Brain Blox Fun Family Chess~ Making Chess "Easy Peasy" to Learn! {Product Review}

Chess. When we first got married, I didn’t realize that my husband had played in the chess club. We tried playing together, but I just didn’t have the critical thinking skills to play…but really it was more that I could NEVER remember which piece was able to move where or how! Chess is a game that I really have been wanting to introduce to my kids—especially my math and critical thinking game lover—but it’s not really my forte. Enter our review of the Brain Blox Fun Family Chess set from Brain Blox. Claiming to be the “easy-peasy way to learn chess”, I really wondered if this was the answer to my how-do-i-teach-them-chess dilemma!

About the Product

Brain Blox Fun Family Chess is a very fun learn-as-you-play game designed to teach anyone from age 5-105 how to play chess. Chess is a great game for the mind, as it increases skills in so many areas

Art History Comes Alive with HiGASFY! {Curriculum Review}

I love art. I love history. I don't necessarily love art history. We have found that most art history is either too teacher dependent, or it's rather boring. We've tried a variety of programs and books. Some of the top named curriculums. Yet we've never "loved" it enough to keep doing it. Enter the HiGASFY Art History Video Series and their online art history lessons and curriculum bundles. For the last several weeks, we've been reviewing a 3-month subscription to the HiGASFY Art History Video Series and the boys are eager to share their thoughts on the new (to us) program.

About The Product

HiGASFY is an art history program with a “real” teacher via video lessons, hands-on activities, and much more that is designed to introduce students to the world of art history. The teacher (Mrs. Beth) and her assistant (a drop of paint named Gasfy), help the students explore the world of art through personable and interesting lectures that are shared like stories--hence the name "Have I Got A Story For You!".

Britfield & the Lost Crown ~ A New Adventure Series for the Middle Grades {Book Review}

My oldest son is a picky reader. He has discovered over the years that he has DEFINITE likes and dislikes for a book. More often than not, his dislikes tend to be in the fiction range. He's an avid reader of non-fiction and while he will read an occasional fiction, it HAS to be set in history. And it has to be exciting. So yeah--he's a picky reader. We were recently given a copy of the new adventure series Britfield & the Lost Crown by C.R Stewart. It is a middle school/young adult genre book, which meant it is ideal for my oldest son, who is presently thirteen. However, with his high demands for his books, would it pass the test? Join me today as I share HIS review of this book, and I'll let him tell you himself!

About the Book

Britfield & the Lost Crown is a new series from C.R. Stewart. Set in England, the book follows Tom and his best friend Sarah from behind the cruel walls of Weatherly Orphanage, to their daring

Exploring Classic Children's Literature with Memoria Press {Curriculum Review}

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!
We have been blessed to be able to review products from Memoria Press twice this year, and today I'm thrilled to be sharing our third review from this award-winning company. For the last several weeks, we've been using the Third Grade Literature Guide Set which includes the Farmer Boy Literature Guide that we worked through. Today I'd like to share our thoughts on this product and whether or not it worked with my youngest son. While we aren't usually fans of a classical method of curriculum, I'm going to tell you why we still love Memoria Press products.

About the Product

Memoria Press is an award-winning company featuring products for every grade and subject. One of the areas that they excel in is offering literature packages for all grade levels. These literature

The Wars of the Jews from Memoria Press {Curriculum Review}

I have had the chance to work with Memoria Press materials several times over the last five years of reviewing. Their products are always a highlight to what we use, and we have incorporated several of them into our regular curriculum. One area that I have not had much experience in, however, is their high school level material, due to my children still being in elementary and middle school. I was able to explore one of their high school curricula when I was asked if I could look over and review The Wars of the Jews Set. Being that this is a historical event that I’ve had a growing curiosity about, I eagerly agreed to look it over myself. 

About the Product

Memoria Press is an award-winning classical Christian education publisher. They carry a full line of curriculum and

Supercharged Science ~ Revisiting an Old Friend {Curriculum Review}

Five years ago, I was introduced to a science curriculum which was much loved by my oldest son. It brought together his audio/visual learning style with intense scientific study. He loved the experiments and we were sad when our subscription ran out. Needless to say when Supercharged Science popped up in our crew review list again this year, BOTH my boys were eager to give the e-Science Homeschool Science Curriculum another go! Join me now as I share my review of this full hands-on science curriculum.

About Supercharged Science

Supercharged Science is an e-Science online science curriculum created to generate a LOVE of science in your children. There are NO textbooks. No boring long ridiculous information about the cosmos. Instead, you get fun videos

Critical Thinking Detective™ – Vocabulary Book 2 {Product Review}

We are big fans of The Critical Thinking Co. and the products they offer. I have reviewed several of their products before and always look forward to having more to explore. We recently were given Critical Thinking Detective - Vocabulary Book 2 (Grades 5-12+) to review with my boys (ages 8 and 13) and I looked forward to seeing how this product would work for us--especially since expanding our vocabulary is one of the goals I had for this year.

About the Product

The Critical Thinking Co. is an award-winning company for a reason! Their materials continue to be top notch resources for all things--critical thinking! Offering full lines of choices over the traditional subjects and electives, there is something for every grade! A few of the selections include:

Pathway to Liberty's US History Curriculum {Curriculum Review}

I am always on the lookout for good history curriculums and I've been blessed to have been introduced to several through the Homeschool Review Crew. For the last several weeks, we have been reviewing a new (to me) history company, Pathway to Liberty Homeschool Curriculum, and have been working through the Pathway to Liberty's US History course from the Pathway to Liberty's History Curriculum collection. My hope for this curriculum was to discover another great American History curriculum which I could use for both boys at the same time, even with their different grade levels and learning styles. Join me today as I share our review on this curriculum and you can learn if this material fulfilled my requirements!

About the Company

The Pathway to Liberty's Homeschool Curriculum was created by founder Jayme MacCullough after she couldn't find what she was looking for in the homeschool material world. She wanted a strong

Upcoming Reviews for May/June 2019: What Are We Working On?

It's the last Sunday for April (woah!) which means that it is time for me to share what we have got in house for reviews! We've got some books, some history, some vocabulary, and more! We are really enjoying some of these and are looking forward to getting started with a couple we are waiting to arrive. In case you missed them, make sure you check out the April reviews of products from YWAM Publishing, CrossWired Science, Techie Homeschool Mom, Everyday Education, and Stopmotion Explosion.

UPCOMING REVIEWS FOR MAY 2019

1. The Hamelin Stoop Series, 12 Gates Publishing

I'm adding this one because it is a review that carries into May. The Hamelin Stoop series is a new fantasy series for the middle grade/Young adult age range. Designed to help the middle-grade readers bridge that gap to the young adult books, this series has content at a higher reading level,

Exploring the Exciting Life of President Ronald Reagan with YWAM Publishing {A Unit Study Curriculum Review}

We have settled into the fact that our family definitely has a literature-based learning style. We love to read read read! History is one of the areas where literature based products are the most useful to get away from boring textbooks. YWAM Publishing has a GREAT line of historical biographies on men and women throughout history who have contributed to the Christian cause or were key parts of world history in general. We previously have worked through Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Orville Wright (you can read the previous reviews of YWAM Publishing on my blog). I was surprised when my boys decided to have us review Heroes of History- Ronald Reagan from the Heroes of History series this time. Join me as I share our unit study of the 40th President of the USA!

About YWAM Publishing

YWAM Publishing is a company determined to produce quality biographies and unit studies on men and women who are considered heroes—either to the Christian Faith or to history itself. With that in mind, they have created two series, Christian Heroes: Then and Now and Heroes of History, offering an extensive collection of biographies of men and women throughout the ages, who need to be recognized for their accomplishments.

Here is a sampling of the titles included in each series:

Upcoming Reviews for April/May 2019: What Are We Working On?

My, oh my! We have definitely gotten into the heart of our product review season! After a slower start, I now have TEN upcoming reviews for April and May 2019! One of the things that I really like, is that the products are all over the board in their type and topic. I've got some history products, book reviews, science curriculum, critical thinking items, and more! Today I'm going to give you a rundown of the 10 Upcoming Reviews we've got in the house for April/May 2019!

UPCOMING REVIEWS FOR APRIL 2019

1. Heroes of History- Ronald Reagan, YWAM Publishing

We are thrilled to have another Heroes of History literature-based unit study back in the house again! Our newest (the fifth one we've done) is going to be a biography of Ronald Reagan. My oldest picked him because of something we're doing in our history curriculum, and he really wanted to learn more about him. This review will go LIVE on April 8, 2019.

Full Year of STEM Activities from Tied 2 Teaching {Product Review}

We are a science loving family. I’ve recently been trying to figure out how to incorporate more STEM projects into our homeschooling, because I like to encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Enter Tied 2 Teaching and their STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading. A full year’s worth of STEM activities? Without me having to come up with them myself? Join me as I share our review of this product and learn why I think this is a must have for any homeschooling family or co-op leader!

About the Product

Tied 2 Teaching was created by a teacher who is a passionate believer that learning should be fun and that students learn best in an environment they enjoy! One of the best ways this occurs is when students work in an environment where they are encouraged to explore, create and try new things. Combining subjects is an excellent way for this to happen, and when you can combine Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM),

Upcoming Reviews for March/April 2019: What Are We Working On?

It's the end of the month, which means it's time to share what we've got in house as current reviews for the upcoming months! The month of February started it out with a bang--three reviews we loved (Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, IXL Learning, For the Temple)!

Will March and April carry that momentum forward? Let's see what we've got on deck and when you can expect to see the reviews go LIVE!

UPCOMING REVIEWS FOR MARCH 2019

1. Unit Study: Spiders, Homeschool Complete

Homeschool Complete is a new company to the review crew and our crew is reviewing a great sample of all they have to of

Join Us in Ancient Rome in FOR THE TEMPLE from Heirloom Audio {Product Review}

Whenever there is a chance to review one of the amazing audiodramas from Heirloom Audio, I always beg like the child hopping up and down HOPING the teacher will notice and pick him. Our family LOVES these amazing audiodramas and we all were excited to be able to listen to the latest installment For the Temple!

About the Product

For the Temple the latest installment in the Heirloom Audio collection of award winning audiodramas. This 2 CD audiodrama, based on the book by G. A. Henty of the same name, focuses on the days and events leading up to the final destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD. The story follow both Romans and Jews during this time period and incorporates many

10 Brain Engaging Gifts Under $25 for Children {Gift Guide 2018}

It's just one week before Thanksgiving (Yikes!), and that means it's one week before all those wonderful sales kick in gear! There are so many toy ideas for kids, but let's be honest...do we really want to buy our kids MORE toys like dolls, trucks, video games, ect? LOL. If I'm going to buy a gift for a child, I'd prefer buying something that will engage their mind with critical thinking or gearing up their imagination! Today I'm going to share 10 Gifts Under $25 for Children which aren't your typical toys, but are still a lot of fun--in fact, our family owns and plays with several of them regularly!

Upcoming Reviews for July/August 2018: What Are We Working On?

Happy July! I cannot believe it is already the middle of July, can you? I was shocked to see the Back-to-School supplies rapidly filling the stores too. I am still in the middle of enjoying my summer vacation and am not even THINKING about going back to school--even if we ARE doing a piddly amount of school for our reviews this summer. Since my last check in, I've added our reviews for The Master and His Apprentice (an art history curriculum), Bible Study Guide for All Ages, Math Refresher for Adults, Hake Grammar & Writing 3, and Unit Studies from Silverdale Press, ARTistic Pursuits, a CSI themed workbook from Critical Thinking Co., and a cursive workbook from Memoria Press. Have you checked those out yet? In house we have an elementary science curriculum, an Old Testament lapbook unit study, an elementary literature unit study, and a streaming kids radio program! Let's take a sneak peak at these four very different review products we are working on!

The Master and His Apprentices: Art History from a Christian Perspective {Curriculum Review}

Art History. This is a subject that can be rather...well scandalous when it comes to the art included in most curriculum. My mother-in-law is an art history major and she HATED that aspect of it. I don't know about you, but as a mom, I'd really like something more, well GODLY when it comes to studying art throughout history for my children (and myself for that matter!). But does such a thing exist? Let me introduce you to The Master and His Apprentices, an alternative to the traditional approach for art history. I recently reviewed The Master and His Apprentices: Art History from a Christian Perspective and am happy to share this high school level curriculum with you today.

About The Master and His Apprentices

The Master and His Apprentices is a Christian perspective of art throughout the ages. Unlike 99% of the other art history material out there, this curriculum contains NO nudity or other objectionable material! Instead, it has just scholarly material in a reader-friendly format. Throughout the course, the

Dive into CSI to Solve the Mystery at Lake Iwannafisha with The Critical Thinking Co.™ {Product Review}

One of my most favorite companies for logic and critical thinking resources is the award winning The Critical Thinking Co.™. We have used several of their products in the past with great success (read my review of Sentence Diagramming or my review of The Basics of Critical Thinking), so when we had the opportunity to pick another book to review, I said yes to Something Fishy at Lake Iwannafisha, a Whodunit Forensic Mystery!

About The Critical Thinking Co.™ and the Product

The Critical Thinking Co.™ is an award winning company dedicate to providing quality materials throughout all the subjects which encourage critical thinking right from the early stages of learning. They are especially known for their award winning logic and critical thinking products, although they produce many materials for other subjects as well.

Upcoming Reviews for June/July 2018: What Are We Working On?

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!
Happy June! May was our last month of "regular" school for us, so we are officially on SUMMER BREAK, but we are going to still be using review products through the summer a few hours a day! It's time for another check in on what we've got in house for review products over these summer months. Since my last check in, I've added our reviews for Reading Kingdom, books from Kayla Jarmon, Kids Email, and Home School Navigator. Have you checked those out yet? In house we have an elementary art curriculum, some consumable workbooks, a high school art history curriculum, a bible study guide for kids, and some unit studies. Let's see what's coming up!

UPCOMING REVIEWS FOR JUNE 2018

1. Something Fishy at Lake Iwannafisha (The Critical Thinking Co.)
The Critical Thinking Co. is a best selling publisher for workbooks and products that promote...critical thinking! LOL. We've reviewed some of their excellent material in the past, and we are doing it again. This time we are reviewing a detective style book. My son will work as a police detective to solve this fun and engaging crime mystery. The book and activities teaches basic forensic information and how it is used to solve crimes. Using the lessons and his brain, my son will then have to work through the mystery to determine who committed the crimes. This is a great workbook for us heading into our summer break! My review will be going LIVE the week of June 4th, 2018.

Upcoming Reviews for May/June 2018: What Are We Working On?

The links on this blog and in the posts may be affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details and thank you for your support!
Happy May! May is our last month of "regular" school for us, so we only have a few weeks left of our core curriculum, but we are going to still be using review products through the month and summer! It's time for another check in on what we've got in house for review products. Since my last check in, I've added our reviews for Music Appreciation 1, Princess Cut (a movie), Exploring Human Anatomy/Physiology, A+ Interactive Math, Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Storybook Life Unit Study, Media Enhanced Books from Weigl Publishers, and Online Computer Programming Class from CodeWizardsHQ--did you check them out yet? In house, we have art curriculum, books, workbooks, unit studies, and more! Let's see what's coming up!

UPCOMING REVIEWS FOR MAY 2018

1. Reading Kingdom
Are you looking for a comprehensive online reading program? One that assesses your child's skills and places them in the right level for reading, typing, spelling, and writing? Then keep your eyes out for my upcoming review of Reading Kingdom. This program teaches kids 4-10 how to read and write with comprehension at a