©2008 - 2019 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, April 3, 2019
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Rhythm & Writing ~ a TOS review
Today I have a fun handwriting program for the youngest set of learners from Rhythm & Writing. For the last few weeks my JrK’er, Micah, has been working in their Rhythm & Writing with the Get Write Crew.
Rhythm & Writing with the Get Write Crew was created by an Occupational Therapist, Nikki Wilson, to be used as a full curriculum or as a supplement. This program is an excellent way to start learning correct letter formation for beginners. It is a fun way to teach and practice handwriting. The program encourages correct letter formation through engaging stories with a set of animals who sing about letter formations.
We received the softcover, spiral bound notebook with a transparency film to use. We also received access to online videos that are really cute and fun. To start the lessons your child will complete a pre-assessment that checks the child’s ability to form letters correctly. After you know which letters your child needs help with you can either progress through the program letter by letter or follow the program in the order it is laid out in the book.
One of the features of this program is the ability to watch fun little music videos that correlate with the book lessons. The video lessons are short and sweet but enhance the program and make it more fun. I also really like that the pages have a red baseline with a green top line and a yellow dotted midline. This has helped my son visually see where his letters are supposed to start and stop.
Since Micah has not had too much formal writing instruction, I elected to just go with the order in the book. However, right from the start I realized that his fine motor skills are lacking in letter formation. While he does know how to write the letters of his own name, he struggles writing and forming other letters. No fault of his own, I just need to up my game and get him up to speed.
I love that this program appeals to a wide range of students. The cast of characters included in the workbook include characters of different abilities. I love that it shows diversity so that everyone is included even if you need the help of a wheelchair, etc.
Over the course of time that we have been using this handwriting I have seen a bit of improvement in Micah’s handwritting, but he is still a long way from where he needs to be. But, he’s young and I realize that homeschooling is a marathon and not a sprint so he will be just fine in the long run so we will just plug away a little bit each day.
But don’t just take my word for it! We are only one of 38 families to have reviewed this curriculum so be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this program by clicking the banner below.
Company ~ Rhythm &Writing
Product ~ Rhythm & Writing with the Get Write Crew
Ages ~ elementary
Social Media Links:
Friday, March 29, 2019
Classical Phonics with First Start Reading from Memoria Press ~ a TOS review
It’s Friday and time for another review! This is one of my favorite companies, so sit back and grab your favorite beverage and sweet treat. When we first started homeschooling the thought of teaching my children to read used to make me tremble with fear. I know that’s probably silly to say out loud, but it is how I felt when we embarked on this homeschooling journey nine years ago.
I have since taught three children how to read and now it’s time for my soon to be 5 year old JrK’er, Micah. He is the next in line to become a reader with the help of Classical Phonics with the First Start Reading from Memoria Press.
We have been working diligently over this school year on letter recognition and sounds. The best part of this program to me, is that the child will get a boost of confidence on Lesson 8 when they read their first sentence… I am a man.
The program focuses on three important skills throughout the phonics program which include:
1.pencil grip & correct manuscript letter formation
2. mastering the sounds for consonants and vowels
3. mastering short and long vowel sounds, short 3-letter words and 45 common “sight” words
The Teacher’s Guide provides scripted lessons and everything you need as the teacher to successfully teach your child to read. It is a great resource for helping with vowel sounds, ear training, b-d confusion, and pencil grip.
However, it has helped him with his letter recognition tremendously! Before starting phonics recitation he would do the normal LMNOP, instead of separating them as individual letters. Once I had him slow down he was able to say each letter. He still has trouble now and again with the “W”, not sure why but it does throw him for a loop every now and again.
Each lesson covers the following categories:
~ Letter sounds
~ CVC Words (Common Word, which include sight words)
~ Reading skills such as beginning punctuation and plural sounds
~ Beginning Sentences
But don’t just take my word for it! Check out what my CrewMates have to say about Memoria Press and their products. You will be able to read 64 different viewpoints on Classical Phonics with the First Start Reading Program and the following curriculum reviewed:
~ Poetry for the Grammar Stage Set.
~Poetry & Short Stories: American Literature Set.
~ Poetry, Prose & Drama: The Old English & Medieval Periods Set.
~ Poetry & Prose Book Two: The Elizabethan to the Neoclassical Age Set.
~ Poetry Book Three: The Romantic to the Victorian Age Set.
~ Prima Latina: Complete set.
~ Latina Christiana: Complete set.
~ First Form Latin: Complete set.
~ Second Form Latin: Complete set.
~ Third Form Latin: Complete set.
~ Fourth Form Latin + Henle I: Complete set.
By clicking the banner below.
Company ~ Memoria Press
Product ~ Classical Phonics with the First Start Reading Program
Format ~ paperback books
Price ~ $16.95 and $42.95
Ages ~ K-2
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©2008 - 2019 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, March 27, 2019
Wordless Wednesday
©2008 - 2019 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.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Hands-on STEM with Tied 2 Teaching ~ a TOS review
Happy Friday friends! I am so excited to share an awesome hands-on STEM curriculum with you today. Since January I have been using the STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading curriculum from Tied 2 Teaching weekly with my co-op kids. Let me tell you why it has changed the way I teach this particular class.
BONUS Building Block Challenge MEGA PACK
Pilgrim Shelter Challenge
BUILDING BLOCK CHALLENGES
ADDITIONAL STEM CHALLENGES
~ STEM design challenge with a list of suggested supplies to have on hand.
~ example photos of completed projects.
~ a link to a close reading document relevant to the topic.
~ worksheets to test comprehension and to help stimulate brainstorming.
I love that each week the students are excited about class and often want to know “what are we making this week?” As soon as they walk in the classroom. Having them excited for STEM makes me excited to teach them. For the remainder of the year, my plan is to skip around a bit and hit on some of the challenges we missed earlier in the year.
Company ~ Tied 2 Teaching
Format ~ bundled PDF download
Price ~ list price $60.00, right now on sale for $30.00
Ages ~ upper elementary, younger elementary with help
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©2008 - 2019 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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