Family Movie Night

Family movie night is a tradition in my house. We love to watch movies anyway so naturally we would love watching them together. It is a wonderful way to spend memorable times together. On hot summer nights or rainy afternoons, a movie with the kids is a perfect way to spend it! Tips for Family Movie Night Make it a Regular Night. You can have family movie night every week, every two weeks, or every month. Whatever you chose, make sure that it is an official day. As your kids grow, and get busy with life, you will want to … Continue reading →

Tutorial Apps

Currently Photoshop is keeping me humble. In order to understand it, I had to ask a friend for help. Recently, I downloaded a tutorial from the app store. I love the ability to watch a video as I work on my computer at the same time. I found learning this way to be highly effective. Not only do I get to see someone doing it, I have the ability to mimic it on my own screen at the same time. That is a combination I need when figuring out certain things like Photoshop. The downside is that you cannot ask … Continue reading →

TakeLessons.com: When You Need the Extra Help

Help has Arrived with TakeLessons TakeLessons simplifies the process of finding a Music Instructor or Academic Tutor who is assuredly who qualified and safe. I like keeping it simple and not having to do my own background check. I also like that TakeLessons has been in business since 2006 and worked with over 30,000 students nationwide. They are experts at connecting students and families with the experts in music, art, and academics. It is expected to get a case of the jitters when hiring someone you do not know to instruct your child. However, it should be comforting … Continue reading →

Homeschool Teacher Quiz

The Homeschool Teacher True or False Test 1) The homeschool teacher carries the responsibility of her child’s entire education. T or F 2) The homeschool teacher teaches all subjects with expertise. T or F 3) The homeschool teacher never seeks outside help or her homeschool would be tainted. T or F 4) The homeschool teacher is smarter than a fifth grader. T or F 5) The homeschool teacher knows all areas of academics or else she would not homeschool. T or F 6) The homeschool teacher does not know everything. T or F 7) The homeschool teacher has little to … Continue reading →

Summer Cleaning

Since it is summer perhaps it is time to do a little summer cleaning with the kids. Break out the mops, dustpans, and garbage bags because it is time to clean and de-clutter. I always feel lighter after cleaning out a challenging closet or a kid’s room. Probably one of the most challenging rooms to de-clutter are the kids’ rooms. My kids find ways to hang onto the craziest things. With three girls in one room and a messy boy in another room, I suspect a lot of garbage bags will be used. This year, I am enlisting the kids … Continue reading →

Are you qualified to teach?

Homeschoolers are under scrutiny. Outsiders feel it is their duty to make sure homeschooled children are learning the three “R’s”. If you doubt that then take your child out during school hours or simply mention homeschooling and sit back and wait for the quizzing to begin. If they don’t quiz your kids they may quiz you. Many question if those without education degrees can teach. The short answer is yes. Yes, you can teach your children without a teaching degree. Teaching degrees are not magic. I respect teachers and the effort it takes to become degreed and dedicate your life … Continue reading →

Homeschool Mom Devotion: Permission to Rest

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. ~Psalm 127:1, 2 My heavy eyes and aching body longed for a soft bed but determination forced my mind to keep going. The end of the school season meant the beginning of school planning season. With a pile of books and highlighters as my late night companions, I began … Continue reading →

What if you could do it over?

What if you could go back in time and talk to yourself about homeschooling? What would you tell yourself? What warnings or affirmations would you give? After homeschooling for a decade, I have a lot of things I would tell myself. Here are a few: Time goes by so fast. Enjoy the process every day. Don’t stress over academics, you are doing just fine. Spend more time reading aloud. Go on more field trips. Don’t skip a day praying before school. Don’t get frustrated, children learn at their own pace. A messy house comes with the territory. Take time out … Continue reading →

Strangers can be so funny.

If you homeschool long enough you will eventually be confronted by a stranger who feels the need to express his or her views on the choices you made for your children. Children, by the way, this stranger knows nothing about nor does he support financially. It drives me crazy because I see no reason to challenge a parent on their educational choice for her children. “You aren’t in a grade. You are homeschooled.” “In school you learn more.” Those are statements from a little neighbor girl to my daughter. I see we have been the topic of conversation in that … Continue reading →

Managing Stress

No one escapes stress. Stress is as certain as paying your taxes. in fact, that can be stressful. Experiencing trials while trying to homeschool your children can be difficult. Sometimes our trials are in homeschooling. Since we are well aware that trials will come then we must prepare by having positive coping mechanisms. Eating a whole cheesecake or a dozen dark chocolate truffles is not a proper coping mechanism. Ways to Cope and Relax Never make the mistake of thinking a stressful school day is better than a day off of school. You don’t need it and your kids won’t … Continue reading →