TOS Review: Apologia:Who is my Neighbor?

I love reading the Word with my kids. Teaching them the truths of scripture is one of the highest honors as a mother. While we have always had bible study and family bible time, sometimes we miss out on the application of what the scripture is telling us - how we are to use it in our lives, today. This bible study from Apologia, "Who is my Neighbor?" was a great alternative to what we usually do. Don't get me wrong - it is NOT a replacement to reading the bible. But it is a great accessory.



The curriculum is great for families with multiple ages, mainly for kids 6-14. They even sent a coloring book for the littler ones to keep them on track and busy while mommy or daddy is reading - great help! :)



Who is my Neighbor? uses stories to relate scripture to daily living. The stories are teaching the children - and reminding the parents - of what "salt and light" should look like in action in the world. It has given my kids a broader sense of the word neighbor. ALL God's children are our neighbors, and He can use any of us to bless others. It has been such a great time of study and discussion with the kids.

When I first got the book, I was a little concerned to see it was the third in a series called "What We Believe". But it really doesn't matter. Each book in the series focuses on a specific topic. And while, like the fruits of the spirit, they all relate to one another, the subjects are complete to stand and study alone. I do look forward to looking through the other books at some point, though...

If you are looking for a new approach or addition to your family devotion time, I highly recommend Apologia:Who is my Neighbor? It has blessed our family, and I'm sure it will bless yours as well.

*Don't just take my word for it! Check out other blogger voices here:



**I was given a copy of the above material for free in exchange for my review. All thoughts and comments are mine and my children's alone.

TOS Review: IXL

IXL is an online interactive website created to help your student "excel" in mathematics. With programs from pre-K to Algebra, there is something to help nearly all of your students.




IXL challenges your student to work on their math skills at their level, and at their pace. You can choose to let them work at their grade level or wherever you think they should start. They can choose what they want to work on, according to subject. When they improve, the levels get more difficult, but not so quickly that they get discouraged. There are awards scattered throughout the program, but they are not very exciting. :( Coco thought they were cute and loved to see her new button each time, but my boys thought they were pretty cheesy. I don't think they were very good incentives to make them want to work harder or do better.




The monthly fee for IXL is $9.95 (add $2 per additional student) or $79.95 for the entire year (add $20 for additional students). This is cheaper than what I pay for my hard curriculum for each of them, plus I wouldn't have to do the grading! For elementary ages, I believe this could be more than just a supplement. There is enough content on this site for a full curriculum.




I like that there is a full report sent to me every week letting me know exactly what the kids worked on, what they excelled in, and where they struggled. It helps me to guide them in what they need to review, and what they can move on from.



For the most part, they all enjoyed IXL. If I were going to use an online math curriculum, IXL would definitely meet all my standards.

**Don't just take my word for it! Check out some of my fellow TOS Crew Members' reviews.





***Disclaimer: I received this product via TOS Homeschool Crew in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions stated are mine or my children's.

TOS Review: Creation Illustrated

Creation Illustrated is a magazine that combines beautiful photography and educational articles on science with excellent stories surrounded by biblical truths. Think National Geographic with a Christian mindset. In each issue, you will find articles, short stories, photo contests and puzzles for kids, and healthy recipes that will all bring you to a greater knowledge of Christ in your daily life and surroundings.

The photography is unsurpassed.



The articles are easy reads, but informative at the same time.



And the character and quality of the subjects are excellent reading for all ages. It is hard to find a magazine that I wouldn't mind sharing with my children AND my parents. The content is thought provoking and engaging. I am so happy that this review came my way. It's hard to imagine that this magazine has been around for 20 years, but I'm just now discovering it.




Creation Illustrated is published quarterly for $4.99 an issue. You can also subscribe online for the following lengths/rate: $19.95 for a year, $37.95 for 2 years or $53.95 for 3 years. It's a sound investment to expose your children to a magazine with high quality and appropriate content. They are even offering new subscribers a free issue. Just go HERE and fill out the form.

**Don't just take my word for it! Check out some of my fellow TOS Crew Members' reviews.



***Disclaimer: I received this product via TOS Homeschool Crew in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review; all opinions stated are mine or my children's.