Our Favorite Blue Ribbon Winners

Each year The Homeschool Review Crew gives out Blue Ribbon Awards for their favorite review products of the year.  It is a much anticipated event among the Crew and sometimes the competition is fierce.  This year was no exception, as we were blessed by so many amazing vendors and curriculum this year.

The voting is finished and the results are in! Though it was a close race in several categories, 22 companies rose to the top out of the 66 total reviews the Crew did for the year.  That is over 4,500 review, you guys!

Favorite Reading Curriculum – Reading Eggs

Favorite Writing Curriculum – Memoria Press

Favorite Grammar Program- GrammarPlanet

Favorite Vocabulary Resource- Roman Roads Media

Favorite Penmanship Program- CursiveLogic

Favorite Literature Curriculum –Homeschool Navigator

Favorite History Curriculum- Drive Thru History Adventures

Favorite History Supplement – Home School in the Woods: Á La Carte Projects

Favorite Science Curriculum – Apologia: Anatomy

Favorite Math Curriculum – Whizz Education

Favorite Foreign Language Program – Roman Roads

Favorite Fine Arts Program – ARTistic Pursuits

Favorite Elective Curriculum – Code for Teens

Favorite Christian Education Curriculum – Bible Study Guide for All Ages

Favorite Christian Education Supplement – Planet 316

Favorite Preschool Product- Starfall Education Foundation

Favorite Elementary Product – Branch Out World

Favorite Middle School Product- The Critical Thinking Co.™

Favorite High School Product- The Master and His Apprentices

Favorite Parent Product – Great Waters Press

Best Resource I Didn’t Know I Needed – Lisa Tanner Writing

Best Online Resource – Drive Thru History Adventures

Best e-Product – Home School in the Woods

Favorite Book –YWAM

Favorite Audiobook or Audio Drama – Heirloom Audio: Wulf the Saxon

Kids’ Choice –Reading Eggs

Teens’ Choice –Drive Thru History Adventures

Crew Favorite –Drive Thru History Adventures

I am not going to tell you all which ones I voted for, but I will share the reviews I did for some of the winners!   As Product Manager for the Crew, let me tell you that all our vendors are winners in my book.  One of the cool things about homeschooling curriculum is what doesn't work for one family may be perfect for another.  That is why I always give you an honest opinion of what we have used and then encourage you to check it out for yourself.  Our kids are all unique and have different likes and needs.

As you explore these vendors, keep in mind that many have gone before you in using the products and the reviews out there are to help you navigate your decisions.

The Homeschool Crew may be fairly quiet for a few months, but have no doubt we are getting ready for another big year of more vendors and more products.  Get ready to be blessed in 2019!

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Our reviews you may want to check out-

 Drive Through History Adventures

• Apologia- All of their science programs are amazing!
• Bible Study Guide for All Ages
• The Critical Thinking Co.
• YWAM
• Heirloom Audio:Wulf the Saxon
• Whizz Education 

Blessings,

Big Changes Ahead

This year has been a crazy year for our family  Lots of transitions, lots of changes.  There is no difference in sight either.  My husband returns home in a few months, we will immediately move to a new location, new job for him, our second daughter will prepare to head to college- the list goes on and on.

In an effort to maintain my sanity, I have been evaluating and reevaluating my life.  I know that some changes need to be made.  It is either that or a mid-life crisis, which, quite frankly, I do not particularly have time for.  Anyone relate?

So step one is this-

I am stepping down from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Schoolhouse Review Crew  (I have 4 reviews left!) and stepping into a paid position for them as Product Manager.  If I knew how to, I would insert jumping up and down emoticons here!  I am so honored to be asked to be a part of this team and can't wait to get started in November.  If you are a homeschooler and are not familiar with the Schoolhouse Review Crew you need to be! Just saying!  Applications for the 2016 year will be opening up soon.

While I will not be personally writing reviews of all the fabulous products we see each year, I will be helping get them into the hands of the almost 200 reviewers the Crew consists of so they can do that for you. Most of my work will be behind-the-scenes stuff you will never be aware of, but it will allow me to still be eyes and ears into the homeschool community and new products, while freeing up my writing time.

Which brings me to this.

Yes, this blog will still be around for a while. I started it solely so I could review homeschool products but what I found in the process is that I love writing.  OK, maybe I just love rambling to whomever will listen, but you get the point.

What does this mean for you?  A little more Michele and family and a little less reviewing.  Hope you will hang with us while we transition!

We will continue to do a few independent reviews so I can continue to offer you a few giveaways here and there, but know that each one will be prayerfully chosen.  I want to make the most of my time here with you all and not waste a moment that God has given me!

So here's to new journeys and new beginnings.  And no mid-life crisis!

Blessings,

News!

You may have noticed a new button on my left side bar...Homeschool Crew...

I have been chosen to be an independent product reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. 

 I-AM-SO-EXCITED!

Each month I will receive educational books and other products to use and then give an honest review of from numerous vendors.  Keep in mind that even if you do not homeschool, many of us are looking for quality educational products to use with our kiddos, whether for a supplement to what they are already doing or just plain 'ole fun!  (my kiddos are excited about the plain 'ole fun part!)  Each post will include all of the details of the products, my thoughts and experiences using them and even links to other reviewers' posts!  Look for my first review post in March!

Why the excitement?  I love homeschooling.  Not everyday, mind you, but most.

I love box day, when all of the books come in and my kids act like it is Christmas all over again. 
I love the smell of those new books.  I know, weird, huh?
I love snuggling on the couch (or chair, or floor) and having a brand new reader read me their first book.
I love the look of satisfaction on my kiddos' faces when they finally "get" something.
I love seeing the kids leaned over something, working together!
I love that my kids are best friends!
I love that as I get ready to send my oldest off to college this fall, I can rest in the knowledge that she has been taught well , and will do great!  Plus, I have tons to sweet memories of each day to sustain me!
I love that we can talk about God throughout our day without fear of reprimand from anyone.
I love that each day I spend with my kiddos brings us closer to each other and closer to the Lord!

If you are interested in this crazy thing called homeschooling...ask me!  I would love to share with you my heart and help you get started.  And if you just think we are plain crazy...well, then thank you for loving us anyway!

Thank you so much for becoming a follower of this blog...it no doubt helped me secure this position and I am extremely thankful for each one of you and to The Old Schoolhouse Crew for allowing me to join them.