homeschooling

Teaching Preschool to Your Littles With Materials Found in the Home

I remember feeling overwhelmed when I decided to teach my oldest preschool in our home. I was a former teacher but had sold or gotten rid of most of my teaching supplies so I felt like homeschooling would be tricky and EXPENSIVE! Over the course of several years, I have learned the art of “using what you have in the house” as a means of teaching preschool. Below are several examples of using what you have to accomplish the bigger goal. I spent not one penny on any of the activities below. I have found that making my own worksheets is actually easier than printing them off because I can tailor them to my own child’s needs and Pinterest has been KEY to academic success in household! Feel free to comment below with any questions you may have on any of the activities below. Happy (cheap) Schooling!

By Mary Bockert, ago

St. Patricks’ Day Crafts/ Science Experiments You Won’t Want to Miss with Your Young Kids

So I may be a little late with the March calendar of crafts/ science experiments, but I figured the 11th was good enough to get it out there. Most of my “crafts” are science experiments because my kids LOVE to tinker and explore. I also like my “fun things to do with the kids” to be educational and allow deep conversation to brew. Don’t get me wrong, there are times for the cute crafts, but I use them sparingly because there are so many amazing experiments out there with basic ingredients/ materials you have hanging around the house…so why not right!?! I have done some research on Pinterest and various teacher sites and have come up with a fantastic list sure to make your March fun and a HIT with your kids!

By Mary Bockert, ago

Teaching From Anywhere…

Let me preface with this is NOT a homeschooling post. This is a “If you have kids, read this” post.

When I decided to homeschool our oldest, it wasn’t an easy decision whatsoever. I had a battle going on inside me that brought many questions to the table.

Will she be well-rounded if I homeschool?

How will she be socially?

Am I equipped to get the job done right?

Will this be a frustrating experience or a pleasant one?

These questions flooded me on a daily basis until one day I just had to make the decision. Homeschooling it was! Being a former teacher, I used to roll my eyes at homeschooling moms who weren’t trained to be teachers. They didn’t the progression of how we educate kids so how could they be great at schooling their own kids?!?

By Mary Bockert, ago

Parent/Teacher-Led Art: What’s Best for Your Child?

“Let them create! Don’t intervene in their imaginative artwork!”

I heard this from many parent friends. The truth is, when homeschooling my daughter, I recognized that she was having a hard time taking the creation in her mind and translating it onto paper. She needed guidance to accomplish the image she so desperately wanted to display for all to see.

By Mary Bockert, ago