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Beautiful and Colorful 2022 to 2023 Two Pages Per Month Calendars

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

Today, I have the printable 2022 to 2023 two pages per month calendars. I also call these two pages per month calendars Two Page Appointment Keepers on my site. There are two color choices.

Two Pages Per Month Calendars

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

Curriculum Pages for Planner

Also, I want to remind you that I have FREE calendars that are made for a quick glance that I share on the same step, Step. 2. Choose Calendars/Appointment Keepers and planning calendars are also different because they are for planning and tracking school weeks.

Beautiful and Colorful 2022 to 2023 Two Pages Per Month Calendars

The homeschool planning calendars are kept at Step 5a. Choose Unique forms JUST for You!.

Academic Printable Calendar

In addition, the two page spread I share today is for keeping appointments for any of your family’s needs whether it’s personal or homeschool.

Also, this two page spread can be used in a home management binder, blogging planner, financial planner, or fitness planner.

  • The two pages per month calendar color choices are App and Jewel. Grab one or both.
  • You get a full 12 months and the calendars begin July, 2022 and go through June, 2023.
  • My copyright allows you to print it as many times as you need it for your needs.

Hope you love these color choices and you can get them now! Yay!

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 2022 to 2023 Two Pages Per Month Calendars

Beautiful and Colorful 2022 to 2023 Two Pages Per Month Calendars

Beautiful and Colorful 2022 to 2023 Two Pages Per Month Calendars
Beautiful and Colorful 2022 to 2023 Two Pages Per Month Calendars

Printable Calendar for Homeschool Planner

Besides, I value your business and value you as a follower.

I stand behind my products because they are actual products I use and benefit from too. Though I cannot refund purchases after you have been given access to them, I will do what I can to be sure you are a pleased customer.

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

Lastly, below are the 7 Steps to help you prepare your free DIY unique 7 Step Homeschool Planner. I know you’ll love adding the two pages per month calendars to your planner.

7 Step DIY Homeschool Planner

Step 1. Choose a Pretty Front/Back Cover

Step. 2. Choose Calendars/Appointment Keepers

Step 3. Choose Goals/Objectives

Step 4. Choose Lesson Planning Pages Right For You!

Step 5a. Choose Unique forms JUST for You! Not a kazillion other people

Step 5b. Choose MORE Unique Forms JUST for You!

Step 5c. Choose MORE MORE Unique Forms Just for You!

Step 6. Personalize It

Step 7. Bind it! Love it!

How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science

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

Teaching the lab component part of high school science doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Quite the opposite, it can be utterly fun and fulfilling. Check out my page How to Homeschool High School for more tips!

With that being said, when I had my first homeschooled teen I was at a loss as to where to start.

So today, I’ve rounded up some fun ways to easily meet the lab component of homeschool high school science.

How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science

The first place to start when planning is to identify the end science goal for your teen.

Not all kids will be science majors.

Lab Component Goals Matter

If your student will be, then you’ll want more of a traditional experience.

The best thing for kids pursuing a science major is to always ask the college for their requirements.

If your kid will not be choosing a science major, you have so much room for flexibility and to mix and match lab component resources.

6 Things to Know When Choosing Science Lab Components

Moreover, look at these six things to know when choosing science lab components.

1.
Determine your teen’s science learning track – career or college?

  • Will your teen follow the traditional high school science route? What I call the traditional route is studying these areas: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. It begins in your teen’s freshman year. A lot of the traditional curriculum providers follow this sequence. So for beginners, it’s easy to follow this sequence if you use a textbook.
  • Also, depending on what your teen chooses to do after graduating, your student may need a fourth year of science if attending a specific college.

For example, if your teen will be going into a STEM field, then the course and labs will have to meet high expectations.

Another point to understand is that if your child is a science major, you still have much room to pick and choose lab resources.

Labs are meant for your teen to experiment, engage, and interact with the information your teen is learning.

Whether your teen is choosing a career track or college track, try to keep all future options open by doing at least two or three sciences for high school.

2.
Meet your homeschool state law science requirements, if any.

Next, each state’s law is different.

For example, some states list hours needed to cover subjects only, but don’t separate the lab component.

Other state laws require two labs; others divide hours by core and non-core.

However, they may not state number of labs hours needed or even separate the lab component.

Many others list no requirement for hours, but to just teach science in high school.

For a lot of states, you have much flexibility in how many labs your teens does and what actually counts as credit and how many hours too.

Point is know exactly what is your state law.

The second step is mix your teen’s goal with your state law to give you a wider picture of your goals.

3.
If this is your first teen, will you get your money’s worth by purchasing some home lab equipment now to use with all of your kids?

Subsequently, I realized that I had quite a few more future labs after my first high school teen because I had younger children.

Determining how much science equipment, if any, I wanted to invest in was my next step.

Purchasing science equipment, using it with my first high school teen, and using it for every child after that gave me my money’s worth for my purchase.

One of my best purchases early on when all my kids were younger was the niftiest microscope sold by Sonlight which was specifically built or made for home use.

But for high school, look at microscopes with a few more options.

Look at this Home LED Microscope by Home Science Tools. This home microscope is easy-to-use, sturdy, affordable & allows observers to see intricate cell details.

The final step before you choose resources for the lab component is to understand how high school science curriculum is organized.

4.
Traditional high school science courses incorporate labs in their curriculum.

For beginners, purchasing the type of curriculum that easily adds science lab component which can be done at home is a great starting point. This is what I started out doing.

It was sanity-saving when I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare labs to know that my teen could gather most items needed at home and perform the activities.

For example Apologia has step by step instructions. The course description for Biology states: Labs that cover experimentation, field studies, microscopy, and dissection.

Bob Jones and Abeka homeschool are more examples of a science program which includes instructions for labs. Some of the curriculum providers have science kits which you can purchase separately.

Finally, you’ll want to know what is a good rule of thumb for counting lab hours. The simple answer is that it varies, but that didn’t help me much in the beginning..

5.
Thirty (30) lab hours is a good rule of thumb for a lab science course.

Fast forward twenty years of homeschooling and research I learned a good rule of thumb is thirty lab hours.

If you’re using 180 hours for 1 science course then logically that means 150 hours would meet the academic course and 30 meet the lab hours.

6. Simple Lab Report

Another area I stressed about in the beginning was how to get my teens do what I call the official lab reports.

I learned that because he was not going to have a science major that I could ease up on the reports.

Sure, I wanted him to know what one was and to have some of the official experience.

However, I learned too that thoughts could be penned in a worksheet just as well and still accomplish much of the same.

Like I mentioned we did lab reports on certain labs because they were valuable in teaching my kids how to write down what they were learning, draw pictures, and label.

You don’t really have that ability with a straight worksheet.

Again, the point is you decide when you want your teen to do an official lab report and when sometimes a worksheet will work just fine.

8 Easy Homeschool Science Lab Component Resources

Next, if you have flexibility in planning labs, there are other ways to meet the lab component which are creative.

Because a lot of homeschool state laws don’t describe what counts as a lab science, you have wiggle room.

Depending on how your teen learns you can use many resources to meet science lab. Mixing and matching to add spice works best.

1. Dissection Kits and Supplies

A lot of curriculum providers provide kits which can be purchased from them, but separately from the course.

However, one of the BEST science provider through the years for me has been Home Science Tools.

Not only do they put kits together for numerous curriculum providers, they also have the best science tools and supplies for home use.

How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science
How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science

Also, look here at my Amazon store for more ideas for kits and supplies.

2. Videos

Although you’ll want your teen to know how to write a lab report to analyze his findings and learn from his mistakes, writing lab reports is not the only component to learning.

Many students benefit from watching videos and incorporating them as part of the lab.

Look at this site, Biologybyme which has many dissections and videos. Brainstuff is another one I love and Deep Sky Video. Deep Sky Video is amazing. And here is another super one about the human body.

The point is there is NO shortage of wonderful videos and science channels.

However, remember when choosing resources to count for high school credit your resource needs to be for a high school level. Unless your child has special needs, you want to choose videos for teens to adults.

Also, paying for a video course is a great option too. I love The Great Courses They can be a bit more, but then somebody else is also doing the teaching. That can be a good thing when you want that option for you or your teen.

3. Yes, Adult Science Coloring Books

In addition, a lot of teens love to learn by the color and/or label method. It wasn’t too long ago that science coloring books were frowned on, but hands-on education has come a long way.

Too, many of the coloring books are great reference tools and encourages students to dive deeper to learn the different parts of the science topic.

Look at Human Anatomy Coloring Book: an Entertaining and Instructive Guide to the Human Body – Bones, Muscles, Blood, Nerves and How They Work .

Too, here is Veterinary Anatomy Coloring Book. How cool!

I have MORE great science coloring books here on my Amazon storefront.

Then another choice we love as homeschoolers is to do labs with others like in a co-op.

4. Homeschool Co-ops

Homeschool co-ops which are set up to suit homeschool families instead of ran like mini private schools maintain tons of flexibility and teens love them.

Some subjects are just better learned with others. Lab science is one of those subjects my teens loved doing with others.

A co-op can be as simple as two, three or more families meeting together sharing science supplies and the best part is sharing the teaching.

If you’re not a science-minded mom, this is a great option to let your girlfriends do some of the teaching.

How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science

5. Community College

Another option we had available in our area was doing a science at the local community college.

Teens mature at different rates and some of them enjoy taking courses or dual enrollment at colleges. Be sure to talk to the counselor at the colleges like I did.

It was very helpful to understand how they assigned credit for high school and college with a lab.

6. Virtual Labs

Next, virtual labs are another way of meeting the credit for science labs.

Remember, your teen’s science track determines if virtual labs are frowned on by colleges.

Some colleges where teens are seeking STEM careers may designate that only a certain amount of time is credited for virtual learning.

A lot of colleges want teens to have the interaction of learning hands-on, then still others may not care.

However, if there are no strict guidelines to abide by, enjoying the flexibility of adding virtual labs.

Also, look at this Experience Biology Lab Kit from Home Science Tools.

Look at some options for virtual labs and simulations.

  • VirtualLabs is a fun one about testing food for humans and animals.
  • The Biology Corner. From the site: It contains a variety of lessons, quizzes, labs, web quests, and information on science topics for all levels, including introductory life science and advanced placement biology.
  • PhET Interactive Simulations has virtual labs which you can search by grade.
  • the Science Bank. Their online dissection resources are fantastic.
  • Disease Lab.
  • The CDC has this Microbiology Series.
  • This next site, SERC, is pretty fun and helpful because it’s a year long earth science course (free) with labs.
  • ChemCollective. From the site: The ChemCollective is a collection of virtual labs, scenario-based learning activities, tutorials, and concept tests. Teachers can use our content for pre-labs, for alternatives to textbook homework, and for in-class activities for individuals or teams.

7. Field Trips Count

In addition, don’t forget to count field trips as labs too. I know some in our group counted the whole time as hours and other moms only counted the time the teen was learning, etc. Again, it’s up to you.

There are many places near you that you may not have thought of. The easiest is a museum with classes, but also we lived near a state park that offered classes outside on various topics.

I had learned about the rangers leading discussions early one when we had scavenger hunts there when the kids were little. So it was a great resource as the got older.

Don’t forget the zoo counts if your teen is leaning towards biology.

At Galveston near where we lived they had classes for ocean science and even on the beach. Even the aquarium offered classes. They’re constantly changing so I had to research each year.

Too, if you live near an estuary, it’s a great place for labs outside.

Next, remember since you’re the one in charge and fun in science doesn’t have to stop in the high school years, you’ll want to add games.

8. Science Games

If you’ve homeschooled for any length of time, you know the value of games. Not only is it a fun way to review concept, but teens love them.

The Basement Workshop Store

I love the ones from Ellen McHenry’s Basement. Also, check out her fun courses and free games.

How to Fit In Homeschool Science Labs With a Busy Schedule

Additionally, I wanted to share one more important tip to take out the struggle of how to schedule labs. With my first teen it felt like huffing and puffing to get the labs in.

However, I learned that when we did them on our own, having an all day science day worked for us.

We would basically pull out all of our supplies and do several labs in one morning or one day. Even leaving the items out overnight so we could tackle more labs the next day was good for us.

Just like I did with my kids when they were younger and we would have an all day reading day or all day history day that tip was great for high school too.

Sometimes, having a lab a week worked, but with so much on our plate it was hard to do them consistently a few years.

Doing labs with other teens at a co-op where you have a set time and an all day science days was great too.

Finally, remember labs are fun ways to test theories for a teen and to get your students thinking.

There is no one right way to teach science at the high school level or to do labs. Just relax, have fun, and fit them into your day naturally.

Look at these other helps:

If you have a question, let me know. What do you like to do for your teen’s lab?

Hugs and love ya,

When Homeschooling is Sucking the Life Out of You

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

I must be doing this wrong because homeschooling is sucking the life out of me. I hear it a lot and I felt like that at one time too. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips and resources.

Too, a lot of families who bring kids from public school can find it harder to appreciate the homeschooling lifestyle; many families who have homeschooled from the beginning equally can struggle.

Add in the mix of kids’ lackadaisical attitude toward anything, let alone school work and you have a recipe for quitting.

When Homeschooling Is Sucking the Life Out of You

You may even feel public school is better for your kids.

When Homeschooling Sucks the Life Out of You

Although I don’t claim to have all the answers, from my over 20+ years of homeschooling from prek to high school AND conducting workshops with new homeschoolers, I do have tips that will help you.

Besides, I care. I mean I TRULY care about your success.

I KNOW the homeschooling lifestyle is a superior approach to education. I will tell you why in a minute.

Am I Selfish For Wanting to Send Them to Public School

Homeschooling being superior may not be a popular mindset among public school advocates, but I’m not here to win a popularity contest; I want to see you succeed without you feeling like you have to give life and limb for a lifestyle which is backed by numbers.

I’m here to tell you that you CAN succeed without tons of anxiety and stress and how it can be done.

First, it starts with knowing stats.

Don’t get me wrong, I love math and science, but it’s not the way I normally help people. However, we need to start with an analytical view before I speak from my heart.

When Emotions Are High Judgment Is Low

See when our emotions close in on us and doubt hits our day whether we’re doing enough or not, numbers like how much time we spend teaching our child doesn’t change.

What I’m saying is that one-to-one tutoring is a superior approach to thirty kids to one teacher. It’s simply a matter of odds and time.

Even at times when I felt I was at my breaking point like when my husband almost died, and my sister too, my kids learned way more at that time about what was really important.

Additionally because we did get behind when life hit hard, I was able to catch up far quicker than public school. We did NOT have to wait for a full school year or until other kids got the concepts.

My focus was simply my kids and my family. Although I didn’t feel like I was in control of my life and homeschool and sometimes I wasn’t, I know now that I definitely was.

Unless you’ve checked completely out, meaning you’re not doing one thing to teach your child like having meaningful conversations with him, reading to him, or playing with him, the odds are STILL in your favor of succeeding.

Also, get some more research and stats from this site National Home Education Research Institute to see how homeschoolers really are succeeding.

How to Go From a Crippled to Confident Mindset

I was making the best decisions based on the odds and time actually spent.

Whenever I feel that deep down nagging tug that I’m not doing enough, I remind myself of how much time it actually takes to homeschool.

We have time for many interruptions at home and still have time to make progress.

So I changed my mindset from a choice of sending my kids to public school as my default solution to one of using my time to make homeschool work to the best I could. Instead of putting energy into an approach where my kids odds of learning were actually lowered, I made the homeschooling lifestyle priority.

Next, before I jump into sharing multiple tried and true tips to cope when homeschooling sucks, I want you to know that I don’t believe one should homeschool at all cost.

That belief too is not exactly a popular one with some of the faith-based community.

With all of my heart I know that homeschooling is a superior approach because a child gets a uniquely individualized education; however, there are other factors like health, mental health, and even finances which deter some families.

Homeschooling your children is a very personal decision and one that a family should make for their children without guilt or judgment.

We really do not know what goes on inside of every family’s home and so I respect the decision each family has to make.

10 Tried and True Trips When Homeschooling Sucks

Next, look at these ten tips to cope when homeschooling is sucking the life out of you.

Tip. 1. Just STOP, STEP AWAY, and RESET.

First, we may think we have to keep pushing. Why do we do that to ourselves and our kids?

When in fact, from a complete stop comes rejuvenation, power, and refocus. Sometimes we can try to squeeze homeschooling into a busy life. We may need to stop and look at our schedule again to see what is really important to keep and what can we let go.

Tip 2. Deschool.

A lot is said about deschooling in the homeschool world. Some of it I agree with, other information not so much.

Deschooling is not just something you do when you’re a new homeschooler. It’s a technique for burn out too.

Look at some of these ways to use the deschooling process:

  • Do you need rest? STOP. Take care of your needs and your children’s physical needs. There is nothing selfish about self-care. A break does not mean a stop. It just means a break.
  • Did you jump from public school to homeschool without really taking the time to know how your children learn? Putting your child in the next grade because public school said they belong in a grade is a huge newbie mistake. It take times to know how your children learn and you can do that with inexpensive to free curriculum until you know your child’s learning personality.
  • Deschooling does not always mean idleness. Deschooling is different for each family. I know kids who do well with routine. However, can you scale back your expectations until whatever is the object of the stress subsides? Have you heard of the power of little done often? It’s true.

Furthermore, I share tips here on my video How to Deschool – Are You Doomed If You’ve Never Deschooled.

Tip 3. Do a Unit Study.

Additionally, I switched from boxed curriculum to unit studies many years ago.

Little did I recognize then the full and positive impact they would have on our day and now our journey.

Unit studies can take a bit more time to plan; the return is the satisfaction of learning exactly what interests us.

When homeschooling loses his luster, try a different approach. You may need to just switch approaches instead of quitting homeschooling.

Look at my post Top 5 Approaches New Homeschoolers Need to Know to know you’re following the approach that is best for your family and that you’re not repeating public school at home.

Tip 4. Use Nap Time to Tidy Up.

Moreover, if you have a younger household and still have naptime, use about 15 or 20 minutes of the time for a quick tidy up.

Even though it may not be the type of cleaning you really need, don’t forget the power of little. Every bit counts when you have a house full of littles.

I used to run myself almost completely ragged while two of my kids napped.

Twenty years later, I realized some of the time should have been spent relaxing and just sitting down to put my feet up.

Tip 5. Occupy the Older Kids with their Devices During Naptime.

Likewise, something else I shouldn’t have felt guilt about was allowing my older kids to be entertained while my young children slept.

Thinking I had to constantly school my kids when I was at the point of exhaustion was not balanced.

Homeschooling at all costs, even costing your health is not healthy.

It’s okay to allow kids time to entertain themselves while you rest.

Tip 6. Read.

In addition to using naptime to rest, reading has been one of my best ways to relax.

I read an article that stated: “researchers found that reading is one of the best ways to relax, and even six minutes can be enough to reduce the stress levels by more than two-thirds.“

Too, what I’ve learned now is that even if all we did was reading for the day it was enough.

My kid’s fondest childhood memories are of us reading together as a family.

Reading IS school; all the elements needed for learning like concentration, comprehending, and studying are associated with reading.

When Homeschooling Is Sucking the Life Out of You

Also, reading aloud to your kids has many key benefits, but remember taking time to read what you enjoy rejuvenates YOUR love of learning. That is equally important.

I know you’ll love my book, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

I've rounded up some of the best books to help you get started homeschooling.

Homeschooling for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops. When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

The Unhurried Homeschooler

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but "The Unhurried homeschooler" takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace

Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for their children and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

Parents who are deeply invested in their children's education can be hard on themselves and their kids. When exhausted parents are living the day-to-day grind, it can seem impossible to muster enough energy to make learning fun or interesting. How do parents nurture a love of learning amid childhood chaos, parental self-doubt, the flu, and state academic standards?

Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom

Education has become synonymous with schooling, but it doesn’t have to be. As schooling becomes increasingly standardized and test driven, occupying more of childhood than ever before, parents and educators are questioning the role of schooling in society. Many are now exploring and creating alternatives.

Tip 7. Do a 4-Day Schedule.

Next, one year I switched to a 4-day schedule and never looked back. It’s true, at home we can accomplish more in less time.

However, until you try it you don’t really know.

When I switched to a 4-day schedule, it was one of the BEST things I did early in our journey.

I took off Monday to have a slower start to the beginning of the week. Taking time to get caught up on house cleaning, meal planning, and bill paying gave me a sense of control when my kids were very young.

As my kids grew older and could help more with chores, I switched to having off Friday as a day to rest and rejuvenate.

Look at my posts Should You Switch to a 4-Day Homeschool Schedule and The Sticking Power of a Solid Homeschool Schedule.

Tip 8. Take Time to Educate the Educator.

Another tip I learned was that some of my part in the feeling of lackluster towards homeschool was I didn’t take time to educate myself.

Why do we not think twice about dropping hundreds of dollars on our kids’ education, but don’t take time to learn how to choose curriculum or how to get organized?

Educating children is rewarding and at the same time it’s one of the most draining jobs I’ve ever done.

I needed the essentials in how to homeschool to smooth my path as I educate my children.

Many years, I ago I taught workshops to new homeschoolers and wrote a curriculum.

Having taught that workshop for 10 years, I now put those workshops online for you.

You’ll love my self-paced online workshops.

How-To Homeschool Courses

Go from Overwhelmed to Got this! The detailed courses: Teaching the Stages of Homeschool, How to Choose Curriculum for Beginners, Homeschool Organization for Beginners, and The New Homeschooler Boot Camp are real eye-openers. You already know homeschooling will give your child the most benefit. Now, take time to educate the person who loves your kids the most – YOU!

Tip 9. Find the Balance Between Rigid and Too Relaxed.

Furthermore, it seems when I’m not feeling the love of how easy homeschooling is supposed to be, I’ve had to look at my expectations.

Many homeschoolers are too rigid, but I’ve also seen more homeschoolers who don’t have a plan for the day.

Find out what your children need.

It’s not always a problem of being too rigid, but it could be you don’t have a list of expectations or a routine for the day.

Your children may need more routine instead doing school by knee-jerk reactions. Ouch. It’s hard to self-analyze – always.

Or, are you so rigid that your children feel crushed under the weight of unnecessary sternness?

Again, you are the only one to make this analysis. Achieving homeschool balance is possible if you’re willing to be flexible.

Tip 10. You are doing more than homeschooling AND your children need to know that too.

Finally, you’re doing more than homeschooling your children; you’re training them far beyond academics.

It’s flat out hard to parent while being a homeschool educator.

They’re intertwined. And you do not want to keep your two roles separate.

Because parenting and homeschooling are weaved together, your kids have responsibilities beyond their academics for the day.

Hear my heart when I say it’s hard to STOP and take time to train your kids to clean, cook, do chores and put away their toys or objects.

However, not only are you teaching them to be independent, you’re instilling pride and confidence.

Many kids who are grown lack self-confidence. Although doing chores is not a complete problem solver, it is a solution.

Chores give kids a sense of pride, belonging, and a way to help others.

Many years I had to accept a kid friendly cleaned house; it wasn’t always easy because I had high expectations.

However, I’m FOREVER grateful that instilled an ethic of hard work in each of my sons.

Is Homeschooling Really Freeing

Now that they have roommates, their roommates thank me for my sons’ positive mindsets and neat and clean habits.

Encourage your child to be a good friend when he is an adult.

It does start with his surroundings, taking care of his room, and other areas in the house.

I love when I get positive feedback from my son’s roommates and moreover I hope in the future, their spouses will too.

Respect comes first from caring for themselves and their area in your home; it pours over then into a child’s live when they’re away from you and now adults.

They extend that same courtesy to others and learn how to truly be happy.

What I’m saying is sometimes homeschooling is a heart problem and not a homeschooling problem.

What genuinely makes kids happy is being fulfilled each day no matter how small the task.

Do not forget that the odds are in your favor for succeeding.

Go slow and remember your kids deserve to know how to take care of themselves, clean, cook, know how to follow a schedule, and take care of others.

Kids will NEVER forget how you SKILLFULLY prepared them for life not just academics.

Don’t forget to think about what brought you to homeschooling in the first place and look up from the pit of despair.

Most circumstances are temporary at best although we don’t feel that way at the moment.

Having an online homeschool group is important too. You need to know you’re not alone. You’ll love my facebook group if you do facebook.

With Power Struggles Give Choices and Freedom

With plenty of rest or even stopping for a bit until you rekindle your love of homeschooling, I hope this heart to heart talk nudges you in the right decision for you family.

From my heart to yours, homeschooling has been worth every bit of stress and tears.

If you’re struggling right now, please let me hear from you. I may not have a solution, but I may be able to steer you in the right direction.

Look at these other tips:

Hugs and love ya,

BEST Homeschool Resources Black Friday Deals 2021 (Cyber Monday)

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

Do you love homeschool deals and steals? Of course you do. I do too and especially Black Friday.

If you haven’t shopped for homeschool resources at this time of the year, it’s a great time to snag a deal. I rounded up some of the BEST homeschool resources Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday Deals for 2021.

Homeschool Black Friday

The savings varies and also when each one begins and ends.

Bottom Line: Read each entry carefully, I think you’ll love some of these deals AND be sure to snag them.

First, I have an Amazon store. I sooo appreciate when you make Amazon purchases that you use my link. This allows me to continue paying the bills here and give you more freebies. Big hug. I appreciate you and I appreciate your loyalty.

By the way, I’ve created LISTS on my Amazon page to give you ideas for products I use.

Next, here at the top, I’ve listed all the resources in this post so you can quickly see the homeschool deals. Then, scroll down to see the details for each one.

ONE.
Green Kid Crafts

Ultimate STEAM Gift Packs with Green Kid Crafts

60% Off the First Box of Any New Subscription will be running 11/24-11/30 with code BLACKFRIDAY 

If you’re eye balling subscription based learning, be sure to check out Green Kid Crafts for kids ages 2 to 10 years old.

Look at this cool Crystal Chemistry Tree and Gingerbread House Village.

TWO.
Home Science Tools

Then, whoo hoo, another one of my very favorite science providers is Home Science Tools and they’re having a fantastic sale.

THREE
Groovy Lab in a Box

Groovy Lab in a Box is another favorite subscription based science provider.

You know hands-on is the best way to learn. When you sign up to receive boxes, it eases your lesson planning and you get the fun subjects in.

Subscription boxes adds enrichment to your every day teaching which is why I love Groovy Lab in a Box. The science boxes are geared for ages 8+.

Use code TISGROOVY2021 to save 10% on the first month of a subscription or a single.

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL Groovy Boxes and Subscriptions!!!

Orders must be placed by 12am on December 15th.

FOUR.
Home School In the Woods Hands-on History

Home School in the Woods Cyber Weekend Specials (Nov. 26 – 29, 2021)

Presenting ELEVEN Cyber Weekend bundles that have been carefully selected by us for you.

* NOTE: Some items are discontinued and IN LIMITED SUPPLY!

FIVE
Music in Our Homeschool Online Courses

I love music in our homeschool because let’s face it, it’s hard to get in music for the day. Having courses available online is huge because it allows our kids to learn music at their pace and without having to leave the house.

These are self-paced online music appreciation courses especially suited for homeschoolers either at home or at a homeschool co-op.

They are perfect for kids to do on their own or for a teacher to lead them through the lessons.

You’ll LOVE the HUGE selection of courses for all ages.

Be sure to CLICK on CATEGORY at the top to see all the choices, don’t MISS A THING!

Use coupon code THANKFUL2021 for 25% off anything at Learn.MusicinOurHomeschool (except memberships) from November 15-30, 2021.

SIX.
Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food

You’ll love Kitchen Stewardship and Kids Cook Real Food motto.

Check out Amy’s success getting a little help teaching her kids to cook (and bake) – she sounds just like me! Stressed about letting kids in the kitchen, not sure where to start – and now she has some great helpers. Read about it here and use the Baking Challenge as a fun, inexpensive way to test out what Kids Cook Real Food has to offer.

The holiday baking challenge is slashed for Black Friday <  through the end of cyber week. Here’s what you’ll get: 

  • Seven professionally filmed videos, skill building and recipes 
  • Investigative explorations of the science behind baking so that your child’s brain is engaged too! 
  • Baked goods recipes written just for kids (with veggies!)
  • Grocery lists and step-by-step plans, just plug-and-play
  • Kids in the videos to motivate yours

This makes a great clutter free gift or fun experience for holiday break. If you’re ready to help your kids be more confident in the kitchen. Now it’s your chance. Grab the holiday baking challenge before it completely goes away until next year! 

Available only through December 5, but once you buy the classes, they’re yours forever!

SEVEN.
Think Outside Boxes for Learning about the Outdoors

Making the outdoors your kid’s newest classroom! THiNK OUTSiDE is a monthly subscription box designed as a year-long skill development program for ages 8+ to promote exploration and survival in the great outdoors.

Our best holiday sale is live!! Use code BF20 to save $20 off of your intro box*

While supplies last: We are also giving away free gear with many of our subscriptions, including: Neck Gaiters, Water Bladders, Walkie Talkies, LuminAID Lanterns, and more! (details available on website)

EIGHT.
Beautiful Feet. Combining History and Literature

Then one of my favorite living history books providers is having a quick sale right before Black Friday.

If you’ve never used their living books, now is the time to try them. I love their Around the World with Picture Books for the littles and their history books for the bigs.

Nov 17 tp 25. Hurry 10% Off Everything Sale! Simply use code THANKS21 upon checkout

Grade 11

NINE.
All About Learning Press

The Promotions:

FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50!

From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, we’ll pay the shipping on every order over $50 placed in our online store!

The first 200 customers receive a free gift!

The first 200 orders over $50 will also receive our Reading Buddy Bundle, featuring bookmarks, view finders, encouragement badges, and stickers!

The Details:

Both promotions begin at 12:00 AM (ET) on Black Friday.

The Free Shipping promotion ends at 11:59 PM (ET) on Cyber Monday and the Reading Buddies promotion ends after 200 eligible orders have been placed.

TEN.
Literary Adventures for Kids

Literary Adventures for Kids is one of my favorite language arts provider for helping kids to learn independence because their courses are online self-paced videos.

You’ll love the choices for the online literature studies. So many books and choices for all ages.

It’s a great way for middle school and high school kids to learn language arts – their pace.

Don’t miss the biggest sale of the year at Literary Adventures for Kids. EVERYTHING is on sale! But, hurry it ends November 29th. Use coupon code TRIMTHETREE.

Trim the Tree with savings on inspiring literature studies at Literary Adventures for Kids. All courses are 25% off through 11/29. Use coupon code TRIMTHETREE.

Don’t let the idea of teaching language arts intimidate you. Literary Adventures has done all the work for you!
Try out any book club, course, or series for 25% off until 11/29! Just use code TRIMTHETREE.

Other Homeschool Freebies and Fun!

Then, grab some freebies below just because you know we love freebies!

  • I love Jim Hodges Audio Books and they have a freebie for the month. If you’ve ever heard him tell a story, you won’t forget it.
  • Then Homeschool Buyers is another favorite discounted homeschool provider year round.

You’ll love the free student or teacher ID card.

  • Then Art History Kids is a great way to cover both art and history with online lessons. You’ll love the freebie.

Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours

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

Homeschool unit study spines can make or break your unit study.

While you can use any living book for a great unit study, some resources are more helpful than others to help you plan quickly.

Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours

Too, I’ve used many resources through my years of planning unit studies; choosing a spine is key to a successful unit study.

Before I jump into listing some helpful unit study spines, look below at the definition of a spine.

What is a Homeschool Unit Study Spine

A homeschool unit study spine can be a living book, magazine, mentor, reference book or chart, art or art object, play, musical piece, brochure, movie, encyclopedia, or any other type of book, object, or person which is the main reference or authority for your unit study topic.

In addition, a unit study spine is used to launch your lesson plans, topics, and sub-topics.

To easily plan, a superior spine will support additional ideas, projects, objectives, and concepts about the main topic.

It guides you down a trail to dive deep into the topic.

Look at my video How to Choose a Useful and NOT Useless Homeschool Unit Study Spine on my channel How to Homeschool EZ to understand what they are and how to choose them.

All research revolves around your spine; it is the backbone of your study and it is the main resource for your chosen theme.

Helpful Homeschool Unit Study Spines to Plan in a Few Hours

Additionally, depending on the type of unit study, some resources will be more helpful than others.

For example, if you’re doing a literature unit study, a beautiful dictionary is a must.

Also, as I moved away from all-in-one language arts, I used bar charts and quick study guides to zero in on skill subjects. To learn the difference between a skill and content subject read What Homeschool Subjects to Teach and When to Teach Them? Part 1 of 3.

Now look below at a few handy charts which promptly get to the nitty-gritty of language arts skills.

Further, while comparing and choosing books, here are features I look for when choosing a superior resource:

  • Background information about the topic in the text.
  • Ideas for hands-on projects.
  • Anecdotes.
  • Words for vocabulary.
  • Diagrams or charts.
  • Questions in the text or at the end.

With that being said, look at the breakdown for the different types of unit study spines which help you to plan in a few hours.

The very first reference books I started with were DK Eyewitness books.

They’ve improved through the years; they’re timeless. A wonderful collection is an inexpensive way to prep for a unit study beginner.

Science Homeschool Unit Study Spines

One of my favorite and timeless publishers is Nomad Press. They have many books which make for great themes. Look at some of them below.

Another set of books are the DK Smithsonian Encyclopedia which are keepers for science unit study spines.

Look at some of the timeless ones we have used below along with some new ones.

17 Favorite Unit Study Science Spines

I love to pair a living book about a topic with a reference book to use as spines. Sometimes, it’s easier to use a reference book as a spine and add living books as we go along. These are some of my favorite science spines.

DK Eyewitness Collection 15 Books Set (Human Body,Ocean,Volcano & Earthquake,Animal,Planets,Periodic Table,Dinosaurs,Mythology,Ancient Egypt,Tudor,Victorians,Ancient Rome,Ancient Greece and More)

(Human Body, Ocean,Volcano & Earthquake, Animal, Planets, Periodic Table, Dinosaurs, Mythology, Ancient Egypt, Tudor, Victorians, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and More)

The Water Cycle!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Drip―Drop―Splash! Water is essential to all forms of life. So let’s learn all about it! The Water Cycle! With 25 Science Projects for Kids captures kids’ imaginations with a deep look at the world of water. Combining hands-on activities with history and science, The Water Cycle! invites kids to have fun learning about the water cycle, water resources, drinking water and sanitation, water pollution and conservation, water use, water folklore and festivals, and the latest in water technology.

Skulls and Skeletons!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What would happen if you had no bones? You might fall over flat on the floor!

Bones are those hard parts of our bodies that make up our skeletons and skulls, and we need them in lots of different ways. In Skulls and Skeletons! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers learn about the bones in their bodies and why we can’t live without them. And bones aren’t just good for humans―many animals can’t live without them! But do all animals have bones? No, they don’t! And why do fish look so much different from birds, even though both have bones? Organisms use their bodies in different ways to successfully live in different habitats. For example, a bird’s light bones are great for flying, but would not support them deep in the ocean.

Weather and Climate!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What’s it like outside? Is it a day for building a snowman, constructing a sandcastle, or planting a garden? Weather and Climate! With 25 Science Projects for Kids introduces kids ages 7 to 10 to the fascinating world of meteorology and all of the ways what’s going on in the atmosphere above our heads can affect us here on the earth! Plus, discover how weather and climate change are linked but not the same, and figure out ways to be part of the solution to the problem of global warming.

The activity in our atmosphere plays a critical role in our lives and in the health of our planet. Today’s weather determines what clothes you wear and what you are going to do after school, while the local climate influences what kind of car your parents drive, what kind of house you live in, and―believe it or not―what foods you eat!

Rivers and Streams!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Did you know that without rivers, human life might not have developed as it did? We might be a very difference species if it wasn’t for rivers, as would the other plants and animals who depends on rivers and streams for food, transportation, water, and power!

In Rivers and Streams! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers ages 7 to 10 dive in and discover how rivers change the shape of the land while plants, animals, and humans change the shape of
rivers. Through fun facts, engaging content, and essential questions, kids learn about the vital role that rivers and streams have played in human history and explore the ways rivers and streams might affect our future. Science experiments that promote critical thinking and creative problem solving encourage kids to make their own discoveries about the waterways they might pass every day.

Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities

Bring chemistry to your kitchen with a book that offers hands-on science activities that can be done with ingredients from your pantry and the refrigerator!

What’s going on when you cook in the kitchen? Science!

In Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities, readers ages 9 to 12 discover that the cooking, mixing, and measuring you do in the kitchen all has its roots deep in science―chemistry to be exact!

Explore Rivers and Ponds!: With 25 Great Projects

Explore Rivers and Ponds! with 25 Great Projects, introduces kids to the fascinating world of freshwater habitats and the creatures they contain. Combining hands-on activities with ecology and
science, kids will have fun learning about the freshwater biome, including lakes and ponds, streams and rivers, and wetlands. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary. Projects include assembling an ecologist’s field kit, creating a fishless aquarium, pouring casts of animal tracks, and building a watershed replica. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, museums, and science centers.

Robotics!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Where was the last time you saw a robot? Did you read about one in a book or see one in a movie? Maybe you saw one in a video game!

Some people think robots exist only in our imagination, but actually, robots are all around us right now. Robotics! With 25 Science Projects for Kids offers readers ages 7 to 10 an introduction to the history, mechanics, and future use of robots! Readers explore the history of robotics and discover how the first types looked and moved and what people expected they could do. Compare these early robots to those we have today, some of which don’t even have bodies! Kids discover how robots have changed as decades have passed and see how they now look, think, sense, move, and do things.

Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts: With Stem Projects for Kids

Hands-on space science projects help launch kids ages 8 to 11 into learning about fearless female astronauts who broke barriers across space and gender in this full-color book full of real-world connections!

Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it’s like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world’s most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena Auñón-Chancellor―all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.

Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power & How We Get It

Energy is a vital part of our lives. It powers our computer, lights our home, and moves our car. It also costs a lot of money and pollutes our environment. In Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It, kids ages 9–12 learn about the history and science of the world’s energy sources, from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Zoology: Inside the Secret World of Animals (DK Secret World Encyclopedias)

This visual reference book starts with the question "what is an animal?" and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head-to-toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features like the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral.This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

This inspiring children’s reference guide welcomes you to the animal kingdom where you can meet more than 1,500 species, ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between. Stunning pictures bring you face to face with giant predators you know and love, including polar bears and tigers, as well as mysterious microscopic life, including amoebas and bacteria.

Space A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the Moon, Sun, and planets of our Solar System to space exploration, black holes, and dark matter, this completely revised and updated children’s encyclopedia covers all you need to know about the cosmos. The most up-to-date images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA combine with info panels, timelines, interviews, diagrams, and activities you can do at home to help you understand the majesty and wonder of space. 

Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door with 25 Projects

BIOLOGY IS THE STUDY OF LIFE. Life is everywhere, thriving in the city and in the country, teeming in ecosystems around the planet—in deserts, oceans, and even the Arctic. And life is right outside your door! Backyard Biology invites children ages 9 and up to investigate living things —especially in yards, parks, nature areas, and playgrounds. Trivia and fun facts bring animals, plants, and microorganisms to life, in all their wonder.

Inventions: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

This stunning visual guide explores and explains the greatest inventions, ideas, and discoveries throughout the ages, and introduces their inventors. From fire, stone tools, and the wheel to ploughs and paper, discover the first inventions that shaped societies and grew mighty civilizations and empires such as those in ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and ancient China.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the first strokes of paint on prehistoric caves to contemporary street art in the 21st century, every artistic style and movement is explored and explained in stunning detail. Special features celebrate the lives of groundbreaking painters, sculptors, and photographers, from Dutch master Johannes Vermeer to photography pioneer Julia Margaret Cameron. Many best-loved pieces of art are showcased in iconic images. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, the most famous painted lady. March alongside China’s statues of the Terracotta Army, and gaze in awe at Barbara Hepworth's stunning Pelagos sculpture.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the shimmering surface to the darkest depths, this breathtaking visual encyclopedia presents our blue planet as never before. Stunning photography, accessible information, and fascinating facts are spilling over in this essential guide to the oceans. Take a dip in all the world’s waters to experience their incredible diversity. Make a splash in the icy Arctic waters before warming up in the tropical Indian Ocean. Experience the super size of mighty whales compared to swarms of tiny krill. Cast your eyes to the skies to see circling sea birds before diving down to meet mysterious creatures of the deep. 

Moreover, there are no shortages of books and references for nature; I prefer field guides which are concise nuggets while teaching a nature unit study.

Of course taking the guides to our outside classroom is the best reason.

Nature Homeschool Unit Study Spines

Further, many times I’ve used two unit study spines as companions.

For example, the resources I’ve listed above are reference books. I find reference books are extremely easy in helping me to plan a unit study because they put topics in a nutshell.

Living Books For Homeschool Unit Study Spines

However, along with a reference book, some unit studies are better taught alongside a living book.

I find when I add a living book, language arts becomes a natural fit and not a forced fit.

Living books contain two main important things.

  1. The book is written by an authority on the topic; and
  2. They are written in a narrative form meaning a book would explain events and give vivid details in a story form which engages the mind of readers.

In addition, a living book should stir a reader’s emotion and imagination even doing so in a picture book.

However, one of the best features of a living book is that a reader doesn’t realize that he is learning facts in a natural way. Living books are opposite of textbooks.

Lastly, I look for classic books, but they aren’t always living books. Foremost I look for a well-written book which has a high literary quality.

Adding a living book alongside a reference book has been the key to my family covering almost all the subjects in a unit study.

Below, I’ve listed just a few books we’ve used through years; I want you to have examples of living books for the various ages.

I’ve divided the living books into three sections or lower, middle, and upper reading levels.

Also, keep in mind I’m giving you examples of them and then you can decide where to add them to topics.

Living Books for Beginning Reading Levels

Living Books for Middle Reading Levels

Additionally, look at these examples of living books for middle school.

Living Books for Upper Reading Levels

Moreover, a series of books like the Shakespeare Can Be Fun introduces sophisticated literature to younger kids in a fun way.

Let a young learner’s introduction to Shakespeare be one he understands. There is plenty of time in middle and high school to learn about literary terms.

Next, I want to share a few more reference books which I’ve used plentifully. The books below are by Chicago Review Press.

Even though these resources are some of my favorite, they are by no means an exhaustive list. My focus in this roundup is to give you visual examples of unit study spines which ease lesson planning by giving you a plethora of examples.

How Unit Study Spines Are Cost Effective

In conclusion, but certainly not less important is knowing the value of unit study spines. Homeschool unit study spines are cost effective for several reasons:

  • spines cover many ages and that means I divide the price by how many years I’m using it or by how many kids are using it for one year,
  • there is less waste of resources because we choose exactly what we want to study,
  • because unit studies are a mastery approach, less money is spent on covering one topic for several years, and
  • spending less time on curriculum which may not cover our specific educational goals and focusing exactly on my kids’ needs is not only a huge savings, but an outstanding education.

What do you think? Are you ready to give unit studies a try?

You’ll love these other unit study helps:

Hugs and love ya,