This is part 2 of our 3-part blog series on Logic & Critical Thinking Games for High Schoolers, and this time we’re talking about SmartGames Anti-Virus. I have to start by saying I REALLY like this game! This has become one of those games that everyone in our family seems to fight over who gets to play next.
How Does SmartGames Anti-Virus Work?
SmartGames Anti-Virus is a one-player sliding puzzle game that challenges you to remove the red “virus” piece from the game board. You select a challenge and arrange the pieces on the board according to the challenge. From there, you have to slide the colorful pieces around the board to create a pathway that allows you to move the red virus completely out. Sounds easy, right? Not necessarily! The pieces can only move in certain directions, so you have to think several moves ahead. Moving one piece might solve one problem but create another. That’s where the logic, planning, spatial reasoning, concentration, and critical-thinking skills come into play. As you progress through the challenges, they become increasingly difficult, which keeps the game interesting for older students and apparently the adults in our house too!
A Fun Game for Our Homeschool Day
One thing I love about Anti-Virus is how easily it fits into our homeschool routine. It has been a great game to pull out between Biology lessons. When we’ve been reading, taking notes, or working through something that requires a lot of concentration, Anti-Virus gives us a chance to switch gears while still keeping the brain working. But honestly, one of my favorite times to play has nothing to do with school. We pull it out while we’re waiting for dinner to finish cooking. Instead of everyone disappearing into separate rooms or immediately grabbing their phones, we’ll hang around the kitchen or dining room, pull out Anti-Virus, and see who can figure out a challenge. Someone starts playing, someone else starts giving suggestions, and before you know it, everybody wants a turn. Technically, Anti-Virus is a single-player puzzle, but in our house it often turns into a family activity.
Why I Like It for High Schoolers
As our homeschool moves into the high school years, I’m realizing that games still have an important place in learning. They just need to grow with our students. Anti-Virus doesn’t feel like a little kid’s educational game. It requires students to plan ahead, recognize patterns, problem-solve, and rethink their strategy when something doesn’t work. Those are exactly the kinds of thinking skills I want to continue developing throughout high school. And the best part? Nobody feels like they’re doing another assignment.
Our Final Thoughts
SmartGames Anti-Virus is definitely a winner in our house. It’s challenging enough for our high school homeschool, fun enough that the adults actually want to play too, and easy enough to pull out whenever we have a few minutes. Whether we’re using it as a brain break between Biology lessons, challenging ourselves during the homeschool day, or simply hanging out together while waiting for dinner, Anti-Virus has become one of those games that gets used instead of sitting forgotten on the shelf. And considering everyone in this house seems to want it at the same time, I think that says plenty. Next up in our 3-part Logic & Critical Thinking Games for High Schoolers series: another SmartGames favorite!
We received IQ Circle for our honest review from Timberdoodle Co.
As we move into the high school years of homeschooling, I’m always looking for ways to keep critical thinking, logic, and problem-solving part of our day without everything feeling like another lesson or assignment. That’s one reason I’m loving the SmartGames IQ Deluxe collection, and IQ Circle has quickly become a favorite. It looks simple when you first open it, but don’t let that little circular board fool you! 😂 IQ Circle definitely makes you think.
What Is SmartGames IQ Circle?
SmartGames IQ Circle is a one-player logic puzzle designed for ages 14+. It includes 120 challenges, ranging from Easy to Expert, along with 10 double-sided puzzle pieces and a portable game board with a lid. The goal sounds simple: complete the circle. You choose a challenge and place the indicated pieces onto the board. Then you have to figure out how to fit all of the remaining pieces correctly. But there’s a catch!
The pieces contain different-sized balls that must fit into specific areas of the circular board. The board also has ribs that restrict where pieces can be placed, and because the pieces are double-sided, sometimes you have to completely change your approach and flip a piece over to find the solution. Each challenge has only one correct solution.
More Than Just a Puzzle
What I really appreciate about IQ Circle is how many skills are being used while you’re simply trying to solve a puzzle. It encourages:
Critical thinking
Logical reasoning
Problem-solving
Concentration
Visual-spatial reasoning
Planning
Pattern recognition
Persistence
As the challenges become harder, fewer clues are provided, so you really have to slow down, analyze what you see, and think ahead. For high school students, I think activities like this are a great reminder that developing thinking skills doesn’t always require a textbook.
Why I Like the IQ Deluxe Games
The IQ Deluxe line is geared toward older teens and adults, and I think that makes a big difference for homeschool families with older students. The games have a more sophisticated design and presentation than many logic games created for younger children. IQ Circle’s unique geometric board isn’t just there to look nice the circular design actually influences how you have to approach and solve each challenge. It feels like a legitimate brain teaser rather than something we’ve simply adapted for a teenager.And apparently, Circle and I understand each other pretty well because I’ve been doing surprisingly good at this one!
SmartGames IQ Circle has been a great addition to our high school homeschool. It gives us something that’s fun and screen-free while still exercising logic, concentration, spatial reasoning, and critical-thinking skills. With 120 challenges from Easy to Expert, there is plenty of room to grow with the game, too. You can start where you’re comfortable and gradually work your way toward those challenges that really make you stare at the board and wonder how one little piece is causing so much trouble. High school homeschooling doesn’t have to mean giving up games and hands-on learning. Sometimes a quick puzzle is exactly what we need to break up a long school day, reset our brains, and make learning feel fun again. And right now, IQ Circle is definitely earning its spot on our homeschool table.
As a homeschool mom committed to providing a well-rounded, culturally enriching education, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality, thought-provoking resources. Black Classical Academy’s new curriculum, Shift Perspectives: From Barriers to Freedom Volume 1 Through Reconstruction, has truly impressed me. This comprehensive curriculum includes both a textbook and a student workbook, designed to take middle school and high school students on an engaging journey through critical periods of American history, with a focus on African American experiences and contributions. Grab something hot to drink because this review is going to be a little longer then my traditional reviews!
Overview of the Curriculum
Shift Perspectives is a dynamic, multi-faceted curriculum that covers the history of African Americans from the inception of the transatlantic slave trade through the Reconstruction era. The textbook is rich in content, featuring primary sources, narratives, and critical analyses that bring history to life. The accompanying student workbook is equally robust, filled with activities that promote critical thinking, reflective writing, and collaborative learning.
Key Features
1. Comprehensive Content:
The curriculum delves into historical events with a focus on underrepresented narratives, highlighting the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history. It covers significant topics such as the impact of slavery, the fight for freedom, and the challenges of Reconstruction. Each chapter provides detailed accounts that challenge students to think critically about history and its long-term effects on society.
2. Engaging Student Workbook:
The student workbook complements the textbook beautifully, offering a range of activities that reinforce learning. From analyzing primary source documents to creative projects and topics such as “Impact of the Maafa on Capitalism” the workbook encourages students to engage deeply with the material. The reflective questions and essay prompts help students develop their analytical and writing skills.
3. Critical Thinking and Discussion:
One of the standout features of this curriculum is its emphasis on critical thinking and discussion. Each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions designed to inspire meaningful conversations. The curriculum is structured to encourage students to connect historical events to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper understanding of history’s relevance today.
4. Culturally Affirming:
I value resources that present history from diverse perspectives. Shift Perspectives does an excellent job of showcasing African American history not as a sidebar but as an integral part of the American story. It promotes cultural pride and awareness, helping students see themselves reflected in the history they study.
Who Would Benefit from This Curriculum?
Shift Perspectives is ideal for homeschool families, co-ops, and educators seeking to provide a more inclusive, in-depth study of American history. It is particularly beneficial for:
Middle School and High School Students: The content is accessible yet challenging, making it suitable for students from grades 7 and up. It provides a more nuanced understanding of history that goes beyond standard textbooks.
Families Seeking a Culturally Enriching Curriculum: This curriculum is perfect for families who want to teach history through the lens of African American experiences and contributions.
Students Interested in Social Justice and Advocacy: The curriculum’s focus on critical thinking and connecting past events to current social issues makes it a great fit for students passionate about social justice and advocacy.
Co-ops and Study Groups: The discussion-based format and group projects make this curriculum an excellent choice for homeschool co-ops and study groups looking for a structured yet flexible resource.
A History Curriculum We Can Relate To
When I discovered Black Classical Academy’s latest curriculum, Shift Perspectives: From Barriers to Freedom Volume 1 Through Reconstruction, I knew immediately that it was a must-have for our homeschool journey. My son, who usually approaches new curriculum with a healthy dose of skepticism, couldn’t contain his excitement when he saw it. In fact, I had to hide the textbook and student workbook over the summer to keep him from diving in too soon! He insisted on me spiral binding his workbook because he said needed to be able to really give each activity its attention and respect.
As an Afro-Latino homeschool mom, I am constantly searching for resources that not only educate but also resonate with my family’s heritage and experiences. Shift Perspectives has exceeded my expectations in every way. The curriculum doesn’t just present history; it invites students to engage with the stories and struggles of African Americans from pre-colonial times through Reconstruction. It’s a narrative that is often overlooked or simplified, but Tanya Adkins, the creator, has ensured that it’s told with nuance and respect.
My son was overjoyed to finally have a history curriculum that he could see himself in—one that delves into the complexities and triumphs of our shared history. He’s been eager to explore each lesson, and I can already see how this curriculum is deepening his understanding and appreciation of the past. It’s not just history; it’s his story.
The Care and Detail Make All the Difference
One of the standout features of this curriculum is the meticulous care and detail Tanya Adkins has put into crafting it. Every page reflects a commitment to accuracy, inclusivity, and engagement. From primary source documents to thought-provoking questions and activities, Shift Perspectives encourages students to think critically and empathetically about the events and figures that shaped this era.
As a homeschool mom, I am incredibly grateful for the effort that has gone into making this curriculum accessible and meaningful. It’s clear that this isn’t just another history book—it’s a labor of love designed to empower and educate a new generation of learners.
I wanted to respect Mrs. Adkins hard work and dedication, therefore I decided not to include screenshots of textbook and the workbook. Trust me you won’t be disappointed, head over to Black Classical Academy so you can see for yourself.
Eagerly Awaiting Volume 2!
We’re only a few weeks into using Shift Perspectives, and already, it has become a favorite in our homeschool routine. My son and I are both eagerly anticipating Volume 2. It’s rare to find a history curriculum that not only educates but also resonates on such a personal level, and I am thrilled to have found that with Black Classical Academy.
Thank you, Tanya Adkins, for your dedication to creating a curriculum that is not only educational but also empowering. We can’t wait to continue this journey through history with you! It’s not just a history lesson—it’s an invitation to shift perspectives and understand the past in a way that informs our present and future.
We received Spy Academy Unit and Discovery Packs for our honest review, this post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost.
This past summer, my middle schooler and I embarked on an exciting journey with The Waldock Way’s Spy Academy Unit and Discovery Packs . What started as a fun, educational summer activity quickly became a staple in our homeschool routine.
Our Summer Mission: Spy Academy Unit Study Success
This summer, our homeschool took an unexpected twist—right into the thrilling world of espionage! With The Waldock Way Spy Academy Unit, my middle schooler was transformed into a top-secret agent, and our logic lessons got a major upgrade. Let me tell you, this unit isn’t just any old workbook—it’s an adventure packed with missions that challenge the brain and spark the imagination.
The Spy Academy Unit had us cracking codes, deciphering clues, and tackling puzzles that made my son feel like a real spy in training. Each lesson is a new mission, full of creative, hands-on activities that are as fun as they are educational. Whether it was solving complex riddles or navigating secret spy routes, my son was completely hooked. The best part? All of this learning disguised as play meant that our summer was not only productive but also filled with excitement and laughter.
Bringing the Spy Fun into Our School Year
Given how much my son loved playing super sleuth over the summer, it was a no-brainer to carry the Spy Academy into our new homeschool year. The unit fits perfectly into our logic lessons, providing just the right amount of challenge to keep those critical thinking skills sharp. Plus, the spy theme adds an element of fun that keeps my son eager to dive into each lesson.
Middle schoolers will absolutely love the Spy Academy Unit. It’s packed with engaging content that speaks directly to their love of adventure and challenge. If you’re looking for a way to make logic lessons something your child actually looks forward to, this is it!
Morning Magic with Interest Led Curriculum Discovery Packs
In addition to our spy adventures, we’ve also been using The Waldock Way Discovery Packs to give our homeschool mornings a little extra zing. Picture this: my son munching on breakfast while exploring the wonders of the Human Body Discovery Pack. It’s the perfect way to ease into the day—fun, informative, and hands-on.
The Discovery Packs are designed to be versatile and engaging. We started with the Human Body Discovery Pack, which turned our breakfast time into a mini science lesson. My son was fascinated by the interactive activities and the detailed yet accessible information. It’s a great way to kickstart the day with some light learning before we dive into our more structured lessons.
And it doesn’t stop there. We’ve also been using the US History Discovery Pack as part of our US History and Civics curriculum. This pack is full of rich content that brings history to life, making it a fantastic supplement to our main lessons. My son enjoys exploring the various activities and projects, which help reinforce what we’re learning in a fun and engaging way.
A Deeper Dive into Discovery Packs
The Waldock Way Discovery Packs are incredibly flexible resources that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you need a quick Brain Break, a full Unit Study, or just a supplement to your existing curriculum, these packs have you covered. With 16 different Discovery Packs to choose from, there’s something for every interest and learning style.
Each pack includes a mix of informational text, interactive activities, and creative projects that are designed to engage and educate. They’re perfect for middle schoolers who need a little extra motivation to get excited about learning. My son enjoys the variety, and the packs work seamlessly with our homeschool schedule, whether we’re using them as a morning jumpstart, a midday Brain Break, or an afternoon deep dive.
Who Will Love Spy Academy and Discovery Packs?
Both the Spy Academy Unit and the Discovery Packs are ideal for middle schoolers who thrive on interactive, hands-on learning. They’re designed to be fun, challenging, and educational, making them a perfect fit for any homeschooler looking to add a little extra excitement to their routine.
So, if you’re a homeschool mom looking to make your middle schooler’s education more engaging, I highly recommend The Waldock Way Spy Academy Unit and Discovery Packs. They’ve made a world of difference in our homeschool, turning ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures!
If you follow us you know we are long time user of Evan Moor publications since my son was in kindergarten. Navigating the educational journey with my sixth-grader, finding resources that stimulate critical thinking and creativity is paramount. Evan-Moor’s Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 has been a welcome addition to our homeschool curriculum, and I’m excited to share our experiences.
Flexibility in Homeschooling:
One of the standout features of this resource is its adaptability to the homeschooling environment. The activities are structured yet flexible, allowing for seamless integration into our daily routine. Whether used as a core component or as supplementary material, the resource accommodates the unique pace and style of homeschooling.
Encouraging Independent Thought:
Evan-Moor’s program excels in encouraging independent thought processes. The activities prompt my child to think critically and creatively without constant guidance, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-directed learning. This aligns perfectly with the principles of homeschooling, where independence and self-motivation are key.
Diverse and Engaging Activities:
The resource offers a diverse range of activities that keep my child engaged and eager to learn. From logic puzzles to open-ended creative challenges, each activity is a new adventure in thinking. The variety ensures that our homeschooling journey remains dynamic and stimulating, preventing monotony in our daily lessons.
Integration with Other Subjects
As a homeschooling parent, I appreciate the resource’s integration with core subjects. The activities seamlessly tie into our broader curriculum, providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration. This not only enhances the relevance of the exercises but also reinforces connections between different areas of learning.
Encouraging Critical and Creative Expression
The program strikes an excellent balance between fostering critical thinking and nurturing creativity. It goes beyond rote memorization, encouraging my child to approach problems analytically while also fostering imaginative and original thought. This duality is essential for well-rounded development.
User-Friendly Design for Homeschooling Parents
The resource’s clear instructions and user-friendly design make it accessible for homeschooling parents, regardless of their teaching background. The organized structure allows for easy planning and implementation, freeing up time for other aspects of our homeschooling journey.
Evan-Moor Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 has been a valuable asset in our homeschooling toolkit. Its flexibility, encouragement of independent thought, diverse activities, integration with core subjects, and user-friendly design make it a standout resource for homeschooling parents looking to cultivate critical thinking and creativity in their sixth-grade students and possible to eighth grade. Evan-Moor Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 is included in the sixth grade non religious Timberdoodle Co curriculum kit.
As a homeschooling parent committed to providing my children with a well-rounded and engaging education, I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum. With a focus on the intricate workings of the human body, this curriculum promises to deliver a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. After thoroughly evaluating its content, structure, and effectiveness, I am delighted to share my detailed review.
Content
The Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of anatomical structures, physiological processes, and the interplay between various systems within the human body. From the fundamentals of circulation to the complexities of cellular biology, each topic is meticulously covered, providing students with a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The curriculum also delves into relevant historical and scientific discoveries, adding depth and context to the lessons.
Structure
One of the strengths of this curriculum lies in its well-structured format. The content is organized into logical units, with each unit building upon previously acquired knowledge. This progressive approach ensures a smooth and cohesive learning experience, allowing students to develop a solid foundation before tackling more advanced concepts. Additionally, the curriculum provides clear learning objectives, outlines of lessons, and suggested timelines, making it easy for parents to plan and implement the curriculum effectively.
Engagement
The Heron Books curriculum excels in engaging students through a variety of learning modalities. Richly illustrated textbooks capture the attention of visual learners, while hands-on activities and experiments cater to kinesthetic learners. Furthermore, the inclusion of multimedia resources, such as videos and interactive simulations, enhances the learning experience and appeals to auditory and visual learners alike. This multi-dimensional approach not only keeps students actively engaged but also fosters a deeper understanding and retention of the material.
Critical Thinking
One of the standout features of this curriculum is its emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the lessons, students are encouraged to analyze data, make connections, and apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios. Thought-provoking questions and prompts challenge students to think creatively and independently, fostering a spirit of inquiry and curiosity. By nurturing these essential skills, the curriculum prepares students to become thoughtful and analytical thinkers.
Flexibility
The Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum offers flexibility to accommodate diverse learning needs and preferences. Whether used as a standalone science course or integrated into a broader interdisciplinary curriculum, it provides ample opportunities for customization. Parents can adapt the curriculum to suit the pace and interests of individual students, allowing for a personalized learning experience that maximizes engagement and comprehension.
The Middle Schoolers Thoughts
Okay now that my mom has broken it down here are my thoughts. I am quite sure you all already know I want to be a heart surgeon. I already read a lot about the human body so I didn’t need another textbook. This is not just a bunch of boring textbooks. Nope, there are cool illustrations, hands-on activities, and even interactive digital resources that make learning about the human body way more fun and interesting. Everything is laid out in a clear and organized way, so you always know what you’re supposed to be learning and when. Plus, there are tons of opportunities for hands-on experiments and projects, which really help to bring the lessons to life
So yeah, if you’re a middle schooler looking for a fun and fascinating way to learn about the human body, I definitely recommend giving the Heron Books curriculum a try. Who knows, you might just discover your inner scientist along the way! Now back to you Mom!
Final Thoughts!
The Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum stands out as a comprehensive and effective resource for homeschooling families. With its rich content, structured approach, engaging activities, and emphasis on critical thinking, it offers a truly immersive learning experience that fosters a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human body. Whether you are seeking a standalone science curriculum or a supplement to your existing program, this curriculum is sure to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for scientific inquiry in students of all ages. Highly recommended.
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 thatHands-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.
Hey, guys, I’m jumping on right now to bring you a review that’s probably not like our typical reviews. We were given the opportunity to review the new Khan Academy Khanmigo. If you aren’t familiar with Khanmigo it is Khan Academy’s new AI teacher assistant and learner tutor. I’m gonna be totally honest with you I was a little bit skeptical about the whole AI technology being used in my homeschool. Like many families, we do have several Alexa devices in our home. and So when we were given an opportunity to try out the new Khan Academy Khanmigo AI resource I jumped at the chance to just check it out.
As of right now, the Khanmigo is not available to the general public but you can eagerly put your name on a waitlist. The platform that we were using was the beta platform. We shared the teacher dashboard but there is an area for learners. Once fully launched Khanmigo will be available to students on their dashboards. Khanmigo’s goal is to be an assistant teacher to help you plan creative lessons. For the student, it is used to be a progressive tutor in which the student facilitates the learning and Khanmigo adapts and tutors.
Khanmigo is a wonderful resource from what I can tell right now. There are lots of prompts and details to tell you how the system works. The AI is very responsive, honestly, I didn’t run into any problems using Khanmigo. I was really impressed at how thoroughly the system works.
Teacher Dashboard
The teacher dashboard has and on the left-hand side of ten activities to choose from:
Chat with GPT-4 (Your AI buddy)
Class Snapshot ( Lets you see what going on in your classes)
Summarize student chat history ( lets you see how your students have been chatting with Khanmigo)
Refresh my knowledge ( Lets you pick topics and grade levels you need refreshing on)
Create a lesson hook and write exit ticket questions
Options for creating lesson plans
Write learning objectives
Co-create a rubric
The dialogue box is to the right of the activities and this is where you will see your interactions. How I tested Khanmigo’s lesson planning skills is I asked for the AI to create a lesson plan for Meso- America. I was completely blown away. AI the system gave me a complete breakdown of:
Objectives/Standards
Essential Questions
Materials
Lesson Hook
Lesson Activities
Assessment
Higher-Order Thinking Questions
Extensions Activities
Differentiation
Take your teaching to the next level with AI-guided lesson planning and insightful student feedback. Khanmigo frees up our educators’ most limited resource—time.
Khan Academy
Fellow educators let me just tell you, I WAS SHOCKED !!! I want to take this time and thank Khan Academy for saving me HOURS of research and agony. The systems even referenced activities to use within Khan Academy. I then further tested the learning objectives activity on the same topic and the AI helped me come up with and pinpoint my personal own objectives for this topic for my son.
For Learners
The learner’s section of the dashboard also includes a welcome screen and on the left side there were twenty activities that included:
Brainstorm admissions essay
Grammar and Mechanic check
Tutoring Math, Science, Humanities
Ignite your curiosity
Practice general subjects
Practice for Elementary, Middle School, High School, AP Exams, College
Debate topics for Elementary, Middle School, and High School
Chat with Historical and Literary characters
Story writing and writing prompts
Vocabulary
College and academic and career growth
My son took his turn at Khanmigo and so far he has studied Indigenous Tribes, Civil War, Juneteenth, and Indigenous mounds. He has also used writing prompts and debate topics for middle schoolers. He has also used Khanmigo to help him dig deeper into his physics and history lessons.
Khanmigo mimics a writing coach by giving prompts and suggestions to move students forward as they write, debate, and collaborate in exciting new ways.
Khan Academy
Now I know what you’re thinking is Khanmigo doing all the work for kids and teachers is it taking away the ability to research and be creative. On the contrary, Khanmigo gives students and teachers the skeleton it encourages them to dig deeper into what they have asked about or created. Students are encouraged to use the resources within Khan Academy as well as outside resources. Khanmigo is not about giving your students answers they are testing their knowledge and building upon it. I appreciate that when students type in answers if the answers are wrong or they come close to being correct the system is very encouraging and they help them learn about the topic rather than listing a bunch of facts and historical events.
Khan Academy Khanmigo receives a huge thumbs up from both my son and myself. There are so many capabilities of this platform. The things I took away from reviewing this Khanmigo are that it saves time, and takes my lesson planning to a new level. I definitely see Khanmigo as an assistant teacher at my homeschool.
Middle Schoolers Thoughts
I really like Khanmigo I was able to learn about topics I am interested in. I also like the writing prompts helper. The writing prompts help me develop my writing with greater details. My favorite area is science, I was able to ask questions and search through my own books, and the internet based on the suggestions Khanmigo gave me. Khanmigo is like having another teacher that helps you learn. I also like Khanmigo because I felt in control of what I wanted to do and learn about.
Final Thoughts
Khan Academy Khanmigo is a great resource for educators and learners. Right now it is in beta testing, so I would hurry and get on the waitlist. In the future, the learners will have their own dashboard. I also foresee Khan Academy Khanmigo getting some tweaks. I am hoping they included a printing option so you can print out the conversations. You can copy and paste your conversation into a Word document which is helpful. We really like Khan Academy Khanmigo and I will be using it more often in our homeschool and for planning purposes. I know my son really likes it so I see it being in high rotation with him as well.
Art still remains to be one of those subjects I tend to drop the ball on every year in our homeschool. Now we do some art throughout the year, but it is just not in heavy rotation. We recently were given the opportunity to review the “Have I Got a Story for You” during the Renaissance period. You may be familiar with us writing about this program known as HIGASFY from a few years back, we are excited to review the Renaissance period.
“Have I Got a Story for You” is a downloaded art curriculum that can be done at your own pace. There are 12 fun downloadable videos. The videos are fun, and interactive the HIGASFY team has done a great job of making the videos relatable to younger and older students. Along with the corresponding videos you receive:
40 flashcards
Name the Artist Assessment (Powerpoint)
Cross-Curricular activities in writing, history, science, and geography
The target grade level is the 1st-8th grade, Mrs. Beth makes art come alive for your student. This program would work great as a family subject the way it is laid out. Gasfy is such a great companion to Mrs. Beth as she takes your student through the wonderful world of art history. Who is Gasfy? He is the cute little green paint drop that helps Mrs. Beth teach the lessons. The videos average about 22-23 mins and the activities are fun and quick to complete. Everything you need is laid out for you all you need to do is follow the lesson and pick your activities and you are all set. I know what you are thinking what about art supplies? You don’t need a bunch of fancy art supplies to complete the “Have I Got a Story for You” Ressinance Period.
The “Have I Got a Story for You” Renaissance Period program covers Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. These are all respected artists during the Renaissance period; if your student has never been exposed to these artists this is a great program. Mrs. Beth and Gasfy do a great job explaining the lives of these artists. The lesson plans also include critical thinking questions and advanced student lessons. Students will find the lesson activities engaging. Each lesson also includes vocabulary words and beautiful art visuals for your student.
We are currently working our way through ancient civilization in our current history lessons. In the next few months, we will be moving into the renaissance period and my plan is to use the “Have I Got a Story for You” Renaissance Period on Fridays for our art lessons. My son is familiar with HIGASFY because we have used it previously and he enjoyed it.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance and easy-to-implement art program that your kids would love I highly recommend you check out “Have I Got a Story for You” Renaissance Period. Keep in mind “Have I Got a Story for You” Renaissance Period is a downloadable art curriculum for your family. If you would like to read our older review of HIGASFY please feel free to check out our previous review.
This year as part of our electives I am making more of an effort to work on critical thinking and logic skills. I am so serious about us spending more time working on logic I have made it a family affair. We were given the opportunity to review SmartGames IQ Six Pro to review. Smart Games IQ Six Pro is included in the 2022 Ninth-Grade Curriculum KitTimberdoodle Co. and rightfully so because this game is great for younger and older students.
SmartGames
SmartGames is award-winning company, that creates educational and inspiring games for kids for all ages. We are no strangers to this company we have owned several of their games when my son was younger. SmartGames work on providing games that children and adults will play and learn. SmartGames target the following areas:
Cognitive Skills
Social Skills
Language Skills
Build Confidence
At SmartGames we believe Learning through Play is one of the most important concepts in childhood development. Through play children can learn cognitive, social and language skills, and build the self-confidence needed to navigate challenges in life.
IQ Six Pro is a compact game, but just because it is small doesn’t mean that it is not mighty. The game comes with game board with a clear lid. Inside the little box you will find the 12 game pieces and instructional manual. The game is for ages eight years and older and includes 120 puzzles and their solutions. There are four levels of gameplay starter, junior, expert, master, and wizard. The game can be played 2D (inside box and on back on the back of box) and 3D. I am personally still working out the kinks with the 3D version. The 2D gameplay has been fabulous for us to play as a family. The instructions are easy to follow, and you will find yourself having to really think about the solutions and the outcomes before placing your pieces.
The gameplay simple your goal is to place the pieces as the challenges tells you and then fit the remaining pieces into the original challenge. Sounds easy right? Well, that’s where the critical thinking comes into play because there is only 1 solution. IQ Six Pro is like a handheld interactive Tetris game and but better.
So, this is how my family used IQ Six Pro Wednesday nights is family logic game night. Like I said previously we are longtime users of SmartGames so we own a few of their compact games. I set our games out and we all grab a game and start playing, but because IQ Six Pro was new, we all wanted to jump in a play. So we set a timer and each person got 3 mins to try to solve the puzzle then we would switch and sometimes we would play the one challenge together taking turns trying. My husband who was super confident he had this in the bag quickly finish challenges we told him he had to do a wizard level. Sure, enough he got stumped and spent a lot of time working the challenge.
My son uses IQ Six Pro as part of his brain breaks and logic learning rotations. He prefers the interactive games over any book logic work. He has worked his way up to the master level. I have noticed he will do previously challenges over and will time himself. We have taken IQ Six Pro on car rides; vacation and he even took it to his summer camp and introduced it to his friends.
We really like IQ Six Pro and I plan to give my mother one for her birthday and send a set to my sister for the holidays. It makes a great stocking stuffer and fits well in a morning basket. Just a few minutes a day your student can work on their critical thinking skills and have fun. What really like about IQ Six Pro is that it is screen free and he really has to work to get the solution.
Smart Games IQ Six Pro is a great compact game for the entire family. We plan to invest in many more of these compact games over the next few months to add to our collection. You can also get your own Smart Games IQ Six Pro from Timberdoodle Co. and it is also included in the 2022 Ninth-Grade Curriculum Kit. I would like to thank Timberdoodle Co. for sending this great game to add to our collection.
Little Learner and Mom 