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Time to Change Your Homeschool Math Program? {Teaching Textbooks 4.0 Review}

Time to Change Your Homeschool Math Program? {Teaching Textbooks 4.0 Review}

by Melissa Droegemueller | Jan 20, 2021 | Homeschooling (Elementary School)

Are you curious about homeschool math options? Here are my thoughts on the NEW Teaching Texbooks 4.0! It’s one of the most common questions asked in homeschooling circles: How do I know when it’s time to change curriculum or programs? After years as a classroom...
First Day of Homeschool Tips

First Day of Homeschool Tips

by Melissa Droegemueller | Aug 11, 2020 | Homeschooling (Elementary School)

Are you a brand-new homeschooling family? Here are some first day of homeschool tips to get you started on the right foot! Be sure to check out our FREE Resource Hub for Unexpected Homeschoolers here. I am a former classroom teacher who has been homeschooling my own...
How to Create a Homeschool Schedule for a New School Year

How to Create a Homeschool Schedule for a New School Year

by Melissa Droegemueller | Jul 19, 2018 | Homeschooling (Elementary School), Preschool at Home

Are you a new homeschooling mom? Maybe you are considering preschool at home or you have decided to homeschool your Kindergarten or 1st grade student. It can be overwhelming: from curriculum to to socialization, everyone has an opinion.  Creating a flexible, effective...

Unit Study: Homeschool Complete Review & Giveaway

by Melissa Droegemueller | Dec 9, 2017 | Homeschooling (Elementary School)

Are you ready for the winter break? The colder temperatures have arrived in Iowa, and we are making a long list of activities that will keep us busy inside over the next few months. We have our favorite educational toys for open-ended play, winter books, and list of...

Our Decision to Homeschool: Kindergarten

by Melissa Droegemueller | Jul 20, 2017 | Homeschooling (Elementary School)

We were outside the library a few days ago, waiting for them to open before heading out of town for vacation. Since I knew we were about to spend 5 hours together in the car, we started playing a short game of “catch the stuffie.” I would toss the bear to...

The Benefits of Homeschooling-Entrepreneur Version

by Melissa Droegemueller | Jan 1, 2017 | Homeschooling (Elementary School)

Our homeschooling journey began about the same time our second daughter was born. I was teaching at our older daughter’s preschool while pregnant, and we all intended to go back when baby Kate was six weeks old. Right before I returned, I was told I would be the...
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Melissa Droegemueller | Rolling Prairie Readers

About Melissa

I am an elementary school teacher–turned–homeschooling mom with over 13 years experience working with babies through 4th graders. I believe in making learning FUN for ALL kids.

At Rolling Prairie Readers, we are passionate about learning through play, chasing adventures, and good books!

Our mission is to create a community of lifelong learners where parents inspire and empower their children to follow their passions and use their unique gifts to make the world a better place.

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    Toy Rotation Categories (+ Our FAVORITE Toys!)
  • 10 Simple Learning Activities: Straw Pieces
    10 Simple Learning Activities: Straw Pieces
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    Valentine's Day Sensory Bin
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    100 Hands-On Activities for Tactile Learners
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    Classical Conversations Review Game
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    13 Desert Books for Kids
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    24 Patriotic Books for Kids

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Helping your kids learn & grow through playful lessons at home. 💕 Specializing in early childhood education.
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Melissa D || preschool at home
It was a beautiful (albeit COLD) afternoon down by It was a beautiful (albeit COLD) afternoon down by the Des Moines River. We saw eagles and pelicans fishing, a trio of deer grazing, and a few hardy Midwesterners on bikes. #2021happyfile Week 4/52 Cake Book club Inauguration Takeout Back to the Future Time with Adam Library books
Sensory play has many benefits for young children Sensory play has many benefits for young children (and big kids, too!). This online parent workshop will walk you through each of those benefits, along with tips and tricks to make sensory play a regular part of your learning at home journey. By the end of our Sensory Play Basics workshop, you’ll have a solid overview of sensory play, including: * benefits of sensory play * recommended materials + accessories * tips and tricks to make sensory play at home easier for you, the parent/caregiver * sensory play activity ideas Learn more about the workshop at the link in my profile: @theplayschoolclub #homeschoolpreschool #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #earlylearning101 #littlelearners #totschool #toddlerfun #preschoolplay #preschoolfun #preschoollearning #preschoollife #preKathome #playbasedpreschool #sensoryplayideas #sensorylearning #sensoryactivity #sensoryactivities #sensorybin #playdoughfun #messyplay
It’s one of the most common questions asked in h It’s one of the most common questions asked in homeschooling circles: How do I know when it’s time to change curriculum or programs? After years as a classroom teacher (where I had ZERO input in the textbooks chosen for my students), I’ve been pretty confident that I can make any program work for my own children with a few tweaks or environmental changes. Honestly, I just wanted them to have a strong foundation during their primary grade years, and I worried that jumping from curriculum to curriculum could leave them with gaps in learning. But after nine years of being committed to one homeschool math curriculum — well, it’s natural to want to look around a little, right? Click on the link in my profile for my thoughts on Teaching Textbooks 4.0!
I love pairing books + toys! For a nursery rhyme I love pairing books + toys! For a nursery rhyme theme, set a clock puzzle next to 'Hickory Dickory Dock.' Or match a stuffed sheep with Baa Baa Black Sheep or Mary Had a Little Lamb. 🐑 What are some of your favorite book + toy match-ups? #homeschoolpreschool #preschoolathome #preschoolactivities #earlylearning101 #littlelearners #totschool #toddlerfun #toddleractivitiesathome #preschoolplay #preschoolfun #earlyyearsideas #preschoollearning #preschoollife #preKactivities #preKathome #playbasedpreschool #letthembelittle #lifewithlittles #learningthroughplay #playbasedlearning #playtolearn #playislearning #openendedplay #playingislearning #playmatters #learnandplay #wherelearningmeetsplay #learningisfun #letkidsplay #purposefilledplay
I love this ash tree in our yard. But it's sick an I love this ash tree in our yard. But it's sick and probably won't survive the year. 😟 I feel sad that I didn't catch it sooner, but I am determined to enjoy the time we have left together. (Sidenote: when multiple neighbors cut down trees in their yard, it's not a good sign.) #2021happyfile * trees covered in snow * Katie's laugh when she's wrestling with Adam * reading with Addie * listening to the three of them playing video games together * Packers win * sleeping in
Both of my girls have learned SO much from songs: Both of my girls have learned SO much from songs: how to spell our 13-letter last name, math facts, states & capitals, order of the Presidents, and even the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution! . Every January, I like to think about new things they can memorize--songs, poems, prayers, and nursery rhymes. For the things they learn now will likely stay in there for a LONG time (evidenced by the fact that it's been 30 years since I learned the Preamble song myself). . Songs and rhymes are great for hand-washing, diaper changes, waiting in line, and more! Do you remember anything you memorized as a child?
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