In our homeschool we use a combination of Classical and Unit Study methods. I am startled by how often I will tell this to people and instantly they will respond with how great it is that we have unit studies
Eric Carle, Master Artist
Have you ever noticed that when most of us think of art we are filled with images of unapproachable museums, or delicate artifacts? Master artists are all around us, but we sometimes forget about them. Eric Carle is one of
Keeping Toddlers Busy – Matching Children’s Stories with Toys
Having a preschooler in the house can be a challenge during my older kids’ school time. I have found that one of the easiest ways to keep my little girl occupied is to capture her imagination with a great children’s
In Praise of the Pencil
I am probably the world’s strangest blogger. I own a laptop, iPad, and smartphone, yet I choose to do most of my writing with a pencil. There is no accidental publish with a pencil, and no way to get distracted.
Gustav Klimt Lesson Ideas
Gustav Klimt 1862 – 1918 Austrian Metallic hues, areas of detail, distinctive backgrounds, and symbolism are all key stylistic components of Gustav Klimt’s work. His paintings and murals provoked opposition in his day, but are widely popular now, and they have
Striving Toward Successful Failure
How many times have you seen this? Your toddler happily pulls out a coloring book but after only a few strokes they crumple their paper and leave the table deflated. An older child sits it in front of a sheet
The Little Ideas that Help School Get Done
There are a lot of homeschool productivity suggestions out there. Some advocate better routines, others ask readers to peer deep into their inner self and consider why they let certain tasks slide. Usually they advocate making a major shift in
The Little Things that Help School Get Done
January. Time to get back in the swing of things after a long holiday break. I always find myself re-thinking our school at this time of year. Staying motivated at the mid-point of the year is always tricky. Momentum is
Cezanne Lesson Ideas
The Father of Modern Art. What a weighty title Paul Cezanne (France, 1839-1906) earned for himself. It certainly wasn’t easily obtained. Have you ever doubted yourself? Paul Cezanne struggled with many uncertainties throughout his life. He endured the skepticism of his
The Value of Friends who Hate my Choices
We all like to have friends who believe as we do. It is something you can see everywhere. Christians hang out with Christians, Democrats socialize with Democrats, and homeschoolers enjoy spending time with other homeschoolers. We feel included and validated