Have you ever been so into a project that you forgot to eat (or pee)? Perhaps it was a book you couldn't put down, a Sudoku you needed to finish, a room that you were renovating, a rabbit trail of websites you were absorbing on a specific topic. Hours later you look up and are … Continue reading 7 components of a great learning space
4 assumptions we make when following a curriculum
One of the first questions families tend to ask themselves after deciding to home educate is, “Which curriculum should we use?” We whip out Cathy Duffy’s guide, ask around on Facebook, download countless samples and then pull the trigger, spending a small fortune on what promises to be a fabulous year wrapped in cling film. … Continue reading 4 assumptions we make when following a curriculum
Stop asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
"He has so much potential…" "If only he’d apply himself…" "She doesn’t take her work seriously…” “She has no motivation…” “He has no direction…” “If he would only show some commitment…" James Scott, Unsplash We’ve all heard statements like these. Perhaps you’ve even made them yourself. Or maybe you have been on the receiving end … Continue reading Stop asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Are you still on the fence?
I'm just finishing a book by Blake Boles called, Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School? If you are on the fence about home educating or know someone who is, this is your book. In addition to reading Boles' book, I invite you to watch a free webinar that I recorded this month, … Continue reading Are you still on the fence?
“Hamilton” Brings a Unique Hope to America
This year we are celebrating Independence Day by watching Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton: An American Musical, recently released on Disney+. Before lockdown due to Covid-19, I daily entered the lottery for a chance to win tickets to see Hamilton on stage. Me, and probably like 3 million others. So, for now, I'm thrilled to get this … Continue reading “Hamilton” Brings a Unique Hope to America
The Liberated Learner
Last week, millions of Americans celebrated Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of slavery. For so many, it is their true Liberation Day. Back when I was in the classroom, I taught in a year that was responsible for covering US History. The school was made up of 100% students of color. I am ashamed to say … Continue reading The Liberated Learner
“School at Home” vs. Home Education: Is there a difference?
In recent days, with everyone at home and attempting some form of schooling with their children, we have gotten comments like, “at least you guys are used to this, right?” Well, yes and no. I would hate for our temporary-homeschooling friends to somehow think that what their kids are having to do via online Zoom … Continue reading “School at Home” vs. Home Education: Is there a difference?
What to do when your child has NOTHING to write about.
Do you remember the scene in Beezus and Ramona when the girls are in art class and the teacher announces that the children are to paint a make-believe animal? Any animal from their imaginations. Ramona gets right to work, but Beezus just stares at her blank paper considering the possibilities. -sigh- If only she had … Continue reading What to do when your child has NOTHING to write about.
How to thrive when you are stuck at home
Regardless of whether your kids go to school or if you've always homeschooled, all of us are entering a season that is unprecedented due to COVID-19. Most likely you have been bombarded by lists of resources, digital learning platforms, Instagram live sessions, etc. that you can fill your time with while your children are home … Continue reading How to thrive when you are stuck at home
A Story Without Shape is a Story Without Life
Once your children have a good idea of how stories work (the concept of plot), they can begin to play around with the shape of their main character’s journey, which is the real meat of the story. When using Story Mountain, we might be tempted to assume, since the mountain leads to greater heights, that … Continue reading A Story Without Shape is a Story Without Life
