TOS Crew: Family Mint

Our next port of call on this year's TOS Homeschool Crew Voyage is Family Mint. Family Mint is a money management website for families. It is a free service, which definitely helps with  the bottom line, and  fits right into my price point!!

So what exactly is Family Mint? It is a website designed to teach kids hands on money management skills.

With Family Mint your children will learn;

~Kids manage their own money, by setting goals and entering transactions.
~Kids Track  how they have made their money.
~Designate how much will go towards something they are saving for.

Parents motivate their children by;

~Setting Interest Rates
~Automating Allowance
~Matching Deposits (like a 401K)

So how do you achieve all of this?  Your family will start a 'virtual' bank. You will name the bank and you the parent will become the banker.

Your children will then each open up savings accounts with the family bank.
Now each dollar that is represented in this virtual bank, represents a real dollar that your child has earned.  He will make the deposit to you the banker. And it will be notated in their personal account.

The benefit of this is that the money isn't actually online, so it is not

susceptible to hackers. Family Mint is simply an accouting service. However, by using this program, it helps the parent and the child.

I don't know about you, but with 5 kids, I sometimes lose track of who made what amount of money, doing the various extra jobs around the house. This will help with that. I can go in and enter the transaction, or the children can enter the transaction, for me to approve. Also, when your children have saved money for quite a long time, and would like to withdraw it. That will be approved by the banker as well. So, if your child has been saving for a new bicycle, and decides he would like to go buy lunch for him and some buddies, you would have the ability to talk to them about that choice, before the hasty decision is made! I like that!

It also allows the child to really 'see' how much they have earned, and how much they have saved toward their goals. In this day and age of instant gratification, I think this is a very useful tool.

This is a free service, however, I think your children will learn some skills that will be priceless in their adult life. So many times, money management skills are simply not addressed. Family Mint helps you teach these valuable skills.

Please visit the crew blog to see what my crew mates have to say about Family Mint!

TOS Crew: Galaxy of Education

  Our next stop on our TOS Homeschool Crew Voyage is with the fine people at Galaxy of Education. As Crew Mates we were given free access to their Math Galaxy Programs and E-books in exchange for our honest opinions.

  If you have followed my voyage for any amount of time, you know that math is not my favorite subject. So anytime I stumble across a program or tool that will help me teach my children math skills, this intrigues me. Will it indeed be a program that will help us?

 First, let's look at what they have available. There are several Java-based programs covering the topics of;

~Math Galaxy Whole Numbers Fun
~Math Galaxy Word Problems Fun
~Math Galaxy Fractions Fun
~Math Galaxy Decimals, Proportions and Percents Fun
~Math Galaxy Pre-Algebra Fun
~Math Galaxy Algebra Fun

There is also something available called The Riddler Worksheet  Generator. It is available in the following titles;

~Whole Numbers
~Fractions
~Decimal Proportions Percents
~Algebra

Math Galaxy also offers several E-books they call Riddles Books. The are av

~Fraction Riddles E-book
~Algebra Riddles E-book
~Whole Numbers Riddles E-book
~Decimal Riddles E-book

I have seen pros and cons with these programs. The PROS: my son enjoyed using them! That is half the battle right there, isn't it? He would sit down and work about 45 minutes on his math. Secondly, it really was helping him The way the program works is when you click into a subject, say... 'Area' off of the screen below...

You are then taken to a screen that gives you a couple of options. One of those options is 'review'. When you click on that area, it is a tutorial. Your child will click through a series of screens learning the skill he will be using in that section. Once he completes that  he can move onto the doing the practice problems. You can choose to have them do 'step by step' or 'final answer only'. We always chose 'step by step'.  These programs have helped to move him along quicker than he was working through his math previously. That is a plus!

Now, what are the con's? First, your child needs to be a reader! If you have a struggling reader, then this program is not going to be a good fit. They have to read through the tutorials and problems.  We have several dyslexics in my home, so this was an issue for some of my children.  The second would be that, when the child does his work he earns robots, that allow him to play some games that are included with the program. Which is a great incentive. However, you must be aware that the robots do not carry over for future use. So you need to work that reward time, into the time you have allowed them to use Math Galaxy.  And the final con, is that it is not a tool that you can use, and see really how your children are doing. There are no reports offered to show they have mastered a skill, or even what kinds of problems they have been doing. Having this feature would really enhance this product.

However, even with the cons that I listed, I really did like this program. We learned how to work the program to best serve our family and it really has been a blessing.


You can order any of the Java Based Programs and the Riddlers Worksheet Generators for $24.95 each. The  E-books are available for $12.95. You can order all of these products  by visiting Math Galaxy.

Please take a moment to cruise on over to the crew blog to see what my crew mates have to say about these products.

TOS Crew: Children's Bible Hour

 As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, we were sent the 4 books from the Seasons of Faith Series from Children's Bible Hour. I have been familiar with Children's Bible Hour, because of their Keys for Kids program. This is something that we have been using in our homeschool for years. So I was interested to see what these books were going to be.

These books are adapted from radio scripts from Children's Bible Hour.  In our homeschool we have often used read alouds and audio books and old time radio shows as a way to enhance and expand our learning. So, even at first glance these books seem to be a good fit.

CBH Ministries gear their products to the 6-12 year old. And I think that these books fall right into the age category.

The books are paperback and glossy. The illustrations are top notch!

The books are narrated by Uncle Charlie, when I listened to the books, they reminded me of the old time radio shows in their style, except the quality is much better! No scratching sounds!!

In the Seasons of Faith series the children are encouraged to learn about their faith in God. Each book in the series focuses on a season of faith-development.  There is a little tree in the corner of the book, that indicates the season this story is depicting.  And on the back of the book, there is a key that describes each season.

Spring: This is a time when people experience new like in Christ.  Faith develops and Christians begin to share the Salvation message with others.

The Seasons of Faith begins with Race With Midnight.

Summer: The season when faith grows under God's love and care. Fruit is witnessed and triumphs are gained through applying His Word and striving to be the best we can be in Christ.

'You can't Come in' is written for the summer season.

Autumn: Times of struggle and temptation, peer pressure, making mistakes, and scary transitions happen in this season.  Even though it might seem like nothing good can come from this time, God has promised is He will be there.  He will teach us how to forgive and then grow in grace.

In this season you will find the story; Seventy Times Seven.

Winter: This season is the most difficult.  Deep struggles, mourning, trying to make it through difficult times, or the death of a loved on can pull us away from God. He teaches is to lean on Him for comfort and peace.

The series concludes with the story, 'Braving the Storm'.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven"

I found each of these books to be a story that not only did my children relate to, but my heart was ministered to while listening to these stories with my children as well.

Another way that we decided to use these books was to help my dyslexic students. What was nice about these books is that the words in the story were conversational, not babyish in anyway.

So we used this to have them read along with to help with word recognition, as well as, to learn how to read with proper inflection, with is something they sometimes struggle in.

You can visit CBH Ministries to purchase individual books for $10 each or the entire set for $40. If you purchase the set between March 17th and April 15, 2010, they are offering FREE SHIPPING!
Simply use the code FREESHIPAPR15.

You can also find free study questions available at their site.

Please don't forget to visit the crew blog to see what my crew mates thought of this product.




I was sent the products reviews in this post for free in exchange for my honest opinion. The above post has fulfilled my obligation.

TOS Crew: Pandia Press

As a non-text book homeschooler, I love discovering a new Unit Study program, well at least new to me.

As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, we were sent a free level from Pandia Press. Pandia Press publishes nonsectarian science and history curricula in the style of a classical education.  I was sent History Odyssey Modern Times, Level 2 for free in exchange for my honest opinion. Level two is recommended for grade 7 and up, which include more difficult writing assignments and literary analysis.)  In level two guides students learn information organization, literary analysis, research skills, and writing skills through reading some of the greatest historical literature for each time period. Level two guides teach outlining, timeline analysis, geography, and critical thinking through daily lessons that are written for students to use independently.

I did not get nearly as far as I would like to have gotten prior to writing this review. However, I am familiar not only with this type of curriculum, but the concept of Unit Studies.

This unit study uses literature to teach History, Geography and Writing. We began using the program by reading Around the World in 80 Days. We actually have not read the book before, so we were looking forward to this study.

During this study, the kids had mapping assignments, writing assignments and research assignments. I really liked that there are tools to help the child learn how to write research papers. We did enjoy the time we have spent using this program.

I will tell you one thing that I appreciated. The fact that the 'required' book list is not two feet long. In fact it is very minimal. Several of them I have already have on my shelf, or will be able to acquire at the library or cheaply used.

While there are some wonderful activities that are included, thankfully, the projects are not so crazy that you feel like you will never be able to get them done.  Which is how I felt with other programs.  This program has a nice balance.

You can purchase the e-book version of this program directly from Pandia Press. You can purchase the printed version from their list of approved vendors. You can find that list here. And you can order the e-books here.  This level is available for $34.

As usual, please visit the crew blog to see what my crew mates have to say about Pandia Press.

TOS Crew: Homeschool In the Woods

I have known of Homeschool in the Woods for many years.  I had received their freebies a few times and have always  liked what I have seen. Last year, I had the opportunity to review the Old Testament Lapbook from them. You can read my review for that here.

I was pleased to see that we were going to, again,  be reviewing products from Homeschool in the Woods. And I was thankful for their generosity.

We received 2 bundles. World Maps and  US Maps. That sounds very self explanatory . However, that does not really scratch the surface of what is included in the packages.

In the US Maps package you will receive maps of the United States, and of each state. You have a choice of maps as well. There are labeled, not labeled, and simply an outline. You might ask what is the difference between, outline, and not labeled. The outline is simply that, is the political border of the state. However, with the non labeled map you will have some of the geographical marking on the map, for you to label.  You will also receive fact sheets for each state of the union. These fact sheets are beautifully laid out, and will walk your child through all the state facts, in a 'fill in the blank' notebooking fashion. There is also a place to either attach or draw each states flag.  As well as, to record any other interesting facts you found during your study.

You can make a binder of these, and do a study of the history of the entire country, and not just your respective state. Included with this package are even binder spine labels, which I thought was really neat. Most of my binders are marked with permanent marker to label!

What is really neat, that in the World Maps Package you will find not only current maps, you will also receive maps for ancient civilizations. Again, both labeled and not labeled. These will make perfect companions whether you are studying geography or ancient world history!  I really liked these!

In addition the maps included in this package, again, you have a ton of notebooking pages! I have to admit that these pages are really neat. Not your ordinary pages. They have come up with some fun ways for your kids to share what they have learned.. Such as, travel brochures, missionary notebook pages, recipes cards, holiday pages, just to name a few.


What's great, is you print off as many, or as little as, you need, and they fit right inside a binder! Print them on card stock to make them a wee bit more durable. Laminate them, and use a dry erase marker during lessons. The possibilities are endless!

Not only are the resources included with these packages useful for specific study, they are also handy to have around for future study. I know that this will be something that we will go back to again and again as we move along on our homeschool journey.

You can learn all about both of these packages by visiting Homeschool in the Woods.

Both packages are available on CD or for download. The download version is available to $18.95 each OR you can purchase the combo pack for $28.95.
Or you can purchase the CD for $19.95 each OR the combo pack for $29.95.

As usual, please visit the crew blog to see what my crew mates have to say about this product!

Happy Exploring!!!

**As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I was sent free copies of the products reviewed in this post, in exchange for my honest opinion. This review post, is my honest opinion of the product.**

The Old Schoolhouse Expo!!!!

Below you will find my reminder post regarding the Old Schoolhouse Expo. Since writing the original post, I have registered with the expo, and downloaded all of the freebies that are included with the pre-registration.
I want to stress, that you will  not be disappointed! I counted over 35 freebies! And there were even a few I did not download, because I had already purchased them prior to this. I don't think it would be too much of a spoiler to tell you, that these freebies,  not only come from TOS, but from some favorite homeschool vendors!

Whether you can make it to your local convention or not, this will be a convention you don't want to miss!!! Find out what all the buzz is about.......


As many of you know, I have been a fan of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine for many years! Long before I had the opportunity to serve on the TOS Crew! I have always recommended the magazine as one resource that a Christian Homeschool should invest in!

Over the years, TOS has expanded to more than just a wonderful magazine. They know include books and planners and many other resources developed by homeschool moms for homeschool moms! I am constantly amazed at what they come up with!

They have done it again! Coming up in May, they are holding the Schoolhouse Expo! Please take a moment and read about what an awesome resource it will be, and all the freebies you will get my registering!

As part of the crew, we have been given the opportunity to attend the expo free of charge, if we share about the Expo, twice, over the next two weeks.  This serves as my first post.

Below you will find all of the official info about the Expo. Please take some time to read about it! Some of our favorite and well known authors and speakers will be speaking during this event!

If you are unable to attend your local conference, please think about attending this one, from the comfort of your own  home!!!

Happy Homeschooling!







If you're looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!

Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off! 
Click here to read the details.

Then, if you're customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S. 
only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.

The BIGGEST news of all--The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!   
Pre-register now and save $5!

As homeschool teachers, what do you need to learn? More about teaching multiple grades? All about different homeschool methods? Transcripts? 
Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more? 
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school?those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, an 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker?s Bureau.

Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you'll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.
Get the details and preregister here http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com

The Schoolhouse Expo

As many of you know, I have been a fan of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine for many years! Long before I had the opportunity to serve on the TOS Crew! I have always recommended the magazine as one resource that a Christian Homeschool should invest in!

Over the years, TOS has expanded to more than just a wonderful magazine. They know include books and planners and many other resources developed by homeschool moms for homeschool moms! I am constantly amazed at what they come up with!

They have done it again! Coming up in May, they are holding the Schoolhouse Expo! Please take a moment and read about what an awesome resource it will be, and all the freebies you will get my registering!

As part of the crew, we have been given the opportunity to attend the expo free of charge, if we share about the Expo, twice, over the next two weeks.  This serves as my first post.

Below you will find all of the official info about the Expo. Please take some time to read about it! Some of our favorite and well known authors and speakers will be speaking during this event!

If you are unable to attend your local conference, please think about attending this one, from the comfort of your own  home!!!

Happy Homeschooling!







If you're looking for homeschool encouragement, resources, and fun, check out all that is going on at The Old Schoolhouse!

Right now March Madness and Win Big are going on in the Schoolhouse Store. During March Madness, over 240 items are 10 to 40 percent off! 
Click here to read the details.

Then, if you're customer 139,000, 139,500, or 140,000, you will win over $348 in prizes. Prizes include a 5 year subscription to TOS (U.S. 
only), Scripture Sleuth literature series, guitar lessons on CD, and more! Hurry, they are just past customer #137,818.

The BIGGEST news of all--The Schoolhouse Expo is coming in May!   
Pre-register now and save $5!

As homeschool teachers, what do you need to learn? More about teaching multiple grades? All about different homeschool methods? Transcripts? 
Could you use some help with reading, language arts, math, and more? 
Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching middle school and high school?those dreaded, advanced courses? Would some encouraging words and motivational Scripture help you on your way? Get answers when you attend The Schoolhouse Expo, an 3-day, online conference, presented by The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse® Speaker?s Bureau.

Pre-register today for only $19.99 through March 31.You do not want to miss this unbelievable, virtual homeschool convention! PLUS, you'll receive over $300 in free gifts when you register.
Get the details and preregister here http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com

TOS Crew: Great Software Tool Graphics Toolbox

When I heard that we, as members of the TOS Homeschool Crew would be reviewing Great Software Tools Graphics Toolbox, I was both thrilled and apprehensive.

In addition to a homeschool mother, and amateur blogger, I also write the monthly newsletter for our local homeschool group. I was hoping that this program, might help me with the newsletter. Help to give it a new look. And in time, I am sure it will.

What is Graphics Toolbox? It is a graphics design program, made especially for the home user. However, it has many features that are typical for professional software, at a cost that is geared for the average user. So, how does this tie into homeschooling?

It is simple really. As many of you know, our family uses hands on activities as much as we can, to facilitate comprehension. You can use Graphics Toolbox for the same reason. While you are at it, you can create unique projects that your kids will both enjoy creating and will be proud to showcase!

As I mentioned earlier, I am a novice at Graphic Design. So learning how to work the program, has not been as easy as I hoped for, however, it has been easier than I expected.. if that makes sense.

I had grand ideas of being able to do wonderful projects quickly, while I have learned how to do several things, they are still in the beginning stages. I intended to place my first projects below. However, I have been having trouble uploading them. I will get those up as soon as possible!!

***Please visit here to see the project completed during my trial review period.***

At this point, I have learned to extract an image from a photo. And insert it into a new photo. I had pictures of my kids playing piano in a competition, I took them with the piano out of the original photo, and put them in a photo playing in front of a large crowd. Which was really fun! They loved seeing the finished product!

My goal is to continue working with the program and share with you as I progress. Also, hoping to make some changes to my blog, once I figure out how to insert a new blog header, that is!

I must say, that I have really enjoyed getting to know this program, and look forward to my continued use and understanding of it. I will tell you, that I tried a different graphic design program several years ago, and it was much too complicated.  Graphics Toolbox was easier to understand. Primarily due to the tutorials on their website that give you step by step directions on how to use the program.  You can see some of those tutorials, by visiting here.  With out those, I would not have been able to figure out what the buttons were used for, or I should say, how to use them.

Another plus is the fact that Graphics Toolbox is available for $149. That is an amazing price. The last program I looked at was upwards of $600. The $149 price point, makes it possible for the home user to have the same professional quality at a home user price!

Please visit the crew blog to see what my crew mates think of this product!

I received a free copy of Graphics Toolbox in exchange for my honest opinion. All claims expressed here are mine alone.

**New Disclaimer** As of May 2010, I am now working with Graphics Toolbox as a Homeschool Sale Specialist. The above review was written prior to any working relationship was created.

If you would like more information on purchasing Graphics Toolbox or how to incorporate it into your homeschool, please contact me at jennifer@greatsoftwaretools.com

Pizza Hut Book It Reading Incentive Program

It's that time again! Time to enroll in the Pizza Hut Book-It Reading Incentive Program.

We have been doing this for years with our children! It has always been a huge hit with my kids. When you enroll in the program, they will send you a kit, including vouchers for a free personal pizza for your student, grades K-6. Enough for one a month for every month of the school year! A very good deal!

This is for next school year, so you will recieve your vouchers in mid-September.

Visit here to enroll your homeschool now!

Happy Reading!!!