A Stable Beginning: July 2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022

WordBulidOnLine ~a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Happy Friday friends! It’s the last Friday before we start our 14th year of homeschooling! Summer flew by but we enjoyed it and I know I am ready to dive back into dedicated learning. One of the things we worked on over our break was continuing to build the kids vocabulary with the help of Wordbuild Online from Dynamic Literacy, LLC.

The WordBuild program focused on mastering the roots of words so that students will be able to ultimately figure out the meaning of words they encounter. They call this process morphology, and it has been widely effective with many children, including those who struggle with reading or have dyslexia. Using the interactive, online lessons for just 15 minutes a day helps your student gain new vocabulary words to increase reading comprehension and overall test scores.

We were given access to the two levels of the program, Foundations and Elements to use with Micah, my rising 3rd grader, and McKenzie, my rising 7th grader.

There are three levels of the Foundations program with twenty-five units in the Foundations program focuses on learning the most common prefixes and suffix’s. Students may begin this program when they have learned phonics or if they are in second through 4th grade. To begin your student will need to watch a short introduction video about the program. The lessons are short, and kept Micah, my rising third graders attention. There is some typing involved in the program which was no problem for Micah. If your student struggles with using the keyboard you could have them narrate to you since you are under a time limit.

McKenzie worked in the Elements program which dives into Greek and Latin roots that make up the English language. This was the perfect spot for her. This program offers three different levels, with each level having 25-36 units to complete. It takes roughly a year to complete a level and is geared towards students who have completed the Foundations program or are at least in the sixth grade.

Micah would normally complete his short lessons in the morning, while McKenzie waited until she got home from practice.

I am really excited about this program and so glad that we were offered the chance to review it! To me, it’s one of those hidden gems that I have never heard about, but I am so pleased with the results. I wished I would have known about it years earlier when Mikayla, my most recent graduate, was younger and struggled with reading comprehension. It would have saved me many sleepless nights of worrying.

You can believe that I have been telling all my friends about it as they prepare for the new school year. I am excited to have both kids continue with this program as we start our new school year! Since the lessons are short and quick, we won’t have any trouble adding them to our homeschool day. I think you should investigate this program if you are looking for something to help improve reading comprehension or vocabulary for your child. But don’t just take my word for it, be sure to check out what 16 of my CrewMates thought of both programs by clicking the banner below to read their thoughts.

Company ~ Dynamic Literacy, LLC

Product ~ Wordbuild Online

Format ~ online

Ages ~ 2nd grade and up

Find Dynamic Literary, LLC on these Social Media sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordbuild/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DynamicLiteracy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordbuild_online/

https://astablebeginning.com

Friday, July 22, 2022

Mastering Essential Math Skills, Book Two ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! Whew, it’s been a week to say the least but I am so glad that it is Friday! We don’t have any big plans but to finish preparing for our fast approaching school year. However, today I am excited to bring you another great review of a homeschool math program called Mastering Essential Math Skills Book 2 from Math Essentials.

The Mastering Essential Math Skills book 2 is written by veteran 6th grade math teacher Richard W. Fisher, also known as “America’s Math Teacher” for his dedication of over 31 years of teaching math. He is also the winner of the Intel Innovations in Teaching Award as well as the Glenn W. Hoffmann Exemplary Awards Program.

We received the 158 page paperback workbook that is geared towards middle grades/High School. Each lesson in this program has a corresponding video lesson that’s available on the Math Essentials website. The eight key area topics covered in this homeschooling math program include :

~ Whole Numbers

~ Fractions

~ Decimals

~Percent’s

~Geometry

~Integers

~Charts & Graphs

~Word Problems

There is also a Final Review Section in the back along with the Answer Key, useful math charts, as well as a Glossary of math terms.

Each page is a complete lesson and it is laid out the same way throughout the book. First your student will complete the Speed Drill which tests their knowledge in quick math facts. You choose the number that your child needs to focus on.

A Review section, does just that by reviewing previously worked on concepts. I really like this spiral approach. In the middle of the page a Helpful Hints portion gives hints for the next concept that will be taught. The lesson includes ten problems to complete and includes an area to record answers on the right hand side. At the bottom of the page a Problem Solving question is given. It is essentially a word problem for the lesson to provide a different way to state the problem and to get they student thinking.

I used this book with McKenzie, my rising 7th grader. She has been able to use this book three days a week to keep fresh on her math work over our summer break. Once we start school back up in August, she will continue to use this book on the days that she has a double day at gym. I am confident that this workbook can stand in the place of her normal math program on the days she is at the gym all day.

I am excited for McKenzie to continue working through this book to solidfy the math skills in this book. They are essential to success in upper level math. Math Essentials is offering their online program math and algebra for free for 3 months. Check them out and use the code CREW2022 to sign up. And be sure to check out what my CrewMates think of this curriculum as well as the Mastering Essential Math Skills, Pre-Algebra Concepts that was also reviewed by clicking the banner below.

Company ~ Math Essentials

Product ~ Mastering Essential Math Skills Book Two

Format ~ paperback workbook

Price ~ $23.55

Ages ~ Middle – High School

https://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Wordless Wednesday ~ 1.5 hours to get to the gym

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Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Homeschool history timeline with the Printable "Essential Timeline Library" ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! I don’t know about you, but this summer has flown by for us! We start back to school in just 12 days! Today, however, I am excited to tell you {one more time} how much I love the products from Home School in the Woods! So much so, that when the vendor interest form was posted for the Printable "Essential Timeline Library" review, I jumped at the chance to review it.

If you are looking for a history timeline that your children can use from Kindergarten through twelfth grade then the Printable “Essential Timeline Library” is the ultimate timeline package for you. With 1,444 historical timeline figures spanning from Ancients to Modern times this package has everything you need. The bundle gets even better because it also includes the “Record of Time” Printable Timeline Notebook as well as the Printable Suggested Placement Guide to help you lay down your timeline just right. All of these items come bundled just so in a PDF file once you purchase.

History has always been a favorite subject of mine to teach and re-learn with my girls. I grew up learning history from a boring textbook so I am so happy that now I can teach the girls, and soon to be my son, history with awesome hands-on learning. Amy Pak, the talented graphic designer and experienced homeschooler, is the mastermind to everything that Homeschool in the Woods creates. This company has helped transform the way we tackle hands-on history learning ever since.

The Printable “Essential Timeline Library” includes:

~ History Through the Ages Collection of Historical Timeline Figures

~ Add-on Pak 1

~ Add-on Pak 2

~ Add-on Pak 3

~ “Record of Time” Printable Timeline Notebook

~ Printable Suggested Placement Guide

This timeline collection is absolutely amazing with over 1444 black and white figures! Getting started was as easy as downloading the files to my computer. I like to print ours on full sheet sticker paper so we can just cut them out and stick on the page. Inside the download you will find the figures divided into five different subsections:

~ America’s History (Explores to 21 Century AD)

~ Creation to Christ (Beginning to 1st Century AD)

~ Resurrect to Revolution ()-1799AD)

~ Napoleon to Now (1750 AD to Modern Day)

~ Bonus Figures in the add-on paks

Each timeline figure is available in two sizes as well, wall or a smaller notebook size. You also have the option of having a description or no description printed under the figure.

I love that I now have a printable timeline option without having to purchase a new notebook. I was able to find a hardcopy of the History Through Ages, Record of Time at our local homeschool bookstore that I will use with Micah this year. My girls in 7th and 10th will use a printable notebook in a binder.

Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about Home School in the Woods. I sing their praises to everyone who wants to talk about History or timelines. We love using the Printable “Essential Timeline Library” from Home School in the Woods for more than just our history timeline! During the course of our school year my last three children at home, Montana (10th), McKenzie (7th), and Micah (3rd) will keep their book of time in their printable notebooks. It will be great to see how they have added to their notebooks when they reach Senior year.

You can also read this great article about how to get started keeping your own timeline. But don’t just take my word for it! Be sure to click the banner below to check out what 35 of my CrewMates thought of this product as well as the other curricula that was offered for review, including:

Maps Combo-Pak (US & World Maps)

Project Passport World History Studies

• Ancient Egypt • Ancient Greece • Ancient Rome • The Middle Ages • Renaissance & Reformation Time

Travelers U.S. History Studies

• New World Explorers • Colonial Life • The American Revolution • The Early 19th Century • The Civil War • The Industrial Revolution through the Great Depression • World War II

Hands-on History Lap-Paks

• Lap-Pak: Wonders of the World • Lap-Pak: The 20th Century in America • Lap-Pak: U.S. Elections • Lap-Pak: Benjamin Franklin • Lap-Pak: Knights

Hands-on History Activity-Paks

• Activity-Pak: The Old Testament • Activity-Pak: The New Testament • Activity-Pak: Make-A-State • Activity-Pak: Artists • Activity-Pak: Composers

Company ~ Home School in the Woods

Product ~ Printable "Essential Timeline Library"

Format ~ PDF download

Price ~ $109.95

Ages ~ K-12

Find Home School in the Woods on these Social Media Links:

Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

https://astablebeginning.com

Friday, July 15, 2022

Financial Literacy with BUCK First Buck Account ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! Today I have a great new book to share with you! Last year you may remember that we reviewed BUCK Making Cents for ages 5-10 from Buck Academy. The awesome people at Buck Academy have sent us a copy of their book, BUCK, FIRST BUCK ACCOUNT.

A Buck, Single, Bone, Bill, or Greenback are all popular nicknames for the US dollar bill. With this new book, my son learned all about how to open a bank account for the bucks he is earning. Financial literacy is an important skill to have in life and this book shows us all about how to save our hard earned money in the bank.

Buck Academy is a family-owned business based out of Edmonds, WA and was created by Dustin & Febyolla Goss. They originally started their business as a way to teach their children about money. As a way of paying it forward to the community a portion of each book sale is donated to the education of children in-need and to library systems.

BUCK First Bank Account encourages children to manage their money by opening up an account at the bank. With just 25 pages this paperback book goes into detail of the entire process, from choosing the right bank to depositing your first monies into your account.

The book also helps you discover the difference between a checking and savings account, just what a Debit/ATM card is and how to use it, as well as how to deposit money into your new account. A lot of this was over my 8-year-old son, Micah’s, head but I think it was good for him to hear and see the information. During this review period, Micah expressed interest in opening up his own account. So, we did just that! Now, instead of putting all of his allowance in his piggy bank, we take a few dollars and deposit it into his brand new savings account every two weeks.

I really like that the book goes into the 30-60-10 Rule of spend-save-give. I think this would be a good book for anyone looking to give their children an introduction to banking. Twenty of my CrewMates also received this book, so be sure to click the banner below to read their thoughts.

Company ~ BUCK Academy

Product ~ BUCK, FIRST BUCK ACCOUNT

Format ~ Paperback book

Price ~ $12.95

Ages ~ all

Find BUCK Academy on these Social Media Links:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ Tik Tok - @buckacademy

https://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Wordless Wednesday

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Bible Blueprints from Teach Sunday School ~ a TOS review

Morning friends! We are another day closer to starting our 14th year of homeschooling and to be honest I am feeling a bit frazzled with all that needs to be prepared in addition to getting our two University girls back to school. One thing that has remained constant in my daily morning routine is sitting down and spending time with the Lord in my Bible. As part of my morning quiet time I have been journaling scripture with help from the variety of Bible study tools and it is so great to have the printable Bible Blueprints from Teach Sunday School at my disposal.

For the past several weeks I have added the Bible Blueprints to my personal devotions. Like many Christian parents my greatest goal in life is to make God known to my children in every aspect of our life. To teach them His words and help them hide them in their hearts so that when needed they can call on scripture in times of trouble. And most importantly know the truth found within the 66 most important chapters you will ever read found in the Bible.

We received the digital downloads for both the Old and New Testament Bible Blueprints which I have been using during my Bible study. Each blueprint gives you an overview and history and a sequential break down of the book. It includes several helpful tidbits including:

~ where to find it in the Bible

~ how many chapters the book has

~ what type of book it is classified as, i.e. historical, prophecy, gospel, poetry

~ the time period

~ author of the book

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament Breakdowns are formatted in the same way.

I chose to print out all 66 pages of this curriculum out and punch it to fit on the disc’s on one of my big Happy Planners so I would have it to reference as I do my personal Bible study. I also saved a copy on our school iPad for quick reference while we are on the go. Teach Sunday School

I wholeheartedly, hands down recommend this product for everyone! These blueprints are perfect for teaching your children or for family discussions. Having these reference sheets at our disposal has been an invaluable tool for my personal Bible study too. I look forward to also using these with my children in our homeschool. Be sure to check out what 33 of my CrewMates thought of these Bible Blueprints by clicking the banner below to read their thoughts.

Company ~ Teach Sunday School

Product ~ Bible Blueprints

Format ~ PDF download

Price ~ $34.00 for the set, on sale for $11.99

Ages ~ all Teach Sunday School

Find Teach Sunday School on these Social Media Links:

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

https://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Healthy Habit Trackers from American Coaching Academy ~ a TOS review

Good morning, friends! Did you know it takes at least 66 days to make something a habit? Growing up I was always under the impression that you had to do things at least 21 days, but 66 makes perfect sense now. What better way to track your habits then with the Healthy Habit Trackers from American Coaching Academy?

The Healthy Habit Trackers are a set of 12 printable tracking charts that you can use each month of the year. Each of the trackers have spaces that can be colored in so you can make them as colorful as you would like as you complete the habit. With just 5 habits per tracker, it’s easy to not get overwhelmed in the process of doing. The best thing is that each of the 12 trackers are printable so you can make as many copies as you need.

When you purchase the set of Healthy Habit Trackers for $9.95 you will receive trackers that track:

Muscular Endurance ~ wall sit, running in place, plank, crab bridge, and wall pushups

Household Chores ~ taking care of a pet, washing dishes, taking out the trash, making your bed, cleaning the floor, and setting the table

Healthy Body ~ drinking water, playing outside, brushing your teeth twice, stretching, washing your hands before eating, and sleeping

Kindness ~ giving someone a compliment, reaching out to a friend, giving a hug, tidying your room, telling someone you love them, and holding the door for someone

Nutrition ~ drinking water, eating fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and grains

Locomotor Movements ~ bear crawling, crab walking, side shuffle, tiptoe, army crawling, and hopscotch

Boot Camp ~ burpees, pushups, squat jumps, sidekicks, sit-ups, and high plank

Yoga Flow ~ performing five different yoga poses

Cardio Endurance ~ jumping jacks, running in place, jumping and reaching, freestyle dancing, and hopping in place

Flexibility ~ quad stretch, touch toes, hamstring stretch, V stretch, neck stretch, and butterfly stretch

Muscular Strength ~ pushups, squats, sit-ups, walking lunges, and crab pushups

Bee Healthy ~ drinking water, freestyle dance, giving a compliment, stretching, and crab bridge

There are also 12 blank tracking sheets that can be used a variety of ways. Just fill in what you want to track and your off on your way to successful healthy habits.

We received our trackers in the beginning of June, right on time for us to join in the 100 Squats a day challenge. Two of my girls, Mikayla and McKenzie, joined in with me on this challenge. As you can see on McKenzie made it to the end. By day 8 my quads were on fire and I only completed 100 squats intermittently the rest of the month. I do plan to try again in August because for the month of July I am focusing on my flexibility. The Healthy Body tracker has been helpful for my son to remember to complete his tasks each day.

Overall, these are great, and we will continue to use them monthly in our home. I think these would be the perfect trackers for your family too so be sure to give them a look into. And also, be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of these trackers by clicking the banner below and reading their thoughts.

Company ~ American Coaching Academy

Product ~ Healthy Habit Trackers

Format ~ digital, printable

Price~ $9.95

Ages~ preschool - adult