Blog
Note-Taking in Your Homeschool
Note-taking is a valuable skill that homeschool families should teach children as part of their homeschool writing program. There are a variety of types of note-taking strategies that we can teach out students to improve learning.
Write by Number: A Review
Write by Number (WBN) offers a step-by-step approach to writing, catering to students' individual progress rather than specific grade levels. It allows students to advance at their own pace, mastering each stage before moving on.
Nancy Larson Science
We recently started using Nancy Larson Science, a spiral science curriculum, and are really enjoying it!
intro to chemistry
We recently wrapped up an introduction to chemistry unit as part of Nancy Larson Science (3rd grade). Check out our favorite resources!
biomes & habitats resources
We recently wrapped up a study of the world’s biomes and habitats. Do you know the difference between a biome, ecosystem, and habitat? I didn’t, but now I do! Check out our favorite resources here!
math follow up
Last week I posted about math and rigor; if you missed it, here yah go. When I shared this post on Instagram, I accidentally opened a couple of cans of worms. FUN!
on math and rigor
Let’s chat about math and why it feels like a math curriculum needs to be “hard” to be good.
the shift from learning to read to reading to learn
Let’s chat about the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. There is a heavier emphasis on decoding in foundational reading instruction, whereas in the upper elementary grades, when children have become fluent readers, this shifts to reading comprehension.
supporting a struggling reader
Some children, roughly 15-20%, will struggle with learning to read due to a reading disability, like dyslexia. That’s 1 in 5 people. Another 40-50% of children need structured literacy — systematic, explicit instruction. Approximately 35% of children learn to read easily with systematic instruction. And only 5% of children learn to read on their own. Children need high-quality, structured literacy instruction. And you can do it.
make it stick: the science of learning
So, what exactly is the science of learning (SOL), and what strategies can we apply to our homeschool?
homeschool accountability
Let’s chat about homeschool accountability. How do we know if our children are making appropriate progress? How do we hold ourselves accountable? Let’s dive in!
homeschool room tour
Check out our homeschool room and how I designed the room to meet our learning needs!
Structured Literacy in Homeschooling
When it comes to literacy instruction, structured literacy has emerged as a highly effective method that equips students with strong reading and writing skills. In this blog post, we'll dive into structured literacy and explore its benefits for homeschooling families.
'Follow the Child' Meets Diagnostic Assessments
Diagnostic and prescriptive instruction play a crucial role in supporting students' literacy development. By observing and understanding each child's unique abilities and interests, we can tailor our teaching methods to meet their individual needs.
IEW: a guide
IEW’s writing curriculum offerings can be really confusing. In this blog post I break down all the different options for elementary writing curriculum from IEW.
math through the years
Choosing a math curriculum can be really overwhelming. In this post, I share a glimpse into my thinking as we have navigated math curriculum over the years, with the hopes that it will help you not jump through as many programs as we have.
decodable vs. leveled readers
There are many types of early readers available for beginning readers, but they are not all created equally. Let’s dive into the differences and my recommendations.
how to choose a reading curriculum
Are you overwhelmed with all the options for reading curriculum? Let’s break down the components of a strong reading program and review my top recommendations.
UFLI foundations: a review
UFLI Foundations is a budget-friendly foundational reading skills curriculum developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute.
recipe for reading: a review
Recipe for Reading is a no-frills, structured literacy reading program.