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Welcome

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

October 6, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will love doing three different cocoa winter hands-on science activities to go with my winter season unit study.

And we’re taking one of our favorite winter treats and turning it into science.

Using a simple packet of cocoa, we’re going to do three fun winter hands on science activities that your kids will love.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

These activities will appeal to multiple senses and can be used to teach some basic science principles.

Adding a new sensory experience to some science activities that might be ordinary and basic can give them new life.

Too, it makes them interesting, stirs your child to ponder about science, and helps your child retain what he has learned in an exciting new way.

3 Fun Cocoa Science Activities for Kids

Grab some of your favorite chemistry books like Basher Chemistry to reference while exploring these cocoa winter science activities.

And learn some of the vocabulary and scientific terms that go with them.

Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cup of cocoa with your little scientist while you have fun with these activities.

Don’t confuse it with one of science mixtures.

1. Hydrophobic Hot Cocoa Science Activity

First, begin with this hydrophobic hot cocoa activity.

You’ll need:

  • A clear container
  • Spoon
  • Hot cocoa mix
  • Water- hot and cold

Directions:

Grab a glass of cold water and a heaping tablespoon of hot cocoa powder.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Slowly lower the spoon into the glass.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Twist and move the spoon a bit.

Raise the spoon out of the glass. What happened? The liquid that was wrapped around the powder rolls right off.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Now heat up a cup of water. It doesn’t have to be boiling just nice and hot.

Stir another tablespoon of cocoa into the water and see how fast it dissolves.

What is the Science of Hydrophobic Hot Cocoa

Cocoa is a substance that is known as hydrophobic. This means that it repels water.

The fat in the cocoa makes it hydrophobic. Oil is also hydrophobic. Have you heard the old saying oil and water don’t mix? It’s true.

So why does it dissolve in hot water so much better than cold water? Simply put, hot water has more energy in it than cold water.

This means that the molecules move faster and break down the cocoa powder faster than cold water does. 

You can also try this experiment with cold and hot milk. It will work the same due to the amount of water in the milk.

2. Hot Cocoa Slime Science Activity

Second, slime is not just a fun sensory activity.

It can be used to learn some basic chemistry terms like

  • molecules
  • polymers
  • chemical reactions
  • and nonnewtonian fluid ( neither a solid or a liquid).

And slime is also calming. It helps with focus and builds fine motor skills. This slime smells amazing and is a great winter themed experiment.

You’ll need:

  • 1 packet of hot cocoa
  • 1 cup of school glue
  • 2 Tablespoons of contact solution
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda

Directions:

Place glue, baking soda, and contact solution in a large bowl.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Stir in an entire packet of hot cocoa.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Remove from bowl and knead with your hands for a few minutes until desired texture is reached.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

What is the Science of Cocoa Slime

When you mix baking soda with contact lens solution the main ingredients polyvinyl alcohol and borate ion undergo a chemical reaction called an endothermic reaction

Together, these two ingredients create a non-Newtonian fluid which is a substance that is neither liquid nor solid.

Slime is a polymer.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

And polymers are made up of long chains of molecules.

Too, the glue contains polymers which can bend and slide past each other. This allows the slime to flow and to take the shape of the container it is in.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Last, this activity is the hot cocoa volcano.

3. Hot Cocoa Volcano Science Activity

This is a fantastic multi-sensory science experiment. It smells great and creates an exciting chemical reaction that kids love.

You can continue to add baking soda and vinegar to keep the reaction going indefinitely.

You’ll need:

  • Small plastic cup
  • 1 Tablespoon Hot Cocoa
  • 2 Tablespoons baking soda
  • Vinegar

Directions:

Mix baking soda and hot cocoa in a small cup.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Place your cup outside or on a surface that is easy to clean, this could WILL get messy.

Slowly pour vinegar into the cup and watch it bubble over.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

Add more baking soda and vinegar to continue with the cocoa lava flow.

if you really want to get a bubbly foaming concoction that resembles lava add a bit of dish soap to your mixture.

What is the Science of the Hot Cocoa Volcano

Baking soda and vinegar react to neutralize each other.

Vinegar is an acid and baking soda is an alkali.

And the resulting reaction releases carbon dioxide which is the bubbles of gas that make it look like a bubbling volcano.

3 Fun Cocoa Winter Hands on Science Activities

More Winter Season Unit Study Resources

Then, here are some other winter unit study resources you’ll love.

  • Free Amazing Winter Unit Study and Winter Lapbook for Kids
  • Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity
  • Colorful Winter Bird: Northern Cardinal Lapbook & Unit Study
  • 16 Ways to Make Homeschool Memorable During Winter
  • Arctic and Inuit Unit Study. Free Lapbook – Hands-On Ideas

And add my other unit study Arctic Region.

What do you think? Are you ready for a bit of winter fun and science?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science, winter crafts, winter season

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

October 5, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re looking for Native American crafts for kindergarten, you’ll love this fun pinch pot. Besides this fun activity grab more on my page kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

I can clearly remember creating little pinch pots in early elementary school.

They were the perfect little art project when you were ready to move beyond crayons and paper.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

No matter how imperfect they were they were perfect in your eyes. And I suspect your mother’s too.

When considering a simple Native American kindergarten craft, I immediately thought of these sweet little pinch pots.

Many tribes made their pottery in a similar fashion.

In fact, pinch pots are one of the oldest methods of making pottery.

About Native American Pinch Pots

Native Americans would usually gather their clay by hand from streams or hillsides.

It was a very labor-intensive process.

First, they had to extract the clay from the ground and then it had to be purified.

It was often mixed with plant fibers or sand to reduce shrinkage and cracking.

They would then create their clay pieces. Then, place them to dry in the sun and then heat with fire to be sure all moisture was removed.

For the most part these pots were used strictly as storage and for gathering.

Later on, they became a decorative item in many Native American homes.

Different patterns and designs mean different things to different groups.

Tribes like Pueblo, Navajo, and Cherokee are just a few of the groups that would have made pinch pots. Too, they would pass the skills of how to make them down to each generation.

Native Americans: A Visual Exploration had a great breakdown of maps, pictographs, and timelines.

The pictures are bright and offered a lot of information that can be shared with your child.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

We are going to try out two different clay pot methods that were used by Native Americans

Sometimes these methods were even combined. 

Once done these are great little trinket holders for beads, barrettes, paper clips, or other small items.

How to Make a Native American Pinch Pot

Next, look at this short list of supplies for making this fun Native American pot.

You will need:

  • Air Dry Clay
  • Paintbrushes
  • Acrylic craft paint
Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Roll a lump of air dry clay into a ball and how much is up to you.

You may start and decide your pot needs to be larger.

Just mush it up, add some more and begin again.

I had white on hand so that is what I used.

But you could also buy it in terra cotta color for a more natural mud look. And you can use the rest to mix and match pots for more Native American crafts for kindergarten.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Press your thumb or fingers into the center to create a large impression.

Be careful to not poke all the way through.

If you do, you can easily repair it by squeezing and pinching it together again.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Show your child how to pinch the sides and bottom to widen the bowl and thin the side.

You want it to have relatively the same thickness all over.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Press the bowl gently into a hard surface like the counter to flatten and level out the bottom.

Allow your bowl to dry overnight and then flip over. Let it dry for 24 hours.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Flip once more so that the bottom can dry and let it sit another 24 hours.

You can put your pot out in the sun to dry just like the Native Americans did.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Finally, it is time to decorate your pinch pot.

A good plan is to show your child Native American designs from books or online.

And let them try to replicate them on their pot with acrylic craft paint, watercolors, or markers.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot. If you're looking for Native American crafts for kindergarten you'll love this fun pinch pot. Besides this fun activity can be added to my tips in how to homeschool kindergarten. Native Americans would usually gather their clay by hand from streams or hillsides. It was a very labor intensive process. Tribes like Pueblo, Navajo, and Cherokee are just a few of the groups that would have made pinch pots.

Then, try the second method.

Native American Kindergarten Crafts: Coil Pot

Another method of creating pottery that is similar to pinch pots is a coil pot.

 Roll the clay out in coils and layer them to create your desired width and height.

Roll clay into snakelike coils.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Spiral the coil around itself until you have created a base as large as you would like it to be.

Gently pinch the coils together so that they hold to one another.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Start coiling around the outside edge and upward to create the sides of the bowl to the desired height.

Again press them gently together to remove cracks and gaps and help the coils stick together.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

Let dry for 2-3 days until completely dry, flip every 24 hours.

What do you think? Are you ready to make a few?

Other Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Resources

Additionally, look at these other homeschool kindergarten resources.

  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
  • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
  • How to Create the Best Homeschool Schedule for Kindergarten (free printable)
  • 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum

Other Homeschool Native American Unit Study Resources

Finally, here are some Native American unit study resources.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
  • Free Native American Plains Indians Fun Lapbook for Kids (& resources)
  • How to Make a Wigwam Craft for a Fun Native American Unit Study
  • Texas Native American History Quick Unit Study (Middle School)
  • 100 BEST Hands-on Free Native American Resources
  • Plains Indians Free Writing Prompts. For Elementary, Middle and High School Homeschooled Kids

I know you can find an idea or two here.

Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot

1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, Native Americans, nativeamerican

Beautiful and Colorful 2023 Two Page Monthly Calendar

October 4, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have the beautiful and colorful 2023 two page monthly calendar ready for your homeschool planner.

This two page per month calendar I prepare each year has twelve months in this one download.

If you plan your homeschool year by the physical year, then you’ll love this calendar.

Beautiful and Colorful 2023 Two Page Monthly Calendar

First, I keep the Appointment Keepers here at Step. 2. Choose Calendars/Appointment Keepers.

2023 Printable 2 Page Monthly Calendar

In addition, this two page monthly calendar is for keeping appointments for any of your family’s needs whether it’s personal or homeschool.

Also, this monthly calendar can used in a home management binder, student planner, blogging planner, financial planner, or fitness planner.

  • The two pages per month calendar color choice is Beach.
  • You get a full 12 months and the calendars begin January, 2023 and go through December, 2023
  • My copyright allows you to print as many times as you need for your needs.

However, this is not the only homeschool calendar page I create each year.

Three Different Homeschool Calendars

Remember, I create both academic and planning calendars.

Although they may seem similar, they are not.

I create 3 different sets of calendars each year.
One set is a homeschool planning your year calendar;
one set set is a regular calendar for reference;
and one set is a two page per month calendar which have big boxes for writing in.

You’ll want one of each kind of calendar in your planner.

Other Homeschool Calendar and Planning Pages

Then, look at these other pages.

  • 4 Colorful and Editable Homeschool Lesson Plan Templates
  • Year 2023 Homeschool Planning Schedule Beautiful Form
  • Free and Fun Homeschool Planner Stickers Back To School Craft
  • 3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs
  • How to Plan Your First Homeschool Year When You Don’t Know How To Start
  • 5 Beautiful and Detailed Planners for Homeschool Moms

And I have some more planning form for you below.

Look at these other homeschool planner products that I know you’ll love!

  • Glam It Up Package

    Glam It Up Package

    $4.99
    Add to cart
  • 2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    $5.99
    Add to cart
  • Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic and Fun Human Body Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $5.00
    Add to cart
  • Editable Homeschool Lesson Planning Pages - Mink Over You

    Editable Homeschool Lesson Planning Pages – Mink Over You

    $2.50
    Add to cart
  • Editable Weekly General Planning Page

    Editable Weekly General Planning Page

    $1.99
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  • Doodle Curriculum Planner Cover Store 1 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus 600x

    Doodle Coloring Curriculum Planner Cover

    $1.75
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  • Sunkissed Curriculum Planner Cover

    Sunkissed Curriculum Planner Cover

    $1.75
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  • 0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages

    $1.75
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  • 00. Ancient Civilization History 20 Coloring Pages

    00. Ancient Civilization History 20 Coloring Pages

    $3.50
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  • 1. The Best Undated Dynamic Daily Homeschool Planner

    1. The Best Undated Dynamic Daily Homeschool Planner

    $8.25
    Add to cart
  • Dynamic Renaissance Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Renaissance Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart
  • Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

TOS

Important: READ THIS FIRST.
Before you email me asking where your download link is or tell me that it is not working, read this to ensure that you get your pretties timely and that you don’t pay for something and not get it.

• All my products are digital. You will not receive a physical product for anything in my store. A digital physical year calendar does not mean a physical product or calendar.
• Downloads are INSTANT. When you pay, you will receive an email with a download link INSTANTLY. Depending on your internet connection, the email could be just 30 seconds or so, or a bit longer. The point is it will be soon, not a week later,etc.
• The email with the download link will go to the email you used for paypal. If you used your husband’s paypal, your downloads will go to that email. Please check that email and your spam before emailing me telling me you can’t find it.
• Please put my email tina @ tinasdynamichomeschoolplus dot com (of course substitute the right symbol for dot) in your address/contact list so that your product does not go to spam

MY GUARANTEE: To treat you like I want to be treated which means I know at times technical problems may cause glitches, so I will do everything possible to make your experience here pleasant.

Beautiful and Colorful 2023 Two Page Monthly Calendar

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Planner Tagged With: curriculum pages, curriculum planner, curriculum planner. homeschool., homeschool curriculum planner, homeschool planner, homeschool planning, homeschoolmultiplechildren planning forms, homeschoolplanner, homeschoolplanning, lesson planner, lessonplanning, planner, planning

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

October 3, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today for mouse into space we are doing an easy straw rocket. The book Mouse in Space (Geronimo Stilton #52) is about outer space. So, if your child is loving the Geronimo Stilton books, your child will love making this easy straw rocket.

If you have a child who loves all things space consider tying it in with Geronimo Stilton Mouse in Space for a mini space unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

By now you know that we love the Geronimo Stilton series.

And the series is wonderful for young readers.

They are fantastic for either read aloud or as your child’s independent reading time and are good for lower to upper elementary.

Geronimo Stilton Stories

I think they are great for developing reading fluency and vocabulary in a fun way.

However, they also dive into so many fantastic science and history lessons.

Kids think they are just reading a silly story about a mouse off on adventures.

Before you know your kids are filling their heads with historical facts about Cleopatra, Da Vinci, Genghis Khan, Vikings, and more.

Or maybe they are getting science lessons about dinosaurs, the Australian Outback or of course…outer space.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Also, I’ve included a few ideas to expand your space unit study.

7 Activities for a Homeschool Space Unit Study

  • Use watercolors, chalk pastels, or some other unique art medium to draw a rocket and label the parts-nose, fins, body tube, windows, etc.
  • Learn How to Make Astronaut Ice Cream
  • Make a fun glow in the dark Puffy Paint Moon
  • Add a few more books to Geronimo Stilton like Who Was Neil Armstrong or The Mysteries of the Universe.
  • Create a space themed sensory bin with black gravel and space themed toys.
  • Watch National Geographic Rockets 101

Finally, my HUGE Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Spend some time talking about the science of what makes rockets work.

National Geographic has a great article on just that.

How to Make an Easy Straw Rocket

This simple and easy straw rocket activity is something that will keep the kids busy flying missions all day.

And you are very likely to already have this stuff on hand so there is no need to run out for special supplies

You will need:

  • Two straws, one that fits inside the other
  • Colored cardstock
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Stickers or markers for decoration
Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Cut a general rocket shape and two fins out of colorful cardstock.

You can make it any size you like. But the lighter and smaller it is the higher it will fly so keep that in mind.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Flip the rocket and fins over and tape together securely on the back.

Flip your rocket back over and decorate the front with markers or fun stickers.

Here we used little round stickers like you would use for yard sale pricing to make the rockets windows.

Don’t forget to name your rocket. The Geronimo 1 just felt right.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Tear off bits of orange or red cardstock to create flames from the boosters.

Tape them on the back as well if you like to add more detail.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Cut the paper straw so that it is just about 1” longer than your paper rocket.

Then, smash down one end. Tape it off to completely close off the hole on one end.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Next, tape securely to the back. And leave 1” sticking out of the bottom with the opening at the bottom and the taped off end toward the top.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Too, I discovered that a paper straw fits perfectly inside of a Dunkin Doughnuts straw. (You know where we’ve been.)

Now, point your rocket to the sky and put the end of the straw in your mouth and blow. Soon your rocket will take off.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Also, try experimenting with different sizes of rockets, fins, as well as various straw lengths to see what flies the farthest, fastest, straightest, etc.

Geronimo Stilton Mouse into Space:How to Make an EASY Straw Rocket

Finally, you love these other Geronimo Stilton books and crafts:

More Geronimo Stilton Books and Craft Ideas

  • The Geronimo Stilton Book Fourth Journey Fun Egypt Game
  • Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time Craft a Fun England Tower Guard
  • Mouse in Space Fun Puffy Moon Craft (Glow in the Dark)
  • Down and Out Down Under Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Colosseum Craft
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
  • Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time Mayan Craft
  • The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
  • Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page
  • 10 Fun Things You Can Teach Using Geronimo Stilton Books

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earthscience, Geronimo Stilton, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, science

Day 17 How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

October 2, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today for Day 17 how to choose a homeschool curriculum is our topic for the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. 

Appreciating the fact that children come “pre-wired” helps you to be selective when it comes to choosing a homeschool curriculum.

And when you’re new knowing how to choose a homeschool curriculum can be scary.

But we accept the fact that we cannot change our children.

Instead of seeing our children for what we think they should be, we start accepting their personalities.

Day 17 How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Also, instead of choosing A Beka, Bob Jones, Rod & Staff, Sonlight, or Tapestry of Grace because our best friend uses one of them and it seems to work for her, determine what are your needs as the priority.

And my experience after 20 years is that best friends or seasoned veterans find it hard to reach back to the time when they were new.

Much of the advice they give you is based on hindsight.

How to Choose A Homeschool Curriculum

While hindsight can certainly be of value, you will still need to experience the “newness” on your own.

I don’t want you to discount advice from seasoned veterans.

I want you to think about your needs. Following another homeschooler exactly is not your goal.

You came to homeschooling because you have unique needs.

5 Tips for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

5 Tips for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

Look at these five tips for choosing a homeschool curriculum.

1. In the beginning focus most of your time and energy on the subject your child struggles in.

There are free placement tests that will give you a better idea of what grade your child is in.

I have said this over again and that is please don’t assume that you take your child out of one grade and that he is in the next one up.

Even if your child places at a grade lower, it is better to have an easier year your first year instead of tears the whole year because you thought they would get behind. They will not.

Many homeschoolers can testify to the fact that children learn like an ebb and flow pattern.

They can move a couple levels ahead  one year and then one year they need longer to dwell on a subject.

But, most all of the families that struggled wished they would have taken the advice to choose something a little more relaxed the first year.

Focus your energy on the one or two things you want to accomplish. If it’s math, then spend extra time focusing on that right now and leave off science, history or art.

Though they may be fun and exciting, you have time to add those. The more children you have, the more time this takes.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world.  

It has been several years since I wrote this series and I want to update you on my successes. And I’ve helped HUNDREDS get on the road to homeschooling.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

Day 16 Practical Tips for Learning Styles and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp 

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

  • I am the author of the book Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin
  • And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.
Day 16 Practical Tips for Learning Styles and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp 

That is enough about me.

2. Purchase only the 3 R’s right now. Fold in Other Subjects Gradually.

With the growing number of subjects that you may want to teach, remember that the basics are the core of any year.

By spending your time focusing on math and language arts, you have time to purchase history or science after you boot up your school. Any routine needs a warming up period.

Forget pulling ALL your material out on Day 1 of your school and be stressed out by trying to get through it all.

Day 1 can include math and some writing and then glow in the fact that you got that done.

That is a simple doable two thing checklist for the day. Gradually, over the next few weeks fold in the rest of your subjects. You will LOVE this!

Be aware that there ARE differences between subjects in the order you should teach.

For example, when teaching a child to read, it is a natural progression to recognize the ABC’s, then to associate a sound with the letter and then to put those sounds together to make a word.

However, does it really matter the order if you study about the ocean versus the Amazon rain forest? Absolutely not. It does matter the order of the 3 R’s.

Again, lap up this time to learn to focus on making good choices for the 3 R’s for your children.

Don’t overload yourself in trying to purchase everything by August because there is no need to.

There is NO race. You have now gotten off the little school bus and guess what? Curriculum providers sell curriculum year around. tee hee hee

Actually there is a huge advantage to start homeschooling with just the core subjects because you can slowly read the teacher’s manual and get familiar with the schedule.

Your focus is not torn between trying to start the science experiment right away and getting in the core subjects.

Then after a few weeks or longer of doing your core or 3 R’s, you will be a little more discerning when choosing history, science, art and anything other subject that your family has a desire to learn.

You can now give those subjects your utmost attention and make better choices. Avoid beginning all your children on EVER Y subject on the first day.

There simply is need to do that and it is a first timer’s mistake. You are now becoming a little more experienced following this series.

3. If a Teacher’s Manual Makes You Feel Secure, Purchase One, Two or Three.

Most new homeschoolers that I have helped do not feel totally secure with their new found freedom. They derive some comfort from a teacher’s manual that has perhaps suggestions on scheduling and teaching.

I have often heard seasoned veterans recommend to new bees that they don’t need a teacher’s manual for teaching a subject.

While this may be true, you are the only one to decide if you need one or not.

However, one reason veterans may encourage you to not purchase a teacher’s manual is because it may only be an answer page and not really give you any background information or teaching tips.

It is important at this point to understand that not all teacher’s manuals are created equal. Some teacher’s manual have turned out to provide gold nuggets of information and others I have pondered why I purchased them.

One more factor to determine if a teacher’s manual is an asset for you is how much background information you have on the subject.

Maybe you are a public school teacher who formerly taught math. Obviously then, math is your strength and you will not need as much assistance.

To help you narrow down your favorite teacher’s manual, I have a printable check off list as you hunt through curriculum.

teacher's manual checklist @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Download below my Checklist for Purchasing Teachers Manuals. What to Look for!

teachers-manual-checklist-copyright-Tina-Robertson.pdf (7539 downloads )

Determine which subjects you need more help in and examine each teacher’s manual as you choose curriculum. They can really help or hinder your progress as a home educator.

4. Boxed Curriculum Can Help Boot Your School Up or Box You In

. Back on Day 1: Learn the Lingo – Then Go, I encouraged you to get familiar with the definition of a boxed curriculum. Just so that you don’t have to click back there right now I want to remind you that it basically is a “curriculum or grade in a box”.

The lesson plans are laid out day by day for you and the teacher’s manuals tend to be scripted. Every subject you need and every book comes in the grade level.

A lot of new bees find this comforting and there is value in having a pattern to follow as you learn to homeschool.

A mistake a lot of veterans make in the beginning is to feel the need to complete EVERY assignment. Instead of remembering that they are teaching a child and not trying to cross or mark off a check box for each day, they became a slave to the curriculum.

If you decide to use a boxed curriculum keep in mind that you ARE the teacher!

This means you can skip, yes SKIP and even THROW AWAY and yes – TEAR OUT pages that absolutely make no sense to do.

Boxed curriculum providers do provide busy work too. Avoid the I-am-only-on-Lesson-70-and-I-SUPPOSE-to-be-on Lesson-90 mentality.

There is no  suppose to be place, there is only where your children are suppose to be.

Balance is needed because boxed curriculum can provide relief when life is stressful and you do not want to lesson plan.

Following a well laid out lesson plan has its advantages because then as you move away from a boxed curriculum, you learn what a well planned day can feel like.

5. Does it fit the Approach You want to follow?

For example, if you decide that you feel more comfortable with laid out lesson plans then do not spend time on curriculum that requires you finding material and lesson planning.

You can give them a peek as you start to school.

This very simple tip will keep you from looking right now at EVERYTHING. Believe me when I say this, but you will have LOTS of time to swoon over books and curriculum and to feed your love of curriculum.

Right now, you need to focus on the 3 R’s and the subjects that your children struggle with the most.

Conserve your energy so that it lasts the whole year. Curriculum providers are ALWAYS ready to sell anytime of the year.

There are many approaches in how to choose a homeschool curriculum. 

You do not have to take an “all or nothing” attitude toward curriculum choices. In other words you do not have to be ALL textbooks OR ALL unschooling. P

ick and choose what you like in each approach and avoid an “all or nothing” thinking.

Finally, knowing how to choose a homeschool curriculum doesn’t happen overnight.

Focus on the elements of each approach and see what fits your family’s lifestyle and apply it.

Because we have different learning styles, we might be using multiple curriculum even within the same family. Be willing to adjust along the way.

The last thing I want to share is a quote from a book by Sally Clarkson Educating the Wholehearted Child that I really liked because of how much curriculum I had hoarded needed my first year:

It is nearly a rite of passage for new homeschooling families to buy curricula that ends up gathering dust on the shelf. Usually, it turns out to require more preparation and involvement than they are willing to invest, or it doesn’t fit their lifestyle. It becomes an investment in experience. What we all learn, though, is that any curriculum is only a tool — it doesn’t really “teach” anything. The attitude and commitment of the teacher is far more important than the tool. So if it doesn’t work, don’t worry. Put your unused used curriculum on the table with everyone else’s and buy real books next time. You’re experienced now.

Day 17 How to Choose a Homeschool Curriculum And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

  • 1 Learn The Lingo (& free glossary)
  • 2: Homeschool Roots Matter
  • 3 What is NOT Homeschooling
  • 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers
  • 5: The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round & ‘Round
  • 6: Homeschool Hangouts & Socialization Situations
  • 7: Tied Up with Homeschool Testing?

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

  • 8: Organize Your Home – Then School
  • 9: Carpe Diem: Homeschool Schedule by The Day, Month, & Year
  • 10 Grocery Shopping Cooking Laundry
  • 11: Swoonworthy Learning Spaces & Homeschool Rooms
  • 12: Creative Storage Solutions for Homeschool
  • 13. Streamlined Record Keeping
  • 14 Homeschool Supplies List

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

  • 15: Discovering Learning Styles
  • 16: Practical Tips for Learning Styles
Day 17 How To Choose Curriculum Other Than the "Looks Good" Method

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