My Blessed Mess

Big Bible Science from Christian Focus – book review

05.22.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

All you have to do is look in our schoolroom and it will be obvious to you that Science is one of our favorite disciplines - microscopes and experiment materials, chemistry sets, rock collections, and a large variety of prepared slides all have a home on our bookcases. I absolutely belive the best way to learn about science is to experience it, plus it's just FUN! After reading through and completing some of the activities in Big Bible Science from Christian Focus, I can confidently say it is a great addition to any homeschool library.

About this resource...

Big Bible Science by Erin Lee Green is a 96 page book recommended for ages 5-11. You will need to read to material with or to your younger child, but older kids can read through and complete most of the activities independently. BBS contains material for 21 topical studies. Each chapter or topic includes objectives, material lists, a "Big Idea", activities and experiments, application, and optional "Go Beyond" recommendations for more advanced students. What really makes this volume unique as its heavy focus on tying Bible Study into science study.

Nothing by Natalee Creech – children’s book review

05.15.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

We have lots and LOTS of books in our home library. Like many homeschool moms, I am always happy to add high-quality reading material to our bookshelves! We were chosen to receive a copy of Nothing by Natalee Creech from WorthyKids, an imprint of Hachette Book Group for review, and it definitely met our criteria as a "keeper".

Upon opening the package sent from the publisher, I was immediately impressed by the quality of this book. It came with a full color dust jacket which mimicked the design of the hardcover book. The cover is printed with embossed lettering and the images and lettering both are glossy, making them stand out from the matte background image. The pages inside are a nice thickness and have a satin feel, which I love in a printed book. Just flipping the pages FELT good. All you fellow bibliophiles know what I'm talking about! I don't think my kids had the same appreciation as I did for the constuction and feel of the book, but that's ok.

Building Writing Skills: Essential Tips & Techniques for grades 6-12 {review PLUS COUPON CODE}

05.13.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

In my experience, sometimes it can be more difficult to teach your children something that comes naturally to you. I have found this to be true when teaching my children writing and composition. Building Writing Skills: Essential Tips & Techniques from The Critical Thinking Co. has been a HUGE help in this area!

I am a huge fan of The Critical Thinking Co. and the materials they publish. We have used a lot of their curriculum throughout the years and I have always been very impressed at how easy they are to include in our days while still making a huge impact on my children. Building Writing Skills is no exception!

An Overview

Building Writing Skills is a supplemental workbook intended for children in grades 6-12. This workbook goes beyond the basics of writing, teaching techniques the student can use to make their writing more engaging. I have always emphasized to my kids that good writing paints a picture with words and BWS equips students to do just that.

The topics covered include:

vivid verbs
active and passive voice
strong adjectives
adjectives and analogies
adjectives and anagrams
specific nouns
unnecessary adjectives
unnecessary adverbs
qualifiers
sensory details
pronouns and antecedents
show, not tell
alliteration
similies and metaphors
hyperbole
personification and anthropomorphism
onomatopoeia
complex and compound sentences
appositives
varying sentence types
beginning sentences
repetetion
transitions
point of view

Pathway to Liberty’s US History – Level 2 & 3

05.08.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

We have used a LOT of history programs over the past 15 years. I have never found anything I am completely satisfied with. When we learned about Pathway to Liberty's History Curriculum from Pathway to Liberty Homeschool Curriculum, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy to review!

We selected Year 3 - Pathway to Liberty's US History and were sent digital downloads of both the student and teacher's guides for both Level 2 and Level 3, as well as The Chain of Liberty book and study guide.

On Overview of the Structure of Pathway to Liberty History Curriculum

Pathway to Liberty History (PTLH) is a complete history program for K-12 that also includes worldview, geography, Bible, copywork, vocabulary and word studies, writing, literature and more. The material is multi-age and multi-sensory, making it easy to teach multiple children at the same time. I've always tried to choose history and Bible programs that my kiddos can do together, but at their appropriate levels. The intent is that each child will study each year multiple times at different levels - going through the cycle 3 times over the course of their school years.

Hamelin Stoop Books 1 & 2 – YA Fantasy Series review

05.03.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

Some of my most beloved books from my childhood are fantasy series, I have always been a voracious reader! As an adult, I continue to read a lot of fantasy based fiction. When 12 Gates Publishing sent us the first two books of The Hamelin Stoop Series – The Eagle, The Cave, and the Footbridge & The Lost Princess and the Jewel of Periluna – I couldn’t wait to dig in and read them with my kiddos.

These books are categorized as Young Adult fantasy series fiction, but the content is appropriate for middle grades and up. A middle schooler who is a strong reader would have no problem reading these independently.… READ MORE