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Nature Study

Nature Study Ideas for Indoor People

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Nature study is a very popular topic in homeschooling circles right now, especially thanks to those who follow a Charlotte Mason style of education. And while I think most everyone would agree that the idea of nature study is a great one, it often doesn't work for some families for any number of reasons.These reasons might include:allergies that make going outside a substantial challenge physical limitations asthma living in a challenging environment that makes being outside for extended periods of time less than ideal … [Read more...] about Nature Study Ideas for Indoor People

Squirrels Unit Study Activities

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A squirrels unit study is a great way to learn about these amazing acrobats. Even though they are technically rodents, they are fun to watch during all four seasons.There are many fun activities, printables, books, videos, and more to make creating a squirrel unit study very easy. If unit studies are new to you, check out my post on How to Create a Unit Study. In order to make planning even easier, I've created the Unit Study Planner and Printables – 21 Print-and-Go Pages that can be used with almost any unit study. I've priced it to make … [Read more...] about Squirrels Unit Study Activities

Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks Activities, Printables, and Worksheets

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While we were preparing lunch a few years ago, I remarked that I thought the rose-breasted grosbeaks should be returning soon. It's usually the second week of May we start to see them at the feeders in our part of West Michigan. Five minutes later I looked out and there he was! The first grosbeak of the season. I thought these birds would make a lovely rose-breasted grosbeak unit study! If unit studies are new to you, check out my post on How to Create a Unit Study.To make planning your unit study as easy as possible, I created this Unit … [Read more...] about Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks Activities, Printables, and Worksheets

Learning Geography with Gardening

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro Gro-ables. All opinions are 100% mine.Integrating multiple subjects is a great way to get the most bang for your homeschooling time. Some topics naturally seem to go together - science and math, history and geography, and reading and writing. If I asked you what you could integrate with gardening, I'm sure your first thought would be science and then probably math.What about integrating gardening and geography? That's what we're doing as we continue to work on our Gro-ables … [Read more...] about Learning Geography with Gardening

The Importance of Creation and the Impact of Green Space

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Shortly after we moved to the Cute Little Town, I saw this article online: A rural life is better: Living in a concrete jungle is stressful and makes you more prone to depression.From the article: Scientists have confirmed what every urbanite has long suspected – life in the city is more stressful.Researchers have shown that the parts of the brain dealing with stress and emotion are affected by living among the crowds. Importance of Creation Around Us Our new house has so much more green space, trees and sky than our old house. … [Read more...] about The Importance of Creation and the Impact of Green Space

Growing Vegetables and Herbs with Your Kids

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This post brought to you by Miracle-Gro Gro-ables. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Sallie Borrink Learning.Since Caroline was tiny we have tried to provide her with a wide variety of hands-on learning activities and opportunities so she would understand how the world works. One area where we’ve done this is by planting gardens. At one point we had two large square foot gardens. More recently we’ve had to simplify life and we’ve scaled back to pots on the deck. The important thing is making sure she understands the life … [Read more...] about Growing Vegetables and Herbs with Your Kids

Learning Ideas for April Holidays, Units, and Famous Birthdays

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April is full of fun learning opportunities such as National Poetry Month, Arbor Day, and John James Audubon's birthday. Here are some simple and creative learning ideas for April. National Poetry Month National Poetry Month is a great time to introduce children to the world of poetry. By starting with highly engaging poems, you incrase the chance of lighting an interest in poetry so choose poems that will grab the attention of your particular child.Keep a collection of age-appropriate poetry books for children to read during quiet … [Read more...] about Learning Ideas for April Holidays, Units, and Famous Birthdays

How I Teach Science – Relaxed Homeschooling in Early Elementary

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My approach to science in our relaxed homeschooling family has been very relaxed. My philosophy is that all children really need in early elementary is exposure to science topics and to develop a healthy curiosity about the world around them. If a child is curious, she will learn plenty even in an unstructured way. Relaxed Homeschooling Science Materials I don't use a textbook to teach science. Most of the early elementary textbooks are either so simplistic or are so poorly designed that they would not appeal to Caroline at all.We don't … [Read more...] about How I Teach Science – Relaxed Homeschooling in Early Elementary

Kindergarten and First Grade Fall Unit Ideas, Crafts, and Books

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I love fall. Is there any other season that comes close to the joy that autumn brings? I enjoyed putting together some very simple and easy-to-implement ideas to share with parents and teachers looking for fall-themed ideas. These autumn lesson ideas and read aloud suggestions  will work well in September and October. Sorting Nuts, Leaves, and Pine Cones Have students collect a variety of nuts, leaves, and pine cones from outdoors. (If no suitable place is available, then bring in a variety of these fall items from nature and have students … [Read more...] about Kindergarten and First Grade Fall Unit Ideas, Crafts, and Books

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