Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem Solving

Looking for a book that combines great works of art and math? Math-terpieces is an adorable book that we found at the library a few years ago. It includes works by artists such as Monet and Mondrian and also asks children to use different groupings of objects to find various ways to make certain numbers. …

Ideas to Beat the Winter Slump

Today is a cold and rainy day here where I live.  It is the perfect weather for a list of ways to beat that homeschool winter slump. Loosen Up Your Schedule - Have you run a tight ship all year long and now you are feeling tired?  Try relaxing your schedule a bit and give …

Grading Electives with a Learning Log

When an elective course includes lots of experiential learning, it can be difficult to find ways to assign a grade. The old stand-by is to have students write a response but filling my sons' electives with writing assignments can quickly drain their passion for the topics. This year I am using what I call a …

Personal Finance for Teens

My teen boys and I have been working on a half-credit personal finance course this semester. We have just about completed the Money Matters for Teens Workbook by Larry Burkett and I would say it was a winner. I liked that it included topics like budgeting, credit cards, stewardship, and paying for college, all from …

Carving out *my* reading time

Charles Dickens. My favorite author by far! He has a way of taking simple phrases or thoughts and weaving them into beautiful paragraphs that I read and re-read, just to soak in the lovely language. I have been working my way through Oliver Twist for a super long time - I am about halfway through, …

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler

My 9th grader is very interested in all things WWI and II! He has a great understanding of the subject, and really enjoys coming across books and movies that take place during that time period, even if it's not what we are currently studying in school. I got this book for him as a valentine …

Winter Slump Wednesday: Change Up The Chore Routines

Ok, so maybe this sounds like it will make your winter slump even...slumpier, but hear me out! When I am in the thick of a slump, one thing I like to do is look for ways to change up our chore routine and streamline our days. So if you are in the mood for a …

Sum Swamp!

I have a little guy, age 5, who is working through Math U See Alpha this year. He is doing great, but before we keep moving past +1 and +2 addition facts, I wanted to stop and really solidify those concepts. That is where the game Sum Swamp comes in! We have played this game …

Making Time For Muddy Puddles

As homeschool moms, we all have different strengths and weaknesses. I am great at scheduling and coordinating, and I am great and weaving games, movies, and classic literature into our lessons. One thing I am particularly terrible at is incorporating outdoor time. I am usually so focused (in a not so great, anxious kind of …

Poetry Love

Happy Valentine's Day! If you didn't have anything special planned for today and suddenly woke up feeling a little guilty, (which I have done many times over the years) here is a quick idea. Bonus, it involves fitting in one of those elusive poetry teas. At lunch time, cut whatever sandwiches you have on hand …