Knowledge Quest: Upper Level Homeschool

Mel's Thoughts:
From the creators of the Homeschooling ABCs course, comes Upper Level Homeschooling, a course for homeschooling parents to take, in order to help them learn how to give their older children/teens the best education possible.  All together there are thirteen lessons, scheduled to be delivered to your inbox once every week over the course of thirteen weeks.  That way the information can be given in smaller, more manageable chunks, and you, as a parent, can process the information over time.  Sometimes your course, or lesson, even comes with free homeschooling resources, which can be quite helpful, such as worksheets, hyperlinks, or samples of curriculum.  There is an assignment for you at the end of each lesson, so that you can apply what you have learned to your style and form of homeschooling. 


Lesson 1: Mapping a 4 Year Course of Study- This lesson focuses on helping you to find your state's requirements for earning a diploma.  What courses will your child have to take in order to graduate?  Terri Johnson shows you how to map out your teen's plan of education for all four years.  With a simple chart, figuring in your child's interests and needs, you can tentatively plan out the courses your child will take in simple form.  The key is to be flexible with the chart, as your child may not feel comfortable with certain courses until a later time, or one subject may not be available.  Terri also lists some courses that make great electives.  This is a simple process, yet one that is so vital to not only your child's education, but your peace of mind.


Lesson 2: Designing a Course for High School Credit- This lesson teaches you how to award credit to your child, based on three different ways: the time method, the book method, and the mastery method.  Each method is described in detail with examples and links for extra help.  The lesson goes on to teach you how to design your child's course of study, so that you can know which method/s you are using to grant your child due credit for the courses he is taking.  Umbrella school links are listed, so that if you don't feel comfortable keeping track of the credits by yourself, you can check them out to see what they offer.  One thing I didn't agree with was the statement that we don't have to keep track of hours or keep a log of time spent on each subject.  In Missouri, we do have to keep a time log; it is mandatory by law.  Otherwise, this lesson is so very informative and helpful to understanding how those credits on your child's transcript work.


Lesson 3: Outsourcing Difficult Subjects- This lesson helps you to see what outsourcing is and how you can go about finding out more information for your student.  Maybe there are a couple of subjects you don't exactly feel comfortable teaching, or maybe you feel your child might benefit from taking a class with others.  Either way, online or local classes might be a way to go for these specific subjects.  Terri gives several links and much advice on determining which classes you will teach and which you might give over to someone else to teach. 


Lesson 4: Starting and Maintaining a Transcript- This lesson covers record-keeping and transcripts, with the advice of Janice Campbell from Everyday Education.  Janice gives 5 steps toward simpler ways to keep your records and transcripts organized, filled in, and prepared, even giving advice on how to figure up the grades and grade point averages.  She even includes A Four-Year Plan for High School.  There's also a blank transcript form included that you can try out for yourself.


Lesson 5:  Developing Good Study Habits- This lesson is just jam packed with useful information; meant to help the parent teach their teens how to study and manage time, I feel I learned a lot myself.  Terri covers three basic topics: Ordered Use of Space, Efficient Use of Time, and Deliberate Use of Brain.  I plan to read the two books that she mentioned as resources myself, in order to help me balance out my time better, as a work at home mom.  I also plan to start using some of the nutritional and organizing tidbits with Jacob now; that way when he gets to his teen years, maybe he'll have just a bit of a headstart.  I can't say enough good things about this lesson.


Lesson 6: Preparing for Aptitude Tests- SAT/ACT- This lesson focuses on preparing for the aptitude tests your child might need, in order to get into college.  Terri takes you through details of the PSAT, the SAT I Reasoning Test, the SAT II Subject Tests, and the ACT Exam.  She explains what is included on each test, how each test is scored, and lists resources you might get to help your child study for the tests.  There are even suggestions on when to schedule and take the tests.  This is a very helpful section for parents of juniors/seniors, especially.


Lesson 7: Tackling the Timed Essay- This lesson is written by a guest writer, Kim Kautzer, of WriteShop.  If you are nervous about the timed essay writing on the SAT, or you are just nervous about teaching your child writing, in general, I definitely recommend this lesson.  Kim takes you through the ins and outs of writing an essay and discusses how a student should go about this important task.  With pointers and examples, you can feel a bit more confident in teaching your child how to write and preparing him for college writing.


Lesson 8: Taking Courses for Dual Credit- This lesson focuses on the advantages, disadvantages, and options that may come with your student taking courses, for dual credit, at a local junior or community college.  It gives you more of an idea of how this might work and where to get more information, so that you and your child can be more prepared.


Lesson 9: CLEP Testing for College Credit- This lesson focuses on CLEP tests and AP Tests, the differences between them, the advantages of both, and the disadvantages of both.  It helps you to gain a better understanding of how your teen can get ahead before he ever enters the college realm.  This was a very interesting chapter to me, since it provided many links and resources for extra research and help.  I'm very interested in this for my children when they eventually get to the age when they're considering colleges.


Lesson 10: Planning and Preparing for College- This lesson is written by JoJo Tabares, and she gives all kinds of hints, tips, and ways to get your child ready for college.  She even suggests that you begin the process back in 7th or 8th grade.  This is a lesson not to be missed by any homeschooler/homeschooling parent, as it could help you to prepare your child for future college success.


Lesson 11: Applying for Financial Aid- This lesson is jam packed full of great information on all the types of financial aid.  It covers the differences between scholarships, grants, and student loans.  I did find that it concentrated mostly on scholarships, though.  It gives resources that your student can use to find scholarships, and Terri has also provided forms that can be used to make the hunt more efficient, such as the Scholarship Worksheet, the Scholarship Resume, and the Scholarship Tracking Tool.  This is something I wish I had access to back when I was entering college, but something I look forward to using some day with my own boys.


Lesson 12: Financial Literacy for Teens- Wow, this lesson by far has been my favorite lesson!  I learned so much from reading Terri's insight on teaching your teens how to be financially responsible.  She shares 5 steps in teaching your kids how to "play it smart" with their money: 1) Avoid Debt Like the Plague; 2) Determine a Budget and Live Within It; 3) Invest Wisely; 4) Reduce Your Taxes Legally; and 5) Give Generously.  She expounds on each point and really offers wisdom in this particular subject.  I am going to try putting some of her tips to the test in my own family's life.  Not only that, but she provides links to websites and resources, even giving you the downlow on a discount for Dave Ramsey's resources.  You will enjoy this lesson; I know I did.


Lesson 13: Launching for Success- This last lesson focuses on helping you to discern ways in which you can launch your children successfully into the world.  Terri touches on five points: 1) Dedicated follower of Christ; 2) Successful in relationships/people skills; 3) Successful in their business/employment; 4) Successful money management skills; 5) Successful parents/leaving a legacy.  With Scripture and examples from her own life, she weaves a plan to hopefully encourage you in your parenting life with teens.  She also gives a few resources/websites at the end of the lesson to give you more information.


Personally, I will never regret having the opportunity to take this course.  It has been phenomenal and has opened my eyes to so many things, as well as encouraged my heart as a homeschooling parent of young children.  If you are interested in pursuing this course, you can take a FREE 5-day mini course to help acquaint you with the material: "5 Keys to Successfully Homeschooling Your Teen Through High School."  I especially recommend this Upper Level Homeschool course for those looking to homeschool through high school.  The full course itself is $45.00 and is spread out over 13 weeks with weekly assignments.   


Melissa J's Thoughts
I honestly, was not expecting such a comprehensive series when I first began reviewing it. I thought it would contain common sense information with maybe, a few things I didn't know, but overall, didn't think it would teach me all that much.


Wow, was I wrong! I learned alot through this series and will be taking that information with me into the high school homeschooling years as a mom! From the first lesson on, I knew this was a series that any homeschooling parent needs to get their hands on - - even if they are homeschooling veterans. There are just so many helpful links and resources, that alone would make it worth the price!


I really like how the series is spread out over a 13 week period. It would be way too much information at one time if it came all at once in one e-book. But over a 13 week spread, the parent reading it can follow up on what they read and not be overwhelmed.

A brief overview of the entire series is as follows:


Lesson 1: Mapping a 4 year course of study. This helps parents lay out a general plan for what their high school student needs, as well as gives them a checklist to go through as they lay out this plan.


There are also several worksheets made available in this particular lesson, such as a Reading List, Activity List, 1st and 2nd Semester Schedule chart, Assignments with due date, Transcriptions, grades, credits, and test scores, and a College Prep Check list. An "extra" is a PDF file entitled "Helping Teens Find Godly Gifts that Last a Lifetime".


Lesson 2: Designing a Course for High School Credit. This lesson defines what a high school credit is and lists the requirements for what is needed to obtain one. Because high school carries so much weight for college admittance, this is a crucial concept for parents and students to grasp and follow through on.


Lesson 3: Outsourcing Difficult Subjects. This discusses the fact that some subjects are just difficult for some families to finish on their own, as well as provides great links and resources for this subject.


Lesson 4: Starting and maintaining a manuscript. Five clear cut steps are given for parents to follow through on, regarding manuscript record keeping. Also, this particular lessons spends some time discussing just what records to keep as well as a link for a great resource for transcripts.


Lesson 5: Although the entire series is amazing, I think this is the fulcrum that the entire series centers around. No amount of parental preparation is going to bring any benefit if the student can't pass high school! Developing Good Study Habits brings out such topics as the ordered use of space, efficient use of time, and deliberately using one's brain. This will help the parent, help the student, be the best they can be.


Lesson 6: Remember your ACT's or SAT's? I do! They stressed me out. In Preparing for Aptitude Tests, PSA's, SAT I, SAT II, and ACT's are all discussed and distinguished between, so as to eliminate some of the confusion surrounding them.


Lesson 7: Timed Essay Prep for SAT and ACT, written by Kim Kautor or Write Shop. There is so much information in this lesson, that it'd probably make great lesson for a week or two, for your high schooler! It talks about what an essay really is and the art of essay writing. From teaching how to plan content and organization to mechanics to timing, this is a comprehensive plan for teaching your high schooler how to conquer the dreaded timed essay section of their aptitude tests.

Lesson 8: Taking Courses for Dual Credit opened up a whole new world to me. I sure wish I ahd known about this option when I was in high school. :( It explains what dual credit is and how to join up with a local college in order to get them. It also draws out the pros and cons of doing this by taking college classes.


Lesson 9: For those, who make a decision based on the cons of pursuing dual credits from a college campus, this lesson focuses on a second alternative to obtaining those dual credits by addressing CLEP tests. These are tests a student can take to challenge out of early level college classes and earn credit at the same time.


Lesson 10: College Application Process. Parents are going to be grateful for the simplified, explanatory process this lesson brings to them and their student.


Lesson 11: Financial Aid. This lesson to, helps make sense of what often confuses and frustrates students and their parents. With a delineation of the difference between loans, scholarships, work study programs, and grants, this lesson also gives a comprehensive plan of action to follow for obtaining financial aid.


Lesson 12: Financial Literacy for Teens. What a refreshing lesson to see! This addresses budgeting, debt, investing, taxes, and even giving, all in order to help students learn the art of financial responsibility before leaving home.


Lesson 13: Launching for Success. As much as we hate it sometimes, our job is to push our little ones out the door at some point. This lesson prepares us for that by talking about launching our children, as well as defining what success is from a Christian perspective.

(Disclosure: We were provided this course, free of charge, by Terri Johnson of Knowledge Quest.)

TOS Crew: Maestro Classics: The Tortoise and the Hare

(Mel participated in this review with the TOS Homeschool Crew.)

Reviewing with the TOS Crew has been such a blessing, as we've been able to review a variety of items.  This time, it was no different. 

We were able to review Maestro Classics: The Tortoise and the Hare. This review brought back many memories from my childhood.  I remember having a record similar to this story that I used to listen to (I think it was Peter and the Wolf), and I loved it. 

This product came in CD form, which came in a nice, sturdy, fold-out case with a little program book.  Your child can not only listen to the story and the music, but he can learn about music right along with the CD.  The music on the CD is conducted by Stephen Simon.  Music, throughout the story, is from the London Philharmonic Orchestra.  The story adaptation is by Bonnie Ward Simon, and the CD is narrated by Yadu.  As the child listens to the CD, he'll learn how to listen to music, how music goes up and down, fast or slow, etc.  He'll also learn about the composer and the story at hand.  As the child looks through the booklet, he'll learn about the orchestra and instruments played in an orchestra, and he'll learn some basic music education, such as whole notes vs. half notes, time signatures, etc.  There's even an informational section on turtles, tortoises, hares, and rabbits.  He can follow along with the music to the song Pretzel Vendor of Paris.  There are some other small activities for him to do.  This might make for a good unit study that is smaller, yet great for a change of pace.

I like the way that the narrator and the music go hand in hand to tell the story together on the CD.  The narrator does a fantastic job dramatizing the story just a bit through different voices, accents, etc. The music helps you to feel the actions and workings of the story; it helps the child to get even more involved in the story and to feel the story.  Here is a listing of what is on the CD:

• The Tortoise and the Hare: London Philharmonic Orchestra; Stephen Simon, conductor, Yadu, narrator (20:43)
• About the Story: Bonnie Ward Simon (02:49)
• Pretzel Vendor of Paris Song: Maestro Classics Dixieland Band (02:06)
• About the Music: Stephen Simon, composer and conductor (04:49)
• Now That You Know a Little More...: The Tortoise and the Hare (20:43)
• Want to Have Some Fun?  Prepare to Perform: Bonnie Ward Simon (00:35)
• Pretzel Vendor of Paris Sing-Along: Accompaniment Only (02:06)

I can tell you that this is a CD that we will, no doubt, listen to over and over again.  You can purchase this CD for $16.98 from Maestro Classics.  They also have other titles available, such as Peter and the Wolf, The Story of Swan Lake, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, etc.  You can even purchase 3 CDs for $45 by entering the coupon code MAESTRO45 at checkout.

You can read more reviews on the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.

(Disclosure: I was provided this product, free of charge, by Maestro Classics, in association with the TOS Homeschool Crew.)

Timberdoodle: BrainBox & Hot Rocketz (Coupon Code)

Mel's Thoughts:
Timberdoodle, home of all things educational, including homeschool curriculum and educational games and toys, has sent us two more great products to review.  This time they sent us the BrainBox and a Hot Rocket.  Let's start with the wonderful BrainBox.

BrainBox is a sort of trivia game based on short-term memory and good observational skills.  It's a great way to help your child develop his learning skills.  BrainBox comes in several different varieties, including My First BrainBox, BrainBox World, BrainBox USA, BrainBox US Presidents, and BrainBox Animals.  We chose to receive BrainBox USA.  The box that the game is stored in is just a gift size, square box with a slip-off lid.  The whole box is very sturdy, so that makes for great storage if your kids are a little rougher on things, as I know my boys can be.  When we opened up our box, in one compartment was an hour glass, as well as a diamond shaped dice.  Then in a separate compartment, we had all our game cards, all 55 of them, including 10 questions on each card, totaling 550 geography facts you and your child can learn together. 

Here's how you play.  Your child picks a card and has 10 seconds to look at the picture side of the card and try to memorize the facts he observes.  When his time is up, he hands the card to you or to another player, and he rolls his dice.  The number he gets on the dice is the number of the question you or the other player has to ask him.  If he gets the question correct, he gets to keep the card; if not, then the card goes back in the box.  Then it's the next person's turn.  Whoever has the most cards at the end of the game wins. This game can be played with 1 or more players, and it's meant for ages 8 and up.  All of the cards in our box correspond to a specific state or U.S. territory.  This is going to be a great learning tool not only for school, but for us to get to know more about our country.  I say "us" because I think with homeschooling, I have learned so much right alongside Jacob, things I never knew or had forgotten.  It's so amazing and exhilarating to learn and learn some more.  You can order BrainBox for $17.00 from Timberdoodle, which to me, is a very good price, for something that is going to last a very long time and provide much learning experience that is both educational and lots of fun.

Now the other thing we received from Timberdoodle was Hot Rocketz.  Now this toy is a winner with Jacob; I haven't tried it with Jaden yet....I'm not sure how he'd do with the bungee.  This can be an inside or outside toy, and it's made out of foam, so it floats, meaning it'd be fun at the pool too.  It's a very simple design.  It is shaped like a rocket and has a red bungee cord inside with a handle on the outside; you grab the handle and pull, letting go as you watch the rocket launch through the room.  These babies have been known to soar 100 feet.  Although we haven't gotten ours 10 feet yet, I'm sure we will, as Jacob is having a lot of fun figuring out how to make it go farther.  Hot Rocketz are for ages 4 and up.  You can get Hot Rocketz for $1.95 from Timberdoodle.    

Timberdoodle has graciously offered to give our readers a coupon code for a free Hot Rocketz with any order placed by Monday, December 21, 2009.  When you place your order with Timberdoodle, just add the Hot Rocketz to your order, and insert this coupon code- mfreerocket - at checkout.  With Christmas coming up, BrainBox would make an excellent present, and Hot Rocketz an excellent stocking stuffer, at least, in my opinion.

Melissa J.'s Thoughts:

Timberdoodle Review from mama buzz on Vimeo.

(Disclosure: We were provided BrainBox and Hot Rocketz, free of charge, by Timberdoodle, in association with MamaBuzz.)

* Hands of a Child *

Melissa J's Thoughts:

Because I'm a bit housebound without a car, I was unable to go and buy the supplies necessary for the entire 12 Days of Christmas Fun project pack, written and compiled in a neat e-book by Hands of a Child. *insert sad face* I just recently discovered lap booking, and even though I have a pre-schooler, have quickly developed an addiction. Ok, "addiction" may be too strong of a word, but I certainly enjoy putting them together!


After beginning with an introductory explanation of what a Project Pack is and how to adapt your project to fit your child's needs, 12 Days then provides the list for everything that will be needed to complete this pack over the 12 days of Christmas (beginning on Christmas Day and ending on Epiphany).


Each day then has an activity that your child can complete.
Day 1: Create a bird out of paper and craft supplies
Day 2: Create two Turtle Doves with paper and craft supplies.
Day 3: Create Three French Hens
Day 4: Create Four Calling Birds
Day 5: Create Five Golden Rings
Day 6: Create Six Geese-a-laying
Day 7: Create Seven Swans-a-swimming
Day 8: Create Eight Maids-a-milking
Day 9: Create Nine Ladies Dancing
Day 10: Create Ten Lords-a-leaping
Day 11: Create Eleven Pipers Piping
Day 12: Create Twelve Drummers Drumming


     These all go together to form a lapbook at the end of the completed time period, colorful and fun!


    Each activity has some additional activities and sometimes accompanying songs to listen to and at the end of the book, recommended reading books are listed.


     For those afraid they are going to have to design and do artwork for each day's activites, they can breath a sigh of relief. Templates and specific instructions are included in this e-book. Everything that is needed, minus craft supplies, is included in this package.


   Is it worth $20.00? For those that love to lapbook but aren't creative, yes. For those that are resourceful, all on their own, then $20.00 may seem to steep of a price for this e-book. 

Mel's Thoughts:
Hands of a Child is a company that was started by two homeschooling moms who were tired of constantly searching for the right supplies and images necessary for lapbooking.  They now have over 200 project packs, as well as lapbook supplies, craft supplies, membership programs, etc.  They are continually adding new project packs as time goes on. 


Project packs contain activities and lesson plans pertaining to a certain subject.  For example, they might have a project pack on butterflies.  Your child could do a unit study on butterflies with that project pack.  We received the 12 Days of Christms Fun Project Pack.  This particular pack is meant for the 12 days of  Christmas beginning Christmas Day, or it can be done anytime really, even in the 12 days leading up to Christmas.  It is meant for grades Pre-K-1st grade.  The pack contains projects for each day, lists of supplies needed, instructions on how to do our project pack, or lapbook, and put it all together, tips on teaching the lessons, etc.  This particular pack doesn't really contain full lessons, since it's meant for doing Christmas projects with your children.  I did find the supply list that came in the beginning of the pack quite helpful; it lists the supplies needed by day.  Most of the supplies are relatively inexpensive, and some might even be found around the house, which makes it even better.  All of the reproducible images for each day's projects are found towards the back of the pack.  

Some of the projects included in this pack are as follows:

• Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
• Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
• Day 3: Three French Hens
• Day 4: Four Calling Birds

....and so on; each project fits the song The Twelve Days of Christmas with activities and craft ideas for each day.  By the end of this pack, your child should have created at least one lapbook.  The pack offers pictures of what your lapbook might look like, but ultimately it's up to you and your child, based on his creativity and what he has learned or what he likes/dislikes.  The boys and I actually started on Day 1's project, A Partridge in a Pear Tree, and here is what they made (Hint: They're supposed to be partridge birds....)  :)

Jaden even got in on this project, since it actually fit his age and wasn't really too hard for him, with a little bit of help.  We had to improvise with some of the supplies, but overall, they had fun with it, which is what matters....

At the end of the pack are recommended Christmas books that your family might enjoy together while working on this project pack.  I love how Biblical concepts/Scripture are weaved throughout the projects.  This pack would definitely inspire creativity.  It's great for tactile stimulation and learning coordination/fine motor skills, as the child gets to cut, glue, write, draw, color, put together his lapbooks, etc.  It's about learning by doing, which definitely fits kinesthetic learners. 

The 12 Days of Christmas Fun Project Pack is available in several forms: E-book, printed, CD, Printed/CD Combo or Kit Pack.  Prices range from $12.00-$27.00.  We received the E-book, which is $20.  I probably would not pay that much, although with all of the materials it contains, it is probably worth that price.  We are just starting to get into lapbooking, though.  If your children can't get enough of lapbooks, then Hands of a Child will most likely be a goldmine of information and help to you.

(Disclosure: We were provided this product, free of charge, by Hands of a Child, in association with MamaBuzz.)

TOS Crew: Tektoma

Mel participated in this review with the TOS Homeschool Crew.

Tektoma is a program that is honestly right up Jacob's alley.  It's a game programming site for kids (ages 7-17), a site on which they can create their own games.  The site was started in 2009 by Tom Marx and Matilda O'Connor, owners of Bits, Bytes and Bots Computer Adventures.  They realized that they wanted to make more programs available for the kids when they went home from camp, so the site came into being as a result. 

With Tektoma, any child can create their very own games.  They have several different tutorials, including the following:

• How to Make a Racing Game
• How to Make an Arcade Game
• How to Make a Memory Game
• How to Make a Platform Game
• How to Make a Fantasy Adventure Game
• Using Tiles to Build a Racetrack
• Using Tiles to Improve the Looks of a Platform Game
• How to Create and Use Custom Icons
• How to Create a Standalone Version of a Game
• How to Make Your Game Play in Full Screen Mode
• Adding an Inventory System to Your Game

The tutorials range from beginner to intermediate to advanced.  Each tutorial walks your child through the process of making his/her own game.  There are new programs added to the site monthly, as well.  Each tutorial requires you to download and install Gamemaker Software and the Gamemaker Resource Pack.  Windows XP or Windows Vista are also necessary. 

So, how would Tektoma be good for your child?  Well, it would not only increase the technical expertise of your child, it would give him/her something he can do solely for his own satisfaction, using his own creative talents.  I know my son loves video games, but he is very limited on playing time....with this, he can create his own games, giving him even more knowledge of how his games actually work.  It would give him a sense of accomplishment in knowing that he created his own game or games.  It would also give him more knowledge of computer use, in that he'd do everything solely on the computer.  Not only that, but after he has created his game, if approved, he could share that game with others.  That, to me, is a really cool application of this program because it allows Jacob to see what others have made, as well as share what he has made.  They can learn from each other.  The forums are also available to users for questions and interaction.  Everything is moderated, so it is safe.

You can get a free 14-day trial of Tektoma, and you can also earn free membership time by referring your friends.  When they become paid members, you get 15 days free, and there is no limit as to how many times you can take advantage of this great deal.  Tektoma regularly costs $14.95 per month or $140 per year. 

To read more reviews, visit the TOS Homeschool Blog.

(I was provided a 3-month subscription, free of charge, by Tektoma, in association with the TOS Homeschool Crew.)

TOS Crew: All About Spelling

Mel participated in this review with the TOS Homeschool Crew.

At the end of last year, in our homeschooling endeavors, I decided it was time for a change in curriculum....it was time for a slight change of pace in the way I was teaching Jacob and in the way he was learning.  We switched over to a more classical way of education.  This included switching our spelling program.  We've been using All About Spelling this year, and I have to say, I'm so excited about this program.  It's been absolutely wonderful so far.  We are still in Level 2, but I received Levels 3 and 4 to review for the Crew. 

All About Spelling is the multisensory program for spelling success.  The program works with a variety of learning styles.  Jacob can visually see the letters on the board, he can exercise auditory skills when he sounds out each word, or pronounces it for spelling, and he can kinesthetically learn as well, as he spells each word with the letter magnets and then writes each word down.  The program proceeds in a logical, well-thought out manner, giving Jacob review at the beginning of each lesson.  For example, I usually have him practice putting all his letter magnets in alphabetical order at the beginning of each lesson, and then we also review certain phonogram, sound, key, and word cards that we feel he hasn't quite mastered yet.  There are certain lessons throughout the book, in which he reviews past concepts thoroughly.  Here is a video to help you learn more about this program.

Before I tell you how the program works, there are certain materials that are necessary for you to have.  Each level comes as a packet with a Teacher's Manual; four sets of flashcards (including phonogram cards, sound cards, key cards, and word cards); index card dividers; a progress chart and completion certificate; etc.  Levels 3 and 4 also come with extras, including a Syllable Division Rules Chart, Word Banks, a Homophones List, etc. When I first ordered from All About Spelling, I ordered the Levels 1 and 2 Teacher's Manual and Student Packets, as well as the Letter Tiles.  They also have magnets for your Letter Tiles and a Phonogram CD-ROM, but I already had magnets on hand, and I was fairly confident that I could do this without having the CD-ROM, after reading a review that a friend had written.  (By the way, reading reviews on any kind of homeschooling product you're about to order is the best way to learn more about it and if it might be right for your family.)  They also have a Beehive Reader and the All About Homophones book and e-book available; I did order the All About Homophones book, and I use it as a supplement on days when we just need a change of pace.  Jacob really enjoys doing the worksheets and games in that book.

The beginning of each Teacher's Manual starts out with a warm up lesson, in order to review concepts from the previously taught levels.  There are currently 6 levels in All About Spelling, and they are not based on grade, but on mastery.  Jacob and I spent the first part of this new school year using Level 1, because I wanted him to have review and make sure he understood the concepts that All About Spelling teaches, since before we had used a spelling program based solely on phonetic sounds and word list drills/tests for mastery.

Level 3 and Level 4 proceed in the same manner as the previously taught levels.  In Level 3, each lesson starts out with Review and Word Analysis.  Jacob has to take a word and analyze the sounds and structure of that word.  Then the lesson proceeds to the new concepts he is learning that day.  Level 4 actually starts out with review and then proceeds to new teaching right away in each lesson.  He will also learn new spelling strategies and how to analyze and spell words that don't fit in with the regular phonics rules.  Keep in mind that each lesson in the Teacher's Manual is scripted for you, so there is hardly any prep time, besides getting out the letter tiles and cards you will need for that particular lesson.  As the lesson moves on, Jacob may be introduced to new phonogram, sound, or key cards, which we practice over.  Jacob usually has to spell each word with his letter tiles, sounding out each sound as he brings each letter tile into place, then saying the word when he is finished.  Reinforcement is given, as he spells the words on paper, spells some words orally, and then writes phrases or sentences that are dictated to him.  Level 3 starts a new section called Writing Station, in which he has a particular set of spelling words, and he has to write original sentences using those words.  With Level 1, the work was pretty easy and pretty much a review for Jacob, so we were able to complete a lesson each day, but as the lessons go on, there might be days where we break the lessons up between days, in order to learn more difficult concepts, and that is totally fine.  This program is bent toward mastery of the concepts and not just drilling a list of spelling words.   

The program is working wonderfully for us.  Buying the first 2 programs was a bit heavy on our budget, since each Teacher's Manual and Student Materials Packet costs $29.95-$39.95.  That cost does not include the Letter Tiles or other extra materials; but since you only have to buy one set of Letter Tiles in the beginning, it really is a good deal, in my opinion.  I firmly believe the program is worth the cost, too.  Jacob is thriving with it, and honestly, it could probably be used to supplement a phonics course for children just beginning to read. Each book is also re-usable, since the student isn't writing in the books, so the whole program can be used for other children down the road; this is so important for a lot of families, since they don't want to have to purchase the program for multiple children.  As a homeschooling Mama, the only drawback I had was cutting out all of the flashcards, although my first set came perforated, so that made it easier.  It just takes a little time in the beginning to set up your index card box, though, and you're off and running.  The book shows you how to set up your letter tiles, so that you are ready to concentrate on teaching, not just getting a bunch of materials ready.  Overall, I give this program a definite two thumbs up.

To read more reviews about this program, visit the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.

(Disclosure: I was provided with this Levels 3 and 4 of this program by All About Spelling, in association with the TOS Homeschool Crew.)    

Tos Crew: Mathletics

Mel participated in this review with the TOS Homeschool Crew.

Anyone who reads my blog knows that math has been a struggle for me and Jacob.  Up until lately, it was hard to teach it, and it was even harder to watch Jacob struggle so much with it.  What has happened in the last month and a half, though, still amazes me.  I've watched him start to actually "get" the concepts; it's as if a light bulb has turned on, and he is just grasping every concept; his addition and subtraction skills have considerably improved.  Best of all, he is loving math.  I actually don't mind it anymore either.  I know that Mathletics has played a huge part in our success over the recent month and a half.

Mathletics, from 3P Learning, is an online math program that works through arithmetic skills with your child by incorporating several activities, including live activities with other kids from all over the world.  Right now Jacob is in Level 2, and he has four sections to choose from:

• Modeling Numbers- which includes Count Forward Patterns; Count Backward Patterns; Count by Twos; Count by Tens; Count by Fives; Make Big Numbers Count; Model Numbers; Compare Numbers to 100; Test.
• Addition and Subtraction- which includes Basic Fact Families; Add Two 2-Digit Numbers; Add Numbers: Regroup a Ten; Subtract Numbers; Subtract Numbers: Regroup; Add and Subtract Using Graphs; Test.
• Measurement and Money- which includes Five Minute Times; Count More Money; Inches, Feet, Yards; Ounces and Pounds; Cups, Pints, Quarts, Gallons; Test.
• Geometry, Fractions, Mult/Div- which includes Relate Shapes and Solids; Symmetry; Model Fractions; Groups of Three; Groups of Four; Groups of Five; Divide Into Equal Groups; Test.

I have noticed that the activities even use online manipulatives, like the ones found in Jacob's math books, such as base ten blocks, etc.  Jacob uses both the mouse and the keyboard to work all of the math actitivities. How the system works is that Jacob can go into any activity, and he can score more points for every correct answer, correct bonus level, or full curriculum that he gets correct.  His points can add up to 1000 for the week, and if he reaches that point, he gets a certificate.  There is a little rocket ship over in the sidebar that he can watch go up every time he earns more points.  He gets excited about making that go up.

My favorite part of the Mathletics has been his ability to play live with other kids from around the world.  Once you hit Play Live Mathletics, you enter a screen in which you can choose to play other kids, or you can play against the computer.  He's only played against the computer once.  When he plays other kids, he can see where in the world they are from and what school.  He's played against kids in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, etc.  When he plays against them, it's almost like a speed drill.  There is a time clock in the upper right hand corner, and as it counts down, they are given addition or subtraction problems to answer.  For every correct answer, his bar moves to the right, and he can watch his bar moving compared to the other players' bars at the same time in the player graph.  It's almost like a race to see who can get to the end first.  He loves it!  He also loves the fact that he has his own avatar that he was able to create, so when he plays, other kids can see his avatar, and he can see theirs, which really just helps it to feel more personal.

There is also a games section on the Mathletics, where he can have a little bit more fun.  There is a Concept Search, as well, in which you can search for different math concepts in what looks like an online, illustrated dictionary.  If he doesn't understand what something means, we can just go look it up.

How I've used the Mathletics with Jacob is that we normally do our math lesson in the first half hour of school; sometimes it takes longer.  For the last 20-25 minutes or so of math, he gets to do Mathletics.  I usually have him do some of the activities listed above first, just to work his brain and get him thinking, and I've found that a lot of the time, what he's doing in the Mathletics is directly related to what he is learning in our math lessons.  It is just awesome!  Then for the last 10 minutes or so, I let him play Live Mathletics.

I just can't say enough good things about this program.  Mathletics has been a life saver for our "dreaded subject."  We no longer dread it, and Jacob has even started to say how he loves math now.  This alone makes my mama's heart so thrilled every time I hear it, especially when I think back a month and a half ago when he truly hated math.  What he is doing with Mathletics is so relateable to what he is doing in his math curriculum, and it has helped him to really pick up and learn the new concepts more easily.  I actually plan to purchase Mathletics for him, once our free trial is over, just because I don't want to be without it now.  The price is $59/year, which in my book, is well worth it.  They do offer a 10 day money back guarantee.  Also, if you know the Human Calculator's favorite number (ahem....9....but you didn't hear that from me), you can purchase the program for $49.95/year.  

If you'd like to read more reviews on Mathletics, head on over to the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.

(Disclosure: I was provided with a free trial of this product from 3P Learning/Mathletics, in association with the TOS Homeschool Crew.) 

Meet Me at the Corner

Mel's Thoughts:

As a homeschooling Mama, I'm always on the lookout for new and different things to use in our endeavors....whether to further our studies in a certain subject or to help me illustrate what Jacob is learning.  We recently had the opportunity to review Meet Me at the Corner, a website that is full of virtual field trips, founded by Donna Guthrie in 2006.  This is something that any child can enjoy, whether homeschooled or traditionally schooled.  It's a resource I can use on those yuck winter days, when the going gets tough, and we just need a slight break from the norm.  

I took the time to watch an episode, just to see how the site works.  I chose to watch Interview With a Veteran: Evacuation of Saigon.  The first thing I noticed was that a child was doing the actual video and interview, which makes it great for kids because they can watch interaction between one of their peers and the subject/person of interest, at hand.  It makes it a bit more kid-friendly and even more interesting, since it's questions that they might ask themselves that they are learning the answers to.  Now, with each video also comes questions that can be used, along with learning activities; there are also other websites that you can link to, in order to provide further study on that subject, if your child shows a lot of interest in it or he just needs more info.  For example, along with this video came weblinks to the USS Midway Museum, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and to Veterans' Day crafts.  There were also recommended books at the bottom of the post.  Honestly, this could be used for a great supplemental history lesson, if you just need something different than textbooks for a day, because with all of the video, activities, and study questions, it's a lesson plan for any learning style.  This site would be great for visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learning styles, since it covers all the bases.

Other episodes you might find of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Wolf Rescue at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
• Celebrate Chemistry Week: Interview With a Perfume Maker
• San Francisco Cable Cars
• Canine Companions for Independence
• Falconry at the United States Air Force Academy
• An American Cowboy: Interview With Bob Norris, T-Cross Ranch

.....and many more.  This site is a great blessing, when you'd love to take your children to see far away places and learn more about their world, but it's not always feasible, in terms of time and money. 

The site also incorporates the Big Apple Book Club, which is a series of book reviews for kids, done by actual kids.  This is exciting to me, since Jacob loves to read.  There is also a series of lessons done by video, such as one on How to Make a Video Book Review.  This gives me ideas of actually letting Jacob submit his own reviews at some point.  There are also contests listed on the website, that are available for certain ages. 

All in all, I found Meet Me at The Corner to be such a wonderful resource and a delight to review.  Their videos are also listed on Curriki, Teacher Tube, Next Vista, and Watch Know.  New episodes are uploaded every two weeks.  I love the fact that the videos that are uploaded on this website are not only educational, but other children from around the world have actually recorded or worked on these podcasts.  What a great way to educate and inform....and learn!


Melissa J's Thoughts

Wow! And Wow again! What a brilliant idea this website is! I love it!

There are so many field trips for kids to watch. Some of the options were:

Interview with a Veteran: Evacuation from Saigon

Interview with an Illustrator

Hairspray: Interview with Lon Hoyt, Broadway Musical Director

Meerkats at the Staten Island Zoo

Christmas in NY City

My favorite was the field trip to a perfume maker. I've always wondered about how perfumes are created so it drew my interest. Of course, it was geared for kids, but this adult enjoyed watching it!

There are more than "just" videos on teach of these episodes. The page also includes additional learning activities, websites to explore, and books to read to glean more information the subject matter at hand. Each unique page is an invaluable resource for learning.

There are also book reviews with the Big Apple Book Club and Video Podcasting Lessons for kids to watch as well.

I think the thing I like the most about this site, is each of these videos are done by kids, not adults. This makes it even more attractive for kids to watch each episode. Of course kids are going to want to watch other kids!

Even better? Kids can submit their own videos to the site!  There is also a contest corner, where kids can get involved in certain contests like the My Stories and Poems Writing Contest which ends on December 31st of this year.

(Disclosure: We were provided monetary incentive to review this site, Meet Me at the Corner, in association with MamaBuzz.)

Timberdoodle: Typing Instructor for Kids

Melissa J's Thoughts

Timberdoodle has done it again!  A product geared towards children has provided much entertainment for me. :)  Maybe entertainment isn't right. Maybe "challenge" is the word I want.


My two year old is too young for their Typing Instructor for Kids program, but you can be assured I will be using it with her once we begin homeschooling and hit that age where she can learn that skill! In the meantime, I'm using it to hone my own typing skills - -yes, even though it's a kids' version.


With a parrot as the guide, and his friend, Toby Typer, kids will be taken through an adventure that teaches them how to type. Think of a map. Each place on the map has new typing skills to learn and games to master, before they can move on to the next place on the adventure map. It is all done in animation and I think young children will be attracted to both the animated characters and the drawings throughout the adventure.

There are two levels that can be chosen, "easy" and "not so easy". I started out with "easy". I also started out with the default program, which not only teaches the typing skills of home row, lower row, and upper row, it also allows children to test out those skills with games after each teaching lesson. If parents don't want their child to have the games between lessons they are able to choose a non-game format instead. They also can choose to go lesson by lesson instead of having the adventure part of the program, automatically advance the child's progress once goals have been met.


There is also an option to change the settings, in which you can change from the default words-per-minute goal to your own goal. This is where my own challenge came in. I was attempting to move beyond the child's goal to mine--just a mere 80 wpm. Think I could meet that, even on the home row? No, I couldn't! And I type for a living!  (Though, it's harder to type letters fast as you see them, than it is actual words in my opinion--or is that excuse?)


The only critiques I have of the program are, the introductory animation moves slowly and it made me impatient. I just wanted it to get to the point. Also, Toby Typer is a boy, but has a girl's voice. That just didn't match for me, though perhaps, children won't think twice about it.


Most computer software in a store like Staples can run $50 on up into the $100's. I was shocked this was less than $25!  It is an awesome program that any parent would do well to invest in for their child!

Mel's Thoughts:

Timberdoodle is well-known for their wonderful homeschool curriculum and homeschool supplies.  After using Typing Instructor for Kids with Jacob and then playing some myself this afternoon, I feel like I need more practice definitely!  I thought I knew all there was to know about typing; evidently not, if I can't even reach my normal 80+ WPM, just doing the first basic letters.  For some reason, I find it easier to type whole words, so when I started out just doing basic groups of letters within close proximity to each other, I found myself getting mixed up and needing to work harder.  I actually had to lower my goal WPM....which I then was able to slightly raise back up later, since I was doing better.  This has to be one of the most unique typing programs available. 

I found the program to be very interesting and colorful.  It definitely caught Jacob's attention when he sat down to work on his first lesson.  At first, getting into the actual lesson was a slower process, since we had to go through how to use this program with Toby Typer and his parrot, Lafitte.  I noticed if I clicked off the Typing Instructor page to look at my email or go to another webpage, the character stopped talking and started over again when I came back to Typing Instructor.  It gave careful instructions, and the program even has a User's Guide in pdf form, which is really helpful when trying to figure out how to get started.  The very beginning starts out teaching your child what kind of typing posture is best as well as hand/finger placement on the home row. The installation process was super easy, although each program from Typing Instructor does have certain system requirements you want to be sure you have before ordering. 

As the program moves along, the student is focusing on conquering five different sections of Typer Island, until at the very end, he conquers the castle and rules it.  As he moves along in the default program, he will do a lesson, a game for reinforcement, and then a challenge, or test at the very end of each lesson.  Jacob and I worked on the first lessons, involving The Wild West.  The Wild West focused on the home row of keys on the keyboard.  The student can set his own goal WPM, lowering or raising that goal as he moves along.  At the end of each lesson, game, or challenge, it will actually show him how he did with an accuracy percentage, WPM, etc.  There is a progress map available to show which parts of the island he has already conquered and completed.  As the student moves along, he will uncover certain treasures that he can add to his collection; this part really made it fun for Jacob.

The student doesn't automatically have to do the default setup.  If the teacher feels he'd do better without games, for instance, she can set him up on a custom program, taking it step by step.  With Jacob, I'd tend to stay with the default program, as the games would give him a welcome break.  If he needed more review, the program would automatically keep him back in that section until he did well enough to advance.  I do like the feature that allows me to add in my own lesson plans and music, though.  I also love the fact that this program uses dictation, in which the computer reads to the child, as the child types back what it's saying.  The child can also practice typing stories at the Story Lagoon.    

Priced at $8 right now, Typing Instructor For Kids is a definite bargain and one I would probably purchase in an instant.  I feel that this will make a great addition to our homeschooling curriculum and offer a break to both me and Jacob on those days when we just need some fun.  The characters throughout the lessons are fun and kid-friendly, and I am definitely impressed with the quality of this program.  The only qualm I would have is that as I was playing one of the games, the program had a slight delay, but it quickly picked up and carried on, so it wasn't too much of a hindrance.  I definitely give this program a thumbs' up for any family who wants to learn how to type better.  This particular program is meant for grades K-7th, and they have another Deluxe Version for grades K-12.  The more I think about it, the more I love the idea of Jacob learning how to type before he starts having to do research papers later on.  Any person would benefit from using this program, though, no matter the age.  I hope to use it myself for further practice.  Maybe I can get reviews and articles typed up even faster.:)

(Disclosure: We were provided with this program, free of charge, by Timberdoodle, in association with MamaBuzz.)