Marcy C. @ Ben and Me — Frugal Family Spring Unit Studies

Two things I love most in homeschooling — unit studies and free. Add gorgeous spring weather to the mix, and I just couldn’t be happier.

 

Leah C. @ As We Walk Along the Road — The Frugal Homeschool

I will admit that I don’t always take the cheapest route when it comes to buying curricula. But sometimes I can make up for it by saving money elsewhere. So, here are some ways to save (especially if you’ve gone a little over budget with curricula!).

 

Rebekah T. @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining — Thrift Store Homeschooling

As Frugal Mamas, we all know the benefits of shopping for clothing and books at Thrift Stores. But how can the Thrift Store help us in our Homeschooling? I am going to give you my very favorites ideas for how to take Thrift Store Finds and use them in creative ways for a Homeschool.

 

Kym T. @ Homeschool Coffee Break — Making Homeschooling More Affordable

One of my favorite words to describe homeschool curricula or resources is: Non-Consumable. That means I can use it for more than one kid, for more than one school year, and when we do finish with it I can pass it along to someone else.

 

Sarah J. @ Delivering Grace — Keeping the Cost of Living Down

Most home educating families are also single income families. The greatest cost is often the loss of income rather than home educating materials.

 

Kim M. @ Homestead Acres — Homeschooling Without Breaking the Bank

One of the lessons I’ve learned is it’s not always the curriculum you buy but HOW you use it that is important. Constantly switching curriculum’s to find just the right one isn’t always the answer, try changing how your using it. Don’t be afraid to take control of your curriculum instead of it controlling you!

 

Jenny M. @ Good Work Academy — Things to Learn About — May Edition

Lots of fun & interesting things to learn about in May . . .

 

Brittney R. @ Mom’s Heart — I Don’t Budget for My Homeschool

I have a confession. I don’t budget for my homeschool purchases. Yeah, I know. I bet you don’t hear that from many homeschoolers, do you?

 

Brandy B. @ Kingdom Academy — Tips for Frugal Homeschooling

In today’s economic times, money is tight for almost everyone. Homeschooling moms and dads need to be creative in finding ways to save pennies while still offering their children a quality education.

 

Heather A. @ Only Passionate Curiosity — How to Homeschool Art Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t need a pricy curriculum to teach art in your Homeschool. Let me show you how to create an art lesson easily and inexpensively!

 

Laura L. @ Loving and Learning on the High Plains — Homeschooling Cheap

Homeschooling is something we feel that God has called us to do, but it does mean that we have to make it go on one income while I teach the children. As a result, our educational dollars have to stretch! Here are a few of the ways we have done that. I pray this would be encouragement to anyone who is planning to homeschool: that this is not about the money, but the effort!

 

Maureen B. @ Adoptive Mom Homeschooling and Only Child — Homeschool for Free? It’s possible, come and see.

Homeschooling from your bookshelves? It’s possible come and see.

 

Nikki F. @ Blessings from Homeschooling — Pinching Pennies

Over the years I have become more and more resourceful! Looking back I laugh at myself and cry over the amount of money I have thrown away. In my defense I can only say that I didn’t know!!!

 

Kemi Q. @ Homeschooling Organized Blog — My Mother’s Goldmine

My mother, being a retired school teacher, has always collected educational material and for very cheap!

 

Kristi K. @ The Potter’s Hand Academy — The Rise of El Cheapo

Whoever told me that homeschooling was cheaper than private school–LIED. OK, maybe in the long run it’s cheaper, but really, I spend a LOT on my kids’ curriculum each year. So, to save our retirement funds, I’ve come up with some ways to take the bite out of the budget, so to speak.

 

Meg F. @ Adventures with Jude — When the library isn’t practical . . . 

Exploring the value of e-books when going to the library isn’t an option.

 

Kayla @ The Arrowood Zoo — Ideas to Save Money

Over the 7 years I have homeschooled I have learned a lot about saving money. I want to share several with you. Hopefully it will give you some ideas.

 

Angie M. @ H.O.P.E. Homeschool Consulting Blog — Ways to Save Money Before You Buy Homeschool Curriculum

Homeschooling your children does not require purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of school materials. There are ways to save money before you buy homeschool curriculum.

 

Erin S. @ For Him and My Family — How “F” Stands for Frugal and not Failure in Our School

Receiving a grade of F is not a bad thing in our school but stands for Frugal or frugality. With 8 soon to be 9 kids we make it a game to find ways to be frugal in our school, read on for a few of our tricks!

 

Crystal H. @ Crystal Starr Blog — 6 Tips and LOTS of Resources for Frugal Homeschooling

I have to tell you, if I wanted to we could actually spend absolutely nothing on homeschooling. Zero, zip, zilch, nadda. Here the six things you have to remember… COMBINE, REUSE, SELL IT OFF, USE THE LIBRARY, BUY USED and ONLINE FREEBIES!

 

Kerry H. @ Old Fashioned Girls — Homemade and Frugal Foodie

So, I decided to share a day at the table in our home!  These recipes are quick and easy…you could say “Homemade Fast Food!”

 

Lexi @ Lextin Academy — Frugal with My Time 

So, when I think of frugal homeschooling resources, I don’t think about finding the least expensive resources – I’d rather be frugal with my time than with my pocket book. My time with my family is most valuable to me.

 

Dawn W. @ Guiding Light Homeschool — Homeschooling on a Budget

Kristi K. @ The Potter’s Hand Academy —  The Best Laid Plan o’ Mice an’ Men

How often have you planned something, something AWESOME, and the universe just seemed to conspire against you?? That happens to me all of the time. My husband seriously doesn’t make plans anymore, for that very reason. So, what do you do? Well, some things to remember . . .

Nikki F. @ Blessings from Homeschooling — Error: Change of Plans

There is an old saying from a movie that says “If you build it they will come!”, we have changed it to say “If you planned it, it will happen!” But what happens when things don’t go as you planned?

Amy @ Bow of Bronze — Flexibility is Key to Homeschooling Success

I don’t know about you, but my day NEVER goes the way I have planned.

Brandy B. @ Kingdom Academy Homeschool – This is NOT what I had in mind.

I remind myself in these moments that I am not homeschooling just to prepare my kids for college. I am homeschooling to prepare them for life.

 

Heather A. @ Only Passionate Curiosity – Homeschool Scheduling Woes

It’s so frustrating to feel like my “To-Do” list will never get done. When I get really overwhelmed, I turn to the other Homeschooling Mommas in my life. They offered this sage advice on how to deal with Homeschool scheduling woes and the frustrated feelings that come with them.

Sarah A. @ My Joy-Filled Life — His Plans Are Perfect!

Having babies and moving often really throws a wrench into my homeschool plans. But isn’t that the beauty of homeschooling? The flexibility!

Rebekah T. @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining – Becoming Bendable

I seldom have a day that anything goes as planned. My life has been so unpredictable and I learned a long time ago that I had to become a bit more bendable. It was more important to end the day with a smile than lay my head on a pillow filled with regrets.

Alyson B. @ Family Style School — You planned, now what? 

You have everything planned out, a schedule in place, all the supplies you need (you think), and you are feeling really good. Great, in fact, like this next week is going to be amazing. I mean just look at those pretty plans. You, my friend, are going to get so much done!

Kym T. @ Homeschool Coffee Break — D is for Disruptions

 Hardly a day goes by that our homeschool isn’t disrupted in some little way. Thankfully, the crises and true disasters have been few and far between for us, but interruptions and distractions and snags can be very disruptive too. And a string of days – or weeks – full of those kind of “well, that didn’t go as planned” schooldays can make me feel like I am doing a horrible job. Or tempt me to go into a closet and beat my head against a wall because we “aren’t getting anything done.”

Karen M. @ Harbor Lights — But wait, I had a plan!

Sometimes life and circumstances can really “mess” with your plans. You need to be ready for what comes your way.

Jennifer L. @ Royal Little Lambs — Mamas Have Tantrums, Too

And apparently a seven year old girl can handle disappointment better than I can.

Beth S. @ Weavings — Friday “Upset”

Remembering playing Fruit Basket Upset? Well, today I felt like all my plans fell into that basket.

Patience A. @ Savvy Homeschool — Why we homeschool year round

Life throws unexpected interruptions into your day so to adapt we homeschool year round.

Candace @ His Mercy is New — Abundant Simplicity

“We practice simplicity when we intentionally arrange our life around God – what he is doing in us and in this world -
and let the rest drop off.”
~ Jan Johnson, author of
Abundant Simplicity: Discovering the Unhurried Rhythms of Grace

Brandy @ Kingdom Academy — God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

The history and the story weave together so perfectly that you just get lost in the book!

Beth @ Ozark Ramblings — Where Have All the Good Books Gone?

Eighty percent of all books have been published since 1980. Eighty percent of those would have been better off left as trees. So how do you find the remainder worth reading?

Erica @ Be the One — A Good Read: Hearts of Fire

The inspiring true stories of eight different women and their life of faith as a Christian in an underground church, published by Voice of the Martyrs.

Karyn @ Teach Beside Me — Buncha-Buncha Books

Since books are some of my favorite things, I am always happy to get a good book to read. I have a whole bunch of great books to share with you today. I hope some of these will your next favorite!

 Bethany @ Little Homeschool Blessings — The Jungle Book and the Second Jungle Book and Notes on the Undertaker Chapter

The Jungle Book and The Second Jungle Book are two books that have become favorites around here.

Nicole @ Journey to Excellence — Historical Fiction: Inspired to Research

When you saw the movie Titanic, did you do like I did and research everything you could about the people on that fateful voyage? That’s what a good piece of historical fiction does to me. It makes me want to learn MORE!

Kerry @ Old-Fashioned Girls — Ruthless Trust

This is one of those life changing books♥

Gwen @ Tolivers to Texas — Good Reads for All Ages

Reading together with your kids is one of the very best ways to educate them and to strengthen your relationship. With a big family, it’s hard to find the time, but – you have time for whatever is important to you!

Laura @ Loving and Learning on the High Plains – What are you reading? 

Lately I’ve had a few books to “read for review” added to my book pile. It’s been a lot of fun getting new books in the mail. Here’s a summary of what we are reading, have read, and what we thought of them. I also have some tips for you on how to get more good books without breaking the bank.

Leah @ As We Walk Along the Road — A Good Read Blog Cruise: Featuring Some of My Favorite Reads

I frequently blog about books over at my Leah’s Good Reads blog. But today I’m happy to bring some of my favorite reads here for the Good Read Blog Cruise! Here are some of my recent favorites.

Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity — Uncovering the Logic of English

I am not a natural speller. Far from it. As a child, my parents bought me a pocket speller in an attempt to help me in school, but I spell so poorly that the computer couldn’t even figure out what I was trying to look up to spell it for me. One book has given me hope.

Sarah @ Delivery Grace – 6 Favorite Resources for Teaching Children about Church History

My favourite church history resource is “Sketches from church history-an illustrated account of 20 centuries of Christ’s power” by SM Houghton.

Sara @ Embracy Destiny — In the Company of a Good Book

I wouldn’t even attempt a guess at how many books I’ve read in my lifetime, nor how many I have yet to read. Books have been my lifelong companions, the company I’ve kept from my earliest childhood memories through every stage of my life.

Wendy @ Life at Rossmont — My Most Recent Read

Last month I “borrowed” the book, Sue Patrick’s Workbox System User’s Guide, on my Kindle using my Prime membership.

Beth @ Weavings — The Pleasure of a Good Read (or Read Aloud)

There is nothing I like more than settling down at night, opening a book and reading until I can’t keep my eyes open. But as much as I enjoy my personal reading time there is one thing I enjoy more and that is reading a book aloud to my kids, especially one that has everyone begging for more!

Cristi @ Through the Calm and Through the Storm — Our Family’s “Best Books” Awards

Our family couldn’t chose just one favorite book to share for the Crew’s Good Reads cruise so we came up with a whole list of our “Best Books” with winners in several different categories.

Amy @ Bow of Bronze — My favorite book ever besides the Bible (if I must choose)

I don’t know about you, but I have a really hard time picking my favorite book. In the end, I have chosen to write about a book – the one book – besides that Bible that has changed me most as a Mom, as a Wife and as a person before God. I hope you will find it, read it, and be changed too!

Rebekah @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining — On My Bookshelf

If you know me you know I frequently have my nose in a book. And that I have as much trouble parting with my books as I do parting Josiah’s hair. They are my friends. And (shockingly) I have a few favorites.

Brandy at Kingdom Academy Homeschool — Come over to our house!

I’ve taken a lot of pictures in the last month, and my kids are in their pajamas for the majority of them! I am starting to wonder if I should at least make them get dressed at lunchtime.

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses — Join Us for a Day Homeschooling (A Photo Diary)

Sometimes our day is slow and sometimes busy but never is it twice the same. Join us for a photo journey of a home school day at Every Bed of Roses.

Clarissa @ Counting Our Blessings — Photos of Our Homeschool Day

I have not been great about taking pictures throughout our school days, but I have been doing it more often since joining the Schoolhouse Review Crew. Here is a look into our homeschool day.

 

Erica @ Be the One — So What Do You Do All Day?

Some of the pictures show off a typical day, and some are embellished a little bit, just for the sake of the blog post. I’ll let you guess which ones are which!

 

Candace @ His Mercy Is New — Our Homeschool Day (in pictures)

Hi and welcome to our home in beautiful East Tennessee!! We are a very eclectic homeschooling family, meaning we are not committed to one certain method or way of homeschooling. We are a little bit unit-study-ish, a little bit Charlotte Mason, a little bit traditional, a little bit unschoolish with a little bit of classical thrown in there with our Greek/Latin roots! All of that said, here are some pictures from a “typical” day in our household!!

Julie @ Creatin’ Classical Chaos — Our Homeschool Day — In Pictures

I love peeking into the lives of other homeschoolers. You too? Well then come on in and let me show you around.

Gwen @ Toliver’s to Texas — Cats, Culverts and Co-op

Four days a week are normal, regular, typical homeschool day – Thursdays are the exception when we go to co-op and theatre. This Thursday was anything but normal.

Wendy @ Life at Rossmont – A Day at Rossmont, in Photos

Our day starts a little early for the boys, and differently from many. You see, the first order of business each day are the pet chores.

Bethany @ Little Homeschool Blessings — Of Monday

We have terrific homeschool days and we have not-so-good milk spills days, but each day is a blessing.

Lexi @ Lextin Academy — Picture This!

What do I do all day? Do you really want to know? We don’t sit at desks, we don’t raise our hands, we don’t have hall passes, lunch tables, or janitors. Here’s what homeschooling really looks like in our house!

Diane @ Cabin in the Woods — A Day in the Homeschool Life — Photo Style

A typical non typical day in our average relaxed homeschool life.

Laura @ Loving and Learning in the High Plains — Pictures of Our Homeschool Day

With our homeschool adventure, every day is different, but here’s a typical day of school at our house. Of course, it always starts (and often ends) with the chickens.

Brittney @ Mom’s Heart — Picture This

Here are the sweet, the silly, the goofy, the rotten and the random moments that make up our day . . .

Kemi @ Homemaking Organized Blog — Our Simple Homeschool Day

Here are some glimpses into our simple homeschool day. Of course faces have been omitted to protect the innocent.

Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity — A Fly on the Wall — Our Homeschool Day in Pictures

When people hear that we Homeschool, the first thing many people say is “Oh, I could NEVER do that”. People don’t really know what Homeschooling means, or what it looks like in practice. Today, I want to share with you a typical, “at home” homeschool day. Are you ready to be a fly on my wall?

Sara @ Embracing Destiny — Class is in Session! 

We may not have a conventional classroom, but we’ve discovered that learning isn’t limited to a desk!

Sarah @ Delivery Grace — Our day in pictures

In the last couple of weeks, we have had a play afternoon with a friend, a home education group visit to a Tudor day, a concert and another home education group meeting. However, these are pictures of time around home where the bulk of our work is done.

Beth @ Weavings — A Peek Into a Homeschool Day

Though most often our days are very routine and predictable it does get pretty exciting and hectic at times trying to keep up with kids ranging from pre-school to high school.

Jenn @ Treauring Life’s Blessings — Take a Peek in Our Window

In our pj’s, on the floor, on the couch, in the store. . . we don’t always use our books, oh how different each day looks!

Amy @ Bow of Bronze — From Crazy Busy to Productive Calm: Our Homeschool Day in Pictures

Sometimes our days are just crazy busy and sometimes are days are just amazing and productive yet calm. Either way, we are learning, growing, and living life for God’s glory as best we can.

Meg @ Adventures with Jude — Old School Photos

I love the simplicity of black and white photography. While color photography can create some stunning pictures, I love how the distraction of color fades away and you’re left with the emotion caught in the frame.

Nikki @ Blessings from Homeschooling – Our Day Through the Eye of a Camera

Have you ever wondered what homeschoolers do everyday?? No day around is ever the same but here is a little peek into what we sometimes do!!

 

Karen @ Tots and Me — A Pictorial Look at Our Homeschool Day

These ideal days do not happen as frequently as I would like with playgroup and co-op taking up 2 of our 5 days. And then, there are the scheduled and unscheduled appointments that creep into our days. All I can say is, I am learning to be more flexible and just go with the flow.

 

Thank you for joining us in this week’s Blog Cruise. I hope you have enjoyed looking through the the pictorial depiction of our days. Please join us in 2 weeks when our topic will be A Good Read.

Gwen @ Tolivers to Texas — Big Family Recipe Wrap-Up

Then there was the time that I looked down the assembly line of Toliver children preparing homemade potpie – to see my 4yo son pre-chewing the roast beef and spitting it into the pan.

 

Linda @ Homeschooling6 — Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes

These pancakes are Homeschooling6 kid approved! The children loved them and were asking for more.

 

Meg @ Adventures with Jude — An Allergy Friendly Favorite Dinner: Potato Soup and Garlic Cheddar Bicuits

Allergies don’t mean you have to eat boring food. We’re serving creamy potato soup topped with bacon and cheese, along with a side of soft, fluffy cheddar-garlic biscuits to scoop up the last bits in the bowl.

Lisa Marie @ Learning Titus 2 — Going Bananas Banana Bread Recipe

Back when I nannied full-time, the mom regularly asked me to make banana bread in the mornings. She simply dumped all the ingredients into her blender, whipped it all up, dumped into her pans and slapped it into the oven. It was easy enough to do and tasted soooooo good.

 

LaRee @ Broad Horizons — What’s for Breakfast?

When I first heard someone mention this, I kind of shuddered . . . I am NOT a fan of combining sweet and savory, so this didn’t even sound remotely good.

 

Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity – The Best Cheesecake EVER

My husband is an amazing cook…. so good that I don’t even TRY anymore because it’s just not worth it. I decided to surprise him with a cheesecake, and guess what?? It was pretty amazing good, despite me not knowing a *thing* about making cheesecake.

Rebekah @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining — Lentil Love

Lentils may be one of the most frugal foods on the planet. We’ve also been eating them for a long time. The lentil has been part of our diet since Bible Times. But I betcha that my lentils are even tastier than the ones Esau sold his birthright for in the book of Genesis.

 

Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life — Cuban Empanadas

Empanadas are stuffed pastries that are baked or fried. They are popular in South Europe, Latin America, and South East Asia, with each country having their own version.

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses — Angry Bird Cake Tutorial 

Would you like to make an Angry Bird cake for a party ? Pop on over for a tutorial on how to make this cake.

Laura @ Loving and Learning on the High Plains — Snow Ice Cream

As much of the Midwest is buried in a snow storm, here’s a fun idea for fighting cabin fever. Scoop up some freshly fallen snow and make Snow Ice Cream!

Bethany @ Little Homeschool Blessings — Fry Bread for Tacos and Dessert

Here’s a dinner and dessert everyone loves around here.

Sarah @ Delivering Grace — Cheese and Onion Quiche

It is useful to have some stand-by recipes that aren’t expensive and use ingredients already on hand. Cheese and onion quiche is exactly that and it is a “forgiving recipe” so many of the ingredients can be substituted.

Debbie @ Debbie’s Homeschool Corner — Cranberry Oat Bars

I think Cranberry Chocolate Oat Bars will be one of our new favorite recipes. I would describe the these cookies as a cross between an oatmeal cookie and granola bar. We thought that the cranberries and chocolate were a great combination!

Clarissa @ Homeschool Counting Our Blessings — Recipe: Healthy Banana Bars

As I type, I am enjoying a delicious afternoon snack that I came up with after my husband requested I make some sort of healthy/energy bars. The result was a delicious banana bar, that is very healthy!

Candace @ His Mercy is New — Pumpkin Granola

We make a big batch of granola in our house every 2 weeks. It’s one of my favorite healthy, go-to snacks and breakfasts to keep on hand. We love to add pumpkin to it as well!!

Lisa @ Home to 4 Kiddos — Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This is an absolutely delicious treat. It is always a big hit and doesn’t last more than a few minutes in our house!

Amanda @ Our Heart and Home — Freezer Friendly Crescent Rolls

Don’t you love having fresh from the oven bread for dinner? With this freezer friendly crescent roll recipe you can have just that. Mix them up, shape them, and then freeze them until you are ready to use. These rise just beautifully to wonderful buttery goodness

Nicole @ Ever After . . . My Way — Irish Tea Brack

Since St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, I have been thinking of doing a special day that day like I did for Valentines day. I am going to do some baking such as muffins and cookies, but I would like to do some traditional Irish foods as well. One of the things I am going to try is Irish Tea Brack. My post has some info about it as well as a recipe.

Brandy @ Kingdom Academy — Pudding Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Down here in Florida the weather is already getting warmer, and I decided to share a recipe for one of my family’s favorite summer day snacks.

Tess @ Circling through This Life — Recipe: Creamy Hungarian Goulash

This recipe combines the green pepper and onions my dad added with the creaminess my boss, Rick, used and added the convenience of the slow cooker. I include green beans giving this dish a flavor that resembles the Minnesota favorite “Tator Tot Hotdish”.

Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break — Hamentaschen

On Saturday evening, we tried something new – Hamentaschen. These triangular cookies are part of the celebration of Purim, and we thought they sounded delicious. And we were right – they are very tasty, and not very difficult to make.

Lis @ ~Acorns~ Nuggets of Gold~ – Wintry Weather-Low Budget-Lentil Stew/Chili

A latecomer to lentil cuisine, who knew they could be so tasty and toasty, not to mention low-budget and adaptable?

 

Lisa @ Chickens, Bunnies, and Homeschool — Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I was dreaming about my favorite soup ‘Chicken Gnocchi’ as the snow was falling this week.

 

Cristi @ Through the Calm and Through the Storm — Death by Chocolate

Our favorite chocolate dessert — perfectly suited for potlucks, feeding the youth group, or just celebrating a birthday!

Beth @ Ozark Rambings — Pressure Cooker Chili

With my pressure cooker, I was able to put chili on the table in less than 30 minutes after church but it tasted like it had been simmering on the stove all day.

 

Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy — Italian Casserole

I served this at a church pot luck recently and EVERYONE was asking me for the recipe!

 

Jenn @ Treasuring Life’s Blessings — Crescent Chicken  Rolls

Wondering what to do with some leftover chicken or turkey? I have a simple but tasty recipe that uses ingredients you have on hand & comes together in a snap!

Karen @ Tots and Me — Shepherd’s Pie

It isn’t often that I find a dish that not only both my hubby and 16 year old daughter like, but both ask me for. I used to make Shepherd’s Pie without any added seasoning but once I started adding the seasoning I wondered why I hadn’t done it earlier.

 

Karyn @ Teach Beside Me – Food, Glorious Food

I love food! I love cooking, and I love collecting recipes to try. I collect recipes like it’s my job or something.

 

Amy @ Bow of Bronze — Pretty Purple Sweet Southern ColeSlaw (Using Produce)

I use a lot of red cabbage. I found out ages ago that red cabbage is one of the only natural ways to improve or replace liver enzymes. By far, my family’s favorite way to eat red cabbage is in our Pretty Purple Sweet Southern Cole Slaw recipe which was adapted from the Sweet Southern Cole Slaw recipe on Splendid Table.

Susan @ Real Frugal Homeschool — Apple Enchiladas

Apple Enchiladas are flour tortillas stuffed full of sweet apple pie filling and covered with a simple syrup and baked until yummy and golden…what could be better!

 

Laura @ Day by Day in Our World — Tuna Spaghetti: Great Meat-Free Dish for Lent and Beyond

Lent is in full swing and that means Friday meals have to be planned as meat free in our house. (And, my boys are sighing relief that we are not Orthodox where Fridays mean no meat OR dairy!)

 

Lexi @ Lextin Academy — No Nut Butter Chocolate Twist Cupcakes

This is our allergy free cupcake recipe to mimic peanut butter, chocolate cupcakes. I challenge anyone to tell that it’s gluten free, vegan, and not even made with real peanut butter. The cupcakes have a big peanut butter flavor with just enough chocolate. They are heavenly!

Hillary @ Our Homeschool Studio — Need a Chocolate Fix? How About the Best Brownies in the World?

My all-time favorite chocolate fix is brownies. This is what I request in lieu of a cake at my birthday. My go-to recipe is so easy and simple, I don’t bother with anything else anymore.

 

Alyson @ Family Style School — My Go To Meal: Simply Salisbury Steak

This recipe was given to me by a friend about 7 years ago. It is so simple, and inexpensive. It is a real meat and potatoes meal around here.

 

Jennifer @ Happily Uprooted — 3 Ingredient Chocolate Cupcakes

These decedent chocolate chips cupcakes have a hidden, healthy secret ingredient! You will easily fool your children into eating healthy food!

Jenni @ Conversaving — The Joy of Bread-Making

There is nothing better than the smell of fresh-baked bread wafting through the house. I would also argue that there is nothing that tastes better on a cold winter’s day than a slice of fresh bread straight from the oven slathered with butter.

 

Marcy @ Ben and Me — When Is Purple Really Green?

See the bits of green? There’s as much spinach in this one as is in my favorite green smoothie!

Thanks for joining us in this week’s Blog Cruise. Join us in 2 weeks, when more than 70 members of the Crew share a 5-Day Blog Hop, titled Teaching Creatively!

Most of the time when favorite homeschool subjects are being discussed, someone is asking one of your students, “What’s your favorite subject?” In my house the answer would be, “Anything but math!”

But this week’s Blog Cruise is a fun one! We are asking members of the Crew which subjects are their favorites to teach!

I wonder if they match up with their children’s favorite subjects to study?

Debbie I. @ Children Grow Children Explore Children Learn — A Child’s World is Full of Science

If there is one thing that is a constant in our lives and our school it is our passion and love for the world around us. What, When, Why, Where, How are all words heard throughout the day, then comes the joy of discovering the answers.

Lindsey C. @ Brandon M. Homeschool — The Subject I Enjoy Teaching Most

Now that our second year of homeschooling is underway, I am starting to see what subjects I look forward to teaching and the ones that I dread. Let’s just say that the ones I love, outweigh the ones I dread. This is a good thing, right?

Dana A. @ The Adams Family Apple Tree — Talk to the Hand: Communicating with Your Children

“Talk to the hand”! Sometimes we just want to give up our journey of homeschooling our children. How do we really COMMUNICATE with our children. What actions can we take to REALLY get through to them and make learning FUN? These questions and more will be answered in this post!

Jenni A. @ Conversaving — Phonics Can Be Fun!

Does the thought of phonics bore you. I am here to tell you that phonics can be fun! I have been contemplating the question, “What is my favorite subject to teach?” I came to the surprising realization that it is phonics.

Emilee R. @ Pea of Sweetness — Why I Enjoy Teaching Math

My favorite subject has always been English and Grammar – or anything related. Yet, now that I’m homeschooling I find my favorite subject to teach is Math!

Clarissa W. @ Counting Our Blessings — What I’ve Learned

I’ve always thought that the subject I enjoyed teaching the most was Language Arts. I love words, I love the art of writing, I love reading the written word, and I love learning about writing. But, I do not enjoy teaching it, like I thought I would.

Rebekah T. @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining — Raising a Bookworm

It’s a given that my favorite subject to teach is literature. Perfectly natural for a bookworm. The question is, however, how do I raise a bookworm when the “worm” (and a cute one worm he is) I’m raising is dyslexic?

 

Chareen R. @ Every Bed of Roses — My Passion: Chronological History

History is one of those things done in fits and starts and as a result can loose momentum. There are many benefits to teaching it chronologically and here are just a few . . .

Lisa N. @ Golden Grasses — Just a Story Loving Fool

My favorite subject is really a topic and I use it to teach most subjects. Do you love Story as much as I do?

 

Jennifer A. @ Chestnut Grove Academy — It’s all in the curriculum

I have heard so many Homeschooling Moms talk about how much they dislike Science, and it comes as such a shock to me! I LOVE teaching Science, it’s my favorite subject to teach in our homeschool!

 

Leah C. @ As We Walk Along the Road — The Subject I Most Enjoy Teaching

For me, the most fun subjects to teach are the ones that I also enjoy learning. That’s one of the greatest joys of homeschooling for me- always learning!

 

Sara P. @ Embracing Destiny — Surprised by History

 I decided instead that I was destined to be a writer. It was my passion and still is today. So when I became a teacher at home, I assumed that my favorite subject to teach would naturally be language arts — writing, grammar, literature, vocabulary — the world of words that I know and love.

 

Brandy B. @ Kingdom Academy — What happens when your mom is a bookworm? 

I started collecting books to read with my (future) kids before I had even graduated high school. I have several worn copies of well-loved books that I have read several times that I just love to share with them.

 

Annette V. @ A Net in Time – Enjoyment in Teaching

I don’t even hesitate to say . . . whatever the lad is interested in at the moment. You know . . .  those spontaneous mom questions . . .

 

Lexi H. @ Lextin Academy — I Once Flunked Math

I thought I would love teaching art, history, and literature. I do love those subjects. I even halfway like science – now that’s shocking! Spanish is fun too. But guess what? I love teaching math more!

 

Kym T. @ Homeschool Coffee Break — Living in the Past

And here we are – living an hour’s drive or less from Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Fort McHenry, Washington, DC… I felt like I’d better learn my American History and do a good job teaching it too!

Tere S. @ Teachable Scotts Tots Homeschool — These are a few of my favorite things . . . to teach!

I enjoy teaching anything my children enjoy learning. However, among the core plus more subjects that I teach, I strangely enjoy teaching math the most.

 

Sarah A. @ My Joy-Filled Life — A Whole New World

For me, the biggest reward of homeschooling is seeing the smile on my kids’ face when they read their first word and their first book.

 

Lisa R. @ Our Country Road — The Subject I Enjoy Teaching Most

I look over and realize we are having fun! We are bonding! He is getting this! And, we are doing math! I was all sorts of warm fuzzy. Seriously.

 

Lisa F. @ Learning Titus 2 — What I Love Teaching Most

Of all the subjects that we cover in our homeschool days, what topic do *I* love teaching the most? My inner voice wars with itself – the life learner shouting “Science!” and my geek yelling, “Computer programming!”

 

Amanda S. @ Our Heart and Home — Teaching Homeschool History

I have always loved history. I find it fascinating to learn about how people lived in different times and what shaped their culture and society. This passion for history has bled over into our homeschool and has become my favorite subject to teach.

 

Susan R. @ Home&School — Every Subject is My Favorite Subject

We do what we love. I say that so often that it has probably become my de facto motto. So when someone asks me which subject I enjoy teaching most in our home school, I can say “All of them”, for this reason- I somehow manage to link every subject to literature.

 

Erica B. @ Be the One — The Subject I Enjoy Teaching Most Is . . . 

I thought long and hard….it has to be reading or history! Then I realized that the subject I enjoy teaching most isn’t really a ‘subject’ at all!

Sarah J. @ Delivering Grace — Fun Science!

Some of our happiest moments are when we are doing “informal” science. Most of the activities take only a few minutes and many use ordinary household materials.

 

Mary R. @ My Tropical Home — A Day in the Life of This Homeschooling Momma: Science Makes My Day

Teach with passion and it’s a joy-ride…

 

Tess H. @ Circling Through This Life — The Secret Reason I Homeschool

The secret reason. Well it’s more of a reason to continue to home school. It’s what keeps me inspired. It’s often the highlight of my day. History. I love teaching history.

 

Debbie L. @ Debbie’s Homeschool Corner — Having Fun with History

As a homeschooling mom, I’ve approached history in a different way from how I was taught in public school. I love to read and have wanted my children to also develop a love of reading and learning, so instead of learning primarily from textbooks, we use a variety of resources.

 

Bethany H. @ Little Homeschool Blessings — For the Love of Shakespeare

From the first time I read it (at about 16), I have always loved Shakespeare. I love the language, I love the challenge of understanding what is going on, what the words mean, and his style of bringing the characters and plot to life.

 

Mary R. @ Winecup Christian Academy — Love of Literature

I love reading. I love words. Language fascinates me. Idioms, metaphors, simles, onomatopoeia – OH MY!

 

Heather A. @ Only Passionate Curiosity — For the Love of Teaching

Homeschooling isn’t always sunshine and roses. Some days, we drag our feet, or have tears over our lessons, or want to throw the book across the room. On days like that, when all I want to do is put everyone back to bed at noon, I am saved by the “fun” subjects I get to teach in the afternoon. Getting outside in the fresh air, and watching the kids faces light up with excitement and wonder can get our day right back on track, and brighten everyone’s spirits.

 

Beth S. @ Weavings — History with Living Books

I am fascinated with history and my favorite way to learn history doesn’t even require the breaking out a teacher’s manual, worksheets, or craft supplies, but rather with books…not any book, but living books.

Nicole T. @ Journey to Excellence — Giddy for History

From the early ’80s to the present date, my attitude toward History has changed! What used to be an opportunity for me to to take a little nap is now the most exciting aspect of my homeschooling portfolio.

Beth B. @ Ozark Ramblings — Favorite Subject: Do I Have to Pick Just One?

Normally I’m a very decisive person, but when I stopped to consider my favorite subject to teach…well that’s like asking me to pick my favorite child.

 

Cristi S. @ Through the Calm and Through the Storm — Confessions of a Homeschooling Math Nerd

When I was a beginning homeschooler teaching a first grader and a preschooler, I sometimes had people ask me what I was going to do when my kids needed to learn high school math or science. I hope I didn’t sound like too much of a nerd when I admitted that I looked forward to those days.

 

Hillary M. @ Our Homeschool Studio — History Goes from Ho-hum to Most Fun When You Do It This Way

I dreaded history when I was a student. It was such a boring subject. When I began learning alongside my children, my eyes were opened. How wrong I was!

 

Laura L. @ Loving and Learning on the High Plains — Bible: My Favorite Subject to Teach

Because of how well the Bible fits into every area of our learning, it is the subject I find I am always teaching, and I love it… because I’m the one who learns the most!

Tracey M. @ A Learning Journey — Teach Me from the Heart

Choosing just ONE subject I enjoy teaching the most is a challenging task for a person that loves ALL things educational.

 

Patience S. @ Savvy Homeschool — A Love for Science

Science is about discovery and I love trying to foster that love of science in my boys. We love dinosaurs and space, and all things disgusting.

Diana M. @ Homeschool Review – This may surprise you, but . . . 

The subject I most like to teach used to scare me silly!

Children should be made early intimate with the trees, too; should pick out half a dozen trees, oak, elm, ash, beech, in their winter nakedness, and take these to be their year-long friends.

~Charlotte Mason

 

Most of us are happy to pack up and head outdoors for a nature walk or other study of nature when the weather is warm and bright. But what about the temperatures drop and it seems the sun is hiding all day?

Join members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew as they share ways in which they continue the joy of nature study, even in the winter.

Beth B. @ Ozark Ramblings — Nature Study in Winter — That’s for the Birds

I’m not saying I won’t do it. I mean it’s a great time to study birds. I’m going to focus in on two special birds for whom winter is prime time viewing season.

Tere Scott @ Teachable Scotts Tots Homeschool — Ice Fossils in Your Own Back Yard 

It happened in our own backyard on a very cold winter day. My son picked it up to show me. There it was inside the ice perfectly preserved and trapped. It got me thinking how this would make for a really interesting winter nature study.

Melissa E. @ Little connections add up to a lotta’ life — Comparing Two Winters

If you’ve ever been curious about some easy ways to use Essential Oils in your everyday life and for better health, you can get some ideas here as you read about ways that we’ve used them in our home this past month.

Karyn T. @ Teach Beside Me — Winter Nature Exploration

Winter time is not always the easiest for us to get outside and enjoy nature. The only thing we have seen outside for about 2 months now is several feet of ice and snow. However, this year I have really been trying hard to get outside more often and explore some of the beauties that winter provides.

Candace Crabtree @ His Mercy Is New — Celebrate Winter!

 Winter is such a FUN and BEAUTIFUL time to explore God’s creation! I have compiled lots of different ideas and links into one post so that you could do a full-blown Winter Unit Study if you wish!!

Kristi K. @ Potter’s Hand Academy — Instant Frozen Water

This could possibly be the COOLEST winter nature study experiment EVER. OK, maybe not, but it’s pretty cool to me. I SO wish I had found it while I lived in the cold, cold north…

Jennifer A. @ Chestnut Grove Academy — The Snowy Day Unit Study

Here is a sneak peak at the preschool curriculum I’m working on! A unit study based on The Snowy Day by Anna Milbourne.

Bethany H. @ Little Homeschool Blessings — Winter Cattail Study

Nature study makes me so happy. This year we are doing a whole year cattail study.

Rebekah T. @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining — Birds of a Feather

Here in the Show-Me-State we can have cold, damp winters (speckled in with a few balmy days and an odd tornado). There probably isn’t much to inspire a poet, but the avid bird watcher can be entertained for hours. I’m sharing with you some beautiful birds and my favorite resources for a fun Winter Nature Study.

Heather A. @ Only Passionate Curiosity – Enjoying Nature Year Around

This year I have really tried making getting out and enjoying nature a priority in our home. It’s not always easy in the winter time considering I am NOT a cold weather person. I grew up in San Diego, we spent the winter outside, in the SUNSHINE. This snow on the ground, jackets and mittens thing is so foreign to me. But- I’m not going to let the cold stop me from getting the kids out of the house, especially when there is so much to SEE in the winter.

Beth S. @ Weavings — A Non-Nature Mom’s Guide to Winter Nature Study

My idea of the perfect nature study is sitting outside on a very warm, dry, beautiful Oregon day and reading a book about nature, such as, A Girl of the Limberlost. Since reading outside doesn’t count what is a non-nature mom to do to get her kids interested in nature?

Holly O. @ Possibilities and Peas — Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Five reasons to still go outside to do a nature study.

Jessica K. @ Modest Mama —  Science from the Inside

Freezing temperatures don’t stop these boys from exploring the outside world from inside their warm house!

Amanda S. @ Our Heart & Home — Water. Snow. Ice. A Winter Weather Study

Water, water, everywhere in lots of different forms. Winter in the midwest is a great time to learn about the “how” of water, ice and snow.

Diana M. @Homeschool Review — 2nd Snow of the Year

The weather was cold outside. The new fallen snow was in a very thin layer outside. My son was having difficulty waking up . . .

Jennifer L. @ Royal Little Lambs — Snow is for the Birds

We’ve never seen deep snow before! It was light and fluffy and they sank into it. Now, it’s icy and crunchy and not so fun anymore.

Alyson B. @ Family Style School — Brrrrrrr. Studying Winter

With us living in such a cold climate many days in the winter we don’t make it above 0° F.
Living in a climate like this means that I have to get creative on our winter lessons all around.

Sara P. @ Embracing Destiny – Tracks in the Snow (Winter Nature Study)

My girls look forward to winter as a magical time when the snow blankets the ground and clings to the pine trees around our house. It is so pretty and so irresistible that of course we have to spend time outside in spite of the freezing temperatures! Although most people think of nature studies at warmer times of the year, winter is still a great time to get outside and learn.

Chareen R. @ Every Bed of Roses – Winter Nature Study. Is It Possible?

 Who are you kidding ? Taking the kids out in the blustery cold, rain or snow. Oh no not me. Is it worth it or is there something else I could do ?

Kayla A. @ Arrowood Zoo — Nature in Winter

We can still play outside just as we do in the summer to be honest! The kids wear a toboggan and a large jacket and off they go.

They constantly want to play outside. They love playing Cowboys and Indians, playing with our pets and they also shoot their bows for practice.

As for nature.

 

Karen W. @ Tots and Me — “Studying” Nature in Winter with Preschoolers

I am not an outside person, I admit it, I never was growing up either. But I know how important it is to get the children outside to study nature, the great creation of God’s. So, what can we do to study nature in the wintertime?

In the past we have had some fun experiences with snow. In addition, we have some fun activities I would love to try.

 

Laura Leggott @ Loving and Learning in the High Plains — Ice Fishing, a fun winter outing

A stretch of sub-zero temps made our local waters into a sea of glass. Now, a few milder days meant our children were able to experience a true miracle: walking on water!

LaRee B. @ Broad Horizons – It’s for the Birds

The girls love learning about nature, and I truly believe that learning more about God’s creation is one of the best ways to know Him better, but somehow we never get around to it.

 

Cristi S. @ Through the Calm and Through the Storm – The “no journals required” approach to nature study

Instead of dreaming of an idealistic nature study with beautiful journal pages, we’ve embraced studying nature as simply a fun endeavor. We didn’t necessarily set off with learning objectives, but we’ve learned a lot along the way

Hillary M. @ Our Homeschool Studio – But It’s Cold. Do We Do Have to Go Outside for Nature Study?

Sure, there are some great things not to miss by going outdoors on a cold day. But what about those days it is just too cold to safely be out or so windy your little ones might blow away? We choose to do nature study indoors.

 

Tess H. @ Circle Through This Life –  The Wonders of Winter Nature 

I’m glad to see the inversion has ended. It’s not really better living in the clouds.

Brandy B. @ Kingdom Academy – Nature Study — On the Computer

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way to bring nature study into your home!

 

Debbie I. @ Children Grow, Children Explore, Children Learn – Winter Science

While we might look at Winter as being cold, gray, wet, icy, just what do our Children see? Let’s see if we can’t see Winter through their eyes, as well as take this time to answer some of their questions about why we have to go through Winter.

 

Lisa M. @ Chickens, Bunnies, and Homeschool – Nature Study and Science

Nature Study and Science found at unexpected times and places.

 

Melanie S. @ A Year of Jubilee Reviews — Enjoying Winter: Nature Study of Ice

It was really cold outside 12 degrees. Canyon (age 10) has been wanting to try making an ice hill to sled down, since we have only had enough snow to sled once so far this year.

Meg F. @ Adventures with Jude – S is for Snowy Owl and Other Critters at the Zoo

If you have a January day that isn’t wet or freezing, take full advantage and head for the Zoo. Even the animals couldn’t resist coming out to play in the sunshine!