Blog
10 Executive Function Tips For Your Toolbox
We all use executive function strategies and skills each day of our lives. In fact, we use these skills many times over, even before we leave the house for school or work. The minute we open our eyes and glance at the clock, we’re deciding whether we have time to hit the snooze button. Then we choose what clothing is appropriate for the weather. Then we prioritize what to make for breakfast...
Exposing the Unit Study Myths
When someone mentions the word ‘unit study’ do your toes curl? Or do feelings of desire (longing) come flooding your way? Does the very thought of homeschooling with this method seem overwhelming? Or are you intrigued and curious about how to implement unit studies into your homeschool? As I’ve presented this topic in workshops across the country, I get a sense that most homeschool moms would...
The Impact of Anxiety in this Season of Life
It has been 12 anxiety-filled weeks since all of our lives were impacted by a huge shift – schools were shut down, businesses were closed, sports events were cancelled, vacations were disrupted, and we were told to stay home! A sense of panic settled into the atmosphere. None of us, adults or children, could predict the outcome. Hints of anxiety set in our hearts and souls. As adults we’ve tried...
Potential: Reaching for the Sky and Beyond
The following homeschooling blog post, Potential: Reaching for the Sky and Beyond was originally published in The Canadian Homeschool Minute - a division of The Old School House Magazine. Published July 2, 2019. We hold our newborn infant in our arms. With awe and wonder, we marvel at the intricacy of this human being and the miracle of birth. We ponder all that lies ahead for this child; for...
Avoid the Summer Slide!
I know, this title seems rather odd coming from me, the children’s movement advocate! This blog post is not about avoiding the local playground; instead it’s about avoiding the slide of summer learning loss. In 1996, a research study reported the effects of summer vacation on achievement test scores. Since then, it has become widely understood that children lose a lot of ground during the summer...
‘Twas the Night Before School Starts
School has started, another summer has passed. Labour Day is over and anxiety fills the air. As I listened to mothers last week, I heard and felt their anxiety. Whether her child is homeschooled, attends a school, or is headed off to post-secondary education, she ponders and wonders: What will this new year bring for my child? Will my child with a learning difference grow in confidence and...
Can I Really Homeschool a Unique Learner?
This homeschooling blog was originally published in The Canadian Homeschool Minute - a division of The Old School House Magazine. July 25, 2018. The decision to homeschool isn’t an easy decision. The decision to homeschool your unique learner is even more difficult. The doubts, fears, uncertainties and especially your abilities (or lack thereof) are ever before you. Can I really homeschool this...
When Homeschooling Isn’t As Easy as You Thought
This homeschooling blog was recently published in The Canadian Homeschool Minute - a division of The Old School House Magazine. July 4, 2018. The journey of homeschooling is full of twists and turns, questions and uncertainties, challenges and trials. What do you do when your child learns differently or struggles to learn the concepts that seem so easy for their siblings or their peers? All...
Why Unit Study is Ideal for the Unique Learner (or Any Learner!)
Through most of my 25 homeschooling years, people have known me as The Unit Study Mom. I fell in love with the idea of Unit Studies way back in my Early Childhood Education days and carried this idea of ‘themes’ right into my Homeschooling Days. My memories include exciting units on The Body, Flight, Africa, Canada, and Electricity. It was these topics - hands-on activities, books and projects...
5 Tips for Choosing Curriculum for your Homeschool
Conference season is around the corner! The exhibit hall is full of wonderful curriculum and resources for you to peruse and purchase. But sometimes the choices are overwhelming, especially when we consider the unique needs of each of our children. Somehow, we hope that if we scour through the curriculum exhibits, we will hit the jack pot and choose the very best one. Back in the day, when we...
