Our Riverside Literature Series journey began innocently at a library book sale. Scanning the room for bargains my eyes spied a ragged paperback hiding in a sea of hardback books. It’s cover was faded, it’s edges stained and worn while penciled in notes indicated dutiful study. Gingerly, I […]
5 Days of “Riverside Literature Series” eBooks « Read More »
New Year’s resolutions seem so daunting to me. What do you pick? It’s like the produce section of your grocery store. Just toss a pound of kindness, a package of exercise and a few bunches of happiness into the cart and be gone. The problem
Simplifying New Year’s Resolutions with One Word « Read More »
“I hate Math!” a sweet grimacing face declares. The words fill you with dread. They surround your heart and squeeze viciously. Multiplications, sums, angled symbols all fall to the ground in hopelessness and are covered with tears. You know the work is achievable and no
Math: The Heart of a Number « Read More »
Copywork using Wheeler’s Graded Studies in Great Authors was been a delight. We only copy a few items a day so we are not even close to completing it, which is perfectly fine. It’s about quality, not quantity. Copywork is great, but dictation is calling.
Spelling with Wheeler’s Elementary Speller {Free eBook} « Read More »
I hated, despised, deplored memorization when I was in school. My memories involved standardized testing leading to eventual forgetfulness. It seemed so pointless. Why waste so much energy in an endeavor to merely forget all of it days, weeks, months later. Words on index cards
Dipping Our Toes in the Memorization Waters « Read More »
When I think of War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells my mind goes to a certain sound. The sound of a Tripod from the 1953 movie as it tries to find Sylvia and Clayton while they are hiding in the basement. It creeps me out. Sad, I know. Fortunately,
H.G. Wells Science Fiction Classics {With a Confession and Solution} « Read More »
If you are like me, many science lessons full of dry facts induce a yawn reflex. Seeing it in action, interacting-that’s where the action is! Of course, easier said than done. Leading little ones to understand and scientifically observe the world around them can be made,
Science Object Lessons for Young Children {FREE eBook} « Read More »
The ability to jump off the beaten path and create your own map is the essence of homeschooling. We are rerouting our homeschool GPS this year toward a new source for artist study. In the past we followed the Ambleside Online schedule (which is incredible), but a
Artist Study Success from a Failed Book Sale « Read More »
A new school year arrives. Lesson plans are pristine. Pencils sharp. Markers with caps intact. Sips of warm coffee greet sunbeams on the wall while hope fills the air. Calmly, books are rearranged as everything is neat and in its place. Everything is quiet. A
Fresh Beginnings with a Diligent Heart: A New School Year « Read More »
My daughter came running through the house with a look of panic. No escaping hamster, something more sinister. I heard the noise causing her agitated state. A loud sound was coming from outside our patio door. Thump! My eyes followed the sound. Thump! A gray shadow
Backyard Nature Study « Read More »