Burkherts Brigade
Feb. 8, 2010
Are you trying to get in shape this New Year?

Are you trying to lose weight or get in shape or both? Do you have a Wii?  If so you should check out my friends BLOG, and enter to win the Wii "The Biggest Loser".

Join me and we can be Big Loser's together!

Happy Day!

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Feb. 8, 2010
Family Update - It's about Time!

Posted in Family News

It's been a long time since I updated about what is going on in the Burkhert household. So here goes!

Lots of changes going on here. 

Dennis is going to UCC and is doing well.  After 40 years out of school, he is handling this full load like a pro! He was a little overwhelmed to begin with, and is now getting in the swing of it. Thank you for your prayers, I'm sure without them it would of been much different. He has done well with his midterms, Praise God!

Michael has been working for an independent plumber for a couple of months, sometimes part-time, sometimes full-time.  I think it is going well, he keeps getting called to work, so that is a good sign.  He enjoys his work and his boss.  I don't think he realizes what a blessing that is. 

Michael has also been fixing up the pickup truck he was given and is almost done with the 'must do's' and thinking about the 'would be nice to have's'. He is enjoying this freedom, and I am enjoying being able to send him on errands. He has also been learning about doing repairs, he has even been helping with the maintenance of some of our other vehicles.  Of course this is all done with the help of a dear friend of ours, that DOES know what to do.  What a blessing to have friends that will teach your children what you do not know. Thanks Hal!

Oh yeah!  I almost forgot to mention, ha! ha!  Michael has been accepted in the US Army and will be going to his training on May 3. He will be really missed here, however, I'm not sure he will miss us.  I'm sure in time he will! He is looking forward to this next adventure in his life.  We are excited for him also! We would most definitely appreciate prayers for his protection.

Franklin is getting ready to step in the Big Brother position, he has been practicing for a while.  He also just got back from a weekend at camp in the snow, he had a great time.

Jonathan still has his implants in his shoulders, wow, they are really big!  I would post another picture, but he wouldn't be happy if I did.  When he turns his head, his chin now runs into his shoulders.  We are supposed to get a call this week to set up his surgery for the end of February.  This 2-3 month adventure is now at 5 months, however, the doctor is going to be taking care of much more scar tissue then was first considered, it is much better to have it longer than go through it again. I probably shouldn't say that, I have no idea what is still to come.  The one thing I do know is that God is faithful and has been right there throughout this entire process.  I can not even begin to tell you how much God has blessed us.

Marcus & Trentyn have been to winter camp also and really enjoyed themselves.  They are also wondering when we will get snow at home.  My reply is 'hopefully not this year'. Our weather has been wonderful, although I keep hearing things like 'not enough rain, not enough snow pack'. These two young men are really growing up, and are doing well with school and a great help around home.

Kaylee is turning into quite a sweet young lady, always ready to help. She wants to know when she can go to camp.  She is getting smarter everyday, and is such a faithful student.

Christian & Cameron are getting way too big, but don't tell them I said that.  I want to keep my little guys as long as possible. They are almost ready to read and are starting their math facts, can you believe it?  I can't!

As a family we are doing well. We are busy, but not too busy (atleast most days its doable). We are working on spending lots of time with Michael, when he will stay home with us! God is so wonderful, to keep us healthy, and well cared for.

Right now we have a foster daughter, she is 11 and gets on well with Kaylee.  The two of them are really enjoying one another.  We would also appreciate your prayers in this situation, as we desire God's will, NOT ours. 

Well I have carried on enough, so I will go for now.  Blessings to each of you and your families.  May the Lord keep you as you draw closer to Him!

Happy Living!

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Feb. 8, 2010
Try Outs for TOS Homeschool Crew for 2010-2011

Posted in Reviews

Beginning in June of 2009, I have been reviewing homeschool products for TOS as a Crew Member! It has been an exciting year so far and it will continue until June of 2010! I have been blessed with several exciting products to review and keep for my family's use.

Some of you have asked, "How do I do this, can I get into this?" And my response was, "They will have try outs in the spring." It is not quite spring, but IT IS TIME!

So if you are were one of those who asked, now is the time.

You can check it out HERE!

So if you homeschool and like to blog, email or cybertalk, check of the tryouts for the TOS Homeschool Crew Third Adventure.

And if you thought that you wouldn't have to be reading me after June, guess again, I'll be back!!!

Happy Reviewing!!

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Feb. 4, 2010
Homeschool Library Builder -DISCOUNTS-Check it out TODAY!

Posted in Reviews



DISCOUNTS!!! CHECK IT OUT, TODAY!!!!

Are you a homeschooler? Maybe your not, but love to read to your children! Do you have children that love books? Do you love books? Or maybe all of the above!

Would you like to “Fill Your Bookshelves without Emptying Your Wallet”? This site has great discounts on new and used books.

Join for FREE, check Homeschool Library Builder out. They offer a wide selection of books, search by Title, Author, Reading Level, Type, and more.

Are you using a particular curriculum that uses Living Books?  Are you in need of books for Ambleside, Beautiful Feet, Five In A Row, Heart of Dakota, Sonlight, Tapestry of Grace, or Veritas Press, they have these listed by these categories.

Would you like an additional discount on top of their already discounted prices???? Silly question right?  For the month of February they are offering 20% OFF, and if you want an additional 15% off you need to:

  1. Donate to Heartline Ministries (Haiti) by midnight CST Saturday, February 6, 2010, any amount.
  2. Email Homeschool Library Builder and let them know you donated (you don’t have to say how much.
  3. HSLB will send you a coupon code to use on Super Bowl Sunday for an ADDITIONAL 15% OFF.

Not only do they have great prices, you also earn points for every dollar spent, to redeem on future purchases.

Are you a new or old homeschooler, or thinking of homeschooling, then check out the tab - “About Homeschooling”

Disclaimer: Homeschool Library Builder provided me with a free copy of their website (which you can have too) to test and use in order to write this review. The opinion however is 100% mine.

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday and Happy Shopping!


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Feb. 2, 2010
Math Tutor DVD

Posted in Reviews

 On the TOS Crew, we have benefited from many different math products this year.  Math Tutor DVD is one of our blessings that we received.  We received two DVD’s one of them is Young Minds ~ Numbers and Counting.  My 4 year olds love this, and I can see why.  The images are fantastic, the music is classical using works from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, and Vivaldi! This is a DVD about counting from 1 to 10, but it is so much more.

This DVD has received numerous awards and endorsements, it is very understandable.  Not only do they count, but they are learning about colors, fruits, vegies, animals and various other items, all put together in a very clean, crisp manner.

Your pre-schooler is sure to love this one.  List price is $29.99, but you can get it for $19.99, that’s 30% off!

We also received The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor. This is geared towards the elementary and middle school child. It has been helpful for my 5th – 8th graders, this has seemed to be a weak area for them. With the lessons and descriptions on the DVD by Jason Gibson (by the way, he has a long list of credentials), he breaks it down and explains ‘Why and How to understand a Word Problem’, they have a better understanding and do not seem so intimidated by word problems now.

This is an 2 DVD - 8 hour course that includes adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and much more! It is all done in front of a white board with the Instructor taking the student through each step, he doesn’t presume that they already know it.

List price on this is $34.99, but you can purchase it for $26.99, that’s 23% off.

MathTutorDVD offers a Money Back Guarantee!

Make sure and look over their site, MathTutorDVD.com to see the many different Math Tutorial DVD’s that they have, they also have some samples to look at, and they have DVD bundles at a savings, also a subscription product.  If your child is having difficulties with a math skill, you might want to check them out. Don't forget to sign up for their newsletter, you will be put in a drawing for a FREE set of all their DVD's.

I am finding something out about myself, again, this is a straight forward form of teaching and it definitely appeals to me, also my children seem to comprehend what is taught in this manner.  So I guess that means it works for our family.

Disclaimer: MathTutorDVD.com provided me with a free copies of The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor and  Young Minds ~ Numbers and Counting to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy learning!


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Feb. 2, 2010
Facts First from Saxon Homeschool

Posted in Reviews

 

Can you believe it, I have a math program to tell you about!  Distributed by Saxon Homeschool, created by Skills Tutor, a sister company to Saxon it is an online subscription program called “factsfirst”.  Their WEBSITE states “The program will complement any primary math program and is not specifically designed to accompany Saxon Math programs.” 

Do you have a child that is having difficulty with their math facts? How about a child that works better with some games and colorful work areas.

This program worked well for my 7 & 8 year olds, as the instructions are narrated and they can work on their own, no need to read lengthy explanations.  When you first start, you are prompted to create a character to represent yourself (fun).  Then it lets you select if you want to do Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication or Division. As they answer the problems it gets more difficult, beginning with the simplest and increasing in difficulty.  It also continues to go over any problems that they may have missed, making sure that they truly know the answers.  This is called a lesson and is done on a colorful screen. 

After completing several lessons it will take them to the Arcade where they have the choice of 5 games they can choose to play, these also reinforce the math facts.

There is also a chart that is displayed from time to time, that will show exactly what math facts that they have mastered.

This is a very colorful program as you can see from these pictures.

The Parents section gives you access to the progress charts for each child and also gives you the opportunity to lengthen the time that your child has to complete their work, especially helpful, if you have children with special needs, giving them the ability to work on their facts and not be penalized due to the time it may take them.

You can DEMO this program for a better understanding of how it works.

To purchase this subscription is very reasonably priced, if is a good fit for your children.  The cost for a full year for a one-household license (1-4 students) is $49.99. Not bad for 12 months of a subscription that they can work  independently on and build up those math facts that are so important.

Disclaimer: Saxon Homeschool provided me with a free 90-day subscription of factsfirst.com to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Fact Finding! 


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Jan. 27, 2010
MathScore - Accurate Learning Systems Corp

Posted in Reviews

 

This has been quite the TOS Crew year for math products. So here we have Mathscore, their site states: Developed by MIT graduates, MathScore® is proven to raise math test scores through adaptive math practice. MathScore supports 1st grade through Algebra I.

I have 5 children that have been using this, and I must tell you that to begin with, they moaned and groaned. Then they were told you have to use it and one by one they came to me, to let me know that they didn’t like it to begin with, but it’s pretty cool, I believe that it grew on them. 

I would love to think that my children are so scholastically aware that they saw the benefit that this could bring to their ever expanding brains. Okay, that is a mom dream. But truth be told, they are enjoying it now and actually exceed the time that they are required to use it (required as in by me, the mean mom).

As the children master a topic, their score goes up and once it is mastered the fireworks start on their screen. Also as they master more topics they advance in their rankings, offering a challenge to the children. It also shows in the topic list what percentage of mastery they have acquired.

This program is pretty direct, without a bunch of frills.  That really appeals to me, I really don’t want my children to think they have to be entertained constantly.  As I said before, they didn’t eagerly jump in, but once they started accomplishing something they were on board.

They offer a great tool to keep track of where your children are and how much time they are spending on the program.  You can schedule to receive it daily, weekly or not at all.  It helps me hold the children accountable. I assign their work and it is up to them to get it down, so this is very helpful.

If you are not sure if you want this as a supplement, or to use as a full curriculum, you can see what Mathscore has to say about that here.

This subscription is for 1st grade through Algebra 1, also good for brushing up if your children are above Algebra 1. Mathscore offers 228 Topics total, for the 1st grader there are 21 Topics and it changes from grade to grade, the junior high years have 80-90 Topics each, then as you get to High School it goes back down to the 60’s.

I am looking forward to using this for quite awhile, so check back and see how we are doing.

You can test drive this product at their Website.

MathScore is a subscription service.  The monthly rates are as follows:
1st Child is $14.95
2nd Child is $5.00
3rd Child is $3.95
Lump sum payment options that reduce the price for the first child and lock in that lower rate are also available.  If you go on vacation or have a break in schooling, you can put your account on hold and reactivate your account with no penalty.

There is a coupon code to get $5 off the first two months on the first child, use coupon code “new user”.

Disclaimer: Math Score provided me with a free subscription of their product to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy learning!


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Jan. 26, 2010
Kinderbach

Posted in Reviews

I would like all of my children to have an appreciation and knowledge of music.  What better way than with a piano/keyboard.  I am not knowledgeable about music, I love it, but that’s where it ends. So when we

were given the opportunity to learn with Kinderbach, I was very excited.  My 4 youngest children have a better understanding of the piano and rhythm than the rest of my children had at their age.  And I didn’t have to pay for piano lessons, yeah!

Kinderbach is designed for children ages 3 to 7, my 8 year old boy enjoyed it and the older boys were never too far away to have fun with it too!  They have learned all the songs and picked up on the lessons as well.  It is geared towards the younger ones, and really is broken down so they can learn.

 The entire curriculum is 6 levels consisting of 10 weeks in each level with an Introduction and 4 lessons in each week, so there are 60 lessons for your little one(s). The lessons are not too long, so that it can keep there attention, in several of the lessons there are drawing pages to reinforce what they were taught. Each level has a Downloadable PDF Book, that goes with the lessons.

I have to say my children loved doing the lessons and usually asked to do 2 in a day and then would spend time playing the piano, whether that was part of the lesson or not.

There are a couple of different ways to check this out for yourself, you can use the Free Lessons which are Level 1, Weeks 1 & 2, to let your children try it out.  There is something for Mom and Dad too! Check out the Scope and Sequence to see exactly what is offered.

There are also a couple of different ways to purchase Kinderbach, you can do online lessons beginning at as low as $7.99 per month(this is for the household, not per child), or you can purchase DVD & CD packages starting at $40.45 + shipping and handling. Use this coupon code to receive 10% off “KBforKIDS”

 Disclaimer: KinderBach provided me with a free copy of online lessons to use in order to write this review.

Happy Keyboarding (piano this time)!


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Jan. 8, 2010
Happy Anniversary!

Posted in Family News

I just wanted to tell all of you, that today I get to celebrate 26 years of marriage to my sweet husband.

I praise God for a man that He personally designed for me!

I am especially thankful because last July I could of lost him and I am blessed that God has kept him here with us.

So if you think of us today, please pray that we will bring glory to our wonderful Father in heaven with our marriage.

Thank you for all of your prayers and kindness. I know it has been awhile since I have posted other than reviews, I will be updating on Jonathan, our family and the new member to our family soon.  So keep watch!

May your day be blessed as you bless our awesome Lord!

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Jan. 8, 2010
Christian Keyboarding

Posted in Reviews

Now you may be thinking exactly as I did when I heard about this product.  Pull out the piano, NO, think again, pull out the computer. These are typing classes, oh my, I think I’m dating myself. I know there are lots of typing programs available, and we have used a few of them.

When I looked at these, I wasn’t quite sure how my children would do with them, as they are straight forward and to the point, no bells and whistles. Wow, it is quite amazing, they all are working with these books and there is no complaining, they actually ask to do their work, sometimes more than once a day.  The younger ones beg to do their keyboarding, over and over.

I am noticing that all of the children are learning the keyboard, now where in other typing programs I didn't really see much of that, their focus was on getting to games.

The two books are pretty much set up the same, the Elementary Version has less lines per lesson, basically they are set up very similar. Keyboarding for the Christian School, Elementary Version is 87 pages long and the older version of Keyboarding for the Christian School is 106 pages long, and is suggested for 6th grade and over (I am using it with my 5th grader with no problems). Within each book there are practices for each key, broke down into easily digested sections.  There are time tests set up to use based on the lessons mastered. Near the end of each book there is instruction on using numbers, centering, numbering, and more, using Microsoft Word 2003.

One of the things I liked the best is that all text is from the Bible, so I don’t have to look and see what might be coming in the text.

You can purchase Keyboarding for the Christian School, Elementary Version for $12.95 and download it right away, or get the Keyboarding for the Christian School for older children and adults for $15.95, and it is downloadable also.  So you can go to the WEBSITE and get them right away. Leanne Beitel is also available to assist you setting up a typing class if that is something you may be interested in doing for a co-op or other group you may be working with.

Disclaimer: Christian Keyboarding provided me with a free copy of Keyboarding for the Christian School and Keyboarding for the Christian School, Elementary Version to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Typing, I mean Keyboarding!!


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Jan. 6, 2010
Christian Guitar Worship Class on DVD

Posted in Reviews

Three of my older boys have really taken an interest in music this year. So receiving the Christian Guitar Worship Class was sure to interest one of them. They had all saved and worked over the summer to get quality instruments, one purchased a drum set, one purchased an electric bass and one purchased an electric guitar.

So my guitar player went for it and started the class right away. Since it was worship music I wasn’t sure if it would capture his attention.  He loves the Lord, however, he likes pretty upbeat music, or so I thought. He has enjoyed this DVD class.  One of the things he likes is being able to start and stop it and back up if he doesn’t understand something.

One of the things that I liked is that I didn’t have to take him anywhere and then have to figure out what to do while he was in class.  This is a definite plus!

Also if you are in doubt, there are a couple of ways to go with this class.  You can look at the first lesson on line on the WEBSITE and find the first class for FREE. If you like that you can go ahead and purchase the class, either 1 DVD or the 4 DVD set + Bonuses, and with that you get a One Year 100% Money-Back Guarantee on any of Jean’s Videos & Music. 

 Christian Guitar Worship Class DVD, can be purchased individually with the corresponding Book for $29.95 or buy the 4 volume set + $40.00 in bonuses for $99.80, now that’s 28 lessons for under $100. I’m not sure what guitar lessons cost where you live, however, I know it will be more that $4.00 each, and then what type of material will they be learning.

If you have a budding musician in your family, I would recommend this as an inexpensive way to get them started and help them feel comfortable with their guitar and be making music with the first lesson. My 13 year old thought that it was great to play a song with only one lesson, and two after two lessons. Jean Welles has done a fine job of putting this together in an understandable form.

Disclaimer: Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class provided me with a free copy of Volume 1 of Christian Guitar Worship Class DVD and Volume 1 Book to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Strumming!


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Dec. 28, 2009
Kregel Publications - Bertie's War

Posted in Reviews

Bertie’s War by Barbara Tifft Blakey, is a novel published by Kregel Publications. This is about a young girl and her struggles during a crazy time in the United States.  It is set in 1962. This is classified as juvenile fiction, so for an adult is an easy read. I took my time reading this and really wasn’t sure if I wanted my children to read it, but at the end, the book takes some very interesting turns and I would have no problem with my children reading it.  I would be discussing it with them and would want to make sure they finished it.

And my apprehension was not due to bad material, but the manner in which Bertie was handling things, and that is addressed near the end.  I found it a very enjoyable read, and could relate to the things going on, since I remember that time, and things are well explained if you are not from that era.

No matter how hard she tries to do and say the right thing, Bertie keeps tumbling into embarrassing--and sometimes dangerous--situations.

I think as you read this book, or your children do, you can learn some interesting things about yourself and what God has for each of us. This is a great book about family and working things out.

I have also spent some time looking through Kregel Publications Website and have found some great titles, so you might want to take a look to see what else they may have of interest to you. I love cuddling up with a good book, especially this time of year.

Kregel Publications provided me with a free copy of Bertie’s War to read and use in order to write this review.

Happy Reading!


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Dec. 28, 2009
ACT, Inc. - EXPLORE/PLAN

Posted in Reviews

 

ACT, Inc. is back in our lives! This organization is an independent, not for profit and is celebrating 50 years of helping people achieve education and workplace success. The beginning of November had our family looking at the Discover program that ACT, Inc. offers, you can find that in my previous reviews.

Today we are looking at EXPLORE and PLAN! These are both assessment tools to see where your child is in readiness for a college placement. Both tests look at and evaluate English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. Each Homeschool Packet contains a Sample Test Booklet and Answer Sheet, Using your EXPLORE or PLAN Results Brochure and College Readiness Standards Handbook.

 The EXPLORE assessment is $22.95 and is used for evaluation of 8th and 9th graders. The EXPLORE will show you about your child’s skills and/or weak areas. It will give you as a homeschooler direction to prepare your child(ren) in the coming years. I tested my 8th grader and the test was easy enough to administer and correct. Since my children do not test frequently it is always good to give them that experience, especially when it is so painless and inexpensive.

 The PLAN assessment is $22.95 and is used as a mid-point review of your 10th grader. The PLAN is also an assessment to show you as the teacher if the children are on track, or need to strengthen some areas, to be ready for those college entrance tests. I do not have a 10th grader, so we were not able to use this yet!

Subscribe to their monthly newsletter and you will learn about different careers that are out there, and what education is needed. This is different each month, it is interesting to go over this with your children, it just might spark a new interest.

Act, Inc. has provided me with free copies of the Homeschool Packet for EXPLORE and PLAN to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Preparing!


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Dec. 18, 2009
Maestro Classics

Posted in Reviews

  

This has been so much fun with my little people.  We received The Tortoise and the Hare to look and listen to. My 4-7 year olds are actively enjoying this.  The older children are enjoying it too, but think it is for little children so they are checking it out from the fringes. It’s funny because when we put it on to play everyone seems to appear and be busy close by.  The little ones love to dance and look at the pictures while it is on and they are learning the story. 

There is a little booklet that comes with the CD, that has fun facts and things to do, we are having fun with it. Don’t tell my children but I ordered Casey at the Bat, The Story of Swan Lake and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel for Christmas.  I love the way they enjoy the Classical Music and they get the stories too.  There is the music for one of the pieces included in the booklet, and we are starting to plunk away at that on the piano.

They also have The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Juanita The Spanish Lobster (in English and Spanish) available. They have some gift sets available also, so check out their website HERE. So act quickly to get the Special Offer in the next paragraph!

Special Offer you can purchase 3 CD’s for $45.00, enter coupon code MAESTRO45, you also get FREE Shipping and Handling.  This is a limited time offer, so don’t delay!

Disclaimer: Maestro Classics provided me with a free copy of The Tortoise and The Hare to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Listening!


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Dec. 18, 2009
3P Learning - Mathletics

Posted in Reviews



I think they are learning!  Can it qualify as learning when they want to do it???? My children have loved this program, they are begging me to renew when our trial subscription ends.

This subscription serves a wide range of ages and/or skills, it takes you from number recognition, right through pre-algebra.  It goes up to 8th grade in the United States, but I understand if you are in Canada it goes to 12th grade.  However, even your older children can polish up those pre-algebra skills and fill in any missing information.

Each grade level has many different areas to explore, and if your child doesn’t understand a concept, the help (as noted by the ? to the left of the problem) will take them step by step through the procedure to learn it. That is one piece of this subscription, there is so much to explore, so much to learn.  As they master their work, they are rewarded and congratulated. It is fantastic at giving positive reinforcement, by means of certificates and rewards.

I found with my children it was best to start them off at a lower grade level and work up to the higher ones.  With that they felt like they were accomplishing and got excited about the kudos they were receiving, and as a teacher I was seeing the skills that they have ingrained in their brains. However, one child really wanted to be challenged more and started at the top. So each child needs to be determined individually, and with this subscription that is very easy to do.

Another item my children enjoyed, at least the older ones, was the competitions that they could participate in, no matter what time of day.  They were able to compete with children all over the world.  That really brought in to play some geography lessons too!! These competitions are also a great way to improve their facts knowledge.

We have really enjoyed this subscription and I cannot justify the expense for each of the children, at this time with our budget, but can definitely for the older ones.  However, I think with diligent use of this subscription it could easily be used for a math curriculum, from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Grades K through 2 are basic without too much to overwhelm them, then beginning with Grade 3 delving into more of the intricacies of mathematics.

It also has a parent/teacher section where you can monitor your child/students progress and keep track of where they are on a daily basis.

Discount Available when you place your order HERE, select Purchase on the tabs at the top, then there is a question at the bottom “Do you know the Human Calculator’s favorite number?” Hint it is more than 8 and less than 10.  That answer will save you $9.05 on your annual subscription, that will bring your annual subscription to $49.95.

Disclaimer: 3P Learning provided me with a free subscription to Mathletics to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy calculating!


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Dec. 11, 2009
Computers, Computers, Computers!

Posted in Family News


We are wired and wireless now! I have been the only one in my family that was online up until recently.Now we have 5 computers in this little corner of the living room and they are all set up for internet.  This was a big step for me. 

I know several of you have had your children online for a long time.  I have been hesitant, but it has kind of become necessary with the reviews I am doing, as several of them are online studies.  If I didn't set the other computers up, I had to give up mine for them to study.  And with 5 children homeschooling, there were not enough hours in the school day for that to work.

I love that they are all together, as I think it is a good idea to monitor what is going on, for their protection. I want my children equipped for their future and I'm sure computers are not going away, however, I do want them safe.  So we as a family have entered the computer world.

Dennis is now taking computer classes and becoming pretty familiar with his computer.  I am really amazed at how he is taking to this computer and school stuff.  God is good and Dennis is trusting Him to guide his path.  There is not a lot of frustration or anxiety in this journey he is on. Praise God, it could of been so different than it is.

Happy surfing!

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Dec. 10, 2009
Tektoma Tutorials

Posted in Reviews

 

Video games!  This is something that is always heavily questioned at our home.  We don’t do a lot of video games, and when we do, it has to be either educational and/or non-violent in nature.  Too much time in front of any tube by my children is usually not a fun thing. 

So enters Tektoma Tutorials into our household for review. Well since my 13 year old is leading a more sedentary life right now due to medical issues, and he really enjoys working on the computer, he has been working with this product.  Next thing I know his 16 year old brother has his computer set up working with it also.  Then along come the younger ones and they are excited their big brothers are making games for them to play.

Now before anyone worked on this, I gave it a tour, as I usually find things in games that I don’t care for. I have not found objectionable material.  The games they are creating are along the lines of games I played on machines 15-20 years ago, pretty safe.  The games are created with software that can be downloaded for FREE, and the tutorials go hand in hand with free software. In creating the games they get to use their imagination, logic, problem solving, they learn from their own mistakes and find out that the game does exactly as they tell it, so they must be exact. (I really like that!)

Tektoma offers the tutorials for a monthly subscription rate of $14.95 (annual $140.00), which also provides a forum and programmers to answer questions. They can share their games with others. The website also states that new curriculum is available monthly.  They also offer a 14-day FREE Trial, so check it out before you buy!

Disclaimer: Tektoma Tutorials provided me with a free three month subscription to their Game Tutorial Website to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Gaming!


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Dec. 4, 2009
All About Spelling

Posted in Reviews

All About Spelling as designed by Marie Rippel  is a spelling program that I am enjoying.  There are a lot of spelling curriculums out there.  Unfortunately most that I have looked at are about word groups, memorization, etc., not very many are about learning how our words are built.

 Level 1 begins with learning the Phonograms by using a multi-sensory approach.  Anyone who has taught several children or just one who has difficulty learning knows that multi-sensory will go so much further than any other approach. It is always beneficial to get the entire brain involved in learning, and will help make the information learned something that will stay with the student.

The lessons are scripted making it very easy to know exactly what to do.  They are also set up to go as slow or as rapid as the student needs to, in order to know the material.  This makes it great for the younger just learning, or the older student going back and picking up information that is needed to fill in some gaps, or reinforce information already obtained.

My brand new reader/speller is eating up this information!  She is reading and writing all the time and thoroughly enjoying it.  It is hard to find her without a book or paper and pencil in her hand.  It is so exciting to see that curiosity blooming.  This first level gives them a lot of the beginning tools to work with, and reinforces and reviews as it goes along.

Level 2 takes the phonograms and word building from level 1 and starts to expand day by day into a larger understanding.  Again the lessons are scripted for easy understanding.

What you will need to get started is the Starter Kit, (Tiles, Magnets & CD) cost $26.95.  Level 1 is $29.95, Levels 2 through 5 are each $39.95.  If you have more than 1 student working on a level at a time, you will need an Additional Student Material Packet (Level 1-$14.95, Levels 2-5 - $19.95 each).

Everything comes with your Starter Kit and whatever Level you are using, except for a card file box to put the cards in. In order to get started you do need to take some time to cut out/punch out the tiles/cards that you will be using from the Starter Kit and Student Material Packet.

All About Spelling is a very reasonably priced spelling program that incorporates the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching spelling.  I have looked into this approach in the past and most of these programs are quite pricey.

I would recommend looking at the Sample Lessons along with the Scope and Sequence that can be found HERE. I would also recommend looking around this site as I found some interesting information that can be helpful in teaching.  There are also teaching tips that can be subscribed to, they come weekly, so there is not too much extra coming into your email box.

All About Spelling is a program that definitely gives your student a handle on how our English language spells words, as well as teaches it in a manner that is retained more effectively by most students. Another item of interest is that All About Spelling comes with a 1 year 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Disclaimer: All About Spelling provided me with a free copy of Levels 1 & 2 and the Starter Kit to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Spelling!


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Nov. 28, 2009
Professor In A Box by Michael P. Licata, Ph.D.

Posted in Reviews

Accounting is my thing, sad but true.  In high school I completed 2 years of course study in 1 year.  It’s not because I am so smart, it is just the way that God has gifted me. So I was looking forward to this and to see how my children responded to it.

Professor Licata is not new to teaching accounting courses, he has been teaching college level accounting for 24 years, both in class and the last 8 years in distance learning courses. He is also a homeschool father, so of course, addressing and teaching homeschool high schoolers is only natural.

Professor In A Box is a complete financial accounting course, it will give you one credit for high school-math elective, you can also test on the CLEP site and receive 3 credits for college.

Here is what to do:

• Watch the narrated lecture (there is no textbook to purchase or read!) and read a brief Key Concepts and Terms file.
• Work the assigned homework problems.
• Review the homework solutions
• Take the exam (after each 4 chapters) – there are also quizzes provided for each chapter.

In our homeschool, since we have a few students with varying ages, I try to teach the children to be self directed and self instructed as they get older. By the time they are in Junior and Senior High, my job as the teacher is to establish their work, correct work done and hold them accountable to the tasks that they are given. So this fit in very well!

I have an eighth and ninth grader that have been working on this.  It has been great as my ninth grader is dyslexic the DVD has been quite helpful for him. We are taking the class at a gentle pace, and it is going great. I can’t say they are excited to be taking it, however, they don’t get very excited about school anyway. They have been working diligently on it and are learning quite a bit.  I was pretty amazed at how well they are getting it! They have been talking about some different business they might like to start, and with that in mind, discussing the financial aspects involved. Pretty cool! Financial Accounting really does come into play throughout our lives, so to learn the terms and concepts I believe is essential.

This curriculum is available HERE, it is currently being offered for a SALE price of $134.99 with FREE Shipping. This also comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. Once you purchase this, it can be used for all of your students in your family, there is nothing more to purchase.

Disclaimer: Professor In A Box provided me with a free copy of their Financial Accounting Course to test and use in order to write this review.

Happy Accounting!


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Nov. 19, 2009
Exploramania - GyMathtics

Posted in Reviews

Now when this arrived, and I opened it, my children were very excited.  The older boys were off hunting with Dad, so I had the 4 year olds to the 10 year old home.  So we decided we would have a treat and enjoy this with out the older boys influence.
This fun interactive DVD is said to be for 2nd through 5th graders.  Now, yes they enjoyed it, but my preschoolers  and 1st grader enjoyed it as well. It has been fun to watch them all enjoying this together. I'm not sure the little ones understood the math concepts being taught, but it does get there little minds going, along with their bodies.

The DVD is put together very professionally and does a nice job of warming them up to begin with and cooling them down at the end, and lots of interesting facts all the way through. What a great way to help them work out those wiggles on a cold wet day!

You can purchase this DVD on their website for $24.99 and I understand currently the shipping is FREE, or you can check their website to see if it is sold at a retailer in your area.

Disclaimer: Exploramania
provided me with a free copy of GyMathtics in order to write this review.

So Happy Learning and Stay Fit too!

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