The Critical Thinking Co.- Homeschool Reiew Crew Review

We homeschool in many different ways and styles.  After all, I have four kids, two of which are still learning at home, and each of them has a very different learning style.  But one thing I have found to be consistent in our home is the occasional need for worksheets.  Let me make it clear, I DO NOT like busy work, but there are some times that completing workbook pages is just what you need to learn.

One of our favorite companies for such workbooks is The Critical Thinking Co.  In the past we have had the privilege of using their math and history workbooks, but for the past month or so, we have been using their Language Smarts Level E workbook, intended for 4th graders.  If you don't have a 4th grader in your house, no worries! The Critical Thinking Co. has products for just about every subject you could want to teach for grades pre-K through 12th!  There is a little bit of everything, including some pretty incredible software!

WE LOVE THIS WORKBOOK!

We are using Language Smarts as a supplement to Colby's grammar because we had already begun a program, but this workbook is clearly intended to be a full Language Arts program and does not need any additional activities added to teach a fourth grader.  Its 400 pages (yes you read that right, 400) are comprehensive, covering language arts basics that every 4th grader need to know.  So far we have studied things like syllables, prefixes, suffixes, roots, and synonyms.

Other concepts covered are-

 Level E (Grade 4) Content

• Capitalization	• Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots
• Critical Thinking	• Silent E
• Compare/Contrast	• Singular/Plural
• Imply/Infer	• Syllables
• Inference	• Usage
• Opinion	• Homographs
• Prediction	• Homophones
• Adjectives	• Metaphors
• Adverbs	• Sequencing
• Antonyms	• Similes
• Conjunctions	• Writing
• Interjections	• Characters
• Nouns	• Comparing
• Prepositions	• Conflict
• Pronouns	• Context Clues
• Sentences	• Drama
• Subject and Predicate	• Editing
• Subject-Verb Agreement	• Fiction and Nonfiction
• Synonyms	• Idioms
• Verbs	• Parts of a Book
• Grammar	• Plot
• Punctuation	• Poems
• Colons	• Proverbs
• Commas	• Reference Materials
• Exclamation Marks	• Setting
• Periods	• Story Maps
• Question Marks	• Table of Contents
• Quotation Marks	• Titles
• Semicolons	• Topic and Main Idea
• Spelling	• Using a Dictionary
• Compound Words

Each new concept is introduced with short and easy to understand instructions that Colby is able to read himself.  Then the concept is reviewed with a short activity.  Activities have included fill in the blanks, multiple choice, sentence writing, and even crossword puzzles. More than several pages are included for each new subject so your child will have plenty of practice with the concept before moving on.  Because each day is a little different, the pages have captured Colby' attention and because they are fairly short they do not wear him out.

We are currently doing one page a day, which seems a little slow to me, but was a good starting pace for Colby.  By completing about two pages a day, your child will be able to complete this curriculum in a school year.  Not a grammar ace yourself?  No problem!  All of the answers are in the back of the book for quick reference and easy checking.

Another reason I like The Critical Thinking Co. workbooks is because they are full color.  No, there are not fancy pictures all over the pages, but just enough color to break up the monotony and draw attention to the instructions.  Think of it as having the important parts already highlighted for you.  I think that is especially critical to visual learners, plus let's face it, just makes a workbook more visually pleasing.

One of the things that stands out to me about Language Smarts and other Critical Thinking Co. products is that they continue to be up to date and on the cutting edge of technology.  Examples of this are the Using an Online Encyclopedia and How to Use the Internet to Search for a Topic workbook pages.  Let's face it, kids need those kind of skills in the world we now live in!

We also had the privilege of previewing the Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic Before Kindergarten! software bundle.  From toddlers to preschoolers, this 5 app software bundle will help teach your children in a fun and engaging ways things like letter sounds,  pre-writing skills, and basic math concepts.  Very cute and easy to use, your little ones will love making this part of their day.  Colby would have loved this when he was younger!

If you are looking for a full Language Arts program, I would highly recommend Language Smarts Level E for your 4th graders, as well as a help for older students who need more review!  For additional thoughts on this program and more from The Critical Thinking Co., just click on the banner below!

Wordless Wednesday- Back to school Edition

CREW REVIEW- ARTistic Pursuits

ARTistic Pursuits is an everyday name amongst most homeschoolers.  I know why!  Their simple, but effective approach to teaching art makes it approachable to the average homeschool mom or dad. 

Let's face it, art intimidates a lot of people.  Art intimidates me!  And therefore, it is often conveniently by-passed in this family's day.  That is why I was so excited to have the opportunity to review the newest and expanded 3rd edition of ARTistic Pursuits, Elementary 4-5 Book 1, The Elements of Art and Composition.  Though written for 4th and 5th graders, we were able to use it for the 5 year old and 9th grader as well, a huge plus in my book.


Covering 16 Units, this book gives a good overview of not only the how to's of specific art concepts, but also exposes students to Master Works in American art.  Lessons include:
Space
Line and Shape
Texture
Form
Form Using Value
Local Value
Contrast
The Shapes of Natural Forms
Edges
Balance
Rhythm
Overlap
Depth
Proportion, the Face
Movement

                                                           

Each unit is divided into four lessons, making it easy to break into a four day schedule.  Day one introduces the topic and encourages the student to explore that area in their own world.  The second lesson focuses on American Art appreciation, introducing a selected art piece and artist and includes details about the time period.  The third  lesson focuses on technique, the real "how to's" and the last lesson is the final project day.  The schedule can be modified to fit each family's needs: if you do art only twice a week this book will take a year to complete.

How this worked for us:
Again, the target age for this particular book is fourth and fifth grade, but we invited the siblings to join in.  Four days a week we gathered at the kitchen table to read the lesson together and then proceeded with the assigned art project for that lesson.  My favorite part became at the end of the lesson when I would have each child show what they drew and then tell us about their picture. I loved doing this as a family, but want to note that a child in 4th or 5th grade could very easily read the lessons independently if you so chose. Obviously the concepts were above the head of the 5 year old, but perfect for the intended student.

Drawing Legos- what else?!

One of the things that worked out perfectly for us is the fact that my high school freshman is currently doing an separate art appreciation class.  Several times the subject of the week in ARTistic Pursuits was an artist she had read about.  It was fun for her to be able to then put her reading knowledge to the test with actual drawing practice using the same concepts used by the artist.  I am a firm believer that anytime you can add layers to teaching-the reading and the doing-true learning takes place.  Plus, in this case, it is just more fun!

Project from Unit two


What we loved about this program:

It is user friendly! Each lesson is clearly marked and self explanatory.

It can be used for multiple ages and levels. 

It includes Art Appreciation, while showing Master Works in American Art. 

Spiral bound, quality paper and simply beautiful! Hey, it's the little details that make a difference!

Reasonably priced.

Supply lists are given.  Most supplies can be easily found at your local stores if you decide to not buy the complete art kits from ARTistic Pursuits.

Our Bottom line-
We really are enjoying this program and will continue to use it to completion.  I am now also planning to order a new level each year to use with the kids, as I have seen that when the art is planned out for me, I am more likely to insert it into my day.  I would much rather have a well laid out, easy to follow curriculum than to be trying to plan random art activities, and boring ones at that, into my childrens' day.  Call me lazy...or just call me smart!  Either way, I highly recommend ARTistic Pursuits!

Pricing-

Elementary 4-5 Book 1, The Elements of Art and Composition. $47.94

Complete Supply Kit $45.00

CREW members reviewed a variety of levels of this program.  Click on the banner below to read more reviews!

  Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this product through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.