Time Engineers: Experience Math

 High School, Mathematics, Middle School, Science & Technology  1 Response »
Mar 302012
 

Why Time Engineers?

Time Engineers is a CD Rom designed to teach math skills to middle school through high school students.  Not only does it teach math skills such as algebra it also concentrates on engineering skills. By taking students through history, this interactive computer game, takes math to a new level and one many young people will appreciate. Please visit the site for system requirements.

The Breakdown:

Product:  Time Engineers
Cost:  $19.95 Individual, $49.95
Use:  Homeschool, Classroom, Home
Grades:  Middle School-High School (5th-9th)
Lessons Taught:  Math, Science, History, Physics
Skills:  Problem Solving, Reasoning, Critical Thinking

Game Play

The CD-Rom quickly loads and gives you the option of playing it from the disc or installing it on your computer.  The first screen  gives you options to learn about the game, how to play the game, etc. I love a screen that introduces you to the game rather than going directly to the game.  The game is first person and easy to navigate.

When you hit play you are in a library searching through books.  As the story goes you are at a university library doing research on career interests. You become overwhelmed studying about engineering and know there must be an easier way.  This is when you find a document called Time Engineers. Reading it you realize you have stumbled upon confidential information on a time travel machine.  It contains three chapters concerning three different time periods and the location of the time machine.  So you do the only logical thing:  find the time machine, go on the adventures and solve common engineering problems of each time period.

To enter the factory where the time machine is being kept you must enter a binary code which you have to determine.  That marks lesson #1.  The next lesson involves using the power switch.  Once you solve both lessons you are on your way to the different time periods.

The different time periods and lessons are:

Ancient Egypt

  • Pyramid Building
  • Crop Irrigation

Middle Ages

  • Drawbridge Design
  • Catapult Operation

World War II

  • Submarine Simulation
  • Radar Detection

Why I Recommend Time Engineers

  • If you go the Time Engineers website and click on Teachers and you will find not only a laid out curriculum of what each time period teaches but PDF files for Lessons associated with each activity.
  • Ability to play in  interactive mode. The interactive mode is the adventure fun one where the student walks through the game.
  • Ability to play in activity mode. The activity mode takes you directly to the individual activities in each time period.

As a history lover, math hater, and a mom who seeks to make her children love and excel in both this game is a perfect fit.  In fact, I learned a bit about math myself and began to see math as fun!  To connect the concept of math and physics to both visually and hands on use is powerful and reveals the mystery behind it.  Your student will learn engineering principles while developing problem solving, reasoning and critical thinking skills.  Yeah, it’s that good.

 

Ooka Island Adventure

 Elementary, Hands On, Online, Phonics, Preschool, Reading  No Responses »
Feb 242012
 

Since I have a struggling reader, I am always looking for tools to assist her achieve  Ooka Island is not intended for struggling readers solely.  It is a computer game designed to teach early literacy skills.  The visual and fun way Ooka Island uses can appeal to preschool through Kindergarteners.  It even appeals to my struggling reader.  Her confidence grows in the area due to her achievements on Ooka Island.

Here is the breakdown:

Product: Ooka Island Adventure

Format: Downloadable Computer Game

Ages: 3 to 7

Focus: Literacy, Phonics

Use: Supplement to any reading program, extra practice, fun and learning game

Rating: 5 out of 5 golden pencils

What is Ooka Island?

Learning early literacy skills was never so much fun!  The game teaches phonics and letter/sound recognition. A friendly robot named Zobot guides your child in a mission on Ooka Island.  Your child will visit the Cave of Sounds, Alphabet Mountain, Bubbly Troubly and more!  Once your child visits Popcorn Mountain she will get the chance to read books.

What did I love?

  • An approach to teaching literacy that breaks the code of reading.
  • It may be fun but it does teach foundations that a child will use in reading development.
  • Each game centers on a skill that builds upon another skill until your child begins to read.
  • Build confidence in young readers.
  • The staff is quick to respond to customers and easy to work with.
  • My 6 year old asks to play daily alongside her 3 year old sister and both are learning at respective rates.
  • Improvement in my daughter’s literacy skills.

 

Richele is an eclectic homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.  Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

Envision Teaching Latin with Visual Latin

 Classical, Hands On  No Responses »
Dec 162011
 

The thought of teaching Latin made me want to hide under a table. I did not think there would be any way for me to teach Latin. I never took Latin in school. I have no experience in this subject and quite frankly it is an intimidating subject if you are unfamiliar. Knowing that I decided to homeschool to provide a better education I knew I would have to find away to teach my children Latin. Latin will help build a strong foundation for English. A person who knows Latin will have a firmer grasp on vocabulary and spelling. I had to find a way to teach this subject without fear. Enter Visual Latin. The “visual” was enough for my interest to be peaked.


My daughter on lesson 3: Gender Words. She would draw a girl when it was a “girl word”.

Visual Latin DVDs add breathes life back into this dead language. Foreign languages can be intimidating to teach but the “visual” aspect of this program takes the pressure off of you. In fact, you can learn along with the children. I think the most fun about being a homeschool mom is revisiting lessons and learning new ones.I enjoyed learning some Latin and we all enjoyed the ease of this program. In just minutes a day using a multi-sensory approach you can begin to understand the foundations of Latin. The lessons are solid and fun. A far cry from stuffy and intimidating lesson you may have come to expect.

Here is the scope for the first ten lessons:

LESSONS 1 to 10:

1. Being Verbs Basics | To Be and Not to Be

2. Being Verbs Basics | Predicate Nominatives and Adjectives

3. Gender | Boy Words and Girl Words

4. Singular and Plural | E Pluribus Unum

5. Declensions | Meet the Cases

6. Adjectives Learn to Agree with Nouns

7. The Case Files | Nominative and Genitive

8. Counting to 10 in Latin

9. Active Verb Basics | Indicative Mood

10. The Case Files | Accusative

I will disclose to you that this is not my first Latin program. I had one that made me rethink teaching Latin to begin with and a few I truly enjoyed. Visual Latin is in the “truly enjoyed” category. I will be purchasing the other two sets. Visual Latin came highly recommended by a few homeschool friends so when I had the chance to review it I was thrilled. I am also happy to report my friends were right, Latin can be taught in an interesting and fun way.

You may purchase Visual Latin at The Compass Store.

Richele is an eclectic homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.  Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

 

How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Children

 Encouragement  No Responses »
Nov 022011
 

Product: How to Have a H.E.A.R.T For Your Kids by: Rachael Carman

Target Audience: Homeschool Moms

Format: Book

Publisher: Apologia

Cost: $13.00

After being a homeschool mom for nine years I can tell you all about the ups and downs. I can share the tears and the joy. I would tell you that my homeschool is based on God, excellence, and academics.  I would tell you my focus is on family and training up young soldiers for God’s army.  While I mean every word of it if you came to my house on a trying day you may not see it. The time I need to maintain focus the most it seems  just out of my grasp. I pray that God minimizes the damage to my children  caused by my lack of focus . I know many other homeschool moms have similar stories. Many are overwhelmed  and struggle at times.  The important moments are sometimes lost during times of discouragement.  I look at my oldest and I take pride (maybe too much) in knowing that I taught her to read, I taught her add and subtract, I taught her how to find her state on the map and I am teaching her how to love the Lord. Wait…am I  discipling properly?

How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids is a  little book with a big impact. The lessons taught are not new yet they resonate. The author makes things simple while she is transparent about her own challenges and how she achieved victory. The book is divided into five chapters using the acronym for heart.

H- Have a heart for the things of God
E- Enrich your marriage
A- Accept your kids
R-Release them to God
T-Teach them the Truth

The beauty of the book is found in the simplicity.  As mentioned the lessons are neither new nor ground breaking. However that was not the point. The manner in which she presents this information is the key. It is transparent, clear, heartfelt, and easy to refer back to during those times you need a bit of a boost. A great book to add to your homeschool library on your “for moms” shelf.

Richele is an eclectic homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.  Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

I Can Read! Made by God Series by ZonderKidz

 Reading  No Responses »
Oct 052011
 

Book Series: I Can Read! Made by God.

Age Recommendation: 4 to 7

Use: Reader Books;  Level 2 Reading with Help

Publisher:  ZonderKidz

When I see ZonderKidz, I take notice. I have purchased many books from ZonderKidz in the past and have never been disappointed. I love the quality and the interwoven faith in the books. Couple that with the I Can Read! series which is known having titles win the Caldecott and Newbery Honors and carries such titles as Little Bear, you know you will have a winning series. The series is Made by God, where children will read about their favorite animals. As a mom to animal lovers this series is a no brainer.

In the Series:

Jungle Beasts: Featuring the panther, anteater, elephant and Iguana you cannot go wrong in engaging your child. Do you know how many ants an anteater can eat in a day? My little student and I did not until reading this book.

Barnyard Critters: Cows, goats, pigs and chickens are the stars of this book. The illustrations are simply adorable. If you thought pigs enjoyed the living in dirt you may want to check this book out!

Curious Creatures Down Under: This book features my favorite animals; the koala and the platypus. In addition your child will learn about the echidna and the kangaroo.

Polar Pals: Coming to the party are the emperor penguin, arctic tern, polar bear and the arctic fox. The penguin is another favorite animal in my home. Did you know the emperor penguin is the largest penguin in the world?

Forest Friends: I have to applaud the book for making raccoons look cute. After having one tear apart a portion of my roof I was not a big fan of the raccoon. Additionally, your child will read about moose, porcupine and the fox.

For only $3.99 each, my budget is as happy as my new student learning to read. Another favorite feature is that every book has a verse in the beginning. As you teach your child to read the books you can use that verse for memorization. A great series to add into your creation lessons or bible study.

Richele is an eclectic homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.  Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

Disclosure:  Set was provided for the purpose of review.

 

Hands On History Book: Letters for Freedom

 Elementary, Hands On, History  No Responses »
Sep 122011
 

Book: Letters for Freedom: The Civil War

Published by: Innovative Kids

Age Recommendation: 8 and up

Use: To enhance history lessons.

Type: Hands-on

Homeschool Method: Any

Book Synopsis:

The past comes alive with this jam-packed, interactive book that puts history in context as it describes every moment of the Civil War, from its causes to its consequences. With flaps, gatefolds, pull-tabs, and removable letters that provide a first-person account of history as it’s happening, there is no better way to learn everything there is to know about the war that almost divided, and eventually united a nation.

Why I Recommend It:

I love history. I find history fascinating. I could sit and watch almost anything that comes on the history channel. Sadly, a few of my children do not share my love and fascination. They find history boring. Certainly, we have all heard the yawns emitting from mouths below glazed eyes as we taught what happened in the middle ages. I submit that history is not boring. What could be boring about Robert E. Lee? Dare you say battle plans and strategy tactics leave you heavy eyed? If you or your children believe history is boring it is simply because you have not made it come alive or connect the past with the present and the future in the wide eyes of your students.

Letters for Freedom: The Civil War brings the Civil War to life. The layout of the book alone garners interest. The illustrations, historic photographs, and points of interest beg for attention. My son, who claims to great dislike for history, emitted an “ooo” and not a yawn upon seeing this book. The book has a hands on approach as you flip pages filled with little envelopes that contain letters to read. The letters are from real soldiers and even General Lee. Each page has a point of interest for the eyes and the hands to keep young distractible students busy. As a lover of history and hands on learning I give this book highest marks.

Disclosure:  Was graciously given the book for review purposes by Innovative Kids.

Richele is an eclectic homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.  Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

 

Nature in Your Pocket

 Hands On, Nature Study, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Jul 292011
 

Waterford Press has a tagline that says, “Putting the World in Your Pocket.” With Waterford Press it is amazing just how much of the world you can fit into your pocket. You can store information about animal tracks, the cosmos, plants, wildlife and more right in your back pocket. These naturalist pocket guides are durable, easy to read, colorful, and fun for children or anyone who appreciates nature. In addition to nature guides, you can have a hands on guide to first aid, wilderness survival, knots, and state flags and facts. I cannot even begin to give you the entire list of amazing pocket guides, please visit the site. I am certain you will find a guide that suits you!

I had the opportunity to review three naturalist guides from Waterford Press; Animal Tracks, The Night Sky and Bugs and Slugs. I was pleased when I opened my package of pocket naturalist guides. Moreover, my children were pleased.

What we liked:

The guide is laminated which makes is durable. Durable enough for a two year old to grab it out of her sister’s hands and run around the house before dragging it alone before getting caught.

The size! The guide is 8.25″ H x 3.5″ W. It is small enough to bring it with you on nature walks or where ever you go yet big enough to find. The ability to find an object in a house with four kids, including one stealth mode toddler thief, is essential.

The amount of information provided in the guides. The guide is not simply pictures with a few words on each animal, bug or object. It provides a nice balance of enough information to understand and appreciate the topic yet not so much that my five year old or my 11 year old got that glazed look in their eye. It also had enough information to peak an interest yet not leave you with too many questions.

The Night Sky guide has a star chart that glows in the dark!

What we didn’t like:

Animal tracks had a picture of an opossum. I dislike opossums. So, that is a bit unfair, right?

My toddler and my Kindergartner fight over the Animal Tracks guide. Not sure how I can blame that on Waterford Press though.

Honestly, we couldn’t find anything wrong with the guides. In fact, I am looking forward to more of their products coming out in the spring. They will soon offer My First Nature Activity Books and Children Nature Activity Books which really appeal to me and my kids.

Pictured below is an activity I used the Animal Track guide for with my Kindergartener. I happened to have animal track molds from a previous activity. So, I rolled out Play Doh and imprinted the tracks. I then had my daughter use the guide to identify the tracks. She had a great time doing this activity. She even made her own tracks using the guide and a few Play Doh tools.

Richele is an eclectic homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.  Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

Considering God’s Creation

 Hands On, Lapbooks, Science  1 Response »
Jul 012011
 
At a Glance
Product: Considering God’s Creation published by Eagle’s Wings Educational Products
Age Level:  2nd thru 7th (adaptable curriculum)
Use:  Stand alone science curriculum (36 lessons) or a nice supplement for the notebooking side of science.
Teacher Prep: Minimum to Moderate/Cut and Paste
Format:  Workbook, Teacher’s Manual and CD (Workbook is filled with cut and paste notebook pages.)
Teaching Method: Notebooking approach
Cost:  $29.95 for the Teacher’s Manual, Student Workbook and audio CD
Quick Rating:  3 out of 4 Golden Apples

What is Considering God’s Creation?

Considering God’s Creation is a hands-on creation science curriculum adaptable for 2nd to 7th grade.  The method used is notebooking.
The curriculum covers:
  • Universe
  • Stars
  • Solar System
  • Earth
  • Light
  • Sound
  • Wind
  • Weather
  • Clouds
  • Rocks
  • Plants
  • Insects
  • Mammals
  • Reptiles
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Amphibians
  • Food Chains
  • Reproduction and Genetics
  • Human
  • Animal Anatomy
  • Physiology

Each lesson covers:

  • Preparation
  • Vocabulary
  • Introduction
  • Song/Poem
  • Hands on Activity
  • Bible Reading
  • Notebook
  • Evolution Stumpers
  • Review
  • Digging Deeper
What did we think?
I love hands-on curriculum.  I am not in love with lapbooking or notebooking in practice but the concept gets me giddy.  Hence, I was hesitant about this curriculum for fear I would start strong and never finish.  Yet, I was pleased by the engaging lessons which were just the right length even for a short attention span notebooker as myself.  Since my 6 year old daughter loves notebooking and my 2 year old loves pasting it was a wonderful way to keep my younger children engaged while teaching my 5th and 7th grader.  The activities were fun, informative and well laid out.  It is rare to find a curriculum that truly fits on a multiple age level so this is a treasure indeed.  Since I must admit I get a bit tired of cutting, I delegated that responsibility to my oldest.  She enjoys the “teacher’s aide” type of work and prepping lessons.  Finding this method to be beneficial to everyone one involved, I use it quite a bit.  So, I especially loved that this curriculum served the whole family.  My 7th grader benefited more from “teaching” than being the student.  However, keep in mind that is not because the material is too young for her as much as we have studied the subject matter before.  Yet, I think it is a great idea to have the older teach the younger.  In conclusion, this curriculum and the format served our family well.  I would recommend it to any family with multiple ages or a child who enjoys notebooking.  Another plus is the low cost!

To view sample pages click HERE.

Richele is a happy wife and and grateful, Charlotte Mason addicted, history loving, eclectic homeschooling mom to four beautiful children. She believes education should foster creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity. She enjoys tailoring education to suit the needs of her children. She loves adding in touches of classical, traditional, and hands on methods to mix things up a bit. Her educational background is in philosophy and educational psychology. Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.


Artistic Pursuits for the Junior High Student

 Art, Middle School  No Responses »
Jun 262011
 

I previously introduced you to Artistic Pursuits for the K-3rd crowd. Now I would like to introduce you to Artistic Pursuits for the Junior High crowd. Artistic Pursuits will be highly appreciated by those who teach from a Charlotte Mason or Classical method. However, this art curriculum will enhance any homeschool.

The focus in Book One is on World Art. The student will gain an understanding of how different cultures impacted the world in different ways through their art. The book places equal emphasis on art history, art appreciation and techniques making this a complete art course for your junior high student. The lessons will cover one full year of Art. The course can also credit the student with Art Appreciation and Art History as each lesson focuses on these aspects. The student will gain a full understanding of how cultures interpreted art, what mediums were used, and how art was influenced by history and cultural aspects. Students will learn the techniques of the lesson before completing the art project to ensure proper reinforcement and understanding.

If you are concerned with your ability to teach art or you have too much on your plate to add in an involved art curriculum, do not turn away from Artistic Pursuits. This book is written to the student and no teacher preparation is needed. A list of materials is given in the beginning of the book and can be easily found at your local craft or art store. Once your student is equipped with the textbook, supplies and time, he can successfully complete this course. If you enjoy art and want to share the experience with your child this book will be a delight to your homeschool.

Artistic Pursuits is my favorite art curriculum based on its emphasis on art appreciation and art history. This is not a book full of projects with no purpose or a perfunctory glance at the roots of a technique. Artistic Pursuits is a course that your student will appreciate regardless of his talent, skill level, or interest in creating projects. This course will reinforce your history lessons by giving them a flavor of the people of the time.

Disclosure: This book provided by the publisher/creator for the purpose of review. Thoughts expressed are solely my own and from my experience.

Richele is a homeschooling mom to four reflections of God’s love whose greatest accomplishment thus far was teaching physics, folding laundry, and playing Candyland simultaneously.   Find her blogging at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

The Curiosity Files: Zombie Fire Ants

 Hands On, Unit study resources  No Responses »
Jun 062011
 

At a Glance:

Product:  The Curiosity Files Unit Study: Zombie Fire Ants

Age level: 8-13

Use as: unit study

Instruction time: Fun filled and moderate to high as it is a hands on unit study.

Prep time: Low since it includes everything you need for a fun study.

Cost: $19.90 for a bundle that includes the The Secondary Schoolhouse Planner and your choice of one Curiosity Files Unit Study.

Rating: 5 out of 5 golden apples

Purchase HERE.

Anyone who has read anything I’ve written or is familiar with me knows I strive to instill a love of learning in my children.  I want to spark their imagination and get them excited about the world created by God for them.  I’ll be honest, that’s a lot of enthusiasm to put in your morning coffee.  Some days, no matter how hard you try, you cannot make direct and indirect objects exciting. Facing facts that sometimes school is, well, school, I try to look for fun unit studies and projects to keep up the excitement.  It was when I saw my children’s eyes glazed over at the mention of a unit study, I realized that making something fun is not always the answer.  Sometimes our amazing world provides enough wonder that the need to make graphing into some fun unit study is thankfully pushed aside.  This is the reason I love The Curiosity Files.  That and as soon as I said zombie fire ants my kids stood to attention with jaws dropped waiting to hear more!

The Curiosity Files explores the oddities in the world that make learning a joy.  These unit studies do not entertain by cheap thrills but educate by tapping into a child’s innate curiosity.  It provides the heart of a scientist so it’s easy for your child to feel inspired.  More over, the study never fails to give glory to God.  Yes, science and God do mix and The Curiosity Files proves it.

So what can you expect from The Curiosity Files unit studies?  You can expect to learn something new, exciting and fun.  You can expect a science lesson, copywork, bible lesson, games, puzzles, geography, projects, notebooking and lapbooking.  The material is solid and the method is smooth, logical, and fits any teaching or learning style.

The unit study is recommended for ages 8-13.  I have a 13, 11, 5 and 2 year old.  While my five year old needed to have some things adjusted, she learned quite a bit and enjoyed being a part of this.  My 2 year old was none the wiser as we did this while she slept.  My 11 year old boy had the most fun with this study.  I would not suggest this study for a child under 5 or over 13.  I think the 8-13 recommendation is perfect.  If you seek to add some fun, creativity, and curiosity into your routine without resorting to cheap thrills and entertainment, I recommend The Curiosity Files. The studies include: Zombie Fire Ants, Blue Diamond, Dung Beetle, Red Tide, MRSA, Puffer Fish, and Blue-Footed Booby.

Written by Richele, mother of 4 children, homeschooler for 9 years, and proud to say she taught tying your shoes and physics in one day.  She blogs at Under the Golden Apple Tree.

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