Category: Science

8th Grade, High School, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Reviews, Science, self-paced

Homeschool Mom Review: Friendly Biology Curriculum

Little Learner and Mom

We received the Friendly Biology for our honest review from Timberdoodle Co.

Navigating the world of homeschool curriculum can be daunting, but finding the right fit for your child is essential. As a homeschooling mom, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the Friendly Biology curriculum with my 11-year-old son, and I’m excited to share our experience with you.

Lessons Structure and Content

The Friendly Biology curriculum is impeccably organized, with lessons broken down into digestible segments that cater to young learners. Each topic is explored in depth, covering fundamental concepts such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, and more. From the microscopic world of cells to the intricate web of ecosystems, the curriculum offers a comprehensive overview of biology.

Package Contents

When you invest in the Friendly Biology curriculum, you receive a treasure trove of resources to support your homeschooling journey. The package typically includes a student textbook, teacher’s manual, and access to online resources such as video lessons and quizzes. Additionally, supplementary materials like lab kits or hands-on activities may be available for purchase, enriching the learning experience.

Son’s Love for Science

My son has always had an insatiable curiosity for the natural world, and his love for science knows no bounds. The Friendly Biology curriculum has been a revelation for him, igniting his passion for biology even further. He eagerly dives into each lesson, soaking up knowledge like a sponge and reveling in the wonder of discovery.

Benefit of Video Lessons

One of the standout features of the Friendly Biology curriculum is its video lessons. These dynamic and engaging videos provide visual explanations of complex concepts, making abstract ideas more tangible for young learners. My son finds the videos immensely helpful in reinforcing what he’s learned from the textbook, and they serve as a valuable supplement to his studies. There are 28 lessons that also include labs. You can find a complete lit of lab materials on the Friendly Biology website.

Topics Covered:

Friendly Biology covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • Cell Structure and Function
  • Genetics and Heredity
  • Evolution and Natural Selection
  • Ecology and Ecosystems
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

Why Friendly Biology Stands Out

What sets Friendly Biology apart from other biology curricula is its secular approach and exclusivity. As a non-religious curriculum, it respects diverse beliefs and backgrounds, making it ideal for secular homeschoolers like us. The curriculum focuses on scientific principles and evidence-based learning, providing a solid foundation in biology without bias or agenda.

Looking Forward to 8th Grade

As we look ahead to 8th grade, we’re excited to continue our journey with Friendly Biology. Not only has it enriched my son’s understanding of the natural world, but it also aligns seamlessly with our state’s homeschooling laws. By completing the curriculum in 8th grade, I’ll be able to award my son high school credit in biology, ensuring that he receives a rigorous and comprehensive education. We had to pause our journey through the Friendly Biology curriculum once I found out couldn’t complete it during our current school year due to the crediting issue. Make sure you check your local states homeschool laws if you have a middle student and you would like to award this curriculum as a high school credit.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Friendly Biology curriculum to fellow homeschoolers seeking a secular and comprehensive approach to biology education. It’s been a joy to witness my son’s growth and enthusiasm for science as we explore the wonders of the natural world together. With Friendly Biology, the possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see where our homeschooling journey takes us next.

5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Education, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Homeschool Human Body Studies, Middle School, Science

Comprehensive Review of Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum

Little Learner and Mom

We received for Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

As a homeschooling parent committed to providing my children with a well-rounded and engaging education, I recently had the pleasure of exploring the Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum. With a focus on the intricate workings of the human body, this curriculum promises to deliver a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. After thoroughly evaluating its content, structure, and effectiveness, I am delighted to share my detailed review.

Content

The Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of anatomical structures, physiological processes, and the interplay between various systems within the human body. From the fundamentals of circulation to the complexities of cellular biology, each topic is meticulously covered, providing students with a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology. The curriculum also delves into relevant historical and scientific discoveries, adding depth and context to the lessons.

Structure

One of the strengths of this curriculum lies in its well-structured format. The content is organized into logical units, with each unit building upon previously acquired knowledge. This progressive approach ensures a smooth and cohesive learning experience, allowing students to develop a solid foundation before tackling more advanced concepts. Additionally, the curriculum provides clear learning objectives, outlines of lessons, and suggested timelines, making it easy for parents to plan and implement the curriculum effectively.

Engagement

The Heron Books curriculum excels in engaging students through a variety of learning modalities. Richly illustrated textbooks capture the attention of visual learners, while hands-on activities and experiments cater to kinesthetic learners. Furthermore, the inclusion of multimedia resources, such as videos and interactive simulations, enhances the learning experience and appeals to auditory and visual learners alike. This multi-dimensional approach not only keeps students actively engaged but also fosters a deeper understanding and retention of the material.

Critical Thinking

One of the standout features of this curriculum is its emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the lessons, students are encouraged to analyze data, make connections, and apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios. Thought-provoking questions and prompts challenge students to think creatively and independently, fostering a spirit of inquiry and curiosity. By nurturing these essential skills, the curriculum prepares students to become thoughtful and analytical thinkers.

Flexibility

The Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum offers flexibility to accommodate diverse learning needs and preferences. Whether used as a standalone science course or integrated into a broader interdisciplinary curriculum, it provides ample opportunities for customization. Parents can adapt the curriculum to suit the pace and interests of individual students, allowing for a personalized learning experience that maximizes engagement and comprehension.

The Middle Schoolers Thoughts

Okay now that my mom has broken it down here are my thoughts. I am quite sure you all already know I want to be a heart surgeon. I already read a lot about the human body so I didn’t need another textbook. This is not just a bunch of boring textbooks. Nope, there are cool illustrations, hands-on activities, and even interactive digital resources that make learning about the human body way more fun and interesting. Everything is laid out in a clear and organized way, so you always know what you’re supposed to be learning and when. Plus, there are tons of opportunities for hands-on experiments and projects, which really help to bring the lessons to life

So yeah, if you’re a middle schooler looking for a fun and fascinating way to learn about the human body, I definitely recommend giving the Heron Books curriculum a try. Who knows, you might just discover your inner scientist along the way! Now back to you Mom!

Final Thoughts!

The Heron Books Circulation of the Blood and Human Body Curriculum stands out as a comprehensive and effective resource for homeschooling families. With its rich content, structured approach, engaging activities, and emphasis on critical thinking, it offers a truly immersive learning experience that fosters a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human body. Whether you are seeking a standalone science curriculum or a supplement to your existing program, this curriculum is sure to inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for scientific inquiry in students of all ages. Highly recommended.

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, Curriculum, Homeschool, Middle School, Science

Discover! Science Grade 6: Timeberdoodle Co. Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Timberdoodle Co, finally unveiled the highly anticipated new 2023 curriculum kits and secular homeschoolers got a brand-new science offering this year. Science came at the right time for us because my son loves all things science and loves science curricula. The new science is Discover! Science Grade 6 and let me just tell you my rising middle schooler was very happy with Discover! Science Grade 6. Discover! Science is also available in grades 1 through 6 and Timberdoodle Co has them all!

Discover Science 6

Discover! Science Grade 6 is a secular curriculum designed with homeschoolers in mind. A full year’s curriculum is divided into two books with one instructor’s guide. Book 6A has six chapters and 6B has seven chapters. Chapters consist of 6 -10 lesson that includes a chapter review. The instructor guide includes the lesson layout for all the chapters. Each lesson is divided into sections:

  • Lesson Objective
  • Explore (connection to real-world interactive activities)
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading (lecture)
  • Practice
  • Take A Closer Look (experiment)
  • Show What You Know (Q &A about the lessons)

What is unique about Discover! Science Grade 6 is that it is colorful and appeals to all learning styles. The instructor manual offers suggestions for auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. There are in-depth but not overwhelming instructions for instructors, along with research suggestions for you to offer your students. The student text is nicely laid out with real-life photos, detailed diagrams, and writing exercises that are not overly excessive. Students’ experiments and lab reports are also included in the lessons.

How we plan to use it!

What I like about Discover! Science Grade 6 is that it’s not overwhelming for those students who may not be science kids. The colorful pages make the lessons more interesting and encourage the students to want to continue to learn. Discover! Science Grade 6 also encourages critical and logical thinking skills. Lesson average 2-3 days a week which is about 150 days of instruction. It is encouraged that students complete 3 pages on the first day and 2 pages on the second day. You can see complete sample pages on Discover! Science Grade 6 Timberdoodle Co landing page. Discover! Science Grade 6 is a part of the 2023 6th grade non-religious curriculum kit.

Lesson 1 Scientific Process

We do have a spine curriculum that we love and will use, but because my son really loves science I always add a supplement to our science curriculum. Discover! Science Grade 6 lessons are interactive which will be a great supplement for him, and he can do them on his own. Discover! Science Grade 6 lessons are quick and short for him and will act as an opener to what we are learning. They will also help enhance what he is learning and give him extra practice.

The Middle Schooler

Hey, everyone, it’s me and I am happy to co-author this review with my mom. I love science and I like to research and learn as much science as possible. I helped my mom look over Discover! Science Grade 6 and I really like what we noticed in the lessons. Almost all the lessons match up with my spine curriculum. I like the pictures and the experiments in the book. The experiments give me more things I can do to explore the lessons. I also like that the book has really nice diagrams. I also like that they include talking points for me to think about. As a middle schooler, I think it’s important that books still look like they are fun and not just a bunch of words and things for you to learn.

I also like that in the second book, there are four chapters dedicated to the human body topics. There are also topics in the books that aren’t like typical science books. I think if you are a 6th grader, and you don’t want to do boring science, Discover! Science Grade 6 is a great pick for a middle schooler. I am looking forward to using Discover! Science Grade 6 this school year and I am trying to persuade my mom to let me start it sooner than September

In Closing

We both highly recommend Discover! Science Grade 6, I feel like even if you have no experience with teaching science this curriculum will work for your family. I also think if your student is a visual learner or if you want to change things up Discover! Science Grade 6 would be a great fit. The price point is affordable and experiment supplies cost is minimal. Stay tuned for our upcoming review of Discover! Social Studies 6.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

Education, Homeschool, Science, Uncategorized

Generation Genius Home Kit Review !

Little Learner and Mom

We are testing out science kits for the upcoming school year. Generation Genius Home Kits are at the top of our list. This fun-filled box has everything. My son loved it!

If you aren’t familiar with Generation Genius are online science platform for grades K-8 grade. They follow almost 100% of all the state standards. The company is also partnered with National Science Teaching Association.

The online video platform covers topics for science and math depending on your subscription choice. Subscription also includes

  • Lesson Plans
  • Vocabulary
  • Test and Quizzes
  • Reading Materials
  • Projects

New Home Kits

The company recently released its own Generation Genius Home Kits to be delivered to your house once a month for ages 9-14. This is a separate subscription available monthly or yearly. Each kit contains 3 high-quality experiments with all the supplies you need. Experiments are fun and comprehensive. Your student will engage with Jeff as he walks your student step by step through what they are doing including safety precautions and self-pausing in the video so your students can gather supplies and complete each step. The videos also include an explanation of the science topic covered.

The Review

We are long time customers of Generation Genius since they first launched. My son has always loved their videos and they were a great supplement when we were still trying to figure out the science curriculum in our early days of homeschooling. I was surprised when opened the box at the quality of the materials. My son instantly started pulling things out of the box and was ready to work.


It was close to dinner time and I didn’t want my son on a screen so I told him to grab the box and work on an experiment. While I cooked dinner he set up like Steve instructed and he only needed my help with putting his gloves on. Well, I was nosey and I wanted to see what the box was about because my son started saying “This is cool” and “Wow”. So I turned off the tacos and went sat in and watched. Umm, I was totally JEALOUS I wanted to do the experiment too.

My son worked on experiment #1 in the kit and wanted to do the next one. I encourage him to pace himself and do another one the following week. He agreed but not before I promised that we would get the Generation Genius Home Kits monthly. I happily agreed because the cleanup was fast and simple and Jeff even walked them through cleaning up. The one experiment had 3 activities for my son to do. In my honest opinion if we can do 3 activities from 1 experiment the cost is well worth it.

Cost

Generation Genius Home Kits start at $49 and the online platforms start at $95. Right now at the time of this review, you can get your first kit free just pay to ship.

I highly recommend this kit if you are looking for a quality science kit. The materials are quality and your kids will be amazed at the experiments.

Mom and J!

Education, Family, Family Life, Morning Basket, Science

Johnathan Park: The Adventure Begins, Series 1 Review!

Little Learner and Mom

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

We love audiobooks in our homeschool we try to use them when we are doing activities, as well as to avoid screens. For the last several weeks, my family has been enjoying Jonathan Park – The Adventure Begins, Series 1. The Adventure Begins, Series 1 is not an audiobook this is an audio adventure for your children to listen to. I was a little skeptical because my son likes to have the book and audio when does things like this, so I wasn’t sure how he would take to this.

Jonathan Park The Adventure Begins, Series 1

The Adventure Begins, Series 1 takes the listener on a wonderful journey of science and faith. Students meet Jonathan and his father and immediately throw into an action pack adventure with him and the Brenan family. My son was hooked from the start. The Adventure Begins, Series 1 audio adventure includes amazing sound effects and all the makings of a great book in audio format. I found myself sipping coffee and listening and wanting to know what would happen next in the story.

The Adventure Begins, Series 1 covers the following science topics:

  • The Evolutionary Tree
  • The Convergent Evolution
  • Laws of Energy
  • Designs of the Water Cycle

What is different about these science lessons is they are taught from a faith-based perspective. I didn’t find this an issue because we enjoyed the storyline and liked that it was something different for us to listen to and opened up doors for discussions about these topics and our faith. The Adventure Begins, Series 1 also includes character-building lessons that I appreciate.

Jonathan Park The Adventure Begins, Series 1 includes four albums, and each album includes three 26-minute adventures. We received the digital version, but Jonathan Park does offer a hardcover version. Downloading the digital was easy to do and I put them on my son’s iPad and we would listen during his handwriting and morning time. Jonathan Park – The Adventure Begins, Series 1 is based on real places and historical events. The story is fiction but exciting. My son wanted to binge listen to these audio adventures and I had to pace him. The Secrets of the Hidden Cave kits the adventures off as Dr. Park (paleontologist), his son and Brenan’s family stumble upon an exciting discovery. I think what drew him in was that Jonathan was a relatable character.

I know what you are thinking I am being really vague about the story, but you will have to grab Jonathan Park – The Adventure Begins, Series 1 so you can join the adventure. Right now is the perfect time to grab this wonderful series because The Adventure Begins, Series 1 is on sale for nearly 60% off with free shipping in the US using the jpcrew22. Be sure to check out the other Crew’s reviews on Jonathan Park The Adventure Begins, Series 1 by clicking the banner below.

Social Media Links:

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

Family, Science

Indescribable Kids: The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science Review!

Little Learner and Mom

I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew!

One of my favorite times of the day is when I can sit down with my son and when we do our religious studies. We grab something hot to drink and a small snack and enjoy our time. The Crew was given the opportunity to review Indescribable Kid’s newest release The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science.

The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science

We have used Indescribable Kid’s in two previous releases and we were equally excited to review The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science. The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science devotional include science, geography, character building, and biblical scriptures. The book includes a combination of beautiful illustrations and photographs. Each passage is a quick read and provides students informative information that is S.T.E.AM related and a moral lesson. Students will journey through The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science with the Indescribable Kid’s that you can meet here.

Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and awe….

Indescribable Kid’s

What I really enjoy about The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science is the simplicity and non-over-barring religious text. The book is welcoming to all religions and can be adjusted for all religions. My son loves science so this was a huge hit for him. I sometimes picked areas of the book that work with lessons we are working on in our current science/ geography lessons. Indescribable Kid’s website offers helpful resources for parents there is a The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science educator and parent discussion guide along with more STEM-themed resources.

We like using The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science as part of our knowledge basket religious studies time and we refer back to it sometimes during science. My son will also pick it up just to read some of the science information. I also like the explore the wonder sections because it brings real-world wonder to your kids to explore and learn.

I highly recommend The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science’s newest release from Indescribable Kid’s. Be sure to check the other Crew’s reviews of The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by clicking the banner below.

Social Media Links:

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

2nd Grade Curriculum, 3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Reviews, Science

Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary review for Melanated Gold Review Squad!

January is usually the time of the year a fair amount of homeschool moms start researching and planning their curriculum choices for the upcoming school year. We all anticipate this new journey but at the same time, we are trying to make sure we find the best curriculum for our kids. One of the science curricula I reviewed for my son for his 3rd-grade year was Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3. I was really happy with what I saw in this curriculum and I thought this may be a good time to share with my followers this unique science curriculum.

About Scientifc Connection through Inquiry

Scientific Connection through Inquiry curriculum is designed to teach young students advanced interdisciplinary science in a way they can understand. The lessons allow students to connect science with the world around them by inquiry. Students embark on learning these lessons using:

  • Hands on Exploration
  • Movement
  • Discussion
  • Inquiry
  • Observation

Scientific Connection through Inquiry foundations is based on Dr. Bernard Nebe Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding. Scientific Connection through Inquiry can be started at any level but having done the previous level will guarantee that your student has a full understanding of scientific lessons as they progress.

Unit Breakdown

Each of the levels units give an overview, supply list, and resources. The unit begins with a discussion. The discussion is meant to open the door to the unit’s inquiry. Scientific Connection through Inquiry provides helpful information through the educator’s guide. The opening discussion prepares students for their learning experience. The unit continues to progress to the activity, student pages, videos, and end-of-unit checklist of what they have learned.

Level 3

Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 is for grades 2nd through 5th grade, but you can start at any level. Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 comes in pdf format (64-page student book and a 154-page educator guide). I appreciate both of these books are limited on pages which makes it affordable to have printed at home. I do think it is nice that the levels can be stretched across 3-grade levels this works well with families with multiple grade levels. Level 3 has 11 units that will cover chemistry, biology, physics, earth, and space. The discovery in these are:

  • Cells I and II
  • Flight
  • Atomic/Molecular Motion I
  • Balance
  • Fungi & Bacteria I
  • Density
  • Seasons
  • Life of Plants
  • Energy and Motion
  • Buyancy

Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 is a 36-week curriculum that can be done at your own pace or you can follow the recommended schedule. At the beginning of the first unit, students are taught how to ” discern a good argument from a bad one which is a necessary skill in life, and particularly in science.” -SCI The “Baloney Detection Kit” has 13 points your student will learn these points and use them throughout level 3 and in my honest opinion, they will use theses skill throughout all their future studies. The biggest purchase I noticed in the supply list was a microscope, there is a helpful guide included for purchasing suggestions.

My son went through a fungi and bacteria phase, he was very much intrigued by Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 Fungi & Bacteria I. We jumped to this unit, and let’s just say my son enjoyed it immensely he had stuff growing in the fridge and Petri dishes. He confiscated bread and the mushrooms we had in the fridge all in the name of science. He loved one of the books suggested in the educator’s guide so much I purchased it.

Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 educator guide is laid out beautifully. If you have no knowledge of the concept presented you are given enough support with guided scripts and resources. Each unit also is divided into sessions (lessons) the number of sessions varies for each unit. The hands-on activities provide plenty of exploration and fun!

Scientific Connections through Inquiry Level 3 offers sample lessons on their website for you to preview. Even though we have a science curriculum we are very happy with Scientific Connection through Inquiry is an excellent science curriculum or even a supplemental resource. I feel like this is great for summer science. We will be revisiting level 3 and checking out level 4 for science fun this summer.

Scientific Connection through Inquiry is $40 and your receive both student and educators guide. You will need to invest in that microscope and supplies but the supplies are easily found at the Dollar Tree or your local dollar store. The curriculum is easy to follow and will work well with any homeschool setting.

Mom and J

1st Grade, 2nd Grade Curriculum, 3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Art, Charlotte Mason, Curriculum, Education, Family, Geography, History, Homeschool, Math, Reviews, Science

The Schoolnest History Notebook and Timeline Review!

Little Learner and Mom
The Schoolnest

Last year when my son and I were studying voting rights I remember the frustration I had writing down the timeline of the sequence of events on our board. I wanted him to have a visual keepsake of this important historical time period. So on our little whiteboard, I squeezed as much as I could and left it up there for a week as we studied. When it came time to erase it I took a picture of it and went on a hunt to find a way to record things for our history. What I was finding I wasn’t happy with so our timeline would have to live on my phone in the meantime. Then it happened The Schoolnest published a History Timeline notebook.

About The Schoolnest

Megan is a Michigan homeschool mom of 2 littles who is bringing love for learning through art, nature, creativity, and reading. Her approach to education is respecting the beauty of childhood and play. You can’t help but notice how she embraces Charlotte Mason, Waldorf, and Montessori philosophies in her homeschool. Her website is full of beautifully crafted simple journals, notebooks, and homeschool resources. She also writes a wonderful blog that is full of helpful ideas for parenting, homeschooling, art, and mindfulness. All are welcome on The Schoolnest website and blog, I found several diverse blog posts and literature recommendations.

I was so happy when Megan the founder of The Schoolnest launched her rainbow notebooks, from the first glance on her Instagram I knew I had to have them all. I purchased several of the notebooks for our school year then she published her History Timeline and it blew me away because it was exactly what I needed.

History Notebook and History Timeline

The History Timeline notebook is one the most unique books I have seen. The notebook gives you the ability to track history from:

  • Prehistory
  • Ancient
  • Middle Ages
  • Early Modern
  • Modern Times

What I feel like is a great family heirloom in History Timeline, is the beginning pages called “My History” I love these pages because we can record our family history and document things we felt were important to us during a year. The paper quality is excellent there are 115 pages and there are blank pages at the end. The entire is book is grid paper except for the dates, there is also B.C.E-C.E also included. There is plenty of space to write and post pictures, drawings, and clippings for creativity. The grid paper is excellent for writing and helping students contain their writings neatly. What I like about this timeline notebook is that it is just that a notebook. I can keep everything contained neatly in one spot and it is easy to flip through and we can use this 1 notebook over a long period of time.

The History Notebook is great for notebooking. We have used ours to notebook our unit study of Mesoamerica and currently, we are working on Ancient China. We study so much history in our home and notebooking has allowed him to have fun with notebooking. In the history notebook, there are 100 pages on the left page is 1/3 blank and the rest of the page is a grid. On the right side, the bottom is lined and the top is blank. There is a blank table of contents page and a study reference page. Kids can draw, color, cut and paste, make notes, and be creative. We have added pictures and written notes in our history notebook and added notebook printables. The paper quality is excellent, writes, glues, and colors smoothly.

Rainbow Notebooks

If you are looking to explore the other notebooks in The Schoolnest collection you will not be disappointed. So far we have collected:

  • Science
  • Vocabulary
  • Spelling
  • Mathematics
  • Commonplace
  • Project Planner
  • Reading Journal
  • 4th Grade

All of the notebooks come in 12 vibrant rainbow colors, 8.5 x 11, matte softcover, and superior binding. The Schoolnest notebooks are inexpensive ($8) and can be purchased from Amazon. If you are in the market for a planner The Schoolnest has you covered she has a Homeschool Lesson Planning Notebook, you can check out a review of this great planner on Brittany Olga Youtube and Home Life with Quin 5 Instagram (Planner and Reading Journal) and check out Mama Sweet Baby (Spelling Notebook).

The Schoolnest notebooks are a must-have for your homeschool if you haven’t checked them out I highly recommend you do. We love our notebooks and I am looking forward to seeing any new books The Schoolnest publishes.

Blessings,

Mom and J

Website | Instagram | Blog |

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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