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
Homeschool
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
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 the mathematical education they need? This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Math Fun
16 Ocean and Sea Creature Books Your Kids will Love
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 the sun. Of course the kids excitement is palatable and they have loads of questions about the beach and the ocean. What sort of creatures can they expect to meet? Where does sand come from? What causes high tides and low … [Read more...] about 16 Ocean and Sea Creature Books Your Kids will Love
When You Can’t Do Everything: Overcoming Homeschool Burnout
This week I found myself sitting behind my closed bedroom door crying and gorging myself on giant handfuls of coffee nut M&M's. Feelings of frustration and overwhelming thoughts had finally gotten the best of me. The constant sibling bickering, sickness, rain and endless questions compounded by the extra weight of trying to do All. The. Things. and adulting had finally won out. Some homeschool … [Read more...] about When You Can’t Do Everything: Overcoming Homeschool Burnout
Helping Our Perfectionist Child
Perfectionism has reared its ugly head again. Not that it has ever completely left. Oh, no...but some days...weeks...months are easier than others. Helping Our Perfectionist Child Our son has been a perfectionist since he was a small child. Of all the things I could have passed on to my offspring...blue eyes, long legs, cunning wit...perfectionism and anxiety wouldn't have been on my list. As … [Read more...] about Helping Our Perfectionist Child
Hands on History with Project Passport
Our son is developing a love of history! He is fascinated with the stories, adventures and, in particular, ancient battles. So, I've been on the lookout for a hands on program that incorporates living books, and audio stories that will keep history exciting and that he would enjoy while letting him dive as deeply as he desired into the pages of the past. This post may contain affiliate links. … [Read more...] about Hands on History with Project Passport
Borax Crystal Snowflakes
Borax crystal snowflakes are a fun STEAM activity for children of all ages. Remember STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! These snowflake crystals are also great if you live in a warmer climate that doesn't see much real snow or if you just want to make some fun decorations! This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for … [Read more...] about Borax Crystal Snowflakes
Chalk Pastels for Kids
Chalk pastels and kids go together like lightning bugs and a warm summer evening. Trust me, they are a perfectly glorious pairing. I had no idea what we were missing until a few weeks ago when I grabbed a chalk pastel tutorial for the children and me to try. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more information. Chalk Pastels for … [Read more...] about Chalk Pastels for Kids