For years we did not use a handwriting program. Miss 18 learned cursive from Richard Scarry’s big picture books and the handwritten examples I made up for her in a little scribbler. She was enthusiastic and learned quickly. My son, on the other hand, was not enthusiastic. He even had trouble printing. When I tried to teach him cursive using my…
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Lollipop Logic
Many of you know that I’m a huge fan of teaching logic in the homeschool. For most people, the word ‘logic’ brings to mind older children in middle school and beyond. Believe it or not, I’ve successfully used logic materials with my children as early as the preschool years! Today I’d like to introduce you to one set of fantastic…
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The Curiosity Files: Zombie Fire Ants
At a Glance: Product: The Curiosity Files Unit Study: Zombie Fire Ants Age level: 8-13 Use as: unit study Instruction time: Fun filled and moderate to high as it is a hands on unit study. Prep time: Low since it includes everything you need for a fun study. Cost: $19.90 for a bundle that includes the The Secondary Schoolhouse Planner…
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Arithmetic Village Review and Giveaway
I am always on the lookout for living math books, and when I stumbled upon Arithmetic Village, I knew I had to read this new series of books with my children. The five books arrived, and after one reading we were hooked. Ever since then my children, ages 5, 7, and 9, have chosen to read these delightful stories again…
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Who in the World? Biographies
Our journey through time with Susan Wise Bauer’s children’s history texts, The Story of the World, brought us to the Middle Ages this year. It was quite the exciting romp: We watched as Rome fell, sat entranced as the barbarians invaded, learned about the rise of Islam, discovered exciting events happening in China, Japan, and Australia, sailed the seas with…
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Would YOU Like To Write Curriculum Reviews?
The Curriculum Choice is looking for a few new writers to add to the team! What’s required? You must be able to write well. (We will need to see a sample review or visit your blog.) You will need to be able to commit to one review per month and meet the due date. You should have several curricula in…
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Art Murals for Kids
Last February my family spent several days creating murals to hang in their bedrooms. Coordinating several children to produce something beautiful to hang on the wall can be challenging. We used inexpensive downloads from Art Murals for Kids as our guide for several reasons: They’re easy – even my 2 year old can color. They’re printable – which meant if a piece…
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Daily Word Problems by Evan Moor
At a Glance: Product: Daily Word Problems Grade 1 and Daily Word Problems Grade 5 Publisher: Evan Moor Grade Level: 1 and 5 Teacher Prep: Minimal Uses: Math Supplement Rating: 4 out of 4 golden apples Workbooks are something I never have a shortage of in my home. However, I do not use them nearly as much as the space…
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The Factor Tree
Here is a great new addition to homeschooling or struggling students! It’s called The Factor Tree and it’s basic premise is to offer additional support and practice to elementary school kids from grade K-6 in basic math. The Factor Tree allows for parent and child log-ins so you can setup worksheets, review their progress and target their weak spots; they…
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Rod and Staff English
I was reminded again why we’ll be heading into our sixth year enjoying Rod and Staff English. Yesterday, third grader and I read… How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 The assignment to emphasize that when we read God’s word we “should be careful to get all the good sweetness…
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