TOS Review: Golden Prairie Press

Today I am reviewing Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History from Golden Prairie Press.

This is a 30-week curriculum for grades 1-6, but could easily be adapted for older grades.

As those of you who follow my blog know, I am a history teacher by trade.  I love history.  I taught it in the schools (and in college) for many years.  One thing I always tried to do in my classrooms is to make history hands-on, relevant and interesting.  I remember the college students, many of whom, were "non-traditionally" aged, telling me that this was the first time that they enjoyed history and that it wasn't boring and dull.  I even had my college students cook a colonial meal and design their own colonial home. Amy Puetz and I really think alike.  :-)  So, when we decided to homeschool our children, finding a history curriculum that is hands-on and makes the material relevant and interesting was key and very important to me.

When I was given the opportunity to review this curriculum, I jumped at the chance, for that very reason.  I have always had to put together my own history work for my children.  I guess that is because I am extraordinarily picky being a historian. (I am one of those who you would hate going with you to a historical movie. I'll always tell you what isn't right or accurate, lol!).  So, if I could find a well-rounded curriculum that fit my "bill," I would be sold!  And, I am!

Heroes and Heroines includes reading assignments, things to do, art to study, audio files to listen to, projects to make and even skits to act out.  Wow.  No boring history here.  I love hands-on learning and I love learning that uses all of my kids' senses.

My daughter and I would snuggle up together each day and read a section from the book.  Since I received the book in the form of a download, I sent it to my Kindle, which made for much easier reading.  (you can't snuggle on the couch with a computer, lol!)  :-)  After reading each section, I would ask her the questions at the end.  We had some good discussions and it was encouraging to know that she was listening and understanding the material.

We built a teepee, memorized some verses, cooked a meal and even acted out important scenes from early American history.  We are looking forward to continuing with this curriculum.  It is a lot of fun, even for the mom, and that is saying something.  :-)

I am also looking forward to getting the suggested literature books to supplement what we are doing in the course.  I know Kiddo will enjoy the selections.

If you are looking for a curriculum that is hands-on, that has your children not only reading and listening, but doing, this would be a great fit for your family, as it was for ours.  I have found in my own history classrooms, that this is the best way that history is learned-- when you actually live it. Anything can be memorized for a short time for a test, but has it really been learned and appreciated and valued?  The history of our great nation is a an amazing one, not without fault, but one of which we can be enormously proud.  I am glad I found a curriculum that understands that and wants children to be engaged in and love learning all about it.

For $98.99, you would receive the digital download of the following products ($98.99 also for the printed version)

Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History Book Part I

Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History Book Part II

Additional Material Download (timelines, artwork, etc.)

Historical Skits

Sing Some History CD (great songs from history)

Listen to some U.S. History (famous speeches, sermons, etc.)

Optional Coloring Book (for the younger set)

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Try a New Recipe Tuesday- May 13

Thanks for your patience!  Sorry this didn't go up yesterday.  It has been a crazy, busy time here!  But, better late than never, right?  :-)

This week I am sharing my daughter's wonderful vanilla cupcakes.  They are linked in the first spot below.  I know she would just love if you would come over and take a look.  She is so sweet!  :-)

I will resume features again next week!  Thanks for your understanding!  Please spread the word about our little linkup.  :-)

An InLinkz Link-up

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Kiddo #4's Vanilla Cupcakes

Last week, Kiddo #4 surprised us all and made "Vanilla Frosted Cuocakes". They were very good and they did not last long. :)

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: Preheat oven to 375; line muffin cups with papers. Cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs; one at a time. Add flour mixed with baking powder and salt alternating with milk beat well; stir in vanilla.

Divide evenly among pans and bake for 18 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool in pans or transfer to cooling racks.

Then frost with vanilla frosting or any type frosting you would like.

Vanilla Frosting Ingredients
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter,softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons milk

Directions: First, stir in a small bowl the powdered sugar. Then the butter next, then vanilla, then the milk. Stir well until frosting forms.

Batch makes 12 cupcakes.


                                                              ENJOY!

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday,NOBH, Claire Justine, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things, Modest Mom, Full Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday and Show Off Friday and Tuesday's Table and Look What We Did and Titus 2sday,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Crafty Spices, Better Mom,Create with Joy, Thursday's Treasures, Tasty Thursdays and Wonderful Food Wednesday and  Tuesday How to Party and the Tried and True Recipe Party and Kids and Mom in the Kitchen and Family Fun Friday and Clever Chicks Blog Hop andAll My Bloggy Friends and Hearts for Home Blog Hop and Foodie Friends Friday and Family Fun Friday and TGIF Linky Party and Food on Friday andHip Homeschool Moms, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home andGood Tastes Tuesday and Thriving Thursday and Friday Flash Blog Hop 



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Trip to the Ardsley Wildlife Sanctuary

Who would think that there would be wildlife sanctuary right in the middle of suburbia?  I wasn't sure what it was all about, but decided to take the kiddos the other day when the weather was just too gorgeous not to be outside.  That is one of the best parts of homeschool-- I can say, "come on, let's go somewhere."  And we did.

Boy, were we amazed.  Suburbia disappeared.  No houses, no noise, no cars.  Just the sounds of the water crackling in the stream below or the birds above.  Lovely.  We didn't want to leave.  Kiddo #3 suggested going back soon with a picnic lunch and blanket.  I just think we may just have to do that.  We were among 81 acres of undeveloped, natural space and it was wonderful.

Didn't Kiddo #1 do an amazing job with the photographs?  What a gem we found on a lovely spring day!

Linking up with Field Trip Friday

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TOS Review- Maestro Classics

Today I am reviewing Casey at the Bat and Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel from Maestro Classics.

I was excited, from having loved Casey at the Bat as a youngster to hear this rendition.  After my home team, the Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series when I was 12, I fondly remember our closing pitcher (and father of country star Tim Mc Graw), Tug Mc Graw, recording this poem.  He has since passed away, but I can remember clearly how enthusiastic and fun he made the poem.

I have to admit that I have always enjoyed classical music.  From the time I was younger and was playing my piano everyday, I had a love for Mozart, his youth and his brilliance.  I struggled to play at 12 what he composed at 4.   Amazing.  Even if your children do not know about or think they do not like classical music, these CDs are a perfect way to introduce them to this incredible genre of music through fun and engaging stories and poems.

So, when I heard that the London Philharmonic was going to be backing the children's tale "Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel," I was excited to review that one, as well.

These delightful CDs are intended for children ages 5-12 and their parents.  I have to admit, however, that when I was listening to them with my 10 and 12 year olds, I saw the teenagers trying to listen in, too.  :-)

I was also thrilled to be chosen for this review, because I remember Maestro Classics from my childhood.  I remember listening to their Peter and the Wolf many times.  Their stories are told in such a beautiful way with the music and narration.  They have won countless awards and it is so evident why when you listen to just one of their amazing performances.

When listening to these CDs, there are opportunities for hands-on, active participation and also relaxed learning.  I love both the idea of hands-on learning and time to just enjoy and cherish what we are doing in our homeschool.  This was a perfect fit!

Each CD includes an activity book that includes the history of the score.  Lyrics are included so you can all sing along.  We also enjoyed the puzzles and other activities.

Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel is a sweet, classic story that had my kids' full attention.  My son just loves trucks and other equipment like that, so he was definitely tuning in.  But so much more than a story about construction, this wonderful, classic tale is one about dedication, perseverance, loyalty and friendship.  The story has always touched my heart, but when presented in such a way as this, you feel like you are there with Mike and MaryAnne.

Casey at the Bat is another classic that I was delighted to share with my children.  There are important lessons about over-confidence and how important teamwork is in sports.  There are all kinds of baseball facts included in the activity guide, which my children were excited to read and learn.  We live right outside of Philadelphia, so they love all professional sports, including baseball.

The CDs and 24-page activity book retail for $16.98 and the MP3 version with the PDF activity book download is available for $9.98.  There are many other titles available, as well.  You can see some of them that my colleagues reviewed by clicking on the banner below.

I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine did.  :-)

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Some Fantastic Finds

(affiliate links included)

I am also looking around for quality products for my family and when I find something, I like to share.  :-)

Today, I found this 10-movie set on Amazon for only $3.77.  It includes many good, Dove-approved films for families, including Hidden in Silence, the true story of the teenager who hid Jews in her attic during World War II.

click on the link above or here to see more about the movie collection

Then there is the 30th Anniversary edition of Schoolhouse Rock!  Who didn't love Schoolhouse Rock?  When I was teaching 8th grade, I taught my students to memorize the Preamble by watching the Schoolhouse Rock video!  This is the complete set from when we were kids.  :-)

Are any of you familiar with the Drive Thru History DVDs?  The entire series is awesome.  I even showed them to my college classes.  They have a special DVD available on Amazon.  I just saw that it is on sale.  I have seen this and showed it to my children.  It is very well done and will teach them in a fun and engaging way about the Founders of America.  Good for all ages (and adults, too!)

And how about the COMPLETE series of Liberty's Kids for only $7.49?  This informative and engaging series on American History was shown on PBS.

If you have other purchases to make on Amazon, I would be most grateful if you would use my link, as my family will receive a small commission with each purchase.  :-)

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Homeschool Mother's Journal- April 26

I've been pretty much MIA these past two weeks with Easter and us in the final sprint of our homeschool year, but I promised myself that I would try to blog at least once or twice a week even amid the craziness.   :-)

So, here are the last two weeks in brief, photographic form:

Here are a few photos from Easter when we got home from church.

Kiddo #1 baked a cake for Easter that we enjoyed

and the kiddos dyed Easter eggs. (my mom found plastic dyeable eggs.  How cool is that?  I always felt badly about wasting real eggs since we couldn't possibly eat them all.)  We included my aunt and uncle in the merriment.

We went to the movies on Easter Monday (we saw "Bears"-- a great movie.  We are also enjoying the educational materials provided online.  There are some great lessons that reinforce what we learned in the film, as well as teaching us some new details and information)

My mom's birthday was last Wednesday.  Kiddo #1 baked her a cake and Kiddo #4 made the homemade frosting.  They made a great team.  :-)

On Sunday, we had a family dinner for mom's birthday.  She got to celebrate twice.  :-)

We have had many visitors now that the nicer weather is upon us

Kiddo #2 passed his belt test in Taekwando last night.  The final part was the breaking of a board with his foot. Ouch!  lol.  He did it just fine.

The .22 Rifle program ended last week.  The boys really enjoyed it.  They are looking forward to starting the next program of air rifle/pistol and possibly archery in the next couple of weeks.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

God bless!  :-)

My posts the past couple of weeks:

Hearts for Home Blog Hop- May 1
TOS Review- Brinkman Adventures
Try a New Recipe Tuesday- April 29
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Candace Kate Giveaway (if you haven't entered yet, please come on over!)
TOS Review- Homeschool Adventure Co.
Try a New Recipe Tuesday- April 22
A Blessed Easter to All

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, 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 and Let's Homeschool High School and This Week

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