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Beginning Homeschooling in Middle School – 3 Questions Worth Asking

October 1, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Beginning homeschooling in middle school can be challenging for many reasons. I’m sharing three questions worth asking and answers. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

Having helped new homeschoolers on both ends of the learning spectrum from those struggling in public school to those not being challenged, beginning homeschooling in middle school can be demanding.

Across the board tips can help when beginning homeschooling in middle school because a lot of pressure is put on the teaching parent to perform.

Beginning Homeschooling in Middle School – 3 Questions Worth Asking

3 Questions to Ask When You Start Your Homeschool Journey in Middle School

First, look at some of these resources to help you.

5 BEST How to Homeschool Books

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

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

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.

Image for The Unhurried Homeschooler

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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

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.

Look at these questions and practical tips that help to start your year on a positive note.

1.
Do You Really Want To Only Experiment With Homeschooling?

Fear can cause a paralyzing effect on a positive mind-set.

Whether your child was overlooked in middle school and getting more behind by the day or if your child was making above average grades and you felt like he wasn’t being challenged, none of that is going to go away anytime soon.

Instead of focusing on the fear that you might mess your child up for life, jump into homeschooling with all the bravado that your child deserves.

Beginning Homeschooling in Middle School - 3 Questions Worth Asking @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Middle school is half-way between childhood and adulthood.

Though you can’t do anything about the past, you can change their future and prepare them for adulthood.

It takes devotion to read about how to homeschool.

And to make curriculum choices, to fill in any gaps you find along the way and look ahead to high school.

Instead of homeschooling by looking back at public school, give all the time and energy you have to keep moving forward.

Why would you want to return to something that is not working?

Keep your new goal bright and burning because it will spur you ahead to adopt a relaxed homeschooling spirit.

2.
Is It Really Necessary To Teach All The Subjects Yourself?

Encouraging you to jump head long into homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to jump right into teaching every subject.

Being in public school for a while, it takes time for a child to develop a teacher and student relationship with you now.

It is an understatement to say that it can be quite challenging.

I have seen children who outright resent the teaching of a parent.

On the other hand, some children thrive right away when a parent takes control of the teaching.

Beginning Homeschooling in Middle School – 3 Questions Worth Asking

Whatever the case is, ease the new teacher student relationship by appreciating the fact that they have been learning independent of you for a while.

More Homeschooling in Middle School Resources

  • How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School
  • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
  • Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool
  • 10 Best Science Movies for Middle School
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
  • Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazines

Though you may want to right all the wrongs of public school immediately but taking full control, I find it is better to build the relationship first.

It takes energy to foster the time you now have with your middleschooler and to renew your relationship.

Divide up your subjects into ones that you teach with your child and subjects that give him some breathing room that he can do independently.

For example, choose a subject that he needs help with right now.

This eases his stress with this transition by doing the subject on a one-to-one basis which he is struggling with the most.

He may not value it it now, but he will appreciate your support with a subject he is struggling in

Then, give him some breathing room by allowing him to do part of his subjects through an online or an interactive class.  

Look at my post Digital Homeschool Curriculum – Big Ol’ List for some more ideas.

Not only will this tip keep your day varied, but it allows you time to get familiar with teaching without getting overwhelmed.

3.
How Many Extra-Curricular Activities Does Your Child Really Need?

I made the same mistake though my child was only in kindergarten which was thinking I had to join every activity that was offered.

Afraid that my child would not be socialized and well rounded, I just knew that I had to keep the roads hot as we traveled back and forth for homeschooling activities.

Though homeschooling activities are a vital part of homeschooling, the timing is not always right each year.

Homeschool activities can be a tool for enrichment or an offensive break in the day depending on the needs of your family at the present moment.

Weigh each homeschooling activity carefully because your child has not been with you for a good part of the day up until this point.

Deepening and strengthening your parental bond with your precious child is the most important thing you want to accomplish this year.

I know you have curriculum worries, socialization worries and high school may be looming overhead.

However, in homeschooling you can advance quickly to accomplish those things.

I have many blog posts here that will help you sail through your concerns.

Relationships are different.  Unlike learning about homeschooling, there are no short cuts.  It takes time to water, nurture and rekindle any strained relationship.

As your child matures, graduates, and leaves your home, you will eventually stop homeschooling him.

However, your relationship will not stop growing.  

Too, he will remember fondly your love for learning and he will be infused with that passion.

It is possible to have it all even when you begin homeschooling in middle school.  The beginning is what matters.

Are you beginning to homeschool with a middle schooler?

 

2 CommentsFiled Under: Kick Off Your Homeschool Year, Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: middle school, middleschool

Homeschool Secular History Curriculum Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips

September 27, 2023 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some great tips for teaching homeschool secular history curriculum. Also, look at my post 35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 1.

Answering your questions means a lot to me. So today I wanted to share a question that I think you may be wondering about too.

Additionally, although I am not a secular homeschooler, I do prefer faith neutral history programs.

Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips For Homeschool Secular History Curriculum

First, here is the question.

“Hi my name is Heather,  I have been following you for awhile now and I have been planning on homeschooling for awhile but as it draws closer to the start line I realized I can not find a social studies and history curriculum that I like. I trying to be as secular as possible with the main curriculum and then teach many different religions later on. Do you have any curriculum you favor or any hints and tips for picking social studies and history curriculum ? My daughter will be doing Prek/K work and I am seven months pregnant with my next child.”

Homeschool History Curriculum

Deciding whether or not to include “religion” can be a touchy subject for most homeschoolers because every homeschooler views the term “teaching religions” differently.

I certainly think children that age are capable of understanding more than we give them credit for at times. 

Shying away from teaching them values early on when their hearts are malleable can make it harder to teach later. 

Right away principles can be involved that include your view on religion and Bible.

Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips For Homeschool Secular History Curriculum

However, because we have the inherent right to teach our children, homeschooling is about you as the parent deciding when and how to teach your values to your children.

Too, all the complexities of history do not need to be taught at this age. 

1.
Secular Does Not Mean Faith Neutral.

So, my first tip is to understand what is meant by your definition of homeschool secular history curriculum.

Because some homeschoolers feel history and the Bible are the same subject, they do not feel you can teach history separate from teaching the Bible.

Other homeschoolers feel religion biases history. This would be secular homeschoolers.

Then others feel somewhat down the middle of the road.

For example, along with learning how to read and write, children are learning at every moment.

It really is the time to be teaching them about the story of history.

When my boys were that age, I had stumbled upon The Story of the World. 

When it first came out, it sparked controversy because some homeschoolers felt it was too secular. 

Other homeschoolers understood what Susan Wise Bauer was doing, which was allowing the parents to be the ones to decide when and how to teach the Bible.

I happened to be in the second camp but probably for a slightly different reason too. 

I wanted my husband and I to be the ones responsible for their education on the Bible and religion.

Through the years, I have found The Story of the World to be more about history than a Bible study. 

It really allowed me the chance to add Bible content and teach history as I wanted to. However, I don’t consider Story of the World a homeschool secular history curriculum.

I do consider it secular friendly.

Here are some other things to think about and that I loved too about Story of the World.

The Story of the World is for ages 6 and up or starting in first grade, but easily adaptable for a slower pace or age.

As a new homeschooling teacher, regardless of grade level, it made teaching easy because I could learn right alongside my children.  Using something laid out, though engaging, makes it easier on you so that you understand the story of history.

Secular Friendly History Curriculum

The reader is written in a story format to engage early learners. 

Too, I always purchased each of my sons their own reader. 

I had one and they had one too. I felt this promoted a love of books and history though it cost a bit more, I would be using it for several years.

The questions and answers are on the same page in the Activity Guide which is like the Teacher’s Manual and Activities all together.  It is a must-have.

Other books or suggested reading are listed in the Activity Guide so that as your child learns to read, you can look for other books to add to her everyday reading.

There are a variety of hands-on projects to choose from, including map work.  From coloring, to crafting, to building, I had plenty to choose from to make our day fun.

Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips For Homeschool Secular History Curriculum

However, because your daughter is so young, I would suggest doing a bit of tweaking to this curriculum or any curriculum you use at this age. 

History Curriculum

It is more about enjoying the learning process too while she is taking in the story.

  • Do not follow the schedule of the first grader, which is about 6 years of age.  Since your daughter is younger, go slower.
Homeschool Secular History Curriculum Dynamic Reader Asks 3 Best Teaching Tips. I have some great tips for teaching homeschool secular history curriculum. Also, look at my post 35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 1. Answering your questions means a lot to me. So today I wanted to share a question that I think you may be wondering about too. Additionally, although I am not a secular homeschooler, I do prefer faith neutral history programs.

(Mr. Senior 2013, Tiny and Mr. Awesome.  Sorry for the quality of the picture, but I was a new homeschooling momma proud of the fact that when we started Story of the World, I did some things right. I immediately added more hands-on when we started Story of World like “digging for artifacts” instead of pushing through the curriculum. I get a few sniffles looking at this picture.)

For example, we did one lesson and spent a few days on it or a week instead of the time suggested by the schedule. 

Covering less and explaining it more is the secret tool to teaching well.  More does not mean better. 

More Homeschool History Resources

  • 35 Simple But Powerful US History Homeschool Curriculum Resources K to 12
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • First Grade Homeschool Curriculum for History and Geography
  • 8 Best Classical Style History Curriculum for a Classical Learning Style

I think about my sons’ eating habits when they were that age.  They needed less food more often throughout the day. 

Teaching is similar and not to be gulped down or forced in one sit down feeding time.

Additionally, that is one suggestion but look at more tips about the differences in a secular approach versus faith neutral approach.

2.
Know What Faith-Neutral Means in the Homeschool World.

Next, since I wrote this post many years ago, the homeschool world has changed in the definition of secular or it seemed like it then.

For example, many secular homeschool history curriculum providers like Calvert and Abeka were clearly touting how they approached those subjects.

For instance, Calvert was touted as secular but they didn’t try to attack the Bible.

Today, I would consider Calvert more of a faith neutral approach. They do not explicitly teach a secular view.

And Abeka has clearly taken a Chrisian based stand on teaching history.

What muddy the waters is that some curriculums which tout they’re secular are not in fact secular but fall under the faith neutral umbrella.

Back in the day, we didn’t really identify faith neutral curriculum.

3. Secular, Faith-Based and Faith-Neutral Simple History Curriculum Definitions

Look at this short list and my definition for the differences between them as they have morphed through the years.

Homeschool Secular History Curriculum – History curriculum which would leave all mention of the Bible out of it and with no influence of any godly intervention.

Many times, secular overlaps with a view of science. It would be scientifically accurate, and all curriculum is looked at through that scope.

In addition, one of the most important parts is that they reject a young earth or creationist view. For example, the Big Fat Notebooks, Pandia Press and Horrible History I would consider secular.

Homeschool Faith Neutral – This varies with providers and some leave in Bible events as they happened but would be neutral about providing a secular or Bible-based view.

They would not be considered secular but neutral to creationists and secular alike. For example, BookShark is faith neutral.

Homeschool Christian Based History Curriculum – This curriculum touts there is no history except with God involved or influencing men at the time.

Homeschool Secular History Curriculum

Too, some curriculum can intertwine their doctrine while other curriculum strives to include Godly values. Out of all of the providers, this one can vary the most from light Biblical influence to teaching doctrine as history.

Look ahead and see what the topic is going to be about and then find extra hands-on projects to go along with it.

Add in museum quality coloring books that are both fun and teach history. Look at Dover History Coloring Book

Remember teaching at this age should be about fun and introducing the intriguing lives of people from both the past and present. Reading aloud a book about George Washington, Pocahontas or about Columbus along with a coloring page are sufficient when you are sleep deprived.

Curriculum for Teaching History

Look at some of these other resources I have used and loved because there is an abundance of material that can make your job easier.

We love the Draw and Write Through History series. Though these books have some cursive copy work in them, the focus for now can be on following the easy step by step drawings and you writing what your daughter dictates to you about the picture or what she has learned.  

This technique is called narration.

Too, by purchasing resources like this you can get several grade levels out of them and can still use them with your next child. They are timeless tools for teaching young kids regardless of how many years go by.

I often call teaching at this age horizontal teaching. 

Don’t worry about going up so much in grade level as you do about expanding, broadening and deepening her understanding on the topic you are on through enrichment.

Picking up books at the library about the way people dress and preparing snacks together from different countries whets her appetite for appreciating the customs and culture of others.

Expanding History Curriculum

Though there are a wealth of wonderful history providers at this age, a lot of them do start with some kind of Bible or religion teaching. As the parent, you decide if and when you want to incorporate it.

Teaching your daughter through some of the products and ideas I listed above, you can stay as secular as possible and add in your world view as you decide.

4 CommentsFiled Under: Dynamic Reader Question, History Resources, Teach Homeschool History Tagged With: secularhistory, youngchildren

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

August 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Are you looking for skill sharpeners grammar and punctuation resources for grades K to 6th instead of a full curriculum? Also, look at 24 Borderline Genius Ways To Relieve Language Arts Boredom.

Also, I cannot lie but I love this fun ampersand craft to add to a school area or your office.

There are plenty of great books, games, and activities out there to help your child master the art of grammar without using a boring, dry curriculum.

After all, each child learns differently, and you can tailor their lessons to their learning style.

Grammar covers the rules of a language governing sounds, words, sentences, and other elements.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

It includes things like sentence structure, parts of speech, tense (past, present, future), and syntax.  While spelling is considered mechanics of language arts it still goes hand in hand with grammar.

I also have included a tutorial for a fun and easy ampersand bookend to celebrate World Ampersand Day, September 9th.

This fun bookend helps contain those piles we all have on our shelves and tables.

About the Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Series

First, there are several reasons why I love using the skill sharpeners series.

  • As I mentioned, sometimes you need to focus on one skill whether your child needs reinforcement with one skill or if focusing on less helps your child to grasp concepts faster. Curriculum mixes several different components of language arts and isolating one skill keeps learning simple.
  • Next, you know my love for themes and unit studies, and I love the fact that these colorful workbooks have themes.
  • Rules are highlighted in the boxes and easy to learn and the best thing is it’s just pick up and go.

More Grammar and Punctuation Language Arts Resources

Also, look at more resources to go with the skill sharpeners grammar and punctuation series.

  • How to Easily Add Language Arts to Homeschool Unit Studies (& Resources)
  • How To Teach Your Homeschooled Children Shakespeare
  • Hands-On Learning: Punctuation Mark Stick Puppets (free printable)
  • Shakespeare Unit Study Starters
  • Letting Go of the Homeschool Language Arts Stranglehold
10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Next, look at how to make this fun ampersand craft. Just too cute.

How to Make an Ampersand Bookend Craft

You will need:

  • Paper mache ampersand (Hobby Lobby)
  • Grey Paint
  • Baking soda
  • Clean, dry sand
  • Grey felt
  • Masking tape
  • Small funnel
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Paper Mache letters have supporting spacers throughout that block some of the channels, because of this it makes it hard to fill them to give them enough weight completely.

So, to work around that without cutting off the whole back, we will make several holes.

Use scissors or a Phillips head screwdriver to make a hole big enough to fit a small funnel.

Poke in as far as you can without coming through the other side.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Pour sand in and move it around to be sure to fill as much of it as you can.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Lay a piece of masking tape over the hole just big enough to cover it.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Repeat 3-4 more times, be sure that you do at least 2 more on the bottom half.

I found that the very top on both sides of the bottom and one on each side halfway up allowed me to fill the entire thing pretty much despite the support pieces.

Also, I was able to get probably between 1 ½- cup of sand.

Now to make faux concrete we are going to mix 2 Tablespoons of gray paint with 1 Tablespoon baking soda and stir well.

That is just enough paint to cover the 8 ¼” size ampersand but if you go bigger you will need to mix up a little more.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Paint on a fairly thick coat, be sure to get inside all the cracks, crevices and turns.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

While the paint is still wet dip your paintbrush in the sand and dab it all over to give it a rougher texture like concrete.

Be sure to pay extra attention to the areas that you taped over to blend in the seams but don’t build it up too much or it will call attention to these areas.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

 Once completely dry flip it over and paint the other side and allow that to dry as well.

Once all the paint is completely dry cut small pieces of gray felt slightly smaller than the flat bottom and hot glue them in place be sure to smooth the hot glue out, so it lays as flat as possible.

This will keep the rough texture from scratching up your shelf or table.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Lastly, look at these language arts resources.

Skill Sharpeners & Language Art Resources K to 6th Grade

Sometimes you just need language art supplements to go with your unit studies and not a full program. You’ll love these language art resources.

Image for Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation, Grade 6

Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation, Grade 6

Help children improve their writing while learning important grammar and punctuation rules. These colorful activity books make language skill practice fun!

Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential grammar and punctuation skills. Plus, a Language Handbook provides you with a quick reference of the concepts covered.

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that sixth graders enjoy, such as ancient civilizations, superheroes, and gaming. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concept, and includes:

-A reading selection A short fiction or nonfiction text engages children and presents the concept or skill in context.-Rule boxes Grammar and punctuation rules are made simple with a short explanation, and clear examples help to teach the skill.-Colorful practice activities A variety of activities include fun illustrations to motivate your child to practice the grammar and punctuation skills.-Riddles and word games Your child will use critical thinking skills while applying the targeted grammar or punctuation skill in a fun format!-Writing practice The Write It Right! page encourages your child to use the skills in context, which further promotes understanding.-Review page The short review activity is a great way to check your child s understanding.

Image for Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

With the Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book, parents will be able to give their fifth-graders a boost in the classroom in reading and writing success. Our homeschooling workbook contains 15 different units that introduce different grammar and punctuation concepts. Each unit has a unique theme, including outer space and sports, with reading texts that will appeal to grade five students. We use a variety of riddles and word games that will keep gr. 5 children engaged while they're learning these important grammar and punctuation rules.

Writing Practice

Image for BOOK - SKILLS GRAMMAR PUNCTUATION GR 4

BOOK - SKILLS GRAMMAR PUNCTUATION GR 4

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy; such as dinosaurs, pirates, and toys. Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts, such as nouns, letters, word type, sentence structure and so much more!

Image for Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 3

Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 3

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy; such as dinosaurs, pirates, and toys. Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts, such as nouns, letters, word type, sentence structure and so much more!

Image for Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 2

Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 2

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy such as dinosaurs pirates and toys Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections activities and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills Plus a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts such as nouns letters word type sentence structure and so much more!

Image for Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

The Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book is a smart addition to any homeschooling classroom, as it gives kindergartners an introduction to skills they need for reading and writing. Our full-color homeschool grammar workbook provides gr. K kids with a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Clear examples on each of the full-color pages give young students the basic knowledge they need to begin understanding punctuation and grammar. We also keep kids entertained, using riddles and word games that make learning about grammar and punctuation fun.Home Enrichment Workbook

Image for Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade Pre-K, Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade Pre-K, Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

Help children improve their writing while learning important grammar and punctuation rules. These colorful activity books make language skill practice fun! Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential grammar and punctuation skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that preschoolers enjoy, such as animals, families, and birthdays. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concept, and includes: • A reading selection – A short fiction or nonfiction text engages children and presents the concept or skill in context. • Rule boxes – Grammar and punctuation rules are made simple
with a short explanation, and clear examples help to teach the skill.

Image for Gross Me Out Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game

Gross Me Out Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game

Mad Libs is the world’s greatest word game and the perfect gift or activity for anyone who likes to laugh! Write in the missing words on each page to create your own hilariously funny stories all about gross things!Some days, my burps smell just like TYPE OF FOOD! With 21 “fill-in-the-blank” stories about passing gas, belching, and eating expired food, Gross Me Out Mad Libs is the perfect activity for any young fan of gross things! Play alone, in a group, or in a porta-potty! Mad Libs are a fun family activity recommended for ages 8 to NUMBER.

Image for Basher Basics: Grammar

Basher Basics: Grammar

It used to be that learning grammar was one of the most boring exercises ever, but not anymore! Using his trademark personality-based approach, Basher illustrates each grammar basic - from parts of speech to sentence components to groupings and agreements - with its own character, who explains exactly what makes them tick and how they are used. Plenty of practical advice will help everyone unravel the rules and regulations of the English language. The book's cutting edge design and innovative approach will make it perfect reference for linguists of all ages who struggle to remember the difference between a preposition and pronoun.

Image for Looney Labs Mad Libs: The Game - Best Card Game for Adults Kids

Looney Labs Mad Libs: The Game - Best Card Game for Adults Kids

If you really enjoy mad libs there is even a board game to play to build those skills in parts of speech.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: grammar, homeschool grammar, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips

August 22, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a field trip tracking guide for homeschool field trips. Also, look at my Homeschool Planner page for more forms.

Homeschool field trips are an important piece of the educational puzzle.

We homeschool so that we can experience learning while living. 

I never imagined when I had my then 4 year old and 1 year old in tote as we went to the zoo that I already started homeschooling with field trips.

Field trips just felt like a natural part of learning, and it is one important reason I have held on to the homeschooling lifestyle.

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips

Without going all sappy on you as I look back to some of our fondest homeschool memories, I also can tell you that some of the most significant educational milestones were met while we were out on carefree adventures.

No, lightning bolts of information didn’t infuse my sons, at least not then anyway. 

But our learning adventures nurtured the thirst for a wide range of topics.

Little did I know that all the hard work of planning field trips paid off.

6 Advantages of Exploring Field Trips

Look at some of these ways that field trips inspire a love of learning.

1. They are a breeding ground of learning for hands-on learners.

When a child can touch and interact at places like a museum or zoo, your teaching can’t compare.  It instills learning moments for life not found in the confines of 4 walls.

Homeschool Field Trips | Learning About Birds | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

{Our field trip at the park where we had a bird presentation.}

2. Professionals, whether they are members of an Audubon society or are geologist come alive and speak about their profession or hobby in their own natural surroundings

Their passion for their hobby or profession leaves an impression on your child that they won’t easily forget. Instead of competing with natural born teachers of their craft, utilize them to teach your children.

3. Sometimes homeschooled kids choose their profession later in life because of what they were exposed to while on field trips.

Homeschool Field Trips | Learning About Birds | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

{Tiny as he feels one of the birds.}

4. Children can appreciate art and culture while experiencing it.

It is sad that some public schools have had to almost leave field trips out of the school year because field trips are an excellent way to build respect for the arts.

5. Field trips build higher critical thinking skills.

When writing numerous topics and essays throughout the years, the boys have been able to tap into their memory as they recalled what they have learned

6. The needs for socialization by both mom and child are met.

Though you and I both know that unless we crawl under a rock someplace, that homeschoolers are pretty savvy and socialized folks. 

But as homeschoolers we love to meet up with our friends and savor the time we are together.

Because field trips are enjoyed best with a well-behaved group, you may want to form a group.  A field trip can build quickly if you know where to look.

More Homeschool Field Trips Resources

  • 7 Benefits of Virtual Field Trips that May Change Your Perspective
  • Homeschool Field Trips Free Field Trip Planning Page
  • Homeschool Field Trip Journal Pages
  • 22 Awesome Homeschool History Field Trips
Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips

Homeschoolers Hangouts

One of the best ways to connect with other homeschoolers is through friends. 

You know that Kelley and I are life-long friends and she had a friend who homeschooled and I had my sister, and we built our group from there.

If you live in a place where you think you are the only homeschooler, a good place to start is your library and go during the day. 

Look for places that homeschoolers frequent like local book stores and places that teach music or dance lessons and for goodness sake, the park. 

I met another homeschool mom because our sons were taking Kindermusik.

Though I would recommend connecting online it can be tough.

Be friendly, but be cautious about giving out personal information until you know somebody a bit better.

Homeschool Field Trip Planning Tips

After you form a small group, some places give a small discount for a group if you will pay at one time.  Be sure you call ahead and ask.

Formulate a few rules for field trips. 

We always make sure everybody knew that though we were having fun, when we had a guide on our field trip or somebody was talking that the kids (and moms) were to be quiet and listen and learn.

We keep a database for our member’s phone numbers so that if anybody had problems on the road, we would have each other’s cell numbers. 

The field trip leaders knew everybody that was coming and would mark off the list as they arrived.

We take seriously if somebody votes and then doesn’t come or communicate with us for good reasons.  Why? Because we may have told another family that we were full or our price discount may depend on having enough people show up at the event.

Members constantly not communicating, showing up late or voting and not coming, would be reason for dismissing them from my group.

It may sound cruel and we didn’t do it a lot, but when you have volunteer field trip leaders, then all members should make their job easy and keep in mind their actions may affect the rest of the group.

I am looking forward to taking more field trips as we prepare for our move to South America.  Who knows? Maybe we won’t just do a lapbook about the Amazon rain forest, but may actually get to visit it now for a field trip.

Look at my form I use to track our field trips.

Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide for Homeschool Field Trips. I have a field trip tracking guide for homeschool field trips. Also, look at my Homeschool Planner page for more forms. Homeschool field trips are an important piece of the educational puzzle. We homeschool so that we can experience learning while living. I never imagined when I had my then 4 year old and 1 year old in tote as we went to the zoo that I already started homeschooling with field trips.

Do you cherish your time away from home while learning? You should because the time will pass quickly.

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Free Editable Field Trip Tracking Guide

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2 CommentsFiled Under: 2. My FREE Organizing Printables {Any topic}, Plan, Attend, and Explore Ideas for a Field Trip Tagged With: homeschoolfieldtrip

7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas

August 18, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 7 John Muir environmentalist facts and some fun teaching ideas. You’ll also love the John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas).

The national park system’s development is largely due to John Muir environmentalist, naturalist, author, mountaineer, and political activist.

It is widely agreed that he is the “Founding Father of National Parks”.

And his contributions are celebrated through many landmarks named after him like hiking trails, glaciers, highways, and monuments.

7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas

National Park Service Founders Day is August 25th and I can’t think of a better way to learn about the National Parks than through the man who helped found and educate people about them.

John Muir helped create several of our national parks like Sequoia National Park in California, Mount Rainier in Washington, and The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.

John Muir Environmentalist Books, Resources, and Teaching Ideas

Too, these are some of the books we’ve used and love to help teach about him or create your own unit study.

11 John Muir Resources

The mountains are calling, and I must go -John Muir

In observance of National Park Service Founders Day and the care and work John Muir put into helping it become a reality, put together a unit study with a book or two, a video, a game, and a few hands-on activities like visiting the closest national park to you. There is plenty to choose from below.

Image for John Muir Wilderness Box Set

John Muir Wilderness Box Set

A collection of John Muir’s best-selling writings and essays collected in 1 set.

Part of John Muir's appeal to modern readers is that he not only explored the American West and wrote about its beauties but also fought for their preservation. His successes dot the landscape and are evident in all the natural features that bear his name: forests, lakes, trails, and glaciers. Collected here in 1 set are some of Muir's finest wilderness essays, national park observations, travels throughout Alaska, and writings about working in the Yosemite Valley. 

Image for A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf

A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf

John Muir, one of America’s great environmentalists, has inspired nature lovers for generations with his writings.

A Thousand Mile Walk to the Gulf by John Muir is the adventure that started it all.

Walk with John from Indiana through Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. A story that is sure to inspire your own adventures and love for nature and the off beaten path.

Image for John Muir: Candlewick Biographies: America's First Environmentalist

John Muir: Candlewick Biographies: America's First Environmentalist

John Muir loved the land. Born in 1838, he was a writer, a scholar, an inventor, a shepherd, a farmer, and an explorer. But above all, he was a naturalist. John Muir was particularly devoted to the high cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoia trees that, through his careful influence, were set aside as Yosemite, one of the first national parks in America. Here is the life story of the man who, moved by a commitment to wilderness everywhere, founded the Sierra Club in 1892, a conservation group that carries on his crucial work to this day. Back matter includes an epilogue, a bibliography, and information about the Sierra Club.

Image for A Passion for Nature: The Life of John Muir

A Passion for Nature: The Life of John Muir

"I am hopelessly and forever a mountaineer," John Muir wrote. "Civilization and fever and all the morbidness that has been hooted at me has not dimmed my glacial eye, and I care to live only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness. My own special self is nothing."In Donald Worster's magisterial biography, John Muir's "special self" is fully explored as is his extraordinary ability, then and now, to get others to see the sacred beauty of the natural world. A Passion for Nature is the most complete account of the great conservationist and founder of the Sierra Club ever written. It is the first to be based on Muir's full private correspondence and to meet modern scholarly standards. Yet it is also full of rich detail and personal anecdote, uncovering the complex inner life behind the legend of the solitary mountain man. It traces Muir from his boyhood in Scotland and frontier Wisconsin to his adult life in California right after the Civil War up to his death on the eve of World War I. It explores his marriage and family life, his relationship with his abusive father, his many friendships with the humble and famous (including Theodore Roosevelt and Ralph Waldo Emerson), and his role in founding the modern American conservation movement.

Image for National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic Complete National Parks of the United States, 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores

National Geographic’s wide-ranging travel guide to recreation areas, trails, historic sites, nature hikes, seashores, camping, and campgrounds is geared to everyone who loves outdoor recreation. This 544-page reference is the ultimate travel planner for all things national parks, filled with full-color photos, detailed maps, historical background, and practical facts on the location of the park system properties, as well as the best times to visit and top-rated activities.

Image for Our National Parks

Our National Parks

ohn Muir (1838–1914) ranks among America's most important and influential environmentalists and nature writers. Devoted to the preservation of wilderness areas, Muir founded the Sierra Club and was active in the establishment of Yosemite National Park. Our National Parks, originally published in 1901, includes ten articles that previously appeared in The Atlantic Monthly. Muir wrote them in hopes of exciting interest in the parks, certain that visitors would fall in love with the scenic grandeur as he had—and that their enthusiasm would ensure the parks' preservation.

Image for National Parks Scratch Off Map of United States Poster, ALL 63 Parks

National Parks Scratch Off Map of United States Poster, ALL 63 Parks

UNIQUE DESIGN…ARROWHEAD SHAPES: Scratch off each beautifully designed US National Park as you visit them, like Acadia, Zion, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Olympic, Grand Canyon, Arches and others!

Image for National Parks Trivia: A Card Game: 400 Questions

National Parks Trivia: A Card Game: 400 Questions

Get to know America's 63 national parks with 390 wide-ranging trivia questions that cover their iconic geography, ecology, geology, history, wildlife, and botany—from the authors of Scenic Science of the National Parks.

Image for Professor Noggin's Wildlife of North America Trivia Card Game

Professor Noggin's Wildlife of North America Trivia Card Game

  • PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.
  • FUN FACTS: Journey through the Wildlife of North America discovering facts about our continent’s most interesting animals. From Polar Bears to Pronghorns, from Alligators to Bald Eagles, this game is perfect for young nature lovers.
Image for Our National Treasures Matching Game  USA National Parks Memory Game for Kids. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, Denali and More

Our National Treasures Matching Game USA National Parks Memory Game for Kids. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, Denali and More

What you get – Our National Treasures Matching Card Game comes with 52 tiles (26 pairs) and instructions

Clear instructions – Easy to learn memory card game. Learn to play in less than five minutes!

Develops critical skills – card games for kids help preschoolers practice their focus, memory, & matching skills.

Image for Trekking The National Parks -The Perfect Board Game for National Park Lovers

Trekking The National Parks -The Perfect Board Game for National Park Lovers

Wildly Popular National Parks Game - Winner Of The Mensa And Parent's Choice Award

Created By National Parks Enthusiasts - This couple traveled to every single national park and then worked with their son to make the game.

Fun + Educational - It’s the perfect recipe for a family game night! Appeals to a wide range of people: outdoor lovers, board game players, and gift givers. A great board games for kids!

Next, look at some facts about the life of John Muir.

7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts

  1. John Muir traveled to every continent except Antarctica.
  2. John founded the Sierra Club, an acclaimed American conservation organization.
  3. Muir temporarily lost his sight due to an accident at 29 due to a factory incident that pushed him to make a  change and be a wilderness explorer.
  4. A 211-mile-long hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada was named John Muir Trail in his honor. 
  5. In September of 1867, John walked 1000 miles from Indiana to Florida, this journey is retold in his book- A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf. 
  6. Throughout his life, John Muir wrote 300 essays and 12 books.
  7. Because of Muir’s vision and work, you can now visit almost 400 National Park Service sites. What a legacy he left behind for so many generations to appreciate and enjoy.
7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas

Also, look at some videos..

Videos about John Muir

  • John Muir- Father of National Parks
  •  For a quick birds eye view of 25 Best National Parks at once check out this YouTube video.
  • Biography of John Muir   
  • John Muir Father of The National Parks- 1 Minute History
  • How The National Park Service Got Started

More John Muir Activity Ideas

Finally, here are some more fun ideas when learning about the life of John Muir.

  • Learn what an environmentalist is. An environmentalist is defined as one who is concerned with or advocates for the protection of the environment.
  • Grab ideas from John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas).
  • Try using the John Muir Laws How to Teach Nature Journaling to improve sketching and watercolor skills combined with your nature walk. While this is not the same John Muir nor is he related to him, his appreciation for nature and its beauty reflects the same mindset. His mother was a lawyer for the Sierra Club, which the original John Muir was the founder of, and she insisted her sons middle name be Muir. Use the beautiful pictures for ideas for water coloring or nature journaling.
7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas
  • Learn the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, especially if you enjoy camping and hiking. Writing them down would make for an excellent copy work assignment.
  • Find ways that you can volunteer in your area to help the environment, beach clean-ups, park clean-up days, recycling, ways to reduce and reuse items, conserve water, etc.
  • Play nature-themed games to focus on the flora and fauna that he studied.
7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Science, Teach Homeschool Science Tagged With: homeschoolscience, life science, nature, nature journaling, nature study, science

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