Canadian Home Education Resources

With this lovely warm weather we’re having in Calgary, it might be time to explore the outdoors! Our Weekly Pick is “Nature School: Lessons and Activities to Inspire Children's Love for Everything Wild” by Giordano, Hathaway and Stroup, a book full of nature activities designed to inspire curiosity and wonder in every age. Whether your family wants to learn about the different biomes or build a tornado in a bottle, there’s something for everyone. Hope you enjoy some outdoor adventures! -Michelle

If your younger children struggle with fear as mine did, our Weekly Pick might be the gently encouraging picture book you’re looking for! “Evergreen”, by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell, is about a timid little squirrel who is tasked by her mother to bring soup to her sick Granny Oak. To make the journey she has to face many of her fears, and in doing so she discovers she is much more capable and resilient than she thought. The whimsical illustrations combined with a new interpretation of the Little Red Riding Hood story are really delightful, and the story is heart-warming. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! -Michelle

Have you noticed that historical fiction novels can bring eras to life far more vividly than textbooks? Our Weekly Pick, “Light and Air” by Mindy Nichols Wendell, draws readers into the 1930s during the frightening spread of tuberculosis, in a gentle, stirring tale of a young girl and her mother being sent away to a TB hospital to recover. Amid the loneliness and fear there is also much kindness, support and even friendships that form in a difficult time. At the end of the novel, readers will rejoice and perhaps even shed a tear when both Halle and her mother are able to return home with their family. Honestly, I loved this novel, it was just captivating and bittersweet and everything I wanted in a historical novel. If you’re looking for a new read-aloud this summer, this might be one to consider! -Michelle

Have you seen your first butterfly of the season? We’re preparing for Painted Lady butterfly larvae to arrive on Monday, and I’m looking forward to seeing them spread their wings soon! If you’re looking for a picture book about butterflies that stands out from the rest, our Weekly Pick is perfect for you. “Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian” by Margarita Engle tells the true story of a young, curious girl in the 1600s who defied the established medieval attitude that insects were evil. Studying caterpillars and their transformations secretly, she took careful notes and made detailed paintings, determined to change the way people saw insects. She later became a famous scientist, artist and traveller, who did indeed influence how insects were perceived. Perhaps this story will inspire your family to study butterflies carefully too! -Michelle

Does your child’s struggle with reading aloud? All About Learning Press consistently gives helpful and practical advice. In their latest blog, “Reading Aloud: How to Help Students Read Smoothly and Confidently” you may find ideas that may help you and your child with their struggle in reading aloud. 

https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/blog/how-to-help-students-read-fluently/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--WHhU_FByLS_LdB6kiX19OZX5w3iNxdHN1LDR4PGtJQk92E9501ey7oNdPkFyK7oS28bmsmTE-lfC1jMffBgI0rBawhA&_hsmi=416190210&utm_content=416190210&utm_source=hs_email

All About Learning is available in Canada through CHER –. CanadianHomeEducation.com

Reading Aloud: How to Build Fluency & Confidence Struggling with reading aloud? Learn practical strategies to build fluency, confidence, and expression—plus tips for students of all ages.

With patches of lovely spring weather coming and going, are you thinking of taking your learning outside? You might find our Weekly Pick useful! “How to Teach Nature Journaling” by John Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren is a fantastic resource. Written by clearly experienced and knowledgeable authors, the book contains step by step procedures, demonstrations, and notes, as well as inspiring pictures and examples of journaling by different ages of students. Whether you’re just starting out or have been using nature journaling as a homeschool tool for years, I think this reference book will be helpful for everyone. -Michelle

Anyone else like to escape the cold weather by using your imagination to travel? If you’re looking out at the snow like I am and searching for an excellent story set somewhere warm, consider our Weekly Pick, “Rickshaw Girl” by Mitali Perkins. I really enjoyed this book and how it depicts the cultural shift in Bangladesh as more girls strive to support their families as they see the boys do. The protagonist, Naima, is a talented artist and yearns to earn money to help her parents, but feels blocked by societal expectations. After a few mistakes and false starts, she finds a way to use her talents and make her parents proud. The story drew me in and I felt myself rooting for Naima as she struggled to find her path. I think it would make an excellent family read aloud on a cold, snowy night. - Michelle

We are in the final stretch of our Live Painted Lady Butterfly preorder for 2026! This is your final chance to reserve your butterfly kit, so you can spend your spring taking in the beauty of metamorphosis.

All preorders must be placed by Monday, April 13th to guarantee a kit set aside just for you. Please see the CHER website for delivery dates and important shipping/pickup instructions.

Find all the info on our website. Let us know how your butterfly raising goes!
CanadianHomeEducation.com