Nov. 11, 2009 - SpellQuizzer Give-Away & Review

SpellQuizzer is a spelling program that helps kids learn their spelling and vocabulary words. SpellQuizzer is spelling software for children that need help learning their spelling and vocabulary words. The SpellQuizzer web site has pre-made downloadable spelling lists that you can download and use with SpellQuizzer. ~SpellQuizzer.

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by Dan over at SpellQuizzer and asked if I would be willing to review this new software.  It was an honor to be asked and I was certainly eager to do so.  I really didn't know what to expect, but my initial hope was that the program wouldn't take a four year degree to understand!

I am pleased to say that it did not!  From download to first use took only moments and SpellQuizzer was very simple to use.  However, don't let the simplicity fool you, this is one powerful tool!  My children get tired of writing and rewriting their spelling lists. SpellQuizzer allows for a little variety.  They are able to type their spelling words using verbal cues that YOU create.  All that is needed to use this software is an inexpensive computer microphone.

In a nutshell, you will take your child's spelling list and record them in the SpellQuizzer program. Say it, use it in a sentence and then repeat it if you'd like. Your child will then have the opportunity to type the word into the space provided.  Further information can be found on the SpellQuizzer site. 

I like this program for several reasons but mostly because it is another tool that I can use to reinforce my children's spelling words without making them write them each and every day.

Now for the contest:

SpellQuizzer is willing to award a FREE copy of the software and user license to the winner of this contest!!! (Thank you Dan!)  Add a comment to this entry for your chance to win.  Post on your blog about this contest and then come back and leave a second comment with the link to your post for a second chance to win.  The contest ends at midnight, on Sunday November 15, 2009 and the winner will be drawn at random using Random.org.  The winner will be contacted on Monday!



 ©2009 Adorning Grace

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Aug. 13, 2009 - The Excitement of a New School Year!

I'm a fan of fresh starts and new beginnings; they make me happy. The start of a new school year is no exception.  I remember as a child, going to our school before the year officially began. Set up in the cafeteria would be tables of brand new school books.  My mother, list in hand, would take each of us around the tables and stack our books for the year in our open arms.  Oh, the smell....mmmm.  New book smell!  A little higher on the yummy scale than new car smell and a little lower than new baby smell ~smile~

My children don't have to go to a school cafeteria and hold out their arms for a pile of new books. Theirs get delivered to the front door. How convenient is that?  And not all of them are new yet I still find myself giddy with excitement over the start of a new school year. I can't say my children feel the same way but hopefully my excitement will wear off on them eventually!

What makes me particularly eager for this school year is our choice of curriculum.  We are using My Father's World.  I was sitting down looking through the books and lesson plans and I kept thinking, "Yes! I can do this!!!"  It didn't seem overwhelming to me and best of all, it looks fun!  Please don't rain on my parade if you feel this curriculum is lacking in some way.  Let me at least bask in my lack of terror for a few months! lol  One thing that I think I may have to supplement is the Bible curriculum.  I am going to give MFW a try but I may add something from Landmark.  Aside from that, I'm ready to dig in....after a trip to Wal-Mart for a few more supplies. 

�2009 Adorning Grace

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Aug. 5, 2009 - Pass the Paper, Please!

It's that time of year again.  The time when my mind (and my desk) is cluttered with a myriad of ideas for the upcoming school year.  I always find myself filled with excitement at the start of a new school year; positive that this year is going to be the best one yet.

There is one area that I struggle with, each and every year.  This is the area of record keeping.  The practical part of my brain says that a computer based record keeping system is the best option.  In fact, I have purchased the HomeSchool Tracker system and it's a good program.  I just can't seem to wrap my mind around using it. 

After playing around with the program for several days now (and for the fourth school year in a row), I have come to the conclusion that I am a paper person.  I like paper! THERE! I said it!  I love paper....nah, nah, nah! lol  How liberating!  I'm going to embrace my paper and go on my merry way.  Now maybe I can get on with the important stuff.

School begins August 17. 

©2009 Adorning Grace

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