I Can’t Teach Music Experience tells me I am not the only one who has uttered these words.  When I embarked on homeschooling I considered many things.  I considered phonics, math, literature, history, and methodology.  I lived in the bright light of hope for my ability to homeschool joyfully and effectively.  My glasses were always rosy colored.  It’s easy to color your view rosy when you simply do not consider the road blocks.  I assumed I would figure it all out on the job.  Then one day, it happened.  My child developed a love for music and desired to sing … Continue reading →

Here, it is the wet and windy season. In the Pacific Northwest, this season extends from October until June. By March or April, this has the effect of making us pine for summer, those few glorious months when we see the sun. Summer inspires frenetic activity, running from place to place enjoying all of those things that just don’t happen when it’s chilly and pouring. It’s tempting to go crazy with summertime activity. The old routines are gone, and summer is a blank slate. Right now, the summer camp schedules are coming out. I’m excited. I may be more excited … Continue reading →

Does your child have an odd passion? Of course, all passions are a little odd, since they generally revolve around something specific, something that you’re keenly, deeply interested in, and something that does not necessarily excite others. That’s what makes them wonderful. My daughter loves birds. She has loved birds since she was in preschool. She likes other animals too, and has spoken about being a vet one day, but she certainly has a soft spot for birds. She draws them, she makes food for them, she puts out nesting materials for them, and she’s created little places in our … Continue reading →

A conversation with a friend’s daughter today got me thinking. She’s starting a business. She’ll be working in pet care, taking care of peoples’ pets while they’re on vacation. As she described it, she’ll be brushing them, petting them, and playing with them. And oh yes, feeding them. She’s six. The beauty of homeschooling your children is that they have time to explore their interests, you have time to introduce them to your passions, and you have time to see how these two things develop together. This means that wonderful possibilities can emerge, possibilities like a home business. Pet Care … Continue reading →

I work in a nature center. This means that I work with all sorts of groups, from tourists to toddlers, from families to school classes. It’s an appealing line of work because the diversity of groups is so great. I’ve also been connected to the homeschooling community since my daughter was small. Through this connection, I’ve realized that public institutions have a long way to go in terms of family-friendly programming. When you have a baby or a toddler, there’s no lack of programs to go to. Ironically, this is also the age when I was least likely to attend. … Continue reading →

Imagine for a moment that you could go anywhere you wanted to go. Where would that be? What places would your children like to visit? What experiences would inspire research or lifelong hobbies? What cultures would get your kids excited to pursue a new language or delve into a new art form? We’ve dabbled in on-the-road homeschooling, and we’ll continue to do so for the simple reason that my daughter and I adore traveling. She likes the planes, trains, and automobiles and is intrigued by new places. I enjoy experiencing new cultures and ecosystems. We make a good traveling team. … Continue reading →

Do you teach life skills in your homeschool? Chances are you teach a certain amount of life skills on a daily basis. Your children have a front row seat while you manage your home, do the laundry, make family meals, grocery shop, clothing shop, and pay bills. Many skills you teach with purpose and many more you teach by your actions. Life is full of twists, turns, and bends in the road. Parents want to raise their children to have the character, sense of humor, and grace to handle all situations they will encounter. In addition, parents want to prepare … Continue reading →

Reviewed Item: Positive Action for Christ—The Life of Christ School Level: Middle School–High School Product by: Positive Action for Christ Product Description: To many people Christ is merely a historical fact, rather than a living, personal reality. We know that Christ lived, and we know much about what He did; however, even we as Christians seldom experience His presence as we should. The purpose of The Life of Christ from the Gospel of John is to make Jesus Christ real to your students. Our hope as you journey through this material is that your students will not only know Jesus … Continue reading →

Earn It, Learn It: Teach Your Child the Value of Money, Work and Time Well Spent By: Alisa T. Weinstein Book rating: 5 out of 5 Pencils Description: The program featured in Earn It, Learn It is the only one that lets kids ages four through twelve earn by doing “real” jobs. Your child will learn from folks like a: Toy Designer from Crayola Curator from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Zoologist from the Saint Louis Zoo Teach your kid the difference between making the bed as a member of the family and earning a living … Continue reading →