William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, is memorialized in a monument and museum in Canton, Ohio. Perhaps, like me, you struggle to remember any important facts about this president. Here are a few things I learned. McKinley served from March 4, 1897, until his assassination on September 14, 1901. Under McKinley’s leadership, …
So, you’re interested in homeschooling your five-year-old? Here are a few ideas to consider. Homeschooling is not about choosing a curriculum. Homeschooling is about paying attention to your individual child and noticing what they need now while also anticipating what they will need in the future. Listen to the questions your child asks and allow …
The First Ladies National Historic Site began in 1996 with a noble goal: increase awareness of the influence of the First Ladies. This site has two buildings that commemorate their contributions. We visited only the free visitor center and did not enter the Saxton House, which has an entrance fee. The museum is engaging. Children …
While browsing a forgotten shelf of children’s books in a community college library, my child discovered this book about communities. Originally published in 1967, the book has a positive message overall, and my child enjoyed reading the way it summarized human’s transition to more permanent cities. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork and the …
The Billy Goat Trail is a hike we love to do multiple times each year. The hike follows the Potomac River right along the Stateline. In fact, even though you are in Maryland, you can see the visitors to the Great Falls Park on the Virginia side directly across the river and they’re even close …
Here’s what is working for me right now: doing math in public places. Homeschoolers don’t need to do all the academics at home. One of my children has built up some fear and anxiety about math. Taking this child into a public place to do math is our key to success. Being away from home …
The hungry baby birds are expecting their mother’s return. Did you know each bird needs at least 15 worms a day as they grow? On Mother’s Day, my neighbor offered to let us join him on his rounds for monitoring bluebird nests. My children were fascinated. We followed him around on his 40-minute walk to …
We’ve Got This Edited by Eliza Hull This important book was on display at my local library. I’m so glad I picked it up! I love the ideas. This book isn’t like other parenting books. This is a collection of essays by disabled parents that reveals they are masters at problem solving and have found …
For me, forsythia and daffodils are friendly reminders of the abundance of springtime. Yellow feels so happy and cheerful. I love spring in general, but yellow specifically, as a herald of growth and vitality. Imagine my disappointment when I learned last week that my child can’t see yellow. At all. Never in her life has …
For five years now, we’ve been reading daily as a family in the Spanish language. Reading in Spanish is predictable; there are few exceptions. Though our accents aren’t perfect, at this point, we are all able to sound out any Spanish word. Learning to read Spanish is a huge help to all of us, but …
