Homeschool Happenings

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

History on Horseback ~ A Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE 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.

History on Horseback: The Early Years: 1493-1866 by Sonrise Stable Books gives readers a very unique look into how horses played significant roles throughout history. The focus is on American history. It is intended to be a supplement to your current history curriculum. The target age for this curriculum is 12 years and up. There are a total of 53 chapters in the book. That being said, each chapter is only 2-5 pages in length, on average. Chapters include black and white photographs and drawings.

Here are some fun highlights and takeaways that we learned while reading History on Horseback:

"Of all of the things horses carried and delivered in the days before motorized vehicles, one that is often overlooked by history books is the Christian faith." Preachers were known as circuit riders. An average preacher would travel 6,000 miles a year, preaching at different stops nearly every day. Some of these preachers were John and Charles Wesley and Francis Asbury.
"WANTED: Young Skinny Wiry Fellows Not over eighteen. Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred. Wages $25 per week." This was for the Pony Express. Without horses mail service would not have happened like it did. Did you know that a 1,966 mile trail running from Missouri to California with a goal of delivering mail in just 10 days was its goal. They used Morgans and Thoroughbreds for the flatter sections of the trail and Mustangs for the rugged areas.
Horses were used in the coal mines
Wells Fargo & Co. is one of the most well known stagecoach operators in the 1800's. The Wells Fargo stagecoaches would carry gold, silver, money, and documents in wooden boxes under the driver's seat. "This treasure box was wrapped with iron bands and padlocked while traveling. The depot men at the origin and the destination were the only ones with keys to unlock it."
Horses played a huge roll in war. Three million horses were used in the Civil War. Half of them would end up dying. They bravely served alongside soldiers. Thoroughbreds were the most common type used. Horses were provided with veterinary care when needed.
One of my favorite chapters was "Morgan's Figure" which is about a horse named Figure. Figure was known for being a great stallion. His descendants would be known as the Morgan breed.

Overall, this book was quite fascinating. Each chapter is kind of like a mini story. For those that have an interest in horses this would be a perfect way to learn history. My daughters who are 11 and 13 found all of the stories to be not only historically interesting but also fascinating from the perspective of the horses in history. I myself really enjoyed reading through the book too. We all learned so much about history and it was definitely fun rather than boring and dry like some history books tend to be. Make sure to check out what my fellow Homeschool Review Crew Members had to say about History on Horseback.

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sonrise-Stable-Books-103077887775920
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sonrisestable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonrisestable/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sonrisestable/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWR9ePmbbqS7gbXNgELVY_Q

Monday, April 6, 2020

Preborn Prodigy ~ A Review

Preborn Prodigy is a Christian based company that desires for every unborn child to know the truth of God's Word, starting in Utero. I received three CD's for review from their Prodigy Collection. I received Preborn Prodigy ~ Prayers & Blessings for the Unborn Child, Newborn Prodigy ~ Prayers & Blessings Newborn to 99, and Math Prodigy Vol. 1.

Preborn Prodigy ~ Prayers & Blessings for the Unborn Child
This CD is a beautiful narrated collection of prayers, scriptures and blessings set to very calming music. Prayers and Blessing for:

Health & Delivery
Protection & Provision
Spiritual Growth & Dedication
Identity & Destiny
Spirit, Soul & Body
Salvation
Blessing & Lullaby

The CD starts out by reading many scripture verses. Praying for every single part of development while in the womb and a safe delivery at the perfect appointed time by God. There is a significant amount of scripture to encourage and uplift. The narrator talks about God being the author of life. A prayer is prayed that the unborn child will come to know the Lord and that the unborn child will grow to understand how wide and how deep God's love is. It continues on into praying for the child throughout his/her life and the people that they build relationships with. There is a prayer for future friends and even a future spouse. There is a beautiful Prayer of Dedication. Knowing that God has gifted us with these precious gifts and He has entrusted us to train them in the Lord. There was a precious blessing meant to be to the unborn baby. "My beloved child, I love you. I think you are wonderful. You mean so much to me. You are so valuable and I cannot imagine heaven without you. I sent Jesus my Son to the earth for you. He did everything necessary for you to be with Me forever. Jesus has already paid for everything you would ever owe. He was willing to pay such a high price because of my love for you. From the very first I called you by name. You were conceived at the very perfect time. You are being born at this exact time in history because I have predetermined and ordered your days. You belong in this day and age and before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before I knew you I sanctified you. I am forming and fashioning you in the womb. I am carefully designing everything about you. And I do not make mistakes. Every part of your DNA is knitted together and I oversee everything and your physical characteristics will be a perfect match to your personality. You are very unique already. Your eyes, your hair, your skin, are all special. I am filled with joy and I smile when I see you. I love you just the way you are. Your parents might have been surprised to discover you were on the way but I wasn't........"
I Thessalonians 5:23 ~ A prayer that you will bear fruit for the Lord. Prayer that your unborn child will remain pure and any generational curse will be broken. Romans 10:9 ~ Prayers and scriptures for salvation.
The CD ends with a lullaby song.

Newborn Prodigy ~ Prayers & Blessings Newborn to 99
Preborn Prodigy and Newborn Prodigy are very similar. Much of the content is a repeat of what is on Preborn Prodigy except it is spoken in the present tense. The prayers and blessings are intended for a newborn but can easily be for anyone of any age. This CD also starts out with various scriptures being read aloud. The music is so very relaxing and calming! There is a continual emphasis on prayer for spiritual growth and understanding from the Lord for your child as they grow and mature.

Math Prodigy
Math Prodigy is quite different than the other two CD's in that this CD presents various mathematical topics. It explains the importance of math to the child and how math is used not only in academics but also in everyday life.
Introduction to Math
Some say math is the language of the universe. It is used in hard and soft sciences, arts, technologies, and everyday life. No matter how detailed mathematics gets it all comes back to one basic element, counting. Talks about ancient times and numbers.
Addition and Subtraction
You only need to memorize 45 facts. Talks about adding double digits and carrying. If you can add than you can take away. Subtracting double digits and borrowing.
Multiplication and Division
Memorize 45 multiplication facts. The 9's facts have a trick. Every multiplication has a twin. If you can multiply then you can divide. Uses a house analogy for division.
Fractions
Pizza analogy for fractions, integers, numerator, and denominators. Talks about mixed numbers, improper fractions. Adding and subtracting fractions, LCM, and GCF.
Decimals and the Order of Operations
Percentages and rounding. Percentage is, per one hundred. PEMDAS - Order of operations.
My Thoughts
In my opinion this CD is great for the auditory learner. Those that are more visual learners may find it a bit harder to focus and follow, especially the higher more complicated mathematical concepts. I think Math Prodigy gives a great overview of addition facts to decimals and the order of operations in a 57:71 minute audio listening time frame. Each math concept is set to calming music. The narrator has a very calming, encouraging voice.

Overall, I thought these CD's were really quite sweet. The Preborn and Newborn Prodigy CD's would be wonderful baby shower gifts. Be sure to read what other Homeschool Review Crew Members had to say about Preborn Prodigy.

Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prebornprodigy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prebornprodigy/