But there’s someone we often forget about. An essential person in our homeschool.

That person is US. The homeschooling mother!

Many of us are so focused on our kids needs, that we ignore our own. I believe this is a major factor in why so many homeschool parents are burned out!

We teachers matter too. Our homeschools and the students will flourish more if we are delighting (or at least able to tolerate) in our home school set ups.

Consider Your Own Personality, Passions and Priorities

When trying to decide on your homeschooling philosophy, or how you’ll structure your days, or what curriculum you’ll use, don’t forget to think about how YOU are wired.

• Are you a type A person who wants to stick closely to the public school path? Check your boxes with a curriculum that a local private school uses.
  
• Are you in a season of life that is overwhelming? Try an open and go boxed curriculum.
  
• Are you spontaneous and adventurous? Make room in your routine for field trips and travel.
  
• Are you creative and crafty? Go all in with those hands on projects and art.
  
• Are you enthralled with books? Choose a literature rich philosophy.

I know myself well enough to know that I don’t like rigid schedules, but I also don’t do well with zero structure.

I am drawn to books, nature and variety.

Here’s a couple things we do that personally help me to LOVE our homeschool.

Avoid Monotony/Add Variety

I do this in a couple ways.

First of all, we keep our lessons SHORT. We also try and mix up our subjects so that we use different parts of our brain and keep ourselves on our toes.

For example, after math, instead of doing science, we’re likely to listen to a poem or do some art. After reading history, break things up by practicing an instrument.

Second, we do a bunch of subjects. On top of the typical subjects, we also do poetry, current events, logic, composer study, social skills, shakespeare, archeology etc etc. But since we keep this subjects short (think 5 minutes for many) it doesn’t bog us down.

ALSO we don’t do every subject everyday, instead opting for a loop schedule. For example, in grade school, my kids do science twice a week, history twice a week, in addition to the history project and the science experiment that do at our weekly co-op. It’s very doable and it keeps our interest.

Ditch Textbooks/Read Living Books

Textbooks are usually written by a conglomerate of academics. They are usually dry, and as Charlotte Mason would say, a regurgitation of facts. The thinking has been done already, all that’s left is to store the information.

Living books in contrast are usually written by a single author that is passionate about their topic. Often times they are in a story format. And most importantly, they are full of ideas. Ideas aren’t neatly packaged like facts, but are larger concepts that need to be chewed on and digested by the student.

This major different leads us to my second thing that makes homeschooling more enjoyable for me (and my kids).

HOW we respond to the material we consume…

Abandon Worksheets/Embrace Narration

Worksheet usually ask specific questions about a text, expecting students to remember facts or the details that a teacher deemed important.

They leave students feeling like they need to care more about what the teacher wants them to learn, than what they themselves can glean from the text. It’s nerve-wracking!

Instead, our family chooses to show what we learn through narrating to each other what we learned from the text.

It seems simple but is hands down the most effective way to learn. (Check out “Know and Tell” by Karen Glass for more info and details on how to use this method.)

Kids have to pay attention the the big ideas of text, organize their thoughts, and communicate clearly. And because of this, they’ll retain so much more of the passages.

But the thing that makes this life giving to me as a parent is I get to see first hand the connections my kids are making, what stood out to them, and living ideas take root in their lives.

It’s better than magic. And it keeps me going when the days get hard.

Scrap the Planner/Use a “Doner”

I have had other moms tell me this small change has completely transformed their relationship to their schooling.

We’ve all heard of and have probably used planners. We consider what our students need to accomplish, we divide that up by the number of days, and we assign specific passages or lessons and write them on the date.

Inevitably, life happens and we get “behind”. The pressure builds and we begin to feel like failures.

Not exactly a recipe for feeling happy and content as a homeschool mom.

Instead of being slaves to a planner, our family simply has a “Done-er”. I write down what we DID do that day. That way I can focus on the positive and not what didn’t happen.

Now don’t get me wrong, this does NOT mean I don’t plan. Far from it.

Three times a year I remind myself of my “why” for homeschooling, I consider what subjects I want to cover, I pick out living books that fit the bill (my all time favorite task!), AND I create an ideal rhythm for our days.

With that structure in place, I don’t have to spend time daily or even weekly doing any planning. I just know our rhythm, grab the books that I’ve already decided on, and we read them.

Not everything I dream up gets done. And a lot of times I add things in mid semester that end up being favorites. But either way, a “Done-er” has been key to keeping my mom-guilt low.

Celebrate

At the end of the year, we spend a lot of time narrating what really stuck with us from the previous year. We don’t just do oral narrations, but also art representations, papers, and even reenactments in front of friends and family. It’s a blast!

It’s amazing how much I can be kicking myself over the plans that we didn’t manage to get to, but once we spend a little time looking back and what we did absorb, I can see the progress and the growth.

So spend time remembering and celebrating. You’re working wonders, Mama!

The post How to Make Homeschooling Enjoyable for MOMS! appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

It seems like just doing more of the dreaded task and lots of reading instruction is the only way to improve. Yet the more you push them to read, the more they resist.

As the homeschooling mother of a son with reading difficulties (four official learning disabilities in fact), I know the worry. But I’ve also watched as my son has become a voracious reader.

Here’s what we did.

Set the Atmosphere

Dyslexics often find reading a frustrating experience. Don’t let every facet of language become a chore.

Create an atmosphere of a love for language.

Charlotte Mason, the 19th-century educator, stressed the importance of a variety of language experiences to foster a love of learning. Read widely; let your home be filled with music, poetry, and conversation. Don’t forget to incorporate nursery rhymes, tongue twisters, and other fun language play.

Your house should have lots of books (in every room!). The library makes this possible, along with “Thriftbooks” and garage sales.

Model a literary life yourself. If you’re struggling to find the time to read for yourself, this changed my reading life forever.

Provide Irresistible Books

I truly believe that a love of story is part of being human. They connect to our souls in a subconscious way that can bring about lasting joy and growth. There are SO many books that will “baptize the imagination” and hook the most reluctant readers.

Ask around. Listen to what gets recommended over and over again. Find ones that transcend demographics.

Coming soon, a list of books dyslexics won’t be able to resist.

Offering a plethora of book options across different genres can help to pique their curiosity. Fantasy, science fiction, graphic novels, and non-fiction selections may be more appealing to dyslexic readers than traditional narratives. Consider choosing books with clear and easy-to-read fonts to help reduce visual processing issues.

Let Their Ears Do the Work

Family Read Alouds:

Take away the decoding issues and just enjoy a story together! You’ll be fostering connection and positive associations around books. As Sarah MacKenzie likes to remind her listeners, you will never regret the time you spend reading aloud as a family!

I firmly believe that when my kids have graduated and the dust has settled, my fondest memories will be of our family read alouds. We have laughed, cried, speculated, argued, and marveled. These books have been used by God to form us in the most profound ways.

Audiobooks:

For the love of all things, let your kids listen to audiobooks!

Audiobooks are often seen as cheating on the hard copy variety of books, but why? Are they decoding? No. Does this help their spelling? No again. But do they learn grammar, vocabulary, brilliant prose, unprecedented empathy, living ideas and a deeper humanity? That’s a resounding YES!

It’s time to acknowledge the incredible benefits of using audiobooks for kids with dyslexia.

Using audiobooks allows kids with dyslexia (and neurotypical kids) to read things WAY beyond their decoding level. Talk about stretching their comprehension!

I’ve seen it in my own child. For many years, he could only decode simple “B.O.B.” books, but I allowed him to listen to great literary works with gorgeous prose and complicated plot and syntax. He had no trouble following along. Eventually his decoding skills caught up. I’m so glad I didn’t keep him from the “great conversation” just because he struggled with decoding. His intellect was given the space it needed to flourish.

Note: Parents, can I encourage you to use audiobooks as well? I can testify that I was close to giving up on so many books that became much easier when I switched to audio (or vice versa!). For my very hardest books, I listen WHILE decoding what’s in front of me.

Encourage Them to Write

Don’t discredit someone’s ability to write because they struggle to decode. Urge dyslexics to get their stories, thoughts, and ideas onto paper (or screen). Encourage them to share their voice with the world.

Most writing skills can be developed without decoding (especially if they LISTEN to top notch writers.) Try voice-to-text software (Google Docs is free!), or simply allow them to write by hand (without the fear of spelling errors!).

One of the game changers in our homeschool was separating the subjects. When we are working on spelling, we’re not working on handwriting. When we’re learning how to organize our thoughts in a research paper, we’re not worrying about spelling. Obviously the final product needs everything, but do it one thing at a time.

Seek Help from Professionals

Your dyslexic kids can love books without being especially skilled at decoding the letters on the page. But eventually, reading is a necessary skill for independent living.

If your child is struggling, and you’re not sure if they have dyslexia, please pursue a diagnosis. There could be many learning disabilities at play, or even as we found, physical issues with the eyes that a typical eye test wouldn’t catch. (Behavioral Optometrists do incredible work!)

In the States, local public schools are required to do the learning disorders evaluations for free. In my state, they don’t have to provide follow up services after the evaluation, unless the child enrolls in the school. But at least there will be official results and something to go off of as you find reading specialists, curriculum and interventions to help. They should also explain to you what some appropriate accommodations you could make.

Dyslexia is not likely to be something they grow out of, and they deserve to be given the tools needed to educate themselves as early as possible.

I hope this post gives you hope that you can provide a rich literary life for your child regardless of learning disabilities.

The post Learn How Dyslexics Can LOVE Reading appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

I was curious, but intimidated.

As we got into the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, I was shocked that even 1st graders were being introduced to the iconic plays of the Bard.

I have been absolutely shocked by how my boys have taken to the plays. I thought everything would go over their head and they would groan every time I pull out the books.

Instead, my oldest is always begging for “one more page!” And one time, my four year old literally stood up and whooped when the good guys won in the end!

But how should you get a little Shakespeare in your life?

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy here.

I don’t suggest grabbing the full play and reading it act by act. Someday, yes, but here’s how to build up to that.

Children’s Versions

There are many great children’s versions of Shakespeare’s plays. These cover the plot of each play and present it in beautiful, engaging language. These aren’t “translations” into modern English, and they often include some applicable full quotes from the originals.

Two that have been recommended over and over are Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb and Shakespeare Retold by E. Nesbit They still use advanced vocabulary and sentence structure, but your kids (and you) will understand the plot a LOT better!

My new favorite kids version of Shakespeare comes from Usborne. It literally has EVERY play. And before each play is a gorgeous illustration of the main characters and the basic plot. It helps everyone “picture” it and the writing is pretty fantastic too! It’s a must have for your library.

Usborne Complete Shakespeare (Illustrated Stories)

Another go to is any Bruce Coville adaptation. His picture books are so well written that hardly any beauty is lost but a lot of comprehension is gained! And the picture will make it so your kids just can’t help but get sucked into the story!

Twelfth Night

The Winter’s Tale

Romeo and Juliet

Macbeth

P.S. If you’re feeling a little daunted by reading so much Shakespeare aloud you could try this: Audiobooks. I can’t believe how many books we enjoyed together in the car or with Audible during quiet times( Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks)! My oldest son can’t get enough of these stories and sometimes listening to them was a welcome break.

Memorize

It’s important for students to understand the plot of Shakespeare, but most of his brilliance is in his actual wording and gorgeous poetic language. I wanted my kids to be exposed to syntax, vocabulary and just the straight up genius of it all. That’s why we use How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare by Shakespeare expert Ken Ludwig. Students will memorize small sections of plays, specifically chosen to highlight plot or technique or just the character of the Bard. Each chapter gives background to the quote and explains all sorts of things that are lost to the casual reader.  I’ve been shocked at how well my young boys can do memorize these tough passage.

Listen to Podcasts

I am a HUGE fan of “The Play’s the Thing” Podcast, put on by an actor and playwright well versed in literature and classical education. The episodes are accessible to total newbies, deep enough to reveal new insights for the scholars, and utterly enjoyable and hilarious! I would suggest previewing them before letting your kids listen. While they’re not risqué, children aren’t the intended audience.

See the Plays!

But of course, Shakespeare wasn’t meant to be just read, but SEEN! So find local groups that are performing his timeless pieces! And in the meantime, search YouTube for performances. We’ve had good luck with recordings of local colleges.

We recently watched this version of 12th Night. It was done in the recreated Globe Theater and with complete historical accuracy. Stephen Fry and Johnny Flynn were in the cast! Had us rolling on the floor!

I’ve been so amazed to see my crazy, rough, messy boys get sucked into the plot of these plays and light up when they hear a line performed that they themselves had memorized. They giggle and gasp and their world of emotions and language continues to grow.

Have you introduced your kids to Shakespeare? What’s their favorite play?

The post How to ENJOY Bringing Shakespeare into Your Homeschool Routine appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

You envision cozy mornings learning together, adventures exploring the world around you, and a tearful “thank you” from your grown kids when they graduate.

But not five minutes after your decision, the advertisements start showing up on your phone.

“This math curriculum is the one that NASA recommends. This reading program will get your child 4 grade levels ahead. This history book will teach your kids the “real” story.”

The message is clear: “Buy me or fail as a homeschool mom.”

As a seasoned homeschooler, I feel protective of new parents. I want to help calm your panic and give you a different approach that will help you lay a foundation of confidence as you navigate this educational journey.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy here.

Where to Start: WHY you should figure out your Homeschool Philosophy First

A Homeschooling Philosophy???

I know, that seems a little high brow and probably super overwhelming to a new homeschooler, but hear me out.

If you don’t have a destination in mind, a goal to shoot for, you’re going to flounder. 

But if you know the goal of your child’s education, having a clear picture in your mind of your priorities and the methods you think will achieve them, then you’ll be able to weigh curriculum and advice through that lens and save yourself a lot of whiplash.

How Do I Choose a Homeschooling Philosophy?

• Get specific. Write it Down.
  
  It can be easy to have vague, general goals for your kids. But when you narrow things down, you’ll be much more focused on what your priorities are. Be RUTHLESS in your elimination of extras, and only keep the things that matter to you and your family.
  
  If you’re looking for ideas, feel free to checkout what I did for my family.
  
  I thought through five big areas of life that I wanted my boys to excel at, cast a “vision” of what I’d love for them to be like as adults, and then listed some of the things we can do in the daily grind that will help steer us there.
  
  I look over these aims at least monthly, before I pick a curriculum or set a schedule, and whenever I’m discouraged.
  
  Get those FREE Homeschool Goals HERE!

• Ask Others
  
  With homeschooling gaining popularity, it’s almost a given that you’ll personally know a couple homeschool veterans. Pick their brains about what methods they follow. Ask for their honest assessments of what they like about their particular homeschool philosophy and what hasn’t worked well with their theories.
  
  Bring paper and pen. Homeschoolers LOVE to talk shop.
  
  
• Consider BOTH Your Child’s Needs & Yours
  
  When weighing homeschooling methods, factor in your personalities, strengths, and weakness.
  
  Do you have a kid that devours books? Do your kids come from a long line of engineers and love math and science? Are you extroverted or introverted? Does your family love spontaneity or prefer structure?
  
  You need to have these very real people in mind when you think through homeschooling philosophies. Don’t sacrifice real life for an ideal. Plan and dream, but go for something that is enjoyable, stretching, yet not an impossible burden.
  
  
• Get an Overview of Homeschool Philosophies
  
  There are quite a few homeschool ideologies out there. You’ll be drawn to some, repulsed by others, and intrigued by many.
  
  A great resource for educating yourself is the book The Call of the Wild and Free which is full of encouragement for new homeschoolers, but also does a great job of giving an overview of many different methods, including perspectives from influencers who choose them.
  
  Jump to my next section to get a Birdseye view of different homeschooling philosophies and methods.
  
  
• Deep Dive Into One Philosophy
  
  Pick a homeschooling method that is your top contender and dig deeper! No blog post, podcast, or conversation with a friend will be able to give you a full scope of a homeschooling philosophy.
  
  Get some books, subscribe to some influencers that follow the method, and see if you can borrow some curriculum from a friend that falls in line with this type of philosophy.
  
  I almost dismissed my chosen homeschooling method because I misunderstood what it was really about!

What Are Some Popular Homeschool Philosophies?

Below, I’ll share a very brief synopsis of some of the most popular homeschooling methods used today. While I’ll try to be fair, please realize that my homeschool philosophy will be hard to disguise.

• Traditional
  While I’d argue this is a misnomer, people that want to mimic the teaching methods of the public schools will go the traditional route.
  
  Expect textbooks, worksheets, lots of seated work etc. Expect LOTS of options for curriculum.
  
  Pros:
  1) It feels safe and controlled. Many people start with this method as they grow in confidence.
  2) Some motivated/gifted kids can blaze through their school work and use the rest of their day for their passions (think of the Olympic athletes, or musical geniuses of the world)
  3) You can easily reintegrate your kids into public school if you want to do that later down the road.
  
  Cons:
  1) Often doesn’t produce true learning.
  2) Typically dull and boring, one size fits all material.
  3) Usually harmful to kids with learning disabilities.
  
  
• Neo Classical
  Claiming to be in line with ancient western views on education (think Aristotle, Socrates and Plato) these homeschoolers place a big emphasis on great literature and solid thinking skills.
  
  Neo classists also believe in three stages of learning over the course of a child’s life. (This is based on a modern essay by Sayers, not the Ancients.)
  
  First comes the grammar stage, where kids are sponges that memorize tons of information without much context. Next, middle schoolers enter the logic stage where they start to make connections to the facts they learned. Finally, students reach the rhetoric stage which is when they develop their communication skills so they can take what they’ve learned and influence the world with it.
  
  Pros:
  1) Lots of great books that get students connected to “The Great Conversation” that humanity has been engaging with for millennia.
  2) Students eventually learn deep logic and communication skills that help them be movers and shakers in their world.
  3) A very rigorous education.
  
  Cons:
  1) The reality of three stages may be too simplistic, confining and frustrating for younger ages.
  2) The demanding pace and push to gain skills that are grade levels beyond the average student, can burn kids out or leave kids behind.
  3) There is a tendency to only focus on Western culture (though that seems to be shifting in the past couple years.)
  
  
• Charlotte Mason
  This British educator set out to apply the ancient traditions into what was her modern England.
  
  Similar to Neo Classical in its emphasis on broad reading, Charlotte Mason used the analogy of spreading a feast of living ideas for children’s souls to feed on. Even young children are expected to make connections and glean life giving truths from things like Fairy Tales, Shakespeare, and history.
  
  Student narration is the primary tool used to make those connection and solidify knowledge into kids memories. There are rarely worksheets or testing.
  
  Pros:
  1) A wide and beautiful education full of the subjects that make us more human.
  2) Respects the child’s personhood and the role of our ultimate teacher, God.
  3) Excellent for students with learning disabilities.
  
  Cons:
  1) Can feel like an overwhelming amount of subjects (like poetry, dictation, Latin, nature study, etc)
  2) Teacher involvement is high, especially for younger kids or those with learning struggles.
  

• Unit Studies
  This method of homeschooling focuses on a different theme for a certain period of time and builds all of its lessons around that theme.
  
  Say you decide to do an ocean theme for the month, you can gather up books, documentaries, crafts, and field trip possibilities that center on those themes. Especially for younger ages, it can be pretty easy to incorporate science, literature, math, and even some history into the theme.
  
  Pros:
  1) Lots of fun (sometimes more so for the teacher!)
  2) Memorable, fully of variety, and interest lead
  
  Cons:
  1) Lots of planning involved.
  2) Difficult to make sure all skills are being covered.
  3) Hard to continue in the older grades.
  
  
• Unschooling/Child Led
  If you’re looking for an outside of the box education, this is it! Unschoolers believe real world experience is a better teacher than structured learning. The focus is on following the child’s interests.
  
  Because of this, each Unschooling home is going to look drastically different than another. By not getting bogged down in textbooks and doing things in “the right order”, these students are free to dig deep into their passions. Kids can apprentice with experts, travel the world, or play in the woods for the majority of the day.
  
  Pros:
  1) The possibility of being highly skilled in a narrow field.
  2) Shouldn’t be much push back from kids, since it’s interest led.
  3) A truly unique, tailored education.
  
  Cons:
  1) Can be lots of work and will keep you on your toes.
  2) You’re limited by your resources and connections.
  3) Some personalities will use this as a means of laziness.
  4) Risk major gaps in knowledge and skills.
  
  
• Eclectic
  If you don’t want to be confined to a box, don’t! You can mix and match these homeschooling philosophies and others.
  
  Pros:
  1) You can have the best of all worlds.
  2) It’s easy to pivot if things aren’t working.
  
  Cons:
  1) You may lack direction. Be sure you have your aims solidly in mind!
  2) You may feel lonely. (Homeschoolers can be passionate about their philosophies!)
  

Educating With Your Educational Philosophy In Place

I know it can be fun to research homeschooling curriculum and purchase the next shiny thing that promises to teach your kids to be the most amazing people on earth. But before you spend a cent, take a while to lay the foundation of your educational philosophy.

I promise, it will be an anchor for you as the years go by.

The post Figure THIS out BEFORE Buying Homeschool Curriculum appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

“I’m not patient enough to homeschool.”

I usually respond something along the lines of “Me neither!”

While instagram may paint of lovely picture of the homeschool life, the reality of being with your kids 24/7 while also having to teach them phonics and long division is a recipe for testing your patience.

Anger and frustration have long been a struggle of mine, but I have grown in this area. Here are a couple ideas that have helped me be more like the mom I want my kids to have. 

Have a LOOSE Plan 

People tend to fall into two categories when it comes to planning out the day. Some like to assign a task to every minute and become slaves to the clock. Others prefer spontaneity and fly by the seat of their pants, often failing to accomplish much and feeling chaotic. 

When I lean too heavily one way or the other, I’m bound to lose my patience when things go sideways.

I have found that having a rhythm works better than a schedule. I know what subjects were going to cover that day and in what order. I also have a couple benchmark times I shoot for like when we should be wrapping up breakfast, when “elevenses” or morning time should start, etc. 

I also have found that if I were to plan out details of what I want to accomplish that week, I end up frustrated and behind. So instead of writing down what math lessons we will get done the next week, I keep a “doner” not a planner. I write down what we did accomplish that day. It ends the day with victory instead of defeat, which helps me get back in the saddle the next morning. 

I do plan three times a year, but it’s big picture stuff like what books we’ll read in conjunction with our history spine, what composers will deep dive into, which Shakespeare plays we’ll enjoy together and so on. That way I know where we’re headed when we finish a book or an artist and I can just keep going without being derailed. 

Get Your Sensory Needs Met

If you’re a long time reader, you know that I am big on reminding people that everyone has sensory needs.

That includes you homeschool mama!

When our sensory system is out of whack, it can be so easy to lose our cool. 

Let me give you an example from my own life:

I have found that if I am barefoot in my house, and my floors are dirty (which is pretty regularly), the grit on the bottom of my feet is subconsciously annoying and distracting. My body gets more tense, my brain can’t focus, and I get short with my family. I know this about myself now and usually remember to wear something on my feet to avoid this. But when I don’t, it’s funny how long it takes me to realize that the reason I’m being impatient really has nothing to do with these rambunctious kiddos!

Consider these common ways that sensory input influences your patience level.

• The cacophony of kids noises is overwhelming.
• Fluorescent lights make you anxious or on edge. 
• You’re cold or hot.
• You’re all touched out.
• You chew on a pen, tap your foot, twirl your hair.
• The list could be endless.

You don’t necessarily have a sensory processing disorder (though you might), because EVERYONE has sensory needs. 

It’s time to start paying attention to your body and getting those needs met, so you can be fully present and able to exert self control. 

Enlist Others

Sometimes homeschoolers start to think of themselves as an island. If we view ourselves as the only person who can educate our kids in anyway, we’ll be quick to burn out and take it out on our family.

It is not admitting defeat to outsource a subject. Math is a major triggering subject for one of my kids (and myself) so my husband has offered to teach him that subject when he gets home from work. My dyslexic son has gotten tutoring from folks via the internet. 

Make sure you are surrounded by a community of homeschoolers. Having other parents who understand what you’re going through will help immensely! 

We go to a co-op once a week where the kids do the things I’m not so keen on like history projects, science experiments, and writing. (It should be noted that I LOVE writing and teach it to the older kids at the co-op. But it’s wonderful to have someone else besides “mom” give input in these more subjective skills like writing.)

Take Some Time Off

One of the major perks of homeschooling is the flexibility. If you find your schooling is in a rut, use your freedom to break free. Depending on circumstances, you can shake things up in a number of ways.

Here are a couple options:

• Do school in a new location (outside, the park, the library, etc)
• Call it a half day and do something fun together like a game, movie, or just take a nap!
• Go on a field trip for the heck of it.
• Take a day off to get other pressing matters done so that you’re not overwhelmed with housework or errands.
• Take a week off to get perspective and energy.

We do school through the summer (mostly because it’s too hot to do much else) and this gives us LOTS of wiggle room to take time off when we need it. 

When You Blow It

While these ideas can help you reduce your impatience, we need to also have a plan for those times when we lose our patience.

When we get angry and yell or let our frustration out in some other way that hurt our kids, we must be quick to repent and ask our kids for forgiveness.

Our humility and desire to repair relationships will speak volumes to them. And it may very well be the most important lesson of the day. 

The post When You Don’t Have Enough Patience to Homeschool appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

We’re one of those crazy families that does school through the summer. But there’s a reason to our madness! It’s so hot that going outside is just not feasible for long periods of time. PLUS we take off LOTS of time in the winter to be able to enjoy the outdoors and the holidays.

This past summer, I was looking for a short topic to study in both science AND history. Then I thought, “Why not combine them?” Hence, our study of famous scientists and inventors.

As Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, we’re always looking for books that tell an engaging story. These living books live on in our minds and hearts, help us not just take in information, but the develop character.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE. 

Here are some of our favorite picture books about scientists and inventors. They cover a broad span of history, location, and people groups. I hope you dive into these books and inspire the next generation of scientists and inventors!

Picture Books about Scientists and Inventors:

Early Scientists and Inventors:

The Gravity Tree: The True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World

This first book is unique in that it covers hundreds of years of history and how one discovery leads to more. Really fascinating! I had no idea!Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia

A really neat story about an ancient Egyptian woman who was a genius for numbers and astronomy as well as philosophy.

I, Galileo

Even with the whole world against him, Galileo bravely look into the night sky to see what God had created. His story is one of courage that turned the world upside down.

Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci

I knew Leonardo da Vinci was brilliant, but I had no idea how many things he thought up WAY before they were invented. This book also reinforced the importance of keeping a journal.

Newton’s Rainbow

An indepth look at the life of the man who revolutionized our understanding of physics. Cool to see what his younger years were like!

How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning

Such a fun book! This book pairs nicely with the one about Tesla and a study of electricity.

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin

Another fun story about the genius of Ben Franklin. No problem was too big or too small for Franklin to tackle.

Dear Benjamin Banneker

Learn about the courageous man who strove to write a farmer’s almanac with accurate measurements and calculations. He also wrote a stunning rebuke to Thomas Jefferson on his views on slavery that have been preserved for young readers to see. Illustrated by one of the amazing Pinkneys, this book is not to be missed!

Snowflake Bentley

This book is GORGEOUS and won the Caldecott. When art and science come together, it’s awe inspiring! You’ll never look at a snowflake the same way again!

Biologists: 

Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects

The french naturalist, Jean Henri Fabre sure had the habit of attention down! Amazing how just observing what’s around you can lead to big things!

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just

We enjoyed learning about Dr. Just and his discoveries related to sea creatures! I thought it was noteworthy how many different fields he studied before finding his niche. 

Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter

Thoroughly enjoyed learning about this determined and observant entomologist! Fun pictures!

Buzzing with Questions: The inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner

This book will warm every teacher’s heart that wants to raise curious students!

Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

A delightful book about the man who is considered the world’s first geneticist. This was basically our first introduction into genes, dominance etc and there was so much to glean from this gem of a book. 

Modern Inventors:

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World

Fascinating story about Nikola and his battles with Edison over AC and DC current. We learned a TON about electricity.

Samuel Morse, That’s Who!: The Story of the Telegraph and Morse Code

Communication would never be the same after Samuel Morse invented morse code! Great illustrations!

Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge

A fascinating look at the self taught woman who kept the Brooklyn Bridge project running during her husband’s long illness. 

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Awesome story about one of MY hero’s Dr. Temple Grandin who is autistic and leading the way in bringing about awareness and acceptance. Her brain is a gift! Great encouragement to kids that don’t fit the mold or think outside the box.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Follows the lives of four women that ROCKED at math and brought the US space program to new heights, despite prejudices.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Picture Book Edition

When a young man’s village suffers a drought and all the crops die, he doesn’t give up. Study library books and gathering materials from the dump, this heroic young man saves his people with his windmill. (Note: there is a full length novel of the same title that my boys gobbled up! Like read it three times in one week!)

Marvelous Mattie: How Mar­garet E. Knight Be­came an In­ven­tor

Great story about a determined young girl who wouldn’t let other intimidate her! Nicknamed “Lady Edison” Ms. Knight’s story is not to be missed!

The Fabulous Flying Machines of Alberto Santos-Dumont

Did you know there’s a debate about whether the Wright brothers should hold the title for the first flight? Find out the story of Alberto Santos-Dumont and his incredible accomplishments to the field of aviation.

Fun Inventions:

The Hole Story of the Doughnut

A whimsical story about the invention of the doughnut! What’s not to love! It reminds us that all sorts of things are invented for all sorts of reasons.

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

Stunning illustrations highlight the story of the first Ferris wheel and the world’s fair. In this book we were reintroduced to other inventors of the time like Edison and Tesla.

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

I’ll never look at a crayon in the same way again! Kids everywhere will cheer their gratitude for not having to use charcoal, paint, or pencils to create artwork.

Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum

Another fun one about perfecting the art of bubble gum. Warning: this book got my kids on a bubble blowing kick!

The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth

Very interesting book about an invention that changed the way the world relaxes. My boys think he’s a hero!

Mathematicians: 

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

Fun book about a boy that made friends with numbers. The book highlights that even though we’re all different, we all have strengths.

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

Einstein’s mother was told that her son was an idiot. I loved this book for the hope it brought to folks that don’t do well in traditional schools yet excel at thinking beyond the norm.

Fictional Inspiration:

Papa’s Mechanical Fish

One of our all-time favorite picture books EVER! This is a fictional take on a true story about a man who tried to invent a submarine in Chicago’s Lake Michigan. The illustrations are vivid and hilarious! The father is never deterred by failure and his family is full of grace and good ideas! Absolutely LOVE!

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Another fictional story that encourages kids to try crazy things and that failures are just stepping stones to success. I really enjoyed the rhyming text!

Ada Twist, Scientist

We didn’t read this one yet, but it’s by the same creators of Rosie Revere, so I expect good things!

Collections:

Picture History of Great Inventors

This is a great reference book with over 50 inventors highlighted! Great introduction to whet a child’s appetite to explore the life of more inventors.

Brilliant Ideas From Wonderful Women: 15 incredible inventions from inspiring women!

Fun collection of a bunch of women and their contributions and problem solving skills!

Do you know of any other picture books about inventors and scientists? Let me know in the comments below! We can’t have too many!

The post Living Picture Books about Inventors and Scientists appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

Who doesn’t love a physical letter in the mail? (As long as it’s not a bill!)

The art of letter writing has been declining dramatically but it isn’t dead by any means. And what if you could combine the thrill of a beautiful letter with the wonder of learning about the world around you.

That’s just what these letters are designed to do and they’re the highlight of our day when they show up in our mailbox!

Whether you homeschool or are just looking for fun appealing ways to supplement your kiddos education, consider getting a subscription to some of these incredible educational letters.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.

GEOGRAPHY:

1. Letters from Afar

My son was obsessed with globes and the idea of traveling when I discovered “Letters from Afar”. Each month, a stunningly illustrated letter arrives from a fictional girl named Isabel as she shares her latest travel saga. It’s so suspenseful as the boys open the letter and start shouting guesses about where they think she’s writing from this time. We’ve learned so much about different countries and regions and it has started us down many a delightful rabbit trails. There’s also a little puzzle or hidden pictures game at the end of each letter that the boys really look forward to. 

2. American Heritage Adventure

These letters focus on the beauty closer to home by highlighting American national parks and historic landmarks like the Alamo and the Statue of Liberty. Produced by a homeschooling family (including their kids), the American Heritage Adventure series of letters will be sure to give you the travel bug. And it’s always exciting when we get a letter from some place we’ve already been. An extra cool touch is how each letter comes with a hand painted postcard that your kids can send to friends or relatives!

HISTORY:

1. Post from the Past

Imagine each month a famous figure from the past were to write your child a letter and share their life story in a way that sucks your kids in and leaves them wanting to learn more about their new friend? That’s what Posts from the Past is all about! And not only do kids get a visually appealing and engaging letter, but there are also additional downloads and activities related to that person for subscribers to use throughout the month. So. Much. Fun. So. Much. Learning.

2. Heritage Letters

From the creators of the American Heritage Adventures, comes this history themed letter subscription. Each month students will receive a letter “written by” a famous American as well as a photo with important facts on the back. Additionally, an “artifact” is included such as a picture, artwork, map, or quote related to the American legend. Their website also has free printables for extending the learning. Some of their previous features were about Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte the first female Native American doctor, Duke Kahanamoku an Hawaiian Olympic swimmer and surfer, Mercy Otis Warren poet, playwright, and pamphleteer during the American Revolution, and SOOOO many more people worthy of our time. 

SCIENCE:

Writings from the Wild

These letters have been ideal for my youngest animal loving son. Written from the perspective of young animal, kids will learn about what life is like for that particular animal along with fun animal facts and collectible cards with each of the animals they learn about. The illustrations a whimsical and vivid. My son will pretend to be that animal for the rest of the week! Get Writings from the Wild HERE!

LITERATURE: Letters from the Sea Tower by Bryana Joy

If you want your child to LOVE words and literature, not just consume it, consider getting these exquisite letters created by Bryana Joy Beaird, Letters from the Sea Tower (named after a story by J.R.R. Tolkien). Each letter features an author or poet, showcases their work and gets kids and adults alike pumped to read more by these iconic and influential writers. The illustrations are delightful and Bryana has made it her mission to preach the power of “story”. Words have power to give hope and meaning to life while helping us feel the full gamete of emotions. These may be best suited for older elementary into adulthood, but my boys are pretty well read and are thoroughly enjoying learning about the authors they already know and love!

The post Letter Subscriptions for Learning and Fun appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

When approaching a difficult topic with young kids, my go to method for starting a conversation is to read a picture book aloud to them. Wars are obviously scary and complicated. But no study of history would be complete( and I would argue, no human would be fully educated) without an understanding of the evil and heroics that are revealed in war. The good and the bad is displayed in powerful leaders as well as the common people. 

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy here. 

Picture Books about World War II for Kids

The American War Effort

Diana’s White House Garden by Elisa Carbone

Grab this book to showcase how everyday children and families contributed to the war effort in BIG ways! The true story of how Diana Hopkins started her own Victory Garden on the White House lawn under the tutelage of  First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Lily’s Victory Garden by Helen L. Wilbur

This fictional story about a girl’s quest to grow a Victory Garden highlights the ways in which gardening can aid in healing a broken heart torn apart by the tragedies of war. 
Wind Flyers Hardcover by Angela Johnson

Follow the life, passions and heroics of one incredible member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Superb illustrations!

The Girl Who Could Fix Anything: Beatrice Shilling, World War II Engineer by Mara Rockliff

Another true story about aviation during World War II, this time over in Great Britain. Beatrice Shilling fixed planes and broke barriers in her war efforts for the Allies. 

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story by Joseph Bruchac

Despite being told in boarding school to forget his Navajo culture and language, Chester Nez, and others from his tribe were recruited during World War II to use their mother tongue to create an “Unbreakable Code” essential to the war effort. 

The Fearless Flights of Hazel Ying Lee by Julie Leung

Read about Hazel Ying Lee and her role in the Women Airforce Service Pilots. An adventurous and fearless Chinese American heroine. 

Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark

Elizebeth Friedman’s story of espionage was classified until 2015. Read her incredible tale dismantling Nazi spy rings, upending gangsters, and creating the CIA’s first cryptology unit.

Discover the “dogs for defense” program that trained at Fort Robinson War Dogs Training Center in western Nebraska. Seen through the eyes of one brave and loyal dog “Major”.

Voices of Pearl Harbor by Sherry Garland

This book tells the story of “The Day that Will Live in Infamy” from 16 different (fictional) people’s perspectives. Both US and Japanese soldiers, politicians, mothers, nurses, Hawaiian locals and more. 

Picture Books about Japanese Internment Camps for Kids

  Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki

Inspired by true events, this modern-day classic explores the stark realities of internment camps in the States, and the simple yet profound pleasure and hope that sports can bring. 

Fish for Jimmy by Katie Yamasaki

Brotherly love and sacrifice are showcased in this book, based on the author’s lived experience. Lovely!

Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind by Cynthia Grady

Clara Breed encourages her Japanese American library patrons to write her when they are removed from the normal lives and placed in internment camps. There are actual excerpts from these letters within the book. 

Picture Books about World War II ‘s European Theater

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco

From the prolific and profound Patricia Polacco comes the story of Monique, a young French girl who discovers another child using her basement to hide from the Nazis. 

The Greatest Skating Race: A World War II Story from the Netherlands by Louise Borden 

Read about the daring plot of three children, determined to skate their way to freedom from the Nazis.

War Boy: The acclaimed illustrated children’s picture book about World War II by Michael Foreman

Considered a modern classic “War Boy”  “combines a touching personal story with factual information and wonderful illustrations” about survival in war torn Suffolk. 

Rose Blanche by Ian McEwan

A young German girls watches the war and it’s changes play out in front of her as she gazes out her window. Eventually she leaves her home and discovers the biggest tragedy yet, a concentration camp. 

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Based on the author’s mother’s life, this story shows the comradery of two young girls  and their nations (America and Holland) after World War II leaves Europe in tatters. 

Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven

An incredible true story of the Berlin Airlift that brought supplies to West Germany after the war. Gorgeous and inspiring!

Stone Angel by Jane Yolen

The popular author, Ms. Yolen never disappoints! Follow the lives of a Parisian family fleeing from Nazi invaders. “Filled with sorrow, hope, comfort, and triumph.”

Picture Books about the Holocausts for Kids

 Anne Frank: The Girl Heard Around the World by Linda Elovitz Marshall

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Anne Frank’s diary is the most famous in the whole world. This picture book is a developmentally appropriate way of showing children the world that Anne Frank lived in and changed for the better. 

Miep and the Most Famous Diary: The Woman Who Rescued Anne Frank’s Diary by Meeg Pincus

This is the awe inspiring story of the woman who hid Anne Frank’s family from the Nazi and spared her diary from destruction.  Fascinating!The Whispering Town by Jennifer Elvgren

A fictional story about a family that hides a Jewish family in Nazi occupied Denmark. A great way to introduce young children to the Holocaust. It encourages character qualities like empathy, courage and protectiveness. 

Jars of Hope: How One Woman Helped Save 2,500 Children During the Holocaust by Jennifer Rozines Roy

A defiant woman, Irena Sendler, took it upon herself to save over 2,500 children in the ghettos of Warsaw. Highlight these everyday heroes who helped amidst atrocities.

The Harmonica by Tony Johnston

Inspired by a true story, this tale follows a young boy, sent to a different concentration camp than his parents, as he clings to music and hope.

A Queen to the Rescue: The Story of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Hadassah by Nancy Churnin

Tells the story of the formation of the Jewish women’s social justice organization, Hadassah and it’s role in protecting and aiding Jewish during the war.

Picture Books about World War II ‘s Pacific Theater

Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

Based on the true story of a FIFTEEN year old Kentucky solider who befriends a local young girl in the south pacific. They don’t share a language, other than kindness. 

My Hiroshima by Junko Morimoto

With little text, but moving Japanese style prints, this is the story of Hiroshima from a child’s point of view. Despite the horror, there is hope. 

The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with a Big Story by Sandra Moore

A bonsai tree lives and witnesses hundreds of years of Japanese history before being given to the United States as a sign of healing and unity.

Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot’s World War II Story by Marc Tyler Nobleman

An incredibly moving true story of forgiveness, 20 years in the making. A MUST read!

The post Picture Books about World War II for Kids appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

This homeschool math curriculum has NOT disappointed!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.

My oldest has been using Right Start for 3 years now. My middle son is keeping pace with him, and my youngest just started level A this Fall. 

Here’s what we love about Right Start Math:

Repetition without Boredom 

One of my boys can grasp a concept one day, but by the next day need a refresher. With Right Start , there’s a “warm up” session everyday that does a quick verbal Q & A to help solidify the previous couple lessons. If we were using a curriculum that never circled back, I’d be afraid to keep going with new lessons until I was sure they had everything down pat. Instead, if a concept is a bit rocky for my kiddo, we can keep progressing with lessons, and they usually get the idea within a couple days without adding to their frustration or pressuring them!

Another way that they “drill” facts without being joy sucking drill sergeants is by playing math games. Nearly every lesson includes a game to play that makes repetition FUN! It’s perfect for kiddos that are hesitant to try things that make them feel dumb. It breaks down those barriers and I’ve seen my kids flourish in confidence. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Division and Fractions in kindergarten? They’re getting such a better foundation in math than I did! @rightstartmathematics just makes sense! It de-emphasizes counting while using an abacus to make even large numbers concrete. With other curriculums we ran aground at place values and just couldn’t master it. Right Start’s approach made all the difference. Plus it’s hands on and game oriented! Perfect for my out-of-the-box learners!⁣ ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #homeschooling #homeschoolmama #wildandfreechildren #charlottemason #charlottemasonirl #education #charlottemasonliving #charlottemasoneducation #charlottemasonsoiree #homeschool #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolrocks #motherculture #livingbooks #childrensbooks #math #stem #steam #ad #gameschooling #handsonlearning #dyslexia # #sensoryprocessingdisorder #specialneedsmom #homeschoolmom #learningthroughplay

A post shared by Julie Nixon (@mymundaneandmiraculouslife) on Apr 9, 2019 at 7:52pm PDT

Emphasis on Concrete Ideas, Not Memorization or Mindless Calculation

Right Start Math  presents concepts in a very non-traditional order. It’s hard to explain the brilliant way they gently touch on multiplication or fractions in Kindergarten and then slowly build on that foundation as the months and years go by.

It’s a bit like a spiral staircase.

I, as the teacher, am aware that, “Hey, they’re actually practicing multiplication!” but my kiddos just know that their adding more quickly.

So by the time they formally introduce multiplication, kids feel confident. I regularly hear my boys say “Yeah, I know how to do that!” even thought it’s the first formal introduction to the concept. 

When I first started, it was hard to trust the process.

I felt like things were a bit slow and I was comparing my kids to others (wah wah. We all do it!) But now that we’ve been at it for a while, it’s so obvious to me that my boys UNDERSTAND what they are doing and aren’t just acting like a calculator. Word problems are a breeze because they’ve worked with concrete ideas from the very beginning.

Do they have their times tables memorized? No, though I’m sure they will some day.

But they know how to approach real life problems, and their gaining to tools to solve those problems!

No Busy Work and Low Prep

We love Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education and one of her methods is short lessons. With Right Start, the worksheets are few and far between and certainly don’t have a ton of similar problems. I’m able to keep our lessons between 15 and 20 minutes every day (minus any games we play) and that helps keep math from becoming drudgery! 

Right Start is well structured and organized with a script for parents to read. Each lesson has a short list of any manipulatives needed for that particular lesson. I’m able to look over the lesson literally two minutes ahead of time and feel prepared, and I’m no math wiz! 

I’m super happy with our decision to switch to Right Start Math . It’s given my boys such a solid foundation and kept things enjoyable. I’m so very thankful! 

Let me know if you have any questions about the curriculum in the comments below. Be sure to read my original article about why we picked Right Start Homeschool Math Curriculum in the first place since it explains many more specifics about the curriculum. 

The post Review of Right Start Math Curriculum After Three Years appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.

“It means my mom teaches me at home.” I’d respond, waiting for the predictable follow up question.

“So do you get to wear your pajamas all day long???”

Homeschooling was literally unheard by most of my peers back in the nineties.

Who woulda thunk that 2020 would usher in a time of state mandated “school at home” and so many parents would be, for the first time, seriously considering homeschooling.

So if you’re re-evaluating the educational options for your kiddos this year, you’re not alone!

Maybe you’ve never thought about how your child’s sensory needs would affect the homeschooling process.

You guys, I’ve got some GOOD NEWS for you…

Homeschooling is a WONDERFUL way to help your sensory child thrive!

Here are just a few ways that homeschooling can be a serious advantage to your sensory child.

Different Grade Levels for Different Subjects

If your child struggles in a certain area, there’s no massive pressure to make sure he keeps up with his peers in that area. My son has dyslexia on top of sensory issues, so reading has been VERY hard for him. Instead of burdening him with an intense need to always be at grade level reading skills each and every year, I can slow down, go at his pace, and still have a chance that while he may be late to the game, he’ll still love reading for pleasure.

And the opposite is true as well, if your child has a large aptitude for a particular subject, there’s no need to restrain them so that they’re still learning with a class of peers. I never would have thought my boys would take to Shakespeare or enjoy the read alouds and board games that are meant for middle schoolers, but they eat it up!

I want to also add that, not having grade levels is a self-esteem protection. While my son is well aware that he struggles with reading (since his younger brother reads at an insanely above grade level pace), we have tried to make it clear that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Struggles are a part of life that build their character and we value THAT far more than grades.

Sensory Friendly Schedules

One of the best things about homeschooling is how you get to create a schedule that works for your family. For us, that means we prioritize movement and play. Sensory kids NEED lots of sensory input throughout the day and it’s tough to get that while sitting at a desk (though more on that in the next section).

When I plan out our day, I’m always thinking about what will help facilitate my kids being outside the most. For us, that means we switch up our entire school year and school day so that we are off in the winter when the weather is nice, and while we school in the summer, we take the cooler mornings off, and hunker down in the AC in the afternoon.

While our Charlotte Mason way of homeschooling encourages very short lessons to help keep kids attention and encourage focus, we still incorporate “brain breaks” throughout the school hours so they get their sensory needs met.

In between subjects, turn on a song and dance. Before math, swing for three minutes. When frustration is setting in, do jumping jacks or try and push over a wall.

Whatever it is, remember, homeschooling gives you the freedom to respect the body brain connection and meet those needs!

Movement WHILE Learning

Now just because your child will need to spend time learning, doesn’t mean the sensory input has to halt. There are literally millions of ways to get sensory input WHILE learning and there are tons of ideas on my site as well as around the web.

Just because it’s impractical for an entire classroom to recite their spelling words on the swings, doesn’t mean you as a homeschooler can’t do just that! We’ll memorize poems while climbing trees. We’ll spell while hopping from letter to letter. We’ll write math equations in shaving cream. I’ll read history while they dig in the garden. I’ll make sure science experiments involve movement.

And even when a child has to be seated, there are still plenty of options to get sensory input. Consider incorporating active seating in your home through wiggle seats and other options.

Pick the Curriculum that Works for Your Kid

Home schools are completely customizable. You don’t have to get a boxed curriculum or try and learn from the one option picked out by the state. Instead, mix and match. Learn from other sensory and special needs homeschoolers in facebook groups what has worked for them and why.

Consider what philosophy of education will best meet your children’s needs. It’s no secret I love the tenants of Charlotte Mason as well as much of classical education. The short lessons, variety, immersion with nature and all the reading aloud fit our family really really well. I also found courage to go a non-traditional route because Charlotte Mason insists that we honor children as born persons, not things we need to fit into a mold.

If you’re looking for some of our favorite sensory curriculum, check out the math program that FINALLY clicked for my boys and is designed for tactical needs and struggling learners.  I also suggest an Orton Gillingham homeschool curriculum when it comes to reading for a child who is struggling in that area. I’ve seen it work wonders.

Even if my son didn’t have special needs, I had a million reasons I wanted to homeschool him. Special sensory needs are just another reason we have found homeschooling to be the perfect fit for our family.

The post Advantages of Homeschooling Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder appeared first on My Mundane and Miraculous Life.