• Created on 3/8/13 by Melanie Mayo

This article is part of our guide to Teaching Science at Home.   Most parents have never heard of Arduino, but is an absolutely excellent option to bring science concepts into your home in a way that will captivate the whole family.   If your child is fascinated by robots, computers and how things work, Arduino is a brilliant way to feed their curiosity. And don't think they have to be high schoolers to take part--the kits we looked at are suitable for kids (and adults) of all ages. What is Arduino? Massimo Banzi, co-founder of Arduino, was kind... read more

• Created on 3/8/13 by Melanie Mayo

This article is part of our guide to Teaching Science at Home.   Real Science-4-Kids offers unique and high quality science curriculum options for children grades K-12. Developed by homeschooling mom and biophysical chemist Rebecca Keller, their texts and other resources are smart, easy to use and affordable.    Real Science-4-Kids provides printed workbooks, laboratory workbooks, and teacher's manuals as well as interactive online classes and an online testing center. Subjects covered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Astronomy and Geology for elementary... read more

• Created on 3/7/13 by Melanie Mayo

This article is part of our guide to Teaching Science at Home.   What is Supercharged Science?   Created by rocket scientist and educator Aurora Lipper, the programs from Supercharged Science provide some of the best value we've seen for a complete science education at home.    Supercharged Science offers two really great options for science education: a complete e-Science program that is offered fully online and a Science Mastery Program that includes not only the e-science element but also a detailed printed book, all of the materials for each... read more

• Created on 2/22/13 by SKValenzuela

By S.K. Valenzuela   Though Valentine's Day has already come and gone, the whole month of February always seems to me to be dedicated to love. It gives us a fabulous excuse to reflect on what love really is and to assess our growth in love.    I teach Baby Care classes at an area hospital, and one of my goals is to help parents to understand the fundamental relationship between responsiveness and trust. It's a cycle that begins from the very first moments after birth and continues...well, frankly, I don't think it ever ends. The basic premise is that responding... read more

• Created on 2/22/13 by SavvyHomeschool

By Savvy Homeschool Moms       In this week's episode, the moms talk about using their new "Seize the Year" wall calendars to get organized and using incentives and rewards to help homeschooling run more smoothly.           Some links in this episode: 2013 “Seize the Year” Wall Calendar Using Incentives in the classroom HighScore House       To see the full show notes, including a LOT MORE links to all the resources mentioned, please visit our website: The Savvy Homeschool Moms, episode 26. To subscribe to or... read more

• Created on 2/15/13 by VKHarberRYT

Being enthusiastic about our passions without judging others' choices.     By V.K. Harber   I was recently told by a complete stranger that I “look like someone who cooks from scratch”. I’m fairly certain this was meant neither as a compliment nor as a simple benign observation. The whiff of insult was subtle but noticeable.      I’m not sure what gave me away as a person who does indeed cook from scratch. I was not wearing an apron or a dusting of flour, which would be two very obvious tells for me. Perhaps it was the unwashed hair or the slight odor... read more

• Created on 2/13/13 by Melanie Mayo

I pointed out in Part 1 that our culture harbors a common, dangerous misconception about teens -- that they need us to drop the reins and let them "do their thing." But in terms of their brain and social development, they are as tender as they were as infants. So, we need to remain their active guides and examples. Adults staying actively, enthusiastically involved in the lives of their children and students is one of the best teen addiction prevention measures. In addition to the 3 guidelines offered in Part 1, what else do teens need from us during this time when our... read more

• Created on 2/11/13 by Bunmi Laditan

For the past few days I've been working on a story as part of my freelance writing work with The Huffington Post. The topic is one I've covered before: online mom bullying. Due to increased awareness about the prevalence of bullying in our schools the term "bully" has been applied to everything from expressing dissent to actual harassment. My personal opinion is that disagreeing becomes bullying when it crosses the line into the realm of repeated personal attacks and/or directly impacts someone's quality of life.     I've written about this topic... read more

• Created on 2/9/13 by Melanie Mayo

By Brian Leaf       A few years ago, I was in an eye exam for my son Noah. The doctor wanted to get drops in Noah’s eyes and he was frustrated that Noah did not want to sit still. So he commanded me to hold Noah down while he put the drops in. Noah was crying wildly. I was taken off guard by the doc’s order, so I did it. I held Noah down forcibly, against his will, while the doctor put the drops in.   Noah moved on pretty easily, thrilled to play with toys in the waiting room while his eyes dilated. But I felt terrible. I was sure I could have found a less... read more

• Created on 2/9/13 by SavvyHomeschool

By Savvy Homeschool Moms             In this episode the moms chat about vacation, science with paper airplanes and what to do when a homeschool curriculum doesn't work for you.             Some links in this episode: Journey North Mystery Class   Pento for the iPad   Homeschool Classifieds     To see the full show notes, including a LOT MORE links to all the resources mentioned, please visit our website: The Savvy Homeschool Moms, episode 25. To subscribe to or download our show, check us out on iTunes, or our... read more