Planet 316 Story Bible and the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App: A TOS Crew Review

Planet 316 Story Bible and the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App from Planet 316 and WorthyKids/Ideals

It's vital that we help our children fall in love with the WORD! Planet 316 Story Bible and the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App from Planet 316 and WorthyKids/Ideals has designed a beautiful new children's Story Bible that does just that.

First, let me tell you more about this unique, hardcover, Story Bible.  It contains over 100 Bible stories, each brightly illustrated in full color.  The stories stay true to the Biblical account (no talking veggies...) Stories come from both the Old and New Testaments.  They actually tell the story like the real Bible does, in  child friendly language.  Each story also has the reference under the title, so your children know where to look in their Bible for the story.

It has a sturdy hardcover binding, and 300 thick, glossy pages. Perfect for those little hands, and tough enough to stand up to daily use.  

The illustrations are bright and engaging.  The text is perfect for your young readers, or as a read aloud.  Each story is short.  My testers loved taking turns reading with me.  I love that they have included a handy index in the back to help your child find what they are looking for.  This is a great introduction to how a concordance works! 

But, what really sets this Story Bible apart from all the others is the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App  that makes the pages of this Bible jump to life!   All you need is a FREE app and a mobile device,  it works with phones and tablets - Apple and Android.

Once the app is downloaded, simply open your Bible and point to the page.  The app will scan the page and instantly the page's illustrations pop right off the page with audio too. This is so fun, my testers could not get enough!  I had so much fun, they had to take it away from me to get their chance to explore...

I tried to get a screen shot, but it really doesn't do it justice. The images come off the page and animation makes them seem to move.  The augmented reality adds audio as well.  The characters talk when you tap them, there are sound effects and music.  This is a really fun way to get your children interacting with the WORD.   Not only is this Story Bible well-written and illustrated, but it comes to life with the use of technology. 

We loved exploring, reading and interacting with this Story Bible -  you will want one on your shelf!

Find Planet 316 on Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Planet316/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/planet_316 Tag: @planet_316

Hashtags: #hsreviews , #planet316, #planet316storybible, #childsbible, #bible

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Family Math Package from A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.) : A TOS Crew Review

Family Math Package from A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.)

Math is not one of my favorite subjects to teach, so the Family Math Package from  A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.) has been a life-saver!

This online programs contains all the grade levels available - First Grade through Algebra, for 1 to 10 students.  This is a wonderful option for large families, or for students working in more than one grade level. 

It is a very comprehensive program, designed to appeal to all learning styles! It's very easy to use as well.  In the beginning,  the parent creates individual log-ins for each student, and students can work at their own pace.  You are able to select grade levels and even the individual topics you want to work on. I have several testers that actually straddle grade levels in math, and this is the first program we have found that customizes so well.  This is a PERFECT option for summer math review! It's also a great way to identify any gaps, or work on missed concepts.   I'll walk you through a lesson:

The program uses narrated videos to teach concepts, problems are clearly explained and demonstrated.

Interactive reviews are completed by the student at the end of each lesson to check for comprehension.  Lessons can be repeated, if necessary for mastery.

One thing my testers really liked was the automatic feedback as they completed their reviews.  They knew if their answers were correct.  If not, solutions can be viewed as well (if you allow it in parental controls, you can also hide those..)

The program also offers printable worksheets, online curriculum ebooks, and tests, making it just as user-friendly offline as it is online!

I love that my children can work on math, independent of my help.  However, I appreciate all the feedback I am able to get from this program.  I can see what they are working on, how they are understanding it, and what they need help with. Printable certificates are available for your student - it's a nice way to show them what they are accomplishing.

A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.) is committed to creating effective and affordable math curriculum. All A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.) programs work on Windows and Mac platforms, along with your mobile devices.

Other members of the Crew reviewed the  Adaptive Math Curriculum Online.

This adaptive program allows students in grades 1st - Pre-Algebra to take a math placement test and start working on an individualized learning plan just for them. Subscriptions are available in single or family packages.  The program utilizes video lessons, practice worksheets and interactive review. Everything you need - teaching, testing, and grading is included.  The program moves your student through the lesson, and provides grading and tracking for you. 

All A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.)  work on Windows and Mac platforms, along with your mobile devices.  You can make math painless to teach, and fun to learn!

Find A+ Interactive Math (by A+ TutorSoft Inc.) on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APlusTutorSoft
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aplustutorsoft
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aplustutorsoft


Hashtags: #hsreviews, #onlinemath, #homeschoolmath, #familymath

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Daddy Daughter 2018

One of our favorite traditions... the Daddy/Daughter Dance.  We started this way back, in AR.  We were so excited to continue our tradition here in TX.

Matt treats them like the princesses they are, and they learn what to look for in a man... Of course, it's even better when you get to share the night with great friends!

The hair was amazing this year...

I love these beauties!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I'm so excited to show you my birthday present...  I've been dreaming of how to create a garden ever since we moved to TX. 

Our yard is TINY... and our soil is completely a rock (really, it is one big rock).  So, it's a challenge to try to create my ideal garden spot.

My solution - go back to my farmer roots and get some stock tanks.  I had to have my father sit down when I told him how I drilled holes in the bottom of them for drainage... brand new stock tanks, that won't ever hold water :-)

Here is my new baby...

But, she looked a bit lonely over there, all by herself...

And, you can't have an even number of items - so that adorable whiskey barrel decided to join my party!

After filling them with our stick pile, mulch and plenty of extra rich garden soil... my assistant gardeners and I were ready to get our hands dirty!

Here's our first creation - our "Salsa Garden" - everything we need for our south TX salsa, all in one pot!



Can't wait to harvest, praying for a mild summer... those tanks could get mighty hot here!

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology from Apologia: A TOS Crew Review

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology from Apologia

We have had a blast with Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology from Apologia.  This science curriculum, designed for grades K-6th is written by Jeannie Fulbright, Brooke Ryan, M.D.  Without a question, this has been one of our favorites!

We were blessed to get a full family of products - which are sold individually, including:

• Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Text
• Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Junior Notebooking Journal
• Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology Notebooking Journal
• Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology MP3 Audio CD

Science is one of our favorite subjects, and there is no better way to study God, than by studying his marvelous creation.  One of the best displays of his handiwork is our very own bodies!

Apologia has been our "go to" science curriculum for years, and for a good reason.  Every course we have used (and I'm pretty sure we've done them all...K-12) has been done with excellence.  Not only good science, but from a Christian worldview that builds your children's faith.

Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology text contains 14 lessons covering all the systems in our bodies: skeletal, muscular, digestive/renal, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous/endocrine and entire lessons on both the blood and health and nutrition.

 By covering one lesson every 2 weeks (giving you plenty of time for hands-on projects) you have an entire year of science study.

One of my favorite parts of this curriculum is how customizable it is to you and your families schedule.

It's filled with activities - you pick and choose what is most engaging, or what you have time for. 

  The text is written directly to the student, and is filled with beautiful full color photographs. Side bars encourage your student to "Try This" - these are activities they can usually do on the spot, without any supplies.  Important words to know are in bold throughout, perfect for your beginning scientist.   All the Projects included in the text use common, every-day items and a handy list is provided at the beginning.

The text works great with the Notebooking Journals.

 They come in two different levels.  The Jr. Notebook is designed for your younger student (grades K-3rd) or for those with developing writing skills..  It contains fun activities like coloring pages, copywork practice and full color mini-books.  There is plenty of space for your student to journal, work on vocabulary, and document their discoveries.

The Notebooking Journal is designed to help your older student (grades 4-6) to begin diving deeper.  It contains excellent crossword puzzles for review, places to document experiments, copywork, mini-books and the "What do you Remember?" lesson reviews.  In addition, each notebook offers suggestions for additional reading and activities (like dissections) that you can choose to expand your study.  We have found that the notebooks are a great way to document what we are learning, and make a keepsake to show off at the end of the year!

The MP3 Audio CD features author, Jeannie Fulbright reading the text to your child.  This is an excellent addition to the program, especially with younger students that have difficulty with the reading.  Or, for busy moms like me that don't always find the time to read!  She is such a wonderful speaker at confrences, I knew my students would love listening to her as much as I do.  They really enjoyed the ability to follow along, and I think it's been helping improve their reading skills along the way.  You can also take it on the go with you, and maximize some of that van time...

As I mentioned, this course is written from a Christian worldview. I love how science is what helps us understand God better!  The best part of this curriculum is the hands-on projects and experiments.

 Reading and listening about science can be fun, notebooking can help you understand better - but, nothing beats getting to DO science!

Here are some snapshots from a few favorites (because, who doesn't love science with candy?)

The Edible Cell - I can never see a Reeses and not think "nucleus" again!

 This curriculum works so well with multiple ages and grades!  I did it with my 2nd grader through my  7th grader.  It's perfect for big families, or for doing in your co-ops.

The Blood Model - using a few items, we were able to get a great visual on the composition and consistency of our blood.  Red hots will forever be "red blood cells" and corn syrup has been renamed "plasma" in our kitchen.

This is the BEST way to do science with your children!  Read, listen, journal and explore.  They will never forget it, and neither will you.

Be sure to check this one out!

Find Apologia on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/apologiaworld Tag: @apologiaworld 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/apologiaworld Tag: @apologiaworld 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/apologia/ Tag: @apologia 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/apologiaworld Tag: @apologiaworld 

Google+: https://plus.google.com/105053356034237782125

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/apologiaworld

Hashtags:#hsreviews, #homeschool, #homeschooling,#elementaryscience, #youngexplorerseries,

#exploringcreation, #apologiascience, #homeschoolscience

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