Heart of the Matter Online

I am a Planner!

This year I took the plunged and “officially” started homeschooling my preschooler and my kindergartener. I planned to start in August but then we ended up having to move at the beginning of the month so that didn’t work...

Ten Homeschooling Helps I Couldn’t Go Without

I always think of January as the school year’s second “back to school.” Having two or three weeks off for Christmas break creates time for me to reflect on what’s working in our schoolroom and routine...

New Year Goal Planning

Nothing seems to get me more in the mood for getting organized and clean than the New year! I am always eager to take the Christmas tree down, get fresh toys that had been ripped open from Christmas morning, a new home, and all...

15 {Free} Online Science Resources

With the increasing amount of free resources found online, the ability to homeschool has become more affordable for many. Below is a list of 15 websites featuring free science resources. The list includes games, printables,...

Pick and Draw

Part art lesson and part card game, Pick and Draw can teach basic cartooning techniques to kids of all ages using a quick step-by-step approach that is fun and very easy to understand. Getting started with Pick and Draw is very...

Is it Useful and Beautiful?

Over our Christmas break, I began a mass war-on-clutter/organize-my-life project. I’m not one to make “new year’s” resolutions, but it seems like the holidays are a time of year I end up pondering what...

Receiving Graciously

As the year begins, my inbox is still glutted with “Happy New Year” messages. “It’s not too late to make your 2011 tax-deductible donation to …” “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I’ve been raised...

15 RIGHT Reasons to Homeschool

I’ve heard a few people say recently that they “don’t want to homeschool for the wrong reasons.” I have trouble fully grasping that statement. I mean really, what would be the wrong reasons to homeschool? ...

Homeschooling with Toddlers

The key to successful homeschooling with toddlers is preparedness. Knowing this now, as I do, all the year round I keep an eye out at garage sales, thrift stores, and craft blogs for activities, inexpensive ones, that will keep...

Homemade Snowflake Activity

Looking for a fun winter activity you can do with your family? Look no further! Today I’ll be teaching you how to make homemade snowflakes! Snowflakes are simply a form of crystalline water ice. They begin as snow crystals and...