Author: Catherine Hays
How long is a typical homeschool day?
Many homeschooling families wonder how long a typical homeschool day should be. The answer is that this varies for each student and each family, and will change as the child gets older. In the early grades, the parent is completely involved in the learning process, but as the child moves through the grades, more and
Continue readingSummer Reading List 2021 for Families & Students K-8
Our K-8 teachers are always reading, and they love sharing their recommendations with Oak Meadow families! These summer reading books can be used to supplement your homeschool curriculum or as a nice break from day to day schooling. While we order these books by grade level, keep in mind that these are just suggestions —
Continue readingTeaching Reading & Writing: Oak Meadow’s Approach
In the early grades (K-2), Oak Meadow’s primary focus in language arts is building a strong foundation of skills needed for reading and writing. Our approach is gentle and no-pressure; we believe children begin to read and write when they are ready. The development of literacy is a complex task that involves two primary skills:
Continue readingOutdoor Activities for Homeschoolers: Take Inspiration from Literary Adventures!
Literature often inspires nature activities, and it’s fun to carry literary themes into the outdoors. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George tells an amazing story of a boy who decides to live in the wild, and he finds a hollowed-out tree to make his home. Older readers may be intrigued by Call
Continue readingSummer Reading List 2020 for Families & Students K-8
Summer offers a perfect opportunity for students to choose from some insightful and fun reading options outside the homeschool curriculum. While we order these books by grade level, keep in mind that these are just suggestions — your student should feel free to explore whichever of these summer reading books catch their eye based on
Continue readingTeaching Kids About Social Justice & Racism
Together we feel the collective sadness and anger we are experiencing as a nation. The horrific killing of George Floyd at the hands of police has been yet another painful reminder of how very far our country is from being a land of racial justice that lives up to its own ideals of freedom and
Continue readingHomeschooling During Coronavirus
Oak Meadow has been here for you since 1975, and we want to offer as much help as we can to families during this time of need. Parents naturally have questions as they explore educational options, but with so much uncertainty surrounding us all these days, we know that, now more than ever, parents need
Continue readingPaper Marbling
This craft activity is taken from Oak Meadow’s 6th Grade Ancient Civilizations Curriculum. Paper marbling, an activity in our 6th Grade Ancient Civilizations course, is a beautiful craft activity that unleashes your child’s creativity. Use this handmade paper to frame your student’s work; or you can marble envelopes along with sheets of writing paper to
Continue readingDinosaur Craft Activities
Is there anything more fun than dinosaur crafts? Channel your inner archaeologist, and get ready to explore the wide world of dinosaur craft activities. Dinosaur Felt Animals Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? They’ve never been cuter than this. Here is a felt animal plush pattern you can use to sew your very own. Use them to
Continue readingHow to Manage Stress in High School & Find Balance
As a homeschooler, seeking balance is essential. Being out of balance almost always leads to feelings of stress, which can limit our ability to absorb new information and engage with learning in a meaningful way. Here are some tips to help you maintain a sense of balance and joy amidst the day-to-day stresses of high
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