Stress-Free Summer Learning: Keep Kids Sharp Without the Fight

June 29, 2026 by Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

In today’s episode, “Stress Free Summer Learning,” I’ll share easy, flexible tips to keep your kids learning without the stress. From unit studies to outdoor adventures, get ready for a fun, low-key summer of growth!

Stress-Free Summer Learning: Homeschool Tips for Fun and Growth ~ Episode 562

Summer is a time for relaxation and family memories, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep your children’s learning on track. In this episode, I’ll share streamlined homeschool schedules that maintain educational momentum without overwhelming you or your kids. If you’ve listened to this podcast before, welcome back, and you know I only share practical tips that don’t break the bank! If you are new, welcome friend (or soon-to-be friend), and I hope you enjoy some ideas for short lesson plans, including unit studies, outdoor learning, and simple yet impactful activities.

Whether you’re a year-round homeschooler or just sprinkling in some summer learning when the kids are acting bored, this podcast is for you.

Thanks to our sponsor! CTCMath.com

Why Stress-Free Summer Learning Matters

Summer can be a balancing act with vacations and family events. However, research shows that students can lose 20-25% of their reading and math gains over the summer, known as the “summer slide.” A flexible, streamlined schedule keeps kids’ brains engaged without turning summer into a grind.

The key? Flexibility. Short, meaningful activities that fit your family’s rhythm make learning feel like a refreshing summer breeze. Here’s how to make it happen.

Check out this related podcast for more summer inspiration.

Tip 1: Embrace Unit Studies for Focused, Fun Learning

What Are Unit Studies?

Unit studies are a fantastic way to streamline summer learning by diving deep into one topic, for example, oceans, dinosaurs, or space, while covering multiple subjects. For example, an ocean unit study might include:

  • Science: Exploring marine life, weather, water cycles, buoyancy, or even scuba diving.
  • History: Learning about the history of scuba diving
  • Literature: Reading non-fiction books on the subject.
  • Art: Drawing marine life or creating a coral reef diorama.

It can even be hands-on and practical. Playing in a pool or tub with items that sink or float, talking about air bubbles and compression, and asking if anyone is SCUBA certified for a hands-on lesson, or visiting a dive shop.

Why Unit Studies Work for Summer

Unit studies are flexible, interest-driven, and low-prep, making them ideal for summer. They’re perfect for multi-age homeschooling, allowing everyone to learn at their level, and they align well with Christian principles for faith-based learning.

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

How to Get Started

  1. Pick a Topic: Ask your kids what excites them. A library trip or family poll can spark ideas.
  2. Gather Resources: Use free printables, library books, or podcasts from the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
  3. Plan Lightly: Aim for a few short activities each week.
  4. Incorporate Hands-On Fun: Visit an aquarium or build a model submarine from recyclables.

Unit studies make learning feel like an adventure, keeping both you and your kids stress-free!

Tip 2: Take Learning Outdoors

The Power of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor activities boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve focus, according to studies. Nature is a free, open classroom ready for exploration.

Outdoor Learning Ideas

  • Nature Journaling: Sketch plants or bugs and add a Bible verse like Psalm 19:1 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”). Younger kids can record observations on a phone.
  • Math in Motion: Draw number lines with sidewalk chalk or measure angles in a scavenger hunt.
  • Science Experiments: Build a solar oven or test objects in a kiddie pool.
  • History on the Go: Visit a local historical site or discuss community history during a neighborhood walk.

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

Tips for Success

  • Keep It Simple: A blanket and books under a tree work wonders.
  • Be Flexible: Schedule activities for cooler parts of the day.
  • Involve Everyone: Include siblings or neighbors for group fun.

Explore our Kids’ Planner for more outdoor activity ideas.

Tip 3: Use Short, Focused Activities to Maintain Momentum

Bite-Sized Learning

Short activities fit busy summer days and keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed. They also leave room for spiritual growth.

Examples of Quick Activities

  • Morning Read-Alouds or Devotionals: Read from the Bible, or your favorite devotional. Or you can read one of the library books on the topic you are studying.
  • Flashcard Fun: Use multiplication flashcards or SAT vocabulary during breakfast.
  • Podcast Challenges: Try our 7-Day Just for Kids Podcast Challenge for character-building activities.
  • Daily Writing Prompts: Spark creativity with prompts like “What’s in a treasure chest?”

How to Make It Work

  • Set a Loose Routine: Plan one activity daily or a few weekly.
  • Use Timers: Keep sessions short and focused.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Praise efforts with high-fives or stickers (Galatians 6:9).

These quick bursts keep skills sharp while preserving summer’s joy.

Tip 4: Leverage Free Resources to Keep It Low-Cost

Where to Find Free Summer Learning Tools

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these free resources:

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead (But Not Too Much!)

Spend a few minutes bookmarking resources at the start of summer. Our Homeschool Success Planner helps organize your ideas.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Streamlined summer learning is about keeping things lightweight and enjoyable. Embrace unit studies, outdoor adventures, short activities, and free resources to maintain momentum without stress. You’ve got this!

Share your favorite summer learning tips in the Vintage Homeschool Moms Facebook group or at ultimateradioshow.com/blog. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast app to help other homeschool families find us.

Thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Until next time, keep homeschooling with joy and confidence. This is Felice Gerwitz, take care, God bless, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Resources Mentioned

🎓 Resources from Media Angels: Go deeper with the complete Creation Science for Homeschoolers guide — or explore the Creation Geology Study Guide.

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How to Build a Weekly Homeschool Schedule That Works (Replay)

June 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Weekly Homeschool Schedule | Your weekly homeschool schedule is perhaps one of the most important aspects of an easy flowing and on track homeschool year. #homeschool # #homeschoolschedulePlanning Your Weekly Homeschool Schedule Episode

Your weekly homeschool schedule is perhaps one of the most important aspects of an easy flowing and on track homeschool year. Yet, I have a love-hate relationship with all things scheduled. In this podcast, I share tried and true methods, the difference between schedules and routines and how to mesh a free-spirit with a paper-trail that validate that yes, you did homeschool this year.

Please share and subscribe to this podcast! 

Sponsor: Harper Collins NIV Application Bible

Your next Bible is the Harper Collins NIV Application Bible. Learn more here.

When you think about planning your homeschool you think big picture. The overall goals of your homeschool as well as the books and subjects you will cover that year. When you consider your weekly homeschool schedule, now it is time to break it up into manageable bits that can be accomplished in a day, and ultimately in one week. You can easily manage this plan with a good planner. I love the Well Planned Gal planners and wish these were available when I began homeschooling.

Planning means asking yourself specific questions before you plan your weekly homeschool schedule:

  1. Do you like specific schedules or are you a routine planner?
  2. If you like schedules – will you make an overall schedule of your homeschool day, and then break it up for each of the kids?
  3. Or if you like routines. Will you set up some daily routines – an overall and for the kids?
  4. Or if you like some scheduling or some routines, how will you combine this in your overall and daily homeschool plan.
  5. Does your student have extracurricular activities such as dance, art, music lessons, sports that they need to practice or train for?
  6. Do you have multi-aged children? I’ve included a screenshot of my daughter’s homeschool planning sheets and how she incorporates the older children’s school with the younger ones. Having specific school only learning toys for the younger children is a wonderful way to keep them occupied as you school.

Once you answer these questions it will be easier to make a plan. As you probably realize without me telling you is that homeschoolers rarely fit into one, nice, neat box. There are things that overlap our day. Besides school, we have the busy life of a mom with all the household chores and obligations. I will share some ways to simplify this with you – and hopefully, it will take some of the stress of planning away.

The most important take away in this podcast is to realize that you can change and tweak your plan all year long. If something does not work don’t think you have to continue it all year long. *Listen to this podcast as Felice shares her math curriculum nightmare her first year of homeschooling her son, Neal.

Depending on the method you use, there will be a different emphasis on how you set up your day and your weekly homeschool schedule.

Here is an example of several methods and how you might structure your week – and then work on your daily schedule. One thing I have not discussed is homeschooling co-ops. I have a love-hate relationship with co-ops because as you’ve probably guessed I’m an overachiever and many times the bulk of the teaching and planning. I did like co-ops for teaching lab sciences such as biology especially and when the children were younger with group projects such as history—studying a period of time, or an indebt unit on creation science. (Listen to the CreationSciencePodcast.com).

If you are involved in a co-op your daily schedule will work around co-op times. Some co-ops are very involved where the main bulk of the teaching is completed at a paid facility on Monday and Wednesday and the parent homeschools on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or vice versa. If you are part of a co-op you will plan with the organization or your group of homeschool friends and work out the details of what you will be responsible for teaching at home.

One thing – and I plan to do a podcast on the role of a homeschool teacher. A teacher is a facilitator –someone who engages your child in learning in a way that is interesting and enticing a child’s natural curiosity to learn. We all hear stories of the teacher’s that love to “blow things up,” to gain a child’s attention. We as moms with so much on our plate, especially if we are teaching multiple children or grades may feel this is too much. One bit of advice, allow your child time to explore and delve into the things that interest them, and you can provide these things through time. Again, I don’t have the time I’d like to explain more in this podcast, but it is upcoming soon!

My advice, if you are not using a set curriculum is to look at what you’d like to accomplish for the week, and then break it down into days.

Obviously, if you are unschooling it will surround your child’s interests as the basis of studying. If you have a budding chef, you may plan your day around a food shopping list, time to experiment, the chemistry of foods and mixtures, temperatures and how the effects cooking, nutrition and foods effect on the body.

So planning for your weekly homeschool schedule may look like this:

  1. Monday – decide on what you want to cook, collect different recipes, compare them and make a list of ingredients.
  2. Tuesday – studying the nutritional effects of the ingredients and how to make a healthier version –editing the ingredients list.
  3. Wednesday—look at the temperatures needed to cook. Study the effects of chemical reactions in the food.
  4. Thursday – Friday – purchase and create various versions of the recipe – tweak and enjoy.

While unschooling is allowing your child time to explore a subject or area of interest, those who do it well have a loose organization of skills that can be compiled before or after your child has experimented, researched or learned.

Those who use Thomas Jefferson or the Classical Method will have particular books or studies and a well planned day filled with reading and study that builds upon itself year after year.

Unit Studies:

For unit studies, your days will look different as well. You may have a Monday – Wednesday schedule as well as a Tuesday – Thursday schedule that are the days for reading or hands-on projects. Friday will be the catch up day. With unit studies, you will incorporate routines such as daily math and perhaps reading. Or your reading and writing will surround your subject topic.

Unit studies are immersion at it’s best – a study of a topic such as American History or Government with a culmination of a visit to a history museum or political office in town. It can center, as my curriculum does on Creation topics such as Creation science – a general overview or Creation Geology, Creation Astronomy or Creation Anatomy.

Specific Weekly Homeschool Schedule: Using books or text books/ workbooks

How many hours will you homeschool? Is it three, four or five times?

  1. What days will you homeschool
  • Monday through Friday
  • Monday through Thursday
  • Friday – catch up day
  • ix weeks of study and one week break, year round?

2. Daily Routines/ Subjects

  • Pray each morning
  • Bible reading or copy verse
  • Journal

3. What subjects do you want to cover each day or every other day?

  • Math – daily
  • Reading – daily
  • Writing/ Language Arts –spelling, vocabulary (two or three times a week)

Other subjects

  • History – two or three times a week alternating with …
  • Science –two or three times a week
  • Music – one time a week
  • Art – one time a week
  • Physical Education – daily
  • Health – half-year, first or second semester
  • Technology – coding or using technology in the classroom

4. Additional Assignments

  • Projects such as Science or History Fair
  • Writing or term papers
  • Training or Practice
  • Schedule in your child’s practice time

5. Creating a family schedule of important events.

  • Holiday or Special Events
  • Schedule planning time
  • Plan for holidays upcoming
  • Children’s events – sports, dance, etc.
  • Birthdays and family celebrations

 

Be sure to print out the schedule sheets on the podcast page and I hope you enjoy your new school year!

 

 

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Stress-Free Summer Learning: Keep Kids Sharp Without the Fight

June 23, 2025 by Leave a Comment

In today’s episode, “Stress Free Summer Learning,” I’ll share easy, flexible tips to keep your kids learning without the stress. From unit studies to outdoor adventures, get ready for a fun, low-key summer of growth!

Stress-Free Summer Learning: Homeschool Tips for Fun and Growth ~ Episode 562

Summer is a time for relaxation and family memories, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep your children’s learning on track. In this episode, I’ll share streamlined homeschool schedules that maintain educational momentum without overwhelming you or your kids. If you’ve listened to this podcast before, welcome back, and you know I only share practical tips that don’t break the bank! If you are new, welcome friend (or soon-to-be friend), and I hope you enjoy some ideas for short lesson plans, including unit studies, outdoor learning, and simple yet impactful activities.

Whether you’re a year-round homeschooler or just sprinkling in some summer learning when the kids are acting bored, this podcast is for you.

Thanks to our sponsor! NIV Application Bible

Why Stress-Free Summer Learning Matters

Summer can be a balancing act with vacations and family events. However, research shows that students can lose 20-25% of their reading and math gains over the summer, known as the “summer slide.” A flexible, streamlined schedule keeps kids’ brains engaged without turning summer into a grind.

The key? Flexibility. Short, meaningful activities that fit your family’s rhythm make learning feel like a refreshing summer breeze. Here’s how to make it happen.

Check out this related podcast for more summer inspiration.

Tip 1: Embrace Unit Studies for Focused, Fun Learning

What Are Unit Studies?

Unit studies are a fantastic way to streamline summer learning by diving deep into one topic, for example, oceans, dinosaurs, or space, while covering multiple subjects. For example, an ocean unit study might include:

  • Science: Exploring marine life, weather, water cycles, buoyancy, or even scuba diving.
  • History: Learning about the history of scuba diving
  • Literature: Reading non-fiction books on the subject.
  • Art: Drawing marine life or creating a coral reef diorama.

It can even be hands-on and practical. Playing in a pool or tub with items that sink or float, talking about air bubbles and compression, and asking if anyone is SCUBA certified for a hands-on lesson, or visiting a dive shop.

Why Unit Studies Work for Summer

Unit studies are flexible, interest-driven, and low-prep, making them ideal for summer. They’re perfect for multi-age homeschooling, allowing everyone to learn at their level, and they align well with Christian principles for faith-based learning.

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

How to Get Started

  1. Pick a Topic: Ask your kids what excites them. A library trip or family poll can spark ideas.
  2. Gather Resources: Use free printables, library books, or podcasts from the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
  3. Plan Lightly: Aim for a few short activities each week.
  4. Incorporate Hands-On Fun: Visit an aquarium or build a model submarine from recyclables.

Unit studies make learning feel like an adventure, keeping both you and your kids stress-free!

Tip 2: Take Learning Outdoors

The Power of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor activities boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve focus, according to studies. Nature is a free, open classroom ready for exploration.

Outdoor Learning Ideas

  • Nature Journaling: Sketch plants or bugs and add a Bible verse like Psalm 19:1 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”). Younger kids can record observations on a phone.
  • Math in Motion: Draw number lines with sidewalk chalk or measure angles in a scavenger hunt.
  • Science Experiments: Build a solar oven or test objects in a kiddie pool.
  • History on the Go: Visit a local historical site or discuss community history during a neighborhood walk.

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

Tips for Success

  • Keep It Simple: A blanket and books under a tree work wonders.
  • Be Flexible: Schedule activities for cooler parts of the day.
  • Involve Everyone: Include siblings or neighbors for group fun.

Explore our Kids’ Planner for more outdoor activity ideas.

Tip 3: Use Short, Focused Activities to Maintain Momentum

Bite-Sized Learning

Short activities fit busy summer days and keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed. They also leave room for spiritual growth.

Examples of Quick Activities

  • Morning Read-Alouds or Devotionals: Read from the Bible, or your favorite devotional. Or you can read one of the library books on the topic you are studying.
  • Flashcard Fun: Use multiplication flashcards or SAT vocabulary during breakfast.
  • Podcast Challenges: Try our 7-Day Just for Kids Podcast Challenge for character-building activities.
  • Daily Writing Prompts: Spark creativity with prompts like “What’s in a treasure chest?”

How to Make It Work

  • Set a Loose Routine: Plan one activity daily or a few weekly.
  • Use Timers: Keep sessions short and focused.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Praise efforts with high-fives or stickers (Galatians 6:9).

These quick bursts keep skills sharp while preserving summer’s joy.

Tip 4: Leverage Free Resources to Keep It Low-Cost

Where to Find Free Summer Learning Tools

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these free resources:

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead (But Not Too Much!)

Spend a few minutes bookmarking resources at the start of summer. Our Homeschool Success Planner helps organize your ideas.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Streamlined summer learning is about keeping things lightweight and enjoyable. Embrace unit studies, outdoor adventures, short activities, and free resources to maintain momentum without stress. You’ve got this!

Share your favorite summer learning tips in the Vintage Homeschool Moms Facebook group or at ultimateradioshow.com/blog. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast app to help other homeschool families find us.

Thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Until next time, keep homeschooling with joy and confidence. This is Felice Gerwitz, take care, God bless, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Resources Mentioned

🎓 Resources from Media Angels: Go deeper with the complete Creation Science for Homeschoolers guide — or explore the Creation Geology Study Guide.

Filed Under: Vintage Homeschool Moms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Art of Collaboration: AI-Driven Unit Studies

July 12, 2023 by Leave a Comment

AI Driven Unit Studies

236: The Art of Collaboration: AI-Driven Unit Studies

Randi Smith from Peanut Butter Fish Lessons is my guest again and in this episode we demonstrate how you can collaborate with AI to create AI-driven unit studies.

Randi is using Khanmigo and Meryl is using ChatGPT. Be sure to listen to our 3-part series on ChatGPT we recorded a few months ago for more ideas on how to use AI in your homeschool

Also see Randi’s post on Creating a Unit Study with AI for another example of AI-Driven Unit Studies.

Here are some screen shots of the responses we each got as we prompted the AI

Randi’s from Khanmigo

Meryl’s from ChatGPT

Please note: sometimes ChatGPT’s responses were longer than one screen so I just showed you a partial answer.

You can find Randi at

—————————————————————————————————————-
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

AI Driven Unit Studies

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Fall Unit Studies

September 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Fall Unit Studies

Fall Unit Studies – Episode 87

 

In this episode, we discuss Fall Unit Studies. Fall is the perfect time to take a look at Unit Studies.  Fall provides so many opportunities to take advantage of Unit Studies.

Mentioned on the Show

  • How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
  • Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie
  • Johnny Appleseed

Things to Do:

Pumpkins

  • Pumpkin Patches
  • Baking and Cooking with Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds

Leaves

  • Nature studies
  • Drawing leaves
  • Cutting Leaves
  • Crafts with leaves
  • Science projects with Leaves

Hurricanes

  • Tracking
  • Study the Science behind
  • Home preparedness projects

 

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter

Please visit www.fpea.com to learn more about who we are!

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Web-based Unit Studies

August 21, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Web-based unit studies

Episode 48: Web-based Unit Studies

Web-based unit studies are NOT simply pdfs instead of physical books, but rather interactive and accessed through an online classroom.

What are web-based unit studies?

  • mini online self-paced classes
  • make use of online resources eg videos, interactive websites, online games, audio, infographics
  • have online projects where the students use digital tools to show what they have learned

Why include web-based unit studies in your homeschool?

  • unique nature of the resources which can bring subjects alive
  • engaging
  • kids learn techie skills
  • prepares students for online classes at high school and college<

How can you make your own web-based unit studies?

1. You can set everything up on Trello or Google Docs and get your kids to check off assignments as they complete them.

2. Pick a topic (eg.baseball) and search for resources using phrases like “baseball for kids”, “online baseball game”, “baseball infographic”, “baseball interactive”.

3. Search on Youtube and Vimeo for videos. Also, look at Edpuzzle as they have videos with embedded quizzes.

4. Search for “digital breakout baseball”. Learn more about digital breakouts on this episode.

5. Create online games using something like Classtools.

Visit this blog post to see a short video of the “inside” of a web-based unit study.

Use coupon code HWT50 – for 50% off any one full-priced web-based unit study from FundaFunda Academy.

And look at the online unit studies offered by Beth Napoli at Techie Homeschool Mom.

Be sure to join our Facebook group where we carry on the discussion about Homeschooling with Technology.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

Web-based Unit Studies #unitstudy #onlinehomeschool #podcast

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How and What to Teach with Science

April 23, 2018 by Leave a Comment
📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Science

Unit Studies are an ideal way to teach science for how and what to teach with science in your homeschool. You have the flexibility and freedom to determine what your children learn when and still satisfy the scope and sequence. Have fun!

How and What to Teach with Science

You’ve asked the question, “Should I Teach Science in my Homeschool?” and have decided to make the jump. Now it’s time to decide how and what you should teach. Before you begin, you’ll want to answer a couple of questions.

  • Will you use a text book or a hands-on (unit study) approach?
  • What type of scope and sequence will you use?
  • What science disciplines will you choose?

What’s a good definition of science disciplines?

Science disciplines are science topics with many sub-categories for study. For our purposes, we’ll talk about Earth Science, astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Earth Science is the study of geology. Astronomy is the study of matter in space. Biology is the study of all living things. Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Physics is the study of matter and energy.

What’s the difference between using a text book and a unit study?

There is a big difference! A textbook has limited, structured reading material for each year with a minimal amount of experiments.  By contrast, a unit study uses a scope and sequence to combine books, field trip opportunities, and experiments. It’s a general guide to appropriate grade-level topics for each subject and grade level from K-12.

Understanding a Scope and Sequence

A scope and sequence can be used as a guide to determine if there are any facets of academics, such as science, you have not yet studied, or would like to study again. Or it can be used as a casis for a unit study. Having a scope and sequence will give you an idea of what should be covered. Lifetime homeschoolers aren’t usually concerned about what’s studied at each level as in traditional schools.

Does this mean I advocate teaching whatever, without rhyme or reason? No, I don’t recommend that at all. You can cover the material required, during the grade level of your choice, and at your child’s readiness level. One of the freedoms of homeschooling is flexibility!

Grade Level Guidelines for Teaching Science

Following are basic guidelines (or a brief scope and sequence) for each grade level:

  • Grades K-3- Teach the basic scientific method, stressing observations, collecting data and basic measurement. Reinforce studies with field trips and nature studies.
  • Grades 4-8- Scientific method: stressing methodology, collecting date, recording observations. Long-term project, such a science fair. Reinforce studies with field trips.
  • Grades 9-12- A complete understanding and application of the scientific method in all phases of experimentation. Stressing methodology, data collection, recording observations. Long-term project, such as a science fair. Labs are important.

Is there room for rabbit trails and non-traditional study topics?

Absolutely! We’re homeschoolers, after all! We love our rabbit trails. You can study things such as gardening, physics at an amusement park, animal husbandry, and more.

So we can see, Unit Studies are an ideal way to teach science in your homeschool. You have the flexibility and freedom to determine what your children learn when and still satisfy the scope and sequence. Have fun!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Media Angels Creation Bundle Membership Site

 

Get an entire K-12 Creation Science Curriculum for less than $70.

About Our Books:

Why should you teach your children about Creation? Because everything else they read that is remotely science related teaches evolution as FACT. Shouldn’t your children learn there is more than one side to the story? Do you want your child to be informed? We do and we consider this our mission at Media Angels.

About the Study Guides:

These study guides include a readable outline of the main points in the Creation vs. evolution discussion, the major talking points you should know and ways to educate the children in these points with hands-on activities and experiments. This series isn’t a read-it-one-time and forget it! This series will be repeated again and again and is for K-12th!

If you want a course in Creation Apologetics for kids, this is it!

Additional Resources

Activity Packs for each of the study guides which contain hands on activities you can photo copy for your family.

Creation Kids Classes: On Demand

-Six weeks worth of classes — one per week for ages K-8th grade (high school if you’ve never studied Creation).
-Audio Recordings
-Handouts and Websites to visit
-Further research
-Bonus interviews

media angels membership subscribe button

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Do I Really Need to Teach Science in My Homeschool?

April 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment
📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Science

Do I really need to teach science in my homeschool?

Do I Really Need to Teach Science in my Homeschool

In a word — yes! Science helps us to learn about the works of the wonderful world God has created for us to live in.

Child development experts have shown that children learn best by experiencing with all of their senses. Science is multi-sensory; that is, science incorporates all of the five sense: smelling, hearing, feeling, seeing, and (sometimes) tasting. Science incorporates tactile or hands-on learning.

Multi-sensory experiencing shouldn’t stop at kindergarten and become replaced with textbooks and workbooks!

Why Should I Waste My Precious Time Experimenting When I Teach Science?

Children of all ages very rarely understand a subject completely just by reading about it. In Jane Hoffman’s book, The Original Backyard Scientist, the forward tells the importance of experiments in relation to child development. It states: “The study of science provides the child with all the necessary ingredients needed for active learning and cognitive growth. Therefore, it is one of the best avenues through which the child can learn about the world around him.”

Granted, it would be much easier just to tell the child, “A grapefruit and vinegar are both sour,” but doing helps the child remember.

What Are Some Other Subjects That Science Encompasses?

Science encompasses reading, comprehension, writing, spelling, mathematics, history, and critical thinking. Just doing one science project or unit study can encompass all those subjects and more.

Can You Give Me an Example of a Unit Study?

Yes- here’s a thumbnail sketch of a Geology Unit we studied which demonstrates how many subjects and though processes are naturally incorporated.

  • I read aloud and we discussed books on geology.
  • The children retold the information using their own words.
  • They read books independently on the subject.
  • From the books we read, we formed a list of spelling and vocabulary words.
  • Then wee made sentences out of these words for our grammar.
  • Geography was covered as we graphed information on a world map and studied famous geologists of the past.
  • For Bible, we read Genesis 1:1-31 alongside parts of Streams of Civilization, comparing evolution and creation through historical perspective.
  • They loved classifying rocks into types and organizing a rock collection.
  • Classical music from the periods we studied helped keep an historical perspective.

Experiments in a Unit Study

From my Geology Unit, I used experiments from several sources.

Using the scientific method, the children placed drops of lemon and vinegar on different pieces of stone, then observed the results. Previous knowledge told them that vinegar and lemon are sour. The children now expanded their base of knowledge by learning that vinegar and lemon are acids. They used reasonoing and logical thinking skills to deduce the effect that acid has on rocks.

When a child does experiments, it helps build the character traits of confidence, attentiveness, perseverance, cooperation, and more.

In conclusion, teaching science in your homeschool is an important part of growing your child’s character, their knowledge of their Creator, and cooperation among their siblings. It’s well worth your time.

 

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Get an entire K-12 Creation Science Curriculum for less than $70.

About Our Books:

Why should you teach your children about Creation? Because everything else they read that is remotely science related teaches evolution as FACT. Shouldn’t your children learn there is more than one side to the story? Do you want your child to be informed? We do and we consider this our mission at Media Angels.

About the Study Guides:

These study guides include a readable outline of the main points in the Creation vs. evolution discussion, the major talking points you should know and ways to educate the children in these points with hands-on activities and experiments. This series isn’t a read-it-one-time and forget it! This series will be repeated again and again and is for K-12th!

If you want a course in Creation Apologetics for kids, this is it!

Additional Resources

Activity Packs for each of the study guides which contain hands on activities you can photo copy for your family.

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Education Methods: Unit Studies, Charlotte Mason and Learning Lifestyle

August 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Unit Studies, Charlotte Mason and Learning Lifestyle

Education Methods: Unit Studies, Charlotte Mason and Learning Lifestyle

Podcast #8

In this episode,  Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) Chairwoman, Suzanne Nunn discusses the Unit Studies, Charlotte Mason and Learning Lifestyle education approaches.

Please join us as we travel along this journey on our podcast adventure. Let’s get connected! Learn more about the Florida Parent Educator’s Association and homeschooling in the beautiful state of Florida. If you are interested in homeschooling our convention is every year in May during Memorial Day weekend.

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Please visit www.fpea.com to learn more about who we are!

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Educational Methods Overview

July 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Education MethodsEducational Methods Overview

Podcast #6

The Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) Chairwoman, Suzanne Nunn discusses several of the homeschool education approaches and provides a brief description of each one. Look forward to future episodes, where she will go into further detail of these methods.

Please join us as we travel along this journey on our podcast adventure. Let’s get connected! Learn more about the Florida Parent Educator’s Association and homeschooling in the beautiful state of Florida. If you are interested in homeschooling our convention is every year in May during Memorial Day weekend.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | Youtube Music | RSS | More

Please visit www.fpea.com to learn more about who we are!

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