Monday, September 30, 2013

Homeschool Mother's Journal 9-30-13


In our homeschool this week…   

Funny Bunny completed Unit 7: God's Chosen People Rebel in Heart of Dakota's Creation to Christ.
 

History Notebook Page


History Project {She made a breastplate like the High Priest Aaron wore}  


Poetry/Art {She studied the poem "Gathering Leaves" by Robert Frost}
 

In our lives last week…   

we went to Disney!!  We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside for the first time and *somehow* ended up in the newly redecorated Royal Rooms!  We also got to eat at the new Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom!  Fun times!!









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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 27, 2013

Freebie Friday


Here are the FRIDAY FREEBIE deals today! ENJOY!!

FREE - Genesis 5 Bible Lesson @ Future.Flying.Saucers

FREE - Printable Around the World Resource Pack @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds

FREE - Ancient World Timeline @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds

FREE - Cloud Resources @ Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies

FREE - Printable Number Concept Flashcards @  Imperfect Homemaker

FREE - Addition and Subtraction Basic Facts Games Lapbook @ Currclick

FREE - 35 Alphabet Teaching Activities & Games @ Homeschool Freebie of the Day

FREE - Alphabet Printables @ 1+1+1=1

FREE - Moses Bible Coloring Pages @ Mama's Learning Corner

FREE - Printable "It Just Makes Cents" Book @ So You Call Yourself a Homeschooler

FREE - Science Experiment Guide {$25 Value} @ Supercharged Science

FREE - Science Activity Manual and Video Collection {$30 Value} @  Supercharged Science


I hope you enjoy some of these FREEBIES!  If you know of any others, please leave a comment below.




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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Disney - Guess Where?


We took a quick trip to Disney this weekend!  Can you guess where we ate this yummy cupcake?



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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Love Your Neighbor


It's been on my heart this week to challenge myself {and others} to step out of our comfort zone and show Jesus' love to a "neighbor".

The people around us, even those who are close to us, may be going through so much more than we can ever imagine.  The cashier having a bad day, the driver who just lost a spouse, the person waiting in line with an addiction.

There are people all around us who need encouragement.  Let's try to show some this week.

Bake some cookies or bread and include a Bible verse, pay it forward in the drive thru, help someone in need, share kind words, or just sit and listen. 

What are some other ways you can share Jesus' love?



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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Monday, September 23, 2013

The Presidential Game Review

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We LOVE board games! So when I found out that we would be receiving a new board game called The Presidential Game, we were all very excited!!

This game is geared toward ages 11+ to adults and can be played with two or more people, so it is perfect for us!

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It arrived in a beautiful box and includes the following:  1 20" x 30" GAME Board, 1 Score Pad, 3 Blue Dice, 3 Red Dice, 80 Politics Cards, 40 "Write-Your-Own" Politics Cards, 150 Republican Votes (red chips), 150 Democrat Votes (blue chips), and 1 Electoral WebMap™ Calculator Access Code.

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I quickly opened it, laid everything out, and read the directions aloud to Funny Bunny and hubby...then I read them again to myself at least two more times.  I wasn't totally understanding it all so I figured it was the type of game you have to just play to understand what to do...so we just played and thankfully got it!!

It did take playing through a few turns to grasp the strategy of it all.  And there is strategy for sure!

Here's how it's played.

You first split into two teams, so as long as you have at least 2 people, you can play this game.  Funny Bunny and hubby played on the Democrat side and I played on the Republican side.  The object is to win the election by getting at least 270 of the 538 electoral votes. 

The number of weeks until the election determines how long your game will last.  It was noted that 30 weeks {or 30 turns} takes approximately an hour, so since our first game was close to bedtime, we went with 10 weeks.

You have to decide if you want to go Campaigning or Fundraising on each turn, and although there is plenty of strategy involved, there is chance as well.  Included are Politics Cards and those offer different scenarios that either hurt or help your team.  They even include several blank cards to add your own situations.  Here's one that Funny Bunny made and hid toward the top of the deck to surprise us:

News gets out that your dog's name is Maisy.  Soon, everyone in Florida is naming their dogs Maisy too!  Add 3 votes to Florida.


To score, there is a score pad included, but I found it a bit challenging to add and subtract scores on every turn, so we used the Electoral WebMap™ Calculator on our iPad while playing.  It was much easier and we liked the visual.   


In the end *I WON*, even though hubby and Funny Bunny fundraised and won California, Texas, and Florida.  California went back and forth between us until I finally gave up and started campaigning other places. 

We've really had a fun time playing this game and Funny Bunny is learning a lot from it, even if she doesn't realize it. 

Thoughts of a 10-Year Old:  I like The Presidential Game a lot.  It seems like now that I've played it I understand how things work more.  I think that it was a really good game and it's fun to play.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at The Presidential Game.  The Presidential Game is $35. 

My Crewmates are also reviewing The Presidential Game, so you can check out what they think HERE.




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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 20, 2013

Homeschool Mother's Journal 9-20-13


In our homeschool this week…   

Funny Bunny completed Unit 6: God's Judgement Upon Egypt in Heart of Dakota's Creation to Christ.
 

History Notebook Page {There goes Moses down the Nile}


History Project {A column like those found in Egypt at the Temple of Karnak.  Those are pictures of the 10 plagues of Egypt}


Poetry/Art {She studied the poem "Fireflies in the Garden" by Robert Frost}


Latin Translation {From Visual Latin}





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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Thrifty Thursday


Here are the thrifty deals for today.

FREE - Printable Fall Nature Study @ Ben & Me

FREE - Fall Leaves Printables @ Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies

FREE - Autumn Unit Study @  How to Homeschool For Free

FREE - Genesis Copywork Beginner @ CurrClick

FREE - 100+ Printables for K-12 @  Homeschool Freebie of the Day

FREE - Johnny Appleseed Printables @ Mama's Learning Center

FREE - Stossel in the Classroom DVDs @ Frugal Homeschool Family

FREE - Online Lesson Planner @ My Mardel Homeschool

FREE - Books and Bibles @ Tyndale Rewards Program

FREE Complete Curriculum @ Easy Peasy All In One Homeschool 

FREE - Science Experiment Guide {$25 Value} @ Supercharged Science

FREE - Science Activity Manual and Video Collection {$30 Value} @  Supercharged Science


I hope you enjoy some of these FREEBIES!  If you know of any others, please leave a comment below.



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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Monday, September 16, 2013

PeopleKeys Review

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I had the opportunity to review a different kind of product through PeopleKeysPeopleKeys provides assessments that help organizations and families better understand potential employees and/or other individuals.

 photo peoplekeys-childrensprofile_zps4c217fc3.jpgPeopleKeys offers a multitude of products, but I was able to review their DISC Profile: The Children's Profile

The Children’s Profile, developed for children ages 9-13, introduces the DISC Personality Style concept, gives an overview of each of the styles, and identifies a child’s unique Personality style. 

 I received one, simple 25 page booklet in the mail with everything I needed to complete and score her DISC Profile. 

It was recommended that hubby and I complete the DISC Personality Profile before Funny Bunny so we have a better understanding of the test, and also find areas where we are similar and different to her style.

Both he and I took the test and scored it within just a few minutes.  Then we gave the test to Funny Bunny and she answered the questions with ease and I scored hers as well.  There are just 20 questions and they take about 10 minutes to answer.

Grading was simple.  Answers fell in one of four categories {D.I.S.C}.  We just added them up and found which column(s) had the most answers. 

So what did we find? 

Funny Bunny has an "IS" personality.  I stands for "Influencing" {enjoys talking to people, sharing, being involved, loves people} and S stands for "Steadfast" {kind, patient, friendly, enjoy pleasing others}.

Some things the results pointed out were that we need to work on keeping her focused on completion and avoiding procrastination and also that she is resistant to change.  Those are all spot on!!!

I have an S "Steadfast" personality {like Funny Bunny} and hubby has a "DC" personality "Determined and Conscientious" {totally opposite of us both}!!

Some things we learned, but really knew already, was that she is sensitive in nature and can be easily hurt by hubby's often abrupt communitcation style.  He will also get frustrated when he wants to get something done and she is in la la land.  ;)

Since her and I have a similar style, I have to be careful that she doesn't try to take advantage of me and communication may also be a problem as we both may be trying to please the other.

Even though I knew our styles were somewhat different, I found it very helpful for all three of us to take this test and discuss the results.  It helped Funny Bunny understand why we have trouble communicating sometimes.

Thoughts of a 10-Year Old:  The test was easy to take and helpful for parents to try to figure out their children's personality.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at PeopleKeysThe Children's Profile is for ages 9-13 and just $15. 

My Crewmates are also reviewing PeopleKeys, so you can check out what they think HERE.




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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Homeschool Mother's Journal 9-14-13


In our homeschool this week…   

Funny Bunny completed Unit 5: The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt in Heart of Dakota's Creation to Christ. 

History notebook page - 


Poetry/Art -


Science Experiment {Animal Tracks} -


New Community Bible Study {CBS} book -


Books Funny Bunny is reading independently...

 
Books I am reading aloud to Funny Bunny...


In my life this week…   

It was the second week of CBS and I'm so excited to get started again!!  We are studying Romans this year and I can't wait to really get into it!

Wednesday night at church the girls had a Sock Hop and donated socks to kids in need.
 

Last night Funny Bunny had a friend spend the night and this morning they joined the rest of our American Girl Book Club and watched the movie Saige together over breakfast. 



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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, September 13, 2013

Freebie Friday


Here are the FRIDAY FREEBIE deals today! ENJOY!!

FREE - My Extreme Weather Plan and Checklist @ CurrClick

FREE - Bible Curriculum @ Calvary Curriculum

FREE - Middle Ages Themed Resources @ Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies

FREE - The Constitution & Amendments @ Homeschool Freebie of the Day

FREE - Printable Days of the Week Cards with Song @ Meet Penny

FREE - Autumn Unit Study @  How to Homeschool for Free

FREE - Fall Dot Marker Printable Pack @ Frugal Homeschool Family

FREE - Science Experiment Guide {$25 Value} @ Supercharged Science

FREE - Science Activity Manual and Video Collection {$30 Value} @  Supercharged Science


I hope you enjoy some of these FREEBIES!  If you know of any others, please leave a comment below.


  

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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway!!

To promote my new Facebook Public Figure Page, I am hosting a Thirty-One Gifts Giveaway!! 

Thirty-One offers a huge selection of organizational products, purses, totes, wallets, accessories, and more!  Ten years ago it was formed with a goal of helping women by giving them an opportunity to own their own business, and I'm proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization!


For every $35 spent in September, get an Organizing Utility Tote for $15 or a Super Organizing Tote for $25!! Plus, host a $600+ September party and earn double hostess credits!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Time4Learning Review

Time4Learning

Time4Learning provides an interactive, online, and educational experience for children in preschool through high school.  It uses a combination of animated lessons, interactive activities, and reinforcing worksheets to teach Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. 

Time4Learning includes the following:
* Online curriculum for Pre-K through 12th grade
* Thousands of interactive, animated, and self-paced lessons
* A safe, private, ad-free, online learning environment
* Lesson plans, automated reporting and guides for parents
* Flexibility to start, pause, and cancel your account anytime
It is web based, so there is no software to download or CDs to purchase. Members can access the program 24/7 from anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection.

Here's how it works:

Once a member, both you and your child(ren) will have a login.  You determine the grade level for your child and they will be given access to three years of curriculum (one grade above and one below their level). 

Once logged in, your child can choose between Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies.  Lesson plans are by grade and subject, which you can see below.

Scope and Sequence photo time4learning1_zps32c9d4c1.jpg
You can click here to see the interactive Scope & Sequence Chart.

Once a subject is selected, your child will complete the lessons in order (by following the arrow).  Here is Language Arts for 5th grade. 

Click to enlarge

You can see the arrow is pointing to the first picture, which is Vocabulary Skills.  Once clicked, your child would be directed to choose a lesson.  Also notice the three grade levels at the top you can select.

Below, you can see Funny Bunny has already completed the first two lessons in the Vocabulary Skills section, so the arrow is pointing to the third.

 Click to enlarge

Below are two samples from the Language Arts section for 5th grade, which is the section Funny Bunny enjoyed the most.  Very educational AND entertaining.  We were laughing together many times! 



Math was actually her next favorite, because it was also fun and entertaining.  Here's a similar screen shot.  Again, it was very interactive with the student.


We both thought Social Studies and Science, however, were pretty dry.  Unless we overlooked it, there were no entertaining and interactive screens.  You just read the information, as you can see below.  Funny Bunny did not like it.  We hope they are planning to update both sections so they are similar to the Math and Language Arts.



Finally, when the parents log in to their account, they can track their child's progress, which is a great feature.


Thoughts of a 10-Year Old:  I really like Time4Learning Language Arts as the characters are silly and the quiz is crazy.  I like Math too because it was interactive. The only thing I didn't like about Math was that when the problems were repeated and I already knew it, I couldn't move on. There should be a button you push that says, "I've got it" if you have got the concept.  But other then that, Math was pretty fun.  But with Social Studies and Science there were no funny characters or silly shows, just pages of text.  Other then those two subjects, I liked it very much. 

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Time4Learning.  The monthly membership for PreK-8th grade is currently $19.95/mo for the first child and $14.95/mo for each additional child.  For high school it's $30/mo for up to 4 courses.  They offer a 14-day money-back guarantee, and there are no contracts, so you can cancel anytime.  To learn more you can read Hints on Getting Started.

My Crewmates are also reviewing Time4Learning, so you can check out what they think HERE.




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©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/