KinderBach....music education for little ones...

As a TOS Crew member, I received a free membership to KinderBach, an early music education program. During my free membership period, I've had access to the online video lessons as well as the printables.

Karri Gregor, the creator and founder of KinderBach, has developed a program that engages young children and makes learning connections using friendly characters, visual images, and catchy words and phrases. For those who find a more traditional music program for young students boring or dry, this is an effective alternative.

This is a year-long curriculum that covers the following goals in musical education:

• music vocabulary



• notes



• rhythm



• listening skills



• music composition

........and more! These skills are taught on a level that young elementary students should be able to understand and learn. The lessons are presented in a video format. Karri takes the kids through each lesson at an easy pace, taking time to review key concepts through visualizations. Kids learn musical concepts as their imaginations are engaged in stories about a young boy named Frisco and his friends who live on the piano. The names of these friends correspond to letters of the scale, such as Dodi, for D, and so forth.

This program is geared toward upper preschool/lower elementary students with no to very little musical background knowledge or experience. And if you're a parent who's intimidated by your own lack of knowledge or experience, fear not! First, you can learn right along with the kids. Plus, Karri has a pdf parent/teacher guide, so you don't have to let on to the kids you don't already know all this!

What is needed?

• either a piano or keyboard--it doesn't have to be top of the line.



• either a dvd player or access to the Internet, depending on which mode you are using



• access to a printer and computer to be able to take advantage of the computer activities and printables that go with the lessons



• commitment



• consistency

What do I like about this product?

• To a large degree, it is self-paced. Parents monitor each lesson, and Karri herself points out that some kids need longer than others.



• It involves multiple intelligences, including aspects that reach out to different learners and to multiple senses.



• It catches the interest of young learners through the use of color images and friendly characters, which takes away a little bit of the scare for both parents and kids who haven't been exposed to music lessons.



• The program has a large amount of printable resources and online activities.



• The website is easy to navigate.



• Karri sends out lots of newsletters, not an annoying amount, but she keeps you informed of great deals and news.

Does this take the place of formal music lessons? No, but it is an introductory program which will prepare kids for more traditional programs. However, if your kids already have a basic understanding of music theory and concepts, then I recommend moving on to a more advanced program.

What's the cost? That depends of which version is chosen.

If you pay up front for a one-year subscription to the website, the cost is $95.88, which comes out to $7.99 a month.

If a month-to-month payment method is preferred for the website subscription, the cost is $19.99.

If the dvd version is preferred, the cost is $40.45 per level when bought individually, or $112.75 for levels 1-3 or 4-6 combos or $142.45 for levels 1-3 or 4-6 and 3 songbook cd packages, the Everyday, Christmas, and Hymns songbooks. You can also just buy all 6 levels for $202.88. Each level also comes with a cd of printables.

To check out all these options and find out more about the specifics of each, click here.

You can also access free printables and even try it out for free. See what you think before buying. See if it fits your child's age and level of music knowledge.

To read reviews from other Crew members, click here.

Maestro Classics

Maestro Classics is a cd series which combines story-telling of the classic style with rich orchestra accompaniment. Stephen and Bonnie Ward Simon created this series, with years of experience and a long list of qualifications in the fields of both music and children. The TOS Crew was asked to review a sample of their Maestro Classics series, and my kids and I received The Tortoise and the Hare.

The classic story is given a new touch by Mrs. Simon, while Stephen Simon provides an original musical score. Yadu, who has narrated the Stories in Music concerts at the Kennedy Center, as well as other Maestro Classic selections, shares the story is a calm but expressive voice. The cd has a running time of about 53 minutes and has an accompanying 24-page program. The program includes basic information about musical notation, instruments in an orchestra, a few activities to go along with the story, and short bios of the Simons and the narrator, Yadu. The cost is $16.98.

While this is a quality product, the cost is an issue. Also, my kids, who love music and have enjoyed our classical studies thus far this year, had difficulty getting engaged in the story. Having said that, I would therefore recommend this for a younger audience, say, Pre-K/K. Also, this particular story was one that my kids are very familiar with, and so there was no sense of wonder about what would happen.

I don't want to dissuade anyone who truly might benefit from the Maestro Classics series, but I need to be honest. Check out the website and listen to the samples they have available. The Maestro Classic series currently contains several tales, including Mike Mulligan, Casey At the Bat, The Story of Swan Lake, Juanita the Spanish Lobster, and more! They currently are running a special--buy three cds for $45, which saves about six dollars overall. The code for that special is MAESTRO45.

Please, check out what other TOS Crew members have to say here, as well.

All About Spelling....foster spelling skills that are the real deal!

The TOS Crew has been given the opportunity to review All About Spelling, the Multisensory Program for Spelling Success, by Marie Rippel. Spelling is one of those subjects that just is not stressed like it should be anymore, in my humble opinion. In my years in the classroom, I attended workshops and read articles about how we shouldn't stifle creativity by insisting on correct spelling in our students' work, particularly writing. I knew I would like Marie Rippel when I read in the Level 1 book that she instructs teachers and parents to have students correct misspelled words which they should already know. All About Spelling encompasses quite a bit more than the typical spelling program, focusing on the structure of the word, the sounds and syllables that combine to form words students learn to spell, rather than the theme-related lists that students get with many other programs. As I have examined this program, I have been very impressed at just how multisensory it really is, too. Students have the opportunity to build words with tiles, to say sounds aloud, to write the words themselves, and to hear the words used in phrases for dictation practice.

Just what do you get? The core of this program is the teacher book, which is sold with the student material set for $29.95. Additional student sets for multiple students are $14.95. In addition to the leveled teacher/student materials, you also need the starter kit, which includes letter tiles, magnets, and Phonogram CD-ROM. The starter kit is $26.95 and can be reused year after year.

I normally don't quote the sites for these products I review, but I do want to share this from the All About Spelling site because it just really explains how all the components of the program work together to reinforce learning.

"Level One in the All About Spelling series brings together the three pathways to learning—auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), and kinesthetic (touching). This multisensory approach, combined with a built-in review system and reinforcement activities, ensures that students retain what they learn and understand how to apply it in practical situations.

In a practical, hands-on way, your student will learn:

How to say and write the first 32 phonograms
How to segment words into their individual sounds
Short and long vowel sounds
How to identify and count syllables in a word
How to choose between c and k at the beginning of a word
When to double f, l, and s
How to spell /k/ at the end of a word
How to form plural words by adding s or es
Compound words
Open and closed syllable types

and more!

The multisensory learning tools and activities included in the program help your student master important spelling concepts.

The Flashcards provide a visual and hands-on way to help your student learn and review phonograms, words, and spelling rules.

The Spelling Review Box helps you organize the flashcards so you can quickly see which words, phonograms, and spelling rules your student still needs to learn and review. (Flashcards and dividers are included; you supply the 3x5" index card box.)

The Segmenting Words activity helps your student identify the individual sounds in a word so that he can spell more easily and accurately.

Concept-oriented spelling lists that are grouped by similar phonograms and spelling rules accelerate learning by organizing ideas in the student’s mind and allowing the student to concentrate on and master one or two main concepts before moving on.

Key Cards clearly present key ideas, concepts, and spelling rules that help your student thoroughly understand why a word is spelled the way it is and how to apply that knowledge to many other words.

The More Words and Dictate Phrases sections reinforce current and previously learned concepts, increase the student’s repertoire of words, and allow the student to apply his knowledge in practical situations.

Tips for the teacher anticipate and provide answers to your questions and give you on-the-spot strategies for helping your student overcome stumbling blocks. Worked seamlessly into the lessons, tips are placed right where you need them, when you need them, so you can continue your teaching uninterrupted.

The Progress Chart gives your student a visual reminder of how far he has come and motivates him to master the next step. "


Are there any additional materials to buy with this program? Well, you will need lined paper and some sort of index card box, as well as a magnetic surface.



What's a typical lesson plan like?

Students begin with a review of past concepts with the aid of the various cards in the student materials pack. After that, the lessons may vary a little bit as to the order of activities, but new information may be introduced, and then practiced with the tiles and writing. Lessons generally conclude with dictation practice. The time frame is reasonable for school-age children, but I can't see this with most preschool kids.

What do I like about this program?

• Each activity, each phase of the lessons is about learning, not fluff. As a classroom teacher and now as a homeschool teacher, one of my soapboxes is the need to teach to as many senses as possible. All About Spelling gets the eyes, the ears, the mouth, and hands, and the arms all working toward the goal of spelling mastery. In the course of one lesson, they are arranging tiles, looking at cards, writing words, listening and writing what they hear, and playing games that reinforce learning.


• Also, each lesson is concise, straightforward, and easy to prepare for.


• Level 1 begins with the foundation, the sounds of the first 26 phonograms. Younger students or students needing remedial help will benefit from this as this simply strengthens their reading and writing foundation.

Now, I really like this program, but I do not recommend switching spelling curricula midstream. If you've got something you really like right now, stick with it, but check All About Spelling out for next year. Money-wise, I think you get your money's worth with what I've seen of this program. I am normally a little bit leery to encourage anyone to spend money, but I do think this is a quality program that our kids will learn from rather than simply be entertained by. In fact, before you buy, head on over to the their site and check out some free lessons here and a scope and sequence for Level 1 here. You can check out sample lessons and scope and sequence for other levels by clicking on each product description and scrolling to the end.

I also think that if you wanted to add any additional activities, such as puzzles or alphabetical order sections, that could be easily done. You can also add to the word lists as well, as long as you maintain the same organization.

You can check out all the products they offer here, including All About Spelling Levels 1-5, at the All About Spelling site. Marie Rippel also offers other language arts materials, which you can check out on that site. You can also find out what other TOS Crew members have to say here.

There is a lot of money-saving activity in the Schoolhouse Store this weekend!

You can receive up to $1300 in FREE gifts during the TOS Black Friday Sale.

Plus, the one-year, print subscriptions will be available for $7.95 during the sale which runs through Sunday. This is a huge discount off a regular subscription and actually about the cost of one issue!

All those subscribing before December 7 will receive the Winter Issue. (Subscriptions received after that will begin with the Spring Issue.)

As a bonus, you can select 10 gifts of your choice—there are 19 gifts from which to choose. There are only 1500 of these gift packs available. This is a 68% savings! The $7.95 price is gone on December 31 at midnight. On January 1, 2010, the price goes back up to $25! The 19 gifts can be viewed here: (Each subscriber picks 10 of the 19.)http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/TOSSummer19Gifts/libanded/index.html

Remember, the more you spend in the Schoolhouse Store through Sunday, the more free gifts you receive. One of the gifts is a FREE one-year membership to and a free will from Homeschool Legal Advantage. Plus, there are so many other FREE homeschooling resources. Check it out at the following link:

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/2009BlackFridaySale/BF_Level1.htm

It’s so easy to earn the FREE gifts! Select a few items from the literature sale in the Schoolhouse Store or purchase the new Download N Go lapbooking and unit studies series from Amanda Bennett and TOS.

Sorry to just now get this posted--we've been all over this weekend eating turkey with almost anyone and everyone we're kin to! Click here to head on over to all these great deals!

Thanksgiving freebies!

If you're like us and plan to immerse ourselves in Thanksgiving this week in school, here are some sites you will want to check out!

http://www.homeschooled-kids.com/bethankful.html
So many wonderful resources, including a Thanksgiving Bible study!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1185900/thanksgiving_science_activity_for_elementary.html?cat=25
http://www.fapeonline.org/thanksgiving-science-experiment.htm
Both of these contain some Thanksgiving science ideas.

http://www.education.com/seasonal/thanksgiving/
A wealth of Thanksgiving ideas for a range of ages.

http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/thanksgiving.html
Superteacherworksheets.com is one of my new go-to sites for fast ideas.

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/?ESP=Teachers/ib/20091102/awa/t_giving_Thanksgiving09_3_5///thlp/tout///
Scholastic has a great site with virtual tours of the Mayflower and narration of their journey.

An early Christmas present from The Old Schoolhouse!

The Old Schoolhouse has a wonderful gift for us all! It's their digital 175 page Thanksgiving and Christmas supplement, just full of holiday cheer and ideas! To get your free copy, click on the magazine cover to the right.

While you're at the TOS site, check out the other freebies and offers they've got going on these days!

Virginia Soaps and Scents....for your clothes, your family, and a bit of indulgence, too....

Okay, this one fit me to a tee. Our family is very careful about chemicals we put in and on our bodies and what we use in our home. My husband and I have tried to combine common sense with research, and for us, we prefer natural bath and home cleaning products whenever it's possible and affordable. Now, as a member of the TOS Crew, I have had the opportunity over the past several weeks to review the bath soaps, shampoo bar, and laundry soap from Virginia Soaps & Scents. How much fun I have had!

I got three sample size bars of soap--one fresh orange, one coconut lemongrass, and one oatmeal, milk, & honey, plus a sample size of their ginger lime shampoo bar, and enough of their laundry soap to make a half-gallon.

I have used all of the soaps myself. They are all chemical-free and made with natural oils. I was surprised at the generous amount of lather I got with them all. In fact, I had just received a bar of homemade soap from a local farm, and it didn't lather near as well. They all add a light but comforting scent to bath time and a barely discernible wisp of fragrance lingers on the skin afterward. Now, I know some of y'all are like me and deal with sensitive skin issues, so here's what I experienced. While my skin handled the coconut lemongrass and oatmeal, milk, & honey soaps just fine, both my oldest daughter and I experienced very minor and contained hives after using the fresh orange scent. This is not a complaint at all, but just a heads up for others who have to be careful about their skin. I dealt with excema for years from the time I was about 13 until I was in my 20's and still am thankful that small and infrequent outbreaks are all I've had to deal with since. But I do have to be on guard when it comes to scents. Now, I've done fine with the coconut lemongrass and oatmeal, milk, & honey bars and couldn't tell which I like better, because I like them both so much! And the bars last....when they came in the mail, I figured they would melt down pretty quickly, but I was wrong. It doesn't take much to get enough lather, so even the samples last a while.

The shampoo I was little nervous about trying because I'm picky about my hair stuff. But, again, just like the label explained, it lathered up really well even on my thick hair. And it rinsed quickly and cleanly. Here's a plus I really didn't expect--I don't need an additional conditioner every time. Now, I have hair that drinks moisture up, so I was pretty impressed by how well the shampoo bar alone conditions. And, again, I haven't noticed any skin issues from this either.

I procrastinated trying the laundry soap for a while because I saw it involved a little bit of stove time. However, when I just decided to do it, the whole prep time was less than 10 minutes and incredibly simple. I was a little skeptical when I didn't see the suds that normally signal my clothes are actually being cleaned, but everything came out of the wash smelling and looking clean. Stains? You'll still need your go-to products there, but our laundry came out as clean with the Virginia Soaps & Scents laundry soap kit as it does with our normal detergent. Here's what goes into it: cleaning soap, borax, and washing soda. Okay, will you really save money this way? Y'all, I normally get mid-range laundry detergents, and I'm going to buy the Virginia Soaps & Scents laundry soap instead. I have figured that I normally spend 8-15 cents a load, and the Spargur family can do it for less than 7 cents a load with their homemade laundry soap. The bargain hunter in me is up to the challenge. I used to make our own laundry soap but got out of the habit. We're going to get back into it.

Okay, now that I've shared my experiences with these products, what about cost? The soaps first....

for a 4.5 oz bar

$4.50 per bar 3 bars for $12.00 buy 4, get 1 free 10 bars for $35

Scents include the ones I mentioned above, plus a number of others including violets & lace, country clothesline, and baby powder.

They also have a selection of gourmet soaps. Click here to learn more and see the prices.

for the 5.5 oz shampoo bar

$5.50 per bar 2 bars for $10

They have several scents and an oily hair clarifying formula as well. To learn more about what they offer and how they even got into shampoo making, click here.

for the laundry soap

There are options here, too. You can buy the all inclusive kit (just provide the water yourself), enough to make two gallons of laundry soap, for $4.95. Or you can get just the 9 oz. cleaning bar for $3.95 and buy your own borax and washing soda. The Spargurs very graciously have provided the whole recipe on their site. Click here to learn more about their laundry soap, order, and to see the recipe.

That's not all! You've got to go to their site at www.virginiasoapsandscents.com/ to learn more about all the other products they offer. They even have children's products and soaps inspired by the Christmas season! They also have a soap sampler and other gift packs, too. You can see them here.

As the frugal homemaker and homeschooler that I am, I want to get the most bang for my buck. I think that the Spargurs are right on target in that area. I have been buying natural and organic bath and cosmetic products for a few years now, and their prices beat most of the others I see. A big plus is that they are willing to share what goes into their products.

However, the biggest plus is their example of how a family works together toward a common goal! See what other TOS Crew members have to say here.

Strengthen your students' bodies and .... math skills? Yeah, with Gymathtics!

A kids' exercise video that promotes healthy lifestyle choices, positive behavior, and strong math skills? Perhaps a little too much for a 30 minute dvd? No! Y'all, Gymathtics from Exploracise is all that! Ms. Carrie along with her exercise team guide kids through an exercise routine that reinforces math skills such as counting, skip counting, patterns, place value, and shapes.

It all begins with a "Shape Stretchers" stretching/warmup routine followed by "Counting Calisthenics", "Pattern Power", and "Well-being Wind Down". As the kids exercise, part of the screen contains a little more information and visual aids for whatever skill is being reinforced. When I first put in this dvd, I was extremely skeptical, but that changed. No, this isn't a math program, but it really does get the whole body involved in reinforcing basic math skills in a way that elementary aged kids will get into.

How intense it is? That depends on your physical condition. For most active kids, I'd say it's going to get their heart pumping and challenge them to push themselves a little, but it's a very realistic routine for kids and for active adults. The whole thing actually lasts about 26 minutes. Like with any exercise program, there's the admonition to talk to your doctor about a new exercise plan. What age kids can perform the exercises in this program? I'd say the target audience is K-5th. Younger than that, I can see frustration setting in and the mathematical part would be over their heads, and older than that, they may be embarrassed and beyond that mathematically.

Throughout the video, Ms. Carrie uses positive language to motivate kids to participate. She uses repetition to reinforce each skill, as well as visual aids and additional commentary on part of the screen when needed. And, during the wind down, she uses easy-to-remember phrases to encourage positive, kind behavior, goal-setting, and perseverance, in language kids can understand and latch onto.

One thing I thought about was this--you can also do the routine in parts, stopping to add your own explanations as needed. And, you know, younger kids may not understand every concept they are hearing, but I think they still will pick up quite a bit and be more ready for these concepts. I am thinking specifically of my first grader. We haven't gotten to prime numbers yet, but as we do this routine, she will repeatedly be exposed to that group of numbers. Even if she doesn't totally get what that concept means, she is learning that those numbers go together for some reason, and that's a start.

Okay, here's the deal on price. Through their site, it's $24.95, but on Amazon it's $16.99. I did a Google shopping search and found several prices between those two, as well, but I can't vouch for the reliability of all the sites. I hesitate to say whether or not products are worth their price because I am exceptionally frugal, but I can say that this is one that will get a lot of use in our home and that I am impressed with the way the creators successfully intertwined a really good exercise program with real math skills reinforcement, all the while promoting healthy and wise choices and positive behavior. I know I say this about other products, but check to see if the other families in your homeschool group would like to pitch in and get a copy or two for your resource library. And while you're at it, check to see if your public library would order a copy.

To learn more about Exploramania and Gymathtics, go to http://www.exploramania.com/ . I You can actually watch a segment of this product on their YouTube video by clicking here . Plus, I saw they now have a second one, too. And I found the story of how this video even came to be so encouraging and motivating. So, check it all out and see what you think!

Examine the foundations and symbols of our freedom with help from the American Heritage Education Foundation....

First, this is free! Yes, you can request this cd, America's Heritage, at no cost. The print version is $19.95. What exactly is this? Well, it's a supplementary curriculum that focuses on the core symbols and pillars of our nation. Some of the lesson topics include:

• Colonial America


• the Declaration of Independence


• the Statue of Liberty


• the national motto


• the national anthem


• the Presidential Seal


• the national flag

And much more!

Is this a stand alone social studies or history curriculum? After examining the lesson plans, I see this as more of a resource or supplementary study than a stand alone curriculum. The lesson plans did not all align to the same grade levels, so teachers would need to make adjustments to fit the age of their students if they wanted to use the product in it entirety.

What age is it for? It's definitely for upper elementary or middle school. The activities are geared toward a group of students with strong reading and critical thinking skills.

What does it include?

• lesson plans for 14 topics


• printable worksheets, learning activities, and games that coordinate with the lesson plans


• an appendix of resources pertaining to the law and religious freedom in schools


• a list of sources for information presented in the lessons

Is it biased? Okay, this was a concern I had when I put the cd in the computer. And I was very relieved at the straightforward nature of this study. Yes, it definitely is an expression of thankfulness for the core pillars of our nation and concern over the lack of personal commitment to those pillars today, but it's really more history and activities that encourage students to apply that history to now than anything else. I know in our home, while we are Christian homeschoolers, I really don't like my curriculum to get preachy or take on much commentary. I would rather have quality, well-researched materials and information we can use to develop and strengthen and even challenge our own viewpoints. This cd does fit that bill.

Okay, I did find a couple of typo's. However, overall, this is well written, very informative, and provides a variety of thought-provoking activities for students. I will say this--one page of the KWL master copy would have sufficed rather than taking up several pages of the study for the very same original that's used in several lessons.

Can you get this and plan to use it exclusively for your social studies program next year? No, that's not what it's intended for. If you're like me and love to develop curriculum that is customized for your students, this can be your foundation, and you can add to it. This would be an excellent program to do outside of school proper with, say, the upper elem./middle school aged students in your homeschool groups.

At this point, I speak only from the point of view of a former upper elem./middle school teacher. My kids aren't quite old enough for this program yet, but I can see it has substance and is meant to inspire through information about and examination of the foundational issues of our nation. And, y'all, how can you go wrong with a resouce like this that is free? There's absolutely no reason not to check it out.

To find out more and to order a copy, go to www.americanheritage.org/ . You can also simply download the level you need from that site. There's no catch I can find. On their site, you can also learn more about what the American Heritage Education Foundation is and is about. If you'd like to read what other TOS Crew members have to say, click here.

Another bright idea from Bright Ideas Press....A Young Scholar's Guide to Composers

As our year began, I wanted our music program to go deeper and be more consistent. I wanted to expose the kids to exceptional music and to be able to learn about the composers. How neat that one of the products I was asked to review for the TOS Crew was A Young Scholar's Guide to Composers from Bright Ideas Press! This is a study of composers over the last several hundred years, but what makes it different is that it's written from a Christian point of view.

Geared toward 4-8 graders, this book provides all you need to have your own music appreciation course at home or in your co-op. It's a 32-week curriculum. Each section consists of a biography and notetaking sheet, as well as the materials needed to make a composer info card. In the appendices at the end, there are also printables for mapping where each composer was from and a timeline printable that spans several hundred years, as well as a composer bingo game and a list of listening resources and sites for each composer. While the music is not included in what you buy, they give lists of free listening resources online. The authors provide a guideline for teaching each section over a three-day time frame.

The biographies are thorough but won't bog down older elementary readers. The authors provide information about the composers' personal as well as professional lives. I appreciate that they keep things age-appropriate. In the introduction they explain something of their dilemma in choosing who to include and how to present their lives when many of these men led lifestyles we would not condone.

My kids and I, although they are younger than the recommended age frame, have been using the program in a modified version. We read the biography of a composer and then choose a piece to listen to. As we listen, we try to find certain elements in each piece. We compare elements from different composers' pieces. My older two will be second and third graders next year, and I want to use the program in its entirety then.

Like I said, it's written from a Christian point of view. What this means is that the authors have tried to discover what role faith had in the lives of the composers without trying to play judge. While they do draw some conclusions based on the lifestyles and writings of the composers, they are quick to admit that only God knows what's in a man's heart.

Y'all, this is one that worth every penny, in my opinion! It's 329 pages of useful information and learning resources. This is one you'll want for your homeschool group or co-op library. To learn more about ordering, click here. For the cd version, it's $29.95, but the print version is only $5 more at $34.95. You can check out sample pages here. To find out what other Crew members have to say, click here.

Get those pencils moving with the Writer's Workshop from Bright Ideas Press....

As a public school teacher for several years, one huge positive was that it gave me exposure to examples of quality materials in the area of writing. As a homeschooling mom, now, I realize that there are lots of products to choose from. The TOS Crew was recently given the opportunity to review The Writer's Workshop by Maggie Hogan and J.B. Hogan, which is an ebook writing program offered by Bright Ideas Press. If you've been interested in starting a writer's group for your students or within your homeschool group, this is a resource you'll want to check out.

The Writer's Workshop is all about how to have a meaningful, productive writer's workshop. Many aspects of writing are covered in the lessons. The authors begin by explaining just what a writer's workshop is and how to get one started, basically the nuts and bolts of it for those of us who haven't ever participated in one. And they get specific, too, which is helpful. Outlines of 28 lessons then follow, each one spotlighting one aspect of successful writing. Each lessons contains a short writing assignment as well, to give the students an imediate opportunity to put into practice what they learn. Click here to see the table of contents and a few lesson pages. For anyone who didn't click on that link, here's a partial list of the topics covered in the program's lesson plans.

• Favorite Author


• Caldecott and Newbery Award Winners


• Webbing


• Character Sketches


• Plot


• Synonyms and Antonyms


• Observation


• Commonly Misused Words


• Collecting and Using Interesting Words
  

The Writer's Workshop isn't just lesson plans....the authors give guidelines for how to use the time spent each week in the group, and while the lessons are important, they stress author sharing time as the top priority of the group time. I love that. All the programs and lesson plans in the world don't take the place of just writing and sharing your work. And I appreciate that the authors also provide some very clearcut guidelines for this sharing time, so that the kids get some useful feedback, but in a caring, nonthreatening environment.

The Writer's Workshop is written to be used for a group, and it is designed for homeschooling moms. The authors suggest that the moms of the group take turns teaching the lessons. The focus is on getting the kids writing and sharing what they write, and that is stressed in the program's introduction. For those who are not confident in their own writing skills or the ability to teach competent writing skills to their students, never fear! The authors were very thorough in their lesson plans, even though each one is only meant to take a few minutes. Each lesson plan is well organized and contains what you need to know to be able to teach it to the kids.

What age is The Writer's Workshop for? While parts of it could be used with our preschoolers, I think that really students that can both read and write are the target age. I think the trick is in how you set up your group. The authors express the importance of considering the makeup of your group and how they get along. And, yes, it's okay to have a wide age gap among the participants. As I've gone through the material, I've observed that the lessons focus on topics and skills that would benefit any age writer. They're not too tough for our younger writers, nor too babyish for our older ones.

What's the cost? This ebook is $14.95. It's a 76-page download. And this is a resource you can use again and again. That being said, I know that most of us are really one-income families on a budget. $14.95 might be a stretch in November. But add this to your list of possible resources for next semester or next year and take some time to examine the sample pages. To find out more about ordering, click here to go to the Bright Ideas site. And for those who do order this book, really get into it--the authors have created a really informative, helpful, effective guidebook on how to get kids involved and excited about writing. To find out what other Crew members have to say, click here.

Simple as....ABC Teach.com!

ABC Teach is a web site with all sorts of printables and resources for teachers, with materials available for a wide variety of subjects. I was already familiar with some of the 5,000+ free materials and used this site regularly as I prepared our science and social studies units. However, in the last month, through the TOS Crew, I've had access to the 35,000 pages available to members. Wow! Have I had fun! ABC Teach has resources that include:

• games


• flashcards


• units


• worksheets


• songs


• puzzles


• lesson plans


• graphic organizers


• posters


• maps


• clip art


• experiments


• writing paper


• bulletin board items


• word wall items


• coloring sheets


• shape books

And that is not all! By typing in keywords, you can pull up pages and pages of resources for many topics, from Newbery book studies, to ASL printables, to reading comprehension worksheets, to test taking skills, to.... basically almost any learning-related topic you can think of.

Who can benefit from ABC Teach? Well, this is just as useful for public and private school teachers as it is for homeschoolers. Even if you have an all-inclusive curriculum, there are so many extras on this site, like games and crafts, that you can supplement with. There are even tools for creating your own customized materials that fit what your students are doing. And it's not just for the classroom--a lot of the resources fit into family activities and traveling and cooking and play time, too. As for me, personally, I've used it to build our muscular and circulatory system units, as well as to get maps for our study of all the peoples that make up America. I've downloaded a number of reading comprehension exercises and science experiments and games as well. I've used the clip art for labeling exercises. I've begun collecting craft ideas for the Christmas season.

So, yes, it's really, really neat and kinda addictive, too, but how about efficiency and ease of use?One thing that I like about ABC Teach compared to similar sites is how quickly the resources download. I don't have to wait long at all for most. However, the search engine within this site is not as easy to use as some others I have found. For example, I needed human heart printables, but when I typed "human heart worksheet" in the search line, I got other types of human heart-related resources as well. Sometimes, I have time to browse, but sometimes I just want to find what I need and move on.

Another thing I need to point out is that my experience is that my computer would kick me off the site after so long. Maybe it just needed to rest from its hard labor as I found one great resource after another, but it was a little annoying. But, you know, I have found that other educational sites have similar issues, so I really don't consider this a huge deal.

What's the cost? Well, to subscribe through their site for an individual is $40 a year. However, you can go through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op to get rates as low as $20 a year. Should you? Well, take some time to play around on their site with the free materials to see how you like their setup and the resources they offer. I even suggest you compare it with other sites that are similar in nature. Y'all, only you know what you can afford and what resources you and your students will benefit from. Take this one for a test drive and see if it fits the bill. You can read what other TOS Crew members had to say here and check out the benefits of joining and a video telling more on the ABC Teach site here.

Do you know Alice?

My husband just told me about Alice.com this week. How cool is this? You can buy groceries online, with free shipping! They don't carry everything, but they carry a lot. What I like is that they carry some items I have to hop and skip all over town to find, particularly my "green" items. And they automatically give you credit for manufacturer's coupons. I placed my first order this week and should receive it via UPS tomorrow. I'll have to let you know what I think then!

More from Sue Gregg....

Okay, my copy of Introducing Whole Foods Cooking definitely bears the evidence of my enthusiasm in trying out these recipes--comments in the margin and chowder spots on multiple pages. Last week, I posted about the first several recipes I made from this book, and now here's my follow-up report. Since the first post, I've made the black bean chowder, more almond coffee cake, and the country creole peas 'n corn.

Before I describe my experiences with these recipes, I'd like to tell a little more about the cookbook itself. The recipes really only take up a small portion of the book. That is where this book is very unique as a cookbook. It does contain some of the same basic helps a regular cookbook would, but it goes several steps farther, including a section called "Serving and Connecting", which describes how we can beautify our mealtimes and make them a time of authentic communication, sharing, and devotion. And in the "Next Steps" section, information is provided, among other things, on how to provide whole foods meals on a budget and how to revise recipes to make them healthier. You don't buy this cookbook just for recipes--it's a tool to aid you in food and mealtime decisions and practices, regardless of whether your dishes come from this book.

I know I mentioned this in my previous post, but the powerpoint cd is invaluable as well, giving me a visual aid as I read and follow the directions for each recipe.

On to our experiences with these dishes....

Both the country creole peas 'n corn and the black bean chowder made big pots that fed us for three meals, and we're a family of five. Both were homestyle-type main dishes, casual and comforting. The black bean chowder was especially easy and can be made when prep time is limited to a couple of hours. The country creole peas 'n corn involved time for soaking the peas, but once that was done, this one could be made in less than an hour. I followed her suggestion of topping the peas 'n corn with sour cream and then decided it was a great topping for the chowder, too. How did the family like them? My husband and I really liked the peas 'n corn, and our daughters ate it without complaining, but my son just didn't care for it. They are all three more accustomed to their vegetables being separated from other parts of the meal, rather than in a soup or stew form. I think with time that will change as they become more accustomed to it, but for today, that's honestly where we're at. Pretty much the same thing with the chowder, too. My inlaws and my husband and I really liked the texture and the mellow but full taste. I served it with sauteed vegetables and French bread, with the almond coffee cake for dessert. Now, the coffee cake everybody liked!

I do want to point out that the recipes in Introducing Whole Foods Cooking are written in a format that is a little bit different from most standard cookbooks. The ingredients are not listed at the beginning but are rather highlighted as they appear in the recipe. I'm really laid back, so that's not a big deal to me, but it is a little bit different. It does, however, make it imperative that you read through the recipe thoroughly before beginning to make it. I like to do things fast, and I like to be able to make something at the last minute. But with my Sue Gregg cookbooks, it's important and worth it to read carefully and follow the directions.

If you are looking for a great volume of recipes, one after the other, that's not what this is. Introducing Whole Foods Cooking is more about creating cooking habits that can carry over into the preparation of any meal and about sharing ideas and activities to make your table a place of praise and encouragement for all who gather there.

To learn more about Introducing Whole Foods Cooking, from Rich and Sue Gregg, head on over to their site here. That links you to a 38-page preview of the book. Like I've said in my other posts, try out some of the recipes she offers on her site if you're not sure if it's for you.

I know first-hand the challenges and adjustments involved in going from a conventional to whole foods-based diet. It does take more time, and there can be resistance from other family members. But it is so worth it, if you stick with it. This is not an all or nothing deal. Take small steps that you and your family can adapt to. Make meal preparation a family experience. When kids help make a dish, they are prone to be proud to eat it. And forget the notion that healthy or whole has to cost more! I buy very little processed food items and lots of whole foods, as much natural and organic as I can afford, and, honestly, since I just don't allow very many filler foods to be put in our cart, we don't spend any more than a typical American family does on conventional food items.

Back to the book.... look at the preview, test out some of Sue Gregg's recipes on the site, and talk to your spouse before buying the book. And if you do purchase it (it's $17 and comes with the power point cd), be ready to learn more than how to combine and cook ingredients--be ready to make your meal times something really special.

Freebie Alert!!!!!!

Who doesn't like freebies? Did you know that The Old Schoolhouse is offering an entire Autumn unit study and lapbook from Amanda Bennett right now? You can download this more than 80-page collection of activities and resources through the TOS store at: http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=145&products_id=12934

Also, why not subscribe to some of the newsletters TOS offers? They range from weekly freebies to doses of encouragement, wisdom, and support as we homeschool. You can even get two free weE-books each month. You can check out the different options in TOS newsletters here.

One more thing.....TOS also has an article that we'll all find encouraging on being a homeschooling mom. And at the end you'll find a code for getting the $7.95 TOS subscription rate through October 18. Click here to read the article and get the code.

Introducing Whole Foods Cooking....proudly!

A few months ago, I first reviewed a Sue Gregg recipe, the yogurt pie. Well, over the last few days, we've been mixing and baking and taste testing from Introducing Whole Foods Cooking for Health and Hospitality. What took me so long? Well, for one, each week I would put off veering from my normal purchases out of concern for how much more I would need to spend to try something different.

However, let me begin by sharing how just the opposite has been true. I sat down with the cookbook and a piece of paper and wrote down ingredients for each recipe I chose. I made out a menu for this week, with at least one meal a day coming from the book. Yes, there were several ingredients I don't normally buy or keep on the shelf, but even after buying all I needed, our grocery bill was no more than usual. Once that part was over and had turned out to be painless, I was excited to get started.

On Monday, we tested the seasoned turkey, fruit cole slaw with sweet mayonnaise dressing, and fruit shakes. On Tuesday, we moved on to the tuna bunsteads and 4-vegetable stir fry. Tomorrow, my plan is to make the country creole peas 'n corn, fruit cole slaw with sweet lite dressing, and fresh apple topping to go with the oatmeal surprise, while Thursday's plan includes the baked parmesan chicken and almond coffee cake. This review will be ongoing as the week progresses, but I think it's important to go ahead and start describing our experiences these first two days in order to give each recipe review clarity.

As with the yogurt pie my kids and I made, lunch yesterday was a joint venture. While I seasoned and browned the turkey, I assisted my oldest daughter in measuring and mixing up the fruit cole slaw and sweet mayonnaise dressing. We didn't start working on lunch until around 11 o'clock since we had our morning classes to attend to, but we still had it ready within an hour. Turkey....not long ago, I was still a ground chuck loyalist, but when my husband's cholesterol levels weren't as low as he expected, we eliminated beef from the meals we cook here at home. I'd been buying ground turkey and seasoning it like beef, but the recipe in Introducing Whole Foods Cooking included some ingredients I wouldn't have thought to add which gave it a much more vibrant, meaty flavor that just hinted at being tangy. Very easy but noticeable improvement. We layered the turkey with tortilla chips, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Our side was the fruit cole slaw, which allows for personal preference in the fruits you include. We went with a somewhat safe combination for our bunch here, apples, pineapple, and raisins. The dressing has a light, tangy-sweet flavor that went well with our choices and toned down the cabbage flavor. While the meat was a big hit with everyone, the cole slaw seemed to play better to the school age and above crowd at our table. Our youngest doesn't like too many flavors and textures combined and has to warm up to new combinations, so we'll see how he likes it when we make it later this week again.

The basic fruit shake is much like a homemade smoothy but a little richer tasting, I would say. So very easy to make and a healthy dessert to serve. Again, all but our youngest really liked it. I hate to admit that because it really is good, but sometimes these preschoolers just need a little time to get used to things. Sometimes they are just a little more set in their ways than we expect.

On Tuesday, we were especially busy as it was a field trip day, so I went with something that looked particularly easy, the tuna bunsteads and 4-vegetable stir fry. I am so glad I did, because it was both easy and delicious. The tuna bunstead recipe took maybe an hour to make, from the very beginning of prep till it was ready to serve. Forget what you know about those cans of tuna--this was good enough for a main dish and my husband remarked on how filling it was. It just doesn't get much easier than the 4-vegetable stir fry. I have to admit I have been in a rut with my cooking lately..... meat, a side vegetable, a bread, possibly dessert. The vegetables in this recipe just complement each other really well and, while I added no additional salt or pepper, this dish had such a vibrant flavor.

Like I said, tomorrow, I plan to try the country creole peas 'n corn with the oatmeal surprise and fresh apple topping.

So far, what would I say about this cookbook, Introducing Whole Foods Cooking? Here's the facts before my opinions. It's a softcover cookbook with a plastic protective sheet over the cover. Its features include:

• how we can use food and cooking to connect with others
• what scriptural applications can be demonstrated through the process of cooking and sharing food (While I have not found anything objectionable as I've read, I also know that only God's Word is infallible, so always test what you learn or read against what scripture says.)
• recipes that include main dishes, sides, breads, salads, and desserts
• information concerning shopping for whole foods
• nutritional information for each recipe as well as suggested menus for weight loss and maintenance
• explanations about foods we may not be familiar with as well as foods we are ignorant about but still may be using in our cooking
• an accompanying cd which includes photo instructions for each recipe as well as a semester curriculum and several Bible study components

This cookbook/cd set can be purchased for $17. Now, my impressions and opinions.

1. The nutritional helps and ingredient information alone are worth that much.
2. The curriculum is practically a steal and ties in Biblical study with learning to cook with whole foods.
3. The photo demostrations are what sets this apart for me. I need these as any cookbook can easily get the better of both my confidence and my skills.
4. As a mom and wife, I appreciate the Greggs' dedication to creating cookbooks with recipes that are nourishing and delicious and affordable. Like I said above, it cost me no more to buy the ingredients these recipes called for than it normally does to buy the same old same old.

Now, if you're just not sure you can afford $17 for a cookbook right now, here's a suggestion. Head over to the Sue Gregg website here. Choose a recipe to test, and read about their story here. Check out the cookbook previews they offer here.

I need to say this. If you just want recipes without a lot of helps and additional information, this is not for you. I have family members who would never look past the actual recipe pages, and that's fine, but that's not what this cookbook is all about. If you buy this cookbook, you are buying more than recipes for dishes. You get all sorts of extras, but you've got to take the time to read and to apply.

As I was telling my husband today, we've been eliminating things from our diet for several years, but I haven't been finding replacements at the same rate, so, to me, trying out these recipes is like a shot in the arm for my cooking skills. If you're needing your own booster or just a new idea, I encourage you to check out Sue Gregg's Introducing Whole Foods Cooking for Health and Hospitality. I'll let you know how the rest of our recipes go!

Learning with ebooks, Guardian Angel Publishing....

Guardian Angel Publishing. They offer books in ebook, cd, or print form. I chose The Sum of Our Parts: No Bones About It, Hamster Holidays: Noun and Adjective Adventures, Andy and Spirit Go to the Fair, Maybe We Are Flamingos, and Earthquake.

The Sum of Our Parts: No Bones About It

Our science curriculum this year is a journey through all the major body systems, so this one fit right in with our study of the skeletal system. It provided "factoids" and pictures of the major bones in the body accompanied by descriptive rhymes about each one. I printed this one off and used it in pieces, in our order of study, rather than in the order the pages were written. The ebook version is $5, which is appropriate, I think, but the cd and print versions are over $15 after shipping. This one is appropriate for all the elementary grades, and really all the way up, as the rhymes and illustrations could still be used in the high school grades to reinforce learning.

Hamster Holidays: Noun and Adjective Adventures

This one is takes the reader through the year with a bunch of hamsters, detailing their celebrations and highlighting the nouns and adjectives in different colors. I really like this one, as it makes grammar colorful and visual and entertaining as well. The author doesn't try to tackle more than the name implies, nouns and adjectives. After the story, there's a long section of lessons and activities, complete with keys, which reinforce learning and dig a little deeper into types of nouns, singular or plural, proper or common. With this one, we will only print the activities at the back, as it would take a lot of color ink to print the whole thing, but it's not a big deal to sit in front of the screen to read this in short portions throughout units on nouns and adjectives. And, at $5 for the ebook format, I think it's a good deal. I really like how it's color coded and doesn't try to teach more than young students can absorb about nouns and adjectives. The story and the learning objectives are on the same level, and I would say this is appropriate for preK-3. You can purchase this in cd and print form as well.

Andy and Spirit Go To the Fair

This is a book about a young man with disabilities who teams up with a horse who's a little different, too, to make a winning combination. Many of our children in the homeschooling community are involved in 4-H and county/state fair competitions, so they may feel that connection as they read and maybe even realize opportunities to reach out to others often considered different. This story deals with overcoming insecurity and bullying and the importance of seeing past differences. I think that for young readers, this one can give some insights into what it's like to deal with physical disabilities and still be a kid. This one is for upper elementary aged students as well the younger ones, too.

Maybe We Are Flamingos

Two young birds realize they're not like the older flamingos around them. Could they actually be something else? Where do they belong? In the end, not only do they get an answer, the reader gets a little lesson on flamingos as well. Younger (pre-K-3) readers will get so giggly at some of the pictures, but they'll also get the point.

Earthquake

This one was one of my favorites, as it contained several graphs, charts, and maps and really was the most informational of all the ones I've described here. The author, Susan Berger, describes what an earthquake is, what it can do, how it is measured, how long it lasts, and how to be prepared, in a way even younger students can understand. While many of the charts and graphs are more appropriate for an older reader, they provide quite a bit of background information parents and teachers will find interesting. There is a craft section as well, where directions are given for making pockets for emergency materials that can be kept within easy reach should an earthquake occur at night.

Okay, here's my take on all these. I think the ebooks are appropriately priced at $5. And I think many of us are getting more familiar and comfortable with the ebook format. What I like about this format is that I can pick and choose what I want to use and only print out that much, if I need to print it, that is. I personally would choose these over the cd or print versions, simply based on the price issue. And I can see $5 being a reasonable price for what you get. Most of the cd and print versions of the books above would run over $15 with shipping, and in today's world of internet-smart shopping and tight family budgets, that runs a little high, I think, for the level of books they offer.

Now, here's something that won't stretch those budgets. Guardian Angel Publishing also offers several freebies, including books and coloring sheets, which you can see and download here.

So, to learn more and make your own decisions, click here to visit the Guardian Angel Publishing site or here to read what other TOS Crew members have to say about these and other selections.

Check out these deals!

Okay, y'all, head over to Staples and get two packs of paper for $1 apiece after in store discounts and internet rebates. Even compared to Walmart prices, you're saving over $1.50 per pack. Speaking of Walmart, in the garden section of ours, I found a school supply clearance with unbelievable markdowns. I had to exercise some big time self-control as the bargain hunter in me wanted to go a little wild there. They also had lots of totes and containers marked way down in there, too. Oh, if you are thinking about the Sue Patrick WorkBox System, this would be a good time to get some supplies!

A Blessing In the Bread....

Okay, yesterday, I had a blessing I have to share because it sure made me think! I know most of you are like me and have noticed how weekly grocery items fluctuate in price, more often toward a higher amount these days. Well, yesterday, we were out of everything, I mean everything. After hitting several spots in town to get the deals I wanted, we pointed the van toward home. I was honestly feeling deflated by how much everything cost, just to feed my family. Then, I remembered that I forgot the bread. Ughhhhh.....the kids were tired, we were all hungry, and I had cold stuff in the van that needed to get home. So, I decided we could make a fast stop at the locally-owned grocery store on the way home, the kind you can still get in and out of in less than two minutes. Y'all, they just happened to have the kind of bread I like to get on sale! For over a dollar less than the other stores I'd been in! I'd say that my forgetfulness at the other stores was a blessing in actuality and a reminder that God always knows our needs and is looking out for us! May I daily be more and more aware of and thankful for the many blessings that come to me and mine!

A Science Magazine to Encourage and Uplift....Nature Friend (and its Study Guide, too!)

In a nutshell, Nature Friend is the Christian version of a kids' science magazine. In today's world, what is theory is pressed upon our children as indisputable fact, from museum exhibits to children's television programming to literature, so what a blessing to sit down with them with a publication that even says in its subscription information that it "upholds the principles of the inspired Word of God, high Christian family standards, Divine Creation (no evolution), and practical Christian stewardship of God's creation."

On all fronts, faith is being attacked these days. And the world of science is no exception. What is ironic is that this is one area that so naturally points to the existence and participation of a Creator. Nature Friend is one magazine that uses this connection to bolster belief with articles of how our Creator specially made and fit the world and its creatures.

Features include:

• vibrant photographs from nature of plant and animal life
• a "Learning by Doing" section to deepen student understanding through action
• articles that point out the handiwork of God in His creation
• language that elementary children can read and understand
• monthly features such as "You Can Draw", "Invisibles", and "WonderNose"
• a section for reader-submitted poetry and art in every issue
• reader-submitted articles
• a "Nature Trails" section in which readers describe or send in photos about what they're doing at certain points in the year

My class here and I like to take an issue out to the swing in our yard and read it cover to cover. We begin by stopping to find all the hidden objects in the "Invisibles" section and then move on to the various articles and features. They always get inspired by the artwork and poetry other readers have submitted and do their best to figure out the subject of "WonderNose" before it's revealed by the author. Their imagination is stretched and fueled by vivid language and photography that captures the designs on a turtle shell and the look in an owl's eye as he swoops toward his prey. By the time we finish an issue, we're more informed about and in awe of some aspect of the creation and more aware of its beauty and presence around us.

You can find out more about Nature Friend by clicking here to go to the website. There, you can find information about subscribing and subscriber testimonials. You can also see samples of some of Nature Friend's features. A one-year subscription is $36, and for two years, it's $68. They have a neat deal, that for every four subscriptions you buy, a fifth one is free, with the option that it can go to hospital children. Now, I understand and can totally identify with the notion that right now $36 is more than some families can afford for a magazine subscription. Just yesterday, I was shocked to discover our sandwich meat alone had jumped $1 in a week, just sandwich meat! Here's a suggestion--talk to the families in your homeschool group or coop and see if they'd like a subscription for the group library. Or go in together with one or two others families and share a subscription. Talk to your public library, too--what a blessing Nature Friend would be to the community! Also, until November 30, 2009, Nature Friend has a discount on new subscriptions. Use the code BLOG93 to save $3.00.

Nature Friend offers a supplementary Study Guide insert for each issue which is purchased separately. The Study Guide reinforces knowledge from the magazine articles through educational puzzles and activities and provides tips in photography and writing as well. It is an additional $2 per issue. It is optional and cannot be purchased without the magazine itself. Here's what I think here: Yes, this section is great, too, especially the segments on photography and nature writing, but if money is an issue, don't let the additional cost of the Study Guide keep you from purchasing the magazine. Perhaps later down the road you could add the Study Guide subscription.

In its 27th year of publication, Nature Friend continues to educate and encourage classes and families to see creation for what it really is--the amazing and intentional work of an awesome Creator! Check out what other TOS Crew members have to say here and head over to the Nature Friend site to learn more for yourself!

Some free finds....

Finally.... a Saturday with no big plans! While I have a few minutes to breathe before my bunch wakes up, I have been wanting to share some sites I've come across. I am all about getting a deal any time I can, and these are some good ones.

http://www.sciencea-z.com/scienceweb/freesample.do?campaign=sazlpmicro
You can get three free science units, one on animals, one on sound, and one on water. You can also sign up for newsletters and subscriptions.

http://www.earlychildhoodlinks.com/teachers/themeunitselementary.htm
I like how this site organizes its links by whether or not its free.

http://www.hummingbirded.com/download.htm
Found this one through the one just above on the free side. Lots of links for free printables, mainly literature-based, plus a hand-washing curriculum.

http://kids.aol.com/KOL/1/KOLJr
This is the aol site for younger kids, preschool and early elementary. We like the games on this one, particularly the math skills-related ones.

Oh, and I found a wonderful read this week--actually I rediscovered it on our library shelves. Little House In the Ozarks is a collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings throughout the first half of the 20th century, mainly short articles on a variety of topics pertaining to rural life and world events and how she processed it all together there in her Missouri farmhouse. A very encouraging read!

Anyway, I need to get my day going here, but I hope y'all find these helpful!

See the big picture with the Amazing Bible World History Timeline!

Okay, it's always neat to get a large, triangular package in the mail--more on that later. I was looking for the Amazing Bible World History Timeline to arrive, but it was way more than I expected. The size of a wall map, that's where we quickly found a place for it, and when I can't find my husband, that's where I look these days.

What is the Amazing Bible World History Timeline? It's a timeline in clock format of both Biblical events and overall world history, beginning with Adam and continuing through the present. Where did this timeline originate? Click here to read its background. While nothing other than God's Word, the Bible, is considered infallible, this is an excellent study and reference tool, connecting people and events in an ongoing account, rather than as the separate, independent entities of information we often perceive them as.

In a circular, color-coded format, one can view what was happening all over the world at a given century in world history, including information about significant inventions, leaders, revolutions, conflicts, and lineage, among a host of data. So often, we study and believe the Bible, but that knowledge exists in our heads separate from our knowledge of world history. This puts the two together, enhancing our perception of each.

What ages can use the timeline? While it's obviously above the reading levels of most young children, parents can use it as a tool in teaching, both their own kids and in church Bible classes for all ages. By upper elementary, with guidance, many students should be able to begin gleaning themselves from this chart. I remember lying in my grandfather's recliner studying old World Books at a young age, unable to comprehend everything but still learning a lot. So, while I can use this as a tool in the Old Testament overview curriculum we use with our kids, this is also something my parents and inlaws would love to receive as a gift.

Now, while this is a wonderful and incredibly useful tool, is it inspired? No. In fact, in the background on its sources, on the chart itself, it expresses the impossibility of being certain on all dates, and that users should consider all dates not "well-established" as "suggestive only". In fact, the last quarter of the clock design deals with the end times, which is a topic that no one can be definitive about, and there are references referring to Israel which reflect individual views. So, while the timeline can play a part in casting light on the interconnectedness of Biblical and overall world history and in understanding when events occurred in relation to people and other events, it should not be used as a infallible or solitary tool to determine or sway individual beliefs.

How much is it, and what do you get for your money? Well, one chart is $29.97, plus $6.00 s/h. However, they have a deal for 2 of them--$49.97 for two, still just $6 s/h. Along with the chart, which measures 37"x 45" and comes on glossy, sturdy paper, thicker than normal posterboard, you get free access to the following downloads:

• Interactive Maps of the Holy Land
• Genealogy of Jesus Christ
• a pdf of the Amazing Bible Timeline

You can check out the latest prices and order on their website by clicking here.

Okay, my husband pointed out an unexpected plus to getting the timeline. You know that triangular box I referred to in the introduction? Well, we have a little train nut around here, and when you cut the box into sections, it makes perfect tunnels for little tracks and trains!

Seriously, this is an amazing tool, very visual and and full of information. You can find out more about the Amazing Bible World History Timeline at their website here and in the reviews of other TOS Crew members here.

Nutrition 101: Choose Life, a curriculum to instill healthy habits....

As we teach our children, one of our primary goals is to make that learning relevant and to develop their ability to discern what is wise and good. We want to dig past the status quo, so they can be more and more equipped to live full, rich, purposeful lives. Nutrition 101: Choose Life , from Growing Healthy Homes, is a one-year science curriculum that takes these goals very seriously. This program engages the entire family in a study and ongoing dialogue about the systems of the body and how they are affected by nutritional habits. What a wonderful tool to have in a world full of unhealthy options and influences!

Nutrition 101: Choose Life is divided into six units covering the twelve main body systems, how they respond to nutritional practices, and how to eat in order for each to perform optimally. This study takes a human biology course past recalling facts and labelling diagrams to the level of application and synthesis. In each unit, the foods that bring health and vitality to each of the body systems and the potentially harmful ones are examined as well. The authors incorporate healthy food practices and opportunities to prepare various dishes into the curriculum. They provide a wealth of information and resources in the attached appendix section, as well, on topics that include:

• health statistics in the U.S.
• a food pyramid based on the nutritional guidelines of the curriculum
• sample menus
• shopping lists
• selecting fresh, healthy foods
• maintaining kitchen and home safety

.......... and much more!

I've shared in another post how nutrition became a serious issue to my husband and myself after the birth of our oldest child. With Nutrition 101: Choose Life , I am better equipped to give them a 30-year headstart on us! While from birth, they have been exposed to our attempts to purchase, grow, and prepare what is truly good for them, this curriculum provides a rhyme and reason that goes past mealtime discussions and grocery store aisle questions. Rather than catching random pieces of the puzzle, we all can learn in a systematic manner as a family, how our body works and how what we put into it matters to how it functions.

So, how am I using Nutrition 101: Choose Life? Not in its entirety this semester, as I had already chosen and put a lot of work into preparing a science curriculum, and I think it lends itself well to introducing aspects of the Nutrition 101 study without totally changing gears. Our curriculum is a study of the human body and its systems, so I am incorporating parts of the the Nutrition 101 program. For example, as we study the muscular system, I am including nutrional information and a cooking activity. Now, next semester, I do plan to follow up our present study with a more indepth use of Nutrition 101: Choose Life as our core science curriculum. This is a program that in the future, I think it would be wise to review and repeat, so that the kids catch information at different windows of understanding and ability. While I think it's best utilized in its entirety, that may not work with all families, and much can still be gained by breaking it up to fit your family's situation. It's an exceptional reference material for every family and every mom, with tons of nutritional information and helps. It's a curriculum that can be customized and added to, as well. Here's something that really works for me--every curriculum I print off goes in a binder. (Wow, you're saying by now..) I always add more, so I just stick my additions in as they would fit in the sequence of study. I end up with lots of depth and variety in our studies that way, and the binders become reference materials for later, more involved studies when the kids are older. I never get rid of curriculums like that, that contain so much reference information.

Any concerns about this curriculum? While beginning the book with a medical disclaimer, the authors do express their opinion on various issues, such as vaccination, which is a hot one right now. Just be wise and remember to research things for yourself. Overall, as a curriculum, this is a great one, full of information and activities.

What about price? The cd-rom of the curriculum is $79, while the book version is $99. You can get both for $129, which reflects a significant savings. You can check out these deals here, on their web site.

You can also view samples pages of the curriculum on their web site. Click here to go straight to that page. And below you will find a YouTube video of testimonials concerning Nutrition 101: Choose Life. Head on over to the TOS Crew blog for more reviews as well!

Go Back In Time With Jim Baumgardner's Sarah....

Okay, if you have kids of upper elementary or older age, if you enjoy historical or Christian fiction, or if you just need to be reminded of the enduring and powerful nature of hope, faith, and family, read Jim Baumgardner's Sarah's Wish. A real-life storyteller who lives along the Old Chisholm Trail, Mr. Baumgardner takes the reader back in time, through the story of twelve-year-old Sarah Smith, to experience the dark side of the period just before the Civil War, as well as the determination and kindness of those who opposed the enslavement of others.

Set primarily in Ohio, Sarah's Wish introduces the reader to Sarah and her dear friends, as they work to help her rebuild and continue her life and mission after a heartbreaking tragedy, in the midst of a pivotal time in our nation's history. Baumgardner does more than put facts to a story form--he gives this period in time voices and language and faces that even elementary aged students can relate to. As the main character, Sarah, struggles with how to pursue her family mission and remain true to her own convictions and her friends, the author frames a struggle inside all of us, regardless of our century, and opens a door for discussion in classrooms and homes.

I'll tell you, this one had me hooked from the beginning. From the first page, Sarah's Wish is full of imagery the reader can see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. Seriously, this is well written. And without turning into a history lesson, Mr. Baumgardner weaves historical fact and 19th century phrases with fictional characters and life experiences to make the history come alive. From slave huts to antebellum mansions to midwest farmhouses, readers find themselves alongside those on both sides of the struggle for freedom, experiencing both the fears and the laughter, the determination and the compassion. I love that the author allows the main character, a child, to truly do big things in the story, all the while in the care of adults who loved and guided her. Our kids (as well as their parents and teachers) need to know they can effect change and work toward their hopes and have convictions and be significant in the lives of others in their childhood years. And we adults can be encouraged by the actions and decisions of the adults who had care of Sarah and by the way Sarah grew in wisdom and faith throughout the plot.

In my opinion, this book is appropriate for upper elementary, third grade and above, for independent reading. The length is 123 pages, and the author has added some additional information concerning the life and language of the time in which it's set, in order to aid the younger readers. However, when read with a discerning adult who can offer explanations, I think younger students than what I specified above would love it, too. I do want to add that, while not being graphic in its portrayals, this book does not sugarcoat the realities of slavery or life in the 19th century either. Sarah's Wish would be an excellent book to add to a study of the pre-Civil War days or the Underground Railroad. I found nothing questionable (profanity, etc.) in this book, which is a huge plus, I would say.

Sarah's Wish, itself, is a wonderful addition to a family bookshelf, but Mr. Baumgardner offers even more! You can check out his website at http://www.sarahbooks.net/index.html and find all sorts of good stuff, including additional background information to aid readers, author info, and how to sign up for his Sarah's Web email newsletter. There's even a homeschool link (yea!).

What I appreciate the very most about Mr. Baumgardner and Sarah's Wish is the obvious commitment to faith in this work of historic fiction. Of course, our daily study of the Bible, God's Word, cannot be replaced by human stories and accounts, and we are told to "test everything" in 1 Thes. 5:21, but how I appreciate these authors who give us fiction that is meant to encourage us in our faith, who write by the standard of Philippians 4:8! You know, I almost typed that verse out, but, instead, look it up!

Now that I've read Sarah's Wish, I can't wait to find out what happens in Sarah's Promise and Sarah's Escape. You can read excerpts of all three here and order them here. Right now, he offers free shipping on all three. You can also purchase audio versions of both Sarah's Wish and Sarah's Promise. So, head on over to http://www.sarahbooks.net/index.html or to the TOS Crew Blog to find out more!

A New Angle to Study By With the STUDYPOD Book Holder....

Just about the size of a library book, the STUDYPOD Book Holder's dimensions are just one aspect of its convenient and useful nature. As its name implies, the STUDYPOD is a portable book holder that can accomodate books up to 2.25" in diameter. Designed by a teacher with the input of students, it is meant to fit easily into a backpack, to be taken out and used almost anywhere to hold books at a comfortable angle while students read and work.
I think most all of us remember trying to juggle the space and find the right angle on a conventional school desk to fit the books and papers we needed to complete our assignments. Remember that ache in your neck and back from hunching over our work area? Now, the scenario is somewhat different as students are working in front of screens as well. The STUDYPOD can help in both scenarios. As a tool to hold books upright, it not only allows students more room to work at a traditional desk, it also holds what is being read at a more comfortable angle for reading. Notice the differences in the two images below.




How does it work? Check out the YouTube video below which explains exactly how to set up and use the STUDYPOD BookHolder.


Okay, how is the STUDYPOD Book Holder useful for our family? Here are a few of the uses, other than the main one of personal book holder, I've discovered for here in our homeschool:

• as a music holder (our keyboard's music rack broke years ago)
• to hold books open at an angle both students can see as I teach
• to hold both papers or books at the computer as I work

What's the cost? Normally, one STUDYPOD Book Holder costs $19.95 on the website, while you can buy two or more at $16.95 apiece. As a special deal for readers of the Crew members' blogs, you can use the code TOSBLOG5 to save $5 on your online order. The STUDYPOD comes in black, blue, and pink. And you can check out their warranty here.

I just saw something neat on their website. They have information available about how to sell the STUDYPOD as a fundraiser and how to become a STUDYPOD affiliate. Sounds like an idea to check out.

So, if you are in need of a tool to help you make more efficient use of your school or study space, one that is sturdy, portable, and able to hold a variety of texts and papers, check out the STUDYPOD Book Holder at their website here or in the reviews of other Crew members here.