Monday, June 29, 2020

Menu Monday





Joe and I are getting used to working extra and also I'm studying to get my TEFL certification to teach online.  I'm also teaching Outschool classes in Minecraft.  So between the virtual sports and this, we are a busy family again. 

Here's what is on the menu this week....

Sunday
B- Biscuit sandwiches
L- Leftovers
D- Baked chicken and rice


Monday
B - Cereal and fruit
L - Hot dogs on the grill
D- Cube steak and potatoes/gravy

Tuesday
B - Open
L - Tacos
D- Sp. Bolognese 

Wednesday
B - pancakes and bacon
L - 
chicken salad or crab rolls
D -Leftovers catch up

Thursday
B - Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
L - Leftovers

D- Enchilada skillet

Friday
B- cereal and yogurt
L- Sandwiches
D- 
Butter noodles and meatballs

Saturday
B- biscuit and gravy bake
L- PB & J sandwiches
D- Grill night?!?


Why I plan.....
Who isn't busy?!?!  Kids schedules, schoolwork, work, WOW!!  Life just does not stop!

When I create a menu, I include our schedule on it also.  In fact, I type the schedule into the table that I created first.  Then I know what is going on that day, and I can plan crockpot meals or even know if I need to have a make-ahead meal ready.  I do not use a fancy downloadable calendar, I simply use Microsoft Word.  I have a table I created on there.  At the bottom, I keep a running list of menu items that either I want them to try or food that is loved by all.

Hope everyone has a great week!!  See everyone next Monday!




Friday, June 19, 2020

Rebecca Locklear - Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 Review



Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL 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.



We recently had the chance to review Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 - 17 Student Workshops with 120 Activities written by Rebecca Locklear. It has been a very interesting studying this part of maritime history. 



I have a passion for reading about lighthouses around the world. A few years ago, Lydia and I did a full unit study about lighthouses along the Atlantic Ocean and the women who braved the waters and saved lives.  We have visited several lighthouses and even a Life-saving Station in North Carolina.  So I was excited to get a chance to read more about these important jobs in our U.S. History.


Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 is the perfect addition to a history unit following your study of the Civil War (if studying in timeline order). The U.S. Life-Saving Service was a group of civil servants that were hired to work along the remote areas of the US coastline where there may not have been a lighthouse near by.  These brave individuals were the ones that ships relied on when in distress.  If there was a wreck, they would row out to try and save as many lives as possible.

This is a part of history that most people do not know.  They are real heroes that risked their lives to save many.  This organization was really the first US Coast Guard in America.  

Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 was written by a descendent of one of these very brave American surfmen.  Rebecca Locklear wanted to document what these individuals had to endure through their years of service.  As a person who firmly believes that studying the past is essential to our future, I applaud the wonderful program that Rebecca Locklear has created for the younger generations.

Studying history really can be boring.  I love it, my kids not so much.  So I try to make it fun and hands-on.  Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 contains 17 different workshops with over 120 activities.  The activities are written for students in grades 4 through 12, which is beneficial for families who are multi-grade level teaching.  




Each study includes historical photographs and extra activities, making teaching multiple grade levels easy.  You can pick and choose how in-depth that you would like the student's study of this part of history by determining what activities and research you want to assign.  


Other activities include life skill such as cooking/baking recipes, suggested reading and literature studies, and activities that can be included under some science topics also.


I will be honest, I did not even think about adding maritime studies into our history class.  I have read so many local history books about various areas, and those can be a little boring for kids.  The writing style and activities in Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 were written on a great level for kids to really draw them into the excitement of history.

Caty and I have been slowly working our way through Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915.  She is finishing up her study of the Civil War, and I was adding these fun reading sessions into her timeline of studies.  I like that the questions for thought are great and really emphasizes critical thinking skills.  It's great for open discussions.  Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 has been a great addition to our studies, and we love our discussions each lesson.

Rebecca Locklear has some exciting upcoming projects.  You can sign up for her newsletter by visiting her website. I can't wait to see more of her upcoming projects.

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review two products from Rebecca Locklear.  Others reviewed Exploring the U.S. Life-Saving Service 1878-1915 and still others The Mayflower at Cape Cod Stories, activities, and research that connect 1620 with Life Today.  Click on the link below to see how they used these materials in their homes and what they thought of them.


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Monday, June 15, 2020

Menu Monday





Joe and I are getting used to working extra and also I'm studying to get my TEFL certification to teach online.  I'm also teaching Outschool classes in Minecraft.  So between the virtual sports and this, we are a busy family again. 

Here's what is on the menu this week....

Sunday
B- Biscuit sandwiches
L- Soup and sandwiches
D- Turkey and Noodles w/ Mexican street corn


Monday
B - Fried potatoes and Eggs w/ biscuits
L - Turkey tacos
D- Homemade pizza rolls

Tuesday
B - Quesadillas
L - Chicken chunks and tater tots
D- Chicken pot pie

Wednesday
B - French toast w/ yogurt
L - 
chili dip w/ chips and veggies
D -Salisbury steak, augratin potatoes and peas

Thursday
B - Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
L - 
Baked fish, peas, macaroni & cheese
D- Enchilada skillet

Friday
B- cereal and yogurt
L- Loaded potato soup
D- 
Orange chicken, rice, and dumplings

Saturday
B- Biscuits and gravy
L- Udon noodle bowls
D- Lemon chicken picatta


Why I plan.....
Who isn't busy?!?!  Kids schedules, schoolwork, work, WOW!!  Life just does not stop!

When I create a menu, I include our schedule on it also.  In fact, I type the schedule into the table that I created first.  Then I know what is going on that day, and I can plan crockpot meals or even know if I need to have a make-ahead meal ready.  I do not use a fancy downloadable calendar, I simply use Microsoft Word.  I have a table I created on there.  At the bottom, I keep a running list of menu items that either I want them to try or food that is loved by all.

Hope everyone has a great week!!  See everyone next Monday!



Friday, June 12, 2020

The Critical Thinking Co. - Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving Review




Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL 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.

Story problems and reading between the lines can be difficult in math problems. We recently had the opportunity to review Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving from The Critical Thinking Co. This has been a great way to help the girls really start mastering those more difficult math problems for them.


Mastering Logic & Math Problem Solving provides students with strategies that will help build real confidence in problem solving and improve critical thinking. This could include story problems, puzzles, and even riddles. Using these different techniques allows students who struggle with due to poor reading skills, poor math skills, lack of confidence, and learning disabilities to really master essential math skills.



The Critical Thinking Co. does not leave parents without help. Sometimes teaching these skills can be overwhelming even to parents who did not learn themselves in school. The book starts out and helps parents see some of the best ways to encourage your student's confidence and improve on their problem solving skills.



One of my favorite things about the curriculum from The Critical Thinking Co. is that the pages are not overly busy. Very simple so as to not distract kids with sensory issues. This has been great for my ADHD kiddos.



When you purchase this book, you can use it for your whole family. Since both the girls are in about the same place for math, I had them work each problem out in a notebook.



These are not your typical math problems. Each one requires steps and thought. I will be honest and feel that these problems are very much a great introduction to real world math that we go through everyday. This is the type of math problems that I want the girls to be able to figure. They are multi-step and include things like buying a home, figuring averages, small amounts of early algebra skills such as solving for the unknown, miles per hour, motion, and money math. These are skills that are important to keep building on for real life.

Some days I worked one-on-one with the girls, while others times they would work a few problems independently so that I could test what they were retaining on their own. I can choose to assign as little or as many problems as I would like the girls to go through each week. We are taking our time working through, so the girls do not get overwhelmed.  So they are going through just a few pages a week. 



And do not worry....the answers are in the back of the book for those parents that need the help or are struggling themselves. It makes for easy grading.



I really enjoyed the advice in the opening of the book. It reminds parents that it is ok to set a problem aside and come back to it if the student is frustrated. They will not learn any quicker if they are upset. You want the student to gain confidence and not be upset. This will not happen overnight though, so be patient.

The Critical Thinking Co. has done an excellent job with this study book. It is very easy to use and an excellent resource to use right alongside curriculum your student is already using. Or even as a summer study between grade levels.

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review Master Logic & Math Problem Solving as well as other materials from The Critical Thinking Co. Click on the link below to see how they used them in their homes and what they thought of them.


Creative Problem Solving, Dare to Compare Math, Mastering Logic & Math and Who Is This Kid? Colleges Want to Know! {The Critical Thinking Co.™ Reviews}


Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Spelling Shed and Math Shed from EdShed Review



Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL 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.
We recently had the opportunity to review both Math Shed and Spelling Shed from EdShed. These programs have been a lot of fun for the girls reviewing their skills and working toward mastery in areas where they were struggling.





EdShed has created two excellent online programs that allows students to practice either their spelling or their math skills. Both programs can be used by any student, whether public school or homeschool. Geared toward elementary level students, both Math Shed and Spelling Shed present a fun way for students to master essential skills.

Both Lydia and Caty have been using Math Shed to work on mastering their math facts.  I noticed that they had a few holes in this area and it was making their math more frustrating to complete.  Few kids enjoy using flash cards, our kids included. So I was excited to see how they would do with a game approach.

Math Shed provides math practice for a wide array of skills, including addition and subtraction, number bonds, multiplication, division, and many more basic foundational math skills.  

The Math Shed program is not meant to be a stand alone curriculum. It is meant to be used as a compliment for students to get more practice. The girls had a blast....literally had a blast (there are a lot of space games) doing their math assignments.



When you subscribe to Math Shed, you will set up a Teacher Account.  In this area you can make assignments for your students.  This allows them to work more independently.  I simply assigned them the activities they needed to complete for the week. This took me maybe 15 minutes when I was lesson planning. 



But if you are struggling, EdShed does not leave you without help. Included under the Teacher Hub are videos and guides that you can download to read. They provide step-by-step instruction on getting the most from your subscription.


If I suspected they had not worked on their assignment, I simply logged back into the Teacher Hub and checked their progress and verify that they were actually completing their assigned work. This was convenient a very convenient feature.

Caty worked through Spelling Shed during the review period. She can read very well, but spelling is a struggle for her. So I wanted her to practice the lessons from the beginning level. I was hoping that she was see the patterns with phonics and it would help improve her spelling. She enjoyed working her way through the basic levels, even though it was below her level. 



Lessons were short and the games very effective. Caty's spelling has been gradually improving. The repetition for her has been great. The games are engaging for her age level. As a pre-teen she still found the games fun and since the word lists/curriculum within Spelling Shed were through elementary school she found everything challenging.  The games help make spelling practice more fun for her, since spelling is definitely not one of her favorite subjects. 

Both girls are enjoying Math Shed and Spelling Shed from EdShed. The programs have been a great supplement for our homeschool curriculum. Especially this summer when I am trying to fill in some "holes" that I have noticed in their math skills. Short games, but an effective way to develop mastery for both their math and spelling skills. We plan on continuing with both programs and keep making that forward progress!

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review both Math Shed and Spelling Shed from EdShed. Click on the link below to see how they used this program and what they thought of it.


Spelling Shed & Math Shed {Education Shed Reviews}


Monday, June 8, 2020

Menu Monday





Joe and I are getting used to working extra and also I'm studying to get my TEFL certification to teach online.  I'm also teaching Outschool classes in Minecraft.  So between the virtual sports and this, we are a busy family again.

Here's what is on the menu this week....

Sunday
B- Leftover Pizza
L- Soup and sandwiches
D- Corn dogs and tater tots


Monday
B - Cream of Wheat pancakes
L - Chicken salad or PB&J Sandwiches
D- Taco Bell Crunchwrap

Tuesday
B - Quesadillas
L - Baked fish, peas, macaroni & cheese
D- Chicken and rice bake

Wednesday
B - French toast w/ yogurt
L - Leftovers
D -Chicken taquitos

Thursday
B - Fried potatoes w/ gravy
L - Chicken chunks and veggie
D- Tater tot pizza casserole

Friday
B- Biscuit sandwiches
L- Loaded potato soup
D- 
Tater tot pizza casserole

Saturday
B- McGriddle sandwiches (Homemade)
L- Leftovers
D- Smoked turkey and stuffing


Why I plan.....
Who isn't busy?!?!  Kids schedules, schoolwork, work, WOW!!  Life just does not stop!

When I create a menu, I include our schedule on it also.  In fact, I type the schedule into the table that I created first.  Then I know what is going on that day, and I can plan crockpot meals or even know if I need to have a make-ahead meal ready.  I do not use a fancy downloadable calendar, I simply use Microsoft Word.  I have a table I created on there.  At the bottom, I keep a running list of menu items that either I want them to try or food that is loved by all.

Hope everyone has a great week!!  See everyone next Monday!



Friday, June 5, 2020

ARTistic Pursuits - Middle School 6-8 Book One - The Elements of Art and Composition Review



Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL 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.



We are HUGE fans of art and drawing. So I was excited to get a chance to review ARTistic Pursuits, Middle School 6-8 Book One, The Elements of Art and Composition.   



Art can be so many things.  It can help a person express their personality.  It can tell a story.  It can be used for advertising.  Art is really all around us.  Caty and Lydia loves to work on art projects and drawing.  With all the craziness of the pandemic, they missed out finishing their in-class class they were taking in drawing.  Middle School 6-8 Book One, The Elements of Art and Composition has filled that void they were missing out on.  And their drawing has continued to flourish with it's help.



The supplies needed for most projects are pretty simple and straightforward.  The Middle School 6-8 Book One, The Elements of Art and Composition strictly focuses on drawing.  Simple materials of drawing pencils, ink, brushes, paper, erasers, The elements of space, line, adding texture, balance, symmetry, asymmetry, space with depth, perspective, and proportion are topics that are covered throughout each of the lessons.


Lessons encourage creativity and really looking at the world around you are. Using observational skills.



Other elements of art are explored, including art history and artist studies.  Students really dig into and look at artists and art culture as they are working on their drawing.


Scattered throughout the lessons is information on how to use what could be new to them art supplies.  Such as using a graphite pencil.  Or painting with ink. These are new mediums for many students.  These materials are not your standard No 2 pencil, and ARTistic Pursuits wants to make sure students feel confident using these items.

Each lesson does have an assigned project.  Reference materials are suggested for the student to look to when working on their assignment.



Caty is sketching all the time now.  She also has a new love of adding ink to her drawings.  She requested a special ink art pen, because she said the brush wasn't fine enough to add details.



The girls are really enjoying working through the Middle School 6-8 Book One - The Elements of Art and Composition.  I am very happy with all the creativity that it has encouraged for them.  And if you have kids on the spectrum, you know that they sometimes find it difficult to be as creative as other kids their age.  

If you are looking for a budget friendly option for art lessons, you need to check out all the materials that ARTistic Pursuits has to offer.  They have a wonderful selection of materials from Pre-school through high school.  Materials that you can use with all your children.  Definitely a money saver when you can reuse materials.

Still not sure if ARTistic Pursuits will be a fit for your family, visit their blog and check out some free video lessons for beginning drawing for students.  This is a special 16 week summer series!!

If you are more of a parent (like me) that does not like to wait for the mail, ARTistic Pursuits now offers online classes.  They have all of their K-3 level books available as online courses.  

Several members of the Homeschool Review Crew were given the opportunity to review products from ARTistic Pursuits. Click on the link below to see what products they used and how they used them in their homes.

Art Through The Ages & Art for Children {Artistic Pursuits Inc. Reviews}