Category: Literature Base

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Education, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School Math

An In-Depth Look at Lightning Literature’s New Storm Level for Grades 6–8

Little Learner and Mom

As a long-time homeschool mom and devoted user of Lightning Literature, I was excited to try their new Storm Level designed for grades 6–8 with my middle schooler. Having used Lightning Lit since my son was in 2nd grade and even using the 1st grade level to tutor a younger student. I was hopeful this new level would meet our needs, and it truly delivered.

A Trusted Curriculum, Elevated for Middle School

One of the standout features of the Storm Level is how it elevates the curriculum while keeping the familiar structure we’ve come to love. It’s still rooted in high-quality literature, thoughtful grammar instruction, and meaningful writing prompts—but with added depth and flexibility that’s perfect for middle schoolers transitioning to more independent work.

Multi-Level Grammar Instruction: A Game-Changer

What impressed me most was that Storm Level covers three levels of grammar instruction not just one. This multi-level approach is a huge benefit, especially for middle school students who may need reinforcement in foundational grammar while also being challenged with more complex concepts. It’s excellent for review, while also introducing new material and gradually increasing rigor.

This layering of grammar provides natural scaffolding and allows parents to tailor lessons based on their child’s comfort level. Whether your student needs extra practice or is ready to accelerate, this flexibility makes the curriculum highly adaptable.

Diverse & Inclusive Book Selections

The literature selections in Storm Level are diverse, inclusive, and thoughtfully chosen. This is something I value deeply as a homeschool mom raising a culturally aware child. The books include different perspectives, backgrounds, and voices, which made for rich discussions and connections. Lightning Lit has always done a great job of making literature engaging, but this level truly shines in its inclusiveness.

The New In-House Reader: A Wonderful Addition

Another thoughtful update is the enclosed reader. This addition makes life easier for homeschool parents because everything is in one place. It also helps students stay organized and focused, especially those who benefit from having all their materials together. My son found it easy to navigate, and the high-quality printing and layout made it enjoyable to read.

A Secular Curriculum That Plays Well with Others

Lightning Literature remains a secular curriculum, which continues to be a draw for our family. It easily pairs with other programs especially helpful for eclectic homeschoolers like us. Since we are currently using a different writing curriculum, we didn’t complete all the writing assignments in Storm Level. However, I loved that my son could choose which writing lessons to do based on his interest and what fit his week. That freedom kept him engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Weekly Checklists & Student-Friendly Design

The weekly checklist included for students is one of my favorite features. It promotes independence and time management, helping students track reading, assignments, and grammar practice. My son enjoyed checking off his tasks—it gave him a sense of accomplishment.

I also appreciated the inclusion of color and illustrations in this level. It breaks up the text, makes the pages more inviting, and adds visual interest. Middle schoolers benefit from a layout that’s clean but not dull, and Lightning Lit hit the sweet spot.

Who This Curriculum Is Ideal For

Lightning Literature’s Storm Level is ideal for:

  • Homeschool families who value high-quality literature
  • Students who need a review of grammar with increasing rigor
  • Families who enjoy secular, flexible curriculum options
  • Kids who learn well through a mix of reading, discussion, and creative writing
  • Eclectic homeschoolers who may use multiple programs and want a curriculum that integrates smoothly

Why We Love Lightning Literature (and Always Will)

Lightning Literature has been a foundational part of our homeschool journey for years, and the Storm Level reinforces why. It’s thoughtful, well-structured, flexible, and encourages a deep love of reading and language. We plan to continue using Lightning Literature alongside our other programs because it offers such a strong base in language arts without becoming rigid or overwhelming.

Unique Features That Set Storm Level Apart

  • Covers 3 grammar levels to support a range of learners
  • Offers diverse and inclusive book choices
  • Includes a colorful reader and well-designed workbook
  • Provides student checklists for weekly planning
  • Encourages student choice in writing assignments
  • Works as a standalone or supplemental curriculum
  • Fully secular and literature-rich

In short, Storm Level is a strong and welcome evolution of the Lightning Literature series one that honors what’s always worked while thoughtfully stepping up the challenge for middle school learners. We love it and highly recommend it to other families looking for a comprehensive, flexible, and engaging language arts program.

Curriculum Resource, Education, High School, Homeschool, Literature Base, Middle School, Novel Studies, Online Learning, Read Alouds, self-paced, Unit Study

Literary Adventures for Kids Online Middle School Book Club

Little Learner and Mom

We received Literary Adventures for Kids Middle School Book Club for our honest review and this blog may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to the you.

As we embark on a new homeschool year, we are thrilled to introduce the Literary Adventures for Kids online book club into our curriculum. This interactive, self-paced program offers a refreshing approach to literature that has already captured the interest of my middle schooler. Literary Adventures for Kids offers book clubs for Early Elementary through High School.

How the Platform Works

Literary Adventures for Kids Middle School Book Club provides an engaging online platform where students can explore literature in a unique and immersive way. Each book club includes a comprehensive guide with reading schedules, discussion questions, and a variety of interactive activities. These activities range from hands-on projects to curated videos and materials that deepen the understanding and enjoyment of each book. The program is designed to be self-paced, allowing flexibility to fit our homeschool schedule.

What Makes It Stand Out

Several aspects make Literary Adventures for Kids stand out:

  1. Diversity of Selection: The program offers a rich variety of books, including both classic and modern novels. This diversity ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of literary styles and themes, fostering a well-rounded literary education.
  2. Interactive and Engaging: The inclusion of fun hands-on projects and curated videos makes the reading experience more dynamic and engaging. This approach helps bring the stories to life and makes learning more enjoyable.
  3. Alignment with Our Curriculum: We were excited to discover that several of our upcoming chapter books from our Oak Meadow spine curriculum are included in the Literary Adventures for Kids book list. This alignment adds a layer of coherence and reinforcement to our literature studies.
  4. Live Book Clubs: Regular live book club meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month from August to November and January to April. Middle School sessions are at 12 PM and Elementary sessions at 1 PM, both in Central Time. These live sessions are a fantastic opportunity for students to discuss their readings and connect with peers.

Additional Features

Poetry Teatime: On the first Wednesday of each month from August to May at 10 AM Central, there’s a special Poetry Teatime focusing on Lyric Poetry, where songs are explored as poetry. This is another wonderful addition to the program, encouraging students to appreciate the beauty of poetic expression.

Who Would Benefit

This online book club is ideal for homeschool families looking for a dynamic and engaging literature program. It’s particularly beneficial for:

Diverse Readers: With a selection that spans both classic and modern literature, this program caters to a wide range of reading preferences and levels.

Students Who Enjoy Interactive Learning: The multimedia resources and hands-on projects are perfect for students who thrive on interactive and varied learning methods.

Families Seeking Flexibility: The self-paced nature of the program and the availability of recorded live sessions make it adaptable to different schedules.

Our Excitement

My middle schooler is particularly happy to include this program in his new school year. The departure from traditional paper novel studies to a more interactive, project-based approach has already sparked enthusiasm. The variety of activities ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to with each book.

Literary Adventures for Kids has proven to be a valuable addition to our homeschool curriculum. Its diverse selection of books, interactive elements, and alignment with our existing curriculum make it a standout choice for any homeschool family. We look forward to a year filled with literary adventures and enriched learning experiences.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Education, Grammar, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Writing

Illuminating the Path to Literary Appreciation: A Homeschooler’s Review of Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum

Little Learner and Mom

We received Lightening Literature Grade 6 for our honest review and this post may contain affiliate links.

Embarking on the literary journey with a sixth-grade homeschooler can be both exciting and daunting. As a homeschooling parent dedicated to nurturing a love for literature and critical thinking in my child, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum into our homeschooling curriculum. Here, I share my perspective on this enriching resource. Let me first point out we use Lightning Literature in addition to our spine curriculum and we have used this curriculum since my son was in second grade.

Engaging Content Selection

One of the standout features of Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum is its engaging content selection. The curriculum introduces students to a diverse range of literary works, including classic novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. This rich variety not only exposes students to different genres and writing styles but also fosters a deeper appreciation for literature across cultures and time periods.

Comprehensive Study Guides

The curriculum provides comprehensive study guides for each literary work, offering a structured framework for exploration and analysis. The study guides include insightful discussion questions, vocabulary exercises, and critical thinking prompts that encourage students to delve deeper into the text. This scaffolding ensures that students develop essential literary analysis skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the material.

Integration of Language Arts Skills

Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum seamlessly integrates language arts skills into its literary study. From grammar and vocabulary to writing assignments and oral presentations, the curriculum offers opportunities for students to practice and apply language arts skills in the context of literature. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the relevance of language arts instruction and reinforces connections between reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Promotion of Critical Thinking

The curriculum prioritizes the development of critical thinking skills through its thought-provoking discussion questions and analytical activities. Students are encouraged to analyze characters, themes, and literary devices, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying messages and complexities of the text. This emphasis on critical thinking cultivates students’ ability to think independently and engage critically with the world around them.

Flexible Implementation

As a homeschooling parent, I appreciate the flexibility offered by Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum. The curriculum can be adapted to suit our homeschooling schedule and pace, allowing for personalized instruction based on my child’s individual needs and interests. Whether used as a standalone literature program or integrated into a broader language arts curriculum, the flexibility of the curriculum makes it a versatile and adaptable resource.

Cultivation of Love for Literature

Above all, Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum nurtures a love for literature and lifelong learning in my child. By exposing students to quality literature and guiding them through meaningful discussions and activities, the curriculum fosters a genuine appreciation for the power of storytelling and the beauty of language. This love for literature transcends the classroom and enriches students’ lives beyond the confines of academic study.

In conclusion, Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum is a valuable resource for homeschooling families seeking to cultivate a love for literature and critical thinking in their sixth-grade students. With its engaging content selection, comprehensive study guides, integration of language arts skills, promotion of critical thinking, flexible implementation, and cultivation of love for literature, the curriculum offers a rich and rewarding literary experience that inspires students to become lifelong readers and thoughtful contributors to society.

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Education, Family, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School

Hearth & Story Language Arts Curriculum: Nurturing a Love for Language

Little Learner and Mom

We received Hearth & Story curriculum for our honest review!

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.

Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Literature Base, Middle School, Reviews, S.T.E.A.M, Science

A Comprehensive Exploration of Health and Anatomy: Sonlight’s Science Level F”

Little Learner and Mom

We received Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F for our honest paid review.

If you know our homeschool you know that my son wants to be a cardio thoracic surgeon. He inhales human anatomy and health books and has a hefty collection. Imagine his excitement when he opened up the Sonlight’s curriculum box and saw all the goodies. Once the book was open he took off with all the books and started reading them.

As a homeschooling parent, finding a well-rounded curriculum that covers health, medicine, and human anatomy thoroughly can be challenging. Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F program has proven to be an invaluable resource in our homeschooling journey. My son was beaming with happiness when he saw the comprehensive curriculum awaiting his exploration.

Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is for grades six through ninth. You can choose from a four or five day lesson plan. For this review we did the the four day a week lesson plan, but I am looking into getting the fifth day activity sheets. For this level you also need to choose between boy or girl because one of the books will be personalized for that gender. Sonlight’s curriculum are faith based, but so far what we have been exploring has not included much faith inclusion. Full disclaimer we are on week four of this curriculum.

One of the standout features of this program is its comprehensive approach. It not only delves into the intricacies of human anatomy but also explores broader health and medical concepts. The curriculum seamlessly integrates various subjects, including science, literature, and hands-on activities, creating a holistic learning experience.

Literature Based

The choice of literature in Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F has been particularly engaging. The carefully selected books provide diverse perspectives on health-related topics, making the subject matter relatable and interesting for my child. This literary component not only enhances reading skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of health concepts.

Interactive Lessons

The inclusion of hands-on activities and experiments adds a practical dimension to the program. My child has enjoyed the interactive elements that reinforce theoretical knowledge. Whether it’s creating models of body systems or conducting simple experiments, these activities bring the subject matter to life and make learning memorable.

The flexibility of Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is another asset. The well-organized schedule and detailed lesson plans offer a clear structure, making it easy for me to guide my child through the material. Additionally, the program allows for customization, accommodating various learning styles and allowing us to delve deeper into specific topics of interest.

The program’s integration of health topics beyond anatomy is a significant advantage. It covers essential health and wellness concepts, nutrition, and even touches on medical ethics, providing a well-rounded education in the broader field of health sciences.

From a parent’s perspective, the resources provided by Sonlight’s are extensive and well-organized. The instructor’s guide, reading lists, and supplementary materials offer valuable support, reducing the preparation time needed to implement the curriculum effectively.

How We Used

Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is recommended to be used over a four day lesson plan. My son is pretty independent when it comes down to all things science. We used this in combination to his spine curriculum. The lessons are not time consuming and because this topic is one his biggest passion he pretty much can do the first three lesson assignments in one day. I have him them stretch them out over the four days but he has been known to sneak in extra questions. He is pretty excited to share with me what he has learned and enjoys each of the lessons so far.

In conclusion, Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F program has exceeded our expectations. Its holistic approach, engaging literature, hands-on activities, and flexibility make it a standout resource for homeschooling families seeking a thorough exploration of health-related topics. I highly recommend this program to parents looking for a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum in the field of health sciences. Be on the lookout for our review on Sonlight’s 50 States Unit Study and Hands On History: World Cultures until then be sure to enter the US Elections Lap Book giveaway by clicking the banner below.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Family, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Middle School Math

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

Little Learner and Mom

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

Overview

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

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

Real World Connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until The Next,

Mom and J

5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, Language Arts, Literature Base

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received from Hewitt Learning!

We have been long-time users of Hewitt Learning Lightning Literature & Composition curricula. My son has completed grades 2nd-4th grade, I have also taught the 1st grade online. Each year our family has loved the curricula! Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook is no different than the previous years and brings that same familiarity my son has grown to love.

Who is Hewitt Learning?

If you aren’t familiar with Hewitt Learning the company has always been at the forefront of supporting homeschool education since the early 1960. The company has since created award-winning literature-based curriculums for grades 1st-12 grade. They also have administered over 350,000 P.A.S.S tests to homeschool students for standardized testing. Along with the curriculum and standardized testing, they have ventured into the arena of STEM with their Innovators Challenge program. Hewitt Learning is currently developing an online component coming soon. This Fall their highly anticipated release of Kids Chemical Solutions is coming in the next few weeks.

About Lightening Literature & Composition Grade 5

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook has kept that same standard of rigor. The curriculum is not religious. A complete set includes the Teachers Guide and Student Workbook. Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 is the last of 2 left in the elementary series until middle school. You have the option of purchasing the physical books or pdf. Their is a literature pack bundle if you would like to get the readers.

I love the design of the student book, the illustration are colorful and not overwhelming. There are 36 weeks of lessons which include grammar/mechanics and reading comprehension. Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 students will read nine novels. Students will also work on poetry which is included in the student text. The included poetry is new for us this year. In grade 4 we used a poetry book that my son LOVES and had me buy the sequel to the book.

The literature selections for this year’s curriculum are phenomenal. Every book selected for this year was on my to-be-read list. You can purchase the literature pack from the company or check them out from your local library. I was equally impressed by the inclusivity and diversity of the book selection. The very first-week students are The Mighty Miss Malone.

Gary, New York City, and the Deep South; they’ll journey to Canada, Europe, and Pakistan; they’ll travel from a hundred years in the past to some unknown time in the future; and they’ll explore a fantasy world peopled with strange characters.

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5

I love the student checklist that breaks down the chapters the students are responsible for reading for the week. The checklist also includes the grammar/mechanics as well as the composition assignment for the week. Each week has four days of written work including reading comprehension questions. The fifth day is reserved for finishing the final draft of the composition or extension lessons. Students are expected to work on their compositions throughout the week.

Students will also review sentences diagramming. My son loves to diagram sentences I am not a huge fan, but I do understand the reason behind learning the skill.

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 doesn’t include spelling, reading, and handwriting. These other disciplines can easily be supplemented and blended into the curriculum.

About the Teacher’s Guide

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide is comprehensive. The how-to-use sections provide parents with information on how to teach the lessons. I really like how the guide tells you to tailor the course to your needs. The teacher guide also includes a week at a glance for the lesson along with the answers to the student text. There are also extra resources available on the the companies website.

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide includes detailed help for guiding your student through writing their composition for the week. Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide is must have when working with your student, please don’t skip purchasing this guide.

How We Use

Okay, this isn’t our first time working with this curriculum, so I consider ourselves pros now. We have used both pdf and hard copies of Lightening Literature & Composition curriculums. I like both versions, but for this review, we are using the Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 hard copies. My son is a grammar monster he loves grammar. This year we have a spine English curriculum, but Lightening Literature & Composition Grade 5 is also being used alongside his spine as his independent work.

This year we are excited to use Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 and have already started listening to and reading week one novel. We use the novels from Lightening Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook novels as our read-aloud. My son works on the lesson on his own and he does the compositions as part of his writing time on Fridays.

Parent Involvement and Preparation.

With any curriculum there is some level of parent involvement. With the upper elementary levels 4-5 grade students are on the independent track. I personally preview the lesson each week on Sunday and evaluate if this something my son can do on his own or do I need to review with him. I also enjoy reading/listening along to the literature so we use them as our read a-louds and do the reading comprehension questions together. If you purchase the hard copies you don’t need to prep the lessons you can tear them out the book and put in a binder or keep them in book. My son prefers I tear them out each week. If you feel you need to prep external resources for the lesson that is clearly up to you. The pdf version does need some preparation. The curriculum is low prep and requires parent involvement based upon your students capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 is a great curriculum it can be used as a stand-alone or combined with another spine. The lessons are short and in-depth. Students have plenty of practice over the week of the grammar and mechanics. After every five lessons, students will get a review of the previous lessons. The poetry is spread throughout the book over the course of 36 weeks.

Is it on grade level? Absolutely, actually above grade level in my opinion. My son works well in Lightning Literature & Composition curriculums, the literature picks are great and keep his interest. If your student doesn’t have a strong grammar background I would consider looking over the sample pages of each of the grade levels before purchasing. I would also recommend that if your students aren’t familiar with the writing process you give them a quick review or use the composition as a way of teaching them about the mechanics of writing.

Lightning Literature is a language arts curriculum designed to:

  • instill a love of literature in students,
  • expand their ability to read intelligently and deeply, and
  • prepare them for more advanced language arts concepts.
Hewitt Learning

Hewitt Learning’s website provides excellent sample pages of the curriculums and great customer service. At the time of this review Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 Teacher’s Guide & Student Workbook combo is on sale for $80.65 and the regular price is $84.90. If you would like to purchase the Lightning Lit — Gr-5 Pack w/Readers the cost is $154.33 on sale!

I highly recommend Lightning Literature & Composition Grade 5 we have used their curriculas for several years. One of the things I really enjoy about this curricula is their commitment to including divirsity in their booklist and illustrations. My son loves the books and academically they have been phenomenal. I think that curricula works well for those looking for a relaxed approach to grammar while being challenging. The upper grades provide checklist for students allowing them to be independant and a steward over thier learning. You can do the lessons as part of a morning basket and the learning schedule will fit into a loop homeschool schedule perfectly.

Until the Next Time,

Mom

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4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Curriculum, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Language Arts, Literature Base, Unit Study

Progeny Press: Farmer Boy Study Guide Review!

Little Learner and Mom

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

We have never read any of the Laura Ingall book series, I know how could we be a homeschool family and never read any of her books? It’s simple for us my son and I didn’t find the books relatable as an African -Latino family. When the crew was given an opportunity to review Progeny Press Farmer Boy Study Guide 4-6 grade, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to check out the series.

Farmer Boy is the second book in The Little House series, the story follows the adventures of 9-year-old Almanzo Wilder as he works on his family’s farm. As the book moves through the different seasons we learn about the chores of a farmer boy and Almanzo’s many adventures in farm life.

We have previously reviewed two other Progeny Press study guides and have found them to be comprehensive literature guides. We received the pdf and answer key, you will need to purchase the book or you can use the audio. Farmer Boy Study Guide follows the same flow as the previous guides providing the student with:

  • Instructor Notes
  • Book Synopsis
  • Author & Historical Background

Students start the study guide with activity ideas for pre-reading the book. These activities can include reports, giving an informative speech, map work, and much more. The goal is to get your student’s mindest prepared for the book as it whisks them away to the Wilder farm at the turn of the century.

As the student moves through the study guide the lessons are divided into chapters, some lessons covering more than one chapter. Students will work on vocabulary, literary terms, comprehension questions, projects, and writing. You will see Biblical scriptures reference in some of the activities, but it isn’t overwhelming and can be easily skipped over if that is your preference.

I really do like Progeny Press study guides and the Farmer Boy Study Guide was a welcoming introduction to one of the Little House book series. I like how we can easily use the activities that will work well for us and do some activities orally. The study guide can be done over a period of time or it can be used just as your literature lesson for a month. One of the other things I do like about these study guides is that each study guide works on character-building and moral lessons. Farmer Boy Study Guide is for grades 4-6, so your student can work independently.

There are a few more Progeny Press study guides I plan to pick up over the next few years. I really like how they have organized their guides and it’s not a bunch of busy work. The guides are affordable and are in black and white so they don’t eat up your ink. Be sure to check out the other Crew’s reviews of Progeny Press study guides by clicking the banner below.

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3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Art, Charlotte Mason, Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Education, Family, Geography, History, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Math, Read Alouds, Reviews, S.T.E.A.M, Science, Writing

The Learn & Live: Mesoamerica Review

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received from The Learn & Live Letter!

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As a homeschool mom, I have always been stuck on what part of history to teach in our home and how. There are so many wonderful curricula you can choose from, but if you are looking for true gentle history the choices tend to narrow down immensely. We enjoy unit study learning in our home and at times we just want to step away from traditional textbook history and have fun. I was really happy when The Learn & Live Letter ladies reached out to me to check out their November Mesoamerica unit.

About The Learn & Live Letter

The Learn & Live Letter was created by two homeschool moms who wanted to bring the joy of play-based learning to their children. They created their own homeschools around the philosophy of interested-led and hands-on learning. Cynthia and Justine enlisted the help of several well-known highly qualified contributors in the education and homeschool community to help create monthly themed 4-week play-based learning units. Each unit covers science, history, geography, art, music, math, reading, and writing. The Learn & Live Letter also embraces the Charlotte Mason approach, you won’t find worksheets or busy work in these monthly themed units. If you are wondering about the diversity of The Learn & Live Letter team you will not be disappointed.

Because learning comes naturally to your child’s development. They learn with and by the world around them—and, as parents and caretakers, all we have to do is open that door.

The Learn & Live Letter

The Learn & Live Letter units are designed for the homeschool parent, while non-homeschool families can benefit from this wonderful program, the design is for that homeschool parent. There are 3 levels to choose from level 1 (3 to 5 ), Level 2 (5 to 7), and level 3 (7 to 12). Families can choose to do a monthly subscription or a yearly subscription. The yearly subscription would guarantee you 36 weeks of lessons. Each level is different and provides age-appropriate activities. The units come to you via email and you click the link that will take you to your levels monthly instruction pages. The company also provides you a schedule of when you will receive the next unit’s email which is always a week before the upcoming month. There is also scope and sequence you can look at which is great for pacing and lining up your lessons. The company is still growing so the 2022 lineup is still building.

November Mesoamerica Unit

Mesoamerica Unit !

Our unit to review for you is the Level 3 November Mesoamerica unit. The Mesoamerica unit took us on a journey to Mexico and South America. Each week comes with its own supply list, resources, and embedded links. Everything you need is in your weekly guide you can add to it if you like, but you are fine with just the items they list. We studied about the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs. The Mesoamerica unit captured my son’s interest he was intrigued to learn about these wonderful ancient Indigenous tribes’ culture, history, and contributions to civilization. For 2 weeks he was stuck on learning about the Olmecs and I let him stay in this history as long as he liked. We created terra cotta pottery, tried to play the Mayan game Ulama which gave us all quite a workout, and we built the Temple of Kukulkan out of legos.

November Mesoamerica Unit

Each monthly 4-week unit has 5 lessons each lesson has 2 – 4 activities. What I did notice is that Lesson 1 of each week usually had 2 activities that focused on geography or history for that week. You do not have to do each activity in each lesson. We average 2-3 activities each lesson, but because we plan to do this unit again I left wiggle room for next year. While we worked on the Mesoamerica unit we discovered there were many other ancient indigenous tribes so we will look into these next year. I highly recommend you bookmark the monthly units link on your iPad or tablet. I also printed out each week. The company also provides you with a skills/activity tracker.

The Learn & Live Letter units provide gentle history if you follow me you know I teach gentle truth history in our home. The Learn & Live Letter provides the conversation starter for you and you are free to take it from there. They do use Honest History magazines in their units which are great history resource. So if you don’t have these you will need to invest in them. I found the supply list to be inexpensive and the majority of the items we already had at home. The book resources I found all of them at our local library and were inexpensive on Amazon. The Usborne Encyclopedia World History book is one of the core books but you can use this book or find a World History book that covers your unit’s topics.

November Mesoamerica Unit

The Learn & Live Letter provides so many hands-on and play-based learning opportunities in their units we had so much fun exploring. My son was super excited about learning history and doing the activities he ask for these lessons first during our homeschool day. We finished our Mesoamerica unit feeling confident and happy about our progress. When I asked him what he thought he said this was one of the best units we have done in a long time. With him being happy and I know that everything is planned for me and he loves it we are now working on Ancient China and Medival Level 3 from The Learn & Live Letter. We purchased a year’s subscription and we are both loving it.

Ancient + Medieval China

The Learn & Live Letter is hassle-free learning we were over all the traditional history lessons. We are doing what we love following our interest and back to enjoying our homeschool day.

Ancient + Medieval China

I highly recommend The Learn & Live Letter you will not be disappointed. It was such a sigh of relief to plan something he will both truly enjoy. Each unit is packed with much you can do and not feel overwhelmed. The Learn & Live Letter has excellent customer service and a wondering FAQ on their website. It is always great when homeschool moms create something that really puts the kids first, Bravo Ladies! For my followers, The Learn & Live Letter has provided my readers 10% off any year subscription, be sure to use my promo code DESHAUN10 at checkout.

Until the Next Time,

Mom!

Ancient + Medieval China

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Brave Writer Arrow: Amari and the Night Brothers Review

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received from Bravewriter!

This year I was confident in my choices for grammar and writing until mid-August when I started to notice my son was less than enthused about his lessons. Observing his lack of enthusiasm I started to think we may need a change. We have used the same curriculum for the last 2 years and he has a pretty solid foundation in grammar, but writing is still a work in progress. I was thrilled when the opportunity to review Brave Writer Arrow Amari and the Night Brothers was made available to our family. So here we are taking the leap and using Brave Writer Arrow and we are loving it.

About Brave Writer

Brave Writer uses a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach to teach grammar and writing. The goal is to continue to strengthen the parent and child bond by creating a safe environment to learn and work at their own pace. Brave Writer programs are designed to be the complete opposite of the traditional learning style of grammar and writing. Brave Writer supports the whole child and lets them be in control of the process with the parent gently leading them. Brave Writer program believes students go through different stages of writing and each stage deserves respect and students should only progress when they are ready for the next stage. The growth stage of writers are :

Jot It Down

Partnerships in Writing

Faltering Ownership

Transition to Ownership

Eavesdropping on the Great Conversation

The growth stages start at ages 5-18 years old and students will work on mechanics and literature through online classes or using one of the product packets such as Arrow.

Arrow

Arrow

Arrow is a digital year-long writing and grammar program for students ages 11-12. Families can purchase the entire year’s bundle and each month you will receive the Literature Arrow guide or you can purchase individually. With your purchase, you will receive the Arrow guidelines and the literature guide. The Arrow guideline teaches you how to present the literature guide. Arrow literature guides cover spelling, literary elements, writing activity, punctuation, and grammar, each monthly lesson is paired with a novel. Each week the lesson directly correlates with the novel. The monthly lessons are divided into 4 weeks, which include vocabulary, dictation, and grammar. The guides also come with discussion questions, a planner, a skills tracker, and book party ideas. There are 10 Arrow guides for a complete school year older guides are available to purchase, but new books are added every year.

We teach both parents and kids how to build a partnership in writing that leads to both creative expression and academic success, all while preserving the parent-child bond.

Brave Writer

Our Review

Amari and the Night Brothers have been on our list to read since it was released so I was super excited to have a literature, grammar, and writing guide to pair with it. At first look, I knew I had to sit down and prepare for working with a non-traditional way of teaching grammar and writing. The biggest issue had was letting go of my thinking of how grammar and writing are taught. Once I was able to release this way of thinking it made the transition easier. My son and I decided we would both read and listen to the book. I really enjoyed the cultural context section it gives background information on the novel, this little information was really nice and helped us better connect to the book because we are actually living 20 mins away from the Atlanta area.

Arrow is really the complete opposite of a traditional grammar and wiring curriculum, I was expecting to see some worksheet practice sheets and a huge writing assignment for this novel. I was blown away because what expected was not what I received. The Arrow guide gives you a quick start that instructs you to read the Arrow Guidelines. The Arrow Guidelines are key to understanding how to implement the Arrow program, not reading these will confuse you about the literature Guide. The guide also gives you sample routines and it is where you will find the Arrow Skills Trackers and Our Week With Arrow.

The Spin and Spiral told me exactly what we were going to be covering in this month’s literature guide. I pulled a couple of extra supplements, just in case. I was blown away by how Brave Writer uses a novel to teach grammar, in a million years I would have never thought to pull passages out of a book and examine the grammar components. My son was introduced to writing and literary elements such as how to indent, first-person narratives, and dialogue, and much more over the 4 weeks. The grammar areas are highlighted in what Brave Writer calls Spotlights, we found the grammar sections a welcomed review of concepts he has covered previously. What I did appreciate is that I was able to identify some areas of his grammar that he needed more practice on.

Students will tackle:

  • Proper Nouns
  • Commas
  • Conjunctions
  • Idioms
  • Pronouns
  • Parallel Structure and much more

What I like about Brave Writer is that my son and I were having meaningful conversations about the book and we talked about grammar in a new way that he was really thriving and loving. He asked several times mom can we do Brave Writer over his current language arts curricula. I begin to see both of our frustration and stress levels come all the way down while using Arrow. We went from fighting over getting his lesson done to letting us just talk, drink tea, and enjoy each as we learn.

Dication for us is something new we haven’t done much of this type of writing before so we took things very slow and I assured him that we weren’t in a rush and we are both learning how to do things. I did the first dication for him just to show him how. We did 1-2 sentences at a time so he didn’t feel overwhelmed moving forward. We did modify a few things to make it work for us, we used highlighters to highlight the grammar and literary elements in the literature guide. My son didn’t want to mark up his book and I was okay with this. I also printed my son his own the literature guide, I used mine on my tablet but I did have the Arrow guidelines printed out for myself.

Parent Involvement

By now you may realize that parent involvement is a necessity for the Brave Writer Arrow curriculum. The program does require the parent to be their child’s partner in this process. That brings me to the Brave Writer Partnerships in Writing growing writers stage one of the most overlooked stages according to the Brave Writer website. “Your child shows growing proficiency in handwriting, reading, and spelling, but still finds the hard work of transcription tiring if asked to write for more than a few minutes.” We didn’t receive this to review, but after using the Amari and the Night Brothers Arrow, I feel that this is something we will need in order for us to continue forward with the Arrow curriculum.

Brave Writer Arrow Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids

Final Words

We really like Brave Writer Arrow Amari and the Night Brothers, my son has requested to do this over his current language arts curricula. We have put what we were using on the shelf and have moved on to the November 2021 Brave Writer Arrow Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids. I will be looking into Partnerships in Writing for us as well. It has been so nice to have a great month of learning and enjoying our time together making memories. At the time of this review for the full program is $129 or $14.95 per literature guide (includes Arrow guidelines). To learn more about Brave Writer programs please click the banner below to read more of the Melanated Gold Review Squad reviews.

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