As a homeschooler, you’re probably already aware that there are many different learning styles. Everyone has their preferred method of learning. Whether your are new to homeschooling or are an old pro, a quick review of learning styles can be beneficial. The common school of thought recognizes three distinct learning styles. These are Visual Learners, […]

For at least two years now, I’ve been boasting that my (now) 4 year-old can read. We can drive down a street in any given city and she’ll read the signs,  “Taco Bell!  Burger King! Pizza Hut!” – I’m not sure whether to be proud or…well, maybe we eat out too much.  But what it […]

A recent CBC news article said,  “The practice of students endlessly copying letters and sentences from a chalkboard is a thing of the past. Teaching perfect strokes and proper curves in cursive writing is no longer at the top of a teacher’s lesson plan.  With the advent of new technologies like tablets and smartphones, writing […]

Sometimes, a Calvert lesson is so timely that it has to cross grade level boundaries.  My second grader and I have been arguing the virtues of hand-washing all summer.  Today, Duncan, my seventh grader, had an activity that made those virtues so easy to understand for ALL of us.  I wanted to share it with […]

For years I have utilized the Advisory Teaching Service (ATS) for many reasons.  Principally, because my children have enjoyed and profited from the relationships they have cultivated with their ATS teachers.  This year is no exception, and my second grader, Eoghan, has said almost every day that he cannot wait to find out who his […]

Ok, so if you are like us, the first week of school has begun and you are wondering what you have gotten yourself into – right?  It is either going swimmingly, or you feel wrecked.  Even though this is my 20th year to begin – and my 17th year with Calvert, I find that it […]

What’s for dinner?  It’s the dreaded question!  You spend your days as teacher, planner, maid, secretary, chauffeur,and now you have to be the cook too?  Well, we want to help. Unfortunately we can’t come to your house and cook for you, but we’re happy to share some meal planning tips!  Meal scheduling – Use your […]

Henry Ford once said, “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success.”  This wisdom holds true for home schooling as well.  Use the following tips to help you get ready for a successful home school year. Organization Create a school room that contains all the necessary materials for your student.  If there are […]

Toddlers and preschoolers are by nature, curious. They are excited about learning new things and are eager to ask questions and explore. You can keep this spark alive by encouraging these behaviors in your child. Encourage your child to ask questions; allow her  to dance (or sing or play music); and be supportive of her […]

When the dog days of summer are getting you down, here are some ideas to put a spring back in your family’s step and make vacation time also educational. Writing/Composition: Suggest your child create a journal. A journal can take many forms depending on the desires of the creator. Allow your student to be creative […]