Mountain Mother Runner

🍁 Each year we try to do new leaf activities like wax crayon rubbings, observation drawings, and color sorting. This time around, we put on our rain boots and explored the yard, collecting fairly flat items in a basket.  Autumn Suncatcher craft!  Capture the beauty of fall with this fun activity.  Lay one piece of wax paper out and arrange your leaves however you desire. Lay the other piece of wax paper on top (you want the shiny sides touching together), cover with a tea towel, and slowly iron until the wax pages fuse together. This may take longer than you expect, just lift the towel to check as you go. Cut out a frame using cardboard and tape along the backside so it isn’t showing. Hang in a window to allow light to shine through and enjoy your nature creation!  Supplies: •wax paper (2 sheets) •iron  •leaves/petals/nature goodies •cardboard  •tea towel (or pillowcase) •scissors •tape

My favorite subject to teach is Math because it is tangible, you know...black and white! It’s fairly ironic because I was always pretty average in Math classes.  To get an “A” would require SO much studying and effort compared to my other classes. Looking back at the teaching methods used then, versus the ones we’re utilizing now, it all makes sense! I love the challenge of creating hands-on lessons and games to bring Math to life!  This activity can be created with materials you probably have hanging around your house. You will need: •Empty large coffee bin •Legos (or other small textured items) •Note cards •Black marker or pen •Scissors •Dry erase markers •Dry erase pouch  •Plain sheet of paper •Bingo chips/coins/beads/etc First off, cut a circle in the lid of the coffee bin that’s big enough for your kiddo to stick their tiny hand in. Depending on the level of Math you’re child is working on, choose equations that they can practice. We did simple addition equations wit...

My memories of growing up in public school are dominated by worksheets and lectures, with some projects, pop quizzes, and videos mixed in (thought I’ll never forget The Magic School Bus, Bill NYE, or Eyewitness on VHS)! What about fun and games? Why were those usually left for the substitute teachers and not incorporated into our daily routine? You may think that your homeschool schedule is already full, and the idea of adding daily games seems “extra” or “unnecessary”, but it might be easier than you think! As a child, what sort of emotions did you feel when presented with a workbook versus a game? Playing educational games provide a multi-sensory experience while developing skills such as: •Following directions •Good sportsmanship  •Critical thinking •Hand-eye coordination •Fine motor skills •Attention and focus •Cooperation and flexibility  We play games on a daily basis, while trying to rotate different types of games so Eisley doesn’t get burnt out. Follow your ch...

We have been reading about life in the dessert and one of our favorite things is the cactus, obviously! They range from big to small, and some even have beautiful flowers! Not only have we looked at pictures and watched videos about them (did you know some types absorb rain water and swell up?), we have been able to hike and view them locally, as native species! Very cool! Here's a short educational video for you to watch with your child before starting this craft! Salt Dough Cactus Craft You will need: 2 ½ cups flour ½ cup + 2 tablespoons salt 1 cup water Large bowl Wooden spoon Baking Sheet Parchment Paper (optional) First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Now, add the flour and salt to your bowl. Pour the water in slowly and begin to mix with a spoon. Switch to mixing with your hands (or your kiddo can have fun doing this) to thoroughly knead the dough and get a sensory experience! If sticky, add a little bit more flour. If too dry...

Young children are constantly outgrowing their clothes and becoming bored with their plethora of toys. I personally feel like buying brand-new items for kids is somewhat of a waste. Shirts get food stains, jeans get torn knee holes, and toys get broken. We have great success finding clothing and toys for Eisley at local consignment shops (which also supports our local community versus national corporations), and I can promise you that she isn’t any less excited than if they were bought new. Something else that is even better than buying used games and toys is CREATING new ones out of materials already lying around your house! You can involve your child in the process of making this game, which will give them a sense of accomplishment once it’s complete! More fun for everyone! Depending on their age, they can trace the lines, cut out the board, or help color the pieces. The supplies you need to create this DIY Tick-tac-toe game are: Cardboard Scissors Pencil Stapler Ziplock...