DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

One of the hardest challenges in education is finding the right balance of student enjoyment and actual student learning. As educators, you know they learn the best when they are enjoying themselves - when it becomes a game or playing somehow, but at the same time you also know they are NOT going to love everything the world will require of them, thus learning may not always be a joy ride. Thankfully, there are some things in life that are both educational AND fun! Today, we’re talking about one of our favorites, Reading Eggs and Mathseeds from the Reading Eggs company.

What We Received:

We received a one-year subscription to Reading Eggs and Math Seeds for up to 4 students, of which we used 3.

How It Works:

Reading Eggs is an online program designed to enhance reading, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling skills through videos, games and online books. There are 3 levels: Reading Eggs Junior for ages 2-4, Reading Eggs for ages 3-7, and Reading Eggspress for ages 7-13. Students can move back and forth between these levels at any time and accumulate eggs as a reward and form of currency that can be used to buy things like clothing for their avatar or additions to their apartment section. Additionally, there is a section called Fast Phonics that is just games that help support phonetic skills. Math Seeds is a companion program that works on math skills in a similar fashion as Reading Eggs, but uses acorns as its currency. All parts of the program keep records of what and how the student is doing for reference. There are also printable activity sheets (in English and Spanish) that align with each map in the program. If you would like to develop an entire homeschool program surrounding their products, they provide a complete recommendation for K-2nd grade. Sold separately, they offer workbooks for K-5 too.

What We Thought:

We are not new to Reading Eggs so I can say with confidence that it is a very fun and educational program. Since we use paper and pencil based curriculum for their core work, Reading Eggs is seen as a fun reward in our house. My 3 children at 10, 8 and 4 years old each have their own account, but they all often enjoy watching their siblings play on the program. They especially explain that they were helping their little brother when found watching over his shoulder while supposed to be doing something else. The older two children probably utilize Reading Eggs to the fullest because they can play all the games and read read many level of books, but my 4 year old has certainly benefitted the most as he’s navigating phonics and starting to form words.. One of the things I appreciate about Reading Eggs for beginners is how they aren’t required to be too precise with their use of the mouse. Other programs have been very frustrating to little hands just learning to maneuver.

With everything so customizable and student-led, each child has a unique and positive experience that makes learning natural and fun. If you’re looking for an online reading program, Reading Eggs should be at the top of your list.

Follow Reading Eggs on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingeggsUSCA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/readingeggs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingeggs/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ED-7e2xA3fxgrM7Wq2XGQ

Looking for a different age or experience level? Several other families shared their reviews through the link below:

Sometime in my teen years, I attended a family reunion in Ardmore, OK. I remember it because what I saw there would somehow be the landscape for my dreams. There was a walkway outside the building we were in that would wind you around in front of a beautiful estate - at least that’s how I remember it. My daydreams about the future would often take place there, behind the 3 car garage, imagining a safe embrace of a husband and children that would thrill my soul in hopes of the future. It was a young girl’s fantasy, but also it was very peaceful. That peace has drawn me back a lot lately. The answers to my future questions are bustling around in the other room putting breakfast together. They are beautiful and more thrilling than I imagined. But managing this life is harder than I thought. More than that, the world that I find myself in today, is nothing I ever imagined and it’s turning out to be a lot harder to bear than I thought.

How are you handling things? I know many people aren’t even talking about it. Usually, there are two types of people right now. The advocates, who are really vocal about what they view as the problem or the Everything is Fine bunch who are just trying to hold it all together, hoping, pretending everything is fine. And honestly, I feel myself hopping the fence from one category to another when really, something else needs to be said.

The stress of what has been happening the last year and a half is toxic. The stress we are all collectively enduring is toxic. You can go argue all you want about who is to blame, but in the mean time, we are feeding on toxic fumes of chaos and mayhem. Ask any of your local teachers and they will tell you how worried they are about the mental health and safety of their kids. Violence is up. Suicide is up. Self-medicating in all kinds of forms is up. Marriages and relationships have been put to the test and many, sadly, have failed. The stress of our current state of affairs is something none of us were prepared for. It’s time we all said it out loud and admit it.

My baby is 4 1/2 which means I’m 4 1/2 years past my last pregnancy. How many years does it take to lost baby weight? It feels like it shouldn’t take that long. And truth be told, I’ve had a lot of healing to do since I carried that giant of a child (10 lbs) at 37 years old, but despite all of the healthy eating and extra moving I’ve been doing, the improvement isn’t obvious to anyone else. If I know ANYTHING about myself, I know the issue at hand is stress. I’ve never handled stress well and currently trying to manage stress of the entire world on top of my own ADHD homeschooling, housekeeping reality isn’t really working. The whole overthinking problem that’s always been there has been lit on fire and exploded onto the current climate of society. That little realm of things I can control -like the health of my body- hasn’t really been attended to. I have years of experience eating healthy and exercising so I know how to do that. I’ve never mastered chronic stress and certainly never experienced such an onslaught of different kinds of stress not letting up.

Last week’s post, Hope: The Missing Ingredient, was the beginning of this conversation that we need to have about stress. Like in an emergency, everything came to an emotional standstill a year and a half ago as we all held our breath. But as things have played out, we stayed mentally in the emergency place (for obvious reasons) and in some ways forgot about where our direction should actually be coming from. We never moved past fight or flight. Today, though, I’m trying to move on. I don’t mean that there aren’t needs or emergencies in our lives. I mean our society as a whole has a little (or a lot) of PTSD and needs to start dealing with it.

Writing this all down is my way of trying to move the stress out of me. I don’t know what works the best for you, but I want to encourage you to find it. So many of us don’t know how to constructively deal with stress and now we have a generation of children needing those skills more than anything! Unless we, as adults make space for our mental health, there will be no one to teach them. Exercise, sports, art, reading, construction, gardening, singing, there are a million things a person could do, but they likely won’t unless they recognize the value it brings to their life. As a wife and homeschooling mother, I have far too many things filling up my time to justify blocking out hours a week to write UNLESS I recognize that without it I might not be here to fill those roles in the first place. All manner of physical and mental health issues are directly affected by stress. ALL of them. With the current climate of the world (as in the world has gone crazy), we aren’t able just suck up and manage. Find and do the things that you love. In the midst of the hardships we are all facing, make that sport or hobby or quiet creative time a priority every week.

Let’s all admit that we’re struggling (I sure am!) and do better this week.

“Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24

Hope. For so long, we’ve allowed ourselves to hope in things other than God’s promises. We hope in our money and things. We hope in our ‘side’ being right. We hope in our country being the best. We hope in our issue being the only one that matters. We even hope in lies that we know are likely lies, because we can’t handle the reevaluating that inevitably comes from challenging our worldview.

We like certain quotes or articles on social media that claim to put hope in God and what His assurances are. We might even say amen to the preacher who reminds us that this is God’s show through and through. We know who is on the throne, don’t we? But we really don’t act like it, do we?

I’m sensitive with an overactive brain so I’m just as guilty as the next guy about getting sucked into what the mob is yelling today or who disagrees with my life choices. It’s been incredibly exhausting to keep a mental balance on all of the trauma and drama our world has been through lately. I’ve cried out for mercy so many times because it just seems too much and the threat of more to come is the nightmare of movies. Surely this isn’t real life! But then I’m reminded of the good things, the right things, the hopeful things and I hate how I can get so caught up in the strife.

Do you remember how Peter argued with Jesus about what was to come? I feel like Peter all the time arguing with the Lord about why this is happening and how it has to stop! What if God is doing exactly what needs to be done to bring about his good will? I can stand and argue about it or I can get out of His way and obey Him.

As much as we might think our biggest fear is the only thing that matters right now, everyone in the world could be facing a far different but equally as great fear. We obviously don’t have every answer in all of these situations, but we do have hope. Did you forget that? I did.

Are you worried or discouraged about your livelihood? Maybe you’ll be pushed to make the change that’s been needed for a while. There is hope. Is your health painting a grim picture? Maybe you’ll start looking in other places to get the answers you need. There is hope. Can your marriage be saved? Is a friendship about to die? Perhaps your eyes are about to be opened to some truth you’ve been denying for a while. There is hope. Most importantly, is your spiritual life in shambles and the path forward unclear? Maybe it’s taken all of this to get you to admit it and do something about it! There is hope.

There is a lot of unrest and valid concerns being expressed on the internet every. single. day. You know what isn’t being talked about very much? Hope. Legitimate hope that can help you take a breath in the morning and try again hope. I would really like to bring hope to my corner of the world wide web. I mess up a lot, but I also have some amazing people and resources in my life, thanks to the mercy of God, that give me hope. Worried about money? There’s a lot I don’t know, but what I do know brings me hope. Worried about the education of your kids? Not an expert, but from what I’ve experienced and the people I know who have done it, I have so much hope. Are you worried about your health? Again, not a doctor and not giving medical advice, but I have some amazing resources and perspectives that gives me so much hope. Not sure what God wants from you? Reading the Bible brings me so much hope.

In my ADHD discovery, I’ve learned how incredibly awkward and closed off I can be at times. It’s not intentional, but it’s a very real coping strategy that I’m finally understanding. In light of that, I’m learning its important for me to communicate clearer than I feel like I should have to. So, here goes. If you’re worried - and let’s not lie to ourselves - we’ve all been worried - and can’t let go of it, maybe you would like to share some of my hope? I want to help you, but I also don’t want to be pushy. Sometimes I want to help so much I turn into a bulldog mother who won’t take no for an answer and end up pushing people away. I don’t like being that way so I’m working on it. Still want to bring you hope though, if you need it.

Everyone I know is really starting to feel the pressure and ignoring the stress isn’t going to solve it. Let’s start spreading hope and if you need some, hit me up!

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

Of all the products I’ve reviewed, I think The Fallacy Detective is probably the most relevant and significant product I have shared with my children. We are shamefully in a time where the arguments and debates that are promoted the most are full of holes and outright lies. Our culture is conditioning us to NOT think for ourselves and certainly to just accept status quo without question. As believers we are taught to test all things, but its becoming increasingly complicated to do that when it disagrees with society. Today’s review, The Fallacy Detective, provides tools to recognize bad reasoning, something that is swarming our kids right now!

What We Received:

We were given one paperback book, The Fallacy Detective: Workbook Edition by Nathanial Bluedorn & Hans Bluedorn. It has 38 lessons and is over 250 pages long.

How It Works:

This book is divided into lessons where a particular concept is introduced and then exercises are provided at the end to practice what has just been introduced. The reader is introduced to what a fallacy is -an error in logic- at the beginning and then spends much of the book talking about all different kinds of fallacies that often get promoted. The lessons are usually just a couple of pages long with multiple pages of exercises to follow. Answers to the exercises are included at the back of the book. Also near the end of the book is a section on The Fallacy Detective Game. The game is intended for 4 players who understand what a fallacy and propaganda is.

What We Thought:

Logic and reasoning are things I am pretty good at on paper, but as soon as there are real people arguing back at me, I have zero skills. My sensitive emotional brain takes over and I commit all of the fallacies discussed in the book! On the other hand, I am married to an engineer that some days can’t see anything BUT logic and reason. We’re quite a trip, as marriages go. So, this book has been one of the most productive and fun activities that we have done as a family! We all need help understanding and holding each other accountable when we are reasoning things out and especially when fights pop up. The book is designed in such a way that a single person can read through it and do the exercises themselves. However, we read it aloud as a family and then worked through the exercises together. This format seems ideal for fleshing out arguments and debates. It claims to be intended for 12 year old children and up, but in our given format as a family, it worked great for our 8 and 10 year old. The 4 year old would holler out “Red herring!” quite a bit when a question was posed to the family, but he just wanted to participate. Still, just including the language about logic and weak arguments in our family is creating a healthier environment for discussions and understanding.

There are a lot of hot topics right now that might motivate you, but the need applies to everything we may encounter. The need to reason well and spot weak or false arguments is something far more valuable that piano scales or math formulas. Whether we’re discussing scripture, partner agreements or politics, our families need to be able to seek truth for themselves and not get caught up in quick arguments that easily pull the wool over our eyes if we’re not paying attention. I highly recommend every family to include this book in their family readings especially as children near adolescence.

Follow Fallacy Detective on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fallacydetective
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansbluedorn/

Are you looking for another perspective from older children, perhaps? Or maybe you would like to hear about Archer & Zowie, another book by the same authors? Check out the other reviews from the Crew through the link below.

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

The year I turned 17, I was a little depressed. Being 17 was great, but it meant that 18 was next, which might as well be 21 or 25 or 30 and of course meant my youth was gone. Dramatic? Yes, but I’ve since learned my ADHD brain likes to go super sonic fast and looking ahead is probably it’s favorite! So, next week my oldest child will be starting 5th grade and naturally I felt the need to prep for high school. Thankfully, I get the chance to realistically look ahead with my latest review, the High School Solution from The HomeScholar LLC.

What I Received:

I received 6 months of digital access to High School Solution from The HomeScholar LLC. The High School Solution includes is a collection of audio and video presentations and a ton of digital resources that walk any parent through homeschooling in the middle and high school years.

How It Works::

The HomeScholar offers a wealth of information and what I received access to is only a section of it. The Homeschool Solution offers support for everything unique to the high school years. Whether you have a junior looking towards graduation or a 5th grader like me wondering what impact middle school is going to have on high school, this program has a mountain of information for you. Access to everything is immediate so users are free to isolate their unique needs quickly or, like me, can sit down and browse everything to see what’s all available. It is divided into four sections, How-To, Age, Stages, and Curriculum. Under these headings you can find webinar recordings by Lee Binz, the author of HomeScholar, PDF handouts, and resource links to a number of different articles and information. Are you concerned about testing and college entrance exams? Unsure how to plan high school courses or curriculum? Worried about reaching the heart of your high schooler? Overwhelmed at all of the possibilities? All of this is covered and more! Just consider this your starter course for homeschooling middle school and high school!

What I Thought:

Honestly, this is EXACTLY what calms my homeschool mom nerves. The trouble with things you’ve never done before is that you don’t know what you don’t know. And preparing a high school student for adult life, college, career or otherwise, is definitely something I’ve never done before! The layout of the website wasn’t super clear at first, but the author provides lots of road maps and encouragements for where you need to be so I figure it out pretty quickly. She also presents her encouragement from a Christian worldview, which I appreciate so much. In our own homeschool, we are motivated by more than just academic success and she acknowledges that on many occasions. There is plenty of discussion and resources about the non-college bound kids and the many possibilities of changing directions along the way. That’s real life which makes this resource that much more helpful. For me not having a child in middle school yet, much less high school, this gives me the tools to make a game plan and what to be aware of as we get closer.

Follow The HomeScholar LLC on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomescholar
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehomescholar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homescholar/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homescholar/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/homescholar/

Are you interested in transcript or record keeping help? HomeScholar offers other programs that directly address these and other families reviewed them too! Check out the other reviews through the link below.

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

Over the past couple of weeks we have done very little school in a real summer fashion. I’m reorganizing some things that require my full attention so the kids have been on their own a lot more. While being bored is absolutely healthy for them, you can tell they are craving routine and something to do with their minds besides reading. An easy task that doesn’t require much from me and a great math exercise for them has been our latest review, Math Essentials Speed Wheel Drills from Math Essentials. At 3rd and 5th grade, my big kids can always benefit from math fact practice!

What We Received:

We received 3 physical books, Speed Wheel Drills for Multiplication, for Division and for Addition.

How It Works:

As pictured below, each wheel consists of a number in the center that the outside numbers use to add/multiply/divide by. Each appearance of numbers is shuffled in a different order so that very page is entirely different. Above each wheel is a space for how many are correct and how much time it took to complete it. The full intent is to time the student completing each wheel and comparing each days times. The pages are not perforated, but likely could be easily pulled out if necessary.

What We Thought:

We used these books with my 8 and 10 year old who are heading into 3rd and 5th grade. My daughter (8) primarily did the addition book, while my son (10 used the multiplication and division ones. Even though they hadn’t ever used a wheel setup for math facts, it was very easy to understand. They enjoyed racing the clock and each other, but due to a lack of an accessible stop watch, they often would just complete a page without timing it. The absence of the timing didn’t seem to affect their completion. From an educational standpoint, the grouping of the factors in a wheel format is an added visual benefit that can aid in memorization and recall. It felt like something I wished we could have started with when they were first learning math facts. There are several great resources in the back of each book that we didn’t use much of yet because we weren’t in the thick of school yet, but it’s great to have them on hand. As my son gets further into fractions and decimals, it could be helpful to have a visual chart to reinforce concepts. Since neither of the kids were significantly struggling in this area, I can’t speak for more sever situations. However, I suspect this could be a fun daily practice and evaluation for a struggler, even if only one wheel a day was completed.

The Speed Wheel Drills books from Math Essentials are perfect for a morning warm-up and a steady evaluation of students’ skills over the school year.

Looking for feedback from students at a different level? Check out the rest of the Crew’s reviews through the link below.

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

For Christian parents, the real battleground is the hearts of our children. There is pain in the world that we pray they can avoid, but that isn’t always possible. We pour over decisions about ball teams, birthday parties and squabbles, but it’s easy to forget that the most important concern we should have is their relationship with God. And, that begins at home from the very start. Today’s review, Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible by Danika Cooley and Bethany House Publishers, focuses readers on the why and how parents can share the Bible with their family.

What We Received:

We received the book Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible by Danika Cooley with Bethany House Publishers. It is a paperback book consisting of 198 pages, a contents and notes section.

What It Says:

Danika Cooley writes as though you had just asked her about teaching children about the Bible. All the different topics flow naturally from a long conversation you might have over lunch. Why is the Bible important? Is it relevant to our digital age? Why do parents need to invest their time in it? How can young kids grasp anything? Where do we start? Should I skip some parts? What about questions I can’t answer? What if we disagree on things? The first half of the book discusses all of this and more. Whatever hesitations or concerns you might have about reading and studying the Bible with your kids, I think she covers it. The second half dives into the actual study of the Bible together. Where did the Bible come from? How can we trust it? Why are there so many different books and how do they fit? What does it all have to do with the gospel? How can we understand some of this? As she shares experiences with her own family, a picture of what Bible time can look like at different ages and maturity starts to materialize. The book is concluded with a few historical instances of the power a parent’s Biblical teaching and leading and encouragement for the readers journey.

What I Thought:

I was raised in a Christian family where Bible study was a part of our life and our church strove to know what the Bible says. Having that background, I enjoyed Danika Cooley’s writing and appreciated the way she lined out a family’s relationship with the Bible. My favorite quote was, “Your kids are the right age for Jesus.” I believe this 100% after being raised around Biblical teaching and now doing the same with my kids 10, 8 and 4. They are never too young to grasp something! The seeds of obedience and a clear “No!” are concepts better learned as early as possible, in my experience, so why wouldn’t we surround them with God’s teaching to reinforce it.

There are a few points of theology that I disagree with regarding original sin and elements of salvation taught in the Bible that I’d be happy to discuss with anyone, if you have questions. Still, the couple of statements in this area did not take away from the main message of making Bible time a priority for you and your family. Even though we have included Bible in our homeschool from the beginning, she does a great job of describing realistic options and techniques for managing different ages and circumstances. It has certainly boosted my commitment and built up my arsenal of whys and hows for a new school year!

Follow Bethany House on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHPnonfiction
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethany_house
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethany_house_nonfiction/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bethanyhouse
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bethanyhouse

Follow Danika Cooley on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanikaCooleyAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanikaCooley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danikacooleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/danikacooley/_created/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanikaCooley

Are you new to Bible study in your family? Check out what other family’s had to say about this book and its approach through the link below.

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

Science has never been my strong suit. It probably has something to do with the person teaching it and my brain not loving it. So as a homeschool parent, there is a lot of hesitation in me when it comes to science. I’m always open to reviewing science curriculum because I need the extra support and optimistic that I can find a great resource. Today, I’m happy to share with you just such a resource that not only teaches chemistry, but throughout reminds students of God’s hand in it all! We are talking about Young Scientist Chemistry from Greg Landry's Homeschool Science.

What We Received:

we received access to Young Scientist Chemistry, a self-paced one semester class for 4th-7th grade from Greg Landry's Homeschool Science. This includes PDF study guides and 14 class video recordings.

How It Works:

Young Scientist Chemistry is set up like many online classes with video instruction and printable study guides. There is an initial introductory video for students and parents where Mr. Landry explains his intention for the class, the value of note taking and the flexibility parents have in using his class in their homeschool. Each of the following classes are labeled for easy navigation. As you can see in the screenshots above and below, Mr. Landry splits the screen between himself talking and the appropriate slides. The study guide includes a lot of worksheets, space for note taking and sketches, and a variety of visual aids. Through the worksheets and content, there is plenty that a parent can quiz students on for comprehension.

What We Thought:

After printing off the study guide and getting logged in appropriately, I let my 10 year old take off. After a couple of lessons, I noticed he hadn’t done anything but listen to the video. After talking to him about it all, it was clear that he needed to take Mr. Landry’s advice and start a practice of notetaking. The subject matter was largely new to him and note taking is a more self-motivated habit that he was resistant to on his own. So, after determining I was a little too optimistic about his independence in this course, I decided to restart and walk him through it more closely. Just as Mr. Landry had described in the introduction video, understanding and retaining the information hinges upon good note taking and content interaction. My son was opting out of that, but showing he really needed that aspect to properly comprehend everything.

Despite that hiccup, I have no complaints about Mr. Landry or this class! Like he claims, the course can be used in whatever way a parent needs and is very flexible. His instruction and explanations are beautifully woven between scripture and a Biblical worldview that makes me want to sit down and learn from him. The world around us is a testament to a brilliant creator and science just doesn’t do Him justice most of the time. I’m so grateful to find this great resource that teaches and enriches simultaneously.

Greg Landry offers a variety of courses for grades 3-7 and the Homeschool Review Crew tried out many of them. Click below to read what families thought of the other courses!

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

Like never before, online resources have become a vital part of our life. Even though the necessity level might change, the value and usefulness is sticking with us. Creating a Masterpiece is a great example of an online program that gives families what they need to educate their children well, regardless of the circumstances. For my review today, we are talking about their Art History Program that is designed to compliment other art history programs.

What We Received:

We received access to the Art History Program from Creating a Masterpiece through the end of 2021. The Art History Program includes:

• Styles of Art in History: Ages 5 and up

• Historically Themed Projects: Ages 6 and up.

• Exploring the Art of Yesterday: Age 13 and up.

• Paint like Vermeer: Girl with the Pearl Earring: Masterpiece level of difficulty. .

How It Works:

Since the Art History Program is designed to compliment other art history programs, there is no designated order of instruction. Each section and project has a specific context and suggested age level but which project and when is something the parent/student is free to determine for themselves. Each individual project consists of instructional videos by owner, Sharon Hofer and a supply list. The number of videos varies with each lesson. Also, having the correct supplies is very important to the Creating a Masterpiece approach so they even offer a place where you can order exact supplies when necessary. Since the videos are prerecorded, students can go at their own pace and families can all participate multiple times with any/all projects.

What We Thought:

Since my children are ages 8 and 10 years old, we narrowed our choices by choosing from the Styles of Art in History and Historically Themed Projects. This fall we are focusing on Old Testament stories and ancient civilizations so I thought the Egyptian projects would compliment their education best right now. The first one we tried out was Egyptian Period: The Royal Hunt (Colored Marker) followed by the Ancient Egypt: Egyptian Nomads. Both of them required the same materials and supplies, which simplified things for us. Once they had their supplies and space set up, the video gave them everything they needed. Not once did they ask for help or have any concern. A few times they would stop while one of them caught up. On one of them, my 10 year old finished the video, but my 8 year old couldn’t go that fast so she restarted where she needed it.

After looking around at all of the possible projects, it was clear to me that Creating a Masterpiece is an awesome resource! With a wide variety of mediums to choose from, there is so much to gain from using this program in your homeschool.

Social Media Links: Creating a Masterpiece

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createamasterpiece

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyDU-6301Pwj_1Dez9YkumQ

Since there are so many different projects to choose from, read about the projects other families tried out through the link below.

DISCLOSURE: I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY PRODUCT THROUGH THE HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW.

One of the biggest issues parents face when deciding if they should homeschool is FEAR. Fear of missing something, fear of not knowing enough, or just fear of being able to handle it all. And I absolutely get it. Every age and stage of parenting brings new things to face and handle. Doing a new thing can be really scary. One of the things I’m learning, about homeschooling and life too, is to use the tools you need and not feel bad about that. Sometimes that is admitting when you don’t know and asking for help. When it comes to curriculum, there are times when we have to be honest about what we can handle and what we can’t. I really value unplugged curriculum as much as possible, but I’m learning I’m only one person and can’t always focus on each child and each subject the way I would like to. Finding resources and curriculum that can cover bases that you might miss is really important. For today’s review, we’re talking about an all-star curriculum, CTCMath, that has proved to offer just about whatever we need in the math department.

What We Received:

We were given a 12 month subscription to CTCMath, an online math curriculum with accounts for as many students as we need for our immediate family.

How It Works:

For each student, the parent/teacher sets up an account that will then log all of their activity, scores and assignments. From the parent dashboard, I can assign any tasks to all students, individually or all together. Since my 10 and (almost) 8 year old already had accounts from previous use, this time around all I did was set up a new account for my 4 year old. He’s still young, but we decided to try him out from the very beginning to see how it worked. Once each child has an account, they can then start watching videos and answering questions on any topic they choose, or simply start at the beginning of their grade level. The really great part of CTCMath is that each student has access to all levels of work, regardless of their input age and grade level. That means if your child needs to revisit a concept from the past or is ready to speed forward, that’s no problem! Another nice perk is that it saves the students activity and reports indefinitely. We have used CTCMath off and on through our years through the Homeschool Review Crew. Even though our account has lapsed at times, their information (going back several years) is always available. While this is an online program, there are printable worksheets available for every lesson, as well as weekly revision tasks and diagnostic tests that makes it a complete curriculum.

What We Thought:

The voice giving instructions in the videos has always been an Australian man. One time I heard a family say they couldn’t use this program because the accent threw them off so much. Our experience is the exact opposite. An otherwise unexciting math concept is made interesting simply by the speakers voice. We love the accent!

The two older kids are used to the program and have continued as they have in the past. My 4 year old had never used it before but things went well, all things considered. He is 4 and not reading yet, though his letter recognition is coming right along. The videos contain bright pictures and the questions all have an audio button to play the question. He needed some assistance in maneuvering the mouse and submit button at first, but started to get the hang of it. Even though he is young and not quite at full kindergarten level, I felt like all the math concepts and questions were things he could grasp with a parent close by when he needed help. He enjoyed it and I felt confident in the educational value. Win/win!

Our experience with CTCMath has consistently been a positive one! We’ve used grades K-4 now at one point or another and have no complaints. With so much flexibility, it really can work for most situations and large families! If you are in the market for a complete math curriculum, CTCMath is certainly one to consider.

Follow CTCMath on Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctcmath
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ctcmathofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctcmath
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/ctcmath/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWn5e6974bpIEAe46VnovZw

Do you have middle or high school students? If you’re interested in how CTCMath does with higher level math, check out the reviews through the link below.