© 2008 - 2018 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.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Reading Kingdom ~ a TOS review
Having a solid foundation in reading is very important right from the start. My 2nd grade daughter and my 3.5 year old son both enjoy there online reading lessons with Reading Kingdom.
For the last few weeks McKenzie and Micah have been plugging away at an online reading program that was created by Dr. Marion Blank, world renowned reading expert and Director of the Light on Learning Program at Columbia University. Using the program she created can teach your children, aged 4 to 10, to read and write to a third grade level in a fun and exciting way.
With easy-to-use and interactive components, this phonics and reading program offers customized online reading instruction for your child. While your child is busy learning with fun and engaging activities the program targets your child's reading weaknesses. And so they don’t get discouraged or frustrated the program also keeps them confident in their strengths.
Reading Kingdom is easy to start, no need to download anything just log onto the website. At the start of the program, simply have your child take the Reading Skills Survey which customizes the program and places your child in just the right spot for their individualized reading level. Instead of your child having to learn numerous complicated phonics rules, Reading Kingdom utilizes the six skills method for reading which include:
This process targets your child's weaknesses while also keeping them confident in their strengths.
McKenzie and Micah both started with the assessment. It is a thorough task that covers all the bases. While McKenzie was familiar with the keyboard, Micah was not and I found him to get frustrated at times because of it. Micah started from the beginning of the program while McKenzie picked up where she left off in the program before. I especially enjoy that the lessons are short yet effective to hold my children’s attention spans.
If you want to try Reading Kingdom out for your family, you can sign up for 30 Day Free Trial. After the trial period has ended and you would like to continue, a subscription costs $19.99/month (with no monthly minimum), or $199.99 per year. Additional children on your account get 50% off ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) and you can cancel your subscriptions at any time. In addition, because Reading Kingdom is so passionate about everyone getting to enjoy the joy of reading there is a scholarship program available for those who qualify.
Overall, we have enjoyed Reading Kingdom and the phonics and reading platform it supports. I look forward to continuing to use this over the summer so my kids stay actively involved in reading and phonics instruction and don’t lose any skills they have gained thus far. I encourage you to look into giving it a try for your family too! Check out what my CrewMates thought by clicking the banner below!
For the last few weeks McKenzie and Micah have been plugging away at an online reading program that was created by Dr. Marion Blank, world renowned reading expert and Director of the Light on Learning Program at Columbia University. Using the program she created can teach your children, aged 4 to 10, to read and write to a third grade level in a fun and exciting way.
With easy-to-use and interactive components, this phonics and reading program offers customized online reading instruction for your child. While your child is busy learning with fun and engaging activities the program targets your child's reading weaknesses. And so they don’t get discouraged or frustrated the program also keeps them confident in their strengths.
Reading Kingdom is easy to start, no need to download anything just log onto the website. At the start of the program, simply have your child take the Reading Skills Survey which customizes the program and places your child in just the right spot for their individualized reading level. Instead of your child having to learn numerous complicated phonics rules, Reading Kingdom utilizes the six skills method for reading which include:
~ Sequencing
~ Writing
~ Sounds
~ Meaning
~ Grammar
~ Comprehension
This process targets your child's weaknesses while also keeping them confident in their strengths.
McKenzie and Micah both started with the assessment. It is a thorough task that covers all the bases. While McKenzie was familiar with the keyboard, Micah was not and I found him to get frustrated at times because of it. Micah started from the beginning of the program while McKenzie picked up where she left off in the program before. I especially enjoy that the lessons are short yet effective to hold my children’s attention spans.
If you want to try Reading Kingdom out for your family, you can sign up for 30 Day Free Trial. After the trial period has ended and you would like to continue, a subscription costs $19.99/month (with no monthly minimum), or $199.99 per year. Additional children on your account get 50% off ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) and you can cancel your subscriptions at any time. In addition, because Reading Kingdom is so passionate about everyone getting to enjoy the joy of reading there is a scholarship program available for those who qualify.
Overall, we have enjoyed Reading Kingdom and the phonics and reading platform it supports. I look forward to continuing to use this over the summer so my kids stay actively involved in reading and phonics instruction and don’t lose any skills they have gained thus far. I encourage you to look into giving it a try for your family too! Check out what my CrewMates thought by clicking the banner below!
Company / Product ~ Reading Kingdom
Format ~ online website
Price ~ see breakdown above
Ages ~ 4 years - 10 years
Social Media Links:
© 2008 - 2018 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
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.
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.
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! :-)
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!
Social Media Links:
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.
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
© 2008 - 2018 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.
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.
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.
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.
{affiliate link}
© 2008 - 2018 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.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Wordless Wednesday
© 2008 - 2018 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.
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!
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!
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
© 2008 - 2018 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
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