Category: Homeschool

Family Activities

“Blah Blah Blah” Phonics Game Review

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Disclaimer: “Blah Blah Blah” is complimentary receivedproduct.

Hi Loves!

I have another review for you today. We are a homeschooling family which means our home, values and belief dictate how we educate our kids. Not the other way around. With that, nothing comes into our home unless it offers goodness, beauty, truth and/or wonder.

This game hits all the marks. From its funny name, to multi-level and multi-person player options, to the connection and to the fun with learning. My kids ask to play this all the time.

I do have a con- the cards sometimes stick together. That’s it. To be fair, this also happens with card games that are not more than 10 years old. You can purchase this game and find more of their products here.

WAIT- There’s more you are going to want to stick around for!

Per their website, “Blah Blah Blah is a card game to integrate bite-sized learning into kids’ lives. They’ll learn: How to recognize the letters and sounds in sight words; The clear pronunciations of core sight words; How to decode words to phonics.”

On top of that, this game can be played with all reading levels! My entire family has played this several times and it is always enjoyed. My children don’t even realize this is “learning” because we all have so much fun.

Feel free to explore the product and/or purchase here.

As we are in the holiday season, this would make a great gift for littles as it can be enjoyed by many for years to come.

Enjoy!

Family Activities

History and Spelling Updates

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Hey loves!

Do you ever wonder why eclectic homeschoolers are called eclectic? Honestly I don’t have the exact answer but I know I am an eclectic homeschooler because it takes a minute to find things that really work for our family and no two children are at the same. 

With that, since the beginning of our year and my last curriculum updates what you can find here, I’ve made some changes to history and spelling for James.

If you recall in this video I already changed our spelling from Spelling You See to a spelling curriculum that I found via Pinterest that was free. With this free curriculum we used manipulatives that we had at home to help him practice spelling words solely from recitation. While the recitation part was improving, I could tell the cognitive function ofused spelling was not increasing across other areas. So, I went back to the drawing board. Thankfully, use curriculum sales are my jam and I was able to find all about spelling, the complete set, for a total of seven dollars. I couldn’t beat that if I tried so I took it as a sign that we could just give it a shot.

Well, this shot changed our entire lives and frankly, I am in love. All about spelling is wet we needed in James’ spelling has improved monumentally in just 10 lessons. Because I am loved by the Most High, I was also able to find a brand new copy of level 2 for a great price locally and grabbed it so we are all set there.

Now, for history, I said at thetime that I was researching I couldn’t find a non-Eurocentric curriculum program that was age-appropriate for James. So, I settled with Story of The World. Well, it wasn’t inaccurate or grossly racist but it wasn’t fun or engaging. Honestly, because of my traditional school upbringing I honestly thought that’s what history was. That is until I found Curiousity Chronicles. This curriculum includes an audiobook that’s so engaging and fun and the activities are crazy easy to implement while letting the child learn and have fun. 

We are studying ancient history now and will soon go into the medieval period. I’ll be using the same curriculum because they are not only accurate and not grossly racist but they are also non- Eurocentric and focus on so many other great ethnic cultures and traditions in their history curriculums.

I rounded both of these out by grabbing two of these notebooks from The School Nest. I’m not sure why she doesn’t have all of the pictures on her website but that’s her business thankfully a friend sent me a full video flipped through and I was sold. For $10 each I am able to have a history timeline that will last us for years any spelling notebook that’s going to do the exact same without having tons of loose papers all around my house that I have to clean up and keep up with. 

That’s all for now. Talk soon!

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All About Wonder Crate Jr.

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Hey Loves!

I am back with another great review for you. Again, while this product, Wonder Crate Jr., was a complimentary received product, the views and thoughts below are all of my own. (Read: I am not here to lie to you!)

OK, here’s the thing, I have been burned several times with subscription kits. That’s the short-end and honestly me telling you all of the details would take far too much time that neither of us have. Just know I was incredibly skeptical about this product.

That means you get a very thorough review. Starting with the customer service and the shipping. I mean, I kind of feel like all companies should provide quality customer service, however Wonder Crate goes above and beyond. I was honestly impressed. Their shipping was very fast and my package was not damaged. If you know anything about USPS you know that is highly unlikely. 

Next the packaging – So part of the reason that I have been burned on subscription crates in the past is because I physically have had to do way too much for a subscription crate that was supposed to be for my children. I just don’t feel like they should require 90% of parent involvement and direction. So, I opened this box fully expecting that. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

For those of you not familiar with Wonder Crate, they are a kid-based subscription that focus on inspiring change-makers from Civil Rights leaders to Artists and allow kids to learn about them through engaging hands-on learning like completing a couple of quality crafts and a book relating to the said person’s life. The box we received was all about Frida Kahlo and I don’t know why this worked out so well for us, but she is the next artist we’re going to be studying. (Note, I planned this in May of 2021. I didn’t change plans based on this box.) 

Per their website, each box comes with a biography book, hands-on activities, parent guide and reusable tote in the first box. “Wonder Crate Jr. introduces kids ages 5-7 to inspirational role models, sparks curiosity and connects them to their own possibilities. Possible role models include: Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Alan Turing, Greta Thunberg, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, and MLK Jr.

I also love that this product was created by a mom who felt defeated after the 2016 Election and turned her pain into passion to make change in the next generation.

I personally am thrilled about this and plan on adding to Christmas and birthday wishlists. You can find out more and purchase it here. Check out what my fellow Melanted Gold Squad Review Member thought about Wonder Crate Jr. here.

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Where’d You Learn That, Purely Preschool Fall Pack Review

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Hey Loves!

I hope all is well with you. I have the pleasure of bringing to you today a review of Where’d You Learn That Purely Preschool Fall Pack. While this product was gifted to me, the review and thoughts below are all my own. (Also, y’all should know I would not lie to you.)

OK, so when this digital product arrived in my inbox I was a little concerned about the page count. Wow, was I wrong and I am so glad that I was! If you know me at all, you know that I love a product that I can use more than once and in multiple ways. Super bonus if I can use it with both of my kids at the same time. This hits all three of those marks! Let me explain how…

For starters, The images depict the actual subject. So if it is a fall animal like a squirrel it is a beautifully black-and-white drawn image of said squirrel, not a cartoon image or a character. I really like this, especially when studying nature because then I feel like my children can really learn about the animal and explore as opposed to just engaging with some random image that may not depict its actual likeness.

Next, the layout: I absolutely adore how the author briefly but thoroughly explains each activity in the pack and provides all the things that you need. Honestly, this is a lesson plan anyone could follow. Seriously, I could give the lesson plan to James and he could implement it. There is no fluff, but it is very full.

Finally, the best part, the content! While this pack is for Fall, the sky’s the limit with all you can do! There is so much in it and while she does provide instructions and guides, you can adapt these for much more. For example, I used the images as instructed with Jude, then together both my children used the images for a scavenger hunt on a walk they took later that day. Jude loved painting fall color leaves and on his own tried to make the color orange. Art then became science!

Lastly, I like how this packs reminds us how t ocare for and appreciate nature. I am so looking forward to using this for many Falls to come with my kids. Check it out here. 

Check out what my fellow Melanted Gold Squad Review Members thought about Where’d You Learn That here!

crafting

First Day Teacher Gifts

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Hey Loves!

To quote (and then add in to quote) the incomparable artist, Prince, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called” GRATITUDE. 

Note; This blog will be presented in two parts. 

Part 1: Here’s the thing, teachers, especially in this country, deserve all the things. I mean, I know after the last year some of you have decided to co to use to homeschool so you get it. You only have to educate your child(ren) and all that encompasses. You rightfully deserve your gratitude in verbal and physical gift form. As do teacher. 

I also know the last 1.5 years has been hard on everyone and there aren’t extra funds. You are trying to figure out how to get the essentials, and anything else is simply inconceivable. 

I GET IT!!!

As most of you know, my kids will be attending a full-day at our local homeschool program one weekly. As a homeschool mom, I know we are used to doing everything without any thanks. I’m not saying that’s right, just saying I sympathize. 

So, using $.50 markers, $.25 wooden key chains, old vinyl, a free printable and ribbon I had on hand, I put these together. I’ll be adding a little treat and BOOM! First day gifts completed for literally $1 each. 

You can substitute these fine tip markers for dry-erase markers, colored pencils, flair pens, etc. 

You know what you can also do?

Part 2: 

Again, the focus is gratitude here. It’s also great to practice a little empathy. 

Wouldn’t you want to feel seen and supported, especially after the last 18 months?

Instead of buying things, take the time to write this teacher a thank you note and include the days/times you are available to help. 

After the first week, kindly asks what it is they could use in her classroom and asses what you provide. 

Y’all, I was convicted putting these gifts together. As simple as they were for and as economical as they were for me, both could be way out of reach for another family but our gratitude and empathy remain the same. 

If you are going to give anything, my top suggestion is it needs to be useful. If you are unsure, your time is an amazing gift!

For future gift ideas, I put together these info sheets to really get all the deets on their likes, allergies, and needs. Hope this helps. 

crafting

Back-to-School Baskets

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Hey Loves!

To know me is to know I love a board and a basket. Honestly, I adore them and I love how easy it is to make common necessities and/or some cute festive additions so much more grande and special. That’s my goal, the memories. I want, I guess I need my kids to feel so incredibly treasured it is foreign to them to not love themselves or others well.

Anywho, here’s the rundown for all the things in their ‘Back To School” baskets. I think I will present them the week before with a special doughnut breakfast. Thoughts?

You should know these freaking adorable labels are hand painted and personalized from Grace and Grain Studio. Seriously, the BEST customer service ever.

Both boys are getting the following:

Navy Backpack– I spent like 7 hours trying to find the best backpack for their needs as they will spend Tuesdays learning at a local homeschool program. These fit the bill and the budget. My prayer is they will last 2 years too. I also snagged lunch totes on clearance and personalized them myself. (Mine sold out so linking similar, check their clearance though!)

Speaking of personalization, I personalized two shirts for them; a polo with our homeschool name (state requirements as I have to register this year) and grade level t-shirts. I was on a roll so I personalized a crayon holder as well.

Not personalized but awesome, they got a primary composition book that leaves room for illustrations as we want him to practice writing short stories this year. I’m planning to have them dictate lots to me!

Acrylic Numbers: This was not a need. I couldn’t resist and can see us using these manipulatives for so many things.

Alphabet Jammies (linked similar but these and these are sooooooooo cute!!!)

Crayola Markers and Crayons (Not linked because they are legit everywhere from Dollar Tree to Dillards.)

The Drawing Book for Kids ( a gift from my aunt)

Crayola Band-aids (BullsEye Playground unconscious purchase. No idea how it happened.)

Here is where they differ…

Books: Jude got a signed copy of The King of Kindergarten and James got The Day You Begin (a gift from Grandma). They also got a “what’s different” activity book for the car or trips that are based on their level. (No link because I have no idea where I got them, I’ve hoarded them for a few years.)

Handwriting Practice: Each got a nifty board to practice handwriting. Jude got a manuscript lowercase letter chalk tracing board and James got a personalized cursive letter alphabet tracing board that is dry erase.

See? Everything is usable, sustainable and will last quite a bit as well as affordable.

Family Activities

Back-to-School Traditions

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Hey Loves!

As quick as summer came, it seems it is coming to an end as we all prepare to get back into school rhythms. 

I wanted to share with you some easy and fun back to school traditions but I really want to hear your traditions when heading back to school!

Let’s get into it!

Spa Day: Let’s face it, in the summer we get a little laxed, so to make grooming fun, we do a spa day at home. I give my kids a pedicure, manicure, facial and do their hair. I think it is really good for all kids to learn the importance of self care as early as possible. This is also a fun way to prepare for and discuss upcoming schedule changes, fears, apprehensions and work through them. 

Pictures: I know the whole world does “first day” photos but as a homeschool mom, this was the one thing I knew I could do and do well. I’ve kicked it up a notch with grade shirts and coordinating outfits. Again, I’m extra. 

First Day Handprints- I know this one will end before I’m ready but it warms my heart to go through the past handprints and see how they’ve grown. It also breaks my heart 

Preparing learning bins: I let my kids see all their new (to them) curriculum. I layout so they experience it through all their senses. Then I have my kids clean out their learning bins, get out all the crayon and pencil scuffs with Lemon EO and load them back up. After 4 years, my kids need new bins so I’ll bring you along for the personalization and organization. 

Back to school baskets: You can read all about them here but I love how excited my kids get seeing their new supplies and grade shirts. It really helps set an exciting tone for the kids. 

School Supplies Shopping: This is a new one that James and I endeavored upon this year. As my kids are doing one full day a week at a local homeschool program, they will need additional supplies. Call me a nerd but I used to love going back to school shopping for supplies and James enjoyed it as well. We used this cute printable to keep track of our needs. Check out my Instagram to see him shopping and marking things off his list.

Until Next time