iHomeschool Network

Picture books are more than just pretty, colorful pictures on a page. They build imagination and creativity in the minds of little children. From the earliest of ages the images found on the pages of picture books help little ones to begin to formulate ideas, knowledge and information about the world around themselves. “Before they read words, children are reading pictures.” ― David Wiesner, Free Fall Did you know that picture books can be utilized to teach just about any subject? They are excellent for rounding out unit studies. For curious young readers a picture book can lay foundations for many educational skills from handwriting, to word recognition and even science and history. How to Teach Science with Picture Books Exciting Hands on Unit Study for Earth Day by Erin at Royal Baloo Chemistry for Kids – Eddie the Electron by Michelle at Homeschooling Down Under Scanorama Dinosaurs: Interactive Books Ignite Curiosity by Caitlin at My Little Poppies Promote Independent Learning with Science Experiments by Marci at The Homeschool Scientist Books about Inventors & Inventions that Inspire Creativity by Amanda at Raising da Vinci Teach S.T.E.M. using Picture Books 14 Picture Books about Building with Blocks, Engineering, and Architecture by Sara at Happy Brown House Fairy Tale STEM: Literature Based Math and Engineering by Bethany at Math Geek Mama 10+ Math Picture Books Your Kids will Love by Cait at My Little Poppies STEM Books for Kids by Karyn at Teach Beside Me STEM Chemistry for Elementary Kids – Atoms and States of Matter by Lara at Everyday Graces Using Picture Books to Teach History Hands on History: World War 1 Unit by Ticia at Adventures in Mommydom 5 Reasons We Study Greek Mythology in Our Homeschool by Dianna at The Kennedy Adventures Homeschool History- Our Ancient Egypt Study by Krista at We’re Far from Normal Hands on Fun with American Presidents & The White House by Heidi at Starts at Eight 9 History Books for Reluctant Readers to Fall in Love With by Rochelle at ASL Rochelle BarlowTeach Geography with Picture Books Geography and Picture Books Touring NYC Landmarks with New York City Picture Books by Selena at Look We’re Learning 13 FUN Geography Books for Kids by Pam Barnhill Around the World Picture Books by Michelle from Homeschooling Downunder 5 BEST Books to Create an Around the World Unit Study by Tina at Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus 15 Books for Kids who Love Maps at iHomeschool Network Picture Books to Language Arts (Writing, Grammar, Literature) Nine Picture Books to Inspire Writers – Ami at Walking by the Way 9 Sensational Wordless Books That Can Benefit Your Homeschool by Kathy at Cornerstone Confessions The Coolest Way to Introduce Shakespeare by Emily at Table Life Blog Fairy Tale Activities for Early Learning by Sara at Happy Brown House Using Picture Books to Teach Biography Writing by Cindy at Our Journey Westward Teach about Holidays & Culture with Picture Books 12 Picture Books About Remarkable African-Americans by Jennifer at Mama Jenn Easy Read Christian Holiday Books by Aurie at Our Good Family 5 Picture Books About Character for Girls by Sallie Borrink 5 Stunning Children’s Books to Help you Celebrate Arbor Day by Amy at Rock Your Homeschool Easy Art Appreciation Using Art Mystery Books by Colleen at Raising Lifelong Learners It’s your turn! Tell us how you utilize picture books in your homeschool to teach different subjects. We’d love to hear your ideas.

Maps open up our world to adventure. Does your kid obsess over the GPS or play with Google Maps like it is a game? Here are 15 books for kids who love maps.

Let’s face it. Sometimes homeschool can get a bit drab. Day in, and day out it can start to feel a bit, well boring, for the kids and sometimes even for the teacher. That’s where some creative thinking comes into play. Remember that homeschooling affords us the ability to think outside the traditional curriculum box and find new ways to mix it up a bit and creatively teach subjects in your homeschool. Sometimes it’s a matter of hands-on activities. Or it could be taking the kids out of the home and trying a job shadowing program or mentorship program. Are you looking for ways to creatively teach homeschool? Are you looking for ways to creatively teach homeschool? Then you’ve come to the right place on the web! These bloggers are bringing you some fantastic ways to teach homeschool creatively. Homeschool Creatively 3 Creative Ways to Teach History by Julie at Homeschooling-Ideas 3 Ways to High School Credit by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool 4 FUN Ways to Help Struggling Handwriters by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool 10 Days of Classical Charlotte Mason Homeschooling by Tatiana at The Musings of Mum A Class for Pre-School AND High School?? by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home A Different Way to Homeschool High School by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home A Different Way to Teach Spelling and Vocabulary by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home Creative Electives for Your High School Student by Pat at PatAndCandy Do High School Creatively  by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool Early Science FUN – Hands-On! by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool Encouraging Your Littlest Author by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool Filmmaking for Kids: Let the Creativity Flow by Dachelle at Hide The Chocolate Fun Homeschool Lessons for the First Week of School by Amy at Amy’s Wandering Having Fun with Handwriting by Ashley at Some Random Lady Homeschool with Smashbooks by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home How I Teach Apologetics in Our Homeschool by Tatiana at The Musings of Mum How to Assign High School Credit to Life Experiences by Pat at PatAndCandy Integrating Gaming, Crafts and Other Real World Learning into Your Homeschool by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home Make Your Own High School English Course by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool Make Your OWN U. S. History Course by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool Middle School – Creative Writing by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool The Art of Simple Book Making by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool The Role of Arts and Crafts in a Well-Rounded Education – by Pat at PatAndCandy The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Disney by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home  Video Making by Betsy @ BJ’s Homeschool What is Strewing…and Why Should I Do It? by Susan at The Sparrow’s Home

28 homeschool bloggers have joined together to provide one massive back-to-homeschool basket giveaway! Take a peek around these 28 sites and enter to win as many baskets as you like. Each blogger is conducting her own giveaway, so you never know…you may end up winning more than one! All giveaways will be live on Monday, August 7. (1) Our Favorite Literature by Geek Families (2) Ocean Learning Gift Basket by See Jamie Blog (3) Getting Back to Homeschool Bundle Giveaway by Renée at Great Peace (4) Back to High School Giveaway Basket by BJ’s Homeschool (5) Hands-On Learning Basket by Homeschool Hideout (6) Box of Preschool Busy Bags by Happy Brown House (7) Middle School Homeschool Curriculum Giveaway by Starts At Eight (8) Life of Fred Math Books Gift Basket by Look! We’re Learning! (9) Medieval England Unit Study Basket by Table Life Blog (10) Favorite Homeschool Things With a Texas Twist by Classic Housewife (11) Bible Study for Kids giveaway by Adventures in Mommydom (12) Back to Homeschool Morning Time Gift Basket by Everyday Graces (13) Mom’s Quiet Time Gift Basket Giveaway by Embracing Destiny (14) Five Days of Fine Motor Fun by This Outnumbered Mama (15) Plan to Play Basket by Hide The Chocolate (16) Middle and High School Living Book Lover’s Delight! by Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus (17) American History & Government Back to School Pack by Blog, She Wrote (18) Create Your Family Mission Statement by Not So Formulaic (19) The Home Education Road Map Scholarship Homeschool Giveaway by Grace, Grow & Edify (20) Homeschooling Through the Seasons Basket by Amy’s Wandering (21) Elephant and Piggie Favorite Book Characters Giveaway by Line upon Line Learning (22) Back to Homeschool Giveaway 2017 by That Bald Chick (23) Back to School Shopping Spree by Sallie Borrink (24) Travel the Globe with a World Geography Gift Basket by Eva Varga (25) Getting Started with Home Education by My Little Robins (26) Back to Homeschool Online Music Course Giveaway by I Choose Joy! (27) Growing Science Resource Basket by The Learning Hypothesis (28) The Great American History Gift Basket by Family Style Schooling    

From time to time we all need a little inspiration. It’s easy to get discouraged or to get bogged down with the day to day busy-ness that comes with homeschooling. But sometimes inspiration can come in a simple reminder that what we are doing is of far greater value than the moments that fill up a homeschooler’s day. With our inspiring quotes for homeschoolers, you’re going to find just the insight you need to keep on keeping on. “In order to stay the course with homeschooling while pouring into your child’s passions, you’ve got to set ground rules in place.” – Diana Kennedy, The Big Book of Homeschooling Ideas. We’ve gathered our favorite inspiring quotes for this link up and wanted to share them with you because we know as homeschoolers we all need a bit of incentive from time to time. Without some encouragement, we may want to throw in the proverbial towel. Without a bit of revelation, we might feel lost and as if we are floundering in a sea of Pinterest unworthiness. We need to remember and be reminded of, our purpose, our goal, our reason for doing what we do every day. Homeschooling isn’t just about books, and planners, it’s about training and preparing our children for adulthood. We hope that these inspiring quotes will offer you a bit of enthusiasm as you are preparing your lessons, curriculum, or plans for the upcoming homeschooling year. Find Inspiring Quotes at these Blogs 5 Valuable Concepts to Make Your Homeschool Stress-Free by Pat at PatAnd Candy 12 Homeschool Quotes for the Heart of a Mom by Renée at Great Peace 20 Inspiring Quotes for Your Teenager by Pat at PatAndCandy 50 Awesome Marriage Quotes to Inspire Joy & Peace by Renée at Great Peace Encouraging Homeschool Quotes for When You Want to Send Your Child to Public School by Courtney at Grace, Grow & Edify Homeschool Inspiration: Charlotte Mason-inspired Quotes, Printables, & Wallpapers by Emily at Table Life Blog Inspirational Art Quotes by Tricia at Hodgepodge Inspirational Quotes for Classical Homeschoolers by Alison at Learning Mama What is your favorite quote? We’d love to know. Share your favorite quote in the comments below. Be sure to properly credit the quoted author.

Homeschooling is a real challenge, and it’s natural that people consider all the potential obstacles to homeschooling before they make the commitment to educate at home. The bloggers of iHomeschool Network have once again joined forces to share their thoughts, this time discrediting the most commonly used reasons why a mom can’t homeschool.

The Red Nose Challenge: Inviting, inspiring, and empowering homeschool students to help kids who need it most.  Make a video. Make a difference. Over 1 billion kids live in poverty today—unable to meet basic needs like food, shelter or education. But we know that kids have the power to inspire others to help others, because they often see the simple steps that can make a real impact. That’s why Red Nose Day in School has launched the Red Nose Challenge, inviting children in grades 3–8 to create a 1-2 minute video explaining why it’s important to help end child poverty and show how they plan to make a difference. The winning teams will receive $5,000 to put their plan into action, or donate to a charity of their choice, and other exciting prizes. Here’s how it works:  The judging panel will include Red Nose Day co-founder and award-winning writer director Richard Curtis, whose film credits include Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Other celebrity judges will be announced in the coming weeks. We want to see how your kids plan to make a difference!  Go to RedNoseDayinSchool.org for all the details, and be sure to read the Official Rules before you get started! About Red Nose Day Red Nose Day started in the U.K., built on the foundation that the power of entertainment can drive positive change. Red Nose Day has raised over $1 billion globally since the campaign’s founding in 1988. Red Nose Day launched in the U.S. in 2015 with a mission to raise money and awareness to end child poverty, and has raised over $60 million to date for the cause. Money raised for the campaign goes to the Red Nose Day Fund, which supports programs that keep children in need safe, healthy and educated, both in America and abroad. Red Nose Day in School teaches students one of the most important lessons they’ll ever learn – that they can make a difference. Kid-friendly classroom activities help students, teachers, youth leaders and parents explore and understand the issues of poverty and how it impacts children at home and around the world–and what they can do to change things. Before they know it, their potential to help will be as plain as the (red) nose on their face. Red Nose Day returns on May 25, 2017. Learn more and sign up for updates at RedNoseDay.org  

Top Ten Teaching Ideas for Celebrating Art Show Week 1. Organize an art show for your local homeschool group. 2. Turn your living room into a museum with art created by your children. 3. Research an artist, dress up as him/her, and make a presentation where the artist talks about his/her life and work. 4. Create art in the style of your favorite artist, and organize an at home art show around different artists. 5. Use pages from old art calendars or art books to create your own themed art show in the living room. Make displays of different themed art either by subject, time period, region, or artist. 6. For younger children, read a picture book and create art or a craft based on the story. 7. Turn your children’s art into greeting cards. 8. Make messy art outdoors or use natural materials (berries, leaves, sticks, mud) as your media. 9. Set up independent learning centers for different artists or have your children do it for each other. 10. Create lots and lots of art! See the videos below for a tutorial. Download all of these ideas in a convenient PDF. Art & Artist Notebooking Pages Crafty Recipe Cards Top Ten Teaching Ideas for Art Show Week Videos for Art Show Day Teaching Art in Your Homeschool Looking for resources to help teach your homeschool students art? Join our panel of experienced homeschool mothers, along with our featured guest See the Light, as we discuss tips, tricks and techniques for teaching art, even for those of us who can’t draw a stick person. Yes, You Can Teach Art in Your Homeschool Does the idea of teaching art and tackling the basics overwhelm you? Would you like to enjoy teaching art or find new and creative ways to fold it into your homeschool? Our special guest, Tricia Hodges of Southern Hodgepodge, will be joining us and sharing her tips and encouragement on teaching art in your homeschool. Apple Chalk Pastel Tutorial Art for all ages with a quick art tutorial in chalk pastels by Lucia Hames.

All students engage in blended learning one way or another. Previous generations did the same, but without technology. Several decades ago, blended learning was basically limited to combining textbooks with classroom experiences that involved chalkboards, peer collaboration, and computer labs. Blended learning is practical, beneficial, and necessary in order to address individual student personalities, academic competencies, and dreams, and parental priorities.

We’ve got a sweet surprise for all of you homeschooling families out there! iHomeschool Network Bloggers and Friends have teamed up to bring you the Homeschool Wishlist Cash Giveaway! One lucky family will win $800 (paid via PayPal) to put towards your homeschooling needs!!! How neat is that?! Woot! To enter, follow the directions below: 1. Start with Marlene on Instagram (@marlenegriffith) 2. Like the giveaway image and click follow to follow Marlene if you aren’t already. 3. Tap on the image to find the next person, Amy (@amystults3), in the loop. Tap on her name to go to her profile. 4. Find this same image on her Instagram page. 5. Repeat these steps on every photo/profile until you make it back to Marlene. This will complete the loop. You’ll be fully entered for the $800 giveaway and you’ll have found some wonderful homeschool bloggers to follow. This Giveaway will run until September 14. The winner will be announced by @marlenegriffith within 72 hours of the giveaway closing. RULES: This giveaway is only open to homeschoolers, so we will verify that the winner chosen is indeed a homeschooler. All entrants must make their account public for the duration of the giveaway. This is to verify entries and ensure that you are following all of the participants. The winner will be chosen at random and will have 24 hours to claim the prize after being tagged in this post. If within 24 hours we do not hear from you, another winner will be chosen.

52 homeschool bloggers have joined together to provide one massive back-to-homeschool basket giveaway! Take a peek around these 52 sites and enter to win as many baskets as you like. Each blogger is conducting her own giveaway, so you never know…you may end up winning more than one! All giveaways will be live on Monday, August 15.

With summer in full swing, we thought it would be a good time to share some ways to spend family time. As homeschoolers we obviously spend time with our family. Afterall, we are at home with, or doing field trips, or other outside classes alongside our children everyday. But, there is more to family time than just the educational time. Spending time as a family is important. It’s during these times we form memories, and encourage each other through conversation. It is during these times that we bond over laughter, or heart to heart discussions at the dinner table.

It has been said that a mother’s work is never done. That statement rings especially true for homeschool moms. Juggling the responsibilities of mothering and teaching can easily consume every waking moment–and still the laundry isn’t caught up! These homeschool moms are there, too. They understand this busy season of life. Let their words encourage and inspire you to find time to renew yourself during “mom time.”

Fred Rogers said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” Mr. Rogers was talking about active, non-directed, imaginative play that small children engage in. But as children get older and play with toys less and less, they still need playtime. In fact, adults need recreational play as well! Board games and card games are one way to keep play in your homeschool while you build necessary skills.