Written by Annette Breedlove for Intoxicated On Life

My four older kids all have their own tablets. We originally got them so the kids could use educational apps to improve their reading and math skills. The kids are allowed to play games on them, but we decided when and for how long. We chose to focus on these no-guilt kids apps that educate and entertain. We have set rules and apps they must do before playing on them non-stop. It has been fun to search and find educational apps they love and enjoy.

Apps are a great way to increase their learning in a fun, interactive way. Apps can be great for any age and any subject and can be used anywhere. And they are easily accessible on an iPad, iPod, iPhone or Android device. Read more here!

Written by The Homeschool Scientist

Chemistry experiments are a great way to get kids excited about studying chemistry even at a young age. I mean, what kid doesn’t think about creating bubbling magic potions or sending secret messages?

The study of chemistry has a scary connotation for many people. Chemistry has this stigma of being only for really, really smart students who want a career in the sciences. The truth is that, like all science, chemistry is everywhere. It is in the way water freezes into ice. It is in the way apples turn brown when you leave their flesh exposed to the air. Chemistry is in the way sugar dissolves in water.

Showing how chemistry is involved in everyday life can take that scary factor out of studying chemistry for students. When it comes time to study chemistry, they will be more excited about jumping in. Read more here!

Written by Laura Vanderkam for Fast Company

Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in the past few years. The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that 3.4% of Americans aged 5-17 were homeschooled in 2012. While that’s not a huge proportion, it’s a more than 50% increase from 2003.

Plenty of families would like to try it. However, many are held back by the assumption that one parent (likely Mom) would have to stop working. But talk to homeschooling parents and you find that a number are attempting the ultimate “second shift”: building a career while running a small school operation at the same time.

It sounds crazy, but it’s doable for people committed to the approach. Catherine Gillespie, a marketing consultant, says that combining the two means she earns a good living while “getting to give my kids individualized educations that really meet their needs.” Read more here!

Data scientist uses algorithms to plot the best route across the United States.

Planning the perfect road trip isn’t just about creating the ultimate playlist and getting a map – what you really need are algorithms.

Now the man behind the ‘Where’s Waldo’ algorithm has created a road trip route revealing the best way to visit 48 US states.

Using a series of equation, the Michigan data scientist says his method can also be used on shorter journeys, beating Google maps on providing the best route possible. Read more here!

Written by Kate at An Everyday Story

Now I know from teaching that school fees and all the associated costs including uniforms, materials, excursions, bus passes, camps and extra-curricular activities can run into the thousands every year, more depending on the school you choose. And so just like the lifestyle changes you would take into consideration when choosing a school, so too are there changes and costs which you need to consider when thinking about home education. Read more here!


Written by Mike McShane, 
Director of National Research at EdChoice

Homeschooling is on the rise in America. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 1999 to 2012 the number of homeschooled children more than doubled, from 850,000 to 1.8 million. According to EdChoice’s 2017 Schooling in America survey, while currently around 3 percent of students are homeschooled, around 7 percent of families would homeschool if they could. Read more here!