This is a list of the vendors that the TOS Homeschool Crew will be reviewing this upcoming year. This list can still grow, but this is the current list.
This list, and the reviews by other Crew members can be found at the TOS Homeschool Crew blog. You can click on any of these links below to look at the companies and their products while you're waiting for our reviews, though.
One thing I often hear when meeting someone, or discussing our family size is "You must be so organized!" I've been known to laugh at that comment, because I'm just trying to keep 100 plates spinning without dropping them. My husband assures me I am organized, but the plates often feel ready to come crashing down. When I get too overwhelmed with the 100 spinning plates, I start making lists. I like my calendar, and I love my lists!
Last year, I reviewed the 2008 Schoolhouse Planner as part of my application for the Homeschool Crew. As a certified "list maker", I really enjoyed the Planner, and was glad to find forms I hadn't even thought of creating. I knew many of the forms would be helpful ... either now or in the future. I printed the forms and wrote directly onto the paper, not really understanding the data entry capabilities of the planner.
Once again, I'm blessed to review the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner. The Old Schoolhouse has made some great changes, and added over 40 additional forms. There are 12 new articles from homeschool leaders and authors, and 24 new recipes. In addition to last year's 14 helpful lists, there are 12 new lists of important information. The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner has 375 pages, compared to last year's 247 pages.
Some of the new forms that have been added since last year include:
high school transcript
book report forms
preschool activities list
preschool planning sheets
weekly and daily schedules for different numbers of children, up to 5 children
attendance chart
alphabet copywork sheets
co-op planning sheets
home repair list
home project organizer
car maintenance forms
Bible study notes form
With my 13 year old entering 9th grade this year, I was thrilled to see the new High School Transcript form, as well as the high school hours tracking sheet, and the 12 year planning sheet. Those forms, along with the test grade record sheets and progress reports will help me keep track of our high school years. I know I need to keep more detailed records now that we're beginning high school, and the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner will make that so much easier.
I was also excited to see the 3 different homeschool co-op planning forms which are new this year. I will be working with another lady in our homeschool group to plan the co-op classes and meetings next school year. This is a new role for me, and I know these forms will help keep me "together". These forms will be helpful in organizing my thoughts, and communicating them to the other homeschool moms in our group.
There is so much information, and so many different forms in the 2009 Schoolhouse Planner, I know I will be referencing it for years to come. I appreciate the data-entry capabilities that will allow me to print a "finished" copy of my calendar, school records, report cards and especially our high school transcripts. My husband is making plans for us to start printing quarterly or semester reports for our high school students and file them in the fire-proof safe. That type of record-keeping appeals to him, as well.
The 2009 Schoolhouse Planner is a product I recommend for new homeschool families and veteran homeschool families. The lists, essays, and forms make it useful for more than just one year. Most of the forms come in more than one variation, so you can choose the style that works best for you, or try a new method each year. You can custom design a planner for Mom, a planner for your older students, and even one for Dad. It's a $39 value that will be long-lasting.
I've already typed our birthdays, holidays, and important events into the calendar, and printed it out. Now I'm set to take my folder with me to appointments and meetings ... after all, I have to keep up my "organized Mom" persona. I'm still working on organizing my 2009-10 school planner, but my personal planner is ready!
Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
Two great ways to save on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!
Posted on 2009-May-25 at 11:50 AM
The Old Schoolhouse is my favorite magazine! It never fails to encourage me, and teach me new things. It inspires me to try new methods of homeschooling, and to continue to homeschool even when it's difficult. Because of TOS and some of my online homeschooling friends, I am confident that we can homeschool through highschool successfully.
When I read TOS, I am always blessed. My daughters look forward to its arrival as much as I do. TOS is a magazine for the whole family, and the heart of Paul and Gena Suarez (and all the other TOS employees) is to inspire and encourage homeschoolers everywhere.
If you'd like to subscribe to TOS, now is the time!
Until midnight on Tuesday, May 26th, you can subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine ™ for only $15. Plus, as a bonus, you can select 5 FREE WeE-books of YOUR CHOICE! TOS is taking $10 off for one-year print subscriptions! (U.S. only)
Here's what you need to do to get a 1 year subscription for just $15:
Put our Pick 5 WeE-book™ product in your cart byclicking here.
Place a one-year print subscription in your cart by clicking here.
At checkout use coupon code FREEPICK5.
If you already have a TOS subscription and you need to renew ... this is also the time!!
There are 8 days left to RENEW your subscription to The Old Schoolhouse ™ Magazine and get 2 years for the price of 1! For just $25 you'll receive 2 full years of TOS! But you must subscribe by June 2nd to get the summer issue!
To renew, go HERE and then use coupon code 2YRRENEWAL to renew for 2 years for the price of 1. You'll receive two years of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine for just $25 - only $3.12 per issue.
Click on the images to go directly to product descriptions.
When Memoria Press told us we could select items to review, my children all came rushing to the computer to help me choose. I knew we wanted to review the Famous Men Of Modern Times set since it fits right into our current history studies, but they had so many other great products to choose from I couldn't make up my mind. My oldest girls were excited about First Start French: Book One, so we chose it, as well. Then we anxiously waited for our package to ship, and arrive.
When the package arrived, everyone gathered around to see the books. My oldest two ran off with the First Start French and I had to make them bring it back to me after awhile. I sat down with Famous Men Of Modern Times and was immediately impressed with the full-color artwork included with each biography. I don't mean recent artists' renderings, but famous classical paintings. Famous Men of Modern Times
Famous Men of Modern Times is a reprint of a classic book, first published in 1909. It covers 33 famous men who were prominent in history between the years of 1449 and 1898. Memoria Press has added beautiful artwork to the book, and the book itself is a large paperback that is a comfortable size to hold and read.
Memoria Press has created excellent study guides to go along with the book. The student guide is designed for the junior high student (6th - 8th grade). It includes important facts to know about key people, quotes, vocabulary, comprehension questions, activities, and some map work. The student guide also includes review lessons, a "who said that" worksheet, and a timeline. The student guide can be used as a consumable workbook, or the answers could be written on separate paper, but it is not reproducible.
The teacher's guide isn't just a list of answers without the context of what was asked. Instead, it is a copy of the student guide with the answers included. The teacher's guide also includes copywork passages, writing prompts, tests, test answer keys, and a final exam of 100 drill questions.
Memoria Press' Famous Men Of Modern Times set is a comprehensive study of modern history centered around the interesting stories of real people. With 33 weeks' worth of work, it is a full-year's history curriculum for junior high. It is a complete history curriculum that doesn't require any other resources or materials. The Famous Men of Modern Times text could also be used as a supplement to another history curriculum.
We enjoyed the Famous Men Of Modern Times set. The text is beautiful, with its artwork, and the biographies it includes are interesting. All of my children listened as I read the biographies from Famous Men Of Modern Times aloud. When we discussed the comprehension questions, I was surprised at the facts that even the younger children retained. The student and teacher's guides are very comprehensive and include more than enough activities to help your student learn and remember the people and events in history. Since the text is written in the form of biographies, it enables our students to have a memory peg to organize the historical events around. Famous Men Of Modern Times is not a traditional textbook -- it's much better!
First Start French, Book One is a French curriculum written for the 3rd - 8th grade student. It provides an introduction to the French language. The set includes the student text, teacher's guide, and a CD that enables the teacher and student to hear the proper pronunciation of words. The student text and the teacher's guide are both quality full-size paperback books.
The textbook is broken down into 36 weekly lessons, and the teacher's guide begins with suggestions for breaking each lesson down into 4 sessions per week. Six of the lessons are review lessons, and the other 30 lessons introduce the student to French vocabulary, grammar, songs, and conversation.
The teacher's guide is non-consumable and reusable. The student guide can be used as a consumable workbook, or the answers could be recorded in a notebook to make the student guide re-usable. Neither book is reproducible, however. You can view samples at the Memoria Press website.
I love the straight-forward approach of First Start French. It is easy to use, for the teacher and the student. The accompanying CD is recorded by a native French-speaker. The accent is wonderful to hear, however we found it very quiet and had to turn our volume up very loud to hear it well.
My girls have enjoyed adding French phrases to their conversation and can be heard singing "Bon Matin" throughout the day. It worked well to have both my older girls working on First Start French at the same time, for encouragement and carmaraderie.
The ElCloud Point Of View
Although we have thoroughly enjoyed Famous Men Of Modern Times we will not be using it as written. Since we already use another history-centered curriculum, we will use Famous Men of Modern Times as a supplement, but not as our main history curriculum.
First Start French: Book One states that it is designed for 3rd - 8th graders, but it can also be used in high school. Together, First Start French: Book One and First Start French: Book Two equal one high school credit of French. We enjoyed using First Start French and will be saving it for high school use in our home.
Final Details
The Famous Men Of Modern Times set is sold for $39.95 on the Memoria Press website. You can also buy the text individually for $16.95, and the teacher's guide or additional student guides for $17.95 each.
First Start French: Book One is also sold as a set for $39.95 at Memoria Press. The teacher's guide can be bought separately for $17.50, as can the student guide book. The Pronunciation CD is $4.95.
I really feel that is a great price for both of these curriculums, and I'm glad we were introduced to Memoria Press and all their great products!
Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
We were blessed to receive so many curricula and educational items to review this year as part of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. We truly enjoyed trying out so many new things, and are thankful to all the vendors who sent items for our family to review.
But when all is said and done, we do have our absolute favorites, the ones that we just know are right for our family. The children and I compiled this list together, although we couldn't narrow it down to just ten items.
#1 Favorite Curriculum Of All
Five In A Row -- this is still the curriculum I recommend most often because it is so gentle, enjoyable, user-friendly, and inexpensive. I love the books that it uses to teach, and I love the gentle conversational style of education. I have to admit that I really do compare every other curriculum that I use to Five In A Row.
#2 Favorite Curriculum Of All
Tapestry of Grace -- I love that it simplifies the process of teaching multiple levels of children and uses living books. I love the unity of the whole family studying together with history as the foundation of our studies. I love that I can adapt it easily from week to week. I rated it #2 because I know it isn't as user-friendly and it's more expensive.
Best New Discoveries For Me
All About Spelling and All About Homophones (both by Marie Rippel) were the best new discoveries I made this year. I love them both and they were totally new to me.
Must Have For Every New Homeschooling Mom
Homeschooling ABC's e-course -- I still wish I'd had this ten or eleven years ago.
Top Ten Curricula (in alphabetical order because I can't decide which ones I like best)
We didn't receive every item that the TOS Homeschool Crew reviewed this year, and our top choices differ from other families' choices. You can see what other Crew members rated on their Top Ten Lists HERE (although not every family created a Top Ten List) .
You can read ALL of my Homeschool Crew Reviews HERE.
Chemistry was my hardest subject in high school, and I avoided it completely in college. So, I was thrilled to see the word "friendly" in the title of this curriculum. I figured if it was friendly for the student, it would also be friendly for the teacher. The teacher's manual walks you through each lesson, providing helpful analogies like using an apple to explain the principal quantum number. In addition to the teacher's manual, the authors are available to help by email.
The Friendly Chemistry textbook is written directly to the student, in simple language. It uses unique analogies, hands-on activities, and games to help students understand complicated chemistry concepts. This multi-sensory approach also helps the students remember what they have learned. The Friendly Chemistry course is flexible: a high school student can use it in a self-directed way, it can be used in group settings, or the junior or senior high student can work with their parent one-on-one. Some of the games and activities included are: Doo Wop Mania, Ion Bingo, Compound Restaurant Game, and "Turmoil in the Chemistry Kingdom" dramatization.
Its friendly approach doesn't detract from the academic level; it is definitely adequate coursework to receive high school credit. There are 32 lessons, which should be covered at an average pace of one week per lesson. At this pace, the course would be completed in one school year. Although, for students not desiring to pursue a science-related career, and only needing two science credits for high school, it would be possible to take this course at a slower pace.
If the thought of mixing chemicals in your home for science experiments scares you, then Friendly Chemistry can set your mind at ease. All the experiments in Friendly Chemistry use common substances that will not blow up your kitchen! There's no need to increase your homeowner's insurance before beginning this course. That should also set your husband's mind at ease, or your land lord's mind if you rent. You can see the supply list at their website.
The Friendly Chemistry set arrives with a Student's Textbook, a Teacher's Manual, and a manipulative set. The student's textbook and teacher's manuals are both bound in 3-ring binders, as many self-published curriculum are. There are 330 pages of text in the student's textbook and 300 pages in the teacher's manual. The student textbook includes worksheets, and the teacher's manual includes tests and answer keys. You can see a sample (text only) of lesson 1 HERE. First, the text from the teacher's manual is listed, and then the student manual.
The manipulative set (which comes with the student textbook) includes the Doo Wop mania game, flash cards, and pieces for the Compound Intensity game. Get out your scissors, because the manipulative set does not come pre-cut.
My 13 year old daughter understood the chemistry concepts in Friendly Chemistry, and enjoyed reading the student's textbook. While she did understand the concepts taught in Friendly Chemistry, we feel she will benefit from more algebra studies before proceeding further with Friendly Chemistry. We didn't progress through the textbook as fast as I had hoped. This was partly due to my 13 year old being unaccustomed to a textbook approach to science. We only began using a science textbook with her a year ago, but she was taking it at her own pace, as she felt comfortable. So, she struggled to keep up with the 1 chapter per week schedule we attempted with Friendly Chemistry. She wanted more time to process the information, study it, and prepare for her tests. This is an area we need to work on with her, as well as testing anxiety, before we begin Friendly Chemistry again.
From my own perspective, I did not find this to be a "pick up and go" curriculum. It required advance preparation from me: to become familiar with the lesson, highlight anything I needed to say, divide it into daily sections, and gather all the chemistry lab supplies. Some parents may not find this necessary, but I did. It is also helpful to read the student's textbook before teaching the lessons, especially if you struggled with chemistry in high school as I did.
We've decided to set aside Friendly Chemistry until our daughter has grown accustomed to using a science textbook, and following a schedule that will move her through it at an adequate pace. We also feel she would benefit from studying more science and algebra first. Basic algebra is a recommended pre-requisite for the course. We may choose to work through it with both our oldest daughters at the same time, either as 9th and 11th graders, or as 10th and 12th graders. This would maximize my teaching time, and allow them to do some of the group activities. Since this will probably not be a self-directed study in our home, pairing up our children to take the course two at a time will be the best solution for us.
Friendly Chemistry can be ordered HERE at their website. The Student Textbook with manipulative set costs $75.00, and the Teacher's Manual costs an additional $60.00. Shipping is FREE within the United States. The price of Friendly Chemistry seemed high at first to me ... but it's less expensive than hiring someone else to teach chemistry to your student.
Friendly Chemistry has a goal of making the process of learning chemistry painless. Their curriculum, while not as polished as some other curricula, definitely succeeds in making chemistry friendly for the student, and the teacher. If you or your student are afraid of the word "chemistry", then Friendly Chemistry is for you!
Click the banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
I've decided that the May issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is my favorite of all! I've enjoyed every issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest , but this one resonates with many of my recent thoughts and desires for my home and family.
The Feather Your Nest Frugally feature (guest-written by Aubrey Lively) has a wonderful article about creating a peaceful, unified home decor in small spaces, and on a tight budget. I have been frustrated recently by the cluttered and disorganized appearance of our school - dining area, and was challenged by this article to create a more peaceful and beautiful home environment. Aubrey encouraged me that it is possible, even on a tight budget!
"Preschool Pressure or Preschool Peace" by Barbara Frank (part of the feature topic on Learning For Life -- Your Child's Education) is also a subject that has been on my heart recently. I have seen an increased emphasis on "preschool at home" all over the internet in recent years. Websites and blogs full of activities for our preschoolers, and even those who have school rooms for their preschoolers. (I don't even have a dedicated school room for my 8th grader!) I have felt an increasing guilt that I wasn't doing more "preschool activities" with my youngest children. Barbara Frank's article was a breath of fresh air, a guilt-buster article for me! My youngest children aren't missing out on "preschool at home" ... they don't even need it!
The articles on college alternatives were very encouraging to me. College isn't for everyone, and it isn't the only way to gain an education and career training that prepares you to provide for your family. I am always interested to read of others who are successful, and have found their career training without the huge expense of a college education (and the debt that usually accompanies it).
I also found the article on "clepping" your college courses interesting. I learned about a wonderful way to have the best of both worlds -- gaining your college degree in a less expensive, shorter, and creative way. For the children in my family that God leads to college, it is good to know there are more options than pouring time and money into the secular community college, secular state universities, or private (and expensive) Christian colleges!
This month's Goal Getter Spotlight shares one family's journey from being a two-income family, to the Mom achieving her dream of being a full-time stay-at-home-mom. A reminder that it is possible to be a full-time Mom, even in today's economy.
And then the Reader's Write In ... so I did. Yes, you'll even find a little something from ME in this month's Molly's Money-Saving Digest! I responded to their request for readers to share about how they've furnished or decorated their homes on a budget. I even included a few pictures of one of our very best deals!
Did I mention the lovely yummy recipes throughout this issue? Who can resist easy chocolate-dipped strawberries, freezer jam, or salads for your Memorial Day barbecue? Or who wouldn't be encouraged to read about how "Small Changes = Big Savings" without giving up all your luxuries and pleasures?
Like I said ... May's issue is my favorite issue of Molly's Digest so far! It was encouraging and refreshing -- exactly what I needed to read this week!.
Tapestry of Grace, Redesigned Digital Edition Review
Posted on 2009-Apr-17 at 04:00 PM
Our family has been using Tapestry of Grace for 3 years already. We have been using the classic version, because we have always been just a step ahead of the redesign project (until our baby break and TOS Crew curriculum review break this year).
I was excited to get a chance to use the redesigned digital edition for the TOS Homeschool Crew. We chose the same unit we had been studying in the classic plan (Year 3, Unit 2) so we could just continue our studies. We also received the Year 3 Map Aids to complement our history studies.
Tapestry of Grace is a huge curriculum, and the new digital edition adds an additional element to this review. I've divided my review into subsections to help you find the information you're seeking.
What is Tapestry of Grace?
Tapestry of Grace was created by Marcia Somerville when she was on the verge of giving up homeschooling. She was struggling to teach multiple ages of children with many levels of curriculum. Since her husband was a lawyer for HSLDA, quitting wasn't a possibility. So, she set out to design a method that would make teaching her children more manageable, and would unify their studies.
Tapestry of Grace is a multi-subject curriculum designed for all ages to use at once. Kindergartners - 12th graders (K-Mom, actually) study the same period of history, using age appropriate books and lessons. There is only one year plan required for all those ages. It is a literature-based study, using history as its foundation.
Tapestry of Grace is divided into four different year plans, each covering a different period of history. The lesson plans cover the following subjects: history, church history, geography, literature, fine arts, government, philosophy, and writing. (Tapestry of Grace doesn't include phonics, science, math, grammar, spelling, or foreign languages.) There are four units in each year plan, and they can be bought by unit, or the entire year plan.
The year plan includes notes for the teacher to summarize what the children will be learning through their reading that week, book suggestions for all ages, discussion questions, writing assignments, ideas for hands-on activities, and worksheets that are designed to work with the recommended books. There are more books and activities in Tapestry than a family can truly cover; every week you select what books and activities you want to cover from the "buffet of suggestions". Tapestry does not include the books themselves, which will need to be found at the library, used stores, or ordered new online.
The Tapestry of Grace website is also a treasure trove of helpful information, with links and resources, the Loom, and helpful discussion forums for Tapestry users. Lampstand Press (Tapestry of Grace publishers) recently created this wonderful Map of the Humanities which shows how Tapestry of Grace weaves the time periods and subjects together. It's a roadmap for your family's education.
So tell me about the Redesign!
The redesign not only reorganized the layout of the teacher's manual, but also reorganized the order that some of the subjects are studied, so we didn't have an exact transition from classic to redesign. Some of the subjects were ones we had already covered in classic, but we tried to use different books to review them. The redesign also updated the books to replace out of print books that were used with the classic version.
I like the new layout of the Redesign, although it seems to have doubled the number of pages in each week's lesson plan. There are more worksheets with the Redesign, and the teacher's notes include answers to those worksheets (which were not included in the classic plan).
I'd heard that the Redesign was much easier to use and understand, and I can see now that it's true. For instance, after using Tapestry of Grace for 2.5 years, I didn't even realize there were alternate reading selections in the Classic plan. That's because 2 different pages separate them from the recommended reading selections in the Classic year plan. However, in the redesigned year plan, the two lists are back-to-back.
How do you like the Digital Edition?
The Digital Edition (DE) was a necessary change for Tapestry of Grace, in order to remain a viable company. I understand their reasons for making the switch, although I prefer print curricula over digital curricula.
I found the LockLizard software easy to download and use. I did have problems with my multi-function printer, at first. LockLizard doesn't like SOME multi-function printers. I contacted customer service at Lampstand Press, however, and they told me what to do to fix the problem. I received a quick reply from them, and the solution for my printer was a simple and quick fix.
I didn't have any problems using LockLizard and the Digital Edition, other than that it is harder to wade through 65 pages of a weekly lesson plan at the computer. It makes flipping between pages more difficult. With a book, I can put my fingers in different sections and easily flip back and forth. My other complaint (which is true of any digital curriculum for me) is that because I don't have a laptop, I can't take the curriculum to my couch, with me to the library, or when I run errands. I'm accustomed to taking my unit notebook with me to the library when I'm looking for our books.
Tapestry of Grace realizes that some people really prefer the printed year plans, so you can pay extra to have both the DE and a printed plan. It is an additional expense, but I think it will help Tapestry newcomers to have a printed copy in hand.
Of course, with the digital edition, you have more room for the literature and history books since you won't have notebooks full of lesson plans taking up room on your shelf. The digital edition also makes it easier to print student sheets for your children, and reduces the need for a separate lesson plan sheet.
I am disappointed that the switch to a digital format means the curriculum can NOT be resold. It moved from being completely reusable and resalable to being a consumable product, for one family only. We have often bought used curricula to save money, and have often sold curricula we were finished with.
What are the Map Aids you received?
I have wanted to buy the Map Aids for the past several years. I was thrilled to have a chance to review them. In the past, I've scoured the internet trying to find blank line maps to use with our schooling. While I could usually find some of a state, country, or continent ... I couldn't find them with historical data entered. I couldn't find a blank line map to go along with wars, changing boundaries, migrations of people, etc. This is where the Map Aids excel. They provide those maps for your historical and geographical studies, all in one place.
So what does this all cost?
The digital edition redesigned year plans are available by year, or by unit.
DE Unit, $45.00
DE Full Year Plan, $170.00
DE Full Year Plan with Printed Copy, $280.00
Printed Year Plan (available in occasional group orders, but I don't know if this will continue) $225.00
There are also Bonus Bundles that include additional support products with the full year plan:
DE Bonus Bundle, $250.00
Bonus Bundle 2008, Print version -- there are some still available for Year 1 $295.00, and Year 2 preorder for $270.00.
The Map Aids CD's are available for $24.95.
Where can I find more information?
Start here to understand what Tapestry of Grace is and how it works. You can even download two different 3 week samples here:
I really love Tapestry of Grace, but I realize it is not for everyone. It most greatly benefits those with multiple children in a wide age range. I agree with Marcia Somerville's recommendation to switch to Tapestry Of Grace when your OLDEST child is entering 5th grade. When asked, I do tell parents of young children that I feel they'd be better off waiting until their children are older before switching to Tapestry. Its strength is in the upper levels and the fact that it unifies the family in its studies.
In our family we use it in a relaxed way, relying heavily on the library system, and substituting books when we can't find the recommended book. Usually this works fairly well, but occasionally we can not find books for a certain subject or era at all. For instance, there were no books for children on Queen Victoria or the Victorian era in our library. If I work far enough in advance, I can often get books via Inter-Library Loan, but it requires more organization. It is possible to use Tapestry of Grace without buying all the books, but definitely less convenient.
Next year, our oldest will be entering high school and the rhetoric level of Tapestry of Grace. At that time, we will need to stick to the recommended books much more closely, so we can make full use of the discussion questions.
There are several benefits for me in using Tapestry of Grace:
Family unity -- I love that all my children are studying the same thing
Ease of planning -- No more juggling several different curriculum
Literature based studies rather than textbooks
Older children work independently -- I was having a hard time leading 2 or 3 age-based unit studies
I only have to buy 4 year plans -- after that I can spend my money on BOOKS!
I can move a child up or down a level, as needed, without having to buy multiple levels of curriculum
I can do the bare minimum of reading assignments with the children during busy and stressful times, and add in additional reading, the activities, and writing assignments when we are able to focus more ... and know that their education is moving along just fine
Tapestry of Grace works well for us! We use it more relaxed than others do, and we adapt it to fit our needs. At times I've felt that the reading assignments for the younger children in our Classic plan were dry, but the Redesign has sought to remedy that.
I definitely recommend Tapestry of Grace for larger families, families with varying ages of students, and those desiring a history-based literature study for the whole family!
Click the banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.
Write Shop Primary Book A: Early Elementary Incremental Writing Program
Posted on 2009-Apr-14 at 10:12 AM
As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, we received Write Shop Primary, Book A to review. It's designed for Kindergarten - 1st grade students ... or the reluctant 2nd grader. Well, that would be my 2nd grade son ... reluctant. I decided to work through this with him.
Each of my children has been fearful of writing. Some struggled to express the thoughts in their head in a way that satisfied them. Others seemed afraid of making spelling or grammar mistakes. I've tried to encourage them to just write, to just begin. I don't want writing to be so daunting to them, and have attempted to just get them started writing before we addressed issues of spelling and grammar.
At times I felt that perhaps I was helping them too much, giving them too many suggestions or prompts. I have even felt guilty for allowing them to dictate to me instead of writing for themselves. But one of the very first things we did with Write Shop Primary, Book A was a guided writing exercise. Aha! The same methods I had used to help my children think through their writing assigments was the very one used in the book. I'll be honest and admit I found that reassuring. I know Write Shop is a quality writing program that many homeschoolers use, and I was glad to see that it uses a method similar to what I have used.
I haven't made writing a focus of our early years of school. Our focus has always been on reading at that point, but Write Shop Primary makes it easy to introduce writing to our students. For me, the ease is in the fact that the lesson ideas are there for me already. I don't have to think of an age appropriate writing assignment ... it's there. The other benefit is that having a curriculum which makes it so easy can keep me from neglecting this subject.
I'm thankful that Write Shop Primary uses an interactive, parent-involved approach to writing. I prefer using interactive methods of education with my young children, building up their independence as they reach upper elementary and junior high.
Not only does Write Shop Primary take an incremental approach to teaching writing for our students, it also breaks down the process of using Write Shop Primary for the parents. The introductory section includes charts that suggest a schedule for teaching at different paces, and for teaching multiple levels of Write Shop Primary. The instructions are very clear and understandable.
In addition, Write Shop Primary's Activity Set Worksheet Pack includes an evaluation sheet to help the parent evaluate their child's writing and their progress. Evaluation is likely the hardest part of teaching writing, for many homeschool parents. It seems so subjective. The evaluation sheet provides questions to help you with this process.
What does it cost?Write Shop sells the Write Shop Primary Book A teacher's guide for $26.95. The e-book version is available for $24.25. The Activity Set Worksheet Pack is available in print for $4.95, and as an e-book for $4.50.
What is included in this curriculum? The teacher's book is available in a spiral bound softcover version, or an e-book. It includes 10 lessons, divided into 8 mini-lessons, and a 20 page introduction with instructions for the parents. The appendix includes a master supply list and a list of picture books to use with the lessons. (I love the books on this list!) The worksheet packet is sold separately, in print or e-book format. You can view a placement chart, lesson sample, and worksheet sample HERE.
How long to complete the curriculum? If you follow the 3 week/lesson plan, it is a full year's curriculum. If you follow the 2 week/lesson plan, then you will finish it and move onto level B before your year is over. The 1 week/lesson plan will get you through the book in 10 weeks, and you can cover all 3 levels in one school year at that pace. The introduction includes guidance on which plan to follow for your child's age and abilities.
Can you use it with multiple ages? Well, it isn't designed to be used in that way, but you can. If you have children close in age, you could use it with both, assigning the older student to do more independent work and write longer assignments. It would take more tweaking for that, but that is how I used it when I was reviewing it. I used it with my Kindergartner, and my 2nd grader. I even drew the 4th grader in for some assignments, expanded to her level.
Is this curriculum a necessity? No. You could teach writing to your young elementary students without it. Some unit studies and other curricula do include writing suggestions for your children, and you could use those to teach writing. But Write Shop Primary breaks down the steps of the writing process in a very helpful way. It teaches children HOW to put their thoughts on paper instead of just saying "Write about your dog."
Is it reusable? Yes. Write Shop Primary teacher's book is reusable and non-consumable. The worksheet packet (sold separately) is reproducible for SINGLE family use only. You can make as many copies as your family needs, to teach it to multiple children. But, while you could sell your Write Shop Primary teacher's book, you can not sell your worksheet packet. However, the worksheet packet is inexpensive.
Who would benefit most from Write Shop Primary? Those required to cover certain subjects and report on them to an overseer. Those who have a child that needs extra help learning to express their thoughts in writing. Those who need help (either with the methods or the accountability) teaching writing to their children. If you're using the Charlotte Mason methods of dictation, narration, and copywork, then this curriculum may not be necessary or helpful to you.
My final thoughts ... I can't see myself using this curriculum as intended. I don't see me adding in weekly structured writing assignments for early elementary students. I prefer to use Charlotte Mason methods of dictation, narration and copywork, as well as more natural writing opportunities. We just do not use much curriculum at this age.
However, it is a well-designed and helpful curriculum. It is well-written and would provide an excellent introduction to writing for elementary students. Although it isn't for our family, I would definitely recommend Write Shop Primary, Book A to others looking for a writing curriculum. Having seen its quality and the incremental approach it uses, I am very interested in their upper level curriculum for our older students.
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Apologia Educational Ministries: Quality Creation-based Science For Your Homeschool
Posted on 2009-Apr-8 at 08:26 PM
Click the image to go directly to Apologia's website.
Apologia Educational Ministries isn't new to the homeschooling community. If you've been homeschooling more than a year or two, I'm sure you've heard of their company and their products. We have been using Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science for 13 year old A's science for several months now, but we hadn't ever used any of their elementary products. We were glad to receive Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day as well as an updated version of Exploring Creation with General Science to review.
Click on the images to view the product descriptions.
Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day by Jeanne Fulbright (scroll down to read the General Science review) We haven't used a textbook approach to science in elementary school, so using Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day was a new style of learning for my 8 year old and 9 year old. To be honest, they weren't sure they liked having to listen to me read from a textbook, but they loved seeing "Try This!" on the page. That meant they were going to get to try a hands-on experiment. Our very first experiment related to lift and reduced air pressure over a bird's wing. Only 8 year old J could make that one work. I tried and C tried, but J was the successful one. He was so proud to show that to Daddy when he came home.
Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day is written directly to the students in a conversational style. Most importantly, as the title indicates, it is written from a Christian worldview, proclaiming God as the Creator. You will not find any evolution in Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day, as you study birds, bats, and flying insects. There are colorful pictures on every page and the chapters are clearly divided into shorter segments that make it easy to read in portions. The introduction suggests two different approaches:
read each lesson chapter in one week, do the notebooking and experiments the second week, finishing the text in 28 weeks.
read 5-6 pages of text each day, 2-3 days per week, and then perform the experiments after each lesson (chapter). This approach would last 32 weeks.
Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day includes a wide variety of activities and experiments, using easily available supplies. The supplies needed in each chapter are listed in the introduction. The introduction of the book also lists the information on how to log into the Book Extras on the Apologia website. The Book Extras include book corrections, helpful articles, frequently asked question database, and links to other helpful websites.
Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day is available for $35.00 at the Apologia website. You can also view a sample, the table of contents, and the course description in PDF format HERE. Jeanne Fulbright also has a beautiful helpful website HERE which includes free notebooking pages.
I definitely think this textbook is a good value for a family It is a high-quality, totally reusable and non-consumable, Christian science curriculum. Although they enjoyed looking at the beautiful illustrations, my 8 year old and 9 year old weren't excited about listening to me read aloud, especially in the first chapter which is more technical. We tested out some later chapters to see if they would enjoy the chapters about the birds, bats, and flying insects more. They did find those more interesting, however I think we will use this more as a reference book, or use it in upper elementary school. It is written for children grades K-6, but I think it would work best for children in 3rd grade or above, unless they are more science-oriented. Exploring Creation with General Science by Dr. Wile
We also received the 2nd edition of Exploring Creation with General Science. My 13 year old daughter had been using a 1st edition copy of Dr. Wile's General Science, so we were already familiar with this textbook, although not in its newest form. This was her introduction to using a textbook for science. (Prior to that we use a living book and nature study approach to science.) I was worried last year that she would dislike it, fight against using it, or find it overwhelming. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she loved it!
Every day she had something new to tell me, something exciting she'd learned in her science textbook. She was excited to learn about simple machines and the formula for figuring their mechanical advantage. Since she hasn't always liked math, that was a joy for me to see. Yesterday, she presented her very first science fair project on Simple Machines at our homeschool group ... inspired by her enjoyment of the Exploring Creation with General Science textbook.
Exploring Creation with General Science is a quality textbook designed for 7th or 8th graders. It is well-organized and well-illustrated. (My daughter was admiring the 2nd edition and commenting on the new illustrations that were not in the 1st edition.) It is written to the student, and they can work through it independently. The science experiments use common household objects and ingredients, and there is a complete list (by module) of the necessary supplies in the appendices of the text.
The textbook is comprised of 16 modules. Each module should be covered in approximately two weeks, allowing some flex time for more difficult chapters. That rate would allow your student to complete the textbook in one school year. Some of the topics covered in the 16 modules are: the history of science, scientific analysis, simple machines, geology, cells, and the human body.
There are many learning aids available with Exploring Creation With General Science. Thetext itself is available on CD-rom or in hardback book format for $65.00. There is a solutions and test manual for $20.00, a multi-media companion CD-rom for $15.00, and an audio MP3 CD for $15.00. These can all be viewed HERE. You can also view a sample module, table of contents and the list of lab supplies at the website. The introduction of the book includes the password to the Book Extras on the website, which provides a list of many helpful links for the modules, and a few articles by Dr. Wile.
Once again, this textbook is also completely reusable and non-consumable. The Solutions and Test Manual includes the tests, which can be reused if a student records their answer on a separate sheet of paper. The Solution and Test Manual also comes with a separate packet of tests which can be photocopied, or can be used as a consumable product.
Both textbooks are quality hardback books, with an easily navigated format, and excellent illustrations. They are both written from a Creationist viewpoint and are an excellent foundation for your family's science studies. Apologia Educational Ministries' goal is to help our children "Learn, Live, & Defend the Faith". Their textbooks do that well, helping parents in their goal to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4), rather than teaching them the godless teachings of evolution.
We definitely recommend them!
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The Homeschool Crew cruise ship is coming into port soon. They'll be docking, and changing deckhands. It's time to look for a new Crew.
The last item for the current Crew to review is shipping this week. We're winding down. I have five reviews left to write next month. And as the Crew members are wrapping up our reviews, preparing to say goodbye to each other, and making plans for tackling projects we've put on hold (like cleaning our closets) ... the folks at The Old Schoolhouse magazine are beginning the search for the new Homeschool Crew.
This is the first portion of an email I received today:
The TOS Homeschool Crew is ready
to set sail on its 2nd adventure!
Would you like to join us?
Last summer, TOS launched what would become one of our most exciting adventures to date--the Homeschool Crew. The Crew set sail for a year of fun and hard work, reviewing products from fifty different homeschool vendors. If you haven't seen our blog, check it out now--it's like a "convention in a blog", with information about many homeschool products (including websites, pictures, and plenty of reviews)!
Maybe you've heard about the Crew and wondered how you could become a part of it. Would you like to become a part of our exclusive group of reviewers--sharing your opinion on hot homeschool products via your blog, online support group, or homeschool newsletter? Do you have what it takes to be selected as the "cream of the crop" for this year? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this e-mail is for you!
The Homeschool Crew = Focus Group
The Internet is busy with homeschoolers talking, sharing, and networking. It is natural to recommend our favorite homeschool resources, products, books, and more. We love to share!
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, is embarking on our second exclusive "whisper campaign" with up to seventy-five ofour magazine advertisers. You can help us start out as a whisper and end in a roar, known as "viral marketing." Are you game to be part of it?
MarketResearchTerms.com defines viral marketing as: The effective way of advertising or producing brand exposure through social networks. The technique spreads throughout the network rapidly by word of mouth or by Internet resources like e-mail, blogs, or other services. Like a virus, it replicates and spreads quickly.
I want to join--how do I sign up?
TOS is looking for 100 blogging, emailing, cyber talking, home educating parents for this exclusive group and will begin the screening process for the top 100 very soon.
We are inviting 75 of our best advertisers to take part in this special viral marketing program. These exclusive advertisers are going to send you a selection of their hottest products to try.
Your job as a Crew member is to thoroughly use the products in your homeschool. Then, blog about them, email, tell your online groups, and get the information out, helping us go viral. Not only do you get to use the product but it is a free gift, for being part of the focus group!
If you are a support group leader, then you should send out information about some of the focus group items to your support groups. Additionally, support group leaders are asked to take some of these exclusive products with them to physical meetings, and do a "Show and Tell," sharing their experiences with the items they are reviewing with their groups. The more you write, blog, and share about the items, the more fun you have, and the more viral this campaign goes!
If you'd like more information on HOW to apply for the Crew, then email me. (Click on the fourth link down in my sidebar!) I'll forward the email with the application steps to you.
It's been a hectic year, but a year full of blessings. I didn't expect to become friends with the other Crew members, but we've enjoyed sweet fellowship while we took our cruise on the Maiden Voyage of the TOS Homeschool Crew.
Let me know (remember that email link on the sidebar) if you're interested in joining the 2nd voyage of the TOS Homeschool Crew!
My second grade son has been enjoying his math lately. He's using The Critical Thinking Company's Mathematical Reasoning Level C. Yes, I did say he's enjoying it!
Mathematical Reasoning Level C has colorful pages and math lessons that require the student to think logically and mathematically. It's not just a list of problems to solve, and it's not just memorizing math patterns. It seeks to help children understand the reasoning behind the math.
For instance, in the lesson titled "Candy Store Change", the children don't just add their money or subtract it. They start by adding up how much money they have in coins. Then they have to read the chart to figure out how much their candy items will cost, sometimes adding costs together. Then they subtract the cost of the items from the money they have. Last, they draw a line to connect to the picture of coins that equals the amount of change they should get ... once again adding up the coins pictured.
In one lesson, they have recognized coins and their values, added money, read a chart, added the costs of items, and subtracted money. And they only had 9 problems to do on those two pages!
Mathematical Reasoning does not overwhelm the student with too many problems. We've used math programs before that just had TOO many problems. I had to cross out 1/3 - 1/2 of the problems so my children wouldn't be overwhelmed and feel defeated before they even began. Mathematical Reasoning's shorter lessons also help to hold his attention for the entire lesson. He is learning to pay attention rather than to dawdle and become distracted. Charlotte Mason would be pleased.
Mathematical Reasoning uses word problems to engage the student's mind in solving the math problems. There are some pages of simple addition and subtraction problems, but they are not the predominant type of lesson. The focus of the book is on problem-solving and developing thinking skills that will be necessary in upper level math. When basic math drill pages are used, they are linked to a puzzle. The correct answers help complete the dot-to-dot, which provides a reward for doing the math drill, and a self-checking benefit.
Some students may need more review and practice than Mathematical Reasoning provides. However, practice worksheets for basic math are readily available (inexpensively or even free) on the internet. Additional worksheets could be added occasionally for extra math drill, if needed.
My second grade son is thriving on this math style. He enjoys the shorter lessons for obvious reasons; but, he also enjoys the problem-solving involved in the math lessons. He has been more engaged in his math lesson with Mathematical Reasoning than he has been with any other math program we've used.
Because it is discussion based, he is also enjoying having my attention and interaction during his math lessons. He isn't given a sheet, told what to do, and left to do it alone day after day. Because I am involved, I am able to grade his work as we go, rather than having to grade it at the end of the day (or week).
Mathematical Reasoning is a complete curriculum, and it meets the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Don't let the colorful pages and short lessons fool you. This isn't a cheap workbook ... it's a complete curriculum. The answer key is included at the back for the parents to correct the lessons, as well as a glossary of mathematical terms. You can view samples of the lesson pages HERE.
Mathematical Reasoning Level C can be bought for $32.99 at The Critical Thinking Co. website. The book is reproducible within your home and family, so you can use it with more than one student. We approached it as a consumable workbook, and I wish we hadn't. Many of the lessons could have been completed orally, or the answers recorded on notebook paper. Very few lesson would have needed to be photocopied. Not many companies are granting a reproducible license with their curriculum anymore. It's a blessing that The Critical Thinking Co. still does.
FOUR thumbs up ... two from my son, and two from me! Schoolwork had become a real struggle with him, and it is a joy to see him enjoying his math again.
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Click image to view Beautifully Made product details.
We were blessed to be able to review this set of 3 books from Generations of Virtue. I'd stumbled across Generations of Virtue's website when I was searching for a Purity Ring for my daughter's 13th birthday, but I hadn't seen the Beautifully Made books before.
"Purity of Heart. Purity of Mind. Purity of Body." That is the central message of all the products created by or sold by Generations of Virtue. They are a non-profit organization of volunteers who are working together to equip parents to teach purity to their children. Generations of Virtue has books and products for boys and girls of all ages. Several of our favorite books are sold at Generations of Virtue.
TheBeautifully Made book trio is created by Generations of Virtue, edited by Julie Hiramine. There are 3 books in this set: two for our daughters, and one for mothers. It is a Biblically-based purity-minded series designed to help prepare our daughters for puberty and the changes that come during that time.
The books are well-written, clearly explained, and they handle the subject matter delicately. Not only are the changes of puberty covered, but the books also include suggestions for coping with physical discomforts naturally. The first book is designed for daughters approaching womanhood, the second is for daughters who have reached womanhood, and the third is guidance for mothers on how to handle this time of change.
The goal of the books is to celebrate womanhood as God's design, and not to present our daughters with more information than they need. They succeed!
I'm very thankful to have these books to share with my daughters. I had discussed most of the information with my daughters already, but it is still helpful to be able to provide them a book to read as often as they'd like, and know it will not contain any objectionable material.
There are only two concerns I have about the books. The second book (Celebrating Womanhood) discusses the use of certain feminine products, and encourages girls to let adults know if they decide to use protection other than feminine napkins. I feel it is best that daughters seek their mother's advice before deciding what type of feminine protection to use, rather than informing them afterward.
The other concern I have is also in the Celebrating Womanhood book. One chapter in this book talks about the spiritual symbolism of the menstrual cycle. I suggest that mothers read the book and decide if they agree with this chapter or not. If you feel this chapter is unnecessary or disagrees with your theology, then you should paper clip or tape that chapter shut. At the very least, I suggest you discuss this chapter with your daughters.
Other than those two concerns, I highly recommend the Beautifully Made book trio. There is nothing else like it available, and its value far outweighs those two concerns. If you have daughters approaching womanhood, this set is a wonderful investment! If you don't have open communication lines with your daughters, then this set can help to establish those. If you've already discussed these issues, it can enhance your future discussions, and serve as a reminder. It's very important to communicate with your daughters as they grow into young women.
The Beautifully Made set is reasonably priced, and can be bought for $18.99 at the Generations of Virtue website. The Celebrating Womanhood book is also sold individually, so you can present it to each daughter as a celebration. It is normally sold for $6.99, but at the moment they are selling an older version for $3.99.
I hope you'll take some time to look around Generations of Virtue. I'm sure you can find a gift or book for each of your children. If you're looking for a gift idea for your child, a friend, a family member ... Generations of Virtue has a plethora of wonderful Biblical books.
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Can you "spot" a Schleich when you see one? Check out these spotted cats ... the cheetahs ... to try it. I bet you can. The Schleich is the very detailed, realistic one.
Did you figure it out? Of course you did. The Schleich female cheetah is the one on the left, the one with the most detailed painting, and the more finely carved features.
Schleich makes high quality action figures of wildlife, farm animals, knights, dinosaurs, elves, and the American frontier. You can see their wide line of products HERE.
You've probably seen Schleich action figures already: in museum gift shops, your local farm and home store, Toys R Us, or on Amazon.com. We had admired the animals in our farm and home store before, but didn't realize what a treasure they actually were until we got these in the mail and compared them with other toy animals we owned.
Every Schleich action figure is modeled to be as realistic as possible, and is hand-painted. They're more than just toys; they're truly collectables. I fell in love with the hedgehog when I read Jennifer's review, and I was hoping we'd receive one. Unfortunately, we didn't get a cute little hedgehog for me to add to my knick-knack shelf; but, we did get six wonderful animals.
Female Cheetah and Jaguar
Charolais Cow, Falabella pony, and a Gnu
If you're counting, you'll notice that's only 5 animals. Well, that's because the goose waddled away for awhile. But she eventually waddled back, reminding me greatly of Jemima Puddleduck, and I snapped her picture, as well.
The goose that waddled off, and back again!
I've said it before, and it's still true. I love toys that allow my children to play creatively, using their imagination to develop stories and act them out. I appreciate toys that can be used creatively with other toys. For instance, my children can build a homestead out of blocks and then bring their Schleich action figures in to act out a story. And that's exactly what happens with the Schleich action figures!
You can visit the Schleich website to view their products. Prices vary according to the size of the action figure. The cute baby chimpanzee and my darling hedgehog are only $2.69 each, and the 5 piece farm babies set retails for $11.49. A cowboy with lasso on a horse retails for $14.99. Reasonable prices for exquisite products!
I know I'm going to begin buying historical and wildlife action figures for Christmas instead of super hero action figures. And that cute little hedgehog is going on my personal wish list!
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Hola! ¿Como estas?
Bien, gracias. ¿Y tu, como estas?
Yo estoy bien, gracias.
We've been learning Spanish, using Auralog's Tell Me More Homeschool Edition. Tell Me More Spanish covers 5 levels of Spanish, starting wherever you need to start. You can start as a complete beginner, beginner, intermediate, or advanced student. There are ten levels on the DVD, and your five levels begin wherever you choose. We started at the very beginning.
Click here to go to the Auralog website.
Tell Me More Spanish uses an immersion method of language instruction. If you aren't familiar with a language at all, this can be overwhelming at first. I highly recommend having an English translation dictionary on hand, and beginning at the introductory level, unless you are already familiar with the language you purchase.
The Tell Me More program is huge ... full of information! It has multiple methods of learning, a glossary, and can be used with or without translations turned on. You also gain access to the Auralog website, where you can view weekly news broadcasts in your language, and receive customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Parents can prepare a day planner to assign work for their students, and the software tracks each person's progress.
This curriculum is comprehensive. You can complete all foreign language requirements, and MORE, with a single purchase of Tell Me More. Because you can set up multiple accounts, you could use the same program for your subsequent children and yourself, as well.
However, it hasn't been easy to figure out. Auralog is still completing the tutorials for the program (which will be released officially in mid-April), so we've been wandering around figuring it out on our own. It took us awhile to find the translation button, for instance. Before that, I was wishing I had a Spanish-English dictionary as I worked through the introductory level. I think we unintentionally skipped over the instruction guide. Combine that, with feeling "lost in Spain" from the immersion method, and it made for a rough start at first. But once we became comfortable with the program, we've been very impressed!
For the Spanish, I strongly recommend you begin with the introductory DVD marked "Start Here". Begin on the guided mode, so you can learn better how the program works. Take some time before you start to explore the software -- click on all the buttons and look around in each section.
Once you begin your chosen tour, you just proceed through each level one activity at a time. Some of the activities included are: matching phrases with the appropriate responses, vocabulary crossword puzzles, writing and spelling, speaking Spanish, and viewing video demonstrations.
Tell Me More Spanish comes with a headphone/microphone set. The microphone is used to record your voice as you repeat the words. The Tell Me More voice recognition software scores your pronunciation, giving you immediate feedback on how well you're pronouncing each word. You can repeat each word as many times as you need, until you have it right. (Note: this works best in a quiet room! The microphone will pick up other noises like the television or rowdy children and lower your score.)
My 13 year old daughter has been enjoying it very much, although she has been frustrated at times with the noise level of our home while using the microphone. She told me repeatedly that when I wrote my review I had to tell everyone how much FUN it is, and how wonderful it is that they use so many different methods to teach the language. All the learning styles are covered by the variety of activities! (I guess you can tell she's homeschooled, she's starting to pick up the education language.)
Auralog Tell Me More homeschool edition will sell for $319.99 when it is released mid-April. I have to admit that the price seemed high to me. I had to remind myself that this would fulfill high school language requirements for all of my children, so the price should actually be divided out over several years and several children ... not to mention Steve and myself!
You can view a demo, or download a free trial of Auralog Tell Me More Homeschool Edition attheir website. Viewing it will help you understand the program more than anything I can describe to you.
Tell Me More Spanish Homeschool Edition is an excellent resource for teaching Spanish to your entire family! We're looking forward to continuing our Spanish studies with it.
Hasta luego!
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Homeschool In The Woods New Testament Activity Pak
Posted on 2009-Mar-15 at 11:01 PM
Do your children run through more paper, tape and glue than you imagined possible? Are scraps of paper floating around your dining room table from scissor-happy hands? Do you find crayons and colored pencils in every room of the house? Does a new package of printer paper make your children scream with delight? Then this product is for YOU!
We were sent a beautiful New Testament Activity-Pak from Homeschool In The Woods, to review. (Click the Homeschool In The Woods logo to go right to the website.) This activity-pak is full of activities! There are 13 different activities to put IN the lapbook, and 2 additional projects to work on outside of the lapbook.
The following activities are included in the lapbook:
Books of the New Testament,
Prophecies fulfilled by Jesus
Jesus' lineage
The birth of Jesus
The Beatitudes
First 12 Disciples
Parables of Jesus
Miracles of Jesus
The Last Supper
Crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and Pentecost
Christ's resurrection
Fruit of the Spirit
Paul's missionary journeys
Paul's letters
In addition to those lapbook activities, the New Testament Activity-Pak includes two external projects:
The Armor of God Poster project
The New Testament News newspaper
The lapbook's classic art style is not only beautiful but versatile. It can be printed on colored paper, white paper, printed in color, or printed in black and white to be colored in by children. This lapbook is wonderful for an Advent or Lent Bible study with your children. It can be approached in two different ways: slowly completing each individual activity as you study the Scripture that accompanies it, or quickly building the lapbook and then studying the Scriptures afterwards. It can be an entire semester of Bible Study if one activity is completed each week, and the Scripture is studied and memorized throughout the week.
We're still working on completing our New Testament Lapbook, as you can see. We're enjoying the hands-on Bible lessons, and I'm looking forward to completing the New Testament News with the children. They are always trying to create newspapers and newsletters, and will really enjoy that activity. The boys will love having their faces put on the Armor of God posters and hung in their bedroom.
I only have one warning: pay attention to the printing instructions! Some of the activity pages need to be printed front/back and some of them need multiple copies of the same sheet. In addition, this lapbook is for children in 2nd grade or above. My 2nd grader was able to complete some activities on his own, but my 6th grader needed my help to understand the instructions on the more complicated activities. We all agreed it was best for me to put together the pie booklet, which was the most difficult of the booklets. The lapbook does include detailed, illustrated instructions that are quite helpful.
You can get your own copy of the New Testament News activity-pak by download for $18.95, or on CD for $19.95. Since the activities can be re-printed, allowing your family to make a new lapbook at a later time, it is a reusable and non-consummable curriculum. It does involve the additional cost of printing (paper and ink) which will vary according to the type of paper you use and your printer's ink costs, so take that into account when you are budgeting for this project. In addition to the paper and printer ink, you will also need 2 file folders, glue, tape, colored pencils, and brass fasteners to finish this project.
My dining room table is covered in paper scraps, colored pencils, scissors and tape every time we work on the New Testament lapbook ... but my children are having a blast as they learn about God's Word!
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We received two items to review from Bonnie Terry Learning. The first was Five Minutes To Better Reading Skills, and the second was BT Easy Math Reference Guide.
Click on the photos to go directly to the web pages for these two products.
I've been using the Five Minutes to Better Reading Skills with my 8 year old son. He's reading, but still lacks confidence and speed. He loves doing the speed drills in the book! He'd rather do that than try to read a book, actually. It's partly because it is instant success. He looks at a list of short words that he can read with over 90% accuracy. Too many beginning reading books throw in harder words every now and then that discourage him.
The goal of Five Minutes to Better Reading Skills is to read a list of words (from left to right) as quickly and accurately as you can within 5 minutes. The teacher keeps track of how many words are missed, and how many are read within the 5 minutes. That is used to calculate the "words per minute" rate, and the student's accuracy. There is a helpful chart at the beginning that shows what speed different grades should be reading at, so you can judge your child's reading ability and their progress. A student can not move onto the next list until they have improved their speed and don't miss more than 4 words per page.
This reading drill helps them begin to "recall" their phonetic sounds more quickly and blend them together quicker. The drill helps their brain establish better retrieval of words, which helps them read faster, which helps them stay focused on and remember what they are reading. Reading speed increases reading comprehension. The harder your brain has to work to actually read the words, the less your brain can remember what you read. Five Minutes to Better Reading Skills includes a spiral-bound softcover teacher's book and a student book. The teacher uses a plastic overlay and a write-on/wipe-off marker to keep track of the student's progress. The books are totally reusable, non-consumable. The teacher's manual includes helpful charts for tracking your student's progress. The student book and teacher's guide are sold for $60.00. This is not a complete phonics program, but is phonetically based and should be used to supplement other phonics programs.
We used the Heads Up Line by Line reader (previously reviewed HERE) to help 8 yo J focus on just the line he was supposed to be reading. He has been doing well, and we will continue mixing the reading drills in with reading practice from books to continue to improve his reading skills.
I gave the BT Easy Math Reference Guide to 13 yo A and 12 yo R. They kept it with their math books. I showed them how to use it to refresh their memory on how certain types of problems were solved. It reduced the number of times they had to call me over to help them remember something they'd covered before. Usually, we have to find the place in the text book where it was discussed before, and do a quick refresher course. The BT Easy Math Reference Guide has those reminders gathered together in one easy 16 page booklet. The booklet is 3-hole punched so it can be added into a 3 ring binder.
The BT Easy Math Reference Guide includes math vocabulary definitions, measurement equivalents, basic math, word problem helps, geometry, fractions, decimals, order of operations, money equivalents ... and more. Basically, anything your child will cover in 1st - 8th grade math, there is an explanation in this booklet. This is not a workbook, just a reference for parent and child that will be helpful, no matter what curriculum you use. It can be re-used with future children, or you can buy one for each child. The BT Easy Math Reference Guide is sold for $17.00.
We've had success with both of these products. These are products that Bonnie Terry designed for her own use teaching special education. She used them successfully in her class room, and has made them available for parents to use at home, as well.
I admit that the price seems high to me, but when faced with an older child struggling to learn basic skills they will need all their life, the price is worth it to help them succeed. The programs do work!
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One 2 Believe: Tales of Glory Noah's Ark Figurine Set
Posted on 2009-Mar-9 at 03:41 PM
Our kids were thrilled when we received another box of toys from One 2 Believe. This time they sent us the Tales of Glory Noah's Ark figurine set. All of the children joined in the fun, except the baby (although I'm sure he'd love to gum one of the animals for awhile.)
Soon, they'd invented a game that would have defeated God's purposes in saving the animals on the ark. The children were using Nerf guns to shoot at Noah and the animals. They got more points for the larger animals, and they lost points if they shot Noah. So, at least Noah was supposed to survive, but not the animals.
They developed their rules, their point structure, perfected their aim, and tallied their scores. Creative thinking, Logic, and Applied Math lessons for the day? Um, zoology as they named, discussed, and rated the animals?
Thankfully, they also enjoy playing with the Noah's Ark figurine set the correct way. Our ark actually came with an extra set of camels, which the kids added to our Nativity Set. (They decided each wise man needed his own camel for traveling.)
The Tales of Glory Noah's Ark play set from One 2 Believe comes with an ark, which has a detachable ramp and a removable lid (the animals can be stored in the base). The ark is also designed to float. Since we don't have a tub, my kids are anxious to try it out in the swimming pool this summer. Noah is accompanied by the following animals: a pair of elephants, a pair of ostriches, a pair of monkeys, a pair of donkeys, a pair of camels, a pair of lions, and a pair of sheep. The figurine set is designed for children ages 3+. However, as you can see in the picture, my 2 year old loves playing with it.
I always enjoy toys that encourage creative play. Even if it means they turn Noah's Ark into a shooting gallery, I love that they're using their minds to play creatively. (Are my kids the only ones who can turn silverware and pencils into people ... which can make meals and school time take a very long time?)
The Tales of Glory Noah's Ark play set has been a fun and well-used addition to our play room (which happens to be our living room). You can purchase your own Noah's Ark figurine set for $29.99 from One 2 Believe.
You can read my review of the Tales of Glory Nativity set ... HERE.
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That's what my kids have been hearing lately when they spell their spelling words correctly. It's not because I've lost my marbles, either. That's the sound we chose for correct answers in the SpellQuizzer software we've been using.
Do your kids have lists of spelling words to review each week?
Do you keep a list of your child's trouble words?
Does your child need extra review in spelling?
Do you or your child get tired of the daily review process?
Does your child's hand get tired of writing out spelling words?
Does your child struggle with the writing process?
If you said yes to any of those questions, then you should take a look at SpellQuizzer. SpellQuizzer is a spelling software that allows you to input your child's spelling lists, with either vocal cues or written clues. Then your child can review their spelling lists at the computer, without your help. Input the lists once, and they're ready for your child to review again and again.
So while you're reading novels and eating bon-bons, they can review their spelling words. Or I suppose you could do something productive like folding laundry or baking bread, instead.
Benefits:
Children can review their spelling lists without Mom quizzing them daily
Encourages keyboarding skills
Fun for children to use
Easy to use, for parents and children
You can import or export lists easily
Missed words can be repeated at the end of the list
Children can input their own lists, as an additional step in the learning process
SpellQuizzer is self-correcting
Recording vocal spelling cues works well for those not reading well
Typing the spelling words provides welcome relief for the child who struggles with handwriting or hand cramps
Program can be passworded so children can't edit lists
Affordable, non-consumable spelling program
Uses:
Can be used in conjunction with any spelling program
Can be used to create personalized "trouble words" lists
Can be used to review vocabulary, foreign language, or capitals of states and countries
Children can review old lists, as well as new lists
Methods:
With a microphone and speakers, you can record sentences for your child
If you don't have a microphone or speakers, you can enter text clues for your child instead
Cons:
Limits daily interaction with parents
Increases a child's time at the computer daily
Steps to enter words:
Click on "Create a Spelling List"
Type your spelling word into the "Word to Add" box
Click on "Start"
When it starts flashing "Recording" speak into the microphone and say the word and a sentence
Click on "Stop"
Click on "Play Back" to be sure you achieved a quality recording
If you aren't using a microphone to record your words, enter a clue into the "Reminder Phrase" box
Click on "Add Word"
Repeat steps 2-7 for additional words
Click "OK" when you are done with that spelling list
It's that simple!
Everyone was involved in recording spelling words at our house. Daddy and 2 year old L made it especially exciting! It's fun to hear Daddy's voice in the spelling program while he's away at work, or to hear younger siblings adding their own sentences to your spelling quiz. We tried out our silly voices, and we still laugh at Daddy's silly sentence for the word Valentine. It was Daddy who chose the Yeee-haaaaw! sound for correct answers. I love hearing that and knowing my kids are getting their words right. (Although we may have to change it after awhile, so it doesn't drive us all crazy.)
SpellQuizzer is a simple, but effective, spelling program. It doesn't have many bells and whistles, but it works well!
SpellQuizzer can bebought for $29.95 for a single license, although there are discounts available for multiple licenses. You can view screenshots of the program at the SpellQuizzer website, or even a video demo. I highly recommend you take a look at the screenshots or demo to see how simple it really is. You can also download a free trial of this helpful spelling program.
So, if you're needing a little break in your week, and the bon-bons and novels are calling out to you ... check out SpellQuizzer.
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I have 7 more TOS Crew reviews to write for March. I currently have 4 more for April. I also have one without a deadline at this time. It will probably be added to April's list. And, there is one last vendor everyone is waiting to hear from. I don't know if I'll be getting anything from that vendor, or not. So, I have 12 reviews left (most of them this month) and possibly another.
However, I'm signing up with several different publishing companies to do book reviews on my blog. I have my very first review book here. It just arrived today. Yay!
So, I will be writing book reviews in future months, and I'd love to continue to review curriculum for anyone needing reviewers.
ARTistic Pursuits has been my 13 year old daughter's favorite product we've reviewed this year. She has been so excited to be able to take art lessons and create art. I have been thrilled that this book is so easy to use, she can teach it to herself. It seems like art is too often that "one more thing" that we just don't get around to. With ARTistic Pursuits, my daughter isn't left waiting for me. She can take the text, and run with it!
ARTistic Pursuits, Junior High Book One: The Elements Of Art And Composition (by Brenda Ellis) is written to the student! They simply read the text, study the art images provided as examples, and do the exercises. Each chapter has several exercises for the student to apply what they are learning. I love how many different examples they give from art to help the student see what is being taught.
ARTistic Pursuits teaches the mechanics of art (line, shading, space, movement, proportion, etc) as well as the history and culture of art. Students will use several different media to create their own art while working through the text. Understanding the mechanics of art will help them to evaluate the art all around them.
ARTistic Pursuits is a spiral-bound, softcover textbook with a plastic protective cover which adds sturdiness. The text is very attractively designed and easy to read. It has a comfortable font size and a well-structured layout. It is available for $42.95 at the ARTistic Pursuits website. This textbook is completely non-consumable and reusable. It can be used with each of your children as they reach junior high age, or with two children at once.
ARTistic Pursuits has curriculum available for all your students, K-12. You can see examples of each book at their website. This page has examples from the Junior High Book One text, so you can see how beautifully designed the textbook is. And while you're at the website, be sure to read about the author, Brenda Ellis and her homeschooling family.
In our home, my 13 year old daughter and my 11 year old daughter are both using ARTistic Pursuits. My oldest daughter enjoys it more than the 11 year old, but I think part of that is a comparison factor, and the other part is just personality. My 11 year old prefers to be interacting with people, rather than drawing or studying.
My 13 year old loves art and is having so much fun with this curriculum! The best part is that all I have to do is provide the art materials, and ARTistic Pursuits does the rest! I do have to give some constructive criticism and evaluation of their art, but ARTistic Pursuits really does do the hard work for me.
I love art, and I enjoyed my own art classes in high school so much. But, I didn't know where to start in teaching art to my own children. The beauty of ARTistic Pursuits is that I can relax and just let the children work through the text on their own, confident that they are getting a quality art education. They may not become great artists, but they will understand the elements of art, the process of creating art, and hopefully they will grow more confident and skilled in their own abilities.
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A long time ago, when we first began to consider homeschooling, I asked the only two homeschoolers I knew what curriculum I should use. My children were just 2 years old, and 6 months old at the time. Both ladies (one online and one in my church) recommended Five In A Row. So, I went to the Five In A Row website and fell in love with their philosophy of education. As a book-lover, I was excited to find a curriculum that used beautiful picture books to teach children. I knew that was what I wanted for my homeschool. I kept thinking, "I wish I'd been taught like that!"
I started reading at the discussion forums. The ladies there patiently answered my questions, encouraged me, guided me, and helped me get started with homeschooling. We began with Before Five In A Row (ages 2-5), moved on to all four volumes of Five In A Row (ages 4-8), and eventually Beyond Five In A Row, volume 1 (ages 8-12). We loved "rowing" the books as a family. I can't imagine a more enjoyable start to our homeschooling journey. As a perfectionist easily-stressed and "prone to freak out" new homeschooling mom ... I needed something as gentle on the kids and as simple for Moms to use as Five In A Row.
I love all the Five In A Row products. It is always the curriculum I recommend to others with young children, or to new homeschoolers. I love how well it fits with Charlotte Mason's teaching style: reading living books to learn about social studies, geography, history, language arts, science, art, and applied math. Five In A Row creates the "gentle art of learning" in your homeschool.
As part ofThe Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew, we were sent Beyond Five In A Row: volume 3 to review. It is hard for me to separate one part of the Five In A Row curricula from the others, so although I will be reviewing Beyond Five In A Row, I will also be mentioning the other curricula, as well.
Beyond Five In A Row is a literature-based unit study using chapter books, as opposed to the picture books used in Before Five In A Row and Five In A Row. It is designed for children, ages 8-12. Like all the Five In A Row products, Beyond Five In A Row includes lessons on the following subjects: social studies, geography, history, language arts (including grammar and writing), art, applied math, and science. Students will still need additional math, handwriting, and grammar to complete their education (and phonics for the younger students).
Beyond Five In A Row is extremely versatile. It can be used with minimal preparation, teaching directly from the manual without any previous preparation -- or it can be used as a launching point, with additional books, projects, and lapbooks to expand your study. The teacher's manual provides enough information that you can teach directly from it, or you can find additional resources to read with your children. You can assign your older children to research the topics introduced in Beyond Five In A Row, as well.
Each Beyond Five In A Row volume covers 4 chapter books; two fiction and two biographies. Unlike Five In A Row where you read the same picture book for five days in a row, with Beyond Five In A Row, you read the chapter and then spend as many days as you need exploring the lessons in that chapter before moving on to the next chapter. Beyond Five In A Row can move as quickly as you like, or take as long as you like. If you desire to use it as a launching point for deeper study, then the study can be stretched out over a longer period of time.
The broad age-range of the study, and its unit style approach, not only covers many subjects in one curriculum, but also allows you to use it with children of varying ages. You can simplify the lessons for younger students, and assign additional research, writing, and other projects for the older children. The conversational style of teaching builds wonderful relationships with your children, and amongst your children.
For this review period, my 8 and 9 year olds studied The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden with me. We enjoyed seeing New York City through the eyes of Chester Cricket, Tucker Mouse, and Harry Cat. Because these children are at the younger end of the age range for Beyond Five In A Row, I taught them directly from the manual, without any supplementation. We used a conversational approach, although we did use the writing assignments. When I used Beyond Five In A Row with my older girls, we created a notebook as part of our lessons. (That's just another example of how versatile the curriculum is.) I loved snuggling into the love seat with them and we all enjoyed our study. Don't tell, but I know the older girls were also listening in. That tends to happen with Five In A Row. The younger children often migrate over and climb onto laps, as well.
Beyond Five In A Row is affordable, with each teacher's manual costing only $24.95. You can save 10% by ordering all three manuals at once, for $67.50. The additional Beyond Five In A Row Christian Character Bible Study Supplement is available for $17.95, or it can be bought with all 3 volumes for a total of $85.00. The chapter book package of the twelve books used in all three volumes of Beyond Five In A Row is sold at the Five In A Row website for an additional $89.95. They also have a line of digital products, including nature study guides.
Beyond Five In A Row was written by Becky Jane Lambert, the daughter of Steve and Jane Claire Lambert who created Five In A Row. She was homeschooled using this style of education, and is now teaching her own children using it as well. The Lambert family truly has a heart to encourage homeschool families, and help them teach their children in a loving, gentle, and educationally rich environment. I've heard the Lamberts speak, and have attended one of the Five In A Row conferences in the past. They are blessings to the homeschool community.
The Lambert family has created a helpful website with discussion forums where homeschooling parents can share ideas, seek advice, and receive encouragement from other Five In A Row users. The Lamberts even respond to some of the posts on the forums with suggestions and encouragement. You can find inspiring articles at the website, as well.
I can not say enough wonderful things about Beyond Five In A Row and the entire line of Five In A Row products. Although we are no longer using Five In A Row regularly, I still own all of my manuals and I'm still collecting the books that go along with them. We switch back to it whenever we miss it too much. We only switched to something else because my oldest daughter was approaching high school and ready to move on from the Five In A Row products, and I found it overwhelming at the time to think of teaching several different levels of Five In A Row, and an additional curriculum. But it makes me sad that my younger children are missing out on the rich Five In A Row experience, so we do switch back and forth with them.
I highly recommend Five In A Row and Beyond Five In A Row. I can only think of two "cons" to tell you about Five In A Row and Beyond Five In A Row. The first "con" is that it doesn't have a high school level. I have always wished that it did. The highest product they have is Above And Beyond Five In A Row for students age 12 and up. The second "con" isn't really a "con" either -- these are parent led unit studies (except Above and Beyond) so they are more teacher-intensive than other forms of curricula. But, that is what makes Five In A Row special, the relationships and memories they build in families.
We give Beyond Five In A Row and Five In A Row 18 thumbs up ... that's two thumbs up from every member of our family!
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We were sent Further Up And Further In to review. My oldest daughter loves The Chronicles of Narnia and has read the series several times. My younger children have enjoyed reading The World Of Narnia (a picture book version) and our family enjoys the recent Narnia movies. So, we were excited to be able to read the Narnia books as part of our curriculum.
Further Up And Further In is a literature based unit study. It is designed to cover the following subjects: English, literature, history, social studies, geography, science, Bible and character, cooking, art. You would need to add a separate math, spelling, and grammar program for each student. You would also need additional history studies, as well as additional science, in my opinion.
I love literature-based unit studies, but have struggled to implement them in our ever-enlarging family in more recent years. We began this review period with me leading the daily lessons, and ran into some of the struggles we'd faced previously: crying babies interrupting my reading, and the constant struggle to balance chores, babies, and the unit study. We then decided to try having the girls work independently on Further Up And Further In. I filled out an assignment chart for the week, telling them what lessons to do through the week. They read the chapter to each other and worked through the lessons themselves. They made use of the encyclopedia and dictionary extensively. I was available to provide direction and explanations, as needed, but they were not relying on me to teach them directly. I was actually surprised at how well this worked for us. It required some additional planning on the weekends, and a gathering of supplies for the lessons, but didn't have a daily demand on my time.
The further into the study that we went, the more I became disappointed that it didn't include enough history and science. However, when I looked at the Cadron Creek website again, I realized it clearly states that additional history studies will be needed. (Although the Further Up & Further In manual itself does not say this.) I was expecting it to be a complete unit study, but it is not as strong in history as the other two Cadron Creek unit studies. (Which makes sense since Narnia is a fictional world, and not a true period of history). I was glad to see that the author and publisher realize it needs additional history studies. Knowing that changed my expectations of the curriculum, and my satisfaction with it. Students could study ancient civilizations or World War II for a natural connection to the Further Up And Further In unit study.
Pros:
Multi-level approach can include several age students at once
Relationship building occurs as a family studies together
Can be Mom-centered as she reads to the children and leads discussion
Can be studied independently, with junior high students working on their own
Literature based learning provides a natural connection to the subjects being studied
Can be adapted to work for different ages and abilities
Cross-curricular unit study approach saves money over multiple curricula
Minimal amount of other resources required
Cost-effective plan for a year's curriculum
Cons:
Needs additional history and science to provide adequate junior high education
Some chapters only have Bible and literature lessons
Lesson content and amount varies from chapter to chapter, book to book
Further Up And Further In is available in paperback for $56.00, or spiral bound for $62.00. That is a wonderful price for a year's curriculum for multiple children. The study requires a set of The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. I recommend buying a set, so you can take as long as you need with each book. In addition to the Narnia books, there are several additional resources that are helpful. They are sold at the Cadron Creek website. Three of those resources are included in the Basic Pack, for $85.00, saving you money. You can also find sample pages, and helpful resource links at the Cadron Creek website.
Our family enjoyed our visit to Narnia, and the learning that Further Up And Further In made possible. Anyone seeking a unit study for their upper elementary and junior high students will be sure to enjoy it as well.
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I don't usually use pictures in my reviews, but this is a product you really have to SEE to understand and appreciate. This is an item (and company) for the wiggly, bouncy, distractible students in your life! These are products that help the students who have tracking issues, eye dominance issues, distraction issues, dyslexia, learning disabilities, sensory issues, or neurological issues.
Heads Up! is the company who provides these wonderful frames and reading aids for students. They also provide many other helpful items: fidgets, weighted blankets, weighted lap pets, books, and cushion disks to sit on. Those are just a few of the items they provide to help our students stay focused on their work.
These Heads Up! Frames come in two sizes, the large and small frames. They are available in six different colors (pink, yellow, red, orange, blue, green) for only $1.00 each. They help a child focus in on one section of a page, without being distracted by the rest of the page. The square ones work well for math problems, and the large ones work well in most other books.
These Heads Up! Readers come in the same six colors as well as clear, and are also sold for $1.00 each. They draw the student's attention to a single line of text, and are excellent for beginning readers and those who have trouble tracking as they read. My beginning reader has really benefited from these.
These two products come in yellow or blue colors, and are also sold for $1.00 each They have a yellow or blue strip at the top to highlight the lines you are reading, and a gray opaque section to block out the lines beneath the colored portion. The Top Of The Lines (on the left) highlight a single line of text (or two if you're reading a smaller print). The Double Times (on the right) have a larger highlighting section and show more text at once.
My children are distractible, active, creative, and strong-willed. Despite their distractibility and activity level, they are avid readers ... once they finally "get it". Every single one of them reads with a bookmark under the line they are reading.
I wasn't sure if they would like these products or not. I thought they would help ... if the children would actually use them. I planned to keep some for ourselves, and give away a set on my blog. But the kids love them! They've scattered them around the house in different books and textbooks. I can't give them away because my children are using them all! They make great bookmarks, too.
The only child who isn't using them is my 9 year old daughter. She is actually the most active of the girls, but she found the readers and frames to be more distracting to her. She tried them out, but quickly set them aside for her regular bookmark. That surprised me. I thought she would be one of the ones to benefit from them the most.
(Just a little note: they come covered with a clear plastic layer that peels off. It's there to protect the readers and frames until they are in your home. Once you peel them off, they're actually easier to read through. The catalog tells you to peel this off, but I didn't notice that until my kids started asking me why the edges were curling up.)
I highly recommend these items if your child has trouble staying focused on their reading and their bookwork. And if your children have any other special needs, I'm sure that you can find many helpful items at the Heads Up! website. I personally would love to see if those weighted lap pets keep these fidgety kids of mine from falling out of their seats for no reason at all.
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The TOS Homeschool Crew members were each sent a different CD by Bible StorySongs to review. Bible StorySongs has six different CDs available: Moses vol. 1, Moses vol. 2, Matthew vol. 1, Matthew vol. 2, The Bible, and David. Our family received The Bible CD, with 32 original songs and rounds about the Bible. The songs include books of the Bible songs, as well as songs based on key Scriptures.
Bible memorization is important, but it often takes the backburner to other things that seem more urgent. The Bible StorySongs CDs allow your family to memorize Scripture while going about their other tasks: like putting away toys, washing dishes, driving to the library. Multi-tasking at its finest, and music is an excellent memory tool!
Our family loves playing CDs while we sleep. We put them on repeat and let them play all night long. This helps my children fall back to sleep if they wake up during the night. The Bible CD is calm enough that it can be played during the night, but also enjoyable for day-time listening. I love knowing that they are hearing Scripture and Truth all night long if we play The Bible CD.
The music is sung by children in natural voices -- not by adults, and not by character voices. The music is a mix of original tunes and those borrowed from folk songs and classical music. This lends itself well to use in home settings, as well as church settings like Awana, children's church, Vacation Bible School, and homeschool groups. Many of the songs would be perfect for use in a homeschool or church choir -- practicing blending voices, listening to each other, and singing in rounds.
Bible StorySongs also has sheet music available at their website. Some of the CDs have puzzles or coloring songbooks available, as well. You can even hear samples of the music HERE.
The CDs are reasonably priced, at $9.99 per CD. The sheet music is available for $9.99 alone, or is sold with the CD for $16.99. There's a quantity discount available, as well. You can see all their CD prices HERE.
If you're looking for another tool to teach Scripture to your children, Bible StorySongs' The Bible CD is a versatile, affordable option for your family, church, or homeschool group.
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The Latin Road To English Grammar -- You CAN teach Latin!
Posted on 2009-Feb-18 at 12:20 PM
I have to tell you that studying Latin has always been on my "probably should" list for homeschooling, but also on my "haven't got a clue how" list. Which means, it kept getting ignored. My 13 year old daughter has been hinting about learning languages for a year or two; so, we were excited to review The Latin Road to English Grammar, volume 1. I've heard about The Latin Road and Schola Publications before, and was curious.
The Latin Road to English Grammar has 3 volumes. When all 3 volumes are completed, the student has earned 2 high school language credits and 1 English Grammar credit. They are designed for students in 5th through 12th grade. Starting early allows them to be covered in a more leisurely fashion, taking 2 years per volume.
The Latin Road is designed to be taught by parents who have no previous Latin background. The parents are to work with the student, learning together. It is recommended that the parent actually work a lesson or two ahead of the student. Lessons should take about an hour each day, with students working half an hour with the parent, and half an hour on their own.
We found The Latin Road to be a comprehensive Latin curriculum. The Audio CDs are very helpful, allowing you to hear the correct pronunciation for each Latin word. We did find it difficult to figure out how the notebook pages were to be set up, and relied on the Teacher Training DVDs for that. It would have been helpful to have a sample of each type of notebook page in the student book and the teacher's manual. I definitely recommend buying the Teacher Training DVDs.
Although the program is designed to be worked through by parent and child together, we weren't able to use it that way. With 3 children age 5 and under, in addition to the four school-age children, I wasn't able to commit to the time involved. I intended to, but failed. My daughter worked through it on her own, with me using the Teacher Training DVDs to help her overcome any confusion along the way. I actually know two other large families who also use it in this way, the student working through the text without the parent. It isn't the ideal method for using the program, but it is possible.
The Latin Road To English Grammar can also be used in a multi-level way. It could be taught simultaneously to your 5th and 7th grade students. Work with them together for half an hour, and then have them each work independently for another half hour. They'd each need their own student notebook and their own set of worksheets and tests. They could share the textbook, flashcards and Audio CD.
The Latin Road To English Grammar is an expensive program, but it is reusable. Future students would need a new student notebook and a new set of worksheets and tests. It is reusable, but not entirely non-consumable. This is also a time-intensive program, but starting earlier and taking 2 years per volume would help to lessen the weekly commitment involved (for parents and students), and spread out the cost of the program.
It's an excellent program for the classical educator, or for those whose children will be entering fields that will benefit from an understanding of the Latin language or English grammar: medical fields, science fields, and professional writers. With the Teacher Training DVDs, it is especially user-friendly. The Teacher Training DVDs are divided by lesson, so you can go directly to the lesson you're needing to view.
My 13 year old daughter enjoyed her study of the Latin language. She enjoyed learning about the Latin derivatives in the word studies, and enjoyed learning to pronounce the Latin words. She greeted her Dad each night, excited to share with him the new words she'd learned that day. Her only complaint was the amount of writing involved in the notebook. However, slowing down the study to stretch it out over two years would allow a student to spread the writing out, if they struggle with extensive note taking.
Because we had not used The Bridge To The Latin Road, she had some "catching up" to do in the grammar department. The Latin Road To English Grammar introduced grammar rules she hadn't learned yet. However, it didn't slow her down very long, and she handled it well.
The best value for The Latin Road To English Grammar is by buying The Big Fat Latin Special for $249 (value of $297). It could be used less expensively (although not quite as easily) if you only bought the teacher's Curriculum Set for $149 and the Complete Student Package for $39.95. However, we found the Teacher Training DVDs very helpful, and they are included in The Big Fat Latin Special.
If you're interested in learning more about The Latin Road To English Grammar, you can view a Free Sample HERE. You can also find helpful articles about the importance of the study of Latin in our education, and read the Frequently Asked Questions at the website.
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Maria Miller, author of Math Mammoth books, has set out to create a series of math curricula that is affordable, self-teaching, reproducible, and explains the concepts behind the math so children and teachers understand the "why" and "how" of the math. She has succeeded!
She has several different lines of mathematics workbooks and worktexts: the Blue series is for grades 1-5 and are topical; the Light Blue series are complete math curricula available for grades 1-4; the Golden series are age-based workbooks for grades 3-8; and the Green series are topical workbooks for grades 3-8. The Blue and Light Blue series contain explanations, as well as practice problems. The Golden and Green series do not have explanations, only practice problems.
We reviewed Grade 1 and Grade 2 of the Light Blue Series, the complete math curricula. I appreciated the variety of methods Maria Miller used to explain each concept being taught. The curriculum is topical, in that they work only one concept each day. They will study money, time-telling, or subtracting two-digit numbers, without daily review to confuse them. Reviews are provided periodically throughout the curriculum, and links are provided to print more worksheets when children need extra work on a specific concept. You can also reprint a lesson whenever necessary.
The worktexts are not flashy, and since we printed them at home on our printer, there wasn't any color at all. Even though they were black and white simple worktext pages, my children enjoyed them. They were able to focus on learning just one concept each day, and covering the concept thoroughly, from several different directions. If they didn't really "get it" the first way, they usually "got it" through one of the next sets of problems.
Both my son and daughter were not ready to go into their grade level Math Mammoth Light Blue Series worktext, according to the placement test Maria Miller provided. We went with the lower grade level, and I only printed the lessons I felt they needed to cover. Because we were only covering the concepts my children needed to review and understand more fully, they quickly progressed through the math curriculum.
What I especially love about Math Mammoth is that it is affordable and reusable. If you've read any of my previous reviews, you know this is important in my family. There is no expensive teacher's manual to buy separately, either. Once bought (in digital format), it's just a matter of reprinting it each year, at a much lower cost than replacing workbooks for other curricula.
The Light Blue Series include 2 worktexts for each grade. Each worktext download costs $14, or $27 for both of the grade's worktexts. Also, the curriculum can be bought in a package deal that saves even more money. If you prefer to buy printed worktexts, those are also available for just over $12 each. The curriculum is also available on a CD, instead of a download. The cost is$32 for the CD alone, or $54 for CD and printed worktexts.
My only concern about the Math Mammoth curriculum is that the Light Blue Series Answer Keys had a few more mistakes in them than I am used to. Every math curriculum we have used has had at least one error in the answer key each year. Math Mammoth, especially the 2nd grade Light Blue series, had a few more than we normally see. That is something to watch for as you are grading. Hopefully, Maria will be able to correct that.
The Math Mammoth website, also provides links to Maria's other website, HomeschoolMath.net, which provides free math worksheets and other resources for teachers and parents. Also, at the Math Mammoth website, you can scroll down on the main page to sign up for the free Math Teaching Emails, and the free Homeschool Math Newsletter. Signing up for either one will give you access to a free gift of 280 math worksheets! I receive these emails, and they are full of helpful tips, as well as answers to questions from the readers.
There are no bells and whistles, but Math Mammoth is an effective, affordable, and reusable math curriculum! We give it a "thumbs up" at our house!
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We received two Math Tutor DVDs to test: Word Problems, and Algebra 2. Wow! There is a lot of math on these DVD sets! The instructor, Jason Gibson, is a NASA scientist and engineer. He truly desires to help people understand math.
The children and I have viewed these DVDs together. My 7 year old son keeps asking me if he can view the Word Problems DVD with pencil and paper to work the problems as his math lesson for the day. My 12 yo daughter viewed the dividing decimals section of the Word Problems DVD to help clear up her confusion on dividing decimals. My 13 year old daughter said, "If only I'd had this sooner!" while viewing the first part of the Algebra 2 DVD. She hasn't yet reached Algebra 2, so it quickly went over her head, but his graph explanations did help her understand plotting points better.
These are very helpful DVDs to have if your child struggles in math. But they can help any homeschooling family, as another voice to explain concepts clearly. This can be very important if your child resists listening to Mom's explanation. The Math Tutor DVDs provide a neutral third party to explain the problems calmly and clearly.
Pros:
Thorough step-by-step explanations
Conversational tone
Menu takes you directly to the section you need
Uses a variety of problems to explain the same concept
Works the problems out on a white board as he explains them
Covers many concepts on each DVD set
Each DVD set packed with sample problems and explanations to help your child
Can help a struggling student
Can help a Mom who needs to brush up on her math skills to better teach her own children
No distracting backgrounds, music, or flashy "stuff"
Focused math tutoring
Available for lower and upper level math
Available for college courses, consumer and business math
Affordable (ranging from $26.99 - $31.99 per set)
Less expensive than paying a math tutor
Can be viewed at home, 24 hours a day, over and over ... unlike an actual tutor
You pay the same shipping & handling for 1 DVD set as you do if you buy 10 DVD sets
30 day money-back satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
There are a few mistakes, where he says the wrong number, but thankfully writes the correct number.
Some children will find these Math Tutor DVDs boring. But that's not the point, is it? If they are struggling in math, it doesn't matter if they think the DVDs are boring ... as long as they learn what they need to learn. When I first viewed them, my artistic mind thought the instructor needed a brighter colored shirt. He was blending into the white board, it seemed. But then I realized that was also a good thing. It keeps HIM from being a distraction from the math he's teaching. So while those two things could be cons, I can't really list them under the con list. They're beside the point, I decided. The only true con I could think of were the occasional mistakes.
I recommend the Math Tutor DVDs if you, or your child, are struggling with certain math concepts. I believe the Math Tutor DVDs can help. I'm thankful to have had a chance to review them, and will find them useful in my own family as we begin to work our way through upper level mathematics.
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The StoryBuilder e-books include 4 categories of cards (192 total) that you print onto cardstock, and cut apart. The four categories are:
character
character trait
setting
plot
These cards can be printed in black and white onto colored cardstock, or with colored ink onto plain cardstock. (I chose to print in black and white onto plain cardstock, and then use colored sharpie markers to mark the cards by category.) Then the children choose one card from each set, and use those ideas to create a story.
My kids and I were excited to receive two of these to review: World of People and Christmas MiniBuilders. Each of my children, including the ones who can't write, eagerly selected their 4 cards and started making up stories. When Daddy came home, they nearly pounced on him, racing to be the first to tell their stories to him. Daddy wanted to join in the fun, so that night he selected 4 cards, and used them to make up a bedtime story for the kids. Then it was Mommy's turn to do the same. I think we have a new family ritual.
This is a simple idea, but it works. It's fun, and very versatile! You can use it for creative writing in school (make it more challenging by assigning them to write their stories as plays, or in first, second, or third person point of view). You can use it for fun family times, in the car or at home. You can write "round robin" stories with each person drawing a new card and adding to the story.
The e-books are priced very reasonably, and are reusable! The World of Animals and World of People are each priced at $9.95, although currently on sale for $7.95 at the Write Shop store and The Old Schoolhouse Store. The Christmas MiniBuilder is listed at $4.95, but currently on sale for $3.95 at each store.
Our family has enjoyed the StoryBuilders e-books, and give them a big "thumbs up!" They're helpful, affordable, fun, and non-consumable. They will add a fun element to your homeschool as they encourage your children to write.
Write Shop and The Old Schoolhouse Store are currently giving away the World of Animals StoryBuilder e-book totally FREE! You can go HERE to download it. I don't know how long it will last, so hurry to get it now!
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All About Homophones -- Teach Homophones With Ease!
Posted on 2009-Jan-24 at 12:27 PM
I recently received the All About Homophones e-book (by Marie Rippel of All About Spelling) to review. At first, I wasn't sure how to fit this into my curriculum. It seemed like just "one more thing" to try to squeeze in. I feared that it would be another thing I'd intend to use, but not follow through with. I was wrong.
After reading through the e-book, I decided to print out several pages from each grade level of students that I have. The kids wondered what I was printing, so I showed them. They were intrigued, and quickly took their worksheets to their school boxes.
For review purposes, I intended to have each child do one worksheet per day, or every other day. I printed out 6 grade-level worksheets per student, and all of the crossword puzzles for their grade. The girls (13, 11, and 9 years old) enjoyed the worksheets so much, they gladly did one each day. After the third day, they asked me to print more of them ... because they were FUN!
After seeing how much my children enjoyed the worksheets, I realized that this e-book is a great addition to our homeschool.
Want to reward the kids with a puzzle or fun activity on Friday? Pull out a worksheet.
Need the children to have something to keep them quiet when you're sick or busy? Pull out a worksheet.
Need something easy to take to a Dr. appointment waiting room? Grab some worksheets and a small dictionary.
It isn't one more subject to schedule in. It isn't a burden to accomplish. It's a fun and easy way to add variety to your homeschool, while teaching an important spelling topic: homophones.
All About Homophones offers several different ways to teach homophones to your elementary and jr. high students, including:
graphic organizers to create a homophone notebook,
worksheets to practice using homophones,
crossword puzzles,
and games.
I love that the practice worksheets include puns and riddles, and encourage children to create their own puns, riddles, and tongue twisters with homophones. No matter what spelling program you use, All About Homophones can be a fun addition.
Since it includes lessons for grades 1-8, and is reusable, it is a great value for the homeschooling family. Making photocopies has been a stumbling block for my school planning in the past, so I recommend buying the e-book and printing the pages instead. If you buy the softcover book, I recommend making all your photocopies early in the year, so they are available to use at any time.
All About Homophones is available in a 250 page softcover book for $29.95, or as an e-book for $27.95. But right now they have a $10 coupon to celebrate the book! Just enter the coupon code "FUN" in the customer code box during checkout. This coupon is good for one week, now through Monday, February 2, 2009. Marie Rippel even offers a 30 day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with All About Homophones. You can view sample pages from All About Homophones right HERE.
We are a Christian homeschooling family with 7 children (ages 13, 12, 10, 8, 5, 3, and 9 months). We love having "room to breathe" in rural Central Kansas, and are working to make the "family homeplace" our own home.
• Steve 36 yo hubby
• April 35 yo SAHM
• A - 13 yo girl
• R - 12 yo girl
• C - 10 yo girl
• J - 8 yo boy
• M - 5 yo boy
• L - 3 yo girl
• G - 8 month boy
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