"Time 4 Learning" a really great time!

This last month, we have had the opportunity to try http://www.Time4Learning.com -  an online interactive curriculum for home use, PreK-8th Grade, for free, in exchange for our candid opinion.  What a great deal!  So for the last few weeks of summer vacation, and the first few weeks of the new school year, Jadyn and Izabella became computer scholars.  I had intended for Drake and Saigen to give a try, too, but they already have a full load of subjects and assisnments, so we decided to try it out on just the little ones. 

Their website is very user friendly and eye-catching.  The girls quickly figured out which "tab" was theirs, and how to enter their individual sign-on and passwords.  Each "grade level" has two areas of learning, an intermediate and more advanced.  They had the choice between all kinds of topics like "on the farm" "vegetables"  "shapes" and "tools".  Within each of these groups, they would complete 4 different activities, and recieve a check-mark to let them know when they were finished and could move on to the next activity or topic.  After completing the entire topic, they were given the opportunity to rate their experience.  Using happy, and not-so-happy faces they expressed if they had a good time completing that activity.  Although a neat concept, my darling Izzy, liked to choose the "not-so-fun" button, although she thoroughly enjoyed it and was begging to do more school.  This might be a better option for the parents!

I saw a few areas where there could be improvement.  One of the activities is storybook time.  The page is read to the child and then the child "turns" the page after the special sound.  For beginning readers, it would be really nice to have a boucing ball, or pointing finger to identify each word as it was being read.  Also, I am completing this review without access to my account, because it was suspended until I submit my review...  Although I did take a few notes while the kids were busy learning, I was planning on going back through the topics and activities when they were not on, to get a more in-depth look, and give a more quality review. 

Overall, the Time4Learning online learning tool, is really a great resource to have.  For the low monthly cost, I will mosty likely be paying for a subscription for the girls.   I would recommend it to any parents who hate to triple-check every "kids"website their children to go for entertainment, and want a safe, fun and educational place to play and learn.

This is the author’s opinion and is entirely her own,the content was not written by Time4Learning, but the writer was compensated.

Something new to try...

I've been invited to try Time4Learning's online education program for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience! Find out how to write your own curriculum review.

Have Crust Will Quiche!

This is what became of my pie crusts - sausage and mushroom quiche. They were so very yummy! This crust was perfect for a savory dish, but I would down the salt and up the sugar if you use it for a sweet pie.

The Dirty Deed is Done!

 

FINALLY, I have a compost bin.  Drake used his handy man skills and helped his ol' ma get one made.  I'm mighty glad too, the little collection of all things green and gross has been growing in my kitchen for weeks....I am officially ready to get things in the ground, but am hesitant as to their outcome.  I have been told I need to have a shade screen or everything will just shrivel and die.  Great.  So...that is this weekend's project. The idea of 3 raised beds seems pretty ambitious at this point, and costly.  I am going to have to make do with the one, and just hope and pray I get some kind of harvest! I wish Mom could come to visit and help this poor girl out! Hint...Hint...

Bag that Water!

Saigen is off to a great start combining her talents and creativity to make a little extra moo-la!  We made an assortment of Christmas gifts this year that were well received, so she started doing a little "family" marketing to see if she could "sew-up" a little business.  These are three of the water bottle holders she made recently.  They hold both the disposable plastic, or more eco-friendly reusable water bottles.  She will be setting up shop under the name "Sweet Sage Artistries" as she intends to expand her wares to all things crafty.  She is now taking orders!

Fire Ants are not a vegetable!

After much digging, pulling, shoveling, fertilizing, weeding and a not-so-great sunburn, my garden plot is ready for planting. Well, almost.  You see, I have these tenants who refuse to move.  They are these red, stinging fire ants who are holding their (my) ground at all costs.  Being somewhat environmentally conscious, I am trying to evict them - naturally.  My latest attempt involved gallons of boiling water with orange oil. Hmmmm, now I just have citrus scented mud. When it's all said and done, me and my irritating little friends will just have to learn to get along.  And I will need to get a taller pair of boots!

Recipe of the Month - Pantry Pancake Mix

This is a healthy and delicious time saver!

Makes 3 lbs

6 cups white flour

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup wheat germ

1 ½ T salt

9 T baking powder

9 T sugar

3 cups powdered milk

Mix well and store in an airtight container.

To use, combine in a bowl:

1 egg

1 cup water

2 T melted fat or oil

1 ½ cup pancake mix

(double or triple as necessary)