Homeschooling is a lot like teaching in a one-room schoolhouse because we teach multiple grades at the same time every day. Each of our students needs our attention, so how is a mom supposed to do it all? And the more kids you have, the more potential for crazy there is! I have two boys, I tutor another boy, and I work from home (and working at home as a wife and mother). It can be so overwhelming!

When I was a kid, history was one of my least favorite subjects. I loved to write and even loved math, but history seemed like a lot of old, boring dates and facts to remember. I remember one history class in junior high when the teacher had several large blackboards. He would write the facts we needed to know all over the blackboards, and the entire duration of his class was copying that down onto paper. Occasionally, we would have test days to go over what we "learned." I dreaded having to teach history to my children. I didn't want them to have the same experience I did, so I began to look for ways to make history more exciting.

My name is Danielle Misciagna, and I homeschool my three children: Christian, 15, Adriana, 13, and Stephen, 11. I started homeschooling when my oldest was in preschool. He's now halfway through high school. It has been a journey that I mostly loved but was sometimes not always eager to take. It's been a work in progress, a time for the Lord to teach me as I considered the best way to teach my children. Watchman Nee said it best, "The Christian experience, from start to finish, is a journey of faith." Faith means you do not always see what's up ahead. While I did not always know what I was getting into homeschooling, I am glad we took those steps of faith.

Valentine's Day is one of the most family-friendly holidays. Sure, it's a time for those in love to express their affection to one another, but when kids join the mix, Valentine's Day is a bit different from the "I only have eyes for you" kind of holiday. 

I am a Florida girl. I have lived in the Sunshine State since I was two years old. I love our sunny weather, our beautiful beaches, theme parks, and how simple it is to homeschool in Florida.

Whether you are a new homeschooler or a recently moved-here homeschooler, welcome to Homeschooling in South Carolina! I remember when I moved here from Florida. The homeschooling requirements there were minimal. The first thing I did was check the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website to see what the homeschooling laws were here, but I struggled to understand exactly what I was supposed to do. To be honest, I found the homeschooling laws similar to the English language: there always seemed to be an exception depending on which option you choose. I worked through many different scenarios with my kids, and unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. However, I'm going to try my best to break it down for you and make it as uncomplicated as I can.

You just finished reviewing your son's math assignment. Thinking about the last three subjects your child needs to complete, you glance at the clock. You realize your husband will be home in twenty minutes and it is time to make supper. It's week three of your school year, and you start wondering if you will ever find your groove!

Rich in history and traditional culture, South Dakota is a great place to educate your children. Whether you and your child are nestled in your living room, on a field trip to Mount Rushmore, learning at a park, enjoying a homeschool group activity, or studying in a waiting room at the doctor's office, you will benefit from one of the greatest blessings of homeschooling: growth and togetherness.

As homeschooling families and as Christians, we have much to be thankful for. We have the privilege to teach our children in conversations throughout the entire day. We can focus on teaching and modeling for our children a personal relationship with God and explore His world as we help shape our children's worldview.

BJU Press Homeschool's Focus on Fives provides age-appropriate introductions to handwriting, phonics, reading, science, and social studies. Students will enjoy many activities that build a solid foundation for reading including teaching reading strategies, phonemic awareness, and even listening and speaking strategies! Focus on Fives is available as parent-led kit or as a video course. Here are some tips for managing all the little parts and pieces if you decide to supplement your teaching with the Focus on Fives phonics charts.