Tag Archive for Education

FREE ABC Mouse App

Posted by html404 on February 17, 2011
in Education, Technology/Electronics

How many of you have an iPad, iPhone or iTouch? Our family has not ventured into the world of Apple products, but want to, a MAC laptop will probably be our first investment. Lord willing in the next year. Those of you who have an iPad, iPhone or and the iTouch will be interested in this FREE app. If you try it, please let me know how you like it. The information is from an email we received:

Join ABC Mouse™, 1•2•3 Mouse™, and Do–Re–Mi Mouse™, on their adventure through the Grand Canyon!

• Complete 35-page storybook
• Professionally voiced and
• beautifully illustrated
• Includes a full-length song
• about the Grand Canyon
• Available absolutely Free for your
• iPhone, iPad, and iTouch!
Download Free from iTunes Today!
(Click Here)

Click Here to download Search and Explore: The Grand Canyon from iTunes. Or search “ABCmouse” in the app store!

ABCmouse.com – Over 3,000 Educational Activities – First Month Free – Click here!

{3 comments}

Bilingual Education Starting Young

Posted by html404 on January 24, 2011
in Contributing Writers, Education, Guest Post

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post. While we appreciate our guest writer’s submissions, this does not constitute endorsement or agreement to the opinions expressed in the articles featured.

Bilingual Education Starting Young

For the past four years the economy has been struggling, the unemployment rate has been on a steady increase, and families all over the U.S. are feeling it in some respect. It seems that even though the economy has finally started to improve there is no guarantee for the future. Having an education may be the only way to stay ahead in this cut-throat society.

What the Future Holds for Language

The existence of a diverse, global society seems to be a trend that is going to stick, this is especially prevalent in the U.S. The U.S. has been known as the land of immigration for a large portion of its history, and while the “melting pot” has been an interesting theory, it has not happened in practice. On the contrary, most major U.S. population centers have become more of an ethnic and linguistic checkerboard; Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese speakers represent some of the fastest-growing segments of the immigrant U.S. population.

Being Prepared

Wisdom, traditionally, has been to start teaching a second language in middle school, or even high school. However, numerous studies clearly demonstrate that the optimal period in a child’s life for multilingual education is during the preschool years – at exactly the same time they are learning their first language. Yes, it is possible to learn a second and third language later in life, but it is more difficult, because that neurological “window of opportunity” – when the brain is most malleable – has passed.

Dr. Fred Genessee, Professor of Psychology at McGill University in Montreal believes it’s as easy for young children to learn two or three languages as it is for them to learn one. He’s not alone; educators throughout the world (in countries that often have two or even three official languages) have understood this for decades.

The way a child learns a second language is by actually speaking it in a total immersion environment. You may recall an episode of the animated series The Simpsons in which young Bart gets trapped on a farm in France – and by the end of the episode, finds he’s actually speaking the language. While this was a fictional scenario, the phenomenon is real; anyone who has taken young children abroad to stay with relatives in a foreign country for any length of time has observed this happening.

Enrollment in a preschool program that offers immersion in other languages is the best way to get your child started. This investment will make him/her much more competitive in the job market later on.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Atlanta day care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of day care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.

{No comments}

Box Tops for Education®

Posted by html404 on January 20, 2011
in Education, Food and Treats

About Box Tops for Education

Box Tops for Education was created by General Mills in 1996 as an easy way to help make a difference for kids and schools. Since then, schools have earned more than $375 million through the program to help get the things they need-from books and school supplies to playground equipment and computers. Help make a difference in schools by clipping Box Tops from more than 240 brands, including Cheerios, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Hamburger Helper, Kleenex, Ziploc, Hefty, Juicy Juice, Avery, Welch’s, Land O´Lakes and Brita. Find out how much your school has earned and learn other ways to earn cash for your school at www.btfe.com.

Become a fan of Box Tops for Education on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BoxTopsforEducation

Follow Box Tops for Education on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BTFE and if you tweet about the program, please include the #myblogspark hashtag.

{No comments}

Health & Garden Tuesday: Educational Classes

Posted by html404 on November 16, 2010
in Education, Health & Garden Tuesday

This new Health & Garden Tuesday will encompass all things related to health, nutrition, gardening and even our wee beginning farm adventures, as they relate to our family’s interests. It may just include an article that we read and liked or it may be what we are learning or experiencing in every day life. Please feel free to chime in with your own thoughts and ideas as well.

I have been going to some free educational classes this year. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate Audrey as a person and as a teacher. The first meetings were held at the beginning of the year and the last few were held just this fall. The topic: pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. The classes are very informative, not to mention interesting health education, especially if you do not know a lot about essential oils and how helpful they can be. I attended all of her classes she held this year, which was between 10 and 15, I believe. During the spring classes, I took our two older girls to many of them. They enjoyed them as well. Audrey switches a couple of classes each session so there is some new material covered as well. We are hoping to enjoy gleaning from them again in the new spring session.

This past weekend was the last class, which was on Healing Oils of the Bible. Extremely interesting and so much information to absorb! I should have been posting about each class as we had them, but didn’t think of that until now. I loved learning more about these oils that I had heard about all my life as I was taught the Bible or read it for myself. It was interesting to learn about their life giving properties and how using them can benefit our health. Truly enlightening to say the least. I still haven’t sorted out everything in my brain, so I plan to read over our notes and continue learning and absorbing this great health education.

Audrey’s classes are held in a building on her property called The Oil Drop Inn…. It’s the top of their barn! 🙂 Is it ever cozy though. Very homey and inviting. It’s like her own workshop. I felt a wee bit spoiled as she would always save her big comfy chair for me since I was the only nursing mama in attendance.

I am already looking forward to her spring classes. The amazing thing is that Audrey will travel to teach her classes. She just loves teaching and has been using essential oils for over 10 years. She is also an independent distributor, but has only been one for about 4-5 years. I feel privileged to know her and now have the opportunity to work as part of her downline in the business side of Young Living.

{No comments}

Time4Learning.com

Posted by html404 on September 20, 2010
in Education, School

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Editor’s note: For Christian readers, we have discovered some evolution in the section about dinosaurs. Just wanted to alert you if you decide to take a look at Time4Learning.com

About Time4Learning.com

Time4Learning is a new approach that takes advantage of today’s technology. It’s a convenient, online home education program that combines learning with fun educational teaching games.

The online language arts and math comprise a comprehensive program for preschool, elementary school, and middle school. Science and social studies programs are provided as a free bonus for most grades.

The Time4Learning educational teaching program gives students independence to progress at their own pace.

Time4Learning tracks progress and helps students advance along individualized learning paths.

Time4Learning Members Get Access To:

Online Curriculum for Preschool to 8th Grade
1,000+ Student-Paced Animated Lessons
Math Exercises & Printable Worksheets
Language Arts from Phonics through Reading
Science & Social Studies In Most Grade Levels
Automated Reporting for Easy Record Keeping
Detailed Lesson Plans for Parents
Lessons Correlated to State Standards

Time4Learning is proven effective, has a low monthly price, and provides a money-back guarantee so you can be sure that it works for your family, Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Our Review

As a busy homeschooling, work-at-home mother I like it when educational products streamline things for me and make my life easier and Time4Learning.com has done just that during these busy newborn days as we adjust to a new normal. The offer to review Time4Learning.com came before Sir Eats Alot arrived and it served to be one of the most helpful things to come across our path. While I wouldn’t consider Time4Learning.com a complete curriculum by any means, it definitely provides supplemental material to go along with or add to whatever schooling a family may be using – public, private or homeschool.

A couple of our children were the type to drag their feet when it comes to their school work, but Time4Learning.com actually made them want to do school on weekends too!

One of our sons says that he likes Time4Learning better than another online program that we tried (it was a freebie).

Time4Learning has enhanced the learning of our daughter who is interested in art as well as explain some Math concepts that weren’t clear to her in her regular Math curriculum.

I find that there is enough variety in Time4Learning that the material keeps children interested and eager for more. After a month, a couple of our children have only begun to say that they wish there were “new” lessons because they have done their favorites multiple times, even during their free time!

It is unanimous that our children think that Time4Learning is fun – exactly what we as parents want them to think! Learning should be fun, as we give our children the gift of a life long love of learning.

Time4Learning sites:

http://www.Time4Learning.com – Online interactive curriculum for home use, PreK-8th Grade.
http://www.Time4Writing.com – Online writing tutorials for high, middle, and elementary school students.
http://www.Time4Learning.net – A forum to chat with parents online about kids, education, parenting and more…

{One comment}

Grasshopper Snip, Glue and Grow Preschool Kit Review

Posted by html404 on September 12, 2010
in Education, Product Guides 2010, Shopping

School has started and so has the back-to-school routine. But what about our preschoolers? What are we doing to prepare them for school? They are often interested in anything “school” related when they know older children who go to school. Yet so often kids get tired of workbooks and handwriting. Grasshopper Kits are a perfect activity for parents and preschool teachers to use with their preschoolers, not to mention FUN!

About GRASSHOPPER®

GRASSHOPPER® Preschool Prep Kits are designed to get kids ready for school all through play: no workbooks… no pencils… 100% fun!

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, the average 3 year old is spending 3-4 hours with electronics such as television and video games each day.

The current recommendation states that parents need to introduce more active, goal-directed play into their children’s routine. GRASSHOPPER® Preschool Prep Kits are the answer. Children play games while achieving functional success. All GRASSHOPPER® kits are packed with exclusive materials and games to help create a smooth transition into the world
of education.

GRASSHOPPER® games are clearly laid out in full color guide books with straight-forward instructions and supporting illustrations. All of the materials fit easily into the custom GRASSHOPPER® no-spill carrying case which is designed with organized compartments, an easy snap lid, and a built in easel.

The games all have a ‘back to basics’ slant, with a clever edge so that kids feel like they are playing while they are building their foundation skills for school. Help your child get ready for school the GRASSHOPPER® way!

Grasshopper Kit

Our Review

There are four Grasshopper kits altogether, the ABC and Shapes is a combined kit ($49.95), Getting Hands Ready ($29.95), and Snip Glue and Grow (29.95), which is the one we received. I was busy with the Back To School Guide the day that we where going to test this kit, so I told two of my daughters to take the younger children down and use the kit with them. I was surprised that it kept the children busy for at least a hour and a half. This kit is filled with age appropriate activities for preschool age children. Although my 1st and 2nd grade boys found it fun too. The great thing about this kit is that we have used it a few more times since then. Therefore the kit is not just a one time use as it can be used multiple times over until all the materials are gone.

From the ten hands-on games and activities the children participated in from the kit include: gluing little colored pom poms to cards with different characters on them, being creative with a bit of play dough, practicing cutting with scissors and practice cards, blowing bubbles with the bubbles, making paper chains. Everything needed isincluded in the kit. No extra trips to the store or multiple stores, definitely a mom pleaser with that feature! 😉

The Snip, Glue and Grow Grasshopper Kit ($29.95) gets a thumbs up from us. I hope to order the ABC and Shape kit for my little ones, so I will let you know how those are in the future.

For more information visit: http://www.grasshopperkits.com/allproducts.html

{No comments}

Hyper Dash – An Educational Game

Posted by html404 on September 6, 2010
in Education, Product Guides 2010

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Overview

Hyper Dash will challenge you to be your best. It takes no time at all to learn, but selectable skill levels and four completely different game modes mean the challenge, like a real sport, will last a lifetime.

Hyper Dash consists of one electronic tagger and five different colored and numbered targets. The tagger plays pre-recorded music and calls out which targets you need to strike. It tracks the amount of time taken to complete each course. It can be set up side-by-side, or spread out across the length of a football field. There’s no limit to the distance between targets. Farther targets result in more running and exercise.

Hyper Dash can be played indoors or outdoors; solo, in pairs, or in teams. Parents vs. Kids is an entertaining option. Cooperative siblings can work together to beat their best time, while more competitive kids prefer the head-to-head mode.

As your speed, skill and agility improve, the series of commands becomes longer and more challenging. Level one calls out the colors you need to tag, level two includes numbers, level three adds special commands (Double Strike, Triple Strike, Reverse, Double Reverse) and level four features Compu-Strike (addition/subtraction problems in which you tag the sum or difference of the numbers called out).

Other play modes include the memory game of Micro Dash and multi-player relay races that promote teamwork. For a game of Hide ‘n Dash, let your opponent hide the targets before you begin. Every game has encouraging cheers and upbeat music to keep kids on their feet, expending energy and having fun.

Features
– Follow the commands and tag the targets with the handheld unit — fastest time wins!
– Set the targets on a table, around the room, or outdoors to test your speed and agility.
– 4 game modes to challenge your speed: skill, memory, coordination and teamwork.
– Play solo, head-to-head, or in teams.
– Music and voice drive the action.
– Includes ergonomically designed Hyper Dash unit and 5 targets.

Recommended Ages
Ages: 6+ / Players: 1-8

Battery Requirements
Requires 3 AA batteries, sold separately.

Retail $32.95 currently on sale for $26.95 on Hyper-Dash.com

Our Review

Most of our children really liked Hype Dash. They thought it was fun. One of our daughters said she could not get to level 2 or 3 on the harder ones. Another one of our daughters said she thought it was cool and that she really liked it. She especially enjoyed the multiplication, as that is what she’s been working on in her school work. Our boys though were disappointed that the game pieces didn’t shoot out like they thought they were going to, but that is the only real complaint we heard from them. 😉

Hyper Dash is educational while being fun. It provides children a way to get energy our of their system while learning, thus making learning a fun activity. It gets a thumbs up from us!

{No comments}

Bitten by the Business Bug – A Book Review

Posted by html404 on September 1, 2010
in Books, Education

I received the following book in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the book.

Bitten by the business bug cover

Jason O’Neill was one of the people to respond to our Back to School Product Guide with a pitch about his Pencil Bugs and new book, Bitten by the Business Bug. He generously offered to giveaway a copy of his book to our readers, which is our current giveaway. The book was written by Jason, who is a teen entrepreneur. It is filled with common sense tips for business and life, all from Jason’s own experience.

I had hoped to have this review posted earlier but a certain little “Sir Eats Alot” (our two-week-old son) arrived earlier than anticipated and threw us off our posting and reviewing schedule. Bitten by the Business Bug is a must read for parents and their kids, whether you are interested in business or not. Jason is an inspiration. I am having my daughters read his book. Right now my oldest daughter is working her way through it and is about half way done. I will have her post her review, as well as her sisters’, so you get different perspective from them.

Schools do not teach entrepreneurship or thinking outside the box. That’s why my husband and I are interested in books like Jason’s to help fill in the gaps of our children’s education with supplemental material.

Bitten by the Business Bug is a close look at a young entrepreneur’s adventure into business ownership, the opportunities that have come with that ownership and the lessons learned. These opportunities and lessons have taught Jason so much more than he would ever learn in school alone. He and his parents have been wise in keeping school first, being a normal kid second and business third. In doing so this has allowed Jason to be a kid, but even more than that has taught him that just because he is a kid doesn’t have to limit what he can accomplish. Jason has big aspirations for Pencil Bugs and it will be interesting to see all that Jason will do in the future.

Pencil Bugs

Jason is a philanthropist at heart. Since the advent of Pencil Bugs has given portion of his earnings a to kids in need, whether that is helping kids in foster care or sick children in the hospital. From donations to gift bags, Jason has helped meet the needs of children in his community.

I think both parents and children will learn much from Jason. I know I did and hope my children do too.

Visit www.PencilBugs.com for more information about Jason, his book and business.

{3 comments}

Back to School Product Guide: School Supplies Part 1

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 9, 2010
in Education, Product Guides 2010

Back to School Product Guide 2010: School Supplies Products

backtoschoolschoolsupplies

Check out all these great backpacks.

1.) Beposh Backpacks-We like the Gigi backpack. It’s stylish and perfect for a middle schooler. It is ($35). The print is bright and colorful.

beposh#1

2.) Sewing Loft Backpacks- We liked the Owl Backpack in Pink Perfection for girls, but for the little boys will love the Owl Backpack in Candy Carmel.

Candy_Carmel_Owl_7-21-2010_4-10-05_PM_5120x3413

3.) Living Green- Fjord Ecogear Bag the Fjord is a super-functional, yet stylish messenger bag, perfect for school or everyday use. Roomy enough to tote even a small laptop, the Fjord is sure to become your go-to bag. It comes in grayish blue, and pink. ($29.95)

Fjord Ecogear bag

4.) Living Green- Palial Eco Gear Backpack this red and black backpack is perfect any boy that wants a cool looking backpack for back to school. Perfect for male Middle and High school students. ($39.95)

Palial ecogear bag

5.) Sobongo- Caribee Ghana Daypack ($32.99) this cool backpack sports a camo print and is great for any male Middle and High school students. The Caribee Ghana Backpack features an action back harness system, bottle pocket, heavy duty auscam material construction, and a camo print.

ghana

6.) Sobongo- Ducti Stiglitz Messenger Bag. ($44.99) Made for boys and girls, this new Ducti bag is guaranteed to haul all your gear and turn some heads while you do it. Perfect for high-schoolers.

ductimessangerbag

7.) Disney- Personalized Lightning McQueen Backpack ($19.50) this cute backpack is perfect for your little boy under 8! It has alot of features and I know my son was oohing at it. 🙂

disney#1

8.) Disney- Personalized Disney Princess Backpack ($19.50) This adorable backpack is so cute for your little princess. It becomes even more royal when you personalize it with your little princesses name!

disney#2

9.) Disney- Personalized Toy Story 3 Backpack ($19.50) Your child will be sure to reach for the stars in this super cool Toy Story 3 backpack. The Toy Story 3 Backpack features some of your favorite Toy Story friends including Buzz Lightyear and Rex.

disney#3

Look for part 2 later on today!

{No comments}

Sam’s Club Back-to-School Event & Gift Card

Posted by html404 on August 9, 2010
in Education

Disclosure: The Sam´s Club Plus Membership, gift card, information, and giveaway were all given to me from Sam´s Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.com

As we mentioned the other day in our Sam’s Club $25 Gift Card Giveaway post, we still needed to head out to Sam’s to spend my $25.00 gift card for my General Mills/Box Tops for Education products. So over the weekend we did. We couldn’t find any regular Cheerios, so we got Honeynut Cheerios and two big boxes of Ziploc bags that will last us a long time, we hope. They will be very handy for sandwiches and freezing the rest of our garden produce! We were also able to find a few other things that are yummy and needful for quick lunches, picnics and snacks, like peanut butter!

Honeynut Cheerios