"How old is she, again?” I asked.   "She just turned 3.”  I watched as she kept climbing until she neared the thinner branches toward the top of the tree.  Her mother was standing beside me, looking only a little concerned, so I tried to make my face look as calm as hers. What was … Continue reading Free-range kids: Do they still exist?

What if there was a way for your children to be more motivated in their learning AND to take on more responsibility in achieving their learning goals?   In our home, we have found a simple way to do just that.  It may look like a page out of a typical school diary, but this … Continue reading What happens when kids take ownership of their learning?

This year, the arts industry has taken one of the biggest financial hits of any industry.  And yet, we have arguably never needed it as much as we did this year.   In a year filled with stress, longing, grief, frustration, confusion, sickness, loss, and more, my family has come to appreciate and depend on … Continue reading What art did for us in 2020

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

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 listen to a webinar that I presented as part … Continue reading Are you still on the fence?

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

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

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.

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