July 09 Edition | Heart of the Matter

Transforming Your Homeschool Environment

Charlotte M. Mason once wrote: It is our business to…spend a part of our lives in increasing our knowledge of nature and art, of literature and man, of the past and present. This is one way in which we become greater persons,...

Skipping Stones

If I were to say the words “summer” and “childhood”, what would come to mind? Maybe fishing, or playing by a lazy river, or swimming at a beach. Maybe exploring some old woods, or playing in a barn, or jumping on a bike...

The Best Summer Camp Around

I grew up going to summer camp every year- a three-week camp at that. I looked eagerly forward each year to my time there, for it was at camp where I learned to water ski, map the night sky, and climb Yosemite’s Half...

Taking a Ride on the Highway to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN

Let’s be honest, life is a highway and for many of us our lives have become “superhighways,” with endless to do lists and commitments. Perhaps this summer we can use the break or lull in schooling to truly stop, look and...

Co-op Community Building

I have been a part of four different co-ops in three different states. Each time, I went looking for a community of fellow homeschoolers who could offer support and encouragement. I wanted to find friends for my kids to grow up...

Summer School

No, I’m not talking about schooling year-round. I realize that some families find schooling year-round to be a viable option for many reasons, but my purpose here is not to discuss the merits of either a traditional school...

Back to School Ideas

Going back to school elicits different feelings for different people. Some are excited with the promise of new adventures. Others are happy to continue with the lazy days of summer. But what’s true for everyone is that...

Fun with Photography Featuring Lightroom 2: Salvaging Underexposed Photos

[Refer to this post for information about Adobe Lightroom 2 software and to apply for the academic discount you qualify for as a homeschooler.] I have a really bad habit of not checking the settings when I start shooting, which...

Homeschooling at Disney

When the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, Walt Disney World became the culmination of its namesake’s dream – a place where families could play together, learn together and embrace the future. If your family is going to Walt...

Common Sense Solutions: The Best Back to School Breakfast

Notebooks in hand, in we would troupe. Like little executives, my children looked purposeful. Yes, we were all excited about pancakes and the giddiness of being in a restaurant on a weekday morning, but there was more to our mood...