Homeschool Methods | Heart of the Matter

An Unplanned Delight-Directed Homeschool Day

This is a sample of typical homeschool day for us. Our study took on a life of its own going in several unplanned directions (lessons running amuck is norm for us). I teach using a combination of several different teaching...

What a Day, What a Day!

People often ask me what it’s like to home school a first grader (Cameron, age 7) with two other small children (Zack, 4 and Eliana, 2) at home. After this little ditty, they might be sorry they asked. But here’s A...

Homeschooling Perk #8

Well, here we are in January, and for many of us this month can sometimes represent the January Humdrums. Where did our motivation go? Where is our excitement? The bustle of Christmas is over and the January bills are coming in....

Why Should Your Family Join a Homeschool Co-op?

I remember questioning whether or not our family should join a local Homeschool Co-op. I just didn’t know if I could justify the cost and hassle of participating. What I found out was that I couldn’t afford not to....

Learning Environment: Ten Tips That Helped Our Homeschool

In my home the difference between successful mathematics learning and distracted fidgeting is appropriate lighting and an IPOD playing Third Day or Reliant K. When asked to write an essay, this same child requires absolute...

Charlotte Mason in a Nutshell

Charlotte Mason was a big thinker who had a very high view of children. So let me start out by saying that I don’t believe anyone could ever fit Charlotte Mason’s ideas, methods and philosophies into an actual nutshell (I...

Homeschooling Jesus-Style

“Dear Jesus, help me learn in homeschool today, and help me not be lazy.” This is my daughter’s prayer at the onset of our school day as she prepares to focus her not-quite-five year old brain on the tasks at hand. She...

Family Traditions

Looking back at my childhood, some of my fondest memories are of our family traditions. Although meager by-far, they’ve made a lasting impression on my heart and soul. Family traditions don’t have to be elaborate at...

The Perfect Gift for your Distracted Learner

This month I’m going to give you two tips for the price one. Pretty cool, for sure. With the Christmas season upon us, and the school year well underway, you’re likely wondering about two things. One: What do I get my...

How to Encourage the Gift in Your Child This Christmas

We all love to give our children that one gift that makes them squeal with delight. As you are contemplating your children’s gift list this year, why not consider buying them something that encourages their own unique interests...