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Hands-On Math: Binary Finger Counting
My son has always loved math. Even when he was very little, he enjoyed reciting math facts aloud. He’s always been fascinated by random tidbits and interesting facts related to mathematics. He was pretty young when he first learned a method for counting to 1,023 on his fingers using the binary number system. Now, I don’t quite understand it all. (That’s why I had Joshua record the video below) I’m quite comfortable with our Base-Ten system, thank you very much. But if you can stretch your mind for a minute, imagine that the place values you know as “ones,” “tens,” and “hundreds” (multiples of tens) are actually multiples of 2!…
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100 of the Best Poems to Memorize in Morning Time
So you want to start memorizing poetry in Morning Time. You know you should start with something that delights you as the Mama. But there are millions of possibilities! Where to begin? Start here with my list of 100 of the best poems to memorize in Morning Time! I even have a checklist you can print out and keep in your homeschool planner. Imagine how much fun it will be to look back and see how many beautiful words and delightful ideas you and your children now know by heart! Be sure to check out the Year of Memory Work, where I have recorded video recitations of several of these…
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Shine Thou Upon Us, Lord: a prayer and hymn for moms
Recently at church we sang the lovely hymn “Shine Thou Upon Us, Lord” by John Ellerton. If you are looking for an aid to prayer or devotion, may I commend this hymn to your study? Although not originally written as such, I feel like it could be appropriately titled “The Mother’s Prayer.” “Shine Thou Upon Us, Lord”by John Ellerton Shine thou upon us, Lord,True Light of men, today,And through the written WordThy very self display,That so from hearts which burnwith gazing on thy faceThy little ones may learnthe wonders of thy grace. Breathe thou upon us, Lord,Thy Spirit’s living flame,That so with one accordOur lips may tell thy Name.Give thou the hearing ear,Fix thou the wand’ring thought,that those we teach may hearthe great things thou hast wrought. Speak thou for us, O…
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Memory Work From a Real Mom’s Perspective
Friends, I was so humbled and excited to be interviewed by my friend Pam Barnhill on her inimitable podcast, The Homeschool Solutions Show. We were able to talk all things memory work from a Real Mom with an Ordinary Life perspective. Not only did we discuss the big-picture ideas behind memory work, but we also got down into the nitty-gritty practical details. You can listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for The Homeschool Solutions Show, episode 179. Be sure to check out all my other memory work resources: The Year of Memory Work Free Printable Poetry Memory Pages 12 Poems Everyone Should Know Middles Ages Memory…
- Education, Faith, Humility and Doxology, Life Lessons, Morning Time and Memory Work, Motherhood and Parenting
Homeschool is Not a Vending Machine: why I don’t use curriculum, books, and memory work to grow my children’s virtue
“My daughter is really struggling with lying; can you recommend good fiction books I can have her read to fix that?” “My son struggles with self-control; do you know a good unit study that could help?” “This read-aloud/poem/memory work/curriculum is really great at forming virtue in your children.” These are the types of comments and questions I see frequently in the homeschool world. And while I understand that most parents ask these questions or make these comments out of a genuine, godly desire to disciple their children more faithfully, something about this approach to the topic of “virtue formation” or “character development” always makes me cringe. In fact, I would…
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Cottage Press Poetry Readers Review: gentle, delightful poetry study in the Charlotte Mason and classical tradition
Are you looking for a simple, open-and-go approach to poetry study in your homeschool? The Poetry Readers from Cottage Press may provide just what you are looking for! Whether you consider yourself a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, a classical educator, or simply a lover of words and beauty, the gentle poetry study you will enjoy using these Poetry Readers in your home is sure to be a delight for all ages. {This post contains affiliate links. I received complimentary copies of Poetry Readers Vol. 1-3. The review that follows contains my honest opinion. Please see disclaimer.} What are the Cottage Press Poetry Readers? The Cottage Press Poetry Readers are designed to provide…
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Can You Haiku? Learn and explore the poetry of haiku with children of all ages!
Haiku, a traditional Japanese poetry form, makes a worthwhile addition to your homeschool plans with children of all ages. It flows seamlessly into your literature, writing, history, or nature study plans. It’s also a delightful activity to add to your studies of Japanese history and culture. Have a reluctant writer? Haiku’s inherent brevity is one of the least intimidating forms of poetry to attempt! Want to develop observation skills or the ability to communicate emotions? Try haiku! Enjoy playing with words and looking for new ideas? Haiku is a fun option! Want to explore the famous writers of Asian culture over the past few hundred years? Haiku is a great…
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The Great Book List Roundup: Books and Websites to Inspire Your Next Reading Adventure
Ah, books. We love the way they smell, the way they feel, the way they extravagantly fill our bookshelves. For the individual book lover or the reading family, the only thing we love as much as a good book is a good book about books! And a book filled with lists of other books? *swoon* Why reinvent the wheel? Here are a few trusted book list resources to get your library card whirring. But before the book lists, a caveat You know there is no perfect book list, right? Every family is unique. Each child has their own strengths and weaknesses. Some book lists will include books we may choose…
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Nonfiction Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens
The graphic novel format isn’t limited to fiction. Nonfiction works in the graphic novel style can be a delightful read for kids, teens, and adults. Here are some of the nonfiction graphic novels my children have enjoyed. What? Why? (and do I have to? {spoiler alert: no}) The graphic novel combines words and images. Similar to a comic, you won’t be able to fully grasp the meaning and intent of the text without simultaneously reading the words and observing the pictures. Graphic novels can be helpful for reluctant readers who may be drawn in by the illustrations. Readers of all levels will benefit from the sequencing skills graphic novels encourage,…
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My Favorite, Must-Have, Outside-the-Box Homeschool Supplies
Homeschooling can be hard. The education thing? Sure. We’ve got that (Kinda. Sorta. Ahem). But people still need to eat. And those practical day-to-day realities? They can drive us bananas! Don’t worry: these outside-the-box (and outside-the-books) homeschool supplies can help. Of course, it’s completely true that the only homeschool tool you absolutely need is a library card (or your own overstocked bookshelves), but most of us have lives that are a bit more complicated. These are a few of my favorite things… tools that have made my homeschool life so much simpler: Printer Ink Delivered to My Door Has this ever happened to you? You try to print out a…
