Posted in Reviews

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About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew  I received a free copy of Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills from Bonny Terry Learning.  

Bonnie Terry Learning is a company that offers books and games to help teach kids basic English and math skills.  While her products work with any child, they are designed to be especially helpful to kids with special needs or who learn differently.  I thought I'd share with you Bonnie Terry's philosophy of education, one I happen to agree with, by the way!

"Our philosophy is that all students can learn; they just need the tools and the encouragement to find their wings to reach their goals. And we have results to prove that this is true." 

Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills includes quick, practical 10-minute exercises designed to help students improve test scores, writing skills and more!

The spiral-bound workbook features reproducible activities and tips to help students:

•  Organize information
•  Take notes
•  Make comparisons
•  Write essays

Also includes:

• Reproducible planning calenders
• Test taking tips
• Research paper organizers
• Much, much, more!
  

According to the Bonnie Terry website, the study forms and tips that comprise Ten Minutes to Better Study Skills make the information we have read or acquired easy to utilize. This method of using these study forms and tips are supported by the National Reading Panel.

What are the pros of this product? There's a lot of handy material gathered into one convenient little book.

 What's not to like?  While I totally understand that smaller companies do not sell nearly the amount of materials that larger publishing houses do, and therefore can't sell at comparable prices, I still have to admit, the cost ($37) is a bit steep for me.  We are on a tight budget, plus, since I've been around the block a few times, I have most of this material already, and I would guess that most of it is probably available online. 

 

If you don't have financial limitations, however, you might just find it well worth the money.  It is nice to have all the information and forms in one convenient location.  Plus, it's always a good idea to support small businesses that support homeschoolers when you can.

The Crazy Mom take:  Like I stated above, I already have most of this material scattered about my house.  Somewhere.  Or, I could probably get most of it by simply Googling it.  However, because I am so disorganized, it is rather nice to have all the info in one place.  Plus, if  one of the kids is sitting at the table, or on the couch, and needs the info, he or she doesn't have to get up and kick someone off the computer.  (Yes, someone always seems to be on the computers.) 

I don't think I'd probably buy the book at the price for which it's being sold.   I only have so much money, and I have to really limit my spending to what is absolutely necessary.  If I were just starting out, though, and didn't have tons of curriculum for every single grade level piled up all over my house, I might consider it as it does have a lot of basic information in it. 

It would be a nice book for a child who goes to school to keep in a backpack for a handy reference guide.  It also would be great for a college student. The essay tips would be especially handy.  As for me, I have decided to keep mine right with the books we're using for our current school year so it will be right there handy when I want the info.  Like I said, I'm sure I have the same info elsewhere, but why spend the time searching for it? I mean, I need to free up my time to search for more important things, like, say, the remote, a pencil with a decent eraser, library books, DVDs, stray shoes, my keys, my sanity... 

What's the bottom line? $37

I am going to give out of 4 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.bonnieterrylearning.com/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/655956/?#c1312044

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion, only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House