What about the Lobster Network?

As a member of the TOS Crew, I've had the opportunity to look at the Lobster Network online. This is a free online service that helps you get the word out to others of items you may have for sale or to let friends know of items you are willing to lend. It then has applications to help you track the items you have lent as well.

You can maintain an inventory of multiple items, along with photos and descriptions of your items. According to the Lobster Network site, they use industry standard security procedures as well, collect a minimum amount of personally identifying information, and do not collect your physical address. They are connected with Amazon Web Services, and we've all heard of and most of us have purchased items through Amazon.

Having said all that, I haven't actually bought, sold, borrowed, or lent anything through Lobster Network. I have explored the website, though. At this point, I don't have a need for this service, but I am not in any way criticizing it. I can see potential for our family's use of it, just not at this time. One thing I do want to point out about its search feature--you can filter your searches to include items up for sale, to be borrowed, wanted, or items for free.

I can see how this could be an appealing option for homeschoolers, since, for the most part, we're always on the lookout for good deals and often have items we could be a blessing to others with by sharing or passing on as a good deal.

As always, use wise internet safety tips, especially since this can concern personal belongings. There is a very helpful, informative video on the Lobster Network site that goes into more detail about how to set up an account and get the most out of what it has to offer. You can learn more at the Lobster Network home page or by clicking here to check out what other TOS Crew members have to say.

By the way, this is my last review as a member of the TOS Crew. I hope my reviews have been helpful to anyone who has read them. From this point on, I want to steer more in the direction I've wanted to go for a while but didn't have time, more into the nitty gritty of homeschooling, the resources we use, the freebies I find, the thoughts and strategies that bring success, and the issues that homeschooling families address as we go against the grain. I want to keep it positive and real. So, until the next post, I hope your days are full and blessed!

Looking at Ideal Curriculum's monthly kit.....

As a member of the TOS Crew, I was given the month 1 preschool kit from Ideal Curriculum. This is a set of lesson plans, printable books, workbooks, sequencing cards, and songs which all correspond to the theme for the month. There are nine months in all, and this one is month 1. In this case, the theme is transportation, so all the different components work around some aspect of transportation. Before I tell more about this, let me say I was somewhat skeptical until I really looked at the material. The cost is $30 for the download version, which is what I have, or $55 for the print version, with an extra $7.50 per additional child. After getting to know the materials, though, I believe this is a good product, one that would benefit the preschooler in a homeschool. I didn't see the fluff I've come to expect when I look at curriculum packages, but rather skills-targeting lessons and activities and printables which take on multiple avenues of learning. In fact, as you'll see on the ordering page of their site, you can actually save by ordering sets that contain multiple months.

For someone looking to buy a preschool curriculum, this one encompasses pre-reading skills, writing skills, math skills, science skills, and plenty of music and games, as well. The download version came with files of lesson plans, literacy assessments, student workbooks, and sequencing cards. The books have high quality illustrations and are both informative and age/level appropriate. The lesson plans are clearly and thoroughly written. I was very impressed with the student workbook, which had practice in areas that preschoolers actually need practice in, such as drawing straight and curved lines, concepts of print, and listening. And the music files contain songs that are both educational and entertaining for that preschool age, reinforcing skills across the curriculum spectrum. The songs are simple, but reinforce as well as foster the use of the kids' imaginations.

Especially for someone new to the idea of homeschooling or someone who just isn't sure where to start, Ideal Curriculum provides the bulk of what you need to get off to a great start in the next school year. And considering what you get, I think this downloadable version is a good value, too. To learn more, go to the Ideal Curriculum website. You can also find out more about this product by checking out what other members of the TOS Crew have to say. In fact, in the month of May, Ideal Curriculum is offering TOS Homeschool Crew followers a 10% discount on their first purchase. Be sure to use the code welovekids .