Should Your Homeschooler Do End of Year Testing?
Since annual testing isn’t required in many states, you may be wondering if you need to use standardized tests at all…join us as we look at the pros and cons of homeschool testing.
7 Ways to Combat Homeschool Burnout
The unrelenting prolonged stress of managing so many responsibilities can begin to negatively affect lives. Don’t let it get to you!
Give yourself a Checkup!
Give yourself a Checkup! By Rebecca Kochenderfer For many, the holiday season marks the midpoint of the homeschool year. It’s also the perfect time to evaluate your homeschool efforts. And even though holiday shopping, merry-making, and more shrink your available free time, putting aside a few hours to do this one thing could make all […]
Taking Care of Yourself – Self-Care is Family-Care
Taking Care of Yourself – Self-Care is Family-Care Rebecca Kochenderfer When is the last time you stopped and asked yourself if you were doing alright? As parents and homeschoolers, we spend the majority of our days helping others. We plan nourishing meals, seek out curriculum our kids will enjoy, drive to activities and playdates—and WE […]
The Holidays are the Perfect Time to Teach Social Skills
The Holidays are the Perfect Time to Teach Social Skills By Jamie Gaddy With all of the festivities, parties, plays, and general hoopla there are plenty of opportunities to teach our kiddos some social skills during the holidays! Interaction with others at various levels is common during this season and provides some real time, real […]
What’s in Your Curriculum Bag this Season?
What’s in Your Curriculum Bag this Season? By Jamie Gaddy Some of you may be saying, “Nothing!” Which is what many homeschoolers do during the holiday season, (and don’t beat yourself up about it.) We homeschool to enjoy our freedom, and if it’s best for your family to take off during the holidays – then […]
Do We Need a Dedicated Homeschool Space?
“Do We Need a Dedicated Homeschool Space?” by Homeschool.com’s Rebecca Kochenderfer Staying organized is a key aspect of ensuring success in your homeschool, but where to start? We know that not everyone has the space for a designated homeschool area but, don’t despair! If you don’t have room for a dedicated homeschool space, making an area […]
Deschooling – Why It’s So Important
“Deschooling – Why It’s So Important” by Homeschool.com’s Rebecca Kochenderfer Remember how you felt when you started? You knew the school systems weren’t working for you, yet you decided to take the plunge and homeschool. When you did, you discovered that it’s actually fun to purchase school supplies and set up study areas! You eagerly […]
Scheduling Curriculum for the Year
“Scheduling Curriculum for the Year” by Homeschool.com’s Rebecca Kochenderfer Do you get as EXCITED as we do when homeschool curriculum shows up at your doorstep? Looking at everything in person is so much fun! But then, why do you suddenly feel a little overwhelmed once you have everything pulled out of the box? All the […]
How to Homeschool While Living Overseas
How to Homeschool While Living Overseas Just like no two kids are alike, not every international school is created equal either. Some international schools may lack the religious convictions an expatriate family (American family living overseas) is searching for. Or the school may have a twenty-three-kids-to-a-class ratio that you are uncomfortable with. Others may not provide the services we find in most U.S. public schools; like quality […]
Memorization Tips for All Subjects Using Mnemonics to Improve Memory
Memorization Tips for All Subjects Using Mnemonics to Improve Memory Why does our memory not always work? We asked that question of Jim Sarris, a veteran teacher and author of two books on memory strategies: Comic Mnemonics for Spanish Verbs and Memory Skills Made Easy. We thank him for his time and advice. Our discussion was very enlightening […]
African-American History: Leaders & Famous People
The African Americans who helped shape this country into what it is today are a vital part of history study. As part of our African American History Month celebration, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the most beloved of those individuals.
African-American History: Leaders & Famous People
The African Americans who helped shape this country into what it is today are a vital part of history study. As part of our African American History Month celebration, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the most beloved of those individuals.
5 Reasons to Continue Homeschooling Through High School
Many parents, even some who have confidently homeschooled through the elementary grades, wonder if they should send their child to a traditional school for high school. Some are concerned about the challenge of teaching higher level courses. Others consider social issues, such as sports, prom, and graduation. This is a personal decision which must be considered by individual families, but here are 5 reasons to continue homeschooling through high school.
More Than 101 Things To Do This Summer!
Homeschool.com’s newest list of 101 Things to Do This Summer is BACK! And guess what? This year, we turned to you in our Facebook group and asked you for some unique ideas. You answered our request and this year, we bring you 103 things for your kids to do this summer!
Handpicked Summer Resources Just For You!
Summer and homeschooling – there are so many options. As many options as there are families! Because of this, Homeschool.com has published our Summer Resources Awards list – handpicked gems from companies that understand the importance of continued summer learning opportunities and experiences.
Planning to Have a Boring Summer?
For many families, summertime means moving from structure and routine-filled days to…well… nothingness, which can cause chaos. You can keep this from happening by engaging in meaningful activities. Get started by having a clear-cut plan for summer learning. Homeschool.com’s new book The Summertime Survival Guide for Parents can help!
Copywork: A Keystone in Language Arts
Curriculum Corner March 2017, Issue 7 Copywork: A Keystone in Language Arts by Homeschool.com’s Rebecca Kochenderfer Copywork is a popular technique used to teach language arts. It fits easily into most homeschooling routines and can be used in conjunction with a variety of curricula. Using the copywork method, students are given a piece of […]
Rebecca Recommends – The 5 Love Languages
Rebecca Recommends… March 2017, Issue 7 “The 5 Love Languages” by Homeschool.com’s Rebecca Kochenderfer What language is your family speaking? Years ago, while browsing in my local bookstore, Gary Chapman’s best-selling book, The 5 Love Languages:The Secret to Love that Lasts nearly jumped off the shelf into my hands. That night, flipping through its pages, I began to understand the simple brilliance of this best-selling book, which is part of a successful series. Chapman teaches that there are “five love […]
How to boost nonfiction reading skills
Check out ReadingCare’s five-day free trials and get a discount on your first order! ReadingCare gives students a new reading passage every day, Monday through Friday, with plenty of vocabulary and comprehension notes. Parents can even engage with students through daily progress reports.
Homeschool Snow Day Activities!
Great free activities to bookmark for those snow days or rainy days! A few fun homeschool activities might keep the boredom at bay!
Always Icecream and Clever Dragons – Fun Learning for Girls and Boys
On Always Icecream and Clever Dragons, girls and boys play fun games – and may not even be aware that they are practicing a wide array of academic subjects! These subjects include Basic to Advanced Math, Geography, Language Arts,Science, Arts & Music, and Keyboard Typing.
Personal Advice from Homeschool.com’s Editor on How to Finish the Year Strong
Today, I want to share with you the steps I always take to help me maintain a positive attitude and outlook, and to keep myself programmed for homeschooling success.
Top STEAM resources for your Homeschool!
Have you ever wondered how to incorporate more ART into lessons about core subjects like science and math. Add “A” to STEM, and you get STEAM! Educents offers great ideas for you to get started with STEAM.
Advice from Homeschool.com: The best ways to avoid homeschool burnout
As I mentioned in my first advice newsletter, I homeschooled all the way from preschool to college, made plenty of mistakes, and learned a lot along the way. One of the most important things I learned, and probably the best piece of advice I have for you is…Less teaching – More cheerleading
Top Back to Homeschool Resource Awards
During the last two weeks, Homeschool.com readers have voted for their Top Back to Homeschool Resources. These include products, curriculum, and websites. Please take a moment to review the winning companies—as they’ve been named the best of the best!
Voting Results – Top Homeschooling Products and MORE
Check out our current list HERE! Voting Results – Top Homeschooling Products and MORE for FREE email updates Send to a Friend During the last two weeks, Homeschool.com readers have voted for their Top Homeschooling Products Curriculum Websites Please take a moment to review the winning companies (listed alphabetically below)—as they’ve been named the best […]
What About Socialization?
If only homeschoolers had a nickel for every time they heard the question, “… but what about socialization?” That infamous socialization question, for any seasoned homeschooler, is quite a humorous one!
What about Socialization?
The question of socialization comes up often in conversations about homeschooling. Parents who are new to homeschooling or considering it as a future option may recognize that school provides more than just academics. They may worry about how they will recreate those other learning opportunities in their home. Well-meaning neighbors and family members may ask, “But what about socialization?” Well, what about it?
5 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Success
The Critical Thinking Co. has guaranteed higher grades & top test scores for more than 50 years! Simply put—their products work. Their award-winning homeschool curriculum, riddles, puzzles, games, software, and apps develop thinking skills and improve standards-based learning.
The Seven Abilities Your Child Needs to Succeed
There are seven core skills that are central to school success for any child, whether home-schooled or otherwise. By building these skills in your child, you’ll ensure that she has a solid foundation for school and for life. Today TestingMom.com wants to share these skills and how you can use them to help your child break away from the pack!
What Practical Life Skills/Values Are You Going To Teach Your Children?
It’s important that we teach our children practical life skills–skills that teach them how to survive in society–how to thrive in society. These practical life skills can be divided into at least six categories and the skills that fall within each category are many, varied and probably endless.
8 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed
Calvert Education, a leader in homeschooling for more than 100 years, is pleased to bring you this list of eight ways to help your child learn and grow.
6 GREAT Ways to Evaluate Curriculum BEFORE You Buy
When you are providing your children with online reading and math assessment and instruction, it’s imperative that you ensure that those tests and lessons were designed to teach your children and enable them to retain what they have learned. So how do you know if your choice in purchasing online educational programs is the best for your child’s education as well as the money and time you are investing? SmartTutor.com has some great hints.
Setting Up Your Student’s Learning Space to Match Their Learning Style
If this is your first year as a homeschooling family, or if you have been homeschooling for years, it is important to prepare your child’s learning space for academic success.
Four Helpful Tips for Evaluating Online Courses
Many parents who are homeschooling turn to the Internet to find online instructional resources. But determining whether or not certain online courses are an effective academic solution can be confusing, so here are four important factors to consider when evaluating online courses.
Creative Motivation Tips for a Great School Year
https://www.homeschool.com/articles/connectionsacademy12/ Creative Motivation Tips for a Great School Year It’s common for students of all ages to lose motivation from time to time–and this can be a source of stress and strain for parents. Below are several fun ideas suggested by some creative Connections Academy parents that you can use to combat difficult academic challenges, […]
5 Homeschooling Secrets
Connections Academy is an accredited school-from-home program for students in grades K–12 offering an award-winning curriculum with free learning materials and resources from leading educational publishers, and a personalized learning plan tailored to your student!
Yes You Can! Raise Financially Aware Kids
Teach your kids about money management. Try these four fun games from Stowers Innovations’ book, “Yes You Can! Raise Financially Aware Kids.”
Our Sponsor: Stowers Innovations
The Ten Most Important Things You Need to Know About Homeschooling
When parents first consider homeschooling their children, there is so much for them to contemplate and learn that it can be very overwhelming. Before deciding to move forward with homeschooling, parents will read many articles about the how’s and why’s; they will learn about different homeschooling approaches, available curriculum, how to set up a homeschooling space, and companies that can help parents create a successful homeschooling year for their children. Homeschool.com has put together a list of the 10 most important things parents need to know about homeschooling to help you in your homeschooling endeavors, or to pass-along to new homeschoolers.
Teaching Math to your Child? Remember that Practice Makes Perfect, and to KEEP IT FUN!
Although many students are leery when it comes to math, they can become engaged when learning is made fun through games and interactive activities. One such site that offers this is LiveMathBowl.com, a math site with over 750 learning activities and trusted and used by more than 5000 schools and over 1,000,000 children worldwide, and best of all, LiveMathBowl is a great tool for homeschoolers.
How to Motivate Your Student to Study Math
“Math,” (Yikes!)… For some of us, this simple word sends a shiver up our spine as those long ago tormented years in math classes come back in a wave of consciousness so strong we can still smell the musty text books and # 2 pencils. As parents, we desire to help our children learn and understand how they will one-day come to use math in their everyday lives. How then, do we get past our nightmarish math memories to the point where, while educating our children, we too can overcome the hesitations and learn to enjoy math?
