Among the biggest of homeschooling perks in my world is the fact that our family is able to play games frequently. We don’t have to try to squeeze in a family game night on an already jam-packed weekend, but rather we can play daily and sometimes multiple times daily if we desire.
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With all the monthly box subscriptions available on the market these days it can be tough to choose. As an educator mom and unexpected homeschooler, we have tried a number of monthly subscription kits over the years. Some are fantastic and some are anything but… and then there is ‘Groovy Lab in a Box’, which is amazing.
Continue ReadingThe Manga Guides have a fun solution to learning what can be a tough topic to understand.
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I swear I’ll stop posting about the Cavs soon. Really. But here’s the thing. Even if you’re not a Cavs fan, there are lessons to be learned from these NBA Finals.
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When math is just a part of the fun, learning is fun too!
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Some people think homeschoolers teach their kids at home, short and simple. Well, that’s not entirely true. Sure, I might teach my son, the Chief, how to do math, or how to find out more information about his favorite planet, or we might read stories together. But truly, the learning goes both ways.
Continue ReadingIs there a better way to learn about space than through Lego?
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Invented by a first grade teacher and mom, this simple teaching tool is available in 12 styles.
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What’s a great way to bring science into your family life? Attend a talk by your local, friendly scientists!
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As geeks, we love to share our passions. But let’s be honest. A lot of us really, really suck at it when it’s time to teach a friend.
Continue ReadingWithout a sense of smell, you wouldn’t be able to tell something is burning from the next room. On the other hand, you can’t smell dirty laundry either. Check out the winning video that explains all this from The Brain Awareness Video Contest.
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In honor of Talk Like A Pirate Day, Mango Languages has a free course in talking like a pirate. Get started to be ready for the big day!
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It’s never too early to introduce a child to the wonders of science! Here’s an example of a multi-step reaction that’s super simple, extremely cheap, and a great summertime activity for your toddler.
Continue ReadingLast year my son started at our local pre-school and ever since his appetite for knowledge has simply grown and grown. Every day he points out letters, number, and shapes around our home or on the street and asks what they are. He’s even asked for phonics books as his bedtime story. It’s something I want to encourage and so when Wombi released a new series of three Monster apps that teach letters, shapes, and numbers I was eager to see what he would make of them.
Continue ReadingArduino Adventures: Escape from Gemini Station is a great introduction to Arduino robotics projects for kids (and adults who want an easy starting point.) The book was written by James Floyd Kelly and Harold Timmis and published by Apress.
Continue ReadingAn interview with the three founders of 3 Elles, creators of wonderful apps for children like “Letter Sounds” and “Numberland.”
Continue ReadingUse one simple item in your home to raise language-savvy kids.
Continue ReadingOne of the biggest myths I hear about 4-His that it’s only for farming families. While it’s completely true that the organization was set up as a tool to promote “modern” farming methods through after-school agriculture clubs, that’s not the whole picture. There’s still a lot of farming in 4-H, yes, but there’s also a lot of science and art. In fact, there are even rockets and robots.
Continue ReadingMany of us at GeekMom homeschool our kids, for a variety of reasons. I’ve homeschooled my kids from the start. My daughter just finished up fifth grade, and my son, second grade. Each of them has gotten a slightly different educational experience, due to available materials, my choices, and their strengths and weaknesses. Every year, usually in the spring, I start thinking about how to approach homeschooling for the fall. I make a list of materials to reuse, materials to buy, and websites and other resources to include. I think about how to approach the year, and how to structure our school time. And as my kids get older and life gets busier, I require more independence and personal responsibility from my kids.
Continue ReadingIt doesn’t matter where you start. Any exposure to astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson creates ever increasing urges to absorb more of this man’s wisdom, delivered with the charisma and wit rarely packaged in one person. For example, a newly released video by science enthusiast Max Schlickenmeyer adds music and visuals along with Dr. Tyson’s answer to the […]
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