Teaching Handwriting without a Curriculum

On my blog’s Facebook page, I was asked to recommend a handwriting curriculum. I have received this question many times before and always cringe when asked. I cringe because I have nothing to recommend. Years of homeschool reviews and homeschooling under my belt and I still have not used a formal handwriting curriculum. Frankly, I never understood why one would use a curriculum based on handwriting. I teach handwriting the old fashioned way by sitting at a whiteboard and showing each stroke of each letter. My children would sit with lined paper and mimic my movements. I will not claim … Continue reading

More Favorite Preschool Curriculum

Yesterday I shared some of my favorite preschool educational materials. Here are a few more I have seen success with while homeschooling preschool. Kumon Workbooks: Kumon workbooks are based on a method created by, Toru Kumon, who originally developed these books to help his own son. The Kumon method promises success by allowing children to master skills in small bites. The workbooks are designed as a supplement to a child’s regular curriculum. The workbooks, My First Book of Cutting and My First Book of Pasting, were a huge hit with my preschoolers. The books are filled with colorful illustrations that … Continue reading

Homeschool Curriculum Glossary Index

After spending the better portion of two months making a homeschool curriculum glossary, I thought an index page was in order. Click on the curriculum you are interested in and you will be taken to the page that contains the description for it. 10 Days of Multiplication A Basic History of the United States A Beka A Child’s History of the World A Child’s Story of America A Reason for Handwriting A Reason for Science A Reason for Spelling About Three Preschool Workbooks Accelerated Achievement Accelerated Christian Education Activity Math Add em Up Alpha Omega Lifepacs AmblesideOnline American Girl Books … Continue reading

Visual Latin: Makes Latin Easy!

The thought of teaching Latin made me want to hide under a table. I did not think there would be any way for me to teach Latin. I never took Latin in school. I have no experience in this subject and quite frankly it is an intimidating subject if you are unfamiliar. Knowing that I decided to homeschool to provide a better education I knew I would have to find away to teach my children Latin. Latin will help build a strong foundation for English. A person who knows Latin will have a firmer grasp on vocabulary and spelling. I … Continue reading

The Role of Spirituality in Secular Homeschooling

Teaching your child how to be an ethical being in the world is something that every parent wants to do. As they get older, we also want children who know how to seek quiet comfort when they are in need and find joy and wonder in everyday things. The spiritual side of parenting and homeschooling is important, yet those of us who are secular in nature often neglect to discuss it. How can you encourage your child to develop a sense of herself as a spiritual being in the world? Practice ethics with your child. Whether it’s adopting rescue animals … Continue reading