By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Recipes
Our family loves smores all year long, in small doses. There is something magical about a fire in a fireplace or in your backyard that beckons the squishy marshmallow to be plunged into it. I classify smores as a life skill for several reasons. No matter where you live, you will have the opportunity at […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Nature Study
Having a natural curiosity to explore the world around us is what makes us human. Having the tools to explore makes it more interesting and easier to do. Create your own family nature kit. Fill it with items that will help you learn more about what interests you and your children. A Nature Kit can […]
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By Holly Giles | Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Nature Study
During the rainy season, we always find the most interesting mushrooms growing right in our backyard. Going on a mushroom hunt can be a fun project. Mushrooms belong to the kingdom classification, Fungi, which is separate from plants. Earning its Keep Fungi are an amazing part of the decomposition and recycling process in the earth. […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Inspiration
Reviving Florida’s Heritage Outdoor Sports It was the fall of 1978. At 4 am the bells began ringing on my grandfather’s wind up alarm clock. I had slept in my clothes so I would be ready for the fishing trip. It was so quiet and still in the darkness outside as we loaded the nets, […]
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By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Florida , Great Outdoors
Outdoor Adventures Living in Florida gives us a unique advantage to outdoor adventures all year long. City playgrounds to sportsman activities give families plenty of options to add adventure throughout all our homeschooling years. Toddler Years When my children were young, simple outdoor adventures were easy to find. Nature centers, museums, and many parks offer […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Outdoor Learning Spaces Nature on its own is a powerful tool for outdoor learning spaces. Nature is a classroom. Extended periods of outdoor time increase attention, yes, INCREASES attention in children. It aids in behavior, activates creative development and all senses are activated in nature. What do you see? What do you smell? How do […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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