Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Brag Time Thursday ~ March 1

Chestnut Grove Academy
Come link up your Homeschool related posts to 'brag' about the great things you and your kids are doing! Browse around and see what others are up to as well!
(Please link up the direct URL of the post you are 'bragging' about!)
Please Follow your hosts and Grab our Brag Time Button
to display in your post or on your blog so others can join in the fun as well!
(Failure to follow these specific guidelines will result in your link up being deleted, so PLEASE be sure to 1) link up the direct URL of your post and 2) post the hop button on your post or blog (where we can find it).  We also kindly ask that you follow us, we WILL follow you back!) Thank you!
Chestnut Grove Academy

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Link-up is live from 11:00 PM Wednesdays  EST to 11:59 PM Saturdays EST each week!


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Monday, February 27, 2012

TOS Review ~ All About Reading (Level 1)


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As a former public school teacher I have very strong opinions on what is the best way to teach reading. I have been searching for a "program" that is easy too use, not time consuming and teaches phonics including the phonics rules. All About Reading does all of this...and more! I was given the opportunity to review All About Reading Level 1 and Deluxe Reading Kit from All About Learning Press with Ladybug (she is 5 and 1/2).
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Level 1 $107.70 $99.95
~Teacher's Manual
~Student Packet (flash cards and Activity book)
~3 (three) Readers
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Deluxe Reading Kit $48.95
~Letter Tiles*
~Magnets*
~Basic Phonograms CD-Rom*
~Reading Divider Cards*
~Reading Card box
~Tote Bag
~Star Stickers
*Basic Kit ($28.95)
PROS
~Comprehensive
~Easy to use (scripted)
~Very little prep time
~Lessons are short
~Review is incorporated
~Flexible
~Multi-sensory
~Multiple kit options (to keep costs down)
~Only need to purchase additional Student Activity book to use with more children ($16.95)
~Low cost AFTER initial start-up costs
~Lots of Support (Articles, Blog, Forum, Contact
~1 Full Year Money back Guarantee 

CONS
~CAN be expensive to start-up

Other Products
~All About Reading Pre-Level 1
~All About Reading Level 2 Readers (complete level 2 coming out THIS year)
~All About Spelling Levels 1-6
~All About Homophones
~Games

Our Thoughts
I am really impressed.  In fact I was so impressed, that I bought All About Spelling Level 1 to use with Ladybug and All About Reading Pre-Level 1 to use with Monkey. I like that lessons are scripted but that I can go through something quickly if the content is already mastered. I especially like that the letter tiles are the same for both All About Reading and All About Spelling so once the basic or deluxe kit is purchased you can purchase the rest of the items that you need (the dividers and storage boxes) a la cart! Finally, I also like that for each additional child that uses the program only the student activity book is needed! Ladybug enjoys the program as well. She really likes the readers!

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Note: These photos are of Ladybug doing the All About Spelling Level 1...
it is really hard to take pictures of us doing All About Reading! 


Click here to read what my Crew Mates think of All About Reading!

{Disclaimer: I received All About Reading Level 1 and the Deluxe Kit in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.}

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Brag Time Thursday ~ February 23


Chestnut Grove Academy
Come link up your Homeschool related posts to 'brag' about the great things you and your kids are doing! Browse around and see what others are up to as well!
(Please link up the direct URL of the post you are 'bragging' about!)
Please Follow your hosts and Grab our Brag Time Button
to display in your post or on your blog so others can join in the fun as well!
(Failure to follow these specific guidelines will result in your link up being deleted, so PLEASE be sure to 1) link up the direct URL of your post and 2) post the hop button on your post or blog (where we can find it).  We also kindly ask that you follow us, we WILL follow you back!) Thank you!
Chestnut Grove Academy

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Link-up is live from 11:00 PM Wednesdays  EST to 11:59 PM Saturdays EST each week!


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TOS Review ~ Beeyoutiful


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Today I get to share with you two really great products from Beeyoutiful
First up:
B.A.L.M.
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B.A.L.M. come in two "flavors": Peppermint and Orange. We were blessed to sample the Peppermint lip moisturizer. We live in the desert and it is REALLY dry this time of year. The B.A.L.M. really does keep your lips soft and moist...well, at least it would if it didn't keep running away! I am going to have to purchase a few more of these (one for each member of the family) so that I can find mine when I need it! Right now I think Unicorn has it! B.A.L.M. sells for $3 (although they discount when you buy 3).
B.A.L.M. ingredients from the Beeyoutiful website:
GrapeSeed Oil- high in antioxidants (procyanidolic oligomers and polyphenols) and linoleic acid which nourish, moisturize, naturally provide anti-inflammatory support, and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles! So instead of merely relieving your chapped lips, it is nourishing them and helping them look their best as well!
Shea Butter- also high in antioxidants, Shea Butter helps bring elasticity back to the skin, moisturizes, has natural sun protection, and helps bring healing to scars and wounds.
Beeswax- recommended by Mayo Clinic as an excellent choice for a lip balm, beeswax is high in germicidal antioxidants, possesses natural anti-inflammatory abilities, and has been shown to have antibacterial qualities. It gives body to the lip balm while providing moisture and cell restoration for your lips!
Essential Oils- (Either Orange or Peppermint Essential Oil)- Both provide refreshing flavors while providing their naturally inherent benefits to your lips! Orange is a refreshing, citrusy blast that helps to brighten your lips. Peppermint’s cool, tingly flavor will bring soothing refreshment to your lips on the driest of days!
Next up:
Milk & Honey Facial Bar
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This product is also great. Unicorn is just about to turn 12 (next week) and has been having a bit of tween trouble with the skin on her face. She had a patch of dry skin surrounded by oily skin. After just a couple days of washing her face with the Milk & Honey Facial Bar the dry patch is gone and her face is soft and smooth. There is not an oily or dry patch to be found. Unicorn really loves this "soap"! In fact, she keeps it in the shower to remind herself to use it daily! The 4.25 oz bar is $10 (less if you buy 3, 6, or 12 bars)!
Milk & Honey Facial Bar product description from the Beeyoutiful website:
Two natural treasures in one bar of soap help repair sores, fight acne, soothe chapping, and balance uneven or oily skin. Bee products—honey, propolis, pollen and wax—meet goat milk to clean up the toughest skin problems you can muster.
Honey cleanses dirt and impurities while smoothing wrinkles by increasing your skin’s elasticity. Propolis—a mixture of the essential oils, pollen, and wax bees harvest from plants—nourishes dry, itchy skin. Pollen, rich in enzymes and vitamins, contains the complete family of amino acids. It promotes new skin cell growth while scrubbing away built-up dead cells without stripping the skin of its natural protection. Milk & Honey’s beeswax base is the all-natural “carrier” for other ingredients that leaves your skin feeling soft and clean.
Raw goat milk is rich in enzymes beneficial to your skin, and five natural, skin-replenishing oils balance and moisturize. This abundance of revitalizing components is topped off with a touch of sweet orange essential oil for an agreeable, bright aroma.
Beeyoutiful’s Milk & Honey Facial Bar is now available in two handy sizes! The small bar (1.75 oz) is just the size for your bathroom sink or for travel, and to indulge your whole body, the large bar (4.25 oz) is great company for a bath or shower.
Ingredients: Raw Goat Milk, Distilled Water, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (lye), Raw Honey, Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis, Beeswax, Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Manufactured in the USA.
Click here to see the many other Beeyoutiful products available!
 
Click here to read what my Crew Mates think of these and other Beeyoutiful products.

{Disclaimer: I received these two Beeyoutiful products in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.}
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Brag Time Thursday ~ February 16


Chestnut Grove Academy
Come link up your Homeschool related posts to 'brag' about the great things you and your kids are doing! Browse around and see what others are up to as well!
(Please link up the direct URL of the post you are 'bragging' about!)
Please Follow your hosts and Grab our Brag Time Button
to display in your post or on your blog so others can join in the fun as well!
(Failure to follow these specific guidelines will result in your link up being deleted, so PLEASE be sure to 1) link up the direct URL of your post and 2) post the hop button on your post or blog (where we can find it).  We also kindly ask that you follow us, we WILL follow you back!) Thank you!

Chestnut Grove Academy


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Link-up is live from 11:00 PM Wednesdays  EST to 11:59 PM Saturdays EST each week!


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Brag Time Thursday ~ Growing Up

Sunday Unicorn had an interviews with the Bishop and the Primary President. They were both very impressed with her. Unicorn was awarded her "Faith in God" award and will graduate Primary and move into Young Women's after her birthday. We are very proud of her. She has worked very hard to earn this award.
Monkey and Ladybug didn't want to be left out.
They are very proud of their big sister!


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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Brag Time Thursday ~ February 9 Linky


Chestnut Grove Academy
Come link up your Homeschool related posts to 'brag' about the great things you and your kids are doing! Browse around and see what others are up to as well!
(Please link up the direct URL of the post you are 'bragging' about!)
Please Follow your hosts and Grab our Brag Time Button 
to display in your post or on your blog so others can join in the fun as well!
(Failure to follow these specific guidelines will result in your link up being deleted, so PLEASE be sure to 1) link up the direct URL of your post and 2) post the hop button on your post or blog (where we can find it).  We also kindly ask that you follow us, we WILL follow you back!) Thank you!

Chestnut Grove Academy


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Link-up is live from 11:00 PM Wednesdays  EST to 11:59 PM Saturdays EST each week!


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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

22,222

Just a quick fun post. Look what I saw on blogger today:
22,222 pageviews!

Thank you!
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Terrific Tuesday ~ MyMemories

Here is this week's freebie courtesy of MyMemories! Don't have their fabulous software (they just came out with Version 3)? Purchase it and save $10 using this code STMMMS80543. You will also receive a $10 coupon code for the MyMemories Store in your confirmation email after your purchase!
Click image or here to download.

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Monday, February 6, 2012

TOS Review ~ Math Rider


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We have been given the opportunity to review a math facts game called Math Rider (personal edition version 3). Math Rider is a simple yet effective way for students to learn their math facts (something that seems to be difficult in this house)!
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Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division are all included. For each operation there are 3 levels (easy, medium and advanced). Each level is called a quest. At the beginning of each quest, you and your horse Shadow are given a challenge. To complete the quest successfully you must obtain a certain level of fact mastery. Below is a sample screenshot of a ride. The rider and his/her horse are on the bottom left and the facts appear on the bottom right of the screen. The background is pretty simple to as not to be a distraction.
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As you complete each ride (fact practice) you move through the quests and learn the facts. Below is a sample screenshot of facts that have been mastered.
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The Basics
~Grades 2+ (ages 6+)
~$49.95 (currently on sale for $37)
~Download (Internet not required for game play)
~Up to 8 riders/users (riders can be deleted and replaced with new riders)
~FAQ

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Our Thoughts
~Unicorn (12) loves it! I love that she loves it. She struggles with her math facts and always has. She no longer fights me when I ask her to practice her facts. In fact, she often asks to "play" Math Rider!
~Ladybug (5) also enjoye Math Rider. She gets a little frustrated because she want to learn her facts and move on to new quests but she is not ready for the advanced levels of addition or for subtraction, multiplication or division.
~I like that the game adapts to how fast a player types and that is has multiple levels. I also really like that there is just enough animation to keep kids interested without being distracting. In fact, the only thing that I think would make it better is to have one more level (at least at the addition and subtraction levels) for younger students. However, it is awesome the way it is!

Click here to read what my Crew Mates thought of Math Rider.

{Disclaimer: I was given a trial subscription to Math Rider in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.}
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Brag Time Thursday ~ February 2 Linky

Chestnut Grove Academy
Come link up your Homeschool related posts to 'brag' about the great things you and your kids are doing! Browse around and see what others are up to as well!
(Please link up the direct URL of the post you are 'bragging' about!)
Please Follow your hosts and Grab our Brag Time Button 
to display in your post or on your blog so others can join in the fun as well!
(Failure to follow these specific guidelines will result in your link up being deleted, so PLEASE be sure to 1) link up the direct URL of your post and 2) post the hop button on your post or blog (where we can find it).  We also kindly ask that you follow us, we WILL follow you back!) Thank you!

Chestnut Grove Academy



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Link-up is live from 11:00 PM Wednesdays  EST to 11:59 PM Saturdays EST each week!


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TOS Review ~ Kinderbach (and coupon code)

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My kids LOVE music. I would love to be able to give them private music lessons but that just isn't in the budget. As a member of the TOS  Crew I was given a 3 month online subscription to KinderBach. KinderBach is an online (or DVD) based piano curriculum for children ages 3-7 (although my 12 year old doesn't seem to mind watching it with her younger siblings)!
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KinderBach is set up with 4 weekly lessons. Currently they have 60 weeks worth of lessons. Each week there are a variety of activities as well. There is very little teacher prep...just print any needed activities, login (or pop in the DVD) and you are ready!
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Online lessons are $7.95 per month per family! DVD packages start at just $40.45! Click here to order! How about a coupon code to sweeten the deal? Just enter TOScrew2012 to receive 30% off your order (homeschool, classroom, online or DVD). The code is good until the end of 2012! 

You don't need an expensive piano or keyboard. Any keyboard (with at least 33 keys) will do. (HINT: Check ebay)!

Monkey and Ladybug really enjoyed the lessons! They ask to see Dodi (the main character) all the time. They are also retaining what they are learning! Unicorn also is learning and retaining the information but she is a little old for the program. Depending on the maturity of the child you could use KinderBach for children as old as 9 or 10 but I wouldn't purchase it just for them, I would only purchase it for them if there were younger siblings around to benefit as well or if they had special needs.

I think KinderBach is a great way to get some beginning piano lessons for my children while I determine if there is a desire among them for private lessons. It will also give me time to determine if we should be saving for a piano!



Click here to see what my Crew Mates think of KinderBach.

{Disclaimer: I received a 3 month subscription to KinderBach in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.}
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