What I recieved: Grade 3 complete from the light blue series.
What is It? Mammoth Math is a collection of Math workbooks (pdf) organized into four different series. The light blue series is complete Math curriculum organized by grade levels available for grades 1-4. The blue series is individual workbooks arranged by topic for grades 1-5. The golden series is topical subjects for grades 3-8, and the green series is complete math curriculum purchased by grade level for grades 3-8.
What's included: Prices vary depending on what you are purchasing. All material is in PDF format or can be ordered in cd/softcover books. Both blue and light blue include explanations and problems, while green and golden only contain problems. Blue and Light Blue are the same exact content, just organized differently -- blue can be ordered one workbook at a time to work on just the topic needing review or extra work. Light blue is ordered as a package.
What I like: I think the individual workbooks by topic. I think these are perfect supplements for areas where children struggle. I like the prices! One supplemental workbook only costs $3.95. Complete curriculum packages are only $27!!! They are pdf reproducibles -- so you only need print what you need. I found the material to be very thorough in practice problems; but somewhat lacking in teaching/explanations. The website indicates that this material is self-teaching. Since we are already using a complete math program; I was using this more as a supplement; so I could not see the self-teaching part. This might come from using the full curriculum as stand alone. I love using this as supplemental material for or weak spots!
What I don't like: The pdf files were a bit difficult to navigate -- it seemed hard to scroll through and find what I was looking for. The pages were very small print for a younger child. I am using the 3rd grade curriculum (in pieces) for my 7 year old; and really would prefer about half the problems on each page with larger print. The small print makes it a great value -- except for the eye strain. Older students should have no problem. No hands-on explanations are included, and it seems very "classroom" in style as curriculum.
My Bottom Line: I am excited to have this for my children to work on areas of weakness, such as using the multiplication section for drills (what we are doing now) and letting my advanced son explore some topics on his own (like geometry). I will almost certainly order individual workbooks from Mammoth Math in the future. (I personally would not want to use this as my main curriculum, but I am still about to become a customer because I can use the supplemental stuff!)
You can sign up for Maria's newsletter and get 280 sample worksheets!!!! This is a fantastic idea to see if this material will work for you!!!!
Jan. 7, 2009 - Product Review -- Update: Times Tales
Now that I have more time, I am adding these personal anecdotes to my Times Tales review. Day One: My daughter (age 10) hated Times Tales, thought it was for babies, cried, pouted, and resisted each step of the way! Day Two: My same daughter flew through the flashcards at significantly improved speed without one whining session. When we had gone through the flashcard one time; I said to her "Wow! You are doing these a lot faster today, what made the difference?" Her reply? "I don't know Mom, I just look at the card and the whole picture of the story just pops into my mind and I know the answer -- it's all right there." Day Three: Rapid-fire procession through the flashcards with the story pictures, plus decent speed on the reverse side without the story pictures. (just numbers instead of numbers embedded in pictures...) Continued Progress: Increased speed and transition to no dependence on the story pictures!
This is how Times Tales works! This is right brain learning at its finest!
I have been so excited to complete this product review! We have been using All About Spelling for over a year; though inconsistently. When I found out we would be receiving all four levels for review I was thrilled!!! Talk about a true blessing from God! Even with inconsistent use of the first level, I noticed a huge improvement in my daughter's spelling. I am happy to say that consistent use yields even better results! I am excited to start the 2009 using this with my seven year old son as well. (We get back to school on Monday!)
What is All About Spelling: All About Spelling is a graduated spelling program that works with beginning readers or with remedial spellers. All About Spelling is based on the Orton-Gillingham method of teaching spelling, and is by far the easiest implementation of this method I have ever seen. All About Spelling provides a multi-sensory approach, flashcards, oral repetition, visual/kinesthetic work with letter tiles. I have many friends using All About Spelling, and I don't know anyone who has been dissappointed!
What's Included: Each level includes a teacher's guide and a packet of necessary flashcards for $29.95. Letter Tiles are available seperately for $9.95.
What I like: I love the incremental approach to learning spelling. You start by learning all of the sounds each letter can make, and then gradually add letter combinations like vowel combinations and the sounds they can make and consonent blends. Rules are taught along the way in each level. I even learned a spelling rule I did not know in Level One! I have always been a natural speller, and even one spelling bees growing up; so I was pretty excited to find information about spelling that I did not know. I was also astonished by how much my daughter learned from Level One. She is a great reader (high school level); but she did not know some of the most basic alternate sounds for vowels as taught for spelling.
What I don't like: What I have not like in the past was that all of the flashcards (100s) have to be cut by hand. I am thrilled to report that Ms. Rippel has ordered perforated cards and they will be available for sale soon!
My Bottom Line: After trying several different spelling methods with my oldest daughter, this is what we are using. I would not choose any other spelling program for my children.
If you have a preteen interested in computers (and I don't know many who aren't!) your child will enjoy this book. Written for the 8-12 year old, this book walks older children step by step through the process of creating a website.
What's Included: 60 pages of text with exact instructions and plenty of screenshots -- designed to be your student's first look at html coding using a very,very simple free internet software trial. Instructions are included for designing a basic webpage "interview" of someone, and even walks you through animating some graphics! Currently this book is available for an introductory special of $19.99.
What I Like: For the most part, the instructions in this book can be followed entirely by the student -- that's a big plus for me! I think I had to step in one time (the book said, go get your parent :).) The book is written to the student, and is very engaging while still being very thorough in the instructions. The screenshots are plentiful and very helpful. This is something students really enjoy!
What I Don't LIke: I think this book would really benefit from a glossary. I do not like having to run my MAC in Window mode for anything, but I do make exceptions :). Other then that, it was great!
My Bottom Line: I think this is the perfect "extra project" for children in the target range. This is the kind of thing I don't mind my children doing on the computer :).
What is It? PuppetTools by Mr. Jeffrey Peyton is a company offering a website membership for the purpose of encouraging the use of puppets as self-directed learning aids for children.
What's included: For the price of membership ($99/year), you have unlimited access to the website including the puppet hinge pattern (one pattern) samples, forums (inactive), videos, and articles written by the author/creator. The hinge pattern included is simply a method to create a puppet for your hand without the paper sack -- using either cardstock or construction paper. Puppets made with this patented hinge construction and cheap paper do not hold up to use. Heavier construction paper or cardstock is desirable.
What I like: My children could be endlessly creative with this one puppet hinge pattern. They will certainly get lots of use from that idea. I have very artistically inclined children -- give them a box of construction paper, blue, scissors and colored pencils and they will sit and create for two hours or more. (All four of them!) This will give them one more option for crafty creativity.
What I don't like: $99 for a puppet pattern and endless articles full of rhetoric about evolution of the brain through puppet play and the need for educators to get out of the way and let children play? I don't believe in evolution, and one of the reasons I homeschool is so that my children can study less and play more. I really, really did not like the evolutionary content and "new age" content in the articles on this site. I think $5 for the puppet pattern, and maybe $11 for the pattern, some samples, some ideas for implementation -- all in one ebook *might* be reasonable. (I wouldn't pay for it myself though!) You can purchase a two month subscription for $20; I don't recommend anyone pay more then this.
My Bottom Line: This membership site is not worth the price of membership or trial membership to me, others might disagree. If you are even thinking about buying, purchase the trial first. Here are some great examples of how others are using puppettools in the classroom. Sunday School teachers, cooperative groups, and others *might* enjoy the full year subscription if the cost is being split between many educators if you don't mind supporting the evolutionary content included in Mr. Peyton's science of play material.
Dec. 19, 2008 - Product Review -- Core Learning Crayola Art Factory plus Math, LA and Health
From the folks who brought you the "What Your __________ Grader Needs To Know" Series; comes a whole series of educational software products for on-line learning for elementary and junior high grades.
Of the products I received, one was the complete Crayola Art Factory program. This program is certainly fun; but I am not sure of the educational value for art. Children even as young as my two year old boy enjoy playing with this enhanced "paint" program for the computer. Older children can actually create animated characters using the Core FX section. I can see how this program could be very useful to learn basic computer graphic arts and animation. I don't consider it to be a complete art program for elementary age children.
What Crayola Art Factory Does: Users can choose any variety of "medium" such as oil pastels, water colors, crayons, markers, etc. and complete art projects on the screen. Projects can be printed or saved for later use. Drawings can be animated simply. Cost is $24.95.
What I like: My children have tons of fun with programs like Crayola Art Factory. The animation feature is pretty cool.
What I don't like: I'm just not a fan of my children spending tons of time on the computer. If they are going to spend time on the computer, I want them doing highly educational things like math, spelling, or Spanish. Each child already has 30 minutes of free time on the computer each day; and I could see my daughter choosing Crayola Art Factory, but my son prefers game software. I like to give my children lots of time actually working at the table using real art medium on real paper, canvas, or wood -- creating real projects. And yes, making messes. For me, art creation on computer just does not have the same effect.
My bottom line: My children will be able to choose this for their free computer time because we have it, but I would never spend money on something like this.
Core Learning Math, Language Arts, and Health
If you are looking for complete computer based curriculums, these might work for you. Basically for LA, students follow along as someone else reads the text that appears on the screen. Pacing of the material can be adjusted for comprehension. For math, the lesson is taught as the student follows along reading text, and then practice problems, quizzes and tests can be completed by the student. The health cd was actually animated cartoon characters which held a bit more interest. Not enough to convince me that I want to use Core Learning products in my home. I was not impressed with this series of learning software at all. Caviat: I only recieved demo cds, not the complete set so my perception is based on somewhat limited data. You can read more about Core Learning educational software here.
Finally, an on-line curriculum I can start and walk away from without worrying about content. That was my first thought when we started a 30 day trial of ALEKS for my children for the purposes of this review. This curriculum is just math; no excessive graphics, no animation or oral presentation of material, no jokes or character interaction; just math education. I would like to mention that I have completed a 30 day trial of this program in the past; so I was already familiar with the basics when we started.
What's Included: ALEKS is a web-based (all on-line) comprehensive math curriculum from grades 3 through college level. Each student starts with a level you assign, which can be altered as necessary. Then each student completes a comprehensive entrance exam to determine what material on that level they have already mastered (if any). At the end of the entrance exam, the students can view a pie chart revealing exactly how they scored in each section. Students can then choose which section of the pie they want to work on; or allow ALEKS to choose for them. Beyond this, students can also use Quick Tables for memorizing multiplication facts. Both of my children (ages 7 and 9) are in level 3 (which also happens to be the first level, and corresponds to grade 3), and topics included multiplication, division, addition, subtraction, fractions, decimals, estimation and place value, and geometry. Cost is $19.95 per month; and you can get a discount for purchasing 6 months or a year at a time. You can get a one month free trial here.
What I LIke: I really like the fact that this is all straightforward content. I don't have to worry that when I walk away, my children are going to encounter anti-Christian content. I think the content is very well-organized and comprehensive. My children love using ALEKS, both the first time we tried it with my oldest, and this time -- when in the first sitting my seven year old boy worked for 2 hours and completely lost track of time. I will normally limit that to 45 minutes by the way :). I like the fact that ALEKS is for the most part completely independent once your children get used to the system.
What I Don't Like: A few things. One, the program starts with an explanation at the beginning and then from problem to problem with no teaching. If your child is struggling after the very first explanation, they really need to stop and click on a link for more explanation. My children did not get this on their own; and kept trying to just power through material. This doesn't work, and if they do finally get the material correct this way they move on even if they haven't learned. It doesn't take much to explain this to children though; so I don't consider this a huge problem. I just needed how to explain how the system worked. Two, while the material is comprehensive, the programming itself is not overly intuitive. My daughter, for instance, had no idea that she could click on the pie and choose which subject to work on. She wanted to work on multiplication, ALEKS told her to work on something else, and she got frustrated very quickly. As soon as I explained to her how to choose for herself, she was very happy with the program. Three, ALEKS requires a great deal of reading; which is mostly how the material is taught. A non-reader ready for 3rd grade level math would struggle to use this program, and I often have to remind my children to read the material -- not just start with the problem. They try to start working the problem and then get frustrated when they don't understand it! For these three reasons, I would not use ALEKS as my main Math curriculum. Which brings me to my final dislike -- Price! I cannot fathom paying $20 per month for an on-line curriculum to supplement my current math curriculum.
My Bottom Line: I am definitely planning to purchase a month or two of ALEKS when the twins arrive so the older children have some independent learning, we are all truly enjoying the free trial, but I cannot see it working for us long term as our main math curriculum or as an overpriced math supplement. If the price were cut to 1/3 of the current price, I would start considering it for full time use as a supplement. I can see how it would work in some families as the only math curriculum; especially with older, highly independent children who can self teach and figure programming and material out from reading and experimenting.
Dec. 17, 2008 - Product Review -- Clean N Flip Charts -- Trigger Memory Systems
Clean N Flip Charts
Here is another great product from Trigger Memory Systems. This product is perfect for the family just starting chore training, or struggling to teach chores. I can see how this system would streamline the process, and the visuals are very helpful for younger children. For our family, we already had a system in place we use and enjoy.
What's Included: Three Flip Charts on Spiral Binding: Zone Cleaning, Laundry, and Bedroom Cleaning. One Dry Erase Marker. Each flip chart has step by step instructions for completing the chore. Zone cleaning has instructions for the Living Room zone which included gathering and putting away various types of items (toys, books, etc.) or cleaning different zones in the house such as the bathroom and kitchen. I thought it was very convenient that each child could have their own zone. Bedroom Cleaning is similar to the living room zone, but includes things like making the bed. Laundry has instructions for sorting, washing, drying, and folding the laundry. You can see some samples on the website. Cost is $29.95 for the three, but Bedroom charts are cheaper so that each child can have his own ($7.95 ea).
What I Like: These Flip Charts are cute, very visual, and provide thorough, step by step instructions. Even non-readers should be able to use these charts with a little coaching at the beginning. The cost is minimal for a chore system; and the chores are streamlined.
What I Don't Like: I do have one small thing I didn't like, which was the necessity of buying five different laundry baskets to use the chore system. While it made perfect sense to me, this was not an expense I wanted to add for our chores. I suspect you can pick these up cheaply at the dollar store; if you have one nearby. We do not have a dollar store that is safe to shop. Also, I think it is important to note that one of the flip charts was not laminated for dry erase use. I didn't consider this a negative, but some did. As long as you are aware, it should not be an issue. The other two charts had places for the child to checkmark his progress.
My Bottom Line: If I were just starting out with chore training, or struggling to get cooperation in this area I would consider this a good investment. For our family, our current system works great.
First of all, I need to warn you that I am really, really excited about this product! If you have a right-brained learner or a struggling learner, or an older child who hasn't mastered the multiplication tables; you are going to want to order this product. It even works with younger children who aren't struggling... My younger child is five years old, but I have heard of even four year olds learning their multiplication facts before they had any concept of the meaning.
What's Included: The main thrust of the product is a really high quality flip chart; with a set characters designed around the numbers; and then mathematical "nonsense" stories involving the characters. When you first look at it, you wonder how in the world it will ever work! But, the ladies who designed are right when they say "Don't try to figure out how it works." Just do it. It works. Also included is a thorough teacher's guide with complete instructions, flash cards, pretests and tests. All of these are reproducible so that you can use them with multiple children in your family. The cost is only $29.95. I should mention that the new version includes multiplication facts 3x6,3x7,3x8,3x9,4x6,4x7,4x8,4x9,6x6,6x7,6x8,6x9, 7x7,7x8,7x9,8x8,8x9,9x9. The older version I believe is still available with a supplement to add the 3's and 4's. The new program also reverses the process to teach division.
What I like: Well, this works. It only takes about an hour in the first sitting, and a few minutes of review for the first week; and then periodically. The second set of facts is introduced in the second week in the same fashion. Day One: My daughter (age 10) hated Times Tales, thought it was for babies, cried, pouted, and resisted each step of the way! Day Two: My same daughter flew through the flashcards at significantly improved speed without one whining session. When we had gone through the flashcard one time; I said to her "Wow! You are doing these a lot faster today, what made the difference?" Her reply? "I don't know Mom, I just look at the card and the whole picture of the story just pops into my mind and I know the answer -- it's all right there." Day Three: Rapid-fire procession through the flashcards with the story pictures, plus decent speed on the reverse side without the story pictures. (just numbers instead of numbers embedded in pictures...) Continued Progress: Increased speed and transition to no dependence on the story pictures!
This is how Times Tales works! This is right brain learning at its finest!
What I don't like: Once again, I am stymied. I can't figure out anything I don't like about this product. I really think anyone struggling to teach multiplication tables should give this a try.
My Bottom Line: We won't be giving this one away! Great job Trigger Memory!
Dec. 16, 2008 - Book Review -- The Little Man in the Map
The Little Man in the Map (With Clues to Remember All 50 States)
What's Included: This is a picture book by E. Andrew Martonyi and illustrated by Ed Olson; published by SchoolSide Press. The hardcover book includes 63 pages and costs $15.96 at Amazon.com.
What I like: I really love this book! It is perfect for teaching the location of the 50 states to your children. I have read it to my children once, and I already know at least 10 more state locations then I did before today.. This book seems ideal for right-brain learners, since almost all of the states become pictures or people that fit together. It also works great for visual and auditory learners, with fun rhyming text and really great illustrations. My children love this book! The oldest three (ages 9,7, and 5) giggled all the way through, actually begged to do the review pages, and remembered many of the states in each section. I suspect only a few more readings will be necessary before these children can remember the locations of all the states! We will definitely be keeping this book in our library.
What I don't like: I didn't personally have a problem with anything in the book; however some of my friends over at the TOS Review Crew had a problem that some pages included drawing of elf type people.
My Bottom Line: I am definitely going to enjoy reading this book repeatedly to my children, expect them to learn the information presented, and by the way, my two readers have already asked to peruse the book on their own several times since our first read-through. If you enjoy using picture books to teach, or your children need help with US Geography, I highly recommend this book.
Dec. 10, 2008 - Product Review -- Spears Art Studio for K-8
What's Included: The Spears Art Studio cd is a giant PDF teacher's manual for $39.95. I consider this manual to be a very great value. 269 Art activities, organized around 35 themes based on the calendar year, and presented with Scripture. A Grand total of 497 pages, including all necessary patterns and reproducibles, complete teacher instructions, material lists, instructions for the evaluation of art, and art history connections.
What I like: I love the fact that this art curriculum is Christian based; yet also teaches the basic elements of art (line, shape, space, color, form, and texture,) and the basic principles of art (repetition/pattern, proportion, contrast/value,emphasis/focal point, balance/symmetry/asymmetry, unity,variety, harmony, movement/force/rhythm). I love the price! Spears Art Studio is a fantastic value for >$40. I appreciate the fact that all of the patterns and reproducibles are included -- and that I have permission to print these pages for my own family. This means I can re-use this curriculum for all six of my children! I can easily combine the current oldest three children in my family who are ages 5,7, and 10. I simply expect that the projects of the oldest will be much more polished then the projects of the youngest. I also plan to restart this curriculum when my current five year old is 8 or 9 and her younger brother can participate.
What I don't like: This art curriculum is much more teacher intensive the Atelier Arts Attack video curriculum we have been using for several years. However, the price is only 1/3 of Atelier; which makes the extra work worthwhile. Plus, Spears Art Studio will last for several years (269 activities!!!) whereas Atelier has only 18 projects. So, I think I have spun this back around to what I like about this curriculum!
My Bottom Line: Spears Art Studio is a budget friendly, well-designed, thorough approach to art education. Parents should plan to spend a little extra time to read and plan projects each week. Parents can have ultimate flexibility with planning. Theoretically, you could plan one project a day for 10 months; however one project a week for four years is a more likely approach in my home! Parents who hate shopping or are organizationally challenged should consider purchasing supplies directly from Spears Art Studio.
PS. I have heard great things about the High School Spears Art Studio as well! You can find links to read what other reviewers are saying about Spears Art Studio at the Homeschool Crew Blog.
If you have been following my blog for long; then you are familiar with the series I did on None Dare Call It Education, in which I discussed the importance of literature and history written before 1920. In these older works of literature, we find material not influenced by the increasing sway of socialism on our society. When I found out I was selected to review three books for a publishing company that specializes in reprinting older literature from the public domain; I was thrilled. Salem Ridge Press strives to bring interesting, wholesome, and high quality literature from the 1800s and early 1900s to today's child.
Mary Jane: Her Book
I love this selection! 183 pages of fiction available in hardcover or paperback and written by Clara Ingram Judson, this delightful story follows the life of a five year old girl who stays home with her mother. Mary Jane has quite the adventure, from losing her favorite doll in an automobile accident, to following ants to their home and helping them, to planting a garden with her father. Each chapter is a fun story of its own, culminating with the promise of a visit to Great Grandma's house in the country for the summer. I read through the book first on my own, and then immediately started using it as a read-aloud for my five year old daughter! She is loving this book, it is absolutely perfect as a read aloud for this age of girl. Mary Jane is a very helpful little girl, and it is impressive to see what this little girl accomplished during any given day. I am encouraged that Mary Jane is a wonderful role model for my little girl. We love this book so much, we are ordering the sequel (Mary Jane's Visit) as a Christmas gift for my daughter. We order each child a book, and this is the one. You can read the first chapter of this book on-line!
American Twins of the Revolution
Set during the Revolutionary War and written in the early 1900's, this exciting book is based on a true story about a family that helps hide a shipment of gold. 204 pages of historical fiction available in hardcover or paperback and written by Lucy Fitch Perkins, this book is slightly more controversial. This book accurately portrays slavery as a part of our history, and in this case the slaves owned by the Priestly family are treated with kindness and eventually freed. However, some of the characters do have a condescending attitude towards the slaves and you will want to pre-read this book and discuss it with your child. This book is recommended for ages 8 and up. You can read the first chapter of this book on-line!
Glaucia The Greek Slave
An accurate and vivid portrayal of slavery and ancient Greek life, the two slaves in this book set out to solve the mystery of their mother's death and the message she left for them. 170 pages, written by Emma Leslie, and available in hardcover or paperback, this book is an intense read for ages 10 and up. While this book also deals with slavery, the common mistreatment of slaves is more graphically detailed in this book and parents should treat this as a read aloud and discuss it carefully with younger children. You can also read the first chapter of this book on-line!
As far as reprinted books are concerned, these books are printed on nice paper and bound with a thick cover. I was impressed with the weight and the quality of the paperback books. The cost of the books for paperback ranges from 12.95 to 14.95 depending on length. The print is a nice size for reading.
What's my bottom line? I am looking forward to ordering more great selections from Salem Ridge Press. In the case of the latter two books; I would not consider these books that I can just hand to my younger advanced readers who are seven and ten. However, I am excited to have another company reproducing literature from the 1800s to shop from. I'm looking forward to reading Mary Jane's Visit!
We've been looking for something the children can use independently during our "new baby break" next Spring, so I was really excited when asked to do a review of Tme 4 Learning. After using the on-line educational website for almost a month for my three older children, I have mixed feelings about the product but we will not be using it long term. I definitely think this program will work for some families, and highly recommend you watch for the one month trial before you pay. You can also read more and varied reviews at the TOS Crew Blog.
What's Included: A high tech learning environment via website, Time 4 Learning has Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies lessons with sound, animation, and text. Time 4 Learning offers material for PreK through 12 grade. Cost is $19.95 per month for the first child, and $14.95 per month for each additional child. You can receive a discount when you pay for a whole year at once.
What I like: I found lots of things to like about Time 4 Learning. The animation is superior to most online educational websites. The lessons are engaging. My children beg for time on the website each day. The lessons cover extra little miscellaneous material not presented in our curriculum, such as pattern recognition for older children. A huge amount of content is available. Older children can work and learn independently. The material is presented thoroughly. The customer service is amazing and fast. Your child can work one level below or above the grade level placement, and if you start your child at the wrong grade level, T4L will happily change his level for you. Lower grade materials (through 2nd grade) are well written and do not conflict with my worldview. I have heard from several Crew members who mention that this website works really well for special needs children needing indpendent work time.
What I don't like: Time 4 Learning is a completely secular company. As such, I was fully aware that some evolutionary content was included. I'm not terribly worried about that aspect, since my children are well grounded in this area. What frustrates me more is the irreverent humor and the questioning of parental authority in the upper grades. This program is something I would like my children to work on independently, I am not interested in exposing them to "public school humor" and comments that downgrade the value of family -- all without my knowledge. I should mention that Time 4 Learning has excellent forums, and Christian homeschoolers using Time 4 Learning have discussed these issues and how they handle this in their home. Here are few other things I disliked. First, I didn't like was the fact that my five year old cannot work indpendently because she is expected to be able to use a mouse. That might not be an issue in some households. Second, I'm not a big fan of having my children spend tons of time on the computer, nor do I believe in video or computer based learning as a main focus. Thirty minutes per day is our maximum per child. I will probably increase that to one hour during our "new baby break". If we used Time 4 Learning, the entirety of their screen time would be used with this website, which does not leave time for fun gaming or personal e-mail. Finally, I think the price is cost prohibitive for most families who homeschool on one income. We personally could never afford so much for even one child, let alone four children. Some people consider this to be an all inclusive curriculum and if you use it as such you could justify the cost. I would not use it as my only curriculum.
What's My Bottom Line? I really, really wanted to love this curriculum. I think parts of it are extremely well done. Using this website does not fit with my worldview at all. I can see how secular homeschools and certain families might be able to use this program to gread advantage. Find a free one month trial before you pay, or at least pay for one month first; and participate with your children for the first while to make sure you are comfortable with the material presentation before you pay for a full year.
Don’t you just love that sound? I mean, the sound of a dishwasher running, cleaning and sanitizing your dishes. That sound is the sound of a task completed! After writing about kitchen housework in my last article, I started thinking about some of our habits that probably help me be able to empty and fill my dishwasher so quickly. Here’s what we do:
Everybody Carries. The smallest of children are trained to carry their own dishes from the table to the counter, every meal. Truly, we only had to train our oldest children. The younger two....
Dec. 3, 2008 - My Amazing Discovery about Kitchen Cleaning
One of my housework nemeses is the kitchen. My husband and I cook for 6 people; so you can imagine that we keep our kitchen in constant use. I despise emptying and filling the dishwasher, can’t stand to wash dishes, and hate cleaning the stove. My husband, on the other hand, despises walking in from work and finding stacks of dishes on the counter from lunch. In an effort to honor my husband, I have been working diligently to improve my kitchen cleaning habits and skills.
In our home, we have a rule about cleaning the main floor before my husband comes home. I have always tried to give us about 30 minutes to get this done, and that is plenty of time. I don’t always do the kitchen, but I do try! The other day, instead of calling me before he got on the bus, my husband called me when he got to his car at the bus stop 12 minutes from home. Yikes!
Familiar games with a new twist -- a Christian focus! We recently received both a matching game and a Go Fish game from Alphabet Alley in the mail. I was not really looking forward to completing this review, because I was expecting the same old stuff I can buy at Target, with Christian figures and inflated prices. Boy was I wrong! I opened the boxes right away that night, with the promise to my 2.5 year old that this was something finally for him! Immediately, he and my 7 year old went off to play the games; but not before I noticed the very thick quality of the game pieces and cards.. The Match Game has pieces almost twice as thick as the cheap version I already had. Plus, the pictures on the cards are all from Noah's Ark; which is a lot of fun. The Go Fish cards were also Noah's Ark, and are big, thick, and well-laminated. We have really enjoyed these products since receiving them a couple weeks ago. My 2.5 year old loves playing, even though he doesn't always want to follow the rules. My 5 year old does great; and we all have a great time together. Here are my thoughts.
What I like: Big, thick, high quality, Christian focus. Top Notch! The games are all on sale right now, just in time for Christmas! The matching and go fish games also comes in Nativity characters!!!!
What I don't like: Hmmmm.... Can't think of anything. Except that I wish they had more game products!!!
My Bottom Line: I like these products so much, I went looking for more products on the web-site to put on Christmas lists for my kids. They do have a few other products, you should definitely check it out -- especially during this sale! If I were just starting out having children, I would definitely invest in these quality games. I would happily spend these prices, and also put these on Christmas and Birthday lists for grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. so that we can replace our old games with games that will last.
You can eliminate the raisins to save money. This recipe is for the microwave — and our own variation from the book Microwave Gourmet by Barbara Kafka which I highly recommend. My husband wants me to mention that our microwave is higher power (newer), so he does only heats the butter for 1 minute, the spices for 2-3 minutes, and the rice for 2-3 minutes before the broth is added. After the broth is added, he stays with the time below. Serves 8. We also often add precooked meat from our freezer, thawed, when we add the broth.
Curried Rice Pilaf
4 Tbsp unsalted butter (or non dairy substitute)
2 Tbsp Curry Powder
3/4 C Chopped Onion
1/4 C Raisins
5 Cloves garlic smashed, peeled and sliced
2 C Basmati or Carolina rice
3 C Chicken Broth
1 C Frozen Peas, defrosted under warm running water in a sieve
Salt
Pepper
Heat butter in a 2 quart microwaveable dish, uncovered, at 100% for 2 minutes. Stir in curry, onions, raisins, and garlic. Cook, uncovered, at 100% for 5 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat. Cook, uncovered for and cook for 5 minutes more. Pour broth over all. Stir. Tightly cover with microwaveable plastic wrap. Cook at 100% for 16 minutes. Remove from microwave. Uncover and stir in peas. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nov. 25, 2008 - Product Review -- The Nature Portfolio by Barbara Shukin
My first thought when I opened my package from Barbara was, "Wow, this is really high quality." In fact, I think I said that out loud, and got my husband's attention. I sat down to look through the book and my second comment was "These drawings and illustrations are beautiful," to which my husband promptly agreed. We also both noticed immediately that this product is not printed on copy paper -- the paper used for the student pages is very heavy and high quality. The Nature Portfolio is designed to be a gentle introduction to natural science and nature journaling. The design and style fits perfectly with "the gentle art of learning" recommended by Charlotte Mason. The price for The Nature Portfolio is $29.95.
What's Included: This beautiful nature portfolio comes in a sturdy three ring notebook with a landscape orientation and an attractive cover. Landscape orientation simply means that the short side of the paper is where the rings are. The strength of the notebook is what first caught my attention. The first part of the book contains the student pages printed on heavy paper stock. The student pages are divided by season and alternate between animals, plants, and fungi. Each page is designed to study one item, and includes a beautiful illustration and places to complete the recommended activities. Also included in the student pages are a beautiful full page illustration for coloring in each seasonal section, a crossword for each seasonal section, and a page ready for a poem copywork piece in each seasonal section. After the student pages you find the teacher's guide which is designed to be removed from the book. For each student page; you are given a list of reading suggestions, and a list of activity choices all related to the specific creation you are studying, with instructions. The activities alternate between observation, copywork or narration for one item; and classification, vocabulary or narration for the next page. Often, the student is given a choice between three different items and alternate illustrations are provided in the teacher's guide. By giving you a choice between activities, or a choice of which item to study, the portfolio is ultimately customizable to the fauna and flora in your area. In other words, if you cannot find a grasshopper to observe for the observation choice, you simply choose the copywork or narration exercise! If you can't find an apples to study, you can choose instead to study a mouse. Also included in the teacher's guide are reproducible pages of lined paper designs ready to cut out and fit into the spaces provided in the student pages, pages to assist the student with classification, and answer keys for the crossword puzzles.
What I love: This Nature Portfolio is beautiful. I love the high quality notebook and paper. I love the illustrations. I love the layout and design. I was planning to use this with only one child, after looking at it in detail I have realized they will each want one! If you have always wanted to complete a nature journal with your family, but have needed more direction, this portfolio provides everything you need to complete pages in small chunks. The only thing you have to add are books from the library.
What I don't like: This doesn't happen very often ladies, but in this case I truly did not find anything that I did not like. If you want assurance that I am not a biased reviewer, you can read numerous other reviews to confirm. I am always honest!
What's My Bottom Line: I am planning on buying more of these as soon as I can fit them into our budget. This gentle, planned approach to nature journaling is perfect for my family.
Nov. 24, 2008 - Review -- Making the Holidays Family Friendly by Penny Raine
Penny Raine is offering this book for just $5.95 until November 26th! That's 40% off the regular price. Penny has filled the book with ideas that will help keep your holidays fun for little ones. Since she has had eight children, she knows what she is talking about! You will find the book here. Penny is also including four free ebooks with your purchase! Isn't that amazing for just $5.95? The reason is because she wants to get this message into the hands of people right now, before the big holidays are upon us.
What's Included: Ideas on what not to do, Ideas on what works to keep little ones involved and happy, several multi-purpose planning pages, ideas for traveling with little ones, ideas for making gifts, ideas to make shopping easier, ideas for setting a beautiful table, and even a great form for recording information at holiday events that can be placed in a family scrapbook. That's not even a complete list from the table of contents either! A total of 34 pages of text, formatted so that the book can be printed with each chapter starting on a new page. And let's not forget the free ebooks included with your order!
My Bottom Line: Penny's main theme for this book is: Plan Ahead. I think reading through this book will give you some great ideas to do just that -- before the holidays become overwhelming. I think she is currently offering the book at a fantastic price with multiple freebies so now is a great time to buy the book!
Celebrate the Joy!
Amy
PS. I have stopped using affiliate links on this blog! Links included in this post are not affiliate links.
Nov. 17, 2008 - The Missing Link: Found! By Felice and Christine Gerlitz -- Review
Book Review by Amy Blevins
The Missing Link: Found!
By Christina and Felice Gerwitz
What's Included: This 208 page paperback book is action-packed Christian fiction for young teens with a strong Creation Science message at a cost of $8.49 from Media Angels.
What I like: This novel for preteens and young teens is exciting and action-oriented. I love the fact that this book is written by a homeschooled teen -- for teens. I love the fact that Christina and her Mom Felice presented a Christian world view; and outlined several key arguments for Creation and against Evolution. I love the fact that the main characters are two teenage children and their father; all of whom are Christians, pray frequently together, have a heart for the lost, and work together as a team to solve problems and get out danger. I am so glad I don't find any hints of the romance, dating, or pre-teen social strata typical of this genre.
What I don't like: {spoiler} Personally, I am not a big fan of guns, explosions, chases, or suspense... or gross skeletons. But that doesn't mean this book is not perfect for my children! That's just me. I leave the room during suspenseful scenes in the movie Beauty and the Beast! My son is only seven, but I suspect he will love this book in a couple years. Action adventure is right up his alley!
What's My Bottom Line:The Missing Link: Found fills an important gap in the preteen/teen adventure genre. To my knowledge, this is the only book that includes a homeschool family as the main characters and presents a Christian worldview. Whether you have voracious readers who need more Christian options, action-oriented boys who struggle to read, or a science loving family, I would certainly buy this book, and have it ready on my shelf. I am really excited to find another source of quality Christian literature for my children.
have been very blessed recently with a membership to Terri Johnson's class called Homeschooling ABC's. I admit I was very skeptical at first, that a veteran homeschooler could get anything out of this class since it is designed for new homeschoolers. I am pleased to say that everyone can benefit from Homeschooling ABC's -- new and veteran alike! Here is just one example:
I was pleasantly surprised by the very first lesson, in which I re-discovered the concept of "circle time". I have heard about circle time for several years, and it always sparks my interest. However, each time I have promptly forgotten about the concept. Encouraged by Terri's lesson, I decided to give it a try. I have noticed several benefits. First, we are all starting out as a unified group having fun; so we are all more in harmony throughout the day. I have noticed a decrease in bickering. Secondly, we are all focused on the Bible together. We have always had a policy of Bible first, but it makes a difference when we are all studying the Bible together. Of course, circle time does not have to include Bible, but for us it was a natural fit with our policy. Thirdly, my family is excited about starting our day together! In fact, my two year old has been walking around today saying, "Look, my people are doing circle time." I am not suggesting that circle time is for everyone, but I cannot imagine anyone being dissappointed by this e-course. So much information and encouragement is included, I believe everyone will find enough benefit to warrant the cost.
What's Included: 26 weeks of lessons, each including ideas, information, encouragement, and an assignment. Many lessons also include free products! The free products alone are worth more then the cost of the course; but without the free products the cost would still be totally worth it to me.
What I Like: Well, I love the layout of the lessons, the straightforward instructions, the plethora of ideas, the encouragement, and the free products. At a cost of less then $2 a week, this product is very worth the money!
What I Don't Like: I have promised to include this section in each of my reviews, but honestly I can't think of a single thing I don't like so far! I have worked through the first 8 lessons so far, and can't wait to read the remainder.
My Bottom Line: If you are new homeschooler, you will find this simple yet profound course to be invaluable ias you learn about your new job. If you are a veteran, you will be refreshed and encouraged to stay the course and you might discover exactly what you have been looking for.
I am hosting a blog giveaway on my new blog. You can enter to win one of three copies of my new book:
Listening to Learn: Using Audio Files in Your Homeschool
To enter, you need to visit my blog and follow the easy directions for entering.
Once you have entered the first time, you can enter a second time by signing up for my newsletter, blogging about the contest, or telling your friends through a message board/ email group.
I found this recipe online for Blue Cheese dip; and I keep losing it. So, I decided to put it on my blog. My men eat it with Buffalo Wings. Us girls don't eat it at all .
Blue cheese dip
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar or white vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
I'm pretty sure everyone knows what Buffalo wings are these days; and if you are wondering how to make them I will tell you what we do. First, we buy the sauce that Frank's Original Red Hot sauce. Then, we buy sauces for the rest of us, usually teriyaki for the children, and a sweet sauce like Stubb's Original Mild Sauce for me. Plus, we buy chicken wings. Usually, the wings have to be cut in half and recently we have also had to remove some feathers... Then, we boil some of the wings in each type of sauce. For a few minutes. Then, we finish cooking the wings on the grill; while we keep the sauces boiling on the stove. Finally, we dip the wings in the sauce one last time and serve them hot; with celery and Blue Cheese dip. We also usually have grapes and carrot sticks.
Do you have a children's nativity set that your children can play with? I firmly believe that young children need to be able to play with and act out the story of Christ's birth and having a nativity to play with from a very young age helps them internalize the amazing gift from God. We have been collecting children's nativities for several years now. Each year, I give a new nativity to the children as we set up our Christmas tree and all of our nativities stay out to be played with throughout the Christmas season. We have some beautiful Children's nativities and this is a favorite tradition in our home. My absolute favorites are the Little People nativity only available through the catalog or website ( now finally complete with shepherds) and the HABA nativity pictured here.
The newest nativity added to our collection is the One 2 Believe set pictured below. This is my review.
What's Included?
A Stable, Joseph, Mary, Jesus, a manger, 2 shepherds, 2 sheep, 1 camel, 1 donkey, 2 angels, 3 wisemen, one block of hay, and a palm tree. I did not include the palm tree or wisemen in my picture. The price ranges from $17.99 to $24.99.
What I like.
Well, I love the idea of having a nativity that my children can play with. I think this is very important. My children enjoy playing with this nativity, and I think that is important.
What I don't like.
I have to admit that this nativity does not even come close to my two favorites. First, the materials are not very sturdy in our experience. The palm tree broke apart with just a couple hours of playing! Second, baby Jesus looks like a 2 year old. Third, the nativity cannot be played with by my two year old. Fourth, the toys are made out of PVC, a product we try to avoid.
What's my bottom line? Well, I personally would not spend money on this nativity. I know that many other crew members really loved this nativity, but when it arrived I was sorely dissappointed. We currently own the HABA nativity, the Little People nativity, the Playmobil nativity, and two different Veggie Tale nativities, all of which were especially designed for children. I would prefer any of those nativities to the One 2 Believe nativity shown here.
I would really like to see the quality of One 2 Believe products improve; because I think they have a fantastic idea and if the products were of better quality I would be a huge fan. I love using figures such as these to teach my children, and the children in my Sunday School classes. I've been looking for someone to fill this gap, so I am keeping my eye on this company and hoping for future improvements.
P.S. Lest you think all of my reviews for the Homeschool Crew are going to be negative, I am currently working on two reviews for products I absolutely love! Stay tuned... :)
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
. This book seems ideal for right-brain learners, since almost all of the states become pictures or people that fit together. It also works great for visual and auditory learners, with fun rhyming text and really great illustrations. My children love this book! The oldest three (ages 9,7, and 5) giggled all the way through, actually begged to do the review pages, and remembered many of the states in each section. I suspect only a few more readings will be necessary before these children can remember the locations of all the states! We will definitely be keeping this book in our library.
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