Hand Me Down Curriculum: Benefits and Drawbacks

It’s almost September, and you’re on the hunt for curriculum. You’ve visited web sites, talked to your friends, and scoured the brains of those in your local homeschooling groups. You have a list of curriculum you want, and you know where to get it. Then you look at the price. Ack! Curriculum can be expensive, especially if you want to get a lot of different packages at the same time. If curriculum prices have you reeling, it’s time for a trip to the Used Curriculum Store. Don’t you wish that there was such a thing? What are the advantages of … Continue reading →

Grammar ain’t so tough! Two resources to help your child succeed in grammar, part 2

Yesterday we explored a resource to sharpen your grammar skills. Today we will discover another fine resource to for the same purpose. English is a form of communication and those who navigate the waters of grammar and art of language will always be the ones who sell the most beans. As I mentioned, grammar to me is like building a Lego set. The Lego set can only be built to your interpretation once you understand the use of piece and proper way it should be built. Grammar is a fun puzzle to put together, take apart and put together again. … Continue reading →

Grammar ain’t so tough! Two resources to help your child suceed in grammar, part 1

I try to teach that grammar is like building a Lego set. You must find the right pieces to build the picture on the cover of the box. Once you build it exactly as shown you then have the liberty to change things up and break a few rules. Why? Because once you know how to build it your knowledge will guide you in the proper way to rebuild tailoring to your personal style. If you disregard the proper way to build your set you will end up with no appreciation for the pieces and lack the creativity to expand … Continue reading →

Hands On History Book: The Civil War

Book: Letters for Freedom: The Civil War Published by: Innovative Kids Age Recommendation: 8 and up Use: To enhance history lessons. Type: Hands-on Homeschool Method: Any Book Synopsis: The past comes alive with this jam-packed, interactive book that puts history in context as it describes every moment of the Civil War, from its causes to its consequences. With flaps, gatefolds, pull-tabs, and removable letters that provide a first-person account of history as it’s happening, there is no better way to learn everything there is to know about the war that almost divided, and eventually united a nation. Why I Recommend … Continue reading →

Reader Books: I Can Read! Made by God

Book Series: I Can Read! Made by God. Age Recommendation: 4 to 7 Use: Reader Books When I see ZonderKidz, I take notice. I have purchased many books from ZonderKidz in the past and have never been disappointed. I love the quality and the interwoven faith in the books. Couple that with the I Can Read! series which is known having titles win the Caldecott and Newbery Honors and carries such titles as Little Bear, you know you will have a winning series. The series is Made by God, where children will read about their favorite animals. As a mom … Continue reading →

Explorers of the New World: Discover the Golden Age of Exploration With 22 Projects

Product: Explorers of the New Word: Discover the Golden Age of Exploration Published by: Nomad Press Recommended Ages: 9 to 12 Use: Hands on history unit study Just this month, Nomad Press, released Explorers of the New World: Discover the Golden Age of Exploration. I enjoy the unit studies and books by Nomad Press. I have always found them to be engaging with just the right amount of information for young students. The projects in their books are always fun, engaging and interesting. Explorers of the New World is no exception. I cannot wait to use this unit with my … Continue reading →

Don’t Know Much About History

Don’t Know Much About History: Everything you need to know about American history but never learned. By: Kenneth C. Davis This book will make an interesting supplemental or additional reading to your curriculum. If you are familiar with the children’s series than you know how interesting this book will be! Book Synopsis: First published two decades ago, when the “closing of the American mind” was in the headlines, Don’t Know Much About History proved Americans don’t hate history—just the dull version that was dished out in school. With wit and irreverence, in question-and-answer form, Don’t Know Much About History took … Continue reading →

Counting on Fingers

I have to tell you, I really don’t understand what’s so bad about counting on your fingers. They’re like a built-in abacus that goes everywhere with us. We have ten fingers, ten is the basic mathematical unit … I mean, it’s like they were meant to be together, and yet, all over the place, all the time, I hear parents say to their children, “Don’t count on your fingers.” I ask, why not? I happen to be a very visual learner, and I happen to not be good at math. I need all the help I can get, and if … Continue reading →

Review: Considering God’s Creation

At a Glance Product: Considering God’s Creation published by Eagle’s Wings Educational Products Age Level: 2nd thru 7th (adaptable curriculum) Use: Stand alone science curriculum (36 lessons) Teacher Prep: Minimum to Moderate/Cut and Paste Format: Workbook, Teacher’s Manual and CD (Workbook is filled with cut and paste notebook pages.) Teaching Method: Notebooking approach Cost: $29.95 for the Teacher’s Manual, Student Workbook and audio CD Quick Rating: 3 out of 4 Golden Pencils What is Considering God’s Creation? Considering God’s Creation is a hands-on creation science curriculum adaptable for 2nd to 7th grade. The method used is notebooking. The curriculum covers: … Continue reading →

Make It Real Learning: Math Just Got Exciting

Make It Real Learning is the most exciting thing to happen to math since the abacus. Make It Real Learning connects the textbook world of math to the physical world. The connection is priceless as you will no longer have to sit glazed eyed and listen to your child chant “This makes no sense. When will I ever use this? This makes no sense. When will I ever use this?” If your child is chanting this overplayed tune then you have a unique opportunity to show them exactly how math class applies to the real world by introducing them to … Continue reading →