Latina Christiana Complete set from Memoria Press: A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Latina Christiana Complete set from Memoria Press


Looking to add Latin study to your homeschool?  We have been exploring the Latina Christiana Complete set from Memoria Press. Latin makes a great addition to your vocabulary studies and a perfect complement to your ancient history study as well.

This Complete Set includes everything a beginning Latin student in grades 3-6 needs:

• Student Workbook with 25 weekly lessons plus 5 review lessons 
• Teacher Manual with all lesson plans, detailed instructions, history guides, and tests and quizzes 
• Pronunciation CD with pronunciations and prayers and songs
• Flashcards for the vocabulary words, derivatives, conjugations, declensions, and Latin sayings
• Instructional DVD
• 
  

When we first started homeschooling, about 18 years ago, this was one of the first programs we used. I've always been a big fan of Memoria Press and their high-quality materials.  When we opened our box, it brought back lots of fond memories of my sons learning Latin prayers together.

This program is very easy to use, even if you don't know a single sound of Latin!

The DVD provides short, easy to follow lessons delivered straight to your student from a master Latin school instructor, all you have to do is push play.

The Student Workbook is very straightforward.  The 25 weekly lessons are designed to be completed over 30 weeks, including 5 review weeks.

I love what the author says - "If you will study Latin a little every day, then you will conquer Latin. If you try to learn Latin once a week or just before a test, Latin will conquer you."  The goal is to learn each of the sections - Latin Sayings, Vocabulary, Grammar, Derivatives, and then drill and practice them for mastery.

The CD will help students with the correct pronunciation.  This program teaches the Christian system rather than the Classical.  It's closer to English and used in classical music and Christian prayers.

The Teacher Guide is another valuable component of this set.  It contains everything you need to understand and teach Latin to your students.  It's conveniently spiral bound, I love that!  It clearly outlines exactly what you need to say and has all the answers for each question, plus masters of tests and quizzes.

In addition to the basics of Latin vocabulary and grammar,  this program introduces your student to recognize derivatives (did you know that more than half of all English words come from Latin?), the history and geography of Rome plus several Latin prayers and songs.

The Flashcards are a great addition to the program.  They are printed on sturdy card stock and designed to hold up with plenty of use.  The Teacher's Guide offers some suggestions for general review and games you can play with them, like Jeopardy-Bingo, High Noon, and Gladiators.  So many ways to make the review fun and engaging!

The Appendices are packed with extras.  The prayers and table blessings are some of our family favorites - it's a fun way to add some variety to your family dinners (and it brought back fond memories from my older sons when the younger girls started praying in Latin...)

In addition to all the songs, sayings and grammar lists - they have a History Guide with with maps and questions designed to give an overview of Rome.

This is a well designed program that makes Latin study easy to add to your day.

Be sure to check out some of the other programs the Crew has been reviewing -

• Prima Latina Complete set
• Latina Christiana Complete set
• First Form Latin Complete set
• Second Form Latin Complete set
• Third Form Latin Complete set
• Fourth Form Latin Complete set

Find Memoria Press on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memoriapress
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MemoriaPress
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memoriapress/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/memoriapress/memoria-press/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/memoriapress

Hashtags:
#hsreviews #memoriapress #classicaleducation #classicalcurriculum #homeschool #classicalschool #classicalhomeschool #learnlatin #learnlatinathome

See what other members of the Crew thought here

RIP - Misha 2007-2020

We had to say goodbye to our sweet Misha dog.  She was a faithful part of the family...even if she failed obedience training.

She was also Matt's beloved pet, which made it even harder..  I'm sure their reunion was a joyful one!

I miss her already.  She arrived a month after our 7th child (Chloe called Misha her "twin").  I have no idea how we survived that time period.  Puppies and babies at the same time? What was I thinking??  But, she was a wonderful addition to the family, and never realized she was only a "dog" and not another one of the children ❤️

I think I've lost my mind - because - this has happened... coming home in June!

Beyond the Stick Figure Art School: A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses  from Beyond the Stick Figure Art School

With all our extra time, we've been creating with the Beyond the Stick Figure Complete Drawing Course PLUS 3 Bonus Courses  from Beyond the Stick Figure Art School.

This online program gives your entire family life-time access to 180 step-by-step lessons in:

• Drawing 
• Pen and ink drawing
• Watercolours 
• Acrylic paints
• And Bonus lessons in 3D Design with clay

Each lesson is a short video, designed to be used by anyone - ages 5 to 95.  Sally Stansfield, the homeschool mom and artist that created the program, will walk you through the lessons and show you exactly what to do.  I love that a well-trained artist is the one teaching these skills to my children. Her English accent is absolutely delightful!

All you need to get started is access to the internet and a few basic (but quality) art supplies.  Sally details exactly what you need.  We started with the best color markers we have ever owned! We learned quickly that quality supplies make a HUGE difference in our art, and these Prismacolor markers were worth the investment.

The program really does walk you through step-by-step.  The program is designed for students to use independently, no planning on mom's part!

The students must move sequentially through each lesson and complete it before moving to the next lesson.  The website is easy to navigate, and the program picks up exactly where you leave off. We did have some technical issues, but I was completely impressed by Sally's quick response to get us going again.  I wish we could have explored other sections of the program without completing the entire drawing section first.  I think it would be a helpful modification to allow students to pick what section they want to start with.  My testers loved learning to draw, I can't wait to join them in the watercolor lessons.

 

The early drawing lessons focused on helping my artists see and draw the basic shapes.  Lessons frequently include worksheets to download.  Typically, my testers were using basic watercolor or drawing paper divided into 4ths.  They loved getting the practice drawing, and I saw right away the benefits to this type of incremental approach...it's like learning basic phonics in the process of  learning to read.  They were creating basic shapes in the process to learn to draw. An "aha" moment.

My girls love getting to do anything on the computer and it's even better when they can do it together.  We spent our review time in the drawing lessons, but can't wait to move into the pen and pencil, acrylic, watercolor and 3D lessons!  Sally is a very encouraging teacher and she breaks down the intimidating aspect of making art into easily mastered steps.

With the short lessons, this is an easy way to incorporate some art instruction into your day.  My testers liked to do several lessons at a time. Here's a few creations they have been working on.

Overall, we really enjoyed this program.  It's an easy way to get everyone creating art!

Find Beyond the Stick Figure Art School on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthestickfigure/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britladyinamerica/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/beyondthestickfigureart/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCROy5BkqT_cZvQu1dTPRYz

Hashtags:  #hsreviews #stickfigurefriends #artforhomeschoolers #artgenius #everyoneisanartist

See what other members of the Crew thought here

Caterpillars & Butterflies

Since we have been staying home... I thought it would be a great time to re-introduce my children to the miracle of caterpillars and butterflies.


They arrive like this... a bunch of tiny caterpillars in a cup.

They keep eating and consuming and literally grow overnight!

In just a few days - they became a chrysalis and we moved them to the butterfly tent.  It takes a few more days, it looks like nothing is happening.  But, one morning we woke up to 2 butterflies! 

 Yes, that is blood...getting out of the cocoon is a painful process - but, necessary.  If the butterfly doesn't squeeze out and struggle through, the fluid stays in their wings, and they would never be able to fly.

Amazingly, I captured a pic of one that was just about to come out - you can see it through the chrysalis as it gets ready...

Umm.. the cats like to help us.  Marco kept close guard.

 We put some sugar water soaked cotton balls in the net for food.  I was able to hold this one!  Can you see his long tongue (proboscis) extended?  They have such cool design and features...they  use them like a long straw to suck up the nectar, and they can roll them up!  So cool to see one up close!

Of course, we released them quickly so they could fly - because that's what butterflies were made for..  and, of course, flowers taste much better!

I never get tired of watching transformation!  There are so many parallels here.  

How often do we think we are just caterpillars, consuming as much as we can hold?  

Then, sometimes we feel like we are cocoons - hidden away in our chrysalis, forgotten, with nothing happening. 

But, the struggle to become who we really are frees us and we emerge our with our true colors displayed for HIS glory! 

Equipped with all the cool design features we need to thrive.

Do you see it? We are all caterpillars on our way to becoming butterflies!

Starter Kit from Fermentools: A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

Starter Kit from Fermentools
We've been trying a new hobby during quarantine - fermenting with a Starter Kit from Fermentools.  This handy kit contains everything that even a beginner like me, needs to begin fermenting.

What is fermenting?  It's a great way to add probiotic benefits to your diet.  Many health benefits are gained by introducing  fermented fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts, seeds, and grains with their increased vitamins.  Fermented foods are proven to help digestion of foods that are difficult for the human body to break down.

The Starter Kit includes -

• 1 Stainless Steel Lid – Made from 304 surgical stainless steel
• 1 Glass Fermentation Weight – Made to fit inside the standard widemouthed Mason jar 
• 1 Air Lock.
• 2 Rubber Stoppers (1 with hole for airlock – 1 solid).
• 1 Rubber Canning Gasket.
• Himalayan Powdered Salt – Their special ancient Himalayan sea salt has over 80 trace minerals and is ground fine enough to easily mix with cold water.
• Instruction Guide and Basic Sauerkraut recipe.

The kit contains enough Himalayan Salt to complete many fermenting projects, but you do need the other materials for each jar you have going.  We made several batches of the sauerkraut and can't wait to ferment other items. The instructions are super easy to follow (even though I forgot a step the first time through). 

Fermentools is a small, family run business. Founders, Alex and Cassie Deputie, developed this company as an answer to their family's chronic health issues.  I love supporting family business, and their extra care and personal touches are seen in their products.  Their customer service is excellent, and they are easily available to answer any questions you have.

I really loved that I could get a jar started in just a few steps.  We started with sauerkraut - the recipe is included.  Cabbage was easy to find (even in quarantine) and all I had to do was finely chop it, add water and the salt.  So easy!

My first try was good - but, rather "salty".  Fermenting occurs when their airlock system keeps the oxygen out and allows the carbon dioxide to escape.  This create the perfect environment for good bacteria to grow.  My next try was a BIG success!

The glass weight will not react with your foods, like metal would.  It keeps your foods from floating above the brine solution and prevents molding.  It fits easily into the standard wide mouth mason jar.

The process takes about 3-5 days.  After you prepare your food that you are fermenting, you simply add the salt and water, insert the glass weight,  prime the airlock system, and put it in a dark, warm place.

We were able to taste our sauerkraut right away, but ferments can be kept for 6 months!  The website is filled with recipes for fermenting all kinds of foods.  With all our extra time at home lately, we can't wait to try making our own sourdough bread (a family favorite) and banana pudding cups.

Not only was it a fun way to introduce some new foods to our diet, we got a chance to observe and discuss some great science concepts along the way as well.  The stages of fermentation provide a great study on bacteria and chemistry. Their website is a treasure chest of valuable information!

This was a great introduction to a new hobby.  You can get in on the fun with a 15% off coupon  until June 30. Just enter the code Crew2020 at checkout, and be sure to share your recipes!

Find Fermentools on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fermentools/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/fermentools/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/fermentools/

Hashtags: #hsreviews #fermenting #easyfermenting

See what other members of the Crew thought here

Perfect Reading, Beautiful Handwriting ebook from Everyday Education, LLC: A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

Perfect Reading, Beautiful Handwriting ebook from Everyday Education, LLC

Want better handwriting?  Take a peek at Perfect Reading, Beautiful Handwriting ebook from Everyday Education, LLC , written by Caroline Joy Adams.

This easy-to-use book was used by Janice Campbell of Everyday Education, LLC with her own children.  When it went out of print, she brought it back for the next generation.  I'm so grateful for these pioneer homeschooling parents that share their hard-earned experience with us, aren't you?

Perfect Reading, Beautiful Handwriting ebook comes as a 218 page PDF download with 6 chapters of 60 daily lessons. A handy guide is included with a schedule of how to use this book to teach your child to read and write beautifully. It is in clear black and white, and you can print exactly the pages you want, as many times as you need with no expensive color printing required. A great resource for families with multiple students.

 I love this solid, effective approach - it's the same way I taught all 8 of my children to read!  It focuses on mastering phonics, the sounds of the letters - one at a time. Many of the more modern approaches to reading are frequently ineffective.  If you have a child that struggles with reading, this may be the tried and true approach you are looking for.

Since all of my testers are already reading well, we focused on Chapter 6 - Handwriting Practice.  I love the examples of different styles and the history behind italic letters included in Chapter 1 in the "about writing" section.

After mastering the basic letter formation in italics - students get to practice with copy work.  I love incorporating great copy work into our school day. In this chapter, they practice their handwriting skills with the poem - The Night Before Christmas, a family favorite.

The goal with italic script is to become fluent enough to write quickly and beautifully with joined lettering. My testers are still perfecting this - they are both lefties, so they prefer a more straight up lettering.  We were happy to read that this is "normal" for us south paws, and perfectly acceptable!

The chapter offers more practice with more short quotes to work on joining letters, tips for using an edged pen, adding serifs, and variations.  Many of these were still much beyond my testers, but would be an excellent source for ANYONE that wanted to improve their handwriting.  I can't wait to get started myself.

We really enjoyed this well done program.  Be sure to check it out!

Find Everyday Education, LLC on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janicepcampbell & https://www.facebook.com/excellenceinlit/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EverydayEdu & https://twitter.com/JaniceCampbell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcwords/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.mx/janicecampbell/

Hashtags: #hsreviews #beautifulhandwriting #everydayedu #doingwhatmatters

See what other members of the Crew thought here

#homeschoolmomlife

Nothing profound today...just sums up my day. We're almost there moms...the end of the schoolyear is in sight!  Grab some coffee and get teaching!

Anyone else??