Heritage History

From their website:

"The Heritage curriculum encourages students to learn at their own pace, without busywork or rote memorization. The complete text of dozens of fascinating books are included in the curriculum, so there is no need to track down hard-to-find titles. It is the simplest and most enjoyable way to learn history, and helps instill a love for the subject in students of all ages."

Check out the education philosophy behind Heritage History.

"Each Curriculum CD includes biographies, legends, hero stories, and historical literature as well as comprehensive histories. In addition to books, study aids, including timelines, historical maps, and era summaries are provided in printable format. "

I was sent British Middle Ages to take a peek at. 

It features "The complete illustrated text of 55 books, over 60 maps, timelines, battle dictionaries, reading recommmendations, geography terms, short biographies, historical era summaries, and a ready-to-print Study Guide for one low price."

Each Complete Curriculum CD is available for just $24.99 - Purchase the complete 5 volume set for $99.99

Choose from 5 Classical Curriculum Libraries: Young Readers, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, British Middle Ages, British Empire

Heritage History offers five others as well: Early America, Christian Europe, Modern Europe, Spanish Empire and Action and Adventure.

When I got a Nook for my birthday last year, I wondered - "what am I ever going to do with this?"  After all, have you seen the bookshelves I have?  I LOVE BOOKS!   It didn't take me long to realize that I could use it to have even more books, without the bookshelves (we really don't have room for anymore...unless you count the garage!)

What does that have to do with Heritage History?  Everything!  Here's a great way to build a complete, quality history library full of classic literature -  affordably (only $24.99 for 55+ books!) and it won't clutter up your bookshelves!

Each CD has the resources in three formats - Printable PDF files and E-Reader formats - MOBI, and EPUB.  You can use it with ANY device or reader that you have!  The CD is filled with the great books (no hunting for you) but, that's not all...  You get the Study guide and Study Aides as well.  (if you prefer a printed guide - they are available as well.)

 The Study Guide is printable as well.  It is helpful tool containing -  color maps and charts, timelines, recommended core reading for beginner, intermediate, and advanced readers, geography terms, outline maps, binder covers, historical era summaries, list of prominant characters, and accountability records.

The Study Aides include visual aids, such as high quality images and historical maps, as well text-based material, such as timelines and battle dictionaries. Hundreds of pages of study aids are included on each curriculum CD. (check out some samples to see for yourself.)

You can use Heritage History as a complete history curriculum, or you can combine it with other popular history programs.  They even have a guide how to best use it for your family!

The Bentz Test Laboratory has loaded up their Nook, iPod, and Touchpad, and they are all off and running on a full summer of reading material.  Shhhh....don't tell them - but, it's really "school" and we're studing the Middle Ages next year!

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

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

WriteShop Junior Book D

From their website:

"WriteShop Junior is a creative writing program that appeals to many learning styles. As with all WriteShop products, Book D helps you guide children through the steps of the writing process. To keep the experience fun for everyone, each lesson includes engaging games and activities that teach and review important writing and self-editing skills. And whether you have a more advanced child or one who is fairly new to writing, this program is flexible so children can work at their own level."

What Do I Need to Get Started?

• Book D Teacher's Guide: E-book - $34.95 or spiral-bound - $39.95

 Includes several schedules with daily lesson plans. Schedules are flexible and easy to follow.   This is not an independent course. Lessons are designed for parent and child to work together.

Download a Book D sample lesson 

• Activity Pack: E-book (1 per family) - $29.95 or hard copy (1 per child) - $39.95

An essential part of WriteShop Junior Book D, the Activity Pack is actually two workbooks in one! It contains both the Student Worksheets and the Level 1 Fold-N-Go Grammar Pack.

COMPONENT 1: STUDENT WORKSHEET PACK
The E-book version includes 60 printable activity pages your child will use to complete portions of each lesson. Games, word banks, worksheets, and graphic organizers introduce children to lifelong writing skills such as brainstorming and self-editing.


COMPONENT 2: LEVEL 1 FOLD-N-GO™ GRAMMAR PACK
Make 10 lapbook-style grammar and writing guides, each devoted to a different skill. Simple rules, engaging examples, and practice exercises make learning or reviewing grammar fun! By the end of Level 1, your child will have his own set of portable reference folders.

The E-book version allows you to make as many copies as you need within your own individual family. 

• Optional Time-Saver Pack: E-book or hard copy - $13.95

This product truly saves you precious hours of prep time. Instead of creating and assembling your own game cards, spinners, and other tools to teach creative writing,  the Time-Saver Pack includes durable, ready-made props for many Book D activities.  Or, get the E-book and have fun creating your own!

Kim Kautzer, author of WriteShop, has been kind enough to offer 15% off any WriteShop Primary and Junior products in the WriteShop store (including e-books) using coupon code CREW15 at checkout. Offer valid through June 15, 2012.
Here's a list of writing genres covered in WriteShop Junior - Book D

• Letter of Invitation
• Humor
• Adventure
• Science Fiction
• Mystery
• Poetry/Haiku
• Folktales
• Historical Fiction
• Personal Narrative
• Expository Writing: Factual Article

Some of the skills covered are:

• Identify and use proper grammar and punctuation
• Narrow a broad topic to a specific topic
• Brainstorm before writing
• Structure a sentence
• Write a paragraph
• Choose strong words instead of weak ones
• Write sentences of different lengths
• Use emotion words to develop voice
• Use the five senses to add descriptive detail
• Self-edit and revise their work
• Creatively publish their final drafts

So, what did the Bentz Laboratory think?  My tester LOVED it!  My particular tester is in 3rd grade, and we have not had a chance to venture to far into writing yet.  This program has it all!  I love that it focused on skills (in a very engaging, grade revelant fashion), and creativity - at the same time.    Best of all, the variety and hands-on projects will keep her interested all year long!

This is a very comprehensive program, I am very impressed!

• It is full of help for you to teach writing, but even more importantly - to make writing an enjoyable learning journey too! Each lesson is split into 8 Activity sets  - Fold N Go Grammar, Reading Log, Pre-Writing, Skill Builders, Journal Writing practice,  Brainstorming, The Writing Project, Editing and Revising, Publishing the Project, Evaluating, and Want to do More?! Each step is outlined very clearly for you to follow.  All the worksheets, activities, games and teaching tools are included.  No guessing what to do next!

• The Ebook format is very large family friendly, you can print what you need, for who you need. 

• This is not a "workbook" program, or one that you plop down in front of your child to do independently.  They describe it like this "WriteShop Junior is a partnership between you and your child".  You are encouraged to share in the entire process! 

• They have included Cross Curricular writing ideas as well.  You can use these to integrate writing into history, science, etc.

You will want to check out all the products available at  WriteShop  - they offer a full K-12 product line.  While your at their website - peek around a little, you won't believe all the helpful resources and links they have available for you!


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

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

CapJaxMathFax

From their website:

"Reinforcement builds skills. Feedback rewards skill performance and maintains importance of program. CapJaxMathFax™ employs a patented rating system that uses reinforcement and feedback data to create a game-like feeling. Ratings allow learners to keep score and set personal achievement goals. Student ratings also constitute a measure telling teachers and parents precisely where a student is in his or her math fact development."

Take a peek at this CapJaxMathFax at a Glance pdf file!

Purchase as a Download online - $29.95

or as a CD - $29.95 plus $5.95 shipping


Let's face it - math facts are not our children's favorite activity!  But, programs like CapJaxMathFax can make even your toughest student smile!

CapJaxMathFax works like this:

Start at first level. Beginning at the easiest level generates initial success and establishes keyboard skills useful at higher levels. Math types (+, -, x, /) may be practiced in any order and in combination.

Play through each level.
Advancing through small levels of difficulty assures progress. Just a few minutes each day is all that’s needed.

Watch score climb.
Visible progress encourages students. CapJaxMathFax™ has a proprietary rating system that produces obvious feedback about even small gains. Kids will say, This is fun!

Master all facts.
CapJaxMathFax™ rating system assures structured practice through all sets of facts associated with each math type. Students achieve mastery at each level before advancing.

Immediate Positive Reinforcement.
Immediate knowledge of results is vital to efficient skill development. Most efforts have some element of success. CapJaxMathFax™ captures these with instant feedback about accuracy and response time.

Regular Positive Feedback.
Encouraging information about progress is critical. It underscores the importance of the effort and maintains learner involvement. CapJaxMathFax™ provides feedback about each session with a graphical bar chart, a running summary of session results, and a personalized session progress report.

Achievement Certificates.
Tangible evidence of math achievement is available in the form of individual certificates showing student’s performance and current status. Certificates may be displayed and printed at any time.

Detail Reports.
An Item Detail Report of each CapJaxMathFax™ performance session is available for teacher and parent diagnostic review. CapJaxMathFax™ employs a patented rating system that uses reinforcement and feedback data to create a game-like feeling. Ratings allow learners to keep score and set personal achievement goals. Student ratings also constitute a measure telling teachers and parents precisely where a student is in his or her math fact development.


Check out this video:



The Bentz Test Laboratory really enjoyed this program.  It was easy to download and jump right in.  The graphics were a little "goofy" according to my testers.  But, it didn't stop them from wanting to work on their levels to keep progressing!

CapJaxMathFax gives you another handy tool to use in teaching math facts.  And, it's a great bargain to boot!  Why not try the FREE evaluation, and see for yourself?!

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

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

Go Science by Library and Educational Resources

I have been a long time fan of Library and Educational Resources (a wonderful way to build a quality, affordable library in your home - I have!)

I was sent 2 volumes of the Go Science - DVD's to review.

From their website:
"Every time we learn something about SCIENCE, we learn something about our CREATOR GOD!

Even kids who claim an aversion to science will be engaged by the high-energy science demonstrations of Ben Roy! Ben teaches science methods at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is the former director of a science program on television. With this expertise, Ben captivates, motivates, and inspires students to be excited about science, while providing effective instruction based on science phenomena. Each spectacular demonstration of physical or chemical science has a spiritual application and points to our Creator!

More information about Ben Roy can be found on his website www.gosicencezone.com and Facebook. "

Volume 1 in the Go Science Series is about Motion: Discovering the Laws of Gravity and Motion

Volume 2 in the Go Science Series is about Simple Machines, Sound, and Weather

Volume 3 in the Go Science Series is about Magnetism, Engineering, Electricity, and Design

Volume 4 in the Go Science Series is about Chemistry, States of Matter, annd Life Sciences

Volume 5 in the Go Science Series is about Air and Flight

Volume 6 in the Go Science Series is about Water, Space, and the Solar System.
Each demonstration ranges in time from 3 to 6 minutes.

Recommended for ages 6-14

These episodes were originally produced for a religious television show.

Available for $8.97 each, or as a 6 Volume Set (67 lessons) for $47.95

Check out a sample video:



The Bentz Test Laboratory loves all things science, especially science videos!

Go Science was a big hit!  The younger testers especially enjoyed Ben Roy's presentations.  I do feel that the science concepts were presented well, but the presentation style was geared toward a younger than 14 age group.  That's great - little kids love science too!

This is a perfect summer activity - when it's too hot to go out to do science - why not do some "Go Science" together!  My favorite part - Ben Roy points each and every lesson to the Creator God.  It's a Bible lesson and a science lesson!

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

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

Judah Bible Curriculum

From their website:

"The Judah Bible Curriculum is a "Principle Approach" Bible curriculum whose distinctives are the following:

• The BIBLE is the textbook. The student studies and learns the Bible.
• The student learns God's purpose in history, studying the hand of God in the lives of men and nations through the Bible.
• The student develops his reasoning ability, helping him to apply Biblical principles personally.
• The curriculum helps you shift from rote learning to Biblical reasoning.
• The student learns the relationship between the sovereignty of God and the personal responsibility of the individual.
• The student learns the relationship between individual character and national liberty. "

Purchase Options - 

 Judah Bible Curriculum delivered online -  Total $44.00.
 
You get:
1) Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual, e-book format to download;
2) Elementary Notebook Ideas booklet to view online or download;
3) Eight-lecture Teacher Training Seminar. listen online or download.
(40% discount for online delivery!)

 Judah Bible Curriculum Pack Hard Copy:  $69.00, plus 5.00 p&h, Total $74.00. Allow 7 days for delivery.
 
You get:
1) Judah Bible Curriculum K-12 Manual;
2) Elementary Notebook Ideas booklet;
3) Eight-lecture Teacher Training Seminar on CDs.


The Bentz Test Laboratory was very interested in testing out a new Bible Curriculum.  We have become fans of intense Bible study, and were on the look-out for a curriculum to guide us. 

We were quite excited to receive the Judah Bible Curriculum to test. Right away, we found we wholeheartedly agreed with this statement:

 "The Judah Bible Curriculum will enable YOU to teach the Bible to your students. The curriculum is designed to help teacher and student break curriculum dependence and become self-educating students of the Word of God. The curriculum allows for lots of creativity in your design of the daily study. In order for there to be sustained liberty in any society, there must be a shift in character away from dependence."

You get an amazing amount for your minimal investment!   8+ hours of teacher training, a full K-12 - non-consumable Bible Curriculum (see the Scope & Sequence,) plus the Elementary ideas.  But, a word of warning - this isn't an "open it and jump right in" type of program.  This is going to force you and your students to think, reason, and apply!  Exactly the outcome you're hoping to produce, right?  You can investigate this approach by watching this PowerPoint presentation.

The elementary students begin with "art projects" and advance to more research skills as their reading and writing skills increase.  All your children can be studying the same weekly theme together.  The older students will be creating a notebook (read more about the Notebook approach) filled with their discoveries.   With a large family, this is a key feature for any program - How many of us can use it at once? - With the Judah Bible Curriculum - it's everyone - even Mom & Dad!

The main concepts you will investigate are:

1. Education and Character/Curriculum Overview
2. How God Changes Nations
3. God’s Kingdom: Creation - Flood.
4. God’s Kingdom: Abraham - Malachi
5. God’s Kingdom: Matthew - Revelation
6. Methods: Weekly Themes, Notebooks, Key Sheets, Writing Exercises, Essay Testing
7. God’s Kingdom: Pentecost - Present
8. Studying the Life of Joseph


This is truly, the only Bible curriculum you will ever need - The Bible is your textbook, and you will build a sound Biblical Foundation and Worldview in your family.

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

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

Amazing Science!

From their website:

"Learn fundamental principles of science through Amazing Science Experiments! You'll learn about electricity, magnetism, heat, temperature, pressure, surface tension, buoyancy, and much more.

For every demonstration, a complete materials list is given, and each experiment features multiple camera views so you can see exactly what happens. Most importantly, every concept is explained in a step-by-step fashion. You'll not only be amazed - you'll understand the science behind every experiment."


Two Disc DVD Set (23 experiments!) - $19.95 (or Download them for $17.99)


Take a peek for yourself:



The Bentz Test Laboratory LOVES science experiments! But, I have to confess, sometimes the "science teacher" doesn't love the clean up from science.

So, what to do? Well, you could get Amazing Science DVD's and you could have the "experience" without the mess! **One disclaimer, these DVD's made my children want to do MORE science experiments - but, they knew exactly what to do - "clean it up when you're done"!**

These DVD's are very well done.  The Teacher is easy to understand, the experiments are easy to follow along with, and the science is super!  Each experiment turned out perfectly (not our "usual" experience...anyone know what I mean?), and the science behind the experiment was clearly explained.  Subscribe online, and they'll send you a free video to your email inbox!

One Bentz Tester told me, "Don't let anyone else see this, I want to show them the experiment!"  It was that cool. 

I highly recommend these DVD's.  They will make your science teaching easier, and your kids are going to love doing the experiments.  They're Amazing!

See 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.

God's Great Covenant

God's Great Covenant - By Classic Academic Press

From their website:

"Teaching the Bible to young children can be a large task, and is often divided up into many small stories. However, if you would like to teach your students the truly big picture of the Bible, and show them how God has been at work in his people since before creation, you will find God’s Great Covenant to be a unique, surprising, and excellent Bible curriculum. The Bible, taught chronologically, by means of simple and direct stories, chants, and meditation on God’s character define God’s Great Covenant. Even many adults find themselves learning new facts, making surprising connections, and being blessed by reminder of God’s faithfulness, and how he always keeps his promises. Taught from a covenantal and reformed theological perspective, and rooted in Scripture, you will find this series to be a blessing to your classroom or family."

God’s Great Covenant, New Testament 1 teaches the Gospels to students in fourth grade and up, using stories, worksheets, memory verses, devotional guides, quizzes, and a little boy named Simon. In the introductions to the text, students will also learn about the historical, cultural, and geographical setting of the New Testament. This book is a most comprehensive and heartfelt study of the Gospels, and many parents and teachers will find themselves learning along with their students. - $26.95

A detailed Teacher’s Edition is also available. - $29.95.  It is a full copy of the student text, and also provides answer keys and teacher’s notes with additional factual information to expand upon the historical, geographical, cultural, and theological concepts introduced in the text.

An Audio file is available for a download - $9.95.  Included in the more than three hours of recording are thirty-two stories from the four Gospels. The downloadable audio file is MP3 format and can be burned on a CD to take along anywhere you go. The perfect companion for your auditory learners (or "van school" time, like at Bentz Academy!)

See a sample of the Student Text.

Or the Teacher's Edition Sample.

The Bentz Test Laboratory is a big fan of Classic Academic Press - you will definitely want to check out all of their amazing products!  We use their Latin and Logic products - two of our favorite subjects.

True to form, their Bible Curriculum - God's Great Covenant, is a high-quality, Biblically accurate, and academic curriculum.

It is designed into 36 weekly lessons with 4 themes.

Each lesson includes:

• A memory page that includes a weekly memory verse, key facts chart, fulfillment of prophecy section
• A thought-provoking “Think About It” question that encourages children to consider how to relate to God in their own lives
• A worksheet and quiz
• Unit reviews that contain a memory verse worksheet, devotional guide, and a fun short story of life in Simon’s world.

Very comprehensive program, but also - very easy to jump right in and begin.  If you're looking for a solid Bible curriculum, search no farther!  My testers ranged in age from 1st grade - 8th grade.  It was a subject we did all together, but the Student Workbook would be easy to implement as an independent learning subject with your older elementary children. 

I was surprised by the impressive amount of information included in the Teacher's Guide (well worth purchasing!).  With plenty of space for your own notes, plan on doing this Bible study right along with your children.  I bet, you'll learn as much as they do!

See 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.

Bright Ideas Press

Christian Kids Explore Biology

From their website:

"This user-friendly, unabashedly Christian, one-year science curriculum for elementary students includes teaching lessons, gorgeous coloring pages, hands-on time, memorization lists, review sheets, creative writing assignments, and an awesome supplemental book list!

Written for 3rd through 6th graders, it can easily be scaled down for younger students, making this an excellent choice for teaching all your elementary-aged kids together. The schedule of 35 weekly lessons calls for teaching twice weekly, allowing a family time for projects, exploration of resource books, field trips, etc.

The conversational style gives students the basic information they need, making this an ideal first course in life science; especially useful for those following a classical approach!"

$34.95 - print copy
$7.95 - Downloadable Student Activity pages


The Bentz Test Laboratory LOVES science!  (I know, you've heard that before... It's true!)  But, not all science is truth...  This topic is a sensitive one, especially in homeschool circles.  I need to state, Bentz Academy is an unabashedly, Christian education center, therefore - we really LOVE curriculum that teaches science with a Christian Worldview and a focus on our Creator!

Christian Kids Explore Series by Bright Ideas Press does just that!

Eight Units take you on an reading, exploring, and learning adventure throughthe world of biology.  It covers the Basics of Biology, Plants, Birds, Mammals, The Human Factor, Reptiles and Water Creatures.

Each Unit has several lessons with "Teaching Time", and "Hands-on Time" and ends with a "Wrap-up".  Scripture reminders are located throughout the sidebar pages, a great reminder of our amazing Creator God!

The Bentz Test Laboratory has been eager to get their hands on another science book.  Christian Kids Explore Biology did NOT disappoint them.  Best of all, this program was extemely easy for us to open and dig right in!  We all especially loved the Hands-on suggestions.  My opininon, science is something you should DO, not just READ!

The Appendix was a treasure waiting for us in the back of the book!  It's filled with reproducibles like forms, maps, memorization lists, Scripture Memory, an ABC animal book, coloring pages, recipes and even more supplemental activities!  (the appendix alone is worth the investment in this book!).

Bright Ideas Press carries additional titles in this series.  I know they're on my wish list!

Check out what other members of the TOS Review Crew had to say here.

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

AIMS Education - Earth Rocks

From their website:

Earth Rocks - Grades 4-5 - $29.95 (Paperback or PDF versions)

"50 activities —336 pages Students explore soil, rocks/minerals, the water cycle and properties of water. In the section on Earth Changes, students will look at weathering and erosion. The Resources section has them classifying resources as renewable and nonrenewable. The book ends with a section on pollution."

The Bentz Test Laboratory LOVES anything hands-on and everything Science!  Aims Education is a supplier of activity books, lab kits and supplies and much more. 

I am currently teaching Earth Science at our homeschool co-op, so I had the perfect "class" to test out activities on.  I like having additional resources, printables, activities to coordinate to our lesson.  Earth Rocks was a useful resource to have available.  The activities were easy to implement, using readily available materials. 

One word of caution - Earth Rocks is from a secular worldview.  I believe the point of science (and all learning for that matter) is to point back to our Creator. Earth Rocks was not "overt" in their presentation of evolution, but neither did they endorse Creation.  Due to the secular nature, I would not recommend this product as "curriculum", but rather as additional information that you can use to add some hands on activities - once you have evaluated it first. 

You can download Free Samples - check it out for yourself!

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.

Write with WORLD

A description from their website:

Write with WORLD is the middle school writing curriculum developed by education and media professionals. Use it to inspire and train your students to become proficient communicators who can meet educational requirements and navigate today's growing new media and conflicting worldviews.
Write with WORLD exposes students to:

• reading and critical thinking that develop discernment
• contemporary subjects and professional guidance to pique interest
• flexible exercises to build confidence and skill for using today's new media
• a thoughtful and meaningful Christian worldview   

Check out a sample lesson.  The Full Year Curriculum includes online access in addition to the Teacher Textbook and Student book. This is a two year program. We were sent a pilot copy of Year One which retails for $95.00. You can see purchasing options including a Year One and Year Two combo here.

Now, for what the Bentz Test Laboratory thought...

Since Write with WORLD is from the makers of WORLD Magazine and God's World News (a long-time Bentz family favorite) - I had a "feeling" it would be good.  I was not mistaken!

My testers are all in the "learning-to-love-writing stage", but they are boys. Enough said - some of you know what I'm talking about.  They don't necessarily chose writing as their favorite subject.  One thing that stood out right away was the connection made in writing about real-life topics - a huge motivator!

This curriculum is very well organized (especially for your boy students)  It is broken into "capsules" of learning.  Each of these capsules are a managable daily lesson (take a peek at the Table of Contents).  The language is clear and easy to understand.  The first capsule begins with advertisements - which really can capture their interest and get them ready to dig in, not to mention the critical thinking skills that are sharpened.

I was not able to review the online access portion - but, it will be available in the fall. 

My favorite part - the writing and instruction is from a strong Christian worldview.  Teaching our children this worldview, along with the writing skills to make themselves heard and understood - is vital!

I agree with this from their website wholeheartedly: Christians in particular should try to be the best communicators. They possess the truth and need to articulate a biblical worldview. Just as important, today's students must be discriminating media consumers - able to read, hear, and watch what the world is saying and to recognize the truth. (the bold words are my emphasis)

Overall, I was very impressed with this writing curriculum. 

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.

TruthQuest History

From their website:

TruthQuest History is a deep and rich literature-based history study…but with a difference. You will not learn the story of mankind; you will learn the lovestory of mankind. You will not focus on the rise and fall of human civilizations; you will focus on the arrow-straight line of God's unchanging existence, power, love, truth, and plan for civilization. You will not simply 'meet the culture' or 'get the facts;' you will probe the truths of history so deeply that your students will be equipped to change their world!
You can use this handy guide to find where to start.  They offer samples of each guide as well.

I was sent a complimentary copy of :

Renaissance/Reformation/Exploration (1400-1600)


Your children must understand the deep issues of this time period! It was such a crossroad! They will see two different responses develop to the spiritual emptiness of the late Middle Ages--an emptiness quite like that of our own age, so we can learn much.

• It was good for the people to seek truth, but where did they turn? Themselves? God?
• How did the 'searchings' of the great artists, scientists, mathematicians, architects, businessmen, writers, philosophers, rulers, and explorers affect their awesome achievements?
• This truth quest, and the decisions made in response, determined the future of many nations--those that were on their way to cataclysm and those headed for greater freedom.
• The issues are not Catholic vs. Protestant, as TruthQuest History explains, so people of both faiths can feel safe using this guide.
• Ideally for Grades 5-12, but younger siblings can participate. Includes book recommendations for all ages, where available.

Available as printed book - $24.95 , or PDF eBook  $19.95 (immediate download)

Here's what the Bentz Test Laboratory thought...

I have been eager to get my hands on this program for quite awhile.  We LOVE history at our home (almost as much as we love history resources!)  If you are like us, this program will appeal to you.  It's chronological, and it's very large-family, multi-level friendly. Plus, it's affordable and reusuable!  If you love books - this guide will give you all the recommendations you need to build an amazing history library for your family. 

Read their educational philosophy for yourself...

It was an easy program to pick up and begin - if, you have a  well stocked library already.  If you don't, you're going to have to go shopping! (a bonus in my opinion...)

The tone of the author speaks directly to your student in the commentary sections (I'd recommend you read first, and then paraphrase the information they need).  And in my opinion, this is the only weak point in this program.  It comes across a little bit like trying really hard, but  "talking down" to their level (maybe it's just the editing!). 

I love the variety of literature choices recommended.  The ThinkWrite exercises are well thought out, and provide the meat of the learning.  If you like to be able to pick and choose a curriculum to fit your family, rather than trying to fit your family into a specific curriculum, this may be just what you are looking for!

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

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

Amazing Animals by Design

Product Description:

Why is a giraffe's neck so tall? Why do zebras have stripes? Did all of these things happen by accident? When John and Sarah visit the zoo, they ask these questions and many more. Their parents and the zookeepers keep using the word design, but what does that mean? With its relevant message and exciting presentation, this is the perfect book to help introduce children to intelligent design. Come find out in Amazing Animals by Design by Debra Haagen!

24 pages - $8.99 (paperback) or $7.99 (ebook download)

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The Bentz Test Laboratory are ALL animal lovers!   We love to point out the amazing designs and creativity of God, and what better way to do this than with animals!

This book is specifically geared to younger childern (PreK to Grade 3).  The design is engaging and it's the perfect length to capture their attention.

I was sent the ebook (which works great on my Nook), but we will be purchasing the paperback as well.  This is the kind of book you want to read again and again!  Not to mention, it's message is an important one for even our youngest children to understand.

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

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

I See Sam Little Books

The Reading for All Learners “Little Books” program is a sequence of 141 color coded books. There are 8 sets of books from Kindergarten to 3.6 reading level. Each set contains up to 27 books for $30.

You can see a Flash Demo here.  Download a Scope and Sequence here.

My tester at the Bentz Test Laboratory was at the perfect place to start Level One (he knows his letter and sounds and is beginning to blend them well).  You should have seen his face when I showed him an entire box of "real books" for him to read!

The books are illustrated well - and are engaging to the early reader. I liked the extra prompts in small letters at the bottom of the page - my tester loved the smiley faces.  I like that we have a whole new library as we are learning to read, and my tester likes seeing how much he can read!

This is from their description:

Little Books Set 1 Reading level: K - 1.0 Set includes 27 different books Decoding skills: 27 new sounds, new sound combination's, 73 new regular words, 9 new sight words, comprehension skills. Assessments located in books 6,11,16,21,26.


Academic Success for All Learners is all about helping your child have success, and they make it easy for you!



They will create a customized guide and lesson planner just for your child. Answer a few simple questions about your student's reading skills and and they will create a guide tailored to their needs. Download your guide today.

See what the others on the TOS Review Crew thought about it here.

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

Action Alert

Do you monitor the internet usage in you house?  Of course you do!  But, how would you like to have a dedicated company helping you keep your family safe...even when you're not there looking over a shoulder?

Action Alert includes everything you need to create a safe environment on the family computer

• Creates a kid-safe PC - with web site blocking and filtering
• Control Computer Use - with comprehensive time controls
• Get alerted - know if anything suspicious occurs and review activity

 

You can get a Totally  FREE Version to make your computer kid-safe in seconds.

 

Or,

 

A FULL Maximum Protection Version is just $29.99 and allows Multiple User Protection,  is Fully Customizable, & allows Full Social Network Monitoring.

 

How it works:

 

Action Alert has been pre-loaded and blocks hundreds of thousands websites known to host damaging spyware or other unwanted content. If at any time you have a website that you want blocked, you can enter the information into the key by going to your Action Alert settings under Web Site Blocking.

Parents can also choose to use the "allowed sites only mode" which can be created from your Favorites List.

 

Action Alert records up to 60 hours of all computer activity: web activity, chat sessions, games, and homework sessions, everything online and off.  Action Alert will stop recording when the computer is not being used.

Action Alert's patent pending capture process allows you to review activity in the same way you would watch a movie. You can quickly scan the video, or type in a key word or phrase to jump to any point in the video.

 

You can set Action Alert to notify you, in the Activity Notification Alerts setting. You will be notified via e-mail, or sent a text message to your cell phone when key words or phrases are used by your child. Action Alert will also update you with information on: weekly time used, and other data.

 

I have been using this program for over a year now.  It's one of our favorites!  I have not found it to slow down the computer, and I love knowing that I can review all the activity from that computer. With older students at the Bentz Test Laboratory using more and more internet based learning, I need a program to keep them safe and give me peace of mind.  You want to believe that no one in YOUR house would ever use the internet inappropriately.... With Action Alert - you can know what's being accessed.  It's like having a trusted friend to help look over their shoulders, when you can't.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Progeny Press

Progeny Press

From their website:

Progeny Press has over 100 study guides for literature, covering kindergarten through high school. Progeny Press study guides concentrate on critical thinking, comprehension, literary analysis, and Christian application. Our goal is to teach our children to think clearly, to understand literature, and to rely on scripture for truth and values, and enjoy themselves while they do it!

Feel free to check out their full Progeny Press Catalog, and take a look at an Interactive Sampling of their Study Guides.

We were priviledged to review 2 different levels:

Julius Caesar
Study Guide by Michael Gilleland,
for the play by William Shakespeare
Grade Level: 9-12
Setting: Rome

Take a peek inside - sample pages

Looking for more than activity sheets or a who-did-what series of questions?

Want to dig into the essence of the novel?

This study guide provides easy-to-use, reproducible lessons on literary terms, comprehension and analysis, critical thinking, related scriptural principles, vocabulary, and activities, plus a complete answer key.

This study guide is available in 4 formats.

1. As a printed and bound booklet - $21.99
2. On a CD in .pdf format - $18.99
3. As the same .pdf file as an e-mail attachment - $18.99
4. CD & Booklet combo - $27.99

My 8th grade tester at the Bentz Test Laboratory has completed Progeny Press Literature Guides in the past.  He was very excited to have the opportunity to do another, and was quite impressed that he could now do them on the computer!  The guides are interactive, allowing them to type directly into the PDF on your computer.  (you can still opt to print and have them write out the answers, but, why?)

These guides are very comprehensive - they introduct the literature's author, give a brief synopsis, provide helpful background information and even have ideas to do before reading!

The "meat" of Progeny Press Study Guides are the vocabulary and questions.  These are not your general - "what was the book about", "what did you like", who was... kind of questions!  The questions are designed to make your student interact with the literature, use critical thinking skills and increase their ability to communicate.

My favorite part - classical literature is taught and examined from a Christian Perspective!  Progeny Press Study Guides will be a vital part of our high school program.

But,
Progeny Press is not just for High School...  With 100 titles to choose from, all grades - you can follow your children's interests as well.

The Bentz Test Laboratory was also reviewed

The Cay 

Take a peek inside sample pages.

Grade Level: 5-8
Setting: Caribbean, World War II

Study Guide by Lisa Tiffin
for the novel by Theodore Taylor

This Guide is available in 4 formats:

1. Paperbound booklet (reproducible) - $18.99
2. PDF file on CD (opens with Adobe Reader, interactive files can be completed on computer or printed) - $16.99
3. PDF file emailed directly to you (opens with Adobe Reader, interactive file can be completed on computer or printed)- $16.99
4. Booklet & CD Combo - $21.99

All formats include full student text and complete answer key.

Each guide is designed to take from 8-10 weeks to complete. 

I highly recommend checking into Progeny Press Study Guides for your literature program!

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

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

The Art of Argument by Classic Academic Press

The Art of Argument, An Introduction to Informal Fallacies

"My chief objection to a quarrel," Chesterton wrote, "is that it ends a good argument."

From their website:

"Junior high aged students will argue (and sometimes quarrel), but they won't argue well without good training. Young teens are also targeted by advertisers with a vengeance. From billboards to commercials to a walk down the mall, fallacious arguments are everywhere you look. The Art of Argument was designed to teach the argumentative adolescent how to reason with clarity, relevance and purpose at a time when he has a penchant for the "why" and "how". It is designed to equip and sharpen young minds as they live, play, and grow in this highly commercial culture. This course teaches students to recognize and identify twenty-eight informal fallacies, and the eye-catching text includes over sixty slick and clever, “phony advertisements” for items from blue jeans to pick-up trucks, which apply the fallacies to a myriad of real life situations.

This text comes in a workbook format with clear explanations and many updated illustrations and examples to insure understanding and mastery. The text aims at the practical application of the informal fallacies through an analysis of current social, commercial and political issues, which are discussed and evaluated. This practical application should insure that students continue to evaluate arguments, detect fallacies and reason well long after the course is completed."

Students master 28 fallacies (such as begging the question, the straw man, ad hominen, et al) by studying many pertinent examples. The text features a variety of:

• Dialogues
• Worksheets
• Real-World Applications
• Phony Advertisements
• Dialectic Discussion Questions
• Tests
• Fun extras such as a humorous skit for students to perform, and the famous short story, Love is a Fallacy by Max Shulman

The Basic Bundle, including Student Workbook and Teacher's Edition is just $88.95

 The Art of Argument DVD Set ($54.95) is also available. The DVD Set features three experienced logic teachers and four capable, enthusiastic students discussing the 28 fallacies with contemplation and humor. Each discussion seeks to make a practical application of the fallacy to student life, advertisements, political speech, and various kinds of ethical and philosophical debates.

See a sample of Art of Argument here.




The Bentz Test Laboratory loved this program!  But, really - "argument" as a school subject?  They couldn't believe their good fortune! They would have done this "just for fun!"  (By the way, isn't that the way school is supposed to look?!)  The information is presented in a clear, engaging way.  It's easy for them to just jump right in.  If you don't feel comfortable with teaching logic, or have never had any background with it - the Teacher's Guide is an invaluable tool for you.  Beware, teaching them this subject could (and will) be used against you.  You better be prepared.

Teaching our children to think critically is such an important skill!  You can't afford not to.  Just open a newspaper, turn on a TV, or "I-anything"... and your children will be bombarded with messages using these very arguments! 

I think I'm learning as much, or more than they are... and, we're all having fun spotting what we have learned in real life! (Once again, isn't that how school is supposed to look?!)

We are huge fans of everything put out by Classical Academic Press (go check out their other products - Latin, Spanish, and more!)

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

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

K5 Learning

K5 Learning -

Here's a description from their website:


K5 Reading helps kids become strong readers and develop a love of reading. This award-winning program covers phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

K5 Spelling is an advanced vocabulary program which improves language skills one word at a time. We feature adaptive instruction, automatic word generation, an optimized visual interface, and a 150,000+ word database.


K5 Math is an award-winning program which builds self confidence and a deep understanding of math concepts. K5 Math covers numbers and operations, geometry, measurement (including time and money), algebraic thinking and data analysis.


K5 Math Facts uses adaptive technology to help kids develop instant recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Progress on each and every math fact is monitored until mastery is obtained.

Watch a video demonstration of the program.


Monthly Subscription:

First Child....................$25.00
Additional Children.....$15.00

Annual Subscription:

First Child....................$199.00
Additional Children.....$129.00


Do you want to check out some sample lessons?  A two week free trial is available as well. The trial includes free reading and math assessments, the two weeks of free lessons, with no future obligtations.  Go see what you think!

Ok, on to what the Bentz Test Laboratory thought.  My tester was interested in getting to do some lessons on the computer.  In fact, having a program like K5 available lets you have the flexibility to take a mini-mom-break from some lessons.  It also encourages them to work independently.  You can see progress reports to keep up with them.  K5 is not an all inclusive curriculum, but rather a supplemental learning tool you can add to your "toolbox"

We really enjoyed the K5 Spelling - one of the most challenging subjects to get accomplished each day. 

My tester enjoyed the lessons, but honestly - she didn't "beg" for more time.  I found the lessons to be good, if rather slow.  I recommend using this product for filling in those "gap" times when you can't manage everyone's schedule.  The prices are a bit steep for the average, "larger-than-average" family.  If you have one or two children, this may be a nice program to have in your "toolbox".

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

I was sent a complimentary 2 month subscription in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the TOS Review Crew.