Secrets to Motivating Teens to Write

Books Featuring Homeschool Kids as Protagonists

Free Printable Thanksgiving Bingo

Free Pearl Harbor Speech Analysis

One of our favorite ways to include some holiday magic is through reading good picture books in our morning time. Even though my youngest is now in high school, picture books still are a great way for us to open up conversation. This is a list of some of our favorites... from learning about the pilgrims to focusing on gratitude and community. I'm hoping you'll find something here that inspires your homeschool as well.

Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation by Diane Stanley
The time traveling twins and their grandmother are at it again. This time they don their clothing and travel to Plymouth Plantation to experience the hardships of Early American life. They learn about harvest, Sunday traditions, and meet a few historical figures along the way.

Sarah Morton's Day by Kate Waters
This photographic picture book follows Sarah Morton as she completes the chores and tasks of the day. Sarah represents a young girl living in on Plymouth Plantation as she learns to cook, tend the goats and chickens, complete household chores, converse with a friend, and learn how to get along with her new stepfather. The pictures add a significant amount of context to the story and really make Early American history come alive.

Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
A cozy read about a real family who hosted a Thanksgiving feast in the woods for over 20 years.

The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell
When Ed and Ann's Thanksgiving dinner burns, what they thought was a disaster turns out to be a blessing. An immigrant family welcomes them in to their own celebration where they share an evening of food, warm, and community. This is a great reminder to open our doors and hearts to others during this time of year, and year round.

Thank You, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson
This inspirational and historical tale tells the story of Sarah Hale who spends 35 years petitioning Presidents and Congress to revive the tradition of Thanksgiving. It was through her tireless efforts that Thanksgiving became a national holiday.

Sharing the Bread by Pat Zietlow Miller
This picture book tells the story of a family working together to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. Everyone plays a part... from the grandfather who makes the cranberry sauce on down to the little boy making pilgrim hats. When the work is through, all sit down to enjoy together.

Bear Says Thanks by Kara Wilson
Bear decides to throw a feast, and all his friends arrive with dishes to share. Only one problem... Bear's cupboard is empty. A heartwarming tale about friendship and being truly thankful.

Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wendi and Harry Devlin
Every year Grandmother and Maggie each invite a guest to Thanksgiving dinner. This year, Maggie has extended an invitation to Mr. Whiskers, a gruff seaman that Grandmother definitely doesn't approve of. But this Thanksgiving both Grandmother and Maggie are about to learn that one shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving books?

Thanksgiving Word Puzzles for All Ages

Lincoln's Thanksgiving Speech Analysis

40+ Youtube Videos for "The Burgess Animal Book"

.jpg)
Learning the Art of Discernment

5 Engaging and Fun Writing Activities for Thanksgiving
One of the reasons we started this homeschool journey was out of a desire to have a strong family bond. We didn't want our kids to only see and know us for only a few hours a day. Looking long term, we wanted something more. And looking even father into the future, I wanted to give my kids a head start toward close sibling relationships. While nothing is guaranteed, I wanted to give them the best shot at truly being a close knit family.
These are just some of the ways we've tried to intentionally nurture those relationships:
1. Shared family experiences-- Hiking, bike rides, camping, annual family traditions have all formed a basis for family experiences. We include friends when we can, but also plan some opportunities just for family memories.
2. Shared family read alouds-- This is just another way we have family experiences. We've traveled all over the world, and through time and space through the books we've read. They've given us inside jokes and shared vocabulary that is still apart of our family life today.
3. Family projects-- Whether cooking together or completing tasks that require family teamwork, these moments have taught us to communicate, exercise our patience and laugh with one another.
4. Celebrating each other-- Some of the ways we've celebrated each other have been through writing encouraging notes, sharing things we appreciate about each other, making dessert to celebrate each others accomplishments, and offering a high five or hug when one of the siblings accomplished a goal.
5. Learning to resolve conflict-- Because we're together so much, conflicts naturally arise. On the plus side, being together has also given us the time to work out these conflicts. By listening, practicing a genuine apology, and working through forgiveness, we've come to a better understanding of each other.
As always, we are a work in progress and I've love to hear below...
How do you foster sibling relationships in your home?