TOS Crew Review: MATH MAMMOTH

Math. Just the mere mention of the word leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Yuck. Although I placed third in my entire state in a math competition in school, I never had any confidence in my ability. I was told outright by a public school teacher that "boys are good at math and girls aren't." I went to a district where math, science, and sports reigned supreme (meaning boys) and girls were allowed in school only because the law required it. It's one of the major reasons I'm homeschooling my girls -- I don't want that kind of defeatist sexist attitude fed to them! With that said, I'm always on the lookout for math programs that work and instill confidence and capability in Big Sis.

We were able to put Math Mammoth Grade 1-A & B (Light Blue series) digital worktext to the test recently. First of all, it's written by a woman, Maria Miller. (Can I hear some applause from my readers?) Secondly, it's written as a framework to study the main topics of addition, subtraction, addition/subtraction facts, place value till 100, clock to the half hour, measurements in inches/centimeters, shapes, and coins. It's divided by topic so that in-depth time can be spent on each with the objective of mastery, rather than simply spiraling concept on concept. It might be called the "unit study" of math programs. That suits our learning style well.

Big Sis really enjoyed the worksheets, but that's kind of her "thing" right now. I know not all kids are that way. She really sharpened her facts memorization while using Math Mammoth. She liked grouping items and actually seeing how several different combinations of numbers can have the same sum, i.e. 2+3=5 or 4+1=5. She was very proud of her accomplishments and so am I. She actually asked to do Math Mammoth on several occasions.

Maria Miller has included some fun math games to try. Big Sis loves any card or board game and it's a fun way to use math facts! Maria also provides a list of websites with free games to enhance the lessons. We haven't tried them all yet, but I'm sure we will.

Math Mammoth worktexts are available for instant download in digital format or on CD in several levels. You may print worksheets as you go along or print extras for review. I know that some have taken the file to a printer or some place like Office Max and had it three-hole punched or spiralbound. I've just printed the worksheets as necessary. There is even a webpage where you can make your own math worksheets for free at www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets. This will come in handy!

Admittedly, as a new homeschooler I don't have a lot to compare it to as we haven't used much formal curricula. However, Math Mammoth has worked well for us and that needs no comparison. As a homeschooling parent, you quickly learn what works and what doesn't for your kids. Otherwise you're in for a lot of frustration for teacher and student.

Read other Crew reviews here.

TOS Crew Review: ALPHABET ALLEY

Alphabet Alley is a family-owned business that features faith-based toys and games for the early childhood years. We had the fun job of reviewing the Noah's Ark Go Fish card game and the Two by Two Matching Game.

Noah's Ark Go Fish Card Game
$5.99

This has quickly become one of Big Sis' favorite games. She is a Go Fish aficionado anyway, but these cards are different than the others we have. First of all, they're bigger (about 1-1/2 times the size of a standard deck) and easier for little hands to deal and hold. They not only have numbers, they have cute pictures of Noah, the ark, and all the animals, along with the accompanying word underneath the picture. Hmm. . . I sense a reading/spelling AND numbers AND Bible lesson all combined with FUN. I'm loving that! We have given the cards quite a workout over the past month and they are holding up well. They're glossy laminated -- easy to wipe off, hard to bend. Even Lil Sis has carried around and mouthed a few cards with no rips or tears. I'd say that's durable! Alphabet Alley offers the Go Fish game in a Christmas version, too. I highly recommend these cards -- great price, great company to support, great lessons and fun for the kids -- you just can't go wrong here!



Two by Two Matching Game
$10.99

This game is another winner in our book. Think "Memory" meets Noah's Ark and you'll get the idea. It contains 24 tiles (makes 12 matches). These cards are thicker and sturdier than our Blue's Clues Memory Game by Milton-Bradley. I like the fact that we can talk about so many different lessons within one fun game -- the story of Noah, animal facts, Creation, the flood -- lots of discussion topics can get a jumpstart while playing. So though it doesn't feel like "school time," it really is! The game itself is fun just in its own right, too.

If you're looking for an inexpensive, quality gift from a Christian company for the kiddos in your life, definitely check out Alphabet Alley's line of products. They also have magnet sets, blocks, and stickers, among other games. Have fun!

TOS CREW REVIEW: All About Spelling

I tend to be an advocate for letting little kids be little kids and enjoy the learning process without pushing formal curriculum at an early age. This works well with our budget, too, since I'm able to gather most resources that we need from the library and online for free. For that reason, I suppose my style is eclectic. That being said, I admit to being a curriculum junkie. I love books and I love teaching. With an unlimited budget, I could go crazy buying different stuff for Big Sis to try as she gets older. BUT, only if it works for her learning style, and that's really difficult to tell without trying something first, isn't it? That's where The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew has been a great opportunity for us!

We were given the chance to use All About Spelling, a "multisensory approach" to spelling. The multisensory idea intrigued me since I've been trying to evaluate Big Sis' natural learning style. All About Spelling is by far the most comprehensive, formal curriculum we've used to date. I wouldn't have necessarily sought out a spelling program at this point, but I am so glad that we've been able to do this.

All About Spelling has four levels, with a fifth coming soon. The series uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to spelling. The levels are not limited by age or grade, but simply progressive by skill. I'll focus on Level 1, since this is the level that Big Sis completed. I was apprehensive at first that starting a formal spelling program would interfere with Big Sis' reading lessons. I was wrong about this! All About Spelling has enhanced her reading skills and helped her tremendously! She loves to break down words, learn the reasons for spelling, and do it all in an engaging way. It's not a frilly, cutesy, "dumbed down" program -- it's straightforward and it works. (The multisensory part comes in with the letter tiles and tokens that are used for hands-on manipulatives, in addition to the auditory and visual parts of the program.) Big Sis was able to work through Level 1 very quickly at first because she already has her phonics down pat, but it's important to start at the beginning and build on that foundation. Review is a part of every lesson to really cement the information.


WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Teacher's book and student material packet

THE COST:
$29.95 for the set (additional materials may be purchased separately)

From the website, here is a description of Level 1:

In a practical, hands-on way, your student will learn:

• How to say and write the first 32 phonograms
• How to segment words into their individual sounds
• Short and long vowel sounds
• How to identify and count syllables in a word
  
  
• How to choose between c and k at the beginning of a word
• When to double f, l, and s
  
  
• How to spell /k/ at the end of a word
• How to form plural words by adding s or es
  
  
• Compound words
• Open and closed syllable types
  
  
• and more!

The multisensory learning tools and activities included in the program help your student master important spelling concepts.

• The Flashcards provide a visual and hands-on way to help your student learn and review phonograms, words, and spelling rules.

• The Spelling Review Box helps you organize the flashcards so you can quickly see which words, phonograms, and spelling rules your student still needs to learn and review. (Flashcards and dividers are included; you supply the 3x5" index card box.)

• The Segmenting Words activity helps your student identify the individual sounds in a word so that he can spell more easily and accurately.

• Concept-oriented spelling lists that are grouped by similar phonograms and spelling rules accelerate learning by organizing ideas in the student’s mind and allowing the student to concentrate on and master one or two main concepts before moving on.

• Key Cards clearly present key ideas, concepts, and spelling rules that help your student thoroughly understand why a word is spelled the way it is and how to apply that knowledge to many other words.

• The More Words and Dictate Phrases sections reinforce current and previously learned concepts, increase the student’s repertoire of words, and allow the student to apply his knowledge in practical situations.

• Tips for the teacher anticipate and provide answers to your questions and give you on-the-spot strategies for helping your student overcome stumbling blocks. Worked seamlessly into the lessons, tips are placed right where you need them, when you need them, so you can continue your teaching uninterrupted.

• The Progress Chart gives your student a visual reminder of how far he has come and motivates him to master the next step.

Features are arranged in three easy-to-follow sections:

• Review: The Review section provides continual review of phonograms, spelling words, and important concepts so your student can advance confidently from one lesson to the next without the frustration of having to re-learn previous material. All About Spelling doesn’t “teach it and forget it.”

• New Teaching: The step-by-step lesson plans lay out new material clearly and concisely and save you valuable time. You don’t need a degree in education or hours of planning every night to teach All About Spelling—all the work has been done for you.

• Reinforcement: The important Reinforcement section gives your student the opportunity to apply what he has learned and to use that knowledge in practical situations.

By the end of Level One, your student will be able to write phrases such as:

the pink pig
camp in tents
sad songs
a stiff neck
big clamshell
quick snack

The website is just as comprehensive as the curriculum so be sure to visit. (I imagine Marie Rippel is one of those super-organized women that leave me speechless with awe. LOL) There's a section for FAQ's, tons of articles, testimonials, and ordering information.

All About Spelling is effective, logical, and thorough. Big Sis has enjoyed her sense of accomplishment as her reading and spelling have improved and expanded, painlessly. She is constantly reading and spelling words to me throughout the day, just for fun! I believe the program is a budget-pleaser, too. And who can argue with results? Whether a beginner or someone in need of remedial help, All About Spelling could be your answer.

TOS CREW REVIEW: Puppetools

The concept of "learning through play" is something familiar to most homeschoolers. It is often one of the reasons we give for homeschooling -- if you make learning fun and encourage your child's natural enthusiasm, they are eager students. This is a part of the philosophy of Puppetools, a website that aims to "advance the language of play" through the use of puppets.

I wasn't sure what to expect from a website that charges a yearly fee for membership. What I found was a variety of videos, articles, and sample patterns for puppets. It explains Mr. Jeffrey Peyton's (founder and creator) ideas for the why's and wherefore's of using puppets in education. He has dedicated a lot of time and study to this subject and Puppetools is the presentation for his work. He says that the original meaning of PLAY is: “Principle Learning Activity of the Young.” I agree with him on this point. That's evident in watching my own girls grow and learn. Patterning, mirroring, and play are very important in developing learning skills. What I don't agree with is Puppetools' evolutionary/new age slant on this subject. Both evolution and new age ideas are heavily peppered throughout the articles.

As to use, the ideas for puppets in education are truly endless. I appreciated the creativity starters found in the videos that show other educators actually using puppets in the classroom. I especially liked the puppets that were parts of the body -- stomach, lungs, etc. It's an idea we may use in the future.

Both Big Sis (just turned 7) and Lil Sis (17 months) like puppets. Lil Sis is at the stage of loving puppets, actually. They crack her up. It doesn't have to be anything sophisticated -- just a Baby Einstein-type of puppet with big eyes, big mouth, and broad movements. Big Sis likes using the puppets, but she especially likes making the puppets. She's very artsy-craftsy so this worked well for her. We made "Greedy Duck" using the Puppetools hinge. We used it to do greater than/less than math problems. Greedy Duck loves to chomp the bigger numbers; hence you can imagine his bill as the > sign. His greedy bill always faces the larger number. Big Sis had a lot of fun with this and the greater than/less than concept came to life for her. It was a great visual aid. Lil Sis was giggling along with Greedy Duck's adventures in Mathland. The only problem was that we used dollar store construction paper, which easily tears in the hands of a toddler. For durability, I would recommend cardstock or some kind of heavier paper. We've always used felt or Foamies for the puppets we've made in the past.

THE COSTS:
Yearly single family membership: $20
Yearly group membership: $99 for up to 30 users

WHAT YOU GET FOR THE MONEY:
37 sample patterns
a nice (patented) hinge design that works well with paper puppets
informative/anecdotal articles and forums

Puppetools served as a nice reminder to use fun visual aids in our daily learning. Big Sis loves anything that involves a craft project and creativity. It's worth the time and effort if it helps her to learn and retain information. For the creatively challenged, Puppetools could be a boost. Check out the website and draw your own conclusions from the sample videos. You may also read other Crew reviews here.

TOS Crew Review: "Let's Make a Webpage" by Motherboard Books

This e-book was definitely fun to review. It's written in simple, easy-to-follow language. I found the tone very conversational, just like having Phyllis Wheeler sitting at your side and taking you step-by-step through the process. Unlike many do-it-yourself manuals, this one isn't b-o-r-i-n-g!

Big Sis and I sat down together to create a web page. (Since she's a little below the recommended age range, she needed my help. I believe that kids 10+ would be able to do this alone.) We were able to have some fun with it and create a page featuring horses, rainbows, and unicorns -- a few of her favorite things. It has inspired me to be brave about trying some of my own design in the future.

Here's a look at the Table of Contents:

Introduction for Parents ..............................................4
Lesson 1: An Interview................................................ 5
Lesson 2: Download and Set Up the Program ............6
Lesson 3: Add Text ...................................................17
Lesson 4: Make a Table ...........................................22
Lesson 5: Add Photo ................................................27
Lesson 6: From the Internet, Add Animations ...........32
Lesson 7: Browser Check, Backgrounds, Photos .....38
Lesson 8: Sound ......................................................46
Lesson 9: Links ........................................................50
Lesson 10: Post Your Work ......................................54
Appendix: How to Upload to the Internet ...................59

You will download a free trial version of CoffeeCup HTML Editor, a user-friendly piece of software for making Web pages, compatible with Windows Vista. Your child will write an interview and make a Web page for it, including a photo and animations collected from the Internet. He will add a sound and some links. Finally, he will make his creation the "home page" for the browser on your family computer. There are also instructions for the parent on Internet safety and on how to upload to the Internet.

There were some interesting bits of information about the workings of the World Wide Web, too. Just a brief introduction and overview to pique the interest of budding technophiles.

I'm not usually a big e-book devotee, but this format works for this book. It's easy to scroll through and follow along the 60 pages. I recommend it for anyone with computer-inquisitive kids who want a quick project for instant results they can be proud of!

TOS Crew Review: CRAYOLA ART STUDIO FROM CORE LEARNING

Who doesn't love Crayola? Whenever I hear the name, I immediately think of my first box of crayons and the wonderful world of creativity they opened for me! That tradition continues with my own daughters and now, Crayola has gone digital with the Crayola Art Studio on CD-rom.

Talk about a fun product review! Big Sis was literally jumping up and down as I installed the program on the computer. With no instructions whatsoever, she was able to sit down and create several pictures right away. Keep in mind that she's only 6! I call that user-friendly! We were able to save her creations, too. She experimented with paint to make a pink and purple unicorn pegasus (a favorite) and markers to make a very neat looking abstract picture. There are so many tools to try. Everything from paints to markers to chalk to crayons to . . . well, you get the idea. Every Crayola product you might use for drawing or painting is available here. There are shapes and lines tools and other cool special effects. There is a video tour on the disk, too, to guide you with any questions, plus Creativity Starters. The uses are limited only by your own imagination! I plan to try some design work for my blog when I have the chance. When Big Sis will let me have a turn, that is. *grin* I think the program will come in handy for art lessons as well. I can teach Big Sis about the different art media without actually having to buy lots of expensive supplies at this point. She is also anxious to make greeting cards, stickers, and some decorations for her room. She gives this program the much-coveted "Two Thumbs Up" rating.

Crayola Art Studio is available for $24.95 through Core Learning. Here is their mission statement taken from the website:

Core Learning's mission is to provide effective learning solutions for the development of fundamental knowledge and skills. Its primary focus of skill development is in areas that both support higher order thinking but also provide important life skills. Products address key elementary and middle school curriculum areas in math, English language arts, health, art, and technology. Core Learning also publishes software to help develop critical thinking skills and maintain mental processing capabilities in young and mature adults.

They specialize in software, including Math, Language Arts, Health, Critical Thinking, and Art & Creativity. Their Health software in particular looks interesting to me. It has a Magic School Bus-like quality that I know Big Sis would like. There's some good supplemental material available in a wide range of ages and subjects if your kids like computer-aided learning. Be sure to check it out! I can vouch for the fact that you will not be disappointed with the Crayola Art Studio!

TOS Crew Review: TRIGGER MEMORY SYSTEMS

I have to admit I'd had my eye on resources from Trigger Memory Systems long before I became a member of the TOS Crew, so I was very happy to receive the following products:

Times Tales
Clean n' Flip charts for Zone Cleaning, Laundry, and Bedroom

I was especially pleased with the Clean N' Flip charts. We've been working on chores with Big Sis. These books are much more than a chore chart -- they actually show you how to do it step by step in clear, easy bits with cute illustrations. Big Sis tends to get easily frustrated if a project seems too big so this makes the work more manageable. It's also more fun following a cute chart than "Mom's orders." *grin*

Bedroom Cleaning for Kids: Step 1 in this chart is "Make a Big Messy Pile." Okay, that's right up our alley! Big Sis has always been good at putting her toys into a big pile, but not so great at organizing them to put away. The Bedroom chart actually uses the "pile" concept to begin the sorting and putting away process. This worked great! Dare I say, Big Sis had fun doing it? Uh, yes, she did! She liked the feeling of accomplishment, too. Anything that makes cleaning easier and more fun is awesome!

Zone Cleaning for Kids: First of all, this chart isn't just helpful for kids. I like the ideas for breaking up the work and having a checklist myself! This chart comes with a dry erase marker, which Big Sis loved to use to check off her progress. Again, making things more manageable one step at time helps kids feel that sense of accomplishment. The "Zones" mentioned in the chart are Kitchen, Bathroom, and Living Room. It's really common sense stuff, but it's nice to see it in writing to follow along and actually discipline yourself to do it. It's great for kids of all ages because there are illustrations to help kids visualize the process, even little ones who can't yet read.

Laundry for Kids: We didn't really use this chart yet. We have a very tiny laundry closet with stackable washer/dryer and Big Sis can't reach the dials. At 6, I just don't think she's ready to do it anyway. She does like to help with sorting and throwing things into the washer. I measure the detergent and she tosses it in. These are the basic concepts covered in the flip chart, too.

These charts have inspired me to buy some more storage containers at the Dollar Tree on my next trip, both for storing things and for sorting things as we go through the charts. I would love to be more organized instead of being overwhelmed by clutter!


Times Tales is a clever way to learn some of the more difficult multiplication tables through pictures. The illustrations create a visual image that makes memorization easier. This is especially effective with visual learners and those who struggle with rote memorization of the times tables. I've heard rave reviews from many people so I was anxious to try it even though Big Sis is not at the stage of multiplication and division in math. She did enjoy the illustrations and could easily see the numbers in them, but right now it's just a funny story without much meaning.

I have to say that it's not my cup of tea. I had a teacher in 7th grade who was huge on mneumonic devices and study aids. I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. By the time I try to memorize the device, I could've memorized the actual facts. I guess my mind just doesn't work that way. For instance, the first drawing is three number sixes, depicted as "first grade students" circling a chair that looks like a number four. Somehow this is supposed to mean that 6x4=24. To me it looks like 6x3, because there are three sixes in the picture. I can't connect the four in the chair shape to anything. That being said, it is imperative that you follow the included Instruction Manual for each page. The Manual explains the pictures along with the suggested script to use with your kids as you teach. It also includes problems, tests, flash cards, and a dice cube game.

Because Times Tales offers a distinctly different approach which can help many children, I recommend checking out the website and reading other TOS Crew reviews to see if this is just what you've been looking for.

TOS Crew Review: The Little Man in the Map

The Little Man in the Map (with Clues to Remember all 50 States) is a unique geography book written by E. Andrew Martonyi and published by Schoolside Press. Here is the description from the website:

Learning and remembering all 50 states of the United States of America has never been easier. Once you open this book, everything you thought you knew about the U.S. map will change.

With the help of the book’s main character, the Little Man In the Map (MIM), the states come alive, interacting with each other and with you, playing roles you’d never have expected. As you read the story and see how the states relate to one another, you’ll find yourself easily learning their names and locations.

So let your imagination run free! Read the book just for the excitement of discovery and the fun of the rhymed verses. Then go back and review the clues in the individual sections.

Soon you’ll know all 50 states of the United States of America!

MIM is the Little Man in the Map made up of 5 states -- Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. He walks the students in the book through the whole country in rhyming verses, divided up into regional areas to make memorization easier and more interesting.

This book brings geography to life in a way I've never seen before. Big Sis is really into Dr. Seuss right now, so she enjoyed the rhyming verse. Some of the rhymes are a stretch and might be a little cumbersome to remember, but I feel that the book is a good introduction to the U.S. map. Even if only a few memory clues are retained, it's a good start for kids to become familiar with the states' names and locations. When this can be done with a fun characterization, all the better! This won't be the only geography book you ever need, but it really is an entertaining addition to your home library. It will be one that kids will want to look at again and again.

The book is a high-quality hardcover with a dust jacket and colorful illustrations by Ed Olson. It sells for $19.95 at Schoolside Press, Amazon, and The Old Schoolhouse Store. There is a companion wall map available as well.

It's a Wonderful Life

I used to have a "perfect" Christmas tree every year, put up on schedule the weekend after Thanksgiving without fail. DH and I would choose a live tree, he would put up the lights, and then I would decorate it "perfectly" with handmade ornaments that had been in the family for years. Each year I would make a new kind of ornament to add to the collection. I had my Christmas cards ready to mail on December 1st -- stuffed, addressed, and stamped with my "perfect" Christmas stamps. I decorated the mantel with our Nativity set which had been passed on to me from my parents. It's old and fragile and I treasure it. I realize I'm not alone in my lifelong love of Christmas, but I lived for Christmas. All year long I would look forward to the month of December. I loved choosing gifts for my family, the lights, the baking, the wonder of God's miracle to save the world, the snow, the music and caroling, the whole picture of Christmas. Everything was scheduled, perfectly predictable, perfectly perfect, for many years. There was only one thing missing . . . the laughter of children discovering their presents on Christmas morning. That sound would elude me for six-and-a-half years as I waited and prayed, impatiently, imperfectly, on a schedule beyond my control.

My silent nights came to an end in 2001. On Christmas Eve, I went into labor ahead of schedule. Our long-awaited child was determined to be a Christmas baby! As I labored for 18 hours, I listened to Christmas music. In particular, Nat King Cole. It was a long-standing tradition for me to listen to his Christmas album every year, going back to my own childhood. His voice has always had a soothing effect on me and it gave me something comforting to focus on. I gave birth to my first daughter to the sounds of "O Holy Night." Big Sis made her appearance on Christmas afternoon as Nat King Cole sang these words:

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Through my pain and exhaustion, I was moved to tears. I felt that thrill of hope. I heard those angel voices. I knew that life would never be the same. I thought of Mary, giving birth to her first child in a lowly stable. Her elation mixed with pain and fear, accompanied by choirs of angels. In the moment of my baby's birth, my feelings about Christmas changed. More than presents and tradition and decorations, Christmas is love. Christmas is new hope, born again in the form of a baby. Redemption, true joy, child-like wonder and innocence are ours to have if we choose.

God has blessed me abundantly, more than I ever dared hope. He gave me the first gift of Christmas -- His only son. Such love and power in such a helpless baby. God saw fit to give me another Christmas gift -- my much longed-for, much prayed-for, baby girl. The significance of his choice of birthdays is not lost on me. I think back on all the Christmases that came and went before my baby was born, with me never knowing that one day it would be her birthday. Christmases full of happiness, Christmases full of tears as I ached for motherhood.

Today I have a four-foot-tall artificial tree. It's set up on a box (covered by a homemade tree skirt) in the corner of the room to keep it out of reach from little hands that might pull it down. There are no ornaments at all on the bottom half of the tree. The top half is covered in a different kind of handmade ornaments -- the kind made by the aforementioned little hands. The ornaments are made from drinking straws and popsicle sticks, painted and covered in glitter. There are even a few dolls and toys stuck in the upper branches because "Don't they look pretty there, Mama?" These are things that only a mother could love. My half-decorated tree does not jibe with "perfection." My Christmas cards will be late this year because I'm busy with two beautiful girls who call me "Mama," which is a sound sweeter than any Christmas carol I've ever heard.

My Christmas baby will be 7 this year and I feel the time flying far too quickly to waste a single second of it. I've let go of my need for perfection and replaced it with something wonderful. It is love, it is innocence, it is thankfulness, it is hope, it is . . . Christmas.

May your Christmas be blessed!

TOS Crew Review: TIME4LEARNING (Part 4 - Final Analysis)

This is the final installment of my Time4Learning review. I want to provide a basic overview of the program for anyone interested in giving it a try:

BENEFITS:

• Very thorough Parents' section makes lesson planning easy. Read the Scope and Sequence, adjust Lesson Plans, view and print individualized progress reports. Makes record-keeping easy!

• Children (older ones especially) have the freedom to work on their own.

• The lessons are fun and interesting. Most kids enjoy using the computer anyway so it's not a struggle to get them to do their lessons.

• The Playground is a great incentive to finishing work -- fun and educational!

• Parents have control "behind the scenes" to adjust skill levels and lessons accordingly as needed.

• The forums provide needed support and interaction for questions/concerns, including a specifically Christian-related board.

• Customer service has been great.

• Time4Learning updates and adds new content frequently.

DRAWBACKS:

• Secular-based lessons, including evolution, crude humor, gods/goddesses, and other subjects that don't align with Christian beliefs.

• It feels very much like public school online because of the issues mentioned above.

• In our case, it was more parent-intensive than I originally thought because I had to do a lot of "editing" for those issues and because the levels were too easy at first.

• Parents aren't as directly involved with the actual learning process because the kids are doing lessons on their own, online.Time4Learning isn't a total curriculum, in my opinion, because it focuses mainly on Language Arts and Math. Science and Social Studies are considered "bonus material" for grades 1-7.

Now, some of those drawbacks wouldn't be drawbacks for some homeschoolers. They just happen to be for me. Some parents are looking for something kids can do on their own, especially the older kids, so this could work for them. Since they do offer a 14-day free trial and there are no contracts, you really have nothing to lose by trying it out and deciding for yourself. I personally cannot get past my desire to avoid anything that resembles public school curriculum, even if it's in the disguise of fun computer learning games.

COSTS:
The monthly membership fee is $19.95 for the first child and $14.95 for each additional child. At the time of sign-up, a recurring monthly payment is set up. Members can cancel at any time. Time4Learning accepts credit cards, PayPal, checks or money orders. If you pay for twelve months at once, your fee is only $169.95 for each child.

Here is a link to the information about using Time4Learning as a homeschooler.

As always, check out the TOS Crew blog for more reviews.

See my previous reviews of Time4Learning here.

TOS Crew Review: Salem Ridge Press

Homeschoolers continually impress me. If they're not writing a series of novels in high school like Christina Gerwitz, they're starting their own publishing company in their early twenties! That's exactly what homeschool graduate Daniel Mills, founder of Salem Ridge Press, has done. He began his company with a vision for re-publishing classic literature that is family-friendly and exemplifies Philippians 4:8. He endeavors to find out-of-print titles that match his goals of strong moral values and positive character. Salem Ridge Press (SRP) features historical fiction, allegory, adventure, and young reader books that are appropriate for family read-alouds and supplemental history study. Currently they have 18 titles available that were originally published in the 1800's to the early 1900's. I received three of these titles to review: Mary Jane, Her Book; Glaucia the Greek Slave; and The American Twins of the Revolution.

Mary Jane, Her Book by Clara Ingram Judson
Originally published in 1918
Recommended for ages 6-10
$12.95 soft cover; $22.95 hard cover
This is the fun-to-read story of five-year-old Mary Jane and her family. Mary Jane finds ways of making everyday events interesting. It's a peek at life as a child around the turn of the century. So many things about childhood are universal to this day, and the author truly captures the innocent wonder of little girls. I love the author's ability to show us things through Mary Jane's eyes.

As the mom of two girls, I found myself grinning often at Mary Jane's antics. Big Sis, almost 7, thoroughly enjoyed this as a read-aloud. I can highly recommend this book for little girls, both as a read-aloud for the younger ones and something the older girls can safely read on their own. If you enjoy the Little House series, you'll enjoy this historical book. Clara Ingram Judson was a recipient of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for quality children's literature. This is actually the first book in the Mary Jane series by Judson. SRP also publishes the second book, Mary Jane, Her Visit.

Glaucia the Greek Slave, A Tale of Athens in the First Century by Emma Leslie
Originally published in 1874
Recommended for ages 10 to Adult
$14.95 soft cover; $24.95 hard cover
Glaucia, a young Greek girl, and her brother are sold into slavery after their father's death in order to pay off his debts. They are separated at the marketplace when Glaucia is sold. The story follows Glaucia as she seeks comfort for her tragic situation. She realizes that no hope can be found in the many gods and goddesses that she has been taught to worship and is eventually introduced to Christianity. Her brother, Laon, escapes and searches for Glaucia. Along the way he meets the Apostle Paul and learns about Christ as well. The story takes place around 59-64 A.D. in Athens.

I started this as a read-aloud with Big Sis, but finished it on my own. The writing style was just a little too complicated for her and she lost interest. Of course, she is well under the recommended reading age, so this stands to reason. SRP added a few glossary definitions at the bottom of the pages to help the reader along, as well as historical notes at the beginning of the book to explain some of the terms and customs encountered throughout the story.

Glaucia the Greek Slave is just one book in the Church History Series by Emma Leslie published by Salem Ridge Press. I think they would make interesting complements to studying history, especially the rise of the early church. I think this series would definitely fit into the Charlotte Mason living book model and add some memorable realism to your history lessons.

The American Twins of the Revolution by Lucy Fitch Perkins
Originally published in 1926
Recommended for ages 8 to Adult
$12.95 soft cover; $22.95 hard cover
Based on a true story, this book takes place in 1777 near Philadelphia. Twins Sally and Roger are the children of General Priestly, who must deliver a shipment of gold to pay General Washington's soldiers. The family works together (and prays together) to outwit British spies and overcome danger to accomplish their mission. The story is an engaging and fast-paced read highlighting a providential and pivotal time in our country's history.

An issue to note is the subject of slavery in the book. The Priestly family does own two slaves. Although they treat Jude and Hitty well, it's important to mention that this topic is included and will need discussion with younger readers. Obviously, this sad fact is a part of our history that needs to be addressed.

I am very pleased with the quality of the books themselves. The three I have are glossy soft covers and they are not flimsy in any way. I have not had any problems with loose pages or broken spines. As someone who reads A LOT, I appreciate the large, easy-on-the-eyes typeface they chose as well. This makes a big difference to me!

You may read a free sample chapter of any of the books online. I encourage you to visit the website and consider these books to go along with your current history and/or unit studies. Again, I say that anytime we can help a fellow homeschooler to produce high-quality products with Christian values, we should support that. Especially when it also benefits our children's education! These books will bring history to life without the worry of offensive language or ungodly characters.

TOS Crew Review: Rime to Read

Remember Dick and Jane? The Bob books? Well, welcome Pat, the curly-haired girl who stars in the beginning reader books featured on the website Rime to Read. We recently got to meet Pat, along with cat, rat, and all their friends through these virtual books.

[FYI: A "rime" is different from a "rhyme" in that rimes are word families (at, bat, cat) while rhymes are words that sound alike but don't necessarily look alike (hair, care, bear).]

Rime to Read is very much in the tradition of the Bob books. Simple illustrations (mostly black and white) that don't distract from the text, simple stories with a focus on just learning the word families with no bells and whistles, yet appealing to young readers who feel a sense of accomplishment by reading whole books by themselves. It's a tried-and-true concept gone e-book.

The books are color-coded to aid visual decoding and progressive through the word families, each building on the last. Hint: This means you want to do them in order! There is a cumulative list of words on the last page of each book. There are also 46 sight words that build throughout the books. They're written by experts in the field with impressive credentials. Read the About Us section of Rime to Read here.

There are 20 books in all, 4 per short vowel, but you can download the first one for free to give it a test drive. Books may be read on the computer or you may print them out. Be sure to follow the printing instructions carefully as each book can only be printed once. The website also features a reading tip of the week and a newsletter once you log in.

As an added online feature, the illustrations are accompanied by sound to prompt your beginning reader when necessary. Simply click the highlighted word to hear it pronounced. It doesn't get much more straightforward than that. Big Sis got a kick out of the fact that you can "grab" the top corner of a page to turn it, making it look like you're really turning a page. There are also green arrows to click to easily navigate through the pages.

We've gotten the Bob books from the library several times and truthfully, Big Sis was never thrilled. She prefers more involved early readers, like Dr. Seuss and Amelia Bedelia. She did go through several of the books on Rime to Read and actually seemed to like them better than the Bob books. She said the illustrations were better and the stories were more interesting, probably because she identifies with the curly-haired girl like herself. I always prefer real books to virtual ones, but maybe I'm a dinosaur. We've used Starfall online many times, which is free and Big Sis really has fun with it. I have to admit that I probably wouldn't pay the $44.99 for a set of 20 books that I had to print out myself or read on the computer, even though I don't find any fault with the books themselves. You can also purchase a set of 4 for $9.99. (I had trouble finding the pricing listed anywhere on the website unless you actually fill out their sign-up information, which might be a turn-off to someone just surfing through the site to find the price.) As I mentioned before, you can try out the first one for free so you have nothing to lose!

Final analysis: These books are a fun, user-friendly way to teach word families and really make them stick. They can even complement your phonics reading program, like Hooked on Phonics or 100 Easy Lessons. Give it a try!

You can read the Rime to Read FAQ section here. You can also read other reviews from TOS Crew members here.

TOS Crew Review: TIME4LEARNING (Part 3)

I had trouble logging into my account due to some security/firewall update issues. Time4Learning provided step-by-step instructions on how to correct this problem quickly and easily, thank goodness. I had to change a few settings within my firewall and then I was up and running again.

This week I had the chance to check out the Parent Forums at Time4Learning. They're a great place to ask questions, raise concerns, and just "compare notes" with other parents. I think for anyone who is going to become a long-term subscriber, these forums would prove invaluable. I'm a big fan of online groups for gathering firsthand information from other homeschooling families, so I appreciate the fact that Time4Learning provides this kind of resource. They even have a FAQ-type forum for those considering their service here.

Time4Learning has had great customer service so far, answering my questions by email quickly. They have also taken feedback from the TOS Crew and created a Christian forum. That brings me to my next point about Time4Learning: it is a secular curriculum. Science lessons are evolutionary based, even in the younger grades. Much like public school, it is put forth as fact rather than theory and interspersed through every subject. Obviously, I will teach my daughters about the theory of evolution, but at the appropriate time and the appropriate way. I don't want them to stumble upon it accidentally in a computer lesson. As with everything in life, it's my job to guide and prepare them for the "real" world. I wouldn't leave their education to an online site anymore than I would leave it to the public schools.

To that extent, Time4Learning is much more parent-intensive than I originally thought. I envisioned a site where I could set up Big Sis' lessons and then let her have fun with them. I would always be within earshot and readily available to help her along, but she would be able to navigate the lessons on her own. This has not been the case. I've done a lot more picking and choosing and tweaking skill levels to keep her from being bored. This isn't a bad thing, just not what I first expected from the program. Personally, I want the hands-on, direct involvement in her learning, but for some this would defeat the purpose of using an online learning program.

See Part 1 of my review here.

Part 2 is here.

TOS Crew Review: And Then Mama Said, It Takes Time to Learn to Read

For those of you who follow The Old Schoolhouse reading blog, you'll recognize the character Splish, a little frog growing up in the fictional world of Bliss Hollow. He is now the central character in a beginning reader book called And Then Mama Said, It Takes Time to Learn to Read by Gena Suarez. (Gena Suarez, along with her husband Paul, is the publisher of The Old Schoolhouse magazine.)

Splish is frustrated by the task of learning to read. All of his friends can read, yet he still struggles. His patient Mama reassures him that it does, indeed, take time to learn to read. This book is an encouragement to all struggling readers, or children who are just starting the process. It focuses on the importance of character development -- not just competing and measuring up on an arbitrary learning timeline. I think this idea is at the heart of homeschooling itself!

A free activity pack can be downloaded when you purchase a print copy of the book. The activity pack includes copywork, science sheets, coloring pages, mazes, plus more. Really cute and fun!

I am always happy to find a book that promotes Godly character and a positive homeschooling example! Big Sis loves this book and we've already read it several times. She can relate to feeling frustrated by the sometimes slow process of decoding words as a beginning reader, even though she truly loves to read and can't get enough books. Big Sis also enjoys the companion activities for this book. Anything that makes reading even more fun is a bonus! The illustrations of the animal characters by Kevin Collier are engaging and appealing to little readers as well.

You can order the book for $9.95 from the Old Schoolhouse Store and even have it autographed by Gena Suarez!