Monday, March 31, 2014

March Ipsy Bag #REVIEW

This post contains affiliate links. 




This month's Ipsy bag was another fun one.  I was super excited for the lipstick and the eyeshadow.  I also received an eyeliner  and primer.

Here is what came:

  • NYX - Love in Rio eyeshadow Trio
  • PIXI Beauty - Flawless Beauty Primer
  • bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick in Get Ready
  • Chella Indigo Blue Eyeliner



So the eyeshadow is a big hit.  Not very pigmented but they provide a nice day look so I'm thrilled.  The eyeliner is just okay.  I like the color which is bright but it is a little hard to apply because the brush is a bit stiff.  They may loosen up over time though.  The lipstick is great but it isn't full sized.  Still it is a BIG stick for a sample size - many uses on that tube.  Last is the primer looks sparkly so I haven't really tried it.  I think it might work better for a highlighter for me.

I want to mention the bag - it is part of an artist series and is vinyl material.  Eh...  kinda ugly in my opinion.  I imagine some people will like it but not my taste.


Remember Ipsy is a subscription service that gives you a beauty bag once a month.  You don't get to pick your products but they do have you fill out a questionnaire to try to match you with products you will like.  The service is just $10 flat a month (shipping included).  A little tip - you will go on a waiting list if you sign up.  Be sure to share on the social media (facebook share is what I did) and you should get fast tracked to get the next mailing.  They always bill on the 1st of the month and ship around the 15th.




Saturday, March 29, 2014

Saturday Recap



This was a full week.  We had eye doctors and dentist appointments.  Regular school and some helping at the church getting ready for the arrival of our new pastor.  For science we learned about electricity conducting.  I also blogged about how YOU can wear orange lipsticks!! Fun times!

All that and blogging! 

How to make a Paper mache volcano

Yesterday Day is Gone...What will you do with today? #abcblogging

Basic Shapes for Beginners Book Review! & GIVEAWAY!!

 

Also featured on Astheygrowup.com:

 

 

Must-Have Marvin by Christy Ziglar #WIN #ShareAMoment

Twigtale Personalized Books - Review #WIN

You Can Wear Orange With Red Apple Lipstick! #REVIEW

 

 There are 3 awesome giveaways above - don't miss out on your chance to win!!

 

Friday, March 28, 2014

Basic Shapes for Beginners Book Review!

A Rup Life received product to help facilitate this review. This post contains affiliate links. 


 http://goldenreflectionsblog.com/store?ap_id=lisarup1



I don't know why the thought of teaching my youngest to write is so scary but it is.  Like shaking in my boots scary.  Perhaps it is because he is a boy or that he seems to favor his left hand.  Maybe it is because I remember the tears from my oldest who has a similar personality.  Or maybe it is the fact that his motor skills (like all my boys) are not super wonderful.  That is why when I read about Basic Shapes for Beginners: A Hands-On Approach to Pre-writing Strokes for Preschoolers (Digital Download) - I knew I wanted in on the launch!

About:

Heather Greutman is the author of  Basic Shapes for Beginners: A Hands-On Approach to Pre-writing Strokes for Preschoolers.  She is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and currently writes at goldenreflectionsblog.com.  In her new book she gives practical advice for teaching pre-writing skills.  Terminology and activities make this book a shining star. 

highlights:
  • printables
  • 6 weeks of activities
  • 30+ activities




My Thoughts:

I have completed the first week of activities for this book with my three year old.  He is a funny guy and he took to the somewhat structured play.  That is the the thing - it feels like play but you are giving them the tools for later on in their school career.  We worked on vertical and horizontal lines with a variety of different activities.  J was so proud to tell Daddy which lines were horizontal and which were vertical.  I liked that Greutman gives guide to us (the parents) on how to define each line so that later on when we are actually writing it will all come together. 

I was not familiar with Montessori style learning - aside from really hearing the name but this course has that flair.  It was very easy to implement with task trays and sensory bin style things.  I was actually excited to learn a bit about it (implementing) because my little guy is very hands on and this was the perfect beginning curriculum for him.

Another thing that impressed me was that I know he is working on his motor skills which is a big concern.  From my experience most boys are naturally behind girls in this area.  Both my older boys had trouble with holding a pencil or crayon appropriately in the beginning of kindergarten.  They had to work harder to get up to level.  They were in private school and now with J we are going to be homeschooling.  I want to lay the proper foundation so neither of us will struggle.




Week 1 Day 2- thoughts:

The second day of learning we made playdoh worms.  This was enjoyable by both child and mommy!  J asked for the printable from day one so that he could line the worms up like he did in day one's activity.  I love that!  I think I will bust out the laminator so that the printable will stay sturdy in case he wants to use it again.  I have a feeling that as we progress we will circle back around again and again and again.  So even thought the book is designed for only 6 weeks of activities they can be repeated as desired.

All in all I enjoyed the activities - I had enough of the suggested supplies on hand that it was no big deal to jump right in.  That is a definite plus as well.

You can purchase your copy of  Basic Shapes for Beginners: A Hands-On Approach to Pre-writing Strokes for Preschoolers (Digital Download) for the introductory price of $4.99 BUT if you use the code: LAUNCH50 you can get it for just only $2.50!! This Promo Code is available March 24-April 6th, 2014!

WIN WIN WIN



Thursday, March 27, 2014

Yesterday Day is Gone...What will you do with today? #abcblogging




Yesterday is but a distant memory.  Things moves so fast.  It is hard to fit all that we want to do in and make the memories.  Time is not our friend. 

This past week a dear friend went home to be with the Lord.  She is with Jesus and no longer in pain.  One day we will all see each other again.  She had children spanning the ages from toddler to adult.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Proverbs 31:28




 I was an adult kid many years ago, just 17 when my mom went home. The years of cancer, week in the hospital unresponsive, funeral... all blinks of the eye. 

I could have chosen to let that moment define my whole life.  I guess I did a little.  Not in the way some would.  I didn't want the first really big hard thing I was faced with in life be the stumbling block that set me on a path of destruction.  Instead I gave it to Jesus and he gave me peace. 

So what will I do today?  Kiss my husband and hold my kids a little closer.  I will tell them about Jesus.  I will tell my family I love them and my friends too.  I will actively make sure I live in the moments given to me - both for The Lord and my family.   I'm not living for tomorrow because we don't know what tomorrow might bring.  I am looking joyously toward tomorrow with plans of birthdays, fellowship, church and schooling the kids.  Not living for the future but planning to live to the fullest the future God gives me.


Boast not thyself of to morrow;  for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.  - Proverbs 27:1


This post is part of Benandme.com 's blogging through the alphabet - Y is for.  Be sure to stop by and see the what other bloggers are saying for the letter Y!




Monday, March 24, 2014

How to make a Paper mache volcano



For history we studied Pompeii.  The sad tale of a city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.  So what better way to remember that gory bit of history?  Make a volcano!

First thing we did was get a box (shirt box bottom) and then we put a two liter bottle in the middle.  Next we put tape from the top of the bottle to the edges of the box to make a frame for the volcano. 

To make the paper mache liquid we mixed flour and water until it was slightly a slightly watery mixture.

Next we dipped the newspaper into the mixture and started molding our volcano.


The finished product was wet and rather mushy so we let it sit for 2 days to dry completely. 


I had no brown paint!  So I had to mix it myself and then the boys painted our volcano.


Another day to dry (probably needed just a few hours but we waited 24 to be safe).


Then we used a funnel to add baking soda, a few drops of dish soap and yellow food coloring (we were out of red.)   After that we went outside and mixed in the final important ingredient!  White Vinegar!


As you can see it was a huge reaction.  The kids were excited and I'm sure it will be a project they remember. 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

X Words - Expanding Vocabulary #abcblogging

Well I've been blogging through the alphabet for some time now.  X is a challenge!  There just isn't many options...

So...

why not share some X words and their definitions!


( just 5 so I don't lose you! - well technically 6)

1.  XU - an aluminum coin and monetary unit of Vietnam, the 100th part of a dong. 
XIthe 14th letter in the Greek alphabet
~ If you play words with friends you will want to know both of those words above!! It will help you in a jam!!
2.   Xanthippe - ill-tempered woman. 
3.  Xenophobia - hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers or of their politics or culture.

4.  Xerodermaany abnormal dryness of the skin as the result of diminished secretions from the sweat or sebaceous glands.

5.  Xerostomiadryness of the mouth resulting from diminished or arrested salivary secretion.



Well I hope you enjoyed this list!  This post has been part of blogging through the alphabet with BenandMe.com.



 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Tips for Surviving your first homeschool convention!



Last year I went to my first homeschool convention.  Then I went to my second in the same year.  I realize that doesn't make me an expert but I did learn a few things.

1.  Have a game plan.

I went to two different venues last year.  I highly suggest you print out schedules and have an idea of what sessions you don't want to miss.  Come up with some sort of highlight system.  The time will move very fast and you will be in a new surrounding.  There isn't a lot of time to think on your feet about where you want to go or who you want to see.

2.  Decide before you go how much shopping you will do at convention.

Exhibitor hall is designed to be appealing.   The Vendors want to sell you their product.  Make a budget and a list.  I also suggest you give yourself just a little money for a splurge.  There will be something amazing there you have to have so plan for it!

3. Dress Comfortable and bring bags!

You will be on your feet a good bit of the day.  Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.  Think in layers.  Air conditioning can be cold but in the vender hall it might be hot.

Also important is to bring a large enough bag to carry your notebook, pen and water.  You might want something big enough to put some of your purchases in too.

4.  Don't waste Vendor's time. 

I know this sounds weird but honestly they are there selling their product.  If you already know you are going to order online then don't take up all their time.  If you legitimately want to know about the product then go ahead and ask away. 

5.  Arrive early and plan on staying late.

Don't let a lack of time be an issue.  Make this event the priority of the day.  You won't feel so overwhelmed if you aren't rushing.

6.  Don't forget to stop by the used book sale.

There are great deals to be had at the used sale.  You can even volunteer at most conventions and get in the used sale early.  If your are on a tight budget this might be a big game plan for you!


Hope these tips help you when planning your first convention trip.  If you have any questions please leave them in the comments and I will be happy to help!

Also be sure to click on the graphic below to see more post on Homeschooling Conventions from the Crew!


Homeschool Conventions

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

New from Awesome Science: Explore Glacier National Park & Explore Rocky Mountain National Park with Noah Justice #Review

 A Rup Life received a sample product for this review.  This post contains affiliate links.


For this month's Moms of Masterbooks review we received two awesome DVDS!  Awesome Science Explore Glacier National Park with Noah Justice and Explore Rocky Mountain National Park with Noah Justice.

About:

Go on a field trip to see natural wonders and explore evidence that supports the Biblical record.

Explore Glacier National Park:

In this next Awesome Science DVD, Noah travels to Montana to explore the amazing sites and geology at Glacier National Park. He'll research evidence for this area being created and eroded quickly by the effects of the Flood. In this DVD you'll discover how:
  • Evidence of erosion and mass wasting of the Rockies shows their recent formation
  • The Flood provided just the right mechanisms for an Ice Age
  • The Bible provides the best answers for the massive worldwide extinctions just several thousand years ago.

Explore Rocky Mountain National Park:

In this next Awesome Science DVD, Noah travels to the Rocky Mountains to explore how they were formed and eroded by the catastrophic tectonics of the Flood. He'll research evidence for this area being created and eroded quickly by the effects of the Flood. In this DVD you'll discover how:
  • Evidence of erosion and mass wasting of the Rockies shows their recent formation
  • The Flood provided just the right mechanisms for an Ice Age
  • The Bible provides the best answers for the massive worldwide extinctions just several thousand years ago.

My Thoughts:

As homeschoolers we are always looking for way to enrich our studies.  My 8th grader is currently studying geology with his general science curriculum so these dvds were a great addition.  Both have a strong creation science view which fits right in with what we believe.  Noah Justice does on screen narrating and it is very engaging!  What an awesome job for a 16 year old!  Of course this is not just for homeschoolers.  It is a great addition to any science loving kids movie collection!

I loved that we could visit each place without leaving home.  We live on the east coast so getting to travel to these National Parks is just not in our budget.  The DVDs allowed us to still experience the fun.  Both dvds are also filled with lots of facts so you are bound to learn something new - even if you have been to either location!

You can purchase your Explore Glacier National Park DVD or Explore Rocky Mountain National Park DVD on nlpg.com or on Amazon.   Be sure to visit Awesome Science on Facebook for additional information.

Don't forget to join the Masterbook Moms facebook party on March 25 at 7pm CST!  You will learn more about the DVDs and have a chance to win some great prizes!!




Friday, March 14, 2014

Mango Homeschool Edition Product Review #language

Mango Languages Review


One of the most of the subjects I worry the most about teaching is  foreign languages.  Mango Languages has their own homeschooling version!  Mango Homeschool Edition  is perfect for homeschooling families looking for a solution to studying foreign languages easily at home.  With 61 choices there is something to suite everyone's taste.

Information:

Mango Homeschool Edition -is a online study course.  You need Java to access the course so not all tablets will work - a pc or a laptop will do just fine.  You access this program though Mango entirely online.  The program works with interactive-Flash cards.  So the 'card' comes on screen and a voice says the word.  Then you flip to the next card and you will be asked a question to verbally answer then check.  You can also hook up a microphone to check your pronunciation but we personally did not use one - so don't worry if you don't have one either.

Each lesson has a list of conversational and grammar goals.  At the end of each section you will have the opportunity to take a quiz.  



Here are some screenshots to show you the program:





Mango Languages Review


Mango Languages Review


Introductory pricing. 

1 subscription is $18/month or $125/year total 
2 subscriptions is $28/month or $175 /year total                     
3 subscriptions is $38/month or $225/year total                   
4 subscriptions is $48/month or $275/year total               
5 subscriptions is $58/month or $325/year total

Age Range:  Mango can be used for all age ranges but is recommended for ages 7-adult.


Beta Edition:

For this review we were using the Beta Edition - this means that exciting changes will be coming.  We used the program with no problems and felt it was great as is.  That said the changes coming are pretty exciting too!  

Here are some details for that:


What is currently available on the site:

  • Over 60 different languages
  • Progress Assessments

  • Built-in journals, discussions and wikis
  • Collaborative learning spaces
  • eNote messaging
/chat rooms

  • Access to embedded/downloadable content
  • 
Support from other community members
  • 
Calendars to schedule meetings or study groups

Over the next several months, we'll be introducing other exciting features like:

  • Enhanced Tracking and Progress Monitoring - including seat time (for students and parents)
  • Goals and Personal Lesson Plans (both stand-alone and tied into Mango courses)

  • Resume and Portfolio Builder

My Thoughts:

My family has really enjoyed Mango Homeschool Edition. We have been using the Beta edition so not all the features were  available at the time of my review (they are coming soon and listed above!)  That said there is still a lot of material up and running and we had a blast learning and playing!  

 Three of us are using this:  13 year old son, 11 year old son and me!  For this review we decided together to study one language.  The reason for this is that we wanted to be able to use it with each other throughout the week.  We picked Italian for two reasons.  The first is that we are all Italian and the general consensus was that it would be cool to learn the language of our ancestors.  The second reason is that my niece Emily speaks Italian rather well.   We hope to speak Italian with her when she visits this summer.

My two boys typically work faster on their studies than  I can and  so they have taken to using my 13 year old's tablet and sitting on the couch working together.  This is awesome because there are not many subjects they can do together for grades 6th and 8th.  I have noticed that during Mango-time they are having a fun time learning together.  That is one of the major benefits I've seen.  The enjoy doing their lessons and actually ask to do their Mango! 

As for me it is a bit harder.  I guess at *37* learning a new language is not going to be a natural process.  I find I have to keep going back over each lesson to learn.  I need to do the lessons at least three times each to really retain only about 25%.  Fortunately for the kids it is not like that at all.  They still have the natural ability to learn new languages and everything clicks for them easily!  Oh to be young again!! The first couple of lessons my boys did twice but they don't feel they have to do that anymore.  


Each of my children had their own account and I had a teacher account.  I can access their accounts but they cannot access mine.  The program is easy to navigate and my kids needed no help after I showed them the first time how to get into their chosen language. 


Overall we really enjoyed our experience with this program.  Are we fluently speaking Italian?  No.  Do we have some understanding and the ability to use some vocabulary around the house?  Absolutely!  Will we continue to use the program after this review period?  YES!  My kids look forward to studying on Mango each day.  It is a nice break from the workbook studies that they do plus it is interactive because they have to repeat the words and think on their feet when prompted to say a certain word or phrase.  I have a suspicion that this program is going to be a big asset for our high school language graduation requirements.  

Likes:
There are so many languages to choose from (61!)
Easy to use lessons
Interactive Flashcard style learning
Pirate as a language choice (YES pirate!!) 

Dislikes:
I wish there was more printables to go with each lesson.  Perhaps at the end a little link to click and print all the words out vocabulary style.




Click to read Crew Reviews
 
 
 
 
 
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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Now Available: The Middle: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD!

A Rup Life received a copy of this DVD for review purposes. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 


It is hard to find television that is family friendly.  In fact just the other day my husband and I were talking about this exact subject.  Due to personal convictions we just don't feel comfortable watching much on television any more.  That said we would like something to watch and enjoy together.

Lately we've been enjoying The Middle:  The Complete Fourth Season on DVD.  The parents have the perfect balance of laziness, laidback parenting and caring to make the show hysterical.  Then you have three kids of which are all interesting.  The Heck family really brings comedy to the screen in a family friendly way!

About:

Throughout the fourth season of The Middle, the Hecks continue to deliver more laughs and good times straight from America’s heartland. Struggling to sell cars at the only dealer left in town, an unexpected turn of events soon forces Frankie (Patricia Heaton) to reevaluate her career path. Meanwhile, Mike (Neil Flynn) has made it his mission to ensure his sloth-like son Axl (Charlie McDermott) gets a football scholarship so he can get into college next year. Sue (Eden Sher) finds herself not only navigating high school but also the roads of Indiana, if she can finally get her driver’s license. With all the crazy happenings, it’s no wonder youngest son Brick (Atticus Shaffer) keeps his head in a book and, as usual, whispers to himself. No matter what happens, viewers can count on this quirky and delightful family to continue to bring on the laughter and fun!


DVD Special Features Include:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Gag Reel

Featured Episodes:

  1. last whiff of summer (parts 1&2)
13. the smile
  1. the second act
14. valentine’s day IV
  1. bunny therapy
15. winners and losers
  1. the hose
16. wheel of pain
  1. halloween III: the driving
17. the name
  1. the safe
18. the bachelor
  1. thanksgiving IV
19. dollar days
  1. christmas help
20. from orson with love
  1. twenty years
21. hallelujah hoedown
  1. life skills
22. the ditch
  1. one kid at a time
23. the graduation
  1. the friend


About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.
 

You can find The Middle: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD at your local retailer or online at stores like Amazon. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Review: Egglo Entertainment Glow in the Dark Egglo Eggs & More #EASTER

Egglo Review
Easter is just around the corner.  It is one of my favorite holidays.  We like to refer to it as Resurrection Sunday.  It is the day we celebrate Jesus conquering death.  While we know Easter eggs have nothing to do with that our family likes to dye eggs and even enjoy a egg-hunt.  Egglo Entertainment has a neat product Glow in the Dark Egglo Eggs!  It is a great way to spice up your egg hunt and bring back the focus on the REAL LIGHT!

What we received:

Glow in the Dark Egglo Eggs - a set of 12 eggs you 'charge' with light so they will 'glow'. - $11.99 ( currently on sale for $9.99)

The Egg-cellent Easter Adventure (book) - A colorful fantasy story book that features three kids that go on an adventure. -  $12.99 ( current sale price $9.99)

The Egg-cellent Easter Adventure (book audio download) - the audio version of the book -  $2.99

Egglo Treasures Scripture Scrolls  - mini scrolls with messages inspired by bible verses. - $4.29

The Egg-cellent Easter Adventure Program Guide - a curriculum/guide packed with ideas and printables including invitations. - $14.99



Egglo Review


So the basic idea of this program is that you can have a big party (or a church function) and have a egg hunt.  You charge the eggs by either sunlight or regular lights and they hold the glow for some time.  This product is recommended for ages 4-13. 

How we used the materials:

First off I read the story with my 11 and 3 year old.  (13 year old wasn't interested.)  The book was a bit over the head of my three year old but he is a little younger than the recommended age so that was to be expected.  It is a long book but lots of adventure and great for a 11 year old.

Next we had our egg hunt.  To prepare I charged  the eggs by putting them very close to our bathroom light - it took about 20 minutes and they lasted for about an hour with a bright charge then started fading. I chose just two scrolls:


 The Light of Jesus shines in darkness - based on John 1:5

Let your light shine before others so they will give glory to God - based on Matthew 5:16

which I hid in two eggs.  The reason was I had something in mind to talk about and wanted to keep the focus on those two thoughts. (more on that later)

I had planned on having the hunt outside but it just wasn't dark enough for the eggs to glow enough.  There is a street light right out front and the moon was very bright so I think that was the problem.  Instead I hid the eggs in the living room and turned off all the light.

The eggs GLOWED bright in the pitch dark room.  I was surprised that my three year old caught onto the idea of finding the eggs.  He loved that part.  The big kids had fun too.  I think that it was dark was bit challenging for them which was perfect since they are older.

After we found the eggs I gave a bible lesson to them.  Basically what I did was this:

I took one egg as we sat in the dark and I told them about how Jesus is the light of this world.  Then we talked about how if you are saved Jesus is the Light in YOU!  I told them how important it was that they let their light shine so others will come to know Christ through them.

I took my single egg in my hand and covered it.  Then slowly opening one finger at a time I talked about reading your bible (one finger removed), praying daily (another finger), attending church (another) and sharing the gospel (open hand).  Then I shared that if you are doing what you are commanded your light will shine so others will see that light in you.

Next we took one egg and separated it on the floor and made a pile of the other 11 eggs.  I told them that one light is good but many lights is better and helps dispel the darkness even more.  This is why we need to surround ourselves with other believers/friends so we can work together.

I think this application worked well because my big kids at 11 & 13 will remember this lesson.  It was on a higher level for them.  Of course my 3 year old didn't get that but he is very young.  He will just remember finding eggs.

Egglo Review


My thoughts:

I really like the idea Egglo Eggs.  I like that you charge them and that they bring something exciting to having a egg hunt.  There are so many ways you could use these eggs to teach.  In fact I had a hard time narrowing it down for my little family.  I could have hidden non-glowing eggs among the Egglo Eggs and talked about how important the light of Jesus is in the world.  Really the sky is the limit with this one.

The curriculum/activity guide is wonderful.  There are coloring pages, snack ideas and invitations.  I especially loved the colored printable eggs because they would be great for decorating.  If you are not a person who likes to come up with your own ideas this is the perfect solution.

The eggs are very cool.  Some had crosses on them and some plain.  I think the price for 12 eggs is pretty good too!  My only problem was figuring out how to execute the glow.  Sunlight is recommended but if you are having the egg hunt at night then that is not practical.  I think the best way (which is what I did)  was to charge them in the sun the day off then give them the boost with inside light before the hunt.  So if they were easier to charge (meaning without as much planning) I would have liked that better.

One thing I did not like was the scripture scrolls.  I wish they had a real bible verse on them rather than a paraphrase and an address.  They are cute and pretty sturdy but I like having the real scripture.  I'd also prefer that it was KJV as well and would have picked that if there was an option.


I hope you enjoyed this review!  Click on the banner below to read other Crew members thoughts on Egglo Entertainment! If you have any questions leave me a comment and I'll try to help.

Click to read Crew Reviews





Crew Disclaimer

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

W is for Worry #abcblogging

In the past I was a worrier.  I worried about how big our savings was.  I worried about my kids learning enough at their private school.  I worried about being able to pay bills.  I worried about my husband's health. 

I spent a lot of time worrying. 

What does the Bible say about worrying?

 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- Philippians 4:6

So while I knew these verses... I wasn't living by faith like I thought I was.  Until... my husband was laid off from work.  See I used to worry when he didn't work one day about how we would pay things.  Then he went from working to being on unemployment.  Guess what then I worried about how we would pay bills with only that money which was a 1/3 of our normal income.  You know what?  We MADE IT! All our bills were paid in that time and we had food on the table every day.  See God provided.  So why did I worry???  I can honestly say most of the time I can fall asleep peacefully with out worry because I've really learned to cast my cares on HIM.  Giving it to God has made all the difference. 

I'm not saying there are not times to worry, of course there are.  Those are the times you cling to the Savior!  Just recently I went through a tough time.  Every time my hope faded and worry tried to creep in God blessed us with something.   I was amazed by how my family and friends knew just what I needed at that time.

Are you going through something tough?  If so leave me a comment and I'll pray for your situation! 



This post is part of BenandMe.com Blogging Through the Alphabet.  Click on the image below to see other W is for post....



Monday, March 10, 2014

Mastering 5th Grade Math - Volume 1 - Essentials of Fractions - Review

ScienceandMath.com Review
Math is one subject I worry about teaching.  I actually am pretty good  with numbers but I just want to be sure to teach it well so my kids won't struggle especially in higher math.  ScienceandMath.com is a company that offers a variety of step-by-step science and math courses.  For this review we received Mastering 5th Grade Math - Volume 1 - Essentials of Fractions DVD.


Details:

Mastering 5th Grade Math - Volume 1 - Essentials of Fractions is a program consisting of 16 DVD lecture style lessons.  The following concepts are covered:

Lesson 1: Review of Fraction Concepts
Lesson 2: Writing Fractions as Words
Lesson 3: Finding Factors of Numbers
Lesson 4: Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
Lesson 5: Finding the GCF of 3 Numbers
Lesson 6: Prime Factorization
Lesson 7: Equivalent Fractions
Lesson 8: Renaming Fractions      

Lesson 9: Simplifying Fractions, Part 1
Lesson 10:
 Simplifying Fractions, Part 2
Lesson 11: Review of Improper Fractions
Lesson 12: Review of Mixed Fractions
Lesson 13: Writing Mixed Fractions as Improper Fractions
Lesson 14: Writing Improper Fractions as Mixed Fractions
Lesson 15: Thinking of Fractions as Division
Lesson 16: Writing Whole Numbers as Fractions


Price:
Physical DVD - $15.99
Download: $14.99

Age Range:  Recommended for Grades 4-6

ScienceandMath.com Review


My Thoughts:

My eleven year old 6th grader was the student we used this program with.  He added it in addition to his regular math program.  For him that was no sacrifice because he loves math.  In fact he wants to be chef some day and knows that having a strong background in math and science would be beneficial.  


The first thing I did when I received this DVD was to open the case and put disk 2 in my personal computer.  This disk contains all the worksheets, solutions and digital files.  I then printed all the student worksheet and the teacher key so I would be set to go.  Taking this step was important so I wouldn't have to do any more planning to implement.  

My son used disk 1 on his computer  by using the dvd player.  This means that you could put it on a big screen tv, portable dvd player or computer with dvd playing capabilities.  This was a lecture based program so your student watches the teacher on screen but there is no interaction or entering any answers.  Jason Gibson makes use of a white board to show the problems/solutions.  His voice is gentle and he is easy to watch.  He explains each section by using multiple examples and writing the solutions clearly on the board.  I found him very pleasant to watch.

Volume 1 is called Essentials of Fractions so that is the whole emphasis for this particular dvd.  My student was actually thrilled because that was a area he wanted extra practice in.  (Yes he likes math THAT much!)  For me that was fine because if you don't have a firm foundation in fractions then when you reach algebra you will struggle.  

I really do like this program.  I don't know that it was a needed course for my 6th grader because he really does have a strong foundation with math and it is a subject he excels at.  We used this to basically review concepts.  The only thing he hadn't learned already was Prime Factorization.  Last year in 7th grade math my oldest son really had a problem with Greatest Common Factors and Prime Factorization, I think this would have been a huge help.  So my 6th grader will be ahead of the game when it comes to those lessons next year.  I really liked the worksheets included.  There are 10 problems on each and it really helps to see if your child has mastered the concept but it isn't at all overwhelming.  My kid watched the video then did all three worksheets for the lesson (30 problems)  but you could easily have spaced out the worksheets over the next two days. 

I would recommend this program as a supplement to 5th grade math or for a struggling 6th, 7th grader.  I also think it would be a great little program to do over summer break.  Math, Reading and Writing really break down during those months off and this would help keep things fresh. 


Thank you for reading this review.  If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.  Don't forget to click on the image below to read more reviews.  In addition for addition reviews for Mastering 5th Grade Math - Volume 1 - Essentials of Fractions  you will find reviews for
Amazing Science, Volume 1 and  Algebra 1: Volume 1  with Fractions Thru Algebra Companion Worksheet CD.

 
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