We (the family who created Our Los Banos .com) have been homeschooling for 16 years and in that time have tried just about every different "method" and lots of different curriculums, materials and programs. Over time we have come across some products that really stand out and others we consider "duds" or a waste of our family's time.

We would like to share some of the things we've used and seen and our personal thoughts about them. However, in doing that, please realize that every family is different, as is every child within a family. What may not work for one might be just what another needs. What we love, someone else may hate.

Homeschooling allows families to educate according to their beliefs, temperaments and individual abilities and interests. We are all unique and our tastes in products, curriculums and the like reflect that.

Please take into account that these are our "personal" opinions and in no way are we telling you what will or will not work for you and your children, but rather what did and did not for ours. We will also be writing about items we have not used; giving you a complete description and again...our PERSONAL opinions!

We will be adding reviews over time, so please check back to see if something you are wondering about is listed. You can also email us at homeschooler@ourlosbanos.com and ask about something specific.

If you would like to add a review or your own comments about a product or curriculum, please contact us and we may post this on our site.

If you would like a material or curriculum to be reviewed please let us know. We look forward to reviewing YOUR product!

Please choose from the curriculum or material name below to go to its specific review page.

Polka Dot Publishing Life of Fred math books
These unique living math books are getting a growing fan base and the word is spreading among homeschoolers. Find out why!

Math Comparison Chart
Compare the strengths and weaknesses of different, popular math programs.

Our Experiences with Math
This isn't a review, but rather an article on our experiences with math and some of the materials we've used.

Sonlight Curriculum
A opinion piece / review about Sonlight Curriculum.

Teaching Textbooks Math Program(s)
Read an article (initial impression) about Teaching Textbook's math programs written by a teenage student who's actually using them. We are thrilled with how our math "hating" daughter is now excited about this subject!

WinterPromise Curriculum
An opinion piece / review of WinterPromise curriculum. We discuss their American Story 2 program, 4th grade language arts and talk about the instructor's guides and a bit about the company in general. We go over the positives and the potential negatives. We're really excited about our first year with WinterPromise!