Max’s First Ever Soccer Game

Max is playing soccer this year, and he’s been excited about it for MONTHS!  He’s even been sleeping in his shin guards and soccer socks!

The big day finally came, and Max played his first game this morning.  He has no fear, and he seems to know just what to do.  That’s pretty much what we expected from our little ball-lovin’, active boy!

Max scored the first goal of the game – not bragging rights, but definitely something for him to be proud of and for us to remember.  (He went on to score about 5 more goals…he likes that part!)

Here are some pictures and videos of the first game…and yes, I will zoom in a little more on the video next time!

Max is #6 on the black team, if that helps you find him…

high fiving his coach after the goal

grinning like crazy as he plays



I’ve never done a video from Photobucket before…hopefully this works!

Review: 3P Learning – Mathletics

Math.  One of my boys loves it.  The other one tolerates it.  Our boys are complete opposites when it comes to math! 

We’ve found one thing that both boys can agree on, though:  Mathletics is FUN!  We’ve spent our summer reviewing the Mathletics online program from 3P Learning.  Both boys are enjoying this program!


(If 3P Learning sounds vaguely familiar to you, maybe it’s because they are also the creators of the popular Reading Eggs program, as well as Spellodrome, IntoScience, and Mathletics.)

In our house, I’m always a little unsure of computer-based learning.  Sometimes it goes over well; other times, it’s a flop.  This is our first time trying a 3P Leaning program, and I can tell you that Mathletics is a WINNER in our home!  I am very impressed with how the program works, how easy it is for both my 4 year old and 6 year old to use independently, and with how well my boys are learning.

I’d like to walk you through our experiences with this program.  This may get a little lengthy and picture-heavy, but honestly, it’s what I’d want to know before investing in a program like Mathletics.  To get started, I logged into my parent account.  From here, I’m able to print workbooks for my children, choose from a variety of math course options, and manage the children’s scores and tasks.  I set up each child in a kindergarten course, but I chose a different course for each boy so that their experiences would be a little different.

Once I’d taken some time to explore my parent account and set up the courses, I gave each boy the opportunity to set up their own account.  When students log in to the program, they are first offered the opportunity to use the FaceMaker.  Both of my boys found this to be a LOT of fun!  If you look at the image above, you’ll see how each boy created a totally different look for their face.  Below is an image of the FaceMaker in Max’s account.  (While this isn’t really math related, it did help the boys take ownership in the program, which got them excited to use Mathletics!)

After this, I sat down with each boy individually, giving them about 15 – 20 minutes to try the activities and get a feel for how the program works.  Each boy sat with me so that we could work through their first activities together.  In this way, I could see what they were able to do and answer any questions they might have.  (I also helped my four year old with the computer mouse, as he is still not proficient with using it.)

Speaking of not being proficient with a computer mouse, Max really enjoyed using Mathletics on my Kindle Fire.  You can download a free app (Android or Apple), log in to your account, and use the program just as you would on the computer screen.  The only difference is that you TAP everything instead of navigating with a mouse.  This is much easier for Max!

Below is a screenshot of Alex’s screen when he first logs in to his account.  On this page, you’ll see that I have assigned him a set of activities and a test.  Each kindergarten activity contains 10 questions, and the tests contain 15 questions.  He must complete this assignment before using any other activity in Mathletics.

On the left side of the screen, Alex can edit his profile (background picture, FaceMaker) and view how many points and certificates he has earned this week.  On the right side of the screen, Alex can choose what to work on: activities, problem solving, Rainforest Maths, Live Mathletics, etc.

Now, let’s take a look at a Mathletics activity.  Here, you’ll see a money lesson in Max’s account.  He can click on the words at the top of the screen to hear the words read aloud.  If he’s unsure of what to do, he can click on the question mark on the left for a quick lesson on coins.  Once he’s clicked on all of the pennies, he clicks submit.  If his answer is correct, he’ll see a green check mark.  If his answer is incorrect, he will see a red X.  After this, he’ll click a ‘next’ button to move on to the next question.

The guy on the left bottom corner is a nice little touch that makes my boys giggle.  Your child can choose from a wide variety of characters (each with its own little math story) to appear on the page.  Each character moves just a little and does something silly every so often.  My boys love to choose a new character each time they log in to Mathletics.  (You also have the option to hide the character if it becomes a distraction for your child.)


Once the child has completed a ten question activity, they will instantly see a results screen.  If your child has previously completed the same activity, they will see a line graph showing how their score has improved from the last test.  They will also be able to review each question in the activity, double-checking the ones they got wrong in order to learn from their mistakes.

Children earn points for successfully completed activities, and these can be used to print certificates.  We haven’t printed any, but this could be a real motivation for some children!

The Live Mathletics option is a timed math challenge to see how many math facts you can correctly answer in 1 minute.  My boys both practice basic addition facts.  You have the option to play live with other children, or you can play against computer players.  My boys were intimated by the thought of playing against other children, so we have started Live Mathletics with computer players.  The program automatically adjusts each time you play, keeping your previous scores in mind.

Parents receive a weekly report via email, detailing what your child has learned throughout the week.  It shares how much time was spent on Mathletics, how your  child scored on activities, and other basic information about your child’s Mathletics use. 

Technically, this program is considered a math supplement.  Really, though, by using their printable workbooks, I think you could use this as a fairly complete math curriculum for a child.  (Please note we’ve only used kindergarten; I can’t speak for all levels.)  I love these instant workbooks, and I am looking forward to using these as Max’s math program when we begin his schoolwork in a few weeks!
 

We have thoroughly enjoyed this review, and I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to give it a try! 

Mathletics is available for grades K-12, and it is currently available for $59/student for a year’s subscription.  If you’re on the fence, Mathletics offers a 10 day free trial.

If you would like to read more reviews from other homeschool families who have used Mathletics this summer, CLICK HERE or on the image below.

 

Wild Mulberries

We have a beautiful tree line along the farm ditch behind our house.  I absolutely love looking out our back windows during the summer, as it feels like we live in our own little wilderness.  It’s so pretty!

The kids have been playing along the ditch line (it’s not easy to get to the ditch, so it’s pretty safe), and they discovered wild berry bushes.  They’ve been thoroughly enjoying helping themselves to fresh snacks when they play outside!

I was a little nervous about them eating the berries at first, but Keith assured me that he grew up eating these wild berries.  Now, our children get the same joy of eating wild mulberries right in their own backyard.

I cannot say how thankful I am for where we live – it’s a wonderful, quiet neighborhood with wonderful neighbors, yet the kids still have plenty of room to explore and have fun outside!

Back To {Home}school 2014

To be quite honest, I’m not sure I am ready for this quite yet.  We’re thoroughly enjoying our summer vacation – lazy days, playdates, trips to the park, visits with friends, running through the sprinkler with neighbor kids.  You know, all the things that make summer vacation so special.

Fact is, though, that it’s going to be August in just a few days.  It’s time to start thinking about a schedule, figuring out how we want our days to flow, and getting back into a school year routine.  I’d like to fit in 10 – 12 school days in August, so I am hoping to begin 3-4 days per week on August 4th.  (The August days give us a little more ‘wiggle room’ for vacation days and sick days during the year.)

I really hope to start each day with a PRAISE time together!  I want to find YouTube videos for Alex’s weekly memory verse song, the My Father’s World song, a song to go with the current MFW K unit, and a random fun praise song that the kids know.  Then we can pull out the musical instruments and make a joyful noise together!  Whether I can keep up with making YouTube playlists on a regular basis remains to be seen, but I love the idea of starting each day that way!

As for our curriculum choices, feel free to read on if you’re interested:

 

Max, Age 5
(almost…he’ll be 5 in August)

This year, we’ll begin My Father’s World Kindergarten with Max.  I wasn’t sure until recently if he was ready, but he has shown signs of readiness in the past two months.  He’s turning 5 in August, he knows his uppercase and lowercase letters, and he knows many of his letter sounds.  He enjoys sitting down to do a few papers, and he loves to snuggle and listen to stories.  MFW K is full of quality children’s literature, science and nature connections, and hands-on activities.  I *think* it’s going to go well, but I’m definitely willing to take it at HIS speed.  We shall see!


Max is a math whiz.  We have a one year free subscription to Mathletics because we’re doing a review of their site, so we will continue that with him as well.  He loves to work on Mathletics on both the laptop and my Kindle, and he can do it independently since the program will read everything for him!  That means I can work with Alex while Max is working on math practice!  (Wahoo!  I’m all for that!)  MFW K is enough, and I don’t suggest adding a bunch of extras to an already complete program, but Max loves math!

 

Jensyn, Age 3.5

Jensyn will have the option to tag along with Max for MFW K.  She can listen to the stories, do the crafts and projects, sing the songs, hear the Bible words, etc.  I hope she will learn her uppercase letters – that’s my only real skill-based goal for her this year.  If she picks up other skills or knowledge, great!  She can already count to 20 and sing her ABCs, and she knows her shapes and colors.

I did not purchase student worksheets for her; if she wants her own ‘schoolwork’, I will print preschool pages for her to complete or work through a Rod & Staff Preschool workbook with her.  (CLICK HERE to view some of the printable pages that I’ve made to go along with MFW K.  Also, consider joining the MFW K Facebook group and check out the PHOTO ALBUMS for more download links to printables I’ve made for preschool tag-alongs.)

 

Alex, Age 6
(turning 7 in December)

Alex will spend August and September completing Little Hearts For His Glory.  It’s based on age, rather than grade, and it’s designed for ages 5 - 7.  We will begin his new program in October.  I think that this will work out well for us, as we won’t be adapting to a new program at the same time that we’re getting started with a new program for Max.  Starting two new programs at the same time might just put me over the edge!  This way, we’ll be able to ease into things without stress.

I’ve really come to love the simple, yet complete, teaching and learning style of Heart Of Dakota.  Because of this, we’ll be moving on to Heart of Dakota’s “Beyond Little Hearts For His Glory” for Alex in September.

This Christ-centered program gives a “chronological overview of early American history from 1565 – 1860's” while emphasizing “God's plan throughout history”.  (words borrowed from HOD’s website)  I am REALLY excited about the way that Beyond brings early American history to life!

 
Additionally, HOD covers science, Bible, copywork, spelling, grammar, literature, poetry, narration skills, math, art, and more.  It’s a completely comprehensive curriculum, but it also gives you the freedom to make a few choices of your own if desired.

We’re continuing with Singapore Math, moving into book 1A.  This is HOD’s math recommendation.  Honestly, it’s a little too easy for Alex, but book 1B advances quickly.  I’d rather take it slowly so that he can ease into book 1B when he’s ready, rather than be frustrated by moving along too quickly.  (I tentatively plan to move Alex from Singapore over to Teaching Textbooks after he’s completed Singapore 1A & 1B, and the Teaching Textbooks rep at our homeschool convention said that Singapore 1A/B prepares students to move directly into Teaching Textbooks 3.)

We’re going to continue with All About Reading (phonics program) Level 2 until we’ve completed it.  Once we’ve completed AAR 2, I want to begin All About Spelling Level 1*.  I really do love everything we’ve used from All About Learning Press, so I look forward to giving this a try!

We’re also adding in Draw Write Now Book 3, which has drawing lessons and copywork to go along with Native Americans and Pilgrims.  Alex has enjoyed our Draw Write Now farm book, so I thought he’d enjoy an occasional drawing lesson to match his school work as we learn about early America.

 
(*Note: Some of you may remember that Alex has been using Spelling You See Level A.  I’ve enjoyed the spelling and handwriting practice, and I can only say good things about the program.  Here’s our review, and I still stand behind every word.  We could continue with Level B of Spelling You See (which I seriously considered, as we already own a PDF version that we received with our review), or we could use the spelling that’s included in the HOD Beyond guide.  It’s just that I’m such a HUGE fan of AAR, and I’m SOOO curious about the multi-sensory spelling method of AAS that I *have* to give it a try!)

**Disclosure: This post does contain some Amazon affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through these links, a small percentage of your purchase will be credited to my Amazon account.  Thanks for supporting Our Little Monkeys!

Double Rainbow!

Last week, as we drove home from swimming lessons one evening, we were driving into the sunshine.  To the north of us and behind us (east), we saw ugly tannish-gray storm clouds. 

About halfway home, it started to rain lightly.  We were still driving directly into the sunshine, so I told the kids that they would have to look for a rainbow as soon as we turned the corner.  Max strained in his car seat to turn, and he caught a glimpse of the rainbow.  Alex & Jensyn weren’t able to turn enough in their buckles, and they were anxiously waiting to see.

As soon as we turned on to our street, I stopped the car for a few minutes so the kids could admire the rainbow.  Jensyn excitedly shrieked, “It’s my VEWY FIRST WAINBOW!!!!  It’s sooooo boo-tee-full!!!”  (I’m sure she’s seen them before, but she doesn’t recall it!)

Once they had looked for a few minutes, they wanted to hurry home and tell Daddy.  We all stood in the driveway (while the rain sprinkled down on us…) and watched as a second rainbow appeared.  It’s not very bright in the pictures, but it was very pretty!

Jensyn posing with her ‘vewy first wainbow’…

Honey, We Shrunk The Kids!

I’ve been telling Alex for a long time that he’s getting big, and I needed to find a way to shrink him.  We finally figured it out.  See how much he has shrunk when compared to his little brother?  Hee hee!

Truth is, of course,  that Daddy dug a hole.  He decided that his this year’s project would be to put in a basketball hoop so we could have fun shooting baskets outside.  Alex really enjoyed Upward Basketball this winter, so we figured it could be fun to play at home as well. 

The kids had a good time playing in the hole before it was filled with a post and cement.

Even Jensyn enjoyed some time in the hole…just look at her happy giggles!

Keith & his dad got the pole upright on Saturday, so we’ve had a few days to try it out.  It’s still a little high for the boys, but it is about the same height as Alex used for kindergarten Upward.  I guess that means it’s a good place for both boys to practice…and for me to practice, too!  Keith and I left the kids in the house for ten minutes on Saturday night while he & I played…I’m sure glad no neighbors were around to watch because I definitely, DEFINITELY need some practice, ha ha!


Hopefully this will encourage our kiddos to get outside and have fun!  We look forward to making good use of this hoop during the summer & fall!

Review: Go Science DVDs

I’ve mentioned before that I feel our homeschool curriculum is a little weak in the area of science, and I always appreciate the opportunity to try new science programs with my children.  Over the past month, my boys and I have enjoyed watching the Go Science DVDs (Series 2) from Library and Educational Services. 


These videos, which are designed to point children to their Creator God,  are recommended for ages 4 – 12.   Ben Roy, the teacher in these video segments, is an energetic man who really captured the attention of my 4 and 6 year old sons.  The videos are filmed with a large group of children, with Ben Roy involving the children through questions and participation in the experiments.


We received Volumes 4 and 5, as pictured below.  Volume 4 covers motion, friction, electricity, and light.  Volume 5 covers states of matter and water.   The videos are available for $8.97 each from Library and Educational Services.

 

You and your children can learn everything you need to know simply by watching the videos, but we also enjoyed trying many of the experiments at home.  For example, we really enjoyed trying the cornstarch and water lesson (Volume Five) that taught about non-Newtonian fluids and also shared the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. We tried it out at home, and the boys had a BLAST getting all gooey!

We also had fun watching as they made and sampled butter.  (Did you know butter is mentioned in the Bible?)  We’ve done this in the past, so we didn’t do it now, but it’s very fun to make and sample homemade butter!

I heard, “I wanna try this, Mama!” and “Mama, can we do that?” quite a few times as we watched the Go Science DVDs.  We have quite a few experiments to try over the coming weeks!  My kids are particularly excited to watch water ‘tightrope’ down a string!  (They would LOVE to try the video of the cornstarch oobleck in a stereo speaker, but Mama had to draw the line at that one!)

Each video runs approximately 1 hour, with over ten experiments per video.  Each experiment segment lasts from 3 – 10 minutes.  They are worded in a way that children can easily understand, and the children in the video help to keep my own children attentive to the videos.  (In fact, my children will even sit on the couch and answer Mr. Roy’s questions for the children in the audience!)

I love that Ben Roy is full of energy, and my children truly enjoyed watching these videos.  The videos do a great job of covering the topics, teaching children the basics, and sharing a brief message about God.  Mr. Roy explains just enough of the scientific principles to teach young children, but not so much that a young child is overwhelmed.

I really, REALLY wish that the videos came with a small booklet listing the experiments, materials needed, and general instructions for each project.  It would make it much easier to know what I should have ready to go when my children watch these videos.

Overall, though, I have no complaints with these fun videos.  My children are willing to watch the videos more than once, and they have a list of experiments that they’d like to try at home.  These are a great science resource to add to any homeschool curriculum!  What I most appreciated was that they are very well done science videos that INCLUDE GOD!

Library and Educational Services offers sample videos on their website, if you’d like to watch a segment.  Simply click on THIS LINK and scroll down to watch two video clips.  

(Pssst…if you’ve never heard of Library and Educational Services, you may want to check it out!  They offer their wholesale prices to homeschool families, as well a libraries, schools, and more.  The prices are very reasonable, and they have a great selection!)

To read what other reviews thought about the Go Science DVDs, click on the link below.