Is having too many choices helpful or not?

I asked you this question the other day and didn’t get a response so I thought I would ask it again and see if you might answer me this time. Is having too many choices helpful or not? For me it can be both good and bad. And if you would like to know why I feel this way leave me a comment and I will let you know.

Cathy Duffy is the know-all when it comes to homeschool curriculum. She has reviewed hundreds of homeschool curricula to help educators like me make an educated decision when shopping for homeschool curriculum. So as soon as I see a product has been approved by Cathy Duffy, I am more likely to trust it. Here’s a handful of Cathy-approved educational picks available at Educents.com. I hope these double-recommended educational resources will relieve you from endless hours of shopping around for the best (and most cost-effective) homeschool resources.

Elementary Math & Science

Life of Fred Elementary Math

If you haven’t heard of Life of Fred, you’re in for a real treat. Dr. Stanley F Schmitt is a math teacher who developed story-based math learning series that has taken homeschooling by storm! Forget rote learning that doesn’t resonate learners follow the Fred and his pals through life and learn math concepts along the way. Kids sometimes don’t even know they’re learning math until they’re told!

Each book has a topic, like Apples, Butterflies, and Cats. I recommend supplementing math learning with science of social studies of the same topic!

Life of Fred Elementary Math

Giant Butterly Garden

This ties in with the second Life of Fred book so well! With the set little ones can learn about (and experience!) the miracles of metamorphosis.

Giant Butterfly Garden

Elementary Reading & Writing

Grammaropolis

I can’t say enough for story-based learning. It’s one of the oldest ways we’ve learned from each other – starting with fables that teach us to be good to one another.

Grammaropolis is a great tool for K-3rd grade learners on their quest for perfect English grammar, which isn’t always straight forward! This set comes with animated shorts, music videos, books and quizzes, so you’ve got a lot of learning styles covered.

Price: $40, down from $50

Grammaropolis

Middle School Math

Life of Fred Intro to Algebra

I really can’t say enough about the Life of Fred series! Kids learning algebra and beyond will enjoy the stories and learn the concepts through holistic learning. If your learner is new to Fred but at a more advanced level, it has been recommended that they start from the beginning. That said, re-learning a few known concepts in the Life of Fred framework will help them get up to speed with story and succeed with the series.

Price: $34.08 down from $38 at Educents.

Life of Fred Intro into Algerba

Life of Fred Financial Choices

As your kiddos get older you may also like to instill strong financial decision making. The Life of Fred Financial Choices book is a great intro. And if we’re being honest, there’s never a bad time for parents to brush up on this!

Price: $15.99 down from $19.99

The Life of Fred Financial Choices Book

Middle School Social Studies

myWorld Social Studies

Comprehensive comprehension: this world history and social studies packet is an excellent kick off to middle school studies. Created for 6th graders, this set lays the groundwork for students to become active citizens by learning about US history and politics and encouraging learners to understand real ways they can participate, and how it matters.

The package also includes a teacher’s guide for every chapter, lesson plans, audio podcasts on each subject, and editable tests with answer keys: it really sets everyone up for success!

Price: $72.47

myWorld Social Studies

Science for the Family

Magic School Bus Nature Bundle

Summer is a great time to get the whole family involved with experiments to foster learning and family bonding!

This set comes with four science kits at $16 (a $35 savings) with topics covered:

Weather – learn about rainbows, tornadoes, the greenhouse effect and more.
Going Green – learn about recycling, compost, and making new paper out of old!
Solar Energy – watch solar energy inflate balloons and spin a top
Wonders of Nature – build and ant hill, dissolve an eggshell, do an animal tracks exercise

Price: $63 down from $100

Magic School Bus Nature Bundle

Then if you wait until Monday to make your purchases you can save money on the items you purchase.

FREE shipping on orders over $49 Monday – Friday. One time promo code use per customer (contiguous US).

I would like to remind you if you make a purchase through this post is having too many choices helpful or not, that it contains my affiliate links, and I will make a small percentage off any purchase you make.