homeschool reviews Archives - Pea of Sweetness

Health Education for Your Homeschool {MarshMedia Review}

June 9, 2017 by Emilee Evans

I have growing kids with various (and ever changing) needs. Sometimes I’m not sure I’m equipped to tackle certain topics/subjects but finding multiple resources can be tricky and time consuming. I was excited to learn about the Homeschool Special health education resources offered by MarshMedia so I could tackle some of those more complicated topics!

MarshMedia has been offering health education resources since 1969. Their resources cover a variety of topics suited for children in grades K-8. Each specific resource notes which ages/grade levels are ideal for that resource. Some of the topics covered includes: hygiene, health, puberty education, safety, immune system disorders, head lice, nutrition and more. As a special needs parent I was also excite to see educational programs for children with special needs as well!
MarshMedia offers DVD’s, books, and teaching guides. They also offer streaming options online which we have been using for our review. Currently 54 of the programs are available for streaming on their website. The programs are around 15 minutes long.

One of MarshMedia’s key health education resources is their puberty education series. There are six different puberty education series to choose from. This topic has been on my mind because I have a preteen son that already has physical signs of puberty. As a single mom (and a woman that didn’t grow up with any brothers to boot!) I wasn’t sure how to approach the topic. Surely he doesn’t want to talk to mom about it anyway!
Although I assume my daughter will take after me and won’t need to learn about the changes that take place for a while, she is also coming up the age where she’ll need to learn about it soon as well. One thing I’ve heard multiple times is it’s better they learn it from you than a friend!

When it comes to the topic of puberty, though, I think we often fear it will go into deeper topics our kids aren’t yet ready to learn. The MarshMedia puberty education resources are not “sex education.” They are factual resources for puberty education.
I, personally, watched the videos myself first to determine what would be appropriate for the kids. Even with the less private topics I still had the kids watch the videos on their own. I love that there are a variety of options, especially for puberty education, because I could find what was ideal for each child. After they’ve watched the videos I will ask if they have any questions. Sometimes they do, most times they don’t.

Health Education Resource

MarshMedia really does cover a variety of topics. I love that I can not only teach the kids about health topics but also things like social skills as well. It has definitely been a great health education resource for our homeschool.
In the past, MarshMedia has been available for schools, but they wanted to be able to offer these same resources to homeschoolers at an affordable price. If you wish to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce the MarshMedia curriculum to your home schooler(s) click on the link below for more information:
https://marshmedia.com/pages/homeschool-offer

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Other members of the Homeschool Review Crew also shared their MarshMedia reviews. See what they thought by clicking on the banner below!

Supplementing Our Homeschool with K5 Learning {Review}

June 6, 2017 by Emilee Evans

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Policy for more information.
I don’t know about you, but I think extra practice in math and reading is always a good thing. We have been using the online program from K5 Learning to not only practice math and reading but spelling as well! They’ve been learning a few extra things as well!

For our K5 Learning review all three children (ages 11, 9, 7) have been using the online program. We access it on both a laptop and Nextbook running Windows 10 and using the Google Chrome browser. We have not had any issues accessing it.

What is K5 Learning?

The K5 online program is a supplemental program for not only homeschoolers but any child in Kindergarten-5th grade who needs extra practice! It is an account based program easily accessible online. It can be used for up to four children, and each child has their own log in. So there is nothing to download, and progress is saved online. It includes K5 Math, K5 Reading and K5 Spelling.
Although it is a supplemental program, it’s not simply a “sit down and practice” program. It definitely helps foster a sense of independence because it actually offers instruction as well. Lessons are short and interactive. They are fun, interesting and engaging.
Additionally, K5 Learning includes customized worksheets to take the learning offline. The worksheets are produced based on what your child is learning. It further reinforces key lessons and offers learning without the screen. This reduces arguing about who gets to use the computer right now as well!
K5 Learning Review - Worksheets

Assessments

One of my favorite aspects of K5 Learning are the Assessments. I am generally not one to focus on grade level as much as having the kids work wherever they are in each subject. That is what the K5 Learning Assessments are all about. How kids progress through K5 is based on the assessments. Children start right where they are rather than where their age or grade says they should be.
I am so glad they offer this option because, otherwise, my kids wouldn’t have started the program where they need to. Because of my kids’ special needs, they do have some learning challenges. My oldest (Autism spectrum) has a moderate reading delay but does very well in math. In fact, he tested a grade above in math! So he was able to start at a lower level in reading, but a higher level in math. My youngest son (Sensory Processing Disorder) has a slight reading delay but is on target for math, so he was able to start where needed as well.
My daughter’s assessment suggested she’s at a 5th Grade level for both subjects. So in her case, I’m glad she has been able to learn at a higher level. By “school age” she would be in 3rd Grade, but for curricula that is based on grade level she does 4th Grade work. I love that she doesn’t have to be held back.

Our K5 Learning Review

My kids have been enjoying K5 Learning. The short, interactive lessons keep their attention, and they have been both practicing as well as learning things. Spelling has been great for my older kids because it’s something I just don’t do enough of as it is. It’s really challenged them in a good way! This is one of those programs that I don’t have to beg them to do. They get online and do it independently.
What they are learning and practicing goes beyond just the basics. It’s not just reading. It’s inferences and comprehension as well. Math isn’t just numbers. It’s shapes and money as well. Even doing the worksheets has encouraged the kids to do more.
We did come across a couple of challenges, though. For example, my oldest (who has the moderate reading delay) does well in comprehension. So, the comprehension portion of reading would be at a higher level. It required reading at that level, though. So I would have to read with (or to) him so he could answer the questions. For math, the older two kids were working on things they’ve never learned. There was no way to go back or skip it from what I’ve seen. I’m not sure if this was a case of problems associated with Common Core because I try to avoid Common Core so it would make sense that they didn’t learn it if that is the case. Otherwise, it might just be above their level.
Regardless, we like K5 Learning and definitely plan to continue using it to supplement our homeschool.

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Members of the Homeschool Review Crew have been using the K5 Learning online program with their children of various ages/grade levels. See what they thought in their K5 Learning review by clicking on the banner below!

Breathing Life Back into our Homeschool with Homeschool Rescue {Review}

May 24, 2017 by Emilee Evans

To say I feel overwhelmed right now would definitely be accurate. So when I was offered the opportunity to breathe new life into my homeschool through Homeschool Rescue from Only Passionate Curiosity I was definitely excited to see what it was all about! Am I doing enough? Is the plan I have in place working for us? Or sometimes I feel like we’re doing TOO much! Could this six week online course be the answer I’m looking for? I was eager to find out!
The Homeschool Rescue Course is accessed online and is designed to address the multiple concerns we have as homeschoolers. It recognizes that sometimes we just need to hit the reset button, and that is exactly what it does. It offers the opportunity to take a real look at your homeschool from where you’ve been to where you need to go.
The Homeschool Rescue Course includes:

Lifetime Access to the Homeschool Rescue eCourse
20+ video lessons, worksheets, audio files and resources
Group “live course” experience June-July 2017a
A Facebook group to tap into
Bonus planners for moms and students.

When I was trying to grasp the idea of the Homeschool Rescue program I had to laugh when Heather said she had been a “hot mess mom.” I think that’s the best way I can describe myself right now. My world got shaken up, and I’m trying to balance homeschooling, working, blogging, housework, volunteer works, activities, etc. as a single mom with three children with special needs. I know it’s possible to find balance in the midst of the chaos but I would analyze and reflect and still feel like I’ve gotten nowhere. Homeschool Rescue has been exactly what I’ve needed!

Using the Homeschool Rescue Course

Homeschool Rescue is broken down in an easy to follow 60 Day Plan, which has grown since the start of our review. There is a calendar to break the course day into daily and weekend tasks. Initially we started with a 6 week plan, which I promptly printed out and hung on my wall. In the midst of chaos I surely appreciated having a calendar with check boxes to keep me on task!
There are 5 total modules, and it breaks up the modules into smaller daily tasks. I think something I appreciate most is she understands we don’t need something else taking up our precious time. The tasks are broken down into something manageable even on the busy days.

Homeschool Rescue has a total of 5 modules which are then broken down into lessons. If following the 60 day plan, you would watch between 1-4 modules with 3/week being the most common. The Modules include:

Triage Your Homeschool
Time Management Systems & Organization
Curriculum Planning & Organization
Setting Students up for Success
Teaching Older Students

When individual lessons are selected within the module it will not only show the video for that lesson but also has the downloads and resources right there as well. My biggest concern was that there would be a place for the videos and a different place for the downloads and resources, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it’s all in one place. In fact, I find the navigation of the program to be so easy!

Addressing Many Challenges

The Modules and Lessons in Homeschool Rescue really cover such a broad range of topics that homeschoolers face including managing the home. I really feel like Homeschool Rescue wasn’t definitely just for me but for the kids as well. It wasn’t just my watching videos, taking notes, and making a plan. It really gets the kids involved as well from discovering their learning style to asking them questions about their lives and thoughts on homeschooling.
I really don’t think there is anything I’ve experienced or areas I hope to improve in that weren’t covered in Homeschool Rescue. I think the only thing that wasn’t fitting for my household were tasks that involve a spouse since I’m a single mom. It doesn’t bother me because I understand this is not typical, but I do think I’d prefer if it just said “your family” rather than “your spouse and children.” Obviously a date night with my spouse would be irrelevant as well, but I actually love that it’s included because I think that’s so important for married couples.

Community Support

The very first task for Homeschool Rescue is joining the Facebook group. It’s recommended to introduce yourself to the group and plug in. It is really a great community! It was recommended to connect with another member with a similar situation to hold each other accountable. I admit I haven’t been a very good accountability partner, but I think it really is a great idea. Plus conversations aren’t limited to just Homeschool Rescue. It’s a great place to connect with other homeschoolers.

Homeschool Rescue Review

Really I could go on and on about all the great things I’ve learned through Homeschool Rescue. Not to mention the things I’m still looking forward to. Homeschool Rescue is an amazing resource even if you aren’t frazzled. I’ve learned more about my children, our homeschool, and myself.
Although I’m still moving along the course, I have already felt a huge weight lifted. I’m feeling less overwhelmed and stressed. Instead of feeling like “wow, can I really keep doing this?” I feel like “I can totally do this.” From managing my homeschool to managing the home, it’s really been a huge blessing! I would definitely recommend Homeschool Rescue for any homeschool family!

Connect with Only Passionate Curiosity

Other members of the Homeschool Review Crew have been using Homeschool Rescue for their homeschool as well. See their Homeschool Rescue review by clicking on the banner below!

Online Art Lessons with Cross-Curricular Connections {ArtAchieve Level II Review)

May 1, 2017 by Emilee Evans

I, personally, enjoy art much like my daughter. Even my boys have been enjoying it more. It’s surely not because I come up with a bunch of great ideas, though! Last summer we had the opportunity to share our review of online art lessons from ArtAchieve. We really enjoyed it and were looking forward to moving on to the Entire Level II for this review! It offers a variety of great art lesson ideas from around the world!

ArtAchieve makes teaching art easy by offering online art lessons with detailed instructions available in both a Power Point and video format. Currently there are five levels available that are suitable for a variety of ages (including adults). It requires no background in teaching art so anyone can both take the lessons or “teach” them! What makes ArtAchieve even more unique, though, is that it goes beyond just teaching art to actually teaching culture as well. Plus, it breaks down resources to include Writing, Science, Exercise, Literature and more! One art lesson can break down into a whole day of learning through these various suggestions!
ArtAchieve lessons are accessed online through an internet based account. Once logged in to the account, you can access all of the lessons you have purchased. Lessons can be purchased individually or as a package. Each lesson has a drop down that shows the components which includes the video lesson, Power Point, a Warm-Up and a Printout. Plus, when you click on the individual lessons it brings up a page that features the Description, List of Supplies, Suggestions for Cross-Curricular Connections, and the Approximate Time for the lessons.

Online Art Lessons – ArtAchieve Level II

My daughter (age 9) has been using ArtAchieve Level II online art lessons which we access easily through a laptop running Windows 10 and using the Google Chrome browser. I’ve even done a couple myself! Because the lessons don’t build upon each other, there is really no specific order that must be followed. So she has just been choosing the lessons that interest her most. She started with a cat, which was no surprise! Really there is no “wrong” place to start. I find the Lesson Description helps because you can see what medium is used (and therefore what supplies are needed). Plus you can see how long it is estimated to take and go from there! I find for us, personally, these are the main points we used to determine which lessons to do on particular days.

Because we had shared an ArtAchieve review in the past, I used the methods we found best for us last time. What I discovered was we weren’t really choosing between either the video lesson and Power Point. We use both for each lesson. For each lesson I play the video, and she follow along as instructed. We pause when necessary and refer to the Power Point during those times when she needs a still shot of the project. This works well for her!
The Power Point is mostly just the steps needed for the project. I definitely wouldn’t use it by itself, but it’s definitely great to use along with the video. Within the video is not only the steps for the project, but the cultural references and information are woven throughout the video. He talks about it as well as even showing things like flags and maps.

Warming Up

Although the lesson times vary per project, I have found they are pretty similar in length. The Warm-Up is usually fairly short. She completes a quick activity to help prepare her for the lesson. Plus I love that it also recommends way to relax to help prepare. This has just helped in general as she does sometimes have a hard time focusing. Plus these are skills she can use to prepare for any subject!

Lessons

The video lessons themselves are generally between 20-30 minutes. She does pause as needed to complete steps. So overall, the lessons for her take a total of around 45 minutes up to an hour at the most. That may seem like a lot for one art lesson, but it’s not *just* an art lesson. With all the other elements woven throughout she’s learning so much more! Generally, she does complete 1-2 lessons per week.

ArtAchieve Review

Overall, I think ArtAchieve is a fantastic online art program. No art experience is necessary to use it. It can be accessed from wherever you are with internet access. The art and corresponding mini lessons within the art lessons are presented in a way that is easy to follow. Plus it’s fun and unique! It’s definitely a great fit for our homeschool.

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