Grizzly Gears

Grizzly Gears is a single‑player logic puzzle from Smart Games designed for ages 7 and up, but can be enjoyed by adults too. This game can be found in Timberdoodle's sixth-grade curriculum kit. There are 80 challenges with four levels of difficulty. The game has many educational benefits such as spatial reasoning, logic, problem solving, and thinking ahead. The contents of the game include one game board, nine rotating trees, six character pieces, and a solution book. 

This twist and turn puzzle game has the player rotating puzzle pieces and watching the puzzle board change. The player rotates the circular trees to guide the animals through the forest to their respected mothers. Each challenge has a solution to the easiest way to help animals get to their respected end position. Watch out for the mother bear! The player must never end up directly in front of the mother. Only the baby bear can come face to face with the mother bear. If this happens the puzzle pieces will be blocked and you will have to start over. And do not let the lumberjack get you. One issue I have had with the game is that the pieces don't move smoothly.

One issue I've had with the game is that the pieces don't move smoothly. Playability of Grizzly Gears is crucial, as it directly impacts the enjoyment and engagement of the player. When pieces don't move smoothly, it can disrupt the flow of the game and lead to frustration, detracting from the immersive experience. Ensuring that the components function seamlessly is essential for maintaining the player's focus on solving the puzzles rather than on mechanical difficulties. With that said, the game overall keeps players engaged by the amount of challenges and levels of difficulty. The product pieces are sturdy and well made which is ideal for overall use over the years. The variety of challenges in Grizzly Gears ensures that players of different skill levels remain engaged. From simpler puzzles that help beginners grasp the basic mechanics to more complex ones that require advanced strategic thinking, each level offers a unique test of skills. This progression not only keeps the game interesting but also encourages continuous improvement and mastery of the game's concepts. Replayability is a critical factor in puzzle games, as it keeps players coming back for more even after they've completed all the challenges. In Grizzly Gears, the diverse range of puzzles and difficulty levels ensures that players can revisit the game and find new ways to solve the problems, enhancing their skills over time. This repeated engagement not only promotes cognitive growth but also provides lasting entertainment value, making the game a worthwhile investment for educational and recreational purposes.

Strategic thinking is vital in gaming as it encourages players to plan ahead and consider multiple outcomes before making a move. In Grizzly Gears, players must assess the entire board, anticipate the consequences of their actions, and devise a plan to navigate obstacles like the lumberjack and the mother bear. This not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters critical thinking and decision-making, making the gaming experience both challenging and rewarding. The strategic thinking skills honed in games like Grizzly Gears can easily translate to real-life scenarios. Players learn to anticipate future challenges, weigh their options, and make informed decisions, which are valuable skills in both personal and professional settings. By practicing these skills in a gaming environment, individuals can improve their ability to tackle real-world problems with confidence and creativity.

Overall, playing Grizzly Gears offers a multitude of benefits, from enhancing cognitive abilities and strategic thinking to providing endless entertainment. The game's carefully designed challenges encourage skill development and problem-solving, making it not only a fun pastime but also a valuable tool for personal growth. Whether for educational purposes or leisure, Grizzly Gears stands out as a game that enriches both the mind and the spirit.

Hide and Goat Seek

Hide and Goat Seek is a preschool puzzle game found in Timberdoodle's Preschool Curriculum Kit. The game comes with a puzzle board, a wolf, seven sheep, four hiding pieces, a challenge book, and a wordless story book. The game is targeted at ages three to seven and intended for one player. With that said, the game would be entertaining for children over seven. The game is based on a Grimm's fairytale from the 1800's. Warning, the wordless book is somewhat dark and may scare young children. For each challenge, the child sets up the board according to the challenge chosen. There are four levels of challenge. There are forty eight challenges. Once your board is set up according to the challenge your child then has to use the hiding pieces to cover up the sheep so that the wolf cannot find them. The goats are shaped differently and not all hiding pieces will fit each goats shape. In the lower level challenges not all sheep or hiding pieces will be used. As the level of difficulty increases, more sheep and hiding pieces will be used. Only certain hiding pieces will fit atop the various sheep. There is only one solution for each challenge. This brain-boosting game helps develop spatial insight, concentration, language, problem solving, and logic.

I took the game along when visiting my grandchildren. My three-year-old grandson was excited to play. In the beginning I had to give him direction on how to play. After a few challenges he caught on and spent a long time playing through the various levels. He successfully completed the challenges at the highest level which is Master. He loved the wordless book and I read it to him about eight times. My two-year-old granddaughter had fun placing sheep and various hiding pieces on the board for fun. She also liked the book but certain pages scared her a bit.

Hide and Goat Seek is a fun puzzle game. I would definitely recommend it to parents and caregivers. While having fun children will sharpen their thinking skills without realizing they are doing so. 

 

The Bible

The Bible, a children's book, written by Devon Provencher is part of the Big Theology For Little Hearts series. In this book children will learn that the Bible is inspired. Every book is exactly how He wanted it to be. They will learn that the Bible is perfect without any mistakes. God is not a liar; therefore the entire Bible is true. His Word is sufficient for us all. The Bible is universal. It is meant for all people throughout time. The Word of God is enduring. Through the telling of real life events children learn that it is an important part of our history. The book explains how both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament tell one story. Children will learn that God is above all things. He has total authority. The purpose of the book is to teach children about the divine inspiration and truth of the Bible, emphasizing its timeless and universal relevance. It aims to instill an understanding of the Bible's role in history and its significance as God's authoritative Word. Introducing theology to children is important because it helps them develop a foundation for their beliefs and values. It encourages critical thinking and provides them with a framework for understanding the world around them. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community and belonging as they learn about shared beliefs and traditions. The illustrations in the book play a crucial role in capturing children's attention and making complex theological concepts more accessible. By using vibrant colors and engaging imagery, the illustrations help to bring the stories and messages of the Bible to life. This visual element not only enhances comprehension but also stimulates children's imagination, encouraging them to explore and connect with the teachings on a deeper level.

We Sing!

We Sing! by Kristyn Getty is an uplifting book about singing our praises to the Lord. In the book children will learn that God created us to sing. The book is written in upbeat rhyming verses. The author explains how singing is a gift and with this gift we can bring God praise and honor. Words of biblically based songs can help teach children about God's promises, His love, and His plan for the world. Teaching children biblical principles through music is important because it helps embed these values in their hearts and minds in an engaging and memorable way. Songs can simplify complex concepts, making them accessible and enjoyable for young learners. Additionally, music fosters a sense of community and shared belief, reinforcing the teachings and encouraging children to live out these principles in their daily lives. God not only wants His children to read His Word, pray His Word, but to sing His Word. The importance of singing can be found throughout Scripture. Ephesians 5:18 talks about being filled with the spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and singing and making melody to the Lord with our heart. Music has a unique ability to touch the hearts of children, making spiritual truths more memorable and impactful. Through song, children can internalize the messages of God's love and promises in a way that is engaging and joyful. This musical engagement helps to foster a deeper connection with their faith, encouraging them to express their spirituality in a personal and meaningful way.

God Loves Me

"God Loves Me" by Kristen Wetherell explores the doctrine of the Trinity and how there are three distinct persons in one. Themes of divine love, faith, and personal spirituality weave through the pages. The book emphasizes the unwavering and unconditional nature of God's love for individuals. Taking events from Scripture, readers see the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at work. For example, creation showcases the Trinity, with God the Father speaking from heaven, the Holy Spirit hovering over the earth, and Jesus making all that we see. This event vividly illustrates the unity and distinct roles of the three persons in One. For The Bible Tells Me So, a board book series by Kristen Wetherell is just right for children ages 0-4 years old. 

Grace Habib has produced incredible artwork that perfectly compliments Wetherell's books. Besides being colorful and engaging, her artwork is also age-appropriate. Upon reaching the final page, little ones will be delighted with what they discover. Rhyme and the rhythmic style of the text appeal to young children. Rhythmic patterns such as those found in this book can help young children learn to repeat and memorize what they hear. At the end of the book, there is a Note to Parents. God Loves Me discusses the doctrine of the Trinity. Her book is based on scripture. Kristen Wetherell based God Loves Me on the following scripture references: 2 Corinthians 13:14, Genesis 1, Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 3:13-17, Galatians 4:4-7, Titus 3:4-7, and John 17:20-26

These books will become part of my ever-growing collection of books as a mother of six children and grandmother of two. It is difficult to find children's books that are based on sound doctrines of Scripture. It's clear that the author hits the mark with the For The Bible Tells Me So series. Visit the Crossway website to view all books in the series. Check out all of Kristin Wetherell's books on Crossway's website. 

Floats McGoats

Floats McGoats is a strategy game for 2-4 players. One of the unique aspects of Floats McGoats is its whimsical theme featuring seafaring goats, which adds a fun and imaginative element to the game. To set the scene, help! A seafaring goat crew is navigating treacherous waters. Their boat capsized leaving wood floating all over. Mama and baby goats are holding on for dear life. It is up to you the players to build a raft out of floating wood to save the goats. Using the game board team players will add boards to the raft to secure their goats. Players will choose one of the four colors of goats to play with. Players take turns building a raft out of sticks and securing their goats in triangles. On your given turn you will either place a goat on any open spot on the raft or roll the dice and take the action as shown. Some of the choices on the dice are: add a stick, flip a stick, add or move a stick, move two sticks, goat love, shark attack, and goat fight. Play continues until one player gets five total points. Play continues until one player gets five total points. 

The combination of strategic gameplay with the physical aspect of building a raft creates a dynamic experience that keeps players engaged. Additionally, the variety of actions available on the dice, such as "goat love" and "shark attack," introduces unexpected twists, ensuring that no two games are ever the same.

One potential improvement could be clarifying the rules with more detailed examples and illustrations to help new players understand the mechanics more quickly. Additionally, incorporating optional advanced rules could provide a greater challenge for experienced players seeking a deeper strategic experience. Lastly, including a timer feature for each turn might enhance the pace of the game, keeping it engaging and exciting for all players.

Overall, I think Floats McGoats is an excellent game for families. It took me a bit of time to read and reread the instructions before I thoroughly understood the game in its entirety. 

While the game is fun to play it is also educational in that players have to think about their moves and strategize to keep their opponents from gaining points. The game can be played in around 15 minutes. As players get more experience game play may be longer. 

The ESV Holy Bible Dyslexia-Friendly Edition

Crossway's ESV Holy Bible Dyslexia-Friendly Edition was published to make reading the Bible easier for those with dyslexia. Some of the features of this Bible include a specialized font and specific typesetting to aid readers with dyslexia. With bottom-weighted letters and a few distinctive characteristics, it enables readers to differentiate from similar letterforms. Typesetting allows for generous spacing between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. For letters that look similar distinct characteristics help set them apart from each other. Long paragraphs are broken down into smaller sections. Ten color overlays help with visual stress. Overlays can be combined to offer an additional nine distinct colors. All of the special features within the Bible as well as the overlays help make reading God's word significantly easier for dyslexics. This Bible is available in hardcover and bonded leather.

While my daughter does not have dyslexia she does have a reading disability which makes reading much more challenging. She struggles to read her regular Bible. This has hampered her ability to spend time reading God's word. Since using the dyslexic-friendly edition she has been able to read the Bible with much less difficulty. As a parent I am thrilled that Crossway has added this Bible to their extensive Bible selection.

Accessibility to religious texts is crucial because it ensures that everyone, regardless of their reading abilities, can engage with and understand their faith. By providing editions like the dyslexia-friendly Bible, publishers like Crossway are making it possible for more people to connect with spiritual teachings without the barrier of reading difficulties. This inclusivity not only enriches individuals' spiritual lives but also fosters a more welcoming and understanding religious community.

When religious texts are made accessible to all, it encourages greater participation in community activities and discussions. Individuals who might have felt isolated or left out due to reading challenges now have the opportunity to engage fully and contribute their perspectives. This inclusivity strengthens the bonds within the community, allowing everyone to share in the collective spiritual journey.

Teach Me to Pray

Teach Me to Pray by Kristen Wetherell explores the importance of developing a personal relationship with God through prayer. It emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in our daily lives and encourages readers to approach prayer with sincerity and intentionality. Additionally, it provides practical guidance on how to cultivate a consistent and meaningful prayer life. By praying God's Word from A to Z readers will learn to align their prayers with biblical truths and promises. This approach helps them to deepen their understanding of scripture and fosters a more intimate connection with God. By integrating the words of the Bible into their prayers, readers can experience a more powerful and fulfilling prayer life.

The book features 52 entries, two entries per letter. Each entry includes a prayer, a read about it section with verses that line up with the topic, a think about it section, a learn more about it which gives more scripture references, and finally do something about it. 

Simply Draw

Simply Draw with Bob Parsons is an enjoyable way to become familiar with art. Bob Parsons' approach to drawing is unique in its emphasis on simplicity and accessibility for artists of all levels. He encourages breaking down complex subjects into basic shapes, making it easier for beginners to understand and replicate. This method not only builds confidence but also fosters creativity by allowing artists to add their own personal touches. He uses step-by-step demonstrations to guide students through each drawing process, ensuring no one feels overwhelmed. Additionally, Bob incorporates plenty of hands-on practice which helps students refine their skills and develop a deeper appreciation for the art form. A typical lesson with Bob Parsons begins with a brief introduction to the subject matter, where he shares interesting facts and context to spark students' interest. He then does a demonstration, breaking down the drawing into basic shapes and lines while offering insightful tips and techniques. Finally, students are given time to practice their unique artistic voice.

Simply Draw is a part of the 7th Grade Curriculum Kit.

The following techniques are explained.

• Short Parallel Lines

• Seeing Angles

• Basic Shapes

• Basic Drawing

• Hands

• Lettering

• Stick Figures & Action

• Textures & Patterns

There are also several videos available via QR code or password.

The material is presented systematically. Lessons build on the previous skills taught. After completing the first few lessons the student will be able to work on the patterns and textures at the back of the book.

At the beginning of the book students will get a list of supplies needed to complete the lessons. Grip and posture are discussed. Lastly, eight key words are described. 

Following are some examples from the lessons.

 

The Sing! Hymnal

The Sing! Hymnal, Lay-Flat Edition with Cords, comprises 497 hymns and 403 liturgical readings. It features a unique binding that allows it to lay flat when opened, making it easier for musicians and choir members to read while performing. The hymnal is hardcover and boasts high-quality paper and clear, easy-to-read print, enhancing the overall singing and playing experience. The hymnal features time-honored classics and contemporary hymns. The hymnal is designed for music leaders and musicians. With 8" x 11" pages the hymnal lies flat for easy reading. Musicians will find classic hymns such as And Can It Be? by Charles Wesley and newer hymns such as In Christ Alone by Keith Getty.

The Sing! Hymnal, also known as a songbook, is used in worship to provide a collection of songs that congregations can sing together. They help guide the service, unify the voices of the congregation, and enhance the spiritual experience by allowing worshippers to express their faith through music. Hymnals often contain lyrics and musical notations, making it easier for everyone to participate in the singing. Hymnals typically focus on traditional hymns with rich theological content and structured musical arrangements. In contrast, modern worship music often embraces contemporary styles and tends to prioritize simplicity and repetitive choruses that are easy for congregations to follow. While hymnals offer a sense of historical continuity, modern worship music often aims to appeal to broader audiences with its accessible and relatable themes.

Young Tawny: The Owl in Borrowed Feathers

"Young Tawny: The Owl in Borrowed Feathers" by Kevin McEvoy Herlithy tells the story of Young Tawny, an owlet, who as an egg fell off a ship and was brought up by penguins. The young Tawny grew up believing she was a penguin. Young Tawny discovers that she isn't quite like her penguin friends. A hoot is then discovered, which is what it is to be an owl. An ominous encounter leads Young Tawny to finally find its HOOT at the end of the story. Young Tawny was initially confused and overwhelmed by the revelation of her true identity. However, as she began to embrace her uniqueness, a sense of liberation and excitement filled her heart. Discovering her ability to hoot brought her a profound sense of belonging and purpose. Despite realizing she was different, Young Tawny held a deep affection and gratitude for her penguin family. They had cared for her and taught her valuable lessons about life, love, and community. She cherished the bond they shared, knowing that their love had shaped her into the owl she was meant to be. Young Tawny faced the challenge of reconciling her dual identity as both an owl and a member of the penguin family. She struggled with feelings of isolation, as her instinctual behaviors often set her apart from her penguin siblings. Additionally, learning to fly was a daunting task, especially when her beloved penguin family could not guide her in this endeavor. As Young Tawny soared into the sky for the first time, a rush of exhilaration and freedom enveloped her. The wind beneath her wings felt like a long-lost friend, guiding and lifting her with each flap. In that moment, she realized she was not alone; her owl spirit was finally free, and with it came a newfound confidence and joy.