Folks, this has been the longest winter I can remember in years! Every time I think spring has arrived, winter rears it's blistery head again! Look, we look love winter as much as the next family. The fluffy flakes mean snowmen and warm firesides, hot chocolate, and ice skating. But eventually, you begin to dream of warm sunny days. There have been days this "Spring" where we see fog, rain, … [Read more...] about Exploring Spring with Chalk Pastels
Spring/Summer
Gardening Books and Activities for Kids
Spring is here! The sweet smell of apple blossoms fill the air and I find it is the perfect time to start gardening with the children. Since moving to the farm it seems the children have taken a wonderful interest in how plants grow. Perhaps it is because their uncle has been plowing the fields, perhaps it is because I keep pointing out all of the fruit trees in bloom, or perhaps they are just … [Read more...] about Gardening Books and Activities for Kids
Umbrella Easter Baskets
Easter and Spring are upon us here in the southeastern United States and I've been thinking about Easter Baskets. My husband and I prefer to celebrate with loved ones, a feast, and if we are doing Easter Baskets then filling these Baskets with items our children need. We prefer non-candy items that our children will enjoy. I've seen several alternatives to the traditional candy-filled … [Read more...] about Umbrella Easter Baskets
Easter Egg Dyes with All Natural Ingredients and Flower Stencils
Easter egg dyes with all natural ingredients and flower stencils! Sounds lovely! The children and I wanted to dye Easter eggs for Easter this year. I have fond memories of dying eggs as a little girl and want to make sure I pass on fun traditions like this to my own children. I've seen many different ways to dye eggs across the internet, but I keep coming back to the natural dyes from … [Read more...] about Easter Egg Dyes with All Natural Ingredients and Flower Stencils
Fireworks Activities and Books for Kids
Fireworks and Firecrackers are used by many different cultures all over the world to celebrate important holidays and events. Whether it's New Year's or the Fourth of July your child is going to hear the POW and see the dazzling displays of fireworks at some point. Nearly every major holiday from Chinese New Year to Guy Fawkes Day include these exploding creations. But where did the humble … [Read more...] about Fireworks Activities and Books for Kids
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
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
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
Solar Oven S’mores
Did you know that your kids can build their own solar oven out of pizza boxes? It's true! What's more, there is loads to be learned about the concentration of the sun's energy and you can all enjoy a tasty treat at the end of the process: Solar Oven S'mores! Here is how we made these tasty s'mores and learned about Reflection, Absorption, and Convection. This post may contain … [Read more...] about Solar Oven S’mores