This post highlights the benefits of using ‘The Homeschool Story Studio’ as a tool for creating engaging, book-based learning experiences. It emphasizes the power of picture books in homeschooling and provides practical steps for developing lapbooks, which encourage creativity and deeper understanding. The resource includes downloadable planners and activity sheets for ongoing learning.
Category: Homeschooling
Then and Now by Perring and Perring {Book Review}
Then and Now: The Wonders of the Ancient World Brought to Life is an educational book by Stefania and Dominic Perring, published in 1991. It utilizes acetate overlays to juxtapose 20 ancient sites as they exist now with reconstructions of their historical appearances. The book received acclaim for its educational value and engaging format.
Finishing Strong Month One
Helloooo and welcome to month one of Finishing Strong, my attempt at finishing everything I’ve started before moving on to the next stage of my life: old age middle age late middle age. If you read my first post (A Homeschool Journey Coming to an End), you’ll know I am attempting to complete the following……
Books I Read in January {2026}
In January, the author explored various books, including the retelling of “The Story of Gilgamesh” by Yiyun Li, Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline,” and Melissa Harrison’s “By Rowan and Yew.” They also read R.F. Kuang’s dark fantasy “Katabasis” and Daniel Handler’s unconventional memoir “And Then? And Then? What Else?”, reflecting on themes of friendship, bravery, and creativity.
Gilgamesh the Hero Book Review for Homeschoolers
Gilgamesh the Hero by Geraldine McCaughrean is a retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh, making ancient history and mythology accessible for homeschooling. The story explores themes of friendship, mortality, and wisdom through the journey of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. This book serves as an excellent resource for Mesopotamia studies and discussion.
A Homeschool Journey Coming to an End
The post reflects on the emotional journey of a homeschooling mother nearing the end of her 25-year commitment, alongside navigating menopause and empty nest feelings. It highlights the complexity of identity shifts, the grief involved in leaving a significant chapter of life, and emphasizes the importance of intentional closure and renewal during this transformative period.
December Reading List
In December 2025, the author reflects on their reading journey, managing to read 113 books despite balancing a master’s program. The list features a mix of fiction and non-fiction, with a focus on exploring diverse genres. Highlights include insightful non-fiction about nature and trauma, alongside comforting fiction classics.
The Illustrated Robert Frost {Review}
Bringing children into the world of poetry can be a magical experience when done through the right book—and The Illustrated Robert Frost: 15 Winter Poems for Children is truly one of the most enchanting introductions you could choose. This thoughtfully assembled collection showcases Robert Frost’s iconic winter-themed poems in a warm, accessible, and visually stunning way for……
November Reading List
Well, I am well and truly back at uni studying for my final year of my master’s degree in Childhood and Youth Studies, and nothing proves it more clearly than the size of this month’s November reading list. It is, quite honestly, tiny. At my last count, I’d managed a satisfying 102 books for the year,……
Build Your Own Shaduf: DIY STEM Project
The post discusses the shaduf, an ancient irrigation tool used in Egypt and Mesopotamia to lift water. It explains its components, how it works as a simple machine, cultural significance, and historical context. The post includes instructions to build a shaduf as a hands-on STEM project, promoting learning through creativity.
Treasures from Bible Times: Exploring Biblical Archaeology
Treasures from Bible Time by Alan R. Millard is a foundational work in biblical archaeology that explores key archaeological findings related to the Bible. Despite its 1985 publication date and dated content, it remains a valuable resource thanks to its accessible writing and rich illustrations, appealing to both casual readers and serious scholars.
Dig This! by Michael Avi-Yonah {Book Review}
Dig This! How Archaeologists Uncover Our Past by Michael Avi-Yonah is an introductory, youth-oriented title that explains the methods of archaeology and the history behind key discoveries. Published in 1993, the book is part of the Buried Worlds series and is considered a solid, foundational resource for students aged between 9 and 14. Overall Impressions of Dig This!……
Treasures Under the Sand by Alan Honour {Book Review}
Treasures Under the Sand: Leonard Woolley’s Finds at Ur by Alan Honour is a classic Young Adult (YA) biography of the pioneering archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley. Published in 1968, the book focuses on Woolley’s famous excavations at Ur, highlighting his contributions to turning archaeology from a “haphazard treasure hunt” into a scientific discipline. This is a……
Ancient Mesopotamia by Virginia Schomp {Book Review}
Ancient Mesopotamia by Virginia Schomp is a thorough introduction to the topic, specifically aimed at 11-18 year olds. It is a clear and accessible resource, especially for homeschoolers and younger students who might find the history of the region confusing. For me, it was an excellent overview. Alongside, the Eyewitness Ancient Mesopotamia book, it makes a fabulous……
September Reading List
Welcome to my September Reading List. My goal for this year is to read 150 books. To do this, each month I need to read at least ten books as well as dipping into the five books at the end of this post. This means by the end of the year, these five can be……