tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76287675156938631522024-03-17T22:57:43.746-07:00The Unlikely HomeschoolA faith-based blog providing encouragement, delight-directed learning tips, and a peek into the real days of homeschooling. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger937125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-46280156527843984302024-01-09T22:00:00.000-08:002024-01-12T07:25:25.347-08:00Favorite Read Alouds & Read Alones in 2023<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoOPy5BWv1lm_8IoS7Vx_A-Y3g4a-DTYZd-S4GHr4O5cLETGkf-fsxlVzsLOQtLTWa-KTT_q64WaJMJ6HOx_HfpMRYJ172YiCaROPPcqNIWijKZQD5952NQIUvxCMzxgY8Ft2GQxu7jD02oxdzPQTvql6jVBHmaVhlGfh3v05Ny0hqPP2yRj35ASSuIHw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reading by the fire" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoOPy5BWv1lm_8IoS7Vx_A-Y3g4a-DTYZd-S4GHr4O5cLETGkf-fsxlVzsLOQtLTWa-KTT_q64WaJMJ6HOx_HfpMRYJ172YiCaROPPcqNIWijKZQD5952NQIUvxCMzxgY8Ft2GQxu7jD02oxdzPQTvql6jVBHmaVhlGfh3v05Ny0hqPP2yRj35ASSuIHw=s16000" title="Favorite Read Alouds & Read Alones in 2023"></a></div></div><p></p><p>According to a recent report from the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/05/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>, nearly 50% of American adults read 0 books in 2023. 33% finished reading at least 5 books. And sitting at the very top, 1% of the population read 50 books or more. The 1500-person test group represents a very small cross-section of humanity, in my opinion. Nonetheless, the statistics are disheartening and bear severe implications for the dwindling vocabularies, attention spans, and overall knowledge base of our citizenry.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2024/01/best-books-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-40730529409435802332024-01-02T22:00:00.000-08:002024-01-02T22:00:00.133-08:00The 5 Most Popular Posts of 2023<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKum-Rv0l-m3fFTeFqx1yRC6H5Z0m-4QJWGS2-FElmULoeTvRTsZ79ztcoaH9FUnaVm1r_JS8KhoyTUEX1GO7MKi1n6_ep-_4LInozU_RX81X_lI4w33X9dZ7zyadzo-WrbmFvumvO-skYg0rQZUH1IYRAK8EfYrn04EYInAzmkXIe8O7H1NcKBjop-Po" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Boy looking in a microscope" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKum-Rv0l-m3fFTeFqx1yRC6H5Z0m-4QJWGS2-FElmULoeTvRTsZ79ztcoaH9FUnaVm1r_JS8KhoyTUEX1GO7MKi1n6_ep-_4LInozU_RX81X_lI4w33X9dZ7zyadzo-WrbmFvumvO-skYg0rQZUH1IYRAK8EfYrn04EYInAzmkXIe8O7H1NcKBjop-Po=s16000" title="The 5 Most Popular Posts of 2023"></a></div><p></p><p>Since the inception of the interwebs, <i>viral</i> has become a tricky word. It has its roots in things like viruses, infections, and germs. And yet, in our digital days, <i>viral</i> speaks more of popularity than poison. I guess we can chalk it up to our ever-evolving zeitgeist which is, unapologetically, like a virus--moving, growing, and multiplying in contagious ways.</p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2024/01/top-posts-23.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-28231077732616312012024-01-01T22:00:00.000-08:002024-02-07T14:56:49.464-08:004 Ways I'll be Increasing in 2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXXA5gM5yX-Y1bFKWZZZNH0wPlJZFWu5hteDS768Sb8onrU1-4Fo_HpSeqzrUSfkqDCKvhQ_5d5pncR-JTLpJIHn_eGOi9JF3VUBGawPC6PwqFIeGAZfstwmC1NJ6fVI1uUyLHDjngd3z3RH1KT_g3d6tkSK74C3l02-O-t1nGQ6c9jlSudb1-rmIJuUw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My 2024 goals" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXXA5gM5yX-Y1bFKWZZZNH0wPlJZFWu5hteDS768Sb8onrU1-4Fo_HpSeqzrUSfkqDCKvhQ_5d5pncR-JTLpJIHn_eGOi9JF3VUBGawPC6PwqFIeGAZfstwmC1NJ6fVI1uUyLHDjngd3z3RH1KT_g3d6tkSK74C3l02-O-t1nGQ6c9jlSudb1-rmIJuUw=s16000" title="4 Ways I'll be Increasing in 2024"></a></div><p></p><p>2023 was one of simplicity and small joys. Before I move forward, however, I have to first look back. I have to take stock of how I did or did not honor the commitments I made to myself last year. Like always, I set four goals for myself. They were as follows:</p><span></span><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2024/01/increasing-2024.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-80245078303446794702023-11-29T05:46:00.000-08:002023-11-30T13:28:35.016-08:00Creating a Christmas Notebook<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_KkMkdmaPVUxzPGAophc4vzxa3N6_n4lp1_CJiZlL0cTPFzZmF0YVcUq5JBrcNHAKs0GLDfixm2QUdzF5rdzoDJJObQPOm-UqlWmNdzCG06l_Qp97XOl3XB0mz5X0R0jhs_8Iq-1-Ntemhf1YPLn9ySRKabtD09Xvc_tnN0JduLSCPDCCVZ5KbB2wh9E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Notebook" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_KkMkdmaPVUxzPGAophc4vzxa3N6_n4lp1_CJiZlL0cTPFzZmF0YVcUq5JBrcNHAKs0GLDfixm2QUdzF5rdzoDJJObQPOm-UqlWmNdzCG06l_Qp97XOl3XB0mz5X0R0jhs_8Iq-1-Ntemhf1YPLn9ySRKabtD09Xvc_tnN0JduLSCPDCCVZ5KbB2wh9E=s16000" title="Creating a Christmas Notebook"></a></div></div><p></p><p>For a season that is draped in tradition, Christmas often has a way of making everyone feel a little frazzled and foggy-brained, especially moms. And while there are definitely many extras added onto the month of December--parties to attend, treats to bake, gifts to wrap, decorations to put up--most of the hubbub that happens around the holidays is routine. The to-dos happen every year at exactly the same time in exactly the same way.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/11/christmas-notebook.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-12349720858230437612023-11-20T22:00:00.000-08:002023-11-22T08:03:52.586-08:00Big ol' List of Christmas Schooling Resources<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwCduB5m8rhbmqLW6COSi7LT3aK-GeIBlh9c6RNcvlop-vURMHzeicVkN0UAWBuFPErLk4LCxI_Q6PummzMP3nz83qNpkjxbj_G1u16GqHCWcoYDG0lfoNC1BGauBN5UVHvmWkbQlXI8m2VXPx_JWw3I6LhLEjjMjDDVlCUxBM7ka27pR9hYGuROWaChQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Building a gingerbread house" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwCduB5m8rhbmqLW6COSi7LT3aK-GeIBlh9c6RNcvlop-vURMHzeicVkN0UAWBuFPErLk4LCxI_Q6PummzMP3nz83qNpkjxbj_G1u16GqHCWcoYDG0lfoNC1BGauBN5UVHvmWkbQlXI8m2VXPx_JWw3I6LhLEjjMjDDVlCUxBM7ka27pR9hYGuROWaChQ=s16000" title="Big ol' List of Christmas Schooling Resources"></a></div><p></p><p>I've been told there are three types of homeschoolers in December: those who stick to a regular school routine until a few days before Christmas, those who take the entire month off and completely embrace the delights of the holidays, and those who incorporate seasonally-themed learning activities to create Christmas School.</p><div>I kind of land somewhere in the middle, taking a full three weeks off during the month to sprinkle in lots of Christmas traditions and learning activities into our days. Truth be told, I've never done an open-and-go Christmas curriculum but have always preferred to piecemeal my own resources.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/11/christmas-school-curriculum.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-33589677367802844102023-11-06T22:00:00.447-08:002023-11-07T20:19:52.368-08:00The 2023 TUH Gift Guide for Book Lovers<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKcBBqHpzwjRUM_YY4n-x_Cf1xzchKu_AaElCwGO5WY_QtPlOZ4faoHpMHBTXG67ND24VASnd5qpc_B4xgH8lAL9OHzKyoBmUGi63OCeDf9mgQJQSrUcGo8quhEM9xeeyjDGP43rFI_oezdFCHSSH6-OAAZornfNWnr-pYai68Ti1F1Jd0ZGGW6WbGWAM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookish mug" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKcBBqHpzwjRUM_YY4n-x_Cf1xzchKu_AaElCwGO5WY_QtPlOZ4faoHpMHBTXG67ND24VASnd5qpc_B4xgH8lAL9OHzKyoBmUGi63OCeDf9mgQJQSrUcGo8quhEM9xeeyjDGP43rFI_oezdFCHSSH6-OAAZornfNWnr-pYai68Ti1F1Jd0ZGGW6WbGWAM=s16000" title="The 2023 TUH Gift Guide for Book Lovers"></a></div><p></p><p>There are ten of us in total. We gather in my living room every fourth Monday of the month. Scootching our chairs close together, we open our books. Whether we loved it or hated it, we're always ready to talk about it. We've got big thoughts about the month's title and even bigger thoughts about books in general. We're a book club.</p><p>Before settling in for a great discussion, I almost always pass out a slice of this or a scoop of that--a sweet treat for the women to enjoy. They balance their plates precariously on their laps and hold a hot cup of something in their hands. In the last two years of playing hostess to this motley crew of women, I've slowly curated a collection of book-themed mugs.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/11/2023-book-lovers-guide.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-6080131518723584782023-10-17T06:26:00.000-07:002023-10-17T06:26:50.342-07:008 Quick-Tips for Working at Home and Homeschooling<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT47L-xeq0uOgSeJZ4kTKFkOi8mhRhKeNtnnx1obZlajE_AucoUdRjeDTphwr6Hc3YeUKCr69CyPfH_AkyhnkRq7vEUhp2BOzxh_CaNG2HHZxlhFxfG5gnlZR5NQ2WnC6eBE2TKlsDoyk9poN_cGMVYJrGsE3nu1zOZLt7il30pzoeqf0FPwKotkC2Tfc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="typing at a desk" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT47L-xeq0uOgSeJZ4kTKFkOi8mhRhKeNtnnx1obZlajE_AucoUdRjeDTphwr6Hc3YeUKCr69CyPfH_AkyhnkRq7vEUhp2BOzxh_CaNG2HHZxlhFxfG5gnlZR5NQ2WnC6eBE2TKlsDoyk9poN_cGMVYJrGsE3nu1zOZLt7il30pzoeqf0FPwKotkC2Tfc=s16000" title="8 Quick-Tips for Working at Home and Homeschooling"></a></div><p></p><p>As I write this, The sun is barely peeking up from the horizon. My husband and children are all still firmly nestled in their beds. I'm a morning person living in a house full of night owls. Knowing this, I do my best to steward my moments--to squeeze the most work out of any available downtime.</p><p>I'm a work-at-home mom.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/10/work-at-home.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-26682917042447347542023-09-04T22:00:00.082-07:002023-09-05T05:30:32.282-07:00Organizing Your Homeschool Year: Using Work Binders & Task Cards<p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoyJzuCXMhP6jS826o3MZps-26KHyPWRcsb7w4qunOY6NZh9uVdFmZpcl4i4bjpJEZs9aLzNa_U_EW3VfWzEU21Hclz7ensbv4ZQZczyhU6Tp02LSHTr4he9LL1UOcHfXEdPN_04RV4O9lh3MKFSGS4RcaoUG36hWyUY-k960P7uCH7lnUfNcQJwPxeag" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Task Cards in school bins" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoyJzuCXMhP6jS826o3MZps-26KHyPWRcsb7w4qunOY6NZh9uVdFmZpcl4i4bjpJEZs9aLzNa_U_EW3VfWzEU21Hclz7ensbv4ZQZczyhU6Tp02LSHTr4he9LL1UOcHfXEdPN_04RV4O9lh3MKFSGS4RcaoUG36hWyUY-k960P7uCH7lnUfNcQJwPxeag=s16000" title="Organizing Your Homeschool Year: Using Work Binders & Task Cards"></a></div></div><p></p><p><i>Written by <a href="http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/search?q=krista">Krista Smith</a>.</i></p><p>You’ve stuck with me for three out of the four parts in this series on organization, and we’re finally in the home stretch. In <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-1.html">Part 1</a>, I showed you the ugly underbelly of my early homeschooling years and how that difficult time was the impetus for a big change in the way I plan and organize everything from the macro (yearly) level down to the nitty gritty micro (daily) level.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-4.html#more"></a>Guest Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507088984051582191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-46550629763608674122023-08-28T22:00:00.289-07:002023-09-05T05:30:45.878-07:00Organizing Your Homeschool Year: Using Monthly Folders<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbiYn4VNPQ0vuywXTqaVzr7CIvZAwgv6BI1JX9-fAynFlFJxRp_hnUpr1n-VXw-lzEvWiWAC2V0YvL7ZXRPZZJ0GuydEjP1RuRrhTUdHlzVpTEtE8Uw8p5qQohXe1PNB0uuCBZpLt3zSjs28EhRaP_fC53DRiM0i1qAuViQZlO1yS9GmZs0UlOHAvB--U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brainstorming with notecards" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbiYn4VNPQ0vuywXTqaVzr7CIvZAwgv6BI1JX9-fAynFlFJxRp_hnUpr1n-VXw-lzEvWiWAC2V0YvL7ZXRPZZJ0GuydEjP1RuRrhTUdHlzVpTEtE8Uw8p5qQohXe1PNB0uuCBZpLt3zSjs28EhRaP_fC53DRiM0i1qAuViQZlO1yS9GmZs0UlOHAvB--U=s16000" title="Organizing Your Homeschool Year: Using Monthly Folders"></a></div></div><br><i>Written by <a href="http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/search?q=krista">Krista Smith</a>.</i><br><div><br></div><div>In <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-1.html">Part 1</a> of this 4-part series, I confessed that after limping along for a couple of years, one day, I finally realized that something needed to change in my homeschool. I needed confidence and better daily systems in order to love, serve, and teach my kids well.<br><div><i><br></i><div>In <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-2.html">Part 2</a>, I shared why planning out some things in the homeschool day and setting them on autopilot can be life-giving and sanity-restoring, whether you use the particular methods I suggest or come up with brand new ones that work better for your unique family. I also walked through STEP 1 in the 4-step overlapping system I use to plan out everything from the yearly level to the daily level in my homeschool.<span></span></div></div></div><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-3.html#more"></a>Guest Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507088984051582191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-15601503818571989572023-08-23T22:00:00.029-07:002023-09-05T05:31:01.345-07:00Organizing Your Homeschool: Using a Planner<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaANGtw0bRwGWa2CAWW3p9ji_Qu5RLomHsvR87b3B4DIZX7FUmiHOFdsZx568g1HF8MMWyr87tJvfelpkhUVcbR6VJzRAuZi1KBRCUwbfjyHuAO-SPvMBJuWJKadQwKoMUaAgDFgi-LLytYmks40IDhYjSU4zswNgwao4mpsGyaHNvPHMDJ9IhZnwM-o/s500/IMG_9267small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Writing on a homeschool planner" border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaANGtw0bRwGWa2CAWW3p9ji_Qu5RLomHsvR87b3B4DIZX7FUmiHOFdsZx568g1HF8MMWyr87tJvfelpkhUVcbR6VJzRAuZi1KBRCUwbfjyHuAO-SPvMBJuWJKadQwKoMUaAgDFgi-LLytYmks40IDhYjSU4zswNgwao4mpsGyaHNvPHMDJ9IhZnwM-o/s16000/IMG_9267small.jpg" title="Organizing Your Homeschool: Using a Planner"></a></div><i><br></i></div><i>Written by <a href="http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/search?q=krista">Krista Smith</a>.<br></i><br>In <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-1.html">Part 1</a> of this 4-part series, I gave you a peek behind the curtain of chaos that was my early years of homeschooling. In this post, I’m hoping and praying that the things the Lord has been teaching me (mainly by hard knocks) and which I have been privileged to teach to other mothers, will breathe life into your homeschool, reduce stress (for you and your kids), and bring order to your chaotic days.<span></span><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-2.html#more"></a>Guest Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507088984051582191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-8635657676296651812023-08-21T22:00:00.218-07:002023-09-05T05:31:13.896-07:00Organizing Your Homeschool Year: A Confession<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknQliDkkbRQbu5Y0Z-DGQ--jFDAVF4VdbxxRJNjUa5biIJ4YB1YDw1BPDZ_6S4ZWwFov5bvkzuyVkm4cJ45dHLGDqAC3tpJf9JncXRI0Sq2Lg2ZJU6-S_hKFEovjMEBlRQpvetY5_cthehC4T-BalBojYkwNsZY3k0oi7J0yd7kr7GOqwH0Yi5rjUnmY/s500/Old%20Faithful.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Standing by Old Faithful" border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknQliDkkbRQbu5Y0Z-DGQ--jFDAVF4VdbxxRJNjUa5biIJ4YB1YDw1BPDZ_6S4ZWwFov5bvkzuyVkm4cJ45dHLGDqAC3tpJf9JncXRI0Sq2Lg2ZJU6-S_hKFEovjMEBlRQpvetY5_cthehC4T-BalBojYkwNsZY3k0oi7J0yd7kr7GOqwH0Yi5rjUnmY/s16000/Old%20Faithful.jpg" title="Organizing Your Homeschool Year: A Confession"></a></div></div><i><div><i><br></i></div>Written by <a href="http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/search?q=krista">Krista Smith</a>.</i><div><i><br></i> If you’ve been homeschooling longer than 2 minutes, it’s safe to say you may, at some point, have had picturesque visions of what your school year could be like...should be like. </div><div><br></div><div>For most of us, these raptures typically occur in June when we’re all eagerly unwrapping the beautiful new curriculums which arrive in the mailbox at regular intervals throughout the summer. We tear open the shrink wrap like sugar addicts unwrapping Twinkies. We become starry-eyed as we flip through the pages, imagining how amazingly this year is going to go, all while trying to forget the dumpster fire that was last year…<br><br>…Please, Lord…<br><br><i>But this year! This year will be different. </i>We secretly proclaim to ourselves.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/organizing-homeschool-1.html#more"></a>Guest Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507088984051582191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-73614725597329394482023-08-16T22:00:00.120-07:002023-08-18T18:42:18.444-07:0012th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2023-2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD-KHPBeHT3ZW6OFa-lBGZYTPSQSMXbOHNxfiWLyi9szeJMJw1LtsN0t_hLSG0c7PjTvwkNgbb-4qqxMx2-CdYBVyrJvNi6gDyBduUywHawAdOQwUf3PvnQRknAkmgZ3UPvr-kATSaxzUiTUqqGMilRoF4GLtTkkmyEDeu6BXKuMJwJwjuIT5LiGo8xXs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="12th grade curriculum" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD-KHPBeHT3ZW6OFa-lBGZYTPSQSMXbOHNxfiWLyi9szeJMJw1LtsN0t_hLSG0c7PjTvwkNgbb-4qqxMx2-CdYBVyrJvNi6gDyBduUywHawAdOQwUf3PvnQRknAkmgZ3UPvr-kATSaxzUiTUqqGMilRoF4GLtTkkmyEDeu6BXKuMJwJwjuIT5LiGo8xXs=s16000" title="12th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2023-2024"></a></div><p></p><p>It's the final countdown for my eldest son. He's got nine more months of homeschooling left and then he's off to join the Navy. He's wanted to be a SEAL for as long as I can remember and has been preparing as best as he can to ensure he has a shot at qualifying for the BUDS training program. In the coming weeks, he'll be working hard to improve his swimming ability, an area of the physical requirements that he knows needs some attention. </p><p>In the meantime, he'll also be busy finishing up the final credits I planned out for him using the <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2020/06/high-school-records.html">Brave High School Record Keeping for Homeschoolers</a> pack. </p><p>Here's what he'll be learning.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/12th-grade-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-81188653745277949142023-08-09T22:00:00.078-07:002023-08-16T16:34:55.119-07:0010th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2022-2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoS9IU53Hp613QffyUduWxesnTosYOr9gM0OYnBOPrsrx7hGGhRLOPK1tcGNmsqtR5mTUNPG5-VPMQ9ZCDQfXuMsjrRBMDV1Go5zyEwQrZ-9y36e7ZyQwGUrYBmBqFmTs6p4fwIHDvs7L0dnDAU_zSb1J-7AVpbA1NrG4VEkQ1NYADtZYrFfBbEz1FWw/s500/10th%20curriculum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10th grade curriculum" border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoS9IU53Hp613QffyUduWxesnTosYOr9gM0OYnBOPrsrx7hGGhRLOPK1tcGNmsqtR5mTUNPG5-VPMQ9ZCDQfXuMsjrRBMDV1Go5zyEwQrZ-9y36e7ZyQwGUrYBmBqFmTs6p4fwIHDvs7L0dnDAU_zSb1J-7AVpbA1NrG4VEkQ1NYADtZYrFfBbEz1FWw/s16000/10th%20curriculum.jpg" title="10th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2022-2023"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>My middle son is an introvert who loves the great indoors. When he’s not listening to music, admiring his model car collection, or working on some epic Lego build, he can be found immersed in a story—either one he’s reading or one he’s writing. Naturally, I try to incorporate his love of words into his homeschool day. <br><p>Last year, I used the <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2020/06/high-school-records.html">Brave High School Record Keeping for Homeschoolers</a> pack to lay out a four-year high school plan that will hopefully help prepare him for his future post-high school goals. </p><p>Here's what he'll be learning.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/10th-curriculum-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-56539704916899844312023-08-07T22:00:00.043-07:002023-08-16T16:35:10.631-07:009th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2023-2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2RipjmP_WJnbzuUNXuoIaNFZWl-yvZSucx3HbCvTDWPXIkvKEqJq6_DG_EQXVTsNchCZxKFi28fYVpIVmGRYSJgpyREw13Z8VHNaPPtkG2yg_dICSHFqe3YA0RZ5Y8iUDalchtq7mPi1WS0QQCPGXRMqPiGLJ4vdSlVUFsfwjSbdkNiZvSquvGSbh2Qs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="9th grade homeschool curriculum" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2RipjmP_WJnbzuUNXuoIaNFZWl-yvZSucx3HbCvTDWPXIkvKEqJq6_DG_EQXVTsNchCZxKFi28fYVpIVmGRYSJgpyREw13Z8VHNaPPtkG2yg_dICSHFqe3YA0RZ5Y8iUDalchtq7mPi1WS0QQCPGXRMqPiGLJ4vdSlVUFsfwjSbdkNiZvSquvGSbh2Qs=s16000" title="9th Grade Homeschool Curriculum 2023-2024"></a></div><p></p><p>One would think the fourth time planning ninth grade would be relatively easy. At this point, it should just be lather-rinse-repeat. Right?<br><br>But the truth is, each of my kids is so vastly different from their siblings. They have different passions and different giftings. I'd be remiss if I did not reshuffle the deck from year to year and plan a unique high school program for each of them. <br><br>So, that is what I aimed to do as I was making curriculum choices for my ninth grader. After having some great discussions with him about his future hopes and dreams and after reviewing the results of a few different <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2020/07/career-planning.html">career aptitude tests</a> he took this summer, I used the <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2020/06/high-school-records.html">Brave High School Record Keeping for Homeschoolers pack</a> to put together a four-year plan that will hopefully position him to achieve his post-graduate goals. <br></p><div>Here's what he'll be learning in 9th grade.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/08/9th-curriculum-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-63597048040394777802023-07-27T11:38:00.009-07:002023-08-25T10:06:54.406-07:006th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2023-2024<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc8a5Hgws_QFf6RIfyRY1lyibggsrR8cAhJLwLXjcWbWo99wVz3KiYJmhK097ibXeqk_ybQI2oNgZI7kCb9ODWqMEYYwVB8Uhl-Eoe93d9lFjeSRTnrc6XPThXdw9B2q5kXj3rHxpJjuxCLgyTlq6y3utbZdOwIZnSW6T4XYSHvw_lJExPoA6smCih9oQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6th grade homeschool curriculum" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc8a5Hgws_QFf6RIfyRY1lyibggsrR8cAhJLwLXjcWbWo99wVz3KiYJmhK097ibXeqk_ybQI2oNgZI7kCb9ODWqMEYYwVB8Uhl-Eoe93d9lFjeSRTnrc6XPThXdw9B2q5kXj3rHxpJjuxCLgyTlq6y3utbZdOwIZnSW6T4XYSHvw_lJExPoA6smCih9oQ=s16000" title="6th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2023-2024"></a></div><p></p><p>It's been said that the smallest chili peppers are often the spiciest. I think that's often true of siblings too. My youngest is a spitfire. He has a zest for life and can not be nailed down for too long. He's got itchy legs and wants to go, go, go. <br><br>If you ever need him, just look for a crowd of people. He'll be the one in the middle gathering the group and welcoming more into it.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/07/6th-grade-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-48794951520842340472023-07-25T05:10:00.248-07:002023-08-25T10:07:32.271-07:00Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2023-2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBy8ijG-QaukVcYgHvl1paBbPohh8LBjGEZirebxLRk7GTerKFBp6-TpTepp6tNXqV5PeOIXBcx4cV41LgAxyMSL5S_2BLYccHIDuGMhMoJ0Gv4RE-3kmNl8HHktLtCu3ckJPwCJjN_c8Z93RarXCU-HzOer8rjvG-HXwXWtk44-eI2z4Gfgte2tcQzU/s500/Curriculum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2023-2024" border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBy8ijG-QaukVcYgHvl1paBbPohh8LBjGEZirebxLRk7GTerKFBp6-TpTepp6tNXqV5PeOIXBcx4cV41LgAxyMSL5S_2BLYccHIDuGMhMoJ0Gv4RE-3kmNl8HHktLtCu3ckJPwCJjN_c8Z93RarXCU-HzOer8rjvG-HXwXWtk44-eI2z4Gfgte2tcQzU/s16000/Curriculum.jpg" title="Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2023-2024"></a></div><p>In just a few weeks, I'll be starting my final year with my final four. By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, my eldest son will be preparing to join the military, my daughter will still be away at college, and I'll only have my three youngest at home.<br><br>Not surprisingly, I'm acutely aware that my days with a houseful of children are numbered. Here is a peek at what the boys will be learning together this year.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/07/Curriculum-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-38602752104656776482023-06-21T22:00:00.345-07:002023-07-03T18:54:52.884-07:00A Case for BJU Press Online Physical Science {a review}<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSP8EFezMM0h1z_Rlnd62cV3OVoZo_t7KvKdiifJ1AG_ZXier10K_IE40UYMN5Km7LbVGrsC4OeP-Bwr1dovNfZICkolnexUm6N9TgUOZHCWXp3jrHf2LPKC7kAoCkx74aBYfdjegGLlQ-RqWvSdhkNIcveERW5BZ6RF1-mcUktyuqeyw9MJr4XCKCoAk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lab experiment for BJU Physical Science" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSP8EFezMM0h1z_Rlnd62cV3OVoZo_t7KvKdiifJ1AG_ZXier10K_IE40UYMN5Km7LbVGrsC4OeP-Bwr1dovNfZICkolnexUm6N9TgUOZHCWXp3jrHf2LPKC7kAoCkx74aBYfdjegGLlQ-RqWvSdhkNIcveERW5BZ6RF1-mcUktyuqeyw9MJr4XCKCoAk=s16000" title="A Case for BJU Press Distance Learning Physical Science {a review} #homeschoolcurriculum #creationscience #curriculum #homeschooling #homeschoolhighschool"></a></div></div><p></p><p>The other day, my 9th-grade son mentioned something about inertia at the lunch table. <br><br>"That's interesting. Tell me more," came my reply. <br><br>He had completed a Physical Science lesson earlier that morning and still had thoughts of centripetal force running through his head. <br><br>Admittedly, I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. But, I put on my best mom-smile, tossed out some open-ended questions like, "Why do you think that is?" and "What is the usual result?", then listened as he recalled nearly every part of that day's science assignment.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/05/BJU-physical-science.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-43735808004749387452023-04-19T22:00:00.179-07:002023-07-03T18:55:27.250-07:00A Case for IEW Fix It! Grammar {a curriculum review}<div style="text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn7YA_lfDzr5dXwB1ozSRX4bf7fwuf0Z7x-kOxbEnqI-Qmo6L2RFa5djreR9jwHyKIU0SrOn1mRGmg18riLYGn_yTFFtP1Xzf4I40usu0nGO8aw2oA0rbpSgmnVDbX-PPfVH7pkSrK4IzAXewSmRjuaxT1liibfvZlAux12EA4wVUMoHou94gyatMK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fix It! Grammar Review" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgn7YA_lfDzr5dXwB1ozSRX4bf7fwuf0Z7x-kOxbEnqI-Qmo6L2RFa5djreR9jwHyKIU0SrOn1mRGmg18riLYGn_yTFFtP1Xzf4I40usu0nGO8aw2oA0rbpSgmnVDbX-PPfVH7pkSrK4IzAXewSmRjuaxT1liibfvZlAux12EA4wVUMoHou94gyatMK=s16000" title="A Case for IEW Fix It! Grammar {a curriculum review}"></a></div><br></i></div><i>(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my <a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/p/disclosure-policy.html">disclosure policy</a> for full details.)</i><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Written by <a href="http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/search?q=krista">Krista Smith</a>.</i><i><br></i><div><i><br></i> Recently, I mentioned that my children started using (and loving) Andrew Pudewa’s<a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/01/iew-structure-style.html"> IEW Structure & Style</a> for formal writing. Structure & Style was not our first exposure to IEW, however. We had previously completed <a href="https://amzn.to/3A9Yqmx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fix It! Grammar</a> and wanted to continue to hone our writing skills.<br><br>My schooling experience was, perhaps, a bit different than most, especially in the area of language arts. I grew up in inner-city Denver and, unfortunately, had almost no grammar instruction at all.<span></span></div></div><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/04/fix-it-grammar.html#more"></a>Guest Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507088984051582191noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-68919489642579588362023-03-29T22:00:00.018-07:002023-07-03T18:56:12.685-07:00Homeschool Art the Charlotte Mason Way<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo1N9tUxtmoPCLP6-7ql69Jhb4AQo8g_6S9dpXbfx3I1Ji2heGMT8yiAFpzZs7I8sO2b1VvU-nUjrfFWeEBFdJLYYfV8rmTRnzAUcI6Y5cnVA93O0A_g-r3rex0W6BsG0YcIuElcgeEWfQIcUt1ESDqq97ITnGi1RtQ0Y9SzkmkembUDbOUXJX4gXl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="JMW Turner Art Copy" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo1N9tUxtmoPCLP6-7ql69Jhb4AQo8g_6S9dpXbfx3I1Ji2heGMT8yiAFpzZs7I8sO2b1VvU-nUjrfFWeEBFdJLYYfV8rmTRnzAUcI6Y5cnVA93O0A_g-r3rex0W6BsG0YcIuElcgeEWfQIcUt1ESDqq97ITnGi1RtQ0Y9SzkmkembUDbOUXJX4gXl=s16000" title="Homeschool Art the Charlotte Mason Way"></a></div><p></p><p>In her <i>Philosophy of Education</i>, British education reformer Charlotte Mason wrote, “Every child should leave school with at least a couple hundred pictures by great masters hanging permanently in the halls of his imagination.” (vol. 6, p.43) Miss Mason set aside time not only for her students to express themselves artistically but also for them to study the lives, styles, and works of the great masters.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/03/art-history-notebook.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-51597506395337117372023-03-13T22:00:00.001-07:002023-07-03T18:59:04.881-07:008 Homeschool Helps You Didn't Know Your Library Offered<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaGUrYPv3jyBsD7RDOoMlodqapSaEmSO8NwSm5ddWY-BzuZQXFA76n_zarp8sroRYQxfxaWnHk43k3HYjJGc068WToC9LRWWL1c00_kg3Q2_PLYB1mg8Z0stOY8ZMYW9SeSaASWz7t2MKMuzQbwukYJ7a-eAZy_s8xH7_zsMsWFI0iFfSl_TdItpmS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="looking for a book in the library" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaGUrYPv3jyBsD7RDOoMlodqapSaEmSO8NwSm5ddWY-BzuZQXFA76n_zarp8sroRYQxfxaWnHk43k3HYjJGc068WToC9LRWWL1c00_kg3Q2_PLYB1mg8Z0stOY8ZMYW9SeSaASWz7t2MKMuzQbwukYJ7a-eAZy_s8xH7_zsMsWFI0iFfSl_TdItpmS=s16000" title="8 Homeschool Helps You Didn't Know Your Library Offered"></a></div></div><p></p><p>With the recent rise of irreverent, sexualized, and agenda-laden books being added to the juvenile sections of local public libraries, you may be tempted to cut up your membership card and abandon the stacks. <br><br>I don't blame you. Several years ago, when my then-preschooler and I were perusing the "new to the children's shelves" section together, he stumbled into a forward-facing picture book with a blood-thirsty zombie on the cover and naturally began crying. I made an immediate bee-line for the circulation desk to lodge a verbal complaint with a librarian. Over the next few days, the conversation continued up the chain of command until the book was eventually re-shelved in the YA section.</p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/03/public-libraries.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-70730501784591415712023-01-18T22:00:00.130-08:002023-07-03T18:59:20.722-07:00A Case for IEW Structure & Style {curriculum review}<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUGBJkpzPxZ2pEHenz7U_10jUIJEhuyED0Czzrb6QBPLVC062KvGYs_OdOUYeROscwa6XR4XULoPoyXlu8GWQGCut5iL_1oyagAhk7HsMHOD5lVAJ0RcF46PMURsymcbeUGzNo4q1gTDirvUS3_AxU_EQR3eNGGZnxgY-iLC1HdkzwXAktCehUgXV/s500/small%20IEW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="girl working on homeschool lesson" border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUGBJkpzPxZ2pEHenz7U_10jUIJEhuyED0Czzrb6QBPLVC062KvGYs_OdOUYeROscwa6XR4XULoPoyXlu8GWQGCut5iL_1oyagAhk7HsMHOD5lVAJ0RcF46PMURsymcbeUGzNo4q1gTDirvUS3_AxU_EQR3eNGGZnxgY-iLC1HdkzwXAktCehUgXV/s16000/small%20IEW.jpg" title="A Case for IEW Structure & Style"></a></div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Written by <a href="http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/search?q=krista">Krista Smith</a>.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div>Last year during my summer-long quest to find the best curriculums for my family for the 2022-2023 school year, I needed to assess and address something I had (possibly purposefully) ignored. Writing. I had eclectically sewed together what I prayed was a stellar Language Arts experience for them, but I had to admit I hadn’t done my children justice in the writing department.<span></span><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/01/iew-structure-style.html#more"></a>Guest Posthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09507088984051582191noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-4357339852771165682023-01-11T22:00:00.272-08:002023-12-31T18:13:07.468-08:00Favorite Read Alouds From 2022<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga1GjcXXrF53rzMDwDdyR2k2JxS1HBkLgpJtWKa6iW-8dPgiKlnmUNan751hNiVG9TntulBc-FC6N2Yh-rUAtAXKtbWXPlaf4O8JqqsC5uduNjR9tFhQa0nN4uNXy9fgkY34oS4SMCymROgoFkVCkK01PqNFcvd7Sg3saklcIaAb3ELABaIE-OPE5R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stack of books on a chair" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga1GjcXXrF53rzMDwDdyR2k2JxS1HBkLgpJtWKa6iW-8dPgiKlnmUNan751hNiVG9TntulBc-FC6N2Yh-rUAtAXKtbWXPlaf4O8JqqsC5uduNjR9tFhQa0nN4uNXy9fgkY34oS4SMCymROgoFkVCkK01PqNFcvd7Sg3saklcIaAb3ELABaIE-OPE5R=s16000" title="Favorite Read Alouds From 2022"></a></div><p></p><p>In years past, this annual read-aloud round-up consisted of the top books we enjoyed together from the previous twelve months. However, this year, I'm mixing things up. A large portion of our read-aloud time was spent enjoying the Chronicles of Narnia. Since it's difficult to rank books in a series, as they are best read in sequential order, I've decided to throw in some of the books that my kids have read individually.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/01/read-alouds-22.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-63236807438652665332023-01-04T22:00:00.704-08:002024-01-03T06:15:07.584-08:00The 10 Best Books I Read in 2022<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTgMojuOSPad9Lg_r2SUV2aiko42KM-KLkG6gBvzHKccByNHdUCT174bYEUJIzpM62kHKlp9nGxWXJG7QFW6FXdnjEsMThp4Wblp5HX1LoC2nOtH2fOVL0U-eGxayX_FkVZMiVkbZbREyRljxcwiNzfbPIfCLPM17tySIflUqgBkknj9sBr0MAY1y8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Woman reading on a chair" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTgMojuOSPad9Lg_r2SUV2aiko42KM-KLkG6gBvzHKccByNHdUCT174bYEUJIzpM62kHKlp9nGxWXJG7QFW6FXdnjEsMThp4Wblp5HX1LoC2nOtH2fOVL0U-eGxayX_FkVZMiVkbZbREyRljxcwiNzfbPIfCLPM17tySIflUqgBkknj9sBr0MAY1y8=s16000" title="The 10 Best Books I Read in 2022"></a></div><p></p><p>I'm sipping a cup of <a href="https://amzn.to/3i9ddc3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Novel Tea</a> as I write this. These little sachets of rich English breakfast blend were a gift from a writing friend. What sets these particular tea bags apart from the average Brit brew are the literary quotes attached to each one. During each 5-minute seep, I read whatever pithy phrase just happens to be hanging from the end and smile because I love bookish sayings almost as much as I love books.</p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2023/01/best-books-2022.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-21170834156655576132023-01-02T22:00:00.222-08:002023-07-03T19:00:06.134-07:00The 10 Most Popular Posts of 2022<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ8dlDV1nEvaFXxAE-arvzv1ympC64t56OVL-E9A9zSTYzSO6OFz5t6zCGxymsyDmqKSatow9cMHstxRhJqIYnCLFFe1I3ow2vsiPJ9UretsQVWlrgbtsJux2vRLHwkGz-wPeBEol5B_ZvY9vhRaxyIldCdMzE4Y7o4iJZjmBZ1YBJ5DEBRdMhJ0OS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blacksmithing" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ8dlDV1nEvaFXxAE-arvzv1ympC64t56OVL-E9A9zSTYzSO6OFz5t6zCGxymsyDmqKSatow9cMHstxRhJqIYnCLFFe1I3ow2vsiPJ9UretsQVWlrgbtsJux2vRLHwkGz-wPeBEol5B_ZvY9vhRaxyIldCdMzE4Y7o4iJZjmBZ1YBJ5DEBRdMhJ0OS=s16000" title="The 10 Most Popular Posts of 2022"></a></div><p></p><p>Since the inception of the interwebs, <i>viral</i> has become a tricky word. It has its roots in things like viruses, infections, and germs. And yet, in our digital days, <i>viral</i> speaks more of popularity than poison. I guess we can chalk it up to our ever-evolving zeitgeist which is, unapologetically, like a virus--moving, growing, and multiplying in contagious ways.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2022/12/popular-2022.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7628767515693863152.post-8974910351558854662022-12-28T22:00:00.610-08:002023-07-03T19:00:17.154-07:004 Ways I'll be Increasing in 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4UG59kiwZVbicXtQkKOf7mTc4BNbiZewzltX9CUM1IH2fwdVMgmK8zUIt9sKxz3wy-IuXeyAiUlPkZw3ChRSei5KxiqiVJFvvTOZ9uDedE-EX9mFBMcNaj7Hah20SvptmECasYxgHwgGwUc-klG4b7JIv8z0QO1aWQHqGn-pemR-jCq8eshw_BGM/s500/smallIMG_8925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I trust the author sign" border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4UG59kiwZVbicXtQkKOf7mTc4BNbiZewzltX9CUM1IH2fwdVMgmK8zUIt9sKxz3wy-IuXeyAiUlPkZw3ChRSei5KxiqiVJFvvTOZ9uDedE-EX9mFBMcNaj7Hah20SvptmECasYxgHwgGwUc-klG4b7JIv8z0QO1aWQHqGn-pemR-jCq8eshw_BGM/s16000/smallIMG_8925.jpg" title="4 Ways I'll be Increasing in 2023"></a></div><p>In his lifetime, famed 18th-century American revivalist Jonathan Edwards made 70 guidelines that steered all of his decisions. He later renamed these goals his "Resolutions" and committed to reading through them each and every day. </p><p><br>While not a direct quote, his first two guidelines can be summed up as follow: </p><blockquote><p>Resolved: I will live for God. If no one else does, I still will. </p></blockquote><p>As I enter 2023 and prayerfully consider how I might set my days, I've been thinking a lot about this quote.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com/2022/12/increasing-2023.html#more"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20