Author: Sarah Janisse Brown

Brand New Reading Resource (& Giveaway)

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

We are so excited to share the news that the new Reading Therapy is out!!! I’ve been working on this all year to create a new workbook to help kids who are struggling to sound out words to read fluently! I’m so excited about this. Take 20 minutes a day to work with your child to master 150 wonderful words! By the end of the book your child will be writing stories, poems and letters!

This book is created for the kids who are reading words like farm and cat, but want to read words like radiant and mighty!

Do you want to be part of our research study? Let me know at Sarah@BrownIdea.com

Get the PDF now to print at home for all your kids.

This book is the bridge between Dyslexia Therapy and grade level schoolwork. It’s the book I wish I had the year I failed 3rd grade.

Are you a 2nd or 3rd grade teacher with students who are struggling to read?

I’d love to give you this workbook as a gift to use in your classroom. Tag a teacher!

Giveaway!!!

Get the PDF version of our new book for Free!!! “150 Wonderful Words – Vocabulary, Spelling & Reading”

Coupon Code: 150WonderfulWords

Get it here: https://www.funschooling.com/product-page/pdf-150-wonderful-words-vocabulary-spelling-reading

Code expires December 17, 2024

See something else you need?

Here’s a “Buy One Get One Free” offer for any of our PDFs!

Coupon Code: FunSchoolBOGO2024

Expires December 31, 2024

How AI Can Make Us All Feel Like 1950s Housewives

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

In every era of rapid technological advancement, humanity faces a crossroads. Today, as AI and robotics threaten to replace human labor on an unprecedented scale, we are confronted with deep questions: What will happen to our jobs, our purpose, and our value? How will we spend our time, our energy, and our lives?

This isn’t the first time we’ve faced such a dilemma. A striking parallel existed in the 1950s when household technologies revolutionized daily life. Tasks that had once demanded weeks of effort—gardening, raising meat and eggs, canning food, sewing clothing—were suddenly replaced by mass production and modern appliances. The washing machine, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, and telephone transformed the role of the housewife, freeing up vast amounts of time.

For many women, this was both liberating and disorienting. The work that once defined their survival and value within the family became unnecessary. They were no longer the primary producers of food and clothing, and their contribution shifted. Many entered the workforce or turned to consumerism and leisure.

But this “freedom” came with unforeseen consequences. Fast-forward 75 years, and we see a society grappling with obesity, mental health crises, loneliness, and fractured families. The very technologies that promised to make life easier have left many people without a sense of challenge or purpose.

Now, as AI advances at breakneck speed, we are entering a new era of disruption. Entire industries may be transformed or rendered irrelevant. What will happen when robots and technology handle most of the tasks that once filled our days? Will humans—like the 1950s housewives—find themselves with too much time, too little purpose, and no meaningful challenges?

Humans need to be challenged. We thrive on purpose, on working hard for something that matters, and on the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. If AI takes over the bulk of our work, the question is not “What will we do with our time?” but rather, “How will we use it meaningfully?”

Click here to consider some answers to these questions, and discover some actionable points for you and your family.

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How to Spot Your Child’s Natural Interests

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What is a natural interest? A natural interest is an area of life that you’re drawn to! For a lot of people, they might call this their hobby or side project. Natural interests can cover a vast variety of subjects – from a specific animal to the overarching act of reading, to drawing with charcoal or recording/writing music! Natural interests are our callings. So how do you spot this in your child from an early age?

Identifying your child’s natural interests can help guide their growth and learning! Here are some simple ways to spot what excites and intrigues them:

  1. Observe Their Early Play: Pay attention to the activities they choose most often — whether it’s building, drawing, or imaginative play! These can reveal their passions, such as an interest in architecture, fashion, or writing creative stories!
  2. Follow Their Questions: The “why” and “how” questions they ask can point to what they’re curious about, like science, nature, or history!
  3. Notice What Captures Their Attention: Take note of what they focus on for long periods and what they ask to learn more about — this shows what they’re naturally drawn to!
  4. Encourage Exploration: Provide different activities (arts, sports, books) and see what excites them the most! Giving them a variety of topics to learn about can help you notice which ones they focus on the most! By observing your child’s play, questions, and actions, you can help nurture their natural interests and encourage their growth!

Learn more about preparing your child for their future calling/career here.

Find journals for every possible area of interest imaginable by clicking the image below!

A Daughter is Your Legacy

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

When I was about 14 years old, I started to feel angry about what feminism was doing to society. I dreamed of being a mother—specifically, a mother to seven daughters. When people asked me what I wanted to become, I would proudly say, “A mom and an artist.” Their reactions were always dismissive, as though they couldn’t decide which dream was worse, so they trashed them both.

But I didn’t let that stop me. I wanted to create a magical home for my children. As a child, I dreamed of living in a big Victorian house filled with treasures and souvenirs from all over the world. I imagined traveling with my daughters, teaching them to be great artists. I pictured a house full of pets, a kitchen filled with the smells of food from every culture, and a life brimming with creativity and adventure.

I always envisioned my daughters as teenagers who were smart, confident, industrious, and, most importantly, deeply in love with each other as sisters. When people told me it would be a shame to bring children into such a dark world, I would reply with conviction, “My children will be the ones to light up the world.”

I fought for that dream. I read pioneer love stories and Amish romances that inspired me to make everything from scratch and to create beauty everywhere I could. My roots gave me strength—my mother was a successful artist, her mother was the first female civil engineer in California, and her mother was one of the founders of the Humane Society. My great-great-grandmother left Bohemia at 19 to build a life for herself in New York City. Many of my ancestors were outliers, and I’ve since learned that several of them probably had traits of Asperger’s. They taught me resilience, optimism, and how to think differently.

These women inspired me to dream big. Despite their accomplishments, they always put family first. My grandmother adored Ronald Reagan, and even though I come from a line of intelligent, powerful women, they held traditional values, believed in their daughters, and cherished family. I wanted to pass that on. A daughter is your legacy—and I wanted seven.

As I watched feminism take root in my generation, I saw it corrupt many of my friends. They believed they couldn’t live fulfilling lives if they were “slaves” to children. But I’m so thankful I never bought into those lies. By the time I was 35, I was living my dream—I had seven daughters! And I didn’t stop there.

Motherhood is such a beautiful, life-giving gift, and I believe we need to encourage our daughters to embrace their own unique gifts, talents, purpose, and the joy of being mothers too.

If you are dreaming of forging a legacy of strength in your daughter, this is a valuable tool:

Big Sale! Up to 50% Off!

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

Get up to 50% OFF on these amazing Thinking Tree Books! Stock up on fun, creative, and educational resources for your homeschool. Here’s what’s on sale:

1. Fun-Schooling Spelling Journal Boost your child’s spelling skills with creative, fun activities designed to engage and inspire.

2. How to Write Research Papers A comprehensive guide for students to learn how to research, organize, and write their own academic papers.

3. Homeschooling for Girls Winter A seasonally themed learning journal full of creative prompts, activities, and lessons tailored for young girls.

4. All About Money Teach your kids financial literacy with engaging exercises on saving, budgeting, and understanding money.

5. Are You a Math Genius? A fun, interactive journal packed with math puzzles and activities to challenge and delight learners.

6. Multiplication Games – 180 Days A workbook designed for daily practice with exciting games to reinforce multiplication skills.

7. A Proverb a Day Explore wisdom and life lessons through proverbs with daily activities and reflection prompts.

8. All About Sharks Dive into the fascinating world of sharks with fun facts, activities, and research challenges.

9. Transportation History Learn about the evolution of transportation with creative lessons and activities.

10. The Chef’s Fun-Schooling Journal Combine cooking and learning in this journal full of recipes, culinary challenges, basic subjects, and creative prompts.

11. All About Space Blast off into space exploration with a journal filled with science, astronomy, and fun experiments.

12. Top 30 Grammar Mistakes Master grammar with this fun and easy-to-understand guide to common language errors.

13. The Baker’s Fun-Schooling Journal Perfect for aspiring bakers, this journal mixes learning with delicious recipes and creative projects.

14. Fun-Schooling Math Mysteries Solve math mysteries with fun problem-solving activities and puzzles to sharpen critical thinking.

15. Picturing the Past Explore history with engaging activities that combine art and research.

🛒 Shop the Sale: Visit Funschooling.com or click the journal images below for the sales!

✨ Sale ends soon, so act fast! ✨

Now through December 1st!!!

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Children with ADHD: Energy, Creativity, and Individuality

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

Children with ADHD often thrive when they have less sugar in their diet and more opportunities to engage in physical activities like climbing trees, running, and playing with building blocks. They also benefit from more B vitamins, fish oil, and fresh citrus fruits!

Giving them opportunities for physical activity, reducing screen time, and encouraging creative outlets like dancing or jumping can work wonders. In many cases, these small lifestyle adjustments lead to significant improvements!

Parenting a high-energy child can feel overwhelming at times. I know because I once faced this struggle. There was no way I could have sent my daughter, Anna, to school — her boundless energy and constant need for movement actually led to our family “kicked out” of two different churches. But instead of trying to mold her into someone else, I decided to let Anna be who she was!

I trusted that her energy and unique way of moving through the world, as well as God’s plan for her, would eventually lead her down a meaningful path.

Now that Anna is older, I’m amazed to see her funneling that incredible energy into purposeful, productive pursuits. I am so grateful I didn’t try to force her to fit into a conventional box. She was very difficult to manage between the ages of 2 and 10. But now that she’s grown, I can see the incredible woman she’s become — and it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t allowed Anna to be Anna.

In fact, if it weren’t for Anna, I wouldn’t have created Dyslexia Games or Thinking Tree—two programs that help children who learn differently. All of my books and homeschooling methods were born out of the experiences and challenges I faced raising and homeschooling a highly energetic and dyslexic child!

I often share Anna’s story because she’s the inspiration behind many of the educational tools you can use with your own children. She’s created many of the Fun-Schooling Journals you love!

Fun-schooling journals are designed to engage children’s passions while honoring their unique talents and interests. These journals allow for flexibility, and help children learn in a way that doesn’t require them to sit still for hours on end. Your child can take their journal to various parts of the house, or even outside for nature walks and study!

In the end, it’s all about creating an environment where learning is as dynamic and individualized as they are!

The Story of Our First Co-Op

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment
Photo from a 2022 Co-Op at Olive Branch Farm

Simply Living

A new co-op introduces Indianapolis area families to the joy of cutting back to the basics in life.

By T.J. Banes, first featured in the Indy Star on April 29, 2002

While many 20-something women may be running the career fast-track and juggling duties at home, Sarah Brown is slowing down and inviting other women to do the same.

She recently formed a family co-op called Simpler Times, which introduces people to the joys of basic living. News of her effort has spread by word of mouth, and her mailing list now includes more than 200 names.

Most co-ops start with a shared interest in benefiting a local economy, said Phil Schutt, grocery buyer for Bloomingfoods Market and Deli in Bloomington. That co-op, which specializes in locally grown organic foods, has two locations and has been in operation for 26 years.

Sarah wants people in her co-op to share their goods and services in exchange for points. No money will be used.

Twice a week, her 3-acre property comes to life with the company of other moms and tots, working the garden. Occasionally, her husband, Josh, 24, has to stop a farm animal from munching on the Brussels sprouts.

“I’d say I’m traditional, but not modern,” said Sarah, 25, the mother of Isaac, 3, Anna, 2, and Esther, 7 months. “I just don’t want the rest of the world to influence what I do and when I do it.”

Karen Kornelsen, 25, a stay-at-home mother who lives on the city’s Southeastside, said she loves being outside barefoot digging in the dirt.

Recently, she set out plants while her 9-month-old daughter, Laura, slept in a backpack. “Being part of Simpler Times allows me to fellowship with other women and to bring home fresh produce so we can eat healthy.”

Eventually, the co-op’s harvest will become part of a twice-monthly trading day on Fortville’s Main Street.

Both the garden, and the trading day, mark the beginning of Sarah’s attempts to spread the simple life to other families. In addition to produce, families trade homemade baked goods, crafts, used clothing and books.

Click here to read more and find out about the perfect tool for you to use in setting up your very own Co-Op!

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The Beautiful, Calming Power of Core Journals

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

As a homeschooler myself I enjoyed delight-directed learning, library-based homeschooling, unschooling, and lots of unit studies and learning through projects. My education as a homeschooler was fun, but very spontaneous and disorganized at times.

As a homeschool mom, I began to study many philosophies of education and thought I had to pick just one at first. We started with Classical Education and Unit Studies, but that all fizzled out when I started homeschooling my second child who was adyslexic super creator and the third who was a genius type of neurodivergent detective!

By my fourth formal year of homeschooling my 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds, I had introduced a eclectic array of homeschooling techniques that were inspired by Charlotte Mason, Jon Holt, Maria Montessori, Edith Schaeffer, the Bible, and my mother! All while mixing in the classical techniques that worked well for my oldest son.

People asked us if we were unschoolers, because my children’s activities revolved around their needs, curiosity, passions and childish career dreams. With children these ages, we did so many projects instead of workbooks to understand how the world works… and how to master it!

Combining travel, adventure, nature, real books, art, people and love created the theme of our learning adventure that revolved around three meals a day in a big Victorian house on Main Street. But unlike unschooling, we were seeking organization, a schedule and rhythm to our learning process. We were trying everything and experimenting with everything based on my leadership in the home, while honoring the curiosity of each child. We called it Fun-Schooling.

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Autumn Crafts & Fun-Schooling Ideas

/ Sarah Janisse Brown / Leave a comment

Autumn is one of the best times of year for a variety of reasons – holidays, family gatherings, and of course the changing of the leaves! As a way to learn from and cherish the season, here are a few activities your fun-schoolers can do during the fall:

  1. Leaf Identification & Prints Take a nature walk to collect leaves, and teach kids to identify different tree types! Once home, you can use paint or other art materials to create leaf prints by pressing painted leaves onto paper. This introduces children to plant science and creates beautiful fall art. It’s perfect for younger children, and gets them inspired by and connected with nature!
  2. Pumpkin Science & Math Pumpkins and gourds are great for hands-on learning! You can teach your children how to measure their heights, circumferences, and weights, then compare pumpkins of different sizes. For a long-term project, you can also carve or decorate a pumpkin, and plant its seeds to observe how they grow!
  3. Autumn Sensory Bin
    Fill a bin with seasonal items like dried leaves, small pumpkins, pine cones collected from your yard! Then, you can let your kids explore the textures and sizes, practicing sorting and scooping. This activity promotes sensory development and imaginative play!
  4. Fall Harvest Collage
    Provide construction paper, fabric scraps, and dried leaves for kids to create a fall harvest scene or abstract collage! This craft encourages creativity and fine motor skills, all while celebrating autumn colors and textures! It’s also a fun way to learn what sorts of leaves and seeds are in your yard during the autumn season!
  5. Autumn Storytime & Craft Read a fall-themed book to your children, or have one of your older children read to the younger ones! Afterward, have kids create a craft based on the story, like making their own scene or even a fall item, like a scarecrow! This combines literacy, creativity, and storytelling.
  6. DIY Bird Feeders Teach your children about wildlife by making bird feeders from pine cones, peanut butter, and birdseed! Hang them outside to attract birds and observe different species, helping children understand the importance of nature conservation! You can even use the Fun-Schooling Birdwatching Journal!

Find more nature-themed Fun-Schooling journals here!