Weekend Links ll May 29, 2026

 

If You Give a Dog a Doughnut Activities

Incorporating Nature into Your Homeschool

Nature Study for Beginners

Summer Learning Calendar for 4th-12th Grades

Science Museum Activity Pack

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Aloud ll May 2026

 Nonfiction:

The Missing Peace by Tim Ross

See my full review here.

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

In this book, Julie Bogart brings her own town of enchantment and whimsy to homeschool.  Based on decades of experience, from being a homeschool parent to a writing coach and author herself, Bogart encourages parents to explore the elements of homeschool that embrace freedom,  curiosity, and wonder.  I've read this book multiple times and feel like I always get something out of it.  Even with high schoolers, I'm reminded of the principles that make this grand life of homeschool worth living.  This is definitely one I would recommend for all homeschoolers, but especially those starting out, to preserve a sense of wonder in their homes and children.

Fiction:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

My challenge for this year is to read Jane Austen's books, and what better way to start that challenge that with Pride and Prejudice?  Set in the world of Regency England, independent Elizabeth Bennett finds herself fiercely clashing with the brooding Mr. Darcy.  But things are never as they appear in a world of propriety and social expectations.  Gender roles, misunderstandings, and clashing egos abound as love and loved ones are not all their appear to be.  This is a great one to start with if you're new to Jane Austen's work.

Read Aloud:

The House of Sixty Fathers by Meindert DeJong

Set during WWII, Tien Pao is separated from his family and must survive the Japanese invasion on his own.  Through flooding, enemy gunfire, and a burning city, Tien Pao manages to keep himself alive.  Along the way, he is helped by Chinese resistance fighters and manages to save an American airman as well.  With only his lucky pig to keep him company, he finds his way to an airbase and the men who set out to help him reunite with his family.  Sad, thrilling, and humanizing, The House of Sixty Fathers brings home the very personal pain of WWII, and the joy of finding family even in unlikely places.

The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day by Scott O'Dell

Young Tom Barton and his Uncle Jack help William Tyndale smuggle Bibles into England.  What starts out as a business deal, quickly turns personal when Tyndale teaches Tom to read and treats him like a son.  This book had its ups and downs.  Sometimes it felt very slow and other times, we were on the edge of our seats.  One thing I did really enjoy was the fact that it didn't shy away from the danger that Tyndale was in.  And that by befriending him, Tom Barton put his life at risk as well.  O'Dell also writes the characters in such a way that they are very human.  No one in this story is perfect and that really opened up a lot of opportunity for us that have conversations about one's character. 

What are you reading?

The Missing Peace {Review}

 

Tim Ross, bestselling author and podcaster, takes his readers on a journey of stepping out of temporary happiness and embracing true freedom.  He writes on identifying our emotions, regulating the body, creating safety, rewriting our reactions,  and more in ways that. go beyond doom scrolling, shopping addictions, and turning on worship music.  He reminds us to slow down long enough to identify the deeper reasons for our unease, and to unravel them with purposeful strategies.

Sharing his own testimony, Ross illustrates how true healing begins with voicing our deepest pains.  It's through revelation that healing can start.  Silence carries deep suffering.  But honest sharing can open one up to peace and freedom.

I was deeply encouraged by Ross' testimony and vulnerability in this book.  Written in the style of one who's walked a healing journey, The Missing Peace combines real pain and real healing with trauma informed techniques in a deeply personal style.  Ross' end goal is not coming to a place of erasing the pain, but healing it and using it in the Kingdom.  He reminds us that peace is found in walking through our trauma with the One who provides perfect peace.  

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.

June Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

 Looking for a few ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

June 1st--Say Something Nice Day

*Write a heartfelt note of appreciation for a family member or friend

*Text a joyful memory to a friend 

*Give "praise reports" for a family member over dinner

June 5th--Donut Day
*Make some Apple Cider Donut Holes
*What about some Baked Churro Donuts?

*Craft Felt Food Donuts for the kids' play kitchen

June 6th--National Trails Day
*Organize/ take part in a trail volunteer clean up crew
*Find a new trail to hike
*Purchase a new wildlife guide and see how many plants/animals you can identify on your hike

June 8th--Best Friends Day
*Send a small gift/card to your best friend

*Make Friendship bracelets
*Phone an old friend
*Find a pen pal

June 15th--Nature Photography Day
*Create a nature photography challenge list
*Take an online photography course

*Try a 20 Step Pause-And-Shoot Challenge

June 18th--International Picnic Day

*Plan a homeschool group picnic

*Print a nature scavenger hunt to complete

*Have a bake off for the teens at your picnic

June 21st--Father's Day
*Fill out a Father's Day memory sheet
*Draw a Father's Day portrait
*Create a Father's Day gift

June 27th--Great American Campout Day
*Put the tent up in the backyard
*Make s'mores in a solar oven
*Go Camping!

What days are you celebrating this month?

Weekend Links ll May 22, 2026

 

Printable Zoo Scavenger Hunt

Zoo Printable Bundle

Top 10 Family Hikes in U.S. National Parks

Flowers Scavenger Hunt

Sea Turtle Lapbook

All Things Strawberries ll Collab

*This post was originally published on 5/8/18.  Enjoy! 

Today we're sharing a delicious Strawberry Lime Sorbet as part of the All About Strawberries Collab.  This is the perfect light and refreshing treat going into summer.

Collab Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YECbBr0XeCBQgCZtlRxZYpFU&jct=lZN1YoZOE7YtW5gBN42IZoxkQEEmUg&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

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Music Attribution:

Happy Mandolin by Media Right Productions

Top Seven Books for the Homeschool Mom

Are you a homeschool mom just starting out on your home education journey with little ones?  Or even a more seasoned homeschooler looking for some continuing inspiration?  If I were to sit down with a homeschool mom looking for direction, these would be the titles I'd encourage her to read.  Whether she has young children or old, these must-read books are sure to refocus and refresh any homeschooler.

*Homeschool Bravely by Jamie Erickson-- This is the inspiration I return to every summer to help me refocus and find inspiration for the new year.  Erickson cuts to the heart of the matter, addressing the common fears that all homeschoolers face including if our homeschools are enough for our kiddos.  She reminds us that the Lord knows our strengths as well as our weaknesses, and has called us each to our particular families.  Our homeschool success if based not on our own efforts, but rather on our obedience and the Lord working in our kiddo's lives.  This one recalibrates my heart year after year.

*The Read Aloud Family by Sarah MacKenzie-- Filled with practical strategies for making read alouds a part of your family culture, MacKenzie reminds us that reading aloud has the power to shape individuals as well as the future.  Practical skills include; finding the time, developing empathy and compassion in your children, academic benefits, and family shaping.  

*Better Together by Pam Barnhill-- Morning Time has been a bedrock of our homeschool since the beginning.  This short, easy to read book sets a vision for Morning Time, practical ways to make it work in a variety of family situations, and a multitude of resources to try.  I'm constantly inspired by the resources included in this book.  This title is one I read year after year.

*Give Your Child the World by Jamie Martin--This extensive booklist includes over 600 titles to explore countries and cultures, organized by region, country, and age range.  I've used this one a lot to enhance our history and geography studies and haven't been disappointed by any of Martin's suggestions.

*For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay--Based on a Christian understanding of what it means to be human, Macaulay helps educators build an enriching and intellectually stimulating environment for their children.  This book takes education out of the classroom and into the world, helping the child thrives in all areas of life, not just formal learning.

*The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson-- Though not necessarily a homeschool book,  The Lifegiving Home includes ideas of families to enjoy their space year round.  Organized by monthly themes,, Clarkson inspires her readers to create special memories, establish routines and rhythms, and cultivate an environment where children (and homeschoolers) can thrive.

*The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment--  The Wild and Free community, founded by Arment, encourages a love of nature, great books, and using the world as the classroom.  Prolonging the wonder of childhood and nurturing curiosity are also an essential part of this philosophy.  This book reminds me not to take my homeschool too seriously, but to embrace the moment. To remember the joy and wonder in the everyday.  And to point it out to those around me.

*The Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola-- This book is divided into short, quick chapter.  It can be read through cover to cover, or chapters picked out based on topic.  I love how Andreola breaks down Charlotte Masons's principles into every day language, providing easy entry into a Charlotte Mason education.

What titles would you add to the list?

Reflection Questions As You End Your Homeschool Year

One of the best ways to finish out the homeschool year is with some simple reflection on the past months.  Prepare a special meal or celebratory dessert, and linger together.  Reminisce over the past year and appreciate how far you've come. 

Questions to ask your Kiddos:

*What was your favorite Read Aloud? Why?

*Did you have.a favorite independent read?

*Did you have a favorite part of Morning Basket?

*What was your favorite project or activity?

*What advice would you give someone about to embark on the grade you just finished?

Questions to ask Yourself:

*What did you enjoy teaching? Why?

*What didn't you enjoy teaching? Why?

*What was a highlight of your year?

*Did you have a lowlight in your year?

*What was your favorite area of exploration this year?

What do you have to reflect on this year?

A Peek Into Our Homeschool Week ll Spring 2026

 Our spring schedule definitely ramped up in April and into the first week of May.  Having High Schoolers means that different seasons of our homeschool are BUSY, and mom and dad are here for it!  

Mondays are always a favorite for myself (Mom) because it's one of the slower days of our week.  There are still a few things on the schedule, but for the most part, we're home and checking things off our list.  Anyone else love a good checklist?  I know I certainly do... maybe  a little too much at times.  But the weather has been getting nicer so we spent quite a bit of time on the patio doing school work.  Later that evening, my daughter had a longer dance rehearsal since it's getting closer to recital.  While she was gone, my freshman aged son, my mother and I played one of our favorite card games: Dutch Blitz.  It's fast moving and absolutely hilarious!

Tuesday rolled around and it was choir recital day.  This is easily one of the craziest days of the year for me as I work on the choir parent council as well.  We arrived at the church for a final rehearsal and afternoon concert at 1pm and didn't leave until around 4 pm.  That'a a lot of socializing for a homeschool mom!  Then we were back at the church before 6 pm for a final evening concert.  My son has moved on to the senior choir, but I still enjoy helping out with the jr choir.  They are full of nerves and excitement.  And it's always a joy to see these kiddos performing and worshipping the Lord at concert time!  Then off to ice cream to celebrate afterwards because who doesn't love a little ice cream?

Wednesday we all needed to sleep in a little.  So I didn't wake up the kids until I was headed out the door for Bible study.  Our church has been going through a study on I and II Kings, and this was our final week.  I never would have thought of doing a study on those two books, but I ended up learning so much.  A little bittersweet to end our time together.  

I thought we would get back to a regular routine on Thursday, but no such luck.  My son had an afternoon Robotics class and while he was gone, I checked in with my senior daughter.  She's getting ready to graduate so I wanted to touch base about some of the required classes she is taking from me.  She finished up Michael Farris' American Civics class this week.  I cannot believe how much she learned from that course.  It's phenomenal!  She's also working her way through an 8-week accelerated nutrition course from our local junior college.  She's loving it, but it's very fast!

That afternoon, we met with our teacher from the charter school.  She was checking in with the kids to see how they're finishing out the year and we started talking about next year.  I put together a list of curriculum wants and needs for her.  It was a little sad as I'll be down to one student next year.  I'm excited for my daughter to graduate and excited for my son to be taking on new challenges next year, but it's hard to believe that we're already to this point.

Friday, we did finally take a breath.  Dance classes were over for the week.  We lived through choir concert.  Our homeschool group was on a hiatus.  It was a good chance for all of us to catch up on a little sleep.  I had muffins ready for the kids as we went through our morning time together.  It's still my favorite part of the day!

My husband and I wrapped up the week with Friday Night Small Group.  We've been meeting with this group for about two months and will take a beak soon.  But it's been a joy to meet and get together with people from church.  It's truly been a blessing!

What do your homeschool weeks look like lately?

The Elephant and the Piano {Review}

 

"An incredible and uplifting true story about how music has healed troubled elephants in a sanctuary in Thailand."

Short-tempered Bonti lives on an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.  Temperamental, the other elephants give Bonti lots of room, and he lives a fairly solitary life.  But when Paul Barton arrives with his piano, something magical happens.... for all the elephants, but especially for Bonti.

This story is beautifully lyrical, magical, ... and even more special considering it's a true story.  It's an inspiring triumph, reading how music and friendship created a special bond between man and animal.  This picture book touches on themes of big emotions, empathy, and the healing power of music.

A sweet and beautifully illustrated story for readers of all ages.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.

15 Ways to Bless a New Mom

 1. Offer to bring the family a meal-- Everyone feels better with some food in their tummy.  And even if Mom's not hungry, her other little ones probably are.  What a relief to concentrate on her family without scrambling for dinner at 5 pm.  Be sure to check and see if there are any allergies and what time the family usually eats.  Otherwise, most moms find a meal to be such a blessing.

2. Bring a little something extra-- Don't forget dessert or something quick and easy for snacks or breakfast.  Those little extra touches can go a long way.

3. Set up a meal train for others to provide meals-- Most people want to bless the new family and see the new baby as well.  Setting up a meal train gives others an opportunity to see a need, meet it, pop in for a second, and use their gifts of hospitality as well.  This can be as simple as a piece of notebook paper passed around on a Sunday morning or as high tech as utilizing a meal train on TakeThemAMeal.com

4. Offer to bring a freezer meal-- On the other hand, sometimes a freezer meal is helpful as well.  Freezer meals are awesome for families who have relatives visiting and just want to set something aside for when visitors cease. 

5. Take other children to the park-- Offer to take her other kids to the park to run off some energy.  Often times when mom's at home with the new baby, the kids get sick of being cooped up.  They need to get out of the house with their friends and mom might just need a nap.  Even if Dad's home, this could be a good opportunity for he and Mom to just reconnect and get a breather.

6. Pick up some groceries-- If you feel comfortable knowing the family well enough, pick up a few things while you're at the store that you know they'll enjoy.  If not, check in with mom before you stop by and see if she needs anything.  Most families will be blessed by something as simple as a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, and some peanut butter and jelly.

7. Clean her house-- If you can get away for a little while, send Mom to take a quick nap while you clean up the kitchen, sweep, or run a quick vaccum over the rug.

8. Give a gift card-- In today's society, there is no end to the type of gift cards available.  Coffee, groceries, diaper services, take-out, or delivery,... just to name a few.  Or if you like the idea of helping her clean our house, but don't have the time yourself, you can pay someone to make a one-time stop just to help her catch up.

9. Send a card-- If you're far away or just want to do something a little special for her, send her a note telling her that you're praying for her or a few words of encouragement.  The power of the written word can go a long way in encouraging a new mom.

10. Bring the older kids a treat-- If she has older kids, it's always nice to bring them something special.  It doesn't have to be much.  It can be something as little as some dollar store glow sticks, a pack of gum, or just telling them that you brought dessert 'cause you were thinking of them.

11. Fold her laundry--No one really enjoys doing laundry, but the real work begins when it comes out of the dryer.  This is a great one for helping out mom and still finding a way to visit.

12. Clean up her yard-- This is a big one for Moms and Dads both.  Yards often are at the bottom of the list in getting things done, but what a blessing to come home to a mowed lawn or trimmed hedges.  And this is a great way for your whole family to work together on a project: mowing, trimming, raking, prunning, or even planting.

13. Bring diapers-- Pick up a package of diapers and wipes.  If you're not sure about Mom's preference, you can't go wrong with those for sensitive skin and a receipt. 

14. Take her out for the evening-- Sometimes Mom just needs a night away from the chaos.  This will probably come later, but keep her mind as the weeks go on.  Recruit her husband in encouraging her to get away for awhile and find some place where you can both be comfortable and reconnect.  Every mom will spend a lot of time talking about her kids, but also wants to remember what it's like to just be a friend as well.

15. Follow up--Keep her in mind as the weeks and months progress.  When a new baby is born, there's usually a big rush to bless the family, but eventually all the buzz dies down.  That's when she needs you the most.  Check in with her from time to time and don't let her isolate herself.

What ideas to you have for blessing a new mom?

Weekend Links ll May 8, 2026

 

Healthy Fruit Wrap

Flower Bouquet Craft

Mother's Day Acrostic Poem Templates

Printable Travel Brochure Template

25+ Fun Picture Books for Spring

Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Bug Off!: A Swarm of Insect Words by Cathi Hepworth

The Bumblebee Queen by April Pulley Sayne

The Honeymakers by Gail Gibbons

A Butterfly is Patient by Sylvia Long

The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi and Krysten Brooke

Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin

A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Aston

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Kidman

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messne

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Treasury for Children by James Herriot

Pig and Goose and the First Day of Spring By Rebecca Bond

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlers

It's Spring by Renee Krill

Mossy by Jan Brett

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Park

Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit by Il Sung Na

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano

Buzzing with Questions by Janie N. Harington

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms by Julia Rawlinson

Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor

Escargot and the Search for Spring by Dashiki Slater

Which One Will You Pick Up?

2026 Homeschool Goals ll March & April Check-In

 Happy May!  It's time for my monthly check-in for our 2026 Homeschool Resolutions.  I missed updating in April so this month's update will cover both March and April.  I think I needed that little break because April was FULL.  I cannot believe we are rounding the bend of finishing another homeschool year.  I'm trying to keep these resolutions at the top of my mind so I can keep making progress.  I felt so convicted about at the beginning of the year.    Especially considering that my kids are just getting older.  There are a few goals here that we are absolutely conquering.  And then, there are others that we're really struggling with.  Ooops!  I'm actually going to put some things on the calendar as soon as I finish this update.

So I'm doing a check-in to keep myself accountable.  I've copied my resolutions here and I'll put my March and April updates in bold,  just to help keep things at the top of my mind.

Our 2026 Homeschool Resolutions:

1. Reading Scripture together--While my kids each have their own devotional and Bible study times, I would like for us to incorporate some Bible reading together.  I'm hoping this will open up some dialogue about what we're reading together and start our day on a good note.--We're doing so good with this.  I've been very encouraged by the progress we're making just be having the habit of 5-10 min each morning.  We finished Mark and now we're reading through John and discussing.  I love hearing what my teenagers are thinking.

2. Praying together each morning--I realized our prayer times together have become route.  The idea is that having this prayer time in the morning will open up an opportunity for us to share a little more freely.  And practicing public prayer will make it less intimidating to pray with a group.--This is getting better... it's been a little harder to get into a routine.  My daughter leaves morning time when my son and I get into our read aloud, so I have to remember before we're completely done with our time.  But it's getting better.  Now with Bible reading and prayer, I have to find a new place for these habits once school is out.  Any suggestions?

3. 12 Read Alouds in the Year--We love our read alouds. And I love that reading good books together gives us a chance to adventure together... even on a limited budget.  As the kids have gotten older and the books longer, 12 books feels like a good goal for the year.-- In March, we read both Shooting Kabul and SeeSaw Girl.  And in April, we read Turtles of the Midnight Moon.   Which means, we've read a total of 6 books from our read aloud list.  Yay!

4. Go on 12 Hikes this year-- Ok, we've made hiking goals before and failed miserably..  So I'm keeping it really simple this year.  Only 12.. should be doable.--Ok, we are absolutely failing at this one.  Or rather, I'm failing at this one.  We've done ONE hike in four months.  That's pretty bad.  This is going to take some more pre-planning on my part.

5. Celebrate Lydia's graduation--I can't believe I'm graduating my second kid.  Unbelievable!  I have a feeling the way we celebrate this one will be very different from the way we celebrated the first.  But I want to make it just as special so it's time to start planning now.--I've ordered and set out graduation announcements and start collecting some decorations.  She doesn't want a big party, but we will have some family in town so I'm doing a little.  I just can't let a milestone like this go uncelebrated.

6. One on One Dates--Yes, this is parenting.  But with homeschool, parenting and education bleed into each other.  Having strong relationships and time to listen can only allow for more openness and connection during our homeschool days.--We've done a little here and there.  In the past two months, we've had a one on one at least once with each of them.  

7. Plan 6+ homeschool field trips--Having one kid graduated and two in high school, I realize more every day just how small this window of time really is.  So field trips mean so much.  Making time to enjoy learning, experience new opportunities, expand their horizons... I have 2 in the works right now, with multiple tabs open for potential learning over the next year.--Over spring break, we were near the state capitol so we finally took a tour.  I've been wanting to take the kids for years.  We also had our nephew and nieces with us so we had a group from 7-18 yrs old.  Our tour guide was amazingly patience, knew just the right amount of history and personal interest stories, and gave us a great tour.  And it was FREE!  Cannot recommend highly enough.  So we've gotten in 2 formal field trips and lots of fun outings as well.

8. Stay invested in our homeschool group--Our high school home group has been a lifeline this year.  Giving my kids an opportunity to make likeminded friends AND be mentored by other quality parents... WIN/WIN!  I'm definitely making time in our schedule to keep this going.--We had a couple of discipleship groups in March, but April was BUSY!  So we didn't really meet.  We do have a couple of dates on the calendar of May so I'm looking forward to it.  My hope is to do some little meet-ups over the summer, and start up again with some renewed excitement in the fall.

As you can see, my theme this year is CONNECTION, CONNECTION, CONNECTION!  Now more than ever, I'm well aware of how important relationship is in our homeschool.  Everything flows from that starting point.  So happy to be raising my very best friends.

Are you making homeschool resolutions this year?

Weekend Links ll May 1, 2026

 

How to Outline a Five Paragraph Essay

How to Plan a Visit to the Aquarium

Printable Mother's Day Interactive Card

Botany Lapbooks

Clover Nature Study

Spring Reading Bingo

End of the Year Writing Prompts

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Aloud ll April 2026

  Nonfiction:

Help!  My Kid Hates Writing by Julie Bogart

Writing is hard.  Teaching writing is HARD.  Julie Bogart brings her Brave Writer system to parents as they support their children's writing journey with practical advice and ideas.  Bogart comes from a coaching perspective and really creates an alliance between parent and child.  I also love that it included real life examples and exercises for putting Bogart's philosophy into practice.  I'm not sure what I expected, but I wish I would have had this book when my kids were younger, and I will be returning to it again and again for ideas.  

 

You Can Be Brave by Max Lucado

See my full review here.

Christian Heroes: Wilfred Grenfell

by Janet and Geoff Benge

I love these Christian Heroes books.  They remind me how the Lord can use any of us for His purpose.  This one chronicles the life of Wilfred Grenfell as he ministers to the people along in Newfoundland and Labrador.  The conditions he find there leads him to establish hospitals, schools, fisherman cooperatives, and more.  It was heartbreaking to read the stories of these families.  The lives they lived were harsh, ruthless, and dangerous.  Grenfell's work during that time is truly amazing and inspiring.  I say it every time... "This one's my new favorite."

Fiction:

Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery

This final novel in the Anne of Green Gables series follows Anne's youngest daughter, Marilla.  Entering adulthood as World War I erupts, Rilla jumps in to help the war effort and even raises a baby whose mother dies while the father is a soldier.  As the war rages, she watches three brothers, numerous friends, and a love interest leave for Europe.  This book discusses themes of courage, resilience, and heartache.  Other than the first book, this might be my favorite in the series.  Montgomery has a way of writing very believable characters and bring history to life.  This book reminds us all what a challenging time this was, and the grit and resilience that was exhibited by an entire generation.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams

Four strangers in a small town unite together to not only solve one murder, but two.  It all enters around the new housing development and an executive who was ready to come clean.  Until he wounds up dead.  And when one of their own is framed for the murders, it's up to the other to uncover the real killer.  This isn't my usual genre, but spoiler alert, I loved it.  The plot was intriguing without being "too much."  And the four protagonists were so endearing.  This is a great light mystery of just stepping into something new.

There's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George

This was quick middle grade read about a young boy whose father has lost his job due to conservation efforts.  The spotted owl threatens the family livelihood and a rural town is in transition.  The young boy finds a baby owlet which he brings home and it immediately bonds with his father.  Over time, the father comes around to loving the owl as well.  However, they have yet to realize it's a spotted owl.  What will the father do when he realizes?  I love this author's books.  She does a great job of balancing the needs of the environment with the needs of people, without belittling either side.  This would make a great read about for ages 8-12 years.

Read Alouds:

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose Fitzgerald

Twelve year old Barana is fascinated by the sea turtles that visit her coastal home in Honduras.   And she's equally as determined to preserve their nests for generations to come.

Aberdeen is struggling to fit into her life in the states, where she's never quite felt like the other kids.

When Abby gets the chance for a two week visit to Honduras with her father, the girls become unlikely allies in tracking down the poaches that are terrorizing the island.

This is an age appropriate mystery about friendship, preservation, and family, all themes appropriate for tweens and middle schoolers.  We loved reading this one and hope you will too!

What are you reading?

May Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

Looking for a few ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

May 1st--May Day
*Create a floral bouquet and surprise your grandparents
*Gift your neighbors with some floral plants and offer to help in their garden
*Learn about composting

*Practice a few simple dance steps set to folksongs

May 2nd--National Scrapbook Day
*Create a scrapbook page around an "I am" poem
*Create a page around a state/ historical figure you're studying

*Scrapbook a page about your nature walk

May 5th--Cinco De Mayo
*Read the Real History of Cinco De Mayo
*Complete Cinco De Mayo word search
*Plan a special dinner together

*Try your hand at homemade tortillas

May 10th--Mother's Day
*Create a menu/shop/cook dinner (w/help)
*Play this Mother/Baby Animal Memory Game

*Gift Flower Coupon cards
*Make Mom's favorite dessert

May 15th--Pizza Party Day
*Have a pizza party of course!
*Cut pizzas in different amounts and talk about fractions
*Double or half the recipe for more practice in fractions
*Research favorite pizza toppings by country

May 18th--Museum Day
*Go to your local children's museum
*Check out an art gallery
*Or explore the train museum

May 20th--Pick Strawberries Day

*Plant strawberry plants

*Extract DNA from strawberries
*Visit a U-Pick Strawberry farm
*Pack these Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly Bars

May 25th--Memorial Day
*Attend a memorial service at a veteran's cemetery
*Write to a serviceman in your family

*Watch a patriotic movie together

What days are you celebrating this month?

Weekend Links ll April 24, 2026

 

Famous Landmarks Worksheet Printables

Mexico Cultural Day Passport Activities

Spring Journal

What to Do When Your Kids Hate Homeschool Music Lessons

Cultivating Beauty In Your Homeschool

Ideas of Hands-On Learning in the Spring

 

Make a Mini Greenhouse

Label the Parts of a Flower Worksheet

Garden Seed Starting Tips

7 Plants You Need to Attract Butterflies

Butterfly Life Cycle Activity Pack

Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms Book Club

How Clouds Make Rain Experiment

Clover Nature Study

20 Spring Activities Kids Will Love