Make a Polygon Alphabet
The Polygon Alphabet is the perfect math activity for ages 8-12 — you will always know the definition of a polygon after making 26 of them! And it’s fun!
Three Self-Directed Family Learning Activities
My children were my greatest teachers.
Being aware that we are learning together all the time made it easier for me to create family activities that we could all share. The activities led to extended learning experiences – not just for the kids, but for everyone.
Conversations endured for weeks. Trips to the market resulted in new recipes. Nature walks inspired poetry and science. Museum visits sparked forgotten memories and made us yearn for travel.
Here are three activities that made a lasting difference for us on our homeschooling journey:.
Games That Teach Parts of Speech
Here are five ways to play your way to teaching and learning parts of speech. These are also excellent warm-up games for writing. Games can inspire!
Learn how to rhyme with Silent Crambo, how to make Mad Libs, how to write stories from a Fantastic Binomial, and more! As a bonus, each game teaches parts of speech: verbs, nouns, adjectives, and more. Possibilities are limitless!
What to Say to the Naysayers
What do you say when people question you, judge you, and don’t believe you? What do you say to the naysayers? As a homeschooler and alternative educator, I have encountered many false judgments and one-sided questions. Here are some of my responses.
Eight Changes We Made After Homeschooling
Every time I see a post about teachers no longer assigning homework, it brings me back to a time when boring, senseless homework ruled our world! School was the elephant in the room that we all catered to. Our lives changed radically when we homeschooled.
Here are the biggest changes that I remember making when we first started homeschooling.
Traumatized By School
How many of us are walking around scarred by our school experiences?
In an article entitled Seven Sins of Our System of Forced Education, Peter Gray referred to school as prison. He's not the only one to make this comparison, having heard school referred to this way by students themselves! In his article, Dr. Gray explains that the school system is guilty of seven sins, including: the denial of liberty, the fostering of shame and hubris, interference with self-direction, linking learning with fear, and more.
Ten Steps to Successful Homeschooling
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially at first. When I started homeschooling, I didn't know the first step to take. I didn't know what the law was, how to do the required paperwork, how to choose (or create!) a curriculum, or how to find sports and group activities for my son. It took me a month to find NYCHEA because it wasn't listed under the word homeschooling. And then, slowly, with the help of a wonderful support group, I found my way.
Over the past two decades I have sorted through the advice of teachers, parents and friends, and now, through the miracle of hindsight, I feel that I know just what the right steps are to take. I hope that this list will help others who are just starting down this path.
If you have any questions on homeschooling, just ask!