By Holly Giles | Florida , homeschooling , Nature Study
Nature Study Nature study is such a buzzword throughout the homeschool culture. There are many different philosophies and methods recommended for proper nature study in the home. Charlotte Mason, of course, comes to mind for most when you bring up the nature study subject. Many have jumped on the bandwagon and created their own lessons […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , homeschooling , Inspiration
When I made the choice to step away from the norm with my children’s education, I knew we would be viewed as different. We became modern-day pioneers. Anytime you chose a different path in life, we all become pioneers on the trail of the unknown. Will I succeed in my goal, will it change our […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration , Uncategorized
Is your home a pitstop? Is your calendar color coded with tiny writing to fit all your daily to-dos and places you need to go? Do your feet hit the ground running each day with a whirlwind to fit it all in? This type of lifestyle can work on adrenaline for awhile, but sooner or later […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration
I met the Mixon family two years ago at the FPEA homeschool convention. Kim showed up a little teary-eyed after my talk about creating a learning lifestyle in your home. She said they had to come and talk to me more because when I said my kids didn’t fit into a box, she felt like […]
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By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Florida , Great Outdoors , Recipes
Blueberries were not always my favorite fruit. As a little girl I refused to eat my grandmother’s blueberry pie, can you imagine? I did not like the way those berries tasted in my mouth. Although I did love going wild blueberry picking in the woods, it was the hunt I loved, not the blueberry. Each […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling
Homeschooling High School Cheryl Bastian joins me on the porch, well actually at the dining table today. We talk about homeschooling high school. On this chilly morning, we talk about how not to fear the high school years and start with what you know. Cheryl is a veteran mom who has been homeschooling high school over […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling
The Curriculum The thoughts on curriculum are strictly my own personal opinion and opinions gathered from experienced home educating mothers I have spoken to, who have come to this conclusion. The curriculum you choose will have nothing to do with how smart your kids are, their character qualities or the career they ultimately choose. The […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , Great Outdoors , Inspiration , Nature Study
One morning this week I was exhausted from motherhood by 9 am. First, the boys had pushed my buttons and ignored their chores. Then, I began yelling too much and a myriad of other things that made me run out the back door looking for fresh air!!! I asked God, “Why does this happen? I wake up with […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Nature Study
Become a Backyard Naturalist A naturalist is someone who studies living things in their habitat. Naturalists observes the same thing over time to see how it changes. Backyard naturalists appreciate nature, the life and behavior of plants, animals and other living things. You and your children can become naturalists by observing the changes in nature […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration
I began the adventure of homeschool with joy in my heart for what was to come. Preschool was so fun and being outside was a delight every day full of new discoveries. It was when Grayson began first grade that I felt the pressure of a schedule and all the subjects that were listed in […]
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