06/08/2016

The Glass Castle {Book Review}

The Glass Castle {Shiloh Run Press Review}

The Glass Castle {Book Review}

We love to read books aloud as part of our afternoon homeschooling time. My family loved hearing The Glass Castle by Trisha White Priebe and Jerry B. Jenkins, a great Christian fiction for kids book, from Shiloh Run Press.
I read this book with two of my kids: B, age 11, and C, age 9. Because my 11-year-old has dyslexia he struggles with reading but really enjoys being read to. Although I’m not sure of the reading level for this book, I shared the reading with my 9-year-old who reads at about a 7th-grade level. She did really well with it, so I imagine the reading level was around 6th grade or less.

The kids and I really enjoyed reading this novel which features Avery, the main character who is kidnapped by a mysterious old lady, while walking through the woods with her brother on her thirteenth birthday. Later she is delivered to a castle which houses a large group of orphans that all have something in common with Avery – they are all 13.

We later find out that Avery’s mother had disappeared at some point and she was left with her father and younger brother. Her mother had taught her so much about the castle and the history of this mysterious place.

The book is filled with mystery and intrigue as we find out more and more about the castle and the King and soon to be new Queen who inhabits it. We are told that the King had been married years before to another Queen who had delivered him a son shortly before she and the child died. However, so much is left in the air, it is hard to know what is true and what is false in this fantastical story. We are left to wonder about the motives of the Queen, the knowledge of the King, the background of the old woman, and even the identity of some of the other children who are secretly living in the castle.

The book has its fair share of action and adventure, mystery, and philosophical questions about friendship, love, honor and right and wrong. My kids thoroughly enjoyed it and wished it hadn’t ended when it did! They are fully anticipating the second book in this serious, Ruby Moon, which comes out in October of this year!

My 11-year-old son, B, when asked what his favorite part of the book was, answered, “The part when Avery escapes from the castle, to only find her home occupied by a couple of strangers. I still wonder where the dad went and how they got into the house. I think the book is very interesting and I really want to get the next book!”

C, my 9-year-old daughter, really loved reading The Glass Castle, she said, “I think this book is very fun and I love reading it! It is the perfect level for me to read. I’m so excited to get to Ruby Moon and find out what happens next.”

My kids and I all consider this a mystery novel even though it is listed as an action – adventure. It also listed as good for ages 10-14 which I generally agree with, although, my 9-year-old also enjoyed it.

While this book is listed as Christian Fiction, there were only a few things that I believe that would set it apart from non-Christian literature. There were mentions of the main character reading her Bible and some good truths that she grew up with or thoughts she was pondering. In my opinion, it had a good message but I also wouldn’t think it contained anything overtly Christian, either. Spoiler alert: This book ended with a complete cliff hanger which had us all groaning but also excited to see what happens next. I only say this as a warning, because we were expecting some conclusion to the story which truly doesn’t happen at the end of this first book in the series. Overall, we were very happy with this book and it was a great addition to our homeschool reading hour.

To connect with Shiloh Run Press online please see the links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbourPublishing
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/barbourbuzz @BarbourBuzz

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06/06/2016

MaxScholar ~ MaxGuru Review

Do you have an older child who struggles with language arts? I do, and I know how much of a challenge it can be to find something that works for them but isn’t geared toward early elementary or even pre-k. I was thrilled to find about an online curriculum which is geared toward struggling readers. MaxScholar offers a variety of activities for students to improve reading skills with their MaxScholar Reading Intervention Programs.

We received MaxGuru as a one-year subscription for two of our kids. Our oldest son, A, has autism and global developmental delays. He struggled to learn to read, although he reads now at about late first-grade level. My second son, B, has dyslexia and so for very different reasons than our oldest, he also struggles with reading. He is reading on a late fourth or early fifth-grade level but still struggles with fluency. I was ecstatic to try this program.

What is MaxGuru?

MaxGuru MyMax is a digital online subscription website which includes 7 different sections under these headers: MaxPhonics, MaxReading, MaxWords, MaxVocab, MaxBios, MaxPlaces, and MaxMusic.

MaxPhonics – This part of the program is divided up into levels from easier to harder. It includes sections of blends, digraphs, short vowels. Each lesson has a visual, tactile and auditory component. The visual contains flashcards with letters and pictures, It also has a teacher (similar to a speech therapist) make the sound and shows their face as they say the sound. The tactile section allows the student to practice writing the letter with the mouse. The auditory part has a series of pictures that must be identified as starting the sound that the student is working on.

MaxReading – MaxReading asks the students to read a story made up of multiple paragraphs. Vocab words are highlighted and if clicked a small box pops up which acts like a dictionary to help the student. It includes information on the word, definition, uses in a sentence and synonyms. The next part allows the student to demonstrate their knowledge and comprehension by “highlighting” the topic, main idea, and important details. Next, students are asked to create a topic, ideas, and details in an outline of the story they have just read. Following this, they must complete a writing exercise. Lastly, there are several comprehension type questions which are multiple choice for the students to answer.

MaxWords has a section on Latin and Greek Roots. It also includes spelling rules and prefix/suffixes, types of syllables (for instance closed and open syllables)

MaxVocab focuses on the meaning of words and features a dictionary which goes along with stories that go with this program and some vocab learning games.

MaxPlaces looks really fun but for some reason, I didn’t appear to have access to it. I believe it has something to do with the level my kids were placed, but MaxPlaces is a huge map with multiple destinations – it appears that you should be able to click on them so that your child can learn more about those places.

MaxBios are a group of stories divided up into these seven segments: Entertainment, Fascinating Men, Amazing Women, Old School Musicians, Hip-Hop Artists, Business and Star Athletes. These categories each include about 10-20 high interests biographies about famous people that your student may want to learn more about.

MaxMusic – includes about 20 famous musicians from a variety of decades like The Beatles, Duke Ellington and more modern day hits like Adele and Coldplay. Once your student picks their favorite musicians they will be able to choose from a variety of songs that the musicians made famous. The games include having the student read the lyrics of the song, identifying verbs in the song, filling in the missing words, and even learning how to play the song on a pretend digital keyboard.

Our Thoughts?

My two sons used this for several weeks as part of their homeschool curriculum. We started off using the MaxReading feature with my 11-year-old son who has dyslexia. It proved to be too difficult for him to start with. We ended up switching him down to the MaxPhonics as a review for him. The MaxReading seemed to have too many components that were slightly above his reading level and it, at times, was too opened ended (like the highlighting of the main ideas and topics). He did fine at the phonics and enjoyed the MaxBios where he could learn more about important people throughout history. I’m excited about the MaxWords section because I want him to study the Latin and Greek roots and I’m thrilled that this is included in the program.

My 13-year-old son who has multiple developmental delay and autism did very well with the MaxPhonics and that seemed to be completely on his level and what he needs right now. He went through several sections of that and then for “fun” he enjoyed playing around with MaxMusic. He adores music from the 1960s – especially the Beatles. He enjoyed learning the lyrics and playing the melody on their digital keyboard. I think the MaxMusic would be a great asset to any child who struggles with language and reading but who loves music like my son does. Before he was even verbal, he could sing words to songs. Somehow, it seems that music taps into a different part of the brain than speaking and writing does and I think this part of the program could be hugely beneficial to kids who need some extra motivation to learn their words, vocab, and grammar.

My one flaw that I found is the gap between phonics and reading in this program seems large, to me. I wish there was the section between the phonics and the reading section for kids who aren’t quite at a higher reading level but who have also gone through the phonics program. However, even in my younger son’s case, though he doesn’t still study phonics in our homeschooling, it never hurts to review and to study the spelling rules again!

I think overall this is an excellent program for kids who need extra work in language arts and is especially good for older kids who might need more help on their level. So many times phonics programs are geared toward little kids and I think this fills a gap for kids who are older but still need help with reading and writing. If your children struggle with a learning disability like dyslexia, autism, or other delays in language check out MaxGuru – it might just be the thing you’ve been looking for.

To connect with MaxScholar online please see below: Facebook: MaxScholar, https://www.facebook.com/MaxScholarLLC/?fref=nf

Twitter: @MaxScholarLLC, https://twitter.com/MaxScholarLLC

Pintrest: MaxScholar LLC, https://www.pinterest.com/MaxScholarLLC/

Google+: MaxScholar, https://plus.google.com/+Maxscholar/posts

LinkedIn: MaxScholar, https://www.linkedin.com/company/2884620

YouTube: MaxScholar LLC, https://www.youtube.com/user/MaxScholarLLC

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06/05/2016

A Letter to the Church: Children Are a Blessing

A Letter to the Church: Children are a Blessing

Dear Church,

Stop. Just stop. I beg you. I implore you. Stop addressing pregnant women in a way which demeans them … in a way which makes them feel less than. Stop looking down on those who have made different decisions than you – or not. I write this because there is an epidemic in our culture of people not being happy for those who are expecting – not celebrating the life that was given them from our Father above. I write this because it is long past time this has been said.

I sit here typing this as a woman who has faced a form of negativity from the most random places: the church pew, a family friendly gathering, the choir loft, the family dinner. I sit here typing this as a woman who has heard the heartache of others as they share with me what their mom said, their grandmother, their father, their sister, their friend at the news that their family was growing. I know the growing trend of not sharing the news with some or many – sometimes until after the child is born – or until the pregnancy begins to be obvious. The reason? So many hurtful comments from those who should truly know better.

I have heard the jokes and the questions. I have felt the weight of not knowing how to share the news of a new child. I know the pain. So I beg you to stop. I wish to speak to your deepest compassion as I plead with you to stop. Stop joking about where babies come from. Stop asking if it was planned. Stop weighing the mom down with your own fears – your own uncertainties about your own life. Stop. None of us knows what she is going through. None of us know the stress she is under. Nobody knows the internal pain she, herself might be feeling. None of us know the unspeakable joy she might be feeling. Nobody knows the internal struggles or the prayer that came before the news of this child.

There is something greater than the fear, sadness, joy, excitement that this mother to be is feeling, however. There is a reason to rejoice despite our personal feelings. We rejoice because our Heavenly Father delights in these children. Our Lord loves the little children. Our God has given us these little children as true blessings. Do you realize that much of our culture has gotten this idea mixed up? Many think of blessings as a wealth & money, a huge house, a nice trip – but according to God, children are actually a blessing – a gift directly from the Lord. Yes, children are a blessing. I truly hope you can learn to view children as this. Somewhere along the line the church has been corrupted by the world’s view of children and we’ve been derailed ever since. When you show negativity toward a young mom, a new mom, an old mom, a mom of many, a mom with kids closely spaced, or a mom with a high needs child you give others a glimpse of your own heart. This is probably the saddest part of all – because we should be a reflection of Christ and by treating children as a burden you are anything but.

I beg you to think about this negativity – whether it comes out in jokes about birth control pills, arguments about family planning and timing, questioning the mother’s sanity, muffled comments under your breath, or small sarcastic jabs. Think about this verse from Matthew, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” Matthew 15:18

Let me tell you a secret. We moms, we long to hear kind words. We long to hear love. Many of us hope for a little compassion. The first trimester can be a strange mixture of happy – scared. Our emotions are all over the map and we just long for understanding, maybe a hug, an “it will be ok”, “I’m here for you,” some sentiment of excitement – maybe even a dash of enthusiasm. No matter the circumstance, if we just shared our secret with you, we will cling to your words and your understanding. We want to so badly for our child to be welcomed…for us to be understood…perhaps to be encouraged. We long for you to be in agreement with God that these children are a blessing.

It is shocking the things people think is ok to say to an expecting mom. It doesn’t only make me think less of humanity – it makes me wonder how so many claim to be the Bride of Christ and yet speak at times worse than the world. Please, do the next pregnant woman you meet a favor and greet them with love and kindness. Let it be your mission to overflow with encouragement, and to maybe even show the love of Christ.

Love,

A Sister in Christ

Check out these other posts:

For When You are Being Refined with Fire {Trials, Hope and Our Faith}

Study the Bible with Your Kids {Unseen: The Armor of God for Kids Bible Study}

My Interview with Dr. Charles Mully

Grace for Moms {When Staying at Home is Hard}

06/02/2016

Father’s Day Printable Worksheet for Kids

Father’s Day will be here before we know it. What better way to get the celebrations started than by having your kids fill in a little worksheet for their dad or grandpa? These could be placed in cards or even framed as a special little memory of this year’s Father’s Day! These are easily downloaded on our downloads page. Each one is a separate file (Dad) and (Grandpa) and you will need the password. If you need the password, see below:

06/01/2016

Hey Mama! Schoolhouse Planner {Review}

Hey Mama! Schoolhouse Planner 2016-2017 Review

I love planners. I’m sort of a planner fanatic – especially when it comes to organizing our homeschool. I recently found out about a new planner that is hot off the presses and just in time to start July 2016. I’m so excited to share all about the Hey Mama! Print Schoolhouse Planner 2016-2017, a new school planner from The Old Schoolhouse.

I recently received a copy of the print version of the Hey Mama! Schoolhouse Planner. I seriously think The Old Schoolhouse thought of everything with this awesome planner. It includes:

Yearly calendars going from 2016-2018
Full page monthly calendars from July 2016 through June 2017
Weekly planning grids on a two page spread with enough room for 7 subjects and 5 days of the week
An attendance chart replicated on 5 pages which includes 180 checkboxes
A homeschooling contact list which gives space for names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for important contacts.
There is also a 4-page book list (one per child) which allows room for the title, author, and date the books was completed. *I was told that the pages are able to be copied, so if you have more than 4 students who are reading, you may make extras.

I also noticed the curriculum planning sheet which includes lots of details including:

subject
curriculum
vendor
grade level
price
contact

There is also a place at the top of the page to tell which child the curriculum is for and what grade level they are. It should be noted that there is an allowance for 5 children who are using a curriculum (5 pages included).

There are also several lists for monthly goals, semester goals and year goals divided into goals into the following areas:

Educational
Spiritual
Physical
Personal Talents
Life Skills
Financial
Relational

Other features in the Hey Mama! Schoolhouse Planner that caught my eye:

A list of 36 writing prompts featured on a two page spread along with another two pages of story starters. These could easily be used for a variety of age ranges.
Helpful reminders and information like a page of the Thirteen Colonies by Date which includes important people, dates and other info like the original of the first settlers and the main religion of the colonies. There is also a huge amount of info on the branches of our government.
Lists like the timeline of invention, the US Presidents and their wives including years in office and the US States, Capitals, and the state abbreviations
The information in the back on how to create an academic transcript including a beautifully designed academic transcript template
One of my favorite parts is the checklist and “skills learned” worksheet in the back of this book!

This planner is definitely going to come in handy for me as I plan out my school year for next year. I will have 5 kids whom I am homeschooling: an 8th grader, 6th grader, 4th grader, and two in Kindergarten. I’m excited about getting started in planning our new school year. I love that even with the amount of kids I have, this planner still comes in handy in a huge way because of the amount of space provided for planning! It comes with a glossy laminated thick cover, metal spiral binding, and the pages are printed on very nice thick paper, as well. Also, it is priced really well, at $29! However, use code CREWCODE to snag this for $19 plus free shipping (until July 15th)! It’s every homeschooling mama’s dream!

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