Book Review: The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas

*Don't skip this review if you do not homeschool! It is a very valuable book filled with ideas for ALL moms! It is an excellent resource book any mom can glean from!

      I have been a homeschool mommy for five years now. My desire has been for my kids to excel in their education, and enjoy it, as well. Since I've had my share of ups and downs with being motivated to homeschool, I searched for books that would inspire me and give me plenty of fun ideas. During my search for help on Amazon, I came across The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas by Linda Dobson. I immediately bought it and have NOT regretted it!

Best For: Any mom wanting inspiration in making learning fun, moms and homeschooling moms that want to supplement their kid's education with some extra activities, moms that want some suggestions on things their kids can do anytime, during the summer/school breaks, and women that would like some ideas to incorporate in teaching Sunday School

Overview:
The book is geared for children ages (3-12). The specific activities are not labeled according to age, that is left up to the parent's discretion. In addition, all the activities listed were submitted by moms across the country. The chapters are broken up by subject. At the end of each chapter there is a brief section called "Conversation Starters." Inserted throughout the book are special resources (many with Internet links) on different topics "The Social Studies-Literary Connection", "Helpful Language Arts Resources", and "Cooking Up Some Science Books."

Examples & Application:

#1 Memory Skills-How Do I Get There?

I did this activity with my kids. We needed to drive somewhere and I asked them to tell me how to get there. They loved it. Like the book says it helps "work on both directions and memory skills."  I agree with the mom who created this game, "he remembers the difference between left and right easily, and he's very aware of the layout of our town."

#2Communication-Dictionary Game

Our whole family had a fun time doing this activity. We were finishing up Sunday lunch with some friends and we pulled out the dictionary. We played the game without the time limit. One person read a word of their choice out loud and everyone went around the table guessing what the word meant. The one closest to the word's definition won and got to pick the next word. We laughed a lot and learned some words, as well.

#3 Reading Skills-Rhyming Word Memory Game

I made these cards for my second son, who is in first grade, to practice his rhyming words. I have not played memory with them, but rather laid them all out for him to see and match them up. He loves these cards. He got so excited when I pulled them out the other day. He said, "I love these!"

My Thoughts:
Linda Dobson's book is an excellent resource for moms! The main thing I love about this book is that each activity is described so simple that it makes me believe I could implement any of them easily. As you can see, my book is covered in tabs and highlights of things I have done and am planning on doing. Personally, the book has helped me to mix up the routine of having my kids do their workbooks, inspired me to teach my children, and encouraged me that I don't have to come up with all these fun ideas on my own!