What Do You Do at First Chance Camp?

Where could you find my three little (and me) June 3rd-6th?  No where else but Camp Calvary - a place near and dear to my heart since childhood.  We were there for First Chance I camp, and it just so happened that my lil' brother was the dean.  There were 40 campers and some great faculty and staff all together to worship and learn more about God, and of course, have LOTS of fun.  The theme of the week was right up my kids' alley... Animals in the Bible.

How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures. ~ Psalm 104:24

So... what do you do at First Chance Camp?  Well, you arrive late Sunday afternoon to get registered and make your bunk.  Then, out for some free play until everyone is rounded up to divide into their family or team for the week.  Jeremiah, Caleb, and their buddy Emmanuel ended up on my team.  We were the "Ninja Turtles."  Rachel and her friend, Ember, were on the "Kingdom's Kung Fu Pandas" team.  (No, the theme wasn't martial arts... just coincidence, I suppose!) 

Sunday night's dinner to everyone's liking is traditionally pizza.  Following the meal, it's back to the chapel to sing worship songs and hear our evening speaker.  There is free time to play, snack time, an evening event, campfire, family prayer time, and then off to sleep.

Sweet Rachel all cozy in her top bunk!

Mornings begin with some wake-up exercises and pledges to the Christian flag, American flag, and the Bible.  Then, off to our corner of the basketball court to get directions on the competition to eat first.  It usually involves using the kiddos bodies and creativity to construct something such as:  a donkey, a cattle drive, a church, a campfire, etc.  Win or lose, we all head inside to enjoy a yummy breakfast.  It is followed by clean-up and then off to our classes.  Miss Jessica & Miss Taylor made the classes fun for the kids.

After class, you could find the kids using their free time to swing, see-saw, play on the playground, and play carpetball or basketball. 

Late morning, it is in to the chapel for missions time.  The kids sing some fun action songs and learn about the mission they are financially supporting for the week.  Our offering went towards a local team of 15 who would be traveling to Port au Prince, Haiti to rebuild a church and hold a VBS later this summer.  By camp's end, $350 was given.

Next on the agenda, lunch time!  Afterwards, we disperse as teams to clean various areas of the campground, and then it is off to the faculty's very favorite activity...  REST TIME!  Oh what a glorious hour :-)  It is short-lived though because we have to be up and moving for recreation time.  Being that it is summer and camp, that usually involves water play.  The highlight for most is the massive water slide.  This year, Rachel went down by herself two times.  Caleb went 3 times, and Jeremiah only went once because he was cold.  (I wasn't outside for the boys turn, so I didn't get their pics.)

Look at her go!

It was a bit chilly... Rachel & Ember stayed wrapped up in their towels!

Water kickball uses swimming pools for bases... my kids didn't grasp the concept of the game.

Usually paired with rec time, craft time allows the kids creativity to shine through.  This week, they made picture frames, bookmarks, and puppets...  all in keeping with our animal theme.  It seems that craft time brought out the sillies in the kiddos.  Yes, that is my son proudly sporting a uni brow and a mustache.  Such a funny boy!

 Once the kids are showered and clean, the series of events repeats. Supper time, family time to work on memory verses, and back to the chapel for our evening speaker.  An evening event, snack, campfire, and family prayer circles, and it's bedtime again.

Even Papaw was able to come to camp as one of our "animal experts" - my kids loved that!

As always, the little ones had an amazing time at camp.  They were completely wiped out by the time we got home, but they still managed to report to Daddy all the cool stuff they did.  They proudly showed him their camp picture, t-shirts, and crafts.  Now, the wait until next summer's First Chance week begins...

It's Award Time!

It's Award Time!!!! 

The 2011-2012 TOS Homeschool Crew Blue Ribbon Awards to be exact. 

I've been so blessed to be on the crew this year.  Many of the products that I have reviewed have become family favorites and easily incorporated into our homeschooling day.  As I look ahead to our curriculum for next year, my experience with the review products have definitely influenced my choices.  So many great things in store, but here's a quick look at the past year!  Wow - we reviewed a lot of stuff.

Obviously, since my kiddos are all littles, I did not review a product for each of these categories.  In that case, the blue link will take you to the main crew blog post.  You can read what others had to say about the product.  If I did review a product below, I've included the red link to my review.  If the product got my personal vote, then I marked it with ***.
Favorite Reading Instruction Product: Reading Eggs ***
Favorite Writing Product: Write Shop ***
Favorite Language Arts Product: Progeny Press
Favorite Social Studies Product: TruthQuest History
Favorite Science Product: Amazing Science
Favorite Math Product: Math Mammoth ***
Favorite Online Math Product: Math Rider
Favorite Foreign Language Product: Visual Latin
Favorite Fine Arts Product: Artistic Pursuits
Favorite Christian Education Product: Apologia: Who Am I? ***
~~~
Favorite Preschool Product: Before Five in a Row ***
Favorite Elementary Product: All About Reading ***
Favorite Middle School Product: Write with WORLD
Favorite High School Product: Excellence in Literature
Favorite College or College-Prep Product: Excellence in Literature
~~~
Best Online Resource: Reading Eggs ***
Best e-Product: Heritage History
Best Homeschool Resource: Apologia: Educating the Wholehearted Child ***
Best Book, Novel, or Magazine: Apologia: How to Have a HEART for Your Kids
Best Children's Book: Amazing Animals by Design ***
Best Game or Toy: Northstar Games: Wits and Wagers and Say Anything
Best Hands-On Resource: Pitsco Education
~~~
Best Resource I Didn't Know I Needed: eMeals
Best Customer Service: K5 Learning
Most Adaptable Resource: Creek Edge Press
Most Family-Oriented Resource: Northstar Games: Wits and Wagers and Say Anything

~~~
Kids' Choice (favorite of CHILDREN ages 0-12): Reading Eggs ***
Teens' Choice (favorite per the TEENAGERS): Pitsco Education
All Around Crew Favorite: Visual Latin

Congratulations to all the winning vendors! 

Many Crew Members are blogging about these awards as well. Click here to see what they have to say!

What Makes A Fish A Fish? (TOS Review)

Due to my hubby's job change last year, we were forced to skip out on our annual beach vacation.  While there was no wailing or gnashing of teeth at the time, I must admit all of us are getting restless as we are approaching the two year mark since being at the ocean.  So needless to say, we are all longing and pining for September to finally arrive. 

Our latest TOS review product must have known of our ocean cravings. We were able to view What Makes a Fish A Fish?.  Since I'm all about chronology and sequence, I was very happy that this was the very first DVD in the Dive Into Your Imagination series, the other DVDS include, “Who Lives in the Sea?” and “Dive Diversity!”   Is a seahorse a fish? What about a shark? What do you know about the clownfish?  Ever heard of a frogfish?  In What Makes a Fish a Fish?, the kids were introduced to fish from all over the world.  They learned how fish take a bath, the truth about sharks, and played hide and seek on the reef.  The videography was absolutely stunning and the original score was beautiful. 

 

Enjoy a little snippet of What Makes a Fish a Fish? below. 

Each of the DVD's in the series retail for $19.95.  When viewing the DVD's, you are able to select an English, Spanish, or music only audio track.  Your children will become enamored with the catchy theme song.  You may just find yourself downloading the available sheet music/guitar chords/lyrics for the "The Ocean Song." 


To compliment this series, a companion Educator’s Guide is available for each of the DVD's. You may choose either the PreK/K version or 1-3 grades. These guides are quite extensive offering detailed background information and cross-curricular student activities to accompany each of the topics featured in the DVD.  Within the 300-400 page guide, you will find review questions, printable coloring pages, reading comprehension exercises, activity sheets, and many extension activities.  In the What Makes a Fish A Fish? guide, there are fish making templates, fish anatomy activities, flash cards matching the fish to it's name, counting fish, fish writing, and the list goes on. 

My two favorite things included in the guide were the focus on character traits and the incorporation of imaginative play.  We were able to discuss such traits as trust, enthusiasm, and compassion.  Then, the kids didn't just complete paper and pencil activities, but they were able to engage their wild imaginations.  They became scuba divers exploring the ocean floor, scientists making detailed notes of the marine life, submarine operators, and great explores just like Ocean Annie. 

The guides are available in a printed version for $299 or as individual PDFs for $69.95.  For many homeschooling budgets, this is quite steep.  However, just for the TOS Homeschool Crew followers, Annie Crawley, will gift you a set of PDF's with purchase of the DVD's.  I'm unsure of how long this offer will last, so I encourage you to purchase soon. It is VERY IMPORTANT that when you place your order you MUST make it known in the notes section that you are a homeschooling parent in order to receive the free Educator Guide. 

Ocean Annie, as she has been aptly dubbed, specializes in the underwater realm.  As an underwater photographer, filmmaker, field biologist, and expert, she is sharing her love for the ocean and fulfilling dreams with audiences of all ages.   Annie makes her self easily accessible to the public.  You can fill out an online contact form, invite her to speak at an event, follow her blog, or contact through various forms below.

Annie Crawleywww.AnnieCrawley.com

Annie@AnnieCrawley.com
www.DiveIntoYourImagination.com

Skype: Annie Crawley
Phone: 805-453-1947

YouTube: www.youtube.com/anniecrawley
Twitter: AnnieCrawley
Facebook: Annie Crawley

Mailing Address:
Annie Crawley
10002 Aurora Ave. N
Ste 36 PMB 104
Seattle, WA 98133

Stop by the TOS Homeschool Crew blog to read what others are saying about this product. 

Disclaimer:  I was provided a complimentary DVD and teacher's guide in exchange for my honest review.

Heritage History (TOS Review)

Heritage History is an online library of over 400 books all authored and published prior to 1923.  Fulfilling their mission to make old-fashioned history books, written for the enjoyment of young people, easily available, the complete text of every book can be read directly off the website.  (Printable and e-Reader formats can also be purchased.) This large collection is very user-friendly as it is clearly sorted by genre, author, series, and civilization.  A color-coder myself, I do like the titles' organization based on the level of difficulty.  Green titles are for younger readers, brown titles are for middle school, and red titles are for high schoolers. 

I really appreciate a company that is operated by homeschoolers.  They are in the trenches and understand the unique needs of home educators.  At Heritage History, that is the case.  In fact, it was birthed out of their own homeschooling and teaching needs.  You may be interested to read about the selection process for the books and worldview.

Heritage History currently offers five libraries configured as complete curriculums.   Each can be purchased on CD for $24.99 or the entire set is available for $99.99 (a $25 savings!).  Whether you purchase one library or all of them, it is a very frugal, economic way to build a quality historical library!  Think of all the space you will save too - no need to find space for more bookshelves! (That's a biggie in my house.)  On the CD's, you will find the resources in three formats - Printable PDF files, E-Reader formats MOBI, and EPUB. What an advantage to be able to use it with ANY reader! 

 



 For review purposes, I was sent The Young Readers Classical Curriculum. It is appropriate for early elementary students and serves as an introduction to the entire Heritage History curriculum. The CD includes 86 books, recommendations, and a Teacher's Guide. The stories and selections cover many historical periods and cultures. A sampling of American, European, Ancient, and Biblical history - this is a wonderful introduction to history.

 

The Young Readers Teacher's Guide is a fabulous resource.  It includes color images and book recommendations, era overviews, a guide to "Living Books" history for instructors, binder covers, and accountability records. It is ready to put into a three-ring notebook and will help students understand the historical framework into which their stories fits.

While the Teacher's Guide is included on the CD, I was sent a print copy as well.  This option may be something to consider especially for convenience sake or if you lack access to a low-cost color printer.  It was so nice to have the materials all printed and binder ready.  It allowed me to flip back and forth at will and go to the section I desired to read with ease.  The print version is available for $20.99.  There is also the opportunity to purchase only a downloadable teacher's guide without the complete Curriculum CD for $8.99. This would be the option for families that would like to follow the Heritage Classical Curriculum study program, but prefer to purchase books individually or read the text directly from the Heritage History website.   

How did we use The Young Readers Classical Curriculum? Since we did not formally study history this year, I didn't have a specific time period to focus on or tie our reading into.  Therefore, we took a look at the long list of titles and chose the one of most interest to us.  As Kentuckians, Hannah of Kentucky, was a good place to start.  With the kids cuddled up close, I'd grab the Kindle and read aloud.  Hannah's family follows the infamous Daniel Boone to settle in Boonesborough.  The kids really enjoyed hearing and learning about the day-to-day goings on of fort life. Through Hannah's eyes, they also experienced the larger-than-life pioneer, Daniel Boone.  Without Heritage History, I seriously doubt we would have ever crossed paths with this sweet tale. 

Read what other TOS Crew Members are saying about Heritage History on the TOS Crew Blog.  You may also be interested to know that Heritage History is also a 2011-2012 TOS Homeschool Crew Blue Ribbon Award Winner as the "BEST e-Product."  Go ahead and view the entire list of winners here!

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary CD & Teacher's Guide in exchange for my honest review.

WriteShop (TOS Review)

I was thrilled to be on the review team for WriteShop.  It seems that in these early, formative years my focus has been having the kids work to master phonics and learn to read. While there is nothing wrong with these goals, WriteShop illustrated beautifully how writing coincides with such studies and definitely has a place in the early elementary curriculum lineup.  It is the perfect addition to what we are already implementing and accomplishing in our home. 

First, I spent some time getting to know the teacher's guides section.  It had valuable information including planning the schedule, materials and supplies needed, how to teach multiple children at varying levels, and the framework for teaching the lessons.  The schedule may take a little time to wrap your head around, but once you choose a plan to stick with and follow, you will get in the groove quickly.  I chose to use the 2-week option.  We completed one lesson in this timeframe by completing one of the eight sections each day Monday through Thursday while taking Fridays off.  This was very doable for us.  An average of 15-20 minutes a day isn't time-consuming at all.



Our time was spent working specifically with WriteShop Primary A.  For our family, this was a natural place to start, but if you are unsure where to begin this determining placement section will be very helpful to you.  WriteShop Primary A is designed for kindergarten and first grade or reluctant second graders. The program allows for students who are pre-writers as well as those who are in the beginning/developing stages.  The program leads students through and teaches them the writing process from pre-writing to publication in a stress-free, age-appropriate manner.

Each of the lessons in WriteShop Primary A has a specific focus and theme. 

• Lesson 1 - Getting Started & Animals
• Lesson 2 - Personal Writing & I Am Special
• Lesson 3 - Thinking of Ideas to Write About & My Favorite Things
• Lesson 4 - Selecting a Title & Friends
• Lesson 5 - Beginning, Middle, End & Trains
• Lesson 6 - Using a Period & Colors
• Lesson 7 - Using Word Families & Rhymes
• Lesson 8 - Story Web to Organize Ideas & Insects
• Lesson 9 - Personal Narrative Story & TV/Movies
• Lesson 10 - Chronological Order & Car/Trucks

Each Lesson is divided into 8 Activity Sets which includes Guided Writing Practice. I love that aspect.  I'm not just handing my kids an assignment to complete.  I'm sitting side-by-side with them guiding them each day.  This allows us to work together to create an example for them to follow as they write their own stories.  It is also important to note that each lesson encourages the use of a children's book.  In reading this together, the students are able to see yet another example of quality, correct writing.

Activity Set 1: Guided Writing Practice only
Activity Set 2: Pre-writing Activities and Picture Book
Activity Set 3: Brainstorming
Activity Set 4: The Writing Project
Activity Set 5: Editing and Revising
Activity Set 6: Activity Set Worksheet
Activity Set 7: Publishing the Project
Activity Set 8: Want To Do More?

WriteShop Primary A includes engaging, hands-on, fun activities and projects including:

Writing and Publishing Projects

• Paper plate faces
• Story clothesline
• Paper cookie friendship book
• Accordion story book
• Paper plate story pocket
• Rebus

Other Activities and Projects

• Paper coins and purse/wallet (high-frequency vocabulary)
• Pointers
• Stick puppets
• Motion songs
• “Stand, Hop, Sit” game
• Rhyming words placemat
• Taking a “Bug Walk”
• Stuffed animal “Editing Buddies”

Take a look at a Sample Lesson to get a better feel for how the program is structured.  Also, to accompany WriteShop Primary A, there is an activity set worksheet pack available for $4.95.  These worksheets fit right into the schedule and are an added help. 

Because I am now a huge fan of WriteShop, it is my plan to have my kids work through the entire series. Presently, for K-3 students, Primary A, B, and C are available as e-books or physical books from $24.95-$32.95. Students in grades 3-5 would work in WriteShop Junior D which retails for $34.95 (e-book) or $39.95. WriteShop 1 and WriteShop2 are available for students in grades 6-12.

We had such a wonderful experience with Write Shop.  Having lesson one focus on animals was perfect for my animal junkies.  It also just so happened that we have a new kitten and that coincided with the writing about our pets.  Then, to complete our first lesson the kids turned their published writing into a kite to fly through the house which equalled great fun.  In our second week, we used our calendar to write about the special things happening in our house each day of the week.  The kids' published products were paper plate face books.  Their likeness on the front and their writing inside.  What a cute idea!  I'm excited to continue WriteShop Primary A with my little ones.  However, you don't have to rely on just my opinion.  Read what other TOS Crew Members had to say about this product on the TOS Crew Blog.

Disclaimer:  I was provided a complimentary product in exchange for my open, honest review. 

CapJaxMathFax (TOS Review)

Caleb worked very hard this year in Math and was able to finish his 1st grade curriculum in April.  That was great, but now what?  Jeremiah is still working for another month to reach the same goal, and I didn't want Caleb sitting idly by.  The solution....  Enter CapJaxMathFax.

CapJaxMathFax is a drill and practice math facts computer program.  Practice in all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) are available, but Caleb has been working primarily with addition.  From his work with this program, he is improving both his speed and accuracy in addition facts.  Even better, he's not balking at it a bit.  He really enjoys his time working through CapJaxMathFax.  

The computer program was designed by Jack Fretwell of Starboard Training Systems. With 30 years in education and computers, Mr. Fretwell is dedicated to developing stronger math skills and confidence in students.  His desire is for no child to be without basic math abilities.  There is also a want to alleviate frustration, self-defeat, and negative attitudes.  Thus, the tagline, "Put some HAPPY in your math!"

There are so many online math programs and software available.  What makes CapJax the one to choose.  Use the checklist below to compare CapJax to the alternatives.  Can you check yes?  CapJax can!

Does the program address the full range of computation from addition to division?
Does the program address computation with negative as well as positive values?
Will my student clearly understand the objectives of the program?
Is there positive feedback for my student to enjoy working with the program?
Is feedback immediate?
Does the program allow me to monitor my student's performance over time?
Will the program work at my student's best pace for learning?
Will my student succeed at a rate that is challenging, but not frustrating?
Does the program allow time for my student to reflect on his or her work?
Does the program use timing in a way that that minimizes pressure?
Does the program provide printed reports of my student's success?
Does the program provide graphical reports of success and progress?

Honestly, as an adult, I thought the computer graphics of this program were very dated.  There aren't many frills, cool effects, etc.  It is basic facts.  I guess... aesthetically, I wanted more.  With all of the online educational and video games my son plays, I really expected this to be a problem.  However, he wasn't phased.  He was all about beating his time.  How many seconds did it take to answer the fact and could he do it fast next time.  The thrill for him came in the competition.  He was always trying to "one-up" his own score. 

I suppose what was best for Mom.  I didn't have to go back through the teacher's manual of his 1st grade math and copy lots of drill and practice sheets.  I simply sat him on the computer, clicked a few buttons to customize exactly what I wanted him to concentrate on and he was self-sufficient. When answering a math fact, Caleb received immediate feedback. (See example)

With CapJaxMathFax, children are able to advance through the program as they gain mastery.  As they progress, they earn earn merit badges.  This is to serve as an incentive as the students are improving their math skills and building their confidence. 

Pricing:

$29.95 for the downloadable product

Contact Information:

Starboard Training Systems
11729 North Shore Dr.
Reston, VA 20190 USA

Phone: 703.471.6790
Fax: 703.471.6791
Open 9:00am - 5:00pm EST
Monday-Friday
Online Contact Form

Unexpectedly, I found CapJaxMathFax to be a winner for my son.  He really enjoys the program and is doing well.  I encourage you to stop by the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog and see what others are saying about CapJaxMathFax.

Disclaimer:  I was provided a complimentary product in exchange for my honest opinion.  



Music Making with Instruments

My kiddos with friends from their K-1 Music Class (DRASTIC Co-op).

 

When music making with instruments, the instrument itself becomes an extension of the child.  They are able to pour themselves... their feelings, emotions, abilities, expressions, etc. into the music they create.  Early on, this expression may come across as noise to Mom's ears, but the experience is invaluable for little ones.  Be patient Mom!!!!  Actually, exposure to and the opportunity to play even the simplest of rhythm instruments as a child could quite possibly transfer to the desire to play a lifelong instrument.  You could have a very accomplished future instrumentalist in your midst.  

Popular childhood instruments are often members of the percussion family.  These auxillary instruments are things that are struck, shaken, or scraped.  Instruments such as:  tambourines, maracas, castanets, triangle, rhythm sticks, guiro, cymbals, drums, etc.  There is a definite quality difference in these products.  You can find cheap plastic versions in toy aisles, but if possible, I'd invest in the higher quality items.  If they are played as regularly as the ones in my home by some rough-and-tumble kiddos, you are going to want something that will withstand the wear and use.  Also, the music-geek again, the timbre or sound quality is so much better.

One favorite among my children and the many elementary level music classes I've taught over the years has to be BOOMWHACKERS!  These pitched, plastic tubes are played by striking them against your body.  They are so very fun, but they are ever so valuable in teaching many musical concepts such as:  high/low pitch, diatonic/chromatic scales, intervals, chord building, melodic contour, dynamics, etc. 

Finally, just my opinion, on formal instrument lessons...  wait until your child is a reader!  This has always been my rule of thumb in teaching piano lessons.  There are many differing methodologies in teaching children, and some start teaching preschoolers by rote.  I'm not saying to squash a young child's interest, but I strongly encourage you to wait until your child is an early reader to begin formal study.  This will aide them in memorizing notes rather than relying on crutches (finger numbers) to play.  Again, my opinion :-)

If you have been with me for the entire Music Making series, thanks so much!  If you missed any earlier posts, please go back and take a read.

Day 1 - Music Making with Our Voices

Day 2 - Music Making with Our Bodies

Day 3 - Music Making with Found Sound Objects

Day 4 - Music Making with Homemade Instruments

Be sure and catch the other 65+ Bloggers participating in the TOS Homeschool Crew blog hop.  There are some wonderful, informative, creative posts you don't want to miss.