Category Archives: Homeschool

Whether you currently homeschool and are looking for resources to help you or are considering homeschooling and want to learn more, this is your information source!

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Importance of Living Books

I have heard many moms say that any books that gets a child interested in reading is a good book. Although I understand the sentiment, I disagree with the concept. I think that what a child reads is as important as getting a child to read. Filling a child’s head with books that are devoid of imagination, use poor grammar, contain poor imaginary, are only surface and not mufti-faceted, do not educate or inspire but serve as empty calories in the world of food for thought. Reading can open a world of imagination, fantasy, inspiration, and experience. A book allows … Continue reading →

What People are Saying About: Heart of Dakota

What is Heart of Dakota Heart of Dakota strives to publish Christ-centered homeschool curricula that is easy to use, flexible, and educational and can also be used with multiple ages at the same time. Our desire is to help homeschool teachers have a successful experience from the very beginning, while keeping God’s Word at the heart of their children’s academic training. {from site} What People are Saying… We haven’t been using it very long but I love it! We use it with all 4 children right now (3-7yo) and it’s been wonderful! ~Dana   Heart of Dakota is the best! … Continue reading →