Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Words Rock Online from EdAlive: A TOS Crew Review

                                EdAlive

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew




Words Rock Online from EdAlive


Summer is a great time to sneak in some learning that looks more like a video game!  Words Rock Online from EdAlive is an online, adaptive learning program designed to help your students (ages 5-15) with core literacy skills like vocabulary, spelling, grammar, punctuation and pre-literacy in a fun game-like environment.

Parents login first and set up student user accounts.  The program will work on any internet ready device - tablets, computers and smartphones - you can take it on the go!

Students can choose to play a multi-player, Battleship-type game to capture slugs and earn points. The program is an adaptive learning format, that means it records and adjusts the difficulty of questions to each student.  Players can choose quick games against other players or against the computer. My testers really didn't like the game - it seemed to take too long for the turns, and they quickly tired of it.




My students preferred to choose the "Questions Only" option.  In this mode, students are asked a WIDE variety of language questions including vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation.



The questions are varied, with an option to choose "Too Hard" if the question is above their level.

What my students enjoyed most was the variety.  Some questions have them typing in the answer, some moving the boxed word and other variations. Here's a peek at some of the questions:


At first the questions were easy for them, but the adaptive learning function adjusted questions to more and more difficult questions.  Each question allows the student the opportunity to attempt to answer twice before displaying the correct answer.  


This one even stumped me!

The questions cover spelling, vocabulary, grammar & punctuation and advanced grammar questions.  You can also choose the "all content" option and have all types of questions in a random order. It's a fun way to review and keep those skills sharp over the summer.


Each question is presented in a fun, cartoon illustrated way.


Spelling exercises are included too...



These type of questions were great for developing careful reading and details!


The parent account lets you see detailed results so you can know what needs some more attention, and which skills are mastered.



The program is not comprehensive enough to teach the skills, but it can be a fun way to sneak in some review.



Be sure to check out the other products from EdAlive    


Find EdAlive on Social Media:





Hashtags: #hsreview #wordsrock #vocabularygames #wordgame #grammarlearning #vocabularyenglish #vocabularylearning #wordgames #wordskills #readingsoftware #vocabularyinenglish #wordpower #phonicsisfun #phonicsactivities




        Online Math, Reading, and Language Arts with EdAlive

Wise Up from Positive Action Bible Curriculum: A TOS Crew Review

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew



Positive Action Bible Curriculum


Wise Up from Positive Action Bible Curriculum



I am excited to share a new Bible Study - Wise Up from Positive Action Bible Curriculum.  This is a comprehensive study on the book of Proverbs for your middle grade (6-8th) children.

It comes with both a softcover Student Manual and a 3 Ring Binder Teacher Manual.  It is broken into 35 lessons.  The aim of this curriculum is to create a "God Focus" in your children as you teach them to discern between wisdom and knowledge from the ultimate book of wisdom - Proverbs.



The Teacher's Manual includes a handy chart to help you schedule lessons on either a 3, 4, or 5 day schedule, making it a full year study!




This course is designed to have parents and students working together, the relationship and discussion times are a key component! The Teacher's Manual is an absolute must have for this study.  It clearly details each lesson with:

  • Target Truths - a quick bullet pointed outline of the lesson
  • Teaching Strategy - a more in depth summary of the key points from each lesson and ideas for group activities
  • Additional Suggestions - discussion ideas and activities to reinforce the lesson
  • A Teacher's Lesson  - the lecture material you need to teach the lesson, or helpful group activity suggestions
  • Full Answer Key -  this is the Student Manual and all the exercises, with answers included
  • Quizzes & Answers - weekly quizzes and answer keys
  • Scripture Memorization Sheet


I love how everything is clearly explained, and put together.  It's a very well-designed and easy to use program.  I also appreciate that it's a study for both parents and students to complete together.  When we model loving the Word and spending daily time in it, our students will too.

The Student Manual is a consumable, soft cover book.  Students complete fill-in-the-blank style questions, cross-reference reading, completing charts and other activities in each lesson.

The Student Manual is illustrated with pencil type drawings and is the perfect size to keep handy for daily use. My testers thought it is very classy and nice looking, and were excited to do their best work.




The end of each lesson includes a fill-in-the-blank section for the student to take notes from the Teacher's Lesson.





I was very impressed with the in-depth study for my middle schoolers, I think it could easily be adapted to use with both older students, or as a group study!

 
Now is the perfect opportunity to teach them true wisdom!


Be sure to check out another great study - 5th Grade - Possessing the Land from Positive Action Bible Curriculum!


Find Positive Action Bible Curriculum on Social Media: 



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BibleCurriculum
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/positive_action/


Hashtags: #hsreviews #biblecurriculum #biblestudy #homeschoolbiblecurriculum #positiveactionforchrist #positiveactionbiblecurriculum




Monday, June 21, 2021

Sedona AZ


Sedona is one of my favorite places ❤️ 


And sharing it with my favorite person is the best ❤️








I'll never get tired of this view from the Arabella!



Or our very own... "Opal Pool" - where it all began!



Our getaways are the best!  Time together to relax - dream - and enjoy!




Until next time... Sedona ❤️


 

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B from The Old Schoolhouse® : A TOS Crew Review

  

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew



Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B from The Old Schoolhouse®



The Census Bureau's latest survey shows that homeschooling has risen considerably over the past year.  If you are thinking about homeschooling, are new to this path, or even are a 19 year homeschool veteran like me - you will want to check out Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B fromThe Old Schoolhouse® !

Here's a peek at what's included in this amazing resource:

Over 60 FREE Ebooks to download - (yes, you read it right - you can get the ebooks absolutely FREE)
  • Homeschooling: A Prayerful Journey by Deborah Wuehler
  • The Homeschool Minute email newsletter
  • Homeschooling the Rebel by Deborah Wuehler
  • A Classical Education
  • Homeschooling with Young Children
  • Strategies for Struggling Learners
  • Organize Your Homeschool
  • How to Teach the Fidgety Child
  • How to Beat Curriculum Boredom
  • Helping the Reluctant Writer
  • Mastering the Grading Process
  • So You Think Your Child May be Gifted
  • Secrets of Successful Homeschooling by Paul and Gena Suarez
  • Inexpensive Organization by Dena Wood and Eleanor Joyce
  • A Homeschool Parent’s Guide to High School Grades, Credits, and Transcripts by Lee Binz
  • Hey Mama! 31- Day Devotional
  • Homeschool with Confidence
  • Public School System: Lovers or Haters of God?
  • The New School Year: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps
  • The Homeschooling Primer: What Home Education Looks Like and How to Start
  • Plus 38 more Ebooks 
Option B includes some great Physical Products too:
  • One thick print back issue of the homeschooling magazine from The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine
  • 10 Ways to Bring Up Your Little Man refrigerator hanging
  • 10 Ways to Bring Up Your Little Lady refrigerator hanging
  • Fallout! Students Explain Why They Left or Remained in Church DVD
  • The Homeschooling Primer: What Home Education Looks Like & How to Start 
  • Plus other homeschooling and/or state-related information, goodies and resources

And, that's not all - you get ONE FREE FULL CLASS from SchoolhouseTeachers.com!

  • Introduction to Architecture is an online course from SchoolhouseTeachers.com that brings your student elements of architecture, as well as studies of various structures including skyscrapers, bridges, castles, and more. Your student will learn about assorted aspects of each structure, including the point in history when it was built, its function, the architects, and the basic science behind its stability. The course includes reading assignments, videos, map activities, and hands-on activities. 
                                               

Here's a few of my favorites goodies from the Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B - 

Homeschooling the High Schooler - this is a 71 page digital book, packed with everything you need to homeschool all the way to graduation! Broken into 3 parts, it offers encouragement and practical tips for how to oversee a great high school education. It includes a checklist and guidance for college, how to find apprenticeships, and encouraging your entrepreneurs from real-life homeschool experts.  


How I Homeschool is a resource I prayed for when I first started homeschooling...someone who would let me "peek" into their day to see HOW they homeschool!  This 54 page ebook allows you to see the real life of 12 homeschooling families from a wide variety of backgrounds and learn how they meet the unique challenges of homeschooling.


The 10 Essentials for Homeschooling High School by Lee Binz - I love this 28 page ebook from one of my favorite homeschooling experts!  She outlines the 10 most essential topics for your high schooler to study.  From how to get them to complete their work, to adding delight driven study into their schedule - this is a must read for everyone homeschooling highschoolers.


The MASSIVE volume of ebooks are an amazing resource and filled with helpful tools. But, that's not all that you get with the Considering Homeschooling Info-Pak Option B - you get some great Physical products too!

Several audio CDs and some fun "homeschool swag"


These laminated cards, perfect for hanging on your refrigerator or using as an encouragement for your favorite parent!


A fun activity book about Arizona - we really loved this, since we just went on a great summer adventure to Sedona and the Grand Canyon.  Any road trips planned this year?


A FULL issue of my FAVORITE magazine -  The Old Schoolhouse - if you don't already subscribe, you will want to!  I've read this for the past 19 years, and it's always one of my favorite mail days!


And, if all of that wasn't enough - you also get this beautiful, hardcover book - Purposeful Design - Understanding the Creation.  It is full color with glossy pages and stunning photography.  It details the days of creation, and gives insight to the fascinating details of creation.



So, if you are considering homeschooling - get this!  If you are just starting down the homeschool path - get this! If you have homeschooled forever, or are almost done - get this!  I found so much encouragement packed into these resources. 

Well done The Old Schoolhouse® !


Find The Old Schoolhouse®  on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoldschoolhouse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOSMag/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tosmagazine/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tosmag/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7i0BRyoTPYT3chTcj52UmA

Hashtags:  
#hsreviews #homechoo #TheOldSchoolhouseMagazine #TOSmagazine #TOSMag #homeschoolingmama #homeschoolingbyheart #homeschoolingrocks #homeschoolmama #homeschoolingmom



                       The Old Schoolhouse Considering Homeschool Info Pak