Progeny Press: Little House in the Big Woods Interactive Study Guide (Schoolhouse Crew Review)

We received this for review purposes!

Product Links: Little House in the Big Woods study guide

Vendor Information Link: Progeny Press

Age Appeal: Upper Elementary: Grades 3-5 

Format: Interactive PDF

Price:  As of June 3, 2014- $16.99

Does your family like the Laura Ingalls Wilder books as much as our family does?  Your family can read Little House in the Big Woods, then work on the study guide from Progeny Press.  Progeny Press is a Christian Publisher run by Michael and Rebecca Gilleland.

The study guide can be used either as an interactive PDF or a downloadable one.  The study guide includes vocabulary and question sections along with fun projects and activities.  The projects and activities include cooking, games, and field trip ideas.  Each question section includes Bible verses and questions to help the students learn more about themselves and Laura.

Our Experience: 

My family really enjoys reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books and learning more about her family and where they lived.  B and C have been to Burr Oak, Iowa where Laura lived with her family for a short time. 

This study guide helped them comprehend the book better, understand the vocabulary, see how God tied into their lives, and participate in fun activities and projects.

B and C were eager to begin reading the book and work on the questions.  We read the book two chapters at a time and then worked on the questions.  This study guide can be completed on the computer, but B and C prefer to write their answers, so I printed it off for them to write on.  After we read the chapters B and C would work on the vocabulary, then continue on with the questions.  It took C longer than B to finish the vocabulary definitions, so he would work until she was done.  Each day of the school week I would have them work on it for 20 minutes.  We worked on it each day so the information would be fresh in C’s mind.

We did the different projects and activities when we were done with each section.  Sometimes if there was a fun and easy activity we would do that as a break from the writing activities. 

Mama’s Thoughts:

• I really liked how this PDF could either be done on the computer or printed out.  Printing things out can cost a lot of money, so it works nicely when the student can do the work on the computer.  Doing the work on the computer also strengthens their typing skills.
• One of my favorite parts of this study guide was the “Projects and Activities” section at the end of each section of questions.  We had fun making the different foods like Hasting Pudding and going to a cheese factory to watch them make cheese curds. 
• Since there was not a separate teacher’s guide I was glad that there was a note to the instructor, so I knew what the children needed to do and what to expect.  B and C were working on an upper elementary guide, but it was discussed that each high school study guides is given one-fourth credit.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

The Little House in the Big Woods Study Guide involved too much writing for me.  When I typed it it was o.k.  I liked the projects and activities.  My favorite activity was “Play a Winter Preparation Game.”  I liked this game, because we pretended to be squirrels to find things.  We hunted for sunflower seeds.  My favorite part of the study guide was about the chapters “Sundays” and “Two Big Bears.”  I liked it, because in “Two Big Bears,” Ma slaps a bear.  I also really liked the vocabulary section. 

I think this would be good for kids my age and older.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade):

It was fun playing the “Winter Preparation Game.”  We were able to go to a cheese factory and watch them make cheese curds.  I didn’t really like doing the vocabulary, because it was difficult.  I liked reading the chapters and answering the questions.

It is good for kids my age and older.

Dad’s Thoughts:

The Little House in the Big Woods study guide by Rebecca Gilleland is an interesting way to learn about book stories by reinforcing the knowledge learned from reading them.  In this case the book is Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods.  The guide asks in depth questions, asks for definitions of words used, and has activities that are fun for kids to do.  This guide is well thought out and will help you have a better understanding of what life was like for Laura when she was growing up.

(Our Hasty Pudding)

Mama highly recommends!

Social Media Links for Progeny Press:

• Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/progenypress
• Twitter –  https://twitter.com/progenypress
• Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/progenypress/
• YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/user/ProgenyPress

 

Living Whole Without a Better Half by Wendy Widder (Review)

Living Whole Without a Better Half

By Wendy Widder

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Christian Living / Relationships

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 186

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $, ISBN 978-0-8254-4343-5

Are you single?  Or do you feel single?  Wendy Widder has looked at Hebrews 11 and has found people from the Bible who took their singleness seriously since it came from God, and used it to better their lives.  This book also includes examples from her own life.

Being single is not a curse, it is a gift from God.

About the Author-

Wendy Widder has a blog at www.wendywidder.com.  She has also written several other books, A Match Made in Heaven and The Forest and the Trees: Helping Teachers Integrate a Biblical Worldview Across the Curriculum.

My thoughts-

I have not read many books about being single, as I am not single, but I thought Living Whole Without a Better Half, by Wendy Widder, was an excellent.  I thought it was interesting how she included people from the Bible who have had dealings with singleness.

She first went to Hebrews 11 where she found people from the Bible like Jacob, Abraham, and Moses.  Then she told their stories along with her to make the point of the chapter.  I found that she did a good job of including everything about being single.  Even if you are not single there are topics like living through pain, living with perseverance, and living in worship that apply.

I was most pleased when I read the study and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.  I really enjoyed being able to read the questions to refresh my memory about what happened in the chapter and to dig deeper into the subject matter.

I highly recommend this book to singles everywhere.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Living Whole Without a Better Half, Wendy Widder, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Prayer of the Week! (May 29, 2014)- Ephesians 1:17

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:17.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your words of wisdom.  We do need to keep reading the Bible and praying.  If we do not do that we will not know everything You have to tell us.  We need the spirit of wisdom. 
Please help me to remember to read the Bible and pray many times during the day.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Picture of the Week! (May 26, 2014)- Cow Elk

Peekaboo!

Prayer of the Week! (May 22, 2014)- Ephesians 1:15-16

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.
Today will be Ephesians 1:15-16.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember to always pray for other Christian, especially the new ones.  They need prayers and help, so they can keep the faith.
Thank you for my faith in You.
In Jesus’s name.  Amen

The Miting: An Old Order Amish Novel by Dee Yoder (Review)

The Miting: An Old Order Amish Novel

By Dee Yoder

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Amish

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 288

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4300-8

In The Miting: An Old Order Amish Novel, by Dee Yoder, Leah is reaching adulthood and begins to question things that she knows.  Her family belongs to an Old Order church, which does not appreciate her questions about the type of relationship she could have with God, Leah has been reading the New Testament. 

According to the bishop her family is to show her what the miting, or shunning would be like if she choses reading the Bible.  Jacob Yoder has been showing an interest in Leah, but will he after he finds out what has been happening in her life?

Excerpt from the book!

Supplemental Material.

About the Author-

Dee Yoder currently lives in central Ohio.  She is involved in the Mission to Amish People ministry as a mentor.  The lives of her former-Amish friends is what her fiction is based on.

My thoughts-

I have read a variety of novels about the Amish, but none of them have had the shunning severity as in The Miting, by Dee Yoder.

Since I have never read any books about the Old Order before, I was not expecting such severity.  I knew that the Old Order would be severe, but I did not know that the bishop would be so severe towards a seventeen-year-old in her rumspingen.  All Leah ever wanted to do was to know why abuse was allowed and why she could not read her Bible (people in other Amish orders could).  I was glad to know that there were people to help her when she needed help. 

When I looked on the internet I found the supplemental material.  I really wish that that material had been included in the book.  It had the glossary I was looking for and it answered the questions I had about the background to the book.

I really liked this book.  I hope you enjoy this book as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Miting: An Old Order Amish Novel, by Dee Yoder, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Picture of the Week! (May 19, 2014- Bull Elk

Not a wild elk, but fun to view just the same.

Prayer of the Week! (May 11, 2014)- Ephesians 1:13-14

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 1:13-14.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the Holy Spirit.  It is our seal for our inheritance.  Thank you for sending people into my life which are in the Holy Spirit.  Those the people I need.  The ones who are calm, patient, and gentle.  Thank you for those people, Lord.  And thank you for You. 

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Micro Business for Teens (Review for Schoolhouse Review Crew)

We received this for review purposes!

Product Links:

Starting a Micro Business (book)
Running a Micro Business (book)
Micro Business for Teens Workbook

Vendor Information Link: Micro Business for Teens

Age Appeal: This is ideal for ages 10-18.

Format: physical book

Price: Starting a Micro Business ($9.95), Running a Micro Business ($9.95), and Micro Business for Teens Workbook ($14.95)

Micro Business for teens was started by Carol Topp, CPA.  She began it, because she was unable to find any business books that were designed with teens in mind.  These books include examples of teens that she personally knows and specific steps on how to build a business and reach your goals.

In Starting a Micro Business you will learn:

• What a micro business is (simple, educational, etc.)
• Business ideas for teens
• How to use little start-up money
• How to write a business plan
• and more!

In Running a Micro Business you will learn: 

• How to make a marketing plan
• What it takes to make a good sales presentation
• How to keep records
• Time management
• and more!

The Micro Business for Teens Workbook takes everything that is learned in the books and helps you to plan and begin your business.

Our Experience: 

B has been wanting to start his own business for about a year, so when we were chosen to review the two books and workbooks from Carol Topp’s Micro Business for Teens, I knew B was going to have fun and a good beginning for his own business.  I knew I was going to have fun working with B on his business and working on my own.  I also wanted to see if C would be interested in working on her own business.

Since we have Starting a Micro Business, Running a Micro Business, and the workbook (I recommend that you purchase all of these at the same time), B and I would read the chapter in the book and then do the corresponding pages in the workbook.  I took some of the ideas from the books and worked on them individually with C.

B did a wonderful job reading the chapters and doing the workbook.  He decided what he would like to do for his micro business, an author.  He is working hard to put all of his business plans into action.  I have decided upon a business as well.  I really like the idea of no start-up costs, so I am going to work on selling e-books.  I have lots of ideas coming to my mind.  C has decided to put her plans on hold for now.  I am sure she will pick it up again when she is a bit older.

Mama’s Thoughts:

• I thought the books and workbook were excellent.  They included so much information and worked together flawlessly.  I am very grateful for Carol Topp and the time and effort she put into this program.  It will be a blessing to all who use it.
• One of my favorite parts of this program is all of the examples Topp gives about other teens and their businesses.  They helped B realize what could be done and how to do it.  For me the examples and quotes were inspiring.  It was really helpful for us to have the quotes from famous people and Bible verses, because it helped us be perseverant.
• I have looked at a variety of business books in the past, but none of them are as good as these.  I think they would work well for adults as well as teens.  Everyone needs to have good business books and a plan that will help them become successful.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

I really, really liked Micro Business for Teens.  My favorite part was in Starting a Micro Business chapter two.  In chapter two there were different ideas for micro businesses.  I enjoyed reading through the ideas.  I also liked writing the business plan in the workbook. 

I have decided to become an author.  This system really helped me to make the choice. 

I also liked Running a Micro Business.  I liked how it told about having good customer service.  My favorite part for each book are all the short stories about different micro business owners. 

There was nothing to dislike.  Overall I would highly recommend Micro Business for Teens.   

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade):

It was fun to brainstorm for business ideas, but right now I do not want to start a business.

It would be good for people older than me.

Dad’s Thoughts:

Carol Topp has done a superb job with her Micro Business for Teens books.  She presents the information for starting and running a micro business in an easy to read way that makes keeps kids' attentions.  Her Micro Business for Teens Workbook reinforces the reading and prepares kids for doing.  She breaks down the details into an easy to understand format that shows just how easy it is to get a business up and running.  Of course the toughest part of this process is deciding what you would like to do.

As the state of our economy continues to make the news headlines, our kids can clearly see that they will need to pursue other ways of making money.  Gone are the days of someone entering the workforce and remaining with that one employer for 40 or 50 years.  Having to work for a year to get 5 days of paid vacation, watching health care costs soar while wages remain stagnant, promotions from the lower ranks are dwindling are all things that can be solved by starting and running a micro business.  Carol presents some great business ideas for teens to do while living at home, going to school, participating in sports and still having a social life.

Kudos to Carol for taking the time to create a business learning program for kids!

Mama highly recommends!

Social Media Links for Micro Business for Teens:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicroBusinessForTeens?ref=ts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolTopp
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caroltopp/

 

Candle Bible Handbook by Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith (Review)

Candle Bible Handbook

By Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Nonfiction / Christian / Resources

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- 7 and up

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $17.99, ISBN 978-1-85985-586-7

Are you looking for a book for either yourself or your children that can guide you as you read the Bible?  The Candle Bible Handbook, by Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith might be just what you need.

It is filled with illustrations, photos, study questions, FAQs, and much more.  Each chapter is set up with a description, outline, FAQs, “Look out for…,” and study questions.  Some chapters have more with maps, extra descriptions of people and places.

It will be an excellent book to be used as an introduction to a book of the Bible or a summary.  It should stay next to your Bible at all times.

My thoughts-

The Candle Bible Handbook, by Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith, is an excellent guide to use along side the Bible.  I really enjoyed looking through it and learning more about what happened in the different books in the Bible.

I think it would be a book to use when decided which book of the Bible you would like to read next.  I felt that I learned a lot from reading and studying the information.  It helped me be eager to read the book in the Bible.

It is difficult to decide what part of the book I liked best.  Each section, whether it was discussing the book of Genesis or Romans had the same format.  It contained a summary of the book, FAQs, an outline, “Look out for…,” study questions, and a description of an important topic in the book.  The important topic in Genesis was “covenant” and in Romans it was “justification by faith.”

I think this is a wonderful for everyone to use, from young children to adults.  Find a copy today.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Candle Bible Handbook, by Terry Jean Day and Carol J. Smith, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Picture of the Week! (May 12, 2014)- Spider Web

I happened to be looking up while I was in a garage and saw the light shining on this spider web.  It was very pretty.  Unfortunately I did not see the spider.

Digital Heroes & Heroines of the Past: American History from Golden Prairie Press (Review for the Schoolhouse Review Crew)

We received this for review purposes!

Product Links: Digital Heroes & Heroines of the Past: American History Curriculum

Vendor Information Link: Golden Prairie Press

Age Appeal: Best for grades first through sixth (can be used with older ages)

Format: Digital downloads (Adobe files and MP3s), large Zip Files

Price: As of May 12, 2014 the price is $98.99

Do you have children in multiple grades and need a history program that works for everyone?

Golden Prairie Press and Amy Puetz have developed a digital copy of Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History.  This thirty week program begins with the Vikings and ends with our most current presidents.  The download includes PDFs of the text and needed extras along with MP3s of songs and speeches. 

This program has the text divided into different age groups, 1st and 2nd, then 3rd through 6th.  At the end of the daily lessons there are questions, a geography section, “Writing Topics,” memory verses, “Examining Historical Art,” and the special activities.  The special activities are games, cooking, singing, listening to historical documents and speeches, crafts, and experiments.

 

Our Experience: 

If B and C could decide which area of history they would able to study, it would be American history.  Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History, became an instant favorite in our homeschooling day.

This American history program has two separate books and is divided into different sections like “The Revolution” and “The Period of National Development.”  Since we were reviewing the digital version I printed one section a week for B and C.

Each lesson has a part for 1st and 2nd (C) and for 3rd through 6th (B).  Initially I had each of them read their own section.  I discovered even though there was enough information for C in her section to answer the questions she would not be able to answer the questions.  After the first couple of lessons I had them read their parts, then I would read the 3rd through 6th part aloud so C could learn and remember more information.  After they verbally answered the questions we moved onto geography, “Writing Topics,” “Examining Historical Art,” and the weekly memory verse.  Some days had extra activities like cooking, games, crafts, and listening to documents and speeches.

Each of our daily lessons varied on the amount of time it took us to complete them.  It varied due to the extra projects.  B and C had the most fun with the extra activities like cooking and games.  The writing topics were difficult and time consuming for the children.  B could not keep technology out of his history.  C had a hard time opening her mind to the creative process.  After I had her think of things for who, what, when, where, why, and how before she began writing, it became much easier for her.

I really enjoyed this history program, so I plan on continuing it into the next year.

 

Mama’s Thoughts:

• This is such a fun homeschooling history program.  It is something I would have enjoyed when I was in school.  I only remember reading the text, answering questions, and taking tests for my elementary American history.  B and C were able to listen to songs, play games, and perform skits.
• I am glad there were answers to the questions at then end of each volume.  I would like to see this program have tests, so that I can see how well B and C are learning and remembering the material.
• It was exciting for me to learn about the history I already knew and learn about new people and events.  I did not know anything about John Winthrop, Sarah Edwards, and George Whitefield.  I learned more about the Puritans than I had ever known from a religious point-of-view.
• I am very thankful that Amy Puetz spent the time writing and developing this elementary American history program.  It will serve homeschooling families for many years to come with its in depth text and fun activities.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

I liked Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History.  I had fun making Succotash with Mama.  It was delicious.  I also liked listening to history.  My favorite was “The Mayflower Compact.”  I enjoyed playing the games.  My favorite game was “Pitching Pennies.”  Blind Man’s Bluff was also fun.

I liked the “Writing Topics,” but I could not come up with any reasonable ideas.  My favorite person to learn about was George Whitefield, because he was a preacher and one of the people who began the first Great Awakening. 

I think this Providential history program would be good for people of all ages.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade):

It was fun to read the lessons, especially the stories.  They were really good.  I did not really like the writing topics.  I could not think of one thing to write.  We listened to “All the Pretty Little Horses.”  B and Mama cooked Succotash.

This program is good for people my age and older.

Dad’s Thoughts:

Amy Puetz's Heroes and Heroines of the Past American History book raises the study of history to new and exciting levels. She includes many pictures, drawings, and maps to help illustrate the lesson's topic of discussion. Amy has also included activities at the end of each lesson such as Examining Historical Art, Games of the Past, Crafts, Cook up Some History, Experiments and more to help students experience how  the people of that time lived. The recipes and games look quite interesting. I wish I would have had something like this for my history classes as it would have been so much better than just reading a text book and taking a test.

If you're looking for something to really engage your kids in the study of history beyond just reading assignments, give Amy Puetz's Heroes and Heroines of the Past American History a try. You just might find yourself doing the activities time and time again long after the lesson has passed.

Mama highly recommends!

Social Media Links for Golden Prairie Press:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenPrairiePress

 

Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive from Logic of English (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

We received the complete set of Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive for review purposes!

Product Links: Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive - Complete Set

Vendor Information Link: Logic of English

Age Appeal: ages 4 to adult

Format: The Complete Set includes 1 printed Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Student Book, 1 Cursive Handwriting Quick Reference, 1 Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Tactile Cards, 1 Student Whiteboard- Full Size

Price: As of May 9, 2014- $65 for the complete set

Are you struggling with your child’s current handwriting program?

Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive teaches letters with a multi-sensory approach.  The student will learn the strokes and verbally say them as they trace the letters on the tactile cards.  They will then write them in the Student Book, where there are different line sizes.  There are instructions listed for students of different ages and other ideas for handwriting practice.

Our Experience: 

B has wanted to learn a different style of cursive for sometime, so this review was perfect for him.  C wanted to try it out too.

We did not work on the lessons as described it the book, because B is a fluent reader and did not need to learn the phonograms.  He only needed to learn his letter formations.  For the swing letters (i, t, u, etc.), I give B the tactile card, then we would say the steps (long and short versions) to make the letter aloud.  He would then write the letters in his workbook.  There is the option to write different sizes of letters.  He did them all.  He wanted the practice.

The instructions state that if the student is over seven (he is ten) he/she can either write two, four, or all the letters based on one stroke per day.  Since we use a learning style that is based on short lessons, B worked for fifteen minutes per day, five days a week.

After B had finished the swing letters, he worked on the curve and loop letters on his own.  He had a difficult time with the curve stroke.  He practiced that stroke again and again on the whiteboard until he perfected it. 

He now does the steps of each letter by himself and then does them in the workbook.  He is still doing all the line sizes.  I often circle his best letters as I did in the beginning, but his letters are so uniform that it is difficult to choose which is the best.

C is really into her own cursive handwriting program, but she thought she would give this program a try.  She worked on the letters i, t, u, s, and j.  She enjoyed saying the steps and writing the letters of the Student Whiteboard.  

Mama’s Thoughts:

• The Tactile Cards were really nice.  It could be helpful for many children if they can feel the letters as they are saying the steps.  B did not actively use the cards.
• I was grateful that the program included the different strokes, like curve, role, slash, and others.  B needed it to learn how to make the curve.
• The Student Whiteboard was perfect for C’s use and for the times that B needed extra practice to learn a specific stroke.
• I am glad that a secondary student book only costs $15.  It is more cost effective for large families.
• I was very thankful for the instructions in the book.  They helped know exactly how to teach the program.
• I was so excited when I saw how diligently B worked on the lessons.  I have never seen him work this hard on handwriting lessons.  He will spend more than our allotted fifteen minutes if he is having fun and is not distracted by other things.  I feel that this program is one that he will be able to continue and grow with.

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

I really, really liked Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive.  I had been wanting to learn this type of handwriting for quite awhile.  I think this is a very good product if you want to learn this style.

There was only one thing I didn’t like and it is this: I think it could use a small teacher workbook, so that the teacher doesn’t have to look at the book when you are writing something.

My favorite letter was B.  This style of B is very different than other ways I have learned.  B was my favorite, because I liked the way it looked (see the photo below).

I think this product would be good for kids of all ages.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade):

It was fun to do the letters for Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive.  I did the letters i, t, u, s, and j.  I used the Student Whiteboard.  It was fun.  I liked the tactile cards.  I liked them, because it helped me to write the letters.

It is good for kids my age and older.   

Dad’s Thoughts:

Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive by Denise Eide is an interesting program using systematic phonics, phonograms, reading, spelling and handwriting to learn how to write in cursive. She breaks it down into the strokes for each letter and says that starting with cursive writing is easier than starting with printed writing. It's a different concept than what I grew up with but I have learned over the years that changing your perspective in the way you do things can have significant improvement with your results.

I see improvement with B's cursive handwriting using Denise's method. She's onto something good with Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive and I recommend you giving it a try even though it's probably not the way you were taught handwriting. Be adventurous and try something new.

Mama recommends Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive!

Social Media Links for Logic of English:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLogicOfEnglish
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/logicofenglish/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/logicofenglish/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LogicofEnglish

 

Prayer of the Week! (May 10, 2014)- Ephesians 1:11-12

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 1:11-12.

Dear Lord,

I thank you so much for being in charge.  It is hard for me though, because I am a person who likes being in charge of everything.  Please help me to yield to you, because I know it will make my life even better. 

I enjoy resting in you and knowing that you will be there for me.  Thank you so much.

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Children’s Music from Maestro Classics (Review for the Schoolhouse Review Crew)

We received two CDs from Maestro Classics for review purposes!

Product Links: The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Vendor Information Link: Maestro Classics

Age Appeal: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (4+ and families)  and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (6+ and families)

Format: 1 CD per product (total playing time approximately 40-50 minutes)

Price: As of May 5, 2014 each CD is $16.98 and MP3 downloads are around $9.98

Music played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stephen Simon and narrated by Yadu.  It could only mean one thing, Maestro Classics!

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (music by Paul Dukas and based on a poem by Goethe) includes 7 tracks with the original version, music with the story, about the music and the story, and more.  There is also a 24-page activity booklet.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, written by Virginia Lee Burton and composed by Stephen Simon also includes 7 tracks with the music and story, about the music and author, and a sing-along.

 

Our Experience: 

Our family enjoys listening to classical music.  We have listened to Maestro Classics, My Name is Handel: The Story of Water Music and reviewed Peter and the Wolf, so we knew we would enjoy these CDs. 

As soon as the CDs came in the mail B and C wanted to listen to Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.  We sat on the couch and listened to the CD.  We spent another morning listening to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

We also had fun working on the included 24-page booklet.  There is a section for each CD on the website which has been developed for homeschoolers and includes sections on history, science, geography, language arts, art, music, and math.  We had fun with that too.  It was a lot of fun to learn even more.

I know we will be listening and enjoying these CDs for many years to come. 

Mama’s Thoughts:

• I thought it was great that each of the CDs had the same basic programming, so we knew what to expect.
• There were two parts I really enjoyed, “About the Music” and “About the Story” or in Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel it was about the author, Virginia Lee Burton.  Those were the sections where I felt I learned the most.  I learned what instruments played what character or scene, more about Virginia Lee Burton, and the long history behind The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
• I would have enjoyed hearing the Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel orchestral arrangement without the story as it was done on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.  The music was so fun with the Uilleann pipes, but the story took away from enjoying the music.
• The booklets that came with the CDs had fun activities like crosswords, word searches, and dot-to-dots.  There was also information about the different instruments like the Irish Uilleann pipes.
• The CDs are something people can listen to again and again.  I am looking forward  to the next time we listen.  I am sure I will learn something new.

  

B’s Thoughts (boy, age 10, officially in fourth grade):   

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.  This was my favorite of the two.  Why?  You might ask.  I liked this one better, because I like the story about Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne.  I did not like that it did not have the music without the words.  My favorite part about the music was the planes.  I did like the end when everything turned out well.  I also liked doing the activities in the book.  I really liked learning more about the music.  I also liked that Mary Anne dug the new town hall of Popperville in one day and they dug faster and better when more people were watching.

I liked The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.  My favorite part was “March of the Brooms.”  I thought the music went nicely with the words.  I also liked how they talked about the music and the story and how it pointed out all the special features.

Overall, I would highly recommend both CDs.

C’s Thoughts (girl, age 8, officially in second grade): 

I liked listening to the music and the stories.  It was fun to play along with the music.

I liked “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with the music and the story.  It was fun to do the activities for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and listen to the story.  The music was good.

I would recommend these CDs for children my age, older, and younger.   

Dad’s Thoughts:

We reviewed two stories from the Maestro's Classics children's music series, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.  These stories by Stephen Simon, the Conductor, and played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra bring classical music for children to life.  They have won Parent's Choice Awards and the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Best Audio Award.

I enjoyed how the children's music programs were put together.  First you heard the story then they explained the history behind the story and then how the music is put together.  And finally you get to listen to the story again putting everything together.  Both The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel stories were very entertaining. I especially liked that the second playing of The Sorcerer's Apprentice did not include the narration so you could listen to the music and hear all the different parts of the score which is also a dislike for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel because the second listening still had the narration with the music.  It would have been better to leave the narration out even though the music would have been shorter.

All in all, the Maestro Classics are enjoyable, informative and just the right play length.  They also include activity booklets with the CD's which my kids found fun to do.  The Maestro Classics series is worth the investment.

Mama recommends Maestro Classics!

Social Media Links for Maestro Classics:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaestroClassics
• Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maestroclassics/

 

Picture of the Week! (May 5, 2014)- Spring Cleaning

I just love to see a clean drawer.  I did have to put some things back in, but it is so much cleaner than it was.  I am going to do my best to make sure things stay clean.  No more clutter!

Casting the Net by Pam Rhodes (Review)

Casting the Net:

Book two of The Dunbridge Chronicles

By Pam Rhodes

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-062-2

Casting the Net, book two of The Dunbridge Chronicles, by Pam Rhodes, is all about Neil's second year in Dunbridge as a curate of St. Stephen's.

As a single man he receives special attention from two women.  Wendy thinks she will make are perfect wife for him.  She is actively involved with the church.  Claire is the niece of a neighbor, a single mother, and does not believe in God.  She does not ask much from Neil.  There is also mutual chemistry between Neil and Claire, not Neil and Wendy.

Along with the single women, there is his mother, Iris, who is very domineering and the usual duties that are required of him as a curate.

Will Neil be able to reason with the women and the challenges that come from being a new curate.

Excerpt from the book!

About the Author-

Pamela Rhodes has written six other novels.  For many years she has presented the BBC’s Songs of Praise.

My thoughts-

I thought that Neil's life in the small town of Dunbridge would be quiet and peaceful.  The author, Pam Rhodes, made sure that his life in Casting the Net, was anything but that.

I have not read the other book in the series, but it was not necessary.  This book stood on its own, due to the fact that it was so well written.  Rhodes brought all of the characters and their lives into my home.  I was able to laugh, cry, and sympathize with their triumphs and tragedies.

I thought Neil's relationships with Wendy and Claire were typical relationships.  I think he was right to not to choose Wendy, because she was not his type.  I do not think he should have begun an intimate relationship with Claire until she became a believer, as it says not to in the Bible.

There are other trials he faces, but you are going to have to read the book.  I do not want to spoil it for you!

I thought this book was good.  I think you will like it.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Casting the Net, by Pamela Rhodes, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Prayer of the Week! (May 2, 2014)- Ephesians 1:7-10

A couple of years ago I took part in a Bible study where we studied the book of Ephesians.  Once a week I would like to mention the Bible verses which were studied, then give you my prayer involving those verses.

Today will be Ephesians 1:7-10.

Dear Lord,

Today I learned that I am totally free because of Jesus!  You have made Your plans known.  Thank you so much for that and help me to remember that. 

In Jesus’s name.  Amen

Defy the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn (Review)

Defy the Night

By Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

(received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Fiction / Historical

Published by- Kregel Publications

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 312

Age Group- Older Teen and Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4321-3

The photos are courtesy of Heather Munn!

In Defy the Night, by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn, fifteen-year-old Magali lives in France’s “free zone.”  Life is still free for her, but food is rationed and there are many refugees in her town.  The free zone is run by the Vichy government.  The Vichy government runs their own internment camps and they allow aid workers into the camps to help the children.  They also release the children to aid workers. 

Paquerette is one of those aid workers.  She asks Magali and some of the other girls in the village to help her.  The work is very hard and Magali is not sure that she will be able to do it or keep doing it once she begins. 

How many children will she be able to save and how will others in the village accept what she does?

Excerpt from the book!

About the Authors-

Heather Munn grew up in France with her missionary parents and now lives with her husband and son in Illinois.  She went to Wheaton College where she has earned a BA in literature.  Heather wanted to be a writer since she was five-years-old.

Lydia Munn and her husband have two children, Heather, and a son, Robin.  Lydia has been church planting and Bible teaching in France since 1983.  She has a BA in literature from Wheaton and has always enjoy reading books.

My thoughts-

Heather Munn and Lydia Munn have written another wonderful book in the Refuge in the Night series (unofficial name, courtesy of Heather Munn).  I learned a lot about 1941 France and World War II when I read their latest book, Defy the Night.

What I know about World War II is basically what I learned in my grammar school textbooks, Pearl Harbor and the London Blitz.  I never knew about France with the Vichy government and their internment camps.  I now know a lot more about France and what its citizens went through during part of World War II.

The Munn’s descriptions of the interment camps and Magali’s train rides were so well written that I felt as if I were there with her, Paquerette, and the children.  I could feel their pain and I could understand their fear when the Nazis were on the train with them. 

It was certainly a time of growth for fifteen-year-old Magali.  She grew from a teenager who thought she could do no wrong to a confident, but cautious young woman.  It was also a time of growth with God.  All of the rescues that Magali, Paquerette, and the others did, would not have been possible without God’s grace.

I homeschool my children and this is definitely a book I will be having them read when they are in high school.  It was a perfect living book for the Charlotte Mason Method of teaching.  I wish I had known more about the France, the Vichy government, and the internment camps when I was taking world history.

I would highly recommend Defy the Night to anyone who is interested in World War II.  I would also recommend it to everyone else.  It is an excellent book.

Here is a link to my review from the first book, How Huge the Night.  It is also an excellent book. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Defy the Night, by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.