Wondering if a particular homeschool product is a good fit for your eclectic, classical-leaning, gifted homeschool? We all know intense gifted kiddos eat curriculum for breakfast, which means we need a lot of options (and a lot of coffee!) Here, I dive in and share what works — and what doesn’t.
Science / STEM
Robotis Dream 2.0 Robotics Kits
Far more than a simple building set, this is an entry-level robotics curriculum, complete with workbook guide.
GraviTrax Interactive Marble Track System
As users experiment with building their own original designs, they’ll experience how the real-life principles of physics directly affect the steel marble’s route through the track system.
Apologia Science Young Explorer Series Audio MP3 CDs
These CDs include the complete text of each “Exploring Creation with…” elementary science textbook. The audio narration frees up my time (no, it’s not cheating to use an audio book!)
Apologia Science Young Explorer Series Junior Notebooking Journal
Each title in the series is suitable for Kindergarten through 6th, making it a particularly attractive choice if you’re teaching a range of elementary-aged kids.
Literature / Books / Reading
This graphic novel is a stellar visual adaption of the classic folktale. Plus, read 6 practical ways to use graphic novels in your homeschool.
Secret of the Hidden Scroll Series
This imaginative and immersive early-reader series blends fiction (think Magic Treehouse) with solid truth (Biblical stories).
These re-released 1910 novels are big on adventure. Plus, FREE printables for history, geography, and vocabulary extension activities.
Here’s how I’ve used Candlewick titles to build rabbit trails which promote curiosity and encourage questions.
History
Sunflower Education Giant American History Timeline
The Giant American History Timeline is not a linear list of dates and events, but a way to create visual, research-based projects.
Home School in the Woods Project Passport: Ancient Greece
Project Passport lets you lapbook your way across world history, with detailed hands-on projects and audio dramatizations, too.
Sonlight Hands-on History Project Kit
A big box of craft supplies, world history projects, and a 100+ page full-color illustrated softcover book of instructions.
Mini Bricks Great Wall of China Model
Hundreds of tiny real bricks and ceramic tiles allow you to build a two-foot-wide model of a section of the Great Wall of China — complete with guard tower!
Math
Singapore Math, also known as Primary Math, by Marshall Cavendish
Everything you always wanted to know about Singapore Math, including, “What books do I really need to teach it?”
Art
Djeco Natural World Workshop Gouache Painting Kit
Students complete four paintings from a French children’s book illustrator, using this unique paint-by-number kit.
Games
An alternative to family game night, this single-player logic puzzle features colorful wooden cubes.
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