PenningHouse

A homeschool resource hub for growing families and lifelong friends.

Category: Blog

Welcome to the PenningHouse Blog

PenningHouse is your cozy corner of the internet—a place where creativity, education, and family life come together in meaningful, hands-on ways. 

Here, you’ll find:

  • Creative Crafts for every age—from babies to tweens—designed to nurture developmental growth and joyful learning

  • Nutritious, Kid-Friendly Recipes that make mealtime easier, tastier, and a little more fun

  • Homeschool Curriculum Tips & Ideas that help you shape a learning rhythm that fits your family

  • Parenting Wisdom & Encouragement for the real-life, messy, magical moments of raising kids at home

  • Disability Resources offering support, strategies, and understanding for families with diverse learners

  • Homeschooling Know-How with practical guidance, seasonal planning, and reflections to keep your days grounded and inspired

  • Butternut Squash Risotto

    Butternut Squash Risotto

    You guys…Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Are you ready yet? Don’t worry, you still have time to get all of those last-minute ingredients. While you’re at the store, throw a butternut squash and some Arborio rice in your cart for this yummy Butternut Squash Risotto recipe. If you are planning on having a large Read more

  • Travel Tips for Disabled Families

    Travel Tips for Disabled Families
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    Traveling during the holiday season can seem like quite the feat. The sheer volume of commuters is enough to send anyone into a tailspin. Add to the stress of traveling with a disability, and you may find yourself second-guessing your plans altogether. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prepare your family for such Read more

  • Autumn Wreath

    Autumn Wreath
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    If you haven’t decorated for the upcoming holiday, this week is a great time to start! This craft is one that your preteens and older will appreciate making and seeing on display in your home. Your kids will design their own autumn-inspired wreaths using a grapevine or foam base. They’ll decorate their base with faux Read more

  • No-Sew Felt Pie Slices

    No-Sew Felt Pie Slices
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    Me-oh-my, I love pie! With the holiday season upon us, those scrumptious pie dishes will soon be filling your kitchen and your belly. While you’re gearing up to taste your favorite pie dishes, let’s give your toddler a pie they can enjoy all year round! These adorable felt pie slices are soft, safe, and full Read more

  • Homeschooling Through the Holidays

    Homeschooling Through the Holidays
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    The holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and a whirlwind of disruptions. For homeschooling families, it can feel like a tug-of-war between maintaining routines and embracing the chaos of it all. The gatherings and inevitable sniffles may leave some of you in a state of dread, but with a little creativity and compassion, homeschooling during the Read more

  • Gratitude Garland

    Gratitude Garland
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    With Thanksgiving around the corner, you may find yourself looking for holiday-inspired crafts to pair with your lessons. Gratitude garland, here we come! This craft features a festive and meaningful decoration made from paper leaves, each featuring something your child is thankful for. As kids reflect on their blessings, they create a colorful hanging garland Read more

  • Apple Slices with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip

    Apple Slices with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip
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    I love a quick and healthy snack…bonus points if it’s delicious. Apple slices with cinnamon yogurt dip is so simple and tasty, your little ones will be scraping the dip bowl and asking for more. It’s completely customizable and packed with nutrition, leaving your kids with a satisfying pick-me-up to keep your day running smoothly. Read more

  • Fingerpaint Leaf Collage

    Fingerpaint Leaf Collage
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    Looking for a cozy, colorful way to celebrate fall with your little one? The Fingerpaint Leaf Collage is a delightful sensory craft that turns squishy paint play into a beautiful keepsake. With vibrant hues, soft textures, and lots of giggles, this activity invites your infant to explore the magic of autumn through touch, sight, and Read more

  • Homeschool Switch-Ups

    Homeschool Switch-Ups
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    Knowing When To Embrace Change Every year, I organize which curriculum and resources we’ll be using, and every year, changes are made. Sometimes we adjust our schedule, and other times we completely “throw out” one resource for another. Now that we’re a couple of months into the school year, you may find yourself approaching a Read more

  • Witch Hat Headbands

    Witch Hat Headbands
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    With Halloween around the corner, I wanted to post one more whimsical craft for your early elementary students. Last night my family indulged in one of my favorite movies: Hocus Pocus, so today we’re going to bring that magic into the craft room. These whimsical mini witch hats perch playfully on headbands, turning little ones Read more

  • Pumpkin Waffles

    Pumpkin Waffles
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    These golden pumpkin waffles are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with warm fall spices. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin puree, they’re like autumn in every bite. Whether topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or toasted pecans, they’re a comforting breakfast that feels like a seasonal celebration. Why Read more

  • Homeschooling in a Divided Household

    Homeschooling in a Divided Household
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    Homeschooling is a deeply personal and often transformative journey. However, when one partner is committed and the other is resistant or unsupportive, it can feel like navigating a storm with only half a sail. I often see this dynamic play out on social media, with a parent or guardian seeking advice and comfort from strangers, Read more