What teacher or parent doesn't love it when the opportunity to multitask presents itself. The next time you're heading to get groceries with the kiddos, seize the teachable moment! While compiling ideas for my new book, Let's Go: Field Trips for Teachers, Homeschoolers and Active Families, a friend and mentor was kind enough to … Continue reading Quick grocery store field trip ideas
If you are in need of a harvest party theme without any ghoulish overtones, consider hosting a History Mystery. This event is ideal for classrooms, homeschool or church groups, or even neighborhood gatherings, and gives kids (and adults) a chance to have great fun with costumes and props. If you're not careful, you might also … Continue reading How to host a History Mystery
This week I head into my eighth year as an English teacher at a local homeschooling co-op. Each group of students and their families has been entirely unique--one year I had three sets of twins! However, the same issues tend to crop up as we grow and learn together. If you attend a co-op, here … Continue reading Five things your homeschool co-op teacher wants you to know
After seeing all the fun her older children were having at their book club meetings, my friend Annette Meyers realized her elementary students could also benefit from discussing books with friends. She hoped it would get them--and keep them--interested in reading. Annette and her husband have homeschooled since 1993, have graduated four students and have … Continue reading Fun book club ideas for young readers
Only one thing is required for a successful book club meeting--prepare, prepare, prepare! So you've recruited students and parents, chosen your first book, set the meeting date--now what? The only way to avoid having nightmares about dozens of little eyes waiting for you to entertain them at your first meeting is to be prepared! Read … Continue reading How to start a great children’s book club Part 2
Whether you're looking for something to pull you through the summer doldrums, or need a fresh idea for your homeschool group in the fall, a children's book club might be just the ticket! It's easier than you think to pull together an educational and fun club atmosphere and create wonderful memories at the same time. … Continue reading How to start a great children’s book club Part 1
He doesn't exist. Neither does the perfect homeschooling mom, nor the perfect homeschooling kid. We all know that. Yet there are some admirable fatherly traits which can make the journey much more enjoyable for everyone. We'll call him the "nearly perfect" homeschool dad. He doesn't criticize. Now this doesn't mean he never expresses an opinion … Continue reading The perfect homeschooling dad
In my new book on homeschooling I spend a little time singing the praises of my powerhouse local support group, Midwest Parent Educators (MPE). One of its particular strengths is the annual conference and curriculum fair. Free for MPE members, the show could not be more convenient or affordable. Here are three reasons every homeschooler … Continue reading Three reasons to run — not walk — to a homeschool forum
After living through the birth of two babies in less than two years, I thought nothing could bring this mama down. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, homeschooling, and even part-time work came easy. But after adding the third baby, one thing threatened to suffocate my prideful mothering—the laundry. Don’t get me wrong; I love to do laundry. … Continue reading How to relieve laundry stress
As homeschooling parents, you might think my husband and I would have a particularly hard time adjusting to a quiet house. But truth is, as our youngest graduates to legal manhood next week, we are enjoying stepping into this phase of life. We're turning off the TV. Especially in the winter when the days are … Continue reading Preparing for the empty nest
Traci Matt 