My kids are always wanting to write their own stories. For awhile, I was typing them up as they told them to me, printing them, then letting them draw pictures underneath. (You can see some examples in this review of a binding machine.) However, using this illustration paper for kids, they can be a ...
Free Printable
Multiplication Practice Sheets
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I'm a big fan of using games and other fun techniques for helping kids learn math facts. (This book is AWESOME for that.) However, sometimes I don't have time to play games. Sometimes, I just want my kid to practice his multiplication tables without turning it into a big thing. I made these free ...
Plant Cell Model
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A few weeks ago I published a post on how my family made an animal cell model. We actually made a plant cell model the same day. Plant and animal cells are very similar. There are a few key differences, however. I'm planning to do a post soon explaining how you can use these models to explain these ...
Animal Cell Model
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Cell biology can be hard. Cells are too small to see and the science contains a lot of long, complicated words. How is anyone supposed to remember ANYTHING having to do with cells, when there's nothing to visualize? I'm hoping this animal cell model activity will solve that problem. (I've also made ...
Birthday Interview Form
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A while back, I was listening to this episode of the Bravewriter podcast, when the mother being interviewed mentioned a family tradition that sounded incredible. She took each child out to dinner the day before their birthday. Just the two of them. Additionally, she would ask the child the same ...
Alphabet Star Charts
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When I made a multiplication star chart for my 8 year old and a sight word star chart for my 6 year old, I didn't want my 3 year old to feel left out. I decided to make him this uppercase and lowercase alphabet star chart so that he could learn his letters and be rewarded for his hard work as ...
Sight Word Star Charts
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My 6 year old is so excited to read. With my oldest, I never really made a big deal about sight words. At 8 years old, his spelling might not be the best, but he learned all the standard sight words just through reading. I don't think there's anything wrong with using this "organic exposure ...
Multiplication Star Charts
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I know that there can be pitfalls with using star charts. However, I can’t help but feel that they deserve a place in my parenting toolbox. After all, even though they have a bad rap, bribes can be really effective in the moment. Do I care if my son never chooses to study his multiplication facts on ...
Gratitude Journal for Kids
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When it comes to being a parent, above all, I want to raise good people. Sometimes, between all the sibling bickering and potty words, I wonder if I'm AT ALL doing a decent job. I made this gratitude journal for kids as a way to hopefully improve my own kids' attitudes and build their character. ...
Low Floor High Ceiling Math Problems
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Last spring, when I said I wanted to teach a math class to kids between the ages of 9 and 14 at our local homeschool co-op, people looked at me like I was crazy. "You can't teach the same math to a 9 and 14 year old." "Their ability levels vary too greatly to do math in a co-op setting." That's what ...
Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 