Blog
Incorporating Literature into Your Study of History
A good textbook is a vital tool for the student of history. It can outline the story of history concisely and can help the student answer the basic questions of when and where and why. But adding elements of literature can be a valuable way to flesh out your study...
Grammar Matters: The Far-reaching Impact of Grammar Instruction
Grammar? Do we really need to learn that? Indubitably! When people dismiss grammar as being unimportant, it’s usually because they don’t understand the purpose of grammar. Grammar involves more than just memorizing the definition of a pronoun or reciting prepositions...
Can Math Draw You Closer to God?
Lately, I have been entranced with spiders. The bigger the better. The furrier the cooler. The more active the more enticing. I start each morning with a hot cup of coffee in hand, go to my window, which I used to think needed an outside washing, and just stare in...
Developing a Cohesive Science Curriculum
Why should my student study science? Other than the obvious answer of “to graduate,” I would recommend science classes to assist students in thinking analytically as well as applying theories to reality. There are several stages of our academic lives, and each is...
What Can I Do With a Degree in Psychology?
Have you ever thought about what a degree in Psychology could mean for your child? Years ago Psychology was a social science primarily understood as training to be a clinician (a therapist). Today there are so many subfields or specializations within the discipline...
Why Do My Students Need to Take Advanced Composition Classes?
Students must be taught to become critical consumers of media in order to avoid being manipulated by a variety of deceptive ideologies. In our modern world, there are few limitations on publications. People can post their thoughts or beliefs freely via the internet...
The Most Common Complaint in Homeschooling (and What to Do About It)
I have been homeschooling for over twenty years now, and I’ve been involved in teaching homeschooled children (other than my own) for that same amount of time. There have been a number of trends noted in the changing demographics of the homeschool community including...
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...
