Monday, July 31, 2017

Homeschool Review Crew Review: English on a Roll


As a homeschool parent, I am always on the lookout for new products that will keep my child engaged in the learning process. When I learned about the English Grammar Teaching Method from English on a Roll, I knew this would be a good item for me to review with my son. I was right!


Not only did our dog, Yoda, and one of our three cats, Tiger Lily who is pictured above, give their stamp of approval on this new learning tool but my son also gave it two thumbs up. His favorite part is using the blocks to create sentences, especially ones that are silly. As long as the grammar is correct and he is learning, I don't mind silly sentences. Learning can be fun. As a homeschool mom with eight years of experience behind me, I've learned that the fun lessons are the ones that help my son retain the information he has learned. When children are fully engaged, they learn.


You may be wondering, "What exactly is the English Grammar Teaching Method?" The English Grammar Teaching Method utilizes Multisensory Structured Language, which is a teaching approach that incorporates auditory, visual, and tactile methods to teach grammar with multicolored manipulatives. The colors on the dice are coded according to the parts-of-speech that they represent. This enables students to learn grammar through association. For example, all nouns are dark blue while verbs are red. When you purchase the English Grammar Teaching Method, you receive forty manipulatives in a hard carrying case that latches which makes for easy transport. Thirty-eight of these cubes are engraved with color-coded words while two of the cubes are blank. You can customize the blank cubes with words of your choosing. They also sell additional blank cubes on the site. This allows you to build your child's vocabulary which helps it expand your child's knowledge as he ages. In addition, you can write words of interest such as trains, Pokémon, your child's name on these blocks to further engage him in the learning process.


Furthermore, you receive a teaching manual/textbook that includes teaching tips, lessons that make teaching easy and pain free, games, and worksheets. For those who have more than one child, you can reproduce these worksheets because they are covered in the copyright that is extended to you with purchase.


The English Grammar Teaching Method from English on a Roll is a unique, fun, and engaging learning system that will help your child learn grammar and improve their writing skills. These manipulatives are durable for years of learning with multiple children. The program can be utilized with children five years of age through adult. I can even see some preschoolers using the blocks as learning tools. My son, who has diagnoses of ADHD, High-functioning Autism, and Learning Disabilities needs fun ways to learn that fit with his learning styles. Because this method utilizes a multisensory approach, it is a great fit for him. The best part is that he enjoys making silly sentences with the manipulatives so much that he forgets he is learning nor does he complain about doing lessons. To me, this is a huge win!

To learn more about the English Grammar Teaching Method from English on a Roll, watch the video below. Also, stop by their website and browse their products and the FAQ section as well as take the time to look at samples from their textbook. You can also learn more about the product and the vendor on their Facebook page. If you are interested in purchasing this product, you can print out an order form on their site and receive free shipping when you email, mail, or fax the form to them.




First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog today. Second, don't merely take my word about this product. Take a moment to stop by the TOS Homeschool Review Crew and see what other members are saying about English on a Roll as well. Other reviewers have utilized the English Grammar Teaching Method with multiple students and various ages compared to my use of this product with my teenaged son who has diagnoses of ADHD, High-functioning Autism, and Learning Disabilities.


Friday, July 28, 2017

Books of Encouragement to Uplift a Mom's Heart


Mom, if you are feeling weary and in need of encouragement, you are not alone. Every mom, if they are honest, feels overwhelmed and uncertain at some point in their parenting journey. Below is a list of Christian books that will help renew you and in which you can find encouragement to help you persevere. Keep pressing on toward the goal, Mom!

The best place I have found for encouragement, renewal, peace, and hope is digging deep into the word of God. The Bible I have chosen to highlight here is the Mom's Devotional Bible by Elisa Morgan.

NIV Mom's Devotional Bible by Elisa Morgan

Mom Essentials: Pursuing God's Best for You and Your Family (A Bible Study) by Kasey Johnson

The Making of a Mom: Practical Help for Purposeful Parenting by Stephanie Shott



Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God: Encouragement to Refresh Your Soul by Mary E. DeMuth

Mary DeMuth is one of my favorite authors. She writes from a vulnerable heart to which most women can easily relate.

Speaking Mom-ese: Moments of Peace and Inspiration in the Mother Tongue from One Mom's Heart to Yours by Lisa Whelchel

Hope Unfolding: Grace-Filled Truth for the Momma's Heart by Becky Thompson


Calm in My Chaos: Encouragement for a Mom's Weary Soul by Elisabeth K. Corcoran

Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional: A 40-Day Journey by Stacey Thacker and Brooke McGlothlin

Better Together: Because You're Not Meant to Mom Alone by Jill Savage and Anne McClane

Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa Terkreust


I hope that you find encouragement in these ten books I have listed here. I pray that God will renew your purpose and give you His strength to persevere on your parenting journey, dear one!

To find additional book suggestions for Moms, please stop by the Homeschool Review Crew and read other blogs linked there.


Thursday, July 27, 2017

Books for Special Moms Who Love a Child with Special Needs


As the mom of a child with special needs, I know there are days when I wonder if I'm truly equipped for the challenges I'm facing. If you feel this way as well, you are not alone, precious Mom. God has given us the privilege of loving and nurturing a child with special needs. I hope the books listed below provide you with the encouragement you need to keep persevering.

Unlocking the Treasure: A Bible Study for Moms Entrusted with Special-Needs Children by Bev Roozeboom

Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him by Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson

A Special Mother Is Born: Parents Share How God Called Them to the Extraordinary Vocation of Parenting a Special Needs Child by Leticia Velasquez

Count It All Joy: Life's Lessons from a Child with Special Needs by Kathleen Murray


Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs by Amy Mason

God Gave You the Special Needs Child for a Purpose by Kalee Miles

Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs by Jolene Philo

The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs by Andrew Wilson and Rachel Wilson


I'm so glad you decided to visit my blog today. It is my hope that the eight books listed above provide you with the inspiration and encouragement you need to keep pressing on toward the prize. It is my prayer that you feel  God's amazing peace covering you. May you feel renewed. May God be your strength on your parenting journey, dear one!

For additional books for moms, stop by the Homeschool Review Crew.

Books for Moms on Homeschooling


Hi, Mom! You have made the decision to homeschool your child or children. I'm sure there are days when you wonder, "What was I thinking?" Other days, you may even question, "Am I messing up my kids?" Don't worry, Mom, you are not alone. We all need encouragement to keep pressing on toward the goal. I hope that you will find encouragement for your homeschool journey in the following list of Christian books, dear one.

The Bible is the best place I know to find encouragement, hope, peace, and renewal.

NIV Homeschool Mom's Bible: Daily Personal Encouragement from Zondervan

The Healing Rhythms of Home: 30 Days of Devotion for the Homeschool Mom by Brook Legg

Flourish: Balance for Homeschool Moms by Mary Jo Tate



How to Teach Your Child: Simple Tools for Homeschool Moms by Tamara L. Chilver

Simplify Your Homeschool Day: Shorten Your Day Sweeten Your Time by Tamara L. Chilver

Seasons of a Mother's Heart: Heart to Heart Encouragement for Homeschool Moms by Sally Clarkson

Educating the WholeHearted Child by Sally Clarkson




Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie

A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola

Homeschool Supermom...Not! When Grace Meets Homeschooling by Susan Kemmerer



I'm glad you visited my blog today. I hope you found some inspiration in the ten books I have listed here to encourage you on your homeschool journey. I pray, precious Mom, that God will clothe your new homeschool year in His peace and that He will be your strength in the days ahead.

For additional book suggestions, visit Homeschool Review Crew.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

WordlessWednesday: Trains


Since he was little, my boy has been fascinated by trains. We've enjoyed our excursions riding on many different trains throughout the years. Enjoy these photos on my newest Wordless Wednesday post.

My Boy with Thomas the Tank Engine in Strasburg, PA
My Boy at Steam into History
Steam into History York County Pennsylvania
Steam into History
Thank you for joining me today! Please stop by my friend Karen's blog, Tots and Me, to view additional Wordless Wednesday posts.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Raising Leaders, Not Followers by Kerry Beck Review, Giveaway, and Free Workshop


Raising Leaders, Not Followers: A Biblical Perspective of Leadership Education by my homeschool friend, Kerry Beck, releases today: Tuesday July 25, 2017. In Raising Leaders, Kerry defines Leadership and Character. Leadership and character are essential skills that every homeschool parent wants to instill in their child. They are Biblically based principles and Kerry explains how homeschool parents can provide these foundations in their child's life. She then goes on to provide strategies to help parents develop a lifelong love of learning in their children. Raising Leaders also provides practical skills that will help your children have a good work ethic, become independent learners, motivate your students to persevere, and encourage them to develop humility. Furthermore, the book provides a list of useful resources. This book is a must read for every parent who homeschools or is even considering homeschooling their child.


To celebrate her new release, Raising Leaders, Not Followers, Kerry is hosting a free online homeschool workshop today: Tuesday July 25, 2017. The workshop runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Kerry will be covering:

  • How to give your kids tools of learning for a lifetime … that REALLY work
  • Biblical examples of leaders and leaders-in-training that you can follow
  • A proven method to develop a love of learning for life’s leaders
  • How to make this school year different & better from all the years past…
  • Two stages in laying the foundation for your children to become a leader
  • Three tips to instill the character of a leader at a young age
  • How you can begin this school right with your own children
  • How & where you can start to raise your kids to be leaders, not followers
  • How to develop a love of learning in your kids … at all ages!
  • Simple techniques to train your children “how to think” and be successful leaders
  • One activity you can do each day to instill a lifelong love of learning so they can lead
  • Easiest way to become a mentor to your own children this year so they are prepared as leaders
  • How & why a Biblical worldview is imperative to give your own students.
  • How to transition from teacher-directed homeschool to a more independent student-directed homeschool


  • In addition to the free online workshop, Kerry is also hosting a giveaway. To celebrate her new release, Kerry is giving away two free copies of her new book: Raising Leaders, Not Followers. There's more! If you purchase Raising Leaders, Not Followers, on July 25, 2017, you will receive free product totaling $180 in value.

    Here’s what’s included:
    • Literature ebook package  $92.75Famous Men of the Middle Ages, by Haaren & Poland (value: $16.95)
      The Story of George Washington,
      by: James Baldwin (value: $8.97)
      A Child’s Story of England,
      by: Charles Dickens (value: $16.97)
      Heidi,
      by: Johanna Spyri (value: $9.97)
      The Call of the Wild,
      by: Jack London (value: $9.97)
      Men of Iron,
      by: Ernie Howard Pyle (value: $14.97)
      Tale of Two Cities,
      by: Charles Dickens (value: $14.97)
    • Old Fashioned Copywork & Dictation (digital)  $17
      Use the selections in this book as copywork or dictation.  You can also use these to have older children practice reading aloud clearly.  Most of this book is great for discussion topics, as well.
    • Teaching Writing ebook $10
      Discover practical tips to teach writing to your children.  Easy to follow ideas will help save you some time as you plan your next writing lessons.
      Chapters include:
      Outlining & Rewriting
      Writing with a Purpose
      Journals
      Integrate Scrapbooking with Writing
      Topic Sentences
      Clincher Sentences…and more!
    • Classics Book List (Kids  / Youth  / Adult – Digital) $10
      Finding classics to read to your family has never been easier!  Lists for ALL ages.  If Mom is starting her education, she can find books that she will enjoy and move to ones that will stretch her thinking.  If big sister wants to read to the toddlers, she can choose from the Pre-School List.  When you are in the middle of independent studies, choose a book from the Youth List.
    • Help for Harried Homeschooler  (digital) $15You asked for practical tips and this has LOTS!  Sometimes it is easier to learn from charts, so I turned our Getting Started for Moms section into a chart.  I also have some schedules to get started with your children, as well as daily schedules.  Lists make it easy to find information quickly.  There are lots of lists here – Lists of Questions, Lists of Responsibilities, Lists of Character Qualities, Lists of Daily Tips.
    • Raising Leaders workshop & transcript (digital)$19
      Kerry explains the pitfalls of the conveyor belt methods and the benefits of Leadership Education. She offers specific tips to get started, to build character in your children, to develop a love of learning in your family, how to help your children shift to independence and how to mentor with classics using the tools of learning for a lifetime.

    Kerry Beck, the author of Raising Leaders, Not Followers: A Biblical Perspective of Leadership Education, is a retired homeschool mom. Kerry and her husband have been married for twenty-seven years. She graduated three homeschoolers and is anticipating the arrival of her first grandchild. Kerry is still active in the homeschool community. She strives to help other homeschool parents through her website, How to Homeschool My Child.

    Monday, July 24, 2017

    Five Minute Friday: What Will You Collect (A Poem)


    What Will You Collect?
    A Poem by God's Writer Girl

    What will you collect?
    Will you collect knickknacks
    That sit on shelves and gather dust?
    Will you collect coins
    Meant to sit in books and not be spent?
    Will you collect quilts
    That moths will eat and fray?

    What will you collect?
    Will they be earthly treasures
    That dim and gray?
    Will they be memories
    That fade with age?
    Will they be items
    Left behind when you die?

    What will you collect?
    Will you collect
    Hearts for Jesus?
    Will you gather
    Hurting souls?
    Will you help
    Those who are lost?

    What will you collect?
    Will you gather
    Weary travelers looking for home?
    Will you help
    Those oppressed and forgotten?
    Will you show them
    The love of God?

    What will you collect?
    Will your treasures
    Be in Heaven with you?
    Will you choose people over things?
    What will you choose to collect?

    © Kelly Kiggins-Lund



    Thank you for stopping by my blog today to read my original poem. Please consider stopping by Kate Motaung's site to see her newest Five Minute Friday post. Each week, Kate hosts a weekly blog post with a writing prompt encouraging writers to write on the selected topic uninterrupted and unedited for five minutes. This week's prompt was collect.

    Saturday, July 22, 2017

    Homeschool Review Crew Review: Doctor Aviation


    I'll be honest, I opted to review the Doctor Aviation online course from Doctor Aviation - the vendor because my son has a deeply rooted anxiety about flying. It is my hope that this course will help ease some of those fears. I also thought it would be fun for me to learn more about aviation as well.

    Doctor Aviation is an online program with fifteen lessons broken down into six sections. Section One is a course overview with a lesson that focuses upon the Aviation System. Section Two discusses the Aircraft with lessons on the Major Components, Axes and Forces, Airfoils and Lifts, and Turns, Pitches, and Slides. While Section Three discusses Air Traffic Control, section Four covers Aircraft Maintenance. Next, Section Five talks about Airfield Operations. Finally, Section Six focuses on the Aircraft with lessons on Pilot Instruments and other types of aircraft such as helicopters, gliders, and airships.

    The course is taught by a former Air Force Pilot who has flown various types of aircraft throughout the years. He has worked as both an Instructor as well as a Research Pilot. He has a Master's Degree from the Air Force Academy. He also served as a faculty member at the Air Force Academy and published a book on flying.

    In addition to the video segment of each lesson, there is an accompanying downloadable and printable document for Guided Notes. This form highlights the key points discussed in each session. It has numerous fill-in-the blank spots where you and your child can provide the answers as you watch the course video. Furthermore, each lesson also contains a downloadable and printable To Learn More Sheet that contains additional resources: articles and websites to help students learn even more about the topics covered. The course also includes two different downloadable and printable Examination Study Guides for practice testing prior to the two exams.

    Sample Guided Notes Lesson One
    Sample To Learn More
    Sample Examination Study Guide

    Furthermore, the sessions contain topics such as Technical Trivia which covers aircraft terminology. In Notable Innovators, flight greats such as the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart. Legendary Aircraft and Events talks about various types of aircraft that have impacted history and events like Lindbergh's flight and the Moon landing.

    The video segments range from a little over forty-two minutes to a little over an hour. They are filled with interesting information. My favorite part was the History of Aviation with focus on pilots like the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart. My teenaged son enjoyed learning more about the various types of "super-cool" aircraft. Although I'm not sure he's quite ready to ride in an airplane yet, my son did appreciate this video series. I guess you can appreciate aircraft for the ingenious craftsmanship. I think you, too, will enjoy this course.


    Below is an Intro video for the Doctor Aviation online course. It will give you a preview of the course's style.


    Dr. Aviation Intro Video from Daryl Smith on Vimeo.

    The Doctor Aviation - the vendor site offers an additional video of Session One: Course Overview - The Aviation System for your perusal.


    Thank you for stopping by to read my review. You can learn more about Doctor Aviation on Facebook and Twitter. To read additional reviews about Doctor Aviation - the vendor and the Doctor Aviation online course, visit the Homeschool Review Crew.


    Friday, July 21, 2017

    Litfuse Review: My Daughter's Legacy


    My Daughter's Legacy by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould weaves together two tales about a family with a legacy of Christian values and courage in the face of insurmountable odds. With complex characters from both the era of the Civil War and the present day, readers learn about the Talbot women. My Daughter's Legacy will keep readers turning the pages late into the night.


    About the Book:

    My Daughter's Legacy is the third book in the Cousins of the Dove Series by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould. The story features women of unfailing conviction. It tells the story of Therese Jennings during the Civil War in Virginia in 1864. Even though Therese's mother has just inherited a plantation, this Southern Belle can't even fathom owning slaves. Fleeing to Richmond, Therese works as a governess during the day and helps nurse wounded soldiers at night. In the midst of tragedy and devastation, will Therese find love?

    In present day Virginia, Nicole Talbot, a descendent of Therese, who has overcome a drug addiction and finally has her life back on a positive track. With her freshman year of college over, Nicole has returned home to reveal a shocking secret. It is a secret that centers around a traumatic event that not only affected Nicole's life but also the lives of her sister and cousins. When the truth threatens her family's legacy, will Nicole have what it takes to unlock the secrets of the past? Will the new-found relationship she has established be thwarted?


    About the Authors:

    Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than thirty books, both fiction and non-fiction, with more than a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult daughters, Lauren and Emily. Mindy and John reside in Pennsylvania.

    Leslie Gould is a former magazine editor and the author of numerous novels. Leslie's books have received several awards, including the Christy Award. She and her husband, Peter, have four children. They reside in Oregon.

    Where to Purchase:

    Amazon
    Christianbook/CBD
    Barnes and Noble

    Author Chat Party and Giveaway:

    Meet two women in different eras but both with unfailing conviction in Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould's new book, My Daughter's Legacy.

    Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? Nicole Talbot's life is back on track after years of substance abuse. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family's legacy, she must risk all that she's gained-her fresh start, her family's trust, and her growing relationship with a new man-to unlock the secrets of the past.

    Celebrate the release of Mindy and Leslie's new book by entering to win the $75 Visa Cash Card Giveaway (details below) and by attending their author chat party on August 1!

    One grand prize winner will receive:
    • One copy of My Daughter's Legacy

    • One $75 Visa Cash Card
    Enter today by clicking RSVP link below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 1. The winner will be announced at the My Daughter's Legacy Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Mindy, Leslie, and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

    RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 1st!

    Wednesday, July 19, 2017

    Words of Hope: July Edition


    Throughout my life, I thought that if I could just please others then I, too, would be happy and content. I would wear different masks depending upon who I was around. To be honest, it became overwhelming trying to decide what mask I was suppose to be wearing. Each person in my life had different expectations for me. I didn't know who I truly was because I was too busy trying to be the person everyone else expected of me.


    My earthly father has always had high expectations of me. Honestly, I have never felt like I measured up in his eyes. Sadly, for many years, I thought my heavenly Father had the same unreachable expectations for me. It wasn't until I finally recognized that my Abba Father's love had no bounds, no end, no conditions that I finally started living my life. When I saw myself as His beloved daughter, worthy not because of who I am or what I've done or not done but because of whose I am, I was finally free and able to be content because I was no longer trying to please anyone nor trying to buy anyone's love for me.

    Don't get me wrong. I still live my life in a way that pleases God. However, knowing His love is unconditional frees me from worrying about every move I make. Being free allows me to place my focus where it belongs: on sharing God's love with others. Being confident in God's love for me allows me to be the person God has always intended. Not worrying about making mistakes that might separate me from God's love frees me. It enables me to see His immense love for me. It permits me to no longer focus upon myself but instead focus upon others. It frees me to focus my efforts on helping others see God's immense love for them.


    My hope for each one of you, dear ones, is that you will be able to know God's immense love for you. It is deep and wide, without conditions, without end. It will be your comfort on the hard days, your anchor in the chaos, your light in the darkness, your strength when you are weak, and your hope when you feel hopeless.

    Prayer: Abba Father, help me be able to see myself through Your eyes. Help me to know my true worth as Your beloved child. Help me to know that Your love is always more than enough. God please help me to find contentment. I long to show others Your love. Help me to be a light in the darkness and show others the hope that is only found in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

    This post is part of my Words of Hope monthly blog hop. If you have an uplifting, encouraging post you'd like to share, please feel free to link it below.


       

       

    Wordless Wednesday: The Philadelphia Zoo


    One of my homeschooling friends hosts a weekly blog called Wordless Wednesday where we can all share our photographs. Today, I am sharing photos of the beautiful animals God created. They are from our trip to the Philadelphia Zoo.

    My boy is front of the fountain at the Philly Zoo
    The Mighty Rhino
    Hippo Hide-and-Seek
    Giant Giraffes
    Just Monkeying Around
    The Majestic Elephant
    My Ferocious Boy
    Please stop by my friend Karen's blog, Tots and Me, to see other Wordless Wednesday posts.