By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Nature on its own is a powerful tool to learn. Nature is a classroom. Extended periods of outdoor time increases 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 different things feel outdoors? Use […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration
Favorite Mason Jar I picked some camellias from my neighbor’s yard. It is not technically stealing because they aren’t in town and she told me I could. They are just the most beautiful pink color and they make me smile. Anyway, I grabbed a blue mason jar off the top of the laundry room freezer to […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling , Inspiration
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 , homeschooling
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 together as […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration
My Parenting Truth I spend a lot of time worrying. Worrying that I do not spend enough time doing “school”, building character, or exposing EVERYTHING there is to learn about the world to my sons. I contemplate handing them over to the “system” so they will get what they need and I don’t have to […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , homeschooling , Inspiration
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. I knew he was headed for an adventure that he has longed for, but I wasn’t quite ready for him to go. […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling
I see a trend in homeschooling that is centered around the public school textbook model. Set hours, many subjects, school rooms and mothers who switch roles of teacher and mother each day. For many it is exhausting and the joy they expected from homeschooling disappears. When we began to homeschool I created a mini school […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , homeschooling , Inspiration
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 at age […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , 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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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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