This free script provided by Geneva Bible Pages
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Although I tend to stay as far as possible from canned curricula, we love Mystery Of History. This fat book by Linda Hobar provides a chronological outline of history from an unabashedly Christian perspective, beginning with Creation and going all the way to the crucifixion of Christ. Mrs. Hobar covers not only Egypt and the Bible lands, but much of the world.
From the CBD product description:
Mystery Of History can be a spine for a deeper, more complete survey of history (and has plenty of suggestions to help you use it that way) or it can be a complete history course in itself.
This course requires little or no prep on my part, and all of our children love it. It is a very nice balance of structure with complete flexibility, essential features for families who are homeschooling a variety of ages at the same time.
Also available:
The Mystery Of History, Volume 2: The Early Church and the Middle Ages
From the CBD product description:
What was happening in China as the Israelites crossed the Red Sea? Who lived in North America at the time that Jeremiah wrote Lamentations? This Bible-centered curriculum interweaves Bible and Old World history to teach your students about God's sovereignty.We have found this book very easy to use with a wide variety of ages, and the hands-on projects are designed with just that use in mind. The text is fun and chatty and provides a complete lesson for those days (or weeks) when you can't do more, but also provides plenty of ideas and suggestions for projects, discussion, reading, videos, research, etc. for when you do have the time and inclination to delve deeper.
Mystery Of History can be a spine for a deeper, more complete survey of history (and has plenty of suggestions to help you use it that way) or it can be a complete history course in itself.
This course requires little or no prep on my part, and all of our children love it. It is a very nice balance of structure with complete flexibility, essential features for families who are homeschooling a variety of ages at the same time.
Also available:
The Mystery Of History, Volume 2: The Early Church and the Middle AgesLabels: Bible, homeschooling
Jonathan Park Creation Audio Library (4 CD Albums) is comprised of 4 albums, each containing 12 stories. You also purchase albums individually on either CD or cassettes.
Here is Vision Forum's complete list.
We love this entire series! It plays like an exciting, old style radio program but is packed full of Creation science and solid Christian teaching. Listeners have fun learning - this is the goal of any educational program, and our children agree that the Jonathan Park series achieves that goal admirably.
The acting is very good, the sound effects are exciting, and the writing is top notch. This is one of those rare forms of entertainment that permits me to suffer morning sickness without guilt:
"Ugh...go listen to a Jonathan Park CD for science today, girls."
Labels: audio, homeschooling
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
My sisters and I have used many of these ideas to earn income for ourselves in the past, and I hope to encourage my daughters to use more of them!
More than just business ideas, this book provides lots of tips on actually getting your idea off the ground, from planning and marketing to investigating the laws regulating your business and much more.
Drawn from Crystal's own personal experience, this booklet really can be a help for any woman who desires to earn an income while still being a "keeper at home." 25 pages.
Be sure to have a look at Crystal's many other inexpensive ebooks while you are there. Titles include:
Simply Centsible Breakfasts (Only 4.97!)
Simply Centsible Suppers (Only $4.97!)
Menu Planning Made Easy!(Only $5.97!)
Thriving on One Income (Only $7.97!)
The Bread by Hand eBook (Only $4.97!)
Momma's Guide to Growing Your Groceries (Only $7.97!)
HomeGrown Business (Only $15.97!)
How to Start Your Own Business eCourse(Only $15.97!)
Labels: books
Monday, October 23, 2006
We have these and love them, and can't wait for the delightful Serven family to produce more in the series!
O Sing a New Psalm and Songs of the Remnant each contain 10 Psalms sung 5 different ways: each of the 4 parts (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) are sung individually, then followed by all 4 together.
They sing all the verses as written in the Book of Psalms for Singing, and there is no instrumental music to confuse your ear as you learn.
One thing I really love about these CDs - and they don't mention this on the site - is that as you listen to each single part, you can hear the other 3 very faintly. This is, I assume, an unobtrusive way to familiarize you with the way that the parts blend and harmonize.
If your family aspires to learn to sing in parts, this is a wonderful way to get started!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
It's about time: CBD finally has a coupon for free shipping on orders over $35! I love it when they do this!
Just enter the coupon code 238041KE with your order, and do it before October 29. That's a week from Sunday.
If you go through one of my links I'll get a 10% kickback and I'll be your best friend. :) Thank you to those who have done so in the past!
Here are some of the items that have been ordered several times through my links recently:
COMPLETE KJV BIBLE ON 62 CDS - OT narrated by Alexander Scourby and NT by James Earl Jones. Our 4yo and 6yo are currently listening to 30 minutes/day while the rest of us read our Bibles.
REFLECTIONS 3 CD SET
SING UNTO THE LORD CD
Hmm...we don't have either of these. Does anyone want to speak up with a review?
HOW SWEET THE SOUND 50 Violin Hymns 3 CD SET - I bought this when our daughters got their violins.
CELTIC HYMNS 3 CD SET - we have listened to this over and over. Can't get enough! Oh, and speaking of Celtic hymns, remember this?
50 OLD TIME SOUTHERN A CAPELLA QUARTET FAVORITES 3 CD SET - we're listening to this one right now.
See some of our past recommendations here, here and here. If you're looking for homeschooling items, CBD offers discounts on almost anything you want. You can use the search box on my sidebar to find what you're looking for.
By the way, I don't think I get paid for telling you this, but if you don't already have a CBD membership, consider adding it to your next order. There are many benefits, but here's the one I love:
You may have noticed that prices for any particular item can vary from one catalog to the next; for $5/year, they will automatically give you the lowest available price on every item you buy. If you place at least two orders/year a membership will probably be worthwhile for you!
Just enter the coupon code 238041KE with your order, and do it before October 29. That's a week from Sunday.
If you go through one of my links I'll get a 10% kickback and I'll be your best friend. :) Thank you to those who have done so in the past!
Here are some of the items that have been ordered several times through my links recently:
COMPLETE KJV BIBLE ON 62 CDS - OT narrated by Alexander Scourby and NT by James Earl Jones. Our 4yo and 6yo are currently listening to 30 minutes/day while the rest of us read our Bibles.
REFLECTIONS 3 CD SET
SING UNTO THE LORD CD
Hmm...we don't have either of these. Does anyone want to speak up with a review?
HOW SWEET THE SOUND 50 Violin Hymns 3 CD SET - I bought this when our daughters got their violins.
CELTIC HYMNS 3 CD SET - we have listened to this over and over. Can't get enough! Oh, and speaking of Celtic hymns, remember this?
50 OLD TIME SOUTHERN A CAPELLA QUARTET FAVORITES 3 CD SET - we're listening to this one right now.
See some of our past recommendations here, here and here. If you're looking for homeschooling items, CBD offers discounts on almost anything you want. You can use the search box on my sidebar to find what you're looking for.
By the way, I don't think I get paid for telling you this, but if you don't already have a CBD membership, consider adding it to your next order. There are many benefits, but here's the one I love:
You may have noticed that prices for any particular item can vary from one catalog to the next; for $5/year, they will automatically give you the lowest available price on every item you buy. If you place at least two orders/year a membership will probably be worthwhile for you!
Labels: Bible, coupons/deals, music
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Thanks for all your input on my baby carrier question. I ordered and received my Ergo a while back, and I'm ready to tell you what I think of it.
In a nutshell, I really like my Ergo. Not quite love, but really, really like it. It is easy to use, easy to adjust, very comfortable and durable. The only things that I wish were different is less padding (I live in a very warm climate) and I wish the baby could face outward in front, though I suspect that wouldn't be as healthy for the baby's spine.
The built-in storage pouch has plenty of room for the basic essentials: checkbook, a diaper or two, small package of wipes, cell phone.
The sleep hood easily adjusts from our 3 month old baby to our 2yo, with plenty of room for a still bigger child.
The carrier itself was very intuitive: it came with no video, no written instructions, and yet I had it on for the first time in less than a minute. I was easily able to figure out the front carry for our baby and the back carry for our toddler. I'm less than thrilled with the hip carry, but maybe that's just not my thing.
My infant and toddler both love it, and both fell asleep 10 minutes into their first ride. The sleep hood worked very well for both of them, though I needed help getting it onto the toddler since she rode on my back.
Incidentally, I had no trouble using it without the newborn insert when our son was 2 months old. He rode comfortably and securely, with plenty of support. Your own experience may be different, but I'm glad I tried it without the additional $26 expense.
It's a snap to "load" and "unload" by yourself, front and back. Adjustments are just as easy.
It really does put the weight of the child on your hips rather than back or shoulders. I had some bad habits from other carriers, but once I learned to relax my shoulders and let the carrier do its job I found that I could carry our toddler with no strain at all.
I do wish I could crumple it up really small and cram it in my diaper bag for easy portability, but that's not happening. As it is, it folds up rather compactly and would probably fit in the top of my diaper bag if I remember to leave room for it.
Other than my three small complaints (no forward-facing front carry option; a bit too much padding; and not terribly compact), I pretty much love it. I think it was well worth the expense and although I haven't tried every carrier out there, I'm inclined to believe those who say it's the best.
To sum it up:
Pros
These are items that were returned within the 90 day guarantee period, so they are practically new. They come with the same 90 day money back trial period, and returns are few and far between.
If I had paid full price, I would have ordered from Nurtured Family, which is run by a homeschooling family (how cool is that?!). They have the Ergo for just $92 with free shipping. I have already been in contact with them and feel a little bad now for not buying from them, but they just couldn't beat the price I found on returned items.
Hubby found me a Baby Bjorn at the Goodwill, so I have been able to compare the two. The Baby Bjorn does allow the forward-facing front carry and it was also pretty easy to figure out. It shares many of the advantages of the Ergo with a lower price tag, but I think it would become a strain with a heavier baby. It also shares 2 of the disadvantages: it's even warmer and less compact than the Ergo. It has no built-in storage pouch.
I can see why many people love it, but I'm sticking with my Ergo.
I am still curious about the Mei Tai and something else very similar to the Ergo - I can't find the name of it now, but it sounds something like Paduman Baby, and I thinks it is from the UK. Does that ring a bell for anyone? It sounds very much like the Ergo but with less padding and cheaper.
Why didn't I bookmark the site? (smacking myself in the forehead)
update: the other carrier is a Patapum. Thanks to Nicole for the name!
In a nutshell, I really like my Ergo. Not quite love, but really, really like it. It is easy to use, easy to adjust, very comfortable and durable. The only things that I wish were different is less padding (I live in a very warm climate) and I wish the baby could face outward in front, though I suspect that wouldn't be as healthy for the baby's spine.
The built-in storage pouch has plenty of room for the basic essentials: checkbook, a diaper or two, small package of wipes, cell phone.
The sleep hood easily adjusts from our 3 month old baby to our 2yo, with plenty of room for a still bigger child.
The carrier itself was very intuitive: it came with no video, no written instructions, and yet I had it on for the first time in less than a minute. I was easily able to figure out the front carry for our baby and the back carry for our toddler. I'm less than thrilled with the hip carry, but maybe that's just not my thing.
My infant and toddler both love it, and both fell asleep 10 minutes into their first ride. The sleep hood worked very well for both of them, though I needed help getting it onto the toddler since she rode on my back.
Incidentally, I had no trouble using it without the newborn insert when our son was 2 months old. He rode comfortably and securely, with plenty of support. Your own experience may be different, but I'm glad I tried it without the additional $26 expense.
It's a snap to "load" and "unload" by yourself, front and back. Adjustments are just as easy.
It really does put the weight of the child on your hips rather than back or shoulders. I had some bad habits from other carriers, but once I learned to relax my shoulders and let the carrier do its job I found that I could carry our toddler with no strain at all.
I do wish I could crumple it up really small and cram it in my diaper bag for easy portability, but that's not happening. As it is, it folds up rather compactly and would probably fit in the top of my diaper bag if I remember to leave room for it.
Other than my three small complaints (no forward-facing front carry option; a bit too much padding; and not terribly compact), I pretty much love it. I think it was well worth the expense and although I haven't tried every carrier out there, I'm inclined to believe those who say it's the best.
To sum it up:
Pros
- intuitive
- easy load and unload w/o help
- front and back carry
- roomy built-in pouch
- durable
- ergonomic and comfortable
Cons
- expensive (but worth it, if you can swing the cost)
- no forward-facing front carry (although you can try it; I did)
- a little sweaty in hot climates
- rather bulky
These are items that were returned within the 90 day guarantee period, so they are practically new. They come with the same 90 day money back trial period, and returns are few and far between.
If I had paid full price, I would have ordered from Nurtured Family, which is run by a homeschooling family (how cool is that?!). They have the Ergo for just $92 with free shipping. I have already been in contact with them and feel a little bad now for not buying from them, but they just couldn't beat the price I found on returned items.
Hubby found me a Baby Bjorn at the Goodwill, so I have been able to compare the two. The Baby Bjorn does allow the forward-facing front carry and it was also pretty easy to figure out. It shares many of the advantages of the Ergo with a lower price tag, but I think it would become a strain with a heavier baby. It also shares 2 of the disadvantages: it's even warmer and less compact than the Ergo. It has no built-in storage pouch.
I can see why many people love it, but I'm sticking with my Ergo.
I am still curious about the Mei Tai and something else very similar to the Ergo - I can't find the name of it now, but it sounds something like Paduman Baby, and I thinks it is from the UK. Does that ring a bell for anyone? It sounds very much like the Ergo but with less padding and cheaper.
Why didn't I bookmark the site? (smacking myself in the forehead)
update: the other carrier is a Patapum. Thanks to Nicole for the name!
Labels: misc.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Times Tales is fun little system helps children associate a simple story with each of the upper multiplication facts. Covering from 6x6 to 9x9, it uses uncluttered illustrations and just a few lines of text to link the factors to the product.
The style is reminiscent of Bob Books, and like Bob Books, the method is a little bit silly. As with all ingenious ideas, the author has done a fantastic job of keeping it all deceptively simple: just 4 characters and 10 illustrations.
Each story is only 1 sentence long. Basically, you introduce the child to the 4 characters, each of whom bears a remarkable resemblance to one of the numbers 6-9. Then you read the stories one at a time, taking a few minutes to discuss, repeat and reinforce the details. As you move through each step of the program, the story elements are incrementally peeled away until only the math fact is remaining.
To an adult mind it may seem like more work to learn the characters and stories than to just memorize the facts, but I don't think children would agree. Our fidgety 6yo learned all of the stories and characters in one sitting, and within 3 practice sessions she has learned all of the upper multiplication facts.
Never mind that she is just beginning to add; the facts are stored away for future reference because the system was so fun she wanted to learn and practice. Times Tales was far easier and more enjoyable than drills and practice sheets, and I suspect she will retain them for far longer.
If that doesn't convince you, then consider that our just-turned-5yo is learning them almost as quickly, and she's not even beginning to add yet. She thinks that division is even more fun.
The Times Tales program includes a sturdy spiral bound book of card stock pages; simple instructions and teaching tips; perforated flashcards with a unique twist of their own; games for reinforcement; and tests for those who want to record progress.
I just have to mention how much I love that the number 8 is represented by a snowman. This reminds me of our own memory trigger when our skinny Lydia was struggling to remember the numbers 8, 9 and 10:
Eight looks like a snowman.
Nine looks like a "g."
Ten looks like a fat man
Standing next to me.
This is a fun approach that our kids love. Since it involves seeing, hearing, and saying stories, and concrete characters and events with to associate each multiplication fact, it seems to appeal equally to all 3 basic types of learners: visual, auditory and kinesthetic.
It's easy enough that I (The Hater of Canned Curricula) wasn't at all put off by it, and my 5yo and 6yo begged to "play" it. The 8 and 9yo picked up on the concepts as well, using the stories to remind them of the particular facts that they have trouble with. Even the 2yo knows the number 9 character by name.
We really enjoyed reviewing Times Tales, and it has definitely found a place in our home for the next several children.
Labels: homeschooling
I love CBD! Not only do they carry great stuff at great prices, but they give me a nice little kickback when I can convince others to buy their goodies. :)If you like CBD and you like me, you can always use the search box in the sidebar to find items.
Now that everybody knows that, I've got to share a few great deals in the latest CBD catalogs:
Now that everybody knows that, I've got to share a few great deals in the latest CBD catalogs:
- The Chronicles of Narnia, Limited Edition: Focus on the Family Radio Theatre - Audiodrama on CD by C.S. Lewis Retail Price: $49.97 CBD Catalog Price: $34.99
We have and love this! 19 fully dramatized CDs cover all 7 books using faithful readings of the text, only ever-so-slightly abridged and not at all revised. This is a great price on one of the best Christian allegorical series ever written! - The Princess and the Kiss Hardcover Retail Price: $12.99 CBD Catalog Price: $9.99 (matching color book: $1.50)
We have this book and really like the underlying message: purity isn't just about sex. It's about saving your heart for your future husband. Directed at young girls, the subject is the preciousness of a Kiss, but I like what I see in this story when I read between the lines. - Armor of God Board Game Retail Price: $13.99 CBD Catalog Price: $9.99
The girls received this as a Christmas gift from my grandparents, and they have really enjoyed it. It's simple enough for ages 4 and up, but it really makes them think about the applications of Scripture in our day-to-day lives. - NKJV hardcover Bible - everyone needs plenty of these, and this is our version of choice. The price is unbeatable, and the hardcover is perfect for a home with lots of children. This one is black, but they also have burgundy and navy.
A few items that we don't have yet, but would love to buy:
- Creation Globes - a simple, inexpensive nesting toy to teach the days of creation
- Mystery Museum - looks like a variation on the ever popular board game, Clue.
- Bible Trivia - the sample questions look challenging enough to make you think, but not impossibly obscure. There is also a version for younger children.
- Colorwash Bible Covers - these are too cute! Kids can color them, wash them and color again. And I love the saying: I'm a princess; my Father is the King of kings. There is also a Noah's Ark version.
- Celtic Lullabies on CD - need I say more?
If anyone has any of these items, I would love to hear about them. Are they as good as they sound?
