The Palace of Academe

This is the project I've been working on this year - a new open-and-go history curriculum for K-2!

This mini-lesson is based on some of the content from one of the lessons inside the program.

I'll post more about it as we get closer to launching!

Mini Lesson: The Story of the UK Flag What can a History Detective learn about the world by looking at a flag?In the first mini-lesson in the "Flags" series from Knowable World, Mr. Powell explai...

Enrolment is now open for Parent Effectiveness Training classes beginning in January!

Sign up here: https://www.thepalaceofacademe.com/the-palace-of-academe-classes-coaching/p/parent-effectiveness-training-8-week-class

Be sure to DM or email me for a family discount if you are two parents signing up together :)

Here are some healthy mindsets that have helped me find balance and build a comfortable rhythm in our homeschool.

Leave a comment if they are helpful to you as well!

Education should make you strong!

Like & share if you agree 🙌

Check out this post by children’s author Kate DiCamillo! The comments are bursting with great read-aloud suggestions 📚

A few weekends ago, I was sitting around with a group of friends and we got to talking about books we had loved when were kids.
Lots of different titles were discussed: Harriet the Spy, The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Winnie-the-Pooh, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Henry Huggins, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach.
We talked about how we had discovered the books we loved, and the phrase that got repeated again and again was “I remember my teacher reading it to the class.”
I wish those teachers could have heard us talking about books read to us more than 50 years ago, about how much we loved them and how we will never forget them.
You teachers out there (and you librarians, too): thank you for this gift you give every day.
I promise: those kids won’t forget the books. Or you.
And: thank you, Mrs. Boyette, for reading Island of the Blue Dolphins to our second grade class.

Since we're gearing up for back-to-school, I decided to do a little series on some of my favourite tools and things that we use in our homeschool. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The first one is the super simply yet surprisingly effective combo of playing cards and dice! It's amazing how many math concepts you can cover using just these two items, especially if you add in a good variety of dice and a crib board. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
For the smallest children you can use these to practice counting, subitizing (recognizing small numbers without needing to count), comparing, adding and subtracting. Games are a great way to learn and practice so many skills for kids of any age. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Here's a free tip: Google "acing math one deck at a time" to find a free e-book full of ways to learn math with a deck of cards. It's not my book but we have used it and it's a great resource!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
What are your favourite ways to use these simple tools in your homeschool? Let me know in the comments!

This new tool from Math Mammoth will definitely be getting some use at our house this year!

I do have my kids memorize the times tables. However, I also give them charts and tools to use while they are working on memorization. Using the facts over and over without pressure to have them all memorized first supports their automatized recall in the long term, and gives them space to focus on learning to calculate separately from memorizing the facts. Tools like this are super helpful along the way!

Interactive Multiplication Chart - 12-by-12 Grid Practice filling in the multiplication tables chart online! The grid goes up to 12 by 12, but you can customize the grid to your student's needs by having certain tables to be pre-filled or grayed out.

Five things you don't need to homeschool: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDm5amEvPgU

Five things you don't need to homeschool Wondering if you have what it takes to homeschool your kids? Here are some things you DON'T need to worry about!SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS: https://www.youtub...

A beautiful thought for a summer day ☀️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What soul-building sights has your child seen lately? Let us know in the comments!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Here is today's relationship-building challenge for all of you amazing parents and homeschoolers!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In my Parent Effectiveness Training courses, one thing I teach is how to connect with your children through self-disclosure during your peaceful and happy times together.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is a relationship skill that builds connection and mutual respect between parent and child. Having a strong relationship can help lower the number and intensity of problems that arise, and makes it easier to work together on solving problems when they do come up.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Today's challenge is to look for something that your child is GREAT at, and let them know that you see it and love it!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you know how, send this as an I-message. If you don't know how to send an I-message ... keep an eye out for info on my next class and join in!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Leave a comment and let us know how this challenge went for you!

Here is today's relationship-building challenge for all of you amazing parents and homeschoolers!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In my Parent Effectiveness Training courses, one thing I teach is how to connect with your children through self-disclosure during your peaceful and happy times together.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This is a relationship skill that builds connection and mutual respect between parent and child. Having a strong relationship can help lower the number and intensity of problems that arise, and makes it easier to work together on solving problems when they do come up.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Today's challenge is to look for something that your child is GREAT at, and let them know that you see it and love it!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you know how, send this as an I-message. If you don't know how to send an I-message ... keep an eye out for info on my next class and join in!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Leave a comment and let us know how this challenge went for you!

Sometimes the best lessons can’t be planned!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Life learning is just the best, isn’t it? It’s where we get to feel the value of the skills that we’re building and feel rewarded for our work.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Does that mean we can throw “book learning” out the window in favour of “learning all the time” from life itself?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I don’t think so.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Just as it’s detrimental for children to do too much schoolwork, especially the meaningless, soul-deadening “busywork” we’re all too familiar with, it’s also detrimental to leave out the abstract concept-building altogether. “Experience without theory is blind,” a philosopher once said, and I agree.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Instead, when we create a container in our routine for focused, well-chosen schoolwork (ahem, Palace Model!) that leaves lots of time for play and exploration, we reach a balance where both elements reinforce each other.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The “theory” (schoolwork) that they have learned gives them the intellectual skills and context to bring a deeper understanding to their real-life experiences.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And in turn, experience with applying what they have learned gives them the motivation to focus on their school studies.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Our children need both of these elements to be truly prepared for a full and flourishing life!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
__________________________
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Does this message resonate with you? Leave a comment and tag a friend!

Summer break is a perfect chance to practice acceptance.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
During the school year we are striving. We’re encouraging our children to strive. We’re thinking about goals, about standards, about levelling up and getting to that next place. We’re focused on the future, on what we don’t yet have, whether it’s working on reading fluency with one child or learning the multiplication tables with another.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There’s nothing at all wrong with that! We need those seasons of growth. Those efforts are good and important.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But summer break is a different season. Instead of focusing on what we want but don’t yet have, we can take some time to appreciate and fully accept the present.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’ve spent the whole school year worrying that your child is never going to learn to read? Now is the time to see and appreciate all the things she CAN do, all the things that light her up and make you so happy that she’s in your life.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Another season of striving and growth will come. Accepting isn’t giving up. It’s seeing and loving what is right in front of you at this moment, knowing that this version of your child, of your family, of your life, is worth loving and accepting just as it is.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Nothing lasts forever. Allow yourself to accept and enjoy today, fully, without worry.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
________
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Leave a comment and tell me what you are practicing acceptance of this summer!

Creating Heathly Boundaries: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbTI7xgfLFQ

Creating Heathly Boundaries In this video, I talk about creating boundaries around your homeschool activities in order to keep your kids motivated and defend yourself from overwhelm. --...

Am I qualified to homeschool my child?: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgKBVnKZKTs

Am I qualified to homeschool my child? Do you wonder whether you are really qualified to homeschool your child? Let me tell you why I KNOW you can do this. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS: https://www.y...

Do your children get to watch you live?

Do they know who you are — not only as a parent, but as a whole, living, thriving human being?

When we pour so much of ourselves into other people that we are left depleted and empty, we aren’t doing them or ourselves any favours.

Our children need to see us *live*. They need to see us fill our lives with passion, joy, and meaning.

Then they will know how to live passionate, joyful, and meaningful lives.

We’ll be talking about this in P.E.T. class tomorrow! Did you miss this round? Watch my page to see an announcement for the next class starting in September! {Link in profile!}

The Story Of My Website Name: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55dJfUql6xY

The Story Of My Website Name In this video I tell the story of my website name and how it relates to the way I approach homeschooling and education. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS: https://ww...

Is Homeschooling Right For My Family?: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dur3esnTDCY

Is Homeschooling Right For My Family? Are you wondering whether a switch to homeschooling is the right choice for your family? In this video I talk about some of the things to consider when makin...

Parent Effectiveness Training with Catherine Dickerson: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZgJfCKa3GQ

Parent Effectiveness Training with Catherine Dickerson My guest in this episode is Catherine Dickerson, a Montessori teacher, P.E.T. instructor, and play therapist. Catherine tells us what she loves about the P.E...

Parent Effectiveness Training with Catherine Dickerson: Listen now | My guest in this episode is Catherine Dickerson, a Montessori teacher, P.E.T. instructor, and play ther...via ayrshare.com https://thepalaceofacademe.substack.com/p/parent-effectiveness-training-with

Parent Effectiveness Training with Catherine Dickerson Listen now | My guest in this episode is Catherine Dickerson, a Montessori teacher, P.E.T. instructor, and play therapist. Catherine tells us what she loves about the P.E.T. approach and how it helps parents give their children what they need to grow and thrive.

I had a great conversation with Catherine Dickerson last week and I’m excited to share it! We talked about what children need, how PET skills can improve your relationship and support your child’s growth, and more. Full video and podcast coming Friday!

What is homeschooling?: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSPURIx9VfI

What is homeschooling? Homeschooling has been growing over the last several years, and homeschooling parents have a wide variety of reasons and approaches. In this video I discuss ...

What is Homeschooling?: Listen now (8 min) | Homeschooling has been growing over the last several years, and homeschooling parents have a wide variety of reasons and approaches. In this...via ayrshare.com https://thepalaceofacademe.substack.com/p/what-is-homeschooling

What is Homeschooling? Listen now (8 min) | Homeschooling has been growing over the last several years, and homeschooling parents have a wide variety of reasons and approaches. In this episode, I discuss what homeschooling is and why I think it is important. ----------FOLLOW MY SOCIALS ------------

AMA | What is the best Homeschooling curriculum?: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBPin7DqY3k

AMA | What is the best Homeschooling curriculum? What is the best homeschool curriculum? In this video I answer a question about how to choose homeschooling curriculum, what to look for, and what to avoid. ...

Why Is Homeschooling Hard?: Listen now (7 min) | Are you thinking about homeschooling but wondering whether it will be too hard? Maybe you are a homeschooler and wishing your days c...via ayrshare.com https://thepalaceofacademe.substack.com/p/why-is-homeschooling-hard

Why Is Homeschooling Hard? Listen now (7 min) | Are you thinking about homeschooling but wondering whether it will be too hard? Maybe you are a homeschooler and wishing your days could be full of less frustration and more happiness. In this video I talk about three things to consider if you are finding homeschooling difficult...

Why is Homeschooling Hard?: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcTj-vY8d5E

Why is Homeschooling Hard? Are you thinking about homeschooling but wondering whether it will be too hard? Maybe you are a homeschooler and wishing your days could be full of less frus...

Homeschool VS School Environment: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Duwr6wKrI

Homeschool VS School Environment In this video, I talk about some of the differences between in-school and home education and how being aware of the differences can help us in our homeschool...

Part of the appeal of homeschooling is the promise of a more relaxed pace of life for your family, with time to connect and dive deep into interests.

But sometimes too little structure can be a source of anxiety, too. When our lives are too unstructured we find ourselves feeling lost, unfocused, and like our days aren’t adding up to anything.

How do we give our children time and space to explore while still ensuring that they are developing the skills and knowledge they will need later in life?

How do we make sure we are giving them the academic guidance they need efficiently, so that we as parents have time to work, rest, and handle our other responsibilities?

My answer is: Schedule dedicated time for school work, and focus on the fundamentals.

If you want help doing this, visit www.thepalaceofacademe.com and set up a free call to find out whether my Confident Homeschooler coaching program is right for you!

The Palace of Acadame Laying educational foundations your child can build a life on for those wanting to start homeschooling but not sure where to begin.

Golf Balls & Screen Time: Listen now (13 min) | In this video I talk about the approach we have taken to screen time in our family so far (kids are 9 and 6). What are your "golf ba...via ayrshare.com https://thepalaceofacademe.substack.com/p/golf-balls-and-screen-time

Golf Balls & Screen Time Listen now (13 min) | In this video I talk about the approach we have taken to screen time in our family so far (kids are 9 and 6). What are your "golf ball" activities that take priority over screen time in your house? What kind of balance has worked for you? Let me know in the comments!

Golf Balls & Screen Time: via ayrshare.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ5BxykjTj8

Golf Balls & Screen Time In this video I talk about the approach we have taken to screen time in our family so far (kids are 9 and 6). What are your "golf ball" activities that take ...