A physical copy of The Ultimate Gift from FishFlix.com was sent to us to review as part of the The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. We've already watched it several times and plan on watching it again real soon.
What is FishFlix.com?
FishFlix.com is a Christian online movie store that offers a wide assortment of family-friendly movie features from different genres including but not limited to drama, children's, Christian, romances, catholic, documentaries, educational, entertainment, comedy, and more. They carry wholesome video selections in DVD and Blue-Ray format.
Movie Summary
The faith-based movie is about a selfish and greedy trust fund baby named Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) who learns some pertinent life lessons. Jason finds out that his grandfather, Red Stevens (James Garner), is deceased. Red's entire wealthy family shows their dislike and hatred towards him yet they still gather together for a will reading with hopes to gain his billionaire fortune. Jason who holds a major grudge against his grandfather expects to inherit absolutely NOTHING. Red hires a lawyer, Hamilton (Bill Cobbs), to be in charge of his estate. Before his death, they videotaped private messages related to a series of "gifts" or tasks. These tasks must be completed with success by Jason before he can receive the mysterious "ultimate gift" inheritance. If he fails then he gets nothing. Jason meets Emily (Abigail Breslin) a 10-year-old spunky girl with leukemia and her single mother Alexia (Ali Hillis) when presented with the Gift of Friends, a task requesting that he find and bring back one true friend. An unbreakable bond and beautiful friendship develops during the movie.
What are the Twelve Gifts or Tasks?
The Gift of Work
The Gift of Money
The Gift of Friends
The Gift of Learning
The Gift of Problems
The Gift of Family
The Gift of Laughter
The Gift of Dreams
The Gift of Giving
The Gift of Gratitude
The Gift of a Day
The Gift of Love
The Ultimate Gift
The movie recaps or sums up the 12 gifts at the end of the movie. This may help when having a conversation with your children about life and what matters most.
Additional Movie Details The Ultimate Gift, which is a drama released in 2007, lasts approximately 117 minutes. It is based on a best-selling novel written by Jim Stovall. The DVD is rated PG due to mild language issues and some violence. For example, the word "hell" is used on several occasions. In the movie, Jason is confronted by a group of Ecuadorian drug lords carrying large guns they later fire. They threaten the lives of Jason and his guide. They captured and imprison them both after he learns the truth about his father's death. There is also a quick scene of Jason's gold digging ex-girlfriend wearing a skimpy dress while dining with a male figure. Smoking and social drinking scenes are evident in the move. The movie does contain off-screen deaths which may or may not be suitable for younger sensitive viewers. The suggested age range is 10-12 years old. I recommend previewing the movie in advance so that you can decide whether it is appropriate for your family or not.
Special Movie Features include Live The Ultimate Gift, Introduction to the Film by Jim Stovall, Behind-the-Scenes Featurette, and more. The movie has English or Spanish subtitled if desired.
Our Experience I watched The Ultimate Gift with my 8-year-old daughter who is very mature for her age. I didn't preview the movie ahead of time. We quickly put on pajamas and gathered our snuggle blankets to watch the movie in our living room on the comfy couch. Popcorn was popped, buttered, and ready to go. Throughout the movie, we discussed any discerning or problematic scenes or behaviors. We discussed alternative Godly behaviors after seeing Jason's rude and mischievous behaviors. We talked about etiquette as well. For example, at the beginning of the movie Jason arrives at the funeral location late in a loud, roaring car smoking a cigarette. We discussed the importance of being on time for important events and proper funeral behavior. We also watched this movie a second time with family members who recently moved to Texas as a way to relax after their long trip. They seemed to enjoy the movie.
Overall, the Ultimate Gift is a family-friendly movie with talented actors who gave a stunning performance. I can't decide on my favorite character, because Emily and Jason both play dynamic, extraordinary parts. Alyssa's favorite character was Emily, because of her humor and attitude about life. She said a few sassy things, but Alyssa really liked how Emily whispered to Jason during her Christmas holiday, "If you got nothing out of the deal but her (Alexia) - you'd still be a huge winner." This girl really puts things into perspective for Jason. This movie has it all drama, action, romance, friendship, adventure, and so much more.
The movie definitely teaches some major character trait lessons. Children will learn about generosity, love, kindness, loyalty, persistence, hard-work, courage, selflessness, ambition, and other important character traits. The strong plot teaches us valuable life-changing lessons. Christian themes are interwoven beautifully into the plot with a handful of touching scenes. The main character, or protagonist, dramatically changes from a spoiled, arrogant, rich kid to a kind, lovestruck, and generous man. You'll fall in love with this character as he develops and becomes more mature and passionate about the important things in life and how you should live it. His adventure helps him learn about unconditional love, friendship, family, and gratefulness.
The Ultimate Gift is a must see! It made us go through a mixture of emotions. We laughed out loud during hilarious parts and cried during other parts. One funny part that made Alyssa and I both laugh was when Jason was being lazy on a Texas ranch. He didn't want to wake up early to work so Gus (Brian Dennehy), the rancher, woke him up with a cattle prod. Jason's facial expressions made us burst out in laughter. This was one of Alyssa's many favorite parts! I tried to take a photograph of the screen, but there's a shadow at the top because of my television armoire doors.
Jason also learns that he is no longer given the luxuries of first class airline passenger benefits when he gets sent back to the economy class seating area. For the first time in his life, he experiences the reality of airplane rides as he sits next to a man falling asleep on his shoulder and a crying baby. This was another movie scene that made us giggle. His facial expressions really help you feel or relate to the frustration he is experiencing during the plane ride.
Will Jason figure out the real meaning of life?
We hope to watch the rest of the trilogy in the near future. I had a desire to watch more and was super excited when I found out they had additional movies in this series. FishFlix.com was already one of my go to movie buying websites. I visit their website quite often searching for Christian-based entertainment as gifts for my daughter. I love browsing through the $5 Christian DVD's or under the Bargains tab in hopes to find a new treasure to watch. You can even search movies based on Recent Offers for different percentages off. I reviewed another one of their products in the past called Little Boy which we also thoroughly enjoyed.
Recommendations I highly recommend The Ultimate Gift for family fun movie night for mature audiences ages 10 and up. The lessons to be learned are meaningful and relevant in today's materialistic world. It really makes you think about your priorities in life. Grab a box of Kleenex and some hot, buttery popcorn ready to eat!
Price $6.99 - $14.98
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. FishFlix.com provides free shipping on orders of $40 or more. You can also subscribe to their email newsletter to receive a 10% off coupon.
Watch the movie trailer below to see if The Ultimate Gift sounds interesting to you.
Visit The Schoolhouse Review Crew blog to read the reviews for 10 different FishFlix.com movies. Click the link to read the reviews and hear about other crew member experiences!
I can't wait to read the reviews for Woodlawn which is one of the movies on my wish list!
We recently received a neat 48-page hardcover children's book to review titled Eat Your U.S. History Homework written by Ann McCallum Books and illustrated by Leeza Hernandez. This is one of three books in this series published by Charlesbridge Publishing. The book's title immediately caught my attention. When I found out it was a unique cookbook I jumped on the chance to review it. My daughter and I love being in the kitchen together! This book contains six recipes for children to create with their parent's supervision. The book teaches history topics in a hands-on, fun, and exciting way.
Ann McCallum wanted children to learn American History by making tasty edible connections. I couldn't agree more with the author when she says that learning with food is always more fun than reading a dusty, boring history textbook. She covers topics from the Pilgrims to the Revolutionary War in this book. Throughout the book, several words are seen in bold print. Children can look those words up in the Glossary beginning on page 44.
The book begins with a table of contents. The glossy pages are thick for smaller hands to handle and easily turn. The introduction describes the purpose of the book and provides children with a timeline of events from between 1607 and 1789. Kitchen tips such as "read everything before you begin" and "wash your hands thoroughly" are added to the book to help beginner cooks. The author tells the reader that the recipes have been modernized using ingredients and tools from today's culture and lifestyle while sharing interesting facts about the past.
Each topic contains engaging and educational information for a parent to read aloud followed by an illustrated original recipe to prepare which spreads across two pages. The illustrations support the text and make it more reader-friendly. It kind of reminds me of rebus recipes. The recipes are organized into four main sections: Before You Begin, Equipment, Ingredients, and Methods. Bold print is used in the Before You Begin section indicating prep time, cooking time, total time, oven temperatures, and more. The equipment needed is listed. The numbered method section contains the illustrated recipe. The bulleted ingredients are indicated in U.S. measurements. I think we will substitute beef sausage for the hot dogs when we make the Thanksgiving Succotash.
A short factoid paragraph is offered following the recipe. We learned interesting facts. For example, we learned that the Honey-Jumble cookies we made had several name variations such as biscuits, koekje, sugar cookies, and the ever so popular snickerdoodles. I really liked the play on words when reading the factoid for the Independence Ice Cream which was titled "Something to Sink His Teeth Into." The section was about George Washington's false teeth. Alyssa learned the names of the 13 colonies before cooking the Colonial Cherry-Berry Grunt. The book listed the name of the colonies and when each one was founded. Additionally, a 13 colonies map was given on the same page. I gave her a blank map to label after learning about them.
Colonial Cherry-Berry Grunt
A side dish filled with fascinating facts are provided at the end of each section. The author usually encourages the reader to discover more about a particular topic through the use of thought-provoking questions that inspire children to research content further. For example, after preparing the Revolutionary Honey-Jumble Cookies the author asks the children "What foods were popular during the American Revolution?" or "Can you name popular foods today from different regions of the United States?" Here are a few pictures of us making the tasty Honey-Jumble Cookies. We LOVED this recipe and only added a little more honey.
Recipes Included
Thanksgiving Succotash
Colonial Cherry-Berry Grunt
Lost Bread
Southern Plantation Hoe Cakes
Revolutionary Honey-Jumble Cookies
Independence Ice Cream
The book ends with a History Review covering all major topics discussed. You'll find a short blurb about each topic within a specific range or time period. The author sums up the main idea and key details for each topic in 2-3 sentences. You can cover a vast amount of history in a short amount of time using this book.
There is a 2-page glossary which defines important history terms scattered throughout the book. The word is shown in bold print with relevant historical dates in parentheses.
The 2-page topical index at the back of the book is in alphabetical order. The letters of the alphabet are capitalized and in bold print which makes it easy to locate topics of interest mentioned in the book. You can also quickly glance through the list to see whether or not a topic you a re studying is covered in the book.
How We Used It
I used the Eat Your U.S. History Homework: Recipes for Revolutionary Minds with my almost 8-year-old daughter as a supplement to her U.S. history studies. We also used the recipes as a mother-daughter bonding activity. We didn't cover the topics in chronological order. We choose the topics based on the recipe titles, ingredient list, and of course the pictures swayed our final decisions. We let our appetites do the talking. We decided to make the Southern Plantation Hoe Cakes as a side to our Taco Soup instead of our usual cornbread recipe. These delicious hoe cakes were perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It made a large batch that we snacked on over several days.
Southern Plantation Hoe Cakes
Alyssa and I decided to read all of the historical information first in addition to completing several online worksheets I found related to the topic before making the recipe. If we were studying a particular topic, then I would use the book's content to tie into the study. Some recipes were skipped until closer to the particular holidays such as Thanksgiving and Independence Day to add more meaning to the topic when studied. The stories were usually read after dinner while Alyssa finished eating. She was more focused and paid attention better to the articles and even answered questions I asked about the topic.
Our favorite recipes were Colonial Cherry-Berry Grunt and the Revolutionary Honey-Jumble Cookies. We are huge dessert fans and our sweet cravings were begging us to taste these recipes. My daughter liked the cookies so much she didn't really want to share them with anyone including me. We usually ate them after dinner with milk as a special treat.
Revolutionary Honey-Jumble Cookies
Vendor Suggestions
I suggest creating a separate U.S. History series. I would also add more recipes to the book to increase its value. I am not sure how many people would pay almost $16 for only 6 recipes. However, there is a lot of history jam-packed in the pages. It'll just really depend on what they buyer is looking for in the book and what is considered most important to them.
Some recipes were missing relevant details such as amounts and temperatures which could be added for more clarity. I wasn't sure how much bread to use in the Lost Bread recipe. I used a plug-in skillet for the corn cakes but I wasn't sure what temperature to use so I heated it to 325-375 degrees. I also wasn't sure whether the Cherry-Berry Grunt was supposed to be cooked on the stove at a low, medium, or a high temperature. I burnt my pan when making the Cherry-Berry Grunt recipe. I have been cooking for many, many years so I should have known better. I knew as soon as I read that the sugary cherry filling would be cooking at the bottom of the pan that there was a chance it would burn. The recipe never indicated a stove temperature. I cooked it on low, but it took forever to cook (longer than the recipe indicated) and it still burned. On the other hand, it tasted GREAT! Alyssa told everyone she talked to about it and how good it tasted. We just moved the burnt pieces aside. It took forever to scrub my pan and it is still not 100% cleaned off.
Recommendations
I recommend this book to beginner cooks or those who are history buff lovers. If you are looking for a way to make learning history more hands-on, then I suggest Ann McCallum's fun book, Eat Your U.S. History Homework, is the way to go. I believe this book would be great for children ages 4-13 that enjoy cooking in the kitchen with supervision.
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) sent me their complete Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level B Starter Set to review as part of The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. Have you heard about IEW? I have been reviewing their awesome spelling program for over a month now and it is a perfect fit for Alyssa. Phonetic Zoo was designed by Andrew Pudewa and James B. Webster. This spelling program is based on the premise that auditory input ensures the correct spelling is absorbed in the brain one letter at a time.
I've become a HUGE fan of IEW's products. In the past, I thought they would be too complicated to implement, but I was wrong. Their programs have made our homeschool days easier and I feel like we are thoroughly covering the subjects taught. We are currently using their writing, grammar, and spelling in addition to several supplemental products I own.
This phonics-based self-teaching spelling program is suitable for children ages 9 and up in grades 3 or higher. They have three levels (A, B, and C). Be sure to give your child the spelling placement test to determine which level is best for your child. You may want to give more than one placement test over several days to determine the level needed. A starter set should be purchased in the beginning, because it contains EVERYTHING you need to teach spelling.
What We Received in Our Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level B Starter Set
5 Audio CD's
MP3 Audio Downloads
Phonetic Zoo Teacher's Notes (Downloadable E-Book Format with PDF Files)
Large Lesson Flash Cards (ALL Words and Jingles for ALL Levels)
Personal Spelling Cards (Track Misspellings Across All Subjects)
Small Zoo Cards
Spelling and the Brain Video Seminar (Streaming Video Link Provided in Teacher Notes E-Book)
Audio CD's
The Audio CD's are enclosed in a hard case. There are 5 discs. Each disc contains 10 lessons with the corresponding audio tracks for corrections. The last disc includes only 7 lessons and the Final Exam audio. A card stock insert was placed at the front of the CD case providing the purchaser with directions on how to access the MP3 audio downloads and the Phonetic Zoo Teacher's Notes E-book.
Phonetic Zoo Teacher's Notes The Phonetic Zoo Teacher's Notes E-book provides instructions on how to access your linked video resource, Spelling and the Brain, followed by the Table of Contents. It begins with an Introduction to the Phonetic Zoo program and how it teaches spelling. The book also explains How to Use the Program with step-by-step details. Furthermore, it includes a Brief History of the Blended Sound-Sight Program as a resource for you.
The Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level B program consists of 47 incrementally taught lessons which are also found in the Teacher's Notes E-book. It may take you 1 to 15 days to complete ONE lesson. Lesson are underlined and numbered in bold print at the top of the page. The lessons are NOT cumulative; they are organized by categorized spelling rules. Therefore, you can start on any rule you desire and can relate it to your reading lessons or book studies. Teacher tips are scattered throughout the lesson pages. The Rule or Jingle, Discussion Points, and Word Lists titles are bolded for organizational purposes. A personal spelling list is included every fifth lesson in addition to the last lesson. This is a wonderful way to integrate spelling into other subjects. Throughout the week, Alyssa and I would jot down incorrectly spelled words from other subjects.
A longer final exam is offered at the end of the leveled program which will indicate whether your child progresses to the next level or not. It is divided into two days or parts. Depending on the level, 25(A) - 35(B) words are given for each part. Level C contains 70 words which are given on one day. The book includes the dialog for the audio which is found on the CD. Audio MP3's 1-86 cover the core lessons and MP3's 87-92 cover the final exam.
There are also several Appendices which provide you with helpful teaching resources. A Student Spelling Test Sheet is included as Appendix 1 which will be useful if you choose not to purchase a college-ruled spiral notebook. Appendix 2 consists of the Placement Test Guides and Appendix 3 discusses the Six Syllable Types which serve as helpful reminders for the educator. Included in the Teacher's Notes E-book is a list of commonly misspelled categorized words found on the Personal Spelling Lesson Alternatives Appendix 4 page which is based on various rules such as ng, ch/tch, months of the year, days and holidays, tricky -ing and -ed, etc. Appendix 5 lists 240 Commonly Misspelled Words. Appendix 6 explains the Phonetic Zoo Set-up and offers you printable templates to create your own. Finally, Appendix 7 contains directions for a Spelling Poster or Folder with Printouts.
Lesson Cards These 8 1/2" by 5 1/2" manila colored sturdy card stock cards contain all three levels of words on each card. Animal images with their names written next to them will be on the front left side of the card. The right side of the card will consist of three leveled sets of words. Three words are given for each level. Educators use the words for their particular level purchased during lessons. For example, I focused on the words in Level B for Lesson 2 which were grieve, deceive, and neither in our discussion. The back of the cards contain the complete word lists for each of the 3 levels on the right-hand side with the rule or jingle on the left-hand side. Personal Spelling Lesson Cards are included to write down individualized words.
Spelling Zoo Cards The glossy spelling zoo cards are 3 1/2" tall by 2 1/2" wide. The lesson number and rule with images are found on the front side. The jingle or chant (hint) will be seen on the back of the card. These cards can be used as motivational student rewards to display on the wall for practice or as part of the child's personal Phonetic Zoo.
Optional Lesson Items Needed
College-Ruled Paper or Composition Notebook
Rubberband for Zoo Cards
Binder Ring
2 Colored Pens
CD Player or Computer with Headphones
How We Used Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level B I used this program with Alyssa (almost 8 years old) 3-5 times per week. She used the program for the recommended 10-15 minutes, but I allowed up to 30 minutes for spelling review time or to repeat the audios and chants if desired. She is an excellent, natural speller working above her age and grade level in all subjects.
First, I gave her the placement tests to determine the level appropriate for her age and abilities. I tested her with all 3 lists covering one placement test each day for 3 days. All of the tests indicated that it was best to start her at Level B. I was hesitant at first thinking it may be too challenging, because the website states that Level B is typically recommended for 6th-8th grade students between the ages of 10-13. I went ahead and requested Level B thinking I could always use the Level A word lists on the cards and verbalize the tests using IEW's method if I chose the wrong level.
Then, I listened to the Spelling and the Brain audio MP3 before the curriculum arrived. I already owned a copy of this two-hour MP3 lecture which was part of the TWSS curriculum I reviewed in the past. However, a link is provided to Andrew Pudewa's Spelling and the Brain talk when you open your Teacher Notes E-Book. Andrew Pudewa captured my attention with the knowledge he shared on the topic. He was very informative and offered useful information about the brain, the program, and how to teach spelling. He explains the need for frequency, duration, and intensity when teaching spelling. He also discusses the benefit of word categories or similar groupings when building a child's repertoire of words and spelling rules. The philosophy behind the program is that spelling is sequential and that auditory input is the best method for learning to spell. This video will help familiarize you with the program and spelling in general. I recommend watching it prior to using IEW's Phonetic Zoo.
I printed out the beginning pages of the teacher PDF e-book notes as soon as I received my package. I would have printed the entire e-book if I had more ink. The Teacher Notes can be stored in either a three-hole punched binder or folder. I have mine in a folder. I also printed out several useful Appendices found at the back of the Teacher Notes for future use. The smaller Zoo Cards were bundled together with a rubber band and the large Lesson Flash Cards were held together by a large binder ring.
Prior to the first lesson, Alyssa and I listened to the introductory lesson together. I reminded her how to pause a lesson and adjust the volume on the computer. I also showed her how to skip ahead to a particular lesson.
Next, I introduced and presented the spelling rule, chant, or jingle on the large flash cards which helped Alyssa remember the spellings. I explained the relationship between the animals on the card to the spelling rule. I also gave my daughter some background information (history) about the spelling rule from the Teacher's Notes in addition to a few rule exceptions. I asked her to verbally spell the corresponding 3 lesson words for her level listed on the front of the card. There is a short 3-word list on the front right-side of the flash cards organized by leveled groups. We used the words next to the capitalized Letter B. Occasionally, I would ask Alyssa to spell aloud the three Level A words as well.
I never taught or went over the specific word list for each lesson. She didn't see the word lists before taking the audio test. Her paper was numbered 1-15 double-spaced.
Alyssa listened to the lessons on the audio CD or on iTunes (downloaded MP3's) on our MAC computer with headphones. I couldn't find a personal CD player with actual headphones for a reasonable price at the store. In the beginning, she didn't use headphones, because we had just moved but there weren't any distractions in our home. She is an only child and our home is very quiet.
Introductory music played prior to the lesson. The words on the CD were dictated or narrated aloud by the author instructors. Two different narrators (Andrew Pudewa and James Webster) took turns giving sets of dictated words. Alyssa wrote them in her spelling composition notebook as a test. The instructors said the spelling word, used the word in the context of a sentence, and then repeated the word again. She paused the CD when necessary. The spelling rule or chant was stated at least 4-5 times during each lesson which helps solidify learning. I believe it may have been repeated every three words.
My daughter checked her spelling work using the next audio track which is indicated as "Corrections." First, the instructors said the spelling word once and then they spelled it twice letter-by-letter. We focused our attention on how many words Alyssa spelled correctly rather than the number misspelled. In the beginning, if she misspelled any words then she would rewrite all of the words next to her first attempt. If she made a 100%, then I would NOT ask her to rewrite the list. She would just listen to the "Corrections" audio track to compare her spellings to the correct spellings.
Over time, I required her to write the corrections regardless of her score for comparison purposes. This also meant that she was practicing her words at least twice a day (repetition/frequency). We ONLY moved to the next lesson after she made 100% on the same lesson two times in a row.
We always had two pens available for the lesson. We used a blue and a black colored pen. Her daily attempts would be completed in blue ink and her corrections would be written in black ink. If she misspelled a word, then she placed an "X" next to the number for the word spelled incorrectly. As she listened to the instructor, she was allowed to draw one line through a word if she made a mistake and spelled it wrong but realized it before hearing the corrections audio track. Sometimes after hearing the word used in the context of a sentence, she would realize she spelled the word incorrectly. I allowed the strike-throughs, because I also noticed that during a test Alyssa would often write difficult words two different ways. She said she wanted to see if it "looked right." Many times her final answer was the correct spelling.
The next day if her score was not 100%, then she would re-take the test covering the same word list. We would use a piece of paper to cover previous attempts when necessary. I felt confident that if I left the room, my daughter would be honest and NOT peek at the corrected list from the previous day.
After completing a lesson, Alyssa would receive the collectable spelling zoo card as a motivational or reward tool. She likes to collect and display the cards on the classroom wall to review or practice.
Her personal spelling list for Lesson 5 consisted mainly of Lesson 2 (ie/ei) words, but it included words from all of the levels (A-C). Lesson 2 was a very difficult lesson. I did notice that even though she made 100% twice on this word list she was still writing several of these words incorrectly which is why I included "ie/ei" words on her personal spelling list. Blank lines were provided on the Personal Spelling List Lesson Card enabling the educator to write personalized words for the list. I wanted to challenge Alyssa by attacking the advanced words and reviewing words she should know from previous levels. I verbally quizzed her on all three of the Lesson 2 leveled word lists. I jotted down the words she spelled incorrectly first on scrap paper and then on the larger lesson card once I chose 15 words for a lesson. These words in addition to a few other misspelled words from other subjects or leveled word lists were added to her personal spelling list. As we work through the lessons and other subjects, I keep an index card close by to write down spelling errors for future personal spelling list lessons. I plan on using Appendix 3 (Extra Spelling Rule Word Lists) and Appendix 4 (240 Misspelled Words) as tools to create personal spelling lists in the future.
We started creating our Phonetic Zoo to review previously learned spelling rules using the smaller zoo cards. We found a large tri-fold board in my storage unit to display the Phonetic Zoo. The pages were printed from the Appendices at the back of the Teacher's Notes E-Book. I am hoping this will help Alyssa retain the rules and register them in her long-term memory. My daughter will review the material displayed for 5-10 minutes each lesson day. Eventually, all of the Phonetic Zoo materials will be placed in a workbox once we get settled in our new home.
She recently completed Lesson 9 scoring a 100% twice. Since she spelled all the words correctly, on Monday she'll begin Lesson 10 which is a personal spelling list. Her scores were pretty consistent throughout the review period. She never took a test more than 3 times each and almost always spelled 12-15 words correctly each time. I would call that a perfect fit with regards to her placement level!
What We Like
Short, Quick Lessons - The lesson takes only 10-15 minutes to complete.
Only 15 Words Per List - It wasn't a super long list of words to memorize.
Individualized Pace - The rate of progression through lessons is differentiated and personalized. No specific timeline for completion is given. It is strictly based on your child's needs and abilities. They do suggest completing a lesson every day.
Ease of Use - The user-friendly program is NOT complicated.
Mastery-Based Program - Alyssa continues to work on a particular spelling list until she makes a 100% twice before she can move on to the next lesson.
Builds Independent Learning - My daughter completes most of the lesson independently, because it is a self-teaching, teacher-guided spelling program. Minimal amount of teaching and prep is required. I introduce the rule and the history behind it, help create personal spelling lists, and check her work.
Effective - The program is working for us! She applies the concepts learned to her writing across all subjects.
Animal Theme - The theme captured my daughter's interest. She loves all things related to animals.
Portable - I appreciate that the program is portable and can be taken in the car or on the go!
Complete - The spelling program contains word lists for ALL levels. You know what they'll learn in the future and what was previously covered. You can always verbalize the word lists if needed.
Multi-Sensory - Children learn best when what they hear is reinforced by what they see (utilizing BOTH auditory and visual learning methods). I am all about utilizing multiple learning approaches.
Sequential - The words learned are spelled in order sequentially letter-by-letter and the correct spelling sequence is stored using auditory input.
Maximized Frequency - Alyssa is consistently and repeatedly seeing the same information using both visual and auditory methods. Repetition aids mastery-based learning goals.
Contextual Learning - Words are used in the context of a sentence on the Audio CD making it more relevant and meaningful. They will understand better which word to use if homophones are given.
Note: All prices are subject to change without notice.
Recommendations I definitely recommend this program if your child is an animal lover or if you're looking for a more independent approach to spelling to free up some time to plan. I HIGHLY recommend this spelling program for auditory learners. Eclectic, Classic, and home educators using a Blended Sight Sound approach to learning may appreciate the educational goals of this spelling program.
Overall Thoughts Phonetic Zoo Spelling Level B Starter Set from IEW will give Alyssa a solid spelling foundation. We've successfully used this program and seen an improvement in her spelling. It has proved to be the best choice or fit for my daughter's needs and abilities. Alyssa is applying the rules learned from the lessons to her writing compositions. She is a perfectionist and LOVES beating her previous scores. She challenges herself to make a 100% each time. This program also frees up time up for me to plan lessons for other classes I teach or subjects we cover. We will continue using this complete spelling program for the rest of the year and will look into purchasing the Audio CD's for Level C next year.
Vendor Suggestions
Comprehensive List or Posters for Rule Exceptions
Laminated Zoo Cards
Possible Cons
Children might get frustrated when they don't make a 100% and have to take the same test over and over again until mastery is reached.
The speed of the lesson may intimidate children. Remind them that they can slow it down by pausing a lesson.
View the Excellence in Spelling You Tube video below to learn more about the Phonetic Zoo Spelling Program.
The Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog contains several IEW reviews including Phonetic Zoo Spelling (Levels A-C), Timeline of Classics, Teaching With Games, and A Word Write Now. I can't wait to read the Teaching With Games review. I've had my eye on that book and a few of their other IEW products for a couple months now!
Progeny Press recently sent us their Miss Rumphius Literature e-Guide Study to review in downloadable digital PDF format as part of The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. I've been curious about the Progeny Press study guides for several years now, so I was thankful for the opportunity to finally try one. I am also in need of a literature curriculum for the nearby future. I wanted to focus and be more intentional with teaching reading comprehension and vocabulary development using high quality literature. I truly believe that reading high-quality literature helps children gain skills that will cross into other subjects while developing vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Progeny Press offers over 100 literature study guides emphasizing a Christian perspective. The study guides are organized into four main grade range categories: Lower Elementary (K-3), Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle School (5th-8th), and High School (9th-12th). Each guide takes approximately 8-12 weeks to complete if you work on one page per day. You can easily slow or speed up the pace.
This 43-page e-guide study written by author, Dory Zinkand, is suitable for lower elementary students in 1st-3rd grade. The study guide is designed to be utilized with Barbara Cooney's Miss Rumphius book which is set in Maine early 1900's. The book is about the life of Miss Alice Rumphius which is narrated by her niece, Alice. The foundation of the book is based on the three goals Miss Rumphius set for her future as a child beginning with the memories with her grandfather. The book paints a picture of the adventures and experiences Miss Rumphius has as she explores the world and completes each goal. As an older woman, she engages the children's attention in stories about her travels. Miss Rumphius's young niece makes the same goals as her aunt aiming to make the world more beautiful. If you haven't read Miss Rumphius before . . . it is a story that will hopefully motivate your child to make the world a better place.
The picture book is NOT included with purchase of the study guide. However, you can purchase the book online or in stores for a reasonable price. You also have the option of borrowing the book from your local library. I already had a copy of this wonderful book in my book collection so we started the study immediately.
The study guide begins with information about the Study Guide Author. A Table of Contents follows the Peer Review Panel notification. It gives you a quick glance at the study guide layout and organization. There is a Note to the Instructor which explains the use of Progeny Press study guides. They recommend that the child has access to a good dictionary, a thesaurus, and a Bible (NIV optional). For some studies. you may also need a topical Bible or concordance, access to the Internet, and possibly an encyclopedia set. The Synopsis gives a paragraphed summary of the main ideas from the book. The study guide contains an About the Book's Author and Illustrator informational sheet which summarizes key points of Barbara Cooney's interests and accomplishments. The Before-You-Read Study contains activities that could be completed prior to reading the book. It provided us with several scripture references to consider which focused on planning, setting goals, and God's plan. The next part dived into a seed discussion relating to Bible scripture verses. The last activity was a seed hunt where observation was a means of exploring nature. The Before-You-Read Activities followed the Before-You-Read Study. Two core activities were mentioned. The first one stated that Alyssa could plant and care for lupines and the other activity consisted of marking and following Miss Rumphius's travels using a world map.
The study guide is divided into 3 core sections. Section 1 is about Alice, the child, setting goals for the future. Section 2 explores Miss Rumphius's travels and her return home to live by the sea. Section 3 is about how the Lupine Lady makes the world a better, more beautiful place to live. This layout enabled Alyssa to see the different life stages of Miss Rumphius more easily throughout the story.
Section Activities Included:
Vocabulary
Comprehension Questions
Looking at Artwork
Dig Deeper
Projects and Activities
Grammar and Geography were also intertwined into the lesson.
The Related Resources sheet contained several booklists indicating books written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney in addition to related books of interests. The Resources followed the After-You-Read Activities. She made several beautiful lupine notecards as bookmarks for me at the end of the study. An Answer Key was also provided as a reference for the educator.
How We Used It
I used this study guide with Alyssa (almost 8 years old) as a supplement to her literature curricula. She is currently working on 3rd-5th grade level work as part of her core literature curriculum. My daughter has mastered basic phonics and most advanced phonics skills. We used the study 3-5 times per week for 30-45 minutes a day. We did double up work on several days and occasionally worked only 3 days a week. You'll need a computer with an Internet connection and Adobe Acrobat Reader to read the PDF files. I was sent an e-mail about the study guide. I created a store account and immediately downloaded the file from their website. I printed out several days worth of material, because we were preparing for a move and I knew my printer would soon disappear in a box.
We used the study guide in the following way to keep the lessons short and sweet. We usually focused on one of the following sections per day which was the perfect work load for my daughter.
Day 1: Before Reading Activities, Reading, Grammar, and Vocabulary The study guide included vocabulary drawing activities which correlated with the guide. Alyssa drew pictures to understand vocabulary terms better which was an age-appropriate way for her to gain understanding.
Drawing Vocabulary Words
She also identified the meaning of words within the context of the story by using the illustrations and surrounding words. A dictionary was used for one vocabulary activity. Other vocabulary activities included matching and multiple choice questions.
Dictionary Skills
We wanted to plant lupines, but couldn't find the seeds in stock at our local gardening store. We discussed planting them next spring instead of during the hottest summer month in Texas. Alyssa did, however, create a list of well-thought out educational goals for the week as part of her Making Plans activity. I offered step-by-step suggestions to make the goals more attainable and realistic for the time period. She also reviewed the plural format for words that ended in f or fe. She was given a pair of sentences. She wrote and completed the second sentence with the plural form of the underlined word.
Day 2: Comprehension I asked Alyssa to answer the story comprehension questions in written format so that she could practice answering using complete sentences. I knew I always had the option of asking her to respond verbally if it ended up being too overwhelming or if it took away from the enjoyment of reading the book. I was impressed with the types of analytical and literal questions about the character, setting, author's craft, and key ideas.
Day 3: Bible and Character Study TheDig Deeper and Looking at Artwork sections included a variety of thought-provoking questions that truly provided a meaningful and relevant connection between the reader and texts. The "Dig Deeper" section incorporates Bible scripture and character study features. The Miss Rumphius study emphasized honor and hospitality which were two character traits we haven't really studied thoroughly until now. We brainstormed ways for her to show hospitality and honor to others. I love that the study guide is biblically-based! This was one of our favorite sections to discuss!
Day 4: Art Appreciation The artwork integration was perfect because art lessons were set aside temporarily due to our recent move. The "Looking at the Artwork" section helped Alyssa focus her attention on details and the elements of art while appreciating the author’s illustrations. My daughter also noticed artwork within the illustrations of other books she read. She focused more in the details of illustrations after using this study. Her favorite artwork conversations occurred in the 2nd and 3rd section when the author discusses the significance and use of both dark and light shades. Alyssa was fascinated with the concept of perspective when exploring artwork. We are still unpacking boxes, but as soon as we find the watercolor paints she wants to paint a sea using dark andlight colors to show depth.
Day 5: Project Planning Day We completed MOST if not all of the study in sequential order during the review period. She's currently finishing up her final projects in hopes to give one as a gift to a particular family member. I encouraged Alyssa to plan, organize, and create a few of the mentioned “after reading” projects on the fifth day. We did glance ahead to see what projects were coming. I also told her to think about a project that she could do that would enable her to beautify the world in some manner.
What I Liked
Downloadable PDF Digital Format Makes the Content Immediately Available
Variety of Activities
Vocabulary Activities Focus on Words in Context
Thought-Provoking Comprehension Questions
Biblical Christian Viewpoint (Scripture Integrated into the Study)
High Quality Literature Selection Choice
Flexibility
Print What You Want When You Want
Can Supplement ANY Literature Curriculum
Profound Message
Integrated Several Subjects Including Geography, Art, Bible, Grammar, Literature, Science, and More
Geography: Scrambled Locations Traveled
Possible Cons
May Be Writing Intensive for Younger Children Within in the Age Range
Repetitive Content May Bore Some Children, but Repetition Helps Solidify the Learning Process.
Price
This study guide is available through the online Progeny Press store for the reasonable price of $11.99. The corresponding literature books are also offered at an affordable price.
Progeny Press products are available in 3 different formats including the printed bound copy, the CD with a PDF file, and the PDF in digital downloadable e-guide format.
Overall Experience Overall, the Progeny Press Miss Rumphius Literature Study E-Guide helped my daughter think deeper about the text she was reading which was one of my goals this year. It did enabled her to comprehend the story at a more analytical level. I really saw her thinking about each question and reflecting on what she learned when reading.
We both appreciate how the guide provides before, during, and after you read activities which sparked a deeper interest and captured her attention with regards to the topic before reading the book. Alyssa really liked hearing the profound message of this story and appreciated reading the selected literature book. She also enjoyed completing the activities, but said it was a lot of writing. I did ask her to write in complete sentences. This book has inspired and motivated her to do something important in our new neighborhood or community. My daughter also loves flowers and thinks lupines are stunningly beautiful.
I believe Alyssa would have preferred using their Interactive Study Guide which would enable her to type in the answers so hopefully they'll offer this format in the future. According the the website, they have no plans to offer the Interactive format for the lower elementary study guide titles.
Recommendations
Are you looking for a study to supplement your lower elementary literature curricula? I recommend this study guide to Classical or Eclectic Christian educators. If you utilize a literature-based approach your will find this study appealing.
This study is complete and packed with activities that will challenge your child's level of thinking. If your child doesn't like writing, I recommend the upper elementary interactive guides so that they can type in their answers as opposed to writing everything. The study guides will definitely get your children thinking deeper about the story and relating the key ideas or themes to the Bible.
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