Are you teaching your kids map skills? Reading a map is a life skill that will serve them well in many areas of life. Here are some ways to teach map skills by interweaving them into your life.

One of my fondest childhood memories is sitting on my grandpa’s lap looking at his atlas of the United States. Using his finger, he would retrace the routes he and my grandma took on various trip across the country. He would stop at certain points to tell me about interesting things they saw or people they met.

Each time I went to see him, he would take me on another atlas trip either out west or down south. We took some of those trips over and over, but I never got bored. We traveled the country and never left his chair. I knew these routes and places intimately even though I had never been there. Those experiences made me want to travel and taught me many things. I learned geography, culture, history, and map skills.

For The Love Of Maps

Those atlas trips with my grandpa fueled my love for maps. When I was young, I would often trace make-believe trips of my own imagining what I would see or do along the way. When my family would take vacations, I would always be in the backseat with a map or atlas in hand. As we drove, I would track our trip on my map. I would take note of each town’s name and what interesting features were nearby, like forests, parks, or historic sites. My parents would often ask me to find an alternate route or how far we were from certain points and towns.

I think it’s that love of maps and navigation that makes me cringe when someone I know gets lost using their GPS. Seriously. Just because your GPS gives you directions doesn’t mean they are the best or most accurate. I am not opposed to GPS and use Google Maps all the time to find ice rinks during travel hockey season. However, I do take a peek at the route in full map view to make sure it makes sense first. I’ve had too many friends make the 30 minute trip in 60 because the GPS rerouted them, and they couldn’t figure out where they were to correct the situation. Here’s a tip: Learn to use a map, people. (But, I digress…)

Teaching Map Skills Organically

Reading and using maps is a life skill that is dying with the invention of GPS navigation and Google Maps. That is a shame. Maps not only help you not get lost, they help you learn spatial reasoning. Being able to realize the distance between places and where things are in the world in relationship to others, is a crucial skill in understanding our place in the world.

When we started homeschooling, my daughter’s first lesson was about maps. I knew that map skills would help her in almost all of her subjects. Just knowing where places are in relationship to each other helps us understand more as we learn. For instance, knowing the distance across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to North America helps us understand why it was such a dangerous voyage for explorers and the first settlers.

My daughter and I looked at all types of maps from simple maps with just streets and symbols to atlases and travel road maps to early mariner maps to topographical maps. I sat with her on the sofa and traced routes of trips I had taken in the past. We chatted about places, people, animals, and funny stories. I tried to make the map come alive for her just like my grandpa had done for me.

As we looked at the maps, I taught my daughter how to use the legend of the map and what scale meant. We talked about how far some trips looked on some maps, yet looked closer on others. In no time, she was tracing routes from one point to another and pointing out features and places along the way.

The wrap up map skills activity was creating a map of our small neighborhood. My daughter rode her bike up and down the streets counting houses and writing down street names. We used the odometer in the car to figure out distances. My daughter was so proud of the finished product that included houses, the creek that runs through the neighborhood, the woods behind the neighborhood, and street names.

Since then, we have created many other map projects like:

• Treasure maps
• History maps
• Vacation travel routes
• Salt maps
• Habitat maps

Making Maps Part Of Life

After that initial lesson, we wove maps into everything from history to geography to science to a trip to grandma’s house. We hung a world map and a United States map on my son’s wall. There were atlases and maps in the book basket. Whenever we read about a new place, we found it on one of our maps. When we took a field trip, we mapped out a route before we left and followed along on the map on our way. Maps were just part of life.

My children are teens now and you can still find maps in the glove box of our car. Although we do use Google Maps, we do break out the paper map from time to time to get the big picture or just to be sure. When we plan a travel hockey trip or vacation out of state, the kids know that there will be maps of each state along the way and we will use those maps. I love that they aren’t afraid of maps and when I ask them to find a place or give me directions, they will know how. They have map skills. My kids will not get lost!

Tools For Teaching Map Skills

I am still a sucker for a good map. If I had my way, I would collect old maps, frame them, and hang them on every wall. Do you use maps in your homeschool? Is map reading a life skill you are teaching your children? Have you checked out these resources from Bright Ideas Press that will make teaching map skills fun and easy?

WonderMaps is an online map program that includes over 300 different map types. (WonderMap tutorial video)

• 75 maps of the world
• 60+ maps of the USA
• 150+ historical maps, including 30 biblical maps
• The complete map sets from The Mystery of History vols. I–IV and All American History vols. I & II

Bright Ideas Press offers atlases covering different regions and topics.

• The Student Bible Atlas
• Then And Now Bible Atlas
• History Of The World Atlas 
• Atlas Of World Geography
• Children’s Illustrated World Atlas

Want to know the truth about homeschool moms? Is it true that they are more patient than other moms? Are their kids perfectly behaved? How do they know enough to teach all their children all the way through high school? Do they all wear denim jumpers? Are they all against public education? Do they secretly want to take over the world?

There seem to be a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions about homeschool moms floating out there in non-homeschool circles. It’s time to lay some of those to rest with some truth from a homeschool mom in the trenches.

Truths about Homeschool Moms

We do not have more patience than other moms. – We hear it all the time from moms who do not homeschool. “I just don’t have the patience to homeschool.” Um. Don’t tell anyone, but neither do I and most of the homeschool moms I know. Our kids get on our last nerve. We throw up our hands and stomp out of the room from time to time. There are days when we threaten to stick them on the school bus the next morning. If super-human patience were required to be a homeschool mom, homeschooling wouldn’t even be a thing.

We aren’t weird (at least JUST because we homeschool). – OK. Some homeschool moms are weird. Some public school moms are weird. Homeschooling families do not have the market cornered on weird. Look around.

We don’t think we are better moms because we homeschool. – Moms love their kids and will do what they think is best for them. For some of us, homeschooling is best. For others, traditional school is best. Both come with responsibilities and concerns. Good moms make choices based upon their children and their family situation. Period.

We don’t judge you if you don’t homeschool. – When other moms find out I homeschool my kids, they usually bring up two things. First, they say the old “I don’t have enough patience to homeschool my kids” thing. Then, they usually start telling me all the reasons their school is so great or why they chose to send their kid to that school.

I always laugh at both responses. The patience thing makes me laugh, because in my mind, I am going back to our kitchen table where I have my son in a headlock while trying to make him do his math. (True story. Happens at least twice a month. There’s patience for ya.) The justifying why you are choosing to send your child to school thing really makes me laugh. For starters, they are your kids and I’m sure you are doing what is best for them and your family. But, it mostly comes down to I don’t really care why. I’m too busy trying to not screw up my own kids.

We don’t really homeschool. – Seriously. The term “homeschool” should be used loosely in many situations. In our case, and the case of most of our homeschool friends, we don’t spend a lot of time at home. We do school at the ice rink while one child practices skating or hockey. We stop at the library between art class at local art studio and astronomy class at the planetarium to get some book work done. Our kids have done school work in the car, at parks, at restaurants, in waiting rooms, in coffee shops, and at Grandma’s house.

Our family is on the road constantly taking advantage of the many educational opportunities in our area and beyond. We live in our car. It got so bad that I traded my gas guzzling SUV (which I loved) for a economical Toyota just to save money on gas. (Looking for a homeschool mom gift idea? Try a gas card!)

We don’t all love science, literature, and math but we learn alongside our kids. – Many moms tell me that they can’t homeschool because they don’t know enough about science or history or whatever. Well, that’s ok. None of us know everything about everything. Learning, or re-learning, with the kids is actually fun. Plus, the kids get to see an example of lifelong learning. I want my kids to never stop learning!

In my public high school, world history wasn’t even offered. Really. I was a biology major in college, so I never had to study it there either. Over the years, I learned about history from reading about things that interested me. When the kids started studying ancient history in their homeschool studies, I learned right along side them and loved it!

We don’t always wear yoga pants. – Once upon a time, the stereotypical homeschool mom always wore a denim jumper. These days, the jumper has been replaced by yoga pants. Yoga pants are so comfortable and just a step above pajama pants. This makes them acceptable to be seen wearing in public. However, just like not all homeschool moms used to wear denim jumpers, not all homeschool moms wear yoga pants…all the time. (We occasionally put on denim jeggings and a tunic if we think we might see people we know.)

We keep a close eye on the public school calendar. – We don’t actually use the calendar to start and stop our school year or determine what days to homeschool. The school calendar lets us know when the public school kids will not be at the parks or the museums. Homeschool families get so used to having these facilities to themselves, so they stay away from them on school breaks.

We sometimes consider sticking our kids on the school bus. – Yes. As I mentioned before, homeschool moms occasionally lose their patience and threaten the kids with the big yellow bus and a trip to the local school. Other times, it’s more than a momentary exasperated thought.

We all go through times in our homeschool journey where it just gets tough. One child refuses to do their math. (Hence the aforementioned headlock.) Another child cannot grasp the parts of speech. It’s been snowing and cold for what seems like an eternity and everyone has cabin fever. These are the times when we start looking into what it would take to ship the kids to school.

Usually, by the time we get our research done, the math gets finished, the grammar lights come on, and the sun comes out. We live to homeschool another day.

Your Truth

Ok, homeschool mom. What truth would you add to the list?

If you don’t homeschool, which of these truths surprised you?

One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it gives families to cater to each child’s learning style and interests, as well as the lifestyle of each family. In our own homeschool journey, we have used a variety of homeschool resources and education techniques with our children at different times and for different subjects.

When we wanted to follow an interest deeper, we did a unit study about that subject. If one math curriculum wasn’t working for a child, we found one that fit better with their learning style. Our kids have taken co-op classes and been apart of classes at the local zoo and museum. Another growing type of educational option for homeschoolers that we are big fans of is online learning.

Online homeschool learning consists of courses that students can take via computer or tablet. Students can choose from core curriculum or fun electives from a growing number of sources. The Academy At Bright Ideas Press offers 100+ quality online homeschool courses for middle and high school students taught by qualified instructors who make learning interesting and fun.

Types of Online Homeschool Classes

Online learning can be done several ways. For instance, The Academy At Bright Ideas Press offers live and self-paced online homeschool classes. What does that mean?

• Live online homeschool classes are hosted in a virtual classroom. These are live, teacher-led courses that meet at the same time each week. Students can interact with the teacher and other students during class time and can have access to their teacher throughout the week if they need questions answered.
• Self-paced online homeschool classes have recorded video lessons that the student can move through at their own pace. These are great for families who require flexibility in their schedules.

Benefits of Online Homeschool Classes

When researching what type online class is right for your family, consider your child’s learning style and your family’s lifestyle. These factor in greatly. No matter which type of the above online classes you choose for your student, each have great advantages. Take these into consideration.

• All the planning is done for you. No more gathering resources or scheduling lessons. The syllabus is already prepared and the plan is there for the student to follow.
• Gives the parent a break. Homeschooling is definitely a calling, but sometimes homeschool parents need a break from that calling. Giving someone else the reigns for a bit can help curb homeschool burnout for parents and students.
• Opportunity to take a course that the parent might not feel comfortable teaching. Take Spanish, for instance. I can’t speak Spanish, but my daughter wants to learn Spanish. There are online courses available taught by instructors fluent in Spanish. Sign her up!
• Teaches independence. Online classes allow the student to be responsible for their education. Often for the first time, students in online classes are responsible for turning in assignments on time, being ready for class, and preparing for tests.

Benefits of Live Online Homeschool Classes

• Adds structure to the homeschool experience. Most homeschool families have a more relaxed routine than you would find in a traditional school setting. There are usually no firm start and end times and no bells to signal it’s time to move on to the next subject. Many students can learn in this relaxed atmosphere. Others need more structure. The live online classes are held at set times, so this adds structure to the homeschool schedule. There are, also, set due dates and tests schedules that students will need to abide by.
• A teacher is available for help. During the actual class time, the teacher is available to answer questions. Live class instructors are available throughout the week, as well, if the student needs help.
• Students interact with other students. Usually, live online homeschool classes are held in a virtual classroom with the ability to chat with other students, as well as the teacher. This gives students the opportunity to have discussions and share ideas. These chats are monitored by the teacher and often have rules they must abide by.
• Assignments and tests are graded by the teacher. This is an awesome perk of live online classes. Not only can the parent take a break from teaching, they can also take a break from grading!

Benefits of Self-Paced Online Classes

• Self-paced online classes are flexible. Just like the live online homeschool classes, the syllabus is set and all the lessons are planned out for you. However, students do not have to be present for a live class each week at a certain time. The classes are recorded and available to the student whenever they decide the class fits into their schedule.
• Students can learn at their own pace. Since self-paced classes are recorded, not only can students view the class anytime during the week they want, they can even skip a week. This is great for families who travel or are just plain busy. This, also, allows students to take their time or dive in deeper when an interest leads them.
• Can be used to supplement another curriculum. Generally, the entire self-paced course is available at one time. This means, the student can choose the lesson they want to view. This can help a student dig deeper in a subject they are already studying.

The Academy at Bright Ideas Press

Want to learn more about online homeschool classes? The Academy at Bright Ideas Press is a virtual school, offering both live and self-paced classes for middle school and high school students, taught from a Christian perspective. With over 100 course offerings and 30 plus teachers. The Academy is perfect for homeschoolers as part of their regular course load or for others who wish to supplement their learning with our vast array of course offerings.

Visit The Academy to learn more and enroll.

We are so blessed to live in a time when there are so many educational resources available to us at our fingertips at any moment. The internet, computers, and electronic devices have opened the world up to us.

One of our favorite internet resources for homeschooling is You Tube. We like to use You Tube videos to supplement what we are learning in our curriculum or to spark interest in other areas. It is so easy to search for videos about almost any topic, but sometimes we have to wade through a ton of junk to find the good stuff.

Over the years, we have discovered some really great educational You Tube channels that we keep going back to. I subscribe to those channels so I can find them easily and so I am notified when new content is added. Here are a few of our favorites, plus a few that other homeschool families have recommended.

Educational YouTube Channels

YouTube Channels For Early Learners

• Jack Hartmann  – preschool content
• Have Fun Teaching – educational songs and videos

Science YouTube Channels

• SciShow Kids
• Smarter Every Day
• It’s OK To Be Smart
• Physics Girl
• Vsauce
• How It’s Made
• Peterson Field Guides – video companion to the Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of North America book
• Brave Wilderness

Bible and Christianity YouTube Channel

• Ten Minute Bible Hour
• The Beginners Bible

History YouTube Channel

• Ten Minute History
• A Kids Explains History

Art YouTube Channels

• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• You Are An Artist – art tutorials
• ViHart – math and art

Math YouTube Channels

• Mash Up Math
• Wow Math
• Numberphile

YouTube Channels For Just About Everything

• Khan Academy 
• Free School
• Crash Course
• Mental Floss
• Bright Ideas Press

Your Favorite YouTube Channels

What are your favorite YouTube channels for homeschooling? Share in the comments!

Do you have a kid who has always had that entrepreneurial mindset? Do you want to teach your kids what it’s like to start and operate their own business? What are you waiting for?

The process of starting and operating a business can be a great educational opportunity for kids. They can learn the ins-and-outs of how businesses work, personal responsibility, and finances. Plus, they can start small with what they have and what they know.

Wondering what kind of business kids can start? Here are a few business ideas for your young entrepreneur you might want to consider.

Kids’ Business Ideas

Dog walking/pet sitting

This is a great business opportunity for the young animal lover. Every neighborhood has pet owners. Kids can start by offering to walk a neighbor’s dog or feed their cat while the owners are at work or on vacation for experience and to gain a referral source. Once credibility is gained, make a flier and offer pet services for a fee to the entire neighborhood.

Babysitting

Babysitting is often a girl’s first job. Parents are always looking for trustworthy babysitters for their kids, so jobs are usually easy to come by. Babysitting isn’t just for girls, though. Boys can start a babysitting business, as well. Often, parents of boys will look for an older boy to babysit. Tip: Get babysitter certified from the Red Cross for more credibility and marketability. 

Lawn Service

Mowing lawns is a great summer business for kids. It’s the kind of service that keeps customers calling again and again all summer long. Kids can first gain experience in lawn care by mowing and trimming their own lawns. To start their own business, they just need that experience, a lawn mower, a trimmer, and a flier. Kids can stay busy all summer long and make a lot of money.

Car Detailing

Cars are always dirty – inside and out. This is especially true with cars belonging to families with children. Kids can offer to wash cars at their own home or the car owners’ home. They just need their own quality supplies and a vacuum that can be used for car interiors.

Graphic Artist

We live in the digital age. Artistic kids who know how to use graphic design programs can start their own business designing business cards, logos, invitations, and more. They can sell their works and services locally and online on sites like Etsy.

Tutoring/Homework Help

Tutoring is big business these days. Some parents are looking for ways to help their kids get ahead in school, while others are just trying to get their kids to understand math. If your child is good in school, they might be able to start their own tutoring business.

Errand Service

Grocery delivery, Amazon, and online ordering from restaurants are huge right now. People love the convenience. They would rather have someone else do their running for them, so they can have time for the things they enjoy. If your teen has a car, they could start an errand service. Start with friends and neighbors and offer to run errands within a certain radius.

House Cleaning

Cleaning the house is something that many people hire out and it is something that many kids help with at their own homes already.  Kids can start a house cleaning business by offering basic services like vacuuming, mopping, cleaning kitchen counters, and bathrooms. As they get better at cleaning, they can offer more.

Event Photographer

I dare say that a teen with their iPhone can take better quality photos than some professionals. I mean, look at their Instagram accounts! If your kid seems really interested in photography and has the talent, you might want to invest in a digital camera and let them start an event photography business. This would be a great service for families who want to take pictures of a birthday party or a sports event, but don’t want to take the time away from actually experiencing it.

Craft Fair Vendor

Is your child really creative? Do they design jewelry, create paintings, make soap or candles, or do woodworking? Selling their wares at craft fairs might be a great business to start. They can create all week and sell at local events on the weekends.

Do your kids have the entrepreneurial spirit? Are they looking ways to make money? Have they started a business of their own? We’ve love to hear about it.

Micro Business Club with Carol Topp

Time: The second Tuesday of each month from 3:00-4:00 PM EST
The Micro Business Club will help teenagers earn money while learning how to start their own business. A micro business is simple to start, usually home-based, low risk, educational and easy for a busy student to run. This club will encourage students to come up with a viable business idea, avoid pitfalls, and start their business with no debt. The student projects will include: brainstorming ideas, conducting surveys to test their ideas, and creating a business plan. The second semester will explain sales and marketing techniques and wrap up with tips on customer service to keep the micro business going. Students will create business cards and flyers, design a website, and practice making a sales pitch.

The Micro Business Club will be led by author and accountant Carol Topp, CPA who has encouraged thousands of teenagers to start a micro business through her presentations, PBS television show, and the Micro Business for Teens curriculum. The club projects will include worksheets from Carol’s Micro Business for Teens Workbook. Purchasing Carol’s books on Starting a Micro Business and Running a Micro Business is not essential, but the books will greatly enhance the club experience for an enthusiastic student.

Carol’s got a really neat vision for young people doing creative, productive, but realistic things. I liked the balance she strikes between neat opportunities to serve customers and earn money, and the fact that they’re students and any business project has to take that into account.—Melanie Young, Mother of 6 sons and 2 daughters and author of Raising Real Men

As an accounting professor, I have been teaching college students to prepare business plans for startup businesses for more than ten years. Carol Topp’s book, Starting a Micro Business, is the first business planning resource that I have seen that is geared specifically for teens who are thinking of starting a business.—Michael P. Licata, Ph.D, Accounting Professor Villanova University

Click to learn more about this microbusiness club for homeschoolers.