Author Archives: Richele McFarlin

About Richele McFarlin

Richele is a Christian homeschooling mom to four children, writer and business owner. Her collegiate background is in educational psychology. Although it never prepared her for playing Candyland, grading science, chasing a toddler, doing laundry and making dinner at the same time.

My Favorite Backseat Traveling Toys

Homeschool is a misconception since most who homeschool are rarely home.  As summer hits we are home even less.  Each of my kids are signed up for an activity, a day summer camp, or a volunteer opportunity.  I make sure they are not overloaded but with four kids I am always dropping off or picking up someone.  My two little ones are always in tow no matter whose day it is to go somewhere.  As you can image they get bored with all the driving around.  Since my older two kids have the most to do it leaves my little … Continue reading →

A Pen for the Teacher

Every year I buy oodles of school supplies.  A quirk about homeschool moms is that we love to buy school supplies.  In fact, we can get downright giddy for the right ones.  My shelves are filled with paper, binders, scissors, markers, crayons, pencils, pens, folders, and all the trimmings.  Even if my supply is full I still take advantage of school supply sales.  You can never have too many pencils or too much paper, right? While most of my school supplies consist of items for the kids, every now and again I like to keep up on teacher supplies.  I … Continue reading →

A Tote for All Seasons

I am a sucker for a good tote bag. I love stuffing things in a tote and carrying it all with me. I keep a tote in my car to fill with items for field trips, groceries, extra clothes, or blankets during the winter. I struggled with totes that were flimsy or small until I found the Large Utility Tote from Thirty-One. On the day I took this picture my Large Utility Tote helped my daughter carry all her art supplies to the park for a fun arts and crafts day. The tote works full time in my home so … Continue reading →

School Proof your iPad

After purchase, the iPad quickly became a part of the family.  Everyone loves it, uses it, and begs to use it some more.  It is filled to the brim with educational apps, photo apps, and organizational apps.  I created a space for each of my kids with all their school apps on the home screen.  In addition, I use the iPad to keep track of events, field trips, and grades.  When we get our evaluations done this year the iPad will come along to show images and grades for the past school year.  From watching documentaries on Netflix to playing … Continue reading →

Getting Organized for a New School Year

Organization.  We all want it but few can maintain it for very long.  When I was in school a teacher once said that good organization skills alone could raise a letter grade.  I agree, which is why I am currently getting a C in homemaking skills.  I decided enough was enough.  It was time to live like an adult.  It was time to stop envying the organized and become of the envied.  Besides, I grew tired of trying to pretend I knew what I was doing.  My husband would ask the kids, “Where are your school books?”  I cringed when … Continue reading →

New Apologia Picture Book

Product: How do we know God is really there? by:  Melissa Cain Travis Type of Product:  Picture book Publisher:  Apologia Cost:  $16.00 Sample: Click for a sample and to order. Summary: Thomas and his father escape to their backyard tree house most evenings to watch the night sky through a telescope. Thomas is dazzled by what he sees of God’s creation, but he has questions. “Dad, how do we know God is out there?” he asks one night. “I know the Bible says He’s there. But how do we really know that’s true?” Together, Thomas and his father begin to … Continue reading →

iPad App: Skip Counting

Product:  Skip Math Format:  iPad/iPhone App Made by:  Math File Folder Games Grades:  K-3rd Objective:  To teach skip counting through play. Features: Game can be customized for a boy or girl by choosing an avatar.  In addition, the child can take an image and use that on the avatar.  Game has several levels with increasing difficulty from practicing skip counting from 2-11. Can be used as a multi-player game using Bluetooth. The game keeps track of speed and score. Navigating the Skip Counting App Once you begin the game your child will be prompted to type in his or name … Continue reading →

A Schedule Just for You

Unless you are mandated by law to use them in a particular fashion feel free to use them to suit your needs.  Please always be sure to check your state laws concerning homeschooling before following advice or directions from an article or person. If your state does not require hours of school to be used in a particular time frame either by hours or months of year, then please do not feel confined to follow the traditional school year or school hours. During my 10 years of homeschooling my lifestyle has changed and a traditional school calendar was not always … Continue reading →

Need a Boost of Valor, Moms?

When we think of “acts of valor” images of soldiers emerging victorious from the battle field come to mind. While we may not face enemies on a literal battle field, as moms we face battles of our own. From a child who has to be told not to touch the TV about fifty times a day to chicken that refuses to defrost by dinner, we continue to fight with an apron tied tight while balancing a laundry basket on our heads. We refuse to give up on our families, homes, and children. It takes courage to be a mom. But … Continue reading →

The Basics of Year Round Homeschooling

The Basics of Year Round Homeschooling Now, I hate to sound wishy washy, but here is the rub:  you have many options and basically the world is your oyster.  Some start the school year in January while others chose June and still others chose July.  Just pick a “J” month….got ya…you can pick whatever month works best for you…even traditional ole September. Now, since you will not take three solid months off you will schedule weeks off based on your preference.  You can take one week off every 3 weeks.  You can take one week off every 6 weeks.  Is … Continue reading →