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Tina Robertson

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): King Narmer Crown

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Learning homeschool history should be just as much about doing as reading living history books. So today, I’m starting a new series of hands-on history and the first one is Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown.

My goal in this series is to focus on the ancient civilizations. It seems like plenty of hands-on history ideas abound for early American life or American history, but it can be a bit more difficult to find ideas for a study of the ancients.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Some of these ideas in this series come from books, but many do not. They come from my experience teaching this several times over. I hope your kids, any age, will enjoy these ideas or they will help you to take a spinoff idea from mine.

Learning About Ancient Egypt Through Hands-on Art

For example, this idea for the ancient Egypt civilization of King Narmer’s double crown could easily be substituted for a picture of Cleopatra from the Cleopatra: Queen of Egypt book that we love.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Her side profile would make an excellent hands-on history idea and a fun way to learn about the time period.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Look at the easy ingredients we already had at the house for this salt dough project.

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • paints/paint brushes. We had a combination of tempera and poster paints. Just grab what you have.
  • cookie tray
  • aluminum foil
  • wooden skewer and even a few toothpicks to use for drawing
  • big mixing bowl, dry measuring cup and liquid measuring cup
  • spatula or big spoon for stirring
  • preheat oven to 170 degrees Fahrenheit
Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

It couldn’t be any easier or quicker to measure and mix the flour, salt, and warm water.

Stir to combine and then get your kid to use his hands to mix well.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown
Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown is a fun and easy history activity. Hands-on activities can make learning stick and your kid will love to make this King Narmer crown when doing an Ancient Civilization study! An easy salt dough recipe and you have a fun history activity. CLICK here to learn how to make this fun history craft!

Then line the cookie tray with foil and roll the dough out onto the platter. And start pressing down and shaping.

Try to get the same width all the way around. Tiny shaped it into looking like an ancient tablet.

Then, look for a picture your child wants to sketch or draw. Also, this could easily be turned into a cartouche.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Tiny found a sketch of King Narmer (also known as Menes) that he liked at the art factory and printed it to use for drawing.

Then using the wooden skewer and toothpick, he began sketching and drawing the design.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

The beauty of working with salt dough is that until it dries your kid can erase and shape and form the picture until he gets it to look like he wants it to.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Then another advantage of salt dough is that you can take a break and let it dry overnight before painting or bake in the oven until dry. We baked it about 30 minutes and checked every 10 minutes or so.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

We could tell it was dry because it was hard and there were no soft spots and of course the cracks gave it away too that it was dry.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Then Tiny mixed a few colors until he got the right color combination he wanted for the background and he painted that first. It dried pretty quickly.

Then he added a few other colors and overall this was such a fun and easy project to do while learning about Ancient Civilizations.

Also, I love, love, using Home School in the Woods hands-on ideas and projects. You will too!

I have several other ideas to go with this Ancient Egypt Civilization project.

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown

Look at these other posts you’ll love:

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T
Make learning about Ancient Egypt come alive with this hands-on history project in this hands-on history ancient civilization series. Using salt dough, create a picture of King Narmer (also known as Menes) who wore the double crown. A kid of any age will love doing this. Click here how to do this with easy things you have around your house! | Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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The Big List of Unit Study Hands-on (and Hands-off) Curriculum

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Switching from a strictly classical approach to a homeschool unit study curriculum wasn’t a quick decision, but it was the best choice for our family. Besides learning how to homeschool means making the best choice for your family

Homeschool unit studies allow us to work on a mastery-based level on topics that fascinated us instead of learning in small bites.

The Big List of Unit Study Hands-on (and Hands-off) Curriculum

Two things I quickly learned was that prepared homeschool unit study curriculum was not as readily available as curriculum for other homeschool approaches and that not all of my boys wanted to do hands-on activities.

Although there may not seem as many choices for curriculum using the unit study approach, there is still a variety.

Listing some of the ones I’ve used and which ones have more hands-on ideas, I’m hoping one or two here will help you to make the switch to unit studies easier, ease your planning time or just let somebody else take the teaching reins for a while.

Homeschool Unit Study curriculum

Also, where possible if there is a discount available, I’ll point that out because I like to save money too.

Beautiful Feet Books.

Beautiful Feet Books is based on history centered literature and I’ve used it for my boys at the middle and high school level.

Be sure to grab the coupon at my article Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School and read about using Beautiful Feet Books.

You can add hands-on ideas here, but it’s not required.

Before Five in a Row

Before Five in a Row and Five in a Row are literature based unit studies based on living books and I used them when the boys were young.

It’s one of my top choices for the younger years and lot of hands-on ideas are sprinkled throughout which I feel is a valuable component for younger grades.

BookShark.

BookShark is the secular version of Sonlight and I classify it as a unit study because of the literature based focused. I love their 4-day a week schedule and this is an all-in-one program or boxed curriculum because it comes with everything you need for a year.

I like BookShark because it allows me to add my own Christian view. Too, hands-on ideas are not required but I love the fact you can add your own activities.

GeoMatters.

Combining our love for geography, history, living books with a Charlotte Mason twist, makes GeoMatters a fun unit study. We loved doing their Trail Guide to Learning.

HomeschoolLegacy. 

This is an all-in-one unit study provider where the planning is laid out for you.

I’ve tried one of the history ones and enjoyed how easy it made lesson planning. And it has a nice balance of both laid out planning and hands-on ideas.

Home School In the Woods.

If you love history like we do and build a lot of your unit studies around it, then you’ll love the approach taken by Home School in the Woods which is through timelines, lapbooks and hands-on activities.

I love how many ideas are given for hands-on projects, but also a good amount of information is given for background information. If you’re looking for long-term hands-on projects, this is a great option.

In the Hands of a Child.

Then this is a lapbook approach to unit studies. The best part besides the fun lapbook is that they can span many ages.

Intellego Unit Studies.

I love these unit studies though they are light on hands-on ideas and are secular.

I’ve used several of these studies when I first started because I didn’t want to have to research all the information. I like them because the background information is well laid out.

Unit Study Curriculum

I normally end up adding my own Biblical content anyway and have ideas for hands-on.

There is very little hands-on required.

KONOS.

Yes, it’s true they are the absolute granddaddy of unit studies and I used them when I first got started. It is a very comprehensive unit study and you can buy just what you want or buy a laid out curriculum. They have more fun hands-on ideas than most other unit studies.

I love the amount of hands-on ideas for each age given, but again it’s not required because there is a sufficient amount of information given without having to do the hands-on activities.

Learning Adventures.

This is one I’ve been eyeballing and would love to try because it includes all my favorites. It’s for upper grades or 4th to 8th grade, it’s based on living books which I try to always use in our unit studies and our passion for history is what is at the center of the themes.

The Big List of Unit Study Hands-on (and Hands-off) Curriculum

I’ll let you know about the hands-on ideas after I use it, but wanted to be sure you knew about it.

Moving Beyond the Page.

This is a favorite when I need a literature based all-in-one unit study.

They have rigorous academics and when you need a more rounded out unit study, they are a great choice.

My Father’s World.

Incorporating classical education and hands-on, this is a very comprehensive unit study approach.

NaturExplorers.

My favorite curriculum for science always uses a living book approach and is hands-on which is why we love NaturExplorers.

From Beautiful Birds to the Fungus Among Us, you’ll find a title your kids will love.

There are a good amount of hands-on ideas which I love because science should be about doing and not just reading.

Nia Unit Studies.


Though a much smaller company, I love that the unit studies take a notebooking approach and are downloadable as e-books. This is a great choice if you want to get started quickly and inexpensively.

I’m hoping to see more titles, but I love mom-and-pop shops.

Homeschool Unit Studies

TRISMS

Having used TRISMS as well, I love the history approach to unit studies. However, it is very comprehensive because it adds in all other subjects.

I love the research aspect of it and there are several activity ideas to include for each theme.

This was challenging for my middle school boys when we started and I loved that aspect of it. I could make it as challenging as I wanted it to be for them.

Hands-on ideas are offered but don’t have to be done.

Weaver Unit Studies.


Weaver has been around for years too and gently covers multiple subjects with a Christian view. If you want to take a more gentle approach, add in more information and want more of a Christian view, then you’ll love this one.

WinterPromise.

This is another wonderful all-in-one program where the themes are based on history using a Charlotte Mason approach.

Also, I’ve rounded up some other curriculum help below.

Whether you’re new to the unit study approach or if you’re like me and your needs change each year, I know you’ll like having this list at your fingertips.

Switching from a strictly classical approach to a unit study curriculum wasn’t a quick decision, but it was the best choice for our family. Homeschool unit studies allow us to work on a mastery-based level on topics that fascinated us instead of learning in small bites. Two things I quickly learned were that prepared homeschool unit study curriculum was not as readily available as curriculum for other homeschool approaches and that not all of my boys wanted to do hands-on activities. Grab this Big List of Homeschool Unit Studies to get some ideas!

How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child & Free Checklist

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Being both anxious and excited, I couldn’t wait to begin homeschooling my first child, Mr. Senior 2013. Also, look at more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Being around the homeschool community because my mother homeschooled my younger sister, I had an idea of how to begin.

As I began, I knew some things, but it was nowhere near what I needed to know.

How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child? (and free checklist)

I still had many questions.

For example, when do I formally start, where do I purchase curriculum, what is considered curriculum at the preschool years and how much do I really need to teach my son at two or three years old.

These were just a few of my anxieties and probably some of yours as you begin homeschooling.

Begin Homeschooling with Little Ones and Not Panicking

I wanted details or some way to know when to move to the next step.

So I’m hoping some of these important details will ease your mind.

  • When do I formally start? 

You already know that kids begin learning from the time they are born, but estimating a more formal start is not as easy.

Like public school, you can use kindergarten or about 5 years of age as a formal start.

However, the one thing I could not possibly appreciate was that my son was very advanced in some skills and at the same time such a baby.  It seems a paradox and hard to explain as I look back.

Stay with me as I give you the full circle view.

When my son was 2 years old, I started receiving a box monthly with age appropriate activities for him.

It had a craft, a music cassette (yes this was before all the free downloads now) and age appropriate language building skills. It was always centered on themes.

Little did I know then that I would create my Kindergarten curriculum around that format. Back to my point.

My son was already writing his name, knew his letters and was reading before Kindergarten.

Out of my stupidity (I say this kindly about myself) meaning I really didn’t know what I was doing, I taught him to read.

It was normal to me for him to be that advanced and we were ready to go on to other skills in Kindergarten.

It set me back in Kindergarten when I realized that the curriculum I purchased started off with the same skills I felt my son had mastered.

Things I taught him like colors, one to one correspondence, opposites, letter sounds and about science were being introduced in the Kindergarten curriculum.

Homeschool Preschool Resources

Too, I had another problem. The curriculum required too much sitting time for such a young age.

Did you know that Kindergarten only requires short periods of sit down work done in about 10 to 15-minute spurts?

And that preschool and kindergarten are not the grades to make kids sit for hours because you decided to make a more formal start?

I’ve asked forgiveness from my first son.

I’m here to tell you that he turned out beautiful, but it was hard to forgive myself for being so overbearing anxious. Don’t make my mistake.

I knew that playing is learning in the preschool years and like any developmental age, it shouldn’t be rushed.

It’s hard to grasp that when you feel the whole weight of your child’s future rests on your shoulders and all he wants to do is play, chew on toys and destroy your house.

However, those precious years are momentary flashes that you can’t ever bring back if you rush homeschool.

If you search the definition for kindergarten, it would probably say something like a grade or class to prepare your child for first grade.

But the meaning has been lost through the constant push of the education world, and you need to resist the urge to hop onto the formal education track too soon.

How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child? (and free checklist)

The translation of Kindergarten means “garden for the children” and a child has a right to a stress-fress childhood that is full of play, tender moments and your warm embrace.

Here is a tip that will ease your mind if you ever feel like anytime in your journey you are behind; in one grade or even one month, a child can make significant learning leaps.

No pushing or cajoling on your part will move him ahead faster.

The years before and during Kindergarten should be about singing, dancing, crafting and practicing fine motor skills.

I gradually folded in preschool and kindergarten; it wasn’t until first grade that I required a bit more sit down time.

When You’re Anxious to Use Homeschool Preschool Curriculum

  • Where do I purchase curriculum? And what is considered curriculum during the preschool years?

Again, I can’t do anything balanced. I had curriculum overkill. My curriculum could have been scaled back to living books and crafts. And what I didn’t realize was that my house was already full of things ready to use.

Things like dried macaroni, dried beans for counting, measuring cups, bowls, jump ropes, dried cereal for graphing, rice for pouring, paper for painting, graduated mixing bowls, music for dancing to the alphabet, hopscotch made by chalk, building blocks, and toys for strengthening fine motor skills are what should consume a child’s day.

What I needed more of were living books.

Living books are opposite of basal readers, which are written by textbook writers.

Living books are written in a story form and uses rich vocabulary, which is the stepping stone to effective reading and writing skills.

Ditch the formal curriculum until about first grade and focus just on teaching your child how to read and more important, nurture a love for reading. How do you do that?

Reading aloud is the key to a lifelong reader.

When You’re Anxious to Use Homeschool Preschool Curriculum

But I know I wanted help too in the early years. I have listed some formal curriculum below that fits what a relaxed beginning should be.

12 Homeschooling Preschoolers Resources, Activities, and Curriculum

There is no doubt play-based learning is hands down the best way for preschoolers to learn.

You'll love some of these resources which can help you both teach and schedule if you want to do a bit more formal teaching.

Mommy, Teach Me: Preparing Your Preschool Child for a Lifetime of Learning

n Mommy, Teach Me author Barbara Curtis, a mother of twelve, shares secrets on how to turn everyday experiences into learning opportunities for preschool children. 

Before Five in a Row: Second Edition

Designed to be used with children ages 2 through 4, Before Five in a Row is a rich treasury of creative ideas that help you gently, consistently prepare your children for the lifelong adventure of learning.

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

Preschool Language Arts Course Set

Preschool Course Book, Preschool Folder Activities, Preschool Practice Sheets, Access to Learning Songs and Videos 

Pathways for Preschool

Encourage a love for learning as you engage your child in active, hands-on learning with this BJU Press Homeschool Pathways for Preschool Activity Packet! 

Horizons Preschool Curriculum Set

With the fun, engaging Horizons Preschool Curriculum Set, preschoolers are introduced to social studies, language arts, math, phonics, and science. 

Photo Credit: www.mothergoosetime.com

Toddler – Experience Early Learning

A bit more pricey but they provide themed kits each month.

Photo Credit: ivy-kids.com

Ivy Kids | Subscription Box STEM Kids Children Ivy Kids Kits

We have loved every subscription box we did in the preschool years.

The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being

It’s time to change the way we see toddlers. Using the principles developed by the educator Dr. Maria Montessori, Simone Davies shows how to turn life with a “terrible two” into a mutually rich and rewarding time of curiosity, learning, respect, and discovery.

Photo Credit: blossomandroot.com

Early Years Curriculum

Blossom & Root Early Years was designed to provide parents with a preschool (Vol. 1) or Pre-K (Vol. 2) curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child. Each of the 36 weeks of lesson plans

The Giant Encyclopedia of Lesson Plans for Children 3 to 6

This newest addition to the best-selling GIANT Encyclopedia series expands the scope of the series by offering complete lesson plans. Written and created by teachers, The GIANT Encyclopedia of Lesson Plans has more than 250 complete lesson plans, covering topics from colors and numbers to seasons and nursery rhymes.

Slow And Steady Get Me Ready

Since children don't come with directions, a retired kindergarten teacher with over 25 years of experience wrote this how-to manual which bridges the gap between home & school. It is a money-saving preschool resource which informs parents & caregivers as to what they could & should be doing to teach basic readiness skills that are necessary for a child to achieve success in school.

Photo Credit: shop.busytoddler.com

Playing Preschool Year 1: Homeschool Preschool Program

Looking for a homeschool preschool curriculum for your child? Meet Playing Preschool Year 1: a new way to preschool at home. This is a 190 day program of hands-on, play-based learning. Themed units anchor the learning as children explore math, reading, science, art activities, and much more!

I’ve said many times how I’m not quite sure what I did to help Mr. Senior 2013 read, but I do know for sure that I read a variety of books he loved over, over and over again.

Too, I included nursery rhymes every day so that he could predict the next word.

Then, one day he started to mouth the words and took off reading with easy books. Look at my tips at Teach Your Homeschooled Child How to Read in 20 Easy Lessons.

I know you want some kind of format for how to teach this age and a few my favorite programs are Before Five in a Row and Moving Beyond the Page Curriculum for Preschool.

Here is a list of read-aloud books to get you started.

These are just some of the ones I read to each son as I got ready to formally teach them.

They instill a lifelong love of reading.

Here are more tips, because knowledge IS power!

More Begin Homeschooling Resources

Remember that everything you do daily like conversations and reading gives your child a foundation for grammar, phonics and reading more than any curriculum can do.

From Public School to Homeschool For a Relaxed Lifestyle

You are your child’s first teacher. Savor it.

Do what your heart moves you to do each day in a natural way because he will learn and anything that you drop the ball on regarding teaching, you always have time to make up.

Relax, you got this!

How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child? (and checklist)

How to Get the Free Get Me Ready for Kindergarten Checklist

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

How Early Should I Begin Homeschooling My First Child? (and checklist). Being both anxious and excited, I couldn't wait to begin homeschooling my first child, Mr. Senior 2013. And being around the homeschool community because my mother homeschooled my younger sister, I had an idea of how to begin. As I began, I knew some things, but it was nowhere near what I needed to know. mess up my sons, they turned out fine!

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


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7 Budget-Friendly Language Arts Curriculum to Pair with Unit Studies (with printable)

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Through the years, I've given the same long-standing advice. Spend first what money you have budgeted for curriculum on the core subjects because they are essential to a well-rounded-out education. Reading in the younger grades, literature in the older grades, grammar and writing are vital pieces of a homeschool language arts program. And it can become expensive quickly when you're implementing the unit study approach using an all-in-one language arts program. Click here to read about how to save money when you buy individual components. | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

This is a sponsored post for Homeschool Buyers Co-op and I was paid for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off. All opinions are my own and for sure I will always tell you what is on my mind. Read my full disclosure here.

Through the years, I’ve given the same long-standing advice. Spend first what money you have budgeted for curriculum on the core subjects because they are essential to a well-rounded education. Reading in the younger grades, literature in the older grades, grammar and writing are vital pieces of a homeschool language arts program. And it can become expensive quickly when you’re implementing the unit study approach using an all-in-one language arts program. So I was excited to share some budget-friendly homeschool language arts curriculum options from Homeschool Buyers Co-op, which I’ve used and another one I am eyeballing to add.

Mapping Out the Components of Language Arts

Breaking down the language arts components worked best for me because like most kids, they are ahead in one subject and may need more time on another.

Picking and choosing the individual parts of a homeschool language arts program gives you a customized curriculum. It’s a better match for your child’s learning style and a better value when you have a limited dollar amount to get exactly what you need.

►VOCABULARY

For vocabulary, I always try to pull words from what we’re reading about in our unit studies. Reading words in that context and using them in everyday speech is the best way to master them.

But I used the printed version of Wordly Wise 3000 with Mr. Senior 2013 to be sure I exposed him to word study as a way to enhance our unit studies. Kids can master more words than we think they can, and to cripple their vocabulary with limited vocabulary instruction can be detrimental.

Lessons don’t have to be long, but they should be comprehensive. Using Wordly Wise 3000, I can expand lessons or cut back according to each son’s need.

When the online version came out, I was tickled to use it with my next two boys. Wordly Wise 3000 online version of the award-winning vocabulary curriculum for grades 2–12 saves you 89% and that is a sweet discount.

Although I know Wordly Wise 3000 touts that the audio feature is great for struggling readers, I think it’s great for independent learners. I don’t have to supervise my sons to see if they are correctly pronouncing a word. I know you’ll love it if you’re looking for an interactive vocabulary program that is not boring.

►READING OR LITERATURE

When I started making my own unit studies, I would get a gallon size ziploc bag and put the book and literature guide together in one bag.

Then, I would mark the reading level on the bag and organize them for the year. I started off using printed versions of Progeny Press Literature Guides.

I would even unfasten the literature guide so I could add just the pages that my boys needed to do for that year. I was tickled when pdf formats came out because it meant no waste. I printed what I needed that year with one son, and printed a different page or pages needed for another year.

Progeny Press Literature Guides are in an enhanced pdf format now, are for grades K-12 and the best part is you save 35%.

Now, the guides are interactive which means you don’t have to print; a child can type his answers directly into the document. That is a nifty time-saving tip for a high school teen with a rigorous academic load or a reluctant writer. But sometimes we like to hold our paper in hand so we print. And I still like pairing specific lessons on pages to themes in my unit studies.

Look at a few things they offer:

  • FOUR LEVELS – Lower Elementary for Grades K-4, Upper Elementary for Grades 3-5, Middle School for Grades 5-8, and High School for Grades 9-12
  • 100+ TITLE CHOICES – We’ve put together SIX different 5-pack bundle choices for you! YOU CHOOSE your wish list from OVER 100 TITLE CHOICES! Choose from excellent reading titles such as Beowulf (*NEW*), The Eagle of the Ninth (*NEW*), Charlotte’s Web, Anne of Green Gables, The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Secret Garden, The Hobbit, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, Pride and Prejudice, The Screwtape Letters, To Kill A Mockingbird, and MANY, MANY MORE!

►GRAMMAR

Grammar is a tool to best apply while writing so I’ve always kept it a separate subject. But grammar is also just the rules of any language. Teaching rules shouldn’t be complicated. Short lessons are best, which is why Analytical Grammar works.

In my beginning years, I used a grammar program which combined complex writing assignments with grammar. After homeschooling another 5 years, I realized that a grammar program should focus only on explaining grammar rules without time-consuming composition assignments as the only way to learn them. Yes, writing assignments are a great way to illustrate grammar rules, but shorter is better.

Besides, I needed a grammar curriculum which would give me the flexibility to pull writing themes from topics that piqued my boys’ interest in our current unit study. More important, I wanted a program that helped us to use words in a way that conformed to the rules of grammar. I wished I would have used Analytical Grammar, for grades 4-12 earlier, but I’m glad I hopped on board when I did.

Homeschool Buyers Co-op does give you free shipping. Any savings helps when you want a thorough grammar program.

►WRITING OR COMPOSITION

Next, identifying a writing program which was engaging for my sons and took them incrementally through the writing process was not easy. Institute for Excellence in Writing, for grades K-12 was our answer.

Melding Homeschool Language Arts and Unit Studies

It was a huge load of stress off after separating grammar and composition when I started using Institute for Excellence in Writing, grades K-12.

As you can see in the picture above, the boys were working on our FBI unit study. Dad was helping the boys make a crystal radio after they wrote about it. However, their essay followed the writing model learned in Institute for Excellence in Writing or (IEW). IEW makes it easy to choose your own topics to write about or they have writing topics for your children to choose.

What I liked the most is that although grammar and writing are inextricably linked, it’s important to not overwhelm beginner writers.

The veteran teaching tip is to make one skill or the other the focus at different times. IEW explained grammar while keeping the focus on writing and modeling to my sons how to compose their ideas.

Here is how IEW works: It takes a unique approach provides the structure that students need to develop confidence in the writing process, while gradually guiding them toward greater independence and creativity. They will learn nine structural models (note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essays, and critiques) to help them organize any type of composition.

You’ll like getting the discount for shipping on this so worth it writing curriculum.

►READING OR LITERATURE

Then, buying living history literature guides gives me a two for one deal.

Not only do I use living literature in my unit studies as a topic or theme, but it counts as the reading or literature aspect of the three Rs. Buying living history literature helps me to keep homeschooling affordable.

With living history literature by Bethlehem Books, grades PreK-12, you save up to 50%.

Remember, since this is living literature the vocabulary is not simplified and it may be harder for some kids. Too, Bethlehem Books chooses books based on moral value, which I like.

Though I school for Biblical reasons, I don’t think you have to teach about it in every book.

I do try to choose living history books which have a good story line, are intriguing, have a challenging reading level, include details about the time period, and can be easily implemented in a unit study which builds character without feeling preachy. It’s a lot to ask for in a book. I’m selective, but I love starting with Bethlehem Books.

►REVIEW AND ENRICHMENT

Then I hear about the fear of gaps when doing unit studies. Having a way to fill in gaps or shore up weaknesses is a great feature of IXL Language Arts Practice, which is for grades K-12 and saves you 25%.

You probably heard of their math, but their language arts is equally practical.

Look at what they offer: IXL makes the world of words come alive with fun visuals and interactive questions. Build great writers through playful skills that pique students’ curiosity about language!  

Then this next deal, which is Discovery Education Streaming Plus, for grades K-12 and saves you 60% is the one I’m about to pull the trigger on because we love media with our unit studies.

But did you know it’s so much more? It covers every content area.

Look at what you get:

It’s easy to see why homeschoolers rave about Discovery Education Streaming Plus. It’s probably the most extensive and feature-rich educational video streaming service in the world.

It’s much like having the entire DVD selection of your local public library available to you from the convenience of your home, 24/7/365.

But it’s not just a collection of videos that you can watch from beginning to end. This library has been organized into useable video clips, organized and categorized, close-captioned, and supplemented with lesson plans, teaching guides, interactive simulations, images, audio resources, and other resources and materials that you can incorporate into virtually every aspect of your homeschool curriculum.

What a comprehensive way to enrich a unit study with so many features like audio books, self-paced training, images, games and the ability to customize lessons at your fingertips.

The Homeschool Buyers Co-op has an award-winning selection of language arts products, including curriculum for phonics, reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling and grammar.

Language Arts curriculum – Savings up to 93% (compared to regular price outside of Homeschool Buyers Co-op).

Look at this free from below, which is Unit Study Goal and Objectives. Download it to give you a starting point for your ideas for each grade.

When you’ve chosen curriculum which gives your child a solid foundation in language arts and covers the significant areas, you can spend more time planning the fun part of unit studies.

Download here Unit Study Goals & Objectives.

How to Buy It and Get the Savings!

Website: Homeschool Buyers Co-op
Products:
 ►Grammar: Analytical Grammar for grades 4-12.
►Literature Guides: Progeny Press Literature Guides, pdf format, grades K-12 and save 35%
►Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000 Online version of the award-winning vocabulary curriculum, grades 2–12 and save 89%
►Composition or Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing, grades K-12
►Review and Enrichment:
Video Streaming: Discovery Education Streaming Plus, grades K-12 and save 60%
Language Arts Review: IXL Language Arts Practice, grades K-12 and save 25%
►Reading or Literature:
Living History Literature: Living History literature by Bethlehem Books, grades PreK-12 and save up to 50%

Also, look at these other homeschool articles to help you.

5 Best Resources to Start a Homeschool Unit Study in a Few Hours, 24 Borderline Genius Ways To Relieve Language Arts Boredom and Unfolding of a Homeschool Unit Study – An Easy Mnemonic { I-SIP}.

Hugs and love ya,

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10 More Spring Study Free Resources for Middle and High School Kids

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A spring study is the perfect way to get your hands and bodies moving now that spring is here. I have rounded up 10 more spring free unit study resources for middle and high school kids. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school and how to homeschool high school page for more fun tips

Hands-on learning shouldn’t quit after a child finishes elementary school.

No matter the grade level, hands-on learning has a high retention value and making time for it even with older kids has always been worth my time.

10 More Spring Study Free Resources for Middle and High School Kids

Too, I know how hard it can be to find hands-on learning activities for middle and high school grades.

So be sure you grab these 10 free spring unit study resources and download the printables because websites shut down as fast as they seem to spring up (ha, corny pun intended).

Spring Study Resources for Middle and High School

1.
12 Activities To Learn About Photosynthesis.

This first site is from the UK and the reason I’m giving you the heads up is because your kids may not recognize any of the products they use as examples in the student download if you live in the states.

It’s fun to learn though what kids in another part of the world have for sugary food. Otherwise, this is a nice free resource.

Look through all 12 activities, then download the student and teacher’s guide on the right sidebar.

After you get lost in all the wonderful free resources, downloads and hands-on ideas on that page, come back here to grab this next freebie.

2.
Reach for the Sun Unit Study.

This is about plant structure and I included it because it’s one of the resources which you can use for multiple ages of children.

It’s a little different from the rest of the resources I have listed because you have to navigate each section to read the activities and grab each download.

There are colorful graphics and even video.

The game is not free, but the rest of the unit study is so very well done and it makes it easy to implement and teach without much planning.

You navigate the free downloads and activities by clicking on the left sidebar.

3.
Competition Among Organisms Lesson Plan.

Do plants need to compete among themselves in any given environment? Download this free 8 page lesson plan.

From the site: This activity gives you an opportunity to observe the effect on plant growth when plants must compete for nutrients and space. Round up your used milk containers to use for planting.

4.
Geology.

You’ll love this very useful free 62 page download which has free printables like a game board and ideas for making fossils.

Grab some chicken bones, vinegar, dirt and clay to name a few items needed for hands-on activities.

The topics are fossils, plant fossils and vascular and non-vascular plants to name a few.

Also, I couldn’t resist showing you these beautiful hands-on living science books which are created by a homeschool mom.

5.
Biology Educator Guide: Producers Make their Own Food.

This next free download is from web archive but its still a great idea for a long term project.

The topic is about how producers make food and you’ll want to grab soil, 2 healthy plants, craft sticks and ziploc bags to name a few things. This is like a 12 day project of observing plants

6.
USDA Facts Sheets and Plant Guides.

I included this super helpful site because the pdf downloads on each plant makes for a great research topic for an essay.

After all, there are thousands of plant choices to choose from. Grab some art sketch pencils and a journal and your teen could make this a quick and fun science study.

From the site: Fact Sheets provide brief descriptions of a plant, its uses, and cultural recommendations. Plant Guides are similar but more extensive.

7.
University of Kentucky Department of Entomology.

This next site is chock full of ideas.

They have free craft ideas, downloads, stories and art about bugs. It’s an older site and some of the links are not working, but most of them are working. It just has so much that it’s worth your time.

Navigate by both the sidebar and the small print top navigator in order to get all of the ideas.

Be sure you click on the section For Teachers and Parents on the left sidebar.

There is a bug scavenger hunt too which teaches that bugs do have benefits. All of your kids can do that together.

Too, you just have to see the insect art made out of natural materials that I think your middle school kids won’t find baby-ish, but fun.

8.
Plant features.

This is an 11 page download which has illustrations for different types of leaves.

Then, you didn’t think I would include something about spring without finding a history bent did you?

I think you’ll love this lesson plan which is about classifying plants in ancient Greece. In this lesson, you will be taking a look at some features that have been used in the past to classify plants. It’s an 11 page download.

Spring Study Resources

9.
The Amazing Tomato.

Then any unit study worth its weight has to include salsa (okay, okay).

Seriously though, what a fun way to include some edible science in this lesson plan. This is a fun lesson plan which includes how to make salsa and comparing store bought salsa with home made salsa.

10 More Spring Study Free Resources for Middle and High School Kids

It also has ideas for older kids, but I loved it because everybody can join in on the fun. From roots to routes, this is a 4 page download.

10.
Garden Bingo.  

Lastly, this is a free garden bingo game. Just download all the pieces and enjoy the day learning about plants.

I hope some of these ideas can get your bigger kids moving and not dreading their daily work load, but still savoring the fun of hands-on and learning together. I think you’ll love these other round up of ideas and free printables for getting outdoors.

You’ll also love these other resources:

Hugs and love ya,

10 More Spring Study Free Resources for Middle and High School Kids. Grab these free awesome downloads and hands-on ideas to keep your older kids learning. I think your younger kid could join in too. Click here to grab the resources! @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus