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Homeschooling Today Winter 2024 logo
stepping into peace
Winter 2024
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CTCmath helps students
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Math Curriculum
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Encouragement for Your Soul with Ashley Wiggers
Finding Rhythm
Hello Homeschooling Today Family
As

you know from the last issue, this year has been a bit more challenging than usual for us. Not just us, but also our beloved columnist Durenda Wilson who is walking her way through a cancer diagnosis. In an introduction to her Mom to Mom column, I have provided a website where you can learn more about what’s going on and consider offering support if possible.

Homeschool rhythms are quite a bit different than the rhythms of the world around us. We tend to stay home when the rest of the world is getting out, and vice versa. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to create our own unique schedules based on what works best for our families, the season of life we’re in, and where we’re located.

For the past few years, we’ve followed a seasonal publishing schedule with the magazine. It just seemed like it made sense. We’ve been wanting to break away from it though, and with this year’s delayed Autumn Issue, that has in turn made the Winter Issue come out later than we wanted, we’re taking the opportunity to switch things up.

Train your children to honor God with heart, soul, and mind.
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Homeschool History Curriculum for All Ages 1-800-211-8793, notgrass.com
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Our greatest goal is to support and encourage homeschoolers. The sponsors you’ll find in these pages provide great resources, tools, and services to keep this community strong.
When it comes to homeschooling boldly, we believe:
  • Healthy relationships provide a strong foundation for all home learning.
  • Children were designed to learn from the day they are born.
  • Each child has a unique blend of learning preferences, talents, and passions.
  • There’s no one-size-fits-all education—including what they should learn and when they should learn it!
  • The more ways kids interact with concepts, the better they understand them.
  • Different seasons of life may require different approaches.
  • Education should be an adventure!
  • YOU are the best teacher for your children.

That’s why we bring you a variety of resources from trusted sponsors and recommended companies we choose to partner with. We hope you’ll check them out!

We want to give you plenty of options so you can decide what will fit your children’s—your family’s—particular needs best.
This Year At-A-Glance: stepping in
Homeschooling Today Spring 2024 cover
Stepping Into: FAITH
When you decided to homeschool, you stepped into faith—a faith in God to guide, enable, and strengthen you for the journey ahead. But stepping into faith isn’t a one time act. It’s a choice we make day-by-day and sometimes minute-by-minute.
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Stepping Into: FAMILY
Homeschooling is more than an academic endeavor. It’s a way to educate the whole child—heart, mind, and soul. Family relationships provide a secure and safe place to learn and grow, so we are dedicating this issue to family.
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Stepping Into: SIMPLICITY
Overwhelm often comes because we overcomplicate what it means to homeschool. Let’s embrace the beauty of simplicity and discover how simplifying can actually lead to a deeper and richer homeschool experience for both you and your children.
Homeschooling Today Winter 2024 cover
Stepping Into: PEACE
Faith. Family. Simplicity. Through the year we considered each of these ideas. But what is missing? We end this year by exploring what it means to step into peace. Peace for you, your children, and the atmosphere of your home.
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Ages: 13-21
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In This Issue: Winter '24
O

ur theme for these past four issues, stepping in, reminds me of our dog, Gus. But he doesn’t “step” into anything, he bounds in—whether it’s eating or playing or being stubborn.

I sometimes find myself wanting to live life like Gus, to be all in. Especially when it comes to peace. Peace sounds like something we should gently stroll into or maybe even quietly tip toe. But y’all, this world has been crazy. There’s so much tension and anger out there that I want to bound into peace. My soul needs it. The world around me needs it. Our kids NEED it.

In this issue you’ll read these statements about peace:
“I think it’s okay, to be okay with things, because God is in control of things… and that leads to peace.”

— Todd Wilson, The Family Man
“I think a big part of stepping into peace is making sure my heart posture is right. The only way to have the right heart posture is to embrace a lifestyle of deep gratitude.”

— Ashley Wiggers, Real-Life Homeschooling
“The natural learning home is a safe place. It’s filled with the love of the Father and love for one another. It can be a harbor of peace even during the storms of life. Step into it!”

— Kay Chance, The Natural Learning Home
“Stepping into homeschool peace is resting in the steadfast resolution to love, parent, and educate our kids, come what may.”

— Jennifer Cabrera, Hifalutin Hints
I invite you to dig into each of these articles, to find out the context of each of these quotes. At times it may surprise you!

You’ll also find a variety of both encouraging and practical help from our other columnists as well as several feature articles. Dr. Scott Turansky shares how to strengthen the working relationship between parents and children. And in Back to Basics, Stacy Farrell explains why rotating your pantry is important and she’ll teach you an easy system for how to do it. You’ll even discover a discipleship curriculum that left me wanting MORE. Michelle & Jaron Brownell will give you a fresh approach to dealing with your children’s attitudes (and maybe even your own)! I told you there’s a lot of variety in this issue!

In Cultivating Little Learners, Kathy Eggers will convince you that there is great power in process art (she definitely inspired me to do some when my favorite littles come over!). Cheryl Bastian answers a question about helping your high schooler take ownership of their organization, or lack of it. There’s so much more of course! I truly love every article and I think you will too.

We hope this issue will give you lots of practical ideas for your homeschool and that it will help you step into peace. And let me encourage you to go ahead and bound in
…just like Gus.
three snapshots of Gus one being a selfie with his owner and the others of him running around
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Co-Executive Editor
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Stories Are the Language of Our Hearts
Which stories will your children be speaking as they engage the world?
“[These] stories of men and women serving the Lord bravely and faithfully have shaped our hearts and will remain some of our most enduring family memories”
JOEL C. ROSENBERG,
multiple New York Times
bestselling author
Also available in audiobook and ebook formats
Jim Elliot audio books
“[These] stories of men and women serving the Lord bravely and faithfully have shaped our hearts and will remain some of our most enduring family memories”
JOEL C. ROSENBERG,
multiple New York Times
bestselling author
Also available in audiobook and ebook formats
Jim Elliot audio books
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Table of Contents
Columns
Columns
Columns
Slowing Down
Loving Others as Jesus Has Loved Us
Deep Gratitude
A Formula for Peace: Love, Safety, & Security
Life Skills Training
Unleash Creativity With the Power of Process Art
Animal Adventure
Living Science
Homeschool Peace? Pffsh…
Permafrost: The Frozen Wonderland
A Shared Journey of Discovery
How do I help my high schooler take ownership of organization?
Hands-On Learning
Stop Trying
Feature Articles
Character, Connection, or Curriculum?
From Eye Rolls to Deep Breaths
Why (& How) to Rotate Your Pantry
Sponsor Spotlight
The Journey

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Mom to Mom with Durenda Wilson typography
Standing with Durenda text
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Durenda Wilson headshot
Slowing Down
H

er big brown eyes welled up with tears. Our oldest child was six. She was learning to read, but we were at a point where she was frustrated and I had insisted that she keep going. I told myself when we decided to homeschool that if my young children indicated to me that they were feeling done with a lesson, I wouldn’t push. I wanted them to love learning, and I knew pushing would not end well because pressure snuffs out learning.

Nonetheless, here I was, acting out of fear and bringing our young daughter to tears. I never forgot that day, and as we added seven more children to our family, my resolve grew stronger to let this learning thing begin and continue naturally, following their cues. Often that meant they weren’t doing some things as quickly as I would have liked, but I knew that I needed to trust whatever natural course seemed a good fit for each of them. I found that when kids are ready, learning can often happen so quickly that it’s hard to keep up!

Our early homeschool days were relaxed and full of wonder. Of course, with eight kids, chaos erupted occasionally, but overall it was pretty peaceful. Much time was spent playing outside, turning over rocks, examining bugs, taking walks, noticing changes in nature, sledding, and biking, or inside, baking and reading books together, experiencing all the wonderful things that childhood should include. Children are so curious and ready to learn about the world around them. It can be very tempting as parents to always insist on a results-driven outcome.

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Faith Filled Family

with Steve Demme

Loving Others as Jesus Has Loved Us typography
A

nytime I can pause and reflect on the nature of Jesus, I am encouraged and challenged. Jesus was and is the most loving being who has ever set foot on the earth. He was a perfect Son and a perfect Savior. He is God in the flesh for all the world to see. He walked among the inhabitants of Israel for thirty years and lived intimately with twelve.

There is one sentence that He uttered in John 13 and 15 which has transformed my understanding of what it means to love my wife and children well. “Love one another: just as I have loved you.” It’s become my Magna Carta for how to love.

Loving others flows from our inner nature. It stems from the hidden man of the heart. If I want to love well, I must be transformed from within. One attribute or characteristic of Jesus that I want to focus on today is His humility. His meek and lowly heart.

On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus was teaching His disciples and uttered these amazing two sentences, which many of us have memorized.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
EnhancedListen: to the audio article
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Real-Life Homeschooling typography

with
Ashley Wiggers

Deep Gratitude
H

ave you ever had a day when you wake up and everything you look at or think about can only be viewed by what’s wrong or missing? Small things seem insurmountable. Your focus is on the lack. It makes the child’s bad attitude toward his brother seem so pervasive that it’s hard to remember a time when he has been kind to his sibling. The dirty floor and cluttered counter feel like giant flashing roadsigns signaling what you knew to be true all along: Life has spun out of control and just as you suspected, it’s because you’re not enough.

It’s almost as if your eyes themselves have been coated with a filter that twists everything you see. This coating, if left to itself, becomes your perspective. One that sees circumstances through the lens of hopelessness. I know that word seems overly dramatic here, but if you think about it, that really is at the root. Because if you had hope, you wouldn’t only be seeing what’s wrong and then combining it with that feeling of I don’t know how this will change. That’s hopelessness.

If praise and worship are the language of heaven, what might the language sound like that points the other way? It would have to be complaining, grumbling, no hope, no faith. Ugh. Just think about what these words and attitudes release into our midst.

Don't Miss The Homeschool Boldly Podcast
brought to you by Homeschooling Today
A short weekly message that will encourage your heart, make you laugh, and leave you emboldened for the week ahead.

Join the growing movement of parents who set aside comparisons, take control of their children’s education, choose courage over fear, and let God lead. Parents who homeschool boldly.

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New episodes each Monday @ 6am

Wherever you listen to podcasts or at:

Hosted by Ashley Wiggers, Kay Chance, and Connie Albers
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High school labs and explore camp
Expertly instructed hands-on labs for students
Hands-on summer day camps from a biblical worldview
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EnhancedListen: to the audio article
The Natural Learning Home typography; wooden home-shaped frame surrounded by illustrated leaves
by Kay Chance
A Formula for Peace
Love, Safety, & Security
T

he peace we’re going to talk about isn’t the absence of hard circumstances and never experiencing pain, conflict, or any other type of struggle. If peace were based on perfection it would never happen.

So what does it mean for us to step into peace when it comes to homeschooling?

It’s about creating an atmosphere that supports learning because it gives children a firm foundation to stand on no matter what.

The peace we want to step into as parents and as kids is a soul-settledness—a knowing that we are loved and secure and significant.
Plan Your Fall Edu-Cation to Folly Beach, SC
Folly Beach is a fantastic place to vacation, but it’s also full of educational activities that are fun for the whole family! An abundance of eco-education, history, science, and technology tours and activities are available on Folly Beach and within the immediate area. When the summer crowds leave, the fall and winter on Folly offer more access to the wonder and wildlife surrounding our quaint little island.
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A true American beach town filled with restaurants, shops, history, and adventure all served with a heaping helping of Southern hospitality. We’re just 9 miles from the cultural center of Downtown Charleston. VisitFolly.com
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Sponsor Spotlight
Featuring:
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The Journey
These are questions I’ve asked often over this last year:
  • How can we as Christians have so much knowledge about what the Bible says, yet still struggle so much to live it out?
  • Why do so many young people abandon their faith in their young adult years?
  • Why are so many people of all ages deconstructing their faith, and what does that even mean?
  • What am I personally missing in my walk?

I’m so thankful that when I ask questions, my Father lovingly provides answers in His timing, at least in part. He continues to do so even through working with this magazine. For example, I received access to a sample of RVL Discipleship: The Curriculum from Focus on the Family. It allowed me to preview two of the lessons—and once again, God reinforced what I believe He’s been teaching me over this past year.

EnhancedListen: to the audio article
Growing Relationships title
Through Parenting & Education
Life Skills Training: Equipping Your Child for Everyday Success
by Connie Albers
H

ave you ever found yourself wondering if your child will be ready to handle the real world when the time comes? As a mom of grown children, I can tell you—teaching life skills is one of the best investments you can make. Sure, academics are important, but what about the skills they’ll need to actually live day-to-day? Life skills—those practical, everyday abilities—are just as critical as any math problem or book report. And trust me, the effort you put in now will pay off when your adult kids are thriving in their own lives.

Let me give you a couple of examples from my own family. When my kids were younger, I thought saying, “You need to manage your time better,” was enough. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. So, I printed each of them a simple daily schedule and taped it to the refrigerator, expecting they would manage it themselves. They set their own alarms, tracked their activities, and learned how to balance their time. Sure, we had our fair share of missed alarms and “I forgot” moments, but watching them figure it out was pure gold. These days, I delight in knowing they can juggle work, family, and life without constant reminders from mom.

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Cultivating Little Learners typography

by

Kathy Eggers
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vector illustration of trees
“By embracing process art, you can transform your child’s view of art into a vibrant and engaging experience. It’s a powerful tool for fostering creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.”
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Unleash Creativity
With the Power of Process Art
P

rocess art, where the emphasis lies on the journey of creation rather than the final product, is a cornerstone of child development. It offers a unique opportunity to nurture children’s natural curiosity and foster a love for creative expression through hands-on exploration.

I vividly recall speaking at a conference on this topic. After the session, a father approached me and shared his own artistic history. As a child, he had a strong desire to become an artist and enjoyed spending time creating. However, once he entered school, a teacher harshly criticized his work. This profoundly impacted him, not only causing him to abandon his dream of becoming an artist, but also extinguishing his interest in art altogether. This heartbreaking experience highlights the importance of supporting children’s artistic explorations. As homeschool parents, we have the opportunity to nurture a love for art and discovery by understanding the significant benefits of process art.

But first, let’s differentiate between process art and product art. Process art involves providing children with various art materials and allowing them the freedom to explore and experiment with those materials as they see fit. It means that as parents, our only expectation of the art is that the child explores with the materials. What they create or how they create it is up to them.

young girl having her face cupped by a pair of hands
What Comes First
Character, Connection, Or Curriculum?
by Dr. Scott Turansky
As

 homeschooling parents, we’re all familiar with planning the curriculum, choosing the right books, and organizing lesson plans. But there’s one “class” often overlooked—the foundational relationship between us and our children. I’m convinced that this relationship is the most important factor in creating a thriving homeschool environment. My wife and I homeschooled our five children, and we view it as giving a huge gift to them.

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EnhancedAccess: the website links
10 Ways to Make it Fun

with Trish Corlew

Animal Adventure typography with a feather above
Animals have a way of capturing our children’s imagination. From the graceful leap of a white-tailed deer to the beautiful patterns of a butterfly’s wings, the animal kingdom is full of wonders just waiting to be explored.

But let’s be real—reading about animals in a textbook doesn’t always spark that same excitement. So, let’s turn learning about animals into a fun adventure!

1. Field Trips with Purpose
There’s nothing quite like seeing an animal up close and in its natural habitat! Head to the zoo, a local nature preserve, a local wildlife refuge, a nearby farm, or even just step outside and start observing. Encourage your children to take field notes, sketch what they see, and record behaviors like real wildlife biologists. Nature journals are a great way to help them slow down and notice the little details they might otherwise miss.
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various images of children reading books

with
Kay Chance

Living Science
“Living books,” a phrase coined by educator Charlotte Mason, refers to books that make learning come alive as they capture readers’ imaginations. Usually written by one author who has a passion for his or her subject, these books make subjects like history, science, and even math come alive. They can be fiction or nonfiction as long as they inspire and engage while still being informative.
headshot of Kay Chance
We often feature great historical fiction in this column, but today we want to share with you some of our favorite living science books. These types of books work great as a supplement to a science curriculum like Apologia’s The Young Explorer Science series or even to simply chase some rabbit trails when your students show interest in a particular topic.
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Brought to you by:
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for grades Preschool–3
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One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong
written by Don Brown
For readers interested in space exploration history, One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong by Don Brown is a children’s picture book that tells the inspiring story of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. With engaging illustrations and simple, clear text, Brown shows Armstrong’s determination through the challenges he faced on his journey. Kids will also learn a bit about the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union as the book highlights Armstrong’s role as a symbol of human achievement, too. This biography captures the excitement of space exploration and emphasizes Armstrong’s humility, often focusing on how his work was part of a larger team effort.
EnhancedTeaching Tool: to download
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by Michelle & Jaron Brownell
“Those eye rolls, dramatic sighs, & resistance aren’t always defiance. Sometimes they’re stress responses that hold valuable information if we know how to decode them.”
A woman in an orange sweater sitting indoors with her eyes closed, taking a deep breath. A small inset image of a young boy wearing a baseball cap backward and an orange backpack shows him looking uncertain or worried.
Text-based graphic with mixed typography reading, "FROM EYE ROLLS TO DEEP BREATHS: A FRESH APPROACH to Your Child’s Attitudes (AND YOUR OWN)."
Transform Everyday Power Struggles
into Calm & Connected Learning
E

ver notice how both your challenging attitudes and your children’s seem to feed off each other? In those moments when power struggles hijack your homeschool day, there’s actually something deeper happening. Something that, once you see it, changes everything about how you respond to each other. This is about creating the kind of relationship you’ve always hoped for—one where both you and your children feel understood, supported, and truly connected.

You know that moment. Your sweet child suddenly morphs into an eye-rolling drama machine, and there you are again trying to stay calm while your child’s attitude is pushing every button you have. Somehow, the more you try to keep it together, the more the attitude seems to escalate.

What if I told you that attitudes—both yours and your children’s—are actually revealing something completely different than most of us realize? Seeing these moments in a new way can transform your daily homeschool life, just like it transformed ours.

EnhancedAccess: the website links
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with
Stacy Farrell
with
Stacy
Farrell
Spaghetti
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A scattered pile of dark roasted coffee beans on a black background, with some beans appearing to spill outwards.
This year, we set out to give you practical help for creating a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle—a way to be a little less dependent on circumstances and a little more dependent on Him. As we wrap up this series, we hope these articles have encouraged you to embrace simple, intentional living. 
It’s time for us all to get back to basics—one last time.
overhead view of four jars
Why (& How) to Rotate Your Pantry & Reduce Food Waste
Is 

your pantry working as hard as it could be? If you’ve ever tossed out expired food or bought duplicates of items you already had, it might be time to rethink your pantry organization.

By learning to rotate your pantry efficiently, you can ensure that nothing goes to waste and everything is used at its peak freshness.

The good news is, with a little effort, you can turn your pantry into a well-oiled machine that works for you—not against you.

EnhancedListen: to the audio article

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Hifalutin Hints typography
Caricature of Jennifer Cabrera holding a coffee mug
with
Jennifer Cabrera
Caricature of Jennifer Cabrera holding a coffee mug
Homeschool Peace? Pffsh…
To Your Battle Stations! Never Surrender!
portrait image of a little boy wearing army fatigues giving a salute
Stepping into homeschool peace is a fantasy lovely goal.

Sighs. Sips coffee. Shoves an ungraded chemistry test aside; a smoldering battlefield we’ll meet on later.

C

ertainly, stepping into “poised and patient homeschool mom mode” each morning would be a good first step into homeschool peace. If only it were a simple fuzzy-slippered stride into the kitchen; well rested, prepped and planned. Where smiling faces await, united in eagerness to learn together.

Ha! If only…
In truth, the first steps are often straggling into a quiet, dark kitchen. Where a faithful old homeschool friend coffee maker stands ready with a warm cup of morning pep rally. And no matter how loudly I bang the pot back into its hangar, there’s no worry of startling anyone out of bed. A bugle call to tackle a tower of syrup-covered waffles wouldn’t rouse the troops most mornings.
EnhancedActivity: available to download
Backyard Science typography

with Michelle Moody

The Homeschooling Scientist logo
Permafrost:
The Frozen Wonderland
What is Permafrost?
front view of a white reindeer
P

ermafrost is ground that stays frozen all year long. It is found in areas where the temperatures stay cold enough to keep the ground frozen every year, all the time.

You might live in an area with very cold weather, and the ground is frozen from November through March (or thereabouts). Ground has to be frozen continuously for two years to be considered permafrost.

“Permafrost covers about 20% of the Earth’s land surface and even extends under the Arctic sea floor.”

Where in the World?

Permafrost covers about 20% of the Earth’s land surface.
Plus, permafrost is also under the Arctic sea floor.
Here are the different areas in the world where permafrost is found:

EnhancedListen: to the audio article
Raising Lifelong Learners title
with
Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
with
Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
Join Colleen in The Learners Lab
A community of parents with differently-wired kids—children and teens who are empathetic, sensitive, brilliant, intensely driven, ambitious, always moving, creative, and ready to take on the world. But they aren’t always easy. They need a different approach. In The Learner’s Lab, you’ll find both the resources and the support you need to help your children succeed and feel more connected as a family.
A Fresh Perspective on Homeschooling text
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The Homeschool Advantage book cover
Copyright © 2024 Colleen Kessler. All rights reserved.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
A Shared Journey of Discovery
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J

ames and his dad shared a passion for gardening, turning it into a cherished hobby. Their journey began with late-night YouTube sessions, where they’d watch garden shows, learning the ropes of gardening from online experts. As their interest grew, they decided to delve into the world of potato cultivation, sparking a year-long project. Surprisingly, they managed to turn this into a high school botany credit without following any specific curriculum. Instead, they faithfully watched 40-minute YouTube gardening shows, absorbing knowledge about plant identification, soil types, and climate variations across the United States. Living in Florida, they ventured to garden shops to gather supplies and experimented with seed planting, nurturing and propagating various plants.

This hobby soon transformed into a passion, offering James a unique approach to scientific learning. It took him outdoors, digging holes, setting up irrigation systems, and solving problems as they arose. His enthusiasm persisted, with him even drafting a list of vegetables to grow in the upcoming year. Beyond the garden, James assumed responsibility for yard maintenance, dealing with tasks like weeding and grass care. He began to contemplate the possibility of turning this skill into a side job. Their family also incorporated gardening into their travels, making it a point to visit botanical gardens nationwide. James’s deep interest and knowledge allowed him to identify plants and trees with ease, showcasing the depth of his passion.

High School Helpline title
with Cheryl A. Bastian
Old school fashion vintage style helpline phone with cord and twisted dial in coral color
Old school fashion vintage style helpline phone with cord and twisted dial in coral color
High School Helpline title
with Cheryl A. Bastian
We’re tackling some of the most common questions parents ask and sharing simple action steps to make it easy.
Question:
How do I help my high schooler take ownership of organization?
I

wanted to reorganize my kitchen. Before jumping in, I thought about what items I would be organizing. Would baskets, bins, or drawer organizers be helpful? Could I rehome items that were no longer needed? Did I need to make a list before heading to the store? Successfully reorganizing my kitchen required knowledge, but it also needed to come from personal motivation. Why am I wanting to reorganize my kitchen? The answers to all of these questions helped me move forward.

Step One: Observe
What is your high schooler currently organizing well and what is still needed to be organized?
This may be paperwork, tools, hair accessories, or art supplies. Identifying what is being organized well or being done correctly can provide insight for carryover to the next item or aspect needing attention. For example, one of my high schoolers continually asked for plastic bins to store items. When she purchased a new set of acrylic paints, I immediately asked if a bin would be helpful, and we drove to the local dollar store. Recognizing what is being done well is motivation to move forward.
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Bookshelf & Beyond typography
with
Curriculum Consultants

Gina Burmeier & Amber Garcia
Hands-On Learning
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closing curly bracket
Hands-on learning helps students develop coordination, concentration, and creativity. It allows learning to take place through real-life activities, as children use their imagination and engage their senses to create a fun and enjoyable exploration without even realizing how much they are learning.
Here are some excellent resources your kids will love!
Science Exploration
F

or kids that love science related activities, Dissect It! ® Lab kits [1] by Top Secret Toys offer a variety of dissection labs targeted for students in Grades 5–8. These labs provide future scientists with a fun learning experience with more choice and less mess compared to preserved specimens. Following the basic instructions, children cut through the gel-like skin to view the interlocking bones and organs. Once completed, each kit includes additional refill packs to recreate the experience. The kits also include safe instruments and interesting information about the animal and its bone structure and organs.

Bookshelf & Beyond typography
with Curriculum Consultants
Gina Burmeier & Amber Garcia
kids sitting on the floor and playing the game Hedbanz
Hands-On Learning
opening curly bracket
closing curly bracket
Hands-on learning helps students develop coordination, concentration, and creativity. It allows learning to take place through real-life activities, as children use their imagination and engage their senses to create a fun and enjoyable exploration without even realizing how much they are learning.
Here are some excellent resources your kids will love!
Science Exploration
F

or kids that love science related activities, Dissect It! ® Lab kits [1] by Top Secret Toys offer a variety of dissection labs targeted for students in Grades 5–8. These labs provide future scientists with a fun learning experience with more choice and less mess compared to preserved specimens. Following the basic instructions, children cut through the gel-like skin to view the interlocking bones and organs. Once completed, each kit includes additional refill packs to recreate the experience. The kits also include safe instruments and interesting information about the animal and its bone structure and organs.

Science Kits by National Geographic™ explore meteors, chemistry, or worms [2]. Mold together polymers to make two bouncing balls that glow like a real meteor in the meteor kit. Make solutions to see different reactions in the chemistry kit. The worm kit includes making worm eggs, bursting a giant worm egg, making glowing worms, color changing worms, and zombie worms. Adult supervision required.

Thames & Kosmos has two interesting science labs that are just plain fun! Make gummy candy with the Dino Gummy Candy Lab [3] or instant snow with the OOZE Labs Instant Snow Station [4]. All the supplies you need are included, minus a few household items to complete your experiments. A full color illustrated booklet shows you exactly what to do.

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Curriculum encouragement when you need it most!
When you start planning your next homeschool year, we are here to help! Our 2025 Curriculum Guide & Catalog will be available in May and ready for you to browse, highlight, and flag pages as you research. Join our consultant team on YouTube weekly and watch them compare and discuss new curriculum and other homeschool topics. Download our free Curriculum Comparison Charts and if you have more questions, the Rainbow consultants are happy to talk curriculum on chat or over the phone!
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Curriculum worksheets, comparison charts, and workshop handouts!
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Request or download our NEW Curriculum Catalog in May!
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Stop Trying
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L

ong ago, I was newly married, kidless, and a new pastor at a small country church in rural Indiana. I met a little, wrinkled, old farmer named Walter. He spoke slowly and with unsettling gaps between his thoughts. It was one of my first Sundays at the church, and I vividly remember our first conversation.

“How long have you gone to this church?” I asked, looking down into his face.

Long pause. I was about to repeat myself when he finally spoke, like he was coming out of a trance. “My wife and I are charter members.”

“Wow, that’s a long time,” I responded. “Is your wife here today?”

Pause. “No, she stayed home because she’s been sick,” he said flatly.

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Co-Executive Editors
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Ashley Wiggers
Kay Chance
Alex Wiggers
 
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www.homeschoolingtoday.com
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