Last week, I shared some great toy ideas - things that we've  been receiving to review as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  This week, I'd like to share some more great gift ideas - while there is still some time left for shopping.  These are not toys, but they are all things that would make great gifts for your kids for Christmas.  If you're like me, you're already done with your shopping - if that's the case, you may want to consider these  gifts for upcoming birthdays or other special holidays.....

First up is the Kids Wealth Money Kit.....Brian calls this "Dave Ramsey for Kids".  I don't know about that, as I'm not a huge Dave Ramsey fan, but I do know that I LOVE this kit (and so do my kids!)  The Kids Wealth Money Kit is designed for children ages 4-12 (though we are working on a variation of it, that we will be using with Ashley, who is now 15).  This kit was designed as a means of training your children (from early on up) how to be wise stewards of their finances.  Though not necessarily a "Christian-based" kit, it does include an "Angel fund" that is designated to be used toward helping those in need (we will recommend using this for tithe also, though I do totally see the need of teaching your children to be compassionate to those less fortunate than they are). 

Though not designed specifically for homeschoolers, these kits will make the perfect addition to any homeschool family.  I would recommend purchasing one for each child you have in the target age group.  It comes with everything you see pictured above and will prove to be well worth the money put forth up front, as you watch your kids learn how to manage their finances.  If every family would buy and use these kits with their children, I feel certain that we'd see a huge change in the economy here in the US.

Oh, and Kids Weath is offering a very special deal for my readers (but hurry!  it's only good 'til next Wednesday, the 17th, if you want delivery assured by Christmas).  Order now and receive:

• The Money Kit ($39.95 value) - remember I said it's so worth your initial investment!
• An 80+ page, age-appropriate workbook ($7.95  value) - and this is a high-quality workbook!
• "Raising Money Smart Kids" eBook ($14.95 value) - as you all know, I see a LOT of e-books and this one is very well put together and worth printing out to save!
• "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" hardback book ($19.95 value) - I've not seen this  book so can't attest to its value
• Parent Training (priceless) - the DaSilvas, creators of the Kids Wealth Money Kit, have been extremely pleasant to work with!  They are very proud of their product and eager to share about it!
• Free Fed Ex shipping ($9.95 value) - gotta love free shipping!

That is $92.75 worth of products, and you will get it all for only $39.95.  (This offer is good through the end of December, but Christmas delivery is only guaranteed for orders placed by the 17th.)

Another product that Gracie has really been enjoying is brought to the Crew  by Core Learning.  It's the Crayola Art Studio cd-rom.  I believe that we owned an old version of this program years ago, and this new, updated version is much more fun!  I know that, so far, we have only just scratched the surface of all that can be done with this program.  But, Gracie has so enjoyed it that I thought I would share with those of you who have creative kids.  Gracie is intending to make a new topper for her blog using this program.  And me, being about as creative as a rock, am anxious to see what she comes up with!

What about learning under the guise of fun?  Awhile back I shared my review of the Clean 'n' Flip Charts by Trigger Memory Systems.  Those little charts, while being fun to use, are actually teaching your children how to work - fancy that! 

Now, I'd like to share about another product by this great company (whose motto is "Education through Imagination").  I'm sure you've probably heard of Times Tales.  I know it's something that I had heard talk of in the homeschool community, but I had never actually seen.  I was thrilled to receive it as part of the Crew.  This little resource is all you will need to teach your children the upper (more difficult) times tables, and you can do it in a few short days! 

I tested this product out on Gracie because, though I knew she knew her times tables, I felt that she could use a  bit of a refresher, or something to help cement them in her mind.  We were both thrilled with the results.  Times Tales uses cute little pictures and stories to teach your children the times tables - the stories are easy to remember and associate with the facts.  It's been a few weeks since we used this course, and Gracie will still occasionally bring up her "Times Tales friends" in conversation.  I'm anxious to bring this program back out in a few years, when it's time to teach the times tables to Ian.  Let me tell you, this is WAY more fun that rote memorization and will stick with your kids much quicker and easier.

So, if you're having trouble teaching the times tables, you definitely need to check out this product!  You will love it - and so will your kids!

We received another book that is along these same lines - learning through association.  The Little Man in the Map book by Schoolside Press, is a fun and easy way to teach your children U.S. Geography (and give you a refresher course as well!)  Though a picture book (set to rhyme) geared more toward the elementary age student, my 15 year old and I both enjoyed this one too!  Simple rhymes and fun illustrations will teach your children how to quickly memorize the names and locations of all the states. 

Again, it's  been several weeks since we received and read this book.  Just this morning, Gracie was telling my mom about "the little man in the map" and introducing her to him on the atlas.  As a homeschool mom, I love things like this - things that make my job simpler and my kids' learning more fun.

And, last but certainly not least......I'm sure you all know my friend Splish!  He is our Summer Reading Splash mascot and has become quite a popular guy!  So much so that Gena Suarez, my boss and TOS publisher, has written a book about him.  You all know how much Splish loves to read, and how he enjoys sharing books with all his friends.  But, did you know that the journey to reading was not an easy one for little Splish?  If you've got a new or struggling reader, they will so appreciate this heartwarming tale of young Splish, the frog they've already come to know and love - they'll be able to identify with him and will be encouraged to keep plugging along because, as Mama Frog says "It takes time to learn to read!"

The coolest thing about this book is that, if you go over to the Schoolhouse Store and order your copy, you will get a free downloadable workbook to accompany the book, AND you can have your book autographed by the author!  How cool is that?!

Please take the time to follow the links and find out more about these  great resources.  I wish I had more time to go into further detail - but I just can't do them justice in one short post.  I'll shut up now, so you can shop! 

Share Your Thoughts

Dec. 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SchoolinRhome

I've been enjoying your Christmas playlist a lot today as my kids "borrowed" my Cds and now we can't find them temporarily! :) I love your seasonal blog makeover too!
Have a wonderful few days leading up to Christmas! Then, I hope you have a very nice Christmas with your loved ones!
SchoolinRhome

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