Here are my favorite resources to use in my uber busy life and I want to share them with you. It is my hope that you are also able to benefit from these as well. Some of these links are from affiliates, but they do not cost you anything extra at all. If you sign up, I may earn a small commission. If you would like to read my disclaimer, please do so.
Entertainment
Cut the cord and get rid of cable! There are over 2800 channels and more get added frequently. To stream, simply add the app to your mobile devices, such as an iPhone, iPad, Android phone, laptop or tablet. The service works on Smart TVstoo. If you don’t have a Smart TV, you can use an Amazon Firestick, Amazon Fire TV Cube, Roku, Apple TV, or another streaming device to connect the service to your TV. Plans begin at just $23 a month. If you’re ready to ditch cable and go wireless, you can sign up here.
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Homeschooling
Here are some of my favorite resources to use when it comes to homeschooling my children and also daily use in my home. When you are ready to embark on a homeschooling journey, I recommend making sure that you are aware of the requirements for your location. You can also check out corestandards.org for a more general look too.
To view the requirements of each state, click here.
General
ABCMouse primarily caters to children between the ages of 2-8. I have one child in this age group and two just one year over. However, my kids totally love the ease of use and enjoy using the site. What I like to do is take a subject and then add a few lessons for my older kiddos so that they have something on their level too. I find that it is very easy to extend topics in this way, plus I know that my boys are already interested. Get 2 Months of ABCmouse.com for only $5!
Clever Dragons is an online gaming site, but it is a complete learning experience. This site does mention that it caters to boys, but all of the kids like this site. I personally do not label anything in my home as being for boys or girls in this manner. But, the site is fun.
I use this as my base for homeschooling though it is technically an online public school. I like that it is so very flexible and we do not have to have traditional textbooks. This makes it super easy to do on the go, which we are all of the time. Also, when we go on trips, my kids just put their laptops into their checked bags and we can just keep going. Since it is a public school, there is no cost. Also, they do provide computers to families that qualify.
While this is a base, I create my own unit studies and use supplemental materials that promote inclusiveness and culture.
This is just absolutely complete with so many units and lessons available for download and printing. In my opinion, the lifetime membership or the yearly one is a much better value than the other ones.
Educents provides a lot of pay per item curriculum and lessons that you can use in your homeschool.
I cannot stress just how important it is to have this! It is so easy to miss grammar and spelling mistakes and hit the publish button. No matter what type of business you have or even if you are a student, you need this in your life! Not only does Grammarly correct your grammar, but it also checks for plagiarism too.
This site provides a general look at homeschooling. It is community-based, so you’ll find ideas for a broad range of subjects and referral for curriculum.
From the beginning, I’ve been adamant about wanting my sons to be independent and do things for themselves. I don’t twenty years to pass by and they depend on others to get by. Because of this, I’ve trained them up to be self-sufficient. Montessori Services offers products that promote independence in both learning and caring for oneself.
Notebooking Pages is one of those places where you can find a plethora of different items for all subject areas or you can create them yourself. My kids get a lot of practice with making their handwriting neater. Notebooking Pages also has some hard to find content that other places are limited in or do not address at all. I particularly like the access to country pages. She literary has every nation you’d want to study available. Free Notebooking Pages Product Sampler from NotebookingPages.com.
The Scholastic Teacher Store provides a new way to shop for educational products offering Instructional Reading and Writing, Paperbacks and Collections, Professional Development and Teaching Resources at every day low prices. I definitely recommend to check out their summer sale and begin preparing for your upcoming year now!
Zoobooksare a classic! Do you remember seeing these commercials as a kid and begging your parents to buy them for you? I do! Millions of young readers have grown up with award-winning Ranger Rick Zoobooks, Ranger Rick Zootles and Ranger Rick Zoobies, developing key learning skills while having fun reading about something they love – animals, animals, and more animals. And the learning goes beyond the page with:
- digital subscriptions
- a Secret Jungle website with just-for-kids animal games, puzzles, and quizzes
- eSafari email adventures that trek to the best animal sites on the web
Zoobooks explores the anatomy, habitat, socialization, and ecological role of a single animal or animal group in a vibrant, easy-to-understand way. Go to Zoobooks.com Subscriptions – 60% off!
Art
Beautiful imagery. I like to use this site to give the kids a peek into the culture of people that look like them.
You gotta check them out! I love the kits! Discount School Supply is a great resource for homeschooling. Every type of craft that you’d like to make can be found here. And, they have all of the tools too. You can find the canvas, the paint, the easel, and the floor covering all in one place. This site allows for bulk purchasing at once, so I am always able to find a really good deal.
So this an adorable little green box that arrives at your door each month and has about 3-4 crafts for your kids to create. You can build robots to cars and just so much more. This is also one of the few places that offer multiple sibling/ kid discounts on their products. My boys love Green Kid Crafts! I have also used this in my second-grade class and my home daycare. I also offer a weekend group class currently and we use these too. I have to note that they really are “green”. The box that the supplies arrive in is also used as a part of the crafting process too.
This site offers are lessons and printables for each grade level.
When you think of National Geographic, you tend to think of the captivating images that their photographers take all over the world. Well, they are capture art too.
Geography
Little Passports is a great geography resource. Your kids can learn about different places and the people there. They have both stateside and international studies. And, you get a passport when you first start your journey. How cute!
One of my dreams is to be able to purchase an RV and travel full time with my kids. I think that Little Passports has placed this urge in me.
History
General History:
Black History:
The California African American Museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Latino/Latina History:
This is perhaps one of my favorite ones. So much info can be found here about Puerto Rico. Plus, there are authentic recipes that I remember having as a child.
Language Arts
Epic is awesome! They have a huge library of books that can be read on nearly any device. In between our library trips and especially when we go on trips, Epic is a must have. Plus they have low-cost family plans for online access. Sign up now and read FREE for 30 days!
Reading Eggs is super fun for kids since it is so interactive and very colorful. You can choose by grade level and then set each of your kids up with an account as they progress through their growth as a strong reader. I like that it tracks the progress of each child. The Online Phonics Program That Kids Love
Math
My boys love this site. The makers created it to have a sort of online arcade game feel to it, so it doesn’t feel like you’re being forced to do school work. You’re actually having fun. I like to create mini tournaments for the kids.
Youtube.comhas some of the best and easiest math tutorials that I’ve ever seen. My kids love it. Seeing the problems being worked out in real time helps so much.
Science
Legos are the perfect stem manipulative. You can build simple machines to more complex ones. You can use their circuit LEGOs to teach electricity to your kids. I also often use them as counting tools for my kids. My older son uses them for multiplication and my younger two use them for addition. Shop Exclusive LEGO sets only available at shop.LEGO.com!
In addition to offering monthly geography kits that are mailed to your home, Little Passports also offer science kits too. Each kit has a science comic book with a mystery for children to solve. Completion of the experiments and mysteries earns your kids a badge.
Make Wonder by Wonder Workshop is a code learning program. If your kiddos love technology and apps and building with Legos, then this definitely worth a look. I enjoy their products because they make playing the foundation of learning. The kids are enjoying themselves so much that they do not always realize that they are in fact learning valuable skills for their future.
From Superhero capes to Bird Wings, they have it all! My favorite is the Color the Galaxy Inflatable Ball. It is so cool. Though Seedling is full of activity kits, I find that most are really geared toward science and exploration. Allow your kid’s imagination to break free!
Youtube.com has amazing videos of science experiments being carried out.
Spanish
Babbel is quite popular! I really like the mobile features of it. Click here to Save 25% Off Babbel! (12 Month Subscription). In my honest opinion, I believe that the combination of both mobile and desktop applications are best.
Pimsleur is one of my favorites. Not just for Spanish, but also in introducing the children to French, Japanese, and Mandarin. Honestly, it is my goal to have them to be able to speak at least the basics of 8 languages.
Youtube.comhas a plethora of channels dedicated to Spanish language lessons.
Other Languages
As you can see, Babbel has a variety of languages to choose from. Click here to Save 25% Off Babbel! (12 Month Subscription).
Youtube.com has some of the best and easiest math tutorials that I’ve ever seen. My kids love it. Seeing the problems being worked out in real time helps so much.
Household
So you may think that I am lazy by saying this, but I love Amazon Fresh. For the things that I do not get in my CSA, I order online here and just keep it pushing. Within a day or so, my food is one my front door in these cool cooler packs, nice and chilled. It is one of the easiest processes ever.
I use Boxed for ordering bulk foods online. Free Shipping on your First Order with Boxed + Free Shipping on Any Order over $49!
This is my CSA. I love them as they offer a variety of organic produce that is brought right to my door. Also, I like the fact that I can pause the service whenever I want. Because I do travel with my kids, this is great because I don’t need deliveries to our home base during this time. Another perk is that you can add extra deliveries. So, when I am in another location that is within their delivery zone for farms in the US, I can add another one! If interested in joining Farm Fresh to You, make sure to use my code KATZ6984. With this code, you’ll get $15 off your first delivery!
You can find everything that you need for eco-friendly cleaning. One of my favorites at Honestis the Fruit and Veggie Wash. The Honest Company sort of works as a savings club with monthly shipments via their bundles. Of course, you can purchase single items. In my opinion, the bundles are better since they help to save you money. If you do not want a shipment, you can also defer it. Order your free trial from The Honest Company today!
Sam’s Club is one of my favorite department/big box stores. I love the fact that so many of our organic products can be purchased here in bulk. Not only does it save me time and money, but it is also a convenience as most of the items that I need for my boys can also be delivered to me. Become a Sam’s Club Member and Start Saving Today
Food, Cooking, and Recipes
In addition to my recipes that can be found here, you may also enjoy:
I love this site.
Although Jenné does have a lot of recipes using sweet potatoes, she does have so many other types of recipes that she shares with us.
Urthboxis a monthly subscription service that delivers organic, vegan, and gluten-free snacks to your door. Basically, they cater to a variety of diets. I know that you may shy away from a subscription for food, but Urthboxdoes have a great policy that allows you to cancel anytime and pick up again when you are ready. The snacks also travel well and you can keep a few in the car for the kids. Get $10 Off an Awesome Vegan Snack Box From UrthBox!
Kids
Clothes
I love their clothes. Being that I have boys, I need very durable clothes as my boys like to play hard. I also tend to dress them the same, so I like that they have variations for each look. That way, though my boys may be wearing the same items, they can have their individual personality shine through with different colors and patterns. Typically, I do try to catch their 25% coupons and then make bulk purchases each season.
I love Toms shoes for kids. They are so cute and durable. Get $20 off your first purchase at Toms.com with my link.
Safety
Most of us do monitor our kids at all times. But, even with two sets of eyes things can slip past you. I love that I can use a timer to shut off all of the devices that my kids have and not worry about them sneaking to get them. My boys are still quite young and this helps me feel that I am doing all that I can to keep them safe and keep them engaged in life offline. I highly recommend this one.
Toys
For toys, I do like toys that are durable and promote culture and learning. I do not buy toys that promote violence for my kids and I make sure that my family does not buy those kinds of toys for my kids either. Yes, I allow them to play with things such as Xbox, Nintendo, etc, but I closely monitor these and the amount of time allotted to play with them too. My favorite toy brands include:
In addition to curriculum needs, Educents provides a lot of educational toys for the enjoyment of your little ones.
I don’t know about your kids, but mine can literally spend hours playing with LEGOs. One of the things that I like about these pieces is that they encourage imagination. The possibilities are endless. I like to pack a few of them into pencil cases when we are traveling so that they have something to do with their hands. It helps to relieve that “Mommy Are We There Yet?” syndrome that kids get
Melissa & Doug have a well-rounded collection of toys that I approve of. They have puzzles (my oldest son loves them) all the way down to pretend play (my youngest has an affinity for pretend). The even have arts and crafts that can be purchased for you to make at home. They also have a selection of toys and puzzles that are less than $10. Sign Up For Melissa & Doug Newsletters and Receive 15% Off Your Next Order.
Paying For Homeschool
Saving Money
Acorns is great because it moves your change from purchases into your investing account. The change is pretty much not missed since its small amounts that are moved at a time. Depending on your purchase activity, the frequency can vary. Within 3 months, you could easily have $400 invested from your day to day purchases of food, gas, and bill payments. I like to simply save and see it grow. A friend of mine actually uses this money each year as her Christmas money.
Stash is also an investments and savings app. They do charge $1 per month for using their service, but you can make investments with less cash than other investing apps and services. For those who are on a budget, this could make a huge difference in planning for the future.
Making Money
I use iBotta to collect whenever I go shopping. In the areas I live, food can be quite high. It’s an easy to use, cash back rewards app. I enjoy these rebates because every single cent that I save as a single mom is so very important. You can use my code COESUGJ, and you can get a $10 welcome bonus. Sign up at https://ibotta.com/r/coesugj
So, I totally love MyPoints. I’ve actually been a member for years. I use this app whenever I shop online, which is weekly. When you buy something, it picks up the purchase and you can earn points for each dollar that is spent. As a mom, I exclusively use this for my kids. When my points add up, I redeem these for gift cards to restaurants and AMC/Regal. Every now and then, I redeem them for a gas gift card (these are not available all of the time). It really helps when wanting to get the kids out of the house and funds are low.
love this app too. What I like about Swagbucks is that there are multiple ways of earning bucks to redeem for cards. And, there are a lot. You can watch videos, take surveys, sign up for offers, etc. You can also link a card to the account, which is my favorite since I can earn without proactively trying. Your everyday restaurant and other types of purchases will count toward earning Swagbucks. With this, you can earn them much faster than with similar kinds of apps. If you use my link, you’ll get 5 bonus SB for signing up.
With Ebates, you can earn money while you shop! Ebates is quite easy to use. You can add their plugin to your browser and as you do your regular online shopping, you can get money back from each purchase.
Travel
I love to use to book trips for me and my children.
Airbnb provides excellent deals for renting homes in comparison to renting a hotel for the duration of your stay. This is my first choice as opposed to renting a hotel, especially when traveling with my kids. Each dollar that I can save counts towards activities that we can do together. Use my link and you’ll get $40 towards your first trip of $75 or more.
Committing to the purchase of an RV may be daunting for some. What RV Share offers is the opportunity to enjoy RVs without the commitment. You can rent them from owners and take that vacation you’ve always dreamed off. And if you are wanting to make a purchase, with RV Share, you can test out a variety of models while exploring the world around you.
Can’t get away? Well, you and your kiddos can travel right from your home with Little Passports!
Hasta Luego!
