Reluctant Reader Solution by KidScoop (TOS Review)

 Certain things are like music to my ears, especially when learning is involved:

    “Mommy, these are fun!”

This was the reaction from my 8-yo when presented with both the monthly newspaper and the activity sheets from the Reluctant Reader Solution by KidsScoop.

 

First, a disclaimer - I don't have reluctant readers, and I don't have struggling readers.  I have kids who love to read everything they can get their hands on, on a variety of topics.  I'll admit I wasn't sure how this product would be received by my girls, since it's billed as something to increase interest in reading.  I needn't have worried - the girls loved it.

Product Details 

The Reluctant Reader Solution consists of two parts - 365 worksheets and a monthly online newspaper.  A subscription for one year costs $97, and will provide you with a year's access to the online newspaper and downloadable .pdfs on 60 topics and consisting of 365 worksheets.

 Worksheets 

365 worksheets - that's one for every day of the year (assuming your kids will accept your rationing of them like that!).  The black and white worksheets cover a range of topics: backpacks, germs, green kids, various holidays, hockey, tadpoles, and even such topics as teasing and budgeting - and many more - in groups of 5-7 pages per topic. A chronological schedule and a theme-based schedule are provided, or you can branch out on your own (which is what we did) and pick and choose what to do when.  The worksheets are provided as downloadable .pdfs.  Youc an see a sample here.

Online newsletter

This is a monthly 20-page colorful newspaper just for kids that they can view online. One problem with that, though - there are many activities that require a pencil! My solution was just to print them out, but color ink is expensive so that might not be an option for everyone.  You can also download the newspapers.

The online newsletter also has an option for audio so the newsletter can be read to your children.   The "voice" for the audio is computer-based so sounds a bit robotic, but we didn't find it bothersome.  Of course, the point if this system is to encourage the kids to read, so if I had a reluctant reader I would not make use of that feature.

What I like 

We used the worksheets as a "jumping off place" for further exploration of some of the topics. 

The worksheets contain "blurbs" of information, usually along with an activity of some sort to reinforce the info - word finds, mazes, spot the difference, newspaper research and (my favorite) creative writing activities. 

They're perfect for "waiting" times.  I've started printing several worksheets and keeping them in a folder in our minivan for those times when we have to wait - they're a great way for the girls to stay occupied in a productive way.

With your subscription, you also get access to past issues of the newspaper. 

I wish… 

I wish they'd do packages of more worksheets.  What I'd really love is if there were packages for: geography, science, character building, history, grammar, etc.

Watch out for 

If your kids are like mine, the 365 worksheets might not last 365 days - there's no way my girls can only do one worksheet at a time!

Be sure to 

Some of my crew members mentioned that the KidScoop newsletter is often printed in local newspapers, but I've never seen it in mine.  If you're lucky enough to receive it in your newspaper, please be sure to use it! 

Be sure to check these out if you use the workbox system - these are perfect for you! 

Be sure to explore their website - there's lots of freebies and activity suggestions! 

Pay attention to the unconditional money-back guarantee, which they give because they believe in their product.

Final thoughts 

My girls enjoyed these very much.  They were a great break for us from our normal schoolwork.  I think if I did have a reluctant reader, this might spark more interest in reading simply because of their appeal to my girls.

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.

The Curiosity Files - Red Tides (TOS Review)

As we started our homeschool journey I had several basic goals in mind.   Not that my girls would know their 9 times tables, or be able to tell me what the periodic table meant, or have beautiful handwriting - but rather that they would love to read, love to learn, and be curious about life and God's creation.  So far, so good, but I still love it when I find a product that feeds those three goals - and The Curiosity Files by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine fits that bill perfectly.

Product Info

The Curiosity Files are full-color unit studies on out-of-the-ordinary topics and are geared for kids ages 8-13.  The exploration of each study is led by Professor Ana Lyze (get it - analyze?) and her team of spies.   

 Currently there are 9 different studies on a variety of unusual topics:

• Blue Diamond
• Dung Beetle
• MRSA
• Puffer Fish
• Red Tides
• Zombie Fire Ants
• Blue-footed Booby
• Cicada Killing Wasp
• Quicksand

Each study contains:

• Bible study and memory verses
• Math, history, and geography investigations 
• Literature and suggested book list
• Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities
• Beautiful copywork pages (manuscript and cursive)
• Science observations, projects, and experiments
• Discussion questions
• Art, crafts, drawing, and coloring pages
• Lapbook and notebook pages
• Internet resources and video links
• Complete answer key  

A downloadable bundle of all nine studies is available for $46; individually, each study is $6.95., so the bundle is a great deal (a 35% discount!).  If you prefer a CD, one containing all 9 studies is also available for $49.


Product Details...

We received the Red Tides Curiosity File to review.  Once downloaded, I discovered that it contained 85 pages chock full of information, and a six-page answer key.  As soon as I showed it to the girls their eyes brightened.  They had hoped for this study, since we all love the beach so much.  Even the cover is appealing!  I splurged and printed two copies in color, one for each girl - they were thrilled to have their own copy.  It didn't take them long to climb into bed and start reading.  

Immediately they were immersed into the world of red tides, learning what organisms cause them, what the scientific name is, how they affect marine life, where red tides can happen, how to recognize a red tide, and all other things red tide.  Written in a textbook, this information would probably be dry and boring - but The Curiosity Files makes it fun, and the girls were entirely enthralled.  After they read through the fact-filled introduction, we explored some of the resource links provided.  Once were done with the links, the girls wanted to go do some of the activities independently, and I didn't see them for a while - a very good sign. 

Red Tides contains lots of activities to keep the kids interested - things like figuring out how much algal toxin it takes to make you sick (using the metric system), writing an essay on red tides, playing a game using adjectives, spelling activities, word searches, copywork pages (both manuscript and cursive, using verses which refer to seas and oceans), creating your own food chain, and many others.

You can see a sample of Red Tides here. 

What I Like


We love studying unusual topics, and are constantly going off on "rabbit-trails", so this series is great for us.  Next on the girls' wish list?  The Dung Beetle Curiosity File.  And, luckily, more titles in The Curiosity Files are planned, because I predict we'll do them all.

I loved that the study talks about balance, how God made everything in perfect balance, and how there are consequences in nature when things get out of balance, even just a little bit.  I took that subject and we rabbit-trailed off onto a larger "heart" conversation -  a great teaching moment.

I like the breadth of activities provided - algae scavenger hunt, timeline questions, algae in history, and the quizzes that show what the kids have learned.  Also, many of the activities are provided in two levels - elementary and junior high. 

And, of course, I like that the girls like it - these studies are another way for me to continue encouraging their love of science.
  
I wish

I wish there had been things like this when I was studying science, instead of a boring old textbook.


Watch Out For

If your kids use these studies, they'll be spouting off little-known facts about all kinds of odd topics. 


Be Sure to

Watch for more titles in the series to be released.

Consider purchasing the bundle of 9 studies - it's a 35% discount! 


Final Thoughts

We've never done too many unit studies, but we'll do these because we love all things science!


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.

Roman Town by Dig-It! Games (TOS Review)

In the proliferation of computer games, many are billed as fun and educational - the combination of those two elements sells a lot of products.  Often you find that it's either so educational that the kids find it boring; other times there's too much fun and not enough education.  

But once in a while you stumble upon a gem - Roman Town by Dig-It! Games is one of those gems.

 

Product Details...the Basics...

Roman Town, by Dig-It! Games, is an interactive game where your child gets to be the archaeologist!   The game was developed by Suzi Wilczynski, a professional archaeologist, and is targeted for 5th through 8th graders - but older kids (including me!) will like it too.  My third and fifth graders LOVED it.  

The game has been awarded Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Products Award and the National Parenting Center's 2010 Seal of Approval.  By playing, kids learn about Roman culture, society and history in a way that a lot of kids learn best - little bits of information at a time.

Roman Town is available on CD and, as of 2011, retails for $39.95.  But from now until February 21, 2011, TOS Crew Readers can use a special code to get 20% off of the 2010 retail price of $24.95, which will make the price less than $20! Use the code TOS2011 to get this incredible discount.  Up to 5 users can be stored in the game.

A downloadable (.pdf format) educator's manual is available for $19.95.  A classroom setting version (with multiple licenses) is available by contacting the vendor (click here for contact info).  Click here to see all the options for purchase.

A Mac version is in the works, but for now the game only works on PCs.  System requirements are:

     • Windows Vista/XP/2000
     • CPU 800 Mhz; RAM 412MB; Hard Drive 350MB

Product Details...the Fun Part...
  
Your child's job will be excavating a town close to the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, near Mount Vesuvius.

There are six areas to excavate in Roman Town.   

You're assigned a certain number of "diggers", and a variety of tools to choose for each digger.  

 As each digger "finds" something, you click and then excavate the area.  Once the artifact is uncovered, facts are given about it. 

Once you've found all the artifacts in an area, you're taken to the lab where there  are several activities to do for further learning, plus activities to test how much you remember (a report to fill in, true/false, word match and word find) on what you've found in that area.  Once you're done, it's on to the next area!

Here's a brief video about the game that will give you more information and a feel for what the game is like:

What I like...

...that it truly is educational and fun. 

...that the girls love it so much they ask to "play".  

...the graphics are wonderful! 

...that they throw a little Latin in.

I wish…

The girls did fine reading the information, but could have used some help with pronunciation on certain words.  If no audio is possible, then perhaps on the trickier words a phonetic pronunciation could be added in parenthesis to help.

I wish there was a volume two - six areas are just not enough!  Puddin did four areas in one day.  The vendor advises, though, that if you re-play the game, you find more artifacts.  

I'd love to see this game adapted for different time periods, perhaps colonial times, and maybe even a "futuristic" version that covers modern history - what a great reinforcement for learning history! 

I wish that the "L.E.A.R.N." activities (for the various artifacts, rooms, etc.) weren't optional (you can click "return to digging" without looking at them).  My girls soak up every bit of knowledge, but I know that some kids will want to just play the game.

Watch out for...

It's addictive.  Even I found myself caught up in the game, with no idea of how much time had passed. 

Be sure to...

Take advantage of that coupon before February 21!

Check out the online arcade here  - there are fun games and activities!

Check out the FAQ section here.

If your child is like mine, they will want to know more about archaeology after playing this game (I have been asked by the girls to find a real dig that accepts children - if anyone knows of any, please let me know!) - click here for more resources on archaeology.

Click here for tips on how to use this game in a homeschooling setting, and here for how to use it in a classroom setting.

Final thoughts...

The girls love this game.  I love that it's got that perfect mix of education and fun.  It's a winner in my book!

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.

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.