Community, Co-Ops, and “Micro-Schools”
Finding community is usually one of the top pieces of advice I give to new homeschoolers. Community looks different for every family based on our own social needs and desire for support. Maybe you prefer to be the leader and organizer of a community, or may you prefer to just be a part of one.
Let Them Play: 10 Ways to Homeschool Preschool
As educationally conscious parents, what can we do to facilitate this amazing learning process called “Play”? There are so many ways to offer an enriching, wonder-filled preschool life for your child and your whole family. Let’s dive in with 10 educational ways to play with your preschooler.
How to Homeschool
So you’ve decided to homeschool, now what? Once you are officially set, you can start the much more fun process of setting up and planning your homeschool adventure.
Homeschooling Privately Under the State
Homeschooling is currently an option available to every child in all 50 states, although, the regulations and requirements vary in each. Let’s walk through the process!
Mission Possible: Writing Your Homeschool Mission Statement
So, as a homeschooler, new or seasoned, if you don’t have a mission statement in homeschooling, it’s time to write one. I know, it sounds super self-helpy, but your mission statement fuels your homeschool life - it not only helps keep you on track, but it is a major power behind what you plan and do in your homeschooling.
Why I Homeschool - Jess’s Story
My number one reason, hands down, for homeschooling is freedom. I homeschool because I was homeschooled and it was an amazing experience for me. I homeschool to create the life I want for my kids and to build a community that will support us and grow with us.
Unmasking the Rappin’ Mathematician: Your Math Education Questions Answered by a Real Life Math Superhero.
It’s a scary world out there! Seriously, between a pandemic, earthquakes, a tornado, and a threat of economic collapse - it’s enough for anyone’s anxiety to skyrocket. And we have big questions right now…What about my kids? What about their education, their activities, their brains? What about my time, my work, my SANITY?!? Never fear, the Rappin’ Mathematician is here!
Minimal PrepTip 5 - Capturing the Now with a Time Capsule
If I had a time capsule when I was a kid, it would have contained roller skates, Chuck-e-Cheese tokens, my Swatch Watch, my New Kids on the Block t-shirt, a mixed tape of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits, and a scrunchie...and I’m super bummed I don’t have one to open. But my kids can, and so can yours!
Minimal Prep Tip 4 - The Delightful Dose of the Dailies
Dailies are the things your kids love to do to start off their day that is not the major curriculum. It can be songs you sing together, questions you discuss, or a specific journal they complete and share with you. It’s a time to grow together...a time to nurture character development...a time to laugh together. It’s a time to discuss big topics about life. It’s a time to remember that life is short and relationships are to be treasured.
Minimal Prep Tip 3 - Give them the Gift of Board Games
What was your favorite game as a kid? Mine was Mastermind and Speed. And, Uno, Connect Four, Operation, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, oh, I could go on. Give the gift of games to your kids and to your homeschool.
Independent Activities Tip 1 - Going Solo in the Morning
So, how do I get to sleep until 8am or 9am every single day as a homeschool mom? I have taught and trained my kids to work independently first thing in the morning. I call it “Solo” time.