IQ Gears

Strategy is the focus of IQ Gears by Smart Games. In total, there are 120 challenges spread across five difficulty levels. As you solve each puzzle, you will need to use logic, problem solving, and concentration. Remove all of the gears from the board to begin. You can choose your challenge. Starter level shows the position of all pieces, but you'll have to figure out which gear combination solves the challenge. The challenges will often show the location of one or more puzzle pieces. Since there is only one solution to each challenge, position is crucial. When one of the big gears on the side of the game rotates, the small gears will rotate, indicating that all of the gears are in the correct position. It is not necessary that ALL the small gears on the gameboard rotate, but only those on the sides. The booklet includes all solutions for the challenges. Playing IQ Gears enhances cognitive skills such as spatial reasoning and critical thinking. By navigating through increasingly complex challenges, players learn to strategize. Additionally, the game encourages persistence and patience, as players have to try multiple approaches to find the correct solution. IQ Gears is part of Timberdoodle's 10th grade kit. 

There are 5 levels of play:

1. Starter
2. Junior
3. Expert
4. Master
5. Wizard 

Strategic thinking is essential in IQ Gears as it allows players to anticipate the effects of each move and plan several steps ahead. By carefully considering how each gear interacts with others, players can efficiently solve the puzzles and progress through the increasing difficulty levels. This approach not only enhances problem-solving skills but also sharpens one's ability to make informed decisions under pressure. 

To begin take all gears off of the play space. 

 

Challenge #47

Our family has enjoyed working through IQ Gears challenges. Playing IQ Gears is a fun and engaging activity for everyone. We often gather around the gameboard, discussing strategies. For people on the go, family time, and school use, I highly recommend this fun, compact game.

Bambi

 

Felix Salten's book Bambi is a true treasure. Bambi was Salten's most famous work, written in 1923. It wasn't until 1928 that the book was translated into English. Salten sold his rights to Bambi for $1000, and Disney eventually acquired the rights to this beloved tale. A movie version of Bambi was released by Disney in 1942.

Salten's writing style in Bambi is richly descriptive and deeply evocative, capturing the beauty and complexity of the natural world. He uses vivid imagery to bring the forest and its inhabitants to life, creating a sense of wonder and empathy in the reader. Through his storytelling, Salten explores themes of survival, growth, and the cycle of life with sensitivity and insight.

Disney's adaptation process involved significant changes to the original story to make it suitable for a family audience. The film focused on the emotional journey of the young deer, Bambi, while simplifying and softening some of the darker elements present in the book. Disney's team used innovative animation techniques and a memorable musical score to enhance the visual and emotional impact of the tale.

If you have never read the original version of Bambi, I highly recommend it. In addition to the book, Salten's masterful work behind Bambi was also a great enjoyment for me. The book portrays Bambi with a focus on the harsh realities of life in the forest, emphasizing his struggles and growth in a world filled with danger. In contrast, the film presents a more sanitized and emotionally driven version, centering on Bambi's innocence and the heartwarming aspects of his journey. While both versions highlight Bambi's development, the book offers a more complex and nuanced depiction of his experiences.

Bake & Pray

The book Bake and Pray by Kendall Vanderslice teaches readers about baking bread as well as how to connect it to prayer in a spiritual way. "In Bake and Pray you will get not only a practical understanding of how to bake bread, but also receive a deeper appreciation for the ways God can shape you in the process." As you knead the dough, you are reminded of the patience and care required in both baking and nurturing your spiritual life. The rising of the bread serves as a metaphor for personal growth and transformation, symbolizing how faith can elevate and expand one's inner self. Each step in the baking process invites mindfulness and reflection, allowing for moments of prayer and gratitude.

There are 5 sections to the book which include:

1. Mise en Place
2. Basics of Bread
3. A Liturgy for Bread Making
4. Recipes for the Church Year
5. Prayers for Every Occassion 

"All throughout Scripture, bread serves as a sign of God's blessing. It marks God's presence and provision, as well as God's promises to us. Bread is a narrative tool God uses to tell us the story of God's work in the world."

Bread is made with four basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. You can add more ingredients to make countless bread varieties. In part four of this book the author will share some of those recipes. Have you ever considered how these four basic ingredients carry spiritual symbolism. Flour represents the foundation of our faith, providing the essential structure upon which everything else is built. Water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, which brings life and movement to our spiritual journey. Yeast acts as a catalyst for growth, much like faith that transforms and expands within us. Salt signifies wisdom and preservation, adding depth and flavor to our spiritual lives.

"When we approach bread making similarly –– as liturgy rather than recipe –– we understand that our task as bakers is to create a set of conditions for us to invite the yeast to do its work. As we repeat the rhythms, bake after bake, we come to understand those conditions more and more. We learn to pay attention to the bread itself and how it responds to the many variables within our own kitchens, and we slowly begin to understand its needs not just with our minds but with our noses and our hands as well."

Throughout the book there is attention brought to each area of bread making.

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking, with Attention to Transformation

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking, with Attention to Temperature

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking, with Attention to Strength

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking, with Attention to Rest

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking, with Attention to Spiritual Formation

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking, with Attention to Weaknesses Being Made Into Beauty

• A Liturgy for Bread Baking

Throughout section four, recipes for all of the religious celebrations are included. Bread baking becomes a sacred practice when we view it as an act of worship and mindfulness. Each stage of the process, from kneading to rising, mirrors the spiritual disciplines of patience, perseverance, and transformation. As we engage with the ingredients and the dough, we are reminded of the divine mystery at work in our lives, shaping and molding us into something beautiful and nourishing.

Bake and Pray conveys so much more than I can convey here, but you get the idea of what the author is trying to convey.

Graphic Design 101

Graphic Design 101 is an online program that teaches students the basics of graphic design in 12 lessons. Each lesson is divided into three sections. In the first step, students will listen to an approximately 15-minute lesson on various topics. After the lesson, students will be given an assignment to complete. Second, students share their projects and teachers and students interact during a dialogue about that lesson's project. Each lesson concludes with a short quiz to test students' understanding of the material covered. To improve their grade, students can retake the quiz if any of the problems are incorrect. Graphic Design 101 is part of Timberdoodle's  2024 9th grade curriculum kit. 

The lessons include:

1. Orientation
2. Intro to Graphic Design
3. Learning Common Applications
4. File Management
5. Elements of Design
6. Principles of Design
7. Color Theory
8. Design Process
9. Using the Grid
10. Typography
11. Branding
12. Making a Campaign
13. Interviewing a Designer 

All courses that you are registered for will show up on Your Student Dashboard.

The course comes with an Adobe Acrobat PDF file of each lesson and the assignments. The first page of each lesson is a fill in the blank that covers material covered in the lecture. The subsequent pages are the student assignment pages. Following is an example of one of the lessons. 

The quizzes reinforce the material taught in each lesson by requiring students to recall and apply the information they have learned. This active engagement helps solidify their understanding and identify any areas where they may need further study. Additionally, the option to retake the quizzes encourages students to strive for mastery of the content.

Following are some screenshots from the lectures and the student workshops. They are in no particular order. 

The lessons are listed on the left side of the screen. Once you click on a lesson, a pull down screen will appear with the entire lesson. Each lesson section will be marked with a purple checkmark once your student completes it. 

The instructors for Graphic Design 101 are Sam Hord, the Lead Instructor, and Elise Evans, the Owner, Film School for Teens. 

These are the three students that will be featured during the Student Workshop section of the lessons. 

During project discussions, students receive constructive feedback from both peers and instructors. This feedback focuses on the strengths and areas for improvement in their designs, allowing students to refine their work. Additionally, instructors provide personalized suggestions to help students gain a deeper understanding of design concepts and apply them effectively in future projects.

Key points from the lecture will be highlighted at the bottom of the screen. On the lesson PDF's first page, students will fill in these key points by filling in the blanks. 

After completing the course you will be able to print out a certificate of completion. 

One of the key benefits of the online format is flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and fit lessons into their schedules. Additionally, the program can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for students with other commitments. This format also provides opportunities for students from diverse locations to connect and collaborate, enriching the learning experience. 

The Graphic Design 101 program may encourage students to pursue various career paths such as graphic designer, branding specialist, or visual content creator. Additionally, the foundational skills acquired can serve as a stepping stone toward more specialized areas like web design.

For students seeking a comprehensive introduction to graphic design, I highly recommend Graphic Design 101. 

Grumble Boats

 

What do you do when all you want to do is grumble. You make a grumble boat and set it adrift. This fun and inventive book by Susannah McFarlane can help even the most grumpy people think positively about a situation. Her parents are taking her brother to a pirate party while Emma stays with her grandmother. Emma is not pleased. She wants to go to the party as well. Hmph! Emma's grandmother knows exactly how to help her get rid of her grumbles. The grandmother gathers some materials and they set off for the beach. Taking out paper and pens, grandmother sits on the beach and writes. Earlier that day, grandmother broke her favorite tea cup, so she started drawing out her grumble. The idea of coloring wasn't too appealing to Emma. Emma's grandmother explained that sometimes it is good to write our grumbles down when things do not go our way. It's not long before Emma sits on the beach drawing out her grumble. Emma is quite impressed when her grandmother folds the paper into a boat. When both papers have been transformed into boats, grandmother holds Emma's hand while they throw their boats into the sea. Goodbye grumbles! Both of them watch their grumble boats sail further and further out into the ocean. That's how you handle grumbles.

The act of creating grumble boats and setting them adrift is a therapeutic way to release negative emotions. It allows individuals to externalize their frustrations, giving them a tangible form so they can be acknowledged and let go. This simple yet meaningful ritual can bring a sense of relief and closure, helping people to move forward with a more positive outlook.

The World Needs The Wonder You See

A beautifully written book about the wonders all around us that we often overlook, The Wonder You See offers a captivating view of the world around us. By slowing down and looking closely, Gaines reveals all of the enchanting secrets to discover. The book explores the theme of appreciation for the natural world, encouraging children to find joy in the small details of everyday life. It highlights the importance of being present and aware, as well as fostering a deeper connection with our surroundings. Through vivid descriptions and thoughtful reflections, Gaines invites readers to rediscover the magic in the ordinary. 

 

"Celebrate the wonder of the world through a child’s eyes in this imaginative book about all the beauty, hope, and surprise hiding in plain sight. Look up. Lean in. Bend low. Reach for new heights. Every day, from every place, there’s more to see in this great big world of possibility."