Space Jet Packs

This week we are traveling around the galaxy!  To help the kids get around while exploring outer space we made jet packs.

  

What We Used:

• Cereal box
• colored paper (large enough to cover the box)
• circles, semi-circles, rectangles and squares cut out of paper
• ribbon
• colored pencils
• crayons
• tape
• scissors
• double sided tape or glue stick
• red and yellow crepe paper streamers
• small cups

What We Did:

1. Cut the paper so that it will cover one side of the cereal box.
2. Glue or tape it to the box.
3. We used the shapes cut out of paper to make a fuel tank gauge, on and off boosters, etc.  Aiden and I talked about the different shapes and I let him write the words and add markings with the crayons and colored pencils.
4. Tape or glue on the gauges and buttons.
5. Cut a small slit in each side of the cereal box (in the middle) and slide your ribbon through the slits.  Pull the ribbon through until it is even on both sides.  Make sure it will fit your child (like a backpack) and tape the ribbon on the inside or back of the box.  We left the top of our jet packs open so we could put things inside.
6. Add rocket boosters to the bottom of the box using small cups or rolled up paper.
7. Add “fire” by tearing up some red and yellow crepe streamers.  Tape them inside the booster.

 

Put on your jet pack and have fun exploring the galaxy!

~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

Cylinders & Cubes {Guidecraft Mom Review}

There is just something about good quality wooden toys that I love ~  the feel, the durability, and the open ended play that most wooden toys provide!  We received brightly colored, wooden nesting Cylinders and Cubes from Guidecraft for the kids to play with. 

                     

About the Cylinders and Cubes

Both the Cylinders and Cubes come painted with brightly colored non-toxic paint and have a fun pattern painted on the edge.  The pieces graduate from primary (red, blue and green) to pastel colors.  You can use the bright yellow base to stack and sort the pieces. 

Our Thoughts

We really had fun with the Cylinders and Cubes!  We took turns seeing who could stack the most pieces before they would came tumbling down.

We hide a gem under one of the Cylinders and guessed where it was.  To make it a bit more educational we talked about ordinal numbers. I would give Aiden a hint like it is under the 2nd Cylinder.

We did some color matching with colored pencils ~ talking about the variations in the colors and

Aiden made a dinosaur pet shop using the Cubes.

These are not your ordinary stacking containers!  The pieces are recommended for ages 3 and up however, since they are painted with non-toxic paint I would feel comfortable giving them to younger children.

Find Out More

You can purchase the Cylinders and Cubes directly from Guidecraft.  The Cylinders and Cubes are also available from Amazon.

Giveaway!!!

Xenia from Thanks Mail Carrier is hosting the giveaway this month! Head on over to enter, now through 3/11/11.

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, I was provided this product to review. I was not paid for this post and 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

Construct-it Early Builder {Guidecraft Mom Review}

We are big fans of building tools.  They always seem to inspire creativity and my kids are more likely to show teamwork when they are building together.  We received a Construct-it Early Builder set from Guidecraft and it has been a hit! 

The Construct-it Early Builder set includes 160 pieces ~ which was enough pieces for the kids to build multiple things without having to tear their creations apart.  The tools and pieces where just the right size for Aiden’s hands! 

                     

The Construct-it Early Builder set is recommended for ages 4 and up.  The kit includes pictures of things you can build with the kit, such as a lawn mower and windmill.

          

Our Thoughts

My kids LOVE the Construct-it Early Builder set!  I really thought that Aiden would be the one building with set, but Emily has spent more time playing and creating!   

This has been another winner from Guidecraft!  The pieces are well made ~ and they have been tested in our house!  It has been fun to watch the kids as they come up with new ways to use the building set.

                   

Find Out More

The Construct-It Early Builder Set is available through the Guidecraft website and also Amazon. Recommended age for the Construct-it Early Builder is 4+.

Giveaway!!!!

Mama Jenn is hosting this months Guidecraft giveaway until January 21st, so head over to win!

As a Guidecraft Mom blogger, I was provided this product to review. I was not paid for this post and all opinions expressed in this post are mine.

~Cindy