ALEKS: Math Option for Homeschoolers

You may be asking yourself, “What’s Aleks?” It is a real option for homeschooling families who need assistance tackling math or want to build solid foundation. One of the most asked questions I have had over the years is about math curriculum. Due to so many questions on curriculum and math specifically I want to offer some great options. Here is a brief explanation from the site: Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in … Continue reading →

Christian Liberty Press: Preschool Curriculum

At a Glance: Product: Christian Liberty Press Preschool Program Age Level: 3-5 Use as: stand alone curriculum Prep Time: Minimal to moderate prep time before preschool class time. Homeschool Method: Traditional, Christian, Eclectic Price: $87.00 Purchase HERE. Rating: 5 out of 5 gold pencils I have used Christian Liberty Press in the past and loved it so I was excited to review the preschool curriculum. Yes, indulge me as I brag about this company once again. I love the quality and that it is uncompromisingly Christian. I am an eclectic homeschooler so you will find me one day with workbooks, … Continue reading →

Resources for Kids Who Want to Sell Their Art and Crafts

Is your homelearner in love with art? A craft wizard? If you have a child who just adores creating things, then he may eventually want to show or sell some of this art. Just as a working adult artist uses shows, web sites, and other media to show off his work, your homelearner may wish to do the same. Luckily, the internet has opened up venues for everyone to share what they can create and even offer it up for sale. Etsy is the well-loved pocketbook drainer of the internet. It’s a site for all things homemade, including crafts, visual … Continue reading →

Garlic Press Curriculum

You just have to love a publishing company that names itself “Garlic Press.” I was inclined to like this series of books for that alone. Then I opened the books, and liked them even better. Garlic Press publishes books that cover a huge range of topics. I was first introduced to their Straight Forward Math series. I appreciated how they covered each topic sufficiently without moving on too quickly, and without beating the horse to death. The lettering on the pages is nice and dark, so you can plainly see what you’re looking at, and the books are fully reproducible. … Continue reading →

Evan Moor: Daily Word Problems for 1 Graders

At a Glance: Product: Daily Word Problems Grade 1 Publisher: Evan Moor Grade Level: 1 Teacher Prep: Minimal Uses: Math Supplement Rating: 4 out of 4 golden pencils My shelves are filled with Evan Moor workbooks. I feel Evan Moor offers high quality educational materials which reach a vast range of learning and education styles. I have used Evan Moor products to enhance many subjects from science to math to history. As with my previous review on Daily Word Problems for Grade 5, I also had the opportunity to review Daily Word Problems for Grade 1. My first grader is … Continue reading →

Evan Moor: Daily Word Problems for 5 Graders

At a Glance: Product: Daily Word Problems Grade 5 Publisher: Evan Moor Grade Level: 5 Teacher Prep: Minimal Uses: Math Supplement Rating: 4 out of 4 golden pencils Workbooks are something I never have a shortage of in my home. However, I do not use them nearly as much as the space on my bookshelf warrants. However, one company always comes to mind when I think of the workbooks which get time in little hands and that company is Evan Moor. I am never disappointed when I purchase an Evan Moor product. So when given the opportunity to review Evan … Continue reading →

The Puzzle Pod: A Review

The Puzzle Pod is a fantastic idea created by a mom of two preschoolers. Have you heard of it? I had the opportunity to review this product and let me tell you I have become a customer. Basically, this is a clear vinyl pouch with a sticky back to adhere to puzzle boxes, binders, coloring books, books and so much more! The Puzzle Pod is affordable at a pack of 4 for $14.95. It is durable so it will outlast plastic bags which tear and come open easily. It also has pleated corners so it can store bulky items like … Continue reading →

Home School Blogger Spotlight: The Amazing Mess

The words “amazing mess” were first coined by this blogger’s daughter. The author of The Amazing Mess, Stacie, decided this would be a fitting name for her blog since children are both amazing and messy. I am sure anyone with small children will agree. The blog itself is anything but a mess. Beautifully designed and organized you will find many wonderful ideas and crafts for you to use with your children. Born from the frustration of not finding crafts on the internet to use which showed pictures or completed crafts, you will find step by step instructions and pictures from … Continue reading →

Home School Blogger Spotlight: Kindergarten Works

Kindergarten Works is a blog written by a real live Kindergarten teacher. Leslie makes the sacrifice of time to show us how a traditional Kindergarten classroom works. Now, I used the term “traditional” loosely. Traditional from the standpoint that her classroom is in a school building and not a dining room like many homeschooling Kindergarten moms, however, if images of students seated at desks with their little hands folded in front of them quietly listening to the teacher enter your mind quickly dismiss them. Leslie brings lessons to life. This teacher is the one. The one you want for your … Continue reading →

Doodle on a Roll

I have a daughter who spends her free time doodling. She has single handedly been responsible for the destruction of many forests throughout this great land. Don’t worry, we actually recycle. My daughter thinks paper is the best gift one can give or get. She will be thrilled when her __ anniversary comes along in the future. I’m sure her husband will supply her with many reams of paper. While I love her creative ability and interest, I do not love the paper all over the floor, the dining room table, the desk, the coffee table and her room. I … Continue reading →