Traveling while homeschooling

 

 

We recently took a week long trip to help some family who is building a cabin.  The work they needed done this time was painting. 

How I was able to work this out was that I stayed home in the mornings with Emily, Katey and Tyler and we worked on schoolwork and morning house chores (dishes, picking up, laundry, etc.). 

We would meet together with everyone for lunch and after lunch I would trade off with someone who needed a break.  They would then watch Katey and Tyler. Emily and I would go help with the work.  There were a few times we let the little kids come up and “help”.

Tommy wanted to be at the cabin as much as possible. So he committed to doing his schoolwork in the evenings so that he was able to do that. 

We sure made some memories on that trip! 

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Adventus {Learn to play the piano at home} Review

 

 

Piano lessons are something my daughter has always wanted to try.  I was so blessed when I was able to review for Adventus.  Adventus is a company that offers Multi-level lesson plans and software.  We tried out MusIQ HomeSchool.

My daughter had just received an electronic keyboard for Christmas.  This software Piano Suite Premier installed on my computer as easy as to be expected.  I downloaded the lesson plans and thought I was set.  I tried hooking up the keyboard and I could only get it to partially work. After getting fairly frustrated trying to get this set up,   I made one quick phone call to customer service.  They helped me out in a jiffy.  I was up and running in less that 15 minutes. 

We began the lessons.  I say we, because I did some of them as well.  They begin out fairly simple.  You do one lesson a week and then practice every day. Not knowing what we should practice we played around in the software by playing in Piano Player.   We had the most fun doing this.

Well the lesson plans were written for Homeschoolers we had a hard time following them.  So we just worked on where ever we had left of the lesson before.  We would both spend about 30 minutes each lesson.  I feel that we both learned so much more than just merely how to play the piano.  We learned music and piano history. We learned how to read notes.  We learned proper piano posture and more.

One thing that held Emily back from practicing more is that she struggled to hook it up each time.  For us (possibly our keyboards fault), you have to be very precise in the order you hook it up in.

MusIQ has so much to offer, are ya ready for it?

well, here goes.

• Early Curriculum for Ages 4-10
  - Children’s Music Journey Volume 1
  -Children’s Music Journey Volume 2
  -Children’s Music Journey Volume 3
  -Beginner Level 1 Lesson Plans
• Multi-Level for Ages 10+
  -Piano Suite Premier
  -Ear Training Coach 1&2
  -Ear Training Coach 3&4

- MusIQ Homeschool Early Curriculum Year 1-3 Bundle with Piano Keyboard is $309.95
-Year 1 Quick Start Bundle with Piano Keyboard is $169.95
-Year 1 with Lesson Plans is $69.95
-Year 2 with Lesson Plans is $69.95
-Year 3 with Lesson Plans is $69.95
-Year 1,2,3 with Keyboard is $279.80
-Year 1,2,3 is $179.95
-You can buy Lesson Plans only for $29.95

- You can subscribe to lessons monthly for $10.95 (no lesson plans included)
You do need a MIDI Keyboard to use the program though. You can purchase one through Adventus.
You can also try a free 7-day trial here.

Adventus even offers additional resources over at MusIQ Library.

Piano Suite Premier is what we used.  Here are the components of it.

• Theory Thinker Basic music theory, notes, measures and more.
• Piano Player Piano practice.
• Composers Corner Compose your own music.
• Games Just plain fun and games here.
• History Happens: Learn about the history of the piano to composers throughout history and more!
• Library: Over 500 different songs you can learn.

Are you ready to buy it?

Don’t forget you need a MIDI capable keyboard with MIDI cord as well as a computer to connect it to and an internet connection.

To see what others think of this check out this post. To see a wide variety of reviews check out our crew blog.

  

Home Run by Travis Thrasher {Book Review and GIVEAWAY!}

 

 

We often hear of books being made into motion pictures, but here we have a motion picture that has been made into a book.

Home Run is about a baseball star (Cody Brand) who’s life spirals out of control.  He ends up having to go back to the small town he came from and coach little league baseball and complete a recovery program.  Cody ends up getting a second chance he never thought he would get.  Along the path of healing and recovery he discovers God and his healing powers. 

This book does talk about some mature subjects such as alcohol and addiction.  The main character does make some bad decisions along the way.  In the end it does turn out right. 

The after-words of this book state that the audience for the film and book are Christians who are tired of faking it.  For those that love Jesus and feel alone.  It is for those people who think things can never change and that they can’t get away from that one demon in their life. 

• Website: http://www.homerunthemovie.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeRunTheMovie?fref=ts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeRunTheMovie
• More Info: http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=125960&source=search

About the Author

Travis Thrasher is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, including The Solitary Tales series, Isolation, and Ghostwriter. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughters in Chicago.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

What I Wish I Knew at 18 {Book Review & GIVEAWAY}

 

What I Wish I Knew at 18 is a book that is written by Dennis Trittin (see about him below).

This book can help answer some key questions such as:

• How will I define success in my life?
• How can I make a successful transition to college?
• How will I select and thrive in my career?
• How will I build new relationships and achieve a lasting marriage?
• What are my financial goals and how will I achieve them.

This book can help guide you through some of the toughest times throughout your young adult life.

By reading this book you will be thinking about what you want for your future and how to get there.

Check out more about the book and author using these links. 

 

Website: http://www.dennistrittin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennistrittinfan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dennistrittin

Blog: http://www.dennistrittin.com/blogs.aspx

Newsletter: http://www.dennistrittin.com/newsletter.aspx

 

 

About Dennis Trittin

Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.

WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK BELOW!!

 

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"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

Veggie Tales The Little House That Stood {Review and GIVEAWAY!}

 

I was sent the newest Veggie Tales movie to watch and review.

Now I know there are some die hard Veggie Tales fans out there, we however have never even seen a Veggie Tales video.  This would be our first.

Let me share with you about Veggie Tales (in case you are like me, and have never seen them).

Since 1993 they are a company that cares about what young children are watching.  They create faith based products that teach important morals and life lessons in a fun entertaining way.

About The Little House That Stood:

When the Three Little Pigs roll into Cabbageville looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation - following the wise plans from the Master Builder's Handbook! Will the Little Piggies make the right choices when it comes to building their houses - and their lives - on solid ground? Find out in this parable that shows kids when they follow God's blueprints, then can stand strong when the storms come!

I must say that this video did keep my 3 year old and 8 year olds attention the entire time.  They have asked to watch it multiple times as well as color some of the pages available on the website. 

I liked how it was wholesome entertainment.  I enjoyed how it uses common children’s stories to get a lesson across. 

Check out the Veggie Tales Website for a discussion guide as well as activities to make learning about making wise choices!

 

Would you like to win a copy of Veggie Tales The Little House That Stood? 

Check out the Rafflecopter for how to win.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

My kids had art projects on display at our local museum.

 

A mom in our homeschool co-op volunteered to teach a variety of art classes over the course of a month and then the kids could all put their work on display at our local museum.  Here are some pictures of their art projects.

She got the lesson plans from Blick Art Supplies.

Katey, Tommy and Emily Did  Art – O- Motion

 

 

Here is one Katey did called Encaustics.

 

Something that we all thought was really neat was Someone had put in a quite extensive collection of ATC ( Artist Trading Cards).  Since we have participated in some simple swaps with other’s, on a very small scale.  We thought this collection was incredibly neat.

Get out there and let your kids express themselves through some guided art lessons.  Free from Dickblick.com

My Very First Easter Story and Sticker Book {Review}

 

My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book
By Lois Rock
Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

$5.99

 

Tyler has been learning all about the story of Easter using this fun activity book. 

It really keeps him engaged. 

Each day we read the entire story and then I let him to one of the sticker/ activity pages. 

The activities are all simple for him, such as matching the stickers or talking about how you could show love or service to others.

There are other sticker books available too!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

Discovery Of Deduction by Classical Academic Press

You’ve seen that logo on my blog before.  We use and love many things from Classical Academic Press.
Classical Academic Press has a slogan “Classical Subjects, Creatively taught.”  I have used a few things from them and I have found that slogan to be true. 



We just got done trying The Discovery of Deduction: An Introduction to Formal Logic. ($26.95)  Yes, I say just got done.  Let me share with you why. 



After reviewing The Art of Argument last year, I decided to teach a co-op class using that.  We have morphed it a little by adding in debate topics.  I say this to you, so you know that my 8th grader (this is recommended for 8th grade and up) who used The Discovery of Deduction has done most of the suggested but not necessary precursor to this curriculum.

My 8th grader and I were both excited to receive and begin The Discovery of Deduction.  We were able to sit right down and begin as soon as it arrived.  There was one book that is referenced often throughout the student book and The Discovery of Deduction Teacher's Edition.  ($29.95) I found it on Kindle for 99₵.  I decided to purchase it for ease of reference.


We got through the first few lessons.  He needed absolute help on each and every lesson we did.  I could clearly see that he wasn’t fully understanding this type of formal logic.
My opinion is that it was not the curriculum itself that was hard to understand. It was the content was above his level of understanding.  Now with all of this being said.  I feel like I should keep it real and make sure you know that once my 8th grader becomes frustrated and overwhelmed he shuts down completely.  Completely.  This happened to us so often that I had to stop using this right now to save our relationship. 
I do feel that once we are completely through with Art of Argument and if I were to put this curriculum into a discussion type class, (like I have now with A of A) he would better understand it. 
This book uses real stories and a bunch of thinking to teach about formal logic.  It is what it says.  An Introduction to Formal Logic.  I think that we are just not ready for it in our house. 

I haven’t decided yet if I am going to try to teach this next level next year in a co-op or not yet. 


To see what others think of this, I know some others with 8th graders have used and liked this.  Check out this post. To see a wide variety of reviews check out our crew blog.
   

{playing catch up}

 

 

Sometimes I feel like I am playing catch up all the time.  I often wonder if I can get ahead.  From laundry (hmmm, I don’t know how you would actually get ahead on laundry), to housework, to schoolwork, to blogging, to family time, to sleep, oh beautiful sleep, and more. 

I have had so much going on these past few weeks.  There was actually a time when I wondered how.  How would I do it all?  How would I get through this?  How would I be sure to give my family the attention they deserve and show my appreciation for them when I was so stressed out about the events going on in my life. 

Here is how I handled it.

My house got a little messy, and well, it stayed that way.  I still don’t have it as clean as I like to keep it, but we are working –slowly, very slowly- at getting it back there.

I taught my 8 year old how to do laundry and told her this was her special job.  I really laid it on thick about how neat it was that she could do laundry and about how much I appreciated her helping me with the special task.

I make the kids do quick cleans.  I am going to have to blog about those one day.  They are amazing.  If I am not home I even text them at times to say do a quick clean.  They know exactly what to do.

I have the kids do the schoolwork they can do on their own whenever. If there schoolwork requires me, or it is a group activity I have asked my husband to help me out when he can, or we just wait and do it when I can.

I did some blogging in bulk a while back,  where I just sit and write a few blog posts at a time and schedule them out.  Recently, I have just been neglecting my blog. 

For the sleeping,  well I am just behind in that area as I have had to stay up late some nights and get up early in the mornings.  Let’s just say I should have bought stock in 5 Hour Energy.

A few of the things that have kept me so busy is that I have picked up a few hours at work.  Not much more, but more.  My husband was going through a somewhat complicated job change.  He has started his new job now and things are working out.  It is just the paperwork and insurance mess.  Also there is a ton of traveling when you work in the oilfield.  Two of my children had birthdays in Feb.  We had company come twice.  My son’s foot injury has required some follow up with a podiatrist.  All is fine with it now.  I did find out the bone was broken also.  Oh, and we have been looking at moving.

I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. 

We have our life back to where I can either cut way back at work, and possibly quit all together.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my job, but home is where I need to be right now.  I actually got a job to get us through the transition of my husband switching jobs.

My kids have learned a lot of home management and life skills throughout this process.  But boy, am I glad it is almost over. 

Now I just hope I didn’t jinx myself. 

Oh, oh, oh,  and here is a picture of a little ice fishing cake I made for Tommy’s birthday that had real fish in it.  I used a Bundt cake pan and cut a Styrofoam cup down to fit, added the fish and Saran wrapped the entire cup, then put it in the middle of the cake.  I forgot to pick up the fishing guys, so I just made do. 

Artistic Pursuits

 

ARTistic Pursuits is a company that publishes art books.  They have came out with a brand new and revised 3rd edition of their Middle School 6-8 Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition. $47.95, suggested for ages 11 and up. (Non Consumable, can be used over and over again!)

My 6th and 8th grader have both been using these this past little while.  I would like to share our experience.

The book begins with some Getting Started notes for both the parent and the student. 

The art supplies need for this book are minimal, and easy to find.

This book is so much more than a how to draw book.

There are 16 Units throughout the book.

The fist lesson of each unit focuses on basics, like Building a Visual Vocabulary. 

The second lesson of each unit focus on Art Appreciation and

History.

The third lesson of each unit focuses on Technique.

The forth lesson of each unit focuses on Application.

Here is a small sampling of a lesson from the beginning of the book.

This was a lesson on space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice how this lesson teaches you not only about space, in art, but also about Cultures and The Art.

 

 

Here is Tommy’s drawing from that lesson.  Unit 1- Space.

 

 

Here is a drawing from Unit 2 Lines.

 

Here is a drawing from Unit 3 Texture.

 

Here is a drawing from Unit 4 Shape.

Now the book suggests doing the lessons twice a week and that each lesson should take about an hour.

 

We have been using this book 3 to 4 times a week.  We schedule an hour for each lesson.  If they get done with their drawing assignment early, then they can just practice for the rest of the time.  I do not have them do this together.  In fact it has been a very individual course that they can do completely on their own.  It has been a wonderful, quiet time, relaxation part of the day for them.  Which is probably why we are doing it more often then suggested. I should probably mention that both my older children really enjoyed drawing before this book and wanted to become better. 

I asked them each what they liked about this curriculum and here is what was said.

Tommy: “I like the way it teaches. Most of the time you choose what to draw applying the techniques you are taught.”

Emily: “I like that it allows you to be creative with your drawings.  I don’t like that I have to read all about the history and artists, I just want to draw.”

There you have it.  Straight out of the mouths of teenagers.

Artistic Pursuits offers Preschool through High school levels.

I do recommend Artistic Pursuits and we have used them in the past, check out this review.

To see what others think of this check out this post. To see a wide variety of reviews check out our crew blog.

  

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.