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
Tag: parenting
How to start a great children’s book club Part 1
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
The perfect homeschooling dad
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
Banana splits for breakfast
If you are a Christian with children, grandchildren, godchildren, or any favorite kids you'd like to influence with positive spirituality, the new book Banana Splits for Breakfast: 55 Ways To Spiritually Guide Your Preschooler is a terrific resource. Dr. Susan Harrison, a mom and experienced children's pastor with a degree in educational ministry, has compiled … Continue reading Banana splits for breakfast
Three reasons to run — not walk — to a homeschool forum
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
How to relieve laundry stress
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
Preparing for the empty nest
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
Five signs your child is red-green colorblind
The earlier a diagnosis of colorblindness comes, the easier life in general is going to be for your little one. One of my friends wasn't diagnosed until he was a teenager. I hate to think of the educational and daily obstacles he had to face with that undetected disability! If you suspect your child is … Continue reading Five signs your child is red-green colorblind
You learn to live with it
Today I celebrate international Left-Handers' Day as a proud member of that community. My dad is left-handed so I didn't notice I was a minority until I broke my wrist in third grade gym class. From the minute the doctor came in to apply the full-arm cast until after he sawed the cast off I … Continue reading You learn to live with it
Traci Matt 