Dec. 16, 2008 - Trigger Memory Systems
I have seen this product advertised in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and wondered about it but thought it would be to time consuming, boy was I wrong! It's actually easier than I thought, which is nice for a mom with several blessings.
The first part of this product package I recieved is called Times Tales . 
This product is a mnemonic-based learning program for the multiplication facts that are the hardest to memorize. These facts are 3x6,3x7,3x8,3x9,4x6,4x7,4x8,4x9,6x6,6x7,6x8,6x9,
7x7,7x8,7x9,8x8,8x9,9x9
The entire system is non-consumable so it can be used by the whole family over and over again!!! It is in flip chart style so it is bound by spiral binding that makes it easy to flip the pages without tearing them up.
The instruction manual gives you step by step instructions to follow to make sure that your child's learning is successful. There is a story with and without words, flashcards, tests as well as a game. Division is also included in the back of the instruction manual
I know my daughter has enjoyed it, although she still hasn't mastered the facts, which is due more to me than her, she does really like this multiplication program. With it being non-consumable the price of $29.95 makes it a great value. You can also purchase a seperate mini-flip for an extra $5.00 for the child's own use and review.
The next product from Trigger Memory Systems is:
Bedroom and Zone Cleaing For Kids
What's funny is that the bedroom clean n' flip chart starts the way we usually begin cleaning anyway! Making a huge pile in the middle of the room, it really is so much easier to sort when you have a huge pile. The chart recommends using laundry baskets to seperate out clothing, toys, books, etc. I don't have the space for added laundry baskets so I would probably be more apt to use a shopping bag or a spare box that may be lingering around. This chart is not laminated but what I would suggest is to use some clear contact paper or in some laminate the last page for days of the week jobs so that it can be updated as the child grows or another sibling wants a particular job. This is great though for getting the children to take the iniative to clean their rooms on their own without needing constant supervision or hearing "what do I need to do now, mom?"
My favorite is the Zone Cleaning for Kids because it is entirely laminated! It also comes with the dry erase marker. The zones are the living room, kitchen and bathroom. Each zone area has step by step directions in what should be done for each zone, for the kitchen some things to be done are: grab and clear (put dirty dishers in sink, put food away), throw trash away, clear and wipe down table, do the dishes, empty trash as well as weekly jobs like mop, wipe down chairs, wipe down cupboards, wipe down fridge. The child can also be assigned times to do zone cleaning which can be written at the begining of each zone area and as they complete each zone they can check it off. My oldest really likes this one because she can draw in it as well as help around the house!
Last but not least is Laundry For Kids Clean n' Flip
All three of my children love to help do laundry, even if it is just bringing the dirty clothing to put in the washer. This chart is not laminated :) but it is still a great tool! The first step is to sort. This is a hard one for us because we don't sort **GASP**. I have never had any issues with our clothes not lasting or colors running or fading either. This might stem from my time in the military when I didn't have the time to sort. I do plan on teaching my daughters and son to sort though in the off chance their spouses would one day expect them to sort by colors and wash accordingly. We also wash on all cold. The chart gives the child load sizes and options, water temp options and wash cycle options, as well as telling them what line to fill the detergent to based on load. The chart takes them through the drying process, sorting and putting away. Another confession, it takes awhile for me to get motivated to fold and put away, which is also why our iron gets quite a workout. This flip chart is great for the child who can do all the steps or the young ones who can only sort. There is the option to check which steps the child is to do, if you don't want them using detergent you simply don't check that and they come to get you to do it. This is a great way to teach your children (and yourself) how to do laundry!
These clean 'n' flip charts are priced differently depending on if you want a set of all three, just two, two of the same or individual sets, so go on over and visit Trigger Memory Systems to check out their products and pricing.
