Archive for vocabulary
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.
It’s a New Day!
Posted by: | CommentsWow, so much has changed since I began teaching my children at home, back in the dark ages, or so it seems some days. When we began homeschooling there were few companies that wrote or published curriculum geared toward the unique needs of educating at home. Now, not only are there several companies on board and promoting materials for homeschool use, but there are also online programs being created for this vast community. It’s a new day for home education!
K5 Learning is an outstanding, online reading and math enrichment program!
Click the K5 graphic above for Sample Lessons
Geared for Kindergarten through Grade 5, it is a student paced, individualized learning program, based on skill level, not grade level. Even in light of other online programs we have used, my children agreed that K5 Learning is consistently challenging, but not frustratingly impossible. I like it because it has repeated spoken instructions allowing even young students to work independently.
There are 1,500 reading tutorials with more than 3,000 activities, and over 1,200 math lessons and activities. These are not random. They are sequenced lessons that prompt continued mastery of the subject. Each session is a 5-10 minute tutorial, then practice, and quiz over new material.
Click graphic above for Math details
K5 Math is comprehensive. It covers – Numbers & Operations, Geometry, Measurement, Algebra, and Data Analysis. The Math Facts encourage “instant recall of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division tables. Unlike computerized drill programs, K5 Math Facts does not generate questions randomly. It records every response a child makes, continually analyses what facts your child has mastered or need further practice at, and generates questions based on that child’s needs. This makes K5 Math Facts far more efficient at teaching math facts than a typical drill program.”
Click Math Facts graphic above to view demo
The Reading Enrichment encompasses Reading Curriculum & Comprehension, Phonics and Phonemic Awareness, Sight Words, Vocabulary, and Spelling. K5 Spelling has a 150,00 word database, and “is far beyond your typical online spelling program.”
Additionally, K5 Learning keeps parent’s up-to-date with regular student progress reports.
per year – 1st child $199
additional child $129
per month – 1st child $25
additional child $15
K5 offers a 14-day FREE TRIAL that includes a reading assessment and a math assessment.
Click assessment graphic above for more information.
My crew mates have shared their opinions and you’ll find them by clicking the graphic below and following the link.
Comments or Questions?
phone - 888.281.2145
write -
K5 Learning
510-4438 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6R 4R8
or facebook
I’m excited about the new options for home educators and I think you will be, too! Please, follow the links I’ve provided and browse the K5 Learning website. Let me know what you think.
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.
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.
It’s a Wrap!
Posted by: | CommentsAt our house, a school day might begin something like this…
A Younger Child: “Hey, Momma, did you know that all of the Anderson’s have the flu?”
ME: “I didn’t. When you talk to Katie, find out if they need anything.”
Younger Child: “Okay.”
An Older Sibling: “Did you know that our great-great-grandmother died from the flu? Nana was born in 1912, so she was only six when her mom and her little brother died in 1918.”
ME: “The worst plague in America was the Influenza Epidemic of 1918. More people died from the flu in that year than died in all of World War I.”
Younger Child: “She was younger than me.”
ME: “She was. Then, her dad died when she was just 12. She was your sister’s ages living through The Great Depression.”
Older Child: “1929-1939 or 41, or something?”
Younger Child: “What’s The Depression?”
ME: “I’ll tell you what, after breakfast, I’ll show you some pictures of kids during The Great Depression. I’ve got a book, someplace. I’ll find it. It’s called Children of the Great Depression. Just the photographs will give you a good idea of what The Great Depression was, but we’ll talk about it, too.”
At this point, my brain is charging ahead with plans for today and tomorrow, and beyond.
THINKING: “I’ll make breakfast a little hardier than I initially planned, so I can just give them bread & water for lunch. Seriously, hunger was real during The Depression. Maybe we’ll follow a bare-bones-potato-soup recipe for dinner and eat by the light of an oil lamp.”
I know my older ones read The Great Depression, America 1929-1941, by Robert S. McElvaine, but the mids haven’t, yet.
THINKING: “I’ll pull that out and we can read excerpts from it, to everyone, but they can work on reading the whole thing, themselves, over the next week. They’ll definitely need to start a vocabulary/spelling list. I have some Penmanship/Copywork pages I can add for the younger ones and an essay assignment for the oldest.”
DANCING INSIDE MY HEAD: I can download an instant e-Book from Zeezok Publishing! One of their Z-Guides to the Movies for the Depression era. I’m pretty sure they have one for Kit Kittredge, and since we already own the movie we could actually work on it this week. They love that movie, but with the Z-Guide they’ll see it in a whole new light.”
Books, movies, the internet. The library, Netflix, museums. I use them all. Anything and everything that I can get my hands on and afford, that will stimulate my children’s desire to learn and successfully educate them.
Zeezok Publishing has been providing materials for the homeschooling community since 1993. They’ve published government and history texts, and sixteen classic biographies on the great composers. In 2010 they introduced us to Z-Guides to the Movies.
Each Z-Guide is developed for a specific movie. We’ve found many of the movies at our local library; most are available for rent on Netflix, Zeezok sells a few and some you may already own. There are more than 30 Z-Guides available, now, and another 25 are due to be released in the spring.
$12.99 gives you access to an instant e-Book download, of your choice, or you can have a CD shipped. Many topics and time-periods are covered -
16th, 17th, 18th & 19th Century Europe
American and French Revolution
The Roaring Twenties and The Great Depression
World Wars 1 & 2 and Post-WW2
and the Vietnam War
You’ll get a topic, time-period overview; a movie synopsis, giving you an understanding of the relationship between characters, events and situations. A list of review questions to be discussed and answered as the movie is being watched, and additional activities prompting research and writing. My favorite section of every Z-Guide is the Filmaker’s Art and Dramatic License Activity. I do not have the ready knowledge that I find in this section. Even as my children are learning, so am I.
“The Filmmaker’s Art activity helps the student recognize the tools being used to influence the viewer.” Without the Z-Guide, I don’t always discern these as clearly. “The various guides discuss how filming techniques, music, lighting, humor, character development, irony, foreshadowing, and even character names are used by the director and producer to influence the viewer to get their agenda across.” Z-Guides to the Movies has changed the way we see a movie and that’s their goal. They “want the student to be able to discern not only the agenda of the movie, but also how they are being influenced by it. The goal is that when the student goes to the theatre and watches a movie, he walks out not thinking it was an entertaining movie, but understanding the bigger message behind each film.”
My children are enhancing their critical thinking skills. Besides movies, they now look at reading material differently, and also examine the influence and impact they may have on others with what they personally write or visually and musically produce.
I think Z-Guides are impressively thorough. In 2011, I used one with The Hiding Place. Click the link to read my review.
Recently, we did, indeed, use the Z-Guide for Kit Kittredge. Written for elementary and middle school, it was easily adaptable to include our K5 through high school and adult.
Topics and Activities covered ~
The Great Depression
Journalism
Prejudice
Family Unity
and Hobo Life
It was a perfect wrap to an interesting study!
The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew has had the opportunity to review several different Z-Guides. Click on the banner below to read what my crew mates thought of each one.
Comments or Questions?
Contact Zeezok Publishing
email -
info@zeezok.com
write -
P.O. Box 1960
Elyria, OH 44036
call -
800.749.1681
or
440.782.1193
and
The next time you study, tie everything together with a Z-Guide and a family movie night!
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.
I am not affiliated with Netflix and I receive no compensation for references.
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
I appreciate your encouragement. Thanks for your comments. PK
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.
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.
Clever Dragons Discount!
Posted by: | CommentsClever Dragons launches it’s smart fun for boy’s only, today! My son has been waiting weeks for this, as I wrote in my review of a scoop of laughter, a scoop of learning, Always Icecream, for girl’s only!
I’ll be posting a review of this site, soon, but couldn’t wait to tell you that Clever Dragons is online and they are offering a discounted membership rate for a limited time only.
* Now through November 27th *
Launch Special Price
$39.99 for Lifetime Membership
No promo code needed.
Find Clever Dragons on facebook for the latest updates.
Blessings,
Clever Dragons, nor anyone affiliated with them, asked me to write this post. I received no compensation and any expressed opinions are my own.
Thanks for your comments. PK
For Girls Only!
Posted by: | CommentsFinding one’s place in a big family can sometimes be difficult. Having something that belongs just to you or that didn’t belong to a sibling before you doesn’t happen often, but sometimes it’s nice. It’s a little affirmation that you are one-of-a-kind and not just part of the group. I look for ways to let my children know that I see them as individuals.
Our youngest daughter is the youngest of 11. She loves her position, but we’ve made it a point to let her know that she wasn’t an afterthought. She was/is wanted and she is an important part of our family. It would be easy for everything she owns – clothes, toys, books & games – to be a hand-me-down, much is, but not all. Truly, she probably wouldn’t even mind, but I would; so, when I recently had the opportunity to review an ad-free learning website, for girls only, I was just a wee-bit excited about the possibilities! I wasn’t disappointed.
Always Icecream is geared for girls, ages 7-12, and it looks like it was created just for them. It’s pink and fun, and frufru and fun, and cute & sweet and fun! Much to my youngest son’s dismay, the website for boys only hasn’t been completed, yet, but I hear it is in the works. If I’d allow it, he’d learn & play right alongside his sister, but since I haven’t, he can not wait for his site! Why have a site, for girls only? My guys and girls get along very well together. My guys are a little more sensitive, considerate and compassionate and my girls are comfortable catching bugs and fishing, because of their interaction with each other, but it’s not that way in every home or classroom.
- “Online games for girls are games that have been specifically designed to meet the interests and curiosity of girls. This gender-focus makes it possible that “girls can be girls” without the fear of being bothered by boys who tend to make fun of everything that girls consider “cute.”
- “Within the target age group of 7-12 years, children’s preferences and ways in which they can be motivated tend to be influenced by gender. Collaborative play (girls) versus competitive play (boys) and girls tend to be attracted by virtual goods that are “decorative”, such as clothes, versus “useful”, such as machines or armor.”
“Notwithstanding the differences in brain development and socialization, Always Icecream is adamantly opposed to stereotypes such as “girls are not interested in science or math.” The site challenges its young members to engage in learning activities across a broad spectrum of subjects:
Language Arts
Math (basic and advanced)
Science
Computer Skills
Geography
History
Foreign Languages
Music & Arts
and Religious Education
I asked my daughter for her opinion of Always Icecream. She said, and I quote:
“I love it! You get to make your own house and you get your own pet. It’s fun! The learning is still fun, too. I am learning, you know. There are so many activities, I can’t even tell you! I’m practicing typing and I’m learning my states. Want me to show you? I’m getting higher and higher in my math and I got all of the Bible questions right, last time, because we had just learned about two of them in Children’s Church! The pet world thingy-place is my favorite! The pets can play games and do stuff. You can buy them accessories, (yes, that’s her word. We are big Fancy Nancy fans, but I’ll save that for another time) like a necklace or a bow. You use your $coops to buy stuff. ($coops is the earned currency in the Always Icecream world.) You buy them food and feed them, like carrots for the rabbit, not bacon or dog bones, of course. You give them cuddles and love and their hearts go up! I already said it, I just love it!“
School time. Learning time.
Play time. Reward time.
Parental participation, behind the scenes, is encouraged. Parents sign-up to receive a progress report, once a week, and may choose a number of $coops to be rewarded for special in-real-life projects, chores or accomplishments. My kids are on a rotation to clean the cat’s litter box. Our youngest was rewarded $coops for doing it without having to be reminded. Granted, she would like to go to Dairy Queen in the future for real-world ice cream in exchange for a real-world chore, but since she usually only gets a “thank you” she thought getting $coops was actually “pretty cool.”
The girls earn $coops currency for completing their learning tasks, challenges, games & videos. They create a mini-me avatar and can switch her clothes, buy rooms for the house and purchase furniture, pets and more. My girl loved this!
There is also a social feature available, set up by the parent, that enables or not, the girls to “make friends” and communicate with one another safely through Always Icecream. Although we didn’t choose to activate this feature, I do appreciate the excellent safety measures that are in place for the girls. Click the graphic below for more information.
* $4.99 per month * $29.99 per year * $99.99 for a lifetime membership *Take a quick tour of the site and try out FREE GAMES before you buy. “Satisfaction guaranteed: Your daughter will have fun and learn relevant skills – or you get your money back!”
You’ll want to read more reviews by my crew mates and their girls. Click the TOS banner below to get the full $coop!
Contact:
email – feedback@always-icecream.com
or visit
Blessings to you and your girls,
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.
More Professors, in More Boxes, Please!
Posted by: | CommentsIn our home, in our school, it is about what you learn and understand, it’s not about the score or the grade. It’s not a big deal to get a C on a test, the first time. The material can be read, again, or the concept investigated to discover what was missed or what didn’t “stick.” When we get to the final time, it’s not difficult to get an A on a test, because they actually know the answers. Our children are encouraged to studiously apply themselves to a subject, with the goal of gaining and retaining knowledge. There is no shame in going back to pick up what you dropped; so, you’re prepared when you arrive at your destination. I aced most tests along my educational path, because I “studied” and memorized information the night before, not necessarily because I had actually learned the material. It takes much longer to build a house when you’re constantly having to stop, and rebuild or repair the foundation, than it does if you take the time to build the proper framework, in the first place.
This is why Professor In A Box works well for us.
Professor In A Box, Principles in Marketing is a non-traditional, student-paced, thorough college level course “similar in content to the first marketing course taken by all students in university and college schools of business across the country.” It is taught by an Assistant Professor in Marketing at Villanova, Julie Pirsch, Ph.D., and it is a complete prep for the CLEP Marketing Exam.
Not only is Professor Pirsch academically credentialed, but she is also rated as one of the top teachers in her department and in her college, AND she came to my house in a box! Actually, I expected a professor in a box, but she arrived via DVD, in a flat, cardboard disc cover. For marketing purposes, I would have shipped the DVD professor in a small box, just for effect. Principles of Marketing also worked for us because I didn’t have to do anything to prepare for this course, no dusting or vacuuming for the professor’s visit or even writing lesson plans. The Syllabus, Flash Lecture slides, Key Concepts file, Learning Objectives and Lesson Plans are included in the DVD.
There is no massive college text to wade through, reading 40 or more pages a day. A lesson consists of a 30 minute lecture to view, narrated by Professor Pirsch, using Power Point slides to emphasize concepts, with an additional 15-30 minutes to work a quiz. She doesn’t read the Power Points to the student, but they can be printed for additional study and recollection. She teaches, highlighting the key points, adding commentary, explanations and detail. She is easy to understand and even though the student is learning the vocabulary of marketing, as well as the theory of marketing, her tone is conversational and pleasant. Each chapter includes online resources and real-life examples, as well.
Principles for Marketing is challenging, but “any high school level student (or above) with basic reading skills can handle this course.” It is 19 chapters, covering 28 lessons with 3 exams. Three timetables are presented:
Choose to work -
- 2 lessons per week for 14 weeks = college semester
- 1 lesson per week for 28 weeks = average school year
- 3 lessons per week for 9 weeks = summer school
My daughter is working 1 to 2 lessons per week, as her schedule permits. She is starting a small business and has a genuine interest in marketing. She especially appreciates the no-stress testing. My son chose 1 lesson per day, completing the course in one month. Although this is not recommended it worked well for him, as his intention was to glean the fundamentals only, for the purpose of marketing himself in his career choice. After the initial investment of $119.99 s/h included, I can use this course for each of my children, myself and my husband. At roughly $300.00 per course, per student, at our local college, my savings using Professor In A Box, Principles of Marketing is phenomenal! If there’s any doubt, their full money-back guarantee should assuage it.
“This course provides students with a description and evaluation of the ways in which goods and services are developed to meet customer and consumer needs, and how they are distributed for domestic and international consumption. It examines the economic, government, social, and other environmental forces in relation to the marketing function, placing emphasis on relevant social problems and responsibilities.”
Chapters include -
[Click Introduction to Marketing to view a sample chapter.]
- Introduction to Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Marketing Environment
- Market Research
- Consumer Behavior
- Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning
- Products and Branding
- New Products and the PLC
- Marketing Channels
- Retailing
- Pricing
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Advertising
- Public Relations and Sales Promotions
- Personal Selling and Sales Management
- Direct and Interactive Marketing
- Business-to-Business Marketing
- International Marketing
- Course Review and Social Responsibility
My high school and college age children concur that they would like most of their classes set up like this one. No textbook. Watch the lectures. Complete quizzes. Check solutions. Pass exams. Conquer their academics and move on.
Presently, you can find a professor in a box for:
Financial Accounting (previously reviewed by TOS hsr crew)
Universal Financial Accounting Study Guide
You can bet that I’ll be watching for more professors in more boxes covering more courses!
Write -
Professor In A Box
212 Dory Drive
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Phone -
609.425.7090
Email Questions or Comments -
info@professorinabox.com
and facebook.
You’ll also find other reviews from my crew mates at The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew Blog.
This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.
Blessings,
*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.
