Theme is the message, insights, or truths an author explores throughout a story. Theme encourages readers to contemplate life by examining thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Teaching kids to determine the theme is a key component of literary analysis because it goes beyond retelling and listing of events: (“First this happened; then that happened”), to thinking […]
Finding Theme in Literature Read More »
This section focuses on the rhythms and patterns writers build into their words so readers can appreciate not just what a text says, but how it sounds. The elements of poetry and poetic devices like alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhyme, rhythm, and onomatopoeia all help to make the language in poetry memorable. Overviews and Tutorials Poetry
Elements of Poetry: Free Homeschooling Resources Read More »
As the holidays approach, you may be looking for some ways to keep things light and fun while still keeping the learning going. Check out these Thanksgiving-themed titles aligned with free resources across all the major subjects. From turkey crafts that sneak in measurement and geometry to exploring the science behind parade balloons, or diving
Thanksgiving Books and Activities: Free Resources for Homeschooling Read More »
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
Hands-On Reading Comprehension Activities for Homeschooling Read More »
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
Figurative Language and Imagery: Free Resources for Teaching and Practice Read More »
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
Halloween Resource Roundup Read More »
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
Analyzing Style and Tone in Stories: Free Resources Read More »
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
Characters & Setting: Free Tools for Literary Analysis Read More »
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
Reading Comprehension Tips + Free Worksheets Read More »
Do you do book reports with your kids? This guide explores both conventional and more creative approaches to book reporting, complete with free downloadable resources to make implementation a breeze. Read on to view the advantages of using book reports in your homeschool. Or jump straight to the free resources. Educational Value of Book Reports
Creative Book Report Ideas + Free Templates Read More »
