Homeschoolingmama

On our home ed journey, I like to find resources that provide fun, giggles, support our educational journey and most importantly are easy to use (anything that requires gathering resources/equipment always ends up on the 'to do' list). This is where 'My Little World' sets have been fantastic, with everything required provided, you simply open them up and get going! Arts and Crafts If there is one area I feel we lack resources in, and don't spend enough time on, it is definitely the arts and crafts. I also find it a little overwhelming when there is paint, glitter, glue, card...you name it, all over the room, so being able to find something that doesn't make a huge 'mess' is great (it is important to appreciate that children's creativity isn't 'mess', but at times the living space, for my sanity needs remain a living space!).  When I first saw the 'My little World' sets I knew that they would provide ...

I’ve always enjoyed Orchard toys, and always keep my eyes peeled for any other games that might work well for either child. ‘The Game of Ladybirds’ was a buy more so for youngest child. Recently she has shown an interest in taking part with the schooling and so I thought it was time she got to try her hands at some educational games. The game is simple to play, and the aim is to help build confidence when it comes to counting. The game comes with 24 ladybird cards, 1 dice shaker, 1 dice and instructions. So how does it work? Layout and instructions are very simple, but that’s important as the game is aimed at 3-5 year olds. The ladybird cards are doubled sided cards, one side is plain red with white spots (various number of dots, from 1 to 6), the other side has a leaf with ladybirds (all have a different number of ladybirds). The cards are placed with the spots side up, the youngest player goes first, simply using the dice and dice shaker to roll the dice. The player ch...

I believe all children are fascinated by the wold of science, and even more so when it comes to biology and our bodies. We've been using workbook style resources and have found them to be good, but when I came across An Usborne Flap book - 'See Inside your Body'  I knew it was going to be a great buy.  This book offers a more exciting walk through the body, with delightfully colourful illustrations and over 50 flaps to lift. It sounds like a younger children's book, with the flaps, however the detail shows otherwise.  Topics covered The book contains the following chapters: Your amazing body Eating and exercising  Breathing air  Pumping air Bones and Muscles Brain Power The Senses  Drinking and Weeing Body Works How much detail Just looking at some of the topics, and you will be amazed with how much detail this book has, and how in depth the topics are covered (for children). F...

I had my eyes set on Botley, a coding robot enabling children to learn through play without the use of screens. As soon as I noticed it in the Prime sale, I purchased it, and I am extremely happy with my decision.  B otley, the coding robot by Learning Resources , comes with a 77 piece activity set. So what's it all about? Taken directly from the manual, it simply is: 'Coding is the language we use to communicate with computers. When you program Botley using the included Remote programmer, you are engaging in a basic form of 'coding'. Beginning with the very basics of sequence programming is a great way to get started in the world of coding. So why is learning this so important? Because it helps teach and encourage: 1) Basic coding concepts 2) Advanced coding concepts like If/Then logic  3) Critical thinking 4) Spatial concepts 5) Collaboration and teamwork'  Coding is a huge part of education,...

Recently I decided that we needed more history sessions, the few books I had purchased weren't working, they were far too difficult for little person, so when I came across 'Mysteries in time' subscription boxes, I was delighted.  The idea of a box (different era/theme each time) full of jam packed fun activities for children to learn and enjoy history was exactly what I needed, and without further doubt I subscribed! The box I will be reviewing today is all about the  Elizabethans.  'Elizabethan London is the next stop, where you will learn about Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, the plague, the Spanish Armada and more.'  What is included? The welcome booklet (little bit like the instructions booklet received in all subscriptions boxes), breaks down the activities you can carry out using the provided material. Those include:  Placing the timeline ...

I am very honored to announce that Nicola from The World is Their classroom  has nominated me for the 2019 Sunshine Blogger Award! What is the Sunshine Blogger Award? The Sunshine Blogger Award is given by blogging peers to bloggers who are bringing positivity and creative content to the blogging world. For us, simply being nominated tells us that we are on the right path! Rules for the Sunshine Blogger Award: * Thank the blogger who nominated you in your blog post and link back to his/her blog. * Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you. * Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the award and write them 11 questions. * List these rules and display the sunshine blogger award logo in your post and on your blog. Here are the questions and answers: 1) Why did you decide to home Educate? We knew before we had children that we would be home educating. I had honestly, never heard of children not attending the usual schooling system, and it was only through my partners...