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Some states require homeschoolers to keep a portfolio of student learning and educational progress. Simply put, portfolios show what your child has le...

Middle school is a great time for both homeschool parents and their students to get ready to homeschool high school! With some intentional time of pre...

How do you cope with kids during the summer? Boys especially seem to be go, go, going all the time! Parents everywhere are getting sick of hearing, "I...

Do you have a plan for April Fool's day?  I love harmless pranks!  Need some ideas?I always loved making holiday food, so obviously I start with some food suggestions!For breakfast, you can make "Fried Eggs".  The egg is white yogurt or pudding with a peach half on top. I've made this myself, and it's very cute and fun! Put one drop of food coloring in their glass, and their milk magically turns blue!For lunch, serve faux grilled cheese sandwiches,...

As a homeschool family, you have the freedom to use the month of December for special activities related to the holiday season. I have put together a list of my favorite fun Christmas ideas for kids and entire families! I hope you enjoy them! Christmas ideas for kids of all ages: Instructions for 3D Paper SnowflakesI think a collection of these snowflakes would make for a wonderful and graphic kid-friendly display. Homemade Cinnamon OrnamentsWouldn’t these make...

Homeschooling High School with Little Ones at Home If you are homeschooling high school with little ones at home, save your sanity by planning ahead. Prepare for the upcoming homeschool year by spending some time putting together busy bags and boxes for your little ones! These will help keep those little hands busy while homeschooling your older ones. With any luck, you'll be able to form complete sentences and everything, when your little one is occupied...

If your child struggles with learning challenges, you are not alone!  Read my article "College for Struggling Learners" to hear about other teenagers with learning problems. These are the resources listed in the article, linked so you can easily access the information. Learning Disabilities Association of AmericaTypical learning difficulties include dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia - often complicated by associated disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Learning Disabilities Association Tips for College AdmissionLearning Disabilities - 8 Tips For...

Kids love amazing things.  Unreal, incredible things.  Especially in movies, they LOVE superheros.  Spiderman.  The Incredibles. Batman.  And now Thor.The big news:  Kids love these things.The bad news: Hollywood.The good news:  It can encourage reading.If your child is old enough to see Thor, or if they aren't allowed but are interested, I have a suggestion.  Read books about mythology!My children enjoyed reading about mythology.  Of course, it's important to compare mythology to the truth!  But you...

Hi there! This is Rebecca, one of the assistants to Lee at The HomeScholar. I am a homeschooling mom to a large family and currently have students in ...

My assistant Robin is such a genius! Look at these ADORABLE homemade felt ornaments she created for her Christmas tree! Wouldn't they be awesome as a gift from a child, or to decorate your home with a classic Christmas feel?  Just download this pattern, cut out the colored felt, and stitch. Easy-peasy, cute-and-fun gifts!   "We have lots of little ones joining our family! Having some older siblings with adult children, I now have several great nieces and...

It would be lovely if every child wanted to specialize in something reasonable.  Something that made money, provided income, or was valuable for family harmony.  Sadly, most teenagers are still children, at least some of the time, and they may want to specialize in the most unusual things!  Instead of worrying, try to translate their interests into something reasonable.  In other words, if they DID specialize in that one seemingly - bizarre thing, what would that...

Talking with a homeschool group, my friend Kathy shared a scripture study on winning and losing. I think it's wonderful!  It will be a great quick study for summer - no matter how old or young your children are! Be a Good Winner AND a Good LoserBy Kathy Moore EdgrenUsed with permission BE A GOOD WINNER1. Be A Gracious Winner When you win, share the praise! "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;  someone...

When is the SAT not the SAT? When it’s the Stanford Achievement Test!Some homeschool families test or assess their students each year.  The test their children for a quick check-up on how they are doing, or to comply with the homeschooling laws in their state. When they use a standardized test, some families use the “Stanford Achievement Test."  You may be familiar with this test. It measures ability level in elementary, middle school, and 9-10th grades. ...

How did I cope with boys in the summer? I made an "I'm bored" list for my kids to use. I posted a list of things to do on the fridge. The lists were labeled "inside", "outside", "for money" and "special request". Any whining, or other expressions of boredom were directed there. The following is about 1/3 of each list from my fridge. I included every activity I could think of, and every toy in the...

I help prepare parents to homeschool high school all the time. I tell them to "read books, attend conferences, watch instructional videos and invest in yourself and your chosen profession." Parents also want to know the other side of the equation. How do you prepare your child for high school? Prepare Your Child for High School I have great news. The way you prepare your child for high school is the same way you prepare them for success...