ACT Mom Online Class - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

If you have a high school student who needs help preparing for the ACT, then I encourage you to enroll them in the ACT Mom Online Class with ACT Mom. Upon enrollment, students will have access to the online class, and they will receive a binder in the mail filled with practice tests. The online class is self-paced and it is divided into four sections: Math, Reading, Science, and English.

OVERVIEW OF THE ONLINE CLASS

In the Math section, students learn how to recognize the repeated concepts as they develop a strategy to move quickly through math. This section tests simple, widely understood math concepts; and each problem can be solved in 30 seconds or less.

In the Reading section, students determine how to get the right answer. This section is all about testing a skill: the ability to get through a lot of information in an unrealistic amount of time.

In the Science section, students learn how to move quickly through each science passage in 5 minutes or less. This section continues to test the same reading skills.

In the English section, students learn how to work through each passage as they review grammar usage.

HOW TO USE THIS ONLINE CLASS

Once the student selects one of the four sections, the ACT Mom Online Class is quite simple to use. Students watch the video and mark complete to move on to take the quiz.

Students can watch the videos again and again, before they move on to their binder that is filled with practice tests. The test sheets are in sheet protectors and students use a dry erase marker so they can practice again and again until they are ready to take the ACT.

This binder also includes scoring keys for each section so students can add up their numbers in each section and use Table 1 to convert raw scores to scale scores.

The ACT Mom teaches strategy and content in a practical way to help students excel on the ACT; and get scholarships and grants. Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Using Literature to Teach about World War II in Elementary School

 

Many of us use a curriculum to teach history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to teach about World War II. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time period, helps integrate the history curriculum, and enriches social studies. With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach about World War II in elementary school.

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier is a gentle, poetic young graphic novel for young readers. In this picture book, Dounia, a grandmother, tells her granddaughter the story even her son has never heard, how, as a young Jewish girl in Paris, she was hidden away from the Nazis by a series of neighbors and friends who risked their lives to keep her alive when her parents had been taken to the concentration camps. Hidden ends on a tender note, with Dounia and her mother rediscovering each other as World War II ends; and a young girl in present-day France becoming closer to her grandmother, who can finally, after all those years, tell her story.

World War II: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Super Edition #1: World at War, 1944 by Mary Pope Osborne is filled with up-to-date information, photographs, illustrations, and tidbits from Jack and Annie. When Jack and Annie came back from their adventure in Magic tree House Super Edition #1: World at War, 1944, they had lots of questions. How did World War II begin? Why were so many innocent people killed? What was D-Day? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie learn all about one of the darkest hours of history.

What Was D-Day by Brennan Demuth takes readers into the heart of the action as they discover how it was planned and carried out and how it overwhelmed the Germans who had been tricked into thinking the attacks would take place elsewhere. D-Day was a major turning point in World War II and hailed as one of the greatest military attacks of all time.

Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids by Carole Roman is an exciting history book for kids. Spies, Code Breakers, and Secret Agents explore the intriguing world of spycraft and shows you what goes on behind the scenes in war. From spy schools and ciphers to sneaky tools and secret armies, this guide takes you on a declassified tour of the undercover operations that helped decide the outcome of World War II.

These are only a few of my favorite books that teach about World War II, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the comments what you consider the best book to teach about World War II in elementary school.

Happy Homeschooling!

BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION

 

After reading BOOK I: BRITFIELD & THE LOST CROWN, I was left in suspense, as the story concluded with Tom, Sarah, and Professor Hainsworth in search of the truth and the last surviving Britfields, hoping to confirm Tom’s true identity. So, I eagerly began reading BOOK II: BRITFIELD & THE RISE OF THE LION upon arrival.

After the harrowing pursuit of Detective Gowerstone across the country and through the city of London, Tom and Sarah were thwarted once again when the ferry transporting them across the English Channel sank. Rushing to Tom and Sarah, Hainsworth guided them to a small lifeboat before the ferry lurched and Hainsworth lost his grip as the lifeboat broke free.  Brother Gabriel rescues the two and they spend six months in a monastery where Sarah reads old manuscripts and discovers a royal decree by Queen Victoria which leads to their escape to find the Britfields.

Searching for the truth, Tom and Sarah must navigate the streets of Paris, Cathedral Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, chased by an assassin determined to remove any potential threat to the British throne. Aided by old friends and new allies, Tom and Sarah’s fast-paced adventure is filled with twists and turns, unexpected betrayals, and life-changing revelations.

As for the title of book two, we see this later in the book when Tom is a brave lad who is acknowledged for having Britfield blood and being an extraordinary leader. These comments renew a sense of purpose within Alistair as he quotes, “The Lion has risen, this is an exceptional time, men. Our fire has been reignited.” With proof of the corruption, the truth was finally revealed. Parts of the Britfield Codex were released, showing irrefutable proof of the Britfields’ rightful claim to the British throne. The Revolution had begun.

As for Tom and Sarah, their adventure continues in BOOK III: BRITFIELD 7 THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE which will be released spring 2022. An interactive world of mystery and adventure, culture and education, the Britfield series is about friendship, family, loyalty, and courage, with accurate geography, architecture, and history interwoven throughout each exciting story.

College Launch Solution - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

College Launch Solution from The HomeScholar LLC equips homeschool parents as they guide their high school students through the college process.  This course has six training modules, and each module has several tabs of information in various formats – video, audio, slides, downloads, and support.

Module one provides core training. Teens attend an online college admission seminar to better understand college admissions and scholarships. Parents have an overview of the training to be the counselor and coach.

Module two provides information on finding a college. Parents learn how to plan the junior year, how to plan for high school tests, how to find a college, and how to handle special situations.

Module three provides information on paying for college. Parents learn how to win merit scholarship, how to find private scholarships, how to secure financial aid, and how to shorten college.

Module four provides information on applying to college. Parents learn how to plan the senior year, how to prepare homeschool records, and how to complete applications.

Module five provides information on preparing for launch. Parents learn how to plan for after high school, how to let go, how to explore career paths, and how to celebrate graduation.

Module six provides information on succeeding in college. Teens learn how to thrive, how to study, how to improve college writing, and how to guard their faith.

I have two homeschool graduates in college and one in high school. After working my way through these modules, the one that stood out to me most, was module five. The parents guide to letting go after high school is all about the seasons of parenting. It’s not easy letting go after homeschooling for many years; but it is also very rewarding to watch my girls excel through college and take a stand for their faith. I also found the sample letter for how to say no to college offers very helpful, as I remember leading my girls through this process. This module also has training for preparing teens for independent living – a great resource for all students heading off to college.

Not all information is up-to-date in this course; but you can always visit college websites for up-to-date information on high school academic requirements, as each school has its own requirements. That being said, College Launch Solutions offers lifetime access to online training and ongoing support, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it with all your children as you guide them through the high school years.

Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Back-to-School Checklist

 

Many of us will soon be back to school for another year-long learning adventure. Here is my back-to-school checklist to help you get off to a good start.

[] Choose Curriculum

[] Purchase Curriculum & School Supplies

[] Plan Curriculum

[] Organize School Area

[] Start a New School Year

Choose Curriculum

Back in May, I sat down with pen and paper to plan out our sophomore year. I made a curriculum list that included subject, publisher, and product. For grammar, we will be using BJU Press Writing and Grammar 11. For spelling, we will be using Critical Thinking Company Vocabulary Virtuoso PSAT-SAT Book 2. For reading, we will be using Progeny Press literature study guides. For math, we will be using Teaching Textbooks Geometry. For history, we will be using BJU Press World History. For science, we will be using Apologia Chemistry. For foreign language, we will be using BJU Distance Learning Spanish 2. During this time, I also made a list of any school supplies we were running low on – notebook paper, mechanical pencils, erasers, dry erase markers, etc.

Purchase Curriculum & School Supplies

In June and July, I purchase curriculum and school supplies. BJU Press materials were ordered at the Summer Summit, a homeschool mom convention, so I could receive 25% off plus free shipping. Science and Spelling materials were ordered through Rainbow Resource Center. Math was purchased from a friend; and Reading was already on hand from homeschooling my older children. For school supplies, I simply shopped at our local Walmart.

Plan Curriculum

In August, I sit down with my planner/gradebook to plan the entire school year. Planning is my niche, so I simply set aside one day to get this done. Here is the link to purchase My Happy Homeschool Planner; and here is the link explaining why I plan the entire school year.

Organize School Area

After planning curriculum, I place student books and teacher books in their bins and place on the shelf. We have a school room, so all materials are organized on the bookcase; and I have a small basket on my desk to store mechanical pencils, erasers, dry erase makers, protractors, calculators, etc.

Start a New School Year

I will begin our homeschool year when my older two begin their college classes, so we will all begin the 2021-2022 school year in August, at the same time, as we all learn a new schedule for the year-long learning adventure. When we begin the new school year, we like to take pictures and share on social media (just like our public school friends announce the new grade level, so do we).

Happy Homeschooling!

Help Your Kids Learn and Love the Bible - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible from Bethany House Publishers will give you the tools to teach your children the Bible. Giving them the life-changing, soul-nourishing words of Scripture is not only doable, it’s an essential part of parenting.

As author, Danika Cooley, states, “We are the generation that will educate our children in Scriptures. It’s not enough to take our kids to church, Sunday School, or Bible memorization club that meets once a week. None of these things are wrong. They can support our efforts to teach our children to know and love the Bible.” However, she continues to say, “our kids aren’t going to learn the Word of God during an hour a week of fun instruction time.” This is so true, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 command us, as parents, to teach our children God’s Word continually throughout the day – talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. I can think of no greater pursuit than to teach my own children the Bible. The impact we have on our families lasts not just through the lifetime of our children, but through the lifetime of their children, and generations to follow, as we leave a legacy for Christ.

This book encourages families to read the Word together and to pray the Word together. But one thing that stood out to me the most is the importance of making family Bible memorization a weekly habit. Psalm 119:11 tells us to hide his Word in our hearts. I want my family to have a heart full of Scripture because I know the Holy Spirit will bring those words to mind as my children need guidance or discipline.

Cooley has even devoted one chapter to studying the Word even when you’re not feeling it. Sure, we all have these moments, but we must remain faithful. Rather than feeling guilty when your time studying God’s Word doesn’t look as you expected, you can be confident that you are continuing to point your children to Christ.

Why do I read the Bible and diligently teach it to my children? Because 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Studying God’s Word as a family doesn’t have to be difficult. You can help your kids learn and love the Bible using the principles from God’s Word and tools like this book to guide you.

Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Easy Grammar

 

Easy Grammar Systems publishes the award-winning Easy Grammar series, Daily GRAMS series and Easy Grammar Ultimate Series.  Author Dr. Wanda Phillips has long been recognized for her expertise in teaching grammar and writing.  She also introduces concepts in a building-block manner and incorporates a cyclical approach that helps students understand. 

Dr. Phillips wrote Easy Grammar texts (Grades 1-6 and Plus) to teach concepts. She first introduces common prepositions and deleting prepositional phrases to help students determine subject, verb, agreement, etc. Phillips is also noted for introducing concepts at a basic level and building for understanding--in just two-three lessons daily.  She has also added unit reviews/unit tests and cumulative reviews/cumulative tests to promote mastery.

Wanda designed Daily GRAMS texts (Grades 3-7) as daily, 5-10 minute reviews (180 lessons).  She developed a consistent format focusing on capitalization (#1), punctuation (#2), grammar and other concepts (#3/4), and sentence combining (#5) for improved quality of writing.  The process of reviewing concepts cyclically (rotationally) enhances mastery. Phillips recommends starting each class period with a review lesson.

Easy Grammar Ultimate Series (Grades 8-12+) provides daily teaching by following the same format as Daily GRAMS. The 180 lessons provide high-school students with continued learning and application in daily, 10-minute lessons and have been designed cyclically. This allows students more class time for literature and writing.

Use coupon code CONF2021 for 15% off your order at www.easygrammar.com!