This blog is my attempt to document our busy but BLESSED lives raising and educating our children for His glory. A child of God, wife to one, and mom to 6 fabulous kids. We are in our 17th year of homeschooling using a Classical ~ Literature based approach.

Come along for the good, the bad & the ugly.



Showing posts with label elementary school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elementary school. Show all posts

Friday, May 23, 2025

Another year down!


We made it! Another year of homeschooling is done. I cannot believe I have been homeschooling my children for 16 years and I am down to my final two come August sine Montana graduates this year. I look forward to enjoying and soaking in these last 7 years.


Montana walks in her graduation ceremony at HEAV in a few weeks.


McKenzie just finished her first year of High School!


Micah is officially out of elementary school!

© 2008 - 2025 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 


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Thursday, November 17, 2022

The Quest for the King's Crown ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations

 
Morning friends! I am excited to share with you a new book we received from Tyndale House Publishers and Focus on the Family, called The Quest for the King’s Crown. I've been reading this book aloud to my two youngest, McKenzie (13) and Micah (8) and we are hooked! Let me tell you a little more about it. 
The Quest for the King’s Crown tells the story of four friends, Mike, Winnie, Ben, and Spence, who are known as The Last Chance Detectives. One day, the friends come across an ancient artifact whose treasure could unlock their wildest dreams. However, a mysterious break-in is threatening the dreams of the Last Chance Detectives all the while leaving the local sheriff puzzled as he tries to solve the case. With several twists and turns to the story will the four friends have what it takes to solve this heart-pounding mystery? 
 
The Quest for the King’s Crown is the seventh book in The Last Chance Detectives series that is written for upper elementary-middle school, roughly 8-12 year old students. Don’t let this books position in the series stop you from reading it. The great thing is that you do not have to read the previous books to fully enjoy this story. 
Focus on the Family 
We found this book to be fast paced and filled with drama and excitement! The story easily kept our attention as the plot twisted and turned throughout each chapter. It is well written and Micah has added the previous six books to his Christmas wish list for his “something to read” gift category. Each book is affordable at just $7.99 for a softcover or $9.99 for an ebook. You can purchase the entire seven set series as well for $55.94.
 
I love being able to add quality Christian fiction books to our home library and I am pleased to say that The Quest for the King’s Crown has earned a spot on our jam-packed bookshelves. I definitely recommend The Last Chance Detectives series for anyone looking to provide wholesome fiction stories for their children. Don’t just take my word for it! Check out what twenty of my other CrewMates thought of this book by clicking the banner below. 
family fiction 
 Format ~ softcover book 
Price ~ $7.99 
Ages ~ 8-12 year olds

Focus on the Family



 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

http://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Wordless Wednesday


  

© 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

https://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Wordless Wednesday

 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author.


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Friday, August 19, 2022

Homeschool printables from Super Teacher Worksheets ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Super Teacher Worksheets 
Morning friends! Another Friday is upon us. Have you started back to school or are you waiting until after Labor Day? We have completed our first two weeks of school and are now on our mini vacation as we take our university girls back to their schools. However, before we left, we had the opportunity to add a few fun printables from Super Teacher Worksheets to supplement our math curriculum in our homeschool.
  Have you ever needed just the right worksheet to fit the bill for a concept or idea you are teaching your child? Does your child need a little bit of extra practice on a certain skill? Super Teacher Worksheets sent us access to a full year of the site. This allows my family unlimited access to all printable resources for just $24.95 per year!
 With over 20,000 worksheets the Super Teacher Worksheets website is chock-full of printable worksheets that are not only helpful but useful for homeschoolers, parents, and teachers alike. There are literally thousands of worksheets to choose from so there is sure to be something you can find helpful too! From preschool through middle school there are worksheets all neatly organized by subject area, concept and theme on the following topics:
 Math 
 Reading & Writing
 Phonics & Early Literacy 
 Handwriting
 Grammar 
 Spellings Lists & Worksheets (Gr. 1-5) 
 Science 
 Social Studies 
 Holiday Puzzles & Brain Teasers 
 Teacher Helpers 
 Pre-K and Kindergarten 
 Make Your Own Worksheets 
There are also seasonal and holiday worksheets for every subject along with: 
card games 
 mazes 
 coloring pages 
 mini-books
I was able to use these worksheets with my son, Micah, who is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. Specifically, we worked on skip counting, writing his letters in cursive, and telling time. The worksheets do not feel like busy work at all so don’t let that turn you away thinking that they will. This site is a tool and you can use it just as that. Now that we are back into full swing of our school year I will be incorporating more worksheets each week including the 50 States Geography and Number Detective brain teasers.
   A really cool feature of this product is the Worksheet Generator. Yep, just as the name says, this gives you the ability to create worksheets on any topic you want your child to learn! From spelling lists to games with sight words you can study any topic your child needs a little extra help on. And while you are busy making all these neat worksheets, you can save them in the “My File Cabinet” so you will have access right at your fingertips. 
 I L-O-V-E Super Teacher Worksheets! There are so many worksheet topics to choose from to help your child succeed. This is a resource that is worth checking out! If you are looking for quality homeschool pintables to supplement your learning, look no further that Super Teacher Worksheets! Be sure to see what thirty-five of my CrewMates think of these homeschool printables by clicking the banner below. 

printable activities 

 Format ~ downloadable PDF worksheets
 Price ~ $24.95 
 Ages ~ Kindergarten – 5th grade

Super Teacher Worksheets

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 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author.

 https://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, August 4, 2022

STEAM Projects for Kids with STEAM4KIDZ ~ a TOS review

 

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.
 
 Morning friends! It’s a beautiful, hot day in our part of the country. It’s actually been quite hot for the last several weeks, the perfect weather to hang out inside the house and work on indoor learning activities. We did just that by using the Galactic Adventures Kit from STEAM4KIDZ. STEAM {Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math} and STEM {same as STEAM, just without the Art component} learning is really popular in education today. My kids love STEAM/STEM educational opportunities, so I was really excited to be able to use the Galactic Adventures Kit with Micah, my 3rd grader over the summer.

  STEAM4KIDZ 
 STEAM4KIDZ was founded by Dr. Onolee Zwicke to provide kids high-quality STEAM educational kits for kids aged 6-12. Currently there are five kits to choose from which include: ~ Mini-Theatre Kit ~ Ocean Ventures Kit ~ Starry Night Kit ~ Galactic Adventures Kit ~ Fantasy Aliens on Planet Kepzoo Kit Each of the kits have between 5-7 different projects to engage all five aspects of STEAM education and get the kiddos learning. Prices for the kits range from $99.00 to $129.00 US Dollars. The kits can be purchased separately or through a 3- or 6-month monthly subscription.
We have been so blessed to review the STEAM4KIDZ Galactic Adventures Kit! It arrived at the perfect time as we had just finished our Astronomy lessons on the solar system and Micah was still interested in learning more. The Kit provided much needed new learning activities that engaged Micah with video instruction and hands-on learning lessons.
The full kit came with everything needed, and I mean everything! Down to tacky glue and a cute mini stapler we had everything we needed to do each lesson in individual-colored bags that are also labeled. The Galactic Adventures Kit includes the following projects:
 ~ Clay model of the solar system
 ~ Galaxy in a Jar 
~ Star Seekers
 ~ Geoboard Constellations 
~ Solar Rover 
~ Spaceship Diorama
 ~ Baking Galaxy Cookies 
The video lessons are hosted on Vimeo and were just the right amount in length to keep Micah, who is 8, engaged and learning. Dr. Zwicke guides your child through the entire process, so I was only needed if Micah had a question. With the videos you can also rewind if you need to see a step explained in a bit more detail.

So far, Micah has completed 2 of the learning activities, the Galaxy in a Jar and putting together the Star Finder. He’s especially looking forward to completing the Solar Rover with Dad this weekend, a project that had to be put off while dad was on temporary orders out state. 
We also chose to save the Clay model of the solar system project, because we had just made one in his Co-op class that ended in May. We will come back around to the clay model when we cycle back through General Science in 6th grade. His older sister, Madison who is heading into her Senior year of her Astrophysics major, is going to help him make the Galaxy Cookies before she heads back to university next week. A great bonding activity for them both since he especially misses her during the school year. 
Overall, our experience with STEAM4KIDZ has been great! Micah has learned more about the Galaxy and space. We have a few more activities to complete to wrap up his learning this school year and he is looking forward to the different projects. I definitely think you should look into the STEAM4KIDZ kits if you are looking for activity based, hands-on learning for your children. Any of these kits would make a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift for your little scientist!
Be sure to click the banner below and read the thoughts of nine of my CrewMates who reviewed one of the kits as well. 

STEAM Education 
 Company ~ STEAM4KIDZ 
 Format ~ Hands-on Activity kit with Video Streaming
Price ~$109.00
 Ages ~ 6–12-year-olds, younger kids may need adult help
  STEAM4KIDZ
 Find STEAMKIDZ on these Social Media sites: 


 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

 https://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Wordless Wednesday ~ Back to school, Our 14th year of Homeschooling!


 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author.


 https://astablebeginning.com

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Homeschool history timeline with the Printable "Essential Timeline Library" ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Home School in the Woods
Morning friends! I don’t know about you, but this summer has flown by for us! We start back to school in just 12 days! Today, however, I am excited to tell you {one more time} how much I love the products from Home School in the Woods! So much so, that when the vendor interest form was posted for the Printable "Essential Timeline Library" review, I jumped at the chance to review it.

 If you are looking for a history timeline that your children can use from Kindergarten through twelfth grade then the Printable “Essential Timeline Library” is the ultimate timeline package for you. With 1,444 historical timeline figures spanning from Ancients to Modern times this package has everything you need. The bundle gets even better because it also includes the “Record of Time” Printable Timeline Notebook as well as the Printable Suggested Placement Guide to help you lay down your timeline just right. All of these items come bundled just so in a PDF file once you purchase. 
History has always been a favorite subject of mine to teach and re-learn with my girls. I grew up learning history from a boring textbook so I am so happy that now I can teach the girls, and soon to be my son, history with awesome hands-on learning. Amy Pak, the talented graphic designer and experienced homeschooler, is the mastermind to everything that Homeschool in the Woods creates. This company has helped transform the way we tackle hands-on history learning ever since.

The Printable “Essential Timeline Library” includes: 

~ History Through the Ages Collection of Historical Timeline Figures 
~ Add-on Pak 1 
~ Add-on Pak 2 
~ Add-on Pak 3 
~ “Record of Time” Printable Timeline Notebook 
~ Printable Suggested Placement Guide 
This timeline collection is absolutely amazing with over 1444 black and white figures! Getting started was as easy as downloading the files to my computer. I like to print ours on full sheet sticker paper so we can just cut them out and stick on the page. Inside the download you will find the figures divided into five different subsections: 

 ~ America’s History (Explores to 21 Century AD) 
 ~ Creation to Christ (Beginning to 1st Century AD)
 ~ Resurrect to Revolution ()-1799AD) 
 ~ Napoleon to Now (1750 AD to Modern Day) 
~ Bonus Figures in the add-on paks
Each timeline figure is available in two sizes as well, wall or a smaller notebook size. You also have the option of having a description or no description printed under the figure. 

I love that I now have a printable timeline option without having to purchase a new notebook. I was able to find a hardcopy of the History Through Ages, Record of Time at our local homeschool bookstore that I will use with Micah this year. My girls in 7th and 10th will use a printable notebook in a binder.
Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about Home School in the Woods. I sing their praises to everyone who wants to talk about History or timelines. We love using the Printable “Essential Timeline Library” from Home School in the Woods for more than just our history timeline! During the course of our school year my last three children at home, Montana (10th), McKenzie (7th), and Micah (3rd) will keep their book of time in their printable notebooks. It will be great to see how they have added to their notebooks when they reach Senior year. 
  Home School in the Woods

You can also read this great article about how to get started keeping your own timeline. But don’t just take my word for it! Be sure to click the banner below to check out what 35 of my CrewMates thought of this product as well as the other curricula that was offered for review, including: 

 Maps Combo-Pak (US & World Maps) 

 Project Passport World History Studies 
 • Ancient Egypt • Ancient Greece • Ancient Rome • The Middle Ages • Renaissance & Reformation Time 

Travelers U.S. History Studies
 • New World Explorers • Colonial Life • The American Revolution • The Early 19th Century • The Civil War • The Industrial Revolution through the Great Depression • World War II

 Hands-on History Lap-Paks
 • Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World • Lap-Pak: The 20th Century in America • Lap-Pak: U.S. Elections • Lap-Pak: Benjamin Franklin • Lap-Pak: Knights 

 Hands-on History Activity-Paks 
 • Activity-Pak: The Old Testament • Activity-Pak: The New Testament • Activity-Pak: Make-A-State • Activity-Pak: Artists • Activity-Pak: Composers

hands on history 

Format ~ PDF download 
Price ~ $109.95 
Ages ~ K-12
Home School in the Woods 

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 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

 https://astablebeginning.com