Homeschool Hacks

Our Goofy Air-Conditioned P.E. Class

I just have to confess.  My girls and I were innocently looking for instructional ballroom dancing videos on YouTube when we stumbled across some hip-hop dance videos.  Instructional hi hop dance videos.  I could shake it when I was younger, and it was fun but now that I'm 33ish there's a whole lot more of me to shake.  Who says P.E. is just for kids?  Did you even know they had dance instruction videos on YouTube?  It's quite a fun experience, hanging out with my 14 and 11 year old daughters in this way.   Here are some things we've discovered:

1. Stretch out first, warm up those muscles. 
2. Wear comfortable clothing
3. Make sure you have room to dance.  Your office might not work if that's where your computer is.  We use the laptop in the living room, so we won't be bumping into each other
4. Don't let your kids film it or you'll wake up with nightmares that your denim-jumper-wearing friends  from the co-op found it on YouTube

Bad Homeschool Days Are Like Giving Birth

By Renae

Children refusing to cooperate shower me with tears and pelt me with complaints. Some days distractions swallow every plan, or we work on nothing but attitudes. Bug mopes in his room. Sweet Pea sobs at the doorway. And Sunshine plays hide and seek, except I didn’t ask to play. Where is that child? I find her in the bathroom painting her toenails with mascara. I want to scream. I want to quit, but quit what?

I cannot stop being a parent. I cannot stop loving my children. Yes, my oldest could attend school. That has been suggested by well-meaning family and even by my son, but would that bring resolution? Our time would be more compressed, and character issues are not erased by trading one circumstance for another. There is no utopia.

Perhaps the only solution is to endure for the joy set before me. The joy of reasoning with my children. The joy of seeing them grow in wisdom. The joy of learning love through suffering.

After a terrible, no good, very bad day, the uneasy dread of the experience stays with me, but spiteful words and specific instances are harder to retrieve from my memory. Bad homeschool days are like giving birth. Once you behold the result of the effort, the pain fades.

Renae has been homeschooling for five years. Her goal is to give her three children a Life Nurturing Education.

Free Spring Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt PDF

by Amanda

Spring is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy the changing weather. Especially if you live in a place where winter is cold and dreary, the warmth and freshness of spring is always welcome. It can be really exciting to spend a little extra time in nature study- observing new growth, listening to streams rushing from runoff and hunting out wildflowers. That's part of the beauty of homeschooling we can spend some time outside in the sunshine enjoying Creation and actually be "doing school."

Sometimes it is hard to know how to use our nature study time. We want it to be something more directed than just wandering but we don't want it so rigid and planned out that we lose our joy. So, I have put together a Spring Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt Worksheet PDF that is designed to get you and your children outside looking for specific things in nature and to encourage you to explore nature using all of your senses. On this worksheet I have included a space to sketch something you find during your nature walk, which you can use if you have not yet started your own nature journals.

When you click on the link it will take you to a savefile.com page. Scroll to the bottom and click on the Download File button. The download should start automatically. If it doesn't start, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Download File Now.

You can find my other nature walk worksheets in the sidebar of my blog Hearts and Trees under the heading My Free Downloads.

For younger kids: learning to write

by Brea

My daughter Evie is four going on 15 five, and she is exactly like her mother. And her grandmother. To say that she frustrates me at times is like saying that Texas can get a little warm in August. It's the biggest understatement in the world! I'm telling you this for a reason, I promise. I've just been blessed with the gift of gab. Give me a minute, and everything will make sense ...

One reason my husband and I love homeschooling is you can take a slower pace if needed. There's no need to push your kids beyond what they're ready for, stress everyone out, make school something to be feared and dreaded. School should be a time of love, fellowship, learning, and an open exchange of exciting and energetic ideas. (Cue inspirational music here!) (And yes, I've been called an idealist from time to time.)

My oldest son and daughter are only 14 months apart, so there are many things we're able to do at the same time with both children when it comes to learning. Memory verses? Yes. Science and nature studies? Yes. Reading aloud? Absolutely. Writing? NO. No, no, no, and absolutely not. We were having a great day last week, doing our little math workbook that the kids both love and beg to do more of, and suddenly, the smaller version of myself is pushing every single button I have and telling me she doesn't remember how to write the number 3. Even though she only has to trace it. She can't do it. She (insert a really dramatic sob) just can't do it.

What did I do?? Well, I handled it in the best way possible. I got angry, just about lost my temper, called off school for the day, and sent everyone upstairs to play in their rooms. Obviously the best thing I could have done, right?

Apparently not. I called my very wise personal guru best friend from church who has five kids under ten, and ask her what should I do? In all her wisdom, she reminds me that my daughter is four. She doesn't need to know how to write the number three just yet.

Oh, yeah!! She's only 4!!!!! Come to think of it, I don't know any 10-year-olds who can't write the number three. I feel better already. But as I keep talking to my friend, she suggests that maybe Evie can learn to write in a different way, a way that would be fun for both of us since we really push each other's button on a pretty frequent basis. It was time to put on my thinking cap. I thought long and hard. Then I went to WalMart and browsed the arts and crafts section. And I came up with it! The solution!!

I bought some of that finger-painting paint. A big ole' thing of it. And I bought some cheap, gallon-sized zip lock bags. I came home, put about one cup of paint in the bag, made sure all the air was out, and zipped it up. After I flattened it out a bit, I called Evie in, and told her we were going to practice writing numbers. Her face fell, at least until she saw the bright yellow bag. And we practiced writing numbers and letters through the bag in the paint ... and what a wonderful, non-messy way to use paint!!! We had so much fun that when Sam, my oldest boy, came in, he was very offended that we were having such a nice time without him. What a great problem to have!

So there's my hack for the week. Get creative!! There are no homeschool rules that say you have to use standard, boring workbooks (unless your kids love them and think they're fun). What are your kids having issues with? Have you come up with any fun ideas that some of us could steal take inspiration from? Let us in on what works for your kids, because I think we can all use a little help from time to time to keep things in school fresh and fun. :)

Blogging as School for Homeschoolers

by Lisa

One of the deep dark secrets of homeschooling is that,as a mom, you get to do so many fun things.  I've learned to knit, to sketch wildlife, to make scrapbooks, to use cuisenare rods and a myriad of other wonderful things all of course, so that I can be a better teacher, right.  Of course.  I wouldn't devote all this time to myself, would I?  That would totally violate the martyr mom code that homeschoolers are supposed to follow.  Of course, it's all for the kids.  So it should come as no surprise then, that my kids blog, too. 

We've found that blogging is a fantastic way to display the kids writing skills, and thoughts.  We don't have any family in our town, so whenever family wonders how the kids are doing or what they're "learning in school" we direct them to the blogs. 

My girls are all contributors to a blog that reflects their history program.  We're following The Well Trained Mind's four year history cycle, so this year, the History Blog theme is Ancient History.  My 14 and 11 year old share design responsibility(computer technology 101), as well as contributing their written summaries (language arts) of each civilization as we study(history).  My 7 yr old also writes summaries of what she's read (writing, history) and occasionally I'll upload pictures she and my 5 yr old have drawn that reflect what they've studied (art, history.)  My 5 yr old doesn't write well, so her narrations are in video form (speech) and occasionally I'll let my 7 yr old post a video narration, too.

Each girl has her own individual blog as well.  Participating in Memes is definitely an exercise in creative writing.  Posting their content online helps their Grandparents (Arizona, California and Maryland) share what they've been learning so I never have to hear them asking.  Grandparents can communicate with each other via the comment section as well.  I can correct written grammar all I want, but when three Grandmothers point it out, it's suddenly a more pressing issue.

My 5 yr old is practicing for her future career as a newscaster, introducing herself to viewers by first and last name in every post.  She insists that her hair must be brushed before we turn the camera on and if she messes up, she shouts CUT.  She even requires audience particiaption.  Today, while filming a piece about her baby sister, she looked into the camera and asked "Have you ever haved' a a baby sister?"   I'm hoping no one  mistakes the word "haved" (being the past tense of have of course) for "halved"

Even my 2 yr old has a blog.  We post short videos of her every week to share with friends and family.  As her language development progresses, her sisters interview her and she parrots back to them, to the delight of friends and family, I am sure.

Keeping a portfolio of your child's homeschooling years is sage advice and I never did get the hang of scrapbooking.   

Links to love today

Make your own biodegradeable starter pots for indoor and outdoor plants.

Here is a video I wanted to share also-

For younger kids: don't stress!!!

by Brea

Ok, so y'all know I'm a Charlotte Mason fan. Teach your children through books, books, and more books. And then read them a book or two. And when you're done, why not find a new great book? (Am I getting a tad repetitive here? Sorry.)

Homeschooling can be expensive!! And there's so many options! I've got a little tip for you, something I've heard from almost every mom of older children I know, and something I'm seeing from my own experience. If you do nothing but character training and reading out loud to your kids before they're six or seven, you'll have given them a vast head start over their peers. Seriously. Your kids can pick up 'the essentials' like reading and writing when they're a little older, and they will be just fine for it! A close friend of mine has a daughter I'm crazy about. 'A' is 14, and she and I love to talk books. She's borrowed some favs from me, and we're not talking teen lit here. Big, heavy, wonderful books. She's an amazing reader, devouring almost anything she can get her hands on. Want to know a secret? She didn't learn to read until after she turned nine. A's mom realized something: if she pushed her daughter to read before she was ready, she could possibly end up making her daughter hate reading. So she waited. She did other things with her. And now A is one of the most well-read 14-year-olds I know.

Let your kids learn from life. Don't start formal school with them until they're in the first grade, and even then, keep it light! There are so many ways your kids can learn from everyday things that happen around them. My oldest, Sam, is almost 6. He's starting to learn about money. Every Friday, we head down to our local Farmers' Market. (Sam's mom over here has a big ole' crush on homegrown veggies and grass-fed beef. Mmmm ...) In the last few months, Sam has become my 'money man.' For the most part, he and his sister Evie (4) pick out the veggies we'll be buying for the week. Sam knows that we start each Friday off with $20 or $25. They're each allowed to buy a treat, which costs a dollar. All prices at the market are rounded the the nearest quarter, and Sam is the one who carries the money and pays for everything. (I use ones and fives, to make it easier on him.) So if we get down to the last $5, and each of them still want to buy a treat, that's $3 left. Evie wants to buy spinach, while Sam wants broccoli. But a bag of spinach is $2.50, and four heads of broccoli cost $3.00. Hmm, dilemma! I let the two of them figure out what to do. Sam won out with the broccoli last time, because he logically pointed out to his sister that our spinach at home is getting big enough to eat, so we didn't need to buy any.

Wait, what just happened here? Let me go into this. Sam is learning math skills. Sam and Evie are learning how to interact with other grown-ups in a real-world setting (and people say homeschoolers aren't socialized!!), and they're learning where our food comes from. They're both learning logic and problem-solving skills (broccoli or spinach? It's a tough life, I tell ya!), and they're learning financial responsibility. All that from a 10 minute visit to the market. Oh, and remember the part about growing spinach at home? We have several gardens. There's my nature, science, and ecology classes for the next several years.

Do you have cheerios at home? What about skittles, raisins, or chocolate chips? A few years ago, I bought a bag of 15-bean soup. It's just a bunch of dried beans. There's our math class. We can learn grouping, patterns, addition, subtraction, and later multiplication and division. And it cost me a whopping $.79. Do your youngsters cook with you? My kids are learning fraction without even knowing it, because I can't ever find my measuring cups, so we have to measure out 1 1/2 cups of flour with the 1/2 cup scoop. Evie can tell you that there's three teaspoons in a tablespoon, and Sam knows that you can't leave sugar when it's cooking or 'it turns stinky and yucky.' (We make lots of candy around Christmas time!)

We've been reading The Chronicles of Narnia, and my kids just eat it up. They know the difference between a broadsword and a rapier, and why a ship would have sails and oars. And battle strategy. And the difference between port and starboard.

I'm not writing this to brag on my children, although I'm certainly not above that. :) I'm writing this as an encouragement. It can be really overwhelming when you start looking at curriculum, and what to buy, and when to start, and  what homeschooling method to follow. And then we start looking at the world, and what and when public schools do things. Remember that each child is different, and that's a great thing about homeschooling!! It's much easier for kids to catch up on something they're a little behind on, as opposed to trying to get them to like something that's been forced on them too early. God gave your children to you, not to me, or your mother, or your neighbor, or your friends at church. You. You are better qualified to teach them, for that reason alone, than any other person in the world.

So if you're a little stressed right now, take a deep breath. Now one more. And one more. Get up and go on a walk with your young'ens. Talk about some flowers. Look at the clouds. Why did God make bees? What do they do? Why do round things roll better than things with flat sides? Read this post and the wonderful comments, then take a trip to the library and find Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and some of the other great books. Spend 15 minutes reading, then snuggle for 10 minutes and talk about what you just read. Congratulations, you just did school for the day!! You really can do this!

Moms with older kids, what did y'all do when yours were little? Can you offer any advice?

Daily Links You Will Love

Hopeful Spirit is hosting a wonderful Carnival of Family Life.

A wonderful article from the Washington Post last week is here!

Principled Discovery has the best graphic in this one.

If you have any great articles you would like highlighted please email me- homeschoolhacks@gmail.com

Have a wonderful Monday!

Blessings, Alli

Teaching Earth Day

Earth Day is coming up on April 22. Now is a great time to start talking about the environment and sharing activities with your kids. Here are some links that you can use for information to share with your kids.

• Earth Day Education - This page has news, a curriculum, and a virtual tour that you can use
• Environmental QuickSourse - Choose from Our Beautiful Earth, Playing My Part, or Recycling for a list of great activities that you can do.
• Earth Day theme unit from Ed Helper - A great collection of various ideas, activities, and more that you can use.
• Earth Day from family Education - A list of activities that you can get the whole family involved in.

These are just some of the great  places online that  you can draw ideas from.  Don't forget to check your local  libraries  also to see what resources they might have.

Homeschooler Discounts

by Brea

It helps to know the best places to buy resources, and it really helps to know where you can save some money. Homeschooling doesn't have to cost a fortune (more on that coming later in the week), so here's a great link at Homeschooling on Shoestring that lists a bunch of discounts. Some of the places listed are local to Michigan, but most are nation-wide.

Home Educator Discount List

And remember, it doesn't hurt to ask any place you shop if they give discounts for homeschoolers ... provided, of course, that you're purchasing school materials. :) What's the worst that can happen? You pay the same price you'd pay even if you didn't ask? That's what I thought ...

And do you already have a particular curriculum you'd like to use? Think used books. They might not be quite as pretty, but there are terrific savings to be had if you're willing to do a little looking. Amazon.com is always a great place to check (I often get books for under $.25 before shipping), and there's also Homeschool Classifieds and Second Harvest Curriculum. So check out some of these links, and save those pennies where you can!