A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

homeschool

The Homescholar LLC – Total Transcript Solution

By 10 Comments

DISCLAIMER. I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Did you know that I have an finishing grade 10 student, soon to start grade 11?  He really has no idea what he’d like to do yet as a working adult so we are continuing to offer a varied highschool education for him.  But in the meantime keeping track of grades is vitally important. So imagine how pleased I have been to review Total Transcript Solution by The HomeScholar LLC.   You will love this program with the sheer variety of transcript options. The solid training behind it all will delight you.  🙂 

Total Transcript Solution

The Basics about Total Transcript Solution

The HomeScholar LLC is the designer of several products meant to help homeschool parents pull together details to help their children pursue higher education.  Lee Binz’s speciality is in helping parents homeschooling highschool students. The goal: success both now and in future endeavors.   The product that I am specifically looking at today is Total Transcript Solution.  I have received 6 months access in exchange for my review.   This is more than enough time since you get downloaded transcripts that you can use forever, or use as a template to create your own templates.   

About Lee Binz

After homeschooling her children through highschool, and seeing them into their future endeavors, Ms. Binz decided to expand her consulting business by creating product to share. You can learn about her core beliefs and learn about her low-key method of providing help to others.   Her husband Matt works alongside her, and her employees are also active homeschoolers. 

Total Transcript Solution

What do you receive?

Upon opening Total Transcript Solution I was immediately able to see all the modules available in this course.  

Total transcript solution modules

Not only that, I had access (via the sidebar) of all the available resources.   And boy oh boy you will like these bonuses.  From sample diplomas, to sample grading criteria, there is just so much here!   You should be able to easily be done within a month, and if you need longer (cause face it, life happens) … join the silver training club.  🙂   

You will be able to listen to Lee Binz, either by watching a video or downloading the audio, conduct various workshops.  She has a simple, easy to listen style that immediately makes you feel at ease.   She takes away the angst of making a transcript, while letting you know how important it is.   Every course will come with a handout (varying in size from 2-109 pages), some with slides, and always with audio. 

Did you know that courses can be labeled using a course code, a name that delineates exactly what you taught, or given a generic title?   Higher learning institutions tend to prefer courses be as specific as possible.  So not doing English 1, English 2, but rather something like Writing and Grammar grade 9. It’s the same thing, but the language is clearer (and therefore more desired) by the reader (the college acceptance people). 

With the bonuses, some of them open into a webinar, others into a webpage.  All these helps she provides in order to make our lives easier, and to enable us to complete all the steps that we need to.  Isn’t it fantastic how Ms. Binz has created a homeschool transcript help site that is so complete? 

What do I think?

Oh, I like and appreciate this course. I thought the logical layout and the diversity of material presentation.   For instance….. I would much rather read a book then listen to audio as I can get it done so much faster.  BUT I like listening to audio if I want to fine-tune my learning. The manner in which the material was presented was kind, at times funny, and with heart. 

I was simply delighted by this particular bonus.   Being able to see what I should be looking at for grade 11! Yes, it’s very USA centric, but that doesn’t mean I can’t extrapolate for Canadian needs/goals. 

I adored how Ms. Binz thought about the different needs of families, providing her resources in a variety of formats.   This makes it so easy to just edit materials right on your screen without having to print everything out (unless of course you like printing everything out).   Everyone’s needs are different right? 

The options for the different types of transcripts were great!   I initially started out with one transcript but found it didn’t work well for me, so I switched to a different format which made more sense to me.  I loved the ability to describe or state what product I used, or where the marks came from.   I’ve been considering next year (in the spring) to sign my lad up for courses in London, so then I could use that course description as well as who taught it in the description area. 

Total Transcript Solution

When should you get total transcript solution?  Anytime after elementary school.  You’ll find helps for middle school all the way through to the end of highschool. 

The Homeschooler LLC

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomescholar
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehomescholar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homescholar/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homescholar/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/homescholar/

Products Reviewed by The Crew

36 members of the crew checked out these products: 

I urge you to check out the reviews today!  

The Fun of Unexpected Rewards

By 6 Comments

So you know how the crew is doing a blog hop right?  Last week we talked about homeschool traditions, and this week it’s all about encouragement and incentives.  It made me think about the ease of making my son grin with the fun of unexpected rewards. 

Did you know this works for children, teens and parents alike?  How do I know?  Well.. I’m a mom and when hubby comes home bearing donuts…. I grin!  That unexpected piece of encouragement brightens my entire day! (though it does NOTHING for my waistline!).  🙂   The other day my lad and I were talking and I said “you know, when you do stuff without being asked it counts as points”.  He was like what?  What points?   I said, I keep this mental tally of points, when you reach some undefined number I’ll get you something unexpected.

A week later he was like (after being unexpectedly helpful), “Mom, did I get any points this week?”   I just grinned at him and said “I can’t tell you that”, but that weekend I brought home some buttertarts (he and his dad love them) and well.. he knew.   These things…. they help!

The question is… beyond food treats (which are ever so easy) what else can serve as unexpected reward?  Let’s see what we can discover eh?

The Fun of Unexpected Rewards

The why of it all

So what’s the point of those fun and unexpected rewards? 

Well… they work!  Funny how it is eh?   Letting people know you are noticing them and will reward good behaviour, or just want to encourage them to keep doing what their doing… it’s amazing how beneficial it is.  It helps people know you notice not only the bad stuff they do, but also the good stuff.   

Unexpected rewards means you can bring delight into routine. So that unexpected candy bar for completing their math without complaining.  The reduction in chores because for a week they did all chores without being asked.  Doing something for mom simply because it needed doing, doesn’t that call for a ride to work?  Saved me time, let me save you time.   

And when it’s unexpected, it’s not looked for.  It’s the surprise and the joy of knowing that something you did right was noticed and then rewarded.   

It’s been proven that random rewards are remarkably effective (look at how successful lotteries are). 

My son works at McD’s and they have an wonderful incentive program.  The teens they hire, it’s often their first job, so they have to learn on the job skills.  When the managers notice them doing something right, or exceptionally well, “Have a chocolate out of the bin, let me comp you a drink, oh, you worked hard on a Friday shift, have a meal when you leave”.   My son tells me all about these small rewards he gets, and he loves the job as a result.  The end result: McD’s gets better employees!

Now, I’m not saying we reward our spouse or our offspring to “get better spouses or offspring”.  But rewards, particularly unexpected ones, sure make it easier to live with each other doesn’t it?  Hugs, and thanks and appreciation go a long way, and unexpected gifts, just add to the pleasure of loving each other.  It’s good for giver and receiver both,  don’t you find? 

The Fun of Unexpected Rewards

For Children

AH, coming up with the fun and unexpected rewards for children is so easy!  Well, at least I think so. 

  1. Have a movie day!
  2. Have a day where you say “yes” to all requests that are within reason. 
  3. Bake a cake.. just because!  Decorate it and eat it all up!
  4. Do only hands-on school
  5. Do no school at all!  Head out to the park, have a “be creative” day, or go to the zoo.  Just don’t do school.
  6. Have friends over unexpectedly. 
  7. Get a family gift and spend time together.  Board games, outside game, bikes, maybe a new puppy?
  8. Have breakfast for supper, or do chocolate chip pancakes, or … whatever food is silly or unexpected.  This of course doesn’t work if you normally do breakfast for supper…but you get the idea.  🙂 
  9. Have a “let’s play games day”. Board games anyone? 
  10. Get out of the house and go do something…the local fair, the zoo, the park, a new trail, the beach, etc.

I went to amazon (affiliate link) to see if I could find some suggestions for ways to help.

For Teens

This of course will be very dependent on your teen as teens are so different from each other.  What delights and rewards one woult be complete drudgery to another.  For instance, one of my son’s friends HATES with a passion, having to do ANYTHING outside.  Just hates it.  Loves to be inside, reading, playing computer games, tormenting a sister, or gaming with his dad.   My son… loves computer games, board games, long walks outside with someone especially if it’s some place new, and exploring places he’s not been before (like museums, zoos, parks etc).   I know another teen who has a variety of hobbies, a couple which aren’t cheap, so… feeding that hobby makes her day!

So what can you do with such divergent teens?

  1. Play a board game or get out your cards. 
  2. Day off from school
  3. Ride to work (if normally they make their own way there)
  4. Give something to further a hobby
  5. A day off from household chores
  6. Sleep in later.
  7. Stay out later.
  8. Speak about character traits you appreciate and why
  9. Tell them good job if they’ve indeed DONE a good job
  10. Throw a party

For Parents

Moms and Dads often have a variety of different “make me happy” things.    I often feel like an “atypical mom” since flowers and foofoo don’t make me happy.  So all those posts about buying soaps, or romance books, or planners do nothing for my heart.  My hubby loves tools and what not…but bringing home flowers for him… he smiles.  I guess we’re a bit of an odd couple eh?  🙂   So when I think of fun, unexpected rewards for parents I tend to think generically. 

  1. Flowers…  Just coming home with a single daisy, or a rose, isn’t that smile worthy?
  2. Supporting a hobby
  3. Go out for a treat
  4. Finish a job for them: mow the lawn, make a bed, do the laundry (OH YES PLEASE!!!)
  5. Take a mini-vacation.  Either them on their own, or you with them, whichever is the better thing for your spouse.
  6. Plan something they would like.  A spa day, a day at the racetrack, kibbitz about town window shopping, 
  7. Books!  oh, to have a good book to read!  
  8. Head out to the movie or out for dinner, those spontaneous time
  9. Take a personal day off work, just to be with your family
  10. Take the children (and family dog if needed) out early on Saturday so spouse can sleep in.  OR if you have animals and it’s their responsibility to care for them… feed the animals before they get up!

Giveaway: Considering Homeschool PAK Option B. You’ll need to come back on Saturday to enter.  Open Worldwide.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homeschool friendly school year start

By 4 Comments

This could be things like kick-off parties, last-minute vacations, get-togethers with other homeschoolers, first-day pictures, etc. Anything that homeschoolers can do to make the start of the year extra special.

OKay, so the crew is doing a month-long blog hop with different ideas to help new homeschoolers (and old) with starting the new year.   So the question before us today is, how do you make memories to start off a new school year?  When children go to public school you often have first day photos, buying needing supplies, and perhaps getting a new outfit for the first day.  It’s sometimes a bit tougher to get those traditions as homeschoolers.  Why bother getting a new outfit when you are staying home?  Let’s see if we can come up with some homeschool friendly school year start!

homeschool friendly school year start

Not Going Back to School Picnic

From Kindergarten to grade five the lad and I would take in the NGBTS picnic held in London.  I’m part of a facebook group there and it was always fun to go.  We got to meet people from different areas of the world, have a nice lunch, and spend time in the park. 

My smaller town homeschool group always has a start of the year picnic.  An excellent time to get together and just schmoose with friends over a BBQ and shared potluck meal.  A good time to discuss curriculum, catch up on the summer, and offer support to newcomers. 

Beginning of the Year Camping!

Honestly, this was my son’s favourite way to begin the school year.  Going camping with mom and dad (and sometimes a friend) the first week of the school year. The parks are still warm and sunny, still other children to play with (if desired) and lots of room for fishing and kayaking without bumping elbows with others.  

Tents Set up Camping

Additional Homeschool Friendly Year Starts

What other things might you do to start off the new school year? 

  • get a new outfit… why not!  Even homeschoolers need new clothes.  Dress up for the first day. 
  • go for a hike, swim or bike ride
  • invite friends over for an end of summer bbq or picnic
  • get school supplies
  • bake a “first day of the year” cake and enjoy with.  Sing happy birthday to a new school year.  Be as goofy and silly as you’d like!
  • don’t do school (seriously).. let the first day come and go by just continuing summer for just one more day. 
  • Take “first day of school” pictures just like almost everyone else out there.  
  • Go to the library and pick out a book to read.  Take turns reading a page or two out of the books chosen. 
  • Make a collage of all the things you hope to learn about this coming year
  • Have a day discussing/remembering what you did over the summer and what was best/worst and/or what you might what to change or do next summer.
  • See if you can “join a parent at work day” so your children can see what you are striving towards. 

How about you?

What ways can you come up with for a homeschool friendly school year start?  What did you do last year and is it something you’d want to do again?   Would you rather not do anything special and just get into the work load?  It’s perfectly valid too.  The question you need to ask: what works well for you and your family?  Make THAT work for you, and if that’s doing something different, or silly, or planned normalness… Tell me about it!   It’s great to see what others do don’t you think? 

So the crew (starting on August 7) is hosting a join in share your new year start-ups.  I invite you to stop in again and get new ideas that just might work for you and yours. 

Creation to Christ, flexible timeline

By 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew

Home School in the Woods creates these fantastic timelines I want to take a moment to tell you about.  Timelines that are NOT only good for your history and social studies lessons, but also good if you want to do character studies, or study people who exemplify certain traits you want your children to focus in on.   Characters from the bible are included, so using this set as you do biblical studies is an added bonus.   Today we’ll learn about the Timeline Set: Creation to Christ (Beginning – 100 AD).

Creation Through Christ

The Basic Facts about this Timeline Collection

It has been my privilege to review one of Home School in the Woods (HSitW) timelines before.  My son used the Historical Figures timeline.  Today I am happy to review the Timeline Set: Creation to Christ (Beginning – 100 AD).   This set encompasses history from when the world began through to 100 AD.  You will see such historical figures as Enoch, King Solomon, Pythagora, and Hannibal.  Both biblical and non-biblical figures are featured in this set. 

This set retails for $22.95 and as a digital product you will find yourself using it throughout your studies in the bible, history, character and more.   You will discover 250+ figures in black and white, in four formats.  Two are in wall size one with text description, and the other with just name and date.  You’ll find those same two formats in notebook size as well.     The wall size varies from 2.5 to 4 inches, with the notebook size ranging from1.5-2.75 inches.  BUT one of the things I love about digital products is once I cut and paste, I can make the size anything I want it to be.  🙂 

This set is geared for students in grades K through 12.  The Timeline series contains four sets: Creation to Christ, Resurrection to Revolution, Napoleon to Now,and  America’s History.  There is also the timeline collection and various add-ons you can do. This page will help you check out all those details. 

Home School in the Woods was started by Amy Pack as she searched for better ways to present history to her children.  Timelines seemed the perfect way to do that, and from then on the company has expanded their options. 

How does it work?

Once you download your timeline set it will look like this in your file once you unzip it.  Reading through the intro will give you a good idea how to use each of the file formats. 

History runs throughout the ages, timelines can done in a book format or on a wall, or as a notebook.  And Home School in the Woods has made it as easy for you to approach history how ever you want.  🙂  Size them to your needs, and teach history!

You’ll find the images come in two styles.  Titles and dates, or Titles and dates with a blurb. 

Home school in the woods Creation to Christ

Two sizes, small (wallet sized) or large (notebook size).   Use them at the size given, or copy and paste them and expand to whatever size you need them.   You might choose to do full page images and write on the back of them, in doing so you allow your students to see the name and the image and test their recall.  Over time you’ll have a full binder with interesting people from history, with facts that your students find important. 

I like how Home School in the Woods organizes their materials, making it easy for teachers and students to use.  The variation allows for so much flexibility it is fantastic.  Over the years I have reviewed a number of their products. 

Find Home School in the Woods on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolinthewoods/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HSintheWoods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolinthewoods/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hsinthewoods/_saved/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrKq6iLty2fpB6R6ZpcUb8A/videos

Should you get it?

YES!  I know, you’d expect me to say that eh?  But honestly, if you’ve ever followed my blog you should know that I don’t just blithely say “get this”.  I’m aware that everyone has different needs and different styles of homeschooling.  Some of us our faith based and others not.  One of the things I like about HSitW is that it is geared to all sorts of homeschoolers.  It includes historical figures from the bible and outside the bible.  While faith is behind the makers of this marvellous resource it isn’t the only thing going for it (if you know what I mean).   

These timelines can be used in so many different formats. 

Imagine a co-op that says “we’re going to study different figures of history”, and uses the depictions as colouring pages, notebook focal points, and/or a timeline on the wall.  Faith based or not, these depictions will work!

Or a mom who says, I want my children to have some heros (and maybe anti-heroes) so they can see what true character is like.  People of honour, honesty, faith, shrewdness in battle, or whatever you want to focus on.  

Imagine that you are doing a study on how the world began, use the images to help stimulate discussion and to set your explorations up better.  Or you are looking for truths of gospel revelation throughout history, studying the ancient peoples more indepth, you have the timeline pictures to act as a guide.   There are so many ways to use timeline sets from Home School in the Woods, I urge you to pick up the set that will serve you best today. 

Read the Reviews

You will need to check out the reviews of 47 members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  Home School in the Woods asked us to review the following products: 

Individual Timeline Sets (Grades K-12)

  • Creation to Christ  (Beginning – 100 AD)
  • Resurrection to Revolution (0 -1799 AD)
  • Napoleon to Now (1750 AD – Modern Day)
  • America’s History (Explorers to 21st Century)

Project Passport World History Studies (Grades 3-8)

  • Ancient Egypt
  • Ancient Greece
  • The Middle Ages
  • Ancient Rome
  • Renaissance & Reformation

Time Travelers U.S. History Studies (Grades 3- 8 )

  • New World Explorers
  • Colonial Life
  • The American Revolution
  • The Early 19th Century
  • The Civil War
  • The Industrial Revolution through the Great Depression
  • World War II

Maps Combo-Pak (US & World Maps)

Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World

Activity-Pak: The Old Testament

Activity-Pak: The New Testament

 

Hands On History with Homeschool in the Woods

Dads Teach Teens Important Skills

By 2 Comments

The TOS crew has given us a challenge to do a post about fathers.  I have to admit, this is a tough one for me.  Don’t misunderstand me, I loved my dad, but we didn’t have the easiest relationship.  Therefore when I think of dads, that relational difficulty sometimes gets in the way.   I got to thinking though about how my dad affected me as a teen, and what lessons he taught me in those important years.   Dads are so important in the lives of teens, we mustn’t forget that!  Dads teach teens important skills! 

Dad taught me

  • Devotion to God doesn’t have to be perfect.  My dad had a firm faith in the Lord but it wasn’t a perfect faith and he let his children know that.  He served the Lord faithfully, but admittedly was short-tempered, lacking in patience, and more.  YET through that… he served the Lord and taught us how to pray. 
  • To parent better than you were parented.  My dad did not have a good upbringing.  Some would call it abusive.  He made a CHOICE that he would not raise his children the way he was.  The older I got the more understand the choices he made. As I have parented my son I have shown him more grace and patience than I was shown as a child growing up.  In turn, I hope that my son will meld discipline and grace better than I did, with I hope, my eventual grandchildren.  This is a biblical principle as well as seen in Deuteronomy 5. 
  • Work hard!  At whatever it is that you do … do it well and work hard to accomplish the tasks set before you.   It doesn’t matter the job you do as long as you do it well. 
  • Be kind to the critters under your care.  Try to not be impatient with them, be careful with pregnant animals, be mindful of bulls as they can do serious damage, feed the best food you can, and don’t make your animals into soft pets or they will be useless as working animals. 
Dads teach teens important skills

You see, I saw my dad doing all this as a child, but as a teen is when it really started to impact me.  As I starting putting all the pieces together and seeing the choices he made, it made an impact.  Did it make our relationship easier?  No.  In fact we went through tough years, but in the end we came out okay. 

But you know what? 

Teens do this.  They look at their parents critically during their teens years.  They analyze how they were parented, they learn to ask questions, and formulate ideas for their future.  Teens examine, it seems, everything as they push toward being adults.  Dads help in this process as they answer their sons questions and show they how to be stand-up people.  How to live out their faith and how to care for those that surround you.  Even those men of few words!  🙂 

It got me to thinking, what things are there for dads teach their teens? 

Additional Dad taught Skills

  • How to fix things, or to jury-rig a solution, or simply how to use tools. 
  • Confidence in one’s abilities
  • Being fiscally responsible.
  • The importance of a firm handshake
  • Make plans, double-check them, follow through.  Be prepared for glitches along the way.
  • Have a reputation worth having.  If you say you’ll do something, follow through.  Be honest in your dealings. 
  • Learn the basics of taking care of your automobile.  Changing the oil, driving a stick shift and learning what different noises a car makes and what they mean.
  • Learn the fundamentals of math, it’ll serve you well in every aspect of life. 
  • Be willing to change your mind if the situation warrants it. 
June 2021 Social Media Challenge Graphic

NOW… Lest anyone take offense!  Moms have a big role in raising their teens as well and can teach all these skill sets as well… but dads do it in their own way don’t they?  And sometimes, we need each other to reinforce the behaviours needed right?  Two examples are better than one eh?  🙂   Besides… we don’t all have the same set of skills, so having help, broadens the horizons of these pre-adults and that’s not a bad thing right? 

Can you think of anything that I missed? Dads teach teens important skills… but I couldn’t possibly have thought of them all.  What skills did you learn from your Father?   What skills do you see your spouse teaching your teenagers? 

Decisions To Make in Homeschooling

By 2 Comments

Homeschooling has become a very popular option lately.  Some people make the decision spontaneously and others research and plan before taking the plunge.  REGARDLESS of which method dropped you into schooling your children at home there are ALWAYS decisions to make in homeschooling your youngsters. 

What decisions you ask?  Well there tons of things to consider as you consider the decisions to make in homeschooling.   

Decisions To Make in Homeschooling

Questions to ask

I won’t go into exhaustive detail here, I just want to prod you into some of questions you might wish to ask.  This list should get you started and possibly generate more for you. 

  • What style will you use and what curriculum will fit your style? 
  • How do your children learn and how will that influence your day and teaching methods?   
  • Are there books you should read to further your knowledge base? 
  • What around homeschool groups… do you join one or keep visiting homeshool groups on facebook? 
  • Where will you find your curriculla?
  • Will you go for purchased or free options?
  • Textbook or living book style?
  • Hands-on, get dirty and right into it?  Or videos, textbooks, online teaching? 
  • Will you make a vision or mission statement?
  • Self-taught, parent-taught, or teacher taught, or some combination thereof?
  • Will you combine grades and subjects?
  • Will you partake of any public school offerings? (dependent on your school board of course)
  • Faith-based, secular, or a meld?
  • Ebooks, physical books, online.
  • Will you embrace a methodology of teaching such as Charlotte Mason, Child-led, Eclectic, Classical etc. 
  • What type of scheduling will you lay out? 
  • Will you school year round?  Take regular breaks?  Do modified summer school?
  • Many homeschools are mom-led, but sometimes grandparents teach, or even dad.  How will it look for you?
  • How about co-ops?  Is there one close by or do you need to start your own? 
  • What about where you will do your schooling?   Designated room or use of your entire house? 
  • How will you manage younger and older siblings?  Keeping toddlers busy whilst helping older students grasp difficult concepts. 
June 2021 Social Media Challenge Graphic

Springtime in Small-Town Ontario

By 2 Comments

The crew has a challenge for us this week.  What are our Spring Routines?  Well… honestly I don’t know.   We work in the garden, go for long walks, enjoy the spring flowers… you know… springtime in small-town Ontario.  Nothing too fancy for us here.   As I sit here though I have to remember that not everyone lives in small-town Ontario. 🙂   So let’s talk a bit about my neck of the woods and what’s normal for us in the spring.   

You’ll find the odd affiliate link in this post. Costs you nothing, helps to support this blog. 

Teens Build!

I have a teen boy in the house.  Every year around this time he gets antsy to build and create.  He once again wants to build an air-propelled weapon.  Last year he modified his old marshmallow gun to create a weapon that could propel an arrow more than 100 feet.  He accidentally broke a piece on it so it no longer works ergo… the need to build a new one!  He’s on the hunt to find the parts.   It was rather quite impressive how far it would shoot. 

Springtime in Small-Town Ontario

Going for walks in the spring… soaking in the warmth of the sun, enjoying the light after a winter of dark.  I have to tell you, it’s one of my favourite things.   It’s wonderful to see the geese back in the park, to see the beauty of our local dam and waterways, and even to see the white squirrels running about. 

Being out in the sun is good for us.  Did you know it helps us to regulate our serotonin levels? It’s UV rays help us absorb chemicals and minerals.  The Vitamin D we gain from being out in the sun for even 15 minutes helps us to fight autoimmune diseases, and the exercise we get gains us a better night’s sleep. Early morning walks help to shrink fat cells which is rather cool!  🙂 Sunlight helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin which keeps us more balanced and happy over the course of a day.   Rather good to know the benefits of being outside eh? 

Since I have that teen… the spring is a great way to encourage him to get off his duff and out in the nice weather.  I have to admit, it’s not a hard sell in the spring.  It is probably the easiest time of the year for me to get him out and about.  I’ve noticed that the more he is outside the better his eczema is too! 

Running errands to the store, getting out with local friends, and just gadding about. It’s GOOD for a teen boy!   I love letting him use his muscles helping me in the garden, doing yard work, or even doing spring cleaning. 

If you’re looking for gardening or food production resources for your homeschool, you’ll find SchoolhouseTeachers a good place to start. 

Getting Out in the Gardens

Springtime is a great way for the enterprising teen in your life to make a few dollars.   Last year my son started some crabapple trees, helped me dig up extra gooseberry bush starters, and got some maple trees growing.
This spring he’s working with me to sell them.   Half for me, half for him.  He thinks it’s a good deal since he struggles yet with marketing.   As he helps with clean up he discovers other items we can put up on the marketplace as well, like our excess feedbags from the rabbits, flower pots we’re not using this year, and more.    It’s good to see him thinking about possibilities.  

If you are looking to encourage the entrepreneurial skills of your teens, these books (affiliate link) might help.