Archive for September, 2011
No Risk – $500.00
Posted by: | Comments* $500.00 Visa Gift Card * $500.00 Visa Gift Card * $500.00 Visa Gift Card * $500.00 Visa Gift Card *
HSLDA needs your input to help them better serve you and the homeschooling community! Follow the link below to their short, six-question survey and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card.
http://www.hslda.org/Survey/mvt/Default.aspx?rid=17986
The Home School Legal Defense Association survey and drawing entry must be submitted by October 9th, 2011. What would you do with $500.00? I answered a few simple survey questions and now I have a chance to win! Hope springs eternal. You don’t have to be a member of HSLDA to answer the survey questions and submit your entry.
http://www.hslda.org/Survey/mvt/Default.aspx?rid=17986
Blessings,
My Latest Discovery
Posted by: | CommentsIn some circles, I might be known as a curriculum junkie. Did you know, they actually make t-shirts for us? I’ve often joked that I could not have been a public school teacher because I would have spent my meager income on supplies, tools and visual aids for my students and classroom. Can one ever have enough of these? Keeping my class limited to my own children has kept it manageable, most of the time. My heart races a bit at the beginning of the school year, when create-a-classroom and outfit-a-student items go on sale! It delights me when I discover a new curriculum. You might think that as long as I have been homeschooling there wouldn’t be much new to me, but you would be wrong. Sometimes, I think I’ve lived in a cave! There are new products being developed every day, and there are many that have been around for years that I didn’t know existed. Students learn in different ways and what may work for one might as well be written in a foreign language for all the help it is to another; so, I’m always looking for the best fit for my crew.
My latest discovery is AIMS Education Foundation, with the emphasis on my, because they were established in 1981, giving them more than 25 years experience in education. They are “dedicated to producing math and science materials that will engage students and build conceptual understanding.”
Thanks to The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew, I recently had the opportunity to use and review Area Formulas for Parallelograms, Triangles & Trapezoids, for grades 6-8. An 80 page teacher’s book with CD Rom access to printable pdf. pages.
This single book is a great supplement to our math curriculum and it retails for only $9.95. (Even better is the Essential Math: Measuring Dimensions, set of 7 books, that saves you 15% by purchasing them all at the same time. It’s $59.20.) There are 15 days of lessons, comprised of 5 components:
- Investigations * Hands-on activities. Cutting-up parallelograms, triangles and trapezoids; forming, combining and manipulating to reinforce formulas and see their interrelatedness.
- Comics * Used as instruction and review of the investigations. We expected “funny,” and were initially disappointed that these are not humorous in any way. They are drawings, with text bubbles, depicting interaction between student and teacher. Academic instruction using common speech.
- Animation * A visual summary of the important formulas and techniques.
- Problem Solving * Activities that help students apply and retain concepts.
- Assessment * An opportunity to test the level of understanding gained.
Visit their website at www.aimsedu.org and read how AIMS got started. You’ll find their store there, too! It’s one of my new favorite places, with their Small Group – Homeschool Lab kit, that I found under Labs, Kits & Components, for $122.95.
You will also want to browse through –
- Activity Books
- E-Activities
- Essential Math
- Classroom Sets
- Literature Links
- Math Resources
- State-Specific Science
- AIMS Magazine
AIMS Education Foundation
P.O. box 8120
Fresno, CA 93747
Call – 1.888.733.2467
For classroom, homeschool, summer bridge, intervention or after school, explore the benefits of
AIMS Education Foundation for your family. I think you’ll be glad you did.
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents and photographs of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
True Leadership
Posted by: | Comments
Who surrounds you? Who are your friends, advisers and counselors? Who have you brought in to your camp?
The head of a company, the Head of State, the head of the family, the head of the church; those in leadership were not born knowing everything. They learned as they were growing. One of the most important things I think they learned is that they don’t have to know everything, they just need to know what resources to have at their fingertips and how to use them. They assemble any combination of books, DVD’s, CD-Rom’s, the brains (with bodies attached, of course) of those that do know, and more, to tap into and draw from as needed.
Parenting young children can be daunting, but honestly, there are a few people that have done it before and done it well. If we are wise, we are willing to learn from them.
Five in a Row, for ages 4 – 8, by Jane Claire Lambert and her treasury for 2 – 4 years old, Before Five in a Row, is an exceptional guide and resource to have on hand, as you lead your child on the path before academics.
The basic, original plan of Five in a Row, is to have the parent and child read the same book for five days, in a row. Lessons are centered around the book that is chosen for the week.
Before Five in a Row is similar in layout, but different. There are 24 childrens stories listed in the Table of Contents and activities are centered around each of these. The difference is that B4FIAR is not encouraging you to mold scholars between the ages of 2 and 4. It is their goal to teach parents, building their confidence to notice and take advantage of teachable moments with their children. They want you to know that “the most important thing to remember with Before Five in a Row is that learning in the years 2 – 4 takes place in PLAY! So, all the activities in B4FIAR are play-based.” They want you to recognize that you can create an atmosphere that prompts the desire to learn, in a young child; then, they give you the tools to lay the foundation that will serve your child throughout his life.
Classics and family favorites, many that you may already have in your home, or that are readily available at your local library, are used to introduce your child to the wonderful world of books.
- Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?
- Yellow Ball
- My Blue Boat
- The Little Rabbit
- Ask Mr. Bear
- Blueberries For Sal
- Goodnight Moon
- The Big Green Pocketbook
- The Runaway Bunny
- The ABC Bunny
- If Jesus Came to My House
- Caps for Sale
- The Carrot Seed
- The Snowy Day
- The Quiet Way Home
- Play With Me
- Prayer for a Child
- I Am an Artist
- Angus Lost
- Katy No-Pocket
- We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
- The Red Carpet
- Corduroy
- Jenny’s Surprise Summer
We were able to get seven of the books, right off the shelves of our library, the first day we looked for them. Six more were checked out and we could have requested most of the others from surrounding counties. So, besides the initial investment of $35 when purchased through Rainbow Resource, there is no additional cost to using B4FIAR.
One of the books that we picked up was If Jesus Came to My House, by Joan Gale Thomas. This book was written in 1951. I remember this book as a child, my older children remember me reading it to them and my younger ones were excited to read it together. We were talking about it on the way home from the library. Questions: Did anyone remember the book, the story, the illustrations? Comments: Isn’t it amazing how God can weave a thread of continuity through siblings that range in age as far as 25 years apart. I look for these opportunities to keep them all connected to each other, and this one never crossed my mind! Our discussion, centered around this children’s book is exactly what Before Five in a Row is about. Using a story and then creating activities and discussions to shed light on the bigger world around them, kindling their interest and building an intimate connection between you, the reader, and your child. With B4FIAR, the creating has already been done for you.
Each lesson gives you a brief summary of your chosen book. If Jesus Came to My House is summarized as “an imaginary visit from a most special visitor brings out the best in the host and teaches him how to care for the people around him.”
The author of B4FAIR, Jane Claire Lambert, then guides you in time spent with your child.
There is a Bible heading, with verses and their references that you can tie into the story.
Science – not teaching how shadows occur, but having fun learning to make hand shadows. Discussing how “over-size shadows can sometimes be quite frightening.” (The little boy in the story was afraid of the shadows in the hall.)
Imagining and Poetry – “Find the picture where the boy points out his favorite places in the house.” Where are your child’s favorite places to pretend. Convert cardboard boxes into special places of adventure and fun.
Hospitality – reinforcing manners, etiquette, acceptable social behavior. We had a tea party and practiced table manners.
Art – browse through each illustration. In this book, the illustrations are done in pen and ink. Who or what might you find on every page or not? How do the pictures make you feel? We drew a picture of a tea cup and saucer, a bouquet of flowers and a stack of toy blocks. Then, we colored them while we discussed the boy in the story. Among other things he imagined, he wanted to share a cup of tea with Jesus “and we would be as happy and as friendly as can be.” He wanted Jesus’ blessing on his flower garden and wanted to “pick a bunch of all the best for him to take away,” and he wanted him to play with his nicest toys. He knew he couldn’t do these things with Jesus, but he could share a cup of friendship with another, cheer someone “who’s old or ill or sad,” with a hand-picked bouquet of flowers and “share with Jesus the nicest of my toys by lending them or giving them to poorer girls and boys.” The time we spent together reinforced the lessons I wanted them to retain.
Fears – Mrs. Lambert says, “Just letting a child know that fear is a feeling that everyone experiences takes away some of its sting.”
Music – we often remember things better when they are tied to a song. What song do you think of after you read this book, together? Sing with your child often.
You can read every story and use every suggested activity or not. Topics cover: Language Arts ~ Literature ~ Sayings ~ Health ~ Math ~ Vocabulary ~ Loving Relationships ~ Shapes ~ Games to Play ~ Bible ~ Science ~ Recognizing patterns ~ Details ~ Order ~ Art ~ Maturity ~ Memories ~ Emotions ~ Details ~ Animals ~ Silhouette ~ Numbers ~ Mothers ~ Social Studies ~ Kindness and Gratitude ~ Comprehension ~ Observation ~ Making Decisions and More. These are opportunities for you to discover what can and should come before academics to make your child a life-long learner.
There are more than 140 pages in Before Five in a Row, and the last 40 or so are devoted to an additional “Parent’s Treasury of Creative Ideas for Learning Readiness.” This is your place to find further inspiration and encouragement, to spark your child’s curiosity and imagination and confidently lay that early foundation in their education and relationships.
- Activities for Reading Readiness [Being Together Talking and Listening] More than 20 activities.
- Coordination [Large Motor (Muscle) Control] Over a dozen activities.
- Development of Small Motor (Muscle) Control Half a dozen suggested activities.
- Bath Time, In the Kitchen, At the Store, and Toys 40 fun ideas.
- Visual Arts, The Literary Arts, and The Performing Arts
- and Learning to See Through Children’s Eyes – Books & music selections “that will help you, as a parent to see life from the vulnerable vantage point of a child.”
“The stories and activities included in Before Five in a Row are carefully chosen so that your child will have plenty of time to spend with you. Time to grow, and laugh, and love. Time for you to listen to him and be understanding. Plenty of time for you to help color his childhood years golden!” ~Jane Claire Lambert
Visit the website for Five in a Row, and see how they’ve grown to include Beyond Five in a Row, for ages 8 – 12, Above & Beyond Five in a Row, aimed at students ages 12 – 14 years of age, and other outstanding resources.
Bring your questions to The FIAR Forums
and
Read additional reviews of Before Five in a Row by my TOS crew mates at –
I think this book is a treasure for generations.
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents and photographs of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
FREE! Today Only!
Posted by: | Comments
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is giving away a wonderful ebook, crock-pot cookbook, today only!
Molly Makes $7 Slow Cooker Suppers includes 140 quick and easy recipes! It’s normally $7.95 and even then it’s a bargain, but today, it’s FREE! Just enter code FBCPMOLLY at check out and you won’t pay a dime.
Click this graphic to view a 16 page Sample, pdf.
Stay up-to-date on all things happening at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and Store, by following (like) their facebook page. Exciting events planned as they celebrate their 10th anniversary!
Blessings,
Niether, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, nor any affiliate, asked me to write this post. I wrote it for YOU, because it’s a great deal and I think you should hurry and take advantage of it! PK
Let the Games Begin!
Posted by: | Comments
According to their website, Griddly Games is committed to “bringing innovative and engaging games to people ‘across the grid.” They’ve consistently gained recognition for their ingenuity and creativity in designing games that are fun and educational. Many of their games have won the Teacher’s Choice Award for the Classroom and the Dr. Toy Winner award, among others.
We like board games at our house. I buy them new and second-hand. Some have been given to us as gifts and some as hand-me-downs from children or families that out grew them. We’ve even been known to create a few of our own over the years. I have boxes with the games intact and then I have boxes or bags of pieces, to replace pieces that inevitably get lost. The family that plays together gets to know one another better! Chess, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Sorry, games of memory and concentration, Wits & Wagers, card games like War, Go! Fish and Golf, Yahtzee!, Boggle, Chutes and Ladders and Pictionary come to mind with ease. Several have been played by all eleven of our children, at one time or another, while others are special editions or upgrades. Griddly Games are new to our house, but Wise Alec has become a fast favorite.
Wise Alec is an educational trivia game “covering topics in History, Science and Spelling.” Nature Nuts is a stand alone, nature trivia, travel game, and a Wise Alec expansion set.
The box has a magnetic lip on the lid that is excellent! This is a no game board = play anywhere kind of game. Slips into the beach bag. Travels well to doctor’s and dentist’s offices. Rides well on long car trips and suffers no ill effects when played sitting Indian-style on the bed.
Designed for 2 – 6 players, ages 8 and up. In my opinion, it easily accommodates more players because in it’s simplest game the die is rolled, questions are asked & answered and points are tallied. Plenty of questions for everyone! Each card, Animal, Plant, and Earth has two levels of questions, novice and expert. (The cards are a little thin and gloss-coated on the graphic side only; so, not quite as durable as I like.) The Wise Alec cards pose challenges that may cost the player points or add bonus points.
- Brain Teaser ~ Name 3 mammals + 3 points
- Action! ~ Make your best fish face + 3 points
- Yoga Time! ~ Do the tree pose. Hold your arms above your head with palms pressed together. Lift one leg off the ground so that your foot rests by your other knee. Hold for 30 seconds. + 7 points
- Tongue Twister ~ Real rock wall. Repeat 5 times. + 5 points
- Yes! ~ You do your 3 r’s: you recycle, reuse and reduce! + 2 points
- Study Break! ~ Hop from side to side 15 times. +3 points
- Oops! ~ You put old cheese into the composting bin! – 2 points (We threw out one Oops! card ~ Your horse passed gas! – 2 points – It seemed like unnecessary coarse jesting and we didn’t want to encourage it.)
- plus, Double Chance!, Roll Again!, and Still My Turn! cards.
We’ve learned something new every time we’ve played this game! You’ll find the Wise Alec Family Trivia Game, Wise Alec: Nature Nuts, retailing for $14.99, Wise Alec: Civilize This and Wise Alec: Sports Buffs, along with other Griddly Games, at your local toy/game stores and at various online retailers. Discover the fun at Amazon.com!
This graphic is from Kidz Zone. A place for kids to play interactive online games and print coloring sheets! A Griddly FREEBIE!
~
Contact:
Griddly Games, Inc.
633 – 5960 No. 6 Road
Richmond, BC V6V 1Z1
~
604.249.5020
and
This little cutie is the profile pic for Griddly Games facebook page.
Stop by and tell them Knee Deep In Grace sent you!
~
The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew, my mates, have points of view to share with you.
Check ’em out and let the games begin!
Blessings,
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
*Contents and photographs of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Thank you for your time and your comments. I appreciate you! PK
Hog Wild!
Posted by: | Comments
Several years ago, my nearly-city-born husband worked on a pig farm. What an experience! The smell permeated everything – your hair, your skin, clothing, the dog and the car. But, being the positive force that he is, each time we pulled into the driveway he would say, “Ah, smells like money!” Nothing else needed said, because we were quickly reminded that this was how our bills were being paid and groceries were bought. I can say that we learned a lot about pigs and I’m extremely thankful that it was just for a season.
Pig Pen – an enclosure where pigs are kept.
Pig-headed – stubborn or obstinate.
Piglet – a young pig. Little pink friend of “Winnie-the-Pooh.”
Pig Lard – the rendered fat from a pig.
Pig Latin – a version of language formed from English by transferring the initial consonant of each word to the end of the word and adding a vocalic syllable, usually /a/; so, Penny becomes ennyPay.
~ And our newest favorite ~
Pig Pile – “The Hog Wild Card Game” by R & R Games
This card game is designed for children ages 7 and up, but it was fun for the whole family. The game box is thick and sturdy, the cards are high-gloss and my youngest daughter says, “The 40 plastic pigs are fun all by themselves! Especially if we build Lego pens and fences.” Created for 3 – 6 players, but adaptable to more, by adding another set of number cards and a Hog Wild card for each player after the sixth. It takes a few rounds of play to accumulate the most pigs and win the game! Along the way, the young players are reinforcing their number value; less than/greater than.
Pig Pile retails for $15.95 and is one of many great games by R & R Games. You’ll want to check out:
Pants on Fire, where “Stretchin’ the Truth can be Hot Stuff!” for ages 13 and up.
And, new this year, Ticked Off. “The game that gives you the opportunity to crush (and impress) your friends with your vast knowledge. Beat the clock and beat your friends!”
Card Games
Family Games
Party Games
Kids Games
Strategy Games
and more.
You can find other reviews on Pig Pile
and
Flea Circus, a crazy game of cats & dogs, for ages 6 and up,
when you visit The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew Blog. R & R Games is offering a 20% discount to anyone purchasing Pig Pile or Flea Circus after reading a TOS Crew review. Use coupon code CREW20 at checkout, now through December 31, 2011.
Find family fun and entertainment at www.rnrgames.com
Send comments, questions or ideas to: Info@RnRGames.com
Write to –
R & R Games, Inc.
P.O. Box 130195
Tampa, FL 33681
or Call –
1-888-8-Riddle
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
Blessings,
*Contents and photographs of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Thank you, much.
