Category Archives for "homeschooling"

Homeschooling High School Series Podcast

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 […]

The Curriculum Myth and Lifestyle Homeschooling

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 […]

How Checking Boxes Stole the Joy of Our Homeschool

By Holly Giles | homeschooling , Inspiration

Joy in the beginning I began the adventure of homeschool with joy in my heart for what was to come. Preschool was such 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 […]

Learning Can Happen When We Get Out of the Way

By Holly Giles | Florida , homeschooling , Mama's Musings

Our school year is coming to a close for evaluations this summer. Technically we school year round because of our schedule, but it is nice to feel like you are closing the door on a subject or math book, take a break and regroup. Grayson and Grant don’t know where South Dakota is. This is […]

Nature Morning Time

By Holly Giles | Florida , homeschooling , Nature Study

Morning time seems to be a buzz word lately. We have been doing a form of it for thirteen years in our home I call table time. Anyway, you name it, it is a wonderful way for the family to be together at a specific time of day to read, write or learn about topics […]

What Backing a Trailer Taught Me About Learning Styles

By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , homeschooling , Mama's Musings

Backing a trailer is not part of my skill set. My husband, Curtis seems to think that it is time for me to learn since we travel with one each summer. Our trips to conventions are more frequent and so are the odds something will happen on the road and he will need my help. […]

Make Ribbon Books with Little House on the Prairie

By Holly Giles | handicrafts , homeschooling

Ribbon books are an adorable handicraft for children of all ages. Reading the literature series, Little House on the Prairie is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill. Reading aloud to my children is the best part of my day and this series tops our list of favorites. We spent a year reading the series […]

A Boy and His Backyard Camper, Lifestyle Learning

By Holly Giles | Boy Crafting , Florida , handicrafts , homeschooling

Have you ever wanted to build a backyard camper? I have never had the thought myself, which is why I discouraged the idea with my youngest son Grant. He has had a fascination with campers and trailers since he was very young. Always pointing them out on a car ride and dreaming of having his […]

Handicrafts: Wooden Pencil Holder

By Holly Giles | handicrafts , homeschooling

Handicrafts are an abundant portion of our learning at home. The wooden pencil holder provides skills with measurement, drills and a saw. Boys and girls alike will feel accomplished when tools of carpentry can be learned. It can open up a whole new world of imagination for them. Smaller sized drills are available that work […]

The Best Homeschool Day

By Holly Giles | homeschooling

It seems that the best homeschool day is sought after by many. New homeschool moms are on the quest to find it. Moms who are a few years in circle the wagons with newer, better curriculum to see if that will help them discover it. However, I discovered the best homeschool day quite by accident.