Classical Academic Press’s Writing & Rhetoric – A Review
Recently, I was given the opportunity to use and review Writing and Rhetoric by Classical Academic Press for HipHomeschoolMoms.com. Below is part of that review – to read the full review, access a coupon code, and enter a give-away, CLICK HERE. Writing has been one of the most challenging subjects for me to implement into our homeschool. I find this a bit funny, considering I love to write and have been an avid writer since I was very young. For this reason (and because it just looked so great!), I was thrilled to review Writing & Rhetoric Book 1 and Book 2 from Classical Academic Press. Using Writing & Rhetoric with a…
Thoughts on “Homeschool Planning Season”
So, it’s that time again – Spring is technically (according to the calendar) here and with the approaching warm weather comes the season of Homeschool Conventions, Curriculum Sales, and the potentially all-encompassing “Homeschool Planning Season”. We are entering into our 7th official year of homeschooling. It’s hard to believe we’ve been on this journey for that long. I have spent a good 5 years out of our 7 completely stressing in the Spring. Because, you know, it’s when us homeschool Moms have to figure everything for the next year out. I’ve spoken to so many Moms who have walked through the same journey I have over the past several…
Spring Nature Studies with NaturExplorers – Nature Study made simple and meaningful!
It’s Spring! Sort of. I mean, we did have snow this week, but it is officially Spring according to the calendar, so, I’m hopeful! So, it’s time for me to share some of NaturExplorer’s fantastic SPRING Nature Studies. If you are looking for easy, hands-on, ready-to-go Nature Studies, the NaturExplorers units are a great option. I love sharing these resources because I get asked all the time about how we do Nature Study in our home and I just know so many Moms are looking for a hands-on, simple way to embrace Nature Study without having to come up with everything on their…
Our Favorite, Most-Loved Living Book Finds from this week’s reading…
This week’s Living Book picks… Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison Indian Captive was a longer read, but well worth investing the time. (I’d compare the length to Little House on the Prairie – though it was slightly longer). This is a fascinating living book about the true store of Mary Jemison who lived in 1758 in Pennsylvania. After Natives invaded her family’s home, she was taken captive by a group of Seneca. The story follows her journey as she moves through grief, fear, hatred for the Seneca people who took her, and then eventually acceptance of her new life. She grows to love the people and…
Finding Hope and Purpose in the ‘Ordinary Life’
Can I whisper something to you? Yep. There truly is no greater calling than the one God has already put you right in the middle of. I’ve learned this the hard way. We seek the big time before we’ve mastered little league. I’ve sought the big time, and boy have I sucked at little league. I’ve quested for the big dreams, the big calling, the BIG MINISTRY, the big business, you name it – I’ve lusted for it. It took me a long time to figure out what I thought I wanted wasn’t what I needed. God already has me right where He wants me. When you’re a stay-at-home Mom…
Let’s go on a Seeking Beauty Nature Walk {Simple Nature Study – Charlotte Mason Monday}
This week, I wanted to share a very simple, no-prep Nature Study with you, this is part of a new series I hope to explore, called, Simple Nature Study. So many Moms have chatted with me about their struggle to implement Nature Study in their homeschool. The desire is there, but they are looking for ideas, EASY ideas to help their family get out and enjoy God’s creation. So, my hope is to share ideas like this – Simple (no-prep, no-fuss) Nature Study ideas. So… every month, we study a different hymn. This month we are studying and singing This Is My Father’s World by Maltbie Babcock. One morning, as…
What Charlotte Mason had to Say about Play
“There is a danger in these days of much educational effort that children’s play should be crowded out [or what is the same thing] should be prescribed for and arranged until there is no more freedom of choice about play than about work. We do not say a word against the educational value of games (such as football, basketball, etc.) … but organized games are not play in the sense we have in view. Boys and girls must have time to invent episodes, carry on adventures, live heroic lives, lay sieges and carry forts, even if the fortress be an old armchair; and in these affairs the elders must neither…
Little Lessons from a Morning Walk…
Its sunrise on a misty morning. I can hear the birds singing through the window loud and strong. Two escaped hens beckon me outside to shoo them back to their enclosure and the moment I step outside my whole being is filled with a fresh awakening. Two days of cold, hard rain and stormy skies has brought a much needed warmth to the air. The atmosphere hangs moist and sweet around me. The end of a long, long winter, I think its finally here. I decide to go jogging instead of retreating to the basement for my morning exercise. I have no proper jogging clothes, but I don’t want to…
Birds of Prey Nature Study, Journaling, and Picture Study with Robert Bateman (Charlotte Mason Monday)
We have had a wonderful time studying Birds of Prey. Our study of birds started last year with our reading of Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day. We have actually since abandoned our work through this Science text and instead, we’ve followed our interest of birds on quite the journey. I recently shared some of our Nature Study of Backyard Birds and many readers said they truly enjoyed seeing the ideas of Nature Journaling, so, I thought I’d share our work on Birds of Prey as well. The absolute BEST resources I have found for the study of birds has been Robert Bateman’s books. He has many art books which…
Why Love needs to be the Heart of the Home{school}
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” 1 Corinthians 13:1 So begins the famous passage so often read at weddings and so desperately needed in the home and the homeschool. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, does not boast… and we can insert the word “Mama” every time we read love for some added effect. Or guilt. It depends, doesn’t it? Mama is patient, kind, not proud, never rude… Mama is not self-seeking, Mama is not easily angered, Mama keeps no records of wrongs… Mama always protects, always trusts, always hopes……
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