Author - Valerie Mcclintick

Homeschool New Year’s Resolutions

It's that special time of year again -- a brand new year! This is the time where everyone is looking back to see how the year went. We are also looking ahead and making a resolution to make changes in the coming year. However, have you ever made new year...

Winter Field Trip Ideas to Beat the Cold Weather Blues

It’s cold and snowy outside. The kids are restless and spring is months away. Winter can make homeschool difficult. You feel trapped. (Possibly going crazy) Homeschool cold-weather blues are common. Don’t let them get you down. Escape your schoolroom and find these winter field trip ideas. Winter can be the best...

Christmas Coloring Countdown Printable

Last Minute Christmas Countdown

Did you forget to do a Pinterest worthy Advent Calendar this year?  Don't worry, I'm right there with you. I blame Thanksgiving. It was just too close to Christmas this year, wasn't it?  I mean, I ordered a bunch of tiny treats to put in my...

5 Last-Minute Advent Calendar Ideas

Counting down the days to Christmas is exciting. An advent calendar helps mark the days and keeps the anticipation building. These calendars can be elaborate or very simple. Here are some simple yet super fun Advent calendar ideas for your busy schedule this year.

Counting on Paper Chains

Looking for...

Pre Writing Activities to Start with Your Toddler

Writing is a fundamental skill to learning. Toddlers love to scribble and pretend to write. Pre-writing activities for toddlers give the skills and muscle tone they need to write. Writing doesn’t come until later. However, laying the foundation will make learning to write easier. Wondering which activity is part of...

Ignite a Love for Learning with Homeschool Unit Studies

The best education is one that allows for personal exploration and inspires lifelong learning. It is never about getting through textbooks and scoring well on test. That is the difference between school and education. To create a love of learning and ignite that fire to want to learn more, at...

Pros & Cons of Homeschool Unit Studies

If your family is tired of textbook learning, or you have a child who learns best through hands-on projects, unit studies could be your best friend. Unit studies are short or long term curriculum plans that teach most or all of the coursework revolves around the same theme. So,...

How to Create Fantastic Homeschool Unit Studies

Homeschool unit studies are a wonderful way to homeschool, but where do you begin? How do you build a unit study? It is easier than you think. Here is a simple step by step guide for building your next homeschool unit study.

Choose a Unit Study Topic

What is the focus...

Mushroom Unit Study

September is National Mushroom Month, its the perfect time to dive into a nature study on the topic. You really don’t need to wander farther than your own backyard, the next open field, or local state park to unearth your next nature study. There are so many things to learn...

10 Strategies for Improving Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia truly requires a multi-pronged approach to see the most success.  Like many other learning disabilities, there is quite a wide range for how light or severe the symptoms are and how much they affect day to day life. Some children improve with lots of writing practice, some need a...

One Small Square Nature Journal

Nature Journals are a popular way to engage children in the great outdoors. The flora and fauna of your local neighborhood become the teachers in the ultimate open-air classroom. Detailed nature studies are exciting, but can also be a good deal of work. As a summer alternative, try a tiny...

How to Fail at Homeschooling….

Homeschooling your children is a monumental task. If you ask, most homeschool moms would tell you that their biggest fear is failing! Everyone wants to get it right and do the best for their children. However, sometimes trying hard not to fail at homeschooling is the surest way to fail!...

Free Homeschool Portfolio

Print our Free Student Portfolio!

Homeschool record keeping is an important part of a successful homeschool. There are many systems for record keeping available. One of the most popular and flexible systems is a student portfolio. This quick start guide will show you how to...

Can You Afford to Homeschool?

Homeschooling, like anything with kids, can be very expensive! You may be hyperventilating when you search for curriculum options. This can lead many prospective homeschoolers to quit before they begin. They feel like they could never afford homeschooling. Homeschooling does not have to be expensive!With a little planning, it is...

How to Conquer the Clutter in the Classroom

Are the papers starting to get out of control in your homeschool or classroom? Have you accumulated a ton of curriculum over the years and it's overwhelming? It's time for a clean space -- here's how to conquer the clutter in the classroom. It's easy to allow your homeschool space or...

5 Easy Tips to Refresh your Homeschool Space

Tired of the same old boring appearance with your homeschool? Is it time to give it a fresh, new appearance without killing the budget after a long break? Try these 5 easy tips to refresh your homeschool space! Sometimes we need to kick it up a notch with our homeschool or...