Stuff We Like :: 10.12.18
It’s so crazy to think that my daughter is a junior this year — we’re logging college visits, flagging schools in Colleges That Change Lives, and trying to make the most of every single minute. When we started homeschooling, she was in second grade, and I definitely didn’t think we’d keep doing it all through high school. Now I can’t imagine what else we would have done — this has been so exactly the right fit for her and for us. But I’m glad her brother is still several years behind her.
What’s Happening at home/school/life
Our nerdy Halloween costume Pinterest board, 5 spooky writing exercises for your little monsters
Amy’s Library Chicken score creeps up with middle grades horror, YA superhero romance, and some old-school comfort books.
one year ago: Is it possible to homeschool and be a working mom? Also: 6 curriculum shopping tips that will help you make the most of your budget
two years ago: Shelli’s daily routine. Plus: A citizen science project that’s all about bugs
three years ago: Studying the solar system. Also: The introvert’s guide to making homeschool friends
four years ago: How to talk about homeschooling so that people will listen
Links I Liked
I think this is part of why I’ve struggled so much with the last couple of weeks: The cruelty is intentional. It’s the point. And if that’s true — where do we go from there?
… Maybe to our favorite children’s book heroes, whose imagined futures seem happily bright. (Peter’s is so perfect!)
Similarly: Mara Wilson on Matilda at 30. They are both perfect, too. And of course Matilda would be a librarian! Don’t all librarians have super powers?
And finally: You may have already seen this Helm’s Deep battle scene made out of Legos, but it is too amazing not to share.
What’s making me happy
I wish I could write a thank-you letter to the my-size Dansko wearer who donates shoes to my local thrift shop because now I get to wear these.
The new Doctor Who
This shawl I’m knitting for part of a Twin Peaks themed birthday present
This sweater I’m knitting for my daughter in this yarn
(We’re Amazon affiliates, so if you purchase something through an Amazon link, we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Obviously this doesn’t influence what we recommend, and we link to places other than Amazon.)
Don’t dread higher math! Get inspired with these resources that will give you confidence and ideas for middle and high school math in your secular homeschool.
Looking for a middle grades fantasy for your next homeschool readaloud? We review three of our newer faves: The Time of Green Magic, Amari and the Night Brothers, and The Language of Ghosts.
Three action-packed YA novels that might just scratch your homeschool reading sweet spot.
Celebrate the birthday of the renowned physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian on January 4 with an Isaac Newton homeschool unit study.
Need a new series for winter readaloud season? We have a few ideas.
In this funny, old-fashioned story, two Dalmatian parents set off to rescue their kidnapped puppies. It's so much more fun than the movie!
A wintry middle grades mystery that may remind you a little of The Westing Game.
Rebecca loves the nerdy grammar fun of Michael Clay Thompson’s Language Arts. It may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely for word lovers.
Celebrate the shortest day of the year by exploring the science of the seasons.
If you’ve got a reader who’s always ready for an excuse to hang with the gang from River Heights, one of these gifts might be a fun addition to your holiday wish list.
In this sweet winter story, a friendly troll reminds a farm full of creatures that spring is coming.
Our homeschool gift guide for A Wrinkle in Time readers features gifts inspired by classic literature, from t-shirts to kitchen tools and everything in-between.
Homemade gifts you can actually make with your kids that your friends will actually be happy to get.
What makes a great gift for your favorite Mysterious Benedict Society fan? Puzzling puzzles, in-case-of-emergency-supplies, and — of course — books.
Our favorite homeschool books from this year’s reading lists.
Here’s our annual roundup of all the books we want to give and get this holiday season.
Thanksgiving gets weird when a butcher mishap leads a kid to a 266-pound chicken.
Be a magical librarian, choose your own adventure, get your Shakespeare on, and more games we want to give and get and (mostly) play this holiday season. These are our favorite homeschool board games.
If you’ve got a kid who finds the humor in this hilarious apocalyptic tale, these gifts may be just the ticket.
Why is it so easy to hate England's notorious King John? Oh, let us count the ways in this trash-talking unit study.
“A Community Conversation to Understand the U.S. Constitution” was a profound and powerful experience for Carrie’s homeschool.
Book or movie? With so many Christie adaptations and books to choose from, we’ve rounded up the cinematic cream of the crop and the stories that give the most mystery mileage.
It’s the end of the world as we know it — and sometimes that’s not as bad as it seems. These 10 books about the end of the world are great for starting big conversations with your high school homeschooler.
If you’re looking for a twisty turner teen thriller, these recent YA books about teens in dangerous situations may be just what you’re looking for.
It's that time again! We've rounded up some great ways to celebrate your first day of the new homeschool year, whether you want to keep it simple at home or take a big adventure together.
Modern Gothic, hopeful speculative YA, classic kids lit mash-up, and one of my favorite new book discoveries made May an awesome reading month.
Nature time is one of the best parts of homeschooling — and a weekend camping trip is the ultimate homeschool nature adventure. Here’s how to make your homeschool camping trip a fun experience for the whole family.
A book with a homeschooling scientist as the main character and lots of cool geology facts? We love to see it.
If you have a kid who dreams of starting a business, these readalouds will help inspire them.
Amy Sharony is the founder and editor-in-chief of home | school | life magazine. She's a pretty nice person until someone starts pluralizing things with apostrophes, but then all bets are off.
Covid cases are spiking, and lots of secular homeschool families are still navigating social activities with extra caution. Having clear policies for homeschool co-ops and get-togethers can help all the folks in your community make the best choices for their families.