My husband and I did NOT grow up camping like some people. We also rarely went on family vacations. I did not want that to be the case with my children. We cannot afford to go on vacations away with our current budget, so we bought a tent last Summer to camp in the backyard. The big kids stayed out but the entire family has not.
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I heard about Five In A Row and Before Five in a Row a few years ago from another homeschool mom. I know she has used FIAR for the last 2-3 years, but now has a harder time finding the free resources since Homeschool Share reorganized their website and got rid of the B4FIAR and FIAR resource page. I know other mom’s who would love to be able to find resources that are current and FREE!
[Tweet “Free Before Five in a Row Resources #FIAR #B4FIAR #homeschool”]
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Kick start your Summer with some great reading and apps! I found some really nice Summer Reading Clubs book online and real-life for my children to participate in. Of course that means either tons of trips to the library OR some new books for our Nextbook E-readers!
These books were free at the time this post was created. Double check the price before purchase. Prices can change frequently!
(Disclosure: There may be affiliate links within this post. The links provide a way for us to support our site and provide great ideas and content to you! Thanks for your support.)
Once upon a time a young girl wanted revenge. But first, she wanted to be beautiful.
Twelve-year-old Bettony has read enough stories that begin with ‘Once upon a time’ to know what happens to the ugly stepsisters at the end, and she’s determined to escape that fate by any means necessary—even by magic.
Unfortunately, when it comes to magic, there is no place for regret, refunds, or exchanges. Even if you accidentally turn your older sister into a toad.
If Bettony wants her Happily Ever After to end well, she’s going to have to find a way to turn her sister back into a person before their mother finds out she’s been dabbling with magic and grounds her for life.
Tracking down the family magic turns out to be surprisingly easy. Now, if only it came with directions . . .
THE TROUBLE WITH TOADS (45,000 words) is the first book in a new upper MG series The Secret Stepsister Society. The second book will be released June 2013.
Author Danyelle Leafty
Danyelle Leafty writes upper MG and YA fantasy, and is the author of THE FAIRY GODMOTHER DILEMMA series. Danyelle has always loved fairy tales, and prefers stories where someone gets eaten, or at the very least, transmogrified. Much of her inspiration has come from fairy tales, because as G.K. Chesterton so aptly states, “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
In her spare time, she collects dragons, talking frogs, and fairy godmothers. She also collects books, and one day hopes to make a house out of them. She enjoys learning languages, fiddling with her harp, and perfecting the fine art of mothering. (It’s a lot like trying to herd chickens during a lightning storm while a goat stampede is going on.)
One of her heroes is Albert Einstein, particularly for the following quote: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The most important thing is not to stop questioning.”
Website * Twitter * Amazon (affiliate link)
Does Summer sneak up on you and then you realize you just aren’t ready? Kids are out of school or have little homeschool work to do and then BOREDOM sets in. Unless you have a pool in your backyard or you live at a Summer Camp what are you to do? Check out these great ways to prepare for Summer BEFORE Summer is here!
1. Summer Wishlist- ask your kids to write down things they would like to do, learn, and places to go or explore over the Summer. Often we forget about simple things like flying kites, camping in the backyard, spending the week at Grandma’s house, visiting a local park. Ask your kids what they would like to do and try to help them accomplish those things this Summer!
2. Bucket List- I always mean to make one or create one. Last year I even printed out some freebies and NEVER got to laminating and using them. Super sad I know. This year I resolve to be on top of Summer and get some ideas going and then be more prepared to welcome baby #4 in August!
Good Work Academy’s Summer Bucket List– another homeschool family’s list!
A to Z Summer Bucket List
3. Plant a Garden or Visit a Farmer’s Market– get your veggies and flowers into the ground ASAP! You will be able to enjoy your bounty by the end of Summer! Try a new salad or grill recipe once your produce is ready to pick.
4. Schedule- create a daily or weekly schedule or routine. This will help you keep up with chores and household tasks while still enjoying an activity packed summer! Make sure to clean out your car of all trash and winter items. Re-stock your vehicle with beach towels, sunglasses, and camp chairs in order to enjoy an impromptu splash park adventure or Summer music concert in the park!
5. Monthly Calendar-This helps to accomplish all the trips to the library fro Summer reading club and all those free concerts in the park. I use a free template from and will also try using a google calendar to share with hubby, sister, and grandma’s this year.
6. Create a Summer Scrapbook-
7. Summer Reading Program- if your local library doesn’t have an awesome program or you live to far to go frequently or will be super pregnant like me then create your own!
8. Register for CAMPS and SCHOLARHSHIPS NOW! The early bird usually get the worm. most organizations have a limited number of scholarships to hand out and some are based on merit as well as need! Even if a program does specifically offer or state that they offer scholarships often it’s just a matter of asking.
9. Kids Bowl Free– Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Freeprogram. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.
Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.
10. Collect new Summer recipes– get a jump start on grilling, fishing, and the hot weather by printing some new recipes that are perfect for Summer. Try some cool frozen treats, smoothie, frozen coffee, or homemade fruit salad recipes.
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