Ephesians 4:29-32
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sufficiency of Scripture
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:29-32
Ephesians 4:29-32
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Reading Game
The Reading Game
Price: $24.95
Contents:
6 decks of memory playing cards
6 storybooks
Parent/Teacher guide
The Reading Game is a
fast-action memory card game.
It includes a series of six
beautifully illustrated storybooks.
The Cards & Books work
together to make learning to read exciting and enjoyable.
Game sessions are fun-filled with a winner every few seconds.
After completing the first memory card game, the student has thirty words “hardwired” into memory.
The Skunk story, Book One
in the series, is told using
only those thirty words.
On completing the series,
the student has a reading vocabulary of 180 words.
Almost half of them are among the one hundred most commonly used words in the English language.
The Reading Game was created
by “Wordly Wise” author,
Kenneth Hodkinson.
What we liked:
We loved that this was not just reading, but played in the format of a memory game...DD really loved playing the Reading Game and the games went VERY FAST! I think that helps to keep the child's focus on the game, rather than straying off task often. We were able to play several times in each session without it being a strain.
I love the concept behind the Reading Game...using common words, the child having to frequently read them, and when they have mastery, going on to put those skills to work reading the story for the level. By that time, the child really knows the words well.
While there are 30 words in each level (skunk, snake, bear, penguins, unicorn & zebra), you work with only 5 words at a time, making it easier for the child to do the "work" of the game and making each game quick.
Only lowercase letters are used, which I loved because it re-inforces the idea to the child that these are the letters that are used most often...my guy likes to use a mix of upper & lower case letters when he writes them. The exception to the rule here is the word, "I". That is done correctly.
The game is played with the child and a tutor...the Reading Game is suggested for ages 4+. I think that age recommendation is appropriate, but may need to be adjusted according to skill. When I was able, I acted as the tutor, but my older boys were able to jump in quickly if I could not work with DD. I appreciated being able to hand that off as needed without a lot of prep work in teaching my olders 'How-To"
What was a challenge for us:
DD is at the beginning stages of phonics, using the rules he has learned to de-code the words he sees. He has not learned all of the blend sounds yet and struggled with sh, th, wh and words like kind and stripe that we have not covered the rules for. For us, I think this would have given DD more tools to be able to decode more quickly.
DD wanted to move on to the next stage before he had mastered the words. I think it was frustrating for him to stay on skunk stage 3 (just pulled an example out) until he was able to read all the words every time. He wanted to just jump to the next one and into reading the book.
Overall, I think that the Reading Game is a helpful part of what we are using to teach reading in our home. The Reading Game is affordable and it is a fun way to teach reading.
See what my fellow crew mates have to say about the Reading Game here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.
Price: $24.95
Contents:
6 decks of memory playing cards
6 storybooks
Parent/Teacher guide
The Reading Game is a
fast-action memory card game.
It includes a series of six
beautifully illustrated storybooks.
The Cards & Books work
together to make learning to read exciting and enjoyable.
Game sessions are fun-filled with a winner every few seconds.
After completing the first memory card game, the student has thirty words “hardwired” into memory.
The Skunk story, Book One
in the series, is told using
only those thirty words.
On completing the series,
the student has a reading vocabulary of 180 words.
Almost half of them are among the one hundred most commonly used words in the English language.
The Reading Game was created
by “Wordly Wise” author,
Kenneth Hodkinson.
What we liked:
We loved that this was not just reading, but played in the format of a memory game...DD really loved playing the Reading Game and the games went VERY FAST! I think that helps to keep the child's focus on the game, rather than straying off task often. We were able to play several times in each session without it being a strain.
I love the concept behind the Reading Game...using common words, the child having to frequently read them, and when they have mastery, going on to put those skills to work reading the story for the level. By that time, the child really knows the words well.
While there are 30 words in each level (skunk, snake, bear, penguins, unicorn & zebra), you work with only 5 words at a time, making it easier for the child to do the "work" of the game and making each game quick.
Only lowercase letters are used, which I loved because it re-inforces the idea to the child that these are the letters that are used most often...my guy likes to use a mix of upper & lower case letters when he writes them. The exception to the rule here is the word, "I". That is done correctly.
The game is played with the child and a tutor...the Reading Game is suggested for ages 4+. I think that age recommendation is appropriate, but may need to be adjusted according to skill. When I was able, I acted as the tutor, but my older boys were able to jump in quickly if I could not work with DD. I appreciated being able to hand that off as needed without a lot of prep work in teaching my olders 'How-To"
What was a challenge for us:
DD is at the beginning stages of phonics, using the rules he has learned to de-code the words he sees. He has not learned all of the blend sounds yet and struggled with sh, th, wh and words like kind and stripe that we have not covered the rules for. For us, I think this would have given DD more tools to be able to decode more quickly.
DD wanted to move on to the next stage before he had mastered the words. I think it was frustrating for him to stay on skunk stage 3 (just pulled an example out) until he was able to read all the words every time. He wanted to just jump to the next one and into reading the book.
Overall, I think that the Reading Game is a helpful part of what we are using to teach reading in our home. The Reading Game is affordable and it is a fun way to teach reading.
See what my fellow crew mates have to say about the Reading Game here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
Wishing you and yours a VERY Happy Thanksgiving. May you find many things to be grateful for during the entire holiday season.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Holiday Fun via Pinterest
I recently spent a little time on Pinterest and can tell already...it could be a dangerous place to be...if I am not careful with how much time I spend. Lots of fun things to look at, try and create. WOW...
So one thing I found here was a clever decoration idea...something I have never thought of doing before, but decided to copy...
The original post was here
Isn't that a GREAT USE of space...no more cluttered mess...my fridge has become a gathering spot for a little of this and that...I should have taken a picture of my fridge before...
BUT...here is my rendition of the indoor Snowman...
it's hard to see the brim of the hat, but it is there....
My thanks to Tami for her wonderful idea!
A couple Cannon Children are more excited about this than the others...
My thanks to Josh & Lou...you guys are such good sports to humor your Momma...
Now...how many of you are going to copy this?
So one thing I found here was a clever decoration idea...something I have never thought of doing before, but decided to copy...
The original post was here
Isn't that a GREAT USE of space...no more cluttered mess...my fridge has become a gathering spot for a little of this and that...I should have taken a picture of my fridge before...
BUT...here is my rendition of the indoor Snowman...
it's hard to see the brim of the hat, but it is there....
My thanks to Tami for her wonderful idea!
A couple Cannon Children are more excited about this than the others...
My thanks to Josh & Lou...you guys are such good sports to humor your Momma...
Now...how many of you are going to copy this?
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sufficiency of Scripture
And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased
Hebrews 13:16
Hebrews 13:16
Friday, November 18, 2011
Time Timer
Time Timer
Price: Starts at $30
Ever wonder HOW on earth you can get your child to understand how much TIME there is in 15 minutes? Well, the Time Timer is here to help you make every moment count.
Designed to help students understand, "how much longer," no other teaching aid reinforces the concept of elapsed time like the teacher-tested Time Timer. The disappearing red disk allows students to "see" time without knowing how to "tell" time. The Time Timer is perfect for setting time limits, managing transitions and training students to make better use of available time, making every moment count.
Available in different sizes, as a watch, apps or software, there is a Time Timer product for every need.
What we thought of the Time Timer
We received the 3" Time Timer for the purpose of our review. I really LOVED how my children could SEE the passage of time and know they had to stay on task for that amount of time for this purpose. I personally found it helpful when I was doing a task in my day for only a short time period, say 15 or 20 minutes. It helped me use those shorter time periods more effectively to complete a large task that I might not have the time to be able to do one larger chunk...those large time chunks are hard to find in a busy day!
I loved that my DD, who does not tell time yet, could see how long 5 minutes was and grasp the concept of the passage of time.
What was more of a challenge for us:
When the Time Timer is done with the passage of time, it beeps once...we missed the beep several times. It would have been more helpful for us if there were a series of beeps or if the beep was longer. Also, I would really need to be able to see the benefit of the product to spend $30 for it. Many homeschool families have to be careful with what items they choose to spend money on. There is an app for the Time Timer for $1.99...I think I am going to purchase that for my iPod, so I can have it going for two at one time. Overall, I found the Time Timer to be very helpful in our family.
See what my fellow crew mates had to say about the Time Timer here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.
Price: Starts at $30
Ever wonder HOW on earth you can get your child to understand how much TIME there is in 15 minutes? Well, the Time Timer is here to help you make every moment count.
Designed to help students understand, "how much longer," no other teaching aid reinforces the concept of elapsed time like the teacher-tested Time Timer. The disappearing red disk allows students to "see" time without knowing how to "tell" time. The Time Timer is perfect for setting time limits, managing transitions and training students to make better use of available time, making every moment count.
Available in different sizes, as a watch, apps or software, there is a Time Timer product for every need.
What we thought of the Time Timer
We received the 3" Time Timer for the purpose of our review. I really LOVED how my children could SEE the passage of time and know they had to stay on task for that amount of time for this purpose. I personally found it helpful when I was doing a task in my day for only a short time period, say 15 or 20 minutes. It helped me use those shorter time periods more effectively to complete a large task that I might not have the time to be able to do one larger chunk...those large time chunks are hard to find in a busy day!
I loved that my DD, who does not tell time yet, could see how long 5 minutes was and grasp the concept of the passage of time.
What was more of a challenge for us:
When the Time Timer is done with the passage of time, it beeps once...we missed the beep several times. It would have been more helpful for us if there were a series of beeps or if the beep was longer. Also, I would really need to be able to see the benefit of the product to spend $30 for it. Many homeschool families have to be careful with what items they choose to spend money on. There is an app for the Time Timer for $1.99...I think I am going to purchase that for my iPod, so I can have it going for two at one time. Overall, I found the Time Timer to be very helpful in our family.
See what my fellow crew mates had to say about the Time Timer here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Math Mammoth
Math Mammoth
Price: varies between the different options
We got the privilege of Trying Math Mammoth's Light Blue 1st grade book. Navigating through which one to choose was a little confusing to me, but Maria Miller, the author of the books, was EXTREMELY helpful in helping me select which book I thought would be best for DD.
"Math Mammoth offers affordable, yet quality math worktexts and workbooks for grades 1-8, available as both downloads and printed books. These books concentrate on conceptual understanding and are strong in mental math. The directions in the worktexts are written directly to the student, and are often self-teaching, thus requiring little preparation and involvement from the teacher."
We received Math Mammoth 1 A & B, which includes 228 lessons (8 of which are a Kindergarten review)and covers:
addition and subtraction concept and basic facts within 0-10
place value with 2-digit numbers (a.k.a. tens and ones)
some adding and subtracting within 0-100
some geometry and measuring topics
reading clock to the half-hour
counting and using coins (US, Euro, or Canadian)
The Download for the complete set is $34. You can find the printed copy information here . I was a little concerned about having to print the pages off, but it actually became a blessing...if we could not find the page we needed to work on, I could print another off...
Suggested Manipulatives are kept to a minimum for this curriculum, which I appreciate.
A 100-bead abacus (for 1-B; especially in the place value chapter)
An old-fashioned alarm clock or other analog clock where you can turn the minute hand and the hour hand will turn as it is supposed to (for 1-B).
A ruler that measures in inches (for 1-B).
A ruler that measures in centimeters (for 1-B).
So very thankful that there are NO small pieces to lose or step on in the pre-coffee part of the morning.
So, what we thought...
Math Mammoth is almost completely self teaching...DD was able to have a little instruction and then complete the work. It was a little heavy in writing for my young and active boy. I think that just shows his age and is not what I would consider a flaw. I did some of the writing where I thought it was not essential for him to do the writing. Concepts start VERY EASY with lots of pictures and work up to more complex problems within each type of work, addition, subtraction, etc. I really liked that each chapter/subject has a BRIEF introduction and then an index for each concept. I found this helpful when organizing my lesson planning. as well as the pacing suggestions for each grade...helped me see what "normal" might look like if I chose to follow that plan...actually, we stuck pretty close to the suggestions!
When we got our download, it came with a User Guide which had some great helps in it...such as the pacing and FAQs.
If you are considering this curriculum, I would HIGHLY recommend getting the free download of 300 pages...I think that would give a pretty comprehensive overview, and again, Maria is VERY helpful herself!
You can find placement tests here
You can view a sample of the 1st grade books as well...
I think it is a very economical option for math that is well worth looking into.
See what my fellow crew mates had to say about Math Mammoth here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.
Price: varies between the different options
We got the privilege of Trying Math Mammoth's Light Blue 1st grade book. Navigating through which one to choose was a little confusing to me, but Maria Miller, the author of the books, was EXTREMELY helpful in helping me select which book I thought would be best for DD.
"Math Mammoth offers affordable, yet quality math worktexts and workbooks for grades 1-8, available as both downloads and printed books. These books concentrate on conceptual understanding and are strong in mental math. The directions in the worktexts are written directly to the student, and are often self-teaching, thus requiring little preparation and involvement from the teacher."
We received Math Mammoth 1 A & B, which includes 228 lessons (8 of which are a Kindergarten review)and covers:
addition and subtraction concept and basic facts within 0-10
place value with 2-digit numbers (a.k.a. tens and ones)
some adding and subtracting within 0-100
some geometry and measuring topics
reading clock to the half-hour
counting and using coins (US, Euro, or Canadian)
The Download for the complete set is $34. You can find the printed copy information here . I was a little concerned about having to print the pages off, but it actually became a blessing...if we could not find the page we needed to work on, I could print another off...
Suggested Manipulatives are kept to a minimum for this curriculum, which I appreciate.
A 100-bead abacus (for 1-B; especially in the place value chapter)
An old-fashioned alarm clock or other analog clock where you can turn the minute hand and the hour hand will turn as it is supposed to (for 1-B).
A ruler that measures in inches (for 1-B).
A ruler that measures in centimeters (for 1-B).
So very thankful that there are NO small pieces to lose or step on in the pre-coffee part of the morning.
So, what we thought...
Math Mammoth is almost completely self teaching...DD was able to have a little instruction and then complete the work. It was a little heavy in writing for my young and active boy. I think that just shows his age and is not what I would consider a flaw. I did some of the writing where I thought it was not essential for him to do the writing. Concepts start VERY EASY with lots of pictures and work up to more complex problems within each type of work, addition, subtraction, etc. I really liked that each chapter/subject has a BRIEF introduction and then an index for each concept. I found this helpful when organizing my lesson planning. as well as the pacing suggestions for each grade...helped me see what "normal" might look like if I chose to follow that plan...actually, we stuck pretty close to the suggestions!
When we got our download, it came with a User Guide which had some great helps in it...such as the pacing and FAQs.
If you are considering this curriculum, I would HIGHLY recommend getting the free download of 300 pages...I think that would give a pretty comprehensive overview, and again, Maria is VERY helpful herself!
You can find placement tests here
You can view a sample of the 1st grade books as well...
I think it is a very economical option for math that is well worth looking into.
See what my fellow crew mates had to say about Math Mammoth here
Disclaimer: I received this item for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation. All the opinions expressed are my own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
