Joyfully at Home: Chapter One

Guest Post

My daughter, Dana, age 11, began reading Joyfully at Home, today and is going to give her thoughts on each chapter as she goes along.  So, here is what she thought about Chapter 1:

This book is encouraging to me. It tells what you need to know to live a life for the Lord and to respect your father and mother. I learned that God made you for a reason and wants you to glorify Him in every way. I also learned that just because I am older now, that does not mean that I should not honor my father and mother. I hope you enjoy that book if you read it.

Teaching Art

You don't have to love art, have a degree in art or even know what you're doing to teach art for your children.  This is a great resource to help you out with the techinal issues of teaching art up to 6th grade.  We have children ages 4-11 and all participate and do well with this. 

 The lesson I'm including in this post is on form.  The children were to use clay (we used homemade play-doh) to make solid forms ( and meanwhile, learn their names).  So, here we have our handshaped pyramids, cubes, spheres and boxes.

 Another wonderful thing about this resource is that it gives you wonderful color pictures of what the end product should look like (in case yours should fail). 

 And, on this rainy day, this activity lead into other "creative" play-doh play, like the beheaded gingerbread man you see below.  Free time to create is just as important as guided time, in my opinion. 

So, if art is an area you struggle in, this resource makes it very easy  and you feel like you actually "taught" art :).

TOS Review: Download 'N' Go: Mother's Day

WHAT?

The Mother's Day Download 'n' Go  is a unit study created by Amanda Bennett in e-book format. It is very simple to use; the only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: What Is Mother's Day

Day 2: The History of Mother's Day

Day 3: Celebrating Mother's Day

Day 4: Preparations for Mother's Day

Day 5: Goodies for Mother's Day

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4.   Our family lives in a small town and our library has limited titles.  So, I did not bother to try to find specific titles from the recommended reading.  We just used the unit as it was written. I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book. I only print out the activity pages. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.

I'm the Mom -and Mother's Day surprised me!  The unit includes studies across all the subject areas and was very easy to use.  The entire e-book is beautiful and if you enjoy lapbooking, this would make a beautiful keepsake lapbook. We particularly enjoyed learning the history of Mother's Day.  My children's favorite part of the study was learning about Mother's Day around the world.  They were particularly interested in Scotland's traditions. 

After having done the study, we decided that we would make Mother's Day cards for others we could think of who would be blessed by them.  We made one for my great aunt who is in a nursing home, a family member who has had miscarriages but no living children, as well as our own mothers and grandmothers. 

We tried our best to make our "antique" Mother's Day cards look like the ones we saw in the study, but they were just far beyond what we could produce.  We used oil pastels to try it:

If you are interested in seeing what others think of the unit, click here to take the blog tour.
Happy Mother's Day to you all!!
 


I have been provided one free copy of the Mother's Day  Download 'N' Go to review in exchange for my honest opinion on the product.

Amanda Bennett Unit Study Review: Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go

WHAT?
Magnificent Moon is a unit study created by Amanda Bennett in e-book format. It is very simple to use; the only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: What Exactly Is a Moon?

Day 2: Getting to Know the Moon

Day 3: The Story of the Moon

Day 4: Science Secrets of the Moon

Day 5: Cool Things About the Moon

WHO?

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4. Although it is recommended for K-4, I found that my 5th grader did quite well with the study presenting it as-is.

HOW?
We went at this with just the unit provided. We live in a small town with a limited library. We still  learned plenty  just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras. It was more than enough! I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras. Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. There is always debate on who get to do the scrolling and who gets to read all the cool information.  Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book. I only print out the activity pages. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.


THE VERDICT



Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon  is a much deeper study than I expected. This study could have easily lasted my family two weeks, had we done every single activity. We had some previous experience with another unit on moons and astronomy. But I felt that the information presented in Magnificent Moon was still quite challenging for my 5th grader.  This study brought some things more to life for them, seeing it presented through some of the links provided.  I have always enjoyed watching the shuttles lift off, land and followed their journeys.  So, I was able to share my thoughts and memories on watching space exploration through my lifetime.    We ended our study with our version of a moon cake. 

I appreciated that this is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely. I did feel that some of the information was over the head of a Kindergartener and on some days, my First grader; but a basic introduction is sufficient for that age anyway.  There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement. Download 'N' Go studies make it effortless to teach on so many topics and feel confident that they are learning.

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents, click here and see what they think of Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon.

Also, check out these other value priced studies from Amanda Bennett:

The Cabin Fever Fun Pack, which includes Magnificent Moon, Winter Wonders, Expedition Canada, and Popcorn is currently on sale, and will be through 1/31/11 for $20 (regularly $28).

Also, stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway contest! The contest will run from 1/24-28/11, with the drawing at 9pm on 1/28. We will be giving away 2 standard Moon Maps from National Geographic, valued at $16.99 each


I have been provided one free copy of the Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go to review in exchange for my honest opinion on the product.

Molly’s Money Saving Digest - November

    
The November, 2010 issue of Molly's Money Saving Digest, was just in time to get my wheels turning about the important things of the holiday season. I am already in thinking and planning mode so that my family has a rich holiday season. Many of the articles and helpful hints had not even crossed my mind yet for this year. But, they are a gentle reminder to me of how to create a festive atmosphere in my home and in my heart.
For my kitchen, there were wonderful recipes, complete with the shopping list to go with them (can you say, timesaver!) If you are new or interested in freezer cooking, there's a dash of that thrown in, too. It isn't all about me, though. I was encouraged with all the information on manners and etiquette for children. Place settings and being a gracious, welcomed guest don't come easy to our little ones. We have to train them in this, too. I do not know if my children will attend a formal dinner party this season, but they can be attend right here at home. Tea time would be a great time to work on this, I think. To invite my family to my table and see their hearts and eyes gleaming with celebratory peace this season.
I am a list person and enjoy organization. Lots of things in this issue called out to me. As many homeschooling mothers would be, the list of important dates to remember this month inspired me to think about potential unit study ideas. And the poem on the first few pages stood out to me as potential copywork and/or memorization exercise right at my fingertips. But, I can't help myself with those types of things, they just come to mind without my giving permission. There is also plenty of organization, decluttering and other ideas that make it so easy to take the lead in creating a masterful celebration of the seasons approaching. I tried my hand at beautifying my table:

(Disclaimer: I inherited none of the interior decorating gene)
Yes, there's financial encouragement and frugal ideas abound. There are plenty of inks and ideas. However, I felt the most value was in turning my heart and hands' work toward my home and those within the walls. It helped me to think of the many things I file away in my "to do" folder in my mind. Molly was a reminder to bring them forth for my family to join in with me to celebrate this time of this year.


I was provided the November 2010 issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest, in exchange for my review.
  

TOS Review: Download 'N' Go: Terrific Tigers Review and Giveaway

WHAT?

Terrific Tigers: The study is in e-book format and very simple to use. The only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: What Is a Tiger?

Day 2: Getting to Know Tigers

Day 3: Where Are the Tigers

Day 4: The Science of Tigers

Day 5: Cool Things About Tigers

WHO?

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4. Although it is recommended for K-4, I found that my 5th grader did quite well with the study presenting it as-is.


HOW?

We went at this with just the unit provided. We live in a small town and a search of the library yielded very limited results for us. We learned so much just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras. It was more than enough! I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras. Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time.  Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book.  I only print out the activity pages.  For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.


THE VERDICT

Download 'N' Go Terrific Tigers is chock full of great stuff on tigers.  The graphics are stunning and the links are captivating--at least to my nature loving sons. The audios included were fantastic!  We played them over and over and were amazed by the facts we learned in this study.   When we measured it out, they were shocked by the true size of these animals, versus what the children imagined that they looked like.  We never had any luck getting a peek at the live webcam of the tigers,  but we were intrigued by all that we learned about  tigers and the Creator of such an impressive animal. 
    I appreciated that this is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely.   There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement.  Download 'N' Go studies make it effortless to inspire my children and feel confident that they are learning.

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents, click here and see what they think of Download 'N' Go Terrific Tigers.

I have been provided one free copy of the Terrific Tigers Download 'N' Go to give away free to one of my readers!! To enter, leave me a comment and provide a contact email so that I can let you know if you're my winner!!!!!



Disclaimer: A copy of this unit study was provided for my use in exchange for an honest review.

TOS Review: Download 'N' Go: Pizza Party Review and Giveaway

WHAT?
Pizza Party:  The study is in e-book format and very simple to use. The only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment.  This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: Pizza—What Is It?

Day 2: The Story of Pizza

Day 3: Types of Pizza

Day 4: The Science of Pizza

Day 5: Let’s Have a Pizza Party
 

 
WHO?
I used this study with my two sons, ages 6 and 8.  Although, it would have been appropriate for even my 5th grader since I learned so much myself!
 
HOW?
Again, we went at this with just the unit provided.  We live in a small town and a search of the library yielded very limited results for us.  We learned so much  just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras.  It was more than enough!  I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras.  Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

THE VERDICT
We are pizza lovers here, in the truest sense.  If pizza hasn't made it onto the menu in the last few weeks, I'll know about it soon!!  Every child here participates on pizza night. We do all ours homemade, so my crew knew exactly what was going on with this one-- some delicious FUN!!! The Download 'N' Go provided all that I needed to inspire more than just my children's taste buds when it comes to all things "pizza"!  The study of Italy was their favorite part, aside from the food, of course.  My children were quite interested in the city of Venice and the famous Italians we studied. As the teacher,it is such a pleasant experience to see your children learning and not have to jump through hoops to make it happen.  It's all right there for you-- outlined, organized, clickable bliss!

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents,  click here and see what they're doing at their own Pizza Party!

This weekend there will be a Pizza Party and you're invited!!!  Saturday and Sunday, Pizza Party will be on sale for just $5!!! 
I have been provided one free copy of  Pizza Party Download 'N' Go to give away free to one of my readers!! To enter, leave me a comment and provide a contact email so that I can let you know if you're my winner!!!!!

Disclaimer: A copy of this unit study was provided for my use in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Training Hearts Teaching Minds

Our family does a family devotional each evening before bed.  We have all the children finished up with needs for the evening so that we can all pay attention.  We are usually all piled up on the couch together and my husband assigns who will be the reader each evening.   Others will be finding Scripture and reading along, but Dad will have told the child the night before if he/she will be the reader for the next night.  They get sooooo excited when it's their turn.  Even the 4 yr old "reads".  We just read it quietly and she follows, repeating aloud. 

This year, along with our academic books, we ordered Training Hearts, Teaching Minds, by Starr Meade, as our family devotional. It is based on the  Shorter Catechism.  I have never been a catechism-y kind of person.  But, this one got rave reviews so I thought I'd try it out.  Each week delves deeper into one question from the Catechism.  The question and answer are stated and each day's devotional message and appropriate Scriptures are divided up into short daily readings.  There are 107 weeks worth of devotions.

As we begin our devotional time, we review the previous questions and answers.  The children love this!  We call on a different child to give the answer to each question.  We are not down to exact wording and they  are doing very well at it.  Then, we go on to complete the day's reading and the Scripture passage(s) given and discuss how they relate and how we can relate it in our lives.  We pray together as a family, as well, before bed.  And Dad tells who will be the Bible reader on the next night. This is not some in depth theological debate time.  It is simply a time that we draw our family close together and share truths of God's Word.  Nothing fancy.

We love this tool!  It makes it almost too easy to get family devotionals started for your family.  I would enthusiastically recommend it.   And for 2 years' worth of devotionals for right around $10, it's quite the bargain as well.  I think the ages of comprehension for our family are closer to the 8 and up range, but we have our younger ones learn to sit in on teaching and hear the Word.  It's good for them--Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ ( Romans 10:17)! 

My Hybrid Spelling Method

As I previously promised, here is more info on my hybrid spelling method. I have heard many, many rave reviews on Spelling Power.  Many curricula include it in their packages or recommended resources.  Assuming it was something that I must have, I purchased it (used, on ebay) last year, along with the task cards.   I have also purchased the corresponding notebooks that go along with the program. I haven't regretted it, but I also haven't used it as it was intended. 

I have tested my children for placement, according to the program guidelines.  Beginning with where the child should begin, I use the word list for the week and enter those words into the  list manager at Spelling City and label each list with the student's grade/week number. (For example, 3rd grade/week1).  The student will go into Spelling City and play a game to learn the words and do the test.  The words the student missed are transferred into the notebook to be used in the 10-step study section and continue on with the instructions from Spelling Power.   This relieves me of having to call out words every day to each child. this process is repeated.  If, by Thursday* the child is still getting the same few words wrong, they will write those words 5 times.  This will be done on the front of that day's 10-step page.   Friday, that will require the child copy the words 10 times.   Hopefully, they will have a perfect test on Saturday.   If they get a perfect test at any point in the week, they are done with Spelling for that week.  They are really working hard to get that as early in the week as possible.  The task cards are barely ever used, as I think my children get plenty of all that they require with other curricula that we use.  But, if you didn't go as deeply into other curricula, they could easily enhance your language arts program!

* We school Tuesday-Saturday, as that is what works with my husbands work schedule so that we have family time with him when he is home.

Writing Strands -- Curriculum Review

Background:
This past school year was our first year using a formal writing composition curriculum. We chose Writing Strands based on suggestions in several articles I had read previously. We began using it in 4th grade for an average writer.

The Product:
Writing Strands is not a grade-specific curriculum. We began in Level 3, the first level recommended for my child's age. From the website: "It is designed to give beginning writers experience in organizing thoughts so that they can be understood easily by others. We have used it successfully even in tenth grade for students needing special help." This is a non consumable resource and can be reused.

My Thoughts
I really liked the conversational style in which this manual is written. You can almost hear the instructor chatting with the child about what the assignment will be and giving examples. Each exercise is broken down into manageable chunks. These were helpful and did not overwhelm the student. There was no feeling of burdening the child with unrealistic expectations. At the same time, I think the exercises were appropriate for a beginning writer with adequate challenge. I was very impressed with the pieces my child produced using this program. I emailed a few of her writings to various friends, family and acquaintances for input and received very good feedback. Most thought the writing was at least average. But many were highly impressed. We are using this program again for the upcoming school year.

While the manual is reusable, I am glad that I purchased the ebook because I can print out each exercise and my child can write on the pages if they so desire. I can just print more for other children later. Not all children do well transferring information from one source to another, so using the original copy is helpful.


Overall Rating: *****

The Flowering Cross - A Book Review

I recently received The Flowering Cross to review for Thomas Nelson’s Booksneeze Program.


Book Description:

The Flowering Cross is a parable for elementary age children, showing how to model Jesus’ love to others.

The story is inspired by the book, Won by Love, which is the story of Norma McCorvey ( Roe v. Wade).

The cover of The Flowering Cross is very appealing to young children.With beautiful illustrations, it captures the attention of children and portrays the loving kindness Jesus feels toward each of us as His children.  But it’s what is inside that is most memorable. This story could be about any of our neighbors, friends or family. The unhesitating hope and  expectancy that exudes from our children is just what the author wants us to enjoy. This is a good, wholesome story of a family who reaches out to love the unlovable and holds out hope, despite Mean Old Jack’s unwillingness and reputation.

Includes a few special features:

*Faith Imprints –conversational concepts with Scripture references on each page help parents share Biblical truths with their children along the way. (Scriptures from International Children’s Bible version)

*Craft instructions-to make after reading the book, or perhaps use to begin a new tradition in your family.

* There is a kit here that has various activities that go along with this book.


My Thoughts:

I would recommend this for elementary aged children, as a part of your family’s Easter or Resurrection observance. The craft at the back of the book is very simple to make. As an alternative, I would substitute the wood with styrofoam to make it simpler for smaller children to construct and help it to “flower.”

The story is both heartwarming and challenging. The model of true service and caring for others, without judgment is encouraging. I appreciated the message that children can be used by God to win others to Christ. In the end, I treasured the inspiring example of a simple faith ~the faith of a child.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review this beautiful book!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review program . Had I paid for this book my thoughts would still be the same. I am disclosing this to be compliant with the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.