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Where Should We Begin with History? Why the Beginning of Time Matters
Have you ever opened a history curriculum, looked at everything you’re supposed to cover, and thought, “How in the world are we going to learn all of this?” Ancient civilizations. Kings and queens. Wars and revolutions. Inventions, explorers, and people whose names...
Where Should We Begin with History? Why the Beginning of Time Matters
Have you ever opened a history curriculum, looked at everything you’re supposed to cover, and thought, “How in the world are we going to learn all of this?” Ancient civilizations. Kings and queens. Wars and revolutions. Inventions, explorers, and people whose names are nearly impossible to pronounce on the first try. And somehow, in the middle of all of that, we’re supposed to help our children...
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Where Should We Begin with History? Why the Beginning of Time Matters
Have you ever opened a history curriculum, looked at everything you’re supposed to cover, and thought, “How in the world are we going to learn all of this?” Ancient civilizations. Kings and queens. Wars and revolutions. Inventions, explorers, and people whose names...
Why My Dad Made Me Read Every Historical Marker (And Why I Still Do)
Growing up, family road trips had one very predictable feature. My dad read every historical marker. Actually, let me rephrase that. He made all of us read every historical marker. We would be driving down a country road when suddenly he'd pull over and say, "Let's...
When History Finally Clicks: Why We Keep Pressing “Play”
There’s a moment in our homeschool day I’ve come to recognize instantly. The room quiets.The distractions fade. And suddenly, we’re not sitting in our living room anymore—we’re somewhere else entirely. Ancient civilizations. Distant lands. Stories that feel alive. In...
Don’t Grow Weary: Homeschooling Through February
February has a way of settling in like a gray wool blanket. The sparkle of December is long gone. The fresh-start energy of January has faded. The days feel short, the skies feel heavy, and even the most faithful homeschool mama can feel a little… weary. If that’s...
With Joy and Gratitude: History Revealed Joins the TLP Family
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our incredible homeschool community: Brandon and Lanette Judy, the husband-and-wife team behind Total Language Plus, have officially acquired Diana Waring’s History Revealed curriculum! For over three decades, Diana...
The Route to Your Brain
Different Kinds of Learners When it comes to learning, we all know that there are differences. Some seem to learn easily in school (straight “A” students), while others tend to fail. Some seem naturally “bookish,” while others prefer to be doing an activity. Some...
The Eyes Have It
We started in the previous post on a short series about Learning Modalities: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, which are three routes by which new information can be received by our brains. Though we may use any of these different routes, it is helpful to know that...
Did You Hear That?
Before we get started, remember that this information is to give us insight when our kids struggle to learn, AND to remind us that our kids (and spouse) may approach things quite differently than we do! In the previous 2 posts, we looked at the significant impact of...
Move It or Lose It
In this final article on Learning Modalities—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, it’s important to note that we can use any or all of these approaches. However, when things are difficult to learn, one particular approach will be easier for an individual. Discovering...
Body Smart — Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence
Today's blog is about those who are Body Smart—an intelligence that is seldom recognized unless you happen to be a highly-paid athlete. So, to get started, let me ask: Do you remember that student in class who was always drumming their hands on the desk, fidgeting in...
Number Smart — Math/Logical Intelligence
Do you thrill to the elegant precision of mathematical formulas? Do you love to do calculations in your head? Do you enjoy reconciling your bank account? If so, you are strong in the Math-Logical intelligence—you are Number Smart! Schools tend to recognize and reward...
Word Smart — Linguistic Intelligence
Do you LOVE words? Do you enjoy cuddling up in a comfy chair to “escape” with a book? Do you take delight in word games, like Scrabble and Taboo? Do you happily work crossword puzzles and word jumbles, or solve riddles and create-your-own-ending mysteries? Do you find...
People Smart — Interpersonal Intelligence
Are any of your kids “the life of the party”? They seem so comfortable interacting with others, so at home in conversations, so happy to be in the midst of the crowd. Do you ever wonder, “How do they do that??” or, maybe, “Why do they that??” It’s because they are...
Nature Smart — Naturalist Intelligence
Meet my dear friend, Paul Rushworth, a senior zoo keeper at Werribee Open Range Zoo, in Melbourne, Australia. In this pose with an African serval, Paul demonstrates the trusting relationship he has built over time with this lovely, wild cat. Why are some people...
Music Smart — Musical Intelligence
Does music give you a bounce in your step, a smile on your face, and the zest to do your to-do list? Have you ever felt like you are dragging through the day. . .UNTIL you put on music? If so, the energizing effect of music is one great indicator that you...
Self Smart — Intrapersonal Intelligence
Today begins an eight-part series on how God has made each of us smart. Now, you might be thinking, "Oh, well, maybe YOU are smart, but I'm not. . .and I have the grades to prove it! Uh-huh. I understand! And I beg to differ. You are smart. And so are each of...
Picture Smart — Spatial Intelligence
Do you have a doodler? Someone who is constantly drawing pictures when you think they're taking notes? Maybe you've got a Lego-loving kid, who only seems interested in building the latest set of Lego structures. Perhaps you've got one who really comes to life when...
Your Child Might Not Be What You Expect
Scene 1: The lake. My husband and I are inveterate, if amateur, water fowl watchers.We delight to observe the junior high antics of coots, the intensely punk look of mergansers and the aerial fishing techniques of osprey. But, among all the birds we commonly see,...
How Parenting Can Change Learning
If I were to ask about your memories of being in school, what images pop into your mind? Do you see a desk, a stack of books, a chalkboard, a report card, recess? Perhaps your impressions run more along the lines of a stern and forbidding teacher or the camaraderie of...
Slow down and enjoy this time
Have you ever noticed that your kids keep getting older. . .and bigger? Amazingly, the longer you parent, the older your kids will become. And, in the blink of an eye, they suddenly become adults. Just yesterday I had three little kids, and today I have three grown...
What’s In YOUR Cupboard?
What are the things that make you uniquely you? And, how do you share them with your children? Fortunately, despite the title, this is not one of those how-to-make-a-meal-from-whatever-you-can-find-in-your-cupboard-when-you-should-have-gone-to-the-store-yesterday...
Joyful Parenting
Oooooo! Imagine a beautifully-wrapped box in front of you. Here are some clues to this mysterious gift: your name is on the label; the giver of the gift (whose name is also on the label) is one who loves you deeply; the wrapping is so beautiful that you are certain...
Wearing 2 Hats as a Homeschool Mom
Homeschool moms play two major roles for our children: Parent. . .and. . .Teacher Learning how to wear both hats at once takes experience and thought! Parenting Parenting changes our life. For years, it required every bit of heart, every brain cell, and much of our...
Homeschooling: A List or an Invitation?
Imagine this scenario with me: As you start today, you don’t have any pressing demands. What utter luxury! You might even have time to finish reading that mystery you started a few nights ago (you had had to stop right at the cliff-hanger!). Ah. . .what an amazing...
The Buttermilk Lesson Or. . .
How do we pass on to our children the things we love? How do we help our kids develop a taste for those distinctive traits that make up our own family’s “culture”? What benefits are there if we take the time to share various foods, places, people, and activities with...