Foundations Unit
This week, we’ll help you create routines and introduce basic foundations of our lessons into your homeschool.
Spring Unit
Spring is one of the four seasons. Let’s welcome spring with some of our favorite books and hopefully a visit to a local garden or farm!
Insects + Spiders Unit
This unit is all about the creepy, crawly little creatures that outnumber us by millions! 🐝🐛🦋🐞🐜🦟🦗🕷(But don’t worry—they’re actually much more interesting than scary!) You will learn about a few specific insects and spiders while also refining your child’s fine and gross motor skills, crafting, and even taking a field trip or two.
Spring and Insects + Spiders Supplies
Here’s what you need for our Spring Unit and Insects + Spiders Unit.
Insects + Spiders Unit: Bug rescue bin
Help! These friendly bugs have gotten trapped in a spider web, and they need your child to help them get free. (Plus, your child will work on fine motor skills and hand strength they’ll need for writing later on. 😉)
Spring Unit: Dirt Cups Dessert Recipe
Ready for a sweet way to learn about the spring season? These simple dirt cup desserts are easy to make (your child can likely make them by themselves!), and incredibly delicious.
Spring Unit: Shoebox chicken coop craft
Let’s bring what we’ve learned about caring for chickens into our free play! Here’s how to make a simple chicken coop craft your child can play with again and again.
Insects + Spiders Unit: Web Walk Literacy Activity
By strengthening your child’s gross motor skills as they learn, we help them to make deeper connections and stay engaged. For this literacy activity, we’re going to engage your child in movement while practicing spelling.
Insects + Spiders Unit: Spider silk strength activity
Spider silk is a really strong substance! 🕸️🕸️🕸️ Let’s have a little fun with our own experiment. This spider’s web inspired STEM activity will test your child’s engineering skills while encouraging them to think creatively.
Birds Unit
This week’s unit is for the birds—in the best way! 🐦🦜🐤 We are going to learn about our winged friends this week, including their habitats and what makes them each unique.
Flowers Unit
Ready to let creativity and exploration bloom? In this colorful unit study, we’ll explore the science and makeup of flowers while also improving skills around reading, math, art, and more.
3 ways to feel more confident as a homeschool teacher
One of the first steps to deschooling yourself as a homeschooling teacher is boosting your confidence as a teacher! Here are three ways to do it.
Flowers + Birds Supplies
Here are the books and supplies you need for our Flowers Unit and Birds Unit.
Birds Unit: Hummingbird pollination activity
Hummingbirds’ main source of food is the nectar from flowers, tree sap, pollen, and insects. By eating the nectar and pollen from flowers, hummingbirds actually help flowers! It’s a special process called pollination. This activity shows us how it works.
Flowers Unit: Georgia O’Keeffe collage craft
Georgia O’Keeffe is a famous artist who loved painting beautiful, close-up pictures of flowers. For today’s lesson, we’re sharing a Georgia O’Keeffe paper collage activity from The Usborne Art Treasury.
Flowers Unit: Flower Word Families Activity
Word families are words that share a phonic pattern. They often rhyme and are used to help children decode and eventually learn to read. For our activity today, we will play with words that end in the same sound and are spelled with the same letters.
Flowers Unit: Simple Plant Respiration Experiment
This experiment is designed to teach your child about one of the important jobs leaves do for plants. Leaves are extremely important to all plants because they make the plant’s food.
6 books that can help boost your confidence as a home educator
Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the homeschool world or you’ve been swimming in this pool for a while, we could all use a confidence boost now and then. One of the best ways to feel more empowered with your education choices? Learning about all the different ways to educate a child!
Japan Unit: Kimono dolls tutorial
Use this simple tutorial to create miniature kimonos for craft stick “dolls” as part of our Japan Unit.
Lakes, Rivers + Ponds and Japan Supplies
The supplies you need for our Lakes, Rivers + Ponds and Japan Units.
Rivers, Lakes + Ponds
Let’s hit the water this week with a unit study packed with animal and plant science! (Plus a lot of art, math, phonics work, and more!)
Rivers, Lakes + Ponds Unit: Play Dough River Model
This fun, hands-on activity will let your child explore rivers layer by layer while sparking their creativity through imaginative play. Plus, it’s super simple to create and modify again and again!
Japan Unit
Kon’nichiwa! In this county unit study, we’re taking a trip to explore the incredible culture, geography, and arts of Japan.
Japan Unit: DIY felt sushi set
If your child loves imaginary play, this felt sushi set is a great way to get them thinking like an itamae, or skilled sushi chef! It takes a bit of time to put together, but the result is hours of free play inspired by our Japan Unit Study.
Japan Unit: “The Great Wave” craft
After you learn about “The Great Wave” in our Japan Unit, spend a little time crafting your own abstract version with this two-part activity!
Japan Unit: Bamboo clothespin planter
This simple craft highlights this versatile plant while also strengthening your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Rivers, Lakes + Ponds Unit: Food Web Activity
One of the most imporant parts of a balanced ecosystem is the native food chain. This simple activity wil demonstrate to your child the role of producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.
England + Ireland Unit
Pack your imaginary bags (and hop into your time machine on a couple of days) and let’s “travel” to Europe. In this unit we will learn about England and Ireland and their rich history and exciting legends.
England + Ireland and Castles Supplies
Here are the books and supplies needed for our England + Ireland Unit and our Castles Unit.
Castles Unit: Make a Sword Craft
Any knight is only as good as their sword! With this simple craft, your child can make their own as they explore life as a knight in our Castles Unit.
England + Ireland: Layered Union Flag Activity
This craft was actually created by our co-founder’s 5-year-old daughter after learning that the Union Flag was actually made up of three different flags, and it’s a simple, concrete way to demonstrate how the flags of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland come together.
England + Ireland Unit: Sir Francis Drake Ship
Sir Francis Drake was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe in a single expedition, and he did it in a ship called the Golden Hind. Let’s make a model of a ship inspired by the Golden Hind!
Castles Unit: Medieval Banner Craft
Decorate your home like a royal with this simple medieval banner craft!
Castles Unit: Royal Chalice Craft
Ready to raise a glass like a royal? This super simple chalice craft makes it easy to turn your next meal into a feast fit for a noble.
Quilts + Light, Shadows + Rainbows Supply Lists
Here’s what you need for our Quilts and Light, Shadows + Rainbows Units.
Light, Shadows + Rainbows Unit
Our activities this week are full of bright ideas! 💡 We will learn about light, the shadows that are created when it is blocked, and the beautiful colors that are seen when we send it through a prism.
Quilts Unit
If all you think about when you think of quilts is the afghan on your grandma’s couch, think again. Quilts can teach us the beauty of culture, family, and diversity—especially when it comes to gaining understanding of cultures different from our own.
Lights, Shadows + Rainbows: Rainbow Measurement Craft
This simple rainbow measurement craft will help strengthen your child’s recognition and memorization of the colors of the rainbow while letting them also work on their measuring and cutting skills. (Plus, the result is pretty beautiful! 🌈)
What is Waldorf Education?
The Waldorf method of education (sometimes called Steiner education) is about 100 years old. The method began in Germany when a manufacturer approached Rudolf Steiner to create a school for his factory workers. The result was a method that is based on child development and, at its core, healing humanity.
Castles Unit
This unit is full of fun history about medieval times in Western Europe. We will examine many parts of life during the feudal system of the dark ages—but with a kid friendly spin. Huzzah!
Castles Unit: Castle Math Activity
Who’s ready to storm the castle with some number towers? ♜♜♜ This fun activity is a simple way to practice sums with manipulatives.
Five Senses Unit: What’s in the bag?
You’d be amazed what your fingers can tell you! With this activity, you’ll demonstrate to your child all they can learn from their sense of touch.
Five Senses Unit: Manatee Paper Plate Craft
This simple manatee paper plate craft is a simple way to keep your child engaged as they learn more about this amazing animal in our Five Senses Unit.
Five Senses + Arctic Supplies
Here are the books and supplies you need for our Five Senses and Arctic Units.
Five Senses Unit
Our senses add so much variety and enjoyment to life! This week, we’ll learn about the five powerful senses our body possesses through discovery and experience.
Arctic Unit
This week, we’re taking a journey north to explore the Arctic! We’ll take a closer look at the land, the animal residents, and the people who call the Arctic Circle home.
5 benefits of joining a homeschool co-op
If you belong to a homeschool network or read homeschooling blogs, you have probably heard about co-ops. But what exactly is a co-op? In its most basic form, a co-op (short for co-operative) is a partnership between homeschooling families that come together for a common goal.
5 things to know before joining a homeschool co-op
Homeschool co-ops are one of our favorite ways to lighten the educating load and provide valuable socialization for our home-educated children. Thinking of starting or joining your own co-op? Here are five things to keep in mind before you get started.
Outer Space Unit
Welcome to our Outer Space Unit! This unit is Space Jam-packed with the coolest activities! (Sorry, we just couldn’t help ourselves!) We are going to learn about our solar system, the phases of the moon 🌑 and space exploration 🚀.
Tools + Construction Unit
Brick laying, construction sites, and tools—oh my! This week’s unit is all about building up (and even a little breaking down 😉). By the end of the week, you’ll have tackled measuring, engineering, phonics, photography and more!
Tools + Construction and Outer Space Supplies
Here are the supplies and books you need for the Tools + Construction and Outer Space Unit Studies.
Snow Unit: Snowman Fractions
Nervous about teaching fractions? This fun snowman activity makes it easy for you and your child to keep your mathematical cool.
Canada + Snow Supplies
Here’s what you need for Week 1: Cananda + Maple Syrup: Books (find at your local library or order below on Amazon): C is for Canada by Michael Ulmer Or try this Explore Canada board book for preschoolers At Grandpa’s Sugar Bush by Margaret Carney OR Sugarbush Spring by Marsha Wilson Chall A Kid’s GuideContinue reading “Canada + Snow Supplies”
Canada + Maple Syrup Unit: Pancake Recipe
What’s maple syrup without pancakes? Here’s a simple recipe to whip up a batch for our Canada + Maple Syrup Unit lesson.
Canada + Maple Syrup Unit
This week we will learn about the Great White North! Take a trip to Canada with us and learn about the culture and the animals that roam the land.
Clouds + Weather and Big Feelings Supplies
Supplies and books needed for our Clouds + Weather and Big Feelings Units.
Big Feelings Unit
Feelings, especially big feelings, are an important part of every day life—especially when you’re little and still figuring them out. This unit will discuss some of the feelings that we all experience all the time, like frustration, happiness, gratitude, and kindness.
Clouds + Weather Unit
Sometimes for the best lessons, you just have to look up! ⛈ In this lesson we will learn about the water cycle, clouds, thunderstorms and some extreme(ly cool!) weather.
Up in the Air Unit
This week is all about letting your child’s mind take flight! ✈️ We will learn about things that fly, specifically airplanes and hot air balloons.
China Unit
For this week’s lessons, we’re taking a trip to China to learn about Chinese culture and its rich history.
China + Up in the Air Supplies
Here’s what you need for Week 1: China: Books (find at your local library or order below on Amazon): The Story of Ping by Marjorie Flack (or watch this read-aloud) Riding on a Caravan: A Silk Road Adventure by Laurie Krebs What Makes a Magnet? by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley Ruby’s Wish by Shirin YimContinue reading “China + Up in the Air Supplies”
7 toys + games that teach your child educational skills through play
When we watch our children play, we see how their beautiful, little brains are always learning. Play is how they make sense of the world—how they experiment with ideas and feelings, how they develop language, and how they practice fine and gross motor skills. At Learn + Live, we wholeheartedly believe that playing is learning.Continue reading “7 toys + games that teach your child educational skills through play”
Neighborhood + Native Peoples of North America Supplies
Supplies you’ll need for Week 1: Neighborhood: Books (find at your local library or order below on Amazon): Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney Keat’s Neighborhood by Ezra Jack Keats The Berenstain Bears Visit the Firehouse by Mike Berenstain Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch by Mona Kerby OR A Lucky Dog: Owney, U.S. Rail MascotContinue reading “Neighborhood + Native Peoples of North America Supplies”
Native + First Peoples of North and Central America Unit
One of our favorite things about homeschool is getting to introduce our children to places and cultures they might not have experienced yet. This week, we’re sharing books and activities about First People of North and Central America.
Neighborhood Unit
This week, your child will develop art and music appreciation and math, science, and language skills while learning about their hometown, the post office, and the fire station. 🚒
6 things I wish I knew before homeschooling
Most new homeschoolers have a lot to think about these days. On top of figuring out curriculum options, teaching methods, and learning styles, there are also jobs and family responsibilities to juggle. We all want our kids to excel—not just learn the basics—and that can feel like a huge responsibility. But getting caught up in the day to day minutia might make us lose sight of the big picture.
Rocks + Dinosaurs Supplies
Supplies you’ll need for Week 1: Rocks: Books (find at your local library or order below on Amazon): Rocks: Hard, Soft, Smooth, and Rough by Natalie Myra Rosinsky Rocks Rocks Rocks by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace A Chip Off the Old Block by Judy Jensen Shaffer (+) Book upgrades: Rocks and Minerals: A gem of aContinue reading “Rocks + Dinosaurs Supplies”
Rocks Unit
This week’s lessons are rich with science lesson and experiments that will have your child putting on their geologist hat.
How to turn a song into a lesson
This article will outline simple and practical means by which any parent or caregiver can provide their child with a deep and satisfying musical experience, right within the comfort of the educational home.
Fall Harvest Unit
If you think spring is the only important farming season, think again. In this lesson, we will learn how flowering plants go from seed to harvest in the fall.
Leaves Unit
This week, your child will experience beautiful stories and playful activities while developing fine and gross motor skills and phonetic awareness and learning math, science, music, and art appreciation. 🍂
Leaves + Fall Harvest Supplies
Supplies you’ll need for Week 1: Leaves Unit: Books (find at your local library or order below on Amazon): We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger Up in the Leaves by Shira Boss Why Do Leaves Change Colors? by Betsy Maestro Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rowlinson Supplies (use what youContinue reading “Leaves + Fall Harvest Supplies”
Leaves Unit: Leaf nature journal entry
One thing the majority of homeschool philosophies agree on is that children benefit when they spend the maximum amount of time outdoors. As your child grows and begins to take in more of the world surrounding them, a nature journal can be a rewarding way to teach them to notice, record, and remember the lessonsContinue reading “Leaves Unit: Leaf nature journal entry”
Writing Program Review: Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting without Tears is designed to teach children from kindergarten to grade five how to correctly write their letters and numbers. It uses a multi-sensory approach, which keeps lessons engaging and fun.
5 valuable lessons your child learns from cooking
Bringing your kids into the kitchen can provide break from the day and also time for bonding between the grownup and child (or siblings!). And when you get to eat what you make, even better! The hidden advantage is it also can teach them valuable lessons along the way.
What is The Well Trained Mind homeschool curriculum?
Here’s a quick breakdown of this method of homeschooling, as well as how it keeps learning relevant, organized, and meaningful.
Apples Lesson: Apple Stamping
Engage your child’s seasonal senses with this simple art craft. Before you start cutting open your apples, ask your child what they expect to find inside. (Most children love discovering that apples hold a secret “star” when you cut them in half!) Next, let their creativity fly.
Foundations + Apples Supplies
Supplies you’ll need for Week 1: Foundations Unit: Books (find at your local library or order below on Amazon): Today is Monday by Eric Carle (or listen to it on YouTube here) Sunday Potatoes, Monday Potatoes by Vickey Sheiefman (you can also borrow it on OpenLibrary.org) All Aboard the London Bus by Patricia Toht SingContinue reading “Foundations + Apples Supplies”
How to include Montessori lessons in your daily routine
Did you know that you can include Montessori activities in your daily routine without needing to get any materials at all? It’s true! Montessori scope and sequence include very important areas for young children called Practical Life, Sensorial Activities, and Grace and Courtesy.
What to do when your homeschool lesson just *isn’t* working
Here are some tips to help identify when the learning is happening—and what to do when it truly isn’t.
5 benefits of cooking with your kids
Cooking meals for your family can feel daunting enough. Involving your kiddos too? That can definitely feel overwhelming. But while clean up may take a little longer, there are definite benefits for parents and little ones when it comes to cooking with kids.
5 myths about cooking with kids
Common myths debunked about cooking with your kids—and tips for working cooking lessons into your homeschool.
What is Montessori schooling?
Her method goes far beyond academic knowledge—it focuses on the care of self, others, and the environment. It also focuses on respect and peace, for both for the child and others. The Montessori method is a child-led education. This makes it different from most traditional education, which tells the child what they should be learning. Instead, Montessori education meets the child wherever he or she is. Here are five principles at the core of Montessori education.
Corn Kernel Math Activity
If the idea of teaching your child fractions intimidates you, don’t stress! It’s actually much easier (and a lot more fun) than you think. Introduce your child to the concept of fractions with this simple corn kernel activity that goes with our Native + First People of North and Central America Unit. Supplies: ¼, ½,Continue reading “Corn Kernel Math Activity”
Creating a morning routine: Tips to teach your child how to make eggs
Setting a morning routine for your child is a great way to provide them with structure and teach accountability. Breakfast in our house helps set the tone for the day.
How to teach children about art
Here are 6 easy things you can do at home to turn a painting, sculpture, or any medium of art into a lesson.
20 school supplies every homeschool family should own
Your homeschool supply will likely grow and change over time, but these 20 tried-and-true classics will always have a place at your child’s work table.
Extracurricular Ideas: Passport to the World
Teaching my children about countries around the world has always been a goal of mine. When my two older children were younger, I created a kids club for them with other homeschoolers in our community called Passport to the World Club where we learned about different places, practiced public speaking, and sampled the traditional food of that location’s culture.
How to turn a book into a lesson
If you’re unsure about how to talk to your child about literature or how to incorporate books into your homeschool lessons, try these six simple suggestions and prompts to make the experience more enjoyable and enriching for your little one.
What is Unschooling?
There are many interpretations of the term unschooling, which has been defined as learning without a curriculum or plan or education that consists solely of what a child wants to do. I dislike these definitions, and even the term unschooling, which seems to describe what it is not, rather than what it is.
4 common myths about homeschooling (and why they’re totally wrong)
Homeschooling was one of the best things that ever happened to my family. But at the start, I felt overwhelmed and scared and I heard some terrible opinions about homeschooling. Fortunately for me and my family, it didn’t take us long to learn the truth.
Foundations Unit
This week, we’ll help you create routines and introduce basic foundations of our lessons into your homeschool.
Dinosaur Unit
This week, your child will play paleontologist while developing fine and gross motor skills and learning about science, math, music, and cooking. 🦕
Dinosaur Lesson: Dino Counting Game
This open-ended counting game allows your child to explore math concepts without a lot of rules (or any worksheets).
Dinosaur Lesson: Dinosaur Twister
This simple game is a great way to get your child moving while encouraging letter recognition, gross motor skills, and proprioception, or the awareness of your body in space.
Apples Unit
This week, your child will develop life and fine motor skills while learning math, science, phonics, art, and music.
Sample Lesson: Me! The Body
In our Me! The Body lesson plan, you’ll help your child explore diversity, math, science, art, and music as they develop a stronger sense of self.