homeschool

Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)

July 18, 2022 | 13 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is day 1: Learn the Lingo of the homeschool world in the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

Congratulations on your new beginnings as a new homeschooler. It’s an exciting journey for sure. I wrote this series well over 9 years ago.

Not only am I updating this free first time homeschoolers series, but I’m sharing some of the best ever homeschool resources.

For day one, I’ll be sharing why it’s important to start with how to find the information you need.

Day 1 Learn The Lingo and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp (& free glossary)

Many new homeschoolers begin their journey thinking the public school world and our homeschool world are similar.

They are not. You’ll need to know how to navigate the homeschool world.

And that begins with knowing new terms to you but that we speak everyday in the homeschooling world.

First, I want to share a story with you which will help you to appreciate that you have to have some skin in the game.

New to Homeschool

Have you ever heard the butterfly story? The short version is that a little boy runs to tenderly cut open a cocoon to help the struggling butterfly emerge.

Even though he had good intentions to assist the butterfly, the butterfly’s fragile wings never expanded.

The butterfly just walked around with a swollen body, shriveled wings and never did learn to fly.

Struggling was part of the empowerment and essential to the development of the butterfly.

As a seasoned veteran, I want to make your beginning less difficult with this 31 day free new homeschooler boot camp.

However, just like the beautiful butterfly which emerges from a struggle, your struggling with various homeschool issues will empower you.

Most people don’t want to hear that, but if you think about your parenting journey it’s similar to that. We do as much as we can to prepare for our first child.

However, nothing compares to the personal experience of raising a family.

As you emerge and face each issue, I want the topics in this series to be a soft place for you to land when you become overwhelmed.

The best way for me to do that is start from the beginning on what I feel you need to know.

Based on my many years of personally helping new homeschoolers and conducting workshops through my new bee program.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

I am the author of the book Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

That is enough about me.

This new homeschoolers free boot camp is about you. I’ve not only been helping new homeschoolers in person, but here at my site for years.

Let’s dive in because I know that your questions in the beginning focus mainly on one topic and that is choosing curriculum.

Having curriculum is viewed as the hallmark of homeschooling.

And I have much to tell you on how to select it.

However, I would be doing you a great disservice if I jumped right to that topic without building in you an appreciation of the homeschooling world.

You can’t come to appreciate all the facets of the homeschooling world if you cannot communicate with us and talk the talk.

Key to extracting answers to your questions during your journey is to use and know homeschool lingo.

So, I have a gift for you. It is a printable glossary of homeschool terms.

This will get you well on your way to minimizing the struggle and maximizing your time.

Be sure to grab the download of homeschool terms you will be hearing now and from on. They will help you get on the road to homeschooling and stay on it.

CLICK HERE TO GRAB THE FREE PRINTABLE OF HOMESCHOOL TERMS BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BE WAY AHEAD AND NOT STRUGGLE

Day 1: Learn the Lingo – Then Go! {31 Day Blog Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers}

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How to Make a Fun Paper Mache American Robin Bird Craft

July 17, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing how to make a fun paper mache American Robin bird craft. Whether you’re doing a summer or spring unit study, you’ll love this craft to go with my North American Robin Unit Study.

And because you can study about birds anytime of the years, this paper mache bird craft can be done anytime. Too, hand crafts stimulate the creativity and imagination of your children.

For younger children, having something to hold like this fun American Robin craft helps them to focus on what you’re teaching

Besides, this is a fun art project that your children will love and want to keep.

Further, once you learn this technique you can do this for any spring or summer birds you find in your yard.

Also, this fun bird craft would make a great gift idea.

So if you’re like us, one of our favorite spring and summer pastimes is sitting in the backyard watching the birds stop by our feeder.

Too, we are always sure to keep it stocked with seed and keep the bird bath clean and full to encourage their visits.

In addition, we have such a variety of beautiful birds that come to eat.

For example, we see cardinals, black capped chickadees, blue jays, Mockingbirds, Mourning Doves, American Robin’s, and many more.

Moreover, American Robins can be seen throughout the US year round and in a wide range of habitats besides your backyard.

Facts About the American Robin

They are spotted in city parks, forests, mountains, tundra, and fields.

How to Make a Fun Paper Mache American Robin Bird Craft

If you look close you will notice that the males coloring is more intense while the females are a bit duller.

Robins like to build their nests among the dense leaves of trees but might also build their nest in a basket or light fixture on your front porch as well.

They love a wide variety of fruit as well as worms, insects, and sometimes even small snakes.

Next, these are two of my favorite nature reference books.

,And they have great bite sized tidbits of information, beautiful illustrations.

Too, while the Big Book of Birds especially is geared toward younger children middle schoolers really enjoy using it too!

The second one is Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World.

North American Robin Unit Study

Next, you’ll love these other tips and resources for a spring or summer unit study.

Use the links for this unit study or any bird unit study.

Finally, look at this list of easy supplies.

Robin Crafts

Cardboard
Straight edge knife
newspaper
scissors
Glue
water
Sturdy craft wire
Masking tape
Craft paint- rust orange, gray, brown, black,and white
Paintbrushes

Directions:

Use a pencil to draw a general bird shape onto a piece of scrap cardboard. You want to use a thick corrugated box rather than something like a cereal box for strength.

Make it as big or as little as you like.

This first step helps form the base shape and support the paper mache. Cut it out using scissors or a straight edge.

Move on next to bend craft wire to form the legs and feet.

Fold the wire over several times on each section to be sure it’s sturdy enough.

Too, I tried taping these to the form but they did not stay on well. But I found that hot glueing them was quicker and sturdier.

Combine 2 parts glue to one part water and mix well.

We used watered down glue which works as well as old fashioned paper mache but dries a bit faster and is less likely to mold like the wet flour might.

Tear newspaper into 1” or less strips, and make them just a little longer than the widest part of your bird form.

Ball up smaller pieces of newspaper and attach it to the sides of your form with masking tape to create a little more body and define the basic shape.

Dip your paper strips into the glue mixture, dragging it across the edge of your bowl to remove some of the excess.

Begin covering your structure with strips, alternating directions, and thickness to complete the shape of your bird.

Be sure to smooth each layer to avoid getting too much bumpy texture on your finished product.

Allow to dry completely. This will likely take a couple days to be sure it is dry through all the layers.

Once dry, you are ready to begin painting and adding personality to your little bird.

Mix a bit of gray and black paint to get the color of the back. You may find the perfect chest color in your paints already, but we mixed a bit of terra cotta and brick red to get ours.

We found the easiest order to paint our American Robin in was by first painting the gray brown back of the bird, then the black capped head and finally the rust brown underbelly and beak,. letting each section dry about 15 minutes between each.

When the paint is completely dry add some details with white like the eyes and some feather details.

You can use this tutorial to make any type of bird you like!

Just change up the shape slightly and choose whatever paint colors you need to customize your creation.

Spend some time before or after this craft looking up pictures of American Robin babies in the nest, listening to their calls, sketching the pictures in your notepad, and reading through some fun books to turn this craft into a mini unit study!

BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)

July 14, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have rounded up the best free kindergarten homeschool curriculum with a gentle approach for kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

Too, kindergarten curriculum is not a must have at this age. I know that is not the answer some parents want to hear. It wasn’t for me either when I started.

However, after having three homeschooled grads and mentoring Mr. MunchKing right now, I know a gentle start is best.

BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)

Whenever did we adopt the thinking in education that a separation from life skills at this age or any age takes second position to formal curriculum?

It should not.

Up until this time, you’ve taught your child a language, potty-trained him, and are now teaching him about the world around him in a natural way.

Continue to be the best first and only teacher of what is important all the way to adulthood.

Besides, free homeschool curriculum or purchased curriculum should always take a backseat to life skills and the maturity of your child.

In addition, you may not need to spend a lot of money in kindergarten.

There are many reasons for choosing free kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

How to Use the Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum List

For example, because Kindergarten should be play-based spend more of your budget on games, science kits, and craft supplies.

This is not just idle play, but learning through pretend play and hands-on discovery is how children learn best.

Playing fosters creativity which lasts a child’s whole learning journey.

Don’t stifle it by using too much formal curriculum.

In addition, I have a few links for crafts of things you have around the house.

Also I have a Homeschool Kickstarter online self-paced course for first-time homeschoolers.

If you have several children after your kindergarten aged child, then it’s worth the time to both create and maybe buy manipulatives to use.

Again, save some of the budget to use for books, learning toys, items to strengthen fine motor and science kits.

Look at my post 18 Amazing Kids Subscription Boxes to Try Right Now.

Next, there are a few more ways you can utilize free homeschool curriculum.

How to Expand on the Kindergarten Curriculum List

For instance, not all kindergarten aged children are on the same level, but they all learn the same way.

Think about that for a minute.

In kindergarten it’s all within the range of normal for children to still be learning letter sounds to reading beginner chapter books. And some are even reading higher level books.

However, what makes it hard at this age is presenting skills in a fun way or play-based.

As I mentioned, during the preschool to kindergarten years all children learn the same way — play, discovery, movement, music, art, hand-crafts, and interaction with a loving caring adult.

So, when you use free curriculum, you can gauge the follow skill levels:

Since children have better fine motor coordination closer to first grade, you want to continue to see improvement through crafts NOT writing.
Using the free phonics and reading literature, gauge your child’s reading level.
And use the math and phonics to evaluate your child’s familiarity with numbers and sounds.

All the years I’ve used free curriculum, it helped me to prep each of my sons for a more formal first grade or even the next year.

Whether you use free curriculum for review or to lay a strong foundation, you will need to plan.

Read here about how I created A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner.

Beautiful and Flexible Early Learner Homeschool Planner
$7.25 Add to cart

You’ll love my Early Learner Homeschool Planner.

Early Learner Homeschool Resources

Look at these other tips for teaching early learners.

As Einstein said, Imagination is more important than knowledge.

And the best part of teaching the kindergarten years doesn’t happen with curriculum.

Reading to your child, playing with him, taking nature walks, making crafts, growing a bean from seed, coloring, dancing, and listening to music are ways you help your child observe the world around him.

How to Get the Free Printable

Now, how to grab the free printable. It’s a subscriber freebies.

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.
2) Grab the printable.
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination?

July 11, 2022 | 19 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Anybody that homeschools has probably faced homeschool socialization interrogations. Also, look at more tips on my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Today, I’m sharing about socialization in our homeschool world. Are we as isolated as some think?

First, I want you to hear my story.

Back in the covered wagon days like my kids think or at least LBK (life before kids), I worked with lawyers.

Socialization - A Homeschool Hallucination?

I worked as an assistant to prepare clients for upcoming trials.

See, I’ve always been in preparedness mode.

I took pride in preparing the lawyers for objections from the opposing side.

And I always tried to think outside of the box for one-liners and comebacks when they were needed.

When it comes to homeschool socialization, I feel the same way.

In many ways it is similar to a battle or drama that is always brewing.

Get Those Kids Out of the House

You know what I am talking about.

Maybe you have gotten similar statements – ”homeschoolers are a bunch of holy roly weirdos”, “they’re just weird” or “Mom, those kids are gonna have to get out of the house sometimes”.

I’m sure you have some to add.

Looking back at my LBK days, I probably enjoyed the process of preparing for those far-fetched objections just as much as actually assisting in the courtroom.

Oh sure, once in a while I may have a quick comeback or I might shock astound folks with my quick wit (shock myself too).

But most of the time preparation is key to giving a good defense to the dreaded socialization issue.

It has been facing homeschoolers from the time they mouth the words: “I’m homeschooling”.

First, comes the silent strong look from even complete strangers.

Grab My Book on How to Homeschool

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.

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They might as well just say what is on their mind.

It is written all over their face and then comes the blanket statement, which by the way is obvious that they have not researched this topic well.

Each year many new homeschoolers join the ranks with us in homeschooling.

And because we don’t want to be among the ones that are not well-researched, we need to take the time to get a clear cut picture of the meaning or definition of socialization.

Too, it’s hard to be prepared for something that we are not clear on.

Socialization – A Homeschool Hallucination

Getting the full flavor of these words, I chose not to use a free definition found online.

Take a glance at these definitions that I took from The New Oxford American Dictionary- Second Edition, which is my dictionary here at my home.

Sociable – willing to talk and engage in activities with other people: friendly

Socialize – 1. mix socially with others 2. make someone behave in a way that is acceptable to their society 3. organize according to the principles of socialism.

See a problem with the definitions?

We certainly don’t want to defend something that we are against because we are not using society’s measure on education or values.

However, probably all of us want our children to be willing to engage in friendly activities with other people and be genuine, compassionate, and caring.

For the most part, we have to assume too that most people think we hide under rocks and come out only at night time and that normally is the thinking that we are defending.

From “Catty” to Congenial Comments

So in the spirit of preparation and not condemnation and because I always want to say “it looks like a prison to me” which is probably not the most gracious reply to someone in public school, I have created a list of one-liners and comebacks.

Here is the question/statement: So why do you homeschool and what about socialization? You are sheltering your children.

I homeschool because I want my kids socialized.
I want my kids to get along with all kinds of people.
We choose to participate in activities with others because we want our kids to accept people of varying backgrounds and ages.
My proof is in the pudding- – would you like to see my lesson plans for the week?

How to Answer Others

Also, look at three more

I am seriously considering cutting back some activities because our week is bulging with social activities and I need time to be at home.
I want my children to be around people who model respect, are considerate and well-spoken. What is learned from an early age will be emulated when they are older and around others that are not respectful or considerate.
Yes, you are right. I am sheltering my children. I won’t be able to do it forever, but I can do it as long as I can and help them to become strong in their faith and values. Seems like what any good parent would do.

And as you can see there is no shortage of ways to reply.

Yes, have you heard of the most recent (insert here: bullying charge, teacher misconduct, shooting or drug raid) at public school.
Sometimes I think we overthink this, what happened to the days when people just got kids together and they played without worrying if they were socialized or not?
Yes, we homeschool because faith matters and I think of this scripture (insert your favorite one here about “dealings with stupid or foolish people” or “training children”).

Homeschool Socialization Situations & Opportunities

Each family has to decide what is best for them because even within each family, children are very different. I have one child that thrives with friends so I can plan sleep overs and lots of meet ups and parties. And I have one child that does not need his emotional tank filled with tons of friends so I can satisfy his need for quiet time and to be with less people.
Would you like to come and be a visitor at our school? (Of course this is meant for a well-meaning relative or close friend that you know.)
I prefer that my children’s learning time not be interrupted because others do not know how to behave.
We homeschool for medical reasons.

Do you see a few you can use?

If you were to ask me before I started homeschooling how much I worried about socialization, my answer would be zero, zip and none.

The problem with this scenario is that I am not homeschooling somewhere on paradise island by myself.

And because we mix and mingle with other people, like you, I get my fair share of second-guessers, naysayers, and plain ole negative nellies.

Gradually folks like that can chip away at your armor and doubt can set in about your decision.

What you need now is concrete proof that we come out from under our rock and caves and that our children are actually very socially adapted.

Social Activities For Homeschoolers

Dare I say they are friendly and some of us actually like people.

Look at these opportunities for homeschool socialization and how we learned with others.

Fall is a great time to be outside and to be with othes.

Anytime is great for visiting your local police department.

Early Years – Fall Activities and Community Helpers

And studying about Native Americans and making your own leather wear is so fun.

Native Americans

Of course some of the best times are when you can see other family’s pets.

Homeschool Socialization

Amphibians and Reptiles

Also, heading outdoors for a Westward Ho co-op is really fun with others.

Westward Hoooo

And a rainforest co-op is just no fun unless you have all the rainforest food.

Amazon Rain Forest

The European Renaissance

Homeschooling and Socialization

Early American History

Ancient Empires/Civilizations

Too, I have never lacked for words when asked about our homeschool socialization opportunities.

However, I have not always been proud of my quick temper.

I know it stems from a place deep down in my heart because homeschooling is a work of the heart and it is hard work on top of that.

Now, I can revisit this post each year and will be armed with gracious speech.

I still miss the drama of the courtroom, but then again I now have homeschooling naysayers, skeptics and Debbie downers to prepare for.

I hope this helps you to be armed for this school year and that others will be astounded at your quick wit and preparation too.

Look at my other articles here and grab yourself some more one-liners, comebacks and gracious sayings

How do you handle your reply?

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network.

Hugs and love ya,

21 Fun Chemistry Homeschool Ideas for Kids

July 8, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

These 21 fun chemistry homeschool ideas show your kids how we use chemistry every day.

When I read an older book about chemistry, it mentioned every house which has a kitchen has a laboratory.

And it made the point that chemistry is about finding out about things. Finding out what things are made of and what changes they undergo. Everything!