Loving Learning at Home

See N Spell - TOS Review

2012-02-12T23:06:00.000-05:00

I have always been a good speller. It just comes naturally to me. Unfortunately, my children didn't inherit my gift for this. Instead they got their spelling habits from their father.

Who thinkz speling is fenetic and spellz evry theng lik it soundz. Now that may be the case in shorthand and court reporting but other than that, it doesn't work like that.

I was given the opportunity to review See N Spell through The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. This is a 40 page booklet that helps your student with spelling. It isn't a spelling curriculum. It is more of a spelling aide. It is divided into three sections:

1. Most commonly used Vocabulary Words

2. Commonly misspelled words.

3. My special Interest Words.

All your student has to do it turn to the page with the correct beginning letter, scroll through the page (listed in alphabetical order) and copy the word onto their own work.

Very Easy.

This is great for when they are writing a paper or just doing homework. My kids hate to look up words in the dictionary because it is so big. This booklet can be kept in a folder easily and is easy to use. They both really liked it. It is recommeded for 4th grade to adult (maybe I can get my husband to use it). Both of them liked the section where they could add their own words at the back.

Each See-N-Spell™ booklet also comes with a See-N-Read® reading tool. I thought the kids would love this but neither one did. This is what I would call a bookmark size reading helper. It has a see through area that you can use to keep your place in whatever you are focusing on. This helps those who have trouble concentrating when there is a lot of things on a page. Whether it is words or pictures this device helps you focus on what you are reading, line by line. I can see how this would help a reader who gets distracted with reading.

The See-N-Spell booklet costs $9.99 and you get the reading tool (a $2.99 value) for free.

You can read what the other crew members have to say about this product here.

I received this item at no cost in exchange for my honest opinion in this review. No other compensation was provided. Thank you to the companies for this opportunity.

Cupcake Bites

2012-02-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the Valentines Day Party for our homeschool group. Bella wanted to make cupcake bites. What was I thinking?

It looks easy. Right?

WRONG.

Have you seen any of the "nailed it" pictures of things people thought they could make with pictures of the actual results. Hilarious. Check them out on Pinterest.   I could totally do that with these cupcake bites.

We made them the way Bakerella says to. This picture are those.   We also baked some with the Cake Pop pan that David bought me for Christmas. Epic fail.   I don't have the picture of those uploaded to the computer yet but I definitely will share. It will give you a good laugh.

They were hard to make. Super messy. And they took forever.   They turned out pretty cute but nothing like the pictures on the Bakerella web site. LOL Guess we'll just do these for family members. No one but them is going to want them. ;)

Math Rider - A fun way to learn math facts!

2012-02-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a fun math game where your child can learn math facts? Both of my kids have had trouble learning their math facts. So, I am always looking for ways to help them memorize them.

We've tried everything. Worksheets, flashcards, writing them over and over.

And Over.

And over.

These things seem to work for short term memory help. But, the kids hated them all.   Now, if you are a parent who has tried to make a kid learn something that they hate, you know that it IS NOT fun.

Math Rider is a fun online computer game that helps students learn their math facts.

The game is an interactive way to learn the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division math facts 1-12.

Your child is taken into a land of fantasy and quests. Living in the Land of Ray and riding a horse called Shadow, he or she will set out on various noble adventures.   The rider goes across a moving backdrop in a fantasy land and once finished with each quest, will find a special surprise.   They can even rescue a princess.

Each operation (+, -, X and ÷) contains four quests that range from easy to master.   Each of the four quests are the same but the rewards are not.    One of the things that makes it nice is the rewards are animated based on how well your student does on the problems. The screen also goes faster the quicker you can answer the problems.

Bella really enjoyed the quests and tried really hard to go faster each time. Griffin didn't really like it. He figured out that if he waited to enter the answers, the screen would slow down and he would have more time to figure out the answers. Ingenious, but not really how the game is supposed to work.

I like the fact that more than one player can play on each account. They still have their own quests and can choose different operations. This is great for different aged children in the family. Any child who hasn't learned their math facts can use this. It isn't babyfied (I don't think that is really a word) or anything. Horses seem to appeal to all ages.

MathRider can be played on either Windows based computers and Mac. MathRider requires a minimum screen resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels. The game uses digital matte painted backgrounds that have been created for this resolution. We used this on our laptop and desktop with no problems.

When you purchase this you purchase a license that allows for you to use it on up to three computers.   Up to 8 players can play with your purchase. You can buy MathRider now for only $37. The Price goes up to $47 after February 15, 2012 so hurry if you would like to get this.   You can try MathRider for free by going to the website.

I received a copy of MathRider in exchange for my honest opinion in this review. No other compensation was provided. Thank you to MathRider for this opportunity.

Please check out what the other TOS crew members have to say about MathRider.

Kinderbach - TOS review

2012-02-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

Do you have a child who wants to learn to play the piano? No time for driving to lessons? Or may you don't know of anyone around you that teaches piano lessons? If you answered yes to these questions then Kinderbach may be just what you are looking for.

I took piano lessons for      y. . . .e . . . a. . . .r. . . . s. .

I hated it. I hated practicing. I pretty much hated everything about it. Except the piano my grandma bought my sister and me. Now that was sweet. My mom and dad still have it and I love to play it for my kids when we go there.    But, since I only have a keyboard, I really don't play much anymore. My kids, on the other hand, love music. They love every instrument.   And they want to learn how to play them all. My son plays the guitar. They both can play the recorder. Bella loves the drums. But, I really want them (I'm sure like my mom wanted me to) to learn to play the piano.   Thankfully, they both are willing.

Kinderbach is an online music program that starts at the very beginning and your child will be playing songs after only a few lessons. Real songs like Take me Out to the Ballgame. If you start now they will definitely be playing that one by opening day in April (and probably sooner).

Did I mention this is online?

You don't have to find time to drive to lessons and stop what you are doing at home. It happens at home. Which you know I love, right? It's homeschooling piano lessons. It isn't just for homeschoolers though.

I was able to review Kinderbach a few years ago and Bella really enjoyed it. Like a lot of things, we stopped using it after the review because we had so many other things going on. Bella was really excited to start this again. She could have skipped over the beginning lessons because she remembered it but liked it so much she did them again.

She loved getting to revisit Dodi's house, Sir Edward and Carla the Catapillar. Each of these are taught by learning where they live on the keyboard, you learn the letters C,D and E on the piano. Isn't that cool? They don't even realize they are learning. You also get coloring sheets with most of the lessons that help reiterate. This is great for children that learn better by doing (coloring and playing the keyboard make two ways).

The beautiful lady in the picture is Kerri Gregor. She is the creator of Kinderbach and a super sweet person. I met her at a homeschool conference a few years ago and spent some time talking with her. She has a passion for music that shines through in person and online.

As a parent, you can read the parent guide to learn how the program works and see if you think your little ones will like it.   Currently, there are 7 levels of music. The Kinderbach Scope and Sequence can be viewed on the website. You can purchase the online lessons for only $7.99 a month by purchasing a years subscription for $95.98. That's insanely inexpensive for private piano lessons. In my little town, lessons are anywhere from $15 to $20 a lesson.   Think of the money you will save. Also no gas to buy. Other ways to purchase include buying the DVD set (this is great for those who don't have online access or slow internet connections).   A friend of mine has the DVD's and loves them. You can enter the code TOScrew and receive 30% off when ordering.

You do not have to have a musical background of any kind for your child to use this online program. It is designed for preschool to age 7 (Bella is 8 and enjoyed it).   The student watches a short video for each lesson and there is either a coloring sheet or activity to do related to the lesson.

If the very reasonable price isn't enough to lure you in you can try the free two week trial to see if this might work for your child.

If you have a young child who would like to learn the piano, this is a great way to save money over taking lessons from an instructor. Check out the website to learn how the program works. There is a 30 day money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose.

If you are into all the new gadgets, (honestly, I don't know anyone who isn't) you will love that Kinderbach can be used on your Ipod, Iphone and Android devices. They are working on apps for these devices and have already came out with one for the Ipad (lessons 1-3). This company is definitely interested in staying up to date with its products. LOVE THAT.

I received an online subscription sample (3 months) as part of this review. No other compensation was received. Thank you Kinderbach for this opportunity.    You can check out what the other TOS crew members have to say about Kinderbach here.

We choose Virtues - TOS review

2012-01-22T21:30:00.001-05:00

Company: We choose Virtues

Product: Virtue Clue Cards
Price: $7.95 (On sale now for $5.99)
Website: www.wechoosevirtues.com

Miriam-Webster describes the word virtue as a commendable quality or trait.
Doesn't everyone want to have great virtues? In ourselves but also in our children. I want people to look at them and say, "Wow, those kids have been taught great virtues."

I know that. I'm sure you want that too. But, honestly, before I got the Virtue Clue Cards from We Choose Virtues, I wasn't real sure what a virtue was. I know know it's kind of a fancy work for character. Our family received the Virtue Clue Cards to review and we have had a lot of fun learning the cute phrases on each of the cards.

We Choose Virtues says that instilling virtues in kids is hard work. But it can be fun too. In fact there is no better way to learn. So they bring memorable catchphrases, endearing characters, and just plain fun to simply inspire character that lasts. It's the best choice you can make for the kids in your life.

The cards we received are reminders of what to say in certain situations. They come in a handy pack so we can review them anywhere. As you can see they have cute little characters on them and are designed for children age 3-11.

Here is what the company has to say about their program.

We Choose Virtues is a not unit study that you use once and then move on from. It is actually a character development tool that you use every day, every year. You introduce the Virtues, then demonstrate them, memorize the catchphrases, then learn the antonyms, then capture teachable moments when they are being used…or aren’t. You will be amazed how fast you will all learn to obey (not just learn what obedience is, but actually learn to obey!)…and 11 other Virtues too! There are 13 Parenting Cards, one card is the Butterfly and Caterpillar Card. It teaches that everyone was born able to change.

I love that. Isn't it great that we can all change? Even parents need to work on their character.

There are 12 Virtues in the Early Childhood through Elementary set. They are…I am Diligent, I am Kind, I am Helpful, I am Obedient, I am Forgiving, I am Perseverant, I am Gentle, I am Patient, I am Self-Controlled, I am Content, I am Honest, and I am Attentive.

Our family has been working on several of these. My favorite is I am Obedient.

We have hung this one on the refrigerator because it is very difficult for my kids. The phrase for this one is "Ok, whatever you say, I will obey, right away. I am NOT ... argumentative, slow or unwilling, and I don't refuse to do what I'm told.
My kids are pretty much the opposite of this. I told them I was going to keep saying this until they "got it". They are pretty sick of me saying it because I repeat it constantly.   Why is it so hard for them to obey me?

Guess it started in The Garden.

We also received a PDF copy of their coloring book along with the teacher's handbook and a few other resources that are free on their website. This is a great way to reinforce the virtues.    Bella loves to color so she really enjoyed this. The coloring book is available for only $3.00 as a PDF. You can reprint as many times as you like.

You can check out the full sets that you can get for your family here. The kits include posters, stickers and other things to help instill good virtues in your children.

Right now there is a clearance sale going on. You won't want to miss it.
You can see what the other crew members have to say about this product here.

We (okay, I) really enjoyed this product. I think it is a great way to help your children learn what is expected of them in a fun, cute way.

Please note that I received this product in exchange for my opinion in this review. No other compensation was provided.   Thank you to We choose Virtues and TOS for this opportunity.

Domino's anyone?

2012-01-20T10:23:00.000-05:00

Would you like Domino's for supper tonight? I'm always looking for coupons and good deals on Pizza. We love it.

There was a coupon on our box yesterday when David got the kids pizza so I thought I would share with my local readers. This is for the Cincinnati area.

Order a 1 topping Large pizza for only $3.99. That's the best deal I've seen. Ever.

One catch. You have to order online. So, go to www.cincydominos.com and use the code ONLNE to get your pizza's.

There is a limit of 2.

Here it is again. Order Domino's online with the code ONLNE and pay only $3.99 for a one topping LARGE pizza. Limit 2 per order

My suggestion is if you need more is just do it in two different orders. Can't hurt to try.

Let Amelia live - sign the petition.

2012-01-13T21:01:00.001-05:00

Little Amelia needs a kidney transplant. Her family is offering to donate one. She will die in less than a year without it.

Her doctors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said no. They will not do the transplant. Guess why? Because she is mentally handicapped. Yep, no other reason other than they don't feel her life is good enough to go on because she has a mental handicap.

Should we allow doctors to play God? I don't think so. What gives them the right to decide if she lives or dies? It is scary that we live in the best country in the world but yet children are denied the right to live based on what a doctor thinks they are worth.

You can help.

Click here to sign a petition to let this hospital know we don't think it is okay.  It only takes a minute. you could save a life.

If we allow doctors to do this, what next?  Do we check for IQ levels before treatment. What if they decide tomorrow that your child has a problem that makes them unworthy of a life saving treatment? It realy could come to that. Please go sign the petition. You can also read the entire story about Amelia here.

Matthew 25:40 says ""The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Amelia's parents thank you.  Amelia thanks you. I thank you. Most importantly, God thanks you.

God Bless.

Mile in His Shoes - DVD Review and Giveaway

2012-01-13T16:44:00.001-05:00

Our family is always looking for movies that are appropriate for our kids to watch. It is getting harder and harder to find these.

This movie is from the director of "Angels in the Outfield". It is a great story about an autistic boy who is amazing at baseball. A coach for a minor league team finds him totally by accident when he runs off the road while driving. He helps the young boy overcome some of his fears and difficulties he faces as a young man with Asperger's.

Our entire family loved this movie. The kids said it was sad and there is a part where there is a fight but nothing inappropriate at all.

We highly recommend this movie for your next family movie night. You won't be disappointed. One of my favorite things about this company (Propeller) that provides me with the movies is that I don't have to share them if I wouldn't use it personally. How cool is that?
You can find out more about the movie by visiting the following:

Website: http://www.watchgmctv.com/video/mile-his-shoes#biography

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Mile-In-His-Shoes/270101973014772?sk=wall

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2T0BFetH4

Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewmasterframe.asp

Would you like to win a copy for your own family to watch? One of my readers will win a copy of A Mile in His Shoes. Here's How...

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Thank you to Propeller for this wonderful DVD.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or

services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance

with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Ocean Spray - MyBlogSpark Giveaway and Review

2012-01-13T16:25:00.001-05:00

My kids love fruit snacks. I think most do. I have found good fruit snacks and pretty gross ones. My kids are picky about the kind that they eat. They actually like generic ones better than the expensive ones.

MyBlogSpark offered me Ocean Spray Real Fruit Snacks to try in exchange for this review. No other compensation was given.

I received 6 boxes of fruit snacks to try. Yep, you read that right. 6 boxes.   Three boxes of Assorted Fruit Flavor and three boxes of Berries and Cherries.

My kids love them. I usually don't eat fruit snacks because they are too sticky. I tried these and I have to admit I liked them too. They aren't sticky at all and they taste great.

Some great things to know about them are they are made with real fruit juice, no artificial colors or flavors, they are only 80 calories a pack. They are gluten free and contain 100% of the daily Vitamin C your kiddos need.   They also have Double Box Tops year round for those of you who save those.

I have been given 4 of these prize packs to give away.   So four of my readers will get 6 of these boxes for their own families.   Your chance of winning is great (well, actually 4 x as good).

Thank you to MyBlogSpark and Ocean Spray for this great product. My family loved it.

Frosted Toast Crunch - Review and Giveaway

2012-01-13T16:11:00.000-05:00

Need something new for breakfast? Are your kids tired of the same old cereal?

Introducing NEW Frosted Toast Crunch by General Mills. With the delicious taste of frosted vanilla, this cereal is totally irresistible. Just one bite of the new Frosted Toast Crunch will send you into breakfast bliss, with each crunch square baked with the delightful taste of frosted vanilla and dusted with a delicious dash of cinnamon.

Okay, you can tell that is a total advertisement, right? That is the information they sent me.

I received the following items.

Spilt milk bowl

Lickety spoon

Frosted pitcher

Frosted Toast Crunch cereal

This was given to me by General Mills through MyBlogSpar. My kids loved the cereal.

With 11 grams of whole grain, 9 grams of sugar and a good source of calcium, Frosted Toast Crunch offers a good start to the day
Crave those new FROSTED crazy squares? They’ll be available in your local grocers early January, just in time for return-to-school.

I haven't seen them yet in the store but I know they are coming. Would you like to win the same set I received? My kids favorite thing was the bowl and spoon. The bowl is flexible and looks like the milk is spilt. The spoon is shaped like a really long tongue. Every time Bella uses it she says, "Look Mom, my tongue is super long". It's funny looking, for sure.

I received this package in exchange for my honest opinion in this review. No other compensation was received. Thank you to MyBlogSpark and General Mills.

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