Math Galaxy - A Review

Product: Math Galaxy Fractions Fun & Fractions Worksheet Generator

Price: $29.95/each

Company: Galaxy of Education

To Purchase: mathgalaxy.com

Other Products Available:
K-12 Math Fun, Worksheet Generators and E-books

Brief Overview:
You can purchase and download multiple math fun games and worksheet generators on various math topics, including whole numbers, decimals and pre-algebra. It also offers two Riddle EBooks, one for whole numbers and one for fractions. MathGalaxy is an award winning site.

In-Depth Look:

From the site -
Math Galaxy Fractions Fun is a comprehensive fractions tutorial with explanations, practice and games that cover fraction operations and concepts, including equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, reducing fractions, improper fractions, prime factors, greatest common factor, least common multiple, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, word problems, plus geometry, graphs and probability appropriate for grade 5.
It also includes the fraction sections of the Word Jumbles, Riddles, and Bridge the Swamp games and the Labyrinth mazes.

The Fractions Worksheet Generator includes all of the Fraction Printable Riddles and Printable Worksheets topics, with an unlimited number of problems and 500 riddles.

My daughter is in 5th grade, so we decided to try the Fraction part of Math Galaxy. They have several other programs for K-12. But this one was the best fit for our needs.

After reviewing so many other math programs this year, my 11yo wasn't too excited to try yet another. She is on math burnout at this point. But try we did.

My daughter's opinion? She didn't like doing the math problems very much. She claims one of the other programs we reviewed this year is still her favorite. But she did like playing the Labyrinth game. In order to play this game, she had to earn robots from doing the math problems. So it helped to motivate her. I also printed some of the fraction riddles from the worksheet generator for her. She liked working these sheets on paper better than doing the worksheets online in the game.

My opinion? This game is packed with "stuff". You can pick a topic, such as "adding fractions". Then you pick a skill or difficulty level, like " adding mixed numbers". At this point, you can choose to have a "step-by-step" or "final answer only". "Step-by-step" is exactly what is sounds like. It is like having a helping hand to guide you through the thought process. It can be a great review. Some topics also have a review section that goes over all the basics of a topic to refresh the student's memory before they begin the exercises.

The game includes 3 games that you can play at any time. They are Word Jumble, Riddles, and Bridge the Swamp. Labyrinth is the fourth game. But this is the one that requires you to earn robots by completing the online worksheets.

The graphics are simple. Nothing fancy. But it is in color.

I felt it was slow-paced. For example when you get a question correct, some colored shapes pop up on the screen, then the word "Correct" flashes a few times. I suffer from migraines and have to look away doing this part. The flashing colors cause my eyes to hurt and my head to tense up. Granted, this probably is a "personal problem". You also sometimes have to click to continue onto the next problem.

The games are older types of games. Solving riddles. Solving words. The Labyrinth is my daughter's favorite. It is kind of like Pac-Man. You try to get to certain objects before the other critters can get to you.

Overall, the Fractions Fun wasn't a big hit in our home. But it does have loads of stuff, including the reviews and the step-by-step walk-through. A child could learn a lot from it and get lots of practice, as well. I encourage you to tour their website and see if it might work for your child. They have some sample things on the first page that your child can try out. They also have a 30-day money back guarantee.

What about the worksheet generator? We have used this more than the game program. It is very quick and easy to pop open the program, pick the topic I want, and print off a couple of riddle worksheets. There are 500 in all. It is good review/practice for my daughter. And it is self-checking, because she has to get all the answers correct for the riddle's answer to make sense. I like using this program. And my daughter, who doesn't like math, doesn't mind these too much.

To read more reviews, check here. Some of the crew member's children picked this program as their favorite.

Disclaimer: I was asked to review this product as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.

FamilyMint.com - A Review

Product: FamilyMint.com

Price: FREE for the Basic Version
Coming Soon: Pro Version (Fee not yet determined)

Co-Founders: Jeff Eusebio and Bob Masterson

Where: FamilyMint.com

Brief Overview:
FamilyMint is a tool to help parents teach their children about money management skills. To the family, the "money" online represents real money that the child owns and the parent is holding...just like a real bank. But to everyone else, it is just virtual money.

In-Depth Look:
I was asked to review a free website as part of the TOS Crew. It is called FamilyMint.com. They are working on a PRO version that will have a fee, but they plan to always offer the free BASIC version as well.

The website provides parents with the tools to help their children learn how to track their spending, saving and goal-planning (both short and long-term).

It is quick and easy to get started. The site offers "Get Started" videos. But the website is also very self-explanatory on its own.

The first step is to setup the bank with you as the banker. Then you add each child as a customer of the bank. You and your child can personalize their account with a username, password and graphic.

Many options are available. One that I like is the automatic allowance deposit. If I enter a $2/week allowance, the system automatically deposits $2 every week. No more forgetting to pay it.

The goal setting is also very nice. Your child can set a goal, such as buy new shoes for $50. He can decide how much he wants to deposit and how often. Then the system shows how long it will take to save that goal. You as the banker can agree to match up to a certain percent and also make extra bonus deposits.

Your child can easily post his own deposits and withdrawals, etc. But you, as the banker, have to approve each transaction. If you wish, you can even set up the account to earn interest at a rate you select.

Graphics, pie charts and such make the website appealing and easier for young children to understand.

It wasn't practical at this time for me to use this with my daughters. But I had a good time playing with the site and see lots of potential uses, once my daughters have a regular flow of money. Also in a few years, this would be a great tool for lots of hypothetical uses as well. "Virtual" bill paying, budget planning, goal setting, etc.

The program is free. It is quick and easy to set up. The site has helpful videos and newsletters. Lots of great tools for you and your child.



Find more reviews at this site.

Disclaimer: I was asked to review this website as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.

Seasons of Faith Series - A Review

Products: Seasons of Faith Series

Price: $10 Each

When you use the code FREESHIPAPR15 between March 17 and April 15, 2010, you can receive free standard shipping with the purchase of the 4 book set.

Company: Children's Bible Hour

Where to Buy: CBH Ministries

Brief Overview:
CBH has taken adaptations of radio scripts from Children's Bible Hour and made them into illustrated children's books. Each of the 4 books come with a read-along CD narrated by Uncle Charlie.

In-Depth:
I was familiar with CBH's Keys for Kids Devotionals. We have used them off and on for a few years. But I didn't realize that they had other products besides devotionals.

I was eager to receive the books. I knew they would be a welcome addition to our homeschool library.

"The Seasons of Faith illustrated books encourage children to learn about their faith in God. Based on CBH Ministries' treasure trove of radio scripts, these stories teach core truths of the Bible so that kids can easily apply them to their lives. Each book focuses on a season of faith-developing topics" - Book's back cover...These are the kinds of books that I want my children reading.

My daughters don't usually like stories on CD. But they are more likely to enjoy them when they have books to read along with. So, I wasn't sure how they would feel about these. But, they instantly took a liking to the books, each picking which one they wanted to listen to first.

The first one we listened to was "You Can't Come In". My oldest only wanted to listen. But my younger followed along with the book. My 7 year old's reaction? She enjoyed it. My 11 year old's reaction? It wasn't as bad as she expected. She liked it better than some other stories on CD we have listened to.

The next time we listened to one, both daughters followed along with the story book. They both enjoyed it.

We listened to these on car rides. So I was only able to listen, not follow along with the books. My impression? I like the simple, sweet stories. The analogies tie it all together nicely. They share simple Bible truths in a way that makes sense to the elementary-age group.

Uncle Charlie has a pleasant voice. He is easy to listen to. Honestly, I have listened to some story audios and found the narrator's voice to be annoying. But not so with Uncle Charlie. I enjoyed listening to him read the story.

The books are nicely done, filled with many full-page color illustrations and decent size print. The stories are charming and teach valuable lessons.

Discussion questions for each book are available. In the back of the books, they have included a section about how to accept Jesus as your Savior. I was glad to see this. I hope many little children come to salvation through these books.

I did find some things about the story lines a tad bit too predictable. As I was listening to the stories unfold and then wrap up, I was thinking to myself "that isn't the way it happens in real life". Sadly, people don't usually hear the gospel once and accept Jesus right away. It just seemed too "perfect". But I realize that these books are for the elementary age. So I figure they felt the need to keep it simple and short. Also, if you have ever read the Keys for Kids Devotionals, then you know what I am talking about. The characters always have the perfect analogy that makes everyone understand and change for the better. Sometimes when I read those, I think "Why can't I ever think of things like that to say". But the point is to make people think and to learn a life lesson and to evaluate their own hearts. If the books can do these things...if they can show a young child the way to salvation...then keep them coming.



If you are interested in the Keys for Kids Devotions that I mentioned, you can receive them for free.

My best guess for an age group - 4 to 12.

Please read some of the other crew members' reviews.


Disclaimer: I was asked to review these books as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.

Don't Forget to Register!

Wow! There are some exciting things happening over at TOS. One of the biggest is The Schoolhouse Expo! Keep reading for all of the details and some big news!

If you're looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!

Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off!
Click here to read the details.

Then, if you're customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S. only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.

The BIGGEST news of all--The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!
Pre-register now and save $5!

As homeschool teachers what do you need to learn? More about teaching multiple grades? All about different homeschool methods? Transcripts?
Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more?
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school? Those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, a 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker’s Bureau.

Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you'll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.

Get the details and preregister here.


-Kimberly
TOS Crew Member 2009-2010

I received one free admission in exchange for posting this notice.

Olde World Style World and U.S. Maps - A Review

Product: Olde World Style World and United States Maps



Price: Download for $18.95 each / $28.95 for both
CDs for $19.95 each / $29.95 for both

Owner: Amy Pak

Where to Purchase: Homeschool In The Woods



Other Products Available: Timelines, Maps and Activity Paks

Samples of World Maps

Samples of United States Maps


Brief Overview:
The World Maps set includes over 130 maps and 40+ notebooking pages.
The United States Maps set includes over 180 maps and notebooking pages for each state.


In-Depth Look:
As a homeschooler, I've heard of Amy Pak and of Homeschool in the Woods. I haven't had a chance to try out any of her products. But I've heard many wonderful things about them.

So when the crew sent out a note saying that I'd be reviewing some of the Homeschool in the Woods products, I was eager to have a look. When I opened up the files, I was definitely not disappointed. There was SO much stuff.

First, I opened up the United States Maps file. There were maps for each state. Notebooking sheets for each state. And even a cover and binder printout to tie it all together.

Then I looked at the World Maps. I found maps of the countries, notebooking pages, and also a cover and binder printout.

I decided to print out a bunch of forms for my daughters to do a state report on New York. I printed most of them from the US file, but also a few from the World file that I thought would be a good fit. These are the files that I printed:

A map of New York so we can label familiar towns
A map of the United States, to show New York in relation to the country
A map of North America, to show New York in relation to the continent.
An itinerary to fill out for "our trip" to New York, including things to see and do and eat.
A real estate brochure for the girls to personalize to entice others to "move in"
And a New York Facts sheet, such as the capital, state bird and state flag

I am really excited about this product and the possibilities. After finishing up the New York study, we can (over time) cover the other 49 states also. Then put them all in a binder (with the handy front and binder cover that Amy has provided). What a great keepsake for each child.

My girls have enjoyed working with this project. Looking up the information, filling in the forms, drawing pictures, etc. And my mind has been spinning with all of the future possibilities. I like the black and white Old World feeling that the drawings have. I appreciate that there are so many options, such as printing maps as labeled or not.

If you enjoy activity paks, I highly recommend this product. Be sure to check out all of Amy's other products.

Want to read more reviews?


Disclaimer: I was asked to review these Olde World paks as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.

Homeschool Library Builder - A Review

Product: Homeschool Library Builder

Price: FREE (Can't beat that!)

Owners: Julie Huffman & Gayla Weatherfords

Where to shop: HSLibrary



Motto: "Fill you bookshelves without emptying your wallet" - I love this motto.

Brief Overview:
Two homeschool moms run this online "book store" specializing in used, out-of-print, and publishers' remainders and overstocks.

In-Depth Look:

I hadn't heard of this company before. Then I was introduced to them through the TOS Crew. Homeschool Library Builder asked us to check out their website and help spread the word. It is free to become a member, which gives some extra benefits. Or you can choose to shop as a guest.

As a member you can earn Book Points. 1 point for every dollar spent. 15 points equal $1. You can also partipate in a Share the Savings program, where you earn points by telling your friends about the site.

The site has a large selection of books. 1865 as of today. My guess is if I were searching for a list of specific titles, odds are I wouldn't find many of them. For example, if you want to purchase a Magic Tree House book, you would only find four of them available. But if I were just searching for a particular subject, I might have a few choices pop up. For example, when I typed in a search for Abraham Lincoln 26 books were found. There is a good chance that at least one of the 26 would be a good find.

I like the search feature and the way the books are divided into categories. Sure I could always search for a title. But maybe I don't know a title. I just have an idea of what sort of thing I am looking for. Search topics include, to name a few:
Award Winners
Biographies
Holiday/Seasons
We love our missionaries
Curriculum/Teacher Helps

I like the biographies category, because I enjoy reading true stories of famous Americans. Another winner for me is holiday/seasons. One of my favorite things to do around a holiday is to read books related to the holiday. We went to the library yesterday and checked out some books for St. Patrick's Day.

You can find books for as low as $0.75 in the clearance section.

Another neat feature is to search by curriculum to find some of the books on your curriculum's reading list.
Ambleside
Beautiful Feet
Five in a Row
Heart of Dakota
Sonlight
Tapestry of Grace
Veritas Press

In the Hard-to-Find category, I found a few books signed by the author. I think this is a nice touch, having a signed copy.

The site gives good information about the books. The retail price, the site's price, the percent of savings, book condition, grade level and a brief description.

The wish list is a nice feature. Great for Christmas and birthday gift ideas to send to the Grandparents.

I bookmarked this site as a Favorite and plan to visit it when I am book-hunting.

Happy Reading!



To read other crew members' reviews, click here.


Disclaimer: I was asked to review this free website, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.

Don't Forget to Register!

Wow! There are some exciting things happening over at TOS. One of the biggest is The Schoolhouse Expo! Keep reading for all of the details and some big news!

If you're looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!

Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off!
Click here to read the details.

Then, if you're customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S. only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.

The BIGGEST news of all--The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!
Pre-register now and save $5!

As homeschool teachers what do you need to learn? More about teaching multiple grades? All about different homeschool methods? Transcripts?
Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more?
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school? Those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, a 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker’s Bureau.

Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you'll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.

Get the details and preregister here.


-Kimberly
TOS Crew Member 2009-2010

I received one free admission in exchange for this post.

Graphics Toolbox - A Review

Product: Graphics Toolbox

Price: $149 for 1 user license

Company: Great Software Tools

Where to Purchase: GST

Homeschool Sales Specialist: Jennifer Southern @ jennifer@greatsoftwaretools.com


Brief Overview:

Graphics Toolbox was designed as a real alternative to Photoshop for all non-photo effects, graphics needs. We created an extensive range of very easy to understand and use graphics tools, for the world's daily graphic needs. (From the website)

In-Depth Look:

I have very little experience or practice in graphic design. And the little bit that I do have is in vector programs such as MS Word or MS Paint. But this program is a pixel based program. So it was basically like starting from scratch for me.

In a vector program, you work in layers. For example, I can type on top of a red box. Then I can click on the text, and take it back off. In a pixel based program, there are no layers. If I want to put the text on the box, I have to type the text somewhere else on my "desk", then copy it onto my red box. If I want to remove the text, it will leave a blank spot on my red box and I will have to rebuild my box.

To see a comparison of Graphics Toolbox against some other popular programs, click here.

As I had no experience in this type program, I had to start from scratch. Thankfully, GT makes that part easy. They provide video tutorials, slide show tutorials, and ways to create special effects here. An 89 page manual is available. You can also sign-up for one-on-one tutoring for $65 an hour or on-site training for larger groups.

My first attempt was to make a banner for my blog. I found a beautiful template already available in the program. Then I customized the colors, using the color cards that help you find complimentary shades. Next I wrote my blog name, "We love to homeschool" and copied it onto the template.

It was very easy to pick a template. It was kind of easy to get the text in place. But the coloring was complicated, because when I would attempt to fill one section with a color, it would bleed over into other sections because of open lines in the template design.

I am happy with the final results. I like my new blog banner. You can view it at the top of this page.



My second attempt was to make a cute little edited picture of my daughters. I found a picture that I already had of all 3 daughters. Then I cut out just the girls, minus the background. Next I found an image of angel wings. This part was very difficult for me. I had to re-size the wings in proportion to the kids. Then I had to position them behind my daughters. But in an attempt to get them situated, parts of the girls would get messed up. Such as when I put a part of wing over my baby's head, it messed up her hair. So I had to re-color her hairline back into the picture. Once I finally fixed all the mess-ups, I found an image of some clouds and put my daughters with their new wings on top of it. I had to add more clouds to cover their legs. Last thing was to add the text. Again, this was the easiest part.

It took a LONG time to finish this project. I kept making mistakes since I was on a learning curve. And it took way longer than I planned. But the program was capable of the project that I had in my mind. And finally it was done and I am happy with the results. I think it looks really cute. Check it out here. Click the picture to make it much larger.

Graphics Toolbox has tons of capabilities and lots of potential. The company's customer service is wonderful. They truly want you to be successful with the program...to use it and enjoy it.

But if you have not used a pixel based program before, be prepared for some frustration as you get a feel for how the program functions.

Read some more reviews about Graphics Toolbox here.

Disclaimer: I received this software free of charge to review, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.