10 Positives of Starting Homeschool in July

First Day of School

My two little ones – starting Pre-K 4 and First Grade! I hadn’t really planned to start our 2012-2013 school year Monday. However, we usually do start the last full week of July. Many things helped me make a last minute decision to start this week. Starting an Olympics unit study, new curriculum in the [...]

Ten Parts of the Hodgepodge Homeschool Schedule

10 Parts of Our Homeschool Schedule at Hodgepodge

A dear reader asked the question: Have you posted somewhere your schedule? Her question made me realize I have shared many of our homeschool habits here and there – even in a gigantic list. However, I’ve never typed out our basic school schedule, or order. Today’s 10 in 10 theme is 10 Things You Should [...]

10 Great Things About Teaching Multiple Ages

Teaching Multiple Ages

This is a Really Big Homeschool Year for us. A really big year. And I’m excited about it. Here’s why: 1. Homeschooling high school. The first year of high school – 9th grade! My eldest girl has been transitioning into rhetoric level over this last year. High school. Complete with SAT, college applications, driving, upper [...]

Help! I’m Homeschooling! 10 Pieces of Advice I Wish I’d Known

Help for Homeschoolers

Dear Homeschooler, There were so many titles I could have given this list: Encouragement for all homeschoolers, 10 pieces of advice for a new homeschooler, What I Wish I’d Known When We Started Homeschooling, My Best Advice, Don’t Let Homeschooling Get You Down. Whatever the title, I hope you will find something to urge you [...]

A Hodgepodge of FAQ Homeschool Questions

FAQs

Homeschooling is a journey. It’s a lifestyle. For me, it’s a passion. And, for others looking at us, it is sometimes a curiosity. I’m continually surprised at the type of questions I get from those intrigued by our homeschool. And I love to encourage fellow homeschoolers. So, today, I share with you the most frequently [...]

The Hodgepodge Homeschool Method

Hodgepodge method

Our homeschooling method is one that came about over time. Would it surprise you to know that our methods truly are a hodgepodge? One ingredient added. Another sifted in. Mixing slowly. Seasoning to taste. The roots of our method are classical. There’s a healthy dose of Charlotte Mason enrichment. Plus, the unit studies help us [...]

10 Nostalgic Read Alouds

Nostalgic Read Alouds

I love old books. By just looking at the covers of those pictured above, I can hear my grandparents’ voices in my mind. On those special nights my brother and I got to spend the night at their house, they would open a My Book House book or another favorite. Precious memories. So, even more [...]

Why Should You Homeschool? {Ten Reasons from the Hodgepodge}

Homeschool Reasons

I share the benefits of homeschooling all the time. But today, it’s the children making a top ten list of the reasons they like being homeschooled. Since we have five children, it only seemed fair and mathematical to ask them to each share two reasons. 1. School outside. {translation: enjoy those pretty days} 2. Takes [...]

Hodgepodge Top Ten Must Have Items

Must Have Items 2

Today I’m listing a hodgepodge of Top Ten Must Have items for Homeschooling. I’m spending 10 weeks sharing Top 10 lists with other homeschoolers at iHomeschoolNetwork. It’s a 10 in 10! I do have to say for this list that ‘items’ such as coffee, chocolate and date night with Hodgepodgedad are a given. Well, and [...]

Top 10 Favorite Websites to Use for Homeschooling

web links

Today I’m sharing two top ten lists! I’m participating in Angie @ Many Little Blessings‘ Top Ten Tuesday and with iHomeschool Network’s Ten Weeks of Top Ten Lists. Bonus! In addition to our Favorite Websites to Use for Homeschooling below, today I’m also continuing my Mama on Vacation series with a Top Ten Ideas for [...]

10 Creative Summer and Beach Art Projects

IMG_9567

With only a few school things to tie up, my thoughts turn to summer. Projects you can enjoy at home or the seashore! The Art of the Drip Castle – How to Make a Drip Sand Castle. Maybe the backyard sandbox? How to Make a Homemade Handprint Crab T-Shirt Beach Umbrellas Chalk Pastel Tutorial At [...]

10 Gift Ideas

Barbie Beach Bucket Gift

For Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, birthdays and more… 1. A Rose for Mother’s Day – We clip a rose from the front yard bush and wear it in honor of Mama on Mother’s Day. But it’s also tradition for my husband and the children to give me a new rose bush for the front yard. [...]