Thursday, January 1

Week-Long Scandinavia Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

Scandinavia: From Vikings to Visionaries

Pick up the ENTIRE SERIES right now - plus several bonus units - in our Cottage Shop.

These units are appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format. They are designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month. Each day takes 1-2 hours. This bundle includes the basic twelve, tailored to each month of the year, plus EIGHT bonus units!

Sunday, December 28

Word of the Year 2026 - Carpe Diem! + TWO FREEBIES

Each year, we choose a Word of the Year...something to focus on energies on for the upcoming year. It's akin to the New Year Resolution, but less of an actual task than a change in mindset.

Unlike resolutions, a word of the year is a constant, yet gentle, reminder to focus on creating positive change in your world. It's a personal and inspiring process. Some of the benefits to choosing a word of the year include:

Simplicity - unlike a resolution, a single world is easy to remember and focuses on a clear theme
Intentionality - the single word is a daily reminder for your actions to be intentional toward a goal
Flexibility - life changes day by day, and a hard and fast resolution isn't always easy to follow, but a themed focus is flexible enough to change along with your days
Positivity - choosing an inspirational word helps you remember to focus on a positive mindset as you act to achieve the goal
Self-Reflection - choosing a word is an opportunity to be introspective with your aspirations
Narrative - over time, the choices of WOTYs add up to a narrative of goals, change, and a lifetime of personal aspirations

Our previous words of the year include:

You can visit each of these posts to pick up resources and ideas for incorporating those principles and goals into your home.

2026 Word of the Year - Carpe Diem!

Last year was a weird year. I did plenty of exploring, just like my word of the year, but not in the ways that were intended or expected. Life, amirite? So many things happened so quickly, leaving me reeling and just trying to tread water and keep from drowning. We've all been there...

At the cusp of the new year, I lost one of my dearest friends and life mentors. Granted, she was nearly 100 years old, but her influence on so many lives was incalculable. In April, with sweeping cuts to federal programs, I learned I would lose my job managing several educational grants (but still had to finish closing them out...yay!). Just a few weeks later, my stepdad (who had been part of our lives since we were children) passed away. Shortly after that, in something akin to a 'changing of the guard,' I became custodian of my mom, moving her, handling the estate, and all the things. Who has time to actually think, or feel, when you're busy with a million tasks?

Somewhere in the midst of all that, most likely thanks to stress, my nearly-fifty-year-old body decided to actively enter perimenopause and bring back my good old friend, ulcers. For you young ones out there, bless you. For those of you in the same 'my body is rebelling' boat, we should band together with some sort of 3am club. Overall, zero stars...do not recommend the hormonal roller coaster! (PS - if you're here, check out this book that has been really helpful)

As I burned up the road between here and my parents' old home, and flew all over the country for both work-related and family-related tasks, I felt peace looking out the windows at the world around me. Many of us are dealing with difficult times right now, and it can feel easier to put your head down and power through it...but that just causes us to miss out on some of our precious years. So with dad's passing (yes, I call him dad even though he was technically a stepdad), my word of the year is Carpe Diem! We are going to grab life by the balls this year...

Dad's joie de vivre was unmatched -- he loved life! Music, surfing, engineering, strong coffee, and family were part of his core. He loved tinkering with ideas and often worked with his grandsons on projects such as building a siege tower, designing and building a chicken coop, and designing and shooting off rockets...plus going fishing. He lived life with an engineer's precision, a surfer's spirit, and a drummer's soul. Even as his health declined, his spirit, sense of humor, and love for ice cream never wavered.

In his honor, this year I have created a bucket list - a compliation of dreams and aspirations - to work from. My husband (who grew up in our town and interned with him as a teen) has also written down a bucket list, and we're going for it!

So welcome to a year of Babe's Bucket List Challenge, where I'll be tackling twelve of the thirty things on said list and writing about the experiences...

Want to create your own bucket list?

Why should you do this?

Direction & Focus - helps to define the course of your lfie by clarifying what's important to achieve, taking into account your personal values and desires
Motivation & Accomplishment - regularly reviewing the list, include making alterations, helps you to refine that focus, and crossing items off the list gives you a sense of accomplishment
Overcoming Limitations - helps you to push beyond your comfort zone, dream bigger, and explore possibilities...then go for them!

Tips to get started

Start your list by brain dumping. Anything goes, including experiences, travel, career goals, desired skills, and values-based facets of your life.
Include items you could mark off on any random weekend, but also also items that will take you years to accomplish. Mix it up so that you stay enthused but also have lifetime goals.
Don't just focus on the Instagram pic -- focus on the experience. If you're going someplace, dig into the culture. If you're skydiving, focus on the sensations. (But don't forget to take one picture!)
Write in pencil, not pend, so that as you grow and change your goals can, too.
Have an accountability buddy to help you stay focused, like we are doing.

Pick up the Bucket List Planner and New Year Resolution Pack for FREE on our Subscriber Freebies page! Not yet a subscriber? Sign up here!

Monday, November 24

📚 FREE Week-Long Unit Studies for Upper Grades – A Full Year of Learning Adventures!

Homeschooling upper-grade students just got easier — and more exciting! 🎉

We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new series of free, full week-long unit studies designed specifically for upper-grade homeschoolers (grades 7–12). Each month, we’ll release a brand-new, themed unit that’s packed with engaging lessons, suggested activities, reading and video resources, writing prompts, and more. These units are ideal for:

Independent learners
Family-style study
Supplementing core subjects
Adding variety and enrichment to your homeschool routine

Best of all — these units are completely free and require minimal prep!

✨ How It Works

One new unit study is released each month throughout the year.
Each unit focuses on a high-interest theme that blends history, science, literature, the arts, and critical thinking.
Units are designed for 5 days of learning, but they can be stretched over 2 weeks if you prefer a slower pace or want to use them in a "Fun Friday" format.
Activities include reading, writing, hands-on projects, research, and reflection.

📅 Year at a Glance – Monthly Unit Study Themes

January: Scandinavia – Culture, Geography & History

Explore the northern European region known for its fjords, folklore, and forward-thinking societies.

Topics Covered:

Geography of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland
Viking history and Norse mythology
Cultural traditions and holidays
Contributions to art, architecture, and design
Modern-day Scandinavian politics and quality of life

Sample Activities:
Create a Viking rune stone, compare Nordic myths to Greek mythology, map the region, cook a Scandinavian recipe.

February: Love in Literature

Dive into how literature explores love across genres, time periods, and cultures.

Topics Covered:

Classic and modern love poems
Romantic relationships in novels and plays
Friendship, self-love, and sacrifice in literature
Literary devices used to express love
Cultural attitudes toward love through literature

Sample Activities:
Read excerpts from Romeo & Juliet, write a modern love letter or poem, analyze a famous love-themed short story.

March: Spring Nature Study – Biology & Observation

A seasonal science unit that blends nature journaling with biology and earth science.

Topics Covered:

Signs of spring in plant and animal life
Phenology: observing natural cycles
Photosynthesis and plant growth
Pollinators and ecosystems
Journaling and sketching in nature

Sample Activities:
Start a nature journal, dissect a flower, observe pollinators in your area, create a chart of seasonal changes.

April: Classical Music – Composers, Instruments & Influence

Travel through time with the music of the masters.

Topics Covered:

Overview of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern periods
Profiles of major composers (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, etc.)
Musical instruments and how orchestras work
Music theory basics
Influence of classical music on film and pop culture

Sample Activities:
Listen to selected works, compare musical eras, create a composer biography poster, design your own concert program.

May: Robotics – Engineering, Programming & Innovation

Introduce students to the world of robotics, design, and AI.

Topics Covered:

History and development of robots
Basic robotics components (sensors, motors, circuits)
Introduction to programming (logic, commands)
Real-world applications in medicine, industry, and space
Ethics and future of robotics

Sample Activities:
Build a simple robot (using kits or DIY parts), explore a virtual coding platform, design a robot for a specific task.

June: Art History – From Cave Paintings to Contemporary

A visual journey through human history using art as the lens.

Topics Covered:

Prehistoric, Ancient, and Classical art
Renaissance and Enlightenment movements
Impressionism, Cubism, and Modernism
Global perspectives: Indigenous, African, Asian art
How art reflects societal change

Sample Activities:
Timeline of art movements, analyze a painting, recreate a famous artwork using modern materials, write an artist reflection.

July: History of Computers – From Early Machines to AI

Uncover how computing evolved from mechanical devices to today’s AI.

Topics Covered:

Early computing (abacuses, mechanical calculators)
Pioneers: Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, Bill Gates, etc.
Evolution of personal computers and the internet
Programming languages
Artificial intelligence and ethical concerns

Sample Activities:
Create a tech timeline, write a short report on a computing pioneer, explore early coding using Scratch or Python.

August: Great Inventors – World-Changers Through Time

Meet the thinkers and tinkerers who changed the way we live.

Topics Covered:

Inventors from various fields (science, transportation, communication, etc.)
The invention process (problem, prototype, testing)
Invention case studies (e.g., lightbulb, telephone, airplane)
Patents and intellectual property
How innovation impacts society

Sample Activities:
Invent something new, write a mini biography of an inventor, present a Shark Tank-style pitch.

September: High Holidays – Jewish Autumn Festivals

An interfaith cultural study of major Jewish holidays and their significance.

Topics Covered:

Overview of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot
Jewish calendar and symbolism
Themes of reflection, repentance, and renewal
Traditional foods, rituals, and stories
Comparative religious studies

Sample Activities:
Create a paper shofar, make symbolic foods, write a reflection on forgiveness, build a mini sukkah model.

October: Autumn – Nature, Folklore & Seasonal Science

Celebrate the fall season with a rich blend of ecology, culture, and tradition.

Topics Covered:

Leaf color changes and the science of photosynthesis
Harvest festivals around the world
Folklore and legends of fall (e.g., Halloween origins)
Weather and the changing seasons
Nature walks and journaling

Sample Activities:
Leaf identification guide, write a fall-themed story or poem, research a cultural harvest festival, fall scavenger hunt.

November: Political Science – Government, Civics & Citizenship

A timely unit to help students understand power, government, and participation.

Topics Covered:

Branches of government and the Constitution
Political systems around the world
Elections, voting, and civic engagement
Political philosophy (liberty, equality, justice)
Debates and media literacy

Sample Activities:
Create a mock government, analyze a political cartoon, write a speech on an issue, compare global political systems.

December: Winter Holidays – Global Traditions and Celebrations

Explore how different cultures celebrate light, family, and renewal.

Topics Covered:

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Diwali, Lunar New Year
Themes of light in darkness, generosity, and tradition
Symbolism and food
Crafting and storytelling
Reflection on family customs

Sample Activities:
Create a winter holiday around a fictional culture, compare customs, cook a holiday dish, build a global holiday timeline.

🎁 BONUS UNITS (Email Subscribers Only)

These exclusive units dive into rich and unique topics:

Ireland

Explore Irish history, legends, the fight for independence, and cultural contributions (music, dance, literature).

Italy

Study the Roman Empire, Renaissance masters, Italian geography, food, and modern culture.

Espionage

Uncover the secret world of spies, codebreaking, Cold War intelligence, and ethical dilemmas in espionage.

Traditional Energy Sources

Examine fossil fuels, nuclear power, and hydroelectric energy — how they work and their environmental impacts.

Mental Health

Focus on emotional well-being, understanding depression, self-care, coping strategies, and how to ask for help.

Fundamentals of Coding

A beginner-friendly intro to logic, syntax, and writing simple programs using block coding and Python.

Renewable Energy

Investigate solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy sources and their role in a sustainable future.

📬 Stay in the Loop!

These unit studies are:

Completely free
Easy to implement
Designed to encourage critical thinking and creativity
Great for middle and high schoolers

Monthly unit releases
Early access to downloads
Exclusive bonus units
Helpful planning tips

👉 Subscribe here to get started!

What topics are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

Tuesday, September 2

Books & Unit Studies for National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th to October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this time, Americans celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Here are some ideas for you to incorporate unit studies, read alouds, and other fun activities into your homeschool this month!!

Fantastic New Books!!

This crop of new reads incorporates elements of Hispanic culture, interweaving them seamlessly into stories that educate and / or entertain. Here are some of our favorites...and many include RECIPES, too!

Children's Books

Menudo Sunday

Sundays are the best: that’s when a little girl and her mamá, abuelitos, tías and primos all gather together to eat yummy menudo, a traditional Mexican soup. But when playtime with the cousins and family dogs gets out of hand and Abuelito Esteban’s special bowl of menudo breaks, everyone has to pitch in to make a new batch! Through all the menudo mishaps and sneaky snacks for perritos with wagging tails, young readers will giggle as they learn to count from 1-15 in Spanish and English. Bonus materials at the back of the book include a glossary of Spanish words, a note from the author, and tips for hosting your very own Menudo Sunday!

When We Find Her

Lila and her Abuelo Carlos miss Abuela Ana. Without the sound of her laughter, the rhythm of her dancing, or the aromas of her cooking, home just isn’t the same. So Lila devises a plan to hold onto every detail she can remember. She and Abuelo will make Abuela’s signature dish—sancocho! Off to the market they go, guided by a faded recipe that takes them through the stalls, where each ingredient sparks a warm memory. As Lila and her abuelo learn to lean on each other, Abuela’s words help them recreate a dish that tastes like love.

Tios y Primos

A little girl meets more relatives than she can count—but how will she communicate with them if she can’t speak their language? It’s a little girl’s first trip to her papa’s homeland, and she’s wowed by all the amazing sights and sounds—and especially by the size of her enormous family! But she only knows a little Spanish, and it’s hard not to be able to share jokes and stories. Fortunately, her relatives help her see that there are other ways they can connect, and soon she feels like she’s right where she belongs: in the heart of a loving family, learning as she goes along.

Young Adult Books

A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation

Gonzalo Alberto Sánchez García has never considered himself the hero of his own story. He’s an observer, quietly snapshotting landscapes and drawing the creatures he imagines emerging from them. Forced to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, Alberto William García—the very famous reclusive author—Gonzalo doesn't expect to learn that heroes and monsters are not only the stuff of fantasy. But that’s precisely what happens when Gonzalo’s CEO mother, Veronica, sends Alberto on tour to promote the final book in his fantasy series for children and Gonzalo must tag along, even though he feels no connection to his grandfather or the books. Together, they embark on a cross-country road trip from Mendocino to Miami in a classic 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S convertible named Mathilde. Over the course of ten epic days on the highway, they will slay demons, real and imagined; confront old stories to write new ones; and learn what it truly means to show up for your family.

Island of the Forgotten Gods

Nico wants to be a famous film director. He's pretty sure if he can make the right movie, and soon, his life will completely change. The catch? His parents are sending him to Puerto Rico for the summer to stay with his iconic, but old-school, Abuela Luciana, and his awesome, but unpredictable cousins. Still, the show must go on. Until Nico and his cousins awaken a monster. A monster that looks an awful lot like the infamous Chupacabra. And it turns out this isn't a chance encounter. The creature begins stalking them all over Puerto Rico, turning up on every dark corner, sandy beach, and moonlit night. To make matters worse, a shadowy cult enters the chase, intent on capturing them before the Chupacabra can. Soon they are thrown into an adventure that brings them face-to-face with the ancient Taino people, even more ancient Taino gods, and the mysterious Chupacabra, who is somehow linked to everything. Nico keeps his camera rolling, hoping the epic documentary will catapult him to stardom. But in the end, it's the island's fate that hangs in the balance, as they face down the very gods that created Puerto Rico.

Dive Deeper with Literature-Based Unit Studies

We Were There with Cortes and Montezuma -- In the early 16th century, Spanish colonies were already well established in the Caribbean islands and they were turning their eyes westward. Under the leadership of Hernán Cortés, the Spaniards looked to Aztec territory in present-day Mexico...
Charlie Hernandez -- Latin American culture is full of terrifying mythological creatures that our parents used to scare us into good behavior! The Charlie Hernandez books pull myths from several countries and weave them together into a story of good battling evil while teaching readers about these cultural tales. And no, la chancla isn't one of them, but as any Latino kid knows...it should be...
The King's Fifth -- The earliest exploration of the Southwest occurred as a result of the accident that left Cabeza de Vaca and his companions shipwrecked along the Gulf Coast. Cabeza de Vaca was one of the first non-Native Americans to travel through Texas, and he published a narrative of his adventures that would inspire the expeditions of de Soto and Coronado...
Encounter -- When Columbus met some native men in the Carribbean, they said "Taíno, Taíno," which meant, "We are good, noble." Columbus thought they were saying the name of their people....and the name stuck...
Studying Central America -- Once home to the Mayan civilization, one of the greatest historic civilizations of the Americas, Central America is a narrow isthmus connecting North and South America...
Dia de Los Muertos - Day of the Dead may sound like a sad celebration, but it's actually a joyous celebration of remembering loved ones who have died. Death is viewed as just part of the cycle of life, and children are taught not to fear it. It is a celebration for families and friends we have lost...

Foreign Language Resources

The best parts of each of these resources is that you don't have to know the language because you'll be learning alongside your children. This can be used with young children for bilingual development, or with older children as foreign language curriculum. And the subscription model helps families to stay the course, focusing on different language aspects each month!

What resources would you add to this list? How will you be celebrating this month in your homeschool?

Saturday, March 29

Homestead Education - High School Projects

Our son, Xander, loves the farm life! I'm sure you'll see him many times over the course of our journey here at Homeschool On the Range. If you love his work, click on the Xander tag at the bottom of this post to find more!

This year for science, I have been using Homestead Education. (Mom says you can see all about it on her review thing.)

Middle / High School Learners

Created for upper grades learners, Introduction to Homestead Science contains 18 interactive units that teach agriculture science, life skills, applied mathematics, and character lessons. Each of those units includes eight lessons, spanning two weeks, for a total of thirty-six weeks. Each lesson has accompanying workbook activities and projects. The curriculum also includes tests, quizzes, and six homestead projects (no acreage required).

Anyway. I like it. There is a lot of hands on stuff and while I have to still read and write and watch some videos, I also get to build things and make better stuff for the farm.

We had to build a new waterer and make a better fence so that we can get more cows. This is what we are working on here to add on to the barn.

Part of having a chicken coop is having to keep it clean. The chickens have made a mess!

This is the winter house I made for our goats out of an old motorcycle trailer. It keeps them safe from the wind at night and has lots of hay. I let them out during the day time.

Whether it's stuff we grew ourselves or got at the store, it is important to know how to cook. It saves you a lot of money more than going out to eat all the time.