Oh the things they say.....

Overheard yesterday afternoon while I was driving..........


Zoey: We are going to get Evan at his school.
Me: Yes we are.
Zoey: We have been there lots of times.
Hunter: Yeah it is his driving school. Do you want Evan to drive us home?
Zoey: (looks at Hunter like he as grown an extra head, and looks a little fearful) ** she shakes her head no**
Hunter: What?... He is a good driver. He drove us to his class. It wasn't even scary at all........


and then............ Jeremiah pipes up from the way back seat.....
" mom.... when we det bact to the dwiving stool.... tan you stay in the dwiving seat?"

~~~~~~~~~~
really he does a great job... I just find the things they think about his driving sort of humorous.

Sing Song your way through Latin

Specializing in Latin and Logic products, Classical Academic Press, is committed to bringing excellent products to families and homeschoolers everywhere.   They have again hit the mark with their product Song School Latin, by Amy Rehn.   The Song School Latin book contains a CD with 30 songs, one for each lesson, to help your child use the Latin they will learn.

An easy introduction to Latin grammar for Grades K-3, this book is full of learning.  This book contains over 100 words and phrases.  It really lays down a nice foundation for continuing on in Latin Studies.

In our school we used it with Hunter (3rd grade) and Jeremiah (Pre-K).  We listened to the CD and sang along with the songs, and attempted to pronounce the words.  It was really rather comical in the beginning since I was not familiar with Latin, and tended to murder most of the pronunciations I attempted.

Since Jeremiah is a pre-reader we discussed most of the work in the work book.  I would ask a questions from the pages of the book and the boys would take turns answering.  Sometimes we would just point to the answers that would be in the book.... say on a matching page. For cut out work, I just copied the pages for the boys for them to cut and color.  This seemed to work best to involve the youngest student in all the learning.

The CD does a good job of singing the main words taught in each lesson, as well as the ABC's and Latin vowels.  Whatever you do.....  don't do what I did... and get all freaked out reading the first pages of the book and the pronunciation guides that are there.  They started to make much more sense AFTER we listened to the CD, and began a few lessons.   ..... I really psyched myself out trying to pronounce things from those first few pages.... Just dive in!  It is easier than it reads.  

You will want the Teachers Edition.  It contains all the answers to each page in the workbook and additional worksheets and reinforcement activities.  It was very nice to have additional resources to reinforce with.  I was also sent a sampling of their monkey match game...  The cards are very colorful and easy to read.  We used the ones that were printed with images with Jeremiah.  I would say a word in Latin, and he would pick out the corresponding card in English with the picture.  This would be handy to keep in a purse or backpack, and use while you are waiting in the doctors office, or outside piano lessons.

Hopefully by now you are wondering how to get your own copy of Song School Latin....lemme see... where did I put that paper..... ah... yes, here it is...

The book is available for $22.95

(30 lessons, and the Song CD)

The Teachers Edition is available for $22.95

(all the answers + extra work)

Monkey Match is available for $24.95  (a fun way to reinforce learning)





The best value is the Bundle.... all the above items for $64.95

Don't just take my word for it......  Other TOS Homeschool Crew Members reviewed this product and other products from Classical Academic Press..... you may find their reviews here.

Don't forget to take the time to browse the Classical Academic Press Website and see what other products may benefit your homeschool.

***disclaimer***

As a member of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, I recieved a copy of the Song School Latin book,   CD, Teachers Edition, and a sample of Monkey Match, free of charge for the purpose of this review.  All the above opinions are my own.  No other compensation has been received.

Tuesday Trivia

This week's installment brought to you courtesy of Regular, Apple Cinnamon, and Maple Brown Sugar.


.............Did you know?........

• Travelers to La Paz, Bolivia often get sick the moment they arrive.  La Paz is the highest city in the world.  It is 11.900 feet above sea level.
• Mothers Day was started by a West Virginia woman, Anna Jarvis, in 1907.  In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made it official.   ( remember to love on your mommy !!)
• In July 1861, over 30 feet of water fell on the town of Cerrapunji, India  ( no I don't know how to pronounce that name...) in 30 days..........  ( and we think Seattle has it bad...)
• Pollen never deteriorates.  It is one of the few naturally secreted substances that lasts indefinitely.  ( I am sure that is SOOO encouraging to allergy sufferers everywhere...)
• Camels are known for surviving without water, but rats can last even longer than the average camel.

.....now go and tell someone the  smart  useless things you have just learned..........

My Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week...
We have been sick.  We meaning me and poor dear Big Daddy.  The two of us were quite a sight to see on Tuesday afternoon, huddled in bed....looking pitiful, praying for it all to go away....

The germs did go back from whence they came, and we have muddled through the rest of the week.  My head cold has migrated a bit south, and is settling in my chest...  But with rest and lots of tea, the germs shall soon receive an eviction notice.

In our homeschool this week...
Very little was accomplished.  That tends to happen when the teacher is out sick.


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
More of the same.....  Softball, driving class, lather, rinse, repeat.........

Tayler does have an away game in Sunnyside this week, so at least someone will be leaving Kennewick.

I think the  big kids are supposed to help make a video for some one's school project on Saturday. That ought to be fun.


My favorite thing this week was...
The way our oldest son stepped up on Tuesday.  His sister had an away game and was gone....  that left him with two little boys, and two parents who were doing their level best to avoid death.  He cleaned up the kitchen, folded laundry, made lunch, AND barbecued dinner for the three of them that were still standing.
He's a good  great kid.

What's working/not working for us...
Being sick was not working for us.  Everything else seems to be holding it's own.

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
I would like to know the things that you struggle with?  I am sure we struggle with some similar issues.  Is it burnout?  Is it selecting curriculum?  Is it scheduling? 


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

"Who are we to love?  Our neighbor?  That translates to the person that is right next to us.  Our husbands, our children.  As saved people, Christ lives IN them.....  Do my actions and attitudes reflect my love for my Savior?  ............ The way you treat those who are next to you.........  is the way you treat the Lord." 
~ Karla D.

 

Don't forget to share your journey at  The Homeschool Chick.

Wordless Wednesday : Sneaky little helper

I was scanning in a bread recipe for someone.... and Jeremiah was helping.

....he just wanted to see what the light was......

My Homeschool Mothers Journal

I actually found a bit of time on Friday to work on my Homeschool Mother Journal! 
Here is a little peek into what this last week as been all about over here...


In my life this week...
Tuesday was the first pre-show for the Schoolhouse Expo.  I was able to attend live and listen to most everything everyone had to say... there were only a few minutes where I totally missed anything.  I was challenged by the speakers to really take a hold of my priorities and to get things on to some sort of set schedule.  Something I always seem to try to do, and then life gets in the way and I get all messed up again... So spiritually, I am just trying to be still and listen to what it is God tells me are the most important things and build from there......

Hunter was sick for Monday and Tuesday, and that meant I was on bathroom patrol... poor guy. 

Thursday was our anniversary... 9 whole years.  We had decided not to go out for a nice dinner (we got to do that for Valentines Day..) and instead we had Corned Beef, Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes with the kids and spent some time snuggling on the couch watching Mastermind.  It was a real relaxing evening.  My dear hunky husband surprised me with a new Kindle.  I was completely floored.  We had been talking about getting one for nearly a year, so that we could read some of the Unit Study downloads, and other E-books we use for school away from the computer.  I have already loaded a few PDF books on it and it is great!

In our homeschool this week...
Hunter was sick for two full days and the third day was still in recovery mode, so much of his week was spent watching science tv.... (read that as, Mythbusters). 

The bigger kids have seemed to struggle this week with staying on task.  This tends to happen every time we institute a new idea ( like the accountability calendar) around 6 weeks in we start to see slacking because they think we won't notice....  Well, I notice.   I am resolving to not become frustrated and just try to do it on my own, but to gently correct the course and get them back on track.
Tayler has completed try-outs for the local High School Softball team.... now it is on to regular league play.

Jeremiah is learning to write his name.  He almost has the first three letters down, if you don't mind the upside down e.


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
The main places we have been are Softball practice.... and Driving School.  blah.  Not so much fun for mom or the little guys....  great fun for the big ones.  Next week there are Softball games, driving school and more Dr. appointments.  Sounds fun doesn't it?  I am sure you would like to trade, since my life is so glamorous and all....


My favorite thing this week was...
In retrospect, because it certainly wasn't funny at the time, I will choose.........
When my 4 year old tried to tell me he needed to call the police because I wouldn't give him the Cocoa Puffs cereal he wanted for breakfast....
( it was not my favorite thing for his sassy little attitude.... but I have to admit it was more humorous than throwing a raging fit.)
don't worry, he didn't get them...... for the rest of the week.

Oh... and my other favorite thing....
When Tayler found out that she made the JV team.  Score one for the homeschool girl!

The week topper though, has to be the Kindle....
What's working/not working for us...
The working....
The calendar is still working... even if they are trying to buck the program.  The transcript program that I have been beta testing is working beautifully. (http://www.myhomeschooltranscript.com/)  I can make report cards and transcripts whenever my little heart desires. That will come in handy when we need one for car insurance... I will have it!

The not working.....
All this driving isn't working for me....  but that is another story.  The disorganized way the workbox system has become for Hunter isn't working and I need to spend some time getting it back in order.


Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
I wonder if I can can download some of the out of print books that you can find on the Internet onto the Kindle.  Anyone who knows that answer, please chime in. 

Sometimes I feel alone in the struggle to keep the kids on task.  Even when everything is very clearly and with detail lined out.  Anyone else feel that way?  Suggestions?  Tips?


A photo, video, link, or quote to share...
March is MS Awareness Month. (and orange is their signature color)  My dear sweet friend Lisa has MS.  This photo is for her.

 

Don't forget to share your Journal at The Homeschool Chick.

Lessons that speak to my heart

Tuesday afternoon was a time of encouragement.  Amidst the  picking teens up from work, driving to practice, and dropping off at driving school, the picking up, and the cooking of dinner, I was able to listen to the March Preshow for the Schoolhouse Expo. 

Now the first preshow is over,  I am walking around ruminating on all of the wonderful nuggets of wisdom I gleaned from the three speakers....

things like...........

• "It is God's design to delegate.  He gave Adam the responsibility over the garden, when in His perfectness could have done it all"  ~ Malia Russell
• "If you run your business (and life) in Crisis Management Mode.... you will end up with blood all over the project..."  ~ Mary Jo Tate

....and the teaching with technology workshop with Terri Johnson??!!.......... I was seriously debating the worth of food for the rest of the month vs. one of those new iPad thingys.  ( Don't worry... food won...)

I am always amazed at how God uses the Expo to gently correct my course. (it happens at EVERY Expo!)  God has been teaching me in the last months that He is a God of order and that my life should reflect that.  Since the first of the year I have felt a little bit busy...pushed....pressed for time.... and at times anxious.  Nothing much had changed in my day to day activities, this was just the underlying chaos that I was feeling.  Do you feel like that too?

Through the words of Malia, and Mary Jo....  God has given me insight into myself and the way that I look at the tasks I need to complete.  Without realising it, I have been operating in crisis mode.... only tackling one project at a time to the exclusion of almost everything else...  Each new project looming, was adding to that soft quiet ticking bomb I could hear in my head.... tick...tick...tick...

Now, it is my turn to prayerfully respond and ask God to help me with these organizational issues.  One by one, in His timing.

The next pre-show is less than a month away..... Tuesday, April 12.  I don't know exactly who will be speaking yet, but I do know that God will use them in my life to draw me closer to Him, and conform me to the image of His Son. 

I hope you will consider joining the next Expo Pre-Show with your Live Ticket.... and if not live, then please don't miss out on all this wisdom and encouragement, purchase an Expo to Go.

~blessings~

Wordless Wednesday

How can you not love faces like that?  Big Sister Tayler was off to try out for the high school softball team. Her two biggest fans were ready and dressed for the occasion.

Tuesday Trivia

............ Did you know?...........

Josephine Clofullia, the most famous bearded lady of all time, and an attraction in P.T. Barnaum's side show in the nineteenth century, had a beard six inches ling when she was only sixteen.  (hmmm  I wonder if we were in some way related.... just sayin'!....)

Louis Doberman, a nineteenth century German tax collector, became unpopular with his fellow citizens.  To protect himself during his tax collection visits, he bred fierce dogs now called Doberman pinschers.

In the early nineteenth century, many members of congress came to sessions wearing knives in their belts.  (hmmmm, not a bad idea actually.)

The first paper money to appear in the North America was printed on playing cards.  It was done in 1685 by the French colonial government in Canada.

Helping those around you

I personally don't have a child in the autism spectrum, but I know people who do.

Families with children on the spectrum already feel overwhelmed and misunderstood, and coming to Church should be a blessing for them, and not somewhere they feel left out.  I was asking my cousin Erin (remember her?) for ways to help children in a Sunday School or Children's Church type setting.  I found her information interesting, helpful and worthy of sharing.


Erin's ideas:
- visual learning may be the most helpful. (create ways to help him visual organize and pay attention)
-------this can be done by either coming up with picture references to correspond to the lesson, a miniature visual schedule to help him get through all of Sunday ( stories, play, snack, craft, etc.) and maybe even give him small phrases or putting things to song to help him learn


- possibly create a token system for attention (stickers or token pieces (from a favorite cartoon character or animal etc.) to represent a larger reward he can 'cash' in after SS is over)
-------tokens can be earned for staying in our seat, having a quiet body, trying new things, playing with friends, raising our hand etc.(if this is something that interests you all the number of tokens starts out small and increases over time to delay reinforcement, but it has to be clear to him before the day starts ("today we are working for 4 sponge bob tokens. How do we earn tokens?" and have him repeat back different ways)

- make sure he knows the expectations for the day, sometimes a good and bad choice list is helpful (if that isn't too abstract for him)

- reinforce with praise, tokens or even edibles (small portions of food-piece of a cookie vs a whole cookie, a cut up gummy bear vs. a whole one)

- if distraction and behaviors become a problem create a quiet spot in the room that he can go to to calm down (pillows, bean bag, dark and maybe quiet music) also working for a "break" can be a helpful tool (getting away from others and the overwhelming noise or fluorescent lights)

- intersperse tasks he can complete easily with new tasks or learning (if he can and likes to do a puzzle try a new task first then a mastered task)

- if there is a worksheet or lesson activity that goes along with the weekly Bible story highlight main ideas with a highlighter of his favorite color

*******************************************************

God created each and every child in His own image.  Coming to a local church should be a place of love and acceptance for families, especially those with special needs children.  I pray that you can take some of this information and love up on a family in your community. 

Keep in mind that not all the above suggestions will work with every child.  Parents are your ultimate tool to understanding the child.  Ask questions of Mom and Dad to make sure you are using the same reinforcements that they use at home.

Amazing!

I can't keep my mouth shut anymore.......

In 17 days, something amazing is going to come to market.

Go check it out.

FB:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/My-Homeschool-Transcripts/198547940158146

Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/myhstranscripts

Direct Link: http://www.myhomeschooltranscripts.com/

I have already been using this little gem..... and I tell ya....  it is simply the coolest thing ever. 

My Homeschool Mother's Journal

I want to add a more personal touch to my "SKOOL" blog.... :)

It is starting to be more work and less ME....  and still want people to see our family when they stop here.

I thought I would take the time to participate in a new-to-me link up post called The Homeschool Mother's Journal.  You can read more about how to join here.

In my life this week...

I have been a bit overwhelmed by the go-go-go of life.  As spring begins to unfold, the cocoon of slower paced days that Fall and Winter bring begin to vanish. It seems as though, all of the sudden, we have millions of things to do..... and that translates to my butt being glued to the drivers seat of my truck.  (not my favorite place!) 

Jeremiah officially turned 4.  He has been telling us since Christmas that he is 4, but now it is official.  We ate chocolate brownies, and ice cream.  He picked out every piece of cookie dough in his ice cream....  he didn't wike dohz. 

I tan't beweeve you duys are singing to me.  I wike dat sone.

In our homeschool this week...

We have begun Drivers Ed for the 17 year old.  His first real paid class will be Monday the 14th... Day one was practice in the big scary suburban in a parking lot, to get a feel for it.  The next outing, he took me to the store.  On the road.  With cars.  Going the speed limit. (mostly).   His little sister was in the backseat cheering on every great turn that he made.  Me...??  I survived, and only had to help him steer once.

Evan and Tayler are doing well in their High School studies.  This week in particular we watched To Kill a Mockingbird.  It is a week long study that we received from Zeezok Publishing  as part of the TOS Review Crew.  It has been a nice change of pace for them in English... and that is all I am going to say for now... you will have to wait for the review next month!

Hunter is improving in his reading everyday.  He is really enjoying his Botany study for science, and spent a good deal of time drawing and writing about all the pollinators that he has been studying.

Jeremiah, is coming along in his letter recognition.  He loves to do "Stool" as he calls it.  He has lots of fun working on Kinderbach, and Kabongo (two items that we are also reviewing.)


Places we're going and people we're seeing...
I am feeling the need for a get away weekend up to Spokane soon.  I have no idea how we will pay for it, but we will just save and get there when we get there.  My sister just bought a newer more reliable car and she is "threatening" to drive up here  for a visit.  That would be lovely...  Auntie Maymee is always a big hit with all the kids (and us adults too!)

My favorite thing this week was...
What  Evan said to me last night.....
Me: " Hey Ev?  Wanna drive me to the store?"
Evan: " Yeah Mom, hang on, I need to go fix my hair."

YOUR WHAT?  you need good hair to drive??  oy vey. 


What's working/not working for us...
Most everything is gellin'.  We have instituted a calendar where the High School kids write all their completed work each day.  It has really, really , really, really.... helped with accountability, reduced nagging, and involved DAD in what is or isn't being done each day...

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have...
Do people really actually ever finish a whole year of reading on Ambleside Online?  Just wondering, we never seem to get everything read

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

the Principal.....



Blog Walk : Week 17 March 7-11

It is a good thing you all are so patient with me.  I am so seriously behind in my Blog Walk posts!
Today is Saturday, and it is a relaxing day here in my house, maybe in yours too... so grab your blogging beverage of choice and get ready to meet 10 amazing homeschool families.


1. Homeschool Circus ~ I love the monkeys she has on her page!  The big one's smile reminds me of my own mischievous monkey's smile.  There are great Lego creations, co-op art, and reviews here on this blog...  stop by for a while and read all about it.



2. Discover Their Gifts ~ She participates in a great little thing called Sketch Tuesday.  It is hosted at a different blog, but you can find out how to join here...  the pictures of her daughters art are just great!


3. The Joys of Homeschooling ~ Mom of 2 there are lots of great reviews on this blog.  Stop on by and say HI!


4. Nicki Black A Mosaic in the Making ~ this is one busy momma....  Take the time to read her "about me" post.  You will learn a lot about what makes her blog so interesting.


5. Ever After... My Way ~ Please, please, please stop by this great blog written by one of my fellow Mini-Crew members.  Come and join her on her journey from Glass slippers to Fuzzy slippers...


6. Created 2B Creative ~ you better refill your blogging beverage before you stop here.  If you are even a teeny tiny bit creative or crafty, you will be in for a long read.  There are some great pictures and ideas all throughout this blog, along with all her great curriculum reviews


7. Wrightsboro Sonrise Center ~ mom of 3 boys, all on the spectrum....  so if you are looking for how a certain curriculum would work with a child within the Autism spectrum, this blog would be a wonderful resource for you.  I know I will be back to this blog to learn more about this great family


8. Knee Deep in Grace ~ #1 I love love love the wet rocks that are her background....  #2  I want red polka dot rain books that look that cute on me....  Her Wordless Wednesday posts are great!  Definitely worth stopping by.


9. Indoor Garden Musings ~ This stay at home mom with 2 children has a great little blog.  There are some really pictures and stories that her kids have done.  Fun with Play dough and Legos....  there are many things to explore.  I like the way she included what her kids thought of all the products that she has used and tested... Even Dad is in on the information :)

10. Mom of Many Bentzs ~ this blog is written by a homeschooling mom of 8! There are lots of great reviews on her page.  They participate in an American Girl club, and lots of the activties look like so much fun! She is a member of the Download N' Go review team, so if unit studies are something that you want to know more about, make sure you check out this blog.

Tuesday Trivia

Creating these little trivia filled posts have led to a discovery.

I now know why my children are so smart....  and it really has nothing to do at all with what I teach them.

They know things because they read their breakfast cereal packaging.

That's it.

...............SO.......  Did you KNOW????.........................

• The U.S. Coastline ~ Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf ~ involves 25 of the 48 mainland states....  don't believe me?  here is a map.
• There is only one state in the United States named after a president.....  it's my state!  Washington!
• There are approximately 1 million species of animals on the earth.  Of these, approximately 800,00 are insects....  (ewwww!)
• The monarch butterfly can discern tastes 12,000 times more subtle than those perceivable by human taste buds.
• The salt in sea water comes primarily from the fresh water that absorbs salt from the rocks and land before flowing into the sea.

Ya know, reading from these great smelling oatmeal packages, is sort of making me hungry..........

Reading Kingdom

Teaching children ages 4 -10 to read and write up to a Third Grade level is a passion for the creators of the Internet based program, Reading Kingdom.   Dr. Marion Blank has created a great, easy to use program that contains the 6 essential skills needed to make reading "click". 

• Sequencing
• Motor Skills
• Sounds
• Meaning
• Grammar
• Comprehension

The program is child customized, and won't drag your child through learning words or concepts that they already know.  It is organized into six different levels that progress through some of the easier words to recognize, up to words that just don't follow phonics rules at all.  It builds on the phonics of how words sound and helps establish patterns used to decode words. 

I think it is important that you know our own reading journey, it may be like yours....

I must tell you that I am a parent that strongly believes in the teaching of phonics for reading and spelling skills.  I have used that method with all of my three reading children, and with the first two, it was a smashing success.  All of the 6 skills needed for reading success just clicked with them....  With Child 3....  I have been slamming my head into the proverbial brick wall, I have been at a total loss as to why phonics alone wasn't working with him as it had the others.

He can do the flash cards, he knows the sounds, but he can't "see" any of the two and three letter teams  inside the word.  When he starts to read a word that he doesn't "know", every single letter will be sounded out and often not the first sound of the letter, just one that he thinks goes there, and then the frustration starts.  This frustration has also affected his comprehension when he reads alone.  If left to read quietly, he won't remember what he read at all, because he has simply skipped the words he doesn't know.  If he reads aloud, the comprehension is great because we catch and help with the words he is stumbling on.

These being our day to day reading issues, I knew that he was not reading at grade level (3), he was comprehending there.... but the basic skill and fluidity of reading that should accompany that comprehension was very much lacking.

I was pretty anxious to see where an outside source placed his reading level at, and also hoped that the program would begin to fill some of the holes that he seemed to be falling through.....

We were given the program to review in January, and we started pretty much right away.  Hunter was able to skip the sequencing portion of the program, and moved straight into Letter Land.  While he at times found this portion tedious, it did a very good job of helping him remember letter placement on the keyboard.  It also helped him with some "b" and "d" discrimination issues.  It took him nearly a month to complete the work for Letter Land, and that was doing close to two sessions a day.  After a Skills Survey the program placed him in Level 1.  I was not surprised.  I was also very glad that it was starting him at the beginning. 

In our reading away from the program I have noticed an improvement.  Hunter seems to be "seeing" the little words that help you know HOW to pronounce the word that follows....  he is also "seeing" the combinations that make sounding out words a much easier process.  I also notice that the monotone voice that he has been reading with is beginning to disappear.  He is noticing punctuation and actually pausing at periods and commas before beginning the next thought.  Yet another milestone to happen during this first level, was the beginning of unprompted writing.  Prior to starting Reading Kingdom, Hunter would have rather chewed off his own arm, than write anything down on a piece of paper.  Now he is passing me notes in church, and is asking to write letters to family members.

These little improvements, only three books in to Level 1, make me hopeful for the progress that can be obtained in the Levels to come.

When I asked Hunter what things he liked about Reading Kingdom, he said, "I like how it just helps drive the words into your head.  If I don't know how to spell the word, it teaches me.  Now the words are like automatic, I can type them really fast.  I like the review that you can do after.  I like how you can pick the extra things you want to work on.  I really like the ones that I have to type the word, and the ones where I guess what word will become the word I am learning. I also like how I can go and check my progress and see how far I am and what words I learned. "

I enjoyed the programs self-sufficiency.  Our computer is in the kitchen, so frequently he would do Reading Kingdom while I prepared dinner.  This was helpful for there were a few times when the program sort of froze, and I needed to refresh the page.  ( This was probably my DSL not the program!)   I too enjoyed the repetition, I can clearly see how it is building reading success. 

The cost of Reading Kingdom  is $19.99 a month/ or $199.99 a year. (If you break that down to a daily cost, it is 55 cents a day.)  Please, if your reading story sounds like ours, do not let the price turn you away from this wonderful program.  They offer a 30 day free trial.... Take them up on it.  See if it will help your child.  They are passionate about literacy, and they want those who genuinely can not afford the program to contact them for an application for a scholarship.

Take the time to read some of  the other 99 reviews that were done on this product.  ( I don't expect you to read ALL of them!.... unless your mom has the kids for the weekend or something....) 

Many different families used Reading Kingdom and their experiences may help you decide if this is a tool you can use in your home to help your children read.

****Disclaimer****

The Reading Kingdom was incredibly generous to the TOS Homeschool Review Crew.  We were all given a full year subscription ( for multiple children if needed) to their program for the purpose of this review.  No other compensation has been given, and I am not obligated to give a positive review. All the above opinions are those of family members who used this program.

Tuesday Trivia

Today's facts and tidbits...


There are only 299 days left until Christmas.  ( I offer this as a public service announcement.  I don't want anyone to be surprised that Christmas is coming!)

March 1 begins American Red Cross Month.

Today was the day in 1932 that the Lindbergh Baby was kidnapped

It is the birth date of Frédéric Chopin  ( how DO you pronounce that last name?...  is it chop-IN?  or show-pan?)

It is Women's History Month.