Please note: Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my full disclosure statement.

You may find this post linked up with my awesome blogging friends at these Blog Parties. I hope you'll check out their blogs!

Saturday, October 31, 2015

November Scripture Prayer Calendar for Your Husband


I believe in the power of praying the Scriptures for my husband! As we head into November - a month that is all about being thankful, I want to encourage you to focus on all the ways you are thankful for your husband.

It's important we are intentional about the thoughts we think about our husbands. I know this to be a true statement because I've seen it too many times in the past where I have dug a deep pit with the negative thoughts I've let enter my mind concerning my husband. If you continue to let this thought pattern prevail in your mind, those thoughts will manifest into feelings that will have a negative impact on your marriage.

You can break the bad habit of negative thoughts toward your husband today! God tells us how in His Word.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ~Philippians 4:8

This Scripture verse transformed my thought patterns concerning my husband! Whenever thoughts try to enter my mind that do not line up with the truth of this verse, I have learned to quickly cast aside that thought and replace it with one of these traits above: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. I hope you will be encouraged to do the same.

Another habit that will help you to transform your thoughts concerning your husband is to pray for him. As I've said here before, even more than carrying the title of "husband", my husband is more importantly my brother in Christ and he needs my prayers.

When you begin to pray for your husband, you will see a change in your thoughts toward him.

When you see areas where he is struggling, instead of complaining or letting it create a division in your marriage, you will see specific areas to concentrate your prayers for him.

Here's the November Scripture Prayer Calendar for Your Husband. It is my prayer that you will print a copy of this marriage prayer calendar and place it within your home so that you will see it every day and pray the verse for your husband.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7LojdIBvPilOE44QlI5RHBoMFU/view?usp=sharing
Simply click on this image to download your Scripture Prayer Calendar for Your Husband

I promise you, you will begin to see a difference in your thoughts toward your husband. Your marriage will become stronger, and peace will come into your home. I've experienced it in my own marriage and home, and know God can do it for you and your marriage too.

Walking in His Grace, 
Laurie






Friday, October 30, 2015

Standard Deviants Accelerate Review

I love using online learning options in our homeschool as a way to put something exciting and different into our daily homeschool routine. Recently as part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I was selected to participate in a review of Standard Deviants Accelerate which offers online learning in these Homeschool Courses for your kids in grades 3-12:

  • Arithmetic (grades 3+)
  • Fundamental Math (grades 4+)
  • Earth Science (grades 6+)
  • Nutrition (grades 6+)
  • Biology (grades 7+)
  • Algebra (grades 7+)
  • Chemistry (grades 9+)
  • English Comp (grades 9+)
  • U.S. History (grades 9+)
  • AP Biology (grades 11+)
  • AP Chemistry (grades 11+)
  • AP U.S. History & Politics (grades 11+)
  • AP English Comp (grades 11+)


Standard Deviants Accelerate Review

Standard Deviants has been offering top notch educational videos for over 20 years in core subjects. They have taken their newest online educational videos and coupled them with lots of activities to create Standard Deviants Accelerate, the perfect curriculum supplement for your homeschool!

How We Used Standard Deviants Accelerate

I used a couple of the Homeschool Courses offered in Standard Deviants Accelerate in our homeschool with my son. Since he is delayed in math, I chose to focus on the Arithmetic and Fundamental Mathematics modules.

The Arithmetic module contains lessons on the following math concepts:

  • Whole Numbers and the Number Line
  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Multiplying Whole Numbers and Word Problems
  • Dividing Whole Numbers
  • Understanding Decimals
  • Understanding Fractions
  • Lines, Shapes, and Sizes
  • Measurement
  • Patterns and Graphs
  • Subject Review

There are 2-3 lessons for your student to complete under each concepts. Instructions are clearly noted at the top of the screen for each lesson.



You'll notice in the picture above that there are tabs listed at the top of the page.

The Video tab contains the teaching video and written transcript of the lesson. The entire lesson can be watched on the video which is great for a mom who doesn't feel strong teaching math to her kids.

The Vocab tab contains the vocabulary words from the lesson. The math vocabulary word definition is listed as well as a sound icon where the student can hear the word and definition.

Next is the Diagram tab where a math puzzle, etc. is given for your student to work.

The Quiz tab has the lesson's quiz for your student to complete. I love that these quizes are automatically graded for me! If your student misses a question, the correct answer is given in a video. There is a "see video" button that your student will press in order to see the correct answer and how to arrive at the correct answer.

The final tab is the Written Answer tab. Here a question is given relating to the theme of the lesson. Also listed under that main question is a couple of other writing prompt questions that you can have your student answer in written form. You can get a notebook for your student to keep these questions and answers in. 

The lessons are presented in both written and video format. You are given the option to print out the full transcript of the lesson too.



The setup I've described above is the same setup for Fundamental Mathematics. Lessons included in this math module were:
  • Beyond Multiplication and Division
  • Working with Fractions and Decimals
  • Measurements and Ratios
  • Angles, Polygons, and Circles
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • Gathering and Understanding Data
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Subject Review

The young adults that are used in the video lessons do a great job at presenting the lesson in a fun and engaging way. I love that we can go at our own pace too.

If you're looking for an online learning option for your homeschool to help out with teaching subjects that you don't feel comfortable teaching, then you need to check out Standard Deviants Accelerate.


You can follow Standard Deviants Accelerate on the following social media outlets:

You can read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.


Standard Deviants Accelerate Review


Crew Disclaimer

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner from Apologia

Apologia Educational Ministries is the number one publisher of creation-based science and Bible curriculum. In addition to Science and Bible, Apologia has learning resources for Language Arts, Geography, History, Civics and Preschool. Apologia also has planners, devotionals, and more to use in your homeschool.
Apologia Ultimate Homeschool Planner


As part of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I recently had the opportunity to do a review of The Ultimate Homeschool Planner - Blue Cover. It is a lovely planner created by Debra Bell, a best selling author of homeschooling books. This homeschool planner comes in three different color options: orange, yellow, and blue. This 52-week homeschool planner can be used for up to 6 children.


Apologia Ultimate Homeschool Planner

I received The Ultimate Homeschool Planner in the color of blue. I love it!

Here's all that you will enjoy in this homeschool planner as specified on the Apologia website:

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner for Moms includes:
  • Sturdy construction with convenient pockets and coated covers.
  • Six years of calendars for long-term planning
  • One-Year Planning Grid for the year ahead
  • Student Goal Setter pages to identify academic and character goals for each child
  • Family Priorities page to help you keep life in perspective
  • Resource List pages to track resources for up to six children
  • Two-page planning grid for each month
  • Special Notes for scheduling exceptions that break your routine
  • Wide margins to record prayers and answers to prayers
  • Scriptures for meditating on God’s faithfulness
  • Exclusive Lord’s Day feature for making God’s Word a central part of your plan
  • Maximum flexibility to organize for up to six children by day or subject
  • Memorable Moments and Evidences of Grace pages for recounting God’s activity in your life and home school
  • Pages to record grades for up to six children and six subjects
  • Reading List pages for up to six children
  • Field Trip and Outside Activities logHigh School Planning Grid with a sample plan
  • Year-End Review pages for reflection and next year’s planning
- See more at: http://www.apologia.com/planners/433-the-ultimate-homeschool-planner-blue-cover.html#sthash.N8EqQW46.dpuf
The Ultimate Homeschool Planner for Moms includes:
  • Sturdy construction with convenient pockets and coated covers.
  • Six years of calendars for long-term planning
  • One-Year Planning Grid for the year ahead
  • Student Goal Setter pages to identify academic and character goals for each child
  • Family Priorities page to help you keep life in perspective
  • Resource List pages to track resources for up to six children
  • Two-page planning grid for each month
  • Special Notes for scheduling exceptions that break your routine
  • Wide margins to record prayers and answers to prayers
  • Scriptures for meditating on God’s faithfulness
  • Exclusive Lord’s Day feature for making God’s Word a central part of your plan
  • Maximum flexibility to organize for up to six children by day or subject
  • Memorable Moments and Evidences of Grace pages for recounting God’s activity in your life and home school
  • Pages to record grades for up to six children and six subjects
  • Reading List pages for up to six children
  • Field Trip and Outside Activities logHigh School Planning Grid with a sample plan
  • Year-End Review pages for reflection and next year’s planning
- See more at: http://www.apologia.com/planners/433-the-ultimate-homeschool-planner-blue-cover.html#sthash.N8EqQW46.dpuf


"The Ultimate Homeschool Planner for Moms includes:
  • Sturdy construction with convenient pockets and coated covers.
  • Six years of calendars for long-term planning
  • One-Year Planning Grid for the year ahead
  • Student Goal Setter pages to identify academic and character goals for each child
  • Family Priorities page to help you keep life in perspective
  • Resource List pages to track resources for up to six children
  • Two-page planning grid for each month
  • Special Notes for scheduling exceptions that break your routine
  • Wide margins to record prayers and answers to prayers
  • Scriptures for meditating on God’s faithfulness
  • Exclusive Lord’s Day feature for making God’s Word a central part of your plan
  • Maximum flexibility to organize for up to six children by day or subject
  • Memorable Moments and Evidences of Grace pages for recounting God’s activity in your life and home school
  • Pages to record grades for up to six children and six subjects
  • Reading List pages for up to six children
  • Field Trip and Outside Activities log
  • High School Planning Grid with a sample plan 
  • Year-End Review pages for reflection and next year’s planning"



I enjoyed using the exclusive Lord's Day feature to start my day off right as my son's homeschool teacher. Setting my thoughts and heart in God's Word first thing each morning enables me to be the teacher my son needs for me to be and that God wants me to be. The Scriptures on God's faithfulness are encouraging to me as a homeschool mom on days that are tough.

I love planning our homeschool one month at a time in my Ultimate Homeschool Planner. I feel so organized and our homeschool is running smoothly since I've been using it. The pockets are nice to hold the worksheets that my son will use each day.

The name Ultimate Homeschool Planner fits perfectly as this is the ONLY planner you will need! It will be your go-to homeschool planner year after year.


You can connect with Apologia Educational Ministries on the following social media outlets:

You can read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.


Exploring Creation Field Trip Journal Review


Crew Disclaimer

Institute for Excellence in Writing Review

Institute for Excellence in Writing offers excellent resources for homeschooling parents to use with their kids in the four areas of language arts: listening, speaking, writing and reading.


IEW Phonetic Zoo

I'm excited to bring to you today this review for the Institute for Excellence in Writing Resource Set which includes the Timeline of Classics, Teaching with Games Set, and A Word Write Now.

IEW Resource Set Products



 IEW Phonetic Zoo
The Timeline of Classics: Historical Context for the Good and Great Books is a chronological index of the classics in world literature. I received the spiral bound version for this review, but it is also available for purchase as a PDF file. This resource will be a wonderful addition to your homeschool as it fits perfectly with many curriculum choices and teaching styles. It is suitable for all ages.

You will find inside a chronological listing of writings, biographies, plays, recordings and films that reveal a panoramic view of our world's history. All of this information is formatted as a spreadsheet with the following column listings: description/time period, title of resource, author and approximate age/ability level.

I love the fact that you can actually use this resource as a world history/literature study guide throughout your homeschooling years beginning at Elementary and ending at High School! Hours of research and planning have already been completed for you!


The timeline is divided into the following time periods of world history:
  • Ancients (5000 BC - AD 400)
    • Preflood and Postflood Civilizations
    • Egypt (3000 - 2000 BC)
    • Greece (3000 - 431 BC)
    • Rome (509 BC - AD 476)
    • Dark Ages (Europe, c. 300-900)
  • Middle Ages (AD 400 - 1450)
    • Vikings (Scandinavia, Europe, 793-1066)
    • European Military Expansion (1000-1450)
    • Crusades (1095 - c. 1250)
    • Renaissance Period in Italy (1300-1500)
  • Renaissance and Reformation (1450-1850)
    • European Exploration and Colonization (1400-1600)
    • Protestant Reformation (15th century, Europe)
    • Elizabethan Period (United Kingdom, 1558-1603)
    • The New World (1607-1860s)
    • Age of Enlightenment (18th century, Europe)
    • Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries)
    • Westward Expansion (America, c. 1841)
  • The Modern World (1850-present)
    • American Civil War (1861-1865)
    • Progressive Era (United States, 1880s-1920s)
    • Machine Age (1900-1945)
    • The Post-Modern Era (1939 WWII-present)
    • Cold War Period (1945-1991)
    • Atomic Age (after 1945)
    • Space Age (after 1957)
    • Information Age (1970+)
My son loves history, so we had a great time going through the different time periods and making our selections.

Teaching with Games Set is a fantastic way to get some fun in your child's daily learning! There are 25 game ideas for you to choose from. The recorded workshop gives you ideas on how to adapt the games to any subject in your homeschool. You can use these for any grade level too. There are two DVDS and one CD-ROM. DVD One has a running time of 70 minutes and DVD Two has a running time of 60 minutes.

We had a great time using the Wheel of Fortune game idea for my son's spelling words each week. It was a fun way for him to practice his spelling words.  We used the Pictionary game idea for things we were learning about in History.

Everything you need such as game instructions and a few printables are included.


 IEW Phonetic Zoo


A Word Write Now is a thematic thesaurus divided into organized word lists for character qualities and behavior traits. IEW has also divided the word lists even more by parts of speech. Each category of words are color coded by nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs. There's even a section for students to add their own words. It's 100 pages in full color and is spiral bound.

There are four sections of A Word Write Now:
  1. Section A: Character Traits
  2. Section B: Descriptive Words
  3. Section C: Words for Movement and the Senses
  4. Section D: Appendix
This is a great tool that's easy for my son to use. He has had trouble in the past with coming up with a variety of words for his writing assignments. A Word Write Now has been a welcome addition to our homeschool!  



IEW Phonetic Zoo


We have thoroughly enjoyed using these learning resources from IEW! They'll make a great addition to your homeschool too!

You can connect with the Institute for Excellence in Writing on the following social media outlets:

You can read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.


IEW Review


Crew Disclaimer

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Koru Naturals Review

Koru Naturals has been bringing the beauty of New Zealand to the United States since 2002 through their line of products that highlight natural substances. Their symbol is the koru, a Maori name given to the newborn, unfurling fern which symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace. Koru Naturals has a no animal testing policy and requires that all of their suppliers certify that their products are not tested on animals. 

Koru Naturals Review

I've reviewed Koru Natural products in the past with the Schoolhouse Review Crew, so when the opportunity came again to participate in another review of selected products, I eagerly signed up to be a part of this review. I received the following products for my review of Koru Naturals: Skin Clear Cream, Manuka Honey Propolis Soap, Emu Oil Shampoo and Emu Oil Leave-in Conditioner. I'm excited to share with you today my experience of using these all natural products!


My Experience with Products from Koru Naturals

So when my package arrived from Koru Naturals I quickly opened it and began perusing each product container and opening up everything so I could smell each one. Here is a picture of each product. I love the product packaging and appreciate the careful attention given to even this small, but important aspect of the products of Koru Naturals.


Koru Naturals Review


Skin Clear Creme is ideal for acne-prone skinned, which I don't have, but it was a nice moisturizer for my face and neck area. I applied Skin Clear Creme to my face and neck in the morning and again at night. The results have been nice, moisturized skin that is soft to the touch.



Koru Naturals Review


Manuka Honey Propolis Soap comes in packaging so cute that I didn't want to open it! But you know I did and let me tell you, I love this all natural soap! It lathered up so beautifully and very quickly too I should add. It smells so good! Made with Manuka honey from the bee hive and Propolis, both of which are known for their natural intense moisturizing and skin protective qualities, I highly recommend this nourishing soap! My skin feels so smooth and soft after using Manuka Honey Propolis Soap.


http://www.korunaturals.com/proddetail.php?prod=EMU-SC

Emu Oil Shampoo and Emu Oil Leave-in Conditioner are both designed specifically for damaged hair. The Emu Oil Shampoo comes in an 8 fl. oz. bottle, and the Emu Oil Leave-in Conditioner comes in a 4 fl. oz. bottle. I have a love/hate relationship with my hair and was excited to try these two all natural hair products. The leave-in conditioner was very nice. The first time I used way too much though and my hair looked greasy. So the next day, I just sprayed small amounts in the palm of my hands and rubbed it through portions of my hair and was able to easily brush through my hair. My hair is long and thick, so I was happy with how the leave-in conditioner worked. You won't get a lot of suds with the shampoo because there are no artificial ingredients in this all natural shampoo. It took some getting used to, but knowing that my hair was getting cleaned and properly cared for was well worth it. Overall, my hair looked and felt healthy after using the Emu Oil Shampoo and Emu Oil Leave-in Conditioner.

All Natural Shampoo and Leave-in Conditioner


You can follow Koru Naturals to keep up with all the natural products they continue to add to their selections on the following social media outlets:


Read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.


Koru Naturals Review


Crew Disclaimer

Thursday, October 15, 2015

FishFlix.com ~ Your One-Stop Source for Christian Movies

FishFlix.com offers quality Christian DVDs that you can enjoy watching with your whole family! As a team member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I recently had the opportunity to select a DVD from FishFlix.com and watch it with my family. I chose Faith of Our Fathers for this review.

FishFlix.com Review no 2



Faith of Our Fathers DVD

My 15 year old son is very interested in history, and more specifically, the history of wars. Naturally I chose for my review the Faith of Our Fathers DVD because I knew it would be something that he would enjoy watching since it was about fathers who served together in the Vietnam War.

Here's the movie's description from Fishflix.com:

"With the Vietnam War raging in 1969, two young fathers report for duty.  A man of great faith and a doubtful cynic.  About 25 years later, their sons, Wayne and John Paul played by David A.R. White and Kevin Downes, meet as strangers.  Guided by handwritten letters from their fathers from the battlefield, they embark on an unforgettable journey to The Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Along the way, they discover that the devastation of war cannot break the love of two fathers and their sons."

I was interested in watching this movie too because my Dad was a Vietnam veteran. He never talked to me about his experience in the Vietnam War expect for one time in my adult life. He told me his coming home story and I'll never forget it. My Dad suffered from nightmares and PTSD as a result of fighting in the Vietnam War. His sacrifice and service to our country is what makes him my ultimate hero.



FishFlix.com Review no 2


The main characters of Faith of Our Fathers are John Paul and Wayne. Their fathers were friends who served and died in the Vietnam War. John Paul finds a letter from his dad as he is going through some of his mom's boxes. Since John Paul doesn't know much about his father, he sets out to find the man mentioned in his father's letters in hopes of learning more about his father. He finds the man's son, Wayne. John Paul is a man of faith, and Wayne is a very angry and cynical man. Together they travel to Washington, DC to visit The Wall. As they make the journey, they read the letters sent home during the war from Wayne's father. It's through these letters that John Paul and Wayne get to know their fathers. They also learn through the letters what faith is all about.

If there are any Duck Dynasty fans out there, Si Robertson has a brief part in this movie! Be ready to laugh and cry while you watch Faith of our Fathers. In case you're wondering, the movie is rated PG-13 for brief war violence.

My Opinion of FishFlix.com

Fishflix.com is an online Christian movie store that has a great variety of movie selections that are safe for your whole family! There's not much available these days on T.V. or in the movie theater for a Christian family. I'm so glad to have FishFlix.com as a resource for family friendly entertainment! If you've never heard of them, I highly recommend heading over to their website and taking a look at all they have to offer! You will not be disappointed! FishFlix.com might even become your one-stop source for Christian movies!

Be sure to follow FishFlix.com on the following social media outlets so you can get their updates:


Read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.

FishFlix.com Review No 2


Crew Disclaimer

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Literature Study Guides with a Christian Perspective

Progeny Press offers literature study guides with a Christian perspective for your homeschool. When the Schoolhouse Review Crew recently had the opportunity to review their selection of literature study guides, I chose the Stone Fox downloadable digital study guide for grades 3-5 to use with my son in our homeschool.


Progeny Press Review

Each Progeny Press study guide is designed to help your student enjoy the literature they read by understanding how the story is crafted and helping them think through the ideas and themes presented in the story.

It is recommended that your student has access to a dictionary, a thesaurus, and a Bible while working through their literature study guide. At times, they may also need access to the Internet, a topical Bible or concordance.

You will need to visit your local library to check out the novel book or you can purchase it at your favorite bookstore.

Literature study guides are available for digital download for the following grades:
  • Lower Elementary (Grades K-3)
  • Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)
  • Middle School (Grades 5-8)
  • High School (Grades 8-12)


You can follow Progeny Press on the following social media outlets:
 

Literature Study Guide for Stone Fox

You will find the following pages included in the literature study guide for Stone Fox:
  • Study Guide Authors
  • Peer Review Panel
  • Note to Instructor (that's you!)
  • Synopsis
  • About the Novel's Author
  • Background Information
  • Ideas for Pre-reading Activities
  • Breakdown of Chapters
    • Chapters 1-2
    • Chapters 3-4
    • Chapters 5-6
    • Chapters 7-8
    • Chapters 9-10
  • Overview
  • Review Puzzle Race
  • Essays and Projects
  • Ideas for Post-reading Activities
  • Related Resources
  • Answer Key (located in a separate file)

Progeny Press Review

It's recommended you take 8-12 weeks to complete a study guide doing one page per day. Your student will be able to complete 3 to 4 literature study guides per year going at this suggested pace. The elementary guides will not take as long to complete.

Concerning high school credits, most Christian high schools have given a 1/4 credit for each literature study guide.

Ideas for pre-reading activities include:
  • Map Work
  • Research
Each chapter of the literature study guide has worksheets that include:
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension Questions
  • Thinking About the Story Questions
  • Dig Deeper Questions
  • Bible Scriptures
  • Go Figure (Math word problems)

You can view a sample of this literature study guide on the Progeny Press website.


My Opinion of Progeny Press

I really like the interactive literature study guides from Progeny Press! I love that your student can type their answers into the PDF file and save their work along the way. This is great if you have a boy like mine who doesn't like to write. It's also great that I can go in and check his work when I'm ready, and I can type in my comments about his work and grade it right there in the file! This makes for less paper clutter in our homeschool which is a big plus!

There are some pages that we needed to print in order for my son to complete. The pages you need to print in the study guide are clearly marked with a highlighted notation.

Most of all, I love that the literature study guides from Progeny Press are written from a Christian perspective! Their mission statement is:
"To teach our children to think clearly, to understand literature, and to rely on the Scripture for truth and values, and enjoy themselves while they do it."

My son loved the story, Stone Fox! This is the story of Willy and Searchlight, a boy and his dog who enter a dog sledding race in hopes to save Grandfather's farm with the prize money from the sledding race. The only problem is Willy is racing against Stone Fox - an Indian who has never lost.

If you are looking for literature study guides with a Christian perspective, I highly recommend Progeny Press for your homeschool!



Read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.


Progeny Press Review





Crew Disclaimer

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

It's Time for the Making Your Home a Haven Challenge

If you've been here for long, then you know that every year around this time, I join Courtney Joseph over at Women Living Well for her annual Making Your Home a Haven challenge.

I'm excited to announce that it's time again for the making your home a haven challenge!

Making Your Home a Haven


This week for Week 1 we are to light an extra large candle in our home every day. Like Courtney, I have placed my candle in my kitchen. It's on my kitchen table as you see in the picture above. I got a great deal on my candle with a coupon from Yankee Candle for a buy one get one free! I gave the other extra large candle to my daughter who is doing the Making Your Home a Haven challenge with me this year. I'm so excited that we are doing this together! I hope you'll join me too!

This week we are praying to live out the fruit of the Spirit of peace and patience in our homes.

Each time the light of the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace and patience in your home.

Peace and patience.

Many times, at least for me, my peace is threatened when my patience is running thin. Do you ever have those kind of days? I have to admit that most of the time it is because I have put too much on my "to do" list. God is really dealing with my heart on this issue lately.

Sometimes we can be doing so much that we lose the joy in the midst of the doing. I'm learning that we need margins in our lives - and marked boundaries - and that it's okay to say no in order to experience peace and patience in my home.

So as I sit here typing this blog post, I can glance over at my kitchen table and see the burning flame of my candle and in my heart I say a prayer for peace and patience.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that in order to have peace and patience in my home it begins in me. Help me to remember that I am the key ingredient to making my home a haven for my family. Give me wisdom in how to use my time wisely so that I'm not impatient with those I love. If there are things in my life that I need to let go of - even if they're good things - help me to do that in order to create margins in my life so that peace and patience can be a natural fruit of the Spirit flowing from my life and into my home. I humbly ask these things in the gracious name of Jesus. Amen!


Join me here again next Wednesday for Week 2 of Making Your Home a Haven! May you and your family experience the peace and patience of the Holy Spirit in your home this week!


Walking in His Grace, 
Laurie




Each week, I am blessed to be able to link-up with the following awesome blogs. While you're here at Grace-Filled-Moments, please take some time to visit my blogging friends listed below.
Tuesday: Time-Warp Wife Titus 2sDay, Hip Homeschool Moms, F. Dean Hackett ~ Tell It To Me Tuesdays
Wednesday: A Little R&R, Messy Marriage, Mom's Morning Coffee, Soul Survivor, Wholehearted Home
Thursday:  Hearts for Home, I Choose Joy, The Evolution of Mom
Friday:  A Divine Encounter, Missional Women, Women Living Well, home of Good Morning Girls

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

ASD Reading - An Online Reading Program for Austism Spectrum Disorder

Reading Kingdom Review

Reading Kingdom is an online program that teaches your children in the following six areas of Reading:

1. Phonics (Sounds)
2. Sequencing
3. Writing
4. Meaning
5. Grammar
6. Comprehension



For this review, I was given ASD Reading (Autism Spectrum Disorder Reading) to use for a year with my son who is on the autism spectrum with Asperger's Syndrome. This fun and easy to use online reading program teaches students with Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) how to read, write, and comprehend.

Based on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Marion Blank, ASD Reading is unique in that it offers instruction methods that you don't find in other programs.
  • It requires no prerequisite skills (even non-verbal children can use this program).
  • Graphics, audio, and animation are used extensively in order to reinforce meaning.
  • Written and spoken language are linked together so that one mirrors and reinforces the other.
  • Instruction is customized so that it adapts to each child's specific needs and skills.
  • A child's skills are systematically assessed helping them to overcome difficulties and error patterns.


"ASD Reading is based on the groundbreaking work of Dr. Marion Blank, a world-renowned literacy and language expert who developed and served as Co-Director of the Columbia University Developmental Neuropsychiatry Program for Autism and Related Disorders."


About ASD Reading


ASD Reading is a completely online reading program. You will need a computer with a mouse or a tablet. You will also need an internet connection.

The lessons are short enough to complete in one session. You also have the option to pause the lesson if needed. Once the lesson is completed, your child has the option to continue on to the next lesson or stop for the day.

Reading Program for Austism Spectrum Disorder
At this screen, your child can continue on to the next lesson or stop for the day.

The dashboard enables parents to see each child using the program, the subscription status, when the child last used the program, how many days per week the program was used, their current level within ASD Reading, and the percentage completed on the level they are on.

Reading Program for Austism Spectrum Disorder



Throughout the ASD Reading Program, your child can score points that will open up their passport. There are 5 different levels in the program which your child will work through. Stars are placed on the passport as points are earned for their completed work.

Reading Program for Austism Spectrum Disorder


How To Use ASD Reading

The first thing your child will do when starting the ASD Reading Program is take a placement test. They are placed in the reading program at their level according to the results of the placement test. Once the placement test is completed, assignments are generated and ready for your child to use.

Until your child becomes familiar with how the program works, you'll want to supervise them when they are using ASD Reading.

To ensure success with ASD Reading, it is suggested that your child uses the program at least 4 days a week.


My Opinion of ASD Reading


One of the wonderful things about this reading program is the clear instructions given along the way. My son was able to use ASD Reading without my help. Also, I loved the encouraging sounds and phrases spoken that were very motivating for my son. The lessons have colorful pictures that are fun and engaging. It keeps his attention which can be hard to do.

Overall, I am very happy with ASD Reading! I appreciate the progress reports I receive in my email that let me know if my son needs my attention for anything he's struggling with. There is also the dashboard where I can go anytime to get an update on my son's progress within the program and how he is doing.

If you have a child on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, I highly recommend taking a look in ASD Reading. You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial. They also have a Scholarship Program for families who cannot afford to pay for the program that will allow you to use it for free with your child. You will need to sign up first for the 30-day trial and use it with your child for a minimum of 4 days per week for 3 weeks, then you can fill out their form for the Scholarship Program that is on their website.


You can connect with Reading Kingdom on the following social media outlets:


You can read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew simply by clicking on the image below.


Reading Kingdom Review





Crew Disclaimer

Monday, October 5, 2015

A Look Inside the Life of Fred Language Arts

Life of Fred is a fictional narrative that introduces students to essential concepts in a fun and easy way. Kids really love reading the Fred books. The Language Arts Series covers concepts on spelling, grammar, punctuation and more.


Life of Fred Language Arts - Educents Blog

This series is best suited for middle school and high school students. The books can be re-read once every year to ensure total comprehension of all the concepts covered. Lessons include the seven parts of speech, punctuation, spelling, similes, silent letters, and so much more.  

Why these books WORK:
  • Language Arts concepts are weaved throughout a fictional narrative about Fred, the 5-year-old math prodigy. The books read like storybooks, but have meaningful lessons embedded within the stories.
  • Every chapter is a daily lesson that only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to read and complete.
  • At the end of every chapter, there is an opportunity for students to practice the concepts covered during Fred’s adventure.
  • The Language Arts Series can be re-read once a year to keep concepts fresh in students’ minds.
  • Kids want to actually read these books - they are so fun!

Take a Look Inside Life of Fred Language Arts  

What customers are saying about the Life of Fred Language Arts Series:  

"This is a wonderful series. While it is presented in a silly, quirky manner it has a good coverage of grammar, and then some. It is an engaging story that helps you relate what you are learning to 'real' life." - Educents customer  

"My kids love this series. We started with Elementary Math and have used Fred for our entire schooling. Hands down, the best curriculum we have found." -Christian  


The Life of Fred Language Arts Series includes four titles: Australia, Begin Teaching, Classes, and Dreams

Life of Fred Language Arts Books - Educents

Here are a few examples of the concepts covered in each book. 

In Life of Fred: Australia, students will learn…
  • The difference between a hemistich and heteronym 
  • What these abbreviations mean: p.s. ps ps. and Ps. 
  • How to experience two summers and no winters each year 

Life of Fred - respond to the story Educents Blog


In Life of Fred: Begin Teaching, students will learn…
  • The uses of 12 tenses in English 
  • The 16 ways to make plurals 
  • Why “since” is a dangerous word 

In Life of Fred: Classes, students will learn…
  • The six rules for hyphenating compound adjectives 
  • How the three moods in English are used 
  • The four uses of italics 

In Life of Fred: Dreams, students will learn…
  • The three uses of a dash 
  • How to pronounce “viz” 
  • The difference between metaphor and metonymy 

Check out the Language Arts books and the entire Life of Fred collection offered at the best price on Educents!


Do your kids love Life of Fred? Have you gotten the Life of Fred Language Arts for your homeschool? Get the entire collection for the best price at Educents the entire month of October!


Walking in His Grace, 
Laurie



Each week, I am blessed to be able to link-up with the following awesome blogs. While you're here at Grace-Filled-Moments, please take some time to visit my blogging friends listed below.
Tuesday: F. Dean Hackett ~ Tell It To Me Tuesday, Time-Warp Wife Titus 2sDay, Hip Homeschool Moms
Wednesday: A Little R&R, Messy Marriage, Mom's Morning Coffee, Soul Survivor, Wholehearted Home
Thursday:  Hearts for Home, I Choose Joy, The Evolution of Mom
Friday:  A Divine Encounter, Missional Women, Women Living Well, home of Good Morning Girls


Breast Cancer Awareness for Kids {Free Printable!}

Happy October! Did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Take a day or two this month to incorporate some very pink lessons! Check out this "Think Pink" freebie from Sweet Integrations. It includes pink-themed activities like Piggy Bank, Strawberry Ice Cream Addition, Place Value Selfies, and more! Whether breast cancer has impacted your kids' life from a friend or a family member, or not at all, it's important to start a conversation about this disease. What happens to someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer? What are healthy choices to prevent your kids from getting breast cancer? Gets tips from a mom on having a conversation about breast cancer with kids here: How to Talks to Kids About Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Susan G. Komen is another amazing resource that organizes fundraisers and raises awareness about breast cancer. There are countless stories from survivors on the Susan G. Komen website. Let these stories inspire you and your children! If you need reading resources about kids and cancer, especially breast cancer, you can read The Lemonade Club by Patricia Polacco, and Mom Goes To War by Irene Aparici Martín. These are excellent books about kids that are helping friends and mothers battling cancer.  

How do you talk to your children about breast cancer? Are they aware of the disease and its impact? Share with me in the comments!


Walking in His Grace, 
Laurie



Each week, I am blessed to be able to link-up with the following awesome blogs. While you're here at Grace-Filled-Moments, please take some time to visit my blogging friends listed below.
Tuesday: F. Dean Hackett ~ Tell It To Me Tuesday, Time-Warp Wife Titus 2sDay, Hip Homeschool Moms
Wednesday: A Little R&R, Messy Marriage, Mom's Morning Coffee, Soul Survivor, Wholehearted Home
Thursday:  Hearts for Home, I Choose Joy, The Evolution of Mom
Friday:  A Divine Encounter, Missional Women, Women Living Well, home of Good Morning Girls