review » Tenacity Divine

Aletheia: Writing Magazine for Teens

Sep 292011

Photobucket We’re forever expecting our kids to write. Assignments and stories, essays and reports, encouragement and nurture of their creativity and communication skills.

And then what do they DO with?

We tell them that they’ll need it later in life, as a part of their jobs, maybe even use it a little bit in volunteer work or as hobbies. A few will have such a creative spark inside them that they’ll gravitation toward fields consisting solely of creation – and often, they never know, until they succeed, that they can.

The act of bringing something into being, where there was nothing, is one of the most greatly desired gifts – and one of the most difficult to achieve. For some, merely the act of creating is enough; for others, the act of creating is subsumed by the act of sharing that inspiration, and the wisdom gained within, with others.

We just have to look outside our door, and we are assailed by the creations of others, positive and negative alike. Just as art can hold beauty, it can contain decay. And if we are not careful, we can bring that decay into our homes and families.

Each parent must carefully choose what they are willing to expose their children to. In today’s world, there are a limited amount of options that would be appropriate for enlightening Christian children’s souls and creativity alike.

I’d like to share with you one such choice we recently received. Full of material created by its readers comes Aletheia Writing Magazine, written and illustrated for Christian teens by Christian teens. Aletheia Writing Magazine is gorgeous to look at; the pages and artwork just flow. A skim inside makes it clear that each work is carefully chosen for its excellence. I was surprised by the high quality within, and reminded that youth need not mean immature.

My teens were intrigued, but non-committal; they’re curious, and will read, but uncertain if they would be willing to submit. Even in a home where books are plentiful and the kids are widely read, it’s wise to sneak in a few exceptionel surprises; there can be no literary suffusion where none at all exists.

With poetry, art, fiction, and interviews with artists galore, writing, illustration and photography challenges, there is something inside the covers for every creative teen.

It isn’t a curriculum, it doesn’t fit a teaching style or a learning need, it’s not grade-able or organized or practical… but it will reach out to that place, deep inside your soul, that desires a connection of the spiritual kind with others who desire the same. And it’s for teens. It’s so easy for us to lose their hearts these days; if we must lose them, let it be to art and craft that feed the soul, rather than destroy it.

A quarterly subscription to Aletheia Magazine is just $26, shipping and handling included. It would be a great gift for the teen in your life! (Or, if you’re a teen and would like to submit, check out their website more information.) If you’d like to preview a sample issue, Aletheia’s Spring 2011 issue is online for your viewing pleasure.

**I received this produchttp://tenacitydivine.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1834&action=edit&message=10t for free as a member of the 2011-12 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Tri-Cross from Games For Competitors

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Sep 252011

Math, reading, science, history… it’s relatively easy for us as parents to evaluate skill level in the core subjects. Asking questions, reviewing schoolwork, seeing grades on a test – those are all quantifiable subjects.

But as parents, regardless of whether our kids are homeschooled or not, we want them to learn something a bit more difficult to pin down: logic. The ability to plan ahead, to predict someone else’s actions, to compare choices, maybe even understand that a short-term negative can have long-term positive results… these are all highly desirable skills.

Thing is, they’re hard to teach,more often hard-won through life’s experiences, not picked up quickly from a workbook. What can we as parents do to give our kids a head start that will help them to think more quickly, compare alternatives, and choose the best course?

This is where board games come in. Some games are simple in character, like a trivia game that has value in the questions asked, not in the moves that are made. Other games rely on luck, rather than skill.

A third kind, though, requires strategy, forethought, preparation. Assessment of the opponents choices, and a careful consideration of the risks involved.

This is the best kind.

Infinite replay value, intriguing for both kids and adults, the best strategy games are simple to learn, yet challenging to master.

Tri-Cross is a perfect example. Similar to chess, but without all the rules to remember. Quick-playing, like checkers, but with greater reward for thinking ahead.

The concept is simple. The execution, exceptional.

Tri-Cross may be played with 2, 3, or 4 players. I’d recommend learning the two-player face-up version first, as it’s the easiest to learn. Once basic understanding of the rules and movement is achieved, then move on to face-down, or 3-4 player games.

I’ve discovered that I’m not very good at explaining gameplay in my own words on this one, as I end up over-complicating things immensely. The Tri-Cross tutorials on the Games For Competitors website are much more succinct and effective. A PDF version of the Tri-Cross rulebook is also available.

We were thrilled to receive both the Tri-Cross Standard Edition and the Tri-Cross Eco-Edition. (Games For Competitors also offers a third version, created out of wood.) Both have sturdy plastic playing pieces. The Standard game has a typical heavy cardboard game board and box, while the eco-friendly version has a fabric playing board and a drawstring bag. There is no difference in gameplay between editions, it’s just a matter of personal preference. The kids usually get out the standard board at home, while I really like appreciate how little space the travel set takes up; it’s easy to take on the go.

The packaging is a bit puzzling about recommended ages; one states 10 and up, while the other says 7 and older. I’d be comfortable saying that even most 5 or 6-year-olds could learn to play, and possibly younger, if they’re interested in learning. Shorter game length and easy-to-learn rules make it playable by even those who lack attention span.

Several play variations are included in the rule book to offer differing levels of challenge. I’ve discovered that, while I have yet to beat my 10-year-old son at face-up play, if we start with the pieces face-down, and have to remember where we put them, I can up my odds to winning about 50% of the time.

The games are wonderfully fun, quality products as they are, though we do have a couple of minor details that Games For Competitors might want to consider including in later editions.

First, we’d really, really like it if the starting positions for the basic face-up game were printed on the game boards. We find ourselves constantly referring to the rulebook as we start the games. It would make learning to play that much easier when new to the game, and veteran players could easily ignore the markings when playing face-down styles.

The second suggestion that we had involved the instruction sheet. Both versions included the same tri-folded booklet, which fits neatly into the standard version’s box. In the travel game, however, it arrives wrapped around the gameboard and pieces, and that’s pretty much the only way it fits inside, without adding more folds and reducing it’s lifespan.

We referred to the instructions fairly often when learning to play the game. Between that, and the fact that the storage bag is so conveniently squishable, I’m concerned that the instructions won’t hold up so well in their current format. While I appreciate the detailed pictures in the instructions, I’d really like to see them as a smaller booklet or card.

I appreciate the availability of the rules on the Games For Competitors website in PDF form. It makes it really easy to print a new copy when one goes missing. Another plus? I used the PDF to make some smaller “rules on cardstock cards” to go in our travel set. (I did mine with the “page scaling” setting in the print window, by adjusting it to “multiple pages per sheet”, and making the way they printed “custom 3 x 2″.) They’re legible, sturdy, and fit much more neatly inside the bag.

Tri-Cross has found a permanent home at our house. I think we’re going to have to give a few away as Christmas gifts, actually, so people will quit trying to take it home with them.

All three editions of Tri-Cross can be purchased from Games For Competitors, or click the link for local retail locations.

To see what other Homeschool Crew members thought about Tri-Cross, check out the Games For Competitors post at the TOS Homeschool Crew blog. (At the end of the post, there is a Linky – click there to find everyone who reviewed this product!)

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2011-12 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

When is it Time 4 Learning? All the time!

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Sep 132011

One of the most exciting benefits of a second year on the TOS Homeschool Crew: getting to try out products that we missed out on last year!

For the last month, we’ve been using Time 4 Learning, an online, subscription-based curriculum. Cover math, language arts, science, and social studies for preschool to 8th grade, Time 4 Learning includes over 1000 animated lessons.

Time 4 Learning claims to be usable as either a full curriculum or a supplement, and much to my surprise, I’d have to agree. Those wishing to supplement their regular curriculum could simply allow their child to have free-range of the subjects and topics available for their grade level. Parents who prefer to take advantage of the full curriculum would find it easier to follow the provided state standards-correlated lesson plans and included worksheets.

I’d especially encourage those with students who are easily distracted or prefer hands-on, interactive materials to give Time 4 Learning a try – both of my distractible kids were sufficiently engaged by Time 4 Learning that they stayed on task much longer than would normally the case.

Instructional methods vary from grade to grade and subject to subject. Some items were to be read, with questions interspersed among the text, while others were animated cartoons, followed by a short activity to reinforce learning. Other sections were followed by a quiz or a test.

Though they are assigned to one grade level, students actually have access to three at one time. This broadens the spectrum of learning, and enables them to catch or or review items that they may have missed learning in the past. Tasks are arranged in a topical format.

Surprisingly, Time 4 Learning appealed to a broader age spectrum than I had imagined; all four of mine, grades 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th found Time 4 Learning appealing and intriguing. (Michael, the 10th grader was signed up for the 9th grade level.) Math lessons only go as high as algebra, so he spent more of his time examining the social studies topics… not too surprising, as he’s turning in to quite the history buff.

Whether you have one student or several, record-keeping is simple; all child accounts are connected to one parent account, easy to remember and access. Though I found some options a bit clunky to manage, overall, the parent account is easy to use and relatively foolproof. All scoring is automated, so if you’d like a barebones curriculum with a low time commitment, that you can then supplement with student-directed activities, Time 4 Learning would be a perfect choice for you.

One detail I’d like to see a bit easier to use: printing worksheets. Software programs that expect kids to print out pages as they go along are *not* living in my world. I need to conserve ink and paper, and print in greyscale as often as possible; my kids are not good at it. I’d greatly appreciate simple PDFs for each grade & subject. This would reduce worries about printer malfunctions in the middle of the lesson, remove delays caused by printing issues, and make lesson time go more smoothly in the long run.

Time 4 Learning is $19.95/month for the first child in a family, and $14.95 for each additional child. While Time 4 Learning is a bit too pricy for our budget right now, the kids have really enjoyed trying it out and would very much like to continue using it.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Time 4 Learning.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2011-12 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Wise but nutty: Griddly Games, Wise Alec, and Nature Nuts

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Sep 082011

One of the best things about homeschooling is that we don’t have to teach – or learn – in the traditional manner. When learning is fun and interactive, kids are more involved and interested, and retention is significantly improved. No matter what type of homeschoolers we are, what sort of curricula we use, or what our preferred methods to teach and to learn, we can always benefit from adding in something *extra*curricular.

The Wise Alec game series from Griddly Games has one primary game, plus three expansion sets that may also be played alone as travel games. We received Nature Nuts, an expansion set billed as “Nature Trivia with a Nutty Twist!” With three topical decks, Plants, Animals, and Earth, Nature Nuts is science-themed, covering an intriguing, eclectic assortment of facts.

(Which reminds me, I still need to look up a “Proxigean Tide”… I’d never heard of it. Apparently it’s an extremely high tide that only happens once every 1.5 years. That card stumped all of us, and I promised to research it. And I want to go to the beach after it. And during the extremely low tide that is the opposite, if there is such.)

Nature Nuts includes 200 cards divided among four decks: the three topics I previously mentioned, plus a fourth “Wise Alec” deck. Also included is a custom 6-sided die, and it’s all packed in a brightly-colored, sturdy little box that has the best closure method I’ve ever seen on a game box. (I think it’s held together with magnets.) Seriously, it does not come open on its own, and the way it’s put together, it looks like it will hold up well through years of real-life wear and tear. I wish all game boxes were this sturdy and reliable, there’d be a lot less missing pieces!

For the travel game editions like Nature Nuts, you’ll want to make sure you have a pencil and paper, or some other, more creative method, on hand for keeping score. (We used my phone one day, and we joked about using change… which, now that I think about it, might not be all that bad an idea.)

During gameplay, the player rolls the custom die, and then must do the action that the color showing on the dice indicates. If the color is red, green, or yellow, he will be asked a question from the next available card of that color/topic. (There are two difficulty levels on each card, and the instructions suggest several ways to handle choice of diffculty level and point goal, which makes it extremely adaptable for use with various ages.)

When the color rolled is blue, the player gets to choose their own color/topic, while orange means that the player to their right will choose. A roll of purple gets them a Wise Alec card, where they will be given a random challenge that could be anything from a brain teaser question to a physical challenge like who can hop the farthest.

The original Wise Alec game is played slightly different than the expansion games. A game board is provided, and a standard die. The players roll the die at the start of their turn, move the appropriate number of spaces, and complete their turn based on the color of the space landed on. (Of course, if you had both the original and an expansion set, you could always choose to use the colored die with the main trivia set, also.)

All three expansion sets and the original game can easily be mixed and matched for variety and increased replay The games are intended for 2-6 players, ages 8 and up.

We’ve really enjoyed Nature Nuts, and the kids have asked if we can purchase the rest of the games in the series. (That’s a pretty high compliment when all four of them are in agreement!)

Topics included in Civilize This expansion are Ancient, Medieval, and Modern history. Sports Buffs has questions on (Sports) History & Moments, Rules & Origins, and Athletes & Stats. The original Wise Alec game provides History, Science, and Spelling. I’d really like to see this line of games branch out with more subject areas in in the future, there’s huge potential in games of this type, especially when they’re as well done as Wise Alec is.

The Wise Alec game series is available from both online and physical retailers that sell Griddly Games products. Rules and more information are also available on the Wise Alec page on Griddly Games.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Griddly Games.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2011-12 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids

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Sep 052011

During the spring and early summer of this year, I spent a lot of time considering what our life might now be like if I had left the kids in public school… and how very grateful I am that I was led to homeschooling.

Midsummer came, and with it car troubles, house troubles, financial troubles, grumpy 13-yr-old troubles. I found myself second-guessing things. Finances would be simpler if I put the kids in school. I could work more hours. Afford payments on a car. Not have to wonder how I was going to buy curriculum.

Mentally, I remain 110% committed to homeschooling. We’re fortunate to be surrounded by people who support our homeschooling and recognize the positive impact it has made on the kids. I’m continually reminded what a blessing homeschooling has been to our family.

Still, emotionally, I was struggling. When is it my turn to choose the easy way out? I’ve spent 15+ years being mom, and doing what my kids *need*, regardless of what I *want*. Every choice I make is based on what is best for them. Sometimes, I wonder if there is even any of ME left at all… or if I’d recognize myself if I saw her!

Into this maestrom arrived a sturdy, 200-page hardbound book, How To Have A H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids by Rachael Carman. I’d previously read the introductary chapter online. (Click on “sample chapter”. Also available is the table of contents.)

Centered on one mom’s Christ-led journey of faith, parenting, and homeschooling, Have a H.E.A.R.T. is a guide to rejuvenating your commitment to your family. It doesn’t matter where you are along the path, you’ll find that the suggestions will apply to your own life.

As a divorced single mom, I felt a bit silly as I started reading the chapter “Enrich Your Marriage”. It’s a little late for that, right? Granted, I’m in a relationship these days, but when the kids are just mine, and already half to three-quarters grown, the dynamics are different.

Despite my disassociation with the main topic, I was surprised to find that a passage in this chapter is the one that most strongly resonates with me. There’s a couple of paragraphs that discuss “living the marriage out loud”… to simplify, do our actions, and what we’re showing people outside, fit what we want to exemplify? Are our actions those that we want our children to emulate? Despite the focus on marriage here, that line of thought has some pretty strong applications in all that we do. Who we are, and what we model, no matter whether we are at home, or out in our community, is vital to what our children are learning from us.

I was surprised to find that this book is one that I want close by – it’s in the stack with my bible and a few other titles that I reach for when I’m seeking answers. It isn’t quite a reference, so much as it is a guide to self. There is so much here that I’m finding something new each time I open it.

Christianity is so interwined with the story, it’s not possible to separate it, and that is both is both its greatest strength and my deepest regret.

I have friends, fellow homeschool moms, that I would absolutely LOVE to share this book with… and due to religious differences, it wouldn’t be well received.

I get it, I really do – this is a book written by a Christian, for other Christians, published by a Christian publisher – it is what it is.

Yet the challenges described in these pages are universal; however illogical it may be, I still wish that there was a non-denominational version so that the wisdom within was available to all.

We start our 7th year homeschooling next week. How To Have A H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids will remain in my “bag of tricks” to get me through the year.

How To Have A H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids, available from Apologia, is just $13. For other titles from Apologia, check out my reviews of What We Believe, Vol 1: Who Is God? and Read For The Heart.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Apologia–How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2011-12 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Eagle’s Wings: Considering God’s Creation

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May 252011

Sometimes, we search high and low for just the right type of homeschool curriculum, and nothing is ever quite right. Time goes by, and we end up using other materials because – we think – what we want just isn’t out there.

The really frustrating part? Sometimes, it IS already out there – and we just don’t know it yet.

Today’s item is, for me, just exactly that. It lands in my lap NOW, when I really could have used it to best advantage about four years ago. Sigh.

Considering God’s Creation is an all-in-one elementary science curriculum, with a bit of a unit study approach thrown in. Though it was created for elementary students, it’s adaptable for all ages. Junior and senior high students can easily be included in science studies for the whole family, by using these materials as a core, and then adding additional reference materials for more in-depth study. Alternatively, older students can use many of the included worksheets as a supplement to other science curricula.

I’m in love with the workbook. Really. The worksheets are fabulous. Considering God’s Creation arrived a bit late in the school year for us to switch whole-heartedly from what we were already using, so our usage has been hit and miss – in other words, I picked a few things at random. I intend to proceed more progressively though the program next year. (Since I can’t figure out how to retroactively go back 4 years and pull a “redo” out of the hat. [grin])

There are three components to Considering God’s Creation: a 128-page teacher’s manual, a 270-page student book with limited copy permissions, and an audio CD with several memorable songs to help engage students and encourage retention.

The material is broken into 36 lessons, which may be worked through over a year’s time, or with younger students, or desire for more depth, each lesson could easily be spread out more. There is a LOT of information here!

Each lesson includes teacher preparation information, vocabulary for that lesson, an introduction to the lesson’s topic, a song or poem related to the lesson (songs are also on the audio CD), bible reading, notebook work, “evolution stumpers”, which are critical thinking discussion questions about creation and evolution, review questions, and “digging deeper”, suggestions of activities to extend learning.

Considering God’s Creation is easy to use with pre-planned lessons, so, while it does require active teaching, it doesn’t require extensive lesson creation on the teacher’s part. It’s ready to pick up and use. With the varied components of the lessons, it would be easy to adapt for most learners, and interactive and hands-on activity suggestions are included.

Even if your student are older, or you already have a primary science program, I’d still recommend that you take a look at Considering God’s Creation. Even as a supplement, it’s very reasonably priced.

Considering God’s Creation may be purchased from Eagle’s Wings for $29.95. Student workbooks may be purchased for $13.95 each. Eagle’s Wings has numerous other products available, including products previously reviewed by the TOS Homeschool Crew, such as Alphabet Island Phonics and Remembering God’s Awesome Acts. Their newest book, A Complete Guide to Celebrating Our Messiah in the Festivals, includes nearly 700 pages about various Biblical feasts.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Eagle’s Wings: Considering God’s Creation.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2010-11 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Learn spelling rules with Wordy Qwerty

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May 202011

The princess, as my only student in the 7-9 year old range, has recently been trying out the online version of Wordy Qwerty, from Talking Words. Wordy Qwerty is a product designed to increase reading and spelling fluency. Once students are reading, they may recognize and be able to read many words, but not always spell them correctly, and this is a gap that Wordy Qwerty is designed to correct.

Wordy Qwerty covers 20 different spelling rules, as follows:

Silent E
Sounds of C
Sounds of G
J or DGE
W or WH
C or K
CK or K
CKS or X
CH or TCH
LL, SS, FF, ZZ
OI or OY
VE Words
Open Syllables
Double Consonants
Doubling rule
ER, IR, OR, UR, EAR
I Before E
Plurals: Add ES
Plurals: Y to IES
Plurals: F to VES

As soon as we got her login set up, the Princess dove right in – she enjoyed Wordy Qwerty so much, that at times it was difficult to get her OFF Wordy Qwerty and ON to another project. By the time she had worked her way half-way through the program, she’d also gained an audience. Older brother Doodle, age 11, was captivated by the music, and thankfully, not too much of a distraction for her to tolerate.

Each lesson in Wordy Qwerty has six steps that the student progresses through:

Step 1 is Patterns.

Students create two word lists by typing the name of pictures they are show, and then sorting the words into two group by a particular characteristic. Then the two cartoon keyboards, Qwerty and Midi, discuss the differences between the two groups and derive the rule from what they have learned.

Step 2 is Karaoke.

During the Karaoke portion, a song is sung as the lyrics show on the screen. The song is intended as a memory tool to help students recall the spelling rule in the future. The song is played through once, then the student is given the option to repeat it, and even to sing along.

Step 3 is the Recycler.

Many words can be created by using one ending with different beginning characters. Also, many words may sound alike, but be spelled in two different manners. The Recycler works with both by using “randomly” chosen beginning sounds, and asking the student to choose which word, or both, are real words. If the student scores less then 90%, the student is asked to study the list of words, and then try again for a bonus. Words may be clicked on for a spoken definition.

Step 4 is Pop-A-Word.

A 4-word phrase is shown, and then the student is to choose, in order, the words from the phrase as they appear and disappear on the balloons. The more times they are able to complete the phrase, the higher their score will be. This encourages the student to memorize “outlaw” words, words that must simply be memorized because they do not fit any spelling patterns or rules.

Step 5 is Write Stories.

In this activity, students are shown an eight-line rhyme, two lines at a time. The first line is “typed” by the computer, and then the student types in the second line from dictation. When mistakes are made, the computer suggests corrections for the student to type. The less help a student needs to recreate the line, the greater their score will be.

Step 6 is Read Stories.

These are stories to read, with a few carefully chosen “blanks”. When the student reaches a blank, they choose, from a drop-down list, the word that best completes the sentence. These stories allow the students to practice fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Wordy Qwerty incorporates rewards to encourage students to do well. “Spheres” are earned based on their success in the games, which allows them to unlock fun music portions. (Have to say, these musical interludes are my – and my kids’ – favorite part of Wordy Qwerty, though the keyboard characters, Qwerty and Midi, are pretty darn cute.)

The home edition of Wordy Qwerty may be purchased from Talking Fingers. It is available as either a software CD for $35 or an online subscription with per-student pricing.

A FREE DEMO of Wordy Qwerty is available – click to try out lesson 1, Silent E.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Talking Fingers. TOS Homeschool Crew members previously reviewed another Talking Fingers product, Read, Write, and Type.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2010-11 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Get those doggone math facts down!

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May 182011

We’re winding down to the end of the school year, and with it, finishing up this year’s TOS Homeschool Crew journey.

We’ve had the joy of reviewing quite a few math products this year – I’ve got just one more to share with you. Sometime in the near future, I’ll put together a comparison post, to let you know how they compare.

Formerly a paper-and-pencil daily drill program, Mad Dog Math is drill software. Mad Dog Math may be used to supplement to any math curriculum; spend just ten minutes a day on regular drills.

Basic math facts, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are covered, arranged in three levels plus a bonus challenge level. A timer is available, or may be turned off.

The recommended way to use Mad Dog Math is to first set the timer to 2 minutes per worksheet, and have the student work their way through the entire level of worksheets. The student does not move on to the next worksheet until they have completed it while missing two or fewer problems. Worksheets gradually increase in difficulty.

After the student has completed the entire level with the timer at 2 minutes, it is then reset for 1 minute, and the level repeated. The final trip through the level is with the timer set at 30 seconds. After completing the level on all three speeds, they have passed and may move on to the next level.

The intuitive interface makes it easy for kids to just log in and go; once they understand how it works, little parent involvement is necessary.

I had a bit of frustration with one thing – the log-in system. Though we were able to create plenty of user names (there doesn’t appear to be a limit) there is no central ability to check on progress. To see where each child was in the program, I had to log in their names. It was made even more complicated by the lack of a drop-down list of user names – if the child couldn’t remember the name they’d used before, their previous progress was inaccessible.

Mad Dog Math is fairly simple in scope. It has one specific purpose, and does it well, without a lot of distracting bells and whistles. Students may need a little time to get used to using the ten-key, but adding that skill is a positive in my book, not a reason for concern.

The general concensus among the kids was that it is “OK”. Granted, they *are* a bit math drill weary at this point in the year, but there was one common thread in their thoughts – that it needs MORE. More questions, more worksheets, more facts, a broader scope – something. They’d also like a little variety to keep things interesting.

They also found the way logging in works obnoxious; I can’t blame them, either. I’d strongly prefer a list of login names, and one easy way to view progress.

Available for Windows only, Mad Dog Math‘s pricing structure is a little unusual. You can purchase a one-year license for just $19.99, a two-year license for $29.99, or a perpetual license (no end date) for $39.99. I appreciate the variable pricing structure dependent on how long you anticipate needing the program.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Mad Dog Math.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2010-11 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

Learn how to REALLY write. And teach writing. Really.

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May 132011

I think of myself as a writer. I do NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, consider myself capable and confident to teach it.

As I sit here and ponder, and try to figure out how to start this review, I’m realizing a few things about myself that I’ve never before condensed into works.

Though I appreciate an outline, and find it easy to write when I have a plan to follow, I’m not very good at creating that plan.

I spent 13 years in public school, and I can’t say that anyone, anywhere along the way, actually TAUGHT me to write.

They taught me to put words on paper. They expected me to paraphrase what someone else had written. They corrected, and scribbled, and edited – each teacher to their own personal preferences… but determining their likes and dislikes was left up to me, and my grades were dependent on how quickly I adapted.

What little talent came was granted by intuition, a boundless appetite for books, and a bit of luck at choosing words that were pleasing to my ear.

Never was I given a method to follow, that consistently used, would produce quality writing, time and time again.

We’re nearing the end of our sixth year of homeschooling… and I truly wish I’d discovered the gem that is the Institute for Excellence in Writing long, long ago.

I nearly did.

I remember happening upon the website quite a few years back. Don’t remember how or what, what path my clicks had taken, but I do remember the website.

It seemed daunting and formal, the name (The Institute for Excellence in Writing) straight from nightmare of homeschooling via high-class prep school… not something that would appeal to a low-income single mom desperate to get her kids out of the drab routine of institutionalized schooling.

I’d heard some positives, and so I looked… and was promptly chased off by that scary website, unfriendly product names catcalling as I scurried away.

Do yourself a favor, ok? Read what I have to say here, and then go and take a look. Put on your blinders, ignore the name, pretend the site doesn’t scream staid conformity, and go take a look. Ignore the superficial skin, and go for the guts.

That’s where the good stuff is. Finding your courage is worth it; there are precious treasures hidden there.

——————–

Last fall, we were sent a package from the Institute for Excellence in Writing with three items:

Student Writing Intensive Level C,
the Structure and Style Overview DVD, and
a Portable Wall.

I had mixed feelings about this review. I was excited to get to try something new, especially for my first high-schooler… but I had memories of that terrifying website in the back of my mind.

I looked over the materials… portable wall, mmm, ok. Interesting, looks useful… but I bet he’ll keep forgetting to get it out and use it. Might be better to make small copies of the sections and tape them to his binder. Structure and Style Overview DVD… pop it in the player. Ook! Menu looks scary, too. What’s all that mean? I’ll come back to that later. It’s for me to watch, anyways.

Binder with Student Writing Intensive teacher notes and student handouts. Hmm. Not so scary in here. Not too many papers in here, maybe 100 pages, probably no place for sharks to hide, ok, I’ll dive in.

“Easy Start Instructions.” This, I like. Tells me exactly what I need to do to get started… and cool! It doesn’t shoo me off to watch that DVD first.

“The teacher’s notes for each lesson will tell you exactly what to do.” Better and better all the time! I can learn the process along with him, rather then attempt to cram it in my brain before we start.

Various handouts, teacher’s notes, schedule… wow, VERY nicely laid out, explicitly detailed, schedule. Fifteen lessons, expect them to take 1-2 weeks per lesson… doesn’t sound incredibly time-consuming.

The instructions recommend that the parent watch the lessons along with the student, the better to understand and facilitate their learning.

So the next day, off we went, straight into the deep end of lesson 1. The general consensus? The instructor is funny, friendly, and it’s easy to follow along. Hey – this makes sense! With pretty much no prep time on my part, I learned along with my son, and was able to be a sounding board for any questions he had.

This, I could do. I think I’m in love.

——————–

The weeks go by, sailing pretty smooth. Still no sharks circling, no MOM, I hate this… and the younger siblings are curious. Listening along, and probably picking up bits and pieces here and there. I contemplate Level A, for 3rd-5th graders, and Level B, 6th-8th… and then the Student Intensive Continuation Courses sneak into my thoughts. I’d like them all to come live at my house, please, if out there in the homeschooling ocean they find themselves with nowhere to go.

I find myself memorizing the website that had inhabited my nightmares. When did it become so friendly and helpful, chock full of information and samples and suggestions are how to make things work?

I give in and watch the Style and Structure overview, and I’m amazed to find it’s no more difficult than the student lectures. I’d anticipated vague lectures, concepts to be inhaled and understood, and instead I got specifics that I could learn, and apply, and maybe even adapt and teach on my own.

There’s no real NEED for me to, with the Student Writing Intensive set… but I could, given the courage and desire. And who knows? It might creep in, like IEW did, and stay.

——————–

The Institute for Excellence in Writing absolutely deserves high marks for taking a CONCEPT, condensing it into concrete STEPS, and making it TEACHABLE.

The Student Writing Intensive series is flexible. A parent with limited writing skill can easily learn enough alongside their student(s) to be able to teach and reinforce the material. A more skilled teacher will appreciate the guidelines for HOW to approach the instruction. And a writer like me, who suddenly realizes that they’re far more organic a writer than previous believed, can be shown the patterns underlying their instinctive processes.

My only dismay about the materials from the Institute for Excellence in Writing is the price – and really, that’s colored more by my financial status then anything, because the prices are quite fair.

The DVD portion of each Student Writing Intensive is just $99.00, quite a reasonable price for a year’s worth of material that can be reused for every student in the family. The combination teacher’s notes / student handouts packed comes in two options – either a notebook (binder) and handouts for $18, or as an ebook for just $10. (Let me add right here how much I LOVE it when a company provides a reasonably-priced ebook option – I can print what I need, when I need it.)

The Structure and Style Overview DVD is just $10. This would be a good place to start if you’d like to know how the program works, but aren’t sure about committing to a larger purchase.

The Portable Wall, which we didn’t end up using in its original form, is priced at $7. Get at least one of these, even if you don’t intend to use it as is. Add it to the binder, punch holes in it and use it as dividers, whatever you like – but it’s a great low-cost reference that you don’t want to overlook.

If you’re braver than I am, consider the entire Structure and Style seminar. I might find my way there eventually – but rest assured, it isn’t a requirement for using the rest of their materials.

The Institute for Excellence in Writing has MANY other products available – I’d anticipate the same high quality (and low-fright-factor) from each of their items.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, Institute for Excellence in Writing.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2010-11 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

GoTrybe: motivating daily fitness and health education

Homeschool, Reviews No Responses »

May 112011

Whew! We finally got a review that seemed perfect for active Tiger. He’s ALWAYS on the move, and in this mom’s opinion, could use a bit more direction for all that energy!

GoTrybe was created to help motivate today’s sedentary kids into a more active, healthy lifestyle. Filled with videos to show them HOW to exercise, a plan for WHEN to exercise, and rewards for actually EXERCISING, GoTrybe seems to have all the parts it needs to get kids out of their seat and onto their feet.

There are three levels for various age levels. Tiger got to try out Trybe180, but you can test out the program for yourself on any level you choose – see the free trial code below!

Once your student had signed in and filled out his/her profile, they’re ready to go. Each day, they will have four types of daily activities to complete: fitness, nutrition, motivation, and wellness. (There is also a section for their “avatar”, or likeness, in GoTrybe – more on this later.)

I’m not sure if these items vary from level to level, so keep in mind, I’m describing Trybe180, designed for middle-schoolers.

In the fitness portion, they have a choice of ready-made workouts, or they can customize their own from various videos by choosing a warmup, three cardio, one for strength, and one for flexibility. Tiger quickly decided he preferred to create his own, and he’s saved several of his favorite setups for later use. To use them, they watch the video and follow the directions for the activity in the video. Upon completion, they earn GoTrybe points, that they can later use in the GoTrybe store to purchase virtual items for their avatars.

With avatars, the student can personalize and feel a part of the service – active and involved, not just sitting on the outside and looking in. The points help to motivate their participation, and rewards them for daily use of GoTrybe.

Tiger likes the avatars, but he’d appreciate a few more options in the body features of the avatars – he wasn’t really able to make the avatar look at least somewhat like him, which disappointed him. (Then again, he promptly decided since it wouldn’t look like him anyways, it might as well have purple hair. Yeah.)

After fitness, the next section is nutrition. A short video clip is played, and then a question is asked regarding the material viewed. A correct answer earns points. A variety of instructors are used in the workout videos, and the motivation portion is used to have those instructors speak directly to the student to encourage their efforts toward better health and fitness. Points are rewarded for viewing. The last portion, wellness, has a short written piece on a health-related topic, though not necessarily about fitness. Again, a question is presented, with the opportunity to earn more points.

Students are also able to add their friends who are also using GoTrybe, to compare workouts and encourage each other through community involvement.

GoTrybe was a interesting experience. It’s sort of an unusual idea to present through the web, but in this case, it seems to work. Tiger felt a bit silly at first doing his workout along with the computer, but as time went by, his comfort zone increased. It would be even more effective with a larger screen available and multiple kids participating. It’s worth trying out, with a free trial available, and it’s a reasonable price, working out to less than $2 a month.

GoTrybe is an online subscription service, priced at just $19.95/year. Use code GETFIT to sign up for a free trial, and check it out for yourself.

To see what other crew members had to say about this product, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog post, GoTrybe.

**I received this product for free as a member of the 2010-11 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew so that I could provide you with an honest review of it by our family.**

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