A Child's Geography: Explore the Classical World - A Review

A Child's Geography: Explore the Classical World
 by Terri Johnson

I had heard of the "A Child's Geography" series, but had never read one... or seen one in person.  Recently, I had the opportunity to edit/proofread the 3rd book in the series (Explore the Classical World).  I was very impressed with the quality of the book; what a pleasant surprise.  Reading the book was like listening to a friend tell about her travel adventures.  It wasn't like reading a textbook; it was like reading a friend's travel journal.  After seeing the final product in eBook form, I was even more impressed.  The full color photographs added such a nice touch.

The book takes you along on a  journey of several countries in the classical world, such as Italy and Greece.   These countries have so much history; I learned so many new things about these "old" lands.  Not only does the book touch on the history of the countries from a Christian worldview.  It also discusses landmarks, terrain, customs, local delicacies, and more. 

Each chapter ends with a "Field Notes" section.  This section gives your child a chance to review the lesson and wrap-up their thoughts by answering the provided questions in a notebook or journal.  This will make for a nice keepsake.  The included images of maps and timelines are also a nice and helpful addition.

The CD includes even more useful items to make the whole experience come alive.  You will find great resources such as recipes unique to the individual countries.  One of the neatest resources in my opinion is the Prayer Guide.  This guide tells a little about the religious state of the country, such as the main religion and the condition of the Christian Church, and then includes specific prayer requests for that country.  What a great addition!

I so enjoyed reading through this book during the proofreading.  I am looking forward to sharing the complete and final product with my daughters.  In my opinion, this book is an awesome way to study geography.  It is a great alternative to a dry textbook.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in 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

New School Year... New Decisions

Another school year over and done.  Now summer is upon us and well under way.  Before I know it, another school year will be starting.  In the meantime, I have just a matter of weeks to make my final curriculum choices for my children. 

For some courses, the decision came easy.  For other courses, I am still struggling, trying to decide what curriculum will work best.  Textbook, living book, online class, DVD class.  So many choices from so many publishers.  It is hard to decide.

To make matters more complicated, I have such a wide age range.  My oldest daughter starts high school this September.  And my youngest daughter, well... she will be born in September. 

Then I have to decide how many classes will be done independently, such as math.  Then, decide how many classes will be studied together, such as history. 

I am so grateful for the privilege to homeschool my children.  I am so thankful for all the wonderful curriculum suppliers and all the wonderful choices they have provided.  The possibilities seem endless.  A homeschool parent could spend hours perusing websites, catalogs, conferences. 

I'm praying for guidance and wisdom.  I want to make good decisions.  I don't want to waste our money or our time on choices, which will not work well for our children. 

So, how do you decide?  Do you use the same publisher each year?  Do you use the same publisher for each child?

Ring the Bell DVD - A Review and a Giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below for free in 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



About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.
Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.
This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production. 

Ring the Bell is available on DVD for only $19.99 

DVD Special Features:

The Heart of "Ring the Bell"

Casting Crowns “The Well” Music Video


On Set with Casting Crowns

Famous Faces


A Very Special Movie


Ringing the Bell


The Artists and Music of "Ring The Bell"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Website:  http://ringthebellthemovie.com

Watch the Trailer: http://ringthebellthemovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RingTheBellTheMovie

Our Thoughts
I am always so excited to preview a new Christian movie.  It is such a pleasure to sit down as a family and watch a good, wholesome movie.  I never really know what to expect, so it is almost always a surprise as the various movies and plots unfold. 

My family sat down to watch this DVD this past weekend.  The plot reminds us that life isn't all about work or the next big deal.  It is about following the path that God has set out for us, even though it might not always be the most popular path... or the one that will lead to fame and fortune.  Others may not always understand or agree with the decisions we make or the paths we choose to walk down; but it isn't about others or even about us.  It is about trusting God enough to lead the way. 

As an added bonus, there were some big names in this movie, such as Casting Crowns and Steven Curtis Chapman.  Casting Crowns performs at a concert in the movie.  Yay!  I love their music, so watching a mini-concert in the movie was great and their song, "At the Well" is amazing. 

A great family movie.  A feel-good kind of movie.  I cried many happy tears with this show. 

Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this DVD, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before May 15, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

 

 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! - A Book Review & a Giveaway

Written by Troy Schmidt
Illustrated by Cory Jones
$9.99
Release Date is May 1, 2013

Book Trailer

Author's Facebook Page

Author's Twitter

Publisher's Facebook Page

About the Book: 
Oh sure, we've all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times. But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event?

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah.

The "Parent Connection" feature (inside the book) will help moms and dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened.

About the Author: 
Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado's Hermie franchise. He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. Troy and his wife have three sons.

The Series:  This is just the first in a series!  Other books available include Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah's Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!

Our Thoughts:

I shared this book with my 4 and 11 year old daughters.  The recommended age range is 4 to 8, but my 11 year old daughter was happy to join in on the fun with her little sister.  Of course the book was geared more towards my 4 year old, however both girls enjoyed the story... as did I.  

The book has delightful illustrations, witty humor, and tells an age-old story with a new twist... from the whale's point-of-view.   

The book stays true to the original event and reinforces the moral of the story - when God speaks, we should listen and act upon it.  This cute "whale of a tale" reminds us that God only asks us to trust Him.  Whatever He asks us to do, He asks that we trust Him.

 

Giveaway

One lucky reader will receive a copy of this book, courtesy of FlyBy Promotions.  Just leave a comment on or before May 15, 2013.  I will choose one comment at random.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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.