George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist

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.

If you know our family, you know that we love reading and that books are some of our favorite review items. My kids enjoy reading for a while each day on their own as the foundation of our education is literature, but they especially love when my husband or I read aloud to them. We read all sorts of books, but we've all grown to love biographies. We like reading about the lives of people, knowing that that events actually took place. The kids are fascinated to study the actions, vocabulary, foods, dress, and thinking of past periods and seeing the ways in which our lives differ.

The books from YWAM Publishing are our favorites for biographies, and I often recommend them to others. We like them so much, in fact, that we own over 30 of their books from various lines including the Heroes of History, the Christian Heroes: Then & Now, the Heroes for Young Readers, and even a couple of their audiobook biographies. When it came time to choose our next book, the kids all agreed on the title, mostly because of a peanut song that they sing, ha. They were eager to learn more through George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist by Janet and Geoff Benge.

George Washington Carver's life started with tragedy. He was sickly and small, born to a young slave woman. His father died before he was born, and shortly after, he and his mother were kidnapped by bushwackers. By God's grace, his masters, the Carvers, were able to reclaim the baby and bring him back from the brink of death. They had loved George's mother and never mistreated her or her children. They raised George and his older brother as their own. George grew up loving the outdoors and everything that went with it. He knew more about plants than anyone in town and often helped people tend their vegetation. He continued to learn on his own by experimenting in nature, and though he impressed those around him with his practical knowledge, he was never satisfied. He dreamed of furthering his education through formal schooling. At 11-years-old, he packed his few belongings and went on a search for knowledge.

The next few years were filled with ups and downs. George learned all he could where he was. Then he would pack up and move to a new place. Each time, he'd find work, offering to do anything and everything he could to make money while he lived with his employers. Even though he was an honorable and hardworking young man who earned the respect of everyone who knew him, he still dealt with racism and malicious people. His teenage years took many twists and turns, but each road lead to furthering his education. It was also a bumpy path through his college years, but he persevered through hard word and ingenuity.

George's passion for nature grew throughout his life. He continued helping anyone he could, but his passion was farmers, specifically black farmers. He wanted them to thrive and have the same opportunities that their white counterparts did. George was offered a job as head of the Agriculture Department at Tuskegee Institute, an all-black college run by Booker T. Washington. There, he truly found his calling and changed the course of the world.

God gave George Washington Carver the knowledge and motivation to find alternatives that impacted lives. Known as the Wizard of Tuskegee, he convinced farmers to change their crops, came up with many uses for both sweet potatoes and peanuts, created the Farmer's Institute to teach local farmers better practices of farm work and also taught practical tips to the wives, taught that if you look around, there are plenty of ways to make what you need yourself and save money, and became an influential scientist. George saw opportunity where others saw hardship. George Washington Carver's influence changed not only the way people lived, but they way they thought, as well.

Along with the book, we received the digital unit Study Guide. The guide helps to further your study including geography, social studies, and history, to name a few. It is designed to benefit all learning styles, group and individual study, and a wide range of ages.

The guide includes the following:

• Key Quotes - six well-known quotes that can be used for memorization, understanding meaning, and displays
• Display Corner - a list of objects, books, and photographs from Carver's life and places he lived that could be gathered and displayed to bring life to learning
• Chapter Questions - four questions for each chapter: vocabulary, factual, comprehension, and open-ended interpretation (answers are at the end of the guide)
• Student Explorations - essay writing, creative writing, hands-on projects, audio/visual projects, arts/crafts 
• Community Links - meaningful field trips, guest speakers, service projects
• Social Studies - reproducible maps, geography, terms/vocabulary, timeline, conceptual questions, 
• Related Themes to Explore - history, science, literacy, music, military, popular culture
• Culminating Event - project displays, cultural food, music, activities, oral presentations
• Books and Resources - books, movies, documentaries, National Geographic articles, websites

The kids and I always enjoy the deeper study that comes from using the unit study guide. There are many different activities that reflect a wide range of learning styles, so there's something that appeals to everyone. Because there are so many options, it would be difficult to use the entire study. One thing that we always do with these studies is discuss the comprehension questions at the end of each chapter. It helps to review the story and understand it more fully. We especially enjoy the vocabulary review. Words like jubilantly, timidity, prestigious, systematically, and substantially are some of the words that are highlighted.

Normally we incorporate many of the hands-on activities to further our study, but things have been a bit different around here lately, and we haven't had a chance. We do have plans though to make a Chutes and Ladders board game to demonstrate the obstacle George Washington Carver experienced in this life, create a crossword puzzle about him, plant an egg carton garden, and make our own peanut butter again. There are many other activities, projects, and ideas to supplement the learning.

George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist has motivated us to find uses for things that are no longer "useful," look for purpose in our lives, and to love people--all people--as God loves them.

"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise. At no other time have I so sharp an understanding of what God means to do with me as in these hours of dawn. When other folks are still asleep, I hear God best and learn His plan."

~ George Washington Carver ~

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You can read more reviews of this book and other titles from YWAM Publishing on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Theodore Roosevelt: An American Original

If you've read our blog at all, you might know that we're a family of readers and love reviewing books. Reading is important in our home school and the foundation of our education. The older kids are required to read to themselves a substantial amount of time each school day (and a shorter amount on weekends). In addition, my husband or I will also read to them. We like all sorts of books for our read-alouds, but everyone's favorite is biographies. We like reading about the lives of people, knowing that that events actually took place. The kids are fascinated to study the actions, vocabulary, foods, dress, and thinking of past periods and seeing they ways in which our lives differ.

The books from YWAM Publishing are our favorites for biographies, and I often recommend them to others. We like them so much, in fact, that we've purchased several of the books ourselves and own over 30 of them. I knew my kiddos and I would enjoy reading Heroes of History- Theodore Roosevelt and incorporating the accompanying Digital Unit Study guide. This book is part of the Heroes of History series by Janet and Geoff Benge, which contains exciting biographies of men and women who shaped the course of history through their remarkable stories.

The book begins with Theodore Roosevelt as young boy during the Civil War. His parents, who were originally from different regions of the country, supported opposite sides. His mother, grandmother, and aunt secretly sent supplies to the Confederate soldiers, while his father spent much time away holding rallies across the country  for Union soldiers urging them to take advantage of the bill to send money home to their families before they foolishly spent it all. After the war ended and tension in the home ceased, his father continued his philanthropic deeds, teaching young Teddy to care for all classes of people. His father's influence help to mold him into a man that cared for others.

Roosevelt worked hard to overcome his severe asthma and weak heart. He loved plants and animals and spent much of his life studying them on his adventures. His integrity and regard for others allowed him to serve in many high-ranking positions, from state representative in the New York State Assembly all the way to the 26th president of the United States. More of his accomplishes include winning the Nobel Peace Prize, protecting national parks, writing books, organized the Rough Riders, and making the construction of the Panama Canal possible. He experienced heartache as well as joy. He was a well-respected man as a leader, soldier, naturalist, explorer, and soldier.

Along with the book, we received the digital unit study guide. The guide helps to further your study including geography, social studies, and history, to name a few. It designed to benefit all learning styles, group and individual study, and a wide range of ages.  

The guide includes the following:

• Key Quotes - six well-known quotes that can be used for memorization, understanding meaning, and displays
• Display Corner - a list of objects and maps from the time period that could be gathered and displayed to bring life to learning
• Chapter Questions - six questions for each chapter: vocabulary, factual, comprehension, and interpretation
• Student Explorations - essay writing, creative writing, hands-on projects, audio/visual projects, arts/crafts 
• Community Links - meaningful field trips, guest speakers, service projects
• Social Studies - reproducible maps, geography, terms/vocabulary, conceptual questions, critical thinking
• Related Themes to Explore - politics & law, math, history, science & medicine, geography
• Culminating Event - project displays, cultural food, music, activities, oral presentations
• Bibliography or Related Resources - books, movies, documentaries, magazine articles, websites

Since the recommended age is 10 and all but one of my kids are younger, some of the study guide was a little advanced for them. There are many different activities that reflect a wide range of learning styles, so there's something for everyone. We discussed the comprehension questions at the end of each chapter. The first question is always a vocab word (succintly, impeding, forlorn, chagrin, etc.). I'd ask the kids what the word meant. If no one knew, I'd use it in a sentence. They'd tell me the meaning after that. I personally loved that part. It's very important to me to read my children rich literature that incorporates vocabulary that is above their level.

I also enjoyed discussing the questions with them. It helped us to review the story and got them understanding it more fully. We also practiced cartography, made a timeline, and observed animals like Teddy did. I fully intend to read this book again with them many years from now so we can partake in the other great activities in the guide. We can recreate the isthmus of Panama out of plaster of Paris and write a newspaper advertisement to recruit men for the Rough Riders. We can act out a play about Roosevelt's life, write essay questions, make a replica of wire pince-nez glasses, design our own cattle brand, create a diorama of the trip down the Little Missouri, and more. The study guide is filled with activities, projects, and ideas to greatly further your study. There is even a bonus section that includes additional word puzzles, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, video interviews, and more extras.  

As always, we enjoyed these materials immensely. Theodore Roosevelt: An American Original was well-enjoyed by our family. The book alone is full of learning, but the study guide is a must for delving deeper. Along with the Heroes of History books they offer, YWAM Publishing has Christian Heroes and Heroes for Young Readers, too. Not only does a purchase give you quality books at a great cost, it helps support missions around the world.

You can connect with YWAM Publishing on the following social media sites:
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You can read more reviews of many different titles (like C.S. Lewis, Benjamin Franklin, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and many more) on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Heroes, Heroines, And Tales of Ancient History

We love history in our house and have enjoyed using other products from Golden Prairie Press, so I was excited to review Heroes, Heroines, and Tales of Ancient History with my kiddos. 

Amy Puetz, owner of Golden Prairie Press, publishes books that show history at its best and from a Christian worldview. It is her desire to "bring encouraging, uplifting, family friendly resources to Christian families and individuals." Audio books, cook books, books specifically for boys or girls, costume books for various time periods, curricula, and more--there's something for everyone. Most of the resources are e-books or digital downloads, but there are some options for printed books, as well.

 

The Heroes, Heroines, and Tales of Ancient History Curriculum was created for students in grades 1-6, but can be adapted to be be used for kids both younger and older. The curriculum collection has many components: part 1 & part 2 of the actual ancient history book, additional materials CD , historical skits book, Sing Some Ancient History CD, and Listen to Some Ancient History MP3 CD.  

 

 

Heroes, Heroines, and Tales of Ancient History Part 1 & Part 2 Books
This 30-week curriculum can be easily used with different ages and grades. Most lessons have a section for 1-2 graders that contains a larger font and basic overview of the stories. Immediately following that portion is the material for the 3-6 graders, which contains the same information just more advanced and more detailed. There are many options at the end of every lesson for review: questions, writing topics, geography, recipes, timelines, Scripture memory, examining historical art, period games, and more. 

Additional Materials CD
This is full of supplemental materials for the lessons. It includes printable timelines, game boards, quizzes, instructions, videos, and more. It is written at the end of the lesson if you need to pull a resource off the download. Some lessons require the materials; others do not.

Historical Skits Book
This book contains 10 skits from the time of ancient Greece to the early Christian era. Skits are a great way to bring history to life. Titles include Pandora's Box (Greek legend), Romulus and Remus Meet Their Grandfather (Roman legend), Alexander Learns a Lesson in Justice (300 B.C.) and more.

Sing Some Ancient History CD
This download has 9 songs that are mentioned throughout the book along with some sheet music. It has songs such as "Cherry Bloom," "Softly Evening Shades," and "Song of Moses and Mariam." My kids are used to listening to music through the day, while performing various tasks or just for entertainment. They enjoy when I play this, as well.      

Listen to Some Ancient History CD
This is an audio collection of 22 original speeches, poems, Bible reading, letters, and documents that are mentioned throughout the book. It includes "The Code of Hammurabi," "The Prayer of Jehoshaphat," "Nicene Creed," and more. There is a lot of important information included in this collection. 

 

 

 

This curriculum package is extremely thorough. It has so many components that enhance the learning and make it enjoyable. The lessons can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes. The lessons begin all the way at Creation and end with Saint Patrick in 385. It has many recipes like Egyptian bread, date cakes, stewed wild cherries, a Persian chicken dish, and a Roman pear dessert and multiple crafts like a bow and arrows, sling, Pharaoh hat, rotating drum, wax tablet, Roman bracelets and brooch and many other hands-on projects.

 

You can buy the components separately or purchase the entire set (physical or digital) for $98.99. You can use coupon code ANCIENT today only to receive FREE shipping on the printed version.  

 

If you're looking for a unit study ancient history curriculum for your homeschool, I suggest you check out this one. 

 

 

 

*I received a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

George Washington: True Patriot

Our family loves to read, so it's no surprise that our favorite reviews often are of books. The kids enjoy reading for a while each day on their own, but they especially love when my husband or I read aloud to them. We read all sorts of books, but the older kids have grown to love biographies. They like reading about the lives of people, knowing that that events actually took place. They're fascinated to study the actions, vocabulary, foods, dress, and thinking of past periods and seeing they ways in which our lives differ.

The books from YWAM Publishing are our favorites for biographies, and I often recommend them to others. I knew my kiddos and I would enjoy reading Heroes of History- George Washington: True Patriot and incorporating the accompanying Digital Unit Study guide.   

The book starts with Washington as a young boy. In a short amount of time, he experienced much heartache and acquired much responsibility. He was obligated to stay home and care for his mother and many siblings, but his heart craved adventure. Through a series of events, he learned surveying and was able to journey through western frontier. The cold, rain, fleas, ticks, and wilderness did not discourage him. He worked hard and earned money to buy land and many fine things.

After the death of his eldest brother, he was able to gain the position of adjunct of the Virginia colony and the red uniform that went with it. This was his first taste of military life. He was tenacious, was given a special assignment, braved great danger, and earned the respect of many people. 

His story continues as he fought for the British, fought against the British, got married, experienced the death of more loved ones, and gained power and importance. He trusted God and strove for a free, unified country. He was well-loved, but understood that today's heroes could quickly become tomorrow's scapegoats. His path to the first president of the United States of America was not of his choice, but rather duty. His life was spent as a sacrifice for his country, often setting aside his will for the best of the people. He was a remarkable man and one to esteem.

Along with the book, we received the digital unit study guide. The guide helps to further your study including geography, social studies, and history, to name a few. It designed to benefit all learning styles, group and individual study, and a wide range of ages.  

The guide includes the following:

• Student Explorations - essay writing, creative writing, hands-on projects, audio/visual projects, arts/crafts 
• Community Links - meaningful field trips, guest speakers, service projects
• Social Studies - reproducible maps, geography, terms/vocabulary, conceptual questions, critical thinking
• Related Themes to Explore - politics & law, math, history, science & medicine, geography
• Culminating Event - project displays, cultural food, music, activities, oral presentations
• Bibliography or Related Resources - books, movies, documentaries, magazine articles, websites

Since the recommended age is 10 and all but one of my kids are younger, a lot of the study guide was a bit advanced for them. We discussed the comprehension questions at the end of each chapter. The first question was always a vocab word (cantering, aversion, armada, formidable, etc.). I'd ask the kids what the word meant. If no one knew, I'd use it in a sentence. They'd tell me the meaning after that. I personally loved that part. It's very important to me to read my children rich literature that incorporates vocabulary that is above their level. I also enjoyed discussing the questions with them. It helped us to review the story and got them understanding it more fully. We also practiced cartography, made a timeline, and wrote newspaper articles. I fully intend to read this book again with them many years from now so we can partake in the other great activities in the guide. We can create an election campaign or host a levee.  We can act out a play about Washington's life, write essay questions, and recreate objects from the era like wax candles, embroider samplers, line cuttings, and more. The study guide is filled with activities, projects, and ideas to greatly further your study.  

Both the paper and digital copies of the book can be purchased for $7.50 and the digital unity study can be purchased for $5.49. We enjoyed these materials immensely. In fact, we own multiple books from their heroes series. It's not just Heroes of History books they offer, they have Christian Heroes and Heroes for Young Readers, too. All in all, we own 20+ of their books. Yeah, we love them that much. Not only does a purchase give you quality books at a great cost, it helps support missions around the world.


You can connect with YWAM Publishing on the following social media sites:

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

If you'd like to see more biographies and study guide offered by YWAM Publishing, please read the reviews on the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.