Marcia Miller's Reflections & Resources

‘Books for Parents’ Archives

Smart, curious, alert, observant…

Smart, curious, alert, observant…

I once again came across this wonderful quote from John Holt, and thought it deserved sharing: “What makes people smart, curious, alert, observant, competent, confident, resourceful, persistent – in the broadest and best sense, intelligent – is not having [Read More]

Winter Reading for Snowy Days

Winter Reading for Snowy Days

While watching the beginnings of some snowfall yesterday with a few families with young children, I noticed how mesmerized the kids were by the beautiful snowflakes.  This reminded me of one of our favorite winter books, Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.  [Read More]

Homeschooling Authors & the Books We Love

Homeschooling Authors & the Books We Love

If you’re looking for some good homeschooling books and authors to inspire you, check out my ever-expanding list of favorites on my menu page. Whether you want some practical everyday ideas, some new inspiration and encouragement, or some thought-provoking [Read More]

Early Reading vs. Later Reading

Early Reading vs. Later Reading

Here’s a great article summarizing some newly published research about children learning to read at various ages:  Research Finds No Advantage In Learning To Read from Age Five.  It’s worth reading.  I thought these were a couple of the best quotes: [Read More]

Reading about Reading

Reading about Reading

At age 8, my son was not interested in reading independently. He could read a few easy reader books with help, if I suggested it, but he really wasn’t interested, and much preferred that I read aloud to him instead. He wasn’t ready to read on his own until age [Read More]

Recent Posts

Fire Station Field Trip!

Fire Station Field Trip!

After many years of sharing a variety of outings and field trips with our son, Ben, when he was younger, it was great [Read More]

Hoorah!

Hoorah!

This summer, Ben participated in a two-month intensive fire service training academy through the Getchell Fire [Read More]

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

It’s a lovely new year, with many new days and months to create new adventures for yourself, your family, and [Read More]

Smart, curious, alert, observant…

Smart, curious, alert, observant…

I once again came across this wonderful quote from John Holt, and thought it deserved sharing: “What makes people [Read More]

Create Your Own Graduation Party

Create Your Own Graduation Party

Reilly, Sarah, Ben, Taylor, Tanner After years and years of homeschooling together, five families from our local [Read More]

Hard Work & Recognition

Hard Work & Recognition

Sometimes people question the ideas of unschooling because they wonder how kids will learn to work hard if [Read More]

A Day at North Bend Fire Training Academy

A Day at North Bend Fire Training Academy

Ben has been participating in a fire service technology class for the past couple years at the Fire District 1 [Read More]

Traveling Adventures

Traveling Adventures

“And when the kids are old enough, we’re gonna teach them to fly…” Thank you, Dave Matthews. [Read More]

18 Years

18 Years

My sweet son, Ben, turned 18 a little over a month ago. I’ve been thinking about what a pleasure it has been to [Read More]

Not Back To School Camp!

Not Back To School Camp!

At the end of August, when most teens are getting ready for school, Ben and a few of his lucky friends are happily [Read More]