See the Light: Art Projects {Mosaic Review}

This product was a fun one for Unicorn. She had a great time (she actually did all 4 hour lessons in one sitting) and did it all by herself.

The product is Art Projects by See the Light, a Christian-based Art program. The project we reviewed was "Paper Jungle"

In a Nutshell:
~9 DVD's with 4 lessons each that lead to a culminating project
~$14.99/ea. OR $12.50/ea. as DVD of the month OR $99.99 for Boxed Set
~Each DVD teaches a different art style and artist
~Art Projects are designed to follow Art Class (a 9 volume-set of 36 Art Lessons)
~Earn 1/2 High School Fine Art credit if you complete all 9 DVD's and go on a couple field trips

 Our Thoughts:
As you can tell from the photos, Unicorn (13 years old) enjoyed this project. She had fun learning about layering and creating a foreground and background. I LOVED that she could pop in the DVD and do it all herself. We didn't have the exact sizes of paper that were on the materials list but it didn't matter...she was able to adapt the project and make it work. She even has plans to use the DVD to teach Monkey (5) and Ladybug (7) how to make a Paper Jungle. I would say that the only down-side is the price. Unless you buy the box-set and have multiple children that can use it, it is a little on the pricey side for me. However, I think the pros outweigh the cons for me!

Contact Information:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

iTooch by eduPad {Mosaic Review}

by

 eduPad has developed some fun and educational apps 

for iOS, Android and Windows called iTooch. 

In a Nutshell

~Most Apps for grades 3-8 (covering Math, Science and English)

~A few Apps for High School

~Free Trials

~Each app is $4.99 to upgrade to the full version

~Aligned to Common Core

~Includes lessons, blackboard and calculator

~Each app contains thousands of questions

Our Thoughts

While we have only tried the FREE versions of the apps, Unicorn is enjoying them and I am considering purchasing the Math ones for her. My only hang-up is the price per app.

Contact Information

~Website

~Facebook

~Twitter

~iOS Apps

~Android Apps

~Windows Apps

The Chore Solution: Making Families Better by Working Together {Review}

Do you ever have trouble keeping (or getting) your house clean? 

Need ideas on how to get your children involved? 

Today I am reviewing a book by Jason and Ann Cowan that just might help!

The Chore Solution: Making Families Better by Working Together

 Jason and Ann are the parents of 4 boys of varying ages. They wrote this book in response to their own challenges as parents. They were tired of house always being a mess, there never being enough clothes, and the kids always wanting the latest toy, DVD or video game.

The book starts off by posing 7 Challenges and then help you work through those challenges in a way that will work best for your family (they even included pages at the end of the book for you to record your thoughts and solutions to the challenges). By the end of the book you have developed a chore solution for your family that doesn't require you to do all the work or buy all the latest toys/gadgets!

My Thoughts:
I love that this is a quick read that helps you develop the perfect system for your family. We already had a system in place but after reading The Chore Solution we have made modifications that give the children more responsibility which gives me a cleaner home with less effort! Jason and Ann pack a ton of useful information into this short book. It is also a book that can be revisited as family dynamics change and kids get older!

In a Nutshell:
~Available in ebook, paperback and hardcover
~About 50 pages
~Helps you create a customized chore solution for your home
~Includes pages for recording your answers to questions posed throughout the book
~Website has downloadable/customizable forms
~7 Challenges (chapters) addressed
~Published by Mixed Up Books

Purchase:
Amazon (Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Paperback, Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Nook)

Contact Information:
Website
Facebook
Publisher Website

EEME {Mosaic Review}

Today's review is Monkey's favorite so far (and technically he is a little young for it)! 

He absolutely LOVED making the Genius Light by EEME! 

Read all the way to the end for a special offer!

From the Website:
EEME makes hands-on project kits paired with an online video curricula to teach 7-12 year old kids electronics.
Our goal? To nurture the curiosity & critical thinking kids need for the science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) opportunities of tomorrow. 

In a Nutshell:
~Monthly Subscription: Basic: $18.95/mo and Pro: $29.95/mo (pro includes a new project cover each month)
~Projects build upon each other (new parts and knowledge are added to prior parts and knowledge)
~Designed for ages 7-12 (my 5 year old LOVED this and my 13 year old enjoyed it as well)
~Only 1 kit needed per family
~Kit arrives monthly and you log on to the site and watch the videos and build the project
~Frequently Asked Questions
~Videos are free to watch (check them out and see what you think)

Contact Information:
~Website
~Facebook
~Twitter
~Pinterest
~Blog

Our Thoughts:
We really wish we could afford a subscription but it is just not an option right now (maybe a grandparent can get this for Monkey for Christmas). This project was very cool and we all learned a lot. Monkey loved putting the Light together and seeing how it all worked. The girls enjoyed it too but Monkey wanted more! This is something that my kids probably wouldn't learn without a program like this.

Special Offer:
Sign-up (using THIS LINK) before September 16, 2013 and get your 1st month (the Genius Light Project) FREE!

Homeschool Programming {Mosaic Review}

Do you have students who are interested in computer programming? 

Are you interested in computer programming?
Are you a blogger who just wants to know enough HTML to code buttons or fix some glitches?

Well, I am reviewing a great computer programming homeschool curriculum that may be just what you want/need: 

Homeschool Programming!

When this product first came up for review I was torn. No one in our family is really into computers or computer programming. But, I could see where knowing some HTML might be a good idea as a blogger. Since Unicorn is also a blogger I signed up to review the KidCoder Beginning Web Design course (1st Semester). I have to admit, that I was intimidated at first and even procrastinated installing the program. Let's just say that I could kick myself for that. This program is truly written for kids and teens (and even adults) with no programming background! Unicorn and I have learned so much and enjoyed it too!

In a Nutshell:
~Four 1-year Courses (see graphic above)
~KidCoder for grades 4-8 and TeenCoder for grades 9-12
~Price ranges from $20-$155 depending on course, mode and semester or full-year
~Sample Pages/Demo Videos
~Frequently Asked Questions

Unicorn's Thoughts:
"This is great! Now I can build web sites like my dad!"

My Thoughts:
I love the KidCoder Beginning Web Design! It is easy to follow and starts at the ground and builds up. I have learned a lot about HTML coding and have even been able to fix some problems I was having with my blog. Before this course it would take me hours to figure out the problem, research solutions and then actually attempt to fix the problem. Now, I know exactly what I am looking at and where and how to fix things! It is great and we haven't even finished the first semester yet!

Contact Information:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Woolzies Dryer Balls {Review}

For the past month (or so) I have been trying out Woolzies Dryer Balls. 

These handmade, 100% pure New Zealand wool dryer balls are great! We have sensitive skin in this family and dryer sheets and fabric softeners make us itch so we had been dealing with static and wrinkles and not so soft fabrics. With the Woolzies Dryer Balls we have soft fabric, less wrinkles, and no static (even in very dry Arizona)! Woolzies claims that they help dry clothes faster thereby saving you money on electricity. I really have no idea if this is true as we had to purchase a new washer and dryer set at about the same time we got the Woolzies but I think they are worth it even if they don't dry your clothes any faster. Woolzies are easy to use...just put your clothes in the dryer and toss in the dryer balls! If you want, once your clothes are dry, you can take out a dryer ball or two and put a drop or two of essential oil on the balls and run the dryer for about 10 more minutes for a lovely scent of your choice!

In a Nutshell:
~Softens Naturally
~May reduce drying time by 25%
~Reduces Static
~Helps eliminate wrinkles
~Chemical Free
~Safe for people with wool sensitivities
~Hypoallergenic
~Handmade from fine New Zealand Wool
~$34.95 with FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the US (yes, even Alaska and Hawaii)
~Ship anywhere else for $6.95
~Box includes 6 XL Dryer Balls
~Guaranteed to last 1000 loads (that makes them just 4 cents a load)

Contact information:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

One Minute Reader App by Read Naturally {Mosaic Review}

Today I am reviewing a reading App for the iPad by Read Naturally.

About the Product: 
I was given Level E of the One Minute Reader App to review. I chose this level as Ladybug is a struggling reader and Monkey reads at the same level as she does. 

 One Minute Reader is very easy to use. Download the App, have your child choose the story he/she wants to read, type in their name and go. First your child will read the story for 1 minute. 

 This is called the "cold read". After they finish the story you will see a thermometer that shows how many words they read during this "cold read". Next, they touch the highlighted words to learn their meanings. They earn points for every highlighted word they touch. After, the have done all the vocabulary they listen to the story 3 times. 

 When they are finished listening to the story, they move on to the "hot read". Now they read the story again, and after 1 minute they touch the last word they read. Continue practicing reading the story until they get a "hot read" score they like. Then they move on to see the thermometer again. This time it will compare the "cold read" and "hot read" scores (words per minute). Be ready to see some awesome growth! 

After each story there are some comprehension questions and a crossword puzzle to solve.

 In a Nutshell:
~There are 6 Levels (E, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
~The FREE App has a placement tool
~Each Level has 25 short stories and is $19.99
~Read Naturally has many other reading products

Our Thoughts:
Monkey loves it...but he loves learning and reading and the iPad. So, he is not a good judge for this. Ladybug doesn't hate it or fight me when I ask her to use it! This is AMAZING. She is a struggling reader and usually fights me on anything that may actually help her improve her reading fluency. She likes this because it is quick, she can earn points, she can SEE her improvement (the thermometer and graphs) and she doesn't have to do it all in one sitting. I, like Monkey, love this app. While the price is a little steep for me, I will be getting more levels as Ladybug and Monkey progress. Why? Because, in just a few short weeks I have seen Ladybug go from hating to read to tolerating it AND doubling her cold read scores (from 9 to 21 or more words per minute). I am willing to pay for anything that will help her learn to enjoy reading while at the same time help her become a more fluent reader.
  
About the Vendor (from the website):
As part of her master’s program in special education, Candyce Ihnot developed a unique and highly effective strategy to help struggling readers achieve fluency. She combined three research-proven methods (teacher modeling, repeated reading, and progress monitoring) into a simple set of steps that would later become known as the Read Naturally strategy. Eventually, this strategy would help hundreds of thousands of struggling students read more fluently. Along with her husband, Tom, a high school economics teacher and basketball coach, Candyce founded Read Naturally, Inc., in 1991.

Contact Information:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

The Classical Historian ~ A Mosaic Review

Today I have some neat history products from The Classical Historian!

Products Being Reviewed:

Ancient History Go Fish Game $11.95

The Socratic Discussion in History w/DVD $79.99

Take A Stand: Medieval Civilizations $18.95

32-Week Lesson Guide $24.99

Vendor:

The Classical Historian

Contact Information:

Website

Facebook

Other Products:

Games and Game Bundles $11.95 - $59.99

Complete History Curricula $168.99 - $256

The Socratic Discussion in History w/DVD & Take A Stand Bundles $99.99

California History books $14.95 - $24.95

Individual Products $11.95 - $99.99

Our Thoughts (and More Information):

We don't play games very often here but we really enjoyed playing the Ancient History Go Fish Game. It is actually 4 games in 1! You can play Go Fish, Collect the Cards, Chronology or Continents. The kids enjoyed playing Collect the Cards and Go Fish the best. The games are easy to play and the price is reasonable. The cards are sturdy and larger than your average card game cards (very nice)! There are 48 Jumbo cards, the games are for ages 3 & up, and for 2 or more players.

Take A Stand Medieval Civilizations is an 88-page paperback workbook that includes Reading, Discussing, and Writing. It is written by Jon De Gree and published by Take A Stand Publications. This little workbook can stand alone or be used as part of The Classical Historian's complete Medieval Curriculum. There are two parts. Part One includes Social Studies Essay Questions and Prewriting Activities from The Fall of the Roman Empire to The Age of Exploration. Part Two is Skills for the One-Paragraph Essay.

The Socratic Discussion in History & DVD includes a 77-page coil bound workbook and 4 DVD's. The workbook has 14 chapters including How to Use This Program, What is a Classical Education in History, The Thinking Tools of the Historian, Six Essential Thinking Tools of the Historian, Open-Ended History Questions, The Fall of the Roman Empire, Teaching with the Socratic Discussion, The Writing Process for a One-Paragraph Assignment, Advanced Thinking Tools of the Historian, The Writing Process for a Five-Paragraph Assignment, Grading Essays, The Essential Tools of Literary Analysis, Encouraging Family Discussion at the Dinner Table, and Evaluation. The DVD's include an Introduction to the Socratic Discussion Method and 3 DVD's that help you teach the Socratic Method in History.

The 32-Week Guide is 62 pages of Lesson Plans, so you don't have to figure it all out yourself!

I am very impressed! While the games are fun and educational, I really like that this program helps you help your child learn how to think and analyze history. I LOVE the open-ended questions and the how to write an essay part!

I know that budgets are tight (I know ours is) and that this program is on the pricy side. IF it were me considering this program I would start with the card games to supplement ANY history curriculum. Then I would purchase The Socratic Discussion in History w/DVD's. This can be used with ANY history curriculum and the thinking skills and essay writing process is excellent. Then if I could afford more I would add in the Take A Stand workbook and then the 32-Week Guide. If I was blessed with $170 to spend on a full history curriculum I would!

My Home School Grades ~ A Mosaic Review

The most intimidating part of homeschooling through High School, for me, is creating a transcript that colleges will find acceptable. Well, I am no longer intimidated by transcripts thanks to My Home School Grades! My Home School Grades is a user-friendly, family friendly, cost efficient way for homeschoolers to track grades and create transcripts!

In a Nutshell

~Lifetime Membership $49.99

~14 Day FREE Trial

~EASY to use (add a student, choose a grading scale, select/enter curriculum and you are ready to go)

~Portable (Web App works on Laptops, Tablets and Smartphones)

~Track Extra-Curricular Activities

~Export Professional looking Transcripts

~Ability to "go back in time" to add past years grades (you can also plan for the future)

~Courses can be credit or non-credit

~Add Grades for each lesson (it will calculate overall grade) OR just enter a Final Grade

~Easy to edit students, courses, lessons and grades

~Website (Contact and Request for Curriculum to be added Forms)

~Blog

~Facebook

~Twitter

Use My Home School Grades on the Go!

Easily Add a Class!

Add Lessons, Quizzes and Tests!

Enter Grades!

My Thoughts

I LOVE My Home School Grades! The program is vary intuitive and easy to use. One of my favorite features is that you can "time travel" and add courses and grades (1994-2016)! Another great feature is that the creators are also constantly adding curriculum and features to improve the program. If you are planning on homeschooling through High School then I highly recommend you sign-up for the FREE Trial and check it out for yourself!

Link will go live soon!