Sarah watches her 9-year-old son Jake bounce from his math worksheet to the window, then to his fidget cube, and back to the paper—completing just two problems in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, he can spend three hours building an intricate LEGO creation or reciting every dinosaur fact he’s ever learned. Sound familiar?

If you’re homeschooling a neurodiverse learner—whether they have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning differences—you’ve likely discovered that traditional educational approaches often miss the mark. The good news? Homeschooling’s natural flexibility makes it the perfect environment to create a truly personalized learning experience that works with your child’s brain, not against it.

Why Neurodiverse Brains Need Different Approaches

Neurodiverse children aren’t broken versions of neurotypical kids—they’re wired differently, with unique strengths and challenges that require thoughtful adaptation. When we personalize learning for these brilliant minds, remarkable things happen.

Strengths become superpowers. That child who struggles with traditional reading but can explain complex engineering concepts? When we build learning around their interests and abilities, their natural curiosity drives incredible growth. A fascination with trains can become a gateway to math, history, geography, and physics.

Challenges become manageable. Instead of fighting against executive function difficulties or sensory sensitivities, personalized learning works around them. Short, focused learning bursts replace lengthy study sessions. Movement breaks become part of the curriculum, not interruptions to it.

Independence flourishes. When children have choices about how, when, and where they learn, they develop self-advocacy skills that will serve them throughout life. They begin to understand their own learning needs and communicate them effectively.

The magic happens when we stop trying to fit square pegs into round holes and instead celebrate the unique shape each child brings to their learning journey.

The Foundation: Understanding Your Unique Learner

Before diving into curriculum choices or daily schedules, successful neurodiverse homeschooling starts with truly knowing your child. This isn’t about formal testing or complicated assessments—it’s about becoming a detective of your child’s learning patterns.

Map their cognitive landscape. Spend time observing when your child is most focused, what captures their attention, and how they prefer to receive information. Does your daughter remember everything she hears but struggle with written instructions? Does your son need to move while thinking, or does movement actually distract him?

Discover their sensory world. Many neurodiverse children have strong sensory preferences that dramatically impact learning. Some need complete quiet to concentrate, while others focus better with background music. Some learn best sitting on the floor, others need the structure of a desk. There’s no right or wrong—only what works for your specific child.

Identify the sweet spot. Every neurodiverse learner has an optimal attention span that varies by subject and time of day. For some, it’s 10 minutes of math before they need a break. For others, they can hyperfocus on a science project for hours. Finding these patterns helps you structure learning for success rather than frustration.

Core Strategies That Transform Learning

Embrace the Power of Multiple Pathways

Traditional education often presents information in limited ways—read the textbook, write the report, take the test. Neurodiverse learners thrive when they can access the same information through different channels and demonstrate their understanding in varied formats.

Visual learners might benefit from infographics, color-coded notes, mind maps, and diagram-heavy resources. Consider turning historical timelines into comic strips or representing math concepts through drawings and charts.

Auditory processors often excel with read-alouds, educational podcasts, discussion-based learning, and mnemonic songs. Let them talk through their thinking process or record their responses instead of always writing them down.

Kinesthetic learners need hands-on experiments, building projects, and opportunities to move while learning. Math manipulatives, science labs, and educational games can transform abstract concepts into concrete understanding.

Tactile learners benefit from textured materials, art integration, and opportunities to create physical representations of their learning. Clay models of cells, textured letter cards for spelling, or fabric samples for geography lessons can make abstract concepts tangible.

Design Learning in Digestible Chunks

The traditional hour-long subject blocks that work for some neurotypical learners can be overwhelming for neurodiverse children. Instead, break learning into “micro-lessons” that match your child’s attention span and energy levels.

For a child with a 15-minute focus window, this might mean five minutes of direct instruction, five minutes of hands-on practice, and five minutes of discussion or reflection. Use visual or auditory timers to signal transitions, helping children anticipate and prepare for changes.

Consider themed days that reduce the cognitive load of constant subject switching. “Math Monday” or “Science Friday” can help children dive deeper into topics without the fatigue that comes from jumping between different types of thinking throughout the day.

Prioritize Choice and Agency

Nothing transforms a reluctant learner like genuine choice in their education. This doesn’t mean complete free-for-all learning, but rather structured options that honor their preferences while meeting educational goals.

Offer choices in how they engage with material—reading a book, watching a documentary, or conducting an interview to learn about a historical period. Provide options for how they demonstrate understanding—through a traditional report, a creative presentation, a hands-on project, or a recorded explanation.

Even small choices matter. Let them pick which subject to tackle first each day, choose their learning location, or select from a few different ways to practice a skill.

Building Your Personalized Homeschool Framework

Step 1: Create Your Child’s Learning Profile

Start with a simple discovery process that reveals your child’s unique patterns and preferences. This isn’t about formal assessment—it’s about systematic observation and conversation.

Interest inventory: What topics make their eyes light up? What do they choose to do in their free time? These interests become powerful vehicles for learning across all subjects.

Learning preferences assessment: Through observation and gentle experimentation, note whether they learn better through listening, seeing, doing, or touching. Most children benefit from combinations, but usually have a preferred starting point.

Energy and attention mapping: Track when they’re most alert, how long they can focus on different types of tasks, and what helps them re-center when overwhelmed. This becomes the foundation for your daily rhythm.

Step 2: Design Flexible Learning Structures

With your child’s profile in hand, create frameworks that provide structure while maintaining adaptability. Think of these as scaffolds that can be adjusted as your child grows and changes.

Create learning blocks that match attention spans. If your child focuses best for 20 minutes, design learning sessions around that natural rhythm. Include clear beginnings and endings, with built-in breaks that aren’t punishments but necessary parts of the learning process.

Build in movement and sensory regulation. Rather than viewing fidgeting or movement needs as problems to solve, integrate them into learning. Jumping jacks between math problems, stress balls during read-alouds, or walking meetings for verbal processing can enhance rather than distract from learning.

Develop choice frameworks. Create structured options that provide autonomy without overwhelming decision-making. A simple choice board with three project options, two different ways to practice a skill, or flexibility in the order of daily subjects can transform reluctance into engagement.

Step 3: Curate Resources That Match Learning Styles

The resources you choose can make or break your homeschool experience. Look for materials that offer multiple entry points and ways to engage with content.

Digital tools for accessibility: Text-to-speech programs for children who struggle with reading, adaptive math programs that adjust to their pace, or visual organizers that help with planning and organization.

Hands-on materials for concrete learning: Manipulatives that make abstract concepts touchable, art supplies for creative expression, or building materials for engineering projects.

Multi-sensory resources: Programs that combine visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, or materials that allow children to see, hear, and do simultaneously.

Step 4: Implement Ongoing Assessment and Adjustment

Personalized learning isn’t a “set it and forget it” approach. It requires regular check-ins, honest evaluation, and willingness to pivot when something isn’t working.

Daily reflection habits: Simple “roses and thorns” conversations about what went well and what was challenging. This helps both you and your child become aware of patterns and preferences.

Weekly planning sessions: Collaborative meetings where you and your child review the previous week and adjust the upcoming one. What resources should you continue using? What needs to be modified? What new interests have emerged?

Quarterly goal review: Longer-term evaluation of academic progress and life skills development. Celebrate growth, identify areas for focus, and set realistic goals for the months ahead.

Practical Strategies That Make a Difference

Visual schedules and routines: Create daily schedules with pictures or symbols that help children understand expectations and transitions. This reduces anxiety and increases independence.

Interest-based project learning: If your child loves dinosaurs, use that passion to explore paleontology (science), prehistoric time periods (history), measurement and comparison (math), and descriptive writing (language arts).

Sensory break stations: Designate areas of your learning space with different sensory tools—stress balls, textured fabrics, noise-canceling headphones, or movement aids that children can access as needed.

Collaboration opportunities: Connect with other homeschool families for group projects, science labs, or social learning experiences that provide peer interaction while maintaining the personalized approach your child needs.

Celebration systems: Develop ways to acknowledge effort and growth that match your child’s preferences—some love public recognition, others prefer private acknowledgment, and some are motivated by tangible rewards or special activities.

Embracing the Journey

Creating a personalized learning environment for your neurodiverse child isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, patience, and celebrating the unique way their mind works. Some days will flow beautifully, with engaged learning and visible growth. Other days might involve more troubleshooting than teaching, and that’s completely normal.

Remember that your willingness to adapt, experiment, and honor your child’s individual needs is providing them with something invaluable: the understanding that their way of thinking and learning has value. You’re not just teaching academic subjects—you’re helping them develop self-awareness, self-advocacy skills, and confidence in their abilities.

The goal isn’t to make your neurodiverse child learn like everyone else. It’s to help them learn like themselves—fully, joyfully, and successfully. When you create space for their neurodiversity to be a strength rather than a challenge to overcome, you unlock learning potential that might never emerge in traditional settings.

Trust the process, trust your child, and trust yourself. The flexibility to truly personalize learning is one of homeschooling’s greatest gifts—especially for the wonderfully diverse minds that see and process the world in their own brilliant ways.

Picture this: Your 10-year-old is reading about the “discovery” of America, and they ask why the textbook doesn’t mention the millions of people who already lived there. Or your teenager studying ancient civilizations wonders why they keep learning about Greece and Rome but never hear about the advanced societies in Africa or Asia.

These moments reveal a crucial gap in traditional education, and they’re exactly why more homeschool families are embracing inclusive, culturally responsive curricula.

The Real Impact of Representation

When children see themselves and others authentically represented in their learning materials, something powerful happens:

Learning becomes personal. Students who encounter stories and examples that mirror their own backgrounds don’t just memorize facts, they engage deeply because they feel valued and seen. Research consistently shows that culturally relevant pedagogy improves academic outcomes across all subjects.

Stereotypes crumble. Thoughtfully curated content doesn’t just add diversity for diversity’s sake. It challenges harmful assumptions and builds genuine empathy by showing the full humanity of all people, not just simplified or tokenized versions.

Global citizenship takes root. In our interconnected world, children who learn through multiple cultural lenses develop the open-mindedness and cross-cultural competence they’ll need as adults. They become comfortable with complexity and nuance rather than seeking simple answers to complicated questions.

Moving Beyond Token Diversity: Core Principles That Work

Creating truly inclusive homeschool experiences requires more than swapping out a few books. Here are the principles that transform surface-level changes into meaningful learning:

Start with strengths, not deficits. Instead of viewing cultural differences as obstacles to overcome, celebrate the knowledge, traditions, and perspectives your children bring. Every culture offers valuable ways of understanding the world.

Ask the uncomfortable questions. Encourage your learners to investigate whose voices dominate traditional textbooks, and whose are conspicuously absent. This critical inquiry builds analytical skills while revealing how knowledge gets constructed and transmitted.

Seek authentic voices. Move beyond secondhand interpretations by incorporating primary sources, literature, and media created by people from the cultures you’re studying. Let communities speak for themselves whenever possible.

Connect with your community. Your local cultural centers, museums, and community elders are invaluable resources. These connections bring abstract concepts to life and show your children that learning extends far beyond textbooks.

Embrace intersectionality. Real people aren’t just one thing, they exist at the intersection of race, class, gender, religion, ability, and more. Help your children understand how these various identities shape experiences in complex ways.

Your Roadmap to Inclusive Homeschooling

Step 1: Audit What You Already Have

Before adding new materials, take honest stock of your current resources:

• List all textbooks, videos, and activities you currently use
• Identify where representation is lacking or where subtle biases appear
• Note which gaps matter most based on your family’s background and your community’s demographics

Step 2: Discover Quality Resources

Finding excellent inclusive materials takes some research, but these starting points can guide you:

For anti-racist history: “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi offers age-appropriate frameworks for understanding systemic racism.

For multicultural literature: Seek out authors like Grace Lin (Asian-American experiences), Sherman Alexie (Native American perspectives), and Joseph Bruchac (Indigenous storytelling traditions).

For global perspectives: The “Children of the World” documentary series and BBC’s “Our World” provide authentic glimpses into how children live across different cultures and circumstances.

Step 3: Integrate Across All Subjects

The magic happens when diverse perspectives become woven throughout your curriculum, not relegated to special units:

Mathematics: Explore how different cultures developed mathematical concepts, from Islamic algebra to Mayan astronomy to African fractal patterns in art and architecture.

Science: Study traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous communities alongside conventional environmental science. Many sustainable practices we’re “discovering” today have been used by various cultures for centuries.

Language Arts: Create reading lists that alternate classic Western literature with folktales, myths, and contemporary works from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Indigenous communities.

Social Studies: Present multiple perspectives on historical events. When studying colonization, balance European accounts with Indigenous resistance narratives and post-colonial nation-building efforts.

Step 4: Design Meaningful Projects

Project-based learning helps children synthesize diverse perspectives while developing practical skills:

Heritage Museum: Have your child research and curate a mini-exhibit exploring a culture that interests them, complete with artifacts, photos, stories, and interactive elements.

Storytelling Podcast: Encourage interviews with family elders or community members about their lived experiences, then help your child edit and share these oral histories.

Global Cookbook: Research and prepare recipes from different regions while documenting the cultural and historical significance of various dishes and cooking techniques.

Step 5: Reflect and Refine

Building an inclusive curriculum is an ongoing process:

• Schedule regular conversations about what’s resonating and what isn’t working
• Be willing to adjust reading lists, project scopes, and resource selections based on your child’s feedback and interests
• Remember that this journey of learning extends to parents and educators too

Smart Strategies for Finding and Vetting Materials

Prioritize authentic authorship. When possible, choose resources written or produced by members of the culture being represented. This doesn’t mean excluding all outside perspectives, but it does mean centering insider voices.

Tap into homeschool networks. Trusted blogs, Facebook groups, and homeschooling forums can highlight both hidden biases in popular materials and exceptional resources you might have missed.

Sample before investing. Use library loans, interlibrary requests, and free trial periods to test materials before committing to full curricula or expensive resources.

Seek multiple viewpoints. If one text presents a particular perspective, pair it with another that offers critique, context, or alternative interpretations. This approach models critical thinking while preventing any single narrative from dominating.

The Bigger Picture

Creating an inclusive homeschool curriculum isn’t just about being politically correct or checking diversity boxes. It’s about preparing your children for a world where they’ll need to collaborate across differences, think critically about complex issues, and understand that their perspective,while valuable, is one among many.

When we give our children access to the full richness of human knowledge and experience, we’re not just making them better students. We’re raising citizens who can engage thoughtfully with complexity, who see others as fully human, and who understand that the strongest communities are built on the foundation of many voices contributing to one conversation.

The work takes intention and effort, but the payoffm, children who are curious, empathetic, and intellectually flexible, is worth every bit of research and reflection you invest.

Unschooling is more than just an educational approach; it’s a lifestyle that embraces curiosity, freedom, and a love for learning. In this post, we’ll explore the principles of unschooling and how it can transform the way we view education and life.

Unschooling is based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of directing their own learning. Instead of following a structured curriculum, unschooling allows children to explore their interests and learn at their own pace. This approach fosters a love of learning, critical thinking, and independence.

One of the key benefits of unschooling is that it allows children to pursue their passions and interests. This can lead to a deeper understanding of subjects and a more meaningful educational experience. Unschooling also encourages children to take responsibility for their learning, which can help them develop important life skills.

In conclusion, unschooling offers a unique approach to education that prioritizes individual interests, self-directed learning, and a deep connection to the world around us. By embracing a lifestyle of unschooling, families can foster a lifelong love of learning and empower children to become independent, curious, and engaged learners.

1. “The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home” by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise

This comprehensive guide offers a classical approach to homeschooling, providing parents with the tools to create a rigorous and enriching educational experience for their children.

2. “The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas” by Linda Dobson

Packed with over 500 creative and practical ideas, this book is a treasure trove for homeschooling parents looking to keep their children engaged and excited about learning.

3. “Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School” by Rebecca Rupp

This book provides a year-by-year guide to homeschooling, offering a structured approach to curriculum planning that ensures children receive a comprehensive education.

4. “The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids” by Sarah Mackenzieli>

This book emphasizes the importance of reading aloud to children and provides practical tips for incorporating this valuable practice into your homeschooling routine.

5. “The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life” by Julie Bogarti

This book encourages parents to create a learning environment that fosters curiosity and creativity, offering practical advice for making homeschooling a joyful experience.

Benefits of Homeschooling

1. Personalized Learning: Homeschooling allows for a customized curriculum that suits a child’s learning style and pace.
2. Flexible Schedule: Families can create a schedule that fits their lifestyle, allowing for more family time and extracurricular activities.
3. Safe Learning Environment: Homeschooling provides a safe and controlled environment, free from bullying and other school-related issues.

Challenges of Homeschooling

1. Time Commitment: Parents need to dedicate significant time to planning and teaching.
2. Socialization: Ensuring children have opportunities to interact with peers can be challenging.
3. Access to Resources: Some families may find it difficult to access educational resources and extracurricular activities.

Trends in Homeschooling

1. Online Learning: The rise of online platforms has made resources and support more accessible.
2. Homeschool Co-ops: Families are forming co-ops to share teaching responsibilities and resources.
3. Increased Diversity: Homeschooling is becoming more diverse, with families from various backgrounds choosing this option.

Homeschooling continues to evolve, offering families a viable alternative to traditional education. As more resources become available and communities grow, it’s likely that homeschooling will continue to gain popularity.

Understanding the Importance of Transcripts

A transcript is a formal record of your child’s academic accomplishments. While traditionally this includes a list of courses, grades, and credits, for unschoolers, a transcript should effectively convey their unique learning experiences in a format that colleges can interpret.

Cataloging Learning Experiences

Begin by listing all significant learning experiences your child has had. This process is much easier if you or your child has been keeping track of experiences, resources, etc… since they entered the equivalent of 9th grade. If you’re new to this process I can not emphasize enough to start keeping track of experiences now! Keep admission tickets, receipts, event descriptions, and any other items that will help you create a description of the experience. These experiences can encompass projects, internships, travel, self-taught courses, volunteer work, and other diverse learning activities. Be sure to note the dates of these experiences.

Mapping Experiences to Traditional Subjects

The next step is to align these learning experiences with traditional subjects. For instance, a self-taught coding project can be equivalent to a computer science course, while volunteer work at an animal shelter can translate into a biology course, or a travel experience can be related to a geography or foreign language course.

Here’s an example of how you might map real-world learning experiences to traditional subjects:

Please note that this is just a general guideline. The actual alignment would depend on the specific learning outcomes and details of each experience.

Assigning Course Titles and Descriptions

Course Titles

The course title should be indicative of the nature of the learning experience and aligned with traditional subject areas. For instance, if your child completed a self-taught coding project where they built a mobile app, you could title this course “Introduction to Mobile App Development.” Similarly, if they volunteered at an animal shelter, caring for animals and learning about their needs, a possible title could be “Practical Animal Biology.”

While it’s important to keep the titles relevant to the learning experience, also try to make them sound as close to traditional courses as possible. This will aid college admissions officers in understanding and relating to your child’s unique education path.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions provide an opportunity to go into more detail about each learning experience. Start by describing the nature of the learning experience or project, including specifics about what was involved, the skills your child developed, and any significant outcomes or achievements.

In addition to this, it’s valuable to outline and list any resources or materials used during the course. These could include books, online courses, software, tools, or other resources that contributed to the learning experience. This gives additional context and demonstrates the depth of study undertaken.

For example, the description for the “Introduction to Mobile App Development” course could read:

“This self-directed course involved learning programming languages Java and Kotlin, and using the Android Studio platform to design, build, and debug a mobile application. The final project was a fully functioning mobile app to manage household chores, showcasing proficiency in coding, problem-solving, and UI design. Resources used included the book ‘Android Programming for Beginners’ and an online course on Java from Coursera.”

For the “Practical Animal Biology” course, the description might be:

“In this hands-on course, volunteering at the local animal shelter, the focus was on understanding and caring for different animal species. Skills developed included knowledge of animal nutrition, behavior, and basic health care. This culminated in independently organizing a successful adoption event. Primary resources included ‘Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach’ and weekly workshops from the shelter’s resident veterinarian.”

Combining Disparate Experiences into One Course

Sometimes, your child might have engaged in various learning experiences that, while distinct, all contribute to a common theme or subject area. In such cases, you can combine these experiences into one course on the transcript.

Here’s an example:

Course Title: “Environmental Science and Conservation”
Disparate Experiences:

1. Volunteering at a local recycling center.
2. Reading and summarizing the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson.
3. Creating a community garden.
4. Completing an online course on climate change.

Course Description:

“This multifaceted course in Environmental Science and Conservation combined practical service, literature study, hands-on project work, and online learning to provide a broad understanding of the subject. The practical component involved volunteering at the local recycling center, where the student gained insight into waste management and recycling processes. The literary component involved reading and summarizing ‘Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson, which provided a historical perspective on environmental conservation and sparked discussions on the impact of human activities on the environment.

The project work was centered around creating a community garden, promoting local biodiversity, and providing a practical understanding of ecosystems, plant biology, and sustainable farming practices. Lastly, an online course on climate change was completed to gain a scientific understanding of this global issue, its causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies.

Combined, these experiences offer a comprehensive exploration of environmental science and conservation, demonstrating knowledge in waste management, biodiversity, sustainable farming, and climate change.”

By providing these descriptions, you aim to highlight the knowledge gained, skills developed, resources used, and achievements throughout the course. This approach gives colleges a clear understanding of the depth and breadth of your child’s learning experiences.

Allocating Credit Hours

Credit hours are a conventional way of quantifying the amount of learning or work completed in a course. For an unschooler transitioning to college, assigning credit hours to each course on their transcript can help colleges understand the extent of their learning experiences.

Typically, 120-180 hours of work is equivalent to one high school credit. This range represents the average number of in-class and homework hours a student spends in a traditional high school course over a school year.

Here’s how to approach it:

Estimate the Time Spent

Begin by estimating the total time your child spent on each learning experience. This should include time spent on hands-on projects, reading and studying, online courses, field trips related to the subject, and any other relevant activities.

For example, if your child spent three months working on a coding project for about 10 hours a week, they would have spent roughly 120 hours on that project.

Assign Credit Hours

Once you’ve estimated the time spent, you can assign credit hours based on the 120-180 hours guideline. In the coding project example, spending approximately 120 hours on the project would translate to one high school credit for the “Introduction to Mobile App Development” course.

Remember, this is a general guideline, and the actual credit hours assigned can vary based on the intensity and depth of the learning experience.

Repeat for Each Course

Repeat this process for each course on your child’s transcript. This way, you’ll have a credit hour assigned for each course, providing a clear understanding of your child’s workload and dedication to learning.

Here’s an example of how you might assign credit hours:

Grading and Calculating GPA

Often colleges will allow ungraded courses if there are some community college or other graded courses on the transcript but some do require grades for unschooled “courses” as well. Grading is a way to communicate your child’s level of proficiency or mastery in each course. For unschoolers, grades may not come in the form of traditional tests or quizzes but can be derived from various sources that demonstrate learning and progress. Let’s explore how to assign grades and calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA).

Assigning Grades

Assigning grades in an unschooling context requires a holistic view of your child’s learning experiences. Here are some methods you can use:

Portfolios: A portfolio showcasing your child’s work throughout a course is a great way to assess their understanding and skill development. It can include projects, writing samples, artwork, coding projects, and any other tangible evidence of their work. Review the portfolio to gauge the quality of their work and the progress made over time.

Self-Assessments: Encourage your child to reflect on their own learning experiences. They can rate their understanding of various topics, discuss challenges they overcame, and talk about skills they developed. This introspective approach can provide valuable insight into their learning journey.

Performance in Related Activities: Consider your child’s performance in activities related to the course. This can include their contribution in a team project, leadership in community activities, or the application of learned skills in real-world scenarios.

Based on these factors, you can assign a grade that best represents your child’s mastery in each course. It’s important to note that this process should be fair and consistent across all courses.

Calculating GPA

Once you have assigned grades for all courses, you can calculate the GPA. The GPA is a standard way of summarizing academic performance into a single number. Here’s a simple way to do it:

1. Convert each grade into a grade point using a standard scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0).
2. Multiply the grade points for each course by the number of credit hours for that course to get the weighted grade points.
3. Sum all the weighted grade points.
4. Divide the sum of weighted grade points by the total number of credit hours.

Here’s an example:

Total Weighted Grade Points = 4 + 3 + 2 + 3 = 12 Total Credit Hours = 1 + 1 + 0.5 + 1.5 = 4

GPA = Total Weighted Grade Points / Total Credit Hours = 12 / 4 = 3.0

This process helps to standardize your child’s diverse learning experiences into a format that colleges can understand and compare with other applicants.

Putting It All Together: Creating Your Unschooler’s Transcript

Now that you have gathered information about your child’s learning experiences, aligned them with traditional subjects, assigned course titles and descriptions, allocated credit hours, assigned grades, and calculated the GPA, it’s time to put it all together and create your unschooler’s transcript. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Design a Transcript Template

Choose a clean and professional transcript template that suits your preference. You can find templates online or create one using word processing or spreadsheet software. Ensure it includes sections for the following information: student’s name, school name (if applicable), contact information, course titles, grades, credit hours, GPA, and any additional information you’d like to include.

Organize the Course Information

List the courses in chronological order or in a way that best represents your child’s educational journey. Include the course titles, descriptions, grades, credit hours, and GPA for each course. This will provide colleges with a clear overview of your child’s academic achievements and the skills they have acquired.

Include Additional Information

Consider adding an “Additional Information” section where you can provide context or explanations for any unique aspects of your child’s education. This could include a brief summary of your homeschooling or unschooling philosophy, a statement about the individualized nature of your child’s learning experiences, or any notable accomplishments that may not fit within the standard course structure.

Proofread and Review

Thoroughly proofread the transcript to ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity. Review it with your child, discussing their learning experiences and confirming that the transcript accurately reflects their educational journey.

Print and Keep Copies

Print multiple copies of the transcript for your records and future use. It’s always wise to have extra copies on hand for college applications, scholarships, or any other instances where you need to provide an official transcript.

Remember, the transcript is a representation of your child’s unique educational path. Be proud of the accomplishments and experiences reflected in it!

Resources

For further guidance and resources on creating your unschooler’s transcript, consider this helpful book:

• Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships

Are you tired of the daily grind of lesson planning, grading, and trying to explain why “i before e except after c” has more exceptions than a politician’s promises? Enter AI, the superhero of the homeschooling world. Equipped with the power of algorithms and machine learning, AI can transform your kitchen table classroom into a cutting-edge educational experience.

Instant Expert, No Credentials Needed

You don’t need a PhD in astrophysics to teach your kid about black holes. With AI, you have an instant expert at your fingertips. Complex subjects are broken down into bite-sized, digestible lessons. So, whether it’s quantum mechanics or ancient Greek history, AI’s got you covered. All you need to do is grab a cup of coffee and maybe try to remember where you put the periodic table set from last month.

Personalized Learning: Because Every Kid is Unique

AI takes personalization to a whole new level. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all education. The software adapts to your child’s learning style, pace, and interests. Is your child a visual learner obsessed with dinosaurs? The AI can whip up a custom lesson that includes 3D-rendered Tyrannosaurus Rex models explaining the laws of physics. It’s like having a magical tutor who knows exactly how to spark your kid’s curiosity and keep them engaged.

Grading and Feedback: The Unpleasant Chores, Automated

Let’s face it, grading and providing constructive feedback can be as enjoyable as cleaning out the garage. AI swoops in to save the day by automating these tasks. Whether it’s essay evaluations or math homework, AI offers immediate, objective feedback. Plus, it can give you insights into your child’s strengths and areas for improvement, all without bringing in the red pen. Not only does this free up your time, but it also spares you from being the “bad guy” every time a mistake is made.

Personalized Learning Plans Powered by AI

Ever wish you had an army of educational wizards to craft the perfect learning plan for your child? Enter AI, the digital Gandalf that’s here to guide you through the enchanted forest of homeschooling. Gone are the days of generic lesson plans and one-size-fits-all curriculums. Say hello to personalized learning plans that might just make you wonder if your laptop attended teacher’s college in disguise.

The Magic of Customization

Imagine a world where your kid’s math lessons align perfectly with their interest in space exploration, or their history assignments dive deep into their favorite civilization. AI analyzes your child’s learning style, interests, and pace, and then crafts a bespoke education plan. It’s like having a crystal ball, but way more practical and without the creepy fortune teller vibes. Plus, AI doesn’t even need a break for tea!

Your New Homework Buddy

Remember those nights spent wrestling with algebra textbooks? Consider them a relic of a bygone era. AI can offer real-time tutoring and feedback, turning daunting subjects into manageable bite-sized pieces. It’s like having a super-nerd best friend who’s at your beck and call 24/7, without eating all your snacks or hogging the Wi-Fi. Now, even calculus can feel like a breeze—or at least, less like a hurricane.

Data-Driven Decisions, Minus the Spreadsheets

You’re probably not yearning to channel your inner data scientist every time you assess your child’s progress. With AI, all the heavy lifting is done for you. It gathers and analyzes performance data to tweak learning plans on the fly. Think of it as your personal education analyst, providing insights without requiring you to decipher confusing graphs or pie charts. Now, you can focus on the fun stuff—like planning that next epic science experiment involving baking soda and vinegar. Who says education can’t be fizzy?

So, yes, AI-driven personalized learning plans are here to make homeschooling not just doable, but also delightfully tailored to your child’s unique journey. And who knows? You might just find yourself learning something new along the way.

AI Tools that Make Grading Fun and Easy

Grading student assignments can often feel like you’re replaying the same level in an impossibly tough video game. The good news? AI tools are here to transform your grading nightmare into a fun and easy mission accomplished.

AI-Powered Speed Graders

Imagine if The Flash decided to moonlight as a teacher’s assistant. That’s exactly what AI-powered speed graders bring to the table. These digital marvels can zip through stacks of papers in no time, offering feedback so swiftly and accurately that even the most meticulous parent-turned-educator will be impressed. Forget spending hours deciphering chicken-scratch handwriting or checking math problems one by one. With AI doing the heavy lifting, you can finally reclaim those precious hours for more “important” tasks—like binge-watching educational documentaries on streaming services (Netflix counts, right?).

Personalized Feedback Wizards

We all know that feeling when a student’s work just doesn’t quite hit the mark, and writing constructive feedback feels like walking a tightrope. Enter personalized feedback wizards that use AI to craft comments tailored to each student’s needs and abilities. These tools don’t just toss out generic phrases like “Good job!” or “Needs improvement.” Instead, they generate insightful remarks and actionable suggestions that help students understand exactly where they can improve. Think of it as having a magical teaching assistant who’s not only smart but also endlessly patient and supportive. Abracadabra, customized encouragement!

The Grammar Guardians

One minute you’re relishing the poetic genius of young minds, the next you’re drowning in a sea of spelling errors and misplaced commas. Cue the Grammar Guardians. These AI-driven tools scour written work with the precision of a laser-guided missile, catching every dangling modifier and rogue apostrophe. They ensure that student submissions are polished to perfection, freeing you from the tedium of error correction. It’s like having a squadron of grammar nerds on standby to make sure every essay shines, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture—like planning your next epic science experiment or historical reenactment.

By incorporating these AI tools into your homeschooling routine, grading becomes less of a chore and more of a delight. And who knows? You might just find yourself looking forward to the next batch of assignments.

Interactive and Engaging Lessons with AI

Ready to transform your homeschool lessons from ho-hum to oh-wow? Step into the warp-speed world of AI, where learning is not just effective but also a laugh-a-minute adventure.

AI-Powered Learning: The Magic Genie in Your Laptop

Remember when you wished that algebra could be as engaging as your favorite TV show? Consider your wish granted! AI can tailor lessons to your child’s interests and learning pace. It’s like having a personal tutor who knows exactly what captivates your kiddo—from space travel to sword fights in medieval castles. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like seeing quadratic equations solved with the same drama as an Oscar-winning performance.

Interactive Challenges: Gamify to Glorify

Enter the realm where education meets entertainment. With AI, lessons morph into interactive games, transforming every learning obstacle into a thrilling challenge. Whether it’s a spelling bee powered by voice recognition or a historical quest through ancient civilizations, your children will hardly notice they’re learning because they’ll be too busy winning! And who said shouting out answers to a screen couldn’t be both educational and oddly therapeutic?

Instant Feedback: The Quick Wit of Online Learning

Forget waiting days for test results. With AI, feedback is swift, sharp, and sometimes even sassy. Your kids get immediate insights into their efforts, whether they’re acing it or need to hit the books a bit harder. This instant response system not only motivates but also throws in the occasional humor—because who wouldn’t want to correct their mistakes if the AI gently ribbed them like a well-meaning teacher’s pet?

In short, AI isn’t just about smarter homeschooling; it’s about making each lesson an unforgettable experience—one giggle, one eureka moment at a time.

Balancing Screen Time and Real-world Learning

Balancing screen time with real-world learning is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle–it’s challenging, thrilling, and possibly hazardous to your curtains. But fear not, brave homeschooling hero! With a bit of clever strategy (and maybe some help from our robot overlords), you can master this balancing act.

Your Screen Time Alarm Clock

First things first: if you find yourself wondering whether AI is babysitting your kids more than you are, it’s time to set boundaries. Picture this: you’ve just automated a math tutoring session, and now the family cat has learned calculus because they’ve been at it for hours. To prevent such feline fiascos, create a schedule that includes frequent breaks. Use timers or apps to remind your kids (and you) when it’s time to detach from the digital drip feed. Imagine an alarm clock with an overly enthusiastic cheerleader voice reminding you to stop, drop, and roll into some real-world activities.

The Great Outdoors vs. The Glowing Screens

Don’t let screens turn your home into a digital dungeon. Plan outdoor adventures akin to epic quests in a fantasy video game. Convince your young ones that searching for bugs in the backyard is the equivalent of gathering rare items in Minecraft, except way cooler because, hey, fresh air! Have them identify plants, watch birds, or even catalog the local squirrel mafia’s movements—whatever it takes to make them feel like real-world exploration is an accomplishment worth bragging about.

Analog Adventures in a Digital World

Think outside the tablet! Integrate hands-on projects that make your kids’ eyes widen in amazement without a pixel in sight. Teach them to cook, sew, build a birdhouse, or whip up some homemade slime that doesn’t involve any data mining. Pretend you’re starring in a DIY reality show, complete with over-the-top reactions and dramatic zoom-ins. Who knew making a papier-mâché volcano could be so intense?

Remember, the goal here isn’t to demonize technology but to use it wisely while ensuring your kids don’t turn into digital zombies. By balancing high-tech teaching with low-tech living, you’ll cultivate well-rounded, adaptable learners who can thrive in both worlds. And who knows? Maybe they’ll even manage to teach that smart cat a few new tricks along the way.

1. Super Mario Fliprus Snow Adventure Set (Available on Amazon for $52)?

Take a chill adventure with the iconic Mario as he navigates through snowy landscapes. The Super Mario Fliprus Snow Adventure Set is a marvelous mix of fun and challenge, ensuring hours of imaginative play!

2. Hide ‘N’ Seek Busy Bags (Available at Amazon for $19)?

Seek, and you shall find…hours of engagement with the Hide ‘N’ Seek Busy Bags. These bags are a treasure trove of activities that cater to various age groups, ensuring that the fun never ends!

3. GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope (Available on Amazon for $63)?

Aimed at nurturing the budding astronomer in every child, the GeoSafari Jr. Talking Telescope is a window to the cosmic world. It’s an interactive way to learn and explore the celestial wonders!

4. Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo

Awarded the Toy of the Year for 2023, the Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo is a 40-piece set that beckons the young builder. It’s a delightful way to boost STEM skills while having heaps of fun constructing racing tracks and vehicles.

5. Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter (Available on Amazon for around $40)?

Serving scoops of creativity, the Melissa & Doug Wooden Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter is a classic choice for young entrepreneurs. It’s a sweet way to introduce kids to business basics with a dollop of fun!

2023’s lineup of trendy toys is not just about play; they are about shaping curious minds. These toys are a testament to how playtime can be both fun and fruitful.

So, which one will find a place under your Christmas tree this year?

1. Scavenger Hunt

Instructions:

• Make a list of items for the participants to find. Depending on the age of your kids, these could be simple household items, or for a more adventurous hunt, items found in nature.
• Give each participant or team a list.
• The first one to find all the items or the one who finds the most items within a set time limit wins.

Resources:

Level up with this adorable Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Indoor Card Game

2. Pictionary

Instructions:

• Divide the family into two teams.
• Use a game set or create your own cards with words and phrases.
• One person from a team draws the word or phrase on a card while their team tries to guess within a set time limit.
• Teams take turns, and the team with the most points at the end wins.

Resources:

Don’t feel like making your own cards? Grab Pictionary!

3. Simon Says

Instructions:

• One person plays ‘Simon’ and gives the other players instructions starting with ‘Simon says’.
• Players must only follow the instructions if they begin with ‘Simon says’.
• If a player follows an instruction that doesn’t begin with ‘Simon says’, they’re out. The last one standing wins.

4. Charades

Instructions:

• Divide into two teams.
• One person from a team acts out a word or phrase without speaking while their team tries to guess.
• Each correct guess earns a point, and the team with the most points at the end wins.

Resources:

Check out this Family Charades game to get everything you need all in one place!

5. Building Challenge

Instructions:

• Give each participant or team a set of building blocks or LEGO.
• Set a timer and a challenge (for example, ‘build the tallest tower’, ‘create a spaceship’, etc.)
• The one who completes the challenge best within the set time limit wins.

Resources:

• Grab these LEGOs and get building!

Resources

You can find all the resources mentioned above on Amazon for a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience:

• Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Indoor Card Game
• Pictionary
• Family Charades
• LEGO Classic Creative Party Box Bricks Set

Enjoy these fun family games and make countless memories with your little

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed several facets of life, and education is no exception. Traditional schooling methods were upended, propelling a shift towards remote learning and homeschooling. Amid these changes, one educational approach that has gained significant attention is ‘unschooling.’

The Emergence of Unschooling

Unschooling is a child-centered educational approach that allows learning to occur naturally through life experiences. It includes exploration, play, household responsibilities, personal interests, and internships. In this method, children determine what they want to learn, reflecting the belief that learning becomes more meaningful when guided by personal interest.

With its forced seclusion, the pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity for this educational philosophy to flourish. Parents found themselves taking a more active role in their children’s education, and unschooling became a way to adapt to the changing circumstances.

Unschooling in the Post-COVID-19 World

Post-pandemic, unschooling has continued to gain traction. The model’s flexibility and adaptability are valuable in a world that is becoming more unpredictable and complex.

Unschooling promotes independent thinking, creativity, and problem-solving — key skills in a world that values innovation and adaptability. As we move forward, unschooling offers an alternative approach to traditional education, catering to the individual child’s needs, interests, and pace of learning.

Critics, Challenges, and Solutions

Critics of unschooling often argue that it lacks structure and may leave gaps in a child’s education. Others worry about children’s socialization, given the limited interaction with peers that traditional schooling typically provides.

However, unschoolers often participate in community activities, sports, arts, and clubs to complement their education and socialize. In the post-COVID world, digital platforms also offer virtual meetups and online classes, ensuring social interaction and access to diverse learning resources.

Conclusion

The post-COVID-19 world is an evolving landscape, and our educational approaches must evolve with it. Unschooling in the post-COVID-19 World offers a compelling alternative, prioritizing self-directed, experiential, and flexible learning. As with any educational method, it won’t be the perfect fit for everyone, but it’s worth considering as we navigate this new world.

Sources and Further Reading

For those interested in exploring unschooling further, here are some resources:

• “The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education” by Grace Llewellyn

• “The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom” by Mary Griffith

Ultimately, the goal remains the same – to help our children grow into curious, creative, and well-rounded individuals. Unschooling, post-COVID-19, might be one more path toward that goal.

Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for families in recent years. One of the biggest concerns many people have about homeschooling is whether or not homeschooled children will get enough social interaction. However, there are many ways for homeschooled children to get social interaction, and there is evidence to show that homeschooled children can be just as well-socialized, if not more so, than their traditionally-schooled peers.

One of the main ways that homeschooled children get social interaction is through extracurricular activities and community involvement. Homeschooled children often participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities such as sports teams, music lessons, robotics clubs, and scouting groups. These activities provide opportunities for homeschooled children to interact with other children with similar interests and passions.

Homeschooling Co-ops

Additionally, homeschooling co-ops and support groups provide additional avenues for socialization. Homeschooling co-ops are groups of families who homeschool their children and come together to share resources and support one another. These groups often provide a variety of activities and classes for the children, such as art, music, and science, in a collaborative environment. In addition, homeschooling support groups often organize field trips, park days, and other events that provide opportunities for homeschooled children to interact with one another.
Many homeschooling families also have a flexible schedule which allows them to have a more variety of social interactions. Because homeschooling can be done at any time, homeschooled children may have more opportunities to participate in community events, such as fairs and festivals, or to take classes or lessons during non-traditional school hours.

Online socialization opportunities are also available for homeschooled children. Homeschooled children have access to a wide range of online communities, social networks, and forums that allow them to interact with other children and teenagers worldwide. Additionally, many homeschooling curricula include online resources and interactive components that allow children to collaborate and interact with their peers virtually.

Closer Connections

Furthermore, research suggests that homeschooled children may have closer relationships with family members and a more diverse group of friends compared to traditionally schooled children. This can be seen as positive as it provides a broader and more fulfilling social experience for the child.

Ultimately homeschooled children can get social interaction in diverse ways, and the evidence suggests that homeschooled children can be just as well-socialized, if not more so, than their traditionally-schooled peers. Homeschooled children can participate in extracurricular activities and community involvement, participate in homeschooling co-ops and support groups, have a flexible schedule, have online socialization opportunities, and have close relationships with family members and a more diverse group of friends. It’s important to remember that each homeschooling family may have a different approach, and it’s up to the family to create a socialization plan that works best for their child’s specific needs and interests.

Sources and Further Reading

1. “The Well-Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling” by Rachel Gathercole
2. “The Homeschooling Option: How to Decide When It’s Right for Your Family” by Lisa Rivero
3. “The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World as Your Child’s Classroom” by Mary Griffith
4. “Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling, and Reconnecting with the Natural World” by Ben Hewitt
5. “Homeschooling and the Voyage of Self-Discovery: A Journey of Original Seeking” by David Albert

Caramel corn hits the spot! My teen and I were hanging out yesterday when we both decided we wanted something sweet! Caramel corn for the win! We’ve had hit or miss luck with caramel corn in the past and neither of us wanted to wait to bake it so we decided to try something totally new and made this delicious super easy no-bake caramel corn! I love these opportunities to continue to connect with my youngest through cooking. This caramel corn comes together quickly and easily for a late-night snack!

Print

Quick No-Bake Caramel Corn

Delicious buttery warm no-bake caramel corn in minutes!

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword caramel, desert, easy, pop corn, popcorn, quick, snack

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Rest Time (if you can wait that long) 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8 cups

Author Jennifer

Ingredients

• 6 cups popped popcorn We popped our own on the stove with 1/3 c cornels and 2 tbs olive oil but any method works.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

• In a heavy pot combine the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup.
• Cook the mixture on medium low heat. You can give it a little jiggle every now and then but do not stir!!!!!
• Once large bubbles start forming and popping start a timer for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes the mixture shoudl be a golden browm. Remove the pot from the heat and sir in the 1/2 tsp of baking soda. The mix will get bubbly and fluffy.
• Quicly addthe caramel to the popped opcorin in batches, stirring between each add.
• Stir well to combine and let sit until cool.

Stocking stuffers are always the last thing on everyone’s list. If you’re still looking for some awesome stocking stuffers I’ve got you covered! Here are 10 last-minute stocking stuffers that will make kids, teens, and adults happy!

Scratch Art Box of Rainbow Mini Notes – $6.22
This true “scratchpad” will be a hit with adults and kids alike! Add some rainbow to your message this holiday season.

Rubik’s Cube – $3.44
A true classic, this is a must for everyone’s stocking.

Kanoodle | Brain Twisting 3-D Puzzle Game – $8.99
This challenging puzzle game will have kids and adults enraptured.

Gift Card Maze – 9.95
Make getting a gift card even more fun with this challenging gift card maze!

Stuff their stockings with awesome stocking stuffers!

Christmas Fun Mad Libs – $4.49
Create stories together as a family with Mad Libs. Help the littles learn about nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs too!

Magnetic Putty – $9.69
Putty is a true favorite in our house. This magnetic putty is a fun way to learn about magnetic forces.

Celavi Collagen Facial Face Mask – $9.99
Put a little pampering in their stocking with this 12 piece face mask set or treat yo self!

Set of 4 Stainless Steel Straws – $8.99
Save the turtles! No seriously, reusable is the way to go. With this four-pack, everyone can get a straw in their stocking.

The Try Not to Laugh Challenge – Stocking Stuffer Edition – $7.99
Jokes are king in my house, the cheesier the better. Add a little laughter to the holidays with this stocking suffer joke book!

Monopoly Deal Card Game – $7.58
Everyone’s favorite game in a travel sized card deck that you can play in 1/10th of the time!

Making a fire is one of the simple joys of fall and winter.  Nothing makes that easier than beeswax firestarters. I got the idea for these when my friend Amy over at SecondAndEdgemont.com made some beautiful firestarters out of beeswax, sawdust, and a cardboard egg container.  Ever since I saw them I have been dying to make them. I was lucky to get two large bags of sawdust and wood shavings from a woodworker friend (DevosDesigns.com) and I had beeswax and cardboard egg cartons lying around. Every I needed to make a beeswax firestarters.

Make Your Own Beeswax Firestarters

Melt the beeswax. I melted my beeswax in a mason jar on top of a steamer in a pot of boiling water. I’m not sure this is really the “right” way to do it but it works really well for me.

Fill the egg carton with wood shavings or sawdust (dryer lint works really well too!)

Pour the melted wax over the sawdust filling the carton.

Once the wax is dry tear one of the fire-starters from the carton.

Place on your kindling, light your beeswax firestarters and enjoy your crackling fire.

Can’t wait? Jump straight to the low carb bagel recipe!

Tree nut allergies greatly limit the ability to eat low carb. All of the “substitute” foods were out of reach to me because many of them contained almond or some other nut flour. I’ve tried coconut flour, but it never acted the way I wanted it to. When I tried to make a low carb bagel with it, it created a dry crumbly dough that didn’t hold up well. Finally, I found a great almond flour substitute, flax meal! Flax meal works well in recipes as a replacement for almond flour, and I’ve been using it ever since. The only drawback is that foods, like these low carb bagels, take on an odd color, but they taste great!

Low Carb Bagel Dough

The low carb bagel dough is created by combining flax meal, melted cheese, eggs, baking powder, and xantham gum together into a sticky dough that’s then rolled out and shaped into bagels.

I add Everything Bagel Seasoning to the low carb bagel dough as well as top them with it to add some extra flavor. They only take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes in the oven. When they come out they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

They can be cut in half and toasted or eaten as is with butter or cream cheese. This dough also makes great dinner rolls!

Print

Nut free low carb bagel recipe.

This delicious gluten free, nut free, low carb bagel recipe will satisfy anyone's hunger for some carbs. http://harmonicmama.com/2018/02/low-carb-bagel-nut-free-gluten-free/ 

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Total Time 22 minutes minutes

Servings 6 bagels

Calories 321kcal

Ingredients

• 1 tbsps Baking Powder Gluten Free
• 1/4 tsp xantham gum (optional)
• 2.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, whole milk
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 2 large Eggs
• 1.5 cups Flaxseed Meal (I use Trader Joe's)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°
• Put the cream cheese and mozzarella in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2 minutes on high, stirring occasionally. If you don't have a microwave, don't worry I don't either, you can melt them together on the stovetop over low heat stirring constantly until they are combined and smooth.
• Combine the eggs, baking powder, flax seed meal and xantham gum in a separate bowl. I prefer to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. This is the point at which I add Everything Bagel Seasoning as well.
• Once the cheese is melted and just combined, but not too hot, add it to the other ingredients and mix well. This takes some elbow grease if you're not using a stand mixer but once it's partially combined you can knead it on the counter to get everything combined. NOTE: The dough will be sticky.
• Divide the dough into six equal portions, roll each out like a snake and then connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
• Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional)
• Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until the outside is browned and firm.
• Let cool a few minutes then slice, toast or simply slather with butter or cream cheese and enjoy!

Notes

Log this on MyFitnessPal: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/view/102698996035565

Common Methods of Homeschooling

Traditional homeschooling with workbooks, lesson plans and schedules may work for you and your child if they prefer direct instruction, but it might not be the ideal fit for a little one or an older, more self-directed student. Some parents adopt an ‘unschooling‘ style which operates without a program and parents don’t guide children any one direction. Parents act as a resource for their children, not a teacher, or director. Homeschooling, above all, is flexible and can be tailored to fulfill the educational need of your child.

Traditional Model of Homeschooling

Parents often explore purchasing homeschool curriculums online, and some even produce their own homeschool curriculum. If you’re brand new to homeschooling, the former may be the better option. Additionally setting aside a “classroom” space that is organized with all of the needed supplies can be helpful. The traditional model of schooling at home is not a simple alternative, and this model is hard work for the majority of parents, particularly in the early days. The very first year is going to be the hardest, but if you get yourself structured and organized the rest of the years will fall into place. However, this system is structured and works for some kids, because of this the rewards for both kids and parents can be worth the attempt.

Unschooling Model of Homeschooling

Homeschooling that is structured around child-driven and self-selected activities, without a curriculum, is considered unschooling. In this method the parents take a back seat and education is self-directed. Parents act as a resource to their children and facilitate activities when asked, but they do not “teach,” and students don’t need to stick to a particular curriculum. They simply follow the child’s lead, let them learn in their own time and make resources available. Unschooled children often choose to participate in activities with friends and learn the typical subjects like math, through baking, making monetary transactions and other everyday activities.

Should I Homeschool or Unschool My Children?

With either model, it’s a good idea to stop and have a conversation with your child. An age-appropriate discussion with your child about homeschooling can be beneficial in deciding if not only you but they are interested in pursuing homeschooling and also what method will work best. Parents play an essential role in homeschooling. Their role is either active, as in the traditional model, or passive, with the unschooling model but necessary in both. Regardless of which model you choose parents are an integral part of the homeschooling or unschooling process. If you do not feel that you would enjoy having your kids with you to for the better portion of the day, then homeschooling may not be for you.

1. Stuffing Donuts from Thanksgiving Leftovers

These stuffing donuts from Genius Kitchen look delicious and make a hearty savory breakfast. This recipe is a simple and quick way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers. Add a cranberry drizzle, you’ll kill two leftover birds with one stone.

2. Use up Thanksgiving Leftovers with Turkey Enchiladas

Take your Thanksgiving leftovers in a different direction with these filling turkey enchiladas from Crem-De-La-Crem. These leftover turkey enchiladas cook up in 30 minutes and are a perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers and feed those hungry house guests who are still hanging around.

3. MoreThanksgiving Leftover Donuts … Mashed Potato Donuts

Unfortunately in my home leftover mashed potatoes are never a thing, that’s as foreign here as leftover bacon. If we did have leftover mashed potatoes I’d definitely try these mashed potato donuts from Taste of Home.

4. Sweet Potato Pancakes

Yay breakfast!!! Who knew there were so many ways to use those Thanksgiving leftovers for breakfast. Want some more sweets to serve with those donuts? Check out these leftover sweet potato pancakes from Serious Eats.

5. Bone Broth and Soups from your Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey

Bone broth is the best way to use up the “unusable” parts of your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It’s super simple to make. Submerge your turkey carcass into a large pot of salted water then place the pot on the stove, next add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar, bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer for a few hours until it’s reduced and the bones are soft. Next, strain the liquid and use it immediately to make soup or store it in the fridge or freezer for later. Once you have this amazingly nutritious bone broth it’s time to make soup! You can use your turkey bone broth in place of chicken in my chicken soup recipe.

Hopefully, these give you some ideas of how to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers without boring your guests and family. Do you have more ideas for using up those Thanksgiving leftovers? Share them in the comments below!