I typically use pattern blocks to help my youngest child with pattern practice. However, when we were preparing for Christmas last month, I made her a simple tree and ornament activity to give pattern practice a festive feel. (Click on the following image to view and download a printable version of the worksheets.) We used glue to affix the ornaments to the trees … [Read more...] about Christmas Ornament Pattern Practice
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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
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
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
2022-2023 Year-Round Homeschool Calendar
We recently began our 2022-2023 school year. We use a year-round approach for homeschooling. Here is our calendar for this year. If you are looking for an example calendar, then I hope this is helpful to you! I wrote a detailed post last fall about how I plan the calendar. I will touch on the highlights here. Where to start when planning a year-round … [Read more...] about 2022-2023 Year-Round Homeschool Calendar
Is Preschool Right for My Child?
As I noted a couple of weeks ago, research findings on preschool are varied. Some studies show that preschool boosts school readiness skills (particularly for low-income children) and gives students an academic advantage during their elementary years. However, other studies show the benefits of preschool are transient and that it may contribute to burnout in young … [Read more...] about Is Preschool Right for My Child?
How Necessary Is Preschool?
It seems like just yesterday that my youngest child was born. However, she’s about to become a 4-year-old! At her age, many children are enrolled in preschool programs. Some of these are formal programs at schools, while others are traditional childcare with a special focus on school readiness skills. Likewise, in homeschooling families, some parents lead their children through … [Read more...] about How Necessary Is Preschool?
15 Fun and Memorable Back-to-School Traditions for Homeschoolers
My older kids sometimes lament that they are missing out on certain things because they’re homeschooled. For example, my middle child really wishes she could ride a school bus and my oldest child really wants a cute backpack in which to carry her books. Of course, due to their ages, they have a difficult time understanding that their peers miss out on many things because they … [Read more...] about 15 Fun and Memorable Back-to-School Traditions for Homeschoolers