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We talked about Rigorous Reading over on IG, but had to comment here publicly about it. It is fantastic, especially during busy seasons. This is our crazy time, and I have been leaning on it heavily instead of crafting from my own brain. It pairs nicely with the curricula we use (Oak Meadow, B&R, BW, BYL...). Life saver for 15 bucks. "Why are you showing off your 20 year-old-sweater?" BAHAHAHA!

Another stellar science level from Blossom and Root and another comprehensive in-depth review/overview by you, Arlene. I am looking forward to another season(s) of science with B&R. You two women are such a power pair. Can I slow down time so we can never age out of B&R?! I am hoarding back our last few novel studies like gold 🤣

Love this! My kids are taking an IEW writing class this semester through our co-op but I am interested in a slower pace at home, with one book for both my 5th and 7th graders. Your thorough flip through has made me feel more confident in doing so. Thanks so much for another great review!

I’m so sad my kids have outgrown blossom and root. I wish they had a middle and high school curriculum out now 😭 it was my favorite curriculum of all time! I’ll buy the novel studies etc as they come out but I miss having the full curriculum it was the best!

Thank you! What, do you consider, is the "most open-and-go" science curriculum for elementary or 6th grade?

Update: At the time I recorded the clips for my Term 1 update, I truly believed we would stick with our English program mashup for my 9th grader. After all, it seemed to be working, and her writing progress was steady. But after sitting down for our check-in interviews and reflecting on her needs and future plans, it became clear that simplicity-real, intentional simplicity-was what we needed most. And by simplicity, I don’t mean fewer materials, but rather a consistency that weaves naturally into the demands of every subject. It became apparent that returning to our roots was the best path forward. So, what’s changed? We’ve decided for my high schooler to return to Oak Meadow as the core for most subjects, except math (that’s Mr. Denison’s domain). Which we mostly been using anyways. Having used Oak Meadow since Grade 1, I trust the process. It’s not just about familiarity-it’s the balance of creativity, academic rigor, and gentle guidance that fosters confidence and independence, which are essential in our ND home. Why did we veer off OM English earlier this term? At the time, the seasonal shift and the structure of EIL (not marketed as secular but was adaptable for us) felt like the right fit. And it worked-for a while. But as we’ve settled deeper into the year, the symphony of Oak Meadow’s approach has proven to be what she truly needs. Its consistency across all subjects allows her to build independence with confidence, helping her grow in a way that feels aligned with our goals. This is a little mini-update for those of you following along. Sometimes, changes happen unexpectedly, even when you think everything is working well. It’s all part of the process, and we’re embracing it fully.

Thank you, Arlene. Just to clarify, do you mean to go in order of the wonders or in order of part one and part two. I was going to separate them and do part two first and wait and do chemistry next year.

Are you using this curriculum?

This is so helpful! Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your journey always so helpful!

Thank you for sharing with us.

❤

Thanks for sharing! Going to definitely utilize Sparknotes for high school. I’m super curious how Ecellence in Literature is going. It’s on my list of possibilities for my daughter next year.

Lovely Haul thanks for sharing 😊love your choices ❤

My daughter is halfway through level 4 of AAR. Which grade should I go with for LA? She’s 7. I’m torn between 2nd and 3rd.

Thank youu just in time for our art haul! 🎉❤ My overthinking heart is savoring all the fantastic detail 😁 Is it prime day yet 🙈

Getting ready to order OM 4 & 7 (I wish I would have started the year with OM instead of piecing together everything. Lesson learned😂) later this week and can't wait to use the planners as well! I started off with the Schoolnest Minimalist planner but it was just way too much for me😂 OM parent planner looks perfect for me! And the student planner will be perfect my middle schooler.

Such a great review ❤❤

Can you make a video about how schedule it? Because this is my first year using this book.

Is the paper in the weeks sized notebooks Tomoe river paper? I tried mine out and the ink bleed straight through so not sure if it’s a bad batch or different paper?

Thank you guys for such an awesome and in-depth video! Now we want to try all the pencils!!! We’ve tried the blacking pencils at a store in Alaska of all places, but they’re definitely an investment 😅 Jam liked prismacolor, but also he’s not doing as much art but I’m hoping either this year or next we really take art deeper than we have. I love that you also shared books, my happy place 😅. I can’t wait to see the rest of this series. Don’t judge us when we share our art tools, we’re not artists like you guys 😂 I love that you remind everyone that an artist can use any tool!! We don’t always need the fancy materials!!

Thank you so much for sharing such an extensive review! I ended up purchasing Plus for SparkNotes and also the year subscription to LitCharts!

Thank you for sharing all of this with us. And to Bella, too. We have a couple artists on our family as well, so this was fun.

I do love Hobonichi’s messaging of a life book. It really keys into self-care. I got the Cousin in Chinese, the weeks in the cherry blossom snow globe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts just subbed.

I love your shirt! 😂 Milk allergies and lactose intolerance over here 🤦🏻‍♀️

Have you checked out Sterling Ink? I would love to know your thoughts comparing it to hobonichi.

That Weeks is ADORABLE! I've went from A5 to B6, I'm debating a week's or a passport this time...decisions decisions!😅

Check out the Japanese Wabi Sabi about little imperfections 24:20

OMG I have that exact same Erin Condren clip!! it's so useful!! Great video!! I was also so angry about all the paddington this being sold out that I rushed to buy another planner /:

Now I want a Weeks. Maybe for menu planning and outings/travel.

Arlene! I don't need another planner to hyperfocus on 😅 but here I go.

How have I missed this video? Hands-down the best high school planning video for the nitty gritty part. We will be sitting down to do this later in the year, so thanks for this!

Thank you for all these reviews Arlene! I’m new to planners and ended up purchasing nature series big sister planner. I have 3 littles and plan to use it as my life planner not just for homeschool - I know you’ll say I’m crazy 😂 My question is: can you direct me to resources or “plan with me” type content that uses big sister planner? I’ve watched a few different videos but I feel very lost. How do I set this up? Totally get that it’s individual but I’m really stuck

What is the curriculum you are using here? Is it an online one? I could really use any recommendations for learning research skills you have. I love all your videos and respect your opinion. Thank you for all your hard work and sharing your homeschool journey with us. ❤

I didn’t need to see this🫥 I’ve changed planners 3 times already since we started school. I am obsessed with Harry Potter! This planner looks amazing! Will you make a video on how you utilize it?❤

Wow! What a great series and a beautiful conclusion. Adding the Invisible Backpack lesson to my schedule next week - much needed.. Also, loved that spelling workbook. I have similar feelings about spelling curriculum, and this looks more like what we currently do, but I have to make all the activities. Something like this would save a lot of time!

Tell Bella our town mayor is a dog! Did LC decide to go with Evernote? My kiddo prefers digital planning too...breaks my paper-lovin heart. The dinner LC prepared looks so freaking delicious!

The level of commitment these 7th graders have to Wikipedia! Happens over here too. If I had a dollar for every time I have said, "Wikipedia is not a credible source"...and heard back, "Well it comes first and has a lot of information on it. It is a time saver." I've failed as an educator 🤣 Seriously though, this was such a fun and informative watch. The relay with the switch-up was genius!

"It's nothing. It's everywhere." That Scythe discussion was AMAZING 🤣 We watched A to Z last year for the second half of our school year and didn't run across anything that would not be considered secular (for those wondering). We're watching again this year. My kiddo enjoys it.

I know as a homeschool mom that sometimes our schedules get extremely busy. If you get a few extra moments I'm very interested to see how you made changes to your Hogwarts Teacher Journal to align it towards homeschool. To share what I've done with mine's, I utilized 2 of the boxes at the end of my weekly spread to create a section for Saturday and Sunday because sometimes we do learning activities or field trips on the weekends. 😊

AHHH Thank you Arlene!! Your first planner was actually the 2019 Supernatural Planner! Then you have two 2020 planners: one SPN and one HP! Thank you also for the pen test - I will have to order those highlighters when they're back in stock, I love those colors! Also the square box stickers in the back were created because some customers felt there was not enough space in the monthly squares when we include extra fun holidays. Instead of taking those holidays out, we made boxes that can cover them! <3

Absolutely gorgeous 😍

Team parsley over here! 🤣 Thank you for making this series. Can’t wait to watch. We’re out of town with limited internet. But my laundry pile will be waiting when we return. 👍☺️

👍

Thank you so much for taking your time with this!!! I'm new to these planners and looked at many different videos. I loved how thorough yours is and that you compare with the other planners in real time. It was also so very helpful that you showcase the back where she gives ideas for how to use the planner. I'll be purchasing this one for sure!

Thanks... last minute freak out about what we will use for History this year! I had sort of forgotten about health as a requirement as well, so was good to see that info here as well. Going to keep watching and revisiting as we finalize our path for 9th!

@arlene can you please give me so ideas on how to use the undated months section in the minimalist jungle series? I wrote down "month in review" when you both held a intro live on IG last month or so (fb was acting up) , but I can't remember what that means for the life of me? Thank you so much.