11 Ekim 2012 Perşembe

Homeschool Art Class 9/28/12

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We had some fun in Art Class today!  We were warned last week to wear clothes that could get messy and boy did they (really it wasn't that bad.)  We painted.  But not just paint.  They used paints that they could brush on, use their fingers, stamps, or splatter.  Along with the paint, they could also use chalks or markers to enhance their drawings.






Next we did some drawing exercises.


Then we finished up the day by making clay sculptures that we will paint next week.  Nick did a goal post, Anthony a vase, Alex a deer, Christian a snake, Lily a ball, and Chelsea a cross.









Schoolhouse Review Crew: Box of I.D.E.A.S

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Box of IDEAs is a company dedicated to creating delightful interactive learning modules centered around random sub-ject areas.   Designed to get children ages 9-16 off the computer and around the table, Box of IDEAS is a great supplement to your current curriculum, summertime learning,  homeschool group learning, or just a break from the normal routine.  Available Box of IDEAS include: World War Two, Eleven, Salt, Quilting, and Laundry.  Each Box of IDEAS id easily portable, filled with interesting topic based learning activities, contains 10 or more modules and portfolio pieces for students to record their journey through the box, is packed with suggestions and researched web links for diving deeper into the topic, and contains a timed SAT style test.  Box of IDEAS is available as a physical product or a PDF download.  We received the PDF download of the Salt Box of IDEAS to use and review. 


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 From the website: " Our Salt Box of IDEAs is a comprehensive look at salt and how it has helped to shape history, nourish our bodies and even build and destroy empires. This Box delves into history, geography, science, language, political systems and much more. Salt—something that your children see and probably use every single day—can be a wonderful stepping stone to opening their minds to so very much."  The Salt Box of IDEAS includes the following modules:

The History of Salt- this module shows an overview of the many ways salt has had an influence on the world
The Science of Salt- bring science into your home through experiments with salt
The Salt March- an entre into the history of India and Mahatma Ghandi
Salt of the Earth- investigate the highest and lowest salt producing countries in the world
Need For Salt- learn how much salt your body needs
Preserving With Salt- learn about food safety and preservation
Too Much Salt- learn about salt lakes and their functions
The Wall That Salt Built- learn about the importance of salt in building the Great Wall  of China
Where Salt Lives- this module takes your children to all the places salt is found
The Language of Salt- an overview of how salt helped to develop many common sayings, names, and words

All of the modules are stand alone and can be completed in any order. Most of the modules only require a pen or pencil to complete if additional supplies are needed it is noted.  If you purchase the PDF you will also need scissors .

You can purchase the Salt Box of IDEAS as a PDF download for $49.00, or as a physical box for $79.00.  You can also purchase extra student modules for the physical box for $4.00.

Here is an example of the module The Salt of the Earth (I did not print out the instructions page)

The first page has a few short paragraphs of information to read, 3 suggested learning extensions, and 3 weblinks to do further research.  The 2nd page is the portfolio page which for this module included a bar graph to fill in and some math questions to answer.


These pages contain a numbered map, a page with numbered squares, and a page of squares showing how much salt each country produces.  The first task is for the children to locate each country on the map and put the corresponding card on the matching number for the country.  Then, you remove the cards and put them in order by salt production.  Then the child fills out the bar graph with the top 8 salt producing nations and answer the math questions.
 Nick is finishing up his bar graph.

Quite honestly, I have never given salt a whole lot of thought before.  Who knew there were so many interesting things you could learn about salt?  The interesting thing is that through using the Box of IDEAS, you learn much more than just the topic you select.  History, geography, science, math, language arts, health were all learned around the topic of salt.  My 10 year old son enjoys learning (and memorizing) facts about various things we studied, and he found the history of salt the most fascinating topic that we covered. 

When I found out we were getting the PDF version of the Salt Box of IDEAS, I was a little disappointed mostly because one of the greatest things about the idea behind this product is that everything is separated and ready to go with no work from mom involved.  But, there are some benefits to the PDF version.  It obviously is a cost savings of $30.  I did not spend $30 printing the modules out although it does take quite a lot of colored ink. It does take a little bit of preparation to get everything printed and cut out.   With the PDF you can also make as many copies as you want and you have the ability to use the product again (possibly with younger siblings as they get older) in the future.  With a PDF download, you also have access to the product immediately.

I think the Box of IDEAS products would be great in a co-op setting.  It suits a wide age range, has fun hands on activities, and doesn't require a lot of preparation.

To see what other crew mates had to say click here.

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary PDF download of the Salt Box of IDEAS for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation.



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Schoolhouse Review Crew: Beeyoutiful

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When I became a part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I never in a million years would have thought that I would have an opportunity to review make-up!   Beeyoutiful carries several product lines that offer "healthy living for the real world."  Over the last several weeks I have had an opportunity to use and review one of their fairly new product lines, mineral make-up from Beeyoutiful Skin.   


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Beeyoutiful Skin Mineral Make-up was made because of there was not any product on the market that the company felt comfortable recommending that was all natural.  Their mineral powders are made from crushed minerals extracted from the earth's surface that are safe for the skin.  The make-up is completely natural and contains no chemicals, fillers, or preservatives. It is made up of 100% minerals and is also is gluten free.  To keep the make-up in its pure and natural state, the entire product line is all powder.  Their make up includes a variety of foundations $25.00 each, beautiful eye colors (which by the way can also be used as lipstick colors but more on that in a minute) $10.00, and blushes and bronzors $16.00.  They also carry make-up brushes and skin care items. You can purchase items individually or they also offer 3 different types of packages.

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You can find a foundation color chart here.

You can also purchase samples of any of the products here.

View how to videos here.

I had an opportunity to view the color charts and choose 3 samples of foundations.  I was really glad that I had a chance to use the samples first because the shade I thought was going to be the best for me was not.  My second choice was much better.  After receiving and trying out the samples I chose a foundation color, and eye color, and a second eye color that would also be appropriate to use as a lip color.  Then I waited eagerly for the make-up to arrive.

The package I received contained 1 foundation brush, 1 combo brush, 1 how to DVD, Felicity Foundation (in an amount designed to last through the 6 week review period) , Moss eye color (in a special size designed to last through the 6 week review period), and a sample of Pink Rose Dust eye color that I actually used as lipstick all in a pretty drawstring bag.

This was the first time I had ever used an all powder make-up line before, but was intrigued by the concept, the fact that the make-up was all natural, and the colors were beautiful!  The DVD with the make-up techniques were very helpful.  I do not use moisturizer nor did I have their recommended toner to spray on before buffing in the powder, but instead brushed it on while my face was just a bit damp and then brushed on a little more when it was completely dry.  A little bit of the powder goes a long way.  The foundation covers very well and I did not feel like I was wearing make up at all. The eye colors were as beautiful in person as looked on the website.  I was amazed at how many uses the "eye colors" could be.  Everything from an eye shadow or eye liner to a lip gloss or lip stick.  Most lipsticks usually dry my lips out but the mineral powder mixed with a little water and put on actually made them feel soft and didn't make them dry at all.  The make-up brushes are of very high quality.  The foundation brush makes it possible to easily spread the powder across your face rapidly.  The combo brush can be used for applying your eye shadow, eye liner, or lip gloss easily and accurately.

The containers that the make-up comes in are much smaller than what I expected them to be.  The mineral make-up contains no fillers and because of that a small amount will last a long time.  I received a very small amount even though the container size is the same as what you would receive when you order.  The amount of make-up I received was supposed to last throughout the review period of 6 weeks and it lasted almost exactly 6 weeks.  The container for those who are ordering will come full so it should last for quite a long time.

To see what other crew mates had to say click here.

Disclaimer:  I received complimentary make-up products in order to write a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation.

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Historic Washington State Park Frontier Days for Home Schools

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Yesterday was Frontier Days for Homeschoolers at Historic Washington State Park so a homeschool friend and I decided to load up the children and head out there for the day.  The cost for each person 6 and up was $5.50 plus tax which meant it would cost my family about $30 to get in for the day.  A family pass for one year was $30 plus tax, so I bought the pass and hopefully we will have a chance to go back again soon.

We arrived a little after 9 o clock in the morning and checked in and got our map.  We have never been to Frontier Days before and never have toured any of the historic houses that are there.  We started out at the weapon's museum, which of course the boys were fascinated with.




Our next stop was the Print Museum where the children had an opportunity to do their own print work.






Next stop was to the 1836 court house.

 There was a classroom upstairs.




After that, we visited the candle shop where each of the children had an opportunity to make their own candles.



After the candle shop we spread out a blanket and had a picnic lunch.  Then we headed to a homestead where we got to check out a garden, sample some dutch oven cooking, and tour the inside of the building.  The children even had a chance to try their hand at sawing a log.







While we were there, poor Emmie got ants in her pants.  If you do not live in the south and have never been stung by a fire ant, it hurts, a lot.  She must have stepped in an ant hill (they are all over the place right now) and just suddenly started crying, so I pulled off her shoes socks and pants quickly and thankfully she only got 5 or 6 bites.  I had Benadryl cream in the van so I walked back and put some on her which helped with the itching and the swelling.  She kept her pants off for the rest of the day.

The next stop was to the oldest house in the park.  There were several demonstrations set up including period games, spinning wool, carding wool, crocheting, weaving,  frontier camp, weapons, and more, plus we got to see inside the house.



I had to take a picture of this because we have one that looks similar






After we finished up there we had to wait for a little while for our turn to ride on the surrey wagon.  The children had been waiting patiently all day and our turn came at 3:00.



It was well worth the wait!  The children loved the ride and a few of them even got to drive the horses.

By that time we finished with that and made another potty break and walked all the way back, we had just enough time to visit the gift shop and go to the top of that building and it was time to go.  Can you believe that after all of that, there were still some areas we did not get to?  We did not go to the Blacksmith's Shop, the Tavern, or one other building that I think was a schoolhouse.

All in all I thought it was a wonderful field trip.  We did a lot of walking!  A few of the talks were a little long for my little ones, but they could walk away and amuse themselves when they got bored.  It was good for the older children and all of the staff were very friendly and answered lots of questions.  I loved the two hands on activities the children got to do, and wish they could incorporate more of those at every station.

One thing I do have to say is that the park is far from handicapped friendly.  Our friend is 7 years old and in a wheel chair and it was very difficult for him to get around.  A few of the houses did have ramps, but one of them when they got across the lawn to the backside where the ramp was and up the ramp, the door was stuck and would not open.  He had to go all the way back down and around and his mother had to lift him in his chair up into the building (actually she did that several times that day.)  He did manage to get around, but it was very challenging.  I think in this day and age we should be able to make places like this more handicapped accessible. 

Schoolhouse Review Crew: Kinderbach

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One of our favorite products that we were able to review last year was Kinderbach.  We reviewed the online subscription and loved it (read my review here.)   I was so excited that this year we bought an iPad just in time to review the Kinderbach app for iPad or iPhone!

Kinderbach is a unique approach to teaching children ages 3-7 music appreciation and to play piano.  Children learn how to read notes, learn intervals, rhythm and music patterns through a series of fun video lessons, fun characters, and printable worksheets.  The lessons teach everything the child needs to know and parents do not have to have any musical experience.  The videos lessons are short, making the program very flexible and able to go at the child's pace.


The Kinderbach app for iPad or iPhone features levels 1,2, and 3 containing one full year's worth (150 videos) of music education.  From the website, " Miss Karri introduces preschoolers to the keyboard characters with stories and fun tunes. Kids will enjoy playing simple songs, identifying music direction and pitch, learning rhythm notes and their beat value. Levels 1 to 3 cover proper hand and finger position, as well as note reading by pattern for voice, and keyboard. "  The app includes video lessons, coloring pages, and 6 different games. 

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 A mini keyboard is included on screen for use during the video lessons.

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You can try the Kinderbach app for free!  With the free download you will have the opportunity to try the first game and first two lessons.  You can then choose how many lessons you want to purchase.  Once you purchase a lesson it is yours to keep and there is no subscription necessary.You can purchase individual lessons for .99-$1.99 a lesson  or a complete level for $8.99.  Or, if you decide after the trial that you love the app and want to purchase all 3 levels, you can choose to purchase the Classroom Kinderbach School Version for $26.99.

My 3,5, and 7 year olds have been having a great time using the Kinderbach app.  I mentioned above that we had an opportunity to review the online subscription last year, the iPad app is even better!  To use the online subscription, I had to set up the laptop, log the children in, and get them to their lesson.  On the iPad, they can do it all themselves.  The app is not a modified or shortened lesson, it is the full lesson that you would get on the DVD's or using the online subscription.  But, by purchasing the app, you get to keep all of the lessons that you purchase.  When we had the subscription, I did not get as much done as I had hoped in the 3 month time period.  With the app I don't have to worry or rush to fit it in because we get to keep it forever!  The app includes the mini keyboard so you do not have to have a separate keyboard.  I love the portability of the app.  You can take Kinderbach with you where ever you go!

My 7 year old loves the games that are included in the app.  Each level has 2 games to go along with it.  There is a finger dance game, a train game to find the train station and Dodie's house, a beat bugs rhythm game, a musical memory game, an underwater song playing game, and a music pattern playing game.   Anthony loves the Beat Bugs game!  There has been an issue with the train game, but the developers are aware of it and working rapidly to fix it and update the app.  I love good customer service and companies who are always working to improve their products and meet the customers needs.  Anthony can't wait to play the train game.



One disadvantage of the app is that while you have the ability to print from the iPad, this option only works with an Airprint supported printer.  If you do not have one of the printers on the list you will not be able to print out the worksheets.  But, the full PDF files for each level are available HERE for  $1.99 each or you can buy all three for $5.95.  By purchasing the PDF files, you can download to your computer and print as many copies of the pages that you need. 

One thing I would like to see different about the app is the ability to "save" or "bookmark" where you have left off instead of having to remember and get back to the correct video.

Often parents think that preschoolers are too young to be able to learn or play an instrument.  Or, they believe it requires a large investment of time and money.  Kinderbach proves all of those misconceptions wrong!  It teaches young children to learn and play the piano in a fun and engaging way, in the comfort of your own home (or even on the go), for a minimal amount of money.  If you have an iPhone or iPod, try the app,  or if you don't try out the online subscription.

To see what other crew mates have to say click here.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary code to download the classroom version of the Kinderbach app for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation.

 
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