Mustang's Weekly Wrap Up

So I started to write everyone up in one post again, and it was too long and confusing and I couldn't add any commentary.  I am going to do separate posts for each kiddo as I have a chance.  There will be some duplicates, and some not.  Hopefully, I wont bore you!

Mustang is age 6 1/2, she is still in Primary Montessori since we are really just starting.  She is on the fast track (pretty much as quickly as I can buy and present the materials), but we are starting with period 1, in all but Math and Language.

Some of her highlights from the last few weeks:

Practical Life:

Button frame (this was easy for her).  

She has been helping a lot in the kitchen.  She asks all the time if she can help me with the dishes.  I am trying more and more to let go.  I just ordered child size cleaning supplies, so hopefully she will enjoy using them.

Sensorial:

Geometry cabinet presentation tray, later blindfolded.

Touch Boards-she liked them the most of all my children.  She is really into her sense of touch at the moment.

Geometric solids.  I used a natural set I already had on hand and added in the Platonic solids made of cardstock.  Mustang really wants to make her own nets-I told her she could soon!

Mathematics:

Our fast track has been taking us down a review of math as we go through the math materials.  She is ready (previous knowledge wise) to start the golden bead material.  But, I wanted to get there the correct way.  So, we have been using the materials ahead of it quickly.  She is almost there!!

Sandpaper letters.

Number rods.

And extensions.

Table top rods, intro to addition and subtraction.

Spindle boxes.

Cards and counters.  These are homemade using red floral gems.  This was very basic for her, but we had never discussed odd and even numbers.  So, it was fun for her to learn something new.

This cards and counters worksheet is from Wikisori.

Language:

Mustang is still going through her All About Reading and First Start Reading.  

She was excited when I downloaded books for her to read on the Kindle Fire!

Art:

Well kind of art.  She was observing Charger working on his math and drew this 10 rod.

 Then, she drew a barnyard scene-we have been reading Charlotte's Web.

Another day, she drew a spider web and a lot of spiders.  Unfortunately, all the drawings were on our dry erase board.  That's a large part of why I took the photos-this is my only way of preserving the drawing.  

Culture is kind of at a stand still.  I just received our sandpaper globe and landforms, so we should be moving forward next week.

Oh and we had one other unplanned Practical Life!  HAIR CUTTING!!!  Mustang thought that she would like to be like her aunt, so she cut Mini Cooper's hair!!!  Grrrr!!

Mini's hair on Tuesday.

Mini Cooper's hair on Wednesday!

Yep, over 6 inches.  It looks cute-after I fixed it-but I'm a little sad (now that I'm not angry).  I'm glad that hair cutting is not a normal part of the Montessori Primary education :).

To see what other kids around the blog world are doing check out Montessori Monday on Living Montessori Now!

TOS Review: K5 Learning

Over the last few weeks, we have had the opportunity to try out another web-site for kids, K5 Learning.

K5 Learning is an educational website that offers online reading and math lessons for kids in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade.

So what is K5 Learning? (Taken from the K5 Learning site)

"K5 Learning was founded by parents who wanted better learning tools available to their kids for home use.  The best software was marketed to schools, not parents."

"There are many low cost CD ROMS and game based websites which entertain but have limited educational value and do little to develop study skills...We designed K5 to be a practical solution for busy families who take education seriously."

K5 Learning offers lessons in math, reading and spelling.  After taking an assessment test, the lessons your child takes will be tailored to their learning level.  

In addition to the lessons students can take timed tests to quiz themselves on their math facts, or online spelling and vocabulary quizes.  

Parents have the opportunity to view detailed progress reports and learning level reports on their child.  They can even assign certain lessons!  

So what did we think?

K5 Learning is a really in depth program and offers a ton of things that other sites don't.  I was really impressed with all the features provided.  Plus, K5 was designed as an AFTER SCHOOL program, not a curriculum.  So, this one is not just for my homeschool readers.  Any students can really benefit from the K5 program.

Mustang, however, did not like it.  I had a hard time convincing her to do more lessons to see if she would eventually like it (which she didn't).  I watched her work on the lessons a few times to try and get a better understanding as to why, but I can't say that just because she didn't like it that your child won't.  I think it may have been a little 'too school-like' for her.  But, that is the point of it, so I don't really know.

I myself was pleased to see the results of the few lessons and assessments she did try.  They were at her level, or even below her, and she scored a bit higher on reading then I thought she would.

I would probably say that her biggest issue, when watching her, was that sometimes the lessons were challenging her to learn and she equates her computer time with fun.  I remember as a kid, however, finding it fun to see how many math facts I could answer, etc.  It made me feel smart, which made me feel happy.  If your child is that type of child, they will probably love K5 Learning :).

K5 Learning offers a 14 day free trial which I HIGHLY recommend trying out.  Like I mentioned above, the program itself is really great and has lots to offer.  If your child likes it, too, it will be a win-win in my book.

K5 Learning costs as little as just over 16.00/month (with a year paid subscription) and offers discounts for additional children.  

If you would like to see what other families thought of K5 Learning, check out the TOS Review Crew Blog.

Happy Learning and God Bless!!

This is a review for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review Crew.  Thank you to K5 Learning for providing my family with a free trial for the purpose of review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

TOS Review: Reading Eggs

Since our family is very tech oriented, I am always looking for good, clean, useful websites for my children to use.  I would certainly say we have found a new one in Reading Eggs!

Reading Eggs is an inter-active online programs that teaches letters, reading, spelling, and comprehension.  Using adorable characters, cute songs, and unique games, kids learn while having lots of fun!!

Reading Eggs is set up as a 'path' for learning.  Your child will progress down a map, earning golden eggs as they progress.  As they collect eggs, more lessons are opened.  Beginning with the lowercase alphabet, letters sounds are learned along with site words.  Then, the progression is made to uppercase.

Reading Eggs also has many extra features such as a 'playroom' that has books to read and pages to color, or an arcade with games to try.  They even offer story writing contests.  

Reading Eggs is very easy to use.  When I first received our trial code, I really didn't have time to sit down and explain it to my children.  I didn't have to!  I logged Mustang on and let her go.  Over the course of a couple weeks she has completed 41 lessons.  

Just to see what it was all about, I logged on and completed lesson 42 with her help.  I personally enjoyed the various games and was pleased that she could read and understand what was going on, too.  One little extra that I really liked was that there are games to increase ones ability to use the computer mouse-something that Mustang and Charger both have issues with.

As a parent, I enjoy the ability to go in and see my child's progress and what level they are assessed at.  At a quick glance I can see Mustang's estimated reading age, total of phonetic sounds she has reviewed (successfully) with Reading Eggs, and how many sight words she has been able to read with the program.  Another page shows her approximate reading comprehension level.

We have tried a few different free and paid learning sites, and I have to say that Reading Eggs is certainly the kid's favorite and possibly mine, too!  And, at as little as $6.25 a month (with a yearly subscription), it is quite affordable.  They also offer discounts for additional children, which I really appreciate!

If you are looking for a unique addition to your child's Easter basket, maybe consider adding some 'Reading Eggs' instead of the traditional edible ones. :)  

If you would like to read more reviews about Reading Eggs, check out the TOS Review Crew Blog.  Or, make your own review with a free trial!  

Happy Learning and God Bless!!

This is a review for The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew.  Thank you to Reading Eggs for providing my family with a complementary subscription for the purpose of review.  I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

TOS Review: All About Reading

In the midst of all our changes, Mustang also started a new reading program, All About Reading, Level 1!

I had heard about All About Spelling here in the blog world, and was beyond excited when I was told we were going to get to try out All About Reading.  We were sent All About Reading Level 1 along with the Deluxe Reading Interactive kit to use.  If you follow me on Facebook, you know I was stalking the UPS man for our package so we could get started.

So what is All About Reading?
{Taken from the All About Learning site}

"All About Reading is a multi-sensory program.  Children learn through sight, sound, and touch.  Everything is taught in context, and your child applies new learning right away.  Your child will be engaged in thinking, processing, comparing and learning. 


Students who use the All About Reading method tend to feel a sens of excitement in learning.  And they should!  They are learning how to think, explore, and grow in their abilities.  They fell successful as they see continued progress.


There are no gaps in this program.  Your child will be taught everything he or she needs to know about reading, so no guessing is required.  Each new concept builds on the previous one, and no steps are skipped.


There are five key components of reading-and our program teaches all of them thoroughly.  Those components are:


*Phonological Awareness
*Phonics and Decoding
*Fluency
*Vocabulary
*Comprehension"

The All About Reading Level 1 package includes:

A teacher's manual, student packet, and three hardback readers.  Currently priced at $99.95 on sale from $107.70.

The Deluxe Interactive Kit includes:

Letter tiles, magnets for the letter tiles, the Basic Phonograms CD-Rom, reading divider cards, reading review box, reading tote bag, and star stickers for the progress chart.  It is currently priced at $48.95.

How it works:

A lesson often includes introduction of a few new letter sounds using letter cards in the student packet.  Then, the student and teacher explore new words made with these letters {and previously introduced letters} using the magnetic tiles.  There is often a workbook page activity or game to help reinforce the learned sounds or words.  

Word review cards help your child continue to practice the learned skills, and help you know what they are and aren't picking up.  Other lessons include review word reading lists or reading of stories out of the readers.  Last, but not least, you read to your child for 20 minutes.  

Our thoughts on All About Reading, Level 1:

First of all, I had actually planned to use All About Reading with Charger.  I thought he was reading to begin learning to actually read, and Mustang is already reading, so I started first with him.  I found out very quickly that this would not be a match for him,yet.  He knows all his letter sounds, but is not ready to begin sounding out words.  If your child is not ready to sound out words, he is not ready to start All About Reading Level 1, you may want to check out All About Reading Pre-Reading Program. 

So, I started working with Mustang.  I thought in the first lesson or so that this was going to be something we did for this review and then saved for Charger.  But, to my surprise, it was a good fit for Mustang.  All About Reading is VERY fast paced, so it has kept her interested and challenged.   She knows how to read, but this has been a great way to reinforce sounding out words and learn new word rules.

The All About Reading program consists of 40 lessons.  This worried me at first because, if you have school  5 days a week and do a lesson each day, it will take you about 8 weeks to complete.  But, some of the lessons have taken us a couple of days to complete.  We have been working through All About Reading for exactly 1 month, with 3 to 4 school days a week, and are now on lesson 8.  So, it should take us as much as 20 weeks to complete.  I like that laid back feel!  

One thing that All About Reading does not include is any sort of writing.  There are pros and cons to this, but it is nice that your child can learn to read even if they are not interested or able to write yet.  We are using another writing program in addition to All About Reading and they seem to complement each other nicely.  

All About Reading is written for a one on one situation.  Some of the other curriculum I have read and used include references to a group of students.  I enjoyed not having to adjust any of my actions or words.  It is also neutral program as far as religion goes.  It does not talk about or use any reference to a religion or belief system in anyway that I noticed.

I want to break down this review by item, because my thoughts vary on each item.

All About Reading Level 1 packet:

Teacher's Manual:  5 stars.  This manual is so easy to use.  It has everything you need, and you can just repeat word for word what it says, if you want to.  I love the simplicity of preparation!

Student packet:  4 stars.  I like the letter cards and word cards, and I like the overall student workbook.  I really like all the different activities in the workbook.  I find myself often making things to go along with a program, but I really didn't have to do that with All About Reading.  The activities are perfect! 

Mustang is reading words and feeding them to the monster if she gets them right :).

 But, what I don't like are the reading lists.  They are too long IMO.  I wish they were on multiple pages.  

Mustang takes one look at the page and gets overwhelmed.  She can easily read most of the words, but refuses to read more then about 1/3 of them in one session.  This photo shows Mustang with one of the reading lists.

Hardback readers: 10 stars.  Seriously.  This on a 5 star system, too.  I LOVED the readers.  They use very basic words, but the stories are still cute.  The pictures are beautiful!!  And, I love the small size of the readers-they don't feel like textbooks!  They will be on our shelves for years to come and are a great asset of the All About Reading program.  AND...they are used in the All About Spelling program so you get more bang for your buck.  Mustang said that the readers were her favorite part too.  She loved the silly stories.  

Letter Tiles:  5 stars!  I really think that the tiles made All About Reading come alive.  They change the pace-not just books and workbooks-and they add a hands-on element.  These are part of each interactive package. If purchased separately, you will also need to buy the magnets for the back. **Since we are a Montessori family, I should point out that the letter tile colors are opposite the Montessori colors.  Letters are blue and vowels are red.  Not a big deal, but something to note.**

The Basic Phonograms CD-Rom:   3 stars.  It was well made and easy to use, but I'm really not sure it's necessary.  Also part of either interactive kit.

Reading Review Box:  4 stars.  This is a simple box to hold all your letter and word cards in.  You could use another box or bin or whatever you wanted.  However, I am getting to the point in life that I hate having to go out and find the 'perfect thing' with 4 kids in tow.  I like having someone else do the thinking for me.  I would buy the box.  Plus, if you intend to use the rest of the All About Reading and All About Spelling products, you don't need to go buy another box.  Also, that's why its sold separately then the basic interactive kit.  You wont need more then one of these.  Part of the Deluxe Interactive Kit.

Divider cards:  4 stars.  These come with either interactive kit.  Again, you *can* make your own, but for $3.95 it would be hard.  They are a nice glossy material.  

Tote Bag:  4 stars.  BEAUTIFUL bag.  Well made, very attractive.  But, obviously, it isn't a necessity to the program, and I would feel like a walking billboard if I used it in public.  Part of the Deluxe Interactive kit.

Star Stickers:  5 stars.  They are cute, and inexpensive.  My only real misunderstanding is why they aren't included in the student packet.  You will need to buy them so that your student can complete their learning chart.  They are included in the Deluxe Interactive kit.

My overall opinion of All About Reading, Level 1 is 4 1/2 out of 5.  I love the simplicity of the program as far as preparation and time, but the fact is it's a very in depth program.  It's hard to find a reading curriculum that is both! 

If you want to see for yourself, check out the sample lessons, lesson plans, and stories from the readers on the All About Learning site: http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/categories/All-About-Reading/All-About-Reading-Level-1/.  Well worth a peak.  The first four lessons from the student packet and teacher's manual are available.  So, you can get an idea if your child is ready to start All About Reading Level 1.  

If you think that All About Reading is a good fit for your family, you have nothing to loose if you go ahead and try it.  All About Reading offers a 'Go Ahead and Use It' one year guarantee!!  Check out the All About Learning site for more information.  

For more reviews of All About Reading, Level 1, check out the TOS Crew Blog.

This is a review for The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew.  Thank you to All About Learning for providing my family with a complementary copy of the All About Learning Level 1 program and a Deluxe interactive kit for the purpose of review.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.  

Parking Lot Game

I mentioned that I had been playing the parking lot game with Charger lately.  It's a simple game that I had heard about a few years back from My Montessori Journey.  I played it a couple times with Mustang, but she didn't have any particular love for the game.  Charger, on the other hand, LOVES it.

 I had been using Explode the Code book A (Get Ready for the Code) with Charger.  He was doing pretty well, but then all of a sudden he just did NOT care anymore.  I knew I had to come up with another way to engage him.  When I came across The Parking Lot game, I thought it would be worth a try.

It is EXTREMELY EASY to prepare.  It takes a piece of paper, a pen, and some matchbox cars.  I went as far as using a piece of card stock, a permanent marker, and a laminator but you wouldn't have to.

One day, I asked Charger to go get 10 matchbox cars.  He came back with 8 and mentioned that he couldn't find anymore.  No problem, 8 cars will do alright.

I asked him to park his first car on the 'mmmm' sound. It took all of 2 seconds and he was ON THAT!  He parked them all really fast, eagerly waiting to hear the next sound.  This was a huge difference then in his workbook where he would not pay attention at all.

The next day, the FIRST thing he asked me was-when are we having school?  I have 10 cars!!  

Since then, he has had his cars in a basket or bag ready to take them to school EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.  He asks if he can be first to have his language lessons, and asks to play The Parking Game.  

I have gone so far as to add the I Spy Game to The Parking Lot Game.  I will put 1, 2, or even 3 objects above the lot and he has to find the object and then park his car.  I am currently trying to figure out other ways I could incorporate his cars, because they really get his interest.  If nothing else, his parking lot will have new letters next week :).

Seriously, if you have a little boy in your life that likes matchbox cars, play The Parking Lot game. You may just have a break-through.  

God Bless and Happy Learning!!

Montessori Monday

We've been going through some big changes over the last few weeks.  We changed school rooms, added new materials to our shelves and have changed the pace of our learning time.  We've also been decluttering the house to improve our overall environment.

After reading the scope and sequence at Our Montessori Story, I have been trying to present the materials in that order.  We are starting in period one.  I know that it is below Mustang for sure and mostly below Charger, too, but the activities teach things that build on each other.  I want to be sure that Mustang and Charger at least have a chance to try each thing and not just assume they know them. I also want to make sure that they don't miss out in case there is something intrinsic that they wouldn't have otherwise learned.  It is already very obvious that most of the activities are 'below' Mustang as she will try them once and then move on.  Mini Cooper, on the other hand, will sit and try things over and over again.  It's very interesting to watch.  There have, and will be, some exceptions to this since I am trying to move along for Mustang in math.

These are the presentations made over the last 2 weeks.

Practical Life:

Rolling, unrolling, and carrying a mat.

Pouring beans between two jugs.  I found this lovely set at, of all places, Walmart!  I was pleasantly surprised.

Lifting, carrying, and setting down a chair.  Also, sitting down quietly.

Folding.

Opening and closing tray.  Mini Cooper and Charger, especially, tried this a lot.

I kept having to add more things so that Mini Cooper had items she could successfully open.  I've since added a few additional items as well.  I left the harder ones (contact cases, lotion bottle) there for her to try.

Spooning between two bowls.  Currently, we are using lentils.  Spooning isn't on the Gettman list, but it is on the list from My Montessori Journey.  I will be using both.

On Valentines, Mustang set the table without being asked to surprise me :).

Sensorial:

Pink Tower  (Mini Cooper).  She built it perfectly more then once one day, but hasn't done it correctly since.

Brown stair (Mustang and Charger).  

Which turned IMMEDIATELY into brown stair/pink tower extensions.

There has been a LOT of building around here.

Mustang saw me printing out extension cards and couldn't wait to try them.

You can find them at Walk Beside Me.

I also presented the red rods to Mustang and Charger.  I don't have any photos of the initial presentation, but I showed Mustang how to make the maze later.  She really enjoys it.  Charger tries but simply isn't there yet. That's okay.  

She was in the designing mood.  

Language:

Mustang  is working through All About Reading, Level 1 (review coming soon) and First Start Reading (read review here).  They are not Montessori, but I plan to stick with what's working since I don't yet have my footing with the Montessori language.  Plus, we REALLY like both of these programs and they seem to go well with each other, too.  Mustang is just about ready to finish book A of First Start Reading and move to book B.

Charger has been working on 3-part cards-these are for the short U sound.

He has also been doing sequencing cards.

I found a workbook at the Dollar Tree that had tons of beginning sequencing worksheets.  Instead of using them as worksheets, I cut them out and made cards out of them.  He loves putting them in order and then telling me the story of what is happening.

He's also been playing a lot of parking lot games.  And, I mean A LOT.  I first saw this back on My Montessori Journey  and had even played it with Mustang a couple years ago.  But, I had no idea how much he would like it.  I played with him one day, and the next day he came down to the school room-10 cars in hand and asked if he could please have his language lessons right away.  I will probably do a post just on this, because I don't want you to miss this idea if you have a 4 year old boy :).

Mini Cooper and I have been exploring our alphabet boxes.  I have since taken away the letters since I haven't introduced her to the sandpaper letters, yet.  We are just learning vocabulary.  She has speech issues, so it's good to have lots of words to practice.

We have also been doing 2 of 3 part cards.

And matching objects to pictures.  I think this is language?  The cards are from Montessori For Everyone.

Mathematics:

I introduced Mustang and Charger to the number rods, which I have no photos of (forgot to charge my batteries that day).  Mustang got it right away.  Charger certainly understood it, and did well, but it was so fun to watch him figure it out.  He would count one rod and then another to choose the right one.  When he put them away, he didn't count, he was estimating length and that was really neat to watch.  I love watching my kids figure it out rather then just repeating things back to me!

One morning, Mustang noticed that the rods 'matched.'  I suggested she try matching them.  

I had her use 2 mats and bring the red rods to the blue and red.  Took a little effort, but she got it.

Culture:

We have started Geography lessons using Karen Tyler's album.  I really like it so far.  You can get it free if you sign up for the Living Montessori Now newsletter.

Charger exploring the Geography tray.

Mustang making a map in the sand.

As you can see, it's been a busy couple weeks.  This week will be a bit slower school-wise with lots of family coming to visit.  But, we got a box of new materials today so I'm looking forward to working again.  

We have been working on our environment, too.  You may notice a new laminate floor and work rugs in the photos.  But, you wont notice the 5 trash bags and one box of items that went off to the thrift store (not from the school room itself).  The changes have been minimal for now, but we have big plans and I am looking forward to the result. As I mentioned in my post in becoming a Montessori home, I am working to change not only our lessons, but our entire home environment so I'll be documenting that, too.

Hope your week was fun and full of learning.  Thanks for stopping by!

God Bless :)

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