Author: Little Learner and Mom

De-Shaun Jordan is the founder of Little Learners Mom Consulting and Little Learner and Mom Homeschool Blog. For the last 8 years, she has exclusively homeschooled her son. DeShaun holds a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management and is Montessori Certified. She is married to her high school sweetheart and mother to their 10-year-old son. DeShaun enjoys being a mom, cooking, organizing, and helping others looking to homeschool or in need of guidance with education intervention.
6th Grade, 7th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Family, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Middle School Math

Nurturing Independent Thinkers: Oak Meadow 7th Grade Curriculum Review!

Little Learner and Mom

As a homeschooling parent navigating the educational landscape, finding a curriculum that fosters both academic growth and independent thinking is paramount. Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum has been a cornerstone in our homeschooling journey, providing a holistic and engaging approach to education for our child. If some of you may remember we used Oak Meadow’s 5th and 6th grade last year. We did a hybrid homeschool year and we are doing the same thing this year. The bulk of his spine is Oak Meadow’s 7th grade and he is wrapping up the last of the Oak Meadow’s 6th grade math and will move into the 7th grade math book in March. With that little disclaimer lets jump into Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum wonderfulness.

Overview

Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum encompasses a diverse range of subjects, from core academics to creative arts. This holistic approach aligns seamlessly with the developmental needs of a 7th-grade student, offering a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional textbooks. One of the standout strengths of Oak Meadow is its emphasis on fostering independent thinking and a love for learning. The curriculum encourages students to explore topics independently, promoting critical thinking and a sense of curiosity. The integration of hands-on activities and projects not only reinforces academic concepts but also makes learning enjoyable.

Navigating through the curriculum is straightforward, thanks to Oak Meadow’s clear and well-organized structure. The weekly lesson plans, detailed guides, and the flexibility to adapt the pace to our child’s learning style have made it easy to seamlessly integrate lessons into our homeschooling routine. This adaptability has been a boon for tailoring the curriculum to our child’s unique needs.

Real World Connections

Oak Meadow excels in connecting academic content to real-world scenarios. The curriculum often integrates practical applications, allowing our child to see the relevance of what they are learning. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also cultivates a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Homeschooling parents will appreciate the robust teacher support provided by Oak Meadow. The curriculum includes comprehensive teacher manuals, answer keys, and additional resources that simplify the planning process. This support has been invaluable, especially for parents who may not have a background in education.

Oak Meadow’s approach to student engagement goes beyond traditional methods. The inclusion of interactive projects, outdoor activities, and a variety of learning resources keeps our child excited about learning. The curriculum promotes a love for exploration and creativity, making each lesson an enriching experience.

Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum has proven to be a valuable asset in our homeschooling journey. Its focus on independent thinking, clear structure, real-world connections, and ample teacher support make it a well-rounded choice for parents seeking a holistic and engaging education for their 7th-grade students. Oak Meadow has not only facilitated academic growth but has also nurtured a love for learning that extends beyond the homeschooling environment.

While Oak Meadow has been a positive experience overall, it’s important to note that the level of parental involvement may vary depending on the child’s learning style. Some children may require more guidance, especially with the independent nature of certain assignments.

In conclusion, we love Oak Meadow as a company and as our homeschool curriculum. We are here for the long haul and my son couldn’t be happier he looks forward to that brown box every year. 

Until The Next,

Mom and J

Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Education, Flex-paced, Homeschool, Math, Middle School Math, Reviews, self-paced

A Game-Changer for Algebra: Hands-On Equations Review!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Hands-On Equations for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

I am always on the lookout for educational tools that make complex subjects more accessible and engaging for my child. Hands-On Equations has been a game-changer in our homeschooling journey, especially when it comes to introducing algebraic concepts. We we have been working Pre-Algebra concepts for awhile now and he for the most part he has a strong understanding of the concepts. Now that we are moving into more complex algebraic concepts I wanted to have something in my arsenal just in case we ran into any issues.

My son has always been a tactile and visual learner, the hands-on and interactive nature of this program immediately caught my attention. The use of game pieces and physical manipulative’s transformed abstract algebra into a tangible, visual experience for my child. Watching him move pawns and cubes around to represent variables and constants brought a new level of understanding to equations. The program is recommended for grades 3 and up and you receive every thing you need for instruction.

One of the standout features for us is the program’s ability to foster independent learning. The materials provided are well-organized, and the instructions are clear, allowing my child to work through the lessons on his own. This independence has not only boosted his confidence but also made my role as a facilitator more manageable.

The conceptual understanding that Hands-On Equations promotes is impressive. It goes beyond memorization of formulas, focusing on the underlying principles of algebra. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my child’s ability to solve equations and grasp fundamental algebraic concepts, setting a solid foundation for future learning.

The instructional materials accompanying the program are comprehensive and user-friendly. The lesson plans are easy to follow, and the worksheets provide ample practice. I appreciate the flexibility of the program, allowing me to adapt it to my child’s pace and learning style.

As a homeschooling parent, adaptability is crucial, and Hands-On Equations delivers in this aspect. It caters to different learning styles, making it suitable for a wide range of students. The program’s hands-on approach is particularly beneficial for visual and kinesthetic learners, adding variety to our homeschooling routine.

Hands-On Equations has exceeded my expectations and proven to be an invaluable resource in teaching algebra. The program’s hands-on, visual approach, coupled with its emphasis on conceptual understanding, has made learning algebra enjoyable and effective for my child. I highly recommend it to fellow homeschooling parents looking for a dynamic and engaging way to introduce algebraic concepts.

6th Grade, Writing

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 : Timberdoodle Review!

Little Learner and Mom

We received for Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is a valuable resource for parents seeking to enhance their sixth-grader’s writing skills. As a mom, I have had the opportunity to incorporate this program into my homeschool routine, and I would like to share my thoughts on its effectiveness. As many of you know we are long term supporters of Evan Moor products and they frequent our homeschool every year.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is well-structured, covering a diverse range of writing genres and skills. From narrative and persuasive writing to informative essays, the program ensures a holistic development of writing abilities. Each day presents a new writing prompt, allowing students to explore different aspects of language and expression.

One of the standout features of this resource is its engaging and thought-provoking prompts. The prompts are age-appropriate and often tie into real-world scenarios, making the writing exercises more relevant and interesting for sixth-grade students. This approach not only encourages creativity but also helps students connect writing to their everyday lives. The program includes 125 writing lessons, each of which is designed to be completed in 10-20 minutes. Each lesson includes a writing prompt, as well as a detailed explanation of the trait being focused on. Students are encouraged to revise and edit their work, with the goal of producing high-quality writing.

The program effectively targets various writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. The daily exercises are designed to gradually build and reinforce these skills, providing a solid foundation for more advanced writing tasks. I have noticed an improvement in my students’ ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas coherently. Students focus on six key traits: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

One of the benefits of Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is that it can be easily integrated into your existing curriculum. The lessons are flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of your students. Additionally, the program includes rubrics, so students can understand the expectations for each assignment.

The resource includes built-in assessment tools, enabling parents to gauge students’ progress effectively. The feedback loop is crucial in refining writing skills, and Evan-Moor has incorporated this aspect seamlessly into its daily writing exercises.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is a commendable tool for enhancing writing skills in sixth-grade students. Its comprehensive curriculum, engaging prompts, and focus on skill development make it a valuable asset in any educational setting. Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is an excellent resource for parents who want to help their students improve their writing skills. By focusing on the six key traits of writing, students can develop the skills they need to become effective writers.

Family, Hemiplegia, Homeschool, Neurodivegent, Reviews

Homeschooling with Forbrain to Improve Focus!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Forbrain Headset for our honest paid review.

The Forbrain Headset presents itself as a promising companion for homeschooling, offering a blend of comfort, audio quality, and convenience. In this review, we’ll delve into how this headset caters to the unique needs of homeschooling environments. Forbrain uses 30+ years of auditory stimulation research to improve speech, attention, and memory.

Forbrain is recommended for children aged 3 years and used for 15 minutes daily. In order to see results it should be used for 6–8 weeks followed by a one-month break. As a rule, you should consult therapists and medical physicians when using my son, who has epilepsy and hemiplegia. One of the medical issues that comes with a child diagnosed with Hemiplegia is memory loss, executive functioning skills, and concentration. Using Forbrain over the last few weeks I have seen some improvements and hope to see more in the coming weeks.

Forbrain’s

– Amplifies specific patterns of the voice, making it clearer and more impactful.

– Bone Conduction Transducers that enhance sound transmission via the temporal bones. 

– Microphone that captures the sound waves of the wearer’s voice

– It has two secondary components too

– Additional microphone that can be used by a teacher or therapist or parent during training sessions with the kids

– Headphone jack that can be used to listen to audio recordings of online videos

Comfort and Design:

The comfort of the Forbrain Headset stands out, making it ideal for long homeschooling sessions. The adjustable headband and plush ear cups ensure a snug fit without causing discomfort, allowing students to focus on their studies without distraction.

Audio Quality:

The headset’s audio quality is a standout feature for homeschooling. Clear and crisp sound reproduction enhances the online learning experience, making virtual classes more engaging. The immersive sound also aids in concentration during independent study sessions.

Microphone and Performance:

For interactive online classes, the Forbrain comes equipped with a high-quality microphone. Clear voice transmission and effective noise cancellation ensure that students can participate actively without being hindered by background distractions. The headset seamlessly connects to various devices commonly used in homeschooling setups. Whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, the Forbrain provides reliable connectivity, eliminating compatibility concerns. In the context of homeschooling, where sessions can be lengthy, the headset’s impressive battery life is a significant advantage. Extended use is not a concern, ensuring uninterrupted learning and communication.

User-Friendly Controls and Durable Build

Intuitive controls, including volume adjustment and a mute button, make the Forbrain user-friendly. These features add convenience, allowing students to manage their audio experience effortlessly. The durable build of the headset instills confidence in its longevity. The materials used are of high quality, and the foldable design adds to its portability, making it easy to store when not in use.

How We Used

We used Forbrain while he did his writing and math assignments. He also used it when he was reading his lessons. What I noticed with his writing assignments is that his sentence structure was better when I asked him to reread his writing out loud. He was better able to decipher when his usage of words was incorrect. Reading comprehension also improved. Mathematical computing and understanding greatly improved. My son is also neurodivergent and Forbrain has helped with executive function skills and impulses.

Memory loss is one of the issues that my son sometimes struggles with, so I have been using Forbrain as a way to aid him when I give him instructions I need him to execute.

Price and Value:

Considering its features, the Forbrain offers excellent value for its price. It competes well with other headsets in its category, providing a cost-effective solution for homeschooling needs.

Conclusion:

The Forbrain proves to be a reliable and versatile tool for homeschooling. Its emphasis is on comfort, audio quality, and practical features. With this headset, Forbrain has crafted a product that meets the demands of the modern homeschooling environment. At the time of this review, my followers can save 10% off their purchase through December 31st using the code IHN10. Be sure to check out Forbrain if you would like to learn more. As a special Black Friday sale you can save 20%!

Curriculum Resource, Homeschool

Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox: A Versatile Homeschooling Treasure!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Evan Moor TeacherFile Box for our honest paid review.

As a homeschooling parent, discovering a resource that seamlessly integrates into our dynamic learning environment has been a true blessing. The Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox has proven to be an invaluable tool that not only aligns with our curriculum needs but also adds a layer of flexibility and excitement to our daily lessons. When a homeschool mom asks me what is the number one thing I use in my homeschool I always say Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox.

We are huge fan of the printed Evan Moor titles and continuously use them in homeschool alongside the Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox. The books offer that hard copy feel but what happens when a book is lost or page is torn? Having the Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox allows me to go on and reprint a page or have a digital copy for myself.

One of the standout features of the TeacherFileBox is its vast and varied content. The repository boasts a wide array of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies, catering to multiple grade levels. This versatility allows me to supplement our core curriculum with engaging and well-crafted materials that reinforce concepts in a meaningful way.

The ease of navigation is another commendable aspect. The TeacherFileBox’s user-friendly interface ensures that even on busy homeschooling days, I can quickly find and access relevant materials. The search and filter options make it effortless to tailor our lessons to the specific needs and interests of my child, saving both time and energy.

The adaptability of the resources is a key factor in why the TeacherFileBox has become a staple in our homeschooling toolkit. Whether I need a quick worksheet for review, a challenging activity to stretch my child’s understanding, or a fun project to enhance a lesson, the extensive library provides a wealth of options. This adaptability makes it suitable for various learning styles and allows for differentiation within a single household.

The quality of the content is consistently high. The materials are well-designed, engaging, and aligned with educational standards. The inclusion of answer keys and suggested teaching strategies further streamlines the teaching process, providing the support needed to confidently guide my child through the activities.

Additionally, the ability to access the TeacherFileBox online has been a game-changer. The platform allows us to seamlessly transition between devices, facilitating learning whether we’re at home or on the go. The printable resources and interactive features enhance the overall learning experience, making it both efficient and enjoyable for my child.

At the time of this review Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox offers a 14 day free trial allowing you to print up to 50 pages. After the trial you can decided between a monthly subscription or yearly at a reasonable price.

In conclusion, the Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox has become an indispensable resource in our homeschooling journey. Its versatility, user-friendly interface, and high-quality content make it a reliable companion that consistently enhances our curriculum. I wholeheartedly recommend the TeacherFileBox to fellow homeschooling parents seeking a comprehensive and flexible educational tool.

Family, Family Life, Homeschool, Parenting

Beehive App Homeschooling and Parenting Simplified

Little Learner and Mom

We received Beehive App for our honest paid review.

Staying organized is so hard to do. I am always looking for ways to maximize and simplify my time throughout the day. Trying to juggle three people’s schedules, appointments, and homeschool can be quite and undertaking. I do love a good planner, I have several because the seasons in our home change often. Beehive app has been helping me the last few weeks to manage our homeschool and simplify our day.

Beehive App

Beehive is a parenting app designed to simplify the lives of busy parents. With Beehive, you can manage your family’s schedule, create to-do lists, and keep track of important information all in one place. The app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for those who are not tech-savvy.

One of the standout features of Beehive is the ability to create and share a family calendar. You can add events and appointments, set reminders, and even invite other family members to join and contribute to the calendar. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and avoids any scheduling conflicts.

Beehive also allows you to create to-do lists for yourself or your family members. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and even track progress. This makes it easy to stay on top of household chores and other responsibilities.

How It Work for Us

My son takes several online classes throughout the month. While it easy to schedule and pay for these classes, keeping track of them can be stressful. I don’t know how many times I have forgotten about classes and had reschedule them it just lost money. Beehive App has made things a little less chaotic the last few weeks. I have gotten in the habit as soon as I schedule a class for him I input it into the Beehive App and I have been making it a habit to check the app daily.

I am really like the the ability to record my son grades and see the graphed in real time. The added math growth plan is really great because my son has been jumping on when we are between lessons or when he is eating breakfast.

Beehive App Growth Plan

What is unique about Beehive it isn’t just an app for tracking grades, events and memories. The app has practice lessons for your students to complete at their own pace. These lesson are based upon their grade level when you set up your student. After you record six grades into your school section, the app will generate a growth plan activities in:

  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing
  • Social Studies

At the time of this review we are working on the math growth and I am looking forward to seeing the other subjects generate over the next few weeks.

Household Management Simplified

Household management can be a lot of work, especially when you have a busy schedule. Beehive has been a great app for me to able to add events going on with me and my husband. There are so many event topics you can use in the daily activities. The Beehive app is is really convenient when I don’t have my big planner with me when I am out. Beehive app is available in the Apple and Google Play store.

Overall, Beehive is a great app for busy parents who want to simplify their lives and stay organized. With its user-friendly interface and useful features, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Education, Family, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Homeschool Socialization

Homeschool socialization isn’t a problem for our homeschool with so many options.

Little Learner and Mom

We received Kaipod Learning for our honest paid review.

One of the misconception of homeschooling is the lack of socialization. Let me just tell you that my sons social calendar stays full. Homeschooling is a popular choice for many parents who want more control over their child’s education. One of the concerns that some parents have about homeschooling is the issue of socialization. However, there are many ways that homeschooled children can still experience socialization.

Homeschool Co-Op Groups

One option is to enroll in homeschool co-op groups. These groups consist of other homeschooling families who come together to provide educational and social opportunities for their children. Co-op groups can offer classes, field trips, and other activities that allow kids to interact with their peers.

Local Libraries and Meet Up Groups

Not ready for a homeschool -co-op group and wants to something more flexible? Look into your local libararies and local Facebook and meet up homeschool groups. We have paid visit to a few of our local library homeschool weekly homeschool hangouts that have been great for meeting new people. I belong to several Facebook homeschool groups that plan events for kids and parents.

Field Trips and Online Classes

We have been taking advantage of many of the museums, skating rink, bowling, jump centers and other businesses homeschool days. Many businesses who don’t get a lot of traffic during the school year gladly open their facilities to homeschoolers for homeschool days and offer discounts.

My son has taken so many online classes for homeschoolers and made many friends from all over the world. One of our best homeschool friends live in Japan the boys are always getting together for some Minecraft and game time. Online classes are also growing in popularity several of the leading online class platforms are adding tons of homeschool classes of sorts of variety.

Learning Pods

Homeschooling parents are increasingly turning to learning pods as a way to provide their children with social interaction and academic support. There are several benefits to using learning pods for homeschoolers.

Here recently there has been this new movement of “Learning pods” that is also a great way to increase socialization.Learning pods are small, in-person groups of students who learn together under the guidance of a tutor or a parent. One such program is Kaipod Learning which has several learning pods across many states. Kaipod Learning offers parents with students in 3rd -12th grade a place to learn and choose the curriculum they prefer. Students work at thier own pace while enjoying a community of their own peers. Kaipod Learning offers 2 day, 3 day, and 5 day option. Students arrive at 8:30 and the day ends at 3:30, students set their attendance that works for them. I was able to find one in our area and we are possibly considering it for next school year 2 days a week. Kaipod Learning is a wonderful alternative if you looking for a way to socialize your student and homeschool at the same time.

Firstly, learning pods allow homeschoolers to socialize with their peers in a safe environment. Socialization is a critical aspect of childhood development, and learning pods offer a structured way for children to interact with others within their age group. This is especially important during the current pandemic, where many children are experiencing social isolation.

Secondly, learning pods provide personalized attention to each child’s learning needs. With smaller class sizes, tutors or parents can cater to each child’s learning style and pace. This ensures that children receive individualized attention which can help them excel academically.

Lastly, learning pods can be cost-effective for homeschooling families. By pooling resources and sharing the cost of a tutor or a parent, learning pods can provide high-quality education at a lower cost than traditional homeschooling.

Homeschooled children can also participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports teams or community organizations. These activities provide an opportunity for kids to meet and interact with other children who share similar interests.

In addition, homeschooling allows children to spend more time with their families and develop close relationships with their siblings. This can help them develop strong social skills and the ability to communicate effectively with others.

Overall, while socialization is a valid concern for homeschooling families, there are many ways for homeschooled children to interact with others and develop important social skills.

6th Grade, Geography, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Reviews

Why teaching geography skills in middle school is important!

Little Learner and Mom

Teaching geography skills in middle school is crucial for several reasons. For one, it helps students better understand the world around them. Geography is not just about memorizing capital cities and countries; it’s about understanding how physical and human factors shape the environment. By studying geography, students can learn about different cultures, climates, and ecosystems, which will broaden their perspectives and help them become more empathetic and informed global citizens. One way I found this year to teach geography to my sixth grader is using Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 .

We are familiar with Evan Moor Publishers workbooks they have been staples in our home since my son was in pre-school. They are valuable resources that are trusted by homeschoolers and educators. Timberdoodle Co. recognizes these reliable resources and includes them in their homeschool kits.

Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 is an excellent resource for students who want to improve their geography knowledge. The book is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, including the physical features, cultures, and economies of different countries.

The book is divided into several interesting and engaging units, each of which covers a different aspect of geography. For example, one unit focuses on the physical geography of the United States, including its rivers, mountains, and deserts. Another unit explores the different cultures and traditions of countries worldwide, from Japan to Mexico to South Africa.

Throughout the book, students are encouraged to think critically and analytically about the information they are learning. They are challenged to make connections between different concepts and to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. With plenty of maps, charts, and diagrams to help illustrate key concepts, students are sure to stay engaged and interested throughout their study of geography with Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners. Inside the book, you will find a QR code to access the free teaching guide resources. This code provides you with extension activities and background information.

Furthermore, geography skills are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. As countries become more interconnected through trade, travel, and technology, it’s important for young people to understand how different regions of the world are connected. By learning about geography, students can develop a better understanding of global issues such as climate change, migration, and resource scarcity.

Finally, studying geography can also help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. These skills are useful not only in geography but also in other subjects and in life in general. In short, teaching geography skills in middle school is an important part of preparing students for a diverse and complex world. Using Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 will help your student to learn and love geography in a fun way.

I highly recommend Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 as a great way to add geography to your homeschool. Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 is included in Timberdoodle Co. sixth grade 2023 homeschool kits.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

6th Grade, Geography, History, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Social Studies

Discover! Social Studies 6 Timberdoodle Review!

Little Learner and Mom

We received for Discover! Social Studies 6 for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

Hopefully, you have had a chance to read our review on Discover! Science 6, but if you haven’t, please check it out. We love history and my son loves to read and research history. I think because my son is a young 6/7th grader of 10 years old he still appreciates having informative and colorful curricula. Discover! Social Studies 6 is a non-religious wonderfully diverse social studies curriculum.

So before I start this review let me put it out there we are history nerds and very critical about social studies and history curriculum. I expose my son to gentle truth history, we don’t do fluff at home. Discover! Social Studies 6 provides a rich spine for ancient civilization history.

Discover! Social Studies 6 is designed as talking points into an ancient civilization. The program is designed with homeschoolers in mind, allowing parents and students to go deeper into each topic area. The curriculum includes two student books and an instructor guide.  Semester A book covers the topic of early civilization, ancient Egypt, Israel, India, and China. Semester B covers ancient Greece, Rome, Mesoamerica, and Africa. There are 10 chapters for the entire school year, a total of 76 lessons. Discover Social Studies 6 includes:

  • Lesson Objective
  • Explore and Read
  • Practice

Discover! Social Studies 6 has suggestions for each learning style, extension activities, and writing sections. I highly recommend using the instructor’s guide which also includes the answer key. The instructor guide provides helpful insight into each lesson and guides through to help your student.

What I like about Discover! Social Studies 6 is that it is colorful and the lessons are quick and to the point. For my student Discover! Social Studies 6  is an excellent review for him and a supplement to his current history curriculum. The lessons will not overwhelm your student and most students can navigate them on their own. I really like the vocabulary sections in each lesson. Students will use the vocabulary words on the first page of the lesson, find them throughout the lesson, and mark down the pages. 

Discover! Social Studies 6 not only provides history lessons, but students will also learn geography and map skills.  It also makes suggestions for online research. With a combination of illustrations and real-world photos, this isn’t your typical middle school history textbook. My son really likes Discover! Social Studies 6 he uses the textbook 2-3 times a week. 

We average two to three lessons a week because my son loves history, but two lessons a week is more than enough to get you through a school year. There are chapter reviews every five to seven lessons.

I highly recommend Discover! Social Studies 6 if you are looking for a simple but comprehensive social studies/history curriculum. Discover! Social Studies 6 is included in the 2023 Nonreligious 2023 Sixth-Grade Curriculum Kit. Don’t forget to check out our previous review of Discover! Science 6.

Until Next Time,

Mom and J

Art, Homeschool, Online classes

Sparketh Online Art Lessons for Kids and Teens

Little Learner and Mom

We received Sparketh’s for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

Online art classes for kids have become increasingly popular in recent years. Sparketh online art lessons provide children with the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills from the comfort of their own homes. With various lessons available, children can learn everything from basic drawing and painting techniques to more advanced skills like sculpture and digital art.

Sparketh’s self-paced art lessons are a great addition to any homeschool curriculum. Not only do they offer flexibility in terms of scheduling, but they also allow students to work at their own pace and explore their creativity.

When choosing self-paced art classes for your homeschool, it’s essential to consider the level of instruction provided as well as the materials needed. The materials for the lessons we completed were basic art supplies. All of the Sparketh provide a list of required materials for the lessons. Sparketh online art lessons offer video tutorials and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for students to follow along and learn new techniques. My son was able to do the lessons unassisted, but I like doing art with him so we did them together.

Sparketh offers 1000+ video lessons for kids as young as 6-18. There are lessons for sculpting, watercolors, cooking, drawing, and so much more. The video lessons started with an introduction that included our list of supplies. The video lessons are short and will hold your student’s attention. As you work through the lessons you work through a checklist to help you complete each lesson instruction.

Sparketh online art lessons are taught by professional artists who can provide valuable guidance. We were super excited when we noticed that many of the instructors were from Kennesaw State University a local college to us. I love that my son was learning from student artists, I feel it made lessons more relatable. The instructors were well-spoken and did the lessons at a steady pace. We can pause instructions and work then restart the lesson. In addition, there are lessons available for children/teens of all ages and skill levels, making it easy to find a lesson that is right for your child.

For this review, we completed two lessons and I have a few more scheduled this month and next. We did a study on ancient Africa in our history curriculum and we decided to do the elephant silhouette. For our music studies, we studied the Harlem Renaissance and we did the Harlem Renaissance portrait. Students can also submit their completed works to Sparketh gallery.

Overall, Sparketh self-paced art lessons were a fun and engaging way for my homeschooled student to explore his creativity and develop his artistic skills. With Sparketh instructors, students can learn new techniques and create beautiful works of art at their own pace. Sparketh is reasonably priced and offers monthly and yearly plan options. One parent account includes two student accounts, which is a great value for homeschoolers.

If you are like me art tends to take the back burner in our homeschool, but I really enjoyed Sparketh and I have marked off some favorite lessons I would like us to try. My son also liked the platform he said it had a lot of different lessons that work well for him. I highly recommend that you check out Sparketh online art classes for kids and teens.