tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74556353720677110102024-03-05T02:22:47.936-08:00to the sea with me...melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-75034407440090414512011-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-27T00:15:46.853-07:00Read for the HeartI was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review the book, “Read for the Heart”, by Sarah Clarkson. I had the privilege of listening to her speak at a The Old Schoolhouse Expo last year. She has a wonderful way with words and is an inspiration to me in reading whole books to my children. This is my very last review for the TOS Crew…I have enjoyed this year tremendously.<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.wholeheart.org/read-for-the-heart-whole-books-for-wholehearted-families"><img height="185" src="http://www.itakejoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Read-for-Heart-4-e1291702949659.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="135" /> </a></div><br />
<a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=143"><span style="color: blue;">Read for the Heart</span></a> is a guide for choosing whole books for wholehearted families…<br />
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Interested in seeing a sample chapter of the book…<a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=143"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>, then click on “sample chapter” or “table of contents”.<br />
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The basic set up of the book…<br />
3 chapters that speak about Reading to Live, Reading Lost, Life by Books…read them…they are very enlightening!<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxAnVKSkqmzaGrbP_h6yfFqyLa_sJyQdBB7dQl2NvwPmOiXUlwEmY5UTZ-lDz9uGVZxDfYPLILCp7cDZTcZ7Z4VUSCSB3UBMaBwDQ2FigyD4OnXs3ZfnOiiKs3zMi9fteRQT9MF6ss8ev/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /> She then describes how she set up the remaining chapters of the book. The remaining portions of the book are chapters on books of all ages and subjects, from picture books to classics to poetry to history…it also includes appendices of certain series or medalists, as well as, alphabetical indexes by authors and titles of books, in which she gives a little summary of each book or series by the author. It's priced at $17.00.<br />
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This is a really great resource to have in your homeschool repertoire or any home environment that love books…and not just any books, but books that mean something, books that have heroes and heroines, books that have good moral teaching, books that you can live by. I highly recommend it!<br />
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"A story-formed imagination is naturally driven to real-world action. The great point of excellent stories is to wake us up to beauty, dress down our pride, and teach us how to live with courage, compassion, and creativity. Life is an epic, true story. The heart of my message is that reading prepared me to live as nobly as any hero or heroine in a storybook and that it will do the same for your children."---Sarah Clarkson<br />
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Do you want to read more TOS Crew reviews on this product…<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783910/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer: I was given this book for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-47364308136375129752011-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-18T00:00:04.214-07:00Mad Dog MathI was given the opportunity to review a product called <a href="http://maddogmath.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Mad Dog Math</span></a>. There are two, well actually 3 products you could get for HOME-USE from Mad Dog Math. One is a <a href="http://www.maddogmath.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=5" style="color: red;">downloadable software</a> (Windows PC only), which is what we received, the other two are the choice of either a <a href="http://www.maddogmath.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=7" style="color: red;">binder</a> or <a href="http://www.maddogmath.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=9" style="color: red;">CD-ROM</a><span style="color: red;"> </span>that is the full extensive instructions and tips for success.<br />
<img alt="image" border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceeABqGHz3zQLtNsheXjlOalhDU-I7XXIhjbtpQCYFpJzewVbUmwvrnJYQehLGsS2PYgZ3U2eGlJZo1FfL3qQ59y9CYbbcRUhEieHmQM5kvYl03oiEnjUjcI0invTIV_ubbkT7GxENgUi/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="215" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Slightly modified from the website about their product...</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">{ <i><b>Why Choose Mad Dog Math?</b> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> - Created and produced by a veteran educator <br />
- Fun, exciting, motivating, and challenging <br />
- Students, parents, and teachers, LOVE it <br />
- Goes above and beyond California state standards <br />
- Helps to improve standardized test scores <br />
- Backed by 30 years of success in the classroom <br />
- Supplements any math curriculum <br />
- Eliminates math phobias <br />
- Proven success with remedial students <br />
- User friendly materials teachers/parents can use immediately <br />
- Each mastery program builds on the previous one to ensure a strong math foundation in early elementary <br />
- Improved teacher satisfaction <br />
- Systematic, organized, easy to implement</i> }</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maddogmath.com/video.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://maddogmath.com/images/youtube.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clip is a a basic preview of Mad Dog Math being used in a classroom setting, but it is also a preview of the Home-Use binder/CD-ROM version of Mad Dog Math, because it is basically the same thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since I received the the download version I will tell you what I like about that particular program...<br />
it covers all fact families (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) <br />
there is also a challenge section<br />
it is super easy to use <br />
the time-frames are 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds and no limit<br />
the kids can earn club stickers for each passed fact family in both sections...either addition/subtraction or multiplication/division<br />
no paper or pencil is needed...it is all done on the computer<br />
Ruff, the dog, keeps track of where the child left off <br />
there is a Progress "bone" the parent or child can click to see their progress<br />
the cost is $19.99 for a one year license, $29.99 for a 2 year license and $39.99 for a lifetime license<br />
there are only 20-24 math facts to answer depending on the level<br />
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One of the key things that was mentioned was consistent daily practice and use of this system...which I have not been with my children...but I am determined to have my kids be "Top Dog" with knowing their math facts...so that means me being more consistent with them using this fun, easy and great program.<br />
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If you would like to try this software for yourself...<br />
Download a free trial version and bring the fun of <b>Mad Dog Math</b> to your computer. Two versions are currently available, based on your operating system. <br />
To find out which version of the software you need, please go to: <br />
<a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218"><span style="color: blue;">http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.maddogmath.com/docs/MadDogMath_32bit_Trial.exe"><span style="color: blue;">Download <b>Mad Dog Math –<i> at Home</i></b> (Free Trial 32 bit Version) </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.maddogmath.com/docs/MadDogMath_64bit_Trial.exe"><span style="color: blue;">Download <b>Mad Dog Math –<i> at Home</i></b> (Free Trial 64 bit Version) </span></a><br />
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If you would like to read other TOS Crew reviews on this product <a href="ttp://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783984/">click here</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: black;">Disclaimer---I was given this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. </span></i></span></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-23704743257316183652011-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-11T00:00:00.792-07:00GoTrybeI was given an opportunity to review the online fitness and nutrition program called <a href="http://www.gotrybe.com/index.php"><span style="color: navy;">GoTrybe</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.gotrybe.com/index.php"><img alt="image" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mjcAfwg0jkwrZy2LVoPJvMjUXkiVh2Uw36EZhfkEVAvS7rYnELp80bw0MKVPy3tgVo8otP-qhXwnDN7lsZLNRlY2Z4xs-TI4Mihb9XJruOhFS3Je4UrY6Mfxf4Cst9TSRsDVoYG3xtZ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="276" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">This is an online subscription for a fitness program geared for kids ages 5-18, but of course adults can use this as well. Using the GETFIT promotional code you can get a free trial of GoTrybe, If you decide to continue using it after the free trial period, the cost of a one year membership is $19.95 (regularly $39.95). </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">There is much to the GoTrybe website…when you join you get to create an avatar, learn about nutrition, wellness or get motivation and take quizzes daily to earn points, create and do your own workout or choose a GoTrybe workout to do to earn points, have GoTrybe “friends”, finally “buy” clothes, shoes, and accessories with your points for your avatar. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">This is what I did for the purpose of this review…I made an avatar for us as a family (okay so it looked like me<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/TcopnX-rOEI/AAAAAAAAAK0/mhte9aQ3VXU/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" />), though I could have made one for each of my kids, but it was easier to have just one. We then would work out together using a workout I created. Honestly speaking we only did this a couple times…but I did go through the website to see what was available and earned points doing some of the other things. I looked at many of the workouts to see what intensity or what it focused on. Making the time to exercise is the hardest thing for me…</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">There were many things I liked about this program…</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I liked that it was real people…adults and kids doing the workout. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I liked that you could find a workout for warming up, cardio, strength training, and flexibility.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I liked that as you create a workout it gives you a total time of the workout.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">There are a lot of workouts to choose from…so it keeps you going with variety.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">One thing I wish were a little different is that as you go to create or choose a workout is that it was categorized better…for example when you choose your cardio stuff you have to scroll through a long set of pictures and pick and choose by hovering your mouse over it…I think it would be easier to pick workouts if they were labeled and categorized more specifically on in sections or something…sorry, I guess it is hard to explain what I mean. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Overall, I think this is great for anyone, but especially a great option for those who have a hard time getting their kids to exercise or to get and be active. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Remember if you are interested you can get a free trial by using the code GETFIT at <a href="http://www.gotrybe.com/promocode.php"><span style="color: navy;">GoTrybe sign up</span></a>.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="center">If you want to see more TOS Crew reviews on this product <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783980/"><span style="color: navy;">click here</span></a>.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I was given a free 3-month subscription in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-15692992635061500222011-05-06T00:00:00.000-07:002011-05-06T00:00:08.749-07:00Circle C Beginning books<div align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/TcNqyUzv4pI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ldF7-qWCP9U/s1600-h/image2.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m2vCEYK-ZmEYDTG2r0eUaTSzj7ItWPUdUnB10yVh0VI7Zl7sXSJr4HMr_y3Z5ykMmrsa9l8IRf5N-a6GHNiYXuF2D-ac4eTi7bqe6Ck1BlZeGrkFn3ndaRT9O1ISbqh5oAotUnkOSDQU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="160" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div>I had the opportunity to review this book from <a href="http://www.kregel.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=A12DB34B70B34EA28EA748A96CD5AEFE&type=gen&mod=Core+Pages&gid=EAB42EC8F1504025B6828E8308220B1E"><span style="color: navy;">Kregel Publications</span></a>. My daughter, who is 8 years old, read this book to help me with this review. Along with this book, Kregel has a free activity guide with each book in the series. Circle C Beginnings has a website for your daughters (or sons) that has coloring pages, the above mentioned activity pages, and puzzles to do at <a href="http://www.andiandtaffy.com/"><span style="color: navy;">andiandtaffy.com</span></a>. Below is a book trailer of the books from the Circle C Beginnings Series.<br />
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<div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:00ebf77b-9aa6-4101-95b4-c35f0a49c7be" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="a8b5d16c-ef6f-4def-8922-8ddab7c16c91" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwz__ZQNUPo" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('a8b5d16c-ef6f-4def-8922-8ddab7c16c91'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"403\" height=\"245\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Kwz__ZQNUPo?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Kwz__ZQNUPo?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"403\" height=\"245\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenJWjFDh3beEAfQEXogH-Eo8MaQY9zbqyhtKEGhMC3lZGzxGcxS-Rsi5qyPQnMwFbeCslWN9jrUDTfwyTmriAIKWglSorZy-HpuOshyphenhyphentoQBXwb9FKYKOWxPkjOTcAro9hSlVIp23agI4u/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /></a></div></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: 0.8em; width: 403px;">book trailer from the Circle C Beginnings Series<br />
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</div></div>The series are chapter books geared for ages 6-9 about a girl named Andi, who lives on the Circle C Ranch in 1874. My daughter said she liked the book…she mentioned liking the part when Andi climbed the tree at school…my daughter does have 3 brothers what can I say<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzUTlnRQyT1pjNZsxxPHKEcdlRU-nPkXdqjEq9YQuAVNuyVjlTo3YnLWrASJTld2T_P6_PqcvhCZjlkIfLwIVe7-YryybYCfXkbw4OMdKkOGPiAPyVqg8HsaZrAUpyk-OBxCGmR54iUJF/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" />.<br />
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It is a story about a young girl named, Andi, going to school for the first time…when all she wants to do is stay at the ranch. She gets into a bit of trouble, but ends with her thinking school isn’t so bad after all.<br />
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Some things I liked about this book was…<br />
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a “New Words” page in the beginning of the book defines some words used in the book that may be new to the child<br />
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at the end of the book is “A Peek into the Past” page that teaches a little bit about how life was back in 1874<br />
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there are lovely sketches throughout the book<br />
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a simple story, but yet, not too simple sentences<br />
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There are six books in the series and when your child gets into the 9-14 age reading range, there is another Circle C Adventure Series about a girl named, Andrea.<br />
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Be sure to <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783897/"><span style="color: navy;">click here</span></a>…the TOS Crew members who participated in the review received different books, so if you wondered what the other books were about read some of the others.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-77443963835625682742011-04-27T13:31:00.000-07:002011-04-27T13:31:38.135-07:0031 Days to Clean ebookWhat it is about... <br />
{ 31 Days to Clean is about the “why” and the vision and the heart for taking care of our domains. Each day I encourage you with some thoughts and ideas, and then we put those ideas to action.<br />
After each days reading, you will be given two challenges:<br />
<ul><li><b>The Mary Challenge </b>-Something you do that encourages/engages your heart</li>
<li><b>The Martha Challenge</b> – Specific cleaning tasks</li>
</ul>Friends, 31 Days to Clean is a faith journey towards ruling, subduing, and<i> loving</i>. We are forgoing perfection; we are choosing<i> life</i>. }<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.31daystoclean.com/"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-6308 aligncenter" height="260" src="http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/31Daysad.jpg" title="31Daysad" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://31daystoclean.com/" style="color: #073763;">31 Days to Clean ebook</a></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-46984270507891241802011-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:002011-04-22T12:00:03.108-07:00See the LightI was given the wonderful opportunity to review <a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/"><span style="color: blue;">See the Light</span></a> Art Class Volume 1: Art Lessons 1-4 DVD, from<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/"><span style="color: blue;">See the Light Shine</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt9pq4s7qotVrrRK3hrE1_jde7cG94G3XKsC3bMbH81GM3Uf-bA16fhiiH5L0v2plv7nNi_vuAh-yvwjdvJF3l7eDMunYypqrSptIlQLYP-qIPwcZURSAygT5DFrWY0OYB4KDSZRYpJly/s1600-h/image%5B7%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqk3IOiIAFtxPNMMduBcjgR99_2iGMzelH2q0jSQp0wZhxbUqVoQoLDANyXXGhtlGl2deMeyJcd9V_l01HOJuSqErRsCjr2-Ywzk0XbhDUtkCLNXsaZsIeovCvX0hUccwfkZXAid7YcUEv/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="244" /></a> The DVD is wonderful! </div><div align="left"> My kids loved watching and learning from it. She is easily engaging for children and adults. </div><div align="left">Volume 1 is about the basics…</div><div align="left">Lesson 1 Tools of the Trade </div><div align="left">Lesson 2 It all Starts with a Line </div><div align="left">Lesson 3 Contours and Composition </div><div align="left">Lesson 4 Draw What You See </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The following pictures are from my daughter who is 8 years old…she drew these while watching the video for the very first time. I think she did an amazing job.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94YjHECsQ4NW_azaDwBViykNau7fYkWZOQ9rR7s98_9J-KAuEN82BKRtyyUqYtz89m9EGgWtXlR8em98n-Jg4-jA5VxOj4_TRp9uxfW5gViIrvN1EqIMbTJWM0rPjNM4YyepjfHwv70gM/s1600/scan0042.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94YjHECsQ4NW_azaDwBViykNau7fYkWZOQ9rR7s98_9J-KAuEN82BKRtyyUqYtz89m9EGgWtXlR8em98n-Jg4-jA5VxOj4_TRp9uxfW5gViIrvN1EqIMbTJWM0rPjNM4YyepjfHwv70gM/s320/scan0042.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />
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This picture depicts Lesson 2---She teaches about lines and the differences in how a line is drawn depending upon how you hold your pencil. The picture and the following two pictures shows Lesson 3 about contours and composition. She was told to draw an apple without looking at her hand. She was to draw just strictly looking at the apple. Lesson 3 also teaches her positioning items in your drawing or “composition”, such as the two apples. The picture on the left shows how my daughter positioned them in the center, but put a line to show they weren’t necessarily floating.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL2E62R-jVO8-7fwN1GutG5EG5ek0L28PhzAv91ms4bMkI85pWHDlrcIbTwL1BwdgSkMobBMCTj0f0U06Z0E8f0yvFdeSVgg9Y5imWGz_g9ZDy1LmADE7TJMsQakF3c7pkZqiFwak698U/s1600/scan0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL2E62R-jVO8-7fwN1GutG5EG5ek0L28PhzAv91ms4bMkI85pWHDlrcIbTwL1BwdgSkMobBMCTj0f0U06Z0E8f0yvFdeSVgg9Y5imWGz_g9ZDy1LmADE7TJMsQakF3c7pkZqiFwak698U/s320/scan0034.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
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The next picture shows Lesson 4---She was told to get a shoe and draw what you see, not what you know. She was to only draw what she could see.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv9Ih-GfaSI046SNLL2630l6W-Cf0ML-eZfhO6hBJ2nudulDeVkxcmP2zPwzq6rS8H9UzJNjj9oFsRycuG20m3Oe8HTmeR1SLxY2oLTO5vziaf6VK2EKMC6IncNFupTClMtkaXdhiNpm2/s1600/scan0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipv9Ih-GfaSI046SNLL2630l6W-Cf0ML-eZfhO6hBJ2nudulDeVkxcmP2zPwzq6rS8H9UzJNjj9oFsRycuG20m3Oe8HTmeR1SLxY2oLTO5vziaf6VK2EKMC6IncNFupTClMtkaXdhiNpm2/s320/scan0033.jpg" style="background-color: white;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I really am thrilled with this product…I would love to get the other DVD’s.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/Ta_D6pdiFKI/AAAAAAAAAKA/r5DqQ8EmMQo/s1600-h/image%5B10%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6NOHxGfnFwq5efev5WdX6XvCtytKBtHdHEbFTgYuPj8YYDvkLoYYoPbn7f-aWuZYJiIAlXOUmlXNn-dMXRPcCsXCF-B8Kz50zEUMwWNMSr1YWwSiJX_MarPTNMA9e2SSKGK0qjYhfVnZ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="164" /></a> This set of DVD’s for $99.99. Apparently you can also get a monthly online subscription that is $10 a month. Here is some info I gleaned from our TOS forum…<br />
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<i>{ With your initial subscription you'll receive access to the first four lessons. Each month thereafter your subscription unlocks the following four lessons while still giving you access to all the lessons you've already worked through!</i> <br />
So, essentially you are getting one DVD's worth of lessons each month. You will still have access to the lessons you have already worked through as long as you continue your subscription. So, at 4 lessons a month (or 1 DVD's worth) at $10 a month for 9 months (in order to get all the lessons from the 9 DVD's) you will pay a total of $90 to get all the lessons. }<br />
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So it is $10 cheaper, but you will only get 4 new lessons each month…so it would take 9 months to get all the lessons, but a great option for those who can’t pay the $99.99 at once.<br />
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<a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/quotes/index/"><img alt="image" border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWMbZFXUDv1LwPulAdlKKBc_pnt_iGBJoYKA0uPKaq8ctBf24V-87dhPCDooHecmFzBChhsROCgMk8P25okFs8c5-ErLXLaUf_pMzD5qyqAwmQgCAhUHAYxFMh9A8TRBchC-Zr40WzZMd/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px none; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="183" /></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.seethelightshine.com/quotes/index/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a> for a FREE copy of Volume 1<br />
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Also, the following links will take you to a free view of lessons 1-3<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/10705906" title="http://vimeo.com/10705906"><span style="color: blue;">http://vimeo.com/10705906</span></a><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/10706126" title="http://vimeo.com/10706126"><span style="color: blue;">http://vimeo.com/10706126</span></a><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/10706594" title="http://vimeo.com/10706594"><span style="color: blue;">http://vimeo.com/10706594</span></a><br />
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I would completely recommend this DVD Art Lessons Series…especially for a budding artist who wants a more professional approach to art. I have several budding artists who would love to do more art…and this seems to be a great way for them to do it…being taught by a master artist, for which I am not.<br />
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I am going to save my pennies (or dollars <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIxkzd0PQy8-og0pNi4_a8sliMlZmPGTRJDI2C5dnIK_x0Z4E7uqQhUoWDXVav3kkKqjgs_awCUttmrP5rFHvkyQB8xv2kPOh1G_tMVeNzBB0GUXliMpwWheUy998MJSP1tDc8fCTkfa9/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" />) to purchase this set.<br />
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If you want to read other TOS crew reviews <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783895/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-77256005252591394822011-04-06T00:00:00.000-07:002011-04-06T11:17:55.062-07:00KinderBach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kinderbach.com/images/membership/lessons/KB1logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="http://www.kinderbach.com/images/membership/lessons/KB1logo.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I received the opportunity to review an online program called <a href="http://www.kinderbach.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Kinderbach</span></a>. It is a preschool piano program, for ages 3-7.<br />
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I had my 3 1/2 year old son start doing the program and he really loves it. He enjoys doing the activity sheets that go with it and placing Dodi’s house behind the keys. The levels are slow, easy and a fun way for children to learn how to play piano or at least introduce them to the music notes, beats, and the keys. I think that this would be a great addition to a music-loving family where you want even the youngest member to love and learn music.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kinderbach.com/images/info/Together3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://www.kinderbach.com/images/info/Together3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet the characters of KinderBach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"></div>Each level has 10 weeks of lessons and there are 6 levels. I do believe, if my memory serves me, which most of the time it doesn’t :), they are in the works of making a level 7. Within each week there are 4 sessions with an introduction to what they will be learning and any tools or activity sheets you might need. The sessions are very short…good for short attention spans, but I was able to do more than one session each time with him. As I mentioned there are activity sheets you can print and have your child do along with most of the sessions. I personally know nothing much in the way of reading or playing music, so this is teaching me as well. Also this program can used with a keyboard or a piano, as long as you have access to a computer near whatever you will be using. We have a piano and a laptop, so I just placed the laptop on top of it. This program works well for all learning styles… <br />
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Are you interested? <a href="http://www.kinderbach.com/Learn/index.html"><span style="color: blue;">click here for a free trial</span></a>.<br />
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Online Membership<br />
<br />
<i>{ * Access to all web lessons (over 240 sessions!) <br />
* Accompanying downloaded PDF pages </i><br />
<br />
<i><b>$7.99</b> a month - Billed in a <b>one</b> time annual payment of <b>$95.88</b> <br />
(Great Value! Save 60%) <br />
or <br />
<b>$19.99</b> monthly subscription - Billed monthly for a year <br />
(12 separate payments)</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<h3><i>Simply Discover Piano Online!</i></h3><i>The Year Membership gives access to 6 Levels of entertaining music education for 3 to 7 year old children through about 22 hours of video and interactive coloring pages. Miss Karri introduces preschoolers to the keyboard characters, as well as the Grand Staff clefs. Kids will enjoy playing simple songs, identifying music direction, learning new rhythm notes and their beat value. Level 1 to 6 covers proper hand and finger position for the music scale, as well as staff note reading by pattern for voice, and keyboard. }</i><br />
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If you want to read additional TOS Crew reviews on this product, <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783796/" style="color: blue;">click here</a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i><b>Disclaimer---I received a free subscription in exchange for my honest review.</b> </i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-85276724627831291122011-03-30T14:00:00.000-07:002011-04-05T21:27:57.049-07:00a good one on comparison<div style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2011/03/comparison-gets-you-nowhere-but-the-gospel-takes-us-far.html">Comparison get you nowhere, but the gospel takes us far</a></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-23815009210295458482011-03-16T23:26:00.000-07:002011-04-05T21:27:57.050-07:00How to Develop Patience Toward OthersDoorposts of your Home blogpost...good ideas...even for mommies to practice:)<br /><a href="http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2011/03/15/how-to-develop-patience/">How to Develop Patience Toward Others</a>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-44752205843114756532011-03-16T23:20:00.000-07:002011-04-05T21:27:57.050-07:00Oh... I just love this woman!<div style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Sally Clarkson <br />
<div style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.itakejoy.com/discipleship-relationships-take-a-lot-of-time/">http://www.itakejoy.com/discipleship-relationships-take-a-lot-of-time/</a></div></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-32294163825087508802011-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:002011-04-05T21:27:57.050-07:00Ten Days of Biblical Parenting Giveaways<a href="http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2011/03/15/ten-days-of-biblical-parenting-giveaways/">Ten Days of Biblical Parenting Giveaways</a><br /><br />Here is a new blog from Doorposts...it will have character building projects, as well as parenting and bible study tips/ideas/information. It is having ten days of giveaways as they introduce their new blog.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-51744148143576472992011-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:002011-03-07T00:00:07.667-08:00Reading Kingdom<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/TXR2mhRMHJI/AAAAAAAAAIw/pXToYs72MjM/s1600-h/RK_Image%5B5%5D.gif"><img alt="" border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHbYp6lKEGTbIzja4-UYuGSsFdPlKMPtQ2wJbmyodT9Bf6w79qA8LJnQ91lQYMlaI_ZxdraWsggtsVXUK3L-zEnkt8etwhJ_Sm_MKcY5RTKaAIyubcfSEoVsNaB7IlHnMcwNdQVLDd7ez/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="402" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I was given the opportunity to review an online reading program called</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://readingkingdom.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Reading Kingdom</span></a><span style="color: blue;">. </span><span style="color: black;">It is an online program that teaches children ages 4-10 how to read and write to a third grade level. It customizes itself to each child who uses the program. Reading Kingdom says it’s the only system that teaches all 6 skills needed for reading and writing…sequencing, motor skills, sounds, meaning, grammar, and comprehension. </span><span style="color: black;">Reading Kingdom was created by Dr. Marion Blank, who is a leading expert in literacy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I got the following information about the program straight from the Reading Kingdom website…</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><em><span style="color: black;">{</span> <strong><u>How the Program is Organized</u></strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><em><strong>The Skills Survey </strong>The program begins with your child taking a Skills Survey. Through simple, game-like activities, it reveals the skills a child has and does not have so that the program can start at exactly the right place to encourage the greatest success. <br />
<strong>The Teaching </strong>Once the Skills Survey is completed, the teaching begins. The program is organized into six levels. <br />
<strong>Pre-reading Level </strong>Teaches the Visual Sequencing and Keyboarding Skills that underlie reading and writing. A child goes through one or both of these programs if the Skills Survey shows that these components are needed. <br />
<strong>Level 1</strong> <br />
Gets your child reading, understanding and writing meaningful ideas by teaching key nouns (kids, girl, bird), verbs (actions such as eat, walk, fly) and "helping" words (the, some, is, can, are). Once a set of words has been taught, the child gets to read a book containing those words, along with words previously taught. As in all subsequent levels, there are six books in Level 2. <br />
<strong>Level 2 </strong>Greatly expands the range of ideas your child reads and writes by adding new nouns (puppies, man, water), verbs relevant to those nouns (run, fix, move, including words that convey motivation such as need, want, like), pronouns (she, I, we), additional "helping" words (that, also, both, of) and question words (who, what, which). <br />
<strong>Level 3 </strong>Enhances your child's ability to tell and understand stories by teaching the words to convey past tense (was, did, were), along with increasing the range of nouns (ground, rocks), verbs (push, think, hurt), "helping" words (most, on, any), and adjectives (sad, happy, nice, -y as in dirty, rocky). <br />
<strong>Level 4</strong> <br />
Gets your child reading subject matter that is different from typical stories and essential to school success. It introduces a wide variety of objects and beings from the natural world (animals, rainbow, moon, tongue, group, people, earth) and higher level question words (why, when, how). These are then incorporated into books that convey science type information. <br />
<strong>Level 5 </strong>Has your child reading rich stories which provide a sense of fun while teaching complex cause and effect relationships by expanding the range of nouns (computer, letter, fish) and verbs (change, know, float), and introducing a set of complex ideas (luck, true, never, change, sure). <br />
<strong>Keeping Track </strong>Within a few weeks, many children are using the program totally on their own. Even though you may not be there during the lessons, you'll have no trouble keeping track of how your child is doing. After a session is completed, you can open a link that offers you a summary of how the session went, where your child is at, what's happening next and so on. <br />
<strong>Progress Check </strong>The Reading Kingdom has been designed so that a child moves ahead only if the learning is solid and secure. At regular points, a child is given a brief Progress Check to see if there is mastery of the material that has been taught. <br />
If the Progress Check shows that your child is doing well, in the next session he or she moves on to new material. <br />
On the other hand, if the Skills Survey shows some weaknesses in the learning, then in the next session, your child starts a set of review lessons that enable him or her to get past any difficulties. The review process may take one to two weeks to complete. Once it is completed, the child returns to learning new material. }</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/TXR2naz6l9I/AAAAAAAAAI4/Yunf2vjbDJ0/s1600-h/keyboard_assess%5B4%5D%5B2%5D.gif"><img alt="keyboard_assess[4]" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv0YD8lT6FCcYFhagoQKoiyXSm7a9LSE1yIPpzvS6XekqNECaXyqNRypm0nf2fbVUuw1JHm1qNHhfnz1Tz6SyrhvDP19skIK0RO5F7S7VowATPne_9adZ_pE0anfkvXlNPiS5aKlwg2Cx/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="keyboard_assess[4]" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep_PO_nli2r8ajPKf3tuiAbiNz8_RFQZNIvF8grJtBmI6C-sucpCtMsRE3gmMTpy4VsndFtDdQxaqyXX3VcGpLuJpxvOt3CWPOJJITVvVXMp_8VH05FwrP3LWsuIASdZsqlXGw9zpefSL/s1600-h/findnfill%5B3%5D.gif"><img alt="findnfill" border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i4wA0jh0RZtBElD9kWczEVXfJDWjsUQri15QjudjokX89SD-mUlt-rUpfFFKh7S6Wjv7tbXSHtao7SiQZX7HpWsWe2ktkOPukoLiTnsHF_xYMH99JSco3eeEQmXUuaoNpEoPmnqlDd2m/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="findnfill" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/TXR2ongTrrI/AAAAAAAAAJI/iJV02m_TIJU/s1600-h/read_assess%5B3%5D.gif"><img alt="read_assess" border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3NieS_FVDT-WhdsCal6JOKbGHSe7kwVuSAOzKAZ9P7lEBodXNZO5bPk95tGwJAf0ChYwupWZs5ibD0gWuH5e4_kcBdTzd0GguqxTMssxlMiRdC_vtUI5yA5bYwjXI3poMlA-l5iIr_FN/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="read_assess" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbimC1uCYKTjzXFY-UO1maiN9ZbDt4HoLEPHPw33VWknWGL11jKkvaKbKl-fhAou-71SiwaNFu_H1O4P32BlSxzt0y7xxF5Lu0hHI-hgl8u0rrhJeULr7y4ZD-8TwWvz9BtDEIhIib6nN/s1600-h/book27_gm%5B3%5D.gif"><img alt="book27_gm" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtLXnMtVosw8U4Isx7EKmrlmcel9CJ1361Kh-XFy7k0JuItV5Hos5dMZs3IUzjyU9bo_nxpTIrXhudj0wj31BIb0Cg1uPU5f1HlxZnHk0Ab0XZAGkNBi1jgLChyPEOGGroaZHLMXIX4kI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="book27_gm" width="244" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Being a visual person, I like the colorful graphics. I also like the fact that it is teaching multiple skills that every child needs to be successful at reading. I like the hands-on that the computer gives to the program. My kids like to use the computer, though I heavily restrict their use. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I had two of my kids work with this program…my newly turned 8 year old daughter and my 10 year old son (yesterday turned 11) work on this. My daughter is already at a third grade reading level, but I had wanted her to do it anyway to make sure all needed skills are there. My 10 year old, who has some learning difficulties, is at least at a third grade reading level, but lacks confidence in his reading ability. First off, I want to say that this seems like a really great program and this is in no way a negative review. The following is from our experience only thus far. They each started out doing the skills survey to begin customizing the program to their ability…and unfortunately haven’t moved much more than the pre-reading level. It seems as if it is either our computer or the program that doesn’t always register when they would actually do as instructed. They would hit the keys or click the mouse and it didn’t seem to register that they did anything…the lady would then speak and say how to do what was instructed as if they hadn’t just done it. Needless to say they got frustrated. I also think that their lack of experience with using the computer could have something to do with it. I think that once they</span><span style="color: black;"> get past the beginning stages they will actually really enjoy the program…we have graciously been given a wonderfully long subscription, so we will keep plugging along at it. My son is a visual-kinesthetic learner so this is perfect for him. As is also good for audio-visual learners, like my daughter. I believe I would still recommend this program regardless of our beginning experience because I know my kids would enjoy doing the program once they got farther along. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Pricing---You will receive a free 30 day trial. After that, subscriptions to Reading Kingdom are $19.99/month (with no monthly minimum), or $199.99 per year. You can cancel your subscription at any time.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">If you would like to read other TOS Crew reviews on this product…<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783790/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>.</span><br />
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<div align="center"><span style="color: black;"><em>Disclaimer---I received this subscription for free in exchange for my honest review.</em></span></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-60248684356922196422011-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-25T09:52:38.671-08:00Math RiderI was given the opportunity to review<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://mathrider.com/" style="background-color: blue; color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">Math Rider</span></a>, from a company based in Australia.<br />
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<div align="center"><img alt="MathRider Math Game Package" height="295" src="http://mathrider.com/images/sp/807181.gif" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" title="MathRider Math Game Package" width="254" /></div><br />
It is currently on sale for <a href="http://mathrider.com/order-info.php" style="color: blue;">$37 with a normal price of $49.95</a>, it is an instant download software. <br />
<a href="http://mathrider.com/game-play/system-requirements/" style="color: blue;">Click here</a> for system requirements.<br />
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Here is the company’s own words about it’s product…<br />
<h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">{</span> Latest Generation Math Game, using Artificial Intelligence</h4>Ride your horse on noble quests through the magical MathLands. MathRider combines fun game play with a highly sophisticated question engine that adapts to your child. The game propels your child to mastery of all four math operations using numbers 0 to 12.<br />
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MathRider was developed from personal need, because we wanted to help our own children who were struggling with fundamental math. }<br />
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I had my 3rd grade son start off using the Math Rider program. He has had a lot of fun using it.<br />
This is what he had to say about it…<br />
“I like that the stories are illustrated by kids.”<br />
“I like the noble quests in the magical Mathlands, it’s rewarding to see how far my rider has traveled on the map.”<br />
“I like the graphics.”<br />
“I like the challenge it gives me.”<br />
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He had one thing that he didn’t like and that was only due to the fact that he missed some “jumps” because he didn’t know the answer fast enough…he felt like it didn’t give him enough time. The rider adjusts its speed as you answer the problems. I think he froze and was not thinking about the problem but instead was looking at the horse reaching the jump.<br />
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I think this is a terrific program for any child who needs to work on math facts. It hits all the learning styles, especially the visual and hands-on learner. It keeps any child challenged enough and with the noble quests it keeps it fun.<br />
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It is broken up into each math operation and then further divided into easy (#’s 0-5), medium (6-10) and then advanced (11-12). There is a statistics section so that the parent and child can see their progress. It gives top challenge problems and you can click on any of the numbers and it will show and say the problem. I would definitely recommend this to any family who needs help mastering the math facts. I don’t know yet, as my son hasn’t completed it, whether it has any review options. I think it would be grand if when you complete a full quest that it gives you an option of another quest, a review of sorts, intermixing all the problems of the different levels within a math operation.<br />
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A statement…I have one son who struggles dearly with remembering his math facts, so I have been reluctant to have him try it. I feel as if tears would ensue if the horse was not slow enough…I know it adjusts, but how much?…I <u>need</u> to try it out with him. I have had him working on another TOS review program as I don’t like to overload him, but I will see how he likes it and how well he does with it. He is a slow learner, needs tons of repetition and is such a hard worker. I will update this review as needed.<br />
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<i></i> <br />
<div align="center"></div><div class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:792875da-751b-46c3-b551-8638b0fef165" style="display: inline; float: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="fa09d2a1-f1a0-4d8b-91bc-51d9b21aae7a" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KNUzdpJ1JI" target="_new"><img alt="" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('fa09d2a1-f1a0-4d8b-91bc-51d9b21aae7a'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"406\" height=\"247\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/8KNUzdpJ1JI?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/8KNUzdpJ1JI?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"406\" height=\"247\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rx9ryqmPW-EBSLzFSZ29hs9O2C5SEQ_9t3QREOtqvX-eJD36v2rDz_Pd8uj-rbtahk4wMB9IhHMEug5lG9cChaFAw6RRh_oPgpSyqQHLz8jTzKPOv9N35Id_TLLG01-x6umuX384dMfK/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" /></a></div></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: 0.8em; text-align: center; width: 406px;">A sample of Math Rider</div></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product, <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783766/">click here</a>. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-73966809948638894792011-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:002011-02-11T09:14:20.508-08:00The Curiosity FilesI was given the opportunity to choose one of the <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=191_459"><span style="color: blue;">Curiosity Files</span></a> from <a href="http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/"><span style="color: blue;">The Old Schoolhouse Magazine</span></a>. We chose <a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=334_407_417&products_id=18200"><span style="color: blue;">Zombie Fire Ants</span></a>. They are priced at a reasonable $6.95. However, some of the Curiosity Files are on sale right now for $1.00…WOW…I bought 4 of them. The Curiosity Files are studies on interesting animals or phenomenon. These studies are intended for kids 8-13 years of age…but of course they can be geared for younger and older by making adjustments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18200"><img alt="E-Book: The Curiosity Files™- Zombie Fire Ants" height="314" src="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/images/products/ZombieFireAnts_cover2.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px;" title=" E-Book: The Curiosity Files™- Zombie Fire Ants " width="247" /></a><br />
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Here are all the Curiosity Files available…<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18201"><span style="color: blue;">Blue Diamond</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18202"><span style="color: blue;">Dung Beetle</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18197"><span style="color: blue;">MRSA</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18198"><span style="color: blue;">Puffer Fish</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18199"><span style="color: blue;">Red Tide</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18200"><span style="color: blue;">Zombie Fire Ants</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=18947"><span style="color: blue;">Blue-footed Booby</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=19072"><span style="color: blue;">Cicada Killing Wasp</span></a> </li><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_459&products_id=19171"><span style="color: blue;">Quicksand</span></a><i><b> </b></i></li><br />
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<br />
<i><b>{Zombie Fire Ants</b> will keep your kids occupied and answering questions like these:</i><br />
<ul><li><i>What is God’s plan for controlling the number of fire ants? </i></li>
<li><i>When out of control, how can scientists restore balance to the natural world? </i></li>
<li><i>What’s so special about phorid flies, and how do they fit into the ant equation? </i></li>
<li><i>Okay, so how does a fire ant morph from a hard-working colony participant into a zombie-like creature? </i></li>
<li><i>If regular fire ants cause havoc, why create a zombie version? </i></li>
<li><i>Does history tell us anything important? </i></li>
<li><i>What can we grasp from the Bible? </i></li>
<li><i>And a whole lot more!}</i> </li>
</ul><br />
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<li>The Study includes…<br />
<ul><li>Bible study, discussion ideas, and memory verses </li>
<li>Math, history, and geography investigations </li>
<li>Literature and suggested book list </li>
<li>Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities </li>
<li>Beautiful copywork pages (manuscript and cursive) </li>
<li>Science observations, projects, and experiments </li>
<li>Discussion questions </li>
<li>Art, crafts, and drawing and coloring pages </li>
<li>Lapbook/notebook pages and helpful lapbooking links </li>
<li>Special needs, hands-on discoveries </li>
<li>Internet resource and video links </li>
<li>Complete answer key </li>
</ul><ul></ul><img height="245" src="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/TOSGraphics/CFpagespreads/fireantpagespray.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px;" width="407" /> <br />
Click<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/sample/TOSzombiefireantssamples.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a> to view a sample.<br />
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I read through all the information about the Zombie Fire Ants to the kids and we did most of the worksheets that come with the study together. I really liked that they included a Hands-On section specifically for special needs children. We don’t have any ants right now to make an ant farm, but as the weather warms up, I think we will make the one that is shown in the study. After reading about the fire ants and phorid flies, my youngest, who is 3 1/2, got out our plastic ant and fly toys and played with them…how cute is that!<br />
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We found Zombie Fire Ants to be <u>FASCINATING</u> and you will too! We are certainly looking forward to doing the other Curiosity Files I purchased. I would highly recommend them! <br />
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If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product or the other Curiosity Files the other crew members chose <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783746/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>.<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I was given this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div></li>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-91082729570974036772011-01-31T06:43:00.001-08:002011-01-31T06:46:53.155-08:00Times Alive!I was given the opportunity to review a download version of <a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Times-Alive-CD-ROM-p/sotnowpc.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Times Alive!</span></a> from <a href="http://www.citycreek.com/"><span style="color: blue;">City Creek Press</span></a>. It cost $44.95.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Gy77nvDQsw8/TUbKh4ZmEVI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VTD_iOnBLZE/s1600-h/image2.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZq6KThtGKo0JszVKbTY2vblHk_OSkOnBhWyoU6xCXB4kWCeHZBnylJz7Sg1WU2itdoMcXt9LzexYacrugn8qXRu8126QW2mIFO8f5rHmV-Cq8uI9L0Rb-OMZ-hyIfWyBn3IAtSY-cofg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="244" /></a><br />
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<i>{ </i><i>The old method of “drilling” math tables using flash cards is familiar to most of us. A few students find it successful, but most consider it boring and frustrating. For students with dyslexia or other learning disabilities, it is often impossible to learn in this way.</i><br />
<i>The Fun Way approach to learning math tables eliminates the need for rote memorization. Instead:</i><br />
<ol><li><i>It presents every math equation as a story to be told, allowing students to attach meaning to the numbers. </i></li>
<li><i>It attaches a variety of clues and information to the number facts, making retention and retrieval of the information much easier for students. </i></li>
<li><i>It presents math in a fun and interactive storytelling medium that uses lively imagery and narrative to entertain and inform students.</i> </li>
</ol><i>Through the Fun Way method, students approach the subject of math with renewed interest and attention, making learning a joyful experience for students and teachers alike. }</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Articles.asp?ID=138"><img alt="Stories to Read" border="0" height="150" src="http://www.citycreek.com/v/vspfiles/templates/CityCreek1/images/try_read.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="200" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Articles.asp?ID=138"><span style="color: blue;">See the movie</span></a> (see an example of Times Alive! in action)<br />
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<a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Articles.asp?ID=139"><img alt="Pictures to Color" border="0" height="150" src="http://www.citycreek.com/v/vspfiles/templates/CityCreek1/images/try_color.jpg" width="200" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Articles.asp?ID=139"><span style="color: blue;">Pictures to Color </span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Articles.asp?ID=140"><img alt="Times Tables Test" border="0" height="150" src="http://www.citycreek.com/v/vspfiles/templates/CityCreek1/images/try_test.jpg" width="200" /></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.citycreek.com/Articles.asp?ID=140"><span style="color: blue;">Sample Test</span></a> (from lesson five)<br />
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My kids really had fun using this program, as you can see from the above examples there are short little videos with catchy songs, fun activities, and then a test at the end of each lesson. They would work on it for as long as I would let them…having a little competition to see who could get farther in the lessons. I liked the program as well, though I think my kids may need to go through each lessons again to remember the little catchy songs or to get the picture in their minds. I thought my oldest would have an easier time learning with this program, but I wonder if he is having a difficult time with connecting the catchy songs and the everyday practice with his regular math work. He needs so much repetition that it has been a slow process for memorizing even all of his addition and subtraction facts. Repetition is key! I plan on continuing our use of the program with my kids. This program is great for all learning styles…you get the auditory, the visual and the hands-on kinesthetic. Overall, I would recommend this program, it is a fun, catchy and creative way to memorize the multiplication facts.<br />
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If you want to read more TOS crew reviews <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783695/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-12078119750932192302011-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-26T00:00:04.175-08:00Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for kidsI was given the opportunity to review the<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/product.asp?isbn=0805495312&mscssid=EB21WWLFJKLK8G89G9EJUELGJ1794655" style="color: blue;">Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for kids</a><span style="color: blue;"> </span>given to me by <a href="http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/" style="color: blue;">Lifeway Christian Store</a>. The hardcover book is reasonably priced at $14.99.<br />
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<img alt="http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/images/products_L/9780805495317_L.jpg?" height="323" src="http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/images/products_L/9780805495317_L.jpg?" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto 5px;" width="238" /><br />
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<i>{ The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids helps children ages 5 to 10 better understand more than 750 Bible terms through vivid design and clear, concise definitions. More than 500 of the featured words are paired with full-color photographs, illustrations, maps, or reconstructions to enhance comprehension. }</i><br />
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I love this dictionary…it is so visual, it is easy for kids to understand what the words mean. This is especially helpful for my deaf son who often has a difficult time with vocabulary. It makes it easier for him to grasp the concept or word being defined. I love the colorful illustrations, charts and maps. It has a scripture reference with almost every word where that word or concept can be found. It includes some really fantastic features, such as, the Names of God, Jewish Feasts and Festivals, Names of Jesus, Plants of the Bible, Foods of the Bible and much more. I think this would be an excellent reference book for any home library. Any child (and adult) will love it! <br />
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If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783689/" style="color: blue;">click here</a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-65502376766351352612011-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-21T00:00:05.834-08:00Speekee TV<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKryKFLPqh17yKN2Bwh2rEDYpNfaYFuNDT02Q5hqLDreIV1DcQ20C8rOmOp4REqRR0XKuV_cAy5TREVGMF7XOSNdYLYyOpYMfX6s0uC9mIn7lBOYZR5t-hLHGOU6dBtR5ZAvL1q8iZjlci/s1600-h/image8.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj4E34L7YiPQST4iaUqM7Rn1jCkM6Nx3KK3cAPlvoVq6X6inQeb1nFI_GIqUudmT5h-04CYpiYTkuXRBkfx5S5_n6mMylTtniEiNLbYOykpp-N0MULj0h4IUJV7cEPk6d6APf5m0nGDLL/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="394" /></a> <br />
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I was given the opportunity to review <a href="http://www.speekee.co.uk/online.php"><span style="color: blue;">SpeeKee TV</span></a>, a spanish immersion online program. It is for ages 2-10. The online program has 10 episodes with songs, animation and puppets. There are free downloadable activity worksheets you can print off for reviewing the spanish words learned. You can have English/Spanish subtitles on the screen or choose not to.<br />
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A subscription to Speekee TV is $7.50 per month and the <b>first two weeks are free</b>. <br />
Subscribe securely using PayPal, and unsubscribe at any time - there's no minimum period. <br />
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What SpeeKee says about their product…<br />
<h5>{<i>10 Reasons to choose Speekee for Spanish</i></h5><ul><li><i>Great fun and extremely effective </i></li>
<li><i>Created by specialist linguists and musicians </i></li>
<li><i>Accelerated learning methodology for natural success </i></li>
<li><i>100% in Spanish (English and Spanish subtitles available) </i></li>
<li><i>Simple presentation style </i></li>
<li><i>Lively, engaging characters </i></li>
<li><i>Real Spanish children in real Spanish locations </i></li>
<li><i>Concise, essential Spanish vocabulary, with lots of repetition </i></li>
<li><i>Catchy songs </i></li>
<li><i>Highly acclaimed by our customers!</i> <b>} </b> </li>
</ul><br />
So far, I am just having my daughter who is almost 8 years old watch the episodes…she likes them. My boys ages 10, 9, and 3, also like it since they stand behind her and watch it, but they are not actually hearing anything because she wears headphones so she can hear the words better.<br />
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<b>What I like about it…</b><br />
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it is reasonably inexpensive at $7.50 a month<br />
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it really is a simple presentation style<br />
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each episode is based on a theme…such as a café, zoo, house, etc.<br />
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repetition of the vocabulary being learned<br />
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that fact that it is completely Spanish, but yet you can have the subtitles (for me it is helpful for pronunciation to have the Spanish subtitles)<br />
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it seems that you can get a good base of the Spanish language through these episodes<br />
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my daughter likes them and is entertained by it at which is fun for her<br />
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that the subscription can be ended at anytime and paid through paypal<br />
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I would recommend this online program for an easy and fun introduction to the Spanish language.<br />
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If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783681/"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received the online program for free for a period of time in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-10107469711337814652011-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-19T00:00:06.516-08:00Maestro Classics<div align="center"><a href="http://www.magicmaestromusic.com/peter.html"><img height="192" src="http://www.magicmaestromusic.com/images/Peter_CD.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="232" /></a></div><br />
I was given the fun opportunity to review Peter and the Wolf from <a href="http://maestroclassics.com/"><span style="color: #008040;">Maestro Classics</span></a>. It is priced at $16.98. It is performed by the London Philharmonic Symphony and conducted by Stephen Simon.<br />
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First of all, I want to say this reminds me of my childhood. I remember listening to this story when I was younger and enjoying it very much.<br />
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What I love about this CD is that it includes more than just the narrator/symphony version of the music. It includes an introduction to the story, about the composer-Prokofiev, a Russian Peter (Trio Voronezh-three Russians musicians perform the Peter tune), about the music, instrumental version of the story, an invitation to Grandfather’s party, and Kalinka-dance along (a Trio Voronezh performance). There is also a little activity book that comes in the CD case.<br />
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Maestro Classics has quite a few more Stories in Music, some of which I am looking forward to purchasing. <br />
My children and I enjoyed listening to the music as well as learning about the composer and how he came about writing the story and music.<br />
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I would highly recommend these Stories in Music CD’s to anyone; those who are new to classical music and those who already enjoy the the symphony. It would be a favorite with any age group---baby through adult.<br />
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If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product, <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783654/"><span style="color: green;">click here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-32145599488300493932011-01-10T06:58:00.001-08:002011-01-18T22:17:14.031-08:00Easy Classical<p><img style="margin: 0px 0px 5px" alt="Easy Classical" src="http://www.easyclassical.com/images/Logo_and_website_images/Newheaderbar2.jpg" width="408" height="97" /></p> <p>I was given an <a href="http://www.easyclassical.com/Early_Modern_Product_Page.html"><font color="#0000ff">Early Modern History</font></a> 36-week schedule to review from <a href="http://www.easyclassical.com/index.html"><font color="#0000ff">Easy Classical</font></a>. It is for studying the Explorers through America 1820. This is just one of the many schedules that Easy Classical has available. It is priced at $35.95 for the notebook version and $29.95 for the digital version. It can be used for K-6th grades. The schedule is 106 pages of learning for your child.</p> <p><font size="1"><em><strong>Explorers <br /></strong></em>Week 1: America Before She Got Her Name <br />Week 2: Prince Henry the Navigator <br />Week 3: Christopher Columbus <br />Week 4: Magellan <br />Week 5: The Spanish Conquistadors <br />Week 6: French Explorers <br />Week 7: Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony <br /></font><font size="1"><em><strong>13 Colonies <br /></strong></em>Week 8: John Smith and Jamestown <br />Week 9: William Bradford and the Plymouth Plantation <br />Week 10: Massachusetts Bay Colony <br />Week 11: Roger Williams and Rhode Island <br />Week 12: New England Colonies and King Philipʼs War <br /></font><font size="1"><strong><em>Colonial America <br /></em></strong>Week 13: Middle Colonies <br />Week 14: Salem Witch Trials <br />Week 15: Southern Colonies <br />Week 16: Plantation Living <br />Week 17: The Great Awakening <br />Week 18: Benjamin Franklin <br />Week 19: Colonial Trading with England <br />Week 20: Washington and the French and Indian Wars <br /></font><font size="1"><strong><em>Road to Independence <br /></em></strong>Week 21: Taxation without Representation is Tyranny <br />Week 22: Boston Massacre and the First Continental Congress <br />Week 23: Paul Revere and the Shot that was Heard Around the World <br />Week 24: Washington Commander in Chief of the Continental Army <br />Week 25: The Battle of Breedʼs and Bunker Hill <br /></font><font size="1"><strong><em>Revolution <br /></em></strong>Week 26: John Locke and Isaac Newton and the Idea of Democracy <br />Week 27: Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence <br />Week 28: Washington at Valley Forge <br />Week 29: Benedict Arnold <br />Week 30: Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown/Franklin and the Treaty of Paris <br />Week 31: The Constitution <br />Week 32: Washington the First President <br />Week 33: Napoleon Bonaparte and the Louisiana Purchase <br />Week 34: Lewis and Clark <br />Week 35: James Madison and the War of 1812 <br />Week 36: Slavery and The Missouri Compromise</font></p> <p>A few thoughts from me…</p> <p>If the classical approach seems daunting to you, Easy Classical has made it quite simple. As with any classical or charlotte mason approach it uses living books. It also has review questions and quizzes for each week. There are fun little icons that remind you of what is happening that particular day. Visually speaking the schedule is very easy to read and follow. They have also put a “sticky note” on it to note any materials needed for the next week. NOTE: the main reading appears to be all on one day…Monday, but for some families that may be too much, so I suspect that you could easily spread it out over 1-3 days. Easy Classical knows that you may not get all the assignments finished each week, so they say to be flexible and do what you can. </p> <p>Learning styles and this schedule…if your child is a kinesthetic learner do more of the hands on projects, if they are more of a visual learner use as many pictures and map projects to aid in learning. If he or she is an auditory learner make sure you do most of the reading that is scheduled.</p> <p>Want to see samples of this product? <a href="http://www.easyclassical.com/Early_Modern_Product_Page.html"><font color="#0000ff">Click here</font></a>. The schedule is broken down into sections…history books and veritas card, writing, geography, project, and literature read alouds. It gives you the list of all the resources to either purchase or get from the library. The writing portion is based upon their curriculum…<a href="http://www.easyclassical.com/Writing_with_History.html"><font color="#0000ff">Writing with History</font></a>, which is used in conjunction with Institute of Excellence in Writing (IEW) style and structure. Some of the geography portion is also based on their curriculum…<a href="http://www.easyclassical.com/Geography_with_History.html"><font color="#0000ff">Geography with History</font></a><font color="#0000ff"></font>. </p> <p>Overall, I think that anyone who teaches using the classical method or even the charlotte mason method and need help with “putting it all together” would greatly benefit by using this schedule or any of the other schedules Easy Classical have put together. They even have complete schedules that include science.</p> <p>You can read other TOS Crew reviews of this product <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783619/"><font color="#0000ff">here</font></a>.</p> <p align="center"><em>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</em></p> melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-55736793470830731512011-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-12T17:22:21.677-08:00See N Read Reading Tools<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMXtLw96LvJzJxvDl6xwwn7nLch0-SUuk5hBJqvSQhSHk7jTVRCCY1AJr1EtwMRX7_Lze9H1n2t7PO4HetaiRgymM4uwBHpNFrLVMChr9ugjr-nAw2PPZr2mAlKVoEzPQ5u2vVn7XqZsu/s1600-h/image5.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKgvBeXJaWV0mB25FnyPGkAsnCY0UtbioylOxl1FPpDq15PDicW07lces1hhsx7sru9JcvrE4u3PNE_nt1YBz_T380BDEuVS8yd4jNESqR4ZWteY1ams6tbTOURMZi6TugcRxWmhJ9VL4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="408" /></a><br />
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I was given the opportunity to review <a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/"><span style="color: blue;">See N Read</span></a> reading tool products from CadenaSmith Enterprises. I received 4 See N Read reading tools…1 each of the two different See N Read sizes, <br />
1 MemoryMark, and 1 eSee N Read.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 235px;"><tbody>
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</td> </tr>
<tr> <td><img alt="" border="0" height="53" id="redlinks_r2_c1" name="redlinks_r2_c1" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/redlinks_r2_c1.gif" width="1" /></td> <td><a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/seenread.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="53" id="redlinks_r2_c2" name="redlinks_r2_c2" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/redlinks_r2_c2.gif" width="234" /></a></td> <td><img alt="" border="0" height="53" name="undefined_3" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/seenread.html"></a><br />
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See N Read is reasonably priced at 1/$2.99, 3/$8.99 for the 5 1/2” (book) size and 1/$3.49, 3/$9.99 for the 8 1/2” (document) size…you can also get them in combo packs of one each of the two sizes 1 combo pack for $5.99, 3 combo packs for $17.99.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 235px;"><tbody>
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</td> </tr>
<tr> <td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/memorymark.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="52" id="redlinks_r3_c1" name="redlinks_r3_c1" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/redlinks_r3_c1.gif" width="235" /></a></td> <td><img alt="" border="0" height="52" name="undefined_3" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/memorymark.html"></a><br />
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If you notice in the above picture this cool tool allows you to read a book or document and underline or highlight that section of text. MemoryMark is sized and priced the same as the above See N Read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/eseenread.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="59" id="redlinks_r4_c1" name="redlinks_r4_c1" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/redlinks_r4_c1.gif" width="235" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" height="59" name="undefined_3" src="http://www.see-n-read.com/images/spacer.gif" width="1" /><a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/eseenread.html"></a><br />
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eSee N Read is priced at 1 download for $29.99, 3 for $69.99. <br />
You can also get a 7-day free trial of this…go <a href="http://www.see-n-read.com/eseenread.html"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. <br />
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<i>{ See-N-Read® is a practical reading intervention tool....designed to help readers seamlessly see, focus, and remember what they read. It reduces word- and line-skipping and pattern glare.</i><br />
<i><b>See:</b> See-N-Read® helps readers to concentrate on and track the text being read while smoothly transitioning between the words that come before or after, thus helping readers to increase their fluency (the capacity to read text accurately and quickly) and comprehension.</i><i> <br />
<b>Focus:</b> See-N-Read’s clear reading window is surrounded by a non-glare tinted transparent finish that helps readers to focus on manageable “chunks” of information in each line of text. <br />
<b>Remember:</b> See-N-Read® provides readers with a clear reference point that helps control smooth eye movements across the text on a page. Smooth eye movement from left to right and smooth transitions from line to line ("sweeping") enhance retention of information. <br />
See-N-Read’s flexible material makes it easy for readers, young and old, to hold and use it as they read. }</i><br />
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Two of my kids, whom have a harder time reading, are using the See N Read tools. They both like using it and seem to have an easier time reading and tracking the words. It makes for a great bookmark, too! Just make sure that you or your child have remembered to take it out of any of your library book(s).<br />
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The eSee N Read is a nice tool to use when reading a document or book, it helps with the glare of the computer screen. There are some cool features with the eSee N Read like changing the size to suit what you are reading, the “window” as the cursor, create multiple ones for use while reading multiple documents at the same time, changing it for vertical reading and the ability to move the readbar within the See N Read "window”.<br />
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I would definitely recommend these tools and they are well worth the little money spent on them, also I think they would be great tools for anyone whether they had difficulty reading and tracking or not.<br />
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If you want to read other TOS crew reviews on this product click <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783605/"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received these products for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-89768500113069123352011-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:002011-01-05T00:00:01.186-08:00Math Facts Now!<img height="89" src="http://www.mathfactsnow.com/includes/templates/lilix/images/top_nav/home_r1_c1-2.gif" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="386" /><br />
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I was given the opportunity to review the <a href="http://www.mathfactsnow.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Math Facts Now!</span></a> software download version. <i>System Requirements: Runs on Windows 2000, ME, XP, Vista and Windows 7. 4.5 Mb of free hard drive space required.</i> It cost $15.95 for the download version or $15.95 + $3.95 for shipping and handling for the CD-rom version. It is not available for Mac or Linux systems. The website says…Guaranteed effective or your money back.<br />
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<img height="42" src="http://www.mathfactsnow.com/includes/templates/lilix/images/how_title.gif" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="394" /><br />
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<i>{ Do you want your child to have instant recall of the math facts?</i><br />
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<i>Look at how <b>Math Facts NOW!</b> helps you to reach that goal!</i><br />
<ul><li><i>You choose which function and which specific numbers to drill (ie: multiplication tables, 8's). </i></li>
<li><i>You choose how many problems to be given in a specific session. </i></li>
<li><i>You choose how much time your child is to be given to complete a problem. </i></li>
<li><i>You choose how many times the child is to repeat problems that he/she made mistakes on or took too long on. </i></li>
<li><i>Math Facts NOW! remembers which problems your child is having difficulty with, and automatically presents them back to the child with greater frequency! </i></li>
<li><i>You choose to enter a reward for the completion of a lesson with no errors. </i></li>
<li><i>You choose to print a list of your child's weak areas. }</i></li>
</ul><div align="center"><a href="http://www.mathfactsnow.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=2"><span style="color: blue;">Try a it for free!</span></a> </div><div align="center"><br />
</div>I really like all the features it offers and it is really easy to get started making lessons. I named mine funny names like…easy peasy, skipping ahead, or easily take it away. My kids don’t get to use the computer often, so my kids have fun doing it, which makes it easier for me to have them work on those tricky math facts. Originally it had a 50 correct answers to finish minimum for each session, but we all found that to be a little too much, so they updated the software for us, lowered all the way down to 5 correct answers to finish…all of mine are at 25. One thing I wish was different is choosing whether to go up to just 10, because it goes up to 12 (ex. 4+10 or 4+12). I would say it of course works well for both visual kids and kinesthetic kids…it could work well for auditory kids if they were told to repeat the problem out loud before solving it. The perfect age range would be probably grades 1-6…a child needs to at least have a basic understanding of addition to start using this program and it will be used for a number of years since it goes through division. Multiple children at different levels can use this software…that is the great thing about it. I think $15.95 is an inexpensive way for a multiple child family (or only child) to get their math facts down. Remember that you can try it for free, before you buy it. Other than creating the lessons, which is very easy, that is all that is required of you…except if you choose to do a reward. We have only been using it for a relatively short (inconsistent) time so I can’t say how long it will take your kids to learn their facts, but I think consistency is key. One of my children has a much harder time learning so patience, consistency and repetition is key for him.<br />
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If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product click <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783562/"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this software for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-2129086490770426132010-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:002010-12-29T08:51:50.919-08:00Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All DayI was given the opportunity to watch the <a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/tb-d">“Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day” DVD</a> created by the <a href="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/">Institute for Excellence in Writing</a> company. The DVD is essentially Andrew Pudewa presenting this topic at a conference of some sort, so it is visually nothing fancy, but it is jammed packed of very interesting information on generalized differences in boys and girls.<br />
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<img alt="" src="http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/files/imagecache/product/files/TB-D.jpg" title="" /><br />
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The DVD is priced at $10.00 and runs about 80 minutes. It is divided up into 3 parts…The 4 Forms of Relevancy, The 3 Laws of Motivation and The 2 Secret Weapons.<br />
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I found the information presented informative and highly helpful.<br />
To peak your interest…who hears better, boys or girls? What types of words do boys use more often in writing and vice versa what words do girls use more often? How do boys and girls handle pain or stress differently? How do boys and girls see differently? Knowing these differences…we can then teach more effectively. The DVD also gives tips to motivate your child(ren) to do something they may not want to do. I would recommend this DVD or MP3 download (which is only $3.00) to anyone who is interested in gaining some additional wisdom about your children, especially those with boys.<br />
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I am always in awe of God and how he has created us not only as individuals, but also as male or female genders.<br />
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To read other TOS reviews on this product or the Phonetic Zoo click<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783541/"> here</a>. <br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-31547546742502305102010-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:002010-12-29T08:57:06.906-08:00Tiny Planets<a href="http://bing-bong.littletoons.com/"><img alt="Tiny Planets: Bing and Bong" border="0" height="198" src="http://www.littletoons.com/images/logo_bing-bong.gif" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" title="Tiny Planets: Bing and Bong" width="399" /></a><br />
I was given the opportunity to review the website, <a href="http://tinyplanets.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets</span></a>.<br />
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<i>{ Tiny Planets provides award-winning educational entertainment set in space exploration and discovery, inspiring creativity and critical thinking in youth ages 4 to 12.</i><br />
<i>Tiny Planets features the cosmic adventures of Bing and Bong, two whimsical aliens who travel the Universe of Tiny Planets together on their gadget-loaded plush sofa. With Bing and Bong, children are encouraged to think for themselves, assume social responsibility, take care of our planet and learn about the mysteries of space. }</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.tinyplanets.com/"><img alt="" border="0" height="64" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-home.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="71" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tinyplanets.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets Home</span></i></a><i> is your central location to access all our Tiny Planets web sites. The Tiny Planets online content has won two BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards – Interactive Best Entertainment Website and Best Children's Interactive. We're quite proud of that!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.tinyplanetstv.com/"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="67" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-tv.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="75" /></i></a><br />
<i>On </i><a href="http://www.tinyplanetstv.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets TV</span></i></a><i> you can watch any of the Tiny Planets television episodes. This series was co-created with <b>Sesame Workshop</b> and emphasizes science education and early learning goals, such as social and emotional development, language and literacy, problem-solving and reasoning, knowledge and understanding of our world, and creative development. Tiny Planets is the only television program to be endorsed by <b>Montessori Centre International</b>, and it's been a favorite in nearly 100 TV territories around the world. Thank you Montessori!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mytinyplanets.com/"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="69" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-mtp.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="77" /></i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.mytinyplanets.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">My Tiny Planets</span></i></a><i> is a new online community and virtual world based on science and space exploration that combines social elements and gaming to create an engaging space exploration experience. Children create an avatar (affectionately called their “Space Cadet”), solve galactic missions with Bing and Bong, sharpen their wits with fast-paced mini-games, navigate their spaceships and avoid wormholes, adopt and care for their own planet, and nurture exotic plants in a biodome, all the while racking up achievements and special badges for their accomplishments.</i><br />
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<a href="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/undefined/"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="76" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-fun.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="85" /></i></a><br />
<i>On </i><a href="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets Fun</span></i></a><b></b><i> your child can take a few moments to enjoy brainy puzzle games (like fractions, sound and seek, and symmetry), as well as coloring books and comics.</i><br />
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<a href="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/undefined/"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="65" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-books.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="73" /></i></a><br />
<i>On </i><a href="http://tinyplanetsbooks.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets Books</span></i></a><i> you'll find interactive story books for younger children featuring Bing and Bong, their friends the locals and the flockers, and all the endearing planets in the Universe of Tiny Planets. Read these books with your child, or teach your child to read on their own!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.tinyplanetslearning.com/"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="67" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-learn.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="75" /></i></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tinyplanetslearning.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets Learning</span></i></a><i> is our site for parents, homeschoolers, and educators. Here you'll find lesson plans that include educational activities and science experiments to do at home. Also, you'll see how every episode in the Tiny Planets television series maps to early learning goals. Some Tiny Planets parents have even created curriculum for their children using these creative resources!</i><br />
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<a href="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/undefined/"><i><img alt="" border="0" height="72" src="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/images/stories/I-labs.png" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" width="80" /></i></a><br />
<a href="http://tinyplanetslabs.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tiny Planets Labs</span></i></a><i> is our playground for things to come! We participate in several EU University research projects, keeping us technologically sharp. When we create new games, we put them on our labs site to test them out. Let us know what you think!</i><br />
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So far, my older boys, ages 9 and 10, have played on the website. They have mainly played with the My Tiny Planets and Tiny Planets Fun…my 9 year old responded with “It’s Awesome”, when I asked whether he liked it or not. He especially likes making his journal and playing the games.<br />
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It is free to sign up and create accounts for yourself and your children…though I will preface to say that the website is not totally free. There are many aspects that are free, but there are some that you will need to purchase “keys” in order for you child to use all areas. The “keys” are relatively cheap…10 for $1.95, 25 for $3.95, 85 for $9.95, 250 for $25.95 and 600 for $49.95. Most of the games or activities cost anywhere from 5-10 keys, but as I said before there are free ones too. I will also mention that creating accounts for your children was a little difficult at first as I saw no explanation of how…but I did figure it out. You need to click on the <a href="http://tinyplanetsfun.com/mtpaccounts"><span style="color: blue;">small “create a cadet” link first</span></a>, that will give you names to use for the cadet account and then ask you to give a password. I like the idea that my children’s names are not on the website. FYI---write down this information so it is easier to “add cadet” on the parent’s account, especially if you have multiple children, as you may forget what they are by the time you need them<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxdXSPJPtjcUn3W_uXEXxwb1wFoxpgzLmm2hCsqAPg63_ud9TSsSd-XOR76mhcofmAKF9W68yREOj3muzw8QeoHmL0ha9HDZC2Mmx2DyfSuT__nA-U2ZxTsyut0nOvjJPJHcEfdwB5sc0/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" />. After you have gotten cadet names and passwords for each of your children that will be playing, go back to the parent’s account to sign up. Once you’ve done that it will ask you if you want to “add cadet”, click on it and put the cadet name and password that you wrote down, at that point you should be able to purchase “keys” if you want. I personally have not purchased “keys” yet as they still have many things they can do before we need to do that.<br />
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I like that there is a lot to do at the website…that it has multiple arenas to play at or do and for a wide difference in age. I would recommend this site, especially for those with boys.<br />
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To read other TOS reviews on this product click <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783525/">here</a>.<br />
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<div align="center"><i>Disclaimer---I was asked to review this website and (I still need to contact them) I will receive some “keys” in exchange for my honest review.</i></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-3761945018161763482010-12-14T13:06:00.000-08:002010-12-16T20:11:03.382-08:00The resilensce of kids...An update on my youngest who had the spica cast (basically a full body cast) from a broken femur...he got it off last Wednesday the 8th. Hip Hip Hooray! He cried the whole time and wanted to keep it on, but later that night he was all kicks and movement of his legs. I was all sentimental after he had had his bath and was in his jammies...I had almost forgotten what he looked like with footed pajamas on, so incredibly cute.<br />
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Yesterday, only 5 days after he got the cast off, he is walking, granted he looks a little limpy gimpy and doesn't go too far, but never the less he is doing great!melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455635372067711010.post-42206294015478257572010-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:002010-12-29T08:58:58.984-08:00Good Morning, God!I was given the opportunity to review this beautifully illustrated children’s book from<span style="color: #9bbb59;"> </span><a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/"><span style="color: #004080;">Apologia</span></a>, written by Davis Carman.<br />
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<img alt="Good Morning God" height="150" src="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/images/271.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px;" title=" Good Morning God " width="150" /><br />
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The <a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=173"><span style="color: #004080;">book</span></a> is reasonably priced at $14.00. It comes with suggestions on how you can use the book…<br />
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*simply read the book<br />
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*read the story then ask the questions and do the activities that are at the back of the book or just pick some of both<br />
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* if you want to do a mini-curriculum, you can read the story everyday and do the questions and activities that are for that day of the week you are on…for example on Monday you would read the whole book, but maybe emphasize Monday then ask the Monday’s questions and activities.<br />
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I can’t say it any better than Apologia already did… <br />
<i>{</i><i>Good Morning, God is a story about a four-year-old boy as he goes through a week with his family. This book is designed for children age one to eight years old. Ideally, this book will help your child fall in love with our heavenly Father by thinking about Him from sunrise to sunset. The hope is that this book will introduce children to the simple and wonderful ways we can worship God daily and inspire them to enjoy the Lord with their entire being all through the day. The prayers for each day are meant to encourage your child to consider his or her relationship with Jesus and respond with childlike faith.}</i><br />
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I, so far, have just simply read the book to the kids and they enjoyed the simple and repetitive text. I do plan on doing the other suggestions as well… <br />
The activities and questions are different each day, such as, draw a picture of a heart, read Matthew 6:19-21, take a walk outside and look at all that God created, read Philippians 2:5-11 or questions like, What does it mean to be made in God’s image? Or What are some ways you can worship God?<br />
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The book is based on the Deuteronomy 6:6-7 passage, <b><i><sup>“</sup>These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”</i></b> The passage is woven throughout the book. It starts with Sunday going through each day of the week ending on Sunday again. If you want to see a sample of the book go <a href="https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=173"><span style="color: #004080;">here</span></a> and click the sample chapter.<br />
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I love the the illustrations and the story of the little boy and how he goes about his day, how he thinks about his Heavenly Father and how his parents are impressing the word of God on their children. I would recommend this story to anyone with younger children.<br />
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I noticed that they have a coloring book that goes along with it as well for $4.00.<br />
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To read other TOS reviews on this product click <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783485/">here</a>. <br />
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<i>Disclaimer---I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.</i>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13822410771595476863noreply@blogger.com0