Roman Town by Dig It Games

I can't wait to tell you about this one...

Roman Town by Dig It Games

This is a super - fun (but secretly super-educational...shhh - don't tell them!)
interactive game.

I am not usually a "video game mom"...but, since I was sent this product to review in exchange for my honest opinion (no compensation given), we gave it some "play time" around the Bentz test laboratory.

I was hooked! We were taken on an dig to excavate Fossura, a Roman town destroyed in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted. It was very easy to jump in and start the digging, as each treasure was uncovered, we were introducted to Roman contributions to art, architecture, language, and more. Each artifact had information to help us learn more.

After we completed a section of digging, we got to play the fun games, and complete the "quizzes" before we could move on. Let me warn you, reconstructing the artifacts piece by piece can be mighty addicting! I got a little possesive of the mouse, and wouldn't let my testers have their turn... (maybe that's why video games are not so big around here - character issues surface - mine that is!)

I really enjoyed this game (and so did the testers - when I let them have a turn...) Fun and educational! You can see a demo here

Dig it Games has hit a home run with this game. You can let your children enjoy the computer game time, but rest assured - they'll be learning all the while.

Roman Town is $39.95 - BUT, the coupon code TOS2011 will get you 20% off the 2010 price of $24.95. The code expires Feb 21, 2011

In addition, I discovered The Roman Town Educators Guide for $19.95. Here's what they have to say, "The Educator's Manual makes it a breeze to use Roman Town as a learning tool. Want to teach with Roman Town but have no background in Archaeology? The Educator's Manual is here to help! Providing valuable background information on Archaeology and Roman life, the Educator's Manual is an easy to use supplement to Roman Town. The Manual contains: playing instructions, an introduction to archaeology, a comprehensive glossary, and fun activities and discussion ideas to expand your lessons. Information in the manual is presented in an easy reading style appropriate for both kids and adults."

A good "Educators Guide" makes the whole thing turn from just another game into "school", anyone want to have some fun? You better get your own copy, I may just "hog the mouse"...



Check out what the other reviewers thought here

American Girl Club

I've gone off on a wild-goose chase, homeschooling rabbit trail... again!

This time, I've "persuaded" 5 other families to join me in my "adventure". We have started an American Girl Club - we'll be reading the American Girl books in chronological order, doing crafts and cooking projects, and sneaking in a good bit of American History all the while!

A total of 6 families with an amazing - 12 girls (ages 6-11), 9 boys (ages 9-14 - they are calling themselves the "MCA - Masculine Club of Awesomeness" - what else?!), and 9 "littles" (the under 5 crowd) are all meeting twice a month for this wild adventure.

For our first meeting, we started with Kaya - the Nez Perce Indian girl from 1754. I led our discussion (with 2 mom helpers), another Mom helped the MCA organize their book discussion (we made a deal - 1 hour of mom-directed activity, 1 hour of contact sports and wild boy activity), and 2 other moms dove into the world of play-doh and diapers... Can I just say, creating a schedule/syllabus for this adventure used every bit of my mathematical ability (sorry kids, you'll have to do your math on your own!)

Anyway, we created "Talking Sticks" and "Listening Feathers" - and had a lively discussion of the symbolism of each item used - i.e. bear claws = strength, feathers=peace, truth, colors to represent each character trait desired. The talking sticks are also a way to show respect - as in only the person holding the talking stick may talk! Listening feathers are a companion to the talking stick, and the owner can use them to show the person that they want to respond to questions with. The girls loved it, and it was a great way to set the tone...

Next, I talked about Indian names and how they are given, what they mean, etc. And I presented each girl with a new Indian Name written on a feather. They each made an Indian necklace that included their new name. I got this idea here

Our last topic was - of course, Horses! We discussed how indian girls/women would decorate their horses and the symbols they used. We ran out of time, but each girl went home with a horse cutout to decorate for next time (I got those from Oriental Trading).

All in all, it was a success! My girls haven't stopped asking when the next meeting will be!

Here's some pictures of the projects:

LifeWay Christian Stores & Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids

I'm sure you have all heard about LifeWay Christian Stores . If not, let me introduce you!

LifeWay Christian Stores is a chain of FABULOUS Christian bookstores, but what you may not know, is that they are also online distributors of just about everything you need for homeschool as well!

I was sent "The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids" available online for $14.99. I was not paid for my honest review of this product.

"The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids" is a hardcover 212 page book. It is FULL of colorful illustrations, clearly written definitions, and lots and lots of really great pictures. We couldn't keep our hands off it!

I left it, stragetically placed, where it would get "noticed" by the Bentz Review Crew. Before long, several of the reviewers had picked it up and were excited telling the rest of us..."come see this cool picture" (specifically - a man floating in the Dead Sea while reading a newspaper he's holding in both hands....cool!)Without a doubt, it was a hit.

After I spent some time looking at it, I was sold on it too. In addition to being a great Children's Bible Dictionary (and I don't know of many...), I was impressed by the volume of information presented in a really engaging manner. I plan on keeping this handy in our schoolroom, for a long time to come. Not only for reference, but it has numerous lists - Plants of the Bible, Birds of the Bible, Foods in Bible times, Parables of Jesus - just to name a few. Maps are also featured frequently, all in the bright, easy-to-understand presentation that is throughout the book. The "unit study" side of me recognized lots of potential here (any other unit-study-wannabes with me?)!

I'm thinking also, of using this as our Bible subject with my youngers (especially the Prek-3rd grade crowd). We can read the coordinating letter pages in the dictionary along with the letters we are studying. I'm sure they'll have a broad Bible knowledge base when we're done (and I'm sure they won't get bored looking at the pictures!)

All in all, this is a Two-Thumbs-Up product!

See what the other reviewers thought here

Times Tables the Fun Way By City Creek Press

Children Recall 95% of their Times Tables using our fun and interactive learning method!

"Traditional memorization of addition and times tables is not only boring and frustrating for most students, but ineffective – in one study, only 62% of the facts were retained on average after one week. Our “Fun Way” approach to addition and multiplication tables engages students by connecting facts to visual images, stories, and songs. Learning becomes a joyful – and unforgettable – experience!"

I was sent a free download of "Times Tables the Fun Way " in exchange for my honest opinion as part of The Oldschoolhouse Review Crew.

I just love testing out math products! Especially, since math is not my strong suit...

We had heard alot about this product before we got a chance to try it. And, we were not disappointed! I decided to use one of my "non-math-brain" kiddos as my official tester. He enjoyed watching the videos, and the songs, and he had an increased retention on the math facts review. However, his more "math-brained" brother wandered by and was not impressed with singing and acting numbers, and felt that it was "not going to teach real math facts". My only caution - if your child is a black and white thinker, loves and understands math well, they may not enjoy this. But, if you have any other types of learners (for example, if you have more than one child :-) we found it to be very fun (and effective...)

What you get: For $44.95 you can download the full program that makes learning multiplication facts more fun than ever. It is based on the Times Tables the Fun Way Book for Kids and teaches the zero's through the nine times tables.

•PC Windows Download Version (Mac versions available as well)
•Students read along while they hear the storyteller.
•Lively animation makes the number characters come alive.
•Each story is followed by a music video with a catchy song.
•Interactive games and fun quizzes engage the student while testing recall.
•Progress reports summarize date lesson completed, quiz scores, and time elapsed.
•Students may stop anywhere and resume where they left off. The program remembers.
•Increase retention to 95% with our interactive method
•Eliminate boring repetitive drills once and for all
•Bring success to students with learning disabilities

See an example

City Creek Press (the publisher) has a wide variety of additional products to use with this - workbooks, flashcards, posters and CDs. Also, addition products are available for those pesky addition facts! Order a Free Catalog and see for yourself.

See a Demo here

If you need a couple more "Math weapons" in your arsenal, I highly recommend this product.

See what other members of the Review Crew thought here

Magnificent Moon

5...4...3...2..1... Blast Off!

You are about to embark on your mission to "Magnificent Moon"
another "magnificent" Download N Go Unit Study by Amanda Bennett.

Download N Go unit studies are designed to be 5 day learning adventures. Everything you need is ready, just download n go! Each unit is an affordable $7.95, available in minutes. Check out the full list here. Plus, you can get a great deal right now, the Cabin Fever Fun Pack, which includes Magnificent Moon, Winter Wonders, Expedition Canada, and Popcorn is currently on sale, and will be through 1/31/11 for $20 (regularly $28).

While we were happily munching our Oreos into the phases of the moon...we were entralled, watching amazing videos of our nation's journey to the moon. The children and I were mezmerized as we re-lived the awe and wonder of our first glimpses of Earth from God's perspective. Since I was only months old, the first lunar landing was as spectacular for me as it was for them.

We learned about the astronauts, whose feet have touched moon soil (do you know how many men have walked on the moon?). We studied the solar system. Ate cookies! And, enjoyed art appreciation (didn't expect that one, did you?). Amanda Bennett has made use of all the wonderful resources available to you online...but, without the time consuming effort of locating them for yourself.

Each unit is completely packed with information. You could use it over the course of a month, with plenty of activities! In addition, Book suggestions, Activity pages and further Family Fun ideas are also included. But, I've saved the best for last - all the components needed to produce a full color lapbook are also included...just print and assemble!

I am completely hooked on this type of learning. My whole crew (ages 13 to 1) come running as soon as they hear the first video clip playing. An hour or so later, we look for a snack and head back for more. How often does "school" look like this in your house? Well, it could...

And, I just found out another exiciting reason for you to try "Magnificent Moon" - They will be doing a giveaway contest. The contest will run from 1/24-28/11, with the drawing at 9pm on 1/28. We will be giving away 2 standard Moon Maps from National Geographic, valued at $16.99 each.

Check out what the other bloggers thought Here

Speekee

Speekee Spanish

Safe, secure, fun and immediate

"Speekee TV is designed so that children can learn Spanish in their own time and at their own pace".

10 episodes, over 150 minutes of pure Spanish learning
Learn Spanish from real Spanish children in real Spanish locations
Features songs, animation and puppets
Optional subtitles in Spanish and English
Free activity sheet downloads
Great fun and extremely effective
Created by specialist language teachers


A subscription to Speekee TV is £4.95 (or $7.50) per month and the first two weeks are free.
Subscribe securely using PayPal, and unsubscribe at any time - there's no minimum period.


My children LOVED this program!!! Especially the 7 and under crowd.
Speekee is a cute, purple sock puppet that teaches your kiddos Spanish. He visits different locations (like the park, zoo, home, etc.) and introduces them to useful vocabulary in a bright, engaging way.

The Bentz testers could really not get enough of him! They loved the music, the videos are well done. Lot's of repetition, to ensure they are getting it! And, after several viewings - they were repeating spanish (with a good accent, I might add...) It was colorful, and easy for them to follow along with.

I tend to be very picky with Spanish language programs... Believe me, I have tried them all! And, most of them have not delivered - either on the fun factor, or the learning factor. But, Speekee did both!

We were given an online subscription, in exchange for our honest opinion.

DVD's are available. (but they are produced in Europe - so make sure that you could play them before buying!)

You can try this program for 2 weeks free

See what the other reviewers thought here

Maestro Classics

I'd love to introduce you to: Masetro Classics

Entitled - "Stories in Music", I was sent "Peter and the Wolf", music by the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Stephen Simon,conductor and Yadu, Narrator. I was not paid for my honest review of this product.

For my long-time friends (you know who you are...) You know how much I LOVE classical music, and introducing it to children (reluctant or not...)

Well, this CD combines both the classical music and a children's story. You will be introduced to the Composer, learn about the music, enjoy the story and have the opportunity to hear the fabulous London Philharmonic Orchestra in action.

"Music lesson in a box" is the what they call it. This CD came with an informative, activity filled booklet. Informative, with pictures of different instruments, and even sheet music, it was a great addition to the CD. And, I check out their website and discovered even more activities and lesson plans available. Not to mention, they have quite a number of classic children's stories (I can't wait to order "Casey at the Bat" - we love that story!) combined with great classical music. I call that covering two subjects at once - and it's fun!

Listening to classical music has proven benefits, both for you and your children. I highly recommend this product. We listened to it while driving around (we call if van-schooling...anyone with me on this?) The kiddos all loved it. We are familiar with the orchestra and story of "Peter and the Wolf", but we really enjoyed the narration,and the information about the composer, including all the "extras" on this 68 minute long CD.

For an affordable $16.98, you can introduce your child to a classic story and the classical music to go with it.

Check out what the other reviewers thought