About Heather Shanks

A Note from the Professor... So nice to have you here! I hope you are finding just the encouragement and information you need for your homeschooling journey. Feel free to grab a cup of coffee and stay for a while. You can channel your inner Professor Mom by signing up for our free monthly newsletter full of homeschooling resources, request the RSS feed for your reader or by following me on Twitter and Facebook. Stay the course... Heather

Teaching Bible in Your Homeschool

For many homeschooling families, Bible education is a double-edged sword. On one hand, parents desire to teach their children about Scripture: its wisdom, values, and revelation of the power of God.  On the other hand, I've noticed a hesitation, maybe even a fear associated with bringing children into the Word.  The other day, I was talking with a discouraged homeschooling mom.  She and

The Antidote for Childhood Laziness: Pupose Part 2

In The Antidote for Childhood Laziness: Purpose Part 1, we were challenging the assumption that kids cannot be expected to seek out meaningful purpose in their lives.  We came to the conclusion that purpose is what kids are already seeking, that they already have dreams and interests and the energy to pursue them.  As a

The Antidote for Childhood Laziness: Purpose Part 1

Michael is a sweet 9-year-old boy, pretty funny with average grades.  His mom and dad love him, but a growing concern has been nagging them for a few months now.  You see, Michael is lazy.  He would rather play tennis on the Wii than play tennis outdoors.  Chores are an arm-twisting scenario every day.  His interests

Teaching Writing: 5 Steps to Effective Revisions

Teaching writing can be daunting for homeschooling parents, especially if your own background in writing is a bit shaky.  How do you know what to focus on to help your child improve their writing skills?   Clear feedback is critical.  Teaching them how to review their own work is even more helpful.  Luckily, both activities use the

Tips for Using Nature to Increase Kids’ Attention Span

Homeschooling gives us a terrific opportunity to use the outdoors to academic advantage.  In my recent post on the positive effect of nature on children's attention spans, I promised some practical tips on how to incorporate more 'green' time into your homeschool day.  Inspired by a master in the use of nature for education, Charlotte

Nature Improves Attention Span

Homeschooling or not, parents across America recognize that short attention spans plague many of today's children. Between flashing television images, text messaging, pre-digested information, and sound bytes, young people are surrounded by opportunities for distraction.  Focus is a key skill for young people who look forward to a life of meaningful work.  The ability to stick with

Carnival of Homeschooling – Jan. 5, 2010

Check out this week's edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling… good reading!

Home Renewal: Let eBay Freshen Your Decor

The sun is shining, the air is brisk, and the house looks grand!  Hmmm, except the faded throw pillows and the tattered rug at the front door.  Oh, and the small army of porcelain figurines, closets stuffed with clothes that remind you of another life, and various dishes that are glorified dust collectors.  You glance

New Year’s Resolution Wrap-Up

A time for new beginnings… I spent some time this morning peaking in on some fellow homeschooling bloggers.  Here's a quick wrap-up of some interesting New Year's posts: Miscellaneous Musings of a 5X Mom points us to a 90-day Bible Challenge.  What a great way to fire up a study plan that may have fallen by the

Medieval Reading List and Challenge

Our family has spent ALOT of time with the medieval world this year.  From the Viking explorations to King Alfred to Duke William's victory at Hastings, we have gotten through some terrific literature that has made this time period come to life for the boys.  They loved the battles and the castles.  I loved the

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