Blog
Three Important Things Hamilton Got Wrong
In 2015, a new musical appeared on the scene. It was almost an instant hit. The musical was modern, the characters were colorful, and the subject was a fresh look at one of the founding fathers – Alexander Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda, inspired by Ron Chernow’s...
What Can I Do With a Degree in History if I Do Not Want to Teach?
The study of history is fascinating and useful. Beyond winning Jeopardy or dominating a family game of Trivial Pursuit, students of history gain important life skills that are useful beyond the discipline of history. Students of history learn how to conduct research...
Homeschooling When Your Mom is Not a Fan
As homeschoolers, we get used to people commenting on our decision on how to educate our children. Random people in the grocery store, friends, neighbors, and in-laws all feel perfectly free to comment and even outright question the decision made as a family. But...
Should My Child Study World History or Western Civilization?
For decades historians have debated the merits of studying World History or Western Civilization. There is no real consensus about which is more beneficial for students. If learned historians cannot definitively answer this question, how can homeschool parents hope...
Art Projects to do at Home with Kids
Do your kids have a little extra time on their hands right now? Here are some fun ideas for art projects to put those little hands to work! I have included ideas that will work with all ages, from toddlers to teens. These are all projects that I have done at home with...
Google Translate User Error: How to Use Bilingual Dictionaries Wisely
Several years ago in my Spanish 2 course, I gave a writing assignment. The students were to submit a simple recipe using the command forms and the food vocabulary we had been practicing in class. The students turned in how-tos on preparing sándwiches de queso fundido...
Should Mathematics Be Included in Chemistry?
The debate between excluding mathematics in science and including it in science classes is becoming more prevalent as students specialize in high school based on their current interests. There are several curriculums being advertised that “brag” about the exclusion of...
4 Ways to Help Your Student Select a Career Pathway
What do you want to be when you grow up? This question is one that has been asked to elementary-aged children throughout the decades. In elementary school it is entertaining to hear the variety of responses received. As graduation approaches, it becomes stressful...
Want to be More Creative & Successful? Take Screen Breaks!
How did a guy like Leonardo DaVinci get so good at so many things? As our kids read classic books and study history and literature, the people they learn about and learn from amaze us. It wasn't unusual for influential people in the past to speak multiple languages...
To Read Shakespeare or Not to Read Shakespeare; That is the Question
Students and parents typically have two reactions to reading Shakespeare: “Awesome! Someone else isteaching my child to understand Shakespeare.” Insert groaning child here. Or, “I loved readingShakespeare in school! I can’t wait to read this with my child.” Insert...
What is an Executive Order and What Does it Do?
For those of you who follow politics, it seems the term “executive order” has been heard often over the last several years. Whether executive orders are authorized by the Constitution and how many executive orders have been issued by a presidential administration are...
Why Should My Student Take World Literature?
Students often take four years of English classes in high school. An introductory course to literary analysis, American literature, and British literature can be found in most schools across the country. World Literature is often underrepresented, however, and it is...
