Critical Thinking Co. Review & Giveaway!

We were blessed with two books from the Critical Thinking Co., Mathematical Reasoning Level E and Balance Benders.

  

We have been using Mathematical Reasoning, since the beginning of the school year.  I actually switched The Lil' Chef over to this book for the year from a different program that she had been using for the last 2 years. She has started off with a spiral type math curriculum from the beginning and then started to struggle when she entered 3rd grade.  After getting some advice from some veteran home school moms I switched her over to mastery program, which worked for a while but really seemed to take away her love for math.  Yes, this child loves math!  Anyway, after two years of dragging thru math we started Mathematical Reasoning and guess what... She likes it, she really likes it!!  The Lil' Chef actually loves math again! 

She is doing great in this book, not because this book is easy for her because it isn't, the book challenges her but also explains new concepts to her in a way that she understands.  This is a spiral curriculum, which I believe works best for her, and it includes critical thinking skills.  With critical thinking skills included it is like getting 2 books in one. 

Here are the skills that are included in Mathematical Reasoning Level E:

• Analyze
• Angle
• Area
• Calendar
• Capacity - customary, metric
• Characteristics
• Congruence
• Coordinate System
• Count
• Data Analysis - bar graph, line graph, survey, table
• Data Collection
• Decimals - concept, add, subtract
• Draw - parallel, perpendicular, by definition
• Equations Expression
• Equivalence
• Estimation - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Factors - form/vocabulary, add, subtract
• Fractions
• Graph/Table/Chart - analyze, represent
• Inequalities
• Length - customary, metric
• Likelihood/Prediction
• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Money - add, subtract
• Multiple
• Negative Numbers
• Order
• Order of Operations
• Pattern - geometric, numeric
• Perimeter
• Place Value - expanded notation, number form, word form
• Polygon
• Prime/Composite
• Properties
• Reflection, Translation, Rotation
• Rounding
• Shapes - 2D, 3D
• Symmetry
• Temperature - customary, metric
• Time
• Variable as Unknown - in addition, in subtraction, in multiplication, in division
• Weight - customary, metric
• Whole Numbers - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Word Problems

As you can see there are alot of great skills that are included at this level.  I appreciate that she gets to learn real life math, you know math that we everyday.  This series also includes several math skills that are normally not taught until the following grade level.

The Lil' Chef likes that she isn't doing the same thing every day and she enjoys the fun and colorful pages.  Mom likes that the answer key is included with this math book which means no extra money on a teacher's key.  For those of you who are probably wondering if I kept the teacher key in the back of the book, of course not.  I took the easy tear pages out, stapled them together and put them away.  I just pull them out to check her answers. 

The Mathematical Reasoning Series currently goes from PreK to 5th grade and ranges in price from $24.99 to $32.99.  I have to say that I very disappointed when I found out that this was the highest level for Mathematical Reasoning and I thought that I would have to again search for another program but I recently learned that they are working on a level for 5th and 6th grade.  Yippee!  So, providing it is available, I plan on using this curriculum again next year for The Lil' Chef.

Now for the Balance Benders, at first we didn't get it.  It really took a few times of sitting down and trying to figure out what we were supposed to be doing.  Once it clicked and we got it we really enjoyed Balance Benders, they are actually pretty fun.  These are not something that I have required her to do every day, although I probably should because she would be learning very valuable reasoning skills.  Mostly we just do them for fun, and even though I am not a math person I really enjoy them too!

These balance puzzles are not only fun but they help students get accustomed to Pre-Algebra.  Children have clues to use to help them to solve the puzzles.  The Balance Benders workbooks would be a great addition to any child's workboxes, these are great learning tools that kids really enjoy.  They would also be great for stocking stuffers or long car trips.

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The Balance Benders Series has 4 books for children in grades 2nd thru 12th grades.  They are very affordable at only $9.99 each.

We have also used other products from the Critical Thinking Co. in the past and they have never disappointed us!  This company will continue to be one of my favorites!!

The Criticial Thinking Company has offered to do 2 Giveaways for my readers.  One will be for a Beginners Level Balance Benders book and the second giveaway will be for a Balance Math & More Level 1.  Both books are for grades 2-6.  


Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each way that you enter and PLEASE DO NOT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS! The giveaway is going to run until November 24, 2010. Here is how you can enter to win:

• You must be a Follower of LSG to Win! Please leave me a comment and let me that you do.
• If you have just become a new Follower, please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
• SPREAD THE WORD! If you blog about this giveaway, please come back and leave me a link to your post.
• Please visit the Critical Thinking Company's website, and let me know what other products they have that interest you!  
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
• Like The Critical Thinking Company on Facebook and let me know about it. 

 These products were given to us free of charge from the Critical Thinking Company  for review purposes.  The opinions in this review are my own and I have not been paid in any other way.

See It and Sign It Game Review & GIVEWAY!

I have another wonderful product from PlayAbility to tell you about.  I can remember being interested in sign language when I was a child.  My cousin and I used to talk to each other using the sign language alphabet and no one even knew what we were saying, we thought we were soo- cool!  I still to this day remember the alphabet!   More important than being cool, knowing sign language is a wonderful skill to have, whether you know someone that is deaf or not.  Enter the See It and Sign It Game.


  

In this game the kids think they are just having a good old time yet they are actually learning a second language.  We parents, especially the homeschooling kind, are always on the hunt for things that are fun and educational.  We all know that things seem to "stick" better when the kids are really enjoying what it is they learning.  My kids already remember many of the signs that they learned just in the short amount of time that we have had this game.  Very impressive!

Each time we have played this game, the kids have really had a great time!  First, you start off by watching a video that shows you how to sign the alphabet, numbers and 60 different words.  After watching the video you are ready to play the game.  The game is geared for kids 7 and up but everyone has played, except for Little Bits.  We even had The Hubs playing it with us!

The girls were playing together one day and the Lil' Chef took these pictures.

Another picture by my new photographer, the Lil' Chef. 

There are 6 different games that vary in difficulty and it can be play alone or with a group.  The games seem to each last about 15-20.  There is a easy 3 card version and a harder 6 card version that you can choose between depending on the age of your children and the amount of time you want to play.

The things I love about this game:

•  I LOVE how they have handy dandy flashcards on a RING for you to use during the game if you run into trouble and need some extra help. 
• The kids love the red decoder that they get to use to check to see if they picked the right card or not.  They think it's cool and all "spy like."
• The game is fun, even for adults. 
• It's big time educational!!
• I love how the game doesn't get old because there are several ways to play.

So, who wants their very own See It and Sign It Game of their very own??  PlayAbiltiy has offered to give away a See It and Sign It Game to ONE of YOU!  The GIVEAWAY will run until October 16th.  Please leave a SEPARATE COMMENT for each way that you enter and DO NOT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!  Here are the ways that you can enter:

• You must be a Follower of LSG to Win!  Please leave me a comment and let me know that you follow.
• If you have just become a new Follower, please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
• Spread the word!  If you BLOG about this contest please come back and leave me a link to you post.
• Please visit the PlayAbiltiy's website, take a peek around and see what other toys would interest your family.  Let us know your what's on your wish list.
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
• Like PlayAbiltiy on Facebook.
• Follow PlayAbility on Twitter.

You can also purchase the See It and Sign It game for $29.95 directly from PlayAbility.

Please check out some of the other reviews we've done for PlayAbility, we have reviewed Buddy the Dog and The Whole Picture Game.

We received this product free of charge for review purposes. The opinions stated in this review are our own and we were not paid in any way.

The LSG School/Playroom

I posted pics of our school/playroom a while back.  Since then we have added a few taller bookcases and have a different table ($15 at a yard sale) in there.  I also got rid of the larger TV and replaced it with a smaller one, I decided I would much rather use the space for books than a TV stand. 

Yes, we love books (and YES! I got my new camera, Yippee)!  Yippee!  Do you see the little 13in dinosaur in corner just under our laminated wall map (which I got at Borders for super cheap)?  This table was supposed to be a island in my kitchen but all my real life friends and finally even I agreed it was too big, so it ended up in the school room. 

I "try" to keep the books separated by subject or type.  Kinda like this, math books, science/nature books, history/cultures/countries/maps, readers, Bible stories, health/manners, chapter books, coloring/activity books, etc.  I also try to keep the different series together.  My lovely children do not always share my passion to be organized (sigh) but for the most we keep it together. 

We currently have 3 workboxes (which we REALLY LOVE), I am considering getting one for Little bits but I am thinking the same thing you are probably thinking, where in the world would I put it.  Those 2 blue creates contain our file folder games in one and the school books that we do together in the other.  That tall shelf in the corner does hold some books but it mostly holds math manipulative's, art supplies, paper, beads, a flower press and activity bags.

To display our artwork I strung a clothes line across the whole back wall and we just clip them there.  

For our games and toys we use these white wire shelves along with some laundry baskets from Target.  The baskets are sorted by blocks, toddler toys, heroes/men, Little People, cars & trucks, dolls, doll clothes, Dora doll house stuff, etc.   I try to switch out the toys on top of the train table for the boys, they really seem to enjoy it. 

We have a large green tote for all things dress up - clothes, purses, hats, shoes, swords, capes, Hulk boxing gloves (don't ask, it was a Hubs thing), etc.  The couch was a $50 purchase from craiglist (I really L O V E Craigslist BTW).  Usually, I sit there to read Bible, Read alouds and History with the kids although this summer we've been hanging in the family room. 

We do alot of the subjects we do together in the school/playroom, like Bible and anything that we read together.  Language Arts, Math and anything they are doing independently seem to get done at the kitchen table.  The school/playroom is right off my kitchen. 

I have to admit I am kinda glad to be starting school again.  I had high hopes of doing some school thru the summer and yeah, it just didn't happen, other than Bible and a read aloud.  Oh well, maybe next summer or maybe not : )

You can check out some other schoolroom ideas at My 3 BoyBarians.

2010 - 2011 Curriculum Choices

I finally have all my books for this coming school year in hand or on the way.  Thank you Lord!   Here is what I am planning on using this coming school year:

These are the subjects that we do together as a family:
Bible/History
This will be our 3rd year with My Father's World (MFW).  Bible and History are pretty much woven  together.  We are doing Creation to Greeks this year, which means that we are going to be starting the actual history part of MFW's 5 Year Cycle (last year we did Exploring Countries and Cultures). I am very excited about this because I LOVE HISTORY!  Unfortunately, I did not have this same enthusiasm when I was in school, otherwise I would probably not have spent most of my summer in summer school studying US History.   Aren't you just so thankful for the ways God grows us.  Ok, moving right along....We will be studying the Old Testament, using our Bible and Victor Journey Through the Bible.  We will also be using Ancient World and Streams of Civilization: Volume I for our history resources.  MFW also gives a WONDERFUL list of books to read each week to go along with our weekly topic  They suggest that you allow the kids to read these alone, BUT I have to admit I kinda get my little feelings hurt when they read them with out me.  I really enjoy reading these with them! 

Keys for Kids is little devotional that the kids and I have been enjoying for a few months, I think we will continue this even if we just listen to the audio version during lunch time. 

We are also going to be trying out Mystery of History I - Creation to Christ and the 1st Quarter Folder book that goes with it. 

MFW & MOH are both stand alone curriculum for history, but I am hoping to kinda of intertwine the two.

Science
MFW has us studying creation and the pyramids for science.  We will be using Genesis for Kids for experiments, Dinosaurs of Eden for creation studies, Pyramids to study the science aspects of the pyramids and Archimedes and the Door of Science for ancient Greek sciences.

  

Health
For Health we are going to be reading Prudence with the Miller and working thru the workbook that goes with it.  We are also going to be reading thru a great set of Health readers called How Your Body Works,  Gareth Stevens Publishing.

Music
We will be studying music from Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel. 

Learning hymns and Lord willing, Lil Chef, Computer Girl, and Alpha Boy will all be joining the children's choir at church this year.

PE
This is very non stress for us.  When it is nice out, the kids go run play, jump on the trampoline, ride bikes, race, play tag, etc.  When it is too cold or just not nice outside  I have a few exercise videos they do like
Denise Austin's Fit Kids, Walk the Walk and we even have a really old Tae Bo by Billy Blanks

We also have a Smart Fitness CD by Kimbo that the kids really enjoy.  You will be hearing more about this soon as a review.

Foreign Language
You may remember that we reviewed Olivita Oink's Bilingual Barnyard, well the kids really can't get enough of this SO we are going to be working on this again this year.

We are also going to be starting English from the Roots Up along with MFW.

Art
For art the kids each have a workbook from Abeka, because they really like them. 

I also am going to have the girls work thru Draw & Write Through History. They will be drawing for art and making their own pictures for their history notebooks.

We will of course be doing lots of other fun artsie crafty things too!

Family Read alouds
This could probably be a post all by its little self.  I love books, possibly more than I love crock pots!  I have a weakness for them to be honest.  I have "planned" several books for us to read this coming year, hopefully we will get thru them.  Here they are:

• Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John
• Star of Light by Patricia St. John
• The Tanglewoods' Secret by Patricia St. John
• Summer with the Moody's by Sarah Maxwell - this the 1st in the series,  we are currently reading it.  the kids LOVE it!
• Autumn with the Moody's by Sarah Maxwell
• Winter with the Moody's by Sarah Maxwell
• Spring with the Moody's by Sarah Maxwell
• Grandpa's Box by Starr Meade
• Pearables Vol 1-3
• Hero Tales Vol 2 by Dave and Neta Jackson - we read Vol 1 last year and really liked so I hope to read Vol  2 this year.

These are things that the kids do separately from each other:
Math
Still thinking and praying about Lil Chef's math this year.  We have Math U See's Delta program which focuses on division and we have Mathematical Reasoning Level E from the Critical Thinking Company that we have been reviewing.  Not sure which we will stick with this coming year.  I think I am leaning towards the Critical Thinking math book

Computer Girl is going to be doing Arithmetic 2 and Math Drills from Abeka. 

I will be having the girls using different things to practice their math facts like, Hot Dots Flash Cards, Learning Wrap Ups, Time Tales and online math games.

Language, Phonics & Spelling
The Lil' Chef is going to be using Language B from Abeka, which I found at a used curriculum fair for only $2!!!  I was super excited about this one!  She is continuing with Abeka Spelling for grade 5.

Computer Girl will be using Letter & Sounds 2, Spelling 2 and Language 2 all from Abeka.

I know that alot of people dislike Abeka BUT I feel Abeka has a very strong Language Arts program and produces excellent readers.  I do not however do everything in the teacher manuals, we generally just use the workbooks and sound charts.

Handwriting
Normally, I use Abeka for handwriting but I am reviewing Peterson Directed Handwriting for Cursive for the TOS Crew so we may stick with that.

Reading
I go back and forth  with reading.  Sometimes we do the Abeka readers and sometimes I let the girls pick books that interest them.  This year I am going to do the same.  I really want Lil Chef to read the Noah Webster reader from Abeka and Wisdom and the Millers but other than that I plan to be flexible. 

For Computer girl, she will work in the 2nd grade Abeka readers plus she is going to work on these Bible Phonetic Readers that I ordered her.

Pre K Stuff
Last but not least Alpha Boy, he is going to be working on Hot Dots Jr Cards, Letter of the Week from Confessions of a Homeschooler and ABC & 123 from Abeka.  I am really just going to focus on our letter sounds this year.  He will also follow along for Bible, PE, Music and Art.  He also hangs a bit with us for Science and History. 

Workboxes
We are definitely sticking with our workboxes this year.  They have really helped us to stay on top of things and be more orderly.  We do it a little differently than the Workbox System book.  She has lots of great ideas in the book but we pretty much just work thru our boxes 1-10. 

Scramble Squares Product Review & Give A Way!

As a family that loves puzzles, I can say that Scramble Squares are by far the coolest and most challenging puzzles we have ever done.  With only 9 pieces, one would think no problem, right?  WRONG!  The hubs is likened to a puzzle master and let me just tell ya he couldn't figure it out and still hasn't. 

I believe the words "this is simple" actually flowed from his mouth as he first sat down.  "Hey Honey, how is that puzzle coming along?"

I came across Scramble Squares when I searching online and I found AblePlay.org.  Able Play is a company that reviews products that are user friendly for children with learning and physical disabilities.  They have a rating system that rates products based on the special needs that some children have.  Many of the toys on the Able Play website would be great for workboxes.  That was just my thought for the Scramble Squares. I know this will be a great puzzle to keep Alpha Boy happy and content while I am working with one of my other children.  The Scramble Squares are great for critical thinking too!

Scramble Squares are recommended for ages 4-104, I think that covers everyone, right?!  There are 140 Scramble Square to choose from.  They have everything from Roosters to Rodeos.  The Lil' Chef got the Ice Cream you Scream puzzle.  Computer Girl got horses.  Alpha Boy got Dinosaurs.  The hubs got Football.  I got Sea Shells.  We also got Noah's Ark, Frogs and Insects.  Please do not ask which one is our favorite because they are all really great! 

After an afternoon at the beach the girls pulled out the Sea Shells puzzle.

Not only are these good for workboxes, I thought because the age range is so wide that these would be great to just have on hand for a last minute gift.  Scramble Squares can be purchased for only $9.95 plus s&h. 

Now for some great news!  b. dazzle, the company that has created Scramble Squares, has graciously offered to host a give a way for one Scramble Square Puzzle (of your choice) to 5 of my readers.  What a Blessing!  Please DO NOT FORGET to leave me your email address so that I may contact you if you are a winner. 

Oh, so close!

I am going to run the contest until June 1st.  Here are the ways that you can enter.  Please leave a seperate comment for each way that you enter.

• If you are a Follower or Subscriber of LSG please leave me a comment.
• If you have become a new Follower or Subscriber please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
• If you blog about this contest please come back and leave me a link to you post.
• Go check out Scramble Squares and tell me which puzzle you would like to Win! 
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
  I spoke with the owner/creator of Scramble Squares this evening and I told her we haven't been able to solve one yet.  I then asked her if we were normal?  She assured me that we were!

Roll 'n Add Game Review

e had the opportunity to review the Roll 'n Add Game from Emines.  This is a great 2 player game that is wonderful for addition practice.  It is recommended for children that are between the ages of 5-8 years old, but for the record, my 9 year old enjoys playing with her younger sister.  This is one of those games that I just love, it is awesome to sneak in learning when the kids think they are just having fun!   

The kids pretty much figured out this game with on their own, I was heading into the room to explain the directions to them and they were already playing.  They have really been enjoying it ever since!

Basically, you have a small square game board, 20 double sided game chips, 2 10-sided dice and an addition table answer sheet.  There are 2 ways to play, according to the directions.

The first way to play is called Plus.  A player rolls both dice and then adds the 2 numbers together.  If they answer the problem correctly they can place a chip with the same number on the board, with their color facing up.  This game is played in Tic Tac Toe fashion, but with a CATCH!  Your piece and be "captured" and flipped over to be your opponents piece.  Which adds a fun twist to the game!

The second way to play is called Double.  This game is like the first, but instead of adding the 2 dice together the player rolls 1 dice and then doubles the number rolled.  If the player answers correctly he or she can place his chip on the board. 

In the spirit of being creative with our resources, you could definitely have 1 child play alone.  They could play by adding the 2 dice or doubling the 1 and just filling up the board.  This game would be great to put into workboxes and a wonderful way to switch up from math drills!  Playing together or playing alone, either way they are learning their math facts and having a great time in the process!

Emines not only sells the Roll 'n Add Game, they have a whole line of math games:

• 
  
  Roll 'n Add
• 
  
  Roll 'n Subtract
• 
  
  Roll 'n Multiply
• 
  
  Roll 'n Divide
• 
  
  Flip 'n Link Fractions
• 
  
  Flip 'n Link Money
• 
  
  Flip 'n Link Time

You can find them on Amazon.com and Rainbow Resources.  I hope to try the games for Time, Multiplication and Money soon!