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What to Do When You Feel Alone as a Homeschool Mom

November 15, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Sometimes homeschooling can feel like a solitary journey for moms. It’s ironic that we seek out opportunities for our kids to “socialize” yet as homeschool moms we can get isolated unless we make an effort to reach out. The responsibilities of homeschooling and keeping a home running smoothly leave little time for us as individuals. So what is a homeschool mom to do when she feels alone?

How to Cope with Isolation While Homeschooling

Here are some helpful tips to help you cope through the lonely times.

Join an online homeschool support group

Some moms find it hard to come out of their shells, even though they really would like to join a group. They worry about what other moms might think of them, or that they won’t be able to make a connection. Sometimes it can be easier to interact in an online group, so don’t discount their value!

Are you part of my private facebook group, Homeschool Dynamics by Tina Robertson?

We can stay in touch there and you’ll love connecting with other like-minded persons although they may not be in your same town.

Join a local support group or co-op

You can reach out to other like-minded moms in local support groups, co-ops, or play groups. Sometimes just a once a week or once a month get-together can make all the difference in your attitude when you get to talk to other moms in similar situations. It can be just what you need to renew and inspire you.

Sometimes it takes a while to find a group where you and your kids fit in. In the beginning of my homeschool year, I think I went through four groups before I found one that suited myself and my kids.

The group I chose had one park day a week and it was the perfect amount of time to keep us interacting with others and to keep me from wanting to go into a shell.

Although I’m not shy by nature, I do have low tolerance for drama. That kept me from joining some groups. However, I realized the need to be around other people was important as it served as the impetus to keep going through tough times.

Visit the local library

You’d be surprised by some of the activities, groups, and classes you can find for free or low cost at your local library. You’ll find other moms there for story times as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find a kindred spirit there!

Become the organizer

If these things don’t exist in your area, start them yourself! Homeschoolers are used to thinking outside the box and taking the initiative, right? If what you need doesn’t exist yet, create it yourself. Odds are there are other moms just like you looking for these types of connections.

Focus on the kids

I know you may say you do this already. But my point is sometimes a friend for you can come out of friendships between kids. I have one dear friend where the friendship bloomed from kids that have similar personalities.

Coping with Homeschool Loneliness

It doesn’t take a whole group to not feel alone. A conversation is an art between two people.

Be willing to drive a few hours

I think this is one one of the most common complaints I hear a lot about homeschool groups. I’ve been part of groups that I’ll be willing to drive to for hours because of the quality over one that was in my hometown and not a good fit.

Carpooling worked too and we would take our lunches to save money on gas.

The truth of it is groups pop up and close down all the time and you need to be willing to adjust to find your niche.

Even one outing a month was good for us at times when life was busy, so I was willing to drive to meet up for the day. I never regretted having to drive to meet with our friends.

Find your tribe or just one BFF

Whether you’re looking for a group or just one great friend, don’t give up. It’s worth the effort. If one group isn’t working, try another.

It’s important for homeschool moms to have friends, online or in person, who understand the homeschooling lifestyle.

There are times in your homeschooling journey when you might feel alone, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Remember there are other like-minded moms out there and with persistence you can find each other.

You’ll love these other tips:

Hugs and love ya,

Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids

November 13, 2018 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This mud bricks for kids activity is fun. Also, look at my Ancient Civilization page for more Egyptian activities

Stone building was reserved for monuments. But other places the ancient Egyptians wanted to last forever.

However, basic buildings were constructed of brick.

For example,homes, tombs, palaces,and protective walls in Ancient Egypt were constructed of brick.

Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids

Prior to making bricks soil was used. However it was not very sturdy.

Back in Ancient Egypt they couldn’t just make a run to the brickyard to pick up a pallet or ten in their trucks.

Brick making was very hard, labor intensive work.

So they used Israelite slaves to first gather the materials, make the bricks, and then use them to build with.

They needed to use resources they had on hand to create sturdy bricks for building walls.

Mud Bricks for Kids

The first thing the Israelites had to do was gather sand, clay, and silt from the Nile.

The soil from the Nile River when dried became a black hard stone like substance, making for sturdy bricks.

Since we are not able to take a trip to the Nile River to gather our supplies, we are going to improvise and use materials that we can easily get our hands on.

You are going to need: topsoil, straw, water, and clay if you can easily get some.

Oh, and something to use as a mold. You can make mini bricks with an ice cube tray if you would actually like to construct a model of something using your bricks.

Or if you want to see a full sized brick you can make molds with wood, as the Israelite slaves did, or use something like a small square or rectangle pans.

We used a silicone soap mold we had from another project for ours.

Ancient Egypt – Israelites Mud Bricks

If your straw is larger you will want to chop it into small bits. Straw was a binder. It made the bricks even sturdier.

This is straw chaff.

I found these little straw bundles at the craft store but you can also find hay or straw at a feed store, or ask a friend with livestock for a a few handfuls.

Sometimes, they even used animal droppings to construct their bricks (we are gonna skip that part with our brick making).

Next, the Israelites had to work the mud and straw together.

They did this by trampling it with their feet to mix it up consistently.

Place your soil, straw and water in a large tub and try to mix it together the same way they did.

Ancient Egypt Kids Activity

Add just enough water so that your soil will hold together.

This will help your bricks dry faster.

The average size of bricks in Ancient Egypt was 8.7 x 4.3 x 5.5,.

Larger bricks were about 15.0 x 7.1 x5.5.

You can make your bricks any size you like.Remove the mud mixture from the tub and place it in your molds, press firmly into the mold to remove air bubbles.

Then, let it sit in the full sun for 1 day or until it is mostly dry.

At this point they would remove it from the mold and let it finish drying in the sun out of the mold.

Do the same with yours. Israelites left theirs to dry in the sun for 25 days.

Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids. Back in Ancient Egypt they couldn’t just make a run to the brickyard to pick up a pallet or ten in their trucks. Brick making was very hard, labor intensive work. So they used Israelite slaves to first gather the materials, make the bricks, and then use them to build with. They needed to use resources they had on hand to create sturdy bricks for building walls. CLICK here to make this fun diy mud bricks!

If you make smaller bricks they will obviously dry much faster.

Later on in history the bricks would be baked in a kiln to hasten drying time.

Once your brick is completely dry it is ready to be used for construction!

Think you could make 1000 to 2000 bricks a day? That is what the ancient Israelite slaves were required to do.

You’ll also love this huge Ancient Egypt lapbook and unit study from Home School in the Woods – one of my favorite hands-on history providers.

It would take an average of 5 days of brick making in order to have enough bricks to construct a small one story home for the worker.

Here are a few more interesting facts about mud bricks and the ancient Israelites…

Houses were built using mud bricks. Then, they were whitewashed to help deflect the brutal sun’s rays and keep the inside of the home more comfortable. Windows were placed high rather than lower like in modern homes to keep sand out and covered with reed mats. The roofs were flat.
While these bricks were sturdy, they were not able to stand the test of time. And that is why most of the remaining ancient Egyptian buildings that we have been able to study were made from stone rather than these mud bricks which eventually wore away.
Mud bricks were stamped with the cartouches of the reigning pharaoh. While many were lost some bricks still bear the stamp.
Israelite slave children as young as 4 were used to help make mud bricks.
While smaller bricks were more common they have discovered mud bricks that were as large as 1 meter in length.

You’ll love these other hands-on ideas for studying about Ancient Egypt:

100 Ways to Silence the Homeschool Naysayers (Maybe!)

November 5, 2018 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

It’s hard to believe that we still have to deal with homeschool naysayers, but they’re out there, aren’t they?

The truth is, there will always be critics no matter what you do, and if you’re a homeschooling family. Lucky you! You’ve probably had to handle homeschool naysayers at one point or another.

100 Ways to Silence the Homeschool Naysayers

Although the choice to homeschool has become more mainstream in recent years, you can bet there will always be someone who doesn’t get it. Homeschool naysayers come in all shapes and sizes. They could be your friends, family, or just a good ‘ole fashioned random stranger. Either way, it’s important to be prepared for those moments when the naysayers are out.

Respond with kindness.

Give others the benefit of doubt. Often times, people are just curious about the homeschooling and have a poor way of showing it.

Embrace being different.

More and more parents are turning to homeschool, but it’s still not the norm. Let go of insecurities and be confident in your family’s choice.

Share your success stories.

It’s always a shock to the homeschool naysayers when they learn we’ve been at it for over a decade and have one son in college. Be proud of your successes. Homeschooling is possible!

Turn the table.

Why don’t people ask public school parents the same weird questions they ask homeschooling parents? Try asking homeschool naysayers you encounter some of those silly questions. Do they worry about socialization?

In a perfect world, parents will be able to do what they feel is best for their kids without facing any judgment. Until then? Here’s a mega list for the next time you need to silence the homeschool naysayers.

(Let’s just say you’ll never be caught off guard by critics again!)

Homeschool Naysayers

1. I don’t want my kids falling through the cracks of the public school system.
2. My kids have different learning styles and we need the flexibility of homeschooling.
3. I’m thankful for the freedom to study any subject we want.
4. My kids are learning how to study and research.
5. I’m not judging you for sending your kids to public school, so please don’t judge me for my choice to keep my kids home.

6. Textbooks limit learning to the same old facts.
7. Standardized tests are not a true measure of ability.
8. I want my children to be treated like students and not just a test score.
9. I don’t have faith in a system where the teachers aren’t valued.
10. There’s no better place for a child to learn than home.

11. Classrooms are overcrowded.
12. We never have to worry about the car line or bus stop.
13. Homeschooling is what’s best for our family.
14. Now that my kids are older we take our work with us to the coffee shop.
15. Standardized testing causes so much stress and anxiety in our young kids.

16. We love being able to take family vacations without being tied to a school calendar.
17. I don’t want my kids worried about school shootings.
18. My kids are able to mature at their own pace.
19. Homeschooling fosters creativity.
20. I don’t have to worry about what my kids are learning.

Thank goodness I was never sent to school: it would have rubbed off some of the originality. ~ Beatrix Potter

21. Homeschooling makes it easy to follow passions and turn them into areas of study.
22. We don’t have to deal with bullies.
23. Or drugs!
24. My kids don’t have to worry about the stress of peer pressure or trying to “fit in”.
25. I’m able to offer one-on-one instruction.

26. We are able to cover the same material in a fraction of the time it takes to cover in the classroom.
27. My kids are far apart in age and would never see each other if it weren’t for homeschooling.
28. We get to make weekend breakfast every day.
29. We’re never running late in the morning.
30. My kids are growing up together instead of living on different schedules.

31. I’ll never get this time back and I’m thankful.
32. We get to expose our children to the world on our own terms.
33. Homeschooling has helped our family to work together as a team.
34. I want my kids to learn more about life than what public school will teach them.
35. Homeschoolers are being accepted by colleges and universities nationwide.

36. We get to do projects and experiments as a family.
37. I love that we can impart values and beliefs into our studies.
38. There is a growing demographic of homeschooling families.
39. Homeschool families reduce the burden on taxpayers by an estimated $27 billion annually.
40. It’s nice to be able to focus on life skills students aren’t learning in the classroom.

41. State standardized testing benefits the schools not the student.
42. Homeschooling makes it possible to build long-term friendships as opposed to controlled “socialization”.
43. My older children are learning how to teach through learning with younger siblings.
44. We’re not limited to textbooks.
45. Thankfully, “Common Core” is not a common phrase in our home.

There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent. ~ Gandhi

46. We get to make more memories as a family.
47. My kids are able to dig deeper or go in a different direction if that’s where learning leads.
48. My teenager was able to find a great part-time job due to his schedule flexibility.
49. I want to keep my kids from the stress I dealt with at public school when I was growing up.
50. Homeschooling provides a platform for my kids to be problem solvers.

51. Homeschooling has provided a flexible schedule for my high schooler to complete volunteer hours needed for scholarship applications.
52. Busy learners can stand, jump, and move around as needed.
53. My kids aren’t immediately labeled when they’re struggling.
54. Homeschooling has prepared my college-aged kids for managing their own time and schedule.
55. We aren’t bound to the public school schedule, which is primarily built upon county transportation needs, not the needs of students.

56. We are able to offer a calm, peaceful learning environment.
57. People have been successfully educating their kids at home for decades.
58. Customizing our education has been so awesome.
59. We love learning through field trips.
60. There is more time for hands-on learning.

61. My kids get more time with grandparents and extended family.
62. We have the option to travel any time of year.
63. Our family cherishes the extra meal times we have together.
64. We’ve learned so much about teamwork through homeschooling.
65. If we need a day off, we take one!

6. We get to read whatever we want.
67. My kids aren’t witnessing any physical abuse or bullying at home.
68. We’ve been able to educate our kids about sex, relationships, and marriage in a safe and loving environment.
69. We don’t have to fight weekend crowds.
70. I get to teach my kids through everyday tasks like shopping, cooking, and cleaning.

I suppose it is because nearly all children go to school nowadays and have things arranged for them that they seem so forlornly unable to produce their own ideas. ~ Agatha Christie

71. I will never regret the extra time I got with my kids.
72. Coasting through the system with C’s and minimal understanding or retention is not OK with me.
73. We don’t have to teach to the test.
74. My kids aren’t forced to be anywhere they don’t feel safe.
75. We have built a strong family foundation homeschooling through hard times.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school ~ Albert Einstein

76. We get to play music really loud during class.
77. We can literally take our school anywhere!
78. My kids have learned how to interact with all age groups.
79. There’s never any busy work or wasted time.
80. We never have to stress with late-night homework.

81. Our pets love having their humans home during the day.
82. We are able to place a greater emphasis on music and art.
83. I’m doing my best to give my kids what they need.
84. My senior is able to spend time focusing on college and scholarship applications.
85. I’m able to customize our schedule to fit the needs of my kids.

86. We’re not dependent on state-funded resources.
87. My kids are able to move through each subject at their own pace.
88. We’re able to do science experiments every day.
89. My teenagers work more productively with a later sleep schedule than public school allows.
90. There’s nothing better than an empty movie theatre on a weekday afternoon.

91. It’s been a huge learning experience for our family.
92. My younger children have learned so much from learning alongside their older siblings.
93. I get to sit and have coffee with my kids instead of rushing out the door.
94. We can really dive into a subject or area of study through food, history, movies, etc.
95. I love that we can focus on character and values in our studies.

96. Homeschooling has taught my kids to be independent thinkers.
97. My kids grow up learning that it’s OK to be different and go “outside the box”.
98. We can take a creative approach to learn.
99. Our family has more time together.
100. Homeschooling is awesome!

How do silence the homeschool naysayers? What would you add to the list?

You’ll love these other tips and grab some of my other 100 round ups:

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

Click the image below to visit all the other blog articles from the homeschool moms of the iHomeschool Network.
Hugs and love ya,

6 Tricks for the Kid That’s NOT in Love with Reading

November 4, 2018 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Teaching reading is especially stressful if you’re child is not loving it.

Most homeschool moms have a deep love of reading and hope that their children will in turn become voracious readers.

While it’s true that many will love reading, not all of them do.

Some just never get into the reading habit or would prefer other activities.

So what do you do when your child doesn’t fall in love with reading?

Here are some helpful tips for when your child is not a voracious reader.

Tricks to Make Reading Enjoyable for Kids

If your child truly dreads reading yet you still need to require it for learning (obviously), there are some tricks to make it more enjoyable.

ONE/ Give them a purpose and/or goal for reading

Use a sticker chart, treasure chest of prizes, or other incentives to get them reading.

Set goals and let them choose a prize when they reach the goal.

TWO/ Give them choices and variety

Let them read what they’re interested in and pursue those interests. Remember that it doesn’t have to be chapter books and literature all the time.

THREE/ Value their other strengths and skills

A child who doesn’t like to read is likely strong in other skills. Maybe they enjoy numbers and math. Maybe they’re an entrepreneurial or marketing genius. Don’t become so focused on reading that you lose sight of this!

You can also use their other interests to get them interested in reading. Give them books that center around the topics they care about.

FOUR/Repetition is okay (and so is quitting sometimes)

If your kids find a book or series that they really love, it’s okay to let them read it over and over. That still counts as reading!

There are so many fun and engaging series for kids, like The Little House on the Prairie series for example.

If your kids enjoy that, let them go through the whole series again and again.

As they gain confidence and enjoyment in reading, they can always branch out from there.

It’s also okay to let them quit a book or series if they aren’t enjoying it.

Some thing are worth requiring, while others can be negotiated.

You know as an adult that you don’t always finish every book you start if it turns out to be boring or you just don’t like it.

You don’t have to force your kids to finish every book they pick up and turn it into a chore.

FIVE/ Mindset matters

As with most things in life, attitude and mindset are half the battle.

Remember that reading for enjoyment and the ability to read are two different things.

Not everyone will naturally love reading.

If your child is able to read but just chooses not to because it’s not his/her “thing,” you might just need to accept that and learn to appreciate their other strengths and skills.

SIX/ Reading should be fun

Another tip: We need to balance required reading with fun reading so kids don’t get burnt out.

I don’t believe you can force kids (or anyone) to love anything you love.

I do believe that you can share why YOU do love it and how it benefits you and model it.

Share about what you’re reading with your kids and why you love it.

My kids see me read all kinds of good literature and fun books, too, just because I do love to read.

Sharing some of your favorite books from childhood and why you loved them might help make a connection and a purpose for reading with your kids.

I hope these tips can help you make reading more enjoyable for you and your kids!

You’ll love these other tips:

Hugs and love ya,

Homeschooling Mom Mentoring Mom & Munchkin

October 29, 2018 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Recently, I graduated my third homeschool grad. Did I mention how AWESOME my husband and I feel? Homeschooling has many ups and down and I’ve savored every precious moment with my kids.

However, after graduating three homeschooled kid what am I to do? Before I answer that, I have to tell you about Munchkin and his parents.

Munchkin’s dad and mom have become precious friends of our family and have been wanting to homeschool their preschooler.

Homeschool Preschool AGAIN

Knowing me personally and interacting with my sons, munchkin’s mom wanted some tips and support. I’ve known this for a while.

In addition, my homeschool how to book will be coming out soon. So because I wasn’t planning on going away anytime soon with my book coming out, I will be both mentoring Munchkin’s mom and homeschooling Munchkin some myself.

I do think I have the better end of this deal because it’s almost like having a grand kid. Believe me, I’m fine with not having one right now. Can I just bask in my son’s being graduated?

I can enjoy Munchkin’s sweet preschool self, teach him some, and send him back to mom and dad.

Did I mention it gives me a chance to share more about how to teach preschool and the younger years?

Oh don’t get me wrong.

I’m not stopping sharing ideas for middle and high school either. You for sure get the better end of this deal as I share my tips again on how to teach the younger years.

Look at these tips you may enjoy now:

Are you ready for my next adventure?

Hugs and love ya,

Welcome

What to Do When You Feel Alone as a Homeschool Mom

How to Cope with Isolation While Homeschooling

Coping with Homeschool Loneliness

Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids

Mud Bricks for Kids

Ancient Egypt – Israelites Mud Bricks

Ancient Egypt Kids Activity

Here are a few more interesting facts about mud bricks and the ancient Israelites…

100 Ways to Silence the Homeschool Naysayers (Maybe!)