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
MasterMath: Free Middle School Online Lessons
If you’re in the throes of attempting to teach middle school math, you have my sympathy -- and my empathy because I’m right there with you. So let me share one of my secrets to maintaining everyone's sanity: MasterMath. Created and developed by Stan Lisle, MasterMath Middle School On-Line Math offers: video lessons arranged by grade and quarter downloadable/printable worksheets with … [Read more...] about MasterMath: Free Middle School Online Lessons
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
Amanda Bennett Unit Studies Review
Over the years our little homeschool has evolved with many learning styles. I think this happens to many of us. We went from needing a lot of hand holding to being able to create our own unit studies. The first time I ever saw an Amanda Bennett unit study my children weren’t quite old enough and honestly I had no idea what I was doing without a little more of that hand holding. Then something … [Read more...] about Amanda Bennett Unit Studies Review
Learning to Draw Cartoon Faces with Pick and Draw
Would you like a fun family game that also inspires creativity (many times LONG after the game is over)? Do you want to learn to draw cartoon faces? Pick and Draw might just be the perfect game for your family. Our family has had so much fun with this simple deck of cards. I don't think we'll be stopping any time soon, either. There are over 60,000 possibilities with this game! Pick and … [Read more...] about Learning to Draw Cartoon Faces with Pick and Draw
Learn & Grow Hands-On Preschool Curriculum ~ Wonderfully Amazing
As the mother of an extremely active preschooler I have had a very hard time finding a curriculum that he enjoys. I have tried a lot of printed pages that he is supposed to color or use dot markers and the such but none of them held his attention. Quite honestly, he started seriously disliking the word "schoolwork". Not good for a homeschooling family, right? Right! So, I went on a search. I … [Read more...] about Learn & Grow Hands-On Preschool Curriculum ~ Wonderfully Amazing
Titanic Museum Attraction
We love field trips! One place we had heard of, but hadn't yet gotten to go to, was the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the tragic voyage the Titanic made. It seemed like the perfect learning moment to take advantage of. We traveled down to the attraction and were greeted with boarding passes. The crew was very friendly and … [Read more...] about Titanic Museum Attraction
Accountable Kids Chore Chart Review
We have tried countless chore chart systems and did not end up sticking with any of them. While we were always looking for a system to make our home run more smoothly, trying to implement a new method proved to be more stressful than helpful. While at our state homeschool convention this year, we happened upon the Accountable Kids booth. I was hooked instantly, while my husband was hesitant … [Read more...] about Accountable Kids Chore Chart Review
Human Anatomy Models and Study Aids
This year was our first year of serious human anatomy study using an eclectic and project based approach. Human anatomy models made the pages of our text come alive for the visual spatial learners in our home. With the models we could touch, see, and imagine how each part fits together after taking the models apart and then putting them back together again. The models sat on the desk near the … [Read more...] about Human Anatomy Models and Study Aids