In April, the author enthusiastically shared their reading experiences, highlighting books from various genres. Notable reads included “The Keeper of Stories” by Sally Page and “The Travelling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa, both exploring themes of connection and personal growth. The author appreciated discovering new authors and enjoyed a productive reading month overall.
Category: Homeschooling
DIY Escape Rooms for Homeschool History Unit Studies
Homeschooling can be transformed into an engaging adventure through DIY escape rooms, especially in teaching history. These immersive experiences promote active learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and memory retention. By creating story-driven challenges, parents can facilitate meaningful interactions with historical topics, making education memorable and enjoyable for their children.
Books I Read in March
In March, the author managed to maintain some reading despite the strain of completing a master’s assignment. Although book numbers were low, engagement with Mesopotamian themes through non-fiction courses and books inspired greater enthusiasm for her studies. Two key reads broadened her understanding, even if they were challenging.
Pizza Box Presentation Ideas
A pizza box presentation creatively combines visuals, facts, and interactive elements to engage audiences in various topics. This innovative project allows for a dynamic display, featuring illustrations, timelines, key facts, and fun activities. It transforms traditional learning methods into an enjoyable experience, enhancing creativity and information retention.
Pizza Box Presentation
The post introduces a creative and engaging homeschooling method called the pizza box presentation, utilizing a pizza box as a three-dimensional display for students to showcase learning through visuals and summaries. This presentation format enhances creativity, oral communication, and hands-on learning, making it a memorable way to share knowledge across various subjects.
How to Make a Lapbook (The Homeschool Story Studio)
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.
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.