TOS Review: Wits & Wagers Family

Title: Wits and Wagers Family

By: North Star Games
Price: $19.99

What is it?
Wits & Wagers Family is a trivia game the whole family can play together, either individually, or as teams.  It is recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Game contents: 
Wits & Wagers Family consists of 1 scoreboard, 6 small dry eraser boards (answer boards), 6 small black dry erase markers, 10 Meeples; 5 large and 5 small, and 150 trivia cards (300 trivia questions in all).

How do you play?
To play you’ll need 2-5 players, or up to 10 if you’re playing in teams. The game recommends having at least 3 players; however, we have played multiple times with only 2.  Each player/team receives an answer board, a dry erase marker, and 2 meeples (one large and one small) all of the same color.
Be sure to choose a scorekeeper to keep score throughout the game. The youngest player goes first by reading a question aloud. Once a question is read, each player, including the player who read the question, writes down their best educated guess on their answer board. Be sure to keep your answers hidden from the other players. Don’t worry if you have no idea what the answer is, you don’t have to have the correct answer; you just have to have the closest answer. All questions have a numerical answer. Example questions are: On average, what percentage of the human body is water? How many peanut M&M’s are in a pound? In what year did Paul Revere make his midnight ride to warn people that the British are coming? The answers are on the back of each card, along with some additional fun facts.
When everyone has written their answers, all boards are placed face up in the center of the table. The boards are to be sorted in a row from smallest to largest. Using their meeples, everyone then makes a wager on who they think has the closest answer without going over. Players can wager on their own answer if they choose. There is a board with a “1” on it that players can place their meeples if they feel all the answers are too high.

There are three ways to score points.
1 point is given for writing the winning guess (sometimes more than 1 player will get this point).
1 point is given for placing a small meeple on the winning guess.
2 points are given for placing a large meeple on the winning guess.

After each round is complete and points are noted, players take back their answer boards and meeples, and the player/team to the left reads a question from the next trivia card.

Which ever player/team accumulates 15 points first wins the game!!

My thoughts:
My family LOVES Wits & Wagers Family!  My daughters were egger to play the game from the moment I opened the package.  It has provided many hours of great family fun and I know it will continue to provide many more.  My daughters enjoy playing so much that they have asked to take it with them to many different places so they can play with their friends, too.
 

Wits & Wagers Family can be found at Amazon.com, Target, or at your locally owned toy and game stores.  Don't miss out on all the fun!  Go now and purchase Wits & Wagers Family for your family or someone else.  Be sure to check out what other games North Star Games has to offers.   

Be sure to check out what my fellow TOS Crew Members have to say.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received Wits & Wagers Family from North Star Games in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review: ALEKS

What is it?
Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS offers truly individualized instruction that meets the student at her learning level and instructs her on the exact topics that she is most ready to learn. As a result, no two students will experience the same learning path while working in ALEKS. Learn more by watching a quick 2-minute video. 

ALEKS is a Research-Based Online Math Program:

• Complete Curriculum Solution for Math with Access to Full Course Library
• No Textbook Required
• Artificial Intelligence Targets Gaps in Student Knowledge
• Assessment and Individualized Learning for Grades 3-12
• Master Account - Monitor and Direct Learning Progress
• Unlimited Online Access - PC & Mac Compatible
• QuickTables - Complimentary Math Fact Mastery Program for Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction

How does it work?
Once you have created an account for your student(s), as well as a master account for yourself, you choose which course each student will take. There is a LONG list of options ranging from K-12 (which is 3rd grade -12th grade), as well as several specialized courses (AP, Chemistry, etc,) and Higher Education course (Math, Business, Behavioral Science, and Science). If you're not sure which course to choose, ALEKS has course recommendations based by Grade. If you feel the chosen course is too hard or easy for your student, ALEKS does allow you to switch at anytime.

The student then completes an assessment test to see what they already know and what they still need to learn based on grade/course. Their "My Pie" will fill in based on the results of the assessment. ALEKS recommends moving your student to a higher course level if his/her pie is more than 85 percent full, or to a lower course level if it is less than 15 percent completed.

Below is an example of what the "My Pie" looks like. The darkened portion of each slice represents the topics the student has mastered and the lighter portion represents what he/she has yet to learn.

 

 

When the curser is held over a portion of the pie, a small window appears with available work options. This allows to student to decide what they want to working on.  When he/she comes across a problem they do not understand, they can click on the “Explain” button which will given them a written explanation of how to complete the problem.  Once they have mastered the concept, it is added in the shaded part of the pie and new material is available for the student to work on.  

Here is an example of what an explanation may look like. 

 
The QuickTables and interactive games were a real hit with my youngest daughter.  QuickTables is a math fact mastery program for addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.  There are also printable worksheets available.  The interactive games and worksheets provide additional review.  The answer keys are emailed to the parent/teacher via our inbox within the master account.
  

  

Master Account:
The master account provides a great deal of information to the parent/teacher. It allows us the ability to:

• Manage each student’s account
• View progress reports
• View attendance report – giving us the ability to track the time spent working.
• View Pie Chart
• Create customized quizzes for each student
• Edit and view QuickTables
• Edit Student’s Account

 

  

What do I like about it?
My daughters worked on the ALEKS program on average 1-2 hours a day, 3 days a week. I really enjoyed seeing how far they have come in only one month. They both really enjoyed ALEKS.  I was a little concerned about whether my youngest would struggle with the program, as she has a few learning disabilities, but I was very pleased by how much she learned and the amount of fun she had working with ALEKS. 
I also really enjoyed the program. It is a complete curriculum, so there’s no need to supplement with another math program. My daughters were able to work independently, so while one worked on ALEKS, I was able to work one-on-one with my daughter.

What did I not like about it?
I would have to say the only thing I disliked about ALEKS is the cost.  The math program we are currently working through is working well for us and with two students I feel the cost is more than we would like at this time.  If cost is not a concern for you, then Aleks may be a great math program for your student(s).  I’m not saying we will never subscribe to ALEKS, but just not at this time.

Additional Information:

• Many topics are available in both English and Spanish.
• There are NO multiple-choice questions. Students must work out the problems and type in their answers.
• Whether your student has been on vacation or experienced computer difficulties, the program will automatically return to the place he/she was last working.

A subscription to ALEKS is

• $19.95 per student, per month, or
• $99.95 every 6 months, or
• $179.95 every 12 months

If you are registering more than one student, a family discount program is available.  ALEKS also offers a free one month trial upon request.  Click below to find out more information. 







 

Be sure to check out what my fellow TOS Crew Members have to say.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received a one month subscription to ALEKS for free in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review: Christian Kids Explore Chemistry

Title: Chrisitan Kids Explore Chemistry

By: Bright Ideas Press

Number of lessons: 30
Number of Pages: 384 pages

Price: $34.95

What is it?
Christian Kids Explore Chemistry is an exciting and fun science curriculum created for grades 4–8.  There are 5 units, broken down into 30 lessons.  Within this book you will find, * fun hands-on activities, * unit reviews, * chemistry terms, notations, and rules, * coloring pages, * a supplemental book list, * and more. 

Here is a glimpse of what you can find in each unit.

Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry, Chemistry Tools, Matter, Elements, Mixtures and Compounds

Unit 2: Atoms, Atomic Number, Atomic Mass, Periodic Table, Molecules

Unit 3: Chemical Bonds, More Chemical Bonds, Formulas, Naming Compounds, Reactions, Acids, Bases, Salts

Unit 4: Solids and Liquids, Gases, Gas Laws, State Change, Solutions

Unit 5: Hydrocarbons, Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, AlcOHols, Esters, Biochemistry

What did I like about it?
I love that each lesson is short and easy to understand.  We are having a lot of fun completing the experiments.  Both my daughters enjoy the coloring pictures as well.  When I told my oldest daughter we would be reviewing a chemistry book, she was a little frightened.  But, once she was able to see what the curriculum was all about, she got excited to dive in and get started.

What I did NOT like about it?
Generally in my reviews I would talk about the things I did not like about a curriculum.  I can honestly say there isn't anything I dislike about Christian Kids Explore Chemistry.

Would I buy it?
ABSOLUTELY!  We really enjoyed this Science curriculum! I hope you will, too

If you would like to purchase Christian Kids Explore Chemistry for your classroom, click HERE.
If you have multiple children you may want to purchase the Activity Book.  By doing so, you will eliminate the hassles of trying to photocopy pages from the book.  Bright Ideas Press has taken all the reproducible pages and turned them into a printable digital download.  This allows you to print as many copies of the Review-its, Wrap-ups, Coloring pages, Activity and Experiment forms, as you need.  The Activity Book is available to only $12.95

Be sure to check out what my fellow TOS Crew Members have to say.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received Christian Kids Explore Chemistry from Bright Ideas Press in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review: KBTeachers.com

Title: KB Teachers

Price: FREE or PREMIUM
$29 for 12 months or $49 for two years

Format: Online website

What is it?
KBTeachers is a one-click online website for printable worksheets and activities all ages, created for teacher, parents, and students. 

Description from site:
"KBTeachers brings the best the web can deliver to you and your students -- It is the one-stop destination for teachers and parents who are always on the lookout for new and engaging 21st century teaching tools and materials."

Why opt for a PREMIUM subscription?

There are many benefits to purchasing the premium membership.

* No watermarks

* No annoying ads taking up the webpage 
* Large selections of educational resources - from ABC fun to 12th grade Social Studies.

* Answer Keys
* Activities online or off - At home, at school or in study hall

* FREE Support 24/7
* Updated weekly
* Instant access - nothing to download, 

* Decorate your Blogs, websites, etc with fun clipart and graphics

* and MORE.

What did I like about it:

I love that I can go to one website and find almost anything I'm in need of for my daughters.  If I'm unable to find what I'm looking for, I can contact KBTeachers and request it.  If they don't have it available, they will create it. 

What I did NOT like about it:
I did not like that there wasn't a search option.  I feel it is much easier to search for something on a site when there's a search box to assist me in my hunt.  KBTeachers purposely left the search box function off their site.  In the FAQ's it says, "Is there a search feature? No. We believe that on a well designed website you should easily find your way around and find what you need in 3 clicks or less. Gone are the days of searching endlessly! KBTeachers saves you time and money. In the event that you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us and we will get back to you within 24 to 48 hours."

Would I purchase a subscription?
I have mixed feelings about whether I would or not, but I'm leaning towards yes.  $29.00 for a one year subscription is fairly inexpensive and it would eliminate the stress of searching the internet for activites, worksheets, and such, I'm in need of.  If the subscription cost was less, I would definitely say yes.   

If you would like to purchase a subscription with KBTeachers for your home or classroom, click HERE.

Check out what my fellow TOS Crew Members have to say about KBTeachers.com.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received a 2 year subscription to KBTeachers.com in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review - The Write Foundation

Title: The Write Foundation  

Number of lessons: 30

Price: See available packages 

What is it? The Write Foundation is a writing curriculum for homeschool students (in-home or co-op) designed as a "grab-it-and-go" curriculum.  It is available in three different levels in-order to teach mastery.

Level 1: Sentence to Paragraph Writing Suggested Ages: 11-13 

Level 2: Paragraph Writing (Suggested Ages: 12-15)
Level 3: Essay Writing (Suggested Ages: 14-17) I choose Paragraph Writing (level 2) for my review.

Description from site:

Many writing curricula focus on the different types of writing, such as creative writing, story writing, poetry writing, persuasive writing, argumentative writing, informative writing, descriptive writing, book writing, fiction writing, novel writing, but the basic foundation of writing is assumed. The Write Foundation begins with the writing process, how a student formulates a topic, then a thesis, then supporting points, and by incremental teaching drills in the basics. In most grammatical subjects, we have found that failure is almost totally because the basics have not been learned.

The Write Foundation writing curriculum is a result of 8 years of successfully teaching homeschooled students in a one-day-per-week co-op setting. It has been adapted for a homeschool and used by numerous homeschooling parents to give their own children the tools of how to quickly organize and write an essay with excellence.

What did I like about it:
I like that this curriculum is designed to teach writing piece by piece.  In level two, the students begin with learning how to create block outlines, and in the end they will have learned how to construct proper 5 paragraph essays.  The students learn how to - * take brief notes, * write proper sentences using good quality adjectives, adverbs, and descriptive verbs, * write detailed paragraphs with good introductory, supporting, and concluding sentences, * sequence order, * indent, proper type form, etc, * and SO much more. You can view the syllabus here.
My daughter dislikes handwriting, but she does enjoy typing.  So, she was thrilled when she learned TWF requires completed assignments to be type and not handwritten.  I'm thankful I've heard very little complaining during write class, using this curriculum.

What I did NOT like about it:
I had a hard time in the beginning trying to understand how to use the curriculum.  I feel the directions are not clear enough for easy understanding.  The introduction on the website, does states that it is best to spend 1-2 hours prior the first instructional day reading through the overview in order to fully understand how the curriculum works, and to be prepared to grab-n-go.  Although, I feel if the how-to instructions where a bit more clear cut, it would be less stressful and smooth sailing during the class time.  However, I will say that after slowly working through the first few lessons, we eventually got into the rhythum of how the curriculum works, and then it was pretty easy to follow.

Who could use this and would I buy it?
I feel The Write Foundation is a great writing curriculum for any parent who wants to give their children a solid foundation in writing.  I give it thumbs up and I would definitely purchase this writing curriculum for my own children.  I'm greatly to have been chosen to review this product.

If you would like to purchase The Write Foundation for your classroom, click HERE.  Be sure to check out what my fellow TOS crew members have to say about The Write Foundation.

If you're interested, there's a yahoo forum available.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received The Wrtite Foundation (lessons 1-15) in exchange for my honest review.

Fit Mommy Friday - Week 1 Update

I should have posted this update yesterday, but I haven't had time until now.  (I actually should be working on review I have due next week.)
I didn’t reach all my goals as I had hoped, but I feel over all I did a pretty good job this week.

Water: I met my goal of 70 oz most days. However, drinking so much water makes me feel incredibly full all day, which leaves very little room for food. Not sure if that’s good or bad, haha :-)

Nightly vitamins: I remembered to take them every night, but one.

Not eating late at night: I did ok with this most of the week. When I did eat later at night, I was sure to eat only fruits :- )

Exercise: I failed at sticking to a 4 day, 30 minute minimum, most days. But, I feel I definitely made up for it yesterday and today. Yesterday (Friday) I worked out for 30 minutes with the Biggest Loser – Cardio Blast DVD, and then went for a 3 mile run. Today my oldest daughter and I ran our very 1st 5k! During this new adventure today, I learned two things - 1) there’s definitely a very good reason why they call it Hillsborough. My Oh My, there were an incase amount of large hills! and 2) I was told that the road track we ran today is the LARGEST track in North Carolina!  I felt defeated that I couldn’t run the 5k (3.106 miles) in the same amount of time as I ran 3 miles yesterday, but the 5k road track had a LOT more hills to contour than where I normally walk. Yesterday’s run was completed in 22 minutes, but today’s 5k was completed in 45 minutes, which I was told was pretty amazing for my 1st 5K, expecially on the track we ran. (Plus, it was 40 degrees outside, very windy, and a little rainy.) All in all, I really enjoyed the run and will definitely do it again!! 

Weightloss: I'm not sure if I've lost any weight, as I don't own a scale.  My hubby won't let me own one, because I'm addicted to what it says.  However, whenever I go to my parents, I make a beeline to their scale :-)  I doubt it's has actually moved any, since I'm having a hard time staying away from cheese and margarita pizza. YUM!!     

I'm hoping I can do much better this next week!  Good luck to all the other wonderful ladies who are also involved in the FMF :-)

FREE online freezer cooking classes

For a very long time I’ve wished I could master the ability of what is called Freezer Cooking. The premise is to cook meals in advance and freeze them for later, quick access. However, for one reason or another, I’m perpetually messing something up, because they NEVER turn out right once removed from the freezer and then cooked. Well, Malia Russell over at Homemaking 911 has shared with her readers about her friend Shelley, who is offering FREE online video lessons all about freezer cooking. Each video is broken down into step-by-step lessons to show us how to successfully use our freezer to help us make meal preparation easy.

I signed up earlier in the week, but I've only had time to view a couple of Shelley’s videos.  I’ve enjoyed what I’ve learned thus far. There are a handfull of videos available so far. If you’re interested, go check her out at One Roast Vegetable.  The more people that sign up to watch her videos, the more videos she'll make :-)

I receive Malia’s newsletters and have enjoyed watching and learning from Shelley’s videos. So, I wanted to share with ya’ll. Enjoy!!