25% Off Sale, Two New Courses, Free and Fun Math Links, and More in July's Newsletter!


This month you'll find a special offer from Music in Our Homeschool and two new courses from FundaFunda. We also found some free and fun math links to share with you. And, we have a new teacher spotlight, a new AI tip, ACT updates, new podcast episodes, and a reminder about fall semester classes--yes, the beginning of the school year is right around the corner!

AND - be sure to check out our curated list of Amazon Prime Day deals. We selected items that homeschooles will love!


Teacher Spotlight

Sébastien Crépieux

Sébastien is an avid runner with a strong commitment to the sport. He serves as a pacer for the Knoxville Marathon and tackles the challenges of ultra marathons. His passion for running drives him to constantly push his limits and explore the great outdoors.

In addition to his running pursuits, he is a licensed US soccer coach, actively coaching at Emerald and passionately sharing his knowledge of the game with aspiring athletes.

Travel is also a significant part of his life. He has visited numerous countries across Europe, fully immersing himself in diverse cultures and experiences. Every year, he embarks on new adventures abroad with his wife and children, creating lasting memories that enrich their family bond.

Accompany Sébastien on his adventures, by following him on social media!

Instagram: @knoxfrenchcoach

LinkedIn: sebastien crepieux

YouTube Channel: @knoxfrenchcoach

Website: Knox French Coach

"This was a great class! I really enjoyed being able to learn at home with all of the benefits of having a class. Sébastien is a wonderful teacher and gives very clear directions. His lessons were great and he responded to questions or comments very quickly. I can’t wait to take French 2 next year!"

 

ajnewma2 · French 1 Student


JUST FOR YOU:

July Deal

Music in Our Homeschool has a 25% sale on everything!

Here are just a few of the items you will find on sale:

  • Beginning Music Theory (Elementary and Teen Courses)
  • Intro to Musicals for Elementary Students
  • KinderBach: Online Piano and Music Theory
  • Music Alphabet Handwriting Practice Sheets
  • Music Appreciation of the Romantic Era (High School)
  • Recorder Instrument & Music Activity Pack
  • Singing Made Easy

Use code 25SUMMER to receive the 25% discount.


Two New Courses


FundaFunda has partnered with Critikid to help them create a NEW self-paced critical thinking course: Critical Thinking for the Digital Age.

This is a 16-week, half-credit hour homeschool course for students in grades 8-12. By the end of the course, teens will be better prepared to think critically about what they see online.

The course will require about four hours of study per week, and the lessons will combine reading, short videos, hands-on worksheets, and creative projects.

The course is designed for independent, self-paced work, but it includes questions parents can use to spark discussion. The course uses resources from Critikid.com. Students will learn practical ways to evaluate information and communicate responsibly online.

Students will learn to:

· Ask good questions when presented with a claim.

· Evaluate the credibility of sources.

· Interpret the data they encounter online.

· Recognize manipulation tactics.

· Build clear, logical arguments.

· Spot flaws in their own reasoning.

· Navigate the online world in a respectful and responsible way.


FundaFunda also has a NEW year-long engineering course: Engineering A to Z.

This is a two semester, one credit hour homeschool course for students in grades 8-12. By the end of the course, students will have explored practical examples for each type of engineering and developed a foundation in how engineering disciplines affect their daily lives. Students will also learn about the major coursework they would take should they choose to become an engineer.

The course will require about four to five hours of study per week. Students will have the opportunity to explore the many different engineering disciplines and learn basic applied science and math principles used in various fields of engineering. Students will also be working on projects that will reinforce the concepts learned from each field.

Course Goals: In this online engineering class, the student will gain:
❖ Understanding of the different engineering disciplines
❖ Understanding of specific applications in the different engineering fields
❖ Understanding of the different Science and Engineering concepts
❖ Technical skills from hands-on projects applying concepts from each major field
❖ Introduction to the type of major to study for each discipline


Contest of the Month:

Voice of Democracy

This year’s theme is, “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”

Applicants in grades 9-12 record their original 3-5 minute audio essay on a flash drive (or other electronic device), submit the recording, typed essay, and the entry form by October 31, 2025.

The scholarship grand prize is $35,000.


AI Tip / Resource of the Month

Google's Gemini

Use Google's Gemini to help create schedules for you and/or your children. Tell Gemini all that needs to be accomplished in a day (or a week) and provide estimates of time needed per task / activity. If the schedule isn't quite right, ask Gemini to make changes until it works. It's a useful tool for teens who are learning how to manage their time more efficiently.


Fall semester classes begin Monday, August 18, 2025. It's not too late to register!

Fall Semester Dates: Aug 18 – Dec 12 (fall break over Thanksgiving week)

Spring Semester Dates: Jan 5 – May 1 (spring break can be taken any week in March)

See all FundaFunda full-semester online classes here.

Self-paced semester classes can be found here.

Unit studies can be found here.

On July 29 at 8pm ET we will be hosting a Zoom where you can meet the teachers and ask any questions you have. They will be in separate breakout rooms, so you can visit any you would like to.

Click here and we will send you the Zoom link closer to the time.


Cool Links

Explore these cool links to find fun math activities and games.

  • Math Is Fun has not only practice exercises for math of all school levels but it also offers puzzles and games.
  • Zearn offers a free online math curriculum - you could also use it as a supplement or over summer for review. It covers K through 8th grade coursework.
  • Phet has many online simulations to illustrate math concepts for all grades.
  • Math Playground has over 300 free games that cover key math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and place value) for K through 6th grade students. There are also logic puzzles and pre-algebra games.
  • Poki has fun, interactive games that reinforce specific math skills. The site contains math games, number puzzles, riddles, mazes, and a whole lot more!

ACT CORNER

Test Info and Updates

Fast Facts

Next test date: September 6, 2025

Registration deadline: Aug. 1, 2025

Following test date: Oct. 18, 2025

Digital ACT or Paper ACT?

Students have the option to take the ACT in a digital or paper format. Which format is best for your child?How do the formats differ? What are pros and cons of each format?

Click below to find out more information about both formats.


Latest Podcast Episodes

In our Homeschooling with Technology podcast, we explore new and different ways of using technology in homeschooling. There is an episode released every week!

You can start listening at any time. Just click on a link to listen in a browser, or find the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Email me if you need help! We have a tab on our website to browse through all our past podcast episodes easily. Check it out!

Episode 330 - How I Use AI to Kickstart Creativity

In this episode, Meryl shares seven practical ways she uses AI tools like ChatGPT to spark and support creative thinking.

Episode 329 - Teaching Students to Navigate Social Media

Teaching students to navigate social media is more important than ever as teens face a constant stream of information, misinformation, and online pressures. In this episode, Meryl is joined by returning guest Stephanie Simons to discuss this topic.

Episode 328 - Useful Technology in Homeschooling Special Needs High Schoolers

In this episode, Meryl chats with homeschool mom, Melody Durham, who shares the tech tools that have helped her dyslexic high schooler succeed.

Episode 327 - Fun Group Games to Play Online

Whether you’re on a long trip, stuck indoors on a rainy day, or trying to connect with faraway family, group games to play online can be a great way to build memories and share laughter.

Episode 326 - Why Scratch Is the Perfect First Programming Language to Learn

In this episode, Meryl is joined by returning guest Matthew Jurison, a homeschool teen. Together, they explore why Scratch is an ideal language for beginners learning to code.

Free Resource Library for Subscribers

Access the Free Resources Library HERE. ​Password: edufun

9508 Abrams Creek Way, Knoxville, TN, USA, KNOXVILLE, TN 37922
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