A+ Tutorsoft Kindle Fire Giveaway

I am so excited to be taking part in such a wonderful giveaway.  A+ Interactive Math is an amazing math curriculum that we used in our homeschool this past year.  You can read my review here.

A+ Interactive Math by TutorSoft Inc. is giving away a Kindle Fire to celebrate the launch of their brand new website. The Kindle Fire will be loaded with 8 different A+ Interactive Math eBooks for a value of almost $300 total! Kindle Fire is also compatible with the hundreds of A+ worksheets, so you can take math on the go.

Here is what some of the Ebooks look like that will be on the Kindle:

The new website, launching this week, promises a whole new look and feel offering a brand new A+ math experience. The site launch is only a portion of the exciting new changes coming from A+ Interactive Math. There are new programs, books, eBooks & more options coming to help every homeschool family afford a top of the line math curriculum.

The A+ Homeschool blog has recently launched, and although A+ is a Math Curriculum company, the blog serves to support and inform homeschoolers with freebies, deals and news to make their homeschool journey a great one.

This giveaway promotion sponsored by A+ Interactive Math, will run from Aug. 12 – Aug. 16 ending with an incredible Facebook party on the A+ Facebook page. There will be exciting door prizes for everyone who attends, as well as over $1000 in fantastic homeschool giveaways.

Sponsors include: A+ , Master Books, EEME, Winter’s Promise, Founders Academy, How to be Homeschooled, Tangram Chess, Kathy Lee – Homegrown Preschooler, HEDUA, CurrClick, AJTL lapbooks, Family Time Fitness, Educents, Brimwood Press, Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett, Heritage History, Creating a Masterpiece, & Bright Ideas Press and more!

Please visit the new website A+ Interactive Math and leave a comment below sharing your thoughts on the new design, or about a product that interests you.

Use discount code at checkout to get 20% off!  :-)

*the only product not included is the workbooks in printed format

Enter to win the Kindle Fire loaded with cool math eBooks through the following Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up August 9

Last Saturday was our 17th wedding anniversary.  We went out for a nice dinner.

The house was decorated with all kinds of homemade signs

Since we got in late on Saturday, Sunday night, we celebrated with a cake

This has been a good and busy week and a busy blogging week, as well.  I participated with 89 other bloggers in the "5 Days of..." series.  The posts have been encouraging and full of wonderful information and ideas on about every topic imaginable.  If you haven't seen my posts, "5 Days of Eclectic Homeschool," you can click on the links below:

For Day 1, "What is an Eclectic Homeschool?" click here.
For Day 2, "Lapbooking" click here.
For Day 3, "Field Trips" click here.
For Day 4, "Physical Education" click here
For Day 5, "Giving Service" clilck here.

The kiddos have gotten lots of outdoor time riding their bikes and swimming.  It is finally sinking in that the summer is coming to an end.  :-(  We do have our beach vacation to look forward to on the 17th, which will be a lot of fun.  I promise lots of vacation pics.  The kids are planning non-stop about how they are going to swim, fish, boat, etc.  Should be a good (and tiring!) time.

Of course the week wouldn't be complete with some kind of baking going on around here.  Kiddo #4 made us all peanut butter cookies (only she can make baking soda look so nice!)

and I made everyone my chocolate chip banana bread.  You can find the recipe here, on Try a New Recipe Tuesday.  It was literally gone by afternoon.  :-)

Isn't it wonderful when kids find something stashed away in a closet that they had forgotten all about? My boys found a dinosaur dig kit and had a lot of fun working with it.  I love how Kiddo #1 helped Kiddo #3 with it and made it a collaborative project.  :-)

Tonight (Friday) they are going to be "performing" their own version of "Tortoise and the Hare" for us.  They made their own costumes and wrote their own script all afternoon.  Cute.  I love creativity, don't you?  It is awesome how the teenagers were helping and encouraging their younger brother and sister, too.  Here is a picture of the "tortoise" and "hare" during dress rehearsal.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  God bless!  :-)

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party

5 Days of Eclectic Homeschool- Day 5

Wow, it is the last day of the series!  I hope you have enjoyed taking a brief look at how our "Eclectic Homeschool" works.  I think the most important aspect I could ever stress is that every child is different, so every child's education should be different.  I do not believe that any "school in a box" will work.  The math program that works for "Child A," for example, may not work for "Child B."  It doesn't make something wrong with "Child B;" it just means that he or she may learn differently.  And that is ok.  It is more than ok.  It is normal.  And to pretend that those innate differences do not exist is not only foolish, but is sacrificing our children's education.  It is critical for a parent/teacher to know how each of their children learns, whether they be visual, auditory, tactile learners or a combination of one or more of them.  Is it easy to design a unique and individual educational plan for 4 children?  No, far from it.  But, I do not believe I would be doing my children any justice if I didn't.

The last aspect of our eclectic homeschool that I would like to share this week is giving service.  I believe this should be a very important part of any child's character development and Christian worldview.  It is a very important part of our homeschool and our lives.  Christ taught us that He didn't come to this world to be served, but to serve.  What an important life lesson for all of us, whether in our homes or in our communities.

As my children grow older, I am sure that our service opportunities will grow even more, but at this point, we have really focused on being active and helpful members of our church community.  My older two boys volunteer as office runners and assistants with our education program, where I am a teacher.  My older son has helped with funerals and weddings and our daughter and her youth group have done numerous acts of service, ranging from setting up for special programs, visitng the homebound and helping with baptisms.  My husband and I are on the planning committee for our family retreat.  All four children help with the fundraisers that offset the costs.  We setup for our flea markets (which is no small task) and work at the registration tables each year at the retreat.

There are so many ways to give service and encourage a servant's heart in our children.  It can be through your church community or in your neighborhood.  There are no shortage of food pantries that need help or donations.  Homeless or women's shelters are always looking for toiletries or small household items.  Even the act of gathering up unwanted or no longer used toys and books for a local preschool encourages the act of giving in young people.  Children at our church have made cards and placemats for residents in nursing homes and have sent letters to servicemen and women who are far away from home fighting for our freedom.  This is a wonderful and inexpensive way to brighten someone's day.  It doesn't have to be costly to be meaningful or even life-changing.  And this applies daily in our home, as well.  Giving service, just like going to church, shouldn't be something that is scheduled for one day a week and then we can feel like "we have done our part."  We must live it.  It must be a part of everything we do, all day, everyday.  I encourage my children to be of service and service minded everyday.

Encouraging our children to pray for those less fortunate or for those who lives are in harm's way and for each other is probably the greatest gift that we can ever offer and it doesn't cost a penny.  And what a beautiful example we are setting for our children and hopefully paving the way for a lifetime of being of service to and thinking of others.

I hope that this series has been helpful and encourging to you.  I have enjoyed writing it and reading all of the other posts that have been shared this week.  It has been a privilege to take part.

To see Day 1: What is an Eclectic Homeschool click here.
To see Day 2: Lapbooking in an Eclectic Homeschool chick here.
To see Day 3: Field trips in an Eclectic Homeschool click here.
To see Day 4: The importance of Physical Fitness in an Eclectic Homeschool click here.

There is one day remaining in our Kindle Fire HD giveaway.  Have you entered?  Click here.

TOS Review- The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Today I am reviewing The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder from Dean Butler of Legacy Documentaries.

You may remember Dean Butler from his days portraying Almanzo Wilder on "Little House on the Prairie."  The role so impacted his life that he has developed, narrated and directed this documentary and others.  In fact, included in the bonus featuresis the "Director's Diary" where he discusses behind the scenes facts and how the documentary was made.  There are also trailers of two other documentaries entitled "Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura" and "Pa's Fiddle."

We loved this documentary!  The 55 minutes goes by so quickly!  I am delighted that my children were as interested as I was watching the film.  I grew up with "Little House on the Prairie" every week on TV.  My children loved all of the books that we have read so far.  The Ingalls family, their struggles and triumphs continue to inspire and encourage a new generation of boys and girls alike.

"The Legacy of Laura" uses a combination of life reenactments and illustrations from the books to separate the fact from fiction of the Ingalls and Wilder families' lives.  Beyond the scope of the TV series or even the books, the documentary tells of Laura's writing and how she came to write the books in addition to what the early years of Laura and Almanzo's marriage were like.  All of it was filmed on location and was visually stunning.  It was wonderful to see the real places where Laura and her family lived and worked, as well as where Almanzo and Laura had their long married life together. (and what a sweet and touching love story I learned it was!)

Documentaries can be dry or boring, but this one kept all of my kiddos' attention.  I think this was due in part to the references made to the books.  I heard "I remember that one," or "I liked that part" many times!  :-)

I learned SO much, not only about unknown facts from Laura's life and writing, but of the impact of her writing.  I had no idea that "The Long Winter" was translated into Japanese so they could better understand our values and culture after WWII or that their only child, a daughter Rose, became an accomplished writer herself.

I was brought to tears many times during the documentary, not only from memories of a story that was such an important part of my childhood and now part of my children's lives, but one of love, dedication and hard-work.  This story is one of a family facing adversity with optimism, promise and an unwavering faith.  These are the morals and values that helped make our country great; it is wonderful that we can continue to pass down Laura's memories for generations to come. Her words and legacy can inspire us to strive to always be honest, caring, hard-working people who value family, friends and faith.  This is truly a part of our history, that if learned well, we should be proud to repeat.

The film is available for $24.95 and is intended for the entire family.

You can see a preview here.  I know your family will love it as much as mine did!  :-)

5 Days of Eclectic Homeschooling- Day 4

Another very important element in our eclectic homeschool is physical activity.  Physical activity is so very critical in a child's development.  In fact, I saw on a documentary recently that in Finland, whose children score significantly higher than ours in ALL areas tested, requires children to have physical activity after every one or two classes during their school day.  You read that right.  Physical activity EVERY hour or so EVERY day for all ages including high school. (they also don't teach to the test and give very little to no homework, but that could be the subject of a whole other blog series!).  

In this country, in institutionalized schools, young children get one or two recess periods in an entire day and once they reach junior high or high school, they get NONE.  ZERO.  ZILCH. (ok, maybe one "gym" period in an entire week and that is considered sufficient exercise?)  These kids are sitting passively for 8 plus hours a day and continuing to score lower than their counterparts in other developing nations more and more each year.

I didn't need to hear about Finland (but I'm glad I did for validation!) to know the importance of physical activity.(and not having hours and hours of busywork  homework each night.  Uh-oh, there I go again!  lol)  Increasing one's heartrate increases oxygen flow to the brain in addition to releasing steam and stress.  When there is increased oxygen levels, children are able to concentrate better and their academic work is significantly improved.  

This being said, I also encourage my children to drink and snack during the day.  In an institutionalized school, children have one opportunity all day to eat or drink.  The affects of dehydration on academics and on a child's overall health are well known.  In addition, when sugar levels are allowed to drop, there are behavioral implications as well as health issues.  Keeping the sugar level even and balanced during the day with healthy snacks is very important.  There are drinks and good snacks out on our table all day for my kiddos.  And trust me, when I inadvertently forget, it is evident in more ways than one.  It is all part of keeping our children healthy!

My children participate in a weekly homeschool bowling league.  It is only $5 a child and they get instruction and plenty of time for bowling practice.  If your local center doesn't already offer such a program, speak to the manager.  A friend of mine did and thus began our program.  Many companies are looking for homeschoolers to reach out to them so they can develop programs that cater to their needs.  I have also read online that local karate centers and dance studios are offering daytime lessons for homeschoolers, as well as the YMCA.  My children participated in the YMCA's Homeschool Swim and Gym program in the past and enjoyed it.

But more important than any structured (and/or expensive) program is just the physical activity itself.  During the in between class times in Finland, there isn't a gym "class" or structured "play."  The kids are allowed to just be.  They can run, jump or just get some fresh air.  It doesn't have to be organized to be fun and beneficial.

You can let your kids go outside for a bike ride or play on your back yard swings.  You can take them to a local park (it's great during the day because we can typically have them to ourselves!) or field with their play equipment.  The possibilities are endless!  :-)

For Day 1, 'What is an Eclectic Homeschool?' click here.

For Day 2, 'Lapbooking in an Eclectic Homeschool,' click here

For Day 3, "Field Trips in an Eclectic Homeschool,' click here.

There are only 2 days left in the Kindle Fire HD giveaway!  Click here to visit my post to enter.  It is an awesome giveaway!  :-)

Author Carole P. Roman GIVEAWAY!

Read below for the details on winning all of Carole's books for children AND  Rosetta Stone!

Carole P. Romn's cultural books for children, the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series, focuses on learning and appreciates the many cultures that make up our small planet.

These books are groundbreaking new experiences in elementary education and perfect for children from Pre--K to age 8.  Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.

Now, Carole P. Roman wants to give away a complete set of her currently published works for the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series along with your choice of a level one Rosetta Stone Homeschool in either Spanish, French or Korean.

But wait!  There will be a second winner!

Carole P. Roman is also giving away a $100 gift card to Toys R Us to that lucky winner.  Wow!
So, enter now and enter often in the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Disclosure: 

This giveaway is sponsored by author, Carole P. Roman. Home to 4 Kiddos and the blogs hosting and co-hosting are not responsible for prize shipment. Rosetta Stone Homeschool set and Toys R Us gift card is provided by author and not the companies. This giveaway is also not affiliated with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest or any other social media site.

Giveaway is open World Wide.

Giveaway ends: August 18, 2013 at 12 AM MST 

Winners have 48 hours to respond after notification via e-mail or  forfeit prize and another winner will be drawn.

Where to find Carole P. Roman: Facebook Amazon

5 Days of Eclectic Homeschool Day 3

Another important part of our eclectic homeschool is field trips.  Not only are they fun, they are educational and make learning real.  Field trips make what you read and study come alive.  There is nothing like experiencing whatever it is that interests you first hand.

Here in PA, we are so very blessed to live in an area so very rich in history, science and culture.  We have walked in the very footsteps of Franklin, Washington and Jefferson.  We have visited colonial manors.

We learned about the Spanish-American war on a 19th century battleship and about WWII on a submarine.

We have studied geology while underground in a cave

and about animals at the zoos and aquarium in the area.  We have run up the Art Museum steps like "Rocky" (we did study art on the inside of the museum!) and experienced almost everything science at the Franklin Institute.  We have toured our ballpark, visited local farms and orchards and climbed into the log cabins at Valley Forge.

And this is all right here.  Much of it was free or low cost, so it can be accomplished on a budget.  I would also suggest shopping around for zoos or science centers that offer reciprocal membership benefits.

As for out of PA, we have walked back in time in Colonial Williamsburg, helped defend the fort in Jamestown, climbed aboard a NASA rocket in Hampton, visited many the Smithsonian museums and monuments in DC (incredible learning experiences!),

studied the ecology of the watershed in Delaware and participated in maple sugaring in New Jersey, just to name a few.

We hope to do even more in the future.  I want my children to climb aboard the ships in Boston from where the tea was thrown and march the path of Pickett's Charge.  We would like to travel some of the journey of Lewis and Clark and gaze into the Grand Canyon.  Someday.  :-)

We always ask our children to write (one even makes power point presentations) about their experiences- what they learned, what they liked most and what they would like to see more of in the future.  Our kids like to take their own photos on our field trips, as well.  It is always fun to put albums together with mementos, stickers or other materials.  This, too, becomes quite the learning experience; giving our children a diverse and interest-led education is what our eclectic homeschool is all about.

For Day 1, 'What is an Eclectic Homeschool' click here.
For Day 2, 'Lapbooking in an Eclectic Homeschool' click here