Dec. 18, 2009
Kinderbach
We at the Homeschool Crew LOVE our repeat vendors! Kinderbach is one of the vendors who has returned to work with us again for Year 2. (If you would like to see what the Year 1 Crew had to say about Kinderbach, please click here.)
Kinderbach is an online music curriculum for preschoolers and early elementary-aged students (ages 2-7). All you need to effectively use Kinderbach is your computer and an inexpensive keyboard or piano. There is no musical background required to effectively teach this course. And your child will learn to play real, familiar tunes! This photo montage will show you a sampling of what you can expect from Kinderbach:
You might also want to view this video to learn more about Kinderbach at Home.
KinderBach teaches by video but does not let the children become mind-numbingly complacent. Each session gives an opportunity to participate in a variety of ways often with activity pages. Games, puzzles, puppets and music are played through hands-on printed PDFs. Learning is concrete and tactile.
Kinderbach is an online music curriculum for preschoolers and early elementary-aged students (ages 2-7). All you need to effectively use Kinderbach is your computer and an inexpensive keyboard or piano. There is no musical background required to effectively teach this course. And your child will learn to play real, familiar tunes! This photo montage will show you a sampling of what you can expect from Kinderbach:
KinderBach teaches by video but does not let the children become mind-numbingly complacent. Each session gives an opportunity to participate in a variety of ways often with activity pages. Games, puzzles, puppets and music are played through hands-on printed PDFs. Learning is concrete and tactile.
Each member of the Year 2 Crew will be sharing their thoughts on Kinderbach here:
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Dec. 18, 2009
MathScore / Accurate Learning
MIT graduates set out to create an online program that would provide adaptive math practice to students. The result is MathScore, a mastery-based program that has been proven to raise test scores.
MathScore targets grades two through Algebra I, though it can be used by first graders, and certainly can provide drill to older students as well. There are suggestions for topics by grade level, but you (or your student) can choose which topics to work on.
Looking at the Grade 3 topics, there are not only your standard math facts, but also topics such as weight conversion, unit cost, and quadrilateral types, for a total of 57 topics. Grade 6 includes math facts, plus proportions, decimals to fractions, restaurant bills, congruent and similar triangles, batting averages... 86 topics in all. High School includes a total of 69 topics covering basic math facts and algebra I topics such as absolute value, trinomial factoring, applied linear equations, and nonlinear functions.
MathScore's pricing starts at $14.95/month for the first child and gets significantly cheaper beyond the first child. With a 9-month commitment, the first child's price can be locked in at $9.95/month.
A really nice aspect of the pricing is that you can freeze your account (over Christmas break, or while on vacation) and activate it again when you return, which means you aren’t paying for time that you are not using.
There is a free trial available, so you can test it out for yourself here. Each member of the Crew will be trying and reviewing MathScore. Be sure to check back and read what they have to say about it.
MathScore targets grades two through Algebra I, though it can be used by first graders, and certainly can provide drill to older students as well. There are suggestions for topics by grade level, but you (or your student) can choose which topics to work on.
Looking at the Grade 3 topics, there are not only your standard math facts, but also topics such as weight conversion, unit cost, and quadrilateral types, for a total of 57 topics. Grade 6 includes math facts, plus proportions, decimals to fractions, restaurant bills, congruent and similar triangles, batting averages... 86 topics in all. High School includes a total of 69 topics covering basic math facts and algebra I topics such as absolute value, trinomial factoring, applied linear equations, and nonlinear functions.
MathScore's pricing starts at $14.95/month for the first child and gets significantly cheaper beyond the first child. With a 9-month commitment, the first child's price can be locked in at $9.95/month.
A really nice aspect of the pricing is that you can freeze your account (over Christmas break, or while on vacation) and activate it again when you return, which means you aren’t paying for time that you are not using.
There is a free trial available, so you can test it out for yourself here. Each member of the Crew will be trying and reviewing MathScore. Be sure to check back and read what they have to say about it.
***Special Thanks to Crew Mate Debra for writing this post!***
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Dec. 18, 2009
My Weekly Report
My sons were very busy this week. This past weekend was a struggle for me because I suddenly got a severe muscle spasm. I was in so much pain on Saturday that my mother and husband had to carry me around the place. My cousin's son had a birthday party. I stayed in the car with my legs up and my back down. I was better for Sunday. My son's birthday was on Sunday, but it was ice rain. So we ended up taking him to a gaming place where they played with Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo, etc. Get the picture. This was a real treat for them since they don't do this that much. We took him out for dinner and they sang "Happy Birthday."
On Monday, we had our pizza party for the FIRST Lego League team, NXT United. Two of the children were sick. So, I sent their certificates out to them later in the week. Then we took my older son for his 12 year old check up. He received some immunization shots that he did not get at age 11. I had his eyes check also. He is in good health and is developing nicely. We told the doctor about FLL. He was fascinated with it. The boys complete their school work before we had the party.
Math:
My older son completed the section on angles and started the reviews in the workbook of Primary Mathematics 6B. He continued his work in section 7 of Challenging Word Problems 5.
My younger son finished Primary Mathematics 3A, this week! Yay! He completed parts of section 5 of Challenging Word Problems 2.
History:
My younger son read about serfs and noblemen in England in Story of the World 2.
Science:
My older son read the first two chapters of a book called Rocks and Minerals. This is his earth science lesson. We were so busy with FLL, but he did a science research project. So, I counted that as science.
Writing and Grammar:
My older son completed Classical Writing: Beginning Poetry this week! A big YAY!
My younger son completed lesson 58-60 in First Language Lessons 3.
Latin:
My younger son completed lesson 9 of Latina Christiana I. We still love this program.
My older son worked on translating and diagramming in lesson 2 of Henle 1. I am taking this program very slowly with him.
Logic:
My older son completed his 10 pages of Building Thinking Skills level 3 verbal. He is doing flow charts.
My younger son completed 6 pages of Building Thinking Skills level 2. He is copying patterns.
Music:
My sons were in two concerts this week. They sang for the music program on Thursday and played the violin for two nursing homes on Friday.
Bible:
My sons had the AWANA Christmas party this week. My older son got Discovery 7 of book 4 of TnT.
My younger son almost got Discovery 5 of book 2 of TnT.
My older son was invited to play at a Christmas Eve service. The rehearsal is Saturday, but I just saw that there is a possible severe storm watch!!
Blessings!
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
Best Cookies in the Whole World
I was going to make you some of these, but my family does not allow me to share them! The day before yesterday I made four dozen of our all-time, absolute favorite cookies, Chocolate Peppermint Cremes. Yesterday we ate the last one! Four dozen cookies divided by six people equals... eight cookies each, devoured in twenty-four hours. It's such a shame. But my husband and my kids argue that the point of baking cookies is not to hoard them and make them last forever -- it is to enjoy them. Which we surely did. Reprinting again:
Chocolate Peppermint Cremes 
Combine these and set aside:
3 C flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
Beat together in separate bowl:
1 1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C softened butter
2 T water
2 eggs
Stir in
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted.
Stir in the dry ingredients until mixed well. If the dough is stiff enough, roll into 1" balls and flatten each ball slightly. If not, refrigerate the dough until it is. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes, on greased cookie sheets. Do not overbake these. The centers should be soft. Cool completely.
To make the filling, beat until smooth:
3 C powdered sugar
1/3 C butter
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
3 T + 1 tsp milk
dash of salt
1 drop of red food coloring, if you like pink.
Spread liberally on the bottom side of a cookie, and sandwich together with a second cookie. Makes about 48, but they don't last. Better make a double batch!
3 C flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
Beat together in separate bowl:
1 1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C softened butter
2 T water
2 eggs
Stir in
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted.
Stir in the dry ingredients until mixed well. If the dough is stiff enough, roll into 1" balls and flatten each ball slightly. If not, refrigerate the dough until it is. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes, on greased cookie sheets. Do not overbake these. The centers should be soft. Cool completely.
To make the filling, beat until smooth:
3 C powdered sugar
1/3 C butter
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
3 T + 1 tsp milk
dash of salt
1 drop of red food coloring, if you like pink.
Spread liberally on the bottom side of a cookie, and sandwich together with a second cookie. Makes about 48, but they don't last. Better make a double batch!
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Latest baby updates on facebook...
Just to let you know... I will be giving the latest updates on our new facebook group... so feel free to join and hear the latest on when the newest addition (who WAS due the 13th) will FINALLY decide to enter the world! :)
Click on the following link: THE VERLENNICH BABY'S COMIN'!
Click on the following link: THE VERLENNICH BABY'S COMIN'!
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS HOPE FOR THIS CHILD
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Post from the Past: free SHMILY time ideas
Post made December 8th, 2008
Some of you have written asking for some ideas at little or no cost for The 12 Days of Christmas. I understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be "strapped for cash", especially this time of year as gift giving is in full swing.
Here are some FREE ideas for you to love on your hubby...
Some of you have written asking for some ideas at little or no cost for The 12 Days of Christmas. I understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be "strapped for cash", especially this time of year as gift giving is in full swing.
Here are some FREE ideas for you to love on your hubby...
- Massages are a great gift to give! You could even make a coupon to give to him in the morning (so he would be looking forward to it all day) or mail it to him at work. To take it a step further, you could even make this a gift for the entire 12 days, picking a different body part to focus on each night (uh... I don't have to tell you what to save for last right?) A good massage is at least 30 minutes. Sometimes it may seem longer to you than it really is, so be sure to look at the clock by your bed before you begin so you don't cut your sweet husband short!
- Breakfast in bed with a smile (and nothing else but a smile).
- Making coffee every morning and greeting your hubby with a cheerful "good morning". How we start our husband's mornings have a HUGE effect on the rest of their day, as well as how eager they are to come back. (I know that I wouldn't want to come home to me some days!) Make it your goal to be cheerful each day for the 12 days. Start his morning with a happy wife. If you work outside of the home and leave before him, then having the coffee pot with coffee and a sweet note would be a thought too.
- Pray for him each day. You could use The Power of a Praying Wife for this as well. Whatever you choose, and regardless if your husband prays with you or not, get out of bed each day with your knees hitting the floor before your feet do. Pray for the man God has blessed you with. Thank Him for your husband. Even if you're struggling in your marriage, ask God to give you the strength to get through the 12 days with love and compassion and to renew your marriage. You might be surprised what happens when he finds out that you're praying for him every day. Cover your husband in prayer each day... it may seem crazy, but YOU will become a better woman for it.
- Hmmm... this next one... well, it's REALLY simple and may get one of the biggest reactions from your sweetie... but if you can't afford to get some "blessings" to wear... you can always do what God intended from the beginning! That's right... NO panties. Be sure to whisper it in his ear at the grocery store, church, or before he leaves for work.
- One of my personal favorites (and my Beloved's)... Clean Lovin'.
- Take a marker and write SHMILY somewhere on your body for him to search for.
- Find out what he really likes by having him fill out the "I Feel Loved by You When You..." sheet... and then do it!
- Ice cream in bed together naked... one spoon. For the ice cream lover, you could get the pints of ice cream and have ice cream in bed every night. Don't worry about the diet... this is only 12 days... get fat on each other's love!
- Some "Christmas socks" you wear... and that's it!
- 12 pair of sexy panties... one for each day.
- Mistletoe (need I say more?) You could used this throughout the 12 days as well by having it show up in various places in the house... or various times... and it could mean more than just kissing. Write up a note and let your hubby know... you may want to even make it a "treasure hunt" by hiding it in various (obvious) places... and then follow through when he finds it!
- Three bows (or other wrapping ribbons for all over your body and hair) and place strategically on your body for him to "unwrap".
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A couple of years ago I posted a tutorial (here) for making these "dressy" kitchen towels that tie over the handle of your oven door. That page is the most often viewed on my entire blog! There must be lots of crafty ladies the world over who are looking for instructions. That old post really needed updating, and as I am now in the process of making another towel (See, Julie? I am keeping my word!), I am re-photographing each step as I go along. Since the step involving the underarm seam is difficult to explain verbally, I added a video that shows how to do it. So... I guess the point is that in case you're interested, the old tutorial is being fixed. Or if you want to hear what I sound like, you can just go watch the video for fun. Hm... Someone else I know hinted that she would like another purple dressy towel. Might have to go shopping for supplies again soon!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Dressy Oven Door Kitchen Towel Update
A couple of years ago I posted a tutorial (here) for making these "dressy" kitchen towels that tie over the handle of your oven door. That page is the most often viewed on my entire blog! There must be lots of crafty ladies the world over who are looking for instructions. That old post really needed updating, and as I am now in the process of making another towel (See, Julie? I am keeping my word!), I am re-photographing each step as I go along. Since the step involving the underarm seam is difficult to explain verbally, I added a video that shows how to do it. So... I guess the point is that in case you're interested, the old tutorial is being fixed. Or if you want to hear what I sound like, you can just go watch the video for fun.
Hm... Someone else I know hinted that she would like another purple dressy towel. Might have to go shopping for supplies again soon!• Post A Comment!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday Only
Are you a Sunday-morning-only Christian? What if your pastor were to take the bold approach and ask you personally the reason for your absence on Sunday evenings and at the mid-week service? Would you be offended? See what happened when this pastor did just that with his non-100% church members.
Aren't people funny? We think, "Oh, God understands..." Yes, he sure does.
Aren't people funny? We think, "Oh, God understands..." Yes, he sure does.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
(for he is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love
and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
(for he is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love
and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another:
and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
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8 CDs combining classic literature with great symphony orchestra music are currently available at $16.98 each. An additional 3 gift sets including books are also available. This entertaining and educational series has earned several prestigious educational awards, but you can see below what the every day "experts"--real homeschooling families and their children--think of this series.
Over 100 of the Homeschool Crew families received The Tortoise and the Hare CD containing over 53 minutes of music as well as story. Other available products include:
Dec. 12, 2009
Maestro Classics
I love the idea of combining music appreciation with great storytelling, and Stephen Simon and his wife Bonnie Ward Simon have done an excellent job of combining these two arts in their Maestro Classics series. Borne out of the Stories in Music series, this creative team debuted at the Kennedy Center. The Simons decided to expand their innovative music series so that children everywhere could enjoy listening.
Over 100 of the Homeschool Crew families received The Tortoise and the Hare CD containing over 53 minutes of music as well as story. Other available products include:
Peter and the Wolf
The Story of Swan Lake
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Casey at the Bat
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
Juanita la longosta espanola
The Story of Swan Lake
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Casey at the Bat
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
Juanita la longosta espanola
*** Special Thanks to First Mate Michelle for writing this post! ***