Search Results for: blog homeschool co ops

Balancing Blogging and Mothering

I squinted to make sense of scattered letters through the glare on my screen.  Focused attempts at deciphering HTML became distracted by bursts of giggling from the other side of my window.  Rejoicing from finally making a text box that scrolled, I missed a small excited voice asking me to “look at me”.  Dripping hair and sopping wet footsteps ran inside to beckon me to join their mini water park complete with a blow up monkey pool.  Promising just five more minutes I shooed away wet fingers from my computer.  Next I looked up and the time for sprinklers, popsicles, and water slides … Continue reading →

Time Again for the Homeschool Portfolio

  What is a Homeschool Portfolio? A homeschool portfolio is a window into your child’s homeschool experience, achievements, and academic progress, throughout the school year. There are more then on way to keep a portfolio but I will list the core items you will need. However, always check your state laws, homeschool co-ops, and with the evaluator, on what materials are required. The Basic Supplies 3 ring binder {3 inches or more thick} dividers page protectors Sharpies computer paper to print out basic forms samples of your child’s work photos {optional} Forms to Provide Attendance Form: List of Curriculum and … Continue reading →

Frugal and Free Homeschooling {part 1}

Many have pushed aside the idea of homeschooling due to a lack of finances.  Many make the decision to stop homeschooling because of a difficult financial time.  Hearts that feel the impact of failing make decisions that cause them to retreat and not go forward. You are not a failure.  If you are experiencing a hard time or you feel you can not afford to homeschool, do not feel shame.  Many more struggle behind those happy Facebook status updates and expensive looking science experiments on blogs. A few years ago, I was in a financial situation that I feared would … Continue reading →

App-Schooling: New Tech Trend in Homeschooling

Computers and other forms of technology are no strangers to homeschooling.  Homeschool moms learned a long time ago that computers can aid the homeschool experience for both the student and the teacher.  If laptops gave our techie homeschool feet than the tablet gave it wings. Homeschool students and moms are finding the value in app-schooling.  App-Schooling is when a student uses a tablet and applications to study, reinforce lessons, or house lessons.  With tablet in hand, a homeschool student can unlock the door to the world one application at a time.  Homeschool moms can record, store, and plan, lessons. Homeschool portfoilos can … Continue reading →

Freebies from Coldstone, CVS, Cinnabon, and More!

Ready for some great freebies? Every week, new ones appear. Some are easy to get, and others make you jump through some hoops before you can get the freebie. This week, I found freebies on snacks, drinks, and educational materials! Coldstone has a coupon for a free creation! Buy any creation and get a second creation, of equal or lesser value, for free! You will need to have this coupon with you in order to take advantage of this freebie. This coupon expires on August 30, 2012. CVS has a freebie right now on Unreal Candy Bars. They are the … Continue reading →

Omibus Homeschool eBook Sale!

The biggest homeschool ebook sale of the year! You can buy 53 eBooks written by homeschool moms for only $25! Purchase HERE. What is the Omibus Homeschool eBook Sale? Wait, back up. What is an omibus? An omibus is a book containing reprints of a number of works. It is Latin and its first known usage was in 1829. See, you learned something new just for stopping by. Get ready to learn even more with this amazing stockpile of ebooks brought to you by some of your favorite homeschool mom bloggers. The collection of books contains 53 ebooks by several … Continue reading →

Is there shame in quitting homeschooling?

Due to the strong feelings toward homeschooling it is often looked at as some sort of exclusive club. The club that lets you in but will never let you out unless you defect and that my friend is like a good old fashioned Amish shunning. At least this is the feeling I get from moms who email me for encouragement when their homeschooling days come to an end. For some reason or another they can no longer homeschool but they are told by others not to give up, they can do it, or they are harming their children by sending … Continue reading →

Valentines Food: Heart Felt Cooking

Scouring the internet for ideas for a Valentine’s party? Valentine’s Day is not known for its dedication to superb nutrition, but it can be a great time to create lovely goodies for friends and family. But first, what does cooking teach your kids? For one, it teaches them about nutrition. As they work with you to create meals or treats, they get to know what’s important about a meal. After many long discussions, my daughter now knows about carbohydrates, protein, fat, fruits and vegetables, and why each of them is important at different times. Cooking is also a wonderful way … Continue reading →

Blog Networks, Part 1

As a blogger one of the most powerful steps you can take is becoming part of a blog network. A blog network is a small group of bloggers whose focus is promoting one another through social media. Bloggers in a network may also guest post, host Twitter or Facebook parties, or form giveaways and Blog Hops. The result is blogs that grow and bonds between bloggers. Blog Network Basics Niche: Blog networks perform best if all the bloggers fit into the same niche or genre. Variety is not recommended unless your blogs are complimentary and reach the same audience. For … Continue reading →

Could The Welcome Mat Be Bigger?

I work in a nature center. This means that I work with all sorts of groups, from tourists to toddlers, from families to school classes. It’s an appealing line of work because the diversity of groups is so great. I’ve also been connected to the homeschooling community since my daughter was small. Through this connection, I’ve realized that public institutions have a long way to go in terms of family-friendly programming. When you have a baby or a toddler, there’s no lack of programs to go to. Ironically, this is also the age when I was least likely to attend. … Continue reading →