The Curriculum Choice

Richele

Richele is an eclectic, history loving, homeschooling mom to four beautiful children. She believes education should foster creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity. She is the co-founder of Christian Graces, LLCa company dedicated to teaching character and etiquette to young people. Her educational background is in philosophy and educational psychology. Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

Daily Word Problems by Evan Moor

Elementary, Mathematics No Responses »

May 192011

At a Glance:

Product: Daily Word Problems Grade 1 and Daily Word Problems Grade 5

Publisher: Evan Moor

Grade Level: 1 and 5

Teacher Prep: Minimal

Uses: Math Supplement

Rating: 4 out of 4 golden apples

Workbooks are something I never have a shortage of in my home. However, I do not use them nearly as much as the space on my bookshelf warrants. However, one company always comes to mind when I think of the workbooks which get time in little hands and that company is Evan Moor. I am never disappointed when I purchase an Evan Moor product. So when given the opportunity to review Evan Moor’s Daily Word Problems from Timberdoodle I happily accepted.

Many kids dislike word problems. They think of math as simple black and white numbers on a page they must solve to get more black and white numbers on a page. This is a serious flaw in the teaching of math. Math is life. We use math everyday and that isn’t some math geek slogan. Word problems are essential to relating the equation to life to make it relevant to the child. If you can make math relevant you will have greater success with understanding. Evan Moor provides a few minutes a day of connecting the black and white numbers on a page with real life with Daily Word Problems.

What I liked:

I liked the set up of having daily word problems. My daughter loves this book and wanted to do a full week in one day. She asks daily to use this workbook. I was quite surprised how well she began to learn concepts beyond her and put together how math is used in real life. I attribute that to having a brilliant daughter. Now, my unbiased nature also attributes that to how nicely Even Moor sets up word problems and keeps to a weekly theme. This truly helps the child visualize and conceptualize math in a real scenario. The weekly build up of skills finally ending in a more advanced problem is a nice way to reinforce the lessons while showing what the student knows and building on what the student knows.

My son would rather play Xbox than solve equations but he claimed to have “liked” this workbook. He did not complain about doing the problems and it did help him understand math better in the real word.

What I disliked:

For the fifth grade, I would have liked to seen more daily problems. I think three a day would have been better. With only one problem and a host of other school work this book was easily pushed aside for a day. However, that is hardly a complaint.

For the first grade, there was nothing to dislike. I thought one problem a day was perfect for this age.

Overall, it is a nice supplement to your daily math routine. It reinforces what the child learns and draws a concrete line from math on paper to math in real life.

If you want see more just go to the Timberdoodle site and you will have the option of seeing pages from each book.

Written by Richele, mother of four, homeschooler for 9 years and has over 100 loads of laundry under her belt. Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

Disclosure: As a member of Timberdoodle’s Blogger Review Team I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.

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Christian Liberty Press Preschool Kit

Hands On, Preschool, Reading 3 Responses »

May 052011

At a Glance

Product: Christian Liberty Press Preschool Program
Age Level: 3-5
Use as: Stand alone curriculum
Prep Time: Minimal to moderate prep time before preschool class time.
Homeschool Method: Traditional, Christian, Eclectic
Price: $87.00
Purchase: HERE.
Rating: 5 out of 5 gold apples

Review:

I have used Christian Liberty Press in the past and loved it so I was excited to review the preschool curriculum. Yes, indulge me as I brag about this company once again. I love the quality and that it is uncompromisingly Christian. I am an eclectic homeschooler so you will find me one day with workbooks, textbooks, living books, historical fiction, hands on materials, doing copywork, doing narration, and splattering paint. I do it all and find the best in each method to use with my kids. I am quite familiar with preschool curriculum as I am going on my fourth student. It is also one of my favorite areas to teach. I never rely on workbooks for any grade but I enjoy having some on hand for quiet activities, a guide, and extra practice.

First let me tell you what is in the curriculum kit and then I will talk about the products individually.

Preschool Curriculum Kit

My ABC Bible Verses
Christian Liberty Preschool Activity Book with Teacher’s Guide
Christian Liberty Preschool Drill Book
Trottino’s Tale
Preschool Readers (set of five readers)
Class Lesson Planner

My ABC Bible Verses: I did not receive this book so I am sorry to say that I cannot share my impressions. I have every confidence that this book retains the high quality demanded my Christian Liberty Press.

Christian Liberty Preschool Activity Book with Teacher’s Guide: If you are teaching preschool for the first time the Teacher’s Guide will be your faithful leader. The guide gives you step by step instructions for what to teach daily and how to integrate the all the elements of the curriculum kit.

The activity book is wonderful! What makes this book something to brag about? The book is simple in design and easy on the eyes. It does not rely on graphics and overstimulation to grab the child’s attention. Do not misunderstand and think the book is in black and white or uninteresting to view. The book balances the right about of visual interest and attention to the topic at hand. It is logically laid out teaching letters, patterns, shapes, counting and more. The book is a fantastic foundation to build a student more than ready for Kindergarten.

Christian Liberty Preschool Drill Book: This is a supplement to assist the child in basic handwriting from drawing simple lines to letters to numbers to shapes. Do not pass this book up because it is a supplement. Rare is the child who writes beautifully at ages 3-5. The book is also quite fun.

Trottino’s Tale: This book can be used from preschool through early elementary school. If you purchase this for your preschooler then hang onto it and refer back to it as time goes on. I love this book. Trottino is a disobedient little bunny who gets himself in quite a bit of trouble. He finds his way and learns his lesson. The book teaches basic morals and encourages proper character. The best feature of the book is the teaching suggestions in the back of the book. The teaching suggestions will give you related verses and instructions on how to minister to your little bunnies. Did I mention that I loved this book?

Preschool Readers: Five books in a series each one focuses on one vowel at a time. The books will teach your child how to read one or two words on each page. I enjoy the illustrations as they are not silly pictures but more realistic. Again, it adds to the feel of Christian Liberty Press as quality, old style but tried and true measures of teaching. The books are engaging and logically written to encourage reading.

Class Lesson Planner: Designed especially for homeschoolers this lesson planner has everything from tips on organizing lesson plans to time management. A wonderful planner that will keep you on track. The best part is that they include one in every curriculum kit.

Written by Richele, author of Under the Golden Apple Tree and mom to four beautiful children. I received the above curriculum to review objectively and honestly.

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Critical Thinking Skills for Kindergarteners

Hands On 1 Response »

Apr 252011

Grade level reviewed: Kindergarten through 1st grade

Use as: thinking skills activities, test prep

Instruction time: low

Prep time: low

Cost: $17.99

Can You Find Me? Building Thinking Skills is a yet another wonderful workbook from The Critical Thinking Company. Critical Thinking Press is well known for high quality educational items which inspire what else but critical thinking! No one has to be convinced that thinking skills are valuable lessons to teach children. With Can You Find Me?, you begin teaching these skills to a child in Kindergarten.

This workbook covers a wide range of skills:

Discerning similarities and differences

Sequencing

Logic

Classifications

Subjects covered by the book:

Reading

Math

Science

Social Studies

Analogies

Riddles

My Thoughts:

I found the book to be perfectly suited to the K-1 grade age level. The riddles and logic problems are engaging with interesting concepts and illustrations. Each riddle asks at least two questions which keeps it interesting and expands the child’s level of thinking. It’s a fun book to work through and that is always a plus. In addition, the back of the book contains a skills chart so you are aware of what skills are being developed by each exercise. This is a great workbook to use for a few minutes of warm up before school, to break up the day, or when your child gets a glazed look over her eyes and needs a bit jump start.

My Kindergartener’s Thoughts:

If I allowed it, she would have completed the workbook in one day. She enjoyed every bit of it. This is the first workbook she asks to use and then hardly wants to put it down.

She is doing quite well with all the exercises and I have noticed a difference in her thinking since using this workbook. She has always been quick but this book is proving to tone her critical thinking skills. To be honest, I’m not sure if that is a good thing. Staying one step ahead may require a mommy thinking skills book. My goal is to raise critical thinkers even if staying a step ahead requires more of me and Critical Thinking Press provides the tools I need.

You can purchase Can You Find Me? Building Thinking Skills from Timberdoodle. If you would like to see sample pages just click here.

As a member of Timberdoodle’s Blogger Review Team I received a free copy of Can You Find Me? Building Thinking Skills in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.

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Building Thinking Skills

Elementary, Hands On No Responses »

Apr 112011

Product: Building Thinking Skills Book 2

Publisher: Critical Thinking Company

Age level: 9-11 (4th-6th grade)

Use as: thinking skills activities, test prep

Instruction time: low

Prep time: low

Cost: $29.99

Features (from site):

Building Thinking Skills Book 2 covers describing shapes, figural similarities and differences, figural sequences, figural classifications, figural analogies, describing things, verbal similarities and differences, verbal sequences, verbal classifications, and verbal analogies.

My Thoughts:

Anyone who has been reading my views on education knows one of my educational goals for my children is to raise critical thinkers. I say it all the time in many different ways in many different places. However, I will admit that raising a critical thinker is not as easy as it sounds. It can be challenging and one is constantly searching for the proper material to raise a lifelong learner and thinker rather than a test taking drone. Yet, test taking is something no one can escape so a balance of test taking skills and thinking skills must be achieved. I believe Building Thinking Skills Book 2 possess that quality. These workbooks flex the thinking muscles along with equipping kids to score high on tests. What I appreciate is the method it uses to give children the skills to score high on tests. Instead of “training” a child to take a test by providing potential questions or problems, this book provides the skills for a child to take any test well due to challenging the child to think beyond the black and white ink. A child learns how to think through problems and riddles to attain the proper answer. This is why no matter which standardized test your child takes or which homeschool curriculum you use the Building Thinking Skills book can assist your child in scoring his best.

Building Thinking Skills Book 2 contains:

Venn Diagrams

Map Skills

mental manipulation of two-dimensional objects

Analytical Skills

Deductive Reasoning

And more!

My 5th Grader’s Thoughts:

My son is never thrilled when a new school book arrives at my doorstep. Through the years he has expressed both interest and disinterest in the books he uses. He is not difficult to please as much as not very motivated to accomplish at his finest at all times. While, he was not thrilled when I place the book in front of him, the book peaked his interest. My son never works ahead unless threatened with never watching football again. This book was no exception. He quickly asked which assignments to do and when to stop. Yet, he enjoyed this workbook more than any other and actually picks it up to ask if he needs to use it each day. That is a huge thumbs up! I once saw him do a few assignments without my prompting.

View sample pages from this workbook here.

As a member of Timberdoodle’s Blogger Review Team I received a free copy of Building Thinking Skills Book 2 and 3 in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.

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Positive Action for Christ

Bible, Middle School 2 Responses »

Feb 222011

Reviewed Item: Positive Action for Christ—The Life of Christ

School Level: Middle School–High School

Product by: Positive Action for Christ

Product Description:

To many people Christ is merely a historical fact, rather than a living, personal reality. We know that Christ lived, and we know much about what He did; however, even we as Christians seldom experience His presence as we should.

The purpose of The Life of Christ from the Gospel of John is to make Jesus Christ real to your students. Our hope as you journey through this material is that your students will not only know Jesus more, but also love Him more.

—From the site, Positive Action for Christ

My Thoughts:

I was thrilled to get this study in the mail for review. I have been looking for an in-depth bible study which embodies historical and spiritual aspects for my family. I feel Positive Action for Christ managed to provide such a study. Not only are given ample historical and geographical information you are taken on a journey to truly meet Christ. I felt this study enhanced our love for the Lord and appreciation for the Word. The study is well organized and very interesting. The student text is beautiful in appearance on the inside and out. Each lesson is well written with exercises which challenge the student to seek truth from the Word. The teacher’s manual will give any parent regardless of biblical knowledge the confidence to teach and learn from the course. The teacher’s manual comes in a high quality three ring binder with information on each lesson along with a DVD with transparencies to enhance the lessons.

It has been my experience that either a study is based in historical fact and lacks the spiritual or based in the spiritual but lacks in history. This lesson encompasses both aspects so supplementation is not needed. The study fits nicely into any homeschool style. The doctrine is sound and not slanted toward any particular religion, denomination or school of thought.

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Spelling is a Zoo!

Phonics, Spelling No Responses »

Nov 292010

Ever since my daughter was in Kindergarten she has struggled with spelling. We had a few good years due to a great curriculum and active hands on word studies. However as she hit the junior high level she was no longer interested in spelling games yet still lacked spelling skills. She is a very intelligent girl but spelling is not her forte. I thought that she would simply have to live out the rest of her life as a poor speller. After all, I know plenty of people who have resigned themselves to be poor spellers.

My daughter, now in 7th grade, was not satisfied being a poor speller. So I was on the hunt again for a spelling program that would speak to my child. Once we pinpointed her trouble stemmed from phonics, I wanted to find a program that addressed this issue in particular. Well, short of Hooked on Phonics for a child half her age I was out of luck. That is until I found the Phonetic Zoo.

The Phonetic Zoo is unlike any program I had used before. Instead of textbook that had you memorize spelling in a one dimensional manner, The Phonetic Zoo is multi sensory. The child will have the opportunity to hear the word while seeing the word and vice versa. The Phonetic Zoo breaks learning style barriers by effectively teaching spelling properly to all students. The program is based on how the brain stores and retrieves information. The program is not designed so your child will get 100% on a spelling test only to forget the words the next week. This program is designed to teach your child how to spell which will in turn make him a better speller all around and not just a better speller for one test.

So far my daughter is seeing great success with this method. She enjoys the multi-sensory and unique approach. I enjoy seeing her succeed in an area she was struggling in for so long.

So my challenge to you is to visit the site, read the teacher’s notes and have your child take the placement test. The program is guaranteed to improve your child’s spelling or you will be refunded. You have nothing to lose!

Phonetic Zoo Package includes:

5 audio CDs (Level C has 6 CDs)

Spelling and the Brain and Introduction to The Phonetic Zoo DVD with the following:

- Spelling and the Brain video seminar

- Introduction to The Phonetic Zoo video

- The Phonetic Zoo teacher’s notes PDF file

-Lesson Cards with all three levels of spelling words and jingles

-Personal Spelling Cards to keep track of your student’s typical misspellings.

-Zoo Cards, which serve as a way to practice jingles or as rewards.

Cost: $99.00

Disclosure: Program provided by the Institute for Excellence in Writing for the purpose of review. The thoughts and opinions presented are my own. EIW may or may not agree with this content.

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Learning Beginning Math Inch by Inch

Elementary, Hands On, Mathematics, Preschool No Responses »

Nov 032010

If you have not seen Inchimals than you are in for a treat. I had my eye on Inchimals but hated to take the leap and purchase the set. Why? I have enough math manipulatives to fill a truck. However, I suspected these were a bit different so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I had the opportunity to review this item.

What are Inchimals?

Inchimals are 12 wooden blocks, each with a different animal and number painted on the block. The blocks are made into one inch increments. The ladybug is one inch and so on until you arrive at the 12 inch giraffe. Included in the set are a dry erase marker and a spiral bound dry erasable book with puzzles.

What does Inchimals Teach:

Basic measurement skills.
Addition and subtraction skills.
Equivalent value skills.
Sequencing skills.
Math Vocabulary

How does Inchimals Work?

The puzzle book begins with simple addition. The child is asked to determine the sum of one mouse and one bear. The child then finds the animal which is equal in length to the mouse and bear put together. The child will see that one mouse and one bear is equal to one ostrich. Then the child is instructed to write the number associated with each animal. Basically the child just determined the sum of 3 and 7. As the book continues with puzzles on subtraction, 3 digit addition, equivalent sums, addition and subtraction, and finding multiple sums of a given number.

What I liked:

This Charlotte Mason minded homeschool mom liked was how the blocks gave you the answer. Meaning, the child is not writing down the wrong answer but the correct answer is always being reinforced. The equations are also consistently reinforced in the correct manner. This provides a young child with the proper habits of learning math. Basically, your child is not memorizing mistakes that will take you and your child extra work to breakdown. Yet that the same time your child is not being spoon fed the answers but using critical thinking skills to determine answers.

Since the book is dry erase this gives the child the ability to go over the puzzles multiple times and to be passed down to a younger sibling. Homeschooling supplies that you can pass down are great for the budget.

I also liked that both my 5 year old and 2 year old could play and learn together with no tears or fussing. Each had a wonderful using Inchimals. My five year old learned the basics of addition and measurement quickly while my 2 year old learned about sequencing and short and tall. She even enjoyed stacking them as you would with other blocks.

Inchimals can fit into any curriculum or learning style. Not only would I recommend this to a friend I would buy it as a gift. It is a rare thing to combine creative learning in a way that is fun yet not spoon feeding or entertaining your child. I do not like educational supplies or toys which do the thinking for the child or entertain them into learning. I believe both develops bad habits and issues. Inchimals are cute, fun, and educationally sound. This item provokes imagination and learning and does not insert it in the child’s head.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Timberdoodle Review Team and as such this product was provided to me in exchange for a review. My review reflects my personal experience with this product and was not approved by Timberdoodle.

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The Mystery of History Vol. III

Elementary, Hands On, High School, History, Middle School No Responses »

Oct 012010

Mystery of History has come out with its 3rd volume spanning the time period of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations (1455-1707). This Christian based curriculum will cover some of the greatest minds of the time period such as Martin Luther, Copernicus and Shakespeare. It covers world history chronologically so your student will learn about Cervantes writing Don Quixote while at the same time learning about Australian Aborigines to the founding of Jamestown.

Volume III is divided into two semesters for a total of 28 weeks of study following the three lessons a week layout. The student hardcover textbook can be used on its own or you can enhance your survey of history by purchasing The Mystery of History (Volume III) Companion Guide: Curriculum and Student Activities. This is available in paperback or CD-ROM for your convenience. The companion guide will provide you with pretests, hands-on activities, quizzes, supplement booklists, and more.

Mystery of History can be used for multiple ages so it is perfect for any size homeschool family. The site offers free downloadable samples for you to explore before you purchase. Even if you have not used Mystery of History Volume I or Volume II, you can easily transition into Volume III.

I found this curriculum to be truly delightful from Linda Lacour Hobar’s Montaigne style of writing (You will learn all about Montaigne in Vol. III and he is not to be missed!) to the creative hands-on activities that the whole family will enjoy.

I highly recommend you purchase The Mystery of History (Volume III) Companion Guide: Curriculum and Student Activities, either in paperback or CD-ROM to accompany the textbook. The paperback and the CD-ROM contain the same information but in different formats for different situations. If you have a large family it may be cost effective to purchase the CD-ROM and print off the maps and quizzes for all your students. If you have one student you may want to purchase the paperback to easily tear out what you need. Personally, I found having both to be quite helpful. The paperback allowed me to review material and plan my lessons without the use of a computer while the CD-ROM allowed me to print off what I needed for all three kids.

If you seek a history curriculum to make history lovers out of your children than search no further than Mystery of History. As a true history lover I wanted something to spark an interest and imagination of my children who thought of history as boring. Mystery of History has made all my kids ask to do history daily as opposed to hiding the book under the couch.

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My Access! Vantage Online Writing Course

Elementary, Hands On, High School, Language Arts, Middle School, Writing No Responses »

Sep 222010

My Access Home Edition is an online interactive writing program designed to be added to any curriculum seamlessly. You can purchase the program for three students for $99.95 HERE. From about first grade through high school this program will help your child develop valuable writing skills at his or her own pace.

My Access is designed to take a central role in helping your child achieve writing goals. The program will give feedback as well as help you keep track of your child’s progress. The program will grow with your child so as your child progresses the program will continue to challenge your child. The program says it takes stress off the homeschool mom and allows her more time to focus on other educational goals.

This program does not have to be confined to homeschooling. If you want to challenge your child beyond school or if your child needs tutoring in this area My Access can help you with those needs.

The program is easy to navigate and offers a variety of topics for your child to write about. As a parent you are kept in the know yet you will have the back up of the system and feedback from teachers to help your child grow as a writer.

During my review of this product I allowed my 12 and 10 year old to have access to this program. I am a writer yet teaching writing is not so easy for me. I often struggled with being too critical or not knowing if they were writing on the proper level. I welcomed the opportunity to have the back up for My Access. The student can pick from topics to write about and get feedback on the writing. The feedback is somewhat detailed so the student is clear on what changes to make. This also provides the parent with an overall picture of the child’s writing level. This is a great tool to include in your homeschooling. I always stress that the ability to write is a form of communication so it is important to write properly. Words can be misused or misconstrued if you are not careful on how you communicate through your writing. I want my kids to be confident about word choice and sentence structure as well as styles of writing.

Are there cons? While this program does fit into any curriculum it will add to your child’s workload. This is only a con if your child is responsible for quite a few writing assignments in English or History already. My children have reports in almost every class so this program had to be added in carefully. My older child found the program monotonous and preferred to work on her assigned writing. My 10 year old does not like to write but enjoyed working on the computer and having topics provided for him. I loved the idea of the program and much of how it was run. However, I sometimes questioned some of the feedback and upon further research found some flaws in the feedback. The flaws were minor and for the most part everything was handled great.

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Red Chair Press Tickles your Funny Bone

Elementary, Hands On, Language Arts, Phonics 5 Responses »

Aug 252010

Red Chair Press graciously allowed me to review their Funny Bone Readers: Developing Character series of books along with the lesson plan and activity book. Having one child just entering the world of reading, I was excited to get started on this series, especially since it focused on character development. These colorful and delightful books help a child learn to read while nurturing a quality character.

Funny Bone Readers uses fun and silly characters to make connections to several important character traits.

Fairness
Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Caring
Citizenship

I found these books to be truly enjoyable. My daughter and I had a wonderful time reading all the stories. Even my older children loved reading these books to my younger children. This is a wonderful way to reinforce reaching skills and character development in one sitting.

The lesson plan and activity book enhanced the books by giving you plenty of ideas to reinforce the lessons. Along with the lesson plan book, you can divide up these books by traits, phonics, or into weeks to gain the full benefit. You could plan a six week study using two books a week that focus on each character trait. You could plan a 12 week study using one book a week to focus on phonics and one character trait every two weeks. The books are short and flexible enough to add into your current reading or character development program.

Red Chair Press offers a few ways to purchase the sets. You can purchase 12 books and ebooks (on CD) for $48.00 until August 31st. You can purchase the Lesson Plan and Activity book for $29.95. If you are in a co-op you can purchase Complete Classroom Set 72 books (6 each of all 12 titles) plus a Lesson Planner and interactive eBooks CD-ROM for $295.00. You may also purchase additional sets if your co-op has more than six children.

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