Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Compass Classroom: Visual Latin {Review}

(Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This simply means that should you choose to purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!)

I have been homeschooling my fantastic kids long enough to have seen and heard all kinds of opinions on the importance, or not, of teaching Latin. Since I took Latin in high school, I have been on the "yes" side of the fence, even though I understand that some people see it as unnecessary. I have not followed a "classical" approach in our education, taking a more eclectic approach, however, I do see great value in learning Latin. Several of my children are learning Italian, French and/or Spanish, so Latin will help with those languages, as well as help immensely with our native language, English. Last fall I decided that I needed to finally add Latin to our list of courses.

I received the downloadable version of Visual Latin 1 and 2 from Compass Classroom for the purpose of review. Each lessons pairs three videos, featuring teacher Dwane Thomas, with worksheets for different learning styles to guide students from grammar concepts, to practice sentences, to reading in Latin! There are 60 lessons in total. Visual Latin is available in three formats: DVD, download or streaming. Included in the downloads are lesson worksheets, a teacher's guide, vocabulary lists and quizzes. This course is suggested for ages 10 and older. It also provides 2 high school credits, which is one reason why I am so excited about it!

This school year we have been working our way through Visual Latin 1, which is 30 lessons. We haven't used too many video-based programs in our school, so I wasn't sure how well it would work. It has worked perfectly! It is super easy to use. Just cue up the video and print out the worksheets for whatever lesson you're on. Mr. Thomas has a quirky and fun sense of humour and is very engaging in the video lessons. Even though I primarily wanted my grade 10 student to work through these lessons for high school language credit, I decided to make it a family affair and include everyone. So, in addition to my grade 10 student, I also included my students in grade 8, grade 5 and grade 4, as well. I am amazed by all they have learned this year. We have a had a great time learning together and already look forward to continuing with Latin 2 next year.

It was rather hilarious to start this program and find Latin everywhere we turned. Books, movies, other school curricula. All the children were noticing it and having a good time doing so. We also had a few laughs over the sentence structure in Latin and how the sentences remind us a bit of Yoda. For example, "They are bright in the sky the stars are." And "At night also stars there are." Another benefit in learning Latin is all the English grammar you learn in the process. It's been a great reminder and reinforcer of what my children have already learned plus even more! This has been a wonderful fit for our family, and we are learning so much. I cannot recommend Visual Latin highly enough.



Give it a try with 2 Free Lessons.

Also, check out the Additional Resources.

And right now, Visual Latin 1 and 2 are on sale! Get $30 off!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Blessings and love. xo

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

The Unhurried Homeschooler: a simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling {review and giveaway}

{Disclaimer: I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my very own. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.}

Hello Friend,

I'm sharing a wonderful resource for you today, Homeschool Mama. 

Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but The Unhurried Homeschooler takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.
 
Drawing on twenty years of homeschooling her eight children, Durenda Wilson gently reminds parents about the things that really matter, as she offers a clear portrait of what a life-giving home life can be during the homeschooling years. Reading The Unhurried Homeschooler is like having coffee with a trusted friend. You’ll be encouraged as you learn to do what God has put before you. This book will lighten your load while helping you learn how to raise life long learners and ENJOY the homeschool years with your kids.


Isn't it fun and so encouraging to read and learn from the home-educating Moms who have gone before us? The Unhurried Homeschooler, by Durenda Wilson, has been a delight to read. I found myself nodding in agreement, page after page. I think you will be blessed and encouraged by her experience and her advice. Don't be burdened by trying to "do school" the way the public school does it or even the way the homeschooling family down the street does it. There is so much freedom in homeschooling. Let Holy Spirit lead you. 


Guess what?! Durenda has kindly offered to give away a copy to one of my readers. Woohoo! See the Rafflecopter below to enter.

By the way, if you are burned out and discouraged, please feel free to email me {scarlettroyce(at)gmail(dot)(com)}, and I would be honoured to pray for you. We can do this, Mamas! We're in this together. Don't give up. God loves us and has a purpose for our lives and our individual homeschools. He will provide all that we need. Put your hope in Him.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blessings and love. xo

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Educents Gift Guide 2015

Minecraft gifts






Do you need a last-minute gift? For this weekend only, Educents is offering 15% off on all instant gifts, including the digital Minecraft games! Use code INSTANT15 at checkout! *Offer valid this weekend only. Cannot combine coupon codes.

Minecraft Games for Kids Ages 6 and up

Nothing encourages fun learning more than connecting games to educational lessons. Here are a few opportunities for Minecraft kids to learn new skills using a game they already love:

Learn to Mod Minecraft

LearnToMod is a browser-based software that teaches students how to mod the PC-version of Minecraft®. Great for kids ages 6 and up!!
What parents are saying about Learn to Mod: "The Minecraft program allows for users to modify the game through computer programming. These “mods” are quite popular and help Minecraft players take the game to the next level. So why not learn some basic programming skills using Minecraft? That is exactly what Learn to Mod does!" - Amy B., Teaching in Blue Jeans

Youth Digital’s Mod Design: Learn to Code with MinecraftFacebook-Graphic-5

This is a Java class for Minecraft kids ages 8 to 14. Youth Digital’s online tech courses provide a safe, engaging learning environment for kids to master new technology skills. “Our family has enjoyed the Mod Design 1 class! The instructor is funny, with humor that is age appropriate. The steps are easy to follow, and the kids feel a sense of accomplishment throughout. This is a creative way to use a child’s natural interest, in this instance Minecraft, to introduce them to Java programming.”


All of these programs are offered on Educents at a discount. Click HERE to start shopping for your Minecraft kid.

More instant gifts on sale this weekend:

Don't want to worry about your gift arriving in time for Christmas? The Minecraft games and other online subscriptions listed below arrive instantly! No need to worry about shipping or wait for a box at your doorstep. To save an extra 15% on already discounted instant gifts, use code INSTANT15 at checkout*. instant-gifts 
 *Valid this weekend only. Cannot combine coupon codes.
  • FarFaria Unlimited Library - It’s like Netflix for children’s ebooks!
  • Math Video Game - Enter a realm where math is your child’s superpower! Mathbreakers is a 3D exploration game for mathematics, covering core foundations for kids aged 6-12.
  • Magic Desktop Program - An online program for ages 2-12 to play thousands of learning activities, games, and videos.
  • Computer Coding Game - Teach kids computer coding and programming with a video game! (Yes, really!)
  • 1-Year Online Language Course - Use this incredible opportunity to include foreign language into your next year curriculum! Choose from Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Russian or ESL English Videos, songs, and games help learners become bilingual FAST!
  • The Fun Spanish Level 1 - a fun, beginning Spanish program which teaches Spanish the Charlotte Mason way, one fun phrase at a time.
  • Times Tales - A math story to help with the times tables!
  • Ultimate K-12 Homeschool Package - Includes 98 digital textbooks for years of learning.
Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Educents Black Friday and Cyber Monday SALE, plus FREE shipping!


Good morning!

Have you taken advantage of the deals on Educents.com yet? I have ordered from them several times and am always so happy with the products (Life of Fred!) and the price. They are a wonderful company, and I have nothing but positives to say about my experiences with them. 

Heads up! I wanted you to know that for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, everyone gets an extra 10% off the already discounted educational gifts, PLUS free shipping on all orders. FREE shipping on top of the discounts?!? Yes, please!


Educents Black Friday

Educational Toys and Games

Magformers

These colorful tiles click together magnetically to form shapes like sea creatures, vehicles, dinosaurs and more! While playing, kids will develop motor skills, explore geometric concepts, and get a crash course on engineering! For ages 6 to 13.
Magformers - Educents
Buy Now
“This toy is perfect for a birthday or Christmas gift! My 8-year-old (who has decided that this is his new favorite activity) has already asked for another set so that they can build even more amazing creations!” -Gena, I Choose Joy!

“Sometimes, when I need to get some work done, I find an educational video for the kids to watch. I didn’t need to with the Magformers! They were totally occupied all evening. I even had to tear them away at 9 p.m. to go to bed. :)” -Yvonne C.

Peel, Play and Learn - Buy one get one free!

These fabric stickers are an interactive way to learn about concepts like the solar system, geography, science, time, and money. The reusable stickers will allow you to bring your lessons to any room in the house! Even transport lessons using your the car window! For ages 5 to 10.
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Buy Now
"This is an extremely useful, hands-on method of learning about the human body that all kids need to learn." -Gena, I Choose Joy!

Magic School Bus Science Experiments Subscription

Give a gift that keeps on giving. Your kiddo will receive a new science experiment at his or her doorstep every month for a year! Includes experiments exploring concepts like bacteria, the human body, magnets, stars, planets, volcanos, and more! For ages 5 to 12.

Educents-Magic-School-Bus-Science-Club
Buy Now
"What I like about this is we can open up a science kit, turn to a lesson page, and jump right in to that hand-ons activity. It helps me feel like a “fun mom” because we’re doing a science activity, and I didn’t have the stress or mess of pulling it all together. That’s what I call a homeschool mom win!" -Jamerrill, Free Homeschool Deals

“We recently ordered this set to be delivered to us and we love them! The science experiments are grouped in themed science activities that my kids love! I set up a curriculum to go through the scientific process with the hypothesis, tests and theories. I feel this is perfect as a hands on activity to supplement the worksheets we download from other sellers.” - Sasha B.

uKloo Riddle Edition Treasure Hunt Game

Disguised as a treasure hunt, this multi-award winning children's literacy game gets kids physically active as they read clues and search to find a hidden surprise. There's even a Picture Helper poster to look up words when kids get stuck! For ages 5 to 8.
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Buy Now
“This game is so much fun! My boys love scavenger hunts, and when they help them practice reading - that's even better. We've played this game several times and it never gets boring. I love letting one kid be in charge of the game and set it up for the other boys.” - Lisa Marie F.

Suspend Game

Suspend by Melissa & Doug is a hands-on game that involves the entire family. Players take turns adding rubber-tipped wire pieces to a tabletop stand. Can you add all your game pieces without making it fall? For ages 8 and up.
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Buy Now
“We always have trouble finding gifts that kids and grown ups can play together. This is it! Challenging for everyone, but easy enough, kids can try... and sometimes even do better.” - Marie V.

Coloring Books for All Ages

Six coloring books filled with some of the most amazing and beautiful designs! Give them all to your favorite little artist to keep them entertained all year. Or, separate into multiple gifts for kids in your family! For ages 5+.

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Buy Now
 

Super Science Holiday Bundle

Give your favorite young scientist the gift of science fun and learning this holiday season with this exciting holiday Super Bundle! For ages 5 to 12.

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Buy Now

Subscriptions

1-Year Magic School Bus Science Experiments Subscription

Give a gift that keeps on giving. Your kiddo will receive a new science experiment at his or her doorstep every month for a year! Includes experiments exploring concepts like bacteria, the human body, magnets, stars, planets, volcanos, and more! For ages 5 to 12.
0c3f57ce-c343-4f82-985b-395592c25312_1
Buy Now
"What I like about this is we can open up a science kit, turn to a lesson page, and jump right in to that hand-ons activity. It helps me feel like a “fun mom” because we’re doing a science activity, and I didn’t have the stress or mess of pulling it all together. That’s what I call a homeschool mom win!" -Jamerrill, Free Homeschool Deals

“We recently ordered this set to be delivered to us and we love them! The science experiments are grouped in themed science activities that my kids love! I set up a curriculum to go through the scientific process with the hypothesis, tests and theories. I feel this is perfect as a hands on activity to supplement the worksheets we download from other sellers.” - Sasha B.

3-Month STEM Experiments Subscription

Groovy Lab in a Box is full of everything a child needs to learn about and do hands on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiments. Each box activates thinking, questioning, inquiring, and original creation as it guides children through the “scientific inquiry and engineering design process.” For ages 8 to 12.
groovy_lab_in_a_box_collage2gl1_8a95

Buy Now

1-Year Online Language Course Subscription

Choose from 12 language for your kiddo to learn over the course of 12 months. This program covers everyday topics using videos, pictures, basic words, and interactive exercises. For ages 5 to 9.
petralingua_pl_1_main_3dd5_1
Buy Now
"After each of the vocabulary videos, there are a bunch of fun games that your children can play to practice what they learned. The games really help children remember the words and are easy to do. It makes a big difference for children to have the opportunity to practice their vocabulary! ..." -Multilingual Living

Netflix for Children's eBooks

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Buy Now
Parents and teachers love this "Netflix for Children's Books." FarFaria offers over 1000 ebooks for your children. Each story comes to your mobile device as a colorfully illustrated book that they can flip through, read on their own, or have read to them. For ages 2 to 9.

 "I introduced FarFaria to my kindergarten students last year and they LOVED it! In fact, they begged for reading time! During reading time on FarFaria they were focused and engaged on reading. As a teacher I love the features in FarFaria including reading levels listed for each book. My favorite feature is that the text highlights word by word as it is read. This is so helpful for budding readers. Most reading apps highlight a sentence at a time which doesn't help with specific word identification. FarFaria is the best reading app and well worth the cost!" -Amy B.

History Unboxed Subscription

History Unboxed Educents

History lessons should be fun! Each monthly box comes with an interactive timeline, coloring comic strip, time capsule, and instructions on the lesson. By taking part in the activities, they'll learn directly about the ancient world that they're reading about. For ages 5-19 or 10-15.
Buy Now

"History Unboxed was a lot of fun to open with my children. My older son couldn't get enough of the activities, and I love that this subscription box does such a great job at exposing my kids to history. If your kid is between ages 5-13 and they love history, you should definitely try this out." - Ariana.

Curriculum

Wars Around the World Lapbook Package

Infuse some hands-on fun into your history of war lessons, and get a HUGE discount! Among the 11 downloadable lapbooks includes materials to teach everything from the War of 1812 to the American Revolution, and both World Wars. For ages 5 to 15.
knowledge_box_central_eduwars_6ce1Buy Now


"Our family fell in love with lapbooks a few years ago! I love how they engage each of my children in the material and give them a completed project at the end for future reference. Then when they are done with that unit or book they have a resource to look back on for questions later on." Kris, Book Wishes

Dr. Bonyfide Books

Dr. Bonyfide Books are colorful workbooks that make learning the names and functions of the bones easy. These stories bridge the gap between simplistic introductions to the body and dry textbooks. Young readers join Dr. Bonyfide and his friend Pinky Le Darpals on a whimsical, step-by-step journey through the bones of the hand, arm, shoulder, foot, leg, and pelvis. The workbooks include puzzles and quizzes! For ages 7 to 13.
Bonyfide Educents
Buy Now

Ultimate K-12 Curriculum Guide


Ultimate K-12 Curriculum Guide


completecurriculum
Buy Now

"I have been homeschooling since 2002 and I am currently homeschooling the two youngest of six. I've tried a LOT of homeschool curriculum products over the years, and quite frankly this is the best value available in a secular curriculum package and it's easy on the parent. I'm homeschooling two kids and it's very easy to have them read the lesson and complete the assignments independently, then later the teacher's guides make it easy on me to review their work and correct it. The content is interesting and relates to the real world in a way that makes sense to the kids, especially the math problems. You also can't beat the price. I'm shocked that this curriculum isn't better known. You will pay a lot more for comparable products that won't have the quality this one has, and I've done the research and spent the money to be able to say that with authority." - Judith

 "I purchased Kindergarten math and language arts for my daughter and we have had a great experience with it. She is learning so much. I supplement with lots of hands-on activities so she doesn't burn out on worksheets."- Educents customer

Musical Instruments

Violin Starter Kit

Perfect for beginners, this Violin Starter Set by eMedia contains everything you need to play the violin. What’s more, it includes a great teacher, the award-winning eMedia My Violin interactive Win/Mac CD-ROM. For ages 5 and up. 
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Buy Now

"Yippee!!!!! I wish I took a picture of my son's face. I'm so grateful I saw this when I did." -Tawana

Ladybug Guitar Starter Pack

This perfect all-in-one package contains everything a musician needs to start playing guitar today! After following the video lessons, your guitarist's hits will be flying up the charts. For ages 5 to 12.
Ladybug Guitar
Buy Now
"Great guitar for my DD. She wanted to learn how to play the guitar like her father, and she is really getting into it. I would recommend this for any little boy or girl who is interested in learning to play the guitar." - Karen W.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Educents is offering an extra discount and free shipping on DOZENS of educational products on Black Friday! Check out all the great products to see what's on your list.


Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This simply means that when you choose to purchase through my links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Veterans Day FREEBIE



For those of us in the United States, Veterans Day is tomorrow, November 11. Do you normally commemorate this day with your kids? Whether you have taken time to do so in the past or not, I have a special Veterans Day FREEBIE to share with you. The work has all been done for you. All you have to do is click. 

And I highly recommend checking out the Veterans Day commemorations going on in your town or city. I have taken my kids to these events in the past, and they are very meaningful and help us to connect with the veterans in our community. The vets are thrilled that we are there, as there usually aren't many, if any, other children who attend. We've had some special conversations, and it is always a joy and an honour to say "thank you" to those warriors who have served to keep this land free.


Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!



Saturday, October 31, 2015

How I'm Using Spiral Notebooks in Our Homeschool


When I think back over the past 13 years of homeschooling, I have to laugh at all the planners and systems that I've tried. Are you the same way? Don't get me wrong, some of them have been great for a particular season in our lives. And then something else would work for awhile. There truly are so many great resources out there. I think you just have to find what works for you. 

This year, I decided to go with some simple. So simple, in fact, that you may think I'm a little nuts for not thinking of it before. I mentioned last week in my "Friday Faves" post that one of my favourite things right now is using spiral notebooks in our homeschool this year. I give huge thanks to Sarah McKenzie for her post earlier this year, How I'm Using Spiral Notebooks to Simplify Homeschooling. I think it was mainly the word 'simplify' that caught my eye. I do not need any more complications in my life, and especially when it comes to our homeschool. So, I thought I'd share some of my original planning from the end of the summer and how things have progressed these past two months.

I started out with my own personal spiral notebook which I used/use for making a master list for the school plans, a master list of meals for menu planning, a list of ideas for field trips, a list of ideas for read-aloud books, etc.




I also use it as I'm planning Ava's Beyond Five In A Row and Maya's Five In A Row lessons . . . 




Okay, so unlike Sarah, I do the actual writing out of the plans every morning. It's just personal preference for me. Planning school is not something I usually want to think about in the evenings, so mornings work well for me. It really is a simple process and only takes a few minutes. 

I include any and all chores I want them to accomplish that day, and then I list their school assignments, "brain breaks", and their extra-curricular classes and activities for that particular day. I know from their check marks what needs to be carried over to the next day. 


This system has worked SO well for us. The consistency level is high this year, and I am very pleased. I think the older I get the more ADD tendencies I display (ha!), so this simple spiral notebook plan has done the trick for me. The kids all seem to be settled and steady in their progress this year. They like the routine and look forward to checking off those boxes each day.

Blessings and love. xo

Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you!