Our post on reading comprehension tips provides free worksheets for each skill. This companion post is all about practicing those skills through simple, hands-on activities. Main Idea and Supporting Details Try: Main Idea Sentence StripsCopy a short paragraph from a story or article and cut the sentences into strips. Include a few off-topic sentences. Have […]
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Figurative language enables authors to turn plain sentences into vivid, emotional, and memorable descriptions. In this section, we’ll explore common types of figurative language, such as metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, idioms, symbolism, allusion, and imagery. Each element works together to add depth and color to both reading and writing. Overviews and Tutorials Imagery Video (with
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Whether you’re following a curriculum or pulling together materials from different sources, you know there are common science concepts that always come up, like states of matter, the rock cycle, and chemical reactions, for example. One of the best ways to make these familiar topics more accessible and engaging is to connect them to the
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Fun and Free Halloween-Themed Resources to Drop Into Your Homeschool Week Start with the Crash Course Halloween Playlist to get the story behind the holiday. For a deeper dive, World History’s Halloween article gives you the full historical background. Math Elementary (3rd-6th grade): Jack-o’-Lantern Glyph Activity – Practice following directions and data representation. Halloween Word
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Analyzing an author’s language and word choice within a story is another interesting area for literary analysis. The words an author selects significantly influence the mood of a scene, reveal character traits, and shape the reader’s perception of a story. By understanding things like diction, tone, style, and voice, readers can improve their comprehension and
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(This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) When it comes to teaching science at home, you don’t need a bulky textbook to guide you. Many homeschool families find success by choosing a favorite resource, such as a non-fiction book series, videos or interactives as a main spine. The
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Characters and setting work together to pull readers into the world of a story. A clever plot may keep us turning pages, but it’s the people (or creatures!) we care about, and the world they live in, that contribute to making a story compelling. Characters come alive through their actions, dialogue, and choices. They can
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Literary analysis is more than just “talking about a book.” It’s learning to notice how authors use language, structure, and style to create meaning. For homeschool families, teaching literary analysis helps learners develop critical thinking, writing skills, and appreciation for great works of literature. When it comes to teaching literary analysis, there are different approaches
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Homeschooling isn’t just about checking off the lesson boxes. It’s also about finding ways to keep learning lively, flexible, and engaging. One of the best ways to do this is with educational games. Games can do double duty: they’re fun for kids, but they also reinforce important skills like math facts, reading comprehension, and logical
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If your child is able to read without difficulty but struggles with understanding and remembering what was read, the free resources below may help. These reading comprehension strategies include tips on how to use them effectively, plus free practice activities. Use these resources when you’re reading aloud together or when your child reads independently. With
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