THE CAT OF BUBASTES ~ REVIEW

The Cat of Bubastes:

With Heirloom Audio Productions  Egyptian history comes alive! This story is much more than what you are thinking. It’s more than a story about a cat.We are all so very thankful when we were picked to review Heirloom Audio Productions' latest audio drama: "The Cat of Bubastes." 

If your family or homeschool is looking for and new and exciting way to learn history and faith, this is the right avenue.  As you may have seen from my other reviews, our family loves audio theater. 

ABOUT G.A. HENTY:

Born in 1832, Henty became an author and war correspondent. His adventurous stories are historical and exciting. They became popular in the late nineteenth century and are still extensively read today.

THE LATEST AUDIO THEATER: 

"The Cat of Bubastes”story takes place during 1250 BC Egypt.  The story contains adventures of good vs. evil. This adventure is an awe inspiring tale which teaches character traits such as honesty, humility and faith.

Cat of Bubastes audio drama is recommended for children age six and up. There is over 2 hours of historical fiction listening time which is a great way to have fun while learning history. The cast of The Cat of Bubastes includes some well- known actors such as Brian Blessed, Anthony Daniels, Elizabeth Counsell, and John Rhys-Davies.

Along with the CD audio we received these extras which help expand on the story. Included is a 47-page digital study guide. My children learned historical facts from listening to the story and also from answering the questions provided in the study guide. While reading through the study guide, I found instructions on how to make paper. The Egyptians used papyrus to make paper therefore, this hands- on experience helps Egyptian history come alive. The study guide contains comprehension questions and maps of the Egyptian area to get a geographical perspective.

In addition to the CD’s and digital study guide we received:

* The Cat of Bubastes MP3 Set

* The Cat of Bubastes  E-Book

* Official MP3 Soundtrack

* Printable Cast Poster

* Inspirational Verse Poster

* Behind the scenes video

G.A. Henty’s original book in electronic form is included so your children can read the book on their own and experience the thrill all over again.

What we thought of The Cat of Bubastes:

Our family gives this audio drama 5 STARS!

  

This series is very well produced and it truly does bring history to life.  The music and the actors are extremely professional. It makes you feel like you are near Thebes watching the story unfold. This is the third audio drama we have listened to and we look forward to hearing more produced by Heirloom Audio Productions. We took a trip to Omaha, NE and listened to it on the way to the zoo, it seemed like a quick trip. In addition, the colorful study guide has in depth questions which helps me know they were really listening.  We cannot empathize enough how much we enjoyed the production. Go get your copy and tell your friends!

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Memoria Press: D'Aulaires' Greek Myths Set ~ Review

No education is complete without a large slice of Greek mythology. And there's no better way of meeting that literary quota than with the D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths, Memoria Press Student Workbook, and Teacher’s Manual. All the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are depicted in this big, beautiful classic, lovingly illustrated and skillfully told. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds, characters actions cover the range godly--and mortal--personalities.

We have enjoyed it so far, and Hannah couldn’t stop reading the Greek Myths while using the Memoria Press’s Student workbook.  I worked with her with the Teacher’s manual which was an essential part of the combination.  

The teacher’s handbook helps reinforce Christian belief and leads children to ask questions. This study is a great opportunity to help them have a positive relationship with GOD. There are 110 drill questions, tests and maps. Activities include listing the Greek heroes, looking up comparisons and drawing adventures of Hercules.  The D'Aulaires' illustrations have a memorable quality: once poured over, they will never leave the imaginations of children. My children appreciate the myths that broaden their imagination. These myths have built the foundation for much of the world's art and literature over the centuries. This introduction to mythology is a treasure. (Ages 10 to adult) 

The colorfully illustrated D’Aulaire’s Greek Myths is a storybook full of illustrations, yet slightly softened in order to give the stories detail and character development without the lascivious details of the gods and goddesses.  I don’t know about you, but I would rather not try and explain Zeus’ love life to young children.  The illustrations are beautiful and help you and the children dive right into the stories.

The study guides from Memoria Press are, as is expected from this quality company, very well planned and organized.  Memorization exercises are included in the form of flash cards.  The workbook includes vocabulary words.  In addition, each lesson includes fact to know, comprehension questions and activities that correspond with the stories in the book of Greek Myths.

I find my daughter, at times, will just skip over difficult words but the authors Cheryl Lowe and Leigh Lowe have addressed this as they chose some of the more challenging words in each lesson vocabulary word exercises.

 

Memoria press is excellent at integrating Bible lessons within their curriculum, and the workbooks are no exception.  The books require the children to compare Greek mythology to Christian Theology. For Example: Pandora’s jar and Garden of Eden. What are the common elements between the two?

What is your child’s learning style? When choosing a curriculum/method, I feel it is important to focus on how your child learns best and the vision of the ideal homeschool.  If classical education is a good fit for one’s homeschool as is ours, I suggest looking into Memoria Press. 

Memoria Press is such a treasure to have in your classical homeschool. I have never had a book bring my daughter into reading. Her vocabulary has expanded, and the flash cards support memorization.  I would encourage any family, even if they do not homeschool, to bring this book and workbooks into their child’s education journey.

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HEROES OF HISTORY ~ LAURA INGALLS WILDER ~ Review

Our family had the privilege of reading and reviewing Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Storybook Life book and using the Digital Study Curriculum Guide from the Heroes of History series by YWAM Publishing. 

Heroes of History is a 26 biography book series by YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Publishing; we learn about great men and woman who changed the course of history. These book series enable us give our children wholesome biographies to read or to read to our children that teach good character traits, values, and virtues. 

The Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Storybook Life book by Janet & Geoff Benge is part of this series. This book tells the true life story of Laura Ingalls Wilder. When I was younger, Little House on the Prairie books were a staple of reading in our home.  I was so happy that my daughter enjoys reading her book, but we also enjoy watching the TV Series.  The series, both in the book and television form, are entertaining. They both have had wonderful writers which focuses on good character, family morels, values and virtues. This intriguing book from YWAM Publishing about Laura Ingalls Wilder teaches these important lessons. My daughter was engaged and was thrilled with the background of Laura, which helps her understand more about the Little house on the Prairie series.  The Storybook life book gives an account of her and her family’s life. Starting from the big woods of Wisconsin to the Indian country of the Great Plains from 1867-1957, one will get a feeling of growing up and moving West as the West grew and transformed into farms, towns, and railroads. Laura lived during this exciting time of history which opens eyes of many children young and old to trials and some wonderful times in our history. It is a total of 15 chapters and 193 pages long.

The Unit Study Guide pairs with the Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Storybook Life book which I received digitally to keep on the desktop. The study goes in depth and explores other areas that pertain to the book. The Ingalls book items assist readers to explore crafts, pioneer cooking, and pioneer gardening. These extras can be extensions of your homeschool as the additional writing assignments. Your children will be begging for more!  The guides even have ready-made questions to ask your children to see if they comprehended the reading. The quotes provided in the lesson can be used to use as copywork for the homeschool portion of handwriting or memorization.

Guide Contents:
Part 1 -  Introduction, Key Quotes, Display Corner, Chapter questions, Student Explorations, Community Links, Social Studies, Related Themes to Explore, Culminating Event: (Books to Explore, Answers to Chapter Questions, Social Studies Reproducible.)

There are so many possibilities to utilize this book and study guides with your children.  Their minds will see the West like never before. They will find a new appreciation for their situations living with all the amenities that Laura didn’t have. The character qualities we want in our children are in this book to help us parents along the homeschooling journey.

While reading, Hannah decided to make a rag doll and hardtack.  Hardtack is a hard, crisp cracker the pioneers and military used in order to have something to eat that wouldn’t spoil.  We have had Finnish rye crisp hardtack in Minnesota, but this was different. Finnish hardtack (Knackebrod) is made with rye but Laura’s recipe is made with wheat.

Our family would highly recommend this book for any child and family whether you are a fan of Little House on the Prairie or not.  The lessons that are taught in this book will help children appreciate their quality of life and appreciated the love of family and God.

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Memoria Press ~ Review

I was just about to assign Adam of the Road to Jacob this year; therefore, I jumped at the chance to review the study guides by Memoria Press.  The teacher's guides accompanies the Student 6th Grade Literature Guide,  to be utilized with the sold-separately books.  Jacob read Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray.

We have centered this homeschool around reading timeless literature so I was extremely excited to have the children work through the 6th Grade Literature Guide Set by Memoria Press because I have heard many good things about this company.

Why Quality Literature?

 I feel that if our children are reading above their reading level, it helps them become advanced readers.  In addition, the classic books are so very important as the books of today lack quality vocabulary and life lesson.  Reading beyond the “dumbed down vocabulary” strengthens their spelling, comprehension and composition skills.

The student book is reproduced in the teacher’s guide with the correct answers and discussion question which are separately inserted. Quizzes and tests feature questions that concentrate on quotes, vocabulary, and comprehension making Adam of the Road unit a breeze to teach. All the vocabulary is thoroughly reviewed, as is the plot and characters. All of the booklets go hand in hand with the great literature choices, when studying the Middle Ages.

Each study guide serves as a student workbook with activity sheets for working on vocabulary, comprehension, and other reading skills as well some introductory grammar. One book study does not replace core instruction in grammar and composition. Children who use the entire set will be a complete year's literature curriculum. I found other guides such as Robin Hood, King Arthur, and The Door in the Wall were all just as thorough and emphasize different aspects of literature, grammar and reading comprehension.  All of the booklets make a complete set, which works well together and makes it comprehensive cohesive unit.  The student workbooks contained guidelines, maps, appendixes, enrichment activities, quotes and discussion questions.  Jacob and I both thoroughly enjoyed the corresponding maps.  Literature guidelines will give children a course of action; preparing them to read, giving instructions to review, previewing of the study guide, reading instructions during and after reading, comprehension questions, enrichment and unit review and tests.

Maps included towns and other geographic interests that helped students visualize the book while reading the books. Jacob enjoyed working the workbooks in order to get a better historical perspective. It helped him broaden his vocabulary.  There is quite a bit of writing involved, which is not his favorite part of schoolwork.  

We found that using the workbooks, while reading the books, helped bring historical fiction, biography and myths into a curriculum. Children are able explore history which enriches the experience. Study guides immerse the family together in each time period.  These guides are wonderful for keeping things organized, yet fun.

What did we think about Memoria Press?

Finally, Memoria Press requires the children to become active readers. It challenges them to think. Jacob stated that the guide added depth and expanded his historical knowledge, but that he likes to just read for fun.  Some kids may need to read the book, answer questions and then finish the enrichment portion of the workbooks; each family must find what works for them. Composing answers can be difficult, but the more students do this task the easier it gets. These student workbooks stimulate those skills. I would highly recommend any 5-7^th grade level student learn with the student guides to bring more history lessons into their reading.  It will assist them in both writing and thinking skills with stimulating questions. 

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I AM, I CAN, I OUGHT, I WILL

I have been thinking of curriculum many times since joining TheCrew.  When we first stared thinking of homeschooling, I wasn’t sure how it worked or if I could even do it.  I was raised in the 80’s and went to a small town public school; yet, I decided the best way to know more was to view local homeschool groups and talk to families in the area.  The nearest home school group was 30-45 minutes away from our rural home.  Consequently, with the advice of others and after research we decided that homeschooling was the best for our family. 

I look at homeschooling as a path in which to best teach young children the narrow path, within age and maturity appropriate levels.  Our family chooses to school at home but take advantage of extracurricular activities such as 4-H and YMCA to enhance the life learning experiences with our hands-on approach. 

Dave and I volunteer in the above organizations, not only to be part of our children’s lives

while they enjoy outside activities, in addition, we can give back to our community. 

We believe that we cannot and should not shelter our children forever; but that life is to be

experienced at a level that we feel, as parents is appropriate.

Sooner or later our children will have to make their own decisions in this world.  We have to

give them the tools to choose to follow what Christ would do, try to be more like him

every day, and make progress. I myself strive to do this as an adult.  We cannot live a good
life for them and MAKE them be a "good" kid; we can only be good examples. We 
cannot keep them from all danger and strife; just as we cannot force them to love

God and Christ. We must lead them into wanting to do what is right and want to follow what

Christ left as an example. In my opinion, young children cannot be “the light” in a dark world

as they have to be first trained. 

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Some people think that children should be placed in school so that they can be socialized. I do not this this is optimal training for our children. Wikipedia’s definition: 

so·cial·ize

verb

past tense: socialized; past participle: socialized

1.    1.

mix socially with others.

"he didn't mind socializing with his staff"

synonyms:

interact, converse, be sociable, mix, mingle, get together, meet,fraternize, consort; More

2.    2.

make (someone) behave in a way that is acceptable to their society.

"newcomers are socialized into orthodox ways"

It does not mean to mix within ONLY your own age group extensively. They need to know how to look at an adult in the eye and shake their hand firmly. They need to "mix" with all ages. Our children are “socialized.”  They can speak with adults respectfully and yet play games with children half their age.  They can interact with those of all socioeconomic backgrounds without judging them.  They can converse with all ages of people from 9 to 99. The monstrosity called the Department of Education is not how early generations visioned education.  Education without local or parental controls benefits only the state.

Therefore, in our homeschool I choose to use Sonlight. I supplement the curriculum but appreciate Sonlight’s book choices.  I have learned, the hard way, that I am not a slave to the Instructor’s Guide but I use it as a guide.  We do not HAVE to read every book listed but I use that as a goal.  Consequently, I have found there would be a book or two over the years, that did not line up with our beliefs.  We would either skip or wait for another time, in which I felt it was appropriate to discuss as they were older. 

Jacob’s first year schooling at age 5 was a year that I did not use Sonlight.  I chose an expensive yet through curriculum of Calvert.  I chose it as it was complete and I didn’t feel as if I had to learn much just “follow the directions.”  Although we learned some most of the learning was via notebooks and text books.  Luckily, Jacob liked this and did fine but my preschooler was not impressed and wanted more action.  Hannah did enjoy the crafts associated with Calvert but looking back, she was too young at the time for some activities.   

We survived that first year but I kept searching and I found Sonlight.  Today, we mix Sonlight, Ambleside Online, Kahn Academy, Teaching Textbooks, Singapore Math, and EasyGrammar together to make our own homeschool work. 

I think that is what is so great about homeschooling here in Missouri.  You can pick your own curriculum and style.  We work at a pace that works for each of my children.  If we need more time in math we slow down until we master that concept. Then we continue at a faster pace if we have it down. I don’t feel we need to “beat a dead horse, do we?” 

If you are just starting out or just thinking of homeschooling and do not know where to start, just ask.  Follow this blog and message me at any time.  I would love to help a family, looking to start homeschooling.  Although I only have a 5^th and a 7^th grader, I can help you start your research. Homeschooling isn't for everyone, yet I feel anyone can do this if you want to make it work. We all have good days and bad days but when my kids tell me at 12 and 10, “Thank you Mom for homeschooling us, taking time and helping us,” the effort is worth every sacrifice we have and are making.

A Path Among Ancient Rocks: Everyday Easels Book 1 (Schoolhouse Review)

We had the pleasure of reviewing “A Path Among Ancient Rocks: Everyday Easels Book 1” sold by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  We had the opportunity to create a lapbook or notebook with the given materials.  I have enjoyed reading the material together and learning along with the children, as I have very limited art instruction.   We read the information, and I found it easy to navigate the book with the interactive Table of Contents.  I observed that a user should right click each link to open links in a new window in order not to lose your spot, such as artists’ paintings shown on a 3^rd party web page.

The art curriculum can be found at http://www.theoldschoolhouse.com/shop/  and was sent to me for our review by The Schoolhouse Review Crew. This curriculum covered art paintings, with projects for all ages, architecture tied in with history and Bible as well as more information about physical, wearable art from Tiffany.

We were entertained by all of the photos of the art work and history behind the paintings, images of Tiffany jewelry and stained glass.  We learned about many different artists and types of Greek architecture.

One of my favorite aspect of this book is how I could teach Math, Science, Art, History and English/Writing all in one location.  It is geared for almost any age as there are sections for K-2, 3-6 and older. They have slight variation for those activities within the e-curriculum.

My kids said they liked working school this way as a change. We were in a unique situation, as my son recently had surgery on his knee and was unable to sit at the table. This allowed us to review the items and have him do a lapbook while on the couch.  The printouts were clear and helpful to use with the links.  The e-book benefited our homeschool while we were more restrained and were able to use it while on the computer.  I enjoyed how it tied in Bible studies within the curriculum.  Furthermore, I loved how it asked the questions along the way, giving the children adequate time utilize thinking skills, while encouraging them to express their feelings and thoughts about the subjects.

I enjoyed the links connected within the e-book, especially the Acropolis section.  We have been studying Greece in our homeschool for the last few weeks; and we enjoyed seeing the buildings and ruins.  I relished the idea of tying geography in the lessons, so we had a good time looking at the map link that indicated Paul’s second journey that included Ephesus and Corinth. 

My kids are both very different and enjoy different things. I have a sports and science lover and a girl who enjoys writing and art.  Therefore, my daughter gave this curriculum an 8 rating and my son a 6 out of 10.  They both enjoyed different parts about the curriculum; therefore, I found it easy to please both personality types.  My daughter loved painting and writing about what sensory perceptions she was experiencing from the huge living room window. She wrote down what she was seeing and smelling as we strolled into the “forest.”  We usually go for walks in the nearby woods, but we decided since Jacob just had surgery, we would “YouTube” the sights and sounds of the forest. Finally, we closed our eyes and used our imagination to “see” landscapes.

My son loved the science and architecture aspect of the “Path Among Ancient Rocks.”  He thought the virtual tour of the Acropolis was the most fascinating.  Although, he said he would have enjoyed this curriculum more if were able to go into the woods. In addition, we had the opportunity to visit the landscape of the east coast. This coincided with a book that Hannah had read last year.  The Assateague National Park and Chincoteague Island, came to life, as we visited the Island, full of natural beauty and HORSES. My daughter cherishes her horse and the book Misty.  “Visiting” the Virginia coastal area then lead us to another YouTube video of a gentleman who had a video camera on the roof of his truck and gave us a tour of the island town and onto the dunes themselves into the National Park.  What a fun and exciting way to visit the east coast!

In conclusion, I would reiterate the completeness of this e-book. It is full of ideas and links that will cover at least 10 days study of class material.  History, Math, Science, Art, Bible and Language Arts are covered here in this e-book which you can save on your computer to start and finish as you feel fit.