reviews Archives - My Blessed Mess

Lightning Lit & Composition – Grade 3 review

06.14.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to read. Reading has brought me so much joy throughout my life and there are titles I have read over and over again. Because of this, it is of great importance to me that my children are exposed to a wide variety of good literature. I was thrilled to receive a copy of the Grade 3 Lightning Lit Set from Hewitt Homeschooling Resources to use and review with my eleven year old son.

About Lightning Literature

I received both the Student Workbook (consumable) and the Teacher's Guide to use in my home. We purchased the first two books required in the program which were both under $10 each. I did look up each of the required books for the entire year of study and they were all around the $10 mark and easy to find for purchase - with the exception of one that is now out of print which I found used copies of.

I did select a level slightly below my son's current grade in school, as I knew we were going to be using this during the spring/summer months which I try to keep light. We have not done a formal literature study program before, so I felt the grade 3 set would be a good fit for our current needs.

The Lightning Lit series uses real books in their entirety, rather than some reading programs that use excerpts from books, for the lessons, There is a good variety of titles selected and some classics are even included each year. The program focuses on strengthening reading and writing skills and instilling a love for reading.

TOS Hey, Mama! Planner for 2019/20 Year – a review

06.07.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

Most of us have already or are about to wrap up our school year and are ready to plan for next year. I have used a lot of tools throughout the years to help me with this task. This year, I was given a printed and bound copy of the Hey, Mama! Homeschool Planner for 2019/20 Year by Gena Suarez from The Old Schoolhouse® for review purposes. I'd like to share a little about this awesome planner and how I am/will be using it to help organize our homeschool year.

About the TOS Hey Mama planner...

If you've been homeschooling even a few years, you know by now there are dozens upon dozens of computer programs, printables, and planners available for planning and keeping records for your homeschool. I have personally used at least a dozen different products myself over the years. The Hey Mama! planner is not just another planner. It combines a basic weekly lesson planner with a good variety of specialized planning and record keeping forms AND devotions and helps for the homeschool mom written by Gena Suarez. Even better, it contains enough space to plan the entire school year for up to five children!

Maths Invaders & Typing Tournament Online – EdAlive review

05.28.2019 by myblessedmess // Leave a Comment

Like most kids these days, mine really enjoy being on the computer or iPad as often as I will let them. We all enjoy playing video games. When we got the opportunity to review Maths Invaders Online and Typing Tournament Online from EdAlive, I was hopeful that my kids would enjoy practicing skills in a fun video game format.

About Maths Invaders Online

Maths Invaders is fun way to practice basic math facts using a fast-paced, space-invaders type format. Starting with basic math skills, it is designed for ages 5 and up. The student or teacher selects a starting skill level, and works through the game systematically. Each zone focuses on a different set of facts or skills and incrementally gets more challenging. You can customize your speed and the facts being practiced to fit your child which makes it a very flexible program to use for multiple children with different needs.

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.