Tag: Homeschool

6th Grade, Writing

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 : Timberdoodle Review!

Little Learner and Mom

We received for Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is a valuable resource for parents seeking to enhance their sixth-grader’s writing skills. As a mom, I have had the opportunity to incorporate this program into my homeschool routine, and I would like to share my thoughts on its effectiveness. As many of you know we are long term supporters of Evan Moor products and they frequent our homeschool every year.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is well-structured, covering a diverse range of writing genres and skills. From narrative and persuasive writing to informative essays, the program ensures a holistic development of writing abilities. Each day presents a new writing prompt, allowing students to explore different aspects of language and expression.

One of the standout features of this resource is its engaging and thought-provoking prompts. The prompts are age-appropriate and often tie into real-world scenarios, making the writing exercises more relevant and interesting for sixth-grade students. This approach not only encourages creativity but also helps students connect writing to their everyday lives. The program includes 125 writing lessons, each of which is designed to be completed in 10-20 minutes. Each lesson includes a writing prompt, as well as a detailed explanation of the trait being focused on. Students are encouraged to revise and edit their work, with the goal of producing high-quality writing.

The program effectively targets various writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. The daily exercises are designed to gradually build and reinforce these skills, providing a solid foundation for more advanced writing tasks. I have noticed an improvement in my students’ ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas coherently. Students focus on six key traits: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

One of the benefits of Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is that it can be easily integrated into your existing curriculum. The lessons are flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of your students. Additionally, the program includes rubrics, so students can understand the expectations for each assignment.

The resource includes built-in assessment tools, enabling parents to gauge students’ progress effectively. The feedback loop is crucial in refining writing skills, and Evan-Moor has incorporated this aspect seamlessly into its daily writing exercises.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is a commendable tool for enhancing writing skills in sixth-grade students. Its comprehensive curriculum, engaging prompts, and focus on skill development make it a valuable asset in any educational setting. Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is an excellent resource for parents who want to help their students improve their writing skills. By focusing on the six key traits of writing, students can develop the skills they need to become effective writers.

Family, Hemiplegia, Homeschool, Neurodivegent, Reviews

Homeschooling with Forbrain to Improve Focus!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Forbrain Headset for our honest paid review.

The Forbrain Headset presents itself as a promising companion for homeschooling, offering a blend of comfort, audio quality, and convenience. In this review, we’ll delve into how this headset caters to the unique needs of homeschooling environments. Forbrain uses 30+ years of auditory stimulation research to improve speech, attention, and memory.

Forbrain is recommended for children aged 3 years and used for 15 minutes daily. In order to see results it should be used for 6–8 weeks followed by a one-month break. As a rule, you should consult therapists and medical physicians when using my son, who has epilepsy and hemiplegia. One of the medical issues that comes with a child diagnosed with Hemiplegia is memory loss, executive functioning skills, and concentration. Using Forbrain over the last few weeks I have seen some improvements and hope to see more in the coming weeks.

Forbrain’s

– Amplifies specific patterns of the voice, making it clearer and more impactful.

– Bone Conduction Transducers that enhance sound transmission via the temporal bones. 

– Microphone that captures the sound waves of the wearer’s voice

– It has two secondary components too

– Additional microphone that can be used by a teacher or therapist or parent during training sessions with the kids

– Headphone jack that can be used to listen to audio recordings of online videos

Comfort and Design:

The comfort of the Forbrain Headset stands out, making it ideal for long homeschooling sessions. The adjustable headband and plush ear cups ensure a snug fit without causing discomfort, allowing students to focus on their studies without distraction.

Audio Quality:

The headset’s audio quality is a standout feature for homeschooling. Clear and crisp sound reproduction enhances the online learning experience, making virtual classes more engaging. The immersive sound also aids in concentration during independent study sessions.

Microphone and Performance:

For interactive online classes, the Forbrain comes equipped with a high-quality microphone. Clear voice transmission and effective noise cancellation ensure that students can participate actively without being hindered by background distractions. The headset seamlessly connects to various devices commonly used in homeschooling setups. Whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, the Forbrain provides reliable connectivity, eliminating compatibility concerns. In the context of homeschooling, where sessions can be lengthy, the headset’s impressive battery life is a significant advantage. Extended use is not a concern, ensuring uninterrupted learning and communication.

User-Friendly Controls and Durable Build

Intuitive controls, including volume adjustment and a mute button, make the Forbrain user-friendly. These features add convenience, allowing students to manage their audio experience effortlessly. The durable build of the headset instills confidence in its longevity. The materials used are of high quality, and the foldable design adds to its portability, making it easy to store when not in use.

How We Used

We used Forbrain while he did his writing and math assignments. He also used it when he was reading his lessons. What I noticed with his writing assignments is that his sentence structure was better when I asked him to reread his writing out loud. He was better able to decipher when his usage of words was incorrect. Reading comprehension also improved. Mathematical computing and understanding greatly improved. My son is also neurodivergent and Forbrain has helped with executive function skills and impulses.

Memory loss is one of the issues that my son sometimes struggles with, so I have been using Forbrain as a way to aid him when I give him instructions I need him to execute.

Price and Value:

Considering its features, the Forbrain offers excellent value for its price. It competes well with other headsets in its category, providing a cost-effective solution for homeschooling needs.

Conclusion:

The Forbrain proves to be a reliable and versatile tool for homeschooling. Its emphasis is on comfort, audio quality, and practical features. With this headset, Forbrain has crafted a product that meets the demands of the modern homeschooling environment. At the time of this review, my followers can save 10% off their purchase through December 31st using the code IHN10. Be sure to check out Forbrain if you would like to learn more. As a special Black Friday sale you can save 20%!

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.

Family, Family Life, Homeschool, Parenting

Beehive App Homeschooling and Parenting Simplified

Little Learner and Mom

We received Beehive App for our honest paid review.

Staying organized is so hard to do. I am always looking for ways to maximize and simplify my time throughout the day. Trying to juggle three people’s schedules, appointments, and homeschool can be quite and undertaking. I do love a good planner, I have several because the seasons in our home change often. Beehive app has been helping me the last few weeks to manage our homeschool and simplify our day.

Beehive App

Beehive is a parenting app designed to simplify the lives of busy parents. With Beehive, you can manage your family’s schedule, create to-do lists, and keep track of important information all in one place. The app is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for those who are not tech-savvy.

One of the standout features of Beehive is the ability to create and share a family calendar. You can add events and appointments, set reminders, and even invite other family members to join and contribute to the calendar. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and avoids any scheduling conflicts.

Beehive also allows you to create to-do lists for yourself or your family members. You can assign tasks, set deadlines, and even track progress. This makes it easy to stay on top of household chores and other responsibilities.

How It Work for Us

My son takes several online classes throughout the month. While it easy to schedule and pay for these classes, keeping track of them can be stressful. I don’t know how many times I have forgotten about classes and had reschedule them it just lost money. Beehive App has made things a little less chaotic the last few weeks. I have gotten in the habit as soon as I schedule a class for him I input it into the Beehive App and I have been making it a habit to check the app daily.

I am really like the the ability to record my son grades and see the graphed in real time. The added math growth plan is really great because my son has been jumping on when we are between lessons or when he is eating breakfast.

Beehive App Growth Plan

What is unique about Beehive it isn’t just an app for tracking grades, events and memories. The app has practice lessons for your students to complete at their own pace. These lesson are based upon their grade level when you set up your student. After you record six grades into your school section, the app will generate a growth plan activities in:

  • Math
  • Reading
  • Science
  • Writing
  • Social Studies

At the time of this review we are working on the math growth and I am looking forward to seeing the other subjects generate over the next few weeks.

Household Management Simplified

Household management can be a lot of work, especially when you have a busy schedule. Beehive has been a great app for me to able to add events going on with me and my husband. There are so many event topics you can use in the daily activities. The Beehive app is is really convenient when I don’t have my big planner with me when I am out. Beehive app is available in the Apple and Google Play store.

Overall, Beehive is a great app for busy parents who want to simplify their lives and stay organized. With its user-friendly interface and useful features, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Education, Family, Homeschool, Homeschool Family, Homeschool Socialization

Homeschool socialization isn’t a problem for our homeschool with so many options.

Little Learner and Mom

We received Kaipod Learning for our honest paid review.

One of the misconception of homeschooling is the lack of socialization. Let me just tell you that my sons social calendar stays full. Homeschooling is a popular choice for many parents who want more control over their child’s education. One of the concerns that some parents have about homeschooling is the issue of socialization. However, there are many ways that homeschooled children can still experience socialization.

Homeschool Co-Op Groups

One option is to enroll in homeschool co-op groups. These groups consist of other homeschooling families who come together to provide educational and social opportunities for their children. Co-op groups can offer classes, field trips, and other activities that allow kids to interact with their peers.

Local Libraries and Meet Up Groups

Not ready for a homeschool -co-op group and wants to something more flexible? Look into your local libararies and local Facebook and meet up homeschool groups. We have paid visit to a few of our local library homeschool weekly homeschool hangouts that have been great for meeting new people. I belong to several Facebook homeschool groups that plan events for kids and parents.

Field Trips and Online Classes

We have been taking advantage of many of the museums, skating rink, bowling, jump centers and other businesses homeschool days. Many businesses who don’t get a lot of traffic during the school year gladly open their facilities to homeschoolers for homeschool days and offer discounts.

My son has taken so many online classes for homeschoolers and made many friends from all over the world. One of our best homeschool friends live in Japan the boys are always getting together for some Minecraft and game time. Online classes are also growing in popularity several of the leading online class platforms are adding tons of homeschool classes of sorts of variety.

Learning Pods

Homeschooling parents are increasingly turning to learning pods as a way to provide their children with social interaction and academic support. There are several benefits to using learning pods for homeschoolers.

Here recently there has been this new movement of “Learning pods” that is also a great way to increase socialization.Learning pods are small, in-person groups of students who learn together under the guidance of a tutor or a parent. One such program is Kaipod Learning which has several learning pods across many states. Kaipod Learning offers parents with students in 3rd -12th grade a place to learn and choose the curriculum they prefer. Students work at thier own pace while enjoying a community of their own peers. Kaipod Learning offers 2 day, 3 day, and 5 day option. Students arrive at 8:30 and the day ends at 3:30, students set their attendance that works for them. I was able to find one in our area and we are possibly considering it for next school year 2 days a week. Kaipod Learning is a wonderful alternative if you looking for a way to socialize your student and homeschool at the same time.

Firstly, learning pods allow homeschoolers to socialize with their peers in a safe environment. Socialization is a critical aspect of childhood development, and learning pods offer a structured way for children to interact with others within their age group. This is especially important during the current pandemic, where many children are experiencing social isolation.

Secondly, learning pods provide personalized attention to each child’s learning needs. With smaller class sizes, tutors or parents can cater to each child’s learning style and pace. This ensures that children receive individualized attention which can help them excel academically.

Lastly, learning pods can be cost-effective for homeschooling families. By pooling resources and sharing the cost of a tutor or a parent, learning pods can provide high-quality education at a lower cost than traditional homeschooling.

Homeschooled children can also participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports teams or community organizations. These activities provide an opportunity for kids to meet and interact with other children who share similar interests.

In addition, homeschooling allows children to spend more time with their families and develop close relationships with their siblings. This can help them develop strong social skills and the ability to communicate effectively with others.

Overall, while socialization is a valid concern for homeschooling families, there are many ways for homeschooled children to interact with others and develop important social skills.

6th Grade, Geography, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Reviews

Why teaching geography skills in middle school is important!

Little Learner and Mom

Teaching geography skills in middle school is crucial for several reasons. For one, it helps students better understand the world around them. Geography is not just about memorizing capital cities and countries; it’s about understanding how physical and human factors shape the environment. By studying geography, students can learn about different cultures, climates, and ecosystems, which will broaden their perspectives and help them become more empathetic and informed global citizens. One way I found this year to teach geography to my sixth grader is using Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 .

We are familiar with Evan Moor Publishers workbooks they have been staples in our home since my son was in pre-school. They are valuable resources that are trusted by homeschoolers and educators. Timberdoodle Co. recognizes these reliable resources and includes them in their homeschool kits.

Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 is an excellent resource for students who want to improve their geography knowledge. The book is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, including the physical features, cultures, and economies of different countries.

The book is divided into several interesting and engaging units, each of which covers a different aspect of geography. For example, one unit focuses on the physical geography of the United States, including its rivers, mountains, and deserts. Another unit explores the different cultures and traditions of countries worldwide, from Japan to Mexico to South Africa.

Throughout the book, students are encouraged to think critically and analytically about the information they are learning. They are challenged to make connections between different concepts and to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. With plenty of maps, charts, and diagrams to help illustrate key concepts, students are sure to stay engaged and interested throughout their study of geography with Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners. Inside the book, you will find a QR code to access the free teaching guide resources. This code provides you with extension activities and background information.

Furthermore, geography skills are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. As countries become more interconnected through trade, travel, and technology, it’s important for young people to understand how different regions of the world are connected. By learning about geography, students can develop a better understanding of global issues such as climate change, migration, and resource scarcity.

Finally, studying geography can also help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. These skills are useful not only in geography but also in other subjects and in life in general. In short, teaching geography skills in middle school is an important part of preparing students for a diverse and complex world. Using Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 will help your student to learn and love geography in a fun way.

I highly recommend Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 as a great way to add geography to your homeschool. Evan Moor Skill Sharpeners Geography grade 6 is included in Timberdoodle Co. sixth grade 2023 homeschool kits.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

Art, Homeschool, Online classes

Sparketh Online Art Lessons for Kids and Teens

Little Learner and Mom

We received Sparketh’s for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

Online art classes for kids have become increasingly popular in recent years. Sparketh online art lessons provide children with the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills from the comfort of their own homes. With various lessons available, children can learn everything from basic drawing and painting techniques to more advanced skills like sculpture and digital art.

Sparketh’s self-paced art lessons are a great addition to any homeschool curriculum. Not only do they offer flexibility in terms of scheduling, but they also allow students to work at their own pace and explore their creativity.

When choosing self-paced art classes for your homeschool, it’s essential to consider the level of instruction provided as well as the materials needed. The materials for the lessons we completed were basic art supplies. All of the Sparketh provide a list of required materials for the lessons. Sparketh online art lessons offer video tutorials and step-by-step instructions, making it easy for students to follow along and learn new techniques. My son was able to do the lessons unassisted, but I like doing art with him so we did them together.

Sparketh offers 1000+ video lessons for kids as young as 6-18. There are lessons for sculpting, watercolors, cooking, drawing, and so much more. The video lessons started with an introduction that included our list of supplies. The video lessons are short and will hold your student’s attention. As you work through the lessons you work through a checklist to help you complete each lesson instruction.

Sparketh online art lessons are taught by professional artists who can provide valuable guidance. We were super excited when we noticed that many of the instructors were from Kennesaw State University a local college to us. I love that my son was learning from student artists, I feel it made lessons more relatable. The instructors were well-spoken and did the lessons at a steady pace. We can pause instructions and work then restart the lesson. In addition, there are lessons available for children/teens of all ages and skill levels, making it easy to find a lesson that is right for your child.

For this review, we completed two lessons and I have a few more scheduled this month and next. We did a study on ancient Africa in our history curriculum and we decided to do the elephant silhouette. For our music studies, we studied the Harlem Renaissance and we did the Harlem Renaissance portrait. Students can also submit their completed works to Sparketh gallery.

Overall, Sparketh self-paced art lessons were a fun and engaging way for my homeschooled student to explore his creativity and develop his artistic skills. With Sparketh instructors, students can learn new techniques and create beautiful works of art at their own pace. Sparketh is reasonably priced and offers monthly and yearly plan options. One parent account includes two student accounts, which is a great value for homeschoolers.

If you are like me art tends to take the back burner in our homeschool, but I really enjoyed Sparketh and I have marked off some favorite lessons I would like us to try. My son also liked the platform he said it had a lot of different lessons that work well for him. I highly recommend that you check out Sparketh online art classes for kids and teens.

Homeschool, Music Appreciation, music production, Online classes, self-paced

Mr. D Math: Self-Paced Digital Music Production Course with Brent Daniels

Little Learner and Mom

We received Mr. D newest course Digital Music Production with Brent Daniel for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

When you are married to a music producer life is different. Being woken up to the sounds and music in the middle of the night is normal. Having in-home listening parties is a weekly event for your small family. My son and his dad speak a musical language I do not know, but I am trying to learn.  I have learned a lot of terminology and software, but I don’t have a connection to music production like they do. At least once or twice a week I hear them bickering over which DAW system is better or how to work on projects. Then there is the butting of heads over the learning process of music production. My son wants the end results right now and my husband needs to learn the basics and background.  Thank goodness for Mr. D newest course Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels it has brought calm to my house.  If you have a student who wants to step into the music arena you have to try this course.

What is Music Production?

Music production is the creation of music. A music producer’s job is to compose various sounds into an entire composition. Then there is the engineering or (mixing ) is making the sound cohesive. The last component is mastering when you take the mixed product and make it commercial quality. I know what you are thinking that is a lot of knowledge and work that goes into music production. Lucky for you Mr. D Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels course has built a fantastic course that takes some producers years to learn.

Using Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels

Brent Daniels is a successful music producer with projects with Marvel Studios, Netflix, and Epic Records just to name a few.  Students will have their own platform on the Mr. D Math dashboard, that lists all the lessons and tracks their graded process. Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels provides your student with a deep dive into sixteen lessons on digital music production. Within each lesson, students watch on average 25-35 minute videos. He teaches this course from his personal studio, these are pre-recorded self-paced video lessons. As you journey through lessons your student will want to learn more and get excited.

Mr. Daniel walks students through music production hardware and software, and so much more. He also explains the different career paths for music production and shares snippets of his own projects. There is homework assigned so students can have a hands-on learning experience. The homework assignments allow students to apply what they have learned and explore. Along with videos and homework, students also take quizzes that cover 100% of the lesson’s material.

If you aren’t familiar with a DAW ( Digital Audio Workstation) this is the software that is used to produce music. He mentions several DAW software that work with various operation systems. From the primary DAW to the more complex your student will find something that works for them and their budget. Fortunately for my son, he has experience working with Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and music production equipment. Remember the earlier mention about the DAW system battle in my house my son prefers Ableton and my husband is a die-hard FL Studio/ Studio One user.  There are included embedded links to Youtube, websites, and other resources for your student. 

The Review

Over the course of the last few weeks, my husband and son took on the course. My husband conveyed to me that he really enjoyed how the course was laid out and presented in a real studio and Mr. Daniels has powerful sounds and visuals. The course gives the viewer the feel they are sitting in the studio or “lab” (producer language).

Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels is not a course for a student who has not shown an interest in music production. The course is for those students who have shown significant interest. He gives the students a complete breakdown of the basics and takes them through to the end of laying down a track using all knowledge they have gained over the course. What we all noticed is this isn’t a course you want to fast forward through because you will miss valuable information. So take your time and enjoy.

I really like this course because it answers questions that I may have about creating music. My dad has taught me a lot and I have a better understanding of what he has been teaching me. It was nice to meet the person that help creat some some the music for Black Panther.

Jai -10

The homework assignments given offer the students the opportunity to try out what they have learned and research. Fortunately for our home, we have an in-house studio so my son has the opportunity to use many of the types of equipment suggested in the course thus far. At the time of this review, my husband and son were finishing up week 6. My husband said this course was a great refresher for him and he did learn about a few programs he didn’t know existed. He further said that it offered our son a fully laid out course that will help him develop his music production skills.

What I wish I had learned earlier is the characteristics of sound such as pitch, timber, and volume that this course teaches. All of these topics are imperative for rising music producers to learn on their journey.

Obscure Shakur -dad

Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels course is also a great referencing course for upcoming music producers. The course will equip students with the knowledge they need to produce music. I feel like this course helped settle some of the frustration my son was having because while he understands how to use the DAW, he now understands the why and the foundation. I also have noticed that it has provided new talking points for him and his dad. He now sees the value behind why he sees his dad going through the steps of putting beats together and as a greater appreciation for the creation process.

Do you need to run out and buy any special music equipment in order to complete this course? I would say no not at this time, but is it helpful to have a USB Midi keyboard which is mentioned in lesson 1.  I wouldn’t suggest investing in music equipment unless you are 100% this is something your student will continue down the path to music production. 

My husband is a self-taught music producer with 20+ years experience, he is very talented and has a gift for music. My son has picked up a lot from his dad and stays in our home studio. My husband has said many times he wished that he could have had a course like this when he was my son’s age to walk him through music production because it could have saved him some time.

We highly recommend Mr. D newest course Digital Music Production with Brent Daniels for students or adults looking to get a feel for music production. This self-paced course is detailed and a wealth of information. We will continue to use this course this year and I know my son will refer to it often and is looking forward to completing the final project.

Curriculum Resource, Education, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Homeschool Family

Elephango a Curriculum Companion!

Little Learner and Mom

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

Have you ever wanted a companion to help you lesson plan or just a place you could go when you weren’t sure how to present a lesson or concept? Well, Elephango is my new favorite go-to for my planning and resource management for my homeschool. Elephango is an online supplemental learning platform that offers thousands of resources for parents and students.

The Layout

Elephango provides parents and students with their own dashboards. The parent dashboard allows parents to explore the resources, but at the time of setting things up, you will be able to customize the resources that populate on your homepage. You will find resources for K-12, parenting, and adult learning. You can also choose from these categories:

  • Subject Matter
  • Grade
  • Learning or Personality Style
  • Content-Type
  • Lesson or Time Length

There were several features I found beneficial on the platform. I really like that they had an assessment under the Discover Your Style tab. These assessments allowed both my son and I to answer questions that would tell us our learning and personality styles. I discovered some things about my son that I didn’t know, but it gave me insight into his learning styles. This breakdown was really helpful it will help me pick activities that would work for him and better understand his personality. The other great feature was the state standards list. You select your state and they come up on the screen and within each standard, there are hyperlinked resources to help you teach or assign to your student.

So far, I have favored resources for writing, history, science, and math. My son was working on exponents, and I did a search, and fantastic resources came up. One of the resources I selected had interactive games and a Cyberchase video link. That’s another thing about Elephango they have trusted resources and links for children to access. Parents can rest assured that their students can explore in freedom. We saw a few of our favorite resources and platforms link in activities. I almost forgot that every day when you log in there is a lead resource on your dashboard, it is always something really good and you will also see featured, popular, and new lessons. So here is my confession I solely was using Elephango the last few weeks so I could get the hang of it before I introduced it to my son. I have been having so much fun planning and reading resources I almost forgot I needed to share Elephango. You know it’s kind of like my new BFF and you don’t want to share, but you have to.

The resources will sometimes have activities and a supply list handy for you on the right side. Students can read or have it read to them. Then there is the testing of what they learn with resources where students will answer questions to demonstrate what they have learned. Students can also earn badges as they research and learn, I like this form of positive encouragement.

My son is a huge researcher and I know he is going to love Elephango and the jumpstart badges are going to be perfect for him to help get started with Elephango. I have gradually assigned things for him to do, but I want him to still be free to explore on his own.

Who Would Benefit

  • New and Veteran Homeschoolers
  • Teachers
  • Students and Parents
  • Students who show I high interest in research-based learning

There are resources about homeschooling on Elephango which I think all homeschoolers can benefit from looking at and bookmarking.

Overall thoughts, this is my new homeschool companion, when I saw all the writing resources available, I wanted to hug the screen. Then I started to really go through Elephango and realized I struck gold with this platform, and I couldn’t wait to tell my followers. I have told everyone I talked to they have to try this program out. Google Chrome user Elephango has an extension.

For my followers, Elephango was generous enough to provide an exclusive 3-month free trial by using our special discount code: 3monthfreeblog11

So, if you haven’t guessed it yet I love Elephango! I highly recommend you check out this fabulous all-around curriculum companion and independent learner platform. You will not be disappointed.

Don’t forget to use our special discount code: 3monthfreeblog11 so you can sign up for your 3-month free trial and love on Elephango.

6th Grade, Curriculum, Homeschool, Middle School, Science

Discover! Science Grade 6: Timeberdoodle Co. Review!

Little Learner and Mom

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

Discover Science 6

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

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

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

How we plan to use it!

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

Lesson 1 Scientific Process

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

The Middle Schooler

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

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

In Closing

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

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J