We Choose Virtues

We Choose Virtues -

I am excited to tell you about this product! 

Here's a decription from their website -

"We Choose Virtues is not unit study that you use once and then move on from. It is actually a character development tool that you use every day, every year. You introduce the Virtues, then demonstrate them, memorize the catchphrases, then learn the antonyms, then capture teachable moments when they are being used…or aren’t. You will be amazed how fast you will all learn to obey (not just learn what obedience is, but actually learn to obey!)…and 11 other Virtues too! There are 13 Parenting Cards, one card is the Butterfly and Caterpillar Card. It teaches that everyone was born able to change."


I was sent the

• Virtue Clue Cards Set -  Reg. $7.95 but only $5.99 right now!
• The Teacher Handbook  - $4.99 for downloadable version, $19.99 printed 
• The Virtues Coloring Book  - $3.00 - downloadable only
• Downloadable Family Character Assesment - FREE
• Kids Memory Verses, Bible Heros and Truths - FREE

 

The Bentz Test Laboratory really liked these cards!  Designed for elementary children, they are bright and colorful with memorable characters to reinforce the virtue, and a "challenge" on the back to practice.

I added these cards to our chore packs.  Each of our younger children get a "chore pack" with pictures of their daily chores...I just added a new We Choose Virtues card each day.  They were excited to see which they had each morning.  Score one for mom - a focus on chores and virtues at the same time!

The Coloring book has been a huge  hit as well.  I love that it's a downloadable product, so we can print out as many as need.

Check out the other amazing resources by We Choose Virtues.  There are so many ways to use these tools in your family! You can get started with the FREE Family Character Assement tool to help you pinpoint problem areas.  They offer many supplemental resources, posters and even full kits.  Check them out!

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

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



Maestro Classics - The Story of Swan Lake

Maestro Classics -  The Story of Swan Lake



I LOVE classical music!  (Maybe that surprises some of you that know me better...it's kinda not like my personality, but - I do LOVE it!)  And further, I want my children to LOVE it as well.  Just bragging a bit, but one of my children (an almost teenager no less) has nothing but classical music on his iPod! (one down - just a couple more to go!)

How did I accomplish this feat you ask?  Well, I exposed them to classical music often and early.  I taught them about the lives of the composers and the stories within the music.  We also took them to orchestra performances suited especially for children.  But, if you don't have those opportunities available, and you don't know where to start - why not pick up some CD's from Maestro Classics!

We were excited to listen to The Story Swan Lake (from one of our favorite composers...Tchaikovsky).  Here's a little description straight from them:

"The Story of Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s greatest ballet score, is the tale of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess. The princess, however, has been turned into a swan by an evil magician, and only the prince’s love can break the spell. This narrated version of the classic tale for children is sure to delight all who love ballet and enchanting storytelling.


A 24-page activity book included with the CD contains a biography of Tchaikovsky, information on acoustic and electric guitars, sheet music and words for a sing-along song, explanation of major and minor keys, puzzles and more. MP3 download from Maestro Classics website includes a PDF of the activity booklet. "

For just $16.98 (CD version) or $9.98 (download) you get:

• The Story of Swan Lake - Narrated
• Tchaikovsky's Life
• Speed Metal Swan (for those not-so-classical-types...)
• About the Music
• "Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet" (a catchy little teaching song)
• What to have some Fun? Prepare to Perform
• "Tchaikovsky Wrote a Great Ballet" Sing along
• And, a 24 page Activity booklet

The Bentz Test Laboratory enjoyed the entire CD, and several of them have become enamored with all things "Swan Lake" - you would not believe some of the amazing performances you can find on Youtube.  That's what great music does - it makes you want more!

I HIGHLY recommend Maestro Classics - their CD's are well done, and follow all the steps for introducing your child to an appreciation of Classic Music without all the cost!  They have many classic stories as well.  Their website even has an Educational Material  section with curriculum and lesson plans - go check it out!

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

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

Z-Guide to the Movies - Kit Kitteridge

Zeezok's Z-Guide to the Movies:

I love using movies as school!  With this resource, you won't even have to "stretch" to make your case! 

Here's a brief description from their website:

"Each guide starts out with a topic overview. This overview provides the student with more information regarding the specific time period in which the movie is based. Next is a movie synopsis. The synopsis will assist the student in understanding what is going on in the movie and how relationships, situations, and events all relate together.

The first activity is always review questions. We recommend the student answer these as they watch the movie. We want to be sure they are paying attention and being an active learner versus a passive viewer.



The next several activities all build around the historical time of the movie. The questions in these activities may be more about the people or events that happened in the movie. These questions cannot be answered from watching the movie. (We all know you don’t get accurate facts from a Hollywood movie.) The student will learn research skills because he will need to use either the library or the internet to properly answer these questions. Some of the activities involve writing an essay. So the student is learning research and writing skills during the process.


Each guide also contains at least one hands-on activity, a worldview activity, and The Filmmaker’s Art activity. The hands-on activities for the active learner vary depending on the guide and include activities such as creating a treasure hunt, completing an art project, or planning and making a meal for the family.


The worldview activity helps the child to understand the movie’s worldview. This activity is not to impress on the student our personal worldview, but to get the student to think critically through what he believes and what is being presented in the movie. Family discussion questions also develop this critical thinking from the worldview promoted within your family.


The Filmmaker’s Art activity helps the student recognize the tools being used to influence the viewer. The various guides discuss how filming techniques, music, lighting, humor, character development, irony, foreshadowing, and even character names are used by the director and producer to influence the viewer to get their agenda across. We want the student to be able to discern not only the agenda of the movie, but also how they are being influenced by it.

We recommend the student completes two activities per day, taking a week to complete. Z-Guides are meant to supplement your current history curriculum. They are not intended to replace your core curriculum for history.


And yes, answers are provided for all of the questions. We tried to make it as easy as possible on you."

You can view a sample guide here.

Each Z-Guide is just $12.99 for an Ebook or CD.  Dozen of titles to choose from (and 25 more coming this spring!)

The testers at Bentz Learning Laboratory loved this movie!  Of course, the girls were all over anything to do with an "American Girl".  But, I even got the boys in on it... You do have to get your own copy of the movie, the Z-Guide does NOT include the actual movie. 

These guides are a great way to incorporate movies into your curriculum.  But, I caution you - don't make it seem too much like "school" - they'll be onto you in a minute (and you'll forever taint "family movie night"!)  Take the time ahead of the movie to "arm yourself" with the information in the Z-Guide, then you can spill it out during and after the movie on your "unspecting" students.  Then after the movie, you'll have ideas to keep their interest and learning going.

These are a great tool to use! (just don't make them write out answers during the movie, if you want to keep movie nights as family fun!).

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.

Real Homeschool Spanish

I love it!  Relax, Enjoy, Aspire, Learn Spanish.  In fact, this is going to be my new motto for Bentz Academy this year -

Relax
Enjoy
Aspire
Learn

Here's some introductory information for you:

• Available online at - REAL Homeschool Spanish
• Age range - whole family! (love this...especially in a family our size!)
• Book Bundle Includes:  Book, Activity Book, Answer Guide and Audio Files
• $49.95 download, $59.95 download with daily curriculum guide, $89.95 hard copy, $99.95 hard copy with daily curriculum guide

The Bentz Test Laboratory has had alot of "trials" (know what I mean...) with learning Spanish.  We have become a bit wary of Spanish curriculum in general.  We've tried almost everything...our results - nada.  But, since I am committed to search until I find - I was eager to try something I haven't heard of yet.

I was NOT disappointed!  REAL Homeschool Spanish is designed for the homeschool family (not the NASA and government officials hoping to learn a new language).  It isn't only  "paper and pencil" learning either.  To really learn a new language - you need to hear, speak it and interact with it (not just read and write it...). 

REAL Homeschool Spanish has 10 units.  Each unit is made up of vocabulary clusters.  There are 33 vocabulary clusters and 15 Idea Sections each with 3-4 activity sections along with audio files of native speakers from Mexico using the vocabulary.

 I love the focus is on learning words that you will actually use, if you speak to a Spanish speaking person. See a sample about learning colors here.  We LOVE the audio files included.  Let's just say, we tend to pronounce our Spanish with a strongly Northern MN accent - it truly is a blessing to have an auditory sample to follow! 

The author Dr. Karyn Williamson-Coria is a homeschool mother of three boys (can we give her a round of applause, please!)  She truly understands what a homeschool mom needs - Curriculum with a detailed plan!  She has done the prep work for you - the program comes with a  "Planning Guide" and "Daily Planning Chart".  Additionally, you will find hundreds of ways to make Spanish study come alive for your family.  "Home Educator Tips" and "Ideas Sections" are included throughout with easy to implement ideas (like games, songs, and more!).  The "Activity Book" will help develop the reading/writing skills for your Spanish study (see a sample here.)

The website is a valuable tool as well!  Check out the Culture Links for free (History, learning games, recipes, and lots more).

I'm very excited about continuing with REAL Homeschool Spanish!  I found it both usable and affordable - you should check out what other members of the TOS Crew had to say about it here.

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


  

World's Greatest Stories

World's Greatest Stories

I am a huge fan of "van schooling" - you know it- you have a captive, buckled up audience!  We discovered the power of listening to stories during all those endless trips to violin, piano, ballet, speech therapy....etc.  Why not use all that time in the van to your advantage?

So, "what to listen to" you may ask?  Let me recommend our newest discovery - World's Greatest Stories!

George W. Sarris tells the "world's greatest stories" straight from the actual Bible text.  But, you would think you were listening to a full color production of it.  He is amazing in his ability to bring the Bible text to life in his dramatic telling.

This is from their website:

"Using simply his voice, his memory, and the audience's imagination, he takes us back in time to view Biblical scenes such as the unbridled rage of King Nebuchadnezzar as he commands Shadrach, Meshech, and Abendnego to be cast into the blazing furnace, the sudden fear that overcomes his drunken descendant, Belshazzar, as he literally sees the handwriting on the wall, the repentant hearts of the citizens of Ninevah as they respond in humility to the preaching of Jonah, the angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, Herod's desperate attempt to kill Him as a young child, His ministry of healing and teaching among the people, the sorrow of His death, and the triumph of His resurrection."

I wholeheartedly agree!  By far, the BEST Bible stories we've listened to.  You can choose either NIV or KJV version.  And, it is ONLY the words written in the Bible (no adding, no subtracting).  What brings it to life is the masterful storyteller.  All 8 of the testers in Bentz Laboratory were captivated (and not just because they were seatbelted in...).  They begged for another, even after we had arrived home...so, we sat in the van to hear "just one more".  We listened to "The Prophets".

 I love that it is the actual Bible text.  I think it can become confusing to present Bible stories to young children that captivate their interest and entertain - but, give an inaccurate protrayal of the facts (Ninevites did not really "slap people with fishes"...).  World's Greatest Stories use the words of God to tell the story, and they are powerful indeed!

Each CD is only $7.95 - you can listen to an audio clip for yourself here.  6 Volumes are currently available - I know what to put in their stockings!

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.

Vintage Remedies for Kids

Vintage Remedies for Kids - $25.00

Okay, so those who know me best... know that this is a product that is not normally found lying around the house (he he).  But, that is why this was so fun to review!  We definitely NEED more books like this at the Bentz Test Laboratory.

This book is designed for kids ages 2-6 to introduce them to "natural living and healthy lifestyles".  The book has 18 Chapters, with 3 sections: Food & Dring, Health & Wellness, and Healthy Lifestyles.  Each section begins with a "Parent's Section" - very useful information for people like me!  Next, comes the "Read to Me" section (my older kids could read it independently), Leading by Example, and finally projects and recipes.

Here's a description from the publisher:

This curriculum helps you teach little ones how to choose healthy foods, how to prepare some fun and delicious snacks, how to establish prevention based habits, and how they can participate in your family's natural lifestyle. The workbook is flexible and can be used for playgroups or as a fun family project. Children at this age learn best with active lessons, so this isn't a sit and read style picture book! It's a guide for parents that is packed with hands on activities that are perfect for little hands, but fun for all ages. Each of the 18 chapters includes a brief age appropriate lesson on the topic that parents can use to discuss with little ones while they are preparing for the projects, a featured project to teaches the lesson, additional instructions for parents to include these lessons in the family's lifestyle, and a selection of additional projects on the topic for additional fun. The book also contains sample schedules for preschoolers and convenient shopping lists for each project, complete with a resource guide and tips for parents and leaders.



spiral bound • 6x9 inches • 202 b+w pages

 
I think Vintage Remedies would make an excellent unit study for your homeschool health credit.  It's very easy to read and implement, even if you don't usually have time for "natural living" (if your a over-scheduled, busy, and guilt-ridden mom like me...).  I appreciate their balanced approach to this subject, teaching the why's and how's of wellness, and not becoming rigid with unrealistic expectations (I know there are moms out there like me, that "occasionally" eat-french-fries-in-the-van-with-the-kids.)  I know I will be looking into more of their books- check out the special combo deal right now. You can read more about their mission and philosphy here.  I'm ready to give it a try, this is a great "baby steps" program for parents as well as children (Vintage Remedies has more information for those of you futher on your "wellness" paths too!) 

Vintage Remedies offers a wealth of online information and even online learning programs.  Go check them out.

See what other members of the TOS Crew thought here.

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

Fractazmic by I See Cards

Fractazmic by I See Cards

We love doing math with games, in fact - we love doing all school with games.  Maybe, we should just shelve the books and pull out the games...

Well, that's exactly what happened when the Bentz Test Laboratory got their hands on another great game from I See Cards (read about our last test here).

Here's a description from them:

"When children play Fractazmic, they know they're having fun, and you know that they're learning!


When children play Fractazmic, they know they're having fun, and you know that they're learning! Fractazmic is a comprehensive interactive fun lesson in fractions that gives your child unlimited practice at their individual level.


Each brightly colored card displays fractions, along with eye catching graphics, to ensure reinforcement. Players will quickly identify the fractions on their cards and calculate their way to fun and learning! Fractazmic teaches fractions, numbers and measurement."

You can get them online for just $6.95 - a perfect stocking stuffer!

My testers quickly picked up how to play very quickly.  Here's a quick summary of how to play from the website:

"Fractazmic is a 2-4 player game that uses math and language skills. The object of Fractazmic trap is to gather as many hands as possible before the first player runs out of cards. Hands are captured by either (1) playing a card that brings the sum of all cards thrown to 1 or (2) forcing the next player to throw a card that brings the sum to greater than 1. If any of these events occur – the player captures the round and is the first to start the next round."

What I liked best - all of my testers enjoyed playing.  Some of them are math-challenged (like their mom) and some are math super-stars - but, Fractazmic was fun for all of them!

If you want to play it online - check this out and win!


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

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