Hot off the press from Apologia is a book by Sarah Clarkson called Read from the Heart. This book is designed to be a literature resource, encouraging families to delve into the wonderful world of fine books. Clarkson begins by describing her own passion for reading literature, and how her early world was shaped by books. Next she addressees the decline in literacy in America, and sites research linking reading to income, health and job success. Sobering when you consider that the average 15-24 year old spends only 7-10 minutes reading and 2.5 hours watching TV. Clarkson sums up her intro by explaining why she has chosen the books in the chapters to follow and some resources for finding them.
From here forward Read from the Heart is a comprehensive list of authors and books with fairly detailed descriptions of her selections. Additionally, she makes recommendations for other titles by the author if the book peaked the interest of the reader. The selections begin with picture books followed by: The Golden Age of Classics, Children's Fiction, Fairy Tales and Fantasy, History and Biography, Spiritual Reading for Children, Poetry, and finally Music, Art and Nature. The final section of the book is a quick reference guide which has lists of Caldecott and Newbery Medal winners, G A Henty, Landmark, and Trailblazer books.
This is an excellent go to resource particularly if you are using a literature approach to learning, and if you want your children reading quality, wholesome literature. One could quickly put together a reading list and probably get a good deal of them from the local library. This books can be purchased from the Apologia web site for $17, it is also available at Amazon.
http://www.apologia.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
RE: Considering Gods's Creation
On a couple of occasions I have stood in a home school book store done a cursory flip of Considering God's Creation by Mortimer and Smith. I always found the black and white content underwhelming. When it arrived my my mailbox for review purposes it was a bit of a let down. However, when I actually sat down and examined the material and content, I found it impressive and easy to implement despite the lack of color.
What immediately drew my attention were experiments, I always look at those first. So many times with science curriculum the labs end up bombing, not the case with those we have tried with Considering God's Creation. Probably the favorite so far has been a shoe box, flashlight and some paper slides of constellations. It ends up being a homemade slide projector. Simple, fun, and it worked.
For me, another appeal to this curricula is the student book, it contains some great cut, paste and color elements that my daughter loves. Additionally there are some simple detective sheets in each unit for your child to use, scientist, rock, animal tree, flower to name a few. If you have a child that is on the younger side or not particularly fond of writing these are a great way to gather information and in some places check off elements rather than do tons of writing.
This curricula is set up in units, thusly it is really easy to skip around. I like that. We live in a fairly rainy climate and it is always disappointing when science requires being outside and the time of year is disagreeable for doing so. The units covered are: creation, astronomy, earth, rocks and minerals, weather, plants, animals and man. For me, it is a good fit to have a variety of topics covered, rather than spending a year on an intensive study of one thing.
The teachers guide contains, a CD of information set to music, the lesson, vocabulary, Bible reading, activities, and a book list you would want to pursue if you were using this with an older child. There is also a preparation area where you are told of any supplies you will need and which pages from the student book are being used that day.
Overall, I think this is a solid and fun science program that I would recommend taking a look at. This curriculum is economically priced and easy to use. Everything you need aside from household items for labs will cost you $29.95 and additional student books are only $13.95 This can be purchased from the vendors website:
http://eagleswingsed.com/products/cgc.html
What immediately drew my attention were experiments, I always look at those first. So many times with science curriculum the labs end up bombing, not the case with those we have tried with Considering God's Creation. Probably the favorite so far has been a shoe box, flashlight and some paper slides of constellations. It ends up being a homemade slide projector. Simple, fun, and it worked.
For me, another appeal to this curricula is the student book, it contains some great cut, paste and color elements that my daughter loves. Additionally there are some simple detective sheets in each unit for your child to use, scientist, rock, animal tree, flower to name a few. If you have a child that is on the younger side or not particularly fond of writing these are a great way to gather information and in some places check off elements rather than do tons of writing.
This curricula is set up in units, thusly it is really easy to skip around. I like that. We live in a fairly rainy climate and it is always disappointing when science requires being outside and the time of year is disagreeable for doing so. The units covered are: creation, astronomy, earth, rocks and minerals, weather, plants, animals and man. For me, it is a good fit to have a variety of topics covered, rather than spending a year on an intensive study of one thing.
The teachers guide contains, a CD of information set to music, the lesson, vocabulary, Bible reading, activities, and a book list you would want to pursue if you were using this with an older child. There is also a preparation area where you are told of any supplies you will need and which pages from the student book are being used that day.
Overall, I think this is a solid and fun science program that I would recommend taking a look at. This curriculum is economically priced and easy to use. Everything you need aside from household items for labs will cost you $29.95 and additional student books are only $13.95 This can be purchased from the vendors website:
http://eagleswingsed.com/products/cgc.html
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
RE: Wondermaps, Bright Ideas Press
Since I have recently purchased a Macbook and kissed Microsoft good-bye it took me more finagling than the normal to get this amazing program up and running. After several failed attempts, none the fault of the software I pondered giving up the entire mission, so glad I didn't. This is without a doubt the most comprehensive map system I have ever seen, stored neatly on your computer, and easy to navigate.
The Wondermaps are delivered via a download and land in the download section of your computer. From there you click and open these categories: Thematic, here you will find everything from Israel under Rome's rule to the current EU. The USA section provides regions, territories and individual state maps. In the World Maps folder you will find world maps with filled with data and details. Historical maps contain world empires BC and AD. With in each of these categories there are countless subcategories to explore all with the click of a button. But wait there is more, each may has a layers key were you can add or subtract information such as rivers, topography labels, black and white or a color option just to name a few.
Bright Ideas has brought even more value to the table with geography lessons provided in the Teacher Guide. It has everything from teaching the basics, N,S, E, W to following Josephs Journey, complete with Q and A, research, and mapping activities, for example where did Josheps family live and what kind of animals lived there?
For those of you using Bright Ideas history curriculum you will enjoy the ease of having the maps for Mystery of History and All American History stored neatly in there own neat little folders. This entire set up is very snazzy, and the answer keys for the maps are also provided.
In summary it is hard to really describe in detail the layers and layers of information contained in Wondermaps. This program is very easy to navigate and you can get at files in a variety of ways, click on a file folder, access them through the start page by clicking on the category you desire or click on the Bright Ideas Press book you are using and bring them up there. Remarkable, loaded with information, a great resource for the home schooler, and very reasonably priced at $49.95.
http://brightideaspress.com/?page_id=3846
The Wondermaps are delivered via a download and land in the download section of your computer. From there you click and open these categories: Thematic, here you will find everything from Israel under Rome's rule to the current EU. The USA section provides regions, territories and individual state maps. In the World Maps folder you will find world maps with filled with data and details. Historical maps contain world empires BC and AD. With in each of these categories there are countless subcategories to explore all with the click of a button. But wait there is more, each may has a layers key were you can add or subtract information such as rivers, topography labels, black and white or a color option just to name a few.
Bright Ideas has brought even more value to the table with geography lessons provided in the Teacher Guide. It has everything from teaching the basics, N,S, E, W to following Josephs Journey, complete with Q and A, research, and mapping activities, for example where did Josheps family live and what kind of animals lived there?
For those of you using Bright Ideas history curriculum you will enjoy the ease of having the maps for Mystery of History and All American History stored neatly in there own neat little folders. This entire set up is very snazzy, and the answer keys for the maps are also provided.
In summary it is hard to really describe in detail the layers and layers of information contained in Wondermaps. This program is very easy to navigate and you can get at files in a variety of ways, click on a file folder, access them through the start page by clicking on the category you desire or click on the Bright Ideas Press book you are using and bring them up there. Remarkable, loaded with information, a great resource for the home schooler, and very reasonably priced at $49.95.
http://brightideaspress.com/?page_id=3846
Friday, May 6, 2011
RE: Kregel Publications
My eight year old daughter and I just finished reading Andi's Indian Summer by Susan K. Marlow and illustrated by Leslie Gammelgaard. This is a series about a young living in the late 1800's and her adventures on Circle C ranch. Andi books are geared toward 6-8 year olds. My daughter found this book very exciting and entertaining. We did it as a read aloud and she did not want to stop until I had finished the book. Fortunately, I had the time to finish the book the day we decided to begin it.
What I liked about the book was that it presented suspense, adventure and the spiritual lesson that Andi's father had brought the gospel message to an Indian family living near by. We are a very evangelistic family and it nice to have a story to further that message.
I think this is a great alternative or addition to some of the other books on the market that are geared toward this age group. I much preferred the message and content to something like Junie B. Jones or the Magic Treehouse. Give these books consideration if you are looking for reading material for your 6-8 year old. They are well written and provide illustrations that help keep the interest of a squirmy child.
The web sited for Kregel Publications ishttp://www.kregel.com/ME2/Default.asp. Presently there are six books in this series and are reasonably price at $4.99 each
What I liked about the book was that it presented suspense, adventure and the spiritual lesson that Andi's father had brought the gospel message to an Indian family living near by. We are a very evangelistic family and it nice to have a story to further that message.
I think this is a great alternative or addition to some of the other books on the market that are geared toward this age group. I much preferred the message and content to something like Junie B. Jones or the Magic Treehouse. Give these books consideration if you are looking for reading material for your 6-8 year old. They are well written and provide illustrations that help keep the interest of a squirmy child.
The web sited for Kregel Publications ishttp://www.kregel.com/ME2/Default.asp. Presently there are six books in this series and are reasonably price at $4.99 each
Friday, April 29, 2011
RE Latin's Not So Tough Level 3
If you are looking for a gentle introduction to Latin for your middle schooler, Latin's Not So Tough by Karen Mohs is certainly worth consideration. She begins with the basics; letter sounds. Next she takes the student through some beginning vocabulary. By the end of the course they are able to translate some simple Latin sentences.
The answer key gives comprehensive answers, teaching tips, scheduling ideas and some English derivatives. However, is by no means a scripted guide, if you are looking for detailed instructions this may not be for you. It certainly appears to me that the student workbook is meant to provide the bulk of the instructions. I found this curriculum to be fairly easy to hand to a student and have them work on it independently.
In terms of other Latin on the market it is my opinion that this is less rigorous than others I have seen. That said I have not done extensive research on the matter, just some quick digging around on the internet. This lighter approach ended up to be a fairly good fit for my family since my middle schoolers are in a very challenging high school Spanish class at the moment.
This set is priced reasonably:
Latin Level 3 Student Workbook $21.95
Full Text Answer Key $21.95
Pronunciation CD for Latin Levels One, Two, and Three $10.00
http://www.greeknstuff.com/latin.
The answer key gives comprehensive answers, teaching tips, scheduling ideas and some English derivatives. However, is by no means a scripted guide, if you are looking for detailed instructions this may not be for you. It certainly appears to me that the student workbook is meant to provide the bulk of the instructions. I found this curriculum to be fairly easy to hand to a student and have them work on it independently.
In terms of other Latin on the market it is my opinion that this is less rigorous than others I have seen. That said I have not done extensive research on the matter, just some quick digging around on the internet. This lighter approach ended up to be a fairly good fit for my family since my middle schoolers are in a very challenging high school Spanish class at the moment.
This set is priced reasonably:
Latin Level 3 Student Workbook $21.95
Full Text Answer Key $21.95
Pronunciation CD for Latin Levels One, Two, and Three $10.00
http://www.greeknstuff.com/latin.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
RE: Writing Tales
Over the years I have used a vast variety of writing curricula, I have to say Writing Tales by Amy Olsen is my favorite to date. Her approach is fun, creative, classic, and the kids don't mind doing the assignments.
The program is based on the classic 12 levels of writing from the Greeks known as Progymnasmata. The theory behind this big word is that students learn great writing from imitating well written classic models. Olsen uses excerpts from Aesop's Fables, James Baldwin, and the like as a basis for model to be copied.
Writing Tales is fairly comprhensive in that it covers grammar, puncuation, vocabulary, and spelling in addition to writing. Additionally, there is copy work, giving it a bit a of Charlotte Mason flair as well.
Writing Tales is available in levels 1 and 2, both laid out in a similar fashion making it easy to transition from level 1 to level 2. The consumable student workbook for level 1 is $19.95 and the teacher guide $24.94. Level 2 runs $24.95 for the student workbook and $32.95 for the instructor guide.
The basic structure of both levels works like this:
Day 1, read the story, discuss details of plot, main character, theme, and have the child give an oral summary
Day 2, copy work and grammar
Day 3, vocab and writing based on the vocabulary words
Day 4, review and practice grammar concepts
Day 5, write a rough draft retell of the story
The following week looks similar to the first and lead up to a final draft of the retell where the child is to add creative flair to their original story.
This curriculum is very well laid out and easy to follow. One of my favorite features of the curricula is that in level two kids have the opportunity to sketch out some of their story ideas during the rough draft giving them yet another creative outlet.
Suffice to say this is a fantastic writing curriculum that does more than teach writing. It is broken down into doable lessons with clear directions from the teacher guide, and my kids have enjoyed her fresh approach to teaching writing. I highly recommend Writing Tales, my youngest will get the opportunity to use both levels and a I am tickled about that.
http://writing-tales.com/ will get you to the web site where you can look at a good representation of the materials.
The program is based on the classic 12 levels of writing from the Greeks known as Progymnasmata. The theory behind this big word is that students learn great writing from imitating well written classic models. Olsen uses excerpts from Aesop's Fables, James Baldwin, and the like as a basis for model to be copied.
Writing Tales is fairly comprhensive in that it covers grammar, puncuation, vocabulary, and spelling in addition to writing. Additionally, there is copy work, giving it a bit a of Charlotte Mason flair as well.
Writing Tales is available in levels 1 and 2, both laid out in a similar fashion making it easy to transition from level 1 to level 2. The consumable student workbook for level 1 is $19.95 and the teacher guide $24.94. Level 2 runs $24.95 for the student workbook and $32.95 for the instructor guide.
The basic structure of both levels works like this:
Day 1, read the story, discuss details of plot, main character, theme, and have the child give an oral summary
Day 2, copy work and grammar
Day 3, vocab and writing based on the vocabulary words
Day 4, review and practice grammar concepts
Day 5, write a rough draft retell of the story
The following week looks similar to the first and lead up to a final draft of the retell where the child is to add creative flair to their original story.
This curriculum is very well laid out and easy to follow. One of my favorite features of the curricula is that in level two kids have the opportunity to sketch out some of their story ideas during the rough draft giving them yet another creative outlet.
Suffice to say this is a fantastic writing curriculum that does more than teach writing. It is broken down into doable lessons with clear directions from the teacher guide, and my kids have enjoyed her fresh approach to teaching writing. I highly recommend Writing Tales, my youngest will get the opportunity to use both levels and a I am tickled about that.
http://writing-tales.com/ will get you to the web site where you can look at a good representation of the materials.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
RE: Baking Soda the Wonder Cleaner
Everyone is probably aware of the many cleaning properties of good ole baking soda. I came across one I had not herd of a couple years back and wish I had know it sooner. Drum roll please, if you have food baked on, caked on, stuck on, or otherwise adhered to your cooking vessel make a paste of baking soda and water, let it set and it will wipe away with remarkable ease. Often times you don't have to wait very long to get the grime off other times more patients is required. You will never need SOS pads again.
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