TOS Crew: Who Am I? by Apologia

Let me just start out by saying that I love Apologia.  I have used and read several of their products and not once have I been disappointed.

So we were very excited to find out that we were going to be reviewing for Apologia again.  We received the "Who Am I?" book from Apologia's "What We Believe" series.  Along with the book we also received the "Who Am I?" Audio CD, Notebooking Journal and Coloring book.

The "What We Believe" series was created when Apologia teamed up with Summit Ministries to create a family friendly apologetics series to teach our children the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith.  This series is directed towards families with children aged 6-14. 

Like the Apologia science series, the books in the "What We Believe" series books are hardbound and have wonderful pictures inside.   

 

 

The Lessons in the "Who Am I?" book are:

1. What are we doing here?
2. What will you make today?
3. What's on your mind?
4. Can you trust your feelings?
5. Will you choose wisely?
6. How will you run the race?
7. What kind of fruit are you growing?
8. Who do you think you are?

Each lesson is about 30-40 pages long and is broken down into about 15 or so very manageable parts.  There are very specific instructions in the front of the book as to how they suggest you go about teaching the lessons.  I really appreciated them laying out a structure for me.  They also have made the lessons very flexible to meets the needs of individual families. 

The lessons are structured so that they each give a main idea, learning objectives, a short story (we really like these), thought provoking questions, vocabulary words, memory verses, character traits to follow, prayer suggestions and discussion questions.  These lessons are spread out through several sessions. 

Apologia has a sample lesson, as well as the table of contents, for the "Who Am I"? book available for viewing, right on the Apologia website.

The "What We Believe" Series consists of 4 books:

•  Volume 1 - Who Is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?) which focuses on Biblical Worldview of God and Truth 
• Volume 2 - Who Am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?) which focuses on Biblical Worldview of Self-Image 
• Volume 3 - Who Is My Neighbor? (And Why Does He Need Me?) which focuses on Biblical Worldview of Servanthood
• Volume 4 - What On Earth Can I Do? which focuses on Biblical Worldview of Stewardship and available Later in 2012

"Who Am I" is actually the second book in the series that we have.  We also have the "Who Is God?" book, coloring book and notebooking journal.  After listening to the Audio CD for this book, I had to order the 1st CD as well.  Lord willing, I plan on getting the entire series.

I love that we can sit and listen to the Audio CD, the narrator has a nice soothing voice that is very pleasant to listen to.  I feel like I am always reading to the kids, which I love to do, but it is nice for mom to be able to just sit and listen too!

The Notebooking Journals and Coloring Books are awesome too!  The Notebooking Journals have so many awesome things in there, they are so cool I think I want one for ME!  There are questions to answer, cross word puzzles, places to copy scripture, lots of spots for writing your own thoughts down and mini books too.  The mini book pieces are in the back of the book that can be pulled out, created and glued into their appropriate spots - VERY COOL! 

You would think that the coloring book is just for my little guys but that is not so, my girls love to color as well.  All of my children (AGES 3-11) can use the coloring book but I feel that the Notebooking Journal is definitely for my girls (3rd and 6th graders).

I love the "What We Believe" series and I really think you will too!  It is a great family teaching tool.  A wonderful investment that your family will truly benefit from.   

You can purchase your own "Who Am I?" book, as well as other materials from the "What We Believe" series, directly through Apologia.  The "Who Am I?" prices are as follows:

• "Who Am I?" Book   39.00
• Audio CD  $19.00
• Journaling Notebook $24.00
• Coloring Book $8.00 

We were given the "Who Am I?" book, audio cd, notebooking journal and coloring book for review purposes only.  Please know that the opinions stated here are my own and I was not in any way persuaded by the company or the free product.

TOS Crew: Math Rider

We love us a good math facts game, especially one of the computer variety!  That is exactly what Math Rider is, a computer oriented math facts game.  BUT there is more....  Math Rider is a fun math game for kids that allows them to practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts while not being bored to death in the process! 

My girls really truly loved this game from day one.  I do not have to even say "go do your math drills," because usually they have already done them. 

 My oldest daughter, The Lil' Chef, really likes the idea of being timed.  She likes that Math Rider times her and keeps score for her, so that she can try to beat those scores the next time she plays.  She also likes that Math Rider shows her progress in mastery.  She likes to know that she has mastered 86% of her multiplication problems and 84% of her division.  This is helpful for mom to know too!  ; )

My younger daughter, Computer Girl, likes that Math Rider is cute, colorful and revolves around a story.  Computer Girl enjoys riding through the Land of Ray {as she completes her math facts} with her trusty horse Shadow in a race to rescue the Princess Fairblossom from the evil king!  She likes that she can see how far she has to go to reach the castle {master her facts}. 

As Mom, I like that they are enjoying Math Rider as well as learning their facts {WHOO HOO!} I really LOVE how Math Rider keeps track of all the statics for me.  Every so often I can check in to see what facts the girls have mastered, what facts they most struggle with as well as see their learning progression since they started.  These are all nice things that Math Rider does for busy moms like me. 

On the more technical side of Math Rider, is was created with gaming intelligence.  The Math Rider explains it better than me...

"While the rider is playing, the game learns what the rider knows and what he or she still needs to practice. Every single response (or non-response) is stored in an internal database and statistically analysed by the software. In this way the program is able to custom-tailor to each rider, which questions are asked next. No repetitive drilling of random number facts the rider already knows – but real practice of what actually needs to be practiced!"

 

Math Rider would be great to incorporate into your homeschooling as a math drill game or even for non homeschoolers who's children just need to brush up on their math facts!  Either way, my recommendation is for you to burn, bury or giveaway your flashcards and get Math Rider! You will not be disappointed! {and neither will your kids}

Math Rider is available for instant download for $47.00 but is on SALE for $37.00 up until February 15, 2012.  There is a 30 day money back guarantee if for some reason you are not satisfied. 

If you are still convinced that Math Rider would work for your kiddos please feel to check out their 7 Day Free Trial!

Please check out what others on the TOS Crew are saying about Math Rider!

We were given a trial version of Math Rider to try out for review purposes only.  I was not paid in any way for my opinions, they are indeed mine.

Menu Plan Monday!

I don't always plan what I am having each day.  I usually just plan a menu list of ideas that I can pull from.  I do of course tend to make crockpot meals on days that we are running out of the house for Bible Study and choir, it really just makes life easier.

Another thing that has been extremely helpful lately is crockpot meals on Sundays!  It is SO lovely to come home to dinner right after church.  It makes for a much more relaxing day.  We eat dinner early and then later in the evening people can either have seconds or a sandwich.  I am really not sure why I haven't always done this!

So here is my list of Menu Ideas just as it is posted on my refrigerator...

Breakfasts

• Baked Oatmeal - this is a staple here nowadays!  
• Cereal - Yes, I am a cereal mom : )  I do get the "good" cereal like Raisin Bran and Honey Nut Joe O's and then I don't feel as bad.
• Waffles w/ Fruit
• Pancakes w/ Fruit
• Cream of Wheat - I hook it up with bananas, cinnamon and honey
  
• Apple Muffins - the Lil' Chef Makes these and they are yum-mee!

Lunches

• Chili Dogs  - from left over Chili the night before
• Mini Tacos - I try not to buy a lot of convenience foods but these Little Mini Tacos from Trader Joe's are a WOW!
• Homemade Pizza
• Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
• Mac & Cheese w/ Apple Slices and Grapes
• PB & Honeys w/ Carrot Sticks and Orange Slices
• Tuna Melts on Pita Crackers
  

Dinners

• Chicken Spaghetti - This is a good throw it in the crockpot meal.  I throw in boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a jar of spaghetti sauce.  I cook on high for 4 hours, then when I come home from church I just boil some noodles, mix, and top with mozzarella cheese.  I pair it with a salad and eat!
• Chili w/ Rice
• Tacos
• Sloppy Jane's (crockpot), Broccoli, Homemade Potato Wedges
• Meatball Subs - make the meatballs the night before and then throw in the crockpot with a jar of sauce.
• Pizza
• Homemade Potato Soup w/ Homemade Bread

Snacks

• Yogurt Tubes 
• Cheese Sticks
• Fruit
• Apples & Honey Spread
• Celery & PB
• Pretzels & PB
• Air Popped Popcorn w/ Olive Oil
• Playgroup Granola Bars - This is a must try!  My little peeps LOVE these!

Apologia Live Retreat Winner!

Congrats to Comment # 15....

Christine M
I "like" Apologia on Facebook! :)

 is the Apologia Live Retreat Ticket WINNER! 

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

words by Ci­vil­la D. Mar­tin

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for Heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Let not your heart be troubled, His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

What an encouraging song to meditate on during times of trials and troubles.  What comfort and peace to know that "His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me."

This song reminded me of these scriptures...

Luke 12:6-7

 ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
 ⁷But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.


Luke 10:29-31
 ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
 ³⁰But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
 ³¹Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

You can listen to the song and learn how it originated here.