Magazine Issues | Heart of the Matter

Common Sense Solutions: Apprentice Spellers

When children begin to write, they are apprentice spellers. They are beyond the scribbling stage and they know enough to use letters. They know some letter forms and sounds, probably at least the first sound of their own names....

Geography Products Round Up

This month, our review roundup features educational products useful in teaching Geography. Learning Resources U.S.A States & Capitals Bingo A great way to learn about the United States names, capitals and abbreviations. A...

Learning Styles

For as long as I live, I will never cease to be amazed at how so many different looking children can come from the same two parents. My husband and I have five children – five very distinctly different looking children....

Let’s Play in School

Home school doesn’t have to be work, work, work! It can be fun and games, too. Fun and games doesn’t necessarily mean not educational either. Toys can be learning! Wonderful, exciting, adventurous toys! But not if...

When Depression Hits

I am going to tackle a controversial topic here, my dear families. Depression, mental disorders… the idea that staying at home could cause damage and sadness. When I started homeschooling I had just come straight from...

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...