What does Christmas look like at Hodgepodge? Do we homeschool in December? I invite you to come and sit by the fire, enjoy a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea and put your feet up – for about five minutes. Just five minutes because in December things are changing moment to moment. Like […]
Search Results for: nature study
How to Start a Homeschool Routine
I am sharing some favorite tips and resources for how to start a homeschool routine. A dear reader, Kimberly, asked: “Any advice on starting a homeschool routine for the first time? For us, it’s kindergarten so our first “school” day routine ever! I’m wondering how to make the transition from six years of all day, […]
Helpful Habits for Homeschool – Before 8:45
Last week of the ER visit, I spoke of good intentions and three basic helpful habits for homeschool. This week we gently folded in and fell back into our morning routine and homeschool schedule. Habits help. Especially the helpful habits for homeschool in the Before 8:45 Checklist. Helpful Habits for Homeschool – Before 8:45 Checklist […]
Georgia Peaches Chalk Art Tutorial
In celebration of Georgia’s most famous crop, we offer a Georgia Peaches Chalk Art Tutorial. The delicious sweet peach. The state’s nickname fruit was first planted in Georgia in the 18th century, and is still an important fruit crop today. Peaches rank 3rd in production in the U.S. We produce more than 40 different varieties […]
Good Friday Garden and Choosing a Tree
Both my grandfathers planted their gardens on Good Friday. We’ve adopted this tradition as well. The Good Friday garden. Good Friday Garden And while it’s a good practice to wait until Good Friday because all danger of frost has past, we’ve discovered another significance. We talk about Easter. We pour that fresh soil into a […]
How to Fit in the Extras with Unit Studies
One way we fit in homeschool extras is to do the learning together. All the ages, all the children studying one or more subjects – matching each child’s age and ability. Here is how to fit in the extras with unit studies. Extras with Unit Studies Make it Easy We do this weekly, the whole […]
Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Choices
Many a time I have found myself pausing and being thankful that the younger two that make up our elementary homeschool are so close in age. Almost exactly two years apart with the same birthday month. They are buddies and they cheer each other on in their learning. Older sister coaches reading. Younger brother waits […]
Preschool and Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Choices
In years past, I have always shared details of our preschool and kindergarten curriculum choices here at Hodgepodge. Now that we’ve had much practice with children in preschool, elementary, middle and high school all at once, I felt it was time to make a permanent spot for all our favorite homeschool curricula. One place that […]
Dandelion Chalk Pastel Art Tutorial
One of the icons of warm weather is the dandelion. Have you ever studied the detail of this beautiful creation? Oh there are so many ways you could paint it! This dandelion chalk pastel art tutorial is inspired by a photo I took last spring. I was looking down as I walked and there was […]
Homeschool Curriculum Choices at Hodgepodge
Here is a permanent spot for our homeschool curriculum choices at Hodgepodge. I wanted it to be easy for you to find our favorites and easy for me to share when I get a curriculum question (because we have such an age range and I share many reviews at The Curriculum Choice). I’ve spent some […]
The Ultimate Guide to Chalk Pastel Art
We are just a bit passionate about chalk pastel art around here. Chalk pastel art is fun. It is easy. It is successful. It is frugal. It is for all ages. There are simply so many things you can do with chalk pastels. And we are still learning about them, so I am sure I […]
100+ Free Art Lessons for All Ages
Nana and Tricia have shared more than 100 Free Art Lessons for All Ages! Here at Your Best Homeschool (formerly Hodgepodge) we are passionate about reminding you that You ARE an Artist! These are our original, step-by-step, written tutorials. Many have not been updated because our readers started asking for video art lessons. For The […]
10 Cool Ways to Use Chalk Pastels
These fun and messy chalk pastels sure bless us. We know they will bless you too. You can build a love of art and some simple joys with this frugal medium. So here are 10 Cool Ways to Use Chalk Pastels. If you aren’t already sold on chalk pastels, then you will be soon… 10 […]