Because I am not gifted artistically, I am always on the lookout for quality art instruction for my children. Two of my teens in particular are interested in art, and I am amazed at what they have accomplished with DVD instruction in pencil drawing, painting, and colored pencil art. My…
Over the past four years of homeschooling high school, we have tried two different geography courses. Neither was particularly enjoyable, and I definitely wasn’t interested in repeating either of them with another student. As Kaylee approached tenth grade, I began to look for a more suitable geography course. When Bright…
Who Was William Penn? William Penn was a Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania as a place for religious freedom in America. Early Life William Penn was born in London, England, on October 14, 1644. He was the son of a land-owner and admiral, Sir William Penn. Penn entered…
As my children reach the upper grades, I find myself continually challenged to keep up with their high school courses. Algebra, geometry, physical science, chemistry–I’ve coached my teens through all of them. But even though I enjoy helping my kids with high school subjects, sometimes they just need more skillful…
Time. It’s the single biggest challenge I face as a homeschool mom. I am a stickler for covering the core subjects every day and being sure that we meet our state’s requirements each year. But no matter how much I try, it’s just plain hard to find time to fit…
One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is freedom from the one-size-fits-all educational mold of public (or even private) schools. Not surprisingly, many homeschoolers tend to avoid using textbooks and workbooks. Instead they choose other methods of learning: unit studies, hands-on projects, literature-based learning, or even unschooling. The choice to…
I have surprisingly vivid memories of my high school typing class. Electronic typewriters were the new thing then, although I lugged in an ancient electric monstrosity that hummed and clicked in the quietness of the classroom. Mrs. Johnston was an old-school typing teacher–the best of the best–who enforced a strict…
I have to say I’m sorry to have reached the final unit of All American History. I’ve enjoyed discussing our country’s history with Kaylee as she worked through the text and read extensively about various U. S. events. Every bit of my effort was repaid when Kaylee told me that…
Who Was Stephen Foster? Stephen Foster was a songwriter known for his parlor and minstrel music. He is remembered as the “father of American music.” Early Life Stephen Collins Foster was born on July 4, 1826, in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, just east of Pittsburgh. He was the ninth of ten children…