Motherboard Books: Computer Science Pure & Simple

MotherboardBooks.com

I have always loved technical things, expecially computers. Unfortunately, I still don't know much about how they work or the technical terms. So when I was told I was going to get this curriculum I was really excited! We were so blessed to get Computer Science Pure and Simple book 1 and book 2, and we also got MicroWorlds EX software (which is needed for this curriculum). This course is geared for 5th grade and up.

I absolutely love this curriculum. It is very well-laid out for the student. Actually, this is perfect for anyone who wants to learn about computer science. The lessons are not childish at all, yet they are not over your head (I'm talking over the parent's heads because we all know that kids these days know so much more than we do when it comes to computers). So I do the lessons ahead of the kids, not only so I can keep abreast of what they are learning, but because I want to learn it too.

In Book 1, they offer a comprehensive intro to HTML, how to use notepad and the other windows accessories software already on your computer. It also covers more about word processors, programming drawings, animations and games using LOGO language (which is found on the software sold with the curriculum). You will learn how to format a newsletter and how to work with a spreadsheet.

Here's a link to see a sample page from book 1: http://www.motherboardbooks.com/pagehtml.pdf

Book 2, builds on book 1 and provides more work on programming using LOGO language, spreadsheets, and how to make a multi-page website. Your child can also create their own games.

Here's a link to see a sample page from book 2: http://www.motherboardbooks.com/2pagespreadsheet.pdf

Each of the above mentioned books covers one year of computer science. You can purchase them seperately or as a set. Book 1 costs $29.99, Book 2 costs $32.99, and the set costs $161.98. Motherboard also offers computer courses for younger kids; LOGO Adventures(8-12yo), Let's Make a Webpage(8-12yo) and Let's Make a Webpage jr (for 7-9yo).

Phyllis Wheeler is the creator of this curriculum, she is a mechanical engineer who has taken a number of programming courses throughout the years. She created this curriculum so she could teach her children computer skills. With this curriculum she not only taught her children but taught at her co-op as well. I am very thankful that she decided to share this curriculum with the homeschooling world. Check it out for yourself: http://www.motherboardbooks.com/index.htm

Peterson Directed Handwriting

Peterson directed Handwriting.

http://www.peterson-handwriting.com/

Peterson Directed Handwriting is a movement based method for teaching handwriting. It teaches the child to first trace with their fingers or 'air write' the letters. They strongly suggest that you not let the child trace with a pencil. They believe that tracing with the fingers rather than the pencil helps the student to learn the proper movement for learning to write.

The website contains many articles explaining the research behind their method. They also offer webmeetings each week for you to ask questions about their product. They will also help you to chose which level would be best for your child. I would higly recommend that you thoroughly look over the website as they offer a plethora of information on teaching and using their curriculum.

When I heard we were to receive a handwriting curriculum I was thrilled. Handwriting is not something we focus too much on....and unfortunately it shows in some of my children's handwriting.

I received the grade 3 kit, which contains: student book, teacher manual, cd of songs, cd of animated letter cards, 2 pencils, position guide and desk strips. At first glance I could tell that this is written for classroom use (one giveaway was that the position guide is adhesive and is to put onto the desk....most homeschoolers I know don't have desks and use their kitchen table).

As I started reading how to start I was a little confused. The teacher's lessons were written out but a little hard to understand and follow. Much of what is written is towards a classroom teacher, not a homeschooler. In the student book however, the way they explain the mechanics of how to do the exercise are written out well and easy to follow, but it needs more exercises for the student to do. Because of this the lessons are short, almost too short. My son did a lesson in almost 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for short lessons, but these were a little too short. I also have to note that we skipped over using the cd of animated letter cards and the cd of songs, those were a little juvenile even for a 3rd grade student (my kids using this program are a little older than a 3rd grader). And the song cd is cute, but it really needs music to hold a child's attention.

I did try the lessons on my other poor handwriter and she just did not care for it at all. So I just had my son use this curriculum. Although I don't care for the curriculum, my son does like it. I also think that I will try it with my special needs son, as this curriculum uses rhythm techniques to learn the writing movements...and my special needs son thrives on movement based teaching programs.

Anyhow, I do get what they are teaching and think it is a good method....I just think they need to do more research on how to gear it towards a homeschooling family.

Alphabet Alley

http://www.alphabetalley.com/default.asp

Alphabet Alley is a faith based, family owned and operated business. The toys they sell are wonderfully constructed with cute characters on them. The toys also have a multi-use to them; combining tactile learning with play all in one product. I was lucky to receive two of their products. The two toys that we received were; Noah's Ark Go Fish and In A Manger Matching Game.

Noah's Ark Go Fish. This game is similar to the classic version except that it has Noah's Ark characters on the cards. The characters are beautifully done. The cards are made to last too. The cards are sturdier, bigger, and are laminated...which is a great feature since we all know how sticky kids' hands can be.

In A Manger Matching Game. Another wonderful and well made game. Just like the Go Fish game the characters are beautifully illustrated, and the cards are really well made too. The cards are thick and chunky, perfect for little hands. My 4yo immediately took to this game, she especially liked the little pig character.

Alphabet Alley is a wonderful company. Their toys are classic toys but with a wonderful Christian theme. One statement that they posted on their website really says it all about their company: "Their commitment to quality, faith and fun remains the focus for all of their toys today".

All About Spelling

All About Spelling
http://www.all-about-spelling.com/
is a multisensory method for teaching spelling. It uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to spelling. It is customizable, with step-by-step lesson plans.
With each level you get a lesson book, letter tiles, flashcards, magnets, index divider cards, progress chart and a completion certificate. The cost for the whole package is $29.95, you can also purchase extra materials, letter tiles, magnets, and they also sell a Phonogram Audio cd-rom. The phonogram cd might be good for those who aren't familiar with the English language and all the sounds the letters make.

Here's some info on what the package contains:
The lesson book is written out to the parent/teacher. The lessons are well-laid out. They give simple, organized information on how to implement their program.
Flashcards: printed on sturdy cardstock;

• Phonogram cards: teach the sounds of letters and letter combinations. On the front there is the letter, and on the back the sounds the letters make with key words that use that particular sound.
• Sound cards: teach how to write the phonograms. The parent reads the sound and then the student writes the letter.
• Key cards: teach spelling rules.
• Word cards: help to master the spelling words.

Letter tiles: contain the letters and letter combinations that corresponds to the basic phonograms. The tiles are made on sturdy cardstock and laminated for easy sliding on tables or magnetic boards (The kit comes with magnets for the tiles too). This is great for those tactile learners.

When I first received this package I was a little intimidated. I was lucky to receive all four levels, although at first I didn't feel lucky....because you have to cut out every flashcard, and I had four levels of flashcards to cut out. Although, I have to commend AAS because they heard our requests (or maybe our whining :o), and are now changing their flashcards to perforated, so no more cutting (yes, you can thank TOS Review Crew for that! ).

Anyway, I started with the first level for my two younger kids (7 & 8), and with my 7yo she caught on fast. As for my 8yo (who is special needs), it's a little slow going but still a good program for him. He has an auditory disorder, so verbal information is very hard for him to decipher...with AAS they incorporate all types of learning styles in their program. Even though he is great with visual cues/information, I also want him to learn from verbal information. And this program incorporates both aspects.

The downside with this program (for me) is that it is not a self-paced program. You can't just assign a page to the student for them to do on their own, the teacher has to teach this to the student. But all-in-all this is a very well-rounded program, good for all types of learners.

You can check out samples on their website....they have samples to each level. Here is where you can see a sample to level 2: http://www.all-about-spelling.com/media/support-files/level-2-sample-pages.pdf

**NOTE: As I mentioned above, I did receive 4 levels, but I based my review on only the first level. The reason for this was because I wanted to do a fair assessment of not only this product, but the other products I have to review as well. Being part of TOS Review Crew has been a wonderful experience, and so I want to make sure to do a good job reviewing the products we have been graciously assigned to review.

Merry Christmas to All!!!!

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to everyone....I know this may not be politically correct, but I feel that since we celebrate Christmas, then that is what we will say to people.

If someone practices Chanuka or Kwanzaa and wishes me a Happy Chanuka or Kwanzaa, I would not be upset or offended....I would just say thank you and the same to you, as it is apparent that the person is proud of their religion/heritage and is wishing me happiness. It's not like they are wishing ill-will towards me, which is why I just don't understand how wishing someone a Merry Christmas/Happy Chanuka/Happy Kwanzaa can be taken as disrespectful or offensive. I mean, how would they know what you celebrate anyway? Most times they don't know you, they are just passing on their happiness at this time of year. It's like when you pass a stranger on the street or in a store, and you smile or say 'hi' to them...you're just being friendly. Why can't it be that way during religious holidays? Why do we have to get offended when someone says "Merry Christmas"? Why can't we just take it for what it is? A well wishing from one stranger to another.

This time of year is to be a time of year when people show goodwill towards each other....and if people would stop reading into things so much then I honestly think that there would be more goodwill towards each other all throughout the year.

So there you have it. My thoughts for the holidays.....

Merry Christmas to all. And we hope you have a wonderful, happy, and healthy New Year.

Puppetools

PUPPETOOLS : http://www.puppetools.com/index.php


Puppetools, created by Jeffery Peyton, is a teaching and learning language of handheld ideas and symbols. The website hosts a Distance Training Workshop, and includes a growing community of innovators, education leaders and classroom trailblazers who work together to bring the power of play into their work using the visual and symbolic “language of play." Puppetools.com showcases the work generated by our workshop partners who are advancing and benefiting from the applied science of play in learning and communication.

Their mission is to "open the door to sweeping change in education by advancing the principle of play in teaching and learning."

Cost is by yearly subscription. The subscription details are:

• A year to train and master Puppetools-the "language of play"
• Access hundreds of puppet images, concepts, and patterns
• Access Puppetools' online Educator Work Area
• Access our global community forums - learn with teachers around the world
• Access Puppetools' exclusive practitioner video library

TWO TYPES OF SUBSCRIPTIONS:
**1) $20.00 INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION:* Designed for individual users. Get complete access to all resources for a full year. Upgrade to the group subscription any time for $79.00. Ideal for individual users / households.
*2)* *$99.00 GROUP SUBSCRIPTION (Habitat): *Designed to be shared among small & large GROUPS such as families, home schoolers, classrooms, scout troops, 4-H, entire schools, and non-profit organizations with educational missions. This is the best way to derive the greatest benefit as the group subscriptions as up to 30 people can share the cost and enjoy the ride. Need access for more users? No Problem -- you can simply add more users anytime in lots of 50 or 100 and the cost can be as low as $2.00 PER USER. The purchaser (account owner) may assign up to 15 administrators per account --all users receive access to all resources for a full year.

The concept is intersting but I honestly don't think it is really worth the money. You can find the same information online for free.

Core Learning: Crayola Art Studio

Core Learning is an educational publisher of software, books, multi-curricular projects and online learning applications. http://www.core-learning.com/



We received their Crayola Art Studio cd-rom to review. This software is a wonderful program that enables children to not only create art, but to also create invitations, greeting cards, decorations and so much more! It is adaptable for all kids regardless of their computer knowledge.


My kids had such a blast using this program, especially my 4yo. She was able to use the pre-set "paint" colors or create her own colors. She loved the ability to change the backgrounds, add stamps (to which there are a large variety to choose from), change art tools (they have paint brushes, markers, colored pencils and more), and just use her imagination. The creative possibilities really are endless with this art program.
Here are some other features to this program:

• 12 realistic art tools including tempera paint, acrylic paint, watercolor, chalk, crayon, oil pastel, colored pencil, marker and more


• Customize the interface with selections of backgrounds, icon sizes and tool configurations


• A special Begin to Draw level helps beginners learn basic computer drawing skills


• The best drawing and painting program for children at a great price: $24.95

They also have screen shots, free demos to download and a tour of the program.

Check it out on their website http://www.core-learning.com/pt_artstudio_info.asp

ALEKS online math course

I was very excited to be able to review ALEKS http://www.aleks.com/ . I have heard wonderful things about their program.

What is ALEKS? Well, I’ll paste how they define their program: “ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. ALEKS courses are very complete in their topic coverage and ALEKS avoids multiple choice questions. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be successful in the actual course she is taking. ALEKS also provides the advantages of one-on-one instruction, 24/7, from virtually any web-based computer for a fraction of the cost of a human tutor.”

Before I signed up to be on the TOS review crew I was in the midst of finding another math course for my daughter…the one we were using just wasn’t working (and I couldn’t figure it out myself to help her with it). So when I heard that we were to review ALEKS I was excited to use it. I signed my 10th grader up for geometry with ALEKS. And I have to tell you, it was such a relief to hear that my daughter was enjoying her math course.

ALEKS assesses the student, and then sets up a pie chart showing what the student needs to complete. The student works through a pie wedge until it is completed, then they are assessed again to check their progress. The parents are given a separate account to access what their child is doing, and will also send out automated reports to the parent. Some other features: no textbooks, everything is online; is accessible from virtually any computer with internet access; one subscription gives you access to all courses; allows self-paced, individualized instruction; and assesses and instructs with standards-based content.

Another great feature is the price: $19.95/child per month; $99.95/child for six months; $179.95/child for 12 months; they also offer a family discount. If you still aren’t sure this is the program for your family you can try it out for a month for free: http://www.aleks.com/free_trial

Trigger Memory Systems-Times Tales and Clean N' Flip Charts

Trigger Memory Systems has three wonderful flip charts that help parents teach their kids how to do chores.

The first book is 'Zone Cleaning'. This little book is divided into three sections or 'Zones': 1) living room, 2) kitchen, 3) bathroom. In each section there are step-by-step instructions, written to the child, on how to clean up that particular room. The pages are laminated, have check boxes and have extra spaces for the parent to add more details.

The second book is 'Bedroom Cleaning'. This is another little book that has detailed steps on how to tidy a bedroom.

The third book is 'Laundry for kids'. This book is similar to the above mentioned books...it too is little (perfect for little hands) and has detailed steps on how to do laundry.
Each of these books have written steps in them, but they also have pictures showing the steps...which is great for pre-readers. All you need to do is hand a book off to a child and they can set to work. Teaching our kids independence is important and these charts help us to teach them independence. The only downside that I found with these books is that they are not all laminated for dry erase, just the Zone book is made for writing on.














Trigger Memory also created 'Times Tales', which is a teaching aid that uses mnemonics and stories to teach children some of the harder times tables. It covers the most difficult multiplication tables: 3x6,3x7,3x8,3x9,4x6,4x7,4x8,4x9,6x6,6x7,6x8,6x9,7x7,7x8,7x9,8x8,8x9,9x9.


When I first read through the stories I was really skeptical about whether these stories would work. The stories were cute, but I just wasn't sure that my kids would 'get it'. Well, I was wrong! My kids really took to this book. They were able to remember many of the facts after just a few days. I was impressed to say the least.
Times Tales costs $29.95 and is non-consumable.
You can see samples here: http://www.triggermemorysystem.com/Example.html

Time 4 Learning

Time 4 learning http://www.time4learning.com/ is an online instruction in reading, language arts, and math with enrichment courses in science and social studies (for grades 1st through 7th). It offers the core subjects in pre-school through 8th grades. This program can be customized by the parent to fit the child's needs. The parent can also log in to view what the child has accomplished, as well as see a list of the lesson plans and accompanying activities. T4L also has a a forum for parents to ask for help or just to discuss the program with others who also use T4L. The cost is $19.95 per month for the first child, and add a second child for $14.95. They also offer a 2 week money back guarantee.

You can see their lesson demo here: http://www.time4learning.com/demos.htm

Now, on to what we thought of the program (the Pros)....I really like it. I probably wouldn't use it as a stand alone curriculum for the core subjects, but you could very well use it that way. I personally don't like to have my kids on the computer for most of their day. I like to have them holding real books or doing hands-on activities the majority of the time. I used T4L as a supplement in addition to our regular curriculum. I had them do online work for 45 mins, while I worked with my younger kids. It was a life saver. See, I have six kids and to be able to have my older kids use an online course while I can focus on my younger kids (one of which has special needs) was a huge help. And the cost is pretty good if you compare it to other home school computer based programs. The biggest factor is that my kids love it. I don't have to beg them to do their work, they can't wait to do T4L. The characters are funny and they really hold my kids' attentions. And they are learning....it isn't just a silly comical show, they have really learned so much using T4L. We are already planning on continuing with T4L.

The cons: 1) if you are looking for a religious curriculum, this isn't it...this is a secular program so there is silly bathroom humor and in the science section they teach evolution (this program is used in many public schools so it is secular in it's content). 2) A child can jump around to different lessons, skipping over some areas....after you realize this you can make sure to guide your student so that they follow the lessons appropriately.

Time 4 learning really is a great program...it works for kids of all learning styles. Check out their website and see for yourself. http://www.time4learning.com/

Schoolside Press: The Little Man in the Map

The Little Man in the Map
by E. Andrew Martonyi, Illustrated by Ed Olson
http://www.schoolsidepress.com/index.cfm


When I heard that we would be reviewing this book, I was intrigued. A little man in a map that has clues to remembering all 50 states? How would that work and who or what is a little man in a map?


When I opened the book and started reading I was shocked! The little man in the map has been in front of our eyes all this time and no one has ever noticed it before. The man in the map is literally comprised of 5 states in the middle of the U.S.
How cool is that?

This story is about a little man in the map (named MIM) who teaches children how to remember all 50 states through stories, clues, acronyms, rhymes, and pictures. Another nice feature is that they split the map into regions or smaller chunks, making it easier to memorize. There is a lot of information that is packed into this book, so it really could be done as a mini thematic study.


This book is a charming, imaginative story that would work well for most children learning about the states.
My kids all enjoyed this story, even my older kids! After I read this story to my younger kids I left it sitting out on the table, just to see if any of the older kids would notice. I was pleasantly surprised to see my older kids each pick up the book and read it. They all thought it was a fun book to read, and they even said that they had learned something new from this book.


The hardcover book is priced at $19.95, they also sell a 38x22 inch laminated wall map for $21.95 . Also on their website they have coloring pages from the book that are free to download. Another book is in the works for learning the state capitals..so keep an eye on http://www.schoolsidepress.com/index.cfm for more information on their upcoming book.

Spears Art Studio Inc.

When I found out that I was going to be reviewing an art curriculum I was so excited! This is one area that we often skimp on each year. I always wanted to teach my kids about art; art elements, perception skills, drawing, painting..etc. But I am no artist, and finding a curriculum that was geared towards someone who has no art background was difficult.
Along came Spears Art Studio and what a blessing this was for me!
Spears Art Studio was created by Diane Shields Spears, who has an extensive background in education and art. She has taught in both private and public school systems. http://www.spearsartstudio.com/index.html

I was fortunate to receive the Spears Art Studio High School Art Survey curriculum to review. Spears also carries K-8 art curriculum, calligraphy, and literature guides for 4 children's books. All of the curriculums are reasonably priced and can be purchased either in hard copy or on CD-Rom. All of the curriculums are taught from a Biblical World View.

The lessons in the High School curriculum are very well laid out and written to the student. I really liked the fact that they list the materials needed for each lesson at the beginning of each lesson. There is also a full list of materials that would be needed for all the lessons, making it easier for you to gather all materials (or those hard to find ones) at the beginning of the year. In the High School Art they cover art elements, perception skills, drawing, painting, visual memory exercises, scripture connections, and much more. You can check out samples of the high school curriculum here: http://www.spearsartstudio.com/hs.artcurriculum.html

Some other great things about Spears Art curriculums are that they are non-consumable, the K-8th is all in one package, and the high school level can be easily stretched out to two years....which makes it well-worth the cost.

Salem Ridge Press

Looking for some wholesome, quality literature for your kids to read? Then you should check out Salem Ridge Press. http://www.salemridgepress.com/

This company has taken books from the 1800's to early 1900's and reprints them. In these books are moral lessons, quality stories, adventure and to that they have added brief definitions of difficult words, and Bible references. The company was founded by a young man named Daniel Mills. Here is a snippet from their website about Daniel: "Daniel firmly believes that what we read matters and what we take into our minds is a major factor in forming our ideas and character. His goal is to be a blessing to others by providing reading material that fits the qualifications outlined in the Bible. While not every title that Salem Ridge Press publishes is explicitly Christian, all of our titles have strong moral values and encourage positive character."

The website is very well-laid out. The books are listed according to reader's age, historical time period, or by author's name. So it is very easy to navigate and find what you are looking for.

I was given the privilege to review three of their books. 1) Glaucia the Greek Slave, 2) The White Seneca, 3) Mary Jane-Her Book.

Glaucia the Greek Slave was published in 1874, and is geared for ages 10 to adult.

Poor Glaucia! After the death of her father she finds herself and her brother being sold to wealthy Roman families to pay the debts of her father. She soon finds out that if she and her brother can find their mother then they would be able to stay together as a family. Read about Glaucia and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of their mother.

The White Seneca was published in 1911, and is geared for ages 12 to adult.

This story is about Henry Cochrane, a boy who is captured by the Senecas. After living with the Senecas for several years, Henry learns to love the tribe's way of life. He learns to love it so much that he embraces their culture. One day Henry is captured by an enemy tribe...he finds that he must use all his skills that he learned from the Senecas to escape. **I must note here, that although this is a very enjoyable story, there are some graphic 'scenes' that may be upsetting to sensitive children. But it is definitely a great story.

Mary Jane-Her Book. This book was published in 1918 and is geared for ages 6-10.

This is a charming story about a 5yo little girl and her daily adventures of growing up. The story is a wonderfully warm and cheery story, great for all ages. This book is the first book in a series of books about Mary Jane.

Salem Ridge Press is a refreshing company that provides a wonderful service to those who are looking for some wholesome, historical, classical and quality literature for their children or even for themselves! I know I have enjoyed reading these books.

Rime To Read

No, that isn’t a typo….Rime is another word for word families or a group of words that rhyme. For example: hat, cat, bat, rat….etc.

Rime to Read was created by a team of three women, a Learning Specialist (PhD), a Reading Teacher (M.S.) and an illustrator. It is a color coded, beginning reading program based on rimes (or word families).

My struggling 7yo reader wasn’t too excited about using this program, but my 4yo really enjoyed it. She liked the characters that were in the stories. So it isn't appealing to all kids but if your kids enjoy those 'Bob books' then they will undoubtedly enjoy Rime to Read.

Some other nice features to this program are:

**The books can be read online OR be printed out.

**There is an audio feature when reading the books online. A child can click on a word and hear it read to them.

**When you log onto your child’s account you can see which books your child has read or how many pages they have accomplished.

**The cost is a onetime fee. You can purchase a set of twenty books for $44.99 or a set of 4 vowel books for $9.99. And it lasts a lifetime, making it a non-consumable product. This is great for those home schooling more than one child. I must note that although you have access to the books online for as many times (and for as long) as you want, you can only print them out once.

They have a free book to read here: http://www.rimetoread.com/

This program is a wonderful addition to any family with early readers. I hope you check out Rime to Read for yourself.

Missing Link.....FOUND!!!! by Christina (Gerwitz) Moss and Felice Gerwitz

The Missing Link Found is the first book in the Truth Seekers Mystery series which is created by a mother and daughter, Felice Gerwitz and Christina (Gerwitz) Moss. The books are published by Media Angels, a Christian publishing company owned by Felice Gerwitz. http://www.mediaangels.com/home

The Missing Link is a great story for reluctant readers. Not only does it have wonderful facts about creationism, but it has action, adventure and mystery.

The story is about a homeschooling family (the Murphy's) and their adventures in Arcadia. The family learns that the supposed 'missing link' has been discovered, which could prove that evolution really happened! The family works together to uncover the truth all the while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat!

Along with the series there are literature guides to go along with each book. So not only can these stories be used as 'free' reading, but you can incorporate it into your child’s studies. In these books are a wealth of information on creationism, and in the back there is a glossary too. So much in such a little package, what a great idea. But don't take my word for it...check them out for yourself.

Knowledge Quest's Homeschooling ABC's

http://www.homeschoolingabcs.com/?hop=lhhacademy



When I was told that one of the products that we would be reviewing was basically a ‘how-to’ guide for first time homeschoolers, I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to ‘get into’ this review. I mean, I’ve been homeschooling now for 7yrs, what more can I learn about homeschooling? I was pleasantly surprised by how well thought out this product is....Terri Johnson really packed a lot of information into these lessons, but in bite sized chunks. Some of the topics they cover are:
1) The basics of homeschooling
2) Finding your philosophy of education
3) Organizing your space and schedule
4) Finding your child’s learning style and how to implement it into your home school

Some things that they also offer are:
1) Free samples of curriculums; downloadable forms, and organizational tools
2) Resources for other books that will help you to delve deeper into a specific topic
3) Website links
4) Ideas and suggestions from well-known homeschoolers and publishers
And so much more!

As a homeschooling mom to six children, I really don’t have a ton of time to be reading ‘how-to’ books. With Knowledge Quests’ Homeschooling ABC’s I didn’t have a problem with reading through the lessons because each lesson was short, but meaty in content.
There are 26 lessons and each lesson comes once a week, directly to your email. So you have a whole week to read and apply what you are learning to your homeschool. Along with the lessons, Terri has assignments for the parent to do, which really helps to reinforce what was discussed in that week’s lesson. The cost to join Knowledge Quest's Homeschooling ABCs class is only $10 a month for 6 months. That's only $2.30 per class session. That's a pretty good deal.

The creators of Homeschooling ABC’s have really thought these lessons through….there are so many tips packed into this product that even I have learned something from them (see you can still teach an old dog new tricks LOL). So, I would say that this product would be good for any homeschooler no matter how long you have been homeschooling.

The Old Schoolhouse Tote Bag....

Homeschooling With Heart Tote Bag

http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=pr

When I saw the tote bag online, I thought 'Wow" that is so cute. It looks like it could really hold a lot of stuff. And so when I received the tote bag, I was kind of disappointed. It was much smaller than I had thought. My first impression was '"What can I use this for?", it's too small to really hold anything.....well, let me tell you, I don't leave home without it! Now my question is "What CAN'T I use this for?" That little bag is just the perfect size for everyday use.

And if you are like me, I like to take work with me so when I have free time I can sit and do it....and the reality is, is that I always over pack. It's kind of like going to a buffet and putting too much food on your plate.....'your eyes were bigger than your stomach', I pack too much and can't get through it all. To be honest, I get overwhelmed when I open my over-packed bag and so I hardly accomplish anything. But with this tote bag, I pack the perfect amount of work, an actual obtainable goal. I couldn't believe it the other day when I went to a homeschool co-op and while the kids were in classes, I actually finished the work that I brought! What a refreshing feeling that was, to be able to actually get some work done.

This bag is very well made...it's made with a hefty canvass material, strong stitching, heavy duty straps, and snap closures. The only thing I wish this bag had was a pocket on the inside....something just big enough that I can throw my wallet and phone into. Other than that I wouldn't change a thing!

See, great things do come in small packages.

Homeschool Library Builder.....cool new store to check out...

HOMESCHOOL LIBRARY BUILDER

http://www.hslibrarybuilder.com/

HSLB is a unique online store. Unique, in that, not only do they carry new and used books, but some of those titles are out of print books...and the prices are very reasonable.There are many other wonderful features about this store. Not only do they sell books but they also have a: fundraising program, membership program, helping hand program...and much, much more.


You can search for books by several ways: by curricula companies (Beautiful feet, Five in a Row, Sonlight, tapestry of Grace and many more), by subject (science, history..etc), by region, byage, and alphabetically.


Also if you join to be a member (which is free) you can earn book points for purchases made, for referring a friend, and linking them to your site….15 book points is equal to $1 in your account to be used towards future purchases. I thought that was a pretty cool idea.



And what is even more exciting is that this month they are having a BIG BLOW OUT SALE!!!!!! They have bins marked at $1, $2, $3, and $5. You can find hundreds of books marked down from the regular prices. And you should check back often because they keep adding to the bins.


So if you are a book junkie like I am I would go check out Homeschool Library Builder.....

One 2 Believe Nativity Set

One 2 Believe nativity set

http://www.one2believe.com/

Ok, I’m embarrassed to admit it but when I first opened the shipping box for the nativity set I was confused. I mean I knew that I was going to be receiving home school curriculum, but it never dawned on me that I would be receiving toys to review as well. So when I first opened the box, I wasn't sure who it was from…I emailed, texted, and called whomever I thought may have sent us this wonderful toy. After discussing it with my husband, we both agreed that we would find out where it came from before opening up the toy….because with our luck it would have been a mistake and we would have had to send it back.

So for about two days my kids were begging me to open the box so they could play with it. I kept explaining to them that we had to wait for Daddy to give us the ‘ok’. They kept staring at the box and asking to play with it every time they came into the kitchen. And I had to keep it in the kitchen so I could keep my eye on it….no matter how secure they package toys these days you know my kids would have it opened in 2 seconds! Well, I’ll tell you those were the hardest two days of begging that I have ever had to endure.

Finally, it hit me; ‘check out the TOS Crew message board'….maybe it is something you are supposed to review!! Boy, how dumb I felt when I saw the message about the Nativity set being sent to us. Guess that serves me right for not checking the message board every day.

So, as you can tell from my story above, the Nativity set by One 2 Believe was a HUGE hit in my household. My kids haven’t stopped playing with it since I took it out of the package. And durability…well, if you knew my kids you would know there are very few toys that can stand up to my kids…but so far this toy has, and just saying that is a lot. It’s not surprising to have a toy only last a day in this household….my kids are hard on toys, really hard on toys.

And as for price, well, I checked out the website for One 2 Believe, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the prices are reasonable for their toys. So, you can be sure that I will be purchasing more toys from One 2 Believe in the future.

What a crazy, hectic but wonderful life!

So here is my blog. My own personal blog....I do have another blog, but that is on a homeschool blog site and will pretty much pertain to homeschooling. This blog however, will be all the stuff that goes on around here. Including homeschooling. because, let's face it, homeschooling is the biggest part of our lives (well, it's a huge part of my life anyway).
I hope that I can really get into this, I never was great at keeping up with writing a journal...but I have some commitments that I signed up for so I hope that will keep me accountable to this blog.

So I hope I can enlighten your lives by reading about our crazy but wonderful life.