Tuesday, July 31, 2012

TOS Review: Schoolhouse Teacher

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/SchoolhouseTeacherslargelogo.jpg

 

 

Have you been looking for a great resource to help you with your schooling? When I first jumped into Homeschooling I was so nervous.. I was so happy to have so many knowledgeable Homeschooling moms to help with the things I wasn’t sure about. Schoolhouse Teachers sort of reminds me of some veteran homeschooling friends.

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/ST-Lapbooking.png

 

 

Here are the subjects that you can find on Schoolhouse Teachers:

 

  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Figures in History
  • Geography
  • History
  • Home Economics
  • Lapbooking
  • Literature
  • Math
  • Monthly Reading List
  • Music – Voice
  • Struggling Readers
  • Technology
  • Writing

 

 

Each subject has a list of lessons for that subject. Some have art projects, reading, activities, and pintable's.

 

Another section you can find on this site is Schoolhouse Dailies. This is were you can find daily lessons, for a few different subjects. They even have a daily recipe.

 

Another great resource is the Schoolhouse Extras. On this part of it, you can get digital copies of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine sent straight to your e-mail box! You can even access back issues.

You also get a free TOS E-book every month. Access to Schoolhouse Expo Webinar recordings. So you can enjoy a great array of speakers.

 

Last but not least there is another great resource.. what would that be??! All five of the Schoolhouse Planners! It includes helpful calendars, interactive schedules, field trip logs, transcripts, dozen of articles, and so MUCH more! All five are a $125 value. The five planners you will have access to are: Schoolhouse Planner, Schoolhouse Special Learners Planner, Schoolhouse Primary Planner, Schoolhouse Intermediate Planner, and the Schoolhouse High School Planner.

 

This site, has so many wonderful resources! I have loved using it. Right off the bat, I used the Schoolhouse planner. It had so many wonderful things to help you keep it organized. I have used many parts of it, and it has made a huge difference in my record keeping. Then there is the different subjects you can get lesson plans from. They come in really handy when you need something more to help with that subject!

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/ST-Monthly-Reading-List-logo.png

 

 

The reading list is a great resource as well. Sometimes I struggle trying to figure out what to get the kids to read or encourage them to read. Each month they have a theme for their reading list, which I think is really neat. Plus I think it helps to encourage kids to read more.

 

 

Check out what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about Schoolhouse Teachers.

 

 

*Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary membership to Schoolhouse Teachers as part of the TOS Crew in exchange for my honest review. All my opinions are 100% mine or my Monkey’s.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb[2]

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

July 30, 2012


Outside my window...

The sun is shining.. and it looks to be humid.

 


I am thinking...

need to push water on the boys today!


I am thankful for...

being able to meet some great new people last week, and hope to do the same again this week!

 


From the learning rooms...

This week our school is at Cub Scout Camp. We are going to be doing a wide variety of fun things..

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

 

 

From the kitchen...

Not sure.. Dinner is up to my mom while we are at camp!

 

I am wearing...

Shorts, my staff shirt, and sneakers.


I am creating...

this week.. I’m working with a friend on Cub Cooking! Smile 

 


I am going...

to be taking another ton of pictures this week too! Only 530 last week.. that isn’t bad. 


I am reading...

Another series by Janet Evonovich



I am hoping...

for a calm first day of week 2 at camp!

 

I am hearing...

my kids moving around getting things together for the day!


Around the house...

we finished all our chores this weekend..

 

 

One of my favorite things...

spending time with my family and getting to do the things most parents cant. 

 


A few plans for the rest of the week:

camp, camp, and more camp! Last week of camp.. and then a calm weekend!

 


Here is picture for thought I am sharing..

My crew the first week of camp!

 

DSC_0460

 

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

 

  • In my life this week…

We spent a week at Cub Scout Camp..

We got up early every morning and was in bed by 7pm every night..

Lots of laughs,

some tears,

but mostly great times and new friends!

 

DSC_0048

 

DSC_0093

 

 

  • In our homeschool this week…

We were at camp.. but it is counting towards school.

There was cooking, arts, swimming, bb, archery, and sports!

Lots of great times!

 

DSC_0207

 

 

  • Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Let fun things be part of school too. We all deserve some fun!

 

  • I am inspired by…

My children daily! 

 

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

Back to camp for another week of fun!

To see more scouts and amazing people!

 

  • My favorite thing this week was…

See my kids laugh and smile!

 

  • What’s working/not working for us…

Enjoying ourselves!

 

  • Questions/thoughts I have…

anyone else going to Cub Scout camp or a camp?

 

  • Things I’m working on…

A special surprise for the amazing Camp and Program directors at camp! They put so much time into this, and don’t have to!

 

  • I’m reading…

another series by Jane Evonavich!

 

  • I’m cooking…

Nothing this week… Lol

 

 

  • I’m grateful for…

Amazing memories with my kiddo’s!

 

 

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

Another picture from our first week of camp!

 

DSC_0499

Saturday, July 28, 2012

TOS Review: Zane Education

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Online%20Resources/Zane%20Education/logowithmotto.jpg

 

 

 

Are you looking for some extra help with some of your subjects? Zane Education might be the answer for you. This is a great addition to any curriculum.

 

What is Zane Education you ask? Well, it is an online library of fully subtitled education videos. There are interactive quizzes, video study tools and free lesson plans. With nearly 2,000 videos, and 23,000 curriculum based multiple choice questions for 11 different subjects for grades K-12.

There subjects include:

  • Art
  • Biology
  • Geography
  • Health
  • History
  • Library Skills
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Religious Studies
  • Science
  • Social Studies

 

It was a bit overwhelming to me at first, but I just kinda jumped in. The first thing we watched was about the Solar System, since we are studying about that right now. They are cute little animated movies, and the kids really enjoyed them. They were engaged from them.. and wanted to keep watching them. It was a great addition to our already unit study.

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Online%20Resources/Zane%20Education/125x125-visual-learning-forK12-students.jpg

 

 

Cost:

 

Zane Education offers 4 premium memberships. You can choose to pay a single annual payment (with the 12th month free), or a monthly recurring payment.

 

  • Basic Membership- Is free
    you can access demo versions of curriculum videos, access to non-subtitled curriculum math videos, access to 260 online interactive quizzes, and access to all the k-12 educational resources, as well as the 72-hr tech support.

  • Gold Membership- $197.89 per year or $17.99 per month.
    Access to all curriculum videos, math videos, free lesson plans, online video study tools, interactive quizzes, Free downloadable copy of Zane’s Learning Video Catalogue, and Zane’s Christian Home Learning Guide. Access to all K-12 educational resources, and 24 hr tech support.

  • Sliver Membership (all video’s for an Age/Grade) - $142.89 per year, or $12.99 per month.
    Access to all subtitled curriculum videos, non-subtitled curriculum math videos, Free lesson plans, online video study tools, interactive curriculum quizzes, access to all K-12 educational resources, and 24 hr tech support.

  • Bronze Membership (All videos in a Subject)- $98.89 per year or $8.99 per month.
    Access to all subtitled curriculum videos within your selected subject, all non-subtitled math videos, free lesson plans, online video study tools, interactive curriculum quizzes, access to all K-12 educational resources, and 24 hr tech support.

  • Topic Taster Membership (Ideal for testing our service)- $5 per month
    Access to all subtitled curriculum videos within your selected SINGLE TOPIC, non-subtitled math videos, free lesson plans for your selected topic, interactive curriculum quizzes, all K-12 educational resources, and 24 hr tech support.

We really enjoyed this program, and are excited to keep using it. I think it is great to supplement some of our curriculums. My son has asked to watch more video’s and the girls like it enough to sit and watch. It is a great way to add some fun to learning.

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Online%20Resources/Zane%20Education/zaneuses.jpg

 

 

If you would like to hear more about Zane Education you can find them on Facebook or Twitter.

 

What is the rest of the TOS Crew saying about Zane Education.

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Online%20Resources/Zane%20Education/zanelittleimages.jpg

 

 

*Disclaimer: I was given a membership to Zane Education as part of the TOS Crew in exchange for my honest review. All my opinions are 100% mine or my Monkey’s.

Friday, July 27, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

 

In my life this week…

The whole week was spent at Cub Scout Camp…

 

 

 

In our homeschool this week…

This week school was camp..

we did lots of arts and crafts,

swimming,

cooking,

sports,

and more!

 

 

If you would like to see what else we have been up to come by our homeschool blog.

 

 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

 

Enjoy the small things.. life is to short not too!

 

 

I am inspired by…

my friends around me..

 

 

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

We will be back at camp again this week. Yup, I was crazy and signed up for two weeks of this!

 

 

My favorite thing this week was…

being with my kids at camp, seeing them smile, and laugh with friends.

 

 

What’s working/not working for us…

enjoying our summer!

 

 

Questions/thoughts I have…

Do your kids go to summer camp? What do you do while they are gone?

 

 

Things I’m working on…

nothing this week!

 

 

I’m reading…

Starting a new series by Sue Grafton

 

 

I’m cooking…

nothing today.. we have been at a family reunion all day, and had plenty of food there. So I will not be cooking tonight.

 

 

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

Never give up on someone you can’t go a day without thinking about.. – unknown

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

TOS Review: Math Essentials



http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/MathEssentials.jpg



Math is a strong suit for some of my kids, not so much for the others. That doesn’t mean that we don’t like to have extra help with Math. Math Essentials is a program that is designed as a drill. This is also designed not to have to take a huge about of time from your schooling.


http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/MathEssentials3.jpg


We decided to start with Mastering Essentials Book two Middle Grades/High School. There are 8 chapters with 126 pgs with a final review, and answers. The chapters include the following areas:

  • Whole Numbers
  • Fractions
  • Decimals
  • Percentages
  • Integers
  • Geometry
  • Charts and Graphs
  • Problem Solving

Monkey Man had no problem settling right in with this book. The area’s he did struggle in they gave helpful hints. We are decided to use this one day a week. We only do math every other day.. this doesn’t make Monkey Man very happy, cause he hates having to do it everyday. LOL!

The reason they made these drills so short, is because they don’t want the student to have time to get bored, or discouraged. Plus there is constant review built into the lessons to reinforce their skills. As they see their progress, it helps build self-esteem. Each lesson contains five key points, Speed Drills, review exercises, helpful hints section, new material, and daily word problem. They are easy to correct and the parents guide has step-by-step solutions if you need help.

Cost:
You can purchase Mastering Essentials Math Skills Book Two for $33.95. This includes the book and the Dvd.  Or you can purchase all three Books/DVDs for $89.95.

There are also smaller books to purchase. You can get Decimals and Percent's, Fractions, Geometry, Pre-Algebra Concepts, Problem Solving, and Whole Numbers and Integers for $11.95.

Along with the other book we received we also got Geometry. Monkey Man is getting ready to go into Geometry so we thought this would be a good start. Sometimes its hard to know where to put him in math, since he is ahead of most kids his age.


http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/MathEssentialsGeometry.jpg

The Geometry book offers lots of great stuff. It covers a wide range for any child that needs a bit of help in mastering geometry.
  • Points, Lines, and Planes
  • Parallel and Intersecting Lines, Angles
  • Types of Angles
  • Measuring Angles
  • Drawing Angles with a Protractor
  • Polygons
  • Classification of Triangles
  • Perimeter of Polygons
  • Circles
  • Pythagorean Theorem
  • Estimating Area
  • and so much more!!!!


Check out what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about this product!


*Disclaimer: I was given these books as part of the TOS Crew in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.




Friday, July 20, 2012

Purex winners are…

 

Congrats to…

 

#5 Jessy Gaffen

#32 Ashley Hewell

#25 Jessie Shaw

 


Look for an email from me! Thanks to everyone that entered! Remember there are to more giveaways still going on! Be sure to check back again soon..

 

You all have 48hrs to respond to my email, or I will have to choose another winner.

Dry Idea Deodorant Review:


This week has been so dang hot!! However, we all know we have this one big worry during these days.. Do I stink??! Come on, lets be honest we all worry about that! LOL!

Recently I was able to try Dry Idea Deodorant. I am very picky about my deodorant. I either have ones that don’t last long enough, ruin my clothes, or they are sticky and messy.
There are two kinds you can choose from..
Clear Gel:
  • Available in 3.0 oz
  • Unscented
  • Powder Fresh
  • 24 Hr protection
  • Goes on clear
  • Extra Effective- all day
  • Hypo Allergenic
Invisible Solid:
  • 48 Hr Protection
  • Clinical Level wetness protection
  • Hypo- allergenic
  • Available in 2.6 oz
  • Unscented
  • Powder Fresh
  • Cool Brust w/air conditioning effect
  • Protects for 48 hrs from odor
  • Protects for 24 hrs from wetness


Guess what!! I have another giveaway for you!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



*Disclaimer: Dry Idea provided a free sample of their Advanced Dry Roll-on for this post. All my opinions are 100% mine.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Purex Let’s Be Honest Contest and Giveaway…



First of all I apologize for this being so quick. I have been a bit behind lately… Having far to much fun in the summer sun!

Purex is having a contest.. They want to hear what your favorite Honest Video!

So here is where you come in…

Go here and check out the Let’s Be Honest Videos and come back and tell me which one is your favorite! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway






*Disclaimer: Thanks to Purex. I was given these coupons in exchange for this post..

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

TOS Review: Knowledge Quest

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Geography/logo2.png

 

 

 

Have you ever heard of Knowledge Quest? If not, you truly do not know what you are missing out on. I love there maps! They are such a great resource when teaching History!

 

Knowledge Quest was started in 2001 by the Johnson Family. They are a homeschooling family with six children. They started with black and white maps for children to be able to label and color. So they could study American History.. Just this past year in 2011 they got to take their

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Geography/TimeMaps.png

 

Recently I was offered to try one of their products. I had already used Map Trek Outline Maps, which I really liked. So this time I decided to try out their TimeMaps.  This product is amazing! We are such a History loving family to begin with. This just topped our love for History! This program is made to take you through time in History. There are  seven different times through History that you can learn about.

  • Ancient China
  • The Rise of the Roman Empire
  • The Fall of the Roman Empire
  • The Rise of Islam
  • The Black Death
  • European Exploration
  • Atlantic Slave Trade

We had been studying “The Rise of the Roman Empire” so that is the one we started with. It went along great with what we were already studying.

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Geography/RiseRometimemaps.jpg

 

 

My Monkey’s Thoughts:

 

My Middle Monkey, was not a huge fan of it. However, she isn’t a huge fan of most History things. My other two really liked it, and was happy to help read the information given. Monkey Man is a huge fan of History and he really enjoyed this. He was even able to tell me some stuff before it was listed.

 

 

 

My Thoughts:

 

I really like the way this program is put together. That you can read the info as the time period goes. I think this is a fabulous addition to our History program. It helps to get the facts across.

 

 

This program is like a power point presentation. They are a series of slides, with bullet points of information. So it can be a bit hard to follow if you only use this program with nothing else. I would defiantly think this is a fabulous resource.

 

 

 

Cost:

You can purchase one map at a time for $9.95! Or you can purchase the whole set of 7 for $44.95. They also come with Teacher Notes, map commentaries, timeline pages, ad maps for the students to label and color. You can download to either Windows or Mac, or you can get get the collection of CD-ROM’s.

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Geography/Header2012.jpg

 

 

See what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about Knowledge Quest products!

 

 

*Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the TimeMap Set, as part of the TOS Crew in exchange for my honest review. All my opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!  


 

 

Bic Soleil Savy Review:



I have to tell you, I think one of the biggest pains of being a woman is having to shave your legs! I’m a busy mom of 3, like I have time for that!!!

Upon receiving it, I ripped open the package and took it for a spin. Yup, I had used my last razor, and needed another one. I really liked this disposable razor. I’m pretty picky about my razors. I refuse to buy those fancy ones, cause you always spend way to much on blades. They always end up spending more on the blades than what you actually paid for the razor!

Here are some highlights about the razor:
  • Each package contains one disposable handle and 4 refillable cartridges.
  • The Razor’s handle includes a rubber grip
  • Triple-blade heads feature flexible blade technology and lubricating strips with Vitamin E
  • Pivoting heads are made to follow a woman’s contours and provide a super close shave
  • Available at most grocery stores, drug stores, and mass retailers.. for around $7.49

Here are some really good tips for shaving from Bic..
  1. Shave at night, it removes dead skin cells. So shaving at night allows your skin to recover and stregthen.
  2. Shave clean skin, this helps to prevent infection and bumps. Apply hot water before you shave, or shave after showering. Warm humidity increases skin elasticity and softens your hair, making it easier to shave.
  3. Apply shaving cream or gel. Its gentler to your skin than regular soap and can help lift hair. Lather the cream, then leave it on for a two minutes prior to shaving. Once your hair is softened the razor will glide more easily over the skin.
  4. Use a sharp blade. You should change your blades regularly, especially if you have sensitive skin. Shaving with a dull blade can result in red spots.

Now for the good news… I have coupons to giveaway! They don’t expired until December of this year.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



*Disclaimer: I received these coupons as part of the BzzAgent in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Simple Woman’s Daybook:

 

 

simplewomandaybooksmall_thumb4_thumb[2]

 

 

 

FOR TODAY

Tuesday July 17, 2011


Outside my window...

It is a tad bit foggy out, but it looks like it will clear off.

 


I am thinking...

we are going to be a long day.. but good.


I am thankful for...

the days I get to spend with my kids. We enjoy so many of them!

 


From the learning rooms...

This week we have been working on our normal things. We started back on Story of the World 2. We are so excited for that!! Looking through the book, we are so excited to start back up! We had a few days of school at the park, which has been a great!

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

 

 

From the kitchen...

We had a beef stir-fry! It was so yummy!

 

I am wearing...

Shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops!


I am creating...

a long list of things to get done before we start camp.


I am going...

to be heading to bed soon. I’m so tired!


I am reading...

Nothing at the moment.. finished the last one in the series, til the new book comes out in November.



I am hoping...

the rest of the week goes smoothly.

 

I am hearing...

My kids groan about going to bed.

 


Around the house...

we have been keeping up on all the chores, so we are doing pretty good.

 

One of my favorite things...

my late night pintrest time!

 


A few plans for the rest of the week:

playgrounds, movies, library, and lots of fun!

 


Here is picture for thought I am sharing..

My kids having fun on the swing!

 

DSC_0016

 

Sunday, July 15, 2012

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal:

 

 

 

 

 

In my life this week…

We have been super busy…

We went to the coast…

DSC_0006

 

DSC_0077

 

DSC_0092

 

Had a day of playground fun, picnic in the park, and the movies…

 

Piano Lessons..

A day at the beach with friends…

 DSC_0003

 

DSC_0008

 

DSC_0015

 

and just lounging around having fun!

 

 

In our homeschool this week…

We started our next 6 wk session… The first week went really well, and we had some enjoyable lessons..

We worked on our usual studies, and this week they had Piano Lessons!

Next week we are starting on the second book of Story of the World, that we are all very excited about! We love that program!

Want to see more? Check out our Homeschool blog here.

 

 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Put together a good amount of lessons at a time.. I do mine in 6 wk spreads. Makes for a less hectic, more productive time.

 

I am inspired by…

Lots of people around me!

 

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

This upcoming week we are going to be taking it easy (well as easy as I take it) since we start Cub Scout Camp for 2 weeks the following week. 

We will go to Piano, the Library, maybe the movies, and 4H.

 

My favorite thing this week was…

Going to the coast with my family.. it has been awhile since we did that. Such a great time!

 

What’s working/not working for us…

This hot weather, is making us cranky!!

 

Questions/thoughts I have…

What is everyone else been up to this summer? Any special trips?!

 

Things I’m working on…

Prepping for my Girl Scout Awards BBQ this weekend. I have been a bit behind in getting ready for that!

 

I’m reading…

The 16th book in the Janet Evanovich Series “One for the Money”

 

I’m cooking…

A green bean, summer squash, zucchini, feta salad, chicken, and red potatoes sautéed in butter and garlic! YUM!

 

I’m grateful for…

All the wonderful things we have had time to do this summer.. We have made so many wonderful memories!

 

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

Almost time for more yummy fruit!

 

DSC_0059

Thursday, July 12, 2012

TOS Review: Professor B

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/ProfessorB/ProfessorBMath.jpg

 

 

The bee just screams look at me doesn’t he? I think he is super cute! Professor B Math is an on-line program.

Professor B was developed by Everad Barrett. He was an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the New York State University.

 

The difference in Professor B to any other on-line program is that it is meant for parents to be there with you. That is why Professor B doesn’t speak. This way if you are with the child, you will know why an answer is incorrect.

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/ProfessorB/ProfessorBTutoring.jpg

 

If you are not sure where to place your child, you can take a free placement test. One level is only $20 a month, and you get a discount for each extra level you add.

 

Our Thoughts:

 

We were not a huge fan of this program. It just wasn’t meant for my monkey’s. As a parent I don’t have time to devote to each child, for a lesson each day or even every other day. Plus my kids didn’t like me having to read to them each lesson. They would rather work from a text book.

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/ProfessorB/ProfessorB3in1.jpg

 

That is not to say that it isn’t a good program. It just wasn’t a good fit for us. I think for some kids this may be just what they need.

 

One of the plus sides to this Professor B is that it is not full of flashy or visual clutter. The lessons are for the most part very short.

 

Check out what the rest of the TOS Crew has to say about this program!

 

 

 

*Disclaimer: I was given a subscription to Professor B in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Our summer is cranking right along…

 

Have you gotten a look at our Summer Bucket List lately? We have been knocking things off really fast this summer!

 

I had to go to the big city yesterday to pick up some awards and patches for my Girl Scout troop. We are having our end of the year BBQ this weekend. Since we were going two hours away anyway.. we decided to make a day of it.

 

What did we do you ask???!!

Headed to another State Park of course!!

 

First we stopped at Two Lighthouse State Park, and did some sight seeing. The kids looked for star fish, crabs, and whatever else they could come up with! I looked for some good photo’s to take!

 

 

DSC_0002

DSC_0016

 

DSC_0027

 

DSC_0055

 

DSC_0073

 

 

 

 

Then we headed a half mile down the road, to Crescent Beach State Park. The kids got to take a swim, and play on the beach. They were super excited to play in the sand. The water was a bit cold in my opinion. Again I was just looking for some good photo’s to take!!!

 

 

DSC_0079

 

DSC_0094

 

DSC_0117

 

DSC_0123

 

 

Then today… the kids played, and did school at the park.. and then we went to see Smurf’s at the free movies. Took a pit stop at the playground and had some lunch. We are absolutely enjoying our summer! How about you??!

 

 

TOS Review: Hewitt Homeschooling

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Hewitt%20Homeschooling/Hewittlogotypecolor.jpg

 

 

Teaching  your children how to write reports? Or have a child that struggles with writing?

 

Hewitt Homeschooling is a great place to start. Hewitt Homeschooling was started in 1963 by a group of business men and women. They were concerned about children’s education. Their emphasis is to combine academics with character development, work ethic, and developing a spirit of community service.

 

Hewitt Homeschooling offers a wide variety of resources. They have curriculum, achievement tests, Literature, and My Frist Reports.  We got to try out My Frist Reports, which is geared towards grades 3-5. However, with parental help younger kids can use it.

 

Upon receiving them I was really impressed they come in white envelopes for easy storage. As well as they come pre 3-hole punched, so you can put them right into a 3-ring binder. I love things that come to me ready! The two we received were My First Report Solar System, and My First Report Lewis and Clark Expedition. Each one had around 60 pgs.

 

The best part about these are they come with so many ideas. They give you some ideas for each subject to make it into a long unit study, or you can just use it as a report. We choose to just use the Solar System as a report. They are meant to do one page a week. We did a couple pages in one week spending a bit more time on them. So we could focus on those particular planets that day.

 

 

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/Hewitt%20Homeschooling/1966-MFR-Large-Mammels.jpg

 

 

They also include a sheet with more resources to use along with it. Such as websites, and books. Most books on the list, were easy enough to find at your local library. I love when they help you out with that. Makes planning my lessons A LOT easier!

 

We finished our My First Report Solar System this week. The kids really enjoyed it, and did much better with it than if I had sent them out to do it on their own. I also think they pulled more information out of it this way. My oldest is in fifth grade and he doesn’t do as well with writing. I think he really just doesn’t know where to start, so this was great for him! My youngest is in second grade and this was a bit of a struggle to do it alone, but she did well with me helping her. She got a lot out of it as well.

 

Hopefully we can start our My Frist Report Lewis and Clark Expedition this next week. Right now I am pulling more resources, so we can go a bit more in depth with this one. I’m really excited about it!

 

After looking through all the different ones they have to offer, I am very excited to add some to our curriculum! Here are just a few…

Small Mammals

Weather

Olympics

Birds

Famous People

Middle US

My State

 

You can purchase the My First Reports for $8.95 each. Or you can get a set of 14 for $69.95. I really think these are a great addition to any homeschool collection.

 

You can contact Hewitt Homeschool here. Or call them at 1-800-348-1750

 

See what the rest of the TOS Crew is saying about them!

 

 

 

*Disclaimer: I received My Frist Report free of charge, in exchange for my honest review as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s.