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.