Thursday, June 9, 2016

Enjoying the beautiful weather

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

MaxScholar: Reading Intervention Program - MaxGuru ~ a TOS review

I like to have the girls catch the reading bug at a young age. Light the fire young so to speak so I am a huge fan of reading at our house for at least 20 minutes a day.Most times it works and others, not so much. That’s why I was especially excited to be on the review for MaxScholar Reading Intervention Programs from MaxScholar.

MaxScholar was created to help students who have Dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADHD, processing problems, or for those who are just struggling to learn to read. pecifically created to help students who have Dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADHD, processing problems, or who are struggling to learn to read. The online program is based on the research method of the Orton-Gillingham approach, the Lindamood-Bell Process©, and other phonics and reading comprehension strategies with systematic, multi-sensory learning.

MaxScholar is an online program that is accessible anywhere you have a good internet connection. A set of speakers or headphones is also good to have too. We received a one-year subscription to the MaxGuru program. It includes access to:

MaxPhonics ~ based of the Orton-Gillingham method this is a multi-sensory program that prepares 3 to 7 year olds for reading.
MaxReading ~ improves reading comprehension and introduces students to the concepts of summarizing, highlighting, and outlining in 13 levels. There is a placement test to see the best level to start with.
MaxWords ~ build vocabulary through reading and word parts knowledge all the while learning word parts and improving spelling. Learn prefixes, suffixes, Greek & Latin word roots, spelling rules, and syllabification.
MaxVocab ~ a dictionary with thousands of entries, definitions, and games to build the students vocabulary.
MaxMusic ~ play fun learning games while strengthening reading skills and learning music. MaxPlaces ~ explore the world and check for reading comprehension with multiple choice questions. MaxBios ~ meet famous people from the past and present from all over the world with these biographies.

I used this with Mikayla, my rising 8th grader. She would take her laptop with her to the gym on her double training days and work on the program for at least 30 minutes during the school hours break. At first glance when I was checking up on her progress I noticed she was spending a lot of time in the MaxMusic section. I first thought it was listening to music and that sort of thing, but after further investigation, I saw that it was more than that! This section actually has grammar and piano sprinkled into the lessons.

I did have to tell Mikayla to visit other sections of the program also, just to balance out the learning experience, but hands down the MaxMusic was her favorite section.

Overall, I have seen improvement in Mikayla’s reading and comprehension skills from using this program just 2-3 times a week. She never complained about having to log on to the program, which is a huge plus! We will definitely be continuing to use this program through the end of our subscription. Be sure to check out what my Crewmates thought of this program by clicking the banner below.

Company ~ MaxScholar

Product ~ MaxGuru: MaxScholar Reading Intervention Programs

Price ~ $330.00, on sale for $279.00

Ages ~ K-12th

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Friday, June 3, 2016

Hey Mama! Schoolhouse Planner, 2016-2017 ~ a TOS review

Hey Mama! Schoolhouse Planner 2016-2017 Review

Have you heard the news about the new planner from The Old Schoolhouse? This year they have brought back their Hey Mama! Print Schoolhouse Planner 2016-2017 in print format. It's hot off the presses and just in time for planning season.

If you are a homeschooling veteran or a newbie you may have heard of The Old Schoolhouse and the products they produce. Gena and Paul Suarez head up the family run company. This new planner is designed to be the homeschool Mama's assistant. Let me tell you a little more about it.

The Hey Mama Schoolhouse Planner is a 9" X 11" inch spiral bound, 192 page planner. The first few pages include 2016, 2017, 2018 full size calendars for at a glance yearly planning. I like to use these type of calendars to mark off special days like birthdays and anniversaries.

After the yearly calendars the monthly calendars start with the month of July. The monthly calendars are a two page spread with large boxes to write in. If you like to use the mini post-it notes are are the perfect size for them. There is also a notes section included on the calendar page. The perfect size for jotting down quick notes and ideas. Right after the monthly calendar is an encouraging Hey Mama, saying and a full page notes page for those longer notes that you want to write down. My favorite Hey Mama quote is below because sometimes it is easy to forget when you are going through the motions of the day...

"Hey Mama,

1. You made it through another day.

2. Your kids are walking the same journey with you.

3. It;s a madhouse sometimes, but everyone knows they are loved.

4.You are the team God put together. Everyone fills a much-needed role.

5. The BIGGER PICTURE is the long-lasting one. You are a Mama who endures. You are a family running a good race.

6. Your're not hung up on the little fails and bumps. Together, they are woven into that big tapestry; i.e., the big picture.

7. It all means something. It's not random. There is a purpose and joy.

And His hand is on your head tonight".

~pg.130

The planning pages begin right after the calendar pages. these pages
have space for up to seven children or seven subjects down the left hand column. The top row has space for the five days of the week or five children. These are interchangeable depending on how you plan. I personally use the columns on the left for our subjects and the ones at the top for the days of the week. To distinguish between each of my children I use color coordinated markers.

The rest of the planner includes helpful goals, charts and logs for up to 5 children including:

Monthly, Semester, and Yearly goals
180 day Attendance Charts with boxes to check off
Book logs
Curriculum planning sheets
Homeschool Contact List
36 General Writing prompts
Story Starters
The Thirteen Colonies by Date
Timeline of Inventions {I found this really interesting}
US Presidents and their wives {I love that the wives were included too.}
Branches of Federal, State and Local Governments
United States and Capitals in order of when they joined the Union with date of Statehood and abbreviation
Helpful Academic Transcript sample with instructions on what to include
A chart for learned skills and other Courses that were taken throughout the year

Overall, I love this planner! It is the right amount of encouragement that I need on a given day. I have not started using the planner fully because we just ended our formal schooling days for the 20165 - 2016 year. But we are in the midst of our summer learning time and I plan to use the longer notes section to write down what we got done.

When our 2016-2017 homeschool year does start back up on August 1st, I plan to use this planner as a keepsake yearly planner and write down the subjects/activities that actually got completed each week. I really don't enjoy erasing and crossing out when I have to shift things around so I will use this planner as a final jot down of what actually got done each week and our spiral notebooks for what I want to complete each week. I have went ahead an added in pencil our 6 week on schedule and the weeks plan to take off along with the days that I am scheduled to teach for our virtual co-op. I also have already included practice days for my gymnasts and other pertinent school and sports related items.

I would really like to see maybe a few more planning pages offered within the print edition. We are year around schoolers so having maybe 5-6 more planning pages for summer learning would be a great addition. I know that would be possible if I purchased the digital edition of the planner so it's not a huge deal breaker on my end.
Normally the planner retails for $29.00 but right now through July 15th you can purchase this planner using the coupon code: CREWCODE and get this planner for just $19.00, shipping included. That is a $10.00 savings!

If you are looking for a great quality planner I recommend you definitely checking out the Hey Mama! Print Schoolhouse Planner 2016-2017 for this upcoming year. Be sure to check out what my CrewMates think of this planner by clicking the banner below.

Company ~ The Old Schoolhouse

Product ~ Hey Mama! Print Schoolhouse Planner 2016-2017

Price ~ retails for $29.00 but right now through July 15th you can purchase this planner using the coupon code: CREWCODE and get this planner for just $19.00, shipping included.

Ages ~ Homeschool Mom's and Dads

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Thursday, June 2, 2016

2016 - 2017 Plan of Study, 10th, 8th, 4th, 1st, & Nursery {PreSchool Prep}

It's that time of the year again when I start plotting and planning curriculum for the next school year. Honestly, I love this time of year! Figuring out what has worked over the last year and what has not, making subtle changes here and there to fit each individual child.

Well I have made my list, checked it ~~twenty billion times~~ twice, and have almost everything in our possession. A few things I plan on picking up at the state convention next week and I need to narrow down and order our history books but mostly I am done shopping and the planning will begin, yay!

I normally have our plan of study up on the blog in early May. This year ,however, has been different because I can only do so much each day with the LCDR away. I have been reading a lot lately about Scholé and restful teaching. The latest post from Everday Scholé about multum non multa really had me thinking {and just when I had this grand scheme of a plan!}. So, I have scaled back our plans to really enjoy the journey. Not that we weren't enjoying it before, but to really make room for what I the LCDR and I deem to be the best for our children. I don't by any means have this all figured out, even as we make our second cycle through high school. Everyday is a learning process because each of the girls are so different.

For next year I know we will continue to follow a four day week for Montana and McKenzie. For Micah I will shoot for a three day week of intentional learning. McKenzie and Micah also do busy boxes and play on the other days to keep busy and quiet during school hours. We have had success with a four day week this past year when this season of life had me feeling overwhelmed at times. We take off on Mondays and it is a huge blessing to have a day to take care of appointments, errands and what not.

Madison and Mikayla have requested to continue to complete 5 days a week and I am good with that, because it works for them. Madison is normally done with her schoolwork by lunchtime and she enjoys spending the rest of the day penning her second novel and taking photos. We also will continue our year around schooling with 6 weeks on, one week off with necessary modifications during travel season. This schedule keeps me sane.

So without further ado, here is our 2016 - 2017 Plan of Study!

Madison - 10th, {M-F}

Apologetics, (1cr)

~ Sonlight Bible 300

Math (1 cr)

~ Saxon Math, Algebra 2

~ Mastering Algebra John Saxon's Way: Algebra 2

History/Geography (1cr)

~ Sonlight Core 300 : 20th Century WorldHistory

Honors English II (1.5cr)

~ Rod & Staff 9/10, book 2
~ Literature: Sonlight 20th Century Classic Literature

~ Literature and Composition

~ Article of the Week {current events only- not the writing portion}
~ SAT vocabulary study

Honors Chemistry (2.5cr)

~ Apologia Chemistry with Red Wagon Tutorials, Lab Kit (1.5)

~ Surveyof Astronomy (1) *like last year she has requested additional science focusing on Astronomy. She wants to be a Astrophysicists / Air Force Space Officer.

Foreign Language (1cr)

~ Spanish 2: Homeschool Spanish Academy {twice/week}

Art , (.5cr)
~ ArtAchieve, Level 2
Music Study (.5cr)

~ 21 Lessons in 20th Century American Music Appreciation

Electives:

Philosophy (.5cr)

~Traditional Logic 1

Home Ec, (1cr)
~ Home Economics Household and Personal Management Skills
~ Home Economics Kitchen Skills

~ Homestead Blessings Complete 9 pack DVDs

PE, .5 cr
~ Varsity Softball with local private school {Spring}

~ Track &Field Club {Spring/Summer}
~ Swimming lessons {Fall} *needed for Air Force Academy

Drivers Ed, (.5 cr) (1st semester)

Health, (.5 cr) (2nd semester)
~Alpha Omega, Life Pac High School Health
* PSAT prep / ACT vocabulary prep 1 hour/day

Total credits ~ 12.00

Mikayla - 8th, {T, W, TH, F}

Apologetics
~ Sonlight Bible H
Language Arts
~ Rod & Staff Grammar 7

~ Rod & Staff Reader 7 {Guided Reading/Comprehension}

~ Vocabulary Cartoons

~ Required Reading:

Anne of Green Gables

Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost

Snow Goose

Homeless Bird

My Side of the Mountain

Have Space Suit - Will Travel

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood

~ Writing Unit Bundle

~ Article of the Week {current events only- not the writing portion}

Math
~ Algebra 1/2

~ Mastering Algebra John Saxon's Way: Algebra 1/2

History/Geography/Literature
~ Tapestry of Grace, year 4 {Dialectic level} *Tuesday discussions with an online co-op. Excited for this group and the accountability!
Science

~ Apologia General Science with Red Wagon Tutorials, Lab Kit

Logic

~ Worlds Greatest Brain Booglers

Latin ~ 3 credits
~ Latin 1A: Carmenta Online Latin School MWF
Art
~ ArtAchieve, Level 2
Composer Study
~ 21 Lessons in 20th Century American Music Appreciation
PE
~ Competitive Level 9 {or 10?} Gymnastics Team, {28 hours/week}
Total credits ~ 3

Montana ~ 4^th {T, W, TH, F}

Bible/Recitations
~ Bible Study Guide for all Ages, Unit 2
~ morning time recitations {MTR} *more on this plan and resources soon*
History/Geography/Literature/Vocabulary
~ Tapestry of Grace, year 4 {Upper Grammar Level}
Language Arts
~ Rod & Staff Grammar 4
~ Rod & Staff Spelling 4/5
~ Rod & Staff Reader 4 {Guided Reading/Comprehension}
~ A Reason for Handwriting, book D

~ 4th Grade Writing Bundle
~ Required Reading list: Sonlight 4-5 Readers
Math

~ Saxon 5/4
~ DIVE
Science

~ Apologia Zoology 3: Land Animals of the Sixth Day with notebooking journal
Greek Myths
~ Memoria Press D'Aulaires' Greek Myths
Latin
~ Latin for Children, A
Health
~ Rod & Staff Happy Health Habits
Art
~ ArtAchieve, Level 2
Composer study
~ 21 Lessons in 20th Century American Music Appreciation
PE
Rec softball league, Spring ball

McKenzie – 1^st{T, W, TH}

Bible/Recitations

~ Bible Study Guide for all Ages, Unit 2

~ Morning Time Recitations {MTR} *more on this plan and resources soon*

Language Arts

~ Rod & Staff Grammar 2 {covering only the first half of the book}
~ Rod & Staff Spelling 2
~ A Reason For Handwriting, Book A

~ Moffatt Girls Reading Comprehension Checks

~ Ready2Read Level 3
~ Required Reading List: Sonlight Readers 1 {finish} / Sonlight Readers 2

~ Memoria Press 1^st Grade Read Alouds

History/Geography/Literature/Vocabulary
~ Tapestry of Grace, year 4 with Story of the World {Lower Grammar Level}
Math
~ Saxon 2

Science
~ Science Shepherd: Introductory Science, Level A {review}

Latin

~ Song School Latin 1

Artist and Composer study

~ Memoria Press 1^st Grade Enrichment

~ Art cards

~ Competitive Level 3 Gymnastics Team and PreTOPs {15 hours/week}

Micah ~ Nursery, PreSchool Prep

~ Memoria Press Preschool {at his pace, 2 days a week}

~ busy boxes / learning through play
~ Slow and Steady Get Me Ready

***Plus any products we get the chance to review with The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew!***

And that's it! If you read this far, you are a rockstar! It's a lot of information but I am glad you stuck it out to the end. Join me next week as I tell you our schedule and resources for our MTR time. Have you thought about your plans for next school year? I would love to see them! Leave me a link in the comments section.

Be sure to check out what my CrewMates have planned for curriculum choices as I link up with TOS 5 Days of Homeschool 101.