. This is another way to build memories and family bonds. So, get a little creative and get out of the classroom!

Take Your School on the Road—or to the Backyard

Maybe a field trip just isn’t practical for the first day. That doesn’t mean you have to stay inside all day! Take your school somewhere fun. Do your lessons in the backyard or maybe on the beach. Pack up your books, and let your children complete their work at the playground. The possibilities are endless. So, make your first day back a school day to remember.

Celebrate with Friends

Life is better with friends. So, everyone is always asking homeschool families about socialization. Why not take the matter into your own hands and make your first day of homeschooling a socialization celebration. Invite friends over for a picnic lunch and games, or plan a field trip together. Whether you are hard at work with STEM projects, or just burning off energy on a bike ride, connect with loved ones to mark the day.

Thrill them with Surprises

Who doesn’t love surprises? So, plan a special surprise for your children on the first day of homeschool. Pick a small gift or surprise them with special snacks. Also, you could create a little homeschool survival kit with snacks, school supplies, small quiet toys, and a new book. The surprises do not have to be big and expensive. In fact, just having a little surprise waiting for them in the morning will make the day memorable.

Show Some School Spirit

Do you have a school name, colors, and/or mascot? If you do, make a sign, purchase school spirit t-shirt, or decorate your school room with your colors and mascot. Maybe, get each child an eraser with the mascot or decorate their notebooks with printouts showing your homeschool pride.

If you don’t have any of these, now is a perfect time to start. Decide together on a school name, choose your homeschool spirit colors, and pick a mascot. Then you can create a special sign for your school room door.

Have an Opening Prayer Ceremony

Offer your year to God. Start the year off right by praying as a family. You could even invite your pastor over for a special blessing together. Pray over your books and materials, ask God to bless your school space. Offer up all your efforts for His Glory and remember than He is the ultimate teacher. Then, read about learning and wisdom in the Bible. Perhaps, you could even pick a verse for the year to memorize. Establish your homeschooling year in faith and hope, then watch the fruit begin to grow!

Rolling Start

So, just because it is the first day of homeschooling, doesn’t mean it has to be the first day of everything. Gently ease into school work. Pick a couple of subjects to begin, and gradually add in the rest. Create an atmosphere of restful learning by dipping in your toes instead of diving head long into all the lessons. There will be plenty of time to get it done, enjoy this transition time together.

Family Fun Night

After a busy day of lessons and exploration, come back together as a family. Take the time to remember why you are homeschooling, to begin with. Have fun as a family and close out the first day with laughter and love. You can play some games, have a family movie night, or anything your family enjoys. Family is the backbone of homeschooling, nurture it.

Homeschooling Without a Classroom

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There are so many decisions when you start homeschooling. What style of curriculum will you use? Then comes where to get resources and what do you need. Don’t forget about scheduling and organization. However, one decision that might have you really scratching your head is where to set up your homeschool. Pinterest is full of glossy school room photos, but what if you don’t have an extra room for a classroom? You are not alone! Here are some tips for homeschooling without a classroom.

Homeschooling in the Dining Room

Dining room homeschooling is actually more popular than you think. It tends to be a room that is not used regularly and has a large table. This gives children plenty of room to spread out but still be close to mom. However, you may still want to host Thanksgiving dinner, so how can it work? Well, here are some tips for setting up your homeschool in your dining room.

  • Protect and cover your table to keep it safe from accidents or spills
  • Have a bookshelf, cabinet, or other organization system for your supplies
  • Get into the habit of clearing off the table at the end of each day, this will make using your dining room for company or holidays easier.
  • Repurpose furniture like sideboards, built in cabinets, and shelving to create space for your homeschooling supplies and keep the room uncluttered.
  • Remember that you can think outside the box!

Homeschooling in the Living Room

Perhaps you don’t have a dining room, or you use it too often as a dining room for it to be practical as a schoolroom. Either way, the living room is an excellent place to setup your homeschool. Adding storage furniture is often easier than other rooms, there is usually plenty of seating, and it is already kid friendly. If your living room is where you plan to run your homeschool here are some ideas to get you going.

  • Designate a side or corner of the room for homeschooling if possible.
  • If you can’t fit desks, sitting on the sofa is fine don’t get hung up on using “school furniture”
  • Make rules about what can and can’t happen during school time. Your living room is likely a place to play, watch TV, and play games. Which are all okay, just not during homeschooling. (Unless they are part of the lesson, obviously)
  • Keep a collection of “school time toys” for younger siblings that are quiet and non-distracting. Put these away at the end of your school day to keep them interesting and help little ones distinguish school time from play time.
  • Have a clean up routine at the end of the day. Choose simple solutions for getting school supplies out of the way so the family can enjoy time in the living room after your work is finished.

Homeschooling without a Classroom, when You Have Zero Extra Space

What if you have zero extra space? Perhaps you live in a tiny house or your “extra space” is already used for one parent working from home. Sharing that space could be extremely difficult and frustrating for everyone. That’s okay, who says homeschooling can only happen at home? There are plenty of other options out there. So, let’s look at some places where you could homeschool even if you don’t have room at home.

  • The park at benches, on blankets, or in a pavilion
  • Your back porch
  • The library
  • A family member or friend’s home
  • A temperature-controlled shed or other outbuilding
  • Outdoor classroom in your yard
  • Other common or public areas that are quiet during the day

Zero Space Tips

  • Store school supplies in backpacks and/or easy to transport containers.
  • Make room in your trunk, garage, or shed for storing supplies when not in use.
  • Be creative!
  • Don’t be afraid to mix it up.
  • Have a backup plan for inclement weather or family illness—you just might be surprised the space you find at home!

Homeschooling on the Road

Just as homeschooling doesn’t have to be at home, it doesn’t have to be stationary either. There are many reasons why your homeschool may have to hit the road. Some families enjoy the traveling lifestyle, they are live and work in their RV. Other times, a parent much travel for work. Perhaps, the family only has one car and must spend hours each day driving dad to and from work. Whether this is a permanent lifestyle, or a temporary situation, you can homeschool on the go. Embrace homeschooling without a classroom and watch the possibilities unfold. Here’s how to make it successful:

  • Establish some non-driving time for one on one instruction, and questions and answers.
  • Make school supplies portable and make sure everyone has what they need before you leave.
  • Think small and minimize clutter, while maximizing learning. Be judicious when school shopping, only buy what you need and use to avoid stressful clutter.
  • Use audiobooks, travel games, and other outside the box ideas to learn on the go.
  • Make your travel part of the lesson. Whether you are only driving to the office or traveling the world, every trip is an opportunity to learn something new. Stop and take in the sights, explore local history, or use road signs to practice reading, map skills, and identifying letters.
Portrait of young businessman kid in office. Success, creative and innovation concept

Workschooling: Homeschooling From Work

So, you can homeschool on the road, but what if the primary teacher needs to work outside the home? Homeschooling is still possible for working parents. If you want to homeschool but can’t afford to quit you job, or perhaps your child’s school went virtual this year, you can make this work. It will take creativity and cooperation, but it is totally possible.

  • Have your children work in a break room or meeting room
  • Use your lunch hour and break times to do in-person lessons or answer homework questions
  • Include quiet games, activities, crafts, and toys with your homeschool materials for when children finish their work but you are still working
  • Consider getting headphones for kids to listen to audiobooks or watch educational TV.
  • Outsource some or all teaching to online programs, prerecorded lessons, or independent learning.
  • Get the kids involved in your work when possible, hands-on, real-world learning is some of the best kind.

Space Unit Study

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This homeschool year, why not make your lessons out of this world? A unit study is a fun, flexible, and easy way to teach all the subjects without learning to feel like school. Unit Studies are also perfect for families with multiple kids and age ranges. So, give it a try this year! Here’s a guide for building your own Space Unit Study. Pick some activities and lessons from each category and get ready to blast off into learning fun.

Astronomy Lessons and Projects

Exploring Our Solar System: A great exploration of the solar system with an in-depth look at the Sun.

The Solar System Song for Kids: Learn important facts about each planet and the sun through music.

Solar System Worksheets: Learn more about each planet and its place in the solar system.

Space Experiments for Kids: Have fun with some easy, hands on learning about planets and space.

Solar System Exploration: An interactive, real-time encyclopedia by NASA to research topics and explore.

Space Math for Homeschools

Space Race Game: Have fun mastering your multiplication facts with this space themed game.

Space Math: A collection of mathematics lessons presented by NASA.

Stars in the Sky: Can you count all the stars? Learn how to figure out how many stars you can actually see.

Light Seconds, Light Years, Light Centuries: How to Measure Extreme Distances: Learn how to measure extreme distances in space.

Outer Space STEAM Activities

Space Crafts: A collection of fun crafts using supplies you have around the house already.

Gustov Holst-The Planets Full Suite: Explore the planets through classical music.

Activity Ideas for World Space Week: Hands on activities and crafts for all ages.

Van Gogh Art Project for Kids: Have fun creating your own version of the most famous painting of the stars.

Painted Solar System: Get ready for a little mess and a whole lot of fun while creating the whole solar system.

What Does the Bible Say about Space?

6 Verses about the Planets: Memorize verses about our solar system.

7 Science Experiment Bible Lessons for Kids: The Heavens declare the Glory of God! Learn more about the science of His creation through hands-on experiments.

My Outerspace Adventure: Christian worldview readers about outer space.

The Stars Proclaim His Glory: A fun hands on lesson all about God’s glory and His stars.

God Calls Abraham: A series of activities to learn more about our forefather who was promised descendants as numerous as the stars.

The History of Space Explorations

Space Exploration Documentary Series: Discover the history and milestones of space exploration around the world.

Moon Landing 1969: Explore the first landing on the moon with the History Channel.

ISS Timeline: Walk through the history of the International Space Station with videos and articles.

Bible

International Space Station: Facts, History, and Tracking: Learn more about the ISS and how it works.

Star Map: Create a star map for any date anywhere in the world through an interactive map.

Language Arts Resources for Homeschool Space Unit Study

Outer Space Notebooking Pages: Complete with all you are learning about the planets to keep track of progress. Great for copywork and essays.

Space Lapbook: A collection of reading passages, vocabulary, and mini books to enhance your outer space study.

Free Kids Books: A collection of e-books and activities for kids that are fun and educational.

Space Science Spelling Words: Spelling words by grade to add to your language arts lesson.

Reading Comprehension: The Moon: Short passage with reading comprehension questions.

Space Alphabet: Learn new vocabulary and create mini posters from A to Z.

Space Poems: Am impressive collection of poems about space to read or memorize.

Space Handwriting: Handwriting printables with coloring pages.

Landforms Unit Study

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Looking for something different in your homeschool this year? Unit studies provide flexibility, open-ended learning, and a chance to take a break from the usual routine. Whether you want to do an entire year of unit studies, or are just looking for a short term break from your usual schooling, this is the option for you. Not sure where to start? Check out this guide for a Landforms Unit Study that contains resources by subject so you can easily build the perfect plan for your family.

Resources for Reading and Language Arts for a Landforms Unit Study

Coast Article and Resources: Britannica Kids article with photos, videos, and related links.

KiddieMath Landform Worksheets: Includes reading comprehension, matching definitions, and more.

Landform Crossword Puzzle: Have some fun learning the names of landforms with this colorful crossword puzzle.

Landform worksheets: A collection of worksheets on every landform that can be used for copywork or to organize research.

Reading Comprehension Lesson: Read about geographical features and then take a reading comprehension quiz.

Geography and Land Form Art Projects

Landform Diorama Project: With some clay, paint, and paper, you can create a three dimensional and interactive learning tool.

Let’s Draw Landforms: Learn how to draw various landforms with this Youtube video.

Paper Art: Landforms for Kids: Create a beautiful poster for your school room with these easy, paper art techniques.

Grand Canyon Painting Lesson: Get those paint brushes ready and learn more about the world famous Grand Canyon as you paint a stunning masterpiece.

Science Resources for Landforms

Landform Cards: Printable cards for memorizing landforms or playing memory games.

Landform lapbook: Lapbook project that includes printable, full color mini books, and instructions.

Landforms Flashcards and Study Set: An interactive flashcard and quiz on Quizlet.

Exploring Water and Landforms for Kids: An episode on Freeschooling’s Youtube channel.

Landforms Created by Erosion: Youtube video about landforms that are created through erosion.

Earth Science Worksheets for Kids: Various levels and activities for elementary students.

How to Incorporate Math into a Unit Study

Landform Printable Pack: a huge collection of worksheets and activities that include early elementary math.

Landform File Folder Game: Have fun practicing your vocabulary and sorting with this full-color activity.

Contour Activity: Learn how to calculate and draw contour lines for a topographical map.

Above and Below Sea Level: Master the concept of elevation and how it is calculated with this interactive lesson.

Math Activity: Finding My Current Elevation Above or Below Sea Level!: Explore the amazing way that you can calculate your elevation anywhere, at any time.

Landscape, Geography, and History in Unit Studies

World Land Forms: An interactive e-course about land forms around the world.

How the States Got Their Shapes: Part history and part geography, this History Channel series explores the interesting, but sometimes obscure, facts that shaped the 50 states!

History of the Grand Canyon: Discover the history of this impressive and famous landmark.

Landforms Created by Glaciers: Glaciers shaped our landscape and history, learn about the difference these seas of ice made.

Australian Landforms and Their History: Discover the land down under through this fascinating study.

The 15 Most Amazing Landscapes and Rock Formations: Explore the most beautiful landscapes in Britain and learn about their history.

Adding Bible Studies to a Geography Unit Study

What the Bible has to Say about Geography: Memorize verses about geography and hide more of God’s Truths in their hearts.

Antiquity of Landforms: How old is the world, really, and how long did it take for the terrain to form?

55 Bible Verses about Mountains: Enjoy the digital slide show as you read all the Bible has to say about mountains.

Geography and the Bible: A collection of articles and worksheets to teach you about the geography of the Bible.

Homeschool Curriculum by Teaching Style

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Choosing a homeschool curriculum is one of the biggest decisions for homeschool families. There are many different homeschooling styles and even more homeschool curriculum providers. So, how do you know which homeschool syle and curriculum is best for your family?

Hands-On Homeschooling Curriculum from The Crafty Classroom

Choosing the best program for your goals and family learning style is the best way to ensure success. Here is a simple guide to homeschool curriculum by style to help you find the perfect one for you!

Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum

Focuses on living books, nature study, and narration for assessment.

  • The Gentle Feast: A complete curriculum that is family focused.
  • Ambleside Online : A free, complete curriculum plan for all grade levels based on living books.
  • Beautiful Feet: Learn through reading rich stories.
  • Five in a Row: Weekly unit studies in social studies, art, applied math, language arts, and science based on excellent children’s literature.
  • Blossom and Root Nature based, secular, complete curriculum.
  • Heart of Dakota Christ-centered, literature-based program, and resource publisher.
  • Sonlight Complete, Christian, homeschool curriculum that is literature based.
  • The Good and the Beautiful Ecumenical, Charlotte Mason style, complete curriculum at a very affordable price.
  • Queen Homeschool Christian, complete curriculum that focuses on habit training and character building.
  • Masterbooks: Charlotte Mason inspired, biblical world view, complete curriculum that is designed for families.
HUGE Directory of Free & Low Cost Distance Learning Programs

Traditional Homeschooling Curriculum

Homeschool curriculum options based on traditional school model of textbooks and workbooks.

  • Switched on Schoolhouse: A complete, Christian, online-based education that is interactive and multimedia-based.
  • Abeka: A traditional curriculum created for brick and mortar Christian schools. Homeschool version includes scripted lessons for parents.
  • Lifepac: A unit based curriculum designed for mastery by professional educators.
  • Bob Jones University: Complete, biblical worldview curriculum with textbook, online, and DVD video course options.
  • Christian Light: Complete, comprehensive, and accredited program that is workbook based.
  • Christian Liberty Press: A complete curriculum that offers, accredited, comprehensive, and individual course options.
  • Rod and Staff: Traditional, Mennonite curriculum that focuses on mastery of core subjects.
  • Critical Thinking Company: A secular complete curriculum designed to build critical thinking, logic, and mental focus.
  • Calvert: A secular, accredited, online academy for all grades.
  • Bookshark: Literature based, secular program that is based on a 4 day school week.
Free Homeschool Portfolio

Classical Homeschooling Curriculum

Rooted in classical education with an emphasis on language studies, history, and literature.

  • Classical Conversations: Program developed specifically for homeschool families that offers a classical education through communities around the world.
  • Learning Adventures: Hands-on, literature based curriculum with 180 days worth of lessons.
  • My Father’s World: A combination of Charlotte Mason, classical education, and unit studies that is hands on with Christian worldview.
  • Classical Academic Press: Creative and classical curriculum for all grades that includes complete, online, and self paced DVD course.
  • Memoria Press: Christian worldview complete curriculum based on the Great Books, and liberal arts studies with online options.
  • Tapestry of Grace: Hands-on, classical curriculum that is complete and flexible for Christian families.
Free Unit Studies from The Crafty Classroom

Unit Study Homeschool Curriculum

Learning that teaches multiple subjects through a single topic or theme.

  • Gather ‘Round: Charlotte Mason friendly, curriculum for families that is based on thematic weekly unit studies in nine subjects.
  • Konos: Hands-on, unit studies that are designed for grades kindergarten through eighth grade to learn together.
  • Magic Forest Academy: Secular, nature based, weekly unit studies that cover 52 weeks and are divided by season.
  • Moving Beyond the Page: Complete, secular, unit based curriculum for gifted students.
  • Our Star Spangled Story: A unit study based history program that is simplified into a textbook.
  • Trail Guide to Learning: A Christian, complete curriculum centered on a series of unit studies that focuses on critical thinking skills.
  • Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett: A wide array of unit studies that focus on topics in science, history, geography, and other topics.
  • Winter Promise: Charlotte Mason and classical education based unit studies in themed or subject based categories.
  • Techie Homeschool Mom: Digital based unit studies on a variety of topics.
FREE First Day of Homeschool Photo Signs

How to Homeschool Preschool

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Preschool has become an integral part of early childhood. However, preschool can happen at home! Homeschooling preschool is a wonderful experience for you and your child. Wondering where to begin? Here are the steps for how to homeschool preschool.

Play Based Homeschool Preschool

The first step is to get ready to have fun! Learning should be fun, especially during the preschool year! Maria Montessori professed that play is the work of children. That is true no matter what style of homeschooling you use. Children learn and grow in play. They develop their brains and figure out how the world works.

The next step is to decide what you want to accomplish. Are you looking to introduce the concept of school? Do you want to jump-start academics? Structure and learning will be part of your plan either way. However, you should know which one is your main focus before you begin.

Fine Motor Skills for Preschool

You build your homeschool structure with routine and doing small activities that require concentration each day. Activities should connect to the core subjects. For the most success during the preschool year, we recommend that you make play, pretending, and exploration the core of your program. Then focusing on an academic approach as a secondary goal. There are many ways to focuse on advancing skills and practicing key skill while having fun.

Free Homeschool Preschool Resources

Early childhood lays the foundation for all future learning. The basic, core subjects never change. Reading, writing, and arithmetic (math) are central to all education. So, we compiled a list of skills by subject.

Free Letter of the Week Preschool Printables

Reading:

Writing:

Math:

Other Skills:

  • Fine motor development
  • Social skills
  • Emotional regulation and understanding
  • Practical life skills (tying shoes, preparing simple snacks, etc)
Free Preschool Printables from PreschoolMom.com

Free Homsechool Preschool Curriculum

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive! There are so many free resources that you can use. For example, most libraries offer programs and story time for preschoolers. There are also free curriculum resources. These can be used to build a fun and flexible learning plan for your homeschool. On PreschoolMom.com you’ll find thousands of free preschool printables all organized by theme or holiday. This is a great way to add some fun enrichement to your preschool year. Check out this sample of free printables that make preschool tons of fun and educational.

Free Preschool Assessment Pack

Early childhood education should be play based. However, there are still skills that every preschool child should learn. These skills are the building blocks of all learning. They include beginning reading/phonics, basic math, writing/pen control, and socio-emotional health. Are you wondering how your child is doing in these areas? That is understandable. That’s why a preschool assessment is a great resource for your homeschool. You can use it to help you plan your curriculum, or as an end of year evaluation. No matter how you use a preschool assessment, it is a smart step in having a successful, educational experience.

Homeschool Preschool Curriculum

Now that you have the foundation laid, it is time to add the other skills. These are just as important as reading and writing. Fine motor skills, in particular, are crucial. They build coordination, dexterity, and develop the brain for future learning in math and reading. Here are some of our favorite resources.

Preschool Homeschool Support Resources

Let’s face it, being a mom is hard work. If you are just beginning your homeschool journey, you may feel overwhelmed. You probably have questions, and want to connect with other moms. Or maybe you simply want an easier way to teach the basic skills. That’s why support resources are so important. Here’s a list to get your started.

Cubism Art Project for Kids

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If you are searching for unique art projects for your student(s), we’ve got a creative cubism art project for kids! Don’t let the art term fool you into thinking it’s hard! With our easy step by step instructions along with video tutorial, it’s well worth the time.

What is Cubism Art?

What is cubism art? The cubism style of painting was developed in the early 1900’s. Many artists put together a variety of objects or figures, which resulted in paintings appearing fragmented and abstracted. You may have heard of some of these famous artists including Pablo Picasso and George Braque.

Why is it called Cubism?

The cubism term was used and seemed appropriate due to the objects in the art — they looked like cubes or geometrical shapes.

Whether you are looking for oil pastel art for kids or geometric art type projects, this activity is perfect for introducing the beautiful creations of art.

Cubism Art Project Materials

Giraffe Cubism Art Instructions

  1. Print out Cubism Art with Giraffe Blank Template.
  2. Using a ruler, draw several diagonal lines across the template. See video for visual.

3. Beginning with the top, begin to outline the ears with an orange pastel crayon.

4. Using a Q-Tip, fill in the remaining white space with the chosen pastel color.

5. Continue to follow the pattern shown on video to determine appropriate colors for each section of the giraffe.

6. Using various shades of yellow, red, brown, green, blue and purple, continue to use the correct pastel colors along with outlining and filling in remaining white space with Q-Tips.

7. Work your way down the art canvas until complete.

8. Getting close to the end! Grab a light green and dark green pastel to wrap up the gorgeous Cubism creation.

9. As you wrap up and finish the pastel colors, glue it onto black cardstock paper or construction paper to display or give as a gift!

Homeschooling with Backyard Chickens

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Backyard chicken sales have exploded. Everyone wants to get in on the act. Chicken are fun for kids, plus they supply a steady stream of eggs. Families raise chickens in every neighborhood, from rural farmland to urban balconies. However, what do chickens have to do with homeschooling? What does your family need to know before buying those adorable chicks. Here’s a guide to backyard chickens and why your homeschool will benefit.

Getting Ready for Backyard Chickens

First, you must check local ordinances. While you can raise hens virtually anywhere, it doesn’t mean you are allowed to! Contact your local municipal office or town hall. Find out any regulations and parameters for housing your feathered friends.

Next, decide which chickens you want to raise. Chicks are so cute, but they also require significant work. Hens vary in size and needs. Also, do you want a rooster? (Tip: you don’t need a rooster to get eggs!) Chicks will need a brooder to keep them safe and warm, inside. Pullet hens can safely go outside but are not ready to lay quite yet. Research what breed will suit your family and location.

How to Create a Chicken Friendly Yard

You will need a sturdy chicken coop. Chicken coops provide protection for chickens from predators. So, be sure to get one that can adequately house and protect your flock. Also, coops usually include nesting boxes where hens lay their eggs. If your backyard chickens are free range, they must be coxed into the coop in the evening.

Poultry will eat ticks and other pesky insects. However, they can also wipe out a garden, lawn, or landscaping. So, make sure to set up barriers around any plants you wish to protect. Grass and other grains are part of a healthy diet, though. So, consider rotating where the flock is let loose. For hens that stay within a run all day, you can protect the ground by putting chicken wire on the floor and allowing the grass to grow up. Alternatively, you can grow pans of grass or other meadow greens and place them within the run each day.

Meeting Backyard Flock Needs

Have a sturdy fence, protective covering, and ample space for each chicken. Also, provide the best feed for your breed and flock’s age. Routinely clean out the coop. Also, collect eggs every day. Keep watering apparatus full and clean. Also, provide snacks for the hens such as mealworms, grasses, and vegetable scraps. Give the flock plenty of room to run. Since chickens like to scratch, (and find insects) a patch of wood chips makes a perfect “playground”.

Backyard Chicken Learning Opportunities for Your Homeschool

Learning should be fun, it can also be tasty. Raising backyard chickens doesn’t just provide eggs and tick protection. In fact, it is a perfect learning opportunity! The best lessons are hands on. We remember what we live, and grow through experience. So, any family adventure is fraught with lessons. Here are some ways to use your new pet project to teach your kids.

  • Join a 4H Poultry Club or request project materials from your state extension office
  • Witness and document a chicken’s life-cycle
  • Collect and sort eggs
  • Hatching eggs
  • Hand raising chicks in a brooder
  • Personal responsibility
  • Caring for animals
  • Learn about predators and protecting your flock
  • Sell eggs to neighbors
  • Plant forage for the chickens (gardening skills)
  • Keep track of expenses and profits

Your backyard is full of learning opportunities. Now, you can explore backyard chickens and why your homeschool will benefit.

Preschool Assessment

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Preschool has become an important part of early childhood. We want our children to have the best start. Preschool offers a fun way to introduce the concept of school while teaching foundational skills. How do you know if you are doing enough though? What should a preschooler know, anyway? Also, how can you measure progress in preschool? All of these are great questions, and the answer is a Preschool Assessment!

Why Do a Preschool Assessment?

Before you start planning for timed tests and sharpening pencils, let’s chat about what a preschool assessment is! First of all, an assessment is not necessarily a test. It also does not have to be a standardized format. Preschool assessments are simply a way to gauge how a child is doing. It shows the teacher how much he knows, what he still is working on, and concepts that are too difficult at this point. Doing a simple assessment will help you decide what your preschooler needs to learn, this will lead to a more productive and enjoyable homeschool experience.

When Should I Do a Preschool Assessment

Assessments are planning tool and also allow you to see progress. They are not graded, so do not see them as a final exam. You can give a preschool assessment at any time, however here are some best uses for one:

  • Administer the same assessment at the beginning of the year and toward the end.
  • Give an end of year assessment to decide what curriculum to choose for next year.
  • Let the assessment be a baseline for your homeschool, see where you child is before you start anything for the year.
  • Wait until mid-year to give the first assessment. Use the results to drive your spring learning plans and then again at the end of the year to see the improvement.

What Should a Preschooler Know?

Young children have a wide variety of abilities and timetables for learning. There is no set schedule for what to learn when. However, there are some core skills that are age-appropriate. Each of these topics is what the core subjects of school are built upon. A preschool assessment will focus on reading/phonics skills, math and counting skills, and pen control. Also, it is important to assess social and emotional skills for preschoolers.

Reading Preparedness Skills to Assess

Reading is a fundamental skill that is the building block of all learning. It is an essential skill for school and future learning. That is why it usually the main focus of preschool and early elementary lessons. That said, children develop at different rates and reading is dependent more on readiness than age. So, these skills will give you an idea of how ready your child is for reading, but are in no way an indication of future performance.

  • Letter recognition
  • Sight words
  • Phonics/letter sounds
  • Basic word writing and sentence formation

Math Topics to Assess

Math is the other key building block to learning. Gaining confidence in math will drive your child’s ability. At this young age, math concepts are very basic. Recognition is the most important skill. Recognizing shapes and numbers is crucial. Again, children develop at different rates. Here is a list of skill to assess:

  • Shape Recognition
  • Color Recognition
  • Seasons
  • Months
  • Days of the Week
  • Number Recognition
  • Counting
  • Sequencing
  • Patterns
  • Writing numbers
  • Addition with +1
  • Subtraction with -1

Other Skills to Assess:

  • Right and Wrong
  • Feelings
  • Good vs Bad
Have a Kindergartener? Try our Kindergarten Assessment Test!

How to Camp the Homeschool Way

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A group of small school children with teacher on field trip in nature.

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:

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.
100 Fun Filled Field Trips for Homeschooling Families

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

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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

  1. To start the George Washington Paper plate, take the paper plate and color the top 3rd 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

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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.