Between the stress of puberty and the increasing difficulty of academic material, middle school homeschoolers can feel more than their share of pressure. During these grades, parents can do a lot to help their kids build an independent love for learning. And, while this may involve lots of time now in terms of training, it can be a

Don’t give up the ease of laid out lesson plans which a boxed homeschool curriculum provides because you have active boys. Here are four ways that a boxed curriculum turns out to be a very boy-friendly option. 1. Hands-On Activities There is no one size fits all solution for boys. However, one thing most young boys have

After deciding to homeschool, the next step is figuring out what type of homeschooler you want to be—an important part of choosing the right curriculum and teaching style. This secular homeschooling guide is here to help families who prefer to keep religious instruction separate from academics or avoid it altogether. Whether you’re looking for a

In search of an olive tree, we traveled through the Acropolis and made our way to the Erechtheion. “It’s in the same place Athena planted an olive tree when she and Poseidon were competing for Athens,” my son said excitedly. He’d learned the story—and many others he shared throughout our travels—thanks to Rick Riordan’s Greek

When I first started explored the possibility of homeschooling, I resisted. Hard. I thought of dozens of reasons why I couldn’t, why I shouldn’t. I insisted. I protested. And, as you can probably guess, I eventually accepted that homeschooling was the best option for my son.  One of my chief concerns was that I valued my relationship with

EPISODE 164 Homeschooling has challenges, finding support shouldn’t to be one of them. Support can help us when the homeschool day proves particularly tough. If you find yourself in an environment where you don’t have support, create your own!  Join Janna as she chats with Laura, a European homeschooling mother.  Listen in Laura discusses the

There’s no doubt that there are very defined preferences among homeschoolers about whether or not to use secular and faith-neutral curriculum. I’ve heard these very pointed questions when it comes to evaluating curriculum: We have chosen to homeschool for non-religious reasons, so the debate of whether or not to use a secular curriculum is not difficult

Among the many benefits of homeschooling, flexibility is one of the biggest. With no need to follow a traditional school calendar, families can homeschool on vacation, enjoying trips during the school year when prices are lower and destinations are less crowded. This makes it easier to combine learning with rest and relaxation year-round. Because of

Are you in a season of on-the-go-schooling? Are you out exploring the world more than you’re at home? I know I am! Museum visits, sports practices, dentist appointments, weekend trips, co-op classes, piano lessons and countless hours in the car blanket our week. This constant motion means that our homeschooling has to be flexible. Sometimes reading assignments are

The decision to homeschool your children is a big one. You take on not only the parenting duties you already have but also the responsibility of their education. I’ve never known anyone who has decided to homeschool on a whim. Most people weigh the benefits, the concerns, and all the factors they can think of