Blog Officially Closed

I finally made up my mind to close my blog.  I have deleted all posts except for those that pertain to homeschool reviews, etc.~  I have frequent visitors to my review posts so I will continue to leave them up.

Read for the Heart

Being a good, well-rounded reader is the most important aspect of education.  With a great ability, desire, and love of reading,  one can self-educate in any topic or field imaginable.  

The love of reading is developed early in the home.  That is not to say it cannot be developed otherwise, but for most individuals, home is where the spark is ignited.  

I had the opportunity to review Read For The Heart: Whole Books for Wholehearted Families by Sarah Clarkson.  As a college educated, book loving, homeschool mother, I have many books about books on my shelves.  So, in its basic premise, this book was not all that different.  But Sarah adds a personal flair to the book.

Sarah begins the book by sharing family reading memories from her childhood and teen years.  It is these memories and moments that gave her a deep love of literature.  Sarah does a terrific job showing the importance of reading great literary works, and how the admirable character qualities of their heroes are transmitted to our children in the reading process.  

Sarah details a plan to make reading a priority in your home- both individual reading as well as family read aloud time.  She then walks the reader through individual book categories (Picture books, The Golden Age Classics, Children's Fiction, Fairy Tales and Fantasy, History and Biography, Poetry, Music, Art and Nature), alphabetically listing suggesting books for each category and time period.  

Also included are several appendices including lists of Caldecott Medal Winners and Newberry Medal Winners, among others.  

WHAT I THINK

The book is well written, thoughtfully laid out, easy to read, and includes classic literature choices.  I appreciate how Sarah's love for reading is made evident through her writing.  If you are looking for a source from which to choose great literature for your family I highly recommend this book.  

Apologia Educational Ministries

$17.00

Geared for all ages
See THIS LINK for more reviews of this product.

Apologia has many other wonderful products for you to choose from.  Please check out their website

I was given a copy of the book, Reading for the Heart to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was given no other compensation.  

Review: Considering God's Creation~ Eagle's Wings

COMPANY:  Eagle's Wings

PRODUCT:  Student Journal/Text,  Teacher Text,  CD

AGE:  Target range:  2nd-7th Grade

COST:  $29.95

Considering God's Creation is an elementary through junior high aged earth and life science program designed to introduce children to the Creator through His creation.  It will teach your child to love science and become a science detective.  It is easily adaptable for younger as well as older children.  

The program is designed to be used once a week for a 1 1/2-2 hour block of time, though this is easily changed to suit your individual needs.  It can be used alone as a one to three year program, or in conjunction with other science materials.  This is a hands on program, using what you have.  The final result is a science/nature journal the child can cherish for years to come.  

The study begins with creation, continues with solar system, study of the earth- non-living things like rocks & weather, plant and animal kingdom, animal anatomy and physiology, and ends with human anatomy and physiology.  

The student journal, 269 pages, is designed to be read aloud, doing one lesson per week.  Older students can continue each lesson with Digging Deeper ideas between lessons.  There are 36 lessons which can be spread out for as long as you need.  For example, one lesson contains the 8 (formerly 9) planets.  These can be broken down into several weeks if working with younger children.  

Each lesson begins with Preparation Directions, which include what is needed to complete the activities. Vocabulary words follow next- listing their root as well.  There is a short Introductory Paragraph which gives background to the lesson & captures the students interest.  Many include a song (which can be listened to on the CD) that covers scientific definitions set to original music, and/or a spiritual meaning.  A Biblical reading, often included, helps one to focus on what God is teaching about Himself.  Each lesson then includes an activity or experiment.  These are hands on activities, and many include work in the student journal.  

The journal itself did not look that appealing when I received it.  It is all black and white inside and contains very simple worksheet type drawings.  However, it is a WONDERFUL little science/nature notebook for the child to actively work on and be able to save for future.  There are discovery pages, pop up windows, 3-D page activities, cut put and glue pages, and MUCH more!  My son's favorite were the hands on OUTDOOR activities.  He is a nature boy through and through!!  His favorite things to do include reading animal/bird/plant field guides and hiking through the woods in search of them.  He is, quite honestly, an amazing bird identifier!  Just about every weekend we find some new woods to hike in- and he always amazes us by correctly identifying new birds.  

  

I received the Teacher's Manual, Student Notebook, and song CD.  My 8 year old son, who is NOT a crafty, scissors, gluey kind of boy, really enjoyed the notebook!  As it is spring, we started with the Plant section.  His first activity was an experiment in which you take celery (though a carnation flower works better), place it in colored water, and observe.  He enjoyed this.  BUT next came one of those cutting and glueing projects.  He rolled his eyes when he saw he had to color and cut out parts of a flower.  BUT he had fun doing it!  AND, to my surprise, as soon as his father got home, he grabbed his notebook and proceeded to show his dad the page- AND to explain all about the flower's parts and how it reproduces!  Other activities he enjoyed were collecting flowers and identifying their petal and leaf types.  

I think this is a wonderful program!!  I will continue using it alongside my other science program.  I know we will enjoy working on it through the summer!

I have to say- my son did not care for the song CD that accompanied the set.  I think it would help to have the songs song by a voice more kid friendly.  The tunes and words were good- my son just did not like the more "operatic" type voice of the female singer.

Eagle's Wings produces other products as well.  Alphabet Island for phonics, Bible history, Kinder-Math, and more.  

Please check out their website

Want to read more reviews of this product?  Check them out HERE

I was given a free Teacher's Manual, Student Notebook, and song CD in exchange for my truthful review.  I was given no other form of compensation. 

Review- Institute for Excellence in Writing

I have longed for this writing program for several years now, wondering if it was truly as excellent as its name claims- and as I have heard many others describe it.   I was ecstatic to be able to review this company and product!  I can now tell you without a doubt that Institute for Excellence in Writing is an outstanding company, producing fantastic products, teaching writing in a pain free and logical way.

I reviewed the Student Writing Intensive Level C, geared for grades 9-12, with my two oldest children, ages 13 and 12, for several months.

To keep this review as brief as possible, I will refer you to the following links if you would like to learn more about the company and its founder,  Andrew Pudewa.

WHAT I RECEIVED:

• 3 Ring Student Writing Intensive Notebook- Containing sturdy labeled tabs, check lists, structured models, stylistic techniques worksheets, adverb help sheet, etc.  
• Structure Style and Overview Disk- overview of the program.
• 4 DVD's-  Andrew Pudewa teaching directly to students.  These lessons were taped over a single week, but parents are encouraged to go at a more leisurely pace with added practice. 
• Portable Wall-  A heavy card stock, tri-fold folder with pocket.  It is a helpful privacy wall/folder that is covered in reminders, tips, "-ly" adverbs, prepositions, synonyms, outline & story sequence reminders, and more. 

Upon opening the notebook and student packet, you find "Easy Start Instructions".   They are EASY.  It tells you exactly how to set up the student notebook- where everything goes.  Most of the papers are handed out as you do each lesson, but several are placed into the notebook at the beginning, such as the tabs and some techniques pages.  Once you have read the two pages of Teacher's Instructions for Using the Student Writing Intensive Level C- you are ready to begin!

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:


"The Student Writing Intensive was produced to give parents and teachers a jump-start for teaching writing to their students by providing direct instruction for students or model lessons for teachers."  It provides all handouts and supplementary material you will need to teach your students to write paragraphs, stories, reports, and essays all with added style.  You can choose to use the writing material provided within the student packet, or have your students write based on material they are studying from in other subjects such as science, Bible, and history.

1. The teacher reads through the Teacher's Instructions before each lesson.  This tells exactly what part of the DVD's to watch.  
2. Once a week (or every other week if you prefer)  students and teacher watch the appropriate lesson.  These are anywhere from 25 minutes up to an hour- give or take.  The DVD's show Andrew Pudewa teaching and working with a group of students at a seminar, which was filmed over the course of a week.  The teacher's pages contain the important items Andrew covers and writes on his whiteboard during instruction.
3. Write. Students are given a writing assignment so they can apply what was just taught.  The rest of the week (or weeks if you choose to take longer) the student spends writing.  EVERY writing assignment has a CHECKLIST so the student knows exactly what is expected of him.  There is no question or confusion.  The checklists have a space to assign due dates as well.  These checklists are a key component to the writing program and make the student secure in what they are writing.  They can be used for ANY subject the student is studying.  

The Student Writing Intensive is based on the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style seminar, which is Andrew speaking directly to parents, explaining the process, as well as the whys, hows, and reasons behind the instruction given.  You can use the Student Writing Intensive alone, but the TWSS seminar is a great benefit.  You can also use the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style seminar alone, but you will have to come up with all your own writing assignments.  It depends on what type of teacher you are, and how much time you have.

The best thing about this program is that it can be used year after year for each of your children!  Once you learn the Units- there are nine in all- Key-Word Outlines & Summarizing from Notes, Story Sequence, Summarizing a Single Reference, Writing from Pictures, Summarizing Multiple References, Creative Writing, Essay, and Critique- and how the program works, you can implement it yearly.  Simply adapt and use more difficult source material as your child ages.

WHAT WE THOUGHT:


We completely love this program!  It is perfect for those who struggle with writing or just don't enjoy it, as well as those (like my daughter) who adore writing!  It is flexible, adaptable, logical, understandable, freeing, and excellent.  This is now our writing program.  I only have one small complaint.  It would be nice to have a teacher copy of each paragraph or story.  Currently the students each receive their handout (we purchased an extra student notebook for my second child), but unless the teacher makes a copy for herself, she has to look over the shoulder of her student to follow along when reading a supplied story or paragraph aloud.  Not too much of a complaint for such a great program.

This program takes the frustration out of writing.  It supplies your child with WHAT to write.  A model to write from.  This allows your child to focus on the actual writing.

There is so much more I could say about this program- there is so much to cover.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.  I encourage you to browse through their website.  There you will find much information, including articles and newsletters that will help you understand the philosophy and program better.   You can also view many videos pertaining to individual products.

Student Writing Intensive Level C is $99  and well worth the price.  This can be used for many years with all your high school aged children.  You may photocopy all pages for multiple children within your family, or purchase a separate Student Notebook for each child for $18.

The Portable Wall can be seen and purchased here for $7.

Institute for Excellence in Writing offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied!!  


If you are interested in reading more reviews of this writing program, please visit HERE

I was given a free Student Writing Intensive Level C set to use and review in exchange for my honest opinion.  I was compensated in no other way. 

Get Fit with GoTrybe!

GoTrybe is an online fitness program that gets you moving, teaches about nutrition, and connects you with other fitness minded friends.  You simply sign up, create your avatar, and get moving.

"GoTrybe wants to be an inspiring force in the fight to get children and teens active while combating childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes."

GoTrybe has three Trybes in which to sign up your child:

1. ZooDoos- up to 5th grade
2. Trybe 180- 6th-9th grade
3. Nextrybe- 10th-12th Grade

HOW DO THEY DO THIS:

• Active-Screen-Time™, which is all about getting children and teens on the move using technology
• A team of designers and developers, project manager, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, physical education teachers and marketing specialists
• Foundational exercise programs developed by Olympic trainers
• Comprehensive online fitness videos led by exercise professionals
• Cool, current and relevant health, fitness, nutrition and wellness information
• Customization and personalization of the site with "my page," and avatars
• Prize Rewards. GoTrybe's point system rewards Trybers for completing daily exercise routines and working through the question-and-answer segments of the new and changing health information. These points can then be redeemed for enhanced online rewards such as avatar upgrades
• Socialization with friends through the buddy list, "Shout out" messaging and forum features, and competition through the Trybal leader board
• A Trybal Elders blog that invites parents, educators, influencers to share up-to-date information and trends in fitness and health

GoTrybe was started in 2005 by two friends- one a lawyer, one a health research scientist.  Read the interesting story HERE

WHAT I THINK:


I signed up my 13 year old daughter and 12 year old son.  Sign up was easy to do, and you can get started immediately.
My daughter LOVED this program!!  She jumped right in, threw on her exercise clothes, and began working out.   Here is what you do:

• Log In
• Go to Fitness
• WARM UP - browse through the MANY warm up videos- they include length of time & description.  Click on a warm up.
• CARDIO - browse through the MANY videos containing cardio.  Hover your mouse over to find time, body parts worked, description.  You can chose up to 3 cardio videos depending on how long you want your workout to be.
• STRENGTH - browse through the MANY videos and chose one strength video- again info is provided for each video.
• FLEXIBILITY -  browse through the MANY videos and chose one for stretching to finish your workout.
• ENJOY your workout!  Burn calories, build muscle, and feel great!!

GoTrybe also has tabs for Nutrition, Motivation, and Wellness.  Nutrition gives you information to read with questions to answer.  Motivation is usually a video by one of their fitness experts giving you some motivational advice and tips to get you moving in the right direction.  Wellness is also a fact or tip about being healthy.  After watching each of these videos, or doing a workout,  the student will be given points. She can use these points to purchase clothes and other items for their individual avatar.

As I said, my daughter absolutely loves this program!  She takes the computer to her bedroom and does her workouts there.  My son is active and prefers to be outdoors- so though he thought the workouts were well done, he would rather be outside.

I think this program is terrific- especially for those kids who love being on the computer.  They get to be on the computer, use points for purchases, and there is also a social aspect of GoTrybe where they can make friends and communicate if they or the parent so chooses.  It is a great way to get kids active!

GoTrybe offers a free trial membership to see what you think of the program.  Should you decide to continue the program, you pay $19.95 for a yearly membership (regularly $39.95).

I urge you to check this program out!!  Use the free trial and see if your student/s would enjoy it.  I really believe the price is terrific for one whole year!  It is fun, affordable, and easy!!

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions Page to find out more!

Read more reviews HERE

I was given a free trial membership for my children to use and review this program honestly.  I was given no other compensation.

Monki See, Monki Doo!

"Monki See  is a fun and entertaining collection of baby DVD's that expose babies to upbeat music, original poetry, lovable puppets, and real world images."  The Monki See series teaches body parts, colors, shapes, and more.  Help your child learn necessary preschool skills with Monki See!  Concepts are introduced in a playful and entertaining way, and your child will enjoy their monkey guides- Howie and Skip!  

I received the Monki See Baby's First Words DVD to watch and review with my three year old.  

Baby's First Words is geared for ages 3 months to 2 years, though I watched it with my 3 year old.  

The video is 30 minutes long and teaches 40 words, including body parts and other familiar words such as:  stroller, bottle, pacifier, mommy, daddy, books, reading, bath, puppets, and more.  

There is a 40 word slide show at the end of the video featuring all the words introduced throughout the video.  

The video features original poems and upbeat (but not rocky) music.  Children will be exposed to the written word, poetry, music, a variety of voices,  and many real world images of familiar things.  They will see toys move in silly ways, children playing with their favorite toys and friends, children reading books, families outside at play, and funny, adorable puppets.   Their favorite Monkeys, Howie and Skip, will entertain them occasionally.   As your child is learning, older monkey brother Howie will be teaching younger brother Skip.  

When I noticed the age of the video suggested for 3 months -2 years, I wasn't sure how my 3 year old would like this video.  He watched it three times in a row the day I received it!  Now, he was recovering from a sickness, so he was much more inclined to relax and watch, but he does not normally stay still for videos.  He cried when I turned it off!  

He has watched the video many more times for my review period (it was suggested for us to watch the video 5 days a week for 4 weeks at least).  The company claims the videos teach your babies to read.  I disagree with sight/whole word reading.  I believe phonics is the way to teach reading, and have successfully taught my first three children how to read well by the age of five using phonics.  I DO believe that your child will learn to memorize these 40 words and most likely be able to say them.  Due to the fact that my child is three, he was saying most of these words already.  So while I believe the videos have learning value, I just would not call it reading.  

Video sells for $19.95, runs 30 minutes, Full screen

I also received the book Know Your Monkey.  Know Your Monkey is a short rhyming story that teaches your child to identify body parts on their favorite monkeys while learning about their own bodies.  The book includes  several pages containing only large words in order to draw the child's attention to the written word.  Each full color illustration also includes labels of words read on previous pages.  

The book is 24 pages, teaching 29 words.  It is geared for ages 0-3 years, and uses rhyme to teach body parts, allowing the child to interact with the story as they copy the monkeys Howie and Skip.  

Book is listed for $11.95 and sells for $9.95

I think the video and book are both very cute and nicely made.  As I said, my three year old enjoyed watching them.  And though I don't like the overuse of video entertainment for children, most of us use them from time to time.  I think it is a great tool for exposing children to more words and encouraging speech. 

The videos and books are produced by Intellectual Baby, LLC.  

You can see a sample video clip HERE

You can see a book sample HERE

Be sure to check out the website for more videos, flashcards, and reading sets.  

Also, be sure to check HERE for more reviews of Monki See!

I was given a free copy of Monkey See Baby's First Words as well as Know Your Monkey to use and review with my family.  I was compensated in no other way.  

See the Light!

Please feel free to watch this trailer on the See the Light drawing program- then read my review.


Art Class Promo-hs from Kip Perry on Vimeo.

See the Light is a Biblically based drawing program that is geared for early elementary children through upper middle grades.  It is taught by Master Artist Pat Knepley who received her degree in Art Education from Penn State.

I was given a free copy of the first four lessons of Art Class to review and use with my family.  Art Class  is a 9 volume DVD series containing 36 tutoring lessons.  Each lesson runs about 15 minutes and incorporates Scripture into the lesson.  The series requires very minimal supplies that are easy to obtain.

Pat is extremely likable and appealing to younger children.  In fact, even if your child is too young to really learn from the drawing lesson, he would still eagerly watch!  She is that engaging!
I personally think the lessons are geared for children about 11 and under.  Older children, though they might learn from the DVD's, might find the teaching style to childish for them.

I also felt the lessons were a bit too short- which is great for younger children 5, 6, 7, or 8.  But my 12 and 13 year old felt the lessons were way too short for them.  They were also quite simple for my two older children, but just perfect for my 7 year old.  I cannot speak for the later DVD's, as again, I reviewed only the first DVD of four lessons.  I would imagine they are more complicated and detailed.

I thought this DVD was extremely well done!  Pat is a tremendous teacher- I wish my kids could have her teach in person.  She is animated and natural at what she does.  Her love of what she is doing is very evident.  I also appreciated the natural way she incorporated Scripture into the lessons.

If you are looking for an art class for your children or students, I encourage you to check out their beautiful website.

The Art Class DVD set sells for $99.99
You can view the first three lessons free
Also available is an online subscription program for $10.00 per month.  Each month 4 new lessons will be released to you.  You will still be able to view previously released lessons.  The cost for the subscription would amount to $90.00.  


See the See the Light store for other available art DVD's and art supplies.


Please see HERE for more reviews of this product.
I was given a free copy of Art Class DVD lessons 1-4 in exchange for my truthful review. 

Choose Life!

COMPANY:  Growing Healthy Homes
PRODUCT:  Hardcover Book
PRICE:  $99.95
AGES:  Elementary-High School








Nutrition 101: Choose Life!  is a Biblically based nutrition and health curriculum that includes hands on activities, science and art, close to 80 recipes, AND is geared for all ages!  I was give an electronic copy of the book to read, use, and review with my family.

FACTS ABOUT THE BOOK:

• 448 pages
• Beautiful full color photos!
• Co-authored by four women experienced in their field
• 6 Units

UNITS:

1. The Brain and Nervous System
2. Digestion and Elimination
3. Respiration and Olfactory
4. Muscular and Skeletal Systems
5. CardioVascular and Immune System
6. Endocrine System and Emotions

We are currently in Unit 2, chapter 1, Digestion, so I will share a bit of this chapter with you.
First, I want to point out the beautiful, full color photos in this book!  They are simply gorgeous!

These photos are taken from my computer screen

Just a few of the topics we covered in this chapter:  components of the digestive system, tongue, teeth, glands, esophagus, stomach, acid, heartburn, small and large intestines in detail, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, colon, and MUCH more.  These topics and more are covered in excellent detail- many with charts, diagrams, and photos.  This is excellent for the visual learner!  

Following each chapter are suggested activities geared for Elementary as well as Older children.  You are free to pick and choose from several suggested ideas.  There are recipes, art projects, scientific projects, hands on activities.  

One activity we preformed during the chapter on digestion was to cut a string to 30" (the length of the alimentary canal) to visually SEE just how long it is.  

My daughter measures while little brother looks on

This book is an amazing resource for any student and family!  Though it covers material in quite extensive detail, it is easy to read with most ages.  It is also a great spine to branch off from and continue further study in as much detail as one wishes.  This book has really inspired my children to research more on their own.  I LOVE how the book challenges the students to think about what they are eating and how they are taking care of their bodies.  It is harder to eat junk food once you have covered several chapters from this book!

I personally have not seen the book in physical form.  I know the photos are beautiful!  The price does seem a bit steep.  But when you realize this is covering so many topics, and is geared for so many ages- it makes it a great value!  It truly is a text the whole family can learn from and enjoy together.  My 3 year old enjoyed looking at the computer with us as we read, and he enjoyed participating in our projects.  

This book is a three in one nutrition and health program for all ages!  You will discover the major body systems, how they function, their common health issues, the benefits of good food, and the consequences of the bad.  

Read an excerpt of the book HERE

Use the code TOScrew11 right now to receive 15% off your order!!

Please see the Growing Healthy Homes Store for other products.  

** This book is also available in CD-ROM form for $79.95 or a Book and CD-ROM combo for $129.95 

The CD-ROM is helpful for printing recipes, shopping lists, and printing pages to be used for several students.  

Want to see more reviews of this product?  You can do that HERE

I was given a free download of Nutrition 101: Choose Life! to use with my family in exchange for my truthful review.  I was given no other compensation.  

GoGo KaBonGo!

GoGo KaBonGo is an online learning game, for kids ages 4-7, that develops cognitive skills  necessary for reading.  Your child will develop skills such as:

• Attention and focus
• Memory Skills
• Processing
• Planning 
• Visualization
• Comprehension

* Read more about the cognitive approach to reading HERE

Your child can explore three different habitats- Laughter Lake, Twister Top, and Galaxy Gardens, each containing three games with six different levels.  Learn more about the habitats and games HERE.
You can build your own skate park, solve exciting quests, make your own comic book, decorate a tree house, and more.

You will meet characters such as Duffy
Who is the main host of the site.  Meet the other characters HERE

GoGo KaBanGo even provides a learning skills chart so you can see what skills your child will be developing with each game they play.

Your child can play FREE today, with access to Laughter Lake!  You can chose to expand your game playing by adding two more habitats for $4.95 each.  That is a really excellent price!  At the time of this post they are offering Galaxy Gardens habitat for FREE!

See This Page for frequently asked questions.

My son Andrew, who is 7,  greatly enjoyed playing GoGo KaBonGo for this review!  His favorite activity was building his skate park and receiving his rewards for the many games.  (Your child will receive many rewards for play- he will be able to choose from several choices).

I am not able to determine how well the games teach reading readiness skills, as my son is already an excellent reader.  I do believe it would be a great learning source for younger children and older children who are not yet excelling at reading.

What I really think is a neat aspect of the site is they send you a weekly email showing your child's activity on the site, skills being practiced, and what level the child has reached for each game.
Here is a generic online sample from their site

Here is a sample sent for my son:

Hi There Parent,WOW! AndrewT is having a great time playing and learning on GoGo Kabongo. Here's a summary of what your child has been doing this week: Your Child's Progress Game Level Skill 4 Verbal Rehearsal: Talking through a problem is one way young readers maintain focus and make sense of more complex ideas. 3 Sound/Letter Identification: The first step in learning to read is beginning to associate a particular sound or group of sounds with a particular letter. 4 Spatial Awareness: Being able to visually determine the placement of objects in space helps readers begin to identify sight words and particular letter groups as representing certain sounds. Kabongo's Learning Activity of the Week Extend the fun and learning with this activity you can do at home. Spongey Fun Cut shapes out of sponges or purchase precut sponge shapes. These make great bath toys: they stick to the wall of the bathtub, and there are tons of things you can do with sponge shapes in the bath. You could have your child make patterns with the shapes, sort the shapes by size or color, or have them think of other objects that are the same shape. It’s good clean fun, and a great way to practice categorization and simultaneous processing too! For more helpful advice check out https://www.kabongo.com/parents/parent-resources Did you know?

I encourage you to check out Kabongo's site and see if it would be a good choice for your child. Feel free to read many more reviews of this site HERE My child was given free access to the entire GoGo KaBonGo site in exchange for my truthful review.

Zeezok~ Your Guide to the Movies

Product:  Johnny Tremain z-guide to the movies e-book
Company:  Zeezok Publishing
Cost:  $12.99
Targeted Age:  Middle School/Jr. High
To be used alongside Disney's Johnny Tremain


TOPICS COVERED:

• Events leading up to the American Revolution
• Dealing with false accusations
• Handling personal disappointment
• Self-Sacrifice for the good of the nation

Zeezok movie guides are to be used concurrently with videos to increase their educational value.  They provide a terrific service to parents and teachers wishing to add videos to their program.

I reviewed the Johnny Tremain z-guide which contains 36 pages (36 pages!!) of worksheets, questions, puzzles, coloring sheets, first account speeches, historical facts, activities, material for memorization, and much more!

Below is the List of Contents

Please click to see larger image

The worksheets in the guide are well done and varied.  The questions contain multiple choice, essay, worldview, as well as true/false and matching.

Here is a sample:

Click to enlarge      

                          

 My children watched the movie of Johnny Tremain while answering their first activity worksheet.  Every once in a while they would pause to fill in blanks, but for the most part they were able to fill in as they watched.   They really enjoyed doing this.  Some of these questions were fictional from the movie- others were historical facts.  

Over the next few days we did several more Activity Sheets.  Many of these require the students to access the internet or other text sources, which my kids thoroughly enjoyed as they like using the computer.  

We really enjoyed using this e-guide and I plan to purchase some in the future. This is an easy way to immerse your students in the time period you are studying.  The movie serves as a spring board to various events and topics during this time period.   Zeezok offers many movie guides, as well as activity guides for composers, history, literature, and more.  

Please check out the Zeezok website for this product and many more educational resources. 

And be sure to check HERE for more reviews on other products of this company.

I was given a free Johnny Tremain e-guide in exchange for my truthful review.  I was compensated in no other way.

Keeping Latin Alive!

Publisher:  Classical Academic Press  

• $24.95 Student Text
• $29.95 Teacher's Edition
• $139.95 Latin Alive Bundle

Ages:  Jr. High- High School


I have been teaching my older two children Latin for the past five years.  Why teach Latin?  Many consider Latin to be a dead language- but indeed it is not.

• Latin teaches English:  Over half of our English words (the most difficult ones) come from Latin.  Learn those Latin roots and you can decipher so many more English words.  
• Latin teaches grammar better than English (or other languages for that matter).  
• Latin prepares the student to study Romance languages like Spanish, Italian, French...  these languages derive about 90% of their words from Latin.  
• Latin, like mathematics and music, teaches order and forms habits of the mind.  It trains the student to pay attention to detail.  Thought processes are complex.
• The study of Latin is also a study of history- our history.  One cannot study Latin without exploring classical history (which is crucial for understanding our own).  
• Students will be exposed to and have a better understanding for cultural literacy.  
• So many more reasons...

My family had the opportunity to set aside the Latin program we have been using to use and review Latin Alive! by Classical Academic Press.  What an amazing program!
I received the Teacher's Edition, Student Text, and DVD/ CD Set taught by Karen Moore.

TEACHER'S EDITION & STUDENT TEXT:

• 322 pages
• 7 Units, 29 Chapters
• Preface & Teacher Intro:  Walk through and explanation of each section of the chapters. Tips and ideas of how to teach each section.  Extremely helpful.
• Each chapter contains:  Great Seals or mottos containing Latin, Oral Practice, Written practice- reproducible worksheets included, Parsing and Labeling Sentences, Latin Passages-  Most chapters include a Latin reading.  Students will begin translating passages from Latin.  These passages are inspired by Livy's history text,  Reading Aides & Comprehension Questions, Unit Reviews, Assessments- 7 unit tests, Supplemental Lessons- authors include projects they have used personally in the classroom.  Answers to student exercises.
• Teacher's Edition contains Student Text with the above mentioned items.  
• Reference-  The Teacher's Edition contains a Reference section listing helpful charts for vocabulary, declension charts, pronoun charts, tenses, etc.  Helpful to have these charts all in one location.  
• See Chapter Samples

DVD/CD:


The DVD shows the author, Karen Moore, in front of a book shelf teaching the material.  To her left is a white board that is only in view when she is presenting written material.

My children and I enjoy listening to Karen.  She is an excellent teacher and it is obvious she has a great love and knowledge for her subject matter.  We do not normally enjoy watching teachers via the computer- many have annoying habits or come across flat.  Karen is not annoying, teaches at a moderate pace with some pauses, and is exciting.  I would absolutely purchase these DVD's.  They made learning so much more fun and being able to fast forward and pause are wonderful options.

The CD contains a male voice reading the chapter readings in Classical Latin.  He has great voice quality and we completely enjoyed listening to these CD's.

WHAT I THINK:


This is a tremendous program!  I plan to continue using it along with the text we have already been using, as my children are halfway through that text.  I will purchase Latin Alive 2 for next year.  I can't say enough about the videos- they really make learning much easier.  I watch the video, with text and notebook in my lap, almost every night when my children go to bed.  It has excited us even more about our Latin studies.
HERE you can see a sample video, samples of the texts, as well as several articles and a link to the author's blog.

A great benefit of this program is the ability to contact the author and have questions answered through a yahoo group.  I truly believe this program is worth the affordable price!  Check it out!!


Classical Academic Press also publishes Latin for Children and texts for Spanish, Greek, and French, logic, Bible and more.

Check out many more reviews of this product HERE

I was given the teacher's edition of Latin Alive, student text, and DVD/CD set in exchange for my truthful review.  I received no other compensation.  

Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him?

Publisher:  Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.
Cost:  $39.00
Audience:  Target ages 6-14

Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him? is the first volume in a soon to be IV volume series.  Volume III will be released this year and volume IV in 2012.


I will start my review with the Physical Appearance and Layout of the book:

• Hardback and extremely sturdy 
• Beautiful full color photos and drawings throughout
• 251 pgs. 
• Written to the student- can be read as a family or by the student alone
• How To Use Section- gives ideas on how to use, note booking ideas- including several formatted note booking pages online.
• See the Table of Contents

As you read through the book, each chapter will contain:

• The Big Idea-  Introduction to the new topic & a brief review of what has already been learned.
• What You Will Do-  Lesson Objectives
• Short Story-  A short story that reinforces the lesson being taught in a "real life" setting.  These are often carried through several lessons.
• Think About It-  Thought provoking questions pertaining to lessons learned from the story.
• Words To Know-  Vocabulary to write into student notebooks
• Hide It in Your Heart-  Bible Memory 
• Integrated Learning-  Ties the lesson concepts with other subjects such as science, art, math, history.
• What Should I Do?-  Highlights a specific character trait and applies it to the child's life.
• Prayer-  Each lesson ends with a prayer that draws child's attention to specific attributes of God.  Prayers may be adapted to use as a family.
• Worldview Study-  Introduces the child to the idea of worldview and how people perceive the world around them based on their beliefs.   This section leads the child to understand WHY he believes what he believes.  
• House of Truth-   An optional hands on memory aid.  This is a model kit that students can construct one step at a time as new concepts are learned.  As they build the foundation, walls, and roof of the house- they see a concrete picture of their life in God's kingdom.  For this volume they will complete the foundation and one wall.  
• Lesson Plans-  Daily suggestions are given for completing each lesson within two weeks. There are 10 lessons.
• See a Sample Lesson

"Christians are faced with at least two critical questions:  'How do we know what is true?' and 'How must we live our lives in relation to the truth we come to know?'  This curriculum is designed to address questions like these."  


"It is based on the biblical Christian worldview, which affirms that truth is absolute and knowable through the revelation of God."

What I Thought:

• Beautifully made book- very professionally done- though a bit too large for holding and reading.
• Incorporates many unique and interesting pieces of information and weaves them into the lessons.
• Very well thought out
• Age spread seems too stretched-  my 12 and 13 year old children felt some of the stories were written for younger children- though my 7 yr. old enjoyed them.  I can't imagine a 14 year old really enjoying the Short Stories so much.
• The book contains many separate boxes and categories on most pages. Can be distracting to some.
• Some sweeping statements (my pet peeve here).  Example:  For avoiding sin:  "Then do as Jesus did and quote scripture to Satan.  He will have no choice but to run away."  
• Overall I love the ideas and topics in this book.  I do think it seems somewhat artificial to teach worldview through a text book.  
• I definitely think this hardcover text is worth the price.  You will want the four volume set to last for many years. 

Also available to supplement this text:  Audio MP3 CD- $15.00, Notebooking Journal- $24.00, Coloring Book- $8.00

Apologia is a great source for Christian science curriculum from elementary through high school, as well as resource texts and online courses.  

* Minor points of doctrinal difference have been avoided to focus on larger issues that make up our faith.
* Apologia Website contains many resources to use with the text.  You will be given an access password upon purchase of the book.


I was given a free copy of:  Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him?  in exchange for my truthful review.  I received no other compensation. 


Would you like to read many more reviews about this text?  Go HERE

The Life of Christ~ Positive Action for Christ Review

Product: The Life of Christ- From the Gospel of John
Company:  Positive Action for Christ
Cost:  Student Manual- $17.95
           Teacher Manual- $41.95
           Teacher Manual on DVD- $29.95
Age:  Middle School- High School

When I was given The Life of Christ to use and review with my children I was grateful, as I have previously used and enjoyed other materials from Positive Action for Christ.  I used some of their texts as a student in my private high school, and my husband has used them as a Bible teacher in  Christian school.  We have always been impressed with their products.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

• Both the student text and teacher's manual are beautifully made- sturdy, perfectly bound, visually appealing
• Student text has beautiful drawings and full color maps and illustrations

TEACHER'S MANUAL:

•  Heavy duty three ring notebook with beautiful cover
• Tabs separating tests, quizzes, and appendix
• Foreward:  Overview, student work, tips, schedule, memory program
• Contents and Recommended Reading Lists 
• Lessons:  Complete student text with included answers to student work, added teacher's notes, lesson objectives, questions, charts
• CD with transparencies
• 390 pages
• 35 Lessons- average one per week

STUDENT TEXT:

• Beautifully bound, antiqued look cover and pages
• Reading material and homework to be completed in advance
• Added student research for each lesson
• Full color charts, photos, illustrations
• Workbook spaces for students to answer questions
• Digging Deeper questions at the end of each chapter- optional
• 277 pgs.

WHAT I THINK:
This study is amazing!  It is difficult to find a Bible program that is truly an in-depth study that brings together devotion, deep research, and personal application.  This study does all three- and much more.  We will continue this study for the remainder of the school year and I HIGHLY suggest you look into the other programs from Positive Action for Christ!  My children, ages 12 and 13, have highly enjoyed using this text and have learned so much.  This could be used as a private devotional (with some parental discussion involved) or as a Bible study for church or small groups.

Positive Action for Christ has products available from Kindergarten through high school, as well as church curriculum.
Currently I am eyeing Wise Up- Wisdom in Proverbs to use as a family devotional book during the summer months.

Want to read more reviews of this product and company?  Check them out HERE


I received Life of Christ student & teacher's manual free in exchange for my truthful review.

Virtual Nerd- Math & Science Tutorial

Virtual Nerd is a terrific, online tutorial program for math and science.  

See Virtual Nerd for a 2 minute Introductory Video- then come back here for my review...

SOME FACTS:

• Virtual Nerd currently offers Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Intro to Physics
• Suggested for grades 7-12
• Started in 2008 by Leo Shmuylovich (tutor with 10 yrs. experience) and Josh Salcman (accomplished product designer) Read about them HERE
• Won 2010 Parent Tested Parent Approved award based on availability, functionality, value and appeal. 
• Coming soon:  Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Physics w/ Trig, Chemistry, Biology 
• Algebra I has 450 tutorials for over 18 hours of video viewing and over 15,000 step by step graphics
• Subscription cost:  1 Month = $49.00  (multiple month plans available)

Virtual Nerd makes use of a dynamic white board and a live teacher.  My daughter (13 yrs. old taking Algebra I) and I were the two in our home who reviewed this product.  We were both highly impressed!  The female teacher is very clear, easy to understand, and has a pleasant speaking manner.  She had no distracting elements about her presentations.  We both enjoyed listening to her.  (We also watched several with a male teacher and he was excellent as well).

The program is simple to use.  You simply click on the subject link  you would like- ours was Algebra I.  You will then be given topic choices- each click you make narrows your choice down to YOUR specific question.  

CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE

Enter for Keyword Search or look through topics listed

You will be taken to a list of videos covering your desired topic

Click on details to see what topics are covered in the video- just to be sure

Click Play and watch the video

Here you can see the tutor teaching the chosen topic

You see the diagram/formula- top right

Below diagram you see the steps as she discusses them

Of course, you can pause or rewind as needed.

Once your video is over you are given suggestions for further videos to review.  

A wonderful feature of the program is the addition of Textbook Search Capabilities.  For Algebra I they currently work with Prentice Hall Algebra I, Holt Algebra I, and Glencol Algebra I.  

I think Virtual Nerd is a unique and exceptional tutorial program!  The site is easy to navigate and the tutorial videos are superb.  I will be looking to use Virtual Nerd next year as my daughter begins 9th grade. 

See the site for Frequently Asked Questions  

Check out the Free Basic Plan or the $49.00 Premium Plan 
Day Pass-   $5.00
Week Pass- $19.00
FREE  2 hour trial
Sign up  HERE

And be sure to check out more reviews of Virtual Nerd from The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew

I was given free access to Virtual Nerd's Premium Plan for several weeks in exchange for my truthful review.