Seed Sowers Review

My kids and I had the opportunity to review a book by Gwen Toliver: Seed Sowers.  The full title is Seed Sowers: Gospel Planting Adventures.  It is available in three different formats: hardcover, paperback, and Kindle edition.  They are $27.86, $12.56, and $3.99, respectively.  Gwen's website lists several different companies online which sell her book.  We received the Kindle edition.

Gwen has interviewed missionaries and put their stories into a form to share with generations to come.  I would gather my kids and sit at the dining room table or comfortably on our living room couch to read from the book stored on my computer.  I had hoped to see a spark within them as I read or some sense of wonder and amazement.  They just listened as if it were any other book.

The twenty one chapters in this book tell stories of single people and couples in places like Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea.  They detail certain events in their lives and relate how many years it took them to translate the Bible into the native languages of the people they ministered to.  Since one of my sons is currently learning two languages, my daughter thought it was interesting how one of the stories told about a translator who had to learn five different tones in one language.

I was most impressed by the story, "It All Started with Dionisio," about the spiritual battle that was being raged for the people of a tribe.  They had some dark beliefs which, to us, sound like superstition, but these beliefs played themselves out in real life.  Those people began to believe in God because of the missionaries persistence in prayer.  They realized that they did not have to live in fear any longer.

A lot of the stories have a jaw-dropping effect because they seem too amazing to be true.  Other stories do not.  It is a good lesson to learn, in this day and age, that not everything worth doing needs to have some miraculous or climactic event.  God more often than not leads ordinary people to do ordinary things in order to reach the world for Christ.  Sometimes he intersperses harrowing events that cause us to have greater faith than we knew we had.  These stories help to increase others' faith.  Because this book has both kinds of stories, I highly recommend it.

The amount of work these missionaries had to do, including studying before even entering the mission field, is quite amazing.  They were called by God.  They persevered through rigorous training and difficult situations.  I hope that these stories, even though we are done reading the book, have touched some place in my children's hearts so that they can be in awe of the power of God and his faithfulness to people the world over.  Gwen also provides updated information on each of the missionaries at the ends of each chapter.

You can place faces with some of the names by looking at the pictures on Gwen's website.

Gwen's book is geared toward the sixth-grade reading level.  It makes for a good book to read out loud to the family.    

Shakespeare in Bits Review

Is your child struggling to learn Shakespeare?  Do you wish there was a way to make it easier and more engaging?  Enter Shakespeare in Bits.  The company, MindConnex, has fully animated five of William Shakespeare's plays.  Since my son, who is in tenth grade this year, has Macbeth on his reading list, I was happy to review this product.  Not only did I have a chance to view Macbeth, but I also had access to Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet.  The other two plays which are offered are Hamlet and A Midsummer Night's Dream.  

Shakespeare in Bits is unique in that it provides many visuals to engage the student.  Each play has a section that describes the characters in detail along with an animation so that the student will know the character when he/she sees him in the play.  A character map is also provided, almost like a family tree.  It lets the reader know how the characters are related to each other.  I found this to be an invaluable tool.  Shakespeare can be difficult.  There are a lot of characters in his plays, and it is helpful to know who is related to each other, who the friends are, and who the enemies are.

An analysis is provided which summarizes the plot, talks about the themes that run throughout the play, describes how imagery is used, and provides a wonderful explanation about the language in the play.  This language analysis is a very helpful section that aided our understanding of how to read Shakespeare and what the characters were saying.  Of course, the animation of the play provides the most insight.  It is cleverly animated and enjoyable to watch.  The actual words of the play remain on the screen so that the reader knows who is speaking and what they are saying.  The words of the one speaking are highlighted.  Some parts of speech are highlighted in green.  These words can be clicked, and a definition appears.  Notes are provided to the left of the speech that help the reader comprehend even more of what he is hearing and/or reading.  Notes are provided and scene synopses are given for each scene.

I don't think the makers of Shakespeare in Bits left one stone unturned when they created these online animated plays.  So much information is provided that it is hard to believe someone wouldn't understand Shakespeare after reading everything and watching the play.

Versions are available for PC, Apple Products, and Android for $14.99 per play.  I am honored to have been given the opportunity to review these plays.  I think it has definitely enhanced my son's understanding of Macbeth.  I asked him what he thought, and he said he felt it was better suited to people who are in middle school.  However, I enjoyed it immensely and was incredibly impressed by what I saw.  I think that anybody who is going to be reading Shakespeare should have this to supplement their learning.

DISCLAIMER: I received this product free of charge in order to provide an honest review.

PeopleKeys Review

I was excited when PeopleKeys showed up as a vendor we were going to get to review.  I have three children, and I have a pretty good idea what career path two of them might choose.  I have NO idea for the other.  This was going to be my opportunity to, hopefully, help him focus his gifts and talents into a pathway for his future.  I was given the DISC Career Style Report online.  

As soon as we received the email with our online code, I had Nate complete the questionnaire.  Through a series of questions, PeopleKeys was able to formulate a kind of portfolio of Nate's strengths and weaknesses based on his DISC personality - dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness.  It also gave suggestions for careers that might work with his personality style.

The report identified Nate's style and then described the characteristics of that style.  Many of them described Nate to a tee.  It also listed things that may motivate him.  There was a slight disconnect, however, since a lot of the report talked about a work environment.  Since it focused more on older individuals, some of the questions weren't easy to answer.  Examples of situations were not what he was used to.

He is described as a "governor" and is strongest in the "influence" personality.  Workplace descriptions aside, there are characteristics that I can see in Nate that can be applied at places like church or our co-op.  The "Interactive Workplace Style Characteristics" that most closely represent Nate are: desires to have fun and be spontaneous, desires to be friends with 'coworkers,' is not afraid to show emotion or be expressive, can be indecisive, values maintaining a good relationship, clever use of humor and creativity, can be inventive and resourceful.

"Tips for self-growth...in the workplace" is a page or two that gives characteristics and tips to manage them.  For example, it says, "I's tend to always be talking," but it also gives instructions to remember to listen and concentrate on what others are saying.  Another example which may help me to understand why he does or does not do something is "I's don't like to manage the details and are not particularly self-disciplined."  The instructions tell him to not procrastinate or have someone who can take care of the detailed tasks if he is not able to.  Of course, at this stage in his life he is not going to have someone to "take care of the detailed tasks."  He will have to learn how to do that.  So, some of what is in the report is not applicable at this stage of his life.

There are other characteristics that fit him as well: he fears rejection; he has difficulty finishing what he starts.  The latter characteristic describes me as well.  The suggestion is to practice following through and not beginning what he can't finish.  This is great advice whether a teenager or a twenty-something businessman.

While there are great tips on dealing with the characteristics of his personality, I was disappointed with the "Career Match" sheets.  I was hoping to have a narrow field of about five things that might give me a better idea what sort of job his personality is most suited toward, but his "Best Match" sheet listed 54 jobs.  Some of them I can't ever see him doing, but he is young yet.  His interests may change.  There was also a "Close Match Career Sheet."  It listed 93 jobs.  So, basically, he can do anything.  There are jobs that will be better suited to his personality and ability, but there is no best job out there.

PeopleKeys has several different products available for students.  I think it would be better for an overall understanding to have all the resources.  This particular one, the DISC Career Style Profile, sells for $32.00.  Judging by what I've seen in it, it seems most appropriate for seniors in high school or college students who are looking more seriously at career choices.  Even though, as a parent, I'd like to know where Nate's natural bent is, he is too young yet.  There are a lot of years and a lot of maturing that will happen before he needs to make any decisions.

Summer Series: 50 States - Kansas

KANSAS

www.pdclipart.org

Kansas became our nation's 34th state on January 29, 1861.  The postal abbreviation is KS, and the capital is Topeka.  Topeka became the capital the same year that Kansas became a state.  The word, Topeka, comes from a Native American word meaning "potatoes."  Kansas comes from the name of the Native Americans living in that region, the Konza (or Kaw).

The state bird is the Western meadowlark, and state animal is the Buffalo.

www.pdclipart.org

The state reptile is the Ornate box turtle, and the state amphibian is the Barred tiger salamander.  The insect of Kansas is the honeybee.

www.pdclipart.org

Kansas' state tree is the Cottonwood, and the state flower is the sunflower.

www.pdclipart.org

Kansas' nickname is The Sunflower State.  The sunflower even appears on the state flag which was adopted in 1927.  It is a blue flag with "Kansas" written across the bottom in large letters.  The seal appears in the middle with the sunflower above it.  The seal depicts farmland, a farmer, covered wagons, Native Americans hunting, the rising sun, a steamboat, 34 stars, and the state motto which is "Ad astra per aspera."  In English, the motto means "to the stars through difficulty." The Office of the Governor has said, "This motto refers not only to the pioneering spirit of the early settlers, but also the difficult times Kansas went through before becoming a state. The anti-slavery forces and slavery proponents waged battles in the electoral process as well as on the battlefield. Kansas earned the nickname 'Bloody Kansas' because of the war regarding slavery, much of which was fought on Kansas' soil."

"Bleeding Kansas" is a term given to Kansas because of the fierce fighting that happened here over the issue of slavery the decade or so before the Civil War.  Senator Douglas, in a political ploy, had a bill run through Congress that allowed the settlers of the Nebraska territory to make the decision as to whether or not their area would allow slaves, which negated the Missouri Compromise of 1820.  Abolitionists from the North and pro-slavery Southerners descended upon Kansas, ready to fight for the future of the area even though they didn't live there.  Order was restored in 1856 with the election of a new territorial governor.  Nearly 55 people died during the years of fighting.  After the Southern states seceded from the Union in 1861, Kansas became a state.

Kansas is not known just for this one period of time in its history.  Some other significant historic events include:

September 1, 1821: The first party leaves on the Santa Fe Trail to expand westward.
September 5, 1867: The first load of cattle is shipped on a train.  This was the beginning of Kansas' beef industry.
January 26, 1925: Wichita becomes the "air capital of the world" when Cessna, Beech, and Stearman combined their talents to create airplanes.
April 14, 1935: The Dust Bowl
April 1, 1938: Rural area received electricity.
May 17, 1954: Brown v. Board of Education case establishes that segregation was illegal.

Not only have famous (or infamous) events occurred here, but famous people have been born in Kansas as well.  On the list are actors and actresses like Kirstie Alley, Annette Bening, Dennis Hopper, Buster Keaton, and Hattie McDaniel.  Sports stars like Gale Sayers, Barry Sanders, and Victor Ortiz called Kansas home.  There have been poets and political figures like Bob Dole and Bob Gates.  Singers like Martina McBride and Melissa Etheridge hail from here, too.  Perhaps the most famous Kansan is Amelia Earhart.

When people think of Kansas, they are likely to think of Dorothy's famous line in the Wizard of Oz, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more."  Standing in Liberal, KS, much like it did in the movie, is Dorothy's House.  Visitors can also take a tour through Oz.  While in Kansas, folks can visit many museums and amusement parks, theaters and speedways, as well as libraries and buildings to honor some of our past presidents.

Some interesting facts about Kansas are that it used to be illegal to put ice cream on top of cherry pie, the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award was Hattie McDaniel (noted above) for her role in "Gone With the Wind," Lebanon is the geographical center of the lower 48 states, and Abilene was the childhood of Dwight D. Eisenhower, among others.

Here you will find online activities and games to further your learning about Kansas.

DISCLAIMER: The following items are available at christianbook.com.  I am an affiliate, so if you choose to purchase through my blog, I will receive a commission.

Kansas My First Book, Grades K-5 By Gallopade International An "early bird" intro to basic state facts. Covers state basics such as state nickname, seal, song, bird, motto, flag, regions, industries, neighbors, and weather, plus an intro to state history, people and more. Includes: drawing, mazes, matching, coloring, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states. Grades K-5; ages 5-10.

Kansas State History Lapbook - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central Get to know your home state! Comprehensive state history lapbook resources from Knowledge Box Central are designed so that children of all ages can study together. Explore state symbols, songs and landmarks, famous people, geographical regions, timelines of historical events, and more. The included state-specific study guide provides background information, history, and other factual information; this study guide is the same for both lapbook (Grades K-8) and lapbook journal (Grades 6-12) students, so that the parent only needs to go over the information once. This lapbook includes a list of all the supplies needed if following the included base guide. Blackline masters are provided for students to cut out and paste into their lapbook, while a photo of a finished lapbook provides a visual example. This Lapbook is structured for use with K-8th Grade Students.

Kansas Curiosities, 2nd By Globe Pequot Your round trip ticket to the wildest, wackiest, most outrageous people, places and things the Sunflower State has to offer.Visit the Museum of the World's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Versions of the World's Largest Things--and get your own largest ball starter kit. Meet more chainaw-wielding, glow-in-the-dark-scrap-metal-zoo-building, grapefruit-peel-sculpting, paper-mache-mixing, porcelain-pig-painting grassroots artists than you can shake a stick at...and much, much more!

Life and Times of the Honeybee By Micucci / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Get to know what a bee's life is like for a Queen, a worker, and a drone. Clear two-page spreads show the history of beekeeping, the lifecycle of a bee, how honeybees make honey, bee's dances, different types of flowers, what beekeepers do and more, all through beautiful, delicate illustrations and clear, simple text. A perfect way to introduce young children to this vital aspect of agriculture! 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

Honeybees All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2 By Joyce Milton / Grosset & Dunlap Encourage more advanced reading while giving children a fun opportunity to learn all about honeybees! This "step 2" reader features short sentences, simple plots and simple dialogue. 48 pages, softcover.

Sunflower By Angela Royston / Heinemann Raintree

The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years By Rosemary McDunn / Bezalel Books

Life In The Dust Bowl By Sally Senzell Isaacs / Heinemann Raintree

L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz By Robin Robinson(Illustrator), L.Frank Baum & Deborah Hautzig / Penguin Young Readers When a cyclone hits Kansas, Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, are whisked away to the magical land of Oz. All alone in this strange world, they wonder how they'll ever get home. With their new friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, they brave many dangers and journey to the Emerald City in search of the Wonderful Wizard to ask him for his help. This beginning reader is perfect for a fluent reader with more advanced vocabulary, detailed plot and descriptive text, a complex sentence structure, and in-depth plot and character development.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz Unabridged Audiobook on CD By Frank Baum & Robin Field / Mission Audio Join Dorothy and her friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they trek to the city of Oz to see the wizard and see if he can help Dorothy return home to Kansas. Listeners new to the story and longtime fans will delight to join Dorothy and friends in this timeless tale of the quest for courage, love, and a longing for Home. Unabridged audio CD; approximately 4 hours; 4 CDs; read by Robin Field.

Summer Series: 50 States - Iowa

IOWA

www.pdclipart.org

The 29th state is located in the Great Plains region of the nation.  It entered the Union on December 28, 1846.  The abbreviation for Iowa is IA, and the capital city is Des Moines (the "s" is silent in each word).  This site was chosen (in 1855) from a number of other choices as the capital for its relatively central location and the fact that it is situated on a river.

Iowa is the 26th largest state by area and the 30th most populated (as of 2000).  Folks who live in Iowa are known as Iowans.  Native Iowans included the Dakota Sioux tribe, the Ioway (Iowa is named for this tribe), Illini, Missouria, and the Otoe.  Go here to learn more about these Indian tribes and to see a map of where each one was located in the region.  Some famous people born in Iowa are Norman Borlaug, W. H. Carothers, Buffalo Bill Cody, Lee De Forest, W. Edwards Deming, Mamie Eisenhower, Janet Guthrie, Herbert Hoover, Lou Hoover, Ann Landers, Glenn Miller, Harriet Nelson, George Reeves, Charles Ringling, John Ringling, Abigail Van Buren, John Wayne, Fred Whipple, Elijah Wood, and Grant Wood.  Most likely young people won't recognize the names of most of these people.  Encourage them to do a little bit of research.  They might find it interesting to discover why these people are famous.

The major industries in Iowa are a lot like other Great Plains states.  They are involved in agriculture with the farming of corn and soybeans and the raising of hogs.  Food manufacturing is also performed here and is a vital industry.  Quaker Oats is located in Cedar Rapids and is the largest cereal company in the world. Iowa's nickname is the Hawkeye State, in honor of Chief Black Hawk.  He was a Sauk Indian who moved to Iowa after trying unsuccessfully to fight white settlers.  The nickname is also said to be in reference to a character in The Last of the Mohicans.  The state motto is "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain" and is said to have been created in response, in part, to Iowa's difficulties during their journey to statehood.

Iowa's flag was adopted in 1921.  It has red, white, and blue like the flag of France and signifies that this region region once belonged to France and was part of the Louisiana Purchase.  The eagle on the white section is holding a banner with the state motto written on it.

Some other symbols of Iowa include the state bird which is the Eastern goldfinch or the Wild Canary, the state flower which is the wild rose, and the state tree which is the Oak.  

Some of the attractions to be seen in Iowa are the Iowa State Fair, Adventureland, the Blank Park Zoo, and the Amana Colonies.  The Imaginarium and Lost Island Water Park are great places for the kids.  The home and field featured in the movie, Field of Dreams, is located in Dubuque County.  Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is West Branch and details the life of our 31st President.  There are many theaters, gardens, parks, and trails to visit.  The house used in Grant Wood's famous painting, American Gothic, is located in Eldon.  Snake Alley in Burlington has been designated by Ripley's Believe It or Not! as the "crookedest street in the world."

Click here to play games to learn more about Iowa and then test your knowledge.

The following books are available through Christianbook.com.  I am affiliate.  If you purchase books through my blog, I will receive a small commission.

Iowa By Jonathan Brown & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing Bolster students' knowledge of the state they live in! Discover the history of the state, including Native American history, colonial history, and modern history, and learn about the current demographics of the state, the land itself, the economy, state government, and cultural attractions. "Fun Facts," "Famous people" and "In history" sidebars provide interesting tidbits of information. Full-color photographs, time line, glossary, and index included. 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

Iowa By Dennis Fradin / Grolier Publishing Company This book is an introduction to the Hawkeye State. It is full of facts about the rich history and current events of the state of Iowa. Its pages are packed with facts,full-color photos, and maps. Table of Contents: Introducing the Hawkeye State "The Land Where the Tall Corn Grows From Ancient Times Until Today Hawkeyes and Their Work A Trip Through The Hawkeye State A Gallery of Famous Hawkeyes Did You Know? Iowa Information Iowa History Map of Iowa Glossary Index

Immigrant Letters from Iowa: Dutch Reformed Life on the American Frontier By Johan Stillingwerf / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Iowa Letters is one of the most important collections of immigrant letters relating to the midwestern frontier known to be extant. The originals, some 215 in number and representing three distinct letter series, have been gathered from archives and private holdings on both sides of the Atlantic. More than 100 are published here for the first time. The others were first published in the Dutch language in Amsterdamse Emigranten (1976), edited by Johan Stellingwerff. All are now translated into English by Walter Lagerway, the nestor of Dutch American language, literature, and culture in the United States.

Iowa Big Activity Book, Grades K-5 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International For when you're embarking on a visit or upon your state studies, The Big Iowa Reproducible Activity Book will fulfill your wishes for a fun and educational way to learn state facts! With worksheets on Iowa history, geography, people, places, legends, and much more, you'll get a thorough introduction to what makes this state unique. Crosswords, dot-to-dots, mazes, coloring, word jumbles, writing, hidden pictures and other fun activities will make your students want to learn! Great for review and research. 96 reproducible pages, softcover. Answers are printed upside down at the bottom of the page. Ages 7-11.

The Last of the Mohicans By James Fenimore Cooper / Dover Publications Testimony to the American frontier mythos, the fast-disappearance of Native nations on the east coast and the French and Indian War, this classic has long been viewed as a defining American work of literature. Attempting to bring the Munroe sisters to freedom, Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas have woven themselves into the fabric of American Literature, presenting a timeless trio of friendship and loyalty against the backdrop of frontier warfare and strife. 288 pages, softcover.

The Last of the Mohicans Study Guide By Lisa Tiffin / Progeny Press James Fenimore Cooper's Last of the Mohicans was a defining contribution to the American frontier mythos, perpetuating the idea that Native nations on the east coast had disappeared. In their quest to bring the Munroe sisters to freedom, Hawkeye, Chingachgook and Uncas have woven themselves into the fabric of American Literature. Progeny Press Study Guides provide teachers, parents, and students with literary analysis based upon the foundation of the Bible. Examining well-written literature in relation to biblical standards, students will develop and refine how they deal with man's philosophies while learning about the craft of writing. Progeny Press Study Guides deal with literature as works of art and philosophy as they explain and use literary terms; deal with plot construction; dig into character studies; and bring attention to themes and ideas the author has crafted.Easy-to-use lessons include vocabulary, comprehension, analysis and critical thinking exercises, questions on related Biblical principles, activities, and a complete answer key. Middle & High School guides take approximately from 8 to 10 weeks to complete. 78 reproducible pages, paperback. Grades 9-12.

Greene Bark Press: Review of Look Left, Look Right, Look Left Again Safety Book

Greene Bark Press is a publishing company that is family owned.  It was established in 1991. They publish and sell books that are original and imaginative and that will enhance the reading process for young readers.  They also sell many other types of items from other companies that match their philosophy of reading and learning.  The book discussed in this informational review is Look Left, Look Right, Look Left Again.

This is a small board book written by Ginger Pate that is perfect for parents who are trying to teach their youngsters to be safe when crossing the street.  The story is told of Wally Waddlewater who needs to cross the street to get to the mailbox.  As can be seen from the image above, this book is very colorful and simple to read.  It is geared towards kids who are 3 through 8 years old.  The cost is $8.50 plus shipping.

Other board books available that help teach safety and manners are Hands Are Not for Hitting, Feet Are Not for Kicking, Teeth Are Not for Biting, Germs Are Not for Sharing, Tails Are Not for Pulling, Words Are Not for Hurting, Pacifiers Are Not Forever, and Diapers Are Not Forever.

Check out their other books, games, toys, puzzles, and interactive reading CD-ROMs.

Summer Series: 50 States - Indiana

INDIANA

Welcome to the 19th state!  Hoosier State entered the Union on December 11, 1816.  It is the 38th largest state by area and the 14th most populated state.  The largest city here is also the capital - Indianapolis.  Before this, Corydon had the honor from 1816 to 1825.  The city of Vincennes was the capital when Indiana was still a territory.

You may be asking yourself, "What does Hoosier mean?"  No one knows for sure.  There are several stories.  One is about a man named Hoosier who hired Indianians (people living in Indiana).  Another story is tied to the dialect of those living in the area.  They would hear their neighbors at the door and ask, "Who's here?"  This was changed over time to Hoosier.  The name Indiana simply means "land of the Indians."

Indiana is considered a Great Lakes state even though only 40 miles of it touch Lake Michigan.  The region was explored and claimed by the French explorer, LaSalle, for New France (present-day Canada).  Many Indian tribes once lived in this region.  Today, there are fewer than 8,000 Native Americans living here.

Indiana's motto is "The Crossroads of America" because it has been a major thoroughfare whether by land or sea since the 1800s.  More miles of interstate highway run through this state than any other (per square mile).  The first long-distance auto race took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 30, 1911.  Top speeds were 75 mph, and the winner received $14,000.  Today, the top speeds are 167 mph, and the winner receives $1.2 million.  This race is known today as the Indy 500 and takes place every Memorial Day.

There have been many firsts in Indiana.  It is a state that has been rich with inventors and entrepreneurs.  Marcella Gruelle created the Raggedy Ann doll in 1914.  The first professional baseball game was played in 1871.  The rapid-fire machine gun was invented by Richard Gatling in 1862.  Over 200 makes of cars were produced here between 1900 and 1920.  Many of these cars today are classics.

Santa Claus, Indiana, receives more than half a million letters each Christmas season.  Fort Vincennes was the starting point of Lewis and Clark's expedition.  Abraham Lincoln called Indiana home from the age of 7 when he moved here with his parents.  Fountain City is known as the "Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad."  Levi and Katie Coffin served as agents of this secret path which served to bring slaves to freedom.

Some other famous Hoosiers are Larry Bird, professional basketball player; Ambrose Burnside, a U.S. General; James Dean, actor; Brendan Fraser, actor; Gus Grissom, astronaut; Jimmy Hoffa; Janet, Michael, Tito, LaToya Jackson (and other members), singers; David Letterman, talk show host; John Mellencamp, singer; Cole Porter, musician; Dan Quayle, vice president; Orville Redenbacher, famous for popcorn; David Lee Roth, singer; Colonel Harland Sanders, famous for Kentucky Fried Chicken; Red Skelton, comedian; Kurt Vonnegut, writer; Wilbur Wright, co-inventor of the airplane.

The major industries of Indiana are agricultural (corn, soybeans, and wheat), manufacturing, steel-making, and coal and limestone mining.  Indiana sits on top of one of the world's largest deposits of limestone.

Large Memmonite and Amish communities exist in Bern, Indiana.  The Amish are forbidden to drive cars and use electricity.  Amish Acres Historic Farm and Heritage Resort in Nappanee provides the visitor with an inside glimpse of Amish life.  If visiting Indiana, check out the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers or the College Football Hall of Fame.  Of course, there is always the Indy 500 if you happen to be here on Memorial Day.

Indiana's state bird is the Cardinal.  The flower is the Peony, and the tree is the Tulip Tree.

Indiana's flag was designed by Paul Hadley who won a design contest.  It was adopted in 1917.  There are 19 gold stars.  The 13 stars in the outer circle stand for the 13 original colonies.  The 5 stars in the inner circle on the bottom half stand for the states admitted to the Union between the 13 original and Indiana.  The largest star on the flag represents Indiana.

The following are resources available at Christianbook.com.  I am an affiliate.  If you choose to purchase through my blog, I will receive a small commission.

Indiana Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International The perfect reference guide. This handy 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include: basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

More than Petticoats: Remarkable Indiana Women By Globe Pequot

Indiana Government Project Book, Grades K-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Government and civics projects includes: designing a simple census questionnaire; creating a replica of the state flag; staging a mock election and more!

Indiana Big Activity Book, Grades K-5 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

Before the Thunder Rolls: Devotions for NASCAR Fans By Dale Beaver / Judson Press Forewords by Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman! "The writer to Hebrews tells us that life is like a race and, like the Daytona 500, it's a race of endurance as much as speed." -from Chapter One "We Don't Just Show Up" Before the Thunder Rolls shares with racing fans: An insider's look into each critical stage of the racing experience, from "It Starts in the Shop" to "Off the Truck," from "How Did We Qualify?" to "Final Inspection," finishing with "Staying on Track off the Track" Scripture selections related to these pivotal moments in the racing experience Spiritual tools for facing each day In addition, the book concludes with the never-before-published eulogy preached at the funeral of one of racing's legends!

Raggedy Ann Stories - eBook By Johnny Gruelle, Johnny Gruelle / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

How Raggedy Ann Got Her Candy Heart By Stephanie True Peters / Simon & Schuster One day Raggedy Ann takes a kite ride way up into the sky--only to land in a bucket of paint! A friendly painter offers to fix her up like new, and it looks like Marcella will have to part with her doll for a short time. But when Raggedy Ann comes back to Marcella, she's better than ever because of the painter's special gift. In this new edition of a classic, retold for young children, Raggedy Ann and the other dolls in the nursery come to life with humor and spirit. For ages 3-7.

Limestone Fossil (Package of 10) By American Educational Products, LLC

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Extraordinary Automobiles By DK Publishing Inc.

Automobiles Lapbook - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney / Knowledge Box Central

Car: A Definitive Visual History of the Automobile By DK Publishing / DK Adult

Indiana Cousins Trilogy By Wanda E. Brunstetter / Barbour Publishing On a quiet September weekend, plans for a fun outing turn tragic when a vanload of Amish teenagers is struck by a semi-truck. Four young women are forever changed by the event. Loraine's fiance' is severely injured and breaks their engagement. Katie's boyfriend is killed and she sinks into a depression. Jolene loses her hearing. Ella tries to hold her cousins together, but even she struggles with the loss of her brother. Can God bring new hope into these young lives and turn their tears of sadness to tears of joy through new love? Find out in this three book collection.

A Great Deal and a Freebie

In honor of Labor Day, A+ TutorSoft is giving away one product - FREE printable addition and subtraction math facts - and 50% OFF the regular price of a one-year Online Interactive Math Curriculum.

Cut out the cards with simple addition and subtraction math facts and match them to the answer cards. Use the star cards to match with the number cards to help youngest students learn numbers 1 - 10. Laminating the cards will prolong their life-span.

Download your Free Labor Day themed math fact cards here.

The Flash Sale celebrating Labor Day begins at midnight tonight - Monday September 2 - and will run through midnight September 3.

1 Day Only!!!

In addition to only paying 50% of the regular rate, you will receive another 20% off just by using my affiliate code "UNFOLDING" at checkout.  An entire year's worth of online interactive math will cost you just $50.  That is a deal worth celebrating!

Just click on the button below and be sure to enter "UNFOLDING" at checkout.

DISCLAIMER: I am an affiliate with A+ TutorSoft.  If you purchase through the button above, I will receive a commission.