shallow focus photography of paintbrush
Education & Homeschooling

TinkerSketch May Art Challenge Courtesy of TinkerLab

I’ve been a fan of TinkerLab’s art, science and STEM projects for some time, but for some reason, I didn’t realize they had this monthly challenge. I think it will be a lot of fun to undertake this challenge with the kids! Head on over to TinkerLab to learn more about the May TinkerSketch art challenge – …

pile of books
Education & Homeschooling

Not a Secular Curriculum: Bookshark

“Bookshark literature-based homeschool curriculum provides parents with engaging full-grade learning programs that offer unrivaled educational outcomes” Source: Bookshark is Literature-Based Homeschool Curriculum | BookShark I was a bit bummed this past weekend. I happened upon Bookshark, and thought, “Wow! This looks great – it’s Sonlight without the religion.” Then, I took a closer look. Unfortunately, Bookshark’s …

Books & Reading

Book Review: True Stories from an Unreliable Eyewitness by Christine Lahti

I have a little bit of a confession: I spent many hours watching Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. So many, in fact, that every time I run I wonder if maybe I’ll discover a body. That’s neither here nor there, because I’m about to tell you why i’m telling you about my previous SVU obsession: Christine Lahti …

ground group growth hands
Education & Homeschooling

What Life Skills Are You Teaching Your Children?

My small ones love helping around the house with various tasks. Here they are, using the stud finder and measuring tape to “help” mount the television set in our master bedroom. What sorts of chores/tasks do you let children help with? Do you have a list of skills you’d like them to learn by the …

crop kid sitting on floor and writing in notebook
Education & Homeschooling

A Secular Homeschooler in Wichita

I figured that before I start writing about all sorts of homeschooling topics – finding secular curriculum, educational philosophy, etc. It would be best to start the journey here by introducing myself and talking a bit about my own personal homeschooling journey. First of all, I live in Kansas (I actually come from California), and …

Books & Reading

Book Review: How We Work by Leah Weiss

We can all use tips for being more productive in the workplace.  In How We Work by Leah Weiss, she explores how to be more productive, successful, and mindful in our daily interactions with the work we do.  Her book is another addition to the genre of business success books that advocate practicing mindfulness as a …

Books & Reading

Book Review: Scenes and Sequels by Mike Klaassen

As a writer, I know it’s important to continually improve my craft. So, when I was offered a review copy of Mike Klaassen’s Scenes and Sequels: How to Write Page-Turning Fiction, I jumped at the chance.   Klaassen gives two definitions. He writes: With that in mind, I define a scene as a passage of writing in which …