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 !