After 9+ years of homeschooling my gifted, twice-exceptional child, I’ve tested more curriculum than I can count. Some looked great on paper and flopped in practice. Others quietly became staples in our routine.
That’s why my homeschool curriculum reviews are different.
I don’t just skim through teacher guides, I live with these programs day in and day out. I adapt them, tweak them, and watch how they actually work for a real teen with real challenges and gifts.
Here’s what you’ll find in every curriculum review I write:
If you’re short on time and just want to see the exact curriculum we used and loved—the ones that made it through the filter, the ones I’m grateful for and would recommend in a heartbeat—you’ll find them here:
These are the programs we kept coming back to—the ones that actually worked long-term and that I’d use again without hesitation.
IXL has a reputation, and not always a good one. Some homeschool parents swear by it. Others say it’s caused more tears than progress. After using it with my curious (and easily frustrated) son, I’ve seen both sides. This review walks you through exactly how IXL works in a homeschool setting, what it’s great at, where it stumbles, and how we’ve made it work without burnout.
![Inside: If you’re looking for a homeschool typing program that actually teaches proper technique for children of all ages, Typesy Homeschool is a solid win. It’s affordable, easy to use—for both homeschool moms and kids—and it goes way beyond typing. You get vocabulary, spelling, even coding, plus a clean dashboard that lets you assign and track everything. It works for little ones all the way through teens (and yes, adults too), and the one-time price covers five full years. Typing often gets overlooked. It’s not flashy like science experiments or as urgent as math. But somewhere between essays, emails, and all those digital tools our kids are expected to use, typing quietly becomes essential. And if you’re homeschooling, that responsibility falls on you, like everything else. I didn’t want Marc to pick up bad habits when it came to typing, but we kept postponing it. I also didn’t want to sit beside him correcting finger positions for months. I needed something that could actually teach him to type—properly—without me hovering the whole time. We’d had a few false starts over the years, but to be honest, I’m a terrible typer myself (yep... I said it). So even knowing where to begin felt like its own challenge. That’s how we ended up trying Typesy Homeschool, an online homeschool typing program that promises structure, independence, and just enough gamification to keep kids engaged. I was curious to see how it would hold up not just in theory, but in the day-to-day messiness of real homeschool life. And I have to admit… mom’s getting some typing practice of her own. Here’s how it went. Why Learning to Type Without Looking Matters You know I like research-backed claims on this blog, so I was curious to know what makes touch typing better besides just speed. And it turns out there’s a big difference between typing and typing well. And it mostly comes down to where your eyes are. When kids look down at the keyboard while typing (the classic “hunt and peck” style), they split their attention between two places: ➡ what they’re typing ➡ and where their fingers are. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but cognitively, it creates constant mental friction. One 2016 study found that touch typing helps free up cognitive resources, making it easier for students to organize their thoughts and write better, especially during timed tests. Source: Poole & Preciado, Computers & Education, 2016 In other words the brain can focus more on what you’re typing instead of how to type it. A 2019 study found that elementary students who took a structured touch-typing course not only became faster typists, they also spelled more accurately and wrote better, longer stories on the computer. Why? Because once typing becomes automatic, kids can focus on their thoughts instead of their fingers. Source: van Weerdenburg et al., Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 2019 There’s also this subtle boost in confidence that comes with fluency. Kids feel more competent when they don’t have to constantly correct typos or pause to find a key. For homeschoolers, that confidence spills over into writing assignments, online courses, and eventually even timed tests like the SAT. Touch typing builds what educators call “automaticity”, which are skills so practiced they become automatic. Just like fluent reading or multiplication facts, it frees up brain space for higher-level thinking. Looking down breaks that flow. Looking up—and trusting your fingers—builds it. That’s why finger positioning matters. That’s why repetition matters. Not for some arbitrary typing test, but because when typing becomes effortless, learning becomes easier. So, to recap, what does this actually mean for our kids? It means fewer mental interruptions while typing. They can stay focused on what they’re trying to say instead of how to get it out. Faster typing leads to faster thinking, and that kind of flow really matters, especially during longer assignments or online testing, where solid digital citizenship and keyboarding fluency are just assumed.. As those lower-level tasks like key-finding become automatic, spelling and writing structure tend to improve too. So how do we teach touch typing as homeschoolers? Who Is Typesy Homeschool? Typesy Homeschool is a complete online homeschool typing program created with home educators in mind. It’s the homeschool version of the well-known Typesy program, built by eReflect, a company with over a decade of experience in educational software. But here’s what matters to us as homeschoolers: it’s structured, visual, and student-led so you’re not stuck beside them reminding which finger goes where for 30 minutes straight. The program combines short video lessons, guided typing practice, and light gamification to keep kids progressing. Lessons are grouped into units, and each one gradually builds both accuracy and speed, while reinforcing posture and finger placement along the way. And yes, it includes a parent dashboard. You can create accounts for each child, track their progress in real time, assign specific lessons, and adjust settings like typing goals or difficulty levels. Whether you’re homeschooling one child or a few, Typesy Homeschool scales with your needs and doesn’t require you to be the typing expert. Typesy Homeschool works in your web browser or you can download it as an app. It's easy to carry it around and very versatile. A Look Inside: How Typesy Works for Homeschoolers When I first opened Typesy Homeschool, I wasn’t expecting this much content. I thought we’d get a basic typing track, maybe a few lessons and a dashboard. Instead, it was like opening a digital buffet of typing courses for every age and skill level. From adorable K–2 animations to serious, career-level practice and even SAT prep, it’s all there. Organized. Colorful. And honestly, surprisingly robust for what I thought to be a "typing program". Let me walk you through what’s actually included. But before having a look at all the courses, let's talk dashboards because I'm being honest here... if a homeschool program gives me a headache trying to manage it, I’m out. Thankfully, Typesy’s dashboard is genuinely easy to use, both for parents and kids. Each child gets their own account and you can assign custom typing lessons, vocabulary lists, and even track problem areas like accuracy or specific letter mastery. From the teacher account, you can set goals, pause lessons, or dive into individual student stats. Kids can either follow their assigned lessons or explore at their own pace, jumping into fun games or focused practice exercises on specific skills like the home row. The progress bars, stats, and colorful layout give them a sense of ownership over their student’s progress without constant reminders. Here’s how each one works and why it matters. Parent Dashboard When you log in as the parent or teacher (you’re both), you land in a space that actually makes you feel in control. You can manage up to four student accounts, each with their own login, progress tracking, curriculum paths, and assignments. And yes, you can fully pause access to the class with a click (which I definitely used one weekend when Marc “forgot” his chores but still had time to hatch virtual pets). Here’s what you can do from the parent dashboard: Monitor real progress. There’s a visual “Typing Mastery” chart that shows how your child is improving over time, not just in speed but in accuracy and keyboard knowledge too. See detailed reports. Accuracy, speed, left-hand vs. right-hand performance, adjusted speed, and mastery levels. You can view everything from individual student insights to full class averages if you’ve got multiple kids. Assign and grade activities. You can create and schedule spelling, vocabulary, and typing assignments and even check results per student (without printing a single thing). Customize word lists. Whether you want them to type SAT words, GRE lists, or your own custom set, you can assign it all and track usage. Curriculum control. You decide which lessons each child can access, so no skipping ahead or messing around in the wrong grade level. Honestly, I didn’t expect to love this part as much as I do. It’s very “set it and let it run,” but with just enough visibility to feel like you’re steering the ship. No more yelling across the room to ask, “How many lessons did you finish today?” because it’s all in your dashboard. Student Dashboard Now here’s where Typesy Homeschool really shines: the student side. It’s colorful, friendly, and honestly just really well designed. If your kid can navigate a YouTube playlist, they can absolutely handle this. The layout is simple: A sidebar menu gives access to Courses, Play, Words, Tasks, Fame, and their Profile The main screen is visually organized with bright, clickable course tiles. At the top, they’ll see: Continue learning with the lessons they’ve already started Assigned to [their name], which are the lessons you picked for them And categories like Learn the Keyboard, Common Core, Coding, and more When it’s time to break the routine, they can click Play to enter the game library divided by: Typing fun (think underwater worlds, mazes, jump games) Accuracy building Speed boosting Keyboard skill sharpening And if your kid has a competitive streak? The Hall of Fame is where the fun kicks in. They can track their score, see how they rank, and aim for the top either globally or just between you two. (Yes, Marc’s on a mission to beat me. Again.) Inside their Profile, students get real stats: Typing mastery level (from Novice to Elite) Current typing speed and accuracy (tracked over time) A colorful keyboard heat map showing which keys they’ve mastered Their progress graph and badge level It’s motivating without being over-the-top, and everything about it encourages consistency and ownership. Typing: What’s Actually Inside the Program One of the things I genuinely appreciate about Typesy Homeschool is how well it’s layered. You’re not getting one generic typing course thrown for all age groups. Instead, the content is organized into age-appropriate tracks—so your 7-year-old and your high schooler aren’t stuck doing the same awkward drills. Here’s how it’s laid out: 1. Typesy Little Ones (K–2) Designed specifically for the youngest learners, this one is short, simple, and super visual. The story-based format is adorable. Kids are helping save words from “The Word Blur” by learning to type properly. There’s a cute animated green alien character guide, short lessons, and lots of gentle reminders on finger placement, posture, and taking breaks. 2. Typesy Kids (Elementary) This has the same format as Little Ones, same fun characters and storytelling vibe, but with more structured lessons and a bigger focus on accuracy. 3. Typesy Interactive (Middle/High School to Adult) This is where the tone shifts. It’s less playful, more direct. Instead of cartoons, you’ve got clean video lessons taught by real instructors. It’s still paced and visual, but more academic. Teens can start here without feeling like it’s “for little kids,” and honestly, so can parents. If you're trying to improve your typing too (ahem... I am), this is the one. You’ll also find modules for: Typing tests and custom assignments Business writing and formatting Typing for job readiness and resumes 4. Bonus for Grown-Ups: Professional and Adult Tracks Tucked under the "Learn the Keyboard" section, you’ll also find: Just the Basics for Adults – A refreshingly gentle re-introduction if you’re new to typing or haven’t practiced since high school. Typesy Professional – More career-focused lessons for workplace readiness, email formatting, and high-speed accuracy. Numeric Keypad – Yes, there’s even a module to master number pad typing if you or your teen are headed into data entry, accounting, or admin roles. Whether you’re reviewing typing lessons, prepping for standardized tests, or just sneaking in extra spelling with some fun games, the system is laid out in a really fun way that doesn’t feel like work. What Other Courses Are Available? And that’s not all! Typesy Homeschool might market itself as a homeschool typing program, but once you’re inside, you quickly realize it’s quietly becoming a full digital literacy platform. Besides the structured typing curriculum, there’s a whole lot more tucked under the hood and it’s all included in the same subscription. Here’s a peek at what else you’ll find: 1. Vocabulary & Spelling Perfect for spelling review, SAT prep, or just sneaking in some extra language work without a fight. There are different levels, and you can assign activities like: Vocabulary boosters Context-based learning (“Confidence in Context” is one of the modules) Sight words for K–2 (so it’s not just upper-level support) We’ve been using the SAT vocabulary track as spelling review. Marc plays a game and learns new words and how to spell them. 2. Coding Yes, full-on coding tracks are included... and not just a one-off “Intro to Code” module. You’ll find beginner-to-expert lessons in: Python Java JavaScript HTML & CSS Each of them includes hands-on, progressive lessons that build real fluency with the logic and syntax of programming. Marc has been exploring Python and HTML just for fun because it’s all there, one click away. These are great as enrichment, especially for middle schoolers or high schoolers exploring tech or STEM. Honestly, I was not expecting to find this in a typing program. 3. Career and Productivity Skills Older students (and parents) will find practical modules here that go beyond the keyboard: Typesy Teaches Productivity Career Success Skills Brain Training for Focus and Memory These are geared more toward life and soft skill development, but they’re bite-sized, applicable, and well-organized. If you have a teen prepping for internships or you’re just trying to get your own digital act together, it’s worth a look. 4. Digital Literacy & Office Tools There’s also training for: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Computer basics for younger learners (K–2) Internet safety and tech navigation skills Again, all this is part of the package, not extra upsells. You can even upload your own text passages so if you want your child to type excerpts from their literature or history curriculum, you can. There’s also a growing library of assignments preloaded into the admin interface, including classic speeches and essay prompts. I didn’t expect Marc to be interested in half of these, but here we are deep into a lesson on “Computational Thinking” and both of us trying to hatch more typing pets than the other. What the Lessons Are Like Each course includes multiple lesson types: 🎬 Videos – These autoplay (hallelujah) and teach concepts like posture, finger placement, or technique. ⌨️ Typing Practice – Classic drills, but layered with story prompts (for little kids), audio dictation, and custom typing tasks. 🎮 Games – These are embedded after practice for rewards (more points = pets = high motivation). There are also some games you can play that are standalone, and kids can find those easily in the sidebar. 🖨️ Printable Lesson Plans – With standards and pacing, so you can plan ahead if you’re that kind of homeschooler. Each key press can have sound feedback, and everything is gamified just enough to feel rewarding but not distracting. Marc loves the progress bar. Customizable Settings & Accessibility Typesy Homeschool lets you control a lot: Keyboard layout Sound effects (clicky keys are a hit here) Voice-over on/off Require internet connect or not Dark theme or light Visual keyboard themes Set speed/accuracy goals And it auto-pauses for inactivity if they walk off mid-lesson Tracking Progress You can track: Typing speed Accuracy Time spent Strengths and weaknesses Which keys they’re struggling with What Ages Is It Best For? Honestly? Ages 6 and up. Little ones can start with “Typesy Little Ones” around age 5 or 6, especially if they’re already reading, and there’s zero upper age limit. Even teens (and adults, let’s be honest) can improve their speed and fluency with the upper-tier tracks. If you want a specific typing speed for SAT or college, there’s room to grow into that here. Marc started a bit later than planned, and even though he’s older now, the program meets him at his age. He’s motivated by the scores, the pet system, and, well… beating me. Pricing That Makes Sense (Finally) We all know homeschool programs aren’t always kind to the wallet. But Typesy Homeschool is one of those rare platforms where the value genuinely lines up with the cost... and then some. You’re not paying monthly. You’re not renewing yearly. You get five full years of access, and the price covers the entire family. That alone puts it in a different league. Here’s what that looks like (prices for 2025): PlanParent AccountsStudent AccountsCostFamily24$67Big Family310$97Co-op1030$197 All plans include: ✔️ Full curriculum access (including Common Core, BEST, TEKS, and more) ✔️ Typesy Kids & Little Ones programs ✔️ Over 4,000 cross-curricular lessons ✔️ Vocabulary, spelling, and test prep tools ✔️ Typing games and performance tracking ✔️ 5 years of unlimited use Honestly, even if you only used it for a year or two, it’d still be worth it. But five years? That’s less than $14/year for the Family plan. The family subscription makes this a best choice kind of resource. There’s no free trial, and that might feel like a red flag if you're the cautious type. But instead of offering a week of limited access, Typesy goes all in with a 12-month guarantee. And not just any guarantee. If your kids don’t start typing faster with better accuracy after using Typesy, you’ll not only get a full refund, they’ll pay you $50. That’s how confident they are in the results. You’ve basically got nothing to lose… except the hunt-and-peck habit. How We’re Using Typesy Homeschool Typing has lived on my mental to-do list for years. It was one of those "we'll get to it" skills that just never felt urgent enough to stick. We dabbled in a few free tools over time—some too boring, others too chaotic—and honestly, none of them gave me confidence that Marc was learning to type well. I didn’t want him picking up sloppy habits, but I also didn’t want to sit next to him micromanaging every finger movement like some kind of typing drill sergeant. And in all honesty, I wouldn't have known what to do since I’m not exactly a model typist myself. 😅 That’s why we started using Typesy Homeschool and it’s been a surprisingly smooth fit. Right now, we’re using it as part of our weekend wind-down. It’s become a shared little ritual (where we both do our "lesson" in Typesy) and to my surprise, a competitive one too. Marc’s been trying to beat my speed scores (which I’m fiercely defending, thank you very much) and he proudly announces when he’s unlocked a new badge or hatched another pet. The gamification isn’t overwhelming but it's enough to keep him engaged. And because he’s not being graded or judged, he’s relaxed while still improving. But we’re not just using it for typing anymore. Marc recently started exploring the Typesy Teaches Coding section and it’s surprisingly robust. Each course is designed to move you from beginner to expert, with short, layered lessons that build on each other. It covers syntax, logic, developer tools, and real-world applications. And the full coding track runs about 63 hours total. That’s a serious foundation, especially for a program most families discover through typing. Marc started poking around the Python (he already knows and loves Python) and HTML modules on his own (I didn’t assign them), and now he’s experimenting with basic code in other languages just because he wants to. That’s a win in my book. Meanwhile, I’ve assigned him the SAT vocabulary module, and that’s become his spelling supplement. The games and repetition actually work. It’s flexible enough that I can add or remove modules anytime, so I’ve built out a custom mix that serves both our needs—typing, spelling, and even a little extra logic here and there. It doesn’t feel like school. But it is school. Just the kind that slips in quietly, does its job, and even makes room for a little fun. It's very similar in gamification with Mr. D Math, which we absolutely LOVE for math. What We Love About Typesy Homeschool (and a Few Things to Know) There’s a lot to love about Typesy Homeschool, especially if you're looking for something that's both structured and customizable. The program strikes a really good balance between gamified engagement and real-skill progression and that’s not easy to find. PROS Truly all-ages – From cute animated intro videos for K–2 to professional-level SAT, GRE, and coding support, it works for littles and older teens (and even us grown-ups). Video-based + print support – Each course comes with curriculum info, printable lesson plans, and alignment to standards if you need that structure. Lots of variety – Typing, games, spelling, vocabulary, coding, computer skills, career prep... it’s all in there. Gamified for motivation – Kids (and parents!) earn points, hatch pets, and track their rank. The Hall of Fame feature adds a bit of healthy competition. Solid reporting & tracking – You can view mastery, heat maps, test scores, and even hand-specific performance stats. Clean interface – Both the parent dashboard and student view are intuitive and easy to navigate. Literacy integration – It doesn’t just teach typing—it improves spelling and vocabulary through typing-based word lists, flashcards, and dictionary tools. One-time pricing – A one-time fee for 5 years of access. No subscriptions. No surprise charges. Just done. It’s fun – And that matters. My son wants to use it, and we both get a kick out of the weekend typing battles. CONS Can feel repetitive – Especially for older kids doing multiple lessons in a row. Some of the drills aren’t very varied. Progress isn’t always obvious – The pets and points help, but if your child is used to leveling systems or instant feedback, they might need reminders of how far they’ve come. Limited game variety – While the games are fun, some are clearly designed for younger users. Older students might outgrow them quickly. So, Who’s It For? Honestly? Typesy Homeschool is one of those rare tools that grows with your homeschool, not one you outgrow in a year. It’s perfect for: Homeschool families with multiple kids — You can add 4–30 student accounts depending on your plan, making it ideal for siblings, co-ops, or even just kids at different stages. Parents who want more than just typing — If you’re looking for keyboarding plus vocabulary, spelling, coding, and even college/career prep, this rolls it all into one. Visual and gamified learners — The interface is colorful, intuitive, and engaging without being overly childish. Kids who enjoy tech will naturally want to log in and explore. Gifted or advanced students — There’s enough depth here (especially in the vocab/literacy and career readiness tracks) to challenge older kids and teens. Busy parents who want accountability — The admin dashboard lets you assign lessons, track progress, view scores, and print reports without micro-managing. Families prepping for SAT or GRE — You’ll find dedicated typing + vocab assignments for standardized test prep—and you can assign your own word lists, too. Anyone who skipped proper typing — Yep, even adults. I may or may not be one of them. 🙃 But if your child already types fluently and doesn’t need extra literacy support, it might feel like overkill. The strength of Typesy is in its versatility—it’s a full typing + literacy curriculum, not just a speed test app. Final Thoughts Typing may not get the spotlight in your homeschool lineup, but once it clicks, it clears the path for so many other skills—writing, testing, even coding. Typesy Homeschool doesn’t just teach typing. It quietly builds fluency, independence, and confidence. It’s not flashy. It’s foundational. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.](https://i0.wp.com/monkeyandmom.com/wp-content/uploads/online-homeschool-typing-program-Typesy-review-by-monkeyandmom-.jpg?fit=1800%2C1000&ssl=1 "Online Homeschool Typing Program | Typesy Review 2")
Looking for a homeschool typing program that actually works? Typesy Homeschool goes beyond basic drills with structured typing lessons, fun games, and built-in spelling, vocabulary, and even coding practice. With a clean dashboard, custom assignments, and a one-time family subscription, it’s a flexible, all-in-one program that grows with your child. Great for kids learning at their own pace, and perfect for homeschool parents who want real results without hovering over every keystroke
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Reading is an important part of our homeschooling but it’s difficult to find those special, inspiring books that not only inform but also rouse curiosity. When it comes to STEM, my son’s passion knows no bounds (some of you know his interests). So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon…
From the very first moment I opened our BookShark curriculum box over a year ago, I had a strong feeling that this was a homeschooling gem we’d treasure for years to come. And I wasn’t wrong. Because, honestly, what’s not to love about it? If you love reading, you’ll love…
Do you do art in your homeschool? Are you looking for an art curriculum for homeschool? If you’re looking for online art classes for kids to incorporate into your homeschool, you’ll want to consider Sparketh. This unique art curriculum has something special to offer, especially if you want a way…
There’s a common misconception that kids can pick up all computer skills for kids on their own. We might assume that because our little ones are tech-savvy with iPads or our teens breeze through video games, they’re already tech experts and computer literate. But here’s a different way to think…
Homeschooling is a remarkable journey filled with opportunities, flexibility, and the ability to tailor learning to your children’s unique needs and interests. However, let’s be honest; it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling veteran or just starting out, there’s a common struggle that often goes unaddressed…
Homeschooling has introduced us to some unexpected yet delightful surprises, and one of the best revelations has been experiencing the power of self-directed learning firsthand. It’s truly inspiring to witness Marc delving into his own interests and taking his learning to new depths. We’ve been using BrainPop until recently, but…
Do you have Harry Potter fans? Do your kids wish for a Hogwarts homeschool? Then this post is for you. I’ve discovered an amazing Harry Potter unit study that has the potential to transform your muggle homeschool into a school of wizardry! Waldock’s Wizards and Wands from The Waldock Way…
UPDATED: May 21, 2025 High school history curriculum. Are you considering any? Skipping history altogether? While it may be tempting to focus on more practical subjects, teaching high school history offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond this particular subject. While I am guilty of shoving history to the bottom…
Multiplication doesn’t have to be a struggle. In this post, I’m sharing 10 things that actually helped us, plus a free printable to get you started.
Are you curious about finding a more effective way to teach math to your child? Are you on the lookout for a curriculum that goes beyond mere rote memorization and fosters a genuine understanding of mathematical concepts? Then keep reading. As I reflect on our homeschooling journey, I can confidently…
We all know vocabulary is an important tool in communication. But many times, in our homeschool, we tend to ignore teaching or implementing it. We assume children learn it from exposure, from great literature, and from all sorts of communication being carried around them. There are countless vocabulary curricula out…
Finding the right science curriculum can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not well-versed in science yourself (🙋🏻♀️). Add a high schooler that hates science to the mix, so what should you choose for them? Greg Landry Homeschool Science provides a Christian-focused high school science curriculum for non-STEM learners….
Let’s face it: college isn’t the only path to success. There are plenty of alternatives to college that can lead to successful and fulfilling careers. I know many of us understand this, but we also worry because we want the best opportunities for our kids. That’s where online vocational courses…
We’ve officially wrapped up both Year 1 and Year 2 of IEW’s SSS Level A, so it’s time for a proper comparison. I know one of the biggest concerns parents have when looking at Structure and Style is the repetition—is it really necessary? Won’t kids get bored? That’s exactly why…
Are you a homeschool mom struggling with reluctant or disorganized writers? For the past six blog posts, we’ve been looking at IEW Structure and Style for Students in a complete review of the homeschool writing curriculum that has the potential to revolutionize how we teach writing. We’re now at the…
Did you know that you can enrich your writing experience by using various IEW tools regardless of the writing program you’re using? We’ve been using the Institute for Excellence in Writing for two years and I’m continually discovering new gems on their website. They have so many valuable tools for…
You might have noticed I don’t talk much about interest-led studying or unit studies. That’s not because we aren’t doing interest-led, it’s because most of the time it goes unnoticed. I am not in the habit of spending hours to plan unit studies because Marc’s interests change quickly and he’s…
Do you remember the last time you read something that truly captured your attention and held it until the very end? Writing is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate our ideas and connect with others, yet this essential skill has seen a decline over the past years. As…
We’ve already talked about IEW’s holistic approach to writing and seen how IEW teaches writing through the three programs it offers. Now let’s dive in and explore the components of Structure and Style for Students, a video-based writing program that has been consistently ranked among the best in the industry….
Are you feeling confused or overwhelmed about all the options you have with IEW writing? Then you’re in the right place! We’ve talked about IEW’s holistic approach to writing and why that’s important when teaching writing, now let’s dive into the way IEW teaches writing, and the 3 different options…
I vividly remember Marc’s first steps into the world of learning- it wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t always know what I was doing along the way. Now, as a middle schooler, he’s tackling subjects and concepts that are far beyond his years with excitement and curiosity. But it all…
Never had I thought I would see my 6th grader excited to learn vocabulary! But this is what happened to us with WordUp! The Vocab Show, a gem of a vocabulary program that would spice up your cumbersome vocabulary lessons. In this review, I’ll share everything you need to know…
Inside: Steps to Powerful Studying is a full-semester study skills curriculum that teaches high schoolers how to manage time, take effective notes, prep for tests, and study independently, without adding to your plate as the parent. It’s engaging, practical, and built for real-world learning. We all want to set our…
A real struggle over the years for us has been to find an all-in-one language arts curriculum that fits all the checklists: concise, easy to implement, affordable, and based on classical books. While there is no such thing as a perfect curriculum, Learning Language Arts Through Literature from Common Sense…
Years seem to fly by so quickly! When we started homeschooling college was the last thought on my mind. College years seemed so far back then, but they are approaching fast now. There are so many variables to consider when thinking about colleges and so many options available that I…
When it comes to choosing a 6th grade homeschool curriculum, it’s important to find one that works well for both you and your child. Keep in mind that there is no perfect curriculum, but you can come pretty close to perfection by selecting a combination that makes sense for both…
Science has always been M’s strong subject. He is devouring our homeschool science curricula and accelerating faster than with any other subject. While that’s amazing for him, it’s a constant source of stress for me because I always need to be on the lookout for more science curricula to keep…
After 6 years of homeschooling, I can finally say I am head over heels in love with our curriculum choices, especially our homeschool history curriculum: Bookshark History Level F- Eastern Hemisphere. (Read more about our other 6th-grade curriculum choices). Ok, this is the LONGEST article I’ve written to date because…
Do your children take notes? Mine hates the idea. But I couldn’t learn any other way. And I am so grateful I can access resources like Greg Landry’s self-paced science that puts the accent on HOW to learn. Because once you know how to learn, you can learn anything! Greg…
Homeschooling, just like regular school, will inevitably leave some learning gaps. But how do we find these? And most importantly, how do we fill them? There are various ways to discover these gaps, from a casual conversation (where you discover your homeschooler doesn’t know what erosion is 😒) to testing….
One of the best homeschooling investments you could make is to get access to a good online educational platform. This would serve either as a launch pad for introducing new topics or starting new curiosities or as a supplemental resource hub when you get stuck. I’ve written about multiple platforms…
Science isn’t an easy subject to teach at home. Many times parents place it at the bottom of the list because there’s not enough time for it or they don’t know how to tackle it. The perfect solution to this dilemma is to get an independent science curriculum. Kids will…
Maybe I’m ahead of myself, but lately, I’ve started reading more and more about online high school credits, college credits, and AP courses in order to get a clearer picture of our path ahead. I know it all seems very complicated, but once you understand where you’re going things are…
Do your kids enjoy writing? I know a lot of homeschoolers are struggling with this subject, us included. That’s why I am constantly testing out programs and looking out for a writing curriculum that would encourage, hone, and teach proper writing skills to M. And hopefully not make him shed…
Over the years I’ve been hoarding a lot of materials to use for history. The problem I have now is tying them all up to paint a broader picture. This is where timelines and timeline figures come in. The latest addition to our collection, the timeline figures from Amy Pak,…
When it comes to history, I didn’t want to fall into the single-point-of-view trap. That’s why I decided to switch our whole approach to a literature-based homeschool history curriculum. Reading different accounts of an event would create a broader picture of what actually happened and provide us with the chance…
Many experts say it, and I agree: cursive handwriting is an important skill to have. I am saddened to see that more and more US schools have given up on cursive handwriting. I have already written about how to turn reluctant writers around and what I recommend for starting writing…
This post will be different because it’s location-specific, but the idea behind it is so cool that it could serve as an inspiration for people worldwide: Unplugged Computer Science. We all know the woe with computer classes. They add up to the screen time which is at higher and higher…
Whether you’re a homeschooler that prefers online learning or not, you’ll inevitably end up with a couple of online live classes as your children grow. We don’t always find the classes we’re looking for nearby and some children want to learn about weird stuff like the mantis shrimp or what’s…
One subject I cannot recall much about from school is history. Boring textbooks and dry teachers didn’t help me develop an interest in it and I wish they had the materials to present an interactive history to us back then. Thankfully, homeschoolers nowadays have so many options for history and…
A problem a lot of science programs have is that most lack critical thinking skills. This problem would be easily solved with a good project-based science curriculum, and that’s what we just found! Even if M is advanced in science, an aspect I felt lacking was the scientific method implementation….
One of the struggles I’ve had in the last years, while homeschooling, has been keeping up with P.E. because anything I picked was boring and repetitive. But enter online dance classes – they changed our weekly routine completely! I was a bit skeptical about learning to dance online since I…
The English communication skills curriculum I am writing about today is aimed at high schoolers and it’s not our regular choice. I know we only just completed our 5th grade and started planning for middle school, but I am always on the lookout for new curriculum, so I was curious…
Updated: March 26, 2024 Inside: Fix It! Grammar is a one-of-a-kind grammar curriculum for homeschoolers because it transforms traditional grammar lessons into engaging, story-based adventures. Kids learn grammar and editing skills in context without even realizing they are actually learning the complexities of language. This is why the Fix It!…
We all know that in today’s world, programming skills are an important asset, no matter the field you choose to work in. I know I am not the only one stressing out about my son’s readiness for the world. I’m trying hard to predict what skills will be in high…
Do your kids dance when they hear it’s time for math? Since we discovered the best math curriculum, Marc is dancing every time I hit play on a math video. But it hasn’t always been so easy. Until stumbling over this perfect math solution, I had a situation with math….
Music is uplifting and a necessary outlet for emotions at every age. But many communities don’t have access to quality music lessons. That’s where online music classes might be a good option for families worldwide. I’ve already written about why I introduced music into our regular curriculum, and why I…
I recently realized that I’ve made a mistake by mostly ignoring homeschool music learning. Since M didn’t show any special interest in music, I just let it slide. Thankfully, it’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument and there are so many options today, saving you time…
We all know how important social-emotional learning is for our children. But even when we notice they need help, it might be hard for us to find ways to get through to them. What questions do we ask? Where do we even start? It’s hard to believe that communication can…
While we can learn new vocabulary by reading, and M is a voracious reader, I still feel that we need to work on it diligently, year after year. But an aspect that I feel isn’t covered enough by just reading literary works is academic vocabulary. If you’re like me, you’re…
We’ve all heard about STEM/ STEAM/ STEMM, since these terms are being circulated quite a bit. It’s another matter when it comes to implementing them. That’s why I am excited to show you a new app great for kids as young as 5, which offers parents the opportunity to implement…
I have to admit that our homeschool geography is mostly done on the fly. It’s not a perfect setting, but I didn’t feel the need for more so far. Read about how we did geography in 4th grade to see what materials we pieced together. This is a post in…
Are you on the lookout for a new, comprehensive homeschool anatomy curriculum? Then this post is for you! Oh, you will love this find! What I love about homeschooling is that there is no limit to what you can learn! No age limit, no curriculum limit, no time limit. Unlike…
Science isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But as many homeschool parents realize, it’s an important part of homeschooling. We might wing it during elementary, but what about those homeschool science labs for middle and high school? Fear not, for there are several solutions to these labs, including making your own…
Staying consistent with science can be a struggle, that’s where a homeschool science supplement comes in handy. Some days you just can’t stick to your plan no matter how much you try. Life happens, there are appointments, sick days, unplanned activities, or you just do not feel up for school….
Ah, the windy, mysterious career path(s)! Grown-ups ask children all the time “what do you want to be when you grow up?” but how many of us actually help them find out what’s the career path that suits them or what educational path will help them shine? And how many…
Spelling skills are an important part of our homeschool. We’ve tried numerous programs over the years and all had good and bad parts. Despite the fact that Marc is a great speller, we will continue with spelling instruction because I feel he would still benefit from it. Of course, we…
Have you ever wondered if you could delegate math? What math curriculum is perfect for busy parents and large families on a budget? CTC Math might be the one for you. Read my full overview to find out if it’s the right fit for your family.
I know some kids love writing… I know some are great story-tellers. This post is not for them. <3 This post is for the struggling parents and kids. You know who you are. You pull out a worksheet for your 7,8,9,10 year old. It has a lot of “multiple choice”…
Mentor Junior came to our life when M. started delving deeper and deeper into chemistry. I knew I was out of my league and I asked for help in my homeschooling group. They all helped me brainstorm and someone stumbled upon this lovely website. About Mentor Junior Mentor Junior (Mentor…
What do you do for literature? Do you do book reports for 4th grade? This year, after discussing with our teacher, we decided to take a different approach to the traditional comprehension questions by focusing on book reports instead. Marc doesn’t like writing, and writing composition is difficult for him….
When M started getting more and more interested in chemistry I knew the time had come to look into MEL Science’s Chemistry kits. I was watching them for a while and I was fascinated by the idea! So for Christmas last year, M got a MEL Chemistry subscription! He was…
Since Pandia Press just pre-released their second volume of History Quest, I decided to write about their history curriculum. I like it a lot and M is waiting eagerly for me to print the second volume and start reading. So far, there is only one complete volume (Early Times) which…
One of the best math investments for us were the Cuisenaire Rods. You simply can’t fail with them.We’ve been using them successfully for most of our elementary years and you can even go beyond that if your kids still need them to illustrate more complex concepts. What are Cuisenaire Rods?…
These are our 4th grade curriculum picks for 2020. Getting ready for a new homeschooling year is work in progress all year round. I am always on the lookout for new curricula, better programs and offers but the real prep work starts at least 2 months before we start our…
Picking the right microscope for your homeschooling depends on what you need. Here’s how we picked ours and what to look for when picking your own microscope.
UPDATED: May 29, 2025 Inside: Need a 4th grade language arts curriculum that’s secular, flexible, and actually works for homeschoolers? I’ll walk you through the exact mix-and-match curriculum we used—and how we made it all fit together. Includes book recs, grammar picks, cursive resources, and writing help for reluctant kids….
Inside: An engaging curriculum for 4th grade geography is a combination of books and hands-on resources. Read on to find out more details about each of them and get more ideas you can incorporate in your geography study for 4th grade. Welcome to our journey through 4th grade geography! As…