How to Afford Homeschool Curriculum on a Small Budget

It’s that time of year again, when all of us homeschoolers are thinking about what we will do for the next school year. In the past, this time of year would have been super hectic trying to pick which curriculum for what subjects I was going to use with my oldest. I have been sort of an “eclectic gatherer” with him as money was tight, and I thought I could not afford a “boxed” curriculum. With some special encouragement from a fellow blogger and a resolve to make our finances work, this year we chose to bite the bullet and …

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What Worked for Me in 2015

Have you ever heard of the post-Christmas blues? It’s a thing, I’m sure of it. I’ve seen it a lot in friends and family. All the excitement and planning of Christmas culminates in a day of joy and then…..it’s over. I have to admit, I’m pretty sure I haven’t had it once since becoming an adult. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. But as an introvert Christmas pushes me over the edge of the socializing cliff, and I can’t wait to detox. That’s what I think December 26th should be called: Christmas Detox Day. Honestly, I get more excited …

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5 Key Benefits of Special Needs Homeschooling

  5 Key Benefits of Special Needs Homeschooling Click To Tweet For years the thought of homeschooling my daughter with special needs made me cringe. Educating my typical kids proved hard enough, and just the thought of bringing her home and adding her to the mix was overwhelming. Public school gave me a much needed reprieve from all her negative behaviors and demands. She loved her time with her wonderful teachers and friends, and we both looked forward to the bus coming each morning. Homeschooling was the last thing we both wanted to do. As each school year came and passed and her …

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The 3 R’s of Successful Homeschooling

I’m done homeschooling. My season of curriculum choices and co-op duties are done. I’m looking back at the patchwork of schooling formats we used across states, cities, and nations. We’re far enough beyond our homeschool days to look back and know if it worked. I remember days when I begged God to help me help my kids learn well. Even with an education degree, I wasn’t a whiz in all subjects, and my flesh often mixed with my best intentions to be an A+ teacher. Did we learn enough and grow enough? I hoped so. If you’re just starting homeschooling …

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The Secret Trick to a Brainy Yet Swanky Homeschool Table

Whether your kids’ classroom space is the kitchen table or in another room, here is your secret trick to a brainy yet swanky homeschool table! Covering your school table with educational prints then protecting it all with clear plastic is sure to expand your school space as well as generate learning enjoyment!   Let’s get started! First, gather these supplies: Clear vinyl table cover. I find mine in the craft section at Walmart. Choose the right size to fit your table.  I also like to buy the thicker vinyl–it costs a bit more but lasts much longer. Clear packaging tape. …

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A School Time Prayer

Father God, as I place my kids in the care of their school I pray Your hand of safety and guidance surround them. Help them to develop a love for learning. Give their teachers wisdom in how best to inspire a love for knowing. May their desire to know draw them closer to You. Father be with the other kids in their classes. May my kids be lights of encouragement to all the kids in their classes. Help them to treat others how they would want to be treated. May they point others to Your love and kindness. When they …

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Smart Cinnamon Roll-Ups for Your Scholar

Whether launching kiddos off to school or taking a break from the homeschool table, these cinnamon roll-ups are a smart way to pep up your scholar! Allow your kids to whip-up these super easy, warm and gooey breakfast treats! Click To Tweet     How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!  Psalm 32:1-2 NASB We love hearing from you! What is your favorite school recipe? In Him, Tara Dovenbarger

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Tips for Parents of Kindergartners

This week my twin girls start kindergarten. How did they get to be so big? Somehow, in five years my bubbly babies have grown into little girls. While this mama is a little sad, I’m also so excited to parent them through this new stage of life. While we are getting them ready to go back-to-school, I’m trying to be proactive with what to expect this year in both their development and school. I’ve asked a friend who does “Mommy School” with her five year old and our Preschool Minister at church for some tips on parenting kindergartners, and today …

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The One Word That Will Revolutionize Your School Year

    It’s that time of year again. Every other commercial is advertising back-to-school sales, store aisles are packed with parents holding lists and mumbling to themselves, and kids are trying to figure out a great hiding spot where no one can find them and drag them away from their swimming pools, video games, and late-sleeping, warm beds.    It’s school time! I have always loved September, even when I was a kid and that meant my freedom would soon be over. September means the air will be a little more crisp, routine will return (because I am such a …

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Back to School Supply List

Back to School Supply List: 21 Resources

‘Tis the season for supply lists. Unfortunately, the back to school supply list can really add up! More than one mom has approached her homeschool list or classroom list with excitement, only to walk away with a grown up case of test anxiety. As a teacher and a mom, I want to encourage you to keep a few things in mind, if your list has you stressed. Your kids don’t need to have the latest and greatest option out there (= most expensive) If the list is long, prioritize what’s needed most (= a key life “lesson” for all of …

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