BookShark

Category: Homeschool Tips

  • Is BookShark an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?

    Is BookShark an Accredited Homeschool Curriculum?

    When you shop for homeschool curriculum, you want to know that the resources you choose meet the highest standards. After all, one of your primary reasons to homeschool your child is to provide a top-notch education!

    But how can you tell is a curriculum is good enough? You remember a word you hear in education circles—accreditation. Then you wonder if that homeschool curriculum you are eyeing is accredited. If it were accredited, you’d know it is a safe bet and could rest assured that you’re buying something with an official seal of approval. You could comfort the family members who raise their eyebrows at your choice to homeschool by letting them know your homeschool materials are accredited.

    But, let’s take a deeper look at accreditation and see why that question (surprisingly!) doesn’t apply in the case of shopping for homeschool curriculum.

    What is Accreditation?

    Accreditation is a process and designation that applies to learning institutions—such as schools, colleges, or universities—not learning materials, so homeschool curriculum itself cannot be accredited. (Mind blown, right?!)

    Although some homeschool programs advertise that they are accredited, technically, the designation applies to the institution providing the material and not to the curriculum alone.

    Agencies that provide accreditation look at factors such as the education and qualifications of the faculty and staff, as well as the subjects taught and hours required for each subject. These factors aren’t relevant in analyzing course material for one particular subject to be used by a homeschool mom in a flexible home environment.

    Even the curriculum that is used by accredited institutions, like public or private schools, is not considered to  be accredited of itself. Again, only an institution or school can be accredited, not a curriculum.

    So is BookShark accredited? No, because curriculum can’t be accredited. BookShark is a curriculum not a school. Of course, BookShark is used in dozens of charter schools that are accredited. So is it good enough? Yes! Absolutely!

    What if My Kids Go Back to a Traditional School?

    Maybe you’re just beginning to investigate homeschooling. You don’t know if this will be a long-term fit for your family and you want to keep all your options open. How can you know if the curriculum you choose and the work you do with your children will “count” if they go back into a more traditional school setting in the future?

    Each state has its own standards of education, and each state has its own homeschool laws. It’s important to be familiar with the requirements for your state. If you are unsure, you can find more information from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association website.

    In general, if you are complying with local homeschool laws and meeting the requirements for proof of progress (if any) in your state, then your years of homeschooling are considered valid academic years for your student. The process will vary depending on the school district, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

    My brothers and I were homeschooled for various segments of our education but also attended public school in other years. When my brother transitioned from homeschooling to public school in middle school, the guidance counselor simply asked my mother which classes he had completed with her and then added them to his official transcript.

    So as long as you are following your state and district’s rules for homeschooling, what you teach your kids will count if you enroll them in public school again. 

    Will BookShark Meet State Standards?

    You might find this information from BookShark’s FAQ page to be helpful in answering this concern:

    Due to the large variation of standards around the country, we do not specifically follow any state standards. However BookShark typically meets or exceeds state standards. In fact, we are an approved vendor with many charter schools around the country.

    More than likely, you’ll be covered when it comes to state standards, but you can certainly compare BookShark’s Scope & Sequence charts with what your state requires to verify the match.

    What Other Questions Should I Ask?

    Since the question of accreditation is moot, what questions are relevant in choosing a homeschool curriculum? 

    Homeschool families choose home education because of the flexibility it affords. Read reviews, ask other homeschool moms, and then pick a curriculum that works for your family even if the term accreditation is moot.

    About the Author

    Lynna is a former homeschooler, then classroom teacher, now homeschool mom of eight crazy (and lovable) hooligans from middle school down to bouncing baby.

    She calls her blog Homeschooling without Training Wheels because she loves to encourage families to embrace the freedom and flexibility that come with homeschooling and let go of the things that are holding them back! You can read more in her free eBook 5 Myths that are Killing Your Multi-Age Homeschool

  • Five Writing Activities for Reluctant, Anxious Writers

    Five Writing Activities for Reluctant, Anxious Writers

    Getting started is the hardest part of writing.

    • What if I don’t know what to say?
    • What if no one likes what I’m saying?
    • What if I’m saying it wrong?

    These fears can paralyze reluctant writers. That’s pretty much the case in my homeschool: while my daughter loves to read and tell stories, writing anything down tends to throw her into panic mode.

    What’s a homeschool parent to do, then, when a child struggles to write? One common solution is the presentation of a traditional writing prompt: a question or intriguing statement that encourages a thoughtful response. This might work in theory. In practice, though, a traditional writing prompt can prove more problematic than triumphant.

    Remember those questions I asked a minute ago?

    • What if I don’t know what to say?
    • What if no one likes what I’m saying?
    • What if I’m saying it wrong?

    While a traditional prompt may provide ideas for writing, it’s unlikely to resolve or alleviate an anxious writer’s fears. For my daughter, rather than elicit a deluge of thoughts, a traditional writing prompt paralyzes her further, even if the prompt is on a topic she enjoys.

    How to Use Writing Prompts with Anxious Writers

    It’s tempting to let writing go and focus on other things like history or science. But I want my daughter to build confidence in writing. It’s not merely an important life skill; it’s a matter of learning to trust her own abilities as a thinker.

    To this end, we’ve tried a variety of alternative prompts to get those creative thoughts flowing. From headlines and photos to mirrors and fairy tales, the following activities ignite the imagination and banish the writing blues.

    1. Headline News

    Create personal headlines about your own life events, then take turns filling in the stories behind them. We’ve had great fun writing stories for headlines like Preschooler Throws Dinner in Epic Tantrum and Toddler Creates Eggy Mess in Dairy Aisle. This exercise generates creative and engaging stories while you reminisce over family memories.

    2. A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words

    Why not use an image to generate writing? Turn to family albums, historical documents, or photojournalism for thought-provoking images. Observe and discuss the details in the photo, then make a list of the concrete images you identify. Pay close attention to the five senses: what do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? Taste? Feel? If the photo is particularly obscure, try writing a story to explain its origin. When you’re done, test your theory against the facts behind it.

    3. The Golden Line

    Choose an old piece of writing you haven’t looked at in a while. Read through it together and select your favorite golden line—favorite passage or inspiring quote. Copy that line to another piece of paper, then start the piece over using that as your introduction. This exercise will take your writing in new and unexpected directions and give the added bonus of a lesson in revision.

    4. The Fractured Fairy Tale

    What crazy conundrums can you devise when you think of favorite fairy tales? Maybe Sleeping Beauty was really an insomniac? Or perhaps Cinderella was allergic to dust? Did the Big Bad Wolf just want to be friends? The silly possibilities are endless, and so are the stories you can tell.

    5. Mirror, Mirror

    Stand in front of a mirror with your child, a pen and notepad in your hand. Ask your child to tell you what she sees. Record her responses, and as you do, point out what connections she’s making. If she says she’s a scientist, she’s imagining (or predicting). If she mentions her brown hair, she’s describing. If she asks who she looks like, she’s questioning. All of these (and more) are important skills for a writer. Talk about the skills she’s shown and use her responses to write descriptively.

    Working with a reluctant or anxious writer isn’t so much about generating ideas. For the most part, I’ve found reluctant writers to be overwhelmingly creative. The goal is more about increasing a child’s comfort level, helping her see the process of writing as good and worthwhile. Relying on alternative prompts allows both parent and child to explore writing together, removing fear from the equation and replacing it with trust.

    About the Author

    Ginny Kochis is a former high school English teacher and adjunct professor of English turned homeschooling mom and business owner. She writes about faith, motherhood, homeschooling and family literacy at Not So Formulaic

  • 7 Ways Children Can Gain Read Aloud Confidence

    7 Ways Children Can Gain Read Aloud Confidence

    The best way to build a reader is to read aloud early and often, to surround yourselves with print, and to delight in the written word. If your child has positive memories around reading, and if your child sees you reading regularly, you are on the path to raising a reader.

    That said, not all readers are confident at reading aloud. In fact, many adults will blush and stammer when asked to read aloud! Still, this is a skill that should not be overlooked in your homeschool experience. Reading aloud builds fluency, boosts comprehension, and engages critical thinking skills.

    I have three children but three very different readers. Whereas my boys read aloud with reckless abandon to anyone who would listen, my daughter was reluctant. She preferred to read quietly, often to a pet or a favorite doll. We gave her the space she needed and, in time, she grew into a confident reader who will now happily read aloud.

    If you have a child who is hesitant to read aloud, don’t fret. There are ways to boost his or her confidence little by little. Continue doing what you are already doing but add in these helpful tricks.

    1. Hear Your Mistakes

    Let your child see you stumble over text. It is important for children to understand that everyone struggles to read aloud sometimes. Make a mistake, laugh about it if you need to, and then move happily along.

    2. Read Aloud in Solitude

    When my daughter was learning to read, she wanted to read in solitude. At first, I worried that she wasn’t actually reading aloud- but a quick listen at her door told me that she was. Some children need to practice and gain confidence alone and that is okay.

    3. Read to a Younger Sibling or Child

    It can be intimidating to read to an adult. I’ll never forget the first time I saw my daughter read aloud to her younger brother. She did not know I was watching, and her confidence was through the roof. She read with emphasis and a smile. Another time, she read to a young child during her brothers’ karate class. Each week, she would select books to read to the little girl, and every week her read alouds improved.

    4. Read to a Pet

    There is reason why read to pet programs are so popular! When my daughter was first starting to read, she would read to our dog. She continues to read to him daily, and it is the sweetest tradition. We always joke that he is the most well-read pooch in town. Dogs do not cast judgment or issue critiques and corrections. They love you no matter what you read, or how you read.

    5. Read to a Stuffed Animal

    When the thought of reading to a grown-up is just too much, why not read to a favorite doll or stuffed animal? Just as with reading to pets, there is no judgment!

    6. Try Puppets

    This is a trick I picked up from my counseling days. Sometimes it is easier to say things when you are not technically the one saying them. Why not let a favorite puppet read the book aloud? It might make mistakes a bit easier.

    7. Read Aloud While Mom is Occupied

    Sometimes it is the eye contact that bothers young readers. It is often easier to read aloud while mom is driving, cooking dinner, or engaged in some other task. Your child will feel less on the spot and may open up more.

    As with many parts of homeschooling, helping your child become a confident reader is a matter of practice and trial and error. Sometimes things that were working for weeks suddenly stop working, so try a variety of techniques to see what is most effective for your children.

    About the Author

    Cait is a school psychologist, mom to three amazing children, and an unexpected homeschooler. She loves nature, good books, board games, strong coffee, and dancing in her kitchen. You can read about all of these things and more at My Little Poppies.

  • I Want to Homeschool, But I’m Afraid I’ll Fail

    I Want to Homeschool, But I’m Afraid I’ll Fail

    Are you thinking of taking the plunge into homeschooling your children? But you’re worried, right? You might even feel overwhelmed.

    What if you fail?

    I’m here to tell you we’ve all had those thoughts and feelings, but guess what? Homeschooling is not going to chew you up and spit you out, and here’s why.

    Homeschooling Can Be a Year-by-Year Choice

    Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a forever thing unless, of course, you discover that it works for you and your family. Try it for one year! If you go into the venture with an attitude that it’s a one-year trial, there’s no sense of failure if you switch educational methods at the end of the year. Tell everyone it’s a grand experiment and you want to see what happens. Keep your options open.

    A solid program like BookShark can ease you into homeschooling because it provides a step-by-step Instructor’s Guide and a full curriculum package. In the beginning it makes sense to stick with a program that’s nearly foolproof instead of piecing together your school choices.

    It’s okay to take homeschooling on a year-by-year basis. You can always send your kids back to public school if homeschooling is an utter disaster. If you do change paths mid-stream, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means homeschooling worked for a short season.

    If homeschooling does work for your kids, you get to savor all the amazing freedoms that homeschooling affords:

    • Education is woven into every part of your day because learning happens all the time!
    • Field trips and travel can happen anytime you like.
    • Library days can be any day!
    • School doesn’t have to start at 8 a.m. every morning. You can choose to homeschool at any time, day or night!
    • Your kids can progress at their own pace.
    • You can follow your child’s interests down rabbit trails of learning.

    After your first trial year, you may discover that it works for your kids all the way through elementary school. It could continue to work through middle school. Hey, you might discover that homeschooling is the perfect fit for your high schooler!

    Homeschooling Does Involve a Certain Amount of Uncertainty

    “What if I fall… Oh, but my darling, but what if you fly?” – Eric Hanson

    There is a certain amount of risk in anything we do in this life, and homeschooling is no different. But there is also the possibility of great reward when we step out of our comfort zones and explore new possibilities.

    Think of anything hard you’ve ever done. It was scary. But it was worth it, right?

    Now think of your biggest regrets in life. What held you back from doing what you should have done? Wasn’t it usually fear? Don’t let fear hold you back from all the rewards of homeschooling.

    I know what you’re thinking:

    • “Math! I can’t teach math!”
    • “Science was never my strong subject!”
    • “I can’t teach a kid to read! I have no idea where to start!”

    Don’t let fear cause you to avoid taking risks. It is super easy to outsource subjects that may make you feel uncomfortable—co-op classes, online classes, or tutors are all options. Plus, there are loads of quality curriculums and books to help you teach topics you feel are weak points. Teaching a child to read is not the Mr. Everest of education. I promise.

    Do What Works Best for Your Family

    Another big reason that you don’t need to worry about failing as a homeschooler is because you can choose your own methods—the ones that work for you!

    For example, my kids would likely revolt if I attempted a strict schedule. I’m not particularly good at schedules, and my kids loathe textbooks. Give me a relaxed homeschool environment with loads of great literature, read-alouds, unit studies, art, and nature, and I can rock this homeschool gig with the best of them.

    But perhaps you are more of structured schooler or prefer Charlotte Mason’s methods. The choice is yours!

    Homeschooling is not going to chew you up and spit you out because you decide how homeschooling works best for you. You decide what you want it to look like and how you want to accomplish it. (That freedom in itself can be scary to a newbie, and that’s why I suggest sticking with something fully laid out and all-inclusive like BookShark’s All Subject Packages.)

    The bottom line is this—do what works best for your family. Every homeschool family is different, and so are their homeschool style and methods. That’s the beauty of homeschooling! You can tailor it to fit the unique and individual needs of your family and your kids. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. You can homeschool your children.

    About the Author

    I’m Erin, an introverted homeschooling mom to two intense extroverted kids. We are child led with a heavy emphasis on read alouds, games, art, nature hikes, and hands-on everything! My kids just learn better when they can use their hands. You can find me at Nourishing My Scholar.

    We traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the quiet that only farm life can provide. This creates a wonderful environment for our children, complete with chickens, goats, ducks, and cows. I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter and Gilmore Girls. When we’re not homeschooling, you’ll find me curled up with a cup of coffee and a good book or possibly enjoying a random dance party in the front yard to the newest Disney soundtrack.

  • Why I Keep Using an All-in-one Curriculum After Homeschooling 5 Years

    Why I Keep Using an All-in-one Curriculum After Homeschooling 5 Years

    When we first considered homeschooling, we were living in a state which has charter schools that partner with homeschoolers. I thought homeschooling under the umbrella of a charter school was a great way to start our homeschool journey. I’d have someone to hold my hand through the second thoughts and doubts!

    Sadly, we moved right before our oldest child’s kindergarten year and thus found ourselves on our own in a new state without charter schools.

    I still wanted a program that could hold my hand, at least for the first year. Without a charter school option, I was thrilled to discover all-in-one homeschool curriculum options. The program I bought provided the guidance I craved as a new homeschooler. With the help of that curriculum, I started off on the right foot and had confidence I was doing it right!

    Fast forward five years. I’m still homeschooling, and—surprise—I still use an all-in-one homeschool curriculum. 

    The Homeschool Comparison Game

    With such vibrant online and local homeschool communities, it’s easy to compare ourselves with others and wonder if we’re doing enough as homeschool parents. These communities are wonderful for inspiration and making connections. However, if we’re not careful, comparing ourselves to others in our communities can cause unnecessary worry and stress.

    Is an All-in-one Curriculum Cheating? Or Lazy?

    After our first year of homeschooling, it felt like I was cheating by continuing to use an all-in-one curriculum. I watched many of my new homeschool friends labor over lesson plans:

    • spending hours putting together the perfect book list for every subject
    • hunting down deals for every book or resource that they couldn’t find at the library
    • saving YouTube playlists of supplemental videos
    • juggling and revising yearly, monthly, and weekly assignment schedules

    I envied their attention to detail in planning their homeschool year. It sounded like something “real” homeschoolers are supposed to do.

    On the other hand, it also sounded tedious and overwhelming. In fact, I absolutely did not want to go through that much work in planning our school year.

    I then realized one big difference. Using an all-in-one curriculum didn’t make me a lazy homeschool mom. It didn’t mean that I wasn’t as dedicated to homeschooling as my friends. It simply meant that I had a different vision for creating a rich experience for my family.

    Our Foundation Frees Me to Plan the Extras

    An all-in-one homeschool curriculum gives me a foundation on which to build. That foundation is built by people who have far more knowledge and expertise in crafting an educational program than I have. By using this foundation, I can use my time to plan the extras that create a rich homeschool experience for my kids. I have time to plan field trips, nature adventures, group classes, extracurricular activities, and so on. I have time to follow my kids’ interests and put together activities and projects for them.

    Our core homeschool subjects are mapped out for us. I don’t have to spend time creating our daily, weekly, or yearly schedules for each subject and then stress if I fall behind in that work. Even though the schedule is done for me, I don’t have to strictly follow it. I use it as a guide. I am free to slow down, speed up, or alter it in a way that works best for our family. It’s there as a foundation—not as shackles.

    Finding Personal Balance Between Homeschool and Life

    I believe that all homeschool parents should have their own interests apart from homeschooling. By using an all-in-one curriculum, I have time and energy for other obligations and hobbies:

    • tending my garden
    • teaching gardening classes
    • volunteering
    • managing our family’s finances
    • writing articles for my blog

    It’s important that my kids see me doing these things that are for me. They see me learning about things that I’m interested in, troubleshooting problems with my hobbies, and teaching other people. They see that Mom is a person with her own needs and purpose in life—beyond being a mother. 

    And they get the advantage of a happy and fulfilled mom who gets to recharge with her hobbies instead of a cranky and burned-out mom who spends every free second on homeschooling.

    It’s okay for the line between homeschool and the rest of life to be blurry, but it’s important for us to occasionally step outside the homeschool parent role and pursue other activities. It’s just as important to help our kids do the same, especially as they get older and their interests become more varied and time consuming. Using an all-in-one curriculum frees up my time to help them explore their interests outside of our core subjects.

    Just imagine…If you didn’t have to put together your curriculum, piece by piece each year, what would you do with the time that you save? What adventures would you go on with your kids? What crazy things might you do when following your kids’ interests?

    Using an all-in-one curriculum as a veteran homeschooler isn’t cheating or being lazy. It’s simply using a foundation built by others upon which you can build your own vibrant homeschool experience.

    About the Author

    Terri Kurcab is a homeschool mom who lives in Nevada with her husband and their two daughters. Nature has provided the cornerstone of their homeschool journey which began in 2013. National and State park visits, mountain hikes, and outdoor-based learning adventures are what Terri and the girls can be found doing most often. When homeschool is not in session, you can find Terri in the garden or spending time with a good book and a cup of tea.

  • How to Homeschool While Your Partner Works from Home

    How to Homeschool While Your Partner Works from Home

    Whether he’s just taking a vacation day to catch up on a house project or has a random day off from work, I love having my husband home. Don’t even get me started on that wonderful family cocoon we cuddle up in during the slow and confusing time between Christmas and New Year’s. Having my husband home in the middle of the day is a treat equivalent to when I’d be on a field trip and realize that I’d normally be in math class but was watching a show or taking in zoo animals. It’s out of the norm and always a surprise. 

    Well, it was. 

    Like millions of others, my husband has been working from home for the last few months as a result of the coronavirus. I was excited at first. Why wouldn’t I be? All of my favorite people under one roof, all day, with nowhere to go and all of our plans cancelled. Sounds like heaven to me! 

    Well, it did. 

    Once it became clear that this global pandemic wouldn’t be allowing us to return to normal very soon, my delight and optimism began to fade. Not only did I downshift to the bare minimum in our homeschool while we devoured news and statistics all day, but I also had to figure out how to homeschool with my husband working just feet away. 

    Talk About It First

    Assumptions threaten us all, and with the novelty of our new arrangement, the temptation to hope or assume loomed large.

    • With my husband home, he could help me school the kids, right?
    • With my husband home, I wouldn’t have to be the only one figuring out what we’d have for dinner, right? He could thaw the meat, switch the laundry over to the dryer, and even give me a much-needed break during the day. Right?

    While he could do these things, in theory, I couldn’t just come up with a mental list for him and expect him to fulfill my imaginations. I had to talk with him — a lot, and often.

    We had to discuss what he needed to do and what extras he could take on. We had to talk about what time the day needed to start. I even had to check with him to see if there were any subjects he wanted to take over with our kids. We had to know what was expected of us and what was protected for us, everything from what times he needed a quiet place to make calls to when we needed him to keep his nose in his computer and stay out of our lesson.

    We had to talk often because it turned out that I didn’t want him to take any subjects away, and his Zoom calls didn’t happen at the same time every day. 

    If you are homeschooling while your spouse is working from home, make sure your’e not holding onto expectations which you’ve never clearly voiced in conversation. 

    Schedule It Next

    I am not someone who enjoys schedules. I don’t even like packing for a trip. I want everything to be available at all times for any reason. Schedules feel limiting to me, like I’m leashed to a clock, and our homeschool reflects that.

    We don’t have a start time, don’t follow any particular order for the subjects, and can spend as little as 10 minutes or as much as 3 hours on a Read-Aloud. I like flexibility, so schedules feel stifling.

    My husband, however, is always aware of what time it is. Even if he’s a mile away from the nearest sundial, he can, at any moment, tell you exactly what time it is. He has some internal clock that gives him this superpower, and he uses it to create, and adhere to, schedules. 

    We new it wouldn’t be wise to wait until tempers flared to make a plan. We needed to schedule our days so that no one was in the other’s way. Because he had numerous virtual meetings in the mornings, I couldn’t bang around in the kitchen or play a lively (but educational) game whenever we got our day started. He couldn’t pop in to chat or ask what we were having for dinner when I was in the middle of science lessons with three kids. We set our do not disturb hours and planned accordingly. 

    Don’t wait until you’re annoyed, interrupted, or both in need of the one laptop you own. Schedule your days, even if only loosely, to protect precious time and silence. Be sure to set aside time to be alone, time to date your partner on the couch, and time to spend as a family. It is as important to protect and plan for personal time as it is work time. 

    Don’t Let Home Become the Office

    I’ve worked from home for over a decade and love it. Plenty of articles stress the importance of maintaining a strict routine and getting dressed in work clothes to help your mind stay in work mode. Honestly, that just means more laundry for me later and the possibility of spilling lunch on a good top. I embrace my sweatpants while working from home because one of the benefits is not wearing office attire. I also don’t work on a strict schedule, tending to get most of my work done after midnight, when anyone who would want my attention is asleep. It’s awesome. But this won’t work while my husband is working from home. 

    The lines between work and play easily get blurred when you

    • stay in the same clothes all day and night
    • do your history lessons in the living room
    • taking virtual meetings in the dining room
    • play games and watch TV in the same rooms that were homeschool areas and business offices earlier in the day

    Suddenly what was once a comfort is now a rut. You feel stuck in a day that bleeds over and resembles the next. Whether it’s putting on a nice shirt or setting a time to be done with school and work, find something that separates the time spent in your home.

    Maybe go for a walk after lessons are finished so you can all walk in the front door as though you’re coming home. Encourage your partner to pack away their technology that keeps them tethered to their work when finished. Put a tie on over pajamas, open the curtains, or ring a bell.

    Wriggle in at least one small gesture that signals the end of the work day and begins official family time. 

    When in Doubt, Step Aside

    I’ve been working from home and homeschooling for years. I don’t have a schedule, but I have established a routine the works. I’m used to switching between medieval medicine texts and watercolors. My husband (and maybe your partner, too) is the newbie. They’re stepping into what is, essentially, our world.

    The temptation is great to puff our chests and declare that we were here first, forcing our partners to find an unused corner to set up an office. But really, our homeschool will survive if we put off a subject for a few hours or move to a different room.

    It’s our spouses who are thrown for the biggest loop, who have the harder task in learning how to suddenly do their work in a way they never have before. We’re used to the din of children, but your partner is not, especially while trying to work. We’re used to grazing on snacks or having lunch whenever we feel like it, but my husband is accustomed to a set lunch hour.

    The person experiencing the greatest change is the person who should be given the most grace. 

    When tempers flare and you start toying with the idea of spousal distancing, remember that it’s a lot harder to change the way your job is done than it is to simply change where or when it’s done. I can step aside so my husband can use a room or computer, because our homeschool is far more flexible and I’m not getting paid to do it. 

    We’re all under stress, experiencing situations and thoughts and news cycles we never imagined before. Change can be scary and frustrating. But by talking about and managing expectations, creating and sticking to a schedule, and extending grace to the partner most affected, you can get through this time without sacrificing your children’s education, your partner’s job, or your relationship. 

  • Literature-based Homeschooling 101

    Literature-based Homeschooling 101

    Once upon a time…

    It’s one of the first phrases little ones learn as parents introduce them to the world of books. 

    Throughout history in cultures worldwide, stories are cherished. Myths, legends, and history are passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. 

    Just think about the impact stories have on our day-to-day lives. Consider how they are woven into the fabric of who we are as individuals and citizens.

    We love to laugh at a funny story and encourage people to “Tell her that story you just told me.”
    At reunions, families share stories about growing up together, the crazy things they did when they were young, and how grandma used to let them shell black-eyed peas picked from the garden.
    We watch the Olympics not just for the events, but also for the stories of athletes overcoming obstacles to represent the countries they love.
    In their speeches, political figures inspire us with stories of heroes.
    Because we are drawn to stories from the time we are young children, we seem hardwired for storytelling. Narratives connect us to others. Stories are powerful. 

    And you can tap into that power when you choose a literature-based homeschool.

    Benefits of a Literature-rich Homeschool

    A literature-based approach to homeschooling uses real, or living, books instead of relying on textbooks. BookShark curriculum, for example, includes both fiction and non-fiction books along with biographies and literature. Students benefit from this book-based approach in so many ways: 

    Shared Literature Cultivates Strong Family Relationships

    History, read-aloud (literature), and science can be enjoyed by multiple ages when done through books. Discussions about literature build family relationships through shared experience. As you listen to each person’s thoughts and ideas, you learn more about one another. And often the things you learn together become a special vocabulary just for your family. For example, you may hear one child say “precision of language, please” to a sibling after reading Lois Lowrey’s The Giver in Level J.

    Stories Give Context

    We remember stories better than dry facts. Sure, there’s a time and place for memorizing facts like multiplication tables. But without context, facts have little meaning whether they are about history, grammar, or geography. When you use a literature-based approach, you are giving meaning to the facts. 

    Living Books Are Written by Actual Authors

    While textbooks have multiple writers, literature is written by one person who is passionate about the story they are telling. This is true whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. Charlotte Mason (a British educator) called these living books. 

    Because of this feature of living books, students aren’t only learning about the information or story in the book, they are also learning how authors craft their writing. They absorb writing skills naturally from those who do it best.

    No matter what your children choose to do in the future, strong communication skills are essential. And in a world where people tend to talk at others instead of communicate with them, they will stand out as thoughtful, intelligent communicators. 

    Literature-based Homeschool Engages Hearts and Minds

    How often do your kids ask to hear “just one more chapter” of their textbook? Probably never. But when children read or hear a good story, they become emotionally invested in it as they are learning. They want to keep going! A story may give them insight into life in another time while also subtly teaching them about character. For example, in Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, one of the Read-Alouds in BookShark’s Level D, Johnny struggles with his pride. The price he pays for this character flaw is life changing. While students learn about the American revolution, they are also learning about the impact of character.

    Books Work For A Range Of Ages

    With a literature-based homeschool like BookShark, you can teach multiple kids at the same time. For those subjects that require grade level lessons, like math, you can set aside time for each child to work at their own level. 

    Many subjects, though, can be done together. Your expectations for length and depth of work may vary according to the age of the child, but the subject matter can be the same. 

    BookShark is designed for this type of learning. Instead of grades, the curriculum is organized in levels that cover a range of ages, allowing students to learn at their own unique pace as well as possibly joining siblings in the same material for some subjects.

    Literature Provides Connected Learning

    If you grew up going to a public or private school, you probably learned subjects separately. You would go from language arts class to math class to science class to history class, and there was nothing in common with any of them. Language arts was broken up into even more separate subjects: grammar, writing, reading, vocabulary, spelling, etc. Many homeschool programs follow the same model. But in the real world, topics don’t fit in tidy boxes. Learning is connected and entwined. The literature-based homeschool is the same. Students can read and write about what they are learning in history, science, or geography.

    Bonus: It’s actually more efficient to learn with a literature-based approach because you cover multiple disciplines with one book, discussion, or activity.

    Read More on Lit.-Based Curriculum

    Literature-based Homeschooling is a Natural Education

    A literature-rich approach also takes advantage of children’s natural learning abilities. For example, language arts uses copy work dictation, narration, and discussion so kids can learn how to write and communicate from real writers and in a way they’ve been learning since the day they were born. 

    Common Objections to a Literature-based Curriculum

    You may have heard some of these objections to a literature-based curriculum, or wondered about them yourself:

    1. Children will have gaps in their education. No matter which curriculum you use, students will never learn everything there is to learn about every subject. But the emphasis of a literature-based curriculum isn’t about teaching everything. It’s about quality. It’s about depth, not breadth. And it’s about teaching kids how to learn and think critically so they will continue their education long after they leave your homeschool.
    2. Students won’t be prepared for college since they haven’t used textbooks. Actually a literature-based approach prepares students for college better than textbooks. Children growing up with this approach have learned from experts in their fields. They’ve read and discussed and analyzed the works of great thinkers. They’ve studied cultures and people from around the world. With this solid foundation, they will have the skills to adapt to different teaching methods.

    Literature-based Homeschool

    A literature-based homeschool takes advantage of those things that are hardwired into us since birth—the love of stories, how we acquire communications skills, and how we make connections across the subjects. 

    It’s a natural, common-sense approach that is both engaging and memorable. And with BookShark as your guide, you won’t have to look for the best books to teach your children. Instead, you can enjoy learning right alongside them. 

  • 5 Low-Prep Math Games You Can Make in Minutes

    5 Low-Prep Math Games You Can Make in Minutes

    Math can be the bane of a homeschooling parent’s life. Kids who hate math might put off their schoolwork, lose their focus during math lessons, or become frustrated when trying to learn a new concept.

    A simple way to make math easier for children is to use math games. Rather than running to the store or placing an online order, try these low-prep math games you can make at home in just minutes! They’re super easy to put together and they’re a nice way to switch up math class for the kids while reducing math anxiety. You will increase the learning component if you include your kids in the creation of the games, too. Make the set-up part of your homeschool math lesson, and your kids will anticipate the fun to come and take pride in their creations. These ideas work with any math curriculum.

    1. Math Hopscotch

    This game can be played indoors or outdoors. If the weather is nice, draw a traditional hopscotch court on the sidewalk with chalk. Replace the numbers 0-9 with mathematical expressions: exponents, algebraic terms, or even multiplication problems.

    Toss a beanbag onto the court. The player who tosses the bag skips ahead to the square where the beanbag lands and tries to solve the equation or problem. If playing this game indoors, mark off the court with masking tape on a hard floor and use flashcards to represent the mathematical expressions.

    2. Graphing Multiplication Shapes

    This is a good game to play when teaching children about multiplication. You’ll need graph paper and colored pencils. Use a simple multiplication problem and show the kids how to draw each problem on the graph paper.

    For example, show the problem 3 x 5 by tracing three squares down and five squares over. Then complete the rectangle and color it in. Once the kids have learned how to do it on their own, recite each multiplication problem and challenge the kids to see who can draw it first.

    3. DIY Tangrams

    Cut out small triangles, rectangles, squares, and diamonds. Laminate them for durability. Then toss them onto a table and challenge the kids to make simple animals: ducks, dogs, horses, and more using these shapes.

    4. Flashcard Toss

    If your kids are feeling active, here’s a good math game to burn off some energy. Use index cards to make arithmetic flashcards. Write a problem from your recent math lessons on each card. Toss a flashcard in the air. Whichever child catches the flashcard has to answer the problem!

    5. Shape Sticks

    Working on geometry with kids? Try this quick activity. Draw a shape on a white board or a chalkboard. If you don’t have either one, a piece of paper will do. Toss a bunch of colored craft sticks on the floor. Challenge the kids to try to recreate your shape within five seconds. The first one to do it successfully wins!

    The next time a math lesson comes up, try adapting one of these games to use with a new concept. You might be surprised at how much the kids enjoy it. And the same kids who were math-phobic before may end up begging for math class from now on!

  • Homeschooling Multiple Children: Finding the Right Fit

    Homeschooling Multiple Children: Finding the Right Fit

    Meet Your Child Where They Are: Customizing BookShark for the Perfect Fit

    My husband Joe and I decided to homeschool our children very early on in parenthood. We discovered BookShark right away – it was a perfect fit for our family. The prewritten weekly schedule was just the level of organization I wanted in a homeschool program – now I wouldn’t have to create everything from scratch! I ordered the Pre-K program three years ago, when my oldest was three, and I never looked back.

    In what seemed like the blink of an eye my oldest daughter sailed through preschool and kindergarten. Her love for learning grew with each passing year. First grade was a big year for both of us. My daughter would be entering the elementary school years. And I would be teaching two separate grades of children, preschool and first grade, simultaneously.

    I felt nervous, like I was entering uncharted territory. What if I couldn’t figure it out? Would I struggle to keep track of all the details, the books, all those critical thinking questions between two separate grade levels? Thankfully each level of Bookshark spans a three-year age range. I could always teach just one level over both their ages if I needed to simplify.

    There was no need to worry! BookShark is designed to flex and fit with any schedule. By following a few simple steps:

    •  Customizing my curriculum    
    • Leaning on BookShark’s built-in tools for parent success
    • Managing my time
    • I have the ability to create an enriching homeschool schedule for my family, fostering a deep love of learning in the process.
    • I was able to nurture the unique needs of each of my children.

    Using Bookshark Assessments to My Advantage

    BookShark has many tools to help parents succeed in finding the right level of curriculum for each student. These include:

    •  Reading assessments – lists of words for children to read, to determine their proper level of reader
    • Language arts assessments – a sample weekly English lesson for children to complete
    • Mathematics placement tests  – Each math program offered by BookShark – Math-U-See, Singapore Math, Saxon Math, and Rightstart – has its own placement test. Not only did these tests help me figure out the best level for my children, but they were invaluable in choosing which math program would be best for our family.

    All of these tools are found on BookShark’s main website. They recommend that the level of reading a child uses should match their language arts level. This helped me understand what level of education would be the best fit for each of my children.

    It’s important to remember that these assessments are just a starting point for discovering the best level of math and English. Children are unique individuals. The knowledge they gain does not always follow a clear path or a straight line. My children progress slowly in some areas before shooting ahead rapidly. As an educator, sometimes I just have to hang on for the ride.

    Case in point: seven weeks into first grade my oldest was identified as being highly gifted. At the beginning of the year, she could only read basic words and phrases. She tested into first grade, which was the appropriate grade for her then. Eight weeks later she was reading third-grade chapter books. She had completed two math workbooks. She will likely finish second grade mathematics within the next month or two and first grade by December.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Customize the BookShark Experience

    My experience with my oldest daughter’s learning journey taught me a valuable lesson: feel free to modify the homeschool journey. Sure, I just purchased first grade two months ago. My youngest can still use those materials when she gets older. Right now, Level C with third grade readers and language arts is best for my oldest daughter. I could stick my head in the sand and keep her at her current level, but why hold her back?

    She is progressing quickly. That’s how her brain is wired. As her teacher and her mother, I owe it to my daughter to support her in the best way possible. If my child needs more advanced readers then I will give them to her. BookShark gives me the flexibility to modify the difficulty of each school level up or down based on child ability. This flexibility is my favorite part of the curriculum.

    It’s All About Time Management

    Before I began teaching two levels I took the time to get organized. Organization is key for success in homeschooling, especially if you’re managing a household while you teach. I take my children to four activities and two play dates each week. I cook three meals a day from scratch. Ever since my husband was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder I have managed all of the housework, cared for our 37 birds and managed a good portion of the yard work and errands while he heals, and I owe it all to organization.

    It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to exist.

    Lean on the BookShark Monthly Calendar

    BookShark already makes life easy by providing parents with a printable calendar to organize your homeschool schedule. I use our calendar for all my daughters’ extracurricular activities and science experiments for the year. Before the year begins I flip through the science experiment books for each level and make sure:

    •  The experiments will fit with the weather over the year.
    • We have all our materials and that they all work
    • I have chosen a date each week that we are likely to have time for an experiment

    Then I write it down in my calendar in pencil. Life happens. Sometimes I need to change things around. Pencil makes that easy.

    Get a Day Planner

    I’m not sure why but I found the concept of a day planner very intimidating. Before I began homeschooling two levels at once I made all sorts of excuses to not use one. Let me be clear, day planners are essential for homeschooling success, at least in our home.

    Once again, they don’t have to be fancy. I tried many printable planners. The best one was a plain, old wide rule composition notebook.

    • At the top of the page I write the date and day of the week. Otherwise I forget what day it is. I also leave space for any house chores and homeschool prep that need to be completed that day.
    • On each line I write down, roughly, the hours of the day from when I wake up to the time I go to bed. I plan what we will eat and when I need to start cooking. I write down where we need  to drive that day and when we need to be in the car. I plan when my children will be practicing their electives and, roughly, when they will be in school.
    • At school times I make two columns, one for each student. I alternate between work they can do more or less independently and work that needs more supervision from me. When one child is working on independent work, like math or spelling, I might be doing a read aloud with the other. Some activities, like history and science, we do together since my daughters draw  different conclusions from the same project or read aloud.

    My schedule is not set in stone. It is a guide. Sometimes life comes up. Spontaneous play dates happen. If something is not finished one day, I write it on tomorrows page of my notebook.

    What this notebook does is take the stress off my memory. I don’t have to constantly remember everything I have to do in a day. I can reference my day planner any time, giving clarity to my thinking and allowing me to be more present with my children throughout the day.

    Be Present in the Moment

    Homeschooling multiple levels of children can be accomplished smoothly with the proper planning. Not only that, the entire experience can be fun and rewarding for everyone!

    Every family’s homeschooling journey is different. Take each day one moment at a time. Most of all, don’t be afraid to customize the Bookshark experience!

    I am a firm believer that by:

    Listening to my children

    Observing where they are in a given day

    Fostering a love of learning

    Using the tools available to me

    I can handle anything.

    BookShark has enabled me to optimize how I educate my children. I can customize each of my daughters’ school schedules and meet my children where they’re at, maximizing their homeschool experience.

    For my family, homeschooling is an ever-evolving process. I need a curriculum that provides the flexibility to ebb and flow with life’s changes. BookShark’s ability to conform to our lives has allowed our family to maintain a high quality of education in constantly changing circumstances – adapting to every unknown – helping us grow in love, and strength, together.

    About Our Author

    I’m Bianca, a mom of many hats. Our homeschool journey began in 2020, in the Green Mountain State of Vermont. When we’re not enjoying the splendor of the countryside, my family is immersed in our literature-based curriculum and school 7 days a week, year round. With two highly gifted and competitive daughters we keep a rigorous schedule, but always make time for our friends and family.

    You can usually find me in the homeschool room with a cup of apple tea, or shuttling my children to and from activities. I also operate a Facebook page, Northern Vermont Homeschoolers, to facilitate connection between the lovely homeschoolers of our great state. Read about our journey on my website Bianca’s Family.

  • Planning Your BookShark Homeschool in 3 Steps: From Box Day to Daily Lessons

    Planning Your BookShark Homeschool in 3 Steps: From Box Day to Daily Lessons

    So, you did it… You placed your order, eagerly stalked your shipment, and finally celebrated your BookShark Box Day! Whether you are new to BookShark or a longtime homeschooler, after happily unpacking your boxes and exploring the piles upon piles of books you just received, you may find yourself feeling a little intimidated. You might even be asking yourself:

    • Where am I going to put all of this?
    • Where do I begin?
    • How will we ever make it through all of these books?

    If you find yourself wondering about these things, don’t worry! You are not alone, and I am here to tell you it is not as scary as you might first think. With just a little bit of organization and preparation, you will quickly feel as though you have been using BookShark forever and maybe even have a few of your own tips to share.

    Organizing Your BookShark Materials

    1. Label

    The very first thing I recommend is labeling all the books in in your package. Some people like to put color coded stickers or write with Sharpies on the book binding, but I prefer sticking a mailing label on the inside of the book cover with the level written on it. With this method, if I lend a book out to someone all they have to do is open the book to see who it belongs to.

    (Time required: 10 minutes)

    2. Assemble

    Next, I assemble my Instructor’s Guides. BookShark has made assembling your Instructor’s Guide as painless as possible. The bottom of each page of the Instructor’s Guide lists these key parts:

    • Subject (Example: World History, Year 2 of 2)
    • What section the page is part of (Example: Section Two)
    • Week number (Example: Week 2)

    For this example, all of the pages with this label will be placed behind the Week 2 tab in the BookShark binder.

    (Time required: 10 minutes)

    3. Store

    Finally, it’s time to find a place to store your materials. I recommend using two separate shelves for each level—a student shelf and a teacher shelf. If your children are anything like mine, seeing a shelf full of all the materials they will be covering throughout the school year is daunting. I have one student shelf next to our desks that holds the weekly required materials and school supplies (pencils, erasers, dry erase markers, etc.).

    I store the rest of the materials on a teacher shelf on the other side of the room out of sight. By keeping only, the necessary materials close at hand, it is easier to find the books I need and to keep anxiety at bay.

    (Time required: 10 minutes)

    Phew! That wasn’t so bad, was it? It literally took me only 30 minutes to properly label, assemble, and store all of my books away. Now what about weekly preparations? I think you will be surprised by how little time is required to prepare for the upcoming homeschool day or week.

    Daily Homeschool Preparations with BookShark

    The daily preparations are by far the easiest steps to take. Since BookShark has everything completely scheduled for the week, I just quickly look over the assignments and discussion questions each day. This allows me to have an overview of what we will be learning about that day and to easily reach over and pull the assigned books off the student shelf.

    (Time required: 5 minutes)

    End-of-the-Week (or Beginning-of-the-Week) Preparations

    Since BookShark is planned to use a 4-day schedule, I dedicate a few minutes of my Friday end-of-the-week wrap-up with these tasks. Some moms prefer to do these on Sunday night before the week begins. Pick a time that works for you. 

    1. Restock the Student Shelf

    The end of the week is the perfect time to change out books. I put the books we have completed back on my teacher shelf, and add the new books we will be using in the upcoming week to the student shelf.

    2. Add Worksheets to Student Binders

    Next, I remove all the student activity sheets from the Instructor’s Guide and place them in the student binder.

    3. Gather Science Lab Materials

    Then I check the Science Instructor’s Guide to see if there are any household items required for the next lab assignment. I gather those plus anything we need from the included Science Kit in one area.

    (Time required: 10-15 minutes)

    It is as simple as that. At the start of the school year, you organize materials. Each week you do a bit of prep, and then each day you acquaint yourself with the assigned work. Your BookShark Instructor’s Guide carefully guides you through the rest.

    About the Author

    Roxanne Raiche is a book hoarding, coffee loving, homeschooling mama of three in Iron Mountain, Michigan. She is the voice behind Blushing Bibliophile.