2010 - 2011 Core Plan for 1st Grade

Math Mamoth / Miquon Math
Spell to Write and Read
Queen Language Lessons for the Very Young 1
Happy Scribe
Science Videos - Watch, Narrate, Draw, Write
Bible and Missionary Stories - Read, Narrate, Write
KinderBach

2010 - 2011 Core Plan for 8th Grade

BJU Cultural Geography

BJU Earth and Space Science

Analytical Grammar

Christian Light Reading 8

Jump In Writing

  

BJU Pre-Algebra

Guitar

2010 - 2011 Core Plan for 10th Grade

Tapestry of Grace
   History
   Church History

DIVE Physical Science

One Year Adventure Novel

Excellence in Literature American Survey

VideoText Geometry

Personal Finance

Abeka Health

Homeschool in the Woods Olde World Style Maps

 

I received the download version of the Maps Combo Pack from Homeschool in the Woods (a $28.95 value). This pack includes a World and US Map set.

WORLD MAPS (Download $18.95)

The World maps are divided into two categories: Ancients (Early) and Modern. There are 14 different ancient maps and 28 different modern maps. Each of these are divided into Labeled and Unlabeled. The Ancient China maps are divided into the different dynasties. There are also maps of Paul’s Missionary Journeys. We are currently studying the Middle Ages and Renaissance which had the least number of maps available in this bundle. But there appears to be several which would complement studies of both ancient and modern history.

The download also included 26 different notebooking pages including pages for specific types of reports. Most pages are available with your choice of dashed or ruled lines. Flags of each nation and a mini-graphic for each country are included as well.

You can see a sample of the World Maps here.

 

US MAPS (Download $18.95)

This set includes labeled, unlabeled, and outline maps of all 50 states.  It also includes maps for different periods in American history. State Fact Pages (with and without answers) and all the state flags are an added bonus. The maps would be helpful to both younger and older students, but I see this resource being the most helpful when I study American history with my elementary age students.

Here is a sample of the US Maps.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These maps have character which make studies more interesting. I was not able to utilize them as much as I would like yet as the time period we are studying (Middle Ages/Renaissance) is not well represented. I like that the maps come labeled and unlabeled so you do not have to use another source to complete them unless desired. These maps will definitely be a resource I will use.

You can read here what other Crew Mates’ thought.

Disclosure:This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. No further compensation was received. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

Artistic Pursuits

We were recently asked to review Artistic Pursuits, Senior High Book One, The Elements of Art of Composition by Brenda Ellis featuring European Art. Artistic Pursuits is an art curriculum that incorporates Elements of Art, Composition of Art, Art Appreciation, and Art History.

ABOUT ARTISTIC PURSUITS Grades 4-12 Books

• First semester (8 units of book) teaches Elements of Art
• Last semester (8 units of book) teaches Composition of Art
• Art appreciation and history are covered in each unit
• One to two mediums are introduced in each book
• Book 1 (2 semesters) teaches drawing skills.
• Book 2 (2 semesters) teaches color and painting media.
• A different period of art history is covered in each level
• The material is written directly to the student
• No previous art experience is necessary for teacher or student
• Each unit contains 4 lessons: Building a Visual Vocabulary, Art Appreciation and History, Techniques, and Application

• Art supply packages are available on the website.

There are 16 units per book which you and your student can schedule as desired. If you do 2 lessons per week, it will take 32 weeks to complete a book. Each page is estimated to take 1 hour to complete.

NOTE: The K-3rd grade level is set up differently.

 
I was impressed with this quality product. I can’t wait until we can devote more time to these lessons this summer. But to give you a brief glimpse:

• Pages are printed on bright white, heavy paper
• Clear direction is given
• Pages are in color
• Lesson are reinforced through observing historical art
• Art history and appreciation is included

You can read here what other Crew members have to say about Artistic Pursuits.

Disclosure:This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. No further compensation was received. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

Graphics-Toolbox

I found Graphics-Toolbox a really hard product to review. I have not used another graphics program so I have nothing to compare it to. Nor do I have a need for one. Add to that the fact that this product is not novice intuitive and you have a lose-lose situation.




However, there are several tutorials on the website that my 14-year old daughter has been watching and making great progress with. Each video is broken into chapters so it is easy to just watch a little at a time. But it takes training and practice to be able to use this program efficiently.


It appears to be a program that works well for creating projects where you assimilate existing pictures into your own cards, posters, invitations, etc. You do have to plan ahead though so your project flows smoothly. These aren’t the only kinds of projects you can do, but it is neat how you can manipulate existing photographs to blend into the overall project. You can find project ideas and sample projects on their website. You can also read about the features included in Graphic-Toolbox. If you have hands on or visual learners, this product can provide an avenue to reinforce all sorts of subjects. If you blog, do desktop publishing, or have any other need for art work, GT could be worth checking out as well.

A 30-day free trial download is available if Graphics-Toolbox sounds like it might fit your needs. A single license costs $149, and multiple license discounts are available. Make sure to check the system requirements before downloading this product. It does not work with Vista 64-bit. I tested it on a computer running Windows XP Professional and one running Vista 32-bit with no problems.

So this novice review probably doesn’t give you a very clear picture into the program. However, several other Crew members also reviewed it who are more experienced than I am and may add more insight.

Disclosure:This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. No further compensation was received. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

Homeschool Library Builder

When you use a curriculum that does a bulk of its learning through literature, sometimes the cost of obtaining those books can be a little overwhelming. Homeschool Library Builder is here to help families obtain good books at an affordable price.

You can search for book by category, reading level, country, or even curriculum such as Ambleside, Beautiful Feet, Sonlight, Tapestry of Grace, and others. If you do not find a book you are needing, they will search for it.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is free and includes earning book points for each purchase and being eligible for their Share the Savings program. You will also receive updates on news, sales events, and specials.

NOT JUST BOOKS
In addition to providing gently used books for affordable prices, Homeschool Library Builder provides other resources for homeschoolers.

Spotlight on the Season provides project or book suggestions for upcoming seasons.

HSLB Market Place provides links to products which benefit the homeschooling community. Check out this page and see if there are any businesses you can support. You can even submit your own products to be represented.

This review is a little different than my others as it is more information than opinion.

I know firsthand the need for affordable books to add value to my homeschooling. Having a place like Homeschool Library Builder can be a big help. But the best way for a site like this to work is if many people make it the first place they check when they need to purchase a book. So go ahead and bookmark Homeschool Library Builder and help them help us provide good books for our students.

Disclosure:This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. No further compensation was received. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are my own.