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Schoolhouse Review Crew Bloggy Convention — Day Two (Knowledge Quest Giveaway)

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Welcome to day 2 of our Bloggy Convention. We have 5 more favorite vendors to share with you an another awesome giveaway — this one from Knowledge Quest!

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Knowledge Quest 

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Knowledge Quest has ” historical outline maps, timelines, geography curriculum such as A Child’s Geography and Expedition Earth, historical biographies your whole family will love, engaging mobile apps plus much more.”

The Johnson family started their business, Knowledge Quest, Inc. in 2001 out of their own need as a homeschool family to create products that they could not find elsewhere. As a result, now other homeschool families can benefit from what Knowledge Quest has to offer.

The Crew reviewed 2 products from Knowledge Quest — The TimeMaps Collection and the MapTrek 6-eBook Set.

The TimeMaps Collection is a product in partnership with TimeMaps Ltd of the United Kingdom, that combines timelines, historical maps and encyclopedic entries in a way that brings history to life.

Each Map Trek product consists of an atlas plus historical outline maps that allow you to teach geography alongside history. Not only do you receive full-color teacher answer maps, black outline maps, various other maps depending upon individual product selection but lesson plans, glossary of terms, and instructions on how to use the maps you receive.

Each of the Map Trek products are fully described on the Knowledge Quest website HERE. There are also Free curriculum Integration Guides for you to download.

Read the Crew reviews of both the TimeMaps Collection and MapTrek Maps.

One winner will receive the TimeMaps Collection for PC or Mac, a $44.95 value. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this page to enter the giveaway contest!

Homeschool Legacy

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Homeschool Legacy’s Once-A-Week Unit Studies are created just for busy homeschool parents; other than a quick trip to the library, no preparation time is needed – it’s already been done for you!

As an added bonus, if you have any Boy Scouts or American Heritage Girls in the family, they can earn merit badges while completing their unit study assignments with the rest of the family.

The Crew reviewed several of Homeschool Legacy’s Once-A-Week Unit Studies, including:

Birds of A Feather

Forest For the Trees

Horsing Around

Weather on the Move

Knights and Nobles

Native America

Early Settlers in America

Revolutionary Ideas

We the People

Lewis & Clark

Click here to read all the Crew reviews.

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Growing Up Wild

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The Growing Up Wild DVD series introduces viewers to the Wild family who serve as missionaries in Indonesia.  Targeted towards children ages 5-12, it is their hope that these videos will not only educate children about real-life on the field but be used to raise up the next generation of missionaries.

The Crew reviewed Volume 1 and Volume 4 in theGrowing Up Wild Series.  Each volume contains a DVD with 3 episodes and a CD with an activity guide.  The individual episodes are approximately 15 minutes in length and will address a specific aspect of living in the jungle and remote tribal missions.  The accompanying activity guide offers activity ideas for families to do together to connect with the Wild family, learn more about the world they live in, and to challenge them to think globally. Click here to view a sample of the activity guide.

You can read the Crew reviews here.

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Classical Academic Press

Classical Academic Press is a leading name in the classical method of home education, offering resources covering languages, logic, and Bible study.

The Crew reviewed 2 products from CAP last year — Song School Spanish and God’s Great Covenant, Book One.

Song School Spanish is the latest product in the Classical Academic Press language course choices.  The Song School Spanish student set for grades kindergarten through third includes:

  • Accompanying children’s music CD (42 songs) bound in to each student text
  • Interactive workbook text with lots of activities
  • 30 weekly lessons including review chapters
  • 100+ everyday vocabulary words
  • Gentle introduction to Spanish grammar

The Teacher’s Edition includes the entire student text as well as answer keys, teacher’s tips, and fun ideas for interactive classroom activities. It also includes over forty pages of additional activities and worksheets for advanced students or those who simply want more Spanish study.

God’s Great Covenant Book 1, which begins with Genesis and covers through the book of Ruth.  It is divided into five units (themes) to help children grades 3-6 grasp the bigger concepts being taught in these first books of the Bible.  The five themes are God’s Promises, God’s Power, God’s Redemption, God’s Provision, and God’s Faithfulness.  It is told in a narrative style so that children are engaged by the stories, yet clearly see God’s unfolding plan that ultimately leads to Jesus.

You can read the Crew reviews here.

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Speekee

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Speekee uses a mixture of children filmed on location in Spain with puppets to teach Spanish in an immersion approach.   Each video has a theme (e.g. El Cafe, El Zoo, etc.) with consistency in format.  This repetition within each program helps the kids to learn key words and phrases in a fun manner.

The target range for Speekee is toddler through elementary grades.   Speekee TV provides not only access to the videos, but also to Speekee FastTrack which lays out an easy to follow plan spanning 40 weeks.  Each week has suggested activities with corresponding video clips, worksheets and other resources.  They also supply vocabulary flashcards by episode for review with your child.

Click to read the Crew Reviews.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

**************************************************************************************
CONTEST RULES:
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. LIMIT ONE PRIZE PER HOUSEHOLD IN ANY 90-DAY PERIOD. This contest, and all entrants and entries in Schoolhouse Saturday Swag Giveaways (“Contest(s)”), are subject to these rules, the full Schoolhouse Saturday Swag Contest Rules (“Contest Rules”), the Old Schoolhouse Magazine Official Contest Rules found online at http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/pages/contests/ (“Official Rules”), all of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full, and applicable law. The Contest is open to natural persons over the age of eighteen (18) years who reside in the United States and who are not otherwise disqualified by applicable rules and laws (“Entrants”).
The following persons are not eligible to enter or participate in Contests:  (a) officers, employees, independent contractors and affiliates of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, (b) Contest sponsors, (c) companies or individuals providing Contest prizes, (d) persons who have won a Contest within the ninety (90) day period immediately preceding the relevant contest, and (e) family members of and persons living in the same household with any of the persons named in (a), (b), (c) and (d).
Qualified Entrants may enter the Contest by leaving a comment on this post or by mail. Limit one entry method per qualifying Entrant or household. Entries expire at the end of the Contest. Information about mail-in entries can be found in the Contest Rules. TOS may disqualify and delete any comment or Entry which contains inappropriate language or which, in TOS’ sole judgment, does not qualify as a valid Entry.
The Contest winner (“Winner”) will be selected by random drawing from all eligible Entries received during the Contest Period, and will be notified by email. Odds of winning vary depending on the number of eligible Entries. Prizes are not transferable. Sponsors accept no liability and make no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to any aspect of the Contest.

 


Schoolhouse Review Crew Bloggy Convention — Day One (Math Essentials Giveaway)

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Welcome to our 2nd Annual Schoolhouse Review Crew Bloggy Convention! Homeschool convention season is upon us, but we know that not everyone is able to get to the many homeschool conventions available this time of year. So we’d like to help you out by sharing 25 of the Crew’s favorite products from our 2012 review season.

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Each day this week, Monday — Friday, we will be sharing with you 5 different products that we found the absolute best of the year. You’ll find products from across the curriculum — math, writing, phonics, history, literature, geography, even physical fitness! And, as an extra bonus, there will be a fabulous giveaway from at least one of the vendors highlighted each day! (Be sure to enter today’s giveaway for an incredible bundle of math curriculum!)

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we will also share about one physical homeschool convention where The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (TOS) is a vendor this year — Midwest Homeschool Convention (GHC) — Cincinnati, FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention — Orlando, and Virginia (HEAV) Homeschool Convention — Richmond. Every attendee of these conventions will be receiving a FREE one-year membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com just for attending!

125x125_staticThe Midwest Homeschool Convention — Cincinnati begins this week — Thursday, April 4 – 6. Today is the last day for earlybird registration — $40 for individuals and $55 for families. Tomorrow the cost will go up by $5 and can be paid at the door.  On the website, you can view the list of vendors (the list is vast!) who will be there selling curriculum, books, and other goodies, and check out the roster of speakers, such as Andrew Pudewa, Todd Wilson, Adam Andrews, Diana Waring and Jim Weiss. For an extra charge, you can also hear their special speakers — Gianna Jessen, Tim Hawkins, and Ron Paul.

 

And now for our first 5 of this week’s 2012 Crew favorites –

 

Math Essentials – 

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Math Essentials was developed by Rick Fisher through his experience  teaching 5th and 6th grade students in a public school in California. The goal of the program is to bring students to algebra-readiness in less than one year, and to do so in an easy-to-follow, proven system that produces dramatic results if followed according to directions.

Designed so students master and reinforce math skills in just 20 minutes a day, each lesson is short, concise, and self-contained so that students don’t have time to get bored or discouraged. Assignments include review exercises, helpful hints, sample questions, practice problems, and word problems.

The Crew reviewed all of the Math Essentials main curriculum and several supplemental books. You can read the reviews here. And be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this page to enter today’s giveaway for a bundle of Math Essential curriculum!

The winner will receive:
Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 1 Grades 4/5 with a DVD
Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2 Middle Grades/ High School with a DVD
Pre-Algebra Concepts with a DVD
No-Nonsense Algebra which includes online video tutorials for each lesson
The total retail value is $149.80.

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You can also check out Math Essentials FREE iPhone/iPad app — Math Expert.  Also, for the month of April, every order of $30.00 or more will receive a free Fractions book (a $14.95 retail value), plus a free Homework Kit (a $4.95 retail value). Shipping for all orders is a flat $3.00, no matter the size.

 

The Pilgrim Story (Dayspring Christian Academy)–

Dayspring Christian Academy is a Principle Approach School located in Mountville, PA. The Principle Approach model is one based on biblical principles  with the purpose of restoring America to her heritage.

In recent months, Dayspring launched on online class, The Pilgrim Storydesigned for grades 3-6.

The Pilgrim Story teaches children about one of the most important times in our nation’s history. It is America’s foundation. This self-guided, interactive history course teaches students the true history of the Pilgrims from original sources. The Principle Approach method of education is used, which holds a providential view of history. Students are taught the importance of Christian character and other biblical principles, such as self governance, hard work, and perseverance. Students also learn the biblical principles of Christian liberty.

Read the Crew reviews here.

 

Family Time Fitness

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Family Time Fitness was designed to get your homeschool family physically fit. Members of the Crew reviewed the Fitness 4 Home School Core 1 Curriculum K-8.

The Fitness 4 Homeschool Curriculum allows homeschool parents to teach physical education without previous knowledge of physical education and athletic development. Our program, designed by experts in fitness training, nutrition and body movement, is designed to suit every age and ability level while affordably fitting into your budget. Our program combines flexibility and fun with a comprehensive curriculum to give your children a foundation for strong bodies and minds.

Click here to read the Crew reviews.

 

Apologia What We Believe –

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A perennial favorite with the Crew, in 2012 we were blessed to review 2 installments from the What We Believe Series — Who Am I. And What Am I Doing Here and Who Is My Neighbor. And Why Does He Need Me?

Who Am I? — The second book in the What We Believe series, Who Am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?)  will help students choose to put God first in every area of their lives based on these biblical truths: God owns everything; He has entrusted me with certain gifts and wants me to use these gifts for His glory; I can serve Him by using my time wisely; I can serve Him by using my talents wisely; I can serve him by using my money and possessions wisely; I can serve Him by caring for my body wisely; God expects me to take good care of His creation.

 

Who Am I?Who is my Neighbor?

Who Is My Neighbor? – The third book in the What We Believe series, Who Is My Neighbor? (And Why Does He Need Me?) will encourage kids to develop a Christlike servant attitude based on these biblical truths. The stories, discussion questions, and activities make this a wonderful study for the entire family.

Click here to read the Crew reviews of  Who Am I?

Click here to read the Crew reviews of  Who Is My Neighbor?

 

Beeyoutiful –

Beeyoutiful is another long-time favorite vendor for the Crew. Last year we were able to review 3 different bundles of products –  two from Beeyoutiful, and one from Beeyoutiful Skin.

 

 

The set of Beeyoutiful Products included:

  • Berry Well, an elderberry syrup used as an herbal dietary supplement to fight against flu, colds and both bacterial and viral infections.
  • Ow!-Ease, an arnica trauma salve, used with strains, sprains, bruises, and contusions.
  • Miracle Skin Salve can be used to sooth sunburn, chapped lips and diaper rash, or for more serious conditions like painful wounds and burns.
  • Lip BALM, which stands for Beeyoutiful All-natural Lip Moisturizer, is available in orange or peppermint
  • Beeyoutiful Views DVD contains video of Stephanie Tallent sharing how she uses some of the most popular Beeyoutiful products with her family.

 

The Skin Care reviewed included:

 

The Mineral Make-Up from Beeyoutiful Skin is something very new.  The Crew checked out a set that included:

This mineral make-up is pure, 100% minerals with no fillers, and it is even gluten-free.

Click here to read the Crew reviews.

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And now for the terrific giveaway. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Please click this link to read all Contest Rules carefully before entering.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**************************************************************************************
CONTEST RULES:
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. LIMIT ONE PRIZE PER HOUSEHOLD IN ANY 90-DAY PERIOD. This contest, and all entrants and entries in Schoolhouse Saturday Swag Giveaways (“Contest(s)”), are subject to these rules, the full Schoolhouse Saturday Swag Contest Rules (“Contest Rules”), the Old Schoolhouse Magazine Official Contest Rules found online at http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/pages/contests/ (“Official Rules”), all of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full, and applicable law. The Contest is open to natural persons over the age of eighteen (18) years who reside in the United States and who are not otherwise disqualified by applicable rules and laws (“Entrants”).
The following persons are not eligible to enter or participate in Contests:  (a) officers, employees, independent contractors and affiliates of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, (b) Contest sponsors, (c) companies or individuals providing Contest prizes, (d) persons who have won a Contest within the ninety (90) day period immediately preceding the relevant contest, and (e) family members of and persons living in the same household with any of the persons named in (a), (b), (c) and (d).
Qualified Entrants may enter the Contest by leaving a comment on this post or by mail. Limit one entry method per qualifying Entrant or household. Entries expire at the end of the Contest. Information about mail-in entries can be found in the Contest Rules. TOS may disqualify and delete any comment or Entry which contains inappropriate language or which, in TOS’ sole judgment, does not qualify as a valid Entry.
The Contest winner (“Winner”) will be selected by random drawing from all eligible Entries received during the Contest Period, and will be notified by email. Odds of winning vary depending on the number of eligible Entries. Prizes are not transferable. Sponsors accept no liability and make no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to any aspect of the Contest.

 


A Classical Approach to Spanish and Old Testament Bible Study! (Classical Academic Press Review)

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Classical Academic Press is a leading name in the classical method of home education, offering resources covering languages, logic, and Bible study.

 

The Crew has spent the past several weeks reviewing the following Classical Academic Press products:

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Song School Spanish is the latest product in the Classical Academic Press language course choices.  For $24.95, you receive the Song School Spanish student set for grades kindergarten through third, which includes:

  • Accompanying children’s music CD (42 songs) bound in to each student text
  • Interactive workbook text with lots of activities
  • 30 weekly lessons including review chapters
  • 100+ everyday vocabulary words
  • Gentle introduction to Spanish grammar

The Teacher’s Edition is available separately for $24.95.  It includes the entire student text as well as answer keys, teacher’s tips, and fun ideas for interactive classroom activities. It also includes over forty pages of additional activities and worksheets for advanced students or those who simply want more Spanish study.

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The website features samples of chapters, the Teacher’s Edition, and some of the songs to preview.  You can even download a pronunciation guide and bonus songs.

 

The Crew also reviewed two books in the Bible study series written by Claire Larsen from CAP.  They are:

Photobucket God’s Great Covenant Book 1, ($22.95) which begins with Genesis and covers through the book of Ruth.  It is divided into five units (themes) to help children grades 3-6 grasp the bigger concepts being taught in these first books of the Bible.  The five themes are God’s Promises, God’s Power, God’s Redemption, God’s Provision, and God’s Faithfulness.  It is told in a narrative style so that children are engaged by the stories, yet clearly see God’s unfolding plan that ultimately leads to Jesus.

Using charts, memory verses, and quizzes, students can complete a chapter per week for 32 weeks The Teacher’s Edition ($24.95) includes more details to expand on the historical, geographical, and societal context of the Old Testament.  The mp3 audio files are available for $9.95.

A sample weekly schedule and sample chapter are available on the website.

God’s Great Covenant Book 2 ($22.95) picks up where Book 1 ended and continues in the same format and style.  It covers 1 Samuel through Malachi.  The five themes in Book 2 are:  The God Who Anoints, The God Who Blesses, The God Who Reigns, The God Who Judges, and The God Who Restores.  The Teacher’s Edition is $24.95 and the mp3 files are $9.95.

You can find a sample chapter, a sample from the Teacher’s Edition, the weekly schedule, and sample mp3 on the website.

 

Click to read Crew Reviews
 

A big thank you to Sara of Embracing Destiny for writing this introductory post.


On the fourth day of Christmas Giveaways . . .

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This giveaway has ended! Congratulations to our winners:

Maria W.

D.J.

Sarah M.

Cyndi N.

 

On the fourth day of Christmas Giveaways, FOUR winners will receive . . . the Beginner level Birth of Jesus Bible Study from Grapevine Studies!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter below!

Have you entered the giveaways for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 yet?

 

Saddle up your donkey and take your preschool and kindergarten Bible students on an unforgettable journey back in time to discover the amazing events that surrounded the Nativity. Your travels will begin in Nazareth with Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and continue through the return of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph from Bethlehem, to Egypt and ending in Nazareth. This hands-on children’s Bible study uses interactive lessons that young children love. Bible teachers will appreciate this unique way of teaching the birth of Jesus. This familiar nativity story will never be the same for your students after they have stick figured it! 7 Lessons

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

**************************************************************************************
CONTEST RULES:
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. LIMIT ONE PRIZE PER HOUSEHOLD IN ANY 90-DAY PERIOD. This contest, and all entrants and entries in Schoolhouse Saturday Swag Giveaways (“Contest(s)”), are subject to these rules, the full Schoolhouse Saturday Swag Contest Rules (“Contest Rules”), the Old Schoolhouse Magazine Official Contest Rules found online at http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/pages/contests/ (“Official Rules”), all of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full, and applicable law. The Contest is open to natural persons over the age of eighteen (18) years who reside in the United States and who are not otherwise disqualified by applicable rules and laws (“Entrants”).
The following persons are not eligible to enter or participate in Contests:  (a) officers, employees, independent contractors and affiliates of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, (b) Contest sponsors, (c) companies or individuals providing Contest prizes, (d) persons who have won a Contest within the ninety (90) day period immediately preceding the relevant contest, and (e) family members of and persons living in the same household with any of the persons named in (a), (b), (c) and (d).
Qualified Entrants may enter the Contest by leaving a comment on this post or by mail. Limit one entry method per qualifying Entrant or household. Entries expire at the end of the Contest. Information about mail-in entries can be found in the Contest Rules. TOS may disqualify and delete any comment or Entry which contains inappropriate language or which, in TOS’ sole judgment, does not qualify as a valid Entry.
The Contest winner (“Winner”) will be selected by random drawing from all eligible Entries received during the Contest Period, and will be notified by email. Odds of winning vary depending on the number of eligible Entries. Prizes are not transferable. Sponsors accept no liability and make no representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to any aspect of the Contest.
Please click this link to read all Contest Rules carefully before entering.

 


Apologia: Journeys of Faithfulness

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The latest Apologia product that the Crew has had the privilege to review is the book Journeys of Faithfulness by Sarah Clarkson.  Through a series of stories about biblical women such as Mary, Ruth, and Esther, the author challenges young women to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ.  The 232 pages of the paperback include devotionals and journaling spots.  Each story gives a historical fiction account of one of these women, using the details we know from the Biblical story and adding the author’s insight into what the characters could have felt and how they may have been affected by the events.  The book may be used as a devotional guide for adolescent women and their mothers.
Journeys of Faithfulness cover
Apologia’s Journeys of Faithfulness by Sarah Clarkson may be purchased directly from Apologia’s website.  The paperback is $13.00.  Find other Apologia inspirational and educational products at http://www.apologia.com.


Click to read Crew Reviews
A big thank you to Debra of Note-able Scraps for writing this introductory post.=


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