9. March 2010 by Shannon.

HEY!  Have you heard??? The Old Schoolhouse is having an online convention!!  That means instead of paying crazy high registrations, driving wayyyyyy out of town, finding parking among the multitudes, carrying all your gear to the convention center, wading through crowds (I’m not good in crowds… I get panicky) and finally collapsing in exhaution at the end of the day at either your hotel or after another long drive back home again… you can just plunk yourself down in your favourite chair, wearing your favourite bathrobe and PJs… and still get all the advantages of workshops, community, GRAB BAG GOODIES… etc!  Want in on the greatest deal of the year???  Check out this notice  (below) from The Old Schoolhouse magaine and join me and hudreds of other homeschool parents from all over the world at The Old Schoolhouse Expo!

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If you’re looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!

Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off! 
Click here to read the details. (Link: http://www.bit.ly/9vn2G9)

Then, if you’re customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S. 
only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.

The BIGGEST news of all–The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!   
Pre-register now and save $5!

As homeschool teachers?what do you need to learn? More about teaching multiple grades? All about different homeschool methods? Transcripts? 
Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more? 
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school?those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, an 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker?s Bureau.

Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you’ll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.
Get the details and preregister here http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com

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Blessings (and I hope to see some of my readers there!)  :o)

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21. February 2010 by Shannon.

Susan Wise Bauer, known among homeschool circles as the author of the Story of the World series and also The Well Trained Mind, has written the first two books in a highschool history series similar in concept to the Story of the World.  The first two books are The History of the Ancient World: From Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome and The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade. 

When I was in school I had absolutely no luck with history teachers.  All the way through I think my teachers thought history more boring than even their students did.  I didn’t understand history… I mean, I was the kind of kid who spent hours listening to my grandparents tell tales of their youth, and of stories of their parents’ lifetimes.  I knew somewhere in the back of my brain that the stories went back further and that those people must have lived lives similar in challenge and feelings as my wonderful grandparents did.  Unfortunately it was all locked up in dry textbooks that gave no insight into the passions and motivations of these Ancient Peoples.  It was lists of dates and battles and declarations.  There was no teaching about WHY.  And of course anyone who has ever spent time with a child knows that the only question that Really Matters is WHY?

I wish Susan Wise Bauer was not a peer of mine.  I wish she’d lived at least two generations before me, so that her work might have made it into my radar as a child, and that burning question could have been transformed into a solid understanding of History - especially the “Middle Ages”.  What young girl doesn’t dream of being a princess with ladies in waiting?  What young man’s heart does not beat a little faster at the very idea of duals and knight’s quests?  Ms. Bauer has created a place to kindle these dreams and interests.

As with all her work, this is a very thorough book - and is no way limited to the history of the European world.  The material is challenging enough for an adult but presented in a way as to inspire continued reading.  I am currently using the Story of the World and it’s activity guides with my Littles and having great success and recently started these higher level books with my Bigs.  Over the summer I read through The History of the Ancient World and learned a great deal.  The same holds true for my review reading of The History of the Medieval World.  I found my eyes opened to many things I never learned in school.  I remember having just one passionate history teacher in all my years of schooling, and that man was teaching Canadian History in the tenth grade (a little too late, imho).  So all the details of World History was lost to me.  That’s not to say I wasn’t interested, I was!  Since leaving highschool, I have done abundant reading of historical fiction, biographies and autobiographies - but each book became a big investment both mentally and financially (I love to own the books I read, but I’m learning to use the library as much as it pains me to send my “friends” back at the end of our time together *grin*).  Susan’s “History Of” books afford me the chance to see the world as it was, to see the connections between the Peoples of Old… and to be able to afford to keep these friends with me for future “visits”.

The writing in each “story” is engaging and clear.  It connects you to the stories with maps and even original text quotes.  For anyone who has never spent time reading how the early (as it was happening) historians recorded the events of their day, I really encourage you to spend time reading some… people then were just like people today.  They all saw the world as “worse in this generation than ever before” (sound familiar?).  When we see these people as “people” and not as “historical figures beyond our grasp of understanding” - we really get to know History.  Susan Wise Bauer has provided such an opportunity, and anyone who reads her “The History Of” books is sure to be changed in their view of by-gone times.

I have no idea if anything like a “Guide for High School Students” (with essay questions and answer keys) will ever become available for the homeschooling community - but using the Well-Educated Mind as a guide, I’m leading my Bigs and myself through this series with great success.  I look forward to seeing the next installment - and thank the generous people at Peace Hill Press for the opportunity to honestly review this book for free. 

Blessings!

P.S.  Here are some links to some of the other products by Susan Wise Bauer.

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.

Posted in F is for FANTASTIC!, Literature | Print | 2 Comments »

12. February 2010 by Shannon.

Okay, I love love love free stuff.  Being a homeschool mom on a one income budget, whatever I can find that is FREE (legally) is a blessing in our homeschool (or anywhere, really).  That’s why I love Currclick.  Currclick is “Curriculum in a Click” - translated?  Instant homeschool lessons.  Well, yes, most of it you have to pay for - usually a small amount compared to traditional books and curriculum - but did you know there are also OVER 200 FREE items!?  Not just little samples either, many of them are complete units, or enrichment products!  Anyhow, I am always amazed when I tell someone that I got something at Currclick and they look at me puzzled-like and say, “currwhat?”- SO, I am putting it out there on my blog.  Hopefully my friends read it!  *wink*

Now… off you go… head on over to Currclick’s FREEBIE pages and enjoy! :o)

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27. November 2009 by Shannon.

Okay.. maybe not QUITE yet, but what better way to prepare for the upcoming season than to warm your heart with a couple of nice Christmas novels?

I’m not generally a novel reader, to be honest, but I do love a good Christmas story.  I was blessed enough to be given the opportunity to review The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson and The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh.  My thanks to the publishers for such a lovely pre-holiday gift!

The Christmas Dog tells the tale of a grandmother living in a “going downhill” town.  As Christmas approaches she debates the merit of staying in the home that she and her late husband shared so many memories or selling it and moving closer to her grown children.  The arrival of a secretive, undesireable neighbour has brought a grey cloud to the once community-centered neighbourhood.  Add in an unexpected visit from her wayward grand daughter and an unwelcome mud-covered pooch and well, you’ve got the makings of a wonderfully heartwarming tale of forgiveness and charity.  So many people today walk through their lives without seeing the many little miracles and blessings all around them.  Betty was becoming one of those people till some strange circumstances get a hold of her.

This books is a wonderful holiday treat, reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas… the spirit of giving of ourselves as a offering to He who was born in a stable so long ago.  Forgiving those who have harmed us, opening the door to those we may not want, and believing in those who need our encouragement.  The Christmas Dog looks past the pretty decorated windows and holiday store music and looks into the heart of the true meaning of Christmas. 

The Unfinished Gift is the first novel of the Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Dayton Beach, Florida.  This is by far one of the best Christmas books I have ever read!  The only thing crotchety old Ian Collins wants is to be left alone.  Estranged from his son, a WW2 fighter pilot, Mr. Collins suddenly finds himself the sole guardian of his 7 year old grandson, Patrick.  The only thing Patrick wants this Christmas is his daddy home from the war… and a forbidden treasure he found gathering dust in his grandfather’s attic. 

I don’t want to spoil all the exciting twists and turns this incredible page-turner has to offer, but in the end there are mended hearts, new friends, tearful reunions and the gift of God’s forgiveness and abundant blessing everywhere.  And some thing special for a very special little boy.  Although this book does not come with tissues, I would advise that a box be wrapped along with it… to wipe the tears of sorrow AND joy this book will trigger.  I will be watching this new author for another installment of his talented writing skills!

I would HIGHLY recommend both of these books for the book-lover on your Christmas List. 

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.

Posted in F is for FANTASTIC!, Literature | Print | 1 Comment »

17. July 2009 by Shannon.

Summer is here and we’re too busy playing outside (well, sometimes.. we are getting a lot of rain this summer!) so I’ve been a little MIA.  But books are never far from my thoughts… children’s books topping the list in my library.  SO, you can imagine how excited I was when I heard that Bookcloseouts is having a HUGE children’s book sale (please tell me you’ve heard of Bookcloseouts!).

Since I’m pressed for time - there is a little girl at my elbow begging Mama to go start a “marshmallow fire” (you know, a cookout fire so she can cook marshmallows) - I thought I’d just share the banner I got notifying me of the sale and I’ll leave it for you to go check out all the goodies.  But please leave me SOMETHING… okay?  I’ll be heading over there later when the Littles are in bed! *grin*

Blessings!

Posted in F is for FANTASTIC!, Literature | Print | 1 Comment »

22. May 2009 by Shannon.

Well, like most of the world right now, my husband and I are feeling the financial squeeze of the economy.  The other night we were actually sitting on the couch discussing the plausibility of putting out children into school just so that maybe I could get out to work and bring in a second income.  Our dream would be to live debt free, our reality is that in order to make ends meet and take care of the things we need to (such as home repairs, car maintenance, personal care like dentists, etc) we are sinking further and further into debt.  This situation is making us both very unhappy.  And I’m sure you all know, if Mama (or Papa for that matter) ain’t happy - ain’t NOBODY happy.  That certainly runs true in this house… when we are stressed I start seeing the kids demonstrate stress-related behaviours.

SOMETHING has to be done.  After some prayer and talk, we concluded that putting the kids in school just wasn’t an option.  Not only would it probably NOT decrease our debt load, but it would most surely add a great deal of stress to the family.  So, what to do?

I brought it up with a friend of mine, my wingless angel, my encourager… my best friend, Steph.  After promising to pray, she encouraged me to look into ways to use my talents at home to make a supplemental income.  Now, okay, I know the verse in First Thessalonians 4 v. 11 that tells me that my ambition should be to live a quiet life, mind my own business and to work with my hands.. but I’m afraid if God intended me to be one of those little Suzie Homemaker types, He forgot to put the creative gene in me to go with it.  I am the least crafty person I know… and I really mean that!  So she asked me, “what CAN you do?”.  Hmm… blog.  Read and blog.  That’s about it… oh, I can make a nice webpage if needed, but that just doesn’t bring in the money I’d like it too, and I find myself more often than not, working for free for this charitable organization or that friend.  Noble as that may be.. it’s definately not a money maker! *grin*

Anyhow, to make this very long story short, she asked me what I knew about PLR.  I said, “huh” (wow, intelligent response, eh? LOL).  Well, she laughed and sent me some links for more information… and the best part? It was all free!  Now I’m getting set up and I hope to keep everyone posted with fantastic updates… but for those of you still wondering what a PLR is… (which I’m just learning about now) here is some information:

How PLR content works is simple. You are given access by the original author to the source files for articles, ebooks, special reports, mini-courses, site graphics… and they are then yours to change, add to or use as is. You can put your name on them and sell them as your own or even give them away to build your list - a list you can use later on to share about your latest products available for sale.

Within a couple of hours you can put together your own info product and have it ready for sale. There is no easier way to create a steady stream of products. Think how quickly you can have an entire product line ready to go!  You can also use the PLR content to add more to your website, blog or newsletter. It’s instant content that you don’t have to spend hours writing - or hundreds of dollars outsourcing (paying someone else to do your writing for you).

Why not join me?  I’d love to have some other debt-free minded friends come on this journey alongside me… we could be an encouragement and a support to each other as we work towards living free and clear of the bondage of debt.  And if course make some extra money for books! LOL!  (C’mon, admit it, if you are reading my blog, chances are your a book-a-holic like me! LOL!)

Here are two links I’d like to share, both with an abundance of free information:

PLR Wholesalers

Minisite Profits Exposed!

Blessings!

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1. May 2009 by Shannon.

All through this TOS Homeschool Review journey, I’ve had some highs and lows… like waves.  Some of my highs (favourites) were listed in the previous post, and I won’t bother to rehash which programs I felt challenged to review.  Memoria Press made the cut as one of my highs, without a question.  I’d put it probably in my top three, up there with Critical Thinking Press, and Clearwater Press’ One Year Novel… really!

It was such a high that when I received the box containing the Latina Christiana program and the Famous Men of the Middle Ages set, I opened it up right there at my van (which was a neat experience since I was with a very good friend at the time, and she practically drooled all over all the goodies inside!).  The quality of the books is exceptional… especially the Famous Men of the Middle Ages book.  I’d previously seen  another publishers’ version of this book, and the text is the same, but that’s where the similarities ended… this book is filled with gorgeous full colour illustrations, printed on fine quality paper and bought beautifully with a fantastic teacher’s guide as a companion book.  The set sells for 39.95 and includes the incredible Famous Men book and also a Teacher’s Guide with answer key.

Latina Christiana … I have to pause here and tell you a funny story (okay, it was a funny story for us, maybe you’ll just think we’re nerds… LOL!).  The first evening home with the Latina Christiana book, I wanted to see if I could make better heads and tails out of it than I could of the other latin curriculum we got to review this year, and on the very first section’s notes to the instructor was an article (or essay?) about the quirky aspects of learning latin… I got so excited because it all started to make some sense, so I said to my son, “hey, Ev, listen to this!” and proceeded to read that same introduction for the instructor… before I was done half the page, not only was my husband listening, but my 13 year old daughter had tuned in too (she had no interest in latin)… everyone was hanging on my ever word… just like we were reading some familiy novel or something… and when I was done, my son looked at me with a big grin and said, “Ahhhhhh NOW it’s starting to make more sense!”  Then I realise how nerdy we must all look, and closed the book in favour of us watching the nature documentary we were supposedly watching together.  *wink*

So… what do I think now of Latina Christiana?  I think my children are privileged to be learning their lessons in latin from such a sweet young woman (oh, we have the DVDs too… I HIGHLY recommend adding them to your order!  They act as an interactive teacher (to my assistant) in a language we knew nothing about - which has taken a great deal of the pressure off me).  I’m even planning on getting the Prima Latina course for my Littles for September… and maybe going on to First Form Latin with the Bigs.  The cost of the Text Set (which includes a pronunciation CD) is only 39.99$, but to get the whole DVD teaching set (including flashcards which, judging from the quality of everything else I received must also be excellent) it is 97.90$ - imagine, an incredible year long journey in latin for less than a hundred bucks! 

Why would I want my kids to learn latin?  I don’t know exactly, but I’ve heard that kids who study latin do better on standardized testing, that it builds critical thinking skills and well.. the OTHERS speak it… (hehe, we’re BIG Lost fans around here, and well, if for no other reason than it’s inspired my kids to consider physics, great literature and yes, even LATIN as Very Cool To Learn). *big grin*

Why not add a little Latin to your curriculum? 

Blessings!

PS.  This is the last of my Old Schoolhouse Reviews for 2008-2009.  I’ll be reviewing ebooks in the months to come… but I’ll also try to review some of my Bookshelf Favourites in my own homeschool library as well.  I’ve enjoyed reviewing so much this past year… and I pray that my reviews have blessed and inspired even a few homeschoolers in this incredible journey.   I really want to thank my fellow Crew Mates for the great times we had this year… I have been so abundantly blessed in meeting you all and look forward to many years of friendship to come… and also my best wishes for a safe and joyful journey to the New Crew who will be heading out of of the TOS Port in the months to come… keep your lifebelts close by and hold someone’s hand! :o)  It’s an exciting ride that you’ll never be sorry you took!

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.

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20. March 2009 by Shannon.

Well, I have decided I have a homeschool favourite.  You know those people who are die-hard Sonlighters, or hard core A Beka Bookers… well… I’m officially a Critical Thinking Presser. (There’s a new word! *grin*)

Once again, I was blessed by Critical Thinking Press with yet another one of their exceptional student workbooks.  This time it was Mathematical Reasoning Level A (Kindergarten)… what a fantastic find!  The book, of course is of excellent printing quality, and also meets their very high standards in the content quality department as well. 

From classifying to shape tracing, from number lines to simple logic problems… this book has it all.. everything to give your young student a critical mind when approaching the subject of mathematics.  It’s been a great cuddle on the couch book for us… I didn’t want to “ruin” the book, as I’d like to use it with Chaeli next year, so we do all the pages without a crayon (use our fingers for tracing, do the logic stuff orally, etc…) and I also got the book spiral bound (my local copy shop loves me, I think I personally keep them in the binding business! LOL! I spiral bind everything I can!)

Critical Thinking Press is my all time favourite homeschool supply company now… I have an order for this upcoming year that put more white hairs on my poor husband’s head when he saw it… I know, I know, I have to taper it a bit (I think I topped $350 on my first draft… working on paring it down, but it’s just so durned hard when the products are just so goooooooood, you know?).  I will probably try to sneak in a few of the “cut” books as the year goes on (shhhhhhh!), but I’m putting my foot down on Mathematical Reasoning.  I’m going to get the 4 year old book for Chaeli for next year and the grades 1 book for September and the next ones in following years… how can I not??

My only sad point was that the “by year” system ends after grade 3, when they have a single book to cover concepts from grades 4 through 8 in one book.  But I’m pretty sure I can find SOMEWHERE to spend more money with them when that happens… LOL!  Again, Shhhhhhhhh!

(two thumbs up!)

Blessings!

PS. HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.

Posted in F is for FANTASTIC! | Print | 1 Comment »

13. March 2009 by Shannon.

I was sent a copy of the Homeschool in the Woods New Testament Bible LapPack to review with my children… and I have to say, I am impressed!  The graphics, of course, are of the finest quality -  I’d expect nothing less of the creators of the Timeline Figures - and not only can you use them for the lapPack, but why not use them on your timeline as well, or in your notebook pages? 

but *ahem!*  back to my review…

Now, this isn’t your typical lapbook type kit, where you child cuts out a simple empty template and fills in his answer… I can’t even say they have to fill in *any* answers, this is more of a springboard lapbook kit that gives your child something to complete while maybe Mom is reading the corresponding Bible story, and then you are free to discuss and take the study to whatever level is appropriate for your student.  I printed off a couple of the simpler books, cut them out and threw them in ziplock baggies to bring to places where I have to keep little hands busy, like doctor’s offices and restaurants… that a few well chosen crayons and we’re good to go till the food comes (or the doctor is finished with Mommy! LOL!).  Super handy and no “work” involves, so there is no balking at the idea of “doing school” while out in the wide world.

But there are is also the New Testament News project to work on as well.. full of thought-provoking writing prompts and funy “ad copy” to create… it’ll get even the most pencil-allergic kid inspired.  Tabliod-style articles on such topics as Jesus tipping tables at the temple to Lost Ads for a “missing sheep” - it tickled my kids funny bones more than once!

(Hey, it even tickled Moms - “Disciples Hit The Road!” hehe… shouldn’t we all?)

The younger kids all liked the Armour of God poster (this is Kenzi’s… doesn’t she look funny?? LOL!) - Ev felt it was “beneath” him to make colouring posters… *sigh* what can I say, he’s a teen boy.  But overall, the quality and the DIRECTIONS are fantastic… the graphics are the best in the the business… bar none (sorry LnL and HOAC, I love ya both, but there’s no comparison!).

If you are looking for something to just open up further discussion, or to keep little hands busy during family Bible time… seriously consider the New Testament LapPack from Homeschool in the Woods… and if you are in the market for timeline figures, be sure to check them out there as well.. they are absolutely exceptional!

Blessings!

PS, They also have an Old Testament LapPack as well.. why not get both and start at the very beginning… (uhoh, I hear a song coming on! LOL!)

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.

Posted in F is for FANTASTIC! | Print | 1 Comment »

27. February 2009 by Shannon.

Further Up and Further In… to Narnia!

Kenzi and I have been enjoying a wonderful new curriculum called just that - Further Up and Further In!  Cadron Creek has published a Narnian Literature Unit Study which is just wonderful!  As you journey along in the Chronicles of Narnia, the Further Up and Further In guide has many activites and discussions such subjects as Bible, Critical Thinking, Life Skills, and also some Grammar, History, Geography and “Extra Reading” recommendations (which are exceptional in themselves!). 

The course is designed for students in grades 4-8, and I think towards the younger end of that range, you could successfully use it as a full “core” course for a homeschool year, but as you head towards the Middle School (7,8) you might need to view it more as a Literature Unit with added bonuses and cover your Social Studies with another course of your choice.  Kenzi can usually do most of unit work in about 2 hours of our day, including a wonderful snuggle up and read the next chapter with Mom session - my best time - which leaves us plenty of time to cover the other subjects we need to in our homeschool with ease.

Kenzi is loving the course, and as we work towards the end of the LW&W book, she’s getting more and more excited to start The Horse and His Boy (her favourite of the series)… and even Ev in grade 9 enjoyed doing The Magician’s Nephew with us (he’s not continuing with it - he has his High School stuff to work on, which takes up most of the day). 

I’m so excited to have been sent this to review, I am enjoying it a lot… once I got past expecting it to be a Full Core Unit, since for Kenzi’s age, as I mentioned, it is a little thin… however, I cannot wait for the Littles to hit grades 4/5 to jump into it again with them… this is definately a keeper! *grin*

FUFI (as it’s affectionately called) sells for $ 56 - but remember, if you are getting this for a grades 4-6 student, this would be your CORE, so besides maybe locating a few of the CS Lewis books to go with it,  you’d have everything you need besides math.  And oh, btw, keep your eyes peeled at the second hand bookstores, as all that really good stuff can usually be found there as the great learned men and women of the World War eras pass away and their books, not being the “latest craze” find their way to these goldmines of classical literature… but don’t get me started on that! *wink*  You can also choose (for a mere $6 more) to get the spiral bound version of the book so it will lay flat (or in this Mom’s case, flip over itself so I can hold it in one hand while I write on the white board…) and is extremely easy to use.  Every chapter has it’s vocabulary words (which we do before we read the chapter so that we know what the word means when we get there… imagine! LOL!), easily identified activities (by subject!) and LOTS of Bible content… honestly???  I think this could be used simply as a Bible curriculum if you really wanted to, covering such amazing subjects as Character, the Fruit of the Spirit, The Armour of God, and really challenges the student to ask himself WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?).

I’m already planning on doing another Cadron Creek course next year with Kenzi… they have an Anne of Green Gables course called Where the Brook and River Meet… and we’re even planning a trip to PEI this summer to visit Green Gables and get some seeds planted in her heart for that curriculum.  I can’t wait … between Anne and Narnia, you pretty much have my ABSOLUTE favourite books of all time covered!!! LOL!

Blessings!

As a review blogger,  I am provided a free copy of the book, curriculum or product to test and use in order to write an honest review. I receive no other compensation and the opinions I share are my own and not influenced by the company in question.

Posted in F is for FANTASTIC! | Print | 1 Comment »