Curriculum Resource, Education, Homeschool

Discovering the World with The Landmark Kids Subscription Boxes

We received The Landmark Kids

As a homeschool mom dedicated to finding the best educational resources, I am always excited to share our experiences with exceptional tools that enhance learning. The Landmark Kids subscription boxes have been a wonderful addition to our homeschool journey, especially for my middle schooler who loves interactive, hands-on learning. Having used their boxes before, we have consistently loved them, and the recent India box was no exception.

What Are The Landmark Kids Subscription Boxes?

The Landmark Kids subscription boxes are thoughtfully curated educational kits designed to provide children with an immersive learning experience centered around different geographical and historical landmarks worldwide. Each box is filled with a mix of crafts, reading materials, and interactive activities that help children explore and understand various cultures, places, and historical events.

Solve The Mystery and Explore the World!

The India Box Experience

Our latest adventure with The Landmark Kids took us to India, one of my son’s favorite geographical and historical places. The India box was packed with activities and materials that made learning about this vibrant country both fun and educational. Here are some of the highlights:

Cultural Crafts: The box included materials for creating traditional Indian rangoli art, which my son thoroughly enjoyed. Designing his own patterns and learning about the cultural significance of this art form during Indian festivals was a unique and engaging experience.

Historical Insights: The detailed booklets provided fascinating insights into India’s rich history, including the Mughal Empire and the story of the Taj Mahal. My son was particularly captivated by the tales of Diwali, the festival of lights.

Interactive Activities: One of the standout features was the hands-on project to build a mini-model of the Taj Mahal. This activity was not only fun but also provided a tangible connection to one of India’s most iconic landmarks.

Culinary Adventures: The recipe card included in the box inspired us to try making a simple Indian dish. This was a fantastic way to explore Indian cuisine and understand more about the country’s culinary traditions.

Perfect for Middle Schoolers

These boxes are particularly well-suited for middle schoolers who thrive on interactive and visual learning. The activities are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage deeper exploration into each topic. My son, with his keen interest in geography and history, found the India box to be an engaging treasure trove of information and activities.

Complementing Oak Meadow Curriculum

The Landmark Kids boxes integrate seamlessly with the Oak Meadow Grade 6 and 7 History curriculums. They provide a hands-on supplement that enhances the learning experience and brings historical and geographical studies to life. While studying ancient civilizations or world geography, these boxes offer practical activities that reinforce what’s being learned in the textbooks.

What Makes The Landmark Kids Boxes Stand Out?

Several features make The Landmark Kids subscription boxes stand out:

Comprehensive and Engaging: Each box is thoughtfully curated with a mix of crafts, reading materials, and interactive activities that cater to different learning styles.

High-Quality Materials: The materials provided are of excellent quality, ensuring that the activities are enjoyable and the final products are something children can be proud of.

Depth of Content: The boxes dive deep into each topic, offering a wealth of information that encourages further exploration and learning.

Recent Updates: The Landmark Kids have recently updated their boxes to include even more interactive elements and detailed guides, making them even more engaging and educational.

Our Homeschool Adventures

Using The Landmark Kids boxes has been a fantastic journey for us. My son has not only learned about new places and historical events but has also developed a deeper appreciation for different cultures. The India box, in particular, sparked numerous “rabbit trails” of learning, leading us to explore more about India’s geography, history, and traditions. These boxes have truly enriched our homeschool experience and provided countless hours of educational fun.

Who Will Benefit from These Boxes?

Homeschool Families: They provide an excellent supplement to standard curriculums, offering a hands-on learning experience that can enhance any homeschool program.

Parents of Curious Learners: If your child loves to learn about different cultures and historical events, these boxes will be a hit.

Teachers: The boxes can be a great resource for classroom teachers looking to add interactive, hands-on elements to their lessons.

After-School Programs: They offer engaging activities that can keep kids learning and entertained outside of regular school hours.

The Landmark Kids subscription boxes are a must-have for any homeschool family looking to bring history and geography to life. They are engaging, educational, and perfectly suited for middle schoolers. I highly recommend giving them a try and experiencing the joy of learning through hands-on exploration. You can save 15% off using our discount code DeShaun at checkout.

Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, homeschool science, Middle School, Reviews

Unveiling Life’s Marvels: Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s Beginnings and The Evolution of an Idea Review !

We received Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s Beginnings” and “Discovering Life’s Story: The Evolution of an Idea for our honest review.

Embark on an enlightening journey through the realms of biology with “Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s Beginnings” and “Discovering Life’s Story: The Evolution of an Idea,” an enthralling two-volume set crafted by the esteemed Joy Hakim, celebrated for her renowned “A History of US” series. Dive into the wonders of life’s origins and evolution as Hakim expertly guides you through the intricacies of biological exploration.

Volume 1: Biology’s Beginnings

In the inaugural volume, Hakim leads readers on a captivating exploration of life’s beginnings, spanning from the cosmos to the emergence of complex organisms. Delve into the realms of cellular biology, genetics, and biodiversity, as Hakim unveils the marvels of the natural world. From the tiniest microorganisms to the grandeur of ecosystems, this volume illuminates the fundamental principles that shape life on Earth. If you interested in the teachers guide for Discovering Life’s Story: Biology’s Beginnings you can find it on Candlewick Press.

Volume 2: The Evolution of an Idea

Continuing the odyssey, Hakim traces the evolution of scientific thought surrounding life’s evolution on our planet. Explore the rich tapestry of evidence supporting evolutionary theory, from the fossil record to molecular biology. Through Hakim’s engaging narrative, readers gain insight into the mechanisms driving biological change and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Supplement to Homeschool Curriculum

These two volumes can possibly serve as invaluable supplements to any homeschool curriculum, offering comprehensive coverage of key biological concepts in an accessible and engaging format. Whether used as primary texts or supplementary resources, Hakim’s books provide homeschoolers with a solid foundation in biology, complementing hands-on activities and experiments with in-depth explanations and real-world examples.

Reference for Upcoming School Year

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, consider adding “Discovering Life’s Story” to your curriculum as a reference book. Its clear explanations and thorough coverage make it an ideal resource for students to consult as they explore new topics or review key concepts. With Hakim’s expertise and insight at their disposal, students will be equipped to delve deeper into the wonders of biology and cultivate a lifelong passion for scientific inquiry.

Inclusive Diversity Note

While “Discovering Life’s Story” offers a wealth of information on biology, it’s important to acknowledge its minimal inclusive diversity of scientific contributions from other ethnic groups. As educators, we can supplement this aspect by incorporating additional resources that highlight the diverse perspectives and contributions of scientists from all backgrounds, enriching the learning experience and fostering a more inclusive understanding of the scientific community.

Embark on an evolutionary adventure with “Discovering Life’s Story,” where Joy Hakim’s captivating storytelling and comprehensive coverage of biological concepts await. Whether you’re a homeschooling family seeking to enrich your curriculum or an avid learner eager to explore the wonders of life, this two-volume set promises an illuminating journey through the mysteries of biology. Dive in and discover the marvels of life’s story today!

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

Teni & Tayo Africa in a Box Review!

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

2nd Grade Curriculum, 3rd Grade Curriculum, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, S.T.E.A.M, Science

Mad Science Loop Lab: Gross Science Box Review!

Complimentary product received through Melanated Gold Review Squad!

We received the Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box to review and my son really enjoyed the experiments.

Our mission is to inspire children through science, sparking lifelong imagination and curiosity.

Loop Lab

Inside the box we recieved:

  • beaker, flask, and funnel (reusable)
  • corn starch, small bottle of peroxide, liquid glue
  • wooden stirrer, mesh material
  • balloon, rubberband, yeast
  • gloves
  • instruction book
  • lab coat

The kit came with a complete guide book that walked my student through all of the experiments, written instructions for measuring, and illustrations for every step. Upon first opening, the box my son first guess looking that the materials he said we are going to be making oobleck. He was seriously surprised when he got into the guidebook and saw all 3 experiments.

The Gross Science is box 1 in the series of the current 6 boxes now available for ages 8+. The experiments are quick and easy to follow, and my son was able to do them on his own. I check all the experiments beforehand to see if he needed any extra supplies, the only thing I had to add was zip lock bag, dish liquid, water, bowl, an egg, and a bin to catch any mess.

Inside the experiment books, students will find the safety steps, mess factors, and what they need. Each experiment also includes a think green, safe disposals, and clean-up checklist. At the end of the experiments you will find the How does it work description along with vocabulary. You will also notice the experiments encourage the kids to observe and then get messy. In the back of the book, you will also see the vocabulary words again along with their definitions, I had my son copy these in his science notebook and write down a little about the experiment. There is also a hidden objects search for kids to search the Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box and a Certificate of Awesomeness.

Foaming Fountain Experiment #1

Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box is a fun way to bring a little STEM into your home, they make great boxes for rainy days or if you are needing to add a little more hands-on science into your homeschool. Mad Science Loop Lab boxes are available to purchase on monthly, 3 months, and 6-month subscriptions. The cost starts at $32.99 plus $4.99 for shipping. I would love to try out the other 5 boxes, my son enjoyed doing the Gross Science box.

Be sure to check the other review of Gross Science Mad Science Loop Lab box by clicking the banner below.