TOS Crew Review--PG Key

These can potentially be dangerous times. Parents, we need to be so careful of our children! With the new technology that is available these days, things could get ugly for your children as they work or play on the computer. They could stumble on things we don't want them to see or do or read or experience. PG Key is (part of) the answer!!







PG Key is just that--a key you plug into your computer, then add a password, and presto!! Your child, whatever age, will be a lot safer on the computer. What could be easier than that?! As the mother of 11 children of all ages, I am thankful for anything that will make things more secure for them. We don't allow a lot of computer time, and it is closely monitored. BUT... it doesn't matter how young, old, responsible, trustworthy, or competent your children are--things can happen when they are doing a simple search for something, intentionally or not. With PG Key, things are just...safer. More secure. I like that!



PG Key has 10 parental controls:





-Access Control



-Time Allowance



-Content Filtering



-Site Blocking



-Activity Tracking



-Activity Notification



-Chat and E-mail loggings



-Computer Configurations



-User name and password logging



-Inappropriate activity evidence





As you can see, it has so many great features that will protect your children from inappropriate things on the computer/internet. My husband specifically commented on the time allowance, which would be helpful for anyone, young or old!! You are able to view all computer use for 60 hours--wow. That gives you a lot of useful information.



You can get a free trial of PG Key. Or, you can order for $49.99 plus shipping. There are no yearly fees. That is a deal.



Keep your children safe. Keep them accountable. Use whatever measures you have to use to achieve these goals. PG Key is a great start, along with a lot of parental monitoring. Stay involved in your children's lives--whatever age they are!!!



Visit the PG Key website and check it out:


http://pgkey.com





***Disclaimer: I was given one PG Key free of charge in exchange for my review of it.***

Talking Fingers: Read, Write & Type

I was excited to get access to the online version of Read, Write, & Type! Learning System by Talking Fingers. At first, I had trouble getting it to work, and had to contact Talking Fingers to help. Well, the gal couldn't have been nicer. She did everything she could to get me up and running. (and, for the record, it was ME that was the problem and not the product at all!!)



This product incorporates phonics, reading, writing, and keyboarding. What a wonderful idea!! I always like it when a product covers more than one subject, and these subjects just naturally go together. I originally targeted my 7 year old son, and it was perfect for him. He enjoyed the activities with Lefty and Rightaway, and the villain Vexor. He would stay engaged at the task at hand for a good stretch of time, then had to stop. It kept his attention for the most part, but I think a 7 year old can only take so much learning at a time, even if it is FUN learning!

My 9 year old wasn't as enthusiastic. He is a good reader, and I think it felt a little slow to him. I think another product by Talking Fingers called Wordy Qwerty for grades 2-4 would be a better fit for him, although I may have him continue with Read, Write & Type just to get a good base in keyboarding.

I asked my 12 year old daughter to try it out, just to see if she could pick up some good keyboarding skills, but it was just too slow for her. She was able to tell me about it, so it did catch her attention, but because of her age, just didn't hold it. (and Talking Fingers targets this product for ages 6-9, so that makes sense!)

I have little ones, too, in the 3-4 year old range. They haven't done much on the computer at all, so this was too big of a challenge. We didn't get far at all, but I just wanted to check it out. They like to watch when big brother does it, and that is good for now!




This is a very good product that is lively and fun. It is geared toward how the brain learns. I am very impressed with this, and look forward to my son (s) completing it in the weeks to come.

The online version price of Read, Write & Type is based on how many users you have, and is good for five years. (one user -$35, two users - $55, three users-$70, four users-$80, and five users $100.) You can also get a CD version of RW&T for $79, and that would be good for a lot of children! Quite a good deal, if you ask me! (and I'm big on deals since I have 11 children...)

To order this online product, you can click here:

http://www.talkingfingers.com/store/home-onlineproducts

For the CD, you can click here:

http://www.talkingfingers.com/store/home-cdproducts

For more information about this product or other products by Talking Fingers, click here:

http://www.talkingfingers.com/readwritetype/RWT-learningsystems.html


This is a great product, and we definitely enjoyed reviewing it. Check it out today. Your child/children will be glad you did!!


***Disclaimer--I received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review of it. I received no other compensation.***

TOS Product Review: The Peleg Chronicles: Foundlings (Book One)

My middle boys (ages 5, 7, and 9) love to have read-alouds with their dad before they go to bed. Foundlings (Book One of The Peleg Chronicles by Zoe & Sozo Publishing) was the perfect book for them to read together. I think it will leave you wishing for more! (there is a second book called Paladins already out, with a promise from the author for more...that is good news!)


The author, Matthew Christian Harding, has a fascinating testimony on his website. It definitely made you think, and I appreciate that. It is good background to the book, too, in my opinion.

The back of the book says there is no evolution, no magic, and no humanism. That is wonderful news, isn't it? My boys love these kinds of books. I'm sure some girls do, too. (mine don't, but the boys like them enough to make up for that! I've almost convinced a few of my daughters to try reading the book...) Sometimes books of this type are not books I want my children reading. You just have to be so careful. The good news is...this book is good, safe, and exciting. It contains a lot of Bible truths and Christian traits. That is a very good combination for fun read-alouds with Dad!!

Here is a description of the book from the publisher (from the back of the book):

"There will be dragons. There be giants. And God: our maker, our help, and our righteous judge." The Warrior's broad hand rested upon the eager shoulder of a boy. "Does it not stir your soul?"

It was in the days of Peleg, when the world was divided. After the flood of Noah, after the tower of Babel and the dispersion, when men wondered where they were upon the earth, and where their fellows had gone to, when beasts were more numerous than men-predators in the mood, in the water, and in the air. But men struggled and fought, carving their place. And in the process of time they once again began to multiply upon the face of the earth.

Fergus was shield-bearer, sworn protector of his liege Lord. Armed with spear and sword, his purpose, he knew, was to defend his master, anticipate danger, and support assault. But keeping up with McDougal's long legs was difficult, and he trembled with excitement of what might come next.

A human voice screaming, and McDougal exploded down the hillside. A moment later, he leapt upon a rock twenty feet from the bog's discernable edge and drew back the first arrow. Fergus scrambled up beside him.

On the other side of the marsh, a man of dwarf height, thickset, and slightly hunched, staggered from the weeds-a mace outstretched above his head. He peered into the high branches of the forest. But the pursuing creature, whatever it was, did not emerge from the canopy above. Down at the forest floor, near the base of a great dead tree, a black mouth, imbued with yellow teeth, hissed and snarled. The dwarf screamed and swung his mace through the air...

That gives a good introduction to the book, enough to make you wonder what else is inside!

The boys had some trouble following the story at times since they are young. My 17 year old son was reading it, too, and found the same problem at times, but was able to work through that. There was good character development and lots of plot to follow. You just have to love a book like that! Enjoy!!

The book (along with the second in the series) sells for $11.95, with free shipping. Order it here:
http://matthewchristianharding.com/Orderpage.html

Find other reviews for this product here:

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783082/

***Disclaimer: I was given this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review of it. I was given no other compensation.***

TOS Product Review--Vocabulary Cartoons SAT Word Power

I have a "homeschool wish list" in my head, and this book was on it. We have the elementary version, but I thought we should have this book for the older students. It was a hit!! I gave it to my 17 year old son, and within a few minutes I heard him laughing over the pages of this book. He is a hard sale, so this was a good sign. A few days later, after he had a chance to look through it, I pried it out of his fingers and gave it to my 15 year old daughter. Within a few minutes, she was laughing and showing different pages to her younger sisters. I'd say this was learning at its finest! (or should I say funniest??) There are a few places where we had to weed out the slightly immodest pictures, but that worked out fine for us.


The concept is very simple. Take a look at the sample cartoon below, taken from the website vocabularycartoons.com:

First, there is the main word with a dictionary entry. (which is not shown in this example, but the word is "Fathom, v. to understand fully; to penetrate the meaning of.") Then, a simple link word or phrase is listed, one that sounds like the main word. (fat thumb) Underneath that is the crazy cartoon to incorporate the main word and link word into something unforgettable. The caption is underneath the cartoon, connecting both words in a sentence. Finally, there are sample sentences on the bottom of the page to reinforce learning. This particular cartoon had "The jury found it hard to fathom how the defendant could commit such a terrible crime." as one of three sample sentences.

Sound simple? Well, it is. And...it works to help the student learn the words. I love the use of mnemonics in learning, and that is what this whole book from New Monics Books, Inc., is about. I also like it when fun learning takes place, and that is what happened as my children read this wonderful book!

This particular book sells for $12.95 at:

http://www.vocabularycartoons.com/home/categories/Books/

It is targeted for grades 7-12. My 12th grade son already took his college entrance tests, but this book would have been a great help. I'm using it for my 8th and 9th grade daughters to develop their vocabulary for now, which is always a plus, and to help them study for their college entrance tests when or if the time comes.

So, my kids will learn lots of vocabulary words and have fun while they are doing it. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!!



Check out other reviews of this product at:

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783022/






*** Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review of it. I received no other compensation.***

TOS Crew Review: Math Tutor DVD's--Pre-Algebra and The Texas Instruments TI-83/TI-84 Calculator Tutor

I love it when I find a product that makes my job as a homeschool teacher easier. I have come to a realization: Math Tutor DVD's are a wonderful tool to help my children learn math, or to reinforce the math they have already learned. Period. They are done by a man named Jason Gibson, who has an impressive resume before he left to concentrate on Math Tutor DVD's. I was excited to receive these in the mail, and even more excited to have my kids test them. I was the one in school who left math class each day thinking "I understand!!" then was totally confused as I did my homework. With Math Tutor DVD's, that problem is solved! Mr.Gibson is a talented teacher who helps students understand. They are not flashy, but informative and educational. More importantly, they get the learning job done!

The Pre-Algebra Tutor Volume 1 is a great tool to get students ready to tackle the big world of Algebra. This was actually on my "wish list" to follow The 1st Through 7th Grade Math Tutor and Basic Math Word Problems Tutor DVD's that we already own. This DVD is Jason Gibson, a white board, a dry erase marker, and oodles of information! I like how it flows so smoothly, even when he is writing on the white board. He makes the examples understandable, and puts things in layman's terms, which is a great thing when you are beginning to work on Algebra.



Disc 1 has 5 sections as follows:



Section 1: Real Numbers

Section 2: The Number Line

Section 3: Greater Than, Less Than, Equal To

Section 4: Absolute Value and Adding Integers

Section 5: Subtracting Integers



Disc 2 has 4 sections as follows:



Section 6: Multiplying Integers

Section 7: Dividing Integers

Section 8: Powers and Exponents

Section 9: Order of Operations



Mr. Gibson works lots of examples for the students, and makes everything seem less intimidating. It is helping my girls learn some math concepts, and that is a very good thing. They are understanding things that were never clear before. Learning by examples really works! For the Pre-Algebra Volume 1 DVD, the price is $26.99 plus shipping for 5 hours of instruction, which is so reasonable, especially when you think of hiring a tutor to help with the same learning. Here is the link for this DVD:


http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/department24.cfm











The Texas Instruments TI-83 and TI-84 Calculator Tutor is a wonderful way for a student to learn all the "mysteries" of the calculator he or she owns. My 17 year old son is working his way through the DVD, and is finding out all sorts of things he didn't know. It is perfect timing, too, as he is going to re-take the ACT test soon, and it's giving him some good information. It goes into great detail to explain things, which is necessary for the subject of a calculator. A calculator screen appears and things are worked on the screen, and that is so helpful to see problems demonstrated. There are three discs that cover many, many topics, including such topics as the mode menu, drawing on a graph, and calculating interest rates. That is obviously just scratching the surface of all the information included. The price for the Texas Instruments TI-83/TI-84 Calculator Tutor DVD is also $26.99 plus tax--for 8 hours of instruction! Here is the link for this DVD:



http://www.mathtutordvd.com/products/item63.cfm







The Math Tutor DVD's have a warning on them:



Caution! The use of this DVD will cause increased understanding of (fill in the blank with your subject of choice!)



You know what? I agree! And...isn't that one of the main reasons we homeschool?

****Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest review of it. I received no other compensation.****

Check out more reviews of this product (and lots of others) on The Old Schoolhouse blog!!

The 2010 Homeschool Planner!!!

I just got a shot in the arm that gave me new vision, motivation, and inspiration for the coming school year, which is a tall order since I've been homeschooling so long. Was it a miracle drug? Maybe jumper cables? No, it was the 2010 Homeschool Planner, and wow (no, WOW!!!), what a resource!




Are you looking for monthly resources to jump start your curriculum, such as lists and charts and writing prompts? Here they are, and lots of them. Do you need ideas for surviving as a homeschooling mom, discussing such things as burnout and manners? Here you have it. Are your meals becoming boring and bothersome? Check out the recipes included. (How about Slow Cooker Pizza, Layered Corn Casserole, White Bean Chicken Chili, and Blueberry Crumble Cake to stimulate your appetite, just for starters?) Would articles on timelining history or creative writing help you in your homeschool journey? Done! (with many, many other articles to choose from also.)

This planner is divided into months and filled with idea after idea, article after article, chart after chart, list after list...what a wealth of information for a new homeschooler, an experienced homeschooler, or even a seasoned homeschooler. Anyone can benefit from the information, whether you feel like you've got it all figured out, or you are overwhelmed with the thought of it all. There are websites listed to help with different topics of the month, and resources from The Old Schoolhouse store, too. I appreciate the work being done for me!


I love all the lists. Just to scratch the surface, there were lists for animal classification, writing prompts, cloud types, planets, branches of government... Do you get the idea that you can find just about anything you'd need here? Please don't get me started on the forms. I am a form girl, and love to at least attempt to be organized. This is form heaven. You get forms for homeschooling, like grades and transcripts, but also for home organization such as a household budget sheet or address book.

Now we get to the planner. It is great. You can customize it to your needs, and fill it out right there. It really is a great idea, and I'm excited to implement it. You have all sorts of options, and that helps make it functional for each family.


I am obviously just scratching the surface, but you will want this planner. You will NEED this planner. Even if you just use part of the planner, it will be well worth it. Here are the links for the downloadable version: http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_193&products_id=14269 or CD: http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_193&products_id=15592.

Homeschooling is tricky enough without having to worry about the things that are already included in this wonderful resource. It takes a lot to impress this old homeschooling mama, but I must say I am impressed with the 2010 Homeschool Planner. All I can say is...check it out soon!!! You (and your homeschool students) will be glad you did!



FYI and Disclaimer: I am a member of the TOS crew, and I received and used the 2010 Schoolhouse Planner free of charge so I could enter a contest where I write an ad about it for a chance to win. But, I really did like it, so I can wholeheartedly recommend it, contest or not!=)

Family Science Camp or bust!!!

We just got back from family science camp, run by Greg Landry and his wife Nancy. (homeschoolscienceacademy.com) I asked Greg if I could brag on him on my blog!! All I can say is wow. No, WOW!!! It was an incredible week that we enjoyed more than I can say. It was held at Strong Rock Camp in Cleveland, Georgia. It was beautiful, and lots of fun with swimming, archery, fishing, rock wall climbing, basketball, frisbee, not to mention great fellowship with other homeschool families.


That would have made for a wonderful week, but then Greg and Nancy led science classes for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. It was so much fun. I told Greg he was like Mary Poppins pulling things out of a bag. It went from one interesting thing to another. We tested blood, did our fingerprints, talked about genetics, and learned how to do stitches. (not on each other, fortunately--it's harder than you'd think! We'd have some funky scars...) The kids liked the dissections--a worm, crawfish, sheep's pluck, cow's eyeball, and a sheep's pregnant uterus. This is a lot, but it seems I'm just barely scratching the surface of the activities of the week. It was so well planned and smooth and interesting and educational yet fun...who could ask for more??? They even had classes for the little ones each day, led by a wonderful teacher named Jody. It was just such a blessing to see the dads and moms work and play with the kids. I just wanted to cry every time I looked around the room.


Ok, I know I will post more about the week, and Greg and Nancy, in the weeks to come. (I may even post some pics if I can figure out how to do that--or should I say if I can get Travis to do it for me!!) Now I need to bury out from under laundry and sunburn and vacation stuff first. But, I did want to say how great the week was, and how wonderful a teacher Greg is. We were blessed beyond belief. The kids are still sad about coming home!! They want to save up to go to science camp next year!! (and to think they were a bit hesitant about going to the first science class!)