Odds and Ends

My kids think I'm crazy, but I've always celebrated Valentine's Day with pink, red, and heart-shaped food. I'm not usually a very crafty person, but I...

Read books by John Taylor Gatto, and be encouraged in your decision and ability to homeschool. A cornerstones of the modern homeschool movement, his e...

This is a nearly-exhaustive look at student discounts available to college students. For most of these deals, the student will need to show their coll...

Games for teens can make summer more fun. Staying sane in summer requires a careful balance of structure (so the kids don't go crazy) and time away fr...

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you! I've been taking a look back on my 2017 year at The HomeScholar so I could add it to my "about u...

This recipe has been in my family for decades! It's easy to make, but time consuming to put together. Worth it though, because it looks just GREAT for...

Leaders of homeschool groups are always looking for content for newsletters, right? Why don't you share this information with your support group?...

Probably once or twice a week I get a phone call or email saying "What did I buy, what am I paying for, and what can I keep forever?" I get this quest...

Hawaiian Holiday My husband and I had a wonderful Hawaiian vacation in January! It was a great time to renew, refresh, rejuvenate, and regroup as we s...

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions Happy New Year! No year will feel complete without a little self-reflection and commitment to improve in the coming year.1. Lose WeightEliminate homeschool clutter.  No resolution appears more consistently on every list than losing weight.2. Get in ShapeGet your transcript done. Getting in shape and losing weight always seem to go together.3. Break a Bad HabitCover the core consistently.  Even acknowledging you have a bad habit to break can be embarrassing.4....

Christmas Baking - Gluten-Free Holiday Recipes Maybe you have friends that you'd like to gift a Christmas goodie to, but they are a gluten-free family?  Don't worry - I have you covered!  Check out these yummy recipes.Coconut Christmas Cookies1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut1/4 cup agave or honey2 tbsp virgin coconut oil1/2 tsp vanilla1/8 tsp saltChristmas décor or colorful candiesCombine everything but the décor in a food processor. Add candy decorations, candies, or chocolate chips. Press into...

Christmas Baking - Sweet Bread Gift Recipes I love giving sweet bread treats to our neighbors and friends, and bringing them as hostess gifts. These can be made in advance and frozen.  They travel well, too!  You can find wrapping suggestions from Martha Stewart Crafts and from Wilton available on Amazon.Pistachio Bread1 package yellow cake mix1 package pistachio pudding mix (3 oz.)4 eggs1/2 cup oil1 cup sour cream1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)1/8 cup water.Cinnamon-sugar mix: 3...

Newbies Make EXCELLENT Homeschool Parents Parents new to homeschooling, listen up! You and your spouse can be EXCELLENT homeschool parents, regardless of your skills, because you LOVE your child. That's what ensures your success. You want them to do well, and if you have a weak area, you can find resources for that. But because you love your child, you will be motivated to find those resources. A school teacher might not be as motivated to...

As a homeschool family, you have the freedom to use the fall months for special activities related to the season!  I have put together a list of some of my favorite fun fall ideas for kids and their entire families!  I hope you enjoy them! Fun Fall Ideas for Kids and Families Thankfulness Jar - Start a new tradition with your family this year, or carry on an old tradition in a new way! Glitter Acorns -...

Solutions and Prevention of Massive Yearlong Cheating You know how bad things can happen to good people? Well, massive yearlong cheating can happen within good families, even with sweet children. While uncommon, it does sometimes happen. There are things you can do once you recognize a problem - and things everyone can do to prevent it from happening to them.What do to when you recognize the problemThese are different options that parents have when their high...