Flashnote Derby Review

Funny Bunny has been taking piano lessons for two years now.  She has completed four lesson books and is about half way through her fifth.  She loves to practice and can play songs by ear, which she got from hubby.  {I should note here that I have no musical ability whatsoever!} 

Something else she does really well is memorize the songs she is learning.  While this may seem great, combine this with learning by ear, and you have a child who doesn't necessarily read all the notes. 

We have flashcards but they are pretty boring and rarely get used.  But recently I heard of Flashnote Derby, and had to check it out.

Flashnote Derby was designed by a music teacher, for music teachers and their students. 

Flashnote Derby is a fun app in which students respond to note name flashcards in order to urge their horse and jockey on past their opponent. Answering quickly and correctly will cause their horse to gain ground, while incorrect answers will cause it to fall behind.

The game is fully customizable to allow for any desired notes in the treble or bass clefs to be included. You can select ranges of notes, or several individual notes to focus on specific areas that need work. The amount of time the player is given for each flashcard can be increased or decreased depending upon their age and level of experience.

At the end of each race, students can review the notes they missed and see the correct response. 

My Thoughts:  This is a simple and fun app for children.  I like that every aspect of the game can be customized: speed, number of questions, and the notes.  It's great for beginners.  The positive reinforcement is good and it is nice that any incorrect answers are reviewed.  And you can't beat the price!  I really think this is a great tool. 

Thoughts of an 8-Year Old:  I like Flashnote Derby because it helps me learn my notes.  I started out slow with just a few notes and after I did good on those, I added more.  Then I added notes for both hands and that was a little harder.  

Find Out More:  You can find out more about this app online at http://flashnotederbyapp.com/  It is currently on sale for only $0.99 and aimed at ages 5 to 12. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 

Big Thirty-One Announcement!

Look out for a big Thirty-One announcement tomorrow! If you already receive my newsletter then you will hear about it! If you are not a current email subscriber and would like to hear this exciting news, email me today and I will add you so you don't miss out! :)

**** I guess Thirty-One is making the announcement earlier. Click my link for the HUGE year end sale.****

http://www.mythirtyone.com/103425/

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

 

More Christmas Baking...

Reading Aloud Challenge

Debra over at Footprints in the Butter has been hosting a Reading Aloud Challenge each week that I am participating in.

We have been reading Christmas books this week but I wanted to mention that I finished reading Rabbit Hill aloud and we both LOVED IT!!!! 

If you get the chance, read this with your child, I am sure you will both enjoy it!

Linzer Cookie Recipe

As promised, here is the very simple recipe for the linzer cookies I made this week.  I received the recipe from the lady at the cooking station at Publix.  Funny Bunny and I were already there to buy ingredients to make cookies, and when we tasted these we had to make them.  This is a fun and easy recipe to make with kids!!  ENJOY!!

Ingredients

1 package sugar cookie dough (14-16 oz) or make your own
3/4 cup raspberry jam, divided
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Instructions

1.  Bake cookies following package instructions.  Let stand 5-6 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool.

2.  Spread 1 tablespoon jam over bottom of 12 cookies; top each with a second cookie.  Sprinkle sugar over top and serve.

See more recipes from the Schoolhouse Review Crew.



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Wordless Wednesday: Baking

 Tune in tomorrow for the very simple recipe!!

Purex Triple Action Giveaway!!

Purex is rolling out a new Triple Action formula across the entire liquid laundry detergent line.  This new and improved Triple Action formula delivers even better on Purex's promise to leave your clothes bright, while, and clean, and as always, for half the price of the leading brand!

Growing up, my mom always bought the "expensive detergent", so when I got married and moved out, I started buying the same thing.  In time, I started budgeting and was really watching where our pennies went.  Did we really need to spend that much on detergent?

So I switched many times and realized that the cheaper detergents work just as well! 

New Purex Triple Action leverages the best parts of their current formula, combined with new additions, to deliver great cleaning plus improved brightening power.  And just like their current detergents, new Purex Triple Action has been specifically formulated to work in both traditional and High Efficiency (HE) washers. 

Purex Triple Action comes in a variety of scents and I am happy to share that they have a Free and Clear option, which is what I received. 

My Thoughts:  I love using Purex because of its great price and cleaning power.  I save money and our clothes come out smelling and looking clean.  It's now the only laundry detergent I buy!!

Find Out More:  You can find out more about Purex Triple Action laundry detergent on their website. 

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how THREE readers can win one coupon for Purex Triple Action!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

3. Subscribe to my blog by email through Feedburner

4. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

7. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win #Purex Triple Action @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/purex-triple-action-giveaway.html #Giveaway ends 1/2/12

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Monday, January 2, 2012 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

The World's Greatest Stories Review

The World's Greatest Stories are an award winning series of Bible stories that make the actual words of Scripture leap off the page into the hearts of children of all ages. 

What a great way to introduce Bible stories to your children!!  The CDs that The World's Greatest Stories offer are not rewritten or changed, they are the actual, word for word, Biblical accounts brought to life in a powerfully dramatic way!

The World's Greatest Stories includes six volumes:

Volume 1: The Prophets
Volume 2: The Life of Christ
Volume 3: Beginnings
Volume 4: Joshua and Esther
Volume 5: Joseph and His Brothers
Volume 6: Defeating Giants

We received Volume 1: The Prophets {NIV}, which includes The Blazing Furnace {Daniel 3}, The Handwriting on the Wall {Daniel 5}, Daniel in the Lions' Den {Daniel 6}, Elijah and the Prophets of Baal {1 Kings 17-18}, and The Prophecy of Jonah {Book of Jonah}. 

We also received a sample CD that includes short selections from all of the stories in both the KJV and the NIV.

Actor George W. Sarris brings to life the characters and events with his unique storytelling.  Mr. Sarris is an accomplished actor, narrator, and spokesman, and began telling Bible stories in live settings in 1985. 

Since then he has performed his shows before a wide variety of audiences in churches, conferences, school, retreats, and camps across the nation.

My Thoughts:  Overall I enjoyed listening to the CD we received.  There were a couple parts I think might be a little scary for a younger child {loud, angry voice} and at least two parts I personally did not care for, but you should check it out for yourself.  Funny Bunny really enjoyed it and asked to immediately listen to it a second time.  I can see how children can easily memorize a whole Bible story by listening to these CDs.

Thoughts of an 8-Year Old:  I like The World's Greatest Stories because it is very exciting and educational at the same time.  My favorite story is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the blazing furnace.  Mr. George W. Sarris is a great storyteller!

Find Out More:  You can find out more about World's Greatest Stories on their website.  CDs and cassettes sell for only $7.95 and you can choose either NIV or KJV.  You can here a sample here.  You can also find answers to your FAQs. 

My Crewmates are also reviewing World's Greatest Stories, so you can check out what they think HERE.

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own. 

 

Busy, Busy Days...

I have to apologize for my lack of posts the past couple weeks.  Things have been busy with family and friends, baking and shopping, decorating and cleaning. 

Funny Bunny is finishing up her last days of school before Christmas break.  She has also been rehearsing for her dance company's performance this Friday night in a local Christmas production and she's been practicing for her role as one of several angels in the Christmas Pageant at church on Christmas Eve.

Today we had a nice break away from all the hustle and bustle and we went to the zoo.  It was a gorgeous 70 degrees out and the perfect day for it.  But after four hours and a couple stops on the way home, I was beat! 

I hope to catch up on emails and comments soon.  :)

And the Cooper and Me Winner Is...

Comment #47: Diana said...I follow on GFC

I used Random.org to pick the winner and I have already notified her via email.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Cooper and Me Giveaway via Our Homeschool Reviews and thanks again to Cooper and Me for allowing me to offer this great product!

Fractazmic Review

Last year I had the opportunity to review a really cool math card game by I See Cards called Pyramath and today I am going to tell you a little about another card game of theirs called Fractazmic. 

From the website:  Fractazmic is a comprehensive interactive fun lesson in fractions that gives your child unlimited practice at their individual level.

Each brightly colored card displays fractions, along with eye catching graphics, to ensure reinforcement. Players will quickly identify the fractions on their cards and calculate their way to fun and learning! Fractazmic teaches fractions, numbers and measurement.

Funny Bunny is just now learning more about fractions in math and after playing a couple games with her, I am realizing I don't know my fractions as well as I should.  Hmmmm.... 

Well, thank goodness the creators made the game fun and easy to play by including cute pictures on each card.  So if you aren't sure what 3/8 or 7/16 are, you can figure it out by using the picture.  This is great for beginners. 

The deck of 60 cards has three suits in three different colors:

Green: Tenths (1/10, 1/5, 3/10, 2/5, and 1/2)

Blue: Twelfths (1/12, 1/6, 1/4, 1/3, 5/12, and 1/2)

Red: Sixteenths (1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, and 1/2)

Fractazmic can be played with 2-4 players (or just one) and is recommended for grades 1-8.  Players take turns trying to make suits by adding fractions and summing to one.  The deck can be used to play a couple different games though, one of which you can see being played below.

And if your child is new to fractions, you can use only one set of cards like we did.  Using all three suits was a little overwhelming for Funny Bunny so we played with just the Blue cards.  As she gets better, we will add in more cards. 

Thoughts of an 8-Year Old:  I like Fractazmic because it helps me with fractions and I am now better at them. I think the blue cards are the easiest to play with.  The blue cards show a carton of eggs, the red show inches, and the green show a water jug.  Fractazmic is fun and easy to play and I hope we can review yet another I See Cards game soon!!!  

Find Out More:  You can find out more about Fractazmic online.  A single pack sells for $6.95 and you can buy packs of five or ten for a group or class.  And if you would like to try to play the Fractazmic Speed Version for free, you can try it here.

My Crewmates are also reviewing Fractazmic, so you can check out what they think HERE.

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own. 

 

miscellany monday

 ~one~

this past week was filled with baking

~two~

and dancing

~three~

and more decorating

~four~

and a family christmas party...and a work christmas party...and church...and rehearsal for the christmas play...and shopping...

  

~five~

and now it is a cold and rainy outside and i just want to cuddle up in some warm sheets and sleep...but I won't because we have to get school completed...the house clean...and more shopping done. happy monday!!  :)

 

Scotch Thermal Laminator On Sale Again!

The Scotch Thermal Laminator is the Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day today and is only $16.99 (down from $80.49)!!!  It gets great reviews and has 4.5 out of 5 stars and 318 reviews!  It is also eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25! 

I've looked back at the other times I have posted about this and it looks like this may be the cheapest it has been!  If you are looking for a laminator, get it before the price goes up!

Thrifty Thursday

Happy Thrifty Thursday!  Below are the deals for today.  I have to run but will hopefully have more deals later on.  :)

Giveaways
Cooper and Me Children's Book (ends 12/12)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day
Listen to how it was 70 years ago today

CurrClick Freebie
LBC Christmas Holiday Helper

My Memories Suite Deal
Use code STMMMS99585 to get $10 off the purchase of the software AND a $10 coupon for the My Memories Store (a $20 value)!  Also get a FREE Digital Kit!!

Wordless Wednesday: Advent

Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure Book Review & Giveaway

Cooper and Bella can’t wait to go sledding, but what happens when they wander a little too far from home and a snowstorm makes it difficult to find their way back?

Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure is an cute book which was illustrated by mother-daughter team, Monique and Alexa Peters. 

A talented young artist and writer, Alexa wanted to give back to others in a meaningful way through her art.  Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me. 

Funny Bunny's Review:

Bella and Cooper decided to go sledding.  They imagine they can sled through snowstorms, they can ride anywhere!  But their pretending comes true when they are trapped in a snowstorm, far from their neighborhood.  Afraid they'll never be heard, they bark loudly.  This is not pretending, this is serious. Wait!  Is that a familiar bark nearby?  Or are they just imagining the friendly call?


I like Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure because it is a friendly story about helping others in need!

Find out More:  You can find out more about Cooper and Me online.  Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure sells for $12.99.  Make any purchase of $25 or more and get FREE SHIPPING now through December 15, 2011 with coupon code COOPERBLOG.

In fond memory of Marc Lustgarten and to honor him, $1 of every Winter Adventure book sold at events and at on their website through February 2012, will be donated to the Lustgarten Foundation www.lustgarten.org/.

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win a copy of Cooper and Me!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

3. Subscribe to my blog by email through Feedburner

4. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

5. Like Cooper and Me on Facebook

6. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

7. Follow Cooper and Me on Twitter

8. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

9. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win #cooper_and_me @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/cooper-and-me-and-winter-adventure-book.html #Giveaway ends 12/12

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.  Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 

Disclosure:  This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.