Monday, June 26, 2017

Momma Took the Kids Out Again

Baby chicks enjoying some cucumber on a hot day

Mom has been taking the kids out daily now.  I let her out in the morning and she just lets them own the place. LOL.  They are so funny and it is so fun to watch them fully integrated into the flock at such a young age.  They are so small, but the hens don't dare mess with them!  I have panicked many times as I see them too far away from mom, but she always has a watchful eye and ears open to any danger.  If a hen does dare peck at them they promptly sound a squawking loud alarm and mom comes running and takes care of things pretty quick!  It is comical to watch and so enjoyable to watch them enjoying the outdoors and not stuck in the coop.

Now, if only the juveniles would come out!!  I'm sure history will repeat itself and we will just have to literally throw them out to show them there is a WHOLE other world outside! How is you flock doing?  Any new additions or funny stories to share?

Thursday, June 22, 2017

UnLock Algebra1 REVIEW

UnLock Math Algebra 1
What perfect timing.  As we leave the 7th grade and enter into the 8th grade we were given an opportunity to try out UnLock Algebra1 from UnLock Math.  I was especially excited about trying this because it is an online video curriculum much like what we have been doing for math for the past few years.  This curriculum is a complete program but can also be used as a supplement.  It is accessible through a one-year subscription.





We have been using this program over the past month or so and find it pretty similar to our past math program.  You log in online and there are parent and student accounts.   From the Parent Login you are able to manage your student's account (assignment of courses, billing, payment info and passwords).  You are also able to login to the Student Account from the Parent Login.  If you give your student a password they can then login to their account by themselves.  The program tracks progress and grades for you.


UnLock Math
The lessons are broken down into units and there is a 472-page Complete Reference Notes document (for UnLock Algebra1) that you can refer to or printout that covers the material shown in the lesson videos.  Each Unit consists of Daily Lessons and Review and Quizzes and Tests if applicable.  A lesson consists of:
  • Warm up - to get your student in math mode
  • Short Video (less than 10 minutes)
  • Practice Problems - may be completed as many times as necessary and best grade will be recorded.
  • Stay Sharp problems for review
  • Challenge questions - can add 5% bonus on overall grade
  • Reference Notes - a link for that particular lesson
To start each unit the student clicks on the Unit to activate it then the Launch icon to begin that unit.  This unlocks the unit and allows the student to begin lessons in that unit.  Once lessons are complete they are graded and entered into the students record.  There is also a Pacing Guide available as a pdf file to print or view online.  It lists how many days it takes for each unit and the total days in the program.  Each lesson is expected to take approximately 30 minutes (takes us closer to an hour).  There are 170 days worth of lessons, reviews, and tests.  If you work 4 days per week it can be completed in 43 weeks (10 3/4 months).  If you work 5 days a week it would take 34 weeks (8 1/2 months).


UnLock Math

The weighting of the grades is as follows:
  • Warm-ups - 0%
  • Practice Problems - 30%
  • Stay Sharp - 10%
  • Challenge - 5% bonus to overall grade but not penalized for bad grade
  • Review - 0%
  • Quizzes - 15%
  • Test - (can be taken multiple times with best grade recorded) 30%
  • Midterm - (can be taken multiple times with best grade recorded) 5%
  • Final Exam - (can be taken multiple times with best grade recorded) 10 %
The program tracks your student's progress in all areas.  You can see if they are completing the warm ups, practice problems, stay sharp, and quizzes.  I really like this program and think it is a good fit for how my son learns.  The short video lessons are great for him.  The lessons are not too long or cumbersome.  The only challenge that I don't like compared to our old program is that he does not get immediate feedback on each problem.  In UnLock Math when he answers a question he does not know until the end of the lesson what he got wrong or right.  In the past this was a necessity for him (knowing immediately if he got problem right or wrong) just because of the way his mind works.  But I can see a little maturity in him and it didn't seem to bother him as much as I thought it would.  Score!  Based on our experience we recommend this program for your consideration when looking for a math curriculum.

You can connect with UnLock Math at FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST.

They also provide courses in Pre-Algebra, Algebra2 and now their newest release, Geometry!  Be sure to check out the other reviews on UnLock Algebra1 and the other courses they offer by clicking on the banner below.


Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry {UnLock Math Reviews}

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Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Adventures of Rush Revere REVIEW


We have been having so much fun reading the Adventures of Rush Revere Book Series from Adventures of Rush Revere #1 New York Times Bestselling Book Series by Rush and Kathryn-Adams Limbaugh.  This book series has been a fun journey in learning history while enjoying an entertaining story.  I have learned in our house that the best way to get retention and learning in history is to use autobiographies and entertaining stories like this series.


Adventures of Rush Revere

The books came packaged so nicely with a tied up ribbon.  There are 5 books in this series.  The hard backed books are of very nice quality.  The book jackets are very nice and colorful and the pages of the book are of a very heavy duty and glossy type paper.  These are books you will want to keep as part of your library for some time to come to use with the whole family.

Rush Revere is a comical character with his trusty horse Liberty.  The two of them along with the Time-Traveling Crew (Freedom, Cam and Tommy) go on many adventures through time learning about our United States History.  Liberty was struck by lightning and appeared in the present day and allows Rush and his Crew to travel back in time.  Liberty has a comical sense of humor and is able to make himself appear invisible by camouflaging himself into his surroundings.

The books are an easy read and I would recommend for ages 8-12.  As an adult I am really enjoying the series so of course older children would also enjoy the content. We choose to read these as read-alouds but my son would also pick it up on occasion and read on his own.  I would of course have to go back and "catch up" when he did this.  We have not completed the series yet due to "life occurrences" while we were working on this review (grandpa visited for a week among other things).  We would take about a week and a half or so per book.  My son is a slow reader and would probably easily complete a book per week.  An avid reader could complete in a day or two.


Adventures of Rush Revere

The series consists of:
  • Rush Revere and the Star-Spangled Banner
  • Rush Revere and the American Revolution
  • Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims
  • Rush Revere and the First Patriots
  • Rush Revere and the Presidency
While reading the Star-Spangled Banner we learned so much more about our history.  While going on a field trip to Washington D.C. the Crew learned all about the nations capital, our constitution and the Bill of Rights.  Who is James Madison, Francis Scott Key or Betsy Ross?  What did they do and why are they important?  What is the meaning behind the song this book is named after?  Answers to these questions and so much more history were covered in this book. I also really like that there are pictures throughout the books.  Pictures of characters mixed in with real life pictures of actual monuments and places.

In Rush Revere and the American Revolution follow Rush, Liberty and the Crew as they travel back in time to visit Paul Revere and learn about the battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill.  Cam learns to deal with his anger towards the fact that his dad is away serving in Afghanistan.  His mother, Danielle reaches out to Rush to ask him to help him understand.  Through all their adventures, Cam does come to understand and have a new respect for what his father is doing.

Travel back in time again to be aboard the Mayflower and learn about the Brave Pilgrims, Thanksgiving, Plymouth Rock and the history surrounding it all.  Who are William Bradford, Elder William Brewster and Myles Standish?  What was life like on the ship?  What is the Mayflower Compact?  It's a must read to find out!

Rush Revere and the First Patriots takes you back in time to British Rule and why our Patriots fought so hard for their freedoms. What were the 13 colonies and who were Samuel Adams, Ben Franklin and Patrick Henry?  What is the King's Stamp Act and why were the colonies opposed to it?  What was the Boston Massacre?  Learn about the Boston Tea Party and what the Intolerable Acts was.  This book has some overlapping themes that will help reinforce what was learned in some of the other books.

The last book on the Presidency covers the time of the first three presidents of the United States.  Learn about what went on during their time in office and about their wives and families. How decisions they made were important to the stabilization of the freedoms that had been fought for and how elections back then differed from today's elections.  Learn about the Louisiana Purchase and how it greatly expanded our territory.

I have nothing negative to say about these wonderful books.  They were easy reads that were entertaining and kept the attention of my 13 year old.  I enjoyed reading them myself and reliving parts of history in a fun and comical way.  Rush and Liberty keep you on your toes and a chuckle on your lips as you read through history.
Adventures of Rush Revere

You can connect with Adventures of Rush Revere on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and YOUTUBE.

Please be sure to check out the other reviews by clicking on the banner below.


Adventures of Rush Revere Book Series {Reviews}+
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Monday, June 19, 2017

How to HOMESCHOOL REVIEW

How to HOMESCHOOL with Stunning Confidence, Contagious Joy, and Amazing Focus (DVD & Coursebook)
Although I have been homeschooling for about 12 years now, I was still excited to get to review How to HOMESCHOOL with Stunning Confidence, Contagious Joy, and Amazing Focus (DVD & Coursebook) published by Apologia Educational Ministries in partnership with Teach Them Diligently.  We are nearing preparation for high school and beyond and I knew this program covered that and many other important aspects of homeschooling.  I was especially intrigued to find out that the authors are Rachael Carman (co-founder with her husband) of Teach Them Diligently, and Leslie Nunnery who, along with her husband, founded Apologia Educational Ministries.

The product consists of a workbook with homework assignments and space for taking notes and 2 DVDs containing 15 lessons.  The lessons covered are:
  • How to Get the Most Out of This Course
  • Setting Goals for the Journey
  • Finding Support
  • Choosing Curriculum
  • Practical How-To's (Nuts and Bolts)
  • Organizing Your Homeschool Stuff
  • Organizing Your Homeschool Day
  • Tips from Veterans
  • Family Matters -- Marriage
  • Family Matters -- The Rest
  • Dealing with Opposition
  • High School Graduation and College
  • If College is Not the End Game
  • You Can Make It!
  • Continuing Education and Encouragement Opportunities
The DVDs are set up in interview type style with Rachael and Leslie basically having a discussion about topics on homeschooling and how they handled it in their lives.  It is very relaxed and informative.  The sessions are short, from about 12-15 minutes each, which is perfect for bite-sized learning.  You can go through a lesson a day or 2-3 per week depending on how you want to handle your homework assignments.  It is a very practical, hands-on method of getting great information to you about homeschooling in an efficient and simple manner.  There is also a link with password provided to an online appendix that is full of wonderful resources and additional information that is very helpful.


If you have never homeschooled before or are considering it, this is a very good resource to start with.  If you are a veteran homeschooler, I think there is still some information to be gleaned.  They cover everything from the very basics of setting up, choosing curriculum, organizing, setting goals, working with your family dynamics, dealing with opposition from others, prepping for college and ideas for the non-college bound, and just basic encouragement to stay your course.

I really liked that they stressed and talked about your "Why" and how that can change over time.  "Why" did you choose to homeschool.  What are your motivations?  The advice and suggestions they have are very grace-based and they help you to feel more comfortable in the role you have been tasked to do as a homeschooling mom. Throughout the lessons they are constantly reminding you that we are not all perfect and life happens.  You do the best you can with what you have and let God do what He does best, providing for your every need.

If you find that you are currently overwhelmed in your homeschooling situation, Chapter 3 - Finding Support, might be just what you need. I especially liked Chapter 4 on Choosing Curriculum.  It seems we are always doing that, aren't we?  I love how they give you permission to dump an ineffective program.  I really like that they remind you that your child is an individual and therefore each child may learn differently and need different resources to thrive best in their studies.  Children have a natural desire to learn and they encourage you to tap into that instead of allowing strife and tears to derail your desire for them to have joy in their learning.

The homework "assignments" are not complicated or long.  In Chapter 5, Practical How-To's (Nuts and Bolts), the assignment simply asks you to list any homeschooling tips and tricks you learned in the session or already have in your "toolbox."

I could write a mini-book on how informative and helpful this program has been.  They stress that your relationship with your children and your spouse are key to the success in the homeschool model.  You don't want to lose your child's heart and alienate your husband while you accomplish the task of educating your child(ren) to become contributing members of society.

I definitely recommend that you give this program a try.  I do not believe you will be disappointed.  There is so much material and information they cover in such a short time it will be well worth your time to check it out.


Apologia Educational Ministries

You can connect with Apologia Educational Ministries on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, GOOGLE+, and YOUTUBE.

Please take the time to check out the other reviews on this program and the Internship for High School Credit program they offer by clicking the banner below.

Homeschool with Confidence & Internship for High School {Apologia Educational Ministries Reviews}


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Thursday, June 15, 2017

They are growing!



Time flies and the chicks are growing.  They are every bit as sassy as their  mother Sassy!  She is so appropriately named.  I try to handle them a lot but they are pretty wild.  We'll see how it all pans out.  I really like the white one but it is looking more rooster like each day.  He has a good size comb already, but it may be the leghorn gene too.  Time will tell!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Educator's Spanish Collection by Whistlefritz REVIEW

Whistlefritz Spanish
I was so excited to be able to offer a foreign language curriculum to my Pre-K four-year old. When she saw the Educator's Spanish Collection by Whistlefritz, my little bug was so excited!  Fritzi, the mouse, really caught her attention and it was love at first sight.  The idea behind this curriculum is language immersion.  The typical way of learning a foreign language of learning and memorizing words and then translating back and forth is counterproductive to the way our mind works.  Studies show that language immersion is the way to go.  

Whistlefritz
The collection comes with 5 DVDs and 3 CDs packaged in 4 cases (2 discs per case), a lesson plan book, and matching cards.  The lesson book guides you through 40 lessons.  It has the English translation before the Spanish for the teacher, but you speak to the student(s) in Spanish (language immersion).  The DVDs have Spanish and English subtitles.  All the activities and lessons are spoken in Spanish.  The curriculum is multi-sensory and has cross-curricular lessons including math, science, and PE.  Arts and crafts are also incorporated as part of the lessons.  Students are immersed in the language through speech, play, hands-on activities, matching card game, videos, and audio CDs. 

Whistlefritz Spanish
.
In the videos, children are engaged with Fritzi (the mouse) and his shenanigans.  There is also a lot of interaction with kids in the videos that keep her engaged.  I especially like that the videos have a native speaker engaging the kids and encouraging them to participate in Fritzi's games.  They speak in full sentences in conversation style teaching.  The videos are interactive and do not have a "flash card" type style.  The words (in Spanish) to the songs are included in the lesson plan book. 

Whistlefritz Spanish
Whistlefritz Spanish
The lessons really engage the students and little bug just can't get enough of the videos.  While success in working through the lesson plans in the workbook is slow, I know she will get it.  For her, maturity-wise, she doesn't focus enough or listen through the lessons very well.  This does not concern me because she is continually being exposed to the language in ways that will have a lasting affect on her.  I know this because she has learned sign language the same way.  It has taken her years (I started her before she was ever speaking) to fully engage in the sign language she was learning.  She just soaked it all up like a sponge and now she teaches us new sign language words all the time.  I am so excited for what this program is instilling in her.  I know it will bear much fruit as she grows older and understands more what she is being exposed to.

matching card game

engrossed in Fritzi
Another aspect of the program that we really like are the included CDs.  We all know we spend too much time in the car sometimes and that really helps to add to the immersion experience.  She really loves listening to the CDs that reinforce what she learns.  She used to always demand to listen to the signing CDs and now she has her Spanish ones too!

With all that this program has to offer we give it a double thumbs up!  She asks to watch Fritzi everyday and we will continue with the lesson plans.  This is definitely a plus to our Pre-K curriculum and I would highly recommend you consider either the Spanish or French options.  I think once she settles into the Spanish set we will consider adding the French perhaps next year.  Thank you Whistlefritz for the spectacular Educator's Spanish Collection program.
You can connect with Whistlefritz on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and YOUTUBE.

Please be sure to check out the other reviews on the Spanish and French versions by clicking on the banner below.


Spanish and French {Whistlefritz Reviews}

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Friday, June 9, 2017

Homeschool Special by MarshMedia REVIEW

Health Education Products for K-8 {MarshMedia }

The opportunity to review this Homeschool Special by MarshMedia was quite timely in our homeschool schedule.  I needed to get some extra health content in and the videos included in this online video streaming outlet fit the bill just right.  MarshMedia has been providing educational material to public schools and has now expanded their reach to the homeschool community. Their health education products are geared for K-8 grade.


Health Education Products for K-8 {MarshMedia }

MarshMedia has specialized in puberty education but they offer so much more in the health subject area.  From washing hands to nutrition to character qualities and life lessons they've got it covered.  Their topics cover puberty, hygiene, health/safety, students with special needs, and guidance.  Under health/safety you can find topics related to AIDS/HIV/Immune System, Health, Nutrition, and Safety.  Students with Special Needs covers Puberty (geared more for those with special needs) and Social Skills.  Under Guidance you can find Bullying, Character Education, and Social Skills.


Health Education Products for K-8 {MarshMedia }


While the content is from a secular standpoint, I found nothing inappropriate or offensive in the videos we reviewed.  The subject material is just basic in nature giving needed facts to understand the subject.  I really like that it is not just your typical health subjects but includes the character and social skills videos.  Each video generally has a trailer you can view to get an idea of what it is about.  The videos generally range from 15 to 20 minutes long.  Some with more in depth content are longer.


Health Education Products for K-8 {MarshMedia }
I had originally thought I would just view these with my 7th grader but I soon found out that their character videos were perfect for my 4 year old.  The video is like a storybook story that includes character and life lessons based on what happens to the characters in the story.  She enjoyed watching them and she is learning without realizing it.  Bailey's Birthday taught her that love and support are more important than material things.



I especially liked the teen hygiene video "Keep it Clean!"  It was about 18 minutes long and is recommended for grades 5-8.  I thought it was very good in explaining to my pre-teen just how important it is to stay clean and why.  It covered not only bathing and washing your body, face and hands, but also taking care of your teeth, clothes and shoes. I would definitely recommend these videos for general health education.

The best part about this opportunity now is that they are offering a special to homeschoolers.  Their videos are available for purchase to schools for $69.95 each or rentals for $29.95.  For a limited time they are offering UNLIMITED viewing through online streaming of their videos for a flat fee of $50!!  You will have unlimited access to all 59 of their videos (currently the Spanish units are not available for online streaming) until 12/31/2017.  If you need a health education solution for this fall now is the perfect time to take advantage of this offer.  If you wish to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce MarshMedia curriculum to your home schooler(s) click on the link below for more information:

https://marshmedia.com/pages/homeschool-offer

REMEMBER, you MUST use the link above to take advantage of the Homeschool Special.
You can connect with MarshMedia on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GOOGLE+, or YOUTUBE.

Please take the time to also read other reviews about this wonderful resource by clicking on the banner below.


MarshMedia Reviews
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Berries!


Berries!  I just love to be able to go out in the yard and pick organic berries or produce from our garden.  It's wonderful that after strawberries come the blueberries and now we have raspberries!  Yummy sweet large red and black raspberries.  The blackberries are soon to follow!  We have also harvested lettuce that was wonderful and have plenty to share.  What are you enjoying out of your garden lately?  

Thursday, June 8, 2017

K5 Learning Online Program REVIEW

K5 Learning
Post contains affiliate links

Little Bug and I had fun reviewing a supplemental online program by K5 Learning.  It covers three areas that include K5 Reading, K5 Spelling, and K5 Math.  The program is geared for Kindergarten through 5th grade and is not meant to be a full curriculum.  While Little Bug is age 4 and still in PreK we were given the opportunity to review this program because it is also recommended for Special Needs and ESL students.  Due to the structure of the program it is also highly recommended for children with ADHD, dyslexia, slow learners, and high functioning autism/Asperger Syndrome.  The lessons are short, fun and give immediate feedback.

K5 Learning

Little Bug loves doing "school" and welcomed this online program with great excitement.  I had her working in the Reading and Math areas.  I have not started her on any of the Spelling lessons.  The lessons in this program are geared to what will challenge the student without overwhelming them.  They recommend that you take the free on line assessments to see where your child lies in each area.  After you sign up for a particular grade level, you are given the opportunity to change and fine tune your grade level based on what your assessment results tell you.  If your student is ahead or behind in any particular area you can adjust the grade level for that section only accordingly.  This is great for your student's progress.  As they master skills in each area the program adjusts and assigns the student appropriate and challenging material based on their responses. The curriculum is research-based and aligned to meet state and national standards.

K5 Learning

Each subject covers a variety of topics.  The K5 Spelling includes spelling and vocabulary.  It is a wonderful program for master based learning.  It adjusts the spelling words based on grade level and whether the child already knows the correct spelling. Your child gets immediate feedback on each word if it is spelled correctly or not. If a child misspells a word the program will give them a hint and allow two more tries to correct word before it displays the correct spelling.  You can even input your own custom spelling lists.  It's really nice that it also includes vocabulary. As your child masters words the program keeps track and rewards them with a short video movie when they master a certain number of words.  At Little Bugs level we are not currently doing this part of the program.


K5 Learning

The K5 Math covers numbers and operation, measurement, geometry, data analysis and algebraic thinking. Little Bug really enjoys the videos in this section and counting objects.  She already knows her numbers 1 - 20 and the program not only reinforces what she already knows but is also challenging her skill level. She gets to count and make pizzas and add chocolate chips to cookies and candles to cakes. The program is very interactive and visual and once a lesson is completed you come to a stop sign so you can "stop" or "go" to continue on with more lessons.  Again, the lessons are very short and concise.  It doesn't really give her a chance to lose interest since the lessons are so short.

Counting apples
You can "stop" lesson or "go" to continue
The K5 Reading portion covers phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension.  At Little Bugs level she is really working on sight words at this point.  She is struggling at her level but I notice that she doesn't get frustrated and still enjoys progressing through the program.  This is a plus!  Meltdowns would not be very conducive to her learning and she really moves to meltdown stage rather easily so I think this is the right program for her.  It is always very positive and just guides her forward.  Everything is short and to the point and mistakes are not dwelt upon. As part of the program, the same "stop light" at the end of the lesson allows you to stop the lesson or continue.

Working on sight words


I also really like that the student isn't distracted by other areas of the program or able to jump off and play games without completing the lessons like some other programs we have tried.  There is one that is a very popular one but I finally stopped our subscription because after her older brother showed her how to get into the games section she no longer wanted to work on the actual schoolwork part.  That is not so with this online program.  The program walks her through step by step what she needs to complete next without allowing her to bypass it or get into something else. She doesn't feel like she is "working" and actually enjoys completing the lessons. Another plus is the included FREE Reading and Math worksheets (answers included) that can also be customized.

K5 Learning

We definitely give this program 5 stars!  We will continue to work on this [online] spelling and vocabulary program for kids throughout the summer and depending on how things go with this and some other stuff we are working on she may start Kindergarten in the fall instead of continuing with another year of PreK.

You can connect with K5 Learning and learn more about their online program on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, and GOOGLE+.

Read about other reviews on this program by clicking on the banner below.

K5 Learning {Reviews}

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Monday, June 5, 2017

Silkies


Oh, oh, woohoo!  Was so excited to get our Silkies.  Two of these are for a friend.  She already picked them up and she is enjoying them too!  I have always wanted this breed and now finally got a pair.  We also got 3 Black Copper Marans and I will get pics up soon.  All are doing well despite our nasty humid heat wave we are enduring.  I did some research and it appears that it is possible that there are 3 males and 1 female Silkie.  Based on one piece of information that fluffy one just may be the female.  I will do more research, and time will tell.  These guys are about 2 months old right now.  I'm thinking maybe closer to 3 possibly.  I know the Marans look older, more like almost 4 months old. Do you have any new additions?  Any interesting breeds on your wishlist?

Thursday, June 1, 2017

YWAM Heroes of History REVIEW

YWAM Publishing

Our family loves biographies to read aloud in our homeschool.  I was so excited to recently have the opportunity to review Heroes Of History - Milton Hershey from YWAM Publishing.  Heroes of History is a wonderful series currently containing 28 biographies of wonderful men and women from history that made an impact on our world.

There are so many extras available to you from the YWAM Publishing site pertaining to whatever book or series you choose.  The bonus section for our book included word puzzles, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, and overview guides of how to use the unit studies.  YES!  There are Downloadable Unit Studies available to purchase for the books from the YWAM Publishing site.

YWAM Publishing
The Unit Study for Milton Hershey is a comprehensive package that guides you through how to use the Heroes of History books.  It includes guides for small groups, classroom, or homeschool. Within the homeschool guide it shows you how it can be used for history, social studies, language arts, and character education. The series can be used as a stand alone curriculum or as a complement to what you are already using.  The guide even breaks down the time periods for you so you know what books to cover for each time period. It also lines out a one-year or two-year track if you choose to use it as a stand alone curriculum.  The Unit Study itself has activities and chapter questions (and answers) as well as essay questions and research topics. We mostly used the study guide chapter questions for now and will go more in depth later in the summer after we take a short break from school. We use these types of books as supplements to our current curriculum.

We really enjoyed the biography on Milton Hershey.  I chose it remembering my youth when my family visited Hershey, Pennsylvania and wanted my son to read about the man who developed the famous Hershey Chocolate Bar.  Little did I know how much it would bless me to know the entire story of Milton Hershey.  I'm sure there were things we learned when I was little and visited the tourist attraction site, but I don't remember anything but seeing the chocolate.

I don't ever remember knowing that Milton came from a Mennonite background and even though he did not actively participate in his church and religion, he kept most of what he learned from his mother while growing up in his character.  He never believed in frivolity and always set out to do the best job possible and serve the employer or customer in the best way he knew how.  He believed that money was not to be hoarded and enjoyed for only oneself but to be shared and used to make lives better for everyone.

I also did not realize that the town was not just named after him, but he actually founded the entire town.  He used his fortune to make life better for others.  Over the years he helped provide jobs for thousands of people.  He even established a business in Cuba and helped families over there.  Later in life, he and his wife founded an orphanage that educated and trained children to be able to learn a trade and provide for themselves in their adult life.

Milton only had a 4th grade education.  He had MANY failed business attempts.  He was told several times he would never amount to anything. Yet, he persevered.  His unfailing love for entrepreneurship and drive to make a difference paid off BIG TIME in the end.  He lived through several wars and his success allowed him and his workers to remain fairly unscathed during the Depression. This is a must read story for your library.  There are so many lessons on character and serving others. You must read it to find out: The role his father, mother, and Aunt played in his life; How his best friend "Lebbie" helped and supported him through the years; What was so sad about his wife, Catherine (Kitty); Was he ever successful making chewing gum?  We highly recommend Heroes of History - Milton Hershey from YWAM Publishing.

You can connect with YWAM Publishing on  FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, and their BLOG.

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Christian & History Heroes {YWAM Publishing Reviews}
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