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.

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

One of the hallmarks of homeschooling is creating things yourself, whether that is a schedule, priorities or curriculum. A great tool to have is a company who understands how important do-it -yourself hands-on activities are to educating your child at home. We were introduced to such a company, Home School in the Woods several years ago and have reviewed their Artists Activity Pak and Make-A-State products in the past. Today, we’re talking about the Individual Timeline Set (Grades K-12) from Home School in the Woods. While they have several, the one we chose is Timeline Set: Creation to Christ (Beginning - 100 AD) to go along with our studies this fall.

What We Received:

We received an Individual Timeline Set (Grades K-12) Creation to Christ (Beginning - 100 AD) from Home School in the Woods. This came as a digital file that when unzipped contained 5 files in total:

• Intro and Index: This file includes instructions, suggested uses and and index of all Historical Figures included

• CtoC Notebook-sized images with Name and Date

• CtoC Notebook-sized images with Name, Date and Text Description

• CtoC Wall-sized images with Name and Date

• CtoC Wall-sized images with Name, Date and Text Description

How It Works:

As the title suggests, these files are intended to create a timeline. The images are black and white with great details that work well with colored pencils. Timelines are a great learning tool that gives students a visual perspective of history and time. As any homeschooler can understand, each living space and situation is not created equal which means wall space for a full timeline isn’t always available. That is why Home School in the Woods offers both sizes with or without a full description. A timeline showcased on the wall is always visible and a good reminder to students. However, the smaller images can be useful in a variety of ways. A smaller, notebook timeline can be created that, in an accordion style, is easily put away and stored. There are lots of different timeline styles, even one including lamination and magnets. Another use is simply to create a history notebook where each image is glued or taped to the top and some kind of writing will follow. This could be a research-based writing or a journal prompt about information learned or just about any type of writing/notebook assignment. You could even create a set of timeline cards to test your memory or even create a game to encourage further interaction and recall.

What We Thought:

Coloring is a favorite pastime in our home so any excuse to color, especially something new, is a good excuse. So, I printed off the notebook version with text descriptions for my 10 year old and (almost) 8 year old. We have paused our Bible and History curriculum for a few weeks, but when we pick back up we will be studying Creation to the Greeks, which matches perfectly with this timeline. They have been coloring away mostly with colored pencils, but they have toyed around with some markers too. I told them as long as I could still read the words and the pictures didn’t look messy, I didn’t care what they used. It has been a good exercise in artistic coloring and neatness! My intent is to cut out each image and attach it to a sheet of paper, add some extra pages between for sketching and writing and then comb bind each set into a notebook that they can use all next year with our curriculum. If (when) any image gets messed up or colored illegibly, I can always print another to take its place!

Home School in the Woods knows the needs of homeschool families and does a great job delivering useful products that enrich student’s education from a variety of angles.

Follow Home School in the Woods on Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolinthewoods/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HSintheWoods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolinthewoods/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hsinthewoods/_saved/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrKq6iLty2fpB6R6ZpcUb8A/videos

Home School in the Woods offers a ton of different products. The Homeschool Review Crew also reviewed their Project Passport World History Studies, Time Travelers U.S. History Studies, Maps Combo-Pak (US & World Maps), Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World, Activity-Pak: The Old Testament, and the Activity-Pak: The New Testament. If you are interested in any of those products, click on the link below to check out their reviews.

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

There’s no denying that our culture has lost it’s way and isn’t focused on pleasing God. For those of us who are Christians, this isn’t a surprise, but are we doing anything about it? One of the most proactive things you can do when faced with darkness is to fill up your spaces with light as much as possible. I LOVE talking about curriculum that equips and builds up our families in the light of the gospel. Last year we were introduced to Positive Action Bible Curriculum and tried out their 4th grade -Building Life Castles program, which we loved. Today we are talking about 5th Grade - Possessing the Land. Same program, with an Old Testament focus this time.

What We Received:

We received one Possessing the Land Student Manual and one Possessing the Land Teacher’s Manual that includes a binder, dividers, printable testing material and answer keys. There are also several resources online as well, like PDF answer slides, editable quizzes, MP3 piano accompaniment and printable illustrations for handouts, etc.

How It Works:

This curriculum is designed with 35 lessons to cover a complete school year. The Teacher’s Manual offers 3 suggested weekly schedules including a 3, 4 or 5 day option. Each lesson consists of a memory verse, 3 sessions (A, B & C) followed by a review and a quiz. At the end of the books is a separate section that covers 10 hymns, their lyrics, history and discussion questions regarding the hymns and scripture.

The sessions in each lesson include a variety of activities for the student including fill in the blank, short and long answer questions, crossword puzzles, map activities, etc. Each lesson not only covers a different topic and set of scriptures, but it does NOT have a set of form activities that are the same every lesson. There is a variety and it changes from lesson to lesson, except for the Character Trait activity that is found in the Teacher’s Manual. The content is designed for students’ comprehension and retention. The memory verse is part of that, but also the quizzes support that too. Since they are single sheets in the Teacher’s Manual, they are easily copied and reused as often as desired.

The Hymn section is a great element that can be used anytime, alone or within the curriculum. Whether the hymns are familiar or not to your family, they offer a unique opportunity to learn about scripture and it’s influence on music and vice versa. Even if these are familiar hymns, unless you have intentionally studied them, I expect you as a parent/teacher will learn some interesting information you didn’t know before. I certainly did!

What We Thought:

My 10 year old son who is going into 5th grade this fall is who I have used this program with. He enjoys it and always seems to be challenged just the right amount. Much of the required information is easily attainable with a regular element of questions that require him to consider himself. One of the most important elements I look for in Bible curriculum is the amount of pure scripture study verses how much opinion of the author is included. Thankfully, in everything we have used so far, Possessing the Land is primarily scripture and nothing beyond that. That gets high marks in my book.

With it being summer and various things happening more regularly, it hasn’t been possible to sit with this curriculum every day. The 3 day schedule was more our speed and worked out a lot better. When I get overloaded, I find it more challenging to sit down and focus on the kids schooling which causes me to lean on activities that aren’t parent-led as much.. While there is a workbook, this curriculum is really best utilized with a lot of parent direction. There is a lot of rich content that isn’t found in the student manual, but is dependent on the parent/teacher to include it. The Character Trait Activity at the end of the lessons is a really important element that you don’t want to skip over, but it does require the parent to direct it. I don’t find this to be a negative thing, but simply important information in order to properly and effectively use this program.

This fall in our homeschool we are studying ancient civilizations and the creation of the world. This requires a look at the Old Testament for sure. After looking over this program I have about decided to use it along side our other studies to reinforce the Old Testament work we’ll be doing elsewhere. While it is designed for 5th graders, much of the discussion and scripture study is suitable for all ages able to pay attention. Just as the Bible is rich with things for all ages to learn, Positive Action Bible Curriculum is doing a great job of putting students in contact with the Bible in an effective way!

Follow Positive Action Bible Curriculum on Social Media:

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/positive_action/

The Homeschool Review Crew also reviewed Wise Up, a study for middle schoolers on the book of Proverbs. If you’re interested in finding more out about that program or what other people thought of Possessing the Land, follow the link below.

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

When I was little, I remember watching my dad play games on an Intellivision game system. My favorite was Dungeons and Dragons! For today’s review, we’re looking at Baggin' the Dragon Maths Online from EdAlive. We have looked at two of their other games before, Typing Tournament and Maths Invaders. Here is what we thought about those. Baggin’ the Dragon reminded me a bit of the graphics and gameplay from that old Dungeons and Dragons game if you were to base it on math. Certainly nostalgic for me, but that doesn’t count for much when it comes to kids, does it?

What We Received:

We were granted 12 months access to Baggin' the Dragon Maths Online for as many students as we needed. Baggin’ the Dragon is an Austrailian online game that combines automated Adaptive Learning with multi-player board game that seeks to protect your village from a fire breathing dragon.

How It Works:

This online game is designed for students age 5-15 and through various questions, adapts to their current educational level. Each student has their own login and account, which tracks their skill-level. In a board game style where you can play computerized opponents or your friends, students answer math questions and move around the board collecting or losing courage swords. Each question answered correctly counts toward the collection of hero cards as well. Underneath every question, there is a Too Hard option for when the student simply doesn’t know how to answer it. For each account, their questions and answers are collected and compiled to demonstrate where a students skills are and where there is need for improvement. This covers skills from age 5 all the way through 15 to include concepts of algebra, geometry, etc. This data is presented in a very helpful way that allows parents to be informed on each child’s performance. For times when a student needs to focus on a particular area, there is a Questions Only section that allows the user to select a specific area to practice on.

What We Thought:

For this review I had two children use the program, my daughter age 7 (almost 8) and my son age 10 1/2. Both were excited to try it out, but my daughter quickly changed her tune. My 7 year old was frustrated with questions that were too hard for her and took a while to warm up to pushing the Too Hard button. She really didn’t like that at first, but I attribute that mostly to her excellent math skills. She’s used to being good at it and got easily frustrated when things were beyond her. Thankfully, she got used to it and enjoys it just fine now. My son did well from the get go, but he always finds motivation in a game.

At first, it was a little confusing how the game went, simply because we didn’t understand the board game/math question combination. However, it didn’t take long for the kids to explore and figure it out. I really appreciate the adaptive part of the program from an educational perspective. It allows exposure and the reporting communicates clearly what they already know. That is encouraging. Sometimes we simply look at one grade level or one skill, but this allows a bigger picture perspective. And it’s fun! Baggin’ the Dragon is definitely a good choice for fun math games and educational support.

Social Media Links: EdAlive Online Learning

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdAlive
Twitter: https://twitter.com/edalive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edalive_onlinelearning/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/edalive/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/EdAliveTube

EdAlive Learning offers a variety of games, not just Baggin’ the Dragon. The Homeschool Review Crew also reviewed Word Rocks and Volcanic Panic. Check out those reviews through the link below.

I wanted to cry. Miss Z's soccer team had just made a goal - their first goal of the entire season. Before you go calling me a silly soccer mom, know that this was the next to last game of the season. They hadn't scored a single goal all season long. That unbelievable moment - a moment that we as parents and spectators had begun to think wouldn't happen this season - was full of delirious screams and wild jumping around. We still lost the game, but went on to score two more times after that and were just as excited every time. These girls had worked hard, but had a few things working against them all season. They were a new team, for one. They only had 2 subs while most teams had 4 or 5. And since they were low on sign-ups, they were a combination of age levels playing up in half the team's case and physically smaller than most of their opponents. All things that weren't anyone's fault really and we had certainly seen growth in just a few short weeks but none of that helps much when you're feeling discouraged at the losses. So, when a shot finally went in today, you better believe we rejoiced!

Losing, whether it be in sports or any part of life, is just that way. When you experience poverty, you have a greater appreciation for abundance. When you lose loved ones early in life, you have a great capacity to appreciate those around you now. Losing means struggling. Struggling gives you the chance to learn things and to grow in ways not possible otherwise. In sports it is natural and tempting to want your child to be on a winning team. When your team isn't winning you might talk bad about the other team or give the refs a hard time or even switch teams just to avoid losing. We all can slip into a sore loser mentality and make a 7 year old's soccer game about our personal validation. But, let me remind you that not only does it make you look foolish, but also your child misses the chance to learn skills to help her thrive in life for years to come.

Did you read that right? Losing a soccer game or not getting the lead or even getting dealt the worst hand in life, is usually one of the biggest catalysts in personal development and growth. Life is full of losses and the most successful people are the ones who struggle enough to actually learn how to do it better next time. Not to mention that the gratitude for the wins is so much bigger and sweeter when you have really lost and then found success with much effort. As parents we are wired to not want our kids to hurt, but sometimes we forget the purpose in some of that pain.

As much as I want to see that beautiful daughter of mine score a dozen goals, if only to see her excitement, it is more important to see her face any looming mountain in her life with endurance, ingenuity and an attitude to try again when she loses. I love it when my kids win, as we all should I think, but today reminded me how valuable losing truly is to being a success in life.

In our family, we can struggle to focus in a variety of ways. Focus Attention is one of the ways we manage symptoms of ADHD in adults AND kids!