Category: 4th Grade

3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Charlotte Mason, Curriculum, Education, History, Homeschool, Literature Base, Read Alouds, Reviews

Beautiful Feet Books : Early American Intermediate Pack Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Recieved!

History is one of our favorite areas to study. In our home, we have an enormous collection of gentle true literature. I am very meticulous about selecting history curricula that are reflective of truth and give an inclusive view of history. We were sent the new Early American Intermediate Pack from Beautiful Feet Books to look over as a possible history resource.

Early American Intermediate Pack Grades 4-6th

About Beautiful Feet Books

Beautiful Feet’s Books uses a Charlotte Mason approach to history through literature-based learning that inspires the child to naturally create a healthy environment for wonder and exploring.

We are no strangers to Beautiful Feet Books we spent some time when my son was in 1st grade using their Around the World with Picture Books Part 1. My son still has fond memories of learning about the terra cotta soldiers from that unit. We also enjoyed the book Ruby’s Wish and a few other books. With this being said we are familiar with how Beautiful Feet curriculums work.

The Curriculum

Early American Intermediate Pack takes students on the journey of the nation’s founding. The lessons begin with the Indigenous people and travel through history to the civil war. There are 129 lessons, with the suggested timeline of 3-4 lessons a week for a year’s worth of history. Areas of study are the following:

  • Indigenous Culture
  • The Vikings
  • The Age of Discovery
  • Colonial Settlements
  • Revolution
  • Slavery & Emancipation
  • Civil War

In the pack, you will receive 23 books, a teacher guide, a notebook, and a timeline. You will also need to download the New Early American History for Intermediate Picture Packet from the free downloads on the company’s website. The curriculum gives parents and their students an abundance of resources. Students will have the opportunity to try recipes, crafts, and character-building (Biblical) activities. The rabbit trails section in the lesson planner books offers nice ideas and books. Overall you will receive an adequate curriculum for teaching early American history.

Our Review

At first, glance looking over the 23 books received I separated the books into 3 different piles approve, maybe, and questionable. Books that I approve went right on our shelf, maybe books went into a bin and questionable went straight to my desk for further research. History is a lot to unpack and getting it just right for what will work in our home takes some planning and research.

Some of the books I did take issue with I wasn’t fond of some of the images of Indigenous people, one book showed them being unclothed, overweight, and unkempt. The books that were sent were decent choices I would have liked to have seen 2 of the books that were in the rabbit trails included in the pack (Before Columbus and Turtle Island). I felt these two books would have given a better insight into the Indigenous culture. I was a little deterred from the curriculum starting with 3 lessons on the Indigenous people and then the next 10 lessons were dedicated to the Vikings with a sprinkle of the Indigenous people being within those lessons. There was no mention of the Moors or Africans already being in what is now America.

The books that were included in the rabbit trails resources were books that reflected a more truthful look at time periods covered in the Early American Intermediate Pack. The landing of the pilgrim story tells the same story as the Pilgrim’s landing on American soil to escape religious freedom from Europe. This story is misinformation when in reality the Pilgrims did not come from Europe they actually came from Holland where they were free to live and practice their religion as they pleased and the only reason why they left is that they didn’t like that the Holland culture was influencing their children. There were other issues I found with these lessons.

While the Early American Intermediate Pack does include some culturally diverse books to lend to the lessons, the book suggestions inside of the teacher guides would have given the curriculum pack a better view of history. The core book A Child’s First Book of American History offers some gentle truths but I would not let this book be the be-all for teaching American History it would be a starting point to research the time periods discussed. I still feel like this curriculum is told from a European viewpoint of history with some dabbles of diversity. A few of the books are meant to be comical such as the Jean Fritz books Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution and Where Do You Think You’re Going, Christopher Columbus? . The Viking book my sons and I found it hard to get through and we had to look for another resource.

Overall the curriculum will give you a guideline to start with American history but you will need to do some research to make sure it is accurate. The rabbit trail resources inside the teacher’s guide I would use more so than the ones that were sent in the pack. At the time of this review, the Early American Intermediate Pack is $245.95 plus taxes and shipping.

I would like to thank Beautiful Feet Books for sending us the Early American Intermediate Pack .

3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, Language Arts

Progeny Press: Wagon Wheels Study Guide Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

We added the Progeny Press guide to our Language Arts studies for our Black Pioneers study in December, we were excited to receive the Wagon Wheels Study Guide this time to review. Wagon Wheels Study Guide is a digital download that includes the student activity sheets and a separate answer key. The study guide is recommended for grades 1-3rd grade but my 4th grader will be fine doing this.

The book Wagon Wheels is for students in grades 2nd – 4th, you could possibly stretch the book to 5th grade for its historical content. The story takes place during the time after the civil war when freedmen and their children migrate west to Kansas in search of settling in Nicomdemus Town, land provided from the Homestead Act of 1862. The Muldie boys cross the plains and lose their mother along the way. The three boys and their father reach the town and build themselves a dugout and brace for the harsh winter. The Muldie family encounters the Osage Nation and they rescue them from hungry and they are able to survive. The dad must leave to find work and the Muldie boys (11, 8, and 3) are left to fend for themselves and the support of the community to continue their new life. The book is based upon the memoirs of Lulu Sadler Craig.

  • Wagon Wheels Book
  • Student Guide

Wagon Wheels Study Guide provides brief background information on the Homestead Act of 1862 as well as the synopsis of the book the Wagon Wheels. Students are also given before and after they read activities, vocabulary, grammar, and literary terms to work on. The study guide also provides an external link to other activities to stretch the study guide. In the study guide, you will find 4 questions that do have Bible scriptures attached to them but I didn’t feel as if they were indoctrinating.

The reading comprehensions are divided into 2 chapters sections and the questions require in-depth reflection. Students will answer 7-10 questions in each section. For a 1st grader, the writing may be a bit much, so you can do those questions verbally and they would do fine. Some of the activities include crossword puzzles and drawing, and cooking.

I personally read the book Wagon Wheels for this review and went over the study guide sheets and questions myself. We plan to study Black Pioneers in December so I didn’t let my son do the activities or read the story. I looked over everything and this will definitely be part of our study and I will come back and update my review. I would have liked to see more book resources in the back of the guide about black pioneers, cowboys, Osage Nation.

Be sure to click the banner below to check out the other crew’s reviews of Progeny Press study guides.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/progenypress
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/progenypress
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/progenypress
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/progenypress

2nd Grade Curriculum, 3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, S.T.E.A.M, Science

Mad Science Loop Lab: Gross Science Box Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received through Melanated Gold Review Squad!

We received the Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box to review and my son really enjoyed the experiments.

Our mission is to inspire children through science, sparking lifelong imagination and curiosity.

Loop Lab

Inside the box we recieved:

  • beaker, flask, and funnel (reusable)
  • corn starch, small bottle of peroxide, liquid glue
  • wooden stirrer, mesh material
  • balloon, rubberband, yeast
  • gloves
  • instruction book
  • lab coat

The kit came with a complete guide book that walked my student through all of the experiments, written instructions for measuring, and illustrations for every step. Upon first opening, the box my son first guess looking that the materials he said we are going to be making oobleck. He was seriously surprised when he got into the guidebook and saw all 3 experiments.

The Gross Science is box 1 in the series of the current 6 boxes now available for ages 8+. The experiments are quick and easy to follow, and my son was able to do them on his own. I check all the experiments beforehand to see if he needed any extra supplies, the only thing I had to add was zip lock bag, dish liquid, water, bowl, an egg, and a bin to catch any mess.

Inside the experiment books, students will find the safety steps, mess factors, and what they need. Each experiment also includes a think green, safe disposals, and clean-up checklist. At the end of the experiments you will find the How does it work description along with vocabulary. You will also notice the experiments encourage the kids to observe and then get messy. In the back of the book, you will also see the vocabulary words again along with their definitions, I had my son copy these in his science notebook and write down a little about the experiment. There is also a hidden objects search for kids to search the Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box and a Certificate of Awesomeness.

Foaming Fountain Experiment #1

Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box is a fun way to bring a little STEM into your home, they make great boxes for rainy days or if you are needing to add a little more hands-on science into your homeschool. Mad Science Loop Lab boxes are available to purchase on monthly, 3 months, and 6-month subscriptions. The cost starts at $32.99 plus $4.99 for shipping. I would love to try out the other 5 boxes, my son enjoyed doing the Gross Science box.

Be sure to check the other review of Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box by clicking the banner below.

3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Art, Critical Thinking and Logic, Education, Family, Homeschool, mindfulness, Morning Basket, Read Alouds, Reviews, S.T.E.A.M, Writing

Owl Crate Jr: October Box Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received from Owl Crate!

We received the October box from Owl Crate Jr if you aren’t familiar with the Owl Crate Jr is a monthly box subscription for middle-grade readers ages 8-12 years. Each box is carefully crafted with a customized book cover sleeve just for Owl Crate Jr subscribers.

Owl Crate Jr October 2021

October’s Owl Crate Jr box theme is the Science is Magic. The book of the month is a signed copy of Amira & Hamza The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed. Inside this wonderful magical box includes hands-on activities for your reader related to the monthly theme.

On the day of a rare super blue blood moon eclipse, twelve-year-old Amira and her little brother, Hamza, can’t stop their bickering while attending a special exhibit on medieval Islamic astronomy. While stargazer Amira is wowed by the amazing gadgets, a bored Hamza wanders off, stumbling across the mesmerizing and forbidden Box of the Moon. Amira can only watch in horror as Hamza grabs the defunct box and it springs to life, setting off a series of events that could shatter their world—literally.

Amazon

Books Goodies

  • Ooze Labs test tube kit from Thames & Kosmos
  • “The Wild Robot” inspired book accessory designed by @shaferbrown
  • His Dark Materials Compass Enamel Pin
  • The Magic School Bus lanyard
  • Science is Magic Monthly Magazine (inlcudes a science exiperiment)
  • Science is Magic monthly collectible sticker
  • Bookplate with letter from the author to your Owl Crate Jr Reader
  • Wrinkle in Time Umbrella

The monthly magazine includes an October box photo challenge, Owl Crate Jr readers can perform 6 challenges in chances they can win 1 of 6 free boxes. They can upload the pictures to their parent’s Instagram accounts and tag @owlcratejr.

Overall Thoughts

We were sent two Owl Crate Jr boxes. The company sent us the January 2021 box that theme was Inner Magic and the book of the month was Amari and the Night Brothers, which we happen to be in the midst of finishing up. The January box encourages healthy self-image-building activities.

Owl Crate Jr box subscriptions are a good way to make reading magical. The themes we received were beautifully crafted with lots of learning opportunities. I also looked over the previous month’s books and discovered they have a diverse collection of book titles each month which is gladly appreciated. However, their social media pages don’t reflect that same diversity of children and families. Owl Crate Jr’s website is inviting and has a community blog for Owl Crate Jr and Owlcrate 14+. You can compare boxes on their website to see which box best works for your reader. I did poke around on the Owl Crate Jr shop I love all the extra book goodies they have. I am going to purchase a few of their teas for our monthly tea and chat times.

One of the things I find unique about Owl Crate Jr is its attention to detail. The Owl Crate Jr boxes make reading an adventure and not just words on pages. If you have a reluctant reader aged 8-12 Owl Crate Jr box is perfect for them. You use the monthly books as read-aloud or an independent read, we happened to be reading the Amari and the Night Brothers book already when the October Owl Crate Jr and my son are completely engulfed in this book and we will be moving on to the Amira & Hamza The War to Save the Worlds book soon. My son saw the “Dragons” in next month’s Owl Crate Jr box he is begging me to get him the November box also! Of course, I said yes because I am thrilled he wants to keep reading more novels.

Owl Crate Jr boxes are $29.99 a month, the company offers several different subscriptions option. The Owl Crate Jr box is for middle-grade readers ages 8-12 years. The boxes ship between the 15th and 20th of the month. You can purchase past Owl Crate Jr boxes in the shop. I have signed me little up for a subscription after receiving these 2 boxes complimentary so be on the lookout for updates on our instagram.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OwlCrate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owlcrate/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/37437502-korrina-owlcrate

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Curriculum, Education, Geography, Language Arts, Science, Writing

Blossom & Root Year 5 Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received through the Melanated Gold Review Squad, in exchange for my honest review.

Have you ever encountered a curriculum that just made you feel at peace? I have tried several different curricula over the course of the last 5.5 years and they all seemed to lack a real connection to homeschooling. I always felt something was missing and then I felt rushed and that I had to finish it or I had somehow failed my child. Three years ago a friend of mine told me about Blossom and Root and I was hooked. I am so honored to review Blossom and Root Level 5 Language Arts, Science Wonders of Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography, and Art. I will update this review when Wonders of Worlds Beyond, Part Two: Astronomy and Nature Journal releases. Blossom and Root takes your student on a wonderful journey of learning.

Blossom and Root Level 5 is a digital download that also includes clickable links. I personally printed out the lab and student notebooks. The parent guides I uploaded to my notability app on my iPad for quick access. I combined them and use heavy card stock for the covers and the backing. I used my fast draft option and double-sided printing.

Language Arts

Blossom and Root Level 5 doesn’t disappoint. Level 5 language arts covers 36 weeks of lessons that are literature-based and include areas q writing, poetry, social studies, vocabulary, and geography. The chapter book selections for the weeks are diverse and a mixture of classic books and new releases. I was able to find every one of the books at the library, Thriftbooks, Amazon, and eBay. The poetry section is optional but the books suggested were also easily accessible and reasonably priced and the required book list isn’t ridiculously long. Kristina (creator of Blossom & Root) and her team have thought of everything including a completely optional books list for you and divided them up by weeks (THANK YOU). There is also a general supply list that is very basic you will pretty much have about 80% of the items already in your home. you can find a full scope and sequence on Blossom and Root.

Each week has 5 days of lessons, there are helpful tips to that help you decide the best way to navigate the lessons :

  • Transitional (students who are ready for some independent but not completely)
  • Independent ( students who can work independently and guide themselves)
  • Adult-Led (student still need adult guidance)
Year 5 Language Arts

Science

Blossom & Root Level 5 Science Wonders are Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography and Wonders of Worlds Beyond, Part Two: Astronomy (releases November 1st, 2021). The Blossom and Root Level 5 Science Wonder is a relaxed and hands-on approach. Parents can do the traditional 36 weeks of lessons with the first 24 lessons being Oceans and the second part of the lessons being Astronomy. Parents also have the option to do approach the science wonders with a relaxed schedule and work are their own pace stretch out the lessons as long as you want. Science wonders are meant to be parent-led, prefer this way of learning science because I learn so much and we have great conversations.

Science Wonders follow these three steps:

  • Step One – Wonder (introduction to the wonder)
  • Step Two – Explore (exploring the topic with activities/ experiments etc..)
  • Step Three – Record (allowing your child to record their journey)

My favorite part of doing this science is the permission “to go off the grid” going off the grid is something we do all the time and enjoy the learning process so much better and I can see the light and excitement in his eyes. My son is always so eager to show with his dad at dinner time everything he has learned for the day and going down a rabbit hole is the best way I know he is really learning and enjoying his journey. Let’s talk books for Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography surprisingly I had 2 of the books listed as recommendations and I need 2 of the spine book Dk Smithsonian Oceans!, which happen to have already been sitting in my amazon cart. Once again the book list for optional books and the spines are easily accessible and when you need them is listed with the corresponding wonder. Each Wonder has an oceanography topic, an optional profile of a scientist or influential person to the topic, and a few have rabbit hole ideas. The Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography parent guide also includes lesson ideas for minimalist, book basket, visual learners. The laboratory guide also includes activities for outdoor learners, table-crowd, and crafts and project families.

Year 5 Part One : Oceanography

Secret Notebook, Geography , Art

The Secret Notebook is a child led project and it is just that a secret. The only part I play in the secret notebook is taking him to the store letting him pick the notebook and printing the Secret Notebook. Even though I have the guide in both of our sections I glimpse over the supplies for each week and just set them out for him on Fridays and he takes over from there I only help when asked. I love this part of Blossom and Root, it gives him such pride to work on something all on his own. The Exploring the States notebook which is optional, but I do recommend is also 36 weeks that students will research important geographic information about the states including map work. Nine Profiles in Art is 36 weeks of 9 artists with a 10th artist as optional. Each artist is studied for 3 weeks, a supply list and optional book list are also included. The student will do a picture studying, exploring the artist, and exploring with art doing a piece of artwork.

Year 5 Secret Notebook, Exploring the States, and Nine Profiles in Art

Last Thoughts

I am looking forward to working our way through Blossom and Root Level 5, I love the relaxed feel of the curriculum. The language arts are perfect for the pace I would like to go and review areas we have already covered in other curricula. Do you need to supplement if you need to absolutely and I love having that option no curriculum has it all? The science is adaptable to use family-style with kids in grades 1st through 6th grade. I don’t feel hurried to get things done using Blossom and Root. Kristina Gardner has done an exceptional job of understanding the homeschooled child and parent. The curriculum is diverse and secular and she has put notes/ tips throughout the pages. Blossom and Root will always have a place in our homeschool, only wish I found her sooner.

Be sure to check out the other Melanated Gold Review Squad reviews of Blossom and Root by clicking the banner below!

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, Reviews, S.T.E.A.M

Genius Games : Periodic: A Game of The Elements Review !

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received from Genius Games.

Looking for a fun game that teaches you and your kids the periodic table? I was sent the Periodic: Game of The Elements to review from Genius Games. As a science-loving family and we love any opportunity to game school.

The Periodic: Game of The Elements is a great way to introduce the periodic table to your budding chemist. My son has a little knowledge of the elements but not much and he has recently shown interest in learning them. Periodic: Game of The Elements is for students ages 10+ , 2-5 players, and gameplay is 40-60 mins. The game board is sturdy and the elements are in bright colors. Players will move around the board using 1 of the 5 Erlenmeyer Flask as they research and learn the elements and their atomic numbers.

The goal of the game is to move along the periodic table and collect elements in order to score goal cards. Periodic: Game of The Elements is a strategic game and you have to plan your moves so you can complete goal cards for points. The game has two game movements one is moving your flask around the table and the second movement is moving your microscope around the board and completing your secret agenda cards for extra points. Players also have to decide on how to spend or gain energy to activate trends. The person with the most points wins the game. Periodic: Game of The Elements comes with 172 small pieces, 1 game board, and a rule book.

I really like this game for teaching the elements and their atomic mass. The game offers a great lesson in teaching students about protons and neutrons. The goal cards have different combinations of elements on them and what they become when combined. on the back of the Periodic: Game of The Elements box, you will find a QR scan that makes it easy to retrieve the rules of the game and video of game play.

Periodic: Game of The Elements does has had a lot of moveable parts and does require a certain level of mental play, and logic skills. This game is defiantly for older kiddos I highly recommend it for kids ages 12+. There are a lot of rules to remember and follow to be successful at the game. My son did find it a little confusing as we played the game but, I decided to scale the game back a little for him. We only did the primary movements of the game. Keep in mind my son is just 1 month shy of being 9 years old and he has a strong background in science. He really likes the game board, learning the table as well looking over the goal cards, and researching. We just tweaked the game little for him, I also had a little trouble following the gameplay rules, but the video was very helpful.

I would recommend Periodic: Game of The Elements from Genius Games for students 10+. I wouldn’t recommend to children younger than 9 years. We did enjoy the game and I am sure we will continue to grow into it over the years. At the time of this review the cost of Periodic: Game of The Elements is $39.99 plus taxes and shipping.

Social Media Sites

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/GotGeniusGames

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/gotgeniusgames/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/GotGeniusGames/

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/gotgeniusgames/_created/

1st Grade, 2nd Grade Curriculum, 3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, mindfulness, Parenting, Reviews

Tommy Nelson Books: Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

As part of our morning time together my son and I have been reading Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith from Tommy Nelson Books. As a 4th grader he is becoming more aware of world issues and social dynamics. I am also trying to foster an environment of open communication and build his self-esteem.

Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith is a great little devotional book for students for Christians and non-Christians. Each of the lessons comes a quick little story, that does reference scripture and then you have a Did You Know or Get Ready to Roar section. The Did You Know the kids will learn stuff from history and the Get Ready to Roar gives the kid missions to help build their confidence so they can tactile things they may come their way.

Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith encourages students to try something new, facing fears. The book also covers topics such as :

  • Peer Pressure
  • Bullying
  • Facing fears with friendship and school

One of the lessons I refer to when my son is frustrated when doing his school work and making mistakes is lesson 27 Goofs, Mistakes and Mess-Ups. My son gets really angry and frustrated when he isn’t getting a concept or making mistakes. We have a motto in our house “Mistakes are proof we are trying”, sometimes that works but there are times when it doesn’t and we have to reset. Lessons 27 really solidified what I have been trying to get him to understand. Lesson 31 Who You Really Are has been great for us to reference these days as we continue our journey through developing a healthy growth mindset and him starting to learn more about himself.

My son likes to use the Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith along side when he is using his journal. Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith book is colorful, friendly, and has a culturally diverse illustration. This is a really nice book if you are looking to cover some the issues kids may be experiencing as they grow.

Be sure to check out the other crew’s reviews of Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith by clicking the banner below.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tommynelsonbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommynelsonbooks/

4th Grade, 5th Grade, Curriculum, Homeschool, Science

BookShark Science Level D Virtual Access Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Have you ever wished there was a way you could have all your lessons planned out for you? Better yet are you looking for a way to encourage your student’s independence. BookShark has released their new virtual access for their curriculum. We are given BookShark Science Virtual Access with our Science Level D. Let me just tell you BookShark Science Virtual Access has elevated my homeschool lesson planning to a new level of greatness. The virtual access seat is available at an additional low cost and it is a brilliant add-on.

The BookShark Science Virtual Access includes:

  • Parent and Student Dashboards
  • Assessments and Grading
  • Quizzes
  • Announcements
  • Discussions
  • Pdf Access to Student Activity Sheets
  • Weekly Schedule

I use the virtual parent dashboard to check out the schedule for the upcoming week, post announcements, and check-in his completed assignments. I am also super busy during the week tutoring students, so it is much easier for me to grab my iPad when I am ready to sit down with my son versus my working binder. Super convenient to have my entire binder at my fingers tips with quick login.

The parent dashboard allows me to post announcements and discussions for him to view in the student dashboard. I use the announcement board to welcome him to the new week, list external resources for him to click, and find our in-home resources. On the discussion board, I sometimes post questions about previous weeks’ lessons to check to make sure he has retained the information.

If you are looking for your student to start learning some independence the virtual access allows your student to begin to take their learning into their own hands. The student dashboard is easy for them to manage, as the parent you can set what modules your students have access to. I personally left my student dashboard basic because I didn’t want him to feel overwhelmed.

BookShark Virtual provides the perfect balance of independent and parent-led study.

-BookShark

My son really enjoys using the BookShark Science Virtual Access. He likes the independence it has given him. The virtual access has increased his confidence and increased his executive functioning skills. He loves the announcement board because he can now use all the in-home resources that have been collecting dust.

My son found it easier for him to locate his assignments and external resources that I had added to the announcement board. There were days in which I forgot to write his assignments in his lesson planner and he could use the dashboard on his own. As a busy homeschool mom I found the virtual access just what I needed on those weeks I didn’t get our weekly lesson plans completed. My son loves science therefore making sure I have plans ready for him watch week can be time-consuming.

I can find my lessons on my own and start working on them before my mom is ready to.

-Jaidyn 9

BookShark Science Virtual Access provides excellent video instructions so you can learn how to use the virtual platform. I found these videos helpful along with the BookShark customer service. One of the features I really enjoy is the ability to turn weekly modules on and off. My son is one of those kids that likes to look ahead, so I typically only turn on 2 weeks worth of lessons for him to review.

The virtual access also allows students to be able to answer their experiment questions right in their dashboard. I like this feature, but my son hasn’t taken advantage of it as yet. The virtual access is like a science lesson planner makes life so much easier and helps keep us accountable. I am still learning how to use the parent dashboard, but in the weeks to come I am confident I will discover something new.

The virtual access is available for all the BookShark subjects at a low cost. Using BookShark Science Virtual Access has given me peace of mind, our days are more structured and this has been the first year we have been consistent with our science lessons. If you want to try out the virtual access free for three weeks you can try it out here.

I highly recommend adding the BookShark Science Virtual Access to your BookShark Science curriculum package. You will save yourself a lot of planning time and to be honest with you it is a really fun add-on.

Since previously writing this review of the BookShark Science Virtual Access I have uploaded a video walk-through on how I use the dashboard on our Little Learner and Mom Instagram.

Until the Next Time,

Mom

1st Grade, 2nd Grade Curriculum, 3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, Curriculum, dyslexia, Homeschool, Language Arts, Read Alouds, Reviews, spelling, Writing

LightSail for Homeschoolers Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

For the last few weeks, we have been using LightSail for Homeschoolers Premium Subscription. The crew was given given a 1-year online subscription to review. LightSail for Homeschoolers focuses on four areas Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Fluency it also includes World Book.

LightSail for Homeschoolers program focuses on the 4 areas of literacy. Before students can venture into the program they are given an assessment to determine their Lexile level. The assessment is lengthy so I recommend breaking it up into 2 days. After the children finish the assessment you will see their score and you as a the parent can assign books for them to read that are on on that level or any level you would like. LightSail for Homeschoolers has excellent content security, I noticed that a lot of books I went to assign my student or I was just researching to add for him to read I had to grant permission for him to access.

LightSail for Homeschoolers Reading has a huge selection of literature, I was very pleased to see lots of culturally diverse materials and topics. My son has a major passion for the Negro Baseball League and we found several books, videos, and documentaries about the players that I created him a unit study so he could access them faster. Speaking of unit studies WOW this feature is fabulous, I was able to create unit studies for our science, history, and language arts lessons. The unit study feature allows you to assign the study to all the students or to individual students. The LightSail for Homeschoolers Reading provides:

  • Unit Studies, Booklist and Memory Work
  • Read-Alouds
  • Assessments
  • Augment Reality
  • Interactive Books
  • Videos
  • Parental Control

We really enjoyed the augmented reality section we were able to explore areas of the world and places. The LightSail for Homeschoolers Reading also helps you set reading goals, track your students data, reading badges, and much more.

LightSail for Homeschoolers Writing from what is reviewed is going to be a great program that will encourage your student to work on grammar skills, writing, journal, and write books. Parents will be able to assign writing assignments, grades and provided feedback to their students writing. At the time of this review, this section was not available.

LightSail for Homeschoolers Vocabulary is fabulous students can work on vocabulary building and spelling both of which we really need assistance in this area. Students will work on definitions and interactive activities. One of my absolute favorite sections is the Clozes in text, how can sing this practice praises. Several of the books in the library uses the clozes. The books the students read are missing words, and have interactive in-text activities. The students can’t move on in the book until they do the activities. The activities require the student to use comprehension, context clues and vocabulary skills to fill in the blanks.

LightSail for Homeschoolers Fluency will work on improving your students fluency, through read-alouds & re-telling, memory work, listening, speaking and writing.

LightSail for Homeschoolers Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Fluency is an excellent language arts online platform. There is a lot of content in the LightSail for Homeschoolers , you will need to undergo a learning curve when using the platform. I highly recommend you watch all of the videos and take some time getting use to the platform. I am still learning the platform myself, several of the areas are still under development so you will not have access to all areas. The one thing I was very disappointed with is that this program will only work with Chrome and Edge. We are an Apple family and I had to download the Chrome browser on my iMac so I could manage the parent dashboard. My son also wasn’t a big fan that he couldn’t use this on his iPad and had to be stationary in front of his laptop. I would encourage the company to make this available on Safari and Firefox.

At the time of this review, the company offers a 7 day free trial, thereafter $99 for the LightSail for Homeschoolers Premium account. Be sure to check out the other crew’s reviews of LightSail for Homeschoolers by clicking the banner below.

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, Curriculum, dyslexia, Education, Homeschool, Language Arts, Reviews, spelling, Writing

Write Shop Junior Level E Homeschool Curriculum Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received through the Melanated Gold Review Squad, in exchange for my honest review.

We are no strangers to the WriteShop curriculum when my son was in kindergarten/1st grade we tried out the WriteShop Level A Primary. Two years ago I purchased WriteShop Junior Level D , at the time I purchased level D my son wasn’t quite ready for it so I put it on the shelf until this year. The Melanated Gold Review Squad was offer the chance to review WriteShop Junior Level E and I thought this would be a good opportunity to check out Level E, because I had plans to purchase it.

WriteShop Junior Level E is for 4th-5th grade. Students will embark on a creative writing adventure using all the different learning styles. WriteShop Junior Level E set comes with

  • Teacher’s Guide
  • Activity Pack w/Fold-N-Go Grammar
  • Time-Saver Pack, and Junior Writer’s Notebook 1 .

The Junior Writers Notebook is a digital download I plan to purchase this product, because it was not sent to me. WriteShop Junior Level E is available in hard copy or digital.

WriteShop Junior Level E has 10 instructional writing lesson covering:

  • Fables
  • Writing with Humor
  • Adventures
  • Writing Science Fiction
  • Mystery Writing
  • Concrete Poetry
  • Personal and Descriptive Narrative
  • Book and Nonfiction Reports

I know what you are thinking 10 lessons that’s all ??? Each lesson is recommend to be done over a 3 week period of time, which will give you 30 weeks. Now you can do what works for and go at your own pace. The teacher’s manual offers suggested lessons plans for a 2 week or 3 week schedule. The teachers manual helps you with the set up of each lessons, prepping, suggested reading list, and resource links.

WriteShop Junior Level E requires parent involvement. You need to do prepping of each lessons activity. The time-saver pack is must have it does exactly what it says saves time. I took a Sunday and created all of the Fold-N-Go Folders. You do have permission to photocopy of the grammar. Making copies are for your use only. I did take my time and make photocopies of certain lesson just in case I may need to review again with him. I did purchase a long reach stapler on Amazon. Grammar covered in WriteShop Junior Level E :

  • Sentences
  • 4 Sentence Types
  • Compound Sentences
  • Parts of Speech Review
  • Dialogue
  • Homophones, Homonyms, and Homographs
  • Five Paragraphs
  • Prefix and Suffix
  • Compound Words
  • Synonyms and Antonyms

How the Program Works

Students will start their journey with reading one the suggested books for the lesson. This step is clearly option, we looked through the list and we noticed that the book list suggested in the teacher book and the provided resource link lacked diversity so we had to make some adjustments in this area. The weekly lessons students will work on one of the following skills during the 4 day work week: Brainstorming, Pre-writing, Fold-N-Go Grammar, Editing, and Revising.

One of the things I found confusing in the teachers manual is the referencing to the Junior Writers Notebook in the teacher’s manual and I was confused why I couldn’t find the sheets and then I checked WriteShop and noticed I needed to purchased it separately because I didn’t receive it. The teacher’s manual can be a little overwhelming I had to whip out my highlighters and page markers.

Overall Thoughts

I really like WriteShop Junior Level E the program is multi sensory, creative and flexible. The program also works for children who may have dyslexia or dysgraphia and struggling 6th and 7th grade writers.

The company emails helpful resources and has a wonderful blog. My son isn’t a big fan of writing but this curriculum went over well. He didn’t feel overwhelmed as enjoyed the games and the interactive activities. My son has a strong foundation in grammar so WriteShop Junior Level E grammar skills lessons are a perfect review for him, but because he isn’t a confident writer we will continue to finish up with WriteShop Junior Level D and we will also use WriteShop Junior Level E later this semester but I will pull the grammar from WriteShop Junior Level E hence the reason why I am glad the company grants you permission to make photocopies for your own personal use.

At the time of this review WriteShop Junior Level E hard copy is $84.50 plus shipping. Be sure to check out the other Melanated Gold Review Squad reviews on WriteShop .