Considering God’s Creation ~ Review

  

For my final review for the TOS Crew we were very happy to receive a product for one of our favorite subjects ~ science.  I received Considering God’s Creation from Eagles Wings Education Materials. 

 

About Considering God’s Creation

Considering God’s Creation is a natural science curriculum with a biblical perspective.  It is designed for 2nd to 7th grade, although it is adaptable for younger or older students.  We received the Student Manual, which has 268 pages, Teachers manual, and audio CD.  

Considering God’s Creation contains 36 lessons which cover the following topics:

• Creation
• The Universe: Stars, Sun and Planets
• The Earth
• Non-Living Things: Rocks and Minerals
• Weather
• The Plant Kingdom
• The Animal Kingdom
• Animal Anatomy & Physiology
• Man: Made in God’s Image

Here is a sample of what the workbook pages look like,

and here is a sample page from the Teacher’s Manual.

What I Thought

There is so much that I love about this curriculum!  The lessons are broken down so you can teach one lesson per week.  I didn’t have to buy a lot of extras ~ just a notebook.  At the beginning of the  lesson it gives you a simple list of what you will need during the lesson (crayons, glue, scissors, etc.).  Each lesson contains:

• Vocabulary
• Introduction to the lesson
• Song/Poem
• Bible Reading
• Activity
• Notebook
• Evolution Stumpers
• Review
• Digging Deeper

What I loved the most ~ I was able to pick up the Teacher’s Manual and get right to it and what I was teaching was from a biblical prospective!  We are going to continue using Considering God’s Creation this summer.

Considering God’s Creation (including Teacher’s Manual, Student Notebook, and CD) is available from Eagle’s Wings for $29.95.  Additional Student workbooks are available for $13.95 each.

To see what other crew members thought click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Wordy Qwerty {Review}

Talking Fingers, the creators of Read, Write and Type (a product I reviewed last year and loved), have delivered another favorite in our household ~ Wordy Qwerty!

About Wordy Qwerty

Wordy Qwerty is intended for children ages 7 to 9.  The program helps with reading and spelling by providing the following foundations for fluency:

1. Some sounds can be represented in several different ways.
2. Most words follow about 20 easy spelling rules.
3. There are many word families, (words that sound the same, or rhyme). By changing the first letter(s), you can make hundreds of words.
4. Some words are "outlaws". They don't follow the rules. They must be recognized quickly and automatically.
5. Writing to dictation develops vocabulary, comprehension and fluency as well as spelling skills.
6. Reading (and filling in missing words) develops vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills.

The program has 20 lessons (6 activities per lesson), which go over the following spelling rules:

Wordy Qwerty teaches these rules through the use of fun games and songs.  You can hear a sample of some of the songs here.

Our Thoughts

This is have been a great addition to our language arts program.  My daughter is not a confident speller yet and she tends to ask after EVERY LETTER if she is spelling something correctly.  The program has been a blessing for me because I do not have to sit with her, therefore, she is not asking me constantly “Mom, is this right?”  I have seen an improvement in her spelling and confidence!  The games are challenging enough to keep her interest and the characters, Qwerty and Midi, are fun and quirky.  My daughter’s favorite game is Pop-a-Word.  You are given a sentence

and the you have to click on the balloons with the correct spelling of each word in the sentence in the correct order.

My only complaint with the program is the time it takes to load the games, which means my daughter has time to get sidetracked and distracted.  Overall, we have enjoyed the program and I can see improvement in my daughter spelling and reading.

Find Out More

Want to give the program a try?  You can download one free lesson (Silent E) and see what you think.  Plus, if you join their mailing list you can get a coupon for 20% off your next order. 

Wordy Qwerty is available online (a 5 year subscription) for the following cost:

You can also purchase the CD Home Version for $35.00, which includes the JingleSpells Songs CD.  NOTE:  This version NOT compatible with Windows 7 or Mac 10.6

You can read reviews by other TOS Crew Members here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Circle C Beginnings {Review} ~ Andi’s Pony Trouble

When we received the package from Kregel Publications containing the Circle C Beginnings books Andi’s Pony Trouble by Susan Marlow, my daughter saw the horse on the cover of the book, immediately grabbed the book, and headed to her room to start reading it {insert gasp}.  My daughter can read on her own however, it is not often that she will do so without my encouragement. 

About Circle C Beginnings Series

The Circle C Beginnings Series published by Kregel Publications is written for children ages 6-8 and tells about Andi, a 6-year old girl who lives on her family’s ranch in 1874.  These easy reader chapter books contain beautiful pencil drawings.  Each story has free activity packs available on the author’s website.

In this particular story, Andi’s Pony Trouble,  Andi wants a horse of her own more than anything in the world.  Her mother thinks she is too young, so Andi is stuck riding Coco, a hand-me-down pony.  Andi is determined to prove to her family that she's ready for a horse of her own.

Our Thoughts

I knew that I would be purchasing the other books in the Circle C Beginnings series before I even had a chance to finish reading the book.  My daughter loved the story and I loved the attitudes of the children.  The illustrations are beautiful and the story was engaging!  The activity packs were a great way to expand the learning and I could make sure that my daughter understood what she was reading.

Find Out More

Andi’s Pony Trouble is available for $4.99 from Kregel, as well as the other books in the series.  The Circle C Beginnings website has free online puzzles and coloring pages available.  There are also free activity pages for each book to download.

You can read reviews by other TOS Crew Members here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Science Weekly ~ Review

My kids love science and I am always looking for fun ways to add science lessons to our week.  Science Weekly is a 4-page newsletter that is written for grades K – 6th.  There are 6 levels available ~ each level comes with Teaching Notes with answer key.   The levels are:

Level Pre-A (Kindergarten) 
Level A (Grade 1)
Level B (Grade 2)
Level C (Grade 3)
Level D (Grade 4)
Level E (Grade 5-6)

A yearly subscription (15 issues) includes two newsletters a month September – November and one issue in December.

Topics covered include earth science, life science, physical science, and technology.  The topics covered for each edition are the same regardless of the level, however the reading and activities are geared toward the specific grade levels.

Our Experience

We had an opportunity to review issues on composting.  Aiden used level Pre-A and Emily used Level B.  The activities in the newsletter are suppose to be completed throughout the week but, we decided to do ours in one day.  Both of the newsletters gave basic information about composting and a list of new words.  The activities included writing, math, and our favorite part ~ a weekly lab.  For our lab we made compost. 

Emily’s lab focused on ~ Does compost need water and air?

She  divided the compost into different bags and provided them with different quantities of water and air during a 6 week period.  The newsletter provided a chart for her to write results from the Weekly Lab.

My Thoughts

Being able to get individual newsletters for each child, based on their grade, is a big plus!  Aiden was especially thrilled with having his own science “worksheets”.  The activities, at least for this newsletter, required no preparation other than gathering basic items we had around the house.

Pros:

• Specific to each grade level
• Little preparation required
• Comes in the mail (Oh how my kids love getting mail!)
• Each newsletter provides new vocabulary, writing, math and a lab
• Teach notes come with newsletter

Cons:

• I like a little more substance to my science lessons.
• Not sure if there is enough material in each newsletter to keep a child busy for a week.

Find Out More

Want to see a sample?  You can check out a sample issue about Coral Reefs. 

The cost for a yearly subscription (15 issues) is $19.95 per student.

You can read reviews by other TOS Crew Members here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

KinderBach ~ Review

I grew up surrounded by music.  My mom was a piano teacher, my sister and I both took piano lessons, and classical music was often playing softly in the background of our home.  I have tried to pass the love of music to my children.  Both of my kids participated in toddler music classes and my daughter started taking piano lessons when she turned 6.  I have grown up with more of a “traditional” approach to learning music so I was excited to learn I would be reviewing KinderBach. 

About KinderBach

KinderBach introduces children, ages 3 to 7, to music using a keyboard or piano.  Lesson are available online or DVD format.

KinderBach breaks down the various tasks and techniques of playing the keyboard and separates them into child portions.  For example:  Before playing a song, rhythm, note identification, note placement, and music patterns are presented as different items through discussion and games.  Learning is gradual and child-paced.  In addition KinderBach uses fun characters to teach ideas, making the process entertaining.

Karri Gregor is the creator of KinderBach and she teaches each of the lessons.  The lessons are broken down into short segments that holds a young childs attention.  In addition to the video portion there are printables and color sheets to go along with the lessons.

What We Thought

I used the program with my daughter (7) and son (4).  My son loved everything about the program ~ music, characters, and active lessons.  He frequently asked to watch more than one lesson and was able to demonstrate what he learned on our keyboard.  My daughter was not as thrilled about the program.  She found the program “babyish”.  I was not surprised by her reaction since she already knows the keys and has taken piano for over a year.  Overall, I think it is a fun program.  I do think it is geared more for the younger children ~ preschoolers.

Find Out More

KinderBach offers a free online trial.  A one year membership is $95.88 annually or $19.99 a month.  KinderBach At Home also offers DVD and CD packages starting at $40.45.

To read more reviews of KinderBach click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Go Go Kabongo ~ Review

 Go Go Kabongo is an online site, for kids ages 4 –7,  that has games aimed to improve pre-reading and critical thinking skills.  Skills are developed by playing in three different habitats; Twister Top, Galaxy Gardens and Laughter Lake.

Each habitat contains 3 different games, with six different levels, that target specific pre-reading and/or critical thinking skills. 

Go Go Kabongo automatically sends progress reports via email each week, showing which games, skills used and what level your child has reached.

Our Thoughts

My son (4) and daughter (7) both love the site.  My son found some of the games challenging and became frustrated ~this had more to do with his mouse skills than the actual games.  There is such a wide variety of games to pick from, and with 6 levels for each game the site will keep them challenged and entertained for a long time.  I like that the kids are learning skills while having fun.  I was impressed with the brightly colored habitats and fun characters.

My only complaint is the wait time while loading new games.

Find Out More

You can sign up for two free habitats at Go Go Kabongo, with the third habitat costing only $4.95 for a lifetime subscription.

You can read other Crewmates reviews of Go Go Kabongo here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

 

~Cindy

Artistic Pursuits ~ Review

I like to think I am an artistic person so art should be an area that my kids receive regular lesson in, right?!  The truth ~ I have failed in providing consistent art lessons.  What I needed was an art curriculum that provides information about the artists, their artwork, and teaches the techniques used ~ with a reasonable price tag!  Artistic Pursuits Curriculum by Brenda Ellis has been the answer!  I received Artistic Pursuits Grade K-3 Book 2 ~ Stories of Artists and Their Art to review.         

About Artistic Pursuits

Artistic Pursuits program presents both the expressive and the technical aspects of art.  The books, which are written to the student, can be used by homeschoolers or for independent study.  They offer books for preschoolers to grade 12. 

Artist Pursuits Book Two ~ Stories of Artists and Their Art contains 32 lessons with projects featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Academy Art of the 18th Century.  Artists featured in this book include:

• Cimabue
• Giotto
• Limbourg
• Van Eyck
• Leonardo de Vinci
•   Michelangelo
• Raphael
• Anguissola
• Durer
• Bruegel
• Parmigianino
• Rembrandt
• Vermeer
• Fragonard
• Turner
• Millet

The book introduces students to pan watercolors, tempera paints, oil pastels, printmaking, stamping, paper mache, and mixed media.   All of the materials needed are listed, making for quick and easy preparation. 

Each lessons starts out with a short and easy to understand introduction to the artist and their artwork.  Next is a project to go along your artist study, showing supplies needed and easy to follow directions.  Each project contains a student gallery showing actual artwork done by a student.  Following the project is information about a specific piece created by the artist.  Questions provided help the student observe the details of the artwork.  Students are then given another, slightly more complex project.

Our Thoughts

This book has put art back into our homeschooling routine!  The list of supplies needed in the front of the book made it easy for me to see what I already had and what I needed to purchase.  The supplies I needed were easily found at our local craft and art supply store.  If you don’t have an art store near you Artistic Pursuits does offer sets of art supply packs.  Each lesson provided just the right amount of information, but not so much that my busy 4 year old lost interest.  

   

Artwork by Emily: Age 7

The books, which are $42.95 each, are so worth the price and each book is non-consumable so you can use them over and over.

Find Out More

Visit Artistic Pursuits site to purchase Book Two ~ Stories of Artists and Their Art ($42.95 each) and check out the other books they offer. 

For more Artistic Pursuits reviews click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Brill Kids Little Readers ~ Aesop’s Fables {Review}

Back in October I did a review for Little Reader from Brill Kids, so I was excited to find out that I would be reviewing their new Aesop’s Fables Volume I Little Readers.   

About Aesop’s Fables Volume I Little Readers

The Volume I set ($37.50 per set) includes:

• The Lion and the Mouse
• The Fox and the Grapes
• The Fox and the Crow
• The Boy Who Cried Wolf
• The Turtle and the Rabbit

The books are designed to help small children (3 months and up) to read.  So what makes the Little Reader Storybook series unique?

Each book has large text printed on the left side and illustrations on the right.

  A special flap covers the picture as the child reads. 

What is the benefit of the flap?

When words and pictures compete for a child's attention on the same page, the pictures invariably win out. What's more, when parents point to words in traditional storybooks, they will often obscure the pictures - resulting in protests from the child.

My Thoughts

The first think I noticed when looking through the books were the colorful illustrations.   I read the books to my son Aiden, who is 4, and he enjoyed the rhyming text.  He was not a fan of the flap ~ maybe once he is starting to read and concentrating more on the words.  My daughter Emily, who is 7, had no problem reading the text while using the flap to cover the illustrations.   Overall, I can see how the use of the flap is helpful in keeping the child focused on the words and I plan on using these in the future with my son. 

Find Out More

For more information visit Brill Kids website.  The Little Reader Storybook series Aesop’s Fables Volume I is available for $37.50.

For More Brill Kid Aesop Fable Reviews click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Reading Kingdom ~ Review

I’m always looking for fun programs that can help my daughter strengthen her reading skills.  I was offered the opportunity to review Reading Kingdom, which is an online online program that teaches children 4-10 years old how to read and write to a 3rd grade level.

How It Works

Reading Kingdom teaches children the 6 skills needed for reading and writing:

• sequencing
• motor skills
• sounds, meaning
• grammar
• comprehension

The program starts with a Skill Survey to show what skills your child has already mastered and which areas they still need more practice.  Once the Skills Survey is completed the program is customized for your individual child.  The program is organized into six levels:

• Pre-reading ~ letter sequencing, keyboard and mouse training
• Levels 1 – 5 ~ reading and writing skills

This program is not phonics based.

The program is designed for the child to work at their own pace without adult assistance.

Our Thoughts

After my daughter took the skills survey we discovered she still needed training with her keyboard and mouse skills.  She has not gotten as far as I would like using the program and just recently started Level 1.  I really wanted her to love this program and am very disappointed to say that she did not like the cute little owl who guides you through the lessons and commented that it looked like a baby program

I think as we continue to use the program the lessons will become more challenging and she will start to enjoy the program more.

Overall, I think Reading Kingdom is a good program and we will continue to is, along with our current language curriculum.

Find Out More

The program is available for $19.99 per month, or $199.99 per year.  Additional subscriptions (for multiple children) are available for $9.99 per month.  Reading Kingdom offers a 30-day trail period.

To read more Reading Kingdom reviews click below.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

MathRider ~ Review

Finding new ways for my daughter to practice math skills without moaning and groaning is a challenge. Finding a way to practice math skills that keeps my daughter attention ~ nearly impossible, until now! 

What is MathRider?

MathRider is a downloadable program ($37.00) that any child learning mathematical facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division) can use to practice and master those facts.

How To Play

The student rides a horse, answering math questions and jumping hurdles, on a quest through the magical MathLands.  The horse  adjusts it speed based on how quickly the student inputs the answer.  The faster the student answers, the more points they will receive.  If the student gets the answer wrong, the computer will give them the answer and lower the hurdle for them to walk thru and continue on.  After the student completes a portion of the ride, they can see how far they have traveled on their quest.

Click on the video below to see an example. 

The program allows you to check on the progress of the student.

Our Thoughts

Emily was immediately mesmerized by the beautiful graphics and the idea of riding a horse while on a magical quest!   She has used the program almost everyday since I downloaded it.   The more she plays the more challenging it becomes.

I am amazed how quickly she is mastering her addition and subtraction facts.  I big plus for me has been that she needs no assistance what so ever while playing the game.

Find Out More

MathRider is available for download for $37.00 at MathRider’s website.  One Math Rider license can be used with up to ten children. 

To find out more information about computer system requirements for MathRider click here.

To see additional reviews by the Homeschool Crew click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

The Curiosity Files ~ Puffer Fish E-Book {Review}

Have you been looking for ways to add some science fun to your homeschooling?  Then check out The Curiosity Files from The Old Schoolhouse.

What are The Curiosity Files?

The Curiosity Files are fun unit studies where you join Professor Ana Lyze and her research team as they investigate and learn about some of the most fascinating oddities on Earth such as:

• Blue Diamond
• Dung Beetle
• MRSA
• Puffer Fish
• Red Tide
• Zombie Fire Ants
• Blue-footed Booby
• Cicada Killing Wasp
• Quicksand

Each unit study is geared for children ages 8 –13, however they are easily adaptable for younger and older students.   The units are packed with information and fun activities:

• Bible study and memory verses
• Math, history, and geography investigations
• Literature and suggested book list
• Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities
• Copywork pages (manuscript and cursive)
• Science observations, projects, and experiments
• Discussion questions
• Art, crafts, drawing, and coloring pages
• Lapbook and notebook pages
• Internet resources and video links
• Complete answer key

Puffer Fish E-Book

We received the Puffer Fish e-book (77 pages).  While doing the unit we learned so many interesting facts including:

• How do puffer fish PUFF? Are they filled with air or what?
• Other amazing abilities that they have?
• Can we get a puffer fish for our aquarium?
• What do people and puffer fish have in common?
• How does God’s design for puffer fish protect them?

Our Thoughts

I am a huge fan of unit studies and have done many with my children throughout the years.  The puffer fish unit study exceeded my expectations!  I LOVE that this unit study had everything I needed, had hands on activities and included Bible verses, math, writing, spelling, science project ~ every subject including art!  We decided to add our information to a notebook, but you could easily create a lapbook.

Find Out More

Want to check out a sample of the Puffer Fish e-book?  Go here to view some of the e-book.  To get the best deal on The Curiosity Files, you have two options:

• the CD of all nine units is available for $49
• or you can get all nine units as downlodable e-Books for $46.

To purchase individually, please refer to The Old Schoolhouse Store website for pricing details.

To see additional reviews by the Homeschool Crew click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Maestro Classics: Peter and the Wolf ~ Review

Maestro Classics Stories in Music provides wonderful stories combined with beautiful symphony orchestra music.  Each CD is a combination of music and educational information which includes ideas on what to listen for and how to listen.  These delightful stories are designed for children ages 5 and up. 

About Maestro Classics Stories in Music

Each series has three significant benefits:

1. To expand listening horizons ~ the series of recordings introduces the listener to an orchestra's magical sounds and
   awe-inspiring power, and helps them understand that music can be dramatic, can paint pictures, and is often filled with humor.
2. To hone listening skills and accumulate musical memories ~ the musical discussions will sharpen listening skills of children and adults alike, the discussion of the story will promote conversation about human values, and the musical work will leave each listener whistling a new tune.
3. To encourage adults and children to listen to music together ~the very young will listen for the story, the slightly older child will enjoy the music, and the adult will be surprised how much he/she has learned.

Maestro Classics sent our family Peter and the Wolf ($16.98) to listen to and review.   The CD included a 24-page program book and 7 tracks: the life of the composer, a Russian Peter, The Magic Maestro Talks about Peter and the Wolf, Peter and the Wolf without Narration, Invitation to Grandfather’s Party and Kalinka ~ dance along.

Maestro Classics ~ Stories in Music also offers the following stories:

• The Tortoise and the Hare
• The Story of Swan Lake
• Juanita The Spanish Lobster
• Casey at the Bat
• Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
• The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Our Thoughts

We all enjoyed the story and music.  Emily and I both found that the booklet included was very helpful in identify the different instruments used.  Emily enjoyed completing the activities included in the booklet.

 

The additional tracks really helped the story come alive and enriched out learning experience!  We have enjoyed listening the to the CD over and over!  I plan on ordering Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel for Aiden and The Story of Swan Lake for Emily.

Find Out More

You can listen to samples here.  Individual CDs are available to purchase from Maestro Classic for $16.99 or you can purchase three CDs for $45.00 (these CDs are so worth it!). 

To see additional reviews by the Homeschool Crew click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

 ~Cindy

Easy Classical Early Modern History Schedule ~ Review

As part of the Homeschool Crew I received a digital version of Easy Classical Early Modern Age History Schedule to review.

About Early Modern History Schedule

• Intended for grades K – 6
• 106 pages
• Cost:  Notebook version $35.95 or Digital version $29.95
• Includes day by day lesson plans for 36 weeks
• Easy reference list of icons used in daily schedule
• Schedule includes list of suggested curriculum choices, book list, and materials shopping list
• Includes sheets to enhance learning (step by step how to draw sheets)

The schedule was structured around the recommendations of Susan Bauer’s book The Well Trained Mind: a Guide to Classical Education at Home.  It is adaptable for kinesthetic, visual and auditory learners.  The weekly schedule covers history, writing, geography, projects, read aloud books, and a quiz.

My Thoughts

I am a very visual person so I was immediately impressed with the way in which the schedule is laid out.  It includes a list of all the curriculum items and books and a separate list of supplies needed during the year.  Everything is in one place so I can print out the lists and check off the items as I purchase them. 

The weekly schedule is broken down Monday through Friday and then broken down by each subject, making it easy to see what daily tasks need to be completed.  Monday is typically when a new topic is introduced, so that day has a good bit of reading to do.  The nice think about the schedule is, you can change it to fit your family and each child’s attention span.  Our family loves to read so we wouldn’t have any difficulty completing the assigned reading.  At the end of the weekly schedule is sticky note of the items you will need to purchase for next week ~ once again a great visual!

Overall, I think the schedule is thorough, easy to use, and includes some awesome curriculum suggestions! 

Find Out More

You can view sample pages of Easy Classical Early Modern Age History Schedule by clicking the links below:

• Sample Introduction Pages
• Sample History Schedule Pages
• Sample Lesson Pages
• Early Modern History Curriculum and Books (gives links to purchase items)

To purchase the notebook version ($39.95) or the digital version ($29.95) click here.

Easy Classical also has available Complete, Main, Science and additional History Schedules for K – 6.

To see additional reviews by the Homeschool Crew click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

See-N-Read ~ Review

I was intrigued when I found out that I would be receiving a reading tool from See-N-Read.  I decided to check out the website to see what I would be receiving and once I started reading about the research that went into the product and its purpose, I couldn’t wait until we received our reading tools!

What Are See-N-Read Reading Tools?

They are transparent reading tools available with a clear window (See-N-Read) or open window (MemoryMark), so you can highlight text as you read.  See-N-Read tools clear window help you concentrate on the text and move easily to the next line ~ without loosing your place, which increases fluency and comprehension.  The products helps early readers with left to right eye movement and filter distractions, such as pictures.

See-N-Read reading tools were researched for three years in the fields of reading, dyslexia, visual and cognitive processing and tested in the classroom for 2 years.

The products are available in two sizes:

• Book 3 1/2” x 5” – for small books and chapter books
• Document 3 1/2” x 8 1/2” – for large books and documents

My Thoughts:

What an amazing little tool!  The product has helped my daughter, who is often overwhelmed by all the words on a page in chapter books, focus on one line at a time.  We have also used it with her math worksheets to help her work on one problem at a time ~ no more skipping problems! 

I have been using the MemoryMark product while reading (and highlighting) my Bible and it has been a tremendous help.  I find that I don’t skip ahead and stay focused on what I’m reading.  If I happen to be interrupted while I’m reading, the product helps me keep my place and not end up reading the same passage over and over.

Find Out More:

You can order See-N-Read products here.  See-N-Read (one book size) is available for just $2.99.  They also have a product called eSee-N-Read to use with your PC.

To see additional reviews by the Homeschool Crew click here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy

Math Facts Now! ~ Review

Normally when I try and get my daughter, Emily, who is in second grade to practice her math facts, I am meet with groaning and moaning.  The first time we used Math Facts NOW my daughter actually said she was having fun!

What is Math Facts NOW!

Math Facts NOW! is a program available by download or CD-ROM ($15.95) that is used to drill addition, subtraction, multiplication or division facts.  Once you decide which math facts you want your child to practice you enter the following:

• Which number tables you want practice (1-12)
• How many problems you want in each lesson (with a minimum of 5)
• How long the student has to answer each question
• How many times the child will reenter incorrect answers (minimum of 2)
• The program also gives the option of giving the student a reward if they complete the lesson with no errors ~ a big hit in my household!

The program keeps tract of the problems your child has difficulty with and gives them the same problem numerous times throughout the lesson.  You can print progress reports to see how the student is doing and what areas they need more practice.

My Thoughts

Just the fact that my daughter said she was having fun while practicing math facts makes me jump for joy!  I’m sure that the possibility of a reward when she completed the lesson with NO ERRORS had a great deal to due with her love of the program, but I’m fine with that!  The program is not fancy, but it does what it promises ~ practices math facts and drills and gives the student extra help in week areas.  It has been a great addition to our math curriculum!

Pros:

• You decided what your child needs to practice ~ very customizable!
• When you child is given a problem they got wrong previously it gives them a heads up to BE CAREFUL!

      

• You can give rewards when your child completes a lesson with no errors.
• Printable reports showing the child’s progress.
• The program can grow with your child from addition to division, so it will last for years (K-6)!

Find Out More

Visit Math Facts NOW! to purchase the CD-ROM or download for $15.95.  Want to try it for free?  You can give it a try online or download a trial version here.

Find out what my fellow crew members thought of Math Facts NOW here.

This product was given to me for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I was not paid for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy