December and January can be challenging months for children to focus and stay on task. Let’s face it, with all the thoughts of presents and days off from school, there’s not much room for math facts and spelling words! To help keep my students motivated, I encourage them to “build up good behavior!” Each student […]
Writing to Persuade
Chapter six of our English textbook covers the concept of writing an essay to persuade. We grade one writing project per quarter, but this essay is one of the writing projects that we choose not to grade, making it a bit more relaxed for the students. First, we write a class essay together. This is […]
Bring on the New Year’s Resolutions!
It’s a new year, which means a fresh start, new opportunities, and . . . New Year’s resolutions. Have you made any resolutions yet? Maybe this year you’re determined to exercise more, spend more time with your family, or start a new hobby. Wanting to do those things is wonderful, and I encourage you to […]
Two Expressions of Love
Ten years ago, as a junior in college, I had the opportunity to see love in action—on both ends of the marriage spectrum. My brother got married that summer, and I witnessed him and his bride, deeply “in love,” pledge their lives to each other. I heard them talk excitedly about their plans for their […]
Homemade Christmas Gifts
I always encourage my children to make gifts to give their grandparents and other extended family members for Christmas. My children enjoy making them, and other family members enjoy receiving them. Below are some of the gifts we made at our house this year. Necklaces (recommended for children 4+) These are very simple and inexpensive […]
A Party with the Snowmen!
I used a snowman theme for my Christmas party this year. I got all my ideas from Pinterest. There are so many cute things out there! The Menu Snowmen String Cheese Popcorn Snowmen Snowmen Donuts Grapes The great thing about making the snowmen donuts is that it doubled as a craft. We made snowmen out […]
A Christmas Puzzle for Parents
I always look forward to unpacking my Christmas treasures from my children’s school days. With one graduating from university, one halfway through university, and one senior in high school, I have to wonder: where has the time gone? There are two Christmas crafts I especially look forward to displaying each year. The first is a […]