TOS Crew: A+ Tutorsoft, Inc. Review

Math is a tricky thing at our house. We have some kids that just get it, and others that struggle with some areas. Middle Monkey is the one I thought would benefit from this particular review. She is my can’t sit still, while listening and learning. However, for some reason when she is in front of the computer she does great! A+ Tutorsoft, Inc makes this wonderful math program.  I’m sure your asking what makes A+ Interactive Math stand out against the rest.
For starters A+ Interactive Math is a multi-sensory math program. It helps all learning types, Audio, Visuals, and text. Which is great if you have children that all learn different. Or even a child that learns better from a few different types. I know Middle Monkey is Audio, and Visual.

Homeschoolers have the three choices to choose from:

• A physical CD standard edition
• A physical CD premium edition
• or an Online Subscription

I choose to go with the physical CD premium edition. I like to have the hard copies of things, just incase. Then if for some reason we lose internet, my children can’t say “oh, to bad can’t do my math today” kind of thing. (Yes, my older two would totally do this) Plus, I have another younger child that will be going into 3rd grade math half way into next year. I love when I can use a program for more than one child.


Not sure which one your would like to use? You can view a free demo, and try a free month. Along with this you can use their Math Placement Test, if you are not sure where your child should be.




What is included on your CD version:

• There is 15 Sections your child goes over, you can see the list of contents here.
• Contains a Full year of curriculum
• Worksheets Pack (with printable worksheets)
• Worksheet solution guide
• Exams Pack (with Printable exams)
• Exams Solution guide
• Recommended Lesson Plans
• Reference Sheets

How did we use it?
When we received the CD, I popped it right in, and installed it. This process was very easy. All you need is a computer that runs Microsoft Windows (xp, vista, 2000, or Windows 7).
Once it was installed, she hopped right on and got busy. I love how the video’s really show and explain everything they are trying to teach you. If you haven’t looked at the demo you really should. This really shows you how the program looks. The best part, if they don’t get it, all they have to do is re watch it.
You can follow the suggested lesson plan, or you can pace your child yourself. Since Middle Monkey has difficultly in some areas, therefore we couldn’t stay with the lesson plan since it was a bit fast paced for her. Once she went through a lesson, at the end it gives you a interactive question and answer part. The question is asked, and then they give you multiple choice answers. If you get it right, it says “Good Job” and moves on. When they are answered incorrectly it says “I’m sorry, that is incorrect” but it doesn’t just leave it at its incorrect. It then gives you a review of that skill, and presents the correct answer. I really do love that it doesn’t just go on to the next question. Gives you the chance to really go back over it.
I had Middle Monkey also do the worksheets that go along with the particular lesson. At the end of each lesson there is also an exam. The exams have roughly 20-40 questions. For Middle Monkey I think the exam is a bit overwhelming, so we haven’t done one yet, however I did look at it briefly.

Middle Monkey’s thoughts:
She really enjoyed this math. Before A+ Interactive Math, we were struggling with math. She is not the type of child that you can set the book in front of her, and ask her to do the problems.
She loved that it had video’s to show you the different concepts. Since she has started with this program, we have not had many complaints about using it. She says its FUN!

My thoughts:
I am a huge fan of the interactive questions, that they are done in such a manner that the child does not get so frustrated. I also love that this is a full curriculum, not just a helper in addition to your regular curriculum. Another huge plus for me is that I can pass it down to my next child. Being that we are one income family, ways to cut costs are always a big hit with me.

This program would also be great if you have a independent child. Middle Monkey is very independent when it comes to some things. I was able to show her how to navigate and print her worksheets, so she could do most of the things herself. I still peaked every now and again, to make sure she was really listening.


Pricing:
The 3rd Grade Standard CD is $99
The 3rd Grade Premium CD is $124.99
The 3rd Grade Math Online is $124.99 for full year, Quarterly $49.99, or Monthly $19.99
Overall we really recommend this to any family looking for a Math program. Best part, you can get 50% off! That really makes some great deals!
A+ Interactive Math is offering my readers 50% off at the Checkout using this code SPOFFER50 until the end of March 2013!!!!


Check out what some of the TOS Crew members are saying about this..


*Disclaimer: I was given the 3rd Grade Premium CD for free in exchange for my honest review as part of the TOS Crew. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkeys.

Other uses for staples…

 

 

Yesterday afternoon, I left my Monkey’s in the capable hands of their father (aka Monkey Dad, as we will start to refer to him on here). I had to be off on my mommy duties, learning about glorious Cookies for Girl Scouts.. but I’m rambling. While I was gone, the Monkeys decided they wanted to go out and play in the snow. Which was good, since it has been so cold, and they have been sick, it was time. They were getting very cooped up in the house, and it was starting to show!

 

Apparently while outside sledding and playing in the fluffy snow, Monkey Man decided to pick up a piece of ice (now mind you, we have spoken to him about this numerous times). I’m thinking his cricket didn’t chime in that he was about to do something bad. He then threw said piece of ice, in the direction of his sister (however, not directly at her HE SWEARS). While wouldn’t you know it hit her square in the head.

Screaming, lots of crying, and some blood later.. Monkey Dad called me (I was on my way home) and told me that I wasn’t getting out of the car when I got home. She had a 1/2 inch gash in her head, and he couldn’t tell but thought that there was something in it.

Upon arriving home 5 minutes after he called me, out the door came a crying monkey with a cloth to the head. I just sighed, got her buckled up and headed back off to the hospital. What a zoo that was!! Oh my! No rooms left, so we got stuck in the hallway with a privacy screen. I didn’t really care, just wanted to make sure that we were seen pretty promptly, I was hungry and wanted to go home! This was also the spot where the ambulances came to, so every time they came (about 6 while we were there) and opened the big door, we got a blast of ice cold air! BRR!

Middle Monkey was a very good sport about this all though. Of course, having an electronic device with some Lego apps on it, sure did help! We waited about 20 minutes to see the Doctor, which really is not bad at all. She poked around a bit, pushed and pulled, but decided there was nothing in it that she could see. However, middle monkey was going to need 3 staples. Immediately upon hearing that, she was insistent that she was not getting them! They nicely explained to her that they would numb the spot with cream. It was cold, but she didn’t complain. Then after it was completely numb, they numbed her more with a needle in a few places. That stung a bit, so she winced in pain, but did very well. Just to be on the safe side a nurse came in to help hold her head still, so we didn’t fling staples in the wrong places!

Middle Monkey got some music going on the IPod, and I told her to focus on that. The doctor inserted the first staple, and she didn’t even feel it. The second and third was a bit more painful. She cried out that it hurt and whimpered, but held it together very well. I was so proud of her!

After arriving home, and getting ready for bed the numbness started to wear off. So, we had a bit of a long evening. Even with Tylenol she was in pain, my heart broke for her. By midnight she was finally able to fall asleep.

 

Here is a picture of her battle scars! She was an amazingly brave girl! (Anyone who knows her, this was huge)

 

Portable North Pole Review:

 

 

Happy Holidays!!! Yup, they have officially started. With the start of the Holidays, I know that if your anything like me you are telling your kids if you don’t be good Santa will not be coming.. Or you will be on the naughty list! I’m so guilty of doing this!

 

I don’t know if you have heard of Portable North Pole or not, but it is a super cool website. You can visit it, and get a video made and sent to your child via email, or portable device. They just ask a few questions, to make it a bit more authentic. Then within an hour or so they send a link of your video to your email. You can get all of this for FREE!

 

Then there is the PNP Premium Video with this you get a bit more stuff such as Santa riding is sleigh in the video. A personalized Christmas Carol, a peek at Santa’s magical periscope, and more! This one only costs $3.99 and 5% goes to the Children’s Hospital.

 

You can also get a personalized letter from Santa with a sprinkle of Christmas Magic. It comes in Red or Green printed in color on a soft double-sided good quality paper. All this for $19.99.

 

There are a few more options as well. Plus they offer things like a phone call from Santa, a letter from Santa, Bundles with a letter, call, nice list, and video from Santa. So many options its hard to choose. Coming soon they are going to be offering personalized Christmas Carols, and Ringtones. Along with a Mobile App.

 

Bet those elves are very busy right now!

 

Great way to boost the spirit of Christmas in your home!

We got the Premium Video for Middle Monkey. The look on her faces was priceless when she figured out that Santa had sent her a video. It was very authentic looking if you are a child between 0-10… My almost 11yr old, knew it was not the real Santa, but played along for his sisters. Santa did a small introduction with a song specifically for Middle Monkey, and then went into what she needed to work on. Then he took her on a tour of his workshop, and a quick sleigh ride! It was super cute, I would totally recommend it to anyone!

 

The other two monkeys got the regular video, and they to where in shock to get a video from Santa. It was awesome to watch! This is an amazing experience for all three of them! We will definitely be doing this again next year.

 

 

You can find Portable North Pole on Facebook and Twitter too!

 

 

*I was given a code for a free premium video experience in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% mine or my monkey’s!

What happens when…

 

 

you combine Halloween with a Birthday??

It becomes a Halloween Birthday Party!!!

 

 

 

After much thought.. and only a couple weeks before her birthday this year..

Middle Monkey decided on a Halloween Birthday party…

 

 

Good thing I like to throw a good party right?

 

(Hands in the punch.. fingers are floating)

 

To work I went.. didn’t quite get everything done that I wanted too..

but the kids had a blast..

 

 

Here are a few shots from our day!

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday in the house…

 

Today is Middle Monkey’s 9th Birthday!

 

Where has the time gone?

 

9yrs!! It seems like just yesterday..

 

(at 7)

 

(at 8)

 

This girl is all girl…

Drama, giggles, dancing, singing and all the craziness!

 

She is a stubborn, wild, bouncy girl!

 

But she sure does bring a lot to this family..

 

She has taught me lots!

 

 

Happy Birthday Middle Monkey!!!

 

 

Happy Birthday Middle Monkey!!!

 

 

Today is my Middle Monkey’s birthday! She turns 8 yrs old! I have such a hard time believing that she is already 8! Where did the time go??

We have over come a lot in the last few years. She has matured in strides. I’m very proud of her.

Some of Middle Monkey’s favorites & Interests today….

At 8 she…

LOVES to dance and sing! 

Her favorite foods are Mac & Cheese, and tomato soup!

Favorite color is pink still….

Her best friend lives in FL… and she misses her dearly.

She is awesome at Math!

She is a loyal Girl Scout and loves 4H….

I can’t wait to see what another year with her brings!!

Happy Birthday!!!

 

Middle Monkey’s New Haircut

 

 

 

 

I have this thing about my kids getting their haircut. Well, I don’t mind Monkey Man getting his haircut, mostly cause he is one hairy dude! Lol… Speaking of which, he needs to get his shaved within the week.

Anyway, back to my point. The girls, have such pretty hair, and like any mom… I like to put it up in pretty braids, or pony tails. Well, Middle Monkey has never been a huge fan of her hair getting in her face, so she wanted it cut again. Today she decided to take a pretty big chunk off. Here she is half cut…

Then all done…

I have to say she looks pretty darn cute!!!

 

Now Little Monkey wants hers cut that short. I talked her out of it, cause she loves hers in braids. Phew! (escaped that one for now)

Best week or the worse week???

 

 

 

Will it be the best week or the worse week of Middle Monkey’s Summer??? Only time will tell… Tonight we finished packing her up, and getting her ready to head off tomorrow for the first big journey of her childhood… A right of passage if you will.

She is headed to Summer Camp…for the first time, for a WHOLE week. My kids don’t spend much time away from me, so I say it could be the worse week, cause she could get incredibly homesick. (I’m crossing my fingers this is not the case) She has only stayed away from me for 2 weeks once, with my mom. While she was with family, she still had a bit of an issue with it. This time she will be with no-one she knows, and 2 hrs away from home.

I’m crossing my fingers that she enjoys it, and has the time of her life. I really want this to be something special she gets to tell about for the next few weeks, months, years!

What do you think?? Her swim suit, towel, clothes, flashlight, and clothes are packed… (ok with a million other things..lol) and she is ready to hit the road.

Check back in a week to see how she made out!

Did you ever go to Summer Camp??

How do you feel??

 

When it comes to your daughter getting her ears pierced. Did you do it when she was an infant? Or did you wait until she was older, and then how did you decide how old she had to be.

My husband and I decided awhile back that it was going to be when we felt that our girls were old enough to take care of them own their own. (or as close to it as possible) As well as them needing to express a desire to want them done..without peer pressure.

That day has come. My 7 yr old.. wanted her ears pierced and has wanted them done for a long time. I was hesitant about it, even now. We discussed how it would feel to them done, and what was involved in taking care of them. She still wanted to do it.

Off we went to Claire’s.. they couldn’t do both ears at once.. so I told her that after one was done, she could not back out. She looked at me, and said “Guess I’ll just have to deal then”. I couldn’t believe it!

I must tell you, impressed is not even a big enough word for what I felt. She sat there and grinned it. She flinched a bit, but never once cried. She was very brave. The end result. She now has her ears pierced. She is very happy!

Here is a picture of her new earrings for the next 6 weeks til they heal.

I’d like to know how you feel about this subject! Please share your thoughts.