10 Library Hacks to the Hidden World of Free Curriculum

10 Library Hacks to the Hidden World of Free Curriculum

  

Reading Time: 4 min 55 sec

Are you interested in Homeschooling but not sure how to get started?  Are you tired of spending money on expensive curriculum, that you will use only once? Me too! I balk at the very thought of buying expensive curriculum not knowing if we will love or hate it. Do you want to take finally take advantage of those hard-earned tax dollars and try out a new curriculum for free? 

 

We know the library has a lot to offer, but due to the lack of time or our full schedules, we settle for either checking out books or attending a toddler story time, without uncovering its vast resources. So, let’s discover the hidden gems of your library system. *

We will be talking about:

  • WorldCat

  • Elearning

  • Homework Help

  • Events

  • EAudiobooks

  • EMusic

  • EMagazines

  • Streaming Video

  • ENewspapers
  • Research Tools

 

* This article is to serve as an example of what things could be offered at your local branch. You will need to access your local library’s website for a full listing of the amenities they offer.  For all of these services, you will need a valid library card and you might need to download an app for your mobile device.

 

1. WorldCat

WorldCat allows you to borrow materials from participating libraries all across the United States.  I LOVE this feature, I have used it to for hard to find books, textbooks, and audiobooks.  The 5-10 minutes it takes to submit a request can save you literally hundreds of dollars!  You can typically find this feature under either the WorldCat tab or the library information tab.

To submit a request, you will need your library card number, the author, title, year and ISBN number (I grab that info from Amazon).  After you submit your request, the screen will populate with either the name of the book (and its location in the US) or an error message that lets you know the book is not available in the interlibrary loan system.

You can choose where you submit your book request (typically a library closest to your location) by clicking on the Libraries Worldwide that Own Item button, located under the Availability tab.

 Or you can just click the button Borrow this item from another library, (also found in the availability section), fill out your personal information and click submit.

 

It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a couple of months to process your request. The library also has the option of denying your request, (typically when it is a popular book) if that happens you will receive an e-mail letting you know that your request was denied.  You can then submit another loan request to another library.

 

  1. Elearning 

I don’t know about you but I was over the moon excited when I found out that our local library offered the Rosetta Stone language program through the library system. I saved $200 with this life hack! 

 

The e-learning programs are not limited to just language, but also math, economics, computer skills, practice tests, songwriting, instrument lessons, universal classes (500 classes -babysitting, yoga, to accounting) to name a few.

 

You can find these tools typically under the ELibrary or the Research and Learning tab. You might need to download the app for a number of online programs.  

 

3. Homework Help Coaches

There are some subjects (Calculus, I’m talking about you!) that once you hit high school, I’m lost. The library offers an amazing resource in their one on one tutoring either in person or online,  FOR FREE, PEOPLE!

Typically, the tutors are available on a first come first serve basis. They are set up to help with a specific homework assignment. The program is usually available from late afternoon to early evening, during the school year.

 

4. Events

We are all well aware of the toddler story time events, but are you aware they also offer a plethora of other activities?  I remember being surprised to witness a concert, by a local musician, in the kids’ section of the library!   

Library events can include, preschool & family story time, book clubs, concerts, board game nights, science classes, crafters and needlers, edible discussions, ESL classes, etc.

 You can find a listing of upcoming events at the library or on the Events tab on the library website.

 

5. EAudiobooks 

 

I don’t know about you but I like to maximize car travel by listening to quality audiobooks. This is a great resource for not only saving major money but accessing popular and classic fiction and nonfiction audiobooks.

 

You can find digital audiobooks typically under the Elibrary or Go Digital tab on the website.  You will have to download an app to access this resource.  You can check out a list of my favorite educational music and audiobooks here!

 

6. EMusic

 

Stream various genres of music such as Popular, Jazz, Classical, American, Historical, and Contemporary World Music straight to your laptop.  I found the American music playlist fascinating because it contains songs written by pioneers, immigrants, and miners, etc..  

 

They have over 8,400 albums separated by genre in this online collection.  You can find this resource typically under the go digital, emusic tabs on the library’s website.

 

6. EMagazines

Who else doesn’t like spending $6 on a magazine that you will read only once?  The library does offer hard copies of magazines, however sitting down to read a magazine might be a luxury when you have munchkins trying to pull all the books off the shelves.  

 

The library (probably in self-preservation) offers up to 250 Popular Magazines through the RB digital app with no limits and no due dates.

 

 Some libraries also offer full access to Consumer Reports, and National Geographic for Kids; in addition to the library’s subscriptions to online magazines, journals, and Newspapers. You can typically find these resources under the E-learning or Go Digital Tab on the website.

 

So, curl up with your favorite magazine in the comfort of your home, ideally with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream and in your favorite fuzzy PJs.

 

 

8. Streaming Video

 

Stream FREE movies, classical music performances, opera, ballet, live concerts, and documentaries straight to your computer! You can also stream to your tv using Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Chromecast, or Amazong Fire tv.

 

You can find this resource typically under the go digital/emovies/streaming video tabs on the library’s website.

 

9. ENewspapers

 

Here is another great research tool for older students! You can receive access to local and regional digital newspapers in addition to publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and World Newspapers.  You can find this resource typically under the elibrary or go digital tab on the library’s website.

 

10. Research Tools

 

This resource is great not only middle school and high school students but for anyone interested in amazing research databases. Topics include genealogy, ancient and medieval history, diaries, and local and world history etc. You can typically find this resource under the research and learning tabs.

 

What about you? What are your Favorite Free Resources?   

Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

 

Want More? Check out these Resources:

  1. Give Your Child the World    Jamie C. Martin
  2. Read A-Loud Family            Sarah Mackenzie

 

! Leave a comment, and d

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How to Add Delight into Your Homeschool Day

How to Add Delight into Your Homeschool Day

  

Reading Time: 4 min 42 sec

I am always looking for creative ways to encourage a love of learning in my children. When I stumbled on the idea of using board games as a supplement to our curriculum, I seriously did a dance of victory!

 

I felt like I had uncovered the homeschool hack of the year as I read about how different moms raved about the benefits of adding board games to their homeschool curriculum. It was like a light bulb went off for me. I was so excited at the thought of having yet another resource that encouraged a love of learning, but that was also FUN. Who doesn’t want to have a blast learning each day?

 

I decided to immediately test this new theory, I had noticed that we could stand to improve our math skills, and so instead of reaching for another book, I decided to dust off the old board games and gave it a whirl. I was shocked that over a few short months my children’s math comprehension improved immeasurably.

They went from not understanding basic math

concepts to doing mental math in their head.

 

That was all I needed to be convinced that this game idea worked! I jumped on the game schooling bandwagon and have never looked back!  

 

And the rest is history!

Here is a quick overview of three benefits and my favorite recommendations for adding games to your homeschool day.  

  • Sneaky Learning

  • Adds Fun to Your Day
  • Builds Family Memories

  • Top 21 Favorite Games

1. Sneaky Learning

Let’s be honest, a lot of what we do as homeschoolers qualify in the “sneaky learning” category and playing games is no different. You can literally teach almost any subject using a board or active game. 

My children seem to go through seasons where they dread opening their workbooks and so when that happens, instead of going through the whole cajoling and tears, I just pull out a game of the same subject and learning still happens. A Win for mom!

I was amazed, my experience mainly consisted of playing chess and a handful of card games throughout the years, that there are games for almost every subject!  

For instance, we have really enjoyed playing Story Cubes, a language arts game, where the player is challenged to create a story, using the picture prompts that are on the dice.  I appreciate that you can play this game multiple ways adapting it to fit younger audiences. 

This game encourages creativity, imagination, the ability to think on your feet, and how to create a story with a beginning, middle and end.  It comes in a tiny box, that is easy to take with us wherever we go.

 

As a side note, I follow the age requirements listed on the games very loosely for I have found they always swing older. For instance, my youngest was four years old when she started playing the game Quoridor. This is an unbelievable logic game, that reminds you of chess, but states that it is for ages eight and older.  Needless to say, my four-year-old didn’t care about the age requirements as she was crushing every adult in the vicinity with her skills (we are still recovering from that humbling experience).

 

 

  1. Adds Fun into Your Day

Board games are the antidote to cranky, sleepy, rainy, days where typically I would be fighting a losing battle when it came to learning.  There is something about coming together around a game that fosters laughter, encouragement, and fun. 

 

Now in the interest of full disclosure, I will say that when we started my kids were little and we had not yet learned how to win or lose (or anything in between) well. I was very on purpose about teaching them the rules of good sportsmanship.

 

I have also added over the years several cooperative group games, where the players are all working towards a common goal (check out Wildcraft on the list below) which has really helped foster a good attitude when it comes to winning and losing. It’s all about having long-term goals when it comes to heading off potential outbursts!   

We do not just leave playing games to chance but have added them as a part of our weekly schedule. Not only does it give me a break from teaching (woohoo!) but it gives the children something to look forward to when they know it has a dedicated part of our schedule.

 

3. Builds Life Long Family Memories

Some of our most favorite memories as a family has been centered around a game. We typically grab snacks, cozy blankets and turn on some good background music, as we gather around the table. There is something about playing together, that relaxes the whole family, fills us with laughter and jokes, and teaches us to think strategically and work together.  

 

The nice thing about board games is that you can take them with you anywhere. You can develop your logic skills while on vacation, your French in the waiting room at the doctors, and your math skills at the park.  It is fun to see your kids laughing, learning and building memories, instead of hearing the dreaded words, “Are we there yet?”

4. Top 21 Board Games

 

If you are trying to find a game for a specific subject that is not on this list look up the company Think Fun.com. They offer a variety of easy to use games that have been fun to play and are consistently well made.  

Though we love every game on this list, Quoridor (pronounced like Corridor) blew me away, with its modern, well made, wooden set. You want to leave this game out as a decorative piece, it’s that impressive.

This game is a little on the higher end of the price tag, but WELL WORTH IT (I have already bought it to give away as gifts)! It takes anywhere from ten-twenty minutes to play the game so it is easy to use when you only have a short window of available time.

I have seen a significant improvement in my children’s ability to think logically after playing this game.  Okay, even though I could go on and on, you get the point, they knocked it out of the park, in the creation of this game!

 

Here are my top 21 favorite games split by subject for ages three to adult.  Enjoy!

 

 

Math

  1. Sum Swamp   5+                                            

  2. Math Dice Jr. 6+                                            

  3. Geoboards      5+                                                 

  4. Money Bags   7+

  5. Clumsy Thief Money Game  8+

    Logic

  1.  Quoridor               8+                       

  2.  Rush Hour             8+                                                             

  3.  Battleship              7+

  4.  No Stress Chess   7+

  5. Sequence             7+

  6. Brain Builders     7+

 

Geography-

  1. Discover America Puzzle                5+

  2. The Scrambled States of America 8+                         

Language Arts-

  1. Spot It!                                                5t

  2. Anne of Green Gables Paper Dolls 4+                   

  3. Story Cubes                                       8+

Art-

  1. Van Gogh & Friends Art Game 3+                          

Science-

  1. WildCraft!       4+                                                                 

STEM- 

  1. Kinetic Sand   3+                                              

  2. Magna-Tiles   3+                                              

  3. Knex                5+   

What about you? What are your favorite games to foster a love of learning at home? 


If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

How to Spark a Love of the Arts in Your Preschooler

How to Spark a Love of the Arts in Your Preschooler

              

Reading Time: 4 min 48 sec

When you talk about visiting a local museum, with a preschooler in tow, the only thought that flashes through most parents’ minds is the horrific image of their little King Kong toppling some priceless sculpture, and wreaking havoc on the entire floor of Egyptian art. “Visiting a museum with a preschooler, ” parents say with a shake of their head, ” is asking for premature gray hair and a heart attack.” 

I know the feeling, I agonized about when would be the right time to expose my children to the arts. I did not want to wait until they were older because dragging middle or high school students to the ballet kicking and screaming was/is not my idea of a good time.  

I wanted to introduce my kids at a young age to the best music, art, dance, drama, etc. that the world, or at least what my tiny part of the country had to offer.

So, is it even possible to take your squirmy, loud, run but never walk preschooler to a symphony?  Yes, it is and here are my tips and tricks to not only surviving but thriving among 18th-century paintings.

 

  • Set the Stage and Build Anticipation
  • Set Your Child Up for Success 
  • Make it an Event

 

  1. Set the Stage and Build Anticipation 

I definitely don’t recommend walking into a museum cold turkey (but if that’s your thing, I applaud you) but start preparing your kids by setting the stage and building anticipation. 

 

You can do that by reading a lot of books about famous ballerinas, paintings, and composers; you can find out about their lives, how many kids they had, what they liked to eat, and what inspired their art.  Read picture books that are written to spark curiosity, not fill your kid full of dates and data.  You want to introduce them to the stories behind the art.

 

The Goal of Experiencing the Arts with your Child is Introduction, not Mastery.

 

Some of my favorite art picture books for children were written by amazing storytellers James Mayhew (Katie & Ella Bella Ballerina series) and Laurence Anholt. These men do a phenomenal job of introducing artists, paintings, history, and classical ballets in story form with beautiful illustrations.

 

Listen throughout the day to various genres of music. We intentionally listened to everything from classical, jazz, big band, blues, instrumental, world, etc. There are also a number of wonderful resources that introduce your child to classical music. An example is the Classical Kids series, which weaves a story about the composer into the music. The Beethoven’s Wig series is another suggestion that sets hilarious words to classical music. 

 

Once or twice a week, gather the kids together and watch a small part of a classical ballet. We sometimes turn on ballet and then go about our day. The kids were mesmerized by the sets, costumes, music, and dance.  Check out YouTube or the library to watch ballets such as Cinderella, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.

 

Practice different forms of art at home. We read about pointillism and impressionism and then tried it out. We painted inside, and outside, we used watercolors, acrylics (don’t recommend), poster paint, colored pencils, and crayons.  Our reading sparked curiosity which fed the types of things we did at home.

 

 Finally, we built anticipation, by immersing ourselves in art and developing a healthy respect and admiration for the discipline. We talked excitedly about the fact that our local museum had this piece and that we were going to get to go see it. When we visited the gallery, ballet, symphony etc. it felt like a privilege.

 

2. Set Your Child Up for Success

 

We want to set our child up for success. In order to do that we need to set down some basic expectations for our child and for us as parents.  Talk with your child about walking slowly, keeping our hands to ourselves, and talking quietly so everyone can enjoy the beautiful art etc. The key is taking the time to set a clear (and short) list of expectations for your child.  

 

It is also helpful to remind yourself what your goal is for this trip/event.  You want your child to have a positive experience.  That means that you won’t see everything in the museum today.

 

You will spend more time getting ready and traveling to the event; then you will spend at the actual event, and that’s OKAY!

 

One day, you will get to see the entire symphony, ballet or museum, and you will look back fondly over these early years.

 

 Also, make sure if things go south (and they will occasionally) to have an exit plan in place. I always pick seats next to a door at an event. I bring cough drops, tissues, and quiet candy or snacks to the events. I take every opportunity to take my children to the bathroom (beginning, intermission, end) and stretch their legs.  If I know that the experience will be longer than an hour, I will plan to attend two parts and walk with them outside for the rest of the event.  Remember accomplishing your goals is more important than attending the entire affair.

 

  1. Make it An Event 

 Dress Up! Wearing a nice outfit can add to the experience and it makes for GREAT pictures!    Or allow your child to wear a costume. If your child loves art, let him visit the museum dressed as a painter (the museum staff will love it).

 

You can make this an event, to remember, by creating a plan with your child, days in advance. There is nothing better than talking about the logistics, such as what will you wear, do we eat ahead of time, what do we want to see while we are there etc.   

 

Check out your local art website for preschool classes/events. My children loved attending a Petite Performance at our local performing arts center where they were able to sit on the stage and hear the musicians and then touch the instruments after the performance. 

 

Encourage your child’s interests; if they are really interested in tubas then go to a Tuba performance, or jazz, then go to a jazz class. Be prepared to dive down rabbit holes, and explore off the wall interests (within reason), that can be where the most formative learning takes place.

Finishing your excursion with ice cream and food is always a good idea! Especially when they are young, the rest of the event could have been a disaster, but there is something about eating yummy ice cream, that makes memories, and adds a rose-colored glow to the entire occasion.

It might seem like a lot of effort to introduce your child to the finer things of life, but I promise you, it’s worth it.  If you take baby steps, adjust your expectations, and have FUN, you will create not only lifelong family memories, but you will foster a love of art. 

You can do it!

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways encourage a love of the arts in your kids? 

 

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to fol

How To Teach Your Preschooler at Home

How To Teach Your Preschooler at Home

Reading Time: 5 min 25 sec

 

It’s that time of year, when massive bins of pencils, crayons, and markers start appearing when swim paraphernalia is on massive discount, and Starbucks is threatening the upcoming arrival of their pumpkin lattes, that you know…. school… is…. coming!

You start to panic, because though you have made the scary decision to homeschool, and you have NO IDEA what you are doing!  Your adorable three-year-old is counting on you to make sure that she gets into the college of her dreams and you CAN’T MESS THIS UP! 

I was at the same place you are and now after homeschooling two children through preschool myself, I promise you, YOU CAN DO IT!

Everything a child learns in preschool can be learned through living life with you at home. So how do you do it?

  • Stare at Bugs

  • Build Forts

  • Explore Hidden Worlds

  • Listen to Fairy Tales

  • Play Hopscotch

  • Splash in Puddles

  • Go on Adventures

  • Dance Parties

  • Get Messy

  • Help Mommy

Seriously, kids are naturally curious. Who hasn’t sat beside a three or four-year-old without experiencing the endless assault of questions about everything from ducks to socks to spaghetti? As a homeschooling mom of a preschooler, all you have to do is to continue to encourage their love of learning at home!

So how do you do that? How to do you foster an environment of lifelong learning?  

 

1. Stare at Bugs-Be Curious! 

Kids are natural observers. They want to know how everything works. Be intentional about slowing down and answering their questions.   Of course, you can’t stop and answer their endless questions, every… single… time, however, you can be intentional about encouraging their love of learning.   It’s even better if you don’t know the answer to some super random question because then you and your child can go to the library and find a book on that topic. 

                               

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” Albert Einstein

 

2. Build Forts-Use Your Imagination!

We have all this misconception that in order to learn we need to be sitting at a table doing busy work. There is study after study that says that play is not only important but crucial to the overall development of your child.

Through play, your child develops a myriad of skills not the least of which is imagination, that equips them to understand how the world works.  So let them pile up the couch cushions and sail for unchartered waters.

  “Play is the highest form of research.”        Albert Einstein

 

3. Explore Hidden Worlds-Read A Lot! 

Can you imagine a better childhood memory than snuggled up to your mom, covered in a blanket, listening to the stories of faraway places? The world is at your child’s fingertips and they come to understand that anything they want to know about can be found in the pages of a book. Through reading your child develops their vocabulary, critical thinking, imagination, and language skills.

 

Suggestion: Ella Bella Ballerina or Katie Series by James Mayhew

 

“Children are made readers in the laps of their parents.”-Emilie Buchwald

 

  1. Listen to Fairy Tales

Avoid sibling squabbles and the endless “are we there yet?” questions by pulling out an audiobook as an alternative to the iPad for those days of errands or long road trips. Audiobooks not only save your voice (woohoo!) and allow you to read longer chapter books but they also develop imagination, listening, creativity and vocabulary skills. 

 

Suggestion: Start with short books, such as Madeline and move on to exploring longer chapter books like the Paddington Bear series.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world.  Love of books is the best of all.” Jacqueline Kennedy

 

5. Play Hopscotch-All about Games 

Wow, the power of games cannot be underestimated! At one point,  I really wanted to develop my child’s math skills. I bought a couple of math board games and we have had so much fun playing together as a family.  Their math skills improved immeasurably and now math is one of their favorite subjects.

 What I love about using games is not only is it FUN but it serves as a mental hook; where later when that subject is studied more in depth, they have amazing memories to connect  with the new information.

 We now use games for every subject in homeschooling.

 Suggestion: Curious George Matching Game, Candy Land, and Magnetic Tiles.  

 

 “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Ignacio Estrada

 

6. Splash in Puddles- Get Outside

Do you remember how fun it was to walk in the rain and splash in every big puddle? I love reading about how nature preschools spend the morning outdoors in all types of weather (except dangerous).

 Playing outside in nature helps children be active, develop their imaginations, and their confidence,  learn about their planet, and respect living things. 

 

Suggestion: Visit parks, hike trails, pull up weeds, put on raincoats, and splash in streams!

 

“A child, more than anyone else, is a spontaneous observer of nature” -Maria Montessori 

 

7. Go on Adventures- Field Trips

It seems like the general assumption is that museums and four-year old’s do not go together.

 

I beg to differ.  It’s how you do it and knowing your child’s (and your own) limits.  With my preschool children, I would aim for a thirty-minute walk around the art museum.  You can either cover the entire museum or like we did spend your time in one or two rooms, just find what works for your family.

 

   Exposing kids to a wide variety of experiences helps to foster a love of art, literature, music, science etc. from a young age.

When they sit down to learn about math or art later in life, they come with an expectation of enjoyment, as they attach the wonderful memories they had as a young child exploring something new. 

Suggestion: Check out the events available at children’s museums, art and history museums, nature centers, zoos, dairy farms, libraries, ballet, and symphonies. 

 “Kid’s don’t need more toys -they need more adventures!” -Sarah Mueller

 

  1. Dance Parties-Listen to the Beat

By exploring a wide variety of music, your child will develop their creativity, language, and motor skills. 

Your child will be exposed to pop culture throughout their lives, so be intentional about developing their palate for music.  You might not necessarily listen to jazz, country or the blues, but your child sure will enjoy dancing to the different rhythms!

 There are several ways to listen to a variety of music at home, you just have to find out what works best for your family. One idea is that you could choose to listen to a different style of music every week or every month.

 

 Suggestion: One of our favorites is the Beethoven’s Wig and the Classical Kids audio series. 

  “Music can change the world.” Beethoven

 

9. Get Messy- Experience Art!

It is amazing what kids can create when you provide them with markers, crayons, colored pencils, and finger paint and let them go crazy.  Not only are children developing their creativity, but also their fine motor skills. 

If you don’t want to deal with the mess have your children paint while sitting on the back porch. Or I would have them pick up something on our nature walk (pinecone, rock, leaf) and bring it back to draw. 

 Suggestion:  Check out local museums for  art programs. These programs are specifically designed for preschoolers and most often are free!

                                                           

      “Every child is an artist” -Picasso

 

  1. Help Mommy-Chores

Last but not least, teach your child to help you with the chores around the house. Yes, this is easier said than done but learning to clean up after themselves is just as important of a life skill as phonics.

 As your child participates in chores, it helps them to develop responsibility, a strong work ethic and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also lets them know that they are an important part of your family.

 Start by teaching them how to do small tasks, such as pick up their toys, put away the silverware, fold socks, etc. 

 Suggestion:  To avoid your child feeling overwhelmed (at this age), stay in the room and offer to help them put away their toys.

             

  “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” Tim Notke

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to foster a love of learning at home?

 

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forge

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