Excellence In Education

Featured Today: Portraying Godliness Myself

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:38:00 +0000

It’s easy to give instruction to young women on the do’s and don’t's of life, but how easy is it for the “advice-giver” to follow?

I totally get that as a mother rearing her daughters we want better for them.

At the same time…am I “doing the better”?…

You’ll find me at The Homeschool Village today! Home educator or not, this post deals with the heart and our daily walk with Christ. Find the rest of the post HERE!

Living With Sword and Coffee,

Kela

The Unofficial Curriculum 2011~2012 List

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:15:00 +0000

Curriculum Choice Time!!!

I’m taking my lead and inspiration from my awesome friend,

Samantha of The Kelly Eight.

Her style “wows” me and I wanna be more like her when I grow up! Don’t tell her that because she’d think I’d be cursing myself. But really, I like what she has going on!

She describes the direction of her homeschool the way that I would; Eclectically Biblical with a splash of Classical Charlotte Mason- home education. …but I haven’t committed to Charlotte Mason yet.

Because we are educating 6 children (High school Senior and Junior, Middle School 6th & 8th grades and Elem. School 1st and 4th grades), I’m not listing each child with the subject choices. That list would be a mile long. I’ll spare ya!

One thing we’ll be working on this Fall is putting a Graduation Party together for our oldest child, Our daughter, Aubrey.

She’s graduating high school, y’all!!! I’m excited and at the same time very reflective. She knows the path that is marked out for her.

Maybe I can get her to guest post what her plans are.

Without further ado:

Bible:

Load Up by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland (Youth daily devotional)
Discover 4 Yourself Series by Kay Arthur
Wherever else the Lord leads us in His Word!

History:

Tapestry of Grace Y1 ( We WILL get through Year 1 this year. We WILL get through Year 1 this year.)
ACE PACEs American History Gr. 11
ACE PACEs Civics Gr. 12

Grammar/Writing/Spelling and all things that go along with:

Easy Grammar 12
Easy Grammar 11
Easy Grammar 8
Easy Grammar 6
First Language Lessons Level 3
Writing With Ease Level 2
First Language Lessons Level 1
Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading

Math:

Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance
Saxon Algebra .5
Saxon 67
Saxon 54
Saxon 1

Science:

STILL WORKING ON SOMETHING FOR THE OLDER TWO!
God’s Design For Science by Answers In Genesis (I’ll be taking a kid poll to see which series they want to start with.)

We will be starting Latin as a family. We’ll use Visual Latin.
Its Latin with an ultra funky twist. It makes me want to sit down and learn too!

I will be ~~prowling~~ perusing every used curriculum store/site that I can get my hands/eyes on.

I will be using The Well-Planned Day for the first time in the Fall. I’m looking forward to actually organizing my days!

Kela

Homeschool Creation: Weekly Homeschool Planner ~ Review!

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Weekly Homeschool Planner ~
Manage and Organize Your
Homeschool Day

Tired of looking for a brand-new homeschool
planner each year? What if you could buy
ONE planner, type in your plans, save them
and use the same planner year after year?

-Jolanthe

I have seen Jolanthe’s name around the online homeschool community for a number of years. I’ve followed Homeschool Creations all this time and have gleaned valuable information, insight and inspiration.

When I got a personal invite to review her Weekly Homeschool Planner, I was overjoyed!
Jolanthe offers so much and the Homeschool planner doesn’t disappoint!

The Weekly Homeschool Planner; 138 pages, which are fully editable PDF version contents:

-Homeschooling Requirements and Testing Results
-Attendance Sheets
-12 blank Month-at-a-Glance pages
-40 weeks of Weekly Plan and Journal Notes
-Curriculum Planning
-Yearly Plans and Evaluation
-Field Trip/Event Plan
-Editable Chore charts
-Editable Main Dish Menu Planner
-Editable Daily “To Do” Lists
-Preschool Planning Pages
-Resources & Links
-Additional Notes
-Contacts

I search every year the “the next best” planner for keeping track with my children’s assignments and progress. I know that I will get the most use out of the Weekly Plan and Journal Notes and Curriculum Planning pages. I finally found the one that I like with using the Weekly Homeschool Planner!

If you’re looking for a planner this school year, I highly recommend Weekly Homeschool Planner.
Jolanthe has made it easier for you to decide that you like the planner by offering a sample HERE!

For a one time charge of $20, you can get years of use out of this planner.

Go ahead! Purchase one! You know you’ve been wanting to!

Kela

Disclaimer: I received a free pdf copy of Weekly Homeschool Planner for review. The views/opinions here are mine and I was not asked to write a specific type of review. If I like it; I say so. If I don’t like it; I say so.

Time4Learning Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:33:00 +0000

We were a happy home education family when I got the news of being able to review Time4Learning for a full month!

I should first explain what Time4Learning is:

Time4Learning is a convenient, online homeschool curriculum that combines education with interactive fun. Animated lessons, interactive activities, printable worksheets and detailed reporting make the learning system a top selection of the Homeschool.com "Top 100 Educational Websites" list, year after year.

Benefits

Online Curriculum for
PreK to 8th Grades

Access to 3 Grade Levels of Lessons

1,000+ Student-Paced Multimedia Activities

Language Arts, Math, Science & Social Studies

Interactive, Project-Based Activities

Detailed Reporting for
Easy Record-Keeping

Lesson Plans & Teaching Tools for Parents

Lessons Correlated to State Standards

-From Time4Learning Site

I set up accounts for my 7th, 5th, 3rd and Kindergarten children. Going into this trial period, I knew that not all of the children liked or preferred online lessons or plans but I went ahead anyway.

They all did a few lessons and the response overall was that Time4Learning is pretty cool; but not for an extended time. Our family would use it as a supplement as its mostly intended. We’d focus on using it during the Summer as enrichment.

One of the things I like most about Time4Learning is the interaction and animation. It’s captivating without being overwhelming. I also like that there is parental guidance/monitoring for each student’s account.

I highly recommend Time4Learning to anyone looking to supplement, enrich or full out stick to their curriculum for the long run. Its easy, fun and detailed.

For more information and to find out about pricing, please visit Time4Learning.

Happy Homeschooling!

Kela

The opinion about Time4Learning is all my own. The only compensation that I received was a One Month free trial.

My Dear Wife (A Note From My Husband)

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 17:57:00 +0000

{This entry will be shared both here and my Personal Blog.}

I was doing a little cleaning out a few days ago and came across a typed note that my husband presented me with about two years ago.

I’d totally forgotten about it. How could I?!?

Two years ago was a trying time parenting wise. We were going through the rebellious young teen stage (she was 14).

The stress must have shown brightly on my face; thus draining my will, emotions, and energy.

My husband took the time to type this letter to me:

My Dear Wife,

Blessed are you when you are persecuted for doing what’s right.

Blessed are you when your own children revile and persecute you.

Blessed are you for standing for Righteousness sake.

Blessed are you when you feel exiled and alone.

Be of great courage my love, for you are not alone. Always know that I am in your corner even when I seem at a distance. You are my beloved wife and very dear to my heart. Smile because you know you are doing what is right. Don’t get discouraged by ignorant and dishonorable kids. You stand strong, for the Lord your God is with you and He is most pleased with your will to guide our children in their education. Stand up and be strong and don’t let them think they run you. I love you and I am pleased with you. Thank you baby for hanging on.

All My Heart,

Brian

Your White Knight

I believe that those were words not only from my husband, but also straight from my Father.

Mothers that have children that wear you out, be encouraged today. Know that YOU are God’s beloved and He is well pleased when we seek to do the best for our children.

During this wonderful time of celebration, praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever!

Happy Homeschooling!

Kela

THV: A Thanksgiving Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:38:00 +0000

This week’s link up at The Homeschool Village:This week we'd like you to interview your kids and ask them to share what they like most about Thanksgiving, how do they describe Thanksgiving?

This subject has been the hot topic for several weeks now. Not because of assignments or unit studies, but because of the kids looking forward to FOOD!! Not Momma’s food, but Nana’s food.

In a nutshell, that’s how they describe Thanksgiving…fattening food!

I actually asked them a moment ago. Without them knowing the reason for my line of questioning, the immediate response was Family and Food. That’s all I need!

Happy Homeschooling!

Upcoming Time4Learning Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:58:00 +0000

I’ve been invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as a homeschool curriculum, for afterschool enrichment and for summer skill sharpening. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Happy Homeschooling!!

An Award For MY Homeschool Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:32:00 +0000

For several years now I’d see really nice (and oft times coveted) Blog Award nominations and ceremonies here in the Homeschool blogosphere.

I found one that I can truly aspire to thanks to Lori @ Hearthside Homeschool Reviews and More.

Lori introduced several categories. I related to far too many! By the end of the selection I was hoping that she wouldn’t leave out the MOAM awards (Mother of All Misfits) since we could only select two categories.
She kindly named it “The Queen (or King) of All Misfits”. That fit me to a tee! I nominated myself for that one!!!

Here’s a glimpse of the Misfits that suited me:
The Wannabe Award- This is for the homeschool parent who wants to be this or that (Classical, Structured, Relaxed, Unschooler, Free Spirit, Sane) but frequently falls short and is not afraid to admit it. "Here's where I want to be, here's where I am, and I'm going to keep on striving."
The Harried Homeschooler Award- "Good thing I don't neglect my kids like I do my blog." or "Who are all these kids and why are they wanting my attention when I'm trying to blog?". This is the blogger who has every intention of blogging regularly, but life just gets in the way sometime. Her family expects regular meals. What's up with that?
The Not Coming Soon Award- Ever write a post informing your readers of all the great upcoming posts you have in mind? Did these posts actually get written? This is the award for the blogger hanging their head sheepishly as they read this description.
The Queen (or King) of Misfits Award- This is the blogger who can fit in almost every misfit category listed and will proudly be proclaimed as misfit royalty!

You could probably find yourself amongst the misfits when you visit her site to nominate yourself.

Happy Homeschooling!

THV: Uniform Link Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:39:00 +0000

The Homeschool Village is asking questions about uniforms in our school. I’ll tackle them one-by-one.

What does getting dressed look like in your home? Getting dressed in our home looks like a V-E-R-Y slow process. I am sometimey about the whole thing. I get dressed (no makeup yet) after my quiet time.

As the children wake, getting dressed isn’t the first thing on their to-do list. Actually, my boys sleep in “street” clothes; you know, basketball shorts and t-shirts. They’re “ready-roll” when they get up.
My girls, on the other hand, prefer to lounge for a few…which leads to the next question.

Do you wear mismatched socks and neon lounge pants? Mismatched socks? All day long (whenever I can find any that are even similar)! We do not own any neon lounge pants, but my girls like their oversized lounge pants. They don’t wear them for too long after they get up.

What's the funniest thing your kid wears to school? My kids don’t do “funny” when it comes to dressing. My youngest daughter and son rock tacky though. That doesn’t leave the yard.

We don’t do uniforms in school. We have too much individual style for that. We have only one requirement when it comes to dressing: Modesty. As long as they are in that parameter:

No rules, just standards!

Happy Homeschooling!

Back to School with DaySpring

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:05:00 +0000

I was contacted by DaySpring several weeks ago about trying out and using their Back to School products. I said yes of course! They shipped it right out at no charge at all to me.
I was pleasantly surprised by the treasure that was packed in the box!
The list:

Binder ($4.99)
Spiral notebook ($2.49)
Composition notebook ($2.99)
2 Pencil pouches ($3.99/each)
Folder ($2.49, 2 pk.)

Prices are today’s prices. Prices may change.
We’re enjoying using these very affordable products.
My favorite to read is the “Citizen of Heaven” items:

I am an alien.
I am not of this world, nor do I call it “home”.
My desires are not for earthly things that will fade, corrode or burn.
I set my heart and mind on things above.
My faith and hope are in God alone and I eagerly await His return for me.
I am a citizen of Heaven.
1 Peter 2:11, Col. 3:1-3, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 Thess. 4:17, Php. 3:20

Shop the DaySpring Online Store for their full line of products and stay stocked up while being reminded of and sharing the Word of God!
Happy Homeschooling!

An Innovative Idea for Your Homeschool Space

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:35:00 +0000

This is a “giving them their props” post.
Many families are looking for ways to spruce up, rearrange, find new ideas and throw out things in their homeschool rooms.
I’ve found a couple of sites that will help you do just that.

Raising Olives – Rain gutter Bookshelves Tutorial
Heart of the Matter Online – Last week’s Not Back to School Blog Hop (School Room Week) There are MANY ideas there.

Happy Homeschooling!!

Not Back-to-School: Curriculum Week

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:59:00 +0000

With the Not Back-to-School Blog Hop, its fun to take a peek into other homeschool family’s lives. The month of August is usually dubbed back to school for public school and private schools. For us, its no different.

This first week of August we’re focusing on Curriculum.
Curriculum planning isn’t always easy; especially when there are multiple grade levels under one roof.

I let this event pass me by last year because I had no clue what I was doing curriculum wise; other than what we were starting to review for TOS Homeschool Crew.

This year we’re geared up and about ready to go. I have a plan of action. The first step is executing the purchase…which will be happening this week.
Wanna see our plans? Thought so!

View Full Album

High School Junior:

Daily Bible Study and Devotionals
Notgrass Exploring Government
Foundations in Personal Finance (by Dave Ramsey)
Word Root
Apologia Biology (we found an awesome FREE online course using this material; Virtual Homeschool Group)

High School Sophomore:

Daily Bible Study and Devotionals
Notgrass Exploring Government
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1
Precepts of Anatomy and Physiology (Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum)
Word Root

7th Grader:

Daily Bible Study and Devotional
Diane Waring’s Ancient Civilization and the Bible
Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Word Root
Saxon Math 7/6

5th Grader:

Daily Bible Study and Devotional
Diane Waring’s Ancient Civilization and the Bible
Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
BJU Press English 5
BJU Press Math 5

3rd Grader:

Daily Bible Study and Devotional
Diane Waring’s Ancient Civilization and the Bible
Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Math Basics 3 On-Track Software & Notebook (SchoolZone.com)
Language Smarts D (Critical Thinking)

Kindergartener:

Various workbooks
Fun activities
Lots and Lots of read-a-louds

As you can see, this is quite a list. Thankfully we can combine a couple of subjects with the kids.

We purchase everything we can via Christianbook.com. The prices are almost unbeatable AND I got a code for free shipping for any purchase over $35. THAT is done with the first item in the cart!

I didn’t list that we’ll be loading up on library books (after my fine is paid, that is), unit studies that we may decided to do, venturing out on field trips and maybe a couple of co-ops.

Sports and gymnastics are in our sights for the Fall as well as ongoing theater for our oldest daughter. Praise God that she will be getting her own car in about a month.

Let's see your list!

Happy Homeschooling!!

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things?

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:17:00 +0000

I find myself pouring over curriculum catalogs, magazines, websites, and homeschool blogs gathering tools for the fall.

We’re pretty much mapped out, but there is still a lot of deciding to do. I’m tossed amongst (not between…that would be too easy!) several History and Language Arts curriculum. Math and Science are finalized.

With History…I want my oldest to study American Government. For the next one, American History.

For the next 3 (grades 3, 5 and 7) is where I’m tossed. I know that the path I want to take is all three studying Ancient History together.

My fave, curriculum wise, is:

Story of the World. I already have Vol. 1 and 2 but not the activity books
Heart of Wisdom (by Robin Sampson); which I’ve already purchased the first unit but don’t have the extra books.
Truth Quest (that’s why I purchased Story of the World, Famous Men of Greece and Book of the Ancient World but I know that more book borrowing/purchasing would be required)
One that I’ve been “googly-eyed” over is Ancient Civilizations and the Bible (by Diane Waring).

Ahh…decisions. decisions.

I’ve been praying about the path, but God seems to be a little silent on the matter right now. I’m not gonna stress over it. That wouldn’t benefit me anything.

As far as Language Arts goes, I’m still all over the place. What we have SO FAR is:

Aubrey: BJU Press Grammar, grade 11 (already purchased) or Easy Grammar with Word Roots (from Critical Thinking)
Briahna: BJU Press Grammar, grade 10 or Easy Grammar with Word Roots (from Critical Thinking)
Austin: BJU Press and Word Roots
Josiah: BJU Press and Word Roots
Sydney: BJU Press and Beginning Word Roots.

Looks like BJU Press is really gonna like us this year!

Science is easiest this year. The line up is Apologia Biology for Aubrey. I found THE COOLEST NO COST Online course for her. Briahna has expressed interest in Biology too. We’ll see…

For the next three, I’ve decided on Apologia Astronomy. I’m just as excited about learning all of this myself!

Math, easy again. Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance for Aubrey, Teaching Textbooks Algebra for Briahna, Saxon 7/6 for Austin, BJU Press Math 5 and Critical Thinking Mathematical Reasoning for Sydney.

Now, you may have noticed that our youngest one, Caleb was left out of these assignments. He’ll be 5 years old next month. I’m highly interested in starting him out with a couple. Okay, several different things.
Of course, there will be a LOT that he’ll pick up on from his siblings, but for more focus on his education I’m considering:

Heart of Dakota
My Father’s World
Five in a Row
BJU Press
or Totally Eclectic…pulling from Lapbooks, Unit Studies, websites and some textbooks.

As I type this, I’m considering using a couple of the above (for Caleb) for my other children.

SEE!!! Indecisive.

All of this doesn’t even include Art, Music, Crafts, Home Economics, and other Extra curricula activities.

What helps you to pick your curriculum? I like all of the teaching methods (as long as Christ is the center).

Time to hit my knees again.

See ya on the flip side!
Kela

A Fond Farewell

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:31:00 +0000

I have reached the end of my TOS Homeschool Crew journey.

I will always have fond memories of Heidi, Brenda, Cindy (my crew leader) all of my Crew Mates and the great curriculum that our family had the privilege to review.

You can still read the reviews that I’ve posted and those of the Crew members listed in the TOS Homeschool Crew blogroll in my side bar.

I would encourage you to visit The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew’s website and sign up for their RSS Feed or Email subscription for when new curriculum reviews begin to come in.

You can also “LIKE” the Crew on Facebook:

Have a fabulous Summer!!

Kregel Publications: Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:39:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

Andrea Carter and the Trouble with Treasure by Susan K. Marlow
Description:

When innocent horseplay temporarily lands Andi and her friends in jail, they decide that a trip into the mountains will leave their troubles far behind. Accompanied by big brother Mitch and armed with a map showing old gold diggings, they can’t wait to strike it rich. What could be better than two weeks of camping and horseback riding?
But instead of gold they find heaps of trouble -- trouble that leaves Mitch gravely wounded. Andi needs help fast. But who can she trust? And what good is a bag of gold when her beloved brother lies near death in the middle of nowhere?

You can read an excerpt of Trouble with Treasure here or download a free 24-page enrichment guide here.

You may recognize the name Kregel Publications from another review that I did; Bertie’s War. Kregel Publications has a novel series, Circle C Adventures, that’s sure to please you.
I’ve never heard of the Circle C Adventure series before. I was glad to read the quality of work that Susan Marlow put into this book. The cover is the first thing that makes Trouble with Treasure appealing, then to open it up and see the story unfold was great.
Even though its intended for ages 8-12, the whole family can get into the book. Trouble with Treasure is offered for $7.99 each and well worth it! There are 5 other books in the Circle C Adventure series; all available for $7.99 each or a Box Set for $39.99 that is due to be released in late August.
Check out other thoughts on Trouble with Treasure from the TOS Homeschool Crew Members.

Nellums and Company

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review

Lobster Network

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:34:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

Wanna share it? Wanna borrow it? Lobster Network.com helps you make that happen.
Lobster Network.com is a FREE web application site that is a community based, sharing system that allows you to network with friends and family to rent/borrow items that you’re looking for.

What kind of things can be posted on Lobster Network.com? Books. Movies. Games. Toys. Furniture. Tools. Basically, just about anything you want or think someone else might be interested in. There is also a list of items that you cannot share on Lobster Network.com. Check those restrictions out here.

LOBSTER NETWORK stands for:

Here’s what I think:
It would take an effort for me to remember to visit Lobster Network because at this moment I don’t have a need for the service.
I understand the value of it for those that borrow/loan and barter.
I have a hand full of friends that I already contact if I need to borrow something and vice versa. If those specific people have it, or know someone that does, then we’re off and running. If not, then we go from there.

I’m not sure that my circle of local friends would be willing to sign up or any homeschool families that are at a distance would be willing to always ship out an item if I need it.

So, while Lobster Network may be a great fit for some, it doesn’t work for us at this time.

For more information on Lobster Network, here is an informative video.

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review

Cerebellum Corporation/Standard Deviants

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:16:00 +0000

A TOS Homeschool Crew Review

AP English Language and Comp. Exam Prep
Students will become equipped with the foundations of rhetorical knowledge and will develop the tools for critical thinking, writing, and analysis. Over 15 pages of study material is added, which makes this AP* prep resource the best yet.

Media Format: DVD+ Digital Workbook
Grade Level: 9+
Our Price: $14.98
Sale Price: $11.24

Light Speed Advanced Placement videos review the 30 most tested topics, provides tips and strategies on passing the test, and gives insightful advance on writing the short-response answers.

Each TOS Homeschool Crew member received a copy of one of three choices of Cerebellum/Standard Deviants Light Speed DVDs.

This instructional DVD is very well made! Young adults make up the list of speakers and speak on my high school students’ level.

I never had formal exam prep when I was in high school. I’d like to say that it would have made a difference for me.

I want this DVD to be the next step in helping me to instruct them in critical thinking, writing and analysis; for it to be more of a “aha!” instead of “say what?”.

With me being out of the daily-ness of high school for quite some time now, some of the terms they use don’t ring a bell. I either didn’t pay attention in class or we just didn’t cover it.

Now I see what I need to work on or introduce to my daughters in their writing instruction.

Watch a quick sample of what you can expect in the AP* English Language & Composition DVD:

If this particular DVD is not one that you need yet (because you don’t have high school age children), Cerebellum/Standard Deviants isn’t only College/Exam Prep material. They cover a gamut of subjects and grade levels/age ranges.

I will be adding more Standard Deviant DVDs and resources to our homeschool shelf in the very near future.

See what other Homeschool Crew members say about this and other Cerebellum DVDs.

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review.

Ideal Curriculum

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Sat, 15 May 2010 03:04:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

I always look forward to pre-school curriculum. This is such a fun age of discovery.

Having a 4 year old son, the Transportation Theme from Ideal Curriculum was one to get excited about.

Being a member of TOS Homeschool Crew, I received the downloadable version of Transportation Theme Month 1.

The volume of information was just a little overwhelming. I scrolled through some of the lessons and printed out others. We used enough of the curriculum to get a good feel of the theme.

The books that go along with the theme were graphically great. Caleb enjoyed sitting in my lap to read them.

Here’s what you can expect in Transportation Theme:

Transportation Theme

Month 1

Transportation theme with art, science, dramatic play, and many other hands-on activities.
All of our monthly kits include:

Daily lessons and activities for literacy, math, calendar, oral language, and science/social studies

Teaching guides

Workbook

Music CD

Science, sight words, and concepts about print books

Supplemental activities

Skills Taught:

Letters and Sounds -Letter Names

Phonological Awareness -Listening Skills

Concepts About Print -Print is all Around

Sight Words -Name Recognition

Math -Rote Counting

This theme is very well put together and very thorough. I may highly consider purchasing other themes in the Fall when we get cranked up in our school year again.

The price for the themes is very reasonable for the quality that is offered.

Print Version: $55.00 ($7.50/additional child)
Downloadable: $30.00

Other Themes include: Color, Weather, About Me, A Healthy Life, Animals, People in Our Community, Traditions in Other Countries, The World Around Us.

The more monthly themes you order, the deeper the discounts get.

Check out what other TOS Homeschool Crew Members have to say about the Transportation Theme from Ideal Curriculum!

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review.

This Pretty Much Sums It Up for Me Too

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:55:00 +0000

Kysha at Love’s School wrote the most true of blog posts that I can totally relate to; Confessions of a Homeschool Mom

Pay Kysha a visit. I'm sure that post will put a smile on your face and a nod of your head :)

Free eBook~ Homeschool 101 Supplement

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:15:00 +0000

I’m all about the FREEBIES!

That’s all about all you need to hear from me!

Go! Download this 199 page, jam-packed eBook and get your homeschool year (whenever it is you start) off to a wonderfully great start!
CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE!

Beeyoutiful

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:13:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

TOS Homeschool Crew and Beeyoutiful gave us the chance to review the product Berry Well.

Product Description
Never fear the flu when you keep Berry Well on hand. Each ingredient in this pleasantly fruity syrup holds its own against flu, colds, and a swarm of bacterial and viral infections. Berry Well is a practically miraculous combination of the following:

Luscious, organic purple elderberries (first used long ago by Native Americans) that provide anthocyanins. The anti-viral powers of these immune system enhancers attack many strains of influenza A and B—without the side effects or complications of a flu shot.

Raw honey sweetens the mixture with more than just good taste. It delivers a rich supply of live enzymes required to help body systems fight colds and respiratory infections of all kinds.

Bee propolis and Organic Echinacea root extract—both considered powerful, natural antibiotics.

Raw apple cider vinegar, a folk remedy celebrated for its use against a long list of ailments, increases your body’s alkalinity. (Although today’s diets tend to make us more acidic, an alkaline body is safer from cancer and other diseases.) And the potassium in raw vinegar helps cells fight bacteria and viruses.

Take it regularly or when you first feel sick, and stay well with Berry Well. Your doctor will wonder if you’ve moved out of town! Manufactured in the USA.
For additional information, please read the following article: Our Family Miracle
FDA Disclaimer: * This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Retails for $18.00 USD.

For additional info (Nutritional Info, Suggested Use, and other guidelines), click here.

Our thoughts:
My husband is really big on keeping our family healthy with vitamins and supplements by preventative maintenance.
Since we’re on a regular routine with our own products of choice, I wasn’t too thrilled with trying anything that would be different from that.
Thankfully we are a healthy family and our visits to the doctor are few and far between.
Because of the nature of the product (keeping the sniffles away amongst other things) We went on through with it so that I could at least say we tried it.

Well… I opened the bottle and was met with an aroma that I was warned about by reading the bottle first; Apple cider vinegar. Immediate turn off.

I then put my finger over the top of the bottle to get a little taste. Not so bad. I will say that it was pretty sticky.

Three of our children tried Berry Well and said that once they got past the smell that they liked the taste. They asked for one more dose after that but then said “no thank you.” after that.

If your children are susceptible to cold and flu regularly it would probably be worth it to give it a try. $18 is a reasonable price.

I encourage you to request their free catalog. If supplements aren’t your thing, Beeyoutiful offers other wellness and beauty products that other TOS Homeschool Crew members got the opportunity to try and review.

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review.

LESSON PLANET

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:08:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

Lesson Planet is another one of those homeschool tools that I’ve wanted to try for a long time. As a TOS Homeschool Crew Member, I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to freely browse and use Lesson Planet for a 3 month trial period.

Lesson Planet has a 10 day free trial to allow teachers and parents to try the site with no obligation.

What is Lesson Planet?:

Lesson Planet is a website that strives to help teachers and parents find the information they need ~ fast. With over 225,000 online lesson plans and worksheets to search through, there is a little something for everyone, helping save valuable time for teachers.
The search-engine site began in 1999 and was designed specifically with educators in mind. It is an advertising free site, relying solely on member support. Memberships are available for teachers, homeschoolers and even an entire school district.
Lesson Planet provides numerous ways for teachers to refine and narrow their searches for online curriculum resources, including:

Searching by keyword, grade level and overall rating

Clicking the Narrow, Related or My Recent Searches keyword options

Browsing for reviewed resources by Subject, Calendar or Theme

Exploring relevant State Standards, matched to each member’s state

Utilizing Advanced Search to narrow by duration, method, technology, and more

I was able to browse many lesson plans and worksheets that include Art and Music, Health and Nutrition, Geography, Social Studies, Language Arts, Math and Science.

For me, I work best when a plan is more laid out for me. I felt that I had to chase rabbits when it came to creating a lesson plan with Lesson Planet.

I fared a lot better with their worksheets though. With that being said, I can’t see myself paying for a subscription when I can most likely get the same kinds of worksheets either free or a fraction of the cost.

I will encourage you, though, to sign up for their trial. After the free trial, membership is $39.95/year.

Visit TOS Homeschool Crew blog to see more reviews on Lesson Planet.

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review.

That Time of Year AGAIN!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:06:00 +0000

I was asked the question by my friend Jodi what our Summer plans were.

Is it THAT time already!!?

I remember what my plans for the summer were last year; light school with mostly relaxation.

My plans were actually more like ALL relaxation. I thoroughly enjoyed a “school-free” summer. I made the executive decision to just chill.

I’m not gonna teeter-totter in my decision for summer plans this year…I’m gonna find actual ~~activities~~ learning adventures for us to get into.

Reading more with and to the kids is the only thing on my agenda as far as the kiddos go…which is probably the most important thing I can do with them.

Focusing on the Fall is what I’LL be doing as it relates to setting goals, purchasing curriculum, lesson plans, possible co-ops, other classes, testing for my oldest daughter, field trips and whatever else I can think of between now and then.

I know this is a loaded question, but what are YOU doing for the Summer?

Oh… I almost forgot! We will be vacationing in June to Ruby Falls. Sounds like a great education time!

If any of you live in that area, let me know. It would be cool to meet up!!

Until next time…
Be abundantly blessed!!

Super Star Speech

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:43:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

Super Star Speech is a product that was new to me. The author, Deborah Lott, developed Super Star Speech to assist parents in helping their children achieve developmentally appropriate speech and to provide some of the necessary resources to do speech therapy at home.

As a member of TOS Homeschool Crew, I had the privilege to request and review the downloadable Homeschool Games that Deborah created.

Review parts of speech (common noun, proper noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, and adverb) with Silly Snail: Parts of Speech Game. 3rd to 6th grades.

Planets, Moon and Stars is a game for children in third grade and up. Players answer trivia questions about space while trying to be the first to collect all the planets in the solar system.

Reinforce your study of the American Revolutionary War with the Road to Revolution board game. Includes 48 multiple choice questions cards and game board. Players try to be first to the finish line while answering questions about famous people, events, and causes of the Revolutionary war. Designed for grades 3-8.

Climb the Vine: All About Plants is a question and answer board game that will reinforce your science curriculum. Players answer multiple choice questions about plant types, pollination, photosynthesis, trees, and more while racing to the finish line. Designed as a file folder game for grades 3-6.

Play The Insect Game to learn all about insects or to reinforce your current study of insects. Players answer questions to earn insect parts, attempting to be the first player to build a complete insect. This game is designed for 2nd to 6th grades.

Super Star Games are available as instant downloads at Curr-Click for $3.50 each.

My children enjoyed the challenging questions (per their grade levels) but weren’t totally fond of the game boards. So, for now, we’ve decided to lay the game board aside and use the questions independently.

Since they are greatly priced, I’ll probably purchase the rest of the games in the series.

The games aren’t the only thing that Deborah offers.

Several other Crew Members opted to review her specialties: Super Star Speech: Speech Therapy Made Simple, Super Star R & L (teaching your child to correctly pronounce the R and L sounds.), and Super Star S, Z, & Sh (teaching your child to correctly pronounce the S, Z, and Sh sounds.).

About the Author:
Deborah Lott is a licensed Speech language pathologist a with Master’s degree in Education/ speech pathology. She has home schooled her 4 children for the past 16 years while doing speech therapy part-time, primarily with children with articulation disorders. Through her interaction with other parents, she has come to realize that many parents cannot afford speech therapy for their children, prefer not to utilize speech therapy through the public schools, or may simply prefer to work with their children prior to beginning therapy or as a supplement to professional speech therapy.
These reasons inspired her to design these very affordable speech therapy manuals, specifically for parents to use with their own children.

Please visit TOS Homeschool Crew to find more reviews of Super Star Speech.

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review.

Alphabet Beats

noreply@blogger.com (Kela) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:24:00 +0000

A Homeschool Crew Review

Alphabet Beats. Brought to you by the TV Teachers. TOS Homeschool Crew members received a DVD of either Alphabet Beats UPPERCASE or Alphabet Beats lowercase. I chose Lowercase.

When my husband heard the title of the DVD, he automatically thought that it would be of someone rappin’ the Alphabet! He’s too cute (but don’t tell him that I said that )I’m guessing the title can be a little misleading, but…on to the content…

Alphabet Beats are fun, educational videos that teach children (recommended ages: 2 1/2 - 8) how to write the alphabet quickly and easily! In each 5 minute letter chapter, we demonstrate the writing motions while saying the chant first in a frame. Next, the letter is written on a chalkboard, and finally on lined paper.
Priced at $35.00

Alphabet Beats came right on time. I’m on the edge of really starting writing with our 4 year old.

As soon as I popped the DVD in, I watched the intro portion and let Caleb choose what letter he wanted to start with. Of course he chose “C”. The instructor says the chant several times, writes the letter and then invited Caleb to repeat it with her.

The chant for “c” is

Up and around, little c

Pretty simple and easy. Here’s another one. The letter “a”:

up and around, back up and down, a

Included in the DVD Case is a guide sheet with Suggested Video Protocol on one side and a full list of the Chants on the other.
When you visit the website, you can watch a demo to see the letter “p” demonstrated.

A downloadable writing sheet is available to print so that your child can practice writing along with the instructor.

Have you ever seen one of those videos that is quirky and goofy at the same time and borderline corny? This would be one of those videos. The difference is, it does keep Caleb’s attention and I’m literally waiting to see what the instructor comes up with next. I like the DVD!

I will continue to use Alphabet Beat with Caleb.

I’m not the only one that has an opinion about Alphabet Beat. Visit the Crew Website!

Disclaimer: This company provided a free copy of this resource for our family to use in our homeschool. I share my personal, honest opinion of the product (good, bad or indifferent). I have not received any financial compensation for this review.