Identifying leaves on a nature scavenger hunt for the Georgia Junior Ranger program.

The Junior Ranger Program.  Really, does it get much better than fun, free (mostly) and educational?

This program, hosted by a series of national and state parks, is an exciting way for your kids to learn the environmental and historical aspects of your region.  If you are anything like me, you have seen posts about the Junior Ranger Program on various blogs.  I’ve seen friends write about it on Facebook, too.  But only a few weeks ago did I stop g   l   a   n   c   i   n   g over these references; I finally clicked a link and did the research. Gold Mine! We’ve heard from moms that they want something exciting for the summer that will keep their kid’s minds active, but that won’t break the bank; the Junior Ranger Program is the answer.

In a nutshell, the Junior Ranger Program encourages kids to perform activities ranging from outdoor scavenger hunts to scramble word-finds, from volunteering to bird-watching, and much more.  Once prospective Jr. Rangers complete a set number of experiences at home and within a park setting, then they share their findings with a Park Ranger in order to receive a badge, patch, or certificate (depending on the program and location.) The program is usually available via the park’s website, and is self-directed.  This means you and your kids set the pace, select the activities and manage your own goals.

The program originated with the National Parks Service.  Almost National Parks, National Monuments, and National Historical Sites have their own, specific program.  For example, if you live in Arizona then you may enjoy the program for Petrified Forest National Park, and if you are traveling to DC then consider the program for the National Mall.

Most states also have a Junior Ranger Program for the state parks system, such as our program in Georgia. Other states such as North Carolina have a state program, but also have additional programs for specific state parks like Weymouth Woods – Sandhills Nature Preserve. You can also find specialty programs at the national and state level.  For example, Georgia offers the Junior War Historian Program; the National Parks System also offers Junior Paleontologist and Night Explorers programs.

I have not found a directory of all the state programs; I would recommend Googling your state park system and the term “Junior Ranger.” In addition to the program booklet, you may also find newsletters, Junior Ranger Camps (usually these require a fee), Junior Ranger family outings, and more.

Tips for starting the program

Each program indicates a recommended age; most fall between 5 and 12 years old.  There are a handful of programs for kids as young as 2 yrs and as old as 17 yrs.  I encourage you to look through the program contents rather than settle on the recommended age.  I almost did not start the program with my son this year.  The recommended level 1 age for Georgia is 6 yrs.  However, after reviewing the material, I would say he could have started at 3 yrs; at almost 5 yrs we are working on Level 2.  Keep in mind that each program is different. This is just another perk to being self-directed. You know your child best – when to start him, how much to expect, and how quickly you want to progress through the program.

If you are already an outdoor family like we are, you might find that your child could easily “check off” each activity and turn it in overnight.  Rather than doing this, use it as an opportunity to experience activities again with a new and fresh perspective.  We go hiking several times a month, but when the hiking activity came about in the program we didn’t automatically mark it completed.  We scouted a new hiking location and contentiously, with our new “Junior Ranger eyes”, trekked the forest floor. We learned new things and experienced a staple activity from a new angle.

Read the fine print; each program is different.  Most programs are free, but some may require a small fee – usually less than $5.  A park may provide different programs for different age groups or have the same program for everyone but require more of the older children.  Various programs offer a badge by mailing in your activity book; others require a Park Ranger to evaluate your child performing some activities in order to receive a patch or pin.  Even if you have completed a program in one park, be sure to read the details about a program in another park.

If you are wondering where to start, I recommend beginning with your state’s Junior Ranger Program (if you have one.)  It is usually a more general program, not created for a specific location.  This allows you and your children to get your feet wet in the program, while providing more freedom and flexibility with regard to where you complete the activities. With that one completed, your kids will feel confident about exploring site-specific programs.

If you are looking for free (or nearly free) ways to practice math, science, art, history, and more this summer – all in the guise of fun – then check out the Junior Ranger Programs in your area.  When you do, let us know! We’d love to highlight your Junior Rangers on Homeschool.com.

 We’ve added more ideas about the Junior Ranger Program on Pinterest.  

Also, join the conversation  on Facebook.

Why did you choose to homeschool your child? I had many reasons why I wanted to homeschool my children but most of all, I wanted to be in control of the subjects that my children would learn, so they would thrive financially once they left my protective nest.

In school we have to simply hope and pray that our children will learn about money but most schools don’t teach this subject. They don’t have the funding, and they don’t have the knowledge to teach it to our kids. Our kids deserve better. We need to teach them not just how to get a job they hate to pay their bills, but how to earn money doing what they actually love to do!

And that’s what’s so wonderful about homeschooling our kids. We get to choose the subjects they learn. Besides learning the basics, like reading, writing and calculating, we need to teach them how to handle their money wisely. We need to teach them how to take their passions and natural talents and turn those into an ongoing, income for themselves so they would have the time and money to really enjoy their lives!

Money is not everything but if you have no money, then life is very hard. Money is neither good nor evil. It’s simply a tool. If you are a bad person and you make a lot of money then you will probably do bad things with your money. On the flip-side, if you are a good person, then with more money you will end up doing more good in our world.

Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to spend quality time with our kids to teach them how to make their money work hard for them. Schooled children can learn this too, but as homeschooling families we have the luxury of including money as a subject to our child’s daily lessons.

How can you include money lessons into your daily homeschooling lessons? Easy. Money doesn’t have to be a hard or boring subject. It can be fun and exciting.

Here is how you can incorporate the subject of money into your child’s daily life:

• Begin by getting your child to write down all the goals that they want to achieve. In our case, my kids wanted to save up for a new gaming system. Maybe your child wants to go to an amusement park; maybe they want to buy something special. It doesn’t matter what the goal is as long as your child really wants it.
•  Next, have your child draw up pictures of their goals and post these on a corkboard in their room to remind them daily of their dreams to keep them on track.
• Then sit down together and come up with some fun ways they can make their own. My daughter came up with a great idea to write and illustrate a children’s book to remember our dog, who had recently passed away. It helped other kids cope with the loss of their own pets. What interests or talents does your child have that they could use to come up with a creative way to earn their own money?
• Once your child earns their own money, have them divide their money using this “6 Magical Piggy Banks” system. It will help them save up their money so they can not only buy their goal but so they can also learn how to be in control of their money so their money will work hard for them rather than your child always having to work hard for their money!

Here are The 6 Magical Piggy Banks that my children use:

•  GROW – money for investing in other money making ventures (i.e. buying lemonade and cups for a lemonade business)

•  GIVE – money for giving to a charity of their choice to help others

•  RAIN – money that is saved for that rainy day emergency, otherwise never to be touched (i.e. to fix their bike that they need to ride to school)

•  LEARN – money for further learning and personal growth (i.e. for college, or for learning a new talent, like ballet or soccer, etc.)

•  GOAL – money saved specifically for their personal goal (i.e. a new gaming system, a trip to an amusement park, or a special toy, etc.)

•  FUN – money to spend whenever they like on whatever they like (within reason of course)

Setting goals, figuring out ways to earn their own money and teaching them how to manage their money so their money works hard for them is just the beginning. It’s a very fun way to get started teaching your child about money.

Homeschooling gives us the opportunity to raise money smart kids. We don’t have to hope that our child’s school will teach our child about money. We have the luxury to decide what topics we wish to include and make important in their daily lessons. Start simple and keep it fun.

Here’s to your child’s financial happiness!

=====================================================

Author Bio:  Amanda van der Gulik has been homeschooling her own two children for over 11 years and is the founder of www.TeachingChildrenAboutMoney.com, Visit Amanda’s site today to grab your FREE copy of her eBook, “50 Money Making Ideas for Kids and Teens” or her “The 6 Magical Piggy Banks” cartoon.

Thank you Amanda!

Founded by homeschooling parents, EDUSS is a world-wide company that teaches English, Phonics, and Mathematics to students in a home setting. It’s presently used in more than 26,000 households and is a very thorough and cost-effective product. When I spoke with the founder of the company, I was impressed with the enthusiasm and the passion he has for his company, education, and homeschooling in general.

In regards to how thorough the program is, EDUSS provides the following–

• The EDUSS curriculum Knowledge Web: EDUSS provides your children with the comprehensive curriculum to assess and design an individualized learning plan based on their individual needs. The curriculum also allows you the ability to accelerate your children if you desire to do so.
• Gap Scan Technology: The EDUSS Gap Scan Technology is the intelligent multi-dimensional assessment engine that has the ability to not only identify your child’s level of knowledge but also their foundational level of understanding.
• Automated Differentiated Diagnostic Assessment: Most often, learning gaps only become evident sometime after they occur. The EDUSS diagnostic assessment is designed to search for and identify these learning gaps by using the Gap Scan Technology, even if they occurred earlier in your child’s learning career. This forms the basis for the individualized learning plan for your student.
• Gap Recovery Plan: On the basis of information gleaned in the comprehensive diagnostic assessment, the Solution generates a learning plan that is specifically designed to meet the individual child’s needs. It is not a one size fits all.
• Personal Instructor: The personal instruction module of the Solution provides fully narrated step-by-step instruction in any topic of need to the student. Because different students learn differently, EDUSS has been careful to design this instructional module to meet the needs of different learning styles.
• Student Management System: The EDUSS Student Manager System provides real-time monitoring and mapping through one integrated reporting interface making it easy for you to track and monitor the activity of each of your children individually. Real time information helps you make instructional decisions and/or adjustments. Complete reports are available at any time for every component of your child’s learning.
• World-wide standards: Yes, world-wide standards, not just U.S. standards.
• Capability of putting EDUSS on your hard-drive: Perfect for homeschoolers on the road, or those in remote areas.
• Back-up from the EDUSS support team as well as ongoing updates: Support is always good!
• Plus, a real-world reward program is coming soon.

In regards to the cost, EDUSS provides all of the above for a minimum monthly subscription of $29.95. That’s for the entire family!

Thorough and affordable!

When Bev sent me her story of visiting the resting place of Dama de Cao, I was immediately moved. This story had to be shared; I hope you feel the same way.  As a perpetual traveler, she offers an eye into places we may never go. I like to call this Arm Chair Travel. Educational, fun, captivating….all from the comfort of home. Stay tuned for more photo essays from Bev in the coming months. — Lesli

In the morning, greeted by our cheerful, friendly driver, my friends and I set off on tour again!  We drove one and a half hours north, passing through acres of sugar cane farms and finally leading us out of the desert.  Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere, we reached our destination. The El Bruco archaeological site – an ancient pyramid monument of the Moche civilization.

First we visited the museo, a fabulous modern building.  The displays were wonderful and the presentations were interesting and informative.

1500 years before South America had its first female head of state, the Dama de Cao (or Señora de Cao) governed from this pyramid. Over the last six years, her story has spread far and wide, a replica of her mummy has toured the world, and NatGeo ran a widely-publicized documentary about her. This lovely museo seems a fitting resting place for Dama de Cao, located at the base of her pyramid.

A short trek from the mueso is the pyramid complex……

The Moche always built their pyramids with mud bricks, and when the El Niño rains came in the late sixth century (and again many times after that), the buildings melted away. Today, they look more like half-washed-away sandcastles or dirt mounds than the towering palaces they once were.

However, this process of destruction yielded a surprising result. As the top layers of the pyramids washed down onto the lower levels, they sealed them in, protecting them from the elements. Today we see only the lower levels of El Bruco…but what an amazing sight….

As we stood atop the Huaca Cao Viejo it is difficult to envision this was once a grand city. Today there is just desert and sugar cane fields….

Dama de Cao was discovered by an archaeological team in 2006, in a tomb high inside of the pyramid in an elaborately-painted burial chamber. The researchers and the world were shocked at finding the remains of the ruler of this grand pyramid and city belonged to a woman……yeah, go “girl power”!!!!…

El Brujo dates as far back as the year 100 BC, and these ruins clearly show the remains of a large, stepped pyramid, a spacious central court, mural ornamentation and clay plaster with detailed polychrome relief work…..

The temple wall on Cao Viejo soars five stories above the main ceremonial plaza, where animal and human sacrifices were performed. The 1700-year old murals, still plainly visible, portray vanquished soldiers being led to the spot where their blood would be offered to the gods!!

It was incredibly hot in the desert but as we left the ruins there was a nice breeze from the ocean. Returning to the present day, we drove to El Bruco village (35 minutes away, population 500), we stopped at the charming Plaza de Armas, dominated on one side by a glorious colourful church….

Now lunchtime, we ate at the town’s only restaurant. I have to say there was excellent food and cheap, too……We enjoyed one of my favorite Peruvian meats, grilled Cuy.  My poor friends were squirming!!!…..as translated….Cuy is guinea pig!!!….(they don’t eat much Cuy in South Peru, but they eat Alpacha which they don’t eat in the north!)

We then drove on to Huanchaco beach for the afternoon….. up next are the famous Tortora reed fishing boats….

hasta mañana, B xx

About the Author

Bev Campbell resides…..well, where???!!!, my home is New Zealand….but i have been absent for a while, just over 2 years now in fact, as i’ve been traveling the World constantly. Asia, USA, South America, Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Baltic’s, you name it!….. i even got up to Iceland and Far North Lapland. With previous extensive travel and the last 2 years non-stop, i’ve now visited 85 countries. The best of my travels…..meeting people, being privileged to share in their lives, to experience and appreciate new cultures, you’re never to old to learn.

SkillsTutor At Home, owned by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt offers online self-paced Math, Reading/Language Arts, and Science lesson plans for kids K through Grade9+, that are aligned with national and state standards. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a name homeschoolers trust—and as you’d expect, this product is first rate–this is an online learning option worth looking into!

SkillsTutor At Home offers an Assess, Assign, Achieve Methodology, which works well for the student, and provides valuable information to the parent.  Each unit of Math, Reading/Language Arts, and Science begins with a pre-test to assess the knowledge a child already possesses–the questions are directly related to the content which is covered in the unit. Upon finishing the assessment, the child is placed on an individualized learning path that provides additional learning opportunities and support. When the child finishes the unit, she is given a summative assessment to determine if she has mastered the content or has additional learning needs. When a topic needs to be revisited, it is automatically placed back in her learning pathway to provide additional educational opportunities. The parental reporting system is stellar, and easy to follow– parents are able to see all pre-and post-test results.

Regarding the topics of study, the online Math modules reinforce basic math skills and promote higher mathematical reasoning, up to and including Algebra II.  The higher Math modules specifically address–

• Basic algebra
• Measurement and geometry
• Proportion and percent
• Statistics and probability
• Inequalities and polynomials
• Factoring and rational expressions
• Functions, graphing, and systems of equations
• Data and statistics
• Exponents, logarithms, and trigonometry, and
• Quadratics and rational functions.

SkillsTutor At Home does not cover subjects beyond Algebra II.

The web-based Reading and Language Arts software helps develop critical reading and communication skills.  Children learn—

• Vocabulary building
• Word knowledge
• Reading comprehension
• Grammar and usage
• Language mechanics
• Language usage
• Sentence structure
• Clear writing and paragraphs

The online Science activities cover elementary topics, all the way through Biology, Chemisty, and Physics.

SkillsTutor At Home works for multiple children in one household, and because of this, it is very cost effective.

Regarding the cost, you can

• Start with the 14 day free trial—which is absolutely free—you don’t need to give your credit card information
• Choose their Monthly Plan for just $9.99 for up to two users.  Additional users are $1.99/month extra
• Purchase the yearly plan at $79.99/year for up to two users.  Additional users are $19.99/year

If you choose the free trial first, and then subscribe, all the completed lessons and reports from the trial period are moved over and maintained in your new account.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Need I say more?

Using CityPASS to explore the Georgia Aquarium

Two things often hold families back from traveling together: time and money.  Vacation time from work, for the typical family breadwinner, is infrequent and precious.  Escaping over an extended weekend gives the entire family opportunity to connect without having to dip into the “time off” pool.  Once a long weekend presents itself, a limited budget may still be a concern.  Consider the following three suggestions for making your ‘great escape’ affordable.

Take a day trip

Eileen Gunn, Founder and Editor at Families, Go! , recommends TripAdvisor’s Tank of Gas Tool.  It suggests places that are ¼, ½ or a full tank of gas from home, as well as attractions, restaurants and hotels in the area.  You might be surprised that some places are closer than you expect.

For example, the beach at Hilton Head, SC is less than a tank of gas from the heart of land-locked Atlanta (237 miles and $38.)  A half-tank of gas (144 miles and $25) will take you into the Smokey Mountains. Knowing this makes both options possible; simply select the distance that best fits your budget.  From many locations, especially on the coast, you don’t have to drive far to experience a dramatic change in your environment.

Consider that a ‘half-tank’ gas trip is 100 – 150 miles from home, about a two-hour drive.  That means you don’t have to leave the night before in order to enjoy a full weekend, which saves on hotel expenditure.  Leave early on Saturday morning and arrive at your destination before lunch. You can enjoy your stay until lunch on Monday, then head home in time to unwind before dinner and ‘back to the grind’ preparations.

Experience a ‘staycation’

What about exploring in your own backyard?  Between balancing multiple kids, scouts, choir practice, ballet and dinner, it is often difficult to embrace the family attractions that your own city provides.  Use your long weekend to wander the art museum or roam among the dinosaurs at the natural history center, right in your hometown.

Use a city discount card, typically marketed to tourists, to save on familiar attractions. CityPASS  and Smart Destinations bundle passes to attractions in multiple cities around the country, providing savings of up to 55%.   With your passes pre-purchased, you can usually skip ticket lines. Also, look for perks with your package. For example, CityPASS ticket books include coupons to local restaurants and the option to upgrade to behind-the-scenes VIP tours for a reduced price.

To make a staycation feel more like a true vacation, consider using the money saved on attractions and gas or plane tickets to stay at a hotel in your hometown.  Being away from the laundry and yard work will ensure you spend quality time together for the duration of the weekend.  Staying in the heart of the city can be an exciting adventure for rural or suburban-raised children; the sights, sounds and smells are new and unique.

When your book your hotel, be sure to tell them you are a resident of the area, and that you are taking a staycation.  There are often discounted rates for families embarking on this new trend.  Consider a room with a kitchenette; although priced a little higher, it will bring an overall savings when you consider the cost of dining out for every meal. Finally, don’t forget your swimsuit – the pool is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Camp under the stars

Camping can be as luxurious or as affordable as you want to make it. If you are on a budget, research the overnight rates at various locations.  The state park is an option, but it might not be the best one. In California camping in a state park is as low as $8 per night whereas state park camping in Georgia will cost you a nightly fee of $28.  If the state park rates are too costly then scout private campgrounds.

Cut costs by bringing your own food rather than eating out.  Sandwiches work well, or try a bucket of mom’s fried chicken, which can be delicious without a microwave to warm it.  Morning eggs can be cooked over a campfire or hard-boiled before leaving the house. Speaking of the campfire, bringing your own wood can also save you money.  Campfire wood sold on site is usually 2-3 times more expensive than what you will find at a convenience store closer to home. Another idea for the more adventurous family: catch your food!  Find a campsite near a stocked lake and plan your fishing activities right before dinner.

If camping is new to you, then the initial cost of camping equipment might feel daunting.  Consider scouring the thrift stores, Goodwill and Craigslist for the basics.  When other families are looking to upgrade their equipment, you can benefit.  Ask friends and family about their camping supplies; many people are eager to loan you their butane stove or portable chairs.  Who knows, maybe they’ll even join you on your adventure!  Additionally, places like Mountain Side Gear Rental will loan you the equipment. For example, a Eureka Assault 4 person tent retails for about $350, but a weekend rental with Mountain Side is under $50.

Whether you head to the city to take-in your own backyard, wander in the wilderness to escape the crowds, or explore a new city that is close to home, you can easily leverage a long weekend for affordable family fun.

Join the conversation on Facebook, and sign up for our  Weekly Travel Update so you never miss an travel article!

The Sonrise Stable series of books (presently there are four books in the series) is the heartwarming, continuing story of an extended homeschooling family. Mixing adventure, life lessons, and realistic horse experiences, the series is a must for readers who enjoy family values, the Christian faith, and, of course, horses!

As mentioned, there are four books in series (a fifth one is slated)–a synopsis of the four books follows:

Book 1: Sonrise Stable: Rosie and Scamper

While learning to ride at Sonrise Stable, eight-year-old Rosie dreams of the horse shows she will win with her pony, Jet. Two years later, nothing is exactly the way Rosie planned it—she’s riding a new pony, Scamper, and learning that life isn’t always easy. But it’s as Rosie reaches out to the new girl next door that she truly begins to see that God works all things together for good in our lives.

Book 2: Sonrise Stable: Carrie and Bandit

Carrie can’t believe it—she has a horse of her own and is only weeks away from being adopted by the most loving family she’s ever known. But Bandit is harder to manage than she first imagined—and the adoption might not go as smoothly as she thought either. When a bad decision jeopardizes everything, Carrie learns what it means to be forgiven and truly loved.

Book 3: Sonrise Stable: Clothed With Thunder

After sitting through a 4-H demonstration on the evolution of the horse, Rosie and Carrie are determined to present the arguments for creation at the club’s next meeting. The demonstration proves harder to put together than they imagined as everyone offers the girls their opinions. The lessons Rosie learns about creation extend into her life in surprising ways as she faces her old adversary, Billy King, who cheated her out of her first trophy with her pony, Scamper.

Book 4: Sonrise Stable: Tender Mercies

When Rosie, Carrie, and Grandma are asked to help out at Last Chance Corral, a nursemare foal rescue, Rosie is shocked when she experiences firsthand how cruel some people can be to animals. During the week at Last Chance, the girls learn that the God who knows when a sparrow falls to the ground works through the kindness of others to provide for the animals He created. For the foals, and the girls, Last Chance Corral is a life-changing experience.

In addition to the books, the Sonrise site also sells very attractive horse-related jewelry. The various pieces range in style and price—and all are attractive.  A piece of horse-related jewelry with the four books, makes the PERFECT gift (very appealing) for the young homeschooling girl (or tween) in your life. When the books and the bracelet we chose (the red stretchy bracelet—very cute) arrived at our office, there were MANY “oohs and ahhs” (as my father use to say)—everyone appreciated the overall look—and really, everyone wanted a set of their own!

Oak Meadow School offers homeschooling curriculum and an accredited online distance school for grades K-12.  Their curriculum and programs are strong academically, and provide the flexibility that homeschoolers expect.  Their curriculum and programs accommodate visual, auditory, and physical learning styles, providing opportunities for all children to learn easily, and successfully.

We asked for, and received, the Fifth Grade program.  When it arrived (yes, arrived—real books, craft projects and more), we were pleasantly surprised (and downright amazed!) by the quality, and the quantity of the materials we received.

Specifically, we received—

• Texts covering the subjects of English/U.S. History, Math and Science.
• A Teacher’s Manual, as well as the Answer Keys for reviews and tests.
• Nine soft cover books, including such titles as Johnny Tremain, Harriet Tubman, If You Sailed on the Mayflower, Little House on the Prairie, and more.
• A large craft kit, containing colored pencils, embroidery thread, a loom kit, sketch pad, paint brushes, and more (The craft kit is not included in the curriculum package but can be purchased separately—and we did receive it).

In all?  27 items!

The English and Social Studies text is all one book.  It combines geography, literature, and early American history, and challenges students to draw parallels across the subjects. The Science text encourages students to engage in investigations and experiments that cultivate essential scientific skills such as forming hypotheses, conducting observations, and taking field notes. The lessons emphasize the scientific method, conservation ecology, meteorology, anatomy, and astronomy.  They also lay the groundwork for more extensive scientific studies in the upper grades. The Math curriculum presents a substantial review of all four basic processes and fraction concepts, with an emphasis on word problems and practical problem solving. Students strengthen their foundational skills in preparation for moving into more advanced computational skills.

Interested in viewing a sample lesson plan?  You may do so by clicking here .

Families may purchase Oak Meadow materials to use independently, or choose to enroll in Oak Meadow’s distance learning school in order to receive the support of an experienced teacher as well as official school records.

Oak Meadow is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Council of Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI). Through this accreditation, Oak Meadow is also recognized by several other regional accrediting agencies, including the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation, thorough curriculum, you as the teacher….or assistance from an experienced teacher if you want one….really, Oak Meadow covers all the bases!

Woody’s World, book written by E.Renee Heiss, book illustrated by Chelsea Sekanic

Book published by Character Publishing

Ages 8 and Up

124 pages

Approx. price $18

Woody’s World is a charming, thought-provoking book about the adventures of a creative twelve-year-old boy during The Great Depression. The book chronicles his fun, fool-hardy life prior to the stock market crash, through the following year, as he grows from a boy who tends to get into trouble, to a determined, hard-working young man—a true entrepreneur, who is able to partially support his family.

Because this book was written about a different time, there are numerous historical/cultural talking points. Read the book with your child and take the time to stop and discuss various subjects as they arise.  On the positive side—it was a time when kids played outside safely for hours on end, without needing to tell their parents where they were, and a time when close-knit communities kept an eye out for each of their young members. Unfortunately, it was also a time when it was the norm for children to receive corporal punishment, and a time when African Americans were called negative names due to their race.

Woody’s World is the recipient of the 2013 Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval—and a great book to read with your children.

Photo via Flickr/roanokecollage/CCL

International travel provides opportunities for incredible learning experiences. 

Through travel we learn about other cultures, lifestyles, languages, unique and beautiful geography, history, politics and current events, art and more.  Because of this, international travel isn’t just for adults – our kids benefit as well!

There are numerous options for families when it comes to traveling and homeschooling overseas.

Regarding Travel

• Live…learn…travel overseas together as a family.  This includes military families, expatriates, and adventurous homeschoolers.  Click on the following for oodles of information and inspiration –
  • Kids Can Travel – Homeschooling on the Road
  • Soultravelers3
  • BootsnAll Travel Network
  • edventureproject.com
  • Vagabond Family – Roadschooling Highschool
  • Visit overseas as a family. You can organize your own trip or work with a travel agency. Consider Experiencing Israel.
  • Encourage your teens to travel internationally, as part of a group.  Unschool Adventures leades international adventures (and US-based programs) for young adult unschoolers.  Each trip is an opportunity for self-directed young people to make new friends, challenge themselves, and explore the world.

From Our Readers          

A number of Homeschool.com readers wrote in about their personal travel experiences and a few of those comments follow:

Kimberly writes:

“We lived in Germany for one year, in 2004. Our children were 5 & 7 years old. We became official residents and actually received permission to homeschool while we were there, which is unheard of in Germany. They prosecute many homeschool families, extensively. We did carry that letter around with us everywhere just in case we got stopped and questioned, which never happened.

We used the K12 curriculum, and I shared the scope and sequence with the government so they would understand what we were doing. We were very open with them about our academics as well as our plans for being in their country. They were very receptive. We had also talked to the legal group who supports/protects homeschoolers in that country so we knew what kind of language to use (and not to use) when talking to government officials about our educational choice.

As for travel, in Germany, they workers received 5 to 6 weeks of vacation per year. We used it all! We loved to jump in the car (train or plane) and tour various countries on long weekends. We always had a GPS in the car so we got get distracted but always find our way home. Our goal was to expose our children to as many different cultures and see many of the places they have (and will) study. Each city was a treasure hunt to see what we have studied as well as all the cool places we didn’t even know existed, and taste all the various foods. We lived life to the fullest and loved it.

As with homeschooling here, we did it when we could where we could, to keep their academics familiar (a home base), but they learned so much by traveling. They are very comfortable with all kinds of modes of transportation and are always excited to visit new places and see what makes them special. One of the biggest lessons they learned, was that, deep down, people are people and all have feelings, needs, and dreams. The special part is that every culture adds its own spice to each person.”

Peggy writes ,

“My son and I traveled to England and France in May of 2010 with a friend and her daughter. Our friends from the UK have a holiday house in the south of France that they invited us to stay in for 5 1/2 weeks. We flew into London had spent several days there. Hotels are fine for short stays which we did in London and Paris, but a house, apartment or gite are better alternatives. You can have down time, meals at home and get to know the neighbors this way. By the time we left the little village of Trebe were we stayed, we felt like we were one of the locals.

My son, Luke and his friend Annika were 12 at the time which is a good age for travel. Their curriculum throughout the year included medieval studies so this was easy. They had also studied ancient Egypt and Rome as well as Luke being interested in World War II.

We also arranged for a Michelin trained chef to come to the house we were staying at in France. The experience was incredible for the children and us alike. He took us to the market and then showed us how to prepare a simple French meal. The children were included in every step of the way. We made sure that everything we did was tween friendly.”

International travel – a great gift you can give your children! After all, traveling is your time to “explore together and grow together.”

A special thank you to the author, Ann Simpson, who is our Regional Advertising Manager and Homeschool.com Blog Writer.  She compiled this information from our readers. 

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