What We're Reading In November 2018

Our library book basket is overflowing. Books are stacked up and spilling out in every direction. Admittedly, it doesn't make for the cleanest living space, but as I've mentioned, I can't pass up the chance to take a deep dive into the historical significance of the season. Our basket is brimming with the best-of-the-best in living literature and has an obvious Thanksgiving theme to it.

In addition to Pilgrims, Wampanoags, and Sarah Hale (the woman responsible for creating a national day of thanks), we're also reading about lots of other things during the month of November. Here's a look at the other books in our library basket.

Mega List of Thanksgiving Unit Study Ideas

Every year on Thanksgiving, I place five kernels of corn on each plate. They are to represent the meager beginnings of our nation's history--a time when seven times as many graves were dug as houses were built. The kernels remind us of one particularly harsh season when each impoverished Pilgrim of Plimoth (or Plymouth as we spell it today) was said to have lived off of a ration of five bits of corn a day.

Budget-Friendly Cleaning Recipes Our Grandmothers Taught Us

Written by Anita Edwards.

They say that your house is your home; it’s your safe haven for relaxation and for unwinding after a busy day. But as all homeschooling families know, the house isn’t just a home; it’s also a place for education, for structured activities, for learning new things, for trying (and failing), and for growth and development. Homeschooling houses are hectic, chaotic, and, as I’m sure many will agree, messy!

How to Host a Homespun Swap

Have you ever heard of an urban food swap? No? Neither had I until I unexpectedly stumbled upon an entire podcast episode about it on a podcast that I had also unexpectedly stumbled upon. (It's a long story with many mildly boring twists and turns--one which is certainly not even worth mentioning. So let's dig ourselves out of the weeds and get back on point, shall we?)

Online Extracurriculars for the Extra Curious Kid

Written by Chelsea Gonzales.

Extracurriculars are a great way to expand upon and enrich a homeschool experience, especially for the super curious kid who wants to know everything. That said, extracurriculars don’t fit well with every lifestyle. Traveling families like mine are always looking for lessons on-the-go.