Tag: Family

Homeschool, Keeping it real, Mom Life, Parenting, Perimenopause, We Do Not Care

Homeschooling Through the Hormone Hurricane: Middle Schoolers, Mood Swings, and the Magic of “We Don’t Care”

Little Learner and Mom

Let’s Be Real: Middle School Is Already a Wild Ride

Homeschooling middle school is not for the faint of heart. Between growth spurts, emotional whiplash, and the “new” version of your kid who woke up this morning suddenly too cool for phonics, it’s a whole job. Now imagine doing all that while you’re riding the hot, unpredictable wave of perimenopause. Y’all. I’m not saying we deserve medals, but give us a trophy shelf at least.

Wait…Is It Me or My Hormones?

If you’ve been homeschooling for a while, you probably know how to spot the signs of burnout: constant fatigue, lack of motivation, crying over your printer jamming (again). But what if those same symptoms aren’t just burnout? What if they’re hormones knocking at the door like, “Surprise! It’s me—Perimenopause.”

Here are a few signs you might be navigating that stage while also being the headmistress of your homeschool:

  • Sleepless nights…even though you’re exhausted.
  • Mood swings that feel like a bad tween novel.
  • Crying at the drop of a pencil (or because you actually dropped a pencil).
  • Forgetting where you put your glasses (while they’re on your head), sipping cold coffee at 2pm, and wondering why you walked into the pantry.

Perimenopause + Middle School = Emotional Gymnastics

Let me paint you a picture: Your middle schooler is having thoughts. Big ones. About the world. About themselves. About why math is pointless and how they should never have to write another paragraph again. Meanwhile, you’re sweating through your third shirt and questioning why you picked any of this year’s curriculum.

At least once a week, I look at our lesson plans and want to toss them in the trash like a salad I knew we weren’t gonna eat.

Cue the “We Don’t Care” Movement

You know what saved me? An Instagram mama @justbeingmelani who boldly started the “We Don’t Care” movement. If you don’t know who she is RUN to her IG!!! The idea is simple and liberating: we’re doing our best and that’s enough. The house isn’t perfect, the lesson didn’t go as planned, the tears fell (mine and his)…and you know what? We don’t care.

Say it loud for the sweaty moms in the back:
We. Don’t. Care.

It’s permission to be human. To stop trying to be the Pinterest-perfect homeschooler when you’re just trying to survive another round of hormone-fueled highs and lows while your kid discovers sarcasm as a second language

How to Manage Perimenopause While Homeschooling (Without Losing Your Mind)

Here’s the good news you’re not alone, and you can manage this. Here’s how:

1. Check Your Hormones, Sis.. Before you switch curriculums again or rework your entire homeschool plan for the millionth time, check in with your doctor. A blood panel might tell you that what you thought was just burnout is actually a hormonal shift.

2. Create Buffer Days… Build “light days” into your homeschool week less academic pressure, more connection. This isn’t slacking off. It’s smart homeschooling that respects the energy of both teacher and student.

3. Find Your Homeschool People…Surround yourself with mamas who keep it real. You need at least one friend who’ll laugh with you when you’re crying over missing highlighters and who’ll text back “you’re not crazy, this is just hormones and middle school.” or when you having a moment they recognize the moment and listen don’t judge. For all my natural mamas’s I am 100% on board for the natural treatment methods. Just need to get those horomones checked.

4. Eat. Sleep. Move. Repeat.… Basic, I know. But blood sugar crashes, sleep deprivation, and zero movement make hormonal symptoms worse. Drink water like it’s your job. Stretch. Step outside. Take a walk without the kids. Eat the dang salad (unless you’re still mad about that one you threw away).

5. Talk to Your Kids (Yes, Even Your Tween) ….Explain age appropriately what you’re going through. It models self-awareness and gives them permission to speak up about their changing emotions too. Who knew homeschool could be group therapy?

6. Learn Your Triggers…I have been working on how I respond to people. Keeping my cool and not stepping all the way out character. So far I have been doing really well staying calm. Because baby I be ready to let it rip when I am having a moment.

When You See a Fellow Mama Spiraling…

Say something. Gently. With love. Send a text like,
“Hey, are you okay? Or are you on your third coffee and crying over cursive like I was last week?”

Drop off a smoothie. Send a meme. Better yet, offer to co-op one afternoon and give her a break. Because sometimes we need someone else to recognize we’re on the hormone rollercoaster before we do.

Middle School Homeschoolers Don’t Help…But They’re Not the Enemy

Let’s not forget these little hormonal humans we’re raising are going through it too. One minute they’re laughing at fart jokes, the next they’re contemplating the meaning of life at 9:15 AM on a Tuesday while refusing to read the next chapter of their novel study.

They’re pulling away and needing us all at once. They’re learning to think critically, argue everything, and feel deeply about things like snack options. It’s a mess. But it’s also kind of beautiful, if we pause to see it.

Final Thoughts: We’re in This Together

Homeschooling through perimenopause isn’t a joke but laughing about it might save your sanity.

So the next time you’re mid-meltdown with a crying tween, a cold coffee in one hand and a broken dry-erase marker in the other, just remember:

You’re not crazy. You’re perimenopausal.

You’re not failing. You’re homeschooling.

And most of all…

We. Don’t. Care.

We care deeply about our kids. But we don’t care to be perfect. That’s not the assignment.

Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Typing

Not Your Average Typing Program: Why Typesy Homeschool Is a Game-Changer in Our Homeschool!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Typesy Homeschool for our honest review.

Looking for a typing program that actually teaches something useful besides endless lines of “asdf jkl;”? Say goodbye to nonsense phrases and hello to real learning with purpose. Typesy Homeschool isn’t your typical typing platform it’s a full-blown cross-curricular typing experience that makes homeschool families like ours excited to log on!

What Makes Typesy Different?

Unlike most typing programs that rely on boring drills and gibberish sentences, Typesy Homeschool seamlessly integrates Common Core-aligned academic content right into its lessons. That means while your child is learning to type, they’re also being introduced to science facts, historical context, vocabulary, and more all while building speed and accuracy on the keyboard.

For us, we started with the 7th Grade Common Core course because the topics covered included science themes we were already studying. As we progress through the school year, we’ll move into the 8th Grade Cross-Curricular track, which introduces more complex material like history, language arts, and other interdisciplinary subjects. It’s typing and schoolwork rolled into one smart program. This mom has been using the program also to learn some new things and strengthen my own typing skills.

Learning with Games? Yes, Please!

Typesy also includes a variety of typing games that are both educational and fun—perfect for brain breaks or rewards after assignments. These games reinforce hand placement and speed without your child even realizing they’re practicing. It’s gamified learning done right!

Parent & Student Dashboards Make Tracking Easy

The Parent Dashboard is one of my favorite features. I can:

  • Assign lessons based on grade level or interest
  • Monitor my child’s typing accuracy, speed, and time-on-task
  • Track progress across all subjects integrated into the typing lessons

The Student Dashboard is clean, easy to navigate, and motivating. Students can see their badges, streaks, and real-time progress toward goals. It makes independent work feel manageable and rewarding.

Who Is This Good For?

  • Homeschoolers who want to align with state standards for typing or computer science
  • Middle school students who need to improve typing fluency and review academic content
  • Parents looking for interdisciplinary tools that combine core subjects with digital literacy
  • Families who are tired of boring typing lessons and want something more meaningful

From Kindergarten to Career Prep

Typesy Homeschool isn’t just for kids! There are typing and computer literacy courses for everyone in the family from early learners to teens prepping for the SAT/ACT, to adults and professionals needing to sharpen skills.

Typesy includes:

  • Adult & professional typing courses
  • Vocabulary building (excellent for SAT/ACT prep)
  • Microsoft Office training
  • Google Workspace skills
  • Intro to Coding courses

It’s rare to find a program that grows with your family, but Typesy truly delivers on that promise.

Aligned with State Standards? Yes, Ma’am!

One of the reasons I chose Typesy Homeschool is because it supports our state’s Computer Science requirements, which include a strong emphasis on typing proficiency and subject-matter integration. The built-in lessons help meet these requirements without me needing to piece together a separate curriculum.

Final Thoughts: Why We Love It

In our homeschool, we value tools that multitask with intention. Typesy Homeschool teaches a life skill typing, but does so in a way that supports and enhances our academic learning. It’s not just typing for typing’s sake. It’s typing with purpose, with content, and with fun.

So if you’re looking for a smart, standards-aligned, subject-rich, and student-friendly typing program, Typesy Homeschool is the one. It’s the typing curriculum I didn’t know we needed until we couldn’t imagine our week without it!

Family, Family Life, Homeschool, Homeschool Family

Confessions of a Homeschool Mom: Trusting the Process and the Child

Little Learner and Mom

Reflecting on the Middle School Years

Let me back up before someone decides to come for me about this blog post, this is my truth and I am sharing it for my own peace and sanity. If someone finds it helpful I am glad I could shed a little light on our experience.

As we near the end of our middle school journey, I find myself in a season of deep reflection. My son is only 12 and technically suppose to be entering 7th grade this upcoming year, but because we’ve always homeschooled with flexibility, we’ve done hybrid years, bouncing between grade levels based on his needs. This past year was a 7th/8th-grade blend, and the year ahead will be 8th/9th.

One big question I’ve been grappling with is:

Do we stick with a full 8th-grade curriculum or continue our hybrid model? Should I savor this final year of middle school or press ahead into high school coursework?

Letting My Child Take the Lead

Here’s what I know for sure:

My son asked for a more comprehensive science curriculum this year. And we decided on one together. Yes, I said we. Too often, as homeschool parents, we map out the entire school year without ever asking our kids what they want. Some of us ask out of formality, but do we really listen? Then we just continue on with our own agenda. We get caught in the race for rigor, credits, dual enrollment and forget that they’re the ones learning it. Just making decision because it just easier and manageable for us. Its our kids doing the work and carrying the load. Then we get upset if things aren’t progressing the way we want and then the stress and the battles begin.

Now, don’t get me wrong my husband and I still set core goals. There are non-negotiable. But because my son clearly expressed his passions (medicine and law), we’ve made space for his interests to take center stage. We follow his lead and build around that.

Our Math Journey: From Burnout to Breakthrough

We’re continuing with Denison Math and Mr. D Math this year. And before I go further yes, Denison Math does have a track for students who struggle, but that’s not why we chose it. My son actually loves math and has always excelled. We chose Denison because it helped him fall back in love with the subject.

A few years ago, I forced him through Saxon 6/5 right after finishing Abeka 3 he placed out of Saxon 4/5. Why did I do this? I am going to keep it real I was SELFISH!!! Saxon worked for me, I loved it and after all its one of the top tier math curriculum in the homeschool community. Plus I dropped well over $100 for this curriculum plus the online platform. It was overkill. Too many repetitive problems, too much over explanation, and not enough challenge. He confessed to me this year that he didn’t learn anything new that year. That he felt like he was suffocating. That it was just busywork and he was bored. He hated it.

Imagine my shock. He held that in for years.

After that, we ditched Saxon for good. We transitioned through the last levels of Math-U-See and completed Mr. D’s Preparing for Pre-Algebra in one academic year. Then we landed on Denison Pre-Algebra and I saw the light come back into him. He was thriving, not just surviving.

He’s now moved into Denison Algebra 1 and Mr. D Algebra Gamified. He uses Mr. D for quizzes and exams and is acing every one. He’s confident, calm, and free to enjoy other subjects too. Since we aren’t spending hours on one subject. We are tag teaming note-taking which has worked great for us at the suggestion of homeschool mom friend. We are working math together, he is happy and welcomes doing math six days out of the week. HE has sat a goal for himself he wants finish geometry by Summer 2026. At the time of me writing this he is wrapping chapter 12 and has 5 more chapters to go in Algebra 1. He has a great foundation and is doing really well in his SAT math prep class this summer. He even took classes at John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth online math class and did very well with his middle school and high school peers. In May he did some professional testing for gifted and talented kids and he placed high on the math section.

The Cost of Not Listening

Looking back, not listening to him that year cost us more than just time. It caused unnecessary power struggles and damaged his trust. What did I actually teach him that year? That I didn’t trust his instincts about his learning.

That moment changed everything for me.

Now, he has a voice in our homeschool planning. His concerns are valid, his input matters. Yes, he still does hard things, and no, he won’t love every subject but he knows I trust him. That I see him and not the curriculum!

Beyond the Checklist

I don’t want our homeschool to just be a checklist of college prep boxes. I want it to be a partnership rooted in respect. He’s not in 1st grade anymore he’s capable of evaluating curriculum, reviewing class descriptions, and assessing if something is a good fit. The whole purpose of us choosing homeschool was give him a voice in his education and not perpetuate the same educational system we wanted no parts of.

I almost made the same mistake again this year by enrolling him in a class without consulting him. But he looked it over, did his own research, and told me it wasn’t a good fit. I reviewed it myself and he was absolutely right.

It wasn’t a fit for us. And maybe next year it will be. But this year, we’re choosing peace, purpose, and partnership. If we need to change some things after giving it a good try that is okay, because he knows we have his back and will hold him accountable for his decisions and we trust him.

Games and Apps, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Science

An Upcoming Shark Week Homeschool Hit: Crabs in a Bucket Review:

Little Learner and Mom

We received Crabs in a Bucket from Timberdoodle Co in exchange for our honest review!

This summer, our homeschool was crawling with fun and strategy thanks to Crabs in a Bucket, a fast-paced game of bluffing and betrayal that had our whole family clawing for victory! Included in the Timberdoodle 2025 9th Grade Curriculum Kit, this clever little game couldn’t have arrived at a better time. We cracked it open during our favorite themed summer tradition: Shark Week!

While the world was watching sharks on the screen, we were watching each other at the table waiting to see who would get caught, who would escape, and who would be the sneakiest crab of them all.

What is Crabs in a Bucket?

Crabs in a Bucket is a high-energy, social deduction game where players act as crabs trying to escape the bucket, but with a twist. Not every crab wants everyone to get out! Some players are assigned roles like the “Bucket Crab” (who wants everyone to fail) and “Escaping Crabs” (who win by successfully escaping).

Each round, players vote on whether others get to “climb” or fall back into the bucket. But beware: those who seem helpful might just be bluffing! It’s a game of reading faces, strategic alliances, and clever communication. The game comes with an instructional booklet and QR scan for those visual learners who need a more visual approach to learn game play.

Educational Connections

Though it’s packaged as a fun game (and it is), Crabs in a Bucket sneaks in real critical thinking practice:

  • Social Dynamics & Psychology: Players must read body language, analyze behavior, and determine who they can trust—great for developing emotional intelligence and understanding group psychology.
  • Logic & Strategy: Like chess with claws, every move must be calculated. The more you play, the more nuanced your strategy becomes.
  • Communication Skills: Whether convincing others to vote your way or throwing them off your trail, persuasive speaking and listening are crucial.
  • Teamwork & Debate: Players must sometimes cooperate—even with their competitors. This teaches collaboration and negotiation, essential life skills for high schoolers.

This kind of game-based learning fits beautifully into Timberdoodle’s multi-faceted, hands-on approach to education. It’s not about worksheets it’s about thinking critically and creatively in real time.

Perfect for Shark Week

The ocean vibes, the struggle for survival, the intense suspense it’s like Survivor: Crustacean Edition during Shark Week! While we learned about apex predators and marine biology during the day, we dove into this game at night. The theme and tension of the game mirrored everything we loved about Shark Week. It kept the whole week cohesive and themed a homeschool mom’s dream!

A Game for the Whole Family

Though recommended for older kids and teens (and part of a 9th-grade kit), our whole family got in on the fun. The rules are easy to understand but the strategies? Deep. Everyone from middle schoolers to adults found it engaging. It quickly became a go-to game night favorite.

We laughed, debated, accused, and defended ourselves all without screens. Even our most game-shy family members got sucked in (pun intended).

Final Thoughts

Crabs in a Bucket isn’t just a clever Timberdoodle pick it’s a homeschool win, a summer fun staple, and the perfect way to blend game-based learning with family bonding.

If you’re using the Timberdoodle 2025 9th Grade Curriculum Kit, make sure this game doesn’t stay on the shelf. Whether you’re tying it into Shark Week or just breaking it out for a rainy day, this is one game that’s worth clawing over!

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Grammar, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Writing

Wrapping Middle School Writing with IEW Structure and Style 2B and Fix IT Grammar!

Little Learner and Mom

As we prepare for another intentional and purpose-driven homeschool year, I’m excited to share our continued journey with Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) a curriculum that has not only worked but transformed our homeschool experience. For the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, we’ve chosen to move into Structure and Style for Students Level 2B while finishing up and solidifying Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Mowgli and Shere Khan this summer. We’ll then transition into Level 5: The Frog Prince in the fall.

But before I dive into our curriculum plans, let me share a proud mama moment:

My son placed 3rd in IEW’s 2025 National Writing Contest (Level B) this past spring!

This was not just a win it was redemption. Just a couple of years ago, my son had no interest in writing. He dreaded putting pen to paper and often asked to skip writing altogether. But through consistency, faith, and the right tools like IEW and the guidance of our wonderful writing support teacher, Write With Mrs. Brown his confidence grew. Now, he’s writing for fun, rewriting the storyboard for one of his favorite video games this summer on his own time. That’s the power of the right curriculum, and IEW has truly been a blessing to our family.

Why We Chose Structure and Style Level 2B

After successfully completing Structure and Style Level 1B this past year, my son was ready for the next challenge. Level 2B is designed for students who have a strong grasp on the foundational IEW units but are ready to write longer compositions with more complexity, creativity, and independence.

What We Love:

  • Clear, structured lessons that guide students step-by-step from brainstorming to polished composition.
  • Continued stylistic practice, such as strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and dress-ups.
  • A variety of writing assignments, including narrative, informational, and persuasive essays.

How We Take Notes

One effective strategy that’s worked for us is using Cornell Notes while watching Mr. Pudewa’s videos. It helps my son stay engaged and reflect on what he’s learning. This method encourages independent learning and active listening two things middle schoolers really benefit from.

Bonus:

We’re also adding the new IEW resource, Strengthening Structure: Models for IEW Structural Units to our lineup. This newly released supplement takes a deeper dive into the nine structural models that form the foundation of the IEW writing approach. It offers reinforcement and extension for students ready to elevate their writing, perfect for upper middle schoolers like my son.

Who Should Use Structure and Style Level 2B?

  • 6th–8th graders who have completed 1B or equivalent
  • Students ready to increase writing stamina and creativity
  • Kids who still benefit from a structured approach but want room to stretch
  • Families looking for a full-year program that balances academic rigor and confidence-building

Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Why We’re Repeating It

Fix It! Grammar has been a quiet workhorse in our homeschool. Unlike traditional grammar workbooks, this program builds editing and grammar skills through a daily sentence from a continuing story in this case, Mowgli and Shere Khan. Each sentence builds on the previous one, helping students internalize grammar in context.

Even though we already completed Level 4 during 2023-2024 school year, we’re intentionally repeating it this summer. Why? Because I want to solidify his mastery before we move on to the more advanced and demanding Level 5: The Frog Prince in the fall.

Why We Love It:

  • Just 15 minutes a day simple and sustainable
  • Built-in vocabulary, copy-work, and editing practice
  • Great retention from daily repetition and cumulative learning
  • Story format that keeps kids engaged

Repeating Level 4 has already helped reinforce proper punctuation, complex sentence structures, and the use of clauses. It’s been such a helpful decision not remedial, but enriching!

Who Would Benefit from Fix It! Grammar Level 4?

  • Students who are ready to apply grammar knowledge in context
  • Kids who’ve completed Levels 1–3 or are transitioning from a traditional program
  • Learners who enjoy stories and consistent structure
  • Families who want grammar practice without frustration or busywork

A Long-Term Love for IEW

We’ve been long-time IEW users, and I can truly say it’s one of the most worthwhile investments we’ve made in our homeschool. From Structure and Style for Students to Fix It! Grammar, and now integrating new resources like Strengthening Structure, the IEW suite of materials has helped my son:

  • Go from zero writing confidence to contest-winning compositions
  • Develop a love for writing yes, LOVE!
  • Gain skills that will serve him well in high school and beyond
  • Write, edit, and revise with purpose, direction, and joy

IEW gave us the structure we needed, the consistency I craved, and the results we hoped for. While there are other programs on the market for writing, we felt that IEW style is a better fit for college preparation for writing.

Don’t Miss the IEW Podcast + Extras!

Another gem of being an IEW family? Their podcast! It’s packed with practical, encouraging, and insightful content for homeschool parents and writing teachers. I’ve learned so much about how to better support my writer and build a more enriching homeschool experience through those episodes.

The IEW Community: Sales, Freebies & Support for Parents

IEW doesn’t just hand you a curriculum and disappear they walk with you throughout your homeschool journey:

Highlights Include:

  • Live webinars and workshops throughout the year
  • The annual “12 Days of Christmas Giving”, full of generous freebies and digital goodies
  • Ongoing homeschool encouragement and tips from the team
  • Access to free shipping offers and seasonal discounts

Pro Tip: Don’t miss their July Free Shipping Event it’s the perfect time to stock up on wish list items, upgrade your writing program, or grab extras like Student Resource Notebooks, style posters, and themed writing lessons.

IEW Also Offers Live Online Classes

In addition to streaming options, IEW also offers live, online Structure and Style classes! If your student thrives in a structured, live environment with real-time feedback, this is a great option to consider. These courses follow the same methods and reinforce everything we love about IEW but with the added benefit of accountability and instructor interaction.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a homeschool parent looking for a writing and grammar curriculum that builds skills year after year,Structure and Style for Students Level 2B and Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Mowgli and Shere Khan are excellent choices. They work. They grow with your child. And best of all, they encourage a love of words and a sense of accomplishment.

As a mom who once feared her child would never enjoy writing, I can’t recommend this curriculum enough. Here’s to another incredible year of writing, learning, and growing with IEW!

Homeschool, Homeschool Health, Interest Led, mindfulness, Reviews

Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9: A Lifesaver for Homeschoolers

Little Learner and Mom

We received Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 for our honest review from Timberdoodle Co.

As homeschool parents, we want to nurture not only our children’s academic growth but also their social and emotional development. In a home-based learning environment, teaching social skills can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s where Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 comes in! This resource has been a game changer in our homeschool, especially for those little ones who need extra guidance in navigating social situations.

Who Would Benefit from This Book?

Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 is an excellent tool for:

  • Students who struggle with social interactions – If your child finds it hard to make friends, follow social cues, or manage emotions during play, this book offers step-by-step lessons to help.
  • Introverted or shy children – If your child tends to withdraw in group settings, this resource provides gentle encouragement to practice their social skills.
  • Neurodivergent learners – Children on the autism spectrum or those with ADHD may find this book particularly helpful because it breaks down social situations into manageable, easy-to-understand parts.
  • Homeschoolers in multi-age families – If you have a mix of ages at home, the activities and lessons in this book can serve as an anchor for discussion and group learning, allowing siblings to model positive behaviors for one another.

Why is This a Great Resource for Homeschoolers?

Teaching social skills in a homeschool setting can sometimes be tricky since homeschooled kids may not have the same daily peer interactions as their traditionally schooled counterparts. Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 bridges that gap with:

  • Structured Lessons: Each lesson is clearly organized, providing a systematic approach to teaching social skills. Lessons are broken down into manageable topics such as sharing, listening, cooperating, and understanding feelings. This structure allows for easy integration into any homeschool routine.
  • Practical Activities: The book doesn’t just tell children what to do, it gives them practical, real-world scenarios where they can apply their social skills. Through role-playing exercises, discussions, and hands-on activities, children learn how to act in different situations.
  • Fun and Engaging: The activities are designed to be enjoyable and engaging. They keep students interested and open to learning, with relatable examples like how to join a game, handle frustration, or apologize after making a mistake.
  • Reinforcement for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Social-emotional development is a key part of a well-rounded education, and this book seamlessly incorporates SEL concepts, giving your child the tools they need to grow into an empathetic and confident individual.

In-Depth Look at the Book

The Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 workbook is divided into 10 thematic units, each focused on an essential aspect of social development. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

  1. Understanding Feelings: Helps children identify their emotions and recognize how others might be feeling, a key first step to developing empathy.
  2. Listening and Following Directions: Teaches children how to be active listeners and follow instructions, both important for academic success and social interactions.
  3. Joining In and Cooperating: Offers practical advice on how to become part of a group and work cooperatively, helping kids navigate tricky social situations like recess or playdates.
  4. Respecting Personal Space: Guides children to understand the importance of boundaries and respect for others’ personal space.
  5. Using Manners and Kind Words: Reinforces the use of polite words and actions in daily interactions, which helps foster positive relationships.
  6. Dealing with Disappointment and Frustration: Provides tools to manage tough emotions like frustration and disappointment, skills that are essential for emotional resilience.
  7. Apologizing and Forgiving: Focuses on the power of a genuine apology and the importance of forgiveness, helping children handle conflicts in a healthy way.
  8. Sharing and Taking Turns: Emphasizes the value of sharing and waiting for your turn, which are foundational social skills.
  9. Building Friendships: Offers strategies for making and maintaining friendships, including how to recognize a good friend.
  10. Resolving Conflicts: Provides a step-by-step approach to resolving disagreements peacefully, helping kids learn to communicate effectively during conflicts.

Each unit contains 3-5 lessons with activities and reflection questions, making it easy to spread out over weeks or even months, depending on your pace. There are also reproducible worksheets that can be used multiple times if you have more than one child or if you want to revisit a lesson.

Why This is a Must-Have for Homeschooling Families

If you’re a homeschooling parent with a child who struggles with social skills, Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 will provide the guidance and structure you need to help your child thrive. Not only does it introduce essential social concepts, but it also gives children the chance to practice and apply them in real-life situations. The lessons are clear, approachable, and flexible enough to fit into any homeschool curriculum.

Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 is a gem for homeschool families, offering practical and engaging ways to teach children critical life skills. If you want to support your child in becoming more confident and socially aware, this book is the perfect starting point! Evan Moor Social Skills for Ages 8-9 is a part of the Timberdoodle Co 3rd grade curriculum kit.

6th Grade, Critical Thinking and Logic, Middle School, S.T.E.A.M

Fostering Independent Minds – A Homeschooler’s Review of Evan-Moor Critical and Creative Thinking Activities, Grade 6

Little Learner and Mom

We received Evan Moor’s Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 for our honest review!

If you follow us you know we are long time user of Evan Moor publications since my son was in kindergarten. Navigating the educational journey with my sixth-grader, finding resources that stimulate critical thinking and creativity is paramount. Evan-Moor’s Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 has been a welcome addition to our homeschool curriculum, and I’m excited to share our experiences.

Flexibility in Homeschooling:

One of the standout features of this resource is its adaptability to the homeschooling environment. The activities are structured yet flexible, allowing for seamless integration into our daily routine. Whether used as a core component or as supplementary material, the resource accommodates the unique pace and style of homeschooling.

Encouraging Independent Thought:

Evan-Moor’s program excels in encouraging independent thought processes. The activities prompt my child to think critically and creatively without constant guidance, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-directed learning. This aligns perfectly with the principles of homeschooling, where independence and self-motivation are key.

Diverse and Engaging Activities:

The resource offers a diverse range of activities that keep my child engaged and eager to learn. From logic puzzles to open-ended creative challenges, each activity is a new adventure in thinking. The variety ensures that our homeschooling journey remains dynamic and stimulating, preventing monotony in our daily lessons.

Integration with Other Subjects

As a homeschooling parent, I appreciate the resource’s integration with core subjects. The activities seamlessly tie into our broader curriculum, providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary exploration. This not only enhances the relevance of the exercises but also reinforces connections between different areas of learning.

Encouraging Critical and Creative Expression

The program strikes an excellent balance between fostering critical thinking and nurturing creativity. It goes beyond rote memorization, encouraging my child to approach problems analytically while also fostering imaginative and original thought. This duality is essential for well-rounded development.

User-Friendly Design for Homeschooling Parents

The resource’s clear instructions and user-friendly design make it accessible for homeschooling parents, regardless of their teaching background. The organized structure allows for easy planning and implementation, freeing up time for other aspects of our homeschooling journey.

Evan-Moor Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 has been a valuable asset in our homeschooling toolkit. Its flexibility, encouragement of independent thought, diverse activities, integration with core subjects, and user-friendly design make it a standout resource for homeschooling parents looking to cultivate critical thinking and creativity in their sixth-grade students and possible to eighth grade. Evan-Moor Critical and Creative Thinking Activities for Grade 6 is included in the sixth grade non religious Timberdoodle Co curriculum kit.

Executive Function, Family, Family Life, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Homeschool Planner, Middle School

Streamlining Homeschool Planning with Homeschool Planet!

Little Learner and Mom

We received for Homeschool Planet for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

As a homeschool mom navigating the educational journey with my middle school son over the past two years, I’ve come to rely on Homeschool Planet as an indispensable tool. In this comprehensive review, I’ll delve into how this platform has revolutionized our homeschooling experience, from lesson planning to grade tracking, and how it has nurtured crucial executive skills for both myself and my son.

Lesson Plans

Homeschool Planet offers a treasure trove of lesson plans that can be purchased at low cost, providing a convenient solution for busy homeschooling parents. With just a few clicks, I can browse through a vast array of subjects and grade levels, selecting plans that align perfectly with our curriculum goals and my son’s interests. This feature has been a game-changer, saving me countless hours of research and planning.

Flexibility and Customization

One of the greatest strengths of Homeschool Planet lies in its flexibility. I can easily shift and edit assignments, tailoring our curriculum to suit my son’s individual learning pace and style. Whether we need to adjust the pacing of a particular unit or add supplementary materials to enhance understanding, Homeschool Planet makes it effortless. This adaptability ensures that our homeschooling experience remains dynamic and responsive to my son’s evolving needs.

Tracking Grades, Calendar, and Transcripts

Homeschool Planet excels in its comprehensive grade tracking and transcript generation capabilities. I can effortlessly record grades for assignments and assessments, monitor my son’s academic progress, and generate detailed transcripts that accurately reflect his achievements. This feature has not only simplified record-keeping but has also provided invaluable insights into my son’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Executive Skills Development

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of using Homeschool Planet is its role in nurturing executive skills for both myself and my middle school son. The platform’s user-friendly interface empowers my son to take ownership of his schedule, manage his time effectively, and stay organized. By providing a centralized hub for all of his assignments, deadlines, and resources, Homeschool Planet has fostered independence and responsibility in my son’s approach to learning. As a homeschool mom, I’ve also found that the platform has streamlined the planning and organization process, allowing me to focus more energy on teaching and engaging with my son.

Digital and Written Planners

Homeschool Planet versatility extends to its provision of both digital
and written planners, catering to different preferences and ensuring
accessibility for all users. Whether we’re accessing our homeschooling
materials online or jotting down notes in a physical planner, Homeschool
Planet offers the flexibility and convenience that we need to stay
organized and on track.

Homeschool Planet has been an invaluable asset in our homeschooling journey over the past two years. Its user-friendly interface, extensive library of lesson plans, customizable features, and robust grading and tracking capabilities make it an essential tool for any homeschooling family. With its 30-day free trial (no credit card required) and the added bonus of free Homeschool ID Cards, Homeschool Planet offers an excellent opportunity for families to experience its benefits firsthand. From simplifying lesson planning to nurturing executive skills, Homeschool Planet has truly transformed the way we approach education at home.

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.