HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW : OUR REVIEW OF Journey Homeschool Academy

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

     For years I have been trying to find an online Science curriculum, and I am so thankful that we have had the opportunity to receive and review Experience Biology: Upper Level  from Journey Homeschool Academy  I have been really impressed with the program so far.  It is informative, but not boring.  Luke and Trish Gilkerson are an amazing duo that really knows how to teach Science in a way that is fun and educational.  Luke is the teacher throughout the videos we have watched and Trish is the writer of the curriculum.  Both are an asset to the online teaching community!!! I also love that fact that is Bible-based!!!!

     Our son Josh is 15 and entering the 11th grade.  Experience Biology: Upper Level has been a perfect fit for him.  When you sign up, you will be asked to set up a profile for your student where he or she will be logging on to take the classes.  This particular class has 34 lessons ranging from What is Biology to an Introduction to Ecology.  Your student will begin with an introduction by Luke and Trish and from there on they will begin their course.  Each week they will watch videos, be encouraged to read a chapter or 2 from a book I will tell you about later, take a quiz,  answer a few research questions, and complete a lab project. So simple!!

   

  As a parent, you will be responsible for printing the pdf files your child will need, buying the lab supplies, and if you choose you will also buy the book The Riot and the Dance.  If you do not wish to print all the materials needed you can also purchase the Student Lab Guide and Student Guidebook from their store online.  We chose to print out our books to save a little money since we have a good printer that is not expensive to print on.  

     Josh has been enjoying the classes.  He isn't one to sit still for long periods of time, so I am always apprehensive when it comes to online classes, but these are only about 30 minutes in length for each one and Luke keeps your attention, so this a great fit for Josh.  I think what Josh enjoys most is the lab sessions.  He has always learned well through hands-on activities.  

 

       If you are concerned about teaching upper-level Science classes like I was, and you want a great resource that will teach your child Biology in a unique way, these classes are for you!!!  Would you like to learn more about this class and more?  I would encourage you to go check out their website along with their social media pages listed below:

FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM

     We also have more reviews for this program and others over on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  Just click the link below 👇👇👇

Homeschool Review Crew: CTCMath

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

     Good morning! Today I want to tell you all about our experience with CTCMath. We were given the one-year subscription of the 12- Month Family Membership to review this time, and as always, it is such a blessing for our family.  This is our 3rd year using CTCMath as our full-time math curriculum, and we love it!!! 

     As a homeschooling mom, I have always had anxiety when it came to teaching high school math subjects like Geometry, Calculus, Algebra 2, and Trigonometry.  With CTCMath, I don't have to worry.  They are an Australian based company that teaches math lessons through videos. Their courses range from Kindergarten to 12th grade. They provide quality lessons for our children to learn what they need to know in a way that they will remember.

Here is what they offer:

• Video Tutorials
• Interactive Questions
• Worksheets and Solutions
• Reports of the Students Progress

     We have 1 student using the program right now, but Hope will be joining him in the Fall. Josh is doing Geometry right now. He is doing very well.  He enjoys the videos and love the fact they can work at their own pace. I love that CTCMath keeps records of their classes and grades and sends me progress reports.  If you are not sure what class your child belongs in, they have diagnostic testing to help you put them right where they belong. 

Here are examples of the Progress Report and Grading Level Certificates that Josh is getting:

     This program can be done independently or you can sit with your child as they watch the videos and complete the lessons. I like that children can watch the videos over and over again until they understand the concept being taught.  After each video, they are given questions to answer.  You can print the questions and tests, but we prefer to save paper and ink, so we do what we can from looking at our computer screens only using paper to work through steps of an equation, then entering our answers into the computer where they will be graded immediately. If you miss any, you can go over them and try again.  On the teachers' side of the program, you also have the answers to pull up at any time if needed.

     I have personally sat down with Josh to see how the program works and I have to say that I have learned quite a bit from the videos.  The lessons are thorough and they make sure each concept is taught and understood before going on to a new one. 

   

     CTCMath has been a lifesaver for our family and we are looking forward to learning more as we continue with the lessons.  

     It has been so nice not having to argue with my kids when it's time to do the math.  Josh is no longer complaining about his lessons. Some days it was like pulling teeth to get him to do his math work, but now he is actually enjoying each session.   I have been thrilled to see his progress and his grades have been great.  Compared to other math programs we have tried, this one seems to be the best fit for our family.  I am so excited to have another free year to use it, and  I know for a fact we will continue are subscription beyond the free year.   I am no longer anxious when it comes to math class and that is a good feeling. 

     Would you like to learn more about this program? I encourage you to look over their website CTCMath or check out their social media pages: 

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Le'ts Dig Deeper into Titus

     The book of Titus is a small but very important book for believers to study.  I have read through it  a few times and each time I see new things that God is trying to teach me.  A while back I made a little study guide for me and a few women to use to help us study this book and today I want to share it with you. What I love about the S.O.A.P. method for studying the Bible is that all ages can be involved, so you can study this book with your children. 

     In these three chapters, we see the qualifications for choosing leaders in our churches.  We need to be very careful about who we put in places of leadership and these requirements mentioned here, will help us choose wisely.  We are also warned to stay away from those who are trying to deceive others and to turn towards those who are teaching sound doctrine.  

     My favorite verse is Titus 2:11, For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  Here we see that God's grace will bring salvation to all those who believe in Him.  As the chapter goes on, we see that God will change us as we obey Him and turn from sin.   It is such a powerful book of the Bible and one we should read often to remind ourselves of how we should live godly lives even when others are not.  

      Towards the end of chapter three, we are told that God's salvation through our faith in Him will bring us eternal life.  How awesome is that!!!   We serve such a great God who loves us and wants us to be with Him.  I want to serve Him because He loves me and my obedience to Him shows Him my love.  

     I encourage you to take your time to read through each verse and allow God to change your life as you do.  He wants to instruct us through the teachings in His Word, we just need to take time to read it everyday.  It is life changing!!!!

     Below is the link to the study guide.  I pray it is a blessing to you.

The Study of Titus

     

How Do You Begin Your Homeschool Day?

     How do you begin your day? Do you have a morning routine?  In our home, I have noticed that our days go much better if we begin with good habits right from the start of our day.  I think it's important to stay on track so we don't waste a lot of precious time.  

     Normally I get up around 5 or 5:30 so I can spend time with the Lord, see my husband off to work, and get some work done before getting the kids up.  I use to get my kids up early, but that wasn't working for them or for me.  They are night owls and I am an early bird. They would be grumpy when woken up too early and that would make me grouchy as well, so waiting to get them up while I get some quiet time is best for our family.  

     When I wake my kiddos up at 8, they head downstairs to eat breakfast.  After eating they begin their morning checklists.  These checklists consist of personal devotions, making beds, cleaning up their bedrooms, feeding pets, and getting ready for the day by brushing their teeth, combing their hair, and getting dressed.  After they complete these tasks we head back downstairs to start school.  It's a system that works well for our family. 

      Beginning next Monday, we are going to be changing things a bit.  Typically we begin school with Bible class, but I want to make it more than just a class.  I want to really focus on studying God's Word and praying together as a family.  I want to spend more time seeking Him and not letting it become just a part of our routine.  I believe our time with Jesus sets the atmosphere for our entire school day.  If we allow Him to lead us, everything else will fall into place.  

     Once our Bible time is finished we begin working on the rest of our agenda for the day.  It's not a rigid schedule, but instead a list of things we want to finish before the end of the school day. We try to finish before 3 or so.  

     I love being able to homeschool and spend time with my kids, but if we didn't find a groove that worked for us, our days would be very hectic. Finding a good routine is key to having a peaceful home when you are together day in and day out. Be flexible yet consistent.  

     I would love to hear from you.  How do you do things in your home?  

     

      

   

HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW: OUR REVIEW OF PROGENY PRESS

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

     Our family has been using resources from Progeny Press for a few years now.  We were so happy to be chosen to receive and review the e-guide Animal Farm Study Guide from them a few weeks ago and we have been using it to understand and discuss the book Animal Farm written by George Orwell.  

     

     These study guides are easy to download and print.  You can print them for all your students but are not allowed to share them with others.  This company works hard to make quality resources.  I love that they let you print copies for other students in your classroom or home.  It is more than fair.  

     The Animal Farm Study Guide is about 72 pages long. This particular guide is geared towards grades 9-12, but my daughter who is entering 8th grade soon enjoyed it.  The guide includes: 

• About the Study Guide Author
• Note to Instructor
• Synopsis
• About the Novel's Author
• Background Information
• Optional Prereading Activities
• Chapter 1-2
• Chapter 3-4
• Chapter 5-6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8 
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 10
• Overview
• Optional Essays and Projects
• Additional Resources

     Your purchase will also include an Answer Key in a separate download,  that will provide you as the teacher/parent with all the answers to the vocabulary, character studies, comprehension questions, and overall discussion questions. 

     In our home, we are on summer break, but we love to read and discuss books even though we are doing it informally.  We used this study guide as more of a discussion time after we read chapters of the book. We did use the vocabulary section more in-depth because I feel spelling and vocabulary are very important and there were quite a few words listed that my kiddos didn't know.  

     Our favorite part of the study guide was analogous to the characters, places, and events.  We had a good time researching and talking about each one.  One example is how Napoleon, the pig in the story, was modeled after Joseph Stalin.  Napoleon didn't like to talk much but always wanted his own way.  He not only got rid of his competition, but he also ruled as a dictator on the farm.  

     I love how this study guide and their others really bring up some interesting conversations and give us a deeper look into the book.  Progeny Press really knows how to make a book come alive.  You are learning so much as you read each book they provide study guides for.  It helps you comprehend more of the story and what the author is trying to say through his writings. 

     Would you like to learn more about Progeny Press ?  I would encourage you to check out their website and social media pages listed below:

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HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW: OUR REVIEW OF Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915: 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

     I have never really heard much about the U.S. Life-Saving Service, so I was thrilled to be able to review Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915: 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities from Rebecca Locklear.  My children love hands-on activities. They always help keep them focused on the subject we are learning.  

     We received this e-book a little over a month ago and we have been enjoying it.  It has 120 pages, but you don't have to print out the whole book to use it.  I like that!  There are 17 workshops and 120 activities. The book includes:

    1.  Workshops:

• Unit 1 - Life at the Station House
• Unit 2 - Working Together
• Unit 3 - The Culture of Character
• Unit 4 - Relevance Today

    2.  Art Projects         

    3. Research Areas Relating to the U. S. Life-Saving Service

    4. Appendix 1

    5. Appendix 2

    

    6. Glossary

    7. Sources and Acknowledgements 

     The book was written by Rebecca Locklear.  She is not only a writer but a teacher as well.  She homeschooled her children and helped other parents homeschool theirs for over 20 years.  Her take on education is to teach children with hands-on activities and interaction. Her books are engaging for the students and keep them focused on the subject at hand.  This can be especially great for subjects that some students find boring or tedious.  Your student will be learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills while having fun.

     The book we are reviewing has been a great experience. We have been going through it as a family.  The facts are presented in a way that keeps your attention and helps you remember them.  My younger 2 kids have never really liked history because they find it repetitive and boring (their own words). That is why I am always looking for fun new ways to teach this subject.  Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915: 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities is a great resource for teaching history in a fun new way.  

     This book includes cooking, drama, poetry, drawing, and reading, that all teach about this time period. You will learn all about life for these amazing men who were willing to give their lives to save others.  Your children will be doing so many wonderful activities, they won't realize they are learning! Let's take a look at some of the activities we did.....

Here Hope is going to find details in the pictures that will give clues to the time period and she wrote one question for each photo. Her brother then tried to answer the question she asked.  It was a lot of fun for them

During our discussion about how even kitchen supplies were used for many different things, we came up with how a cast iron skillet could be used for a simple drum or as a way to send signals to others.

Hope is working on dot painting an animal symbol to represent the character of the surfmen. She has chosen a whale to represent solitude.

The finished product :)

We did a few sing-alongs that were quite entertaining.

     We have had a lot of fun so far and will continue to work through this book over the summer months.  I would encourage you to check out Rebecca Locklear on her website and to subscribe to her emails.  You won't' be disappointed! 

     The Homeschool Review Crew has more reviews of this book and The Mayflower at Cape Cod - Stories, activities, and research that connect 1620 with life today over on the website. Just click the link below:

HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW: OUR REVIEW OF Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know!

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

     I can't believe my youngest son will be graduating in just 2 years.  Time has sure flown by so quickly.  I was happy to be able to receive and review Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know! from The Critical Thinking Co.™.  I knew this book would help get him focused on the colleges he is interested in attending.  

     The Critical Thinking Co.™ is a company that is committed to helping students thrive by developing a child's critical thinking skills. They have unique ways to help your student empower their minds. As you work through their products they welcome questions and will support you in any way they can. 

      The author of Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know! is Joyce Slayton Mitchell.  She has served 17 years as the Director of College Advising at the Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City.  She has also counseled college students for 13 years. During the past 11 years, she has been a Consultant in US College Admissions in China, South Korea, and the United States. She has written many books like this one and 8 First Choices.  This lady knows what she is writing about.  In this book, she will help your student learn how to make out applications to colleges that will be outstanding. They will help your child to stand out.  

      Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know!  is broken down into 5 parts. 

1. Student Self-Assessment
2. Searching the Colleges - Building Your College List
3. Communications
4. College Admissions Calendar
5. Glossary

Each section has something new to teach and offer.  During the student assessments, your child will have to take a deep look at himself and how others see him.  Searching for Colleges will help your student to be able to research different colleges and what they have to offer.  Communications will deal with the application process and writing essays.  In Part 4, you will find the best times to apply to colleges. The glossary at the back will help you understand the terms used throughout the book.  

     My son has been able to complete the Student Assessments and is going through Part 2 now.  I have been asking him questions as he is working through the book and he said he is really beginning to feel college is real and just around the corner.  He said during the assessments, he had to take a look at himself in a new way. He said so far it has been a good experience.  He said he is looking forward to finishing the book and learning more.  He is a very private person but is allowing me to share a page or two with you from this book.  

     This book is a very personal experience for each student.  That is what I like most about it.  My son will be able to learn how to make out applications and write essays that will be geared for him and him alone.   As you go through the assessment process you will be able to see what makes you unique then that will help you when filling out your college applications.  I would recommend this book for all high school students who are thinking about college.  

     Would you like to know more about The Critical Thinking Co.™?   I would encourage you to check out their website and social media pages listed below:

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We also have more reviews of this product along with many others over on the Homeschool Review Crew website. Just click the link below:

     

Have a great day!!!