For many homeschoolers, Charlotte Mason adherents or not, nature studies are a priority–especially in the early years. It is such a great way to introduce children to the wider world and spark their curiosity and love of learning. For me it is nostalgic, bringing back memories of growing up playing in the woods with frogs and bugs. I love to share these things with my children. But what do you do when you don’t live in the country? Or even if you don’t have a backyard? Well, it takes a little more effort–but I promise you great urban nature studies are not impossible.Continue Reading
X Is NOT for Xylophone and Other Pro Tips for Teaching the Alphabet
There are only a million-gazillion toys, books, games, videos, flashcards, posters, on and on and on . . . out there designed for teaching the alphabet to your little one. And not all of them are created equal. But you do not need to be the victim of flashy marketing. There are a few tips you can implement to quickly weed out the ones you should take a pass on from the excellent learning tools.
Then you can take it a step further and apply these tips while teaching the alphabet and letter sounds to your child.
101 Reasons to Make Homeschooling Fun
How to make homeschooling fun must be one of the top questions I’m asked. I can’t even describe the pure beauty of those moments when learning just happens in the midst of family fun or when my children’s play inspires them to make, and explore, and find out. But it is when you know that it’s all going to work out OK and you are doing a great job at this homeschooling thing.
There are so many reasons to incorporate fun, informal learning activities into your homeschool. It can serve to:
- break up the monotony of the everyday schedule,
- spark interest in subjects outside the normal course of study,
- help reluctant learners find joy in learning and build confidence,
- add some educational value to sick days, holiday breaks, or just those days when you’re asking, “Can this count as school?”, and
- provide some direction or inspiration during the deschooling process or if you’re unschooling.
So without further ado, here are a few (or actually 101) of our absolute favorite reasons to make homeschooling fun.
Teaching Your Preschooler to Read—Why It’s OK to Start Early
As mothers, we navigate a proverbial minefield of controversial subjects when it comes to our parenting decisions. While your child is still in the womb, your food choices and name preferences will be the subject of scrutiny—sometimes from total strangers. And, sadly, if you homeschool, these wonderful displays of unsolicited wisdom will only intensify.
But even before your child is old enough to begin formal school, you may marvel at what an incredibly brilliant little human you have made. And you may decide you want to take the initiative to feed her burgeoning mind as much as possible. And, heaven help you, you may have the inclination to begin teaching your preschooler to read.
Well, if this is you, read on for some actual real encouragement and helpful advice. Continue Reading
