Blog ~ The Zoo I Call Home

A Math Program for Busy Boys

by Felicia | Jan 11, 2020 | Curriculum Reviews, Homeschool, Special Needs

I have four very busy boys between the ages of 2 and 9. Sitting still or concentrating on math problems isn’t on their list of favorite things to do. I also want my children to enjoy learning, especially at this age, and not fear math. Numbers are fun! This led...

Start your Day with Shakespeare

by Felicia | Jan 5, 2020 | Homeschool, Morning Time

Our family cherishes our morning time each school day. Having a large family with varying age ranges can make homeschool challenging. Morning time was the gift that helps bring us together each day. From the high schooler to the toddler, we can enjoy some great books...

The Right Homeschool Planner

by Felicia | Dec 24, 2019 | Curriculum Reviews, Getting Organized

As 2019 comes to a close, let the 2020 homeschool planning begin! I do my big homeschool planning in the summer, but I always re-evaluate during the winter break. And with that planning, I sometimes need to grab a new planner. I’ve used the Living Well Planner,...

Last-minute Gifts That People Will Actually Want

by Adrienne Koziol | Dec 15, 2019 | Holidays

If you’re like me, you’re realizing that Christmas is weeks away and you need last-minute gift ideas NOW. This hit me and led to this blog. I’m hoping I’m not alone! For those out there like me (procrastinators), I’ve compiled all of my...

Feeling Burned Out? You’re Not Alone!

by Adrienne Koziol | Nov 17, 2019 | Getting Organized, Homeschool

“I’m sending them all to school.” These words are very familiar to burned out homeschooling moms everywhere. The kids are arguing more than usual. Housework keeps piling up. School isn’t getting done. You haven’t had a good night’s...

Scaling Education for your Special Learner

by Felicia | Oct 29, 2019 | Getting Organized, Homeschool, Methods, Special Needs

One of the amazing gifts of homeschooling is the ability to adjust your child’s education to fit their needs. I have been blessed with six special learners … so far. By creating schedules and plans to meet the needs of the learner, I can help them succeed...

Farm Life of a Large Homeschooling Family

by Felicia | Sep 23, 2019 | Homeschool

Raising a family on a small farm is rewarding, yet has it’s own challenges. As much as I want to paint a pretty picture and share only our joys, I also don’t want you longing for something unrealistic and not appreciate what you already have. Farm life is...

Creative Homeschool Space Ideas

by Felicia | Sep 10, 2019 | Getting Organized, Homeschool, Multiple Ages

I love having a larger-than-normal sized family. My kids always have someone to play with, we are never bored, there’s always someone to cheer for, and I enjoy how each one is so unique. It also means a lot of dirty dishes, a huge grocery bill and the never...

Literature Based History: Get Rid of Textbooks Once and For All

by Felicia | Sep 2, 2019 | Curriculum Reviews, Homeschool

When I started homeschooling 17 years ago, I wanted anything but a textbook. I searched and researched many non-textbook options. I found many that I loved. Fast forward to today and there are so many great literature based options, especially for history studies. So...

10 Homeschool Organization Tips to Calm the Chaos

by Felicia | Aug 24, 2019 | Getting Organized, Homeschool, Multiple Ages

There is so much you can do with the 24 hours given, yet there is not enough time in a day to get everything done. Oh the dilemma! Having a large family and then choosing to spend every waking moment with them, creates a challenging scenario and demands creative...