Activity Bags Review – Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of The Schoolhouse Review Crew, I was recently able to try out 4 really wonderful ebooks from Activity Bags: Science Experiments in a Bag Ebook 1, Science Experiments in a Bag Ebook 2, Science Experiments in a Bag Ebook 3, and Math Games in a Bag.

About Activity Bags

Activity Bags books all come in PDF ebook format and are a fun way to add learning games to your homeschool day.  If you’re anything like me, you’ve learned that if you can make learning fun, then your kids learn and retain the information better.

Each book contains all the information and pritables that you need to assemble the games/activities.  I love that they also encourage you to assemble the, as a group to exchange.  They provide a free Coordinators Handbook just for this purpose.  This is a GREAT way to assemble these games/activities, as each person assembles multiples of a couple of them to share with the group.  This allows you to be able to purchase some items in bulk at a discounted price which makes it even cheaper to assemble them.

Assembling the games/activities is easy.  All you need to do is gather the supplies for each activity/game, print out the masters from the ebook for each game you are assembling,  and then tuck them into a gallon sized ziplock bag for storage.  Easy Peasy!  Once assembled, you are ready for some educational fun!  The games are mostly designed for 2 or more players and they are geared toward grades K-8.

We received 4 books to review:

Science Experiments in a Bag Ebook 1 – This book contains 25 experiments for biology, nature, and general science.  It costs $15.

Science Experiments in a Bag Ebook 2 – This book contains 25 experiments for chemistry, the human body,  and general science.  It costs $15.

Science Experiments in a Bag Ebook 3 – This book contains 25 experiments for chemistry.  It costs $15.

You can purchase Books 1 & 2 in a bundle set for only $27 or you can get a bundle with all 3 books for $39 (a $6 savings!)

Math Games in a Bag – This book contains 33 math games and costs $15.

They also have books with Preschool Activities (2), Reading Games, Travel Activities, and Daily Activity Journals.

My Thoughts on Activity Bags

I have to say, I’m highly impressed with Activity Bags.  My son loves playing games and doing science experiments, so this was a BIG hit at our house.  The games and experiments are really easy to assemble and many times we already had the “ingredients” around.  We have a lot of homeschoolers in our church and I can see doing a swap really soon with these Activity Bags.

Riley’s favorites have to have been the Science Experiments in a Bag books.  He loved making salt crystals and volcanoes.  The experiments are hands-on and fun.  He’s also been struggling with math of the Math Games in a Bag were so helpful in encouraging him to strengthen his math skills.

I am actually going to be using these books a lot in the next couple of months.  I’ve decided to make up quite a few of them for my nieces as a Christmas present for my nieces.  My sister-in-law is homeschooling her 5 girls and it’s always hard to pick gifts for them.  So I though that these would be perfect as a gift.

I really think Activity Bags are a great way to add some fun into your homeschool.  I really can’t recommend them high enough.  They are reasonably priced and are chock full of homeschooling fun.  I suggest you run out an purchase them today!

Want to find out what other people thought of Activity Bags? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Samson’s Classroom Review – Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of he Schoolhouse Review Crew, I recently was able to try out a subscription to Samson’s Classroom in exchange for a review.

About Samson’s Classroom

Samson’s Classroom is an online educational program that encourages children to become better readers.  Within the program there are three sub-programs: Sight Words With Samson, Spelling With Samson, and Reading With Samson.

 

It is intended to be used with grades K-5.  Samson’s Classroom has many payment options:

$30 per year for a home use account, which covers 1 user.
$50 per year for a family use account, which covers up to 4 users.
$80 per year for a classroom use account, which covers up to 30 users

There are also many other subscriptions available, see their website for the full subscription rates.

Sight Words With Samson helps children master 224 of the most commonly used words in the English language.  The program uses a 5 step process to help children learn these words.  They learn through a variety of games.

Spelling With Samson helps children learn to spell over 5,000 words.  The list is exhaustive!  Children learn through a variety of games.  You can even create your own spelling lists which can include up to 30 words.

Reading With Samson focuses on reading comprehension.  The child is asked to read a passage and is presented with 10 questions about the reading.   There are four different levels in the Reading With Samson program.

There is also a resource center where parents can find articles and printables such as awards, lesson plans, and worksheets.

You can try a demo of Samson’s Classroom and be sure to watch this short video for more information.

How We Are Using Samson’s Classroom

We’ve been using Samson’s Classroom as a supplement to the reading program we are currently using.  Although, I am seriously considering using it on a daily basis because Riley is really enjoying it and is learning using it faster than with our current program.

My Thoughts on Samson’s Classroom

Riley (age 8) really seems to be enjoying the program. The games are fun and I’m really seeing some progress in his reading skills.  We are not big users of computer programs for homeschool.  Some of the ones we’ve tried in the past just were not good fits and didn’t work well for us.  They’ve generally caused Riley a great deal of frustration, which in turn frustrates me.  Samson’s Classroom is the exception!  It makes learning fun and Riley really does enjoy it.  Samson’s Classroom has been a hit with Riley and I appreciate the great content and the ease of use.  I would recommend Samson’s Classroom to my friends, it’s a great program!

Want to find out what other people thought of Samson’s Classroom ? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Music Together Review – Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew , I recently was able to try and review the Family Favorites Combo Set from Music Together.

About the Family Favorites Combo Set from Music Together

Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies through 2nd grade.  They provide music education classes that kids and parents can enjoy together.  Parent participation is key to the program.  The developers of the program, Kenneth K. Guilmartin and Dr. Lili M. Levinowitz philosophy is that:

1. All children are musical.
2. Therefore, all children can achieve basic music competence; that is, they can learn to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm.
3. The participation and modeling of parents and other primary caregivers is essential to a child’s musical growth.
4. This growth is best achieved in a playful, musically rich, and non performance-oriented learning environment.

I received the Music Together Family Favorites Combo Set to review.  It comes with the Songbook for Teachers and the companion CD.  It contains 19 fun songs that are sure to become favorites.  The combo set sells for $39.95 which is a $5.00 savings from purchasing them separately.

  How We Used It

When the package arrived, I was so excited to open it up.  I love music and so do both of my kids.  Since my oldest is 19 and my youngest is 8, we were only able to use it with Riley, our 8 year old.  Riley really loves music and so we put the CD on right away to listen to it.  As I said, Riley is 8 (nearly 9), and while he did, somewhat, enjoy the songs, many he complained about being “too baby”.  We worked on a few songs several times per week and did the associated activities.  Some he enjoyed and others he didn’t.  But  being a boy, he did usually enjoy the activities, even if the song was “too baby”.  Often, when it was time to start the program, he could complain and not want to do it.  After we’d get going, he seemed to enjoy it better.  His main complaint was  “Can’t we listen to our usual stuff”, which is usual classical music and/or praise and worship.  We were actually able to adapt some of the activities to use with our “usual” music, which helped some.  Overall, Riley did not enjoy this program as much as I would have liked, but he would have LOVED it at around ages 4-5.

What I Liked About the Program

• I think the activities and songs will be very enjoyable to younger students
• The songs are simple and easy to learn
• I love that the teacher book includes activities specially designed for special needs kids.  I actually think this is an EXCELLENT program for special needs kids.

What I Didn’t Like About the Program

• My son who is on the older end of the recommended age range did not enjoy this as much as I would have hoped.

Summary

I think this is a solid, EARLY childhood or SPECIAL NEEDS music program.  Toddlers through kindergarten will love the fun songs and activities, but older children may find it too “babyish” as my son did.  But, other than that, I would highly recommend it!

Want to find out what other people thought of Family Favorites Combo Set from Music Together? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Homeschool Legacy Native America Once-A-Week Unit Study Review :: Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I recently received the Once-A-Week Unit Study entitled Native America from Homeschool Legacy.

About Once-A-Week Unit Studies

Once-A-Week Unit Studies from Homeschool Legacy are fun and interactive Christian based unit studies for grades 2-12.  They are cross-curricular and include many different subjects while still staying on the “main” subject.  I was able to try the Native America unit study to review.  Once-A-Week Unit Studies will also help your Boy Scout or American Heritage Girl earn their merit badges on many different subjects–a nice addition!

Each unit study includes a weekly schedule and tips on how to use the study.  I love that you can find the majority of the books you need at your local library, and even a few of them from free sources such at Project Gutenberg.  You may even already own a few of the titles.  You can find these comprehensive unit studies for $17.95 at the Homeschool Legacy website.

You can fine Once-A-Week Unit Studies covering the following topics:

• Horsing Around (4 weeks)
• Knights & Nobles (4 weeks)
• Forest for the Trees (4 weeks)
• Birds of a Feather (4 weeks)
• Native America (6 weeks)
• Lewis & Clark: From Sea to Shining Sea (7 weeks)
• Early Settlers in America (6 weeks)
• Revolutionary Ideas (7 weeks)
• Weather on the Move (7 weeks)
• We the People: Getting to Know Your Constitution (8 weeks)

My Thoughts on the Native America Once-A-Week Unit Study

Learning about Native America is important to my family, as part of my husband’s heritage is Native American.  We don’t know much about it, because his grandmother looked at her Native American heritage as shameful.  I don’t want my children growing up with the outlook, so I feel it’s important for them to learn as much about it as possible and even celebrate it.  That’s why I was so excited to get to review the Native America Once-A-Week Unit Study.

Native America is an exhaustive unit study that covers:

• The Northeast Woodland Nations
• The Southeast Woodland Nations
• The Southwest Nations
• The Plains Nations
• The Pacific Northwest Coast Nations
• The California/Plateau/Great Basin Nations

This unit study contains sixty-one pages and is scheduled to be completed in six weeks.  Everything you need for each week can be found at the beginning of each section.

The Native America Once-A-Week Unit Study is well researched and comprehensive.  You could easily extend it into a much longer time period than just six weeks and still not use all the suggested books, movies and activities.  I was really impressed with just how extensive the Native America unit study was.

How We Used the Native America Once-A-Week Unit Study

Riley certainly enjoyed the activities and reading selections.  We chose to use the Native America Once-A-Week Unit Study as a summer study.  We like to school year round, but like to do things like unit studies during the summer.  They are a bit more relaxed and fun than just our regular studies.  We followed the weekly schedule and it worked out perfectly for our summer study.  The reading selections were fun and I think he learned so much from them!  We exhausted our small local library of every Native American book available.  I think that now, Riley has a much better idea of his Native American heritage.  I think that overall, this unit study was a hit and we will certainly consider purchasing more of the Once-A-Week Unit Studies from Homeschool Legacy!

Want to find out what other people thought of Once-A-Week Unit Studies from Homeschool Legacy? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The ‘Write’ Stuff

I’d checked out the book use your words by Kate Hopper from the library a couple of weeks ago. It was a July sizzler apparently. At our libraries, that means it was in demand.

I’m not really a writer. Well, perhaps I am. This post is on a site that is not mine and yet I’m sharing my thoughts- typed out for others to read. Perhaps that does make me a writer.

When I was younger the dream to be published was there. My pen name was even created and a signature perfected. But –

Even a blank piece of paper is enough to make many a writer decide it’s time -right this minute- to rearrange the spice cupboard or iron their underwear. ~Kate Hopper, use your words

I never got that book published. Admittedly, the book never got written in the first place. When a writer has an idea, -and don’t they generally have a head full of ideas?- they plot, plan, research and write. I’m starting to think that “I write to discover what I know” (Flannery O’Connor). And the more I write, the more I discover that there is a lot that I do not know.

But I enjoy it nonetheless and plan to continue. I may never become published -wouldn’t that be something!- but I would like to at least try.

I had rather attempt something great and fail, than to attempt nothing at all and succeed. ~Robert Schuller

I don’t have one particular genre that is preferable to write; non-fiction doesn’t rate higher than fiction for me. I’ve tried my hand at both and enjoyed it. Some books that I’ve discovered lately, although they may not be, definitely are not, new that I’m delving into more on this ‘writing journey’ are:

Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers by Kate Hopper- “Writing is an act of discovery.” This book is written for mothers really but it could be used by any person, (adult) whether they have children or not, to help them open up their minds to their experiences more and to put that down on paper. It includes pieces of writing by mothers that exhibit just what Hopper is trying to get her readers to emulate. Also included are writing exercises to practice what’s been learned. Using words to take the reader to the place, to feel the emotions and to experience it with the writer.

 

The Lively Art of Writing: Developing Structure by Lucile Vaughan Payne- “At its best, an essay blends fact with imagination, knowledge with feeling, never giving itself over wholly to one or the other. But its purpose is always the same: to express an opinion.” This is actually a ‘textbook’ that used to be in the public schools. I’ve no idea if it is still but it’s been recommended to me by other homeschoolers as a book to look at for teaching writing. When I write, I like it to follow a pattern, a structure. This book was written with just that in mind.

Woe is I: the Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English by Patricia T. O’Connor- “Here’s one of those things that [drives or drive] us crazy.” Grammar is bane of so many a writer’s existence. Some stress over it tirelessly while others throw all rules to the wind. This book is funny and therefore learning about grammar is a little easier to take.

And finally, just because I’ve never really been ‘into’ poetry very much, but am trying to broaden my horizons, I decided to have a look at an old book:

The Range of Literature: Poetry by John A. Myers Jr. and Carol Marshall- This book has a little over 100 poems from well-known, even if not to me, poets such as E. E. Cummings, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Phyllis McGinley, Richard Wilbur, and many more. The way that poets form their words has always been a mystery to me but I still love the way they are able to choose the right words to form a picture. This also has discussion questions at the end of each poem that tries to get the reader to analyze the poems. I just like to read the range of poetry.

Are you a writer? What resources have you found to be worthwhile and helpful for writing?

A Cry From Egypt Review :: Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I am privileged to receive some exceedingly great homeschooling resources to evaluate.  This has certainly been a blessing to us, as we’ve received several items that we are continuing to use over this next school year.  Recently, I received a copy of the book A Cry From Egypt by Hope Auer from Raising Real Men, published by Great Waters press to examine.

A Cry From Egypt is the first book in the Promised Land series by Hope Auer and illustrated by Mike Slaton, both recent homeschool graduates.  Auer began writing the book at thirteen as a homeschool assignment while studying ancient Egypt.  The book deals with the time period of the Israelite’s slavery before Moses leads them in the Exodus.  The book is intended for ages eight and above.  You can purchase an Advance-reader copy of the book for $12.50.

A Cry From Egypt Summary

A Cry From Egypt centers around Jarah, a young Hebrew slave girl in ancient Egypt.  It is a fictional account of the time when the Israelites were still in slavery in Egypt, but before the Exodus.  She and family must work long and hard for their Egyptian masters, or face cruel punishment.  Jarah longs for freedom from her people’s oppressors.  When a friend that works in the palace passes along a message saying that she is seeing Yahweh at work, things begin to change and Jarah and her people find themselves at the climax of four hundred years of history.  Could Yahweh be preparing the way for His people’s freedom?

My Thoughts on A Cry From Egypt

We are currently studying Egyptian history, so this book couldn’t have arrived at a better time.  I started reading it aloud to Riley the other night.  Generally, we read one chapter of a book per night, but this one had Riley begging “for just one more chapter, Mom!”  A Cry from Egypt is a very well written book, especially considering how young the writer was when she began writing it.  I was quite impressed with her depth and insight.  The plot is well constructed and intriguing; it flows so well together.  While we’re not yet finished with the book, Riley is already excited about the sequel(s).  He actually asks for this book for bedtime reading over his beloved Hardy Boys—that really says it all right there!

About the Author

Hope Auer has been writing stories and plays since she was very young.  Through her school years, she developed a passion for history and telling stories which eventually led to “The Promised Land Series.”  In addition to writing, Hope loves the Lord, life, church, family, and children.  She was homeschooled and works and learns alongside her family, who are the first people to read her books.  Hope has a heart for children that is evident as she helps in youth theater, teaches piano, and writes stories.  Hope also has a little Shih Tzu names Sophie who often sits on her lap and helps her write.

Want to find out what other people thought of A Cry From Egypt by Hope Auer from Raising Real Men, published by Great Waters press? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fitness 4 Homeschool Review :: Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I recently was able to try out the Fitness 4 Homeschool program from Family Time Fitness.

About Fitness 4 Homeschool

Fitness 4 Homeschool is a fun P.E. curriculum for homeschooling families.  The Fitness 4 Homeschool Core 1 Curriculum costs $57 for the PDF download and contains 260 lessons.  It was designed for grades K-8.  The lessons are easy to complete and need very little time to set up.  They take only about 30-45 minutes per day to complete.

Fitness 4 Homeschool is a complete curriculum and includes the following:

• introductory guide
• a daily schedule
• a list of require equipment
• tips and tests
• additional downloads

The 260 lessons are broken down into 13 PDF files.  The lessons include everything you need to complete the lesson.  There are written instructions in each lesson, but also, a link to an online video that shows you exactly how to to the activity.  That was a really helpful option!

My Thought on Fitness 4 Homeschool

As a mom of boys, I’m always looking for ways to expel all that excess energy.  We did the Fitness 4 Homeschool program as a summer “boredom buster”.  It can be so hot here in the summer that the kids tend to spend more time inside than out.  Not to mention that the heat can make it dangerous to exercise outside for long.  So I really appreciated that we could adapt the lessons to indoor use.  We used the Fitness 4 Homeschool 3-5 days per week and Riley did enjoy it.  Because he is blind in his right eye, his coordination can sometimes be off and I do feel that regular and organized exercise will help improve his balance and coordination.

Summary

I do feel that Fitness 4 Homeschool is a great P.E. option for Homeschoolers.  It contains lots of fun activities that kids will enjoy and that families can do together.  I do think the price is a bit steep, especially for a PDF download, but that’s just me.  I’m such a cheapskate that I  get sticker shock easily.  But once the sticker shock wore off, I realized that the program can be used over and over again, so it’s really more of an investment.  Teaching your children early on the importance of exercise is a wise idea and this makes teaching that principle fun and easy.  Highly recommend!

Want to find out what other people thought of Fitness 4 Homeschool program from Family Time Fitness? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express DVD from Marshall Publishing Review :: Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of The Schoolhouse Review Crew, I get the chance to review a variety of homeschool related products which I totally love.  Recently I was given a copy of the DVD “The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express” from Marshall Publishing to Review.  Riley has recently become obsessed with playing the Oregon Trail game on my iPhone, so I thought this would be a good match for him and our family.

About The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express DVD

Marshall Publishing  has created a winner with The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express DVD!   This DVD contains two programs on one DVD.  These educational videos are both interesting and informative.  Beautiful photography, live re-enactments, maps and photos from this time make these videos educational and historically accurate.  They really made the time period come to life.  The normal price for this DVD is $24.95, but now you can get it for $19.95 and you can get free first class shipping by using the coupon code: TOS27 at check out.  The item number is #KVFD-109.  That’s a saving of $7.95!

The Oregon Trail Description – The reasons for going…the hauntingly beautiful landscape…the rivers they followed and crossed…the joys and hardship…and the elation and the dissension as described in immigrants diaries…all come to life in this detailed account of American’s longest and most famous trail to the West Coast.  Until you view the program you can really never understand the incredible undertaking of these brave and hardy people.  Approximately 35 minutes in length.

The Pony Express Description – Glossed over by all of the adventures and romance attached to it, most people don’t realize the Pony Express lasted only 19 months.  It was a grand gamble that eventually led to the bankruptcy of the three men who started it.  Yet, during its brief life span it caught the attention of Americans, made a legend of the riders and provided a vital link between California and the Northern states at the onset of the Civil War.  Approximately 16 minutes in length.

My Thoughts on The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express DVD

Riley and I sat down on the bed a few weeks ago to watch this.  I immediately was taken with the fact that these documentaries put me very much in mind of the ones that use to be shown on TV on shows like “The Wonderful Word of Disney” and “Mutual of Omaha”.  I grew up in the 70’s and these were a staple of Sunday night TV.  These shows were a staple in our home growing up and I’ve missed that they are not readily available for my children.  That is why I was so excited after we watched The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express from Marshall Publishing.  I LOVED those documentaries back then and was so pleased to see that Riley loved The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express just as much.  I was so impressed with the content of this DVD.  The footage and stories really drew you in and made the time period come to life.  I also like that there is a study guide available on the website.  If you grew up on the documentaries mentioned above and loved them, then I bet you’ll love these as well!  They are not all glossy and filled with the latest special effects, but they are interesting and entertaining.

Want to find out what other people thought of “The Oregon Trail and The Pony Express” from Marshall Publishing? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the The Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reading Kingdom Review :: Schoolhouse Review Crew

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I recently received and online subscription to Reading Kingdom to try out and review.

About Reading Kingdom

Reading Kingdom is an online subscription program that is designed to teach children ages 4-10 how to read and write to a third grade level.  The program was created by Dr. Marion Blank, a renowned reading expert and Director of the Light on Learning Program at Columbia University.  The program is fun, interactive and easy to use and offers a customized reading instruction for your child.  Reading Kingdom incorporates elements of phonics and whole language, as well as additional skills to achieve success at reading and writing.

From The Reading Kingdom Website:

 

• Most kids can use the program on their own after just a few lessons.
• It’s fun so children think they’re playing a game and want to practice.
• It works with any other curriculum a child may be using.
• It’s the only program to offer customized online reading instruction for each child.
• And, it’s the only system that teaches all 6 skills needed for reading & writing success!

Our commitment to online reading for kids is based on our patented six skills method for reading success. These skills include sequencing, motor skills, phonics (phonemic awareness), meaning, grammar and reading comprehension. Our online reading for kids program is ideal for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, special education, homeschool, and English as a second language. The Reading Kingdom online reading for kids program is an ideal supplement to existing curricula, as well an excellent independent curriculum. Our online reading for kids program is also a great educational alternative to other entertainment options. In fact, most children refer to the Reading Kingdom as a reading game, since it is so fun to play. We’re proud that our reading programs for kids are thought of as reading games (especially by kids!).

You can try out Reading Kingdom with a risk-free account that can be used for 30 days for FREE.  After that, you can subscribe to the site for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year for your first reader.  Additional readers are $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.  You can cancel your subscription at any time.  They also offer a scholarship program for those who can’t afford the program (apply after you use the 30 day free trial).  You may also purchase additional books, kits and other resources from the Reading Kingdom Store.

My Thoughts About Reading Kingdom

I am using the Reading Kingdom program with my 8 year old son Riley.  He is a bit behind where he should be with his reading and it is my hopes that this helps improve his reading skills.  We started off with the reading assessment which put Riley on the level that he needed to start on in the program. I liked this feature a lot because it took out all the guess work for me.

The program automatically adjusts itself based on Riley’s responses.  He is able to complete the lessons on his own with very minimum supervision.  In fact, parents are encouraged to refrain from helping their child so that the program could accurately assess his abilities.  We are using Reading Kingdom every day that we homeschool, which is 4 days per week.  The lessons take about 10-15 minutes to complete. I also love that you can get reports with your child’s progress.

Riley seems to be enjoying the program and I have yet to get any bad attitude from him “having” to do it.  It’s bright and colorful which appeals to him.  He loves the game format which tricks him into thinking Momma’s letting him play games instead of homeschooling.

Summary

Reading Kingdom was a hit with Riley and with this Momma!  We will continue to use this program until our subscription expires and I expect that Riley will be reading at grade level by the end of the year.  So far I’m really impressed with the program and am so thankful that we were able to try it out as I’m already seeing an improvement in Riley’s reading skills.

Want to find out what other people thought of Reading Kingdom? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Mr Pipes and the British Hymn Makers Review :: Homeschool Review Crew

As a member of the Homeschool Review Crew, I recently received a digital copy of the book Mr Pipes and the British Hymn Makers from Christian Liberty Press.  We have personally used Christian Liberty Press curriculum in the past, so I was familiar with the company and quality of their products.  Christian Liberty Press is known for the quality and affordable curriculum, but Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers was the first fictional book of theirs that I’ve read.

About Mr Pipes and the British Hymn Makers

Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers is a 242 page book by Douglas Bond, first published in 1999.  It is geared towards students in the 7th – 10th grades.  You can purchase the print version for $9.89 or the ebook version for $8.79.  I received the ebook version which only comes as a PDF.  Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers is the first book in the Mr. Pipes series, all of which may be purchased on the Christian Liberty Press website for $9.89 each for the print version or the complete set for $38.99.

Summary

The story centers around two teens who are “stuck” in the little English village of Olney for the summer.  They spend their time wandering around the village where they stumble upon Mr. Pipes playing the organ in a local church.  Mr. Pipes is not only and organist,  but also a historian of hymn composers.  As they get to know Mr. Pipes, they learn about famous British hymn writers, such as Charles Wesley, John Newton, William Cowper, and many more.  They also learn the value of hymns used in worship and come to accept Christ.

My Thoughts

While promoted for grades 7th – 10th, I used this book as a read aloud for Riley (age 8).  I know the two characters were suppose to be teens, but they seemed much younger than that to me in the book.  Riley had no problem following the story, although I did have to explain some words to him.  He seemed to enjoy it and wants to read the rest of the series.  I will certainly consider purchasing the complete set.

My one hesitation about the book I received was the PDF format of the ebook.  PDFs just do not translate well to most eReaders.  So, I had to read directly from the computer screen which was tiring on the eyes and not very convenient.  I would like to see Christian Liberty Press produce their ebooks in at least an ePub format that would work much better on eReaders.  Other than that, the book was a wonderful read and Riley and I learned so much about the writers of some of our favorite hymns.

Want to find out what other people thought of Mr Pipes and the British Hymn Makers from Christian Liberty Press? Then check out the rest of the reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking the graphic below!

NOTICE: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this item free from the creator. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”