A Stable Beginning

Friday, May 4, 2018

CodeWizardsHQ: Coding Program for Homeschool Students ~ a TOS review

Morning! I am super excited to share with you today about a coding class from CodeWizardsHQ that Montana just finished taking. They also offer homeschool computer programs as well as coding classes for all students.

Live Class Computer Programming for your Students {CodeWizardsHQ}

When we were first offered this class it really didn’t work for our schedule. The timing was off on our end because we were still wrapping up our travels etc. However, I was able to make some changes and get Montana, my 5th grader, home and into the class on time. Score one point for the Mama! :-)

So just what is CodeWizardsHQ and what do they offer?

CodeWizardsHQ offers weekly homeschool computer classes where students of all types of ability can learn the computer language. Nowadays this is such an important skill for kids to have since we live in such a digital age. This particular program is geared towards students in grades 5th-10th and it is on-line. If you have a “gamer” then this program will be right up their alley.

Classes are formatted online for twelve weeks of LIVE instruction right in the comfort of your home. You don’t have to drive anywhere, a real plus for busy homeschoolers. The classes are interactive and hands-on so your student is engaged right from the start. One of my favorite features is the fact that the classes are kept small, about 6 to 8 students each. That way your child is getting that personal attention they may need in the hour long class.

During Montana’s experience she logged on for her class 10 minutes before it was to begin to make sure everything was ready to go with her microphone and web platform, GoToMeeting. Logging in and getting set up was super easy. The class she took was an introductory program that introduced the world of coding to her.

Her instructor, Samuel Hoffman, was excellent with her and the rest of the students. Many of which this was their first time learning any coding. Sam, guided the students through the coding activities, taking time to make sure everyone got attention and help if they so needed.

Montana enjoyed taking this class but she found it difficult. She says“her brain is not wired for this”. I am happy that she gave it a try and did her best. This program would have been a perfect fit for my oldest who is into graphic design/gaming when she was in school! Below you can see Montana’s front and back end of the coding sequence she did.

While she did not complete the project within the time period she did enjoy the class. I think this program would be great for any student who shows an interest in coding and/or gaming. Even though this program was not a good fit for Montana it may be the perfect fit for your student so be sure to check it out by clicking the banner below!

Check out what my Crewmates thought too by reading their reviews.

Live Class Computer Programming for your Students {CodeWizardsHQ Reviews}

Company ~ CodeWizardsHQ

Product ~ Homeschool computer programs

Format ~ online, live class instruction

Pricing ~ $149/Month. This Includes: 4 classes of 1-hour each, Code editor software subscription, Web hosting & Server space, 24/7 instructor email support, and Weekend instructor live help

Ages ~ 5th - 10th grades

Social Media Links:

Facebook ~

Facebook #2 (this group is for parents who are interested in coding for their children) ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube

http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Try a FREE class with Homeschool Spanish Academy

So, it's May and the end of the line is nearing for the 2017-2018 school year. Have you begun to think about next school year? What curriculum will you use for your foreign language credit? If you haven't given it too much thought yet, let me encourage you to check out Homeschool Spanish Academy.

Let me tell you our top 5 reasons for using Homeschool Spanish Academy next year:

1. Flexibility in scheduling lessons is hands-down one of the best features for us. The ability to choose the time is invaluable because of Mikayla's busy travel season schedule.

2. Quality high school level instruction.

3. Excellent, knowledgeable teachers who are native Spanish speakers.

4. Interactive lessons, that are not boring.

5. Detailed progress reports that give you an overall picture of your students progress throughout the course.

I'd not be telling you the truth if I didn't tell you that we love it! The flexibility and the quality of instruction my high school girls receive from their instructors is amazing! Recently, our beloved teacher, Nora, retired and is no longer teaching. However, the girls new teacher Bartolome, who took over her classes, is amazing himself! As I plan for next school year I am confident in the fact that Mikayla will continue on for Spanish 2. HSA has exceeded our expectations in a foreign language class.

I hope you'll check them out for yourselves!

{affiliate link}

http://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Wordless Wednesday

http://astablebeginning.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Weigl Publishers ~ a TOS review

You already know we love a good book here at A Stable Beginning so I am excited to share with you today the three media enhanced books we received, Glaciers, A Lion's World, and There Once Was a Cowpoke Who Swallowed an Ant, from Weigl Publishers.

Normally, we are all about the feel and smell of a new book but in this digital age of interactive books and online books we are coming along and seeing their usefulness in our home too. We received three books, let me tell you a little about them.

The book Glaciers is from the series "Earth's Water" and is published under the imprint Lightbox and intended for 3rd - 6th grades. Upon access we received a secret code that we input into the computer and a whole new way of reading a book came to life. Not only was Montana, my 5th grader, able to read the story but there were also extra videos that really made the learning fun and informative. The picture quality is amazingly beautiful and draws you into the book.

The next book we received was called A Lion's World. This book belongs to Weigl Publishers “EyeDiscover" series and is intended for a K-2nd grade reader. Again the photography in this book is beautiful and full of detail all about lions. The words are simple in this book and my 2nd grade daughter had no trouble reading it to herself and aloud to me and my son.

The last book we received is a real treat called There Once Was a Cowpoke Who Swallowed an Ant. It is a fiction title for the K-2nd grade reader and super cute all around. My son and daughter were engrossed in the book with the familiar rhyming storyline and bright and colorful illustrations. The story takes place in the desert where the cowboy swallows several different types of desert animals. I love that it was able to read to my PreK3 son and 2nd grade daughter when I was busy with something else.

Overall, we have enjoyed each of these books immensely! The story lines and attention to detail keeps my children coming back to read these books several times over. In fact, I have my eye on a couple of non-fiction titles to enhance our learning during the upcoming school year. Be sure to check out what my Crewmates thought of all three of these books by clicking the banner below!

Multimedia Digital Books {Weigl Publishers Reviews}

Company ~ Weigl Publishers

Product ~ Glaciers, A Lion's World , and There Once Was a Cowpoke Who Swallowed an Ant Format ~ Interactive digital book

Ages ~ K-6th grade range

http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Planet 316 Story Bible ~ a TOS review

Remember last year about this time that I told you about a cool new Daily Bible Jigsaw app from Planet 316? Well Planet 316 and WorthyKids/Ideals have developed this wonderful interactive Planet 316 Story Bible and the companion Planet 316 Story Bible App. that I am excited to tell you about!

I am of the belief that you can never have too many Bibles so I was especially excited to get a copy of this story Bible with Augmented Reality. Planet 316 seeks to connect people throughout the generations to bring them closer to God. With this new Bible they hope to help spark conversations about God for the youngest ages and to share the love of the gospel.

This is not just an ordinary Bible though! The Augmented Reality brings the pages to life right before your eyes! Because your little one will be eager to get started, set up is quick and easy. Just grab your smart phone or tablet and download the App from the App Store or Google play store. Once the App is installed your adventure through 100 beloved Bible stories is set to begin.

Each of the stories included in this Bible Storybook are written and illustrated to introduce your child to the big story of God’s love for all people. They are meant to be read aloud and you will see your child’s faith will grow as they learn of David defeated Goliath, Esther, Daniel and the lions’ den, and the overwhelming love of God through Jesus his only Son. Once you have enjoyed a story, open up the App on your device and hold it over the page for a real treat! The Augmented Reality helps put you within the story and brings it to life with 3D animation and sounds. It is truly a real treat!

Originally, I intended this to be just a Bible for my young son, but my 8 and 11 year olds loves it too! I love that the stories are indexed and I can search and find just the right one I need at a glance. Each story is a two page spread with detailed illustrations. Even when I was not reading a story aloud to my son, he would look through the Bible on his own making comments and asking questions about the story.

This book would make a great gift at Christmas, Easter, a birthday, or just because! Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this book by clicking the banner below to read their reviews.