Reviews « NutBugs

Copywork E-Book

By KristinN, on September 22nd, 2009

House Upon a Rock is a copywork book for Mathew 7:24-29. I feel it is made more for upper elementary grades, 4-6, due to the lining on the pages and length of the copywork. It is only 8 pages that are beautifully illustrated in back and white. It contains 3 pages of copywork plus

Continue reading Copywork E-Book

The Little Red Hen Primer Reader

By KristinN, on September 21st, 2009

The Little Red Hen Primer Reader is a story I has read with many different animals character in its place, but the underlining lesson is the fact that if you do not work you do not get to reap what is sown. I actually really like this book a lot. After the story there

Continue reading The Little Red Hen Primer Reader

Molly’s monthly Money-Saving Digests

By KristinN, on September 19th, 2009

Molly’s monthly Money-Saving Digests have so far been really great but this months, October 2009, What Can We Learn From the Great Depression? Was the best so far for me. Let me give an example of what really hit home for me.

We are in an age of everything we touch is disposable.

Continue reading Molly’s monthly Money-Saving Digests

History/Geography

Trail Guide to US Geography

By KristinN, on September 17th, 2009

Most of my regular readers know me well enough to know I am not much into a traditional unit study unless it has all the information (more like a theme study) at hand and I do not have to do much research. However, I think this 133-page unit study of the 50 states I received

Continue reading Trail Guide to US Geography

History/Geography

History of Civilization: The Ancient World

By KristinN, on September 16th, 2009

Funny thing about doing reviews, you always end up with something you either need or can really use. I happen to be finishing up our studies this fall about Ancient Egypt and so this review came at a perfect time.

I received an e-book by Milliken called History of Civilization: The Ancient World

Continue reading History of Civilization: The Ancient World

Free Ebook: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps

By KristinN, on September 11th, 2009

The New School Year Has the new school year started with gusto at your house? Or guesses?

“I guess we’ll use this curriculum. I guess we’ll start on Monday. I guess we’ll use this folder, and I guess we could try unit studies this year.”

Does any of this sound familiar? Time for a change?

Continue reading Free Ebook: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps

Homeschooling Report Dispels Many Education Myths

By KristinN, on September 4th, 2009

I read this article from the Dakota Voiceyesterday. It was all about the superior academic performance of homeschooled students. People are always concerned that homeschooled kids can be out of touch and not socialized and immatureand don’t get a good education due to the fact that a non licences person is teaching the

Continue reading Homeschooling Report Dispels Many Education Myths

Court Ordering a 10-year Old Girl From Homeschooling Into a Public School.

By KristinN, on September 3rd, 2009

Yea, you read the title correctly. Judge Orders Homeschooler into Public School for Being Too Religious. Now wait till you read it. She was not directed to go to public school because she was behind in her academics. No, she was directed to

Continue reading Court Ordering a 10-year Old Girl From Homeschooling Into a Public School.

Colonel David Crockett Free E-Book

By KristinN, on September 2nd, 2009

Foundation for Economic Education has a wonderful Free e-book on their site for you to download. It is called “Not Your to Give“. FEE’s about pages reads as follows…The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), one of the oldest free-market organizations in the United States, was founded in 1946 by Leonard E. Read to

Continue reading Colonel David Crockett Free E-Book

Even Boys Can Use Paper Dolls

By KristinN, on September 1st, 2009

If you have been with me since the beginning of NutBugs, you know I did a review on using puppets in homeschooling. We have, on and off, used the idea and loved it. My kids get a kick out of it and they enjoy my silly voices as well as correct me when I switch

Continue reading Even Boys Can Use Paper Dolls

A New School Year

By KristinN, on August 24th, 2009

Well, it is that time of year once more. And here we are some of us homeschoolers scurrying and trying to get everything put together and others all done and ready to go. So I thought after talking with a few friends and they were asking me how I do my year, that I would

Continue reading A New School Year

Fiesta of Freebies 2 E-Book, A Compilation of Homeschool Freebies

By KristinN, on August 22nd, 2009

Ok, if you all are looking for a good source for online information I have found it for you. Fiesta of Freebies 2 E-Book, A Compilation of Homeschool Freebies. This e-book has internet sitesto compliment or even help you to develop a course of

Continue reading Fiesta of Freebies 2 E-Book, A Compilation of Homeschool Freebies

Do You Doubt God?

By KristinN, on August 16th, 2009

Just once wouldn’t you love for someone to simply show you the evidence for God’s existence? No arm-twisting. No statements of, “You just have to believe.” Well, here is an attempt to candidly offer some of the reasons which suggest that God exists. But first consider this. If a person opposes even the possibility of there being a God, then any evidence can be rationalized or explained away. It is like if someone refuses to believe that people have walked on the moon, then no amount of information is going to change their thinking. Photographs of astronauts walking on the moon, interviews with the astronauts, moon rocks…all the evidence would be worthless, because the person has already concluded that people cannot go to the moon.

Continue reading Do You Doubt God?

Amazing Math Free Ebook

By KristinN, on August 14th, 2009

August is here and it’s time to gear up for “Back-to-Homeschool.” Looking for some fun hands-on activities to get your year started right? The Old Schoolhouse® wants to help by offering our Teacher’s Toolbox readers one of our most popular modules, Amazing Mathematics, absolutely free!

How much fun can you have with math?

Continue reading Amazing Math Free Ebook

Free E-Book

By KristinN, on August 12th, 2009

Hello Kristin,

Would you like to better understand the E-Book Revolution? I found an incredible FREE resource to help you do just that! “E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-Book Revolution” is an E-Book filled with information about the tremendous value in E-Books.

They explain how to store them, organize them, and enjoy them—from school resource

Continue reading Free E-Book

Christian California Homeschooling Group

By KristinN, on August 3rd, 2009

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for great sites to go to that offer me tons of information regarding homeschooling development. I also like it when I can put my two cents in and give advice as well as get advice back. And what can be even more

Continue reading Christian California Homeschooling Group

VBS

By KristinN, on July 31st, 2009

Ahh, it is that time of year once more. VBS time. My kids have already been to one VBS this year at another church. VBS is not about getting rid of the kids for a half of a day, but about reaching out to your kids un-churched friends and the un-churched community around us. VBS

Continue reading VBS

Do parents have right to educate?

By KristinN, on July 30th, 2009

Here was a good article that I came across the other day By Heather Duncan, community@knoxnews.com. I think it will get all homeschoolers as well as parents in general to rethink about parental rights.

A crucial question will soon face parents if present United Nations initiatives gain acceptance in the United States:

Continue reading Do parents have right to educate?

State to State Compliance Information

By KristinN, on July 29th, 2009

I know here in California homeschooling is really easy to do without a lot of hoops to jump through for the government. But in some state there are many more compliance issues to deal with. I found this site called HomeSchoolLegal.com that answers most if not all your compliance issues for each

Continue reading State to State Compliance Information

Homeschooling: An Alternative to Private School

By KristinN, on July 22nd, 2009

The July 4th-10th, 2009 edition of The Economist has two articles about public vs. private schools and entrance into top universities in America and Britain (Learning lessons from private schools and Staying on board). According to The Economist, “even in the recession, (private schools) are proving surprisingly resilient.”

Apparently,

Continue reading Homeschooling: An Alternative to Private School

Are You Thinking Of Quitting Homeschooling?

By KristinN, on July 21st, 2009

Most traditional school systems have a need for cookie cutter children. You see if they allow for individualism, they might not be able to keep control. We see this all the time in a traditional school settings where one kid stands up to be different and is either quieted by the

Continue reading Are You Thinking Of Quitting Homeschooling?

Used or New Curriculum?

By KristinN, on July 20th, 2009

Used or New? That is the question! Most, if not all, homeschoolers wrestle with the decision of purchasing new or used education materials. As we’ve traveled to conferences, we’ve noticed that many of you first frequent the used book sales and then look to purchase new materials to match the editions you’ve found at the

Continue reading Used or New Curriculum?

E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-book Revolution

By KristinN, on June 28th, 2009

Now I have written a couple articles on e-books and my feelings on them. But I will take a moment to recap. I love them to a certain degree. I think having a reading book or a small unit or theme study is great. But when it comes down to a full year of curriculum.

Continue reading E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-book Revolution

The Old Schoolhouse 19 Gift Promotion

By KristinN, on June 19th, 2009

The Old Schoolhouse is giving away 19 pretty cool gifts for those who would like to either start a new subscription or re-new an old one. Some are on line gifts other are actual gifts that will be sent to you as well as coupons for $$ off of products purchased at certain websites. Now

Continue reading The Old Schoolhouse 19 Gift Promotion

Academics and Beyond

By KristinN, on June 17th, 2009

When I started homeschooling I thought for sure that homeschool was all about getting the grade so to speak. I thought that it was so important to make sure my kids lived up to the homeschoolstandard. You know reading at age 3 and writing at age 4, playing 3 musical instruments by age 5

Continue reading Academics and Beyond

A Teacher Learns the Truth About Education

By KristinN, on June 7th, 2009

A Teacher Learns the Truth About Education

by Lauren Bleser

I was given this article to read and I found it absolutly wonderful so I had to share it with my readers. Thank you to Lauren Bleser who wrote it. You can check it out at…

http://www.collegeplus.org/acceleration/a-teacher-learns-the-truth-about-education

In 2002, I graduated with my

Continue reading A Teacher Learns the Truth About Education

Teaching Our Children to Be Homemakers

By KristinN, on June 4th, 2009

You know as I grew up I was taught some of the basic things to do to be a homemaker. However, looking back today I really wished my mom would have taught me a bit more. Like how to bake bread. How to make a menu for a week etc. Who knows maybe she taught

Continue reading Teaching Our Children to Be Homemakers

Local Mom Review

Oak Canyon Nature Center

By KristinN, on June 3rd, 2009

I had the opportunity to go on a hike with my home school group this past week. We decided to try a different park and so we decided on Oak Canyon Nature Center. It is locate at 6700 Walnut Canyon Road in Anaheim. Now this is a 58-acre natural park nestled in Anaheim Hills. There

Continue reading Oak Canyon Nature Center

Local Mom Review

Hair Cut and a Shave

By KristinN, on June 2nd, 2009

You know I use to color my hair and have highlights put in. Yea, that was well over $125 every 6 weeks. Yes, you guessed it, I am back to my natural color. I was always jealous that my husband could go and get a hair cut for $20.00.. Well, now I am even more

Continue reading Hair Cut and a Shave

A Parent’s Right To Raise Their Children

By KristinN, on June 2nd, 2009

A parent’s right to raise their children as they see fit is a time-honored American tradition, but today it is being threatened. The Supreme Court’s Troxel v. Granville decision in 2000 undermined a 75-year heritage of Constitutionally-protected, fundamental parental rights, which 8 of the 9 justices abandoned. At the same time, a growing body of

Continue reading A Parent’s Right To Raise Their Children

I Wanna Be A Chef Unit Study

By KristinN, on June 1st, 2009

I found out one of my friends older kids who happens to be in public school was going to have a career day. So, I was thinking to myself…as a Homeschooler, how do I go about having a so called career day for my children later on as they get older. I want them to

Continue reading I Wanna Be A Chef Unit Study

Do Not Be Ashamed

By KristinN, on May 31st, 2009

I find it interesting that a high school principal can see the problem, but not our society.

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLeod”It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football

Continue reading Do Not Be Ashamed

Local Mom Review

Ikea, The Lunch Spot?

By KristinN, on May 28th, 2009

You know as a mom who is on the go a lot, I am always looking for a place where I can have a good lunch that is somewhat affordable and that is better for the kids then a hamburger and french fries. One of my favorite places is Ikea.

OK so now you say…What?

Continue reading Ikea, The Lunch Spot?

The Push to Make Our Children Read

By KristinN, on May 27th, 2009

I just loved this short little article I read this morning and had to share it with all my friends….

A Late Bloomer Blossoms Into Something BigFamilies today feel a lot of pressure to have their children reading by age 6 or 7, or even age 5. Yet President Woodrow Wilson stands out as a

Continue reading The Push to Make Our Children Read

Homeschool Fair in the Newspaper

By KristinN, on May 25th, 2009

I thought this was a great way to finish off our day at the homeschool fair. I found this article written about the fair. Hey if you don;t mind if I can brag for a moment, My kids did great at the science and art fair. Six 1st place ribbons as well as two best

Continue reading Homeschool Fair in the Newspaper

Sheltering our Children

By KristinN, on May 23rd, 2009

You know, now a days when we hear people say that they shelter their children it is not intended to be a compliment. Why is that? Why is sheltering such a bad thing to do? So I was asking myself what exactly does it mean to shelter my kids? Do I shelter my kids? Is

Continue reading Sheltering our Children

Curriculum Reviews

Latina Christiana: Memoria Press

By KristinN, on April 28th, 2009

I have wanted to start teaching a foreign language to my kids for some time now. I bought a Spanish set last year, but it was so detailed it was just TOOOOOOO much for him. So when I decided that I really wanted to start with Latin because of it’s help with learning all other

Continue reading Latina Christiana: Memoria Press

Menu planning E-Book

By KristinN, on April 24th, 2009

I got the opportunity to review a great little e-book called Menu Planning: How to plan menus for a whole month and enjoy it. First I have to say that Sheri Graham, the author, must have been in my house and watched what I do for menu planning. As I was reading this delightful e-book,

Continue reading Menu planning E-Book

Curriculum Reviews

Tapestry of Grace

By KristinN, on April 22nd, 2009

You know I have found over the years that there is no right or wrong way to teach your children. In every homeschool there are many different methods used and many different curriculums out there that say they are the best or better then the next. What makes a curriculum work for me is the

Continue reading Tapestry of Grace

Molly’s Money-Saving Digest for May 2009

By KristinN, on April 21st, 2009

TOS will be releasing a new E-book called “Molly’s Money-Saving Digest for May 2009. I have this wonderful opportunity to review this book before it comes out to you. This is such an impressive little book. It is an easy read, but packed full of laughs, information, quotes, how –to’s, money saving ideas and just

Continue reading Molly’s Money-Saving Digest for May 2009

Two Sides to Every Coin

By KristinN, on April 12th, 2009

Home educating is not without challenges. Let’s face it, there are days when it can just wear us down. How many times have you thought: Homeschooling is tough because……

“There’s so much to do!”The flip side: Homeschooling is great, because while our children are still at home, we get to re-prioritize our lives and let

Continue reading Two Sides to Every Coin

Homeschooling: All Things

Schleich Action Figures

By KristinN, on March 24th, 2009

What a joy it was to open this box. My kids were overjoyed to see a box full of animals from Schleich to add to their collection. You know there are those that claim they are hand painted and then when you look at it the eyes are all crooked or something. Not Schleich!

Continue reading Schleich Action Figures

Curriculum Reviews

Critical Thinking

By KristinN, on March 23rd, 2009

Critical Thining is a company who has so many parent, teacher in addition to other educational awards as well as they should. First let me say that I actually have been using Critical Thinking Language Arts for my son for a year now and we love it. But then I got so lucky as

Continue reading Critical Thinking

Homeschooling: All Things

Alphabet Alley Magnet Playset

By KristinN, on March 17th, 2009

Ok, this has got to be one of the greatest little products my daughter (3) has received to review for me. When I got this in the mail I first thought of those peel and cling/stick things (can not remember the name) I had as a child. Oh, but no this is so much more

Continue reading Alphabet Alley Magnet Playset

Curriculum Reviews

Homeschooling in the Woods

By KristinN, on March 14th, 2009

If you love to lapbook, you will LOVE this product.

Homeschool in the Woods sent to me the New Testament Lapbook. I already had purchased the Old Testament and loved it, but then to be so lucky as to get to review the New Testament one too. WOW! Lucky me!

Amy Pak is the creator

Continue reading Homeschooling in the Woods

Homeschooling: All Things

One 2 Believe – Noah’s Ark

By KristinN, on March 9th, 2009

One 2 Believe has shipped to me once again. YEA!!!! So far we have NOT been disappointed by any of their products. They are of great quality and will withstand time and time again of play.

This time they shipped to us Noah’s Ark. This was a great way for them to have

Continue reading One 2 Believe – Noah’s Ark

Artistic Pursuits: the Art curriculum for Creativity

By KristinN, on March 5th, 2009

Artistic Pursuits: the Art curriculum for Creativity. That is their title. You know what? It fits perfectly. I received Grades K-3 Book One. An Introduction to Visual Arts. After just 2 lessons I realized that this was a wonderfully gentle introduction not only to art but famous art pieces and artists.

I have been

Continue reading Artistic Pursuits: the Art curriculum for Creativity

Curriculum Reviews

Five in a Row

By KristinN, on March 2nd, 2009

Last year my son and I learned a little bit about Early American History. Just mainly the Indians. We used a well know literature based curriculum. To this day my son can recite the information he learned from those books. Now you may be asking why do I bring that up when I am reviewing

Continue reading Five in a Row

Choosing Your School Year Schedule

By KristinN, on March 1st, 2009

One of the most difficult tasks to accomplish with homeschooling is planning your schedule. We sit down a month or so before we are ready to begin school and we outline everything we want to accomplish. Then we plan out what we are going to accomplish each day of every week. We are going to

Continue reading Choosing Your School Year Schedule

The Jonas Brothers band

By KristinN, on February 28th, 2009

The Jonas Brothers band is an incredibly popular trio of three homeschooled brothers: Paul (Kevin) Jonas, 21, Joseph (Joe) Jonas, 19, and Nicholas (Nick) Jonas, 16. The Jonas Brothers grew up in a home where music was a large part of everyday life.

Their father, Rev. Kevin Jonas, is co-founder of Christ for the Nations

Continue reading The Jonas Brothers band

Music and Math Are Connected!

By KristinN, on February 27th, 2009

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik are among the most popular classical pieces of all time.

Did you know that studies show that both playing and listening to classical music have a positive impact on standardized test scores? The same holds true for math achievement.

Continue reading Music and Math Are Connected!

To Grade Or Not To Grade: That Is the Question

By KristinN, on February 26th, 2009

I used to be a firm believer in not issuing grades and not “testing” my children. Sure, I drilled them regularly but I never gave them written or oral tests because I wanted their education to be full of encouragement and mastery. I believed that receiving a “C” or or an “80%” on a test

Continue reading To Grade Or Not To Grade: That Is the Question

Top 5 Curriculum Review Bloggers

By KristinN, on February 25th, 2009

A fellow TOS Homeschool Crew member has created an award for the TOS Crew members and I am so honored to have been chosen to receive an award. So I thought I would take a week and check out the TOS Review board blogs and choose 5 of my favorite bloggers. These

Continue reading Top 5 Curriculum Review Bloggers

Math Tudor

By KristinN, on February 24th, 2009

I was never did well in school at math and the teachers I had either did not want to, did not have the time or could not take the time to slow it down for me. So I fell behind. When High School came around it got even worst. Math has never been a strong

Continue reading Math Tudor

SpellQuizzer

By KristinN, on February 23rd, 2009

So let me tell you about SpellQuizzer. This is a computer-based program where you enter the child’s spelling list and make audio recordings of the words. Then it quizzes the child, playing each word back to him one at a time, checking his spelling as he types in the words. Or you can type

Continue reading SpellQuizzer

Bible Story Songs

By KristinN, on February 9th, 2009

You know as a singer and a children’s choir director at my church, I know just how powerful music can be. The words can teach you something that you may have known but never knew how to feel it. It can evoke feelings for God that no spoken word can. It can help you memorize

Continue reading Bible Story Songs

What is the Goofiest Questions Asked About Homeschoolers?

By KristinN, on February 3rd, 2009

So this weeks Heart of the Matter Weekly Meme question is great and I can not wait to read some of the responses. But meanwhile, here is mine.

Picture a lovely, sunny day at the park. It is about 11:30 in the afternoon and my kids 6 and 3 are playing on the playground with

Continue reading What is the Goofiest Questions Asked About Homeschoolers?

Curriculum Reviews

Heads Up! Reading Strips

By KristinN, on January 28th, 2009

I received some reading strips for review From Heads Up!. These are for the student who has a little trouble keeping his place while reading. They place the strip over the text as they read which in turn would help them to focus in on their place and to follow through to the next

Continue reading Heads Up! Reading Strips

Curriculum Reviews

Write Shop

By KristinN, on January 27th, 2009

I had a chance to look over a product by Writeshop. WriteShop is designed to teach composition skills in a step-by-step manner. Through a series of engaging lessons, students learn the four most common kinds of writing—descriptive, informative, narrative, and persuasive (essays)—by means of the following basic building blocks: Brainstorming, Editing, Writing and

Continue reading Write Shop

Homeschool Burn Out

By KristinN, on January 12th, 2009

Homeschool Burn Out. I have yet to get to this point, but as I have heard many of time…the day will come. I read this article in The Heart of The Matter The Homeschool burn Out, Rising for the Ashes. and I thought, wow, what a great article to have in my archive for

Continue reading Homeschool Burn Out

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

By KristinN, on January 8th, 2009

Just a few minutes ago I was on my review teams blog and I read about this new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. This act was signed into law in August but will not take effect until Feb. 10th, 2009.

What this law basically says is that items that come in contact with a child

Continue reading Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

All About Homophones

By KristinN, on January 8th, 2009

Wow Mary Rippel did it again! Here is another great program from All About Spelling. It’s All About Homophones. Teaching homophones can be really hard! Just in case you forgot, these are words that sound the same, but they aren’t spelled the same, and they, to top it off, don’t mean the same.

Continue reading All About Homophones

Attention writers

By KristinN, on January 7th, 2009

Attention writers! Grab your pencils and get those creative juices flowing!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is hosting their second Storytime Writing Contest! They have two creative fiction categories: Adults (16 and up 2,500 words or less) Children (15 and below 1,500 words or less).

Deadline to enter is March 16, 2009. $7.95 fee per entry.

Continue reading Attention writers

Kinderbach

By KristinN, on December 29th, 2008

I was really excited to review Kinderbach since I am a singer and teach the children’s choir at my church. First let me say that this program is geared towards the very young child who does not have any type of music training. My son, 6, did like the program, however he was quit

Continue reading Kinderbach

Math Mammoth

By KristinN, on December 27th, 2008

Maria Miller is the author of the Math Mammoth, which is a series of math workbooks that are available in e-book format. Now first let me say that I am in no way a math genius nor do I know how to teach math well without some help from a good core curriculum. With

Continue reading Math Mammoth

Homeschooling: All Things

ABC & 123 Lapbook

By KristinN, on December 21st, 2008

We made the cutest tacktile ABC and 123 Lapbook. You just have to check out the pictures. Click here to see it. http://raquelshomeschooldays.blogspot.com/2008/12/abc-and-123-lapbook.html

Get Rid of the Gimmees

By KristinN, on December 17th, 2008

This is such a great post, 9 Steps to a Meaningful Christmas for You and Your Family, by Terri Johnson at Knowledge Quest.

Christmas can be a magical time for children. Yet this holiday can also bring out whininess, disappointment and an ungrateful “gimme, gimme” attitude in our normally sweet children. How can we,

Continue reading Get Rid of the Gimmees

Lets Make A Web Page eBook

By KristinN, on December 16th, 2008

Phyllis Wheeler is the author of Let’s Make a Web Page! eBook which she wrote to help 8-12 year old children learn to create a web page of their own. Phyllis really knows how to portray the building of a web page in a very easy plan to follow. Younger children will need a

Continue reading Lets Make A Web Page eBook

Puppetools

By KristinN, on December 16th, 2008

I think most parents realize how important play is in the development of our children. There is also research out there that says that play can also aid in learning. Jeffrey Peyton, the creator of Puppetools, feels this is very critical in helping educators and us parents in this area and he has a

Continue reading Puppetools

The Gift by: Jill Cooper

By KristinN, on December 13th, 2008

I just had to post this. I get an e-news from Living on a dime and this was in one of her lastest emails…..

She stood at the window watching the snow falling gently to the ground. Thanksgiving was over and soon it would be Christmas, her favorite time of the year. But her heart

Continue reading The Gift by: Jill Cooper

Christmas can be a magical time for children, yet…

By KristinN, on December 11th, 2008

What a great post by Jill Johnson at Knowledge Quest.

Christmas can be a magical time for children. Yet this holiday can also bring out whininess, disappointment and an ungrateful “gimme, gimme” attitude in our normally sweet children. How can we, as caring parents, counter-act this contagious and disheartening attitude? Let’s use the word CHRISTMAS

Continue reading Christmas can be a magical time for children, yet…

Raising our Leaders

By KristinN, on December 11th, 2008

If you read my blog, then you have kids. If you have kids then I know you want to raise your kids to the best they can be. I know my goal is to raise up our next generation of leaders to make our world better then what it is now. If that is one

Continue reading Raising our Leaders

Old Schoolhouse December Module

By KristinN, on December 9th, 2008

Oh what joy!!! I just received the December module from the Old School House and the subject is “Lets be Scientists”. How fun.

My son loves science and I need all the help I can get to come up with fun things to do. This semester we are working on the human body

Continue reading Old Schoolhouse December Module

Homeschooling: All Things

Alphabet Alley

By KristinN, on December 9th, 2008

You have to check out these absolutely cute and perfect for Christmas games I got to review. Now, first I have to be honest about one thing. When I got these to review, I thought that this was going to be about the same quality as I can get in the $.99 store. Boy was

Continue reading Alphabet Alley

Core Learning Art Studio

By KristinN, on December 8th, 2008

Core Learning publishes teaching software for math, language arts, health, and art, all for elementary to the Jr. High school grades.

Crayola Art Studio is the simplest and most complete computer based art program I have ever seen for children. Most of the drawing functions and their tools are in an easy to

Continue reading Core Learning Art Studio

Time4Learning

By KristinN, on December 7th, 2008

Well, this review was a little tough for me. Why you ask? Because I already have a preset idea about computer based schools. I am not extremely happy with a child spending their school day on the computer. I also prefer to be a little more hands on with assigning my children’s schoolwork and choice

Continue reading Time4Learning

Salem Ridge Books

By KristinN, on November 25th, 2008

I was sent three books, The American Twins of the Revolution, Glaucia the Greek Slave and Mary Jane all by Salem Ridge Press. Believe it or not a homeschool teenager who wanted to bring some of that old wonderful literature from the days gone by started this company. This is one company that

Continue reading Salem Ridge Books

Curriculum Reviews

Trigger Memory System

By KristinN, on November 24th, 2008

Trigger Memory System, has fantastic tool for your children. Clean n’ Flip Charts. Now what are these charts you ask. They are flip charts for your children that explain how to clean their room, bathroom, kitchen and do their laundry. I have been lookig at these for some time now and I was

Continue reading Trigger Memory System

Little Man in the Map by Schoolside Press

By KristinN, on November 22nd, 2008

I absolutely hated geography in school. I never memorized the U.S.A. states and where they were, but then I was given this cute book called The Little Man in the Map, by E. Andrew Martonyi, illustrated by Ed Olson, Schoolside Press. The Little Man in the Map uses rhyming stories with coordinating pictures of

Continue reading Little Man in the Map by Schoolside Press

When a Child Acts Out in Public to Get Their Way

By KristinN, on November 21st, 2008

When your child acts out in public to get their way, you CAN get control back. Here, James Lehman, MSW lays out some step-by-step techniques for you to use next time you hit the mall or grocery store.

I’ve worked with many parents over the years who routinely gave in when their children acted

Continue reading When a Child Acts Out in Public to Get Their Way

Curriculum Reviews

All About Spelling

By KristinN, on November 18th, 2008

I did it! I found the best spelling program ever! The program name is All About Spelling. The program is so versatile. It can start at preschool aged children (my daughter) all the way to High School level (Level 6) because they are not specified to grade levels but they are arranged by concepts

Continue reading All About Spelling

Splish Book from TOS

By KristinN, on November 18th, 2008

And Then Mama Said…”It Takes Time to Learn to Read”. Isn’t that such a true statement? We sometimes forget this as a homeschooler and try to rush and push our children to keep up with so and so. But reality is that our children will read when their brain is good and ready!

This book

Continue reading Splish Book from TOS

The Future Belongs to Our Children

By KristinN, on November 16th, 2008

OK, so I know there is this continuous battle between the public school Christians and the Homeschooling Christians. A lot of times the public school Christians feel like us homeschoolers are calling them bad parents or bad Christians for putting their children in the Devils path. And the homeschooler feels the public schoolers are calling

Continue reading The Future Belongs to Our Children

Spears Art Studio, inc.

By KristinN, on November 15th, 2008

Art can be a touchy subject to teach I think. Why you ask? Because at a young age, say 3-8 years old or so, you want to keep it fun, but still get some basic art concepts taught and some art appreciation too. Yet you have to be careful not to bore the heck out

Continue reading Spears Art Studio, inc.

Homeschool Bloggers New Blog

By KristinN, on November 14th, 2008

Hi Homeschool Crew! A new blog was launched last week all about the Schoolhouse Store and they would love it if you could give it some attention! The blog address is: www.homeschoolblogger.com/storespotlight.

They just did a drawing and gave away 10 of the Homeschool Planners to some of their earliest subscribers to the

Continue reading Homeschool Bloggers New Blog

Hot Topic for Discussion

By KristinN, on November 11th, 2008

Now I think most people would agree that when a certain gene in an animal is not used over an extremely long period of time that the gene goes dormant. Would you say that in the animal kingdom most male animals find a female animal to procreate so that their species can live on and

Continue reading Hot Topic for Discussion

Gay Pledge Cards in Calif. Schools

By KristinN, on November 10th, 2008

Now I know allot of my friends are saying…Oh I am not worried about this homosexual thing coming to my school. I have Christian teachers. Or worst yet they are putting on the rose colored glasses and thinking it will never come to the schools here in the O.C. we are pretty conservative here in

Continue reading Gay Pledge Cards in Calif. Schools

Curriculum Reviews

Rime to Read Review

By KristinN, on November 10th, 2008

What is a Rimes you ask? They are words that sound and look alike. Such as Hat, Cat, Mat, Sat etc. So what is a Rhyme? Rhymes are words that sound alike but usually do not look alike.

Lynn Klaiman and Dr. Sara Hines, PhD, at Rime to Read developed an interactive, educational,

Continue reading Rime to Read Review

November: Amusing Math Module

By KristinN, on November 10th, 2008

I just got my hands on the November Module of The Old School House Planner. I have all their modules so far and have used much of each one of them. This one I am not as satisfied with as I have been with the past ones. Now please do not get me wrong…do I

Continue reading November: Amusing Math Module

Another Reason To Homeschool Our Kids

By KristinN, on November 10th, 2008

I suppose this sort of thing shouldn’t be shocking. You have to go to the original site that wrote the article and see the video. Pretty bad!!!! This Article is by Charlie Sykes

This is a video of Diantha Harris, a lifelong democrat and avid Barack Obama supporter. She is also a lousy schoolteacher,

Continue reading Another Reason To Homeschool Our Kids

Please Don’t Jump into Homeschooling Blindly

By KristinN, on November 6th, 2008

by Andrea Hermitt, Education Examiner When I started homeschooling my children over five years ago, I noticed that the vast majority of people had little understanding of what homeschooling meant. People

Continue reading Please Don’t Jump into Homeschooling Blindly

Homeschooling: All Things

I Made My Own Theme Study

By KristinN, on November 6th, 2008

I am so proud of myself. After weeks of searching site after site I never found a theme study on clocks. No not one on time, but one on clocks. I ended up spending 4 days researching different sites on the subject. I found a couple great sites that gave me most of the information

Continue reading I Made My Own Theme Study

File Folder Games

By KristinN, on November 4th, 2008

Oh boy oh boy! I just found a great site. File Folder Games I love file folder games and I have spent many a day and night trying to find some free ones on the Internet. Now this site pops up. I guess I am not the only one out there wanting this too.

Continue reading File Folder Games

The Socialism of Public Schooling

By KristinN, on November 4th, 2008

The Socialism of Public SchoolingBy Jacob G. Hornberger

While the nation is on the subject of socialism, we really ought to talk about public schooling. With the possible exception of the military, it’s the best example of a socialist institution one could ever find. It’s not a coincidence that public schooling is one of Fidel

Continue reading The Socialism of Public Schooling

The Missing Link

By KristinN, on November 3rd, 2008

I just finished reading a great easy read extremely descriptive book titled, “The Missing Link: Found”. This is the first book in the Truth Seekers Mystery Series by Christina Gerwitz who happens to only be 17 years old and her mom, Felice Gerwitz, who is the founder of Media Angels, which happens to be Christian

Continue reading The Missing Link

Homeschooling: All Things

The Old School House Subscription

By KristinN, on October 27th, 2008

Did you ever dream of getting a horse for Christmas? You can get a sneak peek of our Fall issue and see Nancy Carter’s first horse! The Old SchoolHouse Magazine.Oh, and she’s not the only one sharing her childhood pictures. You’ll see photos from the 50’s through the 80’s.But, you’ll need the Fall issue

Continue reading The Old School House Subscription

One 2 Believe In, Nativity Set

By KristinN, on October 27th, 2008

I was so excited the other day to get a big box on my front door and in this box was a beautiful nativity set just right for children to play and learn with. My kids tore through the box and started playing with it right away. I was going to put it back in

Continue reading One 2 Believe In, Nativity Set

Homeschooling A B C’s by Knowledge Quest

By KristinN, on October 24th, 2008

Now first let me say that I am not a reader. When I first set out to homeschool I got book upon book upon book on how to homeschool, different curriculum’s to choose from and general education books. Did I read them all cover to cover? No! I skimmed over each book. Read the table

Continue reading Homeschooling A B C’s by Knowledge Quest

The Computer is a Great Tool for Homeschooling Families

By KristinN, on October 12th, 2008

The Familyman Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries

Let me just jump in and say that the computer is a great tool for homeschooling families. We use it for typing, piano, math, and grammar. The computer allows our children to learn at their own pace and get hands on instruction. . .sometimes from a person

Continue reading The Computer is a Great Tool for Homeschooling Families

Homeschooling: All Things

The Greatest Homeschool Magazine

By KristinN, on October 4th, 2008

The Old School House. I have been a subscriber for a couple years now. As a matter of fact I use to have a subscription to 4 different ones when I first started homeschooling. As I became more confident in homeschooling I realized I only needed one magazine to fill my needs. That was The

Continue reading The Greatest Homeschool Magazine