I was given two books to review as part of the TOS Crew:  The Quest for Thunder Mountain (book 1 of The Tales From Terrestria series), and The Isle of Dragons (book 4 in The Tales From Terrestria series).

These stories are allegories of the Christian faith set in a setting of adventure.  Knights, castles, adventure, fighting, dragons…this series calls to the adventurer in you.  The message is clear and concise.  Although it is an allegory, it has the straightforward message seen in “Hinds Feet in High Places.”  While this book is geared towards children, maybe 10 years old and up, I found my boys (6 and 9) enjoyed these stories just as much and easily followed the message.  Ironically, while my dear hubby read these books to our brood, it provoked a lot of conversation and personal reflection as well.  Since our household is magnetically drawn to adventure stories as well as stories with a good message, I found these to be a delightful read.  If you are offended by a blatantly Christian message, this is not the story for you.

These books sells for $7.99 each.  Check out their website to learn about their ministry through stories.

I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest opinion only.  I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

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As part of the TOS Crew I received a one month membership to the W&W virtual world for kids.  Wow, was this site well done!  I was immediately captured by the colorful cartoon look and feel of the site, very appealing to the senses, so to speak.  The purpose of this site is to have a virtual world “where players can travel to places around the world, through time and space, meet famous historical people, play fun enriching games, make new friends own exotic islands, build culture-inspired houses, wear all kinds of cool clothing and costumes, explore secret locations, solve ancient mysteries and become a legendary traveler!”

Membership is free, however, this comes with limited access to the site.  There is a paid monthly membership as well, for $5.99.  They have other payment options as well, with discounts for purchasing an annual membership.

Before I go any further I have to be forthright that I did not allow my children to actually review this game site on their own.  We have a strict rule in our home that our children do no sites whatsoever with chat options.  You may disagree, but since that is our personal policy, I tried the site out myself instead.  I was very concerned that kids are free to open chat with each other.  Although there are strict security measures in place, I as an adult was able to play and interact.  How do I know who else is playing?  I am a little fanatical about this since there are so many problems with obscenity, predators, and general inappropriate conversation going on all over the web.  For that reason, I can not recommend this game and would not allow my children to play it.

I would be prone to consider this product if the chat feature could be blocked on the game.  There are some key elements to the site that are truly intriguing.  For instance, your child will meet key figures throughout history and learn about geography, design their character and generally have fun playing the games.

That being said, I would like to see the makers of W&W provide an option to turn off the chat function with parental control to make this a safer environment for kids who just want to go play and learn.  If this were the case, I would definitely allow my children to play from time to time.

I encourage you to check out their website before allowing your kids to play and see what you think for yourself.

I was not compensated for this product review.  I was given a free membership in exchange for my honest opinion only.

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As part of the TOS Crew, I received several math products to review from Math Galaxy.com.  Boy have my kids been loaded down with math helps this year!  This really has been great since math is the sorry subject we have found ourselves most delayed in this year.  I really felt it was important to hold off on trudging ahead with new lessons until their foundations were really set well, such as memorizing their multiplication tables and being able to add and subtract quickly.

Math Galaxy is for K-12 students and offers each of their products for $24.95 and has many different topics to choose from.  Here is a breakdown of what you will find on their CD-Rom version:

• Math Galaxy Whole Numbers Fun
• Math Galaxy Fractions Fun
• Math Galaxy Decimals, Proportions, % Fun
• Math Galaxy Word Problems Fun
• Math Galaxy Pre-Algebra Fun
• Algebra Fundamentals
• Whole Numbers Worksheet Generator
• Fractions Worksheet Generator
• Decimals, Proportions, % Worksheet Generator
• Algebra Worksheet Generator

We received the download version, which waseasy to download and can be saved right to your hard drive.  This was nice since it can be used with multiple children at any time.  Here is what you can expect to see:

We found this program to be very colorful, with good math manipulatives, and a well rounded program with lots of practice for the kids and thorough, great information.  However, my children did not get into this program near as much as some of the other math practice programs we have tried out this year.  Parts of the practice was slow and a bit tedious.  The graphics seemed a little archaic.  Maybe this adds to the charm, but it seems very old school.

On the other hand, I found this to be a more thorough program, especially when getting into some of the more complex math concepts, which many other math programs do not cover.

This is something we will definitely utilize on an occasional basis, but not something we will use every day.  It is a nice break from the routine with good helps to increase speed and accuracy.

The worksheet generator may be a plus to some, however, I don’t push a lot of extra worksheets myself, so probably will not utilize this as much as others.

The games are great and actually fun, too!

Check out their website for more information.

I received this free material in exchange for my honest opinion only.  I was not paid for this review.

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Well, I signed up for Homeschool Expo through TOS (The Old Schoolhouse) Magazine.  For those of you who may not make a HS convention this year, this is the frugal way to go, and from the comfort of your own home.  I couldn’t believe all the freebies, too.  Just the extras more than covers the cost of admission, so check it out here.

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If you’re looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!

Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off!
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Then, if you’re customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S.
only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.

The BIGGEST news of all–The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!
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Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more?
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school?those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, an 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker?s Bureau.

Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you’ll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.
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When we began our pursuit into the classical education method several weeks ago, I actually had already received a copy of Balance Benders from The Critical Thinking Co. to review for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine as part of their Crew.  I had set this aside, thinking there was NO WAY my 11-year-old  math hater would even attempt these types of problems.  But alas, when you agree to review product, you agree to review.
However, as I was reading The Well Trained Mind (as mentioned in previous posts), I ran across the chapter explaining how Logic was an important subject to teach children as they entered the middle grade years. I didn’t even know logic was a subject, much less important. As I began to read, though, it really began to make sense.  Logic opens the doors of your mind to begin thinking algebraically, which as we all know is vital to the middle/high school grades and on into college.  I was sold.

So, I picked Balance Benders back up again, viewing this small workbook in a new light.  Surprisingly, my daughter does not hate it!  She does not beg to do the pages, but she has gained a real confidence as she works out the problems.  My favorite aspect of the book is a section in the back of the book called Balance Tips.  Here they explain the rules for determining the answers to the problems.  They also note which rule applies to each problem.  This is awesome because you can go over each problem missed, explain the rule that applies, and have them re-work the problem.  This sheds a simple light on the work and deters the typical frustration surrounding math in our house.

My 9-year-old actually does beg to do the problems.  I believe if I let him he would complete the entire book in a matter of days.  I am trying to space the problems out, doing 2-4 pages per day, so that they get a consistent comprehension of the rules and not just fly through the work.

Balance Benders Beginning can be purchased online for $9.99.  I look forward to trying out their other products as well.  Great company so far!

I received a free copy of the above mentioned material in exchange for my honest opinion only.  I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

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Once again All About Reading hits a home run!  Their products have continued to carry the same excellent quality I have come to expect.  This hard cover, beautifully illustrated reader coordinates with the first 14 steps in the All about Spelling  Level 2 program (although you do not have to use the All About Spelling program to use and enjoy the book with your young reader).  To read more about this spelling program, read my previous post reviewing this material.  I also reviewed their first reader, the Beehive Reader, which also received my rave review.  This What Am I collection of short stories is no exception.  These are not the boring stories you see out of a typical reader, but 10 delightfully entertaining and funny stories, such as:

What happens when…

• …a boy visits an elf in the Alps?
• …a broken robot throws figs?
• …a smelly musk ox goes for a swim?
• …a family of skunks moves into the shed?
• …a bunch of snakes escapes their cages?

This reader goes up for sale April 1 for $19.95 on the All About Spelling website.

I received a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion only.  I was not compensated for this review.

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I recently ran across a book called “The Well Trained Mind,” by Susan Bauer, laying out a guide to classical education.  As we have not followed a formal curriculum during our first year and a half, I have been actively reading and studying the different types of teaching.  We have incorporated several types of learning styles: unschooling (DEFINITELY not for us), eclectic, Montessori, etc.  So far, the classical education style has been a great fit for us.  I have slowly incorporated the subjects as outlined in The Well Trained Mind, starting with History, then Grammar studies, and now delving into Logic.  We are loving it!

Since we started with History, I began to make a few purchases to gather everything I would  need to teach my three children successfully.  In the book, Susan Bauer outlines the materials needed, so I hit Amazon with a vengeance!  One of the items on my list were the Maps Combo Pak.  Boy was I surprised when these showed up in my inbox just the next day (requesting me to review their product)!  In my house we call this a God-thing.

Here is how we have used them.  When studying history the classical method, we start the week reading an overview of that week’s subject matter.  For instance, this week we are studying on the ancient civilizations, particularly, the Sumerians.  We headed to the library and picked up an armload of books on the subject and spent the week reading these.  The kiddos also wrote summaries of what they have learned so far and drew some sample writings that may have matched those the ancients used (mainly picture writing).  They totally enjoyed this.  On our second history day I simply pulled up my PDF copy of the Maps Combo Pak and printed out the map of Ancient Mesopotamia, which shows Sumer and the area surrounding the Euphrates and Tigris  rivers.  It is very powerful to study an area of the world and let the kids find it on the map and color it in.  Once these are completed they get to keep their printed and colored copies in their history notebooks, a summary of history in their own words and pictures, of what they have learned this year.  On our final day each week we end with a history project (this week we are making ancient writings on what looks like old canvas material).  History is now their favorite subject!

Another way we utilize the maps is in our Bible studies.  We are currently reading through the New Testament, studying the life and journeys of Paul.  I realized the children had no real concept of the extent of Paul’s travels and decided to use the maps to show them some of the heavy footwork the disciples did while preaching the gospel.  This certainly makes studying much more interesting and realistic for children.  However, with any studies with young children, I highly recommend also using a good old fashioned globe as well, since small children don’t have a true concept of “where in the world” these places are, in comparison with where they are now.  All in all, the maps have been a wonderful addition to our studies and I highly recommend them!

I love the download version since it allows you to print as many copies as you like anytime you like.  They can also be purchased on a CD (which in my house would get lost like in a matter of minutes).  Here is what the $28.95 Maps Combo Paks (download version) include:

• Over 180 maps and a bonus Notebooking Page for each state
• World Maps in Ancient and Modern styles
• Maps with and without labels, with and without borders or labels, for your student to fill in
• Bonus includes 40 Notebooking pages, black line pages with various report forms and facts sheets
• Dozens of maps showing the growth and changes of the Nation.
• Teacher answer sheets
• Flag pages to cut out and color for each state

The World Maps can be purchased separately for $18.95 and the United States maps can also be purchased separately for $18.95.

I received the above mentioned free materials in exchange for my honest opinion only, as part of The Old Schoolhouse Crew.  I was not paid for this review.

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Graphics Toolbox is a graphic design software, made for the average computer user.  For those of you who are not familiar with graphic design, here are a few things you can do with this type of software:

1.  Digital scrapbooking

2.  Custom banners for your blog or facebook account

3.  School projects

4.  Enhancement for your photography (you can do very cool stuff with photography!)

5.  Business brochures and literally, on and on…

We are an Illustrator CS4 and Photoshop CS4 crazed home.  My dear hubby has both my 6 and now-9-year-old sons working on these programs daily.  I really thought they would dive into Graphics Toolbox with great fervor, however, after being spoiled by these other programs, they did not show the kind of enthusiasm for Graphics Toolbox that I hoped they would.  This is probably not the norm in most households, though, so for the average person interested in graphics design and looking for a starting point, this program has a lot of good features, and likely will be much easier to grasp starting out.

The work area concept is really nice.  Working in some of the more professional software packages, you are still working in a confined space, so the “desktop” work area really appealed to us.  The color region is amazing and actually our favorite part of the Graphics Toolbox. The interface, however, is one of the more difficult tools we have used, and could be due to being more familiar with the Photoshop and Illustrator CS4 packages.  The zoom function is similar to most professional level software.  It is important that a lot of time was spent on the zooming process for working in details, so this was definitely a plus.

The training videos are good and I highly encourage you to check them out to get a good feel of the ease of use of this program.  They are done in conference call style, which takes away from the tutorial atmosphere somewhat, but the information is solid and easy to understand.

This product is great for beginners, although I believe that after watching the videos and utilizing the tools of the software, we still tend to gravitate to our previous software.  Graphics Toolbox can be purchased for $149.

This material was given to me in exchange for my honest opinion only.  I was not compensated for this review.

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Okay, reviewing this one has me trumped.  This is one I had a negative opinion of, but the proof has been in the pudding and I have to admit my wrong on this one!

We received a DVD from The TV Teacher, “Alphabet Beats, Writing Lowercase Letters,” to review for TOS magazine.  Miss Marnie is cute and upbeat and smiley, very kid friendly.  I had all three of my kids watch (to support my 6-year-old in this endeavor).  My 11yo watched a few minutes and soon slipped off.  My 8yo actually watched the entire lesson and stayed engaged and entertained.  My 6yo, however, just loved this!  I thought it was too cutesy and was not convinced the lessons would really make much difference.
Now the background:  I chose the lowercase letters because my 6yo is still writing all uppercase letters and has struggled even writing those up until now.  It has been a struggle all the way.  He has made amazing progress, but I am always looking for any help we can get to advancing his progress.  So we have been going through the DVD lessons, which has a 5-minute chapter for each letter consisting of writing exercises plus 8-10 vocabulary words.  Each lesson also enhances other skills, such as days of week, explaining opposites, patterning, colors, counting, measuring, etc.  I thought all this information might make it all tedious.  I am such a skeptic.

Well, today, after viewing lessons only, he began singing and chanting the lesson songs in the car (not a big deal to you, maybe, but remembering songs has been a difficulty).  Then later today he randomly asked me to start spelling words for him to write down.  He wrote all his letters in LOWER CASE (I thought I would type that in all caps just because it’s funny).  He has never written anything in lowercase, and most of his letters were written correctly!  I was so excited, and since going through this video has been the only instruction he has received in the last week in lowercase letters (other than his reading program, and we are only on a, s and e), I have to give credit to this video for being such a great motivator!

I am also using this video for my 8yo (who just turned 9 today, sniff, sniff) because he writes all his letters upside down.  Although we have been working to correct this, I am now hoping this video will help him in its daily practice (in the name of supporting his little brother, of course, so he won’t feel like a baby).

If you are experiencing similar dilemmas in teaching your child to write, I do believe you should check out this video.  Maybe your little punkin will start spontaneously writing as well!  You can purchase the DVD for $35, or click here to watch a sample video.

I received a free copy of this DVD in exchange for my honest opinion only.  I was not compensated for this review.

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