TOS REVIEW: The Curiosity Files: The Blue-Footed Booby

The Curiosity Files, Explorations with Professor Ana Lyze, Expert in Outlandish Oddities!

Available from the TOS Store now in a bundle of 9 ebooks for $49.00 in CD form or $46.00 downloadable. These can also be purchased separately (see store for current prices).

For ages 8-13, these really can be adapted for younger and older ages with ease.

What can you expect in this ebook? 

• Bible study, discussion ideas, and memory verses
• Math, history, and geography investigations
• Literature and suggested book list
• Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities
• Beautiful copywork pages (manuscript and cursive)
• Science observations, projects, and experiments
• Discussion questions
• Art, crafts, and drawing and coloring pages
• Lapbook/notebook pages and helpful lapbooking links
• Special needs, hands-on discoveries
• Internet resources and video links
• Complete answer key

I was given a choice of which Curiosity File I would like to review from the TOS Homeschool Crew and I thought this one sounded quite interesting. I'd personally never heard of a Blue-Footed Booby. (LOL! yes, my kids and I both laughed at the name...but you get to find out how it got its name!)

I love the drawings, art and photos in this ebook. Very vibrant and interesting. The information is also presented in a way that doesn't drag on- if that makes sense. One of my kids has a shorter attention span than the other. He likes things to get to the point and this does.

I really like the Biblical tone throughout. There are scriptures that relate to everything in this ebook. My kids are particularly interested in evolution lately and the section on how this bird helps disprove evolution was perfect timing.

There are 100 pages in this and a lot of things to do- all are presented in a fun and interesting way. Math isn't a popular subject in our school but when it is about something that is interesting, it is like my kids forget that they are doing math. It's great.

There are word problems based on the information learned about- such as figuring out how many people live on the Galapagos Island, where the Blue-Footed Booby lives- for younger and older students. There are also writing prompts and copywork in this ebook. All based on what was learned about the Blue-footed Booby. 

One of the nice things about an ebook is that you can print out what pages you want and not worry about the ones you do not need. Of course, with ebooks you can also not print them. We use our computer often and simply have it open while doing the activities. 

One thing I would love to have had more of were the Mad Libs for the writing portion. My kids absolutely love Mad Libs. It helps them to be more creative in their writing. With the one that was included in the ebook, however, it was easy to make up some of their own. There are quite a few copywork selections, some in print and some in cursive. 

The nature journals in the science section were so cute that it made me want to get out and observe nature! Of course it is barely double digits here at this time of year but these will come in handy soon. I really liked the recipe for suet for the birds. With the Great Backyard Bird Count coming up, this is super helpful. Love the idea of oranges for 'cups' (see pages 62 & 63 when you get this!).

We didn't get through everything in this ebook but I am pretty sure that this is something that we can use more than once. My kids are in the same age group but this can easily be modified to be used with older-older students (you know, older than 13 lol). I love the links that are given throughout the ebook. So many that I'd never come across before and I'm always on the lookout for links!

Bottomline:

This is a great unit study ebook. I must admit that I'd never used a unit study approach before. I always felt that it was too difficult (or I'm a little short-sighted sometimes lol) to put together. But here the TOS has put together ones that are great; interesting, informative and biblical! What more can we ask for? For the price of the bundle, this ebook would be about $5.11 (or $5.44 for the CD version). That is well worth the price.

Interested to hear what others thought of this? Visit the TOS Homeschool Crew blog for more.  

**Disclaimer: I received this ebook free from TOS as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I did not receive any compensation for this review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review. See more Disclosure/Policies.**

TOS REVIEW: North Star Games (Wits and Wagers Family)

check out their website!

Wits & Wagers Family

Through the TOS Crew I was chosen to review a game from North Star Games. One of the great things about being a TOSer, is I get to review games, not just curriculum!

WE LOVE THIS GAME!!!

We have a cupboard full of board games...mostly collecting dust. *ahem* Honestly, I was very glad to be up for reviewing a new game. Ours collect dust because we've done them so many times that they are predictable almost.

This game can be purchased through a link on NorthStarGames website for $19.99 (although at the time of this posting, it is out of stock!). You might want to check at a local store to see if you can find this great game!

I will attempt to explain how to play the game :)

With this game you select a Meeple (I LOVE MEEPLES!!) in your choice of color; a big one and a small one. Each player has one of the hardback cards that they will use as their answer card. Each player (or team if you break it up) will have a dry erase marker to write their answers. The trivia cards are set in their neat little carrier so that it is easy to take a card and read the trivia question. Each person makes a guess as to what the answer is (some might actually know the answer). The answers will always be a number. There is also a hardback card that has a number 1 on it; I'll get to that. So, say the question is (and I'm pretty sure I'm making this up but the questions are similar) "What percentage of teenagers in the US own a cell phone?" It isn't multiple choice; you have to come up with your own number :)

In my example I will say that 4 people are playing and they guess 79, 82, 90, 99. I've arranged them in order here because when the answers are put face up for all to see, they need to be put in order from least to greatest. This is where the number 1 on the other card comes into play. If one person decides that they do not like their answer, or anyone else's, they can choose to go with the number 1. At this point everyone chooses which answer they believe is the correct answer by placing a Meeple on the card with the number they have settled on. There are two Meeples per person/team, the larger one is worth 2 points and the smaller is worth 1 point. Another little bit of fun is if you decide that you aren't sure if it's 79 or 90, you can put a Meeple on each card. After everyone is sure of their answer (and have placed their Meeples) the answer is read. Whoever's Meeples are on the card with the number closest to the true answer, without going over, get points based on which Meeple they placed on the card. Example: If the answer was 79% of teenagers in the US own a cell phone, and you had placed your large Meeple on that card, you would get 2 points. If you were so sure of the answer and you put both of your Meeples on the same card, you would get 3 points. If you are the one that had written down the correct answer (as in your card is the one with the correct answer, or closest to it without going over) then you automatically get 1 point, even if you second guess yourself and placed your Meeples on other cards.  The person that gets 15 points first wins the game.

What did we like about this game? We love trivia games anyway. This one makes you think though. It isn't multiple choice so you have to think about what it is asking. One question I think is "How old was Taylor Swift when she made her first recording?" (or something like that). If you know the answer because you are a huge Taylor Swift fan then it is easy but if you are like our family who only hears her music occasionally when we are on short trips, we had to guess. We figured if she is about 20ish now and she's been around for x amount of years then she was probably 17 when she made her first album (that's not the right answer, I don't think, by the way!). In our case, I think we put a range from 15 to 17 (there were only 3 of us playing). I like how if you don't know the answer and see one that is 'better' than yours you can claim that as your answer :) You get the points if someone else is more in the know!

I can't say there is anything we did not like about this game. Perhaps it should come with a little cloth to wipe away the answers from the cards...? But otherwise this is a great addition to our collection (and we are now in the process of moving out games to fit this one in!).

Bottomline:

Great game! It is fun, there isn't competition really (unless a person is so inclined in the first place...), and you have to think about your answers. It doesn't take too long to play and yet it is long enough to have fun.

See what other said about this game. Head over to the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary game from NorthStarGames in exchange for an honest opinion. I received no other compensation. All opinions are mine and/or my family's. See more Disclosure/Policies**

TOS REVIEW: Master Innovations, LLC.

Master Innovations, LLC

I think that math is learned easier and with less frustrations when there are worthwhile manipulatives. The idea behind Master Innovations designs is to help children learn mathematics with fun and easy manipulatives. Originally it began with the goal of getting every child in the classroom a Master Ruler but it has grown into more than just that. They now offer the Master Ruler, Master Clock, Master Fractions and Master Angles.

Recently I was sent the Master Angle manipulative and the workbook for a TOS Crew review.

The grade range for the workbook is grades 1-4. Prices: Master Angle- $5.95; Master Angle Workbook- $15.95

A classroom kit can be purchased for $149.99 (includes 25 Master Angles, 1 Teacher's Angle, and 1 reproducible Workbook)

Watch how to use the Master Angle @ YouTube

Honestly, the workbook was below my kids' level and so we were not able to use it but the Master Angle is something that we can use but we are already past angles in our math studies at this time. When we get to more geometry studies it will come in handy.

They also sent along the Marvels of Measures poster and that is extremely helpful!  We are always trying to remember our measurements. Something we found to be very neat were the everyday items that were used to show measurements (such as the 1" inch [finger knuckle], 1/4" inch [ladybug]). I had been taught that the 'cup' made in the palm of your hand was 1/2 a teaspoon...and I have never forgotten.

Price: $10.00

Marvelous Measurement Poster

The video on the purchase page has a short bit on how to use this but I think that it is self-explanatory.

Bottomline:

These are sturdy well made items. The workbook is well done with enough problems to help a child learn and understand angles. The Master Angle is actually really easy to use. The prices of the products are reasonable. These would be something I would recommend to those looking for supplements to their math curriculum.


See what others have to say at the TOS Homeschool Crew.

**Disclaimer: I was given these items free for review from Master Innovations, LLC. through the TOS Crew. The opinions presented are mine and I was not compensated in any other way and was not required to give a positive review. See more of my Policies/Disclosures.**

TOS REVIEW: My Access Home Edition, Vantage Learning

With the demand of testing in this day and age so focused on writing it is important to be able to teach this to our students. Even if there weren't the testing to consider, it is simply a very good thing to learn. If a person cannot write on a theme/topic in a narrative, a persuasive or an informative format, it is difficult to communicate effectively. Writing is something that will be experienced throughout all stages of our life. Do you struggle with how to teach your kids how to write? It should be easy, right?? Why would we need a program to help us teach our children writing? Simply stated: Because writing matters.


Through the TOS Crew I have been privileged to try out and review My Access Home Edition from Vantage Learning. I had heard of My Access through a few of my college classes (not just writing but primarily) so I have been to their website. I had never purchased a subscription however for those classes.

I will be upfront with my readers, this program is not cheap- it is $129.95 for a 12-month subscription for up to 6 students or $99.95 for a 12-month subscription for up to 3 students. However, with the inclusion of 6 students for $129.95 for 12 months, the cost of this program, per child would be less than $2 a month. Even for someone that only has 2 children (such as myself) the break-down is still under $6 a month. The Vantage Learning My Access Home Edition for up to 3 children drops to under $4 a month. It really is a good deal for the price when you look at it in the long run!
So now that we have gotten the ever-important question of cost out of the way, let's get down to the nitty gritty! Just what is My Access Home Edition and how can it be used?

From Vantage Learning's My Access Home Edition page:

Why is it so important to teach writing across the curriculum?
While writing is an important skill by itself, it is also closely linked to all other subject areas. As you combine writing instruction with other areas of study, you'll quickly discover how well your students are learning and where they need more instruction.

First, students learn to write...
When students first learn to write, they begin by focusing on the writing process itself: planning, organizing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. This process enables them to generate ideas, link them together in meaningful ways, and express them creatively—all while obeying the "rules" or conventions of writing and grammar.

...then, they write to learn.
As students grow academically, the writing process quickly becomes a tool used to reach higher educational goals. Effective writing at this level enables them to organize, clarify, and communicate their thoughts across subjects, such as social studies, science, and math. Successful writing skills thus open the door to many new learning opportunities.

Here is my break-down of the Home Edition from Vantage Learning:

All photos link to the Vantage Learning website

Pros:

Setting up accounts is very simple.

• I was able to go in and set up accounts for both of my kids in a matter of minutes. They also didn't require a lot of information (a name is required but not a last name, nor is the City or State) which I like for online safety.

There are a lot of topics/themes to choose from

• In fact there are 96 preloaded writing topics for three distinct age groups (8–10, 11–14, and 15–18). I did not assign specific topics/themes for my kids to choose from. Each age group has a list to choose from. Here is a list from the 11-14 age range.

My Topics

• This feature allows the Parent/Tutor to set a theme or topic that they have chosen. This could be something that comes from the Topic Wheel. The Topic Wheel is neat but more of nonsensical topics. The screenshot shows what I mean. I had my kids work on a biography of a pencil with no eraser that always feels guilty. They thought it was 'fun' to do their writing.

Writer's Guide.

Use this online writing textbook to familiarize yourself with the writing process and the key writing traits: Focus, Content Development, Organization, Language Use, and Mechanics. From the site.

Writing Course or Just Start Writing

This feature allows the student to complete activities that are pertinent to the specific type of writing they are doing. It is interactive and for the most part fun. If they choose to simply start writing they skip all of the activities and are free to write. Some styles of writing, depending on the topic/theme, are easier to just begin writing without going through the activities. However, it seemed to us that the activities were helpful in the long run with their writing.

Goal Setting

Goals can be set together with the student or by the Parent/Tutor. Also when a certain point goal has been met a 'reward' can be given. On the homepage for the student they see how many points they have and how far to go until the next point goal as well as what the 'reward' is. The points are actually displayed on every page to the right of the Home, Assignments, etc. bar.

Writer's Toolbox

• The Writer's Toolbox isn't formatting such as you would find on a Word Processing; that's already built into the writing window. The Toolbox includes rubrics, writer's models, a writer's guide, the word bank, and more.
  
  

And some more Pros from the program:

1. Checklist
2. Kids can have their work 'graded' instantly when they submit their work.
3. Student and Teacher/Tutor User Guide in pdf form so that it can be printed and not just accessed online
4. Set up for 3 or up to 6 students
5. 12-month subscription not just a school 'year'

Cons:

A little difficult to navigate.

• Even after watching the tutorials, some aspects or resources are not that easy to find. Something that counters this, however, is the (?) at the top fo the page. Whatever page you are on has a (?) that you can click that will answer questions you might have while on that page.

It doesn't understand 'silly' language.

• Sometimes the language used is not really understood by the computer and it suggests revisions that really would make the writing confusing!

Online only

• I think that downloadable software or on CD would be nice to be able to use as well as online only.

Points awarded are not based on proficiency.

• My daughter, who is a fairly decent writer in my opinion, cannot seem to get to advanced proficiency even after following the given models in the Writers Toolbox. My son, who does need some help with writing, cannot get to proficient. Although both have completed numerous writing activities and submitted their work, they both fall below what they are striving for. The points awarded for the submissions (and activities) is simply based on doing something, not doing it correctly. While not the programs fault, my son now is more fixated on the points he earns rather than his proficiency. I think the points should be more directly, and indirectly as they are now, related to the level of writing the student has achieved.

And for the 'Undecided' because I haven't decided if this is a Pro or Con; it could be either.

Student really cannot work through this independently unless they are upper grades, in my opinion.

• When I say that it is based on my experience with my two kids. Dd is 13, in 8th grade and is not really having much trouble becoming 'proficient' at writing the way that the program wants her to be, she falls short of 'advanced' and that is where she wants to be. Ds who is 11, in 6th grade, is having a bit more trouble. Because of this, it is necessary often to work side-by-side with the kids. However,Vantage Learning does say "the Home Edition is not a stand-alone writing curriculum in itself. It doesn't present the writing process in an old-fashioned, linear way like most textbooks. It doesn't focus exclusively on the mechanics of writing like other electronic tools. And it certainly wasn't designed to replace teachers altogether!"

My Conclusion:

It would be easy to say that the 'Pros' far outweigh the 'Cons' for this product. There are a couple things that make me unsure if this program would be something that we would use on a regular basis. The inability to detect sarcasm and metaphors in writing puts a damper on creativity somewhat. Also, if a child is used to flexibility when writing, the programs detection of grammar errors can be downright annoying. I must say, however, that although one child is doing very well with the program and the other is not liking it much, they both have a renewed interest to write.

Perhaps for those who like 'rules' when writing and a definite structure, this program would work. It definitely has adequate features and the price, in the long run, is reasonable.

Click on the picture to find more reviews for this product.


**Disclosure: I received this product free from The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this review. The view expressed are my own. See my Disclosure/Policies for more information.**

The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew

Awhile back I wrote up two reviews for TOS in the hopes that I would become part of the Homeschool Crew. I actually thought for sure that I wasn't picked...so much time had passed and, well, I am slightly the impatient type, I guess.

I got an email today that said...

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have been selected as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew for the 2010-11 year!

and now I am just tickled pink!!

I love doing reviews. I am so looking forward to this!!