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Homeschool Coupon Codes and Deals

Companies to Thank Homeschool Creations 9-16

Each month there are some wonderful companies working behind the scenes with us and each offers a variety of products you will love! Below you’ll find some special coupon codes from these companies along information about upcoming reviews and giveaways that you don’t want to miss!

Heirloom Audio Productions

Reasons we love and recommend Heirloom Audio dramas - a review from Homeschool Creations

Heirloom Audio has fast become one of our favorite audio adventures to pop in at home or in the car. Combining historical learning with fast-paced adventure makes for an amazingly wonderful learning tool for the entire family. We have listened (and relistened) to all five of their dramas and highly recommend them. 

Recently I shared about the 5 Reasons We Recommend Heirloom Audio, but wanted to remind you all of a special they have for my readers. Each audio drama is usually $29.97, but you can order a four audio adventure set (two of each drama) – one set for your family and one set to give away at a HUGE savings. In the past we’ve ordered together with a friend, making the deal only $10 for each CD set. You will also receive several bonus items, including teaching guides and soundtracks for each adventure. Their NEWEST adventure, The Cat of Bubastes, will be released soon and we’ll have a review to share as well! 

Reading Eggs

4-Weeks-free-trial-with-ABC-Reading-Eggs-online-reading-program

Reading Eggs is offering a 4 week reading program trial to readers of Homeschool Creations.  Their online reading lessons, activities and e-books teach kids aged 3–13 the core literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

Hands-on Electronic Learning

EEME – Teach your kids electronics with online lessons and hands-on project kits that foster the curiosity and problem solving skills kids need for the science, technology, engineering, math – STEM – opportunities of tomorrow. Zachary is working on another project right now and we’ll be sharing that with you all. This program has truly ignited his passion for electronics!

q-the-photovore-robot-mr

We are currently working on Q the Robot, their latest kit, and will have a review to share soon! Zachary has worked on Project Attraction, learning how to make an electromagnet.  This kit is available as part of a 6 month subscription. You can also check out a few of our other projects from EEME: Project AmpProject DIY Light Display and Project Genius

20% Off Ivy Kids Literature Pack

Mrs McTats and Her Houseful of Cats 

We LOVED the Ivy Kids kits we have received and are SO excited to have them as a sponsor! If you love literature-based learning, you definitely need to visit their site and see how packed their activity boxes are for children ages 3-8! Their new September box focuses on Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats and looks amazing. New subscribers use the code IVY20 to save 20% on your first order and receive a welcome gift!!

Ivy Kids House for Hermit Crab

We finished the A House for Hermit Crab Ivy Kids Kit with Kaleb and shared a peek inside our fun

Home Science Tools

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Home Science Tools is a resource for parents, teachers, and children who want a better experience with hands-on science. You’ll find quality, affordable hands-on science supplies, curriculum, and kits that make science discovery easy and exciting.

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Kaleb still uses the Rock Hound’s Backpack Kit we reviewed months ago – we have rocks showing up all over the place!

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How is school going for you all? Are you getting back into a routine and finding your groove for the new year? We’ve officially finished two weeks – woohoo! In case you have discovered you missed a piece of curriculum (like I may have) or were holding out for some good deals, be sure to check out the links below for some back to school savings. 

There are some time-sensitive sales, giveaways, and goodies in this post, so if you are at all interested, I’d encourage you not to hold off! I’ll try to put them in order of when the deals expire to help you out. :) Don’t forget to check out our sponsors as well, because several of them have offered discount codes to my readers! 

Save 25% on Mystery of History

moh-supplement-sale

If you are using Mystery of History this year, be sure to grab the digital notebooking pages, coloring pages, and folderbooks through Bright Ideas Press this month and save 25%. No code needed and sale is valid through September 30, 2016. 

Win a Full Level of All About Spelling! 

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Our family has used All About Spelling for almost ten years now and 100% recommend it to your family. Start your school year off with a fabulous giveaway from All About Learning Press – a complete level of All About Spelling!! Giveaway ends 9-30-16. 

 

 

Homeschool Coupon Codes & Deals

Companies to Thank Homeschool Creations 7 16

Each month there are some wonderful companies working behind the scenes with us and each offers a variety of products you will love! Below you’ll find some special coupon codes from these companies along information about upcoming reviews and giveaways that you don’t want to miss!

Heirloom Audio Productions

Reasons we love and recommend Heirloom Audio dramas - a review from Homeschool Creations

Heirloom Audio has fast become one of our favorite audio adventures to pop in at home or in the car. Combining historical learning with fast-paced adventure makes for an amazingly wonderful learning tool for the entire family. We have listened (and relistened) to all five of their dramas and highly recommend them. 

Recently I shared about the 5 Reasons We Recommend Heirloom Audio, but wanted to remind you all of a special they have for my readers. Each audio drama is usually $29.97, but you can order a four audio adventure set (two of each drama) – one set for your family and one set to give away at a HUGE savings. In the past we’ve ordered together with a friend, making the deal only $10 for each CD set. You will also receive several bonus items, including teaching guides and soundtracks for each adventure.

Reading Eggs

4-Weeks-free-trial-with-ABC-Reading-Eggs-online-reading-program

Reading Eggs is offering a 4 week reading program trial to readers of Homeschool Creations.  Their online reading lessons, activities and e-books teach kids aged 3–13 the core literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

Hands-on Electronic Learning

EEME – Teach your kids electronics with online lessons and hands-on project kits that foster the curiosity and problem solving skills kids need for the science, technology, engineering, math – STEM – opportunities of tomorrow. Zachary is working on another project right now and we’ll be sharing that with you all. This program has truly ignited his passion for electronics!

Building an electromagnet with Project Attraction - EEME

Zachary recently worked on Project Attraction, learning how to make an electromagnet.  This kit is available as part of a 6 month subscription. You can also check out a few of our other projects from EEME: Project AmpProject DIY Light Display and Project Genius.

20% Off Ivy Kids Literature Pack

over in the ocean

We LOVED the Ivy Kids kits we have received and are SO excited to have them as a sponsor! If you love literature-based learning, you definitely need to visit their site and see how packed their activity boxes are for children ages 3-8! Their new July box for Over in the Ocean is available and looks amazing. New subscribers use the code IVY20 to save 20% on your first order and receive a welcome gift!!

Ivy Kids House for Hermit Crab

We finished the A House for Hermit Crab Ivy Kids Kit with Kaleb and recently shared a peek inside our fun. We also worked through Make Way for Ducklings and will be sharing a post on that soon as well.

homeschool coupon codes and sales_edited-1

We are gearing up to start school on Monday, and for us that means a mad dash to get all the curriculum in order (that would be when I realized I forgot to order two books!), getting a small batch of freezer meals prepped so I have some breathing room in the next few weeks, and savoring the last few days of the pool being open and friends being able to visit any time. Have you all started school yet? 

Here are a few reading links you may find interesting as well – they are links the kids and I have found interesting or helps for homeschool families. The main talk in our house has been the Olympics (the late nights are about to do us in though!). Now that swimming is over, the kids and I have also had some talks about a certain swimmer and the story that is unfolding regarding a not-so-true story he told. Great example of really poor choices – and will be interesting to see the consequences. 

There are some time-sensitive sales, giveaways, and goodies in this post, so if you are at all interested, I’d encourage you not to hold off! I’ll try to put them in order of when the deals expire to help you out. :)

Free Shipping from Bright Ideas Press

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If you are looking for Mystery of History or (one of our favorites) North Star Geography  and Wondermaps, be sure to shop not with Bright Ideas Press. Use code sendit at checkout for free media shipping. Coupon valid through August 31, 2016 with a minimum $30 purchase.

 

Back-to-School Giveaway Extravaganza! 

back to school extravaganza

Start your school year off with a fabulous giveaway from All About Learning Press – a complete level of All About Reading 1!! Our family absolutely loved this program! Giveaway ends 8-31-16. 

Save up to 20% on Grapevine Bible Bundles

Do you have a system to teach your children the Bible? Grapevine will take your children from learning the Word of God to being equipped to teach the Word of God. Save big in August with their bundle deals. No coupon code needed. 

 

Homeschool Coupon Codes and Deals (7-23-16)

Companies to Thank Homeschool Creations 7 16

Each month there are some wonderful companies working behind the scenes with us and each offers a variety of products you will love! Below you’ll find some special coupon codes from these companies along information about upcoming reviews and giveaways that you don’t want to miss!

Heirloom Audio Productions

Reasons we love and recommend Heirloom Audio dramas - a review from Homeschool Creations

Heirloom Audio has fast become one of our favorite audio adventures to pop in at home or in the car. Combining historical learning with fast-paced adventure makes for an amazingly wonderful learning tool for the entire family. We have listened (and relistened) to all five of their dramas and highly recommend them. 

Recently I shared about the 5 Reasons We Recommend Heirloom Audio, but wanted to remind you all of a special they have for my readers. Each audio drama is usually $29.97, but you can order a four audio adventure set (two of each drama) – one set for your family and one set to give away at a HUGE savings. In the past we’ve ordered together with a friend, making the deal only $10 for each CD set. You will also receive several bonus items, including teaching guides and soundtracks for each adventure.

Reading Eggs

4-Weeks-free-trial-with-ABC-Reading-Eggs-online-reading-program

Reading Eggs is offering a 4 week reading program trial to readers of Homeschool Creations.  Their online reading lessons, activities and e-books teach kids aged 3–13 the core literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

Hands-on Electronic Learning

EEME – Teach your kids electronics with online lessons and hands-on project kits that foster the curiosity and problem solving skills kids need for the science, technology, engineering, math – STEM – opportunities of tomorrow. Zachary is working on another project right now and we’ll be sharing that with you all. This program has truly ignited his passion for electronics!

Building an electromagnet with Project Attraction - EEME

Zachary recently worked on Project Attraction, learning how to make an electromagnet.  This kit is available as part of a 6 month subscription. You can also check out a few of our other projects from EEME: Project AmpProject DIY Light Display and Project Genius.

20% Off Ivy Kids Literature Pack

over in the ocean

We LOVED the Ivy Kids kits we have received and are SO excited to have them as a sponsor! If you love literature-based learning, you definitely need to visit their site and see how packed their activity boxes are for children ages 3-8! Their new July box for Over in the Ocean is available and looks amazing. New subscribers use the code IVY20 to save 20% on your first order and receive a welcome gift!!

Ivy Kids House for Hermit Crab

We finished the A House for Hermit Crab Ivy Kids Kit with Kaleb and recently shared a peek inside our fun. We also worked through Make Way for Ducklings and will be sharing a post on that soon as well.

homeschool coupon codes and sales_edited-1

There are some time-sensitive sales, giveaways, and goodies in this post, so if you are at all interested, I’d encourage you not to hold off! I’ll try to put them in order of when the deals expire to help you out. :)

Teaching Textbooks Giveaway

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It is rare (as in never happens) to find a giveaway from Teaching Textbooks – but until 7/26/16 you can enter to win a COMPLETE SET of your choice! Our family has loved the program from the day we started using it.

Compass Classroom Sale

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This week (through July 27th), Compass Classroom is having a $1 subscription sale on all of their online classes. We’ve used the WordUp Vocabulary with McKenna and will be using Visual Latin this year with both of the girls. 

back to school sale

In a short bit, they will also be holding their annual Back to School Sale (August 3 – 10), so stay tuned for that as well!

All About Spelling and Reading $100 Giveaway 

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Until July 31st, you can enter to win a $100 gift certificate from All About Learning Press to use toward either their reading or spelling programs. This is a fabulous giveaway, especially as the new school year is close to starting. 

Save 20% on the Grapevine Heroes Bundle

Bible Heroes Bundle

Grapevine Studies has a special bundle during the month of July and is offering 20% savings on the Bible Heroes Bundle until July 31st. Our kids love the simplicity of drawing stick figures and learn so much through these studies!

 

Our Favorite Homeschool Math Curriculum

Almost seven years ago, in 2009, we were facing tears and much drama when it came to math time. One of our daughters knew her facts and could compute facts in her head with little problem, but when it came time for her to figure the answers and write them down on paper, it became a very long and drawn out process. She would second guess herself. Recheck her problems over and over. What should typically take little time, turned into tears and frustration, and led to one girl strongly hating math. 

It was at that point that we put the worksheets aside, turned to some friends for advice, and ordered Teaching Textbooks to try. It was a perfect fit, and we immediately ordered a level for our youngest daughter as well. The changeover was made to the program for all of our kids once they were able to work on the first level of Teaching Textbooks, and we have used it ever since. Truly, it’s a program that I recommend to all of my friends, especially those that dread teaching the upper levels of math. (You know who you are.)

While math was one of my favorite subjects in high school and college (there is something oddly satisfying to me to be able to work out a problem and have a tangible solution to that problem), I will admit my brain has a hard time switching between Algebra 2 and 4th grad math. Call me crazy, but having Teaching Textbooks has been a magnificent relief to my over-stretched brain. For this upcoming school year our kids will range from 5th grade math up through Geometry. The mere thought of that makes my brain hurt – yet happy, since I know we have a solid program in place to teach the kids. 

All Levels of Teaching Textbooks are Self-Grading

If you’ve ever had to grade endless papers, especially when you get to the high school level, you will be most thankful for this feature of Teaching Textbooks. (Pre-Calculus will be self-grading as of August 2016). A few years ago we had a non-grading version of Pre-Algebra, and OY! Let’s just say it was a huge headache. It was well worth it for me to upgrade to the self-grading version and take that hassle off my hands, especially when we took into consideration that three other kids would be using the program as well. As a parent, the gradebook is EXTREMELY helpful. For our high schooler, I can print off a copy of the gradebook to include with transcripts. 

The Kids Can Work on Math Independently

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A laptop and a set of headphones, along with the program, is all it takes to get started. You don’t really need the headphones, but if you have kids that are distractible (or perhaps a parent who can’t focus – ahem), headphones are a wonderful addition. Each of our children can work on their math lessons independently, from third grade and up. The lessons are typically read/spoken to the children, and once they do the solving of the problem, they know immediately if an answer is correct/incorrect. 

For our children, this immediate feedback has been key for them in moving through lessons quickly – and quickly identifying areas they struggle grasping. Because I can see their grades as soon as the lesson is completed, I can also check to see what problems they may have answered wrong, and help them if needed. 

Continual Review and Second Chances

Each level of Teaching Textbooks includes continual review, so you can be sure your children are mastering an area. In addition, kids are also receive a second chance. There are times when our kids figure up the correct response, but type it in wrong, and other times when they get it entirely wrong. Receiving a second chance allows them a moment to look back over the problem, re-figure, and enter in the correct answer before moving on. 

We Can Use the Program With Multiple Children

With four kids, I want to find curriculum that makes sense for our family monetarily as well. While the upfront cost of the program can seem intimidating, when the cost is broken down between four children, it becomes very manageable. Once a level is purchased, we don’t have to re-buy the program (unless the kids use the workbook). 

Our kids work primarily on the computer, and refer back to the workbook, but do all of their figuring and writing on graph paper, making it a great way to pass the programs on to our younger children. 

Thorough Explanations and Understanding

Last year we let our oldest help choose her curriculum for the year and took her input regarding a few subject areas. She decided to try something other than Teaching Textbooks for Algebra 1. Within the first three months of the switch, she was growing increasingly frustrated, even though I was able to help explain concepts, and also find some video clips for harder concepts. By mid-semester she came and asked if she could switch back to Teaching Textbooks. She decided to go to the very start of the Algebra 1 program and work through each lesson. It wasn’t that one program was easier than the other, but the lesson walk-throughs and explanations of Teaching Textbooks gave her a solid understanding and were not as confusing to her as other programs (let’s face it, Algebra isn’t for everyone). 

The Program Travels Well

Although we do try to plan our vacations not during typical school weeks, there are times when we have doctor’s appointments or the kids are at their grandparents. The only thing they need to bring along is the CD-ROM portion of the level and then pop in a disk to complete their lesson. Now granted the kids may not be entirely thrilled about this part of the program, but it definitely is a benefit for me! 

Parental Override on the Grade book

Parents can also go into individual lessons and see how many problems were completed, marked wrong, and also if the solution to a problem was viewed. For several of our children, this is key. While a perfect score isn’t always possible, we do want to make sure the kids fully understand the concepts being taught (especially since math concepts build upon each other). When I look at the grade book each week, one of the key things I check is if our kids have viewed the solution. Each time they get a problem wrong (and after they have a second chance to answer it), they are given the chance to see the problem solved in front of them, and the ‘teacher’ walks them through the steps. 

As a parent, you can also choose to delete an answer to a problem or have a child redo an entire lesson. For one of our children (who gets frustrated with one or two problems wrong), I will delete the answers and let him go back in and retry it. It’s something little, but it makes a huge difference for him. The key is having him master the concept even though I’m not expecting a perfect score. 

When Your Computer Dies…

Over the last three years we have had TWO laptops bite the dust, one an accidental dropping and the other a complete fail. We were able to pull out the hard drive on both laptops, reinstall the programs onto our new laptop, and transfer the grade books over to the new computer with no problem (incidentally, the folks at Teaching Textbooks are fabulous to talk you down from a proverbial ledge should this ever be an issue for you as well). I’m rather adept at it now, so local friends, I’m happy to help if you need it. 

Not Sure Where to Start? 

Teaching Texbooks offers placement tests for your children so you can get a better idea where to start them off. Click here to take a peek. 

 

A GREAT Discount on WriteShop Junior D – ends Monday!

These savings have now ended, but you can learn more about WriteShop HERE

I’ve shared before that our children have absolutely loved WriteShop. In years past, it was what brought LIFE back into our girls creative writing (where all had been sucked dry). Transitioning our oldest into high school was so very easy, because she had a solid foundation in writing thanks to the various levels of Write Shop. 

Save BIG on WriteShop Junior D

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Until Monday, you can get WriteShop Junior D at a great savings. Very rarely do you find WriteShop on sale, so I would highly recommend that you grab this deal while you can. 

If you have a 3rd through 5th grader, this program may be the perfect fit for you! Maybe you are planning ahead for future years – no matter what reason, now is a great time to save BIG. Don’t forget – this sale ends on Monday, May 23rd at 11:59pm. 

Normally $71 for the digital teacher’s guide and student pack, WriteShop Junior D is included in the Elementary Bundle #1 – and you will receive additional e-curriculum from other publishers – all for just $40.

Click here to checkout the 2016 Build Your Bundle Sale!

Additional 20% off WriteShop Digital Products

 
One Week Only - Ends 5/23/16 - FREE Bundle of Bonuses with ANY Purchase!

If you don’t need WriteShop Junior D right now, there is still another offer you want to look for. A purchase of ANY bundle from the Build Your Bundle sale includes a FREE Bundle of Bonuses. Inside you’ll find a 20% coupon for any digital product that you’d like from the WriteShop store! That’s one coupon code I definitely plan to take advantage of!

Again, this special price is only good until Monday, May 23rd at 11:59pm – click HERE to shop now.  

 

What I’m Getting from Build Your Bundle (and Why)

For the last week or more you’ve been seeing graphics, giveaways, and heard the Build Your Bundle sale is coming. The first year it was held — I was so very, very confused. There was a lot to wrap my brain around and at the end of our homeschool year, there are very few coherent thoughts running around in my head. I’m not at the point where I really want to think much.

BUT saving money on homeschool curriculum is always enjoyable, so I kept digging, trying to fully understand, and realized how much the could really benefit our family! 

In case you are in the same boat I was and haven’t quite figured out the ins and outs of the sale, here is a QUICK look at the different options and explanations. Definitely take a peek before May 23rd though – because the sale ends at midnight and then you can’t take advantage of the deals you find now! (Scroll down to see what we will be purchasing). 

Purchase a Pre-Assembled Bundle

One Week Only - Ends 5/23/16 - Save 92% on the Character Bundle

Click here to checkout the 2016 Build Your Bundle Sale!

There are 15 themed bundles to choose from, ranging in price from $10 to $40 (10 of the bundles are $20 or less). The above graphic shows what is included in the Character & Bible bundle for $20 (do you see Picture Smart Bible – a $49 value – in the center??). Each of the bundle prices have savings of 86% or more and range from Early Learning through High School and there are also additional themes such as Charlotte Mason, fine arts, and more.  

 

Build Your Own Bundle 
Build Your OWN Bundles (Pick & choose what YOU want to buy!)

If you see one item in one bundle and another in a different one – you can pick and choose pieces using the Build Your Own Bundle option. This is a wonderful option if you have between 5 and 10 products you’d like to purchase and would rather not get 5 different bundles. 

  • Pick 5 items for $25
  • Pick 10 items for $39 
  • Pick ANY 10 for $59* 

*There are a few exceptions, so be sure to check out this page for more information. 

Get a FREE Bundle 
Buy any 2 individual bundles OR Build Your OWN Bundles and get one free!

One of the best parts of the Build Your Bundle sale is the Buy 2, Get 1 Free option. Build two bundles and get a third free. Or  pick 3 pre-assembled bundles and the lowest priced one will be free.  

Pick up a Bundle of Bonuses

Each purchase includes a pile of bonus offers – over $250 in free products and discount codes! 

The Bundles in MY Basket

my byb curriculum bundles

Curious to see what I’m choosing this year?  I definitely plan on purchasing several bundles as well! Here are the main ones I’m focusing on (and why). 

  • Elementary 1 bundle ($40) – my two main reasons for choosing this one are Masterbooks Elementary Geography program (value $49.95) and also WriteShop Junior D (value $71). The Heroes of History will be a great go-along for our US History studies next year as well as A Journey Through the Centuries of America. The Reading Journal in this also looks GREAT. WriteShop has been our FAVORITE writing curriculum so far and all four kids have used it with great results. Definitely much to love in this bundle.
  • Character and Bible bundle ($20) – my main picks from this one include the Honor Club curriculum ($29.95), Parenting with Proverbs ($9), A Content Heart ($29), and the Picture Smart Bible OT ($49). The Honor Club curriculum is based off the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Arguing in You and Your Children, and we are definitely looking forward to that one (because – let’s face it – all kids can have stinky attitudes at times and we can use all the tools we can get!). 
  • Early Learning bundle ($20 – but free with the Buy 2, Get 1 Free option) – the primary reason I am purchasing this bundle is for the coloring book version of Picture Smart Bible ($47 value) and You Can Read sight words ($10) for my nieces/nephews. While we have used the older children’s version of Picture Smart Bible, Kaleb would prefer these coloring pages (which I skipped purchasing before) because I didn’t think he would like them.  

Note: While I did look at creating my own bundle for $59, for $1 more I was able to get two of the larger products (WriteShop and Picture Smart Bible), so the above combo ended up being a better deal for me overall. 

Really – there is a LOT, and it is easy to get overwhelmed because of the bundle varieties. It took me quite some time to finally decide which bundles to choose (really, the Elementary bundle was never a question). Be sure to create and account and start browsing soon though in case you need time to think! Once you create an account, it will save your cart (don’t make the same mistake I did last year and forget to log in!). 

If you have any questions about the bundles or the sale, feel free to email and ask too!