Our triumphs and accomplishments for Week 44 & 45

Ok...So I am a week late on this.  We are actually in week 45.  Things have been hectic.  First we were having issues getting the Homeschool with Minecraft classes up and going.  It was just a matter of getting all the new classes uploaded and ready to go.  The house was a mess and I have not been feeling great, so it made it very hard for me.

Then we received the news that my father-in-law was very ill.  So we changed everything to see him.  He was seriously and passed away on Wednesday night.  My husband is experiencing many different emotions right now.

We also have a big event to help with this weekend and the viewing/funeral for my father-in-law is Sunday and Monday.

All the running this week has taken a toll on all of us.  Because we had some field trips early in the week that we had already been on.  I think by next Thursday we may crash, because everyday for the next week is full of events.  I know I may not be moving by next Friday.

Needless to say, it's been an unschooling week.  We have been watching some videos on geology to go with our science unit.  Joey has been reading his book.  We played a couple math games and the girls are playing their new engineering game, Goldie Blox and The Spinning Machine



The kids have been playing Minecraft a lot also.

Last week though we had a good week of school.

Joey made us dinner of chili con carne.

 

It goes with his 4H Project, Food, Fitness and Fun  We made a few adjustments and Joey even ate sauteed red pepper!!!

The kids had some "excavating" projects that they worked on.

 Lydia worked on multi-digit addition.

 Caty started a new reading program from Logics from English.

 Lydia is driving me nuts, "hen pecking" at the keyboard.  I am trying to get her to type correctly.  So she started Dance Mat typing.  She is not a huge fan.  I need to find something for her.

 Joey and Caty played a lot of Cars 2 Monopoly last week.

 The new kittens

 Caty is working on reading her color words.

 We did schoolwork at the piano teachers house.  Caty's working on recognizing color words.

This week we had art class on Monday.

 We played games and watched videos all week.

 We also had a field trip to the Mazza Museum - Art of Picture Books.  I'll post about that trip next week.

Yesterday we made ginger syrup and made homemade ginger ale to go with our lunch.  It was very yummy and 4 out of the 6 of us LOVE it!!  I haven't had soda in ages.  This was soooooo good!

It's been a rough week, but we are chugging along :)

Bring on Week 46!!

Supercharged Science - e-Science Review

Supercharged Science

Age Range - K - 12 

Cost - $57.00 a month

Science is an area I struggle with.  I feel like I cannot give the kids a good scientific explanation to go along with experiments they do.  I get nervous that the kids will keep asking me questions that I don't think I'll be able to answer.  I am very grateful when they do not seek out further questions.  

We recently had a chance to try out Supercharged Science K-12 e-Science Program ($57.00 a month).  I thought how awesome, a science program laid out for me.  I had no idea at the time how much information was included.

At Supercharged Science they want to take away the boring part of science.  There is not stacks of textbooks and piles of papers.  They want to take you into the fun stuff, the experiments.  They want to help provide your child with a strong foundation that will help them through college.

The Supercharged Science K-12 e-science program includes over 900 science activities, experiments and projects for pk - high school.  They provide lesson plans, data/lab sheets, exercises, reading materials, and quizzes.  There are also videos of real scientists in action.  Supercharged Science even provides a tutorial on how to start and keep a science journal to help track your student's progress in science

We were getting ready to start a study unit on Geology, so we jumped ahead to work on studying our Earth.  So we dug into the lessons.  The amount of reading material provided was unbelievable.  I did not need to get any extra library books or have a textbook out.

I was very impressed that there was so much information that I needed to weed out what Lydia and I were working on.

Several hands-on Experiments are included under each science topic.

If you want to use them, questions and quizzes are also included.  I didn't use them other than to draw Lydia out about the topics.  But there are plenty of questions included.

We are still working on our science unit in Geology.  We do science 3 days a week, and we are drawing out this unit for a few weeks.  

Here is one of my favorite parts I discovered on Supercharged Science.  The questions section.  You can actually post a question to help you explain the topics to your children!!  They answer the questions to help you out!  You can read through some that have been asked even, so your question may already have been answered.  

We have had some failed crystal experiments that we are repeating.  So our science journals now list, "Make sure to read all directions and follow them."

Supercharged Science actually has science topics broken down into grade level suggestions.  

They really try to make science such an easy subject to teach.  Not only is all the material included, but they also make sure that parents know how to use the website correctly so that you get the most out of the information you have been given.

I really like that I have all the information and material there at my disposal, and I can choose to present what I want and when I want to.  Lessons can be made as long or as short as I need to for that science class.  Supercharged Science does provide a lot of flexibility.  

Will we continue?  I am debating continuing using Supercharged Science only because of the cost.   The monthly cost is a bit steep for our budget.  Even with cutting our field trip budget back, it would be difficult to afford.  Although if we begin traveling more, it will be worth using Supercharged Science because I will have Science curriculum with no textbooks to carry in and out of hotels.  I keep leaning toward yes.  I believe that we will be continuing with the lower level K-8 option since it has a lower price of $37.00. 

Supercharged Science is allowing our readers to try their program for a month for only $1.00.  Simply visit this link from Supercharged Science to enroll for this trial.  You can experiment to see if Super Charged Science is a program for your family.

Other members of the School House Review Crew were able to use Supercharged Science with their families, visit their blogs below to see how it worked for them.

Victus Study Skills System Review

Victus Study Skills System
Teachers Edition - $40.00
Student Workbook - $20.00

I have wondered how to encourage good study habits in Joey.  He has a diagnosis list as long as my arm and unlike what people feel is typical for autism, he does not retain information well.  We have tried various settings to see what works best for him.  But as I soon learned, it takes more than the setting to prepare him for good study habits.  We were excited to have the opportunity to use the Victus Study Skills System.

In my mind, I know having a good quiet place to study is the ideal setting for studying.  Having all of your materials next to you is also important.  We encouraged Joey to find where he felt comfortable.  I provided him with a list of tasks that needed completed.  Now what do I do?

Victus Study Skills System provides parents and students from 5th grade through 12th grade a foundation which they can build good study skills on.  It helps introduce students to the 3 foundations of study skills.

• Where am I now?
• Where do I want to be?
• How do I get there?

The easy to use program can be completed in as little as a week or take about two weeks to complete and get the student on their way to better study skills.

The program can be done both student-led and parent-led, whichever option you choose.  We actually did the parent-led option so that I could see where Joey was at.

I really liked how the Victus Study Skills System Student workbook was laid out.  Each foundation was laid out and broken down into smaller study sessions.  Children are encouraged to fill out checklists and figure out their learning strengths.  It shows how to set goals, not just for the day...week...or month.....but for a year.  It encourages time management skills also.  The workbook really forces children to look at themselves and learn more about themselves.  

The Victus Study Skills System Teacher Guide was a great resource to use.  It includes a full layout to help the parents teach each lesson.  There is information on how to prepare the lesson for your student and even suggestions on how to present it.  It also explains in further detail why each section is important to keep building on to help with those study skills.  This is a great resource, even if you child is doing the student-led approach.  It would really give you suggestions to help draw out your student during casual conversations after each lesson they complete.

We actually have been using this about a month now.  Joey has discovered that he does learn differently (a reason he loves homeschooling, the flexibility for him).  He is also on the 4th -5th grade level of the suggested grade range.  So he did have trouble understanding the information being presented.  But I actually expected that.

We switched it up just a bit for him, and we went with the approach of discussing the information from the Teachers Guide.  We talked about his study habits and how we can incorporate the material we are reading to help him remember more material that he is working on.  He said he never thought that doing better in school would require "that much thought ahead of time."  

We have to keep lessons and discussion to about 15 minutes, or he is unable to retain much.  Which we knew already.  But now with the help of Victus Study Skills System, Joey and I can work together to make sure that we can make the most of the short bursts that he uses to do his work currently.

We actually will continue to use the Victus Study Skills System with Joey by reviewing material that we have read frequently.  (It's also helpful for mom to keep reminding herself.)  It will help refresh Joey.  I also plan on using this with Lydia when she is old enough, because I am very impressed that the program really empowers children and encourages them to take hold of their education.

Whether you homeschool or not, this is a great program for your children and even yourself if you are going back to school to use.  It really does encourage and show students how to build good study skills to get the most out of the important information that they are reading.

Victus Study Skills System has posted a wonderful video about their system.

Several members of the TOS Review Crew had the privilege of also trying out the Victus Study Skills system.  Take a few moments to see how this program worked for their families.

Media Talk 101 Review

Title:  Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture
Vendor:  Media Talk 101
Price:  $16.95 plus shipping/handling
Ages:  All family members

We recently were privileged to have the opportunity to watch the award winning documentary Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture written by Phillip Telfer and Colin Gunn.

Today's modern generation is "electrified".  There are few kids that do not own an electronic device of some sort.  Infants now know how to use tablets for games, and toddlers know how to use cell phones.  When we travel, we carry laptops, tablets, cell phones, and mp3 players.  I feel like our electronics carrying bags take up as much space as our clothing at times.   Electronics are very much a part of most of people's everyday lives.

How many places do you go and not see a TV?  Brayden doesn't go anywhere without checking for free wireless.  Our internet goes down and I even freak out a bit.  I really do plan several activities and school around the internet.  I mean, who uses a paper dictionary anymore???  Not me.

Our society is really tied to the internet.  If people aren't checking their emails, they are on social media.  There is a wide selection from Facebook to Twitter.  There are even new business contact sites such as Linkedin.    You can easily spend hours on the computer and not accomplish anything more than updating your Facebook status.

That is where the documentary Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture comes in.  It is not an anti-social media movie.  It points out the possible dangers of not keeping your social media time in check.

I actually watched it on my own the first time.  We preview most movies before letting Joey watch them.  This movie was not exception to that rule.

I actually enjoyed the movie and the cautionary message that it was giving.  Many of the ones that were interviewed has extreme addictions to social media and online games.  They fortunately woke up and learned how to control their addiction.  People do not even realize that social media can be worse than a gambling addiction.  These ones realized the time that was being stolen out of their days.

With that theme, I cautiously allowed Joey to watch some of Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture with me.  Joey takes everything he sees and watches to heart.  I was afraid he would read the message as all social media is bad.  And he did.  This though opened up discussions with Joey about learning control over our time on the internet.  We were able to talk about whether or not we could go a whole day without being on Facebook or play an online game.  If we can do it, then we are not "addicted".  But if we cannot, we need to figure out a game plan to protect our hearts and minds.

We also talked about how spending too much time in the e-avenues of life can rob us of precious time.  Time that can be spent with our families or just getting stuff done.

We did enjoy watching Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture together.  I thought they did a good job trying to get the point across, but unfortunately Joey really saw it as saying just give it up to avoid the chance it might be addictive to your personality. I wish there was more of a balance of people that found the balance without giving up their internet time completely.  I only say this, because with a husband who works from home in IT....the internet is pretty important.

We have been working harder at how much time we spend on social media.  I do random checks through the day now because of our online business.  This is the main way of communication.  I know I am still on more than most, but I have become more aware of when I just seem to be trolling posts.  Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture was definitely another gentle reminder to keep an eye on our electronics time.  We will definitely remain stronger as a family without the internet and video games stuck between us.

Not sure, check out the trailer....


Captivated - Trailer from Media Talk 101 on Vimeo.

I would definitely recommend watching this with your family if you seem to be experiencing electronics overload in your lives.  The personal stories add a touch that allow you to really make comparisons in your own life.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page.

You can purchase Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture from the Media Talk 101 Website by visiting here.  Single copies of the title are available for only $16.95.  But multi-copy purchases are available.

Spelling You See - Jack and Jill Review

All children learn differently.  All four of our children have slightly different learning styles.  Lydia is a visual and auditory learner.  So I was very excited to get the opportunity to try the new Spelling You See, Jack and Jill program from the creators of Math U See.

Spelling You See provides a 5 step developmental system for spelling that will allow all children to succeed in their spelling.  Students need to go through all the steps to gain mastery of their spelling skills.

The 5 steps they follow are:
Stage I:  Preliterate - introduce print
Stage II:  Phonetic - auditory, listen for sounds
Stage III:  Skill Development -
Stage IV:  Word Extension - focuses on syllables
Stage V:  Derivational Constancy - exploration of related words and their spelling

This might seem like a lot, but all the Spelling You See lessons are broken down into short and easy to use lessons.  So it's perfect for those with short attention spans.

There are several levels to choose from that range in grade level of Kindergarten through late elementary school:

• Listen and Write
• Jack and Jill
• Wild Tales
• Americana
• American Spirit

Just because your child reads well, doesn't mean they should be in a spelling level equal to their reading level right away.  Placement suggestions are given so that you can make sure your child is placed at the right level.

We had the opportunity to try out Jack and Jill for the past few weeks.  The Jack and Jill level focuses on phonetic spelling.  They write the individual sounds for each word.  Each lesson is based on a nursery rhyme.  There are 36 lessons, and each lesson is broken down into 5 parts.

How we used Spelling You See?

It was super easy to use.  We actually received the PDF version of the program.  So I printed the
workbook for Lydia.  There is a teacher book also with a layout of how to present the lesson.  There is also a daily dictation list for lessons.  The answer key is also included, just in case the parent needs an extra reminder about topics covered in that lesson.

Each lesson took us make 15 minutes a day, and that is giving us extra time for Lydia to be distracted by a cat while she was copying her words.  Super short and fit her attention span well.

How did Lydia like Spelling You See?

Lydia is the type of child to stretch boundaries.  So unlike most children, she can spell words she cannot read.  It's something she is working on in Reading therapy, but it gave us a unique perspective of the Jack and Jill lessons.  She got a little bored with the nursery rhyme approach.  But she is a little older than most of the kids that would use this level.

We did use Jack and Jill as her spelling program exclusively for the past few weeks.  She is not a child who loves repetition.  So she was a little bored with the daily nursery rhyme, but we did change that up a bit to make it more fun for her also.  The extra directions to do things each day a little different also made a big difference for her.

She was very proud of the fact that she was spelling so well.  The boxes for her daily dictation really helped her to slow down and think about the sounds.  I wish I would've thought of that before this program.  It helped not only with her letter structure, but also forced her to slow down and break up the words that she needed help with.

Will we continue using Spelling You See?

We will definitely be continuing with Spelling You See, Jack and Jill.  I am very happy with Lydia's confidence that is growing.  The program is not only helping her with her spelling, but also her reading skills.  I love that!!  In fact, I am already looking at ordering Listen and Write for Caty to start this summer after we finish with her beginning phonics lessons.

I really liked the copy work aspect of the program.  Lydia has a visual perception delay, so her brain doesn't always click with what she is seeing.  Copying words forces her brain to work with her hands, and it's really beneficial for her therapy.  This program has been working really well with her reading therapy also.  So we will be continuing with Jack and Jill and working our way to Wild Tales.

You can purchase the newly released program by visiting:
Listen and Write - Teacher Guide ($14.00) and Student Pack ($20.00)
Jack and Jill - Teacher Guide ($16.00) and Student Pack ($30.00)
Wild Tales - Teacher Guide ($14.00) and Student Pack ($30.00)
Americana - Teacher Guide ($14.00) and Student Pack ($30.00)
American Spirit - Teacher Guide ($14.00) and Student Pack ($30.00)

Check out Spelling You See on Facebook.

The Schoolhouse Review Crew was given the opportunity to try out various levels of Spelling You See.  Be sure to stop by the blog and find out how the various levels worked for them in their homes.

Z is for Zoo-We-Mama - Reading for Comprehension

Diary of a Wimpy Kid was a favorite series of Joey.  He laughed at the stories, but I think the typeset that the book was written with drew his attention in.  He also enjoyed reading the Big Nate series.

Well once he has read those books over and over I was trying to find a new series for him.  He has ventured into the world of graphic novels, and then one day he was open to reading books that "had too many words on the pages".  He started reading novels that were on topics he was interested in, like his video games....Star Wars, Halo, etc.

Well I know he had the ability to read at higher levels, but I still want him to read to understand.  I am now working with him to read books for comprehension.  How do we do that?  Questions about his reading.  I was pre-reading all his books, writing questions and then we had worked out a system of him emailing the answers to me (to keep from frustrating him about writing).

Well time has made it hard for me to write questions for all his books now.  So I have been trying to find pre-written questions to use for Joey.  And since it has been working for him, I needed to find the same setup for Brayden also.  Especially since Brayden is now reading books that are not just Easy Readers!!!

So I thought I would share a couple sites that I have found to be helpful for me.

1.  Book Adventure - This is a free site from Sylvan.  There are tests for 1000s of books at various levels.  This site is free.  The questions are multiple choice, which is great for Brayden who doesn't like to type or write.  We have used them for several years.

2.  Reading Comprehension - This is not a free site.  Each comprehension guide is around $5.00 each.  But I have found them to be well written and I print them quickly and easily for immediate use.  They have a large selection of books to choose from.  This has been a favorite site the past few months.  The questions are easy to understand for Joey also.

I also use Teachers Pay Teachers for guides.  I search the book titles that I am looking for.  Most are generally not free, but they are usually reasonably priced.  I have found many Boxcar Children titles on this site for Brayden.

I have also just done searches for the titles of the books the boys are interested in and include the words "comprehension questions" and found that there are very generous people out there that provide questions for free.   In fact, I was able to find questions for Brayden and Joey's next books for free.  I just need to type them up for him (since the print copy contains the answers also).

This is has really been helping Joey with picking up details while reading.  He knows that he will need to answer questions or have a conversation with me.  I keep his interest by picking books I think he'll like.  I am not forcing him to read classics that I know he'll hate.  Brayden is picking up on the skill quickly, even though he won't admit it.

Linking up with other Homeschool moms at Blogging through the Alphabet.

*****I did not receive any type of endorsements for freebies from either site to mention them.  I am only sharing these as the top 2 sites I am using right now.*****