TOS Review: Big IQ Kids

BigIQkids is an e-learning site designed for students grades K-8. It provides your student with daily academic lessons in an interactive, easy to follow format. With BigIQkids your student will study US geography, vocabulary, spelling, and math.

• US geography: state capitals, locations, spelling, abbreviations, and common facts.
• Vocabulary: see/say the word, read the definition, synonyms, and antonyms, and spell the word.
• Spelling: see and say the word, hear it in a sentence, and spell the word.
• Math: single digit addition through double remainder division.

BigIQkids offers free and premium accounts. We received a free subscription for the premium account, which includes all 4 programs. Here is an informative video explaining the differences.

 To begin using the program the parent must create an account for the student. Once this is done the student is free to begin working on whichever subject they wish.  BigIQkids does not offer a parent account however the parent is kept informed on the student’s progress via emails. These emails inform the parent on how the student has scored on a lesson, what questions they answered incorrectly, when they have advanced to the next level, and when modifications have been made to their lessons. Here are a few excerpts from emails I have received. I have changed my daughter’s name for privacy purposes.

Hi Emily’s Parent/Guardian:

Emily successfully completed the State Abbreviations Lesson - LEVEL 3.

Emily is doing great!

Hi Emily's Parent/Guardian:

Emily completed the pop quiz on BigIQkids.com Spelling Program for lesson 6 with a score of 100% This week Emily is in the 100% Club!

Hi Emily's Parent/Guardian:

Emily completed the pop quiz on www.BigIQkids.com Spelling Program and scored a 93%. Emily spelled the following words incorrectly: vetoes

The above words were spelled: vitoes

Lesson 6 words: vetoes,echoes,radios,heroes,handkerchiefs,tornadoes,videos,banjos,leaves,tomatoes,mosquitoes,potatoes,lives,hoofs,studios

Some parents may frown on the number of emails they receive, however I look at it as a bonus. Since I don’t have the ability to log into a parent account and I’m unable to sit with my daughters the entire time they are working, it is nice to be continually undated on their progress.

All four programs are very flexible and can be easily modified through the student’s account. By simply clicking on the green book that says “Modify Lesson” within each program (subject) allows the parent to change grade levels, add or remove spelling and vocabulary words, choose the number of problems assigned, and much more.


The programs are based on a 1-3-mastery + level. The student begins working at level 1 and as they master the information presented, the program automatically advances them to the next level. If you feel a particular level is too hard or easy for you student, you can adjust it accordingly. Level 1 is usually incredibly easy, as the answers are visible to the student, but as they work through the lessons the difficulty increases.

BigIQkids also offers a great reward system that both my daughters really enjoyed. You guessed it! GAMES! As the student completes their lessons they are rewarded coins. They have the option of either banking the coins or redeeming them to play games. They are even required to earn coins in order to create and clothe their avatar (IQ Buddy). Like the rest of the program, the reward system can also be modified by the parent.

Pros:

• Most of the program is verbal, which is great for the students who struggle with reading.
• Programs are easy to modify.
• Spelling and vocabulary words can be added or removed.
• Lessons and reports are printable
• Multiple free programs and activities available
• Students can work independently

Cons:

• The computerized voices were rather bothersome, although we did get used to it after awhile.
• Not having access to a parent account.
• The math program does not go beyond division. Since BigIQkids is designed for students K-8th grades, I would have liked to have seen some pre-algebra/algebra questions.
• We dealt with many technical errors, but we just worked around them the best we could.

Our thoughts:
There are a few aspects of the program we liked more than others, but overall I feel BigIQkids is a good learning site.

My 7th grader was not thrilled with it. She felt it was boring and babyish, often groaning when asked to log on. However, it has strengthened her geography skills.

My 5th grade absolutely loved it. She wanted to log on first thing in the morning and multiple times throughout the day. She enjoyed the positive feedback and the coins she earned when the lessons were completed. She loved the geography and her avatar most.

If you’re interested in seeing for yourself what BigIQkids is all about, but not sure you want to commit to a paid membership, BigIQkids.com offers a free 7 day trial of the premium account.

Be sure to stop by and see what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say about BigIQkids.com

Here are multiple screen shots of different areas of the programs.

Vocabulary

Geography (US States)

Locate capitals

Modification page for geography

Math

Spelling

I'm a crew member with The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew and I received two free premium accounts from BigIQKids.com in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review: ARTistic Pursuits

Art is one subject I know nothing about. So, I wasn’t sure where to start when my oldest asked me to find a curriculum or something to help strengthen her drawing ability. Needless to say I was pretty thrilled when shortly thereafter I was asked to review ARTistic Pursuits. I was given a chose as to which book I wanted to review and I chose, Junior High Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition. Junior High Book One covers, “the elements of art and composition with emphasis on World Art! Students learn how to draw and gain understanding of how different ideas affect the look of the art made by cultures around the world.”

Artistic Pursuits was designed by a fellow homeschool mom, Brenda Ellis. It is written directly to the student in an easy to understand format, making the curriculum great for your independent learner. It could be easily taught in a co-op setting, as well.  Curriculum is available for all your students, Preschool - Sr. High.  Simply click on the covers for a sneak peek of what each book has to offer. The books are non-consumable, so you can use them again and again with all your students. 

ARTistic Pursuits is not your typical step-by-step drawing instructional textbook, but rather a “comprehensive art program designed to involve the student in the creative process while developing observational skills.”

The curriculum is designed to cover a full school year (32 weeks), if used twice a week for approximately 1 hour each class. The Junior High Book One is divided into 16 units; 7 covering the elements of art and 9 covering composition.

 

Each of the 16 units covers the same 4 lessons.

• Building a Visual Vocabulary
• Art Appreciation and Art History
• Techniques
• Application

Some of the topics your student will explore are space, line, texture, lines in 3 dimensions, rhythm, space with and without depth, proportion and so much more.

Throughout the pages of this textbook your student will enjoy wonderful works of art from professionals, other students, and a cartoon character named Creative Cory. Seeing these works of art enables your student to have a visual idea of what they will be creating.

The first lesson was incredibly simple. They were asked to write their name across their paper, making sure to stretch it so it would reach from end to end. As the lessons progress they increase in difficulty.

Here are a few photos of my daughter’s art work alongside excerpts from the book.

Some of the needed supplies are, drawing pencils, sharpener, vinyl eraser, sketchpad, sandpaper block, aluminum wire, pen or marker pad.  If you do not already have the supplies on hand, you can find them at any local art or craft store. As a convenience to their customers, ARTistic Pursuits offers a bundle package of supplies.

Our thoughts:
Before our book arrived I thought we would be receiving a step-by-step style curriculum, but once we dove into it, I was pleasantly surprised. I’m pleased with how Mrs. Ellis teaches the student to truly see and observe objects around them, rather than just drawing line by line.

My daughter has also enjoyed it so far, but has said, “I wish it gave some step-by-step instruction, because it would make it easier to draw the pictures.” Howvever, I think once we complete the book, she will have a greater appreciation for the ARTistic Pursuits Art Program. I intended to purchase the ARTistic Pursuits Grades 4-6 book one for my 5th grader sometime in the near furture. 

Artistic Pursuits offers a money back GAURANTEE for individual orders. "Should you decide for any reason that you are not satisfied with the book or art supply pack you order, Artistic Pursuits Inc. will refund the cost (shipping not included) when the items are returned in unused condition within 30 days. Simply return the items in the original packaging for safe shipping. This refund applies only to orders purchased directly from Artistic Pursuits Inc. For any concerns about your order simply e-mail alltheanswers@artisticpursuits.com . We want you to see our books, and we care about your satisfaction!"

If you would like to read about Mrs. Ellis and her homeschool family, click HERE.

The ARTistic Pursuits curriculum is available for $42.95 each. To purchase this program for your students or as a gift for someone else, go to http://www.artisticpursuits.com/.   

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 Junior High Book One: The Elements of Art and Composition for free in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review: Who is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?)

Title: Who Is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?)

Price: $39

Publisher: Apologia

Excerpt from Apologia's website: Who is God and can I really Know Him?, introduces the concept of worldview laying the foundational truths upon which the evangelical Christian worldview is built: God is truth to people; He is the one true and almighty God; He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; He created everything; we are God's children and are made to love and to praise Him; God meets all our needs; sin keeps us from God; and Jesus is the only way to God.

We have used Apologia science books in our homeschool for the past few years and we absolutely love them. So when I was asked to review "Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him?" I was thrilled.  Apologia offers amazing products and this book is no exception.   

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him is the first book in a four part series - What We Believe: Biblical Worldview of God and Truth, written by Mr. John Hay and Mr. David Webb. It was written directly to the student in a conversational style making it easy to read and understand.  The book is recommended for children ages 6-14. However, I personally feel the textbook would be of greater value to children ages 8/9 and older. I don’t feel the average 6 year old would understand the content.

 Who Is God is jammed packed with creative stories, thought provoking questions, stunning pictures, scripture memorization, fun experiments, yummy recipes, and so much more.  All the stories and pictures are combined with scripture to reinforce the lessons. Most of the scripture is from the New International Version (NIV), however, Apologia recommends you use which ever translation best suits your family.  I personally use the New Living Translation (NLT).

Does God really exist? If God created the world, why isn't it perfect? Who are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? These questions and a plethora more are part of a continuous debate between biblical truths and worldviews. Without focusing on a particular denomination (religion), I feel Mr. Hay and Mr. Webb have done a superb job in showing us who God truly is, while revealing why so many of the worldviews are false.  

Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him has 252 pages divided into ten lessons.

1. Where Am I Building My Life?

2. How Can I Know What's True?

3. What is God Like? (Part I)

4. What is God Like? (Part II)

5. Who are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?

6. If God Created the World, Why Isn't it Perfect?

7. Why Did God Create Me?

8. Will God Meet All My Needs?

9. Why Does Sin Keep Me From Knowing God?

10. Is Jesus the Only Way to God?

Each lesson is then divided into several key elements.

• The Big Idea
• What You Will Do
• Short Story
• Think About It
• Words You Need to Know
• Hide It in Your Heart
• Integrated Learning
• What Should I Do?
• Prayer
• Worldview Study
• House of Truth

A sample schedule is provided, which divides the lessons up over six days, three days per week. The book is designed to be flexible for all families. We personally found it easier not to follow the sample schedule, and simply read and completed the activities until we were ready to move to another subject.

Apologia encourages the student to keep a notebook to help reinforce what they are learning. Numerous notebooking pages are available on the Apologia site. The access code can be found in the text.

Here is a sample ... Check out Lesson One and the Table of Contents to see what you can expect from Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him.

My daughters and I love this textbook and we are looking forward to reading the other three books in the series. Thank you, Apologia for such a wonderful book!

If you like what you've heard about Apologia's Who Is God and would like to purchase it for your family, click HERE.

Be sure to stop by and see what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received the first book in the What We Believe series, Who Is God and Can I Really Know Him for free in exchange for my honest review.

Blog Walk

Come walk with me as I journey through the weekly blogs. My blog is on the list this week, too!   

Homeschool Circus

Discover Their Gifts

Nicki Black A Mosaic in the Making

Ever After... My Way

Created 2B Creative

Wrightsboro Sonrise Center

Knee Deep in Grace

Indoor Garden Musings

Mom of Many Bentzs

Blog Walk

Come join me on my walk as I meet other wonderful TOS crew members. Since I'm a week behind on my blog walk, I've gone ahead and combine this week walk with last weeks :)

Heritage Homestead and Homeschool Academy

The McClanahan 7

The Happy Homeschool Mom

Books \'n Other Stuff

The Midlife Housewife

Because of Our Children

This Day Has Great Potential

Ladybug Chronicles

Freelance Homeschool Mom

Ben & Me

Our Best Daze

The Joy of School

Spell Outloud

to the sea with me

Half Dozen Mama

Creative Learning

Homeschooling My Miracles

Beyond The Silver and The Gold - A Filipino Family's Homeschool Journey

My Own Sense and Sensibility

Happily Homeschooling

ENJOY!!

TOS Review: Kid Scoop - The Reluctant Reader Solution

Title: Kid Scoop
Price: $97

In my household I have one reluctant reader and one avid reader.  There are only a few things I can get my reluctant reader interested enough in to read past the cover.  Kid Scoop, however, has sparked interest in both my daughters. They were eagar to dive in and continually wanted more. 

The Kids Scoop News (12 monthly digital magazine issues) are full of different fun facts, experiments, games, puzzles, articles, and more.  Each issue is inspired by current holidays, events, etc. It is best to print each issue, which will allow your child to complete the hands0on activities. However, if you wish, you can view each issue online by simply scrolling through the pages with a click of your mouse. You also have the option to hear the different articles. 

inside view of the online magazine

The 365 Kid Scoop worksheets (PDF's) are divided into 5-7 page unit, based on specific topics or themes. Kid Scoop recommends that one unit be printed weekly.

Here is a small taste of what the worksheets have to offer.

People and Legends

• Old Stormalong
• Louisa May Alcott
• Wangari Maathai

Health and Safety

•  Skin
• Fire Safety
• Talk About Teasing
• Fitness Fun
• Nutrition Labels
• Germs

Holidays and Special Days

• Memorial Day
• Veterans Day
• Toys for Tots
• Constitution Day
• Cinco de Mayo

Science

• International Space Statation
• Solar Snacks
• Optical Illusions
• Bubble Gum

Games and Sports

• Junkyard Sports
• Baseball
• Mini Golf Math
• Hockey

Animals

• Bees
• Gorilla
• Orcas
• Tadpoles

Let's Get Creative

• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
• Clay Play
• Strike Up the Band
• Kitchen Creativity
• Blooming Creative

And MORE!

Kid Scoop was a hit with both my daughters. They were eagar to see what the next months Kids Scoop News (online magazine) would hold and what other worksheets they could do. It was awesome to see their excitment as they interacted with on another in doing the different activities and discussions.

Kid Scoop offers their customers a 365-day unconditional money back guarentee.  To read more about the guarentee, click HERE.

When you purchase The Reluctant Reader Solution there is no need to wait for the mailman, UPS or FedEx drivers. You will instantly receive the digital download to the 365 worksheets (PDF's) and an email with your password to the online magazine site.

If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to promote reading with your children, Kid Scoop: The Reluctant Reader Solution may be just what you're looking for. To purchase for your family or as a gift for someone else, click HERE.

Be sure to check out what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say about Kid Scoop: The Reluctant Reader Solution.

Disclaimer: I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received a free trial offer from Kid Scoop: The Reluctant Reader Solution to use with my children in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review: Curitosity Files - MRSA

 Title: Curiosity Files - MRSA

Created by: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

My daughters absolutely love science.  So, when I told them I was chosen to review a unit study called The Curiosity Files from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, they were thrilled.  They were even more excited when they learned we could choose which unit we wanted to study and review.  We chose MRSA.  Some of you may be wondering what a Curiosity File is or what MRSA is.  Well, MRSA is an acronym for the bacterium called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, also known as the superbug.  As for The Curiosity Files, they are unit studies that are geared toward children ages 8-13. However, they are very versatile and can be altered to fit any child’s learning needs.  Each study is presented in conversational style content by Professor Ana Lyze, also known as the Expert in Outlandish Oddities.  Each study covers bible study, vocabulary, spelling, copy work, history, geography, math, art, puzzles, hands-on projects, games, and more.  There is also a list of books and websites available to enhance your study.

This was our first unit study.  I’ve been interested in doing them in the past, but I find it difficult to think outside the box when it comes to pulling so many different subjects into one topic.  The Curiosity Files not only eased my anxiety, but were a lot fun and engaging for my daughters and me.  Prior to this study we had never heard of MRSA.  Though it was a bit tongue tying in the beginning, my daughter can now proudly say Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and tell you all about what it is, how to protect yourself from getting it, and much more.

Among the MANY activities we did throughout this study they/we:

** Studied different historical figures in the science field and then chose one figure to research and created interviews based on that person. My oldest chose Agnodice (who was not mentioned in the MRSA study) and my youngest chose Florence Nightingale.

** They created informative posters explaining “Ways to prevent the spread of MRSA.

** My oldest wrote a short essay sharing what she had learned.

 There were many more activities we worked on and even more we still intend to do.

***

The Old Schoolhouse Store is offering 2 purchase options to help stretch your money the furthest.
Option 1: Downloadable E-Books for $46

OR
Option 2: CD for $49
Both options include all NINE studies

• Blue Diamond
• Blue-footed Booby
• Cicada-killing Wasp
• Dung Beetle
• MRSA
• Puffer Fish
• Quicksand
• Red Tides
• Zombie Fire Ants

To purchase The Curiosity File individually please visit the TOS website for pricing details.

Thanks to The Curiosity File, this will NOT be our last unit study. 

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 the Curiosity Files E-Book MRSA for free in exchange for my honest review.