A few of our recent posts….

Evaluations & Portfolios

In other posts, we’ve discussed testing and assessment options. Depending on the legal requirements for homeschoolers in your state, you […]

Which test is best

Which Test is Best?

One of the most frequent questions I get about testing is,          “Which test should I use?           Which one […]

Testing Basics

Testing Basics

At this time of year, many parents are thinking about how to assess their children’s progress. The first step is […]

Evaluations & Portfolios

In other posts, we’ve discussed testing and assessment options. Depending on the legal requirements for homeschoolers in your state, you may choose to instead have your child evaluated, or have a portfolio evaluation. Evaluations Who might benefit from an evaluation? Young children, students who don’t read well or quickly yet, children with learning […]

Which test is best

Which Test is Best?

One of the most frequent questions I get about testing is,          “Which test should I use?           Which one is best?            How do I choose            From the CAT, SAT, MAT, or Iowa Test?” Well, maybe not in such Seussical style, but you get the idea! The CAT […]

Testing Basics

Testing Basics

At this time of year, many parents are thinking about how to assess their children’s progress. The first step is to determine your own state’s testing requirements, if there are any. The law may require that you periodically demonstrate academic progress. Some statutes mandate standardized testing, while others may allow for […]

Southwestern Chicken-and-Corn Chowder

Tonight was one of those What-Should-I-Make? nights, when I didn’t plan ahead and I was too tired to really cook. Enter: leftovers and bits of veggies left in the crisper, plus a few cans from the pantry. It’s pretty forgiving as well, since you can skip the extra veggies if […]

How to Use the Dough Hook Extender for the Bosch Universal Plus

For years, cooks used the Bosch Universal mixer with the original dough hook, with much success. Even after the Universal Plus was released, the same dough hook has worked well for thousands of bakers—but for some who were concerned about small-batch kneading, Bosch came out with a dough hook extender. […]

Desktop Organization -- Everyday Homemaking

Controlling Paper Chaos

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(I found this in my archives from almost ten years ago and realized I need to revive this system, as my desk paperwork is again running amok. Do you ever realize you KNOW what to do but just need a reminder?)   The photos in this blog (well, in all […]

Holidays as Homeschool Curriculum

(While this was originally written for homeschooling families, most of the ideas are easily adaptable for any family.) Do you ever feel stuck in the day-to-day sameness of your school routine? If you circle the holidays on your calendar, you can have not just instant mini-units, but family fun and […]

Mentoring Moms—“Dancing” Together without Stepping on Toes, Part 1

I was recently privileged to participate in a discussion with hundreds of homeschoolers of various ages, ethnicities, income levels, family sizes, and in various seasons of homeschooling. As the more veteran homeschoolers and the newer home educators interacted, I sensed I was privy to a tentative “dance” of sorts, in […]

Mentoring 2.0 – Speed Mentoring

Speed Mentoring By Elizabeth Kennedy and Vicki Bentley A traditional mentoring program (such as Home Education 101) is designed to inspire long-term encouragement and relationship. If that sort of mentoring relationship is the “marriage,” this activity is the “speed dating”! It can be used as an ice-breaker at the start […]