Homeschool

7 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month

January 24, 2019 Katie Leave a Comment

February isn’t just the month of Valentine’s Day cards and candy, it is also Black History Month. This is a wonderful time to explore Black History with your kids so they can better understand the men and women of color who made this country so great. If you aren’t sure where to begin, take a look below. These simple suggestions can help children better grasp how important this month is.

7 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month

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1. Head to YouTube to listen to Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech.
There is no better time than now to listen to this famous speech and really pay attention to the words and message. Listen to this “I Have a Dream” speech with your children and talk about any questions they might have after listening to it.

2. Visit the library to check out biographies of well known African Americans.
You will find so many kid-friendly biographies about Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, and many other well known African Americans in history. Now is the time to head to the library and check out a stack so you can read up on them and discover new facts. Below is a list of some of our favorites to pick up and learn from during Black History Month.

3. Visit your local history museum to check out any exhibits showcasing notable African Americans.
With Black History Month being in full swing, your local museum may have exhibits of interest. If not, see if you can find virtual exhibits online to enjoy. This is a great way to get up close and personal with history. We love living in Battle Creek, Michigan. It is the final home and resting place of Sojourner Truth. There is so much here to learn!

4. Enjoy the children’s book, “D is for Drinking Gourd”
This children’s book takes the reader through the alphabet teaching them a fact with each letter. It is a great way for kids to learn more about African American history in a way that is kid-friendly and invites lots of conversation when the book is done. “D is for Drinking Gourd” is an excellent kids book!

5. Find streets or schools in your city named after African Americans.
Take a look at schools, buildings, and streets in your city and see if any of them are named after well known African Americans. If so go on a tour of these spots and see if you can find out more about the men and women they are named after.

6. Find items you use each day that were invented by African Americans.
Did you know the traffic light was invented by an African American man? There are many items we use and count on each day that were invented by African Americans. Take the time to learn more about these items and the people who invented them.

7. Write a letter to an African American you admire (mayor, musician, actor, etc.) telling them why.
Think about a well-known person you admire. Take the time to write them a letter thanking them for their contributions and courage to face adversity. Let them know that they matter to you and that you don’t want their story to be ignored.

As you can see, there are fun, easy, and even frugal ways to explore Black History Month with kids. Give some of these suggestions a try and see how they can help you embrace this month fully!

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7 Disney World Tips for Teaching Math on Vacation

January 15, 2019 Katie Leave a Comment

We know that Disney is fun, magical, and a great way to make memories, but did you know that Disney is also the perfect place to tie in those math concepts you have been working on with the kids? These Disney World Tips for Teaching Math on Vacation are all about learning while enjoying your time in this popular travel destination! Check them out and plan to keep the education going during your next trip!

$Don't miss these 7 Disney World Tips for Teaching Math on Vacation! Homeschool at Walt Disney World with these simple tips that kids will love! Disney vacation planning is easier than ever when you can continue homeschooling on vacation.$

7 Disney World Tips for Teaching Math on Vacation

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

Disney is a treasure trove of lessons to be learned, and below are some excellent ways to incorporate them. Math is one lesson that is used every day in little ways that kids may not realize. These tips below are ideal for keeping them learning while they have fun at one of their favorite vacation destinations.

Let children count out money at gift shops

When kids are ready to pay for their gift shop purchase, let them try counting out their own money. This way they can practice counting coins, adding bills, estimating purchase cost, and even estimate the change received. You can even include things like helping older kids learn about multiplying percentages so they can figure out the sales tax on purchases to know how much they should have on hand to pay for an item.

If your little ones are too young to count out money yet, don’t worry – there are many math activities for preschoolers that are natural and can help them learn along the way. They can still enjoy handing over the money or even putting it back in their wallet as a fun part of the trip.

Track your steps

Use an app or wear a device to track how many steps you take. Before the day begins, make estimations about how many steps you will take. Record everyone’s answers. At the end of the trip, right down the final numbers. How close were you to your estimate?

If you don’t have one, I love the Letsfit Fitness Tracker for things like this. It is inexpensive, works well, and is ideal for travel. That way you won’t worry if it gets lost, because you haven’t spent a lot of money.

Estimate the height of the castle

Cinderella’s castle is one of the biggest attractions on the property. Have kids take guesses at how tall they think the castle is. You can ask a park member for an answer and they should be able to tell you!

This is an awesome way to teach about ratios, measurements, and many other common parts of math that are used in everyday settings. Show the kids how they will need to use math in everyday life down the road!

Get out those watches

When a ride gives you an estimated wait time, have children consult their watches and see what the approx. ride time will be. This is a great way to practice counting minutes and hours so kids can help plan the day accordingly.

I love these kids inexpensive waterproof watches for trips like this. They are great for everyone to wear and keep track of time for rides, as well as meeting back up if your children are old enough to go on rides by themselves.

Break into budgeting

My favorite Disney trip tips involved getting kids involved in the budget and planning process. We have tons of tips for how to afford Disneyland, and those tips apply to Walt Disney World as well. You can easily sit down with a travel budget, and have your kids do research on meal plans, food cost, hotel rates, or even flight rates.

Another idea is to give your kids a certain amount of money to spend on snacks and gifts. Before you go, have them create a budget using this amount. Have them decide how much they want to spend on snacks, drinks, toys, or other experiences at the park. This is great for generic life skill lessons, but also incorporating everything from basic addition to multiplication.

Go on a geometrical shape hunt

Look for all sorts of 3D geometric shapes such as spheres, cylinders, cones, and cubes. Point out these objects when you see them and talk about what qualifies them as 3D geometrical shapes. You will be shocked at how many you find! Just look for balloons, trash cans, boxes, and more.

One of the best parts of a Disney trip is finding the “Hidden Mickey’s” around the park. Those three little circles are a great start to your geometric shape hunt!

Talk about fractions

Whether you are eating a pancake, cookie, or drinking a beverage, talk about fractions. Divide the item in half or fourths. Talk about fractions as you snack and see if you can break your snack into even pieces. What about that pretzel? Is it symmetrical? Get the fraction conversation going!

As you can see, we have some great practical Walt Disney World tips that are perfect for keeping your children learning while on vacation. Math is one of the easiest things to teach while on the road, and trips like this make it even easier. Whether you are planning a short trip to Walt Disney World or heading to the West coast to visit Disneyland, you can continue your educational journey with ease.

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7 Reasons Teaching Baby Sign Language is Genius Parenting

December 7, 2018 Jess Weaver Leave a Comment

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your baby because they will not stop crying? If only your infant could speak, you would know exactly what it is that they need, and how to make them stop crying. Communicating with your baby is easier than ever when you begin teaching baby sign language right away! American Sign Language is becoming more and more popular with parents and babies, and below are just a few of the reasons why.

7 Reasons Teaching Baby Sign Language is Genius Parenting

This post may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission on purchases made via these links.

Having a baby changes your perspective on so many things. Language and communication are some of them. The reasons below are just part of why teaching your baby sign language is a good idea. If you are looking to learn on your own, check out this great American Sign Language For Dummies book. It is an excellent resource that also comes with videos.

It provides earlier communication

When you have little ones that cannot speak, it can be hard to communicate with one another. However, with the help of ASL, babies as young as 6 months can begin to associate words with signs, for better communication. By 8 months, some babies can even begin signing back to you, to let you know what they need or want. This helps tremendously when you have a child who is slower to verbalize needs.

It creates a less frustrated baby

It can be incredibly frustrating when you want something but cannot have it. Well, think about a baby who has no words yet to communicate that they want milk. By using simple signs your baby will be able to communicate with you and a meltdown will be avoided, because your thirsty baby will get what they will need. Teaching baby sign language can help keep your child calmer and give you tools to satisfy their needs.

Quality Interacting and Bonding

How often do you find yourself talking to your child while staring at your phone? Singing with your child will force you to look at them, and wait for them to sign back. You will find yourself having more quality time with your child, rather than staring at a screen. It’s ideal for parents to bond with their babies. Especially since many parents feel like babies don’t really bond well since they can’t talk and share like an older child.

Improves Confidence and Self Esteem

When you and your baby can understand one another through signing, it can really do their self-esteem and confidence some good! There is no other feeling like when mom and dad understand you. You may not have realized how much these little things add up to building a confident and happy child.

Helps Your Baby to Understand Words

When you are talking to a child who does not understand words, it can be hard for them to follow along. However, having certain signs for certain words will help them associate the word with its meaning. Also, the muscle memory involved with help with your child’s memory retention.

This will go a long way toward speech development and understanding as they age. Even a toddler can understand more when you help them to visualize things using sign language.

Improves Attentiveness

You and your baby are going to be focused more on each other. Your baby will need to look at you to communicate with you. Plus, you’ll be forced to pay even more attention to them because they’re trying to communicate with you. This encourages that bonding experience you need. It helps for the future as well because they will trust they can come to speak to you.

ASL is a Great Skill for Anyone to Know

You will be teaching your baby ASL, but you can also could on this skill. As your child grows older, you can teach them more ASL. Time will go on and they will be very efficient at communicating in American Sign Language. This means you can easily communicate with others in your community that may be deaf. This skill is wonderful to have and can be a great way to teach compassion and love to your child along the way.

Teaching baby sign language is a very simple way to help them learn something new and you bond with your baby. It is a wonderful and seamless way to grow communication in your family. As a parent of a baby, or any age child, consider including ASL into your routine for learning and teaching better communication skills.

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Benefits of Using a Homeschool Co-op

October 31, 2018 Jess Weaver Leave a Comment

This past year, I wanted to get my kids involved in something just a little more exciting than our average homeschooling days. A few ladies from my community and I decided to put a homeschool co-op together. The homeschool co-op went really well, I also saw many benefits of attending a homeschool co-op.

Benefits of Using a Homeschool Co-op

My kids got to meet other kids

Perhaps one of the best parts of the co-op was my children being able to meet other kids their age. We spent a lot of our homeschool days at home learning and now always getting to interact with other kids. My kids are older, but a lot of our friends have smaller children. A homeschool co-op gave my kids an opportunity to see, play, and interact with kids their age.

Challenged our learning

This year we used a curriculum, which was great. However, I wanted my kids to be a little more challenged in their learning. I really wanted them to be able to learn from other teachers and kids. The classes that were available in our homeschool co-op allows my kids to be challenged and learn beyond what I could teach them.

Gives you a place to go and feel welcome

Homeschooling families flock to co-ops for several reasons. For us, it gave us a place to feel “normal.” It gave us a place to go where everyone felt welcome, it was refreshing. Just like people meet for a chess club or other events, this was kind of like our place to go to be around people with the same goals and mindset as us.

Gives mom or dad a break

Yes, a huge benefit of a homeschool co-op is that it gives the mom or dad a break from teaching. Unless you’re teaching at the co-op. Each homeschooling co-op is set up differently. Even if you find yourself teaching, at least it’s a bigger group and not just one-on-one with your kids. I like to say that it breaks up the monotony a bit.

Homeschool co-ops help supplement curriculum

A lot of homeschooling families are making a financial sacrifice to stay at home and teach their kids. With this in mind, homeschooling co-ops are a great way for kids to learn something “extra” without paying a ton of money. Some would say a major benefit to homeschool co-ops are the affordability they bring.

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Benefits of Homeschooling with a Homemade Curriculum

June 5, 2018 Jess Weaver Leave a Comment

Many homeschooling families think they need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on a curriculum. While this is something you can do, you don’t have to! I have spent two years homeschooling my kids and know all the Benefits of Homeschooling with a Homemade Curriculum. One year we made up our own curriculum and this past year we bought curriculum. There are perks to both!

Benefits of Homeschooling with a Homemade Curriculum

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission on purchases made via these links.

#1. You’ll spend less money

The truth is that you will spend a lot less money on a homemade curriculum. Store bought curriculum can be super expensive. This past school year, we spend $1100 on a 1st-grade curriculum and a 3rd-grade curriculum. So, the truth is, if you’re frugal enough, you will spend way less money on a homemade curriculum. We chose to buy brand new boxed curriculum this year. While I don’t regret it, I know I could have spent less putting together my own curriculum.

We’ve shared this list of Free Homeschool Curriculum in the past that is a great place to begin. We’ve also shared some great Places to Find Secular Homeschool Curriculum if that suits your needs more.

#2. You can customize it to your child

A homemade curriculum can be customized to your child. You can pick and choose what they’re learning, instead of following a specific set. Let’s say your child needs help on fractions and they’re really struggling. You can spend more time on fractions, rather than moving on to a new skill that they’re not ready for! The issue with using boxed curriculum is not every child learns the same. In some ways, you have to customize a boxed curriculum to fit your child. If you’re going to do this, you might as well create your own homemade curriculum.

We love using blank homeschool planners to create a unit study and list of things to learn that suits our child. This works much better for me to keep track of what my children need to learn versus what they have already learned. Customization is a great addition to any homeschool classroom.

#3. You have endless resources

Like I mentioned before, homemade curriculum means you have endless resources. The Internet and the library have changed the way people homeschool. You can literally create your own homemade curriculum. Here are some of the resources I’ve used when creating my own homemade curriculum.

Head to your local library to see what resources they have available. You can switch up the curriculum without spending a dime.
Printing off worksheets. Sure, worksheets can get annoying, but this is also a cheap way to create a homemade curriculum. There are thousands of endless free worksheets out there you can use.
Online curriculum or resources – Usually, online resources are cheaper than buying the books. For an example, you can use Easy Peasy as a free resource for homeschooling your kids. There are dozens of resources like this all over the Internet.

#4. You may find yourself less stressed

Many store bought curriculums are VERY thorough. You may find your family is stressed trying to get through everything. A homemade curriculum will allow you to feel less stressed. You can pick out the important topics instead of doing busy work. You get to decide what’s important for your children to learn. Homeschooling can be stressful if you add too much to your plate. This is one of the best things about creating your own curriculum.

There are many benefits to homeschooling with a homemade curriculum. One of my favorite reasons is to save money! You don’t have to be rich to homeschool. You may feel as though your child is missing out by not buying them the expensive curriculum, but this isn’t true.

More Homeschooling Tips:

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Homeschool

7 Ways To Celebrate Black History Month

More Homeschool Ideas:

7 Disney World Tips for Teaching Math on Vacation

Let children count out money at gift shops

Track your steps

Estimate the height of the castle

Get out those watches

Break into budgeting

Go on a geometrical shape hunt

Talk about fractions

More Disney Travel Tips:

7 Reasons Teaching Baby Sign Language is Genius Parenting

It provides earlier communication

It creates a less frustrated baby

Quality Interacting and Bonding

Improves Confidence and Self Esteem

Helps Your Baby to Understand Words

Improves Attentiveness

ASL is a Great Skill for Anyone to Know

More Parenting Tips:

Benefits of Using a Homeschool Co-op

My kids got to meet other kids

Challenged our learning

Gives you a place to go and feel welcome

Gives mom or dad a break

Homeschool co-ops help supplement curriculum

More Homeschooling Tips

Benefits of Homeschooling with a Homemade Curriculum

#1. You’ll spend less money

#2. You can customize it to your child

#3. You have endless resources

#4. You may find yourself less stressed

More Homeschooling Tips:

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