Yes - that's what I said;  Piano Lessons online with KinderBach!

KinderBach is such a clever idea! This online program makes piano lessons fun for the kids and convenient for Mom. I knew that there was research that showed the importance of music education to young children, and I loved that KinderBach had links on their site that show the value of including a good music program along with the 3 “Rs”:

http://www.kinderbach.com/info/research.html

http://www.kinderbach.com/Classroom/3Rsintro.html

Some music programs do not teach children to play right away, and they get discouraged. And of course when you are a parent of small children, it can be difficult to get out of the house for a regular lesson (not impossible, just not easy!) It can also be expensive to get private lessons, especially if you have more than one child that you would like to include.

 KinderBach’s online lessons for ages 3-7, addresses all of those issues that can keep us from getting music lessons for our littlest ones.

The program uses playful characters to teach notes

reading, rhythm, singing, and composition. Your children get all the basics right in the comfort of their own home and what a wonderful time of interaction with your young children! I wish I had known about this when my children were small!

KinderBach uses proven teaching methods for this age group (3-7 Year olds), including hands on activities with the keyboard, games and amusing visualizations and of course - Music!

You can try a free lesson online, look at samples of the lessons and a syllabus online before you spend a dime.    

You can try the lessons free here: http://www.kinderbach.com/atHome/index.html

The online program that we "Crew Members" received as a free trial included 240 web lessons and pdf files to download. It was very user friendly and the lessons were cute. Sadly, my kids are tweens/teens now and are too old for this, but I went through some of the lessons and the website myself and kept thinking how much fun it would be to use this program and how really practical it was! I just wanted to borrow a pre-schooler J

Here is what their website says about the Lessons that their One Year membership covers:

 “Simply discover Piano Online!
The Year Membership gives access to 6 Levels of entertaining music education for 3 to 7 year old children through about 22 hours of video and interactive coloring pages. Miss Karri introduces preschoolers to the keyboard characters, as well as the Grand Staff clefs. Kids will enjoy playing simple songs, identifying music direction, learning new rhythm notes and their beat value. Level 1 to 6 covers proper hand and finger position for the music scale, as well as staff note reading by pattern for voice, and keyboard.”

In my opinion, their quality product, well thought out lessons and customer satisfaction policies all reflect their concern for families. They offer a free trial and a 30 day money back guarantee, so there is no risk!

Additionally, if you purchase their DVD’s or CD’s, they have a lifetime replacement warrantee, no matter why you need it. (And if you have small children, you never know when you will need it!)

A Year’s membership to KinderBach online is available for Monthly payments of $19.95 for 12 months or a one time payment of only $95.88 gets you access for a year at a discount. You can check that out right here:  

 http://www.kinderbach.com/Learn/index.html

They have lots of other products and choices here at their website:

http://www.kinderbach.com/shopping/shop_home.html

 Thanks for letting me share about this with you!

Merit K

I received a free trial of the online lessons in order to try them out and let you know what I think about this product. No monetary compensation was received for this review and no matter what my Teenager says, I still think the Piano Pals are adorable.

MathScore has Got us Keeping Score and Meeting our Math Goals! 

We began our free trial of the "MathScore" online Math practice program by choosing a grade level and then using their online assessment tool which gave me a very detailed statement of my student’s performance in particular areas.

The report included information on topics which were already mastered, which topics needed study first and which topics were goals for my student to master by the end of the school year. If needed, the actual questions and answers can be viewed or can be printed. The entire assessment can also be printed for a portfolio.

Next the students chose a topic to begin. Once they start, they can chose to see an explanation of the topic (a Mini-Lesson) and do some samples. Once they have reviewed those items, they can do a timed quiz (called a worksheet). They receive points for the work that they do and achieve different designations or levels as they work toward proficiency in each topic.

MathScore is intended to supplement any Math curriculum (grades 1-9) by providing an efficient way to practice. But MathScore also provides reinforcement and reminders through a “Mini Lesson” which I thought was fairly thorough and gave a clear explanation of the subjects that were being practiced.

This program also gives parents and students a starting point by using a specific assessment of topics. And telling you which topics that student is already proficient in as wells as topics they need to work on. In addition, the assessment helps the student to set long term goals, which once completed, will help them to move on to the next area.

MathScore motivates students by rewarding their achievements with rankings and awards as they master each level. Students begin to internalize their own motivation to succeed. As they see each new success in “black and white” on the computer screen, they can readily visualize the next accomplishment.

MathScore does a good job of helping students to set a concrete goal and then gives them tools to enable them to work towards that goal.

I like the way that parents can use MathScore both to assess problem areas, and to allow their students to work ahead. Either way, it is a great tool to allow students to work at their own pace. Homeschooling Parents will also like that you receive a percentage in each summary, and that can be used to help you assign a grade whenever needed.

 With this program both my child and I are getting the feedback we need and we can see the results right away. This program worked well for us because my kids are easily distracted from work that they need to concentrate on by “sound effects” or moving images.

Because of MathScore's simple, yet effective design, they are able to learn to enjoy learning for the challenge of the work, rather than looking only for "entertainment value". They are meeting their goals and developing a healthy competition with themselves!

 The creator of MathScore has tried to keep prices manageable for families as well, which makes this program more accessible than private tutoring or some of the other online and CD programs which are rather “pricey” and the quality of the program has not suffered as a result of this reasonable pricing either.

The basic pricing plan is :
 First child: $14.95/month
 Second child: $5/month
 Each additional child: $3.95/month

With the discount code (new user), the MathScore Home Service Price Per Month is: 

1st Student $9.95 (for 2 months vs. the regular pricing of $14.95 per month). Your second student is $5.00 and each Additional Student is only $3.95.

They offer other special pricing discounts for 9 month subscription prices and prepayments, so be sure to check out their site and ask them about it.

You can start your free 2 week trial here: http://www.mathscore.com/

Enjoy the week ahead and keep on being creative!

MeritK 

Our family received a free six month membership so that we could try out the program and let you know what we think of it. No other compensation was received in return for this review of the MathScore program. I plan to update this review at the end of that six month period and let you know how well we have done at meeting our Math goals using this online Math program. 

.

 Ready for a Break from Mavis? We were! 

This year, my kids decided that "Mavis Beacon" is the toughest teacher they have ever seen! She is just never satisfied with their performance, “That isn’t your best work” she states matter-of-factly in a smooth, calm voice. “Keep trying” she encourages.

I had thought that this typing program on the computer would be loads of fun for them, but after only a few months, my children were ready for a break from that perfectionistic Mavis Beacon "pressuring" them to type faster on the computer!

So, you can imagine their excitment when I told them they would get to try something that was very different: “Keyboarding for the Christian School, Revised” and “Keyboarding for the Christian School Elementary Version”, both by Leanne Beitel.

We received the e-books and eagerly started the simple lessons. Each lesson in these books is clearly explained and assumes that the student’s knowledge is very basic. The Elementary version includes pictures of the keyboard and could even be used by beginning older students who are very visual. (i.e. not too babyish for your middle schoolers J)

The information is presented in a sequential manner and in manageable portions so that none of the lessons are overwhelming, which was a wonderful change for my (so "non- type A" personality)kids.

They felt very successful when they were able to accomplish the simple tasks and I was able to see how the books reinforce memory of the keyboard and how they progressed with each lesson. There are periodic reviews where the student uses all the knowledge they have acquired.

Both books include a section on learning the number keypad and practice typing sentences. The version for older students includes valuable teaching about how to prepare and type reports with a section on how proper citation of works and lots of practice typing correspondance.

Both e-books also include the type of timed typing sections that we all know and love , but they are presented after the student should have a good basic knowledge of the keyboard.

My elementary aged kids are moving quickly through the material and are honestly encouraged by the fact that they are not always being timed or “hounded” by statements about their speed! The later lessons include timed tests, but they are very realistic for your elementary aged students.

My High School student will be learning important skills that she will need in both the area of keyboarding and the areas of formatting that are nicely covered in the version for the older students.

I think that the e-book format is also a plus. It makes it easier for students to repeat any lesson needed or go ahead at their own pace which makes it a good resource for Home Educators who see this type of flexibility as a plus!  It also reflects real life more acurately since Mavis won't be around when she goes to college!  

Both books are good basic courses with clear direction and goals for the students to meet. I like the systematic layout of the books and appreciate how the author’s version for older students covers things I had not thought of teaching her, such as how to type a bibliography and how to format a report.   Thanks Leanne Beitel J I needed a reminder that she should know this!

This is a good product that gets the thumbs up from our family -

The e-book versions that we received to review are available at the Christian Keyboarding website at a cost of just $22.00 for the set, which includes both of the levels that I mentioned above. There are other combinations of products available for sale on her site as well, including pricing for Christian Schools or Co-ops!

 She is currently offering a discount code for $5.00 off any purchase of $12.95 or more. Enter the code NewYear5 until February 28, 2010 to get this $5.00 discount.

 https://www.christiankeyboarding.com/Home_Page.php

 Just FYI - My family received a copy of each e-book to review without cost to us. No monetary compensation was received by this reviewer in exchange for an opinion of this educational resource and there is never a guarentee of a thumbs up from this family, we just call 'em like we see 'em!

Thanks for Reading. May you have a creative week!

MeritK

Kregal Publications Presents :

Bertie’s War

by Barbara Tifft Blakey

No Spoiler warning needed – I promise not to reveal the plot, ending or other major details of the story! That is just the way I roll! However, if you are one of those people who need to know everything about the book before you buy it, you can always click the "TOS Homeschool Review Crew" button on my blog's left side bar and that will take you to numerous other perspectives on the book: Bertie's War.

Read my review here first though, of course!

Here is the synopsis from the publisher:

“Everything has been going wrong for Bertie lately. No matter how hard she tries to do and say the right thing, Bertie keeps tumbling into embarrassing--and sometimes dangerous--situations. Her stern father has too many rules, her know-it-all sister won't stop teasing her, and her mischievous younger brother keeps getting into trouble. But what makes her really afraid are those Communist missiles pointed right at the U.S. As Bertie starts seventh grade in the fall of 1962, news of these missiles throws the nation into a panic and Bertie suddenly feels completely out of control. Can Bertie confront an ugly truth about herself and face her fears--once and for all? “

 Bertie’s War is good historical fiction written for tweens. The main character, 12 year old Bertie/Roberta, is dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis and the “Cold War”, but also a war within herself. Her younger brother is a pivotal character and so I think the book would be interesting to boys even though the main character is a girl. The reading level is fine for most young readers 8 and up. The interest level is there as well (8-young teen).

 The story line is not action packed, but the family and their interaction is believable and interesting. Bertie’s thoughts and actions take place against the background of a time period that is not written about much in historical fiction for children.

 It was interesting to me to read about this event. I recall my mother (who would have been about the age of Bertie’s older sister) sharing her memories about the drills that they had to have at school and their concerns about U.S. diplomatic relations with Russia and Cuba. My husband’s father was in the Marines at this time and has video of his travels to Cuba.

 Although the target audience for this book is tweens, my daughter (14) and I loved this book. We related to the sensitivity and shyness of the main character and we loved the way the author showed the spiritual battle of this imaginative little girl who is growing up before our eyes, through the events in the story.

  I highly recommend this as a resource for learning about the Cuban Missile crisis and for discussion about personal growth.

Bertie's War is available in paper back, for $7.99 here:

http://store.kregel.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=862

Have a creative week~ Merit K

Although I received this book without charge from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it, I am asked to render my honest opinion and to simply share our family's experience. No other compensation has been received.

Another Day

So many things I want to say, but I don’t know how so I will wait

 ‘til another day

My thoughts are deep, I’ll share them with you. I’ll be transparent soon,

some other day.

Responsibilities demand my time. They call my name, so we can play, but not now- another day.

I see your face and sometimes your pain, but there’s something that must be done so we’ll talk soon – another day.

I have lots of time so it’ll be ok if I just wait until another day.

Your smile is sweet and the day is fine, so today I’ll tell you,

I’m glad that you're mine.

Forget our cares for they will wait. Let’s talk right now and run and play- For another day may never come and we’ll be left with life and love undone.

Merit Kirkpatrick

January 18, 2010

Jean Welles' "Worship Guitar Class" -Volume One

http://www.worshipguitarclass.com/

We were very interested when this company sent us this DVD to use and then review as a part of the Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew.

This is a good basic guitar course on DVD and it would be a good resource to use if you or your tween/teen children want to learn to play the guitar. We have a basic “kid’s” guitar (First Act) which I thought would be fine to use until we saw if the kids wanted to take the lessons any further.  

Once the teacher went over the basics which included an inspirational opening about worship itself and then information on the parts of our instrument, we set about trying to tune that guitar! The DVD goes through the “tuning” section rather quickly, so we had to stop the player and rewind the DVD to hear the notes again and again. It still doesn’t sound quite right! (my fault!)

I was relieved to see that the lessons do not all move that quickly and the camera shows "close ups" of her fingering so that it is simple for you to imitate. It was nice that the class is on a DVD so you can stop and replay it as often as you need, or until you burn out your DVD player. I loved the way this format enables you to go at your own pace, which in our case is verrrrry slowly J (but you probably already guessed that!)

There is an emphasis (in the booklet which comes with the DVD) on learning the chords and so there was no chart for me to compare the notes on the piano with the notes on the guitar strings in order to tune it with our piano,(and I think the piano needs to be tuned now too) so tuning that rotten (grrr) guitar took a good deal of figuring out and turned out to be the hardest part for us!

The electronic tuner that I bought (Also a “First Act” product from Walmart) did not work properly either, so that made our first guitar lesson a little more time consuming and  frustrating.

I think that if the kids ever decide that they want to learn more, we will invest in a better guitar and tuner before we go any further.

With a tuned up instrument we enjoyed learning the chords right away.

If you or your older children are motivated to learn to play the guitar, this would be a good way for them to learn to play the worship songs that she has included. It seems to me that it would be very cost effective, as compared to private lessons and, the DVD format does enable you to repeat things that you need to see or hear again without taking more of a teacher’s time.

A disadvantage would be that you wouldn’t have the teacher readily available to answer questions that your student might have. Jean has tried to remedy this somewhat by sending out a free e-newsletter with tips.

The booklet that is included with the DVD is not easy to read because it is small. A larger sized book would be easy for the kids to refer to as they are playing the guitar, but those have to be purchased separately at the website for $5.95 or the larger book is available with the DVD and each volume of the guitar lessons, for purchase separately for $29.95 each. The entire 4 Volume DVD set is also available for $99.80.  

The teacher, Jean Welles, does a good job of starting with simple songs that have simple  chords. I really do think that most people would learn very quickly to play the pretty worship songs that she has included in Volume One. She is pretty confident that people will learn from her classes since she even offers guarentee.

She also has a good emphasis on teaching proper technique right from the beginning in order to reduce fatigue and prevent pain which could keep your student from persevering.

One thing I will say about our experience with the DVD is that it has helped me to put aside that parental dream of having a child who wants to be a guitarist and I have now "moved on" (sob!) to helping them excel in other areas. They are just not very interested in learning how to play the guitar right now.

Hmm – maybe I should go ahead buy that drum set my youngest son recently requested – Jean sells a DVD for drum lessons too!

You can go here:

http://www.worshipguitarclass.com/products/worship-guitar-class.html

 to check out all the resources that are available at the website, see a sample video, find out about the packages that Jean offers and get more information about the "Worship Guitar Class" DVD's.

Have a Creative Week - Merit K

The Volume One DVD was received at no cost to the reviewer, but no other compensation.

I keep getting distracted, (although ever so pleasantly). As I was going through my email, this contest came to my attention and so I thought that I would do my best to win it by posting the AOE link everywhere I can think of on the internet, but also to endeavor to just let people know about their educational materials, because my kids like them and they work!

Some of us are just not naturally good communicators. For some of us, our idea of communication is something like this:

But, as JoJo Tabares points out at her website, communication, is the one thing that we use everyday, in every area of our lives. Good communication skills benefit us in every other academic subject and in our personal relationships! 

Warning: Upcoming Proud Mamma Moment

My son participated in public speaking this year and won the State 4H Silver Medal this year and my DD won Gold at her district competition and also went on to compete at the State Level even though this was actually her first participation in this area of competition.

I have to give credit to the kids, but also to the focus on communication that we had in the past school year. And of course, the good foundations and confidence that they have from using the AOE materials. 

The children are continuing to work in student leadership in many areas and good communication skills are helping them to succeed!

If you have been wanting to include a communication study in your Home Education program, or you are now seeing the benefits of such a study, you can go and check out the Art of Eloquence Website here : http://artofeloquence.com/index.php

They also have co-op / Classroom packages that would be terrific for your Homeschool Co-op or Christian School!

MeritK

Stories in Music

Are you a Classroom teacher who would like to introduce your students to Classical music as a way to enrich their classroom experience?

Are you a parent who loves classical music, but find it difficult to get your children interested in listening to it with you unless it is a movie theme written by John Williams?

Are you a Home Educator who is not sure how to begin to add Music appreciation to your Homeschool Program?

Do you want to teach your children about Classical Music, but feel that you do not know enough about it yourself to teach?

If you recognize yourself in any of those categories, then I am here to let you know that help is here from Maestro Classics in the “Stories in Music” series!

I absolutely love the CD that we received to review from this company. We received and listened to the “Tortoise and the Hare”.

You can hear samples of all of Stephen Simon’s creations here:

http://www.magicmaestromusic.com/whatwedo.html

(just click on the picture of the CD you want to select a sample from)

The music for “The Tortoise and the Hare” was composed and conducted by Maestro Classic creator Stephen Simon and played by (one of my favorites) the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The story was adapted by Bonnie Ward Simon and wonderfully brought to life by the narrator; Yadu.

The music and narration were well done and the educational booklet that was included with the CD was appropriate for the ages they were created for (ages 5 and up). What makes it different from some other renditions of these musical stories is that the CD’s themselves contain not only the music and narration, but the background information on the stories and their authors or composers. We found the history part very interesting and the music with the narration was engaging. The musical instruments used by the composer to create the effects and mood of the piece were discussed by the composer/conductor himself.  After listening to this, we decided that the Contrabassoon is one of the coolest instruments in the orchestra!

My 14 year old and I were recently discussing how I had often tried to interest them in classical music beginning when they were very young by using the story of Peter and the Wolf and playing classical pieces in the background or at Christmas time.

She shared her memory of how when she was very small she would jump in my bed in the morning for a “snuggle” and my alarm clock (set to the local classical radio station) would turn on. She told me that she had a “moving picture” in her mind as the music played and it would change as the music changed within the piece.

Music speaks to our souls and to our minds and “Stories in Music” has a lot to say that is of value!

The CD’s can be purchased here for only $ 16.98 each or 3 CD’s for $45.00 with the Coupon code MAESTRO45

http://www.magicmaestromusic.com/index.html

I can say that we thoroughly enjoyed this learning experience!

 Merit K

No money was received in exchange for the review of Maestro Classics Stories In Music - The Tortoise and the Hare, although I did receive the product in order to review it with my children and render my personal opinion as an educator and a parent :)

Do you know the Human Calculator’s Favorite Number?

If you do, you can get a discount on a fun Math reinforcement program.

Mathletics is an entertaining way to reinforce Math concepts that your child is learning from whatever curriculum you have chosen to use. It really is a lot more fun than the typical drills and there are some features with this program that you do not get from those fun free games that are available online. If you have a very Math resistant child, you might want to try this program. There is immediate feedback and encouragement. The student can also track their progress and there is a tangible reward when points are received and when a new game is unlocked.

Mathletics is an online program available from 3PLearning and the games are really delightful. Another really neat feature is the animated Math Dictionary which really helps a visual child to remember the definitions. The student can also perform a search for information and explanations of Math concepts if he is having difficulty understanding what is expected of him. The animated dictionary is a feature that I found particularly enjoyable J There are lots of different levels to chose from and the program does use some automatic leveling. There is also a Parent Account so that you can track your student’s improvement (or so you can figure out that you need to direct him to the Math concept search!).

 Mathletics is available here to purchase: http://www.mathletics.com/ The cost per student is $59.00 UNLESS  you know (because you so wisely read this blog post very thoroughly!) that the Human Calculator’s favorite Number is “9” – then you get the yearly membership fee for only $49.95 (per student) for access to all areas of the Matheletics site 24/7. This company offers a 10 day Money back guarantee so that you can see if it really works for your family.

 For more information about the Human Calculator check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Flansburg

And the next time that you see me, email me or talk to me, if you mention that my favorite number is “13” you will receive “FREE” a huge hug and my undying gratitude for reading my blog!

Matheletics/3P learning provided this reviewer with 45 days of access to the online program in order to test it out on her 10 year old son. My opinions of the product are based solely on my personal experience with the product and that ten year old boy’s input (we liked it J).  No other compensation was received in exchange for this review.

Create, Play and Share

Create, Play and Share – those are the titles on the buttons that popped out at me on the website for Tektoma, Game Tutorials Online. Create, Play and Share games is exactly what my kids were able to do after using these awesome tutorials for the free game making software, GameMaker.

Here is what the website is offering for a membership fee of $14.95 per month:

Engaging video tutorials for ages 7-17

• Tutorials of varying skill levels and topics
• Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home
• Natural progression helps develop technical skills
• Customize your learning experience
• Low monthly membership fee gives access to all our resources
• New curriculums available monthly

Here is a link to a free preview of the Tektoma tutorials so that you can check it out before you sign up:

http://www.tektoma.com/members/tektoma/adminpages/racing_preview

Once you do sign up, you can try it for 14 day with no obligation. If your kids just aren’t “getting it”, according to the website, you can cancel with in that time and owe them nothing. But I think that your children, like mine, will want to learn more.

We downloaded the GameMaker software package directly to our computer FREE, just as you can. The Tektoma site gave us a free trial membership of three months so that we could try out all their resources and features to help us learn how to make games with the GameMaker software. We received a free 3 Month trial so that we could check out their offerings and let you know if they were totally awesome (or not).

The creators of these tutorials and their website have worked with kids extensively, so the site is very kid friendly and beginner friendly. I felt confident downloading the software through their site knowing that they are taking care to recommend only safe sites. So they care about my kids and my computer!

My daughter has created an arcade game at the beginner level and she really enjoyed it. She was able to use the tutorial with a minimum of frustration and now calls herself a “Geek” J

Not only did using the tutorials limit the kids' frustration level, but my little “Gamers” didn’t have to spend all day, everyday on the computer to create something worthwhile. They were able to accomplish making a game within a very reasonable amount of time as compared to downloading the software and using it on their own.

Well, I am glad that they are having fun, but just how is all this educational, you might ask? Well, someone might!

While my children were using the GameMaker software and the tutorials were teaching them how to make their own games, I observed that they had to use problem solving skills, employ logical thinking skills and there were times when they were just plain learning to be patient while they figured out what they had done wrong. They were extremely creative in making the games and in choosing what characters they would use. Next we have to figure out how to upload the game to the sharing site...

...we never stop learning!

Our family gives Tektoma Game Making Tutorials a big Thumbs up!

Hope you will check them out!

MeritK

(This product was received at no charge for a three month period in order for our family to use the resource. No monetary compensation, or other compensation of any kind was received in exchange for the review of this product)

Here is what the All About Spelling website says about their program:

Why All About Spelling Works

All About Spelling is an excellent program if you are just beginning to teach your child spelling, or if your child needs remedial help. Here’s why it works:

• All About Spelling is multisensory. The lessons involve sight, sound, and touch. Children learn best when they are physically involved in the learning process, so we take advantage of that fact with this hands-on approach to learning and teaching spelling.
• All About Spelling is logical. Spelling concepts are taught in a logical, understandable order. Each lesson builds upon the previous lesson. The sequence has been carefully tested to produce long-term results. And this is as much a benefit to you as it is to your student—especially if you’ve been struggling with how to teach spelling.
• No gaps. This is something that you can trust with the All About Spelling program: your child won’t be left with gaps or holes in his or her understanding of spelling. If there is a reliable rule that will help your child out, we teach it. If there is a tip that will help your child master a certain spelling pattern, it’s in there. And it’s all presented in a very logical order.
• The program is mastery-based, not grade-level based, so when students master a specific concept, they move on. If a child needs more practice in a certain area, we allow for that so the child can really master each concept. There’s no sense building on a shaky foundation, because that will cause spelling difficulties down the road when the spelling words get harder. At All About Spelling, we’ve identified the concepts that are most important for your child to master, and we’ve weeded out any busy work.
• All About Spelling has continual review. As the child learns new material, he or she also constantly reviews previously-taught concepts. We don’t just “teach it and forget it”…we make sure that it really sticks.
• Finally, the program is clear. This means that children are taught what they need to know in a direct manner. They don’t have to guess or come to their own conclusions about the English language.

These techniques have long been used by Orton-Gillingham practitioners, and now they are available to home educators and tutors through the All About Spelling program. All About Spelling combines the very best of the Orton-Gillingham approach with the latest research and proven spelling rules. And best of all, the scripted lesson plans are very clear and easy for you to follow.

This program has helped thousands of kids learn how to spell. And with our one-year learning guarantee, you can be confident in placing your order.

http://www.all-about-spelling.com/

We received the All About Spelling Program Levels One and Two which included both the Student Materials and Teacher Materials, as well as the Phonogram Cards for each level, the Phonogram CD and the Magnetic Letter Tiles to use and review. 

As soon as I looked at the materials, I smiled. This program is very similar to the way that I taught all three of my students to spell. It is a very natural way to learn spelling and it is a fun way to learn as well.

To some extent I figured out that this way worked for us on my own. I wish that I had had these lovely scripted Teacher's books waaaay back then. A decade ago, I didn't know anything about this Spelling Program, but I knew what methods would work (former teacher here!) and began to structure our spelling lessons accordingly. All of my kids spell well, by the way and none of them hated spelling or stressed out about weekly tests. 

I really like this program, although the levels we received were below my kids spelling levels right now, some of it was good review for my 5th Grader and we had fun looking through it.  The prices are resonable, the materials are colorful and professional looking and the activity ideas and teaching tips are great. You can find a price listing here: http://www.all-about-spelling.com/spelling-products.html

Although we received the products mentioned about in order to review them, no other compensation was received and I am not affliated with All About Spelling!

Hope you find this information helpful - feel free to email me if you have any questions, or leave me a comment here and I will get right back to you :)

Have a Creative Week - Merit K

Exploramania is the Company created  by Carrie Scheiner (aka- Miss Carrie on the DVD) Carrie has a really inspirational story about how she decided to start her own company and how she overcame a disability to make the DVD  which you can read in detail here if you would like: https://www.exploramania.com/TheStory.aspx

Miss Carrie’s story can inspire us to do some of things that we have only dreamed about, and her Gymathtics DVD will inspire your young children toward becoming, and staying strong and healthy.

In addition to helping in our quest to stay healthy by finding ways to make exercise a fun activity for our kids, scientific research shows that physical activity actually has a positive affect on our thinking skills.  Once you know that, exercise and Math seems like the perfect combination.

We had a lot of fun with this even though the music was not the style my kids prefer - I thought the bouncy music was a little repetative too, but the workout was enjoyable and we can always wait until later to " rock out"! It was not a really hard workout and it was a neat way to start our day.

The simple exercises and simple math concepts keep the exercise program from being overwhelming to young children and yet keep some of the older ones interested as well. Oddly enough, my son had just asked for a definition of perpendicular lines and she covered it in the video! The Math concepts weren't deep, but I do think that the video effectively reviews some math skills, and gives active kids with active minds a a fun way to review.

If you are interested in adding some more exercise into your daily routine, this 30 minute routine would be a great and inexpensive way to do it and rev up your mind at the same time!

Gymathics is available here for only $24.99 along with some other cute products that follow along that same philosophy of bringing education and healthy activities together in a fun and creative way!

http://exploramania.com/

The Gymathics Video that was sent to my family by Exploracise was received in exchange for my review and opinion on this educational product and no other compensation was received - they are not even paying for my ibuprofen!. 

Merit K

You will probably look as happy as me after you get in some comfy sweats and exercise with Miss Carrie!

I just received this from Catherine Fortin - she has been a real resource for Language teachers and Home Educators and she offers classes as well:

(see link for details on her classes: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/NorthCarolina/744124/ )

My colleague Diane Farrug & I are starting up an exciting resource for homeschooling parents: a free e-newsletter full of free ideas, activities, and printables supported by clear "how to teach" tips for parents.

We realize that what we do, teaching a foreign language takes so much training and experience, and we want to give this to homeschool parents. We also include free videos on how to teach and how to do specific lessons and activities. The days of giving children a Spanish or French handout and not really knowing what to do with it to maximize it are over.  We're here to help.

Here is the link to the sign up for the free homeschool e-newsletter:

http://foreignlanguagefun.com/2009/11/free-nativity-mini-book-in-french-and-spanish-for-homeschoolers/


Catherine F Fortin
http://foreignlanguagehouse.com

This looks Great  - Go Sign up!!!! Merit K

This is a time of year when as a family, we focus on the virtue of Thankfulness. We have been studying American History this year and how even though the colonists suffered greatly in this land they had travel to, they remembered to give thanks to the Lord for the things that they did have- especially their freedoms!

One of the ways that we have always loved to use to help us remember to be grateful, particularly at this time of year, is to make a "Thanksgiving Tree".

I haven't done it this year, since the kids are a little older now, but I used to make a "tree" with branches out of a pattern and some brown construction paper and cut out "leaves" from colorful paper similar to the ones here:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/leaf/leaftemplate.shtml

An easy way to do lots of these leaves is to print them on the computer. You can buy colored paper for the printer. Then have your little ones work on some small motor skills by cutting them out with you.

We put the Tree on the wall with "sticky tack" and then every day, the kids would write something that they were thankful for on a leaf and we put the leaf on or around the tree. When they were small, I made this part of their handwriting practice.

Here is a site that has a craft idea for a really cute Thanksgiving Tree using "handprints" from your kids instead of my leaf idea:

http://www.familycorner.com/archives/familytime/2.shtml

Another clever way to make a "Thankful Tree" is with branches or trimmings from your yard and a bucket or large plastic butter tub. You will need plaster of paris for this tree. Mix the Plaster of Paris according to directions and then fill the butter tub with it. Place the branches into the tub and let the plaster harden (about 1-2 hours) You might need to hold them up for a little bit until they stay upright on their own :0 )

Once this is fully hardened, cover the butter tub with colorful tissue paper or burlap fabric so that it looks "Fallish"

Then attach the leaves by punching a hole in each one and tying them to the tree with a ribbon, yarn or raffia.

The fun thing about the plaster of paris tree is that you can change the covering on the butter tub for lots of different occaisions and make it a Christmas tree or a candy tree, an Easter Tree (you are getting the idea)... so it makes a nice decoration and learning tool in the future seasons as well, depending on what creative ideas you come up with for using it!

Have a creative week full of Thanksgiving!

(and try not to be a turkey)

Merit K

Free Homeschooling History Curriculum – really!

Some of you know that I am a member of the Old Schoolhouse “Crew” (a homeschool product review team). We were recently sent a CD of an American History Curriculum product called “America’s Heritage” that is available to anyone for the asking- FREE.

We were asked to examine and use it and then to post our opinions of it so that you could decide if it was a resource that might work for your family.

 Right now, I am teaching 5^th, 7^th and 9^th grades. Although the CD I received contains all lessons for all the grade levels, I chose to try the High School Level of the American Heritage Foundation’s product since I am using All American History (see my previous review) with my 5^th and 8^th graders.

 “America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty” is targeted for students in grades 9-12 and it provides good information on some of the aspects of our country that other texts may leave behind. This curriculum tackles some tough issues that we are dealing with today, such as the right to freedom of religious expression, particularly in the public schools. It addresses the free enterprise system and some of the heroes of that system, entrepreneurs who had a profound influence on the culture and prosperity of our Nation.

 Here is an excerpt I really liked from the forward of the Curriculum for 9-12^th Grades:

“The Miracle of America: A Revolutionary Idea

In only a little more than 200 years, our ancestors transformed this country from a wilderness into a great nation. This nation demonstrates what can be accomplished by free people who create a government limited to serving the people rather than being their master. The moral and ethical basis of good conduct was derived from the faith that built America. That faith grew from the common belief that each individual is endowed with basic rights and responsibilities by our Creator. That is the foundation of our democratic republic expressed in the Declaration of Independence.”

As I mentioned, the America’s Heritage Curriculum is available free (they can accept donations at their site) from the American Heritage Foundation. It has been valued at around $150.00. The program was developed for grades K-12, as a way to promote good citizenship, and good stewardship of our freedoms. The American Heritage Foundation seeks to do this by educating students about our country’s history.

It seems to be geared towards a classroom setting, but it contains some great kernels of information that both public school students and those that learn at home can benefit from. My daughter and I both loved that the curriculum included the wording of some of our original documents, such as the Mayflower Compact and the Bill of Rights. It did a good job of trying to relate the rights and responsibilities we have today and those original writings which have so clearly enumerated those rights for us throughout our History.

 The High School Curriculum focuses on pointing the student towards the foundations of the freedoms that we have to day. It includes specific Lesson Plans, Templates and soundly teaches students about how our past faith relates to our present freedoms.

 In my opinion, the lessons are a bit dry, but they can really be spiced up by using this along with some living books and the internet. Overall this could be used as a good framework around which you and your student can hang some additional discussions and research.

Did I mention that the American Heritage Education Foundation’s High School American History Program is FREE? You can also request a CD to be sent to you, (also free). If you would prefer to have everything already printed out, this excellent resource is available in a printed our binder format for only $19.50.

It is simple to pay that online: http://americanheritage.org/online_pay.html, or you may mail them a check.

If you just want the free stuff (and there is some good stuff in there) you can download the pdf files or request a CD Here: http://www.americanheritage.org/

There is some helpful information here and the price is right !

Celebrate American Heritage Month in November!

“American Heritage Month gives us all an opportunity to reflect on our roots as Americans from a fresh perspective. It is a time to remember that we Americans have brought with us many different heritages, but we have joined together in this country as one people.

The Declaration of Independence sets forth our fundamental values, and the Constitution serves to protect those values. Our schools, teachers, students, and other citizens help preserve and strengthen the miracle that is America. As Thomas Jefferson said, ‘If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.’”

The American Heritage Education Foundation, Inc.

I truly am Thankful at this time of the year, for the many blessings of faith, freedom, friends and turkey!

Merit K