Archive for books
Great Literature at Affordable Prices
Posted by: | CommentsHave you ever discovered something new and then wondered how you lived without it before you found it?
I buy books. Yes, I have an outstanding local library and free access to thousands of books. But, it makes me giddy to find a book treasure at a yard sale, thrift shop or bargain basement, purchase it and bring it home to my library! I can browse for hours, looking through the crisp new books in Books-A-Million or the used book section of Goodwill. We use so many living books with our homeschool curriculum that my reason, for looking at any given book selection, is legitimized, or so I tell myself and my honey-of-a-husband.
My latest don’t-know-how-I-lived-without-it discovery is Homeschool Library Builder. Oh, my, seriously! How did I not know there is “a Christian family-run book business dedicated to providing great literature at affordable prices,” right at my fingertips, online?
Shop by Category:
Fiction ~
American Girls Collection
Great Illustrated Classics
Dear America Series
DK Eyewitness Books
The Middle Ages
The Young United States: 1783-1830
OR
Ambleside
Beautiful Feet
Five In A Row
Heart of Dakota
Sonlight
Tapestry of Grace
Preschool through High School and Adult
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
North America
Polar Regions
South America
INCLUDING
Vintage & Hard-to-Find Books ~
- Publisher’s remainder – New, never read condition
- Ex-library – Hard cover, very good condition
And hundreds more!
Membership is free, and not even necessary, but does have it’s benefits. As a member you can earn HSLB Book Points that can be used toward your future purchases. The more I (you) purchase = the more points I (you) earn. They also have a Share the Savings Program – every first time purchaser, who becomes a member and enters my (your) name as a referral, Homeschool Library Builder will award me (you) 45 Book Points. Cool!
I think you’ll really like this website! It’s an exceptional way to build your own library. Especially, during May 2012, when everything is 25% off their already low prices. “Fill your bookshelves without emptying your wallet!”
~
Be sure to stop by The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew blog and read what my mates think of Homeschool Library Builder.
Comments or Questions?
Write -
Blessings,
Disclaimer* If I want to take advantage of it, I may receive an additional 10% off one order, 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 stopping by, reading and sharing your comment. 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.
Why History is Important
Posted by: | CommentsOf course, I took history classes in school. I even knew how to memorize names and dates, pass tests, and make good grades. A love of history was not instilled in me, it was just something I had to learn, to get the credit, to move on.
Of course, I’ve taught history. Well sort of. I admit, it hasn’t always seemed important and I haven’t always made time for it. I had reasoned that it’s not even one of the subjects tested for college entrance, how important could it be. I’ve had hints of it’s value, hearing lingering quotes like Edmund Burke’s,
“Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”
My older children and I have had more of an interest in the history of America, over the last few years, as they’ve reached voting age. We’ve dug into books about our founders and Constitutional law, or watched documentaries based on specific periods of time, looking for truth or the answer to a question. We’ve enjoyed sharing what we’ve learned, insights, and conversations.
Until recently, it didn’t occur to me that this is actually how some people teach and learn history. What a wonder! My younger children’s historical education will be vastly different than their older siblings, because Truth Quest History found its way to our home.
But that’s not even the most significant wonder about the TruthQuest History guides. The author, Michelle Miller, completely changed my outlook of history. Yes, as a Christian believer, maybe I should have seen it all along, but she made it clear to me, and now I can make it clear to my children. Learning our history, as mankind, should not just be man’s interaction with man, but man interacting with God. It is HIStory, because He is involved, and without Him there would be no history, because there would be nothing.
There are Christian based, chronological, World History guides available, written for grades 5 – 12, from Creation and The Ancients to the Present (2000.) American History only, is available for the 1st through 5th grades. I started with Age of Revolution: America/Europe, 1600-1800 and what I thought would be more than 300 daunting pages of history.
The author speaks to you, she doesn’t lecture on the topic she’s presenting. She’s conversational and witty. She comments on the story, and sets the stage for the time, people, events, and culture. Always connecting, and reconnecting the historical responses or reactions, the consequences or blessings, in light of one’s belief about God – whether true or untrue. TruthQuest History was written to teach “spiritual cause-and-effect lessons of history which teach Godly wisdom.”
Within the first chapter, I was struck by the truth of this paragraph:
“Don’t ever think spiritual matters are insignificant and only personal or you’ll miss the very hand of God in history! You’ll be blind to the deep beliefs which drive human action and you’ll think history is merely a boring record of famous people, deeds, and dates… History is really about what God is doing in the earth and that’s the most compelling story of all! History is about His truth, which is so powerful that it changes government, law, science, art, economics, literature, and the quality of life for people and their descendants…”
History is important! Throughout time we have all generally asked two questions – Who is God? and Who, then, is mankind? Michelle Miller points to these two questions, that she calls the Big 2 Beliefs, throughout history. Our answers to these questions influence our thoughts and actions, yesterday, today, and I expect, forever.
TruthQuest History is so much more than a curriculum with lists of living books. It does give us structure, but it also bends to that sweet flexibility that I crave. I’m reminded that the abundant resources listed are options for my discretion, not obligations. There is no set schedule of completion. We have the freedom to follow an interest, a particular person or event, much like we’ve done with unit studies, in the past.
A printed guide is $29.95 and each guide is now available in PDF format, for $24.95.
Contact -
TruthQuest History
P.O. Box 2128
Traverse City, MI 49685-2128
and
Online Discussion Loop
HistoryQuestors-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
May crew mates have had the opportunity to review many of the guides and you’ll find their reviews by clicking the graphic below.
Blessings,
Penny
Disclaimer* A copy of 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.
Perfectly Designed
Posted by: | CommentsOne of our favorite places to visit, as a family, is the zoo. Any zoo! We’ve gone to the zoo in other cities, as part of a vacation. We’ve visited the zoo at the end of a particular study, as a wrap-up, field trip. We’ve purchased a year-long, family membership, numerous times over the years, as a birthday present. In anticipation, we have several go-to animal guides, and animal stories that we read, and reference, before we head to the zoo. Recently, we added a brand new story!
Amazing Animals by Design is written by one of my TOS Crew mates, Debra Haagen, and has been published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises. It is the story of a family visiting a zoo. Often, no matter how many times we’ve been there, if it is estimated that it takes 3 hours to walk through a particular zoo, it will take our family five or six or even seven hours, because we talk and teach, soaking up God’s wonderful creation and design. In just 24 pages, that’s what Amazing Animals by Design does, too.
John and Sarah, the main characters of the story, go to the zoo with their parents. They see elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, a caracal, ostriches, and Barbary sheep. Every question they have is answered from the point of creation and intelligent design! This is a wonderful introduction for young children to the idea that we are all perfectly designed by God, to fulfill His purposes.
Amazing Animals by Design can be purchased as a bound book, for $8.99, or as an instant digital download, for $7.99. You can click and follow [John] to the bookstore, for purchasing information.
Click and follow [Sarah], and she’ll take you to Amazing Animals by Design on facebook. This is a great place to get to interact with the author!
Also, other TOS Homeschool Review Crew Members had the opportunity to read Amazing Animals by Design, and you can read their reviews by clicking the graphic below.
It’s a rainy day here, today. We won’t be visiting the zoo, but as soon as I sign off my daughter has asked that we read Amazing Animals by Design…again. So, that’s just what we’ll do, soaking in the wonder of God’s creation, and reinforcing how perfectly designed everything is, especially her!
Blessings,
Disclaimer* A digital copy of 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 ~
Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
Academic Success
Posted by: | CommentsI think we all want our children to achieve academic success. If we did poorly in school, we want our children to do better than we did, and if we did well, we still want better for their future.
Teaching phonemic awareness, building reading fluency, and strengthening comprehension starts a child on the road to academic success. The Reading for All Learners Program, featuring the Little Books, has more than 30 years of research behind it.
Click the graphic to view Product Previews
The company, Academic Success for All Learners, tags the books as – “Little Books making a big difference!” They have been used around the world for generations. You may have learned to read using these books. Many people actually recognize the readers as “I See Sam books.” I See Sam is the title of the first book, in the first skill set. There are 141 Little Books, in 8 color coded sets. The reading instruction correlates to core curriculum.
It is recommended that the books be read consecutively, in numerical order, because new sounds and words that are introduced build on the sounds, words, and skills previously mastered. Primarily written for Kindergarten through grade 3 or 4, they can also be used for struggling readers. A single lesson takes only 15 – 30 minutes, with no prior teaching experience needed.
The Reading for All Learners program is highly esteemed. If it were used consistently, as intended, I believe much of the illiteracy found in America, today, would be eradicated. The stories are enjoyable and interesting, and students want to read them.
Click the graphic to view Little Books Set 7
The www.iseesam.com website is easy to navigate. It’s also full of information and support:
<*><*>
Instructor Guide - making it possible for practically anyone to teach
<*><*>
Scope and Sequence – listing what is covered when
<*><*>
Flash Cards – words to learn, for each book
<*><*>
Progress Tracking - a chart for every set of books
<*><*>
Placement Assessment – testing, to help you determine where to begin
<*><*>
Little Book Anatomy – points out and explains the special features of a Little Book
<*><*>
And More…
Click the graphic to view Read to Succeed Gift Sets
After my son completed a Placement Assessment, I was directed to start him in the Little Books set 7. The routine is the same for each book. He should learn and review the sounds and words. Master the Sound Practice and Word Practice before reading the book. Then, read the story twice, making two mistakes or less by the second reading. The Learner’s Chart is provided for each set of Little Books. The student may color a picture or place a sticker over it, to track each book, in the set, that has been read successfully. Color matched certificates are available to celebrate the completion of a set!
Looking Back is a section designed to test retention and mastery. It usually occurs after every 5 or 6 books. Passing/Failing criteria is listed at the bottom of the reading page. If the student doesn’t pass, they are encouraged to reread the previous several books to hone their skills. If a Looking Back assessment is passed, the student moves on to the next book.
The constant, steady rhythm of this program works well for my son. So well, in fact, that I plan to have my daughter do the assessment, so I can gauge the best placement for her. It’s $30 for each set of books, but I can reuse any set, with any of my children, increasing the value of my investment. We’ll see whether or not this particular structure is good for her, too.
<*><*>
My crew mates used different sets of Little Books, and you can find their reviews by clicking the TOS graphic below.
Comments or Questions?
Email ~
read@iseesam.com
Call ~
435.755.7885
or Write ~
Academic Success For All Learners
131 North 1175 West #5
Logan, Utah 84321
<*><*>
Direction and Encouragement:
View ~
Read ~
Dr. Alan Hofmeister’s blog posts
@ Effective Instruction for All
and Follow on ~
In my opinion, everyone should have the opportunity to learn to read, and to read well, if they choose.
Blessings,
A trial period of 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.
Maintaining Biblical Standards
Posted by: | CommentsI don’t read every book that my older children read, now. When they were younger I did. Still, I am mindful of what they’re reading, what music they’re listening to, what movies they’re watching, and who their friends are. I know their friends by name. I trust my children, at this age, to make wise choices, following the standards we’ve set, in their reading material, music, viewing habits, and relationships. They also keep themselves accountable. I can pick up the current book they’re reading, borrow their MP3 player at any time, go to the movies with them, or sit in on one of their gatherings.
There are organizations, and companies that assist me, as a parent, in maintaining the Biblical standards that my husband and I set for our family. They’ve put the time and effort into watching, listening, or reading, and reviewing for me. Many of these are run by other parents, with similar standards, like Progeny Press.
Progeny Press was started in 1992, and is still family owned and operated. They present good literature, teaching good literary analysis, measuring all things in the light of Scripture. There are now more than 100 Study Guides available to instruct writers and readers in grades K – 12.
Study Guides can be found for Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
They can be purchased Book-bound, PDF on CD, or email with attached PDF file. The content is the same, no matter the form of delivery.
From $10.99 single guide to $27.99 book/CD set.
I have students using the Middle School Study Guide for The Cay, by Theodore Taylor -
“Eleven-year-old Phillip lives with his parents on an island off the coast of Venezuela in 1942, but when the Nazi’s begin torpedoing ships nearby, Phillip’s mother insists that he and she return to the United States. Their ship is torpedoed by a Nazi submarine long before they reach the U.S., however, and Phillip finds himself marooned on an island with an old, but strong, black deckhand named Timothy. But when Phillip goes blind from an injury, he slowly realizes how caring, wise, and resourceful Timothy really is, and the color of their skins is unimportant.”
AND other students using the High School Study Guide for The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis -
“Screwtape, an undersecretary in the Lowerarchy of Hell, has undertaken the guidance and tutelage of his nephew Wormwood, who has been assigned a human patient to secure for eternity. In a series of letters, Screwtape guides the young demon through the finer points of temptation, the weaknesses and foibles of human beings, and the disaster of his patient becoming a Christian. Though this certainly complicates things, the two infernal beings won’t let it stop them.
From this very skewed perspective, C. S. Lewis digs into the human nature, revealing some interesting, and sometimes embarrassing, tendencies. Touching on everything from sleeplessness to the “absurdity” of God’s love for humanity, Screwtape imparts his wicked wisdom to Wormwood. Though the mirror he holds up to humanity is warped and cracked, it is still painfully revealing. Wit and parody mask a very serious analysis of what makes humans tick; and though it may make readers smile, it will also make us squirm as Screwtape picks at the cracks in our facades.”
With each Study Guide, students need access to a good dictionary, a thesaurus, a Bible, and the internet or an encyclopedia.
It is suggested that the complete novel be read first. We didn’t know how we felt about this, as opposed to reading the book and the guide together from the beginning, but it actually makes the use of the Study Guide a little easier. I imagine the creators of the guides already knew this. After reading the story, the student works through the guide with the book as a constant reference.
Prereading activities are offered -
- Written report
- Map work
- Time line
- Vocabulary
- Art work
- Biography
Each Study Guide covers relative information -
- Story Synopsis
- About the Author
- Background/Setting
Did I mention that Progeny Press Study Guides for Literature are interactive for 4th – 12th grade? They can still be printed, if you like, but the student has the capability of placing answers directly on the PC and saving his work as he progresses. The parent/teacher is able to grade the work in the same manner, on the PC, and leave notes or comments. My children love it! Especially, my son, who would rather do nearly anything instead of writing. The Study Guides are designed so he can clearly work through the questions and vocabulary, give his attention to critical analysis, dig deeper and consider the issues portrayed in the story, while viewing each through a consistent Biblical standard. In his case, he can give complete answers, because his biggest obstacle is removed – he’s released from hand-writing and has the option to type. Amazing!
Optional activities include -
- Presentations
- Volunteer work
- Essays
- Research
- Interviews
- Brief report
- Word search
Final essays are provided and post reading activities are discretionary. High School credits are obtained 1/4 credit per Study Guide in 8 – 12 weeks.
(4) Completed Study Guides = (1) H.S. Credit
Click the graphic below to browse the Progeny Press Catalog.
If you would like more information, please, follow the links I’ve provided throughout this post. Progeny Press has a website that’s easy to navigate.
Also, read other reviews, from The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew members.
Comments or Questions? Go directly to the source -
Progeny Press
P. O. Box 100
Fall Creek, WI 54742
~
Toll Free 1.877.776.4369
or
Phone 715.877.9951 ext. 100
~
Email - progeny@progenypress.com
and
Follow on facebook
I have no doubt these will be the first of many Progeny Press Study Guides for Literature we’ll use. Let me know which guide you choose, and what you think of it.
Blessings,
A trial period of 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 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.
What Will Your Child Believe?
Posted by: | CommentsFrom 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
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.
Much To Do About Spelling
Posted by: | CommentsI think I’ve told you, a couple of times, how much I love to read. I’ve shared with you my love of language, wanting to learn Spanish and Latin. I’ve always enjoyed writing, even diagramming sentences. I like the rhythm of words. The cadence of their syllables. I think spelling bees are wonderful!
Some of my children share my love of reading. Some of them write and develop story lines, fleshing out characters. They’ll watch The National Spelling Bee with me, amazed at the difficulty of some of the words given, but none of them actually enjoy spelling. I think it’s because they lack confidence in their ability to spell words correctly. They recognize a word when reading it, but cannot always spell it when using it in their writing. They know the meaning of a word, and can use it properly in a sentence, but inevitably will forget how to spell it. I’ll admit, this is no small frustration for me. We own more than one dictionary and have utilized spell check on the PC, even when something is being written by hand. Grumblings can sometimes be heard when one is sent to heft the cumbersome, intimidating dictionary off the shelf, to “find the word yourself,” and the computer is not always accessible; so, they often ask me how to spell a word. Even then, the usual response is, “spell the word, the way you think it is spelled, and then ask me if it’s correct.”
We’ve done vocabulary lists and spelling words for the week. Using rote and repetition. And, it’s a good thing I like words as much as I do, because we’ve been playing word games, like Scrabble and Boggle, for 30 years! Educational fun and reinforcement, you know. Yet, spellings escape them.
Last year, as a TOS Homeschool Review Crew Member, I reviewed what-is-now my favorite Reading Tool. See-N-Read was my introduction to CadenaSmith Enterprises, and it is “a truly effective intervention for reading.” This year, See-N-Spell arrived at my house, with much anticipation! It is a 40 page Spelling and Vocabulary Quick Reference Guide.
In alphabetical order, you’ll find more than 300 most commonly used vocabulary words and commonly misspelled words. Basically, if you know the first letter or couple of letters in a word, you can find it here, correctly spelled. Homophones (here – hear, there – their) are listed too (to – two), with a brief definition, so it’s easy to choose the correct one. Although, it is printed on heavy duty, semi-gloss paper, for repeated use, it is not a heavy, 2 inch thick, hard bound book. It’s an unassuming, easy-to-use booklet, that prompts my children to use it regularly. Dr. Sylvia Smith, the author, thought to include a section where you can write your own special interest words, words you might use fairly often, but waffle on when it comes time to spell. Guaranteed, or is it gauranteed? Sometimes, after we study it for several seconds it becomes even more muddled. Easier just to look it up in the See-N-Spell and move on in your creative or constructive writing.
“Writers typically possess a larger everyday spoken (social) language vocabulary than written academic language vocabulary.” The See-N-Spell – Spelling and Vocabulary Quick Reference Guide facilitates getting that larger vocabulary transferred easily to the written page. “The need for correct spelling and adequate vocabulary is not limited to English Literature and Composition courses…they are essential components of success in Social Studies, Science, and Math, as well as in the world of business.”
It’s our new go-to spelling guide! At $9.99 I think it’s a worthwhile investment, plus, I nearly forgot to tell you, you receive my favorite, document sized See-N-Read Reading Tool FREE, with each See-N-Spell booklet you order! Please, follow the links I’ve included in this post and visit their website for more information.
Comments or Questions?
phone ~ 630.236.5592
email ~ info@see-n-read.com
or write ~
CadenaSmith Enterprises
2533 Sutton Lane
Aurora, IL 60502-9461
As always, my wonderful Crew mates have written their own reviews of this product. If you click on the graphic below you’ll find them on The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew Blog.
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.
*Contents of this blog 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.
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
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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.
An Adventure to Ooka Island
Posted by: | CommentsTechnology has not changed at our house at the same rate that it has generally, but, we use more of it than many households do, I’m sure.
I remember a time when we didn’t own a camera. One year, I wrote every detail I could think of to record our child’s 2nd birthday party. We didn’t have a camera and I didn’t want her to think we hadn’t had a party for her, because there were no pictures; so, I described everything! Eventually, we owned a Polaroid that developed instant pictures and a little 110 camera. We had to send our 110 film off in an envelope to get it developed and then got our pictures in the mail. Initially, 35mm disposable cameras were expensive, yet they cost less than investing in a real one. The first 35mm camera we were able to buy was all manual. You set the flash when you needed it, you advanced the film after a picture and rewound the film by hand and gave it to the developer. It was certainly not an SLR, but I thought it was a wonder! Over the years, we were able to upgrade to an automatic and I have some great pictures from those years. The Christmas after our youngest child was born we were given our first digital camera. You know how, usually, the first child in the family has the most pictures taken of them? Well, that’s not the case here. We have so many pictures of our youngest daughter! Everything new she did was documented with the cool camera that had the itty-bitty screen on the back. Now, a decent digital camera is reasonably priced and there are nearly half-a-dozen, owned by the teens and adults of our family. My younger children think you look at every picture after you take it, they don’t know any different.
I used to write out every quiz and test, in duplicate, because I didn’t have a copy machine. When our older children were our young students, they answered workbook questions on separate sheets of paper, so I could reuse the workbooks with their siblings. For the last few years, we’ve had a do-it-all printer/scanner/copier.
In years past it wasn’t even a thought to own a personal computer. It was way out of our budget. Now, not only do we own a PC, but we have high-speed internet access.
Remember the Walkman that played a cassette tape? One year, several of the children received personal CD players for Christmas. Last year the three youngest were given MP3′s.
There are cell phones everywhere! And it wasn’t that many years ago that there were only three television stations and you actually had to leave your house to rent a VHS movie. No HD, no DVD, no Blue-Ray and certainly not as many acronyms.
An older daughter has a Kindle and I recently bought a WebOS Touch Pad, for reading and school-on-the-go.
Our children know how to use each of these devices and more, usually before we do. The last two school years have seen a dramatic difference in how I teach, because I’ve had access to online curricula. I’m still working on finding a balance, but I don’t shy away from the use of technology, like I once might have done.
The fact is, some of my children are a generation apart. Things have changed. I have more options today than ever before, when it comes to their education. By no means are we on the cutting edge of technology, but we are trying to keep a steady pace.
Recently, my youngest daughter and I set out on a new adventure. Now, before I take a trip, I like to know something about my destination. I do a little research before I book a flight or a cruise. I read reviews, check out the best eateries and look for places that aren’t tourist traps.
I discovered an island that I hadn’t heard of before. So, we went to the logical place to check it out – You Tube. There are dozens of videos about it!
This one got us excited about beginning our Ooka Island Adventure!
Click graphic to view the Official Trailer.
Ooka Island is a virtual online world. A vibrant, energetic world created especially for ages 3 – 7 years, pre-K through 2nd grade.
Students style a personal avatar and set off on heroic quests. Along the way, they develop skills essential to prereading, reading and spelling. They learn to understand sounds, associate sounds with letters, blending and making words, all while mountain climbing, cave exploring, cake making and more.
This is an innovative program. There are 24 levels of purposeful, crazy-fun 3D games, led by a robot named Zobot! The players meet Auntie Kay, Ooka elves that need rescued and the mischievous Figgs. 20 minutes of school work, that they don’t have a clue they’re doing, and they earn 8 minutes of free time. They’re successes are rewarded with the option to play games or buy stuff for their avatar.
Click graphic to read “the Ooka Adventure for Parents.”
The ten Ooka Island game areas, are designed to build on each other, getting more difficult with each one. The entire system adapts to each individual child’s progress. It is a complete curriculum, using 85 interactive e-books, on three levels: Emergent, Beginning and Fluency. My daughter is quite fond of the Ooka books, because they seem rather Dr. Seuss-ish and are written for the child.
Take your child on an adventure to Ooka Island, there is a Parent’s Page where you can track their progress and play along. Together, you will motivate and teach him to be a fluent, lifelong reader.
There’s no risk with the 14-day Free Trial.
Click graphic for full pricing overview.
Use promo code: LAUNCHSPECIAL30 and save 30% on a monthly subscription.
To read other Ooka Island Adventures reviews, click the TOS Homeschool Review Crew graphic below.
Stay up-to-date with everything on the island by following Ooka on facebook. Browse the website: http://www.ookaisland.com and read Village Voices, the Ooka blog.
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.
