One Year Adventure Novel {Review} at Curriculum Choice

I was asked last summer to join the Curriculum Choice team and I'm pretty excited about the chance to offer reviews of programs and resources we already use without necessarily posting here at Blog, She Wrote. I've only done two so far, but today my newest one is up.

Enjoy a look at One Year Adventure Novel which is E14's writing program. It's been a delightful experience for our family and our other children are looking forward to their chance at novel writing! 

So, jump over and see how things are going with One Year Adventure Novel!

Giveaway! Greathall Productions- Abraham Lincoln & the Heart of America

I'm excited to share with you one of our family's favorite audio CD performers- Jim Weiss. Many of you may already be fans, but if you are not I encourage you to check out the vast collection of audio storytelling created by Greathall Productions. I was recently the recipient of two of these Lincoln CDs and I asked for permission to give one away.

How about a little preview? Enjoy this story from Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America:

Of course Abraham Lincoln isn't the only offering Greathall Productions has for your family. There is a whole catalog available on his website. The good news is you can purchase a CD from the Greathall website for $13.45 or you can download the mp3 file from Peace Hill Press for $10.95. You'll find these recordings through other digital outlets as well, for example Rhapsody. We usually convert our CDs to mp3 files so we can put them on our kids' music players and not worry about the CD getting scratched. The best part about downloading the mp3 is you can listen right away!

Does your family enjoy listening to storytelling CDs? Jim is actually one of our family favorites. We have collected a small library over the years with title like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Treasure Island. We keep them in the car for both long and short trips, we have a listening corner in our house, we've loaded many titles onto mp3 players and our kids listen as they fall asleep or as they do chores. They make great rainy day activities and save our sanity on sick days!

The movie Lincoln directed by Steven Speilberg releases next week. Enjoy this trailer of the movie and enter the contest to win your own copy of Jim Weiss's Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America. You'll have many chances to win this audio CD. Just sign up to receive the Greathall Newsletter along with following Jim Weiss in various social media outlets. You'll get even more chances if you want to follow along with Blog, She Wrote. Just drop in to the RaffleCopter below! (US addresses only please)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The contest runs from November 2nd- November 9th. I received two copies of the Lincoln audio CD as a gift from Greathall Productions. I volunteered to give one away as a thank you to Greathall Productions.

Review: {WaterProof Bible}

Have you ever dropped a Bible in a puddle on the way to church? Have your kids ever spilled anything on a good book? Ever leave a book on the kitchen table only to learn of a huge washout that tagged the book too? Wouldn't it be wonderful to have water proof books? And not the kind that are puffy and squeak when you read it to your toddler in the bathtub?

I'm pretty excited to have found one- it's the WaterProof Bible from Bardin Marsee Publishing. When I was asked to review the Bible I jumped at the chance to see if it could stand up to a house full of four kids, three of whom are boys, and especially to our teenage son who has a thing for wrecking his Bible. I agreed to the review specifically so I could put the claim to the test!

What are the claims?

• the Bible is entirely waterproof both inside and out
• it can stand up to mud, water, juice, hot chocolate, and just about anything else
• stain resistant
• ultra-clear text
• super for backpacking- you can stow it with your gear in the bag

How did the Bible stand up?

• I left it out in the rain.
• I let it sit on the kitchen table and on the kitchen counter near the sink.
• I spooned out some hot cocoa on the Bible

In every case, the Bible wiped dry quickly without a trace that it had been wet. The hot cocoa wiped right off and left no residue. I cannot say the same for the shirts my kids were wearing as they sipped the same cocoa!

Oh no! Cocoa- will it stain?

 What else should I know?

• It comes in various colors- pink, blue, and camo which is really a tree bark
• It's available in the following versions: NIV, ESV, NKJV, KJV, NLT, and NASB
• You can write on the pages easily despite their synthetic nature
• You can have a complete Bible or versions with the Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament

What's left to say? This Bible is 100% waterproof! I think the biggest question is would your family or a member of your family benefit from the waterproof property. I know mine can - especially the teenager who is terrific Bible scholar but can't seem to manage to be kind to his Good Book. I'm really impressed with the binding on this edition as well. It's sturdy and the pages will not come out- even when you drop it in a spine breaking way. The only thing to be careful is if the pages do get wet, you'll need to dry them just to prevent mildew. The pages won't be swelling, sticking together, and distorting so you might not remember!

All clean! The cocoa wiped right off!

Good news for readers! If you order a Waterproof Bible from the Bardin Marsee Publishing website you can receive free shipping. Just use the code freeship5 when you order.

The publisher has also allowed me to give away a Bible just like the one I received. Mine is an NIV in camouflage. This giveaway is open to US and military addresses only. Just enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. You can also enter via the blogs listed below. If you win the giveaway, you have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

You don't have to take my word for it: See what other bloggers have to say about the Waterproof Bible!

•  Marianne at Abundant Life
• Jamie at The Unlikely Homeschool
• Alisha at Flourish   

Visit the Waterproof Bible folks on facebook and Twitter. Be sure to see for yourself what a robust Bible this is ready to stand up to youth retreats, shaving cream fights, accidental spills, and whatever else your family can throw at it.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: In order to review this product, I received the Bible of my choice and I was compensated for the time I put into the review. My thoughts are an honest opinion of the product as I experienced it.

What's in the Bible? Review {and Giveaway!}

A couple of years ago at the MOPS International Convention I had the privilege of attending a session on Kids & the Media given by Phil Vischer. He shared all kinds of facts and statistics about how programming affects children. Most of it was what you would imagine- too much poor quality TV equals too many kids watching too much junk. I must admit the numbers were stunning when you think about how many children probably watch a lot of undesirable material completely unmonitored.

Mr. Vischer also shared with us his new (back then) venture called, What's in the Bible? We all know Phil Vischer as the creator of VeggieTales, but he left behind the talking vegetables (which he declared "so 90s") for singing puppets & simple animations. The production costs are much cheaper, but his intention with What's in the Bible goes beyond his goal with VeggieTales. VeggieTales aimed to introduce the Bible through character lessons illustrated by Bible stories, but it didn't go very deep into the Bible itself.

What's in the Bible? is different because it seeks to teach children the content of the Bible in a creative way. So, when I was given the opportunity to review What's in the Bible? I wanted to try it and learn more about it. Prior to my review, I'd only seen clips of the show and even used one during a children's church morning. As part of the iHomeschool Network, I was given a choice of which volume to review and I scoured the list looking for something my kids weren't as familiar with. I landed on the kings of Israel in A Nation Divided- Kings & Chronicles (Volume 6). 

 What's Included?

* There are two 25 minute episodes per DVD.

* There is curriculum available for some of the volumes and more are on the way.

* Some study guides are available for parents.

* Coloring Pages for the kids

* Crafts & Games 
 
* News style show with an anchor and various skits as segments during the video- some favorites are the Sunday School Lady and the Bentley Brothers- to name a few.

* Phil Vischer himself helps to host the show and keep Buck Denver, the anchor, in line. He does a fantastic job of explaining the finer points along with the more controversial items.

* A digital download of the video- so you can watch on the go!

Take a Look!

So, What do I Think?

* I think Phil Vischer hit his goal with this series of DVDs. They are a fast paced, interesting way to introduce kids to the books of the Bible in a memorable way.

* It made my 13yo son laugh and he does a great imitation of the boy in the mini van. If I could, I'd show you. You haven't lived until you've heard your early teen son say, in a high pitched voice, "Mother- the King of the mini-van desires knowledge!" Ok...so you'd have to be there. Go and see!

* Based on the short clips I'd seen, I wasn't so sure, but seeing my kids enjoy them and remember the story of Kings & Chronicles tells me that it works. 
 
 How to Buy:

If you visit the home page of What's in the Bible? You'll see a chance to save on your own copy to get your library started. Otherwise, each DVD costs $14.99 from the website and $9.99 from CBD.

Win a copy of Volume 1: In the Beginning

 A Chance to Win!

I'm dipping my foot into the waters of Rafflecopter and I'd be delighted if you'd make one or a few entries for your chance to win a copy of Volume 1: In the Beginning. Good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: As part of this review process, I was gifted the Volume 6 and Volume 1 DVDs. In addition, I will receive a modest stipend for my opinion.

Review: Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners & a Give Away

A few months ago Cindy West asked if I would review her new book, Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners. I gratefully accepted the offer to look it over and I'm so glad I did!

Cindy has done a terrific job of lining up resources for homeschooling parents to equip them for working effectively with their gifted kids. The book peaked my curiosity because meeting a gifted learner where he was is the reason we began homeschooling in the first place. It's the reason we began and it's the reason we continue to press on in this endeavor.

There are chapters on just starting out with homeschooling all the way to how to work with individual learners in your home. The chapter on "Teaching All Learners" details out the signs of giftedness for each subject area as well as how to recognize and work with those who struggle in a particular area.

The book covers working with your children's passions and preparing for college. Cindy gives us ideas on how to use technology with a gifted child and for each chapter there are multiple "Real Life Examples" to go with the points she is making. Through out the book, she lists out book and website resources for parents to use for more information specific to a topic of interest within the chapter.

This is an excellent homeschool resource for beginners and seasoned homeschoolers alike and works with children who are exceptional by any definition.

I'm excited to say that Cindy has graciously given me a copy to share with an interested Blog, She Wrote reader. Leave a comment to enter the drawing. Leave two if you are a follower. If you aren't a follower already, feel free to let me know you signed up and leave a second comment. The contest will close Monday, January 23rd at midnight EST. Good luck!

Review: Through My Eyes

I was asked a few months ago to review Tim Tebow's book Through My Eyes. I don't do reviews too often these days, but this is one I knew I wanted to do because E13 is a crazy college football fan. And truly, what is a better read for a homeschooled football fanatic than the story of Tim Tebow's life? For my son, the details of the football games and the player's career as a quarterback for the Florida Gators were absolutely enjoyable. As a parent of a young teenage boy, Tim's life and his example are extraordinary. And definitely worth the time to read.

My husband also read the book along with my 13 year old (who was still 12 in July) and asked him to write a review. So, here you are...

Tim Tebow is a well-known homeschooled, Christian football player who wrote this book about his life: Through My Eyes. This book goes through his entire life, from the time he was born in the Philippines to missionary parents, to his first couple games playing for the Denver Broncos. The first part of the book talks about growing up as a kid, between helping around the house, playing sports, and working out. When he was six he developed this mantra "somewhere out there, the other guy's working out, and I'm not. And when we meet on the field, he'll win. So I'm going to work twice as hard, so when we meet, I'll win."

It takes you through his high-school years, playing ball and doing school. The second part of the book is pretty much a page or two analysis of every college game he played in, so I would not recommend this book to non-football fans. To those who like football, like Tim Tebow, or wish to learn something, this is a great book. 

One of the things I appreciate most about this book is Tim's work ethic. While he is extremely disciplined (perhaps in a somewhat unhealthy way), he provides a really good example of putting your mind to something and working hard for it. At our house we find ourselves using another of Mr. Tebow's quotes, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." What a great illustration for kids who like to coast and not work do to their best. Do you know anyone like that at your house? I do!

GIANTmicrobes: A Review

I was asked a while ago now if I would like to review some products for GIANTmicrobes. When I looked at their products, I had to say yes! They have all kinds of plush, personified renditions of microscopic critters. And they're pretty cute!

A Petri Dish of Yeast Cells

Pizza Dough- a lesson in yeast

The FLL kids are discussing food safety for their project- we try to avoid this guy known as E. Coli.

Any guesses? The hollow middle gives him away- red blood cell!

Founded in 2002, our mission here at Giantmicrobes Inc. is to produce unique and interesting gifts for children and adults alike.Whether your interest is educational, medical, or just plain old entertainment, we're your number one source for all things microbial.  

Seriously, how much fun is microbiology with these guys? GIANTmicrobes has sets of plush dolls too which are theme oriented- a love box is full of all the love kind of diseases. Very amusing teaching tool. And how many households can boast E. Coli dolls? My personal favorite is the petri dish option.

Mixing Bowl Academy: Strawberry Smoothies!

We had the fabulous opportunity to take a Mixing Bowl Academy class last week and review it. Well actually two classes, but so far we've only done Strawberry Smoothies. This was a pleasant experience from beginning to end. I encourage you to read below and visit the link to see if something appeals to you.

We logged into CurrClick's web classroom. She has a chat window for the kids to get to know one another for a few minutes before class. The ingredients list is there and she includes some reminders and health tips in some of those windows.

This class is designed for 4 and 5 yr olds, so J5 was the star for the afternoon. However, he had some able assistance from his big sister R10.

He did a great job following along with the instructor.

He really enjoyed the blender part, but we fell a little behind. I can probably count on one hand the number of times we've used a blender and well apparently I shouldn't open a smoothie shop with my Oster here.

Yummo! This is one proud Jr Chef! We had some very impressed recipients of some strawberry smoothies!

What a fun time for everyone! This was thoroughly enjoyable. The ingredients list was sent a week ahead of time and I just put the laptop up in the kitchen and we pulled out what we needed shortly before class. The Adobe Web Room is easy to use and the link is sent to you with the ingredients list. Once you are are logged in, it's very easy to navigate and the instructor is easy to understand. Her kids model for the class and she is there to guide us along.

We had a great experience and the recipe was tasty and very easy for the younger set. We are all looking forward to tomorrow's class and I can't wait to tell you how it went.

Jump Start 3D World: A Review

Ages ago now Jumpstart by Knowledge Adventure contacted me about doing a review for their 3D World for kids. I agreed to do it, but since I was still finishing up my experience on the TOS Crew, I knew it would need to wait.

A screen shot of a winter neighborhood.

 I am ready to tell the world about our experience with JumpStart! They've been playing it on and off for about 6 months. Designed for ages 3-12, jumpstart.com is a virtual world where kids can explore lost islands, play games and train dragons.

• My 5yo loves the scavenger hunts which are knew every month.
• They all love the way the world has changes along with the seasons- they can find surprises like decorations and special things to do.
• My 10yo enjoys changing her avatar to her liking.
• It's pretty easily navigated and the kids can easily explore- unlike some of the other "worlds" we tested out.

When you become a member, you have complete access to jumpstart.com as well as some downloadable games. There are three payment options for the membership. You can be billed monthly for $7.99, yearly for $64.99 (currently), or you can have a lifetime membership for $109.99 which is the current sale price.

The site is designed so that kids cannot share any personal information which makes is a safe way to interact with the things and activities in the virtual world.

My thoughts?

I think it's a great site. I did not give my kids any directions with it just to play around and see what they enjoyed the most. Although there are some learning experiences in the world, I would not say they are the primary focus so my kids did a lot of just playing. According to my kids, the learning activities are there, but they only offer a marginal number of points to your overall play so they aren't "worth" doing- spoken like clever homeschoolers... If you are looking for a safe place online for your children to play, then give it try! Seeing as we've had this complimentary membership (for reviewing purposes) for 6 months or more, I can say that the excitement has fallen away. At first, it was their first choice for screen time and now it isn't so much. The only one of my kids who still plays now and then is my 5yo.

Keep in mind that my kids get 30 min of free screen time a day so if they had more, they might choose Jumpstart more often.