Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of Nature's Beautiful Order by Memoria Press

     Our daughter, who is 10, loves nature.  She loves animals, flowers, and playing in the dirt. When we were chosen to receive and review Nature's Beautiful Order by Memoria Press, we were so excited.  We knew this would be a perfect curriculum for her.  

     

     This amazing set is geared for grades 6-8, but she was able to complete lessons with only a few questions here and there.  She enjoyed reading the textbook and didn't mind filling out the student guide at all. Of course, I sat with her during her lessons and made sure she was able to comprehend it. It may be her love of nature that made this set adaptable for her grade level.  I felt she did not struggle understanding it.

      I love that the set also comes with a teacher's key.  It makes teaching and grading much easier for a busy homeschooling mom.  

      The Student Guide and Text have 18 chapters/lessons:

• The Cat
• The Lobster
• The Cuttlefish
• The Sea Urchin
• The Bee
• The Trout
• The Frog
• The Turtle
• The Canada Goose
• The Miracle of Flight
• Day's Herald Bird
• Birds at Home
• The Groundhog
• The White-Tailed Deer
• The Carnivora
• Farm Friends
• Man the Upright Animal
• Man the Steward

     

     We were able to complete one chapter a week.  I would break up the questions in the Student Guide to match up with our reading for the day.  I wanted her to enjoy and soak up what she was reading.  Taking things at a fast pace doesn't allow for discussions and reflection time. When she is going through a book on animals or nature, she likes to look up other books/sites on the subject she is learning.  I allow her time to do this as it helps her to absorb what is being taught.  

  

      Her favorite chapter was the one on frogs. It had an in-depth description of the metamorphosis of the frog and it intrigued this young lady who hopes to be a veterinarian one day.  She liked reading about the skeleton of the frog and how these amphibians differed from other animals. The complete and detailed account of these amazing creatures kept her attention throughout the entire chapter.   

     In our home, it is important to have a curriculum that supports our beliefs.  Memoria Press did just that.  We are Creationist and this set supports the Bible and what it teaches about Creation.  I was thrilled to see how they incorporated so much into this resource.  It is a great buy for those looking for Classical approach to teaching about nature.  

     

     If you would like to learn more about these amazing resources from Memoria Press, I encourage you to check out their website and social media pages listed below:

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/memoriapress/      
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MemoriaPress    
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/memoriapress/            
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/memoriapress/            
• Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/104379865092561103366   
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/memoriapress/   
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/memoria-press?trk=nav_account_sub_nav_company_admin   

     It is important to research what you will be teaching your children. That is why I love that we can read reviews on the Homeschool Review Crew website and get a look into what other families have learned from different resources out there.  

     I hope you will find time to take a look at this wonderful set along with the many others that Memoria Press has to offer.  

     Have a blessed day!!!!

Our Summer Schedule

     During the summer months, I still like to keep a routine. We have plenty of time for play and relaxation but we also spend time reading and brushing up on any skills that may need some extra attention.  The difference between summer school and our regular school year are the wonderful places we are able to be.  Like the picnic table, in our tent, under a tree or just sitting on our porch swing.  

     Our mornings are usually spent doing personal devotions, some household chores, and playing. After lunch, we spend time doing a few school lessons. It may just be reading or we may do some fun experiments. I also throw in some math here and there so we don't forget what we worked on during our school year.  I try to keep it light and fun.  Some days we just sit and listen to an audio book then I ask some questions about what they heard.  

     When 2 or 3 o'clock roll around we are back to playing and relaxing until dinner time.  After dinner, we spend time playing games as a family or we sit down to watch a movie together.  I relax our bedtimes during the summer months, but we do stick to our evening routine of tidying up the house and family devotions before we head to bed.

     I love the time we get during this break to rest and recuperate.  I enjoy seeing the kids laugh and play.  It's fun to watch them grow and explore on their own during their summer adventures. 

 How do you spend your summer break?    

       

      

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review for Heroes of History- Ronald Reagan

     We love to learn about our Christian heroes of the past. It is a unique experience to read about how they lived and trusted in God.  When we were picked to receive and review one of the Heroes of History books titled Heroes of History- Ronald Reagan from YWAM Publishing, we were thrilled.  Ronald Reagan is one of our favorite presidents.

  

     As we learn about historical figures who lived lives pleasing to God, we can follow their examples.  Their faith and trust in God are a powerful testimony.  I feel it is important for us to study their lives so we can see how they were able to put God first and stand up for what is right. Having men and women like this to look up to is a blessing. 

     Our son Josh, who is 12, decided he wanted to be the one to read this wonderful Christian biography of Ronald Reagan.  He enjoyed learning about the election process back in November and took an interest in learning more about our Presidents soon after.  I knew this book would be a good fit for him.  

     It is hard to find a good biography that keeps a child's interest, but YWAM Publishing did it. Josh said it was one of the best books he has read.  He said he didn't lose focus while reading it.  That is huge for him as he has a few issues with focusing. As I watched him sit on the couch reading, I saw that he was not getting bored.  He was actually enjoying this book.  He even asked if we could buy some of the other books in the series.

      I asked him what he learned from this book and he said that he learned that even a young man can make a difference in this world.  He saw that Ronald Reagan was able to do big things as a teen and that meant he could do the same.  This book inspired him to take a stand for what he believes. Josh said, "You don't have to be an adult to make changes that can even save lives."  What an incredible lesson to teach our young people today. They can change things for the better!!!

     Do you have children who like having a study guide to keep them on track while reading?  Well, YWAM Publishing thought of that too.  They have some wonderful Unit Study Guides to go along with each book in this series.  These guides ask questions that keep you thinking as you read.  We used our study guide that we were given, to see how much Josh remembered.  It helps me to see how much he comprehends as he reads.  

     I encourage you to check out their social media pages for more information on their products:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/YWAM-Publishing-482973445102/   

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing      

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing              

BLOG:  www.ywampublishingblog.com

     We also have some more reviews for you to read over on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  I always like reading reviews for products I am wanting to learn more about.   

     

     Have a blessed day!!!

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of The Typing Coach Online Typing Course

     I have fond memories of taking a typing class in high school.  It was fun and relaxing to me. I hadn't used a typewriter before that class, so it was all new to me. I didn't have a computer keyboard. We used a typewriter for our class.  That was back in 1989. 

     Our children today are familiar with a computer keyboard at a young age.  They use it to play games and to type messages to friends. I know our youngest was typing before she started school. When I heard of this program, I knew they would enjoy taking an online typing class to work on their typing skills.  We were happy to be able to review The Typing Coach Online Typing Course from The Typing Coach.  

     

      
     I think it is important for our children to learn to do things well, so when we can help them improve skills they may use in life, we should do our best to do so.  This program is geared to help those who type to do it more quickly and with more accuracy.  They will also be more comfortable with the keyboard at the end of this course.  So whether they are a beginner or someone who has typed for a few years, this program will be a helpful resource. It only costs $17 per year for each typing student.   

     When we started the course, I read the course introduction, watched the visual tour of the course, then printed out the student packet.  Our 12-year-old son decided he wanted to be the one to try it. I asked him how he liked the lessons and he said that he felt they taught him how to type better.  He said he isn't searching the keyboard for certain letters like he did before.  He also said he liked that the lessons were self-paced.  He likes to be able to go forward with new lessons as soon as he has mastered the one he is working on.  He is a child who doesn't like to be constrained with lessons that hold him back if he is ready to move on. 

   
      I feel this course is set up well.  With 7 lessons in all, your student will not feel overwhelmed. I think it sets realistic goals for students but also motivates them to work harder to get better and better.  All you need to get started is a computer with internet access, a printer, and your yearly subscription.  Most students over the age of 10 will be able to work independently.  Your smaller ones may need a little help.  The site is easy to navigate once you log and see how it is set up. The course uses audio, video and written instructions for their lessons, and your student can take their time until they master each one.  It's really a great program for anyone wanting to learn to type more efficiently and accurately.  

Here is a peek into what is included in this course.

     I encourage you to check out their site The Typing Coach and to take a look at their Twitter page.  We also have some more reviews for you over on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  

     Have a blessed day!!!!

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors

     My youngest daughter has always loved arts and crafts.  She is always looking for new DIYs to try.  When she heard that we were going to get the chance to review the Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors from The Pencil Grip, Inc, she jumped for joy.  I knew she would love these.  

      When they arrived in the mailbox, she ran out to grab them.  She opened the box and immediately got them out to see how they worked. It came with a sheet of paper that told about them and let you try them right away.  The smile on her face let me know these were soon going to be a favorite art supply that she would have to have on hand all the time.  She takes her arts and crafts seriously and is very picky about her supplies. 

      At least 3 afternoons a week, she and I sit down to work on our art projects.  I enjoy Bible journaling and painting canvases.  She also likes to work on her Bible journal, but loves painting and drawing on paper and canvases even more. I wanted to get her honest review of these paint sticks.  Here is her list of things she loves about them along with a few of mine:

• The colors are so vibrant 
• They are easy to use
• They are smooth and fun to work with.
• They dry very quickly
• You don't have to have water to use them
• You can use them on the go
• They blend well
• They work well on many surfaces like cardboard, poster board, and canvases
• They are non-toxic {we are very conscience of what we allow in our home}

Here we used the Thin Stix to paint the flowers
 and to make the JOY.

     Hope had fun using them for a couple of my Mother's Day gifts she made for me.  This was my favorite.  I love emojis so she made a hand painted one for me on a canvas.  I have it hanging on our hallway wall so I can see it every day as I head downstairs to start our day.  

     I think art is an important subject for us to include in our homeschool schedule, but at times it can be hard to clean up.   These Thin Stix paint sticks let them express themselves without all the mess and fuss of other paints.  As a mom, who already has so much to clean up on daily basis, this makes me a happy camper.  They can be creative wherever they want with this wonderful product.  

      I encourage you to check out all their products on their website The Pencil Grip, Inc and their social media pages listed below:

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/thepencilgrip/        
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thepencilgrip     
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KwikStixPaint/boards/  

     We also have some more great reviews for you to check out on the Homeschool Review Crew website.  I hope you enjoy reading about how other families used this resource.  I always like to read about a product before purchasing it for our family.  

     Have a wonderful day!!!

     

Are You Changing?

     When we give our lives to Christ, we will see changes occur in our lives.  We will want to live a life pleasing to the Lord.  We must put off our sinful nature, lay down our wants, and give our hopes and dreams to our Savior. He will change us as we seek Him.  He will renew our minds and hearts.  He will heal us from the inside out.  We will want to follow Him.  He will be our all in all.  We will long to read His Word and talk with Him each day.  

 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.~ Romans 12:2 

      Before we are saved we look to the world to satisfy our desires, but once we receive Christ as our Savior, we see that nothing the world has to offer will satisfy.  We are made to worship our King.  Everyone should see that we are different.  We are in this world but not of it.  We should be examples of Christ's love and grace.  We will stand strong in our faith, not compromising the Word of God.

      As a mom, I pray each day for the lives and souls of my children.  I am on my knees daily praying they will serve the Lord with all their hearts, minds,souls and strength.  I pray that my failures will not keep them from being the servants of the King.  I plead for the Lord to help me be a good example for them.  Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs on earth.  It doesn't end until the day we take our last breath.  Even when our children are adults, we never stop being mom.  We still pray and pray for them to seek God and follow His plan for their lives.  We pray that Satan will not overcome them and devour them. From the second we find out our child is in our womb, we pray.

    In the past 2 years, our lives have changed in many ways.  Our oldest daughter has gotten married and moved out of state, our oldest son is engaged to be married, my husband has been promoted at work and I am beginning to go through some early signs of menopause.  As I thought about all these changes occurring, I began to feel fear, but the Lord quickly reminded me that in order to grow there must be change.  Change isn't a bad thing, it is just a new thing.  I don't need to be afraid, because He is there with me through all these changes, just as He has been with me before.   We will continue to change until the day the Lord returns or calls us home.  Walking in faith isn't easy but it will give us peace.

     Are you experiencing change?  Are you leaning on God through it all?  Do you pray for change in your life?

      I am praying for you today and everyday.  Don't fear change.  Allow God to have it all!

Homeschool Review Crew: Our Review of Captain Absolutely

     

     For years our family has enjoyed the wonderful resources from Focus On The Family.  We love Adventures in Odyssey and recently we joined their Adventures in Odyssey Club.  With this membership, you receive a monthly magazine called Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine. It was here that we first started reading the amazing adventures of Captain Absolutely.  When we were picked to receive and review this book, my youngest son, who is 12,  was thrilled.  He couldn't wait to read it.  

      It didn't take him very long to read it. I feel this book could be read in a short time by any intermediate or experienced reader. This book is a compilation of many different comic strips that star Captain Absolutely.  I couldn't believe how this book kept Josh's focus.  He couldn't put it down.  He loves to read about superheroes and this is one hero I didn't mind him wanting to be like. 

      I asked Josh to write down who Captain Absolutely was and this is what he said:
     "Josiah King was a normal man until his friend made a reactor explode.  Josiah was saved from the explosion by hiding in a room that had a bunch of Bibles in it.  Josiah received special powers that day and his eyes were forever opened to the Word of God. He was now Captain Absolutely.  He wanted to defend the Truth.  He was willing to fight for what is right."

      Josh then went on to tell us about Captain Absolutely's sidekick Hana Lin:
     "She was a girl that was rescued by Captain Absolutely.  After he rescued her, she got saved and invented a flame suit that she could use to help him in his daily conquest to battle for truth and justice."

     After he finished the book I asked him to write down what he thought.  Here is what he had to say: 
     "The book was awesome.  It taught me a lot about the Bible.  It wasn't too long, so I enjoyed reading it and was able to read it quickly. The story was a real page-turner.  It kept my attention. It had great characters and the drawings were very detailed.  I loved the lessons it taught throughout the entire book.  I think it's a great way to teach children about the Bible and it's Truth."

     I feel that he really gave us some great knowledge of the book without revealing the storyline too much.  We wouldn' t want to ruin it for others 😊

     I am so happy that they are creating material like this for our young people.  They need more creative resources that share God's Word with our pre-teens and early teenagers.  I feel this book was just what we need in our society today.  A godly hero to look up to.  We should encourage our children to stand up for what is right and not be afraid to fight for the Truth.  

     If you would like more information about Focus On The Family or this book Captain Absolutely please visit their websites, or visit their social media pages: 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AIOFanPage/    
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FocusFamily    
• Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/focusfamily/       
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/focusonthefamily/      
• Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+focusonthefamily
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FocusOnTheFamilyUSA

    We also have some more great reviews for this resource over on the Homeschool Review Crew web page. I hope you enjoy reading through them.

    Have a great day!!!!