Second Grade Math
Perhaps your second-grader enjoys math, or maybe working with numbers is still a bit of a struggle for him. In these early years, younger children often learn mathematical concepts better when working with actual objects. If the curriculum you are using doesn’t require the use of manipulatives to complete the lessons, consider using them anyway. You can purchase a set of counting bears, Cuisenaire
Life Skills for Kids
Ask any homeschooling mom, and she’ll tell you that teaching children at home involves much more than instruction in academics. Homeschooling is about training your children for life, teaching them all they need to know to function well as adults in their homes and communities. Christine Field’s book, Life Skills for Kids, can help homeschoolers do just that. Filled with advice and ideas for
Homeschooling the Second Grade
You’re ready to homeschool your second grader. Perhaps you’ve been homeschooling since Kindergarten or first grade, or perhaps your child has attended a traditional school and this is your first year. You might be using a curriculum that you’re familiar with and that works for your child, or you might be looking for something new to try. Many different types of curricula are designed
Math in the Third Grade
Your child is in the third grade and ready to learn! Of course, math will be a major part of your curriculum, and an adequate amount of time needs to be spent on the subject each day. Of special importance is ensuring that your third grader knows his addition and subtraction math facts, as this is the year he’ll be learning about multiplication and
Usborne Earth and Space
If you want to study the earth and stars with your little ones (1st-3rd grade), a good book to start with is Earth and Space, part of the Usborne Starting Point Science series. Written by Susan Mayes and Sophy Tahta, each page of this book contains a limited amount of text and brightly colored illustrations, making it a fun book to read together while
Goals for the School Year
If your homeschool follows a traditional school schedule, you probably have some free time in the summer for planning. If you haven’t already done so, consider writing down your long-term goals for the school year as part of that plan. Depending on where you live, writing out your educational objectives may or may not be a requirement, but either way, it’s a beneficial step
Reading in the Third Grade
Hopefully, by the time your child begins the third grade, she’s enjoying reading books. As with all the early elementary ages, however, third graders read on different levels; some may still be struggling with de-coding words while others may be reading chapter books or longer works independently. If you find that your child still needs extra help with reading, don’t worry; just continue with
The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling
Written by Debra Bell, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling is a great resource for both new and veteran homeschoolers. Full of valuable information, this book covers everything from choosing your curriculum to homeschooling high school students to preventing burnout. The first part of the book addresses the question of whether or not homeschooling is the right choice for your family. Not only are the
Homeschooling Your Third Grader
If your child is 8-9 years old, he’s probably entering the third grade. By now, he’s used to your homeschooling routine and knows what’s expected of him. In this grade, you might choose to continue with unit studies or lapbooking, or you might move more into workbooks and practice sheets. You might begin using a formal spelling or grammar book, or you might have
Math Instruction in the First Grade
If your child is entering the first grade, you might be wondering just what needs to be covered in math this year. Math skills studied each year build on those acquired the previous year, so it’s important to establish a good foundation early on. By the end of the first grade year, your child should be able to: • Count out loud from 0-100
