Review: Carole P. Roman and Awaywegomedia.com (TOS Review) #hsreviews #childrenshistory #historystorybooks #culturalstudies

This review of If You Were Me and Lived in...Ancient Greece (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time) (Volume 1) and If You Were Me and Lived in...Ancient China: The Han Dynasty is Brought to you by Carole P. Roman and Awaywegomedia.com.  They also generously included If You Were Me and Lived in... Elizabethan England (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time) (Volume 3) and If You Were Me and Lived in...Colonial America (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time) (Volume 4).

These are not the first Carole P. Roman books we have read, and we have loved them all! 

You can see my review of If You Were Me and Lived in...Renaissance Italy (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time) (Volume 2), as well as If you were me and lived in....  book series by Carole P. Roman
Australia and Portugal and If you were me and lived in Mexico, France, South Korea or Norway

There are also questions and activity ideas available for several of the books on The Carole P Roman blog

Now onto the books for this review:

As you can tell from the titles, these books are from the point of view, if you lived….during the time frame the book is set.

If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient Greece

This book discusses life in Ancient Greece, around the year 350 BC.  The illustrations in this book, are very muted, while the drawings are nice, I prefer a more colorful illustration in a picture book.  Topics covered are Greek Gods, popular boy and girl names, towns, housing, diets, occupations and clothing, to name a few.  A glossary of Gods and Goddesses and a Glossary of terms are both included at the back of the book. 

The book points out that Greeks established a democracy, and that they are also created the Olympics.  Famous philosophers are also introduced, such as Plato and Socrates. 

I love how these book easily allow for kids to compare their lives today, as they know them, to life in the given time period.  They are better able to relate to how life might have been back then, as compared to now.

Another thing I like about all the books in this series, is that there is a pronunciation included with difficult words throughout the book in parenthesis after it. 

If You Were Me and Lived in Ancient China

This book discusses life in Ancient China, beginning in 150 AD.  The illustrations in this book are similar to that in the Ancient Greece book.  The time period for this book is that of the Han dynasty.  The significance of the Han dynasty is discussed, as well as popular Chinese names and their meanings.  Comparisons of city folk and country folk are made, upper and lower classes are discussed and the differences between the two living conditions.  Housing, family traditions, food, clothing, hair styles, professions, and other culturally based things are introduced.  At the end of the book you will find a list of Important people, and a Glossary. 

If You Were Me and Lived in Elizabethan England

The illustrations in this book are much brighter!  This book starts (and the others do as well) with a comparison of modern life and past life in the area.  This book, however, shows the pictures SIDE by SIDE, which makes for a much easier comparison of the two time periods.  The same basic topics (as listed in previous books) are discussed, names, housing, food, clothing, etc…  This book includes a list of Important People and a Glossary, as well.

If You Were Me and Lived in...Colonial America

This books starts comparing London side by said, with today and when the pilgrims left it in about 1620.  It discusses the history behind WHY the pilgrims left England, and how that occurred.  It then talks about their life in America when they first arrived, their hardships, building houses, planting food, Thanksgiving, and how the colony grew.  It also discusses, names, clothing, and traditions, as well.  This book contains a list of people who influenced the colonies and a glossary. 

These books are a really fun way to teach history to your kids!  I would recommend them for about age 6.  Older children could easily use them for a unit study jump off!  We have been utilizing the first two books in our ancient history studies and accompanied the Ancient Greece book with an IMAX movie about Ancient Greece.  The books really help history come alive for kids, because they can easily relate to them. 

Social Media Links:
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/caroleproman/
Good Reads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5854108.Carole_P_Roman
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Review: Heirloom Audio Productions, Beric The Briton (TOS Review) #hsreviews #HeirloomAudio #BericTheBriton #LiveTheAdventure #BringingHentyBack #AudioAdventures

For this review we listened to Beric the Briton by Heirloom Audio Productions.  Like previous Heirloom products, this one did not disappoint!

My kids are huge fans of Heirloom Audio Productions.  We have previously enjoyed

The Dragon and The Raven

With Lee in Virginia 

(and we have purchased others, as well)

We also received the study guide and other extras with this review.

Heirloom Audio Productions are great for homeschooling on the go!  As homeschoolers, we are rarely home!  We listened to Beric The Briton in the car as we went from here to there.  The kids were always excited to pick up where they left off on the last trip. 

These are not ordinary audio books… they scenes are acted out, there are multiple characters… it’s like a movie (without the video images). 

All of these audio productions are Christian based, they are adapted from the famous historical fiction books of G.A. Henty. 

Beric the Briton is an Ancient Historical Fiction, which takes place during the Roman Invasion of Ancient Britannia.  Beric and his friend Bodouc are captured and trained as gladiators.  He also becomes a bit of a body guard to Emperor Nemo.  There are rumors of a Christus, so some history on Christianity is also given.  It features some of the earliest events and people recorded in British history, the spectacle of the gladiators, the burning of Rome, and illustrates why Nero was loved by some but despised by many. (Beric is a fictional character in this historical fiction story). 

This story (and others from Heirloom Audio Productions) also teaches values and virtues!

I love how engaging they are for my children, they use actors from big name productions like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Dr. Who.  The acting is magnificent.  You are transported there, and my children are enthralled every second!  Most importantly they are learning while they listen and they are enjoying doing so!

We used Heirloom Audio Productions on our recent cross country road trip, my husband equally enjoys them!

This CD also includes The complete Beric The Briton eStudy Guide and Discussion Starter (50 pages worth), A beautiful, printable copy of the inspirational verse as quoted by Julius in Beric The Briton: “I will gladly die for him who died for me.”, The Official Beric The Briton Soundtrack MP3 download, Unlimited access to the Live The Adventure Letter E-Newsletter, G.A. Henty's original Beric The Briton E-Book with all new colorful graphics, A professionally designed, printable promotion poster (24” x 36”) featuring the star-studded cast of Beric The Briton and A brand behind-the-scenes documentary featuring the amazing cast, crew and actors of Beric The Briton if you purchase the family 4 pack (give some as gifts!) for $99.97.  A single copy can be purchased for $29.97, but only 3 of the freebies are included.  A downloadable version may also be purchased for $19.97, which includes two of the bonus materials.  You can find more details about Bonus materials and how to order HERE.

Heirloom Audio Productions are a great addition to your homeschool studies, or even a ‘just for fun’ in the car or at home!  We have loved every second of listening to them!  They have several titles available.

Find them online:

Beric The Briton FB Page
https://www.facebook.com/BericTheBriton
The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty series FB page
https://www.facebook.com/TheExtraordinaryAdventuresOfGAHenty
Heirloom Audio Productions social pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories
Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647
Instagram: @HeirloomAudioOfficial

Review: YWAM Publishing: Heroes of History: Milton Hershey (TOS Review) @YWAMpublishing #homeschooling #truebiographies #christianheroes

For this review we read Heroes of History- Milton Hershey from YWAM Publishing  and also received the Digital Unit Study.

First let me say this is or THIRD time reviewing YWAM, previously we have also reviewed George Washington and Davy Crockett.   

Milton Hershey was a great read as well!  My kids loved it, and just today my oldest asked if we could read it again! 

We read this book as a family read aloud every morning as part of family circle time.  Typically we read 1-2 chapters a day.  All of my children were present, but mostly the 7 and 9 year old were the most interested, though the 5 year old also listened in pretty attentively most of the time. 

We learned a lot about Milton Hershey that we didn’t know previously, and I mean A LOT!  He was quite the inspirational person, and really sparked a lot of interest in entrepreneurship in my kids. 

The Digital Unit Study contains a chapter questions, some printable items (like map work, and report forms) and there are A LOT of lesson extension ideas and hands on project suggestions. 

My 9 year old filled out the report form on Milton Hershey.  A lot of the activities are more geared towards older students, (as the book itself is recommended for ages 10+, and the unit study reflects that). 

We did take an awesome trip to Hershey, PA!  The Hershey Story Museum is all about Milton Hershey and his story.  They offered a Chocolate Workers class too.  We went as a homeschool group.  It was great to reiterate what we had read in the book and we even learned a few more things while there.  We also toured Chocolate World.  The kids would like to return to go to Hershey Park some day soon too!  The Unit Study Guide suggesting taking a week, I’m sure there is so much more to see that we didn’t get to, we will have to go back (especially to hit the park!).

For my little ones I made some Milton Hershey Printables, throw in some REAL Hershey kisses for some real hands on math fun! 

We also made some chocolate of our own!  I used this great chocolate making kit that makes it from cocoa butter, and even has some cocoa beans in the pack! 

YWAM is a great way to teach history and values in a REAL book format. 

I had no idea about all the failures Milton Hershey had before being successful, I didn’t know he was a Mennonite, or that he started a school for orphans (which is still being run today!).  He had no family after his wife and parents died, and the town of Hershey, including the school, are all funded from a trust that he left when he passed, that is replenished by the profits of Hershey.  He really was quite a remarkable, humble man and I’m happy to have been able to learn about him and introduce him to my children.   I was even able to apply lessons learned to real life when my son did not have a successful market day… “remember Milton Hershey?” 

From the kids:

Favorite Thing they learned about Milton Hershey:

c age 5 ”That he made chocolate”

C age 9 “That he lived to be older than GG”  (My grandma is 86, Milton died at 88). He also said “that he lived a good life, and didn’t have much schooling”. 

Z age 7 “That he made chocolate”

I highly recommend YWAM Publishing books to anyone that likes to take a REAL BOOK approach to learning.  They are also Christian Based books. 

They are affordable and the Unit Study Guides have the possibility of really expanding on the books! 

Find them on Social Media:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/o9VOMN
Twitter: @YWAMpublishing http://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing

Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016: Exploring Our World, How We Do Social Studies and Life/Earth Science

Social Studies and Science are typically done together as a family, with a few small exceptions.

I’ll start with the exceptions:

C (my 4th grader) does some online history each morning with Veritas Press Self Paced History, which (by the way) is on sale right now for 50% off and it can be deferred to start as late as September 1st!  This is our 2nd year using Veritas Press, he LOVES it!  We are using Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation this year and will be using Ancient History next year (probably New Testament, Greece and Rome because I don’t think we can fit both into one year). 

*You can get it on sale at the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op (and earn 500 Smart Points) or at the Veritas Website until the 21st.  It’ good for one year from start date.  (Though I’m not sure you can defer the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op purchase).

Z (1st grade) receives a subscription box to Little Passports (World Edition) each month, and is also taking an Around the World in 8 days class at co-op. 

c (PreK) receives a subscription box to Little Passports also, but he receives the Early Explorer's Edition.

My kids also enjoy Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr!  These are also available for a discount at Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op. They include social studies and science videos, as well as other subjects.  My kids have honestly learned so much from these! 

History:

Together we use Pandia Press History Odyssey Middle Ages Level 1 for History, we will also be using the same next year, except Ancient History and my oldest will be using Level 2.  We supplement a little with videos we find that correspond to the lessons.  We listen to SOTW in the car a lot, it’s great for schooling on the go!

Earth and Life Science:

Last year we did Earth Science and Astronomy, we used Elemental Science, but we decided it wasn’t really for us.  It’s a great program, lots of experiments, it just didn’t work for us.   When we visit it again next year we will use Pandia Press  R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey.  We are using them next year for Life Science (we have used it previously too).  It’s a great program!  We will use it in conjunction with Visual Learning Systems Digital Online Science this time though, which will help raise it up a level for C, who will be in 5th grade.

Pandia Press is also having a sale this month 25% off everything in store, no codes needed!

We also utilize You Tube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Steaming and Hulu a lot into our studies.  My kids are audio and visual learners, so these types of programs, plus lots of books helps them learn a lot! 

History and Science are our 2 favorite subjects, and I think the curriculum is a lot of the reason WHY! 

Linking up at the Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016

This year the Virtual Curriculum Fair is hosted by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World, Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses and Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset.

Yvie @ Gypsy Road - Bringing It to Life! History, Geography, & Science

Jen Altman @ Chestnut Grove Academy - Virtual Curriculum Fair 2016: Exploring Our World, How We Do Social Studies and Life/Earth Science

Laura @ Day by Day in Our World - Learning About the World Around Us

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Social Studies a Science of Relations

Lisa @ GoldenGrasses - Exploring & Discovering Around the World

Annette @ A Net In Time - Science and Culture Around the World and at Home

Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break - Exploring History and Geography

Laura @ Four Little Penguins - Going Around the World at Our Kitchen Table

Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory - Our Tackling of the Social Studies and Science

Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset - Encouraging Curiosity about the World

Review: Heirloom Audio Productions–The Dragon and the Raven (TOS Review) #HSReview #AudioDrama #HeirloomAudio #GAHenty #DragonAndRaven

My kids absolutely LOVED The Dragon and the Raven by Heirloom Audio Productions.  We have reviewed for them before, and this CD did not disappoint either!  This audio drama was adapted from the story of The Dragon and the Raven written by G.A. (George Albert) Henty, a writer of historical adventure stories which were most popular in the 19th century. 

The Dragon and the Raven fit in perfectly with our history studies of the Middle Ages, we were so excited to be part of this review!

We listened to this awesome audio drama in the car as we traveled here and there (as homeschoolers often do).  The kids couldn’t wait to get in the car to continue listening!

Audio dramas are a step above your typical audio book, it’s like a movie scene (with out the visual).  They greatly enjoyed listening to the adventures of King Alfred the Great, as he battled the Vikings and more!  The voices are provided by big named actors from movies such as:  The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Star Wars!  You are sure to recognize them! 

Made with Christian families in mind, these audio dramas also teach Christian morals.

This story is historical fiction.  The main character, Ealdorman Edmond, whom is a Saxon in the late 9th century, fights alongside King Alfred the Great as they fight for supremacy in England.  This book accounts their battles against the Danish Viking invaders in many capacities, including the siege of Paris. 

What my kids thought:

Now we listened to this several weeks ago, but yet when asked about it my kids were able to recall right away what I was referring too, and remembered the story!  I asked them separately about their favorite parts, yet they all said the same thing, as you can see. 

My 6yo said that his favorite part was when he defeated the Vikings.  He would talk about what was happening for hours after getting out of the car!  He really loved it!

My 9yo loved the fight scenes (sorry he is all boy), but he loved how animated it was!  He liked

My 5yo was also a fan, and of course his favorite parts were also the battles!

My thoughts:

If my kids LOVE it, I LOVE it.  I’m not an auditory learner by any means (I feel my auditory learning has greatly lessened in my older/mom years.) But, I did enjoy listening to the CDs, I just had a hard time following the story line (no fault of the story tellers).  I had to go back and listen to it again on my own to write this review.  All that aside, I love that it is adventurous, I love that it portrays Christian values, and I love that it entertains my kids.  We already own With Lee in Virginia, but I have ordered the other two titles for our road trip this spring and I look forward to future title releases! 

Historical fiction is such a fun and engaging way to learn about history, and when you add the dramatic feature to this historical account it is takes it steps above!  My kids really LOVED this and that is no exaggeration.  I highly recommend this for ages 5+. 

Purchase information:

Each CD set purchase of $29.97 also comes with great downloadable freebies!

Free Bonus #1: The complete The Dragon and The Raven eStudy Guide and Discussion Starter
Free Bonus #2: A beautiful, printable copy of the inspirational verse (Proverbs 21:31) as quoted by King Alfred in The Dragon and The Raven
Free Bonus #3: The Official The Dragon and The Raven Soundtrack MP3 download

If you purchase a family four-pack ($99.97), you get even more freebies! 

Free Bonus #4: Unlimited access to the Live The Adventure Letter E-Newsletter.
Free Bonus #5: G.A. Henty's original The Dragon and The Raven E-Book with all new colorful graphics.
Free Bonus #6: A professionally designed, printable promotion poster (24” x 36”) featuring the star-studded cast of The Dragon and The Raven
Free Bonus #7: A brand behind-the-scenes documentary featuring the amazing cast, crew and actors of The Dragon and The Raven

The freebies offered take this audio drama to a new level of learning!  The study guide specifies which parts of the story they are referring (by giving time stamps).  It includes questions, applicable activities (like map reading, recipes and more thought provoking questions) and vocabulary.  It also includes a section for Bible study. 

These audio dramas are not just for homeschoolers though!  Anyone can enjoy them!  They are so fun, they won’t even know they are learning!

You might be interested in these other Heirloom Audio Productions:

Under Drakes Flag

In Freedom’s Cause

With Lee in Virginia (previously reviewed)

Find them on the web

Heirloom Audio Productions Social Media Sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAudio
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeirloomStories
Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/114534826166314080647/114534826166314080647/posts
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/heirloomaudioofficial/
The Dragon and The Raven product specific Facebook page:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDragonAndTheRaven
The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty specific Facebook page:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheExtraordinaryAdventuresOfGAHenty

Review: Homeschool in the Woods–HISTORY Through the Ages Hands-on History Lap-Pak: U.S. Elections (TOS Review) @HSintheWoods #HSReviews #HistoryUnitStudies #HomeschoolHistory

This review came along at such a great time, with the upcoming election this year!  We could have been more thrilled to get a chance to try HISTORY Through the Ages Hands-on History Lap-Pak: U.S. Elections from Home School in the Woods. 

I honestly do not remember a lot about the election process from when I was in school.  So, I thought this would be a great time to learn myself (as I often do, while homeschooling). 

We received this product as a digital file, it includes all you need to complete the lapbook, as well as a list of additional materials to add in (if you choose) to compound on the study of US Elections.

For this review, we only used the provided reading material (also provided in audio digital format), and the lap book materials.

Many of the activities for the lapbook provided two options; one to fill in the information yourself (or for your child), or one that was already filled in (the one my son always prefers).  I used this with my 9-year-old.  He enjoys making lapbooks, but the excess writing that is sometimes associated with lapbooking really takes the fun out of it for him.  I was grateful for the already filled in options, so that it did not have to be an issue.   This allowed us to be able to focus on the process and learning. This also makes this lapbook adaptable for a wide range of ages!

We used this product an average of 3 days a week, in addition to our regular studies.  It was really easy, and did not add a lot of time to our school day (minutes only, really) to do just one section of the lapbook each day. 

We have not completed the lapbook yet, but will continue working on it.  We both have learned a lot during this unit. 

Each lesson consisted of me reading a section of the provided booklet (or you could listen to the audio portion), while my son cut out the corresponding lapbook materials, pieced them together and then set them to the side.  We collected all materials first, then put the lapbook together.  Though we aren’t finished yet, we did put together what we have done so far, to show for this review. (SEE Below)

For printing the materials, I just put a wide variety of colors (in no apparent order) into the printer and print all of them at one time.  You could use a more precise means of doing this, but for me this was the easiest way. 

I did not have to purchase any special materials for this product, we had everything on hand already, and honestly even if you didn’t have colored folders or paper, it could be done with manila folders and white paper and crayons (markers or pencils).  There is room for flexibility of materials, so do not feel like you have to buy special stuff.  It’s up to you!

We have used Homeschool in the Woods products before (see our Civil War review) and this product was just as great!

Since the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primaries took place during our review of the product, as well as some debates…we kept abreast of those events through News O Matic (a FREE news app for kids). 

Here is what we have done so far!  Can’t wait to finish it!

The downloadable product is available for $18.95 and is recommended for grades 3-8.  My son is 4th grade (age 9). 

There are 21 lapbook projects total in this unit, so at one project a day, this project would take 21 days.  Some projects are quick, meaning you could easily do more than one in a sitting, additional resources added in to extend the lessons.  It is really flexible! 

I highly recommend this project based unit, particularly as we head into this election year!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolinthewoods
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Homeschoolinthewoods/posts
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hsinthewoods/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HSintheWoods

Book Review: Our America… History Series, The Pilgrim Adventure & The Civil War Adventure

I had the opportunity to take a look at 2 of the Our America Series books from Funtastic Unit Studies.  We read The Pilgrim Adventure and The Civil War Adventure (first and last of the series) as a read aloud to our children (ages 9, 6, 5).   

My kids really enjoyed these historical stories.  These are REAL books, that tell historical events, but in an interesting way!  The main characters Finn & Ginny travel throughout time and the events are told as they experience them.  My kids really enjoyed the books and asked for them daily (in the case we forgot).   It is possible to read the books alone, outside of the series…but there are some events from the first that come together in the last book. 

There are also FREE Activity guides available to use with these books to incorporate hands on learning as well!  Activity guides are in PDF.

The books are recommended for ages 10+, but my younger children enjoyed them (as mentioned).  My 9 year old was also able to read them on his own (but he reads at about a 6th grade level). 

These books are available on Amazon in print or Kindle formats.

They are a great way to liven up US history and make it enjoyable and interesting!  Kids learn best when they are having fun!

You can read my Funtastic Unit Studies Science Curriculum Review also!

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Review: Brookdale House (TOS Review)

For this review we used Writing Through Medieval History Level 1 Cursive from Brookdale House.

Writing Through Medieval History Level 1 is a Charlotte Mason style curriculum.  Each lesson consists of a reading, then writing an excerpt from that reading, and also marking the grammar in that excerpt. 

There were several different ways that the lesson could be delivered, making it adaptable to many levels.  My 9 year old is still new to cursive, so we simplified it just a bit and used the easiest option.

We used this this 3-5 days a week, depending on how many days of school we had each week.  I would first read the story.  The first day my son would use the page that had the copy lines under the each line of the excerpt to copy the FIRST of the two sentences.  The next day he would copy the second sentence and the third day he would mark the grammar for the two sentences. 

Writing is a struggle for us, so this was the best way to tackle these lessons without discouraging him in his cursive writing.  It gave him the ability to copy cursive, practice reading the cursive and writing in cursive in words that constructed a sentence.  He had done similar grammar labeling in another curriculum, so that was easy for him to do.  There is a grammar guide included in the lesson book (in the appendix) to introduce/teach grammar to those who do not have history of it.

I loved how this curriculum tied in with our current history studies!  This brought history, language arts and handwriting together into one!

Other options for writing were dictation (blank sheets with no writing on them, you read to them what you want them to write), sheets with the excerpt written at the top and they write it on the lines below. 

This is an example of a page he did

You can see how it was written in with a line below each written line to copy.  He then marked the grammar in red.  He only marked what we have covered to this point, which is articles, adjectives, nouns, and verbs mostly.

Each story that was included is not very long, I read the story aloud for each lesson.  It is also suggested that you ask questions about the story to your child.  Some sample questions are given at the beginning of the book and also in the beginning of the appendix.

Also included with each story is a written summation page.  For younger students, they will dictate and the parent write, older students can write their own summary of the story. 

The manual is set up very step by step, with all instructions at the beginning of the book, prior to the stories and written work pages.  The appendix in the back is also quite handy.

I received an ebook; I loaded it into iBooks and printed sheets as I needed them.  It was very easy to use.  They also give you an outline of how each lesson should run, though they note that it’s best not to push your students more than they are ready, and to adjust the recommended schedule as needed.   Printed books are also available.

This ebook is $22.95, printed is $30.95.  They carry different levels, in both manuscript and cursive and have all 4 years of history study available.  They carry lots of other great products too, many of which were also reviewed by the crew!

Social Media
Twitter
https://twitter.com/BrookdaleHouse
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/brookdalehousehomeschool
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/BrookdaleHouse
Google+
https://plus.google.com/107691583736742187981/videos

Review: YWAM Publishing, Heroes of History, Davy Crockett (TOS Review)

For this review we read HEROES OF HISTORY, Davy Crockett: Ever Westward by YWAM Publishing.  We also received the Unit Study Curriculum Guide CD for Davy Crockett. 

History

Geography

Essay writing

Creative writing

Reading comprehension

Public speaking

Drama

Art

I looked over the CD curriculum, but felt that most of the materials for this book were for older children (or children at a higher writing level, writing is a work in progress for my 9yo) than my own.  We did, however, use the Comprehension Questions as a group discussion.  We also located Tennessee on a map and did a small state study on the state (as suggested in the guide).

For the book, we used it as a read aloud.  My 3 boys all listened (ages 9, 6 and 4).  The really enjoyed the story.  Some parts of it were a bit slow, but even I learned A lot about Davy Crockett.  I know my husband is a fan of him, but I never knew much about him.  As far as Davy Crockett went, all I knew was the theme song!  It was very interesting to learn about his key rolls in politics, as well as the topics at hand in regards to politics at that time.  My kids enjoyed hearing of his many adventures, how life was different back then, and how much more difficult it was then.  At the time of reading this book my husband was away TDY, so we discussed how Davy left his family on numerous occasions and how there was really no means of communication while he was gone.  It gave the children a great perspective on life back then.  They looked forward to the reading of it every day, and would ask for it if I forgot. 

We have previously reviewed George Washington, A True Patriot by YWAM Publishing.  This book measured up. 

I love that they publish history books in story format.  It makes it so much more interesting, you are able to visualize the events and relate better to the characters.  My children get a lot more out of these types of history books, than any textbook we could ever use. 

The unit studies, while not required to enjoy the books, are great to expand on them.  It is particularly handy if your children show a large interest in the subject at hand.  It’s a great guide to lead your children by their interests and build on the learning experience. 

YWAM Publishing has a wide variety of book and guides to choose from.  You can read reviews on several others by visiting other reviewers at the link below. 

This book goes for $7.50 and the Study Guide CD is $7.49.  The book is recommended for ages 10+, but was a great read aloud, most enjoyed by my 6 year old (though my 4 and 9 year old also liked it).  The study guide is also geared for ages 10+.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWAM-Publishing-482973445102/timeline/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing
Pinerest:  http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing

Review: Dig-it Games (TOS Review)

For this review we were able to try out both Roman Town (iOS App) and Mayan Mysteries (Online Game) by Dig-It! Games. 

Both of these are educational games that teach about ancient history.  The player travels to different places throughout the game, gathers information and plays related games.

Mayan Mysteries, is based on the Mayan culture.  Information is gathered from people in each location, the information can be read by the player or read aloud by the computer.  Questions follow each batch of information.  Games can be played that are based on Mayan culture and the information learned.  Clues are collected to solve the mystery of Who is Ladrone?

It’s a very fun, interactive way to learn about Mayan History.  It’s designed primarily for middle schoolers (5th – 9th), but my 4th grader was able to use it without too many problems.

We incorporated this program into our daily computer schooling, 3 times a week.  My son would play for a minimum of 10-15mins, sometimes longer.  The games played constitute many subject areas, math, geography, reading, and history (obviously). 

I wish there was a way to see how my son did on the activities, what he learned, etc.  I can see what artifacts he has collected, and I can see his achievements, but it doesn’t really give me a good gist of what he learned or how he performed on the tasks.  As a homeschooler, who is using this as part of the curriculum, this would be a great feature to have! 

My 9 year old son’s favorite aspects of the games were the games, he enjoyed digging up and identifying artifacts.  He liked the comic book features.  He didn’t care for the quizzes (but I think that’s a great feature that is lacking in the app, see next review).  He thought some of the information sheets were lengthy.  I think mostly he didn’t like to take the time from the ‘games’ for the learning part.

Roman Town is an iOS app.  I used this game primarily myself.  It is set up very similar to the Mayan Mysteries.  However, there are no quizzes after reading the information found (I wish it had this aspect).  The app version was also lacking the read aloud feature.

This game is also designed for grades 5-9.  I however enjoyed it, making it suitable for older people as well!  Some of my favorite games were the Code Breakers and Roman Numerals.  The games ranged in difficulty which is good for an age range as well.

Similarly to Mayan Mysteries you are trying to solve Who is Ladrone? with this game.  You collect information, play related games and collect clues. 

Either of these games would be a great addition to your ancient history studies!  Particularly for those that learn well through games and other fun activities (who doesn’t?).

The initial app is FREE but has in-app purchases.  It’s available for iOS only systems only.

Mayan Mysteries is only $3.99 for a single game player and is also available as an iOS app.

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/DigItGames
https://twitter.com/digitgames
https://www.youtube.com/user/digitgames