Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of Second Form Latin

     Last year our family was blessed with being able to receive and review First Form Latin from Memoria Press, so when we were chosen to review Second Form Latin : Complete Set, we were thrilled.  We wanted to continue learning Latin and this was a great blessing for our family.  

      The Second Form Latin complete set includes: 

• Student Textbook
• Student Workbook
• Teacher Manual
• Quizzes and Tests
• Teacher Key (For Workbook, Quizzes, & Tests)
• Instructional DVD
• Pronunciation CD
• Flash Cards

     As you study Second Form Latin, you will see there are 5 Units that consists of about 5 to 6 lessons each.  The Teacher Manual will help to walk you through each lesson.  I love that they include a CD to help learn pronunciation as well as a DVD lesson that coincides with each workbook lesson. 

    The one thing to remember as you teach Latin is that as you work through each lesson you want to review as much as possible.  Before going on to a new lesson, be sure your child has fully comprehended the previous lesson. 

    As you start your plan for the day, the Teacher Manual will have you walk through 4 numbered steps.  The first one will be Greeting, Recitation, and Review.  This step will help ensure your child is putting what he is taught into his long term memory.  The second step is Latin Sayings.  You will be given a saying to speak at each lesson.  It's important to recite it daily.  The third step is Vocabulary.  Each week will have a different set of vocabulary words.  Recite them each day with your student so they can put them to memory.  The fourth step is Grammar. In this step you will be reciting the grammar forms for that day's lesson.  

     It is laid out for you so simply.  You won't have to put a lot of time and effort into planning for your class.  Memoria Press has thought it through for you.  Now all you have to do is open your books and begin learning.  I love that I am learning Latin along with my daughter. It is amazing how much fun we can have together as we take on this adventure. 

      Here are some examples from my daughter's workbook and quizzes.  Since we are learning together, we work through the worksheets as a team.  It helps us both to retain what we are learning. 

     The flashcards are a huge help in memorizing the words you are going over.  I also like using our chalkboard as we go through each lesson.  Hope says writing it out helps her to retain what is being taught plus who doesn't like to play with colored chalk. 😉

     I have had a few people wonder what level they should begin their students as Memoria Press has  5 levels for Latin.  As a parent/teacher who had the privilege of starting with First Form Latin first, I may not be the best person to ask this question, but I feel that Second Form Latin did a great job of reviewing what we learned in the first books, so my opinion is if your child is a bit older like middle school grades, you would be fine starting with the Second Form Latin set.  If you have a younger child or you have no background in Latin, I would suggest beginning with the set Latina Christiana.  I've heard it is great!   

     Would you like to learn more about Memoria Press?  Here are the links to their social media pages: 

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MemoriaPress    

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/memoriapress/   

     We also have more reviews of this resource and many others right here 

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Have a blessed day!!!

HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW: Our Review of Tied 2 Teaching

     My kids are very creative.  They enjoy hands on learning more than just picking up a book and reading it. When we were chosen to receive and review Tied 2 Teaching's STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading, we were very excited.  

     So you may be wondering what is a STEM activity?  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  As you work through these activities, your child will be learning without even knowing it. What makes this bundle even more special is the founder Matthew Kelly also teaches Literacy.  How awesome is that?  

     This bundle includes 4 STEM projects for each month of the year, except for August.  In August, you get 3 STEM projects and a mega bundle of building challenges that little hands will love to work on.  I was impressed with the amount of projects offered and how each project held the attention of my kids.  

     Our daughter Hope was the first to do one of these STEM activities.  She chose to work on the House of Cards. This is one of the STEM activities from the month of July.  She didn't care for any of the February projects so I let her pick one she really liked.  

     With each challenge there is a Design Challenge Reading with Wonderopolis. They will be guided to a website where they will read all about the subject they are studying and then answer questions on the worksheet provided.  It gives them background knowledge of the project they are doing. 

     As your child works through the activity they will be filling out STEM Design Challenge worksheets that will talk them through how they are thinking while completing the activity.  It definitely teaches critical thinking skills. 

     As Hope tried different ways to build a house of cards she figured out it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be.  She got frustrated a few times and wanted to give up, but I encouraged her to keep trying.  Her first attempt was on the kitchen table.  It didn't take long to see that the surface was too slick.  She then tried the living room carpet.  Well, that didn't work either so she got a piece of card-stock and went back to the kitchen table.  The card-stock gave her enough friction to get her house of cards to stand.  She was able to get 2 floors but she wasn't happy she wanted it to be bigger.  

     When her dad came home they decided to work on a house of cards together.  It turned out pretty well and Hope was happy with their results. This activity taught her patience and endurance. That was a bonus! 

     

     Even though these activities are geared toward grades 3-6,  our son Josh, who is 14, wanted to try one.  He wanted to build the Rainbow Bridge. 

     During this project he was able to study all about suspension bridges.  He has always been fascinated with bridges of all kinds so this activity caught his eye.  This particular STEM activity can be found in the March STEM activities.  

     Josh had a great time building his bridge after completing his worksheets. He couldn't wait to see if his bridge could withstand the weight of 50 pennies... GUESS WHAT?   IT DID!!!  He was so  thrilled.  

     We worked through quite a few activities over the last few weeks but these 2 above were their favorites.  Want to see a couple more of the projects Hope completed? 

      I particularly loved her bridge.  This activity was fun and reinforced her Anatomy class she is taking this year. She worked on this for an entire afternoon.  It had to be perfect she said :) 

     Finally here we have her Carrot Carriage.  She just had fun with this one and after she got it to work, she took out the toothpicks and fed the carrots to her pets.  

     If you have children who enjoy learning through hands on activities, I would highly recommend that you check this bundle out.  It is really fun and educational.

     Would you like to learn more about Tied 2 Teaching?  I encourage you to go to their website or social media pages listed below: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tied2teaching/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tied2teaching/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tied2teaching/

     We also have more reviews for you to read over here 

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Have a great weekend!

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of Drive Thru History® "Acts to Revelation"

     For years our family has enjoyed watching Drive Thru History®.  You can imagine how excited we were to hear that we were chosen to receive and review Drive Thru History® "Acts to Revelation".   My kids would wait by the mailbox everyday until it arrived.  They were thrilled when that little box was finally delivered. 

     Hope and Josh couldn't wait to dive right into watching the videos.  In this set they would have 18 thirty minute videos that focused on the books of Acts through Revelation.  Last year they were able to review The Gospels and just fell in love with the Bible all over again.  These videos bring the Bible to life. 

    Dave Stotts, the host of these amazing videos, takes his viewers on an adventure that shows where these Biblical events took place and gives you a background to each book of the Bible.  Hope and Josh have never been so excited to study History.  I am so thankful for these videos! They actually beg to watch more when the lesson is over.  

     

     The set we received was a Special Edition. This series has 3 DVDs and a study guide provided in book form.  We enjoyed going over the discussion questions after we watched each episode. They sparked some interesting conversations.  In this set you will get 18 episodes that begin with the book of Acts and go all the way through to Revelation.

Here is a list of the episodes included: 

• Episode 1: The Gospel shared at Pentecost
• Episode 2: The Church grows at Jerusalem
• Episode 3: The Gospel Spreads o the Gentiles
• Episode 4: Saul of Tarsus & the Road to Damascus
• Episode 5: Paul’s first Missionary Journey: The island of Cyprus
• Episode 6: The Journey Continues: Pamphylia, Glatia & Asia Minor
• Episode 7: The Jerusalem Council & Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
• Episode 8: The Second Journey Continues: Philippi and Thessalonica
• Episode 9: A Road Trip to Athens
• Episode 10: Ancient Corinth
• Episode 11: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey: Ephesus
• Episode 12: Paul’s Final Trip to Trip to Jerusalem & Caesarea
• Episode 13: Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem
• Episode 14: A Final Journey to Rome
• Episode 15: The Martyrdom of Paul & Peter
• Episode 16:John and the Island of Patmos
• Episode 17: The Seven Churches of Revelation
• Episode 18: The Book Closes on the New Testament Period

     Now I want to let you know what my kids think of these DVDs in their own words....

Hope says this:  

"Drive Thru History is amazing because it’s true.  It makes Biblical history easy to learn and understand. Anyone can watch it. It’s good for young and older kids as well as their parents. It never gets boring. The episodes are never too long and it keeps you entertained all the way through.  I love that Dave makes history fun and makes me giggle as I learn."

Josh's wants to say this: 

"I love these videos. Dave is a great dude, and he knows how to pull you into the experience, so you feel like you were actually there, and he is absolutely hilarious! The places he goes to are amazing. I really enjoy the scenery and the camera work is great. I have learned so much from my culture and my religion. I would just like to thank Dave and the entire crew for these amazing adventures."

     I can't tell you how much we love Drive Thru History.  I am never disappointed.  I know my kids will learn history as they also learn about their faith.  What an amazing combination!

     Would you like to learn more about Drive Thru History®?  I would encourage you to visit their website and their social media pages listed below: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drivethruhistory/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drivethruhistory/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drivethruhistory/

    We also have more reviews for you to read over on the Homeschool Review Crew web page here 

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Have a blessed week!

God, I Need More of You

“Mom, can you find my shoe?”  “Mom, I don’t want to do my math page today!” "Josh is being mean to me." "Honey can you wash these certain pants?" "Friend can you watch my kids?" These are all examples of things I hear often.  Some days I feel like I am caught in a whirlwind of demands.  My family and friends don’t mean to be demanding, they just need my help in some way, but when I feel overwhelmed,  hearing these simple questions can send me into a frenzy. 

Do you ever feel this way?  Your trying to be a loving wife, a patient mom, a temperate teacher, and good friend, but you desperately need time off for a break.  Your head is spinning, your heart is pounding and you feel like screaming at the top of your lungs.  Well, I have been there.   When I step back and really look at things I realize what is going on.  I haven’t spent time with Jesus.  I haven’t gotten my daily time to sit in his presence and soak up his strength so I am capable of doing what needs to be done. 

As a mom, wife, friend, teacher, and writer, I know that I am not able to do anything well unless I am plugged into my lifeline.  Jesus makes all the difference doesn’t he?  He gives us peace in the midst of turmoil, and comfort when we are hurting.  He bestows grace when we fail, and lavishes love on us when we feel alone.  He gives us strength when we feel weak, and grants us mercy when we deserve punishment.  How can we forget to spend time with him?

Each morning we need to resolve to take time to spend time with our loving Savior.  Our priorities must be Jesus first, then others, then ourselves.  Once we have those in the right order, things begin to fall into place.  When our spirit is full of life, that only God can give, we are able to accomplish all our tasks.  We are able to do our duties with joy and ease instead of dread and misery.  Our lives begin to feel rewarding again.  Christ gives us a new perspective on every detail of our days.  Our children, husbands, and friends will see a change in our attitudes.  We will find joy in everyday tasks. 

          “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.”  We have all sung this song during children’s church haven’t we?  It was one of those songs we would actually sing frequently at our church.  It wasn’t until I was an adult that I really thought about the words of this song.   As a child I would just sing the lyrics as instructed by our teachers, but I don’t think I really meant what I was singing at all.   As an adult, I didn’t realize where true joy came from until I had a real relationship with my Lord.  Joy comes from the Lord and it is our strength.  It allows us to serve him and our families with gladness. 

        Today, I encourage you to make a list of your priorities. Purpose to put God first in your life, and see what a difference it will make.  It can bring life and joy back to your homes and families.

Do You Finish What You Start?

     Do you know that whatever we are doing should be done for the glory of God?  Does that change your perspective on how you do things? 

     Thoroughness is a character quality that is not popular.  We tend to overlook this one.  The definition of thorough is to complete a task while paying attention to detail.  Sometimes we fail to do things with excellence.  We just do it to get it done.  We don't mind our task being done with mediocrity, as long as we can say it is finished.  

     What if everything we do was carried out expecting God to inspect and approve it?  Would we put more effort into it?  In the book of Colossians, chapter 3, verse 23 we read: Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.  Each task we put our hands to should be done with the understanding that we should want to please God not man.  If we only do our best when someone is watching, then we are trying to please man, not God.  

     We also need to think about this character quality of thoroughness when it comes to our spiritual life.  Do we give God our best or what is left over?  As we do our devotions and pray, are we just going through the motions or does God have our complete attention?  God deserves our utmost consideration.  When we put God first, He will strengthen us and guide us in everything we do. 

     So next time you set out to complete a task, think about this:

•  Would God be pleased with my attitude towards this job?
•  Would God be happy with my work? 
•  Did I complete this task with excellence or mediocrity?
•  Did I leave anything out that someone else will have to finish for me or clean up?
•  Am I committed to do everything as to the Lord and not man?

     Next time you sit down to spend time with the Lord ask yourself this one question:  Am I giving God the best or just the rest of me that is left over after I do everything else? 

     If we want our kids to learn this character quality, we must illustrate it for them every day.  We also need to remind them that whatever they do should be done with the knowledge that God is always watching and we want to please Him.  Even when mom and dad are not looking over their shoulders, making sure their work is done correctly and completely, they should realize that God is there and He has given us the ability to do our work with excellence and expects us to do our best not our least.  

   

     Are you ready to be thorough? 
  Remember a job is never really complete unless it is done right! 

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of Homeschool Complete

     I have always doing unit studies with my children.  I was happy when we were chosen to receive and review one of the Unit Studies: (K-6) from Homeschool Complete.  I couldn't wait to begin this study with my daughter Hope.  

     We were given a physical copy of Pioneers Grades 3-6.  Hope is in 6th grade so I knew this would be a good fit for her.  Some of the activities were too easy for her but most of the study was perfect for her.   

    This unit study covers all subject areas such as Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, Physical Development, Fitness, Character Development, and Bible.  There is a guide for the teacher that will help you teach each lesson and get the most out of each section.  Most items needed will be low cost to you or just sitting around your home. The books used to help supplement the lessons can be borrowed from your library.  I was very impressed with how well it was laid out for me.  I didn't have to do much at all to get each lesson ready.  

     Along with the Teaching Procedures, you are given a materials list and a list of skills your child will be learning.  There are a few manipulatives included also like a place value board, spelling squares, and world map just to name a few. The worksheets are great and get your child thinking in a unique way. They thought of everything.  

    I liked having a daily calendar routine that we could follow.  It kept us on track. Hope thrives on routine so this was especially great to have for her.  We made it fit her grade level and it was great.  It kept her attention through all 12 lessons.

     

    This unit focused on Pioneers so we were given the opportunity to read some great books like Farmer Boy and On The Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I have always loved her books.  It was a great experience to read them with Hope and see what she thought of them.  It also gave her a glimpse into life during the Pioneer days.  I feel she has a new respect for what they endured during that time and how good she has it today. 

     Let's take a look at some of the workbook pages we did....

     You can see all the wonderful things we were able to learn as we did this unit study.  From cursive handwriting to fractions, it was amazing how much was included in each lesson. I was thrilled to see how it got her thinking as she did the worksheets.  We had fun learning and talking as we worked through this unit study.  She wants to buy more studies.  That almost never happens with her.  Once she is done, she is done 😊

      Do you have a student in grades 3-6?  I would encourage you to look over these unit studies and see if they may be a useful tool for your homeschool.  

     Would you like to learn more about this unit study and others like it? They have studies for all grades K-6.  You can check out their website or social media pages listed below:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeschoolCmplt    

Instagram: https://instagram.com/homeschoolcomplete

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5aqEg8dpPHxHSr_p-x5u7w

 We also have more reviews for you! Come on over here to read what other families experienced.  

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Have a great weekend!!!