Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Byron's Games Math Sprint - The Mental Math Game Review #ComplimentaryProductReceived


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

My family had the privilege of trying the Math Sprint - The Mental Math Game from Byron's Games for this review to use in conjunction with our own curriculum at home. This is a Homeschool Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.

While having an extended stay in a hospital a 6 year old boy named Byron was inspired by Mrs. Ellen Donovan, of the Family Life Center and the Olympic games that were going on at the time. To pass the time, he created his first board game, Continent Race. He wanted to help other kids avoid boredom during their hospital stays and brush up with their geography skills. Now Byron's Games has 2 games: Continent Race and Math Sprint, the Connections stationery kit, and Trailblazer products.

Math Sprint  - The Mental Math Game is a great game for helping with math mastery. Byron originally created this game for a local game inventor challenge. It too was inspired by the Olympic games, especially the running events. All you have to do to advance your piece is to solve a subtraction, addition, multiplication, division, or word problem. It is a race against other players to solve the problem first. There are also different skill levels with 3 race lengths and beginner to advanced level cards. Each color coded athlete playing piece has a profile picture with different hobbies and interests to go with it that you can pick from. This gives the players to have something they might relate to in the game. This math game is for ages 7 and up, you can have 2-8 players or teams, and a game takes about 30 minutes.

 

Game Contents:

  • Instructions
  • 258 cards: 92 Addition & Subtraction, 106 Multiplication & Division, 30 Wild Cards, 30 Challenge Cards
  • 1 marker
  • 1 running track board
  • 10 dry erase cards
  • 8 runner playing pieces

How to Play:

  1. Base on the age and level of your group, determine which card types to include in the draw pile, shuffle those into a deck, and place them face down in the middle of the board. The challenge cards should not be in play when playing with younger kids.
  2. Select your runner piece.
  3. Choose the race distance: 100m (shorter game and beginner level), 200m (intermediate level when have a bit more time to play), or 400m dash (advanced or older players or when the group has more time to play).
  4. Line your piece up on the starting line on the board running track where the race distance is you are running and pick one of the lanes numbered 1-8. The Coach should be in lane 1.
  5. Each player takes a turn being the Coach going clockwise, draws a card, and reads the math problem aloud or the adult or oldest can be the Coach the whole time.
  6. Each time a player answers a question correctly they can move their runner forward 2 spaces.
  7. If there is a tie in answering correctly, both players advance 2 spaces.
  8. If a player doesn't answer the question correctly they don't move.
  9. The first player to get the correct answer advances and is on the way to the finish line!
  10. If the Coach draws a Wild card, then  the Coach moves his/her piece as directed.
  11. If a Coach Tip card is drawn the Coach reads it aloud so all players can learn.
  12. If playing with a large group you can play in teams instead of individual players. Teams can discuss quietly and raise their hands when their team has the answer.
  13. Use the blank dry erase cards and dry erase marker to make up your own problems or work out solutions.


 

● Improves your kid's reasoning and logic skills
● Helps kids practice processing, analyzing, and calculating
● Boosts your own mental math abilities
● Provides precious time for you and your family to grow together

 

Zari, Teela, and I playing Math Sprint.

 

How We Used This and Our Thoughts:

It has been cold outside and so my kids have been playing a lot indoors. We have been enjoying a lot of board games, card games, and puzzles. One of the games that we have been playing on these chilly days is Math Sprint - The Mental Math Game by Byron's Games.

My daughters, Teela and Zari, who are ages 12 and 10 have been playing this game with me. I was the Coach in the first game we played. Teela chose the yellow playing piece which is Mary Matherina, Zari chose the green piece which is Mya Marcher, and I chose the blue piece which is Crystal Reaction. I liked Crystal, well, because she shares the same name as me and seems to like science. Zari and I started on the 100m level and Teela started on the 200m level. At first we shuffled all the cards together, but then Zari was having trouble with the division problems, so we took all those cards out so that we could level the playing field. We should have just picked out the appropriate cards to include in the game with all the wild cards to make it fun and unpredictable and make it a acceptable number of cards--not the entire deck.  Zari still didn't like that it was a math game because she doesn't like math and Teela was dominating the game because she was faster at getting the answers. Next time we play I think that I will play with Zari and be on her team so maybe she will have a chance at winning or maybe she can play with a friend that is at her same level.

All in all I liked Math Sprint - The Mental Math Game. It is a great game to brush up on your math and also help with learning new math skills for younger students. My kids had mixed feelings about the game and this is probably not going to be a game they turn to on their own off of our game shelf. I love that it is educational and teaches while playing. I think that I would still recommend it to families that homeschool and others that are looking for games that teach as well.


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Math Sprint  - The Mental Math Game {Byron's Games Reviews}

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Butterfly Box Review and Giveaway #yourbutterflybox #butterflybox #faithsubscriptionbox #christiansubscriptionbox #ComplimentaryProductReceived

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this product through FrontGate Media in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

Butterfly Box is a monthly subscription service for Christian women that helps you grow spiritually and get closer to God. Each box has 4-6 hand-selected curated items that have a overall theme. Boxes could include things like inspiring books, devotionals or journals, Christian jewelry, scripture decor or artwork, faith sharing cards, self-care pampering items (soaps, lotion, candles, tea, etc.), and other theme related gifts. These products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.

 

Butterfly Box in use.

My Thoughts:

I received the September Butterfly Box which is Woman of Prayer themed. This was a lovely light blue colored box with the Butterfly Box logo, a shortened version of the scripture Romans 12:2, and website link on it. Inside were some hand picked items that were various shades of blue and some Tea Drops.

Inside this Butterfly Box: 

  • A book: The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian - this devotional book has a turquoise embossed faux leather cover and a ribbon bookmark. In this book Stormie shares her most-loved prayers for women.
  • A journal: 'Be Still and Know' on the cover, ocean themed, spiral-bound with 192 lined pages to write in, and a presentation page in the front for gifting. Perfect for recording your own prayers, testimonies, and devotions.
  • Jewelry: My Prayer Bracelet - a reminder to pray for joy from Heart on Your Sleeve design. The card it came on has a prayer; "Today, I pray for abundant joy... Lord, may I be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, & faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12"
  • Self-Care Pampering Item: Tea Drops - one in sweet peppermint an one in vanilla white tea. These are loose leaf tea that is USDA organic and gluten free pressed with organic raw sugar into a shape. These dissolve easily in hot water and come individually wrapped. These are the perfect companion for prayer and devotion times.
  • Card: Weekly Prayer Guide bookmark to help with daily reminders for important things to lift up in prayer.

September Butterfly Box Contents.

 

This Butterfly Box was a sweet reminder of the power of prayer. I love every inch of its contents. I am looking forward to reading this devotional and writing down my thoughts in the journal it came with. I love the little bracelet. I have small wrists, but since you can pull the strings tighter it fits perfectly. I love the butterfly bead on it. It will always remind me to pray for joy and Transform * Renew * Pursue. I tried the Sweet Peppermint Tea Drop and it was delicious. I love how it was made of organic raw sugar, organic spearmint leaves and organic peppermint oil, caffeine free, and heart shaped. The Vanilla White Tea one is made of organic raw sugar, organic white peony tea, and organic vanilla extract, low in caffeine, high in antioxidants, and is flower shaped. The card will be a good daily prompt for prayers.

This is such a wonderful gift for any woman that needs something extra special during these turbulent times. 2020 has been such a difficult year for many. With so many uncertainties, we as Christian women know that God is with us and that he can help us through any of our trials. The Butterfly Box helps remind us of these things. It helps lift our spirits and keep us close to Christ.


WIN IT

  • Prize: Win 6 months of Butterfly Box
  • Host: Butterfly Box and FrontGate Media.
  • Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older.
  • Selection Process: 1 Winner will be selected on 10/30/2020 and notified by email at which time they will ask for your address. Winner will have 2 weeks to respond.
  • Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/butterfly-box-giveaway.html and fill out the form to enter.

 

BUY IT

Purchase the Butterfly Box with coupon code: WELCOME10 and get 10% off your order.

Friday, October 9, 2020

NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle Review #ComplimentaryProductReceived

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

My family had the privilege of trying a one year access to NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle from NatureGlo's eScience for this review to use in conjunction with our own curriculum at home. This is a Homeschool Review Crew Review. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.



NatureGlo's eScience is a neutral worldview (non-faith based viewpoint) math enrichment (MathArt) and science live and self-paced online courses and curriculum for home and school educators and students. It is founded and directed by Gloria Brooks; a nature lover, longtime RVer, and curriculum writer. She has been teaching since 1997 and holds a BA in k-12 education.

The NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle is a private bundle created only for The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. It has roughly 25 courses with lessons in MathArt, Marine Biology, Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians), Botany, and Geology. Class content is completely digital with a year access. These self-paced classes are pre-recorded and include PowerPoint presentations with slideshows, study guides, lesson enhancing YouTube videos and web resources. Each class has a study guide and sometimes quizzes (using Quizlet) you can base grades off of also and participation and completion of activities can be recorded by parents. The study guide has questions and an answer key.

 

Roadmap

 

There are two ways to go about having your student do the courses. You can have them follow NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Roadmap or go through the courses and lessons how you choose. This makes it more flexible. If you choose to follow the roadmap you will need to go in order of all the lessons, how they are presented. If you choose to skip around you may do so, but you have to be in the "My Courses" list in the "Student Dashboard". Once your student has selected and clicked on the course they would like to do they can scroll down and click on the first green bar lesson on that course page to start. This is courseware, which means when students go through and finish a lesson they can mark lessons complete and earn a digital award per lesson section they finish.

 

My Courses in the Dashboard

 

These courses are recommended for ages 10 and up. Content is appropriate for upper elementary, middle and high schoolers. Each course can be used with multiple students in the same household. You can either share one account or make individual accounts for each student using different emails/password per child's account so they can go at their own pace. These courses could be applied towards middle school and high school credits depending upon your state homeschool requirements. This can be used as a standalone curriculum, typically for very relaxed or unschooled families. Other families that homeschool in a more ridged way can use this as a supplement to their learning.


NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle Lessons:

MathArt Courses
  • Introduction to MathArt
  • MathArt: Patterns & Shapes in Nature – 1 Lesson
  • Math Connections with the Real World – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • MathArt in Ancient Cultures – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • Mathematics in the Arts & Sciences – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • MathArt: Patterns in Nature – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • Bubbleology – 1 Lesson
  • The Life & Mathematical Art of Leonardo da Vinci – 2 Lessons
  • The Life & Mathematical Art of M.C. Escher – 2 Lessons
Marine Biology Courses
  • Oceanography, Marine Plants and Invertebrates – 6 Lessons
  • Jellies, Mollusks and Whales of the World – 6 Lessons
  • Marine Invertebrates and Fish – 6 Lessons
  • Cephalopods, Marine Turtles, Snakes and Mammals – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • Dramatic Deep Sea Creatures – 6 Lessons
  • Tide Pool Communities – 1 Lesson
  • Marine Zoology – Mandarinfish, Hermit Crab, & Queen Conch – 3 Lessons
  • Marine Zoology – Seahorses, Beluga Whale, and Loggerhead Sea Turtle – 3 Lessons
Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians) Courses
  • Herps Explorers: Anatomy, Caecilians & Crocs – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • Herps Explorers: Frogs, Geckos & Chameleons – 6 Lesson Unit Study
  • Herps Zoology: Poison Dart Frog, Python, and Caiman – 3 Lessons
  • Herps Zoology: Marbled Salamander, Children’s Python, and Galapagos Tortoise – 3 Lessons
  • Marine Reptiles
Botany Lesson
  • Exploring the Giant Redwood Trees – 1 Lesson
Geology Lesson
  • Intro to Rockhounding – 1 Lesson

 

How We Used This and Our Thoughts:

We received NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle which is a private 25-course bundle of lessons in MathArt, Marine Biology, Herps (Reptiles & Amphibians), Botany, and Geology. I had reviewed NatureGlo's eScience MathArt Online 4-Class Bundle before and we enjoyed the courses so much that we wanted to review this as well.

When you go to each course they all have the same format. The courses have a main PowerPoint slide video that Gloria does. Some of the videos, since they were live previously, have kids that are interacting with her on them. There is a study guide that she has made to go with the main video. There are other resources in the form of links, projects, activities, and videos. This content is sourced from other parts of the web.

Since we had already finished the MathArt courses except Bubbleology previously I had my daughter Teela who is 12 pick some courses she wanted to start from the "My Courses" page. We were expected to use minimum of three weeks of lessons for this review. We had a 6 week period. My daughter picked Botany: Exploring the Giant Redwood Trees, Geology: Intro. to Rockhounding, and Bubbleology because they were all one lesson long and would take about a week each.

We learned a lot about the Giant Redwood Trees the first week. I hope to take my family to see them someday. They are such awe inspiring massive specimens. We learned about the largest and tallest of the redwoods and the 3 main species: Dawn and Coastal Redwoods and the super giant, the Sequoia tree. We learned about logging that happened in the 1850's too. We are sad that so many of these magnificent and mighty trees were chopped down for lumber. There was a lot we learned from the extra resources too. We enjoyed going to the many web resources, literature, activities and videos. We however, couldn't listen to Grandmother Cedar Audio story, see Redwood Ed, Giant Sequoia Groves - Interactive Map, and The Three Trees PDF because the links were broken. We also got to explore the redwoods virtually by live webcam.

 

A part of my rock and mineral collection.

 

The next week we learned about Rockhounding. This was all about rock and mineral collecting. My family loves looking for interesting looking rocks and minerals and bringing them home with us when we can. We have gone agate and diamond hunting before too. The agates we usually find around here, but I found a nice one at the Crater of Diamonds State Park when we were looking for diamonds on our Memorial Road Trip in 2010. We also love going to rock and mineral shows to see what others have found. We learned about basic and advanced rockhounding equipment and I remembered that I have a hand loupe magnifier that I purchased when I was taking my Master Gardeners courses. We learned about storing and labeling your collection, good rockhounding practices. We also watched the video on Holleywood Ranch that is in Oregon where rockhounds go to dig specimens, especially petrified wood.

The third week we learned about Bubbleology. This was all about the science and mathematics of soap bubbles. We learned about how bubbles are made, soap bubble physics, soup bubble mathematics (minimal surface), etc. The main lesson video was a bit different than the other two lessons we watched. It was more interactive and had poll, quiz and short answer questions to answer that popped up in the middle of the video. There were 6 questions to answer and there was no right or wrong. We loved the other resources of links and videos. The link to the Soap Films in Action had a problem loading for us, but we loved the videos of Melody Yang.

There were things that could have been better. I wish some of the links were not broken and that the links would open in a new window instead of having to go back and forth between the Resource Virtual Library Pages and the links on the page. This would certainly make the learning flow a lot better. I also had some bonus? courses that were not in the Roadmap list that were in "My Courses" list, these were: Sharks Online Unit Study Free Sample Lesson, Herps Explorers: The Komodo Dragon, Invertebrates: Insects of the World, Mammals: Wildcat, Gray Wolf, and Right Whale; MathArt: Polygons and Patterns in Nature, and MathArt: The Geometric Beauty of Snowflakes. I might have purchased these "extras", on my own, but I am not certain. We were not given a list of the courses except from the Roadmap. If these "extra" courses should have actually gone with the Roadmap they should have been listed there...but they were not, so I wasn't sure.

There is a lot of content to NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle other than what we have experienced so far. I can't wait to have my kids go through the Marine Biology courses because that was always my favorite in school and the Insects of the World Course looks neat too because it has a science, history, literature, art, and math connection. 25 courses is a lot to consume and there was so much in the lessons we went through that even I learned along with my kids. We can't wait to delve in deeper.

 

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Read other homeschool curriculum reviews for NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle...
NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle { NatureGlo's eScience Reviews}

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Spiritual Seeds Planner Review and Giveaway #spiritualseedsplanner #spreadtheseeds #weeklyplanner #faithplanner #ledbythespirit #ComplimentaryProductReceived

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this product through FrontGate Media in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

The Spiritual Seeds Planner is a planning tool that is different from most planners in that it is Christian based. This planner helps Christians organize their lives to be filled with the Holy Spirit, love others, grow spiritual fruit, and become more like Christ. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness and Self-Control. (Galatians 5:22-23) These are the foundations of this planner. It uses a fun gardening theme concentrating on four garden plots – Friends/Family, Self, Community, Vocation/Work. Each month has a focus on one Fruit, describing actions to plant + cultivate + grow. Daily actions are planned to focus on Spiritual growth rather than achievement. The planner comes with 2 sheets of cute garden themed stickers that provide visuals for tracking growth and a bookmark with the definitions and scriptures of the Fruit of the Spirit.

The 2021 Weekly Planner Consists of:

  • Easy to follow instructions with visuals
  • Fruit Vision Board (Annual)
  • Monthly Fruit Focus and Planning Pages
  • Monthly Inspirational Prayers
  • Weekly Dated Calendar, starting on Monday
  • Month at a Glance
  • 2021/2022 Year at a Glance calendar
  • Blank note pages each month
  • Faux Leather Cover
  • Monthly Tabs
  • Ribbon Bookmark
  • Interior Back Pocket
  • Elastic Band Closure
  • Planner measures 10" long and 7" wide

Bonus items!

  • 2 pages of stickers
  • Bookmark with the definitions and scriptures of the Fruit of the Spirit


My Thoughts:

I received the Adult and Teen Challenge Package. It has a free Fruit of the Spirit Tote bag, notepad, pencil case and pens to go with the planner. I received the 2021 weekly planner in Coconut Brown and bonus items that go with it as well. The Spiritual Seeds Planner has partnered with the Pacific Northwest Adult and Teen Challenge supporting their dedication to seeing people liberated from life controlling issues through the power of Jesus Christ. Adult and Teen Challenge students dedicate twelve months to transforming their life. A Spiritual Seeds Planner provides the student a place to plan their days and record their journey. You can purchase one of these packages and Spiritual Seeds Planner will donate and deliver it to a student in need.

Adult and Teen Challenge Package

This planner is a lovely instrument to help go throughout the year growing ever closer to Christ and the Holy Spirit. I love the gorgeous faux leather cover. It has a lovely tree carved into the front with the words from the Fruit of the Spirit written along its branches. I love the theme of gardening and growth. Growing closer to Christ with this Spiritual Seeds Planner is the perfect way to start the new year.

 

WIN IT

  • Prize: Win a copy of Spiritual Seeds Planner
  • Host: Spiritual Seeds Planner and FrontGate Media.
  • Who Can Enter: Open to US Residents 18 years or older.
  • Selection Process: 1 Winner will be selected on 10/25/2020 and notified by email.
  • Where to Enter: Go to this link https://www.blessedfreebies.com/spiritual-seeds-planner.html and fill out the form to enter.

 

BUY IT

Purchase the Spiritual Seeds Planner with coupon code: FRUITOFSPIRIT and get 20% off your order ($28 planner plus shipping, or $40 planner/sticker book plus shipping, saving $7-$10).