We received forHomeschool Planet for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.
As a homeschool mom navigating the educational journey with my middle school son over the past two years, I’ve come to rely on Homeschool Planet as an indispensable tool. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve into how this platform has revolutionized our homeschooling experience, from lesson planning to grade tracking, and how it has nurtured crucial executive skills for both myself and my son.
Lesson Plans
Homeschool Planet offers a treasure trove of lesson plans that can be purchased at low cost, providing a convenient solution for busy homeschooling parents. With just a few clicks, I can browse through a vast array of subjects and grade levels, selecting plans that align perfectly with our curriculum goals and my son’s interests. This feature has been a game-changer, saving me countless hours of research and planning.
Flexibility and Customization
One of the greatest strengths of Homeschool Planet lies in its flexibility. I can easily shift and edit assignments, tailoring our curriculum to suit my son’s individual learning pace and style. Whether we need to adjust the pacing of a particular unit or add supplementary materials to enhance understanding, Homeschool Planet makes it effortless. This adaptability ensures that our homeschooling experience remains dynamic and responsive to my son’s evolving needs.
Tracking Grades, Calendar, and Transcripts
Homeschool Planet excels in its comprehensive grade tracking and transcript generation capabilities. I can effortlessly record grades for assignments and assessments, monitor my son’s academic progress, and generate detailed transcripts that accurately reflect his achievements. This feature has not only simplified record-keeping but has also provided invaluable insights into my son’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Executive Skills Development
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of using Homeschool Planet is its role in nurturing executive skills for both myself and my middle school son. The platform’s user-friendly interface empowers my son to take ownership of his schedule, manage his time effectively, and stay organized. By providing a centralized hub for all of his assignments, deadlines, and resources, Homeschool Planet has fostered independence and responsibility in my son’s approach to learning. As a homeschool mom, I’ve also found that the platform has streamlined the planning and organization process, allowing me to focus more energy on teaching and engaging with my son.
Digital and Written Planners
Homeschool Planet versatility extends to its provision of both digital and written planners, catering to different preferences and ensuring accessibility for all users. Whether we’re accessing our homeschooling materials online or jotting down notes in a physical planner, Homeschool Planet offers the flexibility and convenience that we need to stay organized and on track.
Homeschool Planet has been an invaluable asset in our homeschooling journey over the past two years. Its user-friendly interface, extensive library of lesson plans, customizable features, and robust grading and tracking capabilities make it an essential tool for any homeschooling family. With its 30-day free trial (no credit card required) and the added bonus of free Homeschool ID Cards, Homeschool Planet offers an excellent opportunity for families to experience its benefits firsthand. From simplifying lesson planning to nurturing executive skills, Homeschool Planet has truly transformed the way we approach education at home.
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, families around the world are preparing to embark on a journey of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and devotion. For homeschooling families, Ramadan presents a unique opportunity to integrate faith and education, fostering a holistic approach to learning that transcends the confines of traditional classroom settings. I invite you into our homeschooling world as we prepare to embark on this sacred journey together. From enriching resources to cherished rituals, we’re gearing up for a month filled with learning, reflection, and connection.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a super special time for Muslims around the world. It’s a whole month where we focus on getting closer to Allah, our Creator, through fasting, praying, and doing good deeds. During Ramadan, we fast from dawn until sunset, which means we don’t eat or drink anything during the daylight hours. It’s not just about skipping meals though; it’s about self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. It’s also a time for spending extra time with family, doing extra prayers, and reflecting on how we can be better people. Ramadan is like a spiritual recharge for our hearts and souls, and it’s always a special and exciting time for us!
There are two important meals during Ramadan. Suhoor is the meal we eat before the sun comes up, kind of like our breakfast before starting our fast. It’s super important because it helps us fuel up for the day ahead and gives us the energy we need to fast. We often have wholesome foods like oats, fruits, and protein-rich dishes to keep us feeling full and energized until sunset.
And then, when the sun sets, we have Iftar, which is like a big, celebratory dinner to break our fast. It’s such a special time to come together with family and friends and enjoy delicious food after a day of fasting. We prepare all sorts of tasty dishes, from traditional favorites to special treats, and the joy of sharing this meal with loved ones is truly heartwarming.
When we break our fast during Iftar, it’s a tradition to start with dates. Dates are not only delicious but they also provide a quick source of energy after a long day of fasting. Plus, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with dates, so it’s a sunnah, or tradition, that we love to follow. After having dates and some water, we then move on to the rest of our meal, savoring each bite with gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of Ramadan.
Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan
For homeschooling families, this sacred month offers an ideal opportunity to incorporate Islamic teachings and values into their educational curriculum. From reading Quranic verses and learning about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to engaging in discussions about the significance of fasting and practicing acts of kindness, homeschooling during Ramadan provides a unique platform for nurturing faith and character development.
Integrating Faith and Learning
One of the key benefits of homeschooling during Ramadan is the ability to seamlessly integrate faith-based learning into daily academic activities. Families can explore Islamic history, art, and literature, delve into the science of fasting and its physiological effects on the body, or even incorporate math lessons centered around calculating the lunar calendar. By weaving Islamic principles and teachings into various subjects, homeschooling parents can instill a deep sense of religious identity and belonging in their children, while simultaneously fostering a love for learning.
Fostering a Culture of Reflection and Gratitude
Ramadan encourages believers to engage in self-reflection, gratitude, and mindfulness. Homeschooling provides the perfect platform for fostering these virtues within the family dynamic. Parents can encourage their children to journal their thoughts and reflections on a daily basis, discussing their experiences and insights as a family. Additionally, families can come together for communal iftars (breaking of the fast) and evening prayers, creating an atmosphere of unity and spiritual fellowship that enriches the homeschooling experience.
Practical Tips for Homeschooling During Ramadan
While homeschooling during Ramadan can be a deeply rewarding experience, it also comes with its own set of challenges. To ensure a smooth and successful homeschooling journey during this sacred month, consider the following tips:
Plan Ahead: Set realistic goals and expectations for homeschooling activities, taking into account the reduced energy levels that may accompany fasting.
Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Allocate time for Quranic recitation, dua (supplication), and other spiritual practices as part of your daily routine.
Embrace Flexibility: Be open to adjusting your homeschooling schedule to accommodate the rhythms of Ramadan, allowing for rest and rejuvenation as needed.
Encourage Acts of Kindness: Incorporate opportunities for charitable giving and community service into your homeschooling curriculum, reinforcing the importance of compassion and empathy.
Stay Connected: Seek support from fellow homeschooling families and community members, sharing resources, ideas, and encouragement to enhance your Ramadan homeschooling experience.
Enriching Ramadan Resources
I try to make our Ramadan days meaningful by adding in some outside resources for my son. Our homeschooling library received a delightful boost this year with new book purchases from The Crescent Moon bookstore. From captivating tales of Islamic folklore to beautifully illustrated stories of faith and resilience, these books have become cherished additions to our literary collection. As we curl up with these literary treasures, we’re transported to faraway lands and timeless tales that inspire and uplift our spirits.
Participating in Noor Kids Ramadan Camp has become a highlight of our homeschooling journey. With engaging lessons, fun activities, and interactive discussions, my son is learning about the importance of faith, community, and compassion in a nurturing and supportive environment. Noor Kids Ramadan Camp fosters a sense of belonging and connection, empowering my to son to embrace his Muslim identity with pride and confidence.
Also part of our preparations for Ramadan, we’ve gifted our son with a new Quran and Dua Made Easy Cards. These resources serve as invaluable tools for nurturing his spirituality and strengthening his connection to Allah. With his new Quran in hand, he eagerly embarks on the journey of memorization and reflection, while the Dua Made Easy Cards provide simple yet profound supplications to guide him through the challenges and joys of daily life. To enrich our understanding of Islamic history and heritage, we’ve incorporated resources from Unboxed History into our homeschooling curriculum.
Sustaining Body and Soul with Meal Prep and Family Meals
Oh, in addition to nourishing our minds and hearts, we’re also mindful of nourishing our bodies during Ramadan. Meal prepping and making hearty meals to sustain us throughout the day become cherished rituals in our homeschooling household. Meal prepping has been a great way for us to spend time as a family. This year I had my son help me plan our meals and meal prep items. He really enjoyed this time because we have had some meaningful conversations.
Homeschooling during Ramadan is a deeply enriching experience that allows us, as homeschooling moms, to nurture our children’s hearts, minds, and souls in profound ways. By balancing faith and education, embracing flexibility, seizing teachable moments, cultivating a culture of reflection, and building a supportive community, we can create a homeschooling experience that honors the spirit of Ramadan and fosters growth and learning for our children. May this Ramadan be a blessed and transformative journey for homeschooling families everywhere.
As a homeschooling parent, discovering a language arts curriculum that fosters a love for literature, writing, and effective communication is crucial. Hearth & Story has emerged as a valuable resource for homeschooling journey, offering a well-rounded and engaging secular language arts program. If you are familiar with Pandia Press History Quest is authored by Lindsey Sodano the creator of this new language arts curriculum.
The Program
One of the standout features of the Hearth & Story curriculum is its emphasis on literature. The carefully selected reading materials expose my child to a rich variety of genres and authors, fostering a love for literature. The integration of classic and contemporary works ensures a balanced and comprehensive reading experience.
The writing component of the curriculum is equally impressive. The program provides clear and structured writing lessons that progressively build on foundational skills. The inclusion of creative writing prompts and projects has sparked my child’s imagination, making the writing process both enjoyable and educational.
The flexibility of Hearth & Story can be a significant benefit for an homeschooling schedule. The well-organized lesson plans and resources allow for easy adaptation to our pace and learning style. The inclusion of assessments and progress tracking tools has been helpful in monitoring my child’s development and identifying areas that may need additional focus.
The incorporation of grammar and language mechanics is seamless. Rather than being presented as isolated exercises, these elements are integrated into the broader context of reading and writing. This approach not only reinforces grammatical concepts but also demonstrates their practical application.
Final Thoughts
From a parent’s perspective, the support materials provided by Hearth & Story are comprehensive. The instructor’s guide, supplementary resources, and online support contribute to a smooth teaching experience, even for parents who may not have a background in education.
One aspect that particularly stood out to us was the “brain food” section, which quickly became our favorite. It’s amazing how it effortlessly stimulates young minds while providing valuable insights. Moreover, the curriculum’s design encourages independence in learning, allowing children to navigate through the materials with minimal assistance. As a parent, this feature not only promotes self-reliance but also instills confidence in my children’s academic journey.
It has been a delightful experience. This curriculum truly caters to the holistic development of a child, addressing various learning styles and fostering critical thinking skills along the way.
Regarding grade level suitability, I found this curriculum to be well-suited for advanced 4th graders, while still offering a challenge for those in 5th and even 6th grade. It’s a versatile resource that adapts to the varying needs and capabilities of students.
The graphics within the curriculum are not only visually appealing but also possess a calming effect, creating an environment conducive to learning. The beautifully illustrated content brought back fond memories of another curriculum we had previously used when my son was younger. He particularly enjoyed revisiting similar styles, using it almost as a nostalgic review session. The cost is of the complete curriculum is inexpensive and you have options to purchase individual areas of interest.
I was pleased to discover the literature sections, which included titles like “The Giver,” a book typically reserved for older grades. This demonstrates the curriculum’s commitment to offering enriching and thought-provoking material, catering to a wide range of reading levels and interests.
Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate exploring the upcoming 6th-grade language arts component. The flexibility of this curriculum is another commendable aspect; it leaves room for additional supplements, allowing for customization based on individual needs and preferences.
Overall, our experience with this curriculum has been nothing short of excellent. It’s a well-rounded educational tool that not only educates but also inspires young learners to explore and grow. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent or educator seeking a comprehensive and engaging learning resource for their children.
In conclusion, Hearth & Story Language Arts Curriculum has the potential to be a cornerstone of homeschoolers language arts instruction. Its focus on literature, comprehensive writing lessons, seamless integration of grammar, and flexibility make it a standout choice for homeschooling families seeking a well-rounded language arts program. I highly recommend Hearth & Story to parents looking to cultivate a love for language and literature in their children.
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.
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%!
We receivedBeehive 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.
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.
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.
Normally I start my reviews off with an opener, but for this one, I just have just dive right in for this review. When I tell you I was impressed with Africa In A Box from Teni & Tayo I couldn’t wait to write this review!!!
Africa In A Box is exactly what you get with an interactive history stem box for ages 5+. We felt like we were given front-row seats to the motherland with Mrs. Omobola as our guide. My son was instantly captivated, and his Nintendo Switch was kicked to the curb very quickly. Once he saw me place the box on the table and saw all the goodies he was ready!
Our mission is to help close the representation gap in the products made for kids while creating fun and engaging products that any child can enjoy.
Mrs. Omobola- creator
Our topic of the month was the Ndebele Tribe of South Africa/Zimbabwe. Included in our inspired by Africa box was everything thing we needed to build our authentic home. We received:
Detailed written and picture instructions.
Markers and pencil
Glue
Wooden panel with building hardware
Battery pack and batteries
Wires and LED bulb
Twine
Let’s talk about this video it was awesome we watched it twice. We learned about the Ndebele tribe in South Africa and some parts of Zimbabwe. We learned about the language, history, geography, and culture. My son was in awe of the beauty of the countries and people mentioned in the video.
He asked me… Mom why don’t they show how beautiful Africa really is on the news and tv?”
Jai – age 10
As parents, we have always taught our son about the beautiful continent of Africa and let him know he is a descendant of mighty kings and queens. To have a box like Africa In A Box just solidifies everything he has been learning since he was a toddler.
The hands-on STEM activity is wonderful. The instructor walks the children through building the structure. Mrs. Omobola has a natural rapport with the children. I like that she spoke to the children with respect, positivity, and encouragement. Also included in the box is an informational reader about the lesson the kids would be learning.
In the video, the children learn the importance of giving back because they tell the children for every box they receive a certain percentage of the purchase goes to help those in need in Africa and the African diaspora. I love that they are teaching this value because it is so important that children learn to give back.
After finishing his box he started playing with his Black Panther Lego mini figure. His house was the highlight of the day. He found a special place for it in his room. He asked us to get him another box because he enjoyed this one so much!
My son is 10, and he had no problem assembling the project on his own. When he got stuck with the wiring he just went back and rewatched the video and paused where he needed to adjust. My son isn’t big on decorating projects like this but he fully decorated his project and turned on some South African music on Alexa and spent the afternoon coloring. He also spent the evening telling his dad about his project and attempting to do the Ndebele clicking pronunciation.
Africa In A Box is available as a monthly subscription or bundle discount. At the time of this review, the company is offering free shipping on their box subscriptions. The cost starts at $38.99 and they are mailed by the 15th of the month. There is a pop-up on their website where you can save 10% off your first box. We plan to subscribe so we can get the upcoming box on Empress Taytu Betul of Ethiopia. I highly recommend Africa In A Box from Teni & Tayo .
Well, the holiday season is moving fast and there are only a few days until Christmas, but for hundreds of black and brown people, the celebration continues the day after Christmas. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that celebrates African culture and its importance in the African-American community. It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Seven core principles are celebrated during this time: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These principles are essential in helping to promote African culture and unify African-Americans. Kwanzaa is also a time to reflect on the history of African-Americans, honor ancestors, and recognize the struggles of the African diaspora. It is a time for African-Americans to come together to celebrate their culture, traditions, and community. Kwanzaa is a time for African-Americans to find strength, embrace their identity, and work together to build a better future.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are
The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These seven principles serve as a guide for African-Americans to celebrate their African heritage and culture and promote unity and self-improvement.
A few years back I wrote a blog about how we celebrated a Montessori Inspired Kwanzaa. You can read about our Montessori-Inspired Kwanzaa here. I have been meaning to update and write about how celebrating Kwanzaa is an ongoing tradition in our home. My son looks forward to celebrating each year and takes part in lightening the candle and leading the celebration. For us celebrating Kwanzaa is a way of life its not just a week, we practice the principles all year. Kwanzaa is not political or religious and it is not something that is celebrated in Africa. Kwanzaa is mostly celebrated in the United States but it was inspired by the South African region harvest celebration of the “first fruits”. I highly recommend that you do your research beforehand and check out the Official Kwanzaa Website.
I pull our Kwanzaa materials out right after Thanksgiving and I set up our area, you can check out our Kwanzaa unboxing on our Little Learner and Mom Instagram. Setting up early allows me to think about our intentions for the upcoming year and it gives us all a full month to think about these intentions. My son spends his time journaling about each principle and reflecting on how he demonstrated those principles during the year. I personally reflect on Umoja ( Unity) and Nia (Purpose) during the month of December.
Kwanzaa doesn’t require a lot of prep as a matter of fact our first kinara was made out of toilet paper rolls and tissue paper, a handmade Mkeka, and one of my son’s sippy cups. The homemade materials were the best because they were made with the principle of Kuumba in mind. We treasured those materials and set them out continuously each year until they fell apart. For our next Kinara we also made ourselves some wooden candle holders. Our current Kwanzaa set is from Kwanzaa Kit. Over the years we have made changes and built off of the previous year. I plan our meal plan for the week ahead of time, I try to include a special dish or dessert each day on the 6th day we have a grand meal that includes recipes from both my husband and my mother. I also have my son pick a recipe he wants to prepare.
There are several picture books about Kwanzaa, you can find our favorites in our Amazon store. I have also included some resources for games, cookbooks, kinara sets, and decorations. It is not too late to grab some candles (Mishumaa Saba) from your local craft store and you can just use a candle holder and just light your candles. The Kamali Academy Kwanzaa Unit Study has some wonderful printable principles cards you can print on cardstock and laminate. You can do like we did and just make your material, you will treasure these over the years. I have created a Kwanzaa Pinterest board full of ideas you can look over. Here are a few of my favorite Teacher pay Teacher Resources:
The most important thing about Kwanzaa is making the celebration your own there is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Take baby steps at first and enjoy the week learning and enjoying your family. Kwanzaa is an affirmation of African American people’s connection to their African roots and their history, and it is a time to reflect on the importance of self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is a time of self-reflection and celebration of African American culture and heritage, and it is a reminder of the importance of community and family.
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Little Learner and Mom 