Learning Outside the Lines

In this episode I discuss wildschooling and what it means for us. I also give some ideas how we incorporate wildschooling in our family.I shared these resources:A Wilder Child This is Nicolette's web site with tons of great resources. Wildschooling FB Group This is an inclusive active FB group with tons of helpful resources and sharing of experiences. Recommended books:Balanced and Barefoot by by Angela HanscomThere's No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurkLast Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard LouvThe Rhythm of Family Discovering a Sense of Wonder Through the Seasons by Amanda Blake Soule and Stephen SouleThe Children's Forest: Stories & Songs, Wild Food, Crafts & Celebrations by Dawn Casey and Anna Richardson, et alI would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I give a quick update and discuss the importance of teen communication during this challenging time. I also give a reminder to let anything go that is not working!I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I discuss community service and how valuable it can be for learning. I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My disclaimer...While I definitely think children learn at their own pace and research backs that up, I also definitely believe some kids definitely have disabilities that need targeted help. That help may be from a professional or a parent with professional advice or training. These tips are things that have worked over my 16 yrs as a homeschool parent with 4 different types of learners and other homeschool parents.Reading-Reading a loud often is a given. All ages, even up to high school. This not only creates a culture of language and reading but it’s a great 1:1 time for kids and their parents. So much can be done with reading a loud such as having them read a sentence to encourage them but you read the rest so they don’t get too challenged. You can explain vocabulary words they may not know in context. You can point out punctuation so they understand how it’s used. None of this should be done tediously, but slid in now and then as needed. Audio books are under utilized and can be so helpful for kids! They are often free thru the library (which I highly encourage) or apps. Epic is a great reading app we like.  Line guides, some kids have issues following the lines and line guides can help them stay on track. You can use something as simple as a ruler or buy a fancier one. This is a formal guide, as an example. Graphic novels are the best thing for many struggling readers IMO. Wide range of topics from fun stories for younger kids to mature topics for older kids. There are fiction and non fiction graphic novels. They have long been discounted as poor quality or just simple comics but they have exploded in the last 5 yrs esp with incredible stories. Classics are even turned into graphic novels to make them more approachable and understandable! Kids that get frustrated with so many words on a page of a chapter book can easily digest the smaller text sections of a graphic novel. It can give them reading confidence and expose them to reading in a non threatening and engaging way. Don’t discount graphic novels! Reading aloud can often be very scary and stressful for a struggling reader but it can be really helpful too. Encourage them to read to a pet or even a stuffed animal if they want. Tell them no one else has to listen, but the practice can definitely help them.Don’t turn reading into a book report for each book they read. I will often ask my daughter to tell me about the story in a conversational way, and she can often share the characters, plot, etc. but if I asked her to write those things down, it would be a blank face. If you need it recorded for some reason for a homeschool portfolio or work sample, write it for them. Writing:If printing is a struggle try cursive or italics, keeping the pencil on the paper sometimes helps a child write better because they aren’t having to transition to each letter like printing. Typing instead of writingTexting is great for simple writing practiceMath:Multiplication facts- yes, ideally we want our kids to know their mult facts but reality is, not all kids can retain these. Don’t spend years wasted on trying to drill and kill! There comes a post where you acknowledge they aren’t retaining them and you give them a table or other tool to use when doing math. You can try again in a year or and maybe they are ready at that point, but if not, just keep using the table.  Games, especially for fractions. Apps and video games are good too for math concepts.General tips:Movement, we often think kids have to be sitting still to learn, but some kids are the opposite, they need to be moving or bouncing or fiddling to process information. Noise- some need quiet and others need back ground noise Noise canceling headphones can be a huge help for some kids.Be conscious of the type of noise, music or wind chimes or a fan are low key white noise. A TV show or loud kids playing is a different kind of noise than be a distraction so be aware of the noise that is in the background.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the upcoming NaNoWriMo project that takes place every November. National Novel Writing Month AKA NANOWRIMO is an online creative writing program that started back in 1999. It’s gained massive popularity over the years and many novels have been written because of this program. The original goal was to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. No editing, just write. Now it’s grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.This is a great FREE resource to encourage writing. It's often a gateway to writing for many people and can really lead to success in the writing world. I've known a few people that have had great success using NaNoWriMo to write their first novel.NaNoWriMo has lots of great FREE resources that can be used in a variety of ways and I encourage you to check them out to see if some of the activities will work for your student. You can use some of the more structured lessons or leave that all behind and just write! Follow your child's lead. Be sure to leave the editing out of this! This is all about getting their ideas on paper and their voice heard. You can deal with grammar and spelling later. This is all about getting their ideas on paper.Make this fun and cater to your child. If they want colored paper, color pencils, blank books, etc. then let them use whatever they like. Maybe buy a new notebook just for this to make it special.If they want to type it on the computer, that’s fine too. Let them use whatever font they want. You can set goals according to your child's style. You can have a time limit each day, a certain number of words each day, fill a page each day, etc. Don't stress about the details, just make it a fun special writing event. I encourage the parent to write WITH the child each day and take the time to really engage in the activity. You also might want to make it special and have some treats to eat or tea while you write or light a candle on the table, etc. Make this as much or as little as you think your child will respond to.If you’re new and want more info there’s a 101 link with great resources. They even have a calendar and workbook I’d that’s what you need. This 101 ideally starts in sept or oct to lay some ground work so you’re ready to just write in Nov, however! You can honestly start whenever you want so don’t feel discouraged or “behind” in any wayhttps://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101Young writers program Your child can sign up and receive some great resources. Goal setting, writing tools, and motivation https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/For educators Lesson plans, ideas, student workbooks, and more and it’s all broke down by elementary, middle school, and high schoolIt could easily be a whole writing class outline! https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/pages/educator-resourcesI would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I share what we are using for 6th grade. We are eclectic relaxed homeschoolers and definitely want to allow for child led learning and interest based learning. While this may sound like a lot in terms of curriculum, it really doesn't seem like too much for us. We do about 2 hrs of "formal" work 4 days a week and other things like free reading, outside classes, and nature walks each week, as well.We are also doing a block schedule for science and alternating months for Science Through Nature and Generation Genius.Below are links to each program I mentioned.Bravewriter Arrow Literature study Night Zoo Keeper on line writingTeaching Textbooks on line mathBeast Academy180 Days of Social Studies grade 6 workbookScience Through Nature Be a Naturalist program and guideScience Through Nature FB page and Instagram Generation Genius on line scienceI would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new school year and new season of the podcast. This year I'll be sharing more information and resources for middle school and high school since those seem to be areas with less resources. I'll also continue sharing information for all ages/stages.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resources for education and parenting.My website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Homeschooler Resources Series.These suggestions are more "traditional" in style. They are sometimes a good jumping off point for parents coming from a school setting. You can change curriculum ANY TIME or decide to use no curriculum at all!!Language Arts is such a HUGE subject and this is a tiny intro to what's available. There are so many more programs out there to explore as needed and as you are ready to dive deeper.Here is the Guide for all subjects but below are the links for Language Arts specifically:Spectrum Language Arts-workbookhttps://www.rainbowresource.com/category/2361/Spectrum-Language-Arts-2015.htmlEvan-Moor Language Arts-workbook (many to choose from depending on need)https://www.evan-moor.com/series?specs=1921Literature (For grade 3 and up. For younger grades just read a loud and enjoy)I’d choose a few good novels and do a literature study to round out the year. You get to read a good book, discuss various issues it addresses, explore genre, and can practice writing with various assignments. (These can be read-a-louds or independently read.)Teachers Pay Teachers has a great variety of literature studies-print on demand https://www.teacherspayteachers.comThe kids can choose their own novels if you want but perhaps use the grade level reading lists to choose from if you need help (you can google for more reading lists too)https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/collections/17-18/guided-reading-book-lists-by-level/Brave Writer Arrow is another literature study that is highly recommended and FUN! These have preselected books. Grades 3-6ishhttps://store.bravewriter.com/collections/mechanics-and-literature/products/the-arrowSpelling City is a free app you can use for spelling practice if you really want spelling. Kindergraden/1st and those needing reading supportReading/Reading ComprehensionReading Eggs/Reading Eggspress -on line Reading Eggs is for younger kids learning to read and Eggspress is for older kids working on fluency and comprehension  https://readingeggs.com/aboutExplode the Code-on line or workbookhttps://www.explodethecode.com  (on line version)https://eps.schoolspecialty.com/products/literacy/phonics-word-study/explode-the-code/about-the-program    (workbook version)Beginning readers (find at most stores or amazon)Nora Gaydo’s Now I’m Reading seriesBOB booksHandwriting:Handwriting Without Tearshttps://www.lwtears.com I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here is the Guide for all subjects but below are the links for science specifically:Real Science Odyssey (RSO)-text/work bookhttps://www.pandiapress.com/real-science-odyssey/Generation Genius (K-8, adding 6-8 this fall) -on linehttps://www.generationgenius.comMystery Science-K-5-on line, has virtual labs or you can follow along at home (you can get a year free with the basic service) https://mysteryscience.comEvan Moor Daily Science-workbook https://www.evan-moor.com/daily-science-grade-1-teacher%27s-edition-printScience can be enhanced with field trips, videos, books, and hands on exploration.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here is the Guide for all subjects but below are the links for social studies specifically:History Quest-text and workbook (Early Times/ Ancients only available now. Multiple ages of kids can do together) https://www.pandiapress.com/history-quest/Curiosity Chronicles-text and workbookhttps://www.curiositychronicles.org180 Day of Social Studies-workbookhttps://www.rainbowresource.com/category/6445/180-Days-of-Social-Studies.htmlLiberty Kids-Early American history PBS series-free on youtubeYou can find coordinating worksheets on line if needed. (Ages 7-12ish)https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHeaIWvdbER3Ic90BzhPsH2aJ5KI3UtmM*If you are unsure of which history period to cover I’d suggest GEOGRAPHY instead. You can focus on world or US geography and find coordinating workbooks. You can add in culture studies for areas kids are more interested in by adding books, videos, museums, and field trips.Solid Workbook sources-Spectrum, Evan-Moor, DK Whatever you do, be sure to use museums, historical sites, books, and other resources to round out the subject.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So many new parents are realizing that homeschooling works great for their child and they want to jump into the homeschool community. But it can be overwhelming with all the choices out there for curriculum. I compiled popular well regarded curriculum suggestions by subject and put it into this guideHomeschool Curriculum GuideThis podcast episode highlights the math suggestions and the next 3 episodes will highlight the other core subjects.The math suggestions are in the guide above but also specifically linked hereMath Mammoth-workbookhttps://www.mathmammoth.com/Complete programBeast Academy-on line or workbookhttps://beastacademy.comComplete programSpectrum Math-workbookhttps://www.carsondellosa.com/search-results/?q=spectrum%20mathCovers all state standards but I’d add more practice with a math app or games if your child needs more reviewSingapore Math-text and workbookhttps://www.singaporemath.com(There are different versions to choose from, choosing the newest is likely best)Teaching Textbooks-online streaming program with workbook as a backup http://www.teachingtextbooks.comWe love this program BUT I only suggest this for short term use if you have a kid struggling and needs something engaging. It does not follow typical standards so might not cover all a “typical” grade would cover in a year but it DOES work great for some kids who dislike math, need review, and need something engaging. If you use it from the start it covers all the math skills, however, it may leave gaps if only using for 1 year. But having a child that hates math and not progressing with a program is not productive either. This program is wonderful for some kids who hated math and didn’t understand it but needed something different. The levels DO NOT match grades, so use the placement test to determine level. I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many parents new to homeschooling often immediately think “what curriculum or program should I buy” when in reality, that question should be much further down the list. Every family comes to homeschooling for different reasons but regardless of that reason, a parent should really take some time to think about what they want for their child’s education, as well as, what their child needs to learn best. These are two separate issues to think about. Both are are very important though to determine how to move forward in determining how and what to teach your child(ren). The good news is there are a variety of social media groups, blogs, articles, and books to learn from and get insight for your educational needs. It’s important to take time to research, think and formulate your own educational philosophies and needs for YOU and YOUR CHILD. Once you think a bit deeper about your needs, you may find that what you want for your child isn’t “traditional” and you want something more natural or developmental. On the flip side, you may find that you want something more rigorous and challenging. Each child is different and it will be easier to target curriculum or programs that might work for you and your child once you dive deeper into these ideas.Here’s a list of well regarded books to explore education and homeschooling as a larger issue. It’s by no means an exhaustive list and there are many books available through your library e media, amazon, Kindle, or perhaps even a fellow homeschooler can loan you one. Reading just a few of these will very likely get you thinking differently about education and sharpen your educational goals. You will find it’s much easier to continue your homeschool journey with a better foundation.Educational Realities (or why you should homeschool)Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor GattoWhy Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School by Blake Boles (releasing soon)Free to Learn by Peter Gray John Holt-any of his booksHomeschool Styles/Philosophies The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart (www.bravewriter.com)The Unschooling Journey by Pam LaricchiaUnschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom by Kerry McDonald, forward by Peter Gray Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education By Susan Wise BauerA Literary Education by Emily Cook How to booksProject Based Learning by Blair Lee & Samantha CookThe Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer (caveat:this is a lengthy book that can feel intimidating and overwhelming, however, if used as a guide, it can be very helpful for those interested in a more rigorous and/or classical education model)Cathy Duffy's 102 Top Picks for Homeschool CurriculumI would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I share some silver linings and positive things that have come out of this situation.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I just wanted to check in with others and discuss the current situation.There's a lot of pressure on people and releasing the pressure is important to stay healthy during this unprecedented time.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to a great interview with Meg Grooms of Homeschool Gameschool about gameschooling, adapting games to meet your needs, and learning with games.You can also find her on Facebook at Homeschool Gameschool with Meg Groomsand she has a very helpful and active Facebook group for Gameschooling Meg's website has tons of great reviews and lists of games for ALL ages. She has great lists for games by theme, academic subject, and grades that are very helpful! Check out her site!I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These last 2 decades (and before) started with a pretty slim selection of homeschool material. It was certainly a growing market but most of the curriculum and programs were Christian publishers and not a huge amount of variety beyond the “school at home” model with textbooks and workbooks. I think “unit studies” was the main popular variation at the time.There was little secular material and most people were usually “secularizing” christian programs to make it work for them.As homeschooling became more known, more curriculum and programs were developed and many of those original ones are still available today with many updates and tweaks based on homeschooler feedback. Now there area a wide variety of religious and secular choices which is wonderful for all of us.This period started with limited access to the internet and a fraction of the resources available to us today. I remember started with 60 minutes a MONTH of internet service and Id set a timer and try to search for information on the Mothering forum to start and then later on the Well Trained Mind forum which was a major source of homeschool information at the time.Id have to make lists of things I wanted to search for to optimize my time.Thankfully that changed relatively quickly to more time and then the homeschool world really started to expand for a lot of people who may have been isolated or just lost and not knowing what to do next. By the start of this decade in 2010 it was a whole new world of information.Since 2010 more and more parents have come to homeschooling due to outside influences such as vaccine laws (as in California), school shootings, bullying, and sometimes oppressive or discriminatory school policies. While its frustrating and challenging to have to make a decision like this based on issues like this, so many parents have exercised their rights and taken a stand to show that these practices and issues are NOT acceptable and they will make other choices in the best interests of their children. Linked to this is the rise in on line programs for homeschoolers. Many parents may not feel qualified to teach their children or simply didn’t know what to do so if they had to bring them home to learn, they wanted resources to do it for them when possible. This is still a growing area in the homeschool world and there continues to be a need for quality on line programming but there is a lot out there now that is being utilized.Another change Ive seen in the decade is a slow move from “labeled” homeschooling to a more eclectic one. For a while it was very popular to pick a style of homeschooling such as classical or Charlotte mason or waldorf, etc. I think this was often more from a standpoint of finding resources that worked together but it was also a way to find like minded people on line and in person that shared some of your education ideas.These styles and groups certainly still exist but I’ve seen a shift to a more eclectic mindset and using whatever works for each child. There is no one “right” way as we all know but i think the acceptance of more variation has definitely happened.Some of you may laugh as this but I think we have as a whole, become more opinionated! Opinions are fine, of course, but my gosh, the level of “my way” vs “your way” on FB groups and social media as become a bit out of control and crazy. I definitely agree that there has always been disagreement about issues on social media but the level of disrespect and vitriol has increased behind hidden screens and that is a sad and frustrating change. Another change is in the community at large. We have more resources available to us than ever before with community classes and field trips and partnerships with community organizations, libraries, businesses, community colleges, and even private schools in some cases. Our kids can take art, dance, science classes, lego engineering, and so many more opportunities in so many places. Obviously, some areas have more resources than others. But hopefully these models will continue to spread and sometimes it just takes a homeschool parent to approach a business to suggest a class or event for it to happen. So continue to reach out!Finally, the best thing that has changed is that more kids than ever are getting an individualized education that fits their needs best. No more suffering in silence in a classroom or parents being told their child can’t be taught or not paying attention or whatever “not normal” thing that isn’t fitting in with a classroom model. The child just needed something different! I like to think we have more creative, happy, curious, and well rounded kids than ever due to homeschooling.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I share a bit of homeschool gratitude and hope you will reflect on your homeschool and think about what you're grateful for as well.Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and wonderful visits with family and friends.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I talk about the importance of a mid-semester review and some different issues to consider and think about. It might be time to tweak how you do things or maybe it's necessary to ditch a program or extracurricular activity. It might be a time to find something new or a time to just take a breath and re-evaluate what's working and what's not. I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the upcoming NaNoWriMo project (National Novel Writing Month) that takes place every November. This is a great FREE resource to encourage writing. It's often a gateway to writing for many people and can really lead to success in the writing world. I've known a few people that have had great success using NaNoWriMo to write their first novel.Moira Ward was interviewed last month on writing and she started out with NaNoWriMo too. Don't forget to check out her work on her web site.NaNoWriMo has lots of great FREE resources that can be used in a variety of ways and I encourage you to check them out to see if some of the activities will work for your student. You can use some of the more structured lessons or leave that all behind and just write! Follow your child's lead. Be sure to leave the editing out of this! This is all about getting their ideas on paper and their voice heard. You can deal with grammar and spelling later. This is all about getting their ideas on paper.Both these links have GREAT information for educatorsNaNoWriMo Young Writers Program NaNoWriMo Teaching ResourcesMake this fun and cater to your child. If they want colored paper, color pencils, blank books, etc. then let them use whatever they like. You can set goals according to your child's style. You can have a time limit each day, a certain number of words each day, fill a page each day, etc. Don't stress about the details, just make it a fun special writing event. I encourage the parent to write WITH the child each day and take the time to really engage in the activity. You also might want to make it special and have some treats to eat or tea while you write or light a candle on the table, etc. Make this as much or as little as you think your child will respond to.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning, and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I discuss the broad spectrum of "alternative education" and how important it is for our kids to learn in a variety of ways. Life learning is always happening and sometimes we need to change how we think of learning and that's not strictly academic but also the "soft skills" that are just as important. I also share how it's important to make connections in your community to set up classes, events, or other learning opportunities if your child is wanting or needing those type of opportunities.I would greatly appreciate it if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave me a review wherever you listen to podcasts to help my search-ability. Thank you in advance!Find me on Facebook where I post articles, live videos, and relevant resourcesMy website is www.learningoutsidethelines.com where you can listen directly if needed.Check me out on Instagram @Lattebooks2read where I post books, resources for learning and snapshots of our homeschool life.Please feel free to send me comments, suggestions for episodes, or questions to outsidethelinespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.