Stuff We Like :: 10.2.15

Shawne took a little break from working on the fall issue—her feature on post-high school alternatives for homeschool grads is one of my favorite things in the magazine!—to share some of the things that are inspiring her homeschool life right now.

around the web

As someone who loves learning and loves movies, I’m really enjoying reading through the Teach with Movies website. It’s giving me lots of ideas for a homeschool class I’d like to offer in the future.

We’re trying out Mission Explore with our six-year-old. So far, it’s a lot of fun to choose missions and earn badges. And the site is engaging and easy to navigate.

This simple blog post on raising mindful children, from one of my favorite writers, Karen Maezen Miller, is perfect for all parents. Though, as a homeschooler, I’m finding it especially helpful.

at home/school/life

I’ve been rereading the summer issue, and am finally planning to take some of the MacGyver challenges (listed on page 23), just in time for the 30th anniversary of the show’s premiere. Fun for the whole family!

The What Now? article by Amy and Shelli in the summer issue, is totally worth a second (and third) read, especially as I’m still trying to get into a rhythm with my 1st grader, now that I’m teaching so many homeschool classes outside the home.

Amy’s Monday Pep Talk #8 on the blog is one of my favorites. I like every single thing that she listed on this one – fun things, recipes, book, and quote, though making the Sweet and Salty Truffle Pie is still on my must-do list.

reading list

I’m loving Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the Worldby Jane McGonigal. Yes, it’s a topic close to my heart. But it’s also well written and full of science-based information on why games (of all kinds!) are really good for us.

Once I’m finished with that one, I’m moving on to McGonigal’s latest release, SuperBetter: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver, and More Resilient – Powered by the Science of Games, which takes everything she’s learned about games and teaches us how to apply it to our real lives.

This Tales of the Odyssey series by Mary Pope Osborne (yes, the Magic Treehouse author) was a big hit with my teen when he was younger, and now I’m happy to be rereading it with my six-year-old, as we spend some time diving into Greek history and myths. We have the original set of six individual books, but it looks like all of the stories have now been repackaged into just two, which is a much better deal.

at home

The new Nintendo Super Mario Maker game on WiiU is a huge hit at our house, as we all get to take turns making, and then playing, our own Mario levels.

My new favorite card game is Sushi Go. It’s fun, portable, and fast-paced, and the illustrations are so cute.

Paleo or not, this slow-cooker pulled pork recipe from Nom Nom Paleo is the very best there is. It’s easy to make, the bacon adds umami, and the finished product can be used in so many ways. It’s a staple for us in fall and winter.

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