Thrift Schooling

  Gakken workbooks take teaching the ABCs to a whole new level!  The  Play Smart Alphabet Bundle , part of the Timberdoodle Preschool Curriculum Kit ,  has two books, one for 2+ and one for 3+. These can also be used for older children who need to review their letters—especially those needing to recover from the traditional summer slide. These workbooks are different than other ABC workbooks. They include a wide variety of engaging activities that get kids excited about learning or reviewing their letters.  It's funny.  Sometimes you think your kids know their letters but it may be that they only know their sounds. One of my struggling learners knows most of his sounds and letters and is a beginner reader. He can read most three letter words and is doing well by leaps and bounds. That said, when I pulled out these books and focused on each letter at a time, I was able to see a few gaps. He knew most of his letters but struggled with a few. I was shocked, bu...

  Homeschoolers! This is it—the movie we have been waiting for. For those of us determined not to wipe the Holocaust out of the history lessons in our homeschool, this new film helps us remember that though many were lost during this tragic event, many survived and went on to live full and rewarding lives. From the best-selling author of Wonder , the book that sparked a movement to “choose kind,” comes the inspirational next chapter.  In White Bird , we follow Julian (Bryce Gheisar), who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie Pullman. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage — during her youth in Nazi-occupied France, a boy shelters her from mortal danger.  They find first love in a stunning world of their own creation, while the boy’s mother (Gillian Anderson) risks everything to keep her safe. From director Marc Forster (Finding Neverland a...

As a parent, you want your children to do well, especially when it comes to their education. Of course, you will run into plenty of times when your kids need a bit of extra help. This is especially true with essay writing, which countless children can struggle with. Whether they are in a traditional school or homeschooled, you could absolutely help your kids write better essays. By doing so, it can have a direct impact on their learning, as well as how well they do in school. Figuring out how you can help them can be difficult, though. If you personally are not great at essays in the first place, then it could feel like it is impossible. It is far from it, though. Check out these seven steps that you could begin implementing into your educational routine as soon as today. Help Your Kids Write Better Essays: 7 Steps to Take 1. Help Them Organize Their Essay An essay usually requires arguing a certain point or outlining a particular event. There will be quite a few ideas and other factor...

  If you are easing your way into this new school year or waiting until after Labor Day to pull out the books then you need to read my previously published article:  Say Yes to Low-Stress Homeschool Planning . It will help you tremendously to stay the course this upcoming year! Stop by again next Monday for another  Thrift Schooling Monday Memory  where I share my published content on other websites created to encourage, equip, and edify homeschooling families.

What do you do with your little learners when their hands are itching for activities?  Sticker Hero , part of Timberdoodle's PreK Curriculum Kit , is what my youngest has been using now that we have started the new homeschooling year. With over 506 stickers to use within 35 activities, this book is a perfect to addition to any homeschool with younger learners.  Helping to build confidence, the Sticker Hero book provides creative play for can-do kids. They get so excited with the first few pages because of the simplicity and then they barely realize that they are increasing in difficulty as they work through the pages. After a few pages in, my son did ask a few questions as far as needing to understand the instructions, but overall, he was able to work on the book independently. This makes it the perfect book to have on hand while teaching the older ones. I am right there and available to answer questions if any come up, but, to be honest, they rarely do.   ...

As Gen Xers it was challenging for my husband and I to write up our will and determine what we want our future to look like for our kids. We felt old. That's something our parents do! Though ultimately in the Lord's hands, there are many things to consider when looking to the future. What about a financial advisor? Is that something you have thought about? Not just in terms of your will but your finances in general. It’s a tricky decision that could make or break your financial future. Every turn promises guidance, but watch out for the pitfalls! To make this journey smoother and ensure you’re on the same page with your financial guide, we’ve compiled some great questions you need to ask before signing any deals. Question 1: How do you define and measure success in client portfolios? First up, let’s talk about goals. What does “success” mean to your advisor? Is it all about outperforming the market, or is it more about making sure you’re hitting your personal financial targets ...

H ave you seen the trailer for the new powerful movie Average Joe? If you like films based on a true story, this is for you! In this film, h igh school football coach Joe Kennedy had no other choice but to fight. A childhood in foster care followed by twenty years in the Marine Corps was nothing compared to his biggest battle—his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight—no matter the cost. From the director and producers of God’s Not Dead and the producers of The Blind comes AVERAGE JOE, in theaters beginning October 11. Buy your tickets now !

  The school buses are going by—while my kids are still in bed. While I head out to let my chickens out into the coop and into the run I hear their noisy engines roll by—and I have no regrets. Though thankful for the opportunity to homeschool, it does not mean every single day goes smoothly. Challenges come and stresses go and so do the homeschooling methods that I've tried. Some work for a season and some do not. If you are interested in trying a new approach this year, as I do every so often, consider goal-based homeschooling. Check out my previously published article: Goal-Based Homeschooling   today! Stop by again next Monday for another  Thrift Schooling Monday Memory  where I share my published content on other websites created to encourage, equip, and edify homeschooling families. Tags

  Happy homeschooling, friends! When you start seeing what your learner knows and what he does not know when it comes to subtraction it can be daunting. Sure, little Johnny was able to ace his math facts up to 20 but when the higher numbers hit, what if there was a mental block? I have had some that can do math in their little heads with no effort and others were riding the struggle bus. What I noticed with those who struggled with basic subtraction facts was practice, practice, practice. Enjoy this free subtraction printable to help your homeschooled child thrive in their math. Math practice with owls? Yes, please! Right-click, save, and download!

  Entering week two in our school year, my elementary-aged kids are having a blast! Starting the year off with learning about the gold rush of 1849 was a wise choice—and a fun one. With little prep needed, I had all of the resources below on hand from previous years teaching my other kids—although they were never used together. Piecing them together has made the past week and a half go smoothly and has been tremendously enjoyable—the perfect start for a new year! By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman is an absolute winner. Where has this author been my whole life? Of course I know him from The Whipping Boy  but why did I not ever explore his other works until recently? Take his McBroom books for example. Have you READ McBroom and the Big Wind?  I mean actually read it. Out loud. To your kids. It is the BEST book to read aloud. It is hilarious and so much fun. Make sure you add the hillbilly accent. You have to. It makes the whole book. I read that recently to my kid...

   Dealing with attitudes in your homeschool? Are your children struggling to listen, obey, or desiring to serve the Lord? These can all be linked to the spiritual more so than the natural which means we need to fight accordingly—not with them but on our knees in prayer. The Lord can and will give wisdom to those who ask so we can cut to their hearts, teach them in the moment, and reach them right where they are. Read more in my previously published article:  We Wrestle Not Against Flesh or Blood Stop by again next Monday for another  Thrift Schooling Monday Memory  where I share my published content on other websites created to encourage, equip, and edify homeschooling families.

  IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America  is the first homeschool documentary I ever saw—and it was incredible. New to the homeschooling world at the time it was a wealth of information and encouragement. Not to mention, I saw it at a screening at a homeschool convention where the director was showing it during one of the sessions. I was floored. I bought the book so I could always have the facts mentioned in the movie on hand. It is an excellent homeschool documentary to share with those thinking about homeschooling or brand new to the concept. Schoolhouse Rocked  presents a well-rounded view of homeschooling. The interviews are spot on and the angle that the documentary takes is refreshing and informative.   Kirk Cameron Presents: The Homeschool Awakening  is a more recent film that takes a unique approach to the need for homeschooling post-pandemic. The need is there and the types of parents homeschooling their children...

  If your kids love dinosaurs as much as my kids do then they will love this adorable free dinosaur coloring book. Pick and choose the images they would enjoy or print out all of the pages and save for a rainy day!                                        (Right click on each image, save to computer, and print!)