Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

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Hands-On Activities

22 Awesome Homeschool History Field Trips

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

It’s one thing to read about the Holocaust in a book and quite another to bring history to life by visiting a museum and learning about the lives affected by this tragedy.

22 Awesome Homeschool History Field Trips. Bring history alive through interactive learning @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

History field trips have a way of not only making history fun, but places have a way of helping a child remember important dates, important people and events.

Moving from the book to visiting historical places makes learning history memorable and engaging.

Creative Ways to Give Life to Homeschool History

Look at this list of places to visit for history and oh yes, be sure to print off some copies of my forms below.

Historical Reenactments.

Civil War Battle Fields.

Old Plantations.

Renaissance Festival.

Historical Hotel.

Paddlewheel Boat Replica. (Enjoy a meal like they dined back in times past.)

Pioneer Village. (Learn about candle making, shoe cobbling and how to make soap to name a few activities. Call ahead and get a guided tour.)

Cemeteries. (Read about the people who lived in the past and read what the quotes say about older graves.)

State Capitol. (Our state capitol has homeschool days. Check with your state capitol.)

History Museum.

One Room School houses. (Super fun field trip if you have one in your area.)

Old Car Museum. (Learn about how people got around in times past.)

Old Stagecoach House. (We use to live near an old stage coach house. It was a place the stage coach stopped to change horses and for travelers to grab a meal.)

Old churches turned museum. (Many old churches have been turned into museums.)

More Homeschool Field Trips Resources

Old forts. (We visited the Alamo and tried to vision what life would have been like then.)

Visit war ships.

Historical part of a town. (Look for the historical markers and find old buildings. Also, look at the old advertising on the side of the buildings.)

Lighthouses. (This is next on our list to visit.)

Federal Reserve Bank. (We learned about the history of how money is made)

Library. (Read old newspapers and magazines.)

Courthouse. (If you call ahead, you can coordinate a viewing of old Wills and Deeds. So much fun reading what was willed to family members. You get an idea of every day items used back in the day that were important to a livelihood.)

Old people. (A truly valuable resource especially if you have an older aunt, uncle or grandparent that can tell your children about the past.)

Anything else to add to this list?

How many of these things have you done to make homeschool history come alive?

15 Top Homeschool Posts, Tips and Ideas of the Year – You Picked Them!

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

15 Top Homeschool Posts, Tips and Ideas of the Year – You Picked Them Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

I love this time of the year because not only is it a time of reflection, but about brand new beginnings.

I have now completed two years of blogging and am loving every minute of it.

Without you, I would not be as motivated to share what I do.

15 Top Homeschool Posts

So thank you first for following because you are my inspiration for writing and sharing what I have learned so far in my journey.

What I did today was round up the posts, inspiration and ideas that rocked your world this year.

It’s true you love homeschool planning, organization and unit studies as much as I do or at least you want to pursue them some more this next year.

Looking Back to Make Tracks Forward

Also, it seams like many of us have strong opinions too on the difference between homeschooling and schooling at home. Be sure to look at each post below by clicking on the link under the image.

And if you’re new to homeschooling, be sure you go through my Free 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.


Hugs and you know I love ya into next year,

Tina Signature 2015c

Linking up @ these awesome places:
Hip Homeschool Hop|Tuesday Talk|Turn It Up Tuesday|Wonderful Wednesday|A Little Bird Told Me|Mom’s Library|Little R & R|WFMW|Think Tank|Hearts for Home|Thoughtful Thursday|The Homeschool Link Up|

5 Free History Websites for Homeschooled Middle School Kids

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

In putting together history unit studies, I know you too are on the prowl for free and fun history websites to enrich your homeschool unit studies.  Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

Today, I have rounded up 5 free history websites for homeschooled middle school kids that are not only super helpful in bring history alive, but really informational.

5 Free History Websites for Homeschooled Middle School Kids @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
5 Free History Websites for Homeschooled Middle School Kids @ Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Interactive History Equals Hands On Homeschooling & Learning

Most of the sites can be used for your younger and older children too, it’s just that I am focusing on homeschooled middle school kids because some sites are too babyish.

This website has 8 short films about significant early American history moments. The movies are:

The Ben Franklin Story
The Life of George Washington
Declaring Independence
Paul Revere, Messenger of the Revolution
The Shot Heard Around The World
The Treason of Benedict Arnold
The Real Face of George Washington
Molly Pitcher, An American Heroine

From the website:

Of added interest for viewers, each film tells its story using scenes and portraits from our collection of Early American Images. Many of the images are primary source documents — engravings, woodcuts and drawings that date back to the early to mid-1800s.

2. TEACHING HISTORY (actually has something free for elementary, middle and high school kids)

From the website:

Teachinghistory.org is designed to help K–12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S. history education in the classroom.

It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and has free activities for each grade level along with activities and ideas.

Not only will you be clicking in each grade level, but each grade level has several activities and topics that will keep you planning.

Also, grab the awesome free posters under Print Materials at the bottom left.

There is so much on this website too that you will need to space out your visits so that you have time to explore it all.

Are you planning for an upcoming unit study about the Oregon Trail?

Take a virtual trip to learn about the Oregon Trail and the landmarks along the way.

Click on the various tabs at the top right side of the page. There is background information on each landmark. Great for geography too.

Click on Trail Tour to get started.

As homeschoolers we always voice our worry over whether or not our homeschooled kids will be ready for the “real world”.

Well, let them take a practice run at it with this free online game.

From the website:

Mapping Your Future’s Show Me the Future is a financial literacy and life skills game, designed to help 12-20 year olds prepare for their futures.  The game helps players understand:

  • the cost of living;
  • budgeting, which is vital to financial freedom;
  • the difference between wants and needs;
  • the importance of financial planning;
  • the need to set career goals; and
  • the value of higher education.

I haven’t tried this one with Tiny yet, but it looks great as well. It is one I have marked for some “real life” learning.

This is an awesome website too with interactive stories.

It has 4 missions.

Mission 1 is for Crown or Colony, Mission 2 is Flight to Freedom – Will You Find a Path to Freedom, Mission 3 is a Cheyenne Odyssey – Can You Help Your Tribe Survive Life on the Plains and Mission 4 is City of Immigrants, How Will You Start a New Life in America?

You’ll love the educator’s guides and your middle school kid will love the interactive games. The Think Fast part is super fun!

Mark these and keep them to add to your next unit study.

Also, look at:

Hugs and love ya,

16 Ways to Make Homeschool Memorable During Winter

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

16 Ways to Make Homeschool Memorable During Winter @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Forget the homeschooling naysayers that tout familiarity breeds contempt and cozy up with the kids to enjoy the cold days of winter.

Look at 16 ways to make homeschool memorable during winter.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Winter time doesn’t have to be all work, take time to savor the season.

Who knows maybe you and I both can even sneak in a learning moment or two.

1. MEMORIZE SOME BEAUTIFUL WINTER POETRY.

2. CHECK OUT HISTORY MOVIES ON NETFLIX.

You know how I feel about history so it’s always the subject that we want to lounge around and learn more about.

3. MAKE SOME HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE.

I have tried numerous recipes through the years, but we all absolutely love the recipe by Pioneer Woman. Do you have any favorites?

4. MAKE HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.

Again, chocolate chip cookie are my sons’ favorite though we seem to try different recipes each time.

5. STOP EVERYTHING AND DO ONE OF MY FREE LAPBOOKS.

Check out the one about Winter and about the Arctic & Inuit.

6. BOARD GAMES ARE ANOTHER FAVORITE OF MY BOYS.

Whether you use any of the free ones I have listed here or buy some, it is a fun way to change the day and add a bit of education too.

7. VISIT A MUSEUM. If the weather is warm enough, head to a museum to help avoid cabin fever.

8. ROCK CLIMBING (INDOORS). The boys have a coupon to try a rock climbing wall nearby that is indoors.

I’ll update you on how they like it, but I think it’s a great way to add some exercise in for active kids.

9. SEE A MOVIE. We love to go see movies during the winter and especially during the day.

Oh sure, you could stay home for a movie night, but my boys love going to the theater.

10. CREATE A WINTER BUCKET LIST. What would your list include?

11. MAKE PAPER SNOWFLAKES. Does your child know the science behind 6 sided snowflakes?

12. GO ICE SKATING. My boys have not been in a while and I think this would be great to do this year to soak up the season.

13. MAKE A FIRE AND ROAST MARSHMALLOWS. We may have to do this inside this year since we don’t really have a place to do this unless we go camping.

14. HAVE AN ALL DAY PAJAMA DAY. My boys loved this one. Wait! Don’t we do this anyway as homeschoolers? I won’t tell.

Have littles? 15. MAKE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE. They aren’t as easy as some of them look.

My favorite! 16. HAVE AN ALL DAY READ DAY. Nothing else, just read without being rushed and read whatever you want to.

What would be on your list?

Want some more ideas? Grab more below:

 

Follow my Winter Pinterest Board

 Follow Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s board Winter ♥ on Pinterest.

21 Hands On Homeschooling Ideas to Keep the Winter Chill Off {Activities for Tots to Teens}

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

21 Hands On Homeschooling Ideas to Keep the Winter Chill Off {Activities for Tots to Teens} @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

My secret confession is that I just LOVE winter when it comes to homeschooling. I love the cold and gray skies because it is such a refreshing change.

However, I know that for some homeschoolers winter can also seem humdrum and boring. So today, I have rounded up 21 hands on homeschooling ideas to keep the winter chill off.

From a free unit study to making a sweet treat, you’ll find an activity or two for your teen or tot.

Alphabet-Worksheets2-FREE-A-to-Z-Activity-Pages-from-This-Reading-Mama

remember to pin from original sources
{pic attribution: This Reading Mama}

Alphabet Letter Mazes {With Different Letter Fonts} by This Reading Mama
Wonderful Winter Beginning Sound Cards by Natural Beach Living
Free Trace and Try Handwriting Pages by This Reading Mama
Winter Snowflake Sensory Bottle by The Jenny Revolution
Build a Square Snowman + Printable Pattern by Minutes of Motherhood

DIY Discovery Box for Baby by Growing Hands On Kids
Frozen Inspired Free Printable Activity Pack by A Little Pinch of Perfect

2015-12_Snowflake with Sticks_A Little Pinch of Perfect

remember to pin from original sources
{pic attribution: A Little Pinch of Perfect}

Make Snowflake Sticks by Pinch of Perfect
Winter Bucket List for Kids by The Simple Parent
Easy Winter Scene & Snow Paint Recipe by a Little Pinch of Perfect

iced--cookies-682x1024

remember to pin from original sources
{pic attribution: Crystal and Comp.}

Easiest Way to Make Snowman Cookies by Crystal & Co.

printable-play-dough-mats-

remember to pin from original sources
{pic attribution: From ABCs to ACTs}

Printable Gingerbread Play Dough Mats by From ABCs to ACTs
How to Make a Corn Husk Doll by Gift of Curiosity

Montessori-inspired-caves-unit-Gift-of-Curiosity

remember to pin from original sources
{pic attribution: Gift of Curiosity}

Caves Unit Study by Gift of Curiosity
How to Make Straw Rockets by The Pleasantest Thing

How to Make Perfect Fake Snow by Playtivities
27 Books For Kids About Winter by Crystal & Co.
Make an Easy Gingerbread Suncatcher by Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds
15 Snowman Books for Children by The Jenny Revolution

SNOWMAN-OREOS

remember to pin from original sources
{pic attribution: Totally the Bomb}

Snowman Oreos by Totally the Bomb
Gingerbread Cookie Recipes by Spaceships and Laser Beams

And a little bit of coloring fun never hurts either!

Check out my 20 Ancient Civilization coloring pages and my 10 Westward Expansion coloring pages.

Here is what the 10 page download contains. I put a few key words to explain each picture on the page. This way you can use the coloring pages as title pages too.

Page 3:  Native American on horseback,
Page 4: Lewis and Clark Trek,
Page 5: Lewis and Clark and The Piegan,
Page 6: Lewis and Clark Exploring Rivers,
Page 7: The Plains Indians,
Page 8: Pioneer Life,
Page 9: Moving West,
Page 10: Westward Ho,
Page 11: Settlers, and
Page 12: Fur Trappers and Mountainmen

Here is what the 20 page download contains. I put a few key words to explain each picture on the page. This way you can use the coloring pages as title pages too.

Page 3: Ancient Egypt Court,
Page 4: Ancient Egypt Spinning,
Page 5: Ancient Egypt Life of the Royals,
Page 6: Ancient Egypt Battles,
Page 7: Ancient Egypt The Nile,
Page 8: Life Along the River – The Nile,
Page 9: Metal Workers & Crafts of Ancient Egypt,
Page 10: Egyptian Hieroglyphics,
Page 11: Egyptian Queen Cleopatra,
Page 12: Aztecs Floating Gardens,
Page 13: Aztecs,
Page 14: Aztec Life,
Page 15: Mayans,
Page 16: Ancient Greece Wedding,
Page 17: Ancient Greek Galley,
Page 18: Ancient Greece Crafts,
Page 19: Ancient Greece Bank,
Page 20: Athens,
Page 21: Spartan Warrior and
Page 22: The Vikings.

 

Hugs and love ya,

Also, you might want to grab some of these ideas:

Also, check out Free Winter Copywork for Middle School – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
Winter Homeschooling Activities and Free Downloads. 5 Days of Look Alive
50 Keep Me Homeschooling Activities During the Long Cold Winter Days

Follow Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s board Winter ♥ on Pinterest.