Thrift Schooling

  Everyone could do with a little extra spending money, especially if they have to run a household. Caring for little ones, sharing experiences, and making sure you have enough for all your utilities, it can feel like a never-ending treadmill but it is certainly one that keeps us motivated . As homeschoolers, it is 100% worth finding a few tricks that help improve your spending power over the years and prevent you from wasting cash. In this post, we’ll discuss some helpful habits and insights that can achieve that outcome: Trade-In Your Old Tech Most of us hang onto our tech far longer than we should—either out of nostalgia or because we just have not had a chance to deal with it yet. Here is a tip, do not let it sit there! Many retailers offer trade-in programs for older electronics, even if they are a little worse for wear. You might not get the same amount as when it was new, but a few extra dollars or a discount on a future purchase is better than nothing. Just make sure to r...

  Science this year for my younger kids consists of Apologia's Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics . I loved working through this course with my older ones and just had to do it again with the next batch of kids! The best part of working through this again is I can make it more my own. I can remember what worked, what did not, and what I can change.  One aspect of the curriculum includes making cookies for the Periodic Table of the Elements. Now, I am not against baked goods in the house and I know I could just pick and choose a few elements but the thought of baking cookies for the Periodic Table of the Elements just stressed me out .  Interestingly enough, the alternative idea I had did not—although putting together a 1000-piece puzzle would certainly stress out many homeschool moms out there! For our family, the puzzle idea was more doable—and welcome. Even dad and my graduated homeschooler got involved!  I personally am not a puzzle person but most of t...

  The results are in! I have found through extensive digging and investigation that the Write Bonnie Rose  curriculum has exactly what I need for my active, homeschooled elementary-aged boys this homeschool year! As a Gold sponsor of Thrift Schooling for the 2024–2025 school year, I have been thrilled to incorporate this curriculum into my regular homeschool routine. Right now, we are studying the American Civil War. The perfect resource to accompany our study is Write Bonnie Rose's  A Detective's Guide to American History: 1800–1900 . This guide is over 400 pages long ! It approaches history through the eyes of a detective making this perfect for eager, hands-on learners.  In our homeschool, we are currently learning about Harriet Tubman and sure enough, Write Bonnie Rose has the perfect materials for both of my younger boys. One is early elementary and the other is upper. The older is able to use A Detective Guide to American History: 1800–1900 and the younger ...

  Now that the 2024–2025 homeschool year is in full swing, I would like to introduce you to Thrift Schooling's Platinum Sponsor for the year— Notgrass History . While some states begin in August and others in September, for the most part, many of us have several weeks of the new year under our belt. I hope you are getting into your groove! Our groove right now is a tradition that spans many years, from when my teenagers were little. When they were little we ventured through the entire Little House on the Prairie book series reading every single book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's initial series, including Farmer Boy. What I was missing then was a quality unit study to go along with the books . We read the books, and attempted a few recipes but I did not have an affordable unit study to work through with them. The whole time we read the books (which takes a decent amount of time), I was wishing I had a study to help move things along. I am excited to share that now with my younger...

  From the world of Wonder , which sparked a movement to   “ choose kind, ”    comes the inspirational next chapter: White Bird . Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) and is transformed by the compassionate and heroic story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. From the director of Finding Neverland , White Bird reminds us to be brave and choose kind. White Bird will be releasing in theaters on October 4th so order your White Bird tickets today ! Additionally, the special roundtable discussion featuring Andy Erwin of Kingdom Story Company and top Christian influencers is now live, diving into the powerful themes of White Bird . Watch this interaction below:

  Guess what, friends? There is not a single homeschool mom on this planet that has it all together. I hate to burst your bubble. Now, if you have met this mom, let me know. I’d love to meet her! But, to date, I have yet to meet this mom. Even the ones that seem like they are all put together, once you really talk to them, you find out very quickly that they are human and they have struggles just like you and me. . . CONTINUE READING . 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.

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully . . . and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER  follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel.   I loved this as a book when I was a kid. I loved the TV special in the 80s. I even loved it as a play (took my kids to the play when super little!) and now it's a MOVIE. This is an event that you will not want to miss!