Dad of Divas' Reviews: learning
Showing posts with label learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning. Show all posts

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Book Review - Star Wars 3rd Grade Math & 3rd Grade Reading & Writing

Star Wars 3rd Grade Math



Reading Workbooks

In these workbooks of activities the children will use the Star Wars characters to practice reading comprehension, adjectives, verb tenses, writing a report, identifying sentences, and creative writing. The activities will challenge the child and stretch their minds to use their creative thinking and analysis skills.


Some of the pages require prior knowledge. For example the page in which the child must identify sentences according to simple, compound, and complex could be difficult if these terms have not been learned.
I thought that the two pages where the child must use a glossary page to answer questions was very well done.

Star Wars 3rd Grade Reading & Writing


The child would definitely need to read carefully and use the skills of knowing how to use a glossary to answer the questions.

The answers are located at the end of the workbook.

I view this workbook as one that could provide a child with some interesting ways to practice skills of reading and writing.

STAR WARS WORKBOOKS, 3RD & 4TH GRADE MATH

To make these workbooks fun, the authors have incorporated the Star Wars characters to practice various math skills. .The pages included math concepts using multiplication, division, problem solving, elapsed time, measuring perimeter and area, and reading graphs. The pages are colorful and easy to read and use.

I feel if the child has learned the various skills , the pages should be fun to work on independently. However, the child may need some assistance with the exact meaning of some of the directions.

All the answers at at the end of the books.

I believe an 8-9 year old child will find this book challenging, fun, and a good way to reinforce and apply learned skills.

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Book Review - Geology Lab For Kids

Geology Lab for Kids: 52 Projects to Explore Rocks, Gems, Geodes, Crystals, Fossils, and Other Wonders of the Earth's Surface

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About the Book
Dig in and learn about the world where we live with Geology Lab for Kids.

Geology Lab for Kids features 52 simple, inexpensive, and fun experiments that explore the earth's surface, structure, and processes. This family-friendly guide teaches the wonders of geology, like the formation of crystals and fossils, the layers of the earth's crust, and the eruption of geysers and volcanoes. Learn about:

  • How crystals form
  • How insects are trapped and preserved in amber
  • How water shapes mountains, valleys, and canyons
  • How a volcano forms and erupts
  • How a geyser uses heat beneath the earth's surface

Geology is a science that teaches us about the world we live in, and Geology Lab for Kids teaches us that even simple activities can show the larger world at work.



My Take on the Book
I love this book! As a dad, I love to find fun things that I can do with my girls that are easy to create but also educate my kids without them knowing that they are learning (Sneaky!!). This book allows you to do this. You can have a blast with your kids through the large number of activities presented in the book. Best of all, for the most part I found that I had most of the supplies needed for the activities. Whether it is summer or anytime you will find something that will engage your kids in fun ways and this book will be one that you will be able to come back to over and over again and your kids will continue to ask you to keep working through the lab exercises (at least my kids did!).


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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Digital Media Academy Provides Amazing Opportunities for Learning! #CreateTheNext


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Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals. Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more.

Digital Media Academy is also proud to introduce Made by Girls, a new program dedicated to empowering girls and closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child's confidence through project-based learning. Learn at some of the most prestigous colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Save $75 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code TECHSUMMER at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org. Sign up for multiple weeks and save big! Campers save $125 for each additional course they register for. Register by May 31 to #CreateTheNext best-selling app this summer!

Questions? Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email info@digitalmediaacademy.org and mention the US Family Guide Special Offer

#CreateTheNext this summer at Digital Media Academy!

The DMA Experience from Digital Media Academy on Vimeo.


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Saturday, April 25, 2015

DVD Review - The Magic School Bus: Season Two

The Magic School Bus: Season Two

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About the DVD
Seatbelts everyone! Take a wild ride on The Magic School Bus with the Complete Second Season! All 13 episodes of THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS SEASON 2 are available for the first time in this 2-DVD set. Ms. Frizzle and her class journey inside a volcano, take flight high in the sky and go back in time to visit the Dinosaurs in these super fun classics! Where will the Magic Bus take you?

DISC 1:
  • BLOWS ITS TOP
  • FLEXES ITS MUSCLES
  • THE BUSASAURUS
  • GOING BATTY
  • BUTTERFLY AND THE BOG BEAST
  • WET ALL OVER
  • IN A PICKLE

DISC 2:
  • REVVING UP
  • TAKING FLIGHT
  • GETTING ENERGIZED
  • OUT OF THIS WORLD
  • COLD FEET
  • UPS AND DOWNS

My Take on the DVD
This is a great collection of Magic School Bus episodes. My girls love learning from Ms. Frizzle and as a parent I like what she teaches too. Each episode teaches something new and interesting to the viewer and the DVD is made to be watched together as a family. That being said this was well made and quite extended. You will get a lot of screen time and learning from watching this!


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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Learn Spanish Online with Rocket Spanish #rocketlanguages #Giveaway


Rocket Spanish Premium

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About the Program
Interactive Audio Lessons; Rocket Spanish has over 60 hours of audio-style lessons. Each lesson has an audio track along with a variety of reinforcement tests. They are designed so you can learn during your commute to work, or anytime that you are on the go.

Language & Culture Lessons: Rocket Spanish has over 60 hours of Language & Culture lessons, you will not only discover the mechanics of the language, but also access audio tracks of 1000's of common words and phrases. A key fact that has been surprisingly often 'overlooked' by some other 'big name' companies is that you MUST know the mechanics of how Spanish works for you to truly master it.

Reinforcement Testing: Each lesson in Rocket Spanish has a variety of tests, and each test has a scientific algorithm designed to reinforce and enhance your recall in a different way. What's more this all ties into your own personalized progress tracking system, keeping you on the path to mastery!

Voice Comparison: Rocket Record, our voice comparison tool, lets you to record yourself saying any of the thousands of words and phrases in every course. You'll gain the benefit of speaking out loud, and be able to improve your pronunciation and accent.


Also you get access to;
  1. Advanced Learning Technique articles that will give you cutting edge learning techniques; tips and tricks that will dramatically cut the amount of time you need to study. 
  2. You'll have unlimited 24/7 lifetime online access to our team of language teachers, native speakers and fellow language enthusiasts. They will answer all your language questions and be with you every step of the way. 
  3. Personalized progress tracking to our points and badges system, all of our courses have been designed to include a whole range of activities and features that will keep you engaged, motivated, and on track.

Other features;
  • Rocket Spanish works on PC, Mac, and comes with free Android and iOS apps. So you can learn anywhere, anytime.
  • You get lifetime online access to Rocket Spanish, as well as free product updates for life.
  • And, finally, we have a 60 day no questions asked money back guarantee.

My Take on the Program
I started to learn Spanish over 20 years ago and over the years have somewhat become rusty in my skills due to lack of use. That being said I was excited to be able to dust off my skills and start learning again. This online program was great because you had the ability to simply focus in on both hearing and speaking the language. The key to this program is speaking out loud. I loved the short length of each lesson and the fact that you were able to do as few or as many lessons as you felt comfortable with. One other powerful component to this program was the assessment instrument that are provided. You are able to speak out loud with your microphone and work on making your voice match what you are hearing with the native speaker. These are just some of the great features that are available that have been set up to help you master the language. Rocket Languages has so many other languages to choose from too, so you can push yourself to keep learning, no matter what your end goal is!

Giveaway

Rocket Spanish Premium Giveaway


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Saturday, December 13, 2014

Splash Math ( @splashmath ) Makes Math Easy & Fun!

Splash Math

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Splash Math is an award winning math program for kids of ages 5-10 which can be used both at homes and in schools. Splash Math has benefited over 9 million kids and has been used in over 50,000 classrooms. Available on iPads, Android tablets and web, Splash Math works across multiple platforms and devices.

Splash Math

Splash Math is an adaptive program. It personalizes math practice depending upon the child's level of mastery and covers all math skills for all grades - Kindergarten through 5. Splash Math collects the practice data and shares analytical reports with the parents/teachers.


Splash Math


Splash Math combines the best of both worlds. For a child, Splash Math appears to be like a game which rewards on getting answers correct, keeping them engaged all the time. For a parent, Splash Math covers all necessary math skills for their grade levels and provides crucial insight on the child's performance.
Splash Math

Special 20% discount - This holiday season, Splash Math is offering a Special 20% discount. Go to Save 20% Off Splash Math -  https://www.splashmath.com/parents/register?adc=USFG20&utm_campaign=WebOffer20&utm_medium=USFamilyGuide&utm_source=Bloggers to access the discount.


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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

DVD Review - Magic School Bus: Takes a Dive

Magic School Bus: Takes a Dive

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About the DVD
Wahoo! Welcome aboard The Magic School Bus! Are you ready for a wild ride? Grab a seat and hang on for three episodes of the Emmy Award-winning animated science-adventure series based on the best-selling books. Watch as Ms. Frizzle transforms her magic bus and encourages exploration and discovery from the smallest cell to the largest galaxy.

Dive into oceanic and wetland adventures with three Frizzle-tastic episodes:

GOES TO MUSSEL BEACH: Ms. Frizzle’s Uncle Shelby wants the class to look after his beachfront property. The kids soon discover that this “luxurious” accommodation is only a tiny spot on the shoreline. Topic: Tidal Zones

GETS SWAMPED: Should Walkerville get rid of the swamp and replace it with a new shopping mall? The class learns that the swamp is an important habitat and natural water filter, but the town council’s not convinced until…FLOOD! Topic: Wetlands

TAKES A DIVE: When Wanda discovers that one of Ms. Frizzle’s ancestors was Redbeard the Pirate, she wants to follow the treasure map he left. The map leads the class to a coral reef where they learn firsthand that life there is risky. Topic: Coral Reefs


BONUS FEATURES

One bonus episode: The Magic School Bus For Lunch, the class takes a trip through Arnold’s digestive system.
My Take on the DVD
This was a great series of episodes that not only allows you and your kids to learn, but Ms. Frizzle really takes you on an adventure and allows kids to use their imagination and learn everywhere she takes them. What I loved about these episodes as well as the books I have read with my kids is that Ms. Frizzle allows kids to know that learning can be fun and can be found in so many places in the world around them. Learning does not just happen in the classroom, which is so important for them to learn and for parents to support and nurture. I have a six year old and she still loves Ms. Frizzle and this DVD Set just sweetens the stories that we read together even more and makes Ms. Frizzle come to life outside of the pages of the book!

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Learn Italian With the Pimsleur Approach! #pimsleuritalian


PIMSLEUR ITALIAN LEVEL 1

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About the Course
Learning Italian is Easy & Fast with Dr. Pimsleur's Famous Italian Language Learning Lessons on CD! Learn Italian In Your Car, On the Plane, At the Gym. No Books, DVDs or Software Needed!

Pimsleur Italian Level 1 (Comprehensive 1) Italian CDs are the easiest & fastest way to learn the Italian language.
  • Highly effective, 100% audio-based Italian course
  • Based on Dr. Pimsleur's famous research. Learn the Italian language simply by listening & speaking
  • Perfect for travelers, business executives, students & anyone who wants to truly converse
  • No reading, writing, memorization • Just 30-minutes/day!
  • Easily download to MP3
  • No software (unlike Rosetta Stone & Fluenz)
Learn Italian with an audio-only approach unlike any other available. Its scientific system allows you to learn Italian language material after just one listen!

From beginner Italian to a basic intermediate level in thirty, 30-minute Pimsleur Italian lessons - 16 hours of real-life speaking sessions on 16 Italian language learning audio CDs.
  • Initiate & hold real conversations
  • Handle everyday situations - ask for information, directions, & give basic information about yourself
  • Participate in casual conversations
  • Avoid basic cultural errors & handle travel requirements
  • Establish rapport with strangers in foreign countries
  • Begin sounding out words with native-like pronunciation
About Dr. Pimsleur:
Dr. Paul Pimsleur was a legendary linguist at universities around the world. His world-famous, scientifically-proven Pimsleur method has helped millions of people learn Italian quickly & easily. Featured on PBS - Purchased by the FBI.

My Take on the Course
The Pimsleur approach to learning a language was developed in 1963 by Dr. Paul Pimsleur, a world renowned linguist. It is an innovative approach to learning a language. I decided to listen to the CD which was in the introduction, Lesson 1 and then a few CD's later into the series. There were 16 language CD's in the box.

The learning method is through listening and repetition. The lessons are each 30 minutes long. The narrator suggests you only practice one lesson a day, don't skip any lessons, to repeat the words or phrases you are hearing, and not to write down what you are hearing.

The narrator was excellent. He explained everything well. The Italian was spoken by someone with an Italian accent. When a word or phrase was taught you heard it three times to repeat and then the question was asked: How to you say "excuse me"? Then the correct Italian was given and you could check yourself.

There were no visual words present. You were expected to listen, repeat, and process what you were hearing. The last CD I wanted to check discussed a booklet which was used in the lesson. It was not included in the original box of CD's I received.

Dr. Pimsleur's method is so different from other language programs I have used. I believe learning using this approach is doable but for someone who is truly a visual learner and wants to see the words spoken/learned, this approach could be more challenging.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Cosmos Hits Blu-Ray For Fathers Day!

cosmos

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About the Series
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents a fantastic journey through the universe as Carl Sagan’s visionary series continues with COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD June 10. Debuting two days after the epic conclusion, fans can re-watch this legendary story 13.8 billion years in the making just in time for Father’s Day in spectacular high-definition.

Hosted by renowned astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and executive produced by Ann Druyan, Seth MacFarlane, Mitchell Cannold and Brannon Braga, COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY features incredible bonus materials including a stunning five-part documentary on the making of this critically-acclaimed ground-breaking event. Fans can also discover what connects us all and see the past, present and future of our galaxy with the interactive “Cosmic Calendar,” exclusive to the Blu-ray release.

COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY is the spectacular follow-up to Carl Sagan’s award-winning series that explored the remarkable mysteries of the cosmos and our place within it. This thrilling, 13-part adventure transports viewers across the universe of space and time, bringing to life never-before-told stories of the heroic quest for knowledge and a deeper understanding of nature. With an updated Cosmic Calendar, dazzling visual effects, and the wondrous Ship of the Imagination, fans will experience an unforgettable journey to new worlds and across the universe for a vision of the cosmos on the grandest and smallest scale.

COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY Blu-ray and DVD Special Features

  • The Cosmic Calendar: An Interactive Look at the History of the Universe (Blu-ray Exclusive)
  • COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY - The Voyage Continues
  • Celebrating Carl Sagan: A Selection From The Library of Congress Dedication
  • COSMOS at Comic-Con 2013
  • Audio Commentary on Episode One: “Standing Up in the Milky Way”



My Take on the Series
I have always been a person that loves learning and from all of the way back to when I was a child, the idea of our solar system and beyond always grabbed my fascination. I can think back to when I was a child, collecting space Legos, drawing spaceships all of the time, watching star wars and star trek, reading comics and simply dreaming of aliens and the larger cosmos that we are a part of.
This series expanded my understanding of how small of a player Earth is in the larger scheme of the cosmos. As I was watching this I was humbled by how vast the cosmos was (from what we can comprehend). When I watched this I had my daughters watch with me, and to watch their eyes and talk to them afterward was exciting, because I think for the most part this series blew their minds (it did for me too).

I have to say that the information packed into this series as well as the vibrant color and beauty in this was simply breathtaking. The series is so complete and you will leave this with so much more information that you first started.


I would highly recommend this to all as I believe that everyone needs to understand the universe and our place within this grand universal design.


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Thursday, September 19, 2013

Book Review - Idiot's Guides: Playing Guitar

Idiot's Guides: Playing Guitar
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About the Book
Learning to play the guitar has never been easier! Idiot's Guides: Playing Guitar begins with an introduction to different types of guitars and their parts, followed by helpful information on how to choose a guitar. You'll learn how to tune the guitar (supplemented with online audio), how to correctly hold it, how to read tablature, and about basic rhythm. Much of the remainder of the book gives you easy-to-follow instructions on learning chords, and each lesson is followed by a fun practice session and a simple song with which to practice the newly learned chords. In addition to over-the-shoulder color photos showing fingering positions and accompanying two-color chord charts that show exactly what to do, you can hear the chords, exercises, and songs performed from additional content online.



My Take on the Book
I have been wanting a book for sometime that simply puts together the facts about how to play the guitar without a lot of technical information that I cannot understand and this book does it! The book was easy to understand and provides everyone, from new to old with some great basics. Everything from chord progression to tuning and so much more, this book has a bit of everything in it.


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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Product Review - Clifford The Big Red Dog: Kitchen Science

Clifford The Big Red Dog: Kitchen Science
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About the Kit
Clifford and his friends love exploring the world around them and with this exciting kit they are learning all about KITCHEN SCIENCE! Emily Elizabeth, the narrator in the colorful 20-page manual, guides young scientists through captivating experiments with catchy titles such as test tube explosion, making slime, crystal star, crystal art, milk glue, colored celery, waking up fungus, fungus eats bananas, fungus in a tube, sticky ice, upside down trick, crystal garden, and exploding volcano. Young Scientists will feel like real scientists when they use the included colorful lab tray, measuring cup, test tubes, and funnel to perform their experiments! Join Clifford and his friends on an adventure into the world of science! (Ages 3 and up)

My Take on the Kit
After school, my 5 1/2 year old and I enjoyed the experiments in this box of kitchen science experiments. The kit included most of the materials needed to perform the experiments. I supplied the baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, milk, and a few others. There were no unusual materials that were needed to complete the experiments.

We enjoyed making the volcano. Her eyes grew huge with excitement as the volcano fizzed through the volcano shape. She wanted to repeat the process.

Now we are watching mold grow and crystals form.

This kit was perfect for her age.She was able to do the measuring and mixing. Even though the actual concepts may be difficult for her to understand right now, she is learning about combinations of materials and a process. She was totally engaged in the activities and it was fun for both of us.

Adult supervision is necessary with the activities. The directions are explained so well.

In my opinion, you and your child will thoroughly enjoy this kitchen science kit.


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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Reading Eggs - Let Learning Be Fun!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.



About the Program
Reading Eggs makes learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities.

And it really works!



Children love the games, songs, golden eggs and other rewards which, along with feeling proud of their reading, really motivate children to keep exploring and learning.

Your kids can start reading now – just click the ‘free trial’ button to get started!



My Take on the Program
My youngest daughter will be in Kindergarten this fall and  want to be able to help her to be able to have a great start, especially when it comes to reading. Diva-PJ has always been a reader even though she could not actually read the words. This program brings together fun lessons, music and funny characters to help children quickly learn reading concepts. I was completely in shock that after only a few lessons my daughter was putting sentences together. We are about a week in and I can already see results. She also sees this as fun and wants to do multiple lessons every day. I am so impressed with what they are doing with this, I can only hope that they continues adding more and more lessons as this will only continue to assist my daughter learn to be even stronger in reading as the years go by! On top of the lessons, the program also adds in some fun interactive components that allow the user to interact with the environment which is also fun. I highly recommend this to all!


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