Forbrain Review – How We Teach a Foreign Language with a Twist
| | |

Forbrain Review – How We Teach a Foreign Language with a Twist

Our personal journey with Forbrain reveals significant improvements in language acquisition, especially in teaching a foreign language at home. This review delves into how Forbrain enhances speech, attention, memory, and boosts confidence in language learning, alongside tips and insights for homeschooling families. Find out how Forbrain, combined with tools like Rosetta Stone, can revolutionize your approach to homeschool language education.

Discovering Life’s Story Review (Vol. 1) | The History of Science
|

Discovering Life’s Story Review (Vol. 1) | The History of Science

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 a true gem that not…

Homeschool Art Classes for Kids- Connecting Through Art | Sparketh Review
| | | | | | | |

Homeschool Art Classes for Kids- Connecting Through Art | Sparketh Review

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 to connect with kids through…

Raise Creators, not Consumers of Tech | Teach Computer Skills for Kids
| | | | | | | | |

Raise Creators, not Consumers of Tech | Teach Computer Skills for Kids

“There’s a common misconception that kids can pick up all computer skills 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 about it: being consumers of technology is not the same as being creators of technology.

In today’s article, let’s dive into what it really means for kids to be creators of (and with) technology. We’ll chat about teaching them basic computer skills and I share some ideas to help you get started, including a freebie you don’t want to miss.

Plus, I’ll circle back to my old favorite, MYTEK LAB, for raising tech-confident creators who are ready for anything.”

iugo.world Review | The Best Homeschool Community Hub
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

iugo.world Review | The Best Homeschool Community Hub

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 – homeschool loneliness. It’s that…

Self directed learning with Elephango | Review
| | | | | |

Self directed learning with Elephango | Review

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 Marc has outgrown them and…

Harry Potter Unit Study: Waldock’s Wizards and Wands Review
| | | |

Harry Potter Unit Study: Waldock’s Wizards and Wands Review

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 is a magical curriculum that…

10 Tips for Teaching Multiplication to Struggling Students
| | | | |

10 Tips for Teaching Multiplication to Struggling Students

After going through Algebra 1 and elementary math in our homeschool, I can say with certainty that teaching basic math is sometimes more difficult than Algebra 1. We had our fair share of hurdles in math, despite my rising 7th grader getting ready for high school Geometry for the upcoming school year, and one of…

Unlocking the Secrets of Singapore Math: Beyond Rote Memorization (Singapore Math Dimensions)
| | | | | |

Unlocking the Secrets of Singapore Math: Beyond Rote Memorization (Singapore Math Dimensions)

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 credit Marc’s success in math…

From Novice to Word Wizard! Wordela Homeschool Online Vocabulary App | Review
| | | | | |

From Novice to Word Wizard! Wordela Homeschool Online Vocabulary App | Review

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 there, and we might go…

Too Repetitive??? Discover IEW SSS Level A: 1A vs. 2A (V)
| | | | |

Too Repetitive??? Discover IEW SSS Level A: 1A vs. 2A (V)

Get ready for another exciting chapter in my IEW review journey! Today, we’re diving deep into a thorough comparison of IEW SSS Level A Year 1 and Year 2. Wit this, I want to address a common fear of parents when talking about Structure and Style curriculum. Is it too repetitive? Since we’ve completed both…

An IEW Structure and Style for Students Review – From Doubt to Confidence (VI)
| | | | | | | |

An IEW Structure and Style for Students Review – From Doubt to Confidence (VI)

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 end of this Structure and…

Boost Your Learning with the Online Unit Studies from Techie Homeschool Mom
| |

Boost Your Learning with the Online Unit Studies from Techie Homeschool Mom

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 usually skipping from one topic…

What’s Inside IEW’s Structure and Style for Students? | Key Components (III)
| | | | | |

What’s Inside IEW’s Structure and Style for Students? | Key Components (III)

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. But wait, there’s more! In…

The Truth About IEW Writing Programs : SSS, TWSS, TBW (II)
| | | | | | |

The Truth About IEW Writing Programs : SSS, TWSS, TBW (II)

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 that you have with IEW…

Laugh and Learn with WordUp! The Vocab Show| Review | The Ultimate Vocabulary Booster
| | | | | |

Laugh and Learn with WordUp! The Vocab Show| Review | The Ultimate Vocabulary Booster

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 about WordUp! The Vocab Show…

Our Planning Secrets | Homeschool Student Planner & How We Plan Our Homeschool Year  (part 2)
| | | | |

Our Planning Secrets | Homeschool Student Planner & How We Plan Our Homeschool Year (part 2)

Homeschool planning doesn’t have to be complicated or take a lot of time and I’ve discovered that including kids in the planning process will make them more involved in their learning, giving them the opportunity to take learning into their own hands. My ultimate homeschooling goal is to get my son to be an independent…

Homeschool Science Curriculum – EdisonLearnNow Review
| | | | | | | | | |

Homeschool Science Curriculum – EdisonLearnNow Review

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 him engaged and going forward….

The Best Homeschool History Curriculum | BookShark Level F –  Full Review (We ❤️ it!)
| | | | | | | |

The Best Homeschool History Curriculum | BookShark Level F – Full Review (We ❤️ it!)

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. (Keep an eye out for the full reveal of our other 6th-grade choices, soon). Ok, this is the LONGEST article I’ve written to date…

Finding and Filling Learning Gaps- Education Perfect Review
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Finding and Filling Learning Gaps- Education Perfect Review

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. Learning Gaps Before we…

Our favorite educational platform – BrainPOP Homeschool Review
| | | | | | | | | | | |

Our favorite educational platform – BrainPOP Homeschool Review

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 we love and use but…

10 Summer Ideas for Homeschooling Fun & Exploration – part 2
| | | | | | | | | |

10 Summer Ideas for Homeschooling Fun & Exploration – part 2

Because I promised we don’t only do academic stuff during the summer, here’s part two of our plans for the next couple of months. I condensed them into 10 summer ideas for homeschooling fun and exploration. You can read about our planner, summer learning, activities, and why we chose to keep a schedule during the…

Independent Science Curriculum – Heron Books- Circulation of the Blood Review
| | | | |

Independent Science Curriculum – Heron Books- Circulation of the Blood Review

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 learn on their own, at…

Summer Homeschooling- Academic Learning & Planning -part 1
| | | | | | | | |

Summer Homeschooling- Academic Learning & Planning -part 1

This will be the first summer since we started homeschooling that we will take a break from our regular schedule. It feels odd, but we will still be doing summer homeschooling in a different, more relaxed way. I felt that the passage from elementary to middle school is worthy of a longer break and I…

Easy-to-use Writing Curriculum by Common Sense Press- Wordsmith Apprentice Review
| | | | | |

Easy-to-use Writing Curriculum by Common Sense Press- Wordsmith Apprentice Review

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 any tears of frustration. Writing…

Timeline Figures and how to use them – Home School in the Woods review
| | | | | |

Timeline Figures and how to use them – Home School in the Woods review

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, got me so giddy with…

Literature-Based History Curriculum – Level D Intro to American History from Sonlight
| | | | | | | |

Literature-Based History Curriculum – Level D Intro to American History from Sonlight

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 history curriculum. Reading different accounts of an event would create a broader picture of what actually happened and provide us with the chance to talk about it openly. Add…

Why Cursive Handwriting Is Important – And You Can Teach It
| | | | | |

Why Cursive Handwriting Is Important – And You Can Teach It

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 at home; from fine motor…

How about summer camps? – IObotics Unplugged Computer Science in Bucharest
| | | |

How about summer camps? – IObotics Unplugged Computer Science in Bucharest

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 rates among kids, to begin…

Online, Live Classes for Homeschoolers with Allschool
| | | | | |

Online, Live Classes for Homeschoolers with Allschool

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 inside a volcano. Sure, pulling…

Interactive History Lessons with History Pockets from Evan Moor
| | | | |

Interactive History Lessons with History Pockets from Evan Moor

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 so many channels to attract…

Project-Based Science Curriculum – Science Lessons & Investigations
| | | |

Project-Based Science Curriculum – Science Lessons & Investigations

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. I never had much patience…

Online Dance Classes with YouDance – PE at home
| | | | | | | |

Online Dance Classes with YouDance – PE at home

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 know it requires a lot…

Easy Grammar Learning | Fix it Grammar Review  {4th edition}
| | | | | |

Easy Grammar Learning | Fix it Grammar Review {4th edition}

I find writing about language arts hard because language arts has so many parts to it. Grammar learning, vocabulary, literature, spelling, and composition all sound like learning different subjects. And in a sense, it is. I’ve noticed early on, that LA was made up of sub-subjects and we had to take them apart in order…

Programming Skills with MYTEK LAB Online Classes
| | | | |

Programming Skills with MYTEK LAB Online Classes

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 demand in 10 years and…

Online Music Classes with Great Bend Center for Music HighKey Kids™
| | | | | |

Online Music Classes with Great Bend Center for Music HighKey Kids™

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 think I’ve made a mistake…

Homeschool Music Learning  with My Rock Online – Guitar Lessons
| | | | |

Homeschool Music Learning with My Rock Online – Guitar Lessons

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 and money: from apps to…

Social Emotional Learning at Home with Hey Kiddo – Huddle
| | | |

Social Emotional Learning at Home with Hey Kiddo – Huddle

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 sometimes be so difficult to…

Academic Vocabulary-Take Your Homeschool Vocabulary Further with Evan Moor
| | | | |

Academic Vocabulary-Take Your Homeschool Vocabulary Further with Evan Moor

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 avoiding vocabulary curricula that have…

STEM at Home with STEMWerkz App
| | | | | | |

STEM at Home with STEMWerkz App

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 STEM at home. I’m happy…

Homeschool Geography with Daily Geography Practice 6 from Evan Moor
| | | | |

Homeschool Geography with Daily Geography Practice 6 from Evan Moor

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 the series The Dailies from…

Homeschool Anatomy Curriculum- Dr Robin’s School Review
| | | | |

Homeschool Anatomy Curriculum- Dr Robin’s School Review

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 traditional school, homeschooled children can…

Homeschool Science Supplement- Daily Science 6 Review
| | | |

Homeschool Science Supplement- Daily Science 6 Review

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. Our priorities always seem to…

Career Path Exploration and Motivation for Teens -TruSpark
| |

Career Path Exploration and Motivation for Teens -TruSpark

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 of us, homeschooling parents, know…

CTC Math: The Best Comprehensive Guide | Is this math curriculum right for you?
| | | | |

CTC Math: The Best Comprehensive Guide | Is this math curriculum right for you?

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.

Schoolwork refusal and how to motivate kids
| | | |

Schoolwork refusal and how to motivate kids

This is something we’ve all gone through. There are good days, but a lot of them seem dreadful, dragging on forever. You spent a lot of time planning and choosing the best materials, things seem to go well for a while and then you’re met with a schoolwork refusal. Here are some possible reasons for…

Writing- oh, the horror! Reluctant writers tips
| | | | | |

Writing- oh, the horror! Reluctant writers tips

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” but at the very bottom,…

Mentor Junior review- a great option for finding mentors for free
| |

Mentor Junior review- a great option for finding mentors for free

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 Jr.) is a FREE tutoring…

MEL Chemistry- subscription review
| | | | | |

MEL Chemistry- subscription review

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 soooo excited when he received…

History Quest – a secular  history curriculum review
| | | | |

History Quest – a secular history curriculum review

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 also comes with a Study…

Homeschooling in Europe – picking an accredited or an umbrella school
| | | |

Homeschooling in Europe – picking an accredited or an umbrella school

Homeschooling in Europe and particularly in Romania – picking an accredited school or going the umbrella school way? I will tell you about our choices and my research in the matter. If you are a complete beginner and unsure of the steps to homeschool. check my article on Homeschooling 101 for helpful tips. There are…

Homeschooling with Bridgeway Academy Review- The Most Flexible School
| | | | | | | | | | | |

Homeschooling with Bridgeway Academy Review- The Most Flexible School

We’ve been homeschooling with Bridgeway Academy for almost 2 years now and we couldn’t be happier. Here’s our review and experience with them. UPDATE 2022: Since this post has been useful to so many parents, here are some changes that Bridgeway Academy rolled in since I wrote this post: there are 3 required Scantron tests…

The 3 best tools for homeschooling – printer, binder, laminator
| | | | | | |

The 3 best tools for homeschooling – printer, binder, laminator

The printer, binder, and laminator are the best tools we use for our homeschooling. They help us stay organized and save time and money. 1. Printers First on the list are the printers. They are indispensable which makes them the one of best tools for your homeschooling needs. You will find yourself in the situation…

Picking the right microscope for your homeschooling
| | | | | | | | |

Picking the right microscope for your homeschooling

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.