tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54166457666023068232024-02-22T23:46:50.222-07:00Through the Calm and Through the StormCristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.comBlogger1472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-35812686127176462962019-07-02T21:05:00.001-06:002019-07-02T21:05:13.642-06:00Dyslexia Gold {Schoolhouse Crew Review}<center>
<a href="https://dyslexiagold.com/" target="_blank"><img height="129" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/LargeLogoNew.png" width="320" /></a></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good friend on the Homeschool Review Crew knows that Lauren is still struggling some with reading and suggested that I took a look at <a href="https://dyslexiagold.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dyslexia Gold</a> when we had the opportunity to do reviews of it. Lauren has made significant strides when it comes to reading and reading comprehension skills this past year, but she's still working below her grade level. Although I wasn't sure how well the whole <a href="https://dyslexiagold.com/shop/homeschoolers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dyslexia Gold Full Bundle</a> would work for us, there were definitely some parts of the program that I wanted to try with Lauren.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dyslexia Gold's Full Bundle includes four somewhat separate programs: Engaging Eyes, Fluency Builder, Spelling Tutor, and Times Table Tutor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lauren has used many, many reading programs, including several that were heavily phonics based. She actually reads quite well if I'm just measuring her ability to pronounce all the words in the text. In fact, when we started using Dyslexia Gold she was tested to find out her average words per minute score on a particular passage. Further online research led me to believe that her score of 151 words per minute was an acceptable score for an upper elementary grade student. I wanted to continue using Dyslexia Gold to see what sorts of improvements could be made for a student who struggled, but who was well beyond the beginner stages of reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Engaging Eyes is the part of the program that I was most interested in. Engaging Eyes is a series of games designed so that the student practices focusing both eyes on the same point and then tracking the eyes together as they move across a line of typing. I wondered if Lauren's eyes were causing her problems while she read -- not enough to notice when she read aloud to me, but perhaps enough to cause her to fatigue easily or to be exerting so much effort keeping her eyes on track that her brain wasn't able to process the information she was reading.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the Engaging Eyes games used 3D glasses to make sure the eyes are focusing on different objects and then working together. Another one did not.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZqIZcdGYUw/XRwYFfwTSXI/AAAAAAAAWqk/mpBtpqYaqpgI4w2ZKURuNJFYGZrmhjlAACLcBGAs/s1600/20190416_105821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZqIZcdGYUw/XRwYFfwTSXI/AAAAAAAAWqk/mpBtpqYaqpgI4w2ZKURuNJFYGZrmhjlAACLcBGAs/s320/20190416_105821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We found that the 3D glasses could be worn over regular prescription glasses, but the blue-light filter on Lauren's regular glasses made it so that she couldn't see correctly through the blue side of the 3D glasses. Her vision is good enough that she can see the computer screen without her glasses and she could play that game while wearing only the 3D glasses.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Lauren logged into Dyslexia Gold's Engaging Eyes section, it had her complete the same two activities every day. I think she would have progressed to different games eventually, but she prefers programs where the activities change frequently (even if it's still working on the same skill). I later found that there were more games available under a different tab, but not necessarily showing up automatically for her.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PAHX80OYQ8/XRwX9zQlWdI/AAAAAAAAWqY/rLHrxipM9HUmL1hKKG7JWy_U7lo96-f0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.10.19%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1265" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PAHX80OYQ8/XRwX9zQlWdI/AAAAAAAAWqY/rLHrxipM9HUmL1hKKG7JWy_U7lo96-f0wCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.10.19%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9rZ3d5TPj8/XRwX-SWocAI/AAAAAAAAWqg/fc-dtnKwTugR8-DEzKiTILEVI5adnGLTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.14.12%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1025" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9rZ3d5TPj8/XRwX-SWocAI/AAAAAAAAWqg/fc-dtnKwTugR8-DEzKiTILEVI5adnGLTQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.14.12%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
I looked at the Fluency Builder section, even though I was fairly confident that Lauren's phonics skills were at a good level. This program would have been helpful several years ago when we were focused on learning separate letter sounds and how they combine to make words, but it is too easy for her now. I was, however, impressed by the fluency section that had longer passages for the student to read. Unfortunately, Lauren wasn't willing to work through the easy exercises to get to the few sections that would have actually challenged her.</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rB5XMitnRT8/XRwX9lTff1I/AAAAAAAAWqM/ncZgKTOPr1UpxKbcx5reiKEXEpH9I-RAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B7.41.37%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="975" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rB5XMitnRT8/XRwX9lTff1I/AAAAAAAAWqM/ncZgKTOPr1UpxKbcx5reiKEXEpH9I-RAgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B7.41.37%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8YpYdb-rMk/XRwX9k-M8jI/AAAAAAAAWqQ/hI6MPWKZNnYfwinZ6NxemqTZXSUixlobwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B7.54.52%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1117" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8YpYdb-rMk/XRwX9k-M8jI/AAAAAAAAWqQ/hI6MPWKZNnYfwinZ6NxemqTZXSUixlobwCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B7.54.52%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7qPPQocCAQ/XRwX9qhLa8I/AAAAAAAAWqU/HDaOQTkjHk4VA2B6goDBR_0dgfB3IuwPwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B7.55.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="671" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F7qPPQocCAQ/XRwX9qhLa8I/AAAAAAAAWqU/HDaOQTkjHk4VA2B6goDBR_0dgfB3IuwPwCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B7.55.35%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
Spelling Tutor uses a fabulous approach that I also wish we had found earlier. We've sometimes used dictation to help practice both spelling and grammar skills. Spelling Tutor uses dictation without needing a parent to read the words/sentences out loud to the student. I primarily looked at the purple (highest) level. It starts with a paragraph that is several sentences long. The student reads the paragraph out loud, and then the program speaks the sentences out loud for the student to write on a separate sheet of paper (or whiteboard). After each sentence, the student correct his/her own work and has some practice activities for any misspelled words.</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhhho3mbePQ/XRwaJgbKneI/AAAAAAAAWrA/cHBMSwyEvPQVW0mD88HN31BpNR3NTKchQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.59.10%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="535" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhhho3mbePQ/XRwaJgbKneI/AAAAAAAAWrA/cHBMSwyEvPQVW0mD88HN31BpNR3NTKchQCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.59.10%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
Times Table Tutor is also included with the Dyslexia Gold Full Bundle. I guess that makes sense from an age-based standpoint because much of the rest of the program seems geared for students in 3rd/4th grade which is when memorizing times tables is emphasized. It looked like a fun set-up for practice, and I was impressed with the way it goes up to the 11x and 12x facts instead of just 10. I also liked the way the practice only focused on getting the correct answer and did not add additional stress of identifying the answer within a certain time limit. The program might be especially good for auditory learners because it repeats the multiplication fact out loud after each correct answer.</center>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9ewzCgSZy4/XRwX-bYCr7I/AAAAAAAAWqc/uMpwqcK63Zo4ZDGjoiLlZrmx1tccdUPwACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.24.34%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="577" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9ewzCgSZy4/XRwX-bYCr7I/AAAAAAAAWqc/uMpwqcK63Zo4ZDGjoiLlZrmx1tccdUPwACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-07-02%2Bat%2B8.24.34%2BPM.png" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: justify;">
Since my primary concern (potential concern) was addressed with Engaging Eyes, Lauren focused on that area of the program for our review period. It took her approximately 10 minutes to do the assigned games. She says she doesn't know if it made a difference, but I remember her complaining about her eyes hurting after the practice sessions when she first started. She no longer has any complaints of eye fatigue while playing the games. Her reading skills in terms of reading books on her own during our daily quiet reading time has seemed to improve over the past few months. I cannot tell if Dyslexia Gold was the key thing thing that made the difference, but I think it's very possible that the Engaging Eyes practice helped keep her eyes from getting tired while reading and therefore made reading time easier and more enjoyable overall.<br />
<br />If you have a child that is struggling with reading or a child who could use extra phonics practice while learning to read, it would be well worth your time to check out Dyslexia Gold. You can click on the banner below to read other reviews from Homeschool Crew Review families who have been using the program for the past few months.<br /><br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/dyslexia-gold-full-bundle-dyslexia-gold-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Dyslexia Gold Full Bundle {Dyslexia Gold Reviews}" border="0" height="739" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Dyslexia-GOLD-Beyond-Phonics-Home-School-Reviews-2019.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://homeschoolreviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/3-Crew-Disclaimer-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2019</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span></center>
Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-18823231584588773032019-06-12T10:44:00.003-06:002019-06-12T10:44:39.187-06:00Lightning Literature {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="https://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Home/hMain.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Hewitt-Homeschooling-Logo.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
As I start plans for my sixteenth year of homeschooling, there are some subjects that are easy. Order the next level of math -- check. Print the next few chapters of the online science textbook -- check. On the other hand, there are other subjects that drive me crazy as I try to figure out the best option. Language arts, especially reading and literature, has often been the subject that frustrates me the most. I wasn't at all sure what Lauren would do for literature for next year until a good friend suggested that I take another look at <a href="https://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Materials/mLightningLit.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lightning Literature</a> by <a href="https://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Home/hMain.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hewitt Homeschooling Resources</a>.<br />
<br />
I've used Lightning Literature before. Addison did <a href="https://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2012/07/hewitt-literature-schoolhouse-crew.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Lightning Literature & Composition: American Mid-Late 19th Century</i></a> when she was in high school, and Brennan used <a href="https://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2014/07/lightning-literature-and-composition.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Lightning Literature & Composition: Seventh Grade</i></a>. (Click on the product titles if you'd like to read my previous reviews.) When I've looked at their younger elementary offerings in the past, they didn't have that was quite the right age range for Lauren. Even when I pulled up their new materials, I was frustrated that it only went up to fourth or fifth grade. I looked a bit closer, though, and found that those materials weren't necessarily too young or too easy for Lauren. I requested to be able to review <a href="https://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Materials/mItem.aspx?id=8127" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Lightning Literature and Composition: Grade 4 Set</i></a> through the Homeschool Review Crew (a division of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzaeEo9Q4Ps/XQEqTj52pkI/AAAAAAAAWaU/nIolDN98f_wYIJVvizd3bjyAWAIl-gqiACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzaeEo9Q4Ps/XQEqTj52pkI/AAAAAAAAWaU/nIolDN98f_wYIJVvizd3bjyAWAIl-gqiACKgBGAs/s400/IMG_8905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I was initially drawn to <i>Lightning Literature: Grade 4</i> because of the books chosen for this level. Part of my difficulty in choosing a literature program for Lauren is that she's heard a lot of books. She loves read-aloud time and audiobooks, and therefore she has heard many of the books that are used in elementary or middle school reading programs.While I don't always object to studying a book that she's already familiar with, I found that often she wasn't enjoying the thrill of hearing a new story unfold because she already knows the ending. Last year sent me on a search for new books to experience with her and ideally a curriculum that would allow us to study these newer books together. Of the twelve books covered in <i>Lightning Lit</i>, she has only heard two of them, and those two were done on audiobook while riding in the car. They aren't old favorites that she knows inside and out.<br />
<br />
A full list of the books in this level is available <a href="https://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/Info/iLLGr4Books.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, but some of the ones that appeal most to me are <i>The One and Only Ivan</i> by Katherine Applegate, <i>Where the Mountain Meets the Moon</i> by Grace Lin, and <i>The Dreamer</i> by Pam Muñoz Ryan. As you can see, the selections span a wide range of cultures and types of literature. It also includes two books of poetry -- <i>Love That Dog</i> by Sharon Creech and <i>Gone Fishing</i> by Tamera Will Wissinger.<br />
<br />
When choosing these materials, I decided to ignore the big "Grade 4" written on the front cover of the student workbook and press forward with these materials because the books are at her working level. She is perhaps capable of reading slightly more difficult books, but I want the focus of her literature study to be on thinking about the book. If she's struggling to read a book that is too difficult for her to understand, she's only going to be frustrated by assignments requiring her to analyze it.<br />
<br />
As Lauren reaches middle school, it's important to find materials that are written directly to the student. I'm usually nearby to help while she's doing her schoolwork, but she likes to be able to work independently as much as possible. It frustrates her to have to wait while I read her materials that are only included in the Teacher's Guide.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UShIvK39wOs/XQEqYvA4ZrI/AAAAAAAAWac/7nyHATozQpoLV-vOi40npSYNlmEjVbR4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UShIvK39wOs/XQEqYvA4ZrI/AAAAAAAAWac/7nyHATozQpoLV-vOi40npSYNlmEjVbR4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lauren appreciates that each section in the Student Workbook is set up to be completed in a week. It has a weekly checklist for the student and also divides the assignments up into daily work. The work is divided into four days which allows an extra day to catch up, add an extra project, or to have extra time to play board games. For our family, this extra day means that we don't fall behind when we have a lengthy doctor's appointment or other activity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxUdHBbRND0/XQEqxfQR0PI/AAAAAAAAWao/drIOsLQngdwba3f97MaNJU67zloWpQkWACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxUdHBbRND0/XQEqxfQR0PI/AAAAAAAAWao/drIOsLQngdwba3f97MaNJU67zloWpQkWACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8910.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrkM2nH32CQ/XQEr1OS6S0I/AAAAAAAAWbQ/I5ur_2H4OhgwAgsx-Qpy7R7HPexH2oiWACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrkM2nH32CQ/XQEr1OS6S0I/AAAAAAAAWbQ/I5ur_2H4OhgwAgsx-Qpy7R7HPexH2oiWACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As you can tell from the checklist pages, <i>Lightning Literature</i> covers reading comprehension, grammar, and composition. We started using this program in May, and since both Lauren and mom were suffering from a severe case of Spring Fever, we opted to skip the composition assignments. We found the grammar to be a good review for Lauren, but may continue using our separate grammar program next year. The strength of the program definitely lies in its reading comprehension and literary analysis assignments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qghcK-YG_Wc/XQEqflCTFUI/AAAAAAAAWag/eBzrBshDe0sKsj7-A5DZYNQLjH1a_P1QACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qghcK-YG_Wc/XQEqflCTFUI/AAAAAAAAWag/eBzrBshDe0sKsj7-A5DZYNQLjH1a_P1QACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8917.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
In addition to questions about the book, the workbook often asks the student reflective questions that encourages her to make connections between the story and her own life. It's important to me to see Lauren reflecting on the story and not just answering fact-based questions about the material.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfmwNXtPw0M/XQEqsRbdyUI/AAAAAAAAWak/2a74Smh0ttEw3xKpi1KOMOniS6u9i9mGwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfmwNXtPw0M/XQEqsRbdyUI/AAAAAAAAWak/2a74Smh0ttEw3xKpi1KOMOniS6u9i9mGwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Teacher's Guide contains more than just the answers to the Student Workbook pages. It contains teaching hints for the composition assignments, including ways to break down the larger assignment into smaller, more manageable chunks. It also has book discussion points for the teacher to cover with the student. I'm still trying to figure out how to frame these discussions in a friendly way and not a teaching way to make them more acceptable for Lauren. These discussions cover theme, character, setting, conflict, symbolism, etc. -- all the important elements of literary analysis she needs to learn.<br />
<br />
We're taking a summer break right now, but I look forward to picking up in <i>Lightning Literature: Grade 4</i> when we start back to school in August. It's going to be a great year of reading in our house!<br />
<br />
Members of the Homeschool Review Crew have been using other levels of Lightning Literature and Hewitt Homeschooling's other products, be sure to click on the banner below to read about them.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/lightning-literature-my-first-reports-state-history-notebook-joy-of-discovery-hewitt-homeschooling-resources-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lightning Literature, My First Reports, State History Notebook & Joy of Discovery {Hewitt Homeschooling Resources Reviews}" border="0" height="739" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Lightning-Literature-My-First-Reports-State-History-Notebook-Joy-of-Discovery-Hewitt-Homeschooling-Resources-Reviews-2019.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://homeschoolreviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="https://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/3-Crew-Disclaimer-2016.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2019</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-83124570256345019922019-03-28T16:18:00.000-06:002019-03-28T20:22:25.147-06:00Memoria Press: Poetry for the Grammar Stage {Schoolhouse Crew Review}<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://memoriapress.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="495" height="44" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpIKHxX5tWI/XJw1_jud-MI/AAAAAAAAVvc/i-pzM0OmK_YW1k0ebDK3uod9at8yRud4ACLcBGAs/s320/LOGO-text-slogan_HORIZONTAL_1269x175.png" width="320" /></a></div>
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think that every homeschool family has certain companies that they come back to year after year. One of the companies that keeps popping up in our family is <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Memoria Press</a>. Memoria Press is a classical Christian education program with materials that cover all subject areas. They are perhaps best known for their Latin programs (Prima Latina, Latina Christiana, and more). I have used several of their products with Lauren, and most recently she is using their materials to work through a literature study of <i>Mr. Popper's Penguins</i> by Richard and Florence Atwater.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently, we had the opportunity to use Memoria Press's <a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/poetry-grammar-stage-set-third-edition/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Poetry for the Grammar Stage Set</a>, another part of their literature options. For classical educators, the grammar stage is roughly defined as kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade. The product description notes that "poems increase in difficulty as students move through the book over a four-year period." Since Lauren is at the upper end of the grade recommendation, I introduced these materials with the intention of working through the poems all at once -- sort of a unit-study on poetry to make up for all the years that I didn't add poetry into our other language arts work.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVyMYgIr80c/XJ1F5pVSipI/AAAAAAAAVwQ/aAiU4fdU6JweQXPgsUJ4DfMjnh2tnDI3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVyMYgIr80c/XJ1F5pVSipI/AAAAAAAAVwQ/aAiU4fdU6JweQXPgsUJ4DfMjnh2tnDI3gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Poetry for the Grammar Stage Set ($42) consists of three softcover books -- a poetry anthology, a student guide, and a teacher guide. The materials cover 32 separate poems ranging in difficulty from fairly simple, single page poems such as <i>The Hayloft</i> by Robert Louis Stevenson to longer, more difficult works such as <i>The Bells</i> by Edgar Allan Poe. The Teacher Guide lists places where they would naturally fit with other Memoria Press materials, either literature, history, or science studies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I flipped through the books and saw a familiar framework of a printed copy of the poem followed by vocabulary and comprehension questions. I thought that they could fit in nicely during the part of the day when Lauren works independently. Thankfully, I noticed a single page of notes titled "How to Teach a Poem" at the beginning of the Teacher Guide. It was then that I realized that these materials were not well-suited for a student who prefers to work independently. The Poetry for Grammar Stage Set required me to actively teach much of the materials (regardless of whether Lauren wanted to be working on her own).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We adapted the materials a bit so that Lauren could work independently but I could still teach the materials. On the first day, I read the poem aloud to her. Depending on the time available that day, I sometimes had her also read the poem aloud. For our initial reading, we usually used the copy printed in the Poetry for the Grammar Stage Anthology. The poem is also printed in the Student Guide with space for the student to draw an illustration and blank lines to use the poem as copywork. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iD3sm_9M5Y/XJ1GBpE-KDI/AAAAAAAAVwU/oSvc-vJyzH4D9EGVeA9s44enYBZMBHQhwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iD3sm_9M5Y/XJ1GBpE-KDI/AAAAAAAAVwU/oSvc-vJyzH4D9EGVeA9s44enYBZMBHQhwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9876.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Then, instead of discussing the poem right away, I set her loose with the questions regarding the material. I hovered nearby doing housework or whatever so that she could ask me for help as she completed the work. She was more open to me explaining the rhyming structure or terms such as alliteration once she saw a question that she didn't know how to answer. Then, on the next day, we discussed her answers to the comprehension questions. She wasn't willing to discuss the poem on the day I introduced it, but she was willing to discuss the questions and answers after she had made an attempt to do them on her own. It wasn't the way Memoria Press suggested in the teaching instructions, but it managed to work for us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCI2Sqa-lUA/XJ1HdjTiTeI/AAAAAAAAVwk/XAmdMbhDhn0eqyT-JBukX2mn0LVN6JEgQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190328_160710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCI2Sqa-lUA/XJ1HdjTiTeI/AAAAAAAAVwk/XAmdMbhDhn0eqyT-JBukX2mn0LVN6JEgQCLcBGAs/s320/20190328_160710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Poetry for the Grammar Stage set would be better used in a setting where the teacher and student discuss the materials together. At times, it seemed like it might be even better suited for teaching a small group of students where each student can contribute their ideas so that the group as a whole can discuss possible meanings and interpretations. It is possible to make it work with just a single student at home, though, and even possible with a student who is reluctant to discuss what she has read.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The thirty-two poems in the book increase in difficulty rather quickly. An older student with some poetry background and with strong reading comprehension skills could perhaps work through the poems at a pace of three to four per week to make a complete study on poetry. In most other cases, I'd recommend using this book as a way to introduce poetry one time per week (finishing the book in a year) or even introducing just eight poems over the course of a school year (finishing the book in four years).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though this program wasn't a perfect fit for my daughter who insists on working independently whenever possible, other Memoria Press products have been a perfect fit for her. I guess that's why Memoria Press remains one of the homeschool companies that I keep coming back to again and again.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're interested in learning more about other <a href="http://memoriapress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Memoria Press</a> materials, please click the button below to read other reviews. The Old Schoolhouse<span style="background-color: #fdfdfd; caret-color: rgb(77, 77, 77); color: #4d4d4d; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 13.332799911499023px; text-align: left;">® </span>Magazine Homeschool Review Crew members have recently looked at their beginning reading materials, some of their Latin offerings, and other levels of poetry.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/phonics-poetry-latin-memoria-press-reviews/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aJGw_jbXsE/XJw3usrbb9I/AAAAAAAAVvw/F9xmWp2-RTEjTdQr7jjb6rGd7_yJmXROwCLcBGAs/s640/Phonics-Poetry-Latin-Memoria-Press-Reviews.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://homeschoolreviewcrew.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="512" height="188" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r-BmJVUvQg/XJw4nApOmKI/AAAAAAAAVv4/WEC4MsX47h4yEHPG6W82q27HoL02t9RowCLcBGAs/s640/3-Crew-Disclaimer-2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-6911756073213460272018-06-05T21:59:00.001-06:002018-06-06T05:43:53.152-06:00Understanding Pre-Algebra from The Critical Thinking Co.™ {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The Critical Thinking Co.™" border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/tctc-brand-image-tos-crew.png" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
When I look back over our years of homeschooling, I see that we've used products from certain companies nearly every year we've homeschooled. One of those beloved companies is <a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Critical Thinking Co.™</a>. When Brennan was a preschooler we were introduced to their Building Thinking Skills books, and more recently we've used their U.S. History Detective books for high school.<br />
<br />
For the past few years, Lauren has used the <a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/mathematical-reasoning.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mathematical Reasoning™</a> series of workbooks for additional practice alongside her regular math curriculum. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review <a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/understanding-pre-algebra.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Understanding Pre-Algebra</i></a>, the next work text in the series.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhosge790Ls/WxdbqSJMxpI/AAAAAAAAULo/VKpmkefyKec8GPnL9QBIyT0kZcJ81_yDgCKgBGAs/s1600/SCN_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1244" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhosge790Ls/WxdbqSJMxpI/AAAAAAAAULo/VKpmkefyKec8GPnL9QBIyT0kZcJ81_yDgCKgBGAs/s400/SCN_0001.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Understanding Pre-Algebra</i> is suggested for Middle School students in grades 6-8. Lauren is just now finishing up her sixth grade year. In terms of math skills, she can confidently do calculations with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. As we continue in her regular math program, she would be starting pre-algebra in the fall. I was confident that she was ready start the pre-algebra material from The Critical Thinking Co.™.<br />
<br />
The <i>Understanding Pre-Algebra</i> book is a hefty softcover book (442 pages) that combines instructional materials and practice problems in one volume. It has fifteen chapters and 120 lessons. Each chapter has a chapter review exercise that could be used as a test, and the book includes a final examination covering all the material presented in the book. Based on my examination of the materials, it looks like it covers absolutely everything that is covered in any other pre-algebra course.<br />
<br />
A lesson in this course generally consists of a page or two of text explanations and sample problems followed by ten to twenty practice problems for the student to complete on their own. Answers are provided in the back of the book, sometimes with a brief explanation but the problems generally aren't worked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGwnfkZQnsY/WxdXw-sNghI/AAAAAAAAUKs/U_G9rYoXpUQslS0EX6q0NvdcrMyLDuNiQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGwnfkZQnsY/WxdXw-sNghI/AAAAAAAAUKs/U_G9rYoXpUQslS0EX6q0NvdcrMyLDuNiQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9424.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrp1-VFx0Ps/WxdXxE09tyI/AAAAAAAAUKw/ewrCdJeJinQ7BtHJd4Pr2WUeNS1g31_ggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1165" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrp1-VFx0Ps/WxdXxE09tyI/AAAAAAAAUKw/ewrCdJeJinQ7BtHJd4Pr2WUeNS1g31_ggCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9425.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
I am quite impressed with the materials. In addition to be a comprehensive look at pre-algebra topics, this book requires the student to think through the concepts. For instance, in one of Lauren's first lessons, she was reviewing important divisibility rules. One of that lesson's questions was, "Joan said that 27 cannot be divided by 2. Is she right? Explain your thinking." Lauren need quite a bit of guidance to think through the exact way that question was worded, and eventually I coached her enough that she realized that you could still divide 27 by 2, even if it didn't divide evenly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpH2DxQ-lDY/WxdX1cGsOiI/AAAAAAAAUK0/qwMLzfrRLA0dSzsgM5AlDiaBXz2b9K6PACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpH2DxQ-lDY/WxdX1cGsOiI/AAAAAAAAUK0/qwMLzfrRLA0dSzsgM5AlDiaBXz2b9K6PACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9423.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, as I was discussing the material and some of the questions with Lauren, I realized that she's just not ready for this book. She's done quite well with math in the past, but I don't think she's developmentally ready to move from the concrete world of elementary math to the abstract world of pre-algebra. This book introduced a lot of new abstract concepts (natural numbers vs whole numbers vs integers) on the very first page, and she quickly became overwhelmed. She also became frustrated because this book requires a student to either have good reading skills in order to process the teaching section or have a parent/teacher helping with the explanation. Lauren wanted to complete the lessons independently because in the past she's usually done math on her own. It just isn't possible for her to work through this book independently right now.<br />
<br />
Despite our recent frustrations because <i>Understanding Pre-Algebra</i> is a poor fit for Lauren right now, I continue to highly recommend The Critical Thinking Co.™ materials. I had to set this book aside for now, but I'll hang on to it for when Lauren's ready to tackle the challenge.<br />
<br />
<br />
Homeschool Crew bloggers have been using both this book and other excellent options for the past month. Be sure to check out some of the other reviews:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/critical-thinking-understanding-math-vocabulary-the-critical-thinking-co-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Critical Thinking, Understanding Math & Vocabulary {The Critical Thinking Co.™ Reviews}" border="0" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Critical-Thinking-Reviews-2018.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Critical Thinking Co.™</a> has generously offered a coupon code for readers to use on an upcoming order (see below). Also, they offer free critical thinking puzzles delivered weekly to you inbox. Sign up <a href="https://www.criticalthinking.com/toscrew" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and select your appropriate grade level (or levels).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M8CHGt_p6Q/WxdW4_glU-I/AAAAAAAAUKc/Db70h0g-wTgpRYG1uv1pMUzw0kXhDoRMgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-06-05%2Bat%2B9.22.42%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6M8CHGt_p6Q/WxdW4_glU-I/AAAAAAAAUKc/Db70h0g-wTgpRYG1uv1pMUzw0kXhDoRMgCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-06-05%2Bat%2B9.22.42%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://homeschoolreviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/3-Crew-Disclaimer-2016.jpg" height="117" width="400" /></a></center>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2018</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-76355894811481476762018-06-04T21:29:00.004-06:002018-06-04T21:29:38.177-06:00First Day Photos -- June 2018When I posted my first day photos back in January, I was thinking about taking a bit of a blog vacation. I didn't expect it to last quite this long.<br />
<br />
Nothing bad happened. I just needed some time off of the pressures of writing stuff to post publicly.<br />
<br />
Lately, I've been feeling a bit of a pull to get back to sharing about our life and probably even recording some of the years ago stories that I've never written down. I may not write every week, but I hope it won't be five months between blog posts next time.<br />
<br />
What better way to jump back into blogging than to once again snap everyday pictures on the first day of the month. (Full disclosure: June 1st was perhaps too everyday for even everyday pictures so these are all from June 2nd.)<br />
<br />
About a month ago, we moved from base housing to the new house we built. It's been a crazy move, and I suspect it'll be a long time before everything is put away. I decided the boxes could wait while we enjoyed the summer weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POPgvB0ciKA/WxX3QP5Tr_I/AAAAAAAAUIo/QroitoORVesVLa8Y7lwNNGQ2uf5T-L5zgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POPgvB0ciKA/WxX3QP5Tr_I/AAAAAAAAUIo/QroitoORVesVLa8Y7lwNNGQ2uf5T-L5zgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Summer reading:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdywj192VnU/WxX3XWsEuOI/AAAAAAAAUI0/NjlS9RLCCu45WQS8C0kpgY6GxIsdFGnMgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdywj192VnU/WxX3XWsEuOI/AAAAAAAAUI0/NjlS9RLCCu45WQS8C0kpgY6GxIsdFGnMgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9378.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Close up of her emoji socks:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjAFOmudPi4/WxX3Xf6ROuI/AAAAAAAAUIw/a_9W62T1UhICVi6dl9YOQrnLuPpoWRurACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjAFOmudPi4/WxX3Xf6ROuI/AAAAAAAAUIw/a_9W62T1UhICVi6dl9YOQrnLuPpoWRurACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9379.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm exploring new paths for my runs. Instead of running beside the flightline, I'm exploring a path that runs along a creek bed for several miles. (And of course, enjoying the mountain views.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2PxU960W8w/WxX3Xvg6RWI/AAAAAAAAUJM/asaR8u18tmspq4Yeaqdeco9SHPB9czXpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2PxU960W8w/WxX3Xvg6RWI/AAAAAAAAUJM/asaR8u18tmspq4Yeaqdeco9SHPB9czXpwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9381.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4KSKXEbadw/WxX3YZmcknI/AAAAAAAAUJQ/ei7qt838CCo6tu4r4X2hSuOvggveKsIJACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d4KSKXEbadw/WxX3YZmcknI/AAAAAAAAUJQ/ei7qt838CCo6tu4r4X2hSuOvggveKsIJACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2u5dk5HkwAI/WxX3XBj4EeI/AAAAAAAAUJA/dlBFbQ-wti0UUAjdIQXbSqTe84LOWzITACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2u5dk5HkwAI/WxX3XBj4EeI/AAAAAAAAUJA/dlBFbQ-wti0UUAjdIQXbSqTe84LOWzITACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9380.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lauren and I spent a fun afternoon with friends attempting to conquer the inflatable obstacle course at the pool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZH5ojsYuGM/WxX4ahb37RI/AAAAAAAAUJU/M1IWgApSVnowDwWDB_vVVI4icMcff3mKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZH5ojsYuGM/WxX4ahb37RI/AAAAAAAAUJU/M1IWgApSVnowDwWDB_vVVI4icMcff3mKgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9385.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AseQKVK97VY/WxX4a4izkBI/AAAAAAAAUJY/K4qgzoq_reMLmvUf-SSWj8ZIyz46qt65QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AseQKVK97VY/WxX4a4izkBI/AAAAAAAAUJY/K4qgzoq_reMLmvUf-SSWj8ZIyz46qt65QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9386.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tiEKCQbjns/WxX4ahultKI/AAAAAAAAUJc/4DBZzbd_lD4XgCaXsrZzXpIQxSUXB-KJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tiEKCQbjns/WxX4ahultKI/AAAAAAAAUJc/4DBZzbd_lD4XgCaXsrZzXpIQxSUXB-KJQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9387.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also made my way successfully across. I credit years (and years) of ballet class for my balance skills. And lots of good luck.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0EQxWjtslQ/WxX4mszmuwI/AAAAAAAAUJg/FYphfOWSTFcx0b6X3ojjzEeGH4hlR1AogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6561.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0EQxWjtslQ/WxX4mszmuwI/AAAAAAAAUJg/FYphfOWSTFcx0b6X3ojjzEeGH4hlR1AogCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6561.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our favorite life guard (who didn't want to pose for a picture):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cx50jQtPqyk/WxX54oLxJ7I/AAAAAAAAUJ0/eY619C83M-EDMVbQ5xKlSKIL2ra7Z0YKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cx50jQtPqyk/WxX54oLxJ7I/AAAAAAAAUJ0/eY619C83M-EDMVbQ5xKlSKIL2ra7Z0YKwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_9390.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While Lauren, Brennan, and I were hanging out at the pool, Tim was off backpacking with a group of scouts. He didn't get any pictures of himself, but kindly contributed this gorgeous photo of an alpine lake they found so that I could include it in my collection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5hXC0Hy7co/WxX6UJ9vg7I/AAAAAAAAUJ8/8K6zyjX6zTQSyXt3NNmS59kGqVdJzqPuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2652.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P5hXC0Hy7co/WxX6UJ9vg7I/AAAAAAAAUJ8/8K6zyjX6zTQSyXt3NNmS59kGqVdJzqPuQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2652.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Addison is in Ohio doing engineering research this summer. I didn't ask her for first day pictures. I have a feeling their robotic stuff is top-secret anyway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have a few more blog post ideas brewing, especially as I start planning for our next homeschool year. I plan to continue with first day photos now that I've gotten back on track. I've missed capturing little things like emoji socks and successful runs across the pool obstacle course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2018</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-43680391836001928842018-05-23T20:42:00.001-06:002018-05-23T20:43:41.647-06:00Improving Reading Comprehension with Home School Navigator {Homeschool Crew Review}When Addison and Brennan were younger and I was still a homeschool novice, I described my search for a perfect language arts program as searching for the Holy Grail. I was hunting for a program that balanced reading instruction, literary analysis, composition, spelling, grammar and any other topics that I might otherwise forget to cover. As the years passed, I realized that the perfect program didn't exist -- at least not the perfect program for my kids. It became easier to pick piece together several programs, each focusing on a specific subset of the many skills lumped into the language arts description.<br />
<br />
Recently, I've been searching for a language arts program that will allow me to focus on the gaps Lauren has in reading comprehension skills. We've been using <a href="https://www.homeschoolnavigator.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home School Navigator Reading and Language Arts Curriculum</a> for the past month to see if we could adapt it to fit her needs and if it would be a good fit for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/HomeSchoolNavigatorfinal-3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/HomeSchoolNavigatorfinal-3-3.jpg" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="504" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Home School Navigator is a complete language arts program with both online and print components. It includes activities to teach literature, comprehension skills, reading skills, writing skills, phonics, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, handwriting, and even some computer skills. The program is divided into six color-coded levels ranging from red (kindergarten) to indigo (fifth grade). Since I was primarily concerned with Lauren's reading comprehension skills, I decided to back up several grade levels and start with the green lessons. Many of the phonics and grammar skills were far too easy in this section, but the literature and independent reading activities looked to be at an appropriate difficulty level for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Homeschool-Navigation-Product-Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Homeschool-Navigation-Product-Image.jpg" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="514" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The program is organized by month, week, and then day. From Lauren's online dashboard page, she picked which month/week of the program that she was working on and then picked the specific day on the next screen. It helped when I made notes in my regular lesson plans so that I could direct her to the correct lesson. "You did lesson 2.1.3 (month 2, week 1, day 3) yesterday so go on to 2.1.4 today." At the end of each lesson, there is an option to mark that assignment complete or to upload the student's work for later access as part of an online portfolio. Since I was not often able to scan Lauren's assignments immediately and since the program would not allow me to upload assignments to lessons she marked as complete, I insisted that she leave the assignments unchecked when she finished them. She was often frustrated that the program was not showing her correct amount of progress because of my delays in uploading scanned assignment pages. <br />
<br />
The lessons in the first month of the green program focused on fairy tales, specifically different versions of Cinderella. The read-aloud books for the month were picture books showing how the Cinderella story had been told in different cultures. I found most of the books at our public library. For the ones I couldn't find, Lauren watched Home School Navigator videos of them being read aloud. After hearing me read the book, there was usually an activity page that I had printed for Lauren to complete. One of my favorite types of activities were the days where Lauren had to use her thinking skills to find similarities and differences between two (or three) books in order to complete a Venn Diagram. Thinking back on the story and remembering details is one of the skills I hoped to strengthen by using the program. As a veteran homeschool teacher (with a background in early childhood education), I'm fairly confident in my ability to discuss picture books. At times, however, I wished that the program gave me some additional guidance in terms of things that I could point out to Lauren, topics we should cover in our discussions, etc.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1nJPz2-aHE/WwYlhTVdAgI/AAAAAAAAUHM/E6IGk5IIFeEFZYOG90BSXiaQww0mF1VZACLcBGAs/s1600/Cinderella%2BVenn%2BDiagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n1nJPz2-aHE/WwYlhTVdAgI/AAAAAAAAUHM/E6IGk5IIFeEFZYOG90BSXiaQww0mF1VZACLcBGAs/s320/Cinderella%2BVenn%2BDiagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While I loved reading aloud and discussing the picture books in the first month of the program, I switched gears and jumped ahead a bit so that I could prepare some materials to use while we were offline for a few days during our move. A big component of the upper levels of Home School Navigator is their <a href="https://www.homeschoolnavigator.com/interactive-notebooks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interactive book study notebooks</a>. These sets of study materials are available as part of the complete program and can also be purchased separately as pdf files to download. Once I downloaded the first interactive notebook, we were able to work on it without needing to access the online materials in Home School Navigator.<br />
<br />
Lauren's first interactive notebook was based on the book <i>Ahyoka and the Talking Leaves</i> by Peter and Connie Roop. I was quite impressed with the introductory materials for the book. Lauren and I spent quite a bit of time exploring the recommended website to get background information on the Cherokee people, Sequoyah, and the development of a Cherokee syllabary to make written language possible. The rest of the book study follows a fairly predictable pattern of reading a chapter of the book and then completing the printed activities. Much to Lauren's dismay, the program recommends reading the chapter aloud to a parent instead of reading it independently. From a parent standpoint, I think it's a great idea because I'm now getting a better idea of her reading skills.<br />
<br />
Each day's assignment includes some vocabulary words to define. In addition, there is always at least one more question that either relates directly to the story (write some of the main character's character traits) or teaches a new skill for literary analysis (find two more examples of similes in this chapter).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKJCl60_e0w/WwYlya-MCGI/AAAAAAAAUHU/Joi97tdqDmwMZy27AlahVYSqozE0_m5JwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ahyoka%2BBook%2BStudy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="749" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BKJCl60_e0w/WwYlya-MCGI/AAAAAAAAUHU/Joi97tdqDmwMZy27AlahVYSqozE0_m5JwCLcBGAs/s320/Ahyoka%2BBook%2BStudy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The interactive notebooks are the piece of the complete Home School Navigator program that will help us the most in terms of building reading comprehension skills. Lauren seems to do well with a read-then-anwer-questions approach, and the interactive notebook is a bit more fun than just filling out pages in a workbook. I am looking forward to some of the later studies, both ones in the green level and in later levels. Future book studies include <i>26 Fairmount Avenue</i> by Tomie dePaola, <i>The Invention of Hugo Cabret</i> by Brian Selznick,<i> Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes</i> by Eleanor Carr, <i>Because of Winn Dixie</i> by Kate DiCamillo, and several other old favorites. It's an exciting line-up of chapter books for us to look forward to studying over the next few years.<br />
<br />
The complete <a href="https://www.homeschoolnavigator.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home School Navigator Reading and Language Arts Curriculum</a> costs $97 per year and includes access to all the levels. (I believe it also includes access for up to four individual students in your family, but I've only been using the program with one.) The <a href="https://www.homeschoolnavigator.com/interactive-notebooks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interactive notebooks</a> are included as part of the lessons in the regular program and are also available to purchase separately for $8 each. If your primary concern is improving reading comprehension and building literary thinking skills, it might be wise to focus on the interactive notebooks. If you are looking for a compete Language Arts Curriculum, I think you'll find that Home School Navigator has enough materials in their lessons to meet all your needs.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/home-school-navigator-reading-and-language-arts-curriculum-home-school-navigator-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Home School Navigator Reading and Language Arts Curriculum {Home School Navigator Reviews}" border="0" height="269" src=" http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/Home-School-Navigator-Homeschool-Reviews-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://homeschoolreviewcrew.com/" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/wp-content/uploads/3-Crew-Disclaimer-2016.jpg" height="117" width="400" /></a></center>
<center>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2018</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span></center>
Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-85542036862840594672018-01-03T16:04:00.000-07:002018-01-03T16:04:06.305-07:00First Day Photos -- January 2018With the holidays behind me and a new page on the calendar before me, I am recommitting myself to blogging more often than every once in a blue moon. I decided to resurrect my First Day Photos habit. Alas, I got distracted by New Year's Day food preparations and then a very intense college football game (a well-fought effort by the Sooners). I did manage to get a handful of snapshots to share this month.<br />
<br />
A bright winter's day in Colorado:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ho2eiVvsXvQ/Wk1dGjeH6iI/AAAAAAAAT4U/DCHIW_BeIyweQAlVfNSexTpi0WzpXiLNgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ho2eiVvsXvQ/Wk1dGjeH6iI/AAAAAAAAT4U/DCHIW_BeIyweQAlVfNSexTpi0WzpXiLNgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_8597.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lauren was at a lock-in for New Year's Eve, but begged me to take her to the American Girl store to see the new Girl of the Year. (She had been not-so-patient saving Christmas money until the new doll was released.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51xz_ZWQa6Q/Wk1gnrbN_-I/AAAAAAAAT5Y/zcak_peE3SkHvmvUYg29YlhYX3xMMkwewCKgBGAs/s1600/Luciana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51xz_ZWQa6Q/Wk1gnrbN_-I/AAAAAAAAT5Y/zcak_peE3SkHvmvUYg29YlhYX3xMMkwewCKgBGAs/s640/Luciana.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was thankful to have some help in the kitchen (even though Addison maintains that fudge is the absolute easiest thing in the world to fix).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC0YJocPoak/Wk1gxpseHII/AAAAAAAAT5c/J3qJfxtx3WsvkURpIyB0vjy4LYQYuW9qgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC0YJocPoak/Wk1gxpseHII/AAAAAAAAT5c/J3qJfxtx3WsvkURpIyB0vjy4LYQYuW9qgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_8607.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, Tim and Brennan braved the cold weather for an outdoor laser tag battle with the teens from church.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwZuYZAjzl8/Wk1hBLBOVcI/AAAAAAAAT5o/aXPYqsipCuQuMX1PLslSEA3Jdlk8bP4cQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwZuYZAjzl8/Wk1hBLBOVcI/AAAAAAAAT5o/aXPYqsipCuQuMX1PLslSEA3Jdlk8bP4cQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8609.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's to an exciting year ahead of us!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2018</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-20052879224502630672017-12-06T22:15:00.003-07:002017-12-06T22:15:58.926-07:00Silent NightsAs I was driving last night, I realized how different life is this December. Our fall was rather crazy as we tried to settle into a somewhat consistent school schedule while still juggling umpteen doctors appointments and countless hours driving between here and Denver.<br />
<br />
Our activity calendar this December is actually legible. For the past few years, our Decembers have been packed with choral events.<br />
<br />
For the three years we lived in Arizona, Addison sang with the Advanced Choir in the Tucson Girls' Chorus. Their holiday season officially kicked off with the big concert where they were invited to sing with some of the choral groups at the University of Arizona and continued through all sorts of other performances that month.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHbp8JqS0xg/WijK6knQM7I/AAAAAAAAT1M/JY7PmTHgqcoDiEYKSl6SKhxB8ZQThp7uwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHbp8JqS0xg/WijK6knQM7I/AAAAAAAAT1M/JY7PmTHgqcoDiEYKSl6SKhxB8ZQThp7uwCKgBGAs/s640/IMG_0932.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
The next year, Lauren joined TGC as a Ladybug. Addison still had lots of holiday concerts, but we were sometimes able to hear both girls sing on the same night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rft_pQJmQOc/WijLQDUHP5I/AAAAAAAAT1U/fqLAzolqgJsnZMeW21jOOFMKMjb2bC5ugCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rft_pQJmQOc/WijLQDUHP5I/AAAAAAAAT1U/fqLAzolqgJsnZMeW21jOOFMKMjb2bC5ugCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_9374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When we moved to Colorado, we traded Tucson Girls Chorus for the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale. Again, like most performing organizations, we spent our Decembers hustling from one event to the next. In Colorado, though, it was both Lauren's and Addison's group that had packed schedules in December.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFIsJ3Ybkh4/WijL8ZbafGI/AAAAAAAAT1k/rHK0wwXqaX4BqHT9qClgezzHF8tpTkDdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFIsJ3Ybkh4/WijL8ZbafGI/AAAAAAAAT1k/rHK0wwXqaX4BqHT9qClgezzHF8tpTkDdwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
This year Lauren isn't singing with the chorale. It was just too big of a commitment for a little girl who misses so much for doctor's appointments and hospital stays.<br />
<br />
And so, our December calendar that was once packed with music looks a bit bare this holiday season. I don't miss the crazy drives all over town, but I do miss the concerts, the singing, and the smiles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWwhtl-8OgU/WijLU0rbruI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/nlAF8HpQD80WQ8NfVU28CdjXYg0_N2-5QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_6952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWwhtl-8OgU/WijLU0rbruI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/nlAF8HpQD80WQ8NfVU28CdjXYg0_N2-5QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_6952.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Perhaps most of all, in the midst of the all the silent nights I have this December, I miss hearing my girls singing Silent Night.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-14761464348996918232017-11-30T21:43:00.000-07:002017-11-30T21:43:16.665-07:00Christmas Around the World study {Review}We decorated our Christmas tree last weekend. Lauren put her magnetic countdown to Christmas calendar on the refrigerator and is anxiously waiting for December 1st.<br />
<br />
I just needed to figure out what I was going to do in terms of schoolwork during the month of December. I'm sure we'll read <i>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever </i>again, but I know it doesn't take very long.<br />
<br />
I briefly thought about dropping our regular work and embracing some sort of unit study with reading assignments, artwork, and project. Then I took a look at our December calendar and had a big reality check. There just isn't any way I can take on that sort of craziness this month.<br />
<br />
I needed something simple, but I also wanted something educational and fun. I found exactly what I wanted when I heard about <a href="https://awefilledhomemaker.com/christmas-around-world/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Christmas Around the World</i></a> from <a href="https://awefilledhomemaker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Awe Filled Homemaker.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga_oKeX3pQQ/WiDcNifbw8I/AAAAAAAATyA/tUjRDycd58wgVIEMjiyGQQ82T6j6S2RxQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-30%2Bat%2B9.28.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga_oKeX3pQQ/WiDcNifbw8I/AAAAAAAATyA/tUjRDycd58wgVIEMjiyGQQ82T6j6S2RxQCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-30%2Bat%2B9.28.40%2BPM.png" width="244" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<i>Christmas Around the World</i> is a 70-page printable study covering holiday traditions in virtuous countries around the world. The study covers 20 countries over the course of 24 days.<br />
<br />
Some of the traditions are ones that I'm familiar with, such as German children leaving their shoes out on December 6th for St. Nicholas to fill with candy and treats. Other traditions are new to me, such as the way that people in South Korea eat in restaurants for Christmas dinner. I also learned that December 23 is called Little Christmas Eve in Norway. (At our house, we celebrate Brennan's birthday which is on the 23rd.)<br />
<br />
For each country, there is a single page information sheet which is usually three or four paragraphs long. The next page consists of a few simple questions that relate back to the reading passage. The first three questions are somewhat varied, but the child is often asked, "What food from the traditional Christmas dinner would you want to try?" The last question always asks the student to list a favorite thing that they noticed while reading the passage. For Lauren, I may tell her that she simply needs to put down an interesting fact that she learned while reading the passage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5n_y1RfrgQ/WiDcTYQRHbI/AAAAAAAATyE/ABgHvOI_ufwE-NRD1sDq98seH7czVjBOgCKgBGAs/s1600/ChristmasCroatia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5n_y1RfrgQ/WiDcTYQRHbI/AAAAAAAATyE/ABgHvOI_ufwE-NRD1sDq98seH7czVjBOgCKgBGAs/s320/ChristmasCroatia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally each day includes a simple art or creative activity. Very simple. Just the what I need for this busy season. Most of the days include a bit of coloring or drawing. For France the activity is to decorate the yule log cake and for the Philippines it is to decorate the parol.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4cnnBkv2Oo/WiDcV6WMmbI/AAAAAAAATyI/w3MpkNoCSaIqz1-XCHLBDbdZ9RjRp7W8wCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-30%2Bat%2B9.29.32%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4cnnBkv2Oo/WiDcV6WMmbI/AAAAAAAATyI/w3MpkNoCSaIqz1-XCHLBDbdZ9RjRp7W8wCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-30%2Bat%2B9.29.32%2BPM.png" width="245" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
I printed out the entire packet and have it ready for Lauren to start on December 1st. I realize that working through one section a day will require her to work on weekends in order to finish during the Advent season. Fortunately, each day's work is short enough that she can double-up on weekdays and not have to do schoolwork on the weekends unless she wants to.<br />
<br />
As an additional activity, I found blank maps for each continent and put them at the back of our study workbook. As Lauren completes the study of a particular country, we'll find that country on the correct map and color it in. (It seems like a study of countries around the world was just begging for a bit of geography and map work to go along with it.)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://awefilledhomemaker.com/christmas-around-world/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christmas Around the World</a></i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>is the perfect solution for this holiday season. I can add a bit of holiday fun to Lauren's school days without adding planning stress for me. It's a win-win!</span></blockquote>
It's not too late to order your own copy of <i>Christmas Around the World</i> for only $14.99.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I did not promise to write a positive review nor did I receive any additional compensation. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.</b></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-14121864135215083112017-11-08T21:39:00.000-07:002017-11-08T21:39:41.674-07:00Innovators Tribe {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Innovators Tribe" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/11%20-%20November/7%20-%20Inovators%20Tribe/Inovators%20Tribe%20Logo_zpszhnjvp6p.png" /></a></center>
<br />
One of the best parts about homeschool science is that it's usually easy to add in cool hands-on projects and experiments. <a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Innovators Tribe</a> has developed entire online courses that seamlessly integrate learning videos, hands-on activities, and design challenges to make a fun learning experiences for middle and high school students. Lauren (and my husband Tim) have been using the <a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/engineer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Thinking Like an Engineer</i></a> program recently. It is serving a dual purpose around here --both introducing engineering concepts and providing resources for the Science Olympiad Roller Coaster event.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/engineer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Thinking Like an Engineer" border="0" height="216" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/11%20-%20November/7%20-%20Inovators%20Tribe/Thinking%20Like%20an%20Engineer_zpss3vv2gm1.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
<br />
<i>Thinking Like an Engineer</i> is an introductory course designed to expose students to the math and science skills used by engineers and to show them practical examples of what sorts of problems engineers solve.<br />
<br />
The course syllabus outlines learning objectives for this course:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7-HRupK-EQ/WgPQyENPFPI/AAAAAAAATvA/af61A68iVE4Gaj2w3BG7pKOmcYsbZ07UACKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-08%2Bat%2B6.35.52%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="788" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7-HRupK-EQ/WgPQyENPFPI/AAAAAAAATvA/af61A68iVE4Gaj2w3BG7pKOmcYsbZ07UACKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-08%2Bat%2B6.35.52%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow! It looks like that list would make a pretty good exam for a high schooler. Since Lauren is only in sixth grade and hasn't had a lot of previous science experience, my primary goal was for her to have an enjoyable (not stressful) experience exploring engineering concepts. Since she had already signed up for our homeschool Science Olympiad team and asked to be on the Roller Coaster build team, I also hoped that she'd be able to glean some helpful construction tips.<br />
<br />
The program turned out to be far more than we ever imagined. Tim and Lauren skipped ahead a bit and started with the third unit -- Engineering Rollercoasters. The online coursework portion included a bit of video instruction, links to video explanations, and a short comprehension/memory quiz at the end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s70mMYimAhM/WgPRZgbDINI/AAAAAAAATvo/8Lr4pzBdsK42TOcgGc-aHMvjczBZ6l3lACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s70mMYimAhM/WgPRZgbDINI/AAAAAAAATvo/8Lr4pzBdsK42TOcgGc-aHMvjczBZ6l3lACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Lauren learned a bit about the difference between potential and kinetic energy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4i1l6D3NZc/WgPQ5Gplq_I/AAAAAAAATvE/I6hXtDpRg4kdh1VwLgtm89wkHI4a8_CKgCKgBGAs/s1600/potential%2Bkinetic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V4i1l6D3NZc/WgPQ5Gplq_I/AAAAAAAATvE/I6hXtDpRg4kdh1VwLgtm89wkHI4a8_CKgCKgBGAs/s400/potential%2Bkinetic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
She was then introduced to some simple physics equations to calculate each:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFD8tnlKEsY/WgPQ8SMc3vI/AAAAAAAATvI/rYud9_X66DcVGkvhC_X1UDljtBN3brQ9ACKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-08%2Bat%2B8.12.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="719" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MFD8tnlKEsY/WgPQ8SMc3vI/AAAAAAAATvI/rYud9_X66DcVGkvhC_X1UDljtBN3brQ9ACKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-08%2Bat%2B8.12.31%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, with a bit of help from Dad, she was able to determine all sorts of information, including how high the first hill needed to be in order for the roller coaster to make it around a loop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFLTVBeQ2wg/WgPQ_oHwR4I/AAAAAAAATvQ/yAfXhqjXaSQO5S6nIVUkBOeu8hUpWRbAgCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-08%2Bat%2B8.19.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="727" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFLTVBeQ2wg/WgPQ_oHwR4I/AAAAAAAATvQ/yAfXhqjXaSQO5S6nIVUkBOeu8hUpWRbAgCKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-11-08%2Bat%2B8.19.57%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
She doesn't fully understand the equations, but she did grasp the concept that making the hill higher meant that the roller coaster car would be going faster and could therefore make it around the loop. Her Science Olympiad roller coaster probably won't have any loops, but it will need the marbles to go fast enough to jump from one section of track to another.<br />
<br />
Our engineers then moved on to the coolest part of the roller coaster unit -- making a model roller coaster out of paper. <i>Thinking Like an Engineer</i> provided paper templates and complete instructions. We printed out the templates on cardstock and were ready to start building. Lauren and her teammate were easily able to construct the track and start experimenting to see how far they could get their marble to jump. (Since their Science Olympiad event gives bonus points based on horizontal gaps in the track, we are focused right now on getting the marble to make successful jumps instead of doing cool loops and twists.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dapv2e4yMJM/WgPRV1ycPcI/AAAAAAAATvk/ZEjRNSEmKy8ip-mxHPRh4i_2wiKenWUsQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dapv2e4yMJM/WgPRV1ycPcI/AAAAAAAATvk/ZEjRNSEmKy8ip-mxHPRh4i_2wiKenWUsQCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_8110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What could be cooler than designing your own roller coaster? I'm not sure, but it could be building a tower out of four sheets of paper and one foot of masking tape (unit 1), experimenting with 3D computer design software (units 2 and 5), or designing a bridge (unit 4).<br />
<br />
<br />
I love when science concepts become real with hands-on activities and not just pages of reading assignments. <a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Innovators Tribe</a> makes engineering fun by teaching students how to <i><a href="https://www.innovatorstribe.com/engineer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Think Like an Engineer</a></i> with this course. They also offer a <i>Think Like an Architect</i> program that promises to be equally exciting.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/thinking-like-an-architect-or-engineer-innovators-tribe-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Thinking Like an Architect or Engineer {Innovators Tribe Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-64158565539619611552017-11-02T23:02:00.002-06:002017-11-02T23:02:45.449-06:00First Day Photos -- November 2017I never wanted to have a blog that was simply a place to put my homeschool curriculum reviews. Unfortunately, the past month has been a bit crazy and blogging took a backseat to binders full of homeschool assignments, lunches packed for days spent on the road to doctors' appointments, swim lessons, and just life.<br />
<br />
In an attempt to play catch-up, I'm starting November fresh with a new collection of First Day Photos. It was perhaps the perfect day to show what life has been like lately.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5:17 am, Scripture Writing:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sgDyVo0iuE/Wfv1M8-TQYI/AAAAAAAATs8/m29QhR6L8Eo7dqzllWN3FyImlj0t9_15gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sgDyVo0iuE/Wfv1M8-TQYI/AAAAAAAATs8/m29QhR6L8Eo7dqzllWN3FyImlj0t9_15gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5:26 am, packing lunches:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXFitoU8BGM/Wfv1M2s4iUI/AAAAAAAATs8/kwwO2oADe6oPtEFxdgoJHomFu-m4x-DYQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fXFitoU8BGM/Wfv1M2s4iUI/AAAAAAAATs8/kwwO2oADe6oPtEFxdgoJHomFu-m4x-DYQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5:36 am, morning meds ready to go:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1K3emXqPnKc/Wfv1M9yRe4I/AAAAAAAATs8/5RAlEEzeC4ETbyX7U0aF1kVm2-uR-mb4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1K3emXqPnKc/Wfv1M9yRe4I/AAAAAAAATs8/5RAlEEzeC4ETbyX7U0aF1kVm2-uR-mb4wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8189.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5:45 am, someone definitely was not ready to get up:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAoqolbEuLk/Wfv1SSo-phI/AAAAAAAATtA/uzQgcUQP89MMPq4JZFF_uCqm_Uhmm3sBwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAoqolbEuLk/Wfv1SSo-phI/AAAAAAAATtA/uzQgcUQP89MMPq4JZFF_uCqm_Uhmm3sBwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8191.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5:49 am, loading the car:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXbVwEo7ajA/Wfv1SQnL2sI/AAAAAAAATtA/0ECbMNgQ-MMdSQiBBdIPkI0lk854K6vPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXbVwEo7ajA/Wfv1SQnL2sI/AAAAAAAATtA/0ECbMNgQ-MMdSQiBBdIPkI0lk854K6vPQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6:04 am, we're leaving almost on time:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgCE5XL9aGc/Wfv1SRmFoNI/AAAAAAAATtA/lTWu3GMkrAwvo0JTe4m7sDUCDhIc8818gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zgCE5XL9aGc/Wfv1SRmFoNI/AAAAAAAATtA/lTWu3GMkrAwvo0JTe4m7sDUCDhIc8818gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8194.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8:03 am, lab draw:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSFuZGEwpTc/Wfv17ND_avI/AAAAAAAATtQ/Q-oNR0DHeuMNBgCyTXWyDDcNv8cNK_aSwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSFuZGEwpTc/Wfv17ND_avI/AAAAAAAATtQ/Q-oNR0DHeuMNBgCyTXWyDDcNv8cNK_aSwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9:46am, math homework while we wait:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3jej1eiMWo/Wfv17FdaFyI/AAAAAAAATtQ/fqeylFSgEk4QjBCsHDQgyG1qa4gCqWLgwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3jej1eiMWo/Wfv17FdaFyI/AAAAAAAATtQ/fqeylFSgEk4QjBCsHDQgyG1qa4gCqWLgwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11:45 am, yoga class in Seacrest Studio:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77Gok3gDGfA/Wfv17BPTZ8I/AAAAAAAATtQ/PpA7RZIlhXgwpkjJySJ-WA1KwihKuwaDwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77Gok3gDGfA/Wfv17BPTZ8I/AAAAAAAATtQ/PpA7RZIlhXgwpkjJySJ-WA1KwihKuwaDwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8209.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11:57 am, interview with Fox News:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO_Qb5HqeKA/Wfv1_1OUYVI/AAAAAAAATtU/Bcm1BKd0wv8fu3R-Xp00eIvtCSzUOMJmQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pO_Qb5HqeKA/Wfv1_1OUYVI/AAAAAAAATtU/Bcm1BKd0wv8fu3R-Xp00eIvtCSzUOMJmQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12:23 pm, heading back to Colorado Springs and eating our healthy lunches:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZyHqe3h7pk/Wfv1_5QxAsI/AAAAAAAATtU/J2qhiDi85-8Bv2LioQFWP9s90F32qC3EQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZyHqe3h7pk/Wfv1_5QxAsI/AAAAAAAATtU/J2qhiDi85-8Bv2LioQFWP9s90F32qC3EQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8218.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1:12 pm, lunch part 2 (Chick Fil A waffle fries):</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ef6DGeD9DJw/Wfv1_9fOqOI/AAAAAAAATtU/QrqvpSepY-gUGY2cC4VETICtw9Rr9EmPQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ef6DGeD9DJw/Wfv1_9fOqOI/AAAAAAAATtU/QrqvpSepY-gUGY2cC4VETICtw9Rr9EmPQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8225.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5:03 pm, read-aloud with Dad:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmO7s39cRoQ/Wfv1_zB_WaI/AAAAAAAATtU/CH9-aHMOE7knCJPJ7VVKHHTY6Xe2I1jQgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmO7s39cRoQ/Wfv1_zB_WaI/AAAAAAAATtU/CH9-aHMOE7knCJPJ7VVKHHTY6Xe2I1jQgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I lost track of taking pictures as the day stretched on, and I completely failed to document the rest of the evening. Maybe next month will be better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-71175568974788576092017-10-24T21:41:00.000-06:002017-10-24T21:41:14.586-06:00Kid Niche Christian Books {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="http://kidniche.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Kid Niche Christian Books" border="0" height="125" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/10%20-%20October/23%20-%20Kid%20Niche%20Christian%20Books/Kid%20Niche%20Christian%20Books%20Logo_zpsog5twbec.png" width="200" /></a></center>
<br />
In past years, I've approached Bible study with Lauren by reading Bible stories and then answering discussion questions. It worked somewhat, but Lauren never seemed very interested in discussing what we read. As I looked around at Lauren's other schoolwork, I noticed that she does well with workbook-style curriculum choices. She likes to see that there is a clear ending point to each assignment. I also think that she sees my thoughts during a discussion as just extra fluff. If, however, I find a published curriculum that has the same thoughts as I'd like to teach, she's very willing to learn from those materials.<br />
<br />
I have struggled to find a Bible curriculum that met my high standards for Biblical instruction and also fit well with Lauren's independent learning style. <a href="http://kidniche.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kid Niche Christian Books</a> has a Bible and Prayer curriculum that fits both of us perfectly. <a href="http://kidniche.com/shop/bible-and-prayer-curriculum-for-tweens-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weave Your Word in Me -- Part 1</a> has thirty-six lessons that "help young people discover the great God-truths Jesus has woven within the Lord's Prayer." Lauren can work through the materials independently, and I can see that she's building strong Bible study habits.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://kidniche.com/shop/bible-and-prayer-curriculum-for-tweens-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="*******" border="0" height="400" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/10%20-%20October/23%20-%20Kid%20Niche%20Christian%20Books/Weave%201%20Cover%20with%20Holes%20Part%201_zpsvfc5kjn5.png" width="308" /></a></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The <i>Weave Your Word in Me</i> curriculum came as a packet of 72 workbook pages that were ready for me to slip into a three-ring binder, read a few introductory pages, and then hand over to Lauren. The lessons are a combination of Bible study materials and prayer guides. It walks students through a rhythmical prayer that was modeled after the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew. At the same time, it also teaches Biblical truths such as "God loves and cares for all people" and "Obeying is about doing, not just about hearing or knowing."</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Each lesson is between one and four pages in length, and Lauren generally spent around ten minutes completing the activities. There is always one Bible verse for the student to look up and usually several verses per lesson. The materials are designed to work with any of the most popular Bible translations, including KJV, ESV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, and NABRE. If we are at home, I encourage Lauren to practice looking up the scripture references in her actual Bible, but she uses a Bible app when we're doing school on the road.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vBLXnBuYzA/WfAHPuvDqqI/AAAAAAAATqA/BEfdL4Dl8nUXdLV36HUdy1TFWo456-iFwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.36.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1044" height="142" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vBLXnBuYzA/WfAHPuvDqqI/AAAAAAAATqA/BEfdL4Dl8nUXdLV36HUdy1TFWo456-iFwCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.36.30%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Along with questions about the Scriptures, there are questions that lead children to discover what God's Word means to them and to their lives. For instance, one of the first lessons asked Lauren to describe what a potter does and then to tell how God is like a potter.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AO4qN-X303A/WfAHTkRw1mI/AAAAAAAATqE/8OFWSq7l2n8E0U1oqFA8eBSyBgI2ybjqwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.35.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="738" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AO4qN-X303A/WfAHTkRw1mI/AAAAAAAATqE/8OFWSq7l2n8E0U1oqFA8eBSyBgI2ybjqwCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.35.31%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
After finishing the day's Scripture readings and questions, the student moves into a prayer time. The last section of each lesson has a section with a skeleton prayer written with a few fill-in-the-blank spaces. Sometimes the blanks are supposed to be filled in according to the prayer pattern the child is learning and other times there are opportunities for adding in original thoughts. The curriculum suggests that the student complete the sentences first and then say the whole thing as a prayer to God. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRTxd3nArHw/WfAHXrNLepI/AAAAAAAATqM/Ll9pByMQaPgiHJCOB2rQJclfpND4hsTtQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.35.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1140" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRTxd3nArHw/WfAHXrNLepI/AAAAAAAATqM/Ll9pByMQaPgiHJCOB2rQJclfpND4hsTtQCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.35.51%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIZMyoSLMIk/WfAHafTN1sI/AAAAAAAATqQ/mv7s9bPf9Gsr5H3xKG80Fc_H2b8Qne3OQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.36.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="864" height="271" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIZMyoSLMIk/WfAHafTN1sI/AAAAAAAATqQ/mv7s9bPf9Gsr5H3xKG80Fc_H2b8Qne3OQCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-24%2Bat%2B9.36.11%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Lauren says one thing she learned recently is that Isaiah was able to peak up into heaven and saw seraphim saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy." This story tells us about the greatness of God. That's why the Lord's Prayer begins, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." (Matthew 6:9) She generally enjoys doing these Bible study materials, but she objects to their suggestion to write the prayer first and then say it aloud to God as a prayer. (I told her it was okay to just write out her prayer to God without going back to say it out loud.)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I'm impressed with the <a href="http://kidniche.com/shop/bible-and-prayer-curriculum-for-tweens-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Weave Your Word in Me</a> curriculum. It provides a sturdy framework for Lauren to read Scripture, think about how it applies to her life, and then pray. The rhythmic prayer helps to build strong prayer habits that involve more than just asking God for blessings. It's a perfect stepping stone for a tween that is transitioning from hearing Bible stories from a parent to doing Bible study on their own.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/weave-your-word-in-me-kid-niche-christian-books-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weave Your Word in Me {Kid Niche Christian Books Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-18251997488607894052017-10-18T08:02:00.000-06:002017-10-18T08:02:10.745-06:00The Pencil Grip, Inc. {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="http://www.thepencilgrip.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="The Pencil Grip, Inc." border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/11%20-%20November/6%20The%20Pencil/TPG%20LOGO_zpsow4memom.jpg" /></a></center>
Over the past fourteen years of homeschooling, I think I have bought a few dozen different types of pencil grips in the hopes of teaching my kids proper handwriting form. Recently, Lauren has been trying <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Grip-Ergonomic-Crossover-MXG-003/dp/B00P6T944S/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1504034904&sr=1-1&keywords=3+Step+Pencil+Grip+Training+Kit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 3 Step Pencil Grip Training Set</a> from <a href="http://thepencilgrip.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Pencil Grip, Inc.</a> It is a unique step-by-step approach to establishing a correct way to hold a pencil. We also received <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Grip-Ultra-Safety-Scissor/dp/B00P8X1WLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504034884&sr=8-1&keywords=ultra+safe+safety+scissor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ultra Safe Safety Scissors</a> to try out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMbwo5_0fRg/WebFX4lsR1I/AAAAAAAATlQ/J8fGwASF9mstjeFzD7pQvJ8JxYaXJsapQCKgBGAs/s1600/ThePencilGrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="1600" height="118" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VMbwo5_0fRg/WebFX4lsR1I/AAAAAAAATlQ/J8fGwASF9mstjeFzD7pQvJ8JxYaXJsapQCKgBGAs/s400/ThePencilGrip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cringe every time I see Addison write because she wraps her index finger all the way up the pencil. Fortunately, she still manages to write efficiently with an awkward grip and doesn't have trouble with hand fatigue. Her handwriting is actually quite pretty. Brennan and Lauren have similarly awkward pencil grips. I figure that it's too late to teach Brennan new ways (I've tried for years), but I still try to encourage Lauren to use a pencil grip that will put less stress on her fingers and joints.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My biggest concern with Lauren is that she grips the pencil too tightly and hyper-extends some of the joints in her fingers. She also wraps her thumb completely around the pencil, putting even more pressure on the tip of her index finger.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAVJu02xOIY/WebJ96Lla-I/AAAAAAAATl8/TAYXr4qkOFUkhdSLfFYBYtA_S0V-eovFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cAVJu02xOIY/WebJ96Lla-I/AAAAAAAATl8/TAYXr4qkOFUkhdSLfFYBYtA_S0V-eovFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7789.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The three pencil grips that we received move a child in a step-by-step fashion from what appears to be the most supportive device to the one with least support. I suggested that Lauren start with The Crossover Grip which is intended for training. It provides a "super hero cape" (the company's words) to reinforce proper finger positioning. As you can see, it does ensure that Lauren doesn't wrap her thumb around the pencil.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo-fOwHIOHw/WebKutbgLbI/AAAAAAAATmU/KVh96shyXPI2iWuPdKj1kJrlxGJ7RNkrACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo-fOwHIOHw/WebKutbgLbI/AAAAAAAATmU/KVh96shyXPI2iWuPdKj1kJrlxGJ7RNkrACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Before long, however, she asked to try some of the other, smaller pencil grips. I gave her the other two and let her choose her favorite. She now prefers The Pinch Grip, which is labeled for transition. She likes the way that this grip is less bulky than the first one she tried. At the same time, though, her fingers fit securely in place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfDx5kiPs58/WebLdiraadI/AAAAAAAATmo/bBcc__lBdPs7XiqUc9h6pL7bC5J6iBLPgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfDx5kiPs58/WebLdiraadI/AAAAAAAATmo/bBcc__lBdPs7XiqUc9h6pL7bC5J6iBLPgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8100.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We keep The Pencil Grip Original in her backpack along with The Pinch Grip so that she has another option to pick between. It's a bit more streamlined, but I think she finds it difficult to figure out which way to correctly position her fingers on it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZLV4kA9W8o/WederdMfQiI/AAAAAAAATns/xBpTmtLfBNI0Ikm4emtWQoj8gZKoiWncwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_8126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZLV4kA9W8o/WederdMfQiI/AAAAAAAATns/xBpTmtLfBNI0Ikm4emtWQoj8gZKoiWncwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_8126.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm thrilled that The 3-Step Pencil Grip Training Kit included all three of the pencil grips so that Lauren could try each one out and settle on the one most comfortable for her to use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our other fun product from The Pencil Grip was a set of The Ultra Safe Safety Scissors. The blades for these scissors are enclosed in a permanent plastic safety shield so that the sharp blades are completely enclosed. I like the spring action of the scissor handles, but I found it difficult to correctly position the paper to slip it into the area between the guard and the opposite blade. Even with the blade, I think these scissor should still be used with supervision. It would be almost impossible for a child to cut their fingers while using these, but it wouldn't be difficult to slip hair into the scissors for an impromptu hair cut. Since I tend to worry about unintended haircuts and important papers that I don't want destroyed, these aren't a pair of scissors I'd leave in a toddler's reach when I couldn't supervise.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Grip-Ergonomic-Crossover-MXG-003/dp/B00P6T944S/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1504034904&sr=1-1&keywords=3+Step+Pencil+Grip+Training+Kit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 3 Step Pencil Grip Training Set</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pencil-Grip-Ultra-Safety-Scissor/dp/B00P8X1WLA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504034884&sr=8-1&keywords=ultra+safe+safety+scissor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ultra Safe Safety Scissors</a> are both available from Amazon. <a href="http://thepencilgrip.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Pencil Grip, Inc.</a> also makes <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2017/05/thin-stix-homeschool-crew-review.html" target="_blank">Thin Stix</a> and Kwik Stix, quick-drying tempera paint markers which have been a big hit in our house.</div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/ultra-safe-safety-scissors-pencil-grip-training-kit-the-pencil-grip-inc-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Ultra Safe Safety Scissors & Pencil Grip Training Kit {The Pencil Grip, Inc. Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-55583530543323170242017-10-11T21:54:00.002-06:002017-10-11T21:54:49.742-06:00The Brinkman Adventures {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="http://brinkmanadventures.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Brinkman Adventures" border="0" height="112" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/10%20-%20October/10%20-%20Brinkman%20Adventures%20Season%204/brinkman%20logo%20small_zpsgrkapopo.jpg" width="320" /></a></center>
<br />
I feel like all I talk about on my blog lately is how we're doing more schoolwork in the car than at home lately. I've found plenty of printable activities for the car -- some from our regular curriculum and some from new sources. Those work great for appointments later in the day, but we often find ourselves on the road very early in the morning. When it's too dark for reading or worksheets, I turn to educational materials that Lauren can listen to.<br />
<br />
Our most recent addition to our early morning commutes is <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brinkman Adventures</a>. Over the past several years, we've listened to several seasons of this audio drama series, and I was excited to add a digital copy of <a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/product/brinkman-adventures-season-4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brinkman Adventures Season 4</a> to my iPhone playlist.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://brinkmanadventures.com/product/brinkman-adventures-season-4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Brinkman Adventures" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/10%20-%20October/10%20-%20Brinkman%20Adventures%20Season%204/Brinkman%20Adventures%20Season%204_zpsbsquogkz.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<br />
Each season of The Brinkman Adventures includes twelve episodes, each about half an hour long. (Lauren would insist that I say that they just a few seconds short of 26 minutes long.) Lauren enjoys the fact that these are audio dramas with different voice actors for each character, sound effects, and music. She much prefers these dramatizations over an audio book where a story is simply read by a single narrator.<br />
<br />
One thing I enjoy about listening to The Brinkman Adventures is that they are all cohesive in terms of telling an ongoing story, but they aren't all exactly the same.<br />
<br />
Some episodes focus completely on a true missionary story. For instance, Episode 38 talks with Carl Ralston in Cambodia and tells the story of Nhu, a young girl who was sold into slavery. Lauren was excited to hear in the afterward that Nhu herself did the voices in the drama. I was also able to show her a picture of Carl, his wife Laura, and Nhu on the Brinkman Adventures website.<br />
<br />
Other episodes focus more on the fictional Brinkman family. The first episode in Season 4 includes crazy adventures at a missionary family camp, a tornado warning during a late-night hide and seek style game, the birth of a baby, and a scripture verse written on a found balloon. A later episode tells the crazy antics of Ian Brinkman developing a computer-controlled vehicle carrying a paintball gun to help their neighbor Mr. Pennington wage war against the raccoons that ate his favorite Koi fish.<br />
<br />
During most of the episodes, it was just Lauren and me listening to the drama. A few times, however, we had most of the family in the car. Brennan and Tim both listened to a few episodes while we were traveling a few weeks ago. Most of the episodes stand alone so it was easy for them to join us in the middle of the season. There are only a few that carry over from one episode to the next, and I don't remember any that span more than two episodes.<br />
<br />
One thing I love about these dramas is how they spark family discussions. For instance, an episode told the story of a man who was healed after he turned away from the witch doctors in his area and called upon the name of Jesus. My husband pointed out that God can work in miraculous ways like this, but that the absence of God's healing does not mean that God is not still in control or that God does not love the person who prayed for healing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://brinkmanadventures.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brinkman Adventures</a> audio dramas have certainly been a bright addition to our early morning commutes to doctor's appointments. In past years, we've also listened to <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-brinkman-adventures-schoolhouse.html" target="_blank">Season 2</a> and <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-brinkman-adventures-schoolhouse.html" target="_blank">Season 3</a>. Apparently we've never listened to Season 1 and there are now six episodes in Season 5. I sense a lot more missionary learning opportunities during our commutes this winter.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/brinkman-adventures-season-4-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Brinkman Adventures Season 4" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-16274692329597491592017-10-02T07:55:00.000-06:002017-10-02T07:55:29.441-06:00Super Teacher Worksheets {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt=" Super Teacher Worksheets" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/10%20-%20October/02%20-%20Super%20Teacher%20Worksheets/stw-header_zpsrexexmlp.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
A few years ago I enjoyed using <a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Super Teacher Worksheets</a> to print out supplemental school materials for Lauren to use on the days we were doing school in the car instead of at home. Once again, we were given the opportunity to use an <a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/become-a-member.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Individual Membership</a> so that I would have unlimited access to their vast amount of printables.<br />
<br />
I know that when I find a new website full of teacher materials, I'm a bit overwhelmed with all that is available. Perhaps the best way to showcase what they offer is to simply show what Lauren has done over the past few weeks.<br />
<br />
The worksheets I used most often were the Reading Comprehension pages. They are organized by grade levels from 1st grade through 5th grade and then in a group for Middle School students. In the fifth grade section, there are more than 30 non-fiction articles. Lauren was recently finishing up a study of zoology for science, and I was able to print a handful of worksheets about various animals. I started with Brown Bears and Koala Bears because she's been a bit obsessed with her stuffed bear lately. ("Lauren, maybe you should read about bears so you can tell Berry more about real bears.")<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qA-7loAl0Y/WdHOI04SHhI/AAAAAAAATfU/dw4dXhZyHHQI3_dIwxLtGddYoaY_edFWwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.09.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1247" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qA-7loAl0Y/WdHOI04SHhI/AAAAAAAATfU/dw4dXhZyHHQI3_dIwxLtGddYoaY_edFWwCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.09.46%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
This worksheet package was seven pages long. The initial information was two pages long and then there were three pages for the student to complete. The last two pages were an answer key.<br />
<br />
The reading comprehension questions contained a mixture of fact-based and inference-based questions:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oBV7ci_9_8/WdHOwY9lTRI/AAAAAAAATfk/GODQo4Jvpj8IGKjW_cr6qtaOs_ChL658QCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.27.05%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="780" height="103" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5oBV7ci_9_8/WdHOwY9lTRI/AAAAAAAATfk/GODQo4Jvpj8IGKjW_cr6qtaOs_ChL658QCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.27.05%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1mzuJ-lCaw/WdHOTSAxDKI/AAAAAAAATfY/xmsxvGu3twILf3dhYId4TSvFPDZ6caILQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.27.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="1118" height="64" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1mzuJ-lCaw/WdHOTSAxDKI/AAAAAAAATfY/xmsxvGu3twILf3dhYId4TSvFPDZ6caILQCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.27.13%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
In this particular set of worksheets, new vocabulary words were practiced using a matching type-exercise. Lauren did other topics that used multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank questions to reinforce the meanings of new words in the passage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5KOl7fr7lM/WdHO4kE4fRI/AAAAAAAATfo/iDZIHtoGUmIuf4C01klb6kHBaN2dCg6lACKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.32.39%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1150" height="205" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5KOl7fr7lM/WdHO4kE4fRI/AAAAAAAATfo/iDZIHtoGUmIuf4C01klb6kHBaN2dCg6lACKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.32.39%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1h-rySG7xjc/WdHO7QvMbwI/AAAAAAAATfs/WvLZvyhxzdIsdIdKFQQ3AAJMylz_2lKcgCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.31.34%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1186" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1h-rySG7xjc/WdHO7QvMbwI/AAAAAAAATfs/WvLZvyhxzdIsdIdKFQQ3AAJMylz_2lKcgCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.31.34%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GY6m-8yQ7Fg/WdHPC5wSgRI/AAAAAAAATfw/Pg5kqVw9Zb0lQeHuzsKLNW5qCFIt9SuEwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.31.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1205" height="146" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GY6m-8yQ7Fg/WdHPC5wSgRI/AAAAAAAATfw/Pg5kqVw9Zb0lQeHuzsKLNW5qCFIt9SuEwCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.31.21%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b> </b>In addition to the wide variety of animal based reading comprehension worksheet packets, I also found an entire page of worksheets about the human body, most of them written for a 3rd through 6th grade audience. They are perfect since Lauren's moved from zoology to anatomy in her regular science curriculum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQqv5adyOUI/WdHPI4M1ldI/AAAAAAAATf0/a7jiDEq5gBg1pOnwqDS_d7gH6FI0rH_YACKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.42.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1299" height="203" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQqv5adyOUI/WdHPI4M1ldI/AAAAAAAATf0/a7jiDEq5gBg1pOnwqDS_d7gH6FI0rH_YACKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.42.02%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9C3tVwECOBY/WdHPMSRrOYI/AAAAAAAATf4/BA0ep0SE0ckRzLyyD4tN7GQBjRmUQIHHQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.45.52%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1273" height="218" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9C3tVwECOBY/WdHPMSRrOYI/AAAAAAAATf4/BA0ep0SE0ckRzLyyD4tN7GQBjRmUQIHHQCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B9.45.52%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
As you can tell, I'm primarily using Super Teacher Worksheets to fill my need for both reading comprehension activities and science materials that supplement her regular curriculum. I also used Super Teacher Worksheets to encourage Lauren to learn a bit more about things outside of assigned school topics.<br />
<br />
For instance, when hurricanes landed in both Texas and Florida recently, I printed out a packet about hurricanes and added it to her assignments. It was ten pages long and included basic hurricane information, the five categories of hurricanes, how hurricanes are named, safety tips, and more. Lauren's favorite questions was this one which required her to apply facts she learned earlier in the packet. (If you're curious, hurricanes did not have boy names until 1979.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieg3R1K0Vos/WdHPSfGPmdI/AAAAAAAATf8/c3SHYdlE850-OEg4u7PJ2lHTC2-DomYrwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B10.12.54%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="1224" height="55" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieg3R1K0Vos/WdHPSfGPmdI/AAAAAAAATf8/c3SHYdlE850-OEg4u7PJ2lHTC2-DomYrwCKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B10.12.54%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In the next few weeks, Lauren will begin studying Rocks and Minerals for this year's Science Olympiad competition. I'm excited that I found several new resources for her to use.<br />
<br />
The first one is a reading comprehension activity similar to the ones she's done about animals or hurricanes or human body parts. The second one looks to be a lot more fun -- a Rocks and Minerals scavenger hunt. She won't actually be finding rock samples on the hunt, but she will use the clue cards she finds hidden around our house to answer questions on the corresponding worksheet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQw4Qxfiqz0/WdHPWBtHztI/AAAAAAAATgA/r8SSkO2jLbMPGwLZVPCzG_GmuPTp6mAkQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B10.21.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1241" height="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kQw4Qxfiqz0/WdHPWBtHztI/AAAAAAAATgA/r8SSkO2jLbMPGwLZVPCzG_GmuPTp6mAkQCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B10.21.51%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIswBIGGWZ8/WdHPdjwJDlI/AAAAAAAATgI/PXeZK_E8RSogshQm970JeuCSf_X8-dwUACKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B10.21.37%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1250" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIswBIGGWZ8/WdHPdjwJDlI/AAAAAAAATgI/PXeZK_E8RSogshQm970JeuCSf_X8-dwUACKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-01%2Bat%2B10.21.37%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Even after finding so many great additions to Lauren's on-the-go school assignments, I feel like I'm still discovering cool new things on <a href="https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Super Teacher Worksheets</a> each time I look -- holiday activities, math crossword puzzles, research project outlines, and even a worksheet generator to create my own worksheets. Their Individual Membership plan ($19.95 per year) allows one person unlimited access to all the printables I've mentioned and hundreds more that I've yet to discover.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/individual-membership-super-teacher-worksheets-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Super Teacher Worksheets" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-58971411599604943582017-09-19T10:06:00.000-06:002017-09-19T10:48:57.518-06:00Let's Go Geography {Homeschool Crew Review)I've already talked about how this school year looks different than I originally envisioned. We're doing a lot more school on-the-go than I had originally planned for. Therefore, I was excited to find <a href="https://www.letsgogeography.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Let's Go Geography</a> to add to our curriculum plans for the fall.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.letsgogeography.com/find-out-more/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Let's Go Geography" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/09%20-%20September/19%20-%20Lets%20Go%20Geography/Lets%20Go%20Geography_zpsuqiawr2i.jpg" /></a></center>
<b><br /></b>
Let's Go Geography is <a href="https://www.letsgogeography.com/find-out-more/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">homeschool geography curriculum</a> that guides elementary aged students through an exploration of a new country each week. I looked through several lessons before signing up and wrongly assumed that I could print out the materials to pack in the school binder Lauren takes with her on appointment days.<br />
<br />
When I really dug into the curriculum, I realized that there is both a print and an online component to the program. For instance, the first unit (the Northeast United States) includes a link to a map to color and label, a link to hear the national anthem, and several links to YouTube videos. Some of the videos offer a visual tour of the area, while others explore a specific topic such as maple syrup production in Vermont. Obviously some of those activities can be printed ahead of time, but some of them need to be done where we have an internet connection (and uninterrupted time to watch videos).<br />
<br />
I decided to regroup and plan to do geography on a day when we'd be at home. One of the next units was about Canada. Lauren wasn't particularly interested in learning about another country simply for the sake of learning about a new place. I told her about how Tim works with several members of the Canadian military, and she agreed to dig into the Let's Go Geography materials about Canada. One particularly interesting part of that study was hearing the Canadian national anthem because I told her that it would be sung along with the Star Spangled Banner at Tim's retirement ceremony this week. (Since it's a joint command with both American and Canadian troops, they do both national anthems.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lI1_nbe-qUk/WcA3qa2uKxI/AAAAAAAATbY/yaT3eCO24uY7S2GqQHRZAV7t89EG4w7DwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lI1_nbe-qUk/WcA3qa2uKxI/AAAAAAAATbY/yaT3eCO24uY7S2GqQHRZAV7t89EG4w7DwCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, Lauren's interest began to wane after doing the map, coloring the flag, and listening to <i>O Canada </i>on a YouTube video. Before I knew it, she had followed a link to suggested videos and was watching a preschool video of "The Duck Song." Lesson learned: make sure to hover close by when I tell Lauren to get on YouTube to do some of her schoolwork.<br />
<br />
I then learned a second important lesson about how Lauren learns best. Most of the materials we're using this year have a very distinct start and end point. For instance, "you're finished with math for today when you answer the last problem on this page." Apparently, Lauren likes knowing exactly how much is left to do before she is done. The Let's Go Geography gave her a variety of videos to explore and then an open-ended note booking sheet. Even though the videos weren't long, she complained because she couldn't immediately see how much was left. Similarly, the lack of structure on the note booking page left her asking me "how much do I have to write." I don't think she was trying to get away with doing as little work as possible, she just didn't quite know what to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnInqavyQEM/WcA4fKokMGI/AAAAAAAATbs/ju2NB37hKGoRhvIgNtSGyED7Gy1g4XITgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnInqavyQEM/WcA4fKokMGI/AAAAAAAATbs/ju2NB37hKGoRhvIgNtSGyED7Gy1g4XITgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7913.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As a parent and teacher, I really appreciate the wealth of information Let's Go Geography provides for each country. Unfortunately, all this information would be better suited for a child that wanted to explore a new country instead of simply finishing the assignment.<br />
<br />
Let's Go Geography is set-up for students to study a new country each week. Younger students may want to follow the suggestions for dividing the study amongst five days. Lauren spent both an hour on one day doing the study activities for each country (and opted not to do the art projects). After studying ten new countries, one week is spent on review activities such as labeling a blank map, matching flags with their countries, identifying pictures, etc. Although the program is set-up to go in a specific order, a one-year membership gave us access to all the countries so that we could skip around if we wished.<br />
<br />
<br />
Even though I cannot use <a href="http://letsgogeography.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Let's Go Geography</a> for our on-the-go days, I still intend to add it to Lauren's schoolwork when we are at home. One of the American Heritage Girls badges (World Heritage) asks her to study three countries, and these materials will make it easy for her to finish that requirement. She's already finished Canada, maybe we'll do Belize this week.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/lets-go-geography-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Let’s Go Geography {Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-58547170047515080262017-09-15T20:46:00.000-06:002017-09-15T20:46:03.999-06:00Random Five on Friday1. I've been working on Octopus for Preemie octopuses whenever I can squeeze in a few moments for crochet. These five friends are on their way to a NICU in New Jersey this weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lM-R3e_waw/WbyKWB5d4wI/AAAAAAAATYU/yXZT0fYXLVU1qgVs0zc_bnXhiSUqGnGxACKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7lM-R3e_waw/WbyKWB5d4wI/AAAAAAAATYU/yXZT0fYXLVU1qgVs0zc_bnXhiSUqGnGxACKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2. Brennan came home from work a few days ago talking about the new yoga mats they have at the pool. I cannot imagine how difficult this ab workout would be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf6lFSmo8eY/WbyKQDYelEI/AAAAAAAATYQ/mLqiFS1qm9U1V5nGziaVN51GCCZ8zsJnACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1080" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lf6lFSmo8eY/WbyKQDYelEI/AAAAAAAATYQ/mLqiFS1qm9U1V5nGziaVN51GCCZ8zsJnACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
3. I think we've spent more time doing schoolwork in the car than at home these past two weeks. One of Lauren's favorite car schooling activities is listening to the audio version of her Sassafras Science book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ST5mLhk_pYY/WbyKdA_cXaI/AAAAAAAATYg/h6UTRVDZD8cy-MTf-AuaZpsFTbAuqjwFACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ST5mLhk_pYY/WbyKdA_cXaI/AAAAAAAATYg/h6UTRVDZD8cy-MTf-AuaZpsFTbAuqjwFACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7878.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4. Lauren has been working on a new stop-motion video with her American Girl dolls lately. I stole these pictures of one of the girls doing gymnastics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnnETfSfRaA/WbyOSBdxTtI/AAAAAAAATaM/B0QPDQOhYXIyM6nNfrLAVxhpEHeCsgC8QCKgBGAs/s1600/StopMotion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnnETfSfRaA/WbyOSBdxTtI/AAAAAAAATaM/B0QPDQOhYXIyM6nNfrLAVxhpEHeCsgC8QCKgBGAs/s400/StopMotion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5. The big news of the week is that today was Tim's last official day of work. His retirement ceremony is next Tuesday and then he'll be on leave (and job hunting) until the end of this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGTtFQF5ke8/WbyNdImsWyI/AAAAAAAATZw/D_acJAFIBKoLDuqxLvALIDo58kN2iZ7pgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGTtFQF5ke8/WbyNdImsWyI/AAAAAAAATZw/D_acJAFIBKoLDuqxLvALIDo58kN2iZ7pgCKgBGAs/s400/IMG_5953.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-75054869198288886122017-09-03T22:10:00.002-06:002017-09-03T22:10:18.405-06:00First Day PhotosSeptember 1st turned out to be a fun vacation-like day here. Tim had the day off of work, and Lauren argued that she should have the day off of school. We reached a compromise that meant she did some schoolwork before we left home that morning and more work while we were traveling that afternoon.<br />
<br />
Our first stop of the day was the radio station. Children's Hospital is having a radiothon in October, and we recorded some of Lauren's story to be shared that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNm4DCy3u_Q/WazLXUhb47I/AAAAAAAATUU/sQHu6DJ0kvIyvgPpzMDX3NYuA-0A9vn2ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNm4DCy3u_Q/WazLXUhb47I/AAAAAAAATUU/sQHu6DJ0kvIyvgPpzMDX3NYuA-0A9vn2ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7830.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOcF7yWBl7k/WazLabV-ZcI/AAAAAAAATUY/8B0amfSojG4KPexEhi-y2xYI_lB-dhv-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOcF7yWBl7k/WazLabV-ZcI/AAAAAAAATUY/8B0amfSojG4KPexEhi-y2xYI_lB-dhv-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tim, Lauren, and I then headed out of town for a quick weekend trip. We stayed at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It's such a beautiful historic base -- wish I had gotten more pictures of some of the buildings there. We saw very few modern buildings, most date back to the early 1900s when it was an Army Post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IF1eSj8gJo/WazOPyv-x0I/AAAAAAAATV8/dvBjL3cea8IV1F2Qs6ytqTf6_6QuJsq4ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7IF1eSj8gJo/WazOPyv-x0I/AAAAAAAATV8/dvBjL3cea8IV1F2Qs6ytqTf6_6QuJsq4ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7855.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reading time while I fixed dinner:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGQIJxJ0EE8/WazMDAe3ECI/AAAAAAAATUs/rRufhz9YLnMlAbskEKUXpay6MlYwHEYdgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGQIJxJ0EE8/WazMDAe3ECI/AAAAAAAATUs/rRufhz9YLnMlAbskEKUXpay6MlYwHEYdgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7838.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Berry got put in a very-convenient jail in our TLF.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QErAtmbVrGI/WazMMjisNGI/AAAAAAAATU0/AEiP06ZXKu45cjn6GyIXROTpOQApTxB1wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QErAtmbVrGI/WazMMjisNGI/AAAAAAAATU0/AEiP06ZXKu45cjn6GyIXROTpOQApTxB1wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, Brennan sent me this picture from his afternoon's adventure climbing with a friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFMqeKmJ5D8/WazMyrn4OII/AAAAAAAATVc/BMAH5kIdIXoSpcmtZjnsT5F3PG9zZGFsgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_3255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFMqeKmJ5D8/WazMyrn4OII/AAAAAAAATVc/BMAH5kIdIXoSpcmtZjnsT5F3PG9zZGFsgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_3255.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After dinner, we set off in search of some dessert and then wandered around the base. (We had hoped for non-dairy ice cream at the Commissary but settled for lime popsicles which we took out to the lake to enjoy.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YG_iyO5EotY/WazMmimHWWI/AAAAAAAATVU/Y_JGRAc_q2YAaTltqlZcmWg-yHPOBHvFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YG_iyO5EotY/WazMmimHWWI/AAAAAAAATVU/Y_JGRAc_q2YAaTltqlZcmWg-yHPOBHvFwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWIGm2hlTzQ/WazMqQma-oI/AAAAAAAATVY/Y1UblQS7hSsJ0IbX4f0NMeuKWFrGS1prgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWIGm2hlTzQ/WazMqQma-oI/AAAAAAAATVY/Y1UblQS7hSsJ0IbX4f0NMeuKWFrGS1prgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_2175.JPG.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWxAn2Gl4BQ/WazM1lHbtGI/AAAAAAAATVg/ovMApsztj0AB3RyhLNDWs3hQTyAe8sq3gCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWxAn2Gl4BQ/WazM1lHbtGI/AAAAAAAATVg/ovMApsztj0AB3RyhLNDWs3hQTyAe8sq3gCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_2177.JPG.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of the coolest things about F. E. Warren is the wildlife roaming around the base. This is just one of many groups of pronghorn we saw. We also saw an enormous jack rabbit that bounded away before I could get a picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kQ2wCC_ecs/WazNjGdIILI/AAAAAAAATV0/AUbIuo7pDuI3EXjGKaN-MzE53iScuoSBACKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kQ2wCC_ecs/WazNjGdIILI/AAAAAAAATV0/AUbIuo7pDuI3EXjGKaN-MzE53iScuoSBACKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We squeezed in a few games before bedtime and then I tried to get ahead a bit in the physics class I might need to help Brennan with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gJXVKKzlhk/WazOgMIq0EI/AAAAAAAATWE/LfTFLlnYCDMH9o2G9O6CJN5usfNc-WhrQCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gJXVKKzlhk/WazOgMIq0EI/AAAAAAAATWE/LfTFLlnYCDMH9o2G9O6CJN5usfNc-WhrQCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y71dvkodI-Q/WazPjqe4BJI/AAAAAAAATWc/9WfcnAZr0z8VaVYG7ajfubveO7AHuTIngCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y71dvkodI-Q/WazPjqe4BJI/AAAAAAAATWc/9WfcnAZr0z8VaVYG7ajfubveO7AHuTIngCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It turned out to be quite a fun day, even if Lauren complained about school work. We spent the next day touring a few National Park sites and then headed home. Short trip, but good to get away for a bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-41601917167847158332017-08-30T00:21:00.001-06:002017-08-30T00:24:47.181-06:00A Journey Through Learning Lapbook {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="A Journey Through Learning" border="0" height="192" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/08%20-%20August/28%20-%20A%20Journey%20Through%20Learning/NewLogo2_zpsdnx6sard.jpg" width="200" /></a></center>
<br />
I posted a few days ago about how our school year didn't start as I had planned. It's a good thing that my curriculum plans are flexible. I had some tentative plans that aren't going to work right now, but thankfully I also have a new review product that filled in the gaps quite nicely.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks</a> has lapbook materials suitable for all sorts of homeschool needs. Families involved in Classical Conversations can find lapbooks to correspond with that work, and families using Apologia science books will find lapbooks to correspond with those textbooks. My favorite products are the Stand-Alone Topical Lapbooks. While there are lots of good options, Lauren has been doing their <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/grinlawistgu.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Greatest Inventors</i></a> study to start this school year.
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/grinlawistgu.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Greatest Inventors Lapbook with Study Guide" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/08%20-%20August/28%20-%20A%20Journey%20Through%20Learning/the-greatest-inventors-lapbook-with-study-guide-17_zpscxqadkru.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
When I opened the digital file from A Journey Through Learning, I was immediately relieved to see that it wasn't as complicated as some lapbooks we've done. The lapbook base can be any solid color file folders. We used plain manilla folders, but I'm sure it would be prettier in a color. In fact, it might be cool to coordinate the file folders to represent a particular subject (green for science, blue for literature, etc).<br />
<br />
The materials can all be printed on plain white paper. I printed half of the pages on regular printer paper because they contained information for Lauren to read, and I printed all the lapbook components on cardstock to better stand up over time. (It might've been nice to have the information first to print on plain paper and the lapbook pieces separate to print after loading cardstock, but it wasn't a big deal to divide the printing.) The lapbook components have some use of color in the illustrations to make the finished lapbook visually appealing, and thankfully it wasn't so much color that I worried about my printer running out of ink. The booklets go together easily, and I won't have to track down brads or other often-misplaced supplies to put it all together. Basically, we just need file folders, paper, glue, and a stapler to do the whole project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1EPbVlwGks/WaZVWYMFEgI/AAAAAAAATRw/GDD8FpWkn8EEVYfdNW8Znd84N7zNXMwQgCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1EPbVlwGks/WaZVWYMFEgI/AAAAAAAATRw/GDD8FpWkn8EEVYfdNW8Znd84N7zNXMwQgCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The best part about this lapbook is that all the information is included. The Greatest Inventors lapbook covers 19 different inventors -- Johannes Gutenberg, Benjamin Franklin, the Wright brothers, George Washington Carver, Alexander Graham Bell, and others. It is organized so that the student can read a short biography of an inventor. Most of these passages are less than a page long, and they appear to be written at a fifth or sixth grade reading level.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SZ6_cFv-a8/WaZXnJq2tzI/AAAAAAAATSU/Wh8lNgIJfrIX4eIV9Wxb7q4d3cqncw2xgCKgBGAs/s1600/Inventors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0SZ6_cFv-a8/WaZXnJq2tzI/AAAAAAAATSU/Wh8lNgIJfrIX4eIV9Wxb7q4d3cqncw2xgCKgBGAs/s640/Inventors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After reading the inventor's biography, Lauren completes the lapbook activities which typically ask her to remember (or look back to find) specific facts about the inventor. She can then cut out the lapbook component and glue it into the lapbook. One great feature about this lapbook is that the directions show her where the completed projects will go in the folders. She can glue them into place right away instead of having to wait until the end of our unit study.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttCJy6Bl0G0/WaZVWY20Y6I/AAAAAAAATRw/9Rb3SeFWd0ALiog9VsTMyeWrsRUGHQNaACKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttCJy6Bl0G0/WaZVWY20Y6I/AAAAAAAATRw/9Rb3SeFWd0ALiog9VsTMyeWrsRUGHQNaACKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With all of the information bound to take it with us and all the pieces able to be glued in place as soon as they are completed, <i>The Greatest Inventors</i> Learning Lapbook with Study Guide is the perfect way for me to squeeze in a bit of science and history on the days when Lauren spends more time doing schoolwork in the car than she does at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWJXG410It0/WaZVZbi1C7I/AAAAAAAATR0/1YPEW3WEFZk-288lJyecXMJXwOQ9-8Z4wCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="1600" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tWJXG410It0/WaZVZbi1C7I/AAAAAAAATR0/1YPEW3WEFZk-288lJyecXMJXwOQ9-8Z4wCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ajourneythroughlearning.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Journey Through Learning</a> offers lap books to fit all sorts of homeschooling needs. For us, the <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/sttola.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stand-Alone Topical lapbooks</a> are proving their worth as a way to extend learning on not-so-perfect homeschool days. Thank goodness they have plenty of other options for me to choose from when she finishes learning about <i><a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/grinlawistgu.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Greatest Inventors</a></i>. My biggest challenge might be deciding whether I should get a history-themed product like <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/ovof20ceunst.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Overview of the 20th Century</a> or a science-themed one like <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/inmybolawist.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Inside My Body</a>. There's also <a href="http://www.ajourneythroughlearning.net/woinlawistgu.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Women Inventors</a>, which would follow nicely with the one Lauren is doing now.
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/lapbooks-for-classical-conversations-apologia-inventors-20th-century-a-journey-through-learning-lapbooks-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lapbooks for Classical Conversations, Apologia, Inventors & 20th Century {A Journey Through Learning Lapbooks Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-72884626288245011782017-08-27T22:22:00.002-06:002017-08-27T22:22:45.868-06:00First Day of SchoolI'm running a bit behind for this year's first day of school pictures. Actually, the first day of school was a bit behind too.<br />
<br />
We had a field trip planned for Tuesday, August 15th, and I was going to count that as our official first day back at school for this year. Wednesday the 16th would've been our first regular day of school at home.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. . .<br />
<br />
On Monday, August 14th, Lauren and I stopped by the library for a meeting about her new science classes and then headed to Denver for a routine psychiatry appointment. When she checked in, the blood pressure machine alarmed for a very high heart rate. We left that appointment and went directly to cardiology -- "do not pass go, do not collect $200."<br />
<br />
Lauren spent Monday night in the hospital for observation. On Tuesday, instead of touring the power plant on our field trip, she took a trip to the cath lab.<br />
<br />
She was thrilled that she was allowed to sign an assent form to be part of a research study -- normally I'm the one signing all the papers prior to a cath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUtsIbOyKSI/WaOWvXRfKFI/AAAAAAAATN0/H1q2z8erEN02StU8_Qpqj-PPE-0JvTY0wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gUtsIbOyKSI/WaOWvXRfKFI/AAAAAAAATN0/H1q2z8erEN02StU8_Qpqj-PPE-0JvTY0wCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7636.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not exactly the first day of school picture I planned to take.<br />
<br />
After the cath, the cardiology team decided she should stay one more night while we waited to hear the results of the biopsies. She started treatment for transplant rejection later that night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjE9DbhWr1g/WaOW2pV19OI/AAAAAAAATN4/dNzbL3YoRugXnZUeRQ7KwLb2Gmy2yUMJQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zjE9DbhWr1g/WaOW2pV19OI/AAAAAAAATN4/dNzbL3YoRugXnZUeRQ7KwLb2Gmy2yUMJQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7641.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Wednesday brought lots of excitement and an emergency transfer to the CICU when Lauren's heart rate went up again. In true Lauren fashion, her biggest concern was that someone moved her lunch tray out of reach before she got to have her bacon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyLpej7bcIY/WaOW7-YgZTI/AAAAAAAATN8/JwHE7IDYiu8b4UniLqF5Rdgqw4ug2I30QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyLpej7bcIY/WaOW7-YgZTI/AAAAAAAATN8/JwHE7IDYiu8b4UniLqF5Rdgqw4ug2I30QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7645.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The rest of the week brought a shiny new picc line and lots of IV infusions. Thankfully, it also brought a little bit of reading, a few board games, some silly times with friends, an art project or two, and a whole bunch of YouTube videos on the iPad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjSrOwTxiRc/WaOZXAmIqYI/AAAAAAAATQE/Mvm_PrPAOpU2SN2Dug5FSXDQEN9p_Tr-QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjSrOwTxiRc/WaOZXAmIqYI/AAAAAAAATQE/Mvm_PrPAOpU2SN2Dug5FSXDQEN9p_Tr-QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5eKUFdfLXQ/WaOXC8pUpiI/AAAAAAAATOA/r4TNWYY1fHs-HSvglSYK_wu8250P0LuFwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5eKUFdfLXQ/WaOXC8pUpiI/AAAAAAAATOA/r4TNWYY1fHs-HSvglSYK_wu8250P0LuFwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVDKQbJBC0c/WaOZdz4qIkI/AAAAAAAATQI/lmsA2tOAIucJSRhUTawobB1ArQv1pKi0ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVDKQbJBC0c/WaOZdz4qIkI/AAAAAAAATQI/lmsA2tOAIucJSRhUTawobB1ArQv1pKi0ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7725.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs1DKT2QrdI/WaOXC2IYIjI/AAAAAAAATOA/xkNqeB8j3ac9goMWZ-hDuz3EnB1_t-KQACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs1DKT2QrdI/WaOXC2IYIjI/AAAAAAAATOA/xkNqeB8j3ac9goMWZ-hDuz3EnB1_t-KQACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jDtblh6SNc/WaOXC1WgLLI/AAAAAAAATOA/-fGcGePxoGIXEEWz-_3DcsZTxdSwct9lwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8jDtblh6SNc/WaOXC1WgLLI/AAAAAAAATOA/-fGcGePxoGIXEEWz-_3DcsZTxdSwct9lwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A week after she was admitted, Lauren's cardiologist insisted that we figure out a way for her to see the eclipse. Since she's on contact precautions while inpatient, she's not normally allowed to leave her room.<br />
<br />
I had to drag her outside, and then we spent about an hour and a half outside watching the eclipse (only about 92% eclipsed in Denver). Ironically, she enjoyed it so much that I had to drag her back inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-Y0WfmpIB4/WaOXJKshckI/AAAAAAAATOE/W9d3jS3Nn7EX3_Vf0C86kdG38H7sgQEFgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-Y0WfmpIB4/WaOXJKshckI/AAAAAAAATOE/W9d3jS3Nn7EX3_Vf0C86kdG38H7sgQEFgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7696.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkYltgrMoUg/WaOXJNZD05I/AAAAAAAATOE/2PotI0-puE4Bo4sWMntAIHmqCOuIkVDCACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkYltgrMoUg/WaOXJNZD05I/AAAAAAAATOE/2PotI0-puE4Bo4sWMntAIHmqCOuIkVDCACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7704.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYhEeTjpWA/WaOXJDK5LQI/AAAAAAAATOE/0BMNiIrCSl46Yo9np7j72MfEPiuKRv3kgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYhEeTjpWA/WaOXJDK5LQI/AAAAAAAATOE/0BMNiIrCSl46Yo9np7j72MfEPiuKRv3kgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7708.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Lauren was discharged Wednesday afternoon, and we counted Thursday as her official first day of school. I suspect it won't be our first day of school spent car-schooling and appointment-schooling instead of homeschooling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2egW6tHcBk/WaOZTOvRo3I/AAAAAAAATP8/pNZ2Rzxw0J0wxexfaN5-dldh4MotVuK8ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2egW6tHcBk/WaOZTOvRo3I/AAAAAAAATP8/pNZ2Rzxw0J0wxexfaN5-dldh4MotVuK8ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7765.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFfZEiT-gos/WaOXRaqVymI/AAAAAAAATOo/2keX2xzQCysq5fNe6PHzF_xQZ4HxxgXNgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gFfZEiT-gos/WaOXRaqVymI/AAAAAAAATOo/2keX2xzQCysq5fNe6PHzF_xQZ4HxxgXNgCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLt_f6kvyz4/WaOXRXA09nI/AAAAAAAATOo/OzGhGvr12OQXrN-Vs-tAP7eN-5Uv9y3wQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aLt_f6kvyz4/WaOXRXA09nI/AAAAAAAATOo/OzGhGvr12OQXrN-Vs-tAP7eN-5Uv9y3wQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7769.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qA8Ipe7OWI/WaOXRZQi2FI/AAAAAAAATOo/8sRBtKyBLAENIufJfIkdLZ_3ukMhZxX1QCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qA8Ipe7OWI/WaOXRZQi2FI/AAAAAAAATOo/8sRBtKyBLAENIufJfIkdLZ_3ukMhZxX1QCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though I took plenty of pictures while Lauren was in the hospital not going to school, I didn't get any of Brennan who was busy at home balancing school work with lifeguarding or Addison who was traveling with friends to see the total eclipse. I guess I'll get one of Brennan sooner or later and then pretend it was a back-to-school picture. I'll have to beg Addison to send me one of her too.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-84526473170320857772017-08-08T05:08:00.000-06:002017-08-08T05:09:58.827-06:00No Nonesense Algebra for Accelerated Math Students {Homeschool Crew Review}When looking at Brennan's math books for this coming school year, it looks like I either have more high school students in my house than everybody thought or that I've completely lost my mind. He will be using <a href="https://www.mathessentials.net/product-page/no-nonsense-algebra" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No-Nonsense Algebra</a> from <a href="https://www.mathessentials.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Math Essentials</a> in conjunction with the Calculus books for his regular math curriculum.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.mathessentials.net/product-page/no-nonsense-algebra" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="No-Nonsense Algebra" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/08%20-%20August/08%20-%20%20Math%20Essentials/No%20Nonse%20Algebra_zps6yq3qjkt.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
I know it doesn't look like it would make any sense at all. Recently, I figured out that standardized college entrance exams can be a challenge for accelerated math students. Addison finished Calculus I as a high school sophomore and moved on to Calculus B/C during her junior year. Brennan will be taking Calculus I during his junior year. I specifically looked at their junior years because that's the year that taking the PSAT counts for the National Merit Scholarship Competition (and a National Merit Scholarship can pay for a lot of college expenses). The issue is that the PSAT/SAT/ACT exams are based on a traditional math sequence where many students do not take math classes past Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus. The vast majority of the math covered on the college entrance exams is based on pre-algebra calculation skills, some basic algebra manipulation, and a bit of geometry knowledge. One website claims that only 4 out of 50 math questions on the SAT requires basic trigonometry. My advanced math students were so far removed from elementary algebra concepts that they struggled more than if they had taken these exams a few years earlier.<br />
<br />
That's where <i>No-Nonsense Algebra</i> steps in. This fall, Brennan will be using <i>No-Nonsense Algebra</i> to refresh his memory on math terminology, basic computation skills, and algebra so that those concepts won't look so foreign to him when he encounters them on the PSAT in October.<br />
<br />
The first chapter of <i>No-Nonsense Algebra</i> covers a lot of pre-algebra topics, including basic computation skills that many advanced math students may have forgotten. (Both of the engineers in our house rely heavily on their calculators and would grumble if they were forced to do calculations with only a paper/pencil the way it is tested on certain sections of college entrance exams.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIKZnN4OBx4/WYjYn5791zI/AAAAAAAATKs/G7UvJh2witAPqS6e-6TjP8ClhKInULURwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yIKZnN4OBx4/WYjYn5791zI/AAAAAAAATKs/G7UvJh2witAPqS6e-6TjP8ClhKInULURwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7502.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
What I love about Math Essentials is that the concepts are broken down into simple, easily-understood explanations. For nearly all of the topics, the explanation takes about half a page, an example problem takes another half a page, and then there is a single page of practice problems (and never more than 20 problems to work).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mCm5v58Ius/WYjYuivP6GI/AAAAAAAATKw/x4NaFAdYJ58h03qzje59YRaHoRNgdjiwwCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--mCm5v58Ius/WYjYuivP6GI/AAAAAAAATKw/x4NaFAdYJ58h03qzje59YRaHoRNgdjiwwCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Because these concepts are all review for Brennan, he generally only needs the short explanation in the book. The <i>No-Nonsense Algebra</i> book includes an access code that unlocks short instructional videos for each topic as well. Each of these videos is approximately 8-10 minute long. Short enough to keep a busy student's attention span, but long enough to fully explain the concept.<br />
<br />
I remember quite a bit of algebra concepts when it comes to solving basic calculation problems, so I turned to the last section of the book -- word problems. It contained several topics that I remember being particularly challenging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuUjvC2cz7M/WYjY9VuPVCI/AAAAAAAATK0/UEKrlFGPPzgtYMy1MpMFxtXPc3maTajvACKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuUjvC2cz7M/WYjY9VuPVCI/AAAAAAAATK0/UEKrlFGPPzgtYMy1MpMFxtXPc3maTajvACKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with "Time, Rate, and Distance Problems" because I remember the challenges of train and car problems. I like the way Math Essentials broke these sorts of word problems down into four distinct types.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkxYZhg9B08/WYjZAxxNrUI/AAAAAAAATK4/qMUt_FeMegYtmDNgXyFEWXL5KZ-7n1DHwCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="1600" height="103" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkxYZhg9B08/WYjZAxxNrUI/AAAAAAAATK4/qMUt_FeMegYtmDNgXyFEWXL5KZ-7n1DHwCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After reading the explanation and examples, I tried one on my own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-585WySAlp20/WYjbHDhk95I/AAAAAAAATLg/MHurxKFofL4NV1v6n21s_J_czdoIgtPcwCKgBGAs/s1600/DistanceProblem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-585WySAlp20/WYjbHDhk95I/AAAAAAAATLg/MHurxKFofL4NV1v6n21s_J_czdoIgtPcwCKgBGAs/s320/DistanceProblem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I then moved on to the "Mixture Problems." This time I skipped over the book introductions and examples and just watched the video. He gave a very clear explanation of how to solve the problem, and I felt confident enough to tackle the four exercise problems for this section.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2we7osmjOY/WYjbKqbmN4I/AAAAAAAATLk/IjoWhqE3X-8I5esEYQPDPi_SadLK7_DogCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-06%2Bat%2B8.00.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1145" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S2we7osmjOY/WYjbKqbmN4I/AAAAAAAATLk/IjoWhqE3X-8I5esEYQPDPi_SadLK7_DogCKgBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-06%2Bat%2B8.00.51%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Now that I've mastered (once again) the quadratic equations, train problems, and mixture problems, I'm ready to face the world, including the advanced physics class I'm going to be teaching this fall. More importantly, I'm confident that the lessons in <i><a href="https://www.mathessentials.net/product-page/no-nonsense-algebra" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No-Nonsense Algebra</a></i> will help Brennan be prepared to ace the "easy" algebra questions on the PSAT.<br />
<br />
After working with the <i>No-Nonsense Algebra</i> for a while, I looked to see what other topics<a href="http://mathessentials.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Math Essentials</a> covers. I was happy to see that they offer books on elementary math concepts, specific topics such as fractions or decimals/percents, geometry, problem solving, and mastering essential math skills (pre-algebra concepts). I was particularly interested in their <a href="https://www.mathessentials.net/product-page/problem-solving" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Problem Solving</i></a> book and just ordered it for Lauren. It starts with simple one-step word problems and moves into increasingly more complex problems, including those that will require two or even three steps to reach the answer.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/no-nonsense-algebra-math-essentials-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="No-Nonsense Algebra {Math Essentials Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-42445956949761356692017-08-02T22:12:00.001-06:002017-08-02T22:12:04.561-06:00Some days are like that {Wordless Wednesday}<span style="text-align: left;">I probably don't get a SuperMom award for today:</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izwX6eWyecM/WYKh1cDLN4I/AAAAAAAATJM/qpQFErQEmeAPToiQ7zLA-nw_p6xLDgqLwCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izwX6eWyecM/WYKh1cDLN4I/AAAAAAAATJM/qpQFErQEmeAPToiQ7zLA-nw_p6xLDgqLwCKgBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender-12.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-13855321648107122722017-08-01T06:00:00.000-06:002017-08-01T11:22:31.055-06:00In the Reign of Terror {Homeschool Crew Review}I sometimes think that I learn more during a single day as a homeschooling mom than I did in some of the classes I took in high school. Recently I've been listening to <i><a href="http://www.inthereignofterror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In the Reign of Terror</a></i> from <a href="http://www.heirloomaudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heirloom Audio Productions</a> and learning far more about the French Revolution than I had ever known.<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.inthereignofterror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="In the Reign of Terror" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/08%20-%20August/01%20-%20In%20the%20Reign%20of%20Terror/In%20the%20Reign%20of%20Terror%20Cover%20Image_zpsfupir0om.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
Like other productions from Heirloom Audio Productions, <i>In the Reign of Terror</i> is an audio dramatization, not simply an audiobook. The original story by G.A. Henty is brought to life with voice actors playing each role, sound effects, and dramatic music.<br />
<br />
<i>In the Reign of Terror </i>begins with a young boy asserting the similarity between the American Revolution and the French Revolution. An older gentleman corrects him and offers to tell a story about the French Revolution to illustrate the differences between the two. At this point, I probably should have looked at the study guide materials (available to download) and learned a bit more about the French Revolution. I was in the car, though, and eager to hear the older gentleman's story. In our story, a young British boy named Harry is sent to France to live with an aristocratic family who wanted a tutor or companion for their son. He then follows the family over the course of several years while the violence associated with the Reign of Terror spreads through France.<br />
<br />
My first thoughts about this audio drama was that it was interesting to hear a different perspective on the events of the French Revolution. I'm not sure that I've ever truly studied this time period, and if I had, I was very fuzzy on the details. Brennan studied <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i> last year, and I remember it as a rich story primarily about peasants during this time period. I also mistakenly thought that <i>Les Miserables</i> took place during the French Revolution; again, it is a story primarily about the struggles of the peasant class. In contrast, the action in <i>In the Reign of Terror</i> centers around an aristocratic family. I grew to love the family and saw them struggle to remain safe during the Reign of Terror.<br />
<br />
Since Addison has recently returned home after studying European History while living in Europe this summer, she was able to help me understand much of the history that I had forgotten (or never learned). The French Revolution was actually a rather brief event, but was followed by years of unrest, including the Reign of Terror, the rule of Napoleon, and finally the establishment of the current style of government. (She also explained that <i>Les Miserables</i> took places years after the French Revolution and was based on a rather unimportant historical event that likely would have been forgotten if Victor Hugo hadn't written a novel about it and if that novel hadn't later been turned into an acclaimed musical.)<br />
<br />
Addison also echoed the thoughts of G.A. Henty's work in that there are vast differences between the French Revolution and the American Revolution. The Americans sought freedom from oppression, and it can be argued that the French peasants sought much more than the liberty, equality, and fraternity that they proclaimed. I found a particular line in the audio drama summed it up quite well: "The marquis himself has said that the English way fosters independence and self-respect across all classes, while ours breeds resentment. His complaint is not about change, but about too much of it too quickly. It is not égalité, equality, the canaille -- that is, the common people, desire, but a reversal of roles."<br />
<br />
Addison and I also discussed the differences in how the Americans viewed God at that time versus the way the French Revolutionaries did. I could base my part of the discussion on the information I learned while listening to <i>In the Reign of Terror,</i> and she based hers on what she studied this summer. Heirloom Audio Productions prides itself on producing quality, wholesome entertainment that shares the stories of "Christian Heroes for Kids of All Ages." This drama is no exception to the rule. Several of the main characters share verses that they rely on for strength in the face of challenges or danger, and the narrator clearly points out the way many Americans in the Revolutionary Days were looking towards God while French Revolutionaries such as Maximillien Robespierre relied heavily on the Enlightenment philosophies which discounted the role of God in everyday life and fought against the opulence of many European churches prior to that time.<br />
<br />
In addition to receiving the audio CD, Heirloom Audio also granted me access to their new <a href="https://www.livetheadventureclub.com/home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live the Adventure Club</a> online community and resources. From there, I was able to download the study guide materials that correspond to the <i>In the Reign of Terror </i>drama. After listening to the audio drama myself, I decided that Lauren would struggle to keep the names and action straight, especially if I simply played it in the car while driving to an appointment. When I am ready to use this (or other Heirloom Audio Productions) with Lauren, I will rely heavily on the study guide materials. My favorite part is the lengthy lists of questions for each chapter of the book. Approximately half of the questions are "listening well" questions -- factual questions designed to make sure the listener understands and remembers the characters and action in the chapter. The other half are "Thinking Further" questions that require the student to remember other historical events, to apply a situation in the story to their own life, to make predictions about the story they are hearing, and more. These questions would be great discussion starters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOJDYI190eg/WYAcH105pTI/AAAAAAAATIY/HG61equnJZkG4qS7YzXUqmMxzcQANgFBwCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-01%2Bat%2B12.06.40%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="937" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rOJDYI190eg/WYAcH105pTI/AAAAAAAATIY/HG61equnJZkG4qS7YzXUqmMxzcQANgFBwCKgBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-01%2Bat%2B12.06.40%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CV_-DTvBecQ/WYAcH8O-cmI/AAAAAAAATIY/o3tfwi5tkHM53coT6R4cRgYRKuJUJZFYACKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-01%2Bat%2B12.07.03%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="932" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CV_-DTvBecQ/WYAcH8O-cmI/AAAAAAAATIY/o3tfwi5tkHM53coT6R4cRgYRKuJUJZFYACKgBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-01%2Bat%2B12.07.03%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While I was looking on the Live the Adventure Club website, I found online multiple choice quizzes covering each chapter of the story. There is also a selection of downloadable scripts, the story in its original novel form (as an ebook), movie posters, and other fun bonuses that correspond with this story.<br />
<br />
<br />
I truly enjoyed listening to the <i><a href="http://www.inthereignofterror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In the Reign of Terror</a></i> audio dramatization. Once again, Heirloom Audio Productions has bought an amazing story from G.A. Henty to life so children (and adults) can enjoy it today. Perhaps even more enjoyable than the time I spent listening to the story was the time I spent discussing European history with Addison. I was able to hold my own in the conversation as she discussed the timeline of the French Revolution, the way it differed from the American Revolution, and the way both of those events affected other countries throughout Europe. I'm certain I learned more about European History through my time spent listening to and discussing <i>In the Reign of Terror</i> than I would have if I had listened to a professor lecture about the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/in-the-reign-of-terror-heirloom-audio-productions-reviews/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="In the Reign of Terror {Heirloom Audio Productions Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" height="117" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-84165629921361598282017-07-28T13:39:00.001-06:002017-07-28T13:39:51.436-06:00Eight Heart Birthdays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQZS5rkSVQQ/WXuS26l-PCI/AAAAAAAATG4/9-prsadZeMw29mP5o2inV5KBYdl3figEACKgBGAs/s1600/HeartBirthdays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQZS5rkSVQQ/WXuS26l-PCI/AAAAAAAATG4/9-prsadZeMw29mP5o2inV5KBYdl3figEACKgBGAs/s640/HeartBirthdays.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
Eight years ago today, Lauren received an amazing gift of life -- her new, strong heart.<br />
<br />
As always I'm overcome with emotions and can only say "thank you" to the family that made these eight years of heart birthday celebrations possible.<br />
<br />
<br />
A few of the Lauren stories I've shared over the years:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-new-year.html" target="_blank">Happy New Year!</a> (2009)<br />
<a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2010/07/one-year-ago.html" target="_blank">One year ago</a> (2010)<br />
<a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-heart-birthday.html" target="_blank">Happy Heart Birthday!</a> (2011)<br />
<a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2012/04/donate-life.html" target="_blank">Donate Life</a> (2012)<br />
<a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-strong-heart-day.html" target="_blank">New Strong Heart Day</a> (July 28, 2014)<br />
<a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2014/09/thirty-three-weeks-three-days-years-ago.html" target="_blank">Thirty-three weeks, three days</a> (2014)<br />
<br />
Also, I've finally fixed the broken video link from the time years ago when we shared Lauren's birth (and early years) story with our church in Fairfax, VA -- <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/2008/12/defining-moment.html" target="_blank">A Defining Moment</a>. Please note that this video comes with a kleenex warning. :)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5416645766602306823.post-22102495735061802002017-07-19T22:50:00.001-06:002017-07-19T23:01:06.350-06:00Doctor Aviation {Homeschool Crew Review}<center>
<a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Doctor Aviation" border="0" height="236" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/2017%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew/07%20-%20July/18%20-%20Doctor%20Aviation/Doctor%20Aviation%20Logo_zpslkv44u3k.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I know that many homeschoolers continue to work all summer long. Lauren is quite adamant that she should not have to do schoolwork when her church friends are on summer vacation. Therefore, instead of continuing on with our regular school assignments, I've found some alternate education activities to help fill the long summer days. One of the biggest inspirations for these activities is Lauren's American Heritage Girls Handbook and the lists of badges she could earn this summer. While I know that she's learning when she completes badge requirements, it doesn't count as school in her mind.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
One of the badges she was interested in is the Aviation badge. As an Air Force family, it would almost be a disgrace if she didn't earn it. The problem is that she does better when someone else is teaching. Although <a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Aviation</a> is geared towards teens and adults, his <a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aviation education video training lectures</a> have allowed Lauren to learn many of the aviation basics she needs to know in order to earn her badge.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ASl4CSfRc8/WXAgRd5HE4I/AAAAAAAATDo/jasHzQ2iyo4Pn9VdcH5LA5Z7Q0_X7lWswCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-18%2Bat%2B8.43.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ASl4CSfRc8/WXAgRd5HE4I/AAAAAAAATDo/jasHzQ2iyo4Pn9VdcH5LA5Z7Q0_X7lWswCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-18%2Bat%2B8.43.43%2BPM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Doctor Aviation is a full course designed for high school students and even adults. The course consists of fifteen video segments, each lasting about 45 minutes to an hour, and corresponding materials that take each further with reading assignments, additional activity suggestions, etc. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The videos feature Doctor Aviation, a former USAF Command Pilot with over 2000 flying hours, sharing information in an informal, yet engaging way. The majority of the video is focused on him standing in front of an aircraft and talking directly to his audience. I could tell that he's passionate about teaching aviation basics. (I could also tell that he has been well trained in giving military presentations. He tells the audience what he's going to tell them, tells them the information, and then tells them what he told them. It's an often used and quite effective method of conveying information.)</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIsNLS0IxuE/WXAgvSK6z1I/AAAAAAAATDs/LxvT41YHoNotWQ7tHhenLbN4v-PgycxugCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B9.10.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1113" height="226" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FIsNLS0IxuE/WXAgvSK6z1I/AAAAAAAATDs/LxvT41YHoNotWQ7tHhenLbN4v-PgycxugCKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B9.10.07%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
When appropriate in his lectures, the screen changes to illustrate his points.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1w95Zk4OkM/WXAij865kjI/AAAAAAAATEI/T1SBsfgrHVsxkWTqO0YOICZsoOkkCBnswCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B9.24.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="752" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1w95Zk4OkM/WXAij865kjI/AAAAAAAATEI/T1SBsfgrHVsxkWTqO0YOICZsoOkkCBnswCKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-19%2Bat%2B9.24.31%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gijjdZ4F_1M/WXAiMryTkYI/AAAAAAAATD8/zLdz_D7TVxoHihoLdfjRuq-8H0Om384DgCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-14%2Bat%2B10.05.01%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="745" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gijjdZ4F_1M/WXAiMryTkYI/AAAAAAAATD8/zLdz_D7TVxoHihoLdfjRuq-8H0Om384DgCKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-14%2Bat%2B10.05.01%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Lauren was particularly excited when she heard him talking about the landing gear on a C-5 (the plane my dad flew for most of his career).</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3yqQi9Pg_E/WXAioBVRSiI/AAAAAAAATEM/X4Ja1Bf_MGwz7RVBIFVZVjYN1kM_iYSsQCKgBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-14%2Bat%2B9.45.05%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3yqQi9Pg_E/WXAioBVRSiI/AAAAAAAATEM/X4Ja1Bf_MGwz7RVBIFVZVjYN1kM_iYSsQCKgBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-07-14%2Bat%2B9.45.05%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Each of the videos are divided into three sections. Despite its name the Technical Trivia section isn't really trivia. In my opinion, it's the real meat of the instruction in terms of basic aviation knowledge. This section included lessons about the main plane components, the forces acting on a plane in flight, air traffic control basics, airfield operations, pilot instruments, and so much more. The other parts of each video include information about Notable Innovators and either a Legendary Event or Legendary Aircraft.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Since Lauren is several years younger than the recommended age, I watched the videos first and then selected portions that would help her meet the requirements for her Aviation badge. I thought all the video information was fascinating. I haven't yet gotten into the deeply technical aspects of aviation (the equation for calculating the amount of lift generated by a wing), but I found his explanations so far in the course to be very clear. Perhaps what I enjoy most is the Notable Innovators and Legendary Event/Aircraft segments of the videos. The first video discussed Orville and Wilbur Wright, and I appreciated the way Doctor Aviation emphasized the parts of their childhood and young adult years that gave them the character qualities they needed to persevere in reaching their dream of a successful flight. I also enjoyed the way Doctor Aviation brought the story of Chuck Yeager's initial years as a military pilot to life by sharing specific details of his escape to Spain when shot down during World War II. </center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Each video has downloadable notes guides, and I've been using them to make sure Lauren grasps the information she needs to learn for her badge. Here are some of her notes from the video talking about six major components of an aircraft.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4MLOnUEeB4/WXAznEtCIyI/AAAAAAAATE0/b5ZNKlv9u78wV-s5sNIIRZ1zD_EOvtjUwCKgBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G4MLOnUEeB4/WXAznEtCIyI/AAAAAAAATE0/b5ZNKlv9u78wV-s5sNIIRZ1zD_EOvtjUwCKgBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
As you can see, the lecture itself is well-organized and all the important details are left for the student to fill in as Doctor Aviation talks about them. Lauren often had to pause the video to allow time for writing, but she is just now learning to take notes in a lecture-style situation.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qIomrFgK8Y/WXA312Pn2FI/AAAAAAAATFE/dzhrzEoEIOYlI_PN4zbgSFBIpFXUSl_aACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_7309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qIomrFgK8Y/WXA312Pn2FI/AAAAAAAATFE/dzhrzEoEIOYlI_PN4zbgSFBIpFXUSl_aACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_7309.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
In addition to the notes sheets, each lesson has several pages of additional resources that can be downloaded and used. These pages include book suggestions, websites to further illustrate a particular concept, and additional assignments. If a high school student wanted to complete a basic aviation class for credit, these additional resources would provide enough materials to do so.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
Lauren hasn't been interested in learning anything more than what is required for her badge, but I still have hopes that these videos will spark an interest that leads her to delve deeper into the topic. Perhaps I'll talk her into watching some of Doctor Aviation's videos about Amelia Earhart -- I read a ton of Amelia Earhart biographies when I was Lauren's age.</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<br /></center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
I am thrilled to be able to use <a href="https://www.doctoraviation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doctor Aviation</a> to teach Lauren the aviation basics she needs to earn her American Heritage Girls Aviation badge, and I'm also thrilled that I get to enjoy all the extra knowledge he shares in the Notable Innovators and Legendary Events segments. Doctor Aviation has produced an amazing online resource that brings the exciting world of aircraft and aviation to high schoolers, adults, and even a sixth grader wanting to earn a merit badge.</center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/aviation-course-doctor-aviation-reviews/" target="_blank"><img alt="Aviation Course {Doctor Aviation Reviews}" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/2%20Click%20Here%20to%20Read%20More%20Reviews%202016_zpsmmmkbumm.jpg" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://schoolhousereviewcrew.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img alt="Crew Disclaimer" border="0" src="https://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/TOSCrew2011/0%20Homeschool%20Review%20Crew%20Banners/3%20Crew%20Disclaimer%202016_zpscwpb9ywe.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">©<a dir="ltr" href="tel:2009-2017" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2009-2017</a> Through the Calm and Through the Storm. All rights reserved. Photos and content may not be reproduced. <a href="http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com/">http://throughthecalmandthroughthestorm.blogspot.com</a></span>Cristihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07032299329910192166noreply@blogger.com0