Travel to a Hands-On History Lesson

Looking to take a trip of a lifetime? Then, consider jetting off to see history in the making at the 57th Presidential inauguration. Washington, D.C. is buzzing with excitement as it gets set to host Inauguration 2013.  On Monday, January 21st, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn in and officially begin their second term in office Surprisingly, there are still some hotel rooms available for visitors traveling to D.C. for the big event.  Of course, not all of them come with price tags fit for frugal travelers.  In fact, some Presidential inauguration travel packages are … Continue reading

Hands-On Fall Travel Fun

School is back in session across the country, including for kids who don’t have to travel very far to get lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic. Yes, homeschool students are also back hitting the books this fall, though most enjoy way more field trips than students at traditional schools. In fact, the months of September and October are some of the best times for homeschool parents to take their kids to visit educational destinations. While most clans are staying put because the new academic year has just begun, homeschool students are free to tour some of the best hands-on learning … Continue reading

Hands-On Spring Break

If your teen is headed off to his first college spring break in sunny Cancun, Daytona Beach or South Padre Island, then you are probably hoping that he has a hands-off vacation. However, if you are spending your kid’s spring recess with him at the following educational vacation destinations, then the look but don’t touch rule doesn’t apply: Monticello: This Virginia hot spot is a haven for families looking to take an educational vacation. If you visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate be sure to give yourself extra time at the Griffin Discovery Room where nothing is off-limits. Kids can touch … Continue reading

Review: Mystery of History Vol. 3

Mystery of History has come out with its 3rd volume spanning the time period of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations (1455-1707). This Christian based curriculum will cover some of the greatest minds of the time period such as Martin Luther, Copernicus and Shakespeare. This history curriculum covers world history chronologically so your student will learn about Cervantes writing Don Quixote while at the same time learning about Australian Aborigines to the founding of Jamestown. Volume III is divided into two semesters for a total of 28 weeks of study following the three lessons a week layout. The student … Continue reading

More Travel Deals Commemorating Black History Month

As I mentioned in my previous blog the significance of Black History Month is not being lost on B&Bs across the country. During the month of February dozens of lodgings are offering deep discounts to commemorate the annual celebration that honors contributions made by African Americans the world over. The following are a few more B&Bs that are offering incredible deals throughout the month. MARYLAND Located in Cambridge’s historic district, near Long Wharf Marina the Queen Anne-style Cambridge House is near several sites related to African-American history: the Harriet Tubman Museum; the Bazzel Methodist Church, where Tubman’s family worshipped; the … Continue reading

Travel Deals Commemorating Black History Month

Besides Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, and Groundhog’s Day, the month of February is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments on African Americans. February is Black History Month and the occasion is not being lost on B&Bs around the world. Dozens of quaint lodgings are offering deep discounts to commemorate the annual celebration that has existed since 1926. Take a look: MASSACHUSETTS The Lathrop House located in Springfield, Massachusetts’ historic Forest Park district is a refurbished 1899 Victorian home, which features a stunning rose garden, and a handful of rooms decorated in florals. The well-known B&B is situated about … Continue reading

Fun with History – The White House

My daughter came home from school today and told me that the President lived in the White House. She wanted to know why it was called that. So we trotted off into my office to pull up the web page on the White House and to read about it. Let me preface this whole story with the caveat that when all was said and done, she wanted to know why the President got to live there and I told her it was pretty simple – the house was built to be a home for the President – whomever he or … Continue reading

High-Flying Fun

If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to keep your kids busy this summer, grab a kite and head outdoors.  Kite-flying is a breeze when you’ve got the entire family working together to bring your colorful flying machine to life.  Getting a kite to take flight also lends itself to a slew of educational opportunities.  Kids can get hands-on lessons in math, science, history and geography all while having fun.  What’s more, there’s something to be said about the sense of pride a child feels when she gets a kite to dance across the summer sky. Fortunately, … Continue reading

Time Again for the Homeschool Portfolio

  What is a Homeschool Portfolio? A homeschool portfolio is a window into your child’s homeschool experience, achievements, and academic progress, throughout the school year. There are more then on way to keep a portfolio but I will list the core items you will need. However, always check your state laws, homeschool co-ops, and with the evaluator, on what materials are required. The Basic Supplies 3 ring binder {3 inches or more thick} dividers page protectors Sharpies computer paper to print out basic forms samples of your child’s work photos {optional} Forms to Provide Attendance Form: List of Curriculum and … Continue reading

Frugal Seasonal Family Getaways

If you can deal with dirty looks from your kid’s teacher, then consider heading off on a pre-Christmas getaway.  Families working with a tight budget, who want to sneak in a winter vacation before Santa Claus comes to town, must act now. Dozens of family-friendly vacation destinations are offering money-saving deals for clans who complete their travel before Christmas Eve, including: California:  Don’t wait to do Disney during your child’s winter break from school.  Rather, if you want to save big on hotel accommodations, travel during the first three weeks of December.  That’s when you will find deals like the … Continue reading