Mood:  a-ok

I remember going to the fair when I was younger. My mom always had a stand set up for her business, so we would practically go everyday. I would have a blast! I would visit all of the displays, go to the animal barns, walk the midway. One of my favorite things to do was play some of the carnival games. One game that I liked was a race game that involved rolling a ball and trying to get it to drop through holes on a board. Each hole had a different point value that would determine how far your race car would move on the track. I remember playing with my older brother one day and begging him for more money to play just one more game. After one bout of pleading, he looked at me and said "Tim, you're addicted." And you know what? I was! The thrill of the race cars moving across the track and the anticipation of whether or not I could hold first place until the finish line would get me every time.

That's the kind of excitement that I felt when I first played Quarter Mile Math. Quarter Mile Math is a research based computer math review game and is very similar to the game that I used to play at the fair, but, instead of rolling balls into holes, you are answering math questions! The TOS Homeschool Crew was very blessed to have received the Deluxe Version of Quarter Mile to review. After opening the package and following the simple installation instructions, the kids were on their way. First you enter your name and choose a password. Then you determine what math concept that you would like to review. Quarter Mile has almost every arithmetic concept that you can think of from very simple keyboarding and counting skills for a kindergärtner to complex pre-algebra problems. As soon as you've chosen a concept, you begin your race. A math problem will flash onto the screen. If you answer it correctly, your car moves forward, if you don't, your car stands still and you receive another chance to answer the question. After a few missed tries, the computer will flash the correct answer, wait for you to punch it in, and then bring up another problem. You begin by racing five computer generated opponents but, after a few races, those opponents become your five best previous times. So, you are actually racing against yourself! As you keep getting better and receive better times, your opponents get faster because your new, better times replace your old races. If your child gets bored with cars, he can switch to riderless horses racing through a meadow! There are even sound effects that your child can enjoy while they are racing.

There are two ways that you can purchase Quarter Mile Math. You can purchase either the Deluxe Version or the Standard Version. With the Deluxe Version you have to have access to the internet because you have to download the program. However, you can download it on multiple computers at no extra charge so that more than one student can use it at a time. The internet also tracks your child's progress and you can access the number of topics that your child has practiced, how many races he participated in, and how many correct answers he got. It also allows your children to actually race against another opponent! You can even have it installed on grandpa's computer in another state and race against him! Your child never goes to the web, so there is no worry there. The Deluxe Version also comes with every topic, from kindergarten level up to pre-algebra. You can even order a back up CD if you wish.

Don't have the internet? No problem! You can order the Standard Version. The Standard Version has all of the regular features that the Deluxe Version has, but since there is no internet, there are a few differences. You obviously can't play against someone on another computer, and, although the game will keep track of your times, it won't have the other report features that the Deluxe Version has. The Standard Version allows you to install it on different computers, but since you need the CD to play, two students can't play at the same time on two different computers. With the Standard Version the topics are divided into three levels - grades k-3, 4-6, and 6-9. You can buy each one separately, or buy one of Barnum Softwares bundle packages.

By this time you might be thinking "This sounds great, but does it really work?" You could look at some of the 200+ positive comments that are listed on their website, or ask any of the Sylvan Learning Centers if their students have progressed, but let me give you a personal testimony. I can assure you that it does work. Joshua is just learning addition, so he worked on his addition skills. John Allen, chose to review his multiplication facts first, then moved on to fraction skills. I was amazed at how both of them advanced, but especially at Joshua, our Asperger's child. He has been having a lot of problems just learning his basic addition skills. Quarter Mile has it broken down so that you can review addition skills in increments. We began with addition up to 3+3. In just a couple of days he had those mastered so we moved up to 4+4. He whizzed through those in less than a week. The past few days, he has been working on 5+5 and has been making great progress! Last year Joshua really excelled in reading. This year we prayed that his math skills would really take off, and so far they have! Quarter Mile Math has been a big part of the reason. We are sold on it!

The cost is very reasonable. The Deluxe Version is $2.95 per family a month, $19.95 per family per year, or $34.95 per family for two years. The Standard Version costs from $39.95 - $89.95 depending on the level or bundle that you choose to purchase. BUT, if you decide to purchase before September 30, 2009, you can use Referal Code "7P7E7" to get $5 off any purchase! Have you ever heard the saying "Membership has its priveliges?" When you buy Quarter Mile Math, you can participate in the membership forum and take advantage of the homeschool section of the Barnum Software website. If your still not sure, click here or on any one of the highlighted areas above, and you can download a demo. There's nothing to lose. Check it out now, and Happy Racing!

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Mood:  a-ok

Doesn't that sound like a wild ride at the carnival? The Venus Fly Trap! But, alas, once again, I'm not going to a carnival nor do I have a Venus Fly Trap in my garden. I am, however, taking part in a Garden Carnival. You can find it at My Gardening Patch. Just click here to join in the fun! What post of mine are they putting on My Gardening Patch? You'll have to check it to find out. The August carnival is posted sometime on the last Wednesday of the month. Have fun at the garden carnival and, while you're there, take a ride on The Venus Fly Trap!

Hi All,

The mother-in-law of Brenda Emmett, the lady who hosts this carnival, passed away right before the August edition was to come out. I'm sure, as things settle down, she will post the new carnival. Keep checking back and clicking on the link to see if it is up yet. In the mean time, please be in prayer for Brenda, her husband, and the rest of the family.

Thanks,

Tim

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Mood:  a-ok

I have always been skeptical of online homeschool curriculum. I don't know why really. I guess I like the personal interaction that I have with my child. At least when I am teaching, I know what he is doing and keep track of his progress. I have used different computer programs to supplement my child's education, but have not found a program that I feel can do as good of a job teaching as I can with personal one on one time with my child. Until my son tried Aleks Math!

I have always liked math, and enjoy teaching it to my children. The oldest, John Allen, doesn't necessarily like math, but continues to plod along, learning what he needs to get by. Thankfully, homeschool curriculum tends to be advanced, so he is learning more than most kids, but has never made any great leaps in his learning, nor, really liked it. I was pretty sure that Aleks Math would be the same way. Boy was I wrong!

This math program is for grades 3-adult, but an advanced first or second grader, or even a very advanced kindergärtner could use it as well. I signed John Allen up for the "Middle School Math Course 3" which is for a 7th grade student getting ready for pre-algebra in 8th grade. To insure privacy, John Allen was given a login name and password for whenever he signs in to continue working on his math studies.

The first thing that he did was take a pre-test to determine what he knew and didn't know. The immediate results told us that he knew 11% of what this course covered. The program is set up so that a student doesn't need to relearn things that he already knows. Will he have to review those things, yes, but he won't have to go through a class where something he already knows is tediously taught step by step. If he were in a regular class, he would have to do this for all of the students who still need to learn those concepts. Even in a one-on-one homeschool environment, we would have to look over each lesson and try some problems before determining whether or not to move on to the next lesson. Aleks does all of that for you.

Next, we were presented with John Allen's pie. However, the "pie" isn't something that he can eat, but a pie graph that tells what John Allen already knows and still needs to learn. His pie was divided into six slices Whole Numbers and Integers; Rational Numbers; Measurements, Proportions, Percents and Probabilities; Variable Expressions and Equations; Functions and Graphs; and lastly, Geometry. The darker portions of the chart represent how much he has learned, and the lighter portions tell how much he still needs to learn. As he progresses through the course, more and more of the pie will become darker until, hopefully, sooner or later, the pie will be completely dark, which means he has completed this course. When John Allen presses on a piece of his pie, it gives a selection of topics that he is ready to learn. He can press on any topic, and begin the teaching process.

I must admit, that when we were first given a one month trial to evaluate this product, we were on vacation and not able to use it right away. Then, when we were finally able to begin, we were given another math review program to evaluate as well. All in all, John Allen has probably used this program for about two and a half weeks, for only about half an hour a day on average. Which is much less than he would normally spend on math, but we had to make time for the other review program as well. I tell you all of this because after only about 9 hours of use, John Allen now has 22% of the course mastered! He has doubled his knowledge! If he were to keep up at this pace, he would finish this course in only half a year! All without fuss - he actually likes it! In fact, he asked if we could sign him up for the whole year.

If you would have told me a year ago that this would happen, I would have thought you were joking. Now, I am sold on this product. I heartily recommend Aleks Math. But, don't take my word for it, sign up for a free month's trial today and see for yourself. Just click here:

Aleks Math can be used as a complete math program or as a math tutor for students who are struggling in a regular math class. Although Aleks may be a little more expensive than a regular homeschool math curriculum, it cost a lot less than a math tutor or one of the tutoring centers that you could take your child to. And, when you think about the gas that you could spend to take your child to a tutor or center, it makes the price a little more bearable. They give you several options for purchasing. It can be purchased month-to-month for $19.95 per month, or $99.95 for six months, or $179.95 for 12 months. Family discounts are available for 6 and 12-month subscriptions when purchasing for multiple students. We're already planning on signing John Allen up for another month and see where it goes from there. He actually asks to do math now. This is the happiest I have ever seen him when it comes to math. And, as they say, you can't put a price on happiness! 

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When I was growing up, church was not an option. Mom and Dad had been raised that the parents of the home were responsible for their children's religious training and they took that responsibility seriously! They not only taught us about Jesus, but were examples of Jesus.

Even before children, I pledged to be that kind of a parent. I also wanted to teach about and exemplify my Lord. But, as a homeschool parent, I wanted my teaching to be more than just family devotions. One of the reasons that we began to homeschool was to bring religious training back into the school environment. One of the ways we desired to do that was by teaching the Bible as a core subject. 

It hasn't been easy. We have tried different curriculums and methods. Some we have liked, but the kids haven't. Some the kids have liked, but we didn't. We have continued to search for a curriculum that both we liked and the kids liked...until now. We have found one...Grapevine Studies!

Grapevine Studies touts itself as "a Bible study curriculum that engages the intellect while stimulating the imagination", and they are not mistaken. Dianna Wiebe, the author, calls her Bible Study Method, "Stick Figuring". Here's how it works. As you are teaching the lesson to your child, you are drawing simple stick figures on a dry erase board that go along with your lesson. No need to worry about your artistic ability, these figures are very basic and examples/instructions are included in the teacher's manuals. As you're reading the scripture and talking about the lesson, the children are also drawing on their study sheet. They can either copy the basic figures that you have drawn on the board, or make them more elaborate.

Joshua, our eight year old, worked on the Old Testament Overview. He was very basic in his drawing. He drew what was needed to complete the picture but, he was more interested in asking questions.

On the other hand, John Allen (13 yrs. old), who studied the New Testament Overview, was more content to listen and draw elaborate pictures. I was amazed, however, at what they each remembered at the end of the week, when we did a review. It seemed that this curriculum met both of their needs! Joshua's need was auditory and kinesthetic. He needed to keep his hands moving, and he needed answers to all of the questions that were spinning around in his head. John Allen is a very hands on person. He likes to do and think things through as he does them. This curriculum has it all, auditory, visual, kinesthetic - everything!

To add to the learning, they have verses and basic Bible facts (i.e. the 12 apostles or how many books in OT and NT) to memorize, and "Character/Event" cards (3x5) that are to be filled out and put in a file for later reference. More advanced students also learn how to use a Bible dictionary, concordance, and Topical Bible.

Not sure if you'll like it? Not a problem! Grapevine always has a free "eLesson" that you can download from their website. They also have over a dozen other eLessons that you can choose from for only $2.95.

Not ready to commit to a full years study? No problem either! Grapevine Studies also has smaller courses that hone in on just one or two Biblical characters or events. The TOS Crew blog has links to other crew members who reviewed Esther, The Birth of Christ, and Biblical Feasts and Holy Days.

Not sure of what you want? Still no problem! Dianna is one of the nicest people that you could ever work with. Look over what they have to offer, and then contact her with your ideas and she will work with you. We emailed back and forth several times before I finally decided on what to try with John Allen and Joshua. Please don't hesitate to contact her if you have any questions.

Not sure of the price? Their prices range form $6.95 (student book)/$8.95 teachers manual on up for the smaller studies to $15.95 or more for some of the year long courses. You can get them in either hard copies or ebooks for convenience - whichever you prefer.  They even have a "scratch and dent" sale section on their website. But, Dianna has extended a special sale for those of you who might be reading this and want to order now! Until Sept. 15, you can use the coupon code CREWS to get a 30% discount on your entire order!

So, what are you waiting for? There is really no obstacle left. For those of you that homeschool - Bible should be one of your core subjects. For those of you who don't homeschool, remember what I have said. We all are home educators whether our children go to a public/private school, or are schooled at home. What is better to educate your child in than the Bible. Still not sure? Download their free eLesson for this month. There's nothing to lose. To check out their website, just click here or on any of the highlighted links above. Take a look today! I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. 

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Mood:  sharp

Recently I read about a young 13 yr. old genius that began creating web-pages using HTML when he was only 12. He recently demonstrated his skills by making a page dedicated to his favorite candy using only ten lines of HTML! His page included a bright red, patterned background, pictures, a description of why he liked sour straws, and a humorous cartoon character with a puckered "sour straw" face. 

Hey! Wait a minute! That name sounds familiar. Why, I believe John Allen Tinkel is my son. But...my son is no genius. He's smart, but basically just a regular old 13 year old. How did he create a web page using HTML? A beautiful one at that, using only 10 lines of code? I know how! He watched the DVD - "Web Design For Kids (...and curious grown-ups!)"

"Web Design for Kids (...and curious grown-ups)" features Brian Richardson, a middle school computer teacher. In a very friendly, relaxed (and often funny) way, Brian "teaches" two young people how to develop their own web page using only ten lines of HTML. He encourages you to work along with the other "students". The video includes segments on:

• Basic HTML Code
• Adding Pictures
• Coloring Letters and Backgrounds
• Making Text Move Across the Screen
• And a lot more

The DVD case says that the only thing needed is Notepad and Internet Explorer, but we used Mozilla Firefox without much difficulty. We did have one problem, however. The computers on the DVD use Windows XP. If your computer uses Windows Vista, as ours does, then you may find that some of the needed files aren't quite in the same place. However, it isn't hard to figure out what to do. According to their website, you can also use Mac computers, but they prefer you using Windows.

There are thick, confusing books about HTML on the market that can cost from $20 - $30 on up, but why buy a boring book when a fantastic DVD can teach you the same thing in a more entertaining way. Besides, those books are written for adults, not for kids. For a limited time, the Web Design for Kids website is selling their DVD for only $19.99 plus $3.99 shipping and handling. But, better yet, a portion of all proceeds from these DVD's goes to charity! 

So, what are you waiting for? Click here or on any of the highlighted links to order your DVD today and you can be as smart as that 13 year old, John Allen Tinkel. He is smart isn't he? But, of course, why should I be surprised? I hear he comes from good genes !

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