TOS Review- Anthem for a Nation

Today I am reviewing Anthem for a Nation from New Liberty Videos.

Anthem for a Nation is an amazing, patriotic film that celebrates America and her founding upon the principles of religious freedom.  I was so moved by this film!  I also had my two teenaged sons watch it.

Kiddo #2 said almost immediately upon finishing watching it "why doesn't everyone know about all of this?"  Kiddo #1 told me how powerful he found it and that he wished everyone could watch it to appreciate what our nation is all about.

Did you know that within a century of our nation's founding that 32 million people immigrated to our shores?

What about the top of the Washington Monument?  Did you know that it has a plaque that contains the words "Praise Be to God" and that said plaque is facing the East so it is the very first part of the city to receive the sun in the morning?  No building is permitted to be taller.  There is also a Bible in the cornerstone of the monument.

Have you seen the Great Seal of the United States?  It says "God has smiled upon our undertaking."

If you see the major buildings and monuments in D.C. from the air, they will form a cross.  I didn't know that!

The Bible was the number one selling book in America for 200 years.

Did you know that the Jefferson Memorial contains the words "God is the holy author of our religion?"

The U.S. House and Senate start everyday with prayer.  Did you know that they have chaplains and rooms reserved for prayer?

This 42-minute documentary that retails for $19.95 and is geared for general audiences, includes breathtaking views of scenery in our beautiful nation, as well as a score of patriotic and historical music.

Something that touched this mother's heart is when the narrator asks the viewer to close their eyes and listen to the BBs being shot.  Each BB was a life lost in a war fought for our freedom.  It is truly mind-boggling and heart breaking.  There were also BBs for the lives of all of the babies who have lost their lives in the war on the unborn.  Wow.  No one can listen to any of that and not be changed.

As the film progresses, we are told of the events that have taken place in this nation that have removed God from our schools, government and everyday life.  The film asserts that our nation has succeeded and prospered like no other because of the principles upon which it was founded and our founders' reliance on God.  The film encourages this generation to rise up to the call to be godly men and women and bring our hearts, homes and country back to God.

The extra features include interviews with two individuals who survived Nazi Germany.  They speak about how God was removed from their society, how citizens were indoctrinated and how, after emigrating to America, how much they appreciated our nation, one that had depended on the Lord since its founding and people could freely celebrate and practice their faith.  Scary things happen when God is removed from society, that's for sure.

The film encourages us all to pray for our nation and to work together to bring our country back to where it began-- a nation that depended on God, worshipped Him in all things, focused on Him, not only in its buildings and monuments, but in its laws and in its citizens' lives.

I would highly recommend this film!  Here is a preview:

To see what my colleagues had to say on the many different titles that New Liberty Videos offers, including Anthem for a Nation, click on the banner below:

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Try a New Recipe Tuesday- October 28

Welcome to another week of recipe sharing!  :-)

The most viewed post from last week's hop was:

Easy Peasy and Yummy Tater Tot Casserole from HomeGrown Hearts Academy

An InLinkz Link-up

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My Week in Review #10

Wow, it's 10 weeks already!  I look forward to reading all about your week!  We are going on our church's family retreat this weekend, so my post will be a little late going up, but hopefully will include some wonderful photos and memories!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Try a New Recipe Tuesday- October 21

It is time for another week of recipe sharing!  I always enjoy seeing (and trying!) what you all link up!  Be sure to spread the word about our little party.  I would appreciate it.  :-)

There was a THREE way tie for the most viewed post from last week's hop!  That has never happened before!  :-)  The three posts (in no particular order) are:

Apricot Apple Tarts and Chocolate Pumpkin Bread from Campfires and Cleats

Pumpkin Spice NO Bake Cookies from Chestnut Grove Academy

15 Yummy Apple Recipes from April's Homemaking

An InLinkz Link-up

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TOS Review- Standard Deviants

Today I am reviewing Standard Deviants Accelerate's homeschool courses.

Do you remember the Standard Deviants videos on VHS tape (or am I showing my age?  lol)?  I enjoyed watching them and showing them to students when I was a classroom teacher.  So, needless to say, I was excited when given the opportunity to review their homeschool program.

They have so many options and courses for grades 3-12, including Advanced Placement.  The courses are as follows:

Arithmetic- Grades 3+
Fundamental Math- Grades 4+
Earth Science- Grades 6+
Nutrition- Grades 6+
Algebra- Grades 7+
Biology- Grades 7+
Chemistry- Grades 9+
English Composition- Grades 9+
U.S. History- Grades 9+
A.P. Biology- Grades 11+
A.P. Chemistry- Grades 11+
A.P. U.S. Government and Politics- Grades 11+
A.P. U.S. History- Grades 11+
A.P. English Composition- Grades 11+

Kiddo #3 worked on the Arithmetic during the review period.  Kiddo #4 is looking forward to the
Nutrition videos in the future.  I'm sure we will dabble in some of the others, as well.  :-)

When I first received access to the program, I was on a parent's page where I set up my account.  I
chose the course for my son and was given an access coe.  When his account was set up (on a separate student screen), that access code was entered.  I did this for him.  I had to use my hubby's email address for Kiddo, since he doesn't have his own yet and the program requires a separate email address for both parent and child.

Once the code was entered, he was ready to begin.  The videos are fast paced and presented by college-aged actors and actresses.  They are very catchy with a lot of movement, music and sound. The videos were about 10-15 minutes long.  Some even shorter.

After the student views the video, they can go to the tab that has all of the vocabulary that was used in the lesson.  The diagram tab brings the student to a grab and drag section with the words from the lesson.  If they put the word in the incorrect section, the word will not stay.  The quiz section has 5 questions from the video.  If the child gets one wrong, it will show the segment of the video that explains the correct answer.  I like the instant feedback and explanation!  The last tab, written explanation, is one that is graded by the parent.  The material in every tab can be printed out for those who like to have a printed record to read and study.

Kiddo found that these videos were a "fun and different" way to do math and certainly a welcome supplement to his current program.  It was very fast-paced and sometimes with math, you will need, as we did, to watch something more than once, especially if it is the first time they are being exposed to the particular topic.  I like that the program had visual, auditory and tactile components-- something for every learning style!

Here is a closer look at what was covered in the Arithmetic program that Kiddo was using:

1) Whole numbers and the number line

     a. whole numbers

     b. place value

     c. comparing numbers

     d. rouding whole numbers

     e. the number line

     f. decimals

2) Addition and Subtraction

     a. addition

     b. subtraction

     c. estimating

     d. problem solving

3) Multiplying Whole Numbers

     a. multiplication basics

     b. multiplying bigger numbers

     c. the distributive property

     d. word problems

     e. multiplying with a calculator

     f. problem-solving

4) Dividing Whole Numbers

     a. division basics

     b. long division

     c. factors

5) Understanding Decimals

     a. decimal basics

     b. adding and subtracting decimals

     c. multiplying and dividing decimals

     d. rounding decimals

     e. scientific notation

     f. problem solving using decimals

6) Understanding Fractions

     a. fraction basics

     b. mixed numbers and improper fractions

     c. common factors and reducing fractions

     d. converting fractions to decimals

     e. common denominators

7) Ecology

    a. diversity of organisms

    b. population ecology

    c. communities and ecosystems

    d. global issues

8) Patterns and Graphs

    a. patterns

    b. pictographs

    c. bar graphs

    d. line graphs

    e. probability and outcomes

    f. prime and composite numbers

Kiddo spent the review period on the fractions section.  It was what we were working on at the time the review assignment arrived.  :-)

For the regular courses, homeschoolers can purchase a course for use by one student for $99 for a year or $24.95 per month.  AP courses are available for one student for $14.95.

To find Standard Deviants Accelerate online:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDAccelerate

Twitter: https://twittercom/SDAccelerate

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/SDAccelerate

Google+: google.com/+SDaccerlate

Here a video on how their student account works:

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Weekly Wrap-Up/My Week in Review/THMJ- October 18

So much going on these last couple of weeks!

Kiddo #4 made a really cute, lined trick or treat bag in sewing class.  This week, she tells me she is working on my Christmas present; it is top secret.  :-)  At home, she continues to sew everynight, making presents (which I can't show, obviously until after Christmas) and some things for herself including these pajama pants.  It amazes me that this 10 year old kid can whip these out in a short period of time with pinked and pressed seams and all!  Wow!  (can you tell I'm a proud Mama?)  :-)

There was also a 4-H meeting where the kids participated in a rocketry project, not only making, but launching their rockets.

We picked giant eggplant from our garden (look at the before and after!  My parents made some great eggplant parmigiana with them!)

There was a local driving education class that Kiddo #1 attended last Sunday afternoon.  It was definitely sobering watching some video footage and hearing from those who lost loved ones, but it really taught the kids a lot.  They got to drive golf carts (hubby was supposed to distract him from within the cart.  I was texting him from outside the cart AND he was wearing beer googles that distorted his vision).  I think the teens really got an idea of what distractions there are while driving and how to avoid them.

In between all of these fun activities, the kiddos have managed to get done their schoolwork, take online classes, play some educational games and welcome the beginning of hockey season!

And there is always the spontaneous fun of seeing a nighttime visitor or doing schoolwork with your My Twinn doll.  :-)  Gotta love it!

And, for those who are following the videos of Kiddo #2 and 3, here is their latest installment just released today (Friday).  :-)

Linking up today with:  My Week in Review,  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 and Collage Friday

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My Week in Review #9

Wow, another week has gone by already!  :-)  It is time for us all to share about our week!

An InLinkz Link-up

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