My Son Got Married!

Just pretending... he got married in his play - Our Town. :-)

My actors have been busy again, this time with a production of Our Town by Thorton Wilder with their homeschool group.  It's a once a week class that has meet for the entire year working on this play.

I love this scene... my son is officiating the marriage of his younger brother,  I wonder how they kept straight faces?

This one made us all cry... he's on the grave of his now deceased wife.  What a powerful play this is!

I love all the lessons they learn in theater!

High School Essay Intensive from Institute for Excellence in Writing: A TOS Crew Review

High School Essay Intensive from Institute for Excellence in Writing
If you have high school students, you know it's that time of year... time for the SAT and ACT tests.  The Bentz Test Laboratory has been preparing with the NEW 2nd edition of High School Essay Intensive from Institute for Excellence in Writing.
This course is designed for 9-12 grade students. It includes top-notch teaching from Andrew Pudewa (our FAVORITE writing instructor) on 5 DVDs. 

 The 6.5 hours of teaching on the DVD's cover the basics of essay writing as well as recently updated information and instruction for the new essay formats of the SAT and ACT tests. In addition, it includes 28 pages of printable notes for students to use while watching the DVD's. 

We also received a copy of the  NEW Portable Walls for the Essayist Folder, which is a very useful tool to remind your student of essay models, strategies, the writing process and transitional words and phrases, all in a handy folder. 

We are long-time fans of everything Institute for Excellence in Writing produces.  In fact, my college age son learned essay writing from the First Edition of this program.  Andrew Pudewa quotes sources that claim that the essay score on the SAT or ACT is one of the biggest determiners of college readiness and success. Learning how to write a solid essay can mean extra dollars in scholarships for potential college students as well.  It makes taking the time to teach these skills very worthwhile investment.

You can use all, or parts of the course according to your student needs. My testers are knee-deep in SAT/ACT testing, one of them is a Junior, and another a Sophomore.   Here's an outline of what is covered in the course:

Part 1A – General Strategies for Essay Writing: Length and Structure

• Initial Exercise
• A Hurt and Rescue Operation
• What is an essay?
• Two Questions Writers Need to Ask
• Translating Assignment Length to Paragraphs
• Types of Paragraph
• The TRIAC Paragraph Model
• Essay Models

Part 1B – General Strategies for Essay Writing: Invention and Style

• Canons of Rhetoric
• Invention
• Practicing Common Topics of Invention
• Practice with TRIAC Outline
• Sentence Patterns
• Literary Devices: Schemes and Tropes
• Practice with Sentence Openers and Figures of Speech

Part 2 – Understanding and Preparing for the New ACT Essay

• ACT General Guidelines
• The Assignment
• Strategies for Planning
• Strategies for Writing
• Strategies for Proofing

Part 3 – Understanding and Preparing for the Redesigned SAT Essay

• General Guidelines
• The Assignment
• Annotating
• Handy Annotation System
• Annotating Practice
• Strategies for Planning
• Strategies for Writing
• Using Effective Vocabulary
• Strategies for Proofing

Part 4 – Strategies for the Personal Essay

• General Guidelines
• Sample Essay Prompts
• Strategies for Planning: Pop out from the Crowd
• Strategies for Writing, Editing, and Proofreading
• A Not-So-Secret Secret
• Final Practice
• Concluding Comments
• Last Bits of Advice for Life

The DVD's are very well done.  The picture and sound quality are excellent.  Andrew Pudewa is teaching a live class in the video.  My testers think Mr. Pudewa is hilarious, they really enjoy his sense of humor. These DVD's are designed to teach directly to the student. 
We watched Part Two and Part Three that covered the essays for the ACT and SAT.  Mr. Pudewa fully explains each test's scoring scale (we loved his description of the ACT - "a mystical algorithm") and expectations of the scorers. Some common things to avoid, like teenage slang and contractions. This was very insightful information for our test takers. He even offers suggestions for how to use to the time allowed for the essay portion of the test effectively - planning, writing, and proofreading. Some simple tips like these can make a big difference.
Mr. Pudewa writes on a white board as he teaches.  This is particularly helpful for my sons to see, hear, and take notes.  It's involving all of their learning styles, and I have found they remember so much more.
The two tests are different styles of essay writing, so it's good (in my opinion) to have your child try both to see which is a better fit for them.  The ACT is an argumentative essay and the SAT is an analytical essay.  Good news - this course teaches them what they need to know for both!
Mr. Pudewa recommends watching and then practicing their new found skills before taking the actual test.  My testers and I did several practice essays together after.  They are both planning on taking the tests this summer, and are A LOT more confident about the essay portion!
This is a must have resource for every high school student.  

Find Institute for Excellence in Writing on Social Media:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/excellenceinwriting
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/iewtv
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/iew  @IEW
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/iewriting/

Hashtags: #hsreviews #highschoolwriting #SATprep #ACTprep
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The Secret Bridge from Lamplighter Publishing: A TOS Crew Review

The Secret Bridge from Lamplighter Publishing
Getting lost in a good story is one of our favorite pastimes.  The Bentz Test Laboratory has fallen in love with our new find, a 118 year old story - The Secret Bridge from Lamplighter Publishing.  This book is recommended for ages 12 and up.

We have been long-time fans of Lamplighter Publishing. Their mission is to develop "Christlike character one story at a time."  Each and every story they publish has this goal in mind, all 142 of them. Don't you love things that are beautiful... both inside and out? This book (and my tester) fit the description - beautiful inside and out.  The book is gorgeous, gilded with gold and engraved on the cover, it looks like a treasure.  But, the real treasure is inside the book. The story captivated my 14 year old tester, who could not put it down.  This 261 page book tells the story of Bridget Channing's transformation from a poor orphan girl into a faith-filled Christian wife. 
Ultimately her transformation brings their feuding families back together in an inspiring story of reconciliation.  The rich vocabulary of this story sets it apart from other books aimed at this age group.   Bridget's story is filled with surprises and suspense. Scripture is woven beautifully into the story as Bridget begins to "acquaint thyself with him".    We love a story that can teach us without preaching.  This is a story that completely satisfies the reader and brings her closer to God at the same time.  My tester enjoyed getting to read a mysterious love story, that was completely age appropriate, hard to find these days! My tester also enjoyed the quality of the book itself.  As Bridget and her beloved exchange letters, the font of the writing looks like actually writing.  "It makes the characters feel more personal".  I love to fill our shelves with beautiful books! This is a well written story that will entertain and inspire your daughters!  I highly recommend this one. Find Lamplighter Publishing on Social Media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lamplighterministries/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lamplighterbook  @lamplighterbook

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/107546529632801860503

Hashtags: #hsreviews #classicliterature #lamplighter

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Entire Level I from ArtAchieve: A TOS Crew Review

Entire Level I from ArtAchieve
Bentz Test Laboratory has been having a blast making art with the Entire Level I from ArtAchieve!
ArtAchieve is an online program that teaches you child how to make beautiful art completely on their own!  I always "mean" to do art, but... it often falls off our day.  Finally, I've found a way my children can do the art they love, and I don't have to feel guilty!  
We have been creating with Entire Level I which includes projects from around the world.  They offer 5 different levels with increasing difficulty.  My testers are in 2nd and 3rd grade and they LOVE this program.  There ar 12 lessons in Level 1 - perfect for the beginning artist.  They include:

1. Simple Lines
2. Czech Cat
3. Hungarian Insects
4. The Haitian Gecko
5. The Dragonfly From Ecuador
6. The Chinese Dragon
7. The Owl From Bali
8. The Kitenge Tree Wall Hanging from Tanzania
9. The Plate From Nepal
10. Four Suns with Four Faces
11. The Sheep From Wales
12. The Umbrella From Thailand

Each lesson includes a video or Powerpoint explanation of the project to be completed with detailed, step-by-step instructions. 
Printable "warm up" sheets are included to get your child's hands and focus ready to create. A finished picture is also available to print out, if you child likes to see what it's going to look like.  Additionally,  they recommend music to be played to help set the tone for the lesson (or silence works too!)  
The program encourages them to relax and "draw for themselves" and not just for the teacher.  This is an important point if you have "perfectionist" children (like me) that get easily frustrated if they aren't pleased right away.  
The supplies needed are very basic for this level, paper, pencil, markers, oil pastels, and watercolors.  We had all the supplies on-hand from all of my "good intentions".  There was no prep work for me!  Just turn on the computer, log on and let them go.
My testers tried the video and the Powerpoint, but found they liked the Powerpoints better because they could control how fast they worked.
Each lesson not only includes a great art project, but tons of fascinating information from around the world. They got to learn about the world, and make a great projet. 
This was an EXCELLENT addition to our geography studies this year.
My testers begged to do this program.  Here's a sampling of what they created:

Four Suns with Four Faces

The Sheep From Wales

The Owl From Bali - they learned alot about "warm" and "cool" colors!

The Kitenge Tree Wall Hanging from Tanzania

The Chinese Dragon - one of their favorite's!

The Dragonfly From Ecuador

The Haitian Gecko

Hungarian Insects

We LOVE this program.  It's so easy to use, and my students loved what they created.  You will want to check this out - they offer 5 free lessons .  Check them out!

Find ArtAchieve on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artachieve   @ArtAchieve

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnahofland   @johnahofland

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArtAchieve   @ArtAchieve

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/artachieve   artachieve

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JohnHoflandartachieve   ArtAchieve

Hashtags: #hsreviews  #artachieve, #artlessonsforkids, #homeschool #artclassesforkids, #drawinglessonsforkids

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Prom!

Finally... after YEARS of seeing everyone else's Prom pictures,  I get to post some of our own!


Don't they look amazing?  He's so handsome in a tux!

She made her dress to look like the one in "Titanic" - actually, gluing every single sequin herself.   I can't believe she talked him into "the pose" and dancing (on the sidewalk, no less) to the theme song from "Titanic".

They had a wonderful time.  My boy is growing up, sniff...sniff...

Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” from Drive Thru History®:A TOS Crew Review

Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” from Drive Thru History®:  Buckle up!  Dave Stotts is about to take you on a road trip through the life, times and actual locations of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the NEW - Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” from Drive Thru History®.

This 3 DVD set contains 18, 30 minute episodes of one of our favorite ways to experience history! In addition, the boxed set includes a 118 page Study Guide.

David Stotts has my dream job, visiting over 50 locations recorded in the Gospels and getting to introduce us to them with his classic style.  He is highly entertaining... my children and I have been long time fans!  The episodes cover:

• The Historical Landscape
• The Announcements
• Jesus is Born
• Jesus Grows Up
• Jesus Starts His Ministry
• Jesus Returns to Galilee
• Jesus Begins His Miracles
• Jesus Teaches with Authority
• The Sermon on the Mount
• Jesus Travels the Sea of Galilee
• Jesus Travels North
• A Final Trip to Jerusalem
• Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
• The Last Supper
• The Trial of Jesus
• The Crucifixion of Jesus
• The Resurrection of Jesus
• Who is Jesus?

This set is BEAUTIFUL as well as educational.  Right away, we were impressed with the quality. The videos are simply captivating. They are professionally done from start to finish.  Each episode is filled with live action film and classic art.  Dave weaves Scripture throughout every episode as he narrates the story of Jesus' life. 

You feel like you are actually visiting the familiar locations of the Bible you have read about... Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, and more.  The Bible comes to life for you and your children in an entire new way.  By presenting archaeological, cultural and historical information you get to experience the life of Jesus, and truly know it's "all real".   This series is completely family friendly.  We love to watch it altogether (multiple episodes at a time), not just for "school" but for family movie nights as well. Our family has been reading the Bible chronologically this year with our church, this series was perfect for bringing our reading to life.  

My children love Dave's sense of humor.  He makes every episode interesting with his hilarious antics.  But, he is also a knowledgeable gifted storyteller too.   We were super excited to actually get to meet him in person at a recent homeschool conference (he's just as funny in person...) Having been long-time fans, we knew he ALWAYS has a new ride for the adventure.  This time,  he takes us on the road with a very old Land Rover, and even teaches us how to cook with it :-)  

The Study Guide is beautifully done as well. It is filled with stunning photographs on high quality paper.   Each episode has a section with a brief summary and several discussion-style questions you can use to spark more in-depth thinking.  Bible readings are included for each episode.  This could easily be used as a Sunday school or small group study.

I have always wanted to visit these amazing places, to see what Jesus saw, and walk where he walked.  If a trip to the Holy Land is out of your budget... Drive Thru History® – “The Gospels” can take you there.

I love that Dave's heart shows through - he ends this series with the important question - "Who do you say Jesus is?"    This series is a wonderful way to SHOW your children who Jesus is!

Find Drive Thru History® on Social Media:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/drivethruhistory/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/drivethruhistory

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

Hashtags:  #hsreviews #drivethruhistory #thegospels

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