TOS Review: MathScore.com by Accurate Learning

MathScore is a website created by MIT graduates to provide a math mastery program that would not be filled with "fluff".  Proven to raise test scores, it provides randomly-generated math problems that automatically increase or decrease in difficulty based on the student's performance.  As the student completes each worksheet, they are facing a time limit, which can be lengthened by the parent if students struggle with the time given.   Scores and trophies are earned as students progress through the worksheets, which are grouped by topic within each grade. 

As a web-based product for grades 2 through 9, it is available in multiple locations, on multiple computers, without concern for operating systems or minimum system requirements.   The parent creates an account for themselves, and then one for each child.  The children log in under their own username and password to practice their math facts.   If you have multiple computers with internet-capability, you can have more than one child logged in at a time.

Students can also take assessments to determine weaknesses and strengths for each individual student.  Once the assessment is completed, MathScore suggests topics for the student to focus on.  Under each math topic, you can view a mini-lesson and view sample problems before beginning the online worksheets.  Once you begin the worksheets, you are advanced through the levels according to your success rate.

Parents can view their children's login history, their activity summary (time online, worksheets completed, idle time, etc.).  Parents can also view their children's progress in each topic.  These reports can be printed, and filed for record of the work their student has completed.

MathScore is priced at $14.95/month for the first student, $5/month for the second child, and $3.95/month for each additional child.   For the first two months of a membership, the first child only costs $9.95/month.   There is no long-term commitment, although if you purchase a 9 month membership, the price stays at $9.95/month for the first child for the entire 9 months.   There are discounts given for larger payments, and the account can be frozen while on vacation.

MathScore is a well-designed program that does what it promises to do -- it provides practice for children in math skills, increasing their mastery of the skills, without fun and games.  Despite that, it's not something that my children nor I will continue to use.

To be perfectly honest, my children were not excited about this program because it lacked the fun and games.  They were not motivated to use the program on their own at all.  The price seems affordable when I first look at it, until I calculate how much it would cost for an entire year.  For my children to continue using MathScore would cost us $26.80 - $31.80/ month, depending on how we choose to pay for it.  Multiply that by 12, and that is well over $300.  $300 that could buy a lot of actual curriculum to put on my bookshelves, instead of a non-reusable service.

As always, other Crew members may have different opinions, so check out what they had to say about MathScore.

This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion.  Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.

Trusting In Him,
April

Christian Keyboarding: Simple, Effective Typing Lessons

We've looked at buying typing software in the past, but it always gets booted off our order at the last minute.  My oldest daughter forged ahead on her own and taught herself the proper typing technique, but my other children still use the hunt and peck method.  Teaching proper keyboarding techniques has been on my should do soon list for a couple years.   

Thankfully, as a TOS Homeschool Crew member, we received Keyboarding for the Christian School in both the elementary (K-5 grades) and original (6-12 grades) versions.  These are both e-books, which are downloaded from the internet to your computer, in the form of a simple PDF document.  When you open the document, you'll find typing lessons that start out much the way mine did in school.  First, you learn the correct finger positions.  Then you practice typing strings of letters.  You move on to words, sentences, Bible verses, and then you practice typing different forms like business letters, bibliographies, and reports. 

My 12 year old daughter decided to tackle the original Keyboarding For The Christian School text.   She was ready to move beyond her hunt and peck method.  We printed out the original e-book, and placed it in a 3-ring binder for her.  She threw herself into the lessons, often completing more than one per day.   After she first began to use the correct hand positions, she tested her speed, and had a speed of 9 words per minute.  Last night, she tested again, and is currently working at 28 words per minute.  She has pushed herself through this curriculum in just a couple weeks.  She was determined to finish it before the review was due.

She has learned how to type correctly, although continued practice will improve her speed.  She has also learned how to format different types of documents.  Although my 14 year old doesn't feel that she needs any more typing lessons, I will also use this curriculum with her to show her that there is a standard format for different types of writing projects.   That isn't something we've covered yet, but as a high school student she needs to begin to use proper formatting for her reports, and writing assignments.

The Keyboarding for the Christian School e-books are not flashy or exciting, but they work!  The original version for older students can be completely self-taught.  At the price of $15.95 for the original version and $12.95 for the elementary version, they are also quite affordable.  They are completely re-usable, although the copyright is for your family's use only.  You can not re-sell them or share them with others.   You can view sample pages here.   

For a limited time, you can save $5 on your order of $12.95 or more, by typing the code NewYear5 in the Discount Code section of the ordering process.  That will save you $5 if used before February 28, 2010.

It's simple.  It's effective.  We recommend the Keyboarding For The Christian School e-books.  I'm looking forward to using them with the rest of my children, as well.

This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion.  Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.

Trusting In Him,
April

What About Socialization?

This is a commonly asked question of homeschoolers, and one I never have understood really.  Are they wondering if I can teach my kids how to behave without a school's help?  Are they wondering if my kids aren't going to learn how to stand in a line?  (Have they ever been to Wal-mart?)   Are they worried that they won't learn how to sit still and raise their hands (as if that's a major life skill)?  Are they concerned that my kids will be so painfully shy and awkward that they can't function as adults?  Or is it really all about friends?

Now, granted we have a large family and children with ages close together.  But even when we only had 3 girls, I knew that the socialization "issue" was really a "non-issue".  It's just a bogus concern.  I'm not  sure if the people who ask the question even know what they're asking.   I don't want my kids to ONLY know how to interact with their peers.  When in life will you be asked to interact only with your peers?  I realize I haven't been out in the work-force lately, but it seems most jobs are full of adults of different ages and backgrounds.

I've never worried much about socialization.  I haven't rushed out to enroll my kids in lots of stuff so they can get socialized.  We are active in our church and always have been, attending age-segregated Sunday School, church, and age-segregated Wednesday night services, as well.  My kids interact with their peers at church, and develop friendships ... hopefully with well-behaved peers since they are also Christian kids.  They also learn how to sit still in class, wait in line, raise their hands, and interact with other teachers.

When we lived in town, the kids played with the neighborhood kids.  They learned a lot about the stupid "social games" that go on in public school this way.  The name-calling, the peer pressure, and the manipulative nature of other kids.  They learned about friendships that change alliances and grudges and many other things.  Is that what everyone is worried about them missing by being homeschooled? 

We tried a homeschool group in our old town but actually found there wasn't any time to fellowship in their busy format and most of the kids had established friendships and didn't reach out to my kids anyway.   So it wasn't worth my time, especially when each Spring semester the format changed so it wasn't friendly to younger kids anymore.  They learned about cliques in that homeschool group.

Having moved to the country, where there aren't any friends next door, and having several very social kids ... we have made decisions to be more involved in this community and to seek out fellowship more.  We are still actively involved in our church, but we also joined the small homeschool group, and we've joined 4-H .   We try to invite church friends over sometimes, especially in the warmer months, so the kids can have more fellowship time. 

When we go to Wal-mart, I teach my kids about proper behavior in public places.  When we go to concerts together, they learn about being respectful of others as they enjoy the concert by being quiet and not getting up too much.  When we go to the library, I have the kids interact with the librarians instead of always speaking up for them.  When we are at the doctor's office (or anywhere), they learn how to interact with others as older adults start up conversations with our family.  When we are invited over to others' homes, they learn how to be a polite guest. 

They go to the vet's office with me, the post office, the library ... always interacting with new groups of people.  We aren't just sitting home alone, hiding away from society.  So, why do people think my kids need to be in a classroom with 30 other similarly-aged students in order to be well-socialized?   And why do they think peers are the best source of socialization for my kids?  Aren't peers just pushing each other to conform, rather than to develop their independent thoughts, likes, and personalities?

When I was in school, I got in trouble for trying to socialize.  Most of my early report cards stated that I talked in class too much.  What does that leave -- lunch and recess?   In later years, the fun social games of peers left me feeling shy, lonely, and awkward in new social settings.  So, if my kids who are homeschooled do end up shy and awkward ... they'll be in the same boat I was as a public school student.  How can homeschooling be blamed for that?

Some of my kids are bashful, and others are very outgoing.  As a homeschooling mom, I can work with my kids to overcome their bashfulness, without pushing them too hard, too fast.  I can also work with the outgoing ones and the hyper-active ones on tempering their behavior.  I can talk with my children about their social or friendship problems and offer them guidance. 

I know it doesn't help you answer your parents if they're suspicious of homeschooling, and I realize it doesn't help you respond to the retired school teacher at your church ... but don't worry about socialization.  Unless you're a hermit, your kids will be socialized.  Just pray for wisdom as you make decisions for your family, and offer them lots of opportunities to interact with a variety of groups.  And that doesn't have to cost you a thing. 

This was posted in conjunction with the TOS Homeschool Crew's Blog Cruise from its facebook fan page.  Visit the TOS Homeschool Crew fan page at facebook to read what other Crew members had to say on the topic.

Trusting In Him,
April

Bertie's War -- historical fiction by Kregel Publications

I love historical fiction!  It's one of  our family's favorite genres to read.  The majority of historical fiction is set before 1950.  That fact alone sets apart Bertie's War by Barbara Blakey.  It is set in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis at the height of the Cold War.

click image to view book details

Bertie's War takes the reader into the heart and mind of 12 year old Roberta (Bertie) as she stands on the edge of adolescence in fearful times.  Torn between the comfort of childhood and a desire to be more mature, she must also deal with her own fears of failure, rejection, and of things she can't control -- like nuclear missiles.  The novel takes the reader right into the friction of the family relationships and Bertie's personal war.  As Bertie works through her own fears and emotions, she also grows closer to her family and to God.

Bertie's War is a paperback book, 8 inches x 5.25 inches in size.  As a novel of 192 pages with a smaller print, it's a bit difficult for my 10 year old to read, but the main character was younger than my 14 year old or myself could relate to.  My 14 year old was interested in the sibling relationships in the book, but she didn't really connect with the main character.  I found myself (as an adult) growing impatient with the main character, but I am not the target audience.   Part of my own impatience is also that I prefer books that are less focused on the emotions of the characters, so that is simply a style preference.   I think this book will suit 11-13 year old girls best.

Although it is set in 1962, and the fears of Bertie are centered around the Cuban Missile Crisis, it doesn't give much factual information about the actual event.  The book focuses more on the effect the situation had on everyday Americans.  It does provide cultural insight into the time period, and would be beneficial as a 5th - 8th grade literature supplement to your history studies.

Kregel Publications published this juvenile fiction novel by Barbara Blakey, the author of the Total Language Plus curriculum.  They also publish many other books for Kids & Tweens, Homeschooloers, Pastors and Ministry Leaders.  Their vision is "to maximize the impact of quality, life-changing Christian resources".  

Bertie's War is available for $7.99 at Kregel's website, a good value for a paperback fiction book. 

This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion.  Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.

Trusting In Him,
April

Young Minds: Numbers and Counting by Math Tutor DVD

click image to visit website

Last year, as members of the TOS Homeschool Crew, we were able to  review two different DVDs from Math Tutor DVD.   I was looking forward to reviewing a different tutoring DVD this year, but instead we were sent a wonderful new product for preschool children.  My 3 youngest children love this DVD!

click image to view product details

 

Young Minds:  Numbers and Counting DVD is a bright and charming DVD which teaches numbers to preschool children.  Colorful images (and videos) of animals, nature, and objects are displayed on the screen, while classical music plays in the background.  A child's voice counts the objects, and the corresponding sound for the objects is also heard.  Several different images are shown for each number (1 - 10) , and they are counted each time to reinforce the concept. 

The Details:
The Numbers & Counting feature runs for 35 minutes, and the DVD also includes 15 minutes of bonus material counting puzzle pieces, connect the dots, and a guess the animal game.   The classical music pieces are from the following composers:

• Bach


• Beethoven


• Mozart


• Chopin


• Brahms


• Vivaldi

You can view a sample excerpt  of the  Young Minds: Numbers and Counting  DVD here.  The DVD can be purchased for $19.99 at the Math Tutor website, which is $5.00 off the list price. 

The ElCloud Opinion:
I am very pleased with the quality of this DVD.  The images used are bright, colorful, close-up pictures, and the music selections are so pleasant and soothing to hear.  It doesn't get annoying to listen to at all.   My youngest three children are right in the target age range for this product (ages 1, 3, and 5), and they enjoy watching it.  The 5 year old (nearly 6) enjoys it less than the other two, but it is definitely a hit in our home.   

Our favorite images were the nature images, which is what the DVD begins with.   Our kids laughed as they counted the number of times a lizard stuck out his tongue.  We all went "awww" when we saw the ducklings following their mother.   The clear close-up photo of a tree frog spawned more conversation.

While we have enjoyed this DVD during our play time, it can also be used as a fun school activity for preschool children.  I think it would also be a good choice for nap time.  I've had a few children who reached an age that the only way I could get them to nap was to have them lay down with a blanket in a darkened living room, while watching a carefully selected movie that would interest them without exciting them.  THIS is the perfect choice for that.  The DVD even includes a Repeat Play option that would work perfectly for nap times.

We had viewed the DVD several times before we clicked on the bonus features.  Shh ... don't tell anyone, but my 8 and 10 year old kids were also enjoying the bonus features.  The first feature captured their attention as puzzles were pieced together (counting as you go of course) revealing a photo.  The second feature completes dot-to-dot drawings, counting all the way.  The third feature focuses very closely on parts of an animal, moving around slowly and giving hints, before zooming out so you can see what the animal was.   Two more fun ways to teach counting, and one way to engage the mind in a guessing game.

We love the Young Minds:  Numbers and Counting DVD!  I can't think of a single negative thing about it.  I hope Math Tutor DVD creates more Young Minds DVDs in the future.

This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion.  Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.

Trusting In Him,
April

Homeschool Crew Review: KinderBach Online Piano Curriculum

Last year, our family was able to test and review the KinderBach online music curriculum for children, ages 3-7.  The TOS Homeschool Crew is reviewing it again this year, so I'll give you a quick overview of changes, as well as link to my original KinderBach review. 

Since our review last year, Karri Gregor has activated three additional levels, added coloring books and game books.   Plans are in place to add video lessons for each songbook, and online music gaming, as well.  The online lessons are available for $19.99 per month, or as an annual subscription of $95.88 (breaks down to $7.99/month).  You can also purchase the lessons in DVD format, for $40.45 per level.

To read the ElCloud Homeschool 2008 Review, you can click HERE.  To read the TOS Crew reviews from the Maiden Voyage Crew, you can click HERE.   To read reviews from this current Homeschool Crew, you can click HERE.

This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion.  Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.

Trusting In Him,
April

Jean Welles' Worship Guitar Class - DVD Lessons

This Fall, my 14 year old suddenly became interested in playing the guitar.  She pulled the guitar out of the closet, and began searching the internet for information.  She taught herself a few chords, and we took the guitar in to be re-strung.   We knew that Jean Welles'  Worship Guitar Class was on the review list for TOS Homeschool Crew this year, so we waited to see if we would receive it before investing in lessons or materials.  We were hoping we'd be selected to review the course, and were thrilled when we were chosen.

We received volume 1 of the Worship Guitar Class DVD lessons.  Our DVD came with a DVD and the accompanying book.  The DVD course includes:

• an introduction
  


• a lesson on the parts of the guitar
  


• a lesson on tuning a guitar
  


• 7 lessons that teach chords, how to change between chords, and how to play 7 different worship songs


• 7 practice lessons with more tips and a slower paced walk-through of the song in the lesson


• a booklet in the DVD case with just the song lyrics and guitar chords


• a lesson book that includes the guitar chord charts, written tips from the lessons, and sheet music for each song.


• lessons in either Spanish or English

The Worship Guitar Class DVD sells for $24.95 per volume.  Each volume contains 7 lessons.  The entire set would include 28 lessons, for the combined cost of $99.80, with additional e-books given free.  When Jean Welles gave private lessons, she charged $50 per lesson ... so the cost of these four DVDs would have only been 2 private lessons with Jean Welles.   The Worship Guitar Class has the added benefit of being a reusable, non-consumable product that can teach multiple students.

You can view samples of the first lesson HERE.  She also has a free newsletter with tips, chord charts, and encouragement.  You can sign up for the newsletter in the right top corner of the Worship Guitar Class homepage.  Jean Welles also has courses for piano, drums, and voice.

The ElCloud Opinion?
I think this is an affordable introduction to guitar for yourself or your older children.  The $24.95 volume 1 DVD would provide a simple beginning for someone interested in learning to play the guitar.  Rather than jumping right into private lessons, it allows parents to really see how interested and motivated their student is.  They can practice with the DVD, learn to play several songs, and decide if they can continue to teach themselves ... or if private lessons would be beneficial.  Or they might discover (as many parents do) that it is just a passing phase, and the student isn't really interested in working to learn to play the instrument.  Purchasing the 4 volume set would be a wise investment before considering private lessons.

With that stated,  my 14 year old found the DVD lessons frustrating, although more for personal reasons than actual problems with the product.  She didn't want to learn the songs on the DVD, but wanted to jump ahead to learning songs that interested her more.  She was frustrated that her guitar didn't sound as nice as Jean Welles' guitar.  She struggled to learn to tune her 12 string guitar, when the DVD course only teaches you how to tune a 6 string guitar.  She didn't like that she could not pause the DVD on our DVD player ... she could only stop it, restarting it in the same place. 

In reality, none of those were problems with the Worship Guitar Class itself.  But, you should consider whether your child is likely to balk at learning worship songs when they'd rather be playing something else before purchasing this course.  I reasoned with my daughter that these songs are just a tool to learn the chords ... that will allow her to play lots of other songs with the skills she learns.  I'm still working to overcome her bias, however.

After my daughter began to balk, I viewed the DVD lessons myself.  Although each lesson is short and moves quickly, they can be replayed, paused, and the additional practice sessions can be viewed, as well.  As with any lesson, most of the learning will occur separately in practice time.  Where this DVD course will be lacking is in the supervision of an experienced guitar player.  I can't look at my daughter playing and point out things she needs to improve.  I can't move her hands into the correct chord position.  Jean Welles does a good job of trying to point out these things on the DVD, but she isn't standing next to the student in real life.  That is why private lessons cost more than DVD lessons ... the human element. 

Although the  Worship Guitar Class lacks the human supervision, it does provide ease of use.  Lessons and tutorials are immediately available, rather than searching the internet for appropriate tutorials. The DVD lessons also provide a visual demonstration and audio for comparison, which a book alone can not provide.  And lastly, the teacher's tutorials can be viewed whenever you desire, rather than waiting for your once a week lesson time.

For the beginning guitar student, the DVD course provides a good foundation to build upon.  I highly recommend the Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class DVD course! 

This item was provided free for our review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  We received no other compensation, and this review is our honest opinion.  Click the TOS Homeschool Crew banner at the top to read more reviews on this product by other Homeschool Crew members.

Trusting In Him,
April