As we wind down our maiden voyage with the Homeschool Crew, I thought I'd take some time to share about some of the great products that the Crew has received to review this year.  Though I haven't had opportunity to use all of them yet, some are really impressive and I wanted to just give my 2 cents (which, truthfully, doesn't hold much weight next to the Crew's wonderful reviews).  So, basically, if you want a REAL QUALITY review, be sure to stop by the Crew blog and check out the review links there.  But, if you want MY opinion, keep reading (lol)...

All About Spelling - this was a program that I had not heard of before my work with the Crew.  I did not actually start with this program this year as both of my girls have always excelled in spelling, and it just seemed easier to continue with the spelling program that Gracie was currently working through.  This program, though, is so thorough in approach, with magnets to be used on a magnetic white board, etc. that I am very impressed.  Later in the year, the Crew received another product from All About Spelling - an e-book called All About Homophones, that I really, really liked.  Homophones are an often overlooked area of study and one that is very important, especially for strugling spellers or those who do not have a firm grasp on the language.  This e-book was just plain fun.  It's divided up by grade level and is filled with fun ways to introduce and teach homophones.  I would highly recommend it, and will definitely be making use of it throughout the years to come. 

Salem Ridge Press - if you're looking for great books for your children to read, you need look no further than Salem Ridge Press.  This company has taken old, out-of-print books (that are good and clean) and reprinted them in beautifully bound paperback editions.  We've read through a few of them now, and I've been very impressed.  There's certainly not the type of book that you'll find at your local bookstore; but they are the type that you can hand to your children or read aloud to them without worrying about the content.

Deeper Roots - I cannot brag about this Bible curriculum enough!  I searched high and low for a Bible curriculum to use with Ashley and was hard-pressed to find something that is not dumbed-down.  Finally, we found just what we were looking for from Deeper Roots.  Though there is a good bit of teacher participation needed for  this program, it's a great opportunity to sit down WITH your child and teach/learn about the Bible together.  The one that we received was Discovering Our Amazing God.  We started it during this school year and plan to continue working through it next year.  I would highly recommend these Bible studies and will be purchasing more of them in the future.

Friendly Chemistry - Though I did briefly look through this program, I did not use it so cannot offer my personal opinion of it.  I did read through all of the Crew reviews of this one, though, and even though some mentioned things like misspellings or typographical errors, etc. the consensus does seem to be that this program really is "friendly".  That's important to me, as I HATED Chemistry is high school and have  been dreaded the prospect of having to teach it.  We have not totally decided which science that Ashley will do next year, but if we decide to get Chemistry out of the way do Chemistry, we're going to use this friendly curriculum for sure.

Motherboard Books - Again, I have not actually used these programs, but have had opportunity of looking through several of them (both as part of the Crew and for my E-Book Reviews Specialist position with the Schoolhouse Store).  When I was in high school, that was the era of  Computer Literacy class.  I remember learning things like binary code, and how to type in some text to create a repeating line of text.  Big whoop!  A lot of good that's going to do me, 20+ years later, when it's time to teach computer-themed subjects to my own children.  Enter Motherboard Press.  I received some Computer Science books from them that I plan to use with Ashley next year and I think we'll both be pleased. 

Math Mammoth - I have used Math Mammoth several times in the past.  I would highly recommend it if you're needing something to supplement a current math program.  For example, last year Gracie breezed through her 3rd grade Abeka math book in 1/2 the school year.  I wasn't prepared to purchase the 4th grade curriculum, so I ordered the 4th grade Math Mammoth e-books instead and she started working through them.  It gave her a nice way to round out the year with math, and gave her a head start for this school year.  In addition to the grade-level e-books, Math Mammoth also offers specialized workbooks - such as ones on fractions, etc. so if you are looking for extra help in a certain area, you can easily find it with Math Mammoth.  I also like these products because you can just print out the pages you need, when you need them (and I always just store the answer keys on my computer).

The Critical Thinking Co. - I've been receiving their catalogs for years and have never actually ordered anything from them, though I've certainly been intrigued.  This year, I was blessed to receive their entire Building Thinking Skills program, which covered preschool through high school.  Both girls quickly grabbed up their appropriate grade-leveled book(s) and got to work.  We've been using them as fill-ins throughout the year (when they have a day when they get finished really quickly, or just want something fun to do).  These  books are just really amazing.  Even I have fun sitting down with them and working with them.  There is even a book for Ian - he LOVES it!  I was amazed how quickly he was able to pick up on the concepts and he just loves having his own school book. 
Later in the year, they sent out their Mathematical Reasoning program, which is for preschool through 2nd grade.  These can be stand-alone math curriculum books.  I love the bright-colored pages and think that they might be just the ticket for Ian in a few years, but you'll just have to keep reading my blog (for a few years!) to find out!

Insight Technical Education - This is a company that I hadn't heard of before; or, if I saw their ads in TOS, I ignored them for whatever reason.  We received an Accounting course from them that we're planning for Ashley to use for math next year.  She absolutely hated algebra, and though I think she'll do better with geometry, I think we both need a break.  Since Brian does accounts payable at work each day, he should be able to help her out with math next year (phew!  I need a break!)  He looked over this course and thought it looked quite thorough, so we shall see.  We also received their Create-a-Sketch book, which Gracie really enjoyed.  It's a great way to introduce drawing concepts to all ages and is a wonderful way to lead in to other things (such as drafting).

Cadron Creek - Ashley is using Where the Brook & River Meet (a unit study on Anne of Green Gables) this year, and we also have Prairie Primer (a Little House series unit study).  So, when I heard that Cadron Creek was participating in the Crew project, I requested Further Up & Further In (based on the Narnia books).  Because it's more targeted between the ages of my 2 girls, I'm hoping to pull that one out and use it, probably in a year or two, with Gracie.  Stay tuned.....  I do really like these unit studies from Cadron Creek, though the unit study (I'm finding) is definitely not our first curriculum choice.  I do see the value in the method, though.

Clear Water Press/One Year Adventure Novel - This is probably the curriculum that I am most excited about.  Ashley and I sat down and watched the introductory material for this one afternoon and we couldn't stop - we just kept watching more!  This is going to be what we use for her for language/literature next year.  Using this approach, by the end of the school year, your child should have written a full-length novel. Since writing is a passion of Ashley's, this seems to be a PERFECT fit.  The classes involve watching a dvd lesson (given by author Daniel Schwabauer), and then following it up with workbook-type activities.  There is a website where you can join the forum, and (with your purchase) you receive a license for direct help from the creator as well.  This just looks SO GOOD, that I'm considering purchasing an additional workbook, so that I might go through the course along with Ashley!

WriteShop - We've received a few WriteShop products for review this year.  The first was the StoryBuilder cards (that I have previously reviewed for the Schoolhouse Store).  These are a great little resource to have and an awesome tool to use to encourage writing and creative thinking in your children.  They are so versatile in their uses that they are very much worth the small cost to invest in them.  More recently, we received WriteShop Primary Book A.  This book is a super way to start even your young ones on a writing adventure!  Originally I thought I might be able to use this book to encourage Gracie, but upon closer inspection, I realized that it really is too young for her.  However, I'm tucking this one away in a safe place and will be pulling it out for use with Ian in a few years (I already know he's got the imagination to make this one work!)

Math Tutor DVD - While many of the Crew members found these DVD's dull and somewhat boring, I have to step out and say that Ashley and I really liked them!  We sat down together and watched the Algebra 2 Tutor and we both thought that the instructor seemed very nice, was easy to listen to, and gave clear directions.  My only wish was that I had the worksheets to go along with the DVD's, to make this a more well-rounded course.  (The worksheets are avaible on the website.)  So, though I'd definitely recommend the purchase of these DVD's to anyone who's struggling in math or really loves math, I'd encourage purchasing the accompanying worksheets (which come on a cd-rom for printing at home). 

Bible Story Songs - We received the entire collection of these great cd's.  Around our house, we love music and we sing a LOT!  Ian is a great little singer and actually sang before he talked!  So, he was especially taken with these cd's and is always asking me to play them for him.  We've enjoyed them both in the house and in the car - the catchy and sometimes familiar tunes make picking up on the lyrics fairly simple.  These are great for in-home use or with a church group. 

Heads Up - We received the neatest little assortment of goodies to help you mark your place in a book.  I was just extremely impressed.  Heads Up specializes in products for kids with special needs.  I believe that each child has some of their own special needs - whether slow learners or gifted; and, let me tell you, this company has something for everyone!  I'd encourage checking out their website.

Artistic Pursuits - once again, I was blessed to receive the entire line of art curriculum from Artisitic Pursuits and I'm so glad I did!  I had heard of this program before, but never had opportunity to look at it.  My Gracie has a real artistic bent and I've been hard-pressed to find a curriculum that is easy for me to teach and that she also enjoys.  This program is it!  Though I must admit that Ashley (who hates drawing, etc.) wasn't impressed with the high school level books, I was!  I'll definitely be holding on to them for Gracie, as I know she'll love working through this entire program over the years to come.  This is one I'd highly recommend, especially if you've been considering it but just weren't quite sure!

Five in a Row - I think everyone who has even done any kind of research into homeschool curriculum has surely heard of Five in a Row.  Great company, great concept!  I previously reviewed this curiculum for TOS - click the link under Homeschool Curriculum and Resources in my left-hand sidebar to read.

Bonnie Terry Learning - this is another company that specializes in products for special needs kids.  We loved the Sentence Game!  It's an awesome way to introduce and learn the parts of speech.  I wish I had this game back when I was trying to cement them into Ashley's brain!  Now, it's not too late for Gracie. 

Apologia - need I say more?!  Seriously, this is the best science curriculum available to homeschoolers, hands down!  You can argue if you want (leave a comment) but I'll still think I'm right on this one.  I've looked and certainly found no better!  We've used both their elementary science books by Jeannie Fulbright and their high school level books by Dr. Jay Wile.  We've been impressed with both, and will continue to both use and recommend them to anyone looking for a good creation-based science curriculum.  (As a matter of fact, Gracie just selected the Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day book for next year.)

TruthQuest History - I'm really impressed with this approach to teaching history and wish that I had a better local library (though, I must admit, and have said this before, I HATE the library because they want me to return the books!)  Anyway, if you're got access to a great library, then I would totally recommend TruthQuest as a possible history curriclum for your family.  The author has taken so much time to put this course together, and it's extremely obvious from the moment you open the book!  When I strike it rich and can finally purchase all the books that I want (oh, and build on a room to house them), then I'm definitely going with TruthQuest History too!

Schleik Action Figures - Wow!  If you're looking for some well-constructed, true-to-life action-figure-type toys for your kids, then you need look no further than to Schleik.  I was amazed when a variety box of toys arrived at our door.  These figurines are so realistic that it's almost scary!  They've left no detail to the imagination!  With everything from farm animals, to knights, to Smurfs, Scleik has all your action-figure needs.

Barchowsky Fluent Handwriting - I thought I was a neat writer until I received our package from Barchowsky and saw the elegant handwriting on the package.  I much prefer print, but neither of my girls has my perfectionistic attitude when it comes to writing, and it's always really disturbed me.  That is, until we received BFH.  Using this program, I saw marked improvement in Gracie's handwriting in as little as one week!  Though her handwriting still needs some work, I'm impressed with the results of using BFH and will continue doing so.  One of these days, I'm going to scan her work and share samples!  Even for those of you (parents) who could use some writing improvement, it's never too late.  Check out Barchowsky.

Memoria Press - the last vendor for the 2008-09 Crew is Memoria Press.  My girls have been using their Latin programs this past year and I've  been very impressed with them.  We received their Christian Studies  book, which I'm planning to use with Gracie next year for Bible; the First-Form Latin, which is a brand-new Latin program still in beta testing, that we will use with Ashley next year (to move on from Latina Christiana, as recommended by the publisher); and Famous Men of Rome, which is a beautifully bound and illustrated history text.  Memoria Press has everything you might need for a Classical-approach to education. 

So, there you have it.  My $.02, for what it's worth.
Be sure to check back next year, for my follow-up opinions on these programs that we'll be adding to our school days.  And, in the meantime, check out the Crew blog - we'll be adding LOTS MORE VENDORS for the 2009-10 season, which will be starting in July.

Would you like to join the Crew for our 2nd voyage?  If you love trying new curriclum and sharing your opinion with others, and if you have a talent for writing, you might be just what we are looking for.  There are still a few days left to try out for spots on the upcoming Crew.  See this page for details.  E-mail me with any questions.

Are you on Facebook?  Sign up to be a fan of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  Starting in May, we'll be having Weekly FEATURED VENDORS and each week we'll be giving away some fabulous prizes (from many of the vendors listed above).  You'll definitely want to check it out - these prizes are worth lots of $$$ and you could get them for FREE!!  We've also got other fun things planned, such as Homeschool Tips, etc.  So, check it out and become a fan today!

Share Your Thoughts

Apr. 28, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by dartwns

We like Math Mammoth! We were really getting frustrated with multiplication facts, so we took a break from that and have been doing the MM Clocks workbook - they love it. Along with that, we have been sneaking in some x's facts! MM is great - I am going to do a post on my blog about the clock book!

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May. 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SisterTipster

It was fun reading your list~amazing to see that so many of the Crew liked the same things but sometimes for totally different reasons~AWESOME!

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