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