Posts from the ‘homeschooling’ Category

LEARNING HOW TO BE A BIG SISTER

How to Be a Big Sister Book for 3 Year Old and Up Girls: A Fun Rhyming Story to Help Your Little Girl Welcome a New Baby Sibling with Love and Confidence — The Perfect Gift for Toddlers

Written by Elowen Clover

This rhyming picture book is meant to prepare the future big sister for her new role in her growing family.

The book is easy for toddlers and preschoolers to understand. Large expressive illustrations enhance the lessons. The new big sister is taught how to assist with feeding, changing, singing, bathing, and family outings. There are simple ways to learn how to be a loving big sister and friend to the new sibling.

Hidden pacifiers on the pages encourage interactivity and increase engagement.

Recommended to expectant parents to prepare for the new arrival.

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WHY IS CRITICAL THINKING NECESSARY?

Teaching critical thinking to children in elementary school is crucial for their overall development and future success. Here are a few reasons why it is important:

  1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Critical thinking equips children with the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems creatively. By encouraging them to think critically, we empower them to approach challenges with a logical and analytical mindset. This skill is not only beneficial during their academic years but also helps them navigate real-life situations effectively.
  2. Promotes Independent Thinking: Teaching critical thinking encourages children to question information, sources, and perspectives. They learn to evaluate evidence, form their own opinions, and make informed decisions. This fosters independence of thought, empowering children to rely on their own judgment rather than simply accepting what they are told.
  3. Develops Analytical Abilities: Critical thinking helps children develop strong analytical skills. They learn to break down complex problems into smaller manageable parts, analyze each part individually, and then synthesize the information to form a coherent understanding. This process of analysis develops their ability to assess situations objectively and make logical connections.
  4. Encourages Curiosity and Creativity: When children are taught critical thinking, they naturally become more curious and open-minded. They learn to ask questions, explore various possibilities, and seek a deeper understanding of the world around them. This curiosity fuels their creativity and enables them to think outside the box, fostering innovation and originality.
  5. Prepares for the Future: In today’s rapidly evolving world, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. As children grow up, they will encounter new challenges, diverse perspectives, and complex issues. By nurturing their critical thinking abilities from an early age, we equip them with the skills necessary to adapt, problem-solve, and thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic society.

In conclusion, teaching critical thinking to children in elementary school is essential for their intellectual growth and overall development. It empowers them to think independently, make informed decisions, and face challenges with confidence. By fostering critical thinking skills, we prepare them for a future where adaptability, creativity, and analytical abilities are highly valued.

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SIGNS OF SPRING

It Must Be Spring (It Must Be Seasons Book 3)

Written by Michelle Wang

Illustrated by Ulianna Barabash

A lovely picture book for preschoolers and early readers.

The multicultural book can be used to teach colors and action words associated with the spring season. As each member looks out the window, that person highlights a color and steps outside in the rain to play. Readers meet the parents, grandparents, and siblings of the family.

A fun book that encourages children to be interactive as they imitate the actions of each character.

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BANISH TOOTH CREATURES

The Tale of Fuzzy Tooth Critters: How Do Sugar Bugs Survive in the Mouth? 

Written by LaTonya Butler

Illustrated by Shiela Alejandro

This RDH does an excellent job of explaining to young children why sugary foods are harmful and how tooth decay occurs.

By using humor and fun illustrations, children understand why they need to keep teeth and gums clean. Readers learn the proper way to brush and floss as part of the fun to read rhyming story. At the end, they are introduced to a visit to the dentist.

Recommended to parents of preschoolers as a tool to learn about effective dental hygiene.

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LET YOUR IMAGINATION SOAR

Kragglepus (The Dragon Library) 

Written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

An almost wordless picture book that invites the young reader to use imagination to interpret the story.

The protagonist is a dragon who gets lost and finds himself in a strange world inhabited by humans. Dragglepus introduces the reader to foreign creatures as well as familiar everyday objects. The author invites the reader to combine them and create an original tale.

Whimsical and colorful illustrations enhance the book. This book will be enjoyed over and over by readers ages three and older.

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THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS US

The Beauty of Us All: Celebrating The Diversity of The World 

Written by Chandele Morris

Illustrated by Marissa Napolitano

A beautifully illustrated picture book to remind us of the simple beauty in objects and creatures all around us. The author reflects on the diversity and beauty of leaves, stars, fish, clouds, and the color of our skin. Each is beautiful, unique and loved.

Beautiful multicultural images enhance the message. Recommended for ages five and older.

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THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER WAY

Curly Crow’s Family Feast: A Children’s Picture Book for Kids Ages 4-8 about Finding Strength in Challenges, Wisdom in Problem Solving, and Thanksgiving for Family (Curly Crow Children’s Book Series) 

Written by Nicholas Aragon

Illustrated by Natalie Junqueira

An innovative picture book that teaches about problem solving and teamwork. In addition young readers receive knowledge about many species of birds along with the story about Curly Crow and her family.

Curly and her family are scavengers. When the dumpster outside the restaurant where they live is closed for Thanksgiving, the family has no food. Curly decides to visit the Rio Grande nearby to observe how other birds gather their food.

After much frustration, she observes similarities and differences and figures out a solution. Readers learn a lot about bird species and how to problem solve.

The book is highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

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TWINS TRAIN TWINS

Rooger and Loki Learn Manners: Sit, Boy, Sit. A Children’s Story About Dogs, Kindness and Family (The Curly Crow Pawprints Collection Book 1) 

Written by Nicholas Aragon

Illustrated by Remesh Ram

When Dad decides to take his twins, Quinn and Finn to the park, they are delighted to find two playful Boston Terriers wrestling in the park. After striking up a coversation, the twins learn tat the twin pups named Rooger and Loki are homeless. The children decide they will need to learn manners and discipline before anyone will adopt them so the twins begin that task. At first, the job seems hopeless. Readers will laugh at the mayhem. Will the twins succeed with their good intentions?

The cute picture book teaches kindness and patience. Appropriate for animal lovers ages four and older.

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HOMESCHOOL OR PUBLIC SCHOOL?

It’s a difficult choice, but here’s what you need to consider in a nutshell.

Benefits of Homeschooling that outweigh Public Schools

Homeschooling Strengthens Values & Beliefs

  • Homeschooling allows families to intentionally instill values that are important to them and the freedom to share and practice their faith without restrictions.
  • Public schools promote a fixed set of values, often without room for critical thought or diverse perspectives.
Self-Discipline is required in homeschooling.
  • In homeschool, discipline comes from within, not from peer pressure or performance competition.
  • Learning to do the work even when it’s hard or boring = real growth.
  • Contrast this with the high-achieving public-school students often running on OCD-like habits.
Early Intervention
  • Problems—academic, behavioral, learning disabilities—are often caught early in homeschool.
  • Public school systems often miss these issues until it’s too late or harder to reverse unhealthy habits.
Social Struggles and safety
  • Homeschooling minimizes exposure to toxic social games: popularity, fashion, peer pressure.
  • Public school culture tends to push conformity over individuality.
  • There has been a rise in school shootings and safety concerns over the years.
Bullying
  • It exists in public school, period—even the good ones.
  • Homeschool environments naturally reduce bullying due to smaller, safer social dynamics where adults are present.
Independent Thought

Public school tends to promote conformity through standard curriculum and groupthink dynamics.

Homeschool fosters real critical thinking: reading widely, analyzing deeply, discussing openly.

The Case for Public Schooling

  1. Access to Certified Teachers & Specialists
    Public schools employ trained educators, special education professionals, counselors, and support staff who are equipped to handle a wide range of academic and emotional needs.
  2. Built-in Socialization
    Students interact daily with a variety of peers, helping them develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and teamwork—sometimes these skills are hard to replicate in smaller settings.
  3. Diversity of Perspectives & Experiences
    Public school classrooms often reflect broader society, exposing students to different cultures, beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and worldviews.
  4. Extracurricular Opportunities
    Sports teams, music programs, theater, clubs, and leadership organizations are often more accessible and varied and are often offered free of cost to students.
  5. Support for Working Families
    Public schools provide consistent, structured schedules and resources like transportation and school meals, offering vital support for dual-income or single-parent households.

Challenges and Trade-offs

While both homeschooling and public schooling offer unique benefits, they also come with their share of challenges and trade-offs. Homeschooling requires a significant time and energy investment from parents, who are also juggling teaching with their other responsibilities. And while most homeschoolers are tired of hearing about “socialization” it can also be a concern if families aren’t intentional about creating community connections.

On the other hand, public school students may face larger class sizes, less individualized attention, and exposure to bullying or peer pressure. While public schools offer a more structured environment and access to trained educators, they also come with curriculum constraints and limited flexibility.

What It Really Comes Down To

It’s a big decision to decide on your child’s educational path. But you are the best person to make that choice. Consider what is truly important to you and what is best for your child and your family then move forward in that direction. Homeschooling has changed a lot over the years. You don’t have to do it alone. There is a plethora of online classes, support groups, co-ops, and people that are around you if you just look.

JUST TRYING TOO HARD

Bacon Loves Everyone!: A book about the true meaning of belonging and unconditional love. (It’s Bacon’s World! 1) 

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

This is a cute interactive picture book with an important message.

Bacon is a pot-belied pig trying to find a forever home. No one seems to choose him. Maybe that’s because he sings too loud. When a couple finally picks him, Bacon meets other animals on the farm. Bacon learns all are unique, but each is loved.

There are clever cartoon illustrations and fun to read aloud rhymes. Especially fun for preschoolers.

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