I’ve written before about why we love the library. One reason I cited is because they have many items other than books that can be checked out. When we were exploring our new library, we discovered a stereo microscope that can be borrowed by patrons. We eagerly checked it out and my girls have been observing the finer details of many objects. Here are some of the things … [Read more...] about 55 Things to View Under a Stereo Microscope
3rd-5th
2023-2024 Year-Round Homeschool Calendar
Under normal circumstances, I would have recently posted my meal plan for the month. However, I will not be posting my meal plans this month or next month because things are chaotic around here. We are moving in October, and the activities associated with this move are going to keep us from adhering closely to a menu. What I will post is our calendar for the 2023-2024 … [Read more...] about 2023-2024 Year-Round Homeschool Calendar
Our 2023-2024 3rd Grade Curriculum
One of the best things about homeschooling is that each child can progress at his or her own pace. My kids move on to a new topic once they’ve mastered the current one. If they struggle with a given topic, there’s no pressure to skip ahead to keep up with the rest of the class—they keep working on that topic until they understand it. Likewise, if they excel at a given topic, … [Read more...] about Our 2023-2024 3rd Grade Curriculum
11 Life Skills Kids Can Learn While Grocery Shopping
I use curbside pickup to obtain most of my groceries. I used curbside services a few times prior to the COVID19 pandemic, but once it began, curbside became my go-to means of getting groceries. As we’ve resumed normal activities, I’ve been reminded of just how much my kids love shopping in person and how many skills they can learn while doing this. Though not an … [Read more...] about 11 Life Skills Kids Can Learn While Grocery Shopping
Sensible Screen Time Guidelines for Kids
Over the last few weeks, we have looked at how screen time impacts kids. It can have both negative and positive impacts, which leaves parents in a bit of a quandary. Precisely how much screen time is okay? An hour? Two hours? What if they spend three hours in front of screens one day, but only 30 minutes the next day? Here are some factors to consider as we each decide … [Read more...] about Sensible Screen Time Guidelines for Kids
Is Screen Time Beneficial to Kids?
Two weeks ago, we looked at the negative ways screen time may impact kids. According to researchers, screen time may contribute to delays in development, poor physical fitness, poor psychological well-being, poor sleep, and diminished attention spans. As I noted in that post, concerns about the negative effects of screen time can easily overshadow its potential … [Read more...] about Is Screen Time Beneficial to Kids?
Is Screen Time Harmful to Kids?
Merriam-Webster used to define screen time as “the amount of time someone or something appears on screen in a movie or television show.” This is not how we typically use the term now! Thus, in 2019, Merriam-Webster added a second definition: “time spent watching television, playing a video game, or using an electronic device with a screen (such as a smartphone or … [Read more...] about Is Screen Time Harmful to Kids?
Why Use Role Play When Teaching Your Kids
I can recall instances during my childhood when teachers encouraged us to use role play to practice new skills. I always felt like acting out various scenarios was super cheesy! However, now that I’m the one doing the teaching, I realize that role play is a valuable tool. When kids role play, they assume roles and act out a given situation. Whether it’s learning how to … [Read more...] about Why Use Role Play When Teaching Your Kids