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Cerebellum Light Speed history of the U.S. Review

May 19, 2010 in curriculum, Homeschooling, TOS Crew, TOS Crew Review with Comments Off

Summary & Rating: 5 I love this! This is a video program that acts as a fast, furious and actually fun review for students who are getting ready to take an AP test. This is from the same people who produce Standard Deviants, which I also like! We received the video for US History, but there are several available. You may remember taking AP tests before freshman year in order to get college credit without having to go to the class–I remember how happy I was to pass English 101 and a couple of others. I never did pass the Algebra one, though!

The video program includes two CD’s. One contains the video review—which is basically almost a cheat sheet of what kids can expect. The other CD has a digital workbook that kids can fill out as they study. The video is filmed with college aged presenters and they add a bit of humor. I was actually surprised—I think I expected some video from the time periods—and that was not part of the presentation. They basically reviewed the 30 most tested topics in 30 minutes. They also provided tips and strategies on passing the test, with an emphasis on how to take the essay questions.

I will definitely add these to our educational library. Even if not taking the exam, this is a neat and thorough review tool. It was an amazing review of U.S. History. The program covers colonists through Vietnam, with emphasis on the period from 1790 to 1914. (Because that is the most tested portion:)

From their site:

AP* U.S. History wins the top prize as the most popular exam of all AP* subjects in 2009 over 360,000 students took the test with over half receiving a passing score of a 3 or higher.
This is the first program of its kind, so go paperless and use this test-prep video to pass the exam!

I have always liked this company anyway, so these videos just reinforce that! Visit the company at www.sdlearn.com.

I have a special discount code to share! You can use the code OSH20 at checkout to receive 20% off any item that you purchase online. In fact, if you are looking at buying the AP videos, they are on sale right now for $11.24 each (normally $14.98)

Here is a peek at the video:

To see what my TOS crewmates have to say, click here!

The Light Speed History of the U.S. Exam Prep was provided to me for my review and I have given my unbiased opinion.

Schoolhouse EXPO looks fascinating!

March 19, 2010 in curriculum, Homeschooling, TOS Crew, TOS Crew Review with Comments Off

Don’t forget to go sign up for the Schoolhouse EXPO! Since posting about this last week, I have registered and downloaded a ton of free gifts (in the form of e-books–and not crummy ones–really great whole unit studies and other stuff).

After setting up my registration and looking through the speakers and getting the free gifts, I am even more certain that this is a valuable event. I cannot wait to hear some of the speakers. And another good thing is that you can download and save any talks you miss–and watch them at your leisure.

Do check this out! The Schoolhouse Expo, is a 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speakers Bureau.

Great Speakers, physical door prizes, great interaction, and PowerPoint presentations you don’t want to miss.

Save $5 when you Pre-register for only $19.99 through March 31. PLUS, you’ll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register. Get the details and preregister here:

The Old Schoolhouse EXPO is coming!

March 14, 2010 in The Old Schoolhouse, TOS Crew with Comments Off

I am excited to check this out! A virtual homeschool convention designed for all homeschoolers. The Schoolhouse Expo, is a 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speakers Bureau.

The conference offers help for all kinds of homeschool needs and questions. Questions like:

Could you use some help with learning styles and homeschool methods?
Are you struggling through writing transcripts?
Are you struggling to teach multiple grades?
How is your homeschool budget—wavering?
Are you considering Homeschooling?

Attend this incredibly innovative, interactive event. Brought to you by a company you trust—TOS.

Dynamic homeschool speakers . . . Andrew Pudewa, Davis Carman, Malia Russell, Amanda Bennett, Susan Wise Bauer, Kim Kautzer, and perhaps Diana Waring.

Incredible homeschool companies . . . Schola Publications, Spears Art Studio, ALEKS, Motherboard Books, Math Mammoth, Talking Fingers, and Sing ‘n Learn.

Physical door prizes, great interaction, and PowerPoint presentations you don’t want to miss.

And, (this is my favorite part) the Expo is easy to attend—just a high-speed Internet connection and speakers are required. No travel expense, no sitter, yet you can enjoy a virtual vendor hall with special conference pricing, physical door prizes at every session, and a goodie bag of downloads for every registered participant.

Need to be flexible? That is ok–the Schoolhouse Expo lets you attend the sessions you choose and continue with your day-to-day schedule, while still enjoying all of the audio downloads, so you can listen to every session at your convenience—repeatedly.

Save $5 when you Pre-register for only $19.99 through March 31. PLUS, you’ll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register. Get the details and preregister here:

PS: Shhhh…you also get a free e-book when you pre-register!

Apologia–The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, by Debra Bell

February 17, 2010 in curriculum, Homeschooling, TOS Crew, TOS Crew Review, Uncategorized with 1 Comment

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling

Summary & Rating: 4.5 With 500+ pages of homeschooling information and resources, I find this book to be another winner from Apologia.

I have to admit, It is possible I am biased, because Apologia has my trust. When I first began homeschooling, I used their Science textbooks, and have never looked back. I love their science materials. But, I digress!

Apparently, Apologia has some new owners and they are branching out with additional Homeschooling materials, like this resource book, by Debra Bell.

I do like the style and format of this book. Topics are covered which range from deciding IF you should Homeschool to ways to organize a homeschool.

The book gives Bell’s opinions on many complex issues, such as:

How can I homeschool if I am a single parent?
How can I homeschool a special needs child?
Am I qualified to homeschool?
What Curriculum would I need?
How do I homeschool on a small budget?
How can I prevent burnout?
What about homeschooling Teens?

I see this as a fantastic resource. I got some great ideas on organization and some new websites to try…good stuff. As I am homeschooling a high-schooler, I found the chapters on teens and on getting into college and beyond fascinating.

I also am a sucker for quizzes and multiple choice type tests. I liked that this book included sections where you can quiz yourself about your homeschooling plans. I found this fun rather than daunting—but, I will warn new homeschoolers that if you see all Bell’s ideas as necessities rather than options, the book can be overwhelming. For example, when I began homeschooling, it was not because I had it all planned out and had the best curriculum and the best laid plans. I did it because I saw a particular school system failing my child.

And, guess what? It all worked out. The one thing that has been important for me is to find support and good curriculum. To sift through lots of ideas and resources. I recommend Bell’s book as a wealth of information!

You can purchase The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling for $20 through Apologia Press. Also, see Debra Bell’s website, here.

To see what my TOS crewmates have to say, click here!

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, by Debra Bell was provided to me for the purpose of my review. I have expressed my unbiased opinion on this product.