Yes, You CAN Homeschool High School

April 1, 2020 By Sara

It may seem intimidating but you CAN homeschool high school. Try Sara’s tips to help ease your anxiety and build your confidence to homeschool high school.

Written by Sara Jordan Panning of Heart and Soul Homeschooling

For most people, the first homeschooling year and the high school years are the most intimidating. We are the most nervous at the beginning of a journey and the end of it.

When we begin, we’re a bundle of nerves because we want to be sure we start strong. On the verge of high school, we realize that finishing strong is equally essential. Yet, we question our ability. We wonder how we can teach subjects without expertise in more advanced high school courses.

It’s somewhat easier to put the early years’ fears to rest because we know we can teach colors, numbers, and other basics.

When it comes to high school, reassurance doesn’t come quite so quickly. But consider this: you don’t have to be an expert in everything, you just have to be good at seeking out resources. There are plenty of resources online and offline to aid your high schooler’s success.

Even knowing that, we sometimes continue to have concerns because we have a vested interest in our children’s success. Here are five tips that can help calm your fears as you enter the high school years. [Read more…]

5 Ways to Make Learning About Money Fun

February 14, 2020 By Sara

Learning about money is an essential life skill, but it can be confusing and boring. Try Sara’s tips to make learning about money FUN!

Written by Sara Jordan Panning of Heart and Soul Homeschooling

Learning about money is an essential life skill to teach your children. But our monetary system can be a little boring – and confusing. Help your kids grasp the concept of money during your homeschool lessons by making the process engaging.

As you plan out your homeschool curriculum, consider these five ways to make learning about money fun.

Play Store

One fun way to teach your kids about money is to make the lesson a practical one. Set up a toy store with your kid’s favorite toys or create a play grocery store using food from your pantry. Place price tags on each item, give your kids a handful of change, and send them shopping. Help them add up their selections and ask them to pay the total using the money you gave them.

You can pick up some play money at your local dollar store or purchase realistic play money if you don’t want to use real money. [Read more…]

6 Simple Ways to Help Fidgety Kids Focus

November 8, 2019 By Sara

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

Written by Sara of Heart and Soul Homeschooling

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.

6 Simple Ways to Help Fidgety Kids Focus

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…]

5 Simple Ways to Add Just for Fun Reading to Your Family’s Daily Routine

September 24, 2019 By Sara

Homeschooling families tend to read a lot, but do you include enough just for fun reading in your homeschool day? Try Sara’s simple tips to make sure you do!

Written by Sara Jordan Panning of Heart and Soul Homeschooling

You’ve seen them in the library – the family pulling the wagon loaded with books. Maybe you were looking in the mirror when you saw them. Whatever the case, it’s pretty safe to assume that anytime you see a book-toting, wagon-pulling family in the library, they’re probably homeschoolers

5 Simple Ways to Add Just for Fun Reading to Your Family’s Daily Routine

We homeschoolers tend to do a lot of reading. Especially when you’re taking a literature-rich, living books approach to learning as we do in our family. But how often do we encourage our children to read just for fun as an enjoyable activity?

Do you encourage reading for the pure joy of getting lost in a good story? Or exploring delight-directed learning of their own choice?

5 Simple Ways to Add Just for Fun Reading to Your Family’s Daily Routine

We all know how essential reading is to our children’s development. But sometimes it can be challenging to incorporate into your family’s already busy schedule. You probably already read often with your homeschool curriculum. But, making just for fun reading a fun part of your family’s routine is a great way to reinforce its importance in your everyday life.

Add reading to your family’s daily routine with these simple tips. [Read more…]

6 Educational Trip Ideas Your Kids Will Love

July 9, 2019 By Sara

Take advantage of the ability to school on the go by planning educational vacations. Try these educational trip ideas your kids will love.

Written by Sara of Heart and Soul Homeschooling

The freedom to hop in the car and take lessons on the road is one of the many amazing benefits of homeschooling. Summer is in full swing, and many families are thinking about travel. So, learn as you travel with a field-trip-worthy summer vacation destination.

6 Educational Trip Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Consider these six educational trip ideas your kids will love.

Huntsville, AL

First, take your science lessons to the next level with a trip to Space Camp. Head to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Visitors get an up-close view of space shuttles while learning about NASA’s space achievements.

If space camp is too adventurous for your family, you can still enjoy the museum’s dozens of interactive exhibits. [Read more…]