Bytes of Learning ~ A Review

Over the past weeks two of my kiddos have been working their way through learning how to type using the UltraKey Online Family Subscription from Bytes of Learning. This program is ideal for students aged 8 and older. 

Some of the key features that make this program unique:

• instruction is voice supported
• self-paced
• depending on age and preferences a variety of interfaces are customizable 
• lots of practice is included in the program
• challenge material is included to motivate the student
• game zone
• placement tests to place student right where they need to be
• positive reinforcements along the way
• program tracks students progress
• works well for all ages, not kiddish
• sets goals for students that can be adjusted
• operated on all major browsers
• extremely affordable
• user friendly
• fun

There are several ways that a user can set goals for themselves in the program:

1. The manager (teacher) can set the goals
2. The user can set their own goals
3. The program can set goals for the user
4. The user can take goal assessments

If the user chooses to utilize the goal assessments they are in the form of one minute typing tests. The student completes the test, the program automatically assesses and assigns goals. 

Both speed and accuracy goals are kept track of on the student's progress report. The clipboard has all of your students information right at your fingertips. I was extremely impressed by the graphs and information provided by the Bytes of Learning program. It was extremely comprehensive and detailed. 

Here is an example of the detail that you will get. This is the My Progress.

One of the ways that the program is extremely user friendly is that the student only had to scroll over any given item on the screen and an explanation box will pop up explaining exactly what can be found in each section. The student doesn't have to click around trying to remember where to do what. I love this!! Most programs have an introductory video and the student has to remember where and how to go within the program. Bytes of Learning takes the hassle out of having to remember all of that. Need a refresher on posture, no problem. Simply click on the posture icon and review it all over again. Everything is laid out in a very user friendly manner. 

Students can customize their screen background, keyboard, and even details such as the hand skin tones displayed on the screen. 

Our Experience

Soon after we got access to our subscription one of my kiddos ended up in the hospital. This put a temporary hold on one of my daughters typing which she was not too happy about. I was a bit concerned about how this would affect her progress but the laptop needed to come with me. Once my daughter who was in the hospital was stable and feeling better I decided that I would get her started on typing. She didn't have a lot of energy and so I thought maybe typing would be a good alternative since it didn't require much intense thinking. She is in middle school and types in her "own way" as you could say. She is known to type a one or two page paper in her iPod, lol. Texting fingers are mighty fast. Needless to say, she needs to learn how to properly type. She was shocked at how fast she progressed in a short amount of time. 

My 11 year old has used several typing programs over the past couple of years. After using this program she said, "This program is by far the best one that I have used. Other programs teach the keyboard really fast and expect you to then type a passage within a short amount of time. This program goes slow and actually teaches to learn. I haven't gotten frustrated and have actually had fun learning how to type. My progress my be slow but my progress reports constantly show improvement which means that I am doing well." 

Step by step your child will learn how to type. 

Students are given certificates of achievement when they have completed all of the skill checks and lessons for the goals set. 

Once the students have completed and graduated they can then go back in and set new goals and continue on with new goals with higher wpm. 

Once the craziness in our house dies down a bit my 9 year old will be starting in on her own typing journey too! 

Dare to Enter the Game Zone!

I was extremely impressed with Bytes of Learning. Over the years I have both purchased and reviewed many typing programs in order to teach my children how to type. We have used one of the more well known programs on the market and I would definitely say that Bytes of Learning is far superior to that program. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a great typing program for a child, teenager, or adult needing to learn how to type or needing to improve their typing skills. 

To read more reviews click here.

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Wulf The Saxon ~ A Review

Heirloom Audio Productions presents its newest audio adventure, Wulf the Saxon. G.A. Henty, dubbed history's master of storytelling, brings history alive in his books of daring adventures. Heirloom Audio truly brings history to life with its audio dramas of G.A. Henty's books. Heirloom Audio Productions philosophy of a Christ-centered history is refreshing amidst a world of humanistic thinking. As you listen to each story unfold you feel like you are living the adventure. Heirloom's Audio Drama's together with Henty's great books make for an engaging way to learn history. The audio dramas are a collaboration of creative storytelling, gifted orators/actors, realistic sound effects, and amazing composed music to make for a captivating historical drama. These audio dramas can be enjoyed by the whole family. 

What is Wulf the Saxon about?

Wulf the Saxon aged 16 has been banished from the kings court for disrespecting those above him. He is sent to Steyning his childhood home for a time until the King calls him back to court under the charge of Earl Harold Godwinson. 

Later, the men board three ships and a storm rages. Sensing eminent peril Harold shouts, "May each man make his peace with God." As the ship crashes against the rocks the ships spins and twists and casts the cargo and men overboard. The men struggle to the beach as they make a human chain. The locals approach. Being shipwrecked Saxons put them in a venerable position and danger. Count Conrad of Ponthieu and his Soldiers confronted Count Harold and his men and sent them to the dungeon. The pages were made to wait upon Count Conrad. The pages escaped. Wulf and Beorn stay at Chattau de Burg awaiting the release of Harold and his men. Lady Agnes entertains Wulf and Beorn. 

Later, a Battle ensued with the Bretons. Wulf protects Guy, the son of Baron de Burg, during the battle. Guy is gravely injured and looses an arm. Wulf stays at Chattau de Burg for some time recovering from battle injuries.

Wulf of Steyning and Beorn of Fareham are brought before the King to be honored for their bravery for saving Earl Harold and his men. 

Wulf attacks and takes hold of the Welch castle of Llewellyn ap Rhys. A battle ensued as the Welch enter the castle through a secret back way into the castle after the bridge is destroyed. Submission or death! Yet another conquest for Wulf. 

King Edward has become ill. 

Lady Edith makes a great sacrifice due to a family feud that could destroy the monarchy. The love that she and Harold have together must end or she will make it end. 

Vision of the King upon is death. Monks, of his youth. God said put a curse on England. Enemies will devastate it from on end to the other within the year. 

King Harold is now on throne!

I will not spoil the rest of the story. 

My children said, "This adventure was exciting just like the rest have been. Wulf grew so much. We felt so bad for Lady Edith. A monarchy is just as messed up as modern day government." 

Heirloom Audio also has a wonderful program called Live The Adventure Club which provides so many great educational extras. Your club membership includes:

I would highly recommend Heirloom Audio to others. I have reviewed many other audio adventures and have not been disappointed. I have had the privilege of reviewing The Cat of Bubastes, The Dragon And The Raven, With Lee In Virginia, In Freedom's Cause, In The Reign of Terror, Beric The Briton and Captain Bayley's Heir . My children have learned so much about history. The study guide for Wulf the Saxon is in the works at this time. 

To read more reviews click here.

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Creating The Never-Ending Bloom

We have been studying The Golden Ratio & Fibonacci Numbers; Math Connections with the Real World by NatureGlo's eScience. This fits in perfectly with what we are learning. I thought I would share as this video is definitely too cool to not share. 

1754 Conquest

Academy Games newest addition 1754 Conquest – The French and Indian War completes the Birth of America Colonial Trilogy. This is a game based off of the Seven Year’s War (1754-1763) which was fought between the French and the British along the northern American colonies and into Canada. This is a game of strategy, control, with randomly dictated plays depending on what cards you have in your hand. In the game players from opposing factions made up of French Canadians, French Regulars, and British Colonials, and British Regulars fight to control for dominance for the Americas. Both sides can ally themselves with the Native American Nations who essentially act as free agents throughout the game. Each side strategizes together against the other side attempting to control key Victory Symbol Areas on the game board. The game ends, either at the end of the eighth round, with the team who has the most control markers or when all sides play the Truce Card. To get the hang of the game there are instructions for a Short Introductory Game on page three of the Rule Book. Teaching Videos are also available on their webpage. The game is for 2-4 players. This game is recommended for ages 10 and older. Each game takes approximately one to two hours to play. 

1754 Conquest is categorically not your normal run of the mill game. This game requires a bit of “smarts” and strategy. Players must have the ability to sit for an extended period of time as you will be sitting for at least an hour or longer. I think that this would be a great game for honors, AP, and enrichment type classes. This would be a great game to play after studying about the French and Indian War in the classroom or homeschool setting. This game would also be perfect for the child or individual in your home that has a particular fascination with history, war, or military strategy. Team success is twofold, tactic and luck of the die roll.

Overall, this is decidedly a great quality game. My teenage son who is fascinated with history and battle/war games was definitely more interested in playing this game than were my teenage daughters. One of the express highlights of 1754 is the addition of two new features. 1754 Conquer has added two additional tactical elements to the game that make for greater strategical maneuvering. First is the addition of forts that have been placed throughout the home and neutral areas. Second, is the addition of harbors. The addition of harbors allows you to quickly move troops via “imaginary” ships to other harbors thus allowing players to have stronger defenses and to allow sneak attacks. This has added an extra element of tactical “fun” to the game. This is a great game to teach strategy, team work, and history. I really enjoyed the Historical Overview that was added at the end of the Rule Book.

I will have to admit that it took me a significant amount of time to learn how to play this game. I tried to just read the Rule Book but was just not getting it. I was excited about the videos on how to play the game until I realized that they were actually just other people’s reviews on the game. While many of the videos did break the game down well I was still left with questions. I was happy for about the “Short Introductory Game” version on page three of the Rule Book. Like I stated earlier in the review, this is clearly not your ordinary game. When I first got the game one of my husband’s Ph.D. interns came over to visit and I asked her to look at the game and her first response was, “Oh this is one of those games for the smart, nerdy types.” No wonder I was having a hard time learning how to play it. With that said, it is possible with lots of patience, time, and questions for the average person to learn how to play this game. The Rule Book does a great job at breaking down the different game phases, battle examples, and card classifications but I am more of a visual learner. It would be nice if Academy Games had a more basic, dumbed down version of the game rules and teaching videos for people that would like to learn to play their games but need something a bit more simplistic in terms of instruction. Not everyone is well versed in game strategy, military tactics/maneuvers from playing other similar board games or video games.

I would without a doubt recommend this game to others but would be selective as to who I would recommend the game to. Between my teenage son, my military husband, and my son-in-law I most definitely am glad that we own this game. I am hoping that over the holidays more of our family and extended family members will be able to enjoy playing this game. This would be a great gift for the history or military/battle enthusiast in your life.

I originally reviewed this product for The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November, 2017

Happy Birthday

I started with a basic lemon cupcake recipe using mini cupcakes. 

Next, I frosted the cupcakes with the buttercream frosting. I added lemon extract and

fresh blackberries to the basic buttercream frosting recipe. I did not add the vanilla extract. 

Buttercream Frosting

Next, was to make the meringues. The first picture was before they were put

in the oven and the second was after they were taken out. 

Meringue Cookies

Now the FUN begins!!

I used fresh fruit, meringue, French macarons, and cupcakes to make this fun 

18th Birthday cake for my daughters 18th Birthday!

Peter Rabbit Movie

This is content from the new PETER RABBIT MOVIE.

In case anyone is thinking about seeing the movie and has a child with anaphylactic food allergies...

I haven't personally seen the movie, but this is unacceptable. I was made aware of the following by reading a link on Kids With Food Allergies Foundation. A fellow member stated: 

"The new movie, Peter Rabbit, has a scene that may be disturbing to young viewers who have a food allergy. A character is intentionally attacked with his allergen, leading to anaphylaxis and the use of epinephrine. Parents should be aware of this before your children see the movie so you can talk with your child(ren) about it."

"Mcgregor talks about his allergy to blackberries and how it makes his throat close. Peter and the rest of the rabbits attack him by launching fruits and vegetables at him. After a good amount of vegetables, they start launching blackberries and specifically aim to get them into his mouth. They do and he goes into anaphylaxis and uses his epi-pen. Peter also talks about how allergies are made up for attention and sympathy."

As a mom of a child with severe anaphylactic food allergies I find this absolutely unacceptable. I do not understand how Hollywood and Sony Pictures feel that this is acceptable. Food can KILL!! It is not a joke. It is not funny. It is not something humorous to poke fun about.

Disclaimer: Highlighted text is taken from a Facebook link posted by a member of Kids With Food Allergies Foundation. 

Drawn To Discover ~ Posting # 2

Behold the Beauty ~ Symmetry

Grade 4

Symmetry in Natural Objects