Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

March 15, 2011

A Review

Oh, it has been a while hasn't it?! A month! Good grief. I've been faithful to the sisters blog though. Go there if you want to find out whats been going on.

I received a book from Apologia recently. I don't know about you but I think Apologia has got it going on! Their texts are Biblically sound and written in a way that is easy for children to understand and easy to present. What could be better?

Who is God? And Can I really Know Him? is volume 1 in the Why We Believe series. Each lesson is seperated into sections that make presenting and studying the lesson easy. Well, easier.

The lessons begin with an introduction to the lesson then a short story that is enjoyable to read for both parents and children. There are vocabulary words, scriptures to memorize and articles that pertain to the subject being discussed.

There is an area that highlights Godly character and the final section deals with worldview.

Worldview is something I didn't use to think about teaching or instilling in our children. But since reading books, like Apologia books, I am convinced that we must teach our children a Christian, biblical worldview. It is of the upmost importance if we want our children to grow up to be mature, Christians that can change the world. I think this book is a great stepping off point for children in early elementary grades. Even as a reminder and added study for teenagers.

This book is $39.99 on the Apologia website. There is also a notebooking journal for $24. Try it and let me know what you think!


I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion as a member of TOS Crew.

October 1, 2010

Foundlings: A Review

I was asked to review Foundlings, Book One of the Peleg Chronicles.

This book is historical fiction set in Biblical times at the time of the dispersion of the Tower of Babel.

There is no magic, no humanism, and no evolution in this book. This is something they promote and with good reason. A couple of my boys love to read more than anything and trying to find books that hold their interest, yet don't slam our worldview are hard to find.

I'm pretty sure Matthew Christian Harding has provided us with a trilogy of books that my boys are going to enjoy!

This book is about dragons, giants, and noble and honorable men. Men that are determined to do what is right in the face of danger and in difficult circumstances. The kind of men that I want my boys to admire and grow up to be.

Matthew Christian Harding has quite a story to tell about himself. He wants to provide literature that will inspire young people to stay true to their Lord Jesus Christ.

You can purchase Foundlings, the first book in The Peleg Chronicles here for just $11.95. Your kids will enjoy them and you will enjoy not having to worry about what they are reading!

September 24, 2010

A Shleich Review



We got to review toys!

Schleich Inc. sent us eight animals to play with and then tell you about. The kids loved it!

We received a Przewalskis Horse, Donkey, Dartmoor Pony, Swabian Hall Piglet, Asian Elephant Calf, Okapi, Gnu, and a Gnu calf.

I had never heard of an Okapi before so as soon as we got the animals out of the box and found out that we had an Okapi we did a little research and found out about this guy. The boys loved it!

D&D took it upon themselves to learn more about the Gnu. So, playtime became educational. And really, isn't that what learning is all about?

These animals are beautiful. They are solid and weighty. They can even be played with on carpet. I don't know about you, but my kids don't like it when their toys won't stand up on the carpet. They are also textured and the fine attention to detail is amazing. Each toy is engineered by a craftsman who works on the finest details for up to six weeks. Then each figurine is painted by hand. So, each toy is unique. You are just going to love these!

These animals can't be ordered direct from Schleich but can be found in stores all over the country. I know Target sells them and good toy stores will have them.

Schleich doesn't just have animals. They have knights, cowboys and indians, and get this, Smurfs! Can you belive it? The catalog they sent has eight pages of Smurfs. It's like 1980 all over again!

I love these Schleich products. Sorry the picture doesn't have all the animals in it. I took it after the kids went to bed and these were the only ones I could find outside of their rooms. I think Anna is sleeping with the pig!

I received these products as a reviewer for TOS, in return for a fair and honest review of the product.

September 22, 2010

Salem Ridge Press Review

Salem Ridge Press is a publishing company founded by Daniel Mills, a homeschool graduate.

The goal of Salem Ridge Press is to seek out well written books from the late 1800's-early 1900's that teach godly character and high moral values.

That is not to say that all books they publish are Christian books, but they all must conform to the philosphy of the company which is Phillipians 4:8.
Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whaterver things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.

I received Out of the Mouth of the Lion as a paperback and two e-books. The first was Yussuf The Guide the other was The Martyr's Victory

The books are suggested for twelve years and up. I don't believe that to be exaggerated. The language is difficult to read, although definitions of some of the more difficult words are at the bottom of the page.

Out of the Mouth of the Lion was not a book for my teenage son. Although he would have enjoyed the story he couldn't get past the old world language and the slow beginning of the book.

The two e-books were good reads, but also had hard to understand language and we just really aren't that fond of an e-book printed out on paper.

What I do appreciate about Salem Ridge Press is their commitment to excellence. I know that any book I purchase from them will be approriate for my children. I won't have to worry about adult situations or rude and crude language.

Those things alone endear me to this company.


I received three books from Salem Ridge Press as a consultant to TOS for an honest review.

September 7, 2010

As a member of The Old Schoolhouse review team I will get to see many different types of curriculum, books, and homeschool helps. But this one could be the best!
Oh, I say that and I'm just a month in to reviewing. But I love this product!!!

MathtutorDVD.com is a company that specializes in raising math grades through teaching dvd's. The dvd's we have watched and learned from are The Pre-Algebra Tutor Volume 1 and The Texas Instruments TI-83/TI84 Calculator Tutor

The calculator tutor was one that we didn't have the need for at this time. But, the first disc in this three disc set was so very informative. We learned how to operate the calculator, what the different keys were for and how to use them for various math problems. Great information!

The Pre-Algebra Tutor Dvd was our very favorite. We have used a math dvd in our homeschool before, but really struggled with it. Being able to see an actual person on the computer screen makes all the difference for us. The Pre-Algebra Volume 1 Dvd begins with real numbers and number lines and advances to the order of operations in an algebraic equation. The example problems that are worked are done in such a way that makes math not seem so stuffy and hard. Which is the way we sometimes view it in our house.

Jason Gibson worked to Texas Instruments, NASA and has a Masters of Science in Physics and Electrical Engineering. But don't let that put you off. His teaching is clear and concise. He is straight-forward in his approach to math and his desire for the student to understand, not just how to solve the problem but why, is apparent in his teaching style.

I have a son that doesn't love math. (I think he gets that from his mother!HA!) But his comments about this product were "I like this guy", "I like the presentation", and "I wish they had one of these dvd's for each subject!"

The TI 83/TI84 Calculator Tutor is sale priced at $26.99 here . The Pre-Algebra Tutor Volume 1 is also sale priced at $26.99 here.

Also on this website are articles written for parents on how to teach algebra, how to teach fractions, and also how to combat the question "why do I have to learn algebra?"

These are great products. I highly recommend them!!

In addition to the dvd's MathtutorDVD.com also has an online subscription model where for $19.95 a month you can watch ALL the courses right on your computer! This would be great for you if you have children of different ages. They can share the account and watch the subjects that are appropriate for them.

This product was provided to me for free in return for an honest review as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. No other compensation was given.

August 15, 2010

A Homeschool Must Have!

You know how when you find out about something great and you can't wait to tell someone?

Well, I have found something every homeschooler should have.

I've been homeschooling for six years and wish I had had this all those years.

The Homeschool Planner put out by The Old Schoolhouse has got to be the most awesome planner ever!

When I first heard of it I was thinking that it was like every other planner I had seen and tried. But, oh! how wrong I was.

This one has all the coolest stuff!

It is divided by months, which they refer to as modules. In each module is a calendar, websites for additional resources pertinent to that particular month. It also has e-books to download, recipes, stories and ideas to inhance your homeschool for that month .

Not to mention the forms. There can't possibly be a form that you need that isn't in this planner. If you need a chore chart, it's there. If you need a Bible reading schedule, it's there. If you need a home improvement chart, or a master grocery list, it's there! And my very favorite list, the TV show reminder list! What a great idea! And so many more and then there are forms just for homeschooling.

There are forms for book lists, book inventory, transcripts, report cards,and many many more.

You can have it in paper form. Just print off any of the 614 pages that you would like to have in your notebook.

You can have it on your desktop. Each form can be typed on and you can have computer access to your planner.

I am so excited about being more organized this year!

So, go order your planner now. It's just $39.00. A great bargain.

Let me know that you got yours. We can compare notes!!



I'm an independent contractor of TOS and was given a copy of the planner for reviewing purposes.

July 21, 2010

Travel Kits E-Book Review

I recently had the opportunity to review an e-book on travel kits. Just having come back from our summer vacation to Disney World, I was anxious to read about what I may have missed out on.

The book is titled, Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others by Donna Rees. Its published by The Old Schoolhouse ( I just love TOS!) and it is full of information for all ages.

We are a family that travels quite a bit. In fact, its one of the reasons we homeschool. We love to get up in the morning and decide to go somewhere. We don't go far, usually just 3-5 hours away at a time, but since I know about travel kits I may suggest driving a little further!

Ms. Rees begins her book with the basics of what a travel kit is. It is simply a collection of gifts in a bag, or box, or hat, or anything else you can find that you can give a traveling family to help take the boredom out of the trip. After reading the first chapter you can skim the rest of the book for more details on how to bless your family or another family.

The book is full of pictures of travel kits that will make you wish you knew someone going on a trip. There is a section on origami and how to use creative containers for your kits. She has ideas for young children, teens, and even mom and dad!

I received this e-book in time to use it for our youth campers at church. We were assigned a camper to make a bag of goodies for. I took my 6 year old daughter with me to shop for fun things for our camper. We bought a notebook and pen for Bible study time and we bought silly string and bubbles for a fun time. We also gave her candy, a puzzle book and her favorite drinks for the ride. Anna loved picking out everything for our camper. And our camper loved the bag full of goodies just for her.

Ms. Rees brings out the fact that homeschooling families are always together and that having a travel kit for each family member could make a trip something to look forward to, instead of just being stuck in a car with the same people that were in the house! And she also includes scripture verses to explain that giving to others is biblical. Even when it seems like we're just gathering items for someones vacation drive, we are cheerfully giving to another(2 Cor. 9:7).

I love the ideas that are in this book.I'm not real crafty, but making a travel kit doesn't require being crafty, but still made me feel a bit creative. Ms. Rees does such a great job of giving many ideas and reasons to show kindness to our friends and family.

If you are interested in purchasing this e-book visit here. You will be so glad you did.


I received this product free of charge for reviewing purposes.

March 28, 2010

Weekend Recap

I'm sure you just couldn't wait to find out what I did this weekend.

I lead such an exciting life that you want to lead vicariously through me.

I know. That is why I've decided to share my weekend with you.

Friday, the kids made a volcano. They were so excited, as was I. We exploded not one but three volcanos. I wish you could have heard them squeal with delight.

Stephen and the boys went on a boys scout campout Friday and Saturday. Well, Samuel stayed until Sunday since he is the "real" boy scout of the family. So, that left Anna.

She was beside herself with anticipation. She couldn't wait for the boys to leave. When they finally did leave she yelled "We're free!!" Too cute.

We ate mesican(as she says it) and as we were finishing up a couple of our friends came in, another mom and daughter, sat with us and while we ate dessert they ate their dinner. It was a nice girl time.

We then came home and watched a movie and then crawled in bed together. That was a first!

When Anna woke up Saturday morning she looked at me and said "Its girl day!!!!!" So, after she took the longest bubble bath in history, we went shopping and to McDonalds for lunch. I never thought having a girl could be so much fun!

Last night Stephen and I went to dinner with our deacons. Not everyone showed up, but we had such a good time with those that did. I love the people of our church.

And today I went to church and heard a great sermon from my Lord through my husband. I was so proud of him today. He didn't hold back, he preached the word of God and people will be changed because of it.

It was a good weekend. Hope yours was too.

February 11, 2010

Review 2

Samuel is going to be a 7th grader next year. I am trying to get all my ducks in a row as far as curriculum options are concerned. But as soon as I start thinking about jr high and high school I break out in a cold sweat.

When I got this e-book called "Help Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling my High Schooler" from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine I was excited. (They always offer such great resources.) And after reading it I am no longer in a cold sweat. Still a little nervous but I have a peace too.

There are 15 homeschool parents that have written about their high school homeschooling experiences. Each story is filled with sweet words of wisdom. Nothing preachy or condescending, but loving words of wisdom.

It was a compilation of encouraging home school stories. Most of them shared of their struggles and then their successes.

I loved these parts. It made me feel like I was part of a community. Sometimes I get so discouraged in the home school adventure. This book was like a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel.(Can you tell what kind of day I was having?!)

The different writers talk about their special needs children, their children that excelled quite easily and their children that struggled at young ages and then "caught on" later on in their school careers. It is full of scripture verses that will remind the reader that parenting (and teaching) your child is a noble calling from the Lord and is one to be taken seriously. But is also one that you are not alone in.

Even if you don't have a high school student in your home read this book. It will encourage you to keep on. It will encourage the mom with young children and the mom with teenagers.

Don't be put off by the illustrations. It seems like it may just be a cute little book full of not much, but it is packed full of nuggets of truth.

Get it, read it, and re-read it!

"Help Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling my High School Student" is published by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and is a little over 100 pages long. Also included in the book is a list of websites and resources that offer information on various topics discussed throughout the book. Visit www.theoldschoolhousestore.com and get this e-book. You'll be glad you did!

February 10, 2010

A book review

I'm going to do a couple of book reviews in the next few days. Well, really today and tomorrow.

As you may know I homeschool my children. I've been doing it for six years now and don't know how long I'll continue. All I know is that for this year and next year I will teach my kids at home.

I've always thought that it didn't define who I am but I've noticed that it has. I am a mother who homeschools. Good or bad. Pretty or ugly. Like it or hate it. It is me. I am it. Oh My!

So today's book is an e-book which simply means you can download it, print it out and it is yours to keep. I love an e-book, I usually keep them saved on my computer and have a printed copy.

This book is called Molly's Money Saving Digest. It's the January 2010 edition and its published by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and has several contributing writers.

Molly's Money Saving Digest is full of tips on how to save money and be a bit frugal. It begins with a recipe. I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't expecting a recipe and this one looks easy enough for me. Samuel loves to cook, so I have given it to him to try. And the step-by-step pictures are pretty good and very helpful.

There are also quite a few worksheets that can be printed out as well. There are a few for budgeting but my fave was the clothing inventory sheet. Why have I never thought of this before? I can tell this is going to be HUGE in my life.

Also included in this months edition is a weeks worth of menus with a shopping list. And the cutest, cheapest decorating tip. Love it!

Where my children are concerned it had a great art project for my younger kids and a hands-on check-writing lesson for Samuel. I realize that he will probably NEVER have to write a check and will only use debit cards when he gets older, but I think it is important to teach him the basics. (I've also taught my kids how to use a telephone with a dial! I know, I'm odd)

I enjoyed this e-book and found it a helpful and useful tool for my day-to-day life. I bet you will too. Visit www.econobusters.com and see what all Molly has to offer. Its a great blog and the montly digest editions are just $4.95. What a deal!