Pyramath is so cool!

I was given Pyramath to review as being part of TOS Review Crew!  I was so excited to get this.  I had tried the online version (which is free).   It is so fun!

My cards arrived in the mail quickly.  I was so excited to get them.  I opened up the package and there they were, the cards, along with a instruction booklet.  That’s right a booklet.  Not because the game is super complicated, but because there are so many variations you can play.  The booklet also shows you the other cards they sell and how to play those games.  So you can tell before you purchase.



That night I sat down with the cards and began playing one of the versions in the booklet.  I was definitely enjoying this, however I thought that it might be to complicated for the kids.  I decided to teach it to my husband, and get his opinion.  He caught on easy enough.  The next day I taught Emily how to play, it took me showing her once and then she was asking if she could try it on her own.  I stayed there watching her in case she needed any help.  (she needed very little)  She caught on so quickly.  She has asked to play these EVERY day.  She was even teaching her friends how to play.   Next I taught Tommy,  he caught on just as quick, and asks to play all the time!   The other day I even heard Emily asking Tommy if he wanted to play it with her.  WOW!  Now if I asked one of them if they wanted to practice math facts, they probably wouldn’t, but play a game where they practice math facts, absolutely!  This game is so fun, I even find myself wanting to play it. 



THIS IS THE BEST WAY I HAVE FOUND TO REALLY MEMORIZE MATH FACTS! 

I love that this is really getting those math facts in her head.  I love that these are only $6.95.  I love that you can try to win a free pack occasionally on their Facebook fan page.  I love that the kids are begging to practice math facts.  I love that this is not a textbook, not online, and not boring and not on TV.   I love that it is so compact.  I plan on taking these on any trips we take.    I love that it can be a one player game or a two player game.   

I love that they have other educational card games such as Fractazmic, I See Cards and they are coming out with a new game, Prime Bomb!

To see how much other crew members loved this game, check out our post here. 


{I received Pyramath for free for review purposes as being part of TOS Crew.  I received no other compensation.  All opinions are my own. You experience may be different.}

Me time, say what?

 

 

This weeks Blog Cruise question is about Me time. 

 

How do you find free time? Is it okay to take time for yourself? If so, how?

 

People often ask me how I spend so much time with my children.  It’s easy for me.  I like my kids, I like who they are, I like being with them.  Don’t get me wrong, we have our hard days.  But the good always out weighs the bad.

 

Sometimes, I do need a break from it all.  I think the break has to do with rejuvenation and reflection.   So I don’t feel the need to get away, I just feel the need to rethink what I am doing, what, if anything, should I change.  I happen to take that break every 6 weeks.  Which in my schedule is where I reevaluate our situation.  

 

When my kids were in public school I would find myself bored, and  I missed them dearly.  Now they are home and I try to keep our life and schedule relaxed enough that our life does not get to stressful. 

 

Since beginning homeschooling I have gone back to work.  I work a few nights a week as a server at a local restaurant.  That gives me a break from my family, which is actually harder to do that I thought it would be.   While I enjoy my job, I couldn’t handle being away for more than a few (usually 2 or 3)nights  a week.  The money has helped us as well. 

 

Since having children I have never gone on a vacation without them.  The closest I came was when I went to visit two of my sister in laws and I only took my baby (then 7 months old).  Paul stayed home with the other children.   Soon, (in the next 5 years) Paul and I would like to take a second honeymoon with out the kids.  But that’s in the future. 

 

My husband and I have gone out on dates with out the children.  We have good family nights, where we watch movies or play games as a family, and when my life gets stressful, those nights help me to unwind. 

 

So after writing this hodge podge of thoughts I realize that my life is not really one that I need to take a break from.  I do get breaks (the ones I described above).  I do have my minutes when I dream of a quiet house. But then I realize how I will miss my kids when they are gone, and I really try to focus on enjoying the time I have with them. 

 

I do feel it’s a good idea to take the time to reflect on your circumstances and a break is the best way to take a look “from the outside looking in.”   

 

 

To see what other crew members are saying about free time and more visit our blog cruise portion of our blog.

America’s Math Teacher – Review

I was given an opportunity to review a new up and coming math website,  America’s Math Teacher.

This website was created by math teacher Rick Fisher.  There is a huge selection of topics and there are subtopics within those.  So you can get the help you need, whether it be a broad spectrum you are trying to cover or a specific detail of math.

We used America’s Math Teacher as a supplement along with our current math programs.  I had my 5th grader watch the videos in specific areas.  The videos are well done. His voice is nice, and easy to understand.  The video very basic with a digital whiteboard.  No frills, as to not easily distract your children.  America’s Math Teacher   explains concepts well.  He covers them from start to finish. Tommy’s favorite part was definitely the speed drills. 



However, we both would’ve liked to be able to choose which numbers we worked on. We were able to choose addition, subtraction or multiplication, and he had to do the number chosen for him.
The worksheets, are downloadable into PDF form. And the nice thing with these is that you can print them again and again, and download them to any computer.

The website is well organized and easy to navigate.  Since this website is still new, they are adding to and expanding the website daily, so there are a few inconsistencies to be found here and there.  I have been able to see how quickly things are updated and it has been rather quick!
I am a believer that the more ways you learn something the better retention you will have.  So I don’t usually like to “put all my eggs in one basket” with curriculum.  So I would say this is best used as a tutor type supplement. I am sure this is cheaper than a tutor.  And since the website doesn’t keep track of where you are, you can use it for multiple children.  That would make it even more affordable.  For a one year subscription is $195.00. 
I would highly recommend sampling some of the FREE video lessons and exercises before you make your investment.

To see what others are saying about America's Math Teacher check out our crew blog!

{I received a 60 day subscription to America's Math Teacher for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  This was my experience and yours may differ.}

Math help is on it’s way!

What would you say if I told you that you could have a math tutor come over any day any time? Sounds to good to be true, right?  Well with the Math Tutor DVD’s that is exactly what I got. 



These Math Tutor DVD’s are set up so that you learn through examples and by doing problems, not just by lecturing. 


I received two  DVD’s, first I got the T183/84 Graphing Calculator Tutor.  Now if you own one of these calculators this is worth the money.  You can really unlock the potential of you calculator.  And when you spend that price on a calculator, wouldn’t you want to use it to the maximum capacity?  I know I do!   This is a user manual on video, and in easy user friendly terms.  It is 3 DVD’s (8 hours) full of information!  There are 37 chapters, easily labeled so if you just need to learn something specific, you can jump right to that chapter on the DVD.   This DVD is $26.99.



The second DVD I received was The Pre Algebra Tutor- Volume 1.  This DVD started out by easing common fears of algebra, and then moves on to the very basics with whole numbers and moves right on through the rest of the rules.  This DVD explains everything in simple terms, and teaches by example.  There are 9 chapters on 2 DVD’s (5 hours) on these DVD’s.  The chapters are clearly labeled so if you (or your child) just need help in a specific area, it would be very easy to find.    Each lesson averages 30 minutes.  Which, for my 6th grader was a little long.  That was easily solved by pausing the DVD and taking a break.  This DVD is $26.99. 

The Math Tutor DVD’s range in price from $12.99 to about $26.99.   They also have package deals where you can save up to 50%! 

Overall- I would recommend this product!  The price is well worth it, and it can be used with any curriculum.  It gives you or your child that little extra that is sometimes needed to learn math. 

{I received these products as a member of TOS Crew.  I am sharing my honest opinion.  Your experience may differ}

Not everybody supports my homeschooling decision.

I don’t even know where to start with this.  I will just say that someone close to me, does NOT support my homeschooling.    I will tell you how I deal with it.

I find all the confidence and support I need through prayer.  

First of all, I do try my best to listen to her point of view.  I also try to share my point of view with her, even though I feel as if she don’t always see my side.    If I feel the things she points out to me are valid and worthy of me changing.  I do work on those things. For my situation, I think that most of the un-supportiveness comes from lack of knowledge either about homeschooling, or about my specific situation. 

I have overheard her asking my children if they are ready to go back to public school.  When they say no, she asks them things, like if they miss their friends, if they miss the parties at school, etc.  I always let my children answer for themselves.  I also make sure to ask my children how they are feeling, about life in general, from homeschooling, to chores, to friends, and more.  I feel VERY CONFIDENT that my children are happy!  

I am also VERY CONFIDENT that I am doing the right thing for my family right now. 

I am VERY CONFIDENT that I am teaching them what I want them to know, what they need to know, and how to be the type of people that God wants them to be.

I am VERY CONFIDENT that homeschooling is doing amazing things for the relationship I have with my children.  

So I HAVE THE CONFIDENCE in what I am doing.  That really helps me to deal with negativity.  I also find alot of support throughout blogs, and my local homeschooling group. 

This post was written in part of the Blog Cruise from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. 

Mom, can I do my school on the computer?

My Kindergartner has been begging me every day this past month to do school on the computer.  She has been using Time 4 Learning Preschool as part of her schoolwork.   This is a fun program.  She has honestly wanted to do it so much, that I use it as a reward for her completing her other schoolwork.



This website is setup in levels,



and each level has a variety of themes. 



Each theme has a variety of things you do, such as watch a story, read a story, matching,  coloring, and more.

The people at Time 4 Learning also offer higher levels, K-6th, and they have a specific focus on writing at Time 4 Writing. 


The preschool Time 4 Learning is $19.95 a month for the first child and $14.95 a month each additional child.  They will let you demo some of their lessons for free here.

Overall, I would recommend this program if you budget allows.  It was a fun change of pace for our homeschool when we most needed it!

To see what my other crew members are saying about Time 4 Learning, check out our crew blog post!


{I received a one month subscription to Time 4 Learning Preschool Level, in exchange for my honest opinion.  This is my experience with this program, and you experience may differ.}

The best way to eat healthier!

The best way to eat healthier is really no secret,  it’s to have the healthy food on hand.

 

I recently started ordering from my local food co-op.  I get an amazing amount of fruits and vegetables for a great price, and they are all fresh and from local growers.  

 

Here is my first order.

I bought corn and chilies by the case.  With the corn I took it to two family dinners we had that week.   (End of Summer bashes!) With the chilies, I fire roasted them on my barbeque, put them in bags and froze them.  They are so yummy, I use them in a lot, on burgers, enchiladas, salsa, and anything else I can think of.

 

I cut up a bunch of fruit and put it in a bowl in the fridge.  This fruit salad lasted for only about 3 days.  I precut some lettuce and vegetables and kept them in separate containers for quick and easy salads.  The leftover veggies I sautéed up and made some rice, for a quick and easy lunch.   For lunch one day we had fruit salad with lettuce and dressing, YUMM!   We got Mangos and Strawberries to make smoothies. 

 

I have only been ordering from the food co op for 3 weeks, and I have noticed a wonderful change in my families eating habits. 

 

With Bountiful Baskets you do not get to choose your fruits and vegetables.  Everybody basically gets the same thing.  They buy what is in season and local.  So far, this has been a bonus for me, we were able to try foods I wouldn’t have normally bought.  We got Mango’s, Plums, Pluots (a cross between a plum and an apricot, also known as a Dinosaur Egg), Nectarines, Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, pickling cucumbers, many different varieties of grapes, grapefruits and those are just some of the ones that were not on my grocery lists.  They do also offer “case” items, bread, corn, chilies, cookies, tortillas, and more. 

 

Some local food co ops offer a variety of things, from meats to breads, to nuts, to tamales, along with fruits and vegetables.   

 

Here is a small list of food co ops that I know of:

• Bountiful Baskets
• Angel Food Ministries
• Crossroads Urban Food Co op.
• Local Harvest is a type of directory service.

There is also a food co op directory here.

 

Also you DO NOT NEED TO QUALIFY FINANCIALLY for these!  If you eat, you qualify!

 

I cannot tell you how much buying my food like this has benefited my family!