Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

First Time Homeschoolers: Make Sure You Do These 5 Things!

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There's a big difference between doing public school at home and homeschooling. If you're kissing public or private school good-bye this fall for a first time adventure with homeschooling, this post is for you. Here are five very important things you should be doing to pave the way to success. Get Support Guess who's still learning and seeking out advice and support, even after homeschooling for twelve years? That would be me! So join up with other homeschooling families as soon as you can Continue Reading

Laser Chess: New Twist on a Classic Strategy Game

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The objective of Laser Chess is the same as its predecessor – regicide! Be the first to eliminate your opponent's king and you're the victor. But the new spin is that you zap them with lasers! We partnered with Timberdoodle, a marvelous homeschool company, to bring you a review of this new twist on a strategy game that has a 1,500 year-old history. There are five layouts you can choose from so games have some variability. Set-up takes just a minute or two. Players take turns moving Continue Reading

National Geographic Kids Shark Book Giveaway

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Just in time for end-of-summer reading, or back-to-school enrichment, National Geographic Kids is celebrating the amazing world of sharks with five new titles! Filled with brilliant photography, exciting encounters and fascinating facts, these books are sure to please shark fans of all ages. The Ultimate Book of Sharks (ages 9-12, hardcover, $19.99) by internationally acclaimed marine photographer and National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry is an underwater adventure like no other. With Continue Reading

How to Study (and Teach) at Home With Less Distraction

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One big hurdle that homeschoolers often run into is trying to get work completed amid daily distractions. In a traditional school, you aren't interrupted by phone calls, sibling squabbles or visits from the package man! But with many parents choosing to opt out of public school this fall due to Covid restrictions, studying at home effectively is a must. Here are some ways you can teach and learn with less distraction in a home setting. Have a Written Plan When it's on paper, you're a Continue Reading

Homeschooling is Not a Privilege, It’s a Right

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Is homeschooling a privilege, something that's only really possible for those with extra time, extra income and a certain level of education? Is it only for the elite? Fortunately, the answer is no. Homeschooling is a right. And it's a right more and more parents are interested in right now. A recent poll showed 40 percent of parents are more likely to pursue it after the coronavirus lock downs end. It's really not surprising, given that some schools are going to look and feel more restricted Continue Reading