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3 Fun History Sites for Homeschooled High School Teens

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

3 Free History Websites for Homeschooled High School Kids @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Earlier I shared 5 Free History Websites for Middle School Kids and today I am sharing 3 fun history sites to kick off the new year for your highschooler.

You know how easy it is to find activities for your kids in Kindergarten. And then it seems like when they hit the upper grades and especially highschool that learning is suppose to somehow get less — well– fun.

No way, if I have something to say about it. Look at these three websites below, which I rounded up for high school teens.

artifacts

I am excited about finding this site because I had shared a post earlier, 7 Things to Try When a Homeschool History Curriculum Isn’t Coming Together (Hint: Try a Primary Source or Two) because studying the way people lived and the objects they used everyday is intriguing and engaging.

Leave boring behind when you study primary sources.

The information from the site: This site presents a strategy for incorporating historical artifacts and documents into the teaching of U.S. history. Designed as a companion to the Advanced Placement Program U.S. History course, it is also effective in any instructional setting that emphasizes analytical thinking and writing.

crash

This next site is on YouTube and is called Crash Course. It is just what it says. Quick and fun crash course on many different topics.

Though it has all kinds of interesting topics, it has world history and American history that make learning history far from boring.

Tiny likes the fact that it is quick and I love the fact that it gives a sweeping overview and can introduce your teen to history topics he may not be aware of or just to be sure he has been introduced to major events.

civics

This next site is a complete fit for teens, which generally don’t mind arguing. Let them use all their prowess on this site.

From the site:

Our educational resources empower teachers and prepare the next generation of students to become knowledgeable and engaged citizens.

Founded and led by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics provides students with the tools they need for active participation and democratic action, and teachers with the materials and support to achieve this. Our free resources include print-and-go lesson plans, award-winning games, and digital interactives.

The iCivics games place students in different civic roles and give them agency to address real-world problems and issues. They are rooted in clear learning objectives and integrated with lesson plans and support materials.

Mark these and grab them. And you know as I find them, I share them with you too.

Also, you’ll love these other ideas:

Hugs and love ya,

Be sure to follow my Middle and High School Pinterest Board for more tips you don’t want to miss!

Follow Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s board Homeschool Middle & High School on Pinterest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

15 Top Homeschool Posts

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

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

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

Looking Back to Make Tracks Forward

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

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


Hugs and you know I love ya into next year,

Tina Signature 2015c

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

5 Free History Websites for Homeschooled Middle School Kids

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

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

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

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

Interactive History Equals Hands On Homeschooling & Learning

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

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

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

From the website:

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

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

From the website:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on Trail Tour to get started.

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

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

From the website:

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

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

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

This is an awesome website too with interactive stories.

It has 4 missions.

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

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

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

Also, look at:

Hugs and love ya,

16 Ways to Make Homeschool Memorable During Winter

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

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

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

Look at 16 ways to make homeschool memorable during winter.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

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

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

1. MEMORIZE SOME BEAUTIFUL WINTER POETRY.

2. CHECK OUT HISTORY MOVIES ON NETFLIX.

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

3. MAKE SOME HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE.

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

4. MAKE HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES.

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

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

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

6. BOARD GAMES ARE ANOTHER FAVORITE OF MY BOYS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What would be on your list?

Want some more ideas? Grab more below:

 

Follow my Winter Pinterest Board

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

3 Things To Try When Your Hands-Off Homeschooling Approach is a Failure

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

3 Things To Try When Your Hands Off Homeschooling Approach is a Failure @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

My homeschool confessions have come later in my journey. I would love to tell you it’s because I am a slow learner, but the truth of it is I am a stubborn teacher.

Though I could fill up a book about things I have tried and that have flopped, I am hoping that by sharing things to try when your hands off homeschooling approach is a flop, I know that you will be a much quicker learner than me.

I have heard many reasons excuses throughout the years about why hands on learning does not work like it takes too much time, my child would prefer to just read or I don’t like the mess.

My Hits and Misses for Hands-On Homeschooling

Guess what? They may be all true, but because there is no denying the sticking power of hands on learning, I hope these ideas to ease into hands on learning will you have rethinking your present hands off approach.

Don’t Jump Ship Completely.

When I moved over to a more hands-on approach, I folded in a few activities a week, not each day.

As frustrated with my hands-off approach, which was not working, I knew that I needed time to make the transition. By not abandoning my present homeschool approach, I could slowly learn to add in hands-on activities.

I didn’t want to get overwhelmed with adding something new to my approach and besides I had to have time to mull over the fact that though a mess might be created in my home, it had a purpose.

Not only did my boys become engaged with learning that day, but they were ready to return the next day.

Meet with Just ONE Other Family.

Another thing I did when I wanted to transition to a hands-on approach was to meet with another homeschooling family each week.

If you’re a party animal homeschooler this may defeat your purpose because the more kids you have, the more you have to plan.

By meeting with just one other family, you can divide homeschool planning time between two homeschool moms.



This idea turned out much better than I even could have imagined. Not only did I have time to play by having activities every other week, but I could watch another mom that already used hands-on activities with her kids.

It was such valuable learning time for as a homeschool teacher.

A huge added bonus was that my boys had hands-on activities each week as the other homeschool mom and myself took turns planning.

Start off Easy.

Another hurdle that kept me from trying a hands-on activity was thinking that activities had to be long, drawn out and with lots of materials.

I had my light bulb moment when I saw my boys playing with puzzles.

From that moment, I learned that I set up my own boundaries to hands on learning because I thought activities had to be complicated.

Who is living and schooling in a perfect homeschool world? Good thing we can start over when we flop.

Don’t be intimidated by using a hands-on approach. It can be easier than you think.

What ideas do you have for easing into a hands-on approach?

Hugs and love ya,

Look at these posts that will help jump start you into a hands on approach without overwhelming you.

Easy Hands On Homeschooling Ideas When You’re Not the Bomb Mom
Blurring the Line Between Living and Learning When Homeschooling
When My Homeschool Curriculum Has Lost That Lovin’ Feeling