As homeschoolers our days are steeped in books. We connect with the characters we read about. And their stories become a part of our story. Carrot Top Paper Shop has created a wonderful line of gifts celebrating literary heroines from Jane Austen to Lucy Pevensie. The hand-drawn prints are whimsical and evocative. Each girl meets your gaze with an open, friendly expression. Role Models for
Homeschooling Encouragement for Fall
Homeschooling is hard, sometimes isolating, work. We can all use encouragement and an outside perspective. Throughout the month of September, Julie Bogart, the creator of Brave Writer, read an essay a day from her book A Gracious Space, Fall on Facebook Live. Even though you can’t tune in live, you can still watch the replays. They are available on the Brave Writer YouTube channel. It’s
Finding Good Books with The Classical Reader
Reading good books together is a cornerstone practice of our homeschool. Reading together gives our children a deep well of reliable language patterns. This reservoir helps them become discerning, articulate readers and writers. Good books also spark their imagination and give them a rich sense of lived history. But really, one of the biggest benefits is that it’s enjoyable to share stories together. ~Don’t miss
Cultivating Vocation with Cheryl Swope’s Eternal Treasures
I’ll bet you’ve heard the verse a number of times, but have you ever related Proverbs 27:17 to parenting or homeschooling? “Iron sharpeneth iron: so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Isn’t that what homeschooling really is? Haven’t you experienced the iron striking iron effect? I know that I have never been so refined, never had a deeper sense of my own need,
Living Literature Grammar Packs from Our Journey Westward
This past September, I made my biggest curriculum mistake yet. I had researched and thought and finally purchased a curriculum. But when it came time to start school, I realized that I would have to do heavy editing to make the curriculum match my student’s level. I set it aside and bought another curriculum–happily, one that we have been making progress in all year long.
Online Piano Lessons with Hoffman Academy
Four years ago we moved into the Owl House. A generous friend asked if we had room for a piano–their family was growing and they could use the space. We said yes, and a team of neighbors delivered a shiny, black piano and then tucked into the corner of our dining room. The only problem? No one in our house played the piano! Enter Mr.
Exploring Nature with Children
One of the most appealing aspects of a Charlotte Mason education for me is the seamless interplay between art and science that is possible with nature study. Nothing compares to tromping through the woods in all weathers to track the first crocus. Alright, we usually just walk around our neighborhood…and only when it’s not too wet! But we still keep our Calendar of Firsts, and
Bookroo: Subscriptions to Inspire Young Readers
The dark comes early these days, and the temperatures stay cool. That makes winter the perfect time for stories! Recently, our family had the opportunity to try out Bookroo–a subscription book service. Every month a handsomely wrapped package arrives filled with your choice of board books or picture books. What a fun morning we had receiving our package from the letter carrier, then tearing open