Maxwell Family Conference, San Diego, California

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend a one night conference with the Maxwell Family from Titus 2 Ministires. Steve and Teri Maxwell are the creators of The Managers of Their Homes.

Teri Maxwell also wrote a book that has blessed my life and the lives of my children greatly, Homeschool With a Meek and Quiet Spirit.

I was blessed by the evening I was able to share with them. They both were insightful and transparent. I believe that if you were able attend this free conference, that not only would walk away feeling better equipped to continue to home educate your children, your children will respond to the difference they see in you.

Below, you will find information regarding their San Diego Area conference!

Happy Homeschooling!

Homeschool Family Conference

Do you feel like you are running on a treadmill? Do you want to have sweet relationships with your children as they are growing up and not experience the heartache of rebellion and immorality? Do your children have greater purpose in life than just to have fun? Do you need some mid-year encouragement? The Steve and Teri Maxwell family will be giving a homeschool family conference in North San Diego County with sessions for parents, young people, and children.
 
The conference will be in North San Diego County (Zion Lutheran Church, 1405 E Fallbrook Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028), February 12th (7-9:30 p.m.) and 13th (9 a.m –3:30 p.m.).
 
There is no cost for the conferences, but love offering boxes will be on the book tables to help with the Maxwells’ traveling expenses. Pre-registration is requested. For more information on the conference, please visit www.Titus2.com, and click Conferences on the side bar, or contact Sarah Maxwell (Info@Titus2.com or 913-909-9776).

Be challenged and find ways that God can set your family on a journey of spiritual unity, purpose, and direction.

Math Score

As a member of this year's TOS Homeschool Crew, I must admit, we have had quite a few math programs to review. Now, for many of you, who read my reviews, you know that math is not my favorite subject. So when I heard we were going to review Mathscore, I was a little nervous. I had never heard of it. So I had no idea what it would entail. Would it involve alot of teacher involvement (eegads!!) Or would this be user friendly... by user friendly I mean teacher friendly!

I am pleased to tell you that it was indeed user friendly. MathScore is a subscription based service. This is not entertainment! This is pure mathematics. Designed to support from  2nd grade through Algebra 1.
Here is a little bit about MathScore;

• "Randomly generates math problems that automatically adapt difficulty based on performance. This patent-pending technology keeps students engaged because the math problems adapt to be neither too easy nor too frustrating.
  


• Instant feedback with step-by-step solution explanations. Students often learn from our explanations and short lessons. In addition, parents and teachers alike don't have to do any paperwork.
  


• Focused on learning, not playing: MathScore students aren't distracted by jumping monkeys and dancing pigs that have no educational value. At the same time, MathScore's system of time limits and a rating system create a "I have to beat this level mentality" that keeps students engaged.
  


• Fill-in-the-blank, not multiple choice: Success on MathScore cannot possibly happen by clever guesswork, allowing you to trust our system when we say your child is proficient.
  


• Color-coded analysis tools help you understand student progress at glance.
  


• Analysis tools tell you exactly how much time was spent actually working, not merely sitting in front of the computer.
  


• Absolutely no installation required: Not only is MathScore Internet-based, it doesn't even require a browser plug-in! You can use MathScore from any computer, not just the computer you used to sign up."

I have to tell you, my son thoroughly enjoyed the beat the clock dynamic of this program. He did not want to stop working with MathScore.

Because math is not my favorite subject, and because I have had students with special needs, I have often feared that the children are lacking in the area of math.

With MathScore, I feel like I will be able to quickly get them exactly where they need to be.  While this is not a complete curriculum, and they will still be using their math books, MathScore will help them practice and master the math skills they are learning.

My plan, is to continue to use MathScore and come back here and blog about our progress every 4-6 weeks or so.

I started the kids out at a level lower than they are in their books, as I wanted them to get accustomed to the program and how it works. Which they have done. So now, we will see how well they will be able to progress in their math studies.

They will be spending 20-30 minutes daily on Math Score. Won't you join me, as we see where this journey leads us?

If this sounds like something that would benefit your family, then please visit MathScore to learn more about this program.

You will find that the pricing is fairly affordable. I do like the fact that they recognize the need for a price break for subsequent children! 
The prices are as follows;

First child: $14.95/month
Second child: $5/month
Each addition: $3.95/month

There are some other unique lump sum pricing options, as well as, the ability to suspend services for a period of time for vacations without penalty. Please visit their site for more info.

Please visit the crew blog to see what my crew mates are saying about MathScore!

Really? We are talking about Socialization....again???

This has got to be my least favorite homeschool question!  I think we are asked that question many times, because people are so unsure about homeschooling and 'socialization' is the buzz word. So if they start with that question, hopefully it will lead to more in depth questions and answers.

If the question is coming from a real perspective homeschool parent, I don't mind taking the time to answer. However, when the question comes from curious on lookers, it is one of those questions I would rather not waste my time on.  

When I am asked this question by someone who knows my family, my children in particular, I usually direct them to the children with an answer like, ' You know my children, to they seem unable to socialize with their peers?' For others who do not know us I will go in depth a bit more..

Our children like most homeschooled children are involved in many activities.  We are active in our church, we attend 3 times a week, which does not include any extra activities, like youth group, etc. They have served in ministries at church such as VBS, nursery, bus ministry, and children's choir.

Over the years they have participated in various classes with other children. Jujitsi, piano (one on one, with twice yearly recitals), PE, Horseback riding, just to name a few.

 

Our homeschool group, also has monthly gatherings for the kids to get to know each other better, and field trips, and parties, etc... My children have not lacked for good long lasting friendships!

One of the benefits of homeschooling, in regards to socialization, is that not only do you have the ability to really get to know  the children that your kids are getting to know, but you are also able to get to know the family as well. So you are able to help nurture an appropriate relationship, or nip one in the beginning if need be.

 

                

Also, as homeschoolers, they are not pigeon holed into only interacting with their age group. They are comfortable interacting with small children and adults, and all the ages in between!

                                                                    

I hope you have also enjoyed some of the photos throughout the post... of my children, living out socialization, instead of figuring out how to add it into their day! Do they look like they are un-socialized???

The TOS Homeschool Crew Fan page on Facebook has started a new Weekly Blog Cruise series.  This weeks question was on socialization. Visit the fan page to see what others have to say on this topic!!!

Kinderbach

As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew last year, I was given the opportunity to review Kinderbach, and once again this year we have been given the opportunity to review Kinderbach.

You can read my original review here.

This year there have been a few additions to the Kinderbach program that I would like to spotlight. Since the last time I reviewed Kinderbach, they have added activity books that go along with each level of lessons. Each book is from 47-60 pages long.

It is a great way to have your little one have some hands on activity to reinforce what he learned while watching a playing the piano.

The current pricing for Kindrebach is as follows;

 You can purchase a one year membership for $95.88, which works out to $7.99 a month. Or you can purchase the membership  monthly for $19.95 per month. If you are unsure, you can purchase a one day pass for $5.95 to see if it is a good fit for your family.

In addition they have various package deals, where you can purchase the lessons on DVD. Check out www.kinderbach.com to see the current prices of those packages!

Please visit the Crew Blog to see what my Crew Mates think about this product!

Keyboarding for the Christian School

As part of The TOS Homeschool Crew, I was given a free copy of Keyboarding for the Christian School for both the elementary level (K-5) and well as for the upper grades (6 and up), in exchange for my honest review.

I have several children who are interested in bettering their typing skills, so this was something that we were looking forward to receiving.

These typing books are available in e-book format. This allows for an affordable price, as well as no shipping costs. It also gives you the flexibility of printing off the whole book, which is what I did, or print off a page at a time as your child needs it.

What were our impressions, you ask?  Upon first glance, this program is reminiscent of my junior high school typing class. It is your standard typing program, especially when it comes to teaching finger placement, and memorization of the letters and muscle memory for the fingers. A plus to this program is that it uses bible passages as the practice texts.

The upper level goes more in depth than basic typing skills. The author, Leanne Beitel also teaches the students how to write personal letters, business letters, reports, bibliographies, envelopes among many other topics. Your student would walk away from this course with a strong foundation in written communication.

I was never a fan of my typing class. I found it very dry. My children did not find the curriculum, exciting, however, they did find that it did exactly has it set out to do! They each were able to improve their typing skills!  I would like to add, that we will be continuing to use this program until we complete it!

You can learn more about these products and the other products available by Leanna Beitel at Christian Keyboarding.

Currently she is running a special, you can purchase both e-books for $22.
Their regular price is Elementary- $12.95 and Upper Level $15.95.

Please check out the crew blog to see what my crew mates have to say!

The Goings On at Creative Learners!

I had made a decision to post e very day, or close to it. Well, that just has not happened.

I am sure I am not the only one who has a habit of making grand plans... but at times ( more often than I would care to admit) I lack follow through!

This week we had a great Mom's Night Out with our local homeschool group. We discussed Home Educating your Special Needs Child. It was a great time of fellowship and exchange of ideas! Not to mention, the delicious chocolate fountain our host provided!

In addition to that I have been battling tooth pain since November. Waiting for our new insurance to kick in. We finally have the insurance and I was able to get in. The verdict??? 3 wisdom teeth need to be pulled. They pulled 2 yesterday... and the last one will be pulled in a couple of weeks after I heal.

I am now thankful for the healing pain that I have. Though, it does slow me down a bit. Not quite as productive as I would like to be!

However, the high point of my week, is happening tonight. The Maxwell Family, from www.titus2.com, the creators of The Mangers of their Home are speaking locally. So, tonight, along with a few other homeschool mom's we are headed down to LA to see them.

It ought to be adventure. Southern California is having one of our largest rain storms in recent years. We even had snow yesterday!

I am looking forward to a night of great fellowship and a time of learning. I look forward to coming back and sharing with you all, some of what I have gleaned from this mini conference!

Happy Homeschooling!

What is That??????

In some families they have a magazine rack in their bathroom. That is not something that we have ever had. However, we have had a very interesting thing happening here lately!!!

Have you ever heard of Sculpey clay?  It is a polymer clay that does not harden until it is baked. Used in all kinds crafts. We have a whole bunch of this stuff around our house. And my girls have just had some out and working with it while a friend was here.

A new found affection has been discovered for Sculpey clay!

It began to happen a few days ago. Every time I go into the restroom I find  a different shape of sculpey clay sitting on the counter!

Who is doing this? All the kids? Just one? Who knows!

Below you will find some of the creations I have found......

 

I wonder what I will discover next?????