A+ TutorSoft Giveaway and New Website

Back in February, I reviewed this company's math program.  Read part of my review below.  Since February, A+ Tutor Soft has been busy creating a new website, and they are having a Facebook party to launch it on Friday, August 16, at 8:00 p.m. ET.  They will be giving away a Kindle Fire loaded with 8 different A+ interactive math eBooks, as well as many other prizes during their party.  The program can be accessed by either full curriculum eBooks or an online subscription.  There are three online subscriptions available: $12 monthly, $30 quarterly, and $99.99 annually.

Use the coupon code UNFOLDING to receive 20% off all software on their website.

Check out A+ Homeschool for more information and to register for the Kindle Fire giveaway (from now until the Facebook party).


An excerpt from my review:

Once enrolled, my daughter did a lesson or two a day four days a week. She worked through the program from "number sense review" to "fractions." She also did some work with time and money, skipping algebra and geometry. Clicking on the plus sign beside a topic on the left hand side of the screen, the student can see lessons. Once a lesson is clicked, it shows up in the screen on the right. A female voice reads everything that shows up on the screen. She reads slowly. My daughter didn't like the voice and usually muted it and read the problems to herself. When the practice problems come up, as soon as an answer is chosen, a window pops up with a character in it letting the student know the answer is right or wrong. There is no "submit" button, no second chance.

There are online worksheets, which my daughter did. They show up one problem at a time, and the score is recorded automatically so that I can chart her progress. A cumulative grade report can be printed out. There are also printable worksheets and exams included in the online version. My daughter says she didn't like the program, but she doesn't like math; so I'm not sure there would be a math program created that she does like. I, however, liked the fact that she could be taught how to do each type of problem and then practice it before doing worksheets or taking an exam. I would like it if she had to hit a "submit" button before entering her answers on the practice problems so that she wouldn't be frustrated or discouraged when it marks her answer wrong. She did have to hit a button to enter her answer on the online worksheets.

DISCLAIMER: I am an affiliate with A+ TutorSoft, Inc., so I will receive a commission if you purchase a product through my affiliate link.

Bible Study Guide For All Ages Review

Years ago my husband was going through the pastoral program of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.  Our life has taken a different path, so he is not a pastor; but, all these years later, I still vividly remember one of the classes that was a part of the program.  The material was contained in a spiral-bound book, and this particular class dealt with the book of Matthew.  It asked some questions and then it asked them again.  It repeated the questions again in different ways.  The student was to search the Scripture for the answer and then fill in the blanks throughout the study.  The idea was that repetition would help the student learn and remember what was in Scripture.

I have tried to find a program for my kids like this.  My husband even called the C&MA to see if it was still available, but it wasn't.  Along came Bible Study Guide For All Ages.  It is the closest thing to what I was looking for, except it is better!  We were given the first quarter of unit 1 of the Advanced Student Pages and the Bible Book Summary Cards to review.  The first quarter student pages contain lessons 1-26 and cover the stories of Joseph and Daniel and the birth of Jesus through his youth.  It sells for $5.95.  Each lesson is printed on the front and back of legal-size paper bound together in a tablet form.

The picture above is a sample of the first page in lesson 33.  Each lesson has the applicable Scripture written on the top and then a section of questions entitled, "Remember It?"  This is an opportunity to draw on knowledge learned in previous lessons.  I like that the answers themselves are not provided, but the student is referred back to Scripture to look it up.  The more a passage is read, the more it will be remembered.  The next section is a "Memory Workout."  This is a chance to look at the Bible Book Summary Cards, which are wonderfully illustrated.  There are 66 book cards in a package as there are 66 books in the Bible.  They are printed in color on card stock and sell for $24.95.

The Memory Workout sometimes has the student sing a song.  Bible Study Guide For All Ages has a CD for $19.95 with 90 songs to help with Scripture memorization.  Sometimes there is a "Guess What..." section that helps to define terms or historical information so that the student will understand better.  Some lessons have a map for the student to mark locations, and some lessons have a timeline so that they can see when events happened in relation to others.

Each lesson has an "Apply It!" section where the student reflects on a key verse and applies it to their lives.  The "Get Active" section is difficult to do if one child is working on this Bible study alone.  This works best when it is used in a larger setting.

My favorite part, the part most like the study I had done years ago, is the back side of the page.  This is the "Discover the Bible" section and is very cleverly designed.  The illustrations are wonderful, and the student is required to answer questions by filling in bubbles in the picture or crossing out words that weren't said in Scripture.  They sometimes need to circle items or do matching or small crossword puzzles all related to the Scripture for the day.  There are so many different activities in this section throughout the quarter unit that I found it quite engaging.

There are a total of 416 lessons in the Advanced Student Pages split among 16 separate booklets, each selling for $5.95.  The teacher's key that goes along with these pages retails for $7.95 and contains the answers, as well as additional information to help teach the concepts found in the Scripture.  Timelines and wall maps are sold, as well as labels to apply to the timeline and map.

Bible Study For All Ages has studies for all grade levels starting at 3 years old and going up to the teen years.  All levels can learn the same Scripture at their respective learning levels.  An order of study is available on their website.  My daughter is 11 and had no trouble using the Advanced Student Pages.  They are listed on the website for grades 5 and 6.

Summer Series: 50 States - Georgia

GEORGIA

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The last colony formed became the fourth state in the Union (on January 2, 1788).  Georgia (abbreviation: GA) was founded by James Edward Oglethorpe in the 1730s as a buffer between South Carolina and her enemies.  When we learned about Florida, we read that Georgia attacked Florida.  On July 7, 1742, Georgians, led by Oglethorpe, defeated the Spanish at the Battle of Bloody Marsh.

Georgia was named for King George II of England.  When Georgia gained independence from England in 1776, the new revolutionary government made Savannah the capital.  During the war, fights broke out between Georgia's citizens as some were revolutionaries, Whigs, and some were loyal to the King, Tories.  There were a lot of lives lost during the War for Independence, and a lot of physical damage occurred as well.  The capital moved to Augusta in 1783 so that it could be closer to the center of the state.  Just two years later, a new capital was built farther west, Louisville.  An act of Georgia's congress in 1804 moved the capital to Milledgeville.  This city remained the capital for 61 years.

As the Civil War loomed on the horizon, Georgia became the fifth state to secede from the Union; this occurred on January 19, 1861.  The most devastating destruction during the War occurred in 1864 when General William Tecumseh Sherman advanced on and captured Atlanta and then made his way through Savannah during his March to the Sea.  Almost 120,000 men from Georgia were killed during the Civil War, and a great deal of wealth was lost.  Reconstruction took decades.  During the early part of the 20th century, Georgia made slow economic strides.  World War II brought an end to the hardships in this state.  There were many military bases, shipyards, and manufacturing plants set up in Georgia.  The population grew, and the economy flourished.

Georgia is now the 10th most populous state.  It is the 24th biggest by area.  The highest point in Georgia is 4,784 feet, and here you will find the Chattahoochee River.  Some interesting things to see on a visit are Stone Mountain Park, the World of Coca-Cola, Rock City, and Margaret Mitchell House and Museum.  In Stone Mountain Park, you can see the largest relief sculpture in the world.  It is called the Confederate Memorial Carving and includes President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and General "Stonewall" Jackson.  It is carved into the side of a huge rock 400 feet above the ground, and its dimensions are 90 x 190 feet.  In Rock City, you can see seven states from Lookout Mountain.  Georgia is also home to one of the most famous golf clubs in the world - Augusta National Golf Club.

Some famous Georgians are Ben Bernanke who has been the chairman of the Federal Reserve System since 2006; President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981); his wife Rosalynn Carter; Ray Charles who was a singer/songwriter; Ty Cobb, baseball player; Jeff Foxworthy, comedian; Doc Holliday; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Director Spike Lee; Ty Pennington of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; and Jackie Robinson, another famous baseball player.  These folks are just a few of at least 103 famous people born in Georgia.

This state has two nicknames: Empire State of the South and Peach State.  The motto is "Wisdom, Justice, & Moderation."  Georgia has had at least three flags in its history.  The newest one was designed and put into use in 2003.  It replaced the previous flag which was used from 2001 to 2003.  The flag before that was based off of the Confederate flag.  This was no longer used because it was offensive to many citizens.  The flag below is the one used currently.

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Georgia's state bird is the Brown thrasher, and the state marine mammal is the right whale.  The honey bee is the state insect, and the Gopher tortoise is the state reptile.  The fish is the Largemouth bass, and the fossil is the Megalodon tooth.  The state flower is the Cherokee rose, and the state tree is the Live Oak.

There are some fun online activities for kids to learn more about Georgia and test their knowledge here.

Allow me to share some books that might be of interest to you as you study Georgia.  I am an affiliate with Christianbook.com  If you purchase any of these items, I will receive a small percentage.

Voices from Colonial America: Georgia 1629-1776 By Robin Doak / Random House, Inc The history of Georgia as a colony, up to independence gained from the Revolutionary War, this thorough book is a treat to look through and read. Cream-colored pages offset traditional fonts and light green chapter headings; two-tone and full-color illustrations are included throughout. Children will learn about the Spanish era in Georgia, the Native Americans who lived there, new immigrants, the war to make Georgia a British colony, the end of the "Noble Experiment", the beginnings of slavery in Georgia, and the approval of the US Constitution. 109 pages, indexed, hardcover with dust jacket. Ages 10-14.

Civil War Sites in Georgia By Jim Miles / Rutledge Hill Press

Uniquely Georgia By Larry Bograd / Heinemann Raintree

Georgia Big Activity Book, Grades K-5 By Gallopade International For when you're embarking on a visit or upon your state studies, The Big Georgia Reproducible Activity Book will fulfill your wishes for a fun and educational way to learn state facts! With worksheets on Georgia history, geography, presidents, 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 more and more! Great for review and research. 96 reproducible pages, softcover. Answers are printed upside down at the bottom of the page. Ages 7-11.

Martin Luther King, Jr. By Amy Pastan / DK Publishing Inc. This vivid photographic biography seamlessly melds the story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life with photographs showcasing the injustices done by Jim Crow Laws, King's life and family, the massive protests and the movements that came after his life. Definition boxes clarify unfamiliar words, and an illustrated timeline is also included. Over 100 photos, 126 pages with index. Softcover.

Free At Last: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. By Angela Bull / DK Children Read about the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., in this biography for children. From his childhood, up to his death, this biography is filled with rich vocabulary and challenging sentence structure for proficient readers. Children will learn about the Civil Rights Movement and King's efforts to bring equality to all in America.  This Level 4 DK Reader is designed to help proficient readers with its rich vocabulary, challenging sentence structure, additional information, glossary, and index.

Jackie Robinson By Coughlan Publishing Discover the life of Jackie Robinson in this Photo-Illustrated Biography! Photographs and clear text highlight the most important aspects of his life, including his breaking of the baseball "color line." 24 pages with index, paperback. Ages 4-8.

Gift of Peace: The Jimmy Carter Story By Elizabeth Raum / Zondervan When Jimmy Carter was a boy, he listened to his parents talk about local politics and watched them live out their Baptist faith in the community. From the fields of his family farm to traveling the world negotiating peace talks, God guided every step of Jimmy's journey. His unwavering devotion to peace and faith helped him navigate the political waters of the governorship and presidency. Discover the extraordinary life of this world-famous humanitarian and follow in the footsteps of this incredible man of God. This last book is almost $45.  I include it because, as I read its description, I was intrigued.  You may be, too.  Perhaps it can be found elsewhere for a cheaper price.

God's Capitalist: Asa Candler of Coca-Cola By Kathryn Kemp / Mercer Press Can a rich man enter heaven? Asa Candler, who was a very rich man, thought so. He accepted the principle of Christian stewardship, which holds that God gives wealth to individuals in order to promote His kingdom on earth. Candler thus felt obligated to protect and build the fortune that he held as a sacred trust and to use it to carry out God's purposes in the world. God's Capitalist: Asa Candler of Coca-Cola is an examination of the life of an entrepreneur who saw his personal wealth as a divine trust to be used to the benefit of humanity. Today, people remember Asa Candler for his part in founding The Coca-Cola company and beginning that product's phenomenal success, but he also was successful in real estate development and in banking. His interests made him one of the richest men in the early twentieth-century South. His sense of duty led to his support of many undertakings of the Southern Methodist Church. Advised by his brother Warren, a Bishop in that denomination, Asa wrote a million dollar check to finance the establishment of the Emory University in Atlanta, where young men would be prepared for the ministry. Throughout his life, Candler made gifts and loans to encourage the well-being of his denomination, his city, and his state. At the end of his life, he had given away his entire fortune. Despite his wealth and reputation, he was opposed by those who did not share his point of view, which was primarily shaped by his religion and his social position among Atlanta's elite. The last decade of his life was filled with sadness and difficulties, as he mourned the loss of his beloved wife and fought numerous court battles. By following Asa Candler's life, readers have a unique opportunity to visit Atlanta during one of the most critical times in its development, and to see it through the eyes of one of Atlanta's "movers and shakers". DISCLAIMER: I am an affiliate with Christianbook.com.  Any purchases made through my blog will provide me with a commission as an affiliate.

Summer Series: 50 States - Florida

FLORIDA

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Today, we will look at Florida, the 27th state.  This is the southernmost state on the East Coast.  Being a peninsula, it boasts approximately 1200 miles of coastline, 663 miles of which are beaches.  

Florida (FL) is known for many things.  Oranges and grapefruit are grown everywhere.  In fact, 80% of America's citrus is grown here.  The Orange Blossom is the state flower, and orange juice is the state beverage.

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Florida is also known for alligators; they are, after all, the state reptile.  When moving here last year, we were advised how to avoid alligators.  I have yet to see one in the wild.  Of course, a person living near the Everglades would have a much better chance of seeing them than someone who lives in Northern Florida.  St. Augustine has an Alligator Farm where you can view various species of alligator and walk over a bridge that spans a large lake filled with hundreds of hungry gators.  It is slightly disconcerting.

Florida is also known for its hurricanes.  In the past 100 years, 26 major hurricanes have struck.  Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.  There are also a lot of lightning storms.  Some of these spawn from hurricanes; some just pop up randomly.

FL is the 22nd biggest state.  It officially became a state on March 3, 1845.  The population is the 4th largest in the U.S.  Many "snowbirds" travel South during the winter to escape the cold and snow.  Folks who live here are known as Floridians.  Some famous Floridians are Jacqueline Cochran.  She was the director of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) during World War II.  Even though she passed away in 1980, she still holds many aviation records that no man or woman has been able to break.  Chris Evert is a famous tennis player.  Jim Morrison was a famous singer who died in 1971.  Bob Ross was known as "The Happy Painter."  Vanilla Ice was a rapper and now has his own home improvement show.  There have been many actors and sports stars born in Florida as well.

Florida was so named by Ponce de Leon on Palm Sunday in 1513.  He named it in honor of the Spanish Easter festival, "Pascua de Florida," or "Feast of Flowers."  The capital is Tallahassee.  This was not always the case, however.  In 1824, when East and West Florida merged, Tallahassee was chosen as the capital because it was halfway between St. Augustine (capital of East) and Pensacola (capital of West).  St. Augustine has the honor of being the oldest town in America.  Pedro Menendez de Aviles came to San Augustin in 1565 with 800 colonists to claim the land for Spain.  They expelled the French and captured Fort Caroline which they renamed San Mateo.  The French recaptured San Mateo two years later.  The Spanish built forts and missions all the way to South Carolina.  In 1586, Privateer Sir Francis Drake looted St. Augustine and burned it down.

When the English colonists came in 1607 and 1620, they pushed Spain southward, and the French traveled down the Mississippi and pushed Spain towards the east.  The English colonists, aided by the Creek Indians, destroyed St. Augustine in 1702, but they were unable to capture the fort, Castillo de San Marcos.  Two years later, they destroyed the Spanish missions between St. Augustine and Tallahassee.  The French were able to capture the city of Pensacola in 1719.  The English controlled Georgia by 1733, and Georgians attacked Florida in 1740.

By 1763, England gained (Spain lost) control over Florida as a result of the Treaty of Paris after the French and Indian War.  England chose to split Florida in two - East Florida and West Florida.  British rule, however, only lasted 20 years before they lost (Spain gained) Florida as a result of the second Treaty of Paris after the American Revolution.  The United States was able to purchase Florida from Spain in 1819 for just five million dollars.  It wasn't officially occupied by the U.S. until 1821 and became a territory in 1822.

When white settlers began moving into the area, they clashed with the Native Americans already living there.  These settlers asked the government to remove the Indian groups.  Osceola is one of the most famous Native Americans from the area.  He was a Seminole war leader who refused to leave.  The U.S. government ended up spending some 20 million dollars trying to forcefully remove the Native Americans.  Many lives were lost.  In the end, some Seminoles were sent west while others escaped to the Everglades.  Several Indian reservations exist today in Florida.

The next big event in Florida's history was the Civil War.  Although Florida was the third state to secede from the Union, January 10, 1861, there were no decisive battles fought on Florida soil.

The flag was adopted in 1900 and has a red cross of St. Andrew on a background of white.  The state seal is in the center of the flag and has a Seminole woman, flowers, the sun, a cabbage palm, a sailing steamboat, land, and water.

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Florida's nickname is The Sunshine State, for obvious reasons.  The motto is "In God We Trust."  The Mockingbird is the state bird, and the state mammal is the Panther.  The manatee is the state marine mammal.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of places to visit in Florida.  Many people travel from other countries to visit places like St. Augustine, Walt Disney World, and Miami.  Orlando, where WDW is located, also has Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios Orlando.  One new park is Legoland Florida, located in Winter Haven.  This park opened on October 15, 2011.  The Daytona 500 is another reason for folks to visit Florida, especially NASCAR fans.

Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral offers space enthusiasts a closeup look at the Space Shuttle Atlantis.  Key West, at the southernmost tip of Florida, is a prime destination place for fishermen and beachcombers.  The Everglades is a National Park in Florida and is home to many different species of animals.  Here is a kid page for learning about the Everglades.  There are many zoos, aquariums, and museums all throughout Florida.  The Gulf Coast also provides its own flavor of attractions.  There is no shortage of interesting things to do and learn in this state.

Here are some links to children's activities related to Florida:

http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=44

http://mrnussbaum.com/united-states/florida/

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/usa-states/florida/

Next, I will share a list of books that relate to Florida in one way or another.  I am an affiliate with Christian Book.  If you choose to purchase any of these items, I will receive a small percentage.  (Thank you for your support.)

Florida Jography, Grades 3-8 By Gallopade International Geography activities include information on rivers, museums, historic places, sites of interest, bordering states, climate, topography, crops, and more! Approximately 30 activities and 200 geography-related places and facts are covered. This book is filled with exercises that reinforce learning, sharpen research skills, and provide a lively resource about the state. Includes: Fast "Fax", word search, multiple choice, and more! Reproducible. Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

Florida By Sandra Friend / Charlesbridge Publishing When you think of Florida, you probably think of sunshine, beaches, and vacations. It's true that, as the southernmost state in the continental U.S., Florida gets plenty of sunshine. It has 1,200 miles of coastline, so you're never far from a beach. Millions of people visit Florida on their vacations. But there's more to Florida than sun and beaches. Florida's name comes from the colorful wildflowers that grow everywhere. When Ponce de Leon came here in 1513, he called the land "La Florida," the land of flowers.

Voices from Colonial America: Florida 1513-1821 By Matthew C Cannavale / National Geographic Children's Books

Florida Manatee By Louise Spilsbury & Richard Spilsbury / Heinemann Raintree

Florida Pocket Guide, Grades 3-8 By 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.

Alligator By Patricia Whitehouse / Heinemann Raintree This book introduces you to alligators, including their size, diet and everyday behavior, which highlights differences between those in the wild and those living in a zoo habitat.

Seminole Indians By Caryn Yacowitz / Heinemann Raintree The only undefeated tribe in the United States, learn what makes the Seminole Tribe unique! Photos and clear, short chapters highlight their clan structure, clothing, religion, ceremonies, food production, land, games, the leaders that refused to surrender to the US, and the Seminoles today. 32 pages, softcover, with index and glossary.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Walt Disney World Resort & Orlando By Michael Sasser & Jonathan Schultz / DK Publishing Inc. Make your trip unforgettable for all the right reasons. DK Eyewitness Travel Guides will provide you with the information you need to explore Walt Disney World Resort & Orlando in comfort and security. Packed with photographs, illustrations, and maps, travelers will find listings of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops alongside detailed transportation information and general traveling tips. Recognized the world over by frequent flyers and armchair travelers alike, Eyewitness Travel Guides are among the most colorful and comprehensive guides on the market. With beautifully commissioned photographs and spectacular 3-D aerial views revealing the charm of each destination, these amazing travel guides show what others only tell. 208 pages, flexiback.

Walt Disney: Young Movie Maker Childhood of Famous Americans Series By Marie Hammontree / Simon & Schuster A biography concentrating on the boyhood of the cartoonist and filmmaker who created Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. For ages 8 and up.

Driven by Faith: The Trevor Bayne Story By Godwin Kelly / Zondervan Trevor Bayne is the youngest race car driver ever to win the Daytona 500. Throughout his career, from his early start driving go-carts to his incredible win at NASCAR's biggest race, Trevor attributes his success to God -both on and off the track. His amazing story will inspire young readers as they read the story of a boy unafraid to share his faith and a man who gives all the glory to God.

Dean Butler with Legacy Documentaries: Review of Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura

  Are you a fan of Little House on the Prairie?  Have you seen the entire series but still want more?  Legacy Documentaries has the answer.  One of the executive producers of this video company is Dean Butler, best known for his role as Almanzo Wilder in the Little House series.  He has produced two documentaries for fans: Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura and Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  We received the video about Almanzo Wilder to watch and review.

I remember watching the series as a kid and really liking the character of Almanzo, so I was thrilled to receive this video.  I thought I would have liked The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder more, but I can't imagine that now that I've seen this one.  The first part of the documentary focuses on Almanzo and draws greatly from Laura Ingalls' second book, Farmer Boy, which highlights one year in Almanzo's life.  The homestead where he lived during this year still exists, so the documentary shows reenactments of life here.  The second part on the DVD talks all about the homestead.  It shows how the house was restored and shows school and other groups attending events here.  It looks like a wonderful place for a field trip!

As I watched the video, I could not help but be transported to that era, one that was simpler yet more difficult in many respects.  No cell phones or computers?  I'd be okay with that.  Raising livestock and farming?  That's where I'd fall short.  Of course, if I grew up with it, I'd know it I suppose.  There are a lot of modern conveniences we have today that would be hard to do without now that we are used to them.  I would love, though, to be able to bake by just knowing what goes in and in what amounts by just eyeballing it.

It was interesting to learn how poor the Ingalls family was and how seemingly well-to-do the Wilder family was and how Laura detailed that in her book about Almanzo.  I liked learning about the difference in age between husbands and wives.  Because there weren't a lot of people of marrying age in town, men tended to court younger women; and it was totally normal.  Again, another sign that life is so much different now.

The video talked about Almanzo becoming a man with the opportunity to break a horse.  His father seemed so strict about him staying away from the foals before they were broken.  All Almanzo wanted was a horse of his own.  After returning a man's wallet he had found, he was given a reward which he asked his father if he could use to buy his own horse.  His father realized this was Almanzo's only desire and allowed him to have the foal in their barn as his own.

It's been quite a while since I've watched Little House on the Prairie, but after watching Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura, I want to sit down with my kids (my daughter, at the very least) and watch the series again.  It makes me want to take a trip to New York to visit the Wilder Homestead.  For now, I'll just have to watch the video over and over again.  It is only $21.95.  I did receive it for free to review, but in my estimation it is worth every penny.  Legacy Documentaries stands behind it so much that they offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied.  Anybody of any age can watch this and enjoy it.

Unfolding a Link to the Past

     A group of us from our small group (Bible study) had the opportunity to visit a veterans' nursing home today with our children.  Most of the kids were under the age of 5 except my three who are quite a bit older.  As it was a call on one of our friend's hearts to go out of her comfort zone, she set up our meeting with the Activities Director.  The younger children made cards last week that we gave to the residents as we made our way through the building.  The conversations we had were never very long or very deep, but we could see that most of the residents enjoyed receiving the cards and having visitors.

     Outside of each of their rooms was a shadow box with photos and paraphernalia from their time in the service.  It was interesting to look at each of them to see what these men and women looked like when they served and to see where they might have served, though they didn't all have that information contained in them.  The Activities Director knew what war they served in, even if she didn't know their location.  This was a place full of fascinating and, at times, terrifying history.

     Having taught about World War I and II in our homeschool co-op, I was intrigued by the firsthand accounts we could possibly hear.  We met an actual Pearl Harbor survivor who had served in the Navy.  It is an awesome feeling, for me anyhow, to be in the presence of one who served in such a capacity, one who looked right at the devastation, one who may have tried to rescue friends who went down with their ships, one who may have needed to be rescued.  I obviously wasn't there, but our veterans are our link to the past.  From their accounts, we can feel as if we are there.  We can feel the anguish and the horror.  We can sense the sadness and the triumph when the war was finally over.

     We met another man who had also served during World War II.  He spent time in France, losing his leg and being shot in the chest during battle.  He shared that he almost bled to death.  His memory was remarkable, knowing the exact dates when all this had occurred.  We didn't spend a long time with him, but we are going back.  Hopefully, we'll get to hear more, if he is willing to share.

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     The last resident we met had been a prisoner of war for 10 months in Germany, only being released because the war had ended.  He had seen action in France and Germany.  He had been to England and Casablanca.  He was more than happy to talk to us about his experiences.  I hope he is willing to talk to us when we go back.  The Activities Director said they had a World War I survivor living there.  We didn't get to meet him today.  I do hope we get the opportunity and privilege.

     The little kids in our group won't understand about the wars, but we adults can surely benefit.  We can hear their stories and pass them down to our children.  My children, who are older, will be able to pass the stories down to their children.  The stories will eventually fade and be forgotten, but right now we have the opportunity to learn and thank those who fought and survived and remember those who fought but did not survive.  We owe them all a debt of gratitude for what they have done.

     Thank you, Stephanie, for heeding your call and taking us along with you.  I pray our lives will be forever changed by this experience and those to come.

Summer Series: 50 States - Delaware

DELAWARE

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On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution, earning it the nickname "The First State."  Delaware (DE) sits along the eastern seaboard and is nestled among Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.  It is the 49th biggest state, only surpassing Rhode Island in size, and is the 45th most populous.  Most of the population and industry lies in the northern half of the state.

The capital is Dover; it achieved this honor in 1777 because it was viewed as a safer place to be in the event of an Indian attack than the old capital.  People who live in Delaware are referred to as Delawareans.  There haven't been a lot of famous people born here.  Some are Valerie Bertinelli, who is an actress; Annie Jump Cannon, an astronomer; Stephen Marley, guitarist; and Howard Pyle, an illustrator and author.  There have, however, been famous people who have made Delaware their home.  One was a man by the name of Oliver Evans who, in 1785, invented an automatic flour milling machine.  Another was a Frenchman, E.I. du Pont.  In 1802, he bought some land and set up a gunpowder mill.  Today, DuPont is one of the world's largest companies.

Delaware was explored by the Spanish and the Portuguese in the 16th century.  Dutchman Henry Hudson discovered what is known today as the Delaware River and Delaware Bay in 1609.  No settlement was built until 1631, however, and this was by a Dutch trading company who had bought land from the local Indian tribes.  The overseer of the trading company traveled to Delaware in 1632 to visit this settlement only to find out that all of the settlers had been killed and all of the buildings burned to the ground.  The Swedes came to this area in 1638 and settled in what is the present-day city of Wilmington.  They lived comfortably until 1655 when another Dutchman, Peter Stuyvesant, came and took over and named it the Colony of New Netherlands.

In 1681, William Penn received an enormous tract of land from King Charles II as payment of a debt owed to Penn's father.  He asked for the land that is west of the Delaware River as well so that, in the event of the folks of Delaware becoming hostile, Pennsylvania would not be landlocked.  He was granted this land as well.  There arose a dispute between Penn and Lord Baltimore of Maryland as to what exactly was Penn's land in 1682.  This dispute continued almost until the Revolution and was argued between their heirs after they each had died.  In 1776, Delaware created its own state government and separated itself from Pennsylvania.  A few years prior to that, the boundaries of Delaware had been surveyed by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon.

Delaware is named in honor of an early Viriginia Governor, Lord De La Warr.  The motto is "Liberty and Independence."  The state bird is the blue hen chicken, and the state bug is the ladybug.

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The state flower is the peach blossom, and the tree is the American holly.  The state beverage is milk.






Delaware has a few nicknames besides First State.  It is also called the Blue Hen State, Diamond State, and Small Wonder.

Enjoy this word search.

Finally, here are some sources that can be found at Christian Book:

It Happened in Delaware By Judy Colbert / Globe Pequot

Delaware My First Book, Grades K-5 By Carole Marsh / 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.

Delaware 1638-1776 By Karen Hossell / National Geographic Children's Books

Delaware State History In a Nutshell - 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. Get started on your lapbook immediately with this PDF Download.

Delaware History Project Book, Grades K-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International History projects include: creating a cartoon panel describing how our state name may have come about; dressing up as a famous explorer and recreating their main discovery and more! Grades K–8; ages 5–15.

Delaware State History Lapbook - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

Delaware State History Lapbook Journal - PDF Download [Download] By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

It Happened in the Revolutionary War By Michael R. Bradley / Globe Pequot Many of the events and heroes of the Revolutionary War are well known --- the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's crossing of the Delaware, Paul Revere's midnight ride. It Happened in the Revolutionary War gives readers inside information on these events as well as less-known happenings. Did you know that Ben Franklin had a son who supported the Crown, that one of Washington's bodyguards plotted with the British to kidnap him, or that the Minutemen were disbanded after only seven months? Here you'll learn the real story behind "Yankee Doodle Went to Town," the dangerous consequences of signing the Declaration of Independence, and the long, risky ride of a forgotten patriot who happened to be a woman. In an easy-to-read style that is entertaining and informative, Michael Bradley recounts some of the most captivating moments from our nation's history. Here are a few extras since the ladybug is the state bug of Delaware:

Life Cycles: Ladybug By Creative Teaching Press Now your students can witness the life cycles of 12 plant and animal species right in the classroom or at home! From the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, to the life cycle of the Fighting Fish, this series presents the facts with detailed descriptions and brilliantly colorful photos. 16 pages each. Grades 1-3.

Ladybug Note Pad By Trend Enterprises A fun and versatile note pad for school, home, or office! Use for student notes, name tags, shopping lists and more. 50 sheets.

Luminous Ladybugs Sparkle Stickers By Trend Enterprises Watch eyes light up when you reward kids with popular Sparkle Stickers. Add pizzazz to name tags, report cards, party invitations, and homework assignments. 72 stickers in more than four different designs. Acid-free, non-toxic, and safe for use on photos.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s regulations.

It Happened in Delaware

By Judy Colbert / Globe Pequot

Delaware My First Book, Grades K-5

By Carole Marsh / 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.

Delaware 1638-1776

By Karen Hossell / National Geographic Children's Books

Delaware State History In a Nutshell - 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.

Get started on your lapbook immediately with this PDF Download.

Delaware History Project Book, Grades K-8

By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International

History projects include: creating a cartoon panel describing how our state name may have come about; dressing up as a famous explorer and recreating their main discovery and more! Grades K–8; ages 5–15.

Delaware State History Lapbook - PDF Download [Download]

By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

Delaware State History Lapbook Journal - PDF Download [Download]

By Cyndi Kinney & Judy Trout / Knowledge Box Central

It Happened in the Revolutionary War

By Michael R. Bradley / Globe Pequot

Many of the events and heroes of the Revolutionary War are well known --- the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's crossing of the Delaware, Paul Revere's midnight ride. It Happened in the Revolutionary War gives readers inside information on these events as well as less-known happenings. Did you know that Ben Franklin had a son who supported the Crown, that one of Washington's bodyguards plotted with the British to kidnap him, or that the Minutemen were disbanded after only seven months? Here you'll learn the real story behind "Yankee Doodle Went to Town," the dangerous consequences of signing the Declaration of Independence, and the long, risky ride of a forgotten patriot who happened to be a woman. In an easy-to-read style that is entertaining and informative, Michael Bradley recounts some of the most captivating moments from our nation's history.

Here are a few extras since the ladybug is the state bug of Delaware:

Life Cycles: Ladybug
By Creative Teaching Press

Now your students can witness the life cycles of 12 plant and animal species right in the classroom or at home! From the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, to the life cycle of the Fighting Fish, this series presents the facts with detailed descriptions and brilliantly colorful photos. 16 pages each. Grades 1-3.

Ladybug Note Pad
By Trend Enterprises

A fun and versatile note pad for school, home, or office! Use for student notes, name tags, shopping lists and more. 50 sheets.

Luminous Ladybugs Sparkle Stickers
By Trend Enterprises

Watch eyes light up when you reward kids with popular Sparkle Stickers. Add pizzazz to name tags, report cards, party invitations, and homework assignments. 72 stickers in more than four different designs. Acid-free, non-toxic, and safe for use on photos.