Our new Teaching Textbooks computer math program came a couple weeks ago, and I am completely loving it. Setting it up for multiple kids on one computer was a bit tricky– basically you create user accounts on the computer for every kid and install the program into each user.   But once we got all...
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I spent half an hour this morning googling SAT essay tips and thought I’d share the best links I found just in case any of you have student taking the SAT this year. FAMILY EDUCATION NEW YORK TIMES APPLICATION ANXIETY COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL BOURLAND PRINCETON REVIEW ———– On this day last year I was writing about my wedding day. Technorati Tags: essay tips,...
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These days there is a huge variety of choice when it comes to homeschool curriculum, with almost as many good options are their are homeschooling families.  Below I am going to list my favorite curriculum.   I hope you will add your own favorites in comments, below. MARY’S HOMESCHOOL FAVORITES MATH Grades K-3 — Alpha Omega Horizon Grades 4...
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Apparently I got the griping out of my system the other day, because I’m feeling more cheerful about the start of school. I’ve organized my existing books, and ordered more, including handwriting and a 3rd copy of Saxon 7/6 math — the latter on paperbackswap.com– hooray! Last night I got a new chore...
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Homeschooling older children with little ones in the house can be a real challenge. Toddlers and preschoolers are energetic, inquisitive, and mobile. They make things happen. Woe to you if you’re not watching them while they’re making things happen. But how can you occupy them in a way that will still allow you to...
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I’m not about to claim that I am READY for school to start, but I did at least get a start on pre-school organizing. All last year, the laundry room counter was the dumping grounds for kids’ books at the end of each school day.  Books were supposed to be stacked neatly,...
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Homeschooling: how we began (As you read this, please know I am not dissing other school options or proclaiming homeschooling as THE answer for everyone.  I know successful adults who have come from every type of school setting.) ———– That first year of homeschooling, we charged into the school year with great excitement.   I bought desks...
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John and I had our first daughter in 1988, back when homeschooling was still far from mainstream. We both thought it seemed overprotective, maybe even downright odd.  We never imagined ourselves as home-schoolers.  However, the closer our oldest daughter got to school age, the less thrilled we became about the idea of public...
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As summer creeps rockets closer to August, and I start to think about school again, emotions flood through me. Dread is one, frankly. That may not jive with what you’d expect from 15-yr veteran homeschooler, but I’m keeping it real here.  Two years ago we brought 9 and 11 year old girls into our family,...
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How to Nurture Geniuses
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