The warm sun is shining and the fireflies have emerged. It's summer and the smell of bbq's and lilies fill the air. My new flower bed is filled with poppies and a morning dove greets me with her mournful sound from a nearby tree. I love stepping outside with my morning coffee and enjoying the sights and sounds of summer. Our daily rhythm throughout most of the year is best described as controlled … [Read more...] about The Importance of Imaginative Play in Early Childhood
Archives for 2017
The Benefits of Guitar Lessons with Gentle Guitar
We first found out about Gentle Guitar through The Homeschool Sisters Podcast and have been taking guitar lessons since March 2017. Our son loved it so much that after the free trial we decided to continue the lessons. We were skeptical at first, but after the first couple of lessons on Skype, we quickly realized that this was an amazing way for our son to learn how to play guitar. Our son first … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Guitar Lessons with Gentle Guitar
5 Days of Harry Potter Inspired Fun
Why not enjoy some Harry Potter inspired fun? We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and what better way to do that than to spend the next 5 days with Harry Potter! In honor of the 20th anniversary, I created a collection of Harry Potter Inspired STEAM Printable Challenge Cards for my son! STEAM stands for Science, Technology, … [Read more...] about 5 Days of Harry Potter Inspired Fun
Hands On History with History Unboxed
When you think back to your days of history class, do you think dry, boring texts filled with dates? Or do you remember exciting hands on learning with a splattering of stories that brought history to life? I remember enjoying the stories in my history classes but not so much the remembering of dates and key figures. I cannot remember history ever being hands on...science class, yes. Remember … [Read more...] about Hands On History with History Unboxed
Seashore Chalk Pastel Video Art Course that is Perfect for Summer
If your kids are sweltering in the summer heat, then consider bringing them inside for a Seashore Chalk Pastel Video Art Course. They can cool off and create some beautiful artwork in the process! When I told the kids that chalkpastel.com had a new video course all about the seashore, they jumped for joy! They LOVE learning how to use chalk to make art. It is one of their favorite mediums … [Read more...] about Seashore Chalk Pastel Video Art Course that is Perfect for Summer
Foreign Languages for Kids
I once had the idea that if I wanted my children to learn a foreign language, then I needed the most expensive foreign language program available. It boasted of an immersive method that was fun and effective. Except that it wasn't...fun...or effect... at least not for our kiddos. What was I to do? Our children WANTED to learn Spanish, but every attempt left them frustrated and in tears. I secretly … [Read more...] about Foreign Languages for Kids
Natural Learning Opportunities on a Beach Vacation
Last week our family took a marvelous beach vacation. This vacation was glorious, messy, relaxing, intense, and filled with amazing natural learning opportunities! The learning never stopped! I guess that's the kind of vacation you can expect with two passionately curious youngsters who wake up with a million and one questions before you've even had the opportunity for coffee. I may still be … [Read more...] about Natural Learning Opportunities on a Beach Vacation
Summer Reading for the Homeschool Mom
Summer is the perfect time to catch up on my reading! For those of you wondering what eclectic mix of books, and trust me it is eclectic, this mama is perusing, here is my summer reading list. Also, I love that many of these are available as audio because let's face it...mama doesn't always get the luxury of sitting down with a good book. Sometimes she has laundry to fold, dishes to wash, or a … [Read more...] about Summer Reading for the Homeschool Mom
5 Ways to Keep Math Fun
Are you looking for ways to keep math fun for your kids? Here are five awesome ideas that are super easy to incorporate into everyday life. Keeping math fun is of utmost importance to me as a parent and a homeschool mom. Math is all around us from spiral sea shells, and grocery shopping, to the equations that launch rockets into space. So how can we keep math fun while providing our children with … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Math Fun
16 Ocean and Sea Creature Books Your Kids will Love
Does your kiddo love to read ocean and sea creature books? Are they obsessed with the deep sea and all the inhabitants therein? Here are 16 of our favorite kid's books all about the ocean and the animals that live there! Summer is on the horizon and that means many families are preparing for vacations! More specifically many families, like us, will be making their way to the beach for fun in … [Read more...] about 16 Ocean and Sea Creature Books Your Kids will Love