Dining Under the Sea

Can't help but wish the whole family was together in Nashville, TN... I'm sure not a shocker to anyone.  We all definitely miss having Daddy home.  Thank goodness for Skype, cellphones, and texting :-)

In thinking of the south, I realized that I never posted pics from our whirlwind trip down and back a couple weekends ago.  We were basically surveying the area and looking at housing options, but we were able to squeeze in a little fun.  The kids always enjoy swimming in a hotel pool, and we hit Opry Mills Mall briefly on our way home. 

Our mall stop made it possible for us to dine under the sea at the Aquarium Restaurant.  This restaurant boasts a 200,000 gallon tank that is home to a variety of fish, sharks, and stingrays.  We even saw a couple divers go in as well.  It was a neat experience, and the kiddos loved it!

Apologia: Who Is My Neighbor? (Review)

In product reviews, I try to be quite objective - sharing my honest opinion while pointing out the pros and cons for various families.  However, whenever you read an Apologia review from me, it seems as if I'm gushing, but I just can't help myself.  I LOVE this company, all it stands for, the fabulous staff, and the amazing quality materials.  All the way around, I'm completely impressed with Apologia.  So much so, that I've already slated 2 titles for my kiddos 2012-2013 Curriculum. 

Since being on the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I've had the opportunity to review How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids, Educating the WholeHearted Child, and Who Am I? and What Am I Doing Here?, which is the second title in the What We Believe series.  Most recently, I've had the opportunity to review the third book in the award-winning series, Who is My Neighbor? And Why Does He Need Me?  As expected, it did not disappoint!

 

The third book in the award-winning What We Believe series helps children understand what it means to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-14). This study will encourage kids to develop a Christlike servant attitude based on these biblical truths: God created me to be a blessing to the world; God chooses to work through me; I can make a difference at home, in my community, and at church; the church is God's family; the church is one body with many gifts; and I am an important member of Jesus' body.

This worldview curriculum is suggested for children ages 6-14.  With text written directly to the student, those reading at a 5th-6th grade level could successfully complete this program independently.  Younger students will need a parent to assist or read aloud.  This truly is a perfect multi-age curriculum.  Thus, might I suggest that even if your students can easily tackle the reading alone that you use this study together as an entire family.  There is so much "meat," Scripture, and wonderful lessons to be learned.  Likewise, the discussions that can be facilitated and generated are equally valuable as your family embraces the gifts we've each been given and a spirit of servanthood. 

Who is My Neighbor? And Why Does He Need Me? is divided into the following 8 main themes:

1. Does Anyone Really Need Me?
2. How Can I Make a Difference?
3. Who Is My Neighbor?
4. Why Did God Make Families?
5. What Can I Do For My Country?
6. Why Can't We All Just Get Along?
7. Who Is God's Family?
8. Why Does the Church Need Me?

While you have the freedom to work at your own pace, the recommended schedule in the book affords 3 weeks to complete each lesson.  Working with small chunks was perfect for my 3 little ones, so we are currently wrapping up our study of the second theme.  In lesson 1, the kids really enjoyed reading the story of the Chang family, the race car illustration, and learning that they are on this earth to make a difference.  Highlights of lesson 2 have been reading about hamburgers, patterning after Jesus washing one another's feet, and talking about sacrifice.  I encourage you to view a sample lesson to get your own feel for the content. 

Within the lessons you will find:
The Big Idea-Main topic of each lesson and brief overview of what has been learned so far
What You Will Do- states learning objectives of the lesson
Short Story-Short story with characters in the age range of the children studying the lesson that give a glimpse into their lives with differing worldview and shows concepts taught in the lesson.
Think About It-thought provoking questions digging deeper into the story
Words You Need to Know-vocabulary words and definitions
Hide It In Your Heart-2 specific memory verses for your children to memorize. The first expresses the main theme of the lesson the second pertains to a character trait.
Integrated Learning-interesting articles designed to help the children pursue the books concepts across the fields of art, math, science, history, and more.
What Should I Do-tools to show the children how to apply the lesson to real life
Prayer-prayer to acknowledge the gifts of God and thank him for what He has done
Encounters with Jesus-story adapted from Scripture but fictional to help students explore how Jesus showed God's love in their time of need providing them with examples to follow.
Take A Closer Look-discussion questions to help children think about how Jesus' deeds impacted those He met
House of Truth-4 lessons end with a new part of the House of Truth being added on. House of Truth is a visual aid that has been built over the course of all three books. Students can draw it or build with items around their house.
To accompany the text, there is a jam-packed notebooking journal.  ON the pages you will find a variety of mini-books, crossword puzzles, word searches, questions, writing prompts, vocabulary, prayer pages, and praise reports.  Due to the age of my children, I did not have them complete any of the written work in the journal.  Instead, I used it as a guide in our discussion and was able to pull some great questions from the pages.  Completing some of the activities orally is a great option for younger students.  Take a minute to view a sample. 

 
Since the journal was a little about their skill level, the coloring book was perfect for my kiddos.  There are beautiful illustrations for children to color that coincide with the lessons being learned.  View a sample page. 

I also want to make you aware that while there really is no teacher prep involved in this course of study, there are free online helps available.  Using the password information included in the book, parents will have access to lesson overviews, objectives, suggested activities, child-directed discussion questions, and a recommended reading list for further study.  These are all great resources to have at your fingertips.   

Like the other titles in the series, Who is My Neighbor? And Why Does He Need Me? retails for $39.00.  The notebooking journal is available for $24.00, and the coloring book can be purchased for $8.00.  Click HERE to purchase any of these materials.

Each book in the What We Believe series can stand alone, but they would best be read in order. For that reason, after reviewing Who Am I? and What Am I Doing Here? this past February, I decided that I wanted my family to go through the entire series. For that reason, I'm choosing to stop where we are in the 3rd book, because the children and I will begin learning from the very first book Who Is God? And Can I Really Know Him? when we resume homeschooling in a few short weeks. I look forward to working through the whole series and adding the fourth book, What On Earth Can I Do?, to our collection when it becomes available later this year. 


Disclaimer:  I was provided the textbook, notebooking journal, and coloring book free of charge in exchange for sharing my honest, unbiased opinion.

Professor B (Review)

Professor B Math is an educational website designed to make the parent/educator an “instant master teacher" in the subject of math with literally no advanced preparation.  The focus age range for students is Pre-K through 8th grade.  However, the FAQ page mentions that students as young as 3 can be taught.  The program is divided into 3 levels as described below. 

LEVEL I
Pre-K though 2nd graders and remediation of older learners.

Introduction to Addition/Subtraction Facts - Counting to One Hundred - Lower Addition and Subtraction - Higher Addition and Subtraction - Place Value Fractional Parts & Order - Time - Money

LEVEL II

3rd grade through 5th grade and remediation of older learners.

Multiplication/Division Facts and Problem Solving - Introduction to Fractions - Fractional Equivalence - Addition and Subtraction Fractions

LEVEL III

6th through 8th grades and remediation of older learners.

Multiplication/Division of Fractions - Decimals - Percents

To determine which level in which to start your child, take advantage of the free placement test.

Professor B Math by intention is neither a game or interactive.  In fact, it utilizes no sound and operates similarly to a PowerPoint presentation.  While the animated Professor B is to be the teacher, the parent is actually voicing his speech bubbles.  Therefore, the parent must be present for the entire lesson.  Along with the lesson, a PDF workbook is available to print if you desire.  Although, it is important to note that not all lessons have an accompanying workbook page. 

 
On the website, Professor B Math states that a child can learn three years of math in each level! Obviously, that would be dependent upon how much time is spent on the subject, but an average of 10-45 minutes a day is recommended. Since I have not utilized the program for such a length of time, I will refrain from commenting whether or not that claim is true. I'd encourage you to read the FAQ page to learn more. Honestly, what I take away from it is that you can control the pacing of the program. 

I find the pricing information on the website somewhat confusing, but it is as follows:
*1 level $20 a month
*2 levels $35 a month
*3 levels $45 a month
*Or $100 for 3 years of access to a single level. (This yearly price is not currently reflected on the website, but it should be soon.) 

To get a free trial or to purchase the 3 years of access, you will need to call 678-765-6655.


Pros:

• Unique explanations & presentation of concepts
• Effective tool for remediation or troubleshooting problem areas
• Thorough coverage
• No teacher prep work needed
• Downloadable PDF workbook 

Cons:

• Lacks interactive features
• No sound - thus requiring the parent to read all the information
• Children unable to work independently (teacher-intensive)
• No tracking system to remember where you previously left off
• Does not have a feature to assess student or generate progress reports 
• Navigation of PDF workbook - a little tricky to find corresponding pages for lessons

In closing, I definitely would not view Professor B Math as a stand alone curriculum for my children.  I think it is an excellent parent resource and could easily serve as a supplement or used for remediation.  I do believe that it is a methodical approach and some of the explanations given are unique and think outside of the box.  I could see how it simplifies some often confusing concepts and breaks it in to manageable chunks.  While it would not be feasible for me as a parent of multiple children to use this program exclusively due to the time demands of sitting with each child at the computer, this may be an excellent option if you are homeschooling only one child. 

 Disclaimer:  I was provided complimentary access to the Professor B Math program in exchange for my honest review. 

Anti-fungals for AHOPE - an update

As you recall, a little over a week ago, I put out a plea for my family, friends, FB followers, and blog readers to join me as FUNGUS FIGHTERS.  I'm so happy to report that we are nearing our goal of 100 tubes of anti-fungal cream to donate to AHOPE for Children, which cares exclusively for HIV+ children in Ethiopia.  Combined monetary and cream donations has our current total at 85 tubes!  Hooray!!!!  A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have contributed to this supply drive.

AHOPE is so appreciative of the donations because it is ever so difficult for them to obtain medicinal creams in sufficient quantities. As I mentioned before, basic over-the-counter items are desperately needed to treat skin conditions, cuts, scrapes, etc., that you would expect from kids in general and specifically in a large group of kids living in close quarters. Thanks to your generosity a huge need is being met. 

It is not too late to join the Fungus Fight since I'll be collecting the creams until July 15th.  We are 15 tubes away from our goal, and honestly, I think it would be a wonderful blessing to AHOPE if we are able to surpass it!!!!  Can you help make this happen?  Ways to help... Pick up 1 tube (or more) of anti-fungal cream... specifically Tinactin (Tolnaftate) and/or Lamisil (Allylamines).  Feel free to purchase the cheaper store brand as long as it contains the same active ingredient.  If it is more convenient, you can make a monetary donation.  Email me at angwells79@gmail.com for my mailing address or PayPal address. 

7 Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential - Book Club

Amanda, who blogs at The Pelsers, is hosting a book club that I'm very excited to be participating in.  From July 9 - September 13, we will be reading 7 Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential by Zan Tyler.   I've got the book loaded on my Kindle, have printed off the journal/study guide, and joined the FB group.  Reading a chapter a week is very doable and will allow for plenty of time to reflect, and I love the fact there are so many others reading and discussing this book.  What a wonderful community!  

The following statement from the book's description sums up what I hope to glean from this study.  As you read, you will find exciting ways to enable your kids to establish a godly identity, discover their purpose, develop a biblical worldview, and build leadership and communication skills.  Sounds good, huh?  Well, it's not too late to join... this week we're just reading the introduction and appendix.  Check out all the details HERE.

For those book club members visiting The Wellspring of Life for the first time, WELCOME!  I'm so glad you stopped by.  A little bit about me...  I'm Angela.  I have the most wonderful hubby and three precious children.  Caleb is affectionately referred to as my hubby's "mini-me" since their resemblance is so striking, and Jeremiah and Rachel, our Ethiopian cuties, came home Feb. 2010.  We are all beyond blessed.  Also, we announced not long ago that we are expecting a little one in December, so more exciting times for our family.  If you stick around the blog awhile, you'll see that I post about my faith and God's many blessings, my funny kiddos, our homeschooling journey, and I passionately advocate for adoption and orphan care.  Now, don't be a stranger! 

Family Fun on the Fourth

While we usually stay in town on the 4th of July and watch the fireworks over the State Capitol Building, this year we spent the evening at my sister's house.  My parents were there, but we missed Matthew, Megan, and Malachi.  Still... a festive time was had by all! 

Due to the crazy heat we are experiencing, the dining was moved indoors.  (This prego Momma was all in favor of that!)  Prior to gorging ourselves on burgers and dogs, we enjoyed Despicable Me as pre-dinner entertainment.  After dinner, the choice was Puss in Boots.  As you can see, my Dad and Rachel got cozy on the floor.  She insisted he cover up with Auntie Val's prized zebra print blankie.



Aren't they cute?!!

Papaw shared or just got hot :-)

When the temp was a little under 95, we took the party outside for some cornhole or beanbag toss as the kids called it.  Uncle Adam played with the kids before the adults took a turn.  We all got some good laughs... especially watching Caleb!  He had such interesting form - if you could even call it that?

Turn sideways, bend over, pretend to surf, squint one eye, stick your tongue out... and you too can play cornhole like Caleb!

About 9:30 p.m., the neighborhood block party launched their fireworks.  It wasn't too shabby... from what I understand about $1400 was spent on fireworks.  (I LOVE FIREWORKS, but I'd never sink that kind of money in to them to entertain the neighbors.)  Then, we were able to see Richmond's fireworks from Adam & Val's driveway as well, so I think we scored well in the fireworks department. 

When the fireworks show wrapped up, we quickly piled the kids in the van and headed home.  With a bedtime of 11:30 p.m., I thought for sure we'd sleep in today.  Unfortunately, no!  Two were up before 7 :(  Oh well - early bedtime tonight :)  It was wonderful to be with family yesterday and to celebrate the many freedoms we are afforded in the USA.  However, what brings me even greater joy is that as a family, we have all found true freedom in Christ!  Hmmm... I'm thinking the fireworks in Heaven will be beyond amazing. 

A Break to Monkey Around

Mommy guilt it tough.  Working Mom, work-at-home Mom, stay-at-home Mom, I'm beginning to realize that none of us are immune or seem to escape it.  With the dreaded heat, the kids have been unable to play outdoors as much as they like.  Then, I've been up to my elbows in dust and dirt cleaning/purging/decluttering the house getting it ready to go on the market, so I've been somewhat elusive and unavailable.  Therefore, my children have been entertained by rectangles for the past week.  TV, DSi, XBOX... the dreaded rectangles.  Hopefully, the kids brains haven't completely rotted and turned to mush.

Most likely, we would have been wise to tackle yet another to-do project over the weekend, but we ALL needed a break.  So... to Monkey Joe's we headed.  The kids had such a good time bouncing, sliding, running, and jumping.  It was good to see them being the active kids they are rather than the couch potatoes circumstances seemd to allow them to become. 

It was still pretty hot, so playtime wasn't as long as usual.  However, it was a much enjoyed and appreciated family outing.  Less than two weeks away, Jon heads to Nashville to start his new job.  We have lots and lots to accomplish between now and then, but we also know we must have some fun, family time too!