Cycle 3: Week 1

Each week, I'll post a fun idea or two related to the CC Cycle 3 memory work. In the past, I posted an idea for each subject, each week. But, it was a bit of overkill - at least for us and the time we have. I'm keeping it simpler this year.  If you're keeping it classical, remember, the first goal is to memorize the memory work for each subject. … [Read more...]

200th Anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner

Did you know September 13, 2014, marks the 200 year anniversary of the writing of The Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key? I didn't! Until the mother/son team over at Classical Composers Monthly sent me the link to the free resource they're offering all about our national anthem. Follow the link to find a curated collection of short videos, … [Read more...]

50 States Before They Graduate: Grand Canyon, Arizona

On our path to the Grand Canyon, we came across an overlook of Lake Powell. It was just beautiful. The littles and I played with the rocks up top, while my husband climbed a little lower and left our mark. The littles all wanted to climb down, but it looked a little steep to me, so Daddy had all the fun. After that brief pit stop, we headed on … [Read more...]

Getting out the Door – Breakfast On The Go Recipes

  [UPDATE: This article is originally from Aug 2013. I'm republishing it for this year. Last year arriving early was a total flop! Being very sick from pregnancy put the kibosh on that plan. I was just very grateful for getting out the door at all and a Dunkin Donuts on our route to CC. :)  I have high hopes for this year, but also an infant. … [Read more...]

Homeschooling With a Preschooler (or Two) in the House

  And this picture pretty much perfectly describes homeschooling with a preschooler in the house. This was us last year. My daughter would climb onto the schoolroom table and try to gather up as many pencils, erasers, etc as she could. I snapped this picture, because in this moment it was so, so funny to me. Despite the ridiculous distraction … [Read more...]

Our Favorite School Supplies

  Growing up, I just loved shopping for back-to-school supplies…perfectly sharpened yellow pencils, clean lined paper, cute three-ring binders, a fun new lunchbox and sturdy backpack. Does it get any better? Okay, perhaps it does. ;) But, this is fun for me. Want to see our back-to-homeschool supply list favorites?  Here they … [Read more...]

Traveling the 50 States with the Flat Littles

  As you know, we're studying the United States of America this year for cycle 3 geography of Classical Conversations. I have a fun idea that I would love for you to participate in! In the spirit of Flat Stanley, I've drawn a cartoon-like picture of my littles, which I'll send to participating families through e-mail. You'd print them out, … [Read more...]

Awana in Our Homeschool

I can't remember a time when Awana was not a part of my life.  I first attended Awana clubs as a kindergartner in Sparks.  Over the years, my Awana club, as an extension of my home church, became like a large close-knit family to me.  I learned so much of God and His word, the Bible, through memorization of Bible verses and through relationships … [Read more...]

Scheduling Our Year 2014-2015

  When scheduling our year of homeschooling, I consider two parts: 1. a daily order and 2. a yearly plan. Because I think of our daily schedule as more or less an order for our day rather than a strict time schedule, I like to keep it simple. Well, generally speaking I like to keep things simple. :) I do write with times though, because it … [Read more...]