Category Archives: Elementary

Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire: Hands-on Craft Tutorial

When your history studies take you to the Holy Roman Empire, add this hands-on project to your homeschool lessons for an added bit of fun and open-ended creativity! First request your free template and guide below. After you download the … Continue reading

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Eating Your Curriculum: 3 Ways to Devour History and Geography

Lots of homeschooling families find that the dining table is an integral part of their learning experience. In many homes you’ll see a kitchen table covered with Instructor’s Guides, great literature, and math books for the bulk of the day. … Continue reading

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A 4-Part Checklist for Your Play-Based Learning Toolbox

The other day, my five youngest children raided the chest of dress-up clothes, focusing on vests and flat woolen hats. Then they grabbed their tall farm boots, packed a small tea set in an old suitcase, and trekked the perimeter … Continue reading

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Kitchen Chemistry: Testing pH Levels with Cabbage

Acids and bases are common knowledge in our culture, so much so that the term litmus test means not simply to test for pH level, but also to make a determination on whether or not something—or someone—is acceptable. It’s interesting … Continue reading

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5 Reasons to Love Explode the Code Phonics Workbooks

"My son works ahead in Explode the Code because he enjoys the fun way of learning phonics!" Emily P. of Burnsville, MN This year, I am working through the Explode the Code workbook series for the third time, and we all agree: … Continue reading

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5 Reasons Not to Advance a Child to a Higher Level

Your child is an advanced reader or otherwise shows being far beyond grade level. Wonderful, right? Because you homeschool, you can zoom that child ahead a grade or two, skipping the grades where your child has already mastered the material! … Continue reading

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The Grade Level Dilemma for Gifted Kids Just Starting School

Parents of young, gifted children frequently wonder about grade level when it comes time to start schooling—"What grade is my child?" This question seems all-important because grade level is often used to determine when to start formal schooling, what types … Continue reading

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