The Modern Homeschool

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, let's chat about what to do when winter burnout of the homeschool year sets in. Take a few action steps to help reset your homeschool when you are feeling unmotivated, burned out or just plain tired. Gather new inspiration and ideas from this episode.

-Tidy & Declutter: Change your environment by getting rid of unused items and get organized. Get out of a winter rut by doing a deep clean and reset on your home.

-Set New Goals: Think about how you want to finish your homeschool year on a high note. What will it take to reach your goal? Be realistic about your abilities. Check my planning episode for help below.

-Read: A new book for yourself. Something you've been interested in but couldn't find the time. Start a new reading habit for yourself for just 15-20 minutes a day.

-Focus on Fitness: Not obsessively. Incorporate healthy food options and walking. Add in more if you are up for it, if not, just start small. Small habits daily add up to results over time.

-School Indoors to Outdoors: Move from the indoor traditional schooling to outdoor field trips, projects and schooling as the weather gets better. Plan a few Spring field trips to look forward to.

-Consider outsourcing subjects that are causing resistance in your homeschool.

-Consider ditching curricula that is not working for your child or family.

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Winter Book Recommendations: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/winter-books-for-your-whole-family/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about sensory play for littles. We absolutely had a blast with this idea paired with nature play and art when my kiddos were younger. Today on the Pod I am discussing some of my favorite sensory activities but I'll also share a few follow up ideas and links here.

Sensory and nature play as well as art activities are so beneficial to young children. They encourage outdoor activity, thinking, imagination, problem solving, creativity, fine motor skills, they encourage long periods of calm, focused play without screens.

Best Sensory activities for ages 2-10:

Water play (gather containers like this!) of Ocean set up like so: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEQJgH_B4o_/?img_index=1 Consider inviting your younger kids to paint the sidewalk with water, melt ice cubes (with trinkets inside), wash their bikes or tend to the garden for you!

Make your own Playdough & Sensory Rice: Playdough Recipe, Sensory Rice Recipe

Check the highlights (circles) for all of my favorite sensory play here: https://www.instagram.com/amysarttable/

Favorite themes of sensory & nature play in the past have been: rainforest, fairy garden, ocean, water, dinosaurs, ice melting, garden, birds, butterflies, insects, nature homes, city, house, winter, snow, beach, spring, farm, animals, small world, pumpkin.

Dollar Tree Resources: fairies, cars, dinosaurs, plants, flowers, small letters, pom poms, clothes pins, shave cream, slime ingredients, playdough ingredients, wooden containers, ice trays, large trays

Thrift Store Finds: Books (picture, coffee table, encyclopedia style, themed), large metal or wood trays, cake pans, muffin tins, rolling pins, cookie cutters, ice trays, mason jars, wood or metal small scoops, measuring spoons, wooden spoons, rocks, shells, seasonal items, holiday play, small world play, trinkets, garden trinkets, fairy lights, planters, spray bottles, wood bowls, glass jars

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing how to create a kinder schedule or daily rhythm in your homeschool. I think most of us can agree that the kinder age is a magical one that does not require intensive rigidity but one that thrives on a simple daily flow. I hope you'll join in to hear about a few ideas if you have a young homeschooler!

Things I loved to focus on with my young homeschoolers:

ABC's (letter recognition), handwriting, writing a sentence, lots of read alouds, sensory, nature and outdoor play, art, simple maths.

A sample schedule could be: Breakfast, Read Aloud, Art Activity, Maths, Outdoor Play (Sensory, Dough, Rice, Nature), Rest, Snack, Walk, Read, Make Dinner Find more by downloading a free chapter of my book (via pop up on homepage), The Modern Homeschool

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about ways to celebrate Valentines Day with your homeschool friends and family. I'll be sharing our favorite crafts, activities and foods on this episode all about having a happy Valentines Day with those you care the most about!

Valentines Day Ideas:

My Art Site: https://amysarttable.com/2022/02/01/valentines-art-projects/

My Art Videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/amysarttable for lots of DIY art projects!

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing Documentation and Record Keeping for homeschoolers. I know this can be a source of stress for some families but I truly believe we as homeschoolers should be prepared with proper documentation of our homeschool journey. This only serves to help both you and your child progress in your homeschool goals.

Record Keeping is required in many states, so I thought it would be a good idea to touch on here. The best thing to do when starting to homeschool is to look into the laws and requirements of your state specifically. Once you determine exactly what is required you can start documenting. The easiest way to keep current records is to hold onto your children's work and to document their attendance. If you are privately homeschooling, you will want to create a binder each year for each of your students. 

Binder for each child should contain:

            1)Attendance: A current year calendar marking all attendance. School days, holidays, sick days, field trips, and school breaks.

            2)Transcripts: Grades per course, list each course taken and the grade per semester, this becomes a bit more complicated when entering High School especially if taking college classes. Do your research and prepare a four-year high school plan.

            3)Work Samples: Ideally, your students' best work per month in different subject areas. It will be wise to note dates and curriculum references as well as grades given by you.

            4)Curriculum: Make a simple list of all your sources, specific books or curriculum used.

California Homeschool PSA Filing Walk-Thru Video: https://youtu.be/oeAUQP1TA1c?si=jQvxPNG7023hILrJ

Helpful California Homeschool Links: https://themodernhomeschool.com/california/

My Episode: "How to Homeschool in California": https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/how-to-homeschool-in-california/

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about amazing FREE resources you can use to homeschool your kids. There are almost endless options on free ways to homeschool, you'll want to jot some of these ideas down! Grab a cup of coffee, a notepad, pen and a cozy spot, you won't want to miss these ideas!

Free Resources for Homeschooling:

My Free Printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/freebies/

My News Articles: https://themodernhomeschool.com/news/

My Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ModernHomeschool/

My Art Videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/amysarttable

The Good and Beautiful Language Arts: Absolutely phenomenal that this mom developed this curriculum and is sharing it for FREE! You can check out the website and download the pages to use with your child. 

The Library: Please do not negate your local library! They have loads of books on every subject, computers, dvds and sometimes they have free workshops too! Kids love going to the library and this is a great way to develop lifelong reading habits. 

Online worksheets: Google Image literally anything you’d like to see in terms of worksheets (i.e.: multiplication, division, science, etc.) and you will be shocked at how much you can find to help supplement your homeschool. 

Pinterest: Likewise, Pinterest is a fantastic resource for homeschoolers, there are tons of homeschool linked projects and worksheets that you can find on every subject. 

Teachers Pay Teachers: Some free and some affordable projects and worksheets.

Discounts for Homeschoolers: Always ask for a discount to National parks, zoos, and museums many have special homeschooling pricing. 

Free Websites for Homeschoolers: There are a lot of resources online for FREE for homeschoolers, google what you are looking for like FREE typing program or FREE science videos. (IXL, Xtra Math, Khan Academy, Dads Worksheets, ABC Mouse, Canva, Smithsonian)

YouTube: Do not discount YouTube, though you will have to filter it prior to allowing your kids to watch it, there is a plethora of knowledge on YouTube that you can access for free. I have over 50 painting tutorials that are made for kids. 

CA education website: The education website for CA will give you all the standards of public school so you can see what your children's peers are learning. 

Community: Social Groups are available in most communities, if you join a Charter or Homeschool Co-op this is easier to seek out but there are also church groups, sports, friendships already established and homeschool supplemental classes.

Classes: Additionally, there are many privately owned companies that will discount music lessons, riding lessons, pottery, art and more for homeschooled children. Seek these networks out in your community.

Free Online Programs: Kahn Academy, k12.org, Connections Academy, Visions in Education, California Online School

Free Virtual Field Trips: Freedom Homeschooling, Discovery Education, California Science Center, We Are Teachers, PBS

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing Winter books for the whole family! All ages (including moms)! You'll want to add a few of these to your Winter book list; grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me this morning is we chat Winter books that are snuggly, fun and maybe even juicy.

Favorite Winter Books List:

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain: https://amzn.to/3ZeK7dZ

The Long Winter: https://amzn.to/414x53Q

The Little House on the Prairie Set: https://amzn.to/3UYAJsr

Snowflake Bentley: https://amzn.to/3V1uWlZ

The Mitten: https://amzn.to/4eGkYNP

The Hat: https://amzn.to/3YRR4jy

Jan Brett's Winter Collection: https://amzn.to/4fYecE1

Barn in the Winter: https://amzn.to/40Xlofr

The Shortest Day: https://amzn.to/3Z2Pk78

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter: https://amzn.to/3ZfbPY1

The Snowy Day: https://amzn.to/4hSnmUx

Peter Rabbit: A Winter's Tale: https://amzn.to/40XhtPV

Little Critters: Snowball Soup: https://amzn.to/4i0AAP6

Prince Caspian: https://amzn.to/3CEMEFq

The Chronicles of Narnia: https://amzn.to/4g033CW

Pax: https://amzn.to/3ZrVLm1

Home in the Woods: https://amzn.to/3ZhmxgC

The Wind in the Willows: https://amzn.to/490iA33

Green Glass House: https://amzn.to/40Z3qJw

Awakening Wonder: https://amzn.to/492N9VT

Melania: https://amzn.to/3Z6SS8O

The Bookshop on the Shore: https://amzn.to/4hTiZIV

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris: https://amzn.to/4eDe1gh

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing a deep dive mini class I have put together especially for you! It is called "Organize My Homeschool" and I made it with the intention of helping all my homeschool friends get their homeschool organized- QUICK! I love to be ultra organized since I am super super busy with not only homeschooling but my home, my children's activities, and working!! Here are all of my best tips and tricks on tackling the overall organization of our homeschool and bonus--I have put together slides!! To see the whole mini class go here:

https://youtu.be/zBBMK--hFPs

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I want to tell you all about The Good and The Beautiful Curricula by Jenny Phillips. I will share why I think it is the perfect entry level curricula for new homeschoolers and why it is now a staple in our homeschool to this day. We adore this curriculum and I want to chat all about it! Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me as we talk TGTB this morning!

The Good and The Beautiful Website: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Did you know that homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education?

With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world.

Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here  Thrifting Living Books Planning

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing all of my favorite art supplies for kids from my years of teaching art classes! There are lots of items on this list that will make perfect Christmas & birthday gifts for your favorite students. Grab a cup of coffee and tea and jot down a few items to look for this holiday season!

My Favorite Art Supplies List:

Watercolor Paper: https://amzn.to/3YWHFr6 https://amzn.to/4fNl9Ig https://amzn.to/4fSNahm

Watercolor Sets: https://amzn.to/40Spe9L https://amzn.to/4eGqvnm https://amzn.to/3YSsIq2

Brushes: https://amzn.to/3ZbNnXr https://amzn.to/4hXoBle https://amzn.to/3V29QDY

Palettes: https://amzn.to/4fzifah https://amzn.to/40Xtl4i https://amzn.to/4fzzubb

Canvas Boards: https://amzn.to/496Oc7h

Arteza Brush Pens: https://amzn.to/4fV4aUm

Favorite Marker Set: https://amzn.to/3ZgRotU

Acrylic Paint Pens: https://amzn.to/4fxL8Ub

Liquid Watercolors: https://amzn.to/4eGsPen

Arteza Art Journals: https://a.co/d/b8Za4dE

Beads: https://amzn.to/40Rv3En

Watercolor With Me Books: https://amzn.to/3YX3czR https://amzn.to/4hZ1ZRu https://amzn.to/4fVcF1D https://amzn.to/4i1nEZl

Copy Paper: https://amzn.to/3OhRsDb

Kids Art Aprons: https://amzn.to/4eAxn5H

Mason Jars: https://amzn.to/4fYBY2D

Air Dry Clay: https://amzn.to/4i0h7xO https://amzn.to/4908EGU

Air Dry Clay DIY: https://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-clay/

Dot Art Markers: https://amzn.to/40YhGlI

Dot Art Projects: https://www.michaels.com/product/desert-diamond-art-coaster-kit-by-make-market-10738963?com_id=pdp_AlsoLike&path=youMayAlsoLike https://www.michaels.com/product/celestial-diamond-art-bookmark-kit-by-make-market-10738972?michaelsStore=5140&inv=1

Amazon Basics Sharpies: https://amzn.to/48XOsVY

Colored Pencils: https://amzn.to/48XQPZ6

Mini Rolling Pins: https://amzn.to/3Zfj0zh

Art Tape: https://amzn.to/3AM6Pkh

Mixed Media Art Journals: https://amzn.to/4fyWkju https://amzn.to/3ZcQFd4

Washable Tempra: https://amzn.to/4hZaU5q

Playdough DIY: https://amysarttable.com/2021/11/20/christmas-playdough-ideas/

Mini Spray Bottles: https://amzn.to/3OfCzkX

Photo Paper: https://amzn.to/491Imnv

Soft Oil Pastels: https://amzn.to/4fCCx2o

Bleeding Tissue Paper: https://amzn.to/4i0Hsf9 https://amzn.to/4fAsWcA

Beatrix Potter Book: https://amzn.to/4fBiuRU

Watercolor Animals Book: https://amzn.to/4fBk4Dk

Posca Pens: https://amzn.to/4hZl71O

Washi Tape: https://amzn.to/4ibZfjV

White Gel Pen: https://amzn.to/3ZeHd91

Favorite Art Set to Gift for Young Kids: https://amzn.to/3ADDaK8

Art Supply List On AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/37QAQHL489EJN?ref_=wl_share

The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources:

https://themodernhomeschool.com

Check out my new book here:

https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD

My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool:

http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool

Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/

Link to my planning printables:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/

More on how I plan here:

https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/