During this time of COVID-19 quarantine, we are asked to practice social distancing, but I agree with those who suggest that physical distancing may be a better term. It is critical for us to remain socially connected, but also to practice safe physical distancing, especially for the sake of our […]
Read MoreHomeschool Hacks
Beyond the Dining Room Table: The Amazing Benefits of Online Learning
Correspondence courses have existed since the 1840s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that online schools were born. Even then, the homeschool community didn’t embrace the idea of virtual learning immediately. When I began exploring it around 2008, some programs existed but were not yet popular. Ten years later, online […]
Read MoreHow to Set Up Your Homeschool Space for Maximum Learning
Having a homeschool space that suits your family goes a long way toward making your homeschool more pleasant. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a useful school space. In fact, you might not even need a designated space at all! Here are some ideas to help […]
Read More10 Ways to Incorporate Travel Into Your Homeschooling Adventure
Our family loves to travel. We’ve driven almost coast to coast, in Canada, and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to trek out on our own schedule with our own curriculum goals in mind. If you are thinking about traveling with your gang, spend […]
Read MoreIt’s Not All About Money: Pros and Cons of Parents Who Work While Homeschooling
By the time I began homeschooling in 2005, I was already working part-time as a bookseller. In fact, except for postpartum breaks, I had always worked at least a little. Money was tight, so every dollar counted. For all eight homeschool years, I continued to work – first as a […]
Read MoreThe College Search Process: One Family’s Experience
My story is not typical. Since my husband is a long-time employee of a Christian liberal arts college, also my alma mater, our older children simply attended that institution. It was close, familiar, and tuition was largely covered due to my husband’s tenure. But when our youngest daughter leaned toward […]
Read MoreTo Test or Not To Test?: Considering the SAT and ACT
Testing. The very word can strike fear into the hearts of both children and parents. On a daily basis, we homeschoolers enjoy the luxury of deciding how often we test our children. Once our children reach high school, though, a lot more is at stake—namely college admission and scholarship possibilities. […]
Read MoreEducation for the Real World
A few years ago, I was a 25-year-old homeschool grad without a bachelor’s degree. But I didn’t think I needed one either—after all, I worked in the editorial department of a Christian publishing company and loved it. All of a sudden, though, God gave me a thirst for something different. […]
Read MorePoliteness: The Fine Art of Teaching Manners to Children
“Your children are so polite!” Have you ever heard these words? Many of us who homeschool hear these words from elderly neighbors, church members, and even restaurant cashiers. Ironically, homeschooling critics quickly assume we will fail to “socialize” our children, yet homeschoolers receive these appreciative words that warm the heart: […]
Read MoreLearning Made Easier Through Effective Teaching Strategies
Homeschooling children with learning disabilities presents its own set of challenges. However, these challenges can lead to teachable moments that develop into lifetime solutions. For example, computational accuracy, making connections between mathematical concepts, and applying these math skills to real life situations are all essential. As an educator and parent, […]
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