How’s your diet?

This is so true, isn’t it? The word diet conjures up pictures of salads and exercise regimens, but it’s much more than those things. Personally, my diet needs some work. I can see areas of my life where I’ve allowed myself to “overeat” (hello social media). Likewise, I’ve neglected the healthy habits, Bible study, prayer, self discipline. Tomorrow is a new day, and the start of a new week. Time to reset and start fresh. How’s your diet?

Excelerate SPANISH - A Crew Review

A solid education wouldn't be complete without including a foreign language in your studies. Choosing the right curriculum or program can be challenging. How do you decide which language to learn? That's a tough decision for me personally, because I love languages, and I would learn them all if I could. Sadly, I can't fit that much study time into my busy lifestyle, so one or two will have to do, lol. I took a few years of Spanish in my high school years, but somehow, I don't think that provided me with a sufficient grasp of the language, ha. Once again, The Homeschool Review Crew came through for our family. Excelerate SPANISH provided us with a one year subscription to their Excelerate SPANISH Streaming membership for Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 to use and review.

Welcome to Excelerate Spanish.

I have to note that there are books that accompany the video lessons, but we did not receive those. We have only reviewed the streaming membership. There are however, free activities that are available on the company's website that can help with vocabulary and review. Now then...
This program can be used by most ages, so families will find it convenient to utilize across a range of grades.

Lessons are found on the right hand side of your screen.

The lessons are a series of pre-recorded videos. Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 both have 24 lessons each.  Caryn Howell is the author of this program, as well as the teacher. The lessons are recorded in a classroom, so you will see the other students and kind of get that learning in a classroom feel. You are encouraged to participate in the actions from home as you feel comfortable. So, even if you're very shy, you can do this from the privacy from your chair, couch, or wherever you're watching. Work at the pace you feel meets your family's needs.

Caryn Howell at work.

Traditional programs begin with a focus on grammar and structure of the language. That is not the case here. From the first lesson in Spanish 1, Ms. Howell jumps right in, speaking in Spanish, repeating a few phrases, and writing them on a whiteboard. She will have her students mime the action of the phrases along with her as she says them. The words and phrases will revolve around various themes or activities. for example, going to the bus stop, visiting a skating rink, skiing, etc.. Her view is that students need to be immersed in the language and learn to navigate the grammar and rules as they learn.

Spanish 2 expands on the material, teaching more of the conjugations.

Students in the video acting out a skit.

We've been using the Spanish 1 lessons, and have worked through several videos now. The way that the program is put together will appeal to kinesthetic learners, as they can mime and act out various scenarios. Our family happens to be made up of individuals who do prefer learning the grammar and structure from the beginning, along with the rules and conjugations of the verbs. That made this a challenge for us, as we felt like we were simply learning random phrases without understanding the foundational concepts. We did not have the textbooks that accompany the program either, and perhaps that would have helped. That being said, I like this as a supplement for Spanish, to help with practicing conversation, accent, and fluency. We will continue using the program in this way. Are you looking for a Spanish curriculum? Visit the site, click on the links, and see if this is a good fit.

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Creating a Masterpiece - A Crew Review

I love the Fine Arts. It was always a favorite subject for me throughout my school years, and still is today. Creating something, whether of an object or the abstract, is a relaxing mental break for me. I can get lost in the process and forget about, well everything that I don't want to think about for the moment, lol. Sadly, it seems that Art is the subject that is often marginalized and sometimes forgotten altogether in lieu of "more important" studies. What a shame that is, because we need all of the benefits that Art brings. Besides fine and large motor skills, we learn about history, and different cultures. Some parents worry that they lack the skills to effectively teach Art. If you are one who feels that way, keep reading. Creating a Masterpiece provided our family with a one year subscription to their online Drawing Program to use and review.

Master Artist Sharon Hofer teaches this award winning program. The first perk that stood out to me is that it is suitable for all ages. Can I get a "WooHoo!" from all of the multi aged homeschool families? Here are the basics of the Drawing Program:

- 4 Levels

- 30 Projects

- 48 Lessons

- 3 Drawing Media

Art Media:

- Colored Pencil

- Pencil/Charcoal

Art Skills Taught:

- Incorporating Value

- Shading

- Two Point Perspective

- Three Point Perspective

Regarding supplies, it is suggested that students use the best quality materials that they can afford. Why? Simply put, better materials yield better results. Of course, we all know that budgets vary, so purchase what you can afford. For us, we already had some of the supplies, and then we went middle of the road for what we didn't have. This program does provide a list of the necessary supplies along with links for buying what you need along with each project.

Getting started with Intro video.

Getting started was simple. Choose the skill level, and then select a project. My daughters opted for the Beginning Drawing level. Each drawing lesson is divided into a number of video sections. each clip is fairly short, so you might complete a picture within a half hour to 45 minutes, depending on your interest and speed. Alternatively, if you're pressed for time, or if you're student has a shorter attention span, you can complete a section, and then come back later. My daughters would complete a project all at once.

Cartoon Giraffe video lesson.

Exaggerate a few details when drawing cartoons.

Cartoon Giraffe- Completed

Master Artist/Teacher Sharon Hofer has a warm, pleasant manner. She is relatable in her guidance, providing helpful tips and techniques as she teaches. The lessons are straightforward and easy to follow. Beginners, as well as more experienced students, should have no trouble getting good results.

Owl video lesson.

Beginning by finding the general shapes that stand out in the drawing.

Adding feathers and details...

Owl- Completed

Both of my daughters used this program. My oldest is not typically a lover of Art. She rarely voluntarily engages in a project of her own accord. My youngest is the complete opposite, and loves all things relating to Art. She even has a mini  studio of sorts that she set up in our basement. Any available free time will find her creating something with paints, colored pencils, and/or clay. Still, with those differences, under the instruction of Ms. Hofer, they both had very good results with their projects. So, wherever you or your students are in ability, you can create something beautiful.

Baby Elephant in process. 

Baby Elephant - Completed

I am thrilled with this program, as is my 14 year old. We cannot wait to delve into the more complicated projects. It's a good program for any family, offering flexibility, convenience, good instruction, and  lovely finished pieces to display. Visit their site and try a sample project, and see what you think.

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Find Your Tribe

I've made a statement similar to the one above to my daughters countless times over the years. I suppose experience with the wrong people is at that root of it. I was insecure for so long, and would attempt to make myself into what I thought others wanted me to be. Big mistake. It took me a long time to realize that I'm not every one's cup of tea, and that's ok. My tribe will find me, and I'll find them. The wait is worth it.

Brain Blox Family Chess Set - 2019 - A Crew Review

We're all familiar with the game of chess, right? Even if we don't play it ourselves, we're at the very least aware of its existence. Most of us have likely heard of the genius chess player, Bobby Fischer. Chess seems to have the reputation of being an intelligent person's sport, and even a somewhat stuffy form of entertainment. Interestingly enough, this refined game of strategy seems to be breaking into more circles in increasing measure. Parents, teachers, and students are discovering the pleasure and benefits of learning this pastime. I recently read a book that described in fascinating detail, the benefits to a child's social and emotional health that can be realized by regularly playing chess. Thanks to my husband's influence, both of my daughters have learned to play, and enjoy a good game. Still, it was not my game, until Brain Blox provided our family with its Fun Family Chess set to use and review. Finally, I was going to have no excuse not to learn how to play.

Maybe you already were aware of the positive effects on the brain that playing chess provides, but you never learned how to play. If that describes you, then this Family Chess Set can be a great fit. It provides everything that you and your family need to learn the basics of the game. Included in the set are:
- Folding wooden chess board
- 32 wooden chess pieces, with soft pouch to store
- Full color chess book
- 2 reference cards
- Chess cube
- Instruction manual

This isn't your grandparents' chess set. Brain Blox has provided a few helps to make the game accessible and appealing to first timers. They provide colorful instructions with illustrations, all laid out in a whimsical style. Anyone who is learning to play will appreciate seeing exactly how to set up the board. Those that would like to see a more detailed visual can take advantage of the links provided in the manual, and see the set up in action. The reference cards are a thick, sturdy cardboard that detail the function of each chess piece, all handily (is that a word?) color coded. There are also a few extra tips on these cards that remind players of basic rules.

There are two options for playing. The first of course, is the standard, traditional way to play, and those that already have an understanding of chess can get right to it. The second way is for kids, novices, and anyone new who may want to enjoy a fun twist on chess. This option uses the included Chess Cube, which has one of six symbols printed on every side. To begin, the person on the Light Side goes first per traditional rules. That person will roll the cube, and match the colored symbol that comes up on the cube with the same color symbol on the Reference card. If you happen to roll a star, you can move any piece that you choose. It's a fun way to become familiar with the game.

My daughters, more specifically, my 14 year old, was pretty jazzed about receiving this set. Having learned the game along with my 15 year old some years back, she enjoys a good round, but our last, rather cheap set suffered some casualties through wear and tear. This set is sturdy, with a board that folds up and locks. Two soft pouches keep all of the pieces together inside. My girl wasn't sure about the addition of a Chess Cube, as she is a bit of a purist. After playing through a few times though, she agreed that it was a nice addition to the game. I think her favorite part though, was having the opportunity to teach me how to play.

As I'm in that middle aged stage of life, I freely admit that my brain is a little more foggy than years past, and I like the Cube and detailed instructions. This is a great chess set that our family has enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy for a long time. Whether you pick this up as a gift for a birthday, or for the holidays that will be here sooner than we think, this is a great set, and worth checking out.

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Brain Blox Wooden Building Planks - 2019 - A Crew Review

During the early childhood years, we often hear of the importance of play based learning. Somewhere around first grade or so, that train of thought seems to get lost in the pages of textbooks and tests. It's sad really. As I sit here and consider that reality, I'm thinking that the older a person gets, the more important it is to have some area of play. Who doesn't appreciate the delight that comes from engaging in some form of creative expression? If that creative outlet can also be educational, all the better! As it relates to homeschooling, it's fantastic to find a product or resource that spans a range of ages, and Brain Blox does that with their Brain Blox Wooden Planks set, which they graciously provided us to use and review.

There are several different sized sets available. We received the 200 wooden plank set. These are very nice planks. They come from premium New Zealand Pine, are chemical free, and made with renewable resources. A drawstring backpack comes with the set, and will come in handy for storage. That sure beats trying to get all of these wooden pieces to fit back into the box neatly when you're on the go!

What can you do with these blocks? They're just for preschoolers, right? Well, no. These are great for, as the box suggests, ages 4 to 104 years old. Your imagination is the only limit here. You can use these for STEM projects, Math, Physics, and Engineering. Or...use them during down periods, and see what your kids can come up with on their own. This is truly a product that the entire family will enjoy using. Toddlers can stack them up and knock them over. Preschoolers and slightly older grades can construct train tracks, buildings, and more. Teens will get even more intricate in their designs. Whatever the age, these are just fun and engaging.

Have you walked down the toy aisle in any given store recently? It seems like the majority of children's entertainment options are electronic in some way. They allow for passive play. As kids get older, many have smart phones, which again, provide a passive form of distraction. We need more options like Brain Blox Building Planks. Creativity will be sparked as kids engage in conversations, practice problem solving, and use their imagination. It should also be mentioned that these will exercise large and fine motor skills. The benefits go on and on! Let's get our families back to some old fashioned recreation!

My 14 year old has been the primary user of these entertaining blocks. She enjoys fiddling around with various building activities, and she has enjoyed putting together some projects with these. We've had enough school related assignments this Fall, so we kept this as a way to decompress and just relax. She likes to put something together as she's hanging out with my oldest daughter, or while we all relax on a cloudy day. These are simple, but versatile. Does that sound corny? Maybe, but it's still true. There's always something flashy being advertised for kids of all ages, but this is an option that will stand the test of time. With so many possibilities for use, it's a great resource that every family can use.

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So...this sums up my Sunday evening. Piles and piles of laundry. Well, that’s one less chore for tomorrow. How are you spending the last hours of the weekend?

Progeny Press - A Crew Review

A child's education wouldn't be complete without the study of literature. It's amazing to consider that something as simple as a story could have the ability to transport us to other lands and cultures from the  past, present, and future. There are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing a good literature curriculum. Personally, a company that adheres to solid Biblical principles always stands out to me when I find myself searching for curriculum. This latest review by Progeny Press is a great option. They provided us with a digital copy of the Shadow Spinner Study Guide for grades 5-8. 

Progeny Press offers a collection of study guides taught from a Biblical worldview. A quote on their site sums up their purpose:

"To teach our children to think clearly, to understand literature, and to rely on the Scripture for truth and values, and enjoy themselves while they do it!"

Even so, I appreciate that while they come from a Christian perspective, they do not shy away from books that may include somewhat controversial behavior. While you won't find bad language or crude behavior in their studies, they won't avoid a story necessarily, but will take the opportunity to point out how Biblical principles can and should be applied to a situation. They would suggest, and I think common sense would dictate, that parents and teachers read over the books in order to familiarize themselves with the theme and language of any given book.

There are study guides for elementary, middle, and high school students. The books that accompany these studies are not included. A family that purchases a guide has permission to make copies for their own use only. I am of the old school variety, and I prefer a physical copy for our schoolwork, but for those who prefer the convenience, the pdf we received allows work to be filled in via computer. Each e-guide will take approximately 8-10 weeks to complete.

The guide begins with an overview of the book, and the main plot/theme. This will include background information relevant to the story that the reader may not be familiar with due to cultural or historical differences. The guide we received, Shadow Spinner, is a take off of Arabian Nights, and does have some crude parts to it. As such, there is a note to parents in the Background Information pages that caution parents to this fact so they can decide if they wish their student to read those parts.

Activities include using Scripture to compare and contrast.

Pre-reading activities are offered, and include looking at a map to locate the countries featured in the book, researching religious, social, and political customs of the time, and looking up current events of the Middle East. The lessons are divvied up into a few chapters at time, and include vocabulary words to define, comprehension questions, a word search, and Bible readings. This study may be used as a stand alone literature study, or as a supplement to other school work.

Vocabulary to define and match.

I mentioned that this study, Shadow Spinner, is designed for the middle grades. My daughters are both in high school, but I had a feeling that my 15 year old would still have an interest in this book, and I was correct. She loves a thrilling story with suspense, and this delivers. We opted to print the lessons out versus filling them in on the computer, as my girls also like an actual copy.

Comprehension questions.

I appreciate the Biblical principles that are woven in the lessons. The questions and Bible readings help my daughters to learn to view the events of this story through the eyes of Scripture, and that will help them do the same as they grow and learn to navigate their way through life. I also like that the difficult themes are not avoided simply because they don't always conform to a Christian view. Our kids need to learn how to deal with real life issues, and this doesn't pretend they don't exist in a Christian world. I am thankful that they do provide a warning to parents though, so if I haven't checked a story all the way, I can prepare myself.

As we make our way to the end of this study, I can say that I like Progeny Press very much, and recommend that any homeschool family see what they have available, and give one or more of their studies a try.

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