Archive for category Book & Product Reviews

“Who is God?” by Apologia Press

Posted by jlsgrant in Book & Product Reviews on March 15, 2011

We have been so blessed by “Who Is God,” by Apologia Press.  But we before we get further into our opinion, let me give you a little background on this product:

“Apologia has teamed with Summit Ministries to bring you the “What We Believe” Series. The “What We Believe” Series is an outstanding way to teach your child the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, but it’s so much more! With this student-directed, Bible-based curriculum, your children will learn how to use Scripture as a lens through which to view the world around them—to see everything the way God sees it—and know the truth.”

Who is God? And Can I Really Know Him?, the first book in the series on Biblical Worldview, introduces the concept of Worldview and lays a foundation for Christian truth through Scriptural references, storytelling, scripture memorization, and guided journaling.  

The basis for this study is something we are all too familiar with: “Our children are bombarded on a daily basis with competing messages. Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas—ideas about truth, morality, beauty, identity, faith, and more. Not all of these ideas are true. Some are wrong, some are deceptive, and some are outright destructive. It is more important than ever that young children be equipped to discern among competing ideas and stand in the truth.”

So what are our thoughts about it?  Simply this: 

LOVE IT!! 🙂

We have been using this book to begin our school day since we received it and have all truly enjoyed this study.  Who Is God? is full of Godly truth and each and every concept is backed up with Scripture.  The kids (11 and 15) say they are enjoying it because, “it makes them think!”  🙂 The short stories really help bring the concept to life. 

I enjoy it because, in addition to the wonderful content, there is not a lot of prep time involved for the teacher.  In fact, there is no reason they could not do this independently.  Each section has thought provoking questions for discussion.   There are ten lessons in the book, which can be completed in one to two weeks, depending on the amount of time spent journaling and working on the memorization.  

We will continue using this study throughout the school year and look forward to using the second book in the series, Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here?, next year.

What a wonderful way to start the school day!

This Product and Others Available from:

Link to: Sample Lesson & Table of Contents

Cost: $39.00

Age: 6 – 14 years

Product Type:  Student Directed Learning/Minimal Teacher Prep

Check out the FAQ page for more information on teaching Worldview

Coming Soon…..

Who Is My Brother? And Why Do We Need Each Other? Available 2011

What on Earth Can I Do? Available 2012

Disclaimer:  Members of the TOS Homeschool Crew were given copies of this book in exchange for their honest review.  No other compensation of any kind has been received.  Quotes in this post are from the product website, with the exception of the quote from my kiddos.

 

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The Curiosity Files: Cicada Killing Wasp

Posted by jlsgrant in Book & Product Reviews on February 11, 2011

Why not explore an exciting topic with Professor Ana Lyze, Expert in Outlandish Oddities?

“Students love to explore, examine, and experiment with The Curiosity Files™! Switch on the excitement mode to science investigations, and witness the joy of homeschooling like it was meant to be!  Tap into all the fun learning, research, and great stuff your kids will encounter with The Curiosity Files™ . . . and the unforgettably curious new title fromThe Old Schoolhouse®”  We only reviewed one topic, but there are many to choose from.

Wow! There is so much included in the one unit study!  The Curiosity Files really do include something for almost every core subject.  Just look at what is included in this e-book:

  • Bible study, discussion ideas, and memory verses
  • Math, history, and geography investigations
  • Literature and suggested book list
  • Writing, spelling, and vocabulary activities
  • Beautiful copywork pages (manuscript and cursive)
  • Science observations, projects, and experiments
  • Discussion questions
  • Art, crafts, and drawing and coloring pages 
  • Curiosity Snippets: lapbook/notebook pages and helpful links
  • Special needs, hands-on discoveries
  • Internet resources and video links
  • Complete answer key

This particular unit study was chosen for a purpose!  Late in the summer of 2010, we observed these fine creatures in our very backyard!  When I first noticed them, I was, honestly, quite horrified!  I had never seen a wasp that big…about two inches in length and you could hear their wings flapping when they flew by! YIKES! Right?   I was so intrequed by them, I even wrote about their presence in our yard! (See Pre-Historic Insect in Florida!)

When TOS asked members of the Crew to choose from a list of Curiosity Files, I did not hesitate in choosing the Cicada-Killing Wasp!  We loved learning about the creature that is/was right in our own backyard.  We even were able to take a mini-field expedition to examine what’s left of their small mounds of dirt  from the summer busy season.  Hmmm, I wonder how many cicada’s are buried in my “make-shift” cicada graveyard?  Perhaps we can continue this study in the summer when the young cicada killers emerge.

We loved using the Curiosity Files and plan to find another topic of interest for later use.  This e-book is very thorough and professionally put together, with all kinds of activities and projects to make this a thorough unit study, as you can see from the list above.   

Some of the sections included are: 

The Write Stuff: containing grammar and writing activities,

Figure It Out: using math concepts to relate to some real-life lessons, 

Vocabulary and Spelling:  covering both elementary and middle/high school levels,

In the Lab: utilizing the knowledge just acquired in the study,  

Good Old Days: bringing in history lessons and research activities,

Where in the World:  containing geography and mapping excercises 

But wait, I’m not done!!  Don’t forget about the fun crafts, activities, and  game ideas!  It’s very easy to use with the whole family! 🙂

Age/Grade Level: Elementary/Middle School, and can adapt easily for older kids

Price:  Bundle of 9 Titles on CD for just $49, E-Book Bundle for $46, Check purchasing link for great prices on individual titles

Purchase at:  The Old Schoolhouse Store 

Other titles available:

Disclaimer:  Members of the TOS Homeschool Crew were given free copies of this E-Book in exchange for their honest reviews.  No other compensation of any kind has been received.

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