Tag: interest led learning

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

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

Little Learner and Mom

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

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

Content

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

Structure

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

Engagement

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

Critical Thinking

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

Flexibility

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

The Middle Schoolers Thoughts

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

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

Final Thoughts!

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

4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, Education, Family, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School

Hearth & Story Language Arts Curriculum: Nurturing a Love for Language

Little Learner and Mom

We received Hearth & Story curriculum for our honest review!

As a homeschooling parent, discovering a language arts curriculum that fosters a love for literature, writing, and effective communication is crucial. Hearth & Story has emerged as a valuable resource for homeschooling journey, offering a well-rounded and engaging secular language arts program. If you are familiar with Pandia Press History Quest is authored by Lindsey Sodano the creator of this new language arts curriculum.

The Program

One of the standout features of the Hearth & Story curriculum is its emphasis on literature. The carefully selected reading materials expose my child to a rich variety of genres and authors, fostering a love for literature. The integration of classic and contemporary works ensures a balanced and comprehensive reading experience.

The writing component of the curriculum is equally impressive. The program provides clear and structured writing lessons that progressively build on foundational skills. The inclusion of creative writing prompts and projects has sparked my child’s imagination, making the writing process both enjoyable and educational.

The flexibility of Hearth & Story can be a significant benefit for an homeschooling schedule. The well-organized lesson plans and resources allow for easy adaptation to our pace and learning style. The inclusion of assessments and progress tracking tools has been helpful in monitoring my child’s development and identifying areas that may need additional focus.

The incorporation of grammar and language mechanics is seamless. Rather than being presented as isolated exercises, these elements are integrated into the broader context of reading and writing. This approach not only reinforces grammatical concepts but also demonstrates their practical application.

Final Thoughts

From a parent’s perspective, the support materials provided by Hearth & Story are comprehensive. The instructor’s guide, supplementary resources, and online support contribute to a smooth teaching experience, even for parents who may not have a background in education.

One aspect that particularly stood out to us was the “brain food” section, which quickly became our favorite. It’s amazing how it effortlessly stimulates young minds while providing valuable insights. Moreover, the curriculum’s design encourages independence in learning, allowing children to navigate through the materials with minimal assistance. As a parent, this feature not only promotes self-reliance but also instills confidence in my children’s academic journey.

It has been a delightful experience. This curriculum truly caters to the holistic development of a child, addressing various learning styles and fostering critical thinking skills along the way.

Regarding grade level suitability, I found this curriculum to be well-suited for advanced 4th graders, while still offering a challenge for those in 5th and even 6th grade. It’s a versatile resource that adapts to the varying needs and capabilities of students.

The graphics within the curriculum are not only visually appealing but also possess a calming effect, creating an environment conducive to learning. The beautifully illustrated content brought back fond memories of another curriculum we had previously used when my son was younger. He particularly enjoyed revisiting similar styles, using it almost as a nostalgic review session. The cost is of the complete curriculum is inexpensive and you have options to purchase individual areas of interest.

I was pleased to discover the literature sections, which included titles like “The Giver,” a book typically reserved for older grades. This demonstrates the curriculum’s commitment to offering enriching and thought-provoking material, catering to a wide range of reading levels and interests.

Looking ahead, I eagerly anticipate exploring the upcoming 6th-grade language arts component. The flexibility of this curriculum is another commendable aspect; it leaves room for additional supplements, allowing for customization based on individual needs and preferences.

Overall, our experience with this curriculum has been nothing short of excellent. It’s a well-rounded educational tool that not only educates but also inspires young learners to explore and grow. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any parent or educator seeking a comprehensive and engaging learning resource for their children.

In conclusion, Hearth & Story Language Arts Curriculum has the potential to be a cornerstone of homeschoolers language arts instruction. Its focus on literature, comprehensive writing lessons, seamless integration of grammar, and flexibility make it a standout choice for homeschooling families seeking a well-rounded language arts program. I highly recommend Hearth & Story to parents looking to cultivate a love for language and literature in their children.

Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Literature Base, Middle School, Reviews, S.T.E.A.M, Science

A Comprehensive Exploration of Health and Anatomy: Sonlight’s Science Level F”

Little Learner and Mom

We received Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F for our honest paid review.

If you know our homeschool you know that my son wants to be a cardio thoracic surgeon. He inhales human anatomy and health books and has a hefty collection. Imagine his excitement when he opened up the Sonlight’s curriculum box and saw all the goodies. Once the book was open he took off with all the books and started reading them.

As a homeschooling parent, finding a well-rounded curriculum that covers health, medicine, and human anatomy thoroughly can be challenging. Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F program has proven to be an invaluable resource in our homeschooling journey. My son was beaming with happiness when he saw the comprehensive curriculum awaiting his exploration.

Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is for grades six through ninth. You can choose from a four or five day lesson plan. For this review we did the the four day a week lesson plan, but I am looking into getting the fifth day activity sheets. For this level you also need to choose between boy or girl because one of the books will be personalized for that gender. Sonlight’s curriculum are faith based, but so far what we have been exploring has not included much faith inclusion. Full disclaimer we are on week four of this curriculum.

One of the standout features of this program is its comprehensive approach. It not only delves into the intricacies of human anatomy but also explores broader health and medical concepts. The curriculum seamlessly integrates various subjects, including science, literature, and hands-on activities, creating a holistic learning experience.

Literature Based

The choice of literature in Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F has been particularly engaging. The carefully selected books provide diverse perspectives on health-related topics, making the subject matter relatable and interesting for my child. This literary component not only enhances reading skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of health concepts.

Interactive Lessons

The inclusion of hands-on activities and experiments adds a practical dimension to the program. My child has enjoyed the interactive elements that reinforce theoretical knowledge. Whether it’s creating models of body systems or conducting simple experiments, these activities bring the subject matter to life and make learning memorable.

The flexibility of Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is another asset. The well-organized schedule and detailed lesson plans offer a clear structure, making it easy for me to guide my child through the material. Additionally, the program allows for customization, accommodating various learning styles and allowing us to delve deeper into specific topics of interest.

The program’s integration of health topics beyond anatomy is a significant advantage. It covers essential health and wellness concepts, nutrition, and even touches on medical ethics, providing a well-rounded education in the broader field of health sciences.

From a parent’s perspective, the resources provided by Sonlight’s are extensive and well-organized. The instructor’s guide, reading lists, and supplementary materials offer valuable support, reducing the preparation time needed to implement the curriculum effectively.

How We Used

Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is recommended to be used over a four day lesson plan. My son is pretty independent when it comes down to all things science. We used this in combination to his spine curriculum. The lessons are not time consuming and because this topic is one his biggest passion he pretty much can do the first three lesson assignments in one day. I have him them stretch them out over the four days but he has been known to sneak in extra questions. He is pretty excited to share with me what he has learned and enjoys each of the lessons so far.

In conclusion, Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F program has exceeded our expectations. Its holistic approach, engaging literature, hands-on activities, and flexibility make it a standout resource for homeschooling families seeking a thorough exploration of health-related topics. I highly recommend this program to parents looking for a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum in the field of health sciences. Be on the lookout for our review on Sonlight’s 50 States Unit Study and Hands On History: World Cultures until then be sure to enter the US Elections Lap Book giveaway by clicking the banner below.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Family, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Middle School Math

Nurturing Independent Thinkers: Oak Meadow 7th Grade Curriculum Review!

Little Learner and Mom

As a homeschooling parent navigating the educational landscape, finding a curriculum that fosters both academic growth and independent thinking is paramount. Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum has been a cornerstone in our homeschooling journey, providing a holistic and engaging approach to education for our child. If some of you may remember we used Oak Meadow’s 5th and 6th grade last year. We did a hybrid homeschool year and we are doing the same thing this year. The bulk of his spine is Oak Meadow’s 7th grade and he is wrapping up the last of the Oak Meadow’s 6th grade math and will move into the 7th grade math book in March. With that little disclaimer lets jump into Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum wonderfulness.

Overview

Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum encompasses a diverse range of subjects, from core academics to creative arts. This holistic approach aligns seamlessly with the developmental needs of a 7th-grade student, offering a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional textbooks. One of the standout strengths of Oak Meadow is its emphasis on fostering independent thinking and a love for learning. The curriculum encourages students to explore topics independently, promoting critical thinking and a sense of curiosity. The integration of hands-on activities and projects not only reinforces academic concepts but also makes learning enjoyable.

Navigating through the curriculum is straightforward, thanks to Oak Meadow’s clear and well-organized structure. The weekly lesson plans, detailed guides, and the flexibility to adapt the pace to our child’s learning style have made it easy to seamlessly integrate lessons into our homeschooling routine. This adaptability has been a boon for tailoring the curriculum to our child’s unique needs.

Real World Connections

Oak Meadow excels in connecting academic content to real-world scenarios. The curriculum often integrates practical applications, allowing our child to see the relevance of what they are learning. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also cultivates a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Homeschooling parents will appreciate the robust teacher support provided by Oak Meadow. The curriculum includes comprehensive teacher manuals, answer keys, and additional resources that simplify the planning process. This support has been invaluable, especially for parents who may not have a background in education.

Oak Meadow’s approach to student engagement goes beyond traditional methods. The inclusion of interactive projects, outdoor activities, and a variety of learning resources keeps our child excited about learning. The curriculum promotes a love for exploration and creativity, making each lesson an enriching experience.

Oak Meadow’s 7th Grade Curriculum has proven to be a valuable asset in our homeschooling journey. Its focus on independent thinking, clear structure, real-world connections, and ample teacher support make it a well-rounded choice for parents seeking a holistic and engaging education for their 7th-grade students. Oak Meadow has not only facilitated academic growth but has also nurtured a love for learning that extends beyond the homeschooling environment.

While Oak Meadow has been a positive experience overall, it’s important to note that the level of parental involvement may vary depending on the child’s learning style. Some children may require more guidance, especially with the independent nature of certain assignments.

In conclusion, we love Oak Meadow as a company and as our homeschool curriculum. We are here for the long haul and my son couldn’t be happier he looks forward to that brown box every year. 

Until The Next,

Mom and J

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%!

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, AI Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Critical Thinking and Logic, Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, Middle School, Reviews, Teaching Resources

Khan Academy: Khanmigo First Look

Little Learner and Mom

Hey, guys, I’m jumping on right now to bring you a review that’s probably not like our typical reviews. We were given the opportunity to review the new Khan Academy Khanmigo. If you aren’t familiar with Khanmigo it is Khan Academy’s new AI teacher assistant and learner tutor. I’m gonna be totally honest with you I was a little bit skeptical about the whole AI technology being used in my homeschool. Like many families, we do have several Alexa devices in our home. and So when we were given an opportunity to try out the new Khan Academy Khanmigo AI resource I jumped at the chance to just check it out. 

As of right now, the Khanmigo is not available to the general public but you can eagerly put your name on a waitlist. The platform that we were using was the beta platform. We shared the teacher dashboard but there is an area for learners. Once fully launched Khanmigo will be available to students on their dashboards. Khanmigo’s goal is to be an assistant teacher to help you plan creative lessons. For the student, it is used to be a progressive tutor in which the student facilitates the learning and Khanmigo adapts and tutors.

Khanmigo is a wonderful resource from what I can tell right now. There are lots of prompts and details to tell you how the system works. The AI is very responsive, honestly, I didn’t run into any problems using Khanmigo. I was really impressed at how thoroughly the system works.

Teacher Dashboard

The teacher dashboard has and on the left-hand side of ten activities to choose from:

  • Chat with GPT-4 (Your AI buddy)
  • Class Snapshot ( Lets you see what going on in your classes)
  • Summarize student chat history ( lets you see how your students have been chatting with Khanmigo)
  • Refresh my knowledge ( Lets you pick topics and grade levels you need refreshing on)
  • Create a lesson hook and write exit ticket questions
  • Options for creating lesson plans
  • Write learning objectives
  • Co-create a rubric

The dialogue box is to the right of the activities and this is where you will see your interactions. How I tested Khanmigo’s lesson planning skills is I asked for the AI to create a lesson plan for Meso- America. I was completely blown away. AI the system gave me a complete breakdown of:

  • Objectives/Standards
  • Essential Questions
  • Materials
  • Lesson Hook
  • Lesson Activities
  • Assessment
  • Higher-Order Thinking Questions
  • Extensions Activities
  • Differentiation

Take your teaching to the next level with AI-guided lesson planning and insightful student feedback. Khanmigo frees up our educators’ most limited resource—time.

Khan Academy

Fellow educators let me just tell you, I WAS SHOCKED !!! I want to take this time and thank Khan Academy for saving me HOURS of research and agony. The systems even referenced activities to use within Khan Academy. I then further tested the learning objectives activity on the same topic and the AI helped me come up with and pinpoint my personal own objectives for this topic for my son.

For Learners

The learner’s section of the dashboard also includes a welcome screen and on the left side there were twenty activities that included:

  • Brainstorm admissions essay
  • Grammar and Mechanic check
  • Tutoring Math, Science, Humanities
  • Ignite your curiosity
  • Practice general subjects
  • Practice for Elementary, Middle School, High School, AP Exams, College
  • Debate topics for Elementary, Middle School, and High School
  • Chat with Historical and Literary characters
  • Story writing and writing prompts
  • Vocabulary
  • College and academic and career growth

My son took his turn at Khanmigo and so far he has studied Indigenous Tribes, Civil War, Juneteenth, and Indigenous mounds. He has also used writing prompts and debate topics for middle schoolers. He has also used Khanmigo to help him dig deeper into his physics and history lessons.

Khanmigo mimics a writing coach by giving prompts and suggestions to move students forward as they write, debate, and collaborate in exciting new ways.

Khan Academy

Now I know what you’re thinking is Khanmigo doing all the work for kids and teachers is it taking away the ability to research and be creative. On the contrary, Khanmigo gives students and teachers the skeleton it encourages them to dig deeper into what they have asked about or created. Students are encouraged to use the resources within Khan Academy as well as outside resources. Khanmigo is not about giving your students answers they are testing their knowledge and building upon it. I appreciate that when students type in answers if the answers are wrong or they come close to being correct the system is very encouraging and they help them learn about the topic rather than listing a bunch of facts and historical events. 

Khan Academy Khanmigo receives a huge thumbs up from both my son and myself. There are so many capabilities of this platform. The things I took away from reviewing this Khanmigo are that it saves time, and takes my lesson planning to a new level. I definitely see Khanmigo as an assistant teacher at my homeschool.

Middle Schoolers Thoughts

I really like Khanmigo I was able to learn about topics I am interested in. I also like the writing prompts helper. The writing prompts help me develop my writing with greater details. My favorite area is science, I was able to ask questions and search through my own books, and the internet based on the suggestions Khanmigo gave me. Khanmigo is like having another teacher that helps you learn. I also like Khanmigo because I felt in control of what I wanted to do and learn about.

Final Thoughts

Khan Academy Khanmigo is a great resource for educators and learners. Right now it is in beta testing, so I would hurry and get on the waitlist. In the future, the learners will have their own dashboard. I also foresee Khan Academy Khanmigo getting some tweaks. I am hoping they included a printing option so you can print out the conversations. You can copy and paste your conversation into a Word document which is helpful. We really like Khan Academy Khanmigo and I will be using it more often in our homeschool and for planning purposes. I know my son really likes it so I see it being in high rotation with him as well.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

Africa, African History, Curriculum, Education, Family, Geography, History, S.T.E.A.M

Teni & Tayo Africa in a Box Review!

Little Learner and Mom

We received Africa In A Box from Teni & Tayo for our honest review!

Normally I start my reviews off with an opener, but for this one, I just have just dive right in for this review. When I tell you I was impressed with Africa In A Box from Teni & Tayo I couldn’t wait to write this review!!!

Africa In A Box is exactly what you get with an interactive history stem box for ages 5+. We felt like we were given front-row seats to the motherland with Mrs. Omobola as our guide. My son was instantly captivated, and his Nintendo Switch was kicked to the curb very quickly. Once he saw me place the box on the table and saw all the goodies he was ready!

Our mission is to help close the representation gap in the products made for kids while creating fun and engaging products that any child can enjoy.

Mrs. Omobola- creator

Our topic of the month was the Ndebele Tribe of South Africa/Zimbabwe. Included in our inspired by Africa box was everything thing we needed to build our authentic home. We received:

  • Detailed written and picture instructions.
  • Markers and pencil
  • Glue
  • Wooden panel with building hardware
  • Battery pack and batteries
  • Wires and LED bulb
  • Twine

Let’s talk about this video it was awesome we watched it twice. We learned about the Ndebele tribe in South Africa and some parts of Zimbabwe. We learned about the language, history, geography, and culture. My son was in awe of the beauty of the countries and people mentioned in the video.

He asked me… Mom why don’t they show how beautiful Africa really is on the news and tv?”

Jai – age 10

As parents, we have always taught our son about the beautiful continent of Africa and let him know he is a descendant of mighty kings and queens. To have a box like Africa In A Box just solidifies everything he has been learning since he was a toddler.

The hands-on STEM activity is wonderful. The instructor walks the children through building the structure. Mrs. Omobola has a natural rapport with the children. I like that she spoke to the children with respect, positivity, and encouragement. Also included in the box is an informational reader about the lesson the kids would be learning.

In the video, the children learn the importance of giving back because they tell the children for every box they receive a certain percentage of the purchase goes to help those in need in Africa and the African diaspora. I love that they are teaching this value because it is so important that children learn to give back.

After finishing his box he started playing with his Black Panther Lego mini figure. His house was the highlight of the day. He found a special place for it in his room. He asked us to get him another box because he enjoyed this one so much!

My son is 10, and he had no problem assembling the project on his own. When he got stuck with the wiring he just went back and rewatched the video and paused where he needed to adjust. My son isn’t big on decorating projects like this but he fully decorated his project and turned on some South African music on Alexa and spent the afternoon coloring. He also spent the evening telling his dad about his project and attempting to do the Ndebele clicking pronunciation.

Africa In A Box is available as a monthly subscription or bundle discount. At the time of this review, the company is offering free shipping on their box subscriptions. The cost starts at $38.99 and they are mailed by the 15th of the month. There is a pop-up on their website where you can save 10% off your first box. We plan to subscribe so we can get the upcoming box on Empress Taytu Betul of Ethiopia. I highly recommend Africa In A Box from Teni & Tayo .

Until the Next Time,

Mom and Jai