Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

June 25th, 2012

 

Outside my window...

Strangely, I thought the weather was suppose to be nice, but it has decided to rain. Oh well, I really needed an excuse to get some work done anyway!

 

 

I am thinking...

There is a very long list I am working on this week.. can I get it done?

I am thankful for...

The help I get from my family and friends! 

From the learning rooms...

This week we are working on our normal stuff.. Math, Writing, Spelling, and History. We are focusing on Christopher Columbus a bit longer for history.. (still reading about him and Prince Henry the 8th!)

 

We are on our 6th week, which means that next week starts our vacation. I haven’t decided if it will be for a week or two weeks yet.

 

Want to see what else we are up to, stop by our blog here.

 

 

From the kitchen...

Not sure what we are having tonight.. This no carb thing, makes it hard to think of things to eat!

 

 

I am wearing...

Jeans, t-shirt, and flip flops!

I am creating...

My to-do list!

I am going...

to be super busy this week..

 

I am reading...

the 13th book in the series “One for the Money”.. Good series! 

 

I am hoping...

Our summer continues to go as smoothly!

 

 

I am hearing...

The kids talking, and doing their school work… the dryer going, and the clack of my keys on the keyboard.

 

Around the house...

I really need to mow the lawn (which I was going to do today, but it decided to rain), laundry to be folded, dishes to be done, and a mess to be cleaned.. Then I have paperwork to finish..

 

One of my favorite things...

enjoying quiet days with my kids.. hope to watch a movie with them later today, if I finish everything.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Playdate, Library, Movie, Piano Lesson, Doctors appt, Camping trip, and 4H.. YOU?

Here is picture for thought I am sharing..

One I took over the weekend…

 

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

In my life this week…

 

What a week! It was amazing!

We spent some great time with friends..

enjoyed some wonderful time together as a family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In our homeschool this week…

This week we did our normal studies..

Writing, Spelling, Math, and History!

 

Then we added in a field trip!

We went to the Viles Aborteum for school one day.. getting in our PE and Science.

 

 

 

Plus we went to the 4H days!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was our first year attending, and we had a blast!

 

 

 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Make the fun things count as school!

 

 

I am inspired by…

Long time homeschoolers!

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

Another busy week on our schedule…
Doctor appts, Piano Lessons (our first one), play dates, and then Little Monkey and I are going on a camping trip with her Daisy Scouts.. 

4H and hopefully some rest!

 

 

My favorite thing this week was…

Spending time with my family!

 

 

What’s working/not working for us…

Adding some new fun stuff to our schedule!

 

 

Questions/thoughts I have…

Going to be a great summer!

 

Things I’m working on…

our bucket list for summer..

 

 

I’m reading…

The last book in the Chesapeake Shores Series!

 

I’m cooking…

Taco Salad.. YUM!  

 

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

 

Playing with the camera again!

 

 

 

 

Plans for the summer…

 

Do you have any exciting plans for the summer?

 

I love trying to make really fun plans for the summer. Gives us something to work towards, and cross off our list!

 

Here is a list of things we are looking to do this summer…

 

• Go to as many State Parks as we can… There are 38 (we will update you on how many we make it to)
  
• Catch Fireflies
  
• Go to Small Falls
  
• Visit a lighthouse
  
• Hike at least 5 Trails
  
• Dance in the rain
  
• Go to the Drive-in
  
• Have lots of Play dates!
  

 

We would love to know some of your plans!

TOS Review: IXL

 

I don’t normally like to encourage extra computer time for my children. However, if a good program comes along that helps my kids in areas they need it without huge complaint, I am all for it.

IXL.com is a great program to help kids with their math.

 

 

Grades they do… Pre-k to Eighth, and Algebra. They are hoping to add in Geometry, and Trigonometry soon.

 

Each grade shows you the skills they will learn. If you hover over the skill it will show you a sample question.

 

My kids are each in a different level…

 

Little Monkey who is 7, is currently working on Second grade.. Some of her skills are:

• Counting and Number Patterns
• Comparing and Ordering
• Names of Numbers
• Patterns
• Addition & Subtraction- one digit
• Addition & Subtraction- two digit
• Addition & Subtraction- three digit
• Properties
• Mixed Operations
• Place Value
• Estimation & Rounding
• Money
• Time
• Data & Graphs

 

 

Middle Monkey is 8, and currently working on Third Grade.. Some of the skills she is working on are:

• Place Value
• Addition
• Multiplication
• Division
• Mixed Operations
• Properties
• Equations & Variables
• Estimation & Rounding
• Logical Reasoning
• Money
• Time
• Graphs & Measurement
• Geometry
• Decimals

 

 

Monkey Man is 10, but is far ahead of himself in math… so he is currently working on 7th grade. Here are some of the skills he is doing:

• Number Theory
• Decimal Numbers
• Operations with decimals
• Integers
• Fractions & Mixed Numbers
• Rational Numbers
• Exponents & Square numbers
• Ratios & Proportions
• Percent
• Measurement
• Charts & Graphs
• Geometry
• Transformations
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Linear Functions
• Probability

As you can see there is a lot of different stuff they touch upon. I love that they cover so much.

 

 

As a parent, I love that you get reports on how your children are progressing. You can set goals for you students and more. The kids get awards as they master things. They automatically increase the level of difficulty.

 

 

Cost:

You can get a membership to IXL.com for $9.95 a month, or you can get a year plan for $79. For each additional child you pay $2 more a month, or $20 a year.

 

I don’t find this to be to expensive per year. I find it pretty reasonable. However, if you had a large family it could get quite costly.

 

Our Thoughts:

I’m very impressed with this program. My kids haven’t had as much time on it as I would like, since one of our computers died.. (and we are all fighting for time on one) However, the time they did get they really enjoyed. I didn’t hear to much complaining. I have been alternating this between their normal lessons, to give it a bit more of a fun appeal.

I will absolutely be keeping this as an addition to our schooling. I think this could be a very valuable addition.

 

 

See what some of the other TOS Crew members are saying about it.

 

To contact IXL.com you can go here. Or email them at info@ixl.com

 

 

*Disclaimer:  As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!

TOS Review: Creation Illustration

 

 

First word I have to share with you is… breathtaking!

 

Creation Illustration is a magazine that just has absolutely beautiful photo’s! Along with some really good stories, recipes, and scriptures.

 

 

Why they started Creation Illustration:

(from the website)

Mission Statement:

Our purpose is to share the wonders of God's creation. By revealing fresh insights of His infinite wisdom, gentle touch, undeniable justice, redeeming love, and flawless design, pure truth shall bring renewed peace. Each part of this publication is offered as a reprieve from the daily rigors of life so that all can look to the future with unbridled gratitude and hope.

 

It is published quarterly. The editors and publishers are a Christian couple, Tom & Jennifer Ish. They homeschooled their daughter.

 

Let me tell you a bit about the magazine.

First thing that jumped out at me was the amazing photography. It just jumps off the page at you. As a lover of photography, that is something that I always notice. Another great thing for us, is the amount of nature information in it. My kids and I love nature. Lastly my attention landed on the recipe. I love recipes, and any chance to try new ones with my family. I love that they include one in each issue.

My kids looked over the magazines, and enjoyed some of the articles, but mostly commented on the pictures. They really enjoyed the pictures in the nature section.

I’m going to be honest.. Not sure that I would say this is a great addition for my kids. I would be more likely to get this magazine for myself. I think that I would get way more out of it. Of course that doesn’t mean that my kids wouldn’t pick it up and browse it. Which they can sometimes get some great content by doing.

 

Another wonderful highlight, that my son noticed right off the bat. Each month they do a Photo Contest for the Youth. This is a huge incentive for my son, as he loves to take photo’s. What better way to get encouragement than seeing your photo in a magazine? Right! They even offer a small cash prize for first, second and third place. You can absolutely be sure my son will be sending one in soon!

 

 

 

Price:

You can purchase Creation Illustrated for 1 yr (4 Issues) $19.95

2 yrs (8 Issues) for $37.95

or 3 yrs (12 Issues) for $53.95

If you pay now by credit card, you can save $5 per year, per subscription!

Want to check out an issue before you decide to buy? Get a free issue here.

 

You can find Creation Illustrations here, or you can call them toll free at 1-800-360-2732.

 

Check out what the other TOS Crew members are saying about this!

 

*Disclaimer:  As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!

 

 

 

KaiJudo: Rise of the Duel Masters Premiere Party

 

 

My son was so excited when we got this in the mail! We ripped open the box, and dug everything out to check out. I think even daddy was just as excited!

 

I had never heard of this before, however my husband and son had done their homework to learn about it.

 

Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters is an animated fantasy series, with lots of action! It is about the adventures of a young hero Ray who has a rare ability to befriend and duel alongside a fantastical creatures from a parallel dimension. Ray and his two best friends must join the ranks of a mysterious Duel Masters to ensure the survival of both races before it’s too late.

 

 

The kids were super excited to start their party.. Here are a few shots of them before hand.

 

 

 

The party went over really well.. the kids had a great time, and enjoyed the episodes! My son really enjoyed this show. He will be adding this to his list of must watch shows.

 

 

We really love HUB for the great shows it brings to our house for family entertainment. You can find more current things about HUB by following them on Facebook, and Twitter.

 

 
Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters premiered on June 2, at 8pm EST.

 

*We were given a chance to premiere the series by HUB and Mommy Parties in exchange for our honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!

Care Bears Welcome to Care-A-Lot Party!

 

 

Do you remember the Care Bears from when you where a kid? I loved them as a child, and I love when they bring back some of the great cartoons from when I was younger. Helps me share and experience great bonding moments with my kids.

 

Since my children have been little, they have always enjoyed Care Bears. We have owned a few of the movies throughout the years. I still enjoy them!

 

We were so excited to get the opportunity to check out the new series premiering on HUB. Starting June 2 at 8am EST they will be playing a new series Care Bears: “Welcome to Care-A-Lot”. This show is all about the bears (with cute names.. My kids can name them all off like nothing!) and the amazing things they can solve. Each bear has a special talent that helps them along. My favorite thing about the show, is the great values it teaches my kids.

 

 

 

The kids loved checking out the goodies we had lined up on the table.. There was a word search, and fun coloring pages to enjoy while waiting for everyone to arrive. The kids were all very anxious to sit and watch the premier. They were glued to TV as they watched. It was just a cute show, and great time!‘

 

We played a few games after the show, and enjoyed some snacks! A fun time was had by all. Can’t wait til the next one!

 

Check out HUB on Facebook, and Twitter to see what is new! You can also watch some of the full episodes online HERE.

 

* I was given supplies for this premiere party by HUB and Mommy Parties in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys!

TOS Review: Pearson

 

 

 

We are history lovers in this house. So, we were very excited to be able to try out another History curriculum. Pearson is does Homeschool curriculum from Pre-k all the way up through. They are working to give you engaging curriculum at an affordable price.

 

MyWorld Social Studies for 5th grade is the book we reviewed.  Being very excited it was history, my kids wanted to tear right into it. While this was meant for 5th grade, I used it with all three of my kids, ranging from 2nd to 5th. I like to teach straight across the board from some subjects. I just expect more out of my older kids, and the younger one keeps up and follows along were she can. Though, I must say she really surprises me sometimes!

 

The 3 Monkey’s Thoughts:

My oldest absolutely loved it! He is my biggest history buff. He liked how it was broken down, and how they had good graphic’s. My middle child is not such the history lover, but didn’t mind it. She was however, not a huge fan of the tests. My youngest, really enjoyed it and got way more out of it then I thought she would. They all really liked the video’s at the beginning of each section.

 

My thoughts:

While this is very much like a public school book, and many do not care for that. I was very happy with it. I like curriculum that has most of the lessons done out for me, and I can just get the supplies we need, and move along. Another factor I really liked was the DVD-ROM with the teacher information on it. With worksheets of vocab, and tests ready for you.

The video’s at the beginning are great, and a nice visual. Another great thing I liked about this curriculum was that you can add in where you want. Like when we did the second chapter, we got extra books on Prince Henry the 8th, and Christopher Columbus. Doing this does not affect the way you teach this at all. I really liked that about it. Especially since lots of times, my kids like to learn more about the people we are talking about.

Doing this the way they suggest can be a bit overwhelming for all those involved. We decided to scale back the lessons to a few times a week. So it will last us a bit longer, but we can spend more time on certain areas.

 

Advantages of this curriculum:

It teaches, Map Skills, Vocab, Testing skills, Study habits, and more!

 

The basis of myWorld Social Studies, is to set ground work for students. To help them to become more active, and responsible citizens.

 

 

To Purchase:

 

You can buy myWorld Social Studies for $69.99

That includes the Student Worktext

myStory Video DVD-ROM

Teacher’s Resource Library DVD-ROM- which includes Teacher’s Guide, Lesson Plans, Audio Podcast, Hands-on Activities, and Editable Tests for each chapter, and Answer Keys.

 

I would recommend this Social Studies program to anyone just starting out homeschooling, or looking for something more straight forward. I really enjoyed it, and think that it is worth the money!

 

See what some of the other members of the TOS Crew are saying about this product!

 

 

 

*Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!  

 

 

 

 

 

First State Park of the year…

 

 

This year I decided to buy the State Park Pass. Why? Well, last year our summer was mostly working in the garden, or mowing the lawn. (not that this isn’t important) We didn’t get out nearly as much as I wanted too.

 

Therefore, my thought was if I spend money on the pass. I will actually make an effort to get to these places. Making it our goal this summer to see how many State Parks we can visit. I will do a bit of background on each one with the kids, so they can get a bit of school out of it of course. (part of being a homeschooler, your mom is always thinking school LOL)

 

Monday was our first visit to a State Park for this year. We decided to visit Damariscotta Lake Park. It is a very nice little park. There is a playground, picnic area, and a beach. I of course surprised the kids with this, they did not know that we were going there. Their faces were priceless! I love still being able to surprise them.

 

 

 

 

 

I invited a friend of mine along with us, so we were able to visit, and enjoy a conversation while the kids played in the water. Which I think was still a bit chilly for me. Plus I got in some pictures…. you know me, always got the camera ready!

 

Did you know there is over 30 State Parks in Maine? I did not know this until I started looking. I can’t wait to visit most of them. Stay tuned for our adventure!