middle school

Rainbow Unit Study- Comprehensive science unit studies for gifted and curious kids

The Ultimate Rainbow Unit Study for Gifted & Curious Kids (Grades 3โ€“12)

Most rainbow science units are either all fluff or far too technical. This one bridges the gap with hands-on rainbow experiments, real science, cultural stories, and student-led materials that explore the colors of the rainbow, the beam of light behind them, and the deeper โ€œwhyโ€ curious kids are always asking.

Recess.gg review online socializing platform for homeschoolers
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Recess.gg Review: A Digital Social Platform for Homeschoolers Who Crave Connection

Homeschooling? Recess.gg offers a low-pressure way to connect with peers, explore interests, and join guided enrichment sessions online. Here’s our honest review of how it works, what it costs, and whether it’s truly worth it.

online homeschool math curriculum for 6th grade mrs peters math review by monkeyandmom
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Online Homeschool Math Curriculum: Mrs. Peters’ Math Review | 6th Grade Math

Inside: If youโ€™re searching for an online homeschool math curriculum that combines real teaching, student support, and flexibility, Mrs. Peters’ Math is worth a look. We reviewed her 6th grade program (and more) and found a balanced, personal, and effective option for middle and high school homeschool students. Especially great…

self paced learning mr d math geometry
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Mr D Math Geometry Review | Empowering Independence and Confidence

First published: August 21,2023Updated: March 29, 2025 You know what terrifies me? High school math. ๐Ÿคฃ Yep, I’ve been there already, staring at those thick, intimidating textbooks, trying to remember what all those formulas even mean, and breaking a cold sweat. But then we stumbled upon something that saved my…

Ireland Unit Study by Monkeyandmom- high school geography

Teaching About Ireland? Donโ€™t Just Label Mapsโ€”This Unit Study Does It Right!

Inside: This Ireland Unit Study brings geography to life! Explore how Viking raids, the Gulf Stream, and glaciation shaped the Emerald Isle. With hands-on activities, engaging lessons, and real-world connections, this unit study makes Irelandโ€™s history, culture, and landscapes unforgettable! What if I told you that Ireland isnโ€™t just a…

homeschool geography polar regions unit study
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Exploring Biomes: The Polar Regions Unit Study for Kids

Teaching geography, especially topics like the polar regions, can be challenging. We want kids to go beyond just memorizing places and factsโ€”to understand, connect, and get curious. The Arctic and Antarctic regions arenโ€™t just faraway locations; theyโ€™re home to incredible landscapes, animals adapted to extreme conditions, and unique ecosystems. My…

6th grade writing prompts themed writing mysteries and clues
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6th Grade Writing Prompts and Themed Writing- Egypt Mysteries Printable

Getting 6th graders excited about writing can be challenging. Youโ€™ve probably experienced it firsthandโ€”the blank stares, the heavy sighs, and the constant โ€œI donโ€™t know what to write!โ€ At this stage, kids are asked to think more deeply and organize their thoughts in ways that feel more structured. And while…

my healthy plate worksheets and tips
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My Healthy Plate Worksheets | Nutrition Printables

When it comes to giving our kids the tools for lifelong health, nutrition is right at the top of the list. Helping kids understand how their bodies work, what fuels them, and how to make the best eating choices is so much more than just educationalโ€”it’s empowering. By teaching kids…

Discovering Life's Story Review - Living Books for High School Biology

Why Discovering Lifeโ€™s Story Is One Of The Perfect Living Books Series for High School Biology | Volume 2 Review

Inside: Joy Hakimโ€™s Discovering Lifeโ€™s Story series make amazing biology living books for high school students, blending science, history, and storytelling in a way that makes complex concepts engaging and accessible. This series turns biology into an inspiring, narrative-driven journey for students eager to explore deeper scientific learning. We naturally…

Percy Jackson Curriculum- The Greek Myths and Heroes Waldock Way- Review

Greek Mythology Unit Study- The Waldock Way Greek Heroes and Myths | Review

Inside: Get your kids excited about learning with The Waldock Way’s Greek Mythology Unit Study! This flexible, hands-on literature based unit study turns history and mythology into an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Imagine your kids getting just as excited about schoolwork as they are about their favorite Percy…

50 fun and affordable summer activities for teens

50 Fun Summer Activities for Teens | Summer Bucket List

Inside: Join me as we explore 50 creative and engaging summer activities for teens to reduce screen time and enhance their skills. From outdoor adventures to artistic projects, these ideas will keep your teen active and learning all summer. As a homeschooling mom of a 13-year-old, I understand the challenge…

How to teach kids about the water cycle diagram worksheets tips and printables

Teaching About the Water Cycle: A Free Water Cycle Diagram Worksheet

Teaching kids about the water cycle can be challenging due to its complex concepts and terminology. This guide provides strategies for explaining the water cycle to young learners, with visual aids, hands-on activities, and a free water cycle diagram worksheet to make learning engaging and effective. Suitable for 2nd to 8th graders, the Water Cycle Unit Study simplifies this essential science topic.

heritage humanities review - online classical literature for kids

Classical Literature in the Digital Age| Heritage Humanities for Homeschoolers

Inside: Heritage Humanities transforms the rich, complex world of classical literature into something accessible and engaging for todayโ€™s digital natives. Diving into classical texts of English literature can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially for young learners. Marc’s recent experience with the CLT8 exam highlighted a significant gap in…

The moon phases worksheet freebie and moon unit study printable

How to Teach Kids about the Moon Phases| Worksheets and Tips

Inside: Explore the Moon with your kids through fun, hands-on activities, ideas, apps, videos, and free Moon phases worksheets. It’s a perfect blend of learning and play! Ever felt a bit lost when your child throws a tricky question your way? You’re in good company if your kids’ latest questions…

Earth Day Reading Comprehension Worksheets

12 Earth Day Reading Comprehension Worksheets That Build Real-World Literacy (Free Sample!)

Looking to bring more environmental consciousness in your homeschool? Find practical tips on learning about Earth Day hands-on and interdisciplinary and lots of resources like the Earth Day Reading Comprehension Worksheets to enrich the experience. There are so many ways to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious citizens! Keep reading to find them all.

The ultimate guide to teen entrepreneurship- Teen's Guide to making and selling upcycled arts and crafts book review

Cultivating Entrepreneurship for Teens: A Guide to Upcycled Crafts Business Success

Inside: Teen’s Guide to Making and Selling Upcycled Arts and Crafts emerges as a must-read for fostering entrepreneurship for teens. It demystifies the journey of business by combining real-world wisdom with actionable steps. Perfect for any teen with a business dream, it lays down the groundwork for success in the…

Thematic learning- spring and valentine's day unit study and spring activity for kids
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20+ Delightful Spring Activities for Kids and Valentine’s Day Unit Study Ideasโค๏ธ | Thematic Learning

Inside: Looking for engaging Spring activities for kids and a Valentine’s Day Unit Study to sprinkle some fun and learning into your homeschool day? You’re in the right place. From engaging activity ideas to learning about myths and developing literacy and numeracy skills, this post has it all! Spring is…

Book reports templatr and master guide by monkeyandmom
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How to Excel at Junior High Book Reports: Free Book Report Template Inside!

Inside: Thinking of ditching book reports in junior high? Hold that thought! Book reports teach vital skills to teens. Learn how to quickly organize and effectively create comprehensive book reports by using my free book report template, a sample of my comprehensive The Ultimate Book Report Master Guide. In elementary…

Discovering Life's Story Review
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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…

BookShark curriculum review level G
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Why We Chose BookShark Curriculum Level G for 7th Grade History and Language Arts | Review

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…

Raise creators not consumers of tech- teach computer skills for kids monkeyandmom
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Raise Creators, not Consumers of Tech | Teach Computer Skills for Kids

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…

Mastering Math the Singapore Way - singapore math dimensions- learning
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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…

vocabulary app wordela homeshcool review- boost your vocabulary skills
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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…

greg landry homeschool science monkeyandmom
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Greg Landry Homeschool Science – Life Prep Physics | Review (โœž)

Finding the right science curriculum can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not well-versed in science yourself (๐Ÿ™‹๐Ÿปโ€โ™€๏ธ). 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….

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

Weโ€™ve officially wrapped up both Year 1 and Year 2 of IEWโ€™s SSS Level A, so itโ€™s time for a proper comparison. I know one of the biggest concerns parents have when looking at Structure and Style is the repetitionโ€”is it really necessary? Wonโ€™t kids get bored? Thatโ€™s exactly why…

IEW structure and style review - monkeyandmom
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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…

10 IEW tools you wished you knew about sooner- monkeyandmom
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10+ IEW Tools You Wish You Knew About| Enriching SSS (IV)

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…

IEW comprehensive writing curriculum
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The “Write” Way Forward: A Holistic Writing Curriculum | IEW (I)

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…

IEW Structure and style for students monkeyandmom
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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….

Laugh and Learn Vocabulary by Wordup! The Vocab Show- review by monkeyandmom
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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…

Learning Language Arts Through Literature The Tan Book Review- 6th grade homeschool curriculum- monkeyandmom
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The Tan Book Review | Learning Language Arts Through Literature {6th grade}

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…

choosing the best 6th grade homeschool curriculum

How to choose the best 6th grade homeschool curriculum | Eclectic curriculum

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…

EdisonLearnNow review homeschool science classes
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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…

Homeschool history curriculum choice for 6th grade- BooKshark History Level F Review
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The Best Homeschool History Curriculum | BookShark Level F – Full Review (We โค๏ธ 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. (Read more about our other 6th-grade curriculum choices). Ok, this is the LONGEST article I’ve written to date because…

Self paced,faith based classes for non science kids greg landry homeschool science membership review
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Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science Membership – Self-paced science โœž

Do your children take notes? Mine hates the idea. But I couldnโ€™t learn any other way. And I am so grateful I can access resources like Greg Landryโ€™s self-paced science that puts the accent on HOW to learn. Because once you know how to learn, you can learn anything! Greg…

education perfect review supplement your learning
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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 ๐Ÿ˜’) to testing….

BrainPOP Homeschool Review
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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…

10 Summer Ideas for Homeschooling Fun & Exploration Ideas

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…

independent hands-on science curriculum form heron books circulation of the blood review by monkeyandmom
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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…

The Best Grammar Curriculum for Homeschoolers | Fix it Grammar Review  {4th edition}
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The Best Grammar Curriculum for Homeschoolers | Fix it Grammar Review {4th edition}

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!…

Music classes online with Great Bend Monkeyandmom review
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Online Music Classes with Great Bend Center for Music HighKey Kidsโ„ข

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…

Homeschool Music Learning  with My Rock Online – Guitar Lessons
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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…

Social Emotional learning with hey Kiddo Huddle monkeyandmom
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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…

academic vocabulary evan moor review monkeyandmom
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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…

Daily Geography 6 review monkeyandmom homeschooling
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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…

daily science review middle school evan moor grade 6
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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….