Schoolhouse Crew Review~Reading Kingdom

 

 As part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I was delighted to find out we were going to review Reading Kingdom again.  This is a wonderful online program for parents and teachers that teaches children to read and write up to a 3rd grade level.  The suggested age range is 4-10 but can be used by anyone not yet at the 3rd grade reading level.  Reading Kingdom is easy to use, and fun for children too! 

 

Reading Kingdom was created by Dr. Marion Blank, a world renowned expert on literacy.  Her program is the only program to incorporate elements of whole language and phonics, plus additional skills for reading and writing success without requiring memorizing complicated rules.  These six skills taught are:

*Sequencing

*Motor Skills

*Sounds

*Meaning

*Grammar

*Comprehension

Click here to learn more about the program and why Reading Kingdom works.

 

My son Chad is 10 years old and has Dyslexia.  He is at about a 2nd grade level in his reading.  What is really great about Reading Kingdom is that your child is given a skills assessment and then placed at the level they need to be at.  The program adjusts to your child's skill level and where he/she needs to be.  This aspect of the program makes me feel good about how he is progressing, I know he is learning what he needs to.  Chad enjoys Reading Kingdom-he is learning but still having fun.  The activities are fun for kids, while they learn!  We used Reading Kingdom four to five days a week. 

For such a great program, it is affordable too.  You can start with a Free 30 Day Trial. After that, Reading Kingdom is $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year (20% savings over monthly).  Additional children on your account are 50% off.  There are supplemental products available as well at the Reading Kingdom Store. 

Be sure to visit the Reading Kingdom Website for lots of valuable information and resources.  If you have a new or struggling reader, this is the program for you!

 

                 

Schoolhouse Crew Review~Notgrass Company: Draw to Learn

The Notgrass Company was started as a family business in 1999 by Ray and Charlene Notgrass.  Their homeschool curriculum is easy to use and Bible-based.  I was sent Draw To Learn Proverbs to review, along with access to the e-book versions of the other four Draw To Learn books.  The purpose of this series is to help children internalize truths from God's Word.  It is a combination of art and Bible Study.  The five Draw to Learn books available are Proverbs, Psalms, Paul, Acts, and The Life of Jesus.  There are directions in each book on how to expand it into a unit study if you wish.


There are 150 lessons in each book, enough for an entire year's curriculum.  Each lesson has a scripture to read and think about, and instructions for drawing a picture related to the scripture.  I loved the concept of this book/curriculum.  My son Chad loves to draw, and he really liked a lot of the drawings that were suggested.  We did a lesson every weekday, and took our time reflecting on the scripture and then drawing.  Here is one of Chad's drawings (for Proverbs 3:17-18).

The physical copy of the Draw to Learn books is $14.95.  It is spiral-bound and consumable.  The e-books are $9.95 and you can make as many copies as you wish.  With only one child, I prefer the physical copy, but the e-book would be a good choice for multiple children.  Since this book can be used with any age, it would be nice to do together as a family!  I definitely recommend this series, and check out all the great products available at the Notgrass website. 


       

Schoolhouse Crew Review~Christianity Cove

Christianity Cove is a leading supplier for Sunday School and Children's Church materials.  "Christianity Cove is your one-stop-shop for free Sunday School lessons, Bible games, crafts, skits and activities for Children's Church. Our blog features hundreds of fresh, fun, and creative ideas for helping your students understand the Bible and relate it to their own lives. We are firm believers that Children's Ministry does NOT have to be expensive or complicated. Just as Jesus could make an easy lesson from a nearby fig tree or a few seedlings by the roadside, our budget conscious lessons and activities make good use of what’s around us — either in the church storage closet, the garage at home, or the nearest dollar store. "

Members of the TOS Crew were able to review a variety of products available.  The materials are easily adaptable for home use.  I reviewed The 10 Commandments Activity Kit and The Lord's Prayer Lesson Pack.

My son Chad, 10, knows about the Ten Commandments but doesn't know them by heart.  The downloadable activity kit is full of activities, games, crafts, snacks, and worksheets to reinforce learning about the Ten commandments.  The regular price is $47, but currently there is an early bird special for just $27 for the first 250 who order.

The Lord's Prayer Lesson Pack came just at the right time.  For a few weeks, we had randomly been reciting The Lord's Prayer at dinnertime because it occurred to me that Chad didn't know it.  It is something that was recited regularly at both my husband's and my churches as children, so we had it memorized,  but is not recited at our church.  The downloadable Pack comes with activities, games, snacks, crafts, and worksheets.  The regular price is $39.99, but there is currently an earlybird special for the first 250 orders for only $19.99.

What I Thought: These two downloadable Activity Packs were a great fit for us. Chad learned so much (and retained so much) about the Ten Commandments and The Lord's Prayer. We would pick what we were in the mood for (craft, activity, etc.) every few days.  The crafts and activities are easy to do with items you probably already have at home, but are easy to find cheaply.  One of Chad's favorites was Fishing for Commandments(although it doesn't look like his favorite by the weird look on his face!):

I can see that these would be great products for Sunday School use.  As for the prices, they are a bit high for me and my family's budget, but would be inexpensive for church use.  They are great products though, so maybe budgeting ahead for them would work for families on a tight budget.  I suggest checking out Christianity Cove and seeing for yourself all they have to offer!

     

Schoolhouse Crew Review~Scaredy Cat Reading System Express

For the past several weeks, Chad and I have been reviewing Joyce Herzog's product Scaredy Cat Reading System Express.  Joyce Herzog offers many educational and Christian products, as well as educational services. Her Scaredy Cat Reading System is a mastery-based Phonics program that can be used for all students, even those with learning difficulties.

Chad is dyslexic and struggles with reading.  This past year he has improved quite a bit, but is still a few years behind.  I am always happy to try new programs with him, so that he can find what makes sense to him.  Joyce's reading program has three different levels you can purchase, and then the SCRS Express, which we tried, has all three levels condensed for the more advanced learner. This Express level would also be great if you feel your child may have some gaps and needs to brush up on the rules in reading.  I thought with Chad's age, the Express system would be the best choice for him.  Included in SCRS Express is:
*Teacher training section
*Two multi-use boardgames
*All the stories, word lists, and sentence lists
* The story of Lettermaster mini
*Using Lettermaster as a teaching tool
*SCRS Rules Songs CD

SCRS Express is available for $30 at Joyce Herzog's store.  Download a sample of the SCRS Express here.

The teacher training section has suggestions of different ways to teach the material, ideas for games and use of the word lists.  The Story of Lettermaster is a fun way to get kids to learn rules of letters and spelling.  Chad thought it was very entertaining.  There is also a DVD version you can purchase.  Chad's favorite part of the SCRS Express was playing the board games.  We would take turns choosing a word from the word list, and if the other person spelled it correctly they would roll the dice and move forward.  Here he is in the middle of a game:  

Overall, we both liked this program.  It was very flexible.  We spent about 30-45 minutes 3-4 times a week using it.The teacher training section took a few times of reading over before I felt ready to start the program-it has a lot of information in it!  The only part of the program Chad did  not like was the song CD-we just have a small handheld CD player, and the songs sounded muffled and hard to hear. I'm not sure if it was the CD or our player. Chad has definitely mastered words he did not have mastered before, and I see an improvement in his reading.  This summer, we are going to continue with the SCRS Express program.

Be sure to check out Joyce Herzog's website to see all it has to offer!  Click to read more reviews on the products from Joyce Herzog that the TOS Crew reviewed.

Schoolhouse Crew Review~God's Great Covenant OT1

Teaching my kids about the Bible is something I take seriously.  It's important to find good, quality, biblically sound materials to enhance their learning.  Classical Academic Press is a company that I trust and use when I  need quality educational materials that are in line with what I believe.  

As part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received these products from Classical Academic Press' God's Great Covenant: Old Testament 1, A Bible Course for Children:
God's Great Covenant Old Testament 1 Student Book $22.95
God's Great Covenant Old Testament 1 Teacher Book $24.95
God's Great Covenant Old Testament 1 Audio Files $9.95

God's Great Covenant Student Book, written by Claire A. Larsen,  is a large softcover book written at a 2nd grade level, and can be modified for older and younger students.  It covers the Bible chronologically from Genesis to Ruth.  There are 32 chapters, suggested to be completed one per week for the school year.  There are five themed units:
1. In the Beginning...God's Power (Genesis 1-11)
2. By the Patriarchs...God's Promises (Genesis 12-50)
3. Out of Egypt...God's Redemption (Exodus 1-34)
4. Through the Wilderness...God's Provision (Exodus -Deuteronomy)
5. In the Promised Land...God's Faithfulness (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Job)

Each chapter within the units has a theme, memory verse, stories, questions to answer, review worksheets, quizzes, puzzles, and more.  There are cute black and white illustrations throughout the book, and Appendixes and maps at the back of the book with a lot of helpful information.

The Teacher's Edition was so helpful. It has everything included in the Student Book with answers, plus additional facts and Children's Catechism questions.  The audio files are an MP3 download of the readings featured in God's Great Covenant: OT1.  This is a nice option to take a break from Mom or the child reading the stories.  Sample pages of each book and a suggested teaching schedule are available on the product pages.

Also available for purchase is the Old Testament Timeline and Map set for $36.95.  I did not review this, but can imagine it would be a great addition to the books. To save some money (aren't we all looking to do that these days??) consider purchasing the God's Great Covenant Old Testament One Bundle, which includes everything mentioned above (Timelines and Map Set too!) for only $79.95! This is nearly 15% savings.

What did Chad (age 10) and I think about this curriculum?  We love it, and I highly recommend it.  I had reviewed the New Testament 1 books last year and was so impressed, so I knew this would be a winner.  The stories are engaging and keep Chad's attention, and he loves the puzzles.  He really likes the cute black and white illustrations, and likes to use his colored pencils to give them color while I read the stories.  Even though Chad is in 4th grade, he is reading at an early 2nd grade level.  So, I do most of the reading.  In a few years when he is a stronger reader, I would like him to go through this book again on his own.  The Teacher's Edition is a gem-so full of facts, and I love the Catechism Questions.  The Appendixes are very helpful as well.  I especially liked Appendix D, which explains the Ten Commandments in a way kids can understand.  We are so pleased with God's Great Covenant OT1 that it is now our Bible Curriculum for the year!  I'm planning on purchasing the Old Testament 2 book next year.

You can find additional support at CAP's Facebook Page and their Student Support Site.  For more reviews of this product, click the Schoolhouse Crew banner below:



*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. 

Schoolhouse Crew Review~Samson's Classroom

Samson's Classroom is an online learning website for grades K-5, focusing on sight words, spelling, and reading.  With Dyslexia, Chad struggles in these areas and we have found that online games definitely help him progress. 

Sight Words with Samson is proven to help early readers master the 224 most commonly used words in the English language. Spelling with Samson is the most comprehensive spelling product on the market with over 5,000 words available.  Reading with Samson helps students learn how to comprehend and analyze what they are reading. 

The games are so much fun! This treasure chest game pictured above is Chad's absolute favorite Sight Word game from Samson's Classroom.  He enjoys all the games, and will actually keep going back until he gets every single answer correct!  There is a demo video you can watch to learn more about the program. 

Samson's Classroom is affordable at only $30 for a one-year membership for one student, or $50 for one year for up to four students.  There are also school memberships available.  Pricing information is available here. 

Our experience with Samson's Classroom was a positive one.  All of the games were a hit, and he is really learning a lot while playing them.  The Reading section was more advanced for Chad, and he could not do it himself.  I would help him read the passages, and then he would answer the questions himself.  There are lots of resources, including lesson plans and worksheets, on the website.  As a parent, you can always check what your child has been doing and how successful they are.  Kids also see for themselves what they have mastered, which is very motivating for my child.  You can try Samson's Classroom out for yourself by playing demo versions of the games!  For more Crew reviews, click the banner below:




*Disclosure: I received a free membership to Samson's Classroom in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Curriculum Review~God's Great Covenant

We've recently begun using a great bible course for children, written by Claire A. Larsen and published by Classical Academic Press.  It's called God's Great Covenant and is intended for 4th grade and up, but I have been using it with my 3rd grader with success.  There are two old testament courses available for 2nd-3rd grade and up, but the course we are using is God's Great Covenant New Testament 1: The Gospels. 

Using stories, worksheets, memory verses, devotional guides, quizzes, maps, and a little boy named Simon, children will follow the story of Jesus, the Messiah and King, as He is born and fulfills all God’s promises. 36 weekly chapters are included in four themed units:
*Jesus, the Son of Man
*Jesus, God's Servant
*Jesus, the Messiah
*Jesus, the Son of God
Here is a look at a sample worksheet:

The student book is consumable, and is written in slightly larger writing perfect for younger students.  Click here for a sample from the student book.

God's Great Covenant New Testament 1 student edition is $26.95.  There is also a Teacher's edition available for $29.95, which includes the entire student text plus answer keys and additional information. For only $9.95, you can also purchase an audio file of all the readings from the book.  The best deal, to save 15%, is to purchase the New Testament bundle for $56.95, which includes the three products mentioned above. 

I am really impressed with this curriculum, and can see using it as a family bible study as well as during school lessons.  It is thorough, well laid-out, and rooted in scripture.  I look forward to ordering the Old Testament studies as well.  Classical Academic Press has many products you might be interested in. 

To read more TOS crew reviews of this product, click here.

*Disclaimer: I received God's Great Covenant: New Testament 1 in exchange for my honest review. 

Curriculum Review: Christian Kids Explore Biology

Finding a good science curriculum that your kids enjoy and fits your beliefs can be difficult.  This past year I have been using a secular science curriculum, which has been fine, but I prefer a Christian-based science curriculum.  I was interested in reviewing the Christian Kids Explore Science series by Bright Ideas Press, hoping I would find a better fit for our family. 

 Bright Ideas Press publishes Christian Kids Explore Science, which is an award-winning series written by Stephanie L. Redmond. This series of four books is written for grades 3-6, but can easily be adapted for younger or older. These four books cover one year each of Biology, Earth & Space, Chemistry, and Physics.

Christian Kids Explore Science is 'unabashedly Christian' with a classical flavor, and contains 35 weekly lessons (suggested teaching twice weekly), all well-laid out and easy to follow for the teacher, with minimal prep time. 

We had the pleasure of reviewing Christian Kids Explore Biology, which is $34.95.  I was very impressed by the way the book and lessons are laid out.  There are 8 units consisting of 35 lessons.  Lessons consist of teaching time and hands-on time, as well as  coloring pages, vocabulary words, memory work, puzzles, review sheets and quizzes, creative writing assignments, and plenty of scripture throughout. There are 8 appendixes: Reproducible Forms and Maps, Memorization or Reference Lists, Scripture Memory, Instructions and Art for ABC book, Coloring Pages, Recipes and Supplemental Activities, Answer Key, and a huge supplemental book list!  These are the 8 units included in the Biology book:

*Biology Basics
*Plants in God's World
*Birds of the Earth
*Mammals in the Wild
*The Human Factor
*Reptiles all Around
*Insects High and Low
*Water Creatures

You can also purchase a digital download of all of the activity pages from the book, so if you have multiple children you can make plenty of copies.  Click here for a sample week from Christian Kids Explore Biology. 

What did we think of Christian Kids Explore Biology?  Well, I wish I would have had it at the beginning of the school year-it is awesome!  This curriculum was just what I was looking for!  I love how well laid-out it is, easy for Chad to understand, and there are plenty of activities to do. I was really excited by the supplemental book list too!  As Chad is in 3rd grade, this book series will be perfect for us for the coming years.  Check out the Bright Ideas Press Website for this and more great educational products!  Click here for more TOS Crew reviews of this book series.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of Christian Kids Explore Biology in exchange for my honest review. 

Curriculum Review: All About Reading

Thrilled is how I felt when I found out I was going to be reviewing All About Reading level 1 from All About Learning Press.  I already had a wonderful experience with their spelling program, All About Spelling, so I knew this would be another high quality product.

Chad has dyslexia, and I have learned that multisensory approaches work best with him. All About Reading is multisensory, and based on the Orton-Gillingham approach and the latest research. Lessons are mastery-based, so your child can go at their own pace and feel proud of their accomplishments at the end of every lesson.  All about Reading is a scripted program, meaning parents and teachers can just pick it up and teach with no preparation time.  The only items you need to have ready from  your own supplies are crayons, scissors, glue, tape, stapler, and a 2'x3' magnet board. 

Included in the All About Reading Level 1 Kit (pictured above) for $99.95:
*Teacher's manual
*Student Packet (includes activity book)
*Three hardbacked readers (Run, Bug, Run, The Runt Pig, and Cobweb the Cat)

The Deluxe Interactive Reading Kit (pictured above) is $48.95 and includes:

*Letter tiles

*Magnets for letter tiles

*The Basic Phonograms CD-ROM

*Reading Divider Cards

*Reading Review Box

*Reading Tote Bag

*Smiling Star Stickers

I received both the kits above, but there are other options.  You can purchase a Basic Interactive Reading Kit, and/or purchase many of the supplemental items individually to create your own kit. Click here to see the different options.

I wish All About Learning had been around when my teens were first learning to read and spell. It is the most thorough, complete, well-laid out program I have ever used. Chad is already reading, but at a beginning level, so we dove into Level 1 and found he knew a lot of it, but also needed to brush up on some things! After moving quickly through the first 20 lessons, I found the lesson he needed to be at, and he has been making great progress!  He has a hard time with blends, and All About Reading Level 1 has been a great help. Another great resource I found on the website is the Reading Resource Center, full of all sorts of great help for parents. 

All About Learning has a 100% money-back guarantee, and comes with lifetime support.  They truly want you and your child to succeed, and are there to help you. I HIGHLY recommend All About Reading, and all of the products/programs at the All About Learning Press. 

To read more crew reviews of this product, click here.  Disclaimer: I received All About Learning in exchange for my honest review.

Curriculum Review: Apologia's Who Am I?

I have had the pleasure of using Apologia Educational Ministries products in the past, and I have found them to be very high quality.  I have never been disappointed with a purchase from Apologia. Many homeschoolers associate Apologia with science, but there is so much more!  Members of the TOS Crew reviewed the Who Am I? , from the What We Believe series.  It was like Christmas morning at my house when the box arrived! 

The What We Believe series is about teaching your children the essential beliefs of the Christian faith.  The collection is saturated with scripture, and your kids will learn to use scripture as a tool to see the world. 

Who Am I? is the second book in the series.  The entire series is:
Who Is God?
Who Am I?
Who Is My Neighbor?
and What On Earth Can I Do? (to be released soon)

From the Apologia Press website, here is a description of Who Am I?:
"The second book in the What We Believe series, Who Am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?) helps children understand what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the Most High God. This study will enable students to develop a healthy self-image based on these biblical truths: God made me in His image and crowned me with glory; He has given me special gifts and a unique purpose in life; I can creatively express God's love; I am meant to think about beautiful and praiseworthy things, especially God and His Word; I must make decisions based on God's truth; I can always know the wise thing to do; I must cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life; I am a beloved child of God whose true identity is found in Christ."

This hardcover textbook is for the entire family, but written to students at a 6-14 year old level.  There are eight lessons total, which can each be covered within two weeks, or at your own pace.  Each lesson has these components:
The Big Idea (introduction/overview), What You Will Do (learning objectives), Short Story, Think About It (questions to answer), Words You Need To Know, Hide It In Your Heart (Bible verses to memorize), What Should I Do, Prayer, Worldviews In Focus, What's the Difference (discussion questions), and House of Truth (hands-on memory aid only in four of the eight lessons).  The price for this text is $39.

Who Am I? is colorful, engaging, and full of wonderful lessons.  For our family, Chad enjoyed it (especially the short stories),  but we found his attention span didn't last long. Also as he is not a strong reader yet,so he had to have it all read aloud to him.  I think in another year or two this will be a perfect bible study for our family to do together!

To go along with the main text, there is also a Who Am I? Notebooking Journal, which retails for $24.  It is again very high quality, color pictures, and full of engaging activities for children.  The Who Am I? Audio CD, which presents the text in audio form, is available for $19.  This is a nice option, although it is not a standard CD, it is MP3-compatible.  If it does not play on your CD player, it will play on your computer.

We also received the Who Am I? Coloring Book, which at $8 is a great addition to round out the collection. 

Now you can see why it was Christmas at our house when our Who Am I? set arrived!!  The quality of these books makes them a great deal for the prices, and I recommend them to any family looking for a thorough, strong bible curriculum or family study.  I am planning on purchasing the first set in the series, Who Is God?, next!  Make sure to check out the Apologia website for tons of information and resources, as well as sample pages for the products I described above.  If you want to read more reviews of Who Am I?, click here.

Disclaimer: I received these products in exchange for my honest review.

Curriculum Review: ALEKS

What is ALEKS?  The following is from the ALEKS website:

Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is an online mathematics program that provides personalized learning and assessment tailored to a student's individual needs. Using artificial intelligence and adaptive, open-response questioning, ALEKS quickly and accurately determines what a student knows and is most ready to learn within a course. Learn more by watching a quick 2 minute video.



With a comprehensive course library ranging from elementary school math to complex subjects such as PreCalculus, ALEKS acts much like a human tutor to help take the stress off of homeschooling parents.


ALEKS offers highly-targeted, individualized instruction from virtually any computer with Internet access, making it a comprehensive and mobile education solution for students in grades 3-12. A subscription to ALEKS offers access to all courses and students may take as many courses as needed during their subscription period.

When I found out I was going to review ALEKS, I was a bit concerned.  ALEKS is for grades 3 and up, and Chad is doing 2nd grade math this year due to his delays.  When we took the assessment though, the program kept adjusting until it found what he could do, and then found plenty of areas for him to work on.  The picture directly above is what the parent's master account looks like.  Each child also has their own account.

After the initial assessment, the child has their own pie chart, which shows what they have mastered and what they need to work on.  They can then choose which items they want to work on that day.  Chad liked having the choice to pick what he wanted to do, instead of Mom telling him.  Here is the pie chart:

While working on problems, the ALEKS program is constantly adjusting to meet the needs of the student.  I really think that is amazing!  I'm not the best at understanding technology, but I'm really impressed with that.  The child gets immediate feedback, and the parents get a report by email on what the child has learned/accomplished that week.  When the child takes a quiz, parents get the results right away. 

How much does ALEKS cost?  A subscription to ALEKS costs:

$19.95 per student, per month, or


only $99.95 every 6 months, or

only $179.95 every 12 months.

Learn about their family discount program.
 

You can also request a free 2-month trial by clicking here.  Two months is a long time for a free trial, and would really give you a chance to decide if ALEKS is for your family. 

Overall, I thought the ALEKS math program would be a great math curriculum or extra resource.  To read more TOS crew reviews of this program, click here.

*Disclaimer: I was given a free trial of ALEKS in exchange for my honest review.