We've been homeschooling for a number of years and have tried a variety of math curriculums over time. Finding a great fit for curriculum + child + family budget to work out is always a juggling act! For the younger years, about Pre-K to 2nd grade, I've always appreciated materials that didn't require a lot of fuss or gadgets -- just seems to fit our homeschooling style better for that age … [Read more...] about A Critical Thinking Math Curriculum :: Pre-K to 2nd grade
Harmony Fine Arts August Special
Are you like me? Do you long to enrich your homeschool with studies of composers and artists? Do you wish that someone would just do it all for you? You know, invest the time in research, find the online links, point you to the resources you need? I wanted to be able to open something up with just a click – and teach. To have art appreciation and composer study at my fingertips. How Harmony … [Read more...] about Harmony Fine Arts August Special
A Visit With Curriculum Choice Review Authors
Sometimes it is nice to see how a homeschool day goes in another home. I know I often find some new ideas and always some encouragement from fellow homeschoolers. Ever wonder what a day in the life of one of our homeschool reviewers is like? We invite you take a peek! Below, our authors share a day in the life or take you on a tour of their homeschools – or both! Come visit the places where we … [Read more...] about A Visit With Curriculum Choice Review Authors
Mr. Diddle Wah Diddie – Kid Family Musical Romp!
One of the fun aspects of homeschooling is exposing my children to different types of music. We love music! And we love to dance! Yes, we are one of those crazy homeschoolers that you hear about. MyKazoo Music released a Kid-Friendly musical romp with the Superheroes of American Blues History: Randy Kaplan's, Mr. Diddle Wah Diddie album. This CD is absolutely fun and hilarious for … [Read more...] about Mr. Diddle Wah Diddie – Kid Family Musical Romp!
Oak Meadow – Literature and Composition II
My family has used Oak Meadow curriculum through many of our homeschooling years. In 5th grade, we used Oak Meadow's US History program. We learned history through their fun filled hands-on, activity-based approach. Later we used much of their English curriculum. This year we used their English program for 10th graders, called Literature and Composition II. It provided both exposure to good … [Read more...] about Oak Meadow – Literature and Composition II
No Fear Shakespeare Series by Spark Notes
Shakespeare can be intimidating for many of us. The language, the rhythm of the words, the references, and the subject matter can all contribute to a confusing mess if we don’t have some guidance. Since I didn't have time to take a literary course in Shakespeare but I did have a desire to read it and understand it, I found a great tool in getting past my feelings of inadequacy when it came to … [Read more...] about No Fear Shakespeare Series by Spark Notes
Make Math Drills Fun With Math Monkey
Math drills are important. My children do fine with written drills – up to a point. Since we love to use technology in our homeschool, I am always on the hunt for apps that aid in our learning. When we stumble upon a fun app, all the better. Math Monkey is an app that drills your child's mental addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Dubbed “the educational Angry Birds for … [Read more...] about Make Math Drills Fun With Math Monkey
Sequential Spelling Review
Spelling is a subject we all struggle with but for some of us it's an extra challenge. I found sequential spelling to be an answer for my reluctant speller. No weekly spelling tests over random lists but instead a logical progression built on a familiar foundation. Like building blocks, sequential spelling begins with basic word families and quickly builds on them. Most spelling curricula … [Read more...] about Sequential Spelling Review
Aquatic BugKit Review
We have had so much fun with this!! The Aquatic BugKit from LaMotte Company is a fantastic, hands-on way to discover the health of a creek by observing the insects that call it home. I requested the kit for review because I thought it might make the perfect go-along for my Incredible Creeks NaturExplorers Study. Boy, was I right! The presence of micro and macro-organisms is a good indicator … [Read more...] about Aquatic BugKit Review
Sonlight Core E/4 {2012 Edition}
Two years ago we made a big curriculum change for our family. Last year we enjoyed using Winter Promise which is known, by many, as a boxed curriculum. I use the term loosely, so please don’t flog me with how it may not quite fit that term. Besides, that’s not really the point of what I’m about to share with you! The point is, that this year we made a switch to Sonlight. This was a pretty … [Read more...] about Sonlight Core E/4 {2012 Edition}
Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers & Teachers
Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers Ages 4-13 by Susan Kilbride When we received Science Unit Studies I was so excited! Multiple science unit studies laid out in one easy place to consult. For me, it's a simple way to add to existing curriculum or even step outside our lesson plans and enjoy a delight-driven topic. The book is laid out in an easy to read format: There are … [Read more...] about Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers & Teachers
Playing and Learning With Manipulatives – Numbers and Patterns – Kindergarten
Early math is all about hands on learning and the use of manipulatives for young mathematicians! The basic manipulatives needed for early math can be found in your own home. Numbers and Patterns - K can be done using simple supplies easily found, such as small toys, buttons, crayons, etc. Before opening Numbers and Patterns-K, my family spent a lot of time playing with manipulatives. My … [Read more...] about Playing and Learning With Manipulatives – Numbers and Patterns – Kindergarten