Tag: Education

Curriculum Resource, Homeschool

Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox: A Versatile Homeschooling Treasure!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Evan Moor TeacherFile Box for our honest paid review.

As a homeschooling parent, discovering a resource that seamlessly integrates into our dynamic learning environment has been a true blessing. The Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox has proven to be an invaluable tool that not only aligns with our curriculum needs but also adds a layer of flexibility and excitement to our daily lessons. When a homeschool mom asks me what is the number one thing I use in my homeschool I always say Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox.

We are huge fan of the printed Evan Moor titles and continuously use them in homeschool alongside the Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox. The books offer that hard copy feel but what happens when a book is lost or page is torn? Having the Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox allows me to go on and reprint a page or have a digital copy for myself.

One of the standout features of the TeacherFileBox is its vast and varied content. The repository boasts a wide array of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies, catering to multiple grade levels. This versatility allows me to supplement our core curriculum with engaging and well-crafted materials that reinforce concepts in a meaningful way.

The ease of navigation is another commendable aspect. The TeacherFileBox’s user-friendly interface ensures that even on busy homeschooling days, I can quickly find and access relevant materials. The search and filter options make it effortless to tailor our lessons to the specific needs and interests of my child, saving both time and energy.

The adaptability of the resources is a key factor in why the TeacherFileBox has become a staple in our homeschooling toolkit. Whether I need a quick worksheet for review, a challenging activity to stretch my child’s understanding, or a fun project to enhance a lesson, the extensive library provides a wealth of options. This adaptability makes it suitable for various learning styles and allows for differentiation within a single household.

The quality of the content is consistently high. The materials are well-designed, engaging, and aligned with educational standards. The inclusion of answer keys and suggested teaching strategies further streamlines the teaching process, providing the support needed to confidently guide my child through the activities.

Additionally, the ability to access the TeacherFileBox online has been a game-changer. The platform allows us to seamlessly transition between devices, facilitating learning whether we’re at home or on the go. The printable resources and interactive features enhance the overall learning experience, making it both efficient and enjoyable for my child.

At the time of this review Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox offers a 14 day free trial allowing you to print up to 50 pages. After the trial you can decided between a monthly subscription or yearly at a reasonable price.

In conclusion, the Evan-Moor TeacherFileBox has become an indispensable resource in our homeschooling journey. Its versatility, user-friendly interface, and high-quality content make it a reliable companion that consistently enhances our curriculum. I wholeheartedly recommend the TeacherFileBox to fellow homeschooling parents seeking a comprehensive and flexible educational tool.

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Curriculum, Education, Geography, Language Arts, Science, Writing

Blossom & Root Year 5 Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received through the Melanated Gold Review Squad, in exchange for my honest review.

Have you ever encountered a curriculum that just made you feel at peace? I have tried several different curricula over the course of the last 5.5 years and they all seemed to lack a real connection to homeschooling. I always felt something was missing and then I felt rushed and that I had to finish it or I had somehow failed my child. Three years ago a friend of mine told me about Blossom and Root and I was hooked. I am so honored to review Blossom and Root Level 5 Language Arts, Science Wonders of Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography, and Art. I will update this review when Wonders of Worlds Beyond, Part Two: Astronomy and Nature Journal releases. Blossom and Root takes your student on a wonderful journey of learning.

Blossom and Root Level 5 is a digital download that also includes clickable links. I personally printed out the lab and student notebooks. The parent guides I uploaded to my notability app on my iPad for quick access. I combined them and use heavy card stock for the covers and the backing. I used my fast draft option and double-sided printing.

Language Arts

Blossom and Root Level 5 doesn’t disappoint. Level 5 language arts covers 36 weeks of lessons that are literature-based and include areas q writing, poetry, social studies, vocabulary, and geography. The chapter book selections for the weeks are diverse and a mixture of classic books and new releases. I was able to find every one of the books at the library, Thriftbooks, Amazon, and eBay. The poetry section is optional but the books suggested were also easily accessible and reasonably priced and the required book list isn’t ridiculously long. Kristina (creator of Blossom & Root) and her team have thought of everything including a completely optional books list for you and divided them up by weeks (THANK YOU). There is also a general supply list that is very basic you will pretty much have about 80% of the items already in your home. you can find a full scope and sequence on Blossom and Root.

Each week has 5 days of lessons, there are helpful tips to that help you decide the best way to navigate the lessons :

  • Transitional (students who are ready for some independent but not completely)
  • Independent ( students who can work independently and guide themselves)
  • Adult-Led (student still need adult guidance)
Year 5 Language Arts

Science

Blossom & Root Level 5 Science Wonders are Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography and Wonders of Worlds Beyond, Part Two: Astronomy (releases November 1st, 2021). The Blossom and Root Level 5 Science Wonder is a relaxed and hands-on approach. Parents can do the traditional 36 weeks of lessons with the first 24 lessons being Oceans and the second part of the lessons being Astronomy. Parents also have the option to do approach the science wonders with a relaxed schedule and work are their own pace stretch out the lessons as long as you want. Science wonders are meant to be parent-led, prefer this way of learning science because I learn so much and we have great conversations.

Science Wonders follow these three steps:

  • Step One – Wonder (introduction to the wonder)
  • Step Two – Explore (exploring the topic with activities/ experiments etc..)
  • Step Three – Record (allowing your child to record their journey)

My favorite part of doing this science is the permission “to go off the grid” going off the grid is something we do all the time and enjoy the learning process so much better and I can see the light and excitement in his eyes. My son is always so eager to show with his dad at dinner time everything he has learned for the day and going down a rabbit hole is the best way I know he is really learning and enjoying his journey. Let’s talk books for Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography surprisingly I had 2 of the books listed as recommendations and I need 2 of the spine book Dk Smithsonian Oceans!, which happen to have already been sitting in my amazon cart. Once again the book list for optional books and the spines are easily accessible and when you need them is listed with the corresponding wonder. Each Wonder has an oceanography topic, an optional profile of a scientist or influential person to the topic, and a few have rabbit hole ideas. The Worlds Beyond, Part One: Oceanography parent guide also includes lesson ideas for minimalist, book basket, visual learners. The laboratory guide also includes activities for outdoor learners, table-crowd, and crafts and project families.

Year 5 Part One : Oceanography

Secret Notebook, Geography , Art

The Secret Notebook is a child led project and it is just that a secret. The only part I play in the secret notebook is taking him to the store letting him pick the notebook and printing the Secret Notebook. Even though I have the guide in both of our sections I glimpse over the supplies for each week and just set them out for him on Fridays and he takes over from there I only help when asked. I love this part of Blossom and Root, it gives him such pride to work on something all on his own. The Exploring the States notebook which is optional, but I do recommend is also 36 weeks that students will research important geographic information about the states including map work. Nine Profiles in Art is 36 weeks of 9 artists with a 10th artist as optional. Each artist is studied for 3 weeks, a supply list and optional book list are also included. The student will do a picture studying, exploring the artist, and exploring with art doing a piece of artwork.

Year 5 Secret Notebook, Exploring the States, and Nine Profiles in Art

Last Thoughts

I am looking forward to working our way through Blossom and Root Level 5, I love the relaxed feel of the curriculum. The language arts are perfect for the pace I would like to go and review areas we have already covered in other curricula. Do you need to supplement if you need to absolutely and I love having that option no curriculum has it all? The science is adaptable to use family-style with kids in grades 1st through 6th grade. I don’t feel hurried to get things done using Blossom and Root. Kristina Gardner has done an exceptional job of understanding the homeschooled child and parent. The curriculum is diverse and secular and she has put notes/ tips throughout the pages. Blossom and Root will always have a place in our homeschool, only wish I found her sooner.

Be sure to check out the other Melanated Gold Review Squad reviews of Blossom and Root by clicking the banner below!