My Home School Grades- Review

My Homeschool Grades

 

 

Click Here To Check It Out!

 One of the things my husband and I feel is very important to homeschooling is keeping records and having our children's schooling records being transferable to a college situation.  We still have awhile before that time, but I think starting now will make it much easier.  Our state doesn't require any testing or mandatory record keeping but if I keep records myself I won't have to go back and figure out grades and fill in massive amounts of information.
So I wanted to tell you today about a program we will be using.  It's called My Home School Grades.
It's an affordable, easy to use program that allows you to keep records and make transcripts.  You can even track extracurricular activities and awards. You can also enter in information from previous years if you need to.  


You can use it on your computer and on most internet enabled devices. 

Cool Features
-You may not have to enter in every lesson in your curriculum.
The program is set up so that you can choose the publisher you are using and with some of them it will enter in all of the lessons in the book.  Some publishers don't allow it due to copyright issues, but for the ones that do, this is super helpful. 

-The program will calculate grades for you.  Say you enter in the amount of correct answers your child got on an assignment, it will calculate the percentage and letter grade earned. 

-Helpful How-to Videos and great Customer Support. There are videos on the website that go through and clearly explain how to use the program.  And they have been very quick to answer any questions and respond to requests to add another publisher to their list of available publishers.   

Cost
I was just informed that they have gone to a lifetime subscription model. Now, home school families pay one price, one time, for complete access to My Home School Grades. All future updates and enhancements will be included at no charge. They are also offering a 14 day (or two week) free trial!
The cost of the program is $49.99 for a lifetime membership. It doesn't matter if you have one child or ten, it's always the same price.  I think that's a pretty fantastic deal for a great product!

Waterproof Bible Review

Waterproof  Bible from

I was able to try out a nifty waterproof Bible recently.  It's made to be taken camping, rafting, etcetera. But what I was most excited about is that it's a heck of a lot sturdier than my other Bibles.  

I keep my Bible in the living room on the shelf under our end table.  For some reason my children have all been drawn to it when they were babies!  I have even had an entire pages torn out of my traditional Bible.  

Can you see the tape on that right page?

The nice thing about the waterproof Bible is that the pages are made of synthetic material and are very difficult to tear. 
*I wasn't actually able to tear the pages, if anything they maybe stretch a little and can get a crease line.  :)

My Bible enjoying a nice Spring rain.

My husband is excited to be able to take a Bible camping too.  We have occasionally taken our other Bibles with us but it will be nice to have this one and not worry about it getting damp or dropped.  

The Details:

What versions does the waterproof Bible come in?

English Standard Version

King James Version

New King James Version

New International Version

New Living Translation

What does it feel like?

As you flip through it, it has the feel of traditional paper.  But the pages are a touch thicker and they feel smoother.

Is it bulkier because of the thicker pages?

It's very light.  I received a version that contained only the New Testament and Psalms and Proverbs so I can't speak for the version that is a complete Bible.  But the one I have is still a very portable size.

 

Can I still underline or highlight verses or make notes?

 Yes, with the right supplies. You can use a product called a Dry Highligter or a ball point pen.   

How much does it cost?

New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs version - $24.95

Full Bible: $44.95

Saving Memories Forever Review

Saving Memories Forever

I tried out an app recently that I think might assuage some of the guilt I feel for not keeping baby books.  Does anyone else not keep baby books?  I take tons of pictures but I never seem to be able to manage writing anything in the book...


Anyway, this app is called Saving Memories Forever and as the name says, it allows you to save recordings of your memories.  Or stories from family or friends.  Y
ou can use it on your smart phone or on your computer.  You can add pictures with the premium subscription and with the premium or free subscription you can record stories, interviews, etc into an MP3.  I have only used it a few times and still need to sort out more of the details but it has been really fun to use.

I always have my cell phone with me and it's so easy to quickly record a moment I don't want to forget.  Or even better, I have been letting my kids record their version of a fun memory.  Then you can capture that sweet little voice.

 

I recently interviewed my grandma but it was before I had the app.  I think I might come up with some more questions for her (and my grandpa).  It's fun to have my dictated answers but it would be even more special to hear the tone of voice and the unique expressions they use.

Cost
 Free Version:
While there are some limitations to the free version you can still have two storytellers, share it with ten people, add a transcription file to the story, add a photograph of the Story Teller, add tags to stories, and search site for relatives stories.

Premium Version:
The Premium version has everything the free one has plus you have the ability to attach Word Documents, add photographs to a story and you can have unlimited Story Tellers, share with as many people as you like and listen to an unlimited amount of stories.  It's $3.99/month or $40/year.

Spanish For You! - Review

Spanish For You!  Fiestas

I wanted to tell you today about a Spanish curriculum called Spanish For You!

"It is designed from years of experience by a Spanish teacher to effectively build speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as grammar knowledge. Students learn to creatively build sentences, ask and answer questions, and truly communicate in Spanish! And they have fun doing it!!"
                                                                                    -Spanish For You! website

I have a preschooler and a Kindergartener and I have wanted to start them on some fun foreign language stuff all school year but didn't have a budget to buy a big fancy curriculum.  We played around with some German at the beginning of the year, but I'm one of those people that needs a plan so we didn't really stick with it.  My husband had also suggested we switch to Spanish since he took it in high school and because, besides English, it's one of the most commonly languages used here in the United States. So I was thrilled to be able to review this program. 

I received Spanish For You! Fiestas in the digital versions. It's geared for 3rd-8th graders but I was still able to adjust it for my younger children as it's filled with fun games and helpful activities.  And any of the written work I switched to having them answer orally or drawing pictures of the answer. I think there will be some aspects that we may skip until my children are older but there seems to be enough of the basics and games/activities to do that we can still use the bones of the curriculum.  We will be using it until the end of this school year and then again next year.  I am planning on buying some of the other packages in the future.  Also, it can be used with different ages at the same time.  This is great for a homeschool!

So let's open this thing up and I'll tell you more about it!

What You Get

I received the digital version of the Fiestas Package which includes the LessonGuide, E-Book, Flashcards, Worksheets and audio files of the entire book.  

Lesson Guide: This contains the plan for each day, like what worksheets, audio lessons and any games/activities that you need to do.   We really enjoyed a game called ”¿Cómo te llamas?”.  I made simple cards with everyone’s name on them and we simply went around asking and answering the question “What is your name?” and “My name is ____.” in Spanish.  Then you could collect your card if you answered the question.  You won by getting all of your own cards back.  It’s simple, but it’s a fun way to learn.

E-book: The book contains the self-checking, listening worksheets.  It also contains the following helpful info in the reference section.
• The Alphabet
• Common Words and Phrases
• Commands
• Colors and Numbers
• Making and Practicing Flashcards
• Games and Activities
• About the Fiestas
I think when I order the next version I will consider getting the hard copy of the book.  I do better with a real  book than with files on the computer. 

Flashcards: The flashcards are lovely little drawings made by the author's daughter.  They are simple and get the point across.  I think that for my own children, having them done in this style makes them more relate-able.  I gave the cards to my girls to color as well.  That really gave them a sense of ownership and I think it helps them more easily recognize the cards.  Amongst the answers to what is on the card, they love calling out “I colored that one!” when they see their cards.  I think it helps them continue paying attention.

Worksheets:  These files contain all of the worksheets pertaining to the lesson you are working on.

Audio Files:  I think the audio files really make this program what it is.  I don't know any Spanish, so pronunciation is a bit of a problem for me.  With the audio files, you get your listening worksheet ready and then start the corresponding audio file.  Then you just follow along.  I've been learning so much alongside my children!

“They learn key language components (i.e. vocabulary, pronunciation, syntax, verb conjugation, and grammar) as building blocks to be put together in different ways to communicate. They begin thinking in Spanish to develop fluency. They build knowledge of grammar so they excel in higher level classes.”

                                                                        -Spanish For You! website

Customer Service

 I have received many helpful tips and blog post updates through e-mail and the Spanish For You Facebook page.  For example, our book is all about Fiestas and Debbie sent out a message and a blog article just to let us know about a great opportunity to learn about a festival in Spain.  What a fun way to learn more about the culture and apply what we have been learning!  She also reorganized all of the worksheet and audio files for our review group when some of us were having a little trouble finding the right one.  She has been great to work with.

Cost

I have wanted to purchase a Spanish curriculum for some time, but at $200-$300 for some of the better known ones, it just wasn’t feasible.  With Spanish For You, you can pay approximately $65 per school year.

From the website:

“Spanish for You! is exceptionally affordable.  Where else can you find a curriculum that allows you to teach all your children over an entire school year for just $65? With this curriculum you pay for the educational integrity of the content NOT expensive overhead costs. All our materials (except for the book printing) are produced in house. We may not have glossy, high end illustrations, or other fancy materials, BUT our program is filled with all the essential materials and engaging activities to provide an effective program. Spanish for You! is quality without paying for all the fluff!”

Summary
I have never used any other Spanish curriculums but this one seems simple to use, fun and effective.   I will be continuing to use it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to teach their children to speak Spanish.

Proverbs 31 on the Farm- Finding Quality Materials For the Best Prices

 Proverbs 31 on the Farm: April

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.  She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
 
I am trying to build up a selection of hand made items in order to start an online store.  Not long ago, I chose some light fabrics, from a collection of inexpensive material I had picked up, to make some aprons.  I cut them and sewed them, spending precious time.  But as I sewed the fabric I realized it didn't have the same feel to it that fabric I've used previously did. It wasn't as high in quality.  The aprons were still pretty and they weren't falling apart or anything.  But if I'm going to sell something I want it to represent the care and attention I'm putting into it.  Now I will have to sell them for a fraction of the price.
It really made me think twice about buying whatever is the least expensive without first analyzing the item.  I don't want to just find the best deal, I want to find quality materials for the best price.
I won't barge ahead with a fabric just because I like the color either. 

 Local Deals

 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons...

Check Craigslist

This is a great way to get started.  Fellow blogger Lisa John Rupertus from As They Grow Up says "For starting a new craft I have had success posting an item wanted on Craigslist. When I started sewing - I posted in search of sewing items to help a beginner. I had a lady give me two humongous boxes of fabric." 

I like to keep an eye out for crafting items and check once a week or more.  If you need something specific you can post an ad requesting what you need.  I have to be careful with Craigslist though, because I tend to find things I "need" all the time :)  

Facebook Groups
You might search on facebook to find a local classifieds group or I have seen them called garage sales as well. We have a local page that is similar to a newspaper classifieds but it's much busier!  You can find almost anything you want on there.  Or, even sell off part of your stash if it's threatening to spill out of your crafting storage.


Local Stores
 There's a certain Super Store I try to avoid as I have found their fabric to be cheap quality and yarn selection limited.  But I do like to frequent our local quilting shops and craft stores.  The materials can come at a higher price though.  So what are you to do on a small budget?  Or when your sense of justice won't let you spend top dollar on fabric?  Coupons and sales, people.  
Also check the clearance racks.  Especially if you only need a smaller piece of fabric.  You can get the ends of the bolt for a reduced price sometimes. 

Ticia Messing from Adventures in Mommydom recommends you  time the sales at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabric, and Michaels. She also noted that Hobby Lobby gives an extra 10% off for charitable purchases (school, churches, etc).  

 JoAnn fabric will give teachers, including homeschool teachers a discount.  And you can also get a student discount. 
We only have a JoAnn Fabric and Ben Franklin's here (it's Montana, what can I say)  but I recently found out that when you sign up for the JoAnn Fabric e-mails it allows you to load the coupons on your phone to use in the store.  So no forgetting your flyer on the counter as you rush to load your children and all of their accessories in the truck and get out the door.

I recently bought all of the fabric and supplies at JoAnn Fabric to make a purse as a gift for my sister-in-law.  And I didn't pay full-price for anything.  I found part of the fabric I needed on sale, picked up another portion out of the clearance section, used coupons for the buttons and thread and was even able to get another percentage taken off the fabric that was on sale due to a white thread on the brown fabric. The sales clerk was very helpful and tried to see if it was a loose thread that would pull out and when it wouldn't, offered to discount it more if I wanted the fabric.  Of course I did!  It doesn't hurt to ask about items with a small flaw, as long as your willing to work with it.  Although because I'm a space cadet sometimes, I forgot to cut around it.  But it's not super noticeable. Gives it character, right?  Oops...

So what would have cost me $38.79 at full price cost me only $16.51.  It also cost me an irritated baby who needed a nap and girls that were starting to climb the shelves because it did take some planning and comparing.  So just be aware that you may not walk in and find exactly what you need in five minutes! 

This is the project in progress.

Another tip is to sign up for local craft and fabric shop e-mails, newsletters and facebook pages.  That way you can keep an eye out for sales and coupons.  And classes!  Local shops tend to have some of the best classes for learning new skills. 

Fabric and Yarn Quality

Once you are on your way to the store with your list and coupons loaded, how do you make sure you are getting the good stuff? 

-Fabric

This short description of poor and good quality fabric is from http://www.patchwork-and-quilting.com

Poor quality fabric is thin, see-through and often has dull colors. The design may not be printed clearly and may overlap in areas. The fabric may be loosely woven or have "flaws" or "slubs" (irregularities) in the threads and often, will not sit "square". Cheaper fabric also has a tendency to shrink markedly when washed and patterns may become skewed and not correctly aligned.

Good quality fabric, on the other hand, will have a smooth and even weave, with no irregularities in the fibres. The cloth itself will be soft to handle, and not easily see-through. Printed patterns will be clear and crisp, without flaws.

I'm making this article on fabric selection mandatory reading for myself. I have read most of it, and have learned a lot!   I want to go back through it through and make a little reference page for myself. 

-Yarn
This is a fantastic article to help you choose quality yarn.  I mainly buy Lion Brand yarn because it's affordable and I've had good experience with it.  But I would like to branch out a little more and try some other brands.  The Lion Brand site has an extensive list of great patterns too!  You have to sign up in order to view them, but it's free.  I think almost everything I have knitted thus far has come from one of their patterns and I'm always happy with the way it turns out.

Buying Online
 
Like a trading ship that sails to faraway places...

I have never bought yarn or fabric online. But I thought I would share a couple of my favorite sites for sewing tutorials(a description of how to make a project without a store-bought pattern.) 

The first one is Sew4Home.  They have tons of home decor projects, some fun things to wear like scarves and aprons and stuffed toys.  I made this Funny Bunny from one of their tutorials. 

This is Benjamin.  Benjamin does not have eyes because he was made for our baby.

Another one I really like is Sew Mama Sew.  It has tutorials for things like home decor, children and adult's clothing, cloth diapers and toys.  I've made their Fold up and Snap Bib.  I don't have a picture of any of them though as I gave them all as gifts.

And the last one is This Mama Makes Stuff.  I made this He's All Boy cap for my son.  It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  I used material from one of my grandpa's old shirts and I love this cap!  It's so stinkin' cute...
All have great tutorials on learning new skills as well.


The following information is from recommendations that others have made on buying fabric or yarn online.

 Yarn 
I asked some fellow bloggers where they find their crafting materials. Laura Heinle from www.peaceoftheprairies.blogspot.com  has this to say about www.knitpicks.com. "They have some really good quality yarn at affordable prices. Their harmony wood needles are awesome too!"

I don't have experience with the following sites, but have seen them recommended multiple times.  I have them on my list of where to order from, and thought I'd share.

http://www.elann.com
http://www.gotyarn.com - This site has more specialty yarns.  They are still more expensive than some yarns, but if you are looking for a specialty yarn they do have some good sales.

Yarn Reviews:
One of the problems with buying online is you can't physically inspect the item before you commit to it.  One way to amend this is to read others experiences.
I found Knitter's Review especially helpful.  I am knitting washcloths and had seen that Lion Brand yarn had a Kitchen Cotton yarn available.  I wasn't sure why it was different, if it was worth buying specific yarn to make a washcloth with or if I could just use what I have left here at home.  Because of the review I was able to determine that while I think I will use up some of my yarn, when I need to buy more I will definitely be looking for this.

www.ravelry.com is another site you can get information from.  There are free patterns, yarn information, and you can shop for yarn and accessories.  It also has a lovely sense of community.

Fabric

Here's an article on 30 great places to buy fabric online that seems very helpful.  But like I said, I have no experience there.

Well I hope this has proved helpful.  If you have any experience you would be willing to share, I would love to hear from you.
Happy crafting!

Recipe: Our Favorite Dinner Roll

Aunt Debbie's Quick Rolls

I'm sharing my go-to roll recipe with you today.  My aunt Debbie has made them ever since I was a kid and we would have them at a lot of our family get-togethers.  They are so good with leftover ham and a nice grainy mustard or on Thanksgiving with a piece of turkey sandwiched inside and dipped into potatoes and gravy :)

It's a very versatile recipe too.  It makes the most tender, flavorful caramel rolls or can be used to wrap around hot dogs to make Pigs in a Blanket. (I'll share those recipes soon too.) 

It's not a "Quick Bread", but it doesn't necessarily need to be kneaded and the rising time is less than most recipes.

Without further ado...

Ingredients:

4 c. Flour

1 tsp Salt

1 1/2 c. Milk

1/4 c. Butter

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp Yeast

Directions:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add milk and *scald.  Let cool to warm, then add sugar and yeast. (I remove the milk from the saucepan to a large shallow bowl to help it cool faster.)

I a large mixing bowl combine 2 c.flour, salt and milk mixture.  Mix well, then add up to 2 cups more flour a little at a time.  Do not add all if you don't need it.   Knead or stir dough until well mixed (doesn't need as much kneading as a traditional bread recipe). 

Cover, let stand for 30 minutes.  

Pull off golf ball size pieces of dough and form into rolls.  I tried to explain how I make my rolls but it was too confusing.  So I'll take pictures next time I make them :)

Place rolls next to each other in a greased 9x13 pan and let rise for 15 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees Farenheit for 20-25 minutes or until browned.

Eat one right out of the oven with butter to make sure they taste ok.  

Enjoy!

* I don't know the technical definition for scalding the milk, but my aunt told me to heat it over medium heat until small bubbles form along the edges of the pan.  Do NOT boil. 

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner Review

I do so LOVE calendars and planners.  My life is very chaotic and it's so peaceful to sit down and assign all of that craziness to it's allotted time.

Thus, I was so excited to review a homeschool planner.  I haven't been able to afford a planner and I've been printing out planning pages. They work in a pinch...
 I also tried a planner I found  for $1 at Target but it didn't fit our Charlotte Mason schedule so it's cluttering up a shelf somewhere.

So when I recieved The Ultimate Homeschool Planner in the mail I was thrilled to browse through it right away.

It's designed by Debra Bell.  I had previously read her book The Ulitmate Guide to Homeschooling and got so much from that.  And this planner is just as helpful.

I received
The Ultimate Homeschool Planner($28)

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner

 The Ultimate Daily Planner for students ($19)
    featuring the Study-Smart Student Toolkit

Student Planner

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner

The part of the planner that I love the most is that there are articles right in the planner that tell you how to use it and what to do to get the most out of the planner.

There is information on Yearly, Monthly, Weekly Planning, Monday morning tutorials and Friday afternoon reviews. 

I started using the weekly planning in order to get a feel for the planner but I am really looking forward to having these great tools to plan school for next year.

Yearly
Tools:
-One-Year Planning Grid
-Student Goal Setter
-Family Priorities

This section gives you a broad overview of the year ahead.  Not just for school but any other commitments that might affect your school schedule.  Holidays, travel, new babies...
It also helps you establish Family Priorities so you are placing your homeschool focus in the right places.

Monthly
Tools:
-Monthly Planners
-Family Priorities form

This is a time of review to make sure your time spent is reflecting your priorities and a time to block out activities for the next month.  It's also a good time to make sure your overall plan is working and to make any necessary changes.

Weekly
Tools:
-Four-Page Weekly Planners
 
I had already been meaning to do a weekly review with my husband.  I think it will be good for the kids to know they will be required to share what they have learned that week and it will be nice for my husband to get a peek at what school was like for us that week.  Except... I kept forgetting to do it.   BUT, the planner has it built right in!  Their review isn't exactly what my review is as it includes a review of how time is being managed, success with tasks and if anyone is struggling with academic or character goals but I think it will merge nicely with my plan.  All of these together will help us plan for the next week.

Monday Morning Tutorial
Tools:
-This Week's Plan
-The Ultimate Daily Planner for Students (or teens)

I think this is a fantastic idea.  The purpose behind it is to
-Help each child develop time management skills.
-Clarify the week's assignments.
-Offer encouragement.
-Pray together.

This is such a great way to build independence while at the same time making sure that everyone is on track.  Initially your child will have their own The Ultimate Daily Planner for Students and will transfer their weekly plan from your planner to their own.  As they get older (teens) they will be able to take over responsibility for setting up their own weekly plan and you will only review it.
We aren't using the student planner yet and probably won't until maybe third grade at least.

Friday Afternoon Reviews
Tools:
-This Week's Plan
-The Ultimate Daily Planner for Students (or Teens)

I love this idea too!  It's a great way to provide accountability and encouragement and to provide feedback on how things are going.
This description from the book sums it up
"A quick weekly review, with everyone's planner in hand, should keep you  on top of how well your kids are managing their time, succeeding with tasks, or struggling to reach their academic or character goals.  This information will help you use next week's planning session effectively."

Conclusion
Now that I have had my hands on this planner, I think I will budget it into my school year.  I think that even though it costs more than printing out a weekly planning grid, it has so many important tools that make it worth buying.  I tend to get a little distracted and I think having these built in planning times will make a big difference in the consistency of our schooling.