Extending Play

Posted by Donna Simmons

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, February 2004 Some of the most joyful moments I have  had as a homeschooling mom have come during our occasional ‘Boy Days’, days when my sons invite their friends over, en…

January Activities

Posted by Donna Simmons

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, January 2004, updated slightly in 2019 January can be a depressing month for many homeschoolers. Panic and guilt lurk just around the corner as well realize that the children have done…

The Value of Silence

Posted by Donna Simmons

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, January 2004 In my mind, I visualize Advent time to be like a huge balloon, building, building, building, getting bigger and then POP! Christmas Day, which in my family is also…

Non-Commercial Christmas

Posted by Donna Simmons

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, December 2003 Advent in America… hmmm… not much awaiting of the Light in our local Wal-Mart or in the orgy of holiday specials advertised on TV. It’s such an assault on…

Cultivating Perseverance

Posted by Donna Simmons

This article was first published in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, November 2003 By Donna Simmons As I struggle to write this newsletter, I am half listening to my husband and sons having their recorder lesson. My sons would rather not…

Creating Good Readers

Posted by Donna Simmons

Another oldie but goodie which I have recently updated. Much of what follows forms the basis for how I approach language arts throughout our curriculum…so if you relate to what follows, you’ll love our curriculum! One of the most rewarding…

Schedules

Posted by Donna Simmons

This article first appeared in the Homeschool Journey newsletter, June 2005 By the time this newsletter gets to you all, it’ll be late June … and many of you will be starting to collect your thoughts about next year. Many…