Archive for reviews

Feb
27

It is Beeyoutiful!

Posted by: | Comments (1)

A month ago, or so, my youngest daughter came across a basket of her baby things, items that were used in her nursery, that I had put away until I could decide what I would sentimentally keep and what I would discard.  She asked if she could use the baby lamp in her room now.  “Oh, pleeeeease.”  I didn’t put up much resistance and said, “sure.”  Over the course of the next couple of days, she moved that lamp to several locations in the room, until she found “just the perfect place.”  During one of the moves, the lamp shade was bumped and her chin hit the hot light bulb.  Please, don’t ask me if I was still okay with my “sure” instead of my usual, “no, leave it alone, it really isn’t necessary.”  It burned, blistered, and hurt.  I treated it, prayed over it, and loved-on her.  She said, “I’m okay, I’m okay,” with watery eyes and a forced smiley-grimace.  Actually, she’s one of my easy ones, when it comes to getting hurt.  She’s calm, collected and trusting.

The next day I got Miracle Skin Salve, from Beeyoutiful, in the mail.  I knew there was a product arriving any day, but I didn’t know when, and I didn’t know what.  Not one to believe in coincidence, I was thrilled with the Divine intervention that had my little girl covered before I even knew she’d need it.

 

 

The insert telling me about it says:  “This delicate, summer-leaf-colored cream, full of skin-soothing, natural ingredients looks as healthy as it is. Spread on a dab of Miracle Skin Salve to treat:

• Cuts and abrasions (cover with a bandage if necessary!) • Stubborn splinters (to help them work their way out) • Insect bites and stings • Inflamed and swollen injuries or bruises • Painful hemorrhoids • Diaper rash and tender bottoms • Dry, chapped skin • Minor burns • Yeast-related rashes like eczema and psoriasis • Cold sores • Post-staph infection and skin surgery sites (to reduce scarring apply daily for 2 to 3 months).

You’ll notice fast healing thanks to the miraculous blend of ingredients that moisturize and soothe while providing anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory aid to skin irritations and injuries. These reliable, natural ingredients give Miracle Skin Salve its power: Coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, bee propolis, organic plantain leaf, organic comfrey root, organic calendula flowers, and essential oils of lavender and rosemary.

So many natural, healthy ingredients in it that even though I wasn’t familiar with the product, yet, I was comfortable trying it.  “Beeyoutiful skin products contain NO Parabens, Formaldehyde, Petroleum derived ingredients or SLS Detergents.  They are all manufactured in the USA, using pure, all natural ingredients.”  By this time, the area on her chin was weepy and raw looking.  I gently dabbed the Miracle Skin Salve on her burn and it instantly soothed it.  She wasn’t sure if it would sting, or not, and it didn’t.  It has healed nicely and we continue to use it, to reduce any scarring to her face.

 

I find comfort in knowing I have it in the house, in case of emergency, but also for the little things, like splinters and insect bites.  It is $15 for 2 oz. or $25 for 4 oz., and I honestly think it’s worth it!  It is effective and it goes a long way.

My youngest grandson was born on Christmas Eve, just over a year ago.  He is a bright, beautiful, allergic-reaction-waiting-to-happen!  Yes, he’s allergic to nuts and peas and…  He also has atopic dermatitis.  It is a type of eczema, with skin inflammation, rash, and intense itching.  Because he’s a baby, much of it is located on his face and head.  My daughter has gone through several products in an attempt to manage it and keep him comfortable.  Cetaphil Moisturing Lotion was the best she had found, but he would still have miserable outbreaks and the patches were never completely cleared.  Nana (that’s me) to the rescue, with my latest discovery, the Miracle Skin Salve!  I slathered his little face and ears with it, and within an hour or two all the redness and inflammation was gone.  We could still see and feel a residual rash, but it worked so well, so quickly, that I gave my daughter a teaspoonful to use on a continual basis.  It worked miraculously!  It completely cleared his rash!  She was so excited to see his baby-smooth skin, again.  She bought the 4 oz. container, has used it generously, every other day, and it’s lasted about a month.  Different things can cause an eczema outbreak,  but the peace of mind we have, knowing she can now manage it, keeping him healthy and happy, is priceless.

I also used the B.A.L.M.  Beeyoutiful All-Natural Lip Moisturizer is a keeper!  “Conventional lip moisturizers can be harsh and even damaging to fragile lip membranes with chemicals and fuel derived bases. Beeyoutiful’s all natural Lip Balms offer you a choice of a soothing, healing lip balm that you can be confident in the ingredients, knowing you are using the very best on your lips!”  At $3 a tube we can each have our own and I don’t have to feel guilty for hiding mine!

 

 

At Beeyoutiful.com they believe “that each individual is responsible for their own health.”  They are caring for themselves and their families, just as we are, and they desire to share the tools; the products, that are beneficial to them.  They want to “aid others in obtaining and maintaining good health.”

On their site you’ll find useful information:

The Articles section ~

  • Preparing for Pregnancy Video Series
  • Anemia
  • Heartburn
  • Frankincense Essential Oil
  • and more

Nutritional Supplements ~

  • Bone and Joint Health
  • Circulatory Support
  • Pregnancy and Prenatal
  • Weight Management
  • and numerous others

Natural Skin Care

  • Eucalyptus Bath Salts
  • Milk & Honey Facial Bar
  • Miracle Skin Salve
  • Lavishmint Hydrating Toner
  • and many other items

 

Please, follow the links I’ve provided throughout this post and take a few minutes to check out the various products available from Beeyoutiful.  Their website is easy to navigate, and you can Shop by Product or Shop by Health Concern.  If you want to investigate further, click on the graphic below to read other reviews by my crew mates.

 

 

Comments or Questions?

Contact:

Beeyoutiful.com

Box 1

Nunnelly, TN  37137

1.800.556.0967

 

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.

Thanks for sharing 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.

 

Share
Categories : Family, Health, reviews
Comments (1)
Feb
24

What Will Your Child Believe?

Posted by: | Comments (0)

From the time our children are born we teach them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made.  They grow knowing it, because they hear it often.  When they’re a little older, they’re often amazed the first time we share The Scripture, from Psalm 139:13-16, with them, because they realize it’s not just momma and daddy, being momma & daddy and saying they are wonderful and unique, God said it.

“For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.”

The Bible is our touchstone.  It is the measure by which the validity or merit of something can be evaluated.  We view knowledge through The Bible.  We believe it is the ultimate authority.  We desire to live by faith in Christ Jesus and anchor our world-view in Him.

As our children become preteens and teenagers we challenge them to apply themselves to know why they believe what they believe.  Yes, we want them to know The Truth, and to believe it, but it will not hold them fast if they don’t own it themselves.  If you don’t know why you are waiting to have sex until after you’re married, inevitably you’ll find yourself in a situation of compromise.  If you don’t know why you think a baby is a baby before it’s earthside, abortion is a possibility.  If you don’t know why you believe in Jesus Christ as The Way, The Truth, and The Life, someone may come along and give you a good enough reason to think He isn’t.

What will my children believe when they stand on their own?  What will your child believe when he’s 15?

Who Am I, And What Am I Doing Here?, by Apologia, gives you foundational truths to teach your children.  You’ll know what they believe, and they’ll know why they believe it.

Written for ages 6-14; “based on the Biblical Christian worldview, which affirms that truth is absolute and knowable through the revelation of God.  It affirms that knowledge of God is the beginning of wisdom and the key to understanding the world around us.”  $39.

Comments or Questions?

Contact ~

Write

Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.

1106 Meridian Plaza, Suite 220/340

Anderson, IN  46016

Phone

888.524.4724

or

765.608.3280

Email

biblicalworldview@apologia.com

Blessings,

Penny

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.

 

Share
Comments (0)
Feb
09

The Heavens Declare!

Posted by: | Comments (0)

Covering Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology and Earth Science, has left little time to really get into Astronomy – the scientific study of the individual celestial bodies and of the universe as a whole.  I know there’s a Biblical purpose for which the Sun, Moon and Stars were created, “…to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.” Genesis 1:14

In Junior High School I did an illustrated report on constellations.  I took over the huge bulletin board in the back of the classroom, used thumb tacks and white string, on a black background, and mapped the stars in our night sky.  My report briefly touched on names, history and origin.  I’ve enjoyed the Moon and Stars countless times since then, but I have not counted their worth.

Psalm 19:1-2 says, “The Heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays His handiwork.  Day after day it speaks out; night after night it reveals His greatness.”  Based on this verse alone, there is so much more than warmth from the Sun, and pretty lights in the sky at night.  I want my children to be able to recognize God’s handiwork, and intelligently acknowledge His greatness.  We need to learn how to observe the sky.

“It is said that every home in early America owned a (Holy) Bible, a copy of [John Bunyan's] Pilgrim’s Progress, and the current annual astronomical almanack,” writes Jay Ryan, author of The Classical Astronomy.

In his Celestial Almanack, February, 2012, Vol. 1, Number 2  you’ll find:

an Astronomical Calendar

Signs of the Seasons

* The Sun’s Declination

Seasonal Skies – Evening

*The Great Constellation Orion

*The N, E, and W Horizons

Dance of the Planets

*Jupiter and Venus Approach

*The Motion of Jupiter and Venus

*Superior Planets – Mars, Saturn

We love Jay’s style of teaching!

Blessings,

Penny

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.

 

 

Share
Comments (0)
Feb
03

Good Education

Posted by: | Comments (2)

I 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?

Contact:

Email – info@KinderBach.com

Phone – 563.332.0587

Write -

KinderBach LLC

P.O. Box 181

LeClaire, IA  52773

or 

facebook

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.

 

Share
Comments (2)
Jan
13

Maestro Classics

Posted by: | Comments (0)

We 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

facebook

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.

 

Share
Categories : Art, Award, homeschool, Music, reviews, TOS
Comments (0)
Jan
06

A Little Fickly

Posted by: | Comments (1)

When 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.

10 Units

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

and A Daily Curriculum Guide.

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.

 

 

Share
Comments (1)
Dec
21

The World’s Greatest Stories

Posted by: | Comments (0)

I 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:

  1. The Prophets
  2. The Life of Christ
  3. Beginnings
  4. Joshua and Esther
  5. Joseph and His Brothers
  6. 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

Engage The Culture! Blog

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.

 

 

 

Share
Categories : Bible, homeschool, reviews, TOS
Comments (0)
Dec
09

Hands-On

Posted by: | Comments (0)

I 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.

 

 

Share
Comments (0)
Nov
28

Time Well Spent

Posted by: | Comments (1)

I 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 – emailinfo@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.

Share
Comments (1)
Nov
21

Read Naturally

Posted by: | Comments (1)

Thank 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:

  1. Teacher Modeling – a proficient reader models correct reading for a less able reader.
  2. Repeated Reading – “practice makes perfect,” or close, as it builds fluency and confidence.
  3. 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 free800.788.4085

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.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Share
Categories : homeschool, Reading, reviews, TOS
Comments (1)

Search

stats for wordpress