tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86652287264767399632024-03-24T03:10:39.067-04:00Raising LeafsOur Leafs don't fall too far from the tree,
especially in this Urban setting.Leightonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11783757413114234685noreply@blogger.comBlogger1315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-39603656315480780832023-07-28T08:00:00.007-04:002023-07-28T08:00:00.157-04:00Changes<br /><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is less than one month until Jake is at college starting his new life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Realization hit last night when he and Nick were bantering at dinner. I went from laughter to teary-eyes back to laughter in a matter of seconds. We have only one month left of these daily interactions.</span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">One month until our lives drastically change. One month until a piece of my heart is on the other side of the country. One month until our family is no longer whole. One month until my baby (who is obviously no longer a baby) spreads his wings and leaves the nest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know many people have experienced this before, but this is my first time to have a child grow up and move away. There are so many emotions. Excitement for him to start this journey. Sadness to lose him at home. Worry that I didn’t prepare him well enough. Anticipation to see how he’ll grow through this . . . how I’ll grow through this. Peace because I know that is exactly where he’s supposed to be.</div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoAnIHTdH9-6_HZwhUscmWn2lpsrajWJoneRWXcPzDEq5m4kRcW4OowDlMbqY80stS_dqu0D8KQdol8_yc-pijqB3dENh2Hop6iBmkD8hTSAX1XtVCEgbl5PfxYQchavstT8-7afaHEsG6Hch4LeEE395I3hHKgjHxEEFm-ql_6cItiZBJWcq3cBV83I/s4032/IMG_6528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoAnIHTdH9-6_HZwhUscmWn2lpsrajWJoneRWXcPzDEq5m4kRcW4OowDlMbqY80stS_dqu0D8KQdol8_yc-pijqB3dENh2Hop6iBmkD8hTSAX1XtVCEgbl5PfxYQchavstT8-7afaHEsG6Hch4LeEE395I3hHKgjHxEEFm-ql_6cItiZBJWcq3cBV83I/w480-h640/IMG_6528.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I often find myself asking lately, <i>how did it go so fast?</i> How are we already sending him off to college? Where did the time go??</span></div><div><br /><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different?”</i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>— C.S. Lewis</i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My beautiful little boy with white-blonde hair and bright blue eyes has grown into a respectable young man. Though the boy is bigger and much has changed, it's not just the bright blue eyes that are the same. He still has the same determination, the same tenacity, the same independence, the same brilliant mind. He's ready to go out into the world and put into practice the skills we have taught him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though my heart hurts for what I am losing, it joys for what he is gaining. New experiences, new friends, more responsibility. A chance to truly grow up. I know he is ready for this next step. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, in a way, so am I.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ01N9HAFn7yx6GMOzgxN225rhT0l1QDbMuJuzgoVxbqN6lTxDe8VdoT4jQ48ImXBbDLaFQhk-3QqCu1m2WnLJi4um16I1qqLa1420CMC0Nm1Tz-Aj0vKwiRmeGHBIfIBmANqUeS2IxkaLxeGJzOl-YmDjqncEr_My8nlPz-ON28m6nHhcQdDrAI_liDw/s7500/DSC05753-2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ01N9HAFn7yx6GMOzgxN225rhT0l1QDbMuJuzgoVxbqN6lTxDe8VdoT4jQ48ImXBbDLaFQhk-3QqCu1m2WnLJi4um16I1qqLa1420CMC0Nm1Tz-Aj0vKwiRmeGHBIfIBmANqUeS2IxkaLxeGJzOl-YmDjqncEr_My8nlPz-ON28m6nHhcQdDrAI_liDw/w640-h426/DSC05753-2.jpg" /></a><br /></span><br /></div></div><div><div>Though I'm going to miss him immensely, I expect him to make me proud.</div><div><br />He already has.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-24810796906120986222021-10-13T16:37:00.000-04:002021-10-13T16:37:35.646-04:00Homeschooling on the Extra Wild, Extra Crazy, Extra Chaotic Days<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /><br />I often tell people that I love homeschooling. And I do!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But that doesn't mean that it's easy. There are times when the kids don't want to do their work, or continually tease each other, or won't stop bouncing off the walls. They are kids with their own opinions and personalities and various moods. And to complicate it even further, they have a mother with her own opinions and personality and various moods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the time, we all get along really well together. Sometimes though, someone is a bit cranky and individuals clash. More clashing means more crankiness. It repeats in a vicious cycle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some days are just tough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday was one of those days. It was a trifecta morning where we had not wanting to do work mixed with teasing each other all while bouncing off the walls. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I felt my frustrations rising. We still had nearly a full day of school left and a houseful of people struggling to get it done. I threatened to send everyone back to bed and start the day over. It's at times like this when it's most important for me to get myself in order. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The saying "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" goes much deeper than obey and keep Mama happy. It also means, Mama, watch your own attitude. Those children are looking at you and feeding off your emotions. If you're cranky, they'll probably be irritable too. But if you choose to keep a good attitude, they'll emulate your actions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Attitude affects behavior.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhmwNvDFTrAwoZruUTHJHzIeW5pkPyUTNp7AZVE2QjwVv7V5skZVAJxLnxgK0RO0P6ljYUzvumlqIGdo4VcJJ96W9Tvk9jLftg9v-qOvzltjRp7lvNAg9l5XU1R1HzK4_sT1atLN98rM/s2048/chess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhmwNvDFTrAwoZruUTHJHzIeW5pkPyUTNp7AZVE2QjwVv7V5skZVAJxLnxgK0RO0P6ljYUzvumlqIGdo4VcJJ96W9Tvk9jLftg9v-qOvzltjRp7lvNAg9l5XU1R1HzK4_sT1atLN98rM/w640-h458/chess.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hey, they can sit still!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">When the normal routine is not working, it's time to change it up. We did schoolwork inside big pillow and blanket forts, played a few games, and (the most useful tactic in all my years of homeschooling) distracted the littlest one so the older kids could focus on their work. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Did that mean my kids immediately turned into sweet, little angels that were thrilled to complete assignments and read well-past their required time? Ha, not hardly. But it got us through the day with minimal complaints and maybe a smidgen less wall-bouncing. Maybe. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My kids are just like your kids; I'm just like you. We just happen to homeschool. It's what's best for our family, even on the extra wild, extra crazy, and extra chaotic days. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.<br /><br /><br /></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-182610134642423572020-11-20T12:13:00.003-05:002020-11-21T20:15:38.718-05:00Name Meaning Bookmarks<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify;"><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><br /></b></div><div separator="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/CrossTimber-Name-Meaning-Gifts-LOGO.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="466" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/CrossTimber-Name-Meaning-Gifts-LOGO.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p> </p><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-weight: 400;">I get to review all sorts of curricula, websites, and other homeschool-related things as a member of the Homechool Review Crew. Every now and then though, I get the opportunity to review something different.</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">CrossTimber </b><span>is one of those companies as they offer unique and personalized gifts. The great thing is that their products appeal to much more than just homeschoolers since they specialize in name-meaning gifts, and everybody has a name. We were first introduced to their company a few years ago and have gotten different products from them. This time, we received 5 </span><b>Name Bookmarks </b>from <b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.Bookmarks.name">www.Bookmarks.name</a> </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">and a set of </span><a href="http://www.amazing.name/ACTIVITY/" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">AmazingName Print Activity Sheets</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMHsbDIzd_uXTTxsLB3MNsWvUhnHk3utwAF5VQ8w6rRlYgGOtbPKZ5bhOb_TZ6A6QSg99aHOHv5c3MVEgk6tc6L73AL7do-DYLyc4Itu5IlJSTQF2l-ALelk9HkGG1jTIinlr5e47t8I/s1500/CrossTimber_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMHsbDIzd_uXTTxsLB3MNsWvUhnHk3utwAF5VQ8w6rRlYgGOtbPKZ5bhOb_TZ6A6QSg99aHOHv5c3MVEgk6tc6L73AL7do-DYLyc4Itu5IlJSTQF2l-ALelk9HkGG1jTIinlr5e47t8I/w426-h640/CrossTimber_review.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CrossTimber is a family company that was started by the Dehnart family in the late 1970s. From photography to carpentry to printing and graphic design, they've offered many services over the years. Then, in 1994, John Dehnart started the personalized name products portion of the company as a way to show Christ's love and </span><a href="http://www.meaning.name/RE/driversed.html" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">bless those that persecuted him</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Now, he and his wife, and even his kids, work together to create beautiful gifts that highlight the meanings of names and are still blessing people through their products.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I bought my three oldest kids <a href="http://www.bookmarks.name/" target="_blank">name bookmarks</a> four years ago. The foundation of our education is literature, so naturally we do a lot of reading around here. As you can imagine, those bookmarks were in rough shape! I was excited to replace them with new personalized ones and get them for my younger kids, too. </span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifV4lHi9TRfGBOR5peubkUR7c3p3NLMj5TP-RUjNBOI5TGGDRZvOYEJwkm30989hSh61-WAjukO6qaPzpVjtP75Q7jaGKJgTkHBE73xvN-pk3N6ITEVqcTGqBlCLVIv6kOTofeXPkfl0I/s2048/name_bookmarks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifV4lHi9TRfGBOR5peubkUR7c3p3NLMj5TP-RUjNBOI5TGGDRZvOYEJwkm30989hSh61-WAjukO6qaPzpVjtP75Q7jaGKJgTkHBE73xvN-pk3N6ITEVqcTGqBlCLVIv6kOTofeXPkfl0I/w640-h360/name_bookmarks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last time, I spent so much time poring through the 200+ design options in order to find the <a href="https://raisingleafs.blogspot.com/2016/10/whats-in-name.html" target="_blank">perfect bookmarks</a> to surprise my kids. This time, I deferred that job to them. There are multiple design themes from which to choose and then many background options under each category.</span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faith & Encouragement</div></span></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Castles & Lighthouses</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celtic, Irish, & Gaelic</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fantastical & Imaginative</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Musical Instruments</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sports</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunrises & Sunsets</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Flowers</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Animals</div></li><li><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">. . . and many more.</div></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My girl spent time looking through all the options and carefully decided on the best one for her, whereas the boys found their preferred styles in less than a minute each. Obviously she is the only one who takes after me! I love that CrossTimber has many options which makes it easy for everyone to find something perfect to match their likes and personalities.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each bookmark includes a name along with its meaning and origin. </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After choosing a style, you can also add other personalized features such as a ribbon and corner design punch. You also get to choose what else you want printed on the front of the bookmark from a presidential quote, famous author quote, Bible verse that matches the name meaning, a character quality, or a custom text (for an additional cost.) The possibilities are endless!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCyGhI0-H-HVRYR4zmevt4IN2nEiOoVzK96wYm7Q1YutJJN6lDAHO1FSN6NPTqDTK6DztRpyTrO1WUsXFij5BZ7fJjuyV8lAL0Ujyeajklaok352j2JWeFm5O-bO8w26ePDvWcasi-TQ/s2048/personalized_bookmarks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCyGhI0-H-HVRYR4zmevt4IN2nEiOoVzK96wYm7Q1YutJJN6lDAHO1FSN6NPTqDTK6DztRpyTrO1WUsXFij5BZ7fJjuyV8lAL0Ujyeajklaok352j2JWeFm5O-bO8w26ePDvWcasi-TQ/w640-h360/personalized_bookmarks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div>We chose the matching Bible verse for our bookmarks. I want my kids to claim Scripture as their own and apply Its message to their hearts. The website says that they "typically start with the King James Version." Because that version is very important to us and we use nothing else ever, I sent an email to John to let him know of my wishes. With all of my other orders over the years, he was quick to reply and happy to make changes. This time, however, I did not get a response and then one of our bookmarks came with a verse from a different version. My kids always double check verses on things like this right away, so not only was I disappointed by the bookmark, so was the boy it belongs to. </div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On top of that, the oversized envelope was shoved into our mailbox, bending all five bookmarks and the name activity sheets. Thankfully, nothing was creased, so time and some heavy books helped to flatten everything out. Packaging the materials between cardboard would have helped keep it all smooth through shipping though.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9aI_xYIP9CqrFrn6PXs0qQs90n-Z7cazPOyyDjgLmQlczlZyISL91IcRG_DvbEaZmIQ7neC5-_1sPe1mota-wwXcQkX8gE8OmjN5IJScl1oY13qbYa_c2ILXZYuGuwom2XUMHsVTGu0/s2048/crosstimber_shipping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="2048" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9aI_xYIP9CqrFrn6PXs0qQs90n-Z7cazPOyyDjgLmQlczlZyISL91IcRG_DvbEaZmIQ7neC5-_1sPe1mota-wwXcQkX8gE8OmjN5IJScl1oY13qbYa_c2ILXZYuGuwom2XUMHsVTGu0/w640-h558/crosstimber_shipping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We received an </span><a href="http://www.amazing.name/ACTIVITY/" style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">AmazingName Print Activity Sheets</a><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> set for our youngest son last year when he got a personalized <a href="https://raisingleafs.blogspot.com/2019/11/amazing-name-video-review.html" target="_blank">Amazing Name video</a>. This time, I chose our 8-year-old to receive the set. He was very excited to have 28 pages of name activities. There are mazes, crossword puzzles, word searches, coloring pages, and both printing and cursive practice that feature the name over 80 times. There is a variety of difficulty levels for ages 3-12. I was surprised to see so many new pages from last time! Some of the worksheets feature characters from the Amazing Name cartoon video, so that was fun for my kids to see. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This really is a fun option for helping young ones recognize and spell their names, but also for older ones to appreciate how special their names are.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjxVkps6_U2Ecd8YF52hI1hnhWTeXaEIJx3_0hRGnOaogzR8GvIF1MugJOy4Rh3dSERq2UQG65oZI7r_sSFgPRGYIQwPA0ZgxOX2cpav9VBJtEZr6cfhTPSIpbWWPxP21Cjpmwp0rpBI/s2048/amazing_name_activity_sheets.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjxVkps6_U2Ecd8YF52hI1hnhWTeXaEIJx3_0hRGnOaogzR8GvIF1MugJOy4Rh3dSERq2UQG65oZI7r_sSFgPRGYIQwPA0ZgxOX2cpav9VBJtEZr6cfhTPSIpbWWPxP21Cjpmwp0rpBI/w640-h382/amazing_name_activity_sheets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R8ImjaBk-_je2MC4gc4LQsBDsrFPqxvFE_bZhBOFqhkQfvxTi72rJEq565Vi-eyU5cu6ASdRIyU6NfQUxMkCEVhJay4zK8XycLHrgIVcxQ1LL6HsmItdgzvbLEZMAQHHiJFNffXMhF4/s2048/name_word_search.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R8ImjaBk-_je2MC4gc4LQsBDsrFPqxvFE_bZhBOFqhkQfvxTi72rJEq565Vi-eyU5cu6ASdRIyU6NfQUxMkCEVhJay4zK8XycLHrgIVcxQ1LL6HsmItdgzvbLEZMAQHHiJFNffXMhF4/w640-h360/name_word_search.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe you're looking for a unique gift for someone older. CrossTimber also sells personalized name plaques, coffee mugs, music boxes, and more. There are also names of God plaques that would look beautiful in any home. Just like the bookmarks, there are many different options for themes, frames, and other personalized features. Some of my other Crewmates received a name plaque print, so be sure to check out those reviews, too. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">CrossTimber offers many beautiful and special personalized products that would make perfect gifts. Head over to </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.Bookmarks.name">www.Bookmarks.name</a></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">and you won't be disappointed!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvju4g6tpqxa84zSeHOuxui7KxFGUhVjamyoRfLxQh2gflWNidCcSQl3xlQ5riqYcg81YDOsAsmBU-ZoHLdqAoe-zHUyXqIGnZlZzOOb-a3apkX16Z0dSSLnZVBgRktP7lQ_IgcD9Mbk/s1870/name_plaque.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1870" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvju4g6tpqxa84zSeHOuxui7KxFGUhVjamyoRfLxQh2gflWNidCcSQl3xlQ5riqYcg81YDOsAsmBU-ZoHLdqAoe-zHUyXqIGnZlZzOOb-a3apkX16Z0dSSLnZVBgRktP7lQ_IgcD9Mbk/w640-h304/name_plaque.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with CrossTimber on the following social media sites:</span></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/meaning.name" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/crosstimber/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/name-card-bookcards-activity-sheets-plaque-personalised-gifts-crosstimber-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of these name meaning gifts on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/name-card-bookcards-activity-sheets-plaque-personalised-gifts-crosstimber-reviews/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="502" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WkgoVNVUbTNN56Tfg31ov8HXkkPmXR1Tt2zjT74gtNY1RGSxeSdJr6221V1FOxXrG3AyI9odNCIZHaAC3UL6KzlUS2xuLS2oTT-ybxg8vhlahw6GYicagS7trqxWZEjB2W3IL9-GEA4/w400-h194/read_more_reviews_reading_eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-63961195571499460902020-11-06T11:35:00.000-05:002020-11-06T11:35:58.651-05:00Bible Unearthed<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Drive-Thru-History-Adventures-Logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="800" height="142" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Drive-Thru-History-Adventures-Logo.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.drivethruadventures.com/" target="_blank">Drive Thru History<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">®</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventures</span></a></b> is one of our family's favorite video series, so we're always excited when we get to review something from them. This time, we've gotten early access to a brand new series called <i><b>Bible Unearthed</b></i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dave Stotts, the host of the award-winning <i>Drive Thru History</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">®</span></span>, believes that "education should be culturally engaging, fact-filled, and super fun." He spends his time traveling the world to teach on location to give viewers a glimpse of historic sites and bring history to life. He calls it <i>Adventure Learning</i>, and not only is it educational, it's highly entertaining. Dave is able to take documentary-style dialogue and add in humor and silliness in a way that grabs the attention of even the littlest ones of the family. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In <i>Bible Unearthed</i>, Dave teams up with a couple men to explore the importance and impact of archaeology: Randall, <i>Drive Thru History</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">® lead writer and longtime travel companion and Titus Kennedy, PhD, archaeology expert and friend. The three of them explain how discoveries help us better understand the ancient world through this </span></span>12-part series.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3P8QJ9FEV5_lvGTf_7AcvqjQzgxmcUkgCaRvDn9sYeCwk0qaAymm54XapzUuMxLGfo7U2U0c9FHQwPxz4eX2v-5VgigFBMYU_7GixPwiegNNvDYKvHLTpR4HZs3X9l-4uM8DiHnraFM/s1500/Bible_unearthed_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3P8QJ9FEV5_lvGTf_7AcvqjQzgxmcUkgCaRvDn9sYeCwk0qaAymm54XapzUuMxLGfo7U2U0c9FHQwPxz4eX2v-5VgigFBMYU_7GixPwiegNNvDYKvHLTpR4HZs3X9l-4uM8DiHnraFM/w426-h640/Bible_unearthed_review.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Archaeology, or "study of the ancient," is a "rediscovery of the past through systematic investigation and excavation." Though the topic is woven throughout the <i>Drive Thru History</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">® segments secondhandedly, they wanted to highlight it through episodes of its own. </span></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li>What Is Archaeology?</li><li>The Impact of Archaeology</li><li>Locating Archaeological Sites</li><li>The Life of an Archaeologist</li><li>What's Being Discovered Today?</li><li>Archaeological Mysteries</li><li>Top Discoveries in Bible Archaeology</li><li>Getting Involved in Archaeology</li><li>Trends in Archaeology</li><li>Weird Archaeology</li><li>Accidental Discoveries in Archaeology </li><li>What's Left to Be Discovered?</li></ol><div><br /></div><div>The men sit in their "secret lair of archaeology" and discuss the topics for each segment. They incorporate replicas of artifacts, maps, tools, the Bible, timelines, pictures, and more and use a chalkboard to teach. There are also clips on location of real archaeology sites. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each episode is around the 15 minute mark, packed with enough information to whet your appetite without feeling overwhelming. Of course, in typical <i>Drive Thru History</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">®</span></span> fashion, there is some subtle humor mixed in, such as Dave playing with replicas or dropping them, getting reprimanded, and other silliness. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1bINJaXo0lho6PUezKthdTjBZQcA419XmWXwjoDYRaJ_vsHyuWG2xRQ3uUHf4-ZfXkxCBBKk3BdtQK8U_dlqwskGMVjp7frFq4EKxO_k0XWNfLPUFNPXJGrQDNqRtiLGLrvT3B7fUHo/s1920/Bible_unearthed_video.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1bINJaXo0lho6PUezKthdTjBZQcA419XmWXwjoDYRaJ_vsHyuWG2xRQ3uUHf4-ZfXkxCBBKk3BdtQK8U_dlqwskGMVjp7frFq4EKxO_k0XWNfLPUFNPXJGrQDNqRtiLGLrvT3B7fUHo/w640-h360/Bible_unearthed_video.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><i>Bible Unearthed</i> is more than just videos though. It is a full 12-week course with written exposition, worksheets and answer guides, <i>Dig Deeper</i> articles, and activities. There is also a sample weekly schedule for those who want to stay on track. </div><div><br /></div><div>The <b>written expositions</b> expound on the topics in greater detail and are filled with fascinating pictures. The <b>worksheets </b>have 5 discussion questions for each episode such as <i>What suggests that the David and Goliath story was a historical event?</i> and <i>What kind of architectural evidence relating to the book of Esther did archaeologists find in Susa?.</i> The <i><b>Dig Deeper</b></i> articles were written by Dr. Titus and cover topics like the importance of chronology, the Mesha Stele, the Gallio Inscription, and Solomonic Gates. The <b>activities</b>, like copying a portion of an ancient Biblical text, drawing and analyzing pottery, excavating coins hidden in the yard with a metal detector and mapping the location, and learning about weight price by pretend bartering with a friend, add a deeper, hands-on approach to learning about archaeology. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJe4kGRDZlNixu4qRrfeywuoM_qducfuo5X9rS8gupLXTPlbqqgc4rhlynS5GLUwbbUxMDKxGLoK-IdqSBPOiIHnXFfDFXnPCdFofPFV-Zov01SboCsuj7NgxzrCO2uiEKjOu4AHBwqCs/s1006/Bible_unearthed_topics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1006" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJe4kGRDZlNixu4qRrfeywuoM_qducfuo5X9rS8gupLXTPlbqqgc4rhlynS5GLUwbbUxMDKxGLoK-IdqSBPOiIHnXFfDFXnPCdFofPFV-Zov01SboCsuj7NgxzrCO2uiEKjOu4AHBwqCs/w640-h564/Bible_unearthed_topics.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our family is thoroughly enjoying this study of Biblical archaeology. My kids range in age from 5-14 years of age. Here is what they said:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I like everything!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I like that it's about archaeology. I like learning history." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I like how they talk about different things they've found at dig sites and about different tools they use. I find it cool how they found things proving that the Bible is true."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I like that they actually go to the places instead of just showing pictures of them. And I learned that they use sandbox toys, haha."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Dave is hilarious! Because of that it's easy to pay attention and want to learn more."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLK0R9DZ9iC9OeiVFkwxCIon7U_Xzt7iQfaTYGMhU9YO3IxSsSaTyTlzJIH0rdR_XYnVabNpqPE82fd2r6MBTySREMA4ElYP-gDn6YUXJ83s9MX2pDL0loCBFSBoO5rCRUZ4fnj_nsGQ/s1056/Bible_unearthed_discussion_questions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1056" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLK0R9DZ9iC9OeiVFkwxCIon7U_Xzt7iQfaTYGMhU9YO3IxSsSaTyTlzJIH0rdR_XYnVabNpqPE82fd2r6MBTySREMA4ElYP-gDn6YUXJ83s9MX2pDL0loCBFSBoO5rCRUZ4fnj_nsGQ/w640-h502/Bible_unearthed_discussion_questions.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bible Unearthed is engaging and full of content. It is different from the other <a href="https://www.drivethruadventures.com/" target="_blank">Drive Thru History<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">®</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventures</span></a>, but it is equally appreciated in our home. Not only has it taught us much about the past and how it relates to the Bible, it has sparked an interest in archaeology in my kids. Who knows, maybe one of my little ones will find his own rare discovery one day!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can connect with Drive Thru History<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">®</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventures on the following social media sites:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/drivethruhistory" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drivethruhistory/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/drivethruhistory" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/bible-unearthed-drive-thru-history-adventures-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of this series on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/bible-unearthed-drive-thru-history-adventures-reviews/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="502" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WkgoVNVUbTNN56Tfg31ov8HXkkPmXR1Tt2zjT74gtNY1RGSxeSdJr6221V1FOxXrG3AyI9odNCIZHaAC3UL6KzlUS2xuLS2oTT-ybxg8vhlahw6GYicagS7trqxWZEjB2W3IL9-GEA4/w400-h194/read_more_reviews_reading_eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-82736633253230355282020-11-04T08:48:00.003-05:002020-11-04T08:48:58.589-05:00Personal Finance Course for High School<p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Pem_life-RGB-_-color-rounded-on-light-_-1-1024x545.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Pem_life-RGB-_-color-rounded-on-light-_-1-1024x545.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am always interested in practical learning for my kids, especially as they enter the high school years. This </span><a href="https://www.pemlife.org/homeschool" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Personal Finance Illustrated</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b>® Homeschool Edition</b></span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> from </span><a href="https://www.pemlife.org/" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">PEM Life</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> was the perfect review for us as it fits that description perfectly. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I believe that as Americans we are a spoiled people. We want for nothing, and if there is something more we desire, we simply charge up a bill to pay for it. Society as a whole lives in debt with interest and late fees, and yet continues to spend money they don't have.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">It is important to our family to live within our means. That is not always easy as we are a single-income family with 5 children. It means we cook our own meals, purchase used when practical, and learn skills to accomplish things instead of paying others to do them. God has blessed us abundantly, but He also expects us to manage our money wisely. These are concepts that we try to instill in our children as well, so a curriculum that teaches this in detail is greatly appreciated. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuXiUBRaQty3H4U64dRUcd_n2d4fPPBgs2v4MlE3SOm-LiU2t9suZeUXsCJqKhNKbj4v37NoW9_RSSjp8weGhiMDWWGDQ0BOGItZ_O6HQL2GlMGofQzfLYrRVNUcpdeJ4J6TXoQQCZos/s1500/pem_life_review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuXiUBRaQty3H4U64dRUcd_n2d4fPPBgs2v4MlE3SOm-LiU2t9suZeUXsCJqKhNKbj4v37NoW9_RSSjp8weGhiMDWWGDQ0BOGItZ_O6HQL2GlMGofQzfLYrRVNUcpdeJ4J6TXoQQCZos/w426-h640/pem_life_review.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The PEM Life (Personal Economic Model) curriculum was created by Don Blanton, a financial advisor for over 30 years. Not only does he have a personal practice, he also trains other</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">financial service professionals to better serve their clients.</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Don has educated more than 20,000 people in this way and has used those tools and core concepts to create the PEM Life curriculum. His purpose is "to improve the financial literacy and the financial well-being of everyone who completes the course." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Personal Finance Illustrated</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">® Homeschool Edition</span> <span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">curriculum is designed to provide students with the tools and knowledge not only to learn the terminology but also to understand concepts and have the confidence to put them into practice in order to </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">effectively utilize their finances.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1-OWSTMt08NFK_eWYai7kkabAPlebdDhJkj-G1iswf42lSOHl_WjsFa0oMRmtGoZcIMeTga4Gds3qGd0OopTFrv3dQ443CkDopNjaYO6OF51W4_Q1pSN9L_scoWrPgCeWSiU2ToHD44/s1920/pem_life_video.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1-OWSTMt08NFK_eWYai7kkabAPlebdDhJkj-G1iswf42lSOHl_WjsFa0oMRmtGoZcIMeTga4Gds3qGd0OopTFrv3dQ443CkDopNjaYO6OF51W4_Q1pSN9L_scoWrPgCeWSiU2ToHD44/w640-h360/pem_life_video.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The course, geared toward high school students, is a one semester class. It covers over 60 lessons with many hours of video instruction for 18 units. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 1: <i>Personal Economic Model</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 2: <i>Time Value of Money</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 3: <i>Lifetime Capital Potential</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 4: <i>Opportunity Cost</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 5: <i>The Tax Filter</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 6: <i>Lifestyle Regulator</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 7: <i>Temperament and Finances</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 8: <i>The Importance of Protection</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 9: <i>Debt -- What It Is, What It Is Not</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 10: <i>Pay Cash or Finance?</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 11: <i>The Investment Tank</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 12: <i>The Savings Tank</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 13: <i>Access to Capital </i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 14: <i>Qualified Plans</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 15: <i>Mortgages, The Right Choice</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 16: <i>Why Go to Work?</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 17: <i>Principles of Work</i></span></li><li><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Unit 18: <i>The Danger of Riches</i></span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The curriculum incorporates various aspects into learning the information. Each lesson has chapter reading from an online textbook, video instruction using charts, graphs, and other visual examples; interactive resources such as calculators and diagrams; concept quiz; vocabulary quiz; writing assignment; discussion forum; and a reflection post writing prompt.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk06Kb6nBO1aVFI2gPBRFwoDcwWHHBz-7YEgHHVrrP1_9Ond9383b6Lwl0fkc4-N__AiSxKFJAZZ2Fy7VaH2XbDZDHFUFzLEcrf3i7zma5K7JHPf8jySsWId0BHouohQYfcSqIFCI5P8/s1925/PEM_life_lesson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1925" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk06Kb6nBO1aVFI2gPBRFwoDcwWHHBz-7YEgHHVrrP1_9Ond9383b6Lwl0fkc4-N__AiSxKFJAZZ2Fy7VaH2XbDZDHFUFzLEcrf3i7zma5K7JHPf8jySsWId0BHouohQYfcSqIFCI5P8/w640-h298/PEM_life_lesson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">PEM Life takes care of the grading of all the quizzes and writing assignments, making it as simple as possible for the homeschool parent. My 10th grader is able to complete the lessons on his own by following the plans written out in the curriculum. As he completes each component, the system puts a check mark by it. It also tracks scores, grades, and percentage of course completion. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Mr. Blanton does a great job explaining these topics on the high school level. Many people either do not like or do not understand things like tax liability, interest, collateral, self-financing, mortgage loans, and more, but it is important to have a working knowledge of your finances. My son has been sharing tidbits of the course with me almost daily. It encourages me to see him not only grasping the material, but also being impacted by it. By the end of the first week, he told me, </span><i style="text-align: left;">"</i><span style="text-align: left;">Great. Now I'm not going to look at money the same ever again</span><i style="text-align: left;">."</i><span style="background-color: white;"> That's the goal!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><i>"A deeply seeded understanding of the way in which financial mechanisms work, </i></span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><i>not how </i></span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><i>they are perceived to work, is the first step to ensuring </i></span><i style="text-align: left;">a solid </i><i style="text-align: left;">and </i><i style="text-align: left;">secure financial future."</i><span style="text-align: left;"> -- PEM Life</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="text-align: left;">All the interactive resources like calculators and graphs are matching using the same fonts and formats which keeps the whole program well-connected and </span><span style="text-align: left;">pleases my son. The visuals and practical learning are really what makes this curriculum superior. Plugging in numbers of given scenarios has helped him to realistically understand the financial concepts. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC-VfT0MBclMg9c1E7A2mTosfEcImERmZa7AAHbV_sfUxR5BOaAy2kWpyEwKSleOLgRh4EkNChjZnXHgAXl2iEydfrjKTz2xirHPgaUquUHEPqSKkw3_QoPFC4jhPWo3j_1s8x0-U0kc/s1463/pem_life_calculator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1463" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyC-VfT0MBclMg9c1E7A2mTosfEcImERmZa7AAHbV_sfUxR5BOaAy2kWpyEwKSleOLgRh4EkNChjZnXHgAXl2iEydfrjKTz2xirHPgaUquUHEPqSKkw3_QoPFC4jhPWo3j_1s8x0-U0kc/w640-h366/pem_life_calculator.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I do like the aspect of the discussion forum as far as the thought-provoking questions that are given. We have a standing rule in our home though that the kids are not allowed to partake in any online forums at all. We believe that once you start to make exceptions, it's easier for both parent and child to allow more. For now, we have been discussing the ideas together instead of submitting answers. <br /><br />The section is designed to get the students to think deeply and make practical applications. What financial principles--whether good or bad--have they learned from their parents? Interview someone about an investment and share what they learned from it. Discuss the difference between the process of your work and the product of your work in the light of I Corinthians 3. Choose two dangers from <i>Love & Money</i> and show examples how they've played out in someone's life. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWu8IlKqGpdmaQXS0dLT1CVF_VATDasGAtJj_0LgsadtyY8BMA-7jpoeuLTjexr6ibwPo7pJIwrahwqgjPyg-N6voHJxEWxAptDMWPE1YKKse0hpW8ixdRo6yXhdG6t6a_UnaEHfsU6I/s1527/pem_life_discussion_forum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1527" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWu8IlKqGpdmaQXS0dLT1CVF_VATDasGAtJj_0LgsadtyY8BMA-7jpoeuLTjexr6ibwPo7pJIwrahwqgjPyg-N6voHJxEWxAptDMWPE1YKKse0hpW8ixdRo6yXhdG6t6a_UnaEHfsU6I/w640-h261/pem_life_discussion_forum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Here's what my 10th grader said:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></span></i><blockquote><i><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">"It has taught me that t</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">he money I earn is finite, and I can't just get more money just because I want it. </span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I should buy only what fits in my price range. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">If I save money instead always spending it right away, I will earn interest on that money. Also, i</span></i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><i>n order to retire, I need to save enough money now so when I'm not working anymore I can still live the same lifestyle."</i></span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><i></i> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="https://www.pemlife.org/homeschool" target="_blank"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Personal Finance Illustrated</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">® Homeschool Edition</span></a> has become my high schooler's favorite course this year. It is practical, biblically-based, thorough, and uncomplicated. It takes concepts that may be difficult to grasp and explains them in a straightforward format that is perfect for teenagers. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I highly recommend this course for anyone who wants a strong understanding of their finances and security for their future. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoGh6SIewzbe-wdOUqhJAHqnAJjVfVPfFTcFxX0h_iM_zfjhd-fvfMIcERwksCl_LGv8oq3mS5Ekknij37GAKEziiY78HwCeLrVVG87D3JsDQXtMsITuk70klWr_G5XZsJoST2QXyDRs/s2048/pem_life.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoGh6SIewzbe-wdOUqhJAHqnAJjVfVPfFTcFxX0h_iM_zfjhd-fvfMIcERwksCl_LGv8oq3mS5Ekknij37GAKEziiY78HwCeLrVVG87D3JsDQXtMsITuk70klWr_G5XZsJoST2QXyDRs/w640-h360/pem_life.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">You can connect with PEM Life on the following social media sites:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PEMLIFE.ORG/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJau9Nh4q4Dx9HBlPcr3eFg/" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/personal-finance-illustrated-homeschool-edition-pem-life-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of this course on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/personal-finance-illustrated-homeschool-edition-pem-life-reviews/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="502" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WkgoVNVUbTNN56Tfg31ov8HXkkPmXR1Tt2zjT74gtNY1RGSxeSdJr6221V1FOxXrG3AyI9odNCIZHaAC3UL6KzlUS2xuLS2oTT-ybxg8vhlahw6GYicagS7trqxWZEjB2W3IL9-GEA4/w400-h194/read_more_reviews_reading_eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-3516521308304664052020-10-09T17:18:00.000-04:002020-10-09T17:18:54.621-04:00Things That Make Me Smile 5/8/20<div style="text-align: center;">
Jake (14), Alyssa (12), Zac (10), Tyler (8), Nicholas (5)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>Happy Friday! These Smiles took place back in May. We played games with friends through FaceTiming, we were blessed by God in many little ways, and Nicholas learned to ride his bike without training wheels. Leighton also went back to work after 6 weeks home with us. We loved having him home every day, but it was good to see people going back to work and quarantine coming to an end. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Nicholas, after searching the whole house: "Mama, do you know where Dad is?"</div></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "He's at work."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nicholas, sad: "Oh."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We enjoyed having Leighton home with us so much that even though he had been back to work for a week, the kids were still looking for him and missing him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Me: "Did you know I love you?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nicholas: "Yeah, and Miss Megan."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Me: "Miss Megan loves you?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nicholas: "Yeah."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Me: "You're right, she does."</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nicholas: "Yeah, and God. God loves me the most."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. I was teaching about firemen using the <a href="https://raisingleafs.blogspot.com/2020/04/focus-on-fives-kindergarten-curriculum.html" target="_blank">Focus on Fives kindergarten curriculum from BJU Press</a>. I asked, "Do you know what to do if you're on fire, like if your clothes catch on fire?" (stop, drop, and roll.) Nicholas replied, "Call your daddy!"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. Tyler, after climbing across a fallen tree at the park: "That was epic! I went from the bottom of the tree to the top!"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. We spent the day exploring at the park.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Jc2jhcupKJfsGyyGQcJkO_yE6fey4bpMbALpbUuQ7qdirGok5FT7b96sS3VrVHJ0HofCdsso0GNYMW6mzxTn-v2qi_eIRV-S059rQyclDIBwYmdTKVxIGmgrXyTblRYAgmh00dJF6E/s2048/IMG_4466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Jc2jhcupKJfsGyyGQcJkO_yE6fey4bpMbALpbUuQ7qdirGok5FT7b96sS3VrVHJ0HofCdsso0GNYMW6mzxTn-v2qi_eIRV-S059rQyclDIBwYmdTKVxIGmgrXyTblRYAgmh00dJF6E/w640-h640/IMG_4466.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">6. Our friend: "What's your middle name?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Nicholas: "You mean my in trouble name?"</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Alyssa, my avid reader, after hearing that <i>little free libraries encourage reading, </i>shocked: "What! They need to <i>encourage</i> reading?!" </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>8. Nicholas, because I got into Leighton's profile on the computer: "How did you know that?"</div><div>Me: "Because Daddy and I tell each other things."</div><div>Nicholas: "Like passwords and stuff?"</div><div>Me: "Yes. What else do you think we tell each other?"</div><div>Nicholas: "That you love each other!"</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What made you Smile this week?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-14266613620867202522020-10-09T12:10:00.001-04:002020-10-09T12:10:06.650-04:00NatureGlo's eScience<div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/NatureGlo-s-eScience-Logo.jpg" style="margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="401" height="115" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/NatureGlo-s-eScience-Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our family loves learning about science and the world around with a natural, hands-on approach. That's why I was pleased to review </span><a href="https://natureglosescience.com/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">NatureGlo's eScience</a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">, a site filled with </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">nature-based online math and science unit studies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px;">Gloria Brooks has over 20 years of eclectic teaching with child-directed learning. She has helped students all over the globe to fall in love with the natural world while also covering other subjects. By leaving dry textbooks behind and heading into nature, her goal is to ignite passion and curiosity to produce lifelong learners. She created the </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px;"><b>NatureGlo's eScience MathArt and Science Course Bundle</b> as a one-stop, nature-based eLearning center for ages 10-18.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1FJhJMA56A5b4-b3H-DCtv8NyHUdGCqtuW7k0satZ_s4o9mOVqdehwn5LHwHpb6xOqXjgoUydLddqqzqthWH6YIv1bKCsZT0XMZM48AprtEiG-hbOgGM4gf6gNcz0-_kiLHdtiEhTxA/s1500/natureglo_escience_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1FJhJMA56A5b4-b3H-DCtv8NyHUdGCqtuW7k0satZ_s4o9mOVqdehwn5LHwHpb6xOqXjgoUydLddqqzqthWH6YIv1bKCsZT0XMZM48AprtEiG-hbOgGM4gf6gNcz0-_kiLHdtiEhTxA/w426-h640/natureglo_escience_review.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">NatureGlo's eScience (NeS) offers 31 courses divided in 5 categories:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>MathArt</li><li>Marine Biology</li><li>Herps (reptiles and amphibians)</li><li>Botany</li><li>Geology</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NM9v_iT1QFhCVKoCtYWc8XvqTxodGM0j8zPe89F-5PgpbYxcmhXgPcqyTBjc65ctROvojnQTP2jEm7imjY7iWr28CGTQlfaguqiM5zxsENjeuiy_U3e4s-J5eKcJ0cCwvRMGmnXSpSE/s1896/natureglo_escience_courses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1896" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NM9v_iT1QFhCVKoCtYWc8XvqTxodGM0j8zPe89F-5PgpbYxcmhXgPcqyTBjc65ctROvojnQTP2jEm7imjY7iWr28CGTQlfaguqiM5zxsENjeuiy_U3e4s-J5eKcJ0cCwvRMGmnXSpSE/w640-h294/natureglo_escience_courses.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The topics that are taught vary greatly and cover all sorts of interesting things: Galapagos tortoises, deep sea creatures, polygons and patterns in nature, giant redwood trees, gray wolves, rock hounding, Komodo dragons, chameleons, tide pools, queen conchs, Leonardo da Vinci, geometric snowflakes, and more. There's even a one-lesson class on bubbleology. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The classes are easy to use. Once you begin a course, a list of the lessons is given, showing what is included. Many of the courses contain a PowerPoint slideshow, pre-lesson activity, main lesson videos, and activities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ow4MTD-nJ8VTDiJsEXUOcnV6vLsBHeyATOzdveKFrJqEjML3wWw1lNkpNAFpX5aV8_9e_O_qY3d4RPxksrGjGeZQF7LEFjF9eQ1-veSW71m5SYic96UZLZj3U6rhdcN9pAwyjcHsT1Q/s1846/natureglo_escience_class.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1846" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ow4MTD-nJ8VTDiJsEXUOcnV6vLsBHeyATOzdveKFrJqEjML3wWw1lNkpNAFpX5aV8_9e_O_qY3d4RPxksrGjGeZQF7LEFjF9eQ1-veSW71m5SYic96UZLZj3U6rhdcN9pAwyjcHsT1Q/w640-h312/natureglo_escience_class.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lessons may contain instructions, reading texts, downloads, videos, and additional links. The main lesson videos are pre-recorded live classes that Gloria has done with her students. They can be a bit awkward to watch as an outsider. There are pauses as you wait for a student to respond along with the feeling of being left out during discussions in which you can't partake. My kids enjoy when Gloria is teaching, but are somewhat aloof with the interaction of the students. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As you finish each lesson, there is a <i>Mark Complete</i> button to click. That will cross off the lesson from the list and highlight a checkmark next to it. There is also a bar to show progress along with the percentage that is completed for the entire course. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo6DyY6fvK_ZvgSeeBOs6XfQ7fW_NZBKuxlqjuYqLXJ7qiHNLai-xOgZsMiJw0oq45Zl9rONy2oSqGOLfF8r0EwhwRJZC5XuHJ-Anl32AnbXIJ2P0Gt_8wh-S7HQiohICQuqRtYnj90M/s2048/naturglo_escience_python.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo6DyY6fvK_ZvgSeeBOs6XfQ7fW_NZBKuxlqjuYqLXJ7qiHNLai-xOgZsMiJw0oq45Zl9rONy2oSqGOLfF8r0EwhwRJZC5XuHJ-Anl32AnbXIJ2P0Gt_8wh-S7HQiohICQuqRtYnj90M/w640-h428/naturglo_escience_python.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>My middle child (10 years) is my biggest nature kid. He especially loves learning about animals and can rattle off multiple facts about all sorts of creatures. He's currently working through the </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Herps Zoology: Poison Dart Frog, Python, and Caiman</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> course. He has completed a Venn diagram, colored realistic pages, watched people handle pythons, learned that there's more than one type of reticulated python and that poison dart frogs lay their eggs and then transfer the tadpoles to water, and is working on drawing a caiman.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My daughter (12 years) is my artistic child. Of course, she was drawn to the MathArt courses and <i>The Geometric Beauty of Snowflakes</i>. She learned that there are triangular flakes and ice needles and created snowflakes out of popsicle sticks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFeYPLu8p0WfJs0pTa5vYLUgRHpO2LXdTNYpgI1_Rik9hICre8yQu0NZi1tChrt6bRQkLfi0RW9RwRoYOvu_SpPUvuIVPIdqFyhbCY0oFm2j_hGh-5NxHnNLs0y-r0O0-xHPD-Wgo0fM/s2048/popsicle_snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFeYPLu8p0WfJs0pTa5vYLUgRHpO2LXdTNYpgI1_Rik9hICre8yQu0NZi1tChrt6bRQkLfi0RW9RwRoYOvu_SpPUvuIVPIdqFyhbCY0oFm2j_hGh-5NxHnNLs0y-r0O0-xHPD-Wgo0fM/w640-h360/popsicle_snowflake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dashboard has all the record-keeping: courses, achievements, certificates, grades, and more. You can see the date a course was started, the percentage that's been completed, and the grade. If your child doesn't click that <i>Mark Complete</i> button at the bottom of the lessons, none of that information will be recorded. Ask me how I know, ha. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I allow my kids to choose which classes they want to complete, but if you're looking for a more formal schedule for study, Gloria has created a <a href="https://membership.natureglosescience.com/course/roadmap/" target="_blank">RoadMap of courses</a>. Following this plan will take you on a learning journey through all of the mathart and science lessons in a systematic way. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7et6LpfgFrhSNEV5mTyPB_o9nGdJalCMcVRj3qrTn_IR4hyMya6KIbVAkwZZ8xftuPz8s_ZPDq0BZ8iER7p1OPxM9OuEFVEHBQHLxYK7rOmSuLETdxUpBT3cOouiJgM-8g38isW094k/s1900/natureglo_escience_achievements.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1900" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7et6LpfgFrhSNEV5mTyPB_o9nGdJalCMcVRj3qrTn_IR4hyMya6KIbVAkwZZ8xftuPz8s_ZPDq0BZ8iER7p1OPxM9OuEFVEHBQHLxYK7rOmSuLETdxUpBT3cOouiJgM-8g38isW094k/w640-h296/natureglo_escience_achievements.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My kids can work through the courses mostly by themselves. Some of lesson pages feel distracting because of the amount of information on each page. My son was confused by all the links on the <i>DK Find Out!</i> sections. Also, we had issues with various videos and links and would get error codes such as </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>404 Not Found</i>, <i>Sorry the file you have requested does not exist</i>, <i>Video unavailable</i>, and <i>File is in owner's trash</i>. We have also had videos that have either not played at all or have taken an extremely long time to load. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Despite the issues, we have enjoyed the information in the classes. Whenever possible, we just look for a similar video or print coloring pages from a different source. I do wish there were more hands-on activities though. If you'd like a <a href="https://membership.natureglosescience.com/course/tour-natureglos-escience/" target="_blank">virtual tour</a> the site and all it has to offer, there is a video that explains it in detail. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtya3c1TeeKEQjU1ypBjbHZUL7IpjDaSdrG0oaYW2u0AJ6fLZpmiSVQU670VPC69oExshhrKGZ24FF2pTD5MJ77ph_jA3SX3q0tvR9mCMdTR8DU7rfuL9foNj8_mUwG8-CAY3AnsiBB8c/s2048/python_coloring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtya3c1TeeKEQjU1ypBjbHZUL7IpjDaSdrG0oaYW2u0AJ6fLZpmiSVQU670VPC69oExshhrKGZ24FF2pTD5MJ77ph_jA3SX3q0tvR9mCMdTR8DU7rfuL9foNj8_mUwG8-CAY3AnsiBB8c/w640-h464/python_coloring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My son told me, "I really like the slideshows and videos that show the animals." If you, too, want to delve deeper into MathArt and Science classes in a self-paced, natural way, you should check out </span><a href="https://natureglosescience.com/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">NatureGlo's eScience</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with NatureGlo's eScience on the following social media sites:</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/natureglo1" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/natureglo" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/natureglosescience/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/nesschool/_created/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/1hasc" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/natureglos-escience-mathart-science-course-bundle-natureglos-escience-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of NatureGlo's eScience on the Homeschool Review Crew blog. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/natureglos-escience-mathart-science-course-bundle-natureglos-escience-reviews/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="502" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WkgoVNVUbTNN56Tfg31ov8HXkkPmXR1Tt2zjT74gtNY1RGSxeSdJr6221V1FOxXrG3AyI9odNCIZHaAC3UL6KzlUS2xuLS2oTT-ybxg8vhlahw6GYicagS7trqxWZEjB2W3IL9-GEA4/w400-h194/read_more_reviews_reading_eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-36356596942007795752020-09-30T11:01:00.001-04:002020-09-30T11:03:31.276-04:00My Teaching Library<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">This post contains affiliate links.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/My-Teaching-Library-Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/My-Teaching-Library-Logo.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even though our family's learning style doesn't focus on worksheets and textbooks, I do incorporate printed supplements at times. I have found various resources all over the internet over the course of our ten-year homeschooling journey, but I was intrigued with the opportunity to review </span><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/?ref=25" target="_blank">My Teaching Library</a></b><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">. While some sites offer materials that are topic or age-specific, this one covers all subjects for PreK-12th grade. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">We received a membership to the </span><b style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/membership/?ref=25" target="_blank">Download Club</a> </b><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">which grants us unlimited downloads and resources for one year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbm0z-r8ZcOX2uIwvnh6QrOF0PunkgTDcuqM_B9a9N05RXgPwof1dLlMPaEjlHNBvdRElETO_tAR0h5Zg0IrDt-XhsqroBkOepX0JCFbaZoXBIGORQbbnQcC-n5AR91699jybu1eSnYw/s1500/my_teaching_library_review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbm0z-r8ZcOX2uIwvnh6QrOF0PunkgTDcuqM_B9a9N05RXgPwof1dLlMPaEjlHNBvdRElETO_tAR0h5Zg0IrDt-XhsqroBkOepX0JCFbaZoXBIGORQbbnQcC-n5AR91699jybu1eSnYw/w426-h640/my_teaching_library_review.png" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>My Teaching Library was founded by Lynda Ackert, an educator of 20 years who wanted to help homeschooling families come together to support each other. As the need for quality, low-cost educational materials grew, so did the site. Years ago, I found many helpful resources on CHSH-Teach, LLC. Now, because of expansion and demand, that company has grown and was renamed to My Teaching Library. </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This site is aptly named as it is truly is a library of resources. All the materials can be found either by grade or subject. And the options within each category are extensive! There are nearly 60 downloads in the 4-5th grade math section alone. Of course, all the common subjects are covered, but there are some really interesting topics included, too, like character traits, a history of music study, <i>Handicraft for Handy Boys</i> book published in 1911, American sign language flashcards, and much more. There are puzzles, games, seasons and holiday learning, organizational helps, teacher aids, unit studies, lapbook, notebooking pages, file folder games, instructional videos . . . Should I go on? I mean, they even have a <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product/george-washington-puzzles/?ref=25" target="_blank">George Washington puzzle</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEsruaqLWxsjgYdVJVXn0P8fyuob5Ci8xstIiQIf-UpzIJe7elJJYamke01T_2yoceKyLtuuxQnMCRjptfUDmecaTVMGnqxdV9FoHrRsckVPJBb2TRi05SqoD7CSZAIUgw4tAL3CSVCQ/s1598/my_teaching_library_list.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1598" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEsruaqLWxsjgYdVJVXn0P8fyuob5Ci8xstIiQIf-UpzIJe7elJJYamke01T_2yoceKyLtuuxQnMCRjptfUDmecaTVMGnqxdV9FoHrRsckVPJBb2TRi05SqoD7CSZAIUgw4tAL3CSVCQ/w640-h242/my_teaching_library_list.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm teaching two for kindergarten this year--two energetic little boys who are loving learning and growing together. As is our style, we are heavily concentrating on hands-on activities, but it is important that they learn writing skills, too. With almost <i>420 downloads</i> in this <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product-category/by-grade/k-1st-by-grade/?ref=25" target="_blank">kindergarten section</a>, there is plenty to keep us busy and meet our needs. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The boys have enjoyed working on math concepts with the <i>Big or Small </i>worksheets and <i>What Does Not Belong</i> classification pages. Since we're learning letters, the <i>Alphabet Coloring Book</i> and <i>ABCs Trace and Color</i> pages have been helpful for not only letter recognition, but strengthening fine motor skills, as well. I'm excited to print off the <i>CVC word family</i> pages now that we've started combining letters to make simple words. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7tjMnURzz-rg68wN2vg_Fj9jVGW5Yhx11PCpAnmqpSQoye8ZDTVs0Q_mfh1llRSUsKxK5qW-Wl2IemZFIvIjrXBFk_xP4g86B978XxEy2I4mpv1PoBAmlIwWtLDuZ3pId73t2FIuE4A/s2048/p_for_penguin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7tjMnURzz-rg68wN2vg_Fj9jVGW5Yhx11PCpAnmqpSQoye8ZDTVs0Q_mfh1llRSUsKxK5qW-Wl2IemZFIvIjrXBFk_xP4g86B978XxEy2I4mpv1PoBAmlIwWtLDuZ3pId73t2FIuE4A/w640-h430/p_for_penguin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My older kids have been using things like the <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product/spider-vs-insect-science-mini-unit/?ref=25" target="_blank">Spiders vs Insects</a> mini-unit for 2nd-3rd grade, <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product/learning-about-amphibians-informational-text-worksheets-crossword-puzzle/?ref=25" target="_blank">Learning About Amphibians</a> worksheets for 2nd-5th grade, <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product/spelling-curriculum-for-5th-grade/?ref=25" target="_blank">5th grade spelling curriculum</a>, and the <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product/learn-to-draw-ships/?ref=25" target="_blank">Learn to Draw Ships</a> book. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems that every time I look through the site, I find more resources that I want to use! There are a handful of <i>This Day in History</i> studies that I think would be interesting to investigate as a family, a <i>Pennsylvania-Dutch Cookbook</i> that is filled with tried and true recipes, and a <i>Jeopardy game</i> that is perfect for the Christmas season. Even now when I was perusing the site again I found something new--<a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/product-category/by-subject/electives-by-subject/religious-studies-electives-by-subject/jewish-studies/holocaust-curriculum/?ref=25" target="_blank">Holocaust curriculum</a> for both middle school and high school students. With that being my current favorite time period to study, I knew I needed to download them both to use with my kids.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoVrDxC_Ixa3GmWMxAGeOcyMU8Cl9xHSkO-1SdqTSVJzgs_axxEntWn5Rq3kj6EMZ4wnF1Y5Zvr0Potz5uQ8UJ8TFxW-g7YVcdLdvygjWYCI-_sf19y_AabLkpDyHOcX5W1sPvM2rYc4/s1378/holocaust_curriculum.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1378" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoVrDxC_Ixa3GmWMxAGeOcyMU8Cl9xHSkO-1SdqTSVJzgs_axxEntWn5Rq3kj6EMZ4wnF1Y5Zvr0Potz5uQ8UJ8TFxW-g7YVcdLdvygjWYCI-_sf19y_AabLkpDyHOcX5W1sPvM2rYc4/w640-h354/holocaust_curriculum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You can purchase each product individually or you can receive unlimited downloads and resource with an <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/membership/?ref=25" target="_blank">annual membership or a lifetime membership</a> to the Download Club. Everything you download can be found under <i>My Account</i> on the site, so it's easy to keep track of all the amazing materials you've found.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether you're teaching students full-time or simply looking for resources to keep your kiddos learning and engaged, there's something for you on <a href="https://myteachinglibrary.com/?ref=25" target="_blank">My Teaching Library</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04ar3Akl3BpWTs41_pRr0WbB0gfBIvPjGZh_Ve4wQ5qfFbpUByzbK33J-7mwb-3FmlnCv9FL_eDuCPxfnMjJ_gPJLBMZ5XzhnBZyX7E19oCwEcTqpDLJxKPRqLuOGokGvnnnhBkI0Ev4/s2048/spiders_vs_insects.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04ar3Akl3BpWTs41_pRr0WbB0gfBIvPjGZh_Ve4wQ5qfFbpUByzbK33J-7mwb-3FmlnCv9FL_eDuCPxfnMjJ_gPJLBMZ5XzhnBZyX7E19oCwEcTqpDLJxKPRqLuOGokGvnnnhBkI0Ev4/w640-h360/spiders_vs_insects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with My Teaching Library on the following social media sites:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyTeachingLibrary/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/homeschool_mtl" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lyndaackert/my-teaching-library/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCFIasgcKaLD5lHu2x6bNA" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can see more examples of the downloads by </span><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/my-teaching-library-download-club-my-teaching-library/" style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">reading the reviews</a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on the Homeschool Review Crew blog. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/my-teaching-library-download-club-my-teaching-library/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="502" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WkgoVNVUbTNN56Tfg31ov8HXkkPmXR1Tt2zjT74gtNY1RGSxeSdJr6221V1FOxXrG3AyI9odNCIZHaAC3UL6KzlUS2xuLS2oTT-ybxg8vhlahw6GYicagS7trqxWZEjB2W3IL9-GEA4/w400-h194/read_more_reviews_reading_eggs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-85338588144811803342020-09-18T16:45:00.002-04:002020-09-18T16:45:32.074-04:00Things That Make Me Smile 4/24/20<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jake (14), Alyssa (12), Zac (10), Tyler (8), Nicholas (5)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Friday! This week we laughed a lot while practicing trick shots and recreating baby pictures, enjoyed our April Christmas Experience with a smorgasbord ice cream sundae bar at home, and Jake entered a coding contest with hundreds of kids and placed in the top few.<br />
<br /><br />1. Documentary about the ocean: "Cuttlefish are very dangerous."<br />
Tyler: "But . . . they cuddle!"<br />
<br />2. Alyssa, about a contest: "If I do win, I'm going to set aside my tithe and then use the rest of the money to buy fabric for a quilt."<br />
<br />3. Nicholas, circling T words on a worksheet, seeing a turkey: "Mmmmmeat. Mmm Mmmeat. Nope."<br />
<br />4. Nicholas, about Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes: "I want to go back to the sandy desert."<br />
<br />5. Alyssa sewed a sock bunny.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBClFQWxdoqrjdNwGDELqOYlM50R0mKJ34a7R11XIosWnXwJMZZrkBanT_3OslD28fkhLLVpECIKy01BJsWWuOhpLoVY0CrG6b5neLm0TSiOATWyC0ebFIcyE2JvYrkNRU9uED1xwHV4k/s1600/sock_bunny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBClFQWxdoqrjdNwGDELqOYlM50R0mKJ34a7R11XIosWnXwJMZZrkBanT_3OslD28fkhLLVpECIKy01BJsWWuOhpLoVY0CrG6b5neLm0TSiOATWyC0ebFIcyE2JvYrkNRU9uED1xwHV4k/s640/sock_bunny.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Nicholas, about a Pirates of the Caribbean Lego set: "Jake, you know your Pirates Carabiner guy?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">7. Nicholas: "Oh, no! I swallowed my gum!"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Me: "Well, that’s not good. You’re not supposed to do that."</span><br />Nicholas: " I didn’t! My throat did it. Sometimes it tries to get my gum and I have to save it. Sometimes I miss though."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Alyssa, laughing: "Mom warned me, but I didn't listen!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jake: "Do you know how many times that has applied to my life?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Alyssa: "I used to think Siamese cats were connected, like people. That would be cool. Two cats for the price of one!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">10. Nicholas, putting his cheek to my face, like he was checking for a fever: "You have a cold."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me, perfectly healthy: "Do I?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicholas: "No, you have a warm."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">11. Nicholas didn't want to clean up his Legos that were all over the living room floor, so I jokingly asked if he wanted to trade jobs and clean the kitchen for me instead. That excited him. I cleaned up the toys, fully expecting to finish off the kitchen afterward. But he washed the dishes, wiped down the table and counters, and even swept. All by himself! He was almost as proud of himself as I was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnA14RQ6slVBUDSBW-NsXHsoOP9PK-WhcQtFIBCF2st6jJ7MBk2SGaxXrw1gss9PruhTJbc2OVQwcbB3GoP2U-uyb2E9IxcaEXTY6PD72cGhCiPzM0calsb2xsCWDqR10w10PdaemMKc/s1600/washing_dishes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnA14RQ6slVBUDSBW-NsXHsoOP9PK-WhcQtFIBCF2st6jJ7MBk2SGaxXrw1gss9PruhTJbc2OVQwcbB3GoP2U-uyb2E9IxcaEXTY6PD72cGhCiPzM0calsb2xsCWDqR10w10PdaemMKc/s640/washing_dishes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">12. Tyler, solving a riddle in his math book: "What is light as a feather, but you cannot hold? It's supposed to be your breath, but you can hold your breath."<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">13. Me, from the kitchen: "Tyler, don't be disgusting."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler, laughing: "Who told you?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: "No one. I'm a mom; I know things."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler: "Ok, where am I?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: "In the living room."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler: "What am I sitting on?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: "Your blanket."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler: "Aah! Ok, what was the last word I said?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: "Said."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyler: "Aah!! Man! You're good!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What made you Smile this week?</span><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-85581749053242651152020-09-01T11:44:00.002-04:002020-09-01T11:47:10.646-04:00Reading Eggs<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Reading-Eggs-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="770" height="205" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Reading-Eggs-logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My kids have enjoyed using </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Reading Eggs</i> from </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://readingeggs.com/" target="_blank">Blake eLearning Inc</a> </b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">in the past and were thrilled to be able to review it again. We've tried many online learning sites over the years, but this has always been their favorite. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Reading Eggs</i> is an online program that teaches kids to read in a fun, engaging way. The program focuses on a core curriculum of skills and strategies by incorporating both activities and games. Because it is an extension of what students learn in school, it encourages sustained reading success and gives students the confidence to read. These quality literacy products are used successfully all over the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDB3hk8xXfloQ7J2Lv-3orBtCSZJfm4cqFCoVrbngmkOUUdWFbE40QyME7uZtiWvDLfBeZKPK39rgrArnYfqRFYK_teK0y2Ev4pXCKxbSZwV5OpV3NuALOiDPQEfl_9p9vECJZFPcBts/s1600/reading_eggs_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDB3hk8xXfloQ7J2Lv-3orBtCSZJfm4cqFCoVrbngmkOUUdWFbE40QyME7uZtiWvDLfBeZKPK39rgrArnYfqRFYK_teK0y2Ev4pXCKxbSZwV5OpV3NuALOiDPQEfl_9p9vECJZFPcBts/s640/reading_eggs_review.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you sign into your </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading Eggs</i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> account, you'll be taken to your family dashboard. If you have more than one student using it (up to 4), you can choose which profile you want from there. The dashboard also gives important stats like the student's estimated reading level, how many phonics skills and sight words he knows, his progress, how many books he's read, quizzes, lessons, and more. You can easily change between students and the various other programs and levels included in a subscription (</span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Junior</i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eggspress</i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast Phonics</i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathseeds</i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">) by clicking the images on the dashboard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FIRo_Heeoiy0mku8j0AsSDLoq6nLs7jKQk4SLmhJVOGm17b9TcwAD4vck6T_ipScBWUdkxoMEYXUnqkTtJ7pJIX03uMRq7-hFv2ECA9Xs5Mipr1QFT3fM40llKId-7y5But9cdoWKaY/s1600/reading_eggs_dashboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FIRo_Heeoiy0mku8j0AsSDLoq6nLs7jKQk4SLmhJVOGm17b9TcwAD4vck6T_ipScBWUdkxoMEYXUnqkTtJ7pJIX03uMRq7-hFv2ECA9Xs5Mipr1QFT3fM40llKId-7y5But9cdoWKaY/s640/reading_eggs_dashboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lessons, which are designed for ages 3-7, are divided into maps with the first one being for absolute beginning readers and the last one is geared to help early readers gain confidence. Your child should take the placement test so the program can determine where he needs to work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lessons are animated and incorporate a variety of options for teaching. There are songs, books, videos, and many games. The games--which teach letters, blending, word families and more,--include things like adding hair to monsters, squirting sauce on eggs, catching frogs on lily pads, hopping penguins to blocks of ice, adding stamps to letters, and so much more. These silly games keep my kiddos interested in learning. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NCPm4Qjy_cyDw-3r5OpIPqSw1WManl4kCuh48jvMZgpvBXCkE85yRPGs9oz6jZ6Xmkmay4jUCpG7a4qVbftolmSHPn1DsHTJVw6hYkSREYL77FDiG7iOwEi_jYh1UVT0OB54ZR_JJrw/s1600/reading_eggs_games.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NCPm4Qjy_cyDw-3r5OpIPqSw1WManl4kCuh48jvMZgpvBXCkE85yRPGs9oz6jZ6Xmkmay4jUCpG7a4qVbftolmSHPn1DsHTJVw6hYkSREYL77FDiG7iOwEi_jYh1UVT0OB54ZR_JJrw/s640/reading_eggs_games.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most of my kids are strong readers now, so I am thankful for the other programs that are offered, such as <i>Reading Eggpress</i> for ages 7-13 and <i>Mathseeds </i>for ages 3-9. Each program utilizes the same philosophy for teaching in an age-appropriate format. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A new learning option is the <i>Fast Phonics</i> section. This world, set in snow-capped mountains and surrounded by yetis, helps early elementary students or those older who might be struggling with reading to fully grasp phonics. This program includes powerful visual memory aids, colorful decodable books, and systematic phonics instruction as it takes the student through 20 fun-filled levels.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD91zxfa0mzMxuR7LF1C1Q0UlmYp6LvGQwOzXWfFcbpN7MX-3z4ItiN_TWmEaq6D5X5vHc9Vm1sVMhLXvEf4ghyBPPtiaNIa_ZwonjpPt8XNczHvfhByOm4fnPxSM7Y_mDTW93WOt5tW8/s1600/fast_phonics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD91zxfa0mzMxuR7LF1C1Q0UlmYp6LvGQwOzXWfFcbpN7MX-3z4ItiN_TWmEaq6D5X5vHc9Vm1sVMhLXvEf4ghyBPPtiaNIa_ZwonjpPt8XNczHvfhByOm4fnPxSM7Y_mDTW93WOt5tW8/s640/fast_phonics.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the students progress through the lessons in the various programs, they earn rewards (golden eggs, acorns, coins, etc. depending on the program) to purchase various items. They can choose clothing for their avatar, furniture for their house, pets, background scenes, trading cards, and more. This is always a favorite with my kids! They love saving their rewards to add to their scenes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A new variation to the rewards is the addition of monthly themes. Each month there is a whole new set of things that can be purchased based on a particular theme. For instance July was a Medieval theme that included options for a torch sconce, a stone fireplace, a wooden dining table, hanging coat of arms, and more. August was</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> space-themed and offered an astro table and chairs, a hover bed, a Saturn plant, a transporter, and more. There are also costume options for your avatar such as a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">queen, princess, bard, aliens, and robots. Each reward is limited to that month only for buying, but is kept forever once purchased. My kids are already eyeing some things to buy for this month's party theme.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPS9MuluQhiLk9ED6oPS02bXcTnSkAsQY5t9C3jJcId_R9z6s6u-rnbAnsU0jJYEAfln4khxtxn0ausRqatd5NtS9Ipkcj66RZqnUGvSiGvVP5GK0VMji62-3WchfsgTdWDNlf1NnWdg/s1600/reading_eggs_theme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPS9MuluQhiLk9ED6oPS02bXcTnSkAsQY5t9C3jJcId_R9z6s6u-rnbAnsU0jJYEAfln4khxtxn0ausRqatd5NtS9Ipkcj66RZqnUGvSiGvVP5GK0VMji62-3WchfsgTdWDNlf1NnWdg/s640/reading_eggs_theme.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There really is so much included with a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Blake eLearning Inc</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> subscription, and they're adding new features all the time. A couple more new ones are the <i><a href="https://readingeggs.com/news/2019/10/30/mental-minute-release/" target="_blank">Mental Minute</a></i> in the <i>Mathseeds</i> section which builds fact fluency in one-minute drills and the new <a href="https://readingeggs.com/news/2019/08/14/reading-eggs-android-app-released/" target="_blank">Android app</a> which allows you to take your learning on the go. There are also tons of </span><a href="https://readingeggs.com/articles/2020/04/14/homeschool-resources-online/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">online homeschooling resources</a> <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">which include over 500 printable worksheets and lesson plans and emailed progress reports. It's easy to see why t</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">he program has won </span><a href="https://readingeggs.com/about/awards" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">dozens of awards</a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have a relaxed schedule in the summer months and though I don't require a lot of traditional school learning, I had no problems getting my kids to work through the programs. In fact, they often asked me if they could do <i>Reading Eggs</i>. They each have their favorite activities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"I like bouncing the balls and racing and the yetis. And I like learning my letters."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> "I like all of it! My favorite thing is to buy stuff for my guy."</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"I like the Driving Test, because it's fun."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"My favorite part is the Library because it has books I can read. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I also like writing for the Story Contest." </i>(And was even shortlisted for the weekly top five stories.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmw0FB0J18pwl9klrvZskuVgkmHQHpwRz2Z_jfN2S96sOpiPyk0YO1-Q4PT5PIlyr8DtZ2aj-1YJi5elIGHbggYUmhJEk9s6_njfjIpa2KUvDJqQ4rCsbruyrLfBrRknYoByMglvfjF0/s1600/reading_eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmw0FB0J18pwl9klrvZskuVgkmHQHpwRz2Z_jfN2S96sOpiPyk0YO1-Q4PT5PIlyr8DtZ2aj-1YJi5elIGHbggYUmhJEk9s6_njfjIpa2KUvDJqQ4rCsbruyrLfBrRknYoByMglvfjF0/s640/reading_eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then my teenager even told me what he thought of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"I don't like Reading Eggs, because my siblings are always hogging the computer."</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ha! He was being sarcastic, but I think that explains just how much my kids enjoy using the program. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you would like your kids to work through the learning path to strengthen their reading and math skills, you can try a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://readingeggs.com/read-learn-empower-signup/" target="_blank">free 30-day trial</a></b> to <i>Reading Eggs</i>. I must warn you though, your kids might start "hogging the computer," too!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Reading Eggs and Blake eLearning Inc on the following social media sites:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/readingeggsUSCA/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/readingeggs" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/readingeggs/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/readingeggs/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ABCReadingEggs" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you'd like to see how other homeschoolers used these programs, you can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/reading-eggs-subscription-blake-elearning-inc-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/reading-eggs-subscription-blake-elearning-inc-reviews/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="502" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn1KMP8eFFA7PKkV_u2MsTTuRE8-WIVjboPWbVtJiEouL0kX7RZTpG0GOdHDIhinncISsuERiWeOmfNkv0xPIi2aq0CqgNvHIbLatE-BFWPEbVuzMGP398qdGcmWOBT5y-FM7HuMtK6U/s640/read_more_reviews_reading_eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-6600308732529289202020-08-26T12:01:00.001-04:002020-08-26T12:01:49.904-04:00Homeschool Easy<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/HE_Email-Video-1024x576.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/HE_Email-Video-1024x576.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Homeschooling comes with plenty of challenges, but choosing a curriculum doesn't have to be one of them. This review of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://homeschooleasy.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Easy</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">will show you how you can get everything you need for your elementary student all in one easy-to-use package.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Homeschool Easy is a "back-to-the-basics approach that focuses on the fundamentals." There are daily worksheets for the core subjects--history, grammar, math, reading, science, and writing--that can be completed in approximately 4 hours each day. This all-inclusive curriculum was designed to help those parents and guardians with no teaching experience to easily and confidently homeschool their children. While there are options for grades 1-5, we chose the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://homeschooleasy.com/homeschool-curriculum-3rd-third-grade/homeschool-curriculum-third-grade" target="_blank">3rd Grade Entire School Year Curriculum</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vkAXbXfHy8dqHsIZwEumSs1XvWVjm20DvJC18bu9JdLXbaDKrMyRxn7H2IxC0-S1uUrEp5kHC1JpW-BAYBULm5LwsZRYv-Y8OMIent9-CQlAkV4UJHzQt_ifOTf0LpiIaCSMGNgvTYg/s1600/homeschool_easy_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vkAXbXfHy8dqHsIZwEumSs1XvWVjm20DvJC18bu9JdLXbaDKrMyRxn7H2IxC0-S1uUrEp5kHC1JpW-BAYBULm5LwsZRYv-Y8OMIent9-CQlAkV4UJHzQt_ifOTf0LpiIaCSMGNgvTYg/s640/homeschool_easy_review.png" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span>
<br />
<div 400="" arial="" class="separator" font-family:="" font-size:="" font-style:="" font-weight:="" normal="" quot="" small="" style="clear: both;" white-space:="">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Homeschool Easy comes as digital download. You'll need access to the internet, a printer and lots of paper. All of the lessons are divided by subject in folders. The parent can print the worksheets weekly, allowing the </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";">student to work at his own pace and then have time to focus on personal interests. Each subject will require instruction from the parent.</span></div>
<div 400="" arial="" class="separator" font-family:="" font-size:="" font-style:="" font-weight:="" normal="" quot="" small="" style="clear: both;" white-space:="">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<ul style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Reading </b>-- weekly word lists, flashcards, crossword puzzles, fill-in-the-blank, word search, and comprehension paper, daily reading of chapter books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Math </b>-- teacher instruction and video links, exercises, and printable flashcards and manipulatives</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Grammar </b>-- teacher instruction and video links, exercises</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>History </b>-- video links and worksheets, teacher instruction for projects</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Science </b>-- video links and worksheets, teacher instruction for projects and experiments</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Writing </b>-- teacher instruction, 2 writing exercises weekly </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The <b>reading </b>word lists are categorized into groups like short vowel words, long E words, homophones, three letter clusters, words beginning with un- and re-, proper nouns, and so on. Each word lists includes the same reviewing methods (as stated above.) My only concerns is the amount of ink it requires to print the crossword puzzles. A floating puzzle would be much more cost-effective.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chapter books like </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Mr. Popper's Penguins, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Stuart Little, and The Boxcar Children</i> among others are incorporated. On average, the student will read a chapter a day and answer a few comprehension questions. </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI2-v_Z6_c1IecfGHtKBJebXHNoI4qfj7HWuTldpU4Be_7iE04GUPBqMUAAMSo7Rt9Cy_gtxUNdNTEWWaYdqmvbN1kxB3pBD96HP3B9JHJ2D-i402pKQelTpeaBwz30cNLaAG1T5rHW0/s1600/crossword_puzzle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="681" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI2-v_Z6_c1IecfGHtKBJebXHNoI4qfj7HWuTldpU4Be_7iE04GUPBqMUAAMSo7Rt9Cy_gtxUNdNTEWWaYdqmvbN1kxB3pBD96HP3B9JHJ2D-i402pKQelTpeaBwz30cNLaAG1T5rHW0/s400/crossword_puzzle.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>math </b>lessons focus on a topic each week. In addition to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, the lessons teach concepts including place value, decimals, measurements, polygons, area, charts, and time. There can be anywhere from 12-34 exercises for each lesson with the daily number usually being around 15. There is no explanation on the worksheets and very few examples, but there is a teaching video included weekly on the teacher answer key.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Grammar </b>covers topics such as statements and questions, parts of speech, compound sentences, commas, tense, contractions, pronouns, sentence combining, and more. Each topic is reviewed for a week before moving on. There is no full explanation for the teaching, but there are examples for many of the lessons and weekly YouTube videos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">history </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">course is packed with videos. Instead of one a day or one a week, like the other courses, there are multiple videos to watch each day. Since this course is American history, topics taught include patriotism and people, places, and wars of our past. Hands-on learning is encouraged through drawings, poster board displays, and paper projects.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="font-size: medium; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWVWawpRTEsiWyjpriAsIFZAbqBerZcyW3b7_abd_ETXP1cX96kSGIpeoJTC4GnAv6qjzaCK6DFEnISIuJfQEUTwHcVInyiWuHbSgYFvVsV5vz0HxNu0e1R2tDXP7U5ICxrUUY-3TT-o/s1600/homeschool_easy_history.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="805" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWVWawpRTEsiWyjpriAsIFZAbqBerZcyW3b7_abd_ETXP1cX96kSGIpeoJTC4GnAv6qjzaCK6DFEnISIuJfQEUTwHcVInyiWuHbSgYFvVsV5vz0HxNu0e1R2tDXP7U5ICxrUUY-3TT-o/s640/homeschool_easy_history.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Science </b>is also filled with teaching videos. Topics are divided into months and study things like the solar system, energy and light, water and land, and animals. Projects include drawings, a comet craft, a dessert diorama, creating a model of a river, making an animal habitat poster board, and more.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The <b>writing </b>folder includes a simple teacher's guide, a grading rubric, and months, and two writing prompts for each week.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYzNE-Ywb1fjm8jYJsIL2DSU2v-vUUrK0PGM0ma7dHLsEtNnVUXRijbR5hlwjWF1e5Ud3PNTlBZjGPiDyoz1ytDFgwvt2ZBKZ0mCP02GfNm7bwJmXUWhWIA-GR2f5Gcm5xDRxBYGV9FY/s1600/writing_prompts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYzNE-Ywb1fjm8jYJsIL2DSU2v-vUUrK0PGM0ma7dHLsEtNnVUXRijbR5hlwjWF1e5Ud3PNTlBZjGPiDyoz1ytDFgwvt2ZBKZ0mCP02GfNm7bwJmXUWhWIA-GR2f5Gcm5xDRxBYGV9FY/s640/writing_prompts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Homeschool Easy is a straightforward curriculum. Each week, the parent simply prints the needed worksheets and guides the student through the daily worksheets and videos. As it is very heavy on worksheets and filling in answers, it is not a good fit for our style of learning. The teaching videos are a variety of styles and voices from all over YouTube. As with all things, some videos are better suited for the age group than others. Some will keep the attention of a third grader, while others are more difficult to follow. For instance, we watched videos using heavy accents, and while sometimes that is fine, it might not be the best choice for teaching young ones, grammar especially. </span>
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://homeschooleasy.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Easy</a></span> definitely lives up to their name. It's easy to use for both the teacher and the student. If you're looking for an all-in-one package for your elementary student, this might be the option for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEKszACOYbN02UP7V3JpTNKVYaPpYYousg3QbYmGTjw3mkcJWYJbKJ-LbhfPalJBczx-NyN4IY8TTHtlJy9uFouzANhzuVB8Wr31Bq2tzLhXP9wmaCsgg-RNJXeZkUKj6gU-MpBQKYNE/s1600/homeschool_easy_grammar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="601" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEKszACOYbN02UP7V3JpTNKVYaPpYYousg3QbYmGTjw3mkcJWYJbKJ-LbhfPalJBczx-NyN4IY8TTHtlJy9uFouzANhzuVB8Wr31Bq2tzLhXP9wmaCsgg-RNJXeZkUKj6gU-MpBQKYNE/s640/homeschool_easy_grammar.png" width="566" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Homeschool Easy on the following social media sites:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Homeschool-Easy-458781528008166/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HomeschoolE" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since everyone has different learning styles, you will want to </span><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/homeschool-curriculum-for-grades-1-to-5-homeschool-easy-reviews/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">read more reviews</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of this program from other homeschoolers to see how it worked in their homes.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/homeschool-curriculum-for-grades-1-to-5-homeschool-easy-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Homeschool Curriculum for Grades 1 to 5 {Homeschool Easy Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-9183810496548648692020-08-13T16:35:00.000-04:002020-08-17T08:33:27.665-04:00Super Teacher Worksheets<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Super-Teacher-Worksheets-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="760" height="116" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Super-Teacher-Worksheets-Logo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyone who knows us knows that our educational style is not based on textbooks, but rather literature and hands-on learning. Even though we don't focus on a lot of workbook pages, I love whenever we get a full 1-year membership with unlimited downloads/access to review <b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/index.html" target="_blank">Super Teacher Worksheets</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Why is that? Because they offer many options that keep my kiddos engaged and interested while covering a variety of topics.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aAO9_aFvY-MHsYAHOlhzhAiCLiLlgxIafPhuJcWEcg1wlULwAngE3oTu0yVESesXw8iWz3b6RIVCHVOOk7B7rGGEfPPMmNlf58zo0OLGIBkRS8jK2XKe-1aMQRNpvxue-CXbJCgANZw/s1600/super_teacher_worksheets_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aAO9_aFvY-MHsYAHOlhzhAiCLiLlgxIafPhuJcWEcg1wlULwAngE3oTu0yVESesXw8iWz3b6RIVCHVOOk7B7rGGEfPPMmNlf58zo0OLGIBkRS8jK2XKe-1aMQRNpvxue-CXbJCgANZw/s640/super_teacher_worksheets_review.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Super Teacher </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Worksheets is a website devoted to providing teachers with printable educational materials. These aren't just your typical worksheets that are common and monotonous. There are pages that cover specific areas like determining cause and effect, finding adjectives that come after nouns, skip counting dot-to-dots, learning about the digestive system, tracing hexagons, literacy units for many popular books, plotting latitude and longitude, and much more. There are many crossword puzzles, word searches, cipher wheels, flashcards, coloring pages, sequence cards, and other games that support individual topics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are also hands-on </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">activities such as a project to measure the heights of different people, a simple machines board game, word family memory games and word spinners, solar system scavenger hunt, and coin flipping to test probability. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">With over 16,000 printable teaching resources, there is something for everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv91no2jR-CNsk_TkUBf3LAOnoCf7UQ9iyfie1cEpHWuDvsLzk68drZA8LhPgAsEgM0lEpr5YAFIitSHRrUYBCkqtV6fTQJvlwyPOX3cqH9NO69wr8BsoZf5me5Tv0Fh_X3H39AsUjqM/s1600/super-teacher-worksheets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv91no2jR-CNsk_TkUBf3LAOnoCf7UQ9iyfie1cEpHWuDvsLzk68drZA8LhPgAsEgM0lEpr5YAFIitSHRrUYBCkqtV6fTQJvlwyPOX3cqH9NO69wr8BsoZf5me5Tv0Fh_X3H39AsUjqM/s640/super-teacher-worksheets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">So many options can seem overwhelming, but the printables are divided into main topics:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Math</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading Comprehension</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reading & Writing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phonics</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Literacy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grammar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spelling Lists</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chapter Books</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Science</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Social Studies</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Holidays</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Puzzles & Brain Teasers</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pre-K and Kindergarten</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">From there, you'll find many subcategories to meet specific needs. Once you choose a subject, the search is narrowed down even further. For instance, if you choose <i>math </i>and then <i>volume</i>, you'll have 5 worksheet options. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBclgaVn69u9o0889pwJopp3LavmweTyeBMfztuVOd5Qb63tU_atO5YWbH6A0ACz-k2Mya-lfjGnjJ7OApHZa5V2BBB0cs7HhTjVPyqmYCxLRfT8bYdQHFyQXvhjjWVnF1lFcub9nBx0/s1600/volume_worksheets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="990" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBclgaVn69u9o0889pwJopp3LavmweTyeBMfztuVOd5Qb63tU_atO5YWbH6A0ACz-k2Mya-lfjGnjJ7OApHZa5V2BBB0cs7HhTjVPyqmYCxLRfT8bYdQHFyQXvhjjWVnF1lFcub9nBx0/s640/volume_worksheets.png" width="640" /></a></div>
There is also a <a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/full-teacher.html" target="_blank">Teacher Helpers</a> section that is full of resources to help keep you organized and provide some fun extras. There are dozens of <i>awards and certificates</i> (from reading 10 books to tying shoes to excelling in music), <i>crafts </i>(like a winter scene diorama and a bunny with movable arms and legs), <i>electives </i>(such as learning the parts of a computer and labeling musical notes), and <i>anti-bullying resources</i> (including stories, poems, and worksheets). There are also aids for sticker charts, lesson planners, word walls, lined paper, calendars, birthday decorations, and tons of templates.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ftKqBK0eD5XptV1Smm7TV3iVuQIcMUXvrXNKXWTpSy5Yx6_QJdUiJ4orxP5nJw3CTLBGRBbEU-Sxf0nAz-mcdYSY_d4aPV-Xycq7VEE-wv0y5DW8C8LH6XU2v16R6UK9hhGGAOluaHM/s1600/super_teacher_worksheets_example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ftKqBK0eD5XptV1Smm7TV3iVuQIcMUXvrXNKXWTpSy5Yx6_QJdUiJ4orxP5nJw3CTLBGRBbEU-Sxf0nAz-mcdYSY_d4aPV-Xycq7VEE-wv0y5DW8C8LH6XU2v16R6UK9hhGGAOluaHM/s640/super_teacher_worksheets_example.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Along with those aids, there is an entire section dedicated to worksheet generators. If you can't find exactly what you need already on the site, you have the option to easily create one with your own information. You can make bingo, flashcards, crossword puzzles, word searches, multiple choice, matching, short answer, and more.<br />
I used the generator to make a cryptogram puzzle. I chose a Dr. Seuss quote and typed it in. Then I was able to personalize it by deciding on a difficulty level and key type (using numbers, letters, or symbols.) Then I printed. That's it! So fast and simple. I appreciate that I could make an easy option for a fun activity for my 8-year-old and then a more difficult version to work on critical thinking and common letter/word combinations with my 12-year-old. They enjoyed it so much that they asked for more puzzles like this.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWD1nmO0oKrnOLxldsj4hyVhwtRGfX1zqN6OD3Evb5X6sEvmNfi3Nbiekbjhyimj-CDyxYaCiojyKT0mGrJsyJAW_rWXmWYlKnAGfWslaIaVHnHNuKupnjMJkr5YtxPZ4dgweAsmWUoA/s1600/crytogram_generator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWD1nmO0oKrnOLxldsj4hyVhwtRGfX1zqN6OD3Evb5X6sEvmNfi3Nbiekbjhyimj-CDyxYaCiojyKT0mGrJsyJAW_rWXmWYlKnAGfWslaIaVHnHNuKupnjMJkr5YtxPZ4dgweAsmWUoA/s640/crytogram_generator.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/index.html" target="_blank">Super Teacher Worksheets</a> </span>has been the perfect addition to our summer learning. We are year-round homeschoolers with a relaxed schedule in the warmer months. I like that not only do my kids enjoy the worksheets, but actually ask to complete them.</div>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
Our favorite section is <i><a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/brain-teasers.html" target="_blank">Puzzles & Brain Teasers</a></i>. We've worked through all the <i>What Am I?</i> challenges, traveled through <i>Word Maze</i> puzzles, guessed <i>Hink Pinks</i>, solved <i>Thinking Riddles</i>, deciphered <i>Rebus Puzzles</i>, became <i>Number Detectives</i>, and used our brains in other ways. The kids also really enjoyed plotting coordinates to graph pictures and solving math equations to find hidden objects. There are so many options for worksheets that feel like fun instead of work. The kiddos don't even realize they're doing "school!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvoaE6hY4HntxPrcQU24kW1ybPNHSX15ps4Dretsj4ElNN2V08LqeYeyDUzquSVy2D25w518K1uAHJzr-OGFFXfEhrgqPyAUQ7mzgW1_sNk8US1U02ria4HEq9oailaGVpwSSIPa79V4/s1600/graph_pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvoaE6hY4HntxPrcQU24kW1ybPNHSX15ps4Dretsj4ElNN2V08LqeYeyDUzquSVy2D25w518K1uAHJzr-OGFFXfEhrgqPyAUQ7mzgW1_sNk8US1U02ria4HEq9oailaGVpwSSIPa79V4/s640/graph_pictures.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUv9ESQB026Rg2PyiygaxgEXARY6VcBh1tRaRcK0HOGl_bMWQgtVN8Byk4rj5PXwn0j3Ugfr42Li5t15jOX-6-0yaSLIxVt38E8hDohphvSWIuCcxJ3arWQ2pf3C_wVgpQsj5Tcn2vbA/s1600/latitude_and_longitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUv9ESQB026Rg2PyiygaxgEXARY6VcBh1tRaRcK0HOGl_bMWQgtVN8Byk4rj5PXwn0j3Ugfr42Li5t15jOX-6-0yaSLIxVt38E8hDohphvSWIuCcxJ3arWQ2pf3C_wVgpQsj5Tcn2vbA/s640/latitude_and_longitude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
If you're looking for resources to supplement your curriculum or to add some fun summer exercises, <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/index.html" target="_blank">Super Teacher Worksheets</a></span> might be exactly what you need! </div>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
You can connect with Super Teacher Worksheets on the following social media sites:</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/superteacherworksheets" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/superteacherwks" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/superteacherworksheets/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/superteacherwks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can read </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/printable-activities-and-worksheets-super-teacher-worksheets-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of Super Teacher Worksheets from other homeschoolers on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/printable-activities-and-worksheets-super-teacher-worksheets-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Printable Activities and Worksheets! {Super Teacher Worksheets Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-56238863169053553992020-08-05T14:56:00.001-04:002020-08-05T18:37:56.031-04:00World War II Study<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/HSitW-LOGO-website_360x-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="359" height="166" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/HSitW-LOGO-website_360x-2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
World War II has become my favorite time period to read about on my own the last couple years, and while I've read the kids some biographies and talked about the circumstances during that time, we've never done a full study of it. When we had the opportunity to review a product from one of our favorite companies, I knew that the <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/collections/time-travelers-u-s-history-studies/products/time-travelers-world-war-ii" target="_blank">Time Traveler's U.S. History Studies: </a></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/collections/time-travelers-u-s-history-studies/products/time-travelers-world-war-ii" target="_blank">World War II</a></b> would be perfect.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/" target="_blank">Home School in the Woods</a></span> is known for their detailed, hands-on history curricula. We have used various resources from their many product lines over the years and have loved each one. From their <i>Project Passports</i> to their <i>Activity Studies </i>to their <i>Hands-on History Lap-Paks</i><b> </b>to each<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><i>À La Carte</i> item, the choices are full of information, high quality, and so very fun. This was our first experience with the </span></span><i>Time Traveler's U.S. History Studies </i>series, and it did not disappoint!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgPRuXZt174qCSu7FFixqKnFcgxdMmEsttONhUM4cRQWT9Uz4P_z1UphRracRJDETA7otc_VONI1PC9tguApnVu-BONNhRtRDW27yRxMnyLKg5FchNrmBHEJp0P0U7w14iDU23OrB84E/s1600/time_travelers_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgPRuXZt174qCSu7FFixqKnFcgxdMmEsttONhUM4cRQWT9Uz4P_z1UphRracRJDETA7otc_VONI1PC9tguApnVu-BONNhRtRDW27yRxMnyLKg5FchNrmBHEJp0P0U7w14iDU23OrB84E/s640/time_travelers_review.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Home School in the Woods is a family business that was started as a way to make history real, understandable, and applicable. Using timelines and realistic illustrations as a foundation, they've created many resources to make learning history an enjoyable process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <i>World War II </i>study is part of the <a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/collections/time-travelers-u-s-history-studies" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><i>Time Traveler's U.S. History Studies</i></a> series which covers topics such as Colonial Life, The American Revolution, and The Civil War among others. <i>Each Time Traveler's</i> is a complete study of a specific topic with multiple projects and accompanying text. The units are geared toward grades 3-8 and were created to include everything for a compact assignment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGhVJVie3iWS3UD1Rks9EmmJasF5k4gC2f5wIrIfOqiLYekih199F88POgSq-BkuP9aR2CHjK87hN3SgCrv8xZIAvh2KcUeHAA3uJUucyFLE120xOG9A9Nf0PJ6QCFi8-EPgQK4ya6mI/s1600/world_war_ii_timeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1556" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGhVJVie3iWS3UD1Rks9EmmJasF5k4gC2f5wIrIfOqiLYekih199F88POgSq-BkuP9aR2CHjK87hN3SgCrv8xZIAvh2KcUeHAA3uJUucyFLE120xOG9A9Nf0PJ6QCFi8-EPgQK4ya6mI/s640/world_war_ii_timeline.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The download (also available as a CD) comes as a zip file. Once you open it, and see the multiple folders, click on the "start" file. At that point, the entire program will open in your browser, making it very easy to use. Instead of clicking through multiple folders, trying to bounce back and forth among the resources, everything is laid out as you need it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">There are full step-by-step instructions for each component. The </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Text Pages</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> are the informational part of the lessons. The text is engaging and fact-filled and can be read word-for-word while teaching. The </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Project Pages</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> list each project for the lesson, including detailed instructions, illustrtions, and needed materials. The </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Masters </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">are the printable pages for the projects. They are individual PDFs and sometimes offer different choices of style and format.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOKmN_PZm6roEtUopKkhJtkURVHAGApTgE0Nkw8dZ6Elxri9wzeigMmRFOthVLOdpopVAWawYihlcSlutz81G5fjlYe19T2w2R3smG_h7cOEIoths4aleX3mTLjqr9cOTjxFl-GkS7fI/s1600/time_travelers_lessons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOKmN_PZm6roEtUopKkhJtkURVHAGApTgE0Nkw8dZ6Elxri9wzeigMmRFOthVLOdpopVAWawYihlcSlutz81G5fjlYe19T2w2R3smG_h7cOEIoths4aleX3mTLjqr9cOTjxFl-GkS7fI/s640/time_travelers_lessons.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">I love studying together as a family as much as possible and appreciate that these studies from Home School in the Woods can easily be used with a range of ages. My kids are 14, 12, 10, 8, and 5 years old, and each one is enjoying learning about World War II. I read the lesson texts to them, stopping many times to further discuss an idea, research additional information, or look at a map. We've had many good discussions about freedom, the abuse of power, keeping leaders accountable, and fighting for what is right. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The lessons begin long before the war by explaining what the world was like after WWI and describe the events that led up to the next world war. From there, the study teaches chronologically touching on topics such as individual battles, America's official entrance to the war, Hitler's Fortress, concentration camps, peace, and more. Lesson 25 ends the study with a Celebration Day, complete with authentic ration recipes, activities, games, and more.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSLbqXTB2RgmAEkLJ4Wp6DpP3FZn4-Lb3dlpa8pon-nWN4cthf5ESQoJW2mdb2s-mu038UEm9es_e2DkNr1PWsMommBD94Yqm8Dcy9EBFLmB9EtXpjvZlo5GFPDxpkvYCqf02AYElUdA/s1600/time_travelers_activity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSLbqXTB2RgmAEkLJ4Wp6DpP3FZn4-Lb3dlpa8pon-nWN4cthf5ESQoJW2mdb2s-mu038UEm9es_e2DkNr1PWsMommBD94Yqm8Dcy9EBFLmB9EtXpjvZlo5GFPDxpkvYCqf02AYElUdA/s640/time_travelers_activity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Like all the resources from Home School in the Woods, this one is packed with activities! Many of the pages--timeline, penmanship quotes, war terms, propaganda posters, military medals, and many others--will be kept in a <b>3-ringed binder</b>. There are some <b>multi-step projects</b> that will be added to throughout the study, such as a detailed lapbook, sample newspaper, record book, and mapping major events. There is also <b>hands-on learning</b> options, too, like planting </span><span style="background-color: white;">a victory garden, sewing a garrison cap, cooking war ration recipes (like the buttermilk sponge custard that we made), making a souvenir pillowcase, and sending a soldier care package. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">There are so many activity suggestions that you can easily choose which ones would be best for you and your kids.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gkiKq4rPw1JmoBl543E8CV7zThNr0_hyXZBckLrrALgQwdIg0dheX9cMYbcD_EZNHLjIdg0tziffoCFlRWMZdwL7IGsnHliTu9vM9nO-UwG4rZumEC9cc_qw12Gmi-upi3qMxXaeOI4/s1600/sponge_custard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gkiKq4rPw1JmoBl543E8CV7zThNr0_hyXZBckLrrALgQwdIg0dheX9cMYbcD_EZNHLjIdg0tziffoCFlRWMZdwL7IGsnHliTu9vM9nO-UwG4rZumEC9cc_qw12Gmi-upi3qMxXaeOI4/s640/sponge_custard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We have been doing 1-2 lessons a week depending on</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> the number of activities we've chosen and taking into consideration our relaxed summer schedule. The text is perfect for the target age, explaining the details in simple terms while sprinkling in more advanced vocabulary and concepts. The study offers many options for activities that vary in both content and skill. There are even a few games included like Bingo using foreign war terms, a Battleship-type on paper, and a trivia file folder game. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
While there is already plenty of information and activities in the study itself, you can find many more <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">books, videos, and other suggestions in the</span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Additional Resources </i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">section to further your learning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The World War II </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/collections/time-travelers-u-s-history-studies" target="_blank">Time Traveler's U.S. History Studies</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> truly is a </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">hands-on adventure in history!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mAQy6ZlcDiGLt3tGwRr9BHuqy1Iq3zeiSpJRSRZ_hGH5mv2Y_u8TdgHjKOU4k3Rjv57tsgfi3W4K5M4KBUQGWpbO7cfh8FnaC_pegroNYliN13sbNvX2KYEwdMDw3ALdfCKUgxGw_aA/s1600/garrison_cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mAQy6ZlcDiGLt3tGwRr9BHuqy1Iq3zeiSpJRSRZ_hGH5mv2Y_u8TdgHjKOU4k3Rjv57tsgfi3W4K5M4KBUQGWpbO7cfh8FnaC_pegroNYliN13sbNvX2KYEwdMDw3ALdfCKUgxGw_aA/s640/garrison_cap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Home School in the Woods</a> offers many products that teach history. With this being an election year, the <a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/collections/hands-on-history-lap-paks/products/lap-pak-u-s-elections" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">U.S. Elections Lap-Pak</a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> would be a perfect addition to your school day. It's important that our children understand the election process and appreciate their responsibility to vote. If you'd like to see just how thorough the study is, you can read </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://raisingleafs.blogspot.com/2016/02/presidential-elections-lap-pak.html" target="_blank">our review</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">from a few year ago. I think it's time we pull it out and work through it again, too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Home School in the Woods is generously sponsoring a g</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">iveaway through the end of August. You can get a </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">FREE copy of <b><a href="https://store.homeschoolinthewoods.com/products/greek-life-file-folder-game?_pos=1&_sid=26da3ae66&_ss=r" target="_blank">Greek Life! File Folder Game</a></b> when you use code <b>TOSGameNight</b>. Happy learning! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAj4QLWaRVXlBkoF1AWQDRV1IGoAbHDOSUE4nKVxlevUttf7eMWavl8N11FmmoF65w31VJM3cMZfymaDQdnKKNZvo1nlWoZ-WdEkYsiqU1JiBGYPGEA2yB-ZecHiFuywcEZt7Y6hAn2U/s1600/time_travelers_game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAj4QLWaRVXlBkoF1AWQDRV1IGoAbHDOSUE4nKVxlevUttf7eMWavl8N11FmmoF65w31VJM3cMZfymaDQdnKKNZvo1nlWoZ-WdEkYsiqU1JiBGYPGEA2yB-ZecHiFuywcEZt7Y6hAn2U/s640/time_travelers_game.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Home School in the Woods on the following social media sites:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolinthewoods/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/HSintheWoods" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolinthewoods/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/hsinthewoods/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span><br />
<br />
If you'd like to learn more about all that Home School in the Woods has to offer, you can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/election-lap-pak-benjamin-franklin-timeline-collection-time-travelers-u-s-history-and-make-a-state-activity-pak-home-school-in-the-woods-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of their products on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.<br />
<br />
<br style="text-align: start;" /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/election-lap-pak-benjamin-franklin-timeline-collection-time-travelers-u-s-history-and-make-a-state-activity-pak-home-school-in-the-woods-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Election Lap-Pak, Benjamin Franklin, Timeline Collection, Time Travelers U.S.History and Make-A-State Activity-Pak {Home School in the Woods Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-66777177560516723392020-08-02T15:14:00.000-04:002020-08-02T15:14:19.989-04:00Things That Make Me Smile 4/10/20<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-688d7270-7fff-9385-dc76-7518ec0d2479"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* This post may contain affiliate links. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jake (14), Alyssa (12), Zac (10), Tyler (8), Nicholas (5)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy weekend! It's hard to believe these Smiles were from 4 months ago. Time goes by so fast! This week, we made many batches of granola, <b><a href="https://raisingleafs.blogspot.com/2020/05/fermentools.html" target="_blank">fermented sauerkraut</a></b> for the first time, and played a <b><a href="https://amzn.to/3fju8B3" target="_blank">fun new game</a></b> for Game Schooling. Jake built an owl nesting box by himself, and the other kids completed some hands-on projects. I love seeing my kids use their talents!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
1. Tyler, playing a game: "A giraffe mixed with an elephant? That would be horrifying!"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Alyssa: "He wasn't born yet?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jake, confused: "He was in Borneo?"</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Tyler: "Mom, why do we have only two?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Two what?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tyler: "Bathrooms."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "How many do we need?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tyler: "I don't know! Fifteen?"<br />
<br />
4. Zac: "Mom, geodes are so cool. They look kinda ugly on the outside, but you break them open and they're beautiful on the inside. It's like people; you can't judge them by what they look like."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98fvsX32lrmraStENIIS49vlxVcHiKWTtzIQ1t-jhrq4ItV3L5IefCiGWSAEX7LoA-HhprEO6L_cct6zeyvytpkCvmEGZwjz5p9Z7_-3ko_Ir2pQ6DE8mF98w9eZXKxye5W8LOodYfe0/s1600/geodes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98fvsX32lrmraStENIIS49vlxVcHiKWTtzIQ1t-jhrq4ItV3L5IefCiGWSAEX7LoA-HhprEO6L_cct6zeyvytpkCvmEGZwjz5p9Z7_-3ko_Ir2pQ6DE8mF98w9eZXKxye5W8LOodYfe0/s640/geodes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Me, explaining a picture from a couple years ago to Nicholas: "We were getting ready to go to church."<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alyssa: "Ah, getting ready to go to church. I miss it."<br />
<br />
6. Nicky <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/raisingleafs/photos/a.555440454537355/2961095747305135/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">studying Algebra II</a></b>.<br />
<br />
7. Nicholas calling <a href="https://legolegendsofchima.fandom.com/wiki/Cragger" target="_blank">Cragger from Lego Chima</a> Cracker.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Jake, feigning surprise after I told him he couldn't do something he knew he wouldn't be allowed to: "But you said I could!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me, laughing: "Because I knew Dad would overrule me."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alyssa, playfully: "He can't do that!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Of course he can. Who's in charge of this family?"<br />
Alyssa: "Technically, you two are one."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "That's true. But when there's a dispute, who gets the final say?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jake, raising his hand: "Ooh, pick me! Pick me!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Zac: "Who do you pick?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Dad!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Zac: "Then who?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Me."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Zac: "Which one of <i>us </i>do you pick to be in charge?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Hmm . . . Nicky."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nicholas, laughing maniacally, pointing to Jake: "Mop the floor!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jake gets up, flips Nicholas upside down, and "mops" the floor with his hair.<br />
<br />
9. Alyssa dried flowers from our yard, laminated them, and made bookmarks and then braided bracelets. She sent the goodies to her friends to let them know she missed them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tFkntdnT3enP8KMt_qNMKevtMxNSbOh67vY4sI12vPEUPuCVEzmNcl4s1hy-ac-V88ukJpUpjflyPioYbzp62I9ISxLMbMs7ZsSGQsbkBljdMrIom0QgiMPkteJawmiaEtI8drUSTDI/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tFkntdnT3enP8KMt_qNMKevtMxNSbOh67vY4sI12vPEUPuCVEzmNcl4s1hy-ac-V88ukJpUpjflyPioYbzp62I9ISxLMbMs7ZsSGQsbkBljdMrIom0QgiMPkteJawmiaEtI8drUSTDI/s640/gifts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
10. Nicholas, climbing all over Jake: "You smell like . . . nothing!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
11. Zac, reading facts about polar bears and fennec foxes: "It's pretty amazing how God made every animal to have exactly what they need to survive."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. Nicholas, watching me wash a mirror: "It's a miracle! That's perfect!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Nicholas, in the middle of the night: "Daddy, will you shorten the light?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Daddy's sleeping, sweetie pie. What do you need?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nicholas: "Will you shorten the light?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "I'm sorry, I don't understand."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nicholas: "I need to go potty and the light is too bright."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Oh! You want me to dim the light!"</div>
<br />
<br />
What made you Smile this week?<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* Some of the links in the content above are affiliate links. If you click on a link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I recommend products or services that I have used personally and all the text and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's </span><a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2003-title16-vol1/content-detail.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">16 CFR, Part 225</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-61072674440026185552020-07-30T10:44:00.000-04:002020-07-30T10:46:30.039-04:00Experience Biology<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/JOURNEYHomeschoolAcademy-Logo-Final1-1024x614.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/JOURNEYHomeschoolAcademy-Logo-Final1-1024x614.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since my oldest child is in high school, I appreciate when we get reviews that focus on the advanced subjects. He was planning to take a biology class starting this fall, so when the opportunity came from </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/all-courses/" target="_blank">Journey Homeschool Academy</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to use their </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://experiencebiology.com/experience-biology-high-school/" target="_blank">Experience Biology: Upper Level</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> course, we jumped at the chance to start early.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke and Trisha Gilkerson from Intoxicated on Life are focused on raising kids God's way. They believe in "nurturing your children's bodies, cultivating their minds, and inspiring their souls." They have been public speakers for over 15 years and guide parents through topics such as screen time, anger, sex education, discipline, Scripture memorization, and more. They also believe it's possible to have a balanced approach to high school science while learning at home and that the process can be characterized by both excellence and fun. Using these guidelines, they have created the Experience Biology course.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo4EBzmXOWOwEHILW8tzAQ4z7RviCwcBpTAHfOpTnXAJmAGXgEOKwF7dxwij2BMKdTbo44rsCQi-sh_XcdEqThYtaDlRNo55w9mHK3525It_6Bvw-w-Vy6xck7si71I3UTAzjaw58FLk/s1600/experience_biology_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo4EBzmXOWOwEHILW8tzAQ4z7RviCwcBpTAHfOpTnXAJmAGXgEOKwF7dxwij2BMKdTbo44rsCQi-sh_XcdEqThYtaDlRNo55w9mHK3525It_6Bvw-w-Vy6xck7si71I3UTAzjaw58FLk/s640/experience_biology_review.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience Biology, taught with a Biblical worldview, contains everything your student needs for a high school credit class with approximately 180 hours of study.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Video Lessons</b> -- 2 engaging teaching lessons every week for 35 weeks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Comprehension Quizzes</b> -- weekly quizzes along with quarterly exams, graded score given immediately</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Lab Assignments & Research Questions</b> -- weekly hands-on lab experiments with videos and thought-provoking questions to deepen the scientific concepts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Reading Assignments</b> -- optional weekly reading assignments from <i>The Riot and the Dance: Foundational Biology</i></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke teaches the lesson videos, while Trisha guides the step-by-step lab videos. Both of them are engaging and easy to follow. I'll be honest, my son was not thrilled with the idea of a biology class. He thought he would be learning only about plants and animals and had no interest in studying either one. The very first lesson video grabbed his attention though. He stopped it multiple times to tell me some tidbit of information that he learned. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first quarter of biology covers things on the cellular and molecular level which can be more difficult to understand because it doesn't relate to visible objects, but Luke does a great job explaining the concepts. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zX8aOrTDuhbNU9knSnY5kXk_eHke8YEcY5A2LmJOc8U38N4CJVi63t4baGPl5v1BSNKNuOfhWGTDtmnpWj_5_g0Tn2fglqjfibvAH1KO2ph_17i_NDKphqHItARA3fPf8XVXZaQGF3I/s1600/journey_homeschool_academy_advanced_biology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zX8aOrTDuhbNU9knSnY5kXk_eHke8YEcY5A2LmJOc8U38N4CJVi63t4baGPl5v1BSNKNuOfhWGTDtmnpWj_5_g0Tn2fglqjfibvAH1KO2ph_17i_NDKphqHItARA3fPf8XVXZaQGF3I/s640/journey_homeschool_academy_advanced_biology.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The labs ensure that there is hands-on, interactive learning nearly each week. At least 15 labs are needed to count the class for a science lab credit, so there are many options to choose which ones work best for your family. There is a custom kit that you can purchase if you want the full experience, or you can buy individual supplies a la carte from the course's wish list. You can also see a <a href="https://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/lab-supplies-by-lesson/" target="_blank">list of needed supplies</a> for each lab so you can prepare in advance. Animal dissection isn't on the schedule for many weeks, but we're looking forward to that! Other labs include looking at multiple slides with the microscope, replicating the process of meiosis and reproduction in imaginary creatures, creating a classification system, observing various plant life and their parts, examining carbon dioxide exhaled from the lungs, and more. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">All the resources your student needs come as digital downloads with the course such as the parent curriculum guide, student guide book, and student lab guide. There are also individual answer keys for both student books, research questions, diagrams, and a sample lab report. If you don't want to print the books yourself, there is also the option to buy full-color copies of both the spiral-bound <a href="https://www.intoxicatedonlife.com/store/product/experience-biology-student-guidebook/" target="_blank">student guidebook</a> and the <a href="https://www.intoxicatedonlife.com/store/product/experience-biology-student-lab-guide/" target="_blank">student lab guide</a>. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvGQAtpnMT4LuLJ6fOQ6RYCOGZXV7m0n8OyPCz3yLt5lpqWXOZ7kztyA9ozaSEKxFt5JlqeR_0uF6bH76phyphenhyphenhMc6ud-bTgngAb93HM1P7Mw-jxKfmMClUyY4DWOmNDeI0mBwGCrTsAnU/s1600/experience_biology_student_guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvGQAtpnMT4LuLJ6fOQ6RYCOGZXV7m0n8OyPCz3yLt5lpqWXOZ7kztyA9ozaSEKxFt5JlqeR_0uF6bH76phyphenhyphenhMc6ud-bTgngAb93HM1P7Mw-jxKfmMClUyY4DWOmNDeI0mBwGCrTsAnU/s640/experience_biology_student_guide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Student Management page lets me see how my son is doing at a glance. It shows me what percentage of the program he has completed along with each of the weekly quiz scores. He has to turn in the research questions and lab work to me, so between those and the online grades, it's easy to make sure he stays on track. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even if the only thing I had to say about this course was that my son likes it, I would still think it's a good program. He knows what he likes and often asks why he needs to learn something if he doesn't think he will need it in the future. Yet, Experience Biology has won him over! He doesn't complain about the work and is interested in the videos. He's a little off track with our lighter summer schedule, vacation, and summer camp, but he's already learned a lot. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXJKLOs33htuH4uqq537bcXZdmjn78dWeyHbvJ3YQtVrTvMA1z2u-4R7hO2rOG7i0E1AsO2cdspmHkt_zfyv2FjCWN-GtzqaVDfrOWpsLGeL0a7aacMDAki1wNMumJ8Dn2SpFEyIBu6o/s1600/experience_biology_lesson.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXJKLOs33htuH4uqq537bcXZdmjn78dWeyHbvJ3YQtVrTvMA1z2u-4R7hO2rOG7i0E1AsO2cdspmHkt_zfyv2FjCWN-GtzqaVDfrOWpsLGeL0a7aacMDAki1wNMumJ8Dn2SpFEyIBu6o/s640/experience_biology_lesson.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's what he had to say about it:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"I like that it's very straight forward with multiple examples. I like how it's a combination of a </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>video of him talking while showing other videos and pictures. It's very well done </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>and </i></span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">easy to understand. I've already learned a lot."</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On top of his enthusiasm though, it is a truly great program. The videos are engaging, the information is complete, and the grading and tracking is simple to follow, but my favorite part is the labs. I love that the class is called Experience Biology because it's so fitting! Our learning style in our home is based on <i>experiencing </i>learning. We incorporate hands-on education every day because I believe in the importance of my children learning by doing. When I took biology in high school, we learned from a dry textbook and lectures. The only two labs I can remember at all were dissecting a flower and dissecting a frog. I am pleased that my son will have a thorough study. <a href="https://experiencebiology.com/experience-biology-high-school/" target="_blank">Experience Biology: Upper Level</a> helps the student make practical applications based on factual learning in an interesting, thought-provoking manner. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
If you're looking for a science course for your children, I highly recommend <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/all-courses/" target="_blank">Journey Homeschool Academy</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFVd46qqoJZTgHA-T44zr1PkPXybQi03WD5vHDrAKWAqnstvcAwyHVllUfMCca2IoLwgtnPJ4EoC551j05-GLBMvTC-wdeLojWn0ebIDvBCaA3XtOr2V5K8pvhro_FnMsMtO5LtoS4Zw/s1600/microscope+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFVd46qqoJZTgHA-T44zr1PkPXybQi03WD5vHDrAKWAqnstvcAwyHVllUfMCca2IoLwgtnPJ4EoC551j05-GLBMvTC-wdeLojWn0ebIDvBCaA3XtOr2V5K8pvhro_FnMsMtO5LtoS4Zw/s640/microscope+%25281%2529.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Journey Homeschool Academy through Intoxicated on Life on the following social media sites:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/IntoxicatedOnLife/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/intoxicatedonlifeblog/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of my Crewmates were able to review the elementary biology course and the elementary astronomy course. You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/experience-biology-elementary-level-upper-level-and-experience-astronomy-elementary-journey-homeschool-academy-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of the science curricula from Journey Homeschool Academy on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/experience-biology-elementary-level-upper-level-and-experience-astronomy-elementary-journey-homeschool-academy-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Experience Biology: Elementary Level, Upper Level and Experience Astronomy: Elementary {Journey Homeschool Academy Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-4240321346854933122020-07-15T11:37:00.002-04:002020-07-15T11:37:53.182-04:00Pitsco STEM Pack<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Pitsco-Education-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="800" height="131" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Pitsco-Education-Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hands-on learning is a priority in our home! I believe in the importance of learning by doing, so I love when we review resources that are focused on actively engaging. This <b><a href="https://www.pitsco.com/STEM-Creator-Pack" target="_blank">Middle School STEM Creator Pack</a></b> from Pitsco Education perfectly meets our needs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="https://www.pitsco.com/" target="_blank">Pitsco Education</a> </b>has been dedicated to hands-on exploration and problem solving for over 40 years. Their materials and curricula are STEM-based, meaning they incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math skills while making real-world applications. Their philosophy of education, "What will you bring to the world?" is manifested through experiences that engage both hands and minds. It is their desire to put a piece of the world in students' hands and help them understand how it applies to their lives.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwca72GkpsyJ8JVH07p67mUpSlmi687JWut8gBrvRh1VcyKOKAUEOS3jm4HwePW39Z_zdmeCqmSwg16PJCC8_9HCIh4UqfaR-prpXni6hvCJLz6yXUwTNtxxqWPXxF3SzrVxTYQlDSbM/s1600/pitsco_education_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwca72GkpsyJ8JVH07p67mUpSlmi687JWut8gBrvRh1VcyKOKAUEOS3jm4HwePW39Z_zdmeCqmSwg16PJCC8_9HCIh4UqfaR-prpXni6hvCJLz6yXUwTNtxxqWPXxF3SzrVxTYQlDSbM/s640/pitsco_education_review.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The STEM Creator Pack is geared toward the 6th-8th grade crowd. It includes all the materials, instructions, and curriculum to build 5 projects with 15 activities.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Catapults</li>
<li>Balloon Cars</li>
<li>Da Vinci Bridges</li>
<li>Personal Inventions</li>
<li>Friction Climbers</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
All the projects come individually bagged with everything you need. I have been doing hands-on activities with my kids for more than a decade; I am not afraid to gather random household supplies to complete an assignment, but this kit is so convenient! It cuts back on excuses for not doing projects with your kids such as not having enough time or not being able to find materials or not wanting to look for ideas. All you have to do is grab a bag. Truly, it could not be simpler!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1EEWv6rUApj5emKtVI5blm3mrSkbZIzaszgu96aCEh48_PtkDt39R39x3CupNuMSwcMuNbS1WX5F8yJ3pIXBQYOTMQi6UqqlvTRau2i2P2IPm89boWuZIdC4tuXgvSMxoBSfCz3gMUk/s1600/pitsco_creator_pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1259" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1EEWv6rUApj5emKtVI5blm3mrSkbZIzaszgu96aCEh48_PtkDt39R39x3CupNuMSwcMuNbS1WX5F8yJ3pIXBQYOTMQi6UqqlvTRau2i2P2IPm89boWuZIdC4tuXgvSMxoBSfCz3gMUk/s640/pitsco_creator_pack.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Even though the kit was designed for middle schoolers, I chose to use the Creator Pack with my science-loving, engineer-minded, always-building, busy boys ages 5, 8, and 10.<br />
<br />
Each project comes with a Creator's Guide booklet which includes step-by-step building instructions with pictures, interesting facts, and engaging questions. I found that since the instructions are written in an easy-to-understand way and have visual clues for each step, my boys did not even need my help with building some of the projects. Even my second grader had no trouble with things such as folding the car template, taping it, and assembling the wheels. Though I did help with cutting it out and teaching him how to score for easy folding, he was able to follow their instructions just fine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBHpgBzqwzOOcSNo2t601CYelZuehsBsM0QOLpVlker6SH5BflQ7fFSvLcYeWv7wPHy5Aesn1gEHwlpSZ8NwTx4UFM2iOqfZ95hIwDQDsQXPQRm8IGSr4HS9WxKSo6trGA2Lk6NNUWnU/s1600/pitsco_rolling_vehicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBHpgBzqwzOOcSNo2t601CYelZuehsBsM0QOLpVlker6SH5BflQ7fFSvLcYeWv7wPHy5Aesn1gEHwlpSZ8NwTx4UFM2iOqfZ95hIwDQDsQXPQRm8IGSr4HS9WxKSo6trGA2Lk6NNUWnU/s640/pitsco_rolling_vehicles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of the projects also include additional activities to extend the learning. For instance, after the boys each took a couple turns playing with the catapult, there were 4 suggested ways to use it: testing the distance, hitting a target, designing a multi-player game, and playing the game. Each activity lists needed supplies (some of which are not included in the kit, but are common), instructions, charts for recording data, and additional relative facts and discussion questions.<br />
<br />
Some of their favorite times were testing their theories and trying new ways to use their projects. They learned the best placement of the straw to get their balloon-powered car to go the fastest, that the friction climber is a fun way to get a Lego minifigure to higher heights, how to accurately shoot the catapult so someone can catch the projectile, what happens when you change the angle of a ramp, and various other real-world things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGHK8ys5A92qXOzGhO_riCWMnGHoVGq9DlV6oOZab7P0Da1rFtyjOgJDZhbRSfqE4-uWj6qBzyt9_XJHYIb3vYM9YVupV6RAGitqGp3FpVHa5kkttaVfzhaYzwQt3wuw-fydMYGnHkZ4/s1600/pitsco_catapult.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1600" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGHK8ys5A92qXOzGhO_riCWMnGHoVGq9DlV6oOZab7P0Da1rFtyjOgJDZhbRSfqE4-uWj6qBzyt9_XJHYIb3vYM9YVupV6RAGitqGp3FpVHa5kkttaVfzhaYzwQt3wuw-fydMYGnHkZ4/s640/pitsco_catapult.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We did not have the best of luck with the Da Vinci bridge project, unfortunately. That was one set of instructions that I found confusing. Even my engineer husband who easily understands things like this had a difficult time getting the popsicle sticks to stay together long enough to form a long bridge. That is one that we will definitely have to try again as a family.<br />
<br />
We still have one final project to complete. They saved their favorite for last--creating their own inventions, which opens up all possibilities for creativity. The kit comes with tons of provided materials like chipboard, string, clay, spools, rubber bands, and straws, but encourages the use of any supplies. There are a few suggested inventions, but the main purpose is getting kids to come up with ideas--whether it's improving something or creating an entirely new concept--and then creating them. I know that my boys will spend days being engineers and testing their contraptions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK9s5w0_eoOpVUkx1ngHjKMKpywdJsYRE-YYNEnc4mX5T0VYW-8TCsysd7S85cBybF4_iRRSDpMPUwZ9ZqOIDUZA58CZe5HlRPLUwu9f2nom7KTKjqZBTlJ8cw5vegqt6ygDQDhBCM0Y/s1600/pitsco_da_vinci_bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK9s5w0_eoOpVUkx1ngHjKMKpywdJsYRE-YYNEnc4mX5T0VYW-8TCsysd7S85cBybF4_iRRSDpMPUwZ9ZqOIDUZA58CZe5HlRPLUwu9f2nom7KTKjqZBTlJ8cw5vegqt6ygDQDhBCM0Y/s640/pitsco_da_vinci_bridge.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />
My boys absolutely love this kit! It's fun, engaging, and gets them doing what they love best--building and creating.<br />
<br />
I absolutely love this kit! It's organized, thorough, easy-to-follow, and gets my kids doing what I love best--learning by doing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.pitsco.com/" target="_blank">Pitsco Education</a> is generously sharing their learning kits with their followers! You can <a href="https://offers.pitsco.com/middle-school-stem-creator-giveaway" target="_blank"><b>enter to win your own STEM Creator Pack</b></a> by filling out a brief form for the giveaway. Good luck! Then you, too, can create this fun catapult like my boys did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S1l5sZ4k5lg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S1l5sZ4k5lg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.pitsco.com/STEM-Creator-Pack" target="_blank">Middle School STEM Creator Pack</a> is a must-have for anyone who values hands-on education, incorporates STEM activities, or just likes to have fun. It's the perfect summer activity kit as you can grab a bag once a week and learn without feeling like work. They offer products focusing on robotics, aerospace, coding, sustainable energy, drafting, structures, and more, so there is something to pique your child's interest.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to surprise my little engineers with more hands-on fun from <a href="https://www.pitsco.com/" target="_blank">Pitsco Education</a>!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80a6ZjcKmLVfavS6D_SNjGuuFZXfE1kAR_XC9CyrdEBaBsX3AdeTjvtfrOPh9fW5ITNzJRAWNBymxgMO3dW4FqLnHWtv_xd1XHbm3M4DiQzIgfetmRElK3ankoBuNyK-Av8LwnMpJzq4/s1600/pitsco_friction_climber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80a6ZjcKmLVfavS6D_SNjGuuFZXfE1kAR_XC9CyrdEBaBsX3AdeTjvtfrOPh9fW5ITNzJRAWNBymxgMO3dW4FqLnHWtv_xd1XHbm3M4DiQzIgfetmRElK3ankoBuNyK-Av8LwnMpJzq4/s640/pitsco_friction_climber.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can connect with Pitsco Education on the following social media sites:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PitscoEducation/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/pitscoed" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/pitscoed/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pitscoeducation/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PitscoEd" target="_blank">YouTube</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pitsco Education offers many fun and engaging learning products. My Crewmates were able to review things such as elementary and high school kits, coding cubes, Smart Buddies, and Arduino kits. You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/stem-at-your-fingertips-elementary-middle-high-school-stem-kits-pitsco-education-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of these products on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/stem-at-your-fingertips-elementary-middle-high-school-stem-kits-pitsco-education-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="STEM At Your Fingertips - Elementary, Middle & High School STEM Kits {Pitsco Education Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-60952359529679452052020-07-10T11:31:00.000-04:002020-07-10T11:31:13.216-04:00Literature Study Guides<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/progeny-press-logo_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="720" height="128" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/progeny-press-logo_.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">O</span>ur family loves reading. Literature is the foundation of our education, so we always appreciate reviewing products that are based around books. There's something very special about opening a story and getting lost in its pages together as a family.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
When we want to take our learning deeper than just simply reading the book, we utilize the help of study guides. These aids enrich the experience and help the reader fully grasp the themes within the pages. One of our favorite companies to use for this purpose is <b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://stores.progenypress.com/" target="_blank">Progeny Press</a></b>. We've used their products multiple times in the past and were excited to work with them again. This time, we were able to use two of their downloadable resources: <a href="https://stores.progenypress.com/a-new-coat-for-anna-e-guide/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><b>A New Coat for Anna Study Guide</b></a> for elementary <span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><a href="https://stores.progenypress.com/my-side-of-the-mountain-eguide/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><b>My Side of the Mountain Study Guide</b></a><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for middle school.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4es3qlQpYT7DqSwNgTDRFXw95jo9Bck3HqfD1VYjN8CUy4pMZg5YZihtMuEit8FoR3lY3Ua2chN0oOAp6WuheZqy8oF2dMgay22TKb5C-B5HmJdDxRelScb0X3NPpVrUGD-WzRFypCuU/s1600/progeny_press_review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4es3qlQpYT7DqSwNgTDRFXw95jo9Bck3HqfD1VYjN8CUy4pMZg5YZihtMuEit8FoR3lY3Ua2chN0oOAp6WuheZqy8oF2dMgay22TKb5C-B5HmJdDxRelScb0X3NPpVrUGD-WzRFypCuU/s640/progeny_press_review.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;">Progeny Press is a Christian company owned by Michael and Rebecca Gilleland. It is their mission to "teach our children to think clearly, to understand literature, and to rely on the scripture for truth and values, and enjoy themselves while they do it!" They offer more than 100 study guides for classic, popular, and award-winning books. The guides are designed to help students better understand and enjoy literature by getting them to think through the themes and ideas written in the stories. The study guides are available in three formats: a physical book, a CD with a PDF ebook, and a downloadable PDF file.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="bc-buy-button" id="bc-sku-110DWNLD" style="height: 435px; width: 295px;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" border="0" height="100%" horizontalscrolling="no" scrolling="no" src="https://ad.buybutton.store/card/v1.5/nfxi2m?action=checkout&open_in=popup&src=TOSNEWCOAT&btn_color=6a6c71&ga_id=null&sku=110DWNLD" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" verticalscrolling="no" width="100%">
</iframe>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;">The </span></span><a href="https://stores.progenypress.com/a-new-coat-for-anna-e-guide/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">A New Coat for Anna Study Guide</a> is designed for grades K-3. The guide accompanies the book by Harriet Ziefert. <i>A New Coat for Anna</i> is a picture book that is based on a true story. In it, young Anna had outgrown her winter coat. Because of WWII, stores were empty and money was scarce. Anna's mother used her resourcefulness to meet her daughter's needs. Anna learned the art of bartering and the value of hard work as she watched her mother trade her possessions for goods. She learned about sheering sheep, spinning wool to get yarn, using berries to make dye, weaving yarn into cloth, and sewing the bolts into a coat. It is a story of patience, sacrifice, thankfulness, and planning ahead.<br />
<br />
The study guide has 30 pages of learning activities. It starts with a synopsis of the book and background information about WWII. There are a handful of <i>Before-You-Read</i> activities including map work, questions to ask relatives who lived during the war, watching a movie, taking a field trip, and more. The next sections are the <i>As-You-Read</i> activities, <i>Vocabulary</i>, and <i>Looking at the Story</i> exercises. Each portion reviews the story through various means such as short answer, matching, defining, and chart work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20U-3KoM5eTLEtUlRwX0BqioC5vGeQRvVwapXB18T4Dn3rgNRRpeG-1DsKyD1TOtndjVIrC9J3dLCEbnwPZFr93Osx1rQalQPTOn9QpRzK2INhep3qXMMGClN-m19tJKtkku45l5kohA/s1600/new-coat_for_anna_study_guide.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1010" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20U-3KoM5eTLEtUlRwX0BqioC5vGeQRvVwapXB18T4Dn3rgNRRpeG-1DsKyD1TOtndjVIrC9J3dLCEbnwPZFr93Osx1rQalQPTOn9QpRzK2INhep3qXMMGClN-m19tJKtkku45l5kohA/s640/new-coat_for_anna_study_guide.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are Bible verses that complement the lessons in the story in the <i>Dig Deeper</i> sections. The verses are written out in the guide itself, but we chose to pull out our KJV and read directly from the Bible. There are also questions that accompany the verses and reinforce the themes.<br />
<br />
The study continues even after the story is finished through the <i>After-You-Read </i>activities. This is our favorite section as it is filled with hands-on learning! There is a recipe for a silver cake (reminds me of my favorite childhood recipe!), a craft idea and template, a writing and art project, and fill-in-the-blank questions which correspond with a word search. The guide ends with suggestions for further reading of other books by the author and those of related interest for the age range. A full answer key is available as a separate download.<br />
<br />
My younger boys (ages 5 and 8) completed this study together. We enjoyed reading the story and expounding on the hardships of the war. We took advantage of the editable PDF and filled in the answers together on the computer. The boys learned some new things like how to take clothing measurements, the meaning of various words like <i>garnet </i>and <i>bolt</i>, how to paraphrase, and what the Bible teaches us about patience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ1On9feGlFQvJ3pwUno919pNDo_-A7DtitclHYi4zk082e4yvqA14trnrFg9cBNdsce2WZINIf818HEieawPkSuFahpmQIxCbc3VEEDbMOn17RDCUwd2RuFZTx8I31Wvxu3DF5ZdXlw/s1600/silver_cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ1On9feGlFQvJ3pwUno919pNDo_-A7DtitclHYi4zk082e4yvqA14trnrFg9cBNdsce2WZINIf818HEieawPkSuFahpmQIxCbc3VEEDbMOn17RDCUwd2RuFZTx8I31Wvxu3DF5ZdXlw/s640/silver_cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Because we like to learn as a family as much as possible, I chose a second study guide. The <a href="https://stores.progenypress.com/my-side-of-the-mountain-eguide/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">My Side of the Mountain Study Guide</a> is for the 5th-8th grade group and has 63 pages. My kids range from preschool-9th grade, but everyone can benefit from spending time together enjoying a good story and hearing rich vocabulary used in context. <i>My Side of the Mountain </i>by Jean Craighead George brings to life the dream of many people--running away from the hustle and bustle of city life and responsibility and living secluded off the land. It follows the story of young Sam as he learns to care for himself by finding what he needs to survive on the mountain. Though the story is fictional in nature, it mentions many factual survival skills such as how to find food in the river and on land, using all parts of an animal for various uses, finding necessary nutrients in foraged food, storing and planning ahead for difficult weather, building a fire, finding shelter, and more. The story will resonate with anyone who loves the wilderness and adventure.<br />
<br />
The guide begins with the same type of sections as the other (synopsis, author and background information, and pre-reading activities), but then suggests reading the entire book before delving into the meat of the study. This format worked well for us as the kids got to simply enjoy the story without stopping to work. There were a few times when we had to go back to review parts of the story where they didn't remember exactly, but that's all part of the process.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IgyqukddT3nxVr_sLFcftTgrZvPhqyBjWq7XGRTfZZa-9IU_MbD4PIlxCcvg0jq3Mr-pENZx7nILS7CauA189Pkj7SgxMNioQIxo_2zagZIIML_yjo_P-NXbftdQRrlfiTpy_caz63c/s1600/progeny_press_study_guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IgyqukddT3nxVr_sLFcftTgrZvPhqyBjWq7XGRTfZZa-9IU_MbD4PIlxCcvg0jq3Mr-pENZx7nILS7CauA189Pkj7SgxMNioQIxo_2zagZIIML_yjo_P-NXbftdQRrlfiTpy_caz63c/s640/progeny_press_study_guide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This guide for middle school includes vocabulary skills and comprehension questions, but they are more difficult than the elementary level. This guide also has an editable PDF so a student can type the answers directly without having to print it out. Because of that option, a separate file with the answer key is given, so a student does not have access to the answers himself. One way that this level is different is that the Bible verses are not written out, encouraging the learner to grab his Bible to look them up himself. There are a lot of "what do you think," "what does this mean,'' "why or why not" questions. The guide is also broken into sections that correspond with chapters of the book.<br />
<br />
Other activities include discussing safety protocols and choosing a family safe word; measuring rooms in your house and calculating square footage; determining flashbacks and foreshadowing in stories; creating a shelter in your home using blankets and furniture; creating a journal and learning to record daily entries; making a wooden slide whistle; learning about skunk spray through videos and articles; following recipes for candied nuts, mock frog soup, and more; making snow dough with common household supplies, and more. There are multiple ideas for research topics, field trips, art ideas, and writing assignments. The study could easily take 8-10 weeks to complete by incorporating many of the learning exercises.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX9PJxxNC3o4fMEIE8I9ANMNsslICJUMXAxulTBKUjh7kDrEB8BJh6FWyJelXBbXNNBveSGurzVEOngpr2NQSBbxWErty6IfDJRVZEtijvox6Xfgt67ymPatJq-QdYRuxPaXMWww8KXM/s1600/snow_dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX9PJxxNC3o4fMEIE8I9ANMNsslICJUMXAxulTBKUjh7kDrEB8BJh6FWyJelXBbXNNBveSGurzVEOngpr2NQSBbxWErty6IfDJRVZEtijvox6Xfgt67ymPatJq-QdYRuxPaXMWww8KXM/s640/snow_dough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As always, my kids enjoyed these studies from <a href="https://stores.progenypress.com/" target="_blank">Progeny Press</a>. We had many thoughtful conversations about life of the past and how blessed we are now, about utilizing the resources that God has given us, and being content with what we have. The books were a good reminder that we could live a simpler lifestyle with many fewer possessions and that we take too much for granted. We make family read aloud part of our regular schooling, but it's good to take our learning deeper. I appreciate that these guides incorporate Bible lessons to help kids see a deeper meaning behind the stories.Whenever you can apply a lesson, rather than just hear about it, it's much more likely to make a lasting difference.<br />
<br />
We reviewed an elementary guide and a middle school guide, but Progeny Press offers many different study guides ranging from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade and cover many popular books. There truly is something for everyone. If you have older students, make sure to check out the upper level guides, as well. Their resources are greatly enjoyed in our home.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTGymaosegIC5Zc_gNIUTLRGB_jQmTZ7CbMC_JD-48z7hIXlqBEEa4UQ00UY-BEIznKiSmERcdWnpQUr5u5C1JtvOv2lwAomcbSLIlRlvFRaxL1-Bbmg8cgL6F4P0lK4401Qg9Jb7Jhk/s1600/candied_nuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTGymaosegIC5Zc_gNIUTLRGB_jQmTZ7CbMC_JD-48z7hIXlqBEEa4UQ00UY-BEIznKiSmERcdWnpQUr5u5C1JtvOv2lwAomcbSLIlRlvFRaxL1-Bbmg8cgL6F4P0lK4401Qg9Jb7Jhk/s640/candied_nuts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="bc-buy-button" id="bc-sku-342DWNLD" style="height: 435px; width: 295px;">
<iframe allowtransparency="true" border="0" height="100%" horizontalscrolling="no" scrolling="no" src="https://ad.buybutton.store/card/v1.5/nfxi2m?action=checkout&open_in=popup&src=TOSMYSIDE&btn_color=6a6c71&ga_id=null&sku=342DWNLD" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" verticalscrolling="no" width="100%">
</iframe>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Progeny Press on the following social media sites:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/progenypress" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/progenypress" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/progenypress/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ProgenyPress" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/study-guides-for-literature-a-new-coat-for-anna-in-the-year-of-the-boar-and-jackie-robinson-my-side-of-the-mountain-animal-farm-little-women-progeny-press-reviews/" target="_blank">read more review</a>s of these study guides along with additional choices reviewed by my Crewmates on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/study-guides-for-literature-a-new-coat-for-anna-in-the-year-of-the-boar-and-jackie-robinson-my-side-of-the-mountain-animal-farm-little-women-progeny-press-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Study Guides for Literature - A New Coat for Anna, In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, My Side of the Mountain, Animal Farm & Little Women {Progeny Press Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-30626972579996808212020-06-18T22:08:00.001-04:002020-06-18T22:16:26.763-04:00Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt7NuL5AAT04XTnyZbJ0GMw6BHhi1Es5iemc4k3IBh8ScbOhYkzgVnJa2wF6dDI-NdX08D6IEAP24lPfR_1slMHxNSR7LNIVByVdgoQTWhbr3karXxD6btdMb9ViMzuBWoB4Iai9S0IU/s1600/life-saving-service.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="668" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt7NuL5AAT04XTnyZbJ0GMw6BHhi1Es5iemc4k3IBh8ScbOhYkzgVnJa2wF6dDI-NdX08D6IEAP24lPfR_1slMHxNSR7LNIVByVdgoQTWhbr3karXxD6btdMb9ViMzuBWoB4Iai9S0IU/s400/life-saving-service.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was excited to review </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://www.rebeccalocklear.com/Published/exploring-the-u-s-live-saving-service-1878-1915/" target="_blank">Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915: 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities</a></i></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> from </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.rebeccalocklear.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Locklear</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. My middle child is my outdoorsy one. He loves learning survival skills, knows how to tie a dozen various knots, and can talk your ear off about living in the wild. I am always looking for new books and ideas to feed his hobby. With well-over 100 activities, including many based around survival, I knew this eBook would pique his interest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
Rebecca Locklear wrote this study to bring light to a long-forgotten organization. The U.S. Life-Saving Service dedicated their lives to saving others. From 1878-1915, these men watched the coasts for signs of distress and worked to rescue those whose ships were sinking. These surfmen were the precursor to the U.S. Coastguard and many of their procedures for search and rescues were carried over. Rebecca's great-grandfather, "Skipper" Eldredge, devoted 15 years of his life to this service. It was in his honor that she created this study.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT8O3Rg5318Iv4malRwLkM8BTMDgKa7iYtLKmi-VqTXdw-uVzUwdCjqVHkdWIlMiUW3ydly5aSvnXx2dUyaFx0wnT9JaTuWS-4N8jzVkIWOxXnDABiz7LnVx1VfWBo_iWS0L7Jx5JG90/s1600/exploring_us_life_saving_service.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT8O3Rg5318Iv4malRwLkM8BTMDgKa7iYtLKmi-VqTXdw-uVzUwdCjqVHkdWIlMiUW3ydly5aSvnXx2dUyaFx0wnT9JaTuWS-4N8jzVkIWOxXnDABiz7LnVx1VfWBo_iWS0L7Jx5JG90/s640/exploring_us_life_saving_service.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The study is divided into 4 units with 17 workshops:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Unit 1: <i>Life at the Station House</i></li>
<li>Unit 2: <i>Working Together</i></li>
<li>Unit 3: <i>The Culture of Character</i></li>
<li>Unit 4: <i>Relevance Today</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
Each workshop, or lesson, begins with a description of its objectives and a list of needed materials. It also notes the age range that the material is geared toward, varying between grades 4-12.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwFQ9eo4DHCFpL2Vx69yDoQWR9cEU3Jk04dP7bNYvQzCQrDLmx4qrSF-sLJpIrzbNznlVtnfb49GiZ3AzVmW-CH4FVa-duIVjV0oG9KiArJof-37hNkYyNC3r6txAdmUgjqqkfarl6Q0/s1600/gingerbread_muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1569" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwFQ9eo4DHCFpL2Vx69yDoQWR9cEU3Jk04dP7bNYvQzCQrDLmx4qrSF-sLJpIrzbNznlVtnfb49GiZ3AzVmW-CH4FVa-duIVjV0oG9KiArJof-37hNkYyNC3r6txAdmUgjqqkfarl6Q0/s640/gingerbread_muffins.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
The introductory workshop is packed with background information. It explains what the purpose of the Life-Saving Service was, including how many men were on each crew, what their responsibilities were, how they lived, how they trained, what tactics they used for rescues, what they ate, what they wore, and more.<br />
<br />
Each subsequent workshop focuses on a specific aspect of life. The teacher is given reading materials, questions, and exercises to aid in the learning. There is a variety of activities throughout the lessons which cover cooking, drama, skits and improvisation, music, poetry, games, stories, videos, and other engaging hands-on projects.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjjkrdiF_y7uFiHgqaIi_W4KvGuf5ybatyiK84U530FdWbVaR8jPSV0WOa68Za8ChnAvRK0_LMGDP2_jvrc7RbWh7_CzBshyT4yivEyoyfeXQ6Mw5qu8dvpLZi3gn81SyFpDwRLgXPNY/s1600/life_saving_service_overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="903" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjjkrdiF_y7uFiHgqaIi_W4KvGuf5ybatyiK84U530FdWbVaR8jPSV0WOa68Za8ChnAvRK0_LMGDP2_jvrc7RbWh7_CzBshyT4yivEyoyfeXQ6Mw5qu8dvpLZi3gn81SyFpDwRLgXPNY/s640/life_saving_service_overview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There are additional sections in the book to further your study. There are projects involving art and music; research ideas that include archaeology, Coston Flares, rescue devices, ships and safety, social issues, and much more; information on why ships sink, and recipes for food sampling of the time. There is also a glossary with 35 sea terms with brief descriptions.<br />
<br />
I have been using <i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service </i>as a unit study with my kids ranging in age from 5-12. I read them the background information for the lessons and then we talk over them further. As much as I love hands-on learning and incorporate it daily into our studies, these discussion have been my favorite aspect. We've talked much about duty, sacrifice, good deeds, integrity, perseverance, hard work. selflessness. We've thought about how it would have felt to be a surfman, to be his wife, to be his child.<br />
<br />
We made molasses muffins, used clues to guess various sea creatures the men ate, laughed at true stories involving skunks, identified types of ships by their silhouettes, translated Morse Code, used critical thinking to figure out if rescues were successful in true scenarios of the past, created our own citrus smelling salts, practiced polite manners, learned how to find the good in poor situations, and partook in other interesting activities.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA7uCJjLgAtRFg3zN72dNoiYlkyWwXh2sxKQHBGPKtjM0nkGW-_NN6Km7mHVHv9KQG8nBK-XrSdIcInP9YOQ495giD9KACmdP1PAkvbKMXPi-N7Gu7MFLuvobWPrELZGhkAkz-P1HMUo/s1600/smelling_salts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA7uCJjLgAtRFg3zN72dNoiYlkyWwXh2sxKQHBGPKtjM0nkGW-_NN6Km7mHVHv9KQG8nBK-XrSdIcInP9YOQ495giD9KACmdP1PAkvbKMXPi-N7Gu7MFLuvobWPrELZGhkAkz-P1HMUo/s640/smelling_salts.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We're getting ready to start Unit 4, which explains how the Life-Saving Service is relevant today. I'm excited, because this section covers steps for survival in emergencies, gives a list of survival essential items, teaches how to handle being cold and wet, and other life skills. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
We are very much enjoying this study of <b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="http://www.rebeccalocklear.com/Published/exploring-the-u-s-live-saving-service-1878-1915/" target="_blank">Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915: 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities</a></i></b>. Many of the activities are geared toward larger groups and would be great for co-ops or scouts. We were able to easily adapt things as needed though and were able to complete the exercises with our family. I love that the book is filled with photographs of everything from the surfmen to their drills to shipwrecks to the stations and more. They help bring the explanations to life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jfh-5PS4C2igX-jEQbb-b4Q8-qpfyBb8OzYccUVFdUyJfY4TYrgCLFH2i3aI9NUFEEvywJ1klFyfBS8lzpMGWzkYyylOm_6GLYhmYAl3oVA-Adw-gXjtnRBw5LXugTTqag2PSi5bdbc/s1600/surfmen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1012" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jfh-5PS4C2igX-jEQbb-b4Q8-qpfyBb8OzYccUVFdUyJfY4TYrgCLFH2i3aI9NUFEEvywJ1klFyfBS8lzpMGWzkYyylOm_6GLYhmYAl3oVA-Adw-gXjtnRBw5LXugTTqag2PSi5bdbc/s640/surfmen.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There is much to be learned from the lives of the Life-Saving Service crew. These "storm warriors." Angels in oilskins. Surfmen. I think their testimony is best summed up by their motto:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> You have to go out, but you don't have to come back.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can connect with Rebecca Locklear on her <a href="http://www.rebeccalocklear.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaLocklearWriter/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. You can also <a href="http://www.rebeccalocklear.com/contact/" target="_blank">sign up for a monthly email</a> filled with teaching tips and the latest news about her resources.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Some of my Crewmates also reviewed <i><a href="http://www.rebeccalocklear.com/Published/the-mayflower-at-cape-cod/" target="_blank">The Mayflower at Cape Cod</a></i> which is a book that connects the year 1620 with life today using stories, activities, and research. You <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/exploring-the-u-s-life-saving-service-and-the-mayflower-at-cape-cod-rebecca-locklear-reviews/" target="_blank">can read reviews</a> of that study and also more of <i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service </i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/exploring-the-u-s-life-saving-service-and-the-mayflower-at-cape-cod-rebecca-locklear-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="***" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-56557160962831738032020-06-12T10:15:00.000-04:002020-06-12T10:15:55.688-04:00Creative Problem Solving<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Critical-Thinking-Company-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="329" height="120" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Critical-Thinking-Company-logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
One of the reasons we homeschool is that we want our children to be able to think for themselves, to be able to problem-solve to find a solution. That's why we love when we get to review for <b><a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/index.php?utm_source=toscrew&utm_medium=toscrew-blogs&utm_campaign=toscrew-2020&coupon=TOSCREW20" target="_blank">The Critical Thinking Co.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">™</span></span></a></b>. We want to develop those critical thinking skills in our children to prepare them for life, not simply teach them facts from a book and how to pass a test. We strive to give our kids the tools necessary to make clear, reasoned judgments by teaching them to identify and evaluate evidence to guide their decision making through life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Critical Thinking Co. is "committed to developing students' critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life." They offer many books and curricula to prepare students, not by teaching through drill and memorization, but instead by teaching in a way that empowers the mind. In the past, we've used a variety of their products from a critical thinking detective book to a phonics program to an analogies software. This time, I was excited to use <i><b><a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/creative-problem-solving-level-1.html" target="_blank">Creative Problem Solving Level 1</a> </b></i>with my little ones.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXQg_HkWU5iLOQQBoSYkgMghqnxiz2mhUrljBVAxttesOCKBbqMi-fJGxuwti7NV88o_M8bYbDlW5GtFc-8R33Ysn2tmDohDCPm8yF-sRQp9qZBujSGsWkylx7LFMsixYYexyfm-FDug/s1600/creative_problem_solving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXQg_HkWU5iLOQQBoSYkgMghqnxiz2mhUrljBVAxttesOCKBbqMi-fJGxuwti7NV88o_M8bYbDlW5GtFc-8R33Ysn2tmDohDCPm8yF-sRQp9qZBujSGsWkylx7LFMsixYYexyfm-FDug/s640/creative_problem_solving.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I often say that my kids got my husband's engineering mind. He is able to see a problem and find a viable solution. At home, at the store, with gadgets, everywhere--he's able not only to recognize an issue but also to figure out how to fix it. The kids naturally have inherited that cleverness, and I want to encourage their ingenuity and allow it to grow.<br />
<br />
The <i>Creative Problem Solving</i> book is perfect to bolster that process. It is designed for grades PreK-2 and makes finding solutions fun for little ones. In fact, the first day we used it, one of my boys told me, <span style="text-align: center;">"Mom, thank you! This is so much fun!"</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFHvrtTmbgSQ-jVB4t4Rn_Wi07NXntmTd67jeJhZ0DYvopva3RILUAFqBYFDyfcZbKBCmjqxa7UOdZQIArW4vRLn5mKLx3zWrb-xykA66YGHkBW1FT1qLzb6W6HWwuIjKNB9NAsseY2I/s1600/critical_thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFHvrtTmbgSQ-jVB4t4Rn_Wi07NXntmTd67jeJhZ0DYvopva3RILUAFqBYFDyfcZbKBCmjqxa7UOdZQIArW4vRLn5mKLx3zWrb-xykA66YGHkBW1FT1qLzb6W6HWwuIjKNB9NAsseY2I/s640/critical_thinking.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unit 1, <i>The Magic Pencil</i>, gives kids 28 challenging situations in which they need to creatively solve a problem. For instance, they need to draw a way to protect a boy from the school bully, stop a bee from stinging a child, help a turtle win a race, save a special tree from being chopped down, and more.<br />
<br />
My boys (ages 5, 8, 10) have been working through this unit. I am not exaggerating when I say that it is one of their favorite things! I knew my 8-year-old would love it (after all, he is my child who will sit and doodle all over his pages, drawing elaborate machines that accomplish tasks), but I was pleasantly surprised just how much the other boys like it, as well. In fact, when they are finished with their challenge for the day, they often draw their own scenarios for each other to finish, like helping the mouse get over the wall to get the cheese and helping the astronaut get safely back to his ship. Not only is <i>Creative Problem Solving</i> encouraging them to use their imaginations to solve problems, it's inspiring them to let their creative juices flow in deeper ways, also. In fact, they were having so much fun with these simple exercises, that their 12-year-old artsy sister even joined in on the fun. She puts much thought into her solutions and enjoys adding minute details.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWMcf-L073CzUoecCy_hlnzWqhq843qC8bq8iRn_3bKSWfdny9I4imzHoa6pbG4NR8NzSj6oeS5vhaJcxnbjAt9CnOEU-0wMASvjX0GqG4urCbPd0ncfVgKM8GJx915fNvFSivX5JHJo/s1600/creative_problem_solving_magic_pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWMcf-L073CzUoecCy_hlnzWqhq843qC8bq8iRn_3bKSWfdny9I4imzHoa6pbG4NR8NzSj6oeS5vhaJcxnbjAt9CnOEU-0wMASvjX0GqG4urCbPd0ncfVgKM8GJx915fNvFSivX5JHJo/s640/creative_problem_solving_magic_pencil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The other units of the book build on <i>The Magic Pencil</i> concept. There are sections creating creatures to survive in specific locations, choosing super powers to help in proposed difficulties, drawing aids to meet the needs of aliens, inventing gadgets, determining the steps to take in an emergency, and more.<br />
<br />
I like the <i>Enigma </i>unit which shows various random drawings and asks the child what it might be and then to draw it. There are also mind riddles and puzzles at the back of the book. Many pages have lines for writing why the student chose what he drew and why he thinks it will work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9DgxLoyGRf73XhSs1y3VUHAd3w_0igP9VE3j54x3-FORtMPgzXF8WtBh-Dv6yrE0hUfnbMz9N1OEM_V5nMjUgdGIIYZ64MCUUTSm-nJWGvm6uoBT-cuiYv52o0zFVNUFPEodyzicmtE/s1600/enigma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9DgxLoyGRf73XhSs1y3VUHAd3w_0igP9VE3j54x3-FORtMPgzXF8WtBh-Dv6yrE0hUfnbMz9N1OEM_V5nMjUgdGIIYZ64MCUUTSm-nJWGvm6uoBT-cuiYv52o0zFVNUFPEodyzicmtE/s640/enigma.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I appreciate that the pages are open-ended. Sometimes--many times--there is more than one way to solve a problem in life. It is no different in these scenarios. One child drew ropes connecting a broken branch to another branch like a swing so a sloth wouldn't fall and get hurt, another drew a connecting piece like the branch was repaired, and another drew people on the ground holding a giant blanket. Some of the stories are silly (who honestly needs to worry about a flying shark who shoots teeth with a tranquilizing potion?), but that only adds to the fun! The more unlikely the situation is, the more creative the child needs to be. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's what my kids think of the book:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I love it! I love all the pages!"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I like it! Drawing the pictures is really fun!"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I think it's pretty cool that you can solve the problem using anything that will work."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I like that it's creative and every answer is different. I like finding the funniest way to do it."</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KSDsQfiFJP62U2lTMeo4-_OrN8uydGVivBxNsc0j24pO3hilQ-0hSKKoH8Gh2A0riepDju_QkI19DWA0CjHZ0VCOCWYNvLyM443MTNAvY8vGVtfmIN5Ii8JHsRnaSfqeULEjwokR9_A/s1600/problem_solve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KSDsQfiFJP62U2lTMeo4-_OrN8uydGVivBxNsc0j24pO3hilQ-0hSKKoH8Gh2A0riepDju_QkI19DWA0CjHZ0VCOCWYNvLyM443MTNAvY8vGVtfmIN5Ii8JHsRnaSfqeULEjwokR9_A/s640/problem_solve.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Creative Problem Solving </i>is designed to be a stand-alone activity book that students can complete on their own. I chose the paperback book because I like physical copies, but there is the option of an eBook, as well. Honestly, that would have been easier than photocopying the pages in the book (the Critical Thinking Co. does allow reproduction within one home), but the perforated pages of the paperback make it easier to remove and send through a printer. Since the kids have already asked for additional copies to rework certain pages, that is probably the better option for me.<br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/creative-problem-solving-level-1.html" target="_blank">Creative Problem Solving Level 1</a></b></i> has been a huge hit with our family. I love that my kids are strengthening their critical thinking skills and having fun while doing it.<br />
<br />
Happy kids. Happy Mom. The perfect supplement.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveSZTM5sKCLI2F16gRJrXwd0qAeD0p7uM3jkWrLQFLLcIzgHF9Pwu5DBbnuThUCcidTdQdkAytW216SWBtx_n4k0AdbQ1sdSWo5s6jdJmIk4gPfQAMmeOoRxB1qcz2xoqzghGSP2uS_I/s1600/creative_problem_solving_examples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveSZTM5sKCLI2F16gRJrXwd0qAeD0p7uM3jkWrLQFLLcIzgHF9Pwu5DBbnuThUCcidTdQdkAytW216SWBtx_n4k0AdbQ1sdSWo5s6jdJmIk4gPfQAMmeOoRxB1qcz2xoqzghGSP2uS_I/s640/creative_problem_solving_examples.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can connect with The Critical Thinking Co.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">™ </span></span>on the following social media sites:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCriticalThinkingCo" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/criticalthinks" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecriticalthinkingco/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/criticalthinks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsVEVNa6UpVqXxo_t5sbb7Q" target="_blank">YouTube</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/creative-problem-solving-dare-to-compare-math-mastering-logic-math-and-who-is-this-kid-colleges-want-to-know-the-critical-thinking-co-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of this book or learn about one of the other materials reviewed by my Crewmates on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/creative-problem-solving-dare-to-compare-math-mastering-logic-math-and-who-is-this-kid-colleges-want-to-know-the-critical-thinking-co-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Creative Problem Solving, Dare to Compare Math, Mastering Logic & Math and Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know! {The Critical Thinking Co.™ Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-70294892464214088752020-06-09T14:53:00.001-04:002020-06-09T14:53:20.432-04:00Math Shed & Spelling Shed<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-edshed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="447" height="131" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/logo-edshed.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We focus on literature and hands-on learning for our schooling, but we do incorporate some fun online learning supplements at times. My kids were happy to review </span></span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.edshed.com/en-us" target="_blank">Math Shed and Spelling Shed</a> </b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">to sharpen their skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">two programs are part of the EdShed (Educational Shed) company, which is comprised of several educational products and brands. The company is run by teachers for teachers and instill these values in their products: quality, educational impact, affordability, and hassle-free. Their resources focus on the core of education by helping students have a strong foundation with reading and math skills. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAnxqeasS06vMecealDaVMjjhnlGf-cwCXyjEVIZSNGHAKh-2I7WrRqbJTNzLiliTB5sorUsQXiMHut5zzq2f1AsDjbG9L4XHu8MAtisIpcCHPRo5swnUV8FlW72leyWhsjVZVUccLes/s1600/math_shed_spelling_shed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAnxqeasS06vMecealDaVMjjhnlGf-cwCXyjEVIZSNGHAKh-2I7WrRqbJTNzLiliTB5sorUsQXiMHut5zzq2f1AsDjbG9L4XHu8MAtisIpcCHPRo5swnUV8FlW72leyWhsjVZVUccLes/s640/math_shed_spelling_shed.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Math Shed is an online game that makes drilling facts fun. The student can choose </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">addition and subtraction</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">number bonds</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (filling in the missing number from an addition or subtraction equation, i.e. 7 + __ = 10), </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">multiplication and division</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">powers of 10</i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and more. Each category has various subtopics in it, such as adding up to 4 digits, numbers bonds up to 100, many combinations for multiplication and division, and powers of 10 up to 1,000. From there, each exercise has the option of easy, medium, or hard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The full results are listed at the end of the round.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHOX_2qnFjlegqnwyvhIl6CVj-UK8rogwy3DH53x1XdmfpSDbfS1diWZ8yLaK7CdOrU1oK0URIqfQYENnAa736EneAlwF0aZudz3ilFS5WULHzM9MeurpsGXeojQqHZDt0oubln-q4Fc/s1600/math_shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHOX_2qnFjlegqnwyvhIl6CVj-UK8rogwy3DH53x1XdmfpSDbfS1diWZ8yLaK7CdOrU1oK0URIqfQYENnAa736EneAlwF0aZudz3ilFS5WULHzM9MeurpsGXeojQqHZDt0oubln-q4Fc/s640/math_shed.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spelling Shed covers both spelling and vocabulary in a fun, game format. You can create your own custom lists or choose to allow the program to pull from their hub of over 4,000 words. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lists are broken into groups: Stage 1 & 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 & 5, and more lists. Within those levels are </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>easy</i>, <i>medium</i>, <i>hard</i>, and <i>extreme </i>which change the game play. For instance, level <i>easy </i>shows the student the word and then lists only the necessary letters to put in order. The <i>extreme </i>level says the word aloud and gives a screen full of letter options for the student to choose. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-_xzGcd4TS9ElbMX-am0yLq9DKzLooEis7DVVgAeTuBfDA4pUlYP45giiFLvkFWAiPs7wgGeUjbbe1YgvxVAQaSWAGYpXnrkRFaoJ3Q8fsjFCHT7WZiF0ZVNnrLYsieBkz6d-YIWz68/s1600/spelling_shed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1561" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-_xzGcd4TS9ElbMX-am0yLq9DKzLooEis7DVVgAeTuBfDA4pUlYP45giiFLvkFWAiPs7wgGeUjbbe1YgvxVAQaSWAGYpXnrkRFaoJ3Q8fsjFCHT7WZiF0ZVNnrLYsieBkz6d-YIWz68/s640/spelling_shed.jpg" width="624" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spelling Shed includes a few </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">bonus games, Bee Keeper (hangman) and Missing Words (fill-in-the-blank.) There is also an additional game, Buzz Words, which is similar to Boggle and allows the student to make any word from any list as long as the letters are available. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Again, the games offer different difficulty levels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A full PDF spelling curriculum for K-5 is also included in a membership.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls3k5lPY45B8GhHcuRMSnfVlict1n-nZ55E92BRqq5FpXLOyMVFD9Ip96y_Kzr943IAdjNrTgQjNQ47XiMDZWFY1mG2Xl4h59UIKpDcy4hpslvc0LK1HnUGz9M0nzim9d_dw1AP3kgWM/s1600/spelling_shed_missing_word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1600" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls3k5lPY45B8GhHcuRMSnfVlict1n-nZ55E92BRqq5FpXLOyMVFD9Ip96y_Kzr943IAdjNrTgQjNQ47XiMDZWFY1mG2Xl4h59UIKpDcy4hpslvc0LK1HnUGz9M0nzim9d_dw1AP3kgWM/s640/spelling_shed_missing_word.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like many online learning sites, the learner has the option to create an avatar. My kids always love this part! It's amazing how something so simple brings so much joy. As they play the games, they earn </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "honey pots" which they can use to purchase items for their character such as additional shirts, backgrounds, and accessories. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As they complete levels, they also accumulate other awards: stars (total score from the past week), medals (highest score), and trophies (highest score). Each award, including the honey pot earning balance is easily visible at the top of the student's game landing page. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The honey pot earnings accrue for both programs together, but the other awards are specific to each one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2xFdRpWS_E7TkYUGGr0A6ot1jo7QdYCj5j8A5UYnA3P13RD41ZUtCHZsRLAhur4l8Jyyvn5HltcvNXxg-DBI1Yuqm43VpkM6vjU04fr6gsVtzTIbZIvQPgwPUOf7C-X5gCe-3eFnbJ4/s1600/spelling_shed_math_shed_awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1600" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2xFdRpWS_E7TkYUGGr0A6ot1jo7QdYCj5j8A5UYnA3P13RD41ZUtCHZsRLAhur4l8Jyyvn5HltcvNXxg-DBI1Yuqm43VpkM6vjU04fr6gsVtzTIbZIvQPgwPUOf7C-X5gCe-3eFnbJ4/s640/spelling_shed_math_shed_awards.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A one-year subscription to each program comes with the following perks:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Math or Spelling skills practice</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Up to 5 child licenses</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Full access to the online web game</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scheduling and tracking assignments</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Data reporting</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you want access to both programs, you will save 15% off the price.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKfCvxFEp_3YO_ubK_gPLVyDKB0H-TLHIMCpRRSAT3k4XdCBlm_6Ul-iAzCV_hE8RLJJyjzME-LgLHg-CAnia2_urv-Z05WUaFzeqTJ5qTME4rEz00bIm4pY9FsjxcX1e9jcplKC2_Kk/s1600/buzz_words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKfCvxFEp_3YO_ubK_gPLVyDKB0H-TLHIMCpRRSAT3k4XdCBlm_6Ul-iAzCV_hE8RLJJyjzME-LgLHg-CAnia2_urv-Z05WUaFzeqTJ5qTME4rEz00bIm4pY9FsjxcX1e9jcplKC2_Kk/s640/buzz_words.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My kids (ages 8, 10, 12) have been using the games as supplemental learning. These simple exercises are good for light summer education activities. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here's what my kids think of the programs:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"I like them. My favorite thing is the Buzz Words game. I always play on the hard level!"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"They're pretty cool. There were some words that I didn't know </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>how </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>to spell </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>before, </i></span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">like </i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">merriment</span><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Now I do."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I like earning the honey pots so I can change my character. I also like that </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I</i><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> get to pick what I practice."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.edshed.com/en-us" target="_blank">Math Shed and Spelling Shed</a> are easy-to-use programs for students to sharpen basic skills in a simple, fun way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Math Shed and Spelling Shed on the following social media sites:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EdShed-US-113476190342149/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/EdShedUS" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/spellingshed/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJKXC4Rd29eQQWPbSdITLhw" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/spelling-shed-math-shed-education-shed-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of these online learning programs on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/spelling-shed-math-shed-education-shed-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Spelling Shed & Math Shed {Education Shed Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-72721766099700938882020-06-05T10:49:00.000-04:002020-06-05T10:49:03.041-04:00Color & Composition<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Artistic-Pursuits-Logo-1024x635.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="800" height="197" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Artistic-Pursuits-Logo-1024x635.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyone who knows us knows that my daughter is the art queen of the family. Naturally, she loves getting art-related materials to review. As someone who crafts daily, she's always looking for new skills, supplies, and ideas.<br />
<br />
The books from <b><a href="https://artisticpursuits.com/" target="_blank">Artistic Pursuits Inc.</a> </b>are some of her favorites and have been well-used over the years. We've learned about artists, art characteristics and styles during various time periods, and techniques. This time, she's been focusing on the creative process of art with <b><a href="https://artisticpursuits.com/middle-school" target="_blank">ARTistic Pursuits, Middle School 6-8, Book 2 <i>Color and Composition</i></a></b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuA8VHa6HBKUZQNeGDiMCOc0UemduUlR0mfe3yZO-k1BCgk0RolQrLdebcmu55PZ8K3r38bhmg7fB-MdHTBkKFhI0opxTwvy2zC6xwf0zIe4fNDIgW9KD7F4ErHPbjxm9nxYWPFl1TD4/s1600/artistic_pursuits_color_and_composition.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuA8VHa6HBKUZQNeGDiMCOc0UemduUlR0mfe3yZO-k1BCgk0RolQrLdebcmu55PZ8K3r38bhmg7fB-MdHTBkKFhI0opxTwvy2zC6xwf0zIe4fNDIgW9KD7F4ErHPbjxm9nxYWPFl1TD4/s640/artistic_pursuits_color_and_composition.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Artistic Pursuits was developed by Daniel an Brenda Ellis in 1999. What began as a single drawing book for high schoolers has evolved into full curricula from preschool all the way through high school. Their goal is to "develop experiences in the visual arts that allow children to create original works of art." Their program is designed to help students understand art concepts and enjoy the process of putting their own ideas and visual images on paper.<br />
<br />
<i>Color and Composition</i> is the second book in the <a href="https://artisticpursuits.com/middle-school" target="_blank">Middle School series</a>. The books in the program can be used both by students with no prior art instruction and by those who are looking to advance their skills. They are designed to be used independently without parental instruction with instruction that is conversational and suited perfectly for a middle school student. The books have comb binding with clear, plastic covers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1LTnXax77d2ut8BRad5HWq0pnGF3A5WPri86JR_mQTud-KwEn-EMNTjdrd-KlT8BsZD523AI1os16lK9jtxp27fK2Cpz41JMErKPJmvnvp3ww6R3KkFJCeim_SRXHRaL1w6Xz2Gpe6w/s1600/blending_oil_pastels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1LTnXax77d2ut8BRad5HWq0pnGF3A5WPri86JR_mQTud-KwEn-EMNTjdrd-KlT8BsZD523AI1os16lK9jtxp27fK2Cpz41JMErKPJmvnvp3ww6R3KkFJCeim_SRXHRaL1w6Xz2Gpe6w/s640/blending_oil_pastels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first book teaches students topics such as line, shape, value, symmetry, perspective, and proportion and focuses on one element of art per unit while exploring it in four unique ways. The second book introduces the color wheel while strengthening observation skills. It covers techniques including blending, hatching, frottage, and working on colored paper all using either hard pastels or oil pastels.<br />
<br />
<i>Color and Composition</i> provides lessons for 68 pastel drawings that are original to the student. As the student works through the book, his color skills advance as he learns about different hues, which ones compliment, how to balance and apply them, adding depth, creating a viewpoint, and more. Each unit features a famous artist of the past with a short biography, a brief cultural lesson teaching how the techniques were used around the world over the years, explanations, definitions, examples, an applicable challenge, and an engaging project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbxNVXLSQ3cp2gx7j9Odke7YM3gFWx_sjw7ocR5Gi-0oYw5xOSJJK45HhIpaFiQFu3i2TMeNaGLf21Wm-nuEqS2xp9C3G5Xq7V3NxtUcxZiECc6Ubbe03X_zMhySWI5OhuezKZ_f_s1c/s1600/art_technique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbxNVXLSQ3cp2gx7j9Odke7YM3gFWx_sjw7ocR5Gi-0oYw5xOSJJK45HhIpaFiQFu3i2TMeNaGLf21Wm-nuEqS2xp9C3G5Xq7V3NxtUcxZiECc6Ubbe03X_zMhySWI5OhuezKZ_f_s1c/s640/art_technique.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My girl has been working through the book on her own. Many times a week, I'll find her at the kitchen table surrounded by papers and pastels. It might not be the intended way to approach the book, but I allow her to choose projects at will instead of working through it systematically. I never want art to feel like work that she must complete; I want her to follow her interests and desires and let her creativity be her guide. I have found that her interest is sparked more with this approach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhrBDoYr53jOA9ZDRN741XFMUTCdFKetbqWaQWoMJhNdR_uk2-yrkf_pNQwSZbR7Kpe7M1Qr8p0dT0HMUlbRh_nM7LyBnz-QxWamKPlW_EZYXXEpyZubjvGXKODOvGAeDvmSprBHe8WI/s1600/drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="911" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhrBDoYr53jOA9ZDRN741XFMUTCdFKetbqWaQWoMJhNdR_uk2-yrkf_pNQwSZbR7Kpe7M1Qr8p0dT0HMUlbRh_nM7LyBnz-QxWamKPlW_EZYXXEpyZubjvGXKODOvGAeDvmSprBHe8WI/s640/drawing.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
<br />
She has been practicing smooth and rough textures, drawing on a dark background, blending, combining color and texture, using frottage, and more. She learned that she can spray her works with hairspray to set the colors and used a chamois for the first time on a project.<br />
<br />
Here are some of her thoughts on the book:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I really like the sections on the artists and cultures and learning about the history. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I</i><i> liked l</i><i>earning about frottage, too. I had never done that before, and it's fun."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV-ZpbUg3BpGRmC4mvAz-4Bx-j8Zobp7ZjFLnnGMcj_GDOMFMFC8TpnOmh6d1QkSh4AXuK5DujoO5k5d7oAuEAQEHWQ9hzzqq0sXxKT9tWk50_LVGhLhyzl26m8Ryae5DkkS8cuQSh_Y/s1600/artistic_pursuits_art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV-ZpbUg3BpGRmC4mvAz-4Bx-j8Zobp7ZjFLnnGMcj_GDOMFMFC8TpnOmh6d1QkSh4AXuK5DujoO5k5d7oAuEAQEHWQ9hzzqq0sXxKT9tWk50_LVGhLhyzl26m8Ryae5DkkS8cuQSh_Y/s640/artistic_pursuits_art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://artisticpursuits.com/middle-school" target="_blank">ARTistic Pursuits, Middle School 6-8, Book 2 <i>Color and Composition</i></a> is a great way for 6th-8th grade students to increase their art skills. Students learn a series of actions or steps to achieve their drawing goal as they learn the process of art based on elements. Instead of teaching step-by-step projects and giving specific ideas, the book teaches techniques and leaves the art subjects up to the student's own choosing.<br />
<br />
Art is personal. <a href="https://artisticpursuits.com/" target="_blank">Artistic Pursuits Inc.</a> strives to bring out the artist in everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-hEEhyphenhyphenpJ1zthUqn2fxad2KJu6Ji13-A2UlZgHW0Oo9OhAjV-ezW7Z26KHiLQjN_u5ZDMsrFWhgLpsR_GEi0JNtstOUmrxMT_8e1v3CG04qZodEgzTCcafcbJlAiR26t8mYo8j2Vj_Qw/s1600/hard_pastels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-hEEhyphenhyphenpJ1zthUqn2fxad2KJu6Ji13-A2UlZgHW0Oo9OhAjV-ezW7Z26KHiLQjN_u5ZDMsrFWhgLpsR_GEi0JNtstOUmrxMT_8e1v3CG04qZodEgzTCcafcbJlAiR26t8mYo8j2Vj_Qw/s640/hard_pastels.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZUdt7Zk4Gi2tkNMFj2jT7RNcjqaHxHZHbzTcS40BJj_-TNATpLT989IeQBtme7BiC55omRMF7QDe9aBG__F8cnLL048sKEV9H8xZOjBWXzlw-tmRqKJcIewJZC8FnrdzQHkVZ4F-HOw/s1600/color_and_texture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZUdt7Zk4Gi2tkNMFj2jT7RNcjqaHxHZHbzTcS40BJj_-TNATpLT989IeQBtme7BiC55omRMF7QDe9aBG__F8cnLL048sKEV9H8xZOjBWXzlw-tmRqKJcIewJZC8FnrdzQHkVZ4F-HOw/s640/color_and_texture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can connect with Artistic Pursuits on the following social media sites:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArtisticPursuitsInc/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/ARTisticPursui1" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/artisticpursuitsinc/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can view more budding artists' works and <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/art-through-the-ages-art-for-children-artistic-pursuits-inc-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of this book and some of the others that were reviewed by my Crewmates by heading to the Homeschool Review Crew blog.<br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/art-through-the-ages-art-for-children-artistic-pursuits-inc-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Art Through The Ages & Art for Children {Artistic Pursuits Inc. Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-90927455604446920592020-06-02T10:21:00.000-04:002020-06-02T10:21:29.752-04:00Things That Make Me Smile 4/3/20<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jake (14), Alyssa (12), Zac (10), Tyler (8), Nicholas (5)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This lists covers two very busy weeks of Smiles. We celebrated two birthdays (Alyssa turning 12 and Tyler turning 8), played games, assembled puzzles, had our pizza and movie marathon as part of our Experience Christmas, got some yard work done, completed a family quarantine bingo challenge with our church youth group, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire, built a fort in the living room, went on family walks, performed science experiments, baked muffins, read books, and created more memories. I love this family of mine!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Nicholas: "It's a good day to play outside. It's shiny and stuff!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Tyler, chewing gum: "I haven't had this in so long. I love it so much that I want to chew my teeth off!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
3.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKszy_c8aGQITWFZfk70vCyDJMmRQ7GYwwcXHcIcN39Lh7_MVVVcBnDjeFgCGQssybDhuNKOy_3X7u7c_Tj90M8MqiFxK09OXe967PK7XL6BMHR1Qh2qpCkgW0XpCB75J3c0JhevCHS0w/s1600/shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKszy_c8aGQITWFZfk70vCyDJMmRQ7GYwwcXHcIcN39Lh7_MVVVcBnDjeFgCGQssybDhuNKOy_3X7u7c_Tj90M8MqiFxK09OXe967PK7XL6BMHR1Qh2qpCkgW0XpCB75J3c0JhevCHS0w/s640/shadow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Nicholas: "I smell pink."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "And what exactly does pink smell like?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nicholas: "Bubblegum!"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Tyler, about the arm-knitted blanket on my bed: "Did Alyssa make this?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Yes."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tyler: "Wow! How did she get that kind of skill?!"<br />
<br />
6. Alyssa was excited to receive a quill and ink for her birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU0J3bIXFqr9JIZLG2hO-k1OkMSZHdQqaMm0933oKhH0Vbh9bs4cvhztx-Ky0hy6tl69sGEWqoBSAnx1YYx4Nh5k8WVm7k5bImFEixQkBpqLWRB_OH6-cRwtftu-hL1uBvTjaZRtzlFM/s1600/quill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU0J3bIXFqr9JIZLG2hO-k1OkMSZHdQqaMm0933oKhH0Vbh9bs4cvhztx-Ky0hy6tl69sGEWqoBSAnx1YYx4Nh5k8WVm7k5bImFEixQkBpqLWRB_OH6-cRwtftu-hL1uBvTjaZRtzlFM/s640/quill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Nicholas, because he didn't want to see something: "I'm just going to plug my eyes."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
8. I walked into the kitchen first thing in the morning to find Jake at the cutting board with an apple. His hand was wrapped in a blood-saturated paper towel A bloody knife was sitting on the counter. "What did you do?!" I asked. And then he smile. That's when I remembered it was April Fool's Day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
9. Tyler had a <b><a href="https://raisingleafs.blogspot.com/2019/11/mint-oreo-ice-cream-cake.html" target="_blank">mint Oreo ice cream cake</a></b> (with trick candles, ha) for his birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LW87xFerGTmt-2mvcSZvRf6lsAdeobHfpN8MnPnlnplpntomitDkrtFxSA_DGtszJzI98ntLU4GR8f5zwLKVZWBSBFY8HcXfT_70ogbeuYEF1KEzwNeY0LZwQjWxoGnRMCJHhAhJkd4/s1600/birthday_cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LW87xFerGTmt-2mvcSZvRf6lsAdeobHfpN8MnPnlnplpntomitDkrtFxSA_DGtszJzI98ntLU4GR8f5zwLKVZWBSBFY8HcXfT_70ogbeuYEF1KEzwNeY0LZwQjWxoGnRMCJHhAhJkd4/s640/birthday_cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Nicholas, telling me about his dream: "And then I said, 'Don't patro-nose me."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me: "Patronize? Did you just use patronize?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nicholas: "Yeah, patron-eyes."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. Nicholas, looking at the number 69: "Look. It's the two 6s. The up one and the down one."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
What made you Smile this week?<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-55113602567725959042020-05-27T15:26:00.001-04:002020-05-27T15:26:43.232-04:00Computer Science and Coding Big Fat Notebook<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Workman-Publishing-Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="45" data-original-width="155" height="92" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Workman-Publishing-Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
My husband is an extremely tech-savvy guy, so it's no surprise that an interest in technology and its workings has passed on to our kids. When we get a review that focuses on computer learning, I usually think of my oldest child as he has a growing interest in various outlets such as coding, graphics software, 3D design, and the like. The only problem for him is that many books are geared toward beginners, like this book from <b><a href="https://www.workman.com/brands/big-fat-notebooks" target="_blank">Workman Publishing</a></b>.<br />
<br />
Thankfully though, I have another son who is following in his steps toward being a tech guru. I knew that <i><b><a href="https://www.workman.com/products/everything-you-need-to-ace-computer-science-and-coding-in-one-big-fat-notebook" target="_blank">Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook</a></b></i> would be a perfect option for him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIvLTGKKZfDsDgtW4dkDbsI121jM_BWATM5os0Qk6_0NIKWsIUgkstz6YASpdL8b-uLw9d7Sro0IO5LhqiSGggWQvmvBM3WEd-3pnFKtg2m2YGK_hWpAgaQDR2EzwcQ8fuDHmg6dyxh4/s1600/computer_science_and_coding_big_fat_notebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIvLTGKKZfDsDgtW4dkDbsI121jM_BWATM5os0Qk6_0NIKWsIUgkstz6YASpdL8b-uLw9d7Sro0IO5LhqiSGggWQvmvBM3WEd-3pnFKtg2m2YGK_hWpAgaQDR2EzwcQ8fuDHmg6dyxh4/s640/computer_science_and_coding_big_fat_notebook.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Workman Publishing was started in 1968 and has since grown to be the largest independently owned trade book publisher in the United States. They represent many well-known brands, including the best-selling <i>Brain Quest</i> line. The editors of those materials have created a new series called the <i>Big Fat Notebooks</i>. Each book acts an innovative study guide for a school subject: math, science, world history, American history, English language arts, and computer science and coding. They are designed to feel like the reader borrowed notes from the smartest student in class as there are highlighted portions, doodles, notes "taped" into the pages, and more all in a thick composition notebook format. <br />
<br />
<i>Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook<b> </b></i>is the newest Big Fat Notebook and teaches key concepts while covering the basics of computer science and the fundamentals of multiple coding languages.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Computer Systems</li>
<li>Data and Analysis</li>
<li>Software Engineering</li>
<li>Algorithms and Programming</li>
<li>Universal Programming Principles</li>
<li>Programming with Scratch</li>
<li>Programming in Python</li>
<li>Web Development</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeoGM3Y8Xs8O5-aoIPHFSKWcchrvi-oJOHTgAByG3CtyQsVoycbZ2akYuON2XKfOX8AAj2FcqbQ1yckfBBddeUUUxwdfTIJ19qwp4tRpwzcMPkTRsvhmDMe-guGIfJzJdM1c2rkmLpsk/s1600/big_fat_notebook_coding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeoGM3Y8Xs8O5-aoIPHFSKWcchrvi-oJOHTgAByG3CtyQsVoycbZ2akYuON2XKfOX8AAj2FcqbQ1yckfBBddeUUUxwdfTIJ19qwp4tRpwzcMPkTRsvhmDMe-guGIfJzJdM1c2rkmLpsk/s640/big_fat_notebook_coding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The <i>Big Fat Notebooks</i> are geared toward helping middle schoolers ace their classes by making the information easy-to-understand and visually appealing. Even though my son is in only second grade, I felt confident that he could use the book since he has had a bit of experience using Scratch after watching his big brother. I knew he would be excited to have his own book and be able to create fun projects for school.<br />
<br />
I had him read the first chapter, "What Is Computer Science?," which talks about what a computer is, what it does, how they are used in our lives, and what kind of jobs and tasks rely on them. It also touches on data, analysis, networks, the internet, and the impact of computing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgVZeeRVUS3D0g0ljZt0IKi8ONX9b7kfScTT22BEyGK0QD22XLQLxlp5Fo-QvNd3MfiXRM2M3rtLv43WNkiCGAFs-oaQTKjVeCQ4MEeZjRncNafikc2B6m8c-tx1xkFh9cK7J5xfqL7k/s1600/big_fat_notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgVZeeRVUS3D0g0ljZt0IKi8ONX9b7kfScTT22BEyGK0QD22XLQLxlp5Fo-QvNd3MfiXRM2M3rtLv43WNkiCGAFs-oaQTKjVeCQ4MEeZjRncNafikc2B6m8c-tx1xkFh9cK7J5xfqL7k/s640/big_fat_notebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After that, I allowed him to jump straight to the Scratch unit. The book immediately drew him in with its realistic notebooking style. The first chapter explains that Scratch is a simple programming language to use (that's why our kids learn it young) and how it uses blocks to create scripts. It explains different aspects of the program and what each component is.<br />
<br />
The second chapter of the unit (chapter 20 of the whole book), is when he really started to learn more about using the language. He learned about parameters, the glide block, and the pen block which he used to recreate a turtle from the book. The chapter also covers some of his favorite features like the sound blocks and look blocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1LgE0sgoqcuhXHGau6tNB4RfUH2VlkfLupDuIuAzd9gzEdkkOqEAdmhfdwrxHW7sGCDX1Zw68qCw2GcJjYVkLnqrOHMJDqnkD2J7sQZgOBfJAiRO_nIglu2SnqWoawVvnQO0ITKI7tY/s1600/pen_tool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1LgE0sgoqcuhXHGau6tNB4RfUH2VlkfLupDuIuAzd9gzEdkkOqEAdmhfdwrxHW7sGCDX1Zw68qCw2GcJjYVkLnqrOHMJDqnkD2J7sQZgOBfJAiRO_nIglu2SnqWoawVvnQO0ITKI7tY/s640/pen_tool.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The remaining chapters cover storing information in variables, performing calculations on values with operator, evaluating information with boolean blocks, understanding the difference between control blocks and event blocks, repeating with loops, using conditional blocks, cloning, making your own block functions, and more.<br />
<br />
Some of the information he was already familiar with using, but other features were new. It has been so fun watching him work through this unit. Many times I've heard, "Mom! Come see what I made!" For the most part, he has been able to work through the steps on his own, but when he has had difficulty understanding, his big brother has been right there to help him. That is one of my favorite things about my kids learning at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppyQ9GlVOevLakfHbuJ7HKr6u-BYm7XN_VTVGnWsr0I8kmmjfovoYR02JHFfSwFLwn4SOtJ6VnwZqRraMDooWDtZOyrsQbM62mnhI_wtFfEsFYU4onBTuiPWOAqIjAhMLx18q8uKI4vU/s1600/scratch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1180" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppyQ9GlVOevLakfHbuJ7HKr6u-BYm7XN_VTVGnWsr0I8kmmjfovoYR02JHFfSwFLwn4SOtJ6VnwZqRraMDooWDtZOyrsQbM62mnhI_wtFfEsFYU4onBTuiPWOAqIjAhMLx18q8uKI4vU/s640/scratch.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
Since my little guy is still years away from middle school, he's been slowly working through the book. But he has been working through it! That shows me that the material is laid out in a way that's easy for kids to understand. Not only that, but he likes it. The book is colorful and eye-catching and doesn't feel at all like a textbook.<br />
<br />
Other things he will learn from the book include collecting and using information, designing computer systems, computational thinking, understanding Python, creating a basic web page with HTML, styling elements with CSS, and much more. There are 39 chapters and over 560 pages packed with computer science learning. There is a brief <i>Check Your Knowledge</i> section at the end of each chapter to review key concepts with the answers on the following page that my boy and I always work through together. There are also color-coded tabs at the bottom of the pages that make each unit easy to access and an index at the back to find specific terms.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMROCIxLDaY-uVzgHChG6MJuO2MPLwmolKE1hW35rwTxRsnNZtrLqNJj9I8JPqm1ZxbKZms9N-RUcwy8wXtZ0oLN6o2Hj9Yjp5YofBDBdOif39tmCf54980Klq_9DE7O8Tydw_oAhlx9A/s1600/check_your_knowledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMROCIxLDaY-uVzgHChG6MJuO2MPLwmolKE1hW35rwTxRsnNZtrLqNJj9I8JPqm1ZxbKZms9N-RUcwy8wXtZ0oLN6o2Hj9Yjp5YofBDBdOif39tmCf54980Klq_9DE7O8Tydw_oAhlx9A/s640/check_your_knowledge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our book came in pretty rough shape. It was mailed in a regular shipping envelope and sustained damage. The cover is creased in multiple places and the corners are torn. My daughter even asked, "We got this used, right?"<br />
<br />
While I love that the inside looks like study notes, I don't want the outside to look like it's been tossed in a locker all school year and repeatedly abused. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC90PPZmBX2fRd20MfVCKtJKILHezcxPzS3FmdICaCqzsz_So6b-Bz5436OJfIKBiWLCkxx3KUB6iKkUErkgZh08dnxMvIF-Udtyq95BIXMCz7OcZr5ToFxJIBCuWg5Z2Z75fBjm9kZA/s1600/computer_science_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpC90PPZmBX2fRd20MfVCKtJKILHezcxPzS3FmdICaCqzsz_So6b-Bz5436OJfIKBiWLCkxx3KUB6iKkUErkgZh08dnxMvIF-Udtyq95BIXMCz7OcZr5ToFxJIBCuWg5Z2Z75fBjm9kZA/s640/computer_science_cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's what my guy thought of his Big Fat Notebook:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"I like it! All of it!"</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He asks to do his coding work first thing every day. For a boy who conveniently "forgets" to do his schoolwork and gets distracted often, that's saying a lot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.workman.com/products/everything-you-need-to-ace-computer-science-and-coding-in-one-big-fat-notebook" target="_blank">Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook</a></i> is a fantastic resource for kids who are interested in technology. It is engaging, written in simple terms, and entertaining. We like it so much that I can't wait to check out some of the other <i>Big Fat Notebooks</i> for the other subjects.<br />
<br />
Using these study guides, you can be the smartest kid in class!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuZZQd6u_y470LbGujOSgUjqMgpAoHQhO9w8ePTGN3lS6l47i8v3sH2f9G2bh9Vx5RcVeY0R5pEbVa31MdYT3RDOdW9ezfetw8RDsfUdpz77-FTYkXfsf7Ux8-B_H1MKMe1718Ou7V7o/s1600/color_tabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuZZQd6u_y470LbGujOSgUjqMgpAoHQhO9w8ePTGN3lS6l47i8v3sH2f9G2bh9Vx5RcVeY0R5pEbVa31MdYT3RDOdW9ezfetw8RDsfUdpz77-FTYkXfsf7Ux8-B_H1MKMe1718Ou7V7o/s640/color_tabs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can connect with Workman Publishing on the following social media sites:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/workmanpublishing/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/workmanpub" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/workmanpub/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/workmanpub/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/WorkmanPublishing" target="_blank">YouTube</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
You can <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/everything-you-need-to-ace-computer-science-and-coding-in-one-big-fat-notebook-workman-publishing-reviews/" target="_blank">read more reviews</a> of this book on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/everything-you-need-to-ace-computer-science-and-coding-in-one-big-fat-notebook-workman-publishing-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook {Workman Publishing Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-65654925731373634412020-05-13T10:07:00.000-04:002020-05-13T10:07:20.527-04:00Beyond the Stick Figure<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/pen-and-ink-1024x1024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/pen-and-ink-1024x1024.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Most of my kids enjoy art to some degree, but my daughter is the true artist of our home. She is always looking to improve her skills and widen her abilities, so I'm excited when we get an art-related review for her. While she can knit and sew and embroider and cross stitch and create with clay and spark her creativity in a dozen other ways, she has been focusing specifically on her drawing and painting skills.<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">She was eager to get pen to paper--or rather, brush to paper--with <i>Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses</i>, a brand new set of classes from </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="https://beyondthestickfigure.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Beyond the Stick Figure Art School</a>.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8UhauSoNMT8fRBhCDUuziDyvH-qkIquv-EWwvJUpnSXR-HPTvSdXnFvGWYfAUtT_JqIshyphenhyphenrfBaGy6whB9052JNH8swNAB0NX4i_cmwFa5Qk4IpQta4o1iJIlH8FsoWRyaSjvhWRYJ1I/s1600/beyond_the_stick_figure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8UhauSoNMT8fRBhCDUuziDyvH-qkIquv-EWwvJUpnSXR-HPTvSdXnFvGWYfAUtT_JqIshyphenhyphenrfBaGy6whB9052JNH8swNAB0NX4i_cmwFa5Qk4IpQta4o1iJIlH8FsoWRyaSjvhWRYJ1I/s640/beyond_the_stick_figure.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Beyond the Stick Figure is taught by Sally, a trained artist from England. After pursuing her dream of a career in art, she moved to the States, got married and had kids, and started homeschooling. It was while teaching her own children that she realized that the ability to create art wasn't given only to those with a gift, but could be taught to anyone. Just like learning to read or to play an instrument, art techniques should also be taught incrementally. Piece by piece, skill upon skill. Anyone can be an artist! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">She started these classes as a way to share her passion and help budding enthusiasts learn the skills they need to succeed.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fi0TD1ugFPOFqd9Qq-B4iIp6kUW2E8f7_hIvOqTquR2EIs7M3mmas2jNnABmJ3T8RsR-C_TrdrpIHpVDcPJuNSaFwAo9weavTMeOxlSeieIY2_GVi2nieLc4iJmNHx9StRlue6Ay28c/s1600/painting_canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fi0TD1ugFPOFqd9Qq-B4iIp6kUW2E8f7_hIvOqTquR2EIs7M3mmas2jNnABmJ3T8RsR-C_TrdrpIHpVDcPJuNSaFwAo9weavTMeOxlSeieIY2_GVi2nieLc4iJmNHx9StRlue6Ay28c/s640/painting_canvas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">There are 4 types of courses included:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Drawing</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Pen & Ink and Watercolor</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">Acrylic</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start; white-space: normal;">3D Design</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The drawing course is divided into 3 units with multiple steps broken into days. Remember, Sally's goal is to train artists by teaching them skills incrementally. She begins the course with encouraging the students to find shapes in the world around them: circles, dots, and various lines. Drawing takes place on day 6 when the students begin practicing the shapes they've found. On day 12, the shapes are combined to draw a flower. The remaining 3 days of the unit cover primary and secondary colors and learning to overlap shapes.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOdfnn_YQLqO_yUP1Hp0iuMMZmm-V8VtQmtCUK33skmUeeUiqR37Cr-oE-QGgdIGLRXV3cWLS5mWfr4DaFSjD0b0qm9iWTosTYDnInW3Q6nmMlrlT-K_7mBQhC9g2bAcP3Pi0pF7lrPI/s1600/shapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOdfnn_YQLqO_yUP1Hp0iuMMZmm-V8VtQmtCUK33skmUeeUiqR37Cr-oE-QGgdIGLRXV3cWLS5mWfr4DaFSjD0b0qm9iWTosTYDnInW3Q6nmMlrlT-K_7mBQhC9g2bAcP3Pi0pF7lrPI/s640/shapes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The second part eases the students into learning to draw things that look realistic. Each day, the student focuses on a small shape in a box. For instance, the first one looks something like a triangle coming out of the side of the square. The student practices that shape in each box on a 4x4 grid. The 33 lessons in part 2 are similar in style. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The third and final part of the drawing course is 5 days and teaches how to combine those random shapes into a flower. It reminds me of those grid pictures that you find in activity books, where the child copies the picture by drawing each portion in the corresponding boxes. It is neat to see how all the pieces come together.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihu2YHRBTQBvnj-C-0ikm0rdzpF-qgTBrn1FyMTQMcTk9wnPy41OXahYFJW2EVqcTvJLxIAb-nMyfyBz6ihXqKk-tNTmrxiCkDWTBTCEs0sPXan3N9qRmaOXmwgHg_QmdZ1Yt5sA1Uw4/s1600/beyond_the_stick_figure_drawing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihu2YHRBTQBvnj-C-0ikm0rdzpF-qgTBrn1FyMTQMcTk9wnPy41OXahYFJW2EVqcTvJLxIAb-nMyfyBz6ihXqKk-tNTmrxiCkDWTBTCEs0sPXan3N9qRmaOXmwgHg_QmdZ1Yt5sA1Uw4/s640/beyond_the_stick_figure_drawing.png" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">As I mentioned, my 12-year-old loves art and is already fairly skilled. I had a difficult time getting her to work through the drawing lessons. She was bored and could not be motivated. Because of Sally's philosophy of teaching step by step, you cannot move to further lessons or mediums without completing them in order. We ended up doing what many homeschoolers do and adapted the lessons to fit our needs. We sat down one day and clicked through all the lessons in all the courses. Once my girl saw the acrylic videos, her excitement rekindled. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The acrylic course, like all the others, is divided into 3 parts and walks through 3 projects step-by-step over the course of many days. My daughter loved creating these artworks! She learned how to blend her colors to create an ombr</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">é sky, how to finger-dab realistic wispy clouds, how to use a toothpick to make a grassy meadow, how to use color to create perspective, and more useful skills. She even took a simple cloud painting and made it her own by adding a hot air balloon. I love watching her abilities blossom.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGbrGKnKvJXijk13Lc3HHhXne5Ov93rR7er6_qa8Df-flDdOz8dc7TvuX3I9nT11t9d7fIsxs5Yzo7m__Gypbw1KYFhqnb0UAOhC-FX1TVQdSYV-4vF98Sjn4xUzCKRxjj1e86iBTMlQ/s1600/beyond_the_stick_figure_projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGbrGKnKvJXijk13Lc3HHhXne5Ov93rR7er6_qa8Df-flDdOz8dc7TvuX3I9nT11t9d7fIsxs5Yzo7m__Gypbw1KYFhqnb0UAOhC-FX1TVQdSYV-4vF98Sjn4xUzCKRxjj1e86iBTMlQ/s640/beyond_the_stick_figure_projects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sally's videos are calm, slow-paced, and filled with instruction. Each one is short (I don't think I've seen one that's longer than 10 minutes) so it's easy to find time to add art into your day. One complaint that my daughter has is that she can't make the videos full screen. Sometimes she would like to have a bigger visual instead of the small image on the computer. Also, Sally is soft spoken and has a bit of an English accent. Even with the volume all the way up, it can be difficult to hear and understand in a busy household. It can be tricky to keep 4 boys quiet while their sister is trying to create a masterpiece! Otherwise, the videos are easy to understand and it's fun to see how she pronounces some things differently than we do. </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are downloadable pages of drawing guides included with a few lessons along with a checkup at the end of each unit to evaluate your students' work and help keep them accountable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2boqexCqr3ivV8fyOcukkeh1U4fxsyr-BOoDGgzLo91p3q7vFshCIPODV5GSlU8uuLkDa_RXDgfYnafPkkvFYbOYk4tSpXLBBPpzDqGJAnUNZHJuC4nbvbSrCnKRZJNHDoTvKrh-ft78/s1600/beyond_the_stick_figure_painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2boqexCqr3ivV8fyOcukkeh1U4fxsyr-BOoDGgzLo91p3q7vFshCIPODV5GSlU8uuLkDa_RXDgfYnafPkkvFYbOYk4tSpXLBBPpzDqGJAnUNZHJuC4nbvbSrCnKRZJNHDoTvKrh-ft78/s640/beyond_the_stick_figure_painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">A purchase of </span><span style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses </i></span><span style="text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">will give you lifetime access to all of the classes for everyone in your family. There are over 180 lessons that are good for anyone ages 5-95. If you can draw a stick figure, you can learn to draw your own realistic masterpieces. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="https://beyondthestickfigure.com/" target="_blank">Beyond the Stick Figure Art School</a></i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can help you learn the skills needed to become a true artist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-xGsT-1xzVeJE-RYgYk3GN0lxn8m72q2nUwDAEv2e7bs8scH3pTnpZSFEs4mS_Ygncib6gOG-M4GNOK9x_ICmqHM5pW1M5b6Ko_1Y62wSPZm3u3mT9HT7yDmNYwJrx2G-zh5OYySjG8/s1600/painting_clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-xGsT-1xzVeJE-RYgYk3GN0lxn8m72q2nUwDAEv2e7bs8scH3pTnpZSFEs4mS_Ygncib6gOG-M4GNOK9x_ICmqHM5pW1M5b6Ko_1Y62wSPZm3u3mT9HT7yDmNYwJrx2G-zh5OYySjG8/s640/painting_clouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Beyond the Stick Figure on the following social media sites:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beyondthestickfigure/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/britladyinamerica/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/beyondthestickfigureart/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCROy5BkqT_cZvQu1dTPRYzw" target="_blank">YouTube</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can see more art projects by <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/beyond-the-stick-figure-complete-drawing-course-beyond-the-stick-figure-art-school/" target="_blank">reading the reviews</a> on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/beyond-the-stick-figure-complete-drawing-course-beyond-the-stick-figure-art-school/" target="_blank"><img alt="Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course {Beyond the Stick Figure Art School}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8665228726476739963.post-63990215810367784842020-05-08T10:30:00.000-04:002020-05-08T10:30:04.322-04:00Fermentools<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Fermentools-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="283" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Fermentools-Logo.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite place to be is in the kitchen--cooking, baking, working with dough, experimenting with flavors, creating meals and treats that my family enjoys, preserving a harvest. When I saw the opportunity to review something from </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://fermentools.com/" target="_blank">Fermentools</a></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, I knew it would be perfect for me. This </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://fermentools.com/product/starter-kit/" target="_blank">Starter Kit</a> </b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">would get me well on my way to a new kitchen hobby by fermenting foods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fermentools was started in 2013 and is run by Alex and Cassie Deputie. Their journey toward health began many years ago when Cassie dealt with chronic health conditions and continued as their children faced serious health issues, as well. Through proper nutrition and fermented foods, they were able to find healing for their family. Along with working the company as a family endeavor, they also homeschool. In fact, Cassie is one of my Crew members as part of the Homeschool Review Crew. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4oybFqXPpUJZLpg5SqC1-nid7U8xdxuO1bc_fFJGMbp2fDqs-c20Pl_39e7Ylk7Sks7gNTdxAO-X5kPt8JEQ2RCpHtSpO3-pHZfnGwX4DKxRFMccscvYrBFUowDOOi2CoFX1MFT20l4/s1600/Fermentools.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4oybFqXPpUJZLpg5SqC1-nid7U8xdxuO1bc_fFJGMbp2fDqs-c20Pl_39e7Ylk7Sks7gNTdxAO-X5kPt8JEQ2RCpHtSpO3-pHZfnGwX4DKxRFMccscvYrBFUowDOOi2CoFX1MFT20l4/s640/Fermentools.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love canning. From jellies to salsas to sauces to diced veggies to chili and more, I preserve well over 100 jars of goodness every year. There is something very rewarding about grabbing a jar of something homemade whenever we need it. But while you can often find me surrounded by dozens of jars, lids, fruits or veggies, water bath or pressure canner, multiple little helpers, and one large mess, I do not have much experience with fermenting foods. Oh, we eat them as I understand the benefits of probiotics and their role in digestion, but I relied on purchased foods. I made my first batch of apple cider vinegar last fall using a drinking glass for a weight and cheesecloth to cover. I was so nervous about mold! But 6-7 weeks later, I had a half gallon of fresh, beneficial vinegar made from scraps from my recent canning adventure. I knew then that I needed to learn the art of fermentation. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This <a href="https://fermentools.com/product/starter-kit/" target="_blank">starter kit</a> makes fermenting so simple--way easier than my haphazard method of using things already in my kitchen. It comes with everything you need (minus the jar and the food) to start creating good bacteria.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1 Stainless Steel Lid</b> -- 304 surgical stainless steel, corrosion-resistant</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1 Glass Fermentation Weight </b>-- fits inside wide mouth jar, won't react with food </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1 Airlock</b> -- keeps oxygen out and carbon dioxide in </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2 Rubber Stoppers</b> -- 1 with hole for airlock, 1 solid </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1 Rubber Canning Gasket </b>-- helps create a seal</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Himalayan Powdered Salt</b> -- 16 oz, over 80 trace minerals, dissolves in cold water </span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The kit also comes with a simple instruction guide that explains how to use the kit, about the fermentation process, and additional tips. It also includes a basic sauerkraut recipe with variation ideas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MSeBBk17EIJfYt3IE09_hoOgJ6kjqV7L1NI7HjFWQFZ1fcoJ5OQAHDz9rGT08ZFOlqaQkZ9bmxp4OUwVEFugvAbXAdjzdig1wrQymA3GAId_t5Fs1-ubHvaOHVtkV9Sh72hUUlwi5rE/s1600/fermentools_guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MSeBBk17EIJfYt3IE09_hoOgJ6kjqV7L1NI7HjFWQFZ1fcoJ5OQAHDz9rGT08ZFOlqaQkZ9bmxp4OUwVEFugvAbXAdjzdig1wrQymA3GAId_t5Fs1-ubHvaOHVtkV9Sh72hUUlwi5rE/s640/fermentools_guide.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first ferment I tried was that sauerkraut recipe. We almost always have a head of cabbage sitting in our refrigerator, so it seemed like a great choice. I ran it through my food processor and then followed the suggested amount for salt. That's where things can get a little tricky for those who are follow-the-recipe people. I do not measure when I cook--add some of this, a sprinkle of that--seasoning to taste. The recipe instructs to use 1 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of the Himalayan salt, which is quite the range of amount. After weighing my cabbage and following the guide on the salt package, I added approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons. The next step was mashing and squeezing the cabbage to break it down and release the juices. After that, I put it in the jar, added a bit more salt water to cover it, and added the weight, lid, and airlock pieces. The weather was still a bit chilly, so I wrapped the jar in a towel and left it to sit in a corner of the kitchen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twelve days later, I removed the lid and enjoyed my first batch of delicious homemade sauerkraut. Better than store-bought in taste, price, and health benefits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpySNwmav53aIMjUjfzKxOKg8eQZibOQyqb1ek6hr7PU-H70Gti14UN__SdD34VGTU1xiztJ7UlsJjygcE2_uDrhBeL19Pt58V2zBCZ-tzysrwpHp7MymIu2ZSI_SgpoMXYOdP6RIlRk/s1600/sauerkraut+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpySNwmav53aIMjUjfzKxOKg8eQZibOQyqb1ek6hr7PU-H70Gti14UN__SdD34VGTU1xiztJ7UlsJjygcE2_uDrhBeL19Pt58V2zBCZ-tzysrwpHp7MymIu2ZSI_SgpoMXYOdP6RIlRk/s640/sauerkraut+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, my daughter and I made asparagus spears and played around with the flavors a bit adding minced garlic, dill, and a pinch of red pepper flakes and let it ferment for a week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are slightly tangy and different from the way I normally prepare asparagus, but tasty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtstygww4eehSCStjsvvtGg7gH3uNxtMri-mOdIqTijacuxp1T5L6rfCfFyd4JRHderuV2h08QHnZAIEYRn98CKLL5ogWNAOf2Gd-BUJEJdDVzQs3Wlc_hqQYSh3I2gj8zLtBYIfLaIY/s1600/asparagus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="902" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtstygww4eehSCStjsvvtGg7gH3uNxtMri-mOdIqTijacuxp1T5L6rfCfFyd4JRHderuV2h08QHnZAIEYRn98CKLL5ogWNAOf2Gd-BUJEJdDVzQs3Wlc_hqQYSh3I2gj8zLtBYIfLaIY/s640/asparagus.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Fermentools website is filled with additional information and recipes. I currently have </span><a href="https://fermentools.com/fermented-garlic-cloves/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">garlic cloves</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fermenting (which your nose will remind you if you get near enough to the jar, ha) and is producing all sorts of good, bubbling foam. I'm already making plans for </span><a href="https://fermentools.com/salted-preserved-lemons/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">salted lemons</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a href="https://fermentools.com/probiotic-red-horseradish-sauce/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">red horseradish sauce</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I'm having so much fun that I'm sure I need another fermenting kit or two!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://fermentools.com/product/starter-kit/" target="_blank">Starter Kit</a></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">makes the fermentation process simple for even a beginner. As long as you follow the steps laid out in the instruction guide, you won't have to worry about mold and losing your hard work. The components are high quality and well-made. Things really are much easier when you have the right tools. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAYMXvTl-hg2UXTjMs-fooTjsCbbMxAHrAl0Z5EC0C4AgJJovDtfnZpwqW4sOfnTGPOGmbygXgx7vLhNw6tgMt4ba02f-KnQHJYpnGkL4XoW5e8jbPa9XFLMVNquuC7fNGLwTNn_ftTg/s1600/garlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAYMXvTl-hg2UXTjMs-fooTjsCbbMxAHrAl0Z5EC0C4AgJJovDtfnZpwqW4sOfnTGPOGmbygXgx7vLhNw6tgMt4ba02f-KnQHJYpnGkL4XoW5e8jbPa9XFLMVNquuC7fNGLwTNn_ftTg/s640/garlic.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you're like me and can't wait to ferment all the food, you can </span><a href="https://fermentools.com/shop/" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">purchase larger kits</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and individual pieces. You can also use code <b>Crew2020</b> to receive a 15% discount through June 30 of this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether you're new to fermenting or are a seasoned enthusiast, <a href="https://fermentools.com/" target="_blank">Fermentools</a> has the supplies to help on your food preservation journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNGEtfCphxlAHSUxBYrJ3U6YeQmAy2TehSrVQWUHF-nK0OTNiawqI9jvAgxiBQC5aEFni7HHdidwMaqEywK7u1v_6DWFVF3-Zb-wz6XvsEbz2sArUgJbyjufLGXQ5-4vuyUbllh5LT3o/s1600/fermentools_starter_kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNGEtfCphxlAHSUxBYrJ3U6YeQmAy2TehSrVQWUHF-nK0OTNiawqI9jvAgxiBQC5aEFni7HHdidwMaqEywK7u1v_6DWFVF3-Zb-wz6XvsEbz2sArUgJbyjufLGXQ5-4vuyUbllh5LT3o/s640/fermentools_starter_kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can connect with Fermentools on the following social media sites:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fermentools/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fermentools/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/fermentools/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can see more ferments by <a href="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/fermentools-starter-kit-fermentools-reviews/" target="_blank">reading the reviews</a> of this starter kit on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/fermentools-starter-kit-fermentools-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Fermentools Starter Kit {Fermentools Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Click-Here-to-Read-More-Reviews-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
Erikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08174428554505011748noreply@blogger.com0