Times Alive! by City Creek Press (TOS Review)

Tedious - often synonymous with the drilling of math facts (especially the dreaded multiplication tables). Tedious but necessary, because math facts are the basis of all things math to come.  Is it possible to make a tedious task fun?  Absolutely!  

As part of the TOS homeschool review crew, we received a download of the Times Alive! software from City Creek Press for review. 

Product Details...

This program makes memorization of math facts fun, and makes them easy to remember with cute cartoons with catchy tunes.  

Times Alive! teaches times tables for 0-9.  The 0's, 1's, 2's, 5's and 9's are taught using tricks and interactive games/quizzes.  The rest of the numbers are taught with animated stories (with words shown on the screen so your child can read along) tells a story about the multiplication fact, and is followed by a music video.  Also include are interactive games and quizzes for practice.  Parents can see a progress report to see how the students are doing. 

Rather than continue to explain how it works, here's a great example (this clip uses one of our favorite cartoons):

Forevermore in our house, all sixes will be thirsty.  Also, I continue to visualize a green bat when I see the number three (from another cartoon).  Just proof that it works.  :)

Here's another fun example:

YOu can see more examples on their YouTube channel here. 

The program  is available as an instant download ($44.95) or on a CD rom.($48.95).  You can also buy the products in a kit here, with prices ranging from $43.92 (for a basic kit) to $96.48 (for a deluxe kit).  Note that classroom kits are also available.  Times Alive! will run on a PC or a Mac - system requirements are:

PC
Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista
Pentium II 400 and higher
64 MB of Ram or greater
Soundcard and speakers
Mouse or other pointing Device
CD-Rom or DVD-Rom Drives
Video at 1024x768 or higher

Macintosh
OS 8.6 or higher or OS X
400 mhz or greater
128 MB of RAM or greater
Speakers
Mouse or other pointing device
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
Video at 1024x768 or higher 

You can request a City Creek Press catalog here, and sign up for the monthly e-mail newsletter here.

What I like...

It's fun for the kids.

The progress report shows details about what lesson was done, the date, how many correct answers the student had on the quiz, the score (shown as a percentage), and the time taken.

Several of the tests are given twice, which allows for comparison of fact retention.  You can also erase the test results and have the student take it again.

Call me crazy, but I like the way the child is told "Excellent" after a quiz.  It has carried over, complete with accent and inflection, to lots of other tasks in our house.

If a child doesn't do well on a quiz, the program still rewards him with a "you've finished, good job" response.  

After completing a quiz, the software immediately "grades" the answers and shows the correct answers for any that the child answered incorrectly. 

I wish…

That they'd do something like this for division!

That all the tests were given twice - I think that'd give a better comparison of progress. 

That they'd do all the numbers with the stories.  While the tricks used for some of the numbers are neat in the way they work, I prefer my girls to *know* their facts, rather than stopping to use a trick to figure them out. 

While I like the progress report, I don't like that I have to actually log in as each child to see their report.  I wish there was a parent account option that would give an overview and progress reports for each child. 

Watch out for...

Write down the login names!  If you don't log in with the exact name you used, you won't see the lesson progress.

Be sure to...

Try out the program (and some of the available companion products) here.

Check out Addition the Fun Way here, and other products offered by City Creek Press here.  (I especially like the Story Problems the Fun Way and have put that on my wish list!)

Final thoughts...

I like any program that helps my girls remember math facts.  This fun program is a great addition to our math facts arsenal.

Thoughts of my crew mates...

To see other reviews of this product, click here. For giveaways, other product reviews and other fun things, follow the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Crew blog at:

 

Disclaimer: As part of the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I received the product described in this review at no cost in exchange for my fair, honest and unbiased (and not necessarily positive) review. No other compensation was received.

 

Everyone should have a friend like this..

Punkin has suffered from severe eczema since she was a baby.  As a matter of fact, her eczema and her life-threatening food allergies are why we began homeschooling in the first place. 

Punkin has endured a lot in her young  life - stares, comments, teasing, name-calling, etc. We even had to take her off her soccer team because her teammates were calling her names and the coach wouldn't intervene.  The poor child would come home after practice, heartbroken, and sit in my lap for 20 minutes with body-wracking sobs.  I tried to convince her to try Upward soccer, but she was so traumatized from the experience, she wanted nothing else to do with soccer.

Her best friend is such a blessing to her - A. has never once said anything about her skin.  Even on Punkin's worst days, when her skin is cracked and bleeding, A. treats her just like nothing has changed.  It's almost as if dear, sweet A. doesn't even see Punkin's eczema.  A. accepts Punkin as she is, for who she is - who she is on the inside, not the outside - and loves her unconditionally.

Puddin has also become close to A.'s younger sister, G. - she says G. is the little sister she's always wished she had.  Here's a recent pic of the four of them:

Today, the best friends spent the day together. 

Tomorrow, A. and her family move to Albuquerque, NM.

Punkin was okay for most of the day, even while knowing that A. is moving.   We wanted the last day before A. and G. moved to be a memorable one, so it started with Puddin's soccer practice, topped off with ice cream at Braum's.  Next up was seeing Tangled at the movie theatre, complete with popcorn and drinks.  Several hours at Chuck E. Cheese's followed (I remember now why I don't go there on the weekends!), and the foursome closed their busy day with an early dinner at McDonald's. 

To say they were all exhausted would be an understatement.

We arrived at A. and G.s house that evening to find the movers in full swing and the house appearing sparse.  The girls all enjoyed playing in the already-empty living room, and performed several dances for the parents.  We parents took advantage of our last chance to chat (at least in person, for a while).  Finally, I had to make the dreaded announcement that Punkin and Puddin were going to have to say goodbye, because we had to leave.  Almost immediately Punkin was in tears.  Sweet A. was upset but was still trying to comfort Punkin, to no avail.  I'll admit I was getting teary-eyed just watching the scene.

Repeated goodbyes were spoken, numerous tears were shed, sweet hugs were shared. 

We are home now.  Tonight and tomorrow  it will all become "real" to the girls, so I anticipate a rough weekend. 

One thought that's comforting my girls is knowing that we have cousins in Santa Fe, which is not too far from Albuquerque - so we *will* see A. and her family again, but that won't happen very often.  But to my girls, it's a ray of hope.

Punkin is mourning - mourning the loss of a sweet, close friendship.  In my grown-up wisdom, I know she'll survive, and I know the friendship will, most likely, continue - it will just be different. 

I am sure of one thing through all of this - everyone needs a friend like A.

Peter and the Wolf - Maestro Classics (TOS Review)

Sometimes the mail can't arrive quickly enough.  I was anxious for our package from Maestro Classics to arrive, bringing Peter and the Wolf (part of the Stories in Music collection) as our next product for review as part of the TOS homeschool review crew.  


Product details...

Peter and the Wolf (and the rest of the Stories in Music series) retails for $16.98.  At the time of this posting, you can purchase three for $45 (with promo code MAESTRO45).   The series is intended for ages 5-12, but I also enjoyed Peter and the Wolf immensely.

When the package arrived it was unsealed in record time.  Upon opening it, we were met with a beautifully packaged product which included the CD (with a playing time of slightly over 68 minutes) and an activity booket which included brief instructions on the use of the Stories in Music series, puzzles, information on the composer, and much more. We wasted no time in listening to the CD - off we went on a musical adventure with the London Philharmonic, conducted by Stephen Simon (co-creator of Maestro Classics), with the story narrated by Yadu (a/k/a Dr. Konrad Czynski).


I have always loved Peter and the Wolf (written by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev), because it is a beautiful and child-friendly introduction to the instruments of the symphony. Each instrument represents a character in the story:

        * Violin - Peter
        * French Horn - Wolf
        * Flute - Bird
        * Clarinet - Cat
        * Bassoon - Duck 
        * Oboe -  Grandfather
        * Timpani/Kettle Drums - Hunters 

Our adventure began with an introduction to the instruments/characters, then our ears were treated to a 25-minute recording of the music combined with the story!  The story and music were alternated, which allowed us to "hear" the story being told by the instruments.   When we reached the track on the CD that has only the music (no narration), I was impressed that my girls were already able to pick out most of the instruments and tell the story. Immediately after the CD finished, the girls begged to listen again.  How could I refuse?

What I like... 

Stories in Music provides an easy and highly entertaining way to introduce children to individual compositions of classical music.

The CD, together with the booklet, provides a musical history lesson on the piece.

Their customer service is incredible.  We encountered one small issue and, when reported, was met with a swift response and resolution. 

High quality, great information, and an incredibly reasonable price!  

My girls will forever recognize the music and composer! 

We made a great memory while listening and acting  out the story! 


I wish... 

There was a way to purchase another booklet - my girls each wanted their own copy.

I think a nice addition to their website might be a collection of links (kept updated) that provide more learning opportunities for the composition, the composer, etc.  The letter included with our package advised they are revising their website to include curriculum guides, articles of interest and a kids club feature, so perhaps my wish will come true. 

I hope they will add to the product line - I suspect we will love all of the Stories in Music series! 

I wish listening to this CD would show the girls how wonderful it would be if they would practice their violins.  :) 

Be sure to... 

Click here to check out the other products in the series.

Visit the website's home page and click on the individual CDs in the scrolling banner (after Mr. Simon finishes conducting) - there you'll find a short video clip, a chance to peek at the booklets, and a sample of the music.



Final thoughts...

We enjoyed this offering in the Stories in Music series so much that I plan to purchase more.  Honestly, it's likely I'll purchase them all.

As I'm typing this review, the CD has been moved from the CD  player in the living room to the CD player in the girls' room so they can listen to it while they fall asleep.  That's proof enough for me that it's a great product.



Thoughts of my crew mates...

To see other reviews of this product, click here. For giveaways, other product reviews and other fun things, follow the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Crew blog at:

 

Disclaimer: As part of the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I received the product described in this review at no cost in exchange for my fair, honest and unbiased (and not necessarily positive) review. No other compensation was received.

Early Modern History Schedule by Easy Classical (TOS Review)

Years ago, when I first began investigating homeschooling there were so many homeschool methods and curriculum options it was completely confusing.  Educating classically interested me, so I purchased a book that came highly recommended by classical homeschoolers:  Susan Wise Bauer's The Well-Trained Mind:  A Guide to Classical Education at Home.   I read about a fourth of this book then put it down, thinking I could never educate classically - it was too overwhelming (Latin?  Really?)  At that time, I needed someone to tell me exactly what to use, how to use it, and when to use it - and that still, for the most part, holds true today.

Enter Easy Classical.    Easy Classical offers easy-to-follow schedules to help you educate your child(ren) using the classical method.
 

Product details.  

As part of the TOS homeschool review crew I received the Early Modern History (Explorers to 1820) schedule to review, which is part of the history schedule offerings by Easy Classical.  The schedule can be purchased here and is available in two formats:  in a 3-ring notebook for $35.95 or as a downloadable .pdf for $29.95.  The schedule's framework is structured around the book by Susan Wise Bauer I referred to earlier, and makes great use of geography, writing, art and read-alouds in the study of history, and uses many resources that are familiar (Story of the World, Veritas Press timeline cards, and History Pockets, for example) - and even those resources that weren't familiar appear to be items that would appeal to my girls.


The Early Modern History schedule is 106 pages long, and includes 36 weekly schedules divided into five categories for this time period:  Explorers, 13 Colonies, Colonial America, Road to Independence, and Revolution.   Each week's schedule includes not just a schedule of assignments for each day, but also explanations and reminders for the parent of topics covered during that week, a comprehension quiz for the students based on those parent explanations and reminders, and a shopping list of items needed for the following week.  This schedule also included step-by-step "how to draw" pages of items or places of significance during this time period (First Church in Salem, a candle cauldron, colonial trading boat, revolutionary war cannon, liberty bell).  

Also included are instructions on how to use the schedule, a legend of the four icons used on the schedule pages, and a wonderful 3-page list of early history study resources.

What I like 

The schedule tells me what resource to use, what to do with it, and when.  Right up my alley.  Of course, I've been known to tweak, but this schedule lends itself to that tweaking and fine tuning so that it better fits your family.

The shopping list for the next week.  There's not much I dislike more than getting to something on our schedule and not having everything I need to do it.  The list (except for the first week) shows up as a "yellow sticky" at the bottom of each week.  Many of the things on the list are things you likely already have around the house, but they do occasionally throw you a curve - a stale biscuit, a scrap of fake fur, a tea bag, specific colors of construction paper, etc.

The familiar resources that are used.  We already own several, and I know that I can get many of the others from our local library.

The ready-made quizzes for each week (so I don't have to think them up myself!), based on the reminders and explanations given at the bottom of the weekly schedule pages.  These are usually 5-7 questions that make it easy to test for comprehension. 

Ease of reading.  The schedule is laid out in a way that makes it easy on the eyes, and easy to follow. 


What I wish

I wish the pages were numbered.  A small thing, I know - but I've been known to drop stacks of paper, and page numbers would make it so much easier to reassemble.

I'd like to see a couple more art projects.  I think my girls would enjoy these, and the step-by-step instructions make it easy.

Watch out for 

We were not given all of the resources used, so I was unable to review how the full schedule works.  Be sure to check out the resources used (particularly the writing resources) and see if they would be a good fit for your family.  We are lucky to have a great library system and a great inter-library loan system, so many of the read-alouds are available to me through the library.

Be sure to 

Check out the introduction pages here. 

Check out the sample schedule pages here. 

Check out the sample art lesson pages here. 

Easy Classical also offers complete schedules for Grades K-6 and various other schedules - be sure to click on "Our Products" and "Curriculum" from their main page to see all the products offered.  

Final thoughts 

I wish Easy Classical had existed (or if it did, I wish I'd known about it) when I first started looking at classical education.  With this schedule, most likely I would not have been so overwhelmed with the method.   Unfortunately, I like this schedule so much that it may make me reconsider what I'm doing going forward - maybe I'll educate classically after all!

Thoughts of my crew mates 


To see other reviews of this product, click here. For giveaways, other product reviews and other fun things, follow the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Crew blog at:

 

Disclaimer: As part of the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I received the product described in this review at no cost in exchange for my fair, honest and unbiased (and not necessarily positive) review. No other compensation was received.

 

Math Facts Now! (TOS Review)

Learning math facts takes practice, practice, practice. 

And more practice.

I try to give the girls a variety of methods to review, so when we received Version 2.0 of Math Facts Now! to review for the TOS homeschool review crew, it was a good addition to my arsenal of review methods.

Product details

Math Facts Now! is available as an instant download for $15.95 or on a CD-ROM for $15.95 (plus $3.95 shipping).
  

The main goal of the creators of Math Facts Now! is to have your child have instant recall of math facts for all four operations. 

Math Facts Now! is kind of like electronic flashcards, with lots of customization possibilities (the following is taken from the Math Facts Now! website):

• You choose which function and which specific numbers to drill (ie: multiplication tables, 8's).
• You choose how many problems to be given in a specific session.
• You choose how much time your child is to be given to complete a problem.
• You choose how many times the child is to repeat problems that he/she made mistakes on or took too long on.
• Math Facts NOW! remembers which problems your child is having difficulty with, and automatically presents them back to the child with greater frequency!
• You choose to enter a reward for the completion of a lesson with no errors.
• You choose to print a list of your child's weak areas.

What I like:

The responsiveness of the Math Facts Now! support team.  Some of my fellow crew members thought the minimum number of problems was too high – call me a drill sergeant, but I was just fine with a minimum of 50 problems.  J  My girls just accepted (without much argument) the fact that 50 was the minimum and did the program without complaining.  My 10-yo even did 200 problems one day in a fairly short time (progress!).  Soon after some of my crew mates’ input regarding the minimum, the support folks had changed it from 50 to 5.  Customers who purchase the download will now get the program automatically set with a minimum of 5 problems (I’m not sure about the CD-ROM version), but the minimum of 50 can also be requested. 

Focused drilling.  The program isn’t flashy, so there are no distractions.  Now don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with programs with lots of graphics and games and such, and we love those too – but kids don’t always need that, and I don’t want my girls to always expect things like that.  This is a good, basic, drill program that gets the job done (the most important thing) but is still enjoyable.

I’m not sure how they do it, but the program remembers the problems that the girls had trouble with, and those questions were posed more often.  Drill drill drill!  Once you’ve missed a problem, it also gives a “Be Careful!” alert the next time the problem is given.  That made my girls really stop for a moment and think more carefully about their answer.  Also, when the kids give a wrong answer, the program requires them to type out the entire equation before moving on – another way to reinforce the answer.

The progress report feature – a quick glance tells me the number of problems missed, which problems were missed (and how many times those problems were repeated and how the girls did on the repetitions).  Progress reports can also be printed.  When a child repeats a lesson, you can track progress by comparing the progress reports.

You can edit lessons to add problems and to lessen the length of time the kids have to answer the problem.  Great for increase proficiency!

I can reward them for getting the number of correct answers required.  I have not yet chosen to do this, because I don’t want them start to expect a reward for doing their schoolwork.  But it’s a nice option to have to occasionally use as a surprise. 

Things I'd like to see
 
Right now the program only uses numbers up to 12.  I’d love it if that upper limit was increased, because I could see us using this long-term.

I wish there was a way to occasionally give them a bit of encouragement.  For instance, if you assign 100 problems, something like a “you’re doing great!” message (not graphics or anything, just text, similar to the “Be careful!” message they get when the miss a problem) after the first 50 problems, or a “keep going, you’re almost done!” when they’re getting close to the end.  Just a small thing, but for kids who have tyrant moms like me who want them to do 75-100 problems at a time it might be a great break for the kids, at least visually.

Watch out for:  

System requirements:  As of this review, it is not available for Macs or for Linux operating systems.  For Windows, it runs on Windows 2000, ME, XP, Vista and Windows 7, but it needs 7 Mb of free space.

Be sure to: 

Try the program out with the free trial here.

Final Thoughts 

I really liked this program, and feel the price is extremely reasonable (especially since they offer a refund – including shipping costs - if the product is defective or doesn’t meet your expectations).  Despite the lack of graphics, both girls (8yo and 10yo) used it without complaint, and I noticed improvement in their math skills – which is the whole point!

Thoughts of my crew mates 

To see other reviews of this product, click here. For giveaways, other product reviews and other fun things, follow the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Crew blog at:

 

Disclaimer: As part of the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I received the product described in this review at no cost in exchange for my fair, honest and unbiased (and not necessarily positive) review. No other compensation was received.

Possessing the Land (5th grade Bible Study by Positive Action for Christ (TOS Review)

I have never done a formal Bible study with the girls.  Instead:

• they have scripture memory work in our homeschool co-op; 
• they listen to Bible songs that help them remember Bible verses;
• they attend weekly Sunday School and "big church"; and
• they attend Awanas.

The girls love God and I can see them growing spiritually, so I haven't really worried about a formal Bible study for them.  I guess God felt differently, because as part of the TOS homeschool review crew I received Possessing the Land (click on the buttons on the left side to see each of the K-12 offerings, and the additional resources which includes the music curriculum), the 5th Grade Bible study curriculum published by Positive Action for Christ.  Positive Action for Christ produces products for grades K-12, and also produces a church curriculum.

Product Details... 

When I opened up the package, I was immediately impressed by the quality of materials that were provided.

The student's workbook retails for $12.95 and consists of 189 consumable, full-color pages with 35 lessons (lessons 17 and 35 are reviews) and includes vocabulary words, puzzles, lyrics to the songs (hymns and choruses) included in the music curriculum (note I did not receive the music curriculum as part of this review), maps, life principles for the students to ponder, and much more.

The teacher's manual retails for $33.95, comes in a three-ring binder, and consists of 282 black-and-white pages and includes (for most lessons) target truths, teaching strategies and a quiz (and answers), suggestions for additional study, character trait activities, writing assignments, discussion topic ideas, along with copies of the pages in the student's workbook with the questions completed (some of these answers will be concrete and correct, others will be open to each student's application to their own life) - and more.

The teacher's manual is also offered as a .pdf on a CD-ROM for $19.95.  I prefer the printed manual because I'm a "hold it in my hands" kind of girl, but it's nice to have an option.  

You can read descriptions and download samples of the student and teacher manuals at the website - click on the curriculum level you'd like to review, then click on the "Full Descriptions" tab.


What I like... 

I like that Punkin, my 10-yo, was immediately drawn to the student workbook.    

 

 

Pretty soon, she wanted to take it with her wherever we went - difficult, since I feel like this study needs quite a bit of parental input/guidance for the student - it is *not* a study that can (or, in my opinion, should) be done independently, at least not by my 10-yo.  It's actually kind of exciting, though - because I'm learning right along with her. 

I love that the teacher's manual is so well organized.  Some of the teacher's manuals I've seen during our homeschooling career have been so overwhelming and confusing that I just set them aside.  This teacher's manual is wonderful, and is a gold mine of additional teaching suggestions/ideas/activities.

Flexibility - the teacher's manual includes weekly lesson plans for a 3-, 4- or 5-day week. 

I really love that the questions go deep and make Punkin think about the verses and lead her toward applying them to her own life. 

Watch out for... 

Some of the questions in the student manual require deep thinking.  That's good, except when a student has never done a formal Bible study.  I found I had to do a lot of explaining to Punkin, which sometimes frustrated her when she didn't feel like she got the "right" answer.  Part of it is she was so drawn to the workbook and questions that she wanted to go fast to see what was next.  Once I asked her to slow down and put her on a "workbook budget" of only a certain number of pages, she seemed to calm down a little and grasp more.

Also, this product is intended for use in schools, but is easily adaptable for the homeschool environment. 

Be sure to... 

Read  about Positive Action for Christ's history, mission statement, and doctrinal statement here.

Check out the free resources that Positive Action for Christ has made available at the website (click on the "Free Items" tab). 

See all the smiling faces you can contact with questions here. 

Final Thoughts... 

I'm contemplating continuing this study with Punkin, but have to see if we can continue the intensive one-on-one help that it requires with her (on top of everything else we do) - we may just need to put it aside for a bit, but I'd like to pick it back up, maybe in the summer.  I'm also considering looking at a lower level for her since she's not done a formal study - maybe it'd be an easier transition for her if we started with a lower level.  When we continue it I hope to get the music curriculum that goes along with this study, because I think it would bring the hymns and choruses we sing in church to life for Punkin to know their history.  I'm also planning to order the third grade curriculum for Puddin - she's been quite jealous of her sister having such a neat Bible study.  

Thoughts of my crew mates... 

To see other reviews of this product, click here. For giveaways, other product reviews and other fun things, follow the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Crew blog at:
 

Disclaimer: As part of the 2010-2011 TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I received the product described in this review at no cost in exchange for my fair, honest and unbiased (and not necessarily positive) review. No other compensation was received.

First day of Bible in 90 Days...

I often feel as if I'm the only person in the world who has not read the entire Bible.  I'm constantly given chances to do it, but I just never follow through.  Events of life get in the way, or I get bogged down into too many things I haven't been able to say "no" to, or I'm just too tired.  However, none of those excuses are valid.  How am I to teach God's Word to my girls if I don't know it myself?  How can I encourage them to have a daily quiet time when I don't do it myself?  Can I really say "do as I say, not as I do" in this instance?  That's not setting a very good example.

This year one of my goals is to just get it done - read the Bible all the way through, every single word.  No studying, no reading footnotes, no in-depth research with concordances - just straight reading.  I'm determined to do it this time, and The The Bible in 90 Days program, along with an online accountability group and challenge hosted by Mom's Toolbox, will help me reach that goal.

When I decided to join the challenge, I started making grandiose plans - I'd read, my husband would read, and the girls would read a modified plan. As I thought about my plan, I started getting stressed - the first sign of wanting to quit, and I haven't even started yet!  So the grandiose plan got put aside in favor of a basic plan - I'll read during this challenge.  Maybe I'll read again during the next challenge, and I'll pray about my husband reading then too.  Then I'll come up with a reading plan for the girls.  Long-term goal?  I'll read through this time, and then start a slower read-through for the rest of the year, and then next year I'll factor the girls' reading plan into our homeschool. 

Now, to figure out how to reach my goal.  For convenience, I now have the Bible in 90 Days hardback version by my bed, the e-version on my Kindle, and the e-version on my iPhone.  Surely between those three locations I can read for an hour a day. 

If you're interested in the challenge, go check out  Mom's Toolbox.  

Today is the first day.  One of the next 18 hours of this day will be spent immersed in my Father's Word.

Blessings to all!