Reading Kingdom, an online reading support program

We received a subscription to Reading Kingdom to review and share our thoughts with our readers. We previously reviewed Reading Kingdom with the Schoolhouse Review Crew, so we were familiar with the program going in. Nathan was eager to start the program and began using the program with very little encouragement


Reading Kingdom is a subscription based program retailing for $19.99 after your first 30 days free trial. You can also purchase an annual subscription for $199.99 a year for the first child and $9.99 a month for each additional child.The program is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 10. Nathan is nearly 8 and familiar with the program.  The program teaches basic reading and writing/ spelling skills needed to be successful readers. 
While Nathan isn't the strongest reader he is a willing student and will try something new if it means he can improve his skills. He is also willing to try something again after a break. Since we had not used Reading Kingdom lately he asked me to give it a try again. Of course we had a computer system crash during our review period, but thankfully since the program is online it didn't effect using the program. 
We did find a couple of minor issues related to successfully using the program. Our computers aren't new machines (actually most of the machines in this house are at least 7 years old), older machines don't always respond as fast on webpages as newer machines. We found that even with a high speed internet connection, we still experiences some delay in the response to answers with the activities; that delay caused some frustration for Nathan as he was always waiting for the next question or waiting for his answer to appear on the screen. (I am working on fixing some of the issues on our end). 
The other thing we found frustrating was the story books seems slow to respond and they seemed to have a lot of graphic effects that we had to wait for to move on. 

Both Nathan and Mommy really wanted this program to be a huge success and I think it can be as we improve our computer situation. We are both enjoying the time on the computer and the colorful images that go along with the program. Nathan is nearly 8 years old and reading below his marked 3rd grade level, however is comprehension level is far beyond 3rd grade at nearly a 6th grade level, so we are working toward improving his reading through computer games as well as focused reading time . We are also using flash card and sight words to improve success with the basics. Thankfully we found a free resource on Reading Kingdom  with their Super Sight Word list. Nathan also has a magnet for his activity scheduler featuring Reading Kingdom, he still insists on putting his Reading Kingdom magnet on his schedule and is determined that we will use the program at least 3 times a week. I am grateful for his determination and drive to improve his skills .
You can follow Reading Kingdom on Twitter, and even check out their Facebook page.
You can even read what other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew thought of the program by clicking on the button below.

Homeschool Programming and a lesson for Mom

This seems to be Cameron's year to learn computers, our recent HTML lessons are no exception. Thanks to Homeschool Programming for allowing us to review the program.
Homeschool Programming is a complete program to teach your child to write programs, create games, and even android apps.
We received the KidCoder Web Series a $85 computer based course for Windows or Mac OS complete with textbook and video lessons. (The full year package retails for $145 and will be available in August 2013)

I have to preface this review by saying I love the mouse character graphics, he is too adorable.
When we began the program, Cameron was given the assignment from Mommy to create a new banner for the blog, unfortunately during the process, the computer we were using the program on crashed. So during week 6 of lessons we had to stop and go back. We are still working on recreating the work. (I should have printed out the text file we were working in or saved it to his school thumb drive.)
Thankfully, near the end of the review period and after the computer crashed we received the videos to go along with the lessons. It was like learning the lessons all over again.
I love that the program teaches using a basic text editor rather than a program, something that simple and without extra cost.
I myself learned HTML in college using a text editor and it made it easier to edit.
The lessons are clear and concise. The lesson text does an excellent job giving lists of commonly used items.
The step by step simple instructions add to previous lessons in a very logical format.  I have found other programs explain ideas in such a missed match format that the students don't see the connection between concepts. Thankfully, the lessons and the videos with the KidCoder Web Series follow a logical format.
The Student Textbook comes as a 234 page pdf file and includes 13 chapters with 1-4 lessons per chapter (The last chapter contains a final project). Each lesson is complete with graphics and text illustrating the examples and ideas clearly. The mouse graphic is featured through out the lessons with variations to either stop the student with some highlighted information important to the lesson or give some extra information. The first few lessons  review some basic computer, networking or browser information making sure the student is on track.  The website contains FAQs to help parents along with a simple form to help with technical questions or course work questions. It is reassuring to know that you are not alone in this journey down the technology path in homeschool.
The Full Year course covers the following topics.

• Mark-up concepts
• Website layouts and files
• Backing up projects
• Essential HTML symbols
• Styling of text
• Using symbols and lists
• Internal and external hyperlinks
• Navigation bars and footers
• Simple CSS effects
• Spacing and positioning
• Graphics and image editing
• Tables

Some times I forget the struggles I had when I studied HTML in college, I am so very grateful for programs like Homeschool Programming for having such a user friendly homeschool product that will give my little man the tools he needs to be successful in the technology field even if it is just as my webmaster and HTML assistant.

 Homeschool Programming has more than just webcoder, they are a full service programming curriculum for a variety of ages. The Schoolhouse Review Crew received a variety of their programs to review and share their thoughts.  I know I look forward to reading their thoughts.

Math Rider, learning quests equals math practice

 
 We were happy to see Math Rider join the Schoolhouse Review Crew as a vendor again. Cameron actually asked me to apply to review the program as he remembered the program from the previous review we did.
While I was surprised at his eagerness, I welcome any excitement when it comes to learning basic skills. So I watched for the product link to arrive and immediately set up the boys' computer with Math Rider
The last time we reviewed the program, the boys were struggling with some focus issues and were too easily distracted by the quests. We also were a little behind in our math skills so they were easily frustrated. Now that we have been working on basic.

So What is Math Rider? Math Rider is a combination computer game and math mastery practice activity that include all 4 basic math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
Will my computer run Math Rider? Math Rider run on Adobe AIR run-time on both Windows and Mac systems., but I recommend checking the system requirements
How much does the program cost? Retail price is $47.00 and includes software updates for life.

Since the recommend age range is 6-12 years old I set both boys up with their own usernames  We found that for Nathan he could only do about half of a set of questions in each of the quests and worked better in practice mode rather than quest mode.

 Cameron actually did pretty well in quest mode, although he got frustrated with the quests since he didn't get 100% mastery and had to repeat a couple of the quests. I'm still torn on the whole expectation of 100% mastery , as a mom of two boys who struggle remembering some of the facts I set my mastery expectation at about 90% with 95% really being the higher goal.
The boys would play a minimum of 10 minutes to 20 minutes three times a week as either a math activity or a computer game. We played it at varying times the time we played.  The boys could earn extra computer play time by completing extra Math Rider time.

We will continue to use the program as a supplemental activity that the boys can use to work on their math fact mastery and typing skills. I know that typing skills isn't something that you would think of when thinking about a math game, but watching the boys play the game I am seeing their 10 key typing skills improve and that just adds extra benefits to the program. 

The program's price is a value especially considering the flexibility for larger families. You can have up to 8 players on a single use license and since the recommended age range covers grade 2-6 this product covers a large enough range to offset the initial $47. 
99 other crewmates also reviewed this program and you can read their thoughts by clicking the button below.

   

Hall of Doors Book 1 plus Unit Study from Progeny Press

I am always looking for interesting age appropriate stories for Cameron to read that can be worked into school activities. When I was given the opportunity to review a book and unity study from Progeny Press I saw a door opening for Cameron..
Progeny Press is not an unfamiliar company to us. We actually used the Progeny Press Unit Study for, The Hobbit (although modified) a couple of years ago. and really enjoyed it.
Using Progeny Press, the students will need access to a dictionary, a thesaurus  and Bible (we used KJV although NIV is recommended), some internet access can be very useful , and a copy of the book being studied.

We started out by reading aloud the Hall of Doors: Dragon's Hoard by Rebecca Gilleland. The book is graded at a 2nd -4th grade level which was a perfect fit for both boys. I read the first 3 chapters to them on a short road trip. Cameron read the rest of the chapters.  Each chapter is short enough to hold their attention , but detailed enough to move the story along. Illustrations by Mary Duban add hints of the story but are not distracting to the reader. Each chapter is 5-6 pages plus an illustration with a nice easy to read font. (That has been an issue for Cameron lately)
The story focuses on 2 siblings and their journey through the first door in a mysterious hall of doors inside their barn. They encounter talking crows, a dragon, elves, and larger spiders along their journey, a story in a book with clues they must follow. The clues within the story help them in their own journey to follow the true King.
The Biblical message in the story is subtle and not pounded on which makes the story almost like a C.S.Lewis Narnia story.
The paperback book retails $6.99


The interactive pdf unit study guide is engaging and can be done as we did without ever printing anything. Cameron worked through the pages for each chapter typing his answers. Once he was finished with the various activities he would print those pages as a new pdf file and send them to me via email. He was able to practice more skills than just a standard literature study; typing, saving, printing, and emailing in addition to his comprehension, sentence, grammar , etc.. skills.
The Study Guide is available for $15.99 as a download or CD and $16.99 as a printed booklet. We received the download and are already planning on having Nathan work through the study guide later this year since we made the decision to let Cameron work through this product on his own.
The boys are already looking forward to more of the Hall of Doors books and possible unit studies over the next year or so. I love that they are excited about a series of books that have a strong Christian Worldview, even with the magic/make believe elements.
The books and the coordinating study guides are a worth the cost. The books stand on their own, and when the study guides are added you get the additional educational benefits of a literature based study guide. You don't have to take my word for it, you can read more Schoolhouse Review Crew opinions by clicking on the button below.

Engaging Science with Supercharged Science

Science isn't my strong point , it just isn't something I like studying or teaching. I took 2 years in high school (Biology and Chemistry) and then Computer Sciences in college so I understand it, just am not a huge fan, especially when the boys are younger. That is where Supercharged Science comes into play. We were given the opportunity to review the program and share our thoughts with our readers.

What is Supercharged Science?  An online video and audio based program to help making teaching science easy. The program is a subscription based program where each month you will gain access to new units in everything from Mechanics to Biology to Thermodynamics and all points in between.
How much does it cost? For $37 a month you will receive access to the k-8 e-science program complete with video lessons, experiments, audio lessons, worksheets, parent/ teacher guides, shopping lists for each unit and online support from what my boys call the Red headed Rocket Scientist.
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Not only is this a great program to use as a stand alone science program. It is also a great supplemental program for an array of science curriculms

We did a couple of units over the review period. First we did sound which seemed natural especially for my youngest who loves anything Daddy does and Daddy does sound gear and speaker building. The boys made tin can telephones and took it a step farther by trying different size tin cans (Soup cans versus Coffee cans). Nathan has also been playing with glass bottles filled with various amounts of liquid creating various pitches. (it really has become a game for him)

We also have been enjoying the mechanics unit focusing on friction. Today at lunch they even experimented with moving something with straws (it was a stretch, but they kept talking about concepts they learned watching some of the videos)

Speaking of the videos , both boys have been watching the videos (together and separate). They have really enjoyed listening and watching Miss Aurora (as Nathan calls her). We have been alternating when and how they watch the videos (one day it will be separately the next time it will be together). This method seems to work best, especially if one of the boys wants to study something different.
Nathan also enjoyed listening to the audio lessons with the headset, he was able to listen without worrying about what everyone else in the room was doing and could listen even when Mommy was working on something else. He is my mostly motivated learner and if there is a subject he wants to know more about it is Science, this way he can watch and listen whenever he wants to as "extra-credit'. It fills the space he wants to fill in learning and gives him something to do that I don't worry about.
I love the extras with the program as well. including the math section, where they can learn different math skills in a very different environment.
I am not worried about what is being taught and am thankful for this product and the use we will continue to get from it. I am even looking forward to watching and doing a couple of the units when things settle down a bit in early summer. The boys have already asked when we can look at the Alternative Energy and Electronics units. They have gone through and made a list of units they want to work on over the summer when we relax a little and they can do more fun school.

We received a 1 year subscription to the program and I am looking forward to using this program more and more over the next 10 months. The Schoolhouse Review Crew mates share their opinions of this program HERE , where you can see how other moms and kids are using the program.

Computer Science for Kids; teaching and learning Computer Programming

 Are your kids ready for computer programming? My boys , are almost, so I was excited to receive Computer Science for Kids to use and review. As the family computer geek I was crazy excited to share my love of computers with my boys. I am a computer geek from way back. I actually owned a Radio Shack TRS-80 and a Vic20. I learned Basic programming on an Apple IIe in elementary school and junior high. With that history I was overly excited to teach my boys Small Basic programming.

 While my youngest is more interested in mechanical stuff , my oldest is still undecided and thinking computer gaming programming and such could be interesting. Cameron is 10 so I decided to work with just 1 on this program at least to start.  We received Computer Bible Games for Small Basic  in e-book format which retails on sale for $34.95 and Beginning Microsoft Small Basic .  The e-book contains 11 chapters designed to take 3-6 hours per chapter. My plan was to get us through chapter 4 or 5 in time for review, oh the best layed plans.  Cameron struggled with the lessons but is enjoying them. We did lessons on history of computers which was fun, we also did a basic computer skills lesson which let me in on his struggles so we spent more time on creating, editing, saving, finding, etc... then I had initially planned. The time we spent together has been good for both of use though, I have slowed down my pace a little bit more and allowed his pace to move forward naturally instead of pushing so hard.  Thankfully, he is enjoying the lessons more and is actually making the connection between what he is learning and where it can lead. 

The program itself if written for middle school students but is written in a fashion that kids are programming and understanding the Small Basic Language quickly (or in our case at their own pace). Being able to incorporate Bible elements into the programming adds fun elements that are cross curricula bringing his learning full circle.  As we progress through the program (we are continuing along even after this review) he will continue to make connections. He has already asked if he can create something to go with his weekly Bible Lesson; this make Mommy happy since I was afraid it was too over his head. He excitement has also let to him setting up and maintaining his email and showing more interest in the blog and possibilities in the future.

Since the book has 11 chapters and we are averaging a chapter in about a week and a half (6 class sessions), the value is very good. The e-book is easy to use; each chapter/ lesson is a separate pdf file, making assigning chapters on our planner quick. Cameron is able to locate the file , open and begin reading the lesson while I get his brother set up on whatever subject he is working on. It has given his a little more responsibility for his school work and independence. He knows the expectation and knows if he doesn't get himself started it just means Mom is going to have to sit with him until her finishes it. 

You can read more from the Schoolhouse Review Crew HERE

Adventus MusIQ : A fun Computer based Piano and Music Teacher

My boys love music, at least learning music and trying new things, so when the opportunity arose to review Adventus MusIQ Homeschool program I was excited and so were the boys.  This computer based piano lesson program is available for the whole family and can be purchased as a monthly subscription for $10.95 a month.  You may also purchase a midi keyboard from Adventus to use with the program if you don't already have one. 

We already have an older midi keyboard so we purchased a USB midi adapter plug to connect our keyboard to the program. I would recommend purchasing a new keyboard unless you are sure your keyboard will connect to your computer and is recognized. We had several technical issues going into the project as I have an older Yamaha midi keyboard. After several calls to various tech support numbers we finally got the correct drivers and set up to work with the program.

My boys were eager to start the program and learn as much as they could, so they were willing to help get the office set up with their computer and a spot of the keyboard.  We started with the Children's Music Journey Volume 1  with both boys. I was impressed with how quickly the program started into the keyboard use, within the first lesson the program was having the kids work on the keyboard. The graphics were engaging and the characters voices fun and ear pleasing. Both boys enjoyed the composers as the characters. With a variety of games to play, they found something to reinforce what they were learning and still have fun. While we slowed down a bit with music as the weather took us outside finally, they are still asking to work on 'Music Journey' as they call it. I asked each of the boys what their favorite game was and got the same answer (they don't usually agree on much) , Falling Leaves was their favorite, a play the note game. I thought they were actually all really fun. I set myself up an account so I could get to know the program a bit better as the boys were using it.  Sure wish there had been something like this when I was learning to read music and play the piano. 

The above video from their website does an awesome job of showing you around the program. There are several other YouTube videos available showing various parts of the program as examples, I actually went through most of them when we were considering this program. It gave me some helpful things to consider before we jumped in. 
The program is colorful , for some this can be a little too much, but this time around both my boys found it very inviting. I had been struggling with how to teach my boys piano and music reading and have been very happy with this program. I am even shopping for a newer keyboard to replace ours so the boys don't have to deal with the technical issues that pop up every so often. With 3 volumes I know the boys will have a lot of music learning ahead of them. We may even look to the next program from Adventus to continue their music education.
You don't have to take my opinion only, other members of the Schoolhousereview crew reviewed this program as well as share their thoughts HERE

4th Grade Math with A+Tutorsoft Inc

While we do a lot of hands on math using several different programs, I was excited to introduce Cameron to some more educational computer time. 

Thanks to A+ Tutorsoft Inc., I have been able to do just that. We have been approaching math in a more traditional way using theA+ Interactive MATH 4th grade CD. The program is interactive as the child listens to the lesson and watches the instructions and math problems on the screen. Each lesson also has a question and answer section instead of traditional worksheets. 

Since this is a new way of doing math for Cameron, I was thankful to see I could still print the worksheets. This was especially helpful on units he needed additional practice on. I set the expectation of 85% correct at the end of each lesson, if he got fewer than that correct I printed the lesson for us to work on together.
We only had to print out 2 of the lessons before he realized that if he paid a little more attention he would probably get enough right that he didn't have to sit with Mommy and redo the assignment.. We scheduled Math as part of his work at least 3 out of the 4 school days a week and will continue this way for another month or two before we decide if we are going to adjust his schedule. 
Who knew 1 CD could change the way this crazy boy would think about Math. Instead of "blowing through" a worksheet, he actually had to sit and listen to the instruction and work through the problems. 

 A+ Tutorsoft Inc. has both the CD curriculum and as well as an interactive online program for 1st grade through Algebra 1 to cover your complete Math needs. A+ Tutorsoft Inc. has generously given our readers a bonus coupon that can be used through March 31,2013 giving them 50% of their order. Use promo code SPOFFER50 when you check out.(the code is case sensitive). The online program is available as a monthly , quarterly , or annual subscription starting at $19.95 a month. The CD program is available beginning at $99.95. That coupon makes this an awesome deal, a full year math curriculum for under $50. If you aren't sure if this program is for you , they have a download trial  on their website. I can't wait to see how much more progress Cameron makes this year with his math. 

Click to read more reviews from the Schoolhouse Review Crew

Samson makes learning fun online #hsreviews

Have you met Samson?
Samson's Classroom is a fun interactive learning program focusing on Dolch sight words, spelling, and Reading with comprehension.
Sometimes I think I take our schooling too seriously, thankfully  Samson's Classroom is fun and silly engaging the boys without a lot of stress.
I started out with a single sign on  to give it a test drive myself and the boys, it didn't take long for them to ask for their own accounts. The idea that a single program can incorporate three critical areas of learning in one sure makes this Mom excited.
The prices for Samson's Classroom also excited this Mom. With packages starting at only $30 a year and a family package for $50 I can see the value as this trio of subjects really are critical to successes later in life. Since my oldest is inthe 4th grade, it isn't a program that I will continue much farther with him, but my 2nd grader engaged and enjoyed this program enough that I am seeing his attitude toward reading improve.

The games are colorful and fun as well as encouraging. The boys are eager to do the assignments to earn more chances with the games.

Sight word activities that teach listening and visual recognition also encourage more learning.

More games that encourage learning while improving computer skills.  This game in particular is challenge with the keyboard to move Samson around the board and once all the letters are collected  and arranged into the spelling words.

I know we as a family have been blessed by the change in attitude because of this program, a willingness to learn and enjoy the learning is a such passion for my husband and I.
Don't take my excitement for this program as the final word, check out what the rest of the crew thought, here


disclaimer: I received an online subscription to Samson's Classroom in exchange for my opinion here, no monetary compensation was received. 

The Pilgrim Story online school style #hsreviews

Usually the story of the pilgrim journey is glossed over so much that students don't really learn the truth and the details that are critical to understanding. Not true with The Pilgrim Story from Dayspring Christian Academy.  Dayspring is a Christian Academy that uses the Principal Approach to education, meaning their foundation is the Bible and Biblical principles in all areas and teaching to restore American heritage.  The more I read and understand the Principle approach the more I want to include it in our homeschool. Thankfully, we received a subscription to this class and easily incorporated it into our home. While there was more writing then Cameron liked. We found the slide show style presentations made it easy to watch and pause for discussions or answer questions that might come up.

The graphics that are incorporated into the slideshow are very straightforward and connected well throughout the unit.  The various worksheets and activities to reinforce the messages are again well connected with matching graphics and style with a good variety of activities. I especially liked the notebooking approach of the program where everything once finished moves to the notebook for future reference  making the unit study a lifetime learning project.
With the vocabulary we were able to learn not only new words but their meanings and the possible uses even though for the most part many of the words won't necessarily make it into everyday conversation. (hey, a mom can hope that they will , but really...)
Since the program is mostly online, it was nice to have Cameron work by himself with only as little interaction from Mom or Dad away from the distraction of his brother or the rest of the house.
The Biblical foundation of the program gives me confidence in having him work on the program without the worry of content or conflict.
The Pilgrim Story is geared toward 3rd- 6th graders so was a perfect fit for our 4th grader and retails for $99.00. The price is higher than I would normally pay for a unit study, but for the whole program is realistic especially if you have multiple children in that age range. This would be a great program for a family to do together.
Below is an introduction video about the program.


Being a self-paced program allows for flexible incorporation into your school week, since there isn't an assigned time to log on to view the presentations. That to me is a huge benefit to this particular program. With so many programs I have looked at , meetings where only at certain times making it hard to work it into our day.
The course comes to its end with a virtual field trip , which is a surprise for Cameron as I haven't told him about it yet.
The course also fit perfectly into a class he is taking within our local co-op about symbols of America. Understanding the foundations of this country is more important now then ever before and having the Biblical foundation to accompany it is vital.
Of course you don't have to take just my word for it, the Schoolhouse Review Crew members share their thoughts as well.

disclaimer: As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew we received a subscription to the above mentioned program in exchange for our honest opinion of the program.

a little Bach in training thanks to Kinderbach! #hsreviews

While enjoying the transition into the fall season and the routine of school, we were blessed to review Kinderbach  again this year. Nathan was the most excited as he wants to learn more about music and playing. It was nice to pick up where we left off earlier this year and continue our musical journey with Dodi and the gang thanks to Miss Kari's fun friends. 

This time around the music got a little harder and the fun and learning just that much greater. The songs were recognizable tunes that Nathan had heard before. The worksheets and activities made their way into this binder, we even revisited a couple of the early worksheets to refresh our memories. 

Kinderbach is an amazing online music education program that teaches younger students to play simple tunes and become comfortable on the keyboard while incorporating fun characters and slideshow style presentations. Kinderbach offers an online subscription program that retails for $19.99 a month when paid monthly or annually for $95.88 when paid once (costs out at $7.99 a month).

I love that the program teaches note recognition along with basic theory at a young age to create a strong foundation in music education that can grow with the child.  The colorful environment is very engaging for children and even parents can enjoy it. 

I still feel this program is a value for families looking to incorporate music into their early childhood and elementary programs. 

While we reviewed the online program, there is also an iPad app that makes the program more portable. Nathan is looking forward to continuing our journey for a few more months with Kinderbach.

You can also connect with Kinderbach on Facebook  and to see what the rest of the Schoolhouse Review Crew thought of the program, check out this post

disclaimer: As a member of the SchoolhouseReviewCrew, I received a copy of the above mentioned product in exchange for my honest opinion and review of the product.