With the younger set, I really love to begin an introduction of history, and the concept of time, by simply telling stories. What kind of stories? I often began with the stories of my own family. My little ones and yours LOVE to hear the stories about "when mommy...
The struggle is REAL. Do you ever feel as though you are not doing enough for your homeschooled kiddos? Or you are not sure if what you are currently doing is the right thing? Do you ask yourself, "Am I ruining my kids for life? Am I setting them up for failure?"...
For many years I had the rich treasure of reviewing books for our family's book business, Emmanuel Books. It is a joy to read and review thousands of books offered today to choose the very best ones that fit not only our family, but the needs of the thousands of...
For many years I had the rich treasure of reviewing books for our family's book business, Emmanuel Books. It is a joy to read and review thousands of books offered today to choose the very best ones that fit not only our family, but the needs of the thousands of...
Having a Thankful Heart In my preparation for Easter this Holy Week, I recall picking up Ann Voskamp’s bestselling book, One Thousand Gifts, for the first time. I was familiar with it as I had often read quotes from it in the Magnificat's daily meditations. They were...
It's coming! That most sacred of weeks in the liturgical year, Holy Week! When the kids were little, I was much more on top of the liturgical colors and the upcoming liturgical seasons. Why? Well, because I made it part of my curriculum. Just like we teach our...
Mary's Yes and Our Yes! The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is a beloved feast day, for it is the day we rejoice in Mary’s YES to God! It only stands to reason that we and the Church rejoice as it is the day that the “Word was made Flesh!” Yes, especially...
Are you too tired, too busy, or too distracted to make time to read aloud? You spend all day as teacher, chef, housekeeper, peacemaker, chauffeur, you name it--- There are countless benefits to family read aloud sessions that go well beyond the educational, and these...
Wow! It always seems that Lent arrives just when I need it most! Tomorrow is ASH WEDNESDAY...am I ready??? It always happens that I feel so dry right about now; I feel overwhelmed. Then, by the grace of God, in comes the season of Lent. God is so good to us. He gave...
I can remember vividly thinking that my mom knew everything. She was my superhero, who lived by the motto, “Things will always work out!” How did she do it all? My mom worked the tough job as a teacher in a New York City public middle school (visualize pre-teenagers,...
4 simple steps to create your best year! 25+ years of homeschool experience compressed into 1 simple guide. Written by Paola Ciskanik
This past year we had quite a few funerals, more than I can ever remember. I suppose in part it is due to my “getting on in years.” In part though, it was because some very dear ones died way too soon. I am especially missing some very dear, soul sisters in Christ,...
With the younger set, I really love to begin an introduction of history, and the concept of time, by simply telling stories. What kind of stories? I often began with the stories of my own family. My little ones and yours LOVE to hear the stories about "when mommy...
In today’s podcast, Paola sits down with founder of Heart Ridge Retreat Center, a place for families to find beauty that will draw them closer to God.
Do you want to learn a new language? This week, Paola sits down with Adrienne Babbitt to talk about how learning a new language can be seamlessly integrated into your everyday life.
The struggle is REAL. Do you ever feel as though you are not doing enough for your homeschooled kiddos? Or you are not sure if what you are currently doing is the right thing? Do you ask yourself, "Am I ruining my kids for life? Am I setting them up for failure?"...
Today, Paola sits down with Christopher Zehnder, the General Editor of the Catholic Textbook Project, to discuss how to teach and learn history through a Catholic Lens.