It’s easy! Step 1 – pick your grade. Next, choose 1-2 books from each category starting with your core (Read, Writing, Math). Step 3 – place your order or contact me to have an an online event to get FREE and discount books!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information please read my full disclosure.

By making your own curriculum, you can let your children lead in their education. This means you can teach them about their favorite subjects while they learn exactly what they need for their grade level. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this and make it really fun for your kids!

To help you find books easily, I’ve created links to book lists for each grade level at the bottom of each curriculum guide. You can also use the search bar on the right in my Usborne books and more store to find what you need! Here is a list of the Best Books for every Homeschool if you’d just like some help supplementing curriculum you already have.

Homeschool with Usborne Curriculum Guides

Prek – K Package

Each year, choose from one of the following. Create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading: Start to Read Pack OR Very First Reading Set. Wipe Clean Books (Letters Focused ones); Learning Pallette K Reading; First Hundred Words.

Literature: 1 Quarterbound cloth books; Fairy Tale Treasury and Usborne Nursery Rhymes; 2 Picture books; OR the Usborne Picture Book Gift Set.

Math:  1-2 First Dot-to-Dot; 1 Themed Wipe Clean book; Learning Pallette K Math; Big Book of Things to Spot

Science:  1 Science-themed Flap Book; 1 Science-themed Look Inside Board Book; 1 themed Lift the Flap;1 themed Big Book of Big

History and Geography:  1 themed Look Inside Board Book; Children’s Picture Atlas

Art: I can Draw; My First Color Book; Big Drawing, Doodling, and Coloring Book; Activity Books for Little Children

Critical Thinking and Fine Motor Skills: 1 Finger Match Set; 3 of First Stickers Books; 1-2 of Build a Picture Sticker Books

Click here to see a full selection of the different books. Then, view the Homeschool with Usborne video below to get a peek inside some of our best sellers.

Need help creating a curriculum for your specific child? Message me on Facebook here and I’ll make you a free book list.

1^st – 3^rd Curriculum Package

Each year, choose from one of the following, to create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading and Writing: First Reading Set; 3 – 4 Beginners Books; Young Reading Series 1, 2, OR 3;  Any Series Fiction; My First Story Writing Book;  Illustrated Dictionary

Literature:    1 Myths and Stories; 1 Illustrated Originals; 2 Illustrated Stories; Shakespeare Collection

Math:  Learning Palette + 1 Wrap-up to Match Grade Level; 1 Illustrated Math Dictionaries; Lift the Flap Times Tables

Science: 1 – 2 Science Activities Books; 1 of 3 Science Experiments books; 1 of First Encyclopedias; 1 of Nature Encyclopedias; 1 Starting Point Science book

History and Geography: Time Traveler; Who Were the First North Americans; Then and Now; 1 of Themed See Inside Board Books; 1 Atlas

Art: Very First Art Sticker or My Very First Art; Art Treasury; Lift the Flap Art; Famous Artists Sticker Book; 1 Art Cards

Critical Thinking and Fine Motor Skills: 1 Pack of Activity Cards; 1 Language book; 2-3 of any Activities and Stickers Books

Click here to see a full selection of the different books for this grade level.  Then, view the video below for a peek inside some of the choices above.

Become a Brand Partner!

You can create your own homeschool with Usborne for FREE and get paid at the same time! There are no minimum sales requirements. No inventory needed, and you have the opportunity to earn the full cost of your kit back in 30 days! PLUS, I will personally coach you on how to build your book business or just as a fun hobby! Either way, we want YOU on the team! 

Click here to watch the web-class and learn more! Or sign up on my website! Don’t wait! Offer ends 3/31

4th – 6th  Curriculum Package

Each year, choose from one of the following, to create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading and Writing:  Any Series Fiction; Write Your Own Story or Write Your own Adventure Story; Illustrated Thesaurus

Math: Learning Palette + 1 Wrap-­‐up to Match Grade Level (if not yet all used); 1 Illustrated Math Dictionaries; This is Not a Math Book

Science:  1 Discovery Books (Astronomy; Sharks; Snakes); Science Encyclopedia; 1 Mysteries and Marvels; 1 Complete Books (Science themed); Illustrated Science Dictionary; The World of the Microscope; 100 Things to Know about Science

History and Geography:  1 The Story of; Geography Encyclopedia; Sticker Picture Atlas; Lift-the-flap Picture Atlas; Encyclopedia of World History; World Religions; 1 World History; Castles;

Art: 1 Art Cards; Complete Book of Art Ideas,

Critical Thinking and Fine Motor Skills:  2­‐3 of any Activities and Stickers Books

Click here to see a full selection of the different books for this grade level. Then, view the video for a peek inside some of the choices for 4th grade and up.

7th Grade+ Curriculum Package

Each year, choose from one of the following to create the curriculum package that matches the area of study you wish to focus on.

Reading and Writing: Write Your Own Story; Write Your own Adventure Story; Write and Draw Your Own Comics; Illustrated Thesaurus

Literature: Illustrated Originals; Any Series Fiction; World of Shakespeare; True Stories;

Math: This is Not a Math Book; A Puzzle a Day; 50 Brain Games, Memory Puzzles. Illustrated Math Dictionary (if you don’t have one)

Science:  Pocket Books; Electricity and Magnetism; 3 Illustrated Science Dictionaries; 1 What’s All About

History and Geography: World History, World War book; From Pie Town to Yum Yum;

Art/Drawing Activities: Any Nature Coloring (can assist with Science); Any Pattern Coloring; Any Hobbie Guides; Optical Illusions

Click here for a list of the different books for this grade level.

Need help? Contact me and I can create a custom list for all your children!

The post Make Your Own Homeschool Curriculum with Books! first appeared on True Aim.

How do you do this?

Read the story or book ahead and then either brainstorm an idea or surf the internet for ideas to enhance the story. Just about anything goes! There are endless ways to bring books to life.

Making Summer Reading Adventurous

1. Try a new recipe; from astronaut food to flatbread, there’s always a food activity to be found for any story.
2. Take a trip to a living history museum or book setting; forts, castles, beaches, parks, mountains, plains, forests, etc.
3. Crafts – this is one of our favourites! Paint a picture, make a model of a building, make clay pottery, learn cross stitch, build a bench or sword, there’s no shortage of ideas for this.
4. Dress up as one of the characters and spend the day in their shoes – how would they react to your everyday situations? From superheroes to Vikings, don your cape and horns and have fun.
5. Once you’ve read the book, watch the movie – there are many books based on movies and vice versa. See if the way you pictured the story in your mind’s eye is how it’s been portrayed by the director.
6. If you happen to live near the location of a book, set up a post-card or letter exchange with someone and write to them as if you are one of the characters. What would they say? How would they speak? We recently did this, pretending we were about to set sail on the Titanic for its maiden voyage, using a postcard of the Titanic advertisements.
7. Learn about the author’s life and interests. This may expand the genre of your child if they are stuck in a particular one. To find that their favourite author is inspired by another, can be enlightening.
8. Set up a special reading nook – a tent, bean bag, playhouse, under a tree, a step, or another location. Make it special with a sign, fairy lights, and a bottle of water to keep hydrated.
9. Act it out! Have the kids put on a play for you, their grandparents, friends, or to record and turn into a movie. Have them act out the book. If they are older, they could even write the screenplay and design a set.
10. Check out Castle View Academy, where there are dozens more ideas on specific book activities.

Children can choose their own books or you can help them choose something in a genre they enjoy so they are more interested in the topic. Then set up a reading nook and let them read while you prepare the activities. Double the fun by inviting a friend to join in, too. Once children get the idea that books don’t have to simply be read as a chore, but that you can have fun with them, they’ll be sure to come up with great ideas, too.

What are ways you’ve made summer reading fun for your children? Share your ideas below in the comments!

Check out all the posts in our Summer Reading Series!

Crystal McClean is a Canadian homeschooling her family in Northern Ireland. Her family loves to learn about culture and they find it fun to do this by reading books, creating activities and recipes as well as attending cultural events when they can. When she isn’t home with her family she’ll be at the writing letters at library, taking photos at the local camera club, or counting wildlife along the loughshore with friends. You can learn more about their adventures at Castle View Academy or follow along via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

The post 10 Enhancements to Make Summer Reading Adventurous first appeared on True Aim.

One of the best things you can do for your children in the New Year is READ to them more! That’s right! Here are just a few of the benefits, but you can read more about what reading does here.

Why Raise a Reader?

• Reduces stress!
• Increases vocabulary
• Strengthens Parent-child relationships
• Increases comprehension
• Increases empathy
• Boosts writing skills
• Prevents delinquency

Reading is priceless! How do you know you are doing enough? The suggested amount is 20 minutes each day. If you are doing that, you are doing an AMAZING job! To see exactly how you are doing compared to the suggestion, you can take the Reading Quiz here on Facebook.

However, it’s not fun if you don’t have a good selection of books to read. Sure, kids don’t care if you read their favorite book over and over, but it’s important that you enjoy what you’re reading too!

Good news! There’s an easy way to get award winning, age appropriate books without any extra time! Try Usborne Books and More’s new Book Box Subscriptions!

This takes the effort of shopping or going to the library and helps you build up your bookshelf with books your kids love and you don’t mind reading! Plus, you’ll get HUGE value!

Here’s what you’ll get:

• 4 age appropriate books
• 3 month subscription (Jan, Feb, March)
• Bonus gift each month
• Only new titles!
• Over $130 value!
• Entered to win exclusive giveaway!

These also make great gifts! You can even send each box to a different address if you’d like! Don’t miss your chance to join!

HURRY! Sign ups end on 12/31/18! Sign up today!

The post Raise a Reader in the New Year! first appeared on True Aim.

5 Tips to Encourage Your Kids to Read this Summer

1. Join Reading Challenges

Libraries across the country set up summer reading programs for kids. Kids love these challenges! Some kids enjoy participating in a community activity while other kids get a kick out of the challenge itself.

Make a point of wandering into your local library and signing your children up for the summer reading program. While you’re there, ask the librarians if they know of any other challenges being offered by local businesses, like our FREE online class:

2. Read Every Day

Find a block of time for you and your kids to read every day. This can be an hour after lunch as part of a quiet time routine or time just before bed. Pull out books for you and your children to enjoy during this quiet hour.

You can set up this time a couple of different ways. If you have all older children, pull out the books and read. On the other hand if you have all younger children, use this time to read aloud picture books to your kids. Perhaps you have  a mix of ages. Then try spending 15-30 minutes reading books silently before pulling out a chapter book to enjoy with your children.

Which ever way you go, enjoy a daily quiet hour or so curled up with a good book this summer.

3. Strew Books

Summer time is full of play and mischief. It’s also full of bored children wandering around the house looking for something to do. Grab the opportunity to strew books you think your children will enjoy around the house.

Leave art books near the art supplies. Strategically place a science experiment book in the kitchen. Leave a book on birds near the living room window. Grab a few chapter books for kids to read on trips.

Good books are the perfect cure for bored children!

4. Book Club

For a time my mother had a once a month book club day for the family. Every child was assigned a sibling. Sometime during that month, the child found and purchased a book to give to their sibling. Needless to say, she helped us find an appropriate book. Everyone got the gift of a book on book club day.

Try hosting a family book club yourself this summer. You’ll create strong bonds between your children, a giving spirit, as well as encouraging a love of reading all through hosting a family book club.

5. Bingo

Have you ever played Bingo using books? It’s a ton of fun! In each square, you place a description of a book. For instance you may assign the kids to read an animal book, a book with a red cover, or  a book featuring an elephant.

The goal is to get a BINGO (5 horizontal, vertical, or diagonal squares in a line) or a black out (you cover the entire board). It’s your choice!

Here’s a BINGO sheet for you to use. Fill it out to reflect the books you want your kids to read. You can use specific titles or generic descriptions such as a red cover, award winning book, or history book. It’s up to you!

Use these 5 tips to encourage your kids to sit down and read this summer. Your children’s reading skill will improve, you’ll encourage a love of reading, and everyone will have fun.

How do you encourage your kids to read during the summer?

The post 5 Tips to Encourage Your Kids to Read this Summer first appeared on True Aim.

30 Days of Must-Read Picture Books

1. For the Love of Music by Elizabeth Rusch

Many know of Mozart’s amazing musical feats, but few know of his equally talented sister, Maria Anna Mozart. Here is her amazing story!

2. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school! To comfort his fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares the secret of the kissing hand in this classic book.

3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

“There once was a tree…and she loved a little boy.” In this heartbreaking story, this is a story of giving and taking.

4. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Written to make reading more fun, The Cat in the Hat is a fun storybook about two siblings, Dick and Sally, who go on a crazy adventure on one ‘boring’ rainy day!

5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

With more than 12 million copies sold, The Very Hungry Caterpillar tells the story of a caterpillar who just can’t get full! The hungry caterpillar just eats and eats, until…

6. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Written over 60 years ago, Harold uses his imagination and a purple crayon to go on an adventure.

7. Winnie: The True Story That Inspired Winnie the Pooh by Sally M. Walker

When Harry sees a bear in a train station, he knew he wanted to adopt it. But, Harry was a soldier training in WWI. Here is the story of how Winnie-The-Pooh came about.

8. Curious George by H.A. Rey

Curious George is a lovable monkey. Here are his adventures with the Man in the Yellow Hat!

9. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

These silly book is easy to read, and is great for making reading fun! Amelia Bedelia is a maid, but can sometimes take things a bit too literally!

10. Corduroy by Don Freeman

Corduroy is a small bear waiting on a department store for a child to adopt him. What will happen?

11. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Max, sent to his bedroom without dinner, encounters a wild forest in his bedroom!

12. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk! And then…use this classic book to keep kids guessing in this engaging story.

13. Eloise by Kay Thompson

Eloise is a precocious young girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel! Here is her fun story.

14. Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

With foil stamping, this sparkly book is memorable and hands-on.

15. Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

In this Caldecott Honor book, a village pulls together to create stone soup.

16. The Empty Pot by Demi

Set in China, the Emperor is searching for a successor. In this thought provoking story, a young boy named Ping learns a very valuable lesson on honesty!

17. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

This is a tale of a peddler, some monkeys, and some serious monkey business. This is one of the top classic picture books that has stood the test of time.

18. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

Clifford is a lovable big red dog, who knows a bit about friendship! Here is his sweet story with his friend, Emily Elizabeth.

19. It Could Always Be Worse by Margot Zemach

Have kids who complain? This Yiddish folk tale is a comical reminder that things could always be worse, a lesson on gratitude for both kids and adults!

20. The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Young Duncan wants to color, but when he opens his crayon box, he finds a note saying that the crayons have quit! What will happen?

21. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

A bus driver takes a break from his job, and is replaced by…a pigeon!

22. The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak

The book with no pictures…what?! This New York Times Bestseller is a super fun book, despite having no pictures!

23. The Mitten by Jan Brett

When a young girl drops her mitten, a group of animals explore what it is!

24. Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Harry, a white dog with black spots, hates baths! During bath time, he runs away. When he comes back black with white spots, his family no longer recognizes him!

25. The Puppy Who Wanted A Boy by Jane Thayer

Petey the puppy has just one wish for Christmas – finding a boy!

26. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown has a serious problems – his cows love to type! Soon, they begin leaving him notes demanding certain things in this silly story!

27. Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London

It’s finally winter, and Froggy wants to get outside and play! But, his mother makes sure he has the right gear on!

28. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Martin

In this New York Times bestseller, this inspirational story is a great reminder of what kids can achieve.

29. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Great for fathers, Little Nutbrown Hare shows his Daddy how much he loves him. This is a great story reminding families of endless love.

30. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight moon! This simple, repetitive story is great for beginning readers and can grow a lifelong love of learning. It is one of the most famous picture books out there!

Get the free printable list!

The post 30 Days of Must-Read Picture Books first appeared on True Aim.

Please Say Please by Margery Cuyler
Sometimes it can be hard to self-analyze bad manners. Written in a Q&A format, examples of bad manners are given. “When a hippo sits down for dinner, she should put her napkin on her head. HOW PRETTY! Is that right?”

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Many know of this classic by Dr. Seuss. “Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-Am. “No, I do not like green eggs and ham!” Presented in Dr. Seuss’ typing rhyming style, this book encourages kids to try new things.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen by Howard Binkow
Listening is a valuable skill that will some adults have yet to master. Meet Howard B. Wigglebottom; who has a difficult time listening, and is often in trouble. This, and the whole Howard B. Wigglebottom, are gentle ways to build great life skills.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Young Chrysanthemum thinks she has the most perfect name in the whole world – until she goes to school and everyone begins to make fun of her. This is a sweet story of being yourself and embracing who you are.

Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman
Three bears break their mother’s favorite blue seashell. Rather than tell her the truth, the trio decide to sail away to find a new one; braving sailors, whales, and storms. But, will they ever find what they’re looking for?

I Did It, I’m Sorry! by Caralyn Buehner
This was one of my favorite books growing up. Aimed at 7+, each page presents a different scenario where honesty and character is tested, and gives three options of the right thing to do. The letter (A, B, C) of each “right” answer will be hidden in an image for you to find. Themes include telling the truth, being nice to others, listening the first time, and obeying your parents.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Giving Tree is a bittersweet classic about a nameless little boy, and a tree who loved him dearly. The little boy enjoys eating the tree’s apples, resting in the shades, and swinging on the branches. However, as the boy grows older, he grows greedier and greedier, as the tree keeps giving and giving.

Character Building Books for Older Children

The following books are a bit more serious in nature; exploring themes like honesty and courage in a way both kids and adults can enjoy, although all are appropriate for younger children. I would recommend these for ages 6+, because I don’t think younger children would be able to appreciate them as much.

The Empty Pot by Demi
This Chinese folk tale is an interesting story on honesty that both children and adults can learn from. When it is time to choose an heir, the Emperor gives a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. “Whoever can show me their best in a year’s time,” he proclaimed, “shall succeed me to the throne!” Young Ping takes extremely good care of his flower; he tends to it, and waters it daily. However, the flower doesn’t grow; while his classmates have big, beautiful, gorgeous flowers. Months pass, and it’s time to go in front of the Emperor. And Ping has an empty pot. One of the best stories about honesty I have ever read.

It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale by Margot Zemach
Once upon a time, there was a poor Jewish man who lived with his wife, mother, and six noisy children. In order to get some relief, he asks the local rabbi for advice. For children and adults alike, this is a great reminder of being thankful for what you have and knowing it could always be worse.

The Wemmicks Series by Max Lucado
Growing up, I have read the majority of Max Lucado’s Wemmicks series; the world of little wooden people and the lessons one small boy (I mean Wemmick) learns. In You Are Special and You Are Mine, in a world filled with the superficial bigger and better, where the pretty Wemmicks get the fame and fortune, humble young Punchinello learns a valuable lesson on God’s love for us.

Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin
During the Holocaust, Irena Sendler rescued 2,500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto. She smuggled children out in everything from potato sacks to tool boxes. This is her incredible story of courage and bravery in the midst of evil. Amazingly, she, and every single one of the children she rescued, survived the war.

Anna and Solomon by Elaine Snyder
It’s 1897, and young Solomon falls in love with a beautiful girl named Anna. Being Jewish, they suffered persecution in their homeland of Russia, and the pair decide Solomon will move to America, and when he earns enough money, will send for Anna. When Solomon goes to meet Anna, her younger brother appears. Solomon takes in her younger brother, and again saves enough money for Anna. Instead, he is greeted by her older brother. Then, her mother. Based on the true story of the author’s grandparents, this is a really sweet story of selfless-ness. (And yes, Anna finally does come at the end. )

Passage to Freedom by Ken Mochizuki
Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara is known for rescuing over 6,000 Jewish people in Lithuania during the Holocaust, by giving them visas to Japan. The story is told through Sugihara’s son and presented an interesting scenario: if they helped the refugees, they could get in deep trouble. If they did nothing, the refugees would surely die. Fortunately, Sugihara and his family survived the war.

Also check out:

Character Building Family-Friendly Movie Nights

Character Building Movie Nights on Netflix

Special thanks to Sight and Sound Reading for your recommendations in this post!

You might like our Character Building Curriculum Set:

The post Character Building Picture Books for Kids first appeared on True Aim.

Don’t miss the giveaway at the end of this post! There are affiliate links in this post. Read my full disclosure here.

Most of these books are included in popular homeschool curriculum like Sonlight, or My Father’s World, but you can get them individually and use them to homeschool just by going through the books, but without the huge price tag.

15 Books for Every Homeschool

These books are the highest quality. Even so, I’ve seen several of these books literally falling to pieces because of how much the owners used them. That’s why they are so great, even after they fall apart from love, there is a lifetime half price guaranty for any reason!

Books for PreK & Kindergarten

1. Big Book of Things to Spot

Children love seek-and-find books! This book is featured in My Father’s World Curriculum and helps children learn to problem solve and count. You can also talk about different environments and other real-world vocabulary. The combined volume saves you over 60% by including 4 books in one.

2. Flip Flap Body Book

With this book, children will learn what happens to their food, how their senses work, and an appropriate introduction on how babies are made. The fold-out flaps help children see what is going on inside of our bodies. No wonder it is featured in Sonlight’s Curriculum!

3. I Can Draw Animals

Even very young children can draw animals with the help of this award-winning book. Clear step-by-step directions will help them create amazing results! This book is also featured in both Sonlight and My Father’s World.

4. Very First Reading Set

This best selling series helps children learn to read with it’s shared reading feature. There are 2 sets of text on each page, one is simple for the child to read and the other more difficult for parents to read. However, children can read the simple text only and the story will still make sense. Watch the video below for more examples.

5. Complete Book of Farmyard Tales

Just like the Very First Reading Set, this book has the shared reading feature and comes with a read-along cd. Children love learning about life on the farm and instantly bond with the different characters in these delightful stories.

6. Children’s Picture Atlas

A great introduction to geography for young children, this book also has plenty of detailed information to share with elementary ages as well.

Elementary Homeschool Books

7. 365 Science Activities

You’ll never run out of science experiments! Each one is simple to do and uses common household materials. There are plenty of ways to expand most of the activities and meet the needs of most science curriculum you are already using.

8. Illustrated Stories from Aesop

The most popular stories from Aesop retold for children and beautifully illustrated. These classic stories are packed full of life lessons that everyone should learn.

9. Art Treasury

Children and parents alike love this book because it gives a great introduction to famous art from around the world and then follows each piece with a project inspired by the artist.

10. First Encyclpedia of Science

This book explains the most commonly asked questions related to science. Why is the sky blue? Why do things float? Lots more answers are given and you can research them further with the internet links given for each topic.

11. Children’s Encyclopedia

The ultimate Children’s Encyclopedia with QR links and over 150 recommended websites. This book also includes downloadable quizzes, word searches, and activity sheets.

Middle & High School

12. Astronomy & Space

If you have a space explorer in your homeschool, this is the book for them! This the latest information from astronomers and space probes, the book shows children the universe and how they can look at it from home with basic equipment.

13. Encyclopedia of the Ancient World

From the first farmers of the Middle East to the rise of Rome, this book fascinates children of all ages. Young adults will love all the details and photos it gives to show life as it was in the ancient world.

14. Complete Book of the Human Body

This book is filled with useful information about the body, like how to take your pulse and test your reaction time. It is filled with vivid images, scans, x-rays and diagrams. An essential book to have when studying the human body in depth.

15. Science Encyclopedia

Over 2500 scientific terms, 1500 illustrations and diagrams, 140 experiments and observations to try make this book an amazing resource! Inspire your scientists to take their education into their own hands by exploring this book on their own.

Which Usborne books are on your list?

The post 15 Books Every Homeschool Should Have first appeared on True Aim.

Welcome to Mom’s Library

This post is filled with parenting tips, activities for young children, crafts, devotionals, recipes, and more!

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next Library!

Click here to see all Mom’s Library Posts

Books and Movie Activities for Kids

Character Building Family-Friendly Movie Nights – True Aim

Everyone loves a good movie night, but it can be hard to find quality and clean films. Here is a list of quality films that the whole family can enjoy!

Cookie Monster Ice Cream – Study at Home Momma

Here’s a yummy recipe based off of the famous Sesame Street character.

For Mother’s and Daughters: Mama Bear and Brave – Deep Roots at Home

“Be strong and courageous,” the Bible commands. This is a unique article exploring the Pixar film Brave, what it means for daughters and their mothers, and how current spiritual warfare parallels with Brave.

5 Important Life Lessons from Inside Out – Little Nerd Family

Pixar’s latest hit on feelings is taking theaters by storm, and for good reason too. Here are five life lessons we can learn from it.

25 Hands-On Bible Activities – Christian Montessori Network

Here are some activities based on the best book of all – the Bible!

Book and a Movie: Pictures of Hollis Woods – Adventures in Mommydom

Pictures of Hollis Woods will forever be one of my favorite childhood novels. This heartfelt story centers around a 12 year old foster girl who goes to live with an elderly woman. The book was turned into a great Hallmark Hall of Fame movie starring Sissy Spacek, and that has a 86% 5=star rating on Amazon.

Learning With Minions – Brain Power Boy

Who hasn’t fallen in love with the minions from Despicable Me? Here are some Lego,, sewing, math, art, science, and language crafts to go with it.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Activities – Pre-K Pages

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room? Here are some great snacks, activities, and crafts to go along with the classic book.

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The post Book & Movie Activities for Kids and Mom’s Library #148 first appeared on True Aim.

Welcome to Mom’s Library

This post is filled with parenting tips, activities for young children, crafts, devotionals, recipes, and more!

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next Library!

Click here to see all Mom’s Library posts.

Celebrate Read Across America

Don’t know what Read Across America Day is? It is actually Dr. Seuss’ birthday, but the NEA has helped turn it into a national event where everyone makes an extra effort to promote literacy.

What’s so important about getting children excited about reading? It is the foundation of all educational experiences for children and drastically effects their future.

Try these things to celebrate and promote literacy any day of the year, but especially during this special week!

1. Pair a story with a snack. If your reading Dr. Seuss’ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, you’ll love this Easy Kid Snack to go with it!

2. Nothing helps children with reading comprehension like imaginative play! Try these free post office printables!

3. Active games that go along with the story or help break up story time is a great way to help children learn with their whole body.

4. Read lots of non-fiction! Some parents and teachers forget to include non-fiction in story time but it is so important! Most of what a child reads when he is an adult will be non-fiction.

5. Try some awesome sticker books! They promote creative thinking, matching, and reasoning skills. Plus, these sticker books are wonderful to read even after your children use all the stickers.

6. Let children write their own stories. If they are just learning to write, you’ll love these activities for handwriting practice.

7. Book themed printable activities are a great way to help motivate children to learn through their favorite books.

8. Raising readers is all about early exposure. If you think your child is to young to listen to a great work of literature, try it and you might be surprised.

9. Pick up some books that have unique features. Some might have secrets hiding in the pages, make noises, or are just classics that can never be forgotten.

10. Since it is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, why not through him a party? Include some of these Dr. Seuss themed literacy activities!

The whole month of March is a reading celebration!

Are you celebrating Read Across America week? Tell us how, please leave a comment.

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The post 10 Ways to Celebrate Read Across America Week and Mom’s Library first appeared on True Aim.

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Penguin Book for Toddlers

This book is perfect for children ages 9 months and up! It especially engages toddlers because it is filled with sensory experiences. Each page features a penguin with a different texture. Which Penguin is the right one?

That’s Not My Penguin

Penguin Learning Activities for Toddlers

These activities are meant to encourage learning, but if your child isn’t enjoying it, it might not be the right level for them. Try adjusting it to fit their interests and abilities.

Penguin Finger Print

Just like every finger print is different, so is every Penguin. Teach your toddler about their finger print or talk about how penguins can identify each other by the noise they make and every penguin has a different call.

Penguin Hand Print

It’s easy and fun to do hand print art and talk about the different parts of a penguin as you make it with your child.

Penguin Sensory Bin

Great idea for independent play and to talk about where Penguins live.

Blubber Science

How do penguins stay warm in the freezing cold water?

Simple Penguin Math Games

Here are some ideas for fun math games to play with these or any printable penguins.

Circle Penguin Craft

Just have the circles cut out and ready and this is the easiest craft! Your toddlers will learn what a circle is in one activity.

More Penguin Shapes

Teach your toddler all their shapes with these cute printable penguins and more.

Penguin Pompom Color Match

Use this for counting too!

Feed the Penguin

Like a fun flash card game, teach your toddler lots of things with this activity!

Penguin Counting

Another easy game about feeding the penguins!

Penguin Preschool Games App

The penguin videos are a blast!

Penguin Snack

If they get hungry during their learning activity, try this cute little snack

Penguin Treat

After all their hard ‘work’ reward them with a penguin ice cream treat!

The Story Corner!

Check out more book themed activities below!

Your hosts:

Dusty at To the Moon and Back

Karyn at Teach Beside Me

Nicole at Home with My Sons

Jodie at Growing Book by Book

The post Penguin Learning Activities for Toddlers first appeared on True Aim.