Raising them Up By ISrael Wayne, Masterbooks

Israel Wayne has once again written a book that is both personable and easy to read while being packed full of Biblical insight and wisdom. I have added this to my list of baby shower gifts - it's a must read for new parents and "old" parents alike. There are only a few books that I set high on my list for new parents - and this happens to be one of the top now! Wayne writes in a way that is easy to read because it is so relateable to personal life. A reader does not feel preached at, dictated to, or talked down to; rather they feel invited into a conversation about the real life struggles in parenting and how these things can be handled. I especially like the title that relates back to Scripture which tells us to raise children up in the admonition of the Lord. Raising Arrows has long been an anthem of mine - that I am raising arrows for the Lord, I want them to fly straight and swift - direct to the point. This book is one that will empower parents to find their strength and direction in the Lord. It will remind them that their wisdom and direction comes from God and to stand firm in the parenting God has called them to. No one is a perfect parent but Wayne proves that the defining characteristic of a good parent is one who parents in Christ instead of our own strength. Thank you Israel Wayne for taking time to let us into your personal world and being so candid about your own parenting journey. God is using your life as a testimony of his grace and pouring out his wisdom through you. You will be blessed by this book.

Stepping Stones - Master Books Preschool Curriculum

Masterbooks has created a Charlotte Mason style pre-school curriculum that is sure to win the interest and love of your tiny learner. The program is sure to instill a love for learning through its fun activities. The curriculum is divided into 6 milestones that cover 36 weeks, this is 6 stones per section or milestone. I love this approach as it allows for children to explore learning and develop a love for learning. The curriculum is set up for 3 days a week, the other two days could be filled with supplementary activities or field trips that will reinforce the step you are teaching. I love the fact that each week has a simple memory verse for the child to learn, this instills an attentiveness and awareness of God's Word for children. The simplicity of the lessons is great, each day consists of a "Making Connections", "Heroes of the Bible", Memory Verse and then a worksheet to complete. I found that my little one likes to re-do the worksheets on the off day as well as discuss the bible connection and work on the verse. I try to set the verse to a catchy jingle (from a commercial, something I learned at a conference with Tim Tebow's mom) or music (from a favorourite hymn, or to teach sign (ASL) to the verse. This introduces kinetic learning for the purpose of Scripture memory. I am very impressed with this curriculum, because, unlike some I have used in the past 13 years of homeschooling this one seems to be easier to follow with less stress. Since I am currently schooling grades K, 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 and 12 less stress and prep time is important. I like simple, laid out and to the point curriculum that is solid, Biblical and promotes a love for self learning. The key always for us is to (1) instill the Word, (2) create a love for learning where our children actively seek out opportunities to learn. This is highly recommended from a mom that's been at this for 13 years and still has at least 17 more years to go.

Language Lessons For Living Grade 1 - Masterbooks

I was so excited to get this for a review as I have a grade 1 student. This meant having the opportunity to have a child in the grade of the curriculum in review to see what he thought about it. The outcome? Not only did he love it but so did my Kindergarten child and the grade 2 child! Masterbooks has once again created a curriculum that is student friendly and teacher friendly. If you are looking for something that is taught through a Biblical World-view, teacher friendly and kid friendly this is it. The lessons are interactive and fun and build on each other to make language learning (reading and writing) fun and interesting for the student. I love the fact that Masterbooks has worksheets but the curriculum is not seat-work intensive, allowing for the student to be taught a lesson while not requiring tons of copywork each day.

Math Lessons for Living - K (Masterbooks)

Yes! I fun interactive math curriculum that catches and keeps the attention of little ones while teaching essential math concepts! Math is all around us, simple stories that draw kids in help them realize math is an integral and inescapable part of our lives. The hands on practice helps children play and learn at the same time, applying practical math concepts to things they are already familiar with. Kinetic learning keeps the active children of this age engaged and learning. Can't say enough about such a great curriculum!!

Simply K

The title sums up this curriculum, "Simply K" - Kindergarten simplified and fun. I'm in love with this curriculum. I have three little girls coming up for Kinder and can't wait to implement this one with them. I was satisfied with Masterbooks Kindergarten resources all ready but this makes everything much simpler and easy to use and adapt to every learning style. Fun, Biblical based and Biblical worldview make this curriculum a win win!!

Biology: Through a Microscope

Lab notebook.....pretty non-descriptive, unexciting, general term. Even evokes thoughts of empty pages waiting to be filled, seat work in the making.....and from a homeschool mom's perspective a possible fight waiting to happen since most of my children are kinetic learners who despise seatwork more than anything. Yet that is not what goes on here at all! No way. This book has children seeing God's intricate design in a whole new way. While exploring Science topics God's amazing character and love for His creation is front and center, through the microscope invites children into God's world - a part of the world that goes largely unseen by people. They are invited into a world that is smaller than they have known to see how the basic building blocks of life work together. My 4 year old was listening to conversation we were having about some of the lessons when she chimed in - "how amazing that God likes the tiny things that we can't see!!" Yes!! How amazing!! And how amazing that God uses all things, even the tiny to point to His creation and his character!! A must have for Science lovers!

Biology

BIOLOGY – Masterbooks. I had the amazing opportunity to review the Biology course for Masterbooks. This included the lab book, teacher book and student book. I was excited to see the addition of Biology to their already excellent Science rich curriculum. For me this is so important because in Science the tension between faith and “science” creates a constant testing ground for the faith of students. I often think of the movie “God’s not Dead” when thinking about Science, as well as my own experience in highschool over 20 years ago. Having a curriculum that clearly relates Science to the orderly character and nature of God is a great thing. While students learn about the amazing facets of Biology they are strengthened in their faith as they see the orderly world of God and the amazing handi-work of a Creator that is both personal and all-powerful. This careful examination of Science through the lense of faith is essential for students to begin to solidify their own Biblical-world view and to see how this world view influences every aspect of their thinking process. Scientific procedures and hypothesis always end up pointing back to a divine Creator. Masterbooks has once again worked with a writer to develop a comprehensive curriculum that will prepare students for the University level work that will be required of them post graduation. The scope and sequence is clearly laid out with recommendations for extra material and all the experiments. The extra kit for experiments can be ordered – and I would highly recommend this for the added hands on experience that this will bring. Although, my grade 12 daughter was already doing Chemistry she has opted to start this in the new year to get ½ credit before graduating in June. As a parent I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the order of Masterbooks. You simply open up to the weekly planner and assign dates for completion and move on. At this point students are basically self-taught, or at least my students do their own study. However, It is easy enough for any parent to teach every lesson as well. Great job Masterbooks.