Simply Living...For Him

Top Ten Must Have Items for Homeschooling

2012-05-28T22:32:00.000-04:00

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Every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks, I will be praticipating in the "Ten Weeks of Top Ten Lists." Each week a different top ten list will be posted. Today's list is "Top 10 Must Have Items for Homeschooling." Please visit iHomeschool Network for all of the participants' top ten! I am sure you will be blessed by finding many new sites to enjoy. Also visit Angie of Many Little Blessings to link up your own top ten list with her Top Ten Tuesday.

Here is my list of Top Ten Items for Homeschooling.
They are pretty straightforward and simple items, but things I must have!

1. Bible- This speaks for itself. I am here because of God, and I will not get through a single day without Him. We read the Bible together in the morning and after lunch as a family. There is no book that is more important in our homeschool.

2. Library Card-We use our local library every week-there is no better FREE resource!

3. Laptop- at my fingertips is a network of other homeschoolers, friends, and family. I can access millions of resources and can find the answer to an question in 0.004 seconds. Amazing. Visit my post from last week about the Top 10 Homeschool websites to find the websites I visit often in our homeschool.

4. Friends. Yup, it's on my list. Can't homeschool without the amazing support of so many homeschooling friends. I have particular friends that I can email, text, or call anytime of they day, and they would stop everything to come and pray with me if needed. Once a week, I get together with those friends to pray together.

5. Great living books. Text books are dry and dead. Living books make the subject come alive. We love reading good historical fiction, and living books for science as well.

6. Outside. Yup, I'm simple over here. Seriously my kids are outdoors all the time. It is the best classroom around.

7. My husband. Having my husband's support if a must have, and from day one he has been on board. He is very involved in our homeschooling.

8. The Ulitmate Homeschool Planner, by Debra Bell. I bought this at the Apologia Live Retreat this year and I love it. I love it because before each weekly planning pages there are planning sheets to go back over your week and evaluate. You list evidences of grace, accomplishments, etc. There is also space for Bible verses for the week, prayers, etc. LOVE. IT.

9. Kid's computer. I have my laptop, but the kids also have a computer that they use for computer art, power point presentations, Word, etc. Having them able to learn various programs and skills in a must these days.

10. Lots and lots of craft supplies. All kids want to be creative. Giving them plenty of outlets to get messy, be creative, and use crafts is a must for learning around here.

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

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An Uncluttered Life...

2012-05-27T09:51:00.001-04:00

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What does an uncluttered life look like? I pondered this question yesterday after doing some serious purging and cleaning around here. I sat in our tiny garage last night where most of our "overflow" stuff resides, and looked at my husband and said,
"I want to own none of this stuff. Stuff weighs me down."

Literally, I feel weighed down by stuff. It makes me uncomfortable and causes my stress levels to rise.

But just as much, I can get weighed down my mental "stuff." I had quite an attack on my mind last week and my faith was tested to the max. And much too easily, it quickly spun out of control because of what I filled my mind with-lies. Not truth from His Word, but lies filled with fear and worry.

It made me realize so much, and I have been much more focused in my prayers since. I have spent less time filling my mind with information and more time filling it with His Word.

He has shown me many things this week in His Word, but one today in particular I will share.

As I went to bed last night, this verse popped into my head. I had to get up and look it up in my Bible because I couldn't get it out of my head {yes, those are the kinds of things I want not be able to get out of my head!}

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2

I love the picture-the race, the cloud of witnesses. All of it.

I have much that entangles me. I want to throw it all off. Whether it be physical stuff or mental stuff-I want to run the race unhindered.

I want to fix my eyes so firmly on Jesus that I can't turn to see anything else. He is the prize. He is the one who brings me to the prize. He is ALL there is.

The world is so easily distracting to us day by day. It is very easy to get tangled up in things of little importance. But more easily my mind gets tangled up in thoughts that are not from Him. So I must fill my mind more and more with His thoughts.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8

An uncluttered life to me means so much more than simplifying "things." It means simplifying all areas to get rid of the distractions that hinder us from running the race full speed ahead with our eyes on Him. It is running the race without taking our eyes off of the prize.

Living a simple life that is completely devoted to Him. When we have our eyes on Him all the clutter will lessen-we won't want to have anything distract us from Him.

So what is hindering you? What entangles you and keeps you from running full speed ahead? Let's pray for each other to fix our eyes firmly on Jesus!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Guest Post: Amy Bayliss, Author of Pursuit of Proverbs 31

2012-05-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today Amy Bayliss is guest posting here. She is the author of Pursuit of Proverbs 31. She is full of wisdom and I am glad to have her here!

Setting aside time to do specific things helps to keep a home running smoothly. It can also help save time. As I study God and His creation, I am constantly amazed at how perfectly the world, and all that occupies it, operates so efficiently. As plants grow they release oxygen to support certain forms of life. The plants are eaten and nourish us. Some even have healing properties. As animals and other living things die, their bodies fertilize the ground making it rich for more plants to grow. The human body in itself is a mighty fascinating thing. God is awesome! He planned ahead and we can learn how to do the same.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: ”

God created seasons so that the earth could function in such a way that it totally and completely sustained life. This same principle can be applied to managing your home. You don't need to mow the grass in winter and you don't need to shovel snow in the spring so your ways of managing the home should change accordingly.

Your plans should also change according to your seasons of life. A couple with no children would have different tasks from a family of six. This is why it is so important that you do not compare yourself to others. I love how in Ecclesiastes 3 it is said that there is a time to dance, there is a time to cry, there is a time to plant, and a time to harvest. There is a time for everything.

Vital to our life and home is our dependence on God to help us determine what time it is. Managing your home includes helping to set the mood. There are many magazines and blogs that contain ways to help you effectively and efficiently run your home. They are mere suggestions. Use what works for your family in this season of life and ignore the rest. Don't make yourself anxious and stressed out because you are trying to implement 100 different ways to make bread. In some cases, it is cheaper and less stressful to just buy a loaf. Do what you need to in order to cut down on some of the stress and free up some time during the day/week.

If you've ever wanted to tear the 31st chapter of Proverbs out of your bible this book is for you. She is a wife, mom, business owner, seamstress, she serves the needy, speaks life and wisdom, and seems to be quite the major overachiever, perfectionist type. Except that...she's not.

Come along and journey with Amy and take a look at the real woman of Proverbs 31. She isn't as perfect as she seems. In fact, I think she is a lot like you and me. If you want the Kindle version, get it here: Pursuit of Proverbs 31 for Kindle. You can also download the free Kindle app on your PC, iPad, iPhone, or many other devices. For the downloadable, printable PDF version, get it here: Pursuit of Proverbs 31

Amy Bayliss Amy is a small town Cajun girl living life in the big city. She and her husband Ryan have four children, all boys, ranging in age from toddler to teen! Amy is a full-time blogger and WP designer at My Southern Media. You can visit her at her personal blog, Cajun Joie de Vivre or you can follow her ramblings on Twitter and keep up with her mischief on Facebook.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road (part 2)

2012-05-23T09:41:00.000-04:00

This is a very transparent post. Very hard to write, but one I feel I must...I'm not sure if I can properly express in this post all that went on this past week and what I have learned but I will try. One thing I do know,

The Lord has done great things for us

and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

He is good.

He is sovereign.
He is able.
He is mighty.
He is God.

He has taught me so many things through a trial this week, that my mind is still trying to comprehend it all, but I do know it was all for His glory- and it demonstrated His power.

As most of you know, I was scheduled to speak at ENOCH this past weekend. That in itself was a demonstration of the Lord's power. That He is using this homeschooling mom to encourage others is at times still unbelievable to me. That He has given little 'ol me voice. I was so thrilled to be speaking, and guess what...Satan did everything in His power to stop it.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

The previous Monday before the convention, I woke up to find a mole that I have had my whole life but in a spot I can't really see was bleeding, crusty, and inflamed. It was clearly scratched, but it was looking pretty gross. I shrugged it off for a bit, but then kept on thinking about it. I scanned the internet and what do I find staring at me, "Crusty, bleeding, moles are a sign of skin cancer. See your doctor immediately."

That is when the ugliness of fear and worry took over. You see, I have proclaimed myself a recovering worrier. Well, at this moment, I had no longer recovered, I was right back in that ugly place. (be careful when proclaiming anything-deep down there still lies those weaknesses.)

I made an appointment for the next day at the doctor figuring they would tell me it was nothing to worry about, and I could move on.

Well, the next morning came, I was so worried I could barely think straight. The doctor took a look and said it needed to be biopsied. She said the mole looked, "angry." She couldn't tell if it was from the scratch or it had been looking like that first.

WHAT?? Wheres' the comfort? Where's the "Oh, you're worrying for nothing?"
Nope. Just..."We'll know more in 2 weeks when the results come in..."

That sent me into a tailspin all week. Every time I looked at the internet (a big no-no in this situation, but couldn't help it) I found the same thing-once a mole has started bleeding and scabbing, it can be bad. I wondered how long it looked this way-my mind went to terrible places.

The ENOCH Convention came and by God's grace I got through. I had let this ugly worry hang over me and what was supposed to be a very big day for me. Up until the last second with computer problems, things still went wrong, but guess what?

God prevails.
He always does.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:16

When I spoke, He took over. I had to speak using His strength, because I had none of my own.
And the feedback from the attendees was great. For that I am grateful. All to HIs Glory.

I did receive my biopsy results and they are fine. Praise the Lord.

But I am grateful for this situation for it taught me so much.

Even though I wasn't near death, in my mind I went there. Would I die young? What about my children?

I know my life is not my own. I say it all the time. I am His. But admittedly, when in the situation here is where the rubber really meets the road, and things change.

Could my faith not be as strong as I say? When tested to the max, did I falter? I was clinging to this life, when I know it's temporal. I know that eternity is what matters.

Yet here I was,

on my face in my room praying,

begging for more time here.

The Lord has shown me so much. I am no more guaranteed life today because of a biopsy result than I was yesterday. At any moment, any of us can be gone.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.

What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James 4:14

It is time to truly live that way.
Stop letting anything hinder me from pursuing Him alone.

I have dreams to make Simply Living For Him a bigger ministry. Dreams to do more things. To live big. To love big. Not comfortably, but truly live for Him.

This situation has propelled me to do just that. I am seeing things in a whole new light. Just as when the scales were taken off my eyes when I discovered Jesus, this time I have been given anew.

Suddenly things that seemed big are small, and things that seemed distant are close. It has increased my desire to simplify, to put Him first and to live for Him alone.

Thank you Jesus for giving me new perspective and taking me down a road that was very uncomfortable in order to do so. Things sometimes must be difficult in order for us to be brought closer to Him.

I learned how very weak I am, and how much more I need Him than ever.

Now is the time to put my faith into action, and to truly believe every single word of His.

He receives ALL the glory for all of this. For me speaking under stress, for giving me strength when I thought I had none, and I will use this situation to always point to Him...

Top 10 Tuesday-Homeschool Websites

2012-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome! Have you subscribed to this blog yet? I encourage you to do so-it will be delivered straight to your email! Subscribe here!

Every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks, I will be praticipating in the "Ten Weeks of Top Ten Lists." Each week a different top ten list will be posted. Today's list is "Top 10 Homeschool Websites." Please visit iHomeschool Network for all of the participants' top ten! I am sure you will be blessed by finding many new sites to enjoy. Also visit Angie of Many Little Blessings to link up your own top ten list with her Top Ten Tuesday.

Here is my list of Top Ten Homeschool Websites! Some are homeschool sites, some are sites we use often in homeschooling...some are just fun! Enjoy!

Heart of the Matter
This is one of the very first homeschool sites I stumbled upon as a new homeschooler. I eventually went on to write for them, and speak at three of their online conferences. This site is very near and dear to my heart, full of encouraging posts each week by top notch homeschooling mamas!

Amazon.com I don't know how I can't include Amazon, as there are always great deals on homeschool books and products. I have downloaded so many books for the Kindle here-many of which were free!

Pinterest
What homeschooler doesn't love PInterest? I have found so many great ideas for organizning, crafts, books, curriculum, etc. Love.it.

Home Educating Family
Home Educating Family is so much more than just a website. They have product reviews and ratings, blog posts, products, planners, and a monthly print magazine which is one of my all time favorites. I am blessed to contribute monthly to their blog as well. And the icing on the cake...have you checked out their virtual convention? It is free and you can visit 24/7. Simply amazing!

Simply Charlotte Mason
I have always enjoyed the Charlotte Mason apporach in homeschooling. I have visited this website since the very beginning of homeschooling journey as well. If you are looking to learn anything about the Charlotte Mason style of homechooling, you must check it out. We also use many of their resources including their "Picture Study Portfolios."

The Busy Homeschool Mom
I had the privilege to hear Heidi St. John speak at the Apologia Live Retreat back in March. She was amazing, inspirational, real, and honest. I really enjoy her spin on things and her encouragment.

Apologia
Love this company for their great science books, character books (Who Am I? series) and the amazing Apologia Live Homeschool moms retreat-it's the best!

Lamplighter Publishing
This is my new favorite. We just purchased from them at the recent ENOCH convention, and Mark Hamby's workshops were amazing. They publish beautiful, classic literature for children, with the stories all highlighting character traits. Don't miss this one!

A Holy Experience
While not solely a homeschool blog, this site provides refreshment to my soul. Ann Voskamp's words are always uplifting and pointing to the One we all need to fill up on each day. Her book One Thousand Gifts was a huge inspiration to me. Her writing at A Holy Experience grounds me and inspires me.

Also, check out Notebooking pages. There is a facebook party tonight 5/22 from 8-9 pm for the launch of their new product-lots of giveaways! I have their Treasury Membership and it is full of amazing resources.

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Where the Rubber Meets the Road...

2012-05-21T11:11:00.000-04:00

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source

I am being tested to the extreme in my faith this week. I don't have the energy to write it all yet, but I will. All I do know is that God is working to show me some big things. I am being asked to demonstrate just how big my faith is.

Sometimes, when the rubber meets the road...we find out the depths of ourselves.

I had the privilege to speak at ENOCH, the NJ State Homeschool Convention this past weekend, and only got through it by His power and grace working in me. Satan attacked up until the last second of me speaking at my first workshop, but GOD always prevails. Both presentations went well, and God received all the glory!

As for me now, I wait...and I wait...and I cling to the hope that He never leaves me or forsakes me. This life is not my own, but His. Now is the time to live that and not just say it.

Readers, could you join me in prayer that these next few days of waiting on some things will only give glory to Him now matter what the outcome? Thanks....and many blessings to you all...

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

The American Dream

2012-05-16T20:48:00.000-04:00

Reposting this from the past. I am busy preparing for the ENOCH Convention this weekend- NJ's State Homeschool Convention!

Be blessed dear friends....

The American Dream teaches us to live for ourselves. Earn more, get more, be more.

God's Word teaches us to live for God first and then others. We are to humbly submit to Him. We are to look after the poor, the oppressed, the widow and the orphan.

And He doesn't tell us to do these things after we are comfortable.

He just tells us to do them.

Success in America is a completely selfish success.

I want to be successful in Gods eyes.

I am praying that God will show me what He wants me to do with my life to be successful in His eyes.

I can spend a Saturday cleaning and organizing {stuff} around my home. But what one earth does that do for God? Or for others?

Its an empty life to live for yourself.

There is satisfaction in serving others, because that is what God created us to do.

There is emptiness in living for ourselves, that is why people keep looking for more, but never get filled.

I am in steadfast prayer for God to show me what I can do with my life to focus on others and serving others, and above all glorifying Him, in all!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Happy Mother's Day

2012-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

“I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother.”

This Mother's Day I pray for every mom out there. I pray for anyone that has a mom. It is a gift to be a mom. And the most important thing we can give our children is the gift of faith-passed down.

Teach the Truth.
Live it.
Model it.

It is the greatest gift you can give your children.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Homeschool Mama's Prayer

2012-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Lord,
Today let me focus on today.

Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not next year.
But today.

For today is all I have. Right this moment, when I look into their eyes, what I say matters. How I look into their eyes matter.

Don't let my mind wander to...what's next? What is everyone else doing? Am I doing it right?
No. Let me focus on this gift.

Of the moment.
Of these beauties.

I have been given a gift to be with my children.
Influence them.
Be a model to them.
Love them.
Teach them.

Let me remember the most important lesson plan

is not in my plan book.

It is not in the curriculum catalog.

It is in their hearts. Do they have it? Do they know it?
It is You. It is Truth.
And without it, all I do today will matter not...

Let me remember that just for today.
It is all I have.

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Is It Easier?

2012-05-10T08:34:00.001-04:00

source

Many of you have heard my story of how a trip to Jamestown in Virginia transformed much of my thinking a few years ago. It was then that I realized how it is puzzling to me that we have so many modern conveniences today, yet our society is busier than ever!

I have always been a "Little House on the Prairie Girl" at heart. I have often felt trapped in the wrong time period. {although I am quite certain I could never have handled the freezing winters, and true hardship of the prairie} Anyway, it crosses my mind so often how those pioneers worked so hard for everything they had. Their whole life was spent on survival.

Today we do very little each day for the purposes of survival. We are more focused on comfort-on what we want rather than what we need. We have luxuries that we often feel we deserve.

Truth is, as soon we stray away from the fight for survival we become complacent. We forget we never more than one breath away from the other side. Life gets comfortable and pretty soon we feel like we need so much.

As I stood in an 18th century farmhouse at Jamestown a few summers back, I was struck by how little "stuff" was in the home. There was one room, with a loft for sleeping (a luxury at the time.) A hook for clothes-which held all the clothes for a family of SIX. A few pots and pans. A dish and cup for each person.

I imagined the lady of the house cooking all day (not because she wanted to try out the latest recipes from Pinterest, or try a gourmet meal) but cooking what the family had on hand with the intent of survival. Cooking was an all day affair because it had to be, not because she wanted it to be.

The laundry was also work. Taking it down to the creek, scrubbing and wringing and drying. I know today, I do dozens of loads of laundry a week and complain about it never ending. Yet I have a washer and dyer. How is this so? Because we have SO many clothes, and because we wouldn't think of wearing them all week without washing. Perspective.

How are we so busy yet we have so much? What would those pioneers think of us? We have every modern convenience, yet we are running around more busy than any other time in history?

Is it really easier?

We have all the information we need at our fingertips via the internet, we have cars, we have dishwashers, washing machines, etc. This is all supposed to make life easy!

What would it be like if we lived in a tiny home like that 18th century farmhouse, but with the washer, dryer, dishwasher, phone, and internet? We would have much less to take care of. We wouldn't need to wash at the creek, we could wash those few sets of clothes once a week and be done.
We would have so much time.

Time for all of those things we say we have no time for. Devotions, Bible study, games with the kids, family discussions, playing!!

Time. Time we say we don't have, but yet I feel we have created our own lack of time. If we only lived with what we needed, we would have so much time.

I am really looking forward to our family RV trip this summer. Although I am anxious at times about the unexpected, I think stripping away many extras for a few weeks will really help us appreciate so much more what we do have at home.

We will be leaving in a few weeks. I hope you join me, as I will be blogging along the way.
Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too and follow along as we travel simply...and focus on Simply Living...for Him.

Please see my speaking opportunities page for my latest speaking engagements. While I love writing, there is nothing like connecting in person with a group. It is my heart's passion to encourage others. I am looking to continue this fall in booking some more speaking engagements.

Simply Homeschool is still #1 this week at Amazon. com. It is just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info.

The Desire of My Heart...Encouraging Others...Link Up!

2012-05-07T08:25:00.000-04:00

I had the wonderful opportunity this weekend to speak at a local homeschool event. My presentation was titled, "Who is in Charge of Your Homeschool? Letting God Lead Your Homeschool." What a blessing!

Connecting with the families afterwards was simply amazing. It confirmed my desire to keep speaking at as many places as the Lord wills.

Homeschooling moms need each other. And we need to be authentic. The best feedback I got from an attendee in an email afterwards was, "I felt like I was sitting there with one of my girlfriends having a heart to heart chat:)"

I am so grateful God placed this desire in my heart to speak, write, and encourage. I feel like I am doing what I was born to do. I never expected to be here, but wouldn't have it any other way now. He is GOOD!

My next speaking event is the New Jersey State Homeschool Convention on May 19th. I am presenting two workshops, "Simplifying Homeschool" and "Education as an Atmosphere: Making Your Home a Place of Continuous Learning." For more info please visit the website at www.enochnj.org

If you have a group that you are interested in having me speak at,

please check out my speaking page.

I would love to meet your group!

Speaking of encouraging, it is Monday which means it is Mentoring Mamas {Monday.} You all have a chance to encourage others and be encouraged. Leave a link to any blog post, past or present, related to homeschooling, homemaking, family, faith, etc. Don't forget to link back here so others can join!

Be Blessed!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

If Only...

2012-05-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

If only I had a better job...
If only I was married...
I only I could get pregnant again...
If only I had more money...
If only I lived somewhere else...
If only my kids would behave...
If only I could do more...
If only I had a better system...
If only I were more organized around here...
If only I had the latest gadget to help me...

All of us are guilty of the "if only" complex at one time or another. I know for so long I was also guilty of the "Someday when..." syndrome.

Someday when I have kids...someday when I am married...someday when my kids are older...

The always thinking there was more out there....down the road...that would be better.
If only and someday...not the way God wants us to live.

He has given us no more than this moment.
Have joy in this moment right now.
Not someday and not "if only."

The present circumstances do not depend on our dreams.

We are not made for this earth. We have the inner desire for more because we are inside longing for eternity. He wants us to long for eternity...not for the "somedays" of this world.

"... He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

...Because we don't know how many more somedays we have.

We must learn to be content with the here and now. Seek Him here and now. He knows our somedays and He will give us the desires of our heart when we seek him in the here and now first.

We can not rely on someday.
We can not even rely on something.

We can only rely on Him.

No thing. No circumstance. No expectation can ever live up to eternity.
Count it joy in trials count in joy in blessings.
Just count it all joy.

Live for today and don't live for someday.

"If only" is just an excuse for discontent.

Choose to be content in your circumstances and know full well that someday will come, and then you live in glory with your Savior. This world is not heaven. We can't make it that way...

He may not want us to have the things we desire because it teaches us and molds us.

So live for this moment, this day, this circumstance, and above all live for Him...
Fill up on Him. Not things.
Have Less and Do More!
Simply Live...for Him!

A Boy and His Box...

2012-05-02T20:12:00.002-04:00

There's nothing like seeing a boy in action.

Seeing his mind work.

He came to me one day and said he wanted to learn to build a box with a lid.
I told him to figure it out and he could.

He sketched it.

He planned it.

He measured.

He went with daddy to buy the supplies.

He cut.

He nailed.

He sanded.

He worked.

When it was complete, he was so excited.

It's the little things. The simple things.
No electronics.
No entertainment.

A boy and his mind.
His hands.
His desire to learn something.
Accomplishing something.

Yes, it's the simple things that make me smile.

The Important Lessons...

2012-05-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

As the school year comes to a close I am beginning to look back and see how much progress was made this year. We've completed math and have started the books for next year. We have finished A Childs Geography Explore His Earth. We are still puttering along in Truth Quest History, but we like spending so much time on each time period. Works for us :) We have been focused on spelling and writing lately.

Yet those accomplishments mean nothing without growth in other areas. Are we bearing fruit in the areas that count? Love, patience, gentleness, peacefulness, kindness, self control? Are they feeling joy?

Are we more focused on having less stuff to fill up on,

and more of Him to fill up on?

I am evaluating not just where we are at academically, but most importantly, spiritually.

What does it matter if if they have all the knowledge in the world without wisdom? Or love?

What does it matter if they can master math, but not life?

What does it matter if they know books, but not The Book?

Their hearts matter. Head knowledge without heart knowledge is nothing.

So as I continue to parent my children, I will continue to evaluate their hearts,and keep them pointed to the ultimate Teacher.

We are, as a family, continuing to pursue Him above all...

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Mentoring Mamas {Monday}

2012-04-30T07:23:00.000-04:00

Mentoring Mamas {Monday} is back after the past two weeks has been devoted to the 10 Day of Simple Homeschool series. Here is a recap of the series if you missed it!

I hope you have been encouraged. Please link up today if you have any encouraging post related to homemaking, family, faith, homeschooling, etc. It can be from past or present. Please link back here so others can join!

Be Blessed!
Happy Monday!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Recap of the 10 Days of Simple Homeschool Series

2012-04-28T08:14:00.000-04:00

Here is the recap for the past two weeks and all of my posts in the 10 Days of Simple Homeschool series. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Be Blessed!

Be sure subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Day:1: Cooking with Kids

Day 2: Why I Have Simplified Homeschool

Day 3 Using Your Library

Day 4 Scavenger Hunts!

Day 5 Starting Your Day with the Lord

Day 6 Garden Learning

Day 7 Getting Rid of Discontent in Your Homeschool

Day 8 Simplifying Curriculum

Day 9 Simple and Easy Ways to Use Narration

Day 10 The One and Only Thing Your Really Need to Do

The 10 Days Series is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutually beneficial projects. Visit us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. And of course, click the image below to visit all the 10 Days posts from these homeschool moms of the iHomeschool Network. You'll be blessed with tips on how to handle bad days, cultivating curiosity, teaching with Legos, and much much more!

Simply Homeschool continues to be #1 on the Amazon. com best sellers for homeschool books for Kindle and #1 in ALL homeschool books! Unbelievable. For a book that I wrote for my readers, and was put on Kindle in case anyone wanted to read it on their Kindle, it blows my mind to be a top seller. No marketing, nothing fancy- just a book from my heart to encourage others. God is amazing! I am thrilled so many are being blessed by it. To Him be all the Glory!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

10 Days of Simple Homeschool: The One and Only Thing You Really Need to Do...

2012-04-27T08:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome to 10 Days of Simple Homeschool. For the next two weeks, I will be posting about all things simple in homeschooling. 10 Days of Simple Homeschool is about going back to the basics. Too often we tend to complicate our purpose by trying to do too much. Homeschooling can be very effective when we go back to the basics and let our everyday life be our classroom and learn by doing.

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

I have so enjoyed writing this series for the past two weeks. I loved all of the messages from my readers that said they were encouraged. YOU all encourage me!

One specific note I received said, "Thank you for pointing this family back to what is important," after reading about starting your day with the Bible. I stared at the computer screen for a few minutes {through tears} really not able to comprehend that my words would be used to point others to Him. I always say that is my purpose, and to see it in action just made my heart sing. God is good!

I want to end this series with some very simple words of wisdom, but which will mean all the world in you homeschool.

Amongst all of the fancy resources out there, the world of information, and the endless choices- I feel there is only one thing we must do on our homeschool journey...

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Seek first His righteousness.

So often we talk about seeking His will, in each and every detail. Seeking His will for curriculum, seeking His will for co-ops, seeking His will for extra activities.

But dear one, the details do not matter so much, if we just Seek HIM first of all. If we are seeking Him, we have won. We will be in His will. We can't go wrong. He knows our needs. We do not have to fret nearly as much as we do over every decision.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6:33

Just seek Him. He knows our needs.

My husband and I had this verse and the passage previous to it, read at our wedding 12 years ago. Little did we know, what an impact it really would have on us. Every time we have truly sought His will and trusted, He has provided for our needs.

What tends to set us back is when we focus too much on what we want,
or trying to decipher God's plan for us.

Sometimes we just need to step back from ourselves,

and rest in Him.

Consider it joy when you have trials-He is growing you. You will have troubles-in homeschool, and in life. We were never promised heaven here on earth. We have that to look forward to. There will be hard days, and trials, but that is for a purpose.

Seek Him in all- that is it. If we are in His will that is all that matters.

God called you to homeschool for a reason. There is a purpose. There can be no wrong decision if you are seeking Him. He knows the trials you need to shape you, and He knows the joys he wants to bless you with.

Rid yourself of the worldly distractions.
Turn off the technology often.
Seek Him with your kids.
Each and every day.

...and all of your needs will be provided for.

I hope you continue to come back here often, even after this series. I am thankful for you all!
Be Blessed as you Simply Live...for Him!

Here are the past links in this series!

Day: 1: Cooking with Kids
Day 2: Why I Have Simplified Homeschool
Day 3 Using Your Library
Day 4 Scavenger Hunts!
Day 5 Starting Your Day with the Lord
Day 6 Garden Learning
Day 7 Getting Rid of Discontent in Your Homeschool
Day 8 Simplifying Curriculum
Day 9 Simple and Easy Ways to Use Narration

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

10 Days of Simple Homeschool-Simple and Fun Ways to Use Narration

2012-04-26T07:54:00.000-04:00

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Ethan (3) describing his picture that he drew after listening to The Adventures of Grandfather Frog

We love using living books in our homeschool. Rather than a dry textbook full of facts, we simply read great historical fiction to learn about history. We also use some literature to learn about science. We make the subjects come alive through reading. For history a read aloud may be a Little House on The Prairie book or the Courage of Sarah Noble. For science we have been loving the Thornton Burgess Animal Stories. We have read The Burgess Bird Book for Children,The Adventures of Grandfather Frog, and The Adventures of Peter Cottontail.

I usually read the books aloud while all of the kids listen. Afterwards I use narration to help solidify what they have read. For instance, I will ask them to tell me back what I just read, or write a paragraph.

In using various activities I have implemented, they are still narrating but with a twist.

Here are simple way, fun ways to use narration:

Draw a picture of a scene in the story that you just heard
Act out a scene from the story
Write a newspaper article about the story line
Video yourself telling back the story (some kids will love this simply because they get to see themselves on video)
For the boys, especially-Use the Legos to recreate a scene from the story. This was especially fun for my boys in narrating history when we studied the Revolutionary War. They still remember details of battles because they used Legos to recreate them

Have fun with narration. It is simply practicing what they have learned. It doesn't have to be complicated at all. Simple, easy, and fun, while learning-what can be better?

On another note, Simply Homeschool continues to be #1 on the Amazon. com best sellers for homeschool books for Kindle and #1 in ALL homeschool books! Unbelievable. For a book that I wrote for my readers, and was put on Kindle in case anyone wanted to read it on their Kindle, it blows my mind to be a top seller. No marketing, nothing fancy- just a book from my heart to encourage others. God is amazing! I am thrilled so many are being blessed by it. To Him be all the Glory!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

10 Days of Simple Homeschool-Simplifying Curriculum

2012-04-25T07:48:00.000-04:00

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Image: Surachai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When I first began homeschooling I was completely wrapped up in all of the curriculum choices. I would pour over the catalogs reading every description of each program. Then I would go online and research every style, every company, every book. Really. I would read all of the reviews (and believe it or not, there wasn't nearly as much information as there is now!)

Then I would choose the books and the style we were going to use. The year would start out great, but after awhile the excitement dimmed. Attitudes would set in, laziness would creep in, and suddenly that perfect curriculum wasn't "working."

So I would start researching again. Figuring it must be the curriculum's fault.

Over the years I have learned it is not the curriculum's fault.

It was my lack of focus on letting God lead my homeschool.

God called us to homeschool and He will provide the way we do it with the right resources if we trust in Him and seek Him first everything; and by seeking Him, meaning we choose to seek righteousness-and He will provide for our needs.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well."

Matthew 6:33

There will always be a better way-there is always a better curriculum or a better style. We can research, find the best to suit our needs, and then choose to move on. Don't look back and continue the vicious cycle.

Work with what you have. Do you really think God can't work through any circumstance? Just choose something you like and stick with it. Focus on the heart, and He will provide. If we have our child's heart, we have success!

Now when the catalogs come, I glance at them but usually toss them and take my name off of the list. I have found things that work for us. I tweak them a little bit each year, and I discern any information I read about the newest "thing."

Remember, those homeschoolers of 20 years ago had none of what we have today-internet, conventions, curricula, {pinterest,} and they started a movement that has exploded! They had to fully rely on God for their success. We can learn so much from that!

So choose to control the curriculum clutter. Choose wisely. But most of all, seek Him and His righteousness.

On another note, Simply Homeschool continues to be #1 on the Amazon. com best sellers for homeschool books for Kindle and #3 for all homeschool books! Unbelievable. For a book that I wrote for my readers, and was put on Kindle in case anyone wanted to read it on their Kindle, it blows my mind to be a top seller. No marketing, nothing fancy- just a book from my heart to encourage others. God is amazing! I am thrilled so many are being blessed by it. To Him be all the Glory!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

10 Days of Simple Homeschool-Getting Rid of Discontent in Your Homeschool

2012-04-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Image: adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you spend more time reading abut homeschooling than actually homeschooling? Planning your homeschool than actually being present in your homeschool? Are you living for the expectation rather than for the moment?

I used to do that. I would spend more time planning what we should be doing than actually accomplishing what I needed to. It was so hard in the beginning to sort through all of the information-so I felt I needed to read all of it. Yet soon it became apaparent that I was only sowing seeds of discontent in my home. If I felt we were lacking, than the kids saw that.

Today I want to talk about eliminating those seeds of discontent. How often we are our own worst enemy?

We forget to rely on God and try to rely on ourselves or worse, rely on others.

Does the comparison trap have you paralyzed at times? Are you feeling that you should be doing more, or like someone else?

Stop. Stop it all.

Stop collecting mental "clutter" and start doing real things!

There is so much information today, we must be extrememly careful to discern what to do with our time. What to fill our minds with. And to absolutley stop living for something else and live for the here and now.

I have come to realize that so many of us our discontent with the here and now, because God has designed us for eternity. This is not our home.

We are always longing for something else.

Dear sister, realize that yearning for something else is the inborn deep set need for eternity. God placed it there so we yearn for Him. We will never be fully satisfied until we are one day in that glorious place with our Lord.

Once we realize that, we can stop the insanity. Stop continually searching for something more. Knowing this is not our home, yet, making the best of each and every second here. It matters.

I do not want to look back someday and have regrets. I don't want my children to remember mommy on the computer or distracted with meaningless tasks- I want them to remember our homeschooling days as filled with memories of our time together, fully present in the moment.

I write because God placed a desire in my heart. My goal though is to always, always point others to him. Seeing Him in all. I only write when he places these words in my heart and they overflow onto the keyboard. I never write with the intention of gaining more readers and thinking I "know it all." In fact, I know nothing. He supplies words for me each day and the strength for me to homeschool. I do not do it by one ounce of my own strength.

I'd rather have them remember mommy always praying, turning to Him for guidance-

and always playing, always there.

We need to enjoy each other's writings, support each other wholeheartedly, but never let all of this information get in the way of real life.

Homeschooling each day should involved mommy fully present. We don't want to teach our kids to be so distracted!

Do not succumb to the lie that other people are doing things better. God created your family unique for your family's unique purpose. Do not covet someone else's homeschool. Enjoy your homeschool with your family! I have had friends completely disconnect from facebook, etc. so that they could do just that. Be free to be themselves. It is freeing indeed.

Enjoy each second. It is cliche but it goes by so fast. Learn with your kids, play with your kids, create a foundation that says, "My mom was fully present when I needed her most."

Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Don't fall into the trap of always living for the expectation of how things "should be." Anticipate your glorous home some day, and make the most of each second here.

Turn to Him each and every second in your homeschool-not others. And enjoy Simply...Homeschool.

My "Unplug Your Mind and ReCharge Your Soul" eBook is a perfect resource for this topic. It is free! You can get it on facebook or subscribe here and email me to let me know you'd like it. I will send it over directly!

**click "only likers" on the facebook page to download**

Also, Simply Homeschool is #1 this week at Amazon.com for Homeschooling books. I am humbled that so many people are be being blessed by it.
Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

10 Days of Simple Homeschool-Garden Learning

2012-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Gardening is a simple activity full of educational lessons.

Each year we plant a vegetable garden, and the children use the months of May and June to use the garden for science. From the time we buy the plants and plan our garden, to the first harvest they are involved in all aspects.

Here are the ways you can use your garden for learning. Don't forget, it doesn't have to be a large garden-even using pots on a deck can be just as fun!

Planning: Measure how much space you have in your garden and approximately how much room you will have for each plant. How many plants do you need? Are you starting from seeds or plants? Lots of math is used in this process as well as researching what types of plants will grow best in your area and when to plant.

Garden Journal: Once you have all participated in the planting, you can give each child a garden journal. This is a wonderful way to track the growth of your garden while incorporating many different skills.

The journal need only be a simple sketch book or notebook. Each day have your child measure a few of the plants, and either take a picture or sketch a picture. Record the measurements. Your child will be amazed at how much growth happens over very little time. Record everything in the journal. Also assign a child (old enough for the task) to water the garden each day.

Also in the journal you can write down general observations about the garden. Continue to journal each day. This is surely a great way to connect with the plants.

Decorate the journal pages with various verses from the Bible about God and His creation. Let them connect His miracle- with the miracle of life through the plants.

Learning about God through gardening is a wonderful way to connect His Creation to your kids. Letting them see what He does through the miracle of plant growth. There are so many ways to see Him in it all.

Check out this post about our activity recently that connected Him through a growing plant. And this one about what happens without proper nourishment. He is so good!

Romans states how the Lord reveals Himself to all mankind through nature, so there is no excuse. All will know Him and choose to submit to Him or reject Him. Nature reveals our Creator-use everyday gardening as a beautiful way to point them to Him!

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

For some verses you can use in decorating your garden journal or in studying plants, download here:

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Beyond Our Yard...Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone

2012-04-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

The 10 Days Series will continue tomorrow! Join me for 10 Days of Simple Homeschool.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Here are the past links in the 10 Days of Simple Homeschool series!

Day: 1: Cooking with Kids
Day 2: Why I Have Simplified Homeschool
Day 3 Using Your Library
Day 4 Scavenger Hunts!
Day 5 Starting Your Day with the Lord

This summer we will embark on our family's dream RV trip. We have been wanting to do this for so long. It will be a great learning experience for the kids, we will see parts of our country and Creation, and we will make memories as a family.

Originally I planned to do some speaking events on the way as well. However those plans have since changed. The Simply Led event scheduled in New Market, VA is being "postponed" as of right now. We will let you know how plans unfold.

When that was cancelled we felt that maybe we should just use the trip to focus solely on our family, and God's plans for us. God has already given me FOUR speaking opportunities locally before the trip, and that seems to be as much as I can handle right now :)

So, what I am looking forward to most on the RV trip is showing the kids a world beyond our backyard.

We sometimes can get too comfortable in life.

In our routines.

In our safe bubble.

I want my kids to see how others experience life and to see new things. It may not be comfortable at times. Yet isn't that the point. It's too easy to always make ourselves comfortable. Yet, maybe God is calling us to see more.

On another note, Simply Homeschool continues to be #1 on the Amazon. com best sellers for homeschool books for Kindle and #3 for all homeschool books! Unbelievable. For a book that I wrote for my readers, and was put on Kindle in case anyone wanted to read it on their Kindle, it blows my mind to be a top seller. No marketing, nothing fancy- just a book from my heart to encourage others. God is amazing! I am thrilled so many are being blessed by it. To Him be all the Glory!

Simply Homeschool is now just $0.99 for download or for Kindle at Amazon.com Click here for more info

Having Less and Doing More...

2012-04-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you have been enjoying the 10 Days of Simple Homeschool in the 10 Days series. It will continue next week, so be sure to check back.

You can also find the links to all of the posts from this week, at the end of this post.

Today we had a garage sale. Our purpose was to empty out as much as we could of things we really don't need. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Making money was not a top priority, as most of the stuff I had was given to me or were things I didn't want anymore anyway. Any money we did make we will use for our RV trip expenses. We made a little bit of money, but the value in the whole sale did not come from the money.

Blessing others was one of the best parts of the sale. Seeing a woman's face light up when I told her to take as much of the children's clothing as she wanted, for a small price. The look in another's eyes when she spotted softball equipment that was barely used, and she said, "My daughter is starting softball tomorrow and we can really use this!" Giving clothes to a friend who knows a young mother in need of items. Donating all of my maternity items at the end of the sale to a local pregnancy center. Even the excitement of a dear old man had when he found an old small bag that he was going to use for his camera. Priceless.

People are priceless.

That is what Simply Living...for Him is all about. Having Less and Doing more. I enjoyed so much today just being out in the beautiful sunshine and making connections with people. Talking with neighbors and visitors to the sale. Connecting with people. Hoping to show them the love of God in the process.

So while I am grateful to have gotten rid of many material possessions today, the biggest blessing of all was blessing others.

10 Days of Simple Homeschool-Starting Your Day with the Lord

2012-04-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

Each and everyday we don't open a "school" book until we have opened the most important book-The Bible. I truly believe we must put God first in all, if we are to succeed on this journey. He wants to lead us everyday.

I made this decision a few years back-we will never skip Bible time, even if we are having a busy morning, or if we are behind in other lessons. How can I ever put a language book or a math book above His book? How can I teach them to put Him first, if we are letting other things take precedence?

Bible time is non-negotiable. We start every morning in His Word together. The we pray together, and many days we worship together. It is our sweetest time of the day. It sets the tone for the day.

And it doesn't stop there. As the years passed, I began to include Bible reading after lunch. Again, we don't open up any school books after lunch until we have read the Bible together. We pray together again. It is a time to refocus. No matter what has happened in the morning-if there were tears over math, arguments between siblings, or poor attitudes-at this time of the day it is an opportunity to bring it all to Him. We can refocus our day and recharge if necessary. His mercies are new.

Simplifying homeschool is about getting rid of many of the unnecessary extras in our day and in our homeschools. Truly, if your child loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind first, then all of the other lessons will fall into place. They will measure everything they do against the Lord's standard.

When we seek first His righteousness, He will supply our needs. He already knows what He wants for us. We just need to submit to His plan and not our own.

What an awesome, mighty God we serve. How blessed we are to incorporate His teaching and His love into every aspect of our day.

Here are the past links in this series!

Day: 1: Cooking with Kids
Day 2: Why I Have Simplified Homeschool
Day 3 Using Your Library
Day 4 Scavenger Hunts!

10 Days Of Simple Homeschool-Scavenger Hunts!

2012-04-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Simplifying Homeschool is dear to my heart-getting rid of all of the distractions that keep us from our purpose and from putting God first in all!

Some posts will be practical ideas, some will focus on our hearts, but all will be focused on keeping it simple.

Subscribe here so you don't miss a thing. Be sure to follow on facebook and twitter too!

It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiousity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom. - Albert Einstein

source

One of our favorite simple activities in home learning is a scavenger hunt. These can be adapted in so many ways for so many different subjects. These are some ways that we use scavenger hunts:

Seasonal scavenger hunts: I have adapted this for "Signs of Spring" or "Signs of Winter." The kids go out with their sketch books and look for various ways that show if spring or winter is approaching.

Indoor Scavenger hunts: For little ones just learning letters, I will ask them to go around the house and find as many things beginning with the letter "A' or "B' etc. Or for pre-readers, I will give them a list of simple words, that they must read and find.

Language Scavenger hunts: Practice those words learned in a foreign language by writing them out in a list with the language you are learning. The child must find all that are on the list.

Math Scavenger Hunt: This can be adapted to however you need for any level. For little ones they may simply have to find the correct quantity of something, for instance: Find three of something, or find pairs, etc. For older children use it to practice measurement. Give them a list of things around the house or outside to measure.

Nature Scavenger Hunt: This can be used any way to practice finding types of flowers, animals, tress, etc.

source

Language Arts Scavenger Hunt: have the children identify things by adjective or noun: Find something that is shiny, or large, or curvy, etc. Or use nouns to identify objects.

These are just small ways to get you started in tailoring a scavenger hunt to your family's needs and to what your children are learning. They can be adapted any which way you choose. Get creative. Use these scavenger hunts every week or two, just to change things up, and make it fun.

Here are the past links in this series!

Day: 1: Cooking with Kids
Day 2: Why I Have Simplified Homeschool
Day 3 Using Your Library