Math Galaxy App Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.


I love math, but teaching it is not my favorite thing to do. I was excited to get a chance to review Math Galaxy 3rd Grade iOS app for Caty from Math Galaxy.  This has been a great way to help get her caught up in areas she has been struggling with.

Math Galaxy has a wide range of grade levels and topics available for purchase through the iOS App Store.  Games and math skills are available for grades preschool through middle school skill level.  Also available are ebook downloads to practice these same skills.  We chose the Third Grade math level since Caty has been struggling with Multiplication and division topics.  
The Math Galaxy apps have been broken down into a wide range of skill topics for each grade level.  There are videos available to watch.  But steps are also created to work through for each student to be able to increase their knowledge and ability to solve problems.

One day Caty decided to take what she saw on the screen and work it out on the white board table in our schoolroom at co-op,  By working through these steps, she has started getting a better grasp on why we use multiplication instead of just a HUGE amount of addition.

She has graduated from just multiplication onto division now.

I really like that feedback is given as students work through way through the problem.  Each step to follow along the way is shown in the lower left corner.

Math Galaxy is not just a bunch of cartoon characters hoping all over the screen.  In some kids these work, but in easily distractible kids like my own, apps like this work against them by causing their attention to be off topic.  As she works along, we plan on continuing using Math Galaxy along with the materials that she is covering in her math program.  Then we can practice more of what she is learning.  Using apps such as Math Galaxy alongside your current curriculum are very beneficial.  For Caty she is able to practice and not need a bunch of scrap paper which also can turn into a distraction for doodling, instead of figuring her problems.  Math Galaxy allowed her to keep the steps in order in her brain.

And even better, she can use it anywhere in the house or even in the van when we are traveling around between co-ops.

We were also given the ability to use many of the different ebooks that Math Galaxy has to use alongside their apps.  These provide extra printable practice for students on topics they are learning about.

These files are easily downloadable PDFs, which you can choose to print in either color or black & white.  The reason the Math Galaxy workbooks are more fun....they center around riddles.

We have used a few of the pages from the eBooks.  I like the simplicity.  These also helped me to identify areas to help Caty with further. If you come from a large family, you know having eBooks to print are so much easier than the necessity of purchasing stacks of workbooks.  Again, you can use these practice sheets right alongside the curriculum that you are currently using with your child.

We will definitely continue using both the Math Galaxy apps and eBooks right alongside the curriculum we are currently using.  I have seen improvement in Caty's math skills the last couple weeks of our review period. It is as if things are finally clicking for her.

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review the apps and books from Math Galaxy.  Click on the link below to see how they used these products in their home and what they felt about them.

YWAM Publishing - Heroes of History - Milton Hershey Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.




We recently had the opportunity to review Heroes of History - Milton Hershey: More Than Chocolate by Janet & Geoff Benge and the accompanying study guide Milton Hershey Unit Study Curriculum Guide from YWAM Publishing.  YWAM Publishing Heroes of History series helps to make history more fun for kids to study!

Who knew that man who is known world-wide for chocolate bars, was so much more.  

Milton Hershey grew up poor and suffered through two failed businesses that bankrupted him.  Several members of his family did not even support him and considered him a failure.  Yet he did not let any failures or hurdles that came into his path stop him.  He did allow his experiences to shape him and his past even influenced him to help children who did not have enough by opening The Hershey Industrial School in 1909.  

He was a humble man.  He and his wife helped others and helped to build their community up.  He believed in treating his employees fairly and they would be loyal to the business.  

Caty really enjoyed reading the story of Milton Hershey.  A few years ago we had the opportunity to visit Hershey, PA, so this book gave her a little more of an understanding of the factory we toured and the city we drove through.  I mean what kid wouldn't enjoy reading about the creator of one of her favorite candies?!?!  

YWAM Publishing does a very good job of publishing books that will keep children's interest.  The Heroes of History series features many men and women that have made an influence not only in their lifetime, but also made an impact on history.  These chapter books have been created for late elementary through middle school reading levels, but a High School student could easily use this series for research materials for writing/history fair projects.

We have used several titles from the Heroes of History series from YWAM Publishing.  Through the years we have had the opportunity to review several titles in this series, including George Washington, Alan Shepherd, John Adams, Davy Crockett, Harriett Tubman, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Clara Barton. 

In order to ensure your student gets a well-rounded education from the story they are reading, YWAM Publishing also offers an easy to downloadable study guide that accompanies most stories, including Milton Hershey, More Than Chocolate.

The Milton Hershey Unit Study Curriculum Guide is a downloadable PDF file.  It's broken into two parts.  The first part includes suggestions on how to use the book and study guide individually or in a group setting.  I love the idea of creating a corner or poster area to create a display about the individual you are studying.  This area could include a display of the products the individual you are studying created or just a poster of sayings and quotes that inspired the person you are studying.  

During this time frame, we did study Inventors and Innovations of our state.  This was one of the suggested topics to help your student to delve into while studying about Milton Hershey.  There are roughly 25 different suggested activities to help students really dig into the life and times of the individual they are reading about.  Suggestions for Milton Hershey also included studying about the Civil War, Spanish-American War, studying candy making, and geography ideas such as map-making.

There are comprehension questions already created for each chapter in the book.  Each set of chapter questions are meant to draw out the student and help them to work on their short-answer skills and increase their vocabulary.  To increase the success in parents creating a well-rounded study, there are several suggestions for creative writing projects and language arts activities.  

In fact, there are activity suggestions for art projects, social studies activities, science studies (who doesn't want to learn how to make and temper chocolate!!), and suggestions are made for further books, magazine and article suggestions to increase your study materials about the person you are learning about.  YWAM Publishing has done such a wonderful job on creating the Milton Hershey Unit Study Curriculum Guide as a companion study to Milton Hershey, More than Chocolate.

Our study of Milton Hershey did not take us deep into the science of chocolate, but we were able to learn more about this man and the legacy that he left.  Caty is a reader, so she actually finished the book in under a week.  I tried assigning chapters to match up with the study guide, but gave up.  She and I discussed the comprehension questions. You could really adjust your study to be roughly a week, but extended out to what length you would like.  Using the Heroes of History series with your family is very flexible and you can adjust it to fit your needs and your student's learning styles..

I highly encourage your to check out Heroes of History as you begin planning your studies for the next school year.  Or even check them out for easy summer studies.  You can easily find a full list, in historical order, on the YWAM Publishing site.  They are a great, and inexpensive way to enhance your history studies.  And even better.....the downloadable Unit Study Curriculum Guides have all the hard work already done for you!!!

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review books from the Heroes of History from YWAM Publishing.  Click on the link below to see how they used these in their homes and what their family thought of this book series.

Menu Monday

All things are still cancelled.  We are still practicing our social distancing as much as we possibly can.  I have had to run out a few times for meds and staples.  Last week we still had dr appts that were not cancelled.  This week almost all appts are cancelled.  I signed the girls up for some online classes on Outschool to keep them going.  Both girls are now doing their language classes over Skype or Facebook Messenger.  We have family staying with us, so this is great too.  Definitely busy.

Here's what is on the menu this week....

Sunday
B- French toast (and I'll make extra for the week)
L- KFC Bowls
D- Stuffed shells w/ salad

Monday
B - Cream of wheat or oatmeal w/ fruit
L - Grilled cheese and soup
D- Turkey gravy and mashed potatoes

Tuesday
B - Quesadillas and yogurt
L - Cincinnati chili
D- Baked spaghetti w/ breadsticks

Wednesday
B - Cereal w/ fruit
L - Leftovers
D - Cheeseburger soup

Thursday
B - Oatmeal cookies
L - Chicken stuffing shepherd's pie
D- Garlic chicken w/ rice and veggies

Friday
B- Cereal w/ fruit
L- Fried rice
D- Salisbury steak w/ mashed potatoes

Saturday
B- Pancakes
L- Macaroni and cheese
D- Chicken pot pie w/ biscuit topping

Why I plan.....
Who isn't busy?!?!  Kids schedules, schoolwork, work, WOW!!  Life just does not stop!

When I create a menu, I include our schedule on it also.  In fact, I type the schedule into the table that I created first.  Then I know what is going on that day, and I can plan crockpot meals or even know if I need to have a make-ahead meal ready.  I do not use a fancy downloadable calendar, I simply use Microsoft Word.  I have a table I created on there.  At the bottom, I keep a running list of menu items that either I want them to try or food that is loved by all.

Hope everyone has a great week!!  See everyone next Monday!

And Self-Imposed Quarantine Has Begun....

In a matter of a few days, our lives changed drastically.  Sports are cancelled for 3 weeks. Co-op was cancelled for 3 weeks.  E-games was cancelled.  Brayden's one job closed for almost 3 weeks.  Sign Language cancelled.  Japanese class now through Skype.  Libraries started closing.  Store shelves were emptying.  And even regular doctor appointments started cancelling and will be rescheduled.  Kingdom hall face-to-face meetings were cancelled, and a video feed set up to watch from home.  The Zoo closed, so no shifts for Lydia through April 1.  Theaters started closing, salons closing, and even stores that we sometimes frequent were closing.

Caty started out Sunday, our first day of watching Kingdom Hall on a video feed, asking to try to make macroons.  I said, Why not.  She had gotten a new kitchen tool for whipping cream and egg whites.  I wanted to take advantage of the warmer day, so I let her go to town.

Since it was a nice day, and I had gotten her supplies, while her macroons were cooling she planted her carrots, onions, and radishes outside.

The filling she made was not a hit.  But everyone agreed her cookies were really good.

Normally on the cabinet on the left, there hangs a very organized and full daily calendar.  That all changed overnight.  It was crazy how quick it all changed.

We tried to take advantage of some of the many resources that opened up their websites to everyone during these times of shutdowns for most school districts.

The girls did this art class from McHarper Manor several days this week.

Working on her Math program from Matific Galaxy.

This were their finished works from the Monday class.

Lydia has been reading though her new history book, History on Horseback.  Watch for our upcoming review.

I took my mom to the store on Monday night because Brayden's job was still open.   This is what the shelves looked like.  It was absolutely crazy.  I have never seen anything like this.  While we were at the store and I was helping chauffeur Brayden, Joe went to get his sister and her kids from their home in Indiana.  Everyone was on edge and anxious.  He said he felt more comfortable having her here.  So we grew from a family of 6 to a family of 9 in just a few hours.

With all the extra people, school still went on.  My niece and nephew have their e-programs to work on daily.  Our kids still have their work too.  Lydia still has riding.  That is one thing that is still happening.  So she left the house ONLY for riding this past week.

On Tuesday they made Peg people along with McHarper Manor.

Caty's Japanese lesson was on Skype.

Our niece Carra learned how to work with yeast while making an easy French bread recipe that a friend of ours shared with us.

The bread was a hit.

We did get to enjoy one walk outside this week before it started raining daily.  I cleaned off the treadmill and the storage room so we can use the weight bench and treadmill.  Our gym is also closed.

Joey still had Day Services this week.  We allowed them to go, since they are watching temperatures of all the people there.  It's also a small group.

Caty started a new History program using Homeschool in the Woods Time Travelers.  She has a timeline she is using in the living room.  She watched several videos and is exploring from the American Revolution through the 1800s.

Robby asked to make a giant Reese's cup.  This was fun and the kids liked it.

Trying to keep busy....one night we played You Don't Know Jack with Brandy.   I had to make light of the tp issues in the stores.

The first day of Spring was this week....And I am trying to keep things as normal as possible.  I got up and made them rainbow chip pancakes with clouds.

They all got little treat bags and butterfly Little Debbie cakes.

The girls all got new headphones in spring colors.

I also made them their favorite spring flower pretzel candies.

Their spring dinner was spring rolls, lemon ricotta pasta with asparagus and brocolli.

I'm glad I got this for Lydia.  She is taking a class at co-op and since we purchased this ourselves, she is able to work on it at home.  She really likes this CrowPi.

The girls Bible reading this week was about Jacob and Esau.  The girls tried lentils.  Lydia loved them, but Caty not so much. She doesn't like quinoa either.  It's a texture thing for her.

Lydia started her sign language class through Skype also.

The girls picked painting with forks after watching a video on Facebook.  They really enjoyed this.

We watched Cincinnati Zoo videos this week also.  It was fun learning about the different animals.

 My mom and Joe had appts this week.  I had to take them both to the first appts and then the rest were cancelled by their providers.  I still stayed plenty busy with work and also keeping the kids somewhat entertained.  One day the activity on McHarper Manor was playdough creations.  I really did not think the kids would like this, but they loved it!

Lydia is still practicing her piano.  But I need to find an online option for her if school cancels for the rest of the year.

My nephew is addicted to 5 minute crafts on Youtube.  So we have several of the projects that he'll be working on the next few weeks.  The first one started.....can the aloe leaf regrow it's roots in a banana.

Another activity was Dotzies.  This is one of those gem glueing activities.  All three of the girls love these.

Since we are stuck inside, I did have some projects to work on.  We bought a new storage shelf and sports shelf for our storage room/gym area.  Joe and Lydia put the shelves together so that I can start rearranging both the workout area and also my book store storage area.

We worked on cleaning up Joe's office and our front storage room also.  I got a lot of little projects like that done this week.  I am making my list for next week also.  I have so many things that I really want to accomplish and I have two more weeks off from work to finish this....we have this!!

Our governor in Ohio closed day adult services today.  Joey is not home next week.  His job had already cancelled this next week, but after today's announcement it may be longer than a week now.   Brayden's job is only open one day next week, but after the announcement today, he also may be home for the next few weeks also.

I still have my online co-op Minecraft class.  I at least have that.  Some of my student's from my in-class group will be joining us for the online class.  Help keep them going.

We will keep chugging along.  Lydia has some Fun online classes scheduled on Outschool next week.  I have my activity list ready and waiting if they start getting too bored.