Alethia Magazine - A Review

Product:  Alethia Writing Magazine

Price:  $26/1 year U.S. Subscription   $29/1 year Canada Subscription
           Includes shipping and handling

The Team:  Nick and Stephanie Muzekari

Age range:  13 to 19 years old

Brief Intro:  from the website -

Aletheia (Greek for Truth) Writing Magazine is a quarterly publication focusing on the literary and artistic works of Christian teens, ages 13 to 19.

We are excited to offer Christian teens a healthy platform in which to express themselves, especially in a culture that so definitively shapes and saturates their worldview with unhealthy imagery and values.

In addition to the literary and artistic expressions of Christian teens, each issue offers a variety of unique features: a Writer's Challenge, the Featured Contributor, a book review, Glory to God for the Beauty of Nature, Ancient Ink, and an interview or other feature for edification and enjoyment.

 

Our Thoughts:

It is nice to have a magazine that caters to Christian teens.  Not only for reading and enjoying.  But also for submitting their own original works.  Stories, poems, photos, drawings.  It is a nice chance  to become a published author or artist. 

It is nice for parents to be able to subscribe to a magazine that caters to Christian young people.  Works by your Christian teens' peers.  No ads for the latest styles and fads.  No tell-all articles of the latest Hollywood stars.  

I read the magazine with my daughters, 12 and 9 years old.  They did find some of the articles interesting.  But most of the articles were above their maturity level and understanding.  So I would reiterate that this is a magazine for Christian TEENS, not for pre-teens.  Several of the articles we read had a lot of symbolism, that was difficult for my daughters to follow.  And some of the submissions were written on a higher reading level, with more advanced and uncommon words.  So a good portion of it was too old for my daughters. 

Some of the articles are on difficult topics.  For example, a tribute to 2 young girls caught up in a prostitution slave ring in a foreign country.  It was very difficult to read such a heartbreaking article, because I was constantly thinking of my children close to the same age.  And my daughters had questions about how such a thing could happen.  So be prepared for the possibility of some very thought-provoking topics.

I appreciate what the Muzekari's are doing with this great work.

Read more reviews.

Disclaimer: I received this book 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.

Furious by Jeremy Riddle - CD Review and Giveaway

Product:  Furious CD by Jeremy Riddle

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From the website:

Released Tuesday, September 20th, 2011.

"Furious" Jeremy Riddle's 3rd full length album from Vineyard Music, is the newest collection of songs penned by this gifted songwriter and worship leader.

Furious communicates the story of God's love and kingdom with strong worship anthems like the title cut, "Furious" and "One Thing Remains" to introspective musical devotions such as "God of the Redeemed" and "The Lord is My Shepherd."

Jeremy's newest songs are exceptional for congregational worship and personal worship moments.

My Thoughts:
I am always nervous when I receive a music CD for review.  There are so many different styles and sounds, and odds are that I'm not going to like them all.  Odds are that you aren't going to like them all.

But I am happy to report that I REALLY like the "Furious" CD.  These are songs that I can enjoy listening to and singing along with.  Songs that will lift my spirit and refresh my soul.   Jeremy Riddle has an awesome voice and I enjoy his songs of worship.

Listen to some samples and see what you think.


Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

GIVEAWAY:

Propeller has generously offered a CD to one of my lucky readers.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be selected at random on Oct. 5.

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Share contest on your blog and leave link in comments.

4. Share contest on Facebook and let me know.

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning DVD - Review and Giveaway

Product:  The Shunning DVD   -  Starring Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield

Watch the trailer.

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From the website:

Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead.  Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted.

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.


My Thoughts:

I absolutely love Beverly Lewis.  Truly love everything she writes.  Pretty sure I have read them all.  So I was super excited to see that "The Shunning" had been made into a movie.  And even more excited when I had the chance to receive it for review.

I finally had a chance to sit down and watch it tonight.  And it was such a moving story.  A girl caught between two worlds.  Parents struggling to know what is right when things go wrong.  Reminders of what really matters.  A story of family and values and faith.

I also have a love for the Amish.  Reading about them, watching movies about them, visiting Amish country.  So, that made the movie even more interesting for me.

My only complaint - I wish the story had continued on a little farther.  It ended a little abruptly, leaving me with questions of what happens next.    :)

Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

GIVEAWAY:

Propeller has generously offered a DVD to one of my lucky readers.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be selected at random on Sept. 30th.

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Share contest on your blog and leave link in comments.

4. Share contest on Facebook and let me know.

Solve It 3rd - A Problem Solving Strategy - A Review

Product: Solve It 3rd - A Problem Solving Strategy

Price:  $24.95

Age Range:  3rd - 5th grade

Company:  AIMS Education Foundation

Interested in other Products?  Request a catalog.

Brief Intro: (from the website)
Solve It! 3rd: Problem-Solving Strategies develops students’ problem-solving abilities by identifying and reinforcing nine effective techniques through creative hands-on investigations. A pumpkin patch with a fence made from linked paper clips helps students learn how to solve problems by using manipulatives and the strategy of guess and check. Students will work in groups and use logical thinking as they decipher clues and crack a number code.

The engaging tasks not only build a foundation of problem-solving strategies, but also allow learners to apply and expand their number, measurement, geometry, data organization, and algebra skills.

View the first 24 pages of the workbook!

Our Thoughts:

Cute activities.  Simple to use.  Practical skills.  I enjoyed using this with my daughter.  And she enjoyed it too. 

An example of a cute activity is to find a word within a word, and then state what fraction of the original word was used.  Fun little matching game, that gives fraction practice. Like this:
Original Word:  Mitten

New Word:  It

Fraction:  2/6 or 1/3

Another example . . . If a snowman has 3 possible mouths and 3 possible rows of buttons, how many total possible combinations are there?  My daughter was able to cut out the mouths and button rows and actually place them on the snowman to compare and total possibilities.  Very cute.  Hands on and practical.

I enjoyed using this book as part of our homeschool curriculum.  My daughter enjoyed the activities.  I appreciated that the activities cause her to think things through in a new way, building her critical thinking skills along with her math skills.

Read more reviews here.

Disclaimer: I received this book 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.

Before Five in a Row - A Review

Product:  Before Five in a Row

Price: $24.95

Age Range: 2 - 4 year olds

Company:  Five in a Row Publishing

Author:  Jane Clare Lambert

Other Products Available:  FIAR  products for ages 2 - 12

Brief Overview: (From the website)
This all new product includes 23 FIAR-style mini-units (plus an extra mini-unit!) on outstanding AND simple children's books for ages 2-4 as well as a large section on learning readiness activities in everyday life; things to do in the kitchen, at the store, at bedtime, bathtime, etc. You'll find an entire treasury of ideas to prepare children for learning- making sure that they've covered all the basic but oh-so-important steps to ensure that they are ready to begin more formal schooling. The perfect introduction to the joys of parent-directed learning in just a few very special minutes each day.

Get some great insight and ideas on the Message Boards.

Our Thoughts:

I actually used this book years ago when my 2 older daughters were younger.  Now, thanks to being a part of the CREW, I have the opportunity to use it again with my now 2 year old daughter.  I loved it then and I love it now.

This is exactly what learning should be like for a little preschooler.  Lots of lap time, cuddle time, and story time.  Asking questions and making comments about the story.  Learning comes naturally in this context.

For example, we read the story, "Goodnight Moon."  Love this story all on its own.  Which is one thing that I like about this curriculum.  The Lamberts have chosen wisely with their books of choice.  But the book becomes even more special with the mini-lessons added from BFIAR.  Pointing out how the pictures on the wall are pictures from other storybooks.  Showing how the light in the room and outside the window change as the moon and stars come out and the lamps go dim.

Another favorite was "Caps for Sale".  Can't tell you how many times I have read this book to my daughters.  It is one of my favorites because it is so much fun to shout out, "Caps. Caps for sale. 50 cents a cap."  Again, though, the book becomes even more fun with the lesson guide.  We talked about how girls learned to walk with good posture by walking around with books on their heads.  So all 3 of my girls got up and walked around, having a great time trying to keep a book on their head.  Also talking about the meaning of the saying, "Monkey see, monkey do" and seeing it come to life in the storyline.

In addition to the storybook activities, other enrichment activities are added at the end.  Things like the importance of reading or reciting nursery rhymes and poems to your child.  About enjoying your little one while they are still little and making learning a natural process, a part of their play.  As the saying goes, "Learn to play and play to learn."

I am a huge fan of the FIAR series.  I think they are a wonderful curriculum and I highly recommend not only this book, but the whole series.

Disclaimer: I received this book 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.

See more reviews.

Time for Learning - A Review

Product:  Time for Learning

Price:  $19.95/month for 1st child, $14.95/month for additional children
14-day money back guarantee

Age Range:  PreK - 8th grade

Company:  Time4learning.com

Brief Intro: (from the website)

Time4Learning is a technology-based online educational program that teaches preschool to eighth grade curriculum using a combination of animated lessons, interactive activities and reinforcing worksheets.

A top selection of the Homeschool.com "Top 100 Educational Websites" list year after year, the Time4Learning program has been refined through years of feedback from educators, parents, and students. The lessons are presented at the student's pace by an automated system in a sequence designed to build strong subject literacy.

Time4Learning is a great curriculum for families who homeschool. It is also a great after school skill sharpener and is often used for remediation and test preparation. Whether mainstream, gifted, or special needs, Time4Learning provides a flexible, student-paced approach.

 FREE DEMOS!!

 Our Thoughts:

We used this program with my 9 year old, 4th grader and with my 12 year old ,7th grader.  Both were in the upper grade level section of the program.  They used the program on a regular basis for several weeks.

The program can be used as a core curriculum for math, language arts, science, and history.  Math and Language Arts correlate to state standards.  Science and History may need to be supplemented to meet state standards.  Some homeschoolers use Time4Learning as their core curriculum, supplementing here and there as needed.  Others use bits and pieces of the program to supplement their own core curriculum.  You can choose to use one subject or all of the subjects.  Whatever works best and is needed by your family, but of course, the price stays the same.  If you would like to use it as core curriculum, you can use this handy chart to determine how many lessons per day your child should complete.

The program guides you from one lesson to the next with a green arrow, pointing to the next step.  It includes topic introductions, lessons, and quizzes.  It incorporates different styles.  Some lessons are read to you.  Some you read on your own.  Some are very colorful and entertaining.  The best thing you can do is try out some of the sample lessons and see if it is a good fit for your child.

The site also includes a game area with a 15-minute timer as a reward for completing lessons.  This can be a good motivator.

So how did it go at our house?  My 12 year old handled it better than my 9 year old.  She was better able to navigate her way around the site and understanding the directions.  My 9 year old needed more supervision and guidance.  I am sure this was a learning curve that would have improved more over time.  

Neither child particularly loved the program.  But my 12 year old would do lessons without complaint.  My 9 year old would complain every time.  It wasn't the best fit for her.  But that is why there are so many options out there on the market.  Because there are so many different learning styles.  So what wasn't a great fit for my 9 year old, might be a wonderful fit for you 9 year old.  Again, I suggest trying the demos for yourself.

On a side note:  A 4th grade vocabulary lesson on the word "PREHISTORIC" explained how prehistoric times would be times before history; as in the time of the dinosaurs before there were any humans.  This is contradictory to my beliefs, that God created the world in a literal 7 days; so there wasn't a time before the history of man.  If you choose to use this program and are a Creationist; be aware of these sort of learning opportunities to discuss the topics further with your child.

Read more reviews here.

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

Ginny Owens, "Get In, I'm Driving" CD Review & Giveaway

Product:  "Get In, I'm Driving" CD

Artist:  Ginny Owens

Price:  $12.16 (Release Date 9/13/11)

Important Tidbits:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
iTunes

About the Artist: (from the website)
A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three.  A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind.  Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career.  Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.
In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.

Song List:
1. Get In, I'm Driving
2. Mystery of Grace
3. Before You Fly
4. Rain
5. Joined at the Heart
6. Better Off
7. Lay It Down
8. Higher Ground
9. Daughter of Destiny
10. Better That Way
11. The Song

Our Thoughts:
I enjoyed listening to the CD.  Ginny Owens has a unique style and sound, kind of like a jazzy blues sound.  My 2 year old heard the CD and said that she liked it too.  I even caught her dancing and swaying to it.  So, it is great for young and old alike.  You can hear samples of the songs here.  Try them out.  You might just find a new Christian music artist to enjoy!

Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend prodcuts or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Propeller has generously offered a CD to one of my lucky readers.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be selected at random on Sept. 18th.

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Share contest on your blog and leave link in comments.

4. Share contest on Facebook and let me know.

THEO - Teaching Children God's Word - A Review & A Giveaway

Product:  THEO Presents DVD Episode 1 - Saving Faith

Price:  $4.99 for Digital Download

Age Range:  All Ages

Other Products:  DVD series, curriculum, books, and FREE iPhone/iPad app
Curriculum at Lifeway:  THEO Curriculum

Creator: Michael Joens

Facebook:  THEO Presents

Brief Intro:  from the website

 About "Saving Faith" -
Meet Theo, a kind English gentleman who knows a lot about the truths of God?s word. Theo is a theologian, and in this episode he teaches us what it means to have faith. There are many things people can believe in, but not all things are faith-worthy. To illustrate a life dedicated to believing in the right thing, Theo shares the example of Abraham. The Lord had favor with Abraham, and because of his faith he was greatly blessed. Coming Sept 13, 2011
 About Bonus Episode "Good News" -
In this bonus episode, Theo shares the good news – the gospel. He explains that we all fall short because of a problem called sin. All human beings have sinned and are in desperate need of a Savior. Jesus Christ is the Savior that came to redeem mankind from our sin which separates us from God. We must accept this free gift of salvation in order to have eternal life. Free Download!

You can pre-order THEO - God's Love DVD at Amazon right now.



Our Thoughts -

Funny thing, my daughters' first comment at the beginning was that the mice in the opening scene reminded them of the mice in Cinderella.   I think that is a bonus, familiarity helps children associate more with the show, to feel a familiarity to it.

I thought both of the cartoons were adorable.  Seriously!  Very cute and entertaining and endearing.  I just loved it.  The bonus episode portrayed the Good News of the Gospel in such a sweet and simple way.  My prayer is that many souls will be saved after viewing.   Saving Faith shares the story of Abraham and Sarah and the tremendous amount of faith they placed in their Lord God.  Oh, that I might have the faith of Abraham.

After viewing, I asked my daughters what they thought.  Let me tell you, if they don't like something - they will let me know without hesitation.  So this is a compliment of compliments.  My oldest said, "It was good.  But if something is going to be that good, it ought to be longer."  Too cute.  She was enjoying it so much, that she wasn't ready for it to end."

I am so excited about this series and can't wait to see what they will come up with next.  May God bless Michael Joens in this new adventure.

Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend prodcuts or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Propeller has generously offered a DVD to 2 lucky readers.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Winners will be selected at random on Sept. 18th.

1. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.

2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Share contest on your blog and leave link in comments.

4. Share contest on Facebook and let me know.

Rain, rain, go away.

I am guessing this is the mantra of many towns in New England.  So much destruction from the flooding of Hurricane Irene.  The cleanup and repairs will take so very long. 

The ground and rivers just can't hold any more rain.  So the rains of the past few days have led to more flooding in nearby areas.  Closed roads and bridges.  Cleanup efforts placed on hold.

So today's sunshine is such a blessing.  Such a beautiful sight.  And tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same.  More sunshine to dry the soil and allow the rivers time to recede. 

My prayers are with the families who have lost so much.  Their homes, businesses, and churches.  My heart breaks for each of them.  Please be praying for them during this time of such great loss.

This is a picture my friend took at her church, which was destroyed by Hurricane Irene.  If you would like to learn more and maybe even help, visit the church's website.

Civilize This - A Review

Product:  Civilize This

Price:  Varies depending on store

Age Range:  8 +

Company:  Griddly Games

Other Products:  Several other unique games

Brief Intro:  (from the website)

Hello Time Travelers! Explore the world’s cultures across time with the trivia game based on the award-winning Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game. There are 300 questions to test your knowledge of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern cultures. Two levels of questions on each card let everyone from young scholars to history buffs play together. Plus, Wise Alec™ cards will have you doing tongue twisters, brain teasers, and fun exercises!

The cards from this game can also be used to expand your own set of Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game.

My Thoughts:

First impression?  The case is really cool.  My 12 year old even mentioned how much she liked the case.  It is perfect for at home or for travel.  The game comes with a die and 4 decks of cards - Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Wise Alec.

I love history, so this kind of game is right up my alley.  The questions are very hard, but I like it anyways.  Even if I do hardly ever get one right.  I see it as a challenge and if I get it right - Hooray! If I get it wrong - I have the chance to learn something new. 

The questions were very difficult for my daughters.  My 9 year old will play it, but she gets discouraged.  My 12 year old likes it a lot and asks to play it.  The recommended age is 8+, so this seems about right.  Each card has 2 questions, one for 3 points and a harder one for 7.  To even the playing field some, I give my daughters the 3 point questions and I take the 7 point questions (but still only give myself 3 points for correct answers).

The rules are very simple.  You roll a die and get a question based on the color you roll.  There is a also a "wild card" category, which gives you random points - plus and minus. The Wise Alec cards are one reason my 9 year old keeps going.  She gets points for cool things, like saying a tongue twister.

My overall opinion:  Hey, it is a history lesson in a box.  And my daughters are willing to play it. What is there not to like about that!  i recommend it.



Read more reviews. 


Disclaimer: I received this game 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.