Author: Homeschool Fanatic

Curriculum, Reviews, Planning & Products, Fun Things - Field Trips, Games, Creative Ideas

Tenzi Review

Homeschool Fanatic

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product from Timberdoodle in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. 

Four words can describe my very first product review from Timberdoodle:

Simple. Fast. Versatile. Fun.

What is Tenzi?

It all started with two colleagues, a bag of dice and the simple goal, “Let’s come up with a dice game.” After a very short time, the fast-paced dice game, Tenzi was born. Tenzi is quick, easy to learn, and suitable for ages 7 to 97 – although I might would stretch that even more!

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Tips for Homeschooling Mamas

Our Homeschooling Story

Homeschool Fanatic

ONCE upon a time – because isn’t that how most great stories begin? I was a 27 year old physical science tech who could barely button my lab coat. I had one of the coolest jobs ever, to me anyway. For several years I worked on a military base, making sure our water was safe to drink, and our wastewater was cleaner than the river it flowed into. Making things bubble, smoke, and change color, was all part of my job description. I even got to take boat rides several times a week checking water quality. The pay was great and the benefits seemed too good to be true, (but actually really were).

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Curriculum, Reviews, Planning & Products, Review Crew Posts

Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 Review

Homeschool Fanatic

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

 Rebecca Locklear’s Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915: 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities is a fantastic resource to use any time of year, especially for summer! Brimming with a variety of activities for multi-age learning, Rebecca Locklear has designed a maritime history unit study course that gives you much insight on what life was like for storm warriors or angels in oilskins. Perhaps you may know them as the U.S. Life-Saving Service, or after 1915, the U.S. Coast Guard.

“The Blue Book says we have to go out [to rescue people]. It doesn’t say a thing about coming back.”

Keeper Patrick Etheridge, Cape Hatteras
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Fun Things - Field Trips, Games, Creative Ideas, Tips for Homeschooling Mamas

2020 Summer Reading Challenge

Homeschool Fanatic

The Summer Reading Program at our local library is something we loved during the summer. It seems like yesterday we would go to the library, listen to Ms. Pam read and sing with us, and leave with a tote bag of books. Now that my kiddos are big, that is a sweet memory of the past. Like ours, perhaps your library is not fully open. Don’t let that put a damper on your summer reading. I’m here to help!

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Review Crew Posts

Artistic Pursuits, Inc. Review

Homeschool Fanatic

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Out of all the art techniques we have tried over the years, sculpting has been one we have yet to try. I have very little experience with three-dimensional design, unless you count the salt dough map of our state that we made several years ago. I was excited to have the opportunity to really get hands on with the help of Sculpture Technique, Construct  from Artistic Pursuits Inc.

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Curriculum, Reviews, Planning & Products, Review Crew Posts

Beyond the Stick Figure Art School Review

Homeschool Fanatic

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I was excited to receive Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses from Beyond the Stick Figure Art School because I believe art offers numerous benefits for all ages and stages. Art is one of those subjects that often gets put on the back burner – whether it’s because moms are just too busy, or because art can be messy, or as kids get older, art class takes a backseat to other academic subjects. Art is something where there really are no wrong answers, art provides an outlet to be creative, and usually lends a sense of accomplishment. This is especially important for teens.

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Review Crew Posts, Tips for Homeschooling Mamas

Fermentools Starter Kit Review

Homeschool Fanatic

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

I usually get to review products such as curriculum, educational games, and books. When I saw the opportunity to try out a Starter Kit  from Fermentools, I was excited to give it a try! I know absolutely nothing about fermented foods, except I’ve heard that they are great for the overall health of your gut. I thought this would be a fun learning experience that would get us in the kitchen to try something new!

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Curriculum, Reviews, Planning & Products, Review Crew Posts

Perfect Reading, Beautiful Handwriting Review

Homeschool Fanatic

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Neat handwriting is something I take notice of and appreciate. I can’t help but wonder if our frequent use of technology is taking away the beautiful art of handwriting? I have an older child that can still use some help in that department. When Perfect Reading, Beautiful Handwriting ebook from Everyday Education, LLC came available to review, I was eager to sign him up!

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Fanatic News Flash by the Month, Tips for Homeschooling Mamas

Fanatic News Flash – May 2020

Homeschool Fanatic

Same thing, different month – right? We have still been plugging away at our homeschooling without field trips, co-ops, or park days. It’s been kind of nice not running around to every event, and for the most part, we’ve been doing what we have always done. Because the majority of our life does revolve around the home, it’s when we go out in public, it hits me. What everyone is calling the “new normal” is not normal at all! It is not normal for businesses I support to be closed. It is not normal for public areas like parks, playgrounds, and beaches to be closed. It’s not normal for people not to socialize. It’s definitely not normal for the majority to be walking around with their faces covered, then look at you like you’re the disease if you’re not masked! Well, it’s a new month, and it’s time to move on.

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