tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62357463965063811912024-03-13T06:08:24.338-04:00Homeschooling My MiraclesMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-28125511858817757012016-11-02T20:54:00.001-04:002016-11-02T21:26:46.439-04:00Another Year Gone ByI pull up my blog tonight to tell all of my readers that are still hanging around that I am going to do my best to start blogging again. And I realize it was exactly one year ago today that I said that, and didn't post again....WOW...an entire year gone by. So, here goes. I am going to do my best to start again!<br />
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My goal is to show the realities of homeschooling - the good, the bad, and the ugly. So many Moms feel inadequate to homeschool because all they see is the "perfectness" of people's lives on social media. My goal is to show you that homeschooling is not about "perfectness." If anything your kids will show you all your imperfections! <br />
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So, our day was long, our day was tiring, but our day was productive! Here's what a productive homeschooling day looks like when it's all over -<br />
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There's a pile of papers colored by the youngest - YAY, he was quiet while we got our group work done! Wooohoooo! That is a HUGE acomplisment in and of itself! And, he will die if he sees them in the trash, so they must go on the fridge for a few days and then secretly be put in the trash can.<br />
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There's a mess on the dining room table, because who has time to pick up one subject before moving on to the next! And, yes, we have a designated homeschool room, but we ALWAYS migrate to the dining room table!<br />
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There's notebooks/books and laptops laying around everywhere, because a certain 11 year old does NOT know how to pick up anything, but hey, atleast he is doing his school work!<br />
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And, of course there is a pile of dishes in the sink, because school work needs to be done before swim and basketball practice, so the dishes can wait.</div>
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And there's a screaming child, because he scraped his hand and has a "huge" booboo, that in reality I am unable to even see!</div>
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But, at the end of the day there are sweet kiddos, that actually got along for a few minutes on this particular afternoon! </div>
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It really is worth it all!</div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-89409674988453924132015-11-02T16:05:00.005-05:002015-11-02T16:05:52.839-05:00WOW ... It's Been a WhileI cannot believe it has been over THREE years since I have even touched this blog! I truly love blogging, but life has been a little busy. Or maybe ALOT busy! Our littlest was born a few days after my last post, and he was nine weeks early! So that was quite an ordeal with an emergency c-section, and then Isaac being in the NICU for over 5 weeks. Then, life with 4 kids is just plain insane! There's no other way to put it. We are just crazy busy ALL the time! But we wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
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A little update on all the kids! We are still homeschooling them all, and love it. We really couldn't imagine life without all of us being together all the time!<br />
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Isaac just turned three last week. Even with a slow and rough start he is a happy, healthy, and completely normal three year old. He talks CONSTANTLY. He is FINALLY potty-trained and he is totally and completely in love with his siblings! He also recently gave up his beloved paci, but he has been such a big boy about it. He is doing a little bit of "preschool" with Mommy when time allo He knows his colors and shapes. He does NOT like to sing, but he does love to be read to. He learns very quickly, and also plays on his own nicely while Mommy works with the other kids, what a blessing that is!<br />
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And our oldest, Paul. He just turned 14. He is now taller than I am, and thinks that is the best thing EVER! He started high school (still homeschooling, but high school means things have to be a little more serious) this year, and that has been much easier than I anticipated. He is a hard worker, and enjoys a little more challenging work load. He is our athlete and the one that is going to put 110% in to everything he does. He plays football and baseball for our church's Christian School, and loves it. He feels God his calling him in to full-time Christian ministry when he is an adult, which totally blesses this Momma's heart! I can't wait to see how the Lord uses our young man for His glory!<br />
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My Molly-squirrel. Our one and only baby-girl. She is our sweetness in the middle of all these crazy boys! She is also as mean as they are when she needs to be. Molly is now 8, and in the 3rd grade. She is very bright and speeds through her work each day without even really being asked. She has a very vivid imagination and is also the best big sister Isaac could ask for! She loves to sing and dance. But she also loves racing the boys, and riding 4-wheelers. She is a tom-boy at heart, but she still loves her long hair and frilly dresses. I love having one little girl to spoil rotten!<br />
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And my Zachary!! Oh, my crazy, nutty, zany Zachary. He is our second-born and is the one that taught us (and continues to teach us that we know absolutely nothing about parenting! Zach defies all the text books, and makes us figure out new and creative ways to teach and to live life! He is our comedian, our inventor, our scientist and our historian. He is insanely smart! But don't dare ask him to sit still and do a worksheet or he might just explode. He loves to build Legos, he reads EVERYTHING he can get his hands on, and also has a box of broken appliances under his bed that he is trying to take apart so he can create something - who knows what that something will be! He loves Toyota Corrolla cars, and he loves his siblings! He is so patient and kind, especially with Isaac. He really is an amazing ten year old.<br />
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So, there's a little update on how we are doing. God has truly blessed our little family! I do want to start blogging again, but I am not 100% sure when or what that will look like. Hope all of you in the blog-world are doing well!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-91334945752191404692012-10-12T16:46:00.001-04:002012-10-12T16:46:59.219-04:00"Children in Church" - a book reviewCurt and Sandra Lovelace are the authors of a new book called <a target="_blank" href="http://childreninchurch.com/">"Children in Church: Nurturing Hearts of Worship"</a>. The book is being published by Great Waters Press, who also published "Raising Real Men".<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.raisingrealmen.com/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq02DA6VIRc5LUyVUmzClqW9f7ix6drM-aPIfRWOgn0jYi09Ht_09fcV2PAR9h40d82owFE5AYtzq50oJH4Bx810PStGUFVHPsWo2bJ5QllyB8J3SF-rbktIhohEOCBOwVSdGS0vQM2jk/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='62' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A little about Curt and Sandra Lovelace: This couple has served The Lord in many different capacities over the last four decades. They have served all over the world from the United States, Europe, Africa and the Carribean. They currently live and serve in the Czech Republic. They have raised 2 daughters and have a very Biblically based approach to child-rearing.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798527126874596626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3X3b5jJRvrXIex2U5JgF0NH0aq2Up4yIYjXzd0uZDaqUCmnGnvtiU1JbWmP39eUs2y6wEkfzRGJ5ijYs1f7LMmy3ds5oaIJLsUY6xptr4MFudEPElCrRw6KqTn7zIZXJ-8ltb6LXfnI/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"Children in Church" gives a Biblical basis for bringing children in to the main worship service instead of having a separate children's ministry for them. They point the reader to many Biblical reasons as to why our children should learn from the very beginning to worship with the entire family. They also give practical ways to integrate children in to the service. <br /><br />The Lovelaces tell many stories of how they have been received in various ministries for keeping their children with them during the service. There are several anecdotes about how they spoke to leaders of ministries and shared their reasoning behind what they were doing, as well as the different responses they have gotten from various church leaders. The anecdotal stories of how children acted in church were quite humorous. They give real examples of kids who get a little unruly in church and how that should be dealt with. They give some great ideas on how to keep kids occupied but not disruptive during services.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798527151033929842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlntHYUmCVEhKh8aUiKdzwmeKR0V6Gg2t8br-B3f5Veiqxf4xldxlxB0bo_7YOpcga1b0ozhOb1zJ9yuxpecSPnFM8nkjNtsSpI72yLd928i9AUU3OXJA5t3vGVYXS_rCWsDyR9NKlvk/s288/70.jpg' border='0' width='165' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center>The chapter titles are:<br />1-Bringing Them In<br />2-Understanding the Elements<br />3-Counting the Cost<br />4-Laying the Foundation<br />5-Getting Ready<br />6-Packing the Bag<br />7-Drawing the Word<br />8-Preparing a Plan<br />9-Facing the Challenges<br />10-Growing as Disciples<br />And a section written directly to church leaders</center><br /><br />The Bible is used throughout the book and it is obvious the Lovelaces are passionate about this topic. However, they are not "pushy" and simply lay out the facts as they feel the Bible presents them. They then leave it up to the reader to pray and ask God what is best for their family. I love this aspect of the book. I don't necessarily whole-heartedly agree with their take on the issue but I still really enjoyed reading and seeing a different perspective from my own. I think there is a time to integrate children in to the service, and we do that in our family.<br /><br />Personally, our kids have their activities on Sunday mornings and they attend the service with us on Sunday evenings, beginning at age 3. We do not allow our children to color or play or do anything else during the service. Our first was great with this. Our second child was a little more of a challenge, but now that he's 7 most Sunday nights he sits quietly and behaves. He fidgets alot but he knows the rules and the consequences. Our third, being a girl, can sit still without any issues and does great. For us, its a balance of allowing them to be kids in their morning classes, which are still structured Bible study times where they have lessons on their level and also allowing us to have some uninterrupted concentrated time to listen to the preaching on Sunday mornings. Then on Sunday evenings we are in the main preaching service together, and we love that time with our entire family together. Next year, as a 7th grader, our oldest will then be in the main service with us for all services. He has been learning to sit still and listen for many years now, but he has also had great Biblical teaching on his level. Now that he is old enough to move on to more in depth Biblical teaching he is ready for the main preaching service all the time. He has learned a great deal from the wonderful Sunday School teachers and Children's Church workers he has had over the years. Some of them have provided great role models for him and a young boy can never have too many strong Christian male role models. I know that wasn't necessarily part of the review of the book, but I had to share that there are different ways to integrate children in to the service when they are ready. It also shows that even though I have a different approach I would still recommend this book. It gives you alot of Biblical facts to process, and "chew-on" to decide what is best for your family! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/786375/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1xOAV9e1KzGQaiTTzRa8W0HdGdMsyRPuZfHjNTz_DJWZeSZWkvoXUhbVfGVt5XgiCm7CjFKPq4j1FX1m-dLvaiLWNLMxXuAtgLmG6wYklgI63RvXqEdrJw0Mo6LfXhO3CO82aab0SVw/s288/72.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Disclosure: I received a copy of the above book for free in exchange for an honest review on my blog. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions given are my own, honest opinions. <br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-85679973740098539632012-10-11T22:04:00.001-04:002012-10-11T22:04:45.004-04:00Zoo Whiz - a reviewZachary loves animals, actually I think love isn't a strong enough word. He adores animals and knows alot about them. He is constantly blowing us away with his knowledge of strange animals. He pours over animal books for hours each day. So, when the opportunity to review an online educational "game" called <a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoowhiz.com/">Zoo Whiz</a> I knew it was definitely something we needed for our homeschool.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.zoowhiz.com/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczS9mVtxIpMa_E-eO_qlQt7xbLbU31UKhm7TnqgOvTqtYdG0ZErOgOuUSofafAvtqhunu7p9ZrUjfYZoyvCeDSpkdMp2TWEvIYm74i-aoTO3h-lwhS6ttHmC6yDXj4513oZEc06nx-kw/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='163' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoowhiz.com/">Zoo Whiz</a> is designed for students between ages 5-15. It is a wonderful educational tool that works on math, reading, grammar, vocabulary and word skills. There are two ways to sign up. You can be a zoo keeper and have access to a great many of the features for FREE! If your child loves it, like mine does, you can easily upgrade to a Premium Membership for a limited time for $14.95 for the entire year, and your child becomes a zoologist. Check out what you get with the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.zoowhiz.com/premium">Premium Membership</a><br /><br />When your child logs on for the first time they get to pick their "character". Zach picked the little boy on the far left since "he looks like a zoologist" according to Zach!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237785414155634'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxmQQmYHdiBRBeR8jxTcwtY9zE6tybW0M6LU3njSISIztnrJK-uNGheAmCiAZVUkrotXo5dkZV97QPuxQpOPlGhEiDX2B4ETSOSYcmeZJ2CFFRfIHD9DDcqGeewwomt5sbZkLBjR_QZw/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='90' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They are then taken to the "map" <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237810012465426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKascBQUlD1QidbT_EZy0k3hIWC_aCIKzjazW8yoBFg5MvXRv-AT2U8cYaqNVN7VBLlUWGWdoqS41jiHlB6wCffMxPQOSIPvmpgxBy3kSwjXItZECLFdCfaGpxnxVtvlsybQ188PQfdQ/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='150' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are 4 places they can visit. <br /><br />"Learn and Earn" is where they choose what educational activity they want to work on. Now, the parent must go in when setting up the account and choose what level they want their child working on. I love that each subject can have a different level. Since Zach's Math levels are not quite where they "should" be but his Reading skills are quite accelerated I was able to set them at different levels so he could work on the skills he needs to work on. The students earn coins for completing activities. There are lots of skills to work on at all levels.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237839265065778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_E9xr291jJD9rVAYI_AFYjJHPWfzhPFHMGFGsoJIv7BERSvRPPznN1UrRMXSE5tzlX1zqG3al8c-4yZ0gI8WAH056YY3X2qN7ednsDdgQI3Hh0FBIxI0V9dgj6Z9K1UiBjwLKxWVbBk/s288/70.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='170' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237868926344498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaINwtM7NX8VkVwClOrmYZdYkQzw9CmtQzkl3n5T64SpIyYQ3ruk_VmoRFqXJzyWXaowzs-L8J0tNMkWcC1Q8oXckQIk5krEMIztJjDs_0LFY5aZF5xMv9D9F-UpZxJlCyL74c2eThi7E/s288/72.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='170' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237900590711746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfiXnKSpTYnyJDhX9ehtnKb5X8zV39a5AYABaqSSGutWqfJHWRZKyj4QOUEpwqmMtJ6H58RF0IrfmNetWAgY44MbfpwVIADNsTIHC67fYSWMCf5gQv0X9F4Ibqm-3US-0hTTNpIZLMlU/s288/73.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='170' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />They can also visit the "Biodome", which is Zach's favorite place. This is where he buys his animals and then can go in and learn all about those animals. There are real and mythical animals to buy. Zach loves the real ones because, like I already mentioned, he LOVES animals. He has also enjoyed saving for the "bigger" animals and it has taught him a little about saving. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237932235470066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA6zP0xQe6Qo-8hANOCWm7LRgsHJYWecYdwKptLWs3ba5PWweiXjYpNlhXVIY3V4JbI1J3fjQYVO6eN702uEz7NxOf_mEJjBA2ujX_Kp4Jhnmf3D7DORTdJsmWE2OhsllRKf8TINl0ZQ/s288/74.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='160' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The "Arcade" is another fun place to visit where the student can use their coins to play games. Some games are just for fun, and some are educational. Zach did not use this feature often because he did not want to "waste" his coins. The coins were precious to him for purchasing his animals!<br /><br />The "Milestones" is where students and parents can go to see what they have been working on and the progress they have made<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5798237959773949778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWoh6TKBcJIidhTq0Oh4YjCN8ZypiLLBjrGjmlJG0rwUO4zLHT1_gxILC3373JPr-VIqzdHW4GDRVyo_1pifpQFO7nth6Ne3hZwbGAvsi_GmLeS0lruSruFiHj91ya0zQNAD6wbCRpSA/s288/75.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='148' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This program could not have come at a better time for our family. Zach loved it from the start! Now, with me on hospital bedrest and Daddy trying to "hold down the fort" it is a great way for Daddy to keep some schooling going and make the kids happy at the same time. I cannot tell you how much Zach has loved this program, he is learning without even realizing he is learning, and then he gets to learn about the animals that he loves learning about so much!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/786479/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqbXVFB7xK-MFz67UoxujHLa1ZRfEPj1wrN7HzFiJTWzwLwQUPQxBeqPuqDkSkg2-ZPIz3iEzsF9-fHvRqgwALomHd1IAqi9UBifqTi4gdA6sA9_NZNZMejjB840McDOL3VvLwzW3FUs/s288/76.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Disclosure: We were given a 12 month premium subscription to Zoo Whiz for free in exchange for an honest review on my blog. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions given in this review are my own, honest opinions.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-38676810799684932312012-09-05T11:40:00.001-04:002012-09-05T11:40:47.103-04:00playPLAY Games - a reviewWe love to play games around here, and they are a regular part of our school day. The kids don't even realize they are learning, and they all get to play together! We were thrilled to review a set of three games from "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.iplayplaygames.com/">playPLAY games</a>"<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5784717935212005570'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoAxbo92QaHEDhJ9qGfORADqA4gGIP0jueeJSRYNZWcXYfYg1_vBLztKY8awMgto7gIRJYYgDQGg6lGGxTvcR3FiQ6lcCjpMSiLciLs_scH9wllzGlWBkn-OvvaSvngiFusLeti-z8dQ/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='68' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We reviewed a set of three games that are available to purchase individually or as a set. The set is designed for ages 5 and up and helps to promote creativity and imaginative thinking. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5784717971092140386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7n49gby1azG_nKdfl1c9uKrKOLhGsvC4bLRg7r6yJaQvCdaAbcxZ658R4qWipVp23VH1YLmXgF8RUSUXDN9LrvYLNAz0-5DP3ZkUGtriyIZjOgPQE2JKfnYkMtFXPucRAE8sXFm9JgE/s288/70.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='85' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Since we regularly incorporate games in to our day I just put these games into our game pile and waited for the kids to ask to play, which took about 30 minutes for them to ask. I really like the games because they are short (about 20 minutes to play) so they hold everyones attention, including Zach, my attention deficit 7 year old. They also let us have the break of playing a game but don't take the entire afternoon.<br /><br /><b>PaintPlay Game</b><br /><br />This game is created for ages 6 and up although my 5 year old had no trouble at all with it, and I think even kids as young as three could play if they like games and are assisted by an adult. This game was so much fun! Everything, including the paint and paper is included to play. However, there is not a lot of paint, so you may have to replace that after several games. You will also have to provide your own paper after 4 games (There are 4 sheets of paper included). But, for us, that's not a big deal because we keep paints and paint paper around at all times. This game was not only fun for my 5 and 7 year old, but even Paul, at almost 11, really enjoyed it. And I enjoyed that it was just the right amount of painting and creativity without being too messy, but still a great deal of fun. This was our favorite of the three games, and we have already gone through several extra sheets of paper and another set of paint. This game is all about using your imagination and painting things that you would not normally paint. For instance, my kids love when they draw the card that says "Think about how a mushy banana feels in your mouth. Add that feeling to your painting", or another favorite is "make a shape that looks like it is going to explode!" At first the mushy banana feeling was a bit tough, now they get pretty creative with it. The game also encourages working together since everyone shares the "canvas". <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5784718009604716402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IcckG_usRGpOqql3VNMEievgecDso2kbKXCWxDngrT68BoHfPcvyXZudq1zgA1_-R_DbhYXhGvxaihl9dFxkYYaCIUIdadPviu-5QJIuzvrdN0xVKEeg-AQQtIoVjX_fcWNONw3g4V4/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><b>ColorPlay Game</b><br /><br />This game is intended for ages 5 and up, although, again I think it would work for a child as young as 3 with adult assistance. This game has three ways to play "Puzzle It", "Shape It", and "Build It". It encourages color, pattern and shape recognition, as well as encouraging creativity. My 7 year old was actually quite bored with this game. And Molly, at 5, was a little bored. I think the 3 to 5 age range would be a more appropriate age range for this game. My two did enjoy playing with the pieces like a puzzle and creating all kinds of crazy shapes. They are just way beyond color, shape, pattern recognition so it got a bit boring for them. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5784718047308478578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1kmwBqAPJemNnac9iE0VUd5eePj6ueBvrGdokhvyvfbFC_rcJ5-R0_yfWk5ZZu_WByzx7Kp-jGzcOGtbQk2pOObiQjIaTgT6t3LhXfs7XBI17MZZB4rdY31R_F5eNWbsnA1zrmDiI8A/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><b>StoryPlay Game</b><br /><br />StoryPlay is designed for ages 7 and up. My 7 and 10 year old were my "test" subjects for this game, although Molly did try, it was a bit too tough for her since she is still a beginning reader. There are three ways to play this game. My favorite was the "Let's Story Play" game where the players work together to create a story. There are word cards and a white board for the story. It was tough for Zach at 7, but he did enjoy it and learned a lot while playing with Paul and myself. The kids favorite was the "Name It and Draw It" game. The player creates crazy (and trust me with two boys the drawings get rather crazy!) based on randomly drawn word tiles. The third game is "Totem Pole" where the player draws random word tiles and draws an image and then the next player does the same thing on top of the last picture. The boys played this once, but were not impressed. I loved the first two games and played with them a couple of times, and loved to listen to them work together and laugh while they played.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5784718092959758354'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrrkrIXl19jqHayWYfJ6uHG_EL3Kgw_Zx58B7La6o29BGm4vOhQbnPighXIPuDsbAc_9s3UVcIHPHVhs9UESICjYfN3Ga9e8ch4CeWrDSYyFOl8iwtNLZVRdWVS4fR3k2l0SFGOLvlrI/s288/72.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='168' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These games really promote cooperative play, and not just a winner and a loser. I do like this concept and it's been great for my kids! They are all so competitive that it's nice to play a game together and not have someone upset because they lost. No one really loses in these games! It's just fun for everyone. Don't get me wrong, I am not the type that thinks no child should ever lose, kids have to learn to lose or they won't work hard in life, but that's a different topic for a different day! It's just nice for them to play together and not have to worry about that element of game play! <br /><br />These games would make great Christmas gifts. You could purchase the entire set and split it up between three different recipients or give them all three to one person. Even for a busy parent squeezing in a 20 minute game with your child is much easier then some of the much longer board games that are typically played. <br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.iplayplaygames.com/">PlayPLAY games</a> can be purchased at retailers such as Toys R Us, Barnes and Noble, and other specialty shops. They may be purchased individually or as a set. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/786257/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjmYg1e1LheBoTQ25aWHPlIPo3xkTCg_EHrw-LsnSP1ncANJw48VfhOummqIItpFCYThLGgVV926elbynINjrQD7_Us5Z9rHy_lcc7m_CvA96O6I-kvmvWq4aqpvgdoJkVmpSuoVmNOQ/s288/73.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Disclosure: I received the above games for free in exchange for an honest review on my blog. All opinions are my own, honest opinion. There was no other compensation given for this review.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-40277758260078702642012-08-17T10:55:00.001-04:002012-08-17T10:55:06.863-04:00Vocab Videos - a reviewOver the years people have always commented on what extensive vocabularies our children have. We attribute this to not "dumbing down" our conversations with them. We have always used "big" words around them and when talking to them, thus increasing their vocabularies. They are also read to a lot, and not just books on their level, but books just a bit beyond their level and this to leads to a more extensive vocabulary.<br /><br />Them hearing words used in context is, in my opinion, the best way to teach new vocabulary words. Long lists of words that they have to memorize the meaning to is just not as effective as actually hearing the word used. This is the concept that Vocab Videos uses to teach vocabulary. The program is designed for late middle school and high school students to prepare for the SAT. It is a great concept, and a great way to introduce vocabulary. Each word has a short episode that uses the word in a "real world" situation. There are 20 words for each set of episodes. After your student has watched all the videos there are worksheets and quizzes they can take to make sure they have retained the knowledge. As I said, this is an amazing concept. Students are going to retain more information if it is used in a real way, and not just a list in a vocabulary book.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5777655711064948402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd03h6PSexnAnnzbFG2giRgDkcomwyFep6Q-_IrVi8ILTuDbTqMylIL5rFijRTYl6JIF5kXnIxcF6UlpzfmO18t6nLFmirWCYDU8AO3tRAkyQF9aa3mWs5ZoVl-AKWNtRBaI8UhzGPPA/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='82' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Paul is a little young for this product, being only in the 6th grade. However, I felt he could benefit from it because he does have a strong vocabulary and loves to increase his vocabulary. It ended up that I used the program some for myself, and did not allow him to use it. The concept is wonderful, and for most high school students, most of the content is appropriate. However, for my 10 year old, I was not ok with some of the content. The videos are inundated with poor attitudes toward authority figures as well as terminology that I don't allow used in our home "oh my God", "Good Lord", and several slang terms that I don't want my children listening to. <br /><br />On the whole this is a phenomenal way to increase vocabulary, and I totally understand that many people do not have the same views as our family does and would see great benefits from this program.<br /><br />It is also very reasonably priced at $24.99 for a 6 month subscription or $39.99 for a full year. This individual subscription gets you full access to the library of 500 videos as well as all the study resources (quizzes, worksheets, flashcard maker and crossword puzzles.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/786133/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nnu8YZ-THQYjY22OKGvxE0PFpuvuck1YFMh0nm4oWBPL8YguW8ikHsEZN-lbeOxoUsSpsAprP8aRtbH8FCUq6QDG_ykBpQLnqGQ0Ho3x7hqOQosXGh6e5qMvJJOoYZ7SzRYiLBs37fA/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for a review on my blog. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions stated here are my own, honest opinions.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-18617757117279033972012-08-13T10:48:00.001-04:002012-08-13T10:48:27.508-04:00Math Made Easy - a reviewWe have reviewed several Math programs in the past that have worked on memorization of math facts. They have been fun, but nothing has "stuck" with Zachary and his addition facts. Neither of my boys are strong in Math, so I remember going through this with Paul. It took until he was probably 9 before he got his addition facts. I am trying to work on Zach's now, but trying not to push too hard. <br /><br />I really wanted him to have his addition facts down before we moved on to other Math concepts. I decided that this summer we would exclusively work on addition facts. So, it was perfect when I was given the opportunity to review <a target="_blank" href="http://mathmadeeasy.org/homeschool.html">Math Made Easy</a>. We reviewed <a target="_blank" href="http://mathmadeeasy.org/homeschool.html">"Addition: Teaching and Learning Made Easy</a>". This curriculum is for 1st and 2nd graders but could also be used for an advanced Kindergartener or for an older special needs child. It is reasonably priced for $24.95 and you are given permission to photocopy the pages for use within your own family.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5776169591083830050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpu7bImoHlK4daLQfi0V-DqMxER3Bu757IuRpB8qYpNBG7xPMZvXhPE2t7I79zhEj1-beCvpnusmqi_EmVH4VMVpfcukYfeMsr71W-nbYrOZmGWjoT5_UW82WSvHaB7_0-YajQcoTKiM/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='195' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The concept of the curriculum is to learn all the addition facts in 6 weeks. The beginning of the book explains that the 0's and 1's are so easy that those are taken out, and then after the child learns the commutative property of addition (ie: 4+2 is the same as 2+4) then there are basically 36 addition facts left to learn. If you break that down in to 6 weeks there are only 6 addition facts to learn each week. "Math Made Easy" intentionally makes the 6 facts for each week random, they do not teach the patterns of addition. For example, the equations for week one are 2+6, 3+9, 6+8, 2+5, 4+4, and 3+3. <br /><br />The curriculum is one book with worksheets for each day of the week for 6 weeks. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5776169625528127522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpTgpc0yFP_fPCdusgoJnah4fjG9Qc7MLqxnvzl_Dg6TvvCcqY4JQySPAvckoBV1lEZ_yI-8e5Mh1RtoXU2akeHdUCpJgP0DK_KF0kaLCval4OGo7B1i1H1m4YgYlIfGx4ICRaS3FWvE/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='179' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The worksheets vary slightly from week to week, but in general there is a color by number for Monday, a code to figure out on Tuesday, a cut and paste for Wednesday, a simple addition worksheets on Thursday and then a "problem of the week" on Friday. In the back of the book there are perforated flash cards labeled for each week. And a couple of games on card stock to review the facts each week. There are also review exercises at the back of the book to use for each week. The lesson plans at the front of the book give you a general guideline as to how the program works and also encourages you to use whatever manipulatives you have on hand to introduce the facts.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5776169653367821250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD4JH0yb5xNhjE0208RWOtWRgxecooXxoHcsw2g92DaMxBhegWQ6o5O-Jzpn4dSswSL6JakDmoqPS5Ii8pYUT-MrPOGy-Gt2rB5K17vhRgci7ULVvpaG1FOJlaUr8PSTD7R-XbDnm_iM/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><b>What we like:</b><br /><br />Zach really enjoyed the worksheets and they gave him the right mix of variety and consistency. It was a great way for us to review the facts and really get them in his head. Since he has had exposure to the facts they weren't new and therefore it was perfect for him. He has really made a great deal of progress on getting those facts memorized, and enjoyed it at the same time.<br /><br /><b>What we didn't like:</b><br /><br />This should actually be what "I" didn't like because Zach did not complain at all. The games were pretty simple and he was bored with them quickly, but he never complained about it. <br /><br />Personally we have always used patterns in math to teach addition. For example, we have taught adding 9's by making 10, and adding doubles has always been taught together, so we would work on 2+2, 3+3, 4+4 etc at the same time. This makes sense to me in my very "pattern oriented" brain. This program doesn't teach the patterns at all. It is just random facts. I think that for Zach who finally understands the concept of addition, and has some of these patterns in his head already this program works well for reviewing and concreting those facts. I would not use it if I were just starting to teach addition. It also does not offer a lot of review in the worksheet portion. We reviewed each week with the flashcards and games from the previous week, but the worksheets themselves only offer that weeks equations.<br /><br />Again, this is the perfect solution for a child who has the concept of addition down, and knows the patterns in addition but needs some extra work on memorizing those facts. It has worked perfectly for Zach, and I am so thankful that it came at exactly the right time for us to use it...isn't God amazing!!!<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://mathmadeeasy.org/homeschool.html">Math Made Easy</a> also offers the same program for multiplication. Some of our TOS Homeschool Review Crew got to review that program. You can see reviews for both programs by clicking on the banner below.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/786093/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV4UsdZmnHBla5_lZ3c_fUHR68aKyg3kcaWz20XMi3D0Qq6jFJqOcJn5Mx22I858dww9iNORXkJrIqrtSGqlh-bSBFIeVbIRv_jt2V5hyKbMeaaltKxR8tMcqj5SoHxsfNVUi-n7HAJc/s288/70.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Disclosure: I received the above product for free in exchange for an honest review on my blog. There was no other compensation given for the review. All opinions are my own, honest opinion. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-3414818280366931232012-08-03T19:39:00.001-04:002012-08-03T19:44:45.267-04:00New Doctor...New Thoughts!I mentioned in my last post that we would be seeing a specialist (perinatologist) this week. We saw him yesterday, and wow, do we feel better!<br /><br />The first doctor I saw, after a little bit of a scare, gave us a bigger scare and put me on bed rest just over two weeks ago. They said this would be how it was until the baby was born, and that would probably be extremely early with lots of time in the NICU. We know we have a BIG GOD, and knew He was capable of changing this. So, we did what the doctor said and prayed that whatever happened we would end up with a healthy baby. <br /><br />We were originally supposed to see the perinatologist or high-risk doctor in mid-August, because of my "advanced maternal age". With the other "complications" the appointment was moved up to yesterday. The appointment could not have gone better. I have been released from bed rest and told I could do "whatever I feel like doing"! This does not mean that this pregnancy is going to be without complications, and I am still dealing with two very large fibroids that are actually quite painful. But, for now, I am up and about, and couldn't be happier! The doctor was very encouraging and much more knowledgeable about the fibroids and how all this is going to go. I will most likely end up on bed rest again, but for now I am happy to be up and moving!<br /><br />Here I am at 19 weeks:<br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5772595710349168162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsJuFtk92Qb6moqLhEGWSHV_tghdnsUBv8IFk7aN2C3nweF0N8t626EXwPqU-KLcCAMR7KoTh2PgCjNqN1SP6udWf_qDVZtyfIVpIbmYAKeN6ahG5SfnI1RUn392-dFIemg7EQp95JI4/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So, on to the even bigger news...<br /><center><font size="6">The baby looks perfect! </font></center><br />Baby weighs in at about 10 oz, which is in the 50% for the gestational age. Every measurement they took was perfect. The fibroids are still there and very large. One is above the baby and one below. But, baby has lots of room to grow. The doctor said my uterus was plenty big enough for everything. Steve commented to him that he was calling me fat! He said Steve was putting words in his mouth! <br />And, the news everyone was dying to hear after they heard the baby was fine....<br /><center><font size="6">IT'S A BOY!!!</font></center><br />We went out today to run a few errands and Paul found the perfect shirt for his new baby brother:<br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5772595741622095122'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt7SfWMsosT_2z2W-Q605cjS3H3UCflK-Bro1MjPCy8GOXxysko9RRDU1-qkTw3LVAkf57G0XK698o6WwoP6WtVgnBFQE69Zc1IHSRjGTEtchKa3Z8EpPJuDaBia7qm_P0gWFVhOK_Fs/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then an outfit to fit Zach's taste:<br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5772595778966122754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTL7SlObjxtzppq5TP7qVx2owJEARAol9fwMcrdiStoLyengwPET2kjXxEvfMgC9bNILDv7jfh3q05_6qEhot4q1W8F6OCY5egdZwf1QFP7C8a_DhzszgLEVWQUa50fhCyg2EJWYqPRCA/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Praise the Lord that everything looks awesome! We serve an AWESOME God. He has a plan, and we just trust in HIM and know that He is in control! That's not always easy, but it's what we have to do!<br /><br />I will go to the perinatologist every four weeks for now and that will probably be more often as I get further along. <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-58622817724601046322012-08-01T17:14:00.001-04:002012-08-01T17:14:57.017-04:00Bed Rest Day 14!Today marks 2 weeks of having to lay around the house and do nothing! Steve says he wants to try it for just a day or two! I keep telling him it's no fun, but he thinks he could handle it for a while. <br /><br />Speaking of Steve, I have to say I have the most amazing hubby ever! He has been both Mom and Dad during these past two weeks, and has done an amazing job. The house is still standing (and actually fairly clean!), the kids all have clean laundry, we have all eaten, he has not missed any work, and he has been so caring and loving toward me. He has taken the kids swimming and four wheeler riding and even pulled off a birthday party for Zach. His sister was a huge help there! He has had some amazing help from our moms, sisters and our church has been such a blessing bringing meals by all the time. But, overall, the majority of the work has fallen on him, and he has handled it so well! I am amazed! And so glad the Lord gave me such a wonderful man as a husband and a Daddy to our 4 amazing children!<br /><br />It is such a blessing to see how many people care about our family! I am amazed at how everyone pulls together and helps. The kids have been so good too! They have played way more Wii and watched way more tv than normal, but that's ok too! <br /><br />Now, tomorrow I get to get out of the house and go to the specialist (high-risk dr). We are hoping for a little more information and maybe a temporary release from bed rest. We know God is in control of this pregnancy and we know He is amazing and can work miracles, that is what we are praying for. He is our Support and our Comfort during whatever the appointment holds tomorrow. Please pray for the baby's health, and the wisdom of the doctors!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-46880951993057101192012-07-29T18:22:00.001-04:002012-07-29T18:22:22.038-04:00Water Hose FunWhile I was soaking in some sunlight in my lounge chair yesterday the two little ones decided to play with the water hose. They thought this was the best game ever!<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VxqOd_mz_a8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-71207052938836194282012-07-29T17:19:00.001-04:002012-07-29T17:19:26.507-04:00Bed rest Day 11I think doing a little journaling as this bed rest thing lingers on will help me pass some time, as well as work through some of my own anxieties. These post will most likely be a lot of rambling. Some may have a central theme, but most probably won't. <br /><br />Today, first I want to address what I have had many people ask, "why don't you put your kids in school while you're on bed rest?". I know everyone that says this is well meaning, but I really don't understand this question. I'm on bed rest so I'm going to give up on educating my other children, I am sacrificing for one baby, but not for the other three children that are already here. All of our children are our world. Steve and I feel that raising this family is our calling from God. My kids are my ministry at this point. Why would I throw them into a school system just for a little convenience. What is that telling them? I want to teach my children that when things get tough we lean on God. We don't give up on God's calling for our lives because it's a little tough for a. We want to teach them that this time of "inconvenience" is when we need to depend on our family the most. We need to lean on each other, support each other, help each other, and grow closer to each other and to our Lord and Saviour! <br /><br />Secondly, on a lighter note, bed rest is SO boring! I have read every blog I can find on anything that I am interested in. I have played countless games of Sudoku. I am an Olympic official for the last two days and am so tired of watching volleyball. I sure wish they would show a little more gymnastics! I am not usually a big Facebook person but I have checked it more times then I care to count over the last 11 days. I have looked at Pinterest until I can't take it anymore, because I can't do any of the fun projects I would love to do! All in all, I'm bored! But, I know I am also very blessed, so I'll quite complaining and lay here and pray that God moves time quickly and that this sweet little one will continue to grow inside of me for many weeks to come!<br /><br />And a picture of what the kids have being doing a lot of with Daddy....riding 4 wheelers to the creek and playing in the creek. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5770704162722953282'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemwy7lm3X1TxS5hLU7sVlcPWheCWEXQ0QkiQKw3yLKG8fMbvtdQ37sxPNgrcUOV7HOPiO5Q4a3M5pGwF2Mdhj8UDV76TF87oO7vvaKNAvDDxYgsEfFSePK0S0ixqNjYPYYeRAStxTUTk/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='188' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad. <br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-20336584868410772962012-07-25T11:18:00.001-04:002012-07-25T11:18:47.632-04:00Super Duper Publications - a reviewAuditory Memory is a skill that every child needs. I think most kids struggle in this area in todays world. They are so inundated with hundreds of sounds each day they often tune out what they don't want to hear. They get really good at this, and honestly it makes it more difficult for them to remember anything they do hear. We work on auditory memory quite often with my three kiddos, but I have one that really, really struggles with it. Zach cannot remember two step directions.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769126799162377442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuxGaEjRUUoRPDQAmETtA_EjLL4xK0i_I0cqnr3oniZvQrqq0CxEj6RYhYcvbM5yFOlHJuQHWpQm-jTo0fMZNFahsPE7rxj78ZkTDrG0vL0waA4kdBeDBgmyIK-p4rouJ9AQBlKv_oPM/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='165' height='110' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So, we were super excited to review a product from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superduperinc.com/default.aspx">Super Duper Publications</a> called <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superduperinc.com/products/view.aspx?pid=HBPE377">"Hear Builder--Auditory Memory</a>". This is a CD-Rom designed for Kindergarten - 8th grade students. It is designed to increase a child's auditory memory. <br /><br />Hear Builder has the child work on a mission with "Recall Agents". They are trying to save the people of "Memory Town" from Dr. Forgetsit. The software is designed to work on 5 key activities.<br /><br /><center>Memory for Numbers (3-7 digits)<br />Memory for Words (3-5 words)<br />Memory for Details (1-4 details)<br />Auditory Closure ( sentence completion)<br />Memory for "WH" (who, what, where, when, why) information (2-3 sentences, 2-4 questions) </center><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769126821051980802'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57eh2D7p6ZedvOchWbAH_7lXZ8Sp_CnPFyJMu9wsEirDcPBKGvOY1PDXlxoNKwWmZ0QWNENWXAJ874Q3Mmab1B7EFilHBYEOJG0HQp2D1cjMK-wnIJBF5OuWPJi3NmEcAK9Wjw2xCuKs/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='250' height='178' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Each of the different skills is worked on on a different mission. Your child can move at a different pace and progress differently for each skill. This was important for us, and built some confidence for Zach. Because even though he was not able to progress very quickly in the "Memory for "WH" information" he was able to progress very quickly in the "Memory for Numbers". <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769126855389233634'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc70TzbDmintBMooprONJ44H6EN6sSonxzOxv8pxENmQs2DJYrkagiy4bgjXZYTTLTuoWZ_KaW9EcTQSnih_B7ru-_2c5lLY2ecXpAqcc41mCpWTDE9NR12LJ3wY2J1P0aPPGZgCvpOk/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='250' height='178' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I ended up using this with Zach and Molly. Molly loved it, possibly because she's very good at it. Zach tolerated it, but it was very good for him. Now, if I can only get him to transfer the skills worked on into real life. Molly asked to play it daily and loved progressing through the levels very quickly. Zach never asked to play it, and sometimes groaned when I told him he needed to, but he didn't want to stop when I said his time was up. The program is said to be for K - 8th grade, however, I did not have Paul work on it at all. He would have been extremely bored with it. I would think, for a non-special needs child about age 8 or so is the oldest a child would find it fun. However, it could definitely be useful for an older child, just not fun!<br /><br />Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.superduperinc.com/default.aspx">Super Duper Publications website</a> for all their products.<br /><br />You can purchase the home edition of the software for $69.95. And currently they are running a special for 30% off if you use the coupon code BLGAM30. This code is good through August 31, 2012. This also gets you free shipping! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/785937/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OoRKvBS17etsWpfSp391EpOVQ5UG3q9MruT_8fDYTR5TuUy1wsbu3lAMtaXyvII2xi4zOGaFM-bDI5MueWRpmDGv_obxR8YPT2BGggA1vF_fnnfTdhTH-7yPGnwA9402LXQUtSCl5yw/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Disclosure: I received a free copy of this software in exchange for an honest review on my blog. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions are my own, honest opinion.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-67824308711315532592012-07-25T10:14:00.001-04:002012-07-25T10:14:35.802-04:00Bed Rest with 3 Kiddos....should be interesting!So, last week I was put on bed rest indefinitely! I am allowed to get up for short periods of time and eat or take care of small things, but for the most part i am to stay in bed "as much as possible"! We are really praying that things look better when we go to the specialist in 3 weeks. But, for now, we are preparing to do this for the long haul! Whatever it takes for this baby to be as close to full-term as possible, and healthy! <br /><br />We were supposed to start our full school schedule this week. My plan was to start now so we would be able to work really hard for a few months and then take a couple months off before and after baby! Well, as always, God laughs at MY plans! So, new plan...do what we can while I am in bed, take time off for baby, and then catch-up later. I had Steve and Paul move all the workboxes in to our bedroom and I worked on putting books in them a few minutes at a time this weekend. I had big plans to really get our schedule laid out and had lots of fun things to add to the schedule this year, but that's not happening! The kids have workbooks and books in their boxes and that's just how it's going to have to be for now. <br /><br />Today was the big day to start homeschooling from the bed! Then Paul got invited to go to Six Flags with a friend, so off he went, and it was schooling with the 2 little ones. <br /><br />Zach was thrilled with his new 2nd grade workbooks and worked happily!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769110158148911042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcufrkOMKcYWJ9GS_TiXabWxkjOrBhrDxC4nr-njGhicbcGEXUXhyphenhyphen7DsUFKTMWCrLjDP91weVbzx31v6Z6t5JqyicDBbddQU7Z0MBm4OsZuleUHmDrcMWu0xLV26foHlg7JF6aZv9LRY/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Molly moved to my desk for her handwriting practice.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769110193842847074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjHhpGljAcw0QYyhbg4ElrNav5vJhD1VyNP6pcvtQ3OEuP0r5hXf1ItRifWk6LNLRK0TigN0Pb_Oiakak5LV0xBUNCBEdFhBD4-WhJeMAh6Qwm1Gox3kQcsTCDMZAPMAHMYpgd1-qmkk/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then to the floor for some educational iPad time. We are in love with the "Teach Me" apps.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769110242007726578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lrjWQiZ1D3cMePCVIBRkLnb2Ss65NwPTCSNioV_jkNcfyoED6TlBKRq8wbgBwNSGvG7-zk6CAOIfDkaAWBJt2WI7uOqafvRRt3YVFO6KRYVx2kCMlmRHMjTfzeL8__bkMo1-T4I5d_A/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zach loved his new books and read two chapters to me.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769110279621073154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE9XJtGXjI2H4u44eVpUZ-Cr6bXhWhETdI6HwEG_ml37XEGZY66YAhIQfQd7Gi09hx1XcafAvreBYrxteVcd1oQFNPvJWfoJAjKLvsAdgkz-1DcaqvPJljAMtJWNSqFdLGZkNBfkE9E8/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And overall it was a great morning. The kids worked on their Math, reading/phonics, handwriting, spelling, and of course Bible. <br /><br />And so as not to exclude Paul, last week, when Zach was at a friends Molly, Paul and I played some board games from the bed. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5769110339493191154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeweSoFfaX-PV2g7ttEIE7B5gF16-sKU4MuMVM9pzJ4vEvdS4nHaOs2y7Y59u3XITXCxPJIw18Qsc5dZ6YDrzps7t24ocXlQCMYajyVeRwZwu-wfQLQlSSIEY8r7r28zooShjl9Ov17nE/s288/70.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We are doing our best to make the most of this. Friends and family have been huge helps, and it's been so appreciated!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-71267015993395661772012-07-15T22:23:00.001-04:002012-07-15T22:23:19.651-04:00Professor B - a reviewMath has always been difficult for Zach. He just doesn't get the concepts. Numbers simply don't make since to him. We have worked and worked with manipulatives of all kinds and have drilled math facts until we both wanted to cry. I finally gave it a break and just worked on it a little each day and decided not to stress over it. However, when summer got here I knew we couldn't just stop Math altogether. So, when we were given the opportunity to review Professor B, and computer based Math program we jumped at the chance.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.profb.com/Home.aspx'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdfjtO3y87Yaj45lpVfoCbA2wQdCpdGvWGJeXXR_rmWaR_HNY-D1rcjR3ISXO39aeAg50J204UGIo2lie9MCYqjt9I_mpSwrmI4QcQ2j5l4y5qRdpCUEQki4jzbeCxn-30R0Yof_r4Ng/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='38' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.profb.com/Home.aspx">Professor B</a> is not like most computer based Math curricula where you sit the child down and all the teaching is done for you. Instead, it is a tool for the parent to use to teach Math. Zach was not expecting this. When I told him he had a new Math computer curriculum I am sure he was expecting Mommy to leave him alone to do his thing. He was shocked when I sat down beside him and started reading everything the little bee that buzzes around the screen was "saying". <br /><br />There are 3 levels of Professor B. We used the first level for Kindergarten-2nd graders. I decided Zach, although technically a rising 2nd grader, could really use the review of starting from the beginning. So, we started at the beginning of Level 1. It was very basic with counting on fingers. We moved through these lessons very quickly and moved on to addition, skip counting, and subtraction. Professor B is based on mental Math which Zachary just does not "get". So, he really struggled. He cannot do the Math in his head and needs manipulatives. A computer based program just does not work for him. He needs more hands-on. I would love for him to be able to work on mental Math but he is simply not ready for that. <br /><br /><center>There are a total of 3 levels for Professor B.<br /><br />Level 1 is for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade<br />Level 2 is for 3rd - 5th Grade<br />Level 3 is for 6th - 8th Grade</center><br /><br />All the levels will work for older learners as well. It would make a great summer program for kids to catch up between school years. It would be great for Zach if he were a bit older, and possibly a bit more ready for mental Math. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.profb.com/Home.aspx'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoiU3yFinIR5ldMyz6ova0fT81c-YMHICr_cXgjrBFTh26F-fowc56IrSQ1Qk25LftftIeji9qyZzJ-hv5jb8H2YS9d9wjmhD0hcpcmhOKs4K2HCD4AX6O71SoMZhV7HhqiRGR_VnVL4/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='151' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You can see how you like the program by checking out the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.profb.com/ImpaticaCD/PLAY-CD-1.html">Sample Lessons</a>.<br /><br />There are several pricing options and you can check them out on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.profB.com/ELearning.aspx">website</a><br /><br />They also offer physical products you can find <a target="_blank" href="http://www.profB.com/ShopOurProducts.aspx?Unique=7/15/2012%2010:13:26%20PM">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/785818/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt2lFgldcUMY4coTQJQeEt9IcGCH_RYlkwaVaCKB1SdQlS-vVvCxCperXV5aZjjlbGSpsQQMaLBG9lfMCHdy2nC9GaqYvhcKi2O_2t2OSCEbwQdCNUsTVGgiXyc5pyRLOwXSOlRCiru8/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Disclosure: We were given a free trial of Professor B in exchange for an honest review. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions are my own, honest opinion.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-65042313400940960382012-07-10T12:15:00.001-04:002012-07-10T12:15:18.590-04:00Pregnancy Week 16I am now 16 weeks pregnant! Wow, I hope the next 16 weeks goes by this fast! I am feeling a lot better and have a good bit more energy! Baby is getting bigger and doing well! We hope to find out the gender in a couple more weeks!<br /><br />Several people want to see how big I am getting so here is a lovely picture of my belly! I am HUGE! No, I am not having twins! Just have a couple fibroids that have helped my belly get bigger faster! Oh well, it's the one time in my life I don't have to hide my belly!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763575168587418930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxjOC5kJWLlSa-WXyYMJ_RjVtNkNB4ZZEVr8E_0-btNkcaBP0wInKb-Ix2KKQuaGHCadHtpL-IoG_uszRFHadXMyvaXWY5kb6x-Q8AYZK6qX0acNKXJZL8ziMrDT5UimP7nDxZ09mGEc/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It's becoming more and more real to us, and we are settling in to the whole thought of having 4 children! We know this child is such a gift from God and couldn't be happier! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-11745944284230165532012-07-10T12:09:00.001-04:002012-07-10T12:09:39.017-04:00Bittersweet EndingsPaul decided 3 years ago he wanted to forgo Spring soccer and give baseball a shot. He didn't know which hand his glove went on! But, he learned quickly and baseball became his love! The boy eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball. Often at dinner he will have his left hand in his lap and we will ask what he has in his hand and he will pull up his baseball glove! He is in love with anything to do with baseball. This is strange to Steve and myself because we are not baseball people! Steve knew the basics of the game, but that's it. Oh, now, we know so much more!<br /><br />So, this year, Paul was thrilled when he was picked for the All-Star team! And, we were thrilled for him! It has been a summer filled with baseball! <br /><br />He has pitched his little heart out!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763572308132741106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkcnAqi_Bc8xzwx2GT2n0ZF4YFuMRmAF1JzUws8GpR5NBvEMMtdAcCj8u9cM2VkyxL9JIfhPbZ6Q4DzNuWIgKu0Z3MYi1PbEiei21tM3GscmIoo-IxkxPYWTR9bEva1wopDzxMi2CgMo/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />He has become the best 10 year old short-stop I've ever seen! He uses his goalie skills from soccer and doesn't let anything get passed him!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763572347059805826'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Kf9iaEA19kCke_MzsN9GzUfpSybBh1EBmRr_03l1j4vauA23P06oQeK-EAqoI6i2QtGPXjNHFrr4ZUR7HTfEzv5R2ip9irwh-QZhoHlSpng96WmVw-GkMqnX4pG0kZnGGjyOvUy-UJs/s288/76.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />He is quite the catcher too!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763572664896574258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebpoQc4rbenBK8Xo4qOfNFNT_9Jg_NdWcpdqU_oUfiiSZRhneUYP_5XDFFIVIghvv8-Uqly-ANyEwa0mrURjrUnBFaDryzF0cpUyie1k0YsoFpxl_gEJTCiPI9G4GOaX-I83Swc3_eoE/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And, he is hitting 1st or second in the lineup! He can slug the ball, and last night, it almost went over the fence!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573286501990530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0TyU88_MFS2A_3vVy3CFLSHNmfJohYs_gOrdP0dC73Wokv33XEkj-lC2qGN7wK1__D1WcOFsmEce6NOipd8l233P5RqoXPhMjj91T2a6f0-5_q0gc-hVqsTWRo81PtZNWfHH2W22GPc/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />His passion is stealing bases, and he rarely gets caught!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573340297995586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQk1bfA3JqXmvP_ZjXt-uselXnXuGox_zFmsffSo5eoAz-7hSPBN1VKpF7FMZShoqQg45FacHsyQtzRkdX0vbZrcRyWSJLwF7iUNxBUicJSMvpqhD4lIqwE4suPEeu_eUUSOK1VQVDAuk/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />He loves to cheer his team on to victory! This was right after a teammate hit an over-the-fence GRAND SLAM!!!!!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573389002137362'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElPpJd3RZzRoxjFXw1CHXwkiqAfzYh1145GH79AxKNrU1NFfn4UmyP7PA2grVvcDSRu5M2Qw4BlTS3MJz-0gPtax7kut_pb0lfQPfLXVWYVajSscACeWSaQJWu05SwNEuvjikLvoQODQ/s288/70.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And he just flat out loves playing baseball!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573452500394162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjRjd5TzrjsZaOL-e_8Ge0bYFGawJJ6afpzhBkq1Ql-hQ3pzCgZgHJl6IFu8ypRk0fg3l0NCdBb4JguoEHpH9zM8BVVPSghg_49RHlTijWOG0gnO3aDoEBTKWhQLoHjOdh3rqKG8xaXg/s288/72.jpg' border='0' width='167' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They had their last game last night. And though we were sad to see the season end, we are glad to now have our life back! We have played baseball every Saturday since February! And many nights during the week have been consumed with games and practices! <br /><br />It was a great experience and Paul made some great friends, and learned some life lessons! Sports teaches kids so many things about life!<br /><br />His best friend on the team, and fellow speed demon! These two were maniacs on the bases! Batting first and second they were pretty well un-stoppable! Paul is, of course, talking in the picture, but it's the only one I have of the two of them together!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573491433412882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHp9NyrBVoeHuIU6xYdYLVEcF8B6pRFmmkX3EEwPfBGpiW5jgWa8vRvTDUO8MBmR0HKLSfXGoQ3H5ycTQhF3OXtD34Hgzqru40aO9p5SDJOnYdiqCwP4S_u7u45Cqj0A3wc5ZBnDi1ko/s288/73.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here are the boys getting their last post-game talk after a hard-fought battle! We were so proud of these boys and the fight they put up! They were such a great group of boys! They fought every game to the very end, and never gave up!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573527675864818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxE-sSUUhAfraLfZ7YgB87P-pkWBinJKgKujjLx4dS17WlkN7iPY06CuAt6Kzk0203bIryWhJsW_fpCrbvoGa6azy3RyYLx6W_BDU-UPsTGn4tnS4ve3KSefaWyKHdVB41GWW1tmXYBk/s288/74.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5763573562244958594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0RqZxwjvEQU-6Lo_36FiV5YVZPqWPl9R-PMQ7xNB_CxYeGVP1tRfhiJrrlkrh9QnXtbz0ILBefAPc_n85Ol-rY0PBL7EkBBo1v4oGQMHR35PqbG_v8L77l-Ff49qXnPK-Ei-QCR-BTw/s288/75.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thanks goes to all the coaches that put so much in to this team and these boys! <br /><br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-43832941716768359852012-07-02T10:06:00.001-04:002012-07-02T10:06:36.125-04:00Homeschool Spanish Academy - a reviewI took 3 years of Spanish in High School and knew it pretty well. However, that was almost 20 years ago! I remember the basics and have taught some to the kids. But, Paul is ready for more. We have tried a couple of Spanish programs, with little success. Mainly the problem is pronunciation. Reading words in a book doesn't help when it comes to a different language! You need someone who really knows the language to teach you, if you really want to learn it! So, we were thrilled to review <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/">Homeschool Spanish Academy</a>!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jQhfcQNP_epjcLJcKR98fd_x7ncpxcESkdAbC-OIbJgQMIGmRAbJ2Z2xVF5nH4sbxXub_-IpfZfqGpb3cuIOJHRH2r_blwVXg_d6cRk7vnsa40MphGfs-ivOiY9eqTxazWF71ytDIgE/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='122' height='163' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/">Homeschool Spanish Academy</a> is an immersive, online approach to teaching Spanish. Your child has their own personal Spanish teacher to teach them Spanish via Skype. Paul did not want to start this, afterall it's summer! But, he had no choice and after the first lesson he looked forward to his lessons and was using words in Spanish all the time! He truly loved it! He had a wonderful tutor named Rosa. She is from Guatamala and thus a native speaker of Spanish. <br /><br />Before the first lesson we got a call from the tech-support team at HSA and they made sure we were set up on Skype and ready to go. They made it super easy! All you need is a high speed internet connection, a microphone, and a webcam. We actually did not use the webcam and didn't have any trouble. Rosa could not see Paul, but Paul could see Rosa. I think later in the lessons, and perhaps in the upper level a webcam is necessary. The lessons are scheduled by you at your convenience. HSA uses Schedulicity which is a very easy scheduling programing. You (or your student) just logs in through the HSA website and selects when you want your lesson and it is then scheduled for you. You do not have to schedule it for the same time every week, and you do not have to schedule all of your lessons in advance. Our summer schedule is ever-changing so I often scheduled his lesson the night before. The times and days of the week varied greatly, but he got his lesson when it worked for us. <br /><br />Paul has completed 6 of the 7 lessons and has learned so much! He has learned the alphabet, numbers through 1,000, family, greetings, and farewells. There is a scope and sequence as you can see below, but the instructor tailors the lessons to each child so they may not go in that exact order, and they may skip some lessons if they already know the material. All lessons and any homework is sent to you via email in a pdf. Paul completed his lessons in class so he never had written homework. However, we did try to go over his lesson several times during the week.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhT58sD6dSJY-3Rxf6DOqIgBBjFhm9IyMyhlqA2RS86on0j32AK71__2njcVcwIM6XnenVfJ8NLWvusWAOLa_CWPIF8_d_04UNDlDCwpPW0-j0zuy38Nc7q1J6wugCeSVqnRvZXMEyG0/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='248' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeDDqo7yoijli7IygkCa7nU9MYQ9x1TFqwUVGL_GjDXNCjHryRuvdQLVn7pofmw3PNLv8gKeNPEBUgiQCW5aav13tD83l0Wf3X0OTItPinJTZG7swzMU8Br7E9FwYcojOIoWaGccTP8Q/s288/67.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='227' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are multiple levels and multiple ways to set up how many lessons you want to start with for your student. HSA starts at age 5 and goes through adult! The pricing for the elementary level is as follows:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5760573211049628098'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgFrq63foXnVWsoV6yJ3s-VpeRnaRZhpV8wpPthGk3XtYTzYkUfVxDV4F-3xg2t_e4TNpu5NpNyUFSa4MnEPAKUwW1pOC3tOpFhUSYElR4da9j4p6dmsOyNZdvFZSnYt6K3qzGiO9Nig/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='143' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />If you have two students in the elementary level you can have them work together. The pricing for that option is as follows:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5760573291860396178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjOdWXZBFCuGOGhfoN_rk2I5poacZHJvrxpOzStsNhPLthcpAuaKFvOPtPd0oD_c-KqZGbJQGqj4yWN-7YJYpgRM2zNNu-8PfskC6FgrdxQzJg1yGs7zyU90mXYSC3VqUSeIA7TG6Ttk/s288/63.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='136' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are also <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/middle">middle school</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/high">high school</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolspanishacademy.com/adult">adult</a> levels with different pricing options.<br /><br />It truly is like having your own personal Spanish tutor for your child. We will be continuing this program for as long as we can afford it! Knowing a second language is important in today's world. And what better way to learn it then from a native speaker with one-on-one lessons! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/785675/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoS8Gxc88zJnzdIFxHIFqGPG1E4Zhc4yqeoGZ05wJIs6z3HMKvSCSKUgX6Hwv71JJsLpaKImo7Z8aUJMXHQhpkAV9QXOL5DaC-DzLD3PVgWiJe67BBPaL0wC-7Sjxqmtl9TQOBwE-sQNM/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Disclosure: We recieved 7 online lessons of Homeschool Spanish Academy for free in exchange for an honest review. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions are my own, honest opinions.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-15868480346880741092012-06-22T11:23:00.001-04:002012-06-22T11:23:22.077-04:00Pregnancy Week 13I just completed my 13th week!!!! Wooohooo for the 2nd trimester starting!<br /><br />I had a doctor's appointment this week and everything is going well. We saw a quick ultrasound and the baby is already very active with arms and legs moving everywhere. It was really amazing to see a little tiny person moving around in there. The weeks between doctor's appointments it's easy to wonder if there really is a tiny person growing inside of me. Forget the fact that I am extremely exhausted, and gaining size like crazy, there are no real signs to tell me that the little person is still doing well, so it was great to see a quick glimpse of this new life!<br /><br /><b>How am I feeling?</b> This seems to be the most common question I get these days! I am still tired, but not as tired as I was a few weeks ago. I have two large (softball sized) fibroids that we are praying the Lord will take away. They are causing some pain and discomfort and it would be best if the Lord would miraculously take them away! Food does not yet taste like it should, and I cannot handle the smell of uncooked beef or chicken, so that is making cooking quite a challenge! I am eating lots of pinto beans, fruit, granola bars, Lara Bars, and baked potatoes. I am craving anything that tastes normal, but I can't find anything yet! <br /><br /><b>What's going on inside of me?</b> The kids are always asking how big the baby is now and what parts of the body are forming. Well by now all the baby's major organs as well as body parts are formed. He/she does still look like a tiny little alien, but all the parts are there! The baby is about 3 to 3 1/2 inches long!<br /><br /><b>What do the kids think?</b> The kids are excited. Molly wants a baby girl and says it's just not fair if there's another boy in the family. She does say she will love it no matter what. Zach wants another boy, but he doesn't really know why. Paul doesn't care either way, he just can't wait to have a baby. Although he is a little concerned about Mommy's growing size! I think when we find out what it is in a few weeks and decide on a name they will get even more excited!<br /><br />So, that's what's going on with the pregnancy! I will try to get some pics of my ever expanding belly soon...maybe next week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-52530133646890439842012-06-22T10:37:00.001-04:002012-06-22T10:37:05.726-04:00lXL Math - a reviewAs I have mentioned before we like to keep going with Math and Reading throughout the summer. It keeps me from spending weeks on review when we start the "official" school year back in late summer or early fall. <br /><br />This year we were given a review that I really thought could help with this process.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.ixl.com/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOE4M1SLArJlsWQQCltnqtUGjMiAmeoAS6eZKrReu7GO9Yfya_M5hRadaeGVUHuxh57aXiczsG6AfM4vhbzU3jdOuEjKy865IPcnK5obozhQKG8WSh7s2qa3UwMTysQd504oybAVI3Es/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='238' height='109' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ixl.com/">IXL</a> is a computer based learning program that is completed online and is for pre-k through high school students. Paul already has as a computer program he uses for Math so I wanted to try this one with Zach and Molly (upcoming 2nd grader and Kindergartener). <br /><br />There is a list of topics for each grade level to work on and the parent or the student can choose which topic they want to work on. This is totally a review of concepts, it is not designed to teach the topic, so it's the perfect thing for summer review.<br /><br />Molly worked on her counting skills as well as sorting, measuring, and graphs. I liked that, since she is pretty varied in her skill levels, I was able to pick some skills from the pre-k level and some skills from the Kindergarten level. This worked well for her and helped her to work on concepts she needed to work on instead of having to go through a set order of concepts. As you complete a concept worksheet you are given a virtual sticker as a reward. At Molly's age I did have to sit with her much of the time to make sure she was on task and understood what she was supposed to be doing.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5756870170364962002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1c1n5aX610Ndo29pcQXYVl4_3lA45xwEm-R7SU16eLQDzB0nRXdq9rhLRaUYEoqA2bugPekG-s7RywmEKDvAqf8qU9QWMM1p1pNJP3RKcUwkt8xrhZ6wgKiEubWrs-5h4au1T26o1NGQ/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='235' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center>Molly loved these stickers!</center><br /><br />I had Zach work on some review of his addition facts, which he is really struggling with. He was quickly bored by the way the information was presented and was not interested in earning virtual stickers. I tended to agree with Zach and found the many questions quite tedious and boring. It was pretty much a worksheet on the computer, not a fun and engaging math activity. My kids aren't allowed alot of computer time so they aren't necessarily looking for dazzling and exciting, but something more than just question after question would have kept his attention a bit longer. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5756870208413608466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCMEjfxiGNbTzJgS3WHcGTmWydwTHCtlU0p5ObHc0E5LcRxNmvQkfK_u-j__1ek0ZFratPlEm8TKmGQz91musZwgokJ6DzHNOKeAwJ3JH-XXY1teyn1K1z8Ivq7z4SpibmOjYeY6WVTs/s288/63.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='85' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I tried to entice Zach into during it by showing him the printable reward sheets he could earn, but he was still not interested. I know Paul would have loved this type thing when he was younger, but it just wasn't Zach's thing. If your child enjoys worksheets (like Paul always did) then this is the perfect program to add a little spice to the worksheet. It does do a great job of reviewing concepts and keeping their minds sharp over the summer. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5756870242390422338'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AnerNn6UGSFtDPhyphenhyphen-Q6tJ4kNORyi24ILa3WqP-cli9-3zw9Liig0__9rL_FZmgpJi1GD-dARgZd5B_QF7L5dkBdBvhZHFrQwGjXptH5dUHPI7y6JvplYtwrMjnT_FeS75vWZQjhRiS8/s288/68.jpg' border='0' width='194' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />IXL offers two ways to pay for the program, monthly and yearly. This gives you access to all levels. You can add as many additional children as you need for $2/month or $20/year. Check out all the options on their <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ixl.com/membership/">website</a>.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5756870268104218050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdgec7Z8q0SwJUVSgLw8g8RT0RqeVCxsohJkp8X-1giKSj3igosmVGMXS9a08O-aeyzbO8nbwGUXTC2XYZwd7PNjyBcifhcPyUQrxhuFHEhHq5bnduwdrNKV2tZZanMTHX85xYZiZ_h8/s288/67.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='60' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center>Be sure and check out the other reviews from The SchoolHouse Review Crew</center><br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/785456/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOuXf4o2vadQ5h8Cw6WFox37O475lbdT0WB-Dlv2y7elX_-N-VIScGrvT6S6J1UmxX6_3yogTpPPB9Mi4jJKCqvVU4wpurMUrRz-IvKM_bggVo83LNHIdaCfhfS8bNc0Y1Wn0ETapc0Y/s288/69.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Disclaimer: I received the above product for free for a limited time in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. There was no other compensation given for this review.<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-73469713113924077482012-06-18T11:01:00.001-04:002012-06-18T15:49:18.236-04:00Reading Street 3rd Grade - a reviewAlthough school is officially out for the summer we try to keep going with Reading and basic Math skills. I don't want the kids to lose everything they learned and I don't want their brains to go into hibernation so they have to be woke back up when we officially start school back! They don't typically mind the little bit of "school" they do each morning and it gives us some sort of routine to our day.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5755392226731671570"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOQHtaTzB37S3n7vGmeAg9ZyyKa1ym2cyTpPU9vhyphenhyphenx1lGsBZSoZb_wAkMY93x4YPXXyQcpmEDLOxZqy38YWqs-ZTtOd581omVmKZ0t6KTbklyjHn9a43y2PFFtibMiiCy35uLwpg63RM/s288/61.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="179" /></a></center><br />
This year, for Zach, I was given the opportunity to review a new Reading Program, so that's what we started using for "summer learning". Pearson Education has been known for many years in the public school system and they are now trying to venture in to the world of homeschoolers, and trying to make their products work for homeschooling families. We were given their<a href="http://www.pearsonhomeschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS14Q1&PMDbSiteId=5041&PMDbSolutionId=36022&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=36026&PMDbSubCategoryId=40701&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=100761" target="_blank"> 3rd Grade Reading</a> program to review, called "Reading Street". Zach is only 6 and going into the 2nd grade but he is a very strong reader so I thought he could handle this. <br />
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When I first heard about the program I assumed it was just a reading program, boy, was I wrong. It is so much more than that. It encompasses every aspect of reading and language arts.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5755392253535317010"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPvfUwGzVBLTQ8Kg4RppAP4F77y1dkvuituG7h5V6VP2Y4CtSA5IyFkpCYiOGP1ndM97t-1-UdwMYgcidp2lMSPricyr-94dkiQ9mK2BXzXrPPAiPYSy7zVHQXSrEa4mOhZzdEZe1MVQ/s288/63.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center><br />
We were given the two "<b>reading books</b>" that are very similar to the reading books I remember having in public school as a child. They are the typical gorgeous hard-back book with brightly colored pages and full of lots of fun stories for the students to read as they progress through the books. The books are broken down into Units with 6 weeks of reading comprising each unit. There are a total of 6 units, thus 36 weeks of instruction are included. Each unit has a different theme and all the stories and poems go with that theme. The six themes of the year are:<br />
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<center> Living and Learning<br />Smart Solutions<br />People and Nature<br />One of a Kind<br />Cultures<br />Freedom</center><br />
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Each week there are different language arts and writing skills to work on. The student is introduced to different writing styles and genres. There are also specific comprehension skills worked on as well as vocabulary and spelling skills to be taught. There is really just a ton of information. <br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5755392296926475170"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHkhz8lZCJIMOPZ5RdjXlpYSVaGXL9zaVC0e5JxS06ozh9pRIKjpCIZui50ORJDR-9DdMFGMSMS35es0BfHqI14mduwgKh20azMGOFefAgGazK1wy-L7l7UER-dofo4jR8prlvVWmNMc/s288/66.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="188" /></a></center><br />
We were also given a "<b>Guide on the Side</b>" which is definitely designed with the public school teacher in mind. Here you will find a scope and sequence as well as tips on how to schedule all the components of language arts into the school day. The sections include:<br />
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<center>Oral Language<br />Word Work<br />Fluency<br />Vocabulary<br />Comprehension<br />Writing<br />Genre/Text Structure<br />Concept Development<br />Media Literacy<br />ELL</center><br />
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The last section is "Teacher Resources" where you will find more information on what each story in the reader teaches, spelling lists for each unit, vocabulary for each week, and a glossary. The "Guide on the Side" was a bit overwhelming and I have taught in the public schools and seen this type of guide before. I cannot imagin how confusing it would be to someone who has never seen this type of information presented this way in the past. Although it is jammed full of information, like I said, it is definitely written for a classroom teacher who has to keep up with state standards, and juggle a classroom full of kids at varying abilities. <br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5755392336097879346"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L7EKF37X-p62BCglB302nOdGqUqeYyjVPVG8_-xdrqA86MfNPqu3muZ6586fV-Um-K2btn7PjlSLUIoGPRsrMKQT3QHovSd63gcJXtVdd_7B6GZ8GDs_qlX7tUDuEhr9ln93goY7MBE/s288/67.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="188" /></a></center><br />
Also included in our package were two DVD-ROMs. A <b>Teacher's Resource DVD-ROM </b>and an<b> ExamView DVD-ROM</b>. The Teachers's Resource DVD-ROM is full of worksheets and other helpful add-ons to the curriculum. Everything is broken down into the unit so it is easy to navigate and find what you need. Now, I am sure in the public schools most all of these worksheets are utilized. To me, it seems like way too much busy-work so we only used them to reinforce a concept Zach didn't quite understand.<br />
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<center><b>OUR THOUGHTS</b></center><br />
So, as you can see there was a ton of information to look through when we first received our package. This is not an "open-and-go" curriculum. It definitely takes a little time to get used to how the information is presented and how to schedule it into the day. There is a sample schedule in the "Guide on the Side" but it is definitely written for classroom instruction. It is suggested to spend 1 1/2 to 2 hours each day on the included activities. If we were to do all the suggested worksheets I can see how you could spend that much time in a classroom. However, that is not how Zach learns. His brain would shut down 30 minutes into the day! So, we tweaked the program and did it our way, and we LOVE it. Zach loves to read so reading the stories was great fun for him. He loved the shiny book and the colorful pages with gorgeous illustrations (although some of the pages are a bit busy and he would get sidetracked easily). Like I mentioned, we used the worksheets only as needed for reinforcement. Instead, we talked about the concepts and did some of the activities orally. Zach does NOT like writing so we did not do the writing aspect of the program except to talk about the concepts. I will most likely schedule some of the writing in when we resume a full schedule in a couple of weeks. I did find some of the reading very simple for Zach, but he is a pretty advanced reader. It was really great read-aloud practice for him and a great confidence booster. There are also lots of different types of reading selections from all types of fiction, to non-fiction, to poetry. <br />
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We will continue to use the curriculum into next school year just in our own way. That's the beauty of homeschooling-I can tweak each curriculum to meet the needs of each child. Also, the books are non-consumable so I will be able to use whatever parts of the curriculum I feel Molly (and the new baby) may need in years to come.<br />
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You can purchase the <a href="http://www.pearsonhomeschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS14Q1&PMDbSiteId=5041&PMDbSolutionId=36022&PMDbSubSolutionId=&PMDbCategoryId=36026&PMDbSubCategoryId=40701&PMDbSubjectAreaId=&PMDbProgramId=100761" target="_blank">entire set</a> for $124.99. They also have other grade levels as well as wonderful programs for Math and Social Studies. The Crew reviewed several different products. Click the banner below to see the reviews!<br />
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<center><a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/785429/"><img border="0" height="44" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggK6lVVjmdgPwe_cPHuzJlTciK1zrgmnscNnn1l9to_t4-Pu5lhpQVOIv0ccwZoDPrG4GCTM1I2Zp3eecAOPu2QmWLm7guBbOOS8T1JDSxncg_Yr8xiw5qwxYQ40LxkIyXaWay5QBKBZU/s288/68.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="251" /></a></center><br />
Disclaimer: I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review. There was no other compensation given for this review. All opinions stated here are my own.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-55803222150545066182012-06-14T12:53:00.001-04:002012-06-14T12:53:23.547-04:00Miracles Never Cease!Well, I am not even sure where to begin! I guess I'll begin at the beginning! Steve and I have been married for 16 wonderful years! We have three wonderful children, who were all huge miracles through adoption! They are currently 10, 6, and 5. <br /><br />We were very happy with our three kiddos and were more than thrilled with God's plan that our family was formed through adoption. Then, God showed us He wasn't done with His plan. On our 16th wedding anniversary, one day before our daughter turned 5, I saw something I have never seen before.....a positive pregnancy test!!!! <br /><br /><center>So, our three kids will now be four!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5753936657645829202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23y3q9bjCNHb58RiPsa5oue0toqrUFowbNyPOKpn7OFaLsU9C4z-Py6lQAX6OxW0qFmYUiSbS-wg6uiobR37GAJV5bEhtGzhtF6NEuETenbmgtR41kFuaS-7txefEcpK0XkCitF5wm7A/s288/63.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5753936696411960738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMNvuNFShexwX_SJbehvxYO9yOjj_I3k0ew9UvtgSrps6yC1_i9WMXckQyAi64wvdb-eNp9H6Og2VqPsIBtcAW8AH99Tp03K9WTOQXPUhtUyjXxm4MDE-w0pU0Uew6fMSYN309ULcdyc/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='167' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5753936728467990002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7jZSP4V8zNcCH342EuvG2odgnsQIojqriW1UGHtq3MQxxSxTFz_zVqg7qYDZoBkKD0FgWdgc3PauFMwk2_cRTkMsTTOIAK8BpRi95VsXr8sNjPlQK0ZSKhABIYxMQ_yIDfguJq-Kajc/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='188' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And our family of 5, will become a family of 6!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5753936768673514498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh853kSZN932p4xkZn-kZQX3QoRjB18DIvpADKzEDMoaNWRg9evcyCK9vIhWb2_gwtAEUIGEFtqO8DAEy-PqAalXY4UhLmJdhx9H3fEHINdozHTE0FTK2UKXzTci57YS-f5aaEWsrdcNgY/s288/67.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='188' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I am in my 12th week and feeling much better then I was in earlier weeks!</center><br /><br />We are still in shock, but of course we are overjoyed with another child joining our family! The kids are SO excited! Molly has been praying for a new baby for months now! It is so neat to see her watch God in action! When we told her she started thanking God! It was the sweetest thing ever! <br /><br />I will try to keep the blog updated as the pregnancy progresses. So far, everything looks great and the baby is growing beautifully! <br /><br /><b>For any family and close friends who didn't know until now</b>: Sorry it was through a blog post. We tried to tell everyone but between mine and Steve's large families it's hard to make sure everyone is covered! <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-42212756287565757632012-06-12T22:12:00.001-04:002012-06-12T22:12:29.367-04:00Mobile Education Apps - Rainbow SentencesThe kids love to "play" on my iPad. It has honestly been more of a learning tool then I ever thought it would be. As most of my readers know I seriously limit any screen time for my kiddos. We don't do alot of the high-graphics games you can get for the iPad, but the learning games are awesome and the kids don't even know they're learning! <br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://mobile-educationstore.com/">Mobile Education Apps</a> has a new app, <a target="_blank" href="http://mobile-educationstore.com/apps-for-ipad/rainbow-sentences">Rainbow Sentences</a>, that is designed for 3 to 10 year olds and helps them learn sentence structure. Rainbow Sentences takes all the parts (the who, what, where, when and why) of the sentences and color codes them to help the child learn how to put the sentence in order. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://mobile-educationstore.com/apps-for-ipad/rainbow-sentences'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkeJjHARE6YipWsM7NYK22bOOsbP8t-aIly3RdKXZIKaDP62qaYE5C41GMWCxmrdrAnvnuBPQYYNc1Gd0mR3JfTU8OaQZsGhqW_6FAoLm2iZNGZ_yFUVWrj-Dm9b_Nt2XYnBDwyt3mWE/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='180' height='180' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There are many options for different levels of learners. The simplest level, that my 5 year old enjoyed at first was just two parts of the sentence and she would drag the sentence parts to the same color line at the top of the screen. She loved doing this and trying to read the sentences. She is a beginning reader, so the reading part was difficult for her. I did feel the simpler sentences should have had more CVC words that were more easily decoded for beginning readers. Zach, my 6 year old, quickly progressed through the various levels and was soon putting sentences together without any color coding. He loved that he could read and record his voice after he put the sentence in order. Sentence structure is something we really worked on in 1st grade this year, and I think this really helped him understand the concept a little more. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5753338654278203026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEnDUZ-PayuTUvkfPYtePVe2Zap94HLKz-rAqSqC6rAMwqyoRxDKJXQF_lFMmXMmDPevJElaHqyAJQiallegwM5XKrChXkED80fyTi_F9I8Thq8an-E9VZ9RlTxl06JN-2WV6v_4XlSY/s288/63.jpg' border='0' width='192' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />As you work on the sentences you unlock puzzle pieces as a reward. Both of my little ones loved this!<br /><br />My 10 year old worked on this a couple of times, at my urging. He, however, found it quite simple and boring. The app says for ages 3-10, but I think 10 is stretching it a bit...but it totally depends on the child. Paul has a firm grasp of sentence structure so it was probably just too easy for him. He did enjoy helping Molly read the sentences and recording his voice. All the kids were amazed at how their recorded voices sounded!<br /><br />The app is available for $7.99 through the iTunes App Store.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/785406/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3EzyIGT2DpzMuZyoeSWiWrNZbtowcEBPoHXJobt1xtRpaJSgPcba-KRGvtnwCqnDRfe68iCrlTTpqC7hJz52M2q8u8858U1dJh5nkZ2r0RgJD-t4liTTTJCytehOGKTVcncpS3AJLmI/s288/65.jpg' border='0' width='251' height='44' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Disclaimer: I received this app for free in exchange for my honest opinion on this blog. There was no other compensation given for this review, and all opinions are my own, honest opinions.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-39260175785180506172012-05-31T23:28:00.001-04:002012-05-31T23:28:35.299-04:00Dive Into Your Imagination - a reviewMy kids love the ocean! They love anything to do with sea animals and the sea. Zachary is my biggest fan of sea creatures. While at the beach recently he spent hours with his goggles watching all the critters in the sea. So, naturally a video and accompanying curriculum about what lives in the sea would be very appealing to him!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.anniecrawley.com/store/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintZp12l09ImuHbWvaZeHFBk-y-ElKFdGvJbRBH-Thb9C2kPl_t5O3S0XK6jGZds0_H7EkzIVhILobm0yTzoqAhOtzAYSF20bhOELFO5YN6xTXxTniwVW_4cFQqh6r07rfkSE0kpq64Xo/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='100' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We recently reviewed a video and the accompanying PDF curriculum for "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.anniecrawley.com/store/">Who Lives in the Sea</a>". It is one of three video/curriculum sets done by Annie Crawley (aka "Ocean Annie"). Ocean Annie's desire is to create a love for all things ocean related. Along with this love she hopes children, and adults alike, will learn to respect and care for the creatures of the sea! My kids already love the ocean, but they are always anxious to learn more. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.anniecrawley.com/store/'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNx76K2fLTqSNkn8h9MED0lAaufvSe1FSo2BFo9V-Zg4zfEQ_y2JGSuNA6dIWm3kc_Hr2VMUVAU1eR_nNAonzU0f_gCIa-Q3_OKcofPNx4fH7UflqbrQtGOucYtJ-v-LSMnMGHhNloy0A/s288/66.jpg' border='0' width='159' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They loved the video, especially Zach, my animal lover. With the video came 2 PDF educator guides. One for the Pre-K to Kindergarten level, and one for the 1st-3rd grade level (each of them are over 300 pages long!) Since I have one rising 2nd grader and one rising Kindergartener we used bits and pieces of both levels. Paul really didn't do this curriculum with us, since he's a past the grade levels and he has so many other things going on I didn't add this to his plate. Zach and Molly loved the accompanying worksheets and activities. They couldn't get enough of it, and learned a great deal. We focused on the first unit about dolphins for a few weeks. You can definitely do it faster then we did, but they were enjoying the dolphins so much we just stuck with that. They learned ALL about dolphins and were even more excited about seeing the dolphins on our recent beach trip!<br /><br />The DVD can be watched in its entirety (about 45 minutes) or it can be broken in to chapters based on what you are studying. The chapters are:<br /><br /><center>Let's Swim With the Dolphins<br />Playtime With the Sea Lions<br />Baby Birds and Their Families<br />Dinosaurs of the Sea: Marine Reptiles<br />Eight Armed Animals<br />Living Forever Under the Sea<br />Nudi, Nudi, Nudibranchs<br />Whale Sharks: World's Biggest Fish<br />Bonus Chapter: The Ocean Alphabet</center><br /><br />We have watched it in it's entirety and the kids can't wait to learn about all the other animals and see the amazing photography of the ocean! <br /><br />Ocean Annie has also made two other videos with accompanying educator guides. <br /><center>"Dive Into Diversity"<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5748905211853515890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXk9Y9nazu78Ko616TjV85DXbNZm2tCvWwu3_D8GG0KVB-cRxrMtpWR0nIvdtJmjD2ND2wvJfeQWNUrdCql1_SlT5kmqMBOEaJE42ZSCYrnf0yBWVd7HFyd_9Gs6Ic2INhSrfpZauYL0/s288/63.jpg' border='0' width='159' height='221' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />"What Makes a Fish a Fish?"<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5748905258709046738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_pLUMxrNv6VwJeNBcNP6kDD3My2NmK-tjwaANMhnExEe5kgbuI-HOUk0fFMQUJfmImnYPDwEjvptpuUIzlvL5v2xAo7Dr_Z7v7a0eEH7jL0dIboi8nOuIE5VIjF4QaQxsptnlWx6IJM/s288/65.jpg' border='0' width='159' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Each of the DVD's are available for $19.95 </center><br /><br />You can purchase the entire set of Educator Guides for all three DVD's for $299, or just one of the individual guides for $69.95. However, Annie is offering a wonderful deal for you!<br /><br />"As a special for the Homeschool Crew and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and followers Annie Crawley of Dive Into Your Imagination, will gift you a set of PDFs with the purchase of the DVDs. When you place your DVD order, just let her know in the notes that you are a Homeschool Parent!" <br /><br />There is also free shipping for the months of May and June!<br /><br />Take a look at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anniecrawley.com/store/">Annie's Store</a> to purchase whatever products you desire! With this great deal I would suggest getting all the DVD's now!<br /><br />These Educator Guides and DVD's would be a wonderful summer science program if you are looking for something fun and easy to add to your day this summer! Or use them for your Science curriculum for next school year! We plan on finishing the current DVD we already have this summer! The kids will be learning and think they are just having fun!<br /><br />Don't forget to head over to the <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785269/">TOS Homeschool Crew Blog</a> to see what my CrewMates had to say about these products!<br /><br />Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the above mentioned items in exchange for an honest review on my blog. All opinions stated here are my own, honest opinions. There was no other compensation given for this review. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-51755263657864295372012-05-22T23:25:00.001-04:002012-05-22T23:25:17.745-04:00Write Shop Primary-A - a reviewWe have not done any formal writing with Zach yet. He writes stories often and enjoys writing, but I knew we needed some formal writing instruction to help with sentence structure. <br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.writeshop.com/">Write Shop</a> offers writing instruction for Kindergarten through High School. The Primary-A level is designed for Kindergarten through 1st graders. The e-book <a target="_blank" href="http://www.writeshop.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=0014-ebook">teacher's guide</a> is available for $24.25 and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.writeshop.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=0025_activity_set_worksheetA">activity pack</a> is $4.50. The print edition is available for just a couple dollars more.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5745564606570998978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMK3ay1s1WLhdCaf1XUFBpxj1cYcr1Hsv8QjD4xWJPDCdd6m0Vv_A0jTmUAD_TubeoYIlz-8grcEcY6qaLH1G0hLFMZFVw8eVC_EYlLDULp-nLwtMfcR4c-iFXTSVV8nrnnPllb7OUBU/s288/61.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='98' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The program is very flexible and the teacher's guide explains three different ways to use the lessons. There are 8 activities for each lesson. You can use these lessons over a 1, 2, or 3 week period depending on what works best for your child. Since Zach enjoys writing we chose to do each lesson in 1 weeks time, completing two activities each day for 4 days. Even with two activities each day it only took us about 20 minutes each day to complete the activities.<br /><br />The activities include brainstorming, pre-writing, writing, publishing, editing and revising techniques. There are also worksheets available as supplemental activities but we did not do alot of those. I am sure they would work well for some kids, just not Zach<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5745564649202341730'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAFv2L9Xi1u7DRaUrCP5Hl5bXN3l3PM9tlzQzwRM9AKm9Owh21Ek4gjWudeiBSayvwiyNdAvAPYaXnfAHJXi_3RhV9KnWcXZYngRUC-clVOH5bVxMh8DRQqAeH9DHHF3siLsJDzBIlk8/s288/63.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='145' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Zach does also not like the actual physical part of writing and this program is great for that and encourages you, the teacher, to write for the child if writing is a challenge for them. This is what we did. <br /><br />Zach loved this program. The first lesson was all about animals, which is Zach's absolute favorite thing! So, that worked out great for him, and for me!<br />Zach's biggest problem when writing is using periods when needed. He likes to just write, and write, and write and he absolutely hates it when I ask him to go back and put in periods. Me prompting him and having him state the complete sentence while I wrote it really helped him understand the concept of a sentence.<br /><br />The program is definitely teacher-intense. There are never activities that the child can do completely on their own. However, it really doesn't take much time and it is effective in teaching the child to write well.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.writeshop.com/">Write Shop</a> offers many levels and several of the TOS Crew Members were asked to review different levels. You can get a good feel for all their programs by stopping by the <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785184/">TOS Homeschool Crew Blog</a> and reading the reviews. I am sure there is a level that will work great for your student!<br /><br />Disclaimer: I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own, honest opinion. There was no other compensation given for this review. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6235746396506381191.post-1379104975225019082012-05-19T18:54:00.001-04:002012-05-19T18:54:36.854-04:00Cap Jax Math Facts - a reviewPaul has finally mastered all his math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It was a LONG and difficult journey for him, and one that I am so glad we finally got through. Just in time for Zach to start this journey. I am hopeful it will be an easier task for him, but it doesn't look good so far! Mastering math facts basically takes lots and lots of repetition, and Zach gets bored and distracted quite easily so this may be another long road ahead!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5744381524415052002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vk4DUAta_ypHfQjQw0cUhU1KpXRQ9VmP47QDzviB2OZEZtolMsaDseE11qhUd-8CY_tNbuaceAVoYRuZOv5gsxMcMCzVGRVciI1TKPmobMXhpelpz8_r7St5Pe9hgntU3WvaKXu1WUM/s288/50.jpg' border='0' width='250' height='45' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I was excited to get to review a computer program that might help us on this journey. "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.capjax.com/">Cap Jax Math Fax</a>" is a simple computer program that is designed to help kids master these facts without having to go through flash cards with an adult every day. After all, flashcards are quite boring and time consuming. <br /><br />So, I downloaded the game and gave it a try myself. It is very simple. I like the fact that the parent can choose exactly what skills are being worked on, and they can set the number of problems and the time parameters. You can play for "practice" or play for a rating which basically just keeps track of your score and time so you can race against yourself. There's no pressure and that's a good thing for Zach. There's also lots of positive feedback! I also love to be able to go on myself and see how much progress my child is making. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5744381554921570690'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGEpfB9nWu4hdr541Bjq7F-Eqc2Gg-UgjyJfLJpcWaIO2dFga0G4Lkyej93RZTh3fOHKTPbQkYrkiICJDLmBjOX4syA7tUDg-TE0K5DlVVayV70vcjI8E2Fe8f_w34EfQe_Tbakj9B7U/s288/55.jpg' border='0' width='183' height='77' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We have officially finished our school year, but I had already told the boys we would still be doing Math and Reading daily. When it came time for Zach's math I asked him to do Cap Jax. He was very excited to try out a new program and he liked it, at first. However, he got bored rather quickly and was distracted by all the other things on the screen. I made him do it daily for about 2 weeks. It was a chore to get him to do it every day. And, I had to sit with him to keep him on task. He did like the Merit Badges he earned and was quite pleased with his progress. However, he finally just asked if we could do flash cards instead. He is not a computer kid, he would much rather interact with a person. So, this was not the program for him. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/114361980657361730793/HomeschoolingMyMiracles?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeeg-6y9cSFZQ#5744381597548881074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBc26vskQG9CDQyGVTBfMBk-90E2OTWGu6bCY_rHjzq9_bbBQEgtvglIru2f2kc1zRJd4VpSXlMidJfS-g5FoRdQL4RyHHi_RSqsksZzyQBRUznFyVvM9bhTK1iGXG4T3qytvUQ2PGtA/s288/53.jpg' border='0' width='250' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Even though the program did not work for our family I think it would work well for a child that is more focused than Zach. It also, does its job, and sometimes that's more important than rather a child likes it or not! It would be a great tool for a child to use during the summer to sharpen or keep sharp the facts he has learned through the school year. Zach doesn't always get the concept of addition so that makes it even more of a challenge for him! <br /><br />You can <a target="_blank" href="http://www.capjax.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1">purchase the program</a> as a download for $29.95. Or purchase the CD for an additional $5.95. There are also group and school packages available. If you want to give it a try before you invest in the program there is a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.capjax.com/index.php?main_page=free_evaluation">free evaluation</a> available as well!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.capjax.com/index.php?main_page=free_evaluation'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1ETzmSYuWKglaasoHuBVcD_PjSod3KIXLqxKGldTndF8E5bfc45_7yH_6E7e1TNib1zSSyOxXJX2RWk699hdt9-6QbKWI_w6BhANMnMqgskt8aACMmP5hCyDsLFKEpkd9MfzgztbEWQ/s288/58.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='246' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Be sure and check out what other crew members thought at the <a target="_blank" href="http://homeschoolcrew.com/785179/">TOS Homeschool Crew Blog</a><br /><br />Disclaimer: I received this product for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions given here are my own. There was no other compensation given for this review.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01896414221239045676noreply@blogger.com0