Abundantly Blessed

Monday, July 27, 2015

A TOS Review: UnLock Math

So with the summer break looming ahead of us, I was excited to look for new curriculum ideas for the coming year. There are so many choices out there for each core subject, not to even mention the slew of electives available, that it can really seem overwhelming. I have been so thankful for friends sharing resources, free trials, and of course, the TOS Review Crew for giving me opportunities for trying things out to see what works for each child. And believe me, with 6 kids that all have different talents, personalities and learning styles, it can get pretty tricky finding out which course will work best for each child. This time, it was Chloe's turn to be the guinea pig. We have been reviewing UnLock Math, UnLock Pre-Algebra this summer. UnLock Math is an online math curriculum that uses a comprehensive teaching theory using video, computers, and a teacher. Alesia Blackwood is a high school math teacher and mother of (almost) four children. She understands from years in the classroom how many students just don't get math. In her testimonial, she explains that by the time many of her students reach her room, they've already decided they just aren't "math" people. But her innovative, engaging, and positive teaching skills can soon turn their minds the other way. My daughter has been one of them.
Chloe is not a "math" person, either. She can be brought to tears most days by math lessons. She is easily intimidated by higher math, and though I've seen her confidence improve this past semester due to another math curriculum we reviewed, she still wouldn't say she really liked math. She could get through it, but that was about it. Alesia brought a nonthreatening personality into our homeschool. Chloe liked her hair (she's naturally curly, like Chloe), and enjoyed her video presentations. I could see her smiling through her lessons, saying yay to herself when she got a higher grade, and just not complaining like she usually does. I watched some of the lessons with Chloe, and I agree - Alesia is the math teacher I would have wanted, too! Her enthusiasm and ability to break down the information into relatable concepts is a gift.
Some of the components we enjoyed were the videos like we already mentioned, the student dashboard, and the progress reports.
The dashboard is the way the lessons are broken down. The student knows exactly where they are, what their grade is at that moment, what is coming up, and what they probably need more work on.

The progress report gives me the breakdown in a little different format, but keeps Chloe and I on the same page when it comes to what she is learning. I wasn't sure about doing pre-algebra with her this year as a 7th grader (Connor waited until 8th grade). But with UnLock Math, she doesn't feel pressured. She is getting new information every day, but in such small chunks that she doesn't feel overwhelmed. I am very happy with her progress so far.
Here Chloe's take on UnLock Math:
"I like this better than other online programs we've seen. I really like Mrs. Alesia. Having a teacher just works better for me. I respond to a face telling me what's up better than an automated robot voice. I have only seen stuff to review so far, but it's making more sense that it ever did before. I still don't love math, but it isn't so scary this way. I like that I don't get graded on the practice problems. It gives me a chance to figure it out before I am graded. That is a bonus. I wish there was something that encouraged me when I'm doing good. It just gives me a fraction at the top of the page, so I tell myself good job or say yay. In other programs, I've had some incentive or reward, like a message telling me great job or a cute animal graphic. Something like that makes it a little more fun. I love the learning path! You get WarmUp, Mrs. Alesia's video, Practice Problems, Stay Sharp, Challenge Yourself and Reference Notes. I don't really know what the Reference Notes are or why they are there, but the rest is great. It gives me a chance to get ready for the lesson, hear the lesson, practice what I learned, review something from a past lesson, and then a fun problem that makes me use a critical thinking skill. It's a good way to end the lesson...when you get that challenge problem right.

One thing I didn't really like. Sometimes Mrs. Alesia points her finger a lot to emphasize something. It's almost like she's pointing at me and I'm in trouble...and sometimes she talks like she's talking to a 2nd grader. I am almost a 7th grader, so I kind of wish she talked to me more grown up."
So that's Chloe's "review"! I am excited to see how she does with new concepts coming up, but I am happy to see her enjoying math at this time. I hope to see more improvement, greater confidence, and hopefully...eventually...with Alesia's teaching...she will learn to love math!
To connect with UnLock Math on social media, check them out here:

Wanna see what other people thought about the product? Check out the TOS Reviewers here:

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Family Reunion

It's been too long...far too long. This used to be a regular occurrence. We'd gather together nearly every weekend as kids. Their house was as much home to me as our house, and vice versa. I have 2 sisters, but growing up, I felt like I had 4 sisters and a brother - then later at when I was 10 and Zack was born, another brother. We did everything together, and I never expected things to be different when we grew up. I knew my kids would have all these aunts and uncles and never not know their huge family.

But time and circumstances happen. Lives and schedules, and other things that are even more unexplainable change things. My kids have heard many stories, know I had cousins I was super close to. But only the oldest of mine actually remember a time when they were around and a regular part of our lives. It has seemed so sad to me. But for the first time in who knows how long, we all came together this weekend. For these two.

These are my beautiful nieces. My oldest sister's girls. They have been away from the family for nearly 8 years. It has been so hard to not have them with us for all this time, but what a joy it's been to see them. I am so very thankful for this past weekend and for this coming week. Ten days is just not enough time...but I will savor every second I have.

I can't even explain what it's been like to watch them the past couple days. I see things in them that surprise me. Pieces of me, my sisters. Personality traits that you'd think were nature over nurture, but the time apart completely bashes that theory. They are so like us. They are ours. They are beautiful and smart and funny and sassy. I am loving to get to know them all over again.

Not only did we all come together for them, but for ourselves as well. As I said, we all knew it had been too long, and we aim to make up for lost time. I pray it continues. I will try not to be disappointed if it doesn't. But I am looking forward, hopeful. I love my family. All of them.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Eudora Baptist

One of our favorite weeks - Eudora Day Camp! I've lost track of how many years this has been part of our lives, but I'm thankful for it every year. It's hard work. It's hot, it's loud, it's absolute chaos in the woods for five days straight! But God always shows up - and He is glorified in the people who love and serve and learn and play. I'm so blessed to be a part of it, every year. Whether pregnant, being a team leader, wearing a new baby, hanging out with teens, leading worship, or working in the craft tent, the conversations are good. The people smile through the sweat! Because we know we are living for the King. Praise Him for this wonderful body He has given us. I love every person there that gives of their time to come and bless and be blessed. It is the little things in life that we remember, and I know my kids have many memories of these campgrounds and the fun they've had. Not to mention the deep truths from God's Word that are planted every summer on these hallowed paths.