TOS Crew: Creek Edge Press

We got selected to review for Creek Edge Press through the TOS Crew.  To be honest, I had not heard of Creek Edge Press prior to this opportunity, but I am so glad that I have now. 

Creek Edge Press is a company, created by a homeschool mom named Amy Kate Hilsman, that creates educational task cards.  The cards are made up around a specific subject.  With in these task cards are activities that were designed around some of the best ideas from the Charlotte Mason, Classical and Montessori education styles.  Let me break it down little further....(from the Creek Edge Press website)

Classical – The tasks point to key vocabulary that students will use in future years of study. The tasks encourage students to read, think, and respond. The research tasks facilitate a habit of reading for detail, preparing the grammar stage student for work in the dialectic stage.


Charlotte Mason – The tasks rely on narration, in a variety of forms, as a primary means of response to reading and listening. The student encounters meaningful ideas and beautiful expression within the materials chosen for study.

Montessori – The parent prepares a learning environment and the student engages in research tasks indicated on the cards. While the topics on the cards are specific, the tasks are purposely open ended to allow for individual investigation and response at the student's pace.

 

Creek Edge Press' goal was to create an affordable tool that pulls together the best of these educational styles that would create a discovery based, research oriented, independent learning environment.  The task cards were designed with students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.

 

We were given the choice between History, Science or Geography task cards and we chose the Earth & Space Task Cards.   I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these task cards!  What a fabulous idea!  I love how they are laid out with 4-9 tasks per card.  She suggests that students complete 1 task card per week (which seems quite reasonable to me) but there is plenty of room for flexibility. 

Like I said, we chose Earth and Space science.  I think this was a good choice.  Let me share a few of the suggested activities through out the 35 Earth & Space Cards:

• Encyclopedia Research
• Making information booklets
• Making Posters & Collages
• Vocabulary Words
• Clay Models
• Sketching Ideas
• Mapwork
• Suggestions for Further Reading
• Topics for Narration

In addition to the task cards, we received the included task card manual that explains the ideas behind the task cards and how to use them.  How to prepare the environment fort he task card approach as well as a book list (living books, yippee!)

I  know that I already said it but again, I really LOVE these cards!  I have been trying to get my girls a bit more independent and these cards have been one of the tools that I have been using : )  I just think the task card approach is a wonderful idea!  The ideas and book suggestions are great.  In the future I would love to purchase or review the History Cards, I bet they are really neat too.

Did I mention how affordable these cards are?  To purchase the Earth & Space Task Card along with the Manual the cost is only $18.00.

The subjects that Creek Edge Press currently has task cards available for are:

• Science - Life Science, Earth & Space, Chemistry & Great Scientists, Physics & Digital Science
• History - Ancient World, Medieval World, American History, Early Modern World, Modern World, Geography & Culture
• Art - Art & Artists
• Grammar Reinforcement
• Music - Music & Composers

The task cards vary in price from $18.00 -$90.00, the most expensive being a Complete History Package. 

I have to admit, the task card approach has made me want to really reconsider my curriculum choices for next year because I like them so much!

You can see what other members of the TOS Crew think about Creek Edge Press HERE.

We received the Earth & Space Task Cards from Creek Edge Press at no charge for review purposes only.  We were not compensated in anyway nd the opions expressed here are my own. 

TOS Crew: K5 Learning

Through the TOS Crew we were able to review an online program called K5 Learning.  K5 Learning is a personalized online Reading and Math Enrichment program for children in grades K - 5th grade. 

We were given a 2 month online subscription to K5 Learning to give the program a whirl.  I had my 3 oldest children (grades K, 3rd & 6th) try it out. 

From what they did with the program I don't think that anyone disliked it.  I think they would all agree it was ok and liked it.

The child that actually used it the most was the Lil' Chef (6th grade).  I had definitely wanted her to try it out to give me her opinion but she actually ended up using it a bit for math, due to a technical snag with her regular math program.  The Lil' Chef did end up saying that she did like it and it was fun.  She mostly worked on mastering the rest of her multiplication facts and some fractions.

Here are 4 Programs the K5 Learning Program offers, as explained on their website:

• K5 Math is an award-winning program which builds self confidence and a deep understanding of math concepts. K5 Math covers numbers and operations, geometry, measurement (including time and money), algebraic thinking and data analysis.
• K5 Math Facts uses adaptive technology to help kids develop instant recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Progress on each and every math fact is monitored until mastery is obtained.
• K5 Reading helps kids become strong readers and develop a love of reading. This award-winning program covers phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
• K5 Spelling is an advanced vocabulary program which improves language skills one word at a time. We feature adaptive instruction, automatic word generation, an optimized visual interface, and a 150,000+ word database

K5 Learning offers two different pricing plans:

• Monthly Subscription - $25.00 for the 1st Child, $15.00 for Each Additional Child
• Yearly Subscription - $199.00 for the 1st Child, $129.00 for Each Additional Child

K5 Learning would be good for a supplemental reading and math program like for a struggling learner or, as their website says, as an online after school study program.  My only concern is the price, especially for families on a budget. 

If you think this program is just the thing for your children but you are on the fence  K5 Learning would like to offer yo a 14 day Free Trial.  So you cann try before you buy!  Included in the free trial your child will receive a free assessment in 8 core reading and math skills. 

We received a free 2 month trial of K5 Learning for review purposes only.  The opinions stated here are my own and I was not compensated in anyway.

TOS Crew: Reading Eggs

 

We were given the opportunity to try out an online reading program called Reading Eggs for the TOS Crew.  Reading Eggs was created by a team of educational teachers, writers and developers.  It is a phonetic based program, that also teaches sight words.  The lessons are taught through games, animation, song and golden eggs.

So far, Reading Eggs has about 100 Phonetic Lessons that are geared toward pre-readers aged 4-7.  Reading Eggs is also creating new lessons for their older users in the 6-8 year range, these lessons will include reading, writing, comprehension as well as spelling.

Reading Eggs is available online through subscription.  There are 3 Subscription Choices available:
Month to Month - $9.95
6 Month Subscription - $49.95
12 Months Subscription - $75.00

The subscription prices are per child.  If you purchase either the 6 or 12 month subscriptions your 2nd or 3rd child can get a 50% Family Discount. 

Ok, now you are probably wondering what we thought of Reading Eggs.  Well, to be honest, I really hoped that my boys (3 &5) would dig this program.  It is cute, it is colorful, it looked like oodles of fun AND on top of all of this it taught phonics.  What's not to love right?  For some reason my 5 year old kindergartner did not like this program and he normally loves computer games.  He currently plays another phonics game online like every day.  I just couldn't get him to really play Reading Eggs.  did have him give it another try today just to see if maybe something had changed.  I gave the game a break and them got him to try it again.  At first he was really into the game and then he seemed to get a little frustrated, the game had him repeat several things over and over.  These were not things that he previously answered wrong, I don't really know what had happened.


I feel like Reading Eggs is very repetitious, especially in the beginning, which I totally understand.  My son on the other hand, not so much.  I think that his first impression was that the game was a little boring.  In all fairness, I think he would have enjoyed it more if he would have stuck with it and got to another level.  He was so unhappy with it though that I didn't push it.

My 3 year old on the other hand loved it.  I sat with him a few times and we played.  He would probably sit and play Reading Eggs all day long if I let him.  He didn't mind the repetition one little bit.  He also loved the Ant character that taught the letters.

I did think that this was a cute program, and could be helpful as a supplemental thing.  I am not sure at this point that I would use it as my sole phonics curriculum, but it may be perfect for another family. 

If you would like to give Reading Eggs a try, they offer a trial version. 


We received a free trial of Reading Eggs for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week Review

I am very excited!  I believe I have found a new favorite cook book, yay meee!  I was blessed with a copy of Family Feast for $75 a Week, which was written by blogger mom Mary Ostyn, to review.

So far we have tried several of the recipes in this cookbook and they have ALL been WINNERS!  That is no small feat considering how picky my lovely little crew is. 

I love that Mary is a mom just like me, well almost like me - she has 6 more kids than I do.  I feel like the more kids you have the better cook you are : )  Being a stay home mom of many Mary has learned many tricks to pinch pennies and cut hundreds from her food bill each month.   

In the begin of Family Feasts, Mary shares her frugal wisdom, as well as many of her kitchen secrets to cut down on food costs and time spent in the kitchen.  I especially like her chapter on Menu Planning! 

Here are the chapters in Family Feasts for $75 a Month:

1. What Would You Do with an Extra $100 a Month?
2. Come Shopping with Me?
3. Guerrilla Shopping
4. Efficient Cooking, Good Eating
5. Breakfast & Lunch
6. Casseroles & Oven Meals
7. Stir-fries & Skillet Meals
8. Perfect Pasta
9. Soups, Stews & Chili's
10. Sides & Salads
11. Breads, Muffins & Desserts
12. Entertaining on a Budget
13. The Homemade Pantry
14. Metric Charts

Now for the mouth watering part of my little review, here are the recipes that we have already had and LOVED:

• Eggy Breakfast Muffins - The Lil Chef made these.  She doubled them so that some could be eaten and some frozen to eat later.
• Easy Pizza Rolls - These were pretty amazing!  Have you ever had cream cheese and pepperoni together?  If not, you are totally missing out.  I promise!
• Chicken Pot Pie with Cheesie Biscuit Topping - I think the title alone says it all!
• Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - As you know, anything with slow cooker is right up my alley.  This was a yummy little comfort food dinner that everyone enjoyed.
• Chili Corn Pone Pie - I frequently write in my cookbooks because I can and because I am forgetful.  I will always write yuck next a recipe that is, well yucky.  Next to this recipe I have written, "Excellent1 Enjoyed by Everyone!" 
• Mexican Tortilla Skillet - This might be my new favorite meal ever!  It is totally company worthy and it's super easy.  It reminds me of the Taco Bake but much better!
• Baked Ziti Casserole - YUM-MEE!

Mouth watering yet??  Mine is : )  We have several other recipes on our Menu Plan for the week that I am sure will just add to my love for this cookbook. 

You can get your own fabulous copy of Family Feasts for $75 a Week right from Amazon, which is currently on sale for around $11.50 (with free super saver shipping I might add). 

I can given a free copy of Family Feast for $75 a Week for review purposes only.  I was not compensated in any way for my opinions.  The opinions expressed in this review are truly mine. 

Menu Plan 2/27/12

I am trying to get back on track and post more faithfully.  Life is just busy, isn't it?!   I usually do have a Menu Plan hanging on my fridge, it just doesn't always make it's way to my blog : )

I have really, REALLY been enjoying a new cookbook lately.  I will be posting a review about it's wonderfulness tomorrow.  Several of the meals that we are making this week are from my new favorite cookbook.  Be sure to check back tomorrow to check it out.   This is about the time the during our read alouds that my oldest would say, "Mom, that is a total cliff hanger!  You can't do that to us!"  Like I tell her, "Yes deary it is, you are just going to have to wait until tomorrow." 

On with the Menu...

Monday
Breakfast - Scrambled Eggs, Fruit and Toast
Lunch - Grilled Cheese, Apple & Carrot Slices
Dinner - Baked Ziti Casserole, Green Beans

Tuesday
Breakfast - Baked Oatmeal w/ Fruit

Lunch - PB & Honey Sandwiches, Baby Cucumbers and Oranges
Dinner - Shepherd's Pie

Wednesday
Breakfast - Baked French Toast topped with Bananas

Lunch - Chicken Salad on Crackers, Celery Sticks
Dinner - Spinach-Cheddar Quiche w/ Salad and Steamed Spinach

Thursday
Breakfast - Peanut Butter on Toast w/ Fruit Smoothies
Lunch - Mac & Cheese Shells, Fruit
Dinner - Beef Stroganoff, Mixed Veggies

Friday
Breakfast - Waffles, Fruit
Lunch - Mini Tuna Pitas, Carrot Sticks and Apple Slices
Dinner - Easy Pizza Rolls and Sliced Cantaloupe

Saturday
Breakfast - Oatmeal, Fruit
Lunch - Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Oranges
Dinner - Spaghetti, Salad, Bread

Sunday
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch & Dinner - Left Overs

Desserts
Easy Apple Turnovers
Homemade Vanilla Pudding

(All of the Meals in Bold Print are recipes from the new cookbook I am reviewing)