Homeschool & Parenting

Since both of my boys were little, anything with an engine has been fascinating to them.  This happens with most little boys, and a lot of little girls too.  Cars, trucks, planes, trains and more are fun and exciting.  In fact, my oldest son when first learning to talk would repeat car over and over again.  He loved cars, tractors, and anything of the like and still does!  So, as I worked over the last few months on our homeschool plans for this Fall, I knew I wanted to include some fun worksheets for the Wee Child to do.  These Free Transportation Spelling Worksheets For Early Readers were perfect!  Not only does he get to enjoy a bit of coloring (he still loves that), but it will reinforce some of our vocabulary words regarding transportation.

If you have a little boy who is learning to read, write or just loves cars and trucks then these are definitely great for you!  You can use these sheets individually, or together as part of a unit study.

FREE Transportation Spelling Worksheets For Early Readers

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We try to focus on specific themes in our classwork.  Right now going over transportation is great not only for a lesson on the history and development of cars, trains, planes and buses, but perfect for some simple vocabulary words boys (and girls) will recognize in their reading assignments.  I like to incorporate some books about the subject (transportation in this case), a few worksheets like this, as well as a video or documentary about the design of the early transportation modes.

Click on the images below to open the PDF file for printing!

If you are looking for some fun ways to include this in your classroom, check out our recommendations for books:

History Of The American Automobile Coloring Book

Richard Scary’s Cars & Trucks From A to Z

Trains by Byron Barton

Planes by Fiona Patchett

For the younger group that might not be reading yet, we love things like these Melissa & Doug puzzles!  Not only are they great for helping your little ones feel a part of the classroom, they are helping with fine motor skills as well!

Mini Puzzle Pack Vehicles

Vehicle Sound Puzzle

Don’t miss all of our other great Homeschool lessons, printables and tips!

The Wee Child is truly a book worm.  In fact, he has been devouring books this year like crazy. Any parent would love that he is asking for more books instead of toys or video games.  It is so much fun seeing his mind growing and his views expanding.  As a result of his reading habits, I have come up with a great list of what I believe are the top books for tweens to read.

25 Book Worm Top Picks For Tween Must Reads

This post contains affiliate links. 

If you have a book worm, or are longing to create a book worm in your child, this list is a great place to begin.  Some of these books are well known, while others seem to be a bit less popular but just as great.  In fact, a few of these authors are my friends and I am so happy to share their books here because not only do I love supporting my fellow authors, but I also know that these books are truly amazing.

Stuart Gibbs: This author is known for his middle grade books.  While many are familiar with his animal-themed series, the Wee Child especially loves his space and spy series listed below. In fact, we preorder almost every  book he puts out.

• Space Case
• Spaced Out
• Spy School
• Spy Camp
• Evil Spy School

J. Scott Savage: I actually reviewed the Farworld series a few years ago, and introduced them to my son recently.  He fell in love with them and recently began the Cove of Mysteries series of books.  They are full of fantasy and science fiction themes that appeal to any reader who likes things that involve dragons, adventure, and imaginary worlds.

• Farworld: Water Keep
• Farworld: Land Keep
• Farworld: Air Keep
• Farworld: Fire Keep
• Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention
• Mysteries of Cove: Gears of Revolution (released 9/20/16)

Katie Femia: If you like dystopian novels, this is the book for you.  Her second book is in the process of editing, so I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!

• Peacock Swamp: Nine

Peter Lerangis:  The Seven Wonders books have kept my son tucked into a book throughout our recent road trip.  I loved that there are not just the books, but fun addendums to them that make the adventures go on for longer.

• Seven Wonders: The Colossus Rises
• Seven Wonders: Lost In Babylon
• Seven Wonders: The Tomb of Shadows
• Seven Wonders: The Curse Of The King
• Seven Wonders: The Legend Of The Rift

Brandon Mull:  Fablehaven is perhaps the most well known, but this author most definitely has the key to encouraging kids to read.  From younger grade to teens, these stories are full of fantasy and drama that keeps the pages turning.

• Fablehaven: The Complete Series
• Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders
• Five Kingdoms: Rogue Knight
• Five Kingdoms: Crystal Keepers
• Five Kingdoms: Death Weavers

Holly Black:  Magical creatures and people are woven throughout her books.  I love the ideas and themes, and while she has multiple series, she also has great stand alone books.  Not only does the Wee Child love these, but I find myself sneaking his books to read when he is done.  Being a book worm is obviously something that runs in the family

• Doll Bones
• The Darkest Part Of The Forest

Jules Vern:  Classic literature begins with the fantasy of Jules Vern.  There is nothing better than watching your kids minds explode while reading the tales that take them through time and into a fantasy land.

• The Collected Works of Jules Vern

As you try to encourage your child to read more and become a book worm, this list is a great place to start.  I love appealing to the Wee Child’s love of fantasy and science fiction.  These books are a perfect way to do just that!

Are you looking for more homeschool support?  Come join our Homeschooling Lazy Parent Style group today!

More Homeschool Tips:

• Places To Find Secular Homeschool Curriculum
• Ultimate List Of Free Homeschool Curriculum
• 20 Major Pros & Cons of Homeschooling

To prepare your own peppermint oil at home, there are two basic methods. The first, fastest, and easiest, is to infuse a base oil, such as olive oil, with peppermint essence by basically soaking the peppermint leaves in the oil. 

The second is by actually making a tincture of peppermint in alcohol. The resulting liquid will be alcohol rather than oil-based, and the resulting flavor will be stronger. 

The tincture method will produce the kind of flavor extract you are used to buying in the store, and will be more concentrated. 

Both peppermint oils can be used for most purposes.  Choose the method you prefer, or try both. Most peppermint lovers will enjoy the flavor in any form.

In terms of essential oils, peppermint takes a close second to lavender.  Considered practically a cure-all for a wide variety of ailments. 

In some ways, they are complementary opposites. Lavender tends to be calming and help promote sleep. While peppermint tends to aid in wakefulness and concentration. 

Both lavender and peppermint are effective pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, with peppermint having the added benefits of soothing muscle aches, opening nasal passages, as well as antiseptic properties. 

Peppermint can also soothe the skin.  For example, after a sunburn, when mixed with a base oil. It can actually reduce fever when rubbed into the soles of the feet. Always mix with a carrier oil before applying.

An additional use is as a digestive tonic. After-dinner mints are most likely a leftover from this home remedy.  Peppermint taken after a meal aids in digestion, reduces gas, and even Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

Other uses for peppermint are cosmetic, as an astringent that closes pores, and can tighten skin. Peppermint reduces skin inflammation and redness, and can actually numb against pain. 

Rubbed on the chest (think Vicks Vaporub), it can relieve congestion and open clogged breathing passages. It is also a treatment for dandruff. 

In addition to stimulating circulation, peppermint acts like lavender in reducing tension and calming nerves and irritability, and even balance hormones. 

It’s also effective against nausea. So if you love the taste of peppermint, it may be due to more than the flavor.  

The smell and taste of peppermint has many healing properties. That may be your body’s way of signaling its need for peppermint’s healing goodness. 

Peppermint also contains anti-microbial properties, making it a good cleaning solvent and sanitizer. The aromatherapeutic effects are an additional plus. 

It’s also an insect repellant, with a smell much more welcome than bug sprays.

Method 1: Make Peppermint Oil in an Olive Oil base.

Ingredients:

• fresh peppermint leaves
• olive oil 
• a glass jar

You can use this home-made recipe for peppermint oil to flavor your food. For recipes, subtract the amount of oil that you are adding as a peppermint infusion. Cakes, cooks, fudge, and ice cream are all delicious with peppermint oil. 

For the health benefits of peppermint, you may want to try the tincture method, which creates a much stronger substance. However, you can try this oil for home remedies, like treating indigestion. 

You can also try rubbing the soles of the feet with this oil to reduce fever. Rub it on the chest to relieve a head cold, flu, or bronchitis. 

It acts as an immune booster as well. Other uses for this oil are as a moisturizer for skin and hair (also tones skin), as well as a home remedy to prevent dental problems.

To make the peppermint infused oil, crush fresh mint leaves with your hands to release the natural oils, and pack them into your jar until it is full. Then cover the leaves with olive oil until they are completely immersed. 

Cover, and let the oil seep for 2 days in the sun, if you live in a warm climate, shaking the jar a couple of times a day. In a cold climate, put the jar in a cupboard for a month. 

Afterwards, simply strain the oil through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove the leaf fragments, and enjoy! The oil will last for at least a few months, if stored in a dry, dark cupboard. No need to refrigerate.

Select a liquid to use in extraction. Vodka, or another high-proof grain alcohol, is perfect for this, since it has both water and alcohol to dissolve the oils. 

While apple cider vinegar or glycerin can be used instead, the final tincture will be much less strong and have a shorter shelf life. White vinegar will also work, it will have the same effect. 

These are good for children that cannot drink alcohol, although if you use this for baking, the alcohol bakes out.  Homemade tinctures, just like vanilla extract you would buy in a store, are normally used in such small doses that the alcohol does not have a noticeable effect.

Method 2: Make Your Own Tincture

Making a tincture is basically soaking peppermint leaves in alcohol. To make a tincture using dried leaves, you will find that 90-120 proof alcohol is the right choice. 

For fresh leaves, which still contain water from the growing process, you will need a stronger alcohol, 180-190 proof. 

Wash and dry fresh leaves. Go over the leaves to remove black leaves or other signs of rot. It is not necessary to remove the stems. 

Then prepare the leaves by chopping or bruising them to release the oils. This step is not necessary when using dried leaves, which will simply crumble. 

You can also mash the fresh leaves with the bottom of a cup, or a mortar and pestle. Chop or bruise the mint leaves. 

Pack the mint into a jar, as full as you can, while leaving about ½ an inch of space at the top, and then fill the jar with the alcohol you have chosen.

You can choose from your liquor cabinet if you have the right proof. Vodka and other colorless alcohol will make a good tincture, and you won’t have to buy any special alcohol for this project. 

Completely cover the leaves with the liquid and close the jar tightly. The leaves will eventually sink to the bottom. 

Simply allow your developing mint tincture to sit for several weeks, and shake it once in a while. The longer it sits, the stronger it will be. Keep it in a dark place to increase your tincture’s shelf life. 

Taste it to judge the strength. When the taste is satisfactory, strain the tincture into a brown or color glass container. Clear glass is not recommended as the flavor will dissipate over time. 

Your tincture will last at least 6 months, or even longer. This method produces a much stronger result than method 1. 

If you grow your own mint, this is a great way to make use of what tends to be a plant of plenty; plus, homegrown is most likely organic, and free. 

With peppermint as the king of essential oils, alongside its queen lavender, you will benefit from its many health benefits by having it on hand. Preserving the wonderful leaves in a powerful form makes it last far beyond season. 

Use this oil for the many uses listed above. When adding to recipes that involve cooking, the alcohol will evaporate while the flavor stays, so don’t worry about that. 

A strong tincture will add a negligible amount of alcohol when a drop or two is added to teas, coffee, or hot chocolate. About ½ a teaspoon will add monthly deliciousness to a batch of brownies or other baked goods. 

Soak cotton balls in peppermint and leave around to repel insects. 

You can use it will a diffuser to aid in concentration when studying or working, or add a couple of drops to a humidifier when sick. 

Dilute it with oils such as olive or coconut to use on your skin. It is effective for headaches, sunburn, and general skincare. 

This post was sponsored by Dramamine® as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central

As I have mentioned before, the Wee Child seems to get carsick like I do.  So, I have decided to share some of my favorite motion sickness helps for kids with you as well today.  Since we love our road trips, it is really important that we make sure we are all happy and healthy on the road.  These tips make it just a bit easier to manage with kids.

My Favorite Motion Sickness Helps For Kids

Last month I was asked to review Dramamine® for Kids.  I already knew I loved the brand, but I had never used them with the Wee Child.  For our 15 hour drive from Arkansas to Michigan, I found out just how awesome they are.  While he doesn’t usually vomit with motion sickness, he does get nauseated and feels miserable.  So, it was a great time to test out the product and share our other top tips.

Sit in the middle seat:  If your vehicle has a middle seat where your child can have a view of the road without obstructions, make sure they get that seat.  It works easily in both of our cars as the Wee Child loves the middle seat.  Since he is now tall enough and heavy enough to be out of a booster seat, he finds the middle seat even more comfortable.  The seatbelt fits him much better in this spot in our cars, so it’s a double duty bonus.

Avoid candy and greasy snacks: One of the tried and true things for both myself and the Wee Child is to avoid candy and greasy snacks.  So, that means avoiding most fast food on the road. We like to pack bananas, pretzels, nuts, and yogurt to snack on when possible.

Stay hydrated.  We always try to stay hydrated, but it is even more important as a motion sickness relief for kids.  In the summer it can be hotter and thus a need for more liquid, but any time you are traveling it is important.  We expect to make multiple bathroom stops along the road, so we never limit water or electrolyte drinks.  We encourage him to drink as much as he can and always pack water, electrolyte drinks or green tea.  Some prefer to have Ginger Ale or Lemon Lime Soda on hand.

Pack Dramamine® for Kids Chewables:  He chewed the recommended dosage as we started out on our trip.  Despite a few twists and turns, he was actually able to read in the car this trip with no problems.  I was totally sold.  Not only are they a tasty grape flavor, but they are in a simple to pack package that makes it easy to grab and hand over to him when needed along the trip. Since Dramamine® for Kids is the only motion sickness medication formulated just for kids ages 2-12, it is definitely a product that anyone can feel comfortable giving their child. It’s great for the long road trips like ours, but could also be great for that back to school morning or afternoon drive when kids might find motion sickness to be annoying.  Right now you can grab a Dramamine For Kids® Coupon to help stock up for your next vacation.

Avoid reading or movies in the car:  While this trip he managed reading easily, I typically recommend avoiding reading or watching movies in the car.  Both can really cause motion sickness to be worse. Instead, listening to music and napping in the car are often safer choices for those who tend to have motion sickness issues.

Pack supplies for “just in case”:  While you hope that the above-mentioned items will prevent your child from being sick, you have to know that sometimes it just isn’t preventable.  I recommend packing a small bucket with multiple liners in the back seat for those moments you can’t pull over fast enough.  Also pack some extra trash bags, wipes, and a change of clothing in a bag that is easy to grab as needed.

These tips for dealing with motion sickness in kids are just what you need to keep your next family vacation easy to manage!

I love doing word searches, and I knew that once the Wee Child started reading, they would be a great way for him to learn more, easier and faster.  Sure enough, after the first few word searches were put in front of him, he was constantly asking for more.  Having them ready to work with our vocabulary lists during our homeschool classes was really important.  I knew it was just another great and easy way to encourage him to continue spelling those same words over and over again.  This Free Printable Christmas Word Search is a great tool to use in your upcoming holiday homeschool lessons.  Simply print and create a lesson plan around the list of words, or use as your holiday spelling and vocabulary guide.

FREE PRINTABLE CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH

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This list is great for younger readers grades 1st-3rd grade.  There are some simple words like Red, Snow and Merry, with a few more that are a bit more complex to help them to expand their vocabulary.  With the holidays, we find ourselves doing fewer structured days in school and more days of occasional worksheets, story time and learning in play.  With family activities, fun homeschool group activities and of course my work schedule getting busier it is great to have fun printables like this one on hand.

Click Image Above To Print

We love using Max Lucado’s Christmas Child and the classic Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas as great books in our classroom this time of year.  They are fun, well written, easy for early readers to sound out words and read, as well as great for learning about the real spirit of the holiday season.

Check out our other popular homeschool lesson plans and free prinables!

Using Television In Your Homeschool Curriculum

Free Transportation Spelling Worksheets For Early Readers

Using Legos In Your Homeschool Curriculum

Farmer Boy Unit Study