TOS Review ~ George Washington Carver DVD ~ Marshall Publishing

Think you know all about George Washington Carver? Well, even if you do you will enjoy this DVD about his life and work. Marshall Publishing has created this educational DVD as well as many other educational DVDs.
About the DVD:
~approximately 30 minutes
~regular price $24.95 (Sale Price $19.95 with Discount Code TOSC1 $16.95) +S&H
~Covers Carver's entire life, including work in agriculture and horticulture
~Age: while young children (under about 2nd grade or so) would not understand the content the DVD is family friendly
~Item # KVFD-16

Other Products:
~Animal DVD's
~Jets and Planes DVD's
~Trains DVD's
~Much More!

Our Thoughts:
This video is very well done. I loved how the beginning was in the first person, as if being read from his diary. The photography was beautiful and from what I know of Carver the content was accurate. The only thing that would hold me back from purchasing this product is the price. Unlike the Lots and Lots of Fire Songs and Safety DVD that will be watch MANY times in our house, this DVD will only be watched a handful of times.

Click here to read what my Crew Mates are saying about Marshall Publishing's George Washington Carver DVD and Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks DVD and Book Combo!

{Disclaimer: I received this product from Marshall Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.}

Workbox Wednesday ~ Link Up Your Workboxes

This week I am sharing Ladybug's K/1 workboxes!

Today I was actually able to snap some photos as she worked.

Note: {I have to pick my battles with her so I usually let her choose WHEN during the day she wants to do her work. Also, her math and writing papers are sloppy but the PURPOSE of the paper was not number formation or how neatly she can color. If the PURPOSE is met then I try to let the other stuff slide for now. She is only 5 and is ahead of most of her peers so I try not to push things with her and try to let her have a little fun.}

In the first picture she is playing Ooka Island (look for a review coming next week).
The next two pictures are from First Start Reading and are the Word Mastery Review pages at the end of Book A (look for a review coming very soon).
The 4th picture is page 51 (sums with 9) of 1st grade Math Mammoth (I am not reviewing it but my Crew Mates are).
The last picture is from WriteShop Book A and the focus is punctuation.

TOS Review ~ Introduction to Literature (Everyday Education)

Everyday Education is a great resource for anyone homeschooling High School or any one planning on homeschooling through High School! Unicorn and I have been blessed to review Introduction to Literature. The first of 5 courses in  Everyday Education's  Excellence in Literature series.

About Introduction to Literature:~Grades 8-12~Available in Print ($29+S&H) or E-book ($27)~College Preparatory~Honor's Option~Literature and Composition~Includes Novels, Short Stories, Poems and Drama~Students will analyze works by completing essays, approach papers and more~Sample Papers Included~Paper/Essay Grading Rubrics~Links to Short Stories included~Novels to be purchased separately (many are available free via e-readers)
From the Website:By the end of the course, students will:

• Understand the process of writing, including the use of tools such as a writer’s handbook, dictionary, and thesaurus.
• Have specific understanding of selected representative texts by major authors of the periods studied.
• Have a general understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the works.
• Be able to analyze literary texts and present thoughtfully developed ideas in writing.
• Demonstrate competence in essay organization, style, and mechanics.

Unit 1: Short Stories by- 
• Sarah Orne Jewett: A White Heron
• Edgar Allen Poe: The Purloined Letter (This one is not scary, if you're concerned about that.)
• Guy de Maupassant: The Diamond Necklace
• O. Henry: The Ransom of Red Chief
• Eudora Welty: A Worn Path
• James Thurber: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Unit 2: Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne 
Honors: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Unit 3: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
Honors: The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

Unit 4: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 
Honors: Shirley or Villette by Charlotte Brontë

Unit 5: Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw 
Honors: Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot

Unit 6: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Honors: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Unit 7: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Honors: 1984 by George Orwell

Unit 8: The Tempest by William Shakespeare 
Honors: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare

Unit 9: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Honors: The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

*Texts listed are focus texts only. Context readings are also included.
Other Products:~Transcripts Made Easy~Conquer the Test- SAT Prep~Grammar Made Easy~Spelling Made Easy~Workshops, Articles, and MUCH more!
Our Thoughts:I really like this product. Now, keep in mind that Unicorn will be 12 in February and is in the 6th Grade. She is an excellent reader and writer. She reads at a High School level and writes above grade level as well. Excellence in Literature is definitely for students at the High School level. We didn't get as far into the text as I would have liked but it was far enough to know that we will continue using it. I love that the format is flexible enough to be a 1-year curriculum or to go at your own pace. You can also do the units in any order you like. I also like that there are sample papers as well as formats for the papers so parents and students will know exactly how to do the papers and what is expected in each one. While I am going through this text with Unicorn (because of her age), it is geared toward the student and encourages independent learning. Compared to my Honor's English Courses this course (even if you don't do the honors option) is much more comprehensive and is very much like my College courses. Unicorn is enjoying this course as well. She likes reading novels and writing papers that challenge her.
Click here to see what my Crew Mates thought of Introduction to Literature!
{Disclaimer: I received the e-book version of Introduction to Literature in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and I received no other compensation.}

Terrific Tuesday!

Here it is! Another freebie courtesy of MyMemories! Don't have their fabulous software? You can enter my giveaway or purchase it and save $10 using this code STMMMS80543. With the code you also get a $10 coupon for the MyMemories Store!

Click the image to get the freebie!

Image link not working? Click here!

TOS Review ~ LOTS and LOTS of FIRE TRUCKS and FIREFIGHTERS BOOK and SAFETY SONGS DVD!

Do your children love Fire Trucks? Are you doing a unit on Fire Safety? Even if you answered "No" to these questions you may want to stick around for this review as Marshall Publishing has TONS of other products that your children will LOVE!

I was given the opportunity to review the Lots & Lots of Fire Safety Songs DVD and Fire Truck Book Combo regular price $49.90 (sale at time of writing $29.95 with the coupon code at the bottom of this post $19.95 plus S&H)! I will start with the DVD.
About the Lots & Lots of Fire Songs and Safety Tips DVD:~Approximately 30 minutes~Age: Any (Very Family Friendly)!~Cost if purchased separately $24.95 (at the time of this writing sale priced at $19.95)~2 sections (a 12 minutes of fire safety information and then some fun songs and other short videos segments)~Play All or choose individual segments from the menu~Segments include:     *Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks     *Call 911     *Fireman Jim's Safety Tips     *Stop, Drop and Roll     *Your Home Safety Plan     *It's an Emergency     *Heroes Brave and Tall     *Great Big Fire Trucks     *Fire Trucks in Action
About the Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks and Firefighters Book:~124 Pages~Paperback~Age: Any (Very Family Friendly)~Cost if purchased separately $24.95 (at the time of this writing sale priced at $14.95)~Lots of Full color photographs~Chapters Include:*Meet Firefighter Joe*Firefighter's Tools & Equipment*Rescue Vehicles*Fire Fighting Facts*Fire Science Basics*Fire Prevention Week*Fire Prevention & Safety Tips*What is a Firefighter?*Firefighters in Action*Words of the Firefighter*Old Time Firefighter's Alphabet*Classic Fire House Traditions*History of Fire Trucks & Fire Fighting*Antique Fire Trucks*Greatest Fires in History*Firefighting Timeline*Fire House Museums*Cool Fire Related Websites*Lots and Lots of Fire Trucks Sing-a-Long Song Lyrics

Other Products:~Various Educational and Entertaining Books, Audio CD's and DVD's~American Railroads~History of the Mississippi River~George Washington Carver (click here for reviews)~Lewis & Clark~Lots & Lots of Trains~Click here for all Marshall Publishing products
Our Thoughts:~Monkey (age 3.5 years) has watched this DVD too many times to count! He also asks for the book to be read to him. He loves to look at the pictures.~Ladybug (age 5.5 years) loves the DVD and all the songs! She also enjoys looking through the book.~Unicorn (age 11.75 years) loves the DVD but really loves all the information and photos in the book.~Even dad and I enjoyed the DVD. I like that there is a LOT of music to go with all the information. The book is great. Tons of awesome information and even ideas on where to go to get more great information (a homeschoolers dream right?!)! The only thing I was disappointed about was the length of the DVD...my kids are always so bummed that it is over!
To ORDER and COUPON CODE:~Call Toll Free 888-300-3455 (9A-7P CST)~www.marshallpub.com or www.firesafetysongs.com~Libraries or Institutions should email info@marshallpublishinginc.com~Get the Lots & Lots of Fire Safety Songs DVD and Fire Truck Book Combo for $19.95 (plus S&H) with coupon code TOSF1
Click here to see what my Crew Mates think of the Lots & Lots of Fire Safety Songs DVD and Fire Truck Book Combo and the George Washington Carver DVD.
{Disclaimer: I received this product from Marshall Publishing in exchange for my honest opinions. No other compensation was received.}

Homeschool Mother's Journal ~ October 21, 2011

In my life this week…we put an offer in on two houses. We are the backup offer on one of them.

In our homeschool this week…we have been plugging right along! We are 81 days into our school year.

Monkey rowed {BFIAR} Ask Mr. Bear.

Ladybug read her first few stories BY HERSELF!

Unicorn is gearing up for NaNoWriMo. Her goal last year was 5,000 words and she surpassed that goal with 6,000+ words. I think we will set a goal for 7,500 words this year!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…tonight am joining a 150+ crafty ladies in the Phoenix area for The Glitter Academy! Should be fun!

My favorite thing this week was…Ladybug reading!

What’s working/not working for us…reviewing for the TOS Crew (see my tab above)! We are being blessed with so many wonderful products!

Things I’m working on…scrapbooking...again...finally! I am so hooked on digital scrapbooking! See the photos below to see what else we are doing with the MyMemories Software!

I’m reading…a few books that I need to pre-read for Unicorn for a product we are reviewing.

I’m grateful for…family.

I’m praying for…one of the offers on the houses to be accepted!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

We Choose Virtues ~ Review & GIVEAWAY!

I don't know about you but one of the challenges of raising children is teaching them what good person is and how to be one. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon We Choose Virtues and was instantly impressed. I was so impressed that I did something I have never done before. I contacted a company and asked if I could review their product! Not only did Heather (the owner of We Choose Virtues) allow me to review a couple of their products she is also allowing me to giveaway these products! Read on to learn more about We Choose Virtues and to enter the giveaway (and to find some awesome coupon codes)!
What is We Choose Virtues?~ Asimple, effective, affordable tool to help build character! ~12 Virtues in the Early Childhood/Elementary Version (Diligent, Helpful, Perserverant, Gentle, Content, Attentive, Honest, Kind, Self-Controlled, Patient, Obedient, Forgiving). ~A Youth set with 9 virtues in Volume 1 and 9 more to come in Volume 2~Community (without Scripture) and Faith-based (with Scripture~NIrV) versions


I was given the Teacher's Virtue Cards ~ family version ($34.99):

These cards are high-quality...bright pictures and 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches.
The cards include several things. First, and my favorite, is using the "I am" statement (ex. I am Content). This gives the child ownership of the Virtue. It is not something they hope to be or wish they were. Second, the catchphrase, or definition. The catchphrase for "I am Content" is "I have my Wanter under control". Third is the antonym, or what the virtue is NOT. "I am Content" is "I am NOT...bored, greedy or always wanting more and I don't beg or whine!" Fourth is the adorable characters or Virtue Kids! The Virtue Kid for "I am Content" is Cake Jake. Jake rhymes with Cake and both Cake and Content begin with "C"! The Faith-based Virtue tools also include a scripture. The Scripture for "I am Content" is Psalm 131:2.  And that is just on the front. 
The back is loaded with tips on how to teach and reinforce the Virtues. There is a Challenge, how to apologize, games/activities and a little story about the Virtue Kid!  
There is also a 13th card with caterpillars (Virtues to Improve), butterflies (Virtues that they are doing well) and a magnifying glass (to help them remember to look for Virtues in themselves and others).
I was also given the Kids Virtue Poster (retail $19.99 currently $14.99):

The poster is full color 11x17 and includes all 12 Virtues, Virtue Kids, Catchphrases and Antonyms! I bought an inexpensive poster frame and hung this poster on our wall! The kids love it! They are able to go to the poster at anytime and remind themselves of what they should be doing. Ladybug (age 5) who is just starting to read, can find the Virtue she is looking for because the Virtue Kid is right there. This lets her be independent even though she can't read all the words yet! Even Monkey (age 3) is starting to catch on!

Our Thoughts:

We love this program! We love it so much that I also bought The Three Rules Poster ($11.99), The Teacher's Handbook ($4.99), Virtue Kids Coloring Book ($1) and The Personal Virtue Charts ($3.99 sale $2.99)! The only thing we do differently is we use the King James Version of the Bible to look up the scriptures. This is only because that is the version of the Bible we prefer and our children are used to the KJV.

Other Products:

~Flashcards ($19.99)

~Posters of each individual Virtue ($11.99/ea.)

~Youth Mentor Program 

~Various Kits

Current Coupon Codes:

VIRTUE15 15% total purchase (no expiration date set)

OURHOUSE $15 off (Oct. and Nov. only) the NEW Family Kit ~faith based (includes: Teacher's Virtue Cards, The Kids Virtue Poster, The Three Rules Poster and the Flashcards. Add-on the Coloring book at no cost too)!

FAMILY $3 off the Kids Virtue Poster (no expiration date set)

also the Coloring Book Vol. 1 is FREE for the remainder of October (no code needed)!

Now, on to the really good stuff! Use the Rafflecopter form to enter to win The Teacher's Virtue Cards and the Kids Virtue Poster!

{Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of the Teacher's Virtue Cards and the Kids Virtue Poster in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no other compensation. Some links are affiliate links...any money earned through these links helps us buy curriculum for homeschooling.}

Workbox Wednesday

This week I'm sharing Unicorn's 6th Grade Workboxes:

1. Religion: The October Friend, 9th Article of Faith
2. We Choose Virtues: Attentive (Reivew & Giveaway coming tomorrow!)
3. History: Lesson 27 of The Mystery of History: Gideon
4. Math: Life of Fred: Butterflies Chapter 15
5. Literature: Intro. to Lit. writing the summary for her Approach Paper
6. Latin: Lesson 8C of Visual Latin (use code OCT$10 for $10 off purchase ends Oct. 21)
7. Science: Handsome Horses from Amanda Bennett's Download 'N Go series
8. Chores and Cleaning her Room!!!!!
9. Bonus: If she is Attentive today I am going to let her make a scrapbook page for History using MyMemories Software! She has been begging me for days to teach her how to use the program. Click here for more information on the software and to enter to win it!

TOS Review ~ Wits & Wagers Family (North Star Games)

Ok...I have to be honest. We are NOT big board game people around here. We love the games we just don't get them out very often. So, naturally, I am not hyped when we get games to review. However, this game is different! It is so easy to play and fast paced that we pulled it out to play even after I had enough information to review it.

What is it?Wits & Wagers Family by NorthStar Games. This game is so easy to play. You ask a question. Write down your best guess on a mini whiteboard. After everyone writes their guess you turn all the mini whiteboards over and put them in order from least to greatest. Then you place your "Meeples" on the mini whiteboard you think is the right answer. You have 2 "Meeples", a large one and a small one. You can put them both on one mini whiteboard or split them up. Then the answer is read. The mini whiteboard with the closest number (all answers are numbers) without going over is the correct answer. Points are awarded for the winning answer, and for each "Meeple" placed. Points are tallied on dry erase scoreboard. Winner is the first person/team to reach 15 points (which doesn't take long when you have the potential to receive 3-4 points for each question).
What is in the Box?~150 question cards (with 2 questions per card)~5 dry erase boards~5 dry erase pens~5 large Meeples~5 small Meeples~1 dry erase score board~1 full color rules
Other Important Information:~price may vary as it is available online and various realtors ~Ages 8+ (however my 5 year old had a BLAST playing as part of a team)~3-10 players~2 minutes to learn~about 20 minutes to play
Other Games by NorthStar Games:~Wits & Wagers (the original)~Wits & Wagers expansion pack~Say Anything (the original)~Say Anything Family (coming very soon)
Our Thoughts:Daddy: "It was fun. I like that it doesn't take long to play."Unicorn (Age 11): "It was fun. I like that it doesn't matter if you guess the right answer."Ladybug (Age 5): "I like writing down the numbers Daddy tells me and putting the Meeples on the boards."Me: "I like that it is easy to learn, play, set-up and take-down. We don't need to plan when we are going to play this game." 
Click here to read what my Crew Mates are saying about NorthStar Games.
{Disclaimer: I received Wits & Wagers Family in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation.}

Terrific Tuesday

It's Terrific Tuesday! Time for some free digital scrapbook pages!

The Scrapbook pages come courtesy of MyMemories. You don't have to have MyMemories Software to use the pages (it will work with other programs) but MyMemories is a great program that is EASY to use (and I have a coupon code for you...$10 off MyMemories Software and after you purchase you get a $10 coupon code to use in their store)!

Coupon Code STMMMS80543

Or you can click here to enter to win the software!

Here is this week's Terrific Tuesday freebie (click on the photo to download):

Don't forget to come back next Tuesday for more Free Scrapbook pages!

MyMemories Software ~ Rafflecopter Giveaway

A few weeks ago I was blessed to win a copy of MyMemories Software. I have since been in contact with the owners of MyMemories and they have generous enough to allow me to give away a copy of MyMemories Software to one of you!
MyMemories is easy to use and very versatile. Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile may have noticed some changes here. Well, my banner, background, button, signature, etc. were ALL created using MyMemories Software! I have also made some really cute scrapbook pages!

In addition to helping make great scrapbook pages, MyMemories Software can add Audio and Video to your digital scrapbook and then share it in multiple formats.

 In a Nutshell:
~$39.97
~Download Available worldwide (English only)
~CD Software Available in US and Canada only
~Windows 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later
~Tech Support Available
~Frequent Blog, Facebook and Twitter tips, challenges and giveaways
~Easy to Use
~Make more than just Scrapbook pages!
~You can use content from sources other than MyMemories
~other products include Wedding Studio and Photobook Studio
~Weekly Deals, Dollar Store and Freebies make it easy to get a large variety of papers and embellishments quickly and inexpensively.


My Thoughts:
I have wanted this software for over a year and I am so pleased with it! I am enjoying all the scrapbooking fun with No Messy Clean Up! I also like that I can change things even after I save and share. I have been able to incorporate tips from other MyMemories users by sharing my pages on the MyMemories Facebook page and asking for ideas!


Bonus Information:
~If you don't win use code STMMMS80543 to receive $10 off the software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories Store.
~When you "Like" MyMemories on Facebook you will not only get a bonus entry for my giveaway but MyMemories is giving away and iPad2 when they reach 10,000 Facebook Likes (at the time of my writing this post they were over 6,000)!
~Every Tuesday I have a post called Terrific Tuesday and you will get a link to a FREE MyMemories download! So come back Tuesday! ;)

{Disclaimer: I won the MyMemories Software from another blogger. I agreed to write this review in exchange for the opportunity for one of my readers to win the software. All opinions are my own and no compensation was received.}
Now on to the Giveaway!

Homeschool Mother's Journal ~ October 14, 2011

In my life this week…I cleaned house (and the garage), visited with a friend who was visiting from Texas, went house hunting (we walked through 10 houses), wrote product review, did laundry (my nemesis) and played games with my kids!

In our homeschool this week…we took the week off! Daddy is off for fall break (he teaches High School Math) so we took the week off of school and tried to catch up on all the other stuff that needed to get done.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…hubby and I are going to the Mesa Temple and to Texas Roadhouse for dinner tomorrow. We will be celebrating our 7th Anniversary! The kids are going to hang out with grandma!

My favorite thing this week was…catching up with an old friend!

Things I’m working on…a couple giveaways (2 next week)! ;)

I’m praying for…one of our offers to be accepted so we will finally know where we are moving at the end of the year.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…our edible map of Egypt.

Educational and Yummy!

TOS Review ~ e-Mealz

Do you plan your meals each week? 
Make a shopping list? 
Ever get tired of the same old meals week after week? 
Wish someone would plan your meals for you and write your shopping list for you? 
Guess what...e-Mealz may be your answer. For just $5 a month you e-Mealz will create a weekly menu (7 meals), recipes and a shopping list for you. Not only that...they estimate the price of each item so you will have a pretty good idea of how much you will be spending on groceries!
So, how does e-Mealz work? It is actually pretty easy:

Yep...just 1, 2, 3! 
In a nutshell:~$5/month (paid as $15 every 3 months)~WIDE variety of meal plans (stores, dietary restrictions, number of servings, etc.)~prints on just 2 sheets of paper (or you could save paper by printing front to back)~recipes are included on the printout~estimated prices included~5 or 7 meals depending on the plan chosen (except for the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas when they have only 4 meals)~login to website weekly to get new menu plan

Our Thoughts:This was a great product to review! Meals were getting a little boring around here. We were getting tired of our regular menus and hubby was getting tired of cooking the same things every week. With e-Mealz we are trying new things, eating healthier, saving money and time and hubby is enjoying cooking again! We went with the regular plan for 4-6 people. Our kids are picky eaters and probably eat the equivalent of 1 person between the 3 of them. With 7 meal options we were able to find 4-5 meals each week that our family would enjoy which is perfect as there are also a lot of left-overs for lunches and other meals during the week. Overall this is a really great product and our family is enjoying the meals and not having to think about what is for dinner every night. The ONLY thing I would like to see done is to have an email sent out each week when the new menu is posted.
I really meant to get more photos of the meals but the meals always looked and smelt so good that I would forget to grab the camera before we ate it all! :) Here are a couple photos I did manage to remember to snap! The first is German French Toast and the second is a Pepperoni Loaf.


Click here to see what my Crew Mates thought of e-Mealz!
{Disclaimer: I recieved a 3-month subscription to e-Mealz in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was recieved.}

Terrific Tuesday ~ A Day Late

Yes, I know it's Wednesday but Terrific Tuesday is going to be posing regularly and Tuesday is my light day for posts! So, what is Terrific Tuesday? Terrific Tuesday is when you get free digital scrapbook pages! What...this is a homeschooling blog?!? I will justify it by saying that we make a LOT of memories while homeschooling and one way to keep track of and remember these memories is to Scrapbook.

The Scrapbook pages come courtesy of MyMemories. You don't have to have MyMemories Software to use the pages (it will work with other programs) but MyMemories is a great program that is EASY to use (and I have a coupon code for you...$10 off MyMemories software and after you purchase you get a $10 coupon code to use in their store)!

Coupon Code STMMMS80543

Here is this week's Terrific Tuesday freebie (click on the photo to download):

Don't forget to comeback next Tuesday for another Freebie!

TOS Review ~ Always IceCream

Always IceCream is a wonderful, safe, fun, educational, virtual community for girls ages 7 to 12. Girls have the opportunity to explore educational content in a safe, monitored environment. 
How it Works:Basically, girls login and choose which game they would like to play. As they answer questions correctly they are rewarded with Scoops. Scoops are redeemed for pets, pet supplies and decorations for their homes in MiniWorld. 
 Details:~Tiered Membership from $4.99/month (currently first month is $0.99) to $99.99 for a lifetime membership.~Parents able to able/disable Learning Community (messaging other girls) as well as other subjects.~Supplemental to Core Curriculum~Safe: Content and Communication are monitored~Many subjects (basic and advanced math, geography, science, language arts, typing, Christian educational content and more (each can be disabled by parent).~How it's Made and How-to videos~Girls earn Scoops  to use as currency. Scoops can by virtual pets, food, toys, homes or to decorate their homes on MiniWorld.~Girls Ages 7-12 (Could be used for younger/older girls at parent's discretion).~Can be purchased as a gift for granddaughters or nieces!
Our Thoughts:Unicorn really enjoys Always IceCream. She loves earning scoops and taking care of her pets. Her favorite way to earn scoops is by watching the How-to and How it's Made videos. Her only complaint is that there are not enough of these videos!  :)
I like Always IceCream as a way to motivate her to do her other work (especially Math). She knows that once she has finished her assignments she can "play" on Always IceCream. I really like that it is a safe moderated educational environment that I can manipulate. Everything is educational in nature and I can disable anything I don't want her doing. For example, I did not allow her into the Learning Community. It is not something I am comfortable with as we don't know anyone in "real life" that is using Always IceCream. I also disabled advanced math because I don't want her to be frustrated on this site. I also like that I can give her Scoops for cleaning her room, being kind to her siblings, etc. If you are looking for a safe, educational, online environment for your daughter you should definitely check out Always IceCream!
Click here to see what my Crew Mates thought of Always IceCream.
{Disclaimer: I received a lifetime membership for my daughter in exchange for an honest review. I received no other compensation.}

Workbox Wednesday ~ Link-up

Hubby is on Fall Break (he's a High School Math teacher) this week so we are spending the week getting "caught up".  Here is what we are doing instead of workboxes this week:
Monday we did laundry and straightened up the garage. 
Tuesday I left the kids with Hubby and went to visit with a couple friends that I haven't seen for a couple of years. 
Today we are house hunting. 
Tomorrow I will be writing reviews and the kiddos will be using some of the products we are reviewing. 
Friday is currently unplanned.
Saturday is our 7th wedding anniversary! To start the day we will be participating in our Church service project (cleaning our city streets). Then, after showers and breakfast, we will drop the kids off at Grandma's house and head to the Mesa Temple and then to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.
When you link-up please grab a button and/or link back here. Thank you! 

TOS Review ~ Visual Latin

Unicorn (age 11) LOVES Latin. It is her favorite subject. Before we received the download version of the first 10 lessons of Visual Latin to review we were using another wonderful Latin program. It is great BUT, it is lacking a little something. It is lacking the elements that Dwane Thomas includes in Visual Latin.


Visual Latin is a series of SHORT videos taught by a REAL person using humor and real life to teach Latin. The videos range from 2 to 10 minutes in length. Dwane is the instructor. He is funny (no really, he is), he makes mistakes and he is honest. Students who are struggling with Latin may benefit from these key elements of Visual Latin. Using humor, students are set at ease. Short videos mean less boredom. What do you mean he makes mistakes?!? Just that, he is human and makes mistakes and he doesn't edit them out. He uses his mistakes to help you feel comfortable with your own mistakes. His honesty is also a great benefit. He tells you that parts of Latin are hard and that it will take a while to learn them! Again, you are put at ease that you don't have it all mastered at the end of the video!


Nuts & Bolts:
*Ages 9+ (children need to be able to read)
*2 levels - Latin 1 and Latin 2 (Lessons 1-40 are currently available the remaining 41-60 are due out during the 2011-2012 school year)
*each level is 30 lessons (1 per week)
*each lesson has 3 parts (1 per day)
*worksheets included (most lessons have a worksheet to follow the video)
*available via download or DVD (downloads work on MAC and PC using iTunes as well as iPod, iPhone and iPad)
*need to supplement to count as High School credit
*Latin 1 DVD is currently $80 (or $30 if purchased unbundled)
*Latin 1 Download $75 (download 10 lessons at a time $25)
*Latin 2 DVD $30 (lessons 31-40)
*Latin 2 Download $25 (lessons 31-40)
*Christian (the reading portions for the lessons reviewed are the creation story)
*Downloads are stored on Visual Latin website (you can download them as needed)
*Very little teacher prep (print the worksheets and then download lessons or pop in the DVD)

How it Works (Download Version):Prep: Download the lesson. Print the worksheets. Day 1: Play lesson 1 part A (grammar lesson). Do worksheet. Day 2: Play lesson 1 part B (sentences). Do worksheet.Day 3: Play lesson 1 part C (reading). Do worksheet.Repeat next week with next lesson! Very easy! 
Other Products:*Online Courses*Modern Parables*JAM (Jesus-And-Me) Films*Music*more
Our Thoughts:Unicorn and I REALLY like it! Visual Latin would be great for the beginner, anyone preferring a "teacher" and those who learn best using a "listen/see-say-write" method. Also, if you are using a Latin curriculum that doesn't explain gender, singular/plural, etc. then Visual Latin may be a great supplement! For our family, Visual Latin filled in some holes and connected some dots for us. We now know why and when certain endings are used! We also, love Dwane's humor and that he is human (makes mistakes) just like the rest of us! We will definitely be purchasing and finishing Visual Latin!
Click here for additional reviews by my Crew Mates (including reviews of the DVD version).
{Disclaimer: I received the Downloadable Version of Lessons 1-10 of Visual Latin in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.}