Starfall Education Foundation ~ Review

My youngest daughter has been having a more difficult time with learning to read than my three older children. We go through a phonics program every day and she has been catching on, but I felt she needed something more that could help her learn to read. I also look for educational programs and apps that have more to offer than just one subject. I love when I find out about fun products that will allow her to have fun while learning. Over the past several weeks, my six year old daughter has been using The Starfall Home Membership that is offered by the Starfall Education Foundation.

The Home Membership is a single account that uses the same email address and password for multiple computers and apps for your immediate family. Starfall is available to use on a computer or it is available to download onto a tablet through an app. Starfall covers many different subject areas that help children learn. Kids can learn math, music, calendar, and reading. There are also activities to go with the different holidays and seasons. Most of the activities children can play are on a first and second grade level.
The activities are fun and children are also learning at the same time. There are also several activities that can be spread out over several days so if you only want your child to play for a certain amount of time, you can have them go through one or two activities a day.

Math ~ Children can learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and even listen to math and number songs. They can also learn about shapes, patterns, and weights.
Phonics/Reading ~ Children can learn short vowel sounds, alphabet sounds, put the vowel into words, and have stories read to them or read the stories themselves.

The parent-teacher center part of Starfall has different supplemental resources that you are able to use to help your child learn. There are different pages that you are able to print off and there is also a worksheet generator. There are many printable downloads available ranging in topics from handwriting to short vowels to grammar and journal writing. There are also math printable downloads available that help children learn greater than and less than and money.

Since my daughter was more familiar with using a tablet than the computer, I downloaded the app onto her Kindle Fire for her to use the program that way. She played through many of the games every day. I did not realize that the app was a little different from the computer until I was looking at Starfall on the computer and my daughter mentioned she didn’t have some of the games/ activities. There were only a few games on the computer version that were not on the app.

My daughter did mention that some of the activities were boring to her, but I think it is because she already knew the material. Overall, she has enjoyed playing on the app and going through the different areas and learning some new things.  There is a lot of reading and phonics activities and that is where I felt my daughter needed the most help, so I had her spend most f time on the phonics and reading. She has been doing a lot better with her reading and has become more confident with her reading.

We give The Starfall Home Membership 4 stars!

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ 2/25/18

I am linking up with:

R is for Reading

I just wanted to share with you what we have been reading in our house.

Earlier this month, I wrote a review for a book from a new to me author. Since I posted that review, I have ordered the books from the author’s first series and I am working my way through those. The first book is Counted with the Stars.

These books are Biblical Christian fiction that are based on a time period from the Bible. Counted with the Stars is based on the ten plagues and the exodus of the Hebrews out of Egypt. Kiya, an Egyptian, who was a slave, has taken refuge with the Hebrews and is now relying on Yahweh to protect her and help her.

I highly recommend these books if you are looking for a clean, Biblical fiction book to read.

My boys are reading The Red Badge of Courage for literature. This is one of the novels that is listed for reading in the Hewitt Homeschooling  Lightning Literature American Mid to Late 19th Century pack. They seem to be enjoying it so far.

My 7th grade daughter is reading Little House in the Big Woods for her final literature book this year.

I also have the accompanying study guide from Progeny Press for her to go through.

In her free time, she is reading through some books I got her for Christmas, the Glimmer Girls series by Natalie Grant.

I haven’t been reading much to my youngest daughter, just little books here and there. She likes when we are able to read longer chapter books together. I just received a new review product in the mail from Carole P. Roman, so she will be happy to read through those books to have something new.

Are you reading anything? Share below in the comments. I love to read!

I’m linking up with:

Bytes of Learning ~ Review of UltraKey Online

It has been a difficult task for me to try to find some curriculum for the different classes I want my children to learn or study. I research different curriculum and try to get the best or close to the best for my children. Even while doing research and trying to find the best fit for our household, it is easy to overlook some products that are affordable and gives you the best. Bytes of Learning is something I wish I had stumbled on when I was looking for a typing/keyboarding curriculum to use for my son.

Although my 10th grade son was using a different program for his keyboarding/typing class this year, I thought he could use something different that had more to offer. And the program I was using was geared more towards younger kids while UltraKey Online Family Subscription is geared for any age and does not use any childish features. With the family subscription, you are able to choose between 3 users, 5 users, and 8 users at an affordable price.

UltraKey Online is based completely online. There is nothing to install on your computer or download from the internet, it is all online. It is easy to set up a subscription and once you become familiar with the management dashboard it is easy to set up all of your users. From the manager dashboard you are able to create accounts for each person and also generate reports to see the progress of each student. This program is also self-paced so the student can work at their own pace. You are also able to repeat lessons and skill checks. There are also games that can be played to help learn the letters.

When we received the information to set up our account, I went ahead and set myself up as a student so I could use the program myself and see how it all works. My 10th grade son also has his own account that he is working through. When you log in for the first time, you can just start the program or take an assessment that will tell you how much you already know like your typing speed and mistakes and will set a goal for you to try to aim for each time you take a skill check.

There is also a settings menu where you are able to adjust the settings of each user. This is the spot where you are able to pick a background you like, choose how you want the keyboard displayed on the settings and even change the skin tone of the hands that show you where to place your hands on the keyboard. You can also turn off the step by step learning that is automatic when you log in for the first time. If you don’t want to go through each step, such as posture and finger position before starting the lessons, it is easy to turn off that setting and just jump right into the lessons.

UltraKey Online is meant to be used each day for 20-30 minutes or less if you are using the program with a younger child. You start the lessons with the home keys and take a skills test after completing each lesson.

I tried to get familiar with the dashboard so I would know what all is available there. There is an area where the administrator is able to generate reports. You can take a look at the progress each student has made and see when they passed their skill checks and what lessons they have completed. I’m not sure why when I generated the reports it only shows one user having completed some of the areas when both of us have completed them (for example, the home row line in the picture to the right).

Since my son had been already typing, he has gone through this online typing program fairly quickly with just a few more lessons remaining. I may have him go through again to see if he can improve his typing. After you complete a lesson, you are to take a skill check and a report generates when you are done telling you your accuracy and words per minute (wpm).



I didn’t go through the program as fast as my son (he was doing a lesson every day), but from what I have used of the program, I like it a lot. I also think that this program has helped my son increase his accuracy and wpm. He didn’t do well on one of the skill checks so he went back and tried it again to get a better accuracy and wpm that was at his goal or above his goal. I liked that I am able to generate a report that tells me his progress and what lessons he has completed. One thing I also liked about this program that we were able to take an assessment to help us move along at a good pace. My son likes that this program is not childish and that he has a goal that is set based on his own assessment and not a goal I set for him. This is a program that is affordable and easy to use and I will definitely use this for my other children.

We give UltraKey Online Family Subscription 5 stars!

Wulf the Saxon ~ Review

Do you love history? Are you learning about ancient European history in your studies? Have you read books by G.A. Henty and want to hear them in an audio drama? Do you need something to listen to while on long car rides? Heirloom Audio Productions has, over the last several years, been recording audio dramas based on G.A. Henty’s works. They have already done several and their latest is Wulf the Saxon. They have had some famous actors and actresses for many of the voices in their productions including Brian Blessed as G.A. Henty.  Others include John Rhys-Davies, Cathy Sara, Tom Baker, Kirk Cameron, Joanne Froggatt, and Sean Astin just to name a few.

My kids and I like to listen to audio dramas really just for the fun of it. By listening to Henty’s works, this is a great way for my kids to learn more about him and his works. It also helps them with learning more about the area in which the story takes place. The audio dramas are also great for families with different age groups. Although some of these stories may not be appropriate for children under six, my kids ranging in age from almost 7 to 16 have enjoyed listening to these audio dramas together.

Wulf the Saxon takes place around the year 1066. It takes place in the countries of England and France. The first part of the drama begins with Mr. George talking with two boys and explaining to them kings, earls, and dukes. He tells them the difference between the three of them. Wulf is a young Saxon man when King Edward (the confessor) was on the throne. After the introduction, the adventure begins. Wulf becomes a thane to Harold who is an Earl who eventually becomes King. While working under Harold, Wulf does different things for Harold, like running errands and fighting in some battles to protect him.

I love listening to these dramas because it becomes so real. For instance, while they are sailing in a ship, a storm is happening. The sound effects are so real that you can almost feel the waves yourself and see the ship rolling over the waves. And you become relieved yourself when they finally see land.

As time goes on, the Duke of Normandy finds a way to trick Harold into taking an oath and Harold is to be the Duke’s servant.  But Wulf makes sure Harold gets safely back on the ship to England. More time passes and Harold eventually becomes King.  Eventually, Harold and Wulf find themselves shipwrecked on the shores of Normandy. And without giving too much of the story away, unless you know your history, Harold and Wulf find themselves fighting in the Battle of Hastings.  Without going into all of the details, I will just say that listening to this battle makes you feel like you are there with Wulf and the others.

We love listening to these audio dramas and learning more about G.A.Henty and more about the years that his books have covered. We have in the past used the study guide, but this time we listened to the story in two sittings and did not have any further discussions.

Wulf the Saxon is another 5-star product! It is professionally recorded and it is able to draw you in right from the start.



These stories are great to listen to on their own, but if you wanted to expand your studies with questions, vocabulary, and more, you can do that by joining the Live the Adventure Club.

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ 2/18/18

I’m linking up with:

Five Minute Friday ~ Why

It's been a while since I have done a five minute Friday post, so here goes.

Why?
I have been asking myself that question a lot over the past couple of months.
Why am I going through this trial?
Why am I the only one under this stress?
Why is God not fixing things?
Why did a family member die so quickly?
Why?

We seem to ask ourselves and others this question when we just don't understand. I have been going through some trying times since the beginning of this year and I have asked God "Why?" After questioning Him, He sends someone along to remind me that I am not alone. I just need to trust Him and trust that He knows what He is doing. It is difficult at times to not question God, but He is there and will always be there with you. He will send a reminder just when you are about to break. He will send a reminder just when you feel like there is no one that would understand your situation. He is there and will always be there.

Isaiah 41:10 ~ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

I am linking up with:
and Five Minute Friday

Q is for Questions (An Interview With My Almost Seven Year Old)

In the past, I have asked my now almost seven year old some questions to see how her answers change. I always forget to ask them to her each year. I asked her the first questions four years ago when she was three and the most recent questions are from two years ago when she was five.

Here are her answers this year:

1. What is your favorite color? Purple
2. What is your favorite toy? Purple Horse (Stuffed animal)
3. What is your favorite fruit? Kiwi
4. What is your favorite tv show? Price is Right
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Spaghetti
6. What is your favorite animal? Horse
7. What is your favorite song? I don’t have one
8. Who is your best friend?  Layla
9. What is your favorite dinner? I don’t know…I think it would be some cookies
10. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play hide and seek
11. What is your favorite drink? Caffeine Free Pepsi
12. What is your favorite place to go? To the park
13. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Purple Horse
14. What do you want for your birthday? Go to the park and eat Cookout (a restaurant we have here in NC)
15. What do you want to be when you grow up? Farmer

I am linking up with:

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ 2/11/18

I’m linking up with:

P is for Psalm

A psalm, according to Merriam-Webster, is a sacred song or poem used in worship. Knowing that David was a musician in his younger years, it makes sense that he would have so many songs and poems that would be written down for generations in the Bible. Although he didn’t write every Psalm, I still think he enjoyed writing songs and poems and praising God. I enjoy reading through Psalm and besides Psalm 23 my favorite passage is Psalm 100 (even though it’s not clear who wrote this Psalm).

Psalm 100 ~ “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Reading through the book of Psalm will give you encouragement and help you get through hardships. When I am going through a difficult time, I pick up my Bible and turn to read a Psalm.

Do you have a favorite Psalm?

I’m linking up with:

A Light On The Hill ~ Book Review

I love finding new to me authors and being able to read a good Christian fiction book. Recently I found an author I haven’t read before and she was looking for influencers for a new book in a new series she was launching (which is today February 6). One word ~ Wow! I am so glad to have found Connilyn Cossette and read her latest novel, A Light On The Hill.

I love reading Christian fiction and have read from several authors over the years, but have never found an author that could hook me from the first page, but Connilyn has managed to do just that.

About the book: Moriyah, who had been taken captive in Jericho seven years ago and was branded with the mark of the Canaanites gods, is trying to find peace with God in her life.  The mark causes her to hide behind veils, Moriyah hides and doesn’t socialize. Because of this, she has not had any thoughts about marriage…until now. Her father has found someone who is willing to marry her.  She will cook and be a mother to the motherless sons of this man. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to leave her home and head to a city of refuge.  It is not an easy journey fleeing to the city of refuge. She encounters many dangers along the way.



My thoughts: This was the first book I have read that is written by Connilyn Cossette and it is not my last (I've already ordered the 1st book in her 1st series). This book is a Biblical fiction and you can tell from reading the book that much research was done. Connilyn has actually visited the Biblical cities that she is writing about.  Although there may be some parts that are not true to what would have happened during that time (I don't want to give anything away), I realized that this is a fictional story and the details are added to help tell the story.

If Moriyah was a real person, I would have wanted her for a friend. She is a great woman of character and finds out how to trust in God again after being through so much. I really loved everything about this book, the people, the places, and just everything. This is a great book if you are looking for a clean romance Biblical Christian fiction book.

I cannot wait for the second book in this new series to be released. Connilyn has me hooked!

*I received an advanced copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.*

Scripture and a Snapshot ~ 2/4/18

I’m linking up with:

O is for Outside

We are blessed to live in a state where we are able to get outside and do some outdoor activities throughout the year. Eastern North Carolina is a place where (most of the time) all four seasons are observed. There are some years where we have a mild winter and just jump right into the 90’s in March or April and summer lasts all the way to October or November some years, but overall, we see all four seasons.

We make a point to get outside every week, especially if the weather is nice. My boys have a basketball goal and they like to play soccer. My girls ride their bikes and do other things outside.
We also like to go to state parks and do some hiking throughout the year. We are blessed to live in an area that has several hiking trails within an hours drive. My youngest still like to go to the playground, so we go when we can and let her run off her energy.

We also tent camped last summer in Florida. Phew…that was an experience and I don’t know if I would do it again. Hot and sticky. Rain and thunder. But we made it through and had a great experience.

We also go the beach several times during the year since we live 45 miles from the closest beach.

So, put all your electronics away and get outside and enjoy each other’s company and have fun!

I am linking up with: