Archive for TOS Homeschool Crew
Only A Few Days Left to Apply for the TOS Homeschool Crew!
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The deadline to apply for the 2011-12 Homeschool Crew is fast approaching! We are taking applications through March 31st. If YOU, or someone you know, is a homeschool parent (DADS are very much welcomed – it’s not just for MOMS), has been homeschooling for at least a year, has an established blog (at least 25 followers and 4 posts per month), has (or is willing to open) a Facebook account, likes to write and share your opinions about products and curriculum, and is flexible with scheduling, then this may be just the program for you!
You can get more information and fill out the application HERE. Please help me spread the word about this amazing opportunity!! This opportunity may not be for you; but one of your friends may thank you for sharing. THANKS!
VocabAhead-Review
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If you are looking for a great way to prepare for the vocabulary portion of the SAT test, then VocabAhead may be just what you are looking for. Students are engaged as they learn new vocabulary words through pictures and short videos. And if pictures and videos aren’t enough, there are even mp3 files of the different vocabulary words. This way your child can increase their vocabulary no matter which learning style they favor.
From the website:
This book is designed to be a complete solution for your SAT vocabulary building needs. The book entitles you to free downloads of MP3 audios and Vocabulary Videos for the 300 difficult SAT words. You can listen to the narrations on-the-go using your favorite MP3 player and can watch SAT level Vocabulary Videos on your computer or other portable device such as iPod, iPhone or iPad.
This DVD-ROM contains more than 1000 SAT Vocabulary Videos with MP3 audios files. You can listen to the narrations on-the-go using your favorite MP3 player and can watch Vocabulary Videos for SAT words on your computer or other portable device such as iPod, iPhone or even iPad.
Brenda Says:
My son has always enjoyed vocabulary products that work with mnemonics. He enjoys the cartoons and these types of products engage him. I have seen a huge difference in his vocabulary through the use of products like these. Once we received this book, this is pretty much how I found him in any spare moment that he had.
What I liked in particular about this book was that each word had several examples of how it could be used in a sentence. There are also synonyms and antonyms to help increase understanding and mastery of the word. While I did find some of the examples to be perhaps not the best for a Christian homeschool, I did appreciate the fact that they opened up discussions between my child and myself. We were able to discuss some things that maybe I would choose to shelter him from. What am I talking about? For example:
Ogle
(verb)
To look at with great attention, often in a sexual way.
Bob ogled Mary as she stood next to him. Yes, yes, he did. That’s what men do. Well, some men do. Well, Bob does. he does it all the time. Bob ogles all the women he sees, and he’s happy to do so. After all, to ogle or not to ogle is not a question at all for Bob.
Synonyms: leer, scrutinize
Antonyms: ignore, look away
I will be honest in saying that I did not appreciate this word and the example being digested by my 14 year old son. However, it DID afford us a great conversation on why boys shouldn’t ogle girls and how we need to keep pure thoughts. It opened up a great discussion between a teenage boy and his mother. We were able to each express our thoughts on the matter and for that I appreciate it.
I do want to be clear about the fact that words such as ogle are in the minority of what you will find in this book. You just need to be aware that there may be some words you might object to. I do think it would have been better had these types of words been handled perhaps a little more delicately. You may have a different opinion for your home.
One thing I would like to invite you to do is to take advantage of the free Word of the Day feature on the website. When you subscribe for free, you will get a free vocabulary video of the day! It is a great way to try the product out before you purchase it.
The book is available for only $12.95 and the DVD is available for $24.95 through Amazon.com.
You can read what the rest of the TOS Crew had to say about VocabAhead here.
*Disclaimer: I received a free VocabAhead book directly from VocabAhead in exchange for this review. No additional compensation was provided and the thoughts expressed are my own.*
I See Cards–Pyramath
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If you thought you could never become addicted to a math product, you would be mistaken. I used to think that too before we received Pyramath from I See Cards. You see, math is one of those things I view as a necessary evil. I have never really liked math. However, I have a child who loves it and is quite good at it. So you can imagine if *I* am addicted to a math game, how bad it must be for my son.
Pyramath is a card game comprised of 56 cards. The game can be played by one or two players, or even teams if everyone wants in on the action. The game is designed to increase mathematical skills within a fun filled framework. There are four basic mathematical symbols on the back of each brightly colored card: plus sign, minus sign, times sign and a division sign. On the front of the card, a number is displayed along with the written out and translated number in English, Spanish, Chinese, Roman and Arabic. How cool is that?!
The object is to then add, subtract, multiply or divide your way to finish your pyramid first. It is a great way to practice your math facts and speed. We have had a great time playing these cards in our home. It is one of those things that is so fun, that your kids don’t mind that they are learning and improving skills at the same time.
The Pyramath cards are rather inexpensive for a card game. At only $6.95 a pack, it would be reasonable to add to your homeschool for a fun learning game. I am even thinking ahead for Christmas and think this would make a fabulous stocking stuffer for anyone. I might have to get a couple of more decks so we can each have our own. It is really that great!
Oh, and lest I forget to mention, you can try out Pyramath online for free! They have a great online version that has now taken the place of regular solitaire for my family. You can try it out here.
You can read what the rest of the TOS Crew had to say about Pyramath by I See Cards here.
*Disclaimer: I received a free deck of Pyramath cards directly from I See Cards in exchange for this review. No additional compensation was provided and the thoughts expressed are my own.*
