Teaching Pennsylvania History: Part 2: The History of Transportation

Different things students can do:

• Look for the words in the below outline on the Internet.
• Visit transportation exhibits at local museums. (Harrisburg State Museum has a great exhibit.)
• Make a scrapbook of pictures from Internet.
• Art and writing projects involving Pennsylvania transportation.

1.   Draw different forms of historic transportation

2. Make up a story in which you must travel via a certain historical form of transportation.

3. Write a report comparing two historic forms of transportation. read more

Revelations about Writing

Education has been my life, first as an elementary, high school, and college student, then as a teacher of kindergarten, VBS, Sunday School, homeschool, and now as public school substitute. I love the process of learning especially the moment Read More

Teaching Pennsylvania History-Part 1

I've been teaching Pennsylvania history for a long time now, first to our four children, and then to other children at homeschool co-ops. One thing I've discovered is that the mass of information to be taught needs organized.

State history study can be arranged chronologically or topically. I always pick the topic way because it is easier to gear the lessons to students’ interests. To give the study a sense of order, I have them fill out a timeline. I use label paper to print stickers with date, subject, and a small picture while using small timelines in group classes. What I really like read more

Thomas Buchanan Read

(United States Public Domain)

Native Pennsylvanian, Thomas Buchanan Read, born in 1822, had many talents. He painted, sculpted, and wrote in various genres. Although he had a huge following while he lived, most people now only know read more

JCCH Co-op

In my area, the time has quickly rolled around for homeschool co-op classes again. I thought that telling about what we do might help other support groups to try the venture or give some new ideas for groups already offering classes.

Our support group began with four families getting together to share a day of activities. We took turns coming up with what to do. That was 20 years ago. Now the co-op read more

Excerpt from William Penn and Other Famous Pennsylvanians

The founder of Pennsylvania started life in 1644 as the son of a prominent couple, Admiral William Penn and his wife Margaret who lived in London, England. Young William grew up in a rich home with lots of food, clothing, and fun things to do. His family dressed well and liked the current entertainments of singing, dancing, playing cards, and competing in sports. His father, an admiral in the English Navy, supported military actions. The family attended the established church of the time, the Church of England.

When William was a little boy, read more

Interview with Heidi Strawser: Homeschool Mother

I first met Heidi online as someone who worked for The Old Schoolhouse magazine and then met her in person at a homeschool convention even though she only lives a few miles from me. Our contact is still online through Facebook. Now, when I think of Heidi, I think read more