By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration
My Parenting Fear 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
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 […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , homeschooling , Mama's Musings
Crafting and sewing was a big hobby of mine. Finding old things at yard sales and turning them into something new was my favorite pastime hobby. I really enjoyed. Then, at the beginning of the little years, I just wanted to know everything there was about nurturing my boys. I read every book and took […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling
Textbook Model 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 […]
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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 […]
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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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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 , Simple Living
Pioneer 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 […]
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By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Motherhood , 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 pitstop each day? 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 a while, but […]
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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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