A Stable Beginning

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.

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.

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

Company ~ Home School in the Woods

Product ~ Printable "Essential Timeline Library"

Format ~ PDF download

Price ~ $109.95

Ages ~ K-12

Find Home School in the Woods on these Social Media Links:

Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

https://astablebeginning.com

Friday, July 15, 2022

Financial Literacy with BUCK First Buck Account ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! Today I have a great new book to share with you! Last year you may remember that we reviewed BUCK Making Cents for ages 5-10 from Buck Academy. The awesome people at Buck Academy have sent us a copy of their book, BUCK, FIRST BUCK ACCOUNT.

A Buck, Single, Bone, Bill, or Greenback are all popular nicknames for the US dollar bill. With this new book, my son learned all about how to open a bank account for the bucks he is earning. Financial literacy is an important skill to have in life and this book shows us all about how to save our hard earned money in the bank.

Buck Academy is a family-owned business based out of Edmonds, WA and was created by Dustin & Febyolla Goss. They originally started their business as a way to teach their children about money. As a way of paying it forward to the community a portion of each book sale is donated to the education of children in-need and to library systems.

BUCK First Bank Account encourages children to manage their money by opening up an account at the bank. With just 25 pages this paperback book goes into detail of the entire process, from choosing the right bank to depositing your first monies into your account.

The book also helps you discover the difference between a checking and savings account, just what a Debit/ATM card is and how to use it, as well as how to deposit money into your new account. A lot of this was over my 8-year-old son, Micah’s, head but I think it was good for him to hear and see the information. During this review period, Micah expressed interest in opening up his own account. So, we did just that! Now, instead of putting all of his allowance in his piggy bank, we take a few dollars and deposit it into his brand new savings account every two weeks.

I really like that the book goes into the 30-60-10 Rule of spend-save-give. I think this would be a good book for anyone looking to give their children an introduction to banking. Twenty of my CrewMates also received this book, so be sure to click the banner below to read their thoughts.

Company ~ BUCK Academy

Product ~ BUCK, FIRST BUCK ACCOUNT

Format ~ Paperback book

Price ~ $12.95

Ages ~ all

Find BUCK Academy on these Social Media Links:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ Tik Tok - @buckacademy

https://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Wordless Wednesday

https://astablebeginning.com

Bible Blueprints from Teach Sunday School ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! We are another day closer to starting our 14th year of homeschooling and to be honest I am feeling a bit frazzled with all that needs to be prepared in addition to getting our two University girls back to school. One thing that has remained constant in my daily morning routine is sitting down and spending time with the Lord in my Bible. As part of my morning quiet time I have been journaling scripture with help from the variety of Bible study tools and it is so great to have the printable Bible Blueprints from Teach Sunday School at my disposal.

For the past several weeks I have added the Bible Blueprints to my personal devotions. Like many Christian parents my greatest goal in life is to make God known to my children in every aspect of our life. To teach them His words and help them hide them in their hearts so that when needed they can call on scripture in times of trouble. And most importantly know the truth found within the 66 most important chapters you will ever read found in the Bible.

We received the digital downloads for both the Old and New Testament Bible Blueprints which I have been using during my Bible study. Each blueprint gives you an overview and history and a sequential break down of the book. It includes several helpful tidbits including:

~ where to find it in the Bible

~ how many chapters the book has

~ what type of book it is classified as, i.e. historical, prophecy, gospel, poetry

~ the time period

~ author of the book

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament Breakdowns are formatted in the same way.

I chose to print out all 66 pages of this curriculum out and punch it to fit on the disc’s on one of my big Happy Planners so I would have it to reference as I do my personal Bible study. I also saved a copy on our school iPad for quick reference while we are on the go. Teach Sunday School

I wholeheartedly, hands down recommend this product for everyone! These blueprints are perfect for teaching your children or for family discussions. Having these reference sheets at our disposal has been an invaluable tool for my personal Bible study too. I look forward to also using these with my children in our homeschool. Be sure to check out what 33 of my CrewMates thought of these Bible Blueprints by clicking the banner below to read their thoughts.

Company ~ Teach Sunday School

Product ~ Bible Blueprints

Format ~ PDF download

Price ~ $34.00 for the set, on sale for $11.99

Ages ~ all Teach Sunday School

Find Teach Sunday School on these Social Media Links:

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

https://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Healthy Habit Trackers from American Coaching Academy ~ a TOS review

Good morning, friends! Did you know it takes at least 66 days to make something a habit? Growing up I was always under the impression that you had to do things at least 21 days, but 66 makes perfect sense now. What better way to track your habits then with the Healthy Habit Trackers from American Coaching Academy?

The Healthy Habit Trackers are a set of 12 printable tracking charts that you can use each month of the year. Each of the trackers have spaces that can be colored in so you can make them as colorful as you would like as you complete the habit. With just 5 habits per tracker, it’s easy to not get overwhelmed in the process of doing. The best thing is that each of the 12 trackers are printable so you can make as many copies as you need.

When you purchase the set of Healthy Habit Trackers for $9.95 you will receive trackers that track:

Muscular Endurance ~ wall sit, running in place, plank, crab bridge, and wall pushups

Household Chores ~ taking care of a pet, washing dishes, taking out the trash, making your bed, cleaning the floor, and setting the table

Healthy Body ~ drinking water, playing outside, brushing your teeth twice, stretching, washing your hands before eating, and sleeping

Kindness ~ giving someone a compliment, reaching out to a friend, giving a hug, tidying your room, telling someone you love them, and holding the door for someone

Nutrition ~ drinking water, eating fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and grains

Locomotor Movements ~ bear crawling, crab walking, side shuffle, tiptoe, army crawling, and hopscotch

Boot Camp ~ burpees, pushups, squat jumps, sidekicks, sit-ups, and high plank

Yoga Flow ~ performing five different yoga poses

Cardio Endurance ~ jumping jacks, running in place, jumping and reaching, freestyle dancing, and hopping in place

Flexibility ~ quad stretch, touch toes, hamstring stretch, V stretch, neck stretch, and butterfly stretch

Muscular Strength ~ pushups, squats, sit-ups, walking lunges, and crab pushups

Bee Healthy ~ drinking water, freestyle dance, giving a compliment, stretching, and crab bridge

There are also 12 blank tracking sheets that can be used a variety of ways. Just fill in what you want to track and your off on your way to successful healthy habits.

We received our trackers in the beginning of June, right on time for us to join in the 100 Squats a day challenge. Two of my girls, Mikayla and McKenzie, joined in with me on this challenge. As you can see on McKenzie made it to the end. By day 8 my quads were on fire and I only completed 100 squats intermittently the rest of the month. I do plan to try again in August because for the month of July I am focusing on my flexibility. The Healthy Body tracker has been helpful for my son to remember to complete his tasks each day.

Overall, these are great, and we will continue to use them monthly in our home. I think these would be the perfect trackers for your family too so be sure to give them a look into. And also, be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of these trackers by clicking the banner below and reading their thoughts.

Company ~ American Coaching Academy

Product ~ Healthy Habit Trackers

Format ~ digital, printable

Price~ $9.95

Ages~ preschool - adult

Find American Coach Academy on these Social Media sites:

Facebook

https://astablebeginning.com

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Middle School Writing Curriculum with Cover Story ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! Hope your week is going great and you enjoyed a fun holiday weekend! Let’s talk about homeschool writing curriculum. Have you thought about what your middle schooler will be using for the upcoming school year? In our homeschool 7th grade is when we buckle down and get to business with the ends and out of formal writing. I was thrilled to receive the Cover Story Cloud Set from Clear Water Press to try with McKenzie, my rising 7th grader.

The Cover Story curriculum from Clear Water Press is the brain child of the Daniel Schwabauer. You may have heard of him before in the homeschooling circles as he also has authored several other homeschool writing curriculums including the One Year Novel and Byline, which are meant for high schoolers. With the Cover Story curriculum your middle schooler will dive into creative writing and in the process create their own magazine.

We received the physical course that includes paperback copies of the student book, the Remarkable Journal, and Teacher’s Guide which arrived on our doorstep rather quickly. We also received access to the online videos that accompany the program. Our videos grant us access to the program for a 12-month subscription. Optional grammar lessons are included too if you want to round out your complete Language Arts for the school year.

The student book and journal are consumable products so you will need a set of both for each of your students. During the course of the curriculum your student will write poems, short stories, non-fiction articles, and letters in the process of creating their own magazine. The engaging videos are super short, approximately 6 to 16 minutes long so it’s easy enough for even the most reluctant learners. A few of the assignments require assigned reading, but these too are short in length.

One of the ways Mr. Schwabauer gets the kids thinking is by writing five questions a day. These questions can be about anything they are curious about, the goal is to get your student thinking. As your student progresses through the program, they will begin to write paragraphs and dialogue as they work through the process of completing their magazine. At the end of each unit there is a multiple-choice test. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too tasking, but more of a check for understanding of the material being covered.

So, what are our thoughts of this creative writing curriculum from Clear Water Press? Honestly, I love this program and I like that it offers the student the opportunity to learn independently and giving them ownership in their work. I think the Cover Story creative writing curriculum is a great program for middle and first year high school students. However, I do not think it is the best fit for McKenzie at this time. She liked that the videos were fun and that Mr. Schwabauer is entertaining, I often heard her laughing at the videos, but she had a hard time with the journaling and student book exercises. Now, this could just be because we had to work on this curriculum after a long day of training. I am not giving up on this homeschool creative writing curriculum because I think McKenzie would enjoy this more during our normal school schedule that affords a bit more time for her to let her creativity out on a more relaxed schedule.

For now we are going to set this program aside for the rest of July and pick it back up at the end of August and give it a second chance for her 7th grade school year. Even though we will be losing some time off our 12-month subscription, I am pleased to know that Clear Water Press offers renewals for an additional 12 months for just $35.00.

Be sure to check out what four of my CrewMates thought of this middle school writing curriculum, Cover Story Cloud set, from Clear Water Press by clicking the banner below.