At a glance… Grade level: preschool thru adult Use as: stand alone curriculum Instruction time: none Prep time: none Cost: Free through many local libraries sold by 3, 6, or 12 month subscription Mango language is an online foreign language program offering twelve languages. The lessons are designed to teach you conversational skills and promises that the first lesson will show results. … [Read more...] about Mango Languages: An online foreign language course
FUNtastic Folders- J is for Japan
I was introduced to Sharon Crooks- FUNtastic Folders- J is for Japan as we continue our studies around the globe this year. We love to work with our hands during our schoolday and this mini unit study is perfect for just that. Filled with lapbooking, cutting, reading and writing exercises. The studies are designed to work at your own pace so there is no specific planner for you to … [Read more...] about FUNtastic Folders- J is for Japan
It’s So Amazing! Book Review
Fast Facts Complete Title --It’s So Amazing: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families Publisher – Candlewick Press Author – Robie Harris Illustrator – Michael Emberley It was time! The questions were coming, and I was totally unprepared. I had not even one book that explained the "facts of life." Does every parent think that this time comes far sooner than expected? I … [Read more...] about It’s So Amazing! Book Review
The Right Eyes
We only have one set of eyes. As for me, I can say, I have fallen prey to looking at myself, our homeschool, my marriage, or ministry through other eyes. I think there are many dangers in this practice, many of which could be avoided by realizing and turning before we fall prey again. Are we in fact even able to discern what others actually think of us? One of the major problems with letting … [Read more...] about The Right Eyes
Pocketful of Pinecones
I am currently reading for the third time a little novel that is such a treat for me and one that I have a difficult time putting down. It's a delightful story and homeschool idea book all rolled into one. I'm talking about the book Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola, the veteran homeschooling mother who brought to light the works of Charlotte Mason. About Pocketful of Pinecones The … [Read more...] about Pocketful of Pinecones
The Palmer Method of Business Writing
Guest post by Dana Hanley I never thought much about handwriting when I started homeschooling. I never thought about its principles or developed any particular philosophy of what handwriting was or how good handwriting should be developed. I taught it exactly as I had been taught: through repetition and drill, expecting perfect conformity of letters. I must confess that I have had no more … [Read more...] about The Palmer Method of Business Writing
Apples of Gold
Apples of Gold, written by Lisa Samson is a true treasure for teaching purity to your children ten and older. I'm always on the lookout for really good literature that brings home the point of purity with a serious message, yet without a heavy hand. This book meets both of those criteria! Not only that, but both my daughter and son were completely engaged in the story from beginning to end! … [Read more...] about Apples of Gold
Blooming into Wordsmiths with Institute for Excellence in Writing’s “Student Writing Intensive”
Writing is something that I have always liked to do. However, not everyone does, especially many children. Sometimes children (and even writers) struggle to think of ideas and things to write about. So, what can a parent do to help their children with this? Last school year, I volunteered to teach a writing class at my homeschool co-op. I had to undergo a DVD training in order to do it. … [Read more...] about Blooming into Wordsmiths with Institute for Excellence in Writing’s “Student Writing Intensive”
Integritas Academy File Folder Games
As we continue our homeschooling I look for many ways to keep our schooling hands on and fun. I came across Integritas Academy which is owned by a homeschooling family. They offer affordable file folder games in many subjects. I absolutely love to use file folder games and the kids love playing them. When I saw how wonderfully these were made I wanted to try them out. Most subjects I can … [Read more...] about Integritas Academy File Folder Games
Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is a publication of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Are you wondering how in the world a boring statistical book made it onto a homeschool review site? Keep reading. The OOH is not boring, and it’s very helpful for middle school and high school homeschool students and their parents. My daughter is only ten but I’ve already bought a copy (from Amazon … [Read more...] about Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)
Art in the Style of Eric Carle
There are many ways to incorporate art into a unit study, but one of our favorites has been to learn about and imitate the art of a particular illustrator. Last year during our study of the ocean we read A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle. We enjoyed the illustrations so much that we decided to try making our own art in the collage style that Mr. Carle used for his delightful story about a … [Read more...] about Art in the Style of Eric Carle
Inspiration from Pilgrim’s Progress
If lessons are meant to be creative, mine fail. This year, lessons are pretty much straight from the book. Commendable plans smolder in my thoughts. Our idea books are perused often, but not by me. My son has taken to finding his own creativity. I applaud his efforts. Pilgrim's Progress When I asked him to record the characters in Pilgrim's Progress, he hunted for Alternatives to Worksheets. … [Read more...] about Inspiration from Pilgrim’s Progress