Wednesday 6 April 2016

V is for Vocabulary: Top Ten List Of Games and Activities

Today I am sharing my top ten favorite games and activities used to teach vocabulary. The definition of the vocabulary word can be given as hints or clues for certain games. I also always provide a word bank for younger children. I utilize many of these games and activities when teaching Spanish vocabulary too.

1.) Hangman

2.) Crossword Puzzles, Word Scrambles, Missing Letters, and Word Searches

3.) Vocabulary Menus, Tic-Tac-Toe, or Choice Boards

4.) Charades and Pictionary

5.) Hollywood Squares

6.) Bingo 

7.) I Spy Word Splat

8.) Jeopardy  

9.) Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

10.) Flyswatter Game 

I will link this post up at Through the Calm and Through the Storm's Blogging Through the Alphabet Linky. It is Week 22 and the focus is on Letter V if you'd like to join us. I will also link this post up at Year Round Homeschooling Hearts for Home Blog Hop. Thank you for visiting A Learning Journey!





Monday 4 April 2016

BookLook Blogger Review - I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz; Illustrated by Diane Le Feyer

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God written by Diane Stortz is the most recent book I selected from the BookLook Blogger program to review, because we were in need of a new devotional. It contains 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God. The 224-page colorful book is illustrated by Diane Le Feyer and published by Tommy Nelson. This hardcover children's devotion is suitable for children ages 4 to 8. As children read and learn more about God; they'll discover his love for them.

The textured cover of the glittery book is absolutely beautiful and sparkling. It makes me think of God's light shining in our hearts and life. The book contains brightly animated and detailed illustrations within the pages that you'll surely adore and appreciate. 

The four-page Table of Contents precedes A Letter to Parents. The book addresses stories from BOTH the Old and the New Testament. The Bible stories begin with Genesis and end with Revelation. Each page features one of the names of God with a pronunciation guide for more difficult names followed by the story title.

A referenced scripture is indicated at the top of the page. A Bible story related to the verse helps the reader apply the newfound knowledge to their life. A Biblical truth or main idea is provided in a light purple banner on the page. For example, on page 128-129 the scripture verse is Luke 5:31-32 (ICB) which states "It is the sick who need a doctor . . . I have come to invite sinners to change their hearts and lives!" The translations for the scripture verses and passages referenced vary. The related Biblical truth stated in the banner is "Jesus heals and forgives." The Bible story titled Great Physician: Up, Down, Up was about four men in Capernaum who lowered their paralyzed friend down on a mat through the roof of a house where Jesus was staying to be healed. Jesus asked the man to get up, pick up his mat, and go home after telling them he had authority to heal and forgive sins. The Devotion for the day consist of approximately 2-4 pages in length. A corresponding Prayer concludes the devotion. In the case of the story above, the prayer was "Dear God, thank you for Jesus, our Great Physician. I'm glad He knows how to make me well. Amen." My 8-year-old daughter will most likely read aloud each prayer every day with me.

On the next page, a What Does It Mean section explains the story in age-appropriate terms for children. There is a Learn More feature which enables the child to dig deeper into Bible scripture in relation to the specific truth being discovered. An additional referenced Bible verse and story are given to explore each particular name of God further. The book referred us to Matthew 8:14-15 to read another account of God's healing work. What Happened Next? helps the reader visualize the story during a specific time period. It summarizes the events that follow next in the story.

The author explains in the book that some Bible names for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit may also be descriptive titles. Several of the names taught and featured are Great Physician, Son of God, Teacher (Rabbi), Cornerstone, I Am, Jehovah Jireh, Immanuel, Creator, The Lord My Rock, Holy One, Bread of Life, Logos, Abba, and Messiah.  Learning the different names or references of God will bring us closer to Him. They tell us all something about his character (who he is), what He is like, and what He does. The book teaches children how vast God's love is and how much He cares for us all. By reading this book, you can develop a deeper understanding of God and his character. 

Our love has grown for God and will continue to grow over time. The foundation of the book is based on a scripture Psalms 9:10 which states, "Those who know your name put their trust in you." As you study God's name you'll know Him better and become closer to God spiritually placing all trust in Him and His Word. 

The names of God and the stories in this book will reveal a lot about His character. The author's hope is that children around the world will develop an understanding of God's character, learn to know him better, and grow to love Him more. This is the reason the book was written.

You'll find a few adult and middle grade resources for Learning More about the Names of God at the back of the book. The book also includes a green bookmark ribbon to save your place.

What I Like 
  • Short Devotions
  • Biblical Accuracy
  • Teaches the Names of God
  • Pronunciation Help
  • Relevant and Meaningful Prayers
  • Digging Deeper in the Bible to "Learn More"
  • Stories Told from Both Old and New Testament
  • Age-Appropriate Explanations
  • Diane Stortz Website Book Resources (Matching Game and Coloring Pages)
  • High-Quality Vibrant and Beautiful Illustrations
    Recommendations
    I highly recommend this well-written book to Christian families wanting to explore the Names of God. We plan on using this devotion in the morning before beginning our school day.

    The strong, spiritual message is given in a clear and concise manner that children can easily understand. Diane Stortz, the author, distinctly presents the names of God which is the core message yet she weaves in an additional profound message that stands out with regards to God's plan to send Jesus who will make things right again.

    I definitely think this devotion would make a GREAT Christmas or Easter gift. I know we explore the names of God during those holidays in my home. This book was included in my daughter's Easter basket this year. It would be perfect for any family or Sunday school class learning about the Names of God. A teacher could also read aloud and discuss the devotion at the beginning of class.

    Price
    Thomas Nelson Website Store $16.99
    Amazon $11.21

    Note: All prices are subject to change without notice.

    Would you like to see a sample. Click on the link. 

    Disclaimer
    I received a complimentary, free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the BookLook Blogger Review Gold Team Program in exchange for an honest review on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
    I review for BookLook Bloggers





    Saturday 2 April 2016

    Spring Break and Easter Vacation 2016

    Alyssa was sick during her Spring Break. She didn't really get to do much. She slept a lot and dealt with her symptoms with a good spirited heart. Thankfully, her Aunt Sammie and Uncle Hans were in Texas to help me cheer her up. Poor thing was suffering from allergy and asthma issues. She also had a slight earache and a small case of pneumonia. She had fevers throughout the entire week. It scared me to death, but finally she recovered shortly after her doctor's visit. She did NOT want me to take a picture of her while being sick. She'll probably be upset that I posted this photo so shhhhhhhhh!!!!! Don't tell.  

    My daughter was with her father Easter weekend, but we still celebrated that night when she got home around 6pm. :) We squeezed in as much as we possibly could before she went to bed. We did our Christian Easter traditions before she left.

    This is our first year living in this house and boyeeee is it cluttered right now. I had a difficult time finding a place to hide her basket. Every nook and cranny has something stored in it. I eventually found room to hide it in the hallway closet. We played the "Hot and Cold" game while she searched for her basket. She looks like a happy camper!

    She's been asking for a Hoover Ball for months now. I couldn't find a purple one, but pink was the next best color for my baby girl. She LOVES this thing! However, I think it should be called the Glider Ball. It doesn't really hoover; it glides across the tile and carpeted floors. She used this ball during her school breaks this week and in the evenings. It definitely got her up and moving more. :)
    Indoor Hoover Ball

    I usually fill her Easter basket with a new outfit and several Christian-related gifts. This year it was a mixture of secular and Christian items due to last minute planning. I wanted her to have a few gifts that would keep her active during the day. I also wanted quiet time items such as a book, a Bible devotional, Beado crafts, and a movie. I picked out her favorite candy and bought her a new Spring dress. She received two Disney Descendent gifts that brought a huge smile to her face. This girl is a fan of the movie and music. I was going to give her them at Christmas, but I just couldn't wait! It was worth it!   
    Basket Goodies
    Spring Twirly Dress
    We also did two indoor egg hunts this year! The eggs were filled with change and candy (mostly chocolate and jellybeans).

    Well, I hope you all had a Happy Easter and Spring Break. Thank you for visiting A Learning Journey! 

    Game DreadOut Keepers of the Dark PC

    DreadOut Keepers of the Dark adalah permainan horor baru yang terjadi di alam DreadOut. Dalam hal ini tugas anda membantu Linda menghadapi tantangan dunia DreadOut dengan bahaya yang mengintai menjadikan lebih seru game ini merupakan buatan dari indonseia patut di untuk di coba.






    screenshoot

    Spesifikasi DreadOut Keepers of the Dark 
    • OS: Windows XP/7/8/10
    • Processor: Quad-Core 2.4 GHz
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450
    • DirectX: Version 9.0c
    • Storage: 5 GB available space
    How to Install DreadOut Keepers of the Dark
    1. Extract Game
    2. Klik 2x "Setup" - Install Game..
    3. Play
    ENJOY.....

    Game Way of the Samurai 3 PC

    Way of the Samurai 3 adalah permainan video yang dibuat oleh ACQUIRE Corp, dirilis oleh Ghostlight LTD pada 13 November 2008 di Jepang untuk PlayStation 3,dan kemudian rilise ke ke Xbox 360. dalam Hal ini sekuel dari PlayStation 2 yang berjudul Way of the Samurai 2.game ini bergnere fighting adventure yang seru untuk di mainkan dan grafiknya sudah sangat bagus.






    screenshoot
    Spesifikasi
    • OS Windows XP/7/8/10
    • CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or later.
    • RAM: 1 GB
    • Hard Disk Space: 3 GB
    How to Install
    1. Extract Game
    2. Klik 2x "Setup" - Install Game..
    3. Play
    ENJOY.....

    Size Game 800mb

    Friday 1 April 2016

    TOS Review: Third Grade Literature Guide Set from Memoria Press

    Memoria Press Literature Guides Review

    Reviewing the Third Grade Literature Guide Set from Memoria Press has been an absolute life saver. Leigh Lowe is the literature guide author for the Mr. Popper's Penguins study. I received a physical set of the Teacher Guides and Student Study Guides. This homeschool literature curriculum was exactly what we needed this year! I needed a new core literature curriculum that was easy-to-use and fit into our busy schedule. My daughter seemed super impressed with it too!


    Product Description
    Student Guide
    The 51-page student study guides are consumable resources and can only be used with one student. You'll need one guide for each student using the third grade curriculum. The answers are meant to be written in the student guide. You can purchase more student guides for additional children at a reasonable price of $11.95. The student guide begins with a Literature Guidelines section spanning over two pages which explains before, during, and after reading teaching tips. I suggest reading this informative section before beginning the study.

    There are 5-6 comprehension questions and 6-8 vocabulary words to learn per chapter. Each vocabulary word was in bold print. They were written within the context of the story which helped my daughter understand the words better. The Pronounce and Spell key word lists can easily be used as additional vocabulary words. The authors offered 8 key words per chapter. The student book also provides the reader with 2-4 Enrichment Activity options.


    An Honors Activity was included after Lessons 8, 14, and 20. My daughter was asked to identify quotations specific to particular story characters or to match character names to their descriptions. Another summarization activity required her to illustrate and color a detailed scene from the story read up to that point including characters, setting, and plot action.

    Teacher Guide
    The 51-page teacher guide contains an exact full-size reproduction of the student pages with typed-in answer keys. The text was printed in black and white. This particular teacher guide did NOT contain any quizzes or tests in the back. Several blank note-taking pages follow the last chapter answer key.

    The sturdy, laminated covers of the literature guides were color-coded. The teacher guide was topped with a light blue-green edge. The design was seen over a white background. The student guides as seen at the bottom of the photo below were darker in color. Each softcover student and teacher guide matched in color.

    Book Titles Included:
    • Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
    • A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
    • Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
    • Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
    The chapter books were not included in the set I received, but you can easily order them through the company if needed. You can also borrow these popular classic books from your local library or request them through your interlibrary loan system. I already owned all of the books used in this set. Each book in this package takes approximately 6-7 weeks to complete.

    Literature Guide Differences
    Mr. Popper's Penguins was written by a different author so the format was slightly different. The other three student guides range from 25-91 pages long. The literature guides, excluding Mr. Popper's Penguins, include additional or replacement workbook exercises. For example, instead of the Pronounce and Spell section, they contain a Reading Notes section which includes key character, places, and relevant words from the chapters that must be read aloud. They are defined for easy student reference. This saves time if you've already taught dictionary skills.

    There is a Quotations and Discussion Questions section. The Discussion Questions take comprehension to a higher-level. I like to describe these questions as ones that require more higher order thinking skills (HOTS). For example, "How does Wilbur's treatment of the baby spiders reflect character qualities he learned from Charlotte" or "What observations does Charlotte make about people in this chapter? Do you think she is correct in her assumptions?" The Quotations section explores character quotes within a setting and contextual vocabulary. I loved that this section explained the meaning or relevance behind particular quotes.

    The Activity section was titled and replaced with the term Enrichment in the other three guides. This section contains a variety of activities including but not limited to dictation, copywork, composition, mapping, poetry, illustrations, research, and literary elements. The guide suggests that a student completes at least ONE writing assignment each week based on the age and abilities of your child. The authors also indicate that NOT ALL of the enrichment activities must be completed. The activities may require a student to copy a couple paragraphs, chart characterization qualities, sequence events, draw and label diagrams, and so much more.

    Every seven lessons in the Charlotte's Web literature guide, there is a Review and Quiz Review which is not included in the Mr. Popper's Penguins. The placement of the quizzes and tests varies with each guide. They occur every 10th lesson in Farmer Boy and there are only two quizzes in A Bear Called Paddington every four chapters, because it is a shorter book. The Paddington reviews and quiz reviews are actually found in the teacher guide as reproducibles.  

    All of the teacher guides follow a similar format and vary in length from 50-135 pages. Farmer Boy is obviously the longest teacher guide, because it was the longest chapter book. Mr. Popper's Penguins and A Bear Called Paddington are both shorter novels so those teacher guides were shorter in length. Charlotte's Web is one of the thicker guides.

    The other three student and teacher guides contain additional resources such as an Appendix which includes maps of London, recipes for Orange Marmalade and Birds' Nest Pudding, thematic poetry, historical information, and non-fiction passages. We can't wait to make Orange Marmalade after reading A Bear Called Paddington! The Farmer Boy literature guide contains a biographical sketch about Laura Ingalls Wilder in addition to facts about the 19th century primer and farm machinery from the 1800's. The Charlotte's Web guide also contains an author biographical sketch about E.B. White, a non-fiction spider passage, spider short stories, and a labeled spider diagram. This is one of my all-time favorite childhood books. Even though we recently read and completed a unit study using this book, Alyssa said that she wanted to work through the Memoria Press guide and was willing to read the book a second time.

    The teacher guides are jam-packed with teacher helps. The other three teacher guides include Answer Keys for Discussion Questions, Reproducible Quizzes and Final Test, and Quizzes and Final Test Answer Keys. I am curious how Alyssa will react to the newly structured format. I really appreciate that the tested discussion questions were marked with an asterisk. This helpful note reminds me to discuss them thoroughly. The verbal discussion questions are organized by chapter and numbered. The quizzes and tests consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and paragraph essay questions. The questions focus on characterization, quotations, vocabulary, story details, and other story elements. I was hoping that Mr. Popper's Penguins would have a test or quiz at the conclusion of the guide, but it didn't so I was pleased when I saw a Final Comprehensive Test at the back of each of the other guides. It is important to me that my daughter understands what she is reading. These quizzes and tests help me assess her learning.      

      How We Used It
      I used the 3rd Grade Literature Set with Alyssa (Age 8) who works at a 3rd-6th grade level. She mastered basic phonics and has a strong foundation for most advanced phonics skills. I wanted to focus more on specific comprehension skills and strategies in addition to enhancing her vocabulary using high-quality classic literature.

      I owned all of the books with the exception of the additional literature book, Mofatts, which is available to purchase as an individual add-on item to the package through the online website. We started with Mr. Popper's Penguins, because my daughter was eager to read the book. We will watch the movie this weekend. Then, we plan on comparing and contrasting the movie to the book.

      The literature guides were used 4-5 times per week for up to an hour or more if needed. There are 20 chapters in the book titled, Mr. Popper's Penguins. so I divided up the number of chapters to read over the review period. Alyssa read 4-5 chapters per week so that we could finish the literature guide before my review posted. She took 1-2 days off during her Spring Break because she was sick with pneumonia, but otherwise we stayed on track following this schedule. She is currently working on her Book Report. Alyssa didn't want to write a paragraph book report so she decided to create a PowerPoint to describe the story elements and give her opinion about the story.

      Before Reading
      I always asked Alyssa to summarize the plot read up to that point before beginning a new chapter. The following techniques were implemented: Somebody Wanted But So Then, 5 W's, and Beginning Middle, and End to retell the relevant story elements.

      She completed a 2-page workbook spread each day. Let me explain the sections and what we did with them.

      Pronounce and Spell
      She read each important key word left to right as I listened for correct pronunciation. I asked her to define each word if possible. If she didn't know the definition, then we looked up the word in a dictionary followed by a quick discussion.

      Vocabulary Exercises
      We decided to review the vocabulary words prior to reading the chapters. I wanted her to know what the words meant so that she could focus on the meaning as she read. Dictionaries, thesauruses, word banks, and contextual clues were utilized from the word study section. I helped her choose the best definition or synonym for each word based on contextual clues. We also played Bingo and other word-building games to practice the words.  

      Note: Terminology from the Pronounce and Spell and Vocabulary sections were frequently added to her Personal Spelling Lists.

      I pre-read the corresponding Comprehension Questions aloud and gave my daughter directions for reading time.

      During Reading
      First, she skimmed the chapter locating the new vocabulary terms. She did NOT mark them in the actual chapter book. She wrote the page number where it was found in the margins next to each numbered vocabulary word in the student guide. The student guide suggests marking each word as it is read.

      My daughter read the book on the floor, couch, at her desk, or on her beanbag. She independently read one chapter per day. Occasionally, she would read aloud an exciting paragraph to me with excellent intonation. She really enjoyed the story and plot as it thickened. If she found a Pronounce and Spell word she made a dinging sound to let me know she recognize it. We attempted to utilize the key and vocabulary words throughout the week just for fun.

      Alyssa indicated the page numbers for the comprehension questions in the margin next to the numbered questions in the student guide. After she completed the reading assignment, we discussed every comprehension question verbally. You can easily pick-and-choose a few to discuss verbally if desired instead of focusing on written responses, because the curriculum is so flexible. The student can complete the questions independently, but we chose to discuss them together.

      She told me the page number where the answers were found and responded verbally to the questions. I clarified any misunderstandings. My daughter composed and wrote her final answer for each question on the provided lines using complete sentences and correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. Ample space was provided. I dictated her response as she wrote it down and assisted with composing complete and concise sentences.

      When possible, we made meaningful connections to the story. For example, this book reminded her of our visit to the Penguin Encounter at Sea World.

      After Reading
      A conglomeration of varied Enrichment Activities were listed in bulleted format. Occasionally, I would give Alyssa a choice between two projects. I usually easily combined two or more projects for her to complete as one. We wanted to complete these projects on a separate day, but it was easier if she began it the same day. If she needed an extension to finish the project then extra time was allowed. Most projects could be completed on the same day, however, she needed at least 20-45 additional minutes to complete them. We tried to complete at least ONE enrichment project per chapter aiming for at least one writing component. These projects enabled us to incorporate other subjects into the lesson such as Art and Geography. She did some map work, drawings, and online research.

      The enrichment activities helped deepen her understanding of the story. A favorite activity of hers from Chapter 10 was writing a friendly letter the Sea World Animal Ambassador asking questions about penguins. She utilized an online friendly letter maker program to type her letter before sending it. Alyssa also recently began a music appreciation study about Franz Schubert. Imagine her surprise when in Chapter 13 she had the opportunity to listen to his "Military March" and further research his life. She is MOST excited about her book report! I know . . . it sounds too good to be true but she really is because we changed it to a Powerpoint project.


      Honors Activities
      The Honors Activities were easily added to a day's work or could be done the next day. Sometimes I assigned these activities while we ran errands or went to piano lessons. Most of the time it was added on to her daily work load for literature class. The last activity, Noticing Details, was a little more challenging because she had to remember specific details from the entire book, but she did an exceptional job! She also didn't need to write in complete sentences which required less time.

      My Thoughts and Our Results
      The Third Grade Literature Guide Set from Memoria Press is complete and comprehensive for its purposes. Using the Memoria Press Third Grade Literature Guide Set benefited our homeschool tremendously. My daughter is comprehending stories better and at a deeper level using this approach. Her vocabulary is growing exponentially. I've noticed that she is more independent yet still attentive. She thoroughly enjoys the literature selections and is becoming a more active reader. She's not just reading the words fluently; she's engaging and connecting with the text. She's reading with a purpose! She is applying the skills learned to her life and to other books. Her analytical and critical thinking skills are sharpening as well. I am 100% impressed with this curriculum.

      I spent hours researching literature curriculum options. It was an honor and blessing to review this one. This is by far one of the BEST literature guides I've used so far. Alyssa really liked the story and the activities. She even asked me if they had literature guides for the American Girl historical books or Black Beauty.

      The lessons are not scripted but the format makes it simple to implement and user friendly especially with the teacher keys. It's pretty self-explanatory. It does seem a little writing intensive, but the flexibility of the curriculum allows the parent to easily adapt lessons.

      We will definitely continue using these guides. I wanted to save the other books for next year, but my daughter insisted that we continue using the guides through the summer which means I will need a new literature grade level next year. The next book we will focus on is titled, A Bear Called Paddington.

      The other third grade book selections will be used as part of a light summer school program or at the beginning of next year. I hope to purchase the 4th grade set for next year if our budget allows me to do so now that I've found something that meets her needs and works for BOTH of us perfectly. I no longer have to spent extra time planning literature lessons. Thank you Memoria Press! Overall, we ABSOLUTELY appreciate the hard work and time put into creating the Third Grade Literature Guide Set from Memoria Press.

      What Features We Liked
      • High-Quality Above Grade Level Classic Literature Selections
      • Short Lessons Ready To Go
      • Organized Lesson Layout
      • Easy-To-Use and Fit Into a Busy Schedule
      • Emphasis on Comprehension and Vocabulary
      • Enriching Vocabulary Words
      • Easily Adaptable Assignments
      • Scene Summary Honors Activity Drawing
      • Flexible Individualized Pace
      • Strengthens Dictionary Skills
      • Separate Full-Size Teacher Answer Keys
      • Engaging Pick-and-Choose Enrichment Activities
        Vendor Suggestions
        1. Some people may prefer that ALL of the study guides have the "exact" same consistent format within a grade level. However, I will say that it provided a little variety when starting a new guide created by a different author. The layouts were still similar enough with just a few differences to change things up a bit.
        2. I do wish that there was a list of culminating hands-on book projects for each book. 
        3. It would be helpful if the teacher guide contained page and chapter numbers for vocabulary and comprehension questions to facilitate better discussions when parents don't actually read the book with the child.   
        Price
        Third Grade Literature Guide Set $95
        Third Literature Guide Set with Novels $125
        You can see samples and purchase options online.

        Note: All prices are subject to change without notice.

        Recommendations
        I definitely without a doubt recommend the Third Grade Literature Guide Set from Memoria Press to all home educators. If you utilize a Christian classical education teaching method, then this curriculum may appeal to you or your school. Homeschool families and private schools utilizing a Charlotte Mason and Traditional approach may also appreciate this curriculum. I also highly recommend other products I've reviewed from Memoria Press such as Latina Christiana I and New American Cursive: Penmanship Program Workbook 1.

        Memoria Press Literature Guides Review

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        Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog for reviews covering several of Memoria Press's grade level literature guide sets. I am headed over there right now to read the 4th and 5th grade reviews!
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        Memoria Press Literature Guides Review



        Wednesday 30 March 2016

        A Childhood Highlight


        As many of you, I have a lot of childhood memories that make me smile.  Some of them exist in some form today, but very few are almost exactly like they were when we were growing up.  One of my favorite things while growing up was sitting in a doctor's office and looking through the Highlights Magazine.  It seemed to distract me from why I was in that doctor's office.  One of my absolute favorite parts of the magazine was the Hidden Pictures page.  I always felt like I had hit the jackpot when I got to look at it before someone else had circled all the hidden objects.

        Fast forward a bunch of years and I am a grownup (for the most part) and I am asked by one of my goddaughters to support her magazine drive.  The first thing I ordered was the Highlights Magazine and have been getting it ever since for my daughter.  Quinn, who just turned 6, loves it and especially loves the Hidden Pictures page.  So a few weeks ago, when someone reached out to me and asked me to take a look at the new Hidden Pictures app, I jumped on it.  I am always looking for new apps, especially ones that are more appropriate for the older kids and this app definitely fits that description.  While they say that it's ideal for children ages 6-8, I think that it can be used with younger children who have strong visual skills, especially if an adult is playing it with them.


        So far, I am a big fan of the Hidden Pictures app.  More importantly, the kids are really enjoying it. The pictures are colorful, bold and and great at encouraging conversation (for my speech therapy friends).  It's a great app to work on a variety of occupational therapy skills without the kids feeling like they are "working".  It's more of a game to find all the different objects hidden throughout the pictures and at the same time, the kids are working on improving visual skills (visual motor, visual perceptual and visual tracking).  If you want to try and work on graphomotor skills, you can have the kids use a stylus (I've been using the Cosmonaut lately and love it) when using the app.  You can also have the kids write out the objects on a piece of paper as they find them to work on improving their handwriting skills.  One more thing I like to do is after the kids complete a puzzle on the iPad, I have them do another one in this great Hidden Pictures puzzle book that I have.  There are a bunch of these workbooks out there but I like this one because they have a bunch of black and white pictures that you have to take a handful of stickers and put them on top of the object when they find them.  This adds a greater challenge for those kids who are doing really well with the app.

        Unlike the older version of the app, the updated one acts more like a subscription plan.  You sign up and each month a new set of puzzle packs are available.  When you first download the app, there are already 60+ puzzles!  You unlock puzzles as you complete others and there are even special items in the puzzles that need to be collected.  One of the things I like is how there are different modes to choose from so you increase or decrease the level of difficulty/challenge for each kid you work with.  The three modes of play to choose from are:
        Free Play-find the hidden objects in whichever order and in however long it takes you
        Timed-find all the hidden objects before the timer runs out
        Directed-you find the hidden objects in a the order in which they are listed

        Oftentimes, parents ask me for app recommendations that would be good for the whole family.  If you are looking for an app that would be good to facilitate social skills and collaboration with a sibling or a friend, this is a great one.  While it can be played  individually, it's also perfect for working as a team to find all the hidden objects.  The kids can take turns finding something or you can have them find one and then they have to give a hint to their friend in order to find the object that they found.  This is great for working on improving language and organizational skills for those kids you know who struggle with these things.

        As I have been getting to know the app, I have to admit that I have been sucked into playing  it all by myself for long periods of time.  It brings me back to my childhood in the best possible way.  It's been fun to play this at work and at home and makes me happy that something this simple still brings hours of entertainment to kids today.  If you are on the lookout for a new app for your little ones, I highly recommend Hidden Pictures.  It's not only something that will help strengthen your child's visual skills, it's an app that you won't mind playing with your children.  If you have any questions or want to know more about the Hidden Pictures app, I am always a click away and love hearing from you all!