Growing Up Wild

 

 

From the website:

 

 "Growing Up Wild  is a 15 episode DVD set. There are 5 DVD volumes with 3 episodes on each one. Each individual episode is approximately 15 minutes long, and focuses on one aspect in the lives of the Wild brothers - missionaries in Papua, Indonesia. At the end of each episode is an activities section which gives your children corresponding educational activities that will cause them to work, think, and explore. 

The "Growing Up Wild" DVD series was developed for the purpose of introducing children to the work going on in foreign mission field. Our hope is that "Growing Up Wild" will educate and challenge your children, and be used by the Lord to play a part in raising up the next generation of missionaries!"

Cost - $18.99 per volume

Get all 5 Volumes for a 15% Discount - just $80.99

See a sample of the Activity Guide here

  

   
 

The Bentz Test Laboratory loved this resource!  They say they are appropriate for ages 5-12, but I couldn't stop watching them, it's appropriate for all ages.

 

We were blessed with Volume 1 & Volume 4 ; each with 3 episodes - Home Sweet Hut, Supply Trip,Sun & Water, Amazing World Around Us, Adventures in Culture, and Tribal Calling.  We were entralled with the glimpse into the Wild family.  Their home (and what a view!), how they live and interact with the jungle and the culture!

 

The Activity Guide included a Bible study and devotional thoughts along with suggested activites to add to the learning.  Hands on like building your own Wano hut, Science - researching solar cells,  and Math - creating your own supply list from a weekly menu, and a Culture Comparision worksheet to name a few.

 

We enjoyed each episode, my testers wanted to watch them back-to-back and were begging for more!  I have a feeling the other Volumes would make a great stocking stuffer.

The Wild family will inspire you to follow God wherever he may call you - there's an adventure waiting!  

 

Use these DVD's  while studying geography, worldview, or just for your own enjoyment.  A great resource for your Sunday School or Co-op Classes as well.

 

See what the other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

 

Disclaimer:

I was sent complimentary copies in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

 

 

  

     

IEW - PALS Reading

From the website:

 

"Using poetry, the reading portion of the Primary Arts of Language teaches phonics and whole words. Students are introduced to letters through letter stories and discover the vowel and consonant pairs that help us read. Daily games played during “Activity Time” reinforce the phonetic concepts so that a student can know them completely."

 

 

The Primary Arts of Language: Reading Complete Package includes:

Primary Arts of Language: Reading Teacher’s Manual

Primary Arts of Language: Reading DVD-ROM

Includes the following:

• Instructional Video by Jill Pike
• The Four Language Arts MP3 Audio by Andrew Pudewa
• Nurturing Competent Communicators MP3 Audio by Andrew Pudewa
• Poetry as an Integrator MP3 Audio by Anna Ingham
• Intro to the Blended Sound Sight Program MP3 Audio by Anna Ingham
• Primary Arts of Language: Reading Student Book (e-book)
  (Would you rather have us print out your PAL student e-books for you? Click here)

Primary Arts of Language: Phonetic Games

Primary Arts of Language: Phonetic Farm folder with Stickers 

 

Click here to view an excerpt from Primary Arts of Language: Reading Cost - $69 ( $98 - if purchased seperately)

 

 

"The writing portion of Primary Arts of Language, which is divided into three parts: printing, copy work, and composition, should be used concurrently with the reading portion unless your child is already reading. Then you can use these lessons independently. Spelling is included throughout the course.
The printing section provides an entire handwriting program to teach your student how to correctly form his letters—he will learn his letter sounds as he learns to write them. The copy work exercises will make printing automatic in preparation for the composition lessons, which will gently teach your student to write stories and paragraphs with style."

 

This package includes:

Primary Arts of Language: Writing Teacher’s Manual

Primary Arts of Language: Writing DVD-ROM

Includes the following:

• Instructional Video by Jill Pike
• Reading Comprehension MP3 Audio by Adam Andrews
• Dictation, Narration, and Public Speaking MP3 Audio by Andrew Pudewa
• The Four Language Arts MP3 Audio by Andrew Pudewa
• Primary Arts of Language: Writing Student Books (e-book)
  (Would you rather have us print out your PAL student e-books for you? Click here)

All About Spelling Basic Interactive Kit

All About Spelling Level 1 (Teacher’s Manual and One Student Material Packet) By Marie Rippel

Bonus e-audio downloads:

• Units 1 & 2 in the K–2 Classroom MP3 Audio by Shirley George
• Unit 3 in the K–2 Classroom MP3 Audio by Shirley George
• Preparing the K-2 Writing Environment MP3 Audio by Richelle Palmer 

Cost - $89 ($113 if purchased seperately)


Where and how to begin with your Primary Arts of Language (PAL) materials

Click here to view an excerpt from Primary Arts of Language: Writing

Click here to view Andrew's introduction to Primary Arts of Language: Writing Complete Package     

 

Okay - now that you have the pertinent information on how to get your own IEW's Primary Arts of Language, on to what the Bentz Test Laboratory thought.

 

We LOVE this program!!!  Actually, after teaching the first 5 testers to read, I was not looking forward to trudging through the final 3 (don't be shocked, it's just true confessions from a mom of many). 

 

 I am a HUGE fan of IEW products - they have revolutionized our writing, so I had high expectations for this program.  I was not disappointed.  My testers are 5 and 6.  My six year old has been struggling along learning letter sounds, and is just getting the blending down, but frankly has not been begging to do reading.  My 5 year old was starting at step one, she knows her letters - and most of their sounds, but hasn't moved on to reading yet.  This program was easily used with both of them.

 

The Teacher Guides lay out the lesson in a clearly defined step-by-step, lesson-by-lesson approach. I recommend that you read through it, and make the games before starting.  The up-front time will have HUGE payoffs.

 

The Reading component utlizies file folder games, which all pieces (except a file folder) are included - you just cut and paste.  I spent awhile cutting out the pieces and assembling the games, but - it was worth it.  My testers loved them!! 

 

In addition to the games, there is poetry, short stories, writing practice, and spelling tests.  My testers were unbelievably excited to take "spelling tests" just like their older siblings...who would have thought?  We didn't get far enough into the program to work with the All About Spelling program included, but from what I can tell, it's going to be excellent!

 

One of our favorite components of the program was the Phonetic Farm Folder.  As each phonetic concept is introduced, we got to add a sticker to our folder.  Every lesson includes reviewing time your Phonetics Farm.  I was a bit surprized to start with "helpers" like -ow and -er.  Previous reading programs haven't introduced these until later.  I was a bit sceptical, but went ahead anyway.  Guess what, it was a home run!  I just figured out why my testers had been struggling - I was moving way too slow, and they were getting bored!  IEW PALs  moved quicker, and had them reading faster.

 

This is hands-down, my FAVORITE product to review!  It will revolutionize teaching Reading and Writing - your students will be eager to do it, and they've made it easy for you to teach.  Thank you IEW for another great tool!

 

See what the other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

 

Disclaimer:

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

 

 

 

 

Grace and Truth Books

 

 

From the website:

 

"Grace and Truth Books  isn’t a Christian bookstore that follows the latest trends. They know that the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ has nothing to do with fancy packaging or attempting to resemble secular literature or media. This online Christian book store is built on a different approach: what will glorify God, strengthen His people in their walk, and call all peoples to find joy in knowing His gospel and following Him."

 

 

First Impressions of God (The Story of Emily Tappan) - $5.50

 

"I don't believe mother knows that there is a God," said Emily Tappan as she ran in from the garden. "I'm sure she doesn't know or she would have told us all about it. Well, I'll just go and tell her." Blushing and almost breathless from the conscious importance of her communication she exclaimed, "Oh, Mother, there is a God. Mary Lewis told me so. And oh, he is so great! Greater than this house, greater than the tall trees, greater than everything, and I thought you would be glad to know it. I was so glad, and yet it made me afraid."   

 

 

 

 

  

 

Grace Raymond - $4.75

 

"Grace Raymond's "Evil and Cure of A Passionate Temper", is the touching story of a young girl who possessed a violent temper and a tendency to be harsh. Grace comes to realize, after causing her sister injury, that allowing anger to rule in her heart was destroying her and would only grow, leading to worse and worse sins of hate and animosity.

Through the influence of a kind teacher, Grace learns the way of salvation in Christ, and who can save her from her sin, so that she becomes an exemplary model of patience and longsuffering, to her family and all her friends."     

 

 

The Bentz Test Laboratory loves to read, but, what should they be reading?  Where do you find Godly, wholesome, and character inspiring stories for your young ladies (or gentlemen) to read?  Grace and Truth Books is a great place to look!

 

My testers enjoyed both of the books we were sent.  We did end up reading them together as a read aloud (highly recommend enjoying them with your children!).  She did get an education in new vocabulary - these books were written over 100 years ago.  Makes me envy the education of our forefathers, no watered-down, simplified vocabulary in these stories! 

 

 I love to teach character lessons with stories - it's much less threatening than the "lecture" approach. Grace Raymond came at the perfect time to talk about the struggles with anger we've been having lately around here. My girls were able to identify with the main character and her struggle, and it made a memorable impression. 

 

First Impressions of God was also a timely delivery.  We have been discussing how to hear God speaking lately.  This book was just the conversation starter we needed! 

You can get both of these books as part of the Girls Heritage Collection - Includes 8 books, all originally published by the American Tract Society in the 1800's. - $39

This set includes all the following books:

* The Little Girl's Treasury
* I Have a Soul
* The Dairyman's Daughter
* Behind Mr. Bunyan
* Patty's Curiosity
* The Young Cottager
* Grace Raymond
* First Impressions of God      

 

The TOS Review Crew reviewed many titles from Grace and Truth Books, you will want to stop by and see what they had to say here.

 

Disclaimer:

I was sent complimentary copies in exhchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew. 

             

Journeys of Faithfulness by Sally Clarkson

From the website:

"A wonderful gift for mothers and their daughters! Journeys of Faithfulness by Sarah Clarkson challenges young women to reach higher and go deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ by exploring the spiritual journeys of biblical women whose faith moves and inspires us even today. Celebrate the beauty, sacrifice, and courage that made these women the heroines they are with this collection of inspirational stories and devotions. Through the journeys of Ruth, Esther, Mary, and others, learn how God can reach into the life of an ordinary girl who loves Him and bring His beauty and grace to bear in the world through her obedience."

Recommended for ages 12 and up. 

Published by Apologia Educational Ministries.

Cost: $13.00

Read a sample chapter for Free!




Ohhhh....this is a good one!  I was excited to get a chance to read this book.  Although it's targeted for girls age 12 and up, I would HIGHLY recommend it for any young (or not so young) woman.  I could not put it down!  I will definetely re-read with my daughters, once they are older.  But, I plan on introducing it to the women of my small group - now.

Sarah Clarkson is a master storyteller.  I found myself instantly transported into the Bible stories of Mary & Martha, Mary, Esther and Ruth.  She breathes life into these familiar characters and takes you on an unforgettable spiritual journey with these women.  Her language is expressive and insightful.  I have been a fan of her mother (Sally Clarkson) for quite some time, her writing made me think - "this is homeschooling well done!" 

This inspired me and convicted me... It's from one of the Devotions - Sarah is talking about her Mother -  "Words only clarify what she already knows from a lifetime of watchful love.  She has pondered and known me.  I have been the study of her heart since I was born.  She knows my soul as few ever will.  Her love is alot like God's".  I want to know my children like that!

Each chapter is followed by a short Devotional written from Sarah's experiences.  She is refreshingly transparent and  young women will completely relate to her, as did I.  The Devotional is followed by a Bible Study to take it to a deeper level, and each section leaves a Journey Journal area so that you can record your own journey.

This should make it on your MUST-READ list!

See what other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

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

Activity Bags

 

 

From their website:

"Activity in a Bag provides self guided activities for children from preschool through 8th grade. The activities are very engaging. It has experiments they can see, touch, manipulate, and modify; situations that allow them to figure out what happens -- in short ,events, and puzzles that they can investigate, which is the very stuff of Science. Each activity is contained in a one gallon zipper bag."


I am a HUGE FAN of this company!  We discovered the Preschool Activities in a Bag a number of years ago, and even hosted a swap.  The Preschool Activities in a Bag are my favorite preschool curriculum, hands down!

I jumped at the chance to tell you more about this company.  I have used ALL their products in Bentz Academy over the past couple of years. 

For this review, my testers were able to discover Science Activities in a Bag - Book 1-2-3.  Science is a subject that can be very frustrating for the average homeschool mom.  If you are like me, you intend to do hands-on science experiments...really you do!  But, where have all the science supplies necessary for the experiment disappeared to when it's time to begin?  After hunting the supplies down...where have all your students disappeared to?
 
Science Activities in a Bag eliminates this problem.  Exciting, fun, and easy to do science experiments, and the supplies needed to complete them, are assembled in gallon-size zipper bags.  Ready to use when you are!  Best of all, you can organize a "swap" with friends and make the preparation painless by sharing it with friends.   The Ebook contains the instructions and supply lists (for 1, 10, 15 or 20) , along with detailed instructions of how to assemble each activity bag.   They make it so easy!!

Science Activities in a Bag - Book 1 - Biology, General Science & Nature - $15.00
(see a sample)

Find out what birds are really eating when you give them birdseed.

Discover how to put a skewer through a balloon without popping it.

Learn why earthworms are important for helping to make our soil better.

Learn how to determine the temperature using a cricket’s chirp.

Learn how to tell time the “old fashioned way”.

Make their own “garbage viewer” to observe what happens to garbage when its buried in the ground.

 

Science Activities in a Bag - Book 2 -Chemistry, Human Body and General Science - $15.00

(see a sample)

 

Learn how salt makes it harder for water to freeze.

Discover how mixing vinegar and baking soda can cause enough pressure to pop a cork.

Learn what the effects of light can have on your skin color.

Learn how a siphon works.

Learn how to identify substances by smell.

Learn how electricity charged objects attract or repel things around them.

 

 

Science Activities in a Bag - Book 3 -Chemistry - $15.00

(see a sample)

 

 

Learn how fires are put out.

Learn how to make glue from vinegar and milk.

Learn how much iron is in different juices.

Learn how to make invisible ink.

Learn how to grow crystals in the sun.

Learn how to make your own perfume from common garden plants and spices.

Get Science Activities in a Bag - Book 1, 2, & 3 for a special combo price - $39.00

 Math Games in a Bag  - $15.00
(see a sample)

This book includes instructions for 33 math games for families with elementary school-aged children. These math games use materials found inside your home and also make learning experiences out of everyday routines, such as ordering from a restaurant menu or putting gas in your car to check the kind of mileage you are getting. The math games are designed for you to have fun with your child while reinforcing mathematical skills. Most games are designed for 2 or  more players.



My testers really loved Math Games in a Bag!  Playing games is one of our favorite family activities.  This Ebook is filled with easy to make, fun to play, and best of all - educational, math games.  These are a great way to reinforce what you are working on in your math curriculum as well as, memorizing those pesky math facts!  Best of all, it just looks like fun to them.

Please check out Activity Bags - you won't find a better value.  In addition, they offer Reading Games, Travel Activities (another Bentz family favorite!), and Daily Activity Writing Journals. These Ebooks are affordable, easy to do, and your children are going to love them!

Fill out this quick Survey - and they'll send you a FREE Activity Bag Sampler!

See what the other members of the TOS Crew thought  here.

Disclaimer:
I was sent complimentary ebooks in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

The Sugar Creek Gang by Beloved Books

From the website:

 

"These Sugar Creek Gang "Audio Adventures"  offered by Beloved Books are dramatically read straight from the original books. Christian families LOVE this series because the gospel message is presented in such a simple, easy-to-understand style. The whole series is, in fact, a discipleship journey... even parents who listen along witness the Holy Spirit working changes in their own hearts!

Families also enjoy the delightfully interspersed segments of nature study, poetry, hymns, and even science lessons... all skillfully woven into the fabric of the stories."

The complete audio series contains over 36 books with over 100 hours on 72 CDs.

This First Volume of CDs contains the following stories:

The Swamp Robber
The Killer Bear
The Winter Rescue
The Lost Campers
Chicago Adventure
The Secret Hideout

Cost -  $54.95 per set

You may purchase the first COMPLETE story, "Swamp Robber", for only $4.95 and FREE First Class postage!

Use this code - MomOfMany-20 - and you get 20% off your entire purchase!

 

  

The Bentz Test Laboratory LOVED this resource!!  We are huge audio book fans, since it seems like we spend a large amount of time in our van...anyone with me?  Why not capitalize on that time (plus a captive audience) and build family memories together!

 

The Sugar Creek Gang was already a family favorite book series, and these audio CDs secured that favorite spot forever.  Each of the 6 stories on this volume were about 2 hours long. The stories do build upon each other, so you want to listen to them in order. There are 6 volumes available.  You will not find family friendly entertainment that is better done than these stories!  My children - ages 3-15 - boys and girls, were all begging for more of the story each time we got into the van.

 

The narrator - Paul Ramseyer,  is one of the best we've listened to!  We were all caught into his story telling right away.  But, without a doubt - my favorite part of the Sugar Creek Gang stories is the Christian character messages woven throughout. This is the kind of wholesome products that Beloved Books specializes in - do NOT miss what this company has to offer! 

 

Listen to a FREE story - and see for yourself!

See what the other members of the TOS Crew thought here.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sampson's Classroom

From the website:
"Designed for grades K-5, Samson's Classroom is an online series that helps students become better readers. Students can play engaging games that focus on 3 core building blocks; sight words, spelling, and reading comprehension."



Watch a 3 minute Demo Video - Here.

Better yet - try a demo for yourself (without having to create an account!) Here.

Cost - Home - 1 user - $30/year
           Family - 4 users - $50/year
           Classroom - 5-30 users - $80/year


Sampson's Classroom is really an "umbrella" program that includes access to all three areas - Sight Words, Spelling, and Reading.  Upgrades are automatically included so you have an up-to-date access at all times.

Sight Words with Samson "Sight Words with Samson is an absolute must for all beginning readers. This software product is the complete package for teachers and administrators looking to give their students the necessary foundation they need to become successful readers. This engaging product is proven to help early readers master the 224 most commonly used words in the English language."

My tester loved this section!  She was able to get started quickly, and found Sampson's Classroom fun.  In Sight Words, there are 5 activities for each list of words.  This gave my tester plenty of lists to master in the 4 levels.  The instructions were easy to follow, and she worked independently practicing.

Spelling with Samson "With more than 5,000 words and counting, Spelling with Samson is the most comprehensive spelling product on the market. This amazing software package captivates students and provides educators with all the tools they need to improve the spelling ability of their students. Join the thousands of teachers from across the country that have already made Spelling with Samson a part of their classroom."


My tester is not strong in spelling (to say it kindly...she's really, really bad at it!)  So, this was my favorite part of the program.  Spelling practice - disguised as fun!  We used the provided lists, but - you can also make your own.  Karate chopping letters, outrunning spiders, and jumping on ice bergs - but, really - practicing spelling skills!  We both loved it!!



Reading with Samson "Reading with Samson combines everything you have come to expect from the Samson product line with a new patented user feedback system. The end result is a cutting edge software product that helps students analyze reading material and learn how to draw conclusions and answer questions based on that material."


My tester also enjoyed this section.  The reading comprehension passages were interesting (fiction and non-fiction), and she was able to read them well - yeah!  Success is such a confidence builder, especially after spelling... Great practice for this important skill!



Overall,  Sampson's Classroom makes a great addition to your language arts curriculum.  It's affordable, and very easy to use.  Another tool to practice important language arts  skills, while having fun.



See what the other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.



Disclaimer:
I was sent a complimentary subscription in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

Abingdon Press - Deep Blue Kids Bible

From the website:

"Kids will dive deep into God’s word with the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible  by Abingdon Press. This engaging, interactive Bible offers four-color icons and illustrations throughout with a wealth of notes, devotionals, Bible trivia, and other interactive elements to capture inquisitive young minds. Plus the CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible will encourage a thirst for God’s timeless message as young readers join three life-like kids in discovering the Bible and what it means to their lives. Ages 7–12."

Product Features:

• 5 3/8” x 8 3/8’
• 8 point type
• 1536 pages
• 4-color throughout
• Presentation page
• In-text subject headings
• Translation footnotes
• 8 full-color maps exclusively from National Geographic Dictionary

Cost - $24.99 for the Flex Cover Edition
**See additional cover selections and purchase locations on the pricing page**

See a Sample here, watch a video trailer too!

Cost -$26.99 - for the Flex-Cover Edition

(Various cover options and purchase locations can be found on the purchase page)

 

 

The Bentz Test Laboratory LOVED this Bible!  My 6 year old tester had a major disaster with his hard-cover kids Bible (the cover completely fell off!) when the Deep Blue Kids Bible arrived... just in time!

 

He was happy to take his very-own (not a handed down...you understand if you have a couple of kiddos...) Bible!  And, it is his favorite color - blue!

 

Here's what we liked about it:

• The Flex cover!  I know it's not as important as the content, but the cover really makes a difference to my tester.  Our previous hard cover Bible was not able to stand up to the wear and tear of constant use.  The Flex Cover Deep Blue Kids Bible is durable, but easy to carry - and the flexible binding is strong!  I know, he gave those features a thorough testing!

• The Common English Bible (CEB) translation.  We were not familiar with this translation before.  122 biblical scholars from 22 faith traditions and 77 readers from many congregations worked together to complete this very easy to read, but very accurate translation!

• The chaper/book introductions.  Each book of the Bible has an introduction with with "Things you'll Discover","People You'll Meet", "Places You'll Go" and "Words You'll Remember".  My younger tester really enjoyed an introduction to what we were reading about.

• "Bet You Can" Reading Challenges.  We loved doing these!!  There is a scripture reference, a title and a time to beat (page numbers included).  This was a fun way to work on our reading skills, and my older children loved to jump in on the challenges as well.

The "Shout Outs" - In-text notes about things like positive character traits, how to deal with difficult times, basics of following god, answers to tough questions, interesting trivia, customs and practices, devotions to apply to our life today, memory verses, passages, and of course - the reading challenges!

I think this is a wonderful Bible for your kids , highly recommended!  It's user friendly, and has alot of kid appeal without being childish.



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

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

National Tax Training School - Federal Income Tax Course

From their website:

"One Complete Tax Course!  National Tax Training School's  Federal Income Tax Course is designed for persons with no previous experience in the tax field or those with some experience who wish to get a more thorough training in all pertinent phases of federal income tax preparation for individuals. Completing this course will train you to prepare tax returns for individuals and small businesses.

Written in an easy, accessible style, this nationally-accredited course guides you through Federal Taxation by way of 20 easy-to-master lesson units, each requiring approximately eight hours of study. A serious student can finish the course and receive his or her certificate in as few as 8 weeks. And you'll be studying in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office. (If you need more time, the School allows you up to one year.)

In addition to providing you with a solid foundational training in taxation, this course includes the essential material you must know to pass the Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) exam.  "

Cost -  

 

Complete Course with 4 years Post-Graduate Support –$795  or Complete Course with 2 years Post-Graduate Support –$495

*there are payment options for each of these; check the website for current options.  

 

Yippee!  Finally, I get to be the Bentz Test Laboratory tester!!  I have always done our family taxes (with the help of tax software...) and have long thought - "I wonder if I'm getting every deduction available?"  "How do I know this is correct and complet?" "Couldn't I do this myself?"

 

Well, I jumped at the chance to take a peek at National Tax Training School's Federal Income Tax Course.  And, I have finally answered my questions - I CAN do this myself! 

 

Being a homeschool mom and teacher, I am always teaching my children the lessons of learning something for yourself.  What we discover for ourselves, we own!  Well - working on this course modeled that for them.   

 

I was the one working through the manual - they send you a HUGE binder with the first 20 lessons -  see a Course Outline, each lesson is recommended to take about 8 hours to complete.  After lesson 17 - they send you the next binder of lessons as well as several other resources - a Federal Tax Handbook and Building and Operating a Successful Tax Practice Book.  (I got mine early, in order to review it).

 

I was also taking tests. Self-check quizzes at the end of each lesson and Examinations.  Included are postage paid envelopes to submit your examinationsfor hand grading. They are returned to you with full answer explanations.

 

Most of all , my children saw me learning something on my own.  That in an of itself is a good reason to enroll in this course - you get to practice what you preach!

 

I'm so glad that I already had a basic knowledge of how to prepare taxes, but this course helped me learn so much more.  I can even get a Registered Tax Preparer certificate and use my "learning" to become "earning" for our family budget.  (only problem...I'd have to find the time :-)

 

I highly recommend tackling the Federal Income Tax Course. National Tax Training School has made it very easy for you to start - and complete.  They are there to answer questions and help you along the way.  They are currently working on the beta version of an Online course which will streamline the process even more. 

 

See what other members of the TOS Review Crew thought here.

 

Disclaimer:

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

 

 

 

 

WealthQuest for Teens

From their website:

"Innovative, engaging, practical tools for teaching your teen effective money management. The interactive video and the eBook will teach your teen to think about and organize money so it works for them now and for the rest of their life!"  Designed for teens age 14-19.

Cost - $39.95

With 2 teenagers in the house now...the Bentz Test Laboratory has begun to venture into the wonderful world of teaching teens!   Money management skills are one of those very important new subjects on our horizon. 

WealthQuest for Teens is a comprehensive tool to teach these skills.  The short, easy to understand, and engaging videos are a huge hit!  My teenage boys both found them enjoyable, and they are really absorbing the concepts and shaping their attitudes about money.

WealthQuest for Teens is organized into 4 main components -  An online seminar - with 7 video segements including  printable workbook,  a 60 page Parent Guide, a 30 Day - Quick Start Guide for your teen, and a Free online money tracking tool called MoneyTrail.net.






The entire seminar can be completed in about 2 hours, but the discussion points you will have with your teens about money will last for a long time!  I wish I had been fortunate enough to have had this type of education regarding money management, it would have saved so many painful (and costly) mistakes.

Both my teens have expressed their desire to avoid debt, and I'm so glad.  WealthQuest for Teens will give them the tools they will need to achieve their goals.  The definition that WealthQuest uses for wealth or rich is “the amount of money you need to have the life you want and to make a difference in ways that matter to you.”  It's not a "get-rich" program, it's grounded in Biblical principles and practical tools.

WealthQuest implements  the "silo" system  to teach the "how-to" in tangible, visible ways.  Your teen is instructed to actually deposit his money into seperate containers (jars, envelopes, etc) called silos.  If you don't have it in the silo, you can't spend it...simple!

• Necessities - 50%
• Saving For Big Ticket Items - 10%
• Future Financial Freedom (Investments) - 10%
• Learning (Education) - 10%
• Fun Money - 10%
• Heal the World (Tithe) - 10%

I was impressed with this program, and so were my boys. The Parent Guide was filled with wonderful suggestions - I'm following their advice - I'm reading WealthQuest to learn new money management skills as part of life long learning!   The Teen book has 30 questions to keep your teen thinking and planning for their future goals. And, MoneyTrail.net let's your teen try out his new skills online.

Best of all, the price of this program is affordable, in fact - you can't afford not to teach them these valuable skills early on!

See what the other members of the TOS Crew thought here.

Disclaimer:
I was sent a complimentary download in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.

Dayspring Christian Academy - The Pilgrim Story

From their website:

"The Pilgrim Story teaches children about one of the most important times in our nation’s history. It is America’s foundation. This self-guided, interactive history course from Dayspring Christian Academy teaches students the true history of the Pilgrims from original sources. The Principle Approach method of education is used, which holds a providential view of history. Students are taught the importance of Christian character and other biblical principles, such as self governance, hard work, and perseverance. Students also learn the biblical principles of Christian liberty.

 

Lessons include: King Henry, Geneva Bible, Liberty of Conscience, Leaving Leiden, Conditions on the Mayflower, Building Christian Character, the Mayflower Compact, and much more. Students witness the providence of God in the lives of the Pilgrims and the founding of America. This interactive, self-paced course consists of five units totaling 17 lessons complete with assessments and ideas for further study. Appropriate for grades 3-6.

Activities in the course include crafts, application, live action, map-making, and much more—all designed to get students involved in the learning process. Principle Approach students are taught to think and reason from biblical principles and apply them to every area of life, so reasoning questions are also included.

Each lesson takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. Enrichment activities will take additional time. Students learn to manage the notebook, an important element of a Principle Approach education. Each lesson also comes with student note sheets and a vocabulary list.

This engaging online course culminates with a virtual field study to Plymouth, MA.  Instructor: Mary Stauffer"

 
Cost - $99.00

Access to the course begins within 48 hours from purchase. You will have access to the program for six months from the date of registration. The course does not meet at a specific time. You may access it at any time that is convenient to your schedule.





Bentz Academy was impressed, and the timing couldn't have been better - Thanksgiving is on the way!  The Pilgrim Story is an inteactive journey that all my testers enjoyed (K-9).  The course was easy to work with.  Even my younger students could manage to follow along.  My 4-9th graders could manage this independently, but - we choose to enjoy it all together.

Notebook pages (quotes, vocabulary, fill-in-the-blank notes) are printable for each lesson.  Completing the lesson, including notebooking,  averages around 30-45 minutes (it took us a little longer...)  There are also hands-on activities you can choose to include - one of our favorites - a Mayflower Meal.  Writing assignments and quizzes (either multiple choice or essay) complete the learning journey.  The 5 units end with a Virtual Field Trip to Plymouth Plantation (a favorite of my testers -  we would love to see it in person!) 

My testers loved being able to interact with the material. The graphics are well done and interesting.  It isn't just a "lecture" for them to listen to, there are plenty of opportunities to move around on the pages. Some activities must be completed before you can advance.    

My favorite part of this program was that God's hand of providence was taught throughout.  I really want my children to see the big picture of history being - "His-Story".   The Pilgrim Story told the true story!  I enjoyed it as much as my testers did.  The only drawback may be the $99 price tag.  Although - you do get access for 6 months, with the ability to tailor it to your schedule.

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

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

Beeyoutiful

 

From their website:

" At Beeyoutiful.com, we believe that each individual is responsible for their own health. It is not a doctor's responsibility to keep you in good health. Instead they are a tremendous resource, especially for those times when urgent care is required. But, they are only one of many resources. And the tools they use, while powerful, are not the only tools available. But a tool is worthless unless one knows how to use it.

We have found a lot a tools that have worked very well for our families, and made Beeyoutiful a repository for those tools, as well as the information to effectively use them. As we learn more, we share more. Our goal is to eventually carry every natural product that we use. We're not there yet. We may never be as we are constantly being exposed to new and great products. As much as is in our power, we want to aid others in obtaining and maintaining good health."

Introducing - The set of Beeyoutiful Products that I was delighted to try!   I have used several of these products before, and I'm a big fan! 

• Berry Well,  - 8 fl. oz. -$19.75 Each ingredient in this pleasantly fruity syrup holds its own against flu, colds, and a swarm of bacterial and viral infections. This organic Elderberry Syrup contains Propolis, Raw Honey, and Echinacea.

I have used this product with myself and my kiddos for several years.  They love the taste, and we haven't been to the doctor for anything other than well-child visits since I don't remember when.  It really works! (and because it tastes so good, you will not have to fight them to take it - they'll ask for it, promise!) 

 

Ow!-Ease,  - Arnica Trauma Salve - 1 oz. - $15.00

Using a proprietary blend of herbs, Ow!-Ease relieves pain associated with sprains, strains and pulled ligaments and muscles, bruises, and contusions. It works quickly and effectively to help reduce swelling and muscle pain, and is excellent as a rub for body builders, construction workers, and gardeners alike. The amazing qualities of these herbs work synergistically to soothe, restore, and actually speed tissue healing.

This is a new product to my medicine cabinet.  But, I can tell you - it's here to stay!  I have a child affectionately nick-named "Crash".  He is one of the most accident prone, bruise covered boys around - the perfect tester for this product!  He reports that it really helps ease the pain, and was back on his bruise & scrape inducing ripstick in no time.  Better stock up on this one if you have a kiddo like mine!

 

• Miracle Skin Salve  - 2 oz. - $15.00  OR 4 oz.- $25.00
  Miracle Skin Salve promotes deep healing and restoration using a soothing blend of organic herbs and oils. From sunburn, chapped lips, and diaper rash to painful wounds and burns, apply salve as often as needed and watch your skin smile!

This is my FAVORITE, MUST-HAVE product!!  We tested it last year (you can read that here).  Since that time, this is our go-to item in the first aid kit.  We have used it for sunburns, eczema, cuts, chapped lips, and even acne!  This product works so well!  It's light, not greasy and smells good too.

• Lip BALM, Available in Orange or Pepperment - $3.00

Beeyoutiful’s all natural Lip Balms offer you a choice of a soothing, healing lip balm that you can be confident in the ingredients.  The convenient size fits in your purse, pocket, diaper bag or gym bag for easy access wherever you may be.


I tested this previously as well.  Once again, this is my MUST HAVE favorite lip balm of all time.  My only issue is - that everyone else in my house loves it too.  I want my VERY OWN, no-sharing tube!   You will too!!

• Beeyoutiful Views DVD  - $3.00 - Stephanie Tallent.

 In this DVD she shares how she uses some of the most popular Beeyoutiful products in her home with her husband Steve and daughter Noelle. Steph has carefully researched, tested and "proofed" each and every product Beeyoutiful carries, in the trenches of real life. Join her as she shares those experiences with you.


I'm not your typical, all-natural type.  (no laughing out loud...especially if you know me!)  But, this video really inspires and encourages.  It's nice to get the perspective from someone who is actually using these products.  When you order the MUST-HAVES, get the DVD too - you'll be glad you did.


Other members of the TOS Crew tested other Beeyoutiful products - read about what they thought  here.

Disclaimer:
I was sent complimentary products in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.