Archive for reviews
Good Education
Posted by: | CommentsI want to give my children the opportunity of a good education. After feeding them and clothing them, sometimes, the cost is greater than my budget.
This isn’t the case with KinderBach.
“KinderBach provides a solid music foundation for the children while, at the same time, overlapping and enhancing basic math and language skills.” Designed for beginners, ages 3-7. It is good education.
Karri Gregor is the fun, energetic author, illustrator and educator of KinderBach. She uses memorable piano pals, Frisco, Dodi, and friends, to teach note reading, rhythm, singing, composition, and more, reinforcing the value of each lesson with coloring pages, worksheets, and games.
Piano for young children. The lessons are child-friendly, quick and easy! More than 240, 10 minute lessons, achieving 6 levels. DVD/CD packages starting at $40.45 +s/h or an instantly accessible online subscription for $95.88 per year. That makes it good education within budget! That’s just $7.99 per month or less than 30 cents a day for a music tutor, no scheduling conflicts and no gas money. I didn’t even factor in the 30% off you can get, until February 2013, when you use coupon code TOScrew2012.
I first discovered KinderBach last year, and since then there have been some exciting changes. You can still use the program on your computer, even streaming to your TV, but now, you can also use it with iPad, Android Tablet, Nook, or Kindle Fire!
They still have their 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, plus all DVD’s & CD’s have a lifetime replacement if damaged for any reason. There’s really no risk because KinderBach also offers a two week free trial, before you pay for anything.
Take a few minutes to follow the links I’ve posted here, to the KinderBach website. It’s simple to navigate and full of great information!
Still have Comments or Questions?
Email – info@KinderBach.com
Phone – 563.332.0587
Write -
KinderBach LLC
P.O. Box 181
LeClaire, IA 52773
or
You can also choose from nearly a hundred other reviews, viewpoints, written by my crew mates, when you click the graphic below.
I think learning is simply fun and affordable with KinderBach at Home.
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 of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Maestro Classics
Posted by: | CommentsWe love music. I encourage my children to develop an appreciation for the art, beauty, and talent in every genre. I’ll admit, it’s a little harder to find in some, more than others, but it is possible.
In December, I had the opportunity to take my children to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The youngest, especially, were amazed to hear and see the instruments at the same time. I loved watching them, as they heard a new sound, searching to find the instrument it was coming from. It was a wonderful experience.
“Listening to symphonic music allows a child to listen to the sounds that various instruments make and then make an informed decision on which instrument they might like to try playing.” It’s true. My child could envision herself playing the flute. Actually, she mimicked playing it throughout the entire concert. I don’t know if she had even seen a flute before then.
Maestro Classics is classical music for kids. It is geared for children ages 6 – 12. The music is performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
They have 9 productions available:
Peter and the Wolf
The Soldier’s Tale
The Story of Swan Lake
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music
The Tortoise and the Hare
Casey at the Bat
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
Each CD is $16.98 or purchase a MP3 download for $9.98. Nearly an hour of music, by brilliant composers, narration and background information.
Comments or Questions?
email ~
info@maestroclassics.com
write ~
Maestro Classics
P.O. Box 688
Falmouth, MA 02541
call ~
888.540.2811
or
508.548.2811
and
Read other reviews by clicking the banner below.
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.
A Little Fickly
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I was just a few years married, about a year after my husband and I bought our first house, and just weeks after we sold most of our possessions, had put everything else into storage, and rented out said house, so we could buy an itty-bitty travel trailer, pack up our children and hit the road, my younger, unmarried, brilliant, well-educated brother dared to call me fickle. I cried. I was so hurt that he would think that of me. Where did it even come from?
I was doing my best to make carefully thought out, prayed about, researched and counseled choices and decisions for my family. What I saw as flexible, open and, willing to follow the leading of The Spirit, my brother perceived as irresolute, not constant and likely to change frequently, suddenly or unexpectedly. Not a favorable light. It was incomprehensible to me that he could think that lowly of me!
It was such a big deal to me, and yet, it was only a short time, a little maturity and, a dab of life experience that had him clearly understanding what I hadn’t been able to explain, as I had tearfully defended my battered honor. Thinking back to 20 years ago, to the heart-drama of it, makes me smile wistfully. It is amazing, the mole hills that we can make into mountains! Such a simple issue, especially, in light of the vein of truth I’ve discovered in my brother’s observation.
I am fixed and steadfast in my commitment to homeschooling my children, but I am of a changeable mind; often fickle, as I seek out the best curriculum for each of them. I might be sure I’ve found the best math program available, and six months later be able to honestly tell you I’ve discovered a new best. Each child is different, time and circumstances change, and it seems there is a product being developed and released nearly every day. I am firm in my purpose, but might appear fickly in my opinion of curriculum choice. I’m okay with that! I’m looking for exceptional and every time I find it- I’m sharing it with you.
Recently, I’ve found the best R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish program! Developed by Dr. Karyn Williamson-Coria, a mother, with her doctorate, on a quest to find the best foreign language study for her children. This is “a program that enables parents to learn along with their child, a program that is easy to use and enables a home educator to help children use the language.”
“Most programs work on reading, writing, listening and pronunciation,” but have little interaction with others; rarely using the language. “This program is built upon a conversational Spanish foundation” that promotes interaction and immersing the entire family in the language learning journey. I found it easy to integrate into our already scheduled programming. Notice the initialism ~
R.E.A.L.
Relax. Enjoy. Aspire. Learn.
The goal, of learning Spanish and teaching it to my children, seems attainable, with R.E.A.L. Homeschool Spanish. The education is apparent, but surprisingly, I also found encouragement and inspiration.
covering 33 Vocabulary Clusters [groups of words that relate to each other]
with 15 Idea Sections [prompting ways to further learning]
and A Huge Activity Book [games, puzzles and more, to reinforce each lesson, with a minimum of stress and a lot of fun!]
Complete Audio Files
Order the Book Bundle download for $49.95 or the hardcopy for $89.95.
For more information, follow the links highlighted throughout this post and click the graphic below to read what my TOS crew mates have to say about Homeschool Spanish.
Comments or Questions?
email: support@realhomeschoolspanish.com
Will 2012 be the year your family learns Spanish?
Bendiciones,
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.
Thanks for sharing your comments. I appreciate you.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
The World’s Greatest Stories
Posted by: | CommentsI believe in God. I believe He actually came to earth, in the flesh as Jesus Christ, because He loved each of us so much. I believe in The Bible, as the inspired, inerrant Word of God. I believe it is the world’s greatest book and the more we read it and hear it, the better chance we have of applying it to our daily life.
The World’s Greatest Stories are quoted directly, word for word, from The Bible, and narrated by master storyteller, George W. Sarris. These stories are true to the words of Scripture and they are dynamically, vocally illustrated by Mr. Sarris. He captivates your attention, while The Word of God is being spoken into your Spirit!
Currently, there are six volumes available, in CD format:
- The Prophets
- The Life of Christ
- Beginnings
- Joshua and Esther
- Joseph and His Brothers
- Defeating Giants
23 stories covered in approximately 6 hours of audio! Each CD is $7.95, and is available in the King James Version (KJV) and the New International Version (NIV) of The Bible. The investment is minimal, especially in light of the eternal value.
Comments or Questions?
Contact:
email – GeorgeSarris@gmail.com
or
and
George W. Sarris facebook page
It’s my opinion that this is an outstanding Biblical resource! You can read additional opinions, written by my TOS crew mates, when you click on the graphic below.
Abundant Blessings to you and yours,
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 of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Hands-On
Posted by: | CommentsI love hands-on learning! Building. Creating. Going. Doing. Definitely more of an action-verb sort of teacher, rather than a state-of-being type. I’m not fond of seat work, although it has it’s place and I use it.
I love Pitsco Education! They are the epitome of relevant, hands-on learning activities and they are dedicated to student success.
Pitsco has been a leader in education for 40 years. They “offer a robust array of STEM-oriented [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math] classroom solutions.” Their classroom kits would work well for co-op groups, but they also have full line of individual, homeschool kits, available. They care about their students, their teachers AND their reputation. Therefore, they are constantly seeking to improve and expand their product line, “providing students with the most positive and meaningful experiences possible,” while maintaining an exceptional system of customer support.
Our most recent experience with Pitsco Education involved learning about and building a catapult and a trebuchet, using their Medieval Machine Pack. It retails for $21.95, includes a Trebuchet Kit, Catapult Kit, Mass Plates, and the Seige Machines Book.
From the website: “Teach basic math, science, and problem-solving skills. With this pack, your child learns about catapults and trebuchets through hands-on activities that cover three areas:
- Science: Tension versus torsion, elasticity, gravity and levers, and force and motion
- Math: Metric conversion, calculating averages, and prediction
- Experiments: Mass versus distance, testing rubber bands, targeting, and more.”
This pack is designed for use by Intermediate – Middle School age students, but all of us in my house, elementary through high school and adult, gained knowledge with this hands-on activity. The kit activities did require some additional items such as measurement and hand tools, all of which we already had in the house.
Here’s a look at our catapult assembling journey ~
Contact:
Mail -
Pitsco Education
P.O. Box 1708
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Call –
800.828.5787
or
800.835.0686
For more detailed information about Pitsco, please, follow the many links I’ve included throughout this post. You can also read other reviews, by my TOS crew mates, when you click the graphic banner below.
Take a few minutes and explore Pitsco Education. It could have a positive impact on your curriculum at best and a definite influence on your Christmas list, in the least.
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.
Thank you for your comments. I’d love to hear about YOUR favorite Pitsco Education product.
*Contents of this blog and photographs are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Time Well Spent
Posted by: | CommentsI am especially fond of playing games with my children that teach more than just good sportsmanship or cooperation. I appreciate games like Scrabble, Boggle, Bible Trivia, and chess, more than Sorry or Parcheesi. I’m all for fun, but time is valuable, so why not combine fun and learning to make the most of it, right?
If your child is not yet reading, or could use some sight-word reinforcement, I have the perfect game for you! The Reading Game.
Designed for children ages 4 and up, it requires two players – the student and a tutor. It is a fast paced memory game, it’s FUN, and the results are quick and encouraging!
Basically, it consists of 6 story books, illustrated in black and white sketches, and six color-coded decks of cards. You begin with the cards. There are 6 games per deck, introducing 5 new words per game or 30 words per deck. The players match the words, and while doing so, the student-player learns to recognize and master them.
This video might give you a better idea of how it works -
When all of the words in a deck are learned, all through game play, the corresponding color book can be read. The stories are well-written, they seem like “big-kid” stories. The feeling of accomplishment by the reader is palpable!
When the first book, Skunk, is read, it means that 30 new words have been mastered, and 30 more, when the second book, Snake, is read, and so on, through all six books, until your child has a reading vocabulary of 180 words! 22 of the 25 most commonly used English words and 42 out of the top 50. It’s no wonder children and parents get excited to play this game.
The Reading Game is a well researched, supplemental reading program, that promotes long term retention of words. It is serious FUN! It’s $24.95, and time, well spent!
For more information, follow the links I’ve provided to the website.
Questions or Comments – email – info@thereadinggame.com
call - 858.412.3442
or
write - Allsaid & Dunn
2727 De Anza Rd., Suite SD21
San Diego, CA 92109
Read other informed reviews of this product by clicking on the graphic below.
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.
Thank you for your comments.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Read Naturally
Posted by: | CommentsThank you, to Candyce & Tom Ihnot for their extensive work in the development of Read Naturally, a program that increases reading fluency. I believe my reluctant reader will be one of their success stories and I’m very grateful for their contribution to his education.
Read Naturally is based on a structured program of:
- Teacher Modeling – a proficient reader models correct reading for a less able reader.
- Repeated Reading – “practice makes perfect,” or close, as it builds fluency and confidence.
- Progress Monitoring – progress is tracked and used as motivation to read and improve.
Read Naturally products support and reinforce the 5 essential components of reading as outlined by the National Reading Panel – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
We are using their newest, web-based, assessment & intervention program, Read Live. Created for use primarily in schools and classrooms, I only noticed this during set-up, when I needed a school name, an administrator and a teacher. Because it is nearly student-independent it adapts well to the homeschool environment.
This video takes you through a lesson of Read Live.
This is an excellent program! My son is not thrilled with the repetitive readings, but he applies himself and he can literally see the value in it in the difference between his Cold Timing reading and his Hot Timing reading scores.
I really appreciate the Wordtastic vocabulary game that occupies the student while they’re “waiting for the teacher” during the Cold Timing and Pass steps. The other day, I was trying to get lunch on the table and although I said, “I’m coming…I’ll be right there,” I wasn’t. The time wasn’t lost though, because my son reviewed or learned 102 synonyms and antonyms during those extra minutes.
I wish there was more variety in the reading material for the lessons. Especially, because there is so much repetition, what is being read tends to be absorbed. If these were Bible verses he was reading, he’d have several memorized by the time he is finished. As it is, parents with younger children should be aware that some readings (evolution) may not be what you want your child to “retain.” My son is old enough to know what he believes; so, it isn’t an issue, but is not an option to skip any of the books.
For me, this is one of those vital programs that has to be broken down into bite-size pieces, in my mind, because it is expensive. A 12-month subscription, for 1 student is $149. I know the benefits, but…I still wrestle with the cost. Then, with a little thought, I realize that for less than $.70 a day I can change my son’s life! This calculation doesn’t put the money in my pocket, but it helps me justify the possible sacrifices. The ability to read or not, with fluency and comprehension, can have a dramatic impact on an individual. It is an investment in a child’s future.
Read Naturally Live does offer a 60-day FREE Trial.
Click the TOS graphic below to read additional reviews of this program and the One Minute Reader – home reading program, written by The Homeschool Crew.
Questions or Comments:
Contact -
Read Naturally, Inc.
2945 Lone Oak Drive Suite190
Saint Paul, MN 55121
email – info@readnaturally.com
call – 651.452.4085
or toll free – 800.788.4085
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.
Thank you for your comments.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
It’s Big, Really Big!
Posted by: | CommentsTo say something is mammoth is to say it is something of great size. My kids would interchange it with ginormous, a word they’re sure they used before anyone else even thought of it. Personally, I like colossus – of gigantic size and proportions.
My latest review is for Math Mammoth and it’s big, really big! Maria Miller, the author, has put together multiple math options for your student. Hundreds of pages of text and worksheets, organized as a complete curriculum, for grades 1-6, or as work texts and worksheets, by topic or grade level, through the 8th grade.
She has devoted more than ten years to creating math resources and this effective curriculum that is available as an instant download and in printed books. She’s packaged over 300 sample worksheets that can be used for FREE.
It is also no small thing that Math Mammoth is affordable. $34.00 per download, per grade level or work text (worksheets and text in the same book), by topic, for $2 – $7 each, and several discounted package deals. In today’s economy this is huge!
Over the years we have used several different math programs. Some have been successful and some were duds, according to the learning bent of my child, not necessarily the merits of the program. Math curricula are not one size fits all.
Basically, Math Mammoth focuses on one concept at a time – in depth – approaching a problem from different angles – until that concept is mastered. Therefore, thinking is challenged, and mental math acquired and honed. I have discovered, finally, that this is the perfect environment for one of my sons. The lessons appear “clutter free” to him. They are clear and concise, and he understands what he is expected to learn. He concentrates on it, studies it until he’s “got it,” then checks it off in his mind as conquered and moves on to the next topic. My daughter, on the other hand, finds it “rather boring and monotonous” and performs much better when stimulated by variety and repetition.
It is monumental to me, as a parent/teacher, that Maria Miller has developed a FREE placement test for each of the grades. I was unsure, for a couple of my children, what grade level they had attained in math. I thought there might be a few conceptual gaps in their education, but I wasn’t even sure what was missing. So, I had no idea where to start with this program. Maria suggested that I give the children a placement test and then submit the results to her. She personally analyzed the results with me and advised me, based on her own extensive experience and education, on which course would be best for my son. Her guidance and support has been an immense help.
My crew mates reviewed the series of books offered by Math Mammoth and I have attached links throughout this post to give you more detailed information ~
Click the TOS graphic below to read what they thought of each option. The Light Blue Series book that we’ve been using has made an impressive positive impact on my son’s view of math and his own level of capability.
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.
Thank you for your comment!
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
FREE College
Posted by: | CommentsI am not blind. I actually have good eye sight, but sometimes I feel like I’m stumbling around in the dark. This is especially true when trying to help my teens prepare for college.
Just as I imagine Braille changes the life of a person without sight, College Prep Genius has the potential to change the life of the college-bound student. They both offer hope, through real applications and solutions.
Did you know that test prep should start in a student’s freshman year? The PSAT/NMSQT can be taken even earlier and good scores can have a tremendous affect on college acceptance and tuition. Consistent study and familiarizing practice time takes the paralyzing fear of the unknown out of the test taking. If you have expectations for college, start your research now.
“Going to college today can be extremely expensive and a student can incur long-lasting debt that can follow him or her for many years. The truth is, 50% of college is paid for by loans, 40% by grants and about 10% actually comes from scholarships. The good news is that college can be within the reach for just about everyone. There are many ways students can receive scholarships as well as FREE college!”
College Prep Genius is designed to increase standardized test scores, aiming to secure scholarships and assistance to pay for college. Master the SAT Class DVD is a 10 hour course, taught in 45 minute segments, over 12 lessons. ($59.95) Everything in the DVD is also thoroughly covered in the textbook. ($49.95) And, there is a companion workbook. ($19.95)
The lessons walk the student through each section of the SAT:
Critical Reading - learn to cut your time in half.
Math – learn to recognize patterns and eliminate questions from the start.
Writing – learn to write an exemplary essay in 15 minutes.
Plus ~
350 tips, shortcuts and strategies
Math terms
Latin roots, prefixes; suffixes
and
More than 30 scholarship websites
College Prep Genius teaches techniques and even tricks, to get correct answers quicker, that can raise your SAT score as much as 600 points.
This is a student-friendly course, each lesson can be paced to the student; viewed repetitively or not. The author, Jean Burk, is an outstanding instructor. Her enthusiasm for SAT Prep Success is irresistible! Being properly equipped for any task builds confidence. It is logical that confidence in your test preparation would help you excel in the actual test. We don’t have our results, yet, but we believe they’ll reflect the exceptional benefits of taking this course.
Comments or Questions?
write -
College Prep Genius
P.O. Box 398
Hurst, TX 76053
phone -
817.282.7737
email -
info@collegeprepgenius.com
Normally $129.85 total, the College Prep Genius DVD Set is on sale now, at 25% off = $99.00. Ultimately, it’s risk free because of the 100% Money Back Guarantee. I highly recommend it for every junior high and high school student. It is easy to follow and there’s enough information, in the first lessons alone, to dispel any darkness. I wish it had been available ten years ago, for my first teens.
The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew reviewed College Prep Genius and their Vocabcafe Series, which you can find by following the links provided throughout this post.
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 of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Thoughtful Consideration
Posted by: | CommentsAs parents, we encourage our children to “court” their future mate, simply, seeking their affections, getting to know them, with the intention of marriage. The “dating game,” sifting through humans and discarding them along the way, is not one we play.
I recently “met” author Gary Bower and his wife, Jan, when I read their book, The Person I Marry – Things I’ll Think About Long Before Saying I Do, and I recognize kindred spirits. There’s a glimpse of their hearts on every page. Gary’s is shared through the sweet rhythm of his poetry and Jan’s, through the expressive brush strokes of her oil paintings. He is the author and she is the illustrator. Just as they made 12 beautiful children together, they now make beautiful children’s books, together.
Gary writes, “It’s ‘who’, not ‘what’ that makes a great wedding.” “What makes a princess? What makes a prince?” “Something that’s inside, something much deeper, will help me determine which one is a ‘keeper’.”
Each page prompts a thoughtful consideration, and possible discussion on what to look for in a potential spouse.
Kindness, Tenderness, Graciousness, Generosity, Friendship, Determination, Joyfulness, Tolerance, Respectfulness, Devotion, Commitment, Modesty, Moral Purity, Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Contrition, True Love and more.
“The vows I’ll say I mean to keep, so I’ll look hard before I leap,” reminds Gary.
The Person I Marry from Bower Books.
The Person I Marry won the 2010 Christian Small Publisher of the Year award. It has an appeal to all ages. It is a comfortable, snuggled-on-the-couch lap book, 32 pages, hard bound. From educational tool, conversation starter to lovely gift idea – birthday, engagement, wedding and anniversary, it is worth the $11.99 retail and has the potential to become a family treasure.
You’ll find other wholesome books in the “Bright Future Book” collection, by the Bowers:
There’s a Party in Heaven – hope of a future; comfort for those who face the loss of a loved one.
The Jingle in My Pocket – practical ideas and healthy attitudes about money.
What Do Heroes Wear? – finding purpose by serving others.
And poster-size, stunning art prints of Jan’s illustrations with verses of Gary’s poetry, when you browse the Bower Family Books website. (Please, follow the links I’ve included throughout this post.)
You can contact Gary and Jan Bower at:
Bower Books & Fine Art
7700 Timbers Trail
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Call ~
888.898.3207
or
231.941.0899
Email ~
garybower@charter.net
I’m grateful for the “introduction” to Gary & Jan, through The Person I Marry. I look forward to getting to know them better.
Gary blogs @
“Daddy Says…”
Thoughts from the Heart of a Father of Twelve
and I can follow
on facebook
Many of my crew mates have known the Bower’s for years, while some have just met them, but you can read all of their reviews by clicking on the TOS graphic below.
I appreciate the Godly direction, inspiration and quiet affirmation of The Person I Marry. It’s been a joy to read it to my children. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too.
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 of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
