Musings

What are you making for Thanksgiving ? Need some ideas? I don't have to make the turkey this year, but I do have other ideas! These are appetizers, si...

Guten Morgen! It's possible my husband bought me a River Cruise through Germany for a Valentine's day present this year, and I've secretly been tourin...

Strawberry Soup is one of our family favorites. It's the perfect starter for a special meal, and always our "most requested" birthday dinner item! Thi...

How to Say NO in 3 Easy Steps 1. Say it        2. Explain it          3. Walk away Your priority is your children and your family. Your job is to educate them, and that's important! Don't feel guilty when you must say no to someone (or even say no to something awesome!). Put your priorities first: children and family. Everything else is great, but optional. Say no when you need to. You have my permission....

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...

Homeschooling is a normal, natural method of education, not some strange or foreign concept. Educating children at home is now a common choice for parents to make. Homeschooling has grown so much since the 70's, and now approximately 3 percent of the school-age population was homeschooled in  2011–12. And since it's growing like crazy, there must be so many more now. So you see? You are NOT alone! This infographic covers a history of home-schooling beginning...

How Do You Say Curriculum? Curricula or Curriculum I pride myself on writing the way that I talk, to make my books approachable and easy to understand. I figure the less you work to read my books, the more information you will learn. I know parents have different learning styles, and like to learn in different ways, so I try to provide books, videos, and social-interaction services that will fit everyone's learning style. But to do...

What does homeschooling look like? It looks like a child, a book, and a dog, at least in our home! Homeschooling provides a safe and secure learning environment, and a comfortable, relaxing education. Pets are welcome! There are so many benefits to homeschooling, it’s hard to list them all: rigorous academics, positive socialization, time for specialization ... the list is almost endless. Many families choose homeschooling because they believe the safety and comfort of home is the best learning...

Have you tried one of my Coffee Break Books yet? Check this out! The HomeScholar's Coffee Break Book Series (29 Books) Kindle Books The HomeScholar's Coffee Break Book series is designed especially for parents who don’t want to spend hours reading a 400-page book on homeschooling high school. This series combines a practical and friendly approach with detailed, but easy-to-digest information, perfect to read over a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop! Never overwhelming,...

How do you cope with a busy season of your life? People face difficulties all the time, and so do I. How do you manage to homeschool through challenges? The same way I work through challenges – by planning ahead. Meal Planning and Freezer Meals My husband was facing surgery last month, so I planned ahead. I filled my freezer FULL of dinners. I've done this and posted about it before, Gluten-Free + Costco + Freezer Cooking +...

What a blessing to read about good news! Cynthia wrote to tell me about her marvelous success story! They were able to get their child the college admission and scholarships of her dreams! Cynthia's Success Story!  Hi Lee - I am writing to say thank you and to share our success story with you. Our eldest (of three) children was just accepted early decision into Lafayette College in Easton, PA! Your resources were invaluable in helping...

How much internet is too much internet? Our families are surrounded by electronic devices. Our TV can connect to the internet. We have a computer, laptop, smart phones, tablets, and gaming devices. In the midst of our tangled electronic cables, how can you keep your kids safe and sane, without ruining their life or sheltering them too much? What can you do? Here are 5 Steps for Safe and Sane Internet Use 1. Lead by example,...

Tips for New Empty Nesters I found a marvelous collection of articles for parents that are sending their children off to college and becoming empty nesters. Check these out and let me know what you think!   Tips for First-Years This article has some tips on how to stay in touch with your child. What I loved even more, though, was this list:  3 Simple Steps for Academic Success Go to class. Do all of the...

What if your homeschool students swayed the political majority? What if they all learned how to vote, and then actually showed up at the polls and voted their conscience. What marvelous things would result! Let me tell you a little secret. You can’t just "teach" kids to vote. It's one of those things that is caught as well as taught. They have to see you consistently voting, no matter how inconvenient the timing or how boring...

High School English can include so MANY things that it can be overwhelming! You can teach communication skills, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, penmanship, composition reports, poetry, prose, reading skills, reading for pleasure, classical literature, non-fiction, reading aloud, speed reading, comprehension, public speaking, speech and debate, American Literature, British Literature, Great Books, literary analysis, essay writing, research, proof-reading, timed essays, sentence structure, paragraph outline, mythology, fables, capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, dialogue, word choice, editing, novel writing, short...