Blogging News

I apologize for the lack of blog posts lately.  Between decorating for Christmas, cleaning the house, and working with Funny Bunny to make crafts for our local Homeschooling Gift & Craft Fair last week, I was short on time.  Thankfully all of that is behind us now so we are back on schedule. :)

I do have some sad blogging news to share though.  After being with The TOS Review Crew since the summer of 2010 {4 1/2 years!!}, I have decided to take a break, at least for now.  My plan will be for Funny Bunny to start Challenge A with Classical Conversations in the fall, so I didn't want to add any more work for her during that time.

I have some very exciting news as well!  I will continue blogging and we will still be reviewing homeschooling and other products, but just at a more relaxed pace.

As a matter of fact, I have one review coming this week that I'm excited to share about, so stay tuned!!



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The Schoolhouse Library

Are you a new homeschooler and feeling overwhelmed? Not sure where to start or how to begin? How about a long-time homeschool parent who is looking for some new, fun reading resources to change things up?

For a one-time purchase of only $25, you will have access to a library of more than 175 E-Books or audio books for homeschool support and encouragement from many popular homeschool publishers and TOS.

Check it out at The Schoolhouse Library!

 

It's HOT Out There!

The SchoolHouse Review Crew is talking about ways of beating the summer heat...and this is perfect timing because it is HOT out there!

Here are some ideas for your and your family:

1.  Start School.  I know for some it is hard to grasp, but we start school in the summer so we can take off in the fall and spring when it is cooler.  I would rather be outside when it's 80 instead of when it's 100+.

2.  Go to the Movies.  Our local movie theater runs movies for kids every  Thursday and the cost is only $2 for the movies, a drink, and a popcorn. What a deal...and in the air conditioning!!

3.  Try the Library.  Many libraries have summer reading and event programs.  These are great for kids of all ages and FREE!

4.  Water Day.  If you are like us, you don't have a pool, but why not set up a backyard water obstacle course.  Put out a couple sprinklers and just let the kids have fun for a couple hours.

5.  Crafts.  Pull out all those crafts that have been stuck in the back of the cabinet or drawer since last Christmas...you know you have them.  ;)

6.  Play Doh.  I don't know about you, but my child can play with this for hours.

7.  Cooking.  Have a baking day and make some homemade bread or muffins.  We are planning to make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread and Biscuits this week.

8.  Car Wash.  It may seem like a chore, but just let the kids have fun with it...maybe even set up the sprinklers around it.  Hmmm, I think I'll put this on our schedule this week!

What are you doing to beat the summer heat?

2011-2012 TOS Homeschool Crew: Blue Ribbon Awards

As the 2011-2012 Crew year comes to a close, we are once again presenting awards to our vendors. 

The awards are known as the TOS Homeschool Crew Blue Ribbon Awards. 

The following vendors are the recipients of the award this year. I did not review every one of the products below, so click on their name to either check out the Crew reviews, or for the ones I did receive, my reviews! 

  

Favorite Reading Instruction Product: Reading Eggs 

Favorite Writing Product: WriteShop 

Favorite Language Arts Product: Progeny Press 

Favorite Social Studies Product: TruthQuest History

Favorite Science Product: Amazing Science 

Favorite Math Product: Math Mammoth

Favorite Online Math Product: Math Rider 

Favorite Foreign Language Product: Visual Latin 

Favorite Fine Arts Product: Artistic Pursuits 

Favorite Christian Education Product: Apologia: Who Am I?

~~~ 

Favorite Preschool Product: Before Five in a Row 

Favorite Elementary Product: All About Reading 

Favorite Middle School Product: Write with WORLD 

Favorite High School Product: Excellence in Literature 

Favorite College/College-Prep Product: Excellence in Literature 

~~~ 

Best Online Resource: Reading Eggs 

Best e-Product: Heritage History 

Best Resource: Apologia: Educating the Wholehearted Child

Best Book/Novel: Apologia: How to Have a HEART for Your Kids 

Best Children's Book: Amazing Animals by Design 

Best Game/Toy: Northstar Games: Wits and Wagers/Say Anything 

Best Hands-On Resource: Pitsco Education 

~~~ 

Best Resource I Didn't Know I Needed: eMeals 

Best Customer Service: K5 Learning 

Most Adaptable Resource: Creek Edge Press 

Most Family-Oriented Resource: Northstar Games: Wits and Wagers and Say Anything 

~~~ 

Kids' Choice (favorite of CHILDREN ages 0-12): Reading Eggs 

Teens' Choice (favorite per the TEENAGERS): Pitsco Education 

All Around Crew Favorite: Visual Latin    

Congratulations to the winning vendors!  

Many Crew Members are blogging about these awards as well. Click here to see what they have to say!

TOS Back Issues Sale

A Blast from the Past!  TOS Pick Back Issues Package Sale!  Pick 3 print back issues for $9.95 or Pick 10 for $19.95!

 

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine...

...Is Going Digital!

Once you view the clip, check out The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's new blog, Homeschooling with Heart for more information!

 

TOS Birthday Bash!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is having a Birthday Bash with featured guests, freebies, fabulous door prizes and more!!! 

September 22nd 6pm to 9pm EST

Schoolhouse Birthday Bash Facebook Party

September 29th 6pm to 9pm EST

Meet-and-Greet with the TOS Family of Columnists

FREE registration

You can also follow along with their Birthday Bash Blog Hop!

But Wait, there is MORE EXCITING NEWS!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is bound for the future, leaving behind the confines of paper and ink and traveling into the digital world with 12 issues a year. As of January 2012, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine will transition totally to an interactive digital format; the only printed issue of TOS will be a nearly 300-page annual edition available in the Schoolhouse Store and newsstands throughout the nation.

New subscribers who order a 2-year subscription now will receive:

* 24 monthly issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

* Access to subscriber's only Teacher's Toolbox section of the website

* The 2012/13 annual print edition (a 300 page print resource valued at $19.95)

* 12 online programs (plus additional gifts featured on a digital gift certificate) for your family: art classes, math curriculum, science labs, and more!

All for only $39!
(click the banner below to find out more)

TOS Warehouse Wipeout!

Help TOS wipe out the surplus in their warehouse and get a great deal!  $25 will get you a box filled with goodies from their overflowing shelves:

• SEVEN different TOS back issues ($69.30 value)

• Homeschooling with Heart tote bag ($24.95 value)

• Surprise bonus gift(s)—visit HERE to learn how to receive up to 4 bonus gifts

• Free Shipping ($10.50 value)

• $104.75+ worth of products and what it takes to mail them for ONLY $25

This offer only lasts until Tuesday, September 20th, 2011.

These are awesome early Christmas presents and come already sealed in their boxes.

U.S. only. Price already includes U.S., APO, and FPO shipping costs.  Canadians—see HERE for a deal you won't want to miss! (Pay slightly more to cover the shipping/handling.)

 

FREE Digital Edition of TOS Magazine

If you haven't seen it yet, take a look at the brand new Summer digital edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.  TOS is offering this digital issue of the magazine TOTALLY FREE with no strings attached. 

Enjoy this free gift from TOS—no registration or email address required to view the magazine! Take a peek HERE. Then share the link with your friends by clicking on the share button at the top of the magazine pages.

FREE Digital Edition of TOS Magazine

Take a look at the brand new Summer digital edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.  TOS is offering this digital issue of the magazine totally free with no strings attached. 

Enjoy this free gift from TOS—no registration or email address required to view the magazine! Take a peek here. Then share the link with your friends by clicking on the share button at the top of the magazine pages.

TOS July 4th Sale!

For 8 days only - June 27 through July 4th - customers will receive several patriotic freebies worth over $35!  Click the picture above to get more info!

Deal #1:

• A One Year Print Subscription
• Teacher's Toolbox
• Access to all the TOS back issues
• Plus 4 vendor freebies

This is a value of $150.80 available for just $17.76!

  

Deal #2 :

• A Two Year Digital Subscription
• Teacher's Toolbox
• Access to all the TOS back issues
• Plus 4 vendor freebies 

This is a $151 value yours for just $17.76!

Deal #3:

• The 2011-12 Schoolhouse Planner
• Useful Excerpts
• One Year Digital Subscription
• Teacher's Toolbox
• Access to all the TOS back issues
• Plus 4 vendor freebies 

This is a $202.05 value yours for just $39!

Deal #4:

Spend $44 in the Schoolhouse Store and get all the July 4th freebies!

2011-2012 TOS Homeschool Crew

It was May of last year that I received an email telling me I was accepted on to the TOS Homeschool Crew.  I was pretty excited and surprised because I really didn't think that after applying I would make it...after all, I only have one child.  {I've found out since that there really are other homeschool families out there with only one child} ;)

It was a great year and I got to know all kinds of wonderful people!  I seriously cringed at the thought of *talking* to strangers online at first.  But I am glad I did because I have met some lovely ladies {you know who you are}!! 

So now, it is the start of another year, and this week was the official launch of the 2011-2012 TOS Homeschool Crew!  I get to meet some more great women and tell you about some more great homeschool products! 

I can't wait to get started so stay tuned for an exciting ride!

 

2011 TOS Homeschool Crew Blue Ribbon Awards

As the 2010-2011 TOS Crew year comes to an end, we voted on our favorite companies and products and presented the winners with the Blue Ribbon Award.  

And although many of these products I did not personally get the chance to use, other crew members did and you can find their review links next to each category.  Below are the results: 

Favorite Language Arts Product => Institute For Excellence in Writing (IEW)

Favorite Social Studies Product => Bright Ideas Press-Wondermaps

Favorite Science Product => Eagle’s Wings-Considering God’s Creation

Favorite Math Product => I See Cards-Pyramath

Favorite Online Math Product => Ten Marks

Favorite Writing Product => Writing Tales

Favorite Reading Instruction Product => Talking Fingers

Favorite Foreign Language Product => Classical Academic Press

Favorite Fine Arts Product (art, music, etc.) => Artistic Pursuits

Favorite Preschool Product => Go Go Kabongo

Favorite Elementary Product => Speekee

Favorite Upper Grade Product => Vocab Ahead

Favorite Special Needs Product => See-N-Read

Favorite Christian Education Product => Apologia

Best Resource I Didn’t Know I Needed => Lanschool Technologies

Best Customer Service => Peterson Directed Handwriting

Best Online Resource => Big IQ Kids

Best e-product => Zeezok Publishing-ZGuide to the Movies

Best Technology Resource => Collectorz

Best Homeschool Resource => Yesterday’s Classics

Best Book, Novel or Magazine => Zoe & Sozo Publishing-Foundlings

Best Children’s Book => Kregel Publications-Circle C Beginnings

Best Hands-On Resource => Corps of Re-Discovery

Most Adaptable Resource => The Write Foundation

Most Unique Resource => GoTrybe

Most Family-Oriented Product => Growing Healthy Homes-Nutrition 101

Kid’s Choice => Schleich Action Figures

All Around Crew Favorite => Institute For Excellence in Writing

The Schoolhouse Planners

Have you checked out the 2011-12 Schoolhouse Planners yet?  As many of you approach a new school year, you may be in need of a little help!  Click the link to check these great planners out!

 

TOS Digital Directory

The TOS Digital Supplement/Business Directory is now available and, best of all, FREE!!  Click the link and take some time to read the great articles and resources!

 

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Subscription

A note from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (which I currently subscribe to myself and love!)

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is excited to announce our 2011 Homeschool Gifts Bouquet--our popular, semi-annual 19 Gifts promotion. There were 5,000 packages available but since we launched in late February, we're almost sold out! We're thinking they'll be all gone by early May.

If you haven't already subscribed, NOW is your opportunity to get an amazing homeschooling publication in your hands... or in the hands of a homeschooling friend!

You will have several educational GIFTS rolling in over the next few weeks! What kinds of companies are on board this year?

PLUS...

BEYOND the 19 free gifts, you'll also receive our monthly Teacher's Toolbox email and access to our SUBSCRIBER ONLY website. This is our BRAND NEW password-protected site which is LOADED with resources for TOS subscribers ONLY.

As a subscriber to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine you'll flip through approximately 200 glossy, color pages of vibrant and encouraging inspiration every quarter.

Save your spot today!

 

FREE TOS Holiday Digital Supplement

A Message from The Old Schoolhouse, 

It is here! Our new Digital Holiday Supplement is finished and ready to enjoy--just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We hope you will find it to be a heartwarming, fun, and festive addition to your seasonal celebrations.

This FREE 176-page digital magazine is packed with all new content for 2010 and takes you around the world to explore Christmas in other lands. Inside you'll discover festive ideas, fun crafts, special recipes, and activity pages for your children.

Plus, as a special bonus, we've included articles full of homeschooling advice and encouragement from our 2010 Fall Schoolhouse Expo speakers.

Download your gift here: The Old Schoolhouse® Digital Holiday Supplement. Then spread the cheer, and tell your friends about this exciting holiday guide. 

TOS Secondary Student Planner Review

Our Homeschool Reviews was asked by The Old Schoolhouse (TOS) to review one of their many student planners and I am excited to share with you what I received.  TOS has the following planners available for sale: 

Primary Planner—grades K–3

Secondary School Planner—grades 4–6
Middle School Planner—grades 7–8
High School Planner—grades 9–12



Since I was allowed to choose, I chose the Secondary School Planner for grades 4-6.  

This planner is as much for the student as it is for the parent.  Included is a 2010-2011 monthly school calendar with customizable sheets.  The calendar is wonderful, but what I have liked the best are the Informational Must-Know Lists and Forms.  I was surprised to see that there were several with information that we are studying right now.  Some of my favorite lists are:

The Miracles of Jesus (with Bible references)
Basic Roman Numerals (we just studied this in Math)
History Timeline (nice to have it all in one place)

Some forms I printed out immediately include:

Books Read This Year
Field Trip Log (love this one!)
Bible Memorization Record
Memory Work Record

There are many more and I can't even begin to list them all.   

My Thoughts: For the price, you can't beat what you are getting.  I don't have to spend the time creating all of these forms now, they are all there and I can use them year after year.  Normally I don't like using ink to print out forms, but I can choose how much I want to print and when. 

Find Out More: The Old Schoolhouse Store sells the Secondary School Planner as an e-book for only $9.95.  You can view a sample of it HERE.  

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

Cranberries and Cream

Carry your heart for homeschooling everywhere you go with the FREE TOS Magazine Homeschooling with Heart tote bag.

It's their Cranberries & Cream edition--how cute for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It's yours free with a $19.95 two-year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. The subs in this sale start with the Winter Issue, BUT they are going to give you the Fall Issue free (mailing in October), plus their new E-Book: Cranberry Christmas.

This two-year deal is only good through midnight on Saturday, October 2. Then, the offer goes to a one-year subscription from Sunday through Wednesday.

Don't Forget About The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner!

Just a reminder about this awesome planner!

• 614 Pages
• Calendar through 2013
• Weekly and Daily Schedules
• Assignments and Attendance Charts
• Planning Forms
• Tracking and Activity Logs
• Report Cards
• Transcript Forms...and MUCH MORE!!

There are literally hundreds of forms and many are customizable!!

Also included is educational information:

• July: Tips for managing your homeschool while managing your home
• August: The benefits of joining a homeschool co-op
• September: The value of reading the classics
• October: Teaching your children good manners: It starts with RESPECT

TOS Magazine's Schoolhouse Store offers The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner for only $39.  Not a bad price considering you won't have to ever buy a planner again!  You can read more about it HERE and see some sample pages HERE. 

Also available are NEW Student Planners.  You can choose from Primary, Middle School, and/or High School and you can see those HERE.

You can also read my review HERE.

Disclosure: As a member of the TOS Crew, I wrote this while participating in the The Old Schoolhouse advertising campaign, making me eligible to win a prize. I received a free copy of the planner to facilitate the writing of this blog post.