Friday, February 6, 2026
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Kids' Valentine's Gifts for Every Love Language
*This post was originally published on 2/8/16. Enjoy!
Being a parent of three kids means that I'm always always on my toes. Just when I think I've got them figured out, something changes and I'm studying them again, trying to figure out what makes them tick. How do they learn best? How do they communicate? And how they do they give and receive love?
So this Valentine's Day, along with the chocolates and cards from Mom and Dad, I want to find ways that I can really show love in a way that my kids will receive it. All individual, all strong willed, and all speaking a different love language, these three kiddos place value on different expressions of love. And that got me thinking: How can I speak each child's love language for Valentine's Day?
Acts of Service: Night off from Chores or a Favorite Meal
If you have a child's who values Acts of Service, why not give them a night off from their chores? My kids are incredibly active and offering to take their chores for a night or Saturday is very much appreciated. Mowing the lawn, spot cleaning a favorite jersey, or doing the dishes is an inexpensive way to serve your kids.
One of my kid's favorite acts of service is to have a favorite meal cooked. They love having a voice in helping plan our menu, but I also like to surprise them and just spontaneously cook a meal I know they will especially enjoy. It's a simple way of showing your kids that you're thinking about them.
Words of Affirmation: An Encouraging Card, Parent/Child Journal, or Valentine's Door Hearts
When we speak Words of Affirmation of our kids, I can see their whole attitude change. Their faces lighten up, their shoulders relax, and their whole appearance does a 180. Take a few moments to reflect and write a thoughtful card speaking into your child's life. Purchase a journal that you can pass back and forth between parent and child sharing your thoughts and feelings. Or make Valentine's Door Hearts for your kids.
Physical Touch: Snuggle Time or Back Rub
I have one child that loves to snuggle. It's so opposite of the rest of this child's personality. Sometimes I forget just how important it is to keeping this child balanced. But a little snuggle time, just reflecting on the day and taking some time to just be with each other goes a long way.
Or if being still is too much, take some time to play catch, jump on the trampoline, or go for a bike ride. Doing something physical together can have a similar affect and create a bonding experience. Don't forget to high five or give your child a pat on the back after an awesome play or trick. Put your arm around them as you walk and embrace them in a big hug.
Gifts: Favorite Candy, Book, or Hobby Item
Love Language gifts don't have to be huge, but any small item that's been thoughtfully purchased will bring a smile to your child's face. About six months ago, I knew Noah had been wanting to try Origami so I took a 40% off coupon to Jo-Ann's and purchased him a pack of Origami paper. All in all, it cost me about $3 and 20 min of my time. You would have thought I bought him the world. That was the most treasured package of Origami paper that's ever been bought.
So keep your eyes and ears open. Is there something small that your child has been wishing for? Valentine's Day isn't meant to be overly extravagant, but thoughtful. Even a package of favorite candy or gum can show that you've been thinking about that specific person.
Quality Time: Go Out Together
This is one of the easiest for me, but probably because it's one of my top two love languages. My daughter is like this. She's taken a love for cooking and baking lately, and I've come to realize that a lot of it has to do with spending time with me and my husband. Since cooking is a necessary part of raising a family and since mom spends so much time doing that, Lydia wants to be in the kitchen as well. Slowing down and reminding myself to involve her in food prep has been a challenge, but she craves that quality time and it's been a blessing to both of us.
But don't stop there. Keep an observant eye for other things your child enjoys. Is it a bike ride, a movie together, or a meal when they can actually get a word in? For my daughter, she loves having the chance to go out to a meal with my husband or I, away from the loud boys, where she feels safe enough to voice her opinion.
So what about you?
In what ways can you speak your child's love language on Valentine's Day?
Monday, February 2, 2026
How We Teach: Composer Study
Over the years, I've tried to bring more truth, beauty, and goodness into our homeschool. We've studied artists, memorized Scripture and poetry, and learned about the ballet. And I've always wanted to bring more classical music and composers into our home as well. The problem? I just didn't understand how to do it. It seemed too simple, too easy... it just didn't make sense that we could study music in starts and stops, and find it worthwhile. I was wrong.
As intimidating as composer study seems, I promise... it's a lot easier than you think. And the benefits are HUGE! So WHY should you study classical music in your homeschool?
*Brain Development-- Classic music can increase focus, improve math skills, and enhance memory.
*Emotional Development-- Music is full of mood, and emotion, and expression. Listening to and discussing music can increase your child's emotional intelligence and regulation, and increase their empathy.
*History and Culture-- Music is influenced by the time and culture in which it's birthed. Classic music expresses the history and mindsets prevalent to the time period and can help students better understand the world around them.
*Creativity-- Music is a beautiful expression of creativity and life.
*Music Appreciation-- Whether your child plays an instrument or not, listening to classical music can open doors for a powerful appreciation of the arts.
Now you're convinced, but where do you start? How do you find the music, the composers? How do you made music study a part of your day?
We mostly follow the composer study resources provided by Ambleside Online. They list the composers for each year along with a list of pieces you can listen to. Other times in our homeschool, we've studied famous ballets and I've created Youtube playlists of that composer's work. Or another option would be to look for a local symphony production. Listen to the composer's work in the weeks leading up to the live show.
But what about putting this study in your day? How do you incorporate music study in such a way that it's natural and not overwhelming?
*Listen to a piece during breakfast or morning chores-- Play a piece of music while your children are all around the table and enjoying a meal. Or while they're getting their chores done. Start slow. Just a minute or two. Discuss what you hear and how it made them feel.
*Play classical music during independent learning-- Music with no lyrics makes great background for handwriting, math skills, and independent reading.
*Focus on one composer for a time-- Often we pick one composer to focus on for the term (approx. 12 weeks). This allows us enough time to become familiar with the style and sound.
*Make a game out of it-- play freeze dance, musical chairs, musical charades, drawing what you see when you listen to a piece of music, creating facial expressions to go with the music, etc. These are all great ways to help kiddos re-engage and stay engaged.
*Watch a fun musical performance-- Piano Guys are so much fun to watch. Classical music is also a part of many cartoons.
Studying composers and classic music doesn't have to be overwhelming. Listen to a few composers and pick one you think your kids would like. Then naturally work the music into your day... a few minutes at breakfast or during morning basket... a call to "school time" or as background music for reading... Just listen, talk, and enjoy together. There's really no right or wrong... just enjoyment.
How do you incorporate music study in your homeschool?
Friday, January 30, 2026
Thursday, January 29, 2026
What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll January 2026
What I Read:
Helen Roseveare: Mama Luka
by Janet and Geoff Benge
The missionary biography of Helen Roseveare, an English doctor who moves to the heart of Africa to open a hospital. During her time there, she faces unimaginable difficulties. From escaping both kidnappings and intentional poisonings, to building her own medical school with the help of her students, Roseveare follows the Lord's leading in a life of adventure and purpose. Truly inspiring story. We love this series of books.
Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery
When Anne marries the love of her life, Gilbert, they move to Four Winds Harbor, where he begins his career as a doctor. There they make their own little house of dreams, forging new friendships and building a life together. Through both joy and heartache, Anne and Gilbert discover the true meaning of love and family. I'm constantly amazed by L.M. Montgomery's ability to develop new characters as well as bringing out more and more of Anne's true self.
Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble by Laurien Berenson
Estranged sisters-in-law, Peg and Rose, are finally learning how to get along when Rose signs Peg up for a senior dating website. Peg is reluctant until she makes a connection with Nolan Abercrombie, a handsome , successful, attentive bachelor. But when Nolan is killed, Peg and Rose swoop in and start investigating his death. It turns out Nolan had A LOT of enemies. These two senior sleuths team up to solve the mystery as the suspect list continues to grow. A page turner to the very end, this book had just the right mix of mystery and humor, perfect for a lighthearted read.
Grit Don't Quit by Bianca Juarez Olthoff
Life eventually knocks all of us down. Some knocks are easier to get back up from. Some knocks... some knocks take the wind out of us. Then what? We have to dig in for hope, perseverance, and grit. Author Bianca Juárez Olthoff uses the life of Paul to illustrate how grit can be cultivated into emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Falls will come, life will knock us senseless... but it's more about whether we stay down and believe the lies, or get backup and chase after God's purpose in our lives.
A Wolf Called Fire by Rosanne Parry
In this stand alone companion to A Wolf Called Wander, Warm finds himself in charge of the pups when an enemy pack kills his parents. Often seen as the weaker sibling, Warm must protect, provide, and form the pups into a new pack. But food is scarce, and enemy is stalking them.It isn't until the two packs face off that Warm realizes what a great leader he's become. This was a great story about family, survival, and find purpose and leadership. I'm adding this one to our recommendation list for grades 4-6.
Our Homeschool Read Alouds:
When the flu sweeps through her African village, Rachael Sheridan finds herself orphaned... and abducted by a couple trying to find their way back to England. The Pritchards' try to use Rachael to get into favor with her "grandfather" so they can return home to the family fortune. Posing as Valerie, she and the grandfather strike up a friendship. But when the Pritchards return, Rachael finds that she can no longer keep up the facade. But what will her confession do to Grandfather? I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but we really loved it. The characters were so well written and the storyline kept us engaged from cover to cover. Really great work.
Extra Credit by Andrew Clements
Abby Carson hates school. She'd much rather be out in the woods, building and exploring. But when she's threatened with failing 7th grade, Abby much take on an extra credit assignment... writing letters to a pen pal.. But in Afghanistan, things are different. Sadeed is the best student in his school and should be the one writing letters to Abby. But because he's a boy, he must write letters through his sister. At first he resents the work, but it isn't long before an unlikely friendship materializes. Still there are those who believe connects with America are unhealthy, and the letters become dangerous... especially for Sadeed and his sister. I loved the innocent friendship between the two main characters, and the frank, but gentle, look at differences in culture and traditions.
What are you reading?
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