|
National Pi day is celebrated every year on March 14th, 3/14. What is Pi? It is not some delicious fruit dessert you have on holidays. That is pie. Pi is a number that is used in math, music theory, and theoretical physics. However, in this article, we are going to focus on its use in math and circles and how this simple but complex number helps us with calculations with fun pi day activities. History of Pi DayIf you needed to build a fence around a circle, you would need to know the measurement around the circle called the circumference. For thousands of years, the importance of Pi has been recognized in order to determine the circumference of a circle. The circumference is the distance of the outside of a circle. In March of 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution that proclaimed March 14th as National Pi Day every year. Do you know why this date was chosen as Pi Day? Let's see if we can find out why.  How Do You Find the Circumference of a Circle?Look at the circle to the left. How many inches do you think it is around the circle? Now, take a string or yarn and try to place it around the circle on circumference. Then place the string on a ruler to determine the distance around the circle. As you can see, it is difficult to measure the circumference very precisely with the string. Several early civilizations were aware of a number that would help make these calculations precise and easy to find. Let's examine a circle and its parts before we continue.  How to Label Parts of a CircleThe circumference is the outside line of the circle and the midpoint is exactly in the middle of the circle. This point is made when a circle is drawn with a compass. To determine the diameter of the circle, you must draw a line from the circumference on one side of the midpoint to the circumference on the other side, being sure to go through the midpoint. The radius of the circle is a distance from the midpoint to the circumference; or half the distance of the diameter. Learning More Facts About Pi Early civilizations knew that every circle has the same ratio of its circumference to its diameter. By the start of the 20th century, about 500 digits of pi were known. With computation advances, thanks to computers, we now know more than the first six billion digits of pi. How can a number have that many digits and be useful to us? Pi is the same as 22/7. If you work out that division problem, the numbers will go on and on with no repeats. The number begins 3.141592653589793238… and goes on. In order for us to use it in a more precise way, Pi is considered to be 3.14. Pi is used in equations to determine not only the circumference of a circle but also the area of one. Pi is represented by the lowercase Greek letter for P, π. What Is Pi Used For?So how do we use π? The circumference of a circle is determined by solving one of these equations: C = 2 πr Circumference = 2 times Pi times the radius C = dπ Circumference = diameter times Pi What is the circumference of a circle with a diameter of 4 inches? C = 2 x 3.14 x 2 = 12.56 inches C = 4 x 3.14 = 12.56 inches Pi is also used to determine the area of a circle. r2 A = 2 squared times pi A = 4 x 3.14 A = 12.56 in squared More Pi Day ActivitiesTry some of these fun pi day activities in order to learn more about pi and expand you math skills this national pi day.
0 Comments
 We live in a world where texting, emails, and social media make communication almost instant. But have you ever received a handwritten letter in the mail? Learning how to write a letter to a friend is a simple yet meaningful skill that can strengthen your relationships in ways digital messages can’t. There’s something magical about holding a letter from a friend—seeing their handwriting, knowing they took the time to sit down and write just for you. It feels personal, thoughtful, and honestly, kind of special. Writing letters may seem old-fashioned, but trust me, learning how to write a letter to a friend is one of the best ways to show someone you care. Whether it’s catching up, sharing exciting news, or simply reminding a friend how much they mean to you, a letter has a way of making people feel valued. So, if you’ve never written a letter to a friend before (or it’s been a while), let’s dive into how to write a letter to a friend in a way that feels natural, fun, and meaningful.  Have you ever received a letter from a friend and felt an instant sense of joy? Unlike a quick text or social media message, a letter carries a sense of thoughtfulness and care that makes it truly special. Writing a letter to friend isn’t just about sharing updates. It’s about strengthening your bond, creating lasting memories, and showing someone that they matter. Why Write a Letter to a Friend?I get it—texting is quick and easy. So why bother writing a letter? Well, a letter is different. It’s slower, more intentional, and lasts longer than a fleeting message on a screen. Unlike a formal letter (which can feel stiff and structured), a letter to a friend is personal, warm, and full of your personality. Here are a few great reasons to write a letter to a friend:
There’s something special about knowing your words will make someone smile when they open that envelope (or email, if you’re going digital). If you want to know about how to write a letter to a friend, let’s dive in! How to Write a Friendly LetterYour tone should match your relationship with your friend. That’s the first step of how to write a letter to a friend. If you’re writing to a childhood bestie, you might be playful and full of inside jokes. If your friend is struggling, you might take a more comforting, supportive approach. The goal is to make it feel like a conversation—just on paper. Here are the ways to start a letter:
See the difference? The beauty of letter writing is that you can adapt your style to fit the moment.  How to Write a Letter to a FriendFriendship Letter Salutations Every good friendship letter starts with a greeting. This is where you set the tone right away. Here are some options depending on how formal or fun you want to be:
Choose what feels right for your friendship. If you’re interested in learning different tones in your writing, check out the guide on tones in writing. Ways to Start a LetterThe first few lines are important in how to write a letter to a friend because they set the tone of your message. A strong opening grabs your friend’s attention and makes them excited to keep reading. Some easy ways to start:
The key is to make it feel natural—just like if you were talking in person. Body of a Friendship Letter Now, onto the good stuff—the actual content of your friendship letter! Here’s a simple way to organize your thoughts:
If you’re not sure what to write, here are a few prompts to help you:
Concluding a Letter to a Friend You want to end your letter on a happy, warm note. Some great ways to wrap things up:
For your closing sign-off, try:
If you’re feeling creative, you could even add a doodle or a P.S. note at the end for an extra fun touch. If you need guidance, you can check out the recent guide on how to use P.S. in emails and letters. Friendly Letter Example Here’s a friendly letter example to get you started: Hey Emma, I hope you’re doing great! It feels like forever since we last talked, and I miss our coffee shop chats. How have you been? Life has been busy on my end, but I finally took that trip I was telling you about. It reminded me so much of our old adventures—I swear, every little thing made me think, “Emma would love this.” By the way, I saw that you started your new job. Congratulations! I know you’re going to be amazing at it. Let’s catch up soon; I want to hear all about it! Write back when you can. Miss you tons! Your friend, Mia Writing a Letter to a FriendHonestly, writing letters isn’t just about keeping in touch. It's about making someone’s day. It’s a small act of kindness that can have a big impact. Plus, it helps you slow down and really think about what you want to say, which makes conversations more meaningful. Learning how to write a letter to a friend is also a great way to build important life skills like communication and empathy. It teaches you to express yourself clearly, consider others’ feelings, and be more intentional with your words. ConclusionAt the end of the day, a letter to a friend is one of the simplest yet most heartfelt ways to show you care. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be you. Whether you’re sharing exciting news, offering support, or just saying hello, your words will mean more than you realize. This is a great skill to teach your children. Find ways to encourage them to write letters or just notes to people in their life. If you would like to strengthen their writing skills, here are a few tools to help you. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow to start a letter to a friend?
Starting a letter to a friend should feel natural and personal, just like a real conversation. Begin with a friendly greeting that matches your relationship, such as “Hey [Name],” “Hi [Name]!” or the classic “Dear [Name],” depending on the tone you want to set. If you want to be more playful, you can start with something fun like “Guess who’s writing to you?” or “To my amazing friend [Name],” to grab their attention.
After the greeting, use an engaging opening line to make the letter feel warm and inviting. You might ask about them with something like, “How have you been? It feels like forever since we last talked!” or mention a shared memory, such as, “I was just thinking about that hilarious time we [fun experience]—still makes me laugh!”
You can also start with a personal update, like “So much has happened since we last caught up! You won’t believe what happened last week.” Whatever approach you take, the goal is to make your friend feel excited to keep reading, setting the stage for a heartfelt and enjoyable letter. How to write a friendly letter?
Writing a friendly letter is all about making your message feel warm, personal, and engaging—just like a real conversation. Start with a greeting that sets the tone, such as “Hey [Name],” or “Dear [Name],” depending on how formal or casual you want to be. Then, open with an engaging line. Ask how they’ve been, mention a shared memory, or share an exciting update about your life.
In the body of the letter, keep things natural and conversational. Share stories, ask questions, and express genuine interest in your friend’s life. If they’re going through a tough time, offer words of encouragement.  Have you ever made up a story in your head? Maybe you imagined a talking cat, a magical forest, or a thrilling treasure hunt. Stories are everywhere! Learning how to write a short story lets your imagination run wild, helps you practice writing, and even makes it easier to express your thoughts and feelings. The best part? Short stories don’t take forever to write! They’re perfect for homeschool projects because you can complete one in a day or two. In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a short story from start to finish—and have a lot of fun along the way. Step 1: Finding Your Story IdeaEvery great story starts with an idea. But where do ideas come from? The good news is, they’re everywhere. If you’re thinking about how to write a perfect short story, you’re at the right place! Start with Your Interests Think about what excites you. Do you love short fiction? Animals? Magic? Superheroes? The best stories come from things that interest you. If you write about something you love, the words will flow more easily. Story Starters and Prompts If you're not sure where to start, try using a fun writing prompt! Here are a few ideas for how to write a short story outline:
Pick a prompt that excites you, and let’s move on to the next step! Step 2: Create Fun and Memorable CharactersNow that you have a story idea, it's time to create your main character. Every great story needs someone to root for! Who is Your Main Character? Is your main character a brave hero? A curious explorer? A talking dog? Think about what makes them special. It is the most important step in how to write a great short story. Ask Questions About Your Character To make your character feel real, ask yourself:
This could be a great start in the process of how to write a short story. If you’re looking for assistance, you can use online prompt generator tools to generate new ideas. Draw Your Characters A fun way to get to know your character is to draw them! You don’t have to be a great artist—just sketching a simple picture can help you picture them better in your mind. Step 3: Plan a Simple Plot (The Adventure Map!)A short story doesn’t need a complicated plot—just a fun problem and a solution. Think of it like a little adventure! Basic Story Map:
Example Plot Outline:
Keeping it simple makes writing fun and easy. If you’re an aspiring writer, this guide will help you in learning how to write fiction stories. Step 4: Build a Magical SettingNow that you have your characters and a plot, where does your story take place? The setting is important in the process of how to write a short story because it helps bring your story to life. Where Does the Story Happen? Does your story take place in a dark forest, a spaceship, or a castle made of candy? Use the Five Senses Make your setting feel real by using the five senses:
Drawing the Setting Try drawing a quick map of your story’s world. This helps you visualize where your characters will go. Step 5: Write the First DraftNow it’s time to start writing! This is the fun part in navigating through how to write a short story. Don’t worry about making it perfect yet. Let the Words Flow Write without stopping! Don’t worry about spelling or grammar mistakes—you can fix those later. Set a Timer Try writing for 15-20 minutes without distractions. You’ll be surprised at how much you can write! Use Exciting Words Make your story fun to read by using action words like:
These words make your story exciting. If you want to learn about paragraph writing, check out our paragraph writing for kids that teaches the basic skills of composition, with special emphasis on the thought processes necessary for clear, organized writing. Helping Younger Students WriteFor younger students who have a more difficult time getting their thoughts down on paper, it may help to have them “team” write with their parents. In this, they talk through ideas while the parent gently keeps them on track and directed. The student can also dictate the story to the parent. Again, the teacher gives nudges and direction to help if they get bogged down by throwing out suggestions when appropriate. This exercise is fun and bonding. Team writing makes the student feel more successful and acts as a kind of apprenticeship for future writing. Step 6: Make Your Story Shine (Editing Time!)After you finish your first draft, it’s time to make it even better. Read Aloud Reading your story out loud helps you hear if anything sounds weird or awkward. It should be the most important step in the process of writing a short story. Fix and Add More Ask yourself:
Use a Checklist:
Suggestion: If you want to be a pro in writing essays and stories, you can get a Wordsmith book today from our homeschool resources. Step 7: Add the Final TouchesNow that your story is polished, let’s make it look like a real book! Draw a Cover Design a fun cover with a title and picture. Decorate the Pages Add drawings, borders, or fun fonts to make your story extra special. Title Ideas: If you need help picking a title, try one like:
Suggestion: In case you’re seeking some design guides, check out this read on book cover design tips.  Sharing the StoryNow that your short story is finished and you’ve got your answer on how to write a short story for school, share it with others! Read to Family or Friends Plan a special “Story Time” at home and read your story aloud. Create a Story Book Staple the pages together or put them in a binder to make your own book. Story Showcase Submit your story to a homeschool writing contest or share it at a co-op event. If you want your kids to be well-versed in writing short stories, you can check out our short story guides.  Fun Writing Challenges (For Extra Practice!)Want to keep practicing your creative short story writing? Try these fun challenges: 30-Minute Story Challenge Set a timer for 30 minutes and write a full short story! Change the Ending Rewrite a favorite story and give it a new twist. Story Cube Game Roll dice with different story elements (character, setting, problem) and create a brand-new adventure. Final ThoughtsWriting short stories is a fantastic way to use your imagination and have fun. Whether your story is silly, magical, or adventurous, every story you write is special. There’s no right or wrong way to tell a story—just write what makes you happy! If you’re thinking about how to write a short story, it's super easy. Start a story collection or keep a journal for new ideas. Remember, your voice is unique, and the world is waiting to hear your stories. So grab your pencil and start writing—your next adventure is just a page away! For more writing opportunities, start a story writing club! Our guide, Page Turners, will lead your group of writers through an eight-week creative writing course. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long does it take to write a short story?
The time it takes to write a story depends on the story’s length, complexity, and how much planning you do beforehand. A simple short story can be written in a single sitting, often within an hour or two, especially if you already have an idea in mind. It can be quite easy and doesn’t take a lot of time. How to write short stories for beginners?
Writing a short story as a beginner is all about keeping it simple and fun! Begin with choosing a topic that excites you—whether it’s an adventure, a mystery, or a talking animal.
Then, create a main character with a goal or problem to solve. Use basic sentence structures: introduce the character and setting, add a challenge or exciting event, and finish with a resolution. Don’t worry about writing perfectly on the first try. Just get your ideas down! How to write a short story step by step?
Writing a short story is easy when you follow a step-by-step process. Start by finding an idea that excites you, whether it's a magical adventure, a funny talking animal, or a thrilling mystery. Next, create your main character by thinking about what makes them special and what problem or challenge they will face.
Plan a simple plot using three elements of the process of how to write a short story: the beginning (introducing the character and setting), the middle (where something exciting or challenging happens), and the end (where the problem is solved or the adventure is completed). Bring your story to life by describing the setting using the five senses, then dive into writing your final draft.  High school is a critical period in a young person’s life, where they develop academic knowledge, social skills, and the foundation for future success. However, beyond traditional subjects like math, science, and literature, there are essential high school life skills that every student should learn to navigate adulthood with confidence. For homeschooling families, there is a unique advantage—flexibility. Homeschooling allows parents to integrate practical life skills into daily lessons, ensuring their children graduate with both academic knowledge and real-world competencies. These essential skills help teens develop independence, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to handle adulthood effectively. Below is a list of ten fundamental high school life skills that every student should master before entering adulthood.  Financial LiteracyOne of the most valuable skills a student out of high school should have is financial literacy. Understanding how to manage money ensures young adults make wise financial choices, avoid debt, and build a stable future. Key financial topics include:
Suggested Activities: Have your teen create a mock budget based on a monthly allowance or part-time job income. Encourage them to track their spending for a week to identify areas for improvement.  Time ManagementEffective time management is crucial for success in both academic and personal life. It is one of the grown up skills everyone should learn in high school. Poor time management often leads to stress, procrastination, and missed deadlines Helpful techniques include:
Suggested Activities: Have your teen plan their weekly schedule, incorporating schoolwork, chores, and personal activities. This will help them balance responsibilities and leisure effectively.  Communication SkillsStrong communication skills are essential for personal and professional success. Whether in college, the workplace, or social settings, the ability to articulate thoughts clearly makes a lasting impression. It should be added to the life skills curriculum for students. Key areas to focus on include:
Suggested Activities: Conduct a mock job interview or have your teen write a formal email to practice professional communication. Check out this guide on how to write a professional email for students. For a structured approach to developing strong writing and communication skills, explore our Wordsmith Curriculum, a literature-based program designed to help students express themselves clearly and confidently.  Cooking and Meal PlanningCooking is one of the fundamental life skills for teens that promotes self-sufficiency and a healthier lifestyle. Understanding nutrition and meal planning can also help teens make better dietary choices. Essential skills include:
Suggested Activities: Assign a “family dinner night” where your teen is responsible for planning, shopping, and preparing a meal.  Basic Home MaintenanceKnowing how to take care of a home prevents minor issues from becoming major problems. Every teen should understand how to handle simple repairs and maintenance tasks. Key maintenance life skills include:
Suggested Activities: Assign your teen a DIY home repair project, such as fixing a loose cabinet handle or assembling furniture. Check out this article on 5 Home Maintenance Skills Every Teen Should Learn for inspiration.  Critical Thinking and Problem-SolvingCritical thinking helps students analyze situations, make informed decisions, and navigate challenges effectively. These skills are crucial for everything from academic success to real-world decision-making. Here’s how to foster critical thinking with these life skill activities for high school students:
Suggested Activities: Present a real-life scenario—such as planning a budget for a vacation—and have your teen find a solution based on set constraints.  Personal Hygiene and Self-CareDeveloping good hygiene and self-care habits is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Teaching teens to take responsibility for their personal health fosters discipline and self-respect. Key areas include:
Suggested Activities: Have your teen create a personal hygiene and self-care checklist to follow daily. Check out this guide to hygiene tips and healthy habits for teens.  Conflict ResolutionThe ability to resolve conflicts effectively is a key component of building strong relationships, both personally and professionally. These life skills for young adults are essential to handle disagreements constructively. Important strategies include:
Suggested Activities: Role-play common conflict scenarios, such as disagreements with siblings or friends, and practice resolving them using different techniques.  Career and College ReadinessPreparing for life after high school is essential, whether students choose college, a trade, or the workforce. Career readiness skills help teens navigate job searches and higher education applications. Key areas to focus on:
Suggested Activities: Have your teen draft a resume based on their extracurricular activities, skills, and work experience. Conduct a mock interview to help them practice answering questions confidently.  Digital Literacy and Online SafetyIn today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy is a must. Teens need to know how to navigate the internet safely and use technology effectively. Important topics include:
Suggested Activities: Teach your teen about cybersecurity by discussing common online scams and how to protect personal information. Assign a research project where they must use only credible online sources. ConclusionMastering these ten essential high school life skills can help students transition into adulthood with confidence. From managing finances to cooking, time management, and communication, each skill plays a role in shaping responsible, independent individuals. At Common Sense Press, we believe education should be engaging, practical, and rooted in real-world application. Our literature-based curriculum helps homeschooling families cultivate essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication—all foundational for lifelong success. With the right tools and resources, parents can ensure their teens are well-prepared not just for academics, but for life beyond the classroom. Frequently Asked QuestionsShould Homeschooling Include Everyday Life Skills?
Yes, you should teach your kids everyday high school life skills alongside academic subjects to better prepare students for adulthood. While traditional education focuses on math, science, and literature, essential life skills like financial literacy, time management, communication, and basic home maintenance are just as important. These high school life skills help students navigate real-world responsibilities, such as budgeting, cooking, and resolving conflicts. Do Life Skills Matter in a Homeschool Curriculum?
Yes, high school life skills should be taught because academic knowledge alone isn’t enough to prepare students for adulthood. Skills like financial literacy, communication, time management, and problem-solving are essential for success in everyday life. Teaching high school life skills alongside traditional subjects helps students develop independence, confidence, and the ability to navigate real-world challenges.  Although Disney Land is often called “the happiest place on earth,” there is another place that many would argue deserves that title. A place where hours have been spent experiencing new places, people, and ideas. It’s easy to get to and doesn’t cost a dime. It is known as the Public Library. Get to know your local public library this National Library Lovers’ Month. Celebrating National Library Lovers’ MonthFebruary is National Library Lovers’ Month. It's a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable role libraries play in our communities. More than just places to borrow books, libraries are hubs for learning, creativity, and connection. They offer free access to countless resources, including digital materials, educational programs, and community events. Whether you're seeking a quiet corner to read, tools to research a new topic, or simply a welcoming space to unwind, libraries provide a world of discovery. As technology evolves, public libraries continue to adapt, offering innovative ways to engage with literature, knowledge, and culture. From e-book lending services to creative workshops and access to specialized databases, there's something for everyone to explore. This February, celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month by visiting your local public library. Discover new books, attend events, and uncover all the hidden gems your library has to offer.  Explore The Four Main Library SectionsThis National Library Lovers’ Month there are four main sections you can find at your local library. Each has a different way to navigate and search for information. Fiction Section: This section is creative and usually narrative work. Fiction is arranged alphabetically by the author's last name from A to Z. Nonfiction Section: This section contains factual writing, such as biographies and historical accounts, based on real people and events. Nonfiction is arranged by the numbers of the Dewey Decimal System. The Dewey Decimal System is a library classification system that organizes information into ten broad categories, each assigned one hundred numbers and then by the author's last name. Download the chart below and take it with you when you go to the library to teach your child how to use and find information using the Dewey Decimal System. Reference Section: A library's reference section is a collection of resources for basic research and quick fact checks. It often includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlas, bibliographies. Often these tools may not be checked out of the library, but they are easy to use if you visit. Periodical Section: This section contains periodicals which are publications released regularly, containing a variety of articles. Magazines, newspapers, and journals are all periodicals. A regular schedule dictates the release of new issues, each packed with new articles, and arranged alphabetically. These releases can be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.  National Library Lovers’ Library Scavenger HuntCelebrate National Library Lovers’ Month with a fun and educational library scavenger hunt! This engaging activity encourages participants to explore the four key sections of the library: fiction, nonfiction, reference, and periodicals. Hunt for authors, discover hidden treasures in nonfiction topics, locate essential facts in the reference section, and browse the latest magazines and journals in periodicals. Along the way, you'll learn about the vast resources libraries offer while gaining a deeper appreciation for how each section can spark imagination, curiosity, and knowledge. Whether you're a library enthusiast or a newcomer, this interactive adventure is a great way to connect with your local library in a whole new way. Download this Library Scavenger Hunt to play during your next visit to the library.  Interview a Librarian for National Library Lovers’ MonthOlder students can learn more about the library by interviewing a librarian. Make an appointment and take notes. After the interview, write a report about what you have learned. If possible, present your report to family, friends, or classmates. Sample questions: How did you get to be a librarian? What do you like best about your job? What do you like least about your job? What process is used in choosing new books to add to the library? What do I do if the library doesn’t have a book that I want? What happens to old books and magazines when they are no longer needed? How are libraries funded? What kinds of events does the library hold? What kinds of jobs do library volunteers do? Remember Library EtiquetteEven though National Library Lovers’ Day is exciting, it’s still important to practice proper library etiquette. Remind your child to use their library manners when they visit the library.
Other Services To Explore During National Library Lovers’ MonthBesides checking out books, the library provides many other services for you and your child to explore as you learn about the library. Information and Reference Services: Librarians are trained to help you find information through books, databases, and the internet. Librarians are so available to help you understand how to use library resources. Internet and Computer Access: Libraries offer free access to computers and the internet. These are especially helpful to those who do not have a home computer. They also provide printing, copying, and scanning services. Educational Programs: Libraries offer diverse educational programs, such as story times for children, homework help for students, and adult education classes. Community Spaces: Most libraries serve the community by providing space for club meetings, social gatherings, and other special events. Specialized Services: Some libraries offer specialized services like adult literacy, genealogy assistance, English as a second language classes, and business classes for entrepreneurs. Digital Resources: Libraries provide access to e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music. InterLibrary Loan (ILL): Libraries are able to borrow materials from other libraries if the books you want are not in your local library system. Love Your LibraryIn a world where learning can happen anytime and anywhere, libraries remain a cornerstone for both traditional and home-based education. They provide access to endless resources, from research materials and curated literature to educational workshops and digital tools that support every stage of learning. As we celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month, it’s the perfect time to recognize the immense value libraries bring to homeschooling families and lifelong learners alike. Whether you're seeking curriculum support, research help, or simply a cozy corner to spark inspiration, your local library is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Visit today and unlock new pathways to learning and discovery! National Library Lovers’ Month FAQsWhat is library lovers month?
Libraries are in the spotlight this February during Library Lovers’ Month. Now is the time to acknowledge and honor libraries' essential contributions to our communities, celebrating their impact on our lives. How to celebrate library lovers month?
Celebrate library lovers month by losing yourself in a good book, crafting your own stories, or sharing favorite tales. Help your child discover the joy of reading and visit your local public library. What do the following questions have in common? What Shakespearean play is known as “the cursed play?” What detective series focuses on two brothers, Frank and Joe? Where is Starfleet Headquarters located in the original Star Trek series? What are the names of Cinderella’s two wicked stepsisters? Who finds the first Golden Ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? (answers below) These are all trivia questions.  What is Trivia?Trivia is bits of unimportant information and it can be used as a powerful tool for your child’s learning by using classroom trivia games. In the 1960’s and 70’s trivia nights sprang up on college campuses in the US, while pub quizzes became popular in the United Kingdom. In 1966, The Great Midwest Trivia Contest began at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. The first question was “Who is Superman’s father?” (answer – Jor-El) In 1979, this love for obscure facts launched one of the world’s most famous board games, Trivial Pursuit. This popular game quizzed players in six categories: geography, entertainment, sports and leisure, history, arts and literature, and science and nature. Trivial Pursuit was inducted into the “Games Hall of Fame” in 1993. By 2014, over 100 million games had been sold. Celebrating National Trivia DayOne of the first holidays of the new year is National Trivia Day which falls on January 4. Without even realizing it, our brains are constantly storing information. Recalling this information has become an entertaining pastime. How to Make a Trivia GameTelevision embraced the trivia mania in 1964 when the game show Jeopardy debuted. Today, you can easily play classroom trivia games like jeopardy online by going to https://jeopardylabs.com/ where you can find jeopardy games on any subject or create your own games by using the jeopardy generator. The game board can be projected onto a large screen just like the one found on the tv program. You can create classroom trivia questions about history, science, movies, literature, etc. It’s fun and easy to create a game that fits your group’s or family’s interests. Here’s a free download from one of our family’s get-togethers. You can see that we love sci-fi, literature, movies, and Christmas! Answers:
Macbeth The Hardy Boys San Francisco Drizella and Anastasia Augustus Gloop  Homeschool planning usually begins with listing out the subjects that you want to cover with your children. After deciding on your math, science, and language arts programs, you are now faced with the question of how to integrate the study of history with the rest of your choices. Let’s examine the many different factors of choosing the best homeschool history curriculum for your family. Homeschool History Curriculum Overview and Different TypesThe traditional approach to learning history is to sit down, crack open a textbook, and read an account of dates, names and facts. It is no wonder that many children find this approach boring. Memorizing numbers and dry facts about the past seems irrelevant and unrelatable to many of us. So how can you bring history alive for your students and inspire an interest in the people and events that came before us? There are many choices that you will have to make on the path to choosing the right homeschool history curriculum. Do you want a Christian curriculum or a secular curriculum? Choosing a homeschool history curriculum can be difficult because not all authors will share your worldview. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid exposing your children to opinions with which you disagree. It can be good practice for them to face opposing worldviews while you are there to guide them. It simply means you should do your homework. Do you want to study history in chronological order or a thematic order? Some people choose to study history on a timeline. A chronological study of world history would begin in ancient times, move on to medieval times, and end in modern times. American history would likely start in colonial times and move forward from there. For a thematic study, you would choose a single event or topic and do a deep dive into it. For example, you could do a study of the major wars that have happened around the world. Do you want to learn about history through a textbook or through living stories? Every child has their own learning style, but it is the opinion of us here at Common Sense Press that the best way to learn history is through stories. I may not always remember the exact dates of the Revolutionary War, but I will always remember riding alongside Peaceable Sherwood as he mobilized the British loyalists under the nose of Richard Grahame in The Sherwood Ring. Aside from the feeling that I lived that period of time, I also gained an interest in writing secret messages in code, researching family trees, and maneuvering your way out of tricky situations. Realizing that the people in history had personalities, dreams, struggles, and relationships, just like we do now, goes a long way in connecting students with the past. When kids are connected, and engaged, the study of history becomes a whole lot easier and more meaningful. Why choose a family-style homeschool history curriculum? Certain subjects can be taught family-style, like geography, science, and art. History is one of those subjects. Family-style learning is when students of multiple grade levels work through a curriculum together. Everyone learns about the topic, but the older students dive deeper into the subject matter, while the younger students are simply introduced to the basic concepts. Our Learning American History Through Literature book is one example of a family-style homeschool history curriculum. In the lesson on the colonial period, you (the teacher) will read the introduction to the time period, then the younger students can choose a short, age-appropriate book from the provided reading list, while the older students choose a chapter book. Then, a more advanced student might decide to write a research paper on the Mayflower Compact, while the younger kids make a corn husk doll. Together, they can make Johnny Cakes and play games played by children of that period. Customizing Homeschool History CurriculumThe beauty of homeschooling is that you are able to customize any curriculum that you choose so that it fits your family’s needs. Every child has a different learning style, and every parent has their own teaching style. Find a homeschool history curriculum that works well with both styles. Our Learning American History Through Literature program is presented as a “buffet” of activities. In each lesson, there are reading lists, crafts, games, and recipes that you can choose from to create a history lesson that is engaging for your child specifically. Some people may like a more structured approach and opt to go with a textbook-style history curriculum. There are also video programs for kids who learn well by watching and listening. The subject of history is not an island. Your history program will inevitably overlap with other subjects that you are working on. Take advantage of this by matching your homeschool history curriculum with your literature studies, your Bible program, or even your science experiments! If you are studying American Literature with your student, that may be a great time to study American History. The literature study will reinforce the information being learned in the history study, and vice versa. Interactive History Activities If history seems dry and boring to your students, there are plenty of educational activities that will shake things up a bit. While studying the civil war, sign up for a civil war reenactment. When you’re working through the medieval period, enjoy a day at a Renaissance Fair. Spend the week beforehand putting together period-appropriate outfits. As a family of cosplayers, we’ve learned that events are more fun when you dress for the theme! Not only will the hands-on activities deepen understanding and engage your children, it is also a great way to get involved in the community. You can also utilize technology in your history lessons, as it allows us to experience history in a unique way, right from the comfort of our homes. You can take a virtual tour of many museums and landmarks for free. Whatever you are studying, take to the internet and search for ways to put a visual to the words on the page! For instance, while learning about Leonardo da Vinci, search for “Louvre Virtual Tours” and show your children where the Mona Lisa resides. While we don’t recommend that any child be allowed to browse YouTube on their own, with supervision, the website can be an incredible tool for learning. Simply type in the search bar what you are studying and look for documentaries or short videos that people have made about the subject. Best Ways To Learn History At Home 1. Find a curriculum that works for you: Do your research! There are so many great history programs out there for high school and middle school students. Read reviews, watch walkthroughs, and take advantage of sample lessons. Find a program that works for your family and don’t be afraid to switch it up or customize the program. 2. Make it stick with stories: I can’t emphasize this enough. The best way to learn about history is through stories. History should never be just a list of facts and numbers. History is made up of people, like you and me, whose lives are full of fascinating stories. Historical fiction books will be your best friend in making history come alive for your kids. Pair these books up with a quick overview of the time period. 3. Help history hop off the page: Along with reading stories, do activities. Make a quill pen and use it to write a message in a secret code. Play Blind Man’s Bluff and make Mock Apple Pie. Learn how to sew while making an outfit to wear to the Renaissance Fair. These activities are fun and will help to deepen the understanding of the lives of those who came before us. 4. Use documentaries and films: Most of us love watching TV. You can use this to your advantage! There are a lot of historical documentaries out there that you can stream or check out from the library. Learning can also happen while watching fictional movies and TV shows that are set in the time period you are studying. While learning about the Westward Expansion, watch The Little House TV series together as a family. In Learning American History Through Literature, every lesson has a list of period-specific movie suggestions. The Bottom LineThere are so many great choices for a homeschool history curriculum. Take some time to research them and find one that matches both your kid’s learning style and your teaching style. It also needs to fit your schedule. If you only plan to do history twice a week, you’ll need a program that supports that. Don’t get overwhelmed! The study of history in your homeschool curriculum can be as simple or as in-depth as you want it to be. If you don’t know where to begin, a structured history curriculum may be perfect for you. As you get more comfortable, you can start to add in activities that will help to create a meaningful and impactful history education experience for your kids. If you are interested in a flexible history program that teaches through stories and hands-on activities, I encourage you to take a look at Learning American History Through Literature. Homeschool History Curriculum FAQsWhen should kids start learning history?
Your kids can start learning about history as early as possible. When you are first starting out, use children’s story books about real people and events. As they get older, read aloud historical fiction novels as a family and talk about important issues. Later on they can circle back and engage in a more in-depth study of history. Remember, history is a subject that can be learned together as a family, which can be a huge time saver and bonding experience! How to choose a homeschool history curriculum that aligns with your beliefs?
As you are looking for a homeschool history curriculum, keep in mind the worldviews of the people who created the curriculum, as it will change the way the information is presented. If sample lesson plans are provided, they can be extremely helpful as they allow you to take a look inside the program. You can also reach out to the company that publishes the curriculum and chat with them about specific concerns you have. It may be difficult to find a program that aligns totally with your religious and political beliefs, so be prepared to discuss and analyze ideas with your children. How is history taught in homeschooling?
How history is taught in homeschooling is going to look different for each family. For some, it might look like mom reading Ivanhoe while the kids color on the floor in a medieval themed coloring book. For others, it may look like reading from a textbook and taking quizzes. You may find yourself eating out of a tin can at a reenactment camp or watching Little Women. The reality is that the study of history will probably be a mixture of all of the above: reading, crafting, baking, playing, and doing.  Are you new to homeschooling? Here’s some encouragement and great advice on how to homeschool your child! In this blog, we’re going to take a look at the biggest question homeschooling parents have when learning how to homeschool: How do I do this? Well, I can tell you right now, when I totally figure that out, I’ll let you know! You are never going to sit back and say, “Wow, I’ve totally got this. Everything is going like clockwork.” Or at least, you’re never going to say that for more than 30 seconds it takes before something happens to throw your day out of whack. I had a friend once who bemoaned the sad fact that we all want to be Maria, dancing through the Alps, playing the guitar, with our eager little learners following behind, soaking up all the information we teach them with joyful glee. Sorry, but this is your reality check. It won’t be happening. What is it actually like teaching kids at home?Now that we’re back in the world of grumpy kids, crashed computers, dropped WiFi, missing textbooks, and pencils that for some reason never, ever stay on the table, let’s uncover how to homeschool, or more specifically, how does homeschooling work? (As an aside, does anyone else have trouble with gravity in your schoolroom? I am not joking when I say that my littles regularly fall out of their chair multiple times a day, and their pencils are always flying off the table to roll into the corner. Anyone else? We should run a science experiment on how the laws of gravity change when a child sits at a desk.) What is homeschooling?That’s easier to answer than how to homeschool. Homeschooling is learning at home, at the beach, at the zoo, at the park… In short, instead of sending your child to sit in a classroom for 7 straight hours with their peers, you are teaching them yourself, or monitoring their learning through books, the internet, videos, and hands-on experiences. Homeschooling is going to look different for each family and maybe for each child. You have the option to choose any learning styles that work best for you and your child. For some families, it might mean a structured start to the day, sitting at desks and working in a textbook. For others, it might be helping the local farrier shoe a horse at the barn while learning about equine health, followed by reading about horses at the library. The beauty of homeschooling is its flexibility—it allows families to tailor education to their unique lifestyle and needs. What are the benefits of homeschooling? The benefits of homeschooling are endless. You, as the teacher, get to choose a program tailor-made for your child, designed to maximize their interests and abilities. Agreed, that’s a lot of pressure. But the rewards are worth it! As my mom likes to say, no one in the world cares more about your child’s education than you, and thankfully, we live in the age where all kinds of amazing homeschooling resources are available at your fingertips. Learn valuable homeschooling information from Ruth Beechick’s You Can Teach Your Child Successfully, which was foundational for the start of Learning Language Arts Through Literature. One of the best things you can do to boost your home school activities is reading! Did you know that right here on the Common Sense Press website, you can access countless free book study guides, designed to get your kid reading, thinking, and writing? They also come with great hands-on ideas to dive even deeper into the story. Here at CSP, we are firm believers that if you can grow a love of reading, well then, the world’s your oyster! If you have a love for reading, spelling, and writing, everything becomes easier. Want to give your kid the best head start? Give them the world through books! You will find a huge world of homeschooling out there, full of tips, ideas, and support. We’re going to try to dive in deeper here to share some of our family’s experiences, successes, failures, and fun throughout our many years of homeschooling. Homeschooling tip  My top tip at the moment is this: find a veteran homeschooler and pick their brain! You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You don’t have to go it alone. While each family will look different how they homeschool, there will be a lot of similarities as well. I hope to share with you what has worked for me over the years and also hear from others on what they’ve learned, since we know you’re never done learning! Planning and organizing, staying motivated when you don’t want to leave your bed, sticking to a schedule, or picking the best homeschool curriculum for your family—these are all challenges that every family will face. Hearing from people who have walked this path before and are still alive (and perhaps even sane!) will hopefully encourage us all as we invest in the most important and formative years of our children’s lives! If you find yourself wondering about alternative options to conventional schooling but you’re overwhelmed, follow the Common Sense Press blog. We will answer all your questions about how to homeschool your child. You can also contact us directly with any questions you may have. You’ve got this! We’ve got this together! Homeschool FAQsHow do I homeschool my kids?
That’s a million-dollar question with no right answer. It changes based on children's grade levels. For younger kids, they need to know how to read and write and do math. For older kids, you’re preparing them for either college or a job. Where do they need to be when they graduate? What skills, knowledge, etc. do they need? If they’re heading towards a career as a neurosurgeon, those science classes are going to be super important. If they’re leaning towards book editing, or graphic design, you’ll be focusing on different subjects. How to plan homeschooling?
Once again, there’s no right answer. Most will break down the material into days and weeks. Grab a planner and figure out when you want to start and wrap up the school year. Try to stay on schedule and get the work done. One day you’ll look back and find you have more days in the year behind you than in front. How much does it cost to homeschool?
The answer is: it depends! You can actually homeschool for free (Assuming you have access to the internet and a good library). I know of people who get all of their curriculum from free websites or even create their own. Granted, it takes a lot of time, but for somepeople, it's the best thing. You can totally save some cash by reusing the same curriculum for each kid as they get older. Homeschooling curriculum swaps and used book sales are great for scoring deals. I personally search Ebay to find used textbooks. Ebooks will also save you quite a bit of money. Some publishers, like Common Sense Press, will have "damaged" books on sale. You just have to write/call and ask. On the other end of the spectrum, you can spend thousands! You can buy a super expensive video program with lists textbooks and workbooks and spend maybe $600 a subject. The choice is yours. I personally started with a super expensive program in my first years of homeschooling because I was scared and thought I needed the structure. Now, I use a mixture of different curriculums to help my homeschool students get the best education. Bottom line: don't let cost scare you off from homeschooling. It doesn’t have to be expensive! Do I need to be trained for homeschooling my child?
No, you don’t! Homeschooling doesn’t require a teaching degree. The best thing about homeschooling is that you don’t need any special training to teach your kids. You can jump right in, learn alongside them, and figure it out as you go. Just check your local laws to make sure you’re following requirements, such as keeping educational records. What I love most about homeschooling is the freedom to choose my child’s lessons. I’m not stuck with a strict curriculum, so I can do what works best for my kids. I don’t know about your home, but in my house, there is only one person who complains more about going back to school than my children do…me! When I’m out and about, I hear parents excited about the day their little ones go back to school. Not so in the homeschooling world! Here, back to school takes on a completely different meaning. It means that, somehow, we’re going from the busy, packed days of summer, to still getting all those activities done while also teaching a full day of school.
Phew! Maybe you’re more on top of things than I am, but I can tell you, in my 14 years of homeschooling, I’ve never greeted the realization that school starting is just around the corner with anything less than dread. Ok, so, maybe I’m a little excited about having a more definite schedule, about my kids not being “bored,” about learning new things together, about crisp new curriculum books with unbent covers, about sharp pencils and new notebooks…it’s just the getting there that’s hard! I know that many of you are just starting out in your homeschooling journey and might be even more intimidated than I am, so I wanted to share with you some (hopefully!) helpful hints to get you facing the coming year with more excitement and less “I feel like a circus juggler with 20 plates in the air and now someone is throwing another 10 at my head.” 1. Take a deep breath! It’s going to work out! - If you’ve already got one or more years of homeschooling under your belt, you know, deep down, that it will all work out. You don’t have to have the perfect plan and the perfect curriculum, you just have to start! Let’s face it, if you did have the perfect plan, it would be in tattered shreds by the end of day one, so embracing flexibility is a must! If this is your first year homeschooling - welcome! You’re going to do great! You’ve got this. No one in the world loves your kid, knows your kid, or cares about your kid’s education more than you do. 2. Now that we’ve relaxed a bit and gotten some encouragement, let’s talk about curriculum. I like to start with the core subjects. Math, Language Arts, History, and Science. I currently have 5 kids I am schooling, so open-and-go/self-directed learning curriculum is critical! I need to be able to set up one kid with a subject, and leave them on their own for a bit while I help someone else. One reason I love LLATL is that I can pretty much set each kid up on Monday for the entire week and not check in on them again until Friday. I try to choose curriculum that either the next kid in line can use next year, or even 2 grades can use together. This year, my 7th grader and my 5th grader will be using CSP Science together. It’s very hands on, you build “lap books,” and they’ll be able to help each other. 3. After picking the core curriculum, I think about the “extras.” I like having my kids take a typing program each year. I tell them that they can stop when they hit 60wpm. Typingclub.com is a free resource with games and activities to help get those words per minute higher. This year I thought adding a computer coding class would be fun, and one kid also wants to learn “computer hacking.” (Maybe we’ve been watching too many spy movies.) In addition to the more traditional types of curriculum, I also like to think about life basics, such as, having a kid take over making dinner once a week etc. Don’t forget that grocery planning, house chores, cooking, yard work, and more are all “home ec” and vitally important life skills! I have 2 in college who tell me horror stories about students who don’t know how to do their own laundry! Yikes! 4. Now you wait for your books to arrive! While waiting, I try to box up all the previous years books, figure out which teacher keys I need to keep out, and create my “portfolio” to save for 2 years to meet Florida homeschooling laws. My portfolio consists of taking every single consumable book they’ve used for the year and putting them in a box with the date on top. Then I throw that box away after 2 years. 5. Planning - I like to get one teacher planner book per 2 kids. I only plan one week in advance. I find if I try to plan further out that life will make changes necessary and I’ll be erasing and moving things around. I also plan in pencil. I’ll write out which pages and assignments they need to do each day so that I can check them off and make sure things are getting done. It’s a little redundant, since each curriculum often has it’s own teacher’s guide with it, but I like to have it all in one place. 6. Start! - Word to the wise: You’re never going to feel ready. You just have to start. Some years we do more of a soft start than others, but we eventually hit our stride and things go smoother. This year we’ve got a 100th birthday party, a family reunion, and college orientation all happening during the first two weeks I’d planned to start school. I almost pushed off starting, but then realized, even if we only get 5 days of school done during those 2 weeks, that’s 5 days more than we would have done starting 2 weeks later. So, if you’re dreading school starting, if you’re really excited about it, if this is your first year, if this is your 20th year, just know that we’re all in this together! No one is doing it perfectly. There is no one way to home school. We’re all different, our kids are different, and our ways of schooling are going to be different too. You need to find what works for you and for your kids and go with it! Good luck to you all! And I’d love to hear your tips and tricks for starting school!  Life is stressful. Being a parent is stressful. Homeschooling is stressful. Just about anything that we face in life is going to add a bit of stress. Teaching our children is less like the middle of Sound of Music where Maria is skipping through the fields playing a guitar and more like the end of the movie where there’s running and screaming and hiding. At least, that’s the way it is at my house.
Lately, my stress levels have been through the roof. Tensions have been high. Family drama and holiday pressure and medical issues have complied until some days I just want to hide under the covers and not get out of bed until next year. I’d like to say that through these trials I have remained cool, calm, and in control. I could say that I’ve graciously dealt with backed up toilets flooding the bathroom and bleeding head wounds and incessantly fighting children. I could say that, but it would be a lie. The truth is, my “go to” response to a stressful situation is to yell at someone. I call it “raising my voice” but hey, someone else might go so far as to call it screaming. Regardless of how I try to rationalize it, a raised voice, a yell, a scream, are not Christ-like. I’m acting like a little child who can’t control herself and lets off pressure by getting louder and louder. School has been particularly frustrating lately. I found out that my son had been skipping quite a few of his math speed drills. Two other kids had been goofing off during history class and just about failed a test. And a third kid has been throwing a huge temper tantrum every time she is asked to do anything. I had been applying my own personal method of dealing with this to little result. My kids would sit there, eyes on the ground, waiting for Mom to quit yelling, and then go and do exactly what it was they had just gotten in trouble for. On top of that they were at each other’s throats. The fighting and the name calling and the “accidental” pushes were way out of hand and my screaming and taking away privileges and threatening to call their father was not helping. I was reading a parenting book one morning and a certain part struck me. It was about how our words can build our children up. Instead of telling them who we don’t want them to be, tell them who they are in Christ. I had a chance to use it the next day. We were getting ready to leave for church on Wednesday night and one of my girls was being super grumpy and resistant to helping clean up. I heard two of her sisters taunting her that she was going to get in big trouble that night at church because there was no way she was going to behave. Now, normally, I agree with them. My daughter’s attitude was so horrible that the chance of her changing and not getting in trouble at church seemed impossible. But I remembered the parenting book. I stopped her sisters and knelt down in from of my child with the bad attitude. I told her that I knew that she was going to be great that night. I said that I knew she was a generous, loving, little girl who was a great help to me around the house and that her teachers had, on occasion, told me how helpful she was in class. I told her I was proud of her and loved her and that I knew that she loved me too and that her heart desire was to please the Lord. Her sisters stood there with mouths hanging open, but my problem child flushed and stared down at her hands. Her eyes welled up with tears and when I finished she gave me a big hug. “I’m going to be on my best behavior tonight,” she promised and went on to help straighten up the house without arguing. Now, it wasn’t a onetime fix. She’s still struggling with her attitude, but at that one moment I didn’t tear her down, or point out her many flaws. I told her who she was in Christ. I used my words to encourage rather than to berate, to build up rather than tear down, to bless rather than to curse. In the book of James it says that the tongue is powerful. Too often I let mine loose like a machine gun indiscriminately blasting everything in sight. How much better our lives would be if we used our words to help our children see themselves as God sees them. Do you ever find yourself yelling at your kids? How have you used your words to build them up instead? I’d love to hear from you! |
Whether you are that seasoned homeschool family with the 15-passenger van or a fresh newbie with a million questions, we want to help you succeed. Here you will find encouragement, funny stories and pure honesty about homeschool life. Welcome to our messy, chaotic, wonderful days! Archives
February 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
