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Who? Comics for iPad – Walt Disney & Jane Goodall – #CleverWhoComics

January 31, 2012 by 3 Comments

Thank you to who?Comics for sponsoring this post and encouraging my child to read biographies in comic book form! Please click here to learn more about the app. And follow who? Comics on Twitter for updates!

Our family was blessed with a new iPad2 for Christmas so we have been learning as much as we can, trying out new apps and striving to solely use the iPad for educational purposes. As a homeschool mom, I love finding fun, creative ways for the boys to learn and the more they read the better!

So when I was presented with the opportunity to test out a new educational “Who? Comics” app for children ages 8 and up, I jumped all over it! Our boys love to read and they especially like reading comics but I have had a hard time finding the appropriate comics for their ages. Who? Comics are  biographies written about some of our most popular leaders and historical figures, they are both educational and entertaining.   Who? Comics did a great job of finding the balance between teaching the facts and keeping children’s attention through fun story telling. The comics are in depth and somewhat long, they read out more like a chapter book with around 150 pages.

My 9 yr old, Micah, choose two comics to read,  Walt Disney and Jane. Both comics were funny, sad, entertaining and fun to read for my son. There were a few times where the translation of the comic was  confusing and Micah  had to ask me for help or he was able to figure out what the sentence should have been and he moved on. I found my 9 year old giggling to himself as he read, he especially liked the Jane Goodall comic. I would suggest reading the comics before hand to make sure they are appropriate for your family. I did catch a couple pages of this comic having to do with chickens and where eggs come from that I made my boys skip because I thought it was completely irrelevant to the story and had foolish words that we do not encourage our boys to use.

The app was originally created in Korea, thus the problems with translation but it was not bothersome enough to turn him off from reading further.  Who? Comics is trying to correct any translation problems so that the comics are accurate and correct for English speakers.

The app is very easy to navigate once it is downloaded, you will have a bookshelf where you keep your purchased comics and you can purchase new comics within the app. There are also badges that children can collect through reading achievements and they can find hidden badges with each comic.

The illustrations are nice, my boys thought they were great.

We really enjoyed being able to reference the timeline when one of the boys had questions or for review.

 

My boys enjoyed the Who? comics, glad to have found another great resource to keep my boys reading. We are looking forward to reading some of the other biographies in the collection.

You can view a short video to learn more about Who? Comics here.

Thank you again to who? Comics for sponsoring my post. Please click here to learn more about the app. Visit who? Comics for updates.  I was selected for this opportunity by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own. #CleverWhoComics #spon

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, Review, Tech Savvy · Tagged With: , , , ,

One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots

December 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago we received the most adorable, educational book for children, “One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots “ written by Amelia Hamilton. The book is a precious counting book,  from one nation under God through ten amendments in the bill of rights! This is the perfect book to teach little patriots about the basics of America. My boys are 4, 6, 8 and 10 and each of them learned something new {I learned a few new things too}. The illustrations are bright yet classic, reminding me of the wonderful picture books I read a as child.

 

 

When you know you’re safe in your own home.
When you don’t have to pray alone.
When you say just what you feel.
It might not seem like a big deal.
Just remember that these rights weren’t free.
Many fought for you and me.

 

One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots  will take your children on an adventure through the building blocks of America. As a homeschool mother, I loved that this book was not only engaging with fun images but a wonderful lesson on American history and government. This book was a blessing and a breath of fresh air to read with my boys… Thank you Amelia Hamilton for writing a one of kind book that shares the foundation of our great Nation with our children! My little patriots really enjoyed it and so did I!

You can purchase your own copy of One Nation Under God: A Book for Little Patriots from Amelia Hamilton Here.

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, Review, Uncategorized ·

Cajun Corn Maze Homeschool Field Trip

October 25, 2011 by 6 Comments

Last week we visited Cajun Country Corn Maze for our homeschool filed trip with our group, Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers. It is always a bit dusty for my taste but there is no doubt that the children have a blast every year. The Maze at Cajun Country Corn provides good wholesome family oriented entertainment in a farm setting. They provide a fun place to learn about the food and fiber produced on the farms of Louisiana, while celebrating Cajun Heritage and Louisiana Culture.

This years maze….(which we did not go into)

2011 Cajun Country Corn Maze
maze

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, iPhoneography, Photo Savvy, Tiany's Boys, Wordless Wednesday · Tagged With: , ,

A+ TutorSoft – Interactive MATH Curriculum Review

October 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Are your children bored or unmotivated to do math lessons? If so, you will want to read on for my review of  A+ TutorSoft.

The A+ TutorSoft – Full 3rd Grade Interactive MATH Curriculum Software CD  is thorough, well planned out and requires  little to no prep… all of the planning is done for you! There are many online math programs to choose from, and we have tried a few, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well put together this program is. You can view the full table of contents for this 3rd grade program here.

The interactive multimedia lessons are  highly animated and combine all three learning modalities – Audio, Visuals and Text-based instructions. This interactive curriculum definitely  grabbed the attention of my son.

The program comes complete with the full curriculum book on CD, multimedia lessons, printable worksheets, exams, teachers guides, reference sheets, help menu and a recommended lesson plan for moms that would like some guidance.  Books are also available for purchase if you would rather have a hard copy.

The program is very easy to navigate and if you are not computer savvy, no problem,  help is just a phone call away.

The program is broken down into 3 main sections.

Menu bar – where you can navigate to each section of the program.

Table of contents – where the lesson or teachers guides are broken down.

Content window – where each lessons is explained and completed.

The program is very easy to use, lessons are short and the “Help” button offers  extra explanation, making it easy for the student to work on their own.. Dominick (my 3rd grader)  enjoyed being able to get through many of the lessons on his own by listening and reading the step by step instructions. The interactive Flash Cards were fun to use, they allowed him to drill and practice while receiving real-time feedback and step-by-step instructions.

It is important our children to have the ability to adapt to the ever changing high tech world.  What better way to allow our children to use  technology then for learning and problem solving!

I would definitely recommend A+ TutorSoft!  It’s a comprehensive math curriculum that is simple to navigate,  easy to use and very affordable!

Something for YOU!

A+ TutorSoft is offering the FULL 3rd grade Interactive MATH Curriculum CD for FREE! You can order yours HERE!  (Retail is $99.99)  for limited time (offer expires in November).

This is the Standard Edition of the Interactive MATH Software CD and includes:
1) Multimedia lessons (highly animated lessons that combine all three learning modalities – Audio, Visuals and Text-based instructions)
2) Interactive Q&A which identifies gaps and reinforces learning with step-by-step problem solving instructions using Audio, Visuals and text-based instructions.
3) Printable worksheets.
4) Worksheets Solution Guide Parent’s Manual {with step-by-step problem solving instructions to each worksheet problem}
5)Printable Exams.
6) Exams Solution Guide Parent’s Manual {with step-by-step problem solving instructions to each exam problem}
7) Curriculum Book {Full year curriculum book in digital format on the CD}
8} Lesson Plan.
9) Reference sheets.

A+ TutorSoft also offers a Premium Edition for just $20 more. It’s well worth the $20 as it includes time saving features such as Progress Tracking, Reporting, Parental Controls and Weekly Certificate of Accomplishments. You can view examples of the premium edition here… http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/FeatureComparisonNew.jsp

If you would like to add the Premium Edition to the FREE 3rd grade math you can do so and just pay the $20 difference.

A+ TutorSoft has compensated me and provided me with a copy the A+ TutorSoft – Full 3rd Grade Interactive MATH Curriculum Software CD program for purposes of providing a review. I am under no obligation to return the product but can keep it for me own personal use.

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, Review ·

Play-Doh Fun

August 30, 2011 by 5 Comments

In the south, we not only bring out the play-doh for rainy days but for super hot , humid, 100 degree weather days too! We LOVE Play-Doh! The older boys have made the most amazing collection of little 1-inch figures, will have to share those in another post. :)

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, Photo Savvy, Wordless Wednesday ·

Camera Phone Friday – Homeschool Field Trip

August 26, 2011 by 2 Comments

Camera<br /> Phone Friday

 

Our homeschool group “Bayou Cajun Homeschoolers” visited the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center on our latest field trip…


Treat for mom…

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, iPhoneography, Photo Savvy ·

Summer Daze Homeschool Lounge Event

July 31, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Are you ready for a week long event of Summer Daze Giveaways? 

What is the Summer Daze Homeschool Lounge Giveaway Event? – Summer Daze is a week long celebration on The Homeschool Lounge and across THL’s social pages. A little something to brighten your summer during these HOT, lazy daze of Summer! We are giving homeschool moms the chance to have some fun, connect, share, win great prizes and grab a freebie or two!

When: Summer Daze kicks off August 1st on the THL community and will last through August 5th. It will be a week long event of giveaways and fun on The Homeschool Lounge. Along with daily giveaways on the community, we will have a Twitter and Facebook Party with additional giveaways!

Below you will find 3 different ways to participate in our week long event, choose one or choose all!

We have a wonderful group of homeschool businesses sponsoring this event and offering some fabulous prizes, over $1,800 worth!  

Giveaways include but are not limited to MP3 players, homeschool planners, student planners, science kits, books, homeschool Magazine subscriptions, homeschool conference tickets and more! Plus, all participants will receive TWO FREEBIES!

Summer Daze Sponsors 

Click on the sponsor button to view our list of sponsors and giveaways!

 Homeschool Lounge Community Event
Be sure to stop by The Homeschool Lounge Monday, August 1st to learn about the week long event happening on the THL community!

 

  

Homeschool Lounge Facebook Party

Tuesday August 2nd 9pm Eastern
Click on the button below for Facebook party details and giveaways!

Summer Daze THL Twitter Party

Wednesday August 3rd 8pm Eastern
Click on the button below for Facebook party details and giveaways!

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, The Homeschool Lounge ·

Homeschool Lounge Facebook Party

July 28, 2011 by 1 Comment



In these HOT, humid, lazy days of summer, we thought it would be fun to throw a Summer Bash for Homeschool moms! We have a wonderful group of homeschool businesses sponsoring this event and offering some fabulous giveaways. You are invited to our very first Homeschool Lounge Facebook Party!

ALL Participants will receive two FREEBIES! Be sure to RSVP on the Facebook Event Page HERE!

Twitter Party Details: 

Date: Tuesday August 2nd

Time: 9-10 pm EST

Place: Homeschool Lounge Facebook Wall – https://www.facebook.com/TheHomeschoolLounge
Host: The Homeschool Lounge
Topic/Focus: Summer fun, Back to homeschool, resources for homeschool moms and more!

Prizes: 

 Home Educating Family Publishing ~

Lee Binz ~ The HomeScholar  ~

  
Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn of Teaching the Trivium –

MP3 Player
  • Includes audio player, earbuds, and USB cable
  • 2GB flash memory
  • Plays MP3, WMA files
  • LCD screen with white backlight
  • Displays artist and track information
  • Plug-and-play design
  • Hold feature
  • Headphone jack
  • Mini USB 2.0 port
  • Requires 1 AAA battery, not included
  • Measures 2-3/4″W
  • 90-day Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

The Homeschool Day Planner – By Paramore Unlimited

  • Homeschool Day Planner CD’s ($20 value each). This CD provides the materials you need not only for your HOMESCHOOL efforts but for your FAMILY and your LIFE with over 80 printable pages that gives you most every type of method to organize and plan various aspects of your life. This item is retired and no longer being sold!

Apologia -

Heart of the Matter Online Home Education Conference –

  • 1 Heart of The Matter Online Conference Tickets- valued at $14.95 each and include  entry to win $2000 in door prizes, a fabulous swag bag currently worth over $145, Q&A time with some of the greatest speakers we know, MP3′s of all the sessions, and opportunities to have fun and fellowship with parents from around the world! Conference starts August 8th, 2011!   

ALL Participants will receive two FREEBIES! Be sure to RSVP on the Facebook Event Page HERE!

*Winner must be a USA or Canadian resident

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy, The Homeschool Lounge ·

Summer Daze THL Twitter Party

July 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

What is the Summer Daze Homeschool Lounge Giveaway Event? – Summer Daze is a week long celebration on The Homeschool Lounge and across THL’s social pages. A little something to brighten your summer during these HOT, lazy daze of Summer! We are giving homeschool moms the chance to have some fun, connect, share, win great prizes and grab a freebie or two!

You will find the Twitter handle to all of our sponsors below; please be sure to follow them on Twitter!

Save the date:   Facebook party Aug. 2  at 9pm Est.  

The Summer Daze event kicks off August 1st on The Homeschool Lounge. Along with our Twitter and Facebook parties, we are hosting giveaways on THL daily… all week long! Over $1700 in Giveaways!
Twitter Party Details:

Date: Wednesday August 3rd
Time: 8 – 9 pm EST
Moderator: @_Shawntele_
Assistant Moderators: @Homeschoolounge, and @Socialsavvymom
Topic/Focus: Summer fun, Back to homeschool, resources for homeschool moms and more!
Custom Tweetgrid: http://bit.ly/rr9Urp
Hashtag: #THLMOMS
To Participate Please Follow: @_Shawntele_  @Homeschoolounge, and @Socialsavvymom

Prizes: 

 Home Educating Family Publishing ~ @HEFMagazine

Lee Binz ~ The HomeScholar  ~ @TheHomeScholar

  
Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn of Teaching the Trivium – @LaurieBluedorn

MP3 Players!
  • Includes audio player, earbuds, and USB cable
  • 2GB flash memory
  • Plays MP3, WMA files
  • LCD screen with white backlight
  • Displays artist and track information
  • Plug-and-play design
  • Hold feature
  • Headphone jack
  • Mini USB 2.0 port
  • Requires 1 AAA battery, not included
  • Measures 2-3/4″W
  • 90-day Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

The Homeschool Day Planner – By Paramore Unlimited

  • Homeschool Day Planner CD’s ($20 value each). This CD provides the materials you need not only for your HOMESCHOOL efforts but for your FAMILY and your LIFE with over 80 printable pages that gives you most every type of method to organize and plan various aspects of your life. This item is retired and no longer being sold!

Apologia - @apologiaworld

Heart of the Matter Online Home Education Conference – @HOTMonline

  • 2 Heart of The Matter Online Conference Tickets- valued at $14.95 each and include  entry to win $2000 in door prizes, a fabulous swag bag currently worth over $145, Q&A time with some of the greatest speakers we know, MP3′s of all the sessions, and opportunities to have fun and fellowship with parents from around the world! Conference starts August 8th, 2011!   

ALL Participants will receive two FREEBIES! Be sure to RSVP below to receive your gifts!

Pretweet to Win! Anyone who Tweets This from now until the Summer Daze  #THLMOMS Twitter Party will be eligible to win one of 10 subscriptions of Home Educating Family Magazine! Leave us a comment below letting us know you “Pretweeted” this event, along with your RSVP.

*Winner must be a USA or Canadian resident and MUST be present at the Twitter party to win!  Winners will be randomly selected during the party.

RSVP HERE! List your “name” as your Twitter handle (i.e. @homeschoolounge) and your URL as your Twitter web address. (i.e. http://twitter.com/homeschoolounge)

Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy ·

Summer Daze Event Sponsors

July 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment

THL Annual “Summer Daze Giveaway Event” will kick off on August 5th! It will be a week long event full of giveaways, a Twitter party and a Facebook party! Be sure to check in to The Homeschool Lounge next week to enter the Summer Daze event and join the fun!

Below is a peek at some of the sponsors… 

Save the dates:
Facebook Party – Tuesday August 2nd 9pm Eastern
Twitter Party – Wednesday August 3rd 9pm Eastern
We will have lots of fun Giveaways at both parties, we hope to see you there!

Hearts at Home Store carries over 9,500 products and 200+ publishers. Most curriculum is priced 25%-30% off of retail prices. Bestseller “Apologia” is 30% off EVERYDAY! Owned and operated by a Christian homeschooling family, Hearts at Home is quickly becoming known by homeschoolers as the “go to” place for great deals! Earn reward $$ on every purchase! Shop & Save during the BIG July Summer Sale!
Be sure to “Like” Hearts at Home here.

Giveaway:
One winner will receive a $40 gift certificate good towards any purchase.

 

 Scott and Rebecca Keliher are the founders of Home Educating Family Publishing, but more importantly, parents to five unique, humorous, and fun-to-hang-with kids. With three girls in the lead and two boys following close behind, life in the Keliherd is never boring.

As evidenced by their mission statement, the Kelihers have a passion for affecting culture by planting and nourishing a Christian worldview in the hearts and lives of the homeschooling community. The Home Educating Family Magazine engages today’s homeschooling family in thoughtful discussions on the most important issues that affect faith and family. Scot and Rebecca want to be a part of raising up a generation of kids who are spiritually and intellectually equipped, not just to survive, but to go out and change the world.

Giveaways:
50 subscriptions
3 Well Planned Day Bundles (winner chooses binder style)
5 Well Planned Days
5 Student Planners (winners can choose between a boy or girl style)
5 On the Go Planners
5 High School 1 Year Planners
5 High School 4 Year Planners (winners chooses the year 2009-2013, 2010-2014, 2011-2015)

Susan Marlow is the author of two books series for kids from Kregel Publications. She enjoys teaching writing workshops, sharing what she’s learned as a twenty-year homeschooling mom, and relaxing on her 14-acre homestead in north-central Washington State. www.circlecadventures.com
Giveaway:
Children ages 6-8 can join six-year-old Andi, her baby horse Taffy, and her family and friends on the Circle C ranch in 1874. These four books from the Circle C Beginnings series include fun illustrations and easy-to-read text, for kids who are ready for first chapter books. Free coloring pages and learning activities to download are available at www.andiandtaffy.com

Wholesome books with a biblical worldview!

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar helps parents homeschool high school and is a leading internet home school resource helping parents homeschool to college. She is an expert in how to craft a winning homeschool transcripts. She has an award-winning Christian homeschool blog and one of the most popular homeschool newsletters available. Lee is a dynamic speaker at homeschooling conventions as well as homeschooling support groups. Check out her homeschool online free minicourse and training webinar on how to give homeschool credit in high school. You can find Lee online at www.TheHomeScholar.com and on Facebook.com/TheHomeScholar.
Giveaways:
One copy of her book, Setting the Records Straight (physical product)

One Parent Training A la Carte course of the winner’s choice (digital product)

One Total Transcript Solution (digital product)

Leigh Bortins is a nationally acclaimed educator, perhaps best known for her ability to demystify the fundamental tools of learning. As a teacher, author and commentator, Leigh is credited with helping to launch the “home-centered learning” education movement. Leigh is the founder and CEO of Classical Conversations Inc., an organization that models classical, home-centered education to empower learners of all ages.
Giveaway:
In Leigh’s newest book, The Core, she gives parents the tools and methodology to implement a rigorous, thorough, and broad curriculum based on the classical model…
Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn are veteran homeschoolers with 5 graduated children. The Bluedorns are pioneers in classical Christian education and minister to families searching to homeschool with a Christian classical approach.
Giveaway:
The Bluedorns are offering ALL THL moms a FREEBIE! Click the link below to grab yours… http://www.triviumpursuit.com/articles/freebie.php

Plus the following giveaways…

For over 20 years, Acorn Naturalists has offered resources that advance science education and promote environmental literacy. On our website and in our print catalog we present a dazzling array of resources and activities that nurture curiosity about the natural world. Our selection provides teachers, outdoor educators, parents, and naturalists materials to enhance classroom, home and field learning.
Giveaway:
$25 Gift Certificate
http://api.ning.com/files/Oym3oGHjGFitdboagH4J73LrLk7ROyO4otlxFtdTJd84FmD1kZIf3HCbg8b2YdfUN8xiTXKcnEsAmYgdqdpSaqe-me8gdB87/line_separator.gif

CurrClick is your one stop shop for affordable curriculum, lapbooks, & homeschooling resources! CurrClick.com has made homeschooling easier and more affordable for tens of thousands of parents all around the world.
Giveaway:



Mad Dog Math is an easy-to-implement, organized, fun supplement to any math curriculum. This system helps children learn their +, -, x, and ÷ facts which are the basic tools for higher levels of math. A MUST for every home with a K-5th grader. Can be used remedially with middle/high schoolers.
Giveaway:
1 year license to our software, all levels are included, PC compatible, but not Mac. Whoever wins, please go to our website, download the trial version, and then notify us and the 1 year license will be sent. (Valued at $19.99)

The Homeschool Toolbar brings you the best homeschooling resources the web has to offer! Great for homeschool veterans and new homeschool moms alike…there is something for everyone on The Homeschool Toolbar. Stay connected, encouraged and informed with the Homeschool Toolbar!
Download the FREE Homeschool Toolbar™ and keep the latest homeschool and community information at your fingertips. It’s FREE safe and customizable!
Giveaways:
2 MP3 Players!

  • Includes audio player, earbuds, and USB cable
  • 2GB flash memory
  • Plays MP3, WMA files
  • LCD screen with white backlight
  • Displays artist and track information
  • Plug-and-play design
  • Hold feature
  • Headphone jack
  • Mini USB 2.0 port
  • Requires 1 AAA battery, not included
  • Measures 2-3/4″W
  • 90-day Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

The Homeschool Day Planner – By Paramore Unlimited
2 Homeschool Day Planner CD’s ($20 value each).
This CD provides the materials you need not only for your HOMESCHOOL efforts but for your FAMILY and your LIFE

with over 80 printable pages that gives you most every type of method to organize and plan various aspects of your life. This item is retired and no longer being sold!


Design your own day-planner, student planner, notebook, or binder with these beautiful printable pages including:


Calendar, Goals, Journals, Grades, Curriculum Planning, High School planning, Health Information, Daily Schedules, Book Lists, Achievements, Church Callings, Task Lists, Science Experiments, Nature Notebook, Notebooking Pages & More!




Filed Under: Homeschool Savvy ·
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