Archives for July 2018

July 11, 2018 by: Lesli

7 Ways to Create a Sensational Summer of Science for Kids

Prevent the summer brain drain for your kiddos by creating a sensational, experimental, and fun summer of science for kids in your home.

We live on the outskirts of Hotlanta, and for us, summer is usually about kids’ camp, reading, and figuring out how to stay cool.

In the summer, it’s hard for us to stick to our regular schedule. We school on a more year round plan, but still take time off for summertime busyness. I don’t want them to spend their off days vegged out on the sofa, though.

I want to keep their brains engaged. To do so, we keep learning through the summer, without the schooling side of things. We get messy, make silly mistakes, and have fun delving into science.

Over the years, we’ve learned that we love science. My kiddos absolutely will devour books about sharks, volcanoes, and any engineering or STEM book they come across. So, I take this love of science and discovery, and channel it into a fun summer of learning and experimentation.

Here are seven tips about creating a fun and interesting summer of science for kids in your homeschool.

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #1:

Pick a Theme for Each Week

Choose one theme per week to learn about. Make the themes things your kids are interested in. If you have a child who loves plants, choose a type of plant each week for three weeks. Have a child in love with ocean creatures? Let those creatures dominate your list.

If there is something your child is really interested in, let them study and learn for more than a week. They are going to enjoy the subject more if they are allowed to go in-depth.

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #2:

Surround Your Kids with Books and Media

Kids are going to be more interested in something if it’s easy to get to. Surround your child with books on the topic of the week. Place a basket next to the sofa or recliner.

Make strong use of your library while you’re planning a summer of science. Use the book lists on this site and request books that are available in your library’s system.

To build on certain subjects, ask around for books to borrow from family and friends. Many times, your homeschooling friends are going to have a plethora of books available on any given subject.

Don’t just stop at books, though. Add DVDs, audio books, educational apps, and more to the list. If you’re learning about volcanoes, have a movie night and watch a movie about Hawaii. The main goal is to make learning an easy, accessible choice for the kids in your home.

Grow your child's curiosity with this list of 35 fun and interesting STEM books

Looking for STEM ideas? Kids will love the books on this STEM list!

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #3:

Set a Routine that Includes Reading

Summer is a time to let go of much of your routine when it comes to school, but that doesn’t mean all routine has to die over the school break.

Set a routine for your family that includes daily responsibilities, household responsibilities, and time spent reading. In our home, the rule is that you have to complete your routine, read for an hour, and play outside before you are allowed to have TV or device time.

If you already have books handy for your kiddos on the subject of the week, it’s going to be easy for them to grab a scientific book for their reading time.

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #4:

Remove work from the equation

During your summer break, make science a fun learning experience and remove work from the equation. Don’t give your kids any homework, assignments, or worksheets to complete while they are learning.

Let the information and experience bring science to life for them during their break. They will be much more inclined to enjoy and participate if they know they aren’t going to have to do work on top of their learning.

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #5:

But….do add in journaling

If you want your children to do some kind of “work” related to the topics they are learning about, simply add summer journaling to their routine. Don’t insist that they write a ten paragraph entry about the experiment they did to show the result of mixing a base with an acid.

Instead, simply ask them to write down a few things from their day. Or, they can write a paragraph about the topic of the week. If your child is an artist, let them draw something they are learning. Keep it short, simple, and minimal to simply record experiences and basic information. Also, tailor the work to the child’s grade level.

If you want to take seasonal journaling a step further, grab your copy of the new TCHSL homeschool science journal for elementary and junior high students!

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #6:

Plan Your Experiments in Advance

Use the TCHSL Season of Science Planner to quickly and easily plan a summer of science for your students. Fill in the experiments or activities you want to do with your kids. Then, go through and make a list of all the supplies you’ll need to complete your activities.

Do all of your shopping in advance and create a box or kit for your activities. You can go as far as doing all the prep at once and bagging up each activity before the summer starts. Summer is a busy, intense time for homeschool parents. Get the prep done before it starts so you can easily pull everything out and have fun playing and learning with your kids.

Easily plan and enjoy your homeschool science curriculum with this fast, simple, 12-week, science unit study planner made to guide your planning process.

A Season of Science is a printable 12-week science unit study planner that will walk you through the unit study planning process.

Summer of Science for Kids Tip #7:

Get Messy – Outside

Don’t be afraid of messy, crazy activities or experiments. Summer is the perfect time to take the kids outside and let them make messes. What’s better than learning in your bathing suit?

Go outside, get messy, make things explode or change colors, and simply have a fun, interesting summer of science with your kids. Your family will make memories, and your kids will remember the really cool things they learn about this world we live in!

Prevent the summer brain drain for your kiddos by creating a sensational, experimental, and fun summer of science for kids in your home.

What better way is there to learn about the water cycle than stomping in puddles?

Teaching Kids about Money and Character: A Review of The Kingdom Code

While reading, writing, and arithmetic are all incredibly important in life, financial literacy and strong character will matter just as much in the long run for our children. Learn about this strong curriculum that makes teaching kids about money and character a simple task for any parent.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The blogger received product and compensation in exchange for her time. This is an honest review of this homeschool entrepreneurship and character curriculum.

Why I believe we should be teaching kids about money

I’ll never forget the day. I was fifteen years old and I had just ordered my very own business cards with money I had earned from babysitting. They were so cute! They had a little baby on the side with a paci and a curl on top of its head. “Lesli Murray – Babysitter” was printed in bright pink with my phone number.

I felt like I had arrived! This was the start of my own babysitting business for several years. I babysat for almost every family in our church through the last three years of high school and much of college.

Sadly, I was never taught how to manage my money well. I would make around $100 a week, and always had gas money. But, I didn’t know to save or spend correctly, because I’d never been taught how to manage money in a wise manner. By the time I moved on from babysitting, I had lots of childcare experience, but no savings to show for it.

My oldest has recently started earning her own money as a mother’s helper, and I’ve been on the hunt. I’ve been looking for a curriculum that we can work through to teach her how to save, spend, and invest wisely. I want her to have this knowledge from the start of her earning years. In the long run, she’s starting off in a better place than I did all those years ago.

As I was planning for our school year, I came across The Kingdom Code and was immediately intrigued. Not only was this a curriculum that would teach children to manage money, but it would also teach them how to make money. We are a Christian family, and I am happy we’ve found a curriculum that will teach our children Biblical principles for business, spending, saving, and giving with their money.

Build a business foundation for their future

In our home, we are also looking ahead to the future for my children. My oldest hasn’t figured out what she wants to pursue career-wise. My middle is set on becoming an architect. We know that right now at ages twelve and nine is the time to start considering their futures. We need to look at how to prepare for scholarships, grants, and other funds for college for these two and their little brother.

My girls have both decided they are going to work for the Congressional Award through their high school years. Part of the award is a 4-5 day exploration trip that the student has to plan and fund. We have already started discussing ideas of how they can earn the money as teenagers for their exploration. I was delighted to find a program that will teach them how to lay a strong foundation for their businesses.

An Overview of The Kingdom Code for Teaching Kids about Money

What is The Kingdom Code?

The Kingdom Code is a Biblical, treasure themed, 27 lesson program. The program walks children through the concepts of financial responsibility, planning for a business, spending wisely, evaluating a business, setting goals, and living in financial freedom.

The Complete Starter Kit is what you need for your first student. It includes a teacher’s guide, student textbook, worksheets for each lesson, activities for each concept, a treasure map, and several other learning aids. The kit also includes the supplies to help your child set up their own money management system.

What concepts are covered in this program for teaching kids about money?

Through the program children learn:

– How to choose financial responsibility
– Over 100 financial vocabulary words like income, entrepreneur, integrity, and gross income
– How to have a giving heart with their money
– To set aside money for tithes and education
– How to create a plan for their income and investments

– That integrity and professionalism go a long way in a successful business
– How to design a plan for their business
– About business founders through history
– Individual responsibility
– The beginnings of effective communication

– The value of organization and strong record keeping
– How to plan appointments
– 10 foundational rules for sales and business behavior
– That success comes from on hard work, honesty, creativity, and determination
– How to evaluate a failing business

– To always be open to learning more information
– That their attitude and care of money extends to the rest of their behavior
– Choices have consequences
– A plan for solving problems in business and life
– Many more concepts dealing with money, character, and life skills

How is the curriculum designed?

The Kingdom Code contains a total of 27 lesson chapters. Each lesson covers a core principle in money and business. The lesson is then extended to introduce children to ideas related to the core idea. The theme of the curriculum is teaching kids about money by treating it as a treasure to be discovered. To carry the theme through the program, the text refers to the students as knights and they are on a hunt to discover the treasure.

The text for each lesson is broken into several sections. Almost every section has an action for the student to do before moving to the next section.

The sections cover:
– The main idea
– Character ideals related to the main idea
– Historic figures and businesses to prove points
– Discussion questions
– On their own activities for the students

Using The Kingdom Code for Teaching Kids About Money

Ways to use The Kingdom Code in your homeschool:

The Kingdom Code comes with a teacher’s guide that gives you a plan for breaking down the lessons. Each lesson has been divided into 45 minute lesson plans. Most lessons have two lesson plans, some lessons have four. Each lesson also has extra enrichment ideas.

As a homeschool family, you can follow the lesson plans for one or more students and complete the program in a single school year. You would need to plan to complete at least two lesson plans a week for a 36 week year.

The program would also work well for teaching kids about money in a co-op situation. Rearrange the lesson plans to cover the teacher led portions in once class per week. The teacher can then send homework home to complete the activities during the week.

How will our family use the curriculum?

I will be using The Kingdom Code with my twelve and nine-year-olds this school year. They are both thinking ahead to businesses they would like to start. This will be the perfect opportunity to give them the information they need.

I do plan on taking at least two school years to complete the program with them. I want to walk through the ideas and concepts carefully with my girls to make sure they have a strong understanding. We will also be adding in enrichment and extra reading on some of the concepts covered.

In our home, we do a lot of subjects together. We will use The Kingdom Code the same way. In our order, we received The Kingdom Code Coloring Book. I’ll be using it to give my six year old something to do while we work through the curriculum. It’s a perfect way to keep his attention focused and let him learn about character and responsibility along with his sisters.

The Benefits of Using The Kingdom Code for Teaching Kids about Money

If a student has the ability to read, write, understand math, seek out information, understand finances, and has a strong character, I believe they have a firm foundation for the rest of their life.

I believe the best feature about this curriculum is the methodical approach the program takes to both money management and character development. I can see many great conversations in our future when it comes to how we apply and grow from what we are learning.

I’ve looked long and hard to find a way to pour the financial lessons I’ve learned into my children. I’m incredibly pleased to find a solid program that will lead to a strong future for my children.

How to obtain The Kingdom Code for your student(s)

Parents can buy The Kingdom Code Complete Starter Pack here. If you have more than one student, purchase the Complete Starter Pack for your first student. Then, buy a Student Packet for each extra child.

If you are leading a co-op class, each student will need a Student Starter Kit to give each child a textbook.

If you’re teaching with smaller ears in the room, a copy of The Kingdom Code Coloring Book is a must have!

Learn More: Visit the website for The Kingdom Code

A Discount for TCHSL Readers!

To start your school year off right, take 15% off the price of a Complete Starter Kit with the coupon code C15CSK! Make sure you order by August 31, 2018 to receive your discount!

More TCHSL Curriculum reviews for you:

5 Tips to make learning a Spanish or another second language fun and exciting for any family. Learn how to include your new language in every part of life.

A homeschool mom’s review of Apologia’s Readers in Residence homeschool reading and literature curriculum.

July 1, 2018 by: Lesli

17 Incredible Learning Adventures Near the Blue Ridge Parkway

Running from Washington, D. C. to Knoxville, the Blue Ridge Parkway takes visitors on a delightful journey of beauty and discovery. Extend your child’s Blue Ridge experience with these incredible learning opportunities within “spittin’ distance” of America’s Favorite Highway.

“You’re not going to school today!” my mother said as I entered the kitchen on a cold December morning during my sixth grade year. “It snowed in the mountains last night. We are going to go see it.”

My sixth grade year was my family’s first year living in North Carolina. We had lived in Florida until that point, and my only memory of snow was the one time we had flurries when I was six. I had never thrown a snow ball, made a snow angel, or even seen a field covered in the white stuff.

We drove the two hours up to Boone that morning. By the end of the day, I had a newfound love of all things snowy and mountainous. Over the years, I’ve fallen further in love with the Blue Ridge and the abundant opportunities for fun, adventure, and learning throughout the mountain range.

One of our favorite travel guide publishers, Moon Travel Guides, has sponsored this post. We love their Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip guide and recommend it to any family planning a Blue Ridge adventure! Find the Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip book at this link.

We now live about three hours from the mountains. As a family, we’ve built memories that include apple picking in Hendersonville, cherry picking just over the border in Virginia, mining for gold outside of Asheville, and many more along the Parkway.

We love the peace, beauty, and bonding that can be found in the nature of the mountains. We also love the learning opportunities we’ve discovered along the way. I have 17 of our family’s favorite Blue Ridge Parkway adventures to share with your crew.

Geologic Adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

1. Natural Bridge State Park –

Take in a site that’s been amazing viewers for generations. In a stunning limestone gorge, your family can experience the 215-foot tall nature-made bridge. Along with the views of the bridge, you’ll enjoy 6 miles of hiking trails, a Monacan Indian Villiage, and a 30-foot tall waterfall. Living history programs will help your family learn about how the area’s resources were used for survival for many generations across the centuries.

Admission: Ages 6-12 – $6, Ages 13-Older – $8

2. Blowing Rock

On the northern end of the North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge is an incredible place where the snow falls upside down. A place of mystery and legend, the Blowing Rock is a place that must be seen when you’re traveling along the Parkway. When you visit, you’ll learn about the Native legends that surround the rock, and about our modern meteorological understanding of this unique site.

Admission: Ages 4-11 – $2, Adults – $7, Military and Seniors – $6
Hours are seasonal, please check the website before your visit.

3. Chimney Rock State Park

Only half an hour south of Asheville and the Parkway, you’ll find a hunk of rock towering over the waters of Lake Lure. One of America’s first natural attractions, the Park has had a storied history. Native Americans were the first to step foot on the Chimney, and your family can follow their footsteps from the Chimney rock all the way around the mountain to Hickory Nut Falls. The Park has worked hard over the years to detail and conserve the natural flora and fauna, and is home to many strong conservation efforts for your family to learn about.

Admission: Ages 5-15 – $7, Adults – $15
Hours are seasonal, please check the website before your visit.

4. Linn Cove Viaduct Underlook Trail

While not specifically a “geologic” learning opportunity, this trail takes your family on a journey under one of the most photographed portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Linn Cove Viaduct has been wowing families for decades, and has become an iconic portion of the Blue Ridge. With this trail, you have the opportunity to see how the Viaduct was built into the mountain. Little engineers will love checking out this part of the Parkway!

Historic Adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

5. Virginia Museum of the Civil War

Home of the Battle of New Market, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War is a place for learning and reflecting on the war that tore the country in two. With a 300-acre battlefield park, a historic farm, and a visitor center for the Shenandoah Valley, there’s plenty to see and learn from at this interesting museum.

Admission: Ages 6-12 – $6, Adults – $10, Seniors – $9

6. Mabry Mill Cultural Site

Visit a beautiful restored mill along with authentic farm buildings and equipment dating to the early twentieth century. Along with the incredible peak into yesteryear, the Mill is one of the most photogenic spots along the Parkway. Visit in the summer and early fall, and you’ll see demonstrations of the skills mountain settlers used to make life possible throughout the Blue Ridge. Also on site is Matthew’s Cabin, a relocated historic cabin used for cultural demonstrations.

Learn more about Mabry Mill.

7. Moses Cone Memorial Park

The view from the front steps of Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone Memorial Park is one of my absolute favorite views in the North Carolina mountains. Flat Top Manor was the summer retreat of Moses Cone, one of the textile top dogs at the turn of hte twentieth century. At the park, you’ll see the Manor, estate, carriage trails, and the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

8. The Biltmore Estate

More than just a big house, the Biltmore is a step back in time to the pinnacle of the Gilded Age. From the interior garden to the servant’s quarters on the top floors, you’ll see the top technologies of the time and how they were used to make life easier for the residents of the Estate.

Basic Admission: Prices vary by day and time. Children’s tickets start around $25 and Adult tickets start around $50.

Cultural Adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

9. Blue Ridge Music Center

Music was and is the heart of the culture of the Blue Ridge. Experience living history and culture through the musical displays, performers, and more at this unique center of culture and history. Check the performance schedule before you travel, as concerts and performances vary each day.

Many parts of the museum are free for visitors. You can purchase concert tickets on the website.

10. Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Learn about the culture, history, arts, and crafts of the original peoples of the Blue Ridge Mountains. See basket-weaving, pottery, carving, beadwork and more along with learning the Story of the Cherokees through an interactive exhibit.

Admission: Admission varies between $6 and $10 per person.

11. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

A 100 year old school dedicated to preserving mountain handicrafts and skills, Arrowmont is a perfect destination for creative families on your visit to the Blue Ridge. Your family will enjoy the beautiful art and craft work on display at the school’s galleries. You’ll also be able to shop for art supplies in the school store. If someone in your family that’s over 18 is intersted in learning a new skill, check out the school’s list of classes and workshops.

Natural Adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

12. Museum of North Carolina Minerals

North Carolina’s mountains are teaming with minerals of all kinds. Learn about the area’s resources with this interactive museum that’s perfect for your little geologist.

13. Cades Cove

Cades Cove was once a home to a mountain community, but is now one of the most visited places in the Smoky Mountains. It’s also home to a plethora of wild life. These creatures are the reason so many people visit the area. Cades Cove has an 11 mile, one-way road through the community that usually takes an hour or more to complete. From your vehicle, or by foot if you decide to park and walk, you are almost guaranteed to see at least a few deer or other animals. On my family’s most recent trip to the area, I counted at least 22 deer, including several teeny spotted fawns! If you’re looking for a place to get your kids close to nature, pack some snacks and take a drive through Cades Cove

Fun Festival adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

14. Annual Blowing Rock Music Festival

A rain or shine festival of Americana, Folk, Blues, Rock, Jazz, and Soul music. The festival is usually held in September.

15. Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

Celebrate the Scottish heritage of many of the Blue Ridge residents at this premier gathering of the Scottish Clans. You’ll be delighted with traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic competitions, and much more. The Games are held each July.

16. Hendersonville Apple Festival

Celebrate the onset of fall and apple season in the heart of North Carolina’s Apple Country. Taking over downtown Hendersonville for four days, you’ll find everything from live bands to a parade and a street fair. While you’re in the area, stop by our favorite growers: Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard!

17. Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands

This craft fair brings artisans from the Southern Highland Craft Guild to an event filled with traditional handmade items. You’ll be able to see everything from pottery to woodworking. The event is a beautiful sight to behold, and is very inspiring for creative children to attend. Located in downtown Asheville, the Craft Fair is held one weekend in July and one weekend in October each year.

Admission: 12 and under – Free, Adults – $8