Homeschooling
Montessori Monday - pincer grasp
To me, Montessori is all about building on your child's God-given potential for learning - and loving to learn. Maria Montessori's theory is based on the idea that the child has sensitive periods when they are most receptive to learning and that if the environment provides proper cues and encouragement,...August 11, 2008 - 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Children and theater - a win/win scenario
HI Barbara, I know that you are busy with moving and all, but if you ever get the time, I wanted to ask you how you got your children involved in theatre. I have four children, ages: 11, 9,9, and 7. The twins are shy and the other two...July 31, 2008 - 7:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Montessori Monday - prepared environment
No mother has to experience the Terrible Twos. All it takes is understanding and practicing a few Montessori principles to help your child sail gracefully through what can really be a thoroughly delightful and productive stage. Preparing an environment to meet the child's developmental needs is key. The most important...July 28, 2008 - 5:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Kumon Workbooks - I like them!
I first heard of Kumon when our next door neighbors in Novato sent their children to Kumon classes after school to enhance their education. Kumon has an excellent reputation, so when they contacted me to review their new line or workbooks geared for younger learners, I was interested in seeing...July 11, 2008 - 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Blue Ridge Leader / Patrick Henry College - yet another baseless attack
Two weeks ago the Blue Ridge Leader's cup of hatred ran over again with yet another front page attack on Patrick Henry College and Mike Farris. Did the Leader think this could pass for a news piece? It was just so embarrassing. As Mitch Turner wrote in a Letter to...July 11, 2008 - 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Critical thinking skills for elementary age kids
In response to my post on Critical Thinking with recommendations for older kids, some moms wanted to know how to help their younger kids develop critical thinking skills. I'm so glad you asked!! I homeschooled all my kids for eight years, and continued while releasing some as their needs and...July 10, 2008 - 9:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Critical thinking - teaching your kids to think for themselves
Funny how some nonbelievers think that Christians are mindless robots. I actually see evidence daily that it takes a lot of critical thinking skills to overcome the forces of social engineering (media, music, movies) that have convinced the masses that tradition is bad and that homosexuality, abortion, and promiscuity is...July 10, 2008 - 7:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - set the example
When I took my Montessori training, there was a strong emphasis on the way the teacher moved about in the classroom. I was taught to walk and to sit and to present lessons in a calm and serene manner. It was so cool. It changed me. And then as...July 7, 2008 - 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - Who was Maria Montessori?
Adapted from the introduction to my book Mommy, Teach Me! My study of children began with my own . . . In 1969 my first daughter Samantha was born. I was madly in love with my baby and anxious to do everything I could to be a good mom....June 23, 2008 - 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The power of stories in children's lives
I've been promising to do something on the value of fantasy in early childhood. I've taken this from my book, The Mommy Manual: Start early to help your child make the distinction between reality and fantasy. There are three kinds of books: • stories that really happened (history, biography) •...May 22, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - teaching kids to be careful
Most of us grew up with the idea that breakables should be kept away from kids. In my Montessori training I learned to think outside the box on this one; Maria Montessori believed the child should not be denied the privilege of caring for beautiful things -- otherwise, how could...May 19, 2008 - 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
For the kids: Send your name to the moon!
Send Your Name to the Moon Aboard Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter! NASA invites people of all ages to join the lunar exploration journey with an opportunity to send their names to the moon aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, spacecraft. The Send Your Name to the Moon Web site...May 17, 2008 - 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Teaching children compassion
Occasionally, I rerun important posts, especially when something a reader writes reminds me of a previous post - like this one. Also, a year has gone by since I published this and our economy is starting to take a downturn. We need to prepare our children for a future in...May 17, 2008 - 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Bless your children every morning
Yesterday got off to a great start for me. After putting my kids on the bus, I drove to the Lovettsville Library to share the Montessori approach to reading. One thing we touched on was the need not to feel overwhelmed by trying to implement a whole program, but just...May 16, 2008 - 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
When the mom/teacher role doesn't work
I'm rushing out the door this morning, but there's a topic I've wanted to bring up for a while. It came up in a discussion I was having with another mom the other day, and I want us all to hear a variety of thoughts on this topic - When...May 14, 2008 - 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Montessori principles working at home
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then 76 of your pictures are worth 76,000 of mine. Enjoy! Following is the introduction to the above album. For comments on each picture, go here. Children love to work! The secret to having a happy, contented child is simple: an environment...May 13, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - oops! but now it's fixed
For those reading Montessori Mondays - and linking: While I was using Mr. Linky to provide links for other moms, I didn't realize that there was another step I needed to take when you all linked to your own Montessori ideas. Now I know and have taken care of the...May 13, 2008 - 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - sensitive periods
I know a lot of you are applying the Montessori exercises we share here and at other blogs to help your child reap the educational benefits. Far beyond the immediate results though - improved pincer grasp, eye-hand coordination, concentration skills - is the greater gift your understanding of Montessori...May 12, 2008 - 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - mixing colors
Every academic subject has its roots in early childhood. By drawing your child's attention to the order of things in the natural world, you introduce him to the study of science. Structuring even simple activities has larger ramifications for later work when the child will learn how to test hypotheses...April 21, 2008 - 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The BEST jigsaw puzzles
Someone ordered this through my amazon link (thank you!) and it reminded me how much I love this puzzle of Washington,DC: Amazon's description is right on the money: This superb, up-to-the-minute overview of Washington, DC pinpoints all the city's famous monuments and historic buildings and is filled with fascinating facts....April 19, 2008 - 8:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - children's puzzles
Here's how any mom can make the most of teaching moments by using Montessori techniques: Take puzzles, for instance. Choose the kind with knobs, as they encourage the child's pincer grasp - which will strengthen and refine his thumb and finger control so that when the time comes to pick...April 14, 2008 - 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Starting homeschool during high school - your input needed
Anyone have experience in this to help? I have recently made the decision to homeschool my daughter next year (she has always attended school), and from a practical point of view I'd like to know where/how to begin! I am somewhat overwhelmed by all the choices that are available and...April 2, 2008 - 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori Monday - doing things quietly
This is just a simple thing that - quite honestly - can revolutionize your home and jumpstart your child's future. But that's the truth about anything you do with your children. Small beginnings eventually yield life-changing results. Try this: "Let's see how quietly we can put down the toilet seat."...March 31, 2008 - 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
HSLDA: Homeschooling through High School report
On Friday, HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association - which is just five miles down the road from me) held an all-day symposium on homeschool/high school. My daughter Samantha - homeschooling mom of five of my grandchildren - went. When she told me there were 300 people there, I asked her...March 29, 2008 - 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Homeschooling special needs kids - your input needed
Laura left this as a comment, but I want to get some input from you all for her: My daughter is three. She was recently diagnosed with autism. The school did the evaluation, wrote up an IEP and recommended (and will not budge) a full day, six hour, five day...March 28, 2008 - 6:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack
Free downloadable flash cards, coloring pages, art
Here is a fabulous website with over 3,000 downloadable beautifully-illustrated alphabet cards, flash cards, coloring pages, murals, games, and even how-to-draw videos - whimsical child-friendly art from a very generous artist who has provided this all to us for free. Visit Jan Brett. This is one reason why I...March 28, 2008 - 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Today's moms - under pressure
I had a meeting last week with some homeschool advocates to brainstorm ideas for a pamphlet they are doing for preschool moms. I was invited to participate because of my books - including Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read! - which are based on encouraging, empowering and...March 28, 2008 - 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
What would you tell a mom considering homeschooling?
At this time of year, many moms are wondering what path to follow with their own children next September. In my last post, I shared the homeschooling journey of my daughter Samantha as she moved from reluctance to joy. I think it would help many of those wondering-about-homeschool moms...March 25, 2008 - 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Thinking about homeschool?
For anyone toying with the idea of homeschooling - even if it's just a glimmer on the horizon: First a personal anecdote: I remember a number of years ago my oldest daughter Samantha – back when she had four children – called me to say, “Mom, I think God’s calling...March 25, 2008 - 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
California homeschool crisis - letter to Schwarzenegger
Loved this comment left by Will Duquette concerning the appellate judge who last week decided homeschooling is a violation of state law: I just sent this to Arnold in Sacramento, via the Governor's website: Dear Governor Schwarzenegger, A California state appellate court judge has said "Parents do not have a...March 9, 2008 - 8:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
California homeschool crisis - news roundup
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the rescue, as reported in the Los Angeles Times: Bill on home schooling rights urged Governor criticizes court requirement of a teaching credential and says he will move to protect practice. By Seema Mehta March 8, 2008 Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Friday for the reversal of...March 9, 2008 - 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
California judge: homeschooling illegal - sign petition now!
In one of those legislative coups by a member of the judiciary, a California judge ruling on one particular family's situation has issued a sweeping indictment of homeschooling in California. This should send a chill up any parent's spine - whether you homeschool or not. In a country where "freedom...March 9, 2008 - 7:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I know the feeling of wondering whether or not to invest in another book - will this be just another book to add to the pile I try but can't get into? And when it comes to parenting books, there's a whole other dynamic: if I do get into it,...March 2, 2008 - 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
What your preschooler needs to know
The Core Knowledge series is a well-respected, well-rounded and classical approach to what children should know at each grade level: What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know all the way through What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know. These books have been around since I was homeschooling my kids and I...February 26, 2008 - 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - new and improved!
Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I need to update you on my original announcement for Montessori Mondays. Thanks to TechnoWhiz/Geek/All-Knowledgeable Blogger Mommy Michelle - who blogs at usr-bin-mom.com, Montessori Mondays is going to be even better. Michelle suggested we do a meme and was kind enough to guide me...February 26, 2008 - 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Classics for Kids - The Whole Story Series
Although I can't see who is placing orders through my Amazon link, I do get a list of the things people order - Which I love because sometimes I discover things that are really worthwhile - in fact, I have to use a lot of self-discipline to keep from spending...February 26, 2008 - 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays
Announcing! I've been receiving pictures from some of you who've read Mommy, Teach Me! and/or Mommy, Teach Me to Read! and instituted some of my ideas for Montessori at home. Here are some cute pictures of Amy's son using the Sound Canisters - a sensorial exercise which increases hearing discernment....February 25, 2008 - 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
When a child balks at work
Dear Barbara - What do you suggest for a preschooler (disabled or not, mine isn't) who balks at suggestions to work? Should I just wait for those times when she shows interest and make the most of that, or can I hold her to the expectation of regular (small, age-appropriate)...February 23, 2008 - 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Preschool worksheets, projects, forms
Hi, again, Barbara: Today I found a GOLDMINE of printables online that I wondered if you knew about: Free printable worksheets, projects and printable forms You have to dig a little to see how many are really there. For instance, I've been using the "Alphabet Coloring Books" under the heading...February 22, 2008 - 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Homeschooling: Mike and Vickie Farris on Focus on the Family
I'm in Seatlle visiting a dear friend - Greta, who I met three years ago via this blog. The sun is shining, - and since everyone says that is not always the case, I'm particularly blessed. On our walk around her nighbrohood yesterday, I could see the Cascade Mountains and...February 19, 2008 - 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best foundation is love
[This is the final installment in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Forever, the second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls, and the third The Best Lessons Don't...February 16, 2008 - 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best lessons don't end at noon!
[This is third in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Foreverand second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls.] The Best Lessons Don’t End at Noon Some of my...February 15, 2008 - 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best classroom has no walls
[This is the second in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter from my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first The Best Teacher is Forever.] The Best Classroom Has No Walls I mentioned how the modern approach to education – compartmentalization...February 14, 2008 - 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best teacher is forever
It's that time of year when some of you may be wondering about preschool. There's so much cultural hype and social pressure - with many states actually considering mandatory preschool - that even moms who love having their kids at home wonder if they're doing the right thing. Mothers...February 13, 2008 - 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - building a science foundation
I wrote Mommy, Teach Me! to encourage moms in developing the teacher aspect of their role. Reading it will help you understand the process and show you how easy it is to build the foundation for your child's future learning success. Here is an excerpt: Science As I mentioned before,...February 8, 2008 - 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - growing carrot tops
From Mommy, Teach Me! , one of the simple science projects for preschoolers. A simple project is enriched when mom or teacher understand the purpose and use language to guide the learning experience: Growing carrot tops Purpose: To model the scientific approach – asking questions and using observation to...February 8, 2008 - 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: best coloring supplies
I've written before on the benefits of coloring books for developing concentration and fine motor coordination. While in a Montessori classroom this is done with Metal Insets, at home you can accomplish the same results with coloring books. There are many gorgeous and educational coloring books available - browse Amazon...February 6, 2008 - 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Struggling with homework - and it's only first grade
I am sharing part of a lengthy email I received because I think answering it together may be of help to Shauna and to other readers here: Good Morning, Barbara, It's been about six months since I e-mailed you . . . I would like to pick your brain on...February 1, 2008 - 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - create a book nook
It always makes me feel wonderful to know that the ideas in my books have helped families. In Mommy, Teach Me to Read! I encourage moms to create a book nook for their children: Make your child’s solo reading extra special by creating a reading nook. It doesn’t require much...January 30, 2008 - 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - purposeful activity
This question came into my Mommy, Teach Me! site: Hi Barbara! Here's a question for you: How much time per day should I expect (or encourage) my 34-month old to spend on her "work"? She was pretty enthusiastic about it when I started introducing it, but now her interest has...January 24, 2008 - 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - a child-friendly environment
No mother has to experience the Terrible Twos (or Threes or Fours or Fives). All it takes is understanding and practicing a few Montessori principles to help your child sail gracefully through what can really be a thoroughly delightful and productive stage. My Montessori training took nine months of 9-5....January 23, 2008 - 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Got a minute? Need a laugh?
A couple weeks ago, there was a funny video making the rounds - through email and blogs - and when I couldn't track the source, I posted it. I've since found out that the creator is Tim Hawkins and I wanted to rerun it with his name attached, plus another...January 9, 2008 - 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Homeschool family video - funny!
Samantha forwarded this to me - very funny! Homeschool Family video This brought back so many memories!...December 18, 2007 - 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Starry Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh slideshow
This piece by Don McLean came out in the 70's but I hope that those of you much younger than I have heard it. Don is most famous for his cryptic song American Pie - and I guess he's still making music because I found a website for him....December 6, 2007 - 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
When phonetics just don't work
I had a question about sight reading. I think you wrote recently that one of your children did better with sight reading. My 5 year old son has been working on sounding out words for over a year, but isn't catching on. For instance, he has sounded out c-a-t...October 13, 2007 - 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Columbus Day
Now that I'm back in Virginia, I'm glad we can celebrate the significance of Columbus Day. In northern California, I'm afraid this type of holiday elicited a certain amount of embarrassment in a culture that felt uncomfortable around anything that had to do with tradition or national pride. How...October 8, 2007 - 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Teen-friendly news sites without liberal bias
Barbara, I am a homeschool mom of 8. I'm wanting my teens and preteens to read the daily news as part of their curriculum so that we can discuss current events and things going on in our world. Can you suggest some teen-friendly news sites that aren't liberally slanted that...September 15, 2007 - 9:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Raising compassionate and aware children
At The MizReport today, I'm running a piece on the state of our nation as compared to Rome in the days leading up to the fall on September 4, 476 BC: The fall of Rome - a lesson for today. I really don't like to drop bad news without offering...September 4, 2007 - 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Free coloring pages - top quality
With school starting up, I'm rerunning this so new readers can sign up for this resource too: Hi Barbara, I just wanted share something with you that I came across today. I have been on the lookout for some Dover coloring books since seeing them in your Barbara's Picks' section....August 31, 2007 - 9:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Homeschooling Today reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I was so surprised and extremely grateful for these reviews of my books. I couldn't have written a clearer summary myself - and so for those of you who may wonder exactly what's in the two most recent, I am printing them here: Mommy, Teach Me! Preparing Your Preschool Child...August 31, 2007 - 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack