Cindy Downes

Jun. 18, 2008 - Review: Exploring Creation with Astronomy by Jeanne Fulbright.

You are so blessed to have curriculum like this available to you! As I read through Exploring Creation with Astronomy, I got so excited about teaching it that I forgot my kids were grown! (No, I don’t want to teach someone else’s!) This is the curriculum I dreamed about when my children were young. It’s interesting, fun, easy-to-use, and best of all, teaches so much more than traditional textbooks!

I like it because:

It is Christian-based and accurate scientifically. For instance, in the unit on Mars, I read that giant meteors hit Mars, which sent pieces of Mars flying into space. Some of these pieces actually landed on earth. I knew this, but this I didn’t know: In the same way that giant meteors sent pieces of Mars to earth, there is a possibility that these meteors sent pieces of earth to Mars. So if they do find life on Mars, there is an explanation!

It is interesting to read. This could be used as family reading so all can enjoy or as independent reading for upper elementary grades. The writing is not full of jargon that makes many science textbooks so dull and hard to understand. Jeanne writes so that anyone can understand it. She even makes you laugh now and then!

It is fun! After you read the lesson, there are oral questions to answer, writing assignments, and hands-on projects such as making a rocket or a compass. The projects are easy to do; the supplies needed truly are “household products,” and there is a complete listing of supplies needed in the front that you can print out as a shopping list.

The only complaint I have is that it is out of date. It was published in 2004. With science, you need constant updates. However, she has remedied this by including a Course Web site where you can get updated information, corrections to the text, links to other interesting Web sites that will enhance learning, a printable notebook template for the kids to complete (love this!), and even more activities to do! Maybe out of date isn’t too bad!

The Exploring Creation with. . . series currently includes Exploring Creation with Botany, Exploring Creation with Zoology (Volume 1 covers Flying Creatures, Volume 2 covers Swimming Creatures, and Volume 3 covers Land Animals - all following the seven days of creation.)

Exploring Creation with Botany follows the same framework as the others, but some of the unique features are a focus on Latin words, an introduction to careers in botany, and an introduction to taxonomy. There is also a printable notebook template available and many fun activities!

Exploring Creation with Zoology again follows the same format as above. There is also a printable notebook template and a set of printable flash cards available for Volume 1, which is the volume I have for review. Volume 1 introduces the field of zoology and Binomial Nomenclature. This course thoroughly covers birds and insects. Some of the fun activities include a Nature Scavenger Hunt, making your own field guide, building a bird feeder, mapping bird migration, making an ant farm, and raising butterflies.

For those of you who like the work done for you, I can’t think of a better way to teach science in the elementary grades than by using this series of books. HIGHLY recommended.

For more curriculum reviews, see my Web site.

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May. 5, 2008 - Review: The Declaration of Independence by Syl Sobel

This book came at the perfect time since I am currently studying to CLEP out in American History! The Declaration of Independence by Syl Sobel is not a very colorful book, but it does provide the basic facts of America's fight for Independence. The illustrations are black, white, and blue drawings. The text is easy to read; however, there is a lot of text on each page. Although I do recommend it as a good resource for studying the Declaration of Independence, my one disappointment is that it does not mention Federalists and Anti-federalists nor anything about states rights. I would recommend this book for 4th to 5th grade and up to 8th grade as an introduction to the topic. Published in 2008 by Barron's. 48 pages.

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Mar. 23, 2008 - Review of Biology 101 by Wes Olson

Your visual and auditory learners are going to LOVE this. As a matter of fact, Biology 101: Biology According to the Days of Creation, developed by Wes Olson, is going to be enjoyed by the whole family!

The topics covered in this 4 disc set include Defining Life and Life Classification, Plants, Aquatic Creatures, Avian Creatures, Land Animals, Mankind and Genetics. It also includes a printable 114-page guidebook and a 12-page "Course Accreditation Program."

First, what I liked: I loved the beautiful videos; the animated graphs, charts and illustrations; the background music was pleasant and added to the learning experience. The host (also Wes Olson) was an excellent speaker and kept my attention with clearly defined definitions, anecdotes, and interesting facts. During the plant segment, he takes the viewer to a variety of places to study plants: the bakery to learn about grains, a restaurant to learn how algae is used to make ice cream and salad dressing, and the forest to watch a forester drill a tree ring sample to find out the age of a tree. He also offers memory tips like learning that stamen ends with "men" so it's the male part of the plant, and he shows how plants are used in scripture to illustrate spiritual truths. The animations are excellent and easy to learn from so everyone in the family will benefit from watching the videos.

To read what I didn't like and other information, please see the March issue of my newsletter.

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Feb. 3, 2008 - Review of "On the Banks of Durbin Creek"

Review of "On the Banks of Durbin Creek: It's Bedtime for Bunnies" by Loretta Hayward. I don't usually review many fiction books, but this one caught my eye and I just have to share it with you. Loretta, a homeschool mom, raises bunnies - as a matter of fact, she currently has 120 bunnies! And these bunnies are the subject of her book, "It's Bedtime for Bunnies." Loretta takes photos of her "dressed up" bunnies sleeping in beds, playing in gardens, and interacting with each other just as the bunnies in the Peter Rabbit books do. Only this time it's photos instead of drawings. And the photos are just plain adorable! The text is in poetry style, easy to read, and tells how mother bunny watches over her baby bunnies just as the Lord watches over us. A delightful book that everyone who loves animals will enjoy. Recommended for all ages. Check out her Web site for her bunny-photo greeting cards, too!

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Feb. 2, 2008 - Review of "What Really Happened . . . " series

Book Review: "What Really Happened in . . ." compiled by Terri Johnson.

Terri Johnson has collected a variety of historical biographies written by various authors and compiled them into books according to time periods.

"What Really Happened in Ancient Times" includes biographies on Eve, Noah, Gilgamesh, Imhotep, Daniel, Cyrus the Great, Eratosthenes, and Constantine.

"What Really Happened During the Middle Ages" includes biographies on St. Patrick, Theodora, Alcuin, Good King Wenseslas, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, Johann Gutenberg, and Martin Luther.

What Really Happened in Colonial Times includes biographies of Pocahontas, Lady Alicia Lisle, James Cook, Rachel Walker Revere (Paul Revere's wife), Admiral Lord Nelson, Catherine Ferguson, Lucretia Mott, and Narcissa Whitman.

The books are easy to read and written to interest students of all ages, whether as a read-aloud or read alone (recommended for ages 8+). These books are guaranteed to get your children interested in history! The biographies are written by current authors and even some homeschoolers! Highly recommended. I'm looking forward to reading "What Really Happened in Modern Times" coming out in Spring 2008.""

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Jan. 9, 2008 - Review of The Star-Spangled Workbook

The Star-Spangled State Book and The Star-Spangled Workbook by Joel F. King. Sometime in elementary school, you'll want to teach your children about the 50 states. The Star-Spangled Workbook and State Book will help you do just that. During the first 18 weeks, your child will learn a little bit about each state and its location on the US map. During the second 18 weeks, your child will learn the state capitals, the postal abbreviation of each state, and what states border each state.

The method involved is reading information in the Workbook (or the State Book) about each state, completing a worksheet related to the lesson, and playing a "Geoquiz" that will reinforce what the child has learned.

The course consists of the Workbook and the State Book (which contains a color version of the workbook as well as 15 additinal pages of resources for learning about the states). You can buy these separately or together at a discount. (You could teach the course without the State Book but the color makes it much more interesting and you do get a few more quizzes and learning resources). A reproducible CD is included with the Workbook so that you can print as many copies of the Workbook as you need for your family.

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Dec. 22, 2007 - Curriculum Review: Jump In

Jump In: A Workbook for Reluctant and Eager Writers by Sharon Watson. I LOVE this book! Finally, a composition course that REALLY teaches your children how to write! Most "Grammar and Composition" courses spend more time on grammar than composition because they are written for classrooms. it's difficult and time consuming to evaluate writing, especially in a class of 20-30 students. As a homeschooling parent, however, you CAN take the time to do this and here is a resource that will help.

Jump In covers all kinds of writing: prewriting, opinion pieces, persuasion, exposition, description, narration, and poetry. Because it's easier for children to write their opinion, the author begins by teaching students how to write an opinion piece and persuasive articles. She takes the student step-by-step, one lesson at a time. She covers: brainstorming to choose a topic, listing reasons why, choosing the right order, and then writing an introduction, body, and conclusion to complete the project. The course is designed to be completed in two years, but it can be used for as short or as long as needed.

Sharon includes writing samples written by her classroom students. She explains the good and bad of each sample and then gives your child an opportunity to critique the sample by answering guided questions.

After each lesson, Sharon includes additional writing assignments for practice and a suggested writing schedule to complete the assignment.

The teacher's manual includes information on how to evaluate and grade your child's writing as well as course objectives, a list of assignments for each category, information on how to help a reluctant writer, 10-minute warmups (She calls them Writing Plunges), and answer keys. By the end of the course, your child will have learned how to write an opinion piece, a persuasive paper, a cause and effect paper, a science report, a biography, a book report, a book review, a newspaper article, an essay, a compare and contrast paper, a description, a short story (narration), and poetry (haiku, cinquain, diamante, limerick, hymn, poem, lyrics to a song).

If I were homeschooling today, this would be one resource I would not do without. Don't buy that traditional "grammar and composition" textbook. Instead, buy this book and a separate resource for teaching grammar, such as Easy Grammar. Teach grammar two days a week; spend the other three days on composition. You'll end up with accomplished writers instead of students who know a lot of grammar but can't write!

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Nov. 10, 2007 - Review - The Homeschooler's Book of Lists by Sonya Haskins

The Homeschooler's Book of Lists is a 555-page book, loaded with lists about History, Government, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and more. For example,

    • Under History and Government, there is a list of Modern Wonders of the World, Assassinations and Assassination Attempts on Presidents, and Steps to Creating a Bill

    • Under Language Arts, there is information on How to Write a Business Letter, a list of commonly misspelled words, and a list of sight words.

    • Under Mathematics, there is a list of Famous Mathematicians, Measurement Abbreviations, and a page identifying geometric figures.

    • Under Religion, there is a list of Judges, the 12 Apostles, and recommended memory verses.

    • Under Science, you'll find a list of Significant Dates and Discoveries, a list of the Planets and Their Moons, and the History of Space Flight.

Much more is included in each chapter and additional chapters cover Geography; Foreign Language; Great People; Quotations, Speeches, and Other Documents; Computers; Art and Music; Curriculum and Homeschool Methodologies; and Organizational and References Lists for Teachers, Parents, and Students.

You can print out any of these lists from the accompanying CD. You can also search for specific information on the CD, making it easy to find that "list" that you are looking for!

This is one of those reference books you might put on your shelf and forget it's there; therefore, I recommend keeping it on your desk! The Homeschooler's Books of Lists will, in the author's own words, "supplement any elementary-level curriculum" and it is "particularly helpful for teaching multiple grade levels or subjects."

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Sep. 30, 2007 - Review: Wonders of Old, A Blank Timeline Book of World History

If you need a resource for teaching history using a timeline and love the look and feel of a "real" book, you'll love Wonders of Old! This is more than a school book - it's a family keepsake!

Terri has created this oversized, hardcover book to "help your students understand and 'see' the progression of history with interactive and engaging timelines. It includes decorative pages on which to write historical events or attach timeline figures. Terri has also included significant dates for each period and a place for notes in the back.

This is a homeschool resource that will be treasured for years. For more information, see the Knowledge Quest Web site.

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Sep. 30, 2007 - Review of Ancient China, To the Great Wall and Beyond by Judy Wilcox.

I am extremely impressed with Ancient China, To the Great Wall and Beyond by Judy Wilcox. Judy has created a resource that is fun, easy-to-use, and chock full of information about China (from ancient time to modern day). It was written to be used with K-6 grade, but I believe it would make a terrific supplement for 7-12 also. There is enough "meat" in this unit that your teens will learn as much or more about China from this than from most junior or senior level textbooks. The best part is that they will have fun doing it!

The unit is scheduled for a twelve week period and is divided into daily lesson plans. Each lesson includes a reading in the book and timeline information. Projects are included with each lesson that involve research, reading, composition, map work, art, music, science, hands-on activities (crafts, models, recipes, etc), and field trip ideas.

The lessons begin with the geography of China, then progress through history by dynasty, and conclude with information about modern China. At the end of the book, there is a test for the unit as well as a glossary, a list of books for further study, timeline figures, and maps.

From the moment I picked up this book, I was "hooked." I read the book cover to cover, wishing the whole time that I was still homeschooling or that I had had a chance to be exposed to this kind of learning when I was a young student. The information is presented logically and simple enough that anyone can understand it. I particularly liked how Judy integrates Christianity into the curriculum and includes projects that has students compare the religions of China to that of Christianity.

I can't recommend this unit enough. Ancient China has a fascinating history and plays an important role in our world today. You will be doing your children an injustice not to expose them to the history of China. Now, there is a resource that will help you do just that! And when you are done, you can check this off your copy of The Checklist.

PS: I have added an update to The Checklist to incorporate this unit. Those of you who already own The Checklist can add it to your notebook. Those of you who don't can view a sample here: Ancient China (updated September 2007): http://oklahomahomeschool.com/Cklist_Rev.html

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Sep. 16, 2007 - Sign & Seasons - Curriculum Review

Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy by Jay Ryan.

My first impression when I picked up this curriculum was - how do I read this? The author uses fonts and text that emulate the style of Colonial Almanacks. Those of you who use a Classical method of homeschooling will feel quite at home; however, for those of us who do not, it presents a bit of a challenge. Once you get past the preface, however, a majority of the text is in a modern style.

The purpose of the book is best explained by the author, Jay Ryan: "Unlike other astronomy books, Signs & Seasons is based on the Biblical purpose for which the Sun, Moon, and stars were created - for signs and seasons, days and years - as it is written in Genesis 1:14. Signs & Seasons includes extensive Bible quotes from classic authors - philosophers, poets, and historians, Christian and secular alike. . . The purpose of Signs & Seasons is to help the reader become an observer of the celestial bodies and to understand the clockwork of the heavens."

The book covers:

- why the stars rise and set
- the motion of the planets and the moon among the stars,
- the reasons for the seasons
- the names of the principal constellations
- why they seem to change with the seasons.

There are seven chapters with black and white drawings and an appendix. The appendix includes suggestions for further reading, astronomical tables, brief biographies of quoted authors "with an emphasis on their relevance to calssical astronomy," a glossary, and field activities. The section on field activities offers ideas on creating a field journal, as well as many hands-on activities that will make the unit much more meaningful. For instance, in Chapter 1, you will create a backyard compass which will be used throughout the year for observing the skies. There are also instructions on how to sketch the earth's rotation, and the sun's daily motion. A globe activity helps students understand the geocentric and heliocentric theory. Directions for creating a volvelle to illustrate the daily motion of the sun are included as well as a journal entry suggestion for a classical astronomy timeline. Also included is a pair of Eclipse Shades for safe solar viewing.

Personally, I found the quotes mixed in with the text confusing and the information more in depth than I would have taught based on my own children's learning styles and interests. However, I would heartily recommend this book to those who enjoy the Classical method of homeschooling as well as those who desire to give their children an in-depth look at astronomy from a Biblical perspective.

I don't think there is another curriculum out there like this, so it would be well worth your time to check it out and see if it will meet a need in your homeschool. Purchase at Christian Book Distributors or for more information, to to the Signs & Seasons Web site.

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Aug. 31, 2007 - Book Review: Exploring the World of Mathematics by John Hudson Tiner.

Since I was taking College Algebra last semester, I picked up the book, Exploring the World of Mathematics, to read in order to supplement my understanding of math. Great choice! Not only did I learn more about mathematic principles but I learned more about the history of math, how math applies to everyday life, and even how math is used in scriptures!

I suggest that sometime during your child's 5th-8th grade years, you go through each chapter with him - maybe as a summer course or one day a week on Friday. Most kids will like the book, too, as it teaches them how to solve logic problems that can fool their friends! Like this one: Have your friend secretly choose a number from one to ten. Tell him to add six to the number, double the results, and divide his answer by four. Next subtract half of the original number. When he is done, you can tell him what his number is 100% of the time. You'll have to read the book to find out how!

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Aug. 23, 2007 - VOTE for the BEST Homeschool Curriculum 2007

You can vote for the best homeschool curriculum here: http://www.home-school.com/2007awards/

Vote by August 31st.

If you like The Checklist and would like to see it on that list next year, scroll down to the very bottom and add it there! I'd appreciate it.

Cindy Downes

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Aug. 7, 2007 - Curriculum Review - All American History

Book Review: All American History, Uniting America's Story, Piece by Piece by Celeste W. Rakes.

When I first received Volume 1 of this curriculum, I thought it was going to be just another history textbook. However, I was pleasantly surprised! This one is unique and worth considering for your children.

The reader is excellent and the information is well presented. I think students will enjoy the text. Each unit includes easy-to-read text, illustrations of famous people and events, maps, and a section on the impact of the unit's events on our nation. The illustrations, however, are black and white which makes it somewhat less interesting than a similar book in color. Maybe a future edition will add color illustrations.

What I like the most is the activity book! Each unit includes activity worksheets to accompany the text. The fun part is that Celeste has included small images of famous people and flags to cut out and paste on the worksheets. Visual learners and your younger children will like this part and it will help them to remember what they learned. The worksheets also include a fill in the blank and multiple choice quiz to check older student's memory, as well as map work and additional ideas and resources for further study.

This curriculum comes in three parts: The Student Reader, a Student Activity Book, and the Teacher Guide with Answer Key. Normally, I don't like having to purchase a separate teacher book, but in this case, it's not that expensive ($16.95) and it is well worth getting. It includes a lot of background information as well as additional activities that will make multi-level teaching a lot easier. For instance, in the lesson on the Revolutionary War, students will make invisible ink secret messages, create a newspaper, make candles, go on a nature hike to identify trees and animals, learn how to fly and store a flag, and much more.

I particularly recommend this to parents who have visual learners and who have to teach multiple grade levels at one time. The author recommends it to be used for grades 5-8, but I would not be afraid to use parts of it with younger children.

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Jul. 28, 2007 - Two + Two is not Five

Book Review - Two Plus Two is Not Five. A good friend of mine, Kimberly Duell helped me this month by reviewing the following math curriculum. If your children are struggling in math, you might want to check it out.

Two Plus Two Is Not Five, by Susan Greenwald, has been instrumental in helping my children visualize math concepts. It turns a bunch of numbers on paper into something real and tangible for my children to work with. As I was teaching them some of the math tricks in this book, I realized Susan (the author) had found a simple way to explain exactly how I actually see math problems in my mind. I never could have explained it this well. This curriculum is easy enough for my 5-year-old - he loves it and asks for more - and yet is still interesting enough to help my 9-year-old fill in some gaps in her math knowledge without being bored. I highly recommend this curriculum. For more information, see the website: http://www.longevitypublishing.com/.

Reviewed by Kimberly Duell, Broken Arrow, OK. Homeschool mother of four children, ages 9, 5, 3, and 17 months.

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