By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors
The Tradition Quail hunting was a staple in my grandparent’s generation in providing food for the family. I never experienced a hunt myself, but I remember having quail for dinner. My grandfather cleaned and dressed them out behind the barn and my grandmother would coat them in flour and fry them up in her cast […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Lifestyle Learning Many families view home education as a lifestyle. Learning is not bound by a specific schedule, routine or curriculum. Families who embrace a learning lifestyle weave education into their daily life. Generally, they do not compartmentalize learning into subjects or grade levels. In the philosophy of education, learning is the product of living […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , homeschooling , Inspiration
His Passion This week I put Grayson, 15, on a plane to New Mexico. I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as he waved goodbye and boarded the plane to live out his passion. I knew he was headed for an adventure that he has longed for, but I […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Florida , homeschooling
Young Entrepreneur What makes an entrepreneur successful? Some people might luck out on their success and be at the right place at the right time. Another entrepreneur may be born with the drive to succeed. Then, others might be raised in an environment that creates that mindset. Grayson, my oldest son started a lawn business […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Nature Study
First Aid First aid kits and contents can vary with your activities, but having basic supplies on hand is key. An at-home first aid kit is a must and keeping a smaller kit for the car or taking on hikes or walks is a good idea. Beth Goodale joins me as we talk about what […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Introduction: Delia is a pediatric Occupational Therapist. Her specialty is pediatrics and play-based therapy. I met her several years ago at a homeschool event. She is a popular workshop speaker in our area for the wonderful insight on helping children get the most out of body movements and learning. Delia is a homeschool mother herself […]
Continue reading
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 […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Florida , Recipes , Simple Living
The Blueberry 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 […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , Great Outdoors , 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 […]
Continue reading
By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Nature Study
Become a Backyard Naturalist A naturalist is someone who studies living things in their habitat. Naturalists observe 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 […]
Continue reading