Disney's "Planes" Teaches Bravery. ($100 Fandango Giftcard Giveaway)

Bravery is powerful.

Bravery should be celebrated. Embraced. Cultivated. Pursued. And taught.

Our children benefit from being brave and trying new things and following those passions that they are gifted with. When I was asked to consider writing a review about the Disney Movie Planes about bravery and courage and how to teach it to my children I jumped on board. Why? Because I want to push my children to be brave and to believe in themselves.

Often it's the little things, the little moments of courage that define our lives.

When we were at the lake a dog came running down on the dock. My daughter, Grace, really doesn't care for dogs. Especially big dogs who came running onto a dock unexpectedly. All the kids stood up and Grace hid behind her younger brother Brennan. Brennan was initially a bit irritated that she was behind him. I told him, Brennan she's behind you because to her you're protecting her. With that statement he broadened his stance and a smile came across his face.

He was brave. Courageous.

I was asked to identify with a character in the upcoming movie Planes that I believe relates to my parenting style. Well, I love teaching my children that level of braveness and courage. Sometimes it means standing in front of your sister protecting her and other times it might be dealing with your own fears and overcoming them. So of course I related to Dusty, the main character of Planes. He's afraid of heights. Is the underdog. Is the one who has to deal with his own fears. And yet, through the support of great friends, he is able to conquer those fears.

Do you know what I love? That he wasn't just doing it on his own.

It took support from friends.

And that is what I want to teach my children. There are so many ways to be courageous and brave. But, when you have support and when you can give support it is much easier to be courageous.

The same week at the lake that same son of mine discovered he was even more brave. There's a swimming raft out deep and he's been wanting to go out there all week. Finally on Friday, his sisters convinced him to swim with them out there with his lifejacket on. They were his support. They were like the character Chug who believed in Dusty even when he doubted himself. So Brennan did. He swam to that raft and discovered that the very thing he was afraid of was now a delightful wonderful thing.

And the beauty? His sisters were there with him. Celebrating his success.

That's what I love about Planes. It's not about one person just being courageous - it's about a beautiful network of characters rallying around a friend.

And they all grow. They all learn their own lessons in bravery.

These are the movies I want my kids watching and learning from. I want them to be brave. I want them to know that it's okay to be afraid - fear is normal - and that it is excellent to try. I want them to be the friend who believes in others. I want them to not cut corners and to do things right. Is there a perfect way to teach bravery?

No. Just like there isn't a perfect way to parent.

It's instead different for each kid and each situation and each moment. But what is the same? The belief in our children. The standing on the sidelines cheering. That matters. And that's why we'll be watching Planes.

And besides, we love Cars, and well, it would be a given that it will be watched in this household. :)

Want to win a $100 Fandango Giftcard courtesy of Disney and Blogher? All you need to do is answer this question in the comments and you will be immediately entered.

How do you challenge your children to follow their dreams?

(Make sure to visit the official Disney Planes site and check out the Facebook page and Twitter page)

Rules:
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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/15 - 8/12.
Be sure to visit the Disney Planes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

My Well Planned Day Digital {Giveaway & Review}

You know how I write about letting the planner and the schedule go at times, right? Well, there's a truth that's implied in that statement. That truth? That there is a plan. I may not be the world's best planner, but I do recognize the value in having a plan and truly do function better when I do have a plan. And to have a plan, one must have a planner. :)

For years I've use The Well Planned Day planner as the go-to planner. How could I not? It's gorgeous, artsy, and worked perfectly for my family. Well, this year I'm going to be using the Well Planned Day Digital Planner. Which, by the way, is perfect for me. In case you haven't realized I tend to gravitate towards things media driven.

I've been given the opportunity to explore, try out, and review this awesome program. Now, please note that I haven't actually added anything to my planner yet {I might have been in NYC} but I have had time to play around with it and begin to set it up for the year. I've added subjects that each of the kids are studying and have started creating a basic structure for the year.

First cool thing I noticed? There is space for me to add ALL of my children. This is huge. No longer do I have to scrunch them together, or have them share a line, or get two planners - with The Well Planned Day Digital I can have them all on one planner. Insert sigh of relief and ultimate sigh for feeling organized. It is a huge blessing to be able to see all my kids schedules in one spot.

Get this: these are just some of the categories that can help you feel ultra organized - Budgeting, Calendar, Chores, Menu, Memories, Projects, Shopping, ToDos {ah, the list I write so much about}, all in addition to all the homeshool planning tools.  It's the physical planner on my screen. With the ability to transfer subjects without erasing, erasing, erasing, and adding new lines. I might just know how that happens.

This year? I will be using My Well Planned Day Digital. Feel free to ask questions how it's going and where I am on track. I just need a go-to reference guide for my day and week otherwise I really do feel like I'm just treading water or racing behind. This digital edition of My Well Planned Day will be my daily go-to guide.

Want to buy it? 
I was given a coupon code to share with you all - simply type in 09wpdblog12 to save $15 off of the $65 purchase price {code is case sensitive}. 

Would you like to win your own copy of My Well Planned Day?
Enter via Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is not connected to any social media site. All reviews and opinions are my own. I received a copy of My Well Planned Day in exchange for a fair and honest review. Graphic images are courtesy of HEDUA. All photographic images are my own. This giveaway, due to international sweepstake laws is ONLY open to US Residents. 

the dove challenge - a review and $500 spa finder giveaway

Grin. Confession time. I am was a wash with water only kind of gal. For some reason, I've forgotten the fact that with each passing day I'm also getting a day older and have kind of neglected some important things like skin care. And now, today, when I'm inbetween those 30s and 40s but getting closer to the latter {shhhh} I've begun to realize that I must start taking care of that sun kissed skin of mine and need products that work.

Enter Dove Body Wash. With the tagline: Visibly more beautiful skin from a body wash. Enter me. In need of some serious summer skin help - after all there aren't any winter coats and snowpants and boots and all of that to grab when it's over 90 degrees outside. Plus, I love that word renewing. I'm in the need of some skin renewing over here.

I am so thankful that I got a chance to review this revolutionary premium body wash from Dove. Because, again, confession - I'm the gal that can spend a good 24.3 minutes in Target standing in the body wash aisle trying to figure out what to buy and probably sending the Target security guy to head over and check out what that gal with the diapers, gluten free cereal, t-shirt, 2 pounds of grapes, and packs of 25cent Back to School Crayons is doing stalled in the beauty section. Yeah, that would be me.

So, I thought to myself, this is a good chance for me to try a product, that I'm needing, and it's a product that I already know and have high opinion of. Send me the Dove! And they did - the brown ups truck shows up, hands the package, the kids jump up and down and there it is - my Dove. And perfect timing, as we were going to the lake where they have hard water {or no power}and most times I come home with skin that is dry and scratchy like the sand we've been playing in.

Not this time. Nope.

Difference? Dove Visible Care Body Wash.

The challenge? To see if there was any difference in my skin in one week - and grin - I chose the week at the lake. The hardest week of the year on my skin - sun, swimming, hard water - and Dove won. I came home better than I left and I'm thanking it to NutriumMoisture technology - that's what they call it - I call it amazing good stuff that works and makes me feel great. And young.

So Dove, you've convinced this momma of seven who used to get stuck in Target trying to figure out what body wash to buy - that now I'm sticking you in my cart. 

Want to grab your own bottle of Dove to try? Grab this coupon for $1 off - Visit Dove^® VisibleCare^® to get a coupon for $1 off! - and feel like a coupon diva. Because, sigh, my other thing at Target is hating the  mumbling no when they ask if I have any coupons - and now you can proudly say why yes, yes I do and hand them over your Dove coupon.

Just so you know there are three kinds of this wash: New Dove® VisibleCare Toning Crème Body Wash { promotes skin’s elasticity and strength}, Renewing Body Wash {nourishes and replenishes skin}, and Softening Body Wash {softens skin and dry spots}. Make sure to visit Dove  to find out more. 

Now for the fab giveaway portion {sponsored by Blogher and Dove} - read their direction carefully please!

Just tell me why you need that $500 Spafinder gift certificate - that's the prompt {please remember the sponsored directions}

Enter to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
COMMENTS TO THIS POST ARE NOT SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES. 
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY METHODS FOR THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age
18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/18/2012 - 8/22/2012

Be sure to visit the Dove^® VisibleCare™ Crème Body Wash brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Thanks Blogher and thank you Dove!

disclosure: this is a sponsored review by blogher and dove. all opinions and pictures are my own. 

Live Alive. Read The Charge. {a review}

We are always getting ready to live, but never living. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wake up!  That's been something I've been telling myself for years. Wake up, wake up, wake up. Be aware. Be present. Embrace today. Do your best. Be real. Authentic. Live.

Today I'm blessed to share with you about The Charge, written by Brendon Burchard, a book that embraces living awake and reigniting your life. In my opinion? Brendon gets it. He gets the importance of living an authentic, gratitude-filled, and purposeful life.{And at the end of this post there's a link where you can get The Charge for free - just pay shipping/handling.}

He wants to live awake, alive, caring and his desire is that he inspires others to do the same. The last years in my life have been this quest to live a joy-filled intentional life that is not dependent upon circumstances to make me happy. It's been this wrestling, this tug and pull between myself and my emotions and my faith that in the end has become a surrender and also an embracing of today.

Blogfrog contacted me in June asking if I'd be interested in reviewing this book. My first thought? No. I don't have time. What do I need to learn? {yep, seriously.} Nothing can change {ah, an old pattern designed to keep my stuck}. Then I pondered it just a bit more - I talked with my husband about it {he told me go for it}, I looked at the website. I was intrigued.Something that Brendon was speaking was resonating with me and I wanted to hear {and read} more. Maybe, just maybe I was to carve a bit of time in my summer schedule to read this book. So I signed on.

I thought I'd skim it.

Then I read those words - Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?

Forget skimming. It wasn't a fluffy bubblegum and cotton candy approach to fixing your life in ten easy steps that can be completed in just 30 minutes a day over the next 21 days for three easy installments of $19.95. Nope. The Charge? It made me think and ponder my life and take notes and draw calendars and get on my knees in prayer and mull over my actions, words and choices.

In order to fully read his book I needed to invest time - my time - and really listen to what Brendon was writing. So no skimming. I pulled out my notebook and began to scribble down thoughts - be more intentional, less of this, what makes me afraid, live awake, be congruent, care - and kept writing, and writing, and writing.

You see, The Charge isn't going to sugar coat life and offer you this pickup solution to your problems that by the time you're done reading chapter 3 that you think this will never work. It's not about working and implementing a system. It's about change. And getting life back into life. No candy tactics, but rather it's one of those wake up call moments that we all wish we had but often we don't have anyone who is bold enough to tell us enough and get up and get living and be grateful.

You've read my words about living a life awake and how for me, living a finding joy type life involves being present - in the good and the bad and the everyday. You also know that I'm a believer and I believe that the Lord desires the same from us. When I read the parable of the talents I believe the servant who buried his talents did so out of fear - it was as if he was afraid of messing up and thus squandered his time, his charge - and that the Lord is pushing us to not only be wise with the time that we are given but also that we are aware, awake, and present with the time given. But, culture has this amazing ability to lull us asleep mentally even in the incredible busy frenzy of information.

We can't live a full life if we are half asleep. Think of those batteries -- my kids complain and don't want the wii remote battery that is blinking red. They get it - it won't last. They all vie for the four bars filled fully charged remote.

That's how I want to live - 4 bars awake - charged - using my mind, talents, and time to the best of my ability and to give glory to the Lord in all I do.

The Charge is a wake up call. Look at your life. Examine it. Don't let life race by and don't make excuses for everything that you think you can't do. In it Brendon covers what he believes are 10 Drives that make us feel awake. Alive. He then gives very personal descriptions about each drive and then offers examples on how to restart them. At the end of each chapter are three questions {take time to do them - again you cannot skim this book} that allow you, the reader, to truly delve into what he is stating.

I recommend the book. I know many of you share my passion for living this intentional, joy-filled and purposeful life. I know that I needed the nudging, the wake up call, the person in my face {well, he wasn't over, but man would I love an hour sit down with him, Brendon, did you read that? Feel free to contact me and I'll be right over} telling me to stop making excuses and to just really live type of reminders. That's right - live. Truly live.

Take the time. Read it. Wake up. Live.

Want a copy? It's only $16. But, today, since this is a sponsored conversation you can get a copy for free {simply pay shipping and handling}.

Order your freecopy of The Charge today! {simply pay shipping and handling}

Share with me {use the comment box embedded} what makes you feel most alive for a chance to win a High Performance Academy Online Seminar with Brendon Burchard, author of The Charge(valued at $1,000).

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burchard Group Sponsored Conversation. The opinions and text are all mine.
Burchard Group Sweepstakes and Rules.

do you know What's in the Bible? {fabulous review}

Do you know What's in the Bible?

I'm sure you've seen What's in the Bible's logo - it's on sidebars, facebook, and twitter. But how much do you know about What's in the Bible? Well, let me tell you I thought I knew What's in the Bible?, but I found out that these amazing dvds produced by the Phil Vischer {yes, if you're thinking Veggie Tales then you are totally right} are way more than just an entertaining dvd {which, by the way, they totally are} but are also an excellent and beautiful tool for teaching kids {and adults} about what really is in the Bible. They are Biblically and historically accurate and delve into tricky concepts and explain them in an easy and understandable way.

Our family has spent the last couple weeks watching What's in the Bible? Volume 4: Battle for the Promised Land Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. By the way, I originally wanted to wait to open the dvd so I could capture some fabulous pictures of them unwrapping it, but the excitement level in our home over the new What's in the Bible? dvd  would not wait until the camera was ready. So, instead, I'm asking you to imagine five kids thrilled like crazy ripping off plastic wrapping while their mother tells them to be careful so that the case stays nice since we're going to be taking pictures and smiling as they race down the stairs to watch the latest episode of What's in the Bible?. That's really what happened. There was a loud cheer as well -- followed by laughter from the opening scene. {thanks Phil Vischer for your awesome sense of humor and for making my boys laugh and laugh and laugh.}

{By the way, our family was already hooked from volume one.}

What we learned in What's in the Bible Volume 4

Now we're humming songs from What's in the Bible? -- songs that reinforce sections of Scripture, explain the story of Ruth, and about Redemption. We're talking about what we've learned and having a blast working through the activity sheets that go with each volume. We learned why the books after the Pentatauch  are called the Historical Books. Caleb {pictured above} is coloring pictures of the Judges mentioned in the book of Judges. He learned how Deborah was the only female Judge and how the other Judges dealt with the Cycle of Apostasy with the Israelites {yes, seriously} and then it ended with Samson. Of course the pictures of Samson were met with loud cheers - and then Brennan very seriously remarked - and to think he gave it all up.

The bottom line is that behind all the humor, fabulous visuals, and catchy songs the heart is for kids {and adults} to really grasp Biblical concepts, have a firm and solid Biblical base, and to be confident in knowing What's in the Bible.

Tell me more about Volume 4:Battle for the Promised Land

What's in the Bible Volume 4: Battle for the Promised Land {Joshua, Judges, and Ruth} while it is 60 minutes in length, it is actually two independent episodes. The first episode deals with the book of Joshua and the journey into the Promised Land. The second episode talks about the Cycle of Misery and tells the story of Ruth. If you're kids are like mine as soon as the first episode is done they'll beg to watch the next. And when that's done they'll tell you they need the next dvd. Which is awesome because then they're learning more about the Bible. :)

Here's the cool part - even I learned more by watching What's in the Bible today. These videos? They can be enjoyed by the whole family and promote discussion. The video below? It's about the historical books {not the hysterical books}. Watch. And learn. And see why What's in the Bible? is totally excellent. :)

Some of our favorite quotes? {Don't you love the graphic? My Hannah helped me put it together. And my boys chose the quotes. Except one - I chose the one about Samson because that one made me laugh out loud while I was watching Volume 4 with them.}

Okay. Bottom line? We love the What's in the Bible DVDs. My kids love them because they're funny, but they're also educational and they learn a great deal about the Bible. That is excellent. You know what? I love them for the exact same reasons. Good, solid, Biblical teaching. My kids love these DVDs and are excited to learn more about What's in the Bible. 

IMPORTANT Get your own What's in the Bible? Info

1 - To order fabulous this fabulous What's in the Bible? Volume 4 DVD visit the What's in the Bible Store to find this episode and the others in the series. These dvds make great gifts, my friends! And while you're there pop over to the main What's in the Bible site to snag the coupon for $5 for sharing the site with a friend.

2 - To print out amazing coloring pages that reinforce the dvds visit What's in the Bible Coloring Pages for Episode 4. I mean look at the concentration on my Elijah as he works on those pages. Makes you want to print them now, doesn't it? :)

3 - Make sure to join the fabulous What's in the Bible twitter party today 6/28 at 8pm ET #WITB @whatsinthebible

4 - Want to read more reviews? Visit this What's in the Bible Review List to find more awesome articles and reviews.

5 - Enter below, today, and right now to win your own copy of Volume 1: In the Beginning You'll love the dvd. Really.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

and now a bit of closing humor - I've included an outtake of us trying to get Samuel to hold his sign...sigh...give me grace...the boy was a bit cranky at that moment. grin.

disclosure: I received What's in the Bible Volume 4 for free and was compensated for the time invested in writing the review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.. All pictures are my own and the graphic was designed by me but includes the official What's in the Bible graphic.

{totally wonderful} elemental science review - intro to science

I am so excited to share with you about this wonderful science program that my family has been blessed to review the last couple weeks. It's from the company Elemental Science - a curriculum provider that embraces the classical model of education. Our family reviewed Intro to Science part of the Early Year Program. I specifically asked for a program to do with my younger kids - those busy boys of mine - because they absolutely love science and I, the busy mom, have been sorely negligent in intentionally setting aside time to work through science with them. But, look below, look at the delight when we worked together. That face? Makes these moments priceless and so worth it.

Why I love Intro to Science

The Intro to Science program is designed to use with Kindergarten to First Grade. My Caleb fits right in this category. However, I involved all of my boys in this science adventure. Even sweet two year old Samuel. His favorite experiment? It was when we mixed colored water {yellow + blue = green} which is from Unit 5 on Color. The look of delight on his face was priceless! Now, know that I could tell my kids that yellow and blue makes green, but seeing it? That's real learning. In fact, Samuel still wanders around talking about the green water.

What I appreciate about the Intro to Science Early Year program is the intentional, easy to follow, and focused approach to introducing science to those younger ones. They are eager to learn, really, but often we just need a system, a routine, a guide to help us make use of those learning moments that are all around us. This is a huge benefit to me, that busy busy mom, as everything I need to do, read, and buy is clearly defined. Plus, it is so much fun! Now, I will warn you - don't leave the food coloring out for that very curious two year old to grab. Otherwise you'll end up with this:

Quick overview of Intro to Science

The program is divided into 36 weeks {we're going to be using it all summer long -- it's absolutely perfect for this} with six units - Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Meteorology, Botany, and Zoology.  These are topical studies {the author Paige Hudson designed it this way} and each unit can be used on it's own. This summer, after we finish the Chemistry section, we'll work through Botany and Meteorology {we've had enough wild weather here to make that truly applicable}. I've often found that our family works better when things are in bite size chunks - the six week unit approach works extremely well. It takes the pressure off and makes the unit manageable. Below is a slideshow of us working through an experiment with chalk and color - you'll see how easy it is - and how engaged my Elijah was!

Besides the teacher's manual {which is easy to use and thorough} you'll need the Student Sheets {which are included in the bundle online } and two other books - More Mudpies to Magnets {a staple in our home as well as Mudpies to Magnets} and The Handbook of Nature Study {which I highly recommend having in your home - another staple you'll see a picture towards the bottom of the post}. She also recommends the Usborne First Science Encyclopedia.

A week with Intro to Science

Now remember - Intro to Science - is an overview meant to spark interest in science.  I can tell you, that is exactly what happened in my home. Science time became a most looked forward time of the day. The program is gentle and yet thorough at the same time. It's scheduled so that you choose between a 5 days a week for 10 minutes or 2 days a week for 20-25 minutes plan. Honestly, we were somewhere inbetween this on our days - I tend to let them run with whatever they're learning in the moment. That's what I love - the flexibility to make this excellent program work for you. Isn't that what we all need? Freedom and options at the same time?

Below you'll see some more of our experiments - we were discussing solids and liquids. The best part? It was when we got to melt crayons and make liquid crayons which hardened back into solids crayon cookies that were beautiful and bold colors.

Just so you know, the teacher's manual is easy to use as it clearly states the topic and main idea for the week. Then, you as the parent, introduce the topic {I've shown you some on color and solids and liquids}, then there are experiments and nature study, then there are recommendations for additional books {which can easily be found in the library}, and finally some additional {and optional} activities to do with your littles.  As a nature study example for the lesson on solid and liquids we went outside to explore and examine our pine trees to look for the natural wax found in the tree. After we walked around I read some facts from the Handbook of Nature Study to further the curious interest.

Finally, for those of who you enjoy planning ahead there are schedule sheets that you can fill out with supplies that you need and how you need to prepare. I love those planning sheets - they make me feel so organized - so I'm so grateful for Paige for the extra time putting them together.  And the supplies? They're easy to find {although she does offer the complete supply kit which I've done before with other science programs because then I'm not wandering around trying to find a feather and one styrofoam cup} and not expensive.

Bottom line? This science program is perfect right now for our family and my curious little ones. I'm excited to continue working through it this summer and into the early fall. And, I know the boys are as well - Elijah wakes up and asks me which experiment we're going to do today.

Win Intro to Science - giveaway! 

Elemental Science is giving away one copy of the Early Years Intro to Science to one of you. I'm grateful for their generosity and know that one of you will be blessed with this wonderful curriculum. Simply enter below using rafflecopter!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tomorrow, stop by Aadel’s blog at The Temporary Tents to read about her experience with Lapbooking through the Human Body. She’ll be having a giveaway as well. Be sure to visit Tabitha’s blog review from yesterday to learn more about Earth Science Grammar Stage

disclosure: I received the Intro to Science ebooks for free, but was compensated for the time invested to do the review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to do a positive review {although, I must tell you I really do love this product}. This review was coordinated via the ihomeschoolnetwork which I am a part of. Affiliate links are used within the review. Please read my disclosure tab on the top for more information. Thank you.

My fave: All About Spelling. {review and giveaway}

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***

Shall we talk spelling? I'm serious. I think today, we need to talk about spelling. And, I will share with you a spelling program that I absolutely, completely, and totally love.

It's All About Spelling from All About Learning Press.

Spelling? Fun and educational? Without the struggle? {using their fabulous line} Absolutely yes. Let me tell you -- not all spelling programs are created equal. I know. I've homeschooled for over eleven years and have tried my fare share of spelling programs. Today, I'm telling you that I love All About Spelling. Seriously. It's changed how I teach spelling - and grin - I've become a better and more aware speller in the process. My kids no longer dread spelling with the groans and grumbles that I've grown used to.

Instead, get this, my kids love spelling.

Brennan, who is eight, has been working through the program since early January. Even though he's already had some spelling lessons, we simply started at the beginning just to make sure that we cover all the bases. His spelling skills have increased dramatically in this time frame. As part of our review, we received both Level 1 and Level 2. Currently we're working through level 2 after finishing level 1- and I can assure you that he is a significantly better and more confident speller. In fact, I've started Caleb, who is six,  in Level 1 and am excited to see how he progresses as the years pass.

What makes this program one that I can rave about it? It teaches why things are spelled the way they are. And for those of you with children who love the word why this will come as a much needed and sigh of relief answer. No longer is spelling simply a list of words to memorize, but now spelling is broken down in a way that makes sense. The letters are introduced in the beginning as well as all of the correct sounds for them - it's just a bit of phonics wrapped into spelling. Needed - and answering the why with solid rules and solutions.

This program combines all three learning styles - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic - in an every day approach. It includes letter tiles {very sturdy} that can be used as magnets. {We've used the door leading into our garage}. When we work through a lesson it involves my student, Brennan, repeating back and memorizing rules and correct letter sounds {based on the Orton-Gillingham method}, then he'll see the way words are formed using the one inch tiles, and then he'll work with the tiles and form words, and then we'll work together on dictation where he'll write simple phrases and sentences that utilize the rules that he's just learned.

Watch this video by All About Learning. It's brilliant and explains the method way better than I can. And, I'm going to let you know that I've gotten a tad bit misty-eyed watching it {I know, a spelling video}, but it's because I can relate to the confusing world of rules and spelling not making sense. All About Spelling makes spelling understandable - it makes it make sense. And, I'm partial to it because the little boy in the video is named Sam -- and grin -- I've got a Sam.




Love that video. I love it because it's true. We haven't struggled this year with spelling, and in fact, spelling has become the sought after let's do this first subject. Thank you, Marie. You've blessed us!

*****

Some details. There are currently seven levels of All About Spelling. We reviewed Level 1 and Level 2 - the  levels retail for $29.95. You can purchase an additional student supplement for $14.95. The Deluxe Spelling Interactive Kit Retails for $49.95.  I really recommend purchasing the deluxe kit because it includes the bag {pictured above} and the box for the key cards. Get the bag - as a homeschool mom that is very busy I'll tell you I love having everything always together. :) And:

All About Learning Press 

has generously offered to give away to one of you: 

All About Spelling Level 1 Materials 

and 

the Deluxe Spelling Interactive Kit!! 

There's a rafflecopter entry form below -- just follow the directions and enter to win your own copy of All About Spelling. And more cool details. First of all when you're done entering the giveaway here for All About Spelling I'd like to encourage you to hop over to HipHomeschool Moms {where I am a Team Member} as I was also was given the opportunity to review All About Reading {also produced by All About Learning Press}.  I loved this just as much - you can read my review {which is glowing}, peek at some pics, and watch an adorable video of my son Caleb reading some of his favorite stories. And, to make it even more fun:

HipHomeschool Moms 

is also offering a giveaway for 

All About Reading Level 1!!

To visit the All About Learning website to learn more simply click All About Learning Press.

Thank you All About Learning Press for your dedication to learning and your fabulous programs - All About Spelling and All About Reading. You have made our homeschool mornings much less stressful - and I am truly grateful. I highly recommend this product, my homeschool friends!




a Rafflecopter giveaway


disclosure: I received All About Spelling to review here on Finding Joy. All opinions are my own. All images {except for the last two banner ads} are my own and may be used with permission. No other compensation was given. I am also an affiliate for All About Learning Press and receive affiliate compensation for any transaction. For further details please read my disclosure policy. Thank you.