Train Up A Child

Math drills are a not-to-miss part of math learning whether in homeschool or any other school. So many students end up in high school without knowing their basic facts. This is appalling, except for those with learning issues allowing memory recall to be difficult. Enter a drilling program, CapJaxMathFax that is simple to use, has no unnecessary bells and whistles, but just teaches the facts. Person to person drills are great practice, however computer drills work and free up the parent for other duties.

My 10 year old enjoys trying to go as fast as possible to achieve the lowest average answer time.  This is his favorite part of CapJaxMathFax and I must confess mine, too. In multiplication, my average seconds were 1.48! Aren’t you impressed? Here is a view of what the main part of the program looks like.

JackJack did get frustrated when he answered 43/44 problems correctly, wanted to stop, but then no evidence of him completing those problems existed. The reason was he was in “Practice” mode which does not keep records. Once he checkmarked “Play for Rating“, he and I could get full reports with a progress graph and details of just which problems were/were not answered correctly and how many seconds JackJack took to answer.In “Play for Rating“, we could choose which type of problem to do or let CapJax pick. Being able to start at an easy level and progressively move to harder problems helps the child feel accomplished. The game controls the levels and session lengths.  The scores are remembered each day so that the rating may increase .”Practice” mode allows the player or teacher to change the setup selections. For example, you could pick addition, level 6, number of problems, and how many seconds per problem.

This program is not fancy, smancy with arcade style gaming. It is simple math drills. I like that I can assign 10 minutes or so a day on CapJaxMathFax and know that my child is getting something out of those few minutes. No time is wasted, just drilling is practiced. He will definitely continue this program just to keep the math facts in his head. My guess is he will keep trying to get his average seconds per problem lower, too.

CapJaxMathFax is a $29.95 yearly license program which is simply math drills with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and the dreaded division. For a small addition fee of $5.95, one can receive a CD of the program. A free evaluation is available at the CapJaxMathFax website. Both Mac and PC licenses are available. I couldn’t get mine loaded on my Mac, so just had my older son load to the PC which he had no problem doing.

Official Disclaimer:  I received a one year license to CapJaxMathFax as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I received no other compensation to use this program in our homeschool. My honest opinions are my own. View what other Crewmembers thought of CapJaxMathFax here.

Thank you Captain Jax!

Ben Roy-the Science Boy Yes, that’s what we call him in North Georgia where we have been enjoying Ben Roy and his science experiments for years. (He lives about five minutes from my house.) This past April we attended a 1500 person-strong youth camporee where Ben Roy gave nightly demonstrations of science with accompanying object lessons. As usual, the kids loved him. Next week, my 10 year old is looking forward to attending Bible-based meetings where Ben Roy is a presenter. Yes, we indeed love Ben Roy and never tire of his science.

Here he is making a cloud on the first night of April’s Camporee. You should have heard the kids holler, then jump up to follow the cloud as it floated.

I was able to choose which DVDs I wanted to review. Water, Space, Solar System and Chemistry, States of Matter, Life Sciences were the two chosen. The Chemistry one had more “wow” factor experiments. Most of these experiments were not ones a child could duplicate as liquid nitrogen and other special science supplies are used. However, just seeing these experiments makes an impression. My daughter does wish Mr. Roy would give more detail on the science behind the experiment/demonstration. Each DVD lasts approximately 40 minutes (some longer), with each experiment segment lasting around 3- 5 minutes.

A complete listing of the Go Science DVDs:

Volume 1-Motion and the Laws of Gravity
Volume 2-Simple Machines, Sound, Weather
Volume 3-Magnetism, Electricity, Engineering, and Design
Volume 4-Chemistry, States of Matter, Life Sciences
Volume 5-Air, Flight
Volume 6-Water, Space, Solar System

Ben Roy is a former elementary school teacher who now teaches Science Methods at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He also directed a science program on television. He has been inspiring interest in science for years.

What I love most about Ben Roy’s Science Zone demonstrations of chemical and physical science are the spiritual applications given. I love when science is linked to spiritual concepts since so many try to keep science and the Bible separate. Hurray for Christian, creation-based science products.

For more information, along with a sample experiment, and to purchase these interesting DVDs visit Library and Educational Services at this link. They only cost $8.97 per each DVD or $47.95 for the complete set. Not only will you find the complete set, but see all the other fabulous items that L.E.S. sells. Fantastic prices and quick service makes this company a favorite with me. I’ve ordered from them since before I had children! Note: you must sign up for a free account with them, but I highly recommend it as your Christmas pocketbook will thank you.

Not only did I review volume 4 and 6, but I also purchased the complete set. A few of these will be gifts as they are recommended for ages 6 – 14. (Even my hubby watched these with us.)  However, I would be more inclined to give these to a child aged 6 – 10. His exuberance may annoy an older kid.   However, Ben Roy will always be our favorite Science Boy!

Official Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I was able to choose two GO Science DVDs from Library and Educational Services. LES did grant me free shipping on any other items I wished to purchase. No other compensation was given for my honest opinion. See what other Crewmembers thought by visiting the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Are you interesting in more than just rote memory and pat answers in your Bible curriculum? If so, the Judah Bible Curriculum may be of interest. Teaching all grades together with a systematic  Bible study using the Principle Approach (research, reasoning, relating and recording)  is the gist of this curriculum. In other words, teaching with the end result of assimilation and application to daily life. Mr Burtness, author of the curriculum states,

“As America has veered away from God and increased in dependence on the state while becoming more chaotic, the critical need is to educate a next generation of Christians who are intelligent based in Truth, self-taught not media taught, and self-governed under God not dependent on state control.”

Any version of the Bible may be used teaching the five themes of Bible study: Creation, Plan of Redemption Begins, Kingdom of Israel, Kingdom of God and Early Church. Each student creates a Bible Notebook which will include weekly and daily assignments. Once purchased, the curriculum does contain ideas for Notebook assignments, however the teacher is expected to add more. Title pages, drawings, maps, essays, timelines, art projects and “key sheets” are some items which may be included in the Notebooks.

Key Sheets are included basic handouts focusing on key individuals, key events, key institutions, and key documents. Below see one Key Event sheet that was filled out on Pentecost. After writing down the events of Acts 1, including the Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the historical significance was written.

While the older two were writing on the Key Sheet, my youngest drew this picture of the Ascension. Notice Jesus’ feet just rising out of view.

A Kimberly-created activity was drawing their version of the tongues of fire along with writing which languages they would like to be able to speak.

We began with The Early Church theme since my youngest’s church lessons will soon be on the Christian church. Reading through the book of Acts, we discuss more than we write down. One whole chapter a day is not read, but only portions of it. Trying to put ourselves in the place of the visitors hearing the apostles for the first time brought out new thoughts. Realized that the members sold what they had and SHARED was uncomfortable to us. Would we do that today? The Weekly Theme Statement is used as their weekly memory verse. Being able to teach all three together is a great benefit.

The curriculum comes with a reading about each theme. Since the older two are in high school, I read it directly to them. Audio lectures for the teacher to understand and use the Principle Approach are included in the materials. This is a teacher-intense curriculum, not one to hand over to the student. However, a Bible class should be something that is worked through with the student and not just handed over.

For $44, the buyer receives online delivery of the K-12 manual, elementary notebook ideas, and an eight lecture Teacher Training seminar. A hard copy version of all items costs $74. Unfortunately, the website shows no samples. Any denomination believing in the Bible should be able to use this as the teacher decides the doctrines taught. A complete overview of the Bible can be completed in one year. I view this product as almost more of a teacher training than a curriculum, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just something to be aware of.

I  have done similar Bible study with my children for years, before I knew what the Principle Approach was. For me, this curriculum is a bit pricey when I had to totally come up with mkost of the components of our study. When my children were younger, I used our weekly church Bible lesson and memory verse, then expanded it with different ideas which included drama, art, discussion, worksheets and more.  I do understand that the author’s goal is to put the study into the parent’s hands to take the study where they wish it to go, but more teaching guidelines and notebook ideas would have made this better. I always enjoy seeing others ideas and then expand them. What I do like about this curriculum is that it reminds parents to get back to the basics of the Bible using it alone as textbook. However, to spend the money on something I’ve been doing for years and still not have that many ideas or activities is not something I would do. Tons of ideas abound on the internet in paid/no fee sites and blogs. I view this product as more of a teacher training product than an actual curriculum.

If you have never practiced the Principle Approach to Bible study, I recommend you look at it. Just spewing forth the words does not mean the child lives it. Make Bible study more than just a little reading each day. Talk about it throughout the day, incorporate it into whatever you are doing. Make sure your child understands the truths portrayed and not just the facts. Make sure your family can apply what they read to their own lives. If you need help doing so, visit the Judah Bible Curriculum website to be inspired.

Official Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received a download of the Judah Bible Curriculum to use in our homeschool. My opinions are truly my own and I received no other compensation for this review.  See what other crewmates thought on the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.

There is no friend as loyal as a book.
-Earnest Hemingway

Do you have books read years ago that when you see them again a smile covers your face and you are taken back in time to when you first read them? Have you read a book over and over and over again just for the joy you receive? Have you discovered a long lost book and hugged it tight? If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you may want to visit Homeschool Library Builder and see what treasures you can find for your homeschool, children, grandchildren, or yourself.

For those not having a used bookstore nearby, Homeschool Library Builder helps fill in the gaps with new and used books at a discount. My favorite way to search for books is by searching the “Curriculum” section. There, I am able to search for books which go along with Five in a Row, Beautiful Feet, Ambleside, and more curricula. They specifically stock titles used in unit studies and literature-based curricula. Books may also be searched by age, geographic location, hard-to-find, subject and more. They even offer a free search for you to discover a certain book you want that is not on their website. Just let them know what book you are searching for and they will try to find it for you.

Sign up for a FREE membership to Homeschool Library Builder and you will receive their monthly newsletter packed with Spotlight on the Season activities and book options corresponding to monthly historical events. For example, May 8 is No Socks Day. May 12 shows Kite Day with books they sell about kites and sites listed having kites to build, etc. My personal favorite was May 15-Chocolate Chip Day. Notice of sales-just wait ’til you see their Super Bowl sale!-will be in the newsletter.

With a membership, you are part of the Book Rewards Program where every dollar spent earns a book point. The more book points you have, the bigger the benefit on your next purchase. A percentage of their sales also goes to Compassion International.

Through the month of May, they are offering 25% off on all purchases. This includes hard and softcover, new and used books. Peruse Homeschool Library Builder at http://www.hslibrarybuilder.com  and see what you think.

Official Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew I was asked to look at the Homeschool Library Builder website and let my readers know a little about it. I received no products, but was granted a one time 10% off code on any purchase. As of this date, I have made no purchases, but I did see some books I want. In past years, I have purchased from Homeschool Library Builder and was pleased with their books and customer service. No other compensation was given.  See what other crewmembers thought at  http://homeschoolcrew.com/785086/

The God’s Great Covenant Bible curriculum reminds me of the Bible curriculum I used when teaching grades 1 – 4 in a Christian school. Put out by Classical Academic Press , this curriculum is solid Biblical teaching on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. At a youth camporee this past weekend, the speaker said that the gospel is: the Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection, Gift of the Holy Spirit and Second Coming. This book teaches a good portion of that. Although the book I received is not put out by my own denomination, it appears to be non-denominational friendly. It mentions baptism, obedience with God’s help, nature of Christ , etc. The final story is about the Ascension. The Teacher’s Edition does state that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday when the disciples met together on the first day of the week and Sunday worship was continued by tradition. Sabbath was changed by man, not God. The author does state in her view that Saturday OR Sunday should be observed as the day of rest. I respectfully disagree, but she still makes valid points on the holiness of the Sabbath day which I appreciate. I would have no qualms using this curriculum, but would be careful when using it regarding doctrines. Ms. Larsen has done a tremendous job in creating this curriculum that digs a little deeper than other Bible curricula I have seen.

I was pleased to review God’s Great Covenant New Testament 1-The Gospels since JackJack is just finishing up the stories of Jesus in his Sabbath School class. We did not start at the beginning of the book, but instead jumped ahead to chapter 26 out of 36. A Rich Ruler, a Blind Beggar, and a Sinful Tax Collector had the theme of “The Messiah’s way of salvation is accepted by some and rejected by others.” Three scripture passages were given where the story takes place. Memory work was assigned. Key facts from the story reminded us just what salvation coming from the Lord is and gave scriptures to back up what it meant. Prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ life was shared. Then, the story began.

Many extra teaching tips/helpful information for the teacher exist throughout the story in the paperback Teacher’s Edition. It also indicates the answers for the worksheets given in the paperback student edition. Worksheets include Fill-in-the-blanks, True-False, Word Unscramble, Questions on Key Facts, Who Am I?, Who Said? and Think About It sections. Also, a place for writing the memory verse is provided. Each unit has a story about a little boy, Simon, who lives during Jesus’ time and experiences situations within Jesus’ life. JackJack especially liked those stories, but he also enjoyed the Bible stories, too. He told me he liked this curriculum.

Other quality information given in the Appendices include a total list of each chapter’s Prophecies Fulfilled, explanation of Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King, Explanation of Lord’s Prayer, Glossary, Chapter Quizzes and Answers and Maps. This is a complete curriculum, ready to pick up and use.

Sometimes, my 16 year-old overheard as JackJack and I read and discussed. She said she really liked how each chapter showed how prophecy was fulfilled in the life of Jesus. I liked this, too and have not seen another curriculum show that so vividly. The one thing I did not like about this curriculum was their were no hands-on activities to speak of-just worksheets.

To see a sample, visit this link. Visit Classical Academic Press to view other books in the God’s Great Covenant series. The Student’s Edition is $26.95 and the Teacher’s Edition is $29.95. Other reviewers share their thoughts on this product on the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Official Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received the God’s Great Covenant New Testament 1 student and teacher’s paperback editions. I give my honest opinion on this product and received no other compensation.