Fabulous and Frugal!

One of my family's favorite recipes during the Christmas season is Super Moist Double Chocolate Chip Muffins. These are soooooooo easy to make that it is embarrassing! Enjoy!

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix
1 can of pumpkin puree (15 oz)
1 cup mini-chocolate chips

Mush cake mix and pumpkin together. Add chocolate chips. Scoop batter into greased muffin tins (I use the miniature muffin tins and spray with no-stick spray. A small ice cream scoop is great for portioning the batter.) Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean (melted chocolate doesn't count as dirty. LOL!)
Serve warm or cool - they actually get more moist as they are stored. I store them in a large ziplock bag or a plastic container with a lid. I usually get around 48 mini muffins from this recipe. It is great to make and take to a breakfast gathering, too.

I almost always have the ingredients for these muffins on hand. As a matter of fact, I usually double the recipe and use the large can of pumpkin and 2 cake mixes. If you are not a chocolate lover, use a different flavor of cake mix and add in nuts or dried fruit instead of chocolate chips. I haven't found a combination yet that my family didn't love.

Reading Fluency

Read Live is a computer-based reading fluency program designed for both polishing a good reader’s skills and developing fluency in struggling readers.  We have had a love/hate relationship with this program.  Why?  At first, the set up and assessments were a bit tedious.  Once we began actually using the program, my daughter saw immediate improvement in her reading skills. She didn’t like “practicing” reading stories aloud several times; but, when she saw the improvement, she decided it was well worth it.  How does the program actually work?  Once the teacher (parent) sets up the initial information, students take computerized fluency assessments.  The teacher selects the level at which to administer the fluency assessments. I administered several assessments until my daughter was at a level where she didn’t meet the benchmark score.  Once there, I placed her in the last level at which she met the target score.  Now, my daughter can login to her area and go through lessons somewhat on her own.  She selects a story and reads aloud to me or an older sibling, making note of the last correct word read in the allotted time.  This is for practice.  Then, I, as the teacher, login concurrently and score her reading the selection aloud.  This gives an initial score.  She then is given opportunity to practice reading the selection several times.  There is an option to listen to each selection, too, which helps with reading cadence and confidence.  After the required number of practice readings, she is timed while reading aloud again. If she reaches her benchmark, she will be allowed to move on to another story.  Part of the final assessment on each selection is a short comprehension quiz.  There is immediate feedback for the quiz.  “Awards” are given to students as they meet or surpass benchmark scores.  Once all stories are completed at a given level, students move on to another level.

Although Read Live seemed complicated to me at first, we settled in to the system and are actually enjoying it.  I think it will be something that we will keep up for this year because I am seeing so much improvement.  Read Live is available for purchase on the Read Naturally website.  It is purchased by the number of students who will be using the program.  Pricing begins at $149 for one “seat” (student).  Plenty of support (both technical and educational) is available through the the program and the website.  Take it from a total “non-technical person, the “techno” side of the program is not difficult at all.  If you just follow the installation and set up instructions step-by-step, you will not have any problems with the program.  I really see the benefit of this program. I have been using it with a 6th grader; however, it is designed for students with reading levels in grades 1-8.  I could see it being used by a very advanced kindergarten student just as easily as it could be used by a 10th grade student who reads at a 6th grade level. The stories are very appropriate and don’t look “baby.”  The juvenile look of stories has been the main complaint of my kids when using computer based reading programs.  We were thrilled with the professional look of Read Live. 

To read other reviews of Read Live, as well as reviews of other Read Naturally products, visit the main Homeschool Crew Review Blog, here. 

**I was not compensated in any way by Read Naturally or TOS. The opinions expressed are my own.**

Math Mammoth is a Grand Slam!!

“Can I always do this math, mom?” This is the question my daughter asked after just three pages of work in her new Math Mammoth Blue Series Division 2 Worktext.  I actually caught her at 10:00 last night working on math. She has always excelled in math, but for some reason the concept of division has alluded her.  When I found out we were going to receive Math Mammoth as a review item, I knew this would be the answer to her problem.  I used a different Math Mammoth worktext years ago with a student I was tutoring, and loved the layout of the curriculum.  I had completely forgotten how thorough each product is!  Maria Miller, author of the Math Mammoth curriculum, is a former math teacher with a master’s degree in mathematics (minoring in physics and statistics).  She is no longer in a traditional classroom because she is a homeschooling mom.  Her products are her solution to math curricula which contains more “fluff” than content. Maria offers both worktexts (complete instructional curriculum) and worksheet collections.  We are currently using Division 2, but will be moving into Decimals and then Fractions when we are finished with Division 2.  These worktexts are designed for students to work fairly independently. I have found that my daughter is able to read the examples and explanations and complete the accompanying exercises with little to no assistance from me.  Most importantly, she seems to be retaining what she is learning. The topical nature of the curriculum enables her to focus completely on one area and master that area before moving on.  We will definitely be continuing to use Math Mammoth for mastery in math as long as possible. 

Math Mammoth is a digital product.  The Blue Series, which we are using, is fabulous to use as either a complete curriculum or as a supplement for topics where your child is struggling.  Maria gives a very generous use license policy for her products.  Parents / teachers are allowed to make as many copies as they need for their child(ren)/students forever.  Math Mammoth products can be purchased as downloadable products or in a c.d. format.  You can choose to print one worksheet or an entire worktext.  For my purposes, I print an entire worktext, remove the answer key pages, print a front and back cover on cardstock (which I then laminate), and comb bind the book.  This gives a sturdy math workbook that will withstand being carried in a backpack.  I require all math to be done in pencil so mistakes can be corrected neatly.  The Blue Series worktexts are very reasonably priced from $2-$7 each, or the entire series for $95 (download), $100 (cd).  The beauty of the entire series is that it covers all topics necessary for grades 1-6. Think about it, an entire math curriculum for grades 1-6 for under $100! Amazing!  And the fact that you can print these files over and over (think multiple children) makes it even more affordable.  Maria generously offers a sample pack of her worksheets on her website.  With the sample pack, you will receive around 300 worksheets representing her different products.  By utilizing her “try before you buy” sample, you can have a great idea of whether or not this curriculum will be a good fit for your child. To purchase Math Mammoth products, visit the website, here. You will select your product(s) and then be redirected to Kagi to make your purchase. 

Math curriculum choices are highly individualized; however, with Math Mammoth there are so many affordable choices that it is simple to find something that works for you.  Maria is one of the most gracious curriculum publishers I have ever encountered.  If you are not sure about what curriculum to choose, simply contact her and she will expertly guide you through the selection process. In my opinion, Math Mammoth is one of the most thorough and easy to understand math curricula on the market today.

To read other reviews of these worktexts, as well as other Math Mammoth products, visit the main crew blog page, here.

**I was not compensated in any way by TOS or Math Mammoth in exchange for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own".**

Increasing Vocabulary Painlessly

College Prep Genius has created a great new series of books designed to increase vocabulary by simply reading.  The Vocab Café book series is an ingenious set of novellas, geared toward teens, which incorporate SAT level vocabulary words in context.  We have been privileged to use this series for the past month, and have enjoyed it thoroughly.  There are four books in the series.  Each book has a mystery theme of some sort.  These stories are intriguing, engaging, and wholesome.  No foul language is used and no “adult” type themes are used.  Some of the action may be a bit strong for younger readers, but that is up to a parent to decide.  300 vocabulary words are used in each book. These words are set off in a boldface print so students will recognize when they come upon a word to remember.  Each new word is defined at the bottom of the page on which it appears.  At the end of each chapter, the vocabulary words introduced in the chapter are listed for review.  So far, my high school boys have had no trouble reading and understanding the new words and have thoroughly enjoyed the story lines.  We are continuing to use the books for the rest of the school year as a supplement to our regular curriculum.  I definitely recommend Vocab Café as a new approach to vocabulary study.  If your child is focusing on college entrance exams, such as the SAT, this type of study is crucial.  “Based on a three-step approach to increasing vocabulary, each book highlights 300 advanced words by using DEFINITION, REPETITION, and REINFORCEMENT.” (from the College Prep Genius website) I teach college entrance exam prep classes and will be recommending these books to my students. 

Currently, the creators of the Vocab Café series are offering a great special on the books.  If you buy 3 books, you will receive the 4th book free.  So, all four books in the series are available for $38.95.  I love this deal!  I have been recommending this series to homeschooling friends who have high school age children.  We really love it! 

One tool that could provide even more reinforcement for your child, if needed, is something I found in the current TOS High School Planner.  There is a vocabulary study page in the planner.  This page would be an awesome companion to the Vocab Café series.  Students could create a page for each word as they read each chapter.  What an easy way to add 1,200 new vocabulary words to a student’s repertoire!

To read other reviews about the Vocab Café series, visit the main TOS Homeschool Crew Blog. To purchase the Vocab Café series, or explore other products available through College Prep Genius, visit their website here.

**I have received no compensation by TOS or College Prep Genius in exchange for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.**

The Person I Marry, by Gary Bower

"Long before thinking of diamonds & glitter,
here are some things that I need to consider."

The Person I Marry  is a 32-page, beautifully illustrated book, written by Gary Bower.  This book is written in a poetic form in a style that is easy to understand by any age.  Bower addresses Godly character traits that young men and women need to focus on developing in themselves as well as looking for in a potential spouse.  He does a masterful job of demonstrating to readers the importance of inner beauty versus outer beauty.  Readers are also shown that choosing a lifelong mate is not something to be entered into haphazardly.  Bower masterfully exhibits the importance of deeper qualities, such as kindness, honesty, and faithfulness, that are crucial to strong relationships.  The illustrations are gorgeous original oil paintings done by Jan Bower.  This book is so beautiful!  It would be an amazing keepsake book.  We have enjoyed reading it so much.  I am thinking of buying several to give to new parents as gifts.  Children, single adults, teens, engaged adults, married adults of all ages will enjoy The Person I Marry. Bower's book retails for $11.99 and is available through the Bower Books website at http://www.bowerbooks.com/brightfuturebooks.html.  For further information about this book,  check out this video:

The Person I Marry from Bower Books on Vimeo.
To read other reviews, visit the TOS Homeschool Crew main blog page here.
**I have received no compensation from TOS or Bower Books in exchange for this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.**

Reading and Writing in High School

Excellence in Literature, by Janice Campbell, is a comprehensive reading and writing curriculum for high school students.  We have been utilizing the ninth grade (English 1) program and have been thoroughly impressed.  What makes Excellence in Literature  so special?  First of all, the overall objectives for the program are much more comprehensive than the overall objectives for most literature programs I have examined.  Take a look at this exerpt from the Introduction to Literature book itself:

Excellence in Literature (EIL) is a college-preparatory course of study. It is my goal to:

• Introduce students to great literature from the western literary tradition.

• Teach students to read with discernment.

• Train independent, self-motivated learners.

• Provide tools that students can use to strengthen their writing skills.

• Introduce students to sources for high-quality online and offline research.

• Prepare students for college classes by expecting carefully researched, well-thought-out material to be presented in standard format, with preliminary proofreading completed.

We haven't come anywhere near to completing the curriculum, yet, because this is a full year curriculum.  However, from what we have been able to do so far, this is definitely a winner.  Janice Campbell has done a great job of compiling an assortment of classic literature assignments and very thorough explanations about things as simple as "How to Read a Book."  There are examples and explanations for every type of writing assigned.  The first unit covers an assortment of short stories.  These short stories could be difficult to find in a library, so Campbell includes links to websites where the short stories can be either read online or printed out and read.  We like the ability to print out short stories so things can be highlighted and notes taken.  This is a great help when a student is working on an essay over a story.  Students are given at least one writing assignment over each story.  My son likes looking through the extra resources and internet links that are given with each unit.  These links are really helpful when the time comes to work on writing assignments.  He has also really appreciated the fact that the writing assignments are not 'over the top' in length.  Some literature programs are so deep in the first year program that students stay confused and discouraged.  This program eases students into literary analysis in a way that is challenging but not discouraging.  Nine units are included, each unit being four weeks long.  This allows for a full year curriculum.  Assignments are divided out by week and are easy for students to follow. 

     If you are looking for an honors literature program, Campbell provides optional assignments to use EIL as an honors class.  Additional reading assignments and papers are required for honors.  She provides directions for the parent on how to grade the writing assignments and on how to facilitate the course for students. 

     Overall, we are enjoying using Excellence in Literature.  I hope to continue using it with my children through their high school years. 

     Excellence in Literature Introduction to Literature is available at http://www.everyday-education.com/literature/eng1.shtml in print for $29 + $4.95 shipping and handling or as an e-book for $27.  We have used the e-book version and love the versatility -- especially when using one of the web links provided.  It is much easier to copy and paste a web address than to type it in correctly. 

    To read other reviews about EIL Introduction to Literature, check out the main crew blog page, here. 

**I was not compensated in any way in exchange for this honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own.**