Wednesday, November 23, 2022

BRITFIELD & THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE

 

Once again, C.R. Stewart has captivated his readers in BOOK III: BRITFIELDS & THE RETURN OF THE PRINCE. After reading BOOK I: BRITFIELD & THE LOST CROWN and BOOK II: THE RISE OF THE LION, I was eager to continue this fast-paced adventure filled with twists and turns, unexpected betrayals, and life-changing revelations.

One year later, the Committee has struck back with a vengeance, crippling the Resistance now scattered throughout Europe. When Devonbury Academy in Switzerland is attacked, Tom and Sarah’s only hope is to make it to a safe house in northern Italy by relying on their own experience and covert training. Overpowered and outnumbered, they are ruthlessly hunted throughout Italy by the Black Nobility. Henry and Oliver discover a devastating truth, Detective Gowerstone is confronted by a secret from his past, and Inspector Fontaine is pushed to her limits. After years of being an orphan, Tom receives word he has a younger brother. Since Tom was kidnapped, Hunter was raised as the royal heir but during the last move he was captured. Against all odds, Tom and Sarah find Hunter. They find the second Britfield Codex in a secret vault only to be captured again.

Why were they determined to remove the Britfields? Because they represent hope. As true heirs to the British throne, a Britfield dynasty would transform the world, offering justice above corruption, peace over war, and knowledge instead of ignorance and servitude. Although Tom and Hunter yearned to be reunited with the Britfields, they learned what family really was: those who become a part of your life, who endure during the hardest of times and the best of experiences.

Throughout this book, relationships are challenged, new friendships forged, with an unparalleled finale of sacrifice, romance, revenge, and loss. As for Tom and Sarah, their adventure continues in BOOK IV: BRITFIELD & THE EASTERN EMPIRE, which will be released 2024.


Wednesday, November 16, 2022

2022 Blue Ribbon Awards

 

At the end of the year, the Homeschool Review Crew gets to vote on our favorite products. All of the votes are in and here are the 2022 Blue Ribbon Award winners!!!

 

Favorite Reading Resource: Reading Eggs

Favorite Language Arts: Institute for Excellence in Writing

Favorite History/Social Studies Resource: Home School in the Woods

Favorite Science Resource: Greg Landry's Homeschool Science

Favorite Math Curriculum: CTC Math

Favorite Math Supplement: Super Teachers Worksheet

Favorite Bible, Devotion or Study: Tommy Nelson Books/ Indescribable Kids

Favorite Bible Memory/Resource Tool: Bible Memory

Favorite Elective Resource: ARTistic Pursuits

Favorite Book/Audiobook: Tower of Light Christian Resources

Favorite Helpful Tool or Resource: Super Teachers Worksheets

Best Resource I Didn't Know I Needed: Reading Eggs

Favorite Preschool Program: Leap Frog

Favorite Elementary Product: Reading Eggs

Favorite Middle School Product: The Adventum

Favorite High School Product: Tablet Class Math

Favorite Mom/Parent Product: Teach Sunday School

Kids Choice: Progeny Press

Teen's Choice: YWAM Publishing

All Around Crew Favorite: The Critical Thinking Co.

 

Happy Homeschooling!


Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The Surfman's Daughter

 

Rebecca Locklear, a twelfth-generation Cape Codder, writes history-focused, interactive, educational books and resources. In her recent book, The Surfman’s Daughter, we journey to a Cape Cod village in Massachusetts to meet Roxane Eldredge in this short-story biography.

Spirited and inquisitive as a child, Roxane tries to be good, but gets into scrapes. From pranks to starting a house fire, things go awry. Yet she also exudes responsibility by trapping skunks and picking cranberries to help with family finances and by volunteering at the Chatham Naval Air Station during World War I. Roxane navigates humorous and serious situations, sparkling with determination.

Each chapter is filled with personal stories that reflect life in the early 1900s when people lived without electricity, provided their own food, and their transportation was by horse or boat. Each chapter in The Surfman’s Daughter concludes with conversation starters and provides students with many hands-on activities. A must-read for all who love to learn about history through literature.


Sunday, September 11, 2022

National Academic Homeschool Competition

 

Registration for the first annual National Academic Homeschool Competition (NAHC) for homeschool teens has officially opened. Homeschoolers pay only $110 to participate in this exclusive virtual event. 


This low cost includes:

  • A reserved spot in the NAHC online event

  • Access to practice tests (beginning October 1)

  • Total College Success—A complete guide for getting into, paying for, and succeeding in college ($75 value)

  • Zero Hour Threat—An interactive game that prepares students for the SAT and ACT, while increasing their knowledge of core subjects like math, science, and English ($30 value)


Want to learn more? Visit NAHCRegistration.com for a complete list of rules and details.

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Career Exploration: Being a District Attorney

 

Choosing a career path can be extremely intimidating to a young person. In this Career Exploration series, I interview many different fields of study to help students explore the possibilities as they pursue a career path.

Meet Bruce Hoffer, 1st Assistant District Attorney of Hardin County, Texas.

Why did you choose this career path?

AFTER WATCHING THE MOVIE, "AND JUSTICE FOR ALL", I WANTED TO BE "THE GREAT DEFENSE ATTORNEY, BUT THEN I REALIZED THAT I WOULD BE IN THE COURTROOM MORE OFTEN AS A PROSECUTOR.

What kind of education, training, or background does your job require?

AN UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGE DEGREE IN ANYTHING AND THEN A LAW SCHOOL DEGREE (JURIS DOCTOR).

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in this field?

DEPENDS ON THE AREA OF LAW ONE PRACTICES WITHIN.  FOR TRIAL WORK - LIKE I DO - PEOPLE SKILLS AND THINKING ON YOUR FEET.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I REVIEW A MULTITUDE OF DIFFERING TYPES OF CRIMINAL SITUATIONS AND PEOPLE OF VARYING BACKGROUNDS.  I READ A LOT (BOTH CASE FILES AND LEGAL OPINIONS). I SUPERVISE SUPPORT STAFF IN PREPARING DOCUMENTS OR OBTAINING EVIDENCE.  I COMMUNICATE - BOTH IN WRITING AND ORALLY ON THE TELEPHONE - WITH OPPOSING LAWYERS "THE STATE'S POSITION" ON A PARTICULAR ALLEGED CRIME PURPORTEDLY COMMITTED BY A PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL.  I SEEK TO FIND MITIGATING EVIDENCE THAT MAY CHANGE MY VIEW OF A PARTICULAR CASE.  ULTIMATELY, I "PRESENT EVIDENCE" TO A JUDGE OR JURY AND REITERATE MY VIEW OF THE FACTS PRESENTED.  WHEN WE DO GO TO TRIAL, I QUESTION THE POTENTIAL JURY PANEL REGARDING THEIR VIEWS OF PARTICULAR FACTS, OF PARTICULAR CRIMES AND HOW THEY THINK ABOUT VARIOUS THINGS - WHETHER THEY SEE THE "BIG PICTURE" OR INDIVIDUAL PARTS THAT MAKE UP THE WHOLE.

What do you like most about your work?

THE HIGH ANXIETY OF TRIAL.

What do you like least about your work? 

GETTING READY FOR TRIAL, ANTICIPATING TRIAL AND THEN SOMETHING OCCURS WHEREIN THE TRIAL IS POSTPONED.

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in your field?

MULTITASK (LISTEN TO MUSIC, WATCH TV AND STUDY ALL AT THE SAME TIME).  PAY ATTENTION TO SENTENCE STRUCTURE.


Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Super Teacher Worksheets - Crew Review

 

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

For this review, I received a one-year membership to Super Teacher Worksheets which provides me unlimited access to printable worksheets in all subject areas for PreK-8th grade levels. The worksheets are organized by subject.

Need help with math? Check out the math page for worksheets on addition, angles, area, decimals, fractions, geometry, graphing, measurement, money, multiplication, percent, perimeter, place value, subtraction, telling time, volume, word problems, and more.

Need help with phonics? Visit the phonics page for worksheets on consonant sounds, vowel sounds consonant blends, consonant diagraphs, and word families.

Need help with reading? Check out the reading page for worksheets on reading comprehension, writing prompts, and writing worksheets. Best of all, there are chapter book literacy units for Boxcar Children books, Magic Tree House books, and many more!

Need help with grammar? Visit the grammar page for worksheets on nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, punctuation, and more. The site also includes spelling curriculum with word lists, games, and assessments. Each grade has 30 units of spelling worksheets.

Need help with science? Check out the science page for worksheets on animals, electricity, the human body, matter, simple machines, space, weather, and more.

Need help with social studies? Visit the social studies page for worksheets on explorers, landforms, and maps. Best of all, there are a variety of worksheets to help students learn about each of the 50 states!

Of all the resources available on this site, my favorite is the worksheet generator. This tool allows you to make your own customized worksheets, word search puzzles, games, quizzes, and more. I used this tool to create worksheets for my Sunday School class.

Another aspect that I like about this site is the filing cabinet. Members have access to a filing cabinet which allows you to save your favorite worksheets, allowing for easier access in the future.

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


Monday, August 15, 2022

The Fellowship of the Ring Study Guide - Crew Review

 

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

For this review, I received a PDF digital download of the Lordof the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Study Guide from Progeny Press. This interactive study guide is written for grade levels 9-12. With the interactive file, students have the capability of entering their answers directly on the computer and saving their work in progress. The interactive file does not automatically grade the student’s work, the teacher still grades their work right from the computer, and can leave comments or notes within the file. You may also print off the study guide, purchase of the study guide entitles an individual teacher to reproduce pages for use in the classroom or homeschool. Multiple teachers may not reproduce pages from the same study guide. I print these study guides so the pages are easily available as we work through the chapters.

Like all Progeny Press study guides, the Fellowship of the Ring Study Guide includes:

·         A concise synopsis of the book.

·         Information about the author.

·         Ideas for pre-reading activities.

·         Literary analysis and terminology questions to give students a good understanding of writing technique and how to use it.

·         Critical analysis questions designed to help student consider and analyze the intellectual, moral, and spiritual issues in the literature and weigh them with reference to Scripture.

·         A complete answer key.

Our family has been using Progeny Press literature study guides for years. As we work through each study guide, we read the selected chapters and then we complete one section each day, as we thoroughly study each aspect of the story. What I love most about Progeny Press literature study guides is the “Digging Deeper” section. After reading a portion in the book, we now see what God’s Word has to say about the topic or subject matter. I highly recommend Progeny Press because we’re able to study literature from a Christian perspective!




The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure tale, The Lord of the Rings. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.

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


Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Lies Girls Believe - Crew Review

 

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

Lies Girls Believe and A Mom’s Guide to Lies Girls Believe from True Girl helps you confront lies with truth together. Just as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52) we can help our 9-12-year-old girls grow in wisdom and discover truths from God’s Word to confront the enemy’s lies.

I like how this book begins with the first woman who believed a lie – Eve. Believing the lie led to eating the fruit God told her and Adam not to eat. But there is something more powerful than the enemy’s lies, and that is God’s truth. This book navigates some challenging subjects, such as becoming a woman, using social media, embracing God’s design for marriage, motherhood, and more; but with each lie the author presents a truth nugget using God’s Word because His truth sets us free from the –

Lies about God

Lies about Self

Lies about Family

Lies about Sin

Lies about Being a Girl

Lies about Boys

Lies about Friendship

Lies about the Future

To use this set, you will read A Mom’s Guide to Lies Girls Believe at the same time/pace your daughter reads Lies Girls Believe (be sure to have your colored pencils ready to underline key concepts). You will pray for your daughter. Then you will talk with your daughter using the conversation suggestions at the end of each chapter.

Although this book is written for pre-teens, it is also a great study for teens. My girls and I could really relate with truth number nine because we do have a close relationship. My girls know they can come to me no matter what; but most of all they know the Lord will bless them for honoring their parents. I like how this book encourages my girls to accept our decisions (without argument or silent treatment), to ask for advice, to be respectful (even when we disagree), and it encourages them to forgive (it’s not always easy to tell a teen “I was wrong” and ask forgiveness but these times have only strengthened our relationship). This book not only brings mothers and daughters closer to each other; but also brings mothers and daughters closer to Christ.

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


Wednesday, August 3, 2022

ARTistic Pursuits Art Core 5 - Crew Review

 

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

Drawing with Water-Soluble and Graphite Pencils Advanced Level Art Core 5 from ARTistic Pursuits helps students discover their own creative strengths in the arts using materials of their choice to create drawings in water-soluble and graphite pencils. This advanced course is for the more experienced art student, it is not for a beginner student.

The physical book comes with video lessons which show students how to use their art materials. DVD and Blu-ray disks come with the book; but streamed format is also available online. This course always students to learn through video lessons or text lessons. There are nine video lessons that allow students to work independently as they learn drawing techniques and how to apply the lesson to their own unique works of art. There are twenty-seven text lessons that broaden the scope of learning as students learn about line, space, shape, texture, value, form, facial forms, human forms, and still life forms.

I have a daughter in college who is pursing a degree in Studio Art and she would agree that this is an advanced course for a high school student; but yet it was very simple for her a college student. Below I will share her work from the master lesson in unit eight on applying the element of form to the figure. As the book states, “When working from images, it is important to select photographs rather than another artist’s image. You want to start with the most information possible and edit from there. When using a photograph, you do not need to include everything that is in it. Artists can make clear pictorial statements because they can eliminate all distractions.”

What sets ARTistic Pursuits apart from other art curriculums? ARTistic Pursuits is broad based: teaching not only how to use the art materials, but emphasizing theory by teaching the elements of art and composition, and then adding artwork and biographies of the Masters with a history content. But the most striking feature is that students of all ages are taught to draw from direct observation, rather than copy what the teacher does. Rather than developing dependent learners, there method produces independent learners who are able to draw from anything they see in their world.

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


Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Learn to Read with Reading Eggs

 

Reading Eggs provides a comprehensive online reading program that fits seamlessly into your homeschool program. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or deciding whether or not to start, Reading Eggs is the perfect solution for home learning.

The comprehensive online reading curriculum is based on solid scientific research, with personalized, one-on-one lessons that match your child’s ability. Best of all, the program makes learning to read fun and highly motivating for young children, with colorful animations, interactive activities, and exciting rewards.

Why choose the Reading Eggs program?

Reading Eggs was developed by a team of elementary educators. The program has been used to teach children how to read at home for over 10 years and has received multiple awards and endorsements from leading homeschool associations.

Suitable for children ages 2-13, Reading Eggs covers the five essential components of reading success: phonics, phonetic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Placement test matches each child to the perfect level.

The self-paced lessons in Reading Eggs are carefully paced to make sure your child makes good progress. Children complete a placement test at the start of the program, which accurately matches them to the perfect level. There are regular assessment tests to help children retain what they have learned, as well as detailed progress reports that show you exactly how they’re improving.

A comprehensive family dashboard lets you view each of your children’s learning progress, including how many lessons they’ve completed, books they’ve read, their estimated reading age, and quiz scores. Parents also get emailed in-depth reports each time a child has completed a map.

Fun and engaging content that children actually enjoy.

The reason why Reading Eggs has become a tremendous hit for homeschoolers is because it makes learning fun and enjoyable for young kids. The program is carefully designed to engage children, build skills fast, and nurture a love of reading at an early age. This is the best way to set them up for lifelong success in reading and learning – turning them into avid readers!

Children love the funny characters, vibrant animations, catchy songs, and motivating golden egg rewards. The program includes multiple learning areas that focus on different skills, as well as variety of activities and books that keep them hooked from the beginning.

Bonus homeschool resources at your fingertips.

Reading Eggs combines interactive online learning with high-quality offline supplements to ensure children retain what they learn. The family dashboard includes over 500 printable worksheets that correspond with each of the lessons in the program.

The worksheets can be printed and are easy for children to use. Parents can also access helpful lesson ideas and activity suggestions to try at home. This is a great way to support your child’s understanding on each concept and skill in a practical, hands-on way.

What skills are covered in the Reading Eggs program?

Reading Eggs instructs homeschoolers in the five essential components of reading instruction, as outlined by the National Reading Panel. These include:

·         Phonics – each letter of the alphabet is introduced in its own lesson with a focus on reinforcing letter-sound relationships and highlighting the alphabetic principle.

·         Phonetic Awareness – children learn the necessary listening skills to become aware that speech is made up of sounds and that these sounds make words, syllables, and phonemes.

·         Vocabulary – new words are introduced with visual support to provide context and increase word knowledge and retention.

·         Fluency – children develop the rapid word recognition skills essential for reading fluency, including learning to instantly recall crucial sight words that make up 50% of elementary level books.

·         Comprehension – reading for meaning is the end goal of Reading Eggs. The program includes over 3000 eBooks, each with their own comprehension quiz.


There are four separate reading programs included in a Reading Eggs subscription:

·         Reading Eggs Junior for ages 2-4

·         Reading Eggs for ages 3-7

·         Fast Phonics for ages 5-10

·         Reading Eggspress for ages 7-13

Try the Reading Eggs program FREE for 30 Days!

Join 20 million users and see how Reading Eggs can improve your child’s reading skills in just 15 minutes a day. It only takes a few minutes to set up, and you’ll get instant access to hundreds of online lessons, activities, books, and printable worksheets – perfect for your family’s homeschooling needs.

Visit https://readingeggs.com to learn more about the award-winning homeschool reading program from Reading Eggs.


Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Bible Blueprints - Crew Review

 

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

Bible Blueprints from Teach Sunday School is a Bible study tool not only for the Sunday School classroom, but also for family Bible study. This is a digital product that includes one-page study outlines for each book in the Old Testament and each book in the New Testament.


After you purchase this resource online, you will be directed to a download area, where you can get instant access to the Bible Blueprints. You can print off as many copies as you need for your church or home. Each outline provides the following:

·         order in which that book is found in the Old Testament or New Testament,

·         number of chapters in that book,

·         type of book,

·         time period covered,

·         author,

·         overview that includes essential content, background, and perspective

·         and a lesson plan to study the stories within the book. 

Bible students of all ages can use these printable outlines to dig deeper into God’s Word. These outlines have been a help in my own Sunday School class to provide an overview of each book before we study each story/lesson as we work our way through each book of the Bible.

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


Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Healthy Habit Trackers - Crew Review

 

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

Healthy Habit Trackers from American Coaching Academy is a fitness tool for homeschool physical education.  This is a digital product that includes twelve monthly challenges to build healthy habits in just five minutes per day. Each one includes a series of daily tasks that will help build healthy habits over the course of an entire month. Let’s explore each challenge in more detail.

Challenge 1: Muscular Endurance – Muscular endurance refers to the ability to exert force, consistently and repetitively, over a period of time. This challenge features a 5-minute exercise circuit that includes wall sits, running in place, planks, crab bridges, and wall pushups.

Challenge 2: Household Chores – One of the best ways to get kids more active is to get them helping out around the house. This challenge includes tasks like making the bed, washing the dishes, taking out the trash, and walking the dog.

Challenge 3: Healthy Body – Building healthy habits is about more than just exercise! This challenge includes self-care tasks like hydration, playing outside, hygiene, and sleep.

Challenge 4: Kindness – This challenge is all about exercising our kindness muscles. It includes daily tasks to lend a hand, help others feel cared for, or just make someone smile.

Challenge 5: Nutrition – This challenge will help kids build healthy eating habits. Daily tasks will reinforce eating balanced meals and getting proper hydration to fuel an active lifestyle.

Challenge 6: Locomotor – Practicing different locomotor movements is a great way to help kids improve their balance, strength, and coordination. This challenge includes daily tasks like hopscotch, tiptoes, and army crawls.

Challenge 7: Boot Camp – This fun conditioning circuit will challenge kids of all fitness levels. Tasks include burpees, pushups, squat jumps, sidekicks, sit-ups, and high planks.

Challenge 8: Yoga Flow – Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. This challenge includes basic yoga poses like Warrior, Triangle, and Child’s Pose.

Challenge 9: Cardio – Cardiovascular endurance is a measure of how well you can do body exercises at moderate to high intensity for an extended time. This challenge is a 5-minute circuit that includes plenty of jumping, dancing, and hopping.

Challenge 10: Flexibility – Flexibility is the ability of a joint or series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain-free range of motion. This challenge includes tasks like butterfly stretches and tow touches.

Challenge 11: Muscular Strength – Muscular strength is your ability to move and lift objects. It is measured by how much force you can exert and how much weight you can lift for a short period of time. This challenge includes tasks like push-ups, squats, and lunges.

Challenge 12: Bee Fit – This fun challenge brings it all together. Tasks include a mix of strength, movement, hydration, and kindness.

After you purchase this resource online, you will be directed to the download area, where you can download and print each Healthy Habit Tracker, and let the fun begin. Pick a tracker, hand out a copy of the tracker to each student, and have them complete the daily task for an entire month. If you have a kinesthetic learner or your student just needs a brain break, these daily exercises are a great way to re-energize your students between subjects. And what better way to motivate your students, than to get active with them, family fitness is a fun way for everyone to be healthy.

In just five minutes per day, you can motivate and inspire your kids to make time for daily exercise, and help them learn the value of an active lifestyle. Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.


Sunday, July 3, 2022

Let Freedom Ring

 

What does freedom mean to you? We differ in our perceptions about freedom depending on what aspect we’re looking at. But, do you think you are free? We are all bound by the chains of sin. Every human is a prisoner of sin. It’s part of our nature. We are all born to a sinful world and it’s inevitable for us to commit one as we grow up. Thanks to our loving God for sending us His only son Jesus Christ. By shedding His precious blood and giving His life to the cross, we’ve been saved from the wages of sins which is death. Still, many of us remain captives of this sinful world. Because our body is weak, we are often trapped by sin’s chains. However, the holy scripture says Christ is our freedom. Therefore, the only way we can be totally free is by having Him in our lives.

There have been many songs written about freedom; but one of my favorites is “Let Freedom Ring” by William James Gaither and Gloria Gaither. The song was basically inspired by the many political and historical events that hindered thousands of individuals to live their lives freely elsewhere. Many had been captives of the numerous wars that happened in the world. But the most striking message of the song is the fact that all humans are not free. It’s because they’re enslaved by sins.

Though we are blessed because of God’s great love to the world, He sent Jesus Christ to Calvary. That great sacrifice was the most liberating event that ever happened in history. Indeed, it’s worth singing, it’s worth proclaiming that Jesus is our freedom. Let Him reign in our lives. Let freedom ring in the whole world!

I’ll sing it out with every breath, I’ll let the whole world hear it,

This hallelujah anthem of the free,

That iron bars and heavy chains can never hold us captive,

The Son has made us free and free indeed!


Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Masada - Curriculum Giveaway

 

When 18-year-old Daniel is abducted by Sicarii assassins and taken to their walled fortress of Masada, he's forced to let go of the Jewish Law he's learned from his parents and adopt his kidnappers' code of violence and thievery to stay alive.

Wracked with guilt but determined to survive, Daniel becomes part of the Sicarii culture, even marrying one of their soldier's sisters. Between violent raids against neighboring settlements to prevent starvation and other challenges to his beliefs, Daniel is faced with choice after choice that tests his character, strength, and resolve and pushes him to discover the kind of man he wants to be.

Set against the backdrop of the last confrontation between the Jews and Romans during the Second Temple period, author Shimon Avish weaves together history and his real-life experiences in the army and as a kibbutznik, bringing to life a painful chapter in Jewish history through the eyes of young Daniel.

About the Author

My name is Shimon Avish (She-mone Ah-veesh), and I write novels about significant events in Jewish history. I plan to write a series of five novels on significant events in ancient Jewish history. The first novel is Masada: Thou Shalt Not Kill.

Forthcoming Books in the Significant Events in Ancient Jewish History Series:

Rome and the Jews: Prelude to War (First Jewish–Roman War – 6 BCE–70 CE)

Jerusalem: Siege and Destruction (First Jewish–Roman War – 70 CE)

Masada: Thou Shalt Not Kill (Siege of Masada – 66-73 CE)

The Second Jewish Rebellion Against Rome (Kitos War – 115–117 CE)

The Third Jewish Rebellion Against Rome (Bar Kokhba Revolt – 132–135 CE)

Enter Our Curriculum Giveaway!

Shimon Avish has partnered with My Happy Homeschool to giveaway their products for you to try! Visit My Happy Homeschool to email your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. Email your entry by August 1, 2022 for a chance to win the Masada: Thou Shalt Not Kill novel.

Visit www.ShimonAvish to learn more about the Masada: Thou Shalt Not Kill novel by Shimon Avish.


Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Career Exploration: Being a Librarian

 

Choosing a career path can be extremely intimidating to a young person. In this Career Exploration series, I interview many different fields of study to help students explore the possibilities as they pursue a career path.

Meet Amanda Rodrigues, Director of the Lumberton Public Library located in Lumberton, Texas.

Why did you choose this career path?

I chose to be a librarian because I strongly believe in the power of books and self-education and enrichment. Books can expand minds, ideologies, and imaginations!

What kind of education, training, or background does your job require?

A librarian often wears many hats that expand beyond books. Librarians are managers, accountants, teachers, etc. Because of this, there are many different education and training paths librarians may take. Mostly, librarians obtain a Master’s Degree in Librarian Science, and are also required to have 10 hours of continuing education annually. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in this field?

Librarians must be analytical and pay special attention to details, work well with all demographics and socio-economic backgrounds, and have an open-mind to embrace all ideologies, regardless if they personally align with your own!

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical work day will include managing budgets and employees, ordering books, keeping up with federal and state policies, notarizing documents, processing U.S. passports, and helping patrons with everything from government benefit signups, to tax forms, to voter’s registration.

What do you like most about your work?

I enjoy the changing dynamics and constant variety of duties and people we interact with on a daily basis.

What do you like least about your work?

Sometimes working with the public can be challenging!

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in your field?

Despite some thinking that the technological world will be the library’s demise, I believe libraries will always be the backbone of communities. Modern libraries are not just about books anymore, and offer endless services to the public, often times for free! If you think becoming a librarian will ensure a career of quiet, uneventful days – think again – it is much more rewarding and adventurous than anyone can imagine!

Happy Homeschooling

Monday, June 13, 2022

Understanding Fractions, Percent, and Decimals - Crew Review

 


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

The Critical Thinking Company provides award-winning products that help students of all abilities achieve better academic results with highly effective lessons that sharpen the mind as they teach standards-based reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.  The Critical Thinking Company is committed to developing students’ critical thinking skills for better grades, higher test scores, and success in life. They do not teach through drill and memorization or teach to the test, they empower the mind.

Understanding Fractions, Percent, and Decimals for Grades 4-6 builds on the lessons learned in Understanding Fractions for Grades 2-4. Students learn multiplication and division of fractions and how to convert fractions to percent and decimals. The book includes cut-out fraction bars and grids to provide hands-on understanding. Students problem-solve their way through fun, structured lessons to develop a thorough mastery of computational skills. They learn how fractions and percent are related, including the meaning and use of percent as well as computing them. The book includes lessons and exercises to develop a solid understanding of how fractions are expressed using the decimal system.



In using this curriculum, it is important that the students attempt the initial three pages without parent help. If they struggle with a few problems, it is recommended that the student review the first book in this series, Understanding Fractions. Throughout the book, as new topics are introduced, both student and teacher read over the pages while using the provided cut-out fraction bars and grids. As students complete worksheets, ask them to explain their reasoning on a few problems as this will deepen their understand and enhance their ability to mentally manipulate fractions. What I like most about this curriculum is that most activities in this book end with a starred problem which provides a higher-level learning option for those up to a challenge.

The Critical Thinking Company put critical thinking into math lessons for students to carefully analyze what they are learning. Deeper analysis produces deeper understanding, which results in better grades and higher test scores. Over time, students who practice critical thinking learn to apply it throughout their education and lives.

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


Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Summer Reading Programs

 

Summer Reading Programs are a great way to keep your child learning, and not experience what’s known as summer slide or summer learning loss, where they forget what they learned. So I’ve compiled a list of Summer Reading Programs for your child this summer; and they are all free with great rewards!

ABC Mouse and Adventure Academy both offer your first month free. ABC Mouse encourages children to complete learning activities by rewarding them with tickets. Tickets can be used to purchase virtual items on the site. The rewards system makes learning a game, and also teaches important math skills as children keep track of tickets earned and spent.

Barefoot Books Global Summer Adventures Club offers fun activities this summer. Members have access to exclusive downloads: Official Club Membership Card, Travel Checklist (your guide for each destination), World Map (color it in and see where in the world you’re traveling), Reading Log (keep track of books you’ve read from each part of the world), and Activity Instructions (step-by-step instructions for activities from around the globe). Members also have access to activity videos, led by Michele Lepe, former host of the kids’ TV show, The Goodnight Show. Gather your materials ahead of time and then follow along!

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books. They simply read a designated number of books – library books, books borrowed from friends or books bought at Barnes & Noble – write about their favorite part in the Reading Journal, and bring a completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble bookstore. Children then chose their free book from the books listed on the Reading Journal and collect their free book from a store near them during July and August.

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards offers reading rewards for kids who keep their bookworm skills strong through the summer. The more they read, the more rewards they can earn. Download and print out Chuck E.’s Rewards certificates, then bring them to Chuck E. Cheese’s for 10 free points to use on games, pizza, and more!

H-E-Buddy Summer Reading Club is intended solely for children who are residents of Texas. All you have to do is read ten books and record them on your reading log from the form linked on website. One of the books must be a Read 3 Book (see choices on website). Each time you log a book, have an adult initial by the title so you get credit for reading. Once the log is complete, mail the form to the address on website, and you’ll be rewarded with a special prize. You have until October 1 to get in ten good reads.

Pizza Hut Camp BOOK IT! Program rewards reading accomplishments with praise, recognition, and pizza! All parents with students PreK through 6th grade (ages 4-12) can enroll in Camp BOOK IT!, a reading program created to stop the summer slide. In June, July, and August, parents can use the digital tools to track and reward their kids reading with a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza.

Scholastic Summer Reading Program offers kids an exciting, free, and safe summer reading experience, while helping to provide books to kids with limited or no access over the summer, keeping every child reading. From May 9 through August 19, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.

Your Local Public Library offers a fun-filled and exciting Summer Reading Program each year! Children can read books to earn reading certificates, custom-designed t-shirts, and any number of other prizes donated by generous local businesses.

Happy Homeschooling!


Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Homeschool Life Magazine Summer 2022 Publication

 

The Homeschool Life Magazine is an online publication to empower, enrich, and encourage homeschool families. Each publication will empower readers with homeschool help articles from preschool through high school, enrich readers with curriculum giveaways, and encourage readers using biblical truths to live out God's calling and stay the course. Homeschooling is more than an academic alternative - it's a way of life!

Inside the Summer 2022 Publication:

  • Literature-Based Homeschooling
  • Career Exploration: Being a Librarian
  • Summer Reading Programs
  • Raising Readers
  • Masada
  • Animal Farm
  • Learn to Read
  • Reading Comprehension Strategies
  • Complete Literature-Based Curriculum
  • Learning Begins at Birth
  • Content in God
  • Homeschooling Across America
Happy Homeschooling!