A Stable Beginning

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Harriet Tubman: Freedombound ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE 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.

I always like to incorporate fun projects into our everyday learning so I was super excited to have Montana complete a creative book report after reading the Harriet Tubman: Freedombound in February from the Heroes of History series of books from YWAM Publishing. Learning through living books makes learning more memorable for my kids. And because it was Black History Month when we were offered a selection, I knew I wanted to add the Harriet Tubman:Freedombound book to our ever-growing Heroes of History collection.

History is a favorite subject of mine right after science, and since we use a mostly Classical, literature-based approach to homeschooling we get to read a lot. As I said, we have several titles from this collection, as well as the Christian Heroes Then & Now series, as our main history program uses many of these great books.

YWAM Publishing is the publishing division to the Youth With A Mission organization and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Their mission is to provide quality Christian materials to help fund children and adults around the world through vital mission’s programs. We received a physical copy of the book, Harriet Tubman: Freedombound as well as a PDF copy of the study guide for this review. The book retails for $7.50 and is also available in Kindle or Nook versions, along with eBook, or audio book in MP3 or CD formats also for just $7.50.

At the tender age of six Harriet Tubman was taught what it meant to be a slave as she was whipped. From that day forth she determined that one day she would escape to the north to be free. The remarkable Harriet Tubman, also known as Moses, helped hundreds of slaves escape to the north on the Underground Railroad. Until the day she died on March 10, 1913, countless times she risked her own life to see that her people would be free.

The suggested age range for this biography is 10 and up. Montana, who is 13, had no trouble in reading and comprehending this 193 page book. She was tasked to create a poster board depicting the main character in the book and to give us a presentation of the synopsis. Because Montana loves to draw and be creative this was the perfect book report style for her.

YWAM also includes a 61-page Unit Study for this book that is designed for both individual or group learning. this study guide is suitable for a wide variety of learning styles because of the many different types of projects and activities offered. It includes many projects and writing assignments to keep you busy and engaged with what you are learning. There is so much in this guide for all ages including:

~ Creative writing prompts ~ Dramas ~ Reading comprehension questions ~ Essay writing assignments ~ Geography ~ Timeline project ~ Movie critiquing ~ Hands on projects, audio visual projects, arts & crafts projects ~ Games ~ Many additional resource ideas

Overall, we have truly enjoyed this book selections! I know I can count on the quality of workmanship from the YWAM Publishing company. Many of their books grace our overflowing bookshelves and I would gladly remove another title to make room for one from YWAM Publishing. Be sure to check out what 74 of my CrewMates thought of this book/study guide combination as well as the other titles that were reviewed by clicking the banner below.

Christian Heroes: Then & Now

Betty Greene ~ C.S. Lewis ~ Gladys Aylward ~ Jacob DeShazer ~ Amy Carmichael ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Heroes of History

Christopher Columbus ~ William Bradford ~ Cpt. John Smith ~ William Penn ~ Benjamin Rush ~ Benjamin Franklin ~ George Washington ~ John Adams ~ Meriwether Lewis ~ Daniel Boone ~ Davy Crockett ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Harriet Tubman ~ Clara Barton ~ Thomas Edison ~ Theodore Roosevelt ~ Milton Hershey ~ George Washington Carver ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder ~ Orville Wright ~ Douglas MacArthur ~ Louis Zamperini ~ Alan Shepard ~ Ronald Reagan ~ Billy Graham ~ Ben Carson

Company ~ YWAM Publishing

Product ~ Heroes of History ~ Harriet Tubman: Freedom-bound

Format ~ paperback book, ISBN: 978-1-883002-90-9

Price ~ $7.50

Ages ~ 10 and up

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Friday, March 20, 2020

The Action Bible Anytime Devotions ~ a TOS review

Happy Friday friends!

Like many Christian families we strive to ensure that each of our children has a personal relationship with God. To develop this eternally important relationship we use personal quiet time by spending time in the word through daily devotions. We just recently received a new devotional book, The Action Bible Anytime Devotions from David C Cook and it is a great way book to add to your devotional time.

The Action Bible Anytime Devotions is published by David C. Cook who is well known for the comic-book style The Action Bible. This new book is written for kids aged 8-12. With 195 pages this is a perfect way for this tween group to dive into the world of devotions. Inside the pages of this book you will find 90 ways to help kids connect with God, anytime, anywhere.

The illustrations by Sergio Cariello, a Brazilian comic book artist, make the familiar stories inside this book and draw you into the story. They are amazingly detailed and help show you God in a fresh way.

The Action Bible Anytime Devotions book contains 90 different two-page devotionals that cover lessons on:

~ love

~ courage

~ faith

~ hope

~ trust

~ kindness

~ strength

~ service

The beginning of the book there is a helpful Table of Contents that gives the devotion title and it also show which category the devotion falls into. If during these trying times with the Corona Virus quarantine you find that your child is anxious, just turn to page 48 and be encouraged as you read about how God is in control and has a plan. Or if you find yourself full of doubt turn to page 100 and read the hopeful words and let God guide you through this trying time.

Each devotion begins the same way with an everyday problem that a child might encounter in their daily walk. The book will help you to:

~ Learn God’s Word with an action verse

~ Apply it to what’s happening in your life

~ Relate it to real people for the Bible

~ Think about it to help you grow

~ Talk to God using quick prayer guides

~ Share with others through questions and simple actions

~ Take it further by going directly back to the Bible

A scripture verse is given at the top of the page and then a relatable story is provided. Next, there is a section where you can find helpful questions and suggestions to help you through what you are dealing with.

Then an incredibly helpful section that helps you talk to God. I don’t know about you but my kids sometimes need a little help forming the words when they pray and this part gives them a jumping off point. And if you own The Action Bible there are specific scriptures that you can turn to to read. (you can also turn to a regular Bible and read these same messages)

For this review I knew I wanted to have my 13 year old, Montana, to work through this book independently. Since she only schools four days a week, so I had her include this devotional into her normal quiet time two days a week. I let her pick which pages she wanted to read and then we would discuss it later in the day. The best part about this book is that it can be read in any order. It doesn’t have to be read page to page. Just find what you are needing and go from there!

I love this devotional book and so does Montana! The illustrations are excellent and draw you into the familiar Bible story. My son also loves looking at the pictures and asking questions so its a great jumping off point to be able to point out stories that he is familiar with and build upon them. I am definitely going to be purchasing The Action Bible for my son for Easter this year. Yes, he’s not quite in the age range but we can read aloud from it and he can grow into it for the next several years.

Overall, we give this book 2 thumbs up! Definitely check out this book and click the link below and see what 50 of my CrewMates had to say about this devotional.

The Action Bible Anytime Devotions {David C Cook Reviews}

Company ~ David C Cook

Product ~ The Action Bible Anytime Devotions

Format ~ softcover book

Price ~ $13.80 for the book, or $9.99 Kindle edition

Ages ~ 8-12 year-olds

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http://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Wordless Wednesday

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Educational Family Board Games: Continent Race ~ a TOS review

I don’t know about you, but our family loves to play board games. So even if you are cooped up because of the Corona virus quarantine learning fun can still happen. We love playing family board games and it's a plus when they are educational like Continent Race from Byron's Games. Today I am excited to share with you a fun educational game that the whole family can enjoy!

Continent Race was created by a 6 year old boy, Bryon, who found himself hospitalized for six months. During his hospital stay he was inspired to create something fun and educational for kids like himself during their hospital stay. Learning doesn’t have to be boring and with this game your children will learn the locations of countries in a fun way!

The Continent Race game includes:

~ 1 World Map

~ 5 Continent Lists with maps

~ 205 Country Cards

~ 3 Antarctica Wild cards

The game included two levels of game play, basic and advanced. The basic level is for beginners while the advanced level is for the geography buffs. The game was created for two or more players who are at least 7 years old. The object of the game is to race to be the first person to collect the most countries from each continent. The first person to collect 3 or 5 continent cards (depending on the game play level) wins! Typical game playing time averages about 30 minutes.

I love that this geography game is constructed of heavy duty material so that it will last. The continent cards also include a detailed map of the area on the back. The Country Cards are also made of a heavy card stock and include the countries flag as well. The Country Cards also include three special cards, the mystery card, the challenge card, and the wild card. And everything is color-coded!

Continent Race has won several awards, including the 2019 Creative Child Award “Game of the Year award! The game is economically priced at $34.38 on Amazon and Bryon’s Games donates a portion of the profits to benefit select children’s charities.

We have been studying different countries this year and learning about all the different cultures our world has. Continent Race has been a great way for us to review the continents as a family. I have played this family board game with my girls who are 17, 13, and 10. My son, who is 5, was also able to play with us as a partner player on my team. Continent Race has been a breath of fresh air as we learn, especially for my younger daughter who thrives with hands-on learning.

Learning about your world can happen whether you are public, private, or homeschooled! And with everyone currently at home, now is a great time to learn about our big great world. We definitely recommend that you check out this fun educational game! But don’t just take my word for it. Fifty-nine of my CrewMates also reviewed this family board game. So be sure to click the banner below and read their thoughts as well.  

Ready, set…GO!

Continent Race & Connections Stationery Kit {Byron's Games}

Company ~ Byron's Games

Product ~ Continent Race

Format ~ family board game, 2+ players

Price ~ $34.48

Ages ~ 7+

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http://astablebeginning.com

Friday, March 13, 2020

Conjurske Publications: Venturing With God in Congo ~ a TOS review

I love adding missionary stories like Venturing With God in Congo from Conjurkse Publications to our homeschool read-aloud time. Let me tell you about this new book we received that was written by Darrell Champlin.

Venturing with God in Congo is an autobiography that tells of Champlin’s missionary adventures in the Congo jungles during the 1950’s and 60’s. This hardcover book is jam-packed with adventure stories all the while Darrell Champlin and his family share the gospel of Jesus Christ in the deep jungles of the Congo.

Can you imagine living on just $28 a month? Well that’s what the Champlin’s did during their first term in the Congo. Eventually, their total monthly support rose to $168 but the majority of the money went into the mission. This families love of Christ is clear and evident in each page as they poured their hearts into the Congolese people.

I have been reading Venturing with God in Congo out loud to the children during the day, here, there, and everywhere. Because we are on the road so much now that spring baseball/softball has started I make sure to keep books in my read aloud basket in the van. Everyone has been enjoying the stories, even my most sensitive kids.

I will say the cover of the book is what caught our attention right away! The snack and then the eyes of the predator cautiously waiting to pounce made us want to open the pages of the book and dive in. Upon doing so we found a timeline of important events that span from 1917-1965 that includes the birth of the Champlin’s children and other important events. There is also a map of Congo where towns are mapped out so you can see the exact location.

There are also several pages of black and white photographs that give a first hand look into life and important events in the Congo. I always enjoy seeing photographs such as these as they help to paint the true picture of the stories and gives you a connection to the people in the story.

With over 50 stories you get to read just how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory! Darrell and Louise Champlin’s courage and devotion to God and the greater mission is truly inspiring for all. I can only pray that my children will be able to live for God with such sacrificial love of the Lord as best expressed by Borden of Yale: “NO RESERVES, NO RETREATS, NO REGRETS.”

Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this book by clicking the banner below. I definitely recommend you getting your hands on a copy for your own family.

Venturing with God in Congo {Conjurske Publications Reviews}

Company ~ Conjurske Publications

Product ~ Venturing with God in Congo

Format ~ hardcover book

Price ~ $14.99

Social Media Links:

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http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, March 12, 2020

If You Were Me and Lived In... children's books by Carole P. Roman ~ a TOS review

My bookshelves may be overflowing, however, I always welcome more especially when they are high quality books that help my children explore the world around them. Some people like shoes or maybe even purses or fancy cars. For me though, give me a quality children’s books to add to our home library any day. I love them!

We love the books from Carole P. Roman here so I am excited to share with you four more titles from Carole P. Roman's If You Were Me and Lived In... assorted series. Children's books like the ones written by Carole P. Roman can be such a fun way to explore history, or culture or even practice reading.

Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons and has penned a new groundbreaking nonfiction series about living in different cultures around the world. With what started out as a dare has led to more than 35 children’s books, and over 100 book awards for Mrs. Roman. Including turning the fun game she played with her grandson into her first book “Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life”. By combining her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us, she has given us the reader a chance to explore "If You Were Me and Lived in..."

Let me tell you about the following books from Carole P. Roman's If You Were Me and Lived In Series that we received:

If You Were Me and Lived In…France ~ Discover Western Europe and see what holidays they celebrate in France? The French love their crepes and I know I would love to visit the Eiffel Tower some day.

If You Were Me and Lived In…Russia ~ journey to the world’s largest country and discover some of the most recognizable sites including the Kremlin and the Red Square. Discover the magic of the New Year’s tree and celebration and the sweet treats they eat.

If You Were Me and Lived In…Brazil ~ visit the largest country in South America when you open the pages of this book. Travel through the Amazon Rain Forest and see over 390 billion trees and the thousands of different species of animals present. Did you know that Brazil has the Grand Prix car race? And don’t forget about the Carnival do Brasil one of the country’s biggest holidays.

If You Were Me and Lived In…Mexico ~ climb the steps of Chichen Itza, the Mayan temple shaped like a pyramid. Can you guess how many steps it has? 365, one for each day of the year. Discover the tasty treats eaten here, including tamales and avocados.

All four of the books we received are apart of the If You Were Me and Lived In series. The books in this series are most appropriate for children aged 6-10 and give you a glimpse of what it would be like to live in another country. Each of the books is a short book with 28 pages each. The print inside is large and set in a typeface that is easy to read. The colorful illustrations draw you into the book and make you want to know more about each page. These books are perfect for our family as we study world geography. I was able to use these books for my youngest two children McKenzie and Micah as a read-aloud.

Each book is choke full of fascinating information about the country so you get a firsthand look at daily life. A list of names is given for what you might be called if you were born there and we are also told what we would call our parents in our native language along with some popular places we could visit. Where would you get your education, what kind of sports would you play? It's all included in the book!

Pronunciations of the foreign words in the book are included in the pronunciation guide found at the back of the book to help your read the words correctly. The pictures in the books are bright and eye-catching making you want to know more.

We have happily read and re-read all of these books over the last few weeks. My children have been asking me questions and really digging into the books.