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Teachable Economics for Children!

January 6, 2013 by 34 Comments

Easy and understandable economics for childrenFinding suitable economics for children material isn’t always an easy task.

I was thrilled to find the wonderful book, Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? and study guide, A Bluestocking Guide Economics.  Initially, I was searching for the typical high school economics text book to meet the state requirement, but was blessed to stumble across these resources to teach my high schoolers the basis of economics.

Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? is a FUN way to learn about the basis of economics for success in children’s  future career, business, and investment needs.  The book is based on Maybury’s “letter” format text involving numerous correspondences between an uncle and nephew.  It explains economics in a simple and understandable text making the subjects of  recession, money, inflation, boom & bust cycles, government spending, Gresham’s Law and several other subjects entertaining.  The book is written for ages 9 to adult.

The  A Bluestocking Guide Economics is designed to enhance the student’s understanding and knowledge of the subject matter.  This is a wonderful supplement for the book, Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?  It is very adaptable to fit your student’s needs.

.A Bluestocking Guide: Economics includes:

  • Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions and answers for the book Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?
  • suggested activities,
  • application exercises
  • articles that enhance on the points presented in the book, Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?,
  • a list of recommended movies and documentaries that contain good economic history,
  • a list of appropriate economic web sites,
  •  a final exam

Also included is an economic timetable that can be used to fill in the economic history that is usually missing from history books, historical fiction, historical movies, documentaries, etc. This was a HUGE plus for us.

This study guide is designed for multi-ages, 13 through 18,  as an independent study.

I am giving my high schoolers an Economic credit for reading the book and completing the suggested assignments in the study guide.  However, if you feel that your students need additional study material for state requirements, Bluestocking Press offers a complete Economic high school package.

How It Worked For Us

I have 2 high schoolers who enjoyed reading Whatever Happened to Penny.  Each week, I would assign one chapter and they each were expected to turn in the suggested definitions, short answer questions and I would pick one essay question for them to complete by Friday.

My children found the book very interesting and easy to understand.   They felt the assignments in A Bluestocking Guide Economics were quite simple, but gave them a greater understanding of the basis of Economics.

They also expanded their economic knowledge by reading several interesting of the books selections in For Further Reading in the back of the study guide.

My husband and I enjoyed many intellectual conversations regarding our current economy with our children over supper.  Needless to say, they are astonished at the condition of our current government and economy.

I plan on reading this book to my younger children as a read a loud.  It would also make a wonderful read during family nights. The study guide is not neccessary as a read a loud, but was a very helpful supplement for my independent students.

Buy It

You can buy Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? and A Bluestocking Guide Economics on Bluestocking Press website.  They are both very reasonable priced and making it affordable for all families.

Win It

Bluestock Press wants one of my readers to win a copy of Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? and A Bluestocking Guide Economics. I will be picking a winner on January 14th at  12a.  The winner will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours.
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Have you pinned this entertaining economics for children yet?

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: Family, Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, parenting, reviews

Teaching our Children the truth about the US Founding Fathers!

December 13, 2012 by 45 Comments

Do you even know what the US Founding Fathers founded this country on?

All Americans need to add to their family’s bookshelves, What Would the Founding Father’s Think?

History, politics, government—they’re not just for grown-ups anymore. Today’s teens are about to be handed a collapsing nation and it’ll be their job to fix it.

Scary, but TRUE!

Enter David Bowman.

With wit, humor, and the occasional serious note, he skillfully illustrates America’s biggest problems and presents an interactive guide to understanding them that’s so much fun adults will want to read it too!

A little about the witty and clever, David Bowman, the author:

  • As a Christian and as a patriot, David Bowman glorifies his Savior and his nation through his fine art, his books, and his motivational speaking
  • David also writes and illustrates a variety of books for young audiences. Combining his cartooning skills and his experience teaching at a high school level, David knows how to engage kids, pre-teens, and teens with books that are both entertaining and enlightening
  • David loves to teach! He speaks to youth groups on religious and political topics all over the country
  • David and his wife, Natalie, live in the mountains of Arizona with their four children

We are excited to read What the Founding Father’s Would Think? during our Family Nights. The conversation discussions I am sure will be endless. It is imperative to our family that they author writes from a biblical standpoint when it comes to history and politics.

Buy It

You can purchase this witty book, What Would the Founding Father’s Think? for a low price of 9.59.

Win It

I am giving away (1) hard copy or (1) ebook of What Would the Founding Father’s Think? to one reader.  I will be choosing a random winner on December 28th at 11:59p.  Winner will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours.

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The US Founding Fathers would want us to train our children His ways, I am certain!

Affiliate links may have been used in this post.  I received a copy of this book in exchange for this informative post.  All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, reviews

The HUGE List of Mommy Time Giveaways!

December 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

We had a blast last night at the Mommy Time Facebook party.  In case you missed it, we sure hope you will join the next one in February.

Here is the compiled list of all the wonderful giveaways our generous sponsors donated to make the 4 hour long party so much FUN.

Here at Blessed Beyond a Doubt:

At Meet Penny

At Sidetracked Sarah:

At Classic Housewife:

These fabulous giveaways will be opened through early next week.

Filed Under: Facebook Party, FREE Stuff, Giveaways, homeschool products, reviews, social networking

Intriguing Heritage History Family Night for all Ages!

December 2, 2012 by 37 Comments

Heritage History Family Night

The Heritage Classical Libraries consists of traditional history books that have been popular with young people for many generations. They include interesting books suitable for all ages, but are especially entertaining to middle school students and young adults who love to engage in narrative history, and personal, in depth stories making heritage history come alive.

Each Library CD is comprehensive and includes biographies, historical literature, military history, and hero stories. The individual Heritage Classical Libraries are not considered complete curriculums but make an excellent supplement or reading material for any history program.  These CD’s are especially useful for the Charlotte Mason or classical approach to homeschooling.  They make history come alive for all ages unlike dull textbooks.(including mommy)

We are studying early American History this year and have been fascinated with the Early America – Heritage Classical Library collection of stories. The Early America Library CD includes over 80 books by classical children’s authors that will help all ages develop a love for American History.

The Early American library covers United States history from the founding of British colonies in America to the First World War.

Check out all the book titles on the Early America: Heritage Classical Library CD.

How It Works for Us

heritage history family night

We have been reading the story, Puritan Twins, together as a family in the evenings that is included in the Early America: Heritage Classical Library CD.  One of my favorite perks of the Heritage Classical Library collections is that you can download it to your electronic reader.  In fact, the Early America: Heritage Classical Library CD includes all the popular file types for multiple ereaders and computers.

Daddy reads the selected story while we all snuggle in the living room. It’s a treat to sit next to Daddy on the couch.  Some of the stories actually have pictures and we pass around the ereader so we can all view the enlarged picture.

I usually print a few coloring pages pertaining to the time period for the little ones to keep them busy.  I allow them to use markers during this time as a treat. Afterwards, they add the coloring sheets to their history notebooks.

Of course, what family night is complete without some sort of snack?  Sometimes one of the older boys makes something special or we all just snack on hot aired popcorn.

We usually pause when their is an intriguing new vocabulary word or if someone has a question and discuss the meaning.  We have used the internet as a resource at times, too.

Daddy always leaves off at a interesting part of the story, and the children beg for more.  They anxiously anticipate the next Family Night to finish the story.

We plan on purchasing the entire library collection for the children to read independently or as read alouds.  In fact, I want to put each collection on my own ereader because they are so entertaining.

Buy It

You can purchase Early America – Heritage Classical Library on Heritage History’s website, as well as many other classical library collections for only 19.99.

Christmas Special

From now through Christmas, Heritage History is offering FREE SHIPPING on all Classical Curriculum and Classical Library CDs, for a savings of up to 15 percent.

They all make wonderful Christmas presents that the whole family can enjoy!

Win It

Heritage History wants one of Blessed Beyond a Doubt’s readers to have their own copy of Early America – Heritage Classical Library.  I will be picking a random winner on December 12 at 12am.  Winner will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours.

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How do you make the heritage history come alive in your family?

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Read my full disclosure..

Filed Under: Family, Giveaways, History, homeschool, homeschool products, parenting, reviews

Pick and Draw Creatively Makes Family Night Hilarious!

November 30, 2012 by 39 Comments

Family Night with Pick and DrawPick and Draw is an excitingly simple game that you can learn in only 5 minutes or less.  It’s perfect for our family’s nights!  And, anyone can join in at anytime.

It’s a FUN, unique drawing game that teaches you how to make very creative cartoon faces providing endless hours of fun and creativity.

You can either play by yourself or with more people. It’s a short and fast paced game that makes “success” possible, providing positive confidence to encourage continued learning.  Everyone is a winner with their own creativity!

Rich Davis, creator of Pick and Draw has a passion to teach young folks to ignite their creative juices and build self confidence.  While teaching drawing in public settings, Rich especially loves to see shy children become animated about their drawings and exhibit their masterpiece for the whole group.

How it works for us

Family Night with PAD

We usually play in the living room on the coffee table.  We take turns shuffling and dealing the cards.  We talk about dealing each player the cards in a clockwise rotation.  This is a bit challenging for the little ones, but they are catching on. We draw 6 cartoons on our piece of scrap paper.  Our goal is to make a silly looking family.

Family Night with Pick and Draw

Our little two year participates and tries her very best to copy each card.  I really appreciate that our whole family can play at the same time despite the age differences among our 6 children.

Grandma and Grandpa surprised us with their creative cartoons, too!

Family Night with Pick and Draw

After we each draw our own crazy family, we name each individual cartoon character and write it properly on our paper.  We discuss capital letters and have FUN creating silly names.  The children are quite creative when deciding the names.  Sometimes they think the cartoons looks like someone they know.  It’s really funny!

I love how the children can play this game among themselves without an adult.  This is a HUGE plus for me.  Also, each game is quick enough to keep their attention span.  The children stay busy with the game for about 45 minutes.

 

Buy It

Pick and Draw is quite reasonable at just $10, however, additional games on the same order are only $8.  How many stockings do you need to fill!

Special Offer – Buy 4 games and get the 5th one FREE!  This is a special offer and runs thru the end of the year.  Stock up for all those birthday presents throughout the year!

Win It

Pick and Draw wants four(4) of Blessed Beyond a Doubt’s readers to have their own FUN Pick and Draw game to play during their Family Nights.  I will be picking (4) random winners on December 12th at 12am.  Winners will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours.
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This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Read my full disclosure..

Filed Under: Family, Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, reviews

Fun Way to Learn NEW Vocabulary Words during Family Night!

November 27, 2012 by 39 Comments

Super FUN vocabulary words game

A fun and effective way to learn and remember Vocabulary Words!

Our Family Night just got crazier and more intellectual after playing Marie’s Words!  It’s not only competitive but challenging too.

Marie’s Words utilizes colorful illustrations to create a “visual” for each of the 550 vocabulary words taken from the literature portion of the SAT test. While some of the illustrations are a bit challenging at first, once understood, each drawing aids in mastering the definitions of the vocabulary words. On the reverse of each Marie’s Words card is the phonetic pronunciation, definition, part of speech, the word used in a sentence, synonyms, and antonyms.

Each of the 550 cards are alphabetized, numbered, and with a hole punched in a corner. Marie’s Words presents difficult vocabulary in a visual and meaningful way for children of all ages.

vocabulary words

vocabulary words Game

Marie’s Words provides 2 games for endless word fun, Picture Words and Marie’s Wordsmith.

How it Works for Us

FUN game vocabulary words

We pop a bowl of popcorn and huddle up at the kitchen table.  All games are more FUN with popcorn, right?

We prefer to play Picture Words during our Family Nights, but we add a little twist to the bonus points.  Each person who can accurately define one of the review words before the game starts, gets a bonus point.  We put all review cards on a metal ring. To make it fair for everyone, we right down our answers on paper and review them together instead of shouting them all out.

We each take a turn drawing a random card and everyone gets a shot at guessing the word by simply looking at the picture.  If you are correct, you get a point. Next, the person drawing reads the definition and everyone must use the word in a wacky sentence.

Whomever accumulates the most points after drawing 10-20 new vocabulary word cards is the winner!

Our little ones try to guess the definition, too.  However, they are usually playing or coloring quietly next to us.

I was extremely impressed when I realized Marie’s Words was created by a high school junior preparing for the SAT.  I guess that explains why my 2 high schoolers enjoy playing it so much.  My 7 year old loves to draw a card and guess the definition, too.

It’s a super FUN game that we all enjoy playing during our weekly Family Nights!

Buy It

Marie’s Words is a FUN and engaging resource that is available through Marie’s Words website for only 29.99 and FREE shipping for all US orders!

Marie’s Words is offering a FREE group demo session and consultation online for all orders made in December!  

Win It

Marie’s Words wants two of Blessed Beyond a Doubt’s readers to play the FUN game, Marie’s Words, during their Family Nights.  Also, each winner will receive a 30 minute consultation. I will be picking a random winner on December 11 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours.

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How do you teach your children new vocabulary words?

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Read my full disclosure..
Filed Under: homeschool, homeschool products, Language Arts, reviews Tagged With: , ,

Teaching Bible Verses with Scripture Adventures!

November 18, 2012 by 17 Comments

Teaching bible verses during the holidays

We have been pondering the history of Thanksgiving and learning Bible verses pertaining to gratitude for the last 2 weeks while engaging in the Scripture Adventures, ”Give Thanks,” included in the “Celebrate” Series.

It is imperative to my husband and I to teach our children the truth about each holiday along with Bible verses.

Scripture Adventures is dedicated to providing quality, affordable, bibilcally based Bible curriculums with the homeschool families in mind.

Scripture Adventures strives to include non-denomination content in order to meet all Christians needs making the programs perfect for a Christian school, homeschool co-op, as well as an individual setting.

Scripture Adventures - Teach Bible Verses

Give Thanks includes over 100 pages of Thanksgiving poems and hymns, a gratitude scripture chain to study together, a history of Thanksgiving including the story of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving proclamations from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, ideas for kid-friendly Thanksgiving crafts and table decorations, and easy-to-make fall recipes.

Take a peek at Give Thanks!

How It Worked For Us

Each afternoon we would gather on my bed and spend about 20 minutes going through the Give Thanks pages.  I would read the lessons and would have my children ages 5, 7, and 11 complete the assigned pages, such as, copywork, a Thanksgiving craft, or their favorite was illustrating the two story books. I would also have the children narrate in their own words what they thought was important during each lesson.  This helped them maintain their attention span during group time.

The children turned in their work the next day during our group time.  We sang a hymn and said a prayer for all of our blessings that have God has bestowed upon our family each day.

The children were really shocked at what all the Pilgrims endured during their journey and  first year residing at Plymouth Colony.  They were heartbroken regarding the lives lost.  It gave us an opportunity to thank the Lord for our good health and God’s sovereignty.

We can’t wait to start “A Christmas Adventure,” the first day of December!

Buy It

You can buy all three products in the Celebrate Series, Give Thanks, Christmas Adventures or An Easter Adventures on Scriptures Adventures website.  They are very reasonable priced making it affordable for all families.

Win It

Scripture Adventures wants one of my readers to enjoy Christmas Adventures this holiday season. I will be picking a winner on November 20at 12a.  All winners will be contacted via email and must respond within 48 hours.

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Have you checked out the ultimate list of Christmas worksheets and Christmas coloring pages?

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: Family, Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, parenting, reviews

Have your checked out the COOLest Homeschool Apparel yet?

November 13, 2012 by 20 Comments

Great Products has a variety of FUN, Educational, Unique and Creative products especially when it comes to homeschool accessories and homeschool apparel!

And their prices are amazingly affordable for the homeschool family.  The family owned company homeschools themselves and the owner was actually homeschooled when homeschool wasn’t cool!  I always love to support homeschool family businesses.

One of our favorite products is this super COOL mug that says, ”Homeschool Academy.” It is a 16 oz etched navy colored mug.  It comes in pink, too!  And it’s top shelf dishwasher safe.  We have washed it numerous of times.

homeschool apparel mug

Each day, the children know if they finish all their school work without grumbling by 3 pm, they will get Hot Chocolate during snack time in their very own homeschool mug.

Kudos to me!  This simple solution has made our school days so much brighter!

These mugs would make a fantastic Christmas present for your kiddos!  They have a variety to choose from.  Check out Great Products homeschool mugs.  Just add a box of Hot Chocolate to go with it and you have the perfect gift.

Affordable Homeschool Apparel

I had many compliments on my CUTE  deluxe tote bag .  I brought the deluxe tote bag with me out of town this weekend and loved the spacious room and the fact that it zippered easily.  I put my toiletries, hair dryer, and flat iron in it and I still had plenty of room.

Some of my friends were a bit envious when I showed up at Co-op last week with my homeschool mom of 6 deluxe tote bag.

Large Zipper Tote Description:

- 100% Cotton

- Self Fabric Handles

- Zippered Closure

- Inside zippered hanging pocket

-Comes in black, forest green, navy, royal blue, and cream

It so universal!  You can use it for almost anything!  It’s perfect for our Co-op days!

I am just so thrilled to find a place that sells homeschool apparel for a reasonable price.

It would be so FUN if our family all had the same homeschool T-Shirt.

Guess What?

Great Products wants one of our readers to surprise their family with (4) T-Shirts for Christmas!  And the random winner will get to pick their favorite designer homeschool T-Shirts for their crew.  I will be picking a winner on Tuesday, November 27th at 11:59pm. Winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Sweet, huh?

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Go check out all the other COOL homeschool apparel that Great Products offers their customers.

This is a sponsored post.  However, all opinions are 100% my own.  Read my full disclosure.

Filed Under: Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, reviews

Learn How to Sing at Home!

November 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

PhotobucketThe Vocal Coach will teach you how to sing in the comfort of your own home. Not to mention, you can avoid humiliation as in my case.  I have been deemed the World’s Worst Singer by my family and friends.

Seriously, if there was a reality show for The World’s Worst Singer, I would win. My son would be runner up.
Photobucket

Chris & Carole Beatty, creators and founder of Vocal Coach, have taught and coached thousands of singers, young and old for over 40 years.

My son and I have been enjoying the lessons each afternoon.  We have learned many basic tips and suggestion to help us improve our singing.  We are not expecting to become the next American Idols, but our goal is to sing pleasantly during worship time.

We spend about 30 minutes a day.  It is getting easier and easier as time goes by, especially the breathing exercises.  The first couple of lessons, I had a sore throat afterwards, but that is resolved now.

I was amazed with all the criteria and muscle movement that is involved in singing.  Wow!

The Vocal Coach Singer Training CD’s include the following lessons and tips: 

7 Training CDs:

  • Getting Started
  • Complete Breathing
  • Complete Warm-Up
  • Complete Tone
  • Complete Expanding Your Range
  • Complete Diction
  • Complete Performance

4 Workout CDs:

  • Daily Workout High Voice 1 & 2
  • Daily Workout Medium/Low Voice 1 & 2

Plus these great educational tools:

  • Guidebook – Full-size Instructional Guidebook to Ensure Success
  • Printable Lead Sheets – each exercise in our course, plus track lists
  • Personal Singer’s Journal (Getting Started Journal & Workout Journal) to Track Your Progress
  • Vocal Coach Song Evaluation – Evaluation form to enable you to make more intelligent song selections
There is a lot of information covered in the Vocal Coach Singer.  It would be a FUN and effective teaching tool for any family.  

Buy It

You can purchase the Vocal Coach Singer for 119.99.  It might initially seem a bit pricy, but it really is well worth the money when you consider how much voice lessons would cost your family.

Photobucket

Read my thoughts on other products!

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was given.

Filed Under: homeschool, homeschool products, reviews

Create Unique Handwriting Printable Worksheets in a FLASH!

November 4, 2012 by 25 Comments


It’s so easy to create your very own handwriting printable worksheets with Startwrite 6 known as the handwriting worksheet wizard software.

The boys have been having so much fun practicing their handwriting, spelling, grammar, and writing skills with engaging handwriting printable worksheets each day.

I am not sure who is having more fun….the boys or me creating them to go along with their themed lessons each week. The software works very similar to a word processor and their website has a short detailed tutorial that will help you create your very own unique handwriting printable worksheets in no time. It’s super friendly!

Startwrite is an Easy printable worksheet generator

Here are just a few of the many FUN features included in the Startwrite 6 Software:

  • Over 20 different manuscript and cursive fonts including HWOT
  • It’s fun and easy to add borders and graphics to your printable worksheets
  • Add any color to your letters
  • The Start Dot option allows your student to start the formation properly
  • Stroke Arrow option help your child with proper letter formation

There are many more features that you can read about on the Startwrite’s website. These were just a few of our favorites.

How it works for us

I love to combine several subjects together such as handwriting, copywork, grammar, and spelling. Startwrite 6 allows us to do just that!

I create and print all the unique worksheets for the week on the weekend.  I have a generic one with my kindergartners name on it that he utilizes at least twice a week. After you create a printable worksheet, you can save it to your PC. I love this feature.

I always print the letters and sounds we are working on in phonics and have each child repeat the sound while writing each day.  The printable worksheets have helped in their phonetic progress, as well.

Also, I have created cursive printable worksheets to help my children read cursive.  I only require them to write their names and to be able to read in cursive.  This has helped tremendously.

I can’t tell you how excited I am that I will never have to purchase another handwriting program.  This is a one time purchase and makes it very affordable for our large family.  However, you will initially need to assist your child with the correct letter formation, but once instructed, they will be able to use the stroke arrows and start dot option to have the perfect handwriting.

Buy It

Startwrite is offering a special 10% off coupon code for Blessed Beyond a Doubt readers.  The regular price is 39.95, so be sure to use the coupon code: AFF12 to get the 10% special discount!

Win It

Startwrite wants one of my readers to have their very own Startwrite 6 software.  This is a 39.95 value. I will pick a random winner on November 20 at 12a.  Winner will be contacted via email and must be respond within 48 hours.

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The truth about homeschool socialiaztion

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was given.  Affiliate links may have been used in this post.

 Sharing with:  WFMW, WLW, Encouraging One Another,RaisingHomemakers,Hearts4Home, Show & Tell, Weekend Bloggy Reading,The Better Mom, Monday Musings, Mama Moments Monday,Domestically Divine Tuesday, Time – Warp Wife,Frugal Days,What Works,, Flash Blog, Thursday, Show Me Extraordinary, Mommy Teaches, , Inspire Me Monday, Big Family Linkup,Friday Favorites,Inspire Me Monday,, Thrifty Thursday, Catch a Glimpse Thursday, Make It Yourself Monday

 

Filed Under: Giveaways, homeschool, homeschool products, reviews
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