The Homeschool Resource Room Insider

Pandia Press Review: Real Science Odyssey and History Odyssey

This year we tried two curricula from Pandia Press: Real Science Odyssey, History Odyssey, Ancients (lvl 2). Our experience & recommendations. For more information or to purchase this curriculum visit (affiliate links): 
Pandia Press Home
Real Science Odyssey
History Odyssey

Nature Curriculum Subscription: THiNK OUTSiDE Boxes

THiNK OUTSiDE Boxes provide a subscription-box-based nature curriculum for homeschoolers. Consists of monthly boxes with seasonal hands-on activities, guides, and lesson plans that focus on the outdoors but also extend into other subjects. Full disclosure: we got to try this subscription out free of charge in exchange for posting a fair and honest review.

These are a fantastic solution for nature curriculum or to use as a supplement for a range of ages. You receive quality materials, a slew (!) of activities that cover science, STEM, character development, social studies, and the arts, and there are even lesson plans that go along with each monthly theme. 

I would recommend THiNK OUTSiDE Boxes to parents who are looking for an engaging, hands-on nature curriculum that is EASYView THiNK OUTSiDE monthly themes and lessons online

Read another review to teach. Find details on the website with the affiliate links below:

 

Homeschool Phonics Program- PRIDE Reading Review

This year I was selected to receive a newer learn-to-read program to review, PRIDE Reading. After using this program with my kids, I found it to be a very thorough phonics program and the most supportive one I've seen for the parent-teacher. PRIDE is a structured curriculum that will work especially well for children struggling with reading due dyslexia or processing disorder(s).

The guidance and support for parents along with the solid, consistent instruction, and the affordability and compactness of this program will be appealing to many homeschool families. I highly recommend adding PRIDE Reading to your list of programs to check out for learning to read. 

For more information and to take a placement test, visit the PRIDE website (affiliate link): https://pridereadingprogram.com/ref/56/ 

Homeschool Reading Curriculum - All About Reading Level 2 Review

This year we needed a separate, stand-alone, learn-to-read program for my daughter. She's a very bright kid, but struggles with decoding (sounding out) and spelling phonetically. We landed on All About Reading and couldn't be happier.

This program delivers consistent, engaging, multisensory instruction for learning to read. I would recommend it to families (especially families with multiple kids) who need a separate phonics program that will give your child a solid base in phonics and develop their fluency and spelling skills.

Full disclosure, we received this program free of charge in exchange for a fair and honest review. For more information about All About Reading and to take a placement test visit (affiliate link): https://www.allaboutlearningpress.net/go.php?id=1754

Or read another review: https://thehomeschoolresourceroom.com/2020/08/29/all-about-reading/ 

Language Arts Curriculum - Kindergarten

This year we used Logic of English Foundations with my kindergartner. It is a thorough, multisensory, Orton Gillingham based program that covers everything you need for language arts from learning to read to comprehension, handwriting, writing, spelling, and grammar.

We received this program free of charge in exchange for posting fair and honest review. You can find details about the Logic of English Foundations program and take a placement test through the affiliate link below:

Logic of English Foundations

Recommendations for adjusting pacing

Take a placement test

Read another review

All in One Homeschool Curriculum: Moving Beyond the Page

Moving Beyond the Page is a robust, literature based all-in-one homeschool curriculum that most resembles unit studies. Take a placement test and view their full curriculum and individual units through the affiliate link below. Also check out our post with more details about MBTP and how to make it more affordable for your budget.

Moving Beyond the Page: https://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/default.aspx?aID=2c868096

Making MBTP more affordable for families post: https://thehomeschoolresourceroom.com/2020/07/31/moving-beyond-the-page-review/ 

Phonics Books for Kids of All Ages

PhonicBooks has developed a line of decodable readers to support kids in building foundational reading skills. These are EXCELLENT, especially for older kids who need readers that look and feel like they are made for big kids and also need extra support for learning to read.

 

We received these books free-of-charge in exchange for a fair and honest review. We are thrilled with these series. Especially the Catch Up Books. For more information, check out the affiliate links below:

 

PhonicBooks website

Beginner Readers for ages 5-7

Catch Up books for ages 8-14

WriteShop Review: An end-of-year review of WriteShop Junior

I'm so excited to share our year-end WriteShop review! This is my hands-down favorite homeschool curriculum that we used this year. Not only is this a thorough and easy to use program, but it got my son to ENJOY writing - a first for us!

 

I approached WriteShop about reviewing their product and received our copies free of charge. The following affiliate links lead to the WriteShop site. I highly, HIGHLY recommend this program for your language arts curriculum. You won't be dissapointed!!

 

Take a placement test

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WriteShop Junior program info

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More about WriteShop on The Homeschool Resource Room​

Let's Talk Homeschool Curriculum

This season is all about finding the right curriculum for your family. I'll be sharing end-of-year reviews for the curriculum we used that I would recommend.

Of course, I can't try everything! And what works for us might not be the exact fit for you. To find more options and the perfect fit for your family, check out our Secular Homeschool Curriculum Guide.

How do I get my kids to sit still long enough to learn?!?

Brought to you by: The Homeschool Portfolio; the Done-for-You Solution for Homeschool Compliance. Find it here.

Have a kid who won't sit still? Our solution: don't make them. As homeschoolers, we have the unique ability to allow our kids to freely move around and get the physical stimulation they need to help them focus on learning.

Find more tools for stimming here: 15 Sensory Toys for ADHD

Have a question for me? Email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

Figuring Out Homeschool Compliance Laws... the EASY way.

Brought to you by: Ready Set Homeschool, a hands-on workbook that will have you ready to hit the ground running in just 5 days. Grab it here.

If you're having trouble figuring out your state's homeschool compliance laws, there's one sure-fire place to get straight answers. Look for your state's Department of Education website online & search for "home education." Read the law for yourself, and if you don't understand it - give them a call. This way you'll know FOR SURE that you're in compliance.

Got a question for me? Email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

PSA! Bad Homeschool Advice: Just Take A Break.

Brought to you by our Homeschool Unit Studies eBook, your guide to a hands-on, whole family education. Download a free chapter to get started.

Have you heard this advice before? When things are tough in your homeschool, it's best to just take a break. I whole-heartedly disagree. Don't give up. Try something else. Try something new. Mix it up. When you really need a break, take one. But don't up and quit when things are hard.

Have a question for me? Email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

All in One Homeschool Curriculum - Moving Beyond the Page

Secular homeschool curriculum can be a bit tricky to find. The program that we currently are using (and loving) for my 4th grader that also offers an all-in-one option is (our affiliate link) Moving Beyond the page.

 

Related links: Secular Homeschool Curriculum Guide

How to afford Moving Beyond the Page on a Budget

How do I create a consistent homeschool schedule when life is not consistent?!?

Brought to you by the FREE resources at The Homeschool Resource Room. Sign up for VIP access to all our free printables.

Creating a homeschool schedule is key to keep things running smoothly, but what do you do if you have a fluctuating schedule? A couple scheduling work-arounds that will help you stay consistent - even when life is constantly changing.

Related links: Download & customize a visual homeschool schedule

Have a question you'd like answered? Email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

Using Non Examples - BEST Teacher Trick for Homeschoolers

Brought to you by: Homeschool Unit Studies eBook: A Hands-on, Whole-family education

My hands-down BEST teacher trick: using non-examples. A great way to (1) figure out if your kid understands what you're teaching, and (2) keep moving forward in your lesson without coming down on your kid.

Have a question for me? Email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

Supplementing Virtual School - what's the best EASY hands-on supplement?

Brought to you by: Ready Set Homeschool, a hands-on workbook that will have you ready to hit the ground running in just 5 days. https://shop.thehomeschoolresourceroom.com/?sort=page_layout#dkvwE

What are the best supplements for virtual school? We like hands-on and EASY. My recommendation is to pick up a subscription box or two. Everything you need, motivation in a box, educational, and fun. Some of our favorite sub boxes from our fantastic affiliate partners:

MEL Science

Kiwi Crate

Think Outside Boxes

Have a pressing homeschool question? Email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

Is structure BAD for kids?!? Is it good? How much?

Brought to you by our Homeschool Unit Studies eBook, your guide to a hands-on, whole family education. Download a free chapter to get started.

So, is structure bad for kids? No no no! Most kids crave and need a good amount of structure. In most cases, it's the parents who reject it - not the kids...

If you have a question, email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

Can kids really learn from apps?!?

Brought to you by the FREE ebook, 7 Simple Ways to get Your Kids Excited about Learning TODAY! 

Not all educational apps are created equal, but your kids CAN learn a little something from them. They can also be motivational, helpful as a supplement, and a great filler when times get rough.

Our favorite links from a few of our affiliate partners and others:

Epic!  Smartick   Reading Eggs / Eggspress 

Teach Your Monster to Read  Starfall 

If you have a pressing homeschool question, email me: ashley@thehomeschoolresourceroom.com

Where can I find (actually good) FREE homeschool resources?

Brought to you by: Homeschool Unit Studies eBook: A Hands-on, Whole-family education. Grab it here.

 

Three places to find homeschool resources including one you might not have considered. With a little special attention paid to our current pandemic situation… Check out these suggestions.

 

Have a question? Email me

So… What is Secular Homeschool?

Brought to you by The Homeschool Portfolio, the done-for-you solution for homeschool compliance. Check it out here.

 

If you've gotten some conflicting answers about what secular homeschool is, you're not alone. Secular = non-religious, homeschool = home education. Buuuuut it's a little trickier than that. Let's talk about what secular homeschooling is and what it is not.

Have a question? Email me

Homeschooling Your Special Needs Child: Need to know info

Brought to you by: Ready Set Homeschool, a hands-on workbook that will have you ready to hit the ground running in just 5 days. Grab it here.

 

If you're thinking about homeschooling your special needs child, this info is need. to. know. All about where to find resources in your city or state. You got this.

 

Have a question? Email me

Homeschool Styles PSA - You're NOT doing it wrong.

Brought to you by our Homeschool Unit Studies eBook, your guide to a hands-on, whole family education. Download a free chapter to get started.

 

You've probably heard about different homeschooling styles. You might have even heard from helpful internet folks that there's a particular homeschool style that Works. For. Everyone. I'm here to tell you - there's no one one be-all, end-all homeschool style, and if you are using a style that isn't working for you, it's not YOU that's the problem. 

Have a question? Email me

Recommended Reading Programs for Dyslexia

Brought to you by the FREE resources at The Homeschool Resource Room. Sign up for VIP access to all our free printables.

 

Today we're talking about the best homeschool reading programs for kids with dyslexia. I've got two recommendations that we've used, love, and I will whole-heartedly stand behind. Both are hands-on, multisensory, Orton-Gillingham based programs and both are fantastic in their own way.

 

Proud affiliate partner of these two fantastic, secular learn-to-read programs. Find out more directly on the websites:
All About Reading
Logic of English

Have a question? Email me

How can I get my kids learning together? 2 Time Management Tips for Homeschoolers

Homeschooling multiple kids is not for the faint of heart! How do you manage teaching all of your kids at once? I have two tips for you: using unit studies to teach your whole family together and a center rotation, which will give you more time to teach your kids individually.

 

Some how-to help to get you started:

 

Homeschool Unit Studies: Your Guide to a Hands-on, Whole Family Education

 

Homeschool Centers: The Sanity-Saving Secret to Management & Organization

 

Have a question? Email me

Homeschool Failure: What happens if I just can't hack it?

Brought to you by: Homeschool Unit Studies eBook: A Hands-on, Whole-family education. Grab it here.

 

This is one of the biggest fears of new homeschool parents. We worry that we will fail, if we just can't hack it as homeschoolers, our kids will suffer. So will your child be held back? By-and-large, the answer is NO! Let's take a look at why that is & a little about what to expect from your public school system.

 

Have a question? Email me