Spell Quizzer

Explaining Spell Quizzer is very simple. It allows children to practice their spelling words. It is a software that allows the user to make a recording of the spelling list and the student to practice.

In order to make a sound recording, you need to have a microphone that can plug into your computer. If not, the other option is to create a phrase or use a definition to help the child remember the word.

Many people have weekly spelling lists. We have always used Spelling Power, which doesn’t have weekly lists. So for us, this isn’t really something we would use.

I do think it is beneficial though for families who choose to teach spelling another way. Why don’t you head over to the Spell Quizzer website for more information.If you’d like to read reviews of this and other products, go to the TOS Homeschool Crew blog!

Further Up and Further In - Cadron Creek Christian Curriculum

I was so excited to be able to review Further Up and Further In. I love unit studies and my kids love the Chronicles of Narnia, so this is a perfect match.

The study is designed for students in grades four through eight, but just like other unit studies, it can be adapted for older or younger students. It covers many topics, including history, mythology, geography, health and safety, cooking and others. You will need to add your own math, grammar and spelling for a well rounded year.

The book is spiral bound and 338 pages. It has seven units, each corresponding to one of the seven Narnia books. You can finish one book a month by covering a chapter each day. Again, you can adapt it to your family’s needs and aren’t really bound by following this schedule.

There is a planning guide at the beginning of each section that allows you to prepare for the lessons. There are suggested videos, books, field trips and memorizations. The student is challenged to do further research to learn, not just reading the particular book the unit is covering.

In order to give you a good understanding of what is in the book, I am going to highlight Chapter 11 of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The student is given vocabulary words and are asked to look them up in a dictionary. They are to write them, along with a definition in their vocabulary notebook. There are then fill in the blank statements for the vocabulary words. Then the student is asked to read Chapter 11. Next, there are 6 assignments to choose from. Three science, one art, one cooking and one critical thinking. One of the science assignments is to look at a book about tracking animals. Then mix Plaster of Paris and make animal tracks in them. The art assignment was to draw a picture of the animals having Christmas Dinner.

I really can’t express enough how impressed I am with this unit study. It is very thorough and well written. It is published by Cadron Creek Christian Curriculum and they offer unit studies on Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables. You can see their offerings on their website.

For reviews on this and other great homeschooling curriculum, check out the TOS Homeschool Crew blog!