Developing Deductive and Mathematical Reasoning Skills

Do you remember when you were a child and you sent messages back and forth to friends in the form of secret codes?  I remember the ‘status symbol’ of secret codes was being able to create a code that no one could crack.  With the influx of electronic entertainment, it seems children today miss out on some of the fun things, which gave us valuable thinking skills we didn’t realize we were learning,  we adults used to do as kids.

     Critical Thinking Company has a slew of workbook and computer activities that help children learn and reinforce deductive reasoning and inference. We were given a copy of Crypto Mind Benders to use and review.  It is a very challenging workbook.  Intended for children in grades 3-12, Crypto Mind Benders gives students 2 or more mathematical puzzles which, when solved, allow students to solve a cryptogram.  Each cryptogram is a famous quotation. Thankfully, the first couple of pages contain a sample activity with complete instructions on how to solve it. 

     Honestly, my children have struggled with these puzzles.  I have even struggled with them.  I have an eleventh grader and a ninth grader who give up on them after just a few minutes because they think they are too complicated.  I find them challenging and virtually drive myself crazy if I can’t solve one.  I definitely see value in the skills being reinforced by Crypto Mind Benders.  Students, including my own children, are so used to solutions being handed to them that these puzzles frustrate them – in a good way (by making them think).  I am going to continue giving these to my own kids over the summer to give their brains a little ‘exercise.’  I really think that they will eventually see them as something fun to do.  I can see the benefits they are reaping in their math and logical thinking skills.  I am even considering incorporating some of these puzzles into my ACT Prep class when we are working through math preparation. 

     I think Crypto Mind Benders is a good concept and effective workbook.  I would recommend it to both classroom teachers and homeschoolers who are looking for educational activities to be used for extra credit, game time, or rewards.  On the Critical Thinking Company website, you can look inside the workbook to see what it is all about.  You may purchase this workbook, as well as many others, on the website.  Crypto Mind Benders retails for $10.99.  It is a consumable workbook, if you use the paperback version.  However, fortunately it is available as an e-book for $10.99.  The e-book version would be ideal for use with multiple children.

      My friends on the TOS Homeschool Crew have been using and reviewing Crypto Mind Benders, as well as other Critical Thinking Company products.  To read their great reviews, check out the main crew blog page.

**Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.**

It’s That Time of Year, Again!

What time of year? The time when homeschoolers are searching for new curriculum for the upcoming school year.  What do you consider when searching for a Bible curriculum?  I search for a curriculum that is engaging, easy to implement, and, most importantly, scripturally and doctrinally sound.  These characteristics come together beautifully in God’s Great Covenant, New Testament 1: A Bible Course for Children.

     This curriculum, geared toward children in fourth grade and up, is published by Classical Academic Press (one of my favorite curriculum publishers).  We have been using the student edition, the teacher edition, and the mp3 audio files.  We love the layout of this curriculum.  The student edition is divided into several sections for each chapter. The book is divided into 36 weekly chapters, organized according to 4 themed units.  Bible facts, history, and doctrinal truths are taught both through scripture and through a fictional character named Simon.

Each chapter contains:

• • A memory page that includes a weekly memory verse, key facts chart, fulfillment of prophecy section
  • A thought-provoking “Think About It” question that encourages children to consider how to relate to God in their own lives
  • A worksheet and quiz
• Unit reviews that contain a memory verse worksheet, devotional guide, and a fun short story of life in Simon’s world

     The teacher edition is a reproduction of the student edition with room provided for study / teaching notes.  Additional research and background information is included for the teacher as well as answer keys for all of the student workbook pages.  From a teaching point of view, I love the teacher edition format.  It is so convenient to have my teaching materials and the student materials together. 

     My daughter is currently in the sixth grade, and loves ‘homework.’ (I know, as homeschoolers all of our work is homework, but that is her term for independent work).  God’s Great Covenant, New Testament 1: A Bible Course for Children is so engaging and simple to implement that I can allow her to work very independently through the lessons and memory work.  I really think that even a young middle school student would enjoy this curriculum.  It provides a thorough study of the Gospels.  There are tons of ‘extras’ in this curriculum.  There are Bible maps, an introduction to the historical and political setting of the scripture to be studied, an introduction to the cultural setting, an introduction to the geographical setting, and an introduction to the religious setting.  The beauty of this curriculum is that you have so many resources at your fingertips that you really have simple preparation.  The mp3 audio files are simply scripture being read dramatically.  They are well done and give yet another level of resources to utilize. 

     God’s Great Covenant, New Testament 1: A Bible Course for Children is available from the Classical Academic Press website for $26.95.  The teacher’s edition is also available for separate purchase for $29.95.  The mp3 files can be purchased for $9.95. A New Testament 1 bundle can also be purchased for $56.95.  You can even view a sample of both the student edition and teacher edition here. I think this would be a fun curriculum to use with several children.  I can really see a lot of discussions coming from each lesson. 

     Lots of other TOS Homeschool Crew members have used and reviewed this same curriculum.  To read what they have to say, visit the main crew blog.

**Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.**

Hands-On Algebraic Concept Instruction

    I was so excited to be able to receive and review another product from Aims Education Services. Earlier this year we were able to use and review one of the science activity books from Aims.  Now we are using one of their math activity books.  We have been using activities from the Looking at Lines activity book.  Used by students in grades 6-9, this book gives hands-on exercises to reinforce algebraic concepts. 

     This is a non-consumable activity book with easy-to-follow parent/teacher instructions and worksheets / manipulatives to copy for student use.  The consumable pages can be printed from the companion c.d. which is included in the back of the book. 

     I really like the layout of the Aims Education Services books.  The parent/teacher instructions are very thorough.  The student pages at the grades 6-9 level are designed so activities can be done independently, for the most part.  We are enjoying the Looking at Lines book as enrichment / enhancement in preparation for pre-algebra.  My daughter is in the sixth grade and loves math.  She completed a math class at our local co-op last year that she loved.  It was hands-on and she really retained the concepts in the class.  The activities in Looking at Lines accomplish this, too.  It seems that algebraic concepts seem much less complex when they are able to be touched and manipulated instead of just being worked with pencil and paper. 

     She is getting experience using graphs, charts, lines, even a balance scale.  These activities take math concepts and apply them to real life situations.  I like the activities because they give a practicality to math studies.  She likes them because they are fun!

     I think Looking at Lines would be wonderful for any student needing reinforcement of math concepts.  It can also serve well as an introduction to algebraic concepts.  Some of the concepts covered in this activity book are:  proportional relationships, non-proportional relationships with positive slopes, and non-proportional relationships with negative slopes.  There are 32 activities included and over 200 pages of information and activities.  Looking at Lines will enhance any classroom, whether traditional classroom with many students or a homeschool setting.

     Looking at Lines is available on the Aims Education Services as either a print book or a downloadable book for $24.95.  To purchase, visit their website, here. 

     My TOS Homeschool Review crewmates have been reviewing this as well as other great products from Aims Education Services.  To read their reviews, visit the main crew blog page. 

**Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.**

Write with World

     I must confess, I am a very old school teacher of grammar and writing.  At least, I was until we began using Write with World.  This new, innovative writing curriculum is very different from any of the more formulaic writing curricula I have used (or perused) over the past many years (that exact number shall remain a secret).  I have even been guilty of teaching students multiple patterns to follow for essay writing, narrative writing, and even sentence structure.  Write with World is different and I am completely sold on it!

     Write with World is:  “a new writing curriculum for homeschools and schools that requires students "to think and make choices, not just follow a formula. We don't want to tell students always to combine sentences [or] start a new paragraph after five sentences."The curriculum also pushes for specific detail by having students compare paragraphs of different kinds and see for themselves which work better.”          Our son is using the Write with World curriculum, currently.  He is able to read each lesson and complete the writing assignments virtually independently.  The lessons exhibit a strong Christian worldview, which is refreshing.  The first group of lessons involves students examining advertising and media.  They are eye opening lessons about the power of words. He is enjoying the lessons immensely.  The only supplies required beyond the student and teacher workbooks are some type of notebook or journal in which to write and something with which to write. 

     We are using the first year curriculum right now.  It is designed for Middle School age students.  I know that age varies, but around us it is typically students in grades 5-9.  I think it may be a little beyond an average fifth grader, unless the parent/teacher provides a great deal of assistance.  My son is in the 9th grade and is utilizing it with no problems at all.  I really feel it could be used by even older students who need help polishing their writing.  It is a very effective writing curriculum which, if used diligently, will aid students in becoming excellent writers.

     A subscription to Write with World includes the student book, parent/teacher book, and one year of online access to the soon-to-be released support website, and is available for $95 (for either first year or second year) and $165 for both years (this price includes 2 years web access).  To purchase the Write with World curriculum, visit the Learn with World website. 

     My TOS Homeschool Crewmates have also been using the Write with World program over the past few weeks.  To read more reviews about the program, visit the main crew blog page, here. 

**Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.**

History from a Christian Perspective

“Parents, think back on your years as a student in history class. There was one focus: human actions... so we assumed history was the "story of humankind." Though we eschew humanism, we can unknowingly teach history to our children as we were taught. We look only at the people of yesteryear. Is it any wonder history seems so futile and fruitless, so past-oriented, insignificant, and weak?
Since nothing began without the Lord God, history is actually the mighty story of what He has initiated, revealed about Himself, and said to be true. People are not the makers of history, He is. God initiates and people respond... thus history happens.
This huge difference transforms the deepest nature of your history study. It impresses your children with the involvement and impact of God above that of people. History becomes a convincing demonstration of His nature, power, and love. Truth-revealing history is no mere recitation of the past, but prepares for the present and future! It is the mission of TruthQuest History to provide deep daily support and freeing direction in that great endeavor!”
God initiates > People respond > History happens.
     This is the mission statement of TruthQuest History. It is so evident in the TruthQuest products!  We were given the Age of Revolution II guide to use for purpose of review.  I must say, I feel like I have only scratched the surface.  TruthQuest History is changing the way I not only want to teach history, but also the way my kids learn history.  I want them to see the history of the world from a Christian worldview.  I want them to always recognize the hand of God in our existence.  TruthQuest guides give us the resources to do this. 
     I was not quite sure what to expect before receiving TruthQuest.  I have been used to curriculum that dictates lessons in student / teacher textbooks.  TruthQuest is so different.  I’m sure those who use a Charlotte Mason or living books approach to education are very familiar with the style of TruthQuest, but I was not.  It is really unique and easy to use.  We are using a guide geared toward kids in grades 5-12.  It covers history from 1800-1865 in America and Europe.  The guide is arranged chronologically, by topic.  Each topic is introduced and then a myriad of books are suggested. 
     There would be no way anyone could read all of the books suggested, of course.  It is fabulous that such a large list is provided.  It makes finding appropriate books very easy.  The books are listed as ‘spine’ books (books that serve as the backbone for your entire study), ‘insight books’ (books which are more specific to selected topics), and ‘snapshot books’ (books that can supplement other reading on a topic).  The books suggested for each topic are listed by appropriate grade level, and, when appropriate a brief synopsis or annotation about the book is provided.
     Scattered through the lessons are opportunities for students to do ThinkWrite exercises.  These are writing activities designed to help students digest the material they have been learning.  These writing exercises are much more meaningful than just requiring students to regurgitate facts.  Suggested answers are provided for the parent/teacher, but, students have a lot of freedom to synthesize information and express opinion in light of fact. 
     I am looking forward to implementing TruthQuest History from the beginning of the school year.  I have been looking at the 3-year plan suggestions and really think it would provide a great, comprehensive, World and American History study for my kids.  We have been doing several studies lately which really emphasize developing a strong Christian worldview and TruthQuest History reinforces that completely.
     Other crew members have used and reviewed the other TruthQuest History guides.  To read about their experiences, visit the main crew blog, here.  To examine the TruthQuest History guides more closely, and to be able to download samples, visit the TruthQuest History website.  Trust me, it will take you quite a while to delve through all of the information on the website!  There is so much available!  It is amazing!  The guides are very reasonably priced.  The Age of Revolution II guide that we are using is priced at $24.95 for the .pdf version (which we are using) and $29.95 for the print version.  This guide is over 300 pages in length.  I have enjoyed the .pdf version because there really are no activities requiring printing.  I can use the entire guide from my computer or IPad.  It is really convenient to have it on an e-reader device for library or bookstore trips. 
     I highly recommend TruthQuest History products for any family seeking to provide a strong Christian worldview in their history studies.  We will be using more of their products in the years to come. 
Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

Academic Success for all Learners

I See Sam books are a series of short readers designed to increase reading fluency, vocabulary skills, and comprehension for children whose reading levels fall between K and grade 3.6.  We have been reading the stories in sets 7 and 8 for the past several weeks.  While they are below the reading level at which my daughter tests, these books are great quick reads and have been wonderful for reinforcement and improving skills. She is really enjoying them!
      Each book includes vocabulary words and skills to be emphasized.  These little books are divided into short stories, similar to the readers I remember using when I was in elementary school.  They are the perfect length for a child to read aloud without becoming frustrated or tired of reading.  The stories are interesting and engaging.  Even though the books and illustrations are completely in black and white, they are very visually appealing. 
      There are multiple free and paid additional resources that can be used with the I See Sam books.  On the Academic Success for all Learners website you can even download a free book, a placement / assessment test, success tracking materials, and flashcards.  The website is simple to navigate.  I See Sam book sets are available for $30 / set.  Each set contains ten books, with each subsequent book more difficult than the previous.  They are available for purchase through the Academic Success for all Learners website. 
     These little books are fabulous for taking along in the car or to appointments because they are the size of a half sheet of paper and they are paperback.  They fit easily into a purse or backpack without adding tons of extra weight.  I recommend them for any family with early readers or any family with reading children who need to strengthen their reading skills.  Members of the crew were able to use and review all of the books in this series.  To read reviews of other levels, visit the main crew blog, here. 


**I have received no compensation from TOS or Academic Success for all Learners in exchange for this review.**

Internet Safety

Action Alert is a comprehensive internet safety program.  It is available in two versions:  a free version which provides pre-set safety features in a quick download, and a paid version ($29.99) which provides completely customizable maximum internet protection.  The internet can be very dangerous when not monitored and supervised.  It is not only dangerous for children, but also for adults.  There have been many times when I or my husband have typed in a web address incorrectly and been directed to a very objectionable website.  Action Alert can help prevent both accidental and intentional visits to objectionable web content.  With the paid version I was able to test for the purpose of this review, I found parents can set up alerts, timers, blocks, and even can remotely shut down a computer if activity is questionable.  This program is an updated version of the PGKey product I reviewed last year.  I think it is a good program; however, there are a few bugs that need to be worked out of the program.  For some reason, after installation of Action Alert I had trouble with the computer freezing and running slow. I have had this problem with filter programs before and I am not sure if anything can be done about it.  I know that some filter/protection programs can conflict with other software.  I have not found any conflicts listed on the Action Alert website, but I did notice some conflicts on my computer.  I think if Action Alert were installed and then computer settings were adjusted by someone who actually knows what they are doing the problem would be solved.  I am just not enough of a computer person to know what to do.  The concept behind Action Alert is great.  Families should use some type of monitoring on their internet.  I think it could be used effectively but there will be a learning curve with it and computer adjustments to be made.  Try out the free version first, before you commit to the paid version.  That way, if you have any computer issues, you will know that the program may not work with your current computer configuration.  Both the free and the paid version of Action Alert are available on the Action Alert website.  To read other reviews of Action Alert, visit the main crew blog here. 

**I have received no compensation from TOS or Action Alert in exchange for this review.**