Family Fitness Day

Bought the kids to the gym with me so that we could participate in the Family Fitness Friday that the gym sponsored.  The gym set up several stations for the kids to do activities like jumping rope, tossing a frisby, and kicking a soccer ball among other things..  We had a great time and the kids got to blow off  some excess energy, get some fresh air and get active.  And Garrett even got to hug a Joshua Tree.. lol

Roman Roads Media ( A Homeschool Crew Review)

 Over the last few weeks, Ashleigh has been supplimenting her Latin lessons and improving her Latin Vocabulary using Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder from Roman Roads Media.

About Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder

Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder is designed for junior high, high school and college students and uses pictures, auditory cues and text to teach and reinforce the learning of Latin vocabulary.  The program uses 31 lessons, plus Review exercises to teach vocabulary words based on different subjects, such as items on a map, weather, time, geography, anatomy and more.  By the end of the program, students will have learned over 1,000 Latin verbs, adjectives, prepositions and nouns.

Upon enrolling your student, you will need to select either the Easy or Normal version of the program.  The first three portions of these two versions are exactly the same, with the addition of two additional exercises in the Normal version.

Each lesson consists of different exercises that use repetition of both audio and visual cues to help students learn and retain the information.  The first exercise is the LEARN exercise and introduces the students to roughly 25-30 vocabulary words at a pace of 5 words at a time.  Each word is presented, with the pronounciation, along with a picture and the definition of the vocabulary word.

After the student has been introduced to five words, the student is then given a review of those words.  The word is given and the student must then select the word from a list of pictures, matching the picture with the word.  If the student gets it correct, the word is marked correct and they continue with the other words.  If the student gets the word incorrect, the program will show them the correct picture, along with repeating the word and it will be recycled and presented to the student again later in the exercise.

The second exercise, the CHOOSE exercise, is an expanded version of the review included in the first exercise. The word is given and students must select the proper picture for all the words for that lesson.  Again, if the word is correct, the program continues through the rest of the words.  If the student gets the answer incorrect, it against gets recycled and will be presented to the student until it is selected correctly.

The third exercise is the SPELL exercise.  The  student hears the word pronounced and then must correctly type out the spelling of the word.  If the word is spelled correctly, the program again moves on.  If the word is spelled incorrectly, the proper spelling is shown and it is again recycled into the exercise until the word is spelled correctly.

If using the Normal version of the program, there are two additional exercises to complete.  The first of these is the FORMS exercise, the student will practice writing out any extra forms for the words that had been studied in the previous exercises.

These Nouns, you may be required to give a genitive form and/or a gender. For adjectives, you may be required to give feminine and neuter forms or sometimes a genitive form. For verbs, you may be required to give the third and fourth principle parts.  All of these are given in the text when the words are originally presented.

The FORMS exercise works very simliar to the SPELL exercise in that the student is given the word and then they must type the correct information for progress in the exercise.  Like previous exercises, if the answer is wrong, the correct answer is given and the question will be recycled for the student to answer again in the exercise.

The final exercise builds upon the previous exercises, again having the student spell the various forms for the vocabulary words they have learned.

Exercises are graded on a Star sytem, an excellent score is awarded 5 stars and the more the student misses, the less stars they are awarded.  You can see the stars from the dashboard to see how you or your student are doing on the different lessons.

How We Used It

While all three of my kids were given access to the program, this focus will mainly focus on Ashleigh, who has used it more than anyone else.  However, Garrett has also used it quite a bit and has learned a few Latin words.

Garrett Using Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder

Ashleigh is in her second year of studying latin so this program has worked really well as a supplimental activity for her. She has especially enjoyed when she was given words that she had already learned previously.

While Ashleigh does have prior Latin instruction, I opted to sign Ashleigh up for the Easy version of the program, as she is only in 4th grade and this program is designed for older students.  The Easy version seems to be perfect for her and she is able to work thorugh the program pretty independently. 

The only hicup that we have had using the program is with the Spell portion, which is a bit more difficult for her.  This just means that we spend a longer amount of time on the vocabulary words. We have been working on the spelling of the words away from the program and then she returns to the program to pass that section of the lesson.  This isn't a fault of the program at all and is just a simple modification to the process that we have had to make for Ashleigh's learning ability.

I've personally been using the Normal version of the program and I have to say, I'm really impressed with it, both in using it myself and using it with Ashleigh.  Yes, the Normal version is harder but it is proving that you can teach an old dog new tricks (or in this case - an old mom a new language).   I admit I struggle with the forms but I'm indeed learning.

For more information about Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder, be sure to visit Roman Roads Media's website.  You can also find them on the following social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RomanRoadsMedia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanroadsmedia/
YouTude: https://www.youtube.com/user/romanroadsmedia
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/romanroadsmedia


In addition to Picta Dicta Vocabulary Builder, other members of the Crew were given the opportunity to review Fitting Words Classical Rhetoric and Picta Dicta Natural World subscriptions from Roman Roads Media.  Click the banner below to find all their wonderful reviews on these products.

The Kingdom Files (A Homeschool Crew Review)

Over the last few weeks, the kids and I have been enjoying reading about the story of Jonah as we read through the book Who Was Jonah?, one of two books from the Kingdom Files series published by Barbour Publishing that members of the Crew were given to review.  In addition to Who Was Jonah?  we were also given a copy of the book Who was Mary, Mother of Jesus? from the same series.

About the Kingdom File Series:

The Kingdom Files is an exciting Bible biography  series geared for readers age 8 to 12 years old. Currently consisting of 6 books, each explores a Biblical character in depth and helps students to focus on the lessons that they can learn from each of their stories.  Each book is divided into three separate sections - the Fact File which consists of a few pages that feature where the character lived or where the story took place, a time line that shows where in history the events fall, and other key information.  The Action File is broken up into chapters and tells the story of the character.  Throughout each chapter, readers will also find Clue Boxes that help focus the reader onto what they are reading and the lessons that can be learned. At the end of the book readers will find the Power File which contains short devotional lessons as well as memory verses that coincide with the story.

The Kingdom File Series is written by author Matt Koceich, an elementary school teacher and father.  You may remember last year when we reviewed Imagine: The Great Flood, another book of Mr Koceich and also offered by Barbour Publishing.

About Who Was Jonah?
ISBN: 978-1-68322-630-7 
Paperback Format $4.99

Who is Jonah? is an 87 page paperback book featuring 9 chapters that tell the story of Jonah in great detail.  At the end of the books is additional pages for the reader to take note if they choose.  Through the story, readers learn about the reluctant propet who didn't want to do as instructed by God and instead thought he could avoid his commands.

About Who Was Mary, Mother of Jesus?
ISBN: 978-1-68322-631-4
Paperback Format $4.99 


Who Is Mary, Mother of Jesus? is an 84 page paperback book that features a 6 chapter Action File followed by 10 Power File devotions and memory verses.  Readers will learn about a courageous teenager chosen by God to give birth to His Son and the sadness of a mother who later watched that Son sacrified for the world.

This book also contains a sneak preview of Who Was David?, another book available in the series.





Our Opinions:

These two particular books really work great together and I can see why they were paired together.  First, you have the story of Jonah, where we learn what happens when you say "no" to God.  However, the reader also learns the valuable lesson that even when you do turn tail and run from God, he's still there, even when you're at the bottom of the ocean or in the belly of a great fish.

On the other side of the coin, you have the story of Mary, Mother of Jesus who, in her obedience to God, said Yes without question.  Her devotion to the Lord bought such great favor upon herself that she became the mother to our Savior. I cannot wait til we finish reading this book and work through the power ups that go along with the story.

We really have enjoyed these books.  We spent a good portion of time on the story of Jonah and discussing the points made in the Clue Boxes as well as the 10 Power File devotions.  One can really dig deep with these books.

For more information about Barbour Publishing and the Kingdom Files series, be sure to visit their website. You can also find them on the following social media sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbourPublishing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbourbuzz
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/BarbourPublishing1

The Picket Project

Somehow, it's been a month since I have posted an update on Picket.. Time gets away from you when you're super busy.

As for Picket, well, she's enjoying the lazy life..

Actually, to be completely fair, the truth is that it's very hard to take a photo of Picket unless she's laying down as she really moves sooo quickly..   The bigger she gets, the more the Binkie 500s last and the higher the aerial acrobatics get..

 But luckily, she wears herself out after a while and she does settle down to rest, either on the bed, on the windowsill, or on my shoulder.

And that is when we get to snuggle and cuddle with her.. She's still an absolute love bug and loves attention.  We constantly joke that she's more loving than our cat.  LOL

Cuddles with Daddy

I love how Pics still loves to climb up on my shoulder and snuggle.  It's one of those experiences that you will never take for granted - I have one of God's wonderful creatures - a wild creature - that loves me enough to want to snuggle and be with me.  We're not talking a domesticated cat and even domesticated rabbits aren't nearly as snuggly as this lil girl is.. So it's pretty awesome when she bounces up on you and then snuggles her nose against your neck and trusts you enough to sleep in your arms.

She's also quite photogenic and loves to pose for the camera, can you tell?? lol

Even better than snuggles, is when you get those special rabbit kisses.. They are rare but when they happen, you know you just experienced something very few people have the opportunity to experience.

She still has a major sweet tooth and we have to keep candy away from her..  For example, Ashleigh had a package of gum which Pics felt was there just for her (don't worry, she wasn't allowed any).

Speaking of diet, Picket is still drinking goat milk, although now that she is 4 months old, she has been weaned to 2 smaller feedings a day rather than three larger ones .. She is also given unlimited hay, sage and grass as well as a rounded salad usually consisting of a rotation of cilantro, parsley, bok choy, napa cabbage, romaine lettuce, mini peppers, asparagus, cucumber, grape tomato, zucchini, pellets and depending on the day, a small nibble of either broccoli or kale. Occasionally she also gets a couple of grapes, half of a small banana, a slice of kiwi or a baby carrot but each of these are high in sugar so they are only given as a special treat maybe once or twice a week (and depending on what I have on hand).   Picket has a well-rounded diet with lots of veggies..

She prefers to eat in her hutch which makes it very easy for us..  I just make sure her feeding tray is filled each day (it is usually empty every morning) .  However, I do keep a package of unsalted rice cakes next to my bed as a very special treat for her.

She loves rice cakes!!   

Each of the other animals have come to accept Picket in their own way..Our youngest cat (and only male cat), Newton, will occasionally play with Picket.  We have created little hidey holes out of boxes and purchased a three-way cat tunnel for them to hide in.  My oldest cat, Kiera, has learned to tolerate the high flying bunny's presence so long as 1. that bunny does not jump on Keira and 2. the bunny is willing to share some of her morning goat milk with her.  So far, this arrangement has worked out well LOL

Kenny has learned that if he wants to be attached to the hip with me, that means he is also attached at the hip to the rabbit.. lol   He's also learned that she will share some of her goat milk with him in the evening and also share some of her rice cake with him so that works to his advantage.

And now for this posts Bunny Education. If you notice, all of my pictures of Picket feature her either laying down, sitting upright, or sitting in what is called the "BunHen" position.  However, often, on the internet, you'll see pictures of bunnies on their back.  For example:

There is a reason why you will never see Picket in this position.  Because this is known as Tonic Immobility or "Trancing a rabbit"..  It's actually pretty cruel to do.. But for whatever reason, when a rabbit is rolled onto it's back, it experiences this tonic immobility.  Basically, while it looks like the rabbit is sleeping or completely relaxed, the opposite is true.  The rabbit experiences elevated respiratory and heart rates, a spike in blood pressure and is quite scared.  It plays dead in a last effort to save its life.  It's very stressful for the rabbit and putting the rabbit in this position is, in my opinion, equivalent to being chemically paralyzed during surgery but not anesthetized.

Granted, there are times when trancing a bunny is probably necessary.  I haven't found that reason yet and I would much rather continue to have Picket trust me then exert that sort of force on her.  As it is, she allows me to clip her nails, brush her, check her ears and check her teeth without the need for trancing.

Soooo, instead of cute pictures of bunnies "relaxing" in the bathtub (which is bad to start with, but I'll talk about that next posting), you'll get cute pictures of Picket like this :)

Until Next Time!!!

GrammarPlanet (A Homeschool Crew Review)

For the last few weeks, the kids and I have been reviewing the free version of GrammarPlanet, an online browser based program designed to help teach and establish proper usage of grammar and punctuation.


GrammarPlanet is intended for use for ages 10 and up and currently contains thirteen units for teaching grammar fundamentals.  After printing out the notes for the corresponding unit, students then watch a video that teaches the grammar topic and then proceed to practice what they have learned.  Each unit builds upon the previous unit, so topics for units 1-3 will also be practiced while completing Unit 4, for example.  

How We Used It

Initially, when I had to designate my interest in reviewing this program, I will admit, I was interested. It was described as being grammar lessons for all age groupings but the product wasn't ready at the time that I had to fill out my interest form so it was basically a decision made sight unseen.  However, I knew I was looking for a grammar curriculum for Ashleigh and I was hoping that this program might fill that need.

In my personal opinion, while this program does have great potential for teaching grammar, I don't see it as being suitable for younger students, at least not elementary students.  It would, however, make a great curriculum for middle school students or for high school students who really need to get caught up on their grammar skills.

So, with that said, as I was trying to use this with two elementary students, one who is special needs, it just didn't work out for us at all.  Garrett had major melt downs each time we attempted to use the program and after a few failed attempts, I admit, I stopped logging him in.  Ashleigh made it a bit further, to lesson three but she also constantly got frustrated with it.  The explainations, even with the help of the printable notes, were just over her head on many of the questions, especially with the "wings" used to mark multiple words as these were not explained very well on the notes and not at all in the video.    In, the end, it just wasn't a good fit for her and she quickly shut down all together and refused to attempt anything after a while. A huge factor in this was that the practice sentences to be noted seem to go on and on and on - and when you're trying to do this with a 10 year old, marking the adjectives, nouns and  articles and some sentences are nearly 40 words each, it quickly gets very tedius and overwhelming for her.  Even stopping and returning later exhausted her as some sentences were so very lengthy.

However, with that said, it's not a bad program - it just wasn't suitable for my kids.  The concept behind the program is pretty straight forward.  You are given sentences, you make annotations for whatever part of speech is being asked for.  You hit submit and it tells you what you got correct and it marks what you got wrong very clearly for you to see.

One thing that is nice is the progress report function. As a parent/teacher, I can go in and look at what she did on the program and see what she got wrong and what she got correct.  It also makes for the ability to review your own answers and see the proper annotation for those selections that were wrong.

While I don't think this program is a good fit for younger students, especially those in elementary grades, I do think it would be great for middle school students to begin developing a strong grammar foundation or for high school students who need some extra help.  This program would also be great for those in College English who need extra practice.

If you have a high school student who is currently struggling with grammar, or maybe you want to brush up on it yourself, GrammarPlanet is currently free to use by simply making an account when you visit their website. You can also find GrammarPlanet on the following social media sites:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/analyticalgrammar
Twitter: www.twitter.com/analyticalgram
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/analyticalgram