As part of the TOS Crew, I received the following two books free from Bright Ideas Press, for review.  The opinions presented in the review are solely mine. 

Why take the time to “Crack the Code” of Classical Music?
     • Music is from the Lord. He created it, and He created us with the ability to both make and appreciate music.
     • “Classical” music is uniquely part of our Western civilization.
     • Research suggests that both listening to and playing classical music aids brain development.
     • Even rudimentary exposure increases one’s level of enjoyment and understanding.

This course provides a close-up look at famous composers, their music, and their times, with special attention to character traits and Christian testimony (or lack thereof). Even the musically challenged will enjoy this course! It’s perfect for grades 4–8 but is easily adaptable for younger and older students. Minimal teacher prep will return maximum enjoyment!

Within the book there are a variety of great learning activities to use within your home.  Some of them include

• 32 Weekly Lessons
• 26 Bios of Famous Composers
• 6 Eras of Music Explained
• Easy-to-Use Comparative Timeline
• Easy-to-Use Maps
• Composer Info-Cards & Game Directions

• Note-taking Pages
• Quizzes
• Answer Keys
• Listening Suggestions
• Intricate Coloring Pages
• Resource Books

Authors:  Maggie S. Hogan and Melissa Craig did extensive research and writing to bring this great resource.  They had music expert, Richard B. Pinkerton edit the book as well.

Cost:

CD-Rom Book
Price: $29.95

 To purchase click here.

 In Our Home:

We've been using this great resource for over a month.  At least twice a week I read through the detailed lesson with the girls.  They take notes on their provided note-taking pages.  Then we fill out a composer card.  The composer card is a place to collect all the facts about each composer.  There are also thinking questions to apply the interesting facts gleaned through the lesson.  Then using the supplied map, we map where the composer was born.  Each composer is divided by style of music and a great history of each music style is provided. 

I like the way everything is self-contained for our Classical Music discussions now.  I don't have to search for the perfect book to read, assemble the notebooking pages and make-up a timeline.  The only thing missing for me from this curriculum is actual music to listen to.  I want my daughters to also be able to recognize the composer's main pieces when they hear them.  It is easy to find CD's or the pieces online though to add to the curriculum. 

This is a picture of the folder that Jennifer has been putting together as we study Classical music.

Written from a Christian perspective, Hands-On Geography will get you excited about teaching an oft-forgotten subject. Includes specific instructions for many activities, games, and projects designed to be appealing to kids and easy for parents. An easy, yet thorough, introduction to a very important subject. Grades K – 5.

 Written by Maggie S. Hogan.

This is a large paperback book stuffed with wonderful Geogrpahy resources.  The beginning chapter has information about the National Geography Bee. 

Also present in this book are directions for six homemade geography games for the early elementary years. Fun stuff that uses items you already have in your home to reinforce geography.

 Included in this book is an extensive section of outline maps to copy.  Then Maggie S. Hogan has a large chapter on ways to use these maps called "Maps Galore".  Things like sticker geography, jigsaw maps and booking maps to name a few.  There are sixteen projects in that chapter.

 Jennifer did the chapter on Joseph's Journey, this is a detailed map and geography questionnaire to enhance her learning as we studied Joseph's life.

A chapter on nature geography was filled with tools on how to include nature in your geography study.  A great guide to making your own field guide is on my to-do-list for the spring.  We will be using her helpful pages on studying birds that live in our area this winter. 

This is a valuable resource that is well worth the cost of $14.95

Orderhere.

Maggie S. Hogan has written an extensive amount of great Homeschooling curriculum. 

Please click the logo to read reviews of her other products.