Embracing a Healthy Family

Memoria Press First Form Latin Review: Highly Recommend



Memoria Press



First Form Latin Complete Set

I have always been interested in learning Latin and wanted the opportunity to teach one of my children. My fifth grade homeschooled daughter seemed to be the perfect candidate for this learning endeavor. We've been using the complete set for several weeks now and to date, she really has been enjoying the First Form Latin lessons from Memoria Press. Intended for grades 4-9, it's been the perfect program to introduce and teach her Latin. The complete set has everything needed to begin learning Latin and is affordable. I've tried another language program in the past that worked mainly from memorization but First Form Latin is much more and each product has a purpose:

  • The Teacher's Manual provides an introduction to the person teaching the language which is very comprehensive. It's not the type of program that one can pick up and teach without preparation. It appeared a little overwhelming at first given all the materials provided but once I was able to understand how each product fit into the overall teaching picture, it was easy to follow. 
    • I've tried many different homeschooling programs and curriculum over the years and what I liked about Memoria Press's Teachers Manual is the student text inset with answers in color to ease the teaching process. I didn't have to keep flipping from book to book as everything was right where I needed it to be.
    • I'm a chalk board type of teacher so the "Chalk Talk" portions of the instructions were favorites of mine.
    • The recitations helped to reinforce her oral skill set as well as memorization of each lesson.
    • The extensive teaching notes and FYI sections were also useful references to turn to when I needed extra guidance.
  • The Student Workbook contains lessons that provides practice and tests mastery as well as helps to teach the concepts behind Latin. It can be very confusing understanding things such as first conjugation present, imperfect and future and singular versus plural with the "o, s, t, mus, tis, nt" endings but the lessons helps to reinforce it along with the Student Text. Here is one of the pages from lesson twenty:


  • The Student Text is a smaller more concise 34 two-page lessons that furthers instructs.
  • The Quizzes and Test booklets is used to ensure the student is learning and can be reproduced to reinforce areas that might be troublesome. The Teachers Key has all the answers to the workbooks tests and quizzes making it easy to find without having to search.


Additional items in the complete set continue to reinforce and master First Form Latin by Memoria Press which includes:

  • Flash cards that are provided loose bound so the order can be created however is best for the student's needs. They include vocabulary, Latin sayings and grammar forms.
  • The DVDs, three discs at nine hours directed at 15-20 minutes per lesson, provide further instruction on ensuring pronunciation of the words are understood. The DVDs compliment the program greatly as Highlands Latin School teacher Glen Moore does a great job bringing Latin to life. My only wish here would be for him to slow down when he's pronouncing the words as he does go a bit fast but as time progressed and her learning increased, it was easier to understand.
  • The Pronunciation CD included all the vocabulary and grammar forms for each lesson. We were even able to take it with us as we ran errands to reinforce the lessons.



She really liked the program which I was very happy about! 



I think her only complaint was the length of the workbook lessons but those can be divided up pending the speed and attention span of a particular child. The resources compliment one another to provide an extremely comprehensive program for learning a new language in a pace that meets your's and your student's needs. I liked the ease of use once I got the hang of the program as well as being able to have tools that helped reinforce the lessons. I would highly recommend Memoria Press First Form Latin. I really like the classical Christian approach to education and I am definitely going to look into supplementing my children's education with one of the other subject areas Memoria Press has.

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Memoria Press has other packages in various subjects such as Traditional Spelling 1 and Traditional Spelling II along with many others. Click below to see what others from the Crew thought about First Form Latin and other subject areas from Memoria Press:


Spelling, Music Appreciation & Latin {Memoria Press Reviews}

Carole P. Roman Books and Collections Review



This review contains affiliate links.





I have encouraged my children to have an interest in history and both my younger children enjoy writing stories. My 10 year old particularly loves historical books that read like a journal or a first person's account. I was delighted to partake in the review of Carol P. Roman books and collections. My historical preferences are all over the place but since one side of my family ancestry is from eastern Europe and the other England, I was interested in having them read the books that covered Italy and England with a bonus about Mali thrown in. The books aren't very long which was a plus for both of them as although they do like reading, they don't like getting bogged down with real lengthy books quite yet. Carole P. Roman provides many interesting facts in each of the children's books that we read while still providing such entertaining books.




We had the privilege of reading three of the If You Were Me... series books from Carole P. Roman books and collections


For starters, things I first noticed about the books in general were:

  • The awards Carole P. Roman has received for each of the three individual books we reviewed were impressive to me.
  • Each book was complete with colorful illustrations to help bring the stories alive. My youngest wasn't impressed with the illustrations but my older child and myself thought they were good.
  • They provide a foundation for fully understanding what life was like in each time period and respective country.
  • They were just the right length to not lose interest with either of my girls.
  • Pronunciation help is provided for any word that might be difficult for the readers which was a great idea.

If You Were Me and Lived in...Renaissance Italy: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time (Volume 7)

The book begins providing the foundations of if you were born during the Renaissance in Italy over 500 years ago! We liked the maps, the comparisons between now and then, the history of who governed city-state, how the political system was set up as well as what your name might have been whether a boy or a girl. The cultural aspect was fully covered and I'd say the part we enjoyed the most was how Carole P. Roman described it from the point of if the child was there at that time. The book was very educational also covering the history of the time period, cultural influences and even art. 

They were surprised to learn that women would pluck their hairline to make their foreheads look wider and the stylish ladies painted their faces white with lead powder in spite of being told lead by some it was harmful.

Towards the back of the book, were famous people from the Italian Renaissance as well as a glossary thus making it much easier for a reader to look up a word they might not know. The girls enjoyed this book.



If You Were Me and Lived in...the Ancient Mali Empire: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time (Volume 5)

This book was a little longer starting out with the Mali empire, history, government, family, religion and more. It introduced a great number of new words and fully detailed what life would be like for various family members. It was also educational and introduced my children to a region that were Muslim outside of the normal Muslim traditions they have been exposed to. One of the key points they thought was unfair was the tradition of if a family member died, only the men were allowed to accompany the body to the cemetery if the person was Muslim.

The ending also contained famous people and a glossary.


If You Were Me and Lived in... Elizabethan England: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time (Volume 8)

Like the other two books, this one was also fully educational and started out over 400 years ago during Elizabethan England. This was their favorite book mostly due to my interest in English history to include Elizabeth 1. They were quite surprised to learn there were laws dictating what color of clothing and type of clothing one could wear. Since my youngest likes to write stories such as this, she really liked how the author started with what your name might have been, how the family dynamics were, the political and/or government systems were, how you might have lived, what you ate and all the way to the religion of the time and the currency system. 

As with the other two books, there was entertainment so it wasn't all gloom and doom as many might think. The details around the various ways they had fun was touched on in all three books making all three very well rounded experiences for the reader. Even though the books weren't very lengthy, the author really provided a great and thorough experience of life in each of these areas and time periods.

This book also contained famous people of the time period and a glossary.

This was their favorite book out of all three!

As a homeschooling mom or just a parent in general, I would recommend these books given the comprehensive scope of what life was or might have been during these time periods.  Carole P. Roman provided history, reading and entertainment all in one with these books that would enrich any child's education regardless if homeschooled or not. I even enjoyed them and learned from each one.




Carol P Roman Children's Book Author


About Carol P. Roman:


She is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books ranging from pirates to princesses to discovering the world around us. She also hosts two blog radio programs and is one of the founders of a new magazine titled, Indie Author's Monthly. 



Check out Carole P. Roman on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.



Here is what the other Crew Members thought:

Carole P. Roman books and collections {Carole P. Roman Reviews}

Upgrade to Google's Lightest and Most Equipped Pixelbook & Limited Time Offer to Save $100




Disclosure: this is a sponsored post and I will receive compensation.





Having the latest in technology is a must for many people as well as myself. We're a very high tech family and we love to have the latest in computer technology. Enter the Pixelbook! A new high performance Chromebook and a Pixelbook Pen (sold separately based on availability) that will provide and meet a fast pace world to get things done faster while working more efficiently. Its ultra-thin design allows for ease in transporting and utilizing anywhere. It's versatile from its size and shape to the collection of apps all powered by Chrome OS which is the only one my family and I use. The security and software features are top notch.








The new Pixelbook is the first laptop with the Google Assistant built-in and easily accessible three ways:

  1. A simple push of the dedicated Google Assistant key on the keyboard;
  2. Using the "Ok Google" wake word; or
  3. Pushing and holding the pen of the Pixelbook Pen and then tapping it on the Pixelbook's screen.

Google Assistant is a great feature that helps to manage tasks such as calendar reminders and looking up e-mails to playing music, movies or videos as well as manage smart home devices just to name a few of the features.

As I previously noted, the size is perfect for a laptop. The Pixelbook is just 10.3 mm and is Google's thinnest laptop made with a lightweight aluminum construction. The 360° touchscreen has a versatile 4-in-1 design that allows greater use and satisfaction. From editing photos to sketching, productivity should increase thanks to the GSuite apps and Drive that automatically backs up so no more angry moments when you realize you forgot to save!  All those great apps such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, photos and more are right there.

Another great feature is the ability to enjoy movies and TV shows on or offline via apps such as Google Play Movies or YouTube Red.

I've been a Chrome OS user for as long as I can remember mostly due to the speed but also because of the latest security and features with software that does not interfere with what I'm doing as it automatically updates and back ups in the background provided it's connected to an internet connection.

The Pixelbook also starts up in under 10 seconds! It also comes equipped with an all-day battery that is fast charging and provides up to 10 hours from a single charge!  It's perfect for work or play!




Click the link to learn more about the Google Pixelbook and from March 25th through April 7th, save $100.




Note:
  • Some features requires internet connection.
  • Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of the Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
  • Battery performance is based on a mix of standby, web browsing and other use. Charging time requires a battery to be at least 5% charged, the device to be inactive, and use of included charger. Actual results may vary.

Zirrly Super Beads Jungle Animals Review: Imaginative & Educational Fun in One Kit

*******
We've been trying to do more arts & craft projects to enhance my homeschool curriculum as well as to have more fun so we were thrilled to try Super Beads from Zirrly. We chose the Super Beads Jungle Animals and decided to have my middle daughter and their niece and nephew join in the fun. Our kit came complete with everything needed to make several jungle animals and with the boards, they can create whatever their imagination allows! Zirrly provides an easier way by using the Super Beads which require no hot irons or glue and with the patterns and boards, the children can build their design, spray with water (bottle included) and let dry. 

Super Beads Jungle Animals


Our kit included the following:

  • Lion
  • Rhino
  • Elephant
  • Zebra
  • Monkey
  • Design Templates
  • Super Beads
  • Super Beads Work Tray
  • 1 Spray Bottle
  • 6 Boards
  • 1 Design Tool
  • Instructions

We started out getting everything organized which did not require a lot of time. The anticipation of unboxing the kit was exciting for the little ones. It was quite manageable as my oldest, 14, assisted in creating the works of art. Once the designs were put in place on the boards, it allowed the smaller ones an ease in where to place the appropriate colored Super Beads onto the template. Once we were done with the designs, all it took was some sprays from the water bottle and they had fun completed projects! We also found that if they didn't stick together, we could just respray with the water and they would refuse together.



It was a fun project for all three, regardless of age, as they really enjoyed working with their aunt and she enjoyed showing them how to make this playful monkey. I thought the younger ones might have problems handling the small beads but they did just fine along with my older child. My older hands seemed to have a little more trouble but that's expected as we become more seasoned (smile). I think utilizing the small beads, tray and boards was ideal for younger ones that might need some hand eye coordination activities. They never became frustrated with the first build but after the first one they built, they were ready for a break.

We found we had to wash our hands in between using the red or orange beads and lighter colors like yellow as it would bleed onto the lighter colors. It was important follow the directions and ensure hands were completely dry and to wash with soap and water afterwards. The instructions do state to wash one's hands and have I mentioned they are also safe and non-toxic? 


Overall, they had fun with the Zirrly Super Beads Jungle Animals kit. They were able to build their projects while helping one another and learned how to follow direction. The ability to make the various jungle animals and their other creations allowed them to utilize their imagination and creativity. Not requiring a hot iron or glue was a big plus for me! The colors coming off on their fingers wasn't really a problem since it did easily wash off. The trays and patterns (templates) helped them create something that looked like the box and instructions which was another win as they felt it was pretty cool to have completed something that looked exactly like it should have looked. The flexibility of the kit also allowed for children to create what they wanted by using the board without the patterns (template).


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Check out what others had to say:


Super Beads {Zirrly Reviews}
Crew Disclaimer

NatureGlo's eScience: MathArt Online 4-Class Bundle Review



natureGlo's eScience



I'm always searching for a new curriculum or program that might trigger a new interest in my children. My history and art loving daughter liked the idea of reviewing the MathArt Online 4-Class Bundle from NatureGlo's eScience. We focused this review on MathArt in Ancient Cultures 6-week Class from the MathArt Online 4-Class Bundle. The NatureGlo's eScience: MathArt in Ancient Cultures 6-week Class can be a real time course or viewed via a recorded link. Upon starting the first lesson, I definitely see a benefit from being able to participate real time especially since there are optional projects that can be presented to the live class to foster and encourage speaking in front of others. As a benefit, even if the student is taking the course via a recorded session, they can still complete a project and leave it under the comments section for that particular lesson. 


MathArt Online

Starting the Course:

To start, the website provides the information necessary for participating in the live class which includes the available access points one can participate:

  • PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android
  • iPhone via telephone number
  • Standard telephone via telephone number

Once the student logs in, there are green glass blocks breaking up each lesson's contents. The student cannot jump ahead and can only proceed on the course's schedule so green boxes open up each week.

As each week's assignments are completed, the student is provided with a digital award that accumulates (see screenshot below). The student can check their progress easily online via the My Achievements tab.




There are six lessons that are broken down into different activities for each topic:

  • Lesson #1 – Ancient Babylonians & the Plimpton 322
  • Lesson #2 – Ancient Greek Math & the Platonic Solids
  • Lesson #3 – Pythagoras & the Music of the Spheres
  • Lesson #4 – Ancient India’s MathArt: Rangoli, Mandalas & the Story of 1 – 9 & 0
  • Lesson #5 – Zellige Moroccan Tiles & Other Tessellations
  • Lesson #6 – Maya MathArt

Each lesson, has a variety of activities for the student to complete. For example:

Pre-Lesson Activity

Lessons two through six have a pre-lesson activity to kick off each math art topic. The directions are plainly listed up front so the student knows what is expected and it encourages feedback by leaving comments in the comment section if viewing via recorded link. The various videos are colorful, full of great information that reinforces what is being taught and are not too long. The maps and other graphic tools utilized allows an interactive experience for the student as well as periodic quizzes to test their knowledge.

Main Lesson Slideshow and Study Guide Downloads

All lessons have a main lesson slideshow and study guide downloads that provide an introduction to that particular topic as well as a study guide that compliments the slideshow. The questions are just difficult enough to challenge the student while not being frustrating. It makes them think and recall what they just learned. Incorporating math into art is something that many students don't think about until they are taught so this made for a fun learning experience.

Main Lesson Videos

I was mixed on the recordings and so was my student, age 15. Whereas I do like the idea of encouraging participation, I don't think mine would. I prefer homeschooling so I can move forward with my lessons without distractions whereas each lesson that is taught by the instructor has the other students that participated in the call reading passages, answering questions or interjecting their thoughts. Some of the students had trouble reading certain words understandably or were hard to understand when responding or reading passages as well as background distractions. My student noted that as the only dislike of the course. I think it might be better to have a recording without the participants for those that prefer or need to view the recording versus participating in the live class. The live classes do provide the homeschooled student the chance to see what a school classroom would be like with other students participating which would be beneficial based on a person's preference. The instructor encourages open positive interaction for any questions or comments to encourage participation by all.






On some videos, the instructor demonstrated an annotation tool which allowed further participation for those participating in the live class. The map was informative and the instructor covered the major cities then and in modern times. She covered the background to Babylonian Mathematics which was interesting and information. Even after going to a couple of colleges, I had never heard of it so it was interesting to myself as well.

There are cute stories, interesting poems, music and much more to accompany each topic providing an interesting way to learn how math can be found in ancient cultures.

The student always knows where they are within the course as the right menu will list all the activities for each lesson. As the student completes an activity, it is lined through so they always know where they are, what they completed and how much more they need to complete. This was nice to avoid retaking a portion of the course or possibly skipping one.

Once the student completes the six-week, course, they receive a digital certificate of completion:




Since we finished our first course, we moved on to the Math Connections with Real World 6-Week Online Class learning about the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Numbers which I had never heard of! I asked my eldest, who is 29, and she was taught this in school so I must have fallen asleep (shhh...). However, I learned a lot from the little bit we started. For example, patterns in nature are found everywhere such as the head of a sunflower or five points of a starfish. Those are examples of Fibonacci Numbers. The Golden Number is an infinite number 1.618033989 or shortened to 1.618. We just started this one and I think it will take a little more time to convince my student to finish this as it seemed confusing to her only because it was new and different material. However, I found it interesting and have an interest in learning more. I feel I need to fully understand it first to bring her on board with excitement. Given the benefits of learning about Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ration, it's definitely not a bad thing to learn more as I'm a firm believer in knowledge is power and to achieve that, one should read, read, read!

There are also two other classes offered that I didn't review or start to review: MathArt in the Arts & Sciences 6-Week Online Class and MathArt Patterns in Nature 6-Week Online Class.

Overall, this is a good class to expand beyond traditional math and see how math is involved in many facets of life. It doesn't stop with only learning math as the student will learn about ancient culture, art and architecture thus providing a possible new interest along the way. It was the first type of class such as this my student participated in and I believe she would prefer recorded versions as she's a bit shy. It's full of various resources that added to the content and complimented the portions being taught. It truly opens one's eyes to how math is broad and timeless. I would utilize this as a supplemental course with my students and continue with a traditional math curriculum.

For more information, take a look at NatureGlo's eScience social media:



Check out what others think:



MathArt Online 4-Class Bundle {NatureGlo's eScience Reviews}



Natural Remedies for Kids with Flu






Guest Post

As a parent, it can be upsetting and difficult to see your child unwell. Thankfully, there are actually several remedies which can easily be used at home to help your child recover faster on the road to recovery. It's important to note here though - if your child seems very unwell or their condition is worsening rapidly to get proper medical help quickly. 

A warm drink is a great way to soothe kids who are feeling poorly. In particular, teas such as camomile, or decaffeinated regular tea can be great for children of all ages who are suffering from the flu. If your baby is over one year old, they can have a small amount of honey added to their tea, which is a great natural soothing tip for many common illnesses.

Although many children will lose their appetite when suffering from flu and other illnesses, trying to get them to eat some soup, which will help a lot. Whilst it won't cure the illness, it will help them get back to full health quicker. Adding some garlic and fresh herbs will give further benefits. Ensure soup is just the right temperature to eat and let them sip it at their own pace. 

Keep Your Child Warm When They Have The Flu 

Giving your child a bath can also help ease the symptoms of a flu. If they are feeling feverish, a cooler bath may help them return to a more comfortable temperature. If they are not experiencing a fever, a warm bubbly bath might and then some long John to help them to relax and feel more comfortable and cosy-warm. It can help temporarily ease aches and pains and can help them relax before bedtime. A simple cuddle and massage can work wonders too, if your child doesn't mind it. You can use a homemade massage oil to help ease congestion too. There are plenty of recipes available online, which you can tailor to your child's symptoms and preferences. 

If your child is feeling congested, a humidifier can help. You can also try placing a bowl of boiling water with a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil in the room. The child can also breathe in the steam from the bowl, if they are old enough to be careful with the boiling water. Leaving a bowl of water in your child's room at night can be particularly helpful if they are waking themselves up due to feeling congested. 





Supplements and Vitamins That Help with The Flu 

Depending on the age of your child, they can take extra vitamin supplements to help fight signs of illnesses. Vitamin C is great for boosting the immune system, as is Vitamin D. If you don't want to use supplements, these can also be found naturally in certain foods, if your child is well enough to eat. Echinacea is a classic herbal cure for colds and flu. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help shorten the duration of a bout of the flu. Elderberry is also a great, natural remedy for flu-type illnesses. It is also likely to be one of the most palatable options for younger children. It's ideal for helping reduce pain in the sinuses, as well as helping the immune system. 

As you can see, there is a lot that can be done to help a child suffering from the flu. Sometimes, the best thing to do is stay at home and rest, as a trip to the paediatricians can result in spreading the virus further. However, if your child is getting worse after trying some of these home remedies, it's important to seek advice as soon as possible. 


About Emily Dick 
 
Emily Dick is a mom and has several years of experience being a parent. She currently holds an Honors Degree in social science from the Open University. She lives in Scotland, raising her daughter Daisy, aged 2, and her two cats. 

Emily is new to the world of writing and blogging, and currently writes for buzzparent.com on topics such raising children, kids toys, ranging from baby to toddler discourse.  Her love of animals and children has made her one of the main writers for Buzzparent. 

SGT. Stubby: An American Hero New Movie and SGT. Stubby Fun Giveaway $50 Value








History is vital to teaching our children not only for the importance of learning about significant events but to ensure we don't repeat mistakes in the future. I'm a big war history fan and due to that, my children have a really good foundation about the Civil War, World War I and World War II. I loved the idea behind turning the real story about a faithful dog named Stubby into an animated movie and book for children called Stubby the Movie. Animals have been a part of many of the wars in the past and still today are utilized to help sniff out bombs and more.  Stubby found his way to fame on the drilling grounds of Yale University when Private First Class Robert Conroy noticed the small brindle mutt wandering around the field. The soldiers decided to name him Stubby after his tail and as they found themselves on their way to France, Stubby managed to join them.


The story doesn't end there as he continued to join in the action of 17 different battles and even received critical wounds during a chemical attack. Stubby was an amazing dog and after that critical event, his ability to detect incoming attacks heightened to where he was able to alert the soldiers. He even could understand English and German dialogue. He led medics to wounded Americans on the field and he even caught a German spy. At that point, he was promoted to SGT. Stubby. He survived the war and returned with Conroy to participate at rallys, parades and joined Conroy while he attended law school.

In 1926, SGT. Stubby died and his remains were donated to the Smithsonian where he is currently being featured as part of the "Price of Freedom" exhibit in the National Museum of American History. 

The new movie, SGT. Stubby: An American Hero is a computer animated film that will be in approximately 3,000 theaters across the US and Canada on April 13, 2018. Coinciding with the year-long 100th commemoration of the United States' role in the War to End all Wars or as others refer to it as the Great War or WWI, it stars Logan Lerman, Helena Bonham Carter and Gerard Depardieu with original score by Patrick Doyle (Brave, Thor, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire).

Here is the official trailer:





SGT. Stubby: An All American Hero movie is great for children to learn more about the war and don’t forget to check out the book Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero from Capstone. Recommended for readers ages 5-7, it is written by Blake Hoena and Illustrated by Oliver Hurst. It was also listed as a 2015 Notable Social Studies Trades Book for Young People selection from the National Council for the Social Studies & the Children’s Book Council. Below is my youngest reading to my grandson and they both enjoyed the book and the gift pack we received for posting this.  It's also a great homeschooling resource.

As another bonus, check out the fun FREE ACTIVITY PACK at www.StubbyMovie.com for more fun facts about Stubby plus some exciting activities!  Your child can even make their very own origami Stubby, complete a maze, color some sheets and more!

To learn more, visit SGT. Stubby: An American Hero online

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The Giveaway:
  • An Adorable free Stubby plush (value $20); 
  • a Stubby Kuzi (value $5); 
  • A Stubby drawstring bag (value $12); and 
  • A copy of the hardcover book Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Herofrom Capstone for ages 5-7 (value $14.95). 


A value of over $50!

To Enter:  

Complete the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway ends 3/31/2018 - US Only Please




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