raisingaselfreliantchild
Raising a Self-Reliant Child
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World Culture & History Books for Children Carole P. Roman Review
World Culture & History Books for Children
Review of Books by Children’s Book Author Carole P. Roman
Picture books. I wonder if there’s anyone out there who doesn’t love picture books. Have you ever met anyone, young or old? I don’t believe I ever have. We adore picture books at our house. Fewer things have feasted our eyes, and minds, as much as these colorful, fanciful, whimsical pieces of art and literature blends. For that reason, it was impossible to resist an offer to review Carol P. Roman’s picture book series.
Children’s book author, Carol P. Roman, proffers a collection of lovely world culture and history, bedtime stories, and early reader picture books for young children, I’m confident the young ones would adore.
What Was In Our Box
Here are the goodies we received:
If You Were Me and Lived in … the Ancient Mali Empire ~ Historical Series
If You Were Me and Lived in … Mexico ~ Cultural Series
Can a Princess be a Firefighter? ~ Bedtime Stories
Rocket-Bye ~ Bedtime Stories
What to Expect with Carole P. Roman’s Books
We were fortunate to review Carol P. Roman’s books last year as well. We then found all her If You Were Me and Lived In… history books, in particular, quite delightful. Definitely our personal favorite series.
Overall, her books are grouped into these 5 different categories:
If You Were Me and Lived In… ~ History Series.
Readers get to time travel to different time periods in Greece, Italy, England, Colonial America, China, The Middle Ages, Europe, the Mali Empire, Viking, Europe, and the American West.
If You Were Me and Lived In… ~ Cultural Series
A brief and simple cultural overview of Australia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Kenya, Mars, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, South Korea, and Turkey.
Captain No Beard Series
Bedtime Stories Series
Early Chapter Reader Books ~ Oh Susannah Series
Aside from the glossary and resources in the back of the history and cultural books, she includes plentiful learning material in her blog. You can find worksheets, coloring papers, topics for essays or critical thinking questions. One could easily run a pleasant and quite thorough unit study for elementary aged children just by using her books and resources. Since these read like a story or a tale, I dare say they’re more like living books. We all know how much more enticing any study can become when employing living books. Don’t you think?
If You Were Me and Lived in … the Ancient Mali Empire ~ World History Series
If You Were Me and Lived in … the Ancient Mali Empire comes richly illustrated in soft yellow and blue tones. The reader follows a young girl who shares about her parents and brothers. She tells how she will be prepared for marriage while her brothers will receive an education. The child also tells about the Muslin religion as well as Mali’s political system. It’s nice to hear the ins and outs from a child’s point of view.
If You Were Me and Lived in … Mexico ~ World Culture Series
If You Were Me and Lived in … Mexico aims to get the reader acquainted with the Mexican culture. It’s illustrated with much richer colors than the book about Mali, colors that match typical Mexican folklore. Unlike the Mail book, I did find the content oversimplified, and so did Super Hero. It offers a much too brief account of Mexican culture: a few examples of names for boys and girls, a couple of holidays, and a couple of other cultural tidbits. A pronunciation guide appears in parentheses after names of other words printed in Spanish.
Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? & Rocket-Bye ~ Bedtime Stories Series
“Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?” and “Rocket-Bye” are for babies! —said Super Hero, who just turned 12. One could certainly read these books to babies, had there been one at home, I’d asked him to do so. Not as advanced as the previous series of course since these target a younger audience. These books are perfect for a child just beginning to read on her own. Both offer delightful illustrations and short, very short text.
“Rocket-Bye” takes the child on a whimsical tour around the solar system in a beautiful bedtime poem. “Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?” encourages a young girl to pursue any dreams she may have, no matter how many, there are no limits. Go after them, changing one’s mind is okay, too. Such positive message can never get old!
Our Thoughts
Overall, Carol P. Roman’s books offer a hearty treat for young children. Her History series does claim to target children up to age 15. I wouldn’t go that far. I think these are quite delightful for elementary age children mostly, perhaps up to age 12 or so. There might not be enough depth for children older than that. Then again, picture books have the power to charm all ages. So, I shall revise my statement. I’d say older children and adults may find this history series a delightful light read.
The other series we reviewed, the Culture and the Bedtime Series, target children up to age 8. Indeed, these simple, cute, and sweet stories seem appropriate for very young children. As I said before, Super Hero, who knows he’s a “big” boy now, was rather disinclined to oblige, stressing these books were “totally for babies.”
If You’re Interested
If so, there’s plenty more reviews from my fellow Crew members. Or just pay Carol P. Roman a visit at any of her social media accounts. That’ll give you an immediate feel for what she’s all about:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/caroleproman
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/caroleproman/
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5854108.Carole_P_Roman
Disclaimer
—
#Curriculum-Reviews, #Geography, #History, #Home-Schooling, #Language-Arts
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/10/12/world-culture-history-books-for-children-carole-p-roman-review/
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Homeschool Math: Math Essentials No-Nonsense Algebra Review
Homeschool Math Curriculum No-Nonsense Algebra
A couple of years ago, our homeschooling co-op offered Algebra as an enrichment class. No-Nonsense Algebra was the designated textbook. Super Hero was still too young then, so he didn’t take the class. Well, when the Crew offered us this very book for review, my ears perked right up.
What We Received
We received the book by award-winning math teacher Richard W. Fisher, No-Nonsense Algebra. You can learn more about this and the rest of his math programs for elementary through high school at Math Essentials. No-Nonsense Algebra retails for $28.95.
What to Expect
This program lives up to its name. It offers a clean, straight-to-the-point, indeed a no-nonsense approach to algebra. The book contains no fluff or any extra info aside from what’s really necessary. No distractions with additional boxes, graphs, or other cutsy doodads. Sometimes less is more, and this is quite the case here.
The book begins with a short introduction that explains to the child how to use the book, and how to get the most of his algebra study. There are 10 chapters, offering about 4 to 20 lessons each. On average, each chapter holds about 10 lessons. Except for the first 10 or so lessons —with valuable pre algebra review— each lesson appears in a double page spread. Here’s what each lesson offers:
Introduction, with short, succinct text explaining the point at hand. Helpful Hints with bullet points close the introduction.
Examples. Several examples with a break down of each step. One step per line, with additional remarks if necessary.
Exercises, about 14 to 18 exercises.
Review, 4 exercises. An important way to solidify and keep previously learned concepts fresh.
An answer key appears in the back of the book, which the child is to consult after each exercise session. Plus, there is a glossary of terms, and an entire collection of videos. Each lesson in the book has a corresponding video lesson.
How We Used No-Nonsense Algebra
What I like most about No-Nonsense Algebra is how Mr. Fisher tackles an exercise step by step, one per line. It makes the concepts so much more clear, and easier to understand. Super Hero, however, doesn’t seem to agree with me. As a rather mathy kid, he tends to do it all in his head avoiding writing things down. Of course, as he progresses in math, he’s learning he can’t just pop answers like that anymore. He must solve them in his notebook. Thus, I totally appreciate Mr. Fisher’s model: one step at a time, one step per line. I hope it will help reinforce this good habit in my son.
Super Hero’s gradually taking in the value of such methodical approach. I’m glad to see No-Nonsense Algebra using it consistently throughout the book (and videos.) Oh yes, about the videos, since Super Hero’s using No-Nonsense Algebra as a supplement, he hasn’t watched video lessons. Not yet anyway, as he’s only gone through the beginning (pre algebra) lessons. That’s good news for this program. He finds the concise explanation quite good enough. As he moves forward, I anticipate he’ll want to take advantage of this fabulous resource.
Our Thoughts
I do like No-Nonsense Algebra. It reminds me of how I learned algebra in high school myself. With a clean, uncluttered, to the point approach. Algebra was, in fact, one of my very favorite classes in high school. I suspect its approach (and of course the teacher) had much to do with it.
I must add that although I appreciate No-Nonsense’s methodology, it certainly does not offer a rigorous algebra study. There are no proofs or no explanations as to why a formula, or a method, is so. For the student who likes to dig deeper, to probe, or to know the ins and outs, No-Nonsense Algebra is bound to come short. This program tells the child how to do it, and as I’ve tried to get across, it does so with great ease. I doubt, however, it provokes any ‘aha moments’ by leading to recognitions or discoveries that could make math so compelling and satisfying.
Of course, I understand not every child has an inclination for math. And that not every child may wish to pursue a field with a strong math background. If that’s the case, then No-Nonsense Algebra may be a perfect fit. After all, do we all really need to know why Pythagoras states that a² + b² = c²? Exactly!
Still, for children interested in engineering, computer science, or other such fields that require advanced math studies, No-Nonsense Algebra’s lack of depth will likely not give them the head start they’re wanting.
Want to Learn More?
As I always say, reviews are great. I’m grateful for the folks out there who take the time to give us their valuable opinions. There are so many wonderful resources that have so enhanced our learning thanks to their reviews. I wouldn’t have learned about them otherwise. If you feel likewise, read my fellow Crew members’ reviews. You can also visit Math Essentials at their facebook page. It’s nice to check it out if you’re contemplating No-Nonsense Algebra, or any of its math products:
https://www.facebook.com/math.essentials/
Disclaimer
—
#Home-Schooling
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/08/10/homeschool-math-math-essentials-no-nonsense-algebra-review/
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Mapelle Films Trust Fund Movie Review
What can be better than cuddling together as a family to watch a good movie. If you, too, enjoy family movies you might want to grab a bucket of popcorn. It’s movie time!
What We Received
We received a link to the streaming video Trust Fund by Mapelle Films. Trust Fund received the Dove seal movie rating. It had a limited release in AMC theaters in January 2016, and it was a success in Kansas City, where it was filmed. Trust Fund will now be released in the home entertainment market.
What’s Trust Fund About?
Trust fund is the quintessential tale of the prodigal son, well a prodigal daughter in this case. Reese Donahue is a beautiful young woman who has grown up in fortune and privilege. Apparently she has it all, looks, talent, style, money. Still, her most important possession is the unconditional love from her devoted father. Although she’s not conscious of it… just yet!
Reese isn’t satisfied, something is missing in her life. She’s a feisty dreamer with financial troubles —her generous allowance proves ever too short. The time has come, however, for her father to insist she be more responsible. Rather than settle with a traditional job, Reese decides to take what she believes is hers, a $5,000,000 fortune, and flee to the arms of her boyfriend in idyllic Italy.
I value the unconditional love her father, played by actor Kevin Kilner, affords Reese. It’s reassuring to witness a father loving his child no matter what. Yet, such devoted father needs to be so to both children, not just to the black sheep. He fails to offer appropriate support to his older daughter, Audrey. Audrey has always stood by his side, and in fact, she’s his right hand on the family’s thriving publishing business. When Audrey struggles to come to grips with her sister’s shenanigans, he pushes her to try harder understanding and forgiving the mischief-maker.
It’s natural for Audrey to feel disrespected in some way. Reese did do a sneaky, unprincipled deed after all, no matter how justified she may have felt. And though I’m a staunch believer in forgiveness and love, some things take time to heal. People deal with things differently and we should respect that process, especially as parents. The father would have made much more of a positive impact in my view, had he supported both daughters the way each needed.
Stunning Camera Work
I’m so pleased to learn the cinematographer and producer, Isaac Alongi, is an early homeschooler. (He homeschooled from grades 1 to 12 back in the 80’s.) I’m especially delighted with this news because the film shines on scenery and camera work. Both are truly arresting, superb, magnificent!
The Plot
On the other hand, I must say I found the plot slow-moving and downright predictable. Many scenarios seem unconvincing and even unrealistic. I fear further details will turn into big time spoilers, so you’d better off watching the trailer, and better yet, the movie. Nevertheless, I’m glad we watched it together as a family. We enjoyed watching the father’s love and commitment, and eventually the older sister’s as well. The absolutely best aspect for me, personally, was the stunning camera work, as I said earlier. It’s always fun to watch a movie with gorgeous scenery and a happy ending, don’t you think?
vimeo
TF OFFICAL TRAILER 2016 – Theatrical 2min from isaac alongi on Vimeo.
A Note to Secular Homeschoolers
Since Trust Fund renders a modern twist to the Prodigal Son parable, you’d be right in assuming the movie is inherently Christian. Well, there is nothing overtly religious here. Yes, the writers and producers are Christian, and there’s even a corresponding study guide that makes religious references. The movie, however, does not.
Want to Learn More?
If so, make sure to head over to the Crew’s page, there’s plenty more reviews there.
Trust Fund’s Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrustFundMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrustFundMovie
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/trustfundmovie/pins/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustfundmovie/
Disclaimer
—
#Curriculum-Reviews, #Home-Schooling
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/07/19/trust-fund-movie-review-mapelle-films/
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Hands On History Curriculum Home School in the Woods Review
History Through the Ages
Time Travelers American History Study: America in World War II
If you favor hands-on learning, like we do, I bet you’ll enjoy Home School in the Woods. Few curricula make history come to life more vividly than their unique unit studies. We’ve been fortunate to review a few of their products before, and so Super Hero was delighted for the opportunity to do it once again.
What We Received
We received the Time Travelers American History: World War II packet. Home School in the Woods sent us a generous link to the complete download, a $27.95 value. If you prefer, you could buy a CD instead, for $28.95.
The Time Travelers American History Studies series include other topics sure to pique any child’s interest:
New World Explorers
Colonial Life
The American Revolution
The Early 19th Century
The Civil War
The Industrial Revolution through Great Depression
What to Expect
The America in World War II Time Travelers pack offers a huge collection of hands-on activities guaranteed to satisfy all learning styles. The program’s strength lies on its variety, and more so, on its flexibility. You can go at your own pace. You may use only the resources provided in the pack which are more than plentiful. Or delve deeper by tapping into the recommended additional resources in the appendix. You may do this lingering on just one lesson, some, or all. You and your child get to call the shots.
Hands-On Activities Galore!
Within a project, again you’re free to pick and choose any activities your child finds stimulating and engaging. From reading, to writing short copyworks or long newspaper articles, to making crafts, drawing maps, coloring, cooking, timelining, lapbooking, and more. Activities galore! Of course, you may decide be selective, otherwise a precious learning experience might turn into quite a burnt-out exercise.
Though it all looks a little overwhelming at first, the “Start” document helps you feel in control right away. This is your ‘dashboard’ so to speak. From here you can access everything you need at any moment, and at any order. If you prefer you can open the files by going to the folders directly. I do this often so I can view and print the PDFs from within Adobe Reader rather than from the browser. Since “Start” is an HTML document it opens in the browser, Firefox, in my case. Thus, any files you open (click) from here will open in Firefox as well. This would be quite alright, except I found the printing a bit off sometimes. Not something you wish if some files are to align perfectly. Here’s a screenshot of the “Start” document:
Great Organization
This plethora of documents in America in World War II comes well organized. All PDF sheets and printables are classified into logical groups: covers, lesson masters, lesson projects, lesson texts, and teacher keys. Every category offers individual pages for the various activities. Some projects offer about 40+ individual pages, which is absolutely a pain to print. You need to open every single page and then click print on e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e! Of course, it may not be necessary to print them all, —we’re selective after all. Still, there’s a lot of file opening and printing required.
If I could ask for one improvement, would be that all sheets come together in a single file per project or unit. (So there would be 1 PDF with 40 pages, as opposed to 40 PDFs with 1 page each.) If so, I’d feed my printer the appropriate paper or cardstock, white or colored, and let it print, single or double-sided, all by itself. Easy peasy!
Don’t get me wrong. We do enjoy the type of activities in the Time Travelers pack, we really do! I just think an optional single PDF file per project or unit, would make this already fantastic product a much better one. In terms of prep work that is.
Top-Notch Timeline
The timeline which includes handsome figures is also a fabulous tool to place events not only in chronological order but in context as well. Suddenly, we begin to connect historical dots in a much clearer way.
How We Like Love America in World War II
I can’t even tell you how much Super Hero enjoys this type of hands-on learning. We love to feed the lesson text into our PDF Reader app, and listen to its stories while we cut, glue, color or craft away.
I think one of my personal favorites is the final outcome. Super Hero produces a bonafide keepsake that I, myself, love to revisit. I’m sure I’ll be tearing over these treasures when I’m an old, silver-haired grandma. I can imagine gathering the grandchildren round, showing them what their father and I did when he was a happy homeschooler ♥
If You’re Interested
As I said before, if you favor hands-on learning, like us, you might want to give these American History units a try. These Time Travelers, Lap-Paks, Timeline and Activity Packs succeed in making history more real, rather than just a distant tale. A while ago we used Project Passport, The Middle Ages, which Super Hero truly enjoyed. (That’s why he loved the idea of doing World War II this time around.)
Also, Home School in the Woods is releasing A-La-Carte projects! They have 50 projects available now, with more coming soon. Use the code alacarte at checkout to get a free copy of the Erie Canal project. Perfectly timed with the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the canal this week.
Home School in the Woods Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolinthewoods
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HSintheWoods
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hsinthewoods/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Homeschoolinthewoods/posts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrKq6iLty2fpB6R6ZpcUb8A
A note for secular homeschoolers
Home School in the Woods is a Christian publisher. However, most of their packs are secular friendly. Any religious products will be so indicated before you were to buy them.
Want to Learn More?
You will find lots of Crew reviews about the various products from Home School in the Woods. Make sure to skim through. I love taking a peek at reviews, I’ve discovered so many wonderful products that have so enriched our homeschool. So there, reviews are good for you 😉
Disclaimer
—
#Curriculum-Reviews, #History, #Home-Schooling
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/07/12/hands-on-history-curriculum-home-school-in-the-woods-review/
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First Form Latin Review
Homeschool Latin Curriculum for Grades 5 & Up (Even Adults)
When Memoria Press offered their Form Latin courses for review, I thought Super Hero might want in since he’s been studying Latin for a while. So I visited their website and took a look as I always do. After seeing samples, watching video lessons, and reading reviews, I took a much closer look! —First Form Latin would make an excellent choice not just for him, but for myself, too. I had started to learn Latin along with my son when he did, but my intention fell through the cracks somehow. Now, First Form Latin was offering us the chance to learn Latin together once and for all.
What We Received
Memoria Press sent us First Form Latin Complete Set, an incredibly generous package to get started with Latin. The complete package, which includes video lessons in a 3-DVD set, retails for $125. Memoria Press offers a similar package with streaming video lessons instead of the DVDs, should you prefer that option instead.
First Form Latin Complete Set: Student Text & Workbook, Teacher Manual & Answer Keys, Quizzes & Tests, 3 DVDs with full video lessons, Pronunciation CD, and Flashcards
What to Expect
Expect a big box with all the goodies: books, teacher guides & keys, workbooks, flashcards, CDs, and DVDs. First Form Latin includes everything you can possibly need to teach Latin with ease, even if you have no prior knowledge at all. It’s impossible to overlook the fine quality of Memoria Press’ materials. The shiny, colorful book covers, with smooth, silky white pages in black and blue ink. First impressions do matter I guess, and that alone makes you want to dive right in.
Course Structure
As with all Memoria Press courses, First Form Latin offers a very structured approach. The course is to last a full school year doing it every weekday. If there are co-ops and other activities begging for your time, it’s easy to adapt to 4, or even 3 days per week. I stopped trying to fit lessons into a fixed number of days long ago. Inevitably something always happens that interfere with our schedule. I like to keep it flexible:
Day 1: The Lesson. Either watch the lesson on the DVD or follow the Teacher Manual. Or watch the DVD, then just fill in with anything in the Teacher Manual the video might have missed.
Day 2: Begin with recitations and grammar questions. Then complete one worksheet. Close with the flashcards.
Day 3+: The same as Day 2 until all of lesson’s worksheets are done. There are 4 to 6 worksheets per lesson.
Day 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 (depending on how many days the above takes us): Oral drills in textbook and quiz.
Naturally, we play it by ear a bit. I don’t go through the entire list of grammar questions or flash all the cards every single time. Nor do we play the recitations CD every day, mostly we recite quickly without the CD. If this course is to succeed, it’s of vital importance we keep our load gentle and our pace comfortable.
Memoria Press suggests to follow the end of each lesson with optional history supplements. They suggest their own Lingua Angelica or Famous Men of Rome. As secular homeschoolers, I’m not inclined to consider Lingua Angelica. But we did tag Famous Men of Rome to the end of lesson 1. It’s relevant, and we enjoy it quite well. It’s definitely something I’d love to continue throwing in here and there, or perhaps more regularly. We’ll see.
Well Planned Out Lessons
The textbook and the DVD present very well planned out lessons. Evidently Ms. Cheryl Lowe, the author, and her team devoted a great deal of time and effort putting it all together. I value the workbook exercises in particular, tackling topics from several angles. They certainly help in understanding and deepening connections with Latin itself and with English. Requiring a daily worksheet 4 to 6 days after each 20 minute lecture is such a wise approach. —Slow and steady, that’s how the brain cements knowledge. Pair those with the audio recitations, the questions, and the flashcards, and you’ll embrace pretty much all learning styles.
The Video Lessons
The Instructor in the video lessons is just super. We both like Glen Moore a lot. He’s instructive and entertaining —a true edutainment experience! We enjoy his methodical lectures, and his jokes and relevant asides. You can tell that he not only has experience teaching Latin, but he enjoys it as well. He’s a professional Latin teacher after all.
I do, however, take his Latin pronunciation with a grain of salt. To be fair, he did clarify his recitations do not necessarily follow the correct pronunciation. The chants are to help memorization, so “feel free to stress the syllables any way you want.” Okay, that might be a valid reason, but I still would rather chant with the actual intonation lest I will get it wrong when I speak it. —Not that I’m planning to have real conversations in Latin any time soon, or come to think of it, ever! Still, it would be helpful to memorize correctly from the get-go. Aside from his recitation disclaimer, I still believe he makes an error. He pronounces the third person, plural, of the future tense conjugation incorrectly. The Latin ending is “bunt,” hence pronounced boont, as in foot, not bunt as in, well, bunt.
Despite this mispronunciation point, both Super Hero and I, love watching Glen Moore’s lecture. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes, which is the perfect length in our opinion. Here’s a sample lesson so you can see for yourself the charming edutainer Glen Moore in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fqtqPFyVGc
The next day (after the video lesson,) we begin with the grammar questions, as instructed in the Teacher Guide, then we do one worksheet, or two sometimes, depending on how quickly we finish. Last, we rehearse our vocabulary with the flashcards. At the end of each lesson —that is after several days of working with worksheets, grammar questions, recitations, and flashcards, we practice the Oral Drill before we take our quiz. We haven’t yet taken a test. That’ll come at the end of the unit, or every 6 lessons.
Our Thoughts about First Form Latin
Such structured methodology is working well with us for Latin. As a matter of fact, it’s working wonderfully. I’m liking it much more than I thought I would, which kinda surprises me a bit. The lessons have been gentle, yet rigorous, and crucial for a child —or any student: enjoyable!
We find ourselves looking forward to our Latin time. Super Hero who usually moans about having to write things down, has not uttered a single complaint. And there’s a fairly good deal of writing in the workbook! On the contrary, he’s requested to do Latin first thing quite a few times already. Wow! That’s quite something, especially since we are both staunch nonfans of workbooks. Yes, I did buy a workbook just for myself 😉
Unexpected Joys
Since Spanish is my native language, and Latin my “mother” tongue, or is it actually my “grandmother”? Anyway, I was saying, I find these exercises delightfully familiar. I can’t help reminisce about the times of my own grammar school days long, long ago in Ecuador. I think of the times my teacher would make us recite and write down verb conjugations. And now, sitting with my son on my side doing something remarkably similar fills my heart with endearing nostalgia.
Regardless of my own reminiscences, studying Latin with Super Hero has been one of the best things I’ve done lately. I can’t tell you how much Super Hero’s loving it. He delights in filling the workbook together. Sometimes it’s like a game for him. He wants to beat me with faster, error-free performance. Yet, other times, I think he likes being his mom’s equal: here we’re both “the students.”
Would You Like to Learn More?
With such an endless supply of resources out there, reviews steer you toward those that might work for you and your family. Many a time I’ve found homeschool curricula we’ve really loved thanks to reviews. So, if you’re interested please check out Crew reviews for several Memoria Press products.
Memoria Press:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memoriapress/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemoriaPress
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/memoriapress/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoriapress/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/104379865092561103366
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/memoriapress/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/memoria-press?trk=nav_account_sub_nav_company_admin
Disclaimer
—
#Curriculum-Reviews, #Foreign-Languages, #Home-Schooling
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/06/06/homeschool-latin-curriculum-first-form-latin-review/
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Free Civil War Video Lessons Homeschool Grades 4+
A Collection of Free* Civil War Video Lessons for Grades 4 and Up
Following on my American History Series, I’m including here my newest compilation of videos from Amazon Prime video streaming. If you’re a prime member, you can view these excellent documentaries and reenactments for free. (Hence, the free*.) Most come from New Dimension Media. I’ve seen videos from theirs a few times, they’re well made and pleasant to watch.
I’m looking forward to watching these videos with Super Hero as soon as we finish the American Revolutionary War video series.
New Dimension Media videos on the American Civil War:
First Blood: Cover three major battles of the Civil War: Fort Summer, Manassas, and Fort Donelson
Killing Grounds: 1862 as the worst year of the war until Lincoln changed its nature with the Emancipation Proclamation
The Confederate Resurgence: Major battles that led up to Gettysburg and Vicksburg, when the war finally turned in the North’s favor
I also found the series “The Great Battles of the Civil War,” from a different publisher. I put the videos in chronological order so it’s easy for us, and for you, to follow 🙂
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Manassas – July 21, 1861
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Shiloh – April 6-7, 1862
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Cedar Mountain – August 9, 1862
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Cedar Mountain – August 9, 1862
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Antietam – September 17, 1862
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Franklin – April 10, 1963
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Chancellorsville – April 30-May 6, 1863
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Vicksburg – May – July, 1963
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Gettysburg – July 1-3, 1863
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Spotsylvania – May 8-21, 1964
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Petersburg – June 1964
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Atlanta – July 22, 1864
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Bentonville – March 19-21, 1865
The Great Battles of the Civil War – Appomattox – April 8, 1865
So there you have them. I tried to include all the videos in my list, but I you know of any other in these series that I missed, please drop me a line. I’d love for all of us to have the complete list in chronological order.
Happy history watching!
#History, #Home-Schooling, #Homeschooling-for-Free
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/05/17/free-civil-war-video-lessons-homeschool/
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Math Enrichment Grades 5/6 Algebra for Breakfast Review
Math Enrichment Curriculum Homeschool
Whether math seems like a monster with three heads to your child, or she’s a real math wiz, Algebra for Breakfast will propel her to a whole new level of conceptualization.
I’m excited Super Hero’s doing so, gaining a deeper understanding of algebra using Algebra for Breakfast, our newest math enrichment curriculum. It’s helping him visualize and assimilate fundamental algebra concepts in a totally hands-on way. Plus Algebra for Breakfast is super easy-to-follow and fun to boot!
What We Received
We received a 6-month subscription for Algebra for Breakfast, grades 5/6, free of charge. In return, I’m posting my thorough and honest review of this excellent math enrichment program. A program for grades 3/4 is also available.
What to Expect with Algebra for Breakfast
Expect a math program that explains to young kids fundamental algebra concepts in a highly visual and hands-on fashion. Algebra for Breakfast is almost entirely filmed in an actual classroom full of 8 to 12 year-olds. Essential to the program is a set of manipulatives, Algebra for Breakfast uses a third-party set, the “Mortensen Math Combo Kit.” Although it’s possible to use cuisenaire rods, place value tiles, or other similar items, the real strength of the program springs from nuances in this particular kit. Hence, skipping these manipulatives might defeat its very purpose.
Video lessons are filmed in an actual classroom with real students
Bob Hazen, an experienced math teacher, and mastermind of Algebra for Breakfast, preps the students with fun games and activities. Children are to play these games while waiting for the manipulatives to arrive. A zip file with skip counting songs is part of the package, too. So is a set of math dice: 2 12-sided and 3 regular dice.
Accessing the material in the website is as easy as it gets. Right after login the site shows a simple table of contents (lessons.) Depending on the package you buy, the contents will vary. Ours shows the following groups:
Prep activities
Lessons 1-10
Lessons 11-20
Lessons 21-30
Lessons 31-40
Topics covered in “Grades 5/6” package
Each lesson presents 2 videos. The first one is an intro to the lesson, it’s brief, no more than a couple of minutes. The second video is the lesson itself, which takes between 2 to 10 minutes. Then comes the worksheet, one or two per lesson. And lastly, there’s “Parent’s Corner,” which contains all answer keys for the section.
The first video, the intro, is directed to the parent or has pointers to the student. The second video, the actual lesson, is filmed in a live classroom, as I mentioned earlier. It does get noisy at times, when the children are scrambling to find the required tiles and all. It can get a bit distracting. Still, I rather like the classroom setting. It’s nice to see the kids working on the tiles along with Super Hero. Mr. Bob goes around making sure everyone’s tiles got the math expression just right. Watching him correct the children makes a good reinforcement. He then demonstrates by placing the tiles on the whiteboard himself. Sometimes, though, the glare on his whiteboard makes it difficult to read his writings.
Bob Hazen introducing the concept of the Unknown X
The final lesson’s worksheet (sometimes two) is definitely a must do. It offers further exercises to cement the learning.
Following the instruction for the “unknown x,” this worksheet’s exercise #1 denotes 3X with the blue, smooth-side up tiles (unknown,) whereas exercise #2 denotes 46 with the blue, ridged-side up tiles (known.)
Our Thoughts & Usage
The program is self-directed. That is, the Super Hero is to work on it on his own, mostly. From time to time, there’s a note to the parent, which I am to watch accordingly to offer him help or guidance. I really like this aspect of the program. As Super Hero grows older, I find myself more partial to independent work.
Hence Super Hero has been doing Algebra for Breakfast completely by himself. It takes him about 10 to 15 minutes to complete a lesson with worksheet and all. He finds the program “easy and fun to do.” His very words.
Still, I have watched most of the videos so far (on my own, while I’m working.) I want to have a fresh perspective of my own. I find the use of these tiles brilliant. It offers an exceptional, totally hands-on way to conceptualize what otherwise would remain an abstract affair. Had you ever visualize x² + 3x + 5 this way? I sure hadn’t. (And I have a degree in math, darn it!) Don’t you wish you’d been taught this way? I sure do!
I also appreciate Mr. Bob’s pleasant demeanor with the children. You can tell he has experience dealing with children in this age group. Because of this plus the easy-going nature of the program Super Hero’s always willing to have Algebra for Breakfast (pun intended!) 😉
If You’re Interested
If you’d like to give Algebra for Breakfast a try, you can buy a monthly subscription for $22. This price point does not include the tiles, indispensable to the program. Please visit Algebra for Breakfast to learn more about its packages and pricing.
Want to Learn More?
I love reading curriculum reviews. I’ve learned about many excellent programs that have so enriched our homeschool. If you, too, enjoy them, make sure you visit the Crew to read more. Or just pay Algebra for Breakfast a visit at its facebook account. That’ll give you an immediate feel for what it’s all about:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlgebraForBreakfast/
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse 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. All opinions are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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#Curriculum-Reviews, #Home-Schooling, #Mathematics, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/05/11/math-enrichment-curriculum-algebra-for-breakfast-review/
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Free American Revolutionary War Videos U.S. History
I compiled here a list of videos you can access for free if you are an Amazon Prime member. There’s an assortment of publishers in this list but the theme is the same: The American Revolutionary War. Some videos, like the American History for Kids, is actually a series. It covers US History from colonial times through contemporary times. I also included the HBO series, “John Adams,” which has gathered many positive reviews. I loved reading a grandma gifted these series to her 10 year-old granddaughter who shares her love of history.
These are all in our homeschool’s watchlist. Still, please use with caution, especially if you have very young children at home. War themed movies cannot help showing strong scenes sometimes.
American History for Kids
History of American Revolution – A Documentary
The Growth Of Pre-Revolutionary America
The American Revolution
Rogers’ Rangers
Pontiac
Classic Firearms – Revolutionary War
The Making Of America’S Presidency
Proof Through The Night
John Adams Series
If you’re interested, I am sharing a wonderful free unit study on the American Revolutionary War courtesy of TinasDynamicHomeschool.com. You might not want to miss this fab resource!
Happy history watching!
#History, #Home-Schooling, #Homeschooling-for-Free
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/05/10/free-american-revolutionary-war-videos-lessons/
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Homeschool Art Curriculum ArtAchieve Review
ArtAchieve Learn to Draw & Paint Art from Around the World
We are not new to ArtAchieve. Super Hero and I had the good fortune of reviewing the Entire Level I last year, which we thoroughly enjoyed. So when we learned ArtAchieve was offering the Entire Level II for review this time around, Super Hero accepted with gusto.
What We Received
Super Hero has been taking online drawing lessons using the Entire Level II from ArtAchieve. We received a one year subscription to this online drawing program, a generous $56.78 value.
What to Expect
ArtAchieve offers uncomplicated drawing and painting lessons for children of all ages. Children young and old, and even adults, can learn to draw and paint delightful folk art from around the world. I’m positive everyone will find John Holfand’s instruction inspiring and oh-so-easy to follow.
The Entire Level II presents 14 lessons featuring such folk art from the following countries:
Swedish Dala Horse
Korean Wedding Duck
Japanese Goldfish
Elephant from Ghana
Ukrainian Cat
German Nutcracker
Sri Lankan Landscape
Tessellations
Ukrainian Rooster
Hiding Butterflies
Mexican Mask
Russian Fortress
Polish Szopka
Danish Mermaid
The Ins & Outs
As soon as the child logs in, the complete list of lessons appears in his dashboard. He needs not follow them sequentially, and can certainly skip around to whichever country he fancies. I like that flexibility. It could accommodate any history or geography studies you might be pursuing.
John Hofland delivers his rather charming instruction via videos and power point presentations. One needs not follow both options, one is enough. If you’re like us, you’ll probably hit the video regularly, oblivious to the power point. Yet, I know that a fine slide show is not without its merits. And, in ArtAchieve’s case, Mr. Hofland does deliver an outstanding presentation. It’s excellent to have both options.
Aside from the video and the power point, each lesson offers two printables: the warm-up exercise and the main artwork for reference. John Hofland also prompts the child to exercise to relax his eyes, hands, and body. Last, before getting started, he asks him to play soothing music while he draws and paints. Any calming, refreshing music the child prefers is valid, naturally. Still, he offers links to beautiful classical music.
Between the two formats, plus the actual hands-on nature of the program, he covers all learning styles. So kudos to ArtAchieve for thinking of finer details like this one.
Video Format
The video lesson takes no more than 30 or 35 minutes
Slide Show Format
I’m pasting a few screenshots from the slide show. I hope they will convey the high, detailed quality I mentioned, so you won’t just have to take my word for it.
Cross-Curricular Connections
Aside from the actual art lesson, Mr. Holfland includes valuable cross-curricular connections. These are optional, of course, but it’s hard to resist surfing through the links. He includes great references to culture, history, geography, and even literature and writing assignments for that particular country.
Here’s a sample video on geography:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSIO88WTLTw
And here’s a sample text from a webpage explaining cultures and traditions:
Wedding ducks have special role in every Korean wedding. They were chosen as it is known that they mate for life. Long time ago a man expressed his wish to get married by bringing a pair of ducks or geese to the family of his bride-to-be.
The wedding duck symbolizes three things:
1. Peace
2. Many children
3. No separations.
Materials
Art —art supplies that is, can be expensive. Even simple materials for very little ones could run you a double digit bill, depending on the art program’s requirements. There’s no avoiding that. ArtAchieve, however, uses simple, inexpensive supplies you surely already have in your homeschool. Color pencils, crayola markers, and crayola watercolors or temperas paint just as well. John Hofland uses those very items in some of his videos. (Of course, we all understand the better the materials, the finer the masterpieces our children can create.)
Using ArtAchieve
John Hofland’s approach is simple, but far from simplistic. He makes his lessons agreeable to anyone, regardless of age or talent, I dare say. He constantly inspires the child to follow his own style and preferences. I think you will agree, this is paramount. I love it when an adult makes Super Hero —or any child— feel capable. Perhaps few things could warm a child’s heart better than the imbuing in him his opinions and choices are important, too.
Another huge benefit of ArtAchieve is its unlimited access to the lessons. Perfect for any medium or large family. There’s no electronic tracking or grading for each child, so anyone can watch the lessons anywhere, anytime.
Want to Learn More?
If so, make sure you read more reviews from my fellow Crew members. There’s plenty! Or you can just pay ArtAchieve a visit at its social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artachieve @ArtAchieve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnahofland @johnahofland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArtAchieve @ArtAchieve
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/artachieve artachieve
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JohnHoflandartachieve ArtAchieve
Disclaimer
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#Art, #Curriculum-Reviews, #Home-Schooling, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/05/03/homeschool-art-curriculum-artachieve-review/
#art#cultures#geography#history#secular homeschooling#Art#Curriculum Reviews#Home Schooling#Secular Curriculum
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Free Writing Lessons Series #6
Free Writing Lessons Series
Free Expository Writing eBook
The next ebook in my Free Writing Lessons Series is “Expository Writing” from the Curriculum Services of Canada, www.curriculum.org. Curriculum Services Canada supports an International learning community and offers access to free quality resources to help build strong education systems.
This book lays concise lessons with clear step by step instructions on how to tackle an expository piece. Aimed for classroom use, but it’s easy to adapt for the homeschool, or small groups. The ebook does also provide tips to personalize the instruction when needed.
Download Free Writing Curriculum Homeschool
Free Writing Lessons Series #4:
Step by Step Strategies for Teaching Expository Writing
download PDF now!
In case the button above does not work for you, here’s the direct link:
http://www.boveecruz.com/teachers/ExpositoryWriting.pdf
More in the Free Writing Lessons Series:
Free Writing Lessons Series #1
Free Writing Lessons Series #2
Free Writing Lessons Series #3
Free Writing Lessons Series #4
Free Writing Lessons Series #5
Remember to check back often for more to come in the series 🙂
Let me know what you think of these, and how you might use them in your homeschool! Happy writing!
#Free-Printables, #Home-Schooling, #Homeschooling-for-Free, #Language-Arts, #Secular-Curriculum, #Writing
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/04/26/free-expository-writing-ebook/
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Free Writing Lessons Series #5
Free Writing Lessons Series
Ebook: Step by Step Strategies for Teaching Expository Writing
I stumbled upon this ebook: Step by Step Strategies for Teaching Expository Writing written by Barbara Mariconda. Ms Mariconda is the author of the very popular “Empowering Writers” program implemented in many elementary and middle schools across the country.
I read the ebook. The strategies she presents are excellent really. So if you’re looking for a boost in your current expository writing homeschool program, you can’t go wrong by reading her tips and strategies. She even outlines lessons here that you could sprinkle now and then with your children.
Download Free Writing Curriculum Homeschool
Free Writing Lessons Series #4:
Step by Step Strategies for Teaching Expository Writing
download PDF now!
In case the button above does not work for you, here’s the direct link:
http://content.scholastic.com/collateral_resources/pdf/08/9780545182508.pdf
More in the Free Writing Lessons Series:
Free Writing Lessons Series #1
Free Writing Lessons Series #2
Free Writing Lessons Series #3
Free Writing Lessons Series #4
Remember to check back often for more to come in the series 🙂
Let me know what you think of these, and how you might use them in your homeschool! Happy writing!
#Free-Printables, #Home-Schooling, #Homeschooling-for-Free, #Language-Arts, #Secular-Curriculum, #Writing
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/04/19/free-writing-lessons-series-5/
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Improve Conversation Skills Color My Conversation Review
Would You Like to Improve Your Child’s Conversation Skills?
Consider Color My Conversation, a dynamic, multi-sensory program that teaches children the skills to carry face-to- face conversations with ease and confidence.
Color My Conversation
We received the complete Color My Conversation (CMC) set, a $149 value, from Northern Speech Services. In exchange, I committed to use CMC regularly during this last six weeks, to deliver my thorough and honest review.
What to Expect
Color My Conversation was developed to assist children in their social language development. By establishing strong communication skills, it leaves kids with self confidence and empowers them to engage in life.
—Rosslyn Delmonico,
Speech Language Pathologist, Creator of Color My Conversation
CMC’s aims to develop the most basic of social skills in all types of children in grades K to 7. CMC is often used by Speech Pathologists and Social Behaviorists while working with children with special needs. These include children with Language Delayed, Language Disorder, Mild Intellectual Disabilities, High-Functioning Autism, and Aspergers Syndrome. Eventually, CMC started benefiting a much broader range of children, including those in mainstream settings.
CMC takes about 14 to 16 to implement fully. Still, its curriculum can be adapted for any period of time, up to an entire year if desired. These are the materials needed and included in the kit:
12 “Conversation Path” Stepping Floor Graphics
100 Topic Prompt Picture/Emotion Cards
50 Game Tokens
50 Dry Erasable Wall Display Cards
2 Dry Erase Pens
Cloth Ribbon (approx. 9.5ft)
Game Board (foldable) with 4 new Activities on the back
CMC Ball
Classroom Poster
Instructional Manual on CD
12 CMC Songs on CD
Additional Reproducible Worksheets & Activities
I must admit, the instructional CD made me feel utterly overwhelmed. At first, it seemed to have loads of information without a clear step by step guidance. Gradually, and after watching the instructional videos, it all started to make sense. Suddenly, I was surprised at how explicit and organized it appeared. I wondered how I ever felt so overwhelmed.
Reading and watching the instructions takes time. It all should be just fine if you don’t pressure yourself to finish up already to get started! Like I did. We had gotten started, though not with Super Hero just yet. Ms. Rosslyn Delmonico helps soothe any lingering overwhelm with her gracious and friendly disposition. I really enjoyed watching her videos! You can tell she’s passionate about helping the children feel engaged and confident. “Confidence” being the operative word!
Levels
Beginner Level – ages 5 to 12. Students learn the “Conversation Path”. This includes greetings (yellow), conversation starters like “how are you?” (green), topics like “what’s your favorite food?” (blue), conversation stoppers like “I gotta go” (red), and good-byes (yellow.)
Intermediate Level – ages 5 to 12. Students learn the “Take It To The Table” approach. The “WH” questions, which Super Hero and I called the 5Ws. The ‘yes/no/maybe’ questions, learning to make comments, how to change the topic, and speaking so others can understand.
Advanced Level – ages 8 to 12. Students learn the “Color My Conversation Game.” Students either actively play or observe others who are playing adding their own comments. Here students learn the roles of primary listener or primary speaker.
Expert Level – ages vary. Students apply their skills in a natural setting.
Lessons
You may access a sample of the Beginner Level, Lesson 1, The Yellow Conversation. As you may see, each lesson follows this format: A parent letter, an overview, the lesson, and teaching tools. The lesson itself, provides an introduction, the basic training, role plays, helpful hints, homework and supplements. I like that it includes the script for me to follow. It’s priceless, even if I sometimes don’t follow it exactly. Throughout it, there are boxes containing special instructions for special cases. All personalities are addressed: outgoing, reserved, shy, disengaged. The program wants to make sure everyone’s cared for.
Thoughts & Usage
Super Hero and I love Color My Conversation. It is such a fun program. The yellow ball immediately puts us in the mood for a “game.” It really does feel like a game. Each time it’s Super Hero’s turn to talk he steps on the color-coded stone. He instantly knows what to say, then tosses the ball back to me. Practicing a typical conversation, plus different scenarios that may arise, gives him greater confidence. I can see he’s gradually feeling much more secure to converse when he’s around groups of people.
I never really thought about the ins and outs of carrying a conversation. Perhaps it is because we, as adults, are so used to it already. Like breathing, we just don’t think about it, we just do it. But depending on a child’s personality, holding a conversation, may not come as easily. Color My Conversation has given a rather reserved Super Hero, an easy, pleasurable, non intimidating way to develop this essential skill. CMC is gentle, gradual, and systematic, and above all, it’s great fun! Super Hero’s always eager when it’s time to Color My Conversation.
Curious?
Reading reviews has allowed me to discover great programs I wouldn’t know otherwise. I like them a lot. There’s always plenty reviews to read at the crew. Also, do pay the Color My Conversation folks a visit. Ms. Rosslyn Delmonico seems like such a lovely person, and a real hero in my book. You may color your own conversations here:
Facebook (company): www.facebook.com/northernspeech
Facebook (product): www.facebook.com/colormyconversation/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/northernspeech @northernspeech
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/northernspeech
YouTube: www.youtube.com/northernspeech
Instagram: www.instagram.com/northernspeechservices/
Disclaimer
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#Curriculum-Reviews, #Home-Schooling, #Parenting, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/04/13/improve-conversation-skills-children-cmc-review/
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Digital Savvy Review • A CompuScholar, Inc. Course
Homeschool Computer Skills Curriculum Digital Savvy
You on the cutting edge of technology, have already made yesterday’s impossibilities the commonplace realities of today.
–Ronald Reagan
I think we all agree, technology rules today’s world —whether we like it or not. No matter which journey our children may decide to embark on, chances are computers will be an integral part of it. Becoming digital savvy is thus, a smart step to get them prepared for these commonplace realities of today.
The Digital Savvy Course
We received full access to Digital Savvy, a $120, one-year self-study introduction to computer science course from CompuScholar, Inc. An option for a $15 per month subscription is available also. And lastly, CompuScholar, Inc. offers enhanced instruction with a teacher-led annual program, $300, and monthly for $35.
What to Expect with Digital Savvy
Digital Savvy delivers a comprehensive introduction to computer skills for children in grades 6 to 12. It presents a clear, logical sequence of topics, with easy access to all materials from anywhere within the course. Being web-based, it delivers lessons via video-streaming, with an option for media download. As with most web-based programs, PDF documents for lectures, activities, and answer keys, are included as well.
There are 25 chapters, including mid-term and final projects. These are the topics covered:
Fundamentals of Computer Hardware
Fundamentals of Computer Software
Operating Systems
Computer Files
Computer Maintenance and troubleshooting
Computer Networks
Search Engines
Computer Security
Word processing
Spreadsheet programs
Presentation programs
Database technology
Project management and teamwork
Digital Images
Internet Communications
Social Media
More Social Media
Creating Web Pages
Web Links, Images and Animation
Programming Concepts
Digital Logic
Careers and Professional Skills
Chapters are listed in a straight-forward, easy to access fashion
Each chapter in turn offers 3 to 6 lessons, each with a quiz, an activity, and a test. A lesson offers the same content in two formats: video and text. It seems we always prefer video over text, but it’s excellent to have both alternatives. A video may take 10 to 20 minutes. Then comes the quiz. It’s short and easy, and Super Hero could take it up to 3 times to get a 100%, if he wants to. He usually does so in 1 or 2 attempts. The activity offers a hands-on project, excellent to bring everything together and wrap it all up.
At one lesson per day, Super Hero could easily complete one chapter per week. He does take a more leisurely approach, and studies about 3 lessons weekly. Still, he’s learned a great deal so far, and that’s only with the first four chapters. He will definitely continue on and complete the course. He definitely wants to finish it.
Parent/Teacher Dashboard
Teachers or parents are provided with an independent account to manage the course. It offers teacher guides, answer keys, the ability to enter grades for activities submitted, etc. One can also edit quiz grades if needed, and enter additional siblings/students.
Gradebook in the Parent/Teacher dashboard
Clicking on a particular quiz reveals the actual student’s responses. It’s possible to click on each question to view more details.
I believe high schoolers in particular, will appreciate these grading functionalities.
Using Digital Savvy
Digital Savvy’s video production seems quite professional, except for the audio. It is clear but not loud enough. We always have to crank up the volume way up lest we freeze still to avoid any competing sounds. The video itself is engaging with lots of relevant images and a pleasant female voiceover. There’s a mix of images varying from photographs to illustrations to cartoonish clipart. I like the photographs and illustrations, but not the cartoons. They grant an inelegant image in my opinion. But then again, I am not in the intended audience. Super Hero is, and he finds the clipart just fine.
Engaging videos with lots of visuals and a pleasant female voiceover
A sample of the cartoonish clipart I mentioned
I do like to have a video player offering options to go forwards or backwards 5, or 10 seconds. Digital Savvy’s player doesn’t offer that. Nor is it possible to pause the video with the spacebar —I’ve grown so used to doing that. I do like to pause from time to time to comment or throw in something relevant. Super Hero somehow managed to get the spacebar working on the laptop. Yet, we still haven’t been able to make it work on the desktop. Obviously, these are petty pet peeves that do not alter the quality or delivery of this excellent course. I just thought I should mention them for the sake of completeness.
Our Opinion of Digital Savvy
Being a homeschool with two computer scientist adults, I’d like to think we’re savvy enough in this field. Both, Roberto and I, try to impart the knowledge of technology to Super Hero constantly, and often casually. Now we’re tying several concepts together, thanks to Digital Savvy’s solid, structured introduction to computers. I’m enjoying the course as much as Super Hero. I don’t sit with him to study it together, but I will sometimes ask him to bring it to our kitchen’s nook to watch while we lunch or dine.
Interested in other Computer Courses?
If so, my fellow Crew members reviewed different CompuScholar courses including web design and web programming. Make sure to pay them a visit. And of course, please visit CompuScholar, Inc. at their social media accounts to learn about what they offer the homeschooling community:
Homeschool Programming
Facebook – www.facebook.com/HomeschoolProgramming
Twitter – https://twitter.com/HSProgramming @hsprogramming
CompuScholar, Inc
https://www.facebook.com/CompuScholar
https://twitter.com/CompuScholar @compuscholar
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse 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. All opinions are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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#Curriculum-Reviews, #Home-Schooling, #Science, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/04/11/homeschool-computer-skills-curriculum-review/
#science#secular homeschooling#technology#Curriculum Reviews#Home Schooling#Science#Secular Curriculum
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Middle School American History Curriculum Memoria Press Review
Middle School American History Homeschool Curriculum
History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul. –Lord Actou
Homeschool curriculum publisher, Memoria Press, generously sent us these American History packets for free: The Story of the Thirteen Colonies & the Great Republic Set, $48, and 200 Questions About American History Set, $27.90.
The Story of the Thirteen Colonies & The Great Republic, Grades 5 – 8
200 Questions About American History Set, Grades 5-8
What to Expect
The first set, The Story of the Thirteen Colonies & the Great Republic by H.A. Guerber, includes three softcover textbooks:
The textbook, edited by Memoria Press
The Teacher Guide
The Student Guide (Workbook)
The second set, 200 Questions About American History, comes with:
The Teacher Guide
The Student Workbook
The Flashcards
This American History curriculum targets children in grades 5 through 8. It covers the most salient events in American history since pre-Columbian times. It begins with an account of the natives, who have inhabited this land long before the Europeans arrived. Then it steadily goes from the Vikings’ brief American encounter in 1012, all the way to the Spanish American war in 1898.
Using the American History Curriculum
I do want to let you know, Memoria Press is a Christian Publisher, and a quite popular one! Since ours is a secular homeschool, we shy away from religious products. Still, I find some of Memoria Press’ materials are secular in scope, and thus, fine for us to use. In fact, we’ve used several of their ancient history, sciences, and penmanship books which we’ve enjoyed quite well. This American History curriculum is yet another excellent product.
Memoria Press edited and condensed two of H.A.Guerber’s classics: “The Story of the Thirteen Colonies” and “The Great Republic” into one tome for middle schoolers. Guerber’s book appeals to Super Hero particularly because each chapter is short, one to two pages, tops. I will let him read the textbook by himself, which he’s eager to do. One, because he loves history, and two, because Guerber’s textbook is not really a textbook, it’s more like a story you want to keep reading.
H.A. Guerber’s The Story of the Thirteen Colonies & The Great Republic – Sample chapter page. Each chapter is 1 to 2 pages with images almost always included
Most pages offer black and white illustrations, making the text even more enticing. Although color illustrations would be even better. Each double page spread in the Student Workbook covers about three chapters from the text with these sections:
Facts to know
Vocabulary
Comprehension questions
Enrichment: maps, timeline, and composition/research writing
We are partial to the Facts to Know. Such neat salient points at a glance make them easier to remember. Super Hero usually hates filling in vocabulary words. So I didn’t require him to do the vocabulary in the workbook. Instead, we keep a ‘word jar’ which we feed with little word cards constantly. Then we play hangman or scrabble-like games with those from time to time.
I have mixed feelings about the comprehension questions. I understand it makes sense to test the child’s comprehension, but I fear answering a long list of questions turns a wonderful reading into a dry and tedious exercise. Instead, I ask him to narrate his reading and then write it down. If he doesn’t get the most important points across, I use the questions as a guide. So, they are certainly helpful.
I throughly appreciate the numerous wonderful appendices provided in both, the Teacher’s Guide, and the Student Workbook. These are full length or excerpts of important documents such as:
Mayflower Compact
Paul Revere’s Ride
A letter from George to Martha Washington
Declaration of Independence
United States Constitution
Emancipation Proclamation
Gettysburg Address
And more
(The actual timeline is not included, so when the workbook ask the child to timeline an event, he must do so in his own timeline.)
The 200 Questions about American History are fun! They combine well with the Guerber book. They include drill questions, timeline, notable quotes, and an enhanced list of U.S. presidents. I put them in a bright tin can that I can carry around. It seems we’ve used them most in the kitchen when preparing dinner. Super Hero will drill me, then I will drill him. We play guessing games, and even included a few more of our own into the mix.
The 200 Questions About American History – Recommended Texts & Weekly Schedule
The 200 Questions About American History – Teachers Guide
Want to Learn More?
If so, there’s plenty more reviews from my fellow Crew members. I love reading reviews. They’re so helpful in guiding me toward outstanding curriculum or materials that I wouldn’t know otherwise. Or to help me stay away from things I know wouldn’t fit our homeschool.
Follow Up
Memoria Press is everywhere social media. Make sure to pay them a visit if you want to learn more about their excellent products:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memoriapress/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoriapress/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemoriaPress @MemoriaPress
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/memoriapress/
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse 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. All opinions are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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#Curriculum-Reviews, #History, #Home-Schooling, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/04/05/middle-school-american-history-memoria-press-review/
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Free American Revolution Unit Study Lapbook Homeschool
American Revolution Lapbook and Unit Study
Following on our American History theme, I’m sharing yet another fabulous resource from “Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool”. Tina shares loads of extraordinary resources, most of them free. This special unit study and lapbook focuses on the American Revolution, ideal to go along any American History curriculum you may be following.
Here’s one of the many screenshots you’ll find at Tina’s blog.
American Revolution 1775 – 1783. Free American Revolution lapbook & unit study. After the French and Indian War peace came to the 13 Colonies.Hands on history.
Download American Revolution 1775 – 1783
Well, I’m sure you will agree this is an extremely valuable resource. Even if you’re not a lapbooks fan, you can use most of these graphics as timeline figures, for notebooking, or just to spice up any history reading. And you know what? Doing a lapbook once in a while is really a lot of fun. It does offer a neat way for summarizing and learning. Long after you children finish, you won’t stop contemplating the precious keepsakes they create.
Thank you so much Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool! This is sooo appreciated!
#History, #Home-Schooling, #Homeschooling-for-Free, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/03/29/free-american-revolution-unit-study-lapbook/
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Bessie's Pillow Review US Immigration Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction Book or Living Book on US Immigration
A historical fiction book or a living book on US Immigration during the early 20th century, Bessie’s Pillow is the gem you probably didn’t know you were missing.
We received Bessie’s Pillow – La almohada de Bessie, English/Spanish edition, published by Strong Learning, Inc. This book retails for $20. $3.99 for the Kindle, English only version.
What to Expect Delightfully Unexpected
The Crew usually requires us reviewers to pay a thorough visit to the vendor’s website before receiving our goodies. I looked around Bessie’s Pillow and Strong Learning’s websites, as I always do. The gist of the program: A young jewish woman, a teenager still, traveling alone, leaving her entire family behind to avoid persecution in her native Lithuania. More or less a typical immigration story, but the bilingual Bessie’s Pillow, a parallel text edition (Spanish and English side by side) piqued my interest.
I intended Super Hero to read the Spanish text all by himself, consulting the English side as needed. That’s the beauty of parallel texts. Grammar and vocabulary aides in perfect context right at his fingertips. Well, it turns out my idea didn’t quite go as planned. The book got lost in the mail somehow. On top of that, I had marked the wrong date of arrival on my calendar. By the time I realized the book was missing, we only had a week left before the deadline. In a panic that we wouldn’t fulfill our commitment, I bought the English edition in Kindle. It was the only one immediately available. Super Hero began reading it at once.
Meanwhile the kind folks at Strong Learning and the Crew came through for us. Last Friday the mailman knocked and left a package with the words “2nd attempt” in big letters. Bessie’s Pillow / La Almohada de Bessie had made it! I opened it straightaway, and began reading the spiral bound book then and there. Gradually, my lingering worry turned into calmness, then into full-fledged captivation. Bessie’s story grabbed me by the heart. I had a hard time putting the book down. I devoted every small, and large, block of time I could find until I finished it a couple of days ago.
Our Reading Experience
I must admit, Bessie’s Pillow’s Spanish text is more advanced than Super Hero’s current level of reading (in Spanish.) He’s certainly reading the English text with ease, and he’s doing so by himself. I still want him to read the Spanish book as was my original intention. I’ll make sure to sit with him to read just one or two paragraphs at a time. I’m confident he will appreciate the bilingual tome even more since he will already be familiar with it.
La almohada de Bessie presents an exceptional translation into Spanish with which I’m utterly impressed. Since I translate semi-professionally, I find that nothing hones my craft more than reading in both languages. It helps me to read a chunk in Spanish, then the same chunk in English, or viceversa. Well, this time I couldn’t do that. La almohada de Bessie is so compelling I had to keep reading with no pauses. I stopped only occasionally to relish masterful word choices or the impeccable sentence structure. I shall now revisit the book to study my chunks of text more carefully.
If your Spanish is advanced, or even intermediate level, La almohada de Bessie offers plenty to sharpen your skills. This because of its unbeatable parallel text format, and its elegant, flawless translation. I wonder if Dr. Linda Bress Silbert, the author, translated it herself. I couldn’t find the translator’s name on the credits.
I wouldn’t recommend it for beginning Spanish students. If you’re one, make sure to put this title in your wish list for when your Spanish goes up a notch, or two. 😉
But What’s Bessie’s Pillow All About?
Bessie’s story is not just Bessie’s it’s everybody’s story. It’s about all the immigrants to this country. —Linda Bress Silbert, Ph.D., Author
Bessie’s Pillow is the story of a young jewish woman, only 18, who leaves her native Lithuania in the early 1900’s to avoid persecution. She comes alone, knowing she will not see her parents, and probably not her siblings either, ever again. Just like the author says, it’s everyone’s story. It’s about all the immigrants to this wonderful country. Indeed, I, too, very much identified with some aspects of Bessie’s story, being an immigrant myself.
Linda Bress Silbert is a gifted writer and storyteller. She based her story on conversations between her grandmother, Bessie Markman, and her mother, Ann Bress around 1950. She succeeds in telling her grandmother’s story with much warmth of feeling. I couldn’t hold my tears in a couple of occasions, nor at the end of this remarkable story of triumph over life’s tribulations. Bessie’s is also a story of promise. No matter the woes, joy and hope are part of life, too. For all of us!
Bessie’s Pillow’s companion website offers a thorough collection of practical resources. Perfect for any unit study you might follow on the history of US Immigration early last century. Topics are organized in the following broad themes:
European Immigration
Famous People
Food and Recipes
Health
Housework
Movies
Music and Dancing
News
U.S. Presidents
Radio
Radio shows and music the family listened to, theaters they frequented, political events, social, technological, and cultural changes they lived through. Suddenly, all this information gains new, real meaning when paired with Bessie’s Pillow. History springs to life when it all comes together like that.
Want to Learn More?
I think you, too, will love Bessie’s Pillow. I know my fellow Crew reviewers are just as delighted with it as I and Super Hero are.
If you’d like to learn more about Strong Learning, make sure to visit their social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BessiesPillow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BessiesPillow
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse 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. All opinions are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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#Curriculum-Reviews, #History, #Home-Schooling, #Unit-Studies
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/03/23/historical-fiction-books-bessies-pillow-review/
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Online Art Program Creating a Masterpiece Review
Homeschool Online Art Program
Creating a Masterpiece Review
Is art one of those subjects often neglected? If so, consider the online art program Creating a Masterpiece. It’s uncomplicated and friendly approach is bound to help grant art enduring status in your homeschool.
What We Received
We received the Monthly Plan from Creating a Masterpiece free of charge. This generous package retails for $39.99 per month or $349 per year.
What to Expect
Creating a Masterpiece is an online art program offering an ample library of streaming video lessons for children of all ages. It’s organized into levels, from beginners to advance:
Beginners
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Art in history
You may select to subscribe to just one particular level or to the entire collection (all levels.) Whichever you choose, the entire family gets unlimited access anytime.
Each level offers about 8 to 9 projects featuring a variety of art media: watercolors, charcoal, ink, pastels, gouache, acrylic, and mixed media. The upper levels offer sculpture projects in clay as well.
Each project comprises 1 to several lessons depending on how involved it may be. In turn, each lesson comprises 3 or more sections with the actual video lessons.
I’m including here some screenshots for the “Floral Medley” watercolor project in Level 1. I hope this gives you a better idea of Creating a Masterpiece’s structure:
Main project link
Sharon Hofer, the instructor, welcoming the student, and giving an overview of the project
Supporting materials
A detailed listing of materials, usually with helpful color swatches, appears below the video.
List of supplies and items needed
Scrolling further down the page reveals helpful tips, downloadable printouts, links to dickblick.com to buy supplies, lesson highlights, and a student gallery:
Helpful Tips
Downloads
Lesson Highlights: what’s done by the end of each section
Reference Art / Student Gallery
How We Use this Online Art Program
I intended to sit down with Super Hero to create masterpieces together. Time constraints with work duties, however, haven’t let me do so just yet. The good news is that because of Sharon Hofer’s gentle and clear instruction, Super Hero hasn’t needed me at all. I like that. It’s reassuring to see him working so independently.
I did get to preview several projects playing them on my computer while I work. To start, Sharon’s warm, friendly personality succeeds in putting the student at ease. I attribute this to Super Hero’s willingness to work all by himself. After a cordial welcome and overview of the project, she reviews the supplies. She stresses the importance of art materials indicating when it’s okay to economize with ‘cheaper’ products, and when not to. As we know, art supplies can be pricey. Still, as we also know, a masterpiece is the direct result of the quality of paints (and tools) used. Sharon thus recommends using high-quality supplies if possible, so that we can expand our artistic skills beyond what we might have experienced before.
Throughout the lessons, Sharon Hofer encourages Super Hero to apply his own creativity with specific suggestions. “If you want to add a leaf in, add a leaf.” —”If that looks too dark for you, just soften it with a bit of water.” As she moves along, she offers commentary that adds to the lesson: “Different layers of color showing through may seem like a mistake or an imperfection, but it isn’t. It’s the mark of a good painting.” These thoughtful remarks often refer to techniques like shading, textures, lines, color, and other such art fundamentals.
Do We Like Creating a Masterpiece?
Yes!
Sharon Hofer makes what might seem like a challenging work, an attainable project. These are not childish-looking artworks you paint with your Crayola supplies. (No offense Crayola folks!) These are rather sophisticated projects for children (adults even!) that she not only renders doable but enjoyable and satisfying. Her step by step instruction is easy to follow. She stops from time to time to recap and tell what’s coming next. This way, Super Hero knows what to expect at all times. Personally, listening to her share short art principles throughout, makes me feel like I’m getting practical tips from a knowledgeable “insider” who wants me to do well and to know, too.
By breaking the project into sections of about 5 minutes each, she succeeds in developing Super Hero’s interest and confidence. I think the 5-minute video is truly a key element in this program for children. This way a wiggly child who can’t sit still for too long, knows he will be allowed to rest after a short time. Usually, though, he’ll want to keep going. Suddenly, 5 minutes don’t seem all that long at all!
Sharon often encourages Super Hero to produce several versions of the same piece (different colors, intensities, etc.,) that way he can select which he likes best. This reinforces the concept that art is a subjective matter. And that even though she’s much more experienced and more knowledgeable, her artwork is, in a sense, “no better” than the child’s work. —A tremendous confidence booster for the young artist, which I have the pleasure to begin to notice in Super Hero.
I like she features students’ projects in her gallery. It’s always helpful and inspiring to admire other talents. I do wish she had included the children’s ages for each piece. My reasoning: If others (and so young others) can do it, so can we.
Last but Not Least
The camera work is excellent with fine lighting and sound. It’s surely a professional’s job. I do appreciate the close-ups at the most opportune times, too. The video player is quite standard. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer the ability to go backward or forward 5 or 10 seconds. I find this feature very helpful with any type of lesson, especially with art. Nor does the player offer the chance to slow or accelerate the video’s speed, which is something we might do when revisiting lessons. Of course, these preferences of mine do not diminish the program’s quality in the least.
We did knock a couple of stars from Open and Go and Easy Prep. Any art program requires prepping and cleaning up. Creating a Masterpiece is no exception.
Want to Learn More?
If so, there’s plenty more reviews from my fellow Crew members. Or just pay Creating a Masterpiece a visit at their facebook account:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createamasterpiece
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse 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. All opinions are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
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#Art, #Curriculum-Reviews, #Home-Schooling, #Secular-Curriculum
http://www.raisingaselfreliantchild.com/2017/03/21/online-art-program-creating-a-masterpiece-review/
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