Saturday, June 16, 2012

making holidays educational

The big holidays are easy enough. Spend an afternoon making Christmas cards or valentines with your kids, or maybe preparing some green food to eat on St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone will appreciate a change of pace from the usual math, reading, and science, and a short activity interspersed with regular schoolwork can really help to make the day pass more quickly. Arranging a few arts and crafts projects around holiday themes is a great way to mark the time, and even teach the kids about calendars. Counting down how many days until Easter gives everyone something to look forward to.

Some often-overlooked holidays are the smaller ones, and they can be even more fun! How about Flag Day, Columbus Day, or Presidents’ Day? There’s lots of potential there for craft projects and learning activities. Kids will also enjoy celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and reading his books while eating a breakfast of green eggs and ham! Sometimes the more insignificant holidays can be the most fun!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Do you have this probem too? Little ones in the way!

This happens way too often at my house! How can homeschooling mothers still accomplish their goals for the day with a baby or toddler needing their attention? If you have several children, you’ve undoubtedly dealt with this issue. You can either choose a curriculum that requires very little input from parents, or you can find ways to keep your little one(s) occupied during school time.

You could try conducting lessons with a baby or toddler in your lap, while they perhaps play quietly or eat a snack. There could also be a special box of favorite toys that are only allowed out during school time, to keep little hands busy. I've found Play-Doh works great to keep a two year old occupied. Mostly though, just have patience and you'll get through the day. Eventually the schoolwork will get done!