Easily distractible kids often have trouble focusing on schoolwork. Try these tips to help your fidgety kids focus in your homeschool.

Do you struggle to get through read-aloud time with a child (or children) who can’t sit still? Have another one who can’t do math without chewing the eraser off the end of the pencil?

Don’t fret! It’s perfectly normal for kids to be fidgety from time to time. Some actually learn better if they’re allowed to fidget.

So, instead of fighting the fidget, find a way to redirect that energy so your fidgety kid can focus. Try these six ideas to help. [Read more…]

There are plenty of homeschool reading tips out there, but Sara offers one of the best in the following article: let your kids choose what they read. Freedom to choose increases engagement.

I recently had a conversation with a reading specialist who has encouraged excitement for reading in hundreds of kids. He relayed to me how frequently parents come to him complaining that their kids only want to read graphic novels. His response: “They’re reading, aren’t they?”

It’s so easy, especially as homeschoolers, to get all caught up in and obsess over what our kids are reading. We convince ourselves that if our child doesn’t fall in love with Tom Sawyer or Little Women, he’ll never be true lovers of books. This thinking simply isn’t correct.

Studies have shown that when parents and teachers give children the freedom to choose what they read, they are much more likely to read more often and for the pure pleasure of it.

I confess I used to be a literature snob. I read all the classics and vowed that my kids would read them, too. While we do read classic literature, I give my daughters the freedom to choose what they like to read based on their interests. Within reason, of course, but this has not been a problem so far.

My oldest daughter is 17 and has developed a taste for good books of all kinds, even if they aren’t the best according to Charlotte Mason twaddle standards. Sometimes a good story is just a good story and enjoyable to read. All three of my daughters like to read for fun, so I count that as a win. [Read more…]

When you’re schooling multiple ages, it can be a sanity-saver to find ways the whole family can learn together. Try these four that are great for all ages.

As homeschool parents, we’re often pulled in many directions all at once. Does this sound familiar?

“Mom, I need help with this math problem!”

“Will you read this book to me, Mom?”

“Mom, can we do this science experiment now?”

All of that from three different children of three different ages going in three different directions. I can’t count how many times I wished I could make a copy of myself so I could do everything at once!

Of course, we know that isn’t possible, so I decided to do the next best thing: come up with fun and educational activities we could all do together.

Even though my daughters currently range in age from 9-17, I’ve found that some of our best learning opportunities happen when we’re all spending meaningful time together.

The whole family can enjoy many educational opportunities together. Some obvious options are field trips (a.k.a. family vacations) and educational documentaries and movies. However, those are usually on the schedule only occasionally. Don’t miss the simple ways you can include family learning time for all ages every day in your homeschool. [Read more…]