Most Popular Posts of 2016
/2016 is marked as significant.
Why? Because every moment of our days mattered--the triumphs and the trials. We lived and learned together being intentional about using what was real and relational--from cradle to shingle--toddler to adult. Thank you for walking that journey alongside us! We are grateful for you, our readers!
As a recap of our year together, I compiled our top 15 posts of 2016. ENJOY!
The Many Possibilities of High School Success
Just as there are many potential pathways to successfully completing high school--the end result of helping a young adult develop his or her divinely-created strengths and giftings--there are also many different avenues to the young adult's future; the years beyond the turning of the tassel.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also be encouraged by Real-Life for High School Credit: Care and Concerns for the Elderly.
Preschooling, Naturally
Preschool is foundational for life and learning. In fact, it is during the preschool years that little learners master foundational skills which serve as a base for later learning. More importantly, attitudes and temperaments toward learning are set during the preschool and early elementary years.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also be encouraged by "Let Me Do It!" Helping Little Learners Become Independent
5 Comments I Don't Regret
Words are remembered, taken with us through our days. This is true for us and it is true for our children and young adults.
If you found this post helpful, you might also enjoy Legacy: Learning Alongside
The Possibilities of Elective Credits - Part II
When I wrote the first edition (who remembers that first spiral-bound resource?) Celebrate High School I included a sample list of potential course titles--both core and elective. When I published my extensive revision in 2015, I expanded my list based on our experience and the experience of those with whom we work.
If the information in this post was helpful, you might want to continue on and read Part III.
32 Ways to Learn from Real and Relational
Some of my children love making lapbooks, others prefer unit studies. Still others learn best when we incorporate field trips into our days. And, our middle and high school young adults? They have learned at co-ops, through online courses, and with personal independent study.
If you are being intentional about keeping learning real and relational, you might also be encouraged by the practical life lessons (and history!) in this post-- Living History: 30 Questions that Bring History to Life
8 Skills Children Practice in Puddles
There was much to learn in the puddles. Each learner carried a small fish net, sand bucket or shovel. They were off on an adventure.
Rainy days are natural wonders which intrique little learners. If rain is falling at your house and you are waiting for a safe pause in weather, try this indoor art activity--Torn Paper Rainbows
Grades...In High School
"How do I give grades in high school?"
If designing a transcript is your next step, this post may be helpful--Transcript Matters
Using 4-H for High School Course Content
"Our high school learner is very active in 4-H. Can we use any of what the student is doing toward high school credit?"
If you have middle school learners and are wondering how you can help them manage time, organize belongings, and pursue interests, this post--Magnificent, Make-A-Difference Middle School--might be helpful.
Preschooling, Intentionally
Learning is the natural outcome of everyday living, especially for little learners. With a few intentional questions here and a purposeful explanation there, preschoolers can learn naturally from walking alongside older siblings and significant adults. Through everyday experiences, preschoolers gain a jump start to mastering foundational cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual life skills. By the time the young learner blows out six candles on the birthday cake, significant progress toward mastery of foundational skills has likely been made.
If you are seeking ways to help your little learners do what they can, 3 Things They Can DO on Their Own, might be helpful.
Living Books and Independent Studies
An interest evolved into an independent study, a year-long learning adventure.
Science--especially animal science--is particularly interesting to little learners. If you have little learners with a zest for all things living, check out the book list in Vintage Science Readers for the WIN!
Nature Adventures Made EASY- A Glimpse into Part of Our Day
Ten minutes later, peering out the bedroom window to check on the adventure, my heart smiled--three little learners discovering, wondering together. Co-laboring in learning.
Looking for a way to learn math outdoors, in nature, where children crave? Check out Math Adventures!
Using Living Books in High School for Credit
We have used several approaches to formulating classes based on strengths, interests and the future plans of the young adult.
Interested in earning credit for writing college essays? This post--High School Made Simple: College Essays for Credit--might offer some insight.
SIMPLE Prepositions for Little Learners
Keeping early learning active and fun!
Picture books can encourage learning. Read Aloud to Foster Counting Skills lists some of our favorite math picture books.
Intentional Cursive Handwriting
Oh yes, there is good reason to teach cursive, teaching correct strokes and rotations. Proper letter formation does make composition easier. However, once initial instruction is complete and letters are formed properly, practice begins. Practice.
Interested in hands-on, real-life, spelling activities? This post--What About Spelling?--has lots of practical ideas.
Helping Learners Foster Strengths and Interests
A trip to the electronics store. I was hoping to go alone. You know, time to enjoy quiet; time to think without questions. After all, it is ONLY the electronics store.
If this post made you curious about interest-based learning, The Benefits of Interests: Motivating Learners, may answer a few more questions.
