My usual content centers on toxicity, but many of us with this type of interest also homeschool our kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This past year, I tried a variety of homeschool curriculum and materials for Pre-K, going into Kindergarten. Bookshark was the big curriculum package I got, but I was surprised that the materials I found most helpful for actual learning were simple, low cost workbooks and a fantastic subscription box. See below for my favorites!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bookshark is basically a story book based curriculum, which had some good components but some I don\u2019t recommend. In the future perhaps I\u2019ll update this post with more details on that and maybe a video, but for now I made a section below categorizing the parts according to how I like them. I recommend buying the good books separately rather than the entire Bookshark packages. Some of the books seemed at a level best for older ages. But the \u201cDeveloping The Early Learner\u201d workbooks were too easy, probably best geared for very early learning stages, maybe beginning of age 3?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also got the optional \u201cHandwriting Without Tears Pre-Kindergarten Package\u201d and didn\u2019t like that. The teachers guide seems geared for teaching a classroom rather than homeschooling. And it kept referencing the use of several other books and supplies such as their art book that would need to be purchased from them. I was unimpressed with the wooden letter shapes. However, the \u201cMy First School Book\u201d from Learning Without Tears was included and that is a great took tool to begin writing letters correctly. I wish I had used this sooner. You can buy this on its own here: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3IgxDN5<\/a> aflink <\/p>\n\n\n\n I highly recommend all of the workbooks and activities listed below. The best thing about them is many of them are easily portable and can be done in places like waiting rooms. Quell boredom and make good use of those moments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this post. This post may contain Amazon Associates links, that I may earn small amounts from if you click them. See the bottom of this page for more details. Other than Amazon, there are no affiliate links. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n These sticker books were actually one of the best teaching tools I have tried ! And so low priced, fun, and convenient to take on the go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n School Zone Sticker Workbook-Alphabet Fun Grades P-K https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kEtY9u<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n School Zone Math Stickers Workbook: 64 Pages, Preschool, Kindergarten https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Zbk1s1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n School Zone Preschool Stickers Workbook: 64 Pages, Pre-K, Kindergarten https:\/\/amzn.to\/3HmjIED<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not necessary to get all of these, but they are all good options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brain Quest Pre K workbook https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kKCrYQ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n School Zone big kindergarten workbook https:\/\/amzn.to\/43TJjxk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n School Zone Preschool basics workbook. Super low price but a great variety of activities. https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kKCrYQ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Evan Moore Smart Start STEM workbook https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dIAwl3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Evan Moore brain games workbook. Great variety that includes stickers and cutting\/ pasting. https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mFHv2o<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Big Book of Learning Fun: Kindergarten https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mZBkpm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n My Kindergarten Math Workbook. Includes some unique activities. https:\/\/amzn.to\/463V1qb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Math Workbook. https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mxRF4K<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Workbook I did NOT like was the Eureka Math grade K; it was boring, frustrating, and the kind of book that makes kids hate school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brain Quest Pre K Q+ A cards. These are a nice change from workbooks and are portable. https:\/\/amzn.to\/4jnVDKJ<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Evan Moore Take It to Your Seat Phonics Centers, Grades PreK-K. This looks like a workbook but isn\u2019t; it involves cutting paper to make into activities. This is a fun change from regular workbooks. https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dSgOUk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are ok with limited screen usage, ABC Mouse is pretty good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I find that hands on manipulatives are an engaging way to learn without printed materials. From now on, any toys you buy for your kids, make them educational! At this age they still seem like fun toys rather than curriculum. Similarly, make sure any books you buy have an educational aspect. For all of these, make sure your kids are past the mouths by stage and keep away from any younger kids you might have in the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Counting Dinosaurs Manipulatives https:\/\/amzn.to\/4e21nZT<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning Resources Mini Letter Scoops https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mMKOFa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning Resources Snap-n-Learn Alphabet Alligators https:\/\/amzn.to\/4kJ4CHv<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Junior Learning Rainbow Numbers Magnetic Numbers https:\/\/amzn.to\/3FB6FhWp<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wooden Calendar, Clock, Weather, Seasons https:\/\/amzn.to\/4m0bdgX<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n I LOVED My Pre K Box! East, cute and fun learning games neatly packed in small monthly boxes. If I could only recommend one thing, it would be this! This is not an affiliate link. https:\/\/www.myprekbox.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlights Magazine<\/a> makes a somewhat similar box for kindergarten but I already have the types of things it comes with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next year I will get this Steve Spangler science subscription box: https:\/\/www.stevespanglerscience.com\/club\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n And I will get this Superhero Academy one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n www.superpoweracademy.org\/choose-your-plan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n And I might consider this history subscription box: https:\/\/mysteriesintime.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Subscription boxes I used for second grade were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kiwico Atlas crate It depends on what you\u2019re wanting to teach, but my favorite of these was I sprout for science. The rest were less academic and more just for fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This science box also looks good, perhaps in a year or two: https:\/\/bioboxlabs.com\/science-subscription-box\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Games are a fantastic and fun way to learn! here are ones that we have, but there are many similar ones to choose from online. And any games with dice or playing cards can be used to get familiar with numbers and addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scrabble Junior https:\/\/amzn.to\/4oNc6w2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Math Weight Scale Balance Game https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ViASq9<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n High Seas Addventure https:\/\/amzn.to\/4lEuFQo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sight Words slap game https:\/\/amzn.to\/4mrXxwn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prime Club Multiplication https:\/\/amzn.to\/478PrE2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Allowance game (not an affiliate link) https:\/\/www.lakeshorelearning.com\/products\/games\/board-dice-games\/the-allowance-game\/p\/LC1279\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n History and social studies workbook https:\/\/amzn.to\/43ZEanw<\/a>. I ordered this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Kindergarten standardized test prep. I know it\u2019s frowned upon to \u201cteach to the test\u201d but, it\u2019s helpful to know what is on standardized tests especially if you\u2019re required to take them. In the past with my older child this kind of workbook was very helpful to prepare. https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Hs2NAp<\/a>. I ordered this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kumon science https:\/\/amzn.to\/4jyd1MR<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kumon geography https:\/\/amzn.to\/43MwV11<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Evan Moore summer activities https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Z7q2px<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a set of art crafts but intended to be used alongside history lessons https:\/\/www.bookshark.com\/product\/hands-on-history-world-cultures<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lovery reading curriculum<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n WHY DO TIGERS HAVE STRIPES?<\/p>\n\n\n\n THINGS PEOPLE DO (very busy pages with tons of reading. Seems outdated; from the 1980s.) RICHARD SCARRY’S WHAT DO PEOPLE DO ALL DAY? (Outdated; originally published 1968.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A CITY THROUGH TIME ERIC CARLE’S ANIMALS<\/p>\n\n\n\n MY FIRST SCHOOL BOOK; this is useful for the very begging stages of teaching writing letters and numbers, but the rest of the writing set it comes with is unnecessary. Just this workbook alone is the only part I recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WINNIE THE POOH (chapter book, not a picture story book.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n YOU READ TO ME AND I’LL READ TO YOU (Long stories better suited for other kids and don\u2019t seem to have an educational purpose.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n SLATE CHALKBOARD, CHALK & SPONGE KIT (I didn\u2019t use this because of the toxicity concerns with chalk.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n DEVELOPING THE EARLY LEARNER SET (very rudimentary; published in 1982.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n GET SET FOR SCHOOL READINESS AND WRITING SET INCLUDING WOODEN LETTERS. This seemed aimed to early pre k learners in a classroom setting. I think I was able to use absolutely none of the \u201cPre K teachers guide.\u201d It was frustrating because almost all the activities call for additional materials that would need to be purchased from the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n PLEASE follow my Facebook page<\/a><\/strong> for new posts and updates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thank you for visiting Clean Green Toxicant Free! I started this site simply because I want to help people and share information. I dig deep and seek the most truly non-toxic products, without bias. I am not paid to write anything and I don\u2019t sell anything. In 2022 (years after establishing my site) I became an Amazon Associate, which does NOT bias my recommendations. I may earn small dividends from purchases made after clicking my clearly labeled links (even if you don\u2019t buy those specific items), which is used to cover the costs of maintaining this site. More info is on the About This Website <\/a>page.***<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STICKER WORKBOOKS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WORKBOOKS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
ACTIVITIES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MANIPULATIVES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SUBSCRIPTION BOXES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I sprout (science)
Outside the Box (art)
Little Passports (geography\/ animals)<\/p>\n\n\n\nEDUCATIONAL GAMES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MATERIALS I MIGHT BUY FOR KINDERGARTEN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
BEST COMPONENTS OF BOOKSHARK
<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WHAT’S UNDER THE SEA?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE BERENSTAIN BEARS’ BIG BOOK OF SCIENCE AND NATURE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WHY DO TIGERS HAVE STRIPES?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WHAT’S UNDER THE SEA?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE BERENSTAIN BEARS’ BIG BOOK OF SCIENCE AND NATURE<\/p>\n\n\n\n
KID’S BEGINNER WORLD ATLAS
FEELINGS
PEOPLE
THEN AND NOW
<\/p>\n\n\n\nCOMPONENTS OF BOOKSHARK THAT ARE JUST OK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FIRST THOUSAND WORDS<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Seuss\u2019s ABC (This book is fine, but there are many other books about ABCs that you probably already have.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CARS AND TRUCKS AND THINGS (seems outdated and best suited for European culture. Originally published 1974.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A STREET THROUGH TIME (both of these seem better suited to older ages for both pictures and content. Very busy pages with tons of reading.)<\/p>\n\n\n\nWORST COMPONENTS OF BOOKSHARK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
BABE THE GALLANT PIG (chapter book, not a picture story book.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
THE LION STORYTELLER BEDTIME BOOK (This book is filled with fantasy stories involving a male hero \u201cwinning\u201d the hand of a bride.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (similar to the Lion Storyteller book; fantasy stories many of which involve marrying princesses and such.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MOTHER GOOSE (quite possibly the worst book in this package in my opinion. Very old fashioned poems, some of which have questionable subjects.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n