Category: Unit Study

Digital Learning Platform, Education, Grammar, High School, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Novel Studies, Online Learning, Unit Study

Beyond the Flame: How Literary Adventures for Kids Helped My Teen Go Deeper Into Fahrenheit 451

Little Learner and Mom

When your teen falls in love with dystopian literature, you follow the trail with them. My son recently dove into The Hunger Games, then The Giver, and most recently Fahrenheit 451. But after finishing Bradbury’s classic, he came to me with big, layered questions about censorship, symbolism, society, and why Bradbury wrote the book the way he did. He wanted to dig deeper, not just gloss over the content. I searched for a novel study that could match his curiosity, but everything I found felt rigid, overly academic, or full of busywork. Then I remembered we still had our Literary Adventures for Kids account. To my relief, they offered a Fahrenheit 451 study, and once I opened it, I knew immediately that it was exactly what we needed.

Literary Adventures for Kids (LAK) is an online, self-paced literature platform designed to bring stories alive through exploration, multimedia learning, and intentional Socratic-style questioning. Instead of draining the joy out of reading with endless worksheets, it enhances the experience. The digital layout is clean and easy to navigate, and lessons are structured in a way that encourages deep thinking without overwhelming the student.

What Makes Literary Adventures for Kids Stand Out

LAK avoids the “read-and-regurgitate” approach that turns teens off from literature. Instead, it blends academic depth with interactive, curiosity-driven learning. Students are guided to think critically, question themes, and draw connections between the story and real-world issues.

Some standout features include:

  • Rabbit Trails of Wonder — These guided explorations help students dive deeper into topics related to the novel, such as censorship, propaganda, technology, or Bradbury’s historical context.
  • Socratic-Style Discussion Prompts — Instead of factual recall, LAK offers open-ended questions that push students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the author’s message.
  • Creative and Multi-Sensory Activities — Journaling, copywork, theme mapping, mini-projects, and multimedia clips enrich the learning experience.
  • Rigor Without Burnout — Lessons feel meaningful and meaty, but never overwhelming or monotonous.
  • A Diverse Catalogue of Books — The platform offers a wide assortment of titles, from classics to contemporary YA, diverse authors, and culturally rich stories.

Inside the Fahrenheit 451 Study

The Fahrenheit 451 study was the perfect blend of analytical, creative, and reflective learning. Each module invited my son to slow down and consider the symbolism that runs throughout the book. The platform included context about book banning, historical events that shaped Bradbury’s writing, and discussions that helped my son articulate his thoughts clearly and confidently.

He especially loved:

  • exploring rabbit trails about censorship and media control
  • watching short, curated videos that expanded his understanding
  • answering Socratic-style prompts that made him think deeply
  • journaling about the ethical dilemmas in the story
  • comparing Bradbury’s warnings to today’s society

This study didn’t talk at him it invited him into a conversation with the text.

A Strong, Diverse Book Catalog

One of my favorite aspects of Literary Adventures for Kids is the variety of books available. Their catalogue includes:

  • classic literature
  • modern young adult novels
  • diverse and multicultural stories
  • high-interest titles teens actually want to read
  • newer releases and timeless favorites

It gives homeschool families the freedom to choose books that align with interests, learning goals, and cultural representation all while maintaining academic richness.

Final Thoughts

Literary Adventures for Kids brought our Fahrenheit 451 experience to life in a way traditional novel studies simply couldn’t. My son thrives on interactive, thoughtful, and well-designed lessons, and LAK delivered all of that with ease. It made him excited to revisit the novel and unpack everything he was curious about. Instead of draining his enthusiasm, LAK amplified it.

If you have a teen who prefers Socratic dialogue, multimedia learning, and meaningful exploration over worksheets, this platform is a gem. It respects how middle and high school students think, question, and understand the world.

If you’re ready to turn novel studies from dry assignments into immersive, curiosity-driven adventures, take a look at Literary Adventures for Kids.

Fahrenheit 451 warns us about what happens when people stop thinking
LAK encourages our students to think deeper, question boldly, and let their love of literature burn bright.

Charlotte Mason, Curriculum Resource, Education, Homeschool, homeschool science, Montessori, Science, Timberdsoodle Co., Unit Study, Waldorf

An Animal A Day: A Wildly Wonderful Addition to Our Homeschool Days

Little Learner and Mom

A 365-Day Journey Through the Animal Kingdom, One Fascinating Creature at a Time!

We received An Animal A Day in exchange for our honest review from Timberdoodle Co.

If you’re a homeschool parent on the hunt for a stunning, engaging, and educational book to add to your nature or science shelf, look no further. An Animal A Day: 365 Amazing Animals To Take You Through the Year is the kind of book that instantly captures attention and keeps curious minds coming back for more. Whether your family leans into the Waldorf, Montessori, or Charlotte Mason philosophy or just has a deep love for nature this book is going to feel like a perfect fit.

Better yet, it’s been announced that this beautiful book will be included in the upcoming 2025–2026 select Timberdoodle Curriculum Kits! And after using it firsthand during our homeschool mornings, I can tell you it’s an absolute gem.

What’s Inside the Book?

An Animal A Day is exactly what it promises a full year of remarkable creatures, one for every single day. Each page features:

  • A vivid, full-color illustration of an animal (some rare, some familiar, all fascinating)
  • Fun, bite-sized facts that are digestible yet spark deep curiosity
  • The scientific name and geographic region of the animal
  • Occasional fun facts, myths, and natural history notes

The layout is clean, visually appealing, and feels like a cross between a naturalist’s field journal and an artist’s sketchbook. It makes learning feel magical.

Let’s Talk About Those Illustrations

The artwork is nothing short of stunning. Bold yet gentle, realistic yet whimsical it walks that perfect line between textbook clarity and storybook wonder. My middle schooler was immediately drawn to the pictures and spent extra time flipping through the pages even after our morning session had ended.

These illustrations aren’t just pretty they’ve been a launching pad for deeper learning in our home. On more than one occasion, my son has independently looked up more about an animal’s habitat, diet, and conservation status. It’s been incredible to see him take that initiative just from being inspired by a picture book.

How We Use It in Our Homeschool

We’ve added An Animal A Day to our Morning Start-Up routine—what we call our gentle start to the day. With a cup of tea and the sun streaming in, this book becomes a daily moment of connection, curiosity, and calm.

We read one animal entry aloud, admire the artwork, and then chat about the creature’s region, adaptations, and anything else that sparks our interest. Some days we even map the animal’s home on our wall map, and other times we turn it into a mini science notebook entry.

It’s also perfect for:

  • Morning baskets
  • Science warm-ups
  • Nature table displays
  • Independent reading time
  • Supplementing unit studies on ecosystems, biomes, or continents

Who Will Love This Book?

This book is a must-have for:

  • Students in upper elementary to middle school, though even many high schoolers will be enchanted by the quality and variety of content.
  • Animal lovers and budding zoologists of all ages.
  • Families using Waldorf or Montessori methods, who appreciate nature-led learning and beautiful visuals.
  • Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, who will treasure the living-book style and gentle yet rich narration.
  • Nature journalers, looking for a springboard into drawing or writing about the natural world.

Final Thoughts

As a homeschool mom with years of experience curating resources, An Animal A Day has quickly become a top-tier favorite in our homeschool space. It’s rare to find a book that hits so many sweet spots educational, beautiful, engaging, and versatile but this one truly does.

If your child lights up when spotting a creature in the wild or begs to visit the zoo “just one more time,” then An Animal A Day will be their new favorite part of the homeschool day. It has brought a new sense of wonder and exploration into our mornings, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Get ready to fall in love 365 times over.

Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Homeschool, Reviews, Science, Unit Study

Empowering Future Doctors: A Review of the Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2′ from Know Yourself

Little Learner and Mom

We received Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 for our honest review from Timberdoodle Co.

As a homeschool mom with a future doctor in the house, I’m always on the lookout for resources that nurture my son’s passion for medicine. The Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 from Know Yourself Company, part of Timberdoodle Co’s 8th grade curriculum, has been a fantastic addition to our homeschool library. As long-time users of the Systems of the Body: Adventure Series, we’ve always appreciated Know Yourself’s ability to make complex biological concepts accessible and fun for young learners. This bundle goes above and beyond, offering a deeper dive into the wonders of the human body that’s perfect for middle schoolers like my son

Here’s a breakdown of what each book in the bundle offers and why they’ve been a game-changer for our homeschool journey:

Book 4: The Digestive System

This book takes readers on a journey through the digestive process in a way that truly comes alive. From the mouth to the stomach and all the way to the intestines, the illustrations and explanations help break down the complex functions into bite-sized (pun intended!) sections that are easy to digest—literally and figuratively. My son loved learning about enzymes and how food gets absorbed into the bloodstream. It also sparked a lot of discussion about healthy eating and how to support digestive health. For any middle schooler curious about how their body processes food, this book is a must-read.

Book 5: The Renal System

The kidneys, bladder, and the entire urinary system get their time to shine in this detailed exploration of the renal system. This book explains the filtration process in the kidneys and how waste is removed from the blood, a topic that fascinated my son. He found the diagrams extremely helpful, and the quizzes at the end of each chapter tested his knowledge in a fun way. The renal system can seem like a dry subject (pun again intended!), but this book manages to make it engaging and interactive, which is a real testament to the authors. It’s more than just memorizing facts; the book encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, which is crucial for middle schoolers stepping into more advanced studies.

Book 6: The Skeletal System

Out of the three, the skeletal system book was my son’s favorite. He has a deep interest in anatomy, and this book gave him a clear understanding of how bones function, from providing structure to producing blood cells. The book does a fantastic job explaining how bones work in tandem with muscles and ligaments, bringing the human skeleton to life in a fascinating way. The exercises at the end of the chapters were particularly beneficial for reinforcing learning and helped my son think critically about how our body’s framework supports everything we do.

How These Books Differ from the Systems of the Body: Adventure Series

While we have been long-time users of the Systems of the Body: Adventure Series, the Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 offers a more detailed, in-depth look into each body system. The Adventure Series focuses on broader overviews with an adventurous storyline, which was fantastic for introducing concepts to my son when he was younger. Now, at the middle school level, the Know Your Body series brings a more mature approach. It dives deeper into scientific processes and encourages critical thinking through hands-on activities and real-world connections. These books are an ideal fit for older students who are ready to take their understanding to the next level.

Why It’s Perfect for Middle Schoolers

The Know Your Body books strike a perfect balance between fun and educational content. The tone is light and engaging, yet the information is comprehensive enough to challenge a middle school student. My son, who is highly motivated and loves to learn about the human body, found these books incredibly fulfilling. They pushed him to think like a scientist and future doctor, while still being accessible enough for independent learning.

Know Yourself Academy: The Next Step in Learning

We’re also excited to explore the new Know Yourself Academy online platform, launched by the same creators. As homeschoolers who have loved their books, this online platform seems like a natural progression. It promises to offer a rich, interactive learning environment that complements the print materials. For a child with big dreams of becoming a doctor, having access to these kinds of high-quality educational tools is invaluable.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Aspiring Young Doctors

If your child has an interest in science or medicine, I highly recommend the Know Your Body 3-Book Bundle #2 from Know Yourself. These books offer a perfect blend of fun, education, and depth, especially for middle schoolers who are ready to dive deeper into the workings of the human body. Whether your child dreams of becoming a doctor or is just curious about how their body works, this bundle is a fantastic tool for fostering that curiosity and making learning both interactive and meaningful.

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.

Family, Family Life, History, Homeschool, Kwanzaa, Holidays, Unit Study

What Celebrating Kwanzaa Means to our Family!

Little Learner and Mom

Well, the holiday season is moving fast and there are only a few days until Christmas, but for hundreds of black and brown people, the celebration continues the day after Christmas. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that celebrates African culture and its importance in the African-American community. It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Seven core principles are celebrated during this time: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These principles are essential in helping to promote African culture and unify African-Americans. Kwanzaa is also a time to reflect on the history of African-Americans, honor ancestors, and recognize the struggles of the African diaspora. It is a time for African-Americans to come together to celebrate their culture, traditions, and community. Kwanzaa is a time for African-Americans to find strength, embrace their identity, and work together to build a better future.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are

The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These seven principles serve as a guide for African-Americans to celebrate their African heritage and culture and promote unity and self-improvement.

A few years back I wrote a blog about how we celebrated a Montessori Inspired Kwanzaa. You can read about our Montessori-Inspired Kwanzaa here. I have been meaning to update and write about how celebrating Kwanzaa is an ongoing tradition in our home. My son looks forward to celebrating each year and takes part in lightening the candle and leading the celebration. For us celebrating Kwanzaa is a way of life its not just a week, we practice the principles all year. Kwanzaa is not political or religious and it is not something that is celebrated in Africa. Kwanzaa is mostly celebrated in the United States but it was inspired by the South African region harvest celebration of the “first fruits”. I highly recommend that you do your research beforehand and check out the Official Kwanzaa Website.

I pull our Kwanzaa materials out right after Thanksgiving and I set up our area, you can check out our Kwanzaa unboxing on our Little Learner and Mom Instagram. Setting up early allows me to think about our intentions for the upcoming year and it gives us all a full month to think about these intentions. My son spends his time journaling about each principle and reflecting on how he demonstrated those principles during the year. I personally reflect on Umoja ( Unity) and Nia (Purpose) during the month of December.

Kwanzaa doesn’t require a lot of prep as a matter of fact our first kinara was made out of toilet paper rolls and tissue paper, a handmade Mkeka, and one of my son’s sippy cups. The homemade materials were the best because they were made with the principle of Kuumba in mind. We treasured those materials and set them out continuously each year until they fell apart. For our next Kinara we also made ourselves some wooden candle holders. Our current Kwanzaa set is from Kwanzaa Kit. Over the years we have made changes and built off of the previous year. I plan our meal plan for the week ahead of time, I try to include a special dish or dessert each day on the 6th day we have a grand meal that includes recipes from both my husband and my mother. I also have my son pick a recipe he wants to prepare.

Kwanzaa 2022

This year for Kwanzaa we have lined up:

Resources for Kwanzaa

There are several picture books about Kwanzaa, you can find our favorites in our Amazon store. I have also included some resources for games, cookbooks, kinara sets, and decorations. It is not too late to grab some candles (Mishumaa Saba) from your local craft store and you can just use a candle holder and just light your candles. The Kamali Academy Kwanzaa Unit Study has some wonderful printable principles cards you can print on cardstock and laminate. You can do like we did and just make your material, you will treasure these over the years. I have created a Kwanzaa Pinterest board full of ideas you can look over. Here are a few of my favorite Teacher pay Teacher Resources:

The most important thing about Kwanzaa is making the celebration your own there is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Take baby steps at first and enjoy the week learning and enjoying your family. Kwanzaa is an affirmation of African American people’s connection to their African roots and their history, and it is a time to reflect on the importance of self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is a time of self-reflection and celebration of African American culture and heritage, and it is a reminder of the importance of community and family.

Be sure to follow us on our Little Learner and Mom Instagram as we celebrate!

Until the Next Time,

Mom

This may contain affiliate links for the product discussed, clicking these links is at no extra charge to you!

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.

Social Media Links

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

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Education, Family, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Unit Study

Five Senses Literature Lessons: Children of the Longhouse Unit Study!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received from Five Senses Literature Lessons

I am starting to lesson plan for our upcoming school year and one of the things I like to include is 3-4 unit studies each year. Last year my son had the opportunity to take classes with Kelly Tudor, if you are not familiar with Kelly Tudor she is a citizen of the Lipan Apache Tribe in Texas. She teaches Indigenous studies classes in Outschool, and she is a wealth of truth about Indigenous people. We love her classes and we will be taking full advantage of them again this year.

I mention Mrs. Tudor because we always do an Indigenous study between October and November. This year we will be using the Five Senses Literature Lessons ,Children of the Longhouse Unit Study.

About Five Senses Literature Lessons

Five Senses Literature Lessons were developed by an occupational therapist, turned homeschool. The lessons are secular and can be used as a full curriculum depending on the student. There are 4 levels instead of grade levels, the reason being the lesson is designed to appeal to all students based on their abilities.

You will see some overlapping of skills because not all children learn at the same pace and may need more time to develop skills. The literature lesson covers multiple academic disciplines such as:

  • History and Social Studies
  • Science and Math
  • Art and Health
  • Language Arts

Everything you need to teach these lessons is within the literature guide. Speaking of the lessons you will receive embedded video and resource links for each lesson which makes this guide easier to implement. You really don’t have to print out the guide itself just the appendix section that has all the printables you will need. I personally like to have both a hard copy (planning and note-taking reasons) and a digital version for the clickable links.

I want children to experience learning with their whole bodies. I want them to not only hear about something but taste it, feel it, talk about it and wonder about it beyond what they were shown. I do not believe that learning about history, science, art or language should hinge on how well a child can read or write.

Laura Sowdon – Five Senses Learning

Five Senses Literature Lessons work for children with disabilities as well as gifted children. The guides appeal to all learning styles and I really like that they were created by the occupational therapist because she has taken the time to really design a program that is relaxed and stress-free for both the learner and parent.

Children of the Longhouse Unit Study

Children of the Longhouse, Unit Study is a part of the green level for students ages 8-12 years. The green level concentrates on historical fiction, critical thinking skills, independent learning, and ambitious hands-on activities. The creator of this unit study was very intentional to point out that the unit was about Appreciation not Appropriation I really like this because I don’t know how many times I have tossed a book or printable because of misappropriation.

There are 13 lessons that directly correlate with each chapter in the book. You will find a book list, how-to-use, supply list, pre-reading activities, and appendix. There is a detailed chart that tells you what subjects are going to be covered in each chapter lesson. Students will learn about Indigenous culture, herbology, sports, woodworking, food, anatomy, and first aid. I really appreciate the life skills included in the resource and recipes.

Last Thoughts!

I really like the Children of the Longhouse, Unit Study from Five Senses Literature Lessons. The unit has cut down my prep time for this year’s unit study on Indigenous Studies. I like the included book list for optional resources all I have to do is grab the books from the library. I do like she included the Wildcraft board game that has been one on my list for our homeschool. November is our slow-down month with homeschool so having all the integrated subjects included takes my mind off lesson planning for those subjects. We are working on independent learning this year so having some of the activities that encourage these skills is a major plus. Five Senses Literature Lessons are great for family studies and morning baskets.

Right now there are 7 unit studies available in the Five Senses shop. I am hoping that she will come out with some new unit studies. At the time of this review Children of the Longhouse, Unit Study is $9.95 and she is having a Summer Sale you can save 25% off with the code hotmom2022.

If you would like to see a full walkthrough of this unit be on the lookout for our video on Little Learner and Mom IG.

Until the Next Time!

Mom

Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Morning Basket, Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Unit Study

Teach Your Child Piano: Read Music Notes in 6 Weeks and Summer Siesta Music Camp Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received from Teach Your Child Piano!

If you are followers on our Little Learner and Mom IG you know my son, well our entire family loves music. My son was exposed to music early on in the womb because his dad is a music producer and insisted on playing music to my belly every night. So when my son was born he instantly took to all things music.

My son’s first instrument was the trombone it was like love at first sight from 18 months old until the present. We bought his first trombone when he was 3 and he has been playing every since. When Karen asked me if we would be interested in taking a look at the Teach Your Child Piano course Read Music Notes in Six Weeks and the Music Camp: Summer Siesta course, we were happy to review them.

The Teach Your Child Piano courses are on the “Teachable” platform. You will have your own dashboard that includes your course of study. Some of the activities include downloadable pdfs and embedded videos. Not all of the Siesta Summer activities have videos. I think it would be nice if each included one example of the topic. This would be helpful for those students and parents who have no background in music. The platform is easily managed and it tracks your progress as long as you click the continue and complete button.

Read Music Notes in Six Weeks

Read Music Notes in Six Weeks is a great course for beginners who do not have a background in music. My son has a background in music so after looking over the first week, he felt like it was just a little too easy for him. But I am going to base my review on what I think if I had a non-musical child. This is a great course to introduce your students to reading music and music theory. The included a detailed lesson plan, games, worksheets, instructional video, flashcards, and a practice plan.

There are 6 modules that cover:

  • Learning Your Way Around The Keyboard
  • Treble Clef Line Notes
  • Treble Clef Space Notes
  • Bass Clef Line Notes
  • Bass Clef Space Notes
  • Review and Preparing for the Grand Recital

After looking through all the weeks I think this would be great for a family who has no or very little background in music. I do still have plans to have my son review the weeks just as a review in the fall.

Music Camp Online: Summer Siesta

Summer Siesta consists of 120 self-paced lessons for ages 4-14. The course runs from May to August, but I think this can be used year-round and I hope Karen will consider keeping the program going year-round. There is so much to unpack in this course and for a music-loving family like ours, we need more time to really appreciate all the wonderfulness in this course. Summer Siesta is really a music appreciation course that families can pair well with geography, history, and cultural lessons in their homeschool.

Students can study:

  • Musical Era (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern)
  • Various Music Genre
  • Orchestra and Foreign Instruments
  • Cultural Music
  • Composers
  • Chorus
  • Vocal Expression
  • DIY Instruments

There are 120 lessons the summer program encourages students to do 1 activity per day for a total of 60 activities over the summer. You don’t have to do the activities in order, but students will earn a certificate at the end of the course if the activities are completed. For us, that wasn’t going to be something achievable because we kept going down rabbit trails. The activity sheets can be done orally or written. We do them orally and I recorded the answers down for my son because I wanted him to enjoy researching and having fun.

For copyright reasons and to protect the creator’s work I won’t be uploading a copy of the full sheet, but I can tell you that the sheets are detailed and not overwhelming.

My son decided he wanted to spend time learning more about Spanish composer the “Queen of Percussion” Shelia “E” Escovedo! Let me just tell you this was a family affair when my husband got wind that we were doing this study he told us about the Sheila E Master Class. We were all captivated by her wonderful story and percussion lessons. My son was super intrigued and took things to another level and decided to research Pete Escovedo who is her father. We ended up doing 2 lessons on Spanish composers. We also did an instrument study on the bongos. We continued to go down another rabbit hole that led us to Prince. Like really we studied all about PRINCE !!!!

Of course, after we did Shelia E he wanted to research the trombone. So we grabbed the brass instrument and jazz activity sheet and learned about the Trombone and Trombone Shorty. That lesson didn’t stop there because it lead us down the road to New Orleans’ infamous Treme history.

We really like the Summer Siesta and like I said I hope my review persuades the creator to extend the course for year-round availability. Read Music Notes in Six Weeks and Music Camp: Summer Siesta would be a great addition to your homeschool lessons if you are looking for a self-directed course. Self-directed courses work best for us because it allows us the freedom to follow our interest.

Teach Your Child Piano currently has 18 courses available prices start at $49 and up. There is a free course available and a monthly homeschool course. I defiantly recommend checking out Teach Your Child Piano.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

Family, Geography, History, Homeschool, Unit Study

Celebrate States: Colorado Review !

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received!

Looking for a great way to explore the United States without leaving your home? Have you been interested in visiting a state and would like to get a glimpse of that state before leaving your home? If you answered yes to those questions then Celebrate States is a great way to bring a monthly state to your home.

Celebrate States is a monthly box subscription that features a new state every month. You will get a chance to learn about the history, geography, landmarks, and some of the local favorites.

We received the Colorado box for the month of March. Inside our guide we received:

đź—şColorado travel Guide and map.

🍬Sweet and savory treats from local shops.

🧼Lovely artisan scented soap.

🌲Beautifully crafted Aspen candle holder from the Rocky Mountains.

After going through the Celebrate States box we decided to dig deeper into some of the things he found of interest from the included travel guide. We watched a PBS documentary about the Rocky Mountains. The PBS documentary was very informative we learned about the:

  • Sicangu Lakota Oyate
  • San Luis Valley
  • Indian Boarding Schools
  • Gold Rush
  • Black in Denver Art Exhibit
  • Homesteading
  • The Railway
  • Natural Resources

We enjoyed the Colorado box it allowed us to have a connection to the state. The Celebrate States is a wonderful way to explore the United States with your family. This will make a great complement to homeschool geography lessons.

As you can tell we took the box and ran with it. It was nice to give my son a peek into the beautiful state of Colorado. This is a great addition to our study this upcoming year. I am going to reach out to the company and ask if we can get the Georgia box.

Until the next time,

Mom and J

Education, Family, Games and Apps, Homeschool, Unit Study

The Waldock Way Human Body Unit Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received!

One of my favorite homeschool mom influencers is Jessica from The Waldock Way. I have always been a fan of her Instagram and YouTube. We have used all of her unit studies and they are in constant rotation in our home. To date, our favorite has been Traveling the World with a strong runner-up Holidays Around the World. My son stalks her YouTube channel for her Amazon Hauls.

Quite natural I am a member of The Waldock Way Community Facebook group, but then it happened the rumors started she has possibly had a new unit in the works that would debut sometime early 2022. Then it happened she announced the new unit would be Human Body which dropped on February 28th during her annual Spring Sale.

So it was an honor to be one of the first people to get an exclusive first look at this amazing unit study! So let me begin this review with OMGOSH!! Human Body Unit is a full package deal it covers EVERYTHING! I mean I saw lessons on cells, tissue types, scientist study, mazes, puzzles, diagrams, human body idioms, and play-doh mats. This is truly an extraordinary unit study.

The Human Body Unit includes:

  • 13 Family Lessons
  • Comprehensive Resource Guide
  • 9 Human Body System
  • Anatomy
  • Health & Nutrition
  • Review Pages
  • Writing Themes
  • Interactive Activities and much more!

The Human Body Unit is beautifully illustrated by Jessica’s husband. Excellent attention to detail in the illustration as well diversity in skin tones (much appreciated ). One of the things I love about how the Human Body Unit is laid out is that you can go at your own pace and order. My plan is to use the Human Body Unit over a period of time. We will begin with her Health and Nutrition and Five Senses.

The Hunan Body Unit is easy to follow and very relaxed. I was able to locate all of her suggested books at my local library. The unit is written in such a way that you can use almost any human body books you may have on hand.

Okay let me put in a side note the Human Body Unit is a unit study, just like her other products. Nowhere on her website or in her materials does she claim that her unit studies are curriculums. Jessica does what she does best create unit studies that are meant to engage your student in an exploration of learning through literature, game schooling, crafts, adventures, resources, and hands-on activities.

The Waldock Way is nonsectarian. None of our products promote any specific view, so that they can be enjoyed by all homeschoolers.

-Jessica

For copyright reasons I am not sharing many pictures from the actual Human Body Unit but you can see a full walkthrough of the Human Body Unit on The Waldock Way YouTube as well as follow The Waldock Way on Instagram.

So I know what you think how much? Right now at the time of this review the unit is on sale for $19 but regularly priced at $28. I highly recommend the Human Body Unit and I can’t wait to dive into it.

If you are interested in reading more about The Waldock Way products be sure to check out the Melanated Gold Squads reviews by clicking the banner below.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J