Are You Ready for the Annual Back to Homeschool BLOG HOP?!?!

     When I started homeschooling almost 20 years ago, I would have loved to have the resources and support that we have today.  I don't know about you, but I love reading blogs that focus on homeschooling.  They encourage me and remind me that I am not alone.  

      With the new school year just beginning, I am looking forward to the  Annual Back to Homeschool BLOG HOP!  Starting the week of Monday, August 14th, the Homeschool Review Crew participants will be posting on different homeschooling topics. Each day of the week will focus on a new theme: 

     I know I will enjoy writing about these topics, but I will also love reading what other homeschooling families have to say. 

      As you read these posts, I pray you will be encouraged.  Reading posts like these have motivated me and sparked creativity in our home. There is always room for improvement right?  I get excited when I read new ideas that may be a good fit for our family.  As a homeschooling mom, I must be open to change. As I change and grow, my family will benefit and grow as well.  As a young mom, I was too proud to take the advice of other moms, but that is not true anymore.  I welcome their input and support.  

      I hope you set some time aside to read through these posts next week.  I know you won't be disappointed!

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of No-Nonsense Algebra

     I don't know about you but some of my children have struggled with high school math classes.  When we were given the opportunity to review No-Nonsense Algebra from Math Essentials, we were more than happy to try it out. 

    This is a physical book but comes with free online classes taught by Richard W. Fisher. What a wonderful combo for such a great price!!! The online classes are short yet very informative. His approach is to teach a step by step process so the student can fully understand how to do the equations in each lesson.  

    There is a section right in front of the book that explains how to use this book. I was impressed with the steps that each lesson follows.  You begin with an Introduction,  this step explains each new topic and important terms that will be used in the lesson.  Next, we have the Helpful Hints section that gives your student tips and shortcuts to use as they complete the lesson.  After reading the hints carefully,  you move onto the Examples. The examples will show you how to efficiently and correctly complete each problem in the lesson. The author suggests that you copy each example onto a piece of paper. This will help you obtain an in depth understanding of the process. Step 4 is to do the Exercises in the lesson. After you complete these, you work on the Review section.  This section will assist you in remembering what you have been taught. Finally, after you are finished with all the exercises and review questions, you will go to the back of the book, find the lesson you are doing, and correct your work.

     It is this series of actions that set this math book apart from others.  My son, who has struggled with math in the past, has a better grasp on the topics being taught.  He is not sitting there with a blank look on his face.  He is able to comprehend what he has wrestled with in the past. 

     The book has 10 Chapters that include:

• Chapter 1- Necessary Tools for Algebra
• Chapter 2- Solving Equations
• Chapter 3- Graphing and Analyzing Linear Equations
• Chapter 4- Solving and Graphing Inequalities
• Chapter 5- Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Chapter 6- Polynomials
• Chapter 7- Rational Expressions
• Chapter 8- Radical Expressions and Geometry
• Chapter 9- Quadratic Equations
• Chapter 10- Algebra Word Problems

     

     So far we have had no issues.  My son is working on one lesson per day.  The videos run smoothly on our computer and he said he enjoys Mr. Fisher's teaching methods.  I am enjoying the fact that I am not hearing my son complain.  He is actually happy to do his math classes now.  

     If you want to learn more about this resource, I encourage you to visit the Math Essentials website or you can check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/math.essentials/

     There are also some more reviews for you to read over on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  Before buying a new course of study for my children, we always like to see what others are saying.  It's important to research before jumping into anything.  That is why I love reading through the honest reviews on the Homeschoool Review Crew site.  I hope they will be a help to you as you decide if this resource would be a good fit for your family. 

     Have a great day!!

     

     

    

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of the I Can Study Jonah & Ruth Alone With God Bible Study

     Our family loves finding wonderful new devotionals to use personally and as a group. That is why we were happy to receive and review I Can Study Jonah & Ruth Alone With God Bible Study (13 week study) King James Version from Greek 'n' Stuff. We decided our 12-year-old son Josh would be the one to use it. He said he is enjoying it and wouldn't mind having some of the other Bible studies from Greek 'n' Stuff.  

     When I was a pre-teen, I would have loved to have studies like this to help me learn the Word of God.  Even though I went to a Christian school, my personal relationship with Christ was not being encouraged.  We went to many group Bible studies, but I didn't really study the Bible for myself.  I think that is why I impress upon my children the importance of a time alone with God. When I see material like this for young people my heart swells with joy.  What a great resource to help them learn more about their Creator and His Word.  

   I Can Study Jonah & Ruth is used for six days a week for thirteen weeks.  The first five lessons you are studying Jonah and the last eight studies, you will be learning about Ruth.  Each week you are given a memory verse. It is essential to hide God's Word in your heart so this is a valuable part of this study, one I was pleased to see.

    Greek 'n' Stuff was founded by Karen Mohs.  She homeschooled for over a dozen years and her love of teaching is shown in these wonderful studies. It means so much when a fellow homeschooling mom shares her gifts with us and that is exactly what Karen does in her development of these resources. Each study is a work from the heart.  

     Our son does not enjoy seatwork.  He would rather do hands on activities or work on the computer, but when I asked him if he was enjoying this Bible study he said "YES!"  I was in shock.  My heart was overjoyed to hear him ask if they had other studies like this one.  I was excited to share the news with his dad.  

     When I inquired about why this study differed from the other Bible studies that he had done, he replied: "It's not too long Mom, but I still feel like I am learning God's Word."  He said that other studies are too long and he feels like he can't remember it all in such a short time.  These studies take a week to go over about 10 to 12 verses. You are given time to really study what is being said or taught in the scriptures.  No rushing through or having too much to understand all at once.  It was a perfect fit for our son.  

      Would you like to read more information about this company? I encourage you to visit their website or social media pages listed below:

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GreeknStuff/         https://www.facebook.com/groups/heyandrewteachmesomegreek/ 
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GreeknStuff 
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kuriakos/greek-n-stuff/     
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/karenmohs/ 

      We have more reviews for this study and many others for you to check out on the Homeschool Review Crew website. I love reading what other homeschool families have to say about a product as I contemplate using it for my family. 

     Have a blessed week!

      

     

     

Everybody Needs Some Time Away.....

     Last Friday, my husband and I decided we needed a little mini-vacation.  We packed up the kiddos and decided we would head to Dayton, Ohio.  It is just about 2 1/2 hours from our home, but we knew that it would be a time of rest and relaxation.  A time to forget about chores and deadlines.  It would be a time to enjoy one another's company with no interruptions or distractions.   

     

     The first stop we made was to my daughter's favorite store.  She has only been to Build A Bear one other time, and she was so excited.  She thought we were just there to look, but Mom and Dad surprised her with a new bear.  One she got to pick out and help put together.  She even got an outfit for her new little friend.  She is only going to be 10 for a short time and this age should be cherished.  Her imagination is so sweet.  Her brothers were happy for her.  

    

     After stopping at a gaming store for the boys and eating lunch, we headed to our hotel.  The kids love staying at hotels.  I think their favorite part is swimming in the big hotel pools.  We got lucky and the pool was empty when we arrived.

  

     Hubby got to try out his new waterproof phone. We got some cute pics that we normally wouldn't have gotten in a pool.  We had a blast just playing and laughing and making a splash. 😊

                                                           

     After an afternoon of swimming, we decided to have a nice dinner and get to bed early so we would be rested for our trip to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.  

     We got up early on Saturday, enjoyed our free continental breakfast, and headed to our destination.  When we got to the museum, the kids were so thrilled.  We have visited here before, but they added a new hanger since our last visit.  It houses the Space Exhibits and the Presidential Aircraft.  I have to admit I was excited to see these exhibits myself.  

     The last two pictures are of the inside of what was Air Force One when Presidents such as Ronald Reagan and George Bush were in office. Walking through that plane gave me goosebumps. These air crafts and space crafts are a part of our history.  It was an incredible experience.  

     After spending several hours walking through this museum, we headed over to the Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center and Wright Hill Memorial.  Here you will learn about Wilbur and Orville Wright and the importance of our National Park Service.  We were able to talk with a very sweet park ranger who explained some of the wonderful exhibits and history of the memorial site. He even gave the kids a little surprise to take home.  

      If you ever get a chance to visit these places, I encourage you to go. You won't be disappointed. You and your children will get a close look at aviation and space history.  

     On Sunday, we slept in then woke up and got ready to head back home.  We all had a wonderful time. I came home ready to take on the new school year.  The kids were more relaxed and that always helps school to go more smoothly.  

     What are some of your favorite places to visit that educate and give your family some fun???

    

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of In the Reign of Terror

     Our family loves listening to audio books and so we were excited to be reviewing In the Reign of Terror by Heirloom Audio Productions. My son Ryan, who is 17, loves learning all he can about history so this audio was a perfect fit for him. He was excited to learn some of his favorite actors were involved in the making of this production. 

     

     We not only received the 2 CD set of In The Reign of Terror, we were also given downloadable content such as:

• In The Reign Of Terror Adventure Playlist
• In The Reign Of Terror Original E-Book
• Official Soundtrack
• Printable Cast Poster
• Study Guide & Discussion Starter
• Inspirational Verse Poster
• Desktop Wallpaper Download
• Official Script Download

     If you love these audio dramas, it would benefit you to join their new Live the Adventure Club. When you join the club you will receive one audio collection every 3 months.  For a low price of only $24.95, you will also have access to many different resources on their site, such as study guides, devotionals, and kid activities. 

     

     When I downloaded the study guide, I was most impressed by the story behind this wonderful company.  It inspired me. Here is what they have to say:  

     This touched my heart in a special way and I will be supporting this company in their endeavor to reach young people with the truth of our Christian history. We prioritize teaching our children Christian history and having a company, resolved to teach it with excellence, means a lot.  

      I was very happy to see the time and effort spent making the study guide. It helps your children to understand what is going on in the story. It goes into great detail and is very engaging for a family to work on together.  From in depth character studies to defining words that may not be understood, it is a great resource to go along with the audio.  

     Now I would like to share what my son thought of this amazing story.  This is in his own words.

     In The Reign of Terror is an audio drama that takes place during the French Revolution. This was a very dark time in history. This is a must listen for anyone who likes history or wants a look into the French Revolution. 

     The story begins with a man telling a boy a story.  A young British man of 16 years old was sent to live with a French family of nobility.  His name was Henry. The Marquis De St Caux took him in and treated him like his own son.  I don't want to give too much of the story away, but Henry becomes like a brother to the Marquis children.  He even saves their lives on several occasions. It is quite an adventure!

     The voice acting and writing are remarkable. The storyline is a tragic one, but we also get a look into their faith and belief in God.  Because of the intensity, I would recommend that children be a little older to listen to this story.  Like above the age of 10.  I think older children and parents will be able to learn a lot as they listen to this audio drama.  

     I think my son did a good job of sharing his feelings towards this resource.  I am happy that he enjoyed it and is so passionate about learning history.  

     Would you like to learn more about this audio and many others?  I encourage you to go to their website Heirloom Audio Productions and to visit their social media pages listed below. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories 
Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647  
Instagram: @HeirloomAudioOfficial

     We also have some more reviews for you to read over on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  I think you will enjoy reading how other families felt about this product, so you can choose if it is right for your family. 

     

Off To A Great Start!

     

     Well, we started our 2017-2018 school year on Monday, July 24th.  I know a lot of people are probably wondering why we start so early, but we have a good reason.  We do the 6 weeks on, 1 week off schedule throughout the year and in order to get everything done and get a 8 week Summer break, we have to start just a few weeks before the public schools in our area.  

     I always enjoy starting a fresh new year.  I love picking out new curriculum and planning our days. The kiddos are always involved in picking out what classes they will take and this year they are taking a few online. I didn't use to care for online classes, but the more I researched them, the more I liked them.  They will give me a little more free time to get other things done.  

      On Monday morning we had our breakfast then took some time getting ready for our first day. I love taking pictures and the kids know how much I enjoy seeing them grow from year to year so they always look their best for these photos. I love how silly they get during our little photo sessions.  

    After they stop giggling and being silly, we get some really cute pictures of them 😊

      These are memories that we will have forever. As the years fly by, we can look back and remember these little moments.  

      Homeschooling is more than just schooling at home.  It is making special memories that will last a lifetime.  It is laughing together.  Loving each other through the rough times. Being there to help one another. Sharing our thoughts and feelings no matter if they are good or bad. It's about learning together as a family.  I feel my children have taught me just as much as I have taught them. 

     After taking photos we worked on starting a few classes in the afternoon.  They are loving their curriculum so far and I haven't had one complaint. I pray the rest of the year goes this smoothly.

     I can't wait to see what this new school year holds for us. I know God has a good plan for our family and He will reveal it one day at a time as we listen to Him and obey His voice.  

      Are you starting school soon?  What are some of your favorite parts of beginning a new year?