Each of my children (grades six and two) has a gentle grammar program they use. I want to make sure, however, that they know what will be required of them when they take standardized tests this spring. I was looking for something quick, engaging, and low stress to assess their grammar skills. Grammar Minutes has been just what I was looking for, and my children actually LOOK FORWARD TO … [Read more...] about Staying “Up to Speed” With Grammar Minutes
Ranger Rick Jr. AppVentures Lions App Review
I loved reading Ranger Rick as a child. And my children have enjoyed the magazine as well. At one time we even subscribed to the wonderful Animal Baby magazine which has now been replaced with Ranger Rick Jr. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) publishes these series of magazines. The NWF has also created AppVentures to complement their magazine series. AppVentures are a fun and interactive … [Read more...] about Ranger Rick Jr. AppVentures Lions App Review
The Everyday Family Chore System Review and Giveaway
I was so excited to do this review that I about jumped out of my chair to type the email - as getting organized is a goal of mine. I would love to talk with you about this amazing system. I tweaked the chore system for myself and my smaller family and I believe it has the possibility to benefit many others! Especially those with large families. This chore system is designed by Vicki Bentley of … [Read more...] about The Everyday Family Chore System Review and Giveaway
Adventures in My Father’s World
When I began looking for our second grade curriculum last spring to say that I was overwhelmed was an understatement. You see, I just might be a little very hard to please in this area. I wanted the convenience of an all encompassing boxed curriculum, but I was too picky to be completely satisfied with what came in the box. Then I was introduced to My Father's World and this control freak mama … [Read more...] about Adventures in My Father’s World
“Owls” Project Pack from In the Hands of a Child
There’s something special about owls. Their golden-eyed gaze, silent flight, nocturnal ways, and mysterious calls capture our imaginations and fascinate our minds. In fact, owls are my family’s favorite bird. If it were legal to own one, we would! So my daughters were thrilled with the Owls Project Pack from In the Hands of a Child. This ready-to-assemble, reproducible lapbooking kit comes with … [Read more...] about “Owls” Project Pack from In the Hands of a Child
Hearts & Trees Prairie Kit
I have an eleven-year-old who loves to sew. She also has read all of the Little House on the Prairie books. This time period in American history interests her greatly. I believe she probably would have been happy living the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Our family just returned from a trip to see parts of the Oregon Trail. We saw the wagon ruts, visited an Army fort, and also toured a Bison … [Read more...] about Hearts & Trees Prairie Kit
One Year Adventure Novel
For English this year my fourteen year old (ninth grader) is finishing the One Year Adventure Novel (OYAN). He has thoroughly enjoyed the program and his enthusiasm has not waned since beginning last year. If you click the link and watch the introductory video, E14 is the perfect kid for this program. He has lots of ideas, but begins to wash out part way through his story. The program is designed … [Read more...] about One Year Adventure Novel
Early Math – Geometric Shapes and Fractions – My Review
In our homeschool, we have always loved doing hands-on math during the early elementary years. Sometimes I wondered if I was covering the math concepts that my daughter needed. Looking for something that might guide our math activities, I found Evan Moor’s Geometric Shapes and Beginning Fractions. It gave us a simple guide for our hands-on learning. Ordering a pizza became a math lesson, … [Read more...] about Early Math – Geometric Shapes and Fractions – My Review
Discoverer’s Bible: NIrV
I am very particular about the Bible I select for our homeschool. I want to make sure that the translation and presentation isn't too much like a children's Bible, because it's for my 4th grader. And yet it still needs to be easy enough for a child to read. I also wanted a Bible that would set him up for reading independently without making it a difficult and stressful experience for an … [Read more...] about Discoverer’s Bible: NIrV
Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay
Everyone who studies ancient history relies on archeological finds. That makes sense, and it’s fascinating to see all the artifacts in books or, even better, in museums. It’s also fascinating to learn about ancient people’s cultures, religion, and daily life from objects found in ruins. But wait, do the objects really tell us the story…or are there interpreters who may argue among themselves … [Read more...] about Motel of the Mysteries by David Macaulay
A Christmas Adventure – Scripture Adventures Review
Christmas is an exciting time of year for children. For me I love to see my children's excitement and the wonder that this time of year brings. However, if we do not guard against it, we can soon find ourselves swept up in the all the jolliness of the season and leaving out the most important and central person - Christ. It seems to me that the stores usher in Christmas in all … [Read more...] about A Christmas Adventure – Scripture Adventures Review
Larsen Toy Lab Blocks Review
Back when we were brand new parents, my mother gave my children a set of blocks. Many a plastic toy have come through our house but that set of blocks still stand, stack and stimulate imaginative play. That was 15 years ago. Today my five children still play with blocks... Exactly why we found Larson Toy Lab to be such a wonderful, family-friendly toy company. Blocks, books, play. That’s … [Read more...] about Larsen Toy Lab Blocks Review