Zeezok Movie Guide - Ben Hur

Zeezok Publishing has a great way for you to incorporate Movies into your curriculum - The "Z-Guide"! (I was sent a complimentary copy of the Z-guide to "Ben Hur" in exchange for my honest opinion). I just "know" that when I get to heaven...Moses is going to look just like Charleton Heston, don't you! But, that's a different movie...

Here's what we got:

"The Ben Hur z-guide contains a topic overview, movie synopsis, and ten learning activities for an in-depth study of the film.

*Learn more about Roman chariot racing and Jewish attempts to overthrow Roman rule.
*Think through your stewardship responsibilities or identify elements of Roman government found in the film.
*Evaluate your own beliefs with the “Worldview Activity,” probe the director’s mind with “The Filmmaker’s Art” activity, and get the entire family involved with the “For Family Discussion” section at the end of the guide.
*Choose those activities which best fit your student’s course objectives, areas of interest, or time schedule.

Movie Summary: The Romans begin to assert more and more control over the Jews in the first century BCE. By AD 6, Rome has taken complete political control of Judea. Several unsuccessful attempts to expel the Romans, including the misguided belief that Jesus Christ had come to be their political Messiah, result in harsh Roman reprisals and the Diaspora (scattering) of the Jews. Topics: Roman Empire, History of Palestine, Friendships, Consequences of Hatred

This CD contains a printable pdf file of the complete study guide for $12.99 It does not include the movie.

Zeezok has 20 titles to pick from, so you're sure to find something for your family.

Here's our thoughts - we LOVE family movie night! We love the cuddling together, the popcorn, the discussion times, and sometimes - just the falling asleep on the couch together-ness. So, "Movie curriculum" sounds perfect right?!

Well, it is perfect as an addition to your current curriculum - when used in "school time" But, one word of caution, do NOT try to take "Family movie night" and turn it into "school" - you'll wreck both options! My kiddos do not like completeing "Movie Review Questions" right after watching a good flick, just to show that they were actively paying attention... (maybe other kids do?)

So, keeping the two activities seperate (for the sake of you and your children's enjoyment). We liked using movies as "school"! The Z-Guide gives a great foundation for understanding the movie's theme and message, as well as historical background.

The Z- Guide was 37 pages of Review questions and additional educational activities (like crossword puzzles and designing posters). My boys loved spending some extended computer research time on Roman Chariot Racing! Lot's of great discussion starters are included.

I caution you, use this resource wisely... it can help you pull out lots of information and discussion points for the movie. But, if you treat it like a "quiz" or essay...you may loose the enthusiasm that you hoped to build (that's just my personal educational philosophy coming out again...)

All in all, I'm a fan for including multi-media presentation of the history eras we are studying, and movies like "Ben Hur", make history come alive for your kiddos. I'd suggest adding Z-Guides to help you make the most of the movies you want to be "school time".

Remember, leave those "Family nights" alone! (they're working fine the way they are meant to be...for enjoyment only!)

See what the other reviewers thought here

Expedition Israel

Expedition Israel - A Download N Go Unit Study by Amanda Bennett
Are you ready to visit the Holy Land?! If you are like me, you have always wanted to walk where Jesus walked...but, maybe like me your checkbook isn't quite large enough to cover all those "dreams". Well, do the next best thing...take your children on a learning adventure to the Holy Land with "Expedition Israel".

So, what exactly is a Download N Go unit study? It's a 5 day learning adventure designed for K-4 (but, I can't keep my older kiddos away from them!). Best of all, everything you need is already conveniently arranged for you in a easy to "download n go" digital book. You will be treated to a "all-planning-included" educational vacation! Each unit (with many, many titles to choose from) comes loaded with education weblinks (including videos!), Book suggestions, copywork, notebooking style pages, and hands-on activities. If this isn't enough, you get all the components for a lapbook as well! At $7.95 each, you will be amazed at all the learning, right at your fingertips...no reservations required!

Expedition Israel is another great title in Amanda Bennett's "Expedition" series. You can choose to explore the world!

Day 1: Where is Israel
Find out where you're going...a great start! Find Israel on the map. But, that's not it - you will learn some Hebrew letters each day, explore an geographic feature, discover an animal native to Israel, and be introduced to a food as well. (the "daily" activities are some of what makes these units so appealing...I guarantee by Day 2-3 it's the first thing your students will ask for!) Our favorite "daily" is the "Heros of Israel".

Day 2: Some of the Special Places in Israel
Visit some interesting spots, and of course - all your "dailys"! And, even add in some experiments with Kosher and table salt for some science discovery.

Day 3: A Bit of History
Listen to the Lyre and the Shofar. Plus take a trip to the Mount of Olives. Don't miss all the fun daily activities and even learn your colors in Hebrew!

Day 4: Cool Things to Know about Israel
What's it like to ride a camel? Find out! Have fun exploring with archeology. Even compare the weather and time to Nazareth.

Day 5: Fun and Games in Israel
Dreidels, of course! Explore the Negev Desert (and I do recommend "virtual exploration of all deserts...it's much more enjoyable than actually going!)and a fascinating animal that lives there.

This is a wonderful companion to Easter Promise - a Unit Study Adventure also by Amanda Bennett. (Use the code: EASTER2011 for "20% off your entire purchase through midnight March 31st).

Take some time to add this unit to your Easter preparations, you won't be sorry to get such an up-close look at where Jesus lived and walked!

(I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion)

See what the others on the blog tour thought

Latin Alive by Classic Academic Press

Latin Alive by Classica Academic Press

Students will be delighted by what they learn in each new chapter of Latin Alive! Book One, and they will learn to see that Latin is everywhere around them. As the first text in a three-year series, it is a rigorous and thorough introduction to this great language, and is designed to engage the upper school (middle and high school) student. Brimming with relevant facts and stories this text offers something for everyone.


What is this?

•Thirty six weekly chapters including twenty nine new content chapters and seven review, “reading” chapters.
•Pronunciation Guides
•Weekly introduction of vocabulary
•Thorough grammar explanations including all five noun declensions and cases, all verb conjugations, irregular verbs, various pronouns, adjectives and adverbs
•United States state seals and their Latin mottos
•Extensive study of the Latin derivatives of English words
•Substantial Latin readings and translation exercises
•Lessons and stories of Roman culture, myths and history
•Exercises and questions to prepare students for the National Latin Exam and the Advanced Placement Exam
•Includes historical contributions from Christopher Schlect, historian and Academic Dean at New Saint Andrews College, Moscow, ID



Now, for our honest opinion (which we received no compensation for).

We LOVED IT!!!

I have always been an eclectic approach homeschooler. But, I do have "leanings" toward the Classical model. So, my first "test" child did Latin study in Kindergarten, of course. But, after 7 more kiddos, and a number of years of homeschooling...Latin studies seem to have almost disappeared. Except for the occassional - "hey, that's a latin root" comments.

Well, Classic Academic Press has done a wonderful job in making Latin an enjoyable and easy to teach subject. And, it's back at Bentz Academy.

My 13 yr. old "tester" was excited to get the workbook. He eagerly read the first lesson, and announced "this one is different from that boring one you used to make me do". Good sign! They we sat down together and watched the DVD instruction video. This is when I announced "Hey, this is different than that boring one we used to do!".

Latin Alive, is just that... an "Alive" Latin program. The workbook is divided into managable, memorable lessons. The Teacher guide is packed with useful tips. And the DVD is very well-done (with humor even!! - who thought Latin could be funny?) You can get the entire Latin Alive bundle for $139.95 (most of it non-consumable!)

I highly recommend getting your children into this program. Latin is a great skill to master. For younger ages, check out the Latin for Children program. The other "testers" at Bentz Laboratory will certainly be giving it a try.

I have to mention this as well: "Additional Latin resources are available to complement Classical Academic Press’ offerings. Want to learn some Latin history along the way? Choose the history readers. Need to practice vocabulary? How about Latin flash cards designed to use as a card game? Need tests? Classical Academic offers optional tests for both Latin for Children and Latin Alive. Do your children love to use the computer? You simply must be sure to visit the free website Headventure Land, a creative accompaniment to Classical Academic Press, filled with exciting videos, electronic books, online games and more!–all designed to reinforce your children’s Latin (or other language) studies."

Classic Academic Press also offers courses in Greek, Spanish, French, Bibl, Poetry and Logic (just to name a couple. Be sure to check them out online!

See what the other Reviewers on the Crew thought here

Big IQ Kids

Big IQ KidsWhat is it:

It's an online academy of learning opportunities for your child K-8.
They feature lessons in Spelling, Math, Vocabulary and States (our favorite...hands down!)

Here's what they have to say about each area:

Spelling: With a over 40,000 word dictionary, SpellingTime comes pre-loaded with 40 lessons for K-8th grade appropriate word lists. Or, as a parent or teacher, you can easily enter your own word lists and SpellingTime will automatically create a week’s worth of lessons, quizzes and tests around your own list with the goal of achieving 100% on the Friday spelling test.








Math: You can set up a child's lesson to mirror what they are doing in their current curriculum. For example, if the child is on double digit addition and single digit multiplication, the program can focus on just these two areas providing invaluable practice and reinforcement that is certain to provide them with the tools to ace their next test. Or, BigMathTime can automatically generate grade specific and subject specific lessons as per your requirements.






Vocabulary: With an extensive library of elementary through SAT prep words, BigVocabTime comes pre-loaded with word lists OR, as a parent or teacher, you can easily enter your own word lists and the program will automatically create a week’s worth of lessons, quizzes and tests around your own list with the goal of achieving 100% on the week’s vocabulary test.



U.S. States: Every elementary student will be confronted with the need to know their US State facts to mastery. BigStatesTime is the ultimate tool in learning the state's location, capital, spelling, abbreviations and general state facts. The program allows parents/teachers to add additional facts which will be included in the child's lessons and the program culminates in a “State Mastery Exam” that, if passed with 100% mastery, awards the child a State Master Certificate.




Best of all- this is a FREE Program! They do have a Premium Version (which is what we were sent in exchange for our honest opinion)So, you can try it out before you decide if it's for you. You can see a comparison Here. Premium pricing depends upon you personal choices - but, starts at $19.99 per month for all 4 categories. (You can also choose an individual category only - starting around $7.99 per month).


What we liked...
Well, the Bentz test laboratory students love anything to do with "computer time". I love that Big IG Kids was educational as well. It was very easy to navigate and start the program right away.

As they completed each learning activity, they are awarded "coins" to use in the arcade.

The program is intuitive, and kept them moving along at their own pace. They have designed it to be a daily activity. (We didn't do it daily, but the kiddos did ask for it daily...)

We did think that the Spelling was a little less challenging... For one, you can see the word on the screen when you are supposed to "spell" it, But, it's good visual reinforcement of the spelling words. And, we found the "computerized voices" a little un-nerving at times (but sometimes our computer sound goes in and out - so it didn't really effect us!)

We really like the States unit. We had fun challenging each other to identify Capitals and Abbreviations.

All in all, this is a VERY useful tool to add to your educational trunk-of-tricks (if you're like me and get curriculum ADD... you need to have lots of new and fresh ways to keep everyone learning!)

See what the other reviewers thought Here

Daddy Daughter Ball

I just had to share this "big event"!
Matt took his oldest 2 daughters out to the "Daddy Daughter" Ball at our church. We spent all afternoon doing hair in hot rollers (only to have it fall out right away...)




They squealed with delight when they saw the corsages Daddy bought them! Pink for Selah, and Purple for Lydia. Priceless!!




What a very blessed daddy...beware future suitors - I don't think he'll hand over his princesses very easily! (and you'll have a hard act to follow...)

ARTistic Pursuits

ARTistic Pursuits Grades 4-6 Book One, The Elements of Art and Composition

(I was sent a complimentary copy as part of the TOS Review Crew in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Okay, first for the confession... I am not "artistic" by nature. I can't draw, paint or sculpt. How on earth, am I going to teach this to my children (when I am so inept?) Anyone with me out there?

Here's our solution - ARTistic Pursuits! They have a complete art instruction and art appreciation curriculum for ages Preschool to Grade 12. You can do it! (maybe not on your own..., but with their help.)
I love how easy this series is to use. I have previously used the Elementary series (I even "taught" an art class for some friend's kiddos and mine...) with these books.

I was sent the Grades 4-6 - Elements of Art and Composition, Book 1 for this review.
I was not disappointed! Each lesson is clearly laid out, I was able open the book and start sharing it with my students. The Lessons each covered an element of art (line, color, shading, etc.) with a clear explanation. But, you get way more that just that - art history and art appreciation are woven seamlessly into each lesson, giving your students the "complete" picture. Technique explanations with real-to-life projects are a part of each and every lesson - where your student gets to practice the concept.

This book covered:

Space
Line and Shape
Texture
Value
Form
Form using Value
Local Value
Contrast
The Shapes of Natural Forms
Edges
Balance
Rhythm
Overlap
Depth
Proportion, The Face
Movement

Media Introduced: Ebony pencil, white pencil, black markers with point and wide tip, scratch art paper and silhouette

When I researched their website - I was impressed. I love their philosophy for art instruction being like a bookcase.



"A complete study of art should include the subject matter shown on each shelf in this illustration. The K-3 program covers the elements of art and compositional ideas suited to the age within the context of art history. Techniques are shown as new materials are introduced. In this way even the youngest students experience a complete study of art. Grades 4-12 get a complete, in-depth study of the elements of art and composition based on a variety of applications. Each application offers a different way of thinking about the topic, helping to expand awareness of the visual world."

First and Second Shelf, The Elements of Art and Composition
LESSON ONE - part 1, CONCEPTUAL APPLICATION (Building a Visual Arts Vocabulary) The first page of each unit begins with an introduction to one of the elements of art or a compositional arrangement. These are concepts foundational to a successful work of art. They are the topics for the units in each book. Each element is what artists focus on as they draw. Children learn to visually sift the element out from other information that they see.

part 2, EXPRESSIVE APPLICATION (Observation and Creative Exploration) These assignments guide children to observe the topic of the unit within their own environments. Introduced to a variety of approaches to exploring their world, each child uses creative thought, arriving at personal visual solutions within their art.

Third Shelf, Art History
LESSON TWO - part 1, PRACTICAL APPLICATION (Looking at Art) This activity broadens understanding of how each element of art or compositional arrangement is used by observing it in a work of art by the masters.

part 2, ART HISTORY (Learning About Artists, Art, Cultures, or the Times) The art history addition helps students to gain a broader view when looking at art and to understand that the ideas of people affect how the art looks. It gives a child the language he needs to do well in art history and introduces him to many artists in biographies. The assignment deals with the topic shown in the artwork of the masters as discussed in Lesson Two part 1.

Fourth Shelf, Media and Techniques
LESSON THREE - TECHNICAL APPLICATION (Art Materials and How to Use Them) Developing varied and essential skills for seeing and for applying materials, a child considers both traditional methods and experimentation. She gains a broad experience with materials most commonly used by artists.


LESSON FOUR - PRACTICED APPLICATION (Original Work) A final project allows children to bring together the main idea of each unit (explained in lesson one of each unit), its expanded use as seen in the master work of art (explained in lesson two of each unit), as well as new techniques for using materials to create an original work of art (explained in lesson three of each unit.)


And, it's worth mentioning that ARTistic Pursuits has won numerous awards to back up this philosophy. It really works! (even if you aren't artistic yourself...your kiddos can be.)

You can get it online at your favorite curriculum distributor or Here for just $42.95 - a great value that can be used over and over!

I'm not afraid to jump into Art now, and if it can work for me, it will work for you too!

See what the other members of the Review Crew thought about this product here.

American Girl - Kaya Week 5

American Girl - Kaya Week 5
Our topic was Indian Life. Mrs. Reddin led the discussion and helped the girls make the most adorable baskets! The baskets were made with cardstock and a square tissue box (to be the frame, it was removed after all the paper strips were woven in). The top edge was finished in a cute binding-type paper and we added leather straps for handles. Every girl's was as unique as they are! We oppted not to give the baskets the "holding water" test of Kaya's time...




We also made Indian drums with extra cans and balloons. A couple of pencils made great drumsticks (although not neccessarily "authentic" Nez Perce ...)


The MCA (masculine club of awesomeness...) began their official "chess tournament". We are using "Chamionship Chess" teaching materials.
Since it was perfect weather for football, we had a little chess...then off to the great outdoors!

Aesop's Fables Readers by Brill Kids

Here is another product from Brill Kids (if you're interested at teaching babies to read, you can read my previous review here)

Here's a description of the readers from their website:

"These books have been specially designed to give your child all the fun of storybook time, while also teaching your child to read."

Features include:

Text and illustration presented on separate pages.

More spacing between words to make it easier to see words individually.

A blank flap extension to cover the illustrations as you direct your child's attention to the written text.



The titles in this set Aesop's Fables (Volume 1) included:

The Lion and the Mouse
The Fox and the Grapes
The Fox and the Crow
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Turtle and The Rabbit

The set is available for $37.50 (reg. $50). You also get the digital format to use in your Little Reader (if you have it) for free with the purchase. It adds animated pictures as well as voices.

So, if you read my earlier review, you know I have some reservations about babies reading (maybe it'll work for you?) While the readers were brightly done, the "reading" skills were a bit advanced for any 3 mon. old's around the Bentz test laboratory...actually, the 1 year old didn't have much interest either.
The 6 and 8 year olds enjoyed them though!

One thing we did not like, the illustrations seemed a bit cheesy, and sometimes the rhymes were written in way that made you wonder if English might not be the primary language of the author...

The flaps were supposed to seperate the focus on the illustration and isolate it to the words themselves. Once again, I find that this kinda goes against personal philosophy of reading. I find the illustrations are the "hook" that draws my kiddos into the book, and then the words keep them there. But, everyone has a different approach, and this may fit yours better.

We did like the rhyming text (when it "worked"). And, I loved the idea of Aesop's Fables in a young kid friendly format.

Check out what the other members of the Review Crew thought here

(I was given a complimentary copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion).

Kite Kapers

Have you ever wanted to tell your kiddos..."Go Fly a kite!".... Well, now you can. (I mean it, you can tell them to "go fly a kite", and it will actually be a good thing...)

Kite Kapers is another great Download N Go Unit study (I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion).

Download N Go unit studies by Amanda Bennett are 5 day long learning adventures for grades K-4 (but, I can't keep my older kids away from us while were doing it!)
Everything you need comes ready to "download and go" in an easy to download pdf file.
When you open it, you will be delighted to find that Amanda has done all the hard work for you - each unit is filled with educational videos, book suggestions, notebooking style pages, Bible copywork and even all the components needed for a lapbook!
You can check out the numerous titles (enough to find something for everyone...)and at $7.95 each, you can't miss!

$5 Fridays and Terrific Tuesdays are also features you will want to stop by and check out... (you can even get this title for $5.00 - today!)

So, onto our Kite flying adventure...

Day One - What is a Kite? We investigated the important vocabulary pertaining to kite - the parts, the styles and what makes them fly. We discussed what Charlie Brown did wrong (kite safety!) and designed our own kite (Josh's actually looked like a dinosaur...imagine that!)

Day Two - The History of Kites. How long have kites been flying? Let's just say this...Maybe Jesus was flying them. But, a famous explorer gets some credit for bringing them westward, italian scientists used them and, Holman Walsh was hands down our favorite! (you are going to have to get this unit to hear his story...!) We even got out our paper and straws and made a mini kites, for those "crafty" mom - you can see how Martha Stewart makes a kite (we stuck with the paper and straws!) We continued our kite designs - guess what Lydia's looked like (a zebra, of course!)

Day Three - People and Places of Kites. Ben Franklin, Alexander Bell, and "those brothers", we got to learn about how each of them used kites. Always on the lookout for a cooking project, you can try the kite cookies recipe on day three. And, the kite designs continued... have you ever seen a "soccer ball" kite? (Guess who did that one?)

Day Four - Science Secrets of Kites. Wind and clouds. We were all amazed by the videos of Octupus kites on the beach! You can make your own windsock or anemometer with the instructions included. The Bentz Kite Design contest continued... how do you get a piano into the air...make it into a kite - of course.

Finally, Day Five - The Goodies and Gadgets of Kites. Kite geography from around the world, you pick your favorite. And, don't miss out on a famous kite festival here in the US. We were amazed to learn about a connection with kites and earthquakes (especially in light of our current world news...) Maybe you'll want to make some "flying kite" bars to celebrate National Kite Month. And, the grand prize winner of the Bentz Kite Design contest... well, mine of course!

With beautiful weather coming, it's time to tell your kiddos "Go fly a kite.." and I suggest you join them!

See what the other reviewers thought on the blog tour

American Girl Club Week 3 & 4

For our 3rd and 4th American Girl Club meetings (opps, got a little behind in the blog!) We covered Indian Games & Pastimes, and Indian Dress.

Week 3 - We made Cornhusk Dolls and learned String games. The girls voted this their favorite club! (bummer, I didn't even teach this one... I wanted to be the "favorite"!)

The corn husk dolls were such a hit, that my kiddos proceded to make an entire "tribe" of corn husk indians with the leftovers. But, one warning - our dog thought this was her "favorite" activity as well, and has been happily "scalping" all the corn husk dolls she can get her paws on!

We also learned String games. Cat's cradle, the teacup, all those oldie-but-goodies. I think that the Moms may have had just as much fun as our girls.




The MCA (masculine club of awesomeness) continued their book discussions and are being challenged to "Do Hard Things". Plus - the weather was beautiful, so there was a bunch of football going on.

Week 4 - Indian Dress
So, this week we talked about Indian clothing (elk teeth and porcupine quill decorations = indian "bling").



We also, made Indian Headbands with our own personal touches.
And, we taught the girls how to braid hair. Everyone left looking very "authentic". I was a little self-conscious to have to stop for gas with indian braids in my red hair - and an indian headband on... but, I love pay-at-the-pump, don't you?!




The MCA got lost in the woods, but we managed to round up most of them. The boys are finding this adventure as much (maybe even more) fun than our girls! Now, I'm looking for more ideas for them to pursue. What an amazing group of families!!

This is my little "bluebird" showing us some Indian sign language (just in case you were wondering -what are they doing there?!)

Reading Kingdom

Welcome to The Reading Kingdom

(I was given a complimentary trial in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.)

"The Reading Kingdom is a fun, easy-to-use online program that teaches
children 4-10 years old how to read and write to a third grade level."


It customizes itself to each child

It's created by Dr. Marion Blank, one of the world's top experts in literacy

It works with any other curriculum a child may be using

And, it's the only system that teaches all 6 skills needed for reading & writing success!

The Bentz Testing Laboratory selected the "girls" for this one (after all, the boys got to do the Cicada Killing Wasp Unit Study...)

My testers were a 7 year old, 2nd grade daughter and a 6 year old kindergarten daughter.

They began by each completeing a Skill Survey, which the program used to determine their individual starting points. Both needed additional keyboarding skills, and the program recognized that and place the in a starting session to work on those skills.

My testers enjoyed doing the sessions, frequently wanting to do more than just one in a sitting (they are designed to be short..15-20 minutes long). Progress reports are available for mom to review. The program is designed to be worked independently (no mom interference!!). Your child will progress through two Skill Surveys (helps with the typing, etc) and then on through 5 levels of reading and writing skills.

The program is NOT phonics based. This is where my education philosophy on reading was "stretched" a bit. I read through the reasoning and research that supported the program, but in the end, still disagreed with it. (hey, I have taught 6 kiddos to read and write - and phonics was our method of choice...) But, you can watch this video and make up your own mind on that one...

You receive a free 30 day trial. After that, subscriptions to Reading Kingdom are $19.99/month (with no monthly minimum), or $199.99 per year. You can cancel your subscription at any time. ( I was impressed - they do offer scholarship programs for families interested, but unable to pay..)

My opinion is that this program is innovative, and different. So, if you have found yourself with a struggling reader - and need to try a new approach - this may be your answer. It's definitely worth the 30 day free trial to see if is for you!

See what the other reviewers thought here

Hoppin Popcorn

Hoppin Popcorn is a funtastic Download N Go unit study by Amanda Bennett.

I am left speechless...who knew? I love "sneaking" school by the testers at the Bentz Learning Laboratory (by the way, we received this unit in exchange for our honest opinion, no compensation was given)
But, who imagined that we could cover so much school discussing - Popcorn?!

A Download N Go unit study is just that, all you have to do if pick a fascinating topic (many, many to choose from...) Download it and you are ready to GO! Each unit is designed for grades K-4 (but, I can't keep my older kids away from them...). They are designed to be completed in 5 days. These are the perfect "cabin fever" solution to you school (anyone feeling it lately?) You can take a "break" from your normal routine, and head on a fun adventure (but, your kiddos will still be learning - trust me!) Everything you need is already there - Science, Math, Geography, Book Suggestions, tons and tons of videos. And, if that wasn't enough - you get great notebooking pages and all the components for a lapbook (just to prove you were doing "school"!). You get all this for only $7.95.


So "zea mays everta" - (the scientific name for popcorn). One of our favorite snacks, but - let me say it again, "WHO KNEW?"

We started our exploration with Day 1: Popcorn - What is it?Amanda Bennett took us on an aMAZE-ing journey. We discovered what popcorn is, and visited a state in the "popcorn belt" of the United States. Everyone was excited to play with their corn husk dolls (hey, we did that at American Girl club!) and we started our own popcorn plants (hope that microwave stuff works okay...)

Next - Day 2: The Story of Popcorn. I thought I knew - but, "WHO KNEW?!" What is the real country of origin? Just a hint, the Pilgrims weren't the ones. We visited another popcorn producing state, and tried some parched corn.

Day 3: The Flavors of Popcorn. We learned all kinds of interesting facts, and more popcorn recipes! Some of our best "school" is in our kitchen.. Our geography studies continued with exploring another state. (I even snuck in some math.)

Day 4: The Science of Popcorn. This was my personal favorite... The video of how popcorn is made kept us glued to the computer - 450 degrees?! WOW! Thank you, inventor of the microwave (you'll have to get this unit to find out who he was...) We are grateful for the speedy popping of our favorite snack. A quick visit to another state and Orville Redenbacher (who else?!) and we were on our way to...

Day 5: Fun with Popcorn. We made our last state stop, and found several fun ways to enjoy our popcorn. And, now - onto movie night! Popcorn anyone?

See What the other reviewers thought here