Beehive Reader 1

Would it be okay, do you think, to say that a book is precious? It's certainly not an oft used word in my vocabulary, but I would definitely use it to describe Beehive Reader 1 that Ms. Marie Rippel sent me to review. This little book corresponds to the All About Spelling program that I reviewed in December. But you certainly don't need to own them both to use either one!

Middleman (newly 5) is learning how to read. We are slowly working our way through a reading program. From the time he could hold one, he has flipped through the pages of many a book. Even though he is not an independent reader yet, he has no problem picking up a random book (be it full of pictures, or the King James Version of the bible with no illustrations!) and looking through it for long periods of time. Thus far, he hasn't been interested in the early readers we've found at the library. Although there are a few exceptions, they are generally too juvenile and chock full of "cheese."

So it was no surprise that I was not the only one in our house to appreciate the beautiful hard-cover Beehive Reader 1. Ms. Rippel has done an amazing job telling short stories in this well- made-not-your-run-of-the-mill-reader! Middleman can read quite a few of the words on his own. And once we start using All About Spelling with him, he'll be reading the Beehive with no trouble.

Ms. Renee LaTulippe has provided beautiful black and white illustrations that pull the reader right into the story. There is no shortage of detail in these one-of-a-kind pictures. I cannot wait to see the other readers in this series, which will be out this year!

To order your copy of this well made Beehive Reader, check out the website! If you'd like to read more reviews, you can do that too!

I received the book for free and provided my review without compensation.

Zeezok Publishing

I was given the chance to review two neat little books from Zeezok Press.

Stephen Foster And his Little Dog Tray and

Edward MacDowell and His Cabin in the Pines both arrived, free, on my doorstep. Both books are part of Zeezok's Great Musician Series. The books are "biographies of the Master Composers written especially for children." I also received a study guide for each book and a companion CD that includes sample music of the composers, printable sheet music and coloring pages.

The books are written in story format. We learned so much more reading these well written books than if we'd checked out a biography from the library. In fact, until reading these two charming stories, we've been quite bored with reading about composers! Both books were written so that my third grader could easily read them independently, or to his two little brothers. But all the boys much preferred listening to me read them!

The study guides start off with a timeline and map of major cities of interest to the composer. In the following pages, there are reading comprehension questions, character qualities (wow, very cool!), and tidbits of interest pertaining to each chapter. There are several ways to order these little gems. You can purchase items separately (books for $12.95, study guides $4.95, CD $7.95). Or you can purchase the whole kit and kaboodle (just what I received) for $35.80.

And, of course, you can always read other opinions by clicking below.

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling

From Apologia Press, I received a brand new copy of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell in the mail to review. I have tried really hard not to be, but I'll admit, I am a dog-ear-er, and this book has already been dog-eared to pieces!

I read the original of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling several years ago, when I first decided to homeschool. This updated version has really put the oomph back into my teacher-step! Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, the Guide has something for everyone.

Some of my favorite sections are teaching more than one child at once, determining my child's learning style, homeschooling on a shoestring, the extensive list of library books, and setting up my learning environment. Ms. Bell shares stories from the trenches. She gives plenty of suggested readings, websites of interest, and loads of resources. There's even a companion website that has oodles more info!

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling will undoubtedly be a much used reference in my home. Not only has it given me renewed inspiration, but it has reminded me just how thankful I am to be a homeschooler! Get your copy now for just $20.

Care to read what my fellow reviewers had to say about the book? Click the banner below.

Ray's Arithmetic

From Dollar Homeschool, I received Ray's Arithmetic, a "complete K-12 math curriculum, from counting to calculus." Originally created to be used by frontier Americans, Ray's Arithmetic books are "designed to allow children, once they can read, to educate themselves..."


I was immediately drawn to these gems, as my family loves old books. As there was no physical way to read all 38 books in the few short weeks I reviewed Ray's Arithmetic, I chose to print out one, in particular, and use it with the boys. (If you want to see a list of those 38 books, you can click here.)


I chose Ray's Primary Artithmetic. It covers addition, subtraction, mulitplication and division using lots (and lots) of word problems. Granted, the 1877 language is quite different than the word problems the boys have been used to, we have discovered new ways of learning math problems. We haven't written down much of anything. Most of the learning has been done orally.


At the time of this review, I was reviewing several math programs. Once the review period is over, I plan to revisit Ray's Arithmetic to use as a supplemental curriculum. I think there is something magical in these old treasures, and I am excited to delve into them even more!

You can purchase a CD of Ray's Arithmetic for $59 dollars, with a money back guarantee. Check out Dollar Homeschool's website to learn just exactly why they are interested in bringing back classic American education!

As usual, if you'd like to see what other reviewers think about Ray's Arithmetic, click on the banner below!

Math Tutor DVD

I received two DVDs to review for Math Tutor DVD. The first, The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor is a two DVD set that is composed of an eight hour video course. The contents are

Adding Whole Numbers

Subtracting Whole Numbers

Multiplying Whole Numbers

Dividing Whole Numbers

Adding Decimals

Subtracting Decimals

Multiplying Decimals

Dividing Decimals

Adding Fractions

Subtracting Fractions

Multiplying Fractions

Dividing Fractions

Percents

Ratio and Proportion

The DVD is recorded in basic lecture format, with the teacher talking to the audience, using his white board for written example problems. The video was great review for Mommy, and I could see myself using it to brush up my skills before teaching the boys. However, it is not at all appropriate for my active learners, who would much rather jump on the trampoline while reciting multiplication facts! (Although, I suppose they could jump while watching this DVD.)

The second DVD, Young Minds Numbers and Counting was perfect for Babyman (2), Babybug (1) and Little A (2 1/2). I cannot say enough good things about this adventure in numbers and counting. From the moment the photographs appeared on the screen, and the classical music began playing, their little eyes were peeled. Babyman shouted out numbers as the animals and vehicles made their way into his line of vision. The real life photos were gorgeous, the graphics attention-grabbing. We would definitely purchase this DVD had we not received it as a gift!

If you'd like to read what other reviewers thought about Math Tutor DVD, please click the banner below. If you'd like to purchase the DVDs ($26.99 for Basic Math Word Problems, $19.99 for Young Minds), you can do so here.

Worship Guitar

I had the opportunity to view Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class for Kids. Through online streaming video, my five year old and I learned a lot about this instrument that is not as mysterious as we had once thought.

Here's what your child should learn:

how to hold down a note to get a clear tone on the guitar
melody plucking to strengthen his hands
half a dozen worship songs she can sing and play
eleven guitar chords
how to read guitar tabs and chords charts
how to make up his own verses to songs
Christian values from each song

I really liked the fact that Ms. Welles uses a seven year old in her lessons. It helps my children and I see that it is possible, even for us, to play the guitar! The lessons are slow, concise and very easy to follow. Close-ups are used to better see what each hand is doing. Due to my obvious computer difficulites, I wish I had been able to review the DVD version, as I am sure we'd continue using it!

When you purchase the program, you'll receive a two and a half hour DVD with nine lessons, a 30+ page downloadable eBook, a practice session for every lesson, and a practice chart. The program costs $29.97 and comes with a money back guarantee. If you click here, you can get the first thirteen pages of the book for free as well as view a short excerpt. You also have the option of getting the program through online streaming video, like us, for $28. I think Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class for Kids is an amazing program, well worth its price. Had I purchased the program myself, I would have ordered the DVD version.

Click below to read more reviews!

Kinderbach

Kinderbach is a video based piano curriculum for children ages 3-7. Through fun games, printables, colorful video and adorable characters, young children learn to "actually play piano, read notes, learn intervals, rhythm and music patterns.

I was given free access to the online Kinderbach Learning Center. The first day we opened the lessons, six children, ages 9 months to seven years crowded around my computer screen. Middleman (now 5), Babyman (now 2) and Babybug (now 1) were absolutely mesmerized by the music and video. Although Middleman (my target for this program) wasn't interested in coloring any of the printables, he was very into dragging out our keyboard every day and getting down to the business of learning to play the piano!

Kinderbach can be purchased as Piano Lessons Online or Piano by DVD. As I have too many computer problems to mention, if I were to order Kinderbach myself, I would definitely purchase the DVD version. At $95.98 for a Year Membership, you'll receive access to twenty two hours of video and interactive coloring pages (online). If you just want to check out the program, you can get a one day pass for $5.95.

I think Kinderbach had the potential to be a wonderful program for my family. I only wish I could have requested DVDs! If you'd like to read what other reviewers have to say, click on the banner below.

factsfirst

factsfirst is a personalized online math program that "...builds a child's confidence and helps develop instant recall of basic facts..." As part of my review period for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, I was given a free trial subscription to factsfirst.

After creating a character, my boys' favorite part, (and I must say my character turned out pretty cute too!) we proceeded to the lessons. Within those units, there are more than 360 activities that teach, encourage and challenge our growing knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Following each lesson, we had the opportunity to play games in the arcade for five minutes. Through colorful graphics, and fun sound effects, the games reinforce what we've just learned.

Through the Math Matrix, we can see how well we've done so far, and where we need to work some more.

My family loves factsfirst. The program was very engaging. Our growing interest in math has been increased since using factsfirst. It's been fun for our whole family; even Mommy! If I could make one suggestion to the company, it would be to add a preschool/kindergarten section. Middleman (just turned five) enjoys watching the lessons and playing the games, but gets a bit frustrated when he cannot give correct answers every time!

Don't just take my word for it. Check out what other reviewers have to say!

factsfirst offers a free demo on their website. I would recommend checking it out! For a one year household license, which covers four children, you'll pay $49.99.

Mathscore

I was given a free trial subscription to Mathscore for review purposes. Mathscore is an online math practice program for students between first grade and algebra. Some of the third grade topics are

Fast Addition

Understanding Multiplication

Basic Word Problems

Rounding Numbers

Unit Cost

Time Conversion

The cost for the program is $14.95 for the first student, $5 for the second and $3.95 for each student thereafter. You can view demos here.

In my family, we prefer our supplemental computer work to have lots of graphics, sound effects and a general feeling of "mommy can I play that!" Unfortunately, with Mathscore, we did not get that. The program is very worksheet oriented, which was not hugely appealing to us. I ended up using it more than my 8 and 5 year old boys. It actually helped reinforce my math skills so that I might be able to teach my little guys better! I did notice that they had made some changes for the better, between the times that I logged in. So it does appear the program may work better for my students later on.

Please read what other reviewers had to say here. And check out the Mathscore website here.

Keyboarding for the Christian School

Ah, typing; one of my favorite subjects... literally! I would absolutely love to get paid to type. If anyone knows how I might get started, please let me know! I am so thankful for the typing class that I was compelled to take in high school. I might never have been able to edit Hero's writing assignments if I hadn't (sorry, Babe, even you admit you're a terrible typist!).



All that is said because, I am thrilled that Keyboarding for the Christian School was made available for me to review. I was given two levels of the program. The first for kindergarten to fifth grade, and the second for sixth grade and up.

The elementary version covers

Touch Typing Technique

Alphabetic Keys

Numbers and Symbol Keys

Number Pad

Centering

Enumerated Lists

Timed Writings

Timing Scale

The upper level covers all of the above plus:

Tab Key

MLA Reports

APA Reports

Cover Page

Works Cited

Bibliography

Personal-Business Letters

Envelopes

Proofreader's Marks

Tables

I focused mainly on the elementary version for Butterbean (8). Each lesson begins with an encouraging Scripture verse. The letters are learned first, with each lesson building upon what was learned the day before. The lessons also contain graphics of the keyboard, so your student has a visual. The instructions are easy to understand, even for an elementary reader. The lessons are short, allowing him to use the program virtually independently. By lesson 18 your student is typing text straight from God's Word. How exciting to not only learn how to type, but to learn Bible verses as well!

The section about the number keypad was pretty helpful, as some of the math websites we're reviewing require use of the keypad. However, Butterbean wasn't quite ready for official typing lessons. I do plan to use this curriculum when I feel he is ready.

Here's what really surprised me. I left the screen open one day to the first lesson. Hero sat down and proceeded to complete the lesson! Hmm, I have been know to strew things even for him, but who knew a typing program would be of interest!

I think overall, Keyboarding for the Christian School is a great program. If you'd like to read more about it, you can check out my fellow Crew members' blogs here. And if you'd like to purchase the ebook curriculum, you can do so here for $22.