Math Rider

I was given the opportunity to review Math Rider, from a company based in Australia.

It is currently on sale for $37 with a normal price of $49.95, it is an instant download software.
Click here for system requirements.

Here is the company’s own words about it’s product…

{ Latest Generation Math Game, using Artificial Intelligence

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.

MathRider was developed from personal need, because we wanted to help our own children who were struggling with fundamental math. }

I had my 3rd grade son start off using the Math Rider program. He has had a lot of fun using it.
This is what he had to say about it…
“I like that the stories are illustrated by kids.”
“I like the noble quests in the magical Mathlands, it’s rewarding to see how far my rider has traveled on the map.”
“I like the graphics.”
“I like the challenge it gives me.”

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.

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.

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.

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 need 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.

A sample of Math Rider

If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product, click here.

Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

The Curiosity Files

I was given the opportunity to choose one of the Curiosity Files from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. We chose Zombie Fire Ants. 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.



Here are all the Curiosity Files available…

Blue Diamond

Dung Beetle

MRSA

Puffer Fish

Red Tide

Zombie Fire Ants

Blue-footed Booby

Cicada Killing Wasp

Quicksand  

{Zombie Fire Ants will keep your kids occupied and answering questions like these:

• What is God’s plan for controlling the number of fire ants?
• When out of control, how can scientists restore balance to the natural world?
• What’s so special about phorid flies, and how do they fit into the ant equation?
• Okay, so how does a fire ant morph from a hard-working colony participant into a zombie-like creature?
• If regular fire ants cause havoc, why create a zombie version?
• Does history tell us anything important?
• What can we grasp from the Bible?
• And a whole lot more!}

The Study includes…

• Bible study, discussion ideas, and memory verses
• Math, history, and geography investigations
• Literature and suggested book list
• Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities
• Beautiful copywork pages (manuscript and cursive)
• Science observations, projects, and experiments
• Discussion questions
• Art, crafts, and drawing and coloring pages
• Lapbook/notebook pages and helpful lapbooking links
• Special needs, hands-on discoveries
• Internet resource and video links
• Complete answer key 

Click HERE to view a sample.

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!

We found Zombie Fire Ants to be FASCINATING and you will too! We are certainly looking forward to doing the other Curiosity Files I purchased. I would highly recommend them!

If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product or the other Curiosity Files the other crew members chose click here.

Disclaimer---I was given this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Times Alive!

I was given the opportunity to review a download version of Times Alive! from City Creek Press. It cost $44.95.



{ 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.
The Fun Way approach to learning math tables eliminates the need for rote memorization. Instead:

1. It presents every math equation as a story to be told, allowing students to attach meaning to the numbers.
2. It attaches a variety of clues and information to the number facts, making retention and retrieval of the information much easier for students.
3. It presents math in a fun and interactive storytelling medium that uses lively imagery and narrative to entertain and inform students.

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. }


 
See the movie (see an example of Times Alive! in action)


Pictures to Color 



Sample Test (from lesson five)

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.

If you want to read more TOS crew reviews click here.

Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for kids

I was given the opportunity to review the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for kids given to me by Lifeway Christian Store. The hardcover book is reasonably priced at $14.99.




{ 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 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!

If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product click here.

Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Speekee TV

I was given the opportunity to review SpeeKee TV, 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.

A subscription to Speekee TV is $7.50 per month and the first two weeks are free.
Subscribe securely using PayPal, and unsubscribe at any time - there's no minimum period.


What SpeeKee says about their product…

{10 Reasons to choose Speekee for Spanish

• Great fun and extremely effective
• Created by specialist linguists and musicians
• Accelerated learning methodology for natural success
• 100% in Spanish (English and Spanish subtitles available)
• Simple presentation style
• Lively, engaging characters
• Real Spanish children in real Spanish locations
• Concise, essential Spanish vocabulary, with lots of repetition
• Catchy songs
• Highly acclaimed by our customers! } 

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.

What I like about it…

it is reasonably inexpensive at $7.50 a month

it really is a simple presentation style

each episode is based on a theme…such as a café, zoo, house, etc.

repetition of the vocabulary being learned

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)

it seems that you can get a good base of the Spanish language through these episodes

my daughter likes them and is entertained by it at which is fun for her

that the subscription can be ended at anytime and paid through paypal

I would recommend this online program for an easy and fun introduction to the Spanish language.

If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product click here.

Disclaimer---I received the online program for free for a period of time in exchange for my honest review.

Maestro Classics

I was given the fun opportunity to review Peter and the Wolf from Maestro Classics. It is priced at $16.98. It is performed by the London Philharmonic Symphony and conducted by Stephen Simon.

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.

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.

Maestro Classics has quite a few more Stories in Music, some of which I am looking forward to purchasing.
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.

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.

If you want to read more TOS crew reviews on this product, click here.

Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

Easy Classical

I was given an Early Modern History 36-week schedule to review from Easy Classical. 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.

Explorers
Week 1: America Before She Got Her Name
Week 2: Prince Henry the Navigator
Week 3: Christopher Columbus
Week 4: Magellan
Week 5: The Spanish Conquistadors
Week 6: French Explorers
Week 7: Sir Walter Raleigh and the Lost Colony
13 Colonies
Week 8: John Smith and Jamestown
Week 9: William Bradford and the Plymouth Plantation
Week 10: Massachusetts Bay Colony
Week 11: Roger Williams and Rhode Island
Week 12: New England Colonies and King Philipʼs War
Colonial America
Week 13: Middle Colonies
Week 14: Salem Witch Trials
Week 15: Southern Colonies
Week 16: Plantation Living
Week 17: The Great Awakening
Week 18: Benjamin Franklin
Week 19: Colonial Trading with England
Week 20: Washington and the French and Indian Wars
Road to Independence
Week 21: Taxation without Representation is Tyranny
Week 22: Boston Massacre and the First Continental Congress
Week 23: Paul Revere and the Shot that was Heard Around the World
Week 24: Washington Commander in Chief of the Continental Army
Week 25: The Battle of Breedʼs and Bunker Hill
Revolution
Week 26: John Locke and Isaac Newton and the Idea of Democracy
Week 27: Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence
Week 28: Washington at Valley Forge
Week 29: Benedict Arnold
Week 30: Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown/Franklin and the Treaty of Paris
Week 31: The Constitution
Week 32: Washington the First President
Week 33: Napoleon Bonaparte and the Louisiana Purchase
Week 34: Lewis and Clark
Week 35: James Madison and the War of 1812
Week 36: Slavery and The Missouri Compromise

A few thoughts from me…

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.

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.

Want to see samples of this product? Click here. 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…Writing with History, 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…Geography with History.

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.

You can read other TOS Crew reviews of this product here.

Disclaimer---I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.