TOS Crew: Joyce Herzog Review

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re a new Homeschooling teacher, or a veteran, you can always use some encouraging help. I know, I am always trying to read up on tips for ways to try to help my homeschooling technique.

Recently I have been reading a book by Joyce Herzog that I have been reviewing called Timeless Teaching Tips.

 

Timeless Teaching Tips: How to Think Like a Teacher by Joyce Herzog is a great book for all homeschooling moms. While reading this book I found a lot of great ideas, I’d like to try. I made sure to mark the pages I really like.

 

 

 

 

About the Book:

Let me start by telling you the book is broke down into different sections. It starts with Principles of Learning, It’s Been Said, Practical Helps, Homeschool Issues, Gems and finishing up with Spiritual Considerations. The sections give lots of insight and useful tips.

 

Principles of Learning focuses on teaching and learning. It’s Been Said has lots of famous quotes (this was one of my favorites). Practical Helps has great ideas for any program your already using. Along with Homeschooling Issues, and a few ideas to help you step outside your comfort zone. Then Spiritual Considerations gives you some ways to bring your children up.

 

 

About the Author:

Joyce Herzog has a lot of experience as a teacher in public and private schools. She also has done consultant work for homeschooling families. Joyce has also done many speaking engagements, and written many books.

 

 

My Thoughts:

I love that it doesn’t matter what kind of homeschooler you are (Classical, Textbook, Charlotte Mason, Unschooled, etc.) the book will still be a help. It reminds you that you are not alone, that we have all been there at one time or another. I found lots of useful information in this book. It will find a spot on my “Teacher” bookshelf.

 

Therefore, I would recommend this to any homeschooling mom. Whether you are a first time or veteran teacher. All the information will be helpful, or inspirational.

 

You can purchase Timeless Teaching Tips for $15.

 

See what other TOS Crew members are saying about Joyce Herzog’s book Timeless Teaching Tips.

 

 

 

 

TOS Crew: Spanish for you Review

 

 

 

 

Foreign language is never easy to teach, unless you have taken multiple years of it yourself right? I took a year of French, and a year of Spanish in high school. To this day, I only remember one phrase in French, and so much more of my Spanish. So, when the decision came to teach my kids Spanish. . . I really wasn’t sure where to start! Lucky for us, we have had the opportunity to check out a few products. The most current review is Spanish For You! more specifically their Fiestas curriculum.

 

Debbie Annett is the author of Spanish For You. Debbie has a lot of experience in teaching Spanish, and is a state certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish! Seeing the need for an economical, and easy to use curriculum is why she wrote this.

 

 

 

About the product:

It’s a full year curriculum, that is theme based around specific themes. Fiestas is about celebrations, and is focused on 3rd-8th grade. They are currently working on more themes.

I was given the Spanish For You! Fiestas book which is 45 pgs. Along with the lesson guides for 3rd-4th, 5th-6th, and 7th-8th to use. We chose to use 5th-6th, since we have already had some lessons.

Check out this sample of Spanish For You! Fiestas.

 

How we used it:

Upon receiving the download I decided to print out all the lesson plans, and the book. I put the book in a 3-ring binder for my two monkey’s to share. Then I printed off two of every worksheet for them.

After that, we decided that we were going to do Spanish 3 days a week. Since Monday is our busy day, we didn’t want to add more to that day, and Friday we like to keep open for field trips, and fun learning. That works well with her recommendations though, she suggested using it 3-4 days per week.

Each day is broken down into tasks. . .

• Playing a game with flashcards
• Reading
• Listening to the lesson audio
• Completing a worksheet

 

You only do 2-3 worksheets each week of lesson plans.

 

What the Monkey’s thought:

Monkey Man, and Little Monkey really enjoyed this curriculum. Having already know a little bit of Spanish before we started made a few things easier, but sometimes it seems like it could have been organized a bit better. They also thought that the self checking worksheets but be done a bit differently, cause it is to easy to look and see what the answer is.

The kids really had fun with the birthday section, cause their has been lots of birthdays in our world over the last month. They loved going up to the kids and saying happy birthday in Spanish. It was cute to watch!

I hope that they continue to enjoy it. We plan to finish up the 5th-6th, and move on to the 7th-8th level.

 

What is included and Cost:

For $34.95 for each specific grade level, or you can get all 3 grade levels for $64.95

What you get included for both. . .

• Soft Cover Book or E-book
  
• Lesson Guides for the grade you need (PDF Download)
  
• Self-Checking Worksheets (PDF Download)
  
• Audio Files of entire book (MP3 Download)
  
• Flashcard/ Activity pictures (PDF Download)

 

So as you can see it is very reasonably priced.

 

See what the rest of TOS CREW is saying about Spanish For You!

 

 

Lactaid Coupon Giveaway….

Do you have any children that allergic to milk? Or seems to have an intolerance to it?

All my children in one way or another can not have milk. We have experimented with lots of different things over the years to replace their milk. Rice Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk, and then finally Lactaid. Lactaid is the one that has lasted. While I still keep some regular milk in the house for some things we cook, I have found that Lactaid is the most versatile to cook with. Plus my husband, who while doesn’t like to admit that he has a milk issue does. After trying whole milk Lactaid, he will use it. He says it taste the most like real milk. He can’t usually tell the difference.

Recently I was able to join in on a webinar with Melissa d’ Arabian Lactaid Brand Spokesperson. (Which might I add I watched on food network when she first became a celeb, and still watch her to this day). She is a NY Times best selling author of the cookbook, Ten Dollar Dinners. All while being the mom of four girls. You might have seen her on the Today Show with Kathie Lee & Hoda? She was on it April 15th doing breakfast recipes, and will be back on June 26th for Entrée recipes. If you would like to you can check out 8 online videos here, and here.

We also heard from Michelle Harrington, R.D. and Lactaid Regulatory and Nutritional Affairs Manger. As well as being a pediatric dietitian at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.

So I’m sure many of you are asking what is Lactose exactly? I know, that was my big question when I started researching the milk issue with my kids. Well, lactose is the major carbohydrate in milk and other dairy foods. Lactose is milk sugar and consists of two simple sugars, which are glucose, and galactose. Therefore people who are lactose intolerant can’t break down the lactose probably. Or the body doesn’t know how. Sometimes lactose intolerance can be progressive, so many people may become more intolerant later in life.

Lactaid is a product that helps people who have a lactose sensitivity in digesting dairy products without having the stomach discomfort. It provides the lactase that the body can’t produce enough of to break down lactose.
Believe it or not Lactaid is also 100% real dairy. It just doesn’t have the natural yeast derived enzyme added called lactase. There is a very wide variety of Lactose-Free products as well. You can get different kinds of milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, and eggnog. My son tried the eggnog this year for the first time, he was so EXCITED.
Did you know that Lactaid is the nation’s #1 lactose-free dairy brand?

Once Lactaid is opened it should be consumed within a week. Lactaid products are calcium enriched as well. I make sure to get that for my kids, so they are able to get the calcium they need. It has 500 mg in an 8 oz glass, so you only need two glasses to get your daily amount of calcium.

While it is hard to find in our area.. you can get Lactaid ice cream in 5 flavors. (we only can find chocolate and vanilla which makes my kids sad)

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Cookies & Cream
• Strawberries & Cream
• Butter Pecan

All flavors except cookies and cream are also gluten free.


I know my kids get frustrated when seeing the things they can’t eat. We have found that yogurt doesn’t bother them. That is because it has live and active cultures. Greek yogurt has double the protein and fewer carbs, which leads to less lactose and easier to digest. (My son prefers Greek yogurt)
Cheese is a bit harder. A rule of thumb for eating cheese though, is that harder the cheese, the less moisture or whey in it. Meaning there is less lactose in it. Always choose the aged cheeses, they are lower in lactose. My son loves Cheddar and Gruyere. However, Pecorino and Swiss cheese are also great hard cheeses to try.

Now cooking with Lactaid. Is it the same or can it be done?
Well, Melissa suggests using it in smoothies. The kids tend to like it more due to a slight sweetness. She also says she swaps Lactaid for regular milk in recipes, cup for cup. When substituting Lactaid for cream in recipes, work in a teaspoon of corn starch. Can also be used to make buttermilk by adding vinegar.

I’m going to be experimenting with some different recipes using Lactaid over the next month, so stay tuned for my blog post in July. Using the link above, leave me a comment telling me something you would like me to try? Telling you how well it worked, and how good it is. In the meantime would you like to win a coupon for a free Lactaid product?
a Rafflecopter giveaway





*Lactaid through The Motherhood provided the giveaway and information for this sponsored post. All other opinions are mine or my monkeys.

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

• In my life this week…

I have struggled to keep going..
I have felt defeated…
I have been very overwhelmed…

We have enjoyed
Softball games…

Cleaned the garage…
Enjoyed the sun..
and just had fun.

 

 

 

• In our homeschool this week…

We are still on break
but  getting in the basic’s of
math, and reading…

Prepping for the new year..

Still doing our reviews…
But having fun…

YOU?

 

• Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Take a break when you feel you need one..
or you will regret it later.

 

 

• I am inspired by…

The TOS Homeschooling posts this
week.

 

 

• Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We have dance, Boy Scouts,
Library, Softball practice, Softball games,
Girl Scouts, Birthday Parties…
Fun with friends..

 

• My favorite thing this week was…

Watching my middle monkey play in
her first softball game!

 

 

• What’s working/not working for us…

Our crazy schedule for the next few weeks
is not really working for me, I’m so tired!

 

 

 

• Questions/thoughts I have…

Do you do lots of field trips in the summer?

 

 

• Things I’m working on…

Getting reorganized…

 

• I’m reading…

More Debbie Macomber books,
and Susan Wiggs.

 

 

• I’m cooking…

Stuffed shells tomorrow for
hubby’s birthday.

 

 

• I’m grateful for…

The fun my girls are having playing
Softball.

 

 

• A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Here is a few shots of my middle monkey playing in her first game!

 

 

Prepping for summer…

 

 

Are you ready for summer to be here?!

I know I am.. I am ready for that warm sun, flowers, playing in the water, and just plain having fun.

 

I think that I am in a big slump lately. I have been struggling with lots of areas in my life. I have not wanted to go to any of our extra activities, homeschool co-op, or anything. I just want to stay at home, and hibernate.

 

Which means I really need summer to get here. We have been on our break from school for a bit now, but we are getting ready to start back up soon. I need us to get back on our routine. What is a routine in summer? That is a good question. Normally we just add in some summer fun everyday.

 

Here in the northeast we have been getting some decent weather. Meaning cool mornings but really nice afternoons in the 70’s. We have really been enjoying it. The kids love being outside most of the day. Playing on the playground, prepping the garden, cleaning out the garage, or playing softball. Yup, we have found plenty of things to keep us busy in the nice weather.

 

We are anxious to go camping this year though. Do you like to camp? Do you go often? We haven’t been in a few years, so we are really hoping to get that opportunity this year.

 

Summer means. . . .

Camping
Swimming
Hiking
Playing
Balloon fights
BBQ’s
and time with friends.

What does it mean for you?

 

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• In my life this week…

This week has been really interesting…
We have had fun with friends..
Enjoyed the beautiful 70 degree weather…
Road bikes…
Played Softball..

YOU?

 

• In our homeschool this week…

We are still on summer vacation for a few more weeks..
While I try to organize and get our new stuff put together.

We are still working on Review stuff though..
plus Co-op..

 

We are doing some summer work though,
like reading, math, History videos..

 

 

• Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Don’t stress about the small stuff

 

 

• I am inspired by…

The amazing people I can look up to..

 

• Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week we are pretty busy..

I have camp training this weekend..
Boy Scouts, Dance, Softball for both girls,
Library, 4H, Piano, and Co-op.

 

• My favorite thing this week was…

Watching both my girls play Softball,
and have such accomplished looks when they
worked hard.

 

 

• What’s working/not working for us…

My crazy schedule is not working that
well for me, but I just have to get through one more
month… Can I do it?

 

 

• Questions/thoughts I have…

Do you have a phys ed curriculum? Or do you just have your
kids play sports?

 

 

• Things I’m working on…

Getting my garden in….
and getting my yard back.

 

• I’m reading…

Still looking for a new book to read

 

 

• I’m cooking…

Tonight we are having pizza for dinner…

 

 

• I’m grateful for…

Great friends that help me out when my
schedule gets to overwhelming...

 

 

• A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

 

I believe
everything happens for
a reason.
People change so you can
learn to let go.
Things go wrong so
that you can appreciate
them when they’re right.
You believe lies,
so that you can learn to
Trust no one but you
and sometimes good things
fall apart so better things
can fall together…

~Marilyn Monroe

TOS Review: Home School in the Woods

 

 

 

 

Looking for another good lapbook company? We recently got the chance to review Hands-On-History: 20th Century in America Lap-Pak, by Home School in the Woods.

 

Have you ever done lapbooks before? We enjoy using them in our house. They are really great interactive ways to add to our learning. Upon receiving the option to review them, we got to choose between 3 different lapbooks. My son really enjoys history, so it was a tough decision for us. However, we agreed upon the 20th Century.

 

 

 

 

What was included:

For this review, I received a PDF download of the materials. Which works wonderfully on Adobe Reader. With this download we got:

Introduction and lists of additional resources
Booklet directions
Project directions
Lapbook assembly directions
Reading pages
Lapbook masters

Cost:

Download is available for $21.95
CD version is $22.95

This product is meant for grades 3-8, and is pretty on target with that. I used it with my two monkeys who are in 3rd, and 5th grade.

 

How we used it:

This is a very complete unit study. Which was wonderful, since we really just had to print and go. I printed one section off at a time for the monkey’s to work on.

We used this a few days a week, and used the additional resources to add a bit more to our learning. Reading a few books to go along with it.

We purchased some more file folders since we had run out, and started on it at once. Most things that you need to do a lapbook are already in your home. Most common things needed to assemble one are file folders, glue sticks, scissors, tape, pencils, markers, and sometimes brads. My kids love to cut and color, adding their own personality to the lapbook. So we always print on white paper in black and white. However, you could print on colored paper to add another dimension to it.

 

My kids really enjoyed learning about the 20th century history. Monkey Man loved learning more about the space shuttle Challenger. We have talked about it briefly a few times this year when we were talking about space. But to touch more on it, was very interesting to him.

Little Monkey really liked the recipes that came with the lapbook. She was very excited to try a few.

My thoughts:

Overall as a teacher I was very impressed with this study. It was very informational, and included everything we could possibly need. I also like that it gives you suggestions on how to teach it. As well as extra resources. It was right on target for my children’s ages, and they really enjoyed it. We were all very happy with it.

 

We strongly suggest that if you have not trying lapbooking yet to do so! 

 

See what the other TOS Crew members have to say about it.