Review: Stack the States iPad Application

In my search for quality educational iPad applications to supplement our homeschool curriculum I stumbled upon Stack the States. I am so impressed with this application that I just had to share my thoughts and opinions with you my fellow homeschooler.

I was initially drawn to this app because we are studying the United States in our geography studies this year. My oldest, who is in 5th grade is notebooking his way through the states. My younger two school age children are learning about the 50 states through observation and "osmosis". When I came upon Stack the States I immediately thought that this was an educational tool that my younger children could use for a more interactive learning experience about the 50 states. I have never, and I truly mean never, paid for an application. All of the apps on my Ipad are ones that have been offered for free. I was pleasantly surprised that Apple offered a "lite" version of Stack the States as a preview to the full version.

My 7 year old son started playing the lite version and loved it. Within 20 minutes or so however, he had reached the limits of the lite version and could no longer earn any more states, which is the objective of this application. I sat next to my son while he played and was so impressed with the variety of questions asked about each of the 50 states that I looked into purchasing the full version, which I normally would never do. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I realized that the full version of this app is only 99 cents. From a homeschool perspective, where else can you get a fully interactive geography curriculum for only 99 cents? After downloading the full version my 7 year old set off on his own to "play" (translation; learn) with our new geography application. Everyday he has played for at least 30 minutes or more and is learning more about geography than I could have ever imagined. I have to admit, I am learning a bit myself.

Stack the States asks questions about landmarks, state capitals, bordering states, mountain ranges, cities, and much more with regards to each of the 50 states. There are also questions that ask to identify the states based solely on their shape. I am highly impressed with the amount of United States geography my 7 year old has learned in just a few days. This was the best 99 cents I have spent in a very long time.

I plan to also use this application as a quiz tool for my oldest son. Theoretically, he should already know much of the information asked in this application but I think it will be a fun tool for him to use to test the knowledge he has acquired through notebooking.

Basics about the application:
For each correct question answered the child earns that state. The state is then stacked on a platform and when enough questions have been answered correctly and enough states earned and stacked on top of one another to reach a checkered line then the child earns a random state for their map. The goal is to earn enough states to fill up their map. Additionally, supplement games are earned after a set number of states have been earned. For example, after earning 10 states on the state map a game called "pile up" is unlocked. There are a total of 3 supplementary games that can be unlocked for additional geography learning enjoyment.

Cost:
Stack the States Lite; free (maximum of 10 states)
Stack the States full version; 99 cents at the time of this posting

Disclaimer: I was not paid, reimbursed, or otherwise compensated in anyway for this review. My opinions are my own.

When Their Love of Reading Blossoms

As a homeschooling Mom, I don't know if there is anything that touches my heart more than when my children learn to read and then eventually find their love for reading. I don't know what it is about reading that touches me so much, perhaps it is because reading is the backbone for everything else. You can't learn if you can't read.

I remember when my oldest who is now 10 discovered the joy of independent reading. It seemed like overnight he went from not picking up a book on his own to devouring everything he could get his hands on. I remember scrambling to find him books that were appropriate and on his reading level. Fortunately at that time he wasn't picky about which books he read, every subject and story line interested him.

Then along came my next son. He was my early reader so I thought for sure he would always have the love and curiosity for learning that he showed at such a young age. Just goes to show though that you can never assume anything, especially when it comes to your children. Reading has always been easy for "A" but he has never just picked up a book and started reading all on his own. Sure he will pull a picture book off of the shelf or thumb through a picture filed science book but to read a book from cover to cover all on his own hasn't ever happened. Well, I should say it hasn't happened up until very recently.

Shortly before Christmas I was in the schoolroom and found a few fiction books in a series with a science theme. The basis of the books is fiction but sprinkled throughout the story line are non-fiction facts about various animals. I showed these to "A" and he showed some interest in reading them. So we sat down together and he read a few pages here and there to me. Only later did I find out that he was also reading these books before bedtime. Each book is about 100 pages with 10 or so chapters. Once I realized I might be on to something with the science themed chapter books I set out to find another series that he might enjoy. Early chapter books with a science theme are far from common unfortunately. But I did stumble upon one series I thought he might enjoy so I ordered the first box set as a Christmas gift. Thankfully he loves them!

But I digress, what I want to stress here is the moment when you see your child reading all on his own, without your prompting, when he could otherwise be off playing and rough housing. That moment for me happened this morning. I was sitting on the couch feeding one of my twins when I looked in the kitchen and saw my son sitting at the kitchen table, knees to his chest with his nose in one of the new books I bought for him. I couldn't stop from staring. Finally I was witnessing an event that for a long time I thought would never happen. "A" had discovered his love for learning and it can only grow from here. After he was done reading his chapter he came and sat next to me on the couch and read another chapter to me out loud. My heart could not have swelled any bigger at that moment.

I am thrilled that finally together he and I discovered the key to unlocking his love for reading. Some kids will only read books on certain subjects. If the book subject does not interest them then they will have no interest in reading it thus preventing them from discovering their own love for reading. As I mentioned earlier my oldest was far from picky in the books he chose to read, any subject was fair game with him and he loved them all equally. Once I realized my next son was only excited about reading certain subjects I was a Mom on a mission. Thankfully I have succeeded in at least the early stages of my mission and prayerfully his love for reading will only continue to grow and blossom.

Time off of school or not?

Homeschoolers have the flexibility of taking time off of "school" whenever needed and at various times throughout the year. Most commonly families take time off to celebrate Christmas, Easter, family birthdays, and of course summer. Some homeschool families might also follow a regular schedule of taking time off of school after completing a certain amount of school days. For example, 6 weeks of school followed by 1 week off continued throughout the year.

But what do you do if a child or even multiple children in your family do not handle a change in routine very easily? What if something as simple as taking a week off of school causes major mental and emotional stress when you try to resume school lessons?

I wish I had a steadfast and tested answer to these questions. I don't. Why? Well because I have one of those children that just not deal well with a change in daily routines. My child is not special needs or learning disabled in any way, he just functions best when he has a set routine. Does he deserve time off of school? Of course he does, just like the rest of us. We all need time to recharge our mental batteries so that we can tackle more lessons with enthusiasm and motivation. As his Mother though I am left to deal with the question of how to give this child and myself a break from schoolwork while still maintaining a sense of learning so that when we do return to lessons in earnest the adjustment isn't such a shock to my son. I don't have a clean cut answer, I wish I did.

Each time I take a little time off of our daily lessons, the break for my son who struggles looks a little different. Sometimes I think (or hope and pray) he will be ok with taking a break "cold turkey". In other words simply not doing any work for up to a week, sometimes more during the summer. Then there are other attempts at a school work hiatus when I know he still needs a tad bit of schoolwork everyday to keep his toes wet with the school routine. I haven't found the perfect fit for this child and breaks from daily schoolwork. Perhaps I never will because he is ever changing, maturing, and growing just like the rest of us. I know enough about this child though to know that what works one week will not necessarily work the next. All I can do is pray for wisdom, seek the counsel of my husband, and do my best daily.

We are on a modified schedule this week. My husband requested that the kids have a bit of a break this week from school but he agreed that our child who struggles with changes in routine will still need a bit of school work everyday to keep him at least partially in the mental game of doing school. Thankfully this child doesn't balk or complain at doing a bit of work everyday. Today was reading out loud and a lesson in math, nothing taxing or mentally draining. Just a bit to keep his mind in the school mode.

Obviously we can't do school year round without days or even weeks off of school. When I deliver in just 6 short weeks we will have to take at least a week if not more off of school so I can recover and we can all adjust to our new routines. I suppose that is the beauty of homeschooling. Even though my son struggles with a change in his daily routine, this fact doesn't detract from his long term learning. Eventually we all get back on track and learning resumes in earnest.

Gratitude challenge 2011 Days 21-30

As I mentioned in my last Gratitude Challenge post, I am not good at everyday routines. :) Never the less, this challenge has been on my mind everyday and it has helped me be more aware of those little things in life that too easily get overlooked and unappreciated.

November 21 - Being that today is the first annual National Prematurity Awareness day, I am thankful for my micro preemie twins who have overcome more obstacles in their 9 months of life than perhaps I have in my entire 34 years. These two girls have taught me more than I could have ever imagined this past year and everyday I am thankful for their precious little lives.

November 22 - Today I am thankful for something simple and something that I at times take for granted, but today I give thanks for a reliable car that accommodates my growing family. A car that I know will start when I need it, keeps us warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.

November 23 - As my belly continues to grow and my energy continues to decrease I am more and more dependent on my husband for help. Today he was a tremendous amount of help in getting our house cleaned up for tomorrow. I couldn't have gotten half of the things accomplished today without him, he is a huge blessing to our family.

November 24 - Happy Thanksgiving!! As my family and I celebrated and gave thanks today I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of blessing and I looked upon my family and all that we have thankful for, especially considering the events of this year.

November 25 - Can I be thankful for Thanksgiving leftovers today? Well good because I am. I purposely didn't eat them for lunch so I could enjoy all the yummy fixings for dinner. Sometimes it is the little things in life.

November 26- Today we put up our Christmas tree and the kids decorated it. As I sorted through ornaments I looked at my twins watching all the comings and goings from their high chair and was immediately struck with the emotions of this season. My girls are home and healthy, they will be at home to celebrate their first Christmas, I couldn't ask for anything more.

November 27 - I can't go all month without at least one mention of how grateful I am that I am able to stay home with my children and homeschool them. Neither of which I could do without the support of my husband. It isn't always easy but I can't imagine life any other way.

November 28 - Today I am struggling with pregnancy aches and pains but despite the discomfort I am thankful for the blessing that continues to grow within me. For numerous reasons above and beyond the normal "every child is a blessing and gift" the little boy that will arrive early next year is a special gift and I can't wait to see what God has in store for this little one. His life would not be possible is his twin sisters hadn't of arrived as early as they did.

November 29 - With the outside temperature hovering around freezing, I am so thankful to be able to come home to a nice warm house. A warm house where my family and I can be safe and protected from the cold just outside our windows is greatly appreciated today.

November 30 - Today, the last day of this challenge, I am simply thankful for this challenge. I have thought more about the blessings that surround me this past month than I have in a long time. I found myself saying more prayers throughout my day giving thanks and praise to God for all that He has provided for my family and I.

Everyday is a good day to give thanks for your blessings!

Study the 50 States

The Shepherding Kind Hearts Academy (I just made that up, pretty good eh?) has started a year long unit study of the 50 United States. As a young child I remember having to memorize the 50 states and their capitals. I've decided to take it a bit farther and teach my children, namely my oldest who is a 5th grader some additional lessons beyond just the state names and their capitals. Through this unit he will learn notebooking, improve on his writing, online research, and a range of geographical terms.

Although this is very much still a unit in the making I wanted to share with you the resources, both written and online, that I have thus far discovered and are utilizing.

Notebooking:

First and foremost we are utilizing the geography state notebooking pages from Notebooking Pages.com. The beauty of notebooking is that you can individualize your unit with these pages. Debra provides a wide range of notebook pages to suit and complement every possible research topic. I am handpicking about 10-12 pages from each state for my son to complete. These pages require him to do online and book research as well as improve upon his research writing skills. 

Book Research Resources:

 

National Geographic: Our Fifty States

Book description: Overflowing with beautiful illustrations, specially designed maps, and concise essays written and reviewed by members of the Society's Geographic Alliance Program, this authoritative guide stands alone in the children's reference category. From Maine to Hawaii, kids will discover fascinating details behind each state's unique history. Our Fifty States is a superior volume so chock-full of engaging information and stunning visuals, youngsters will never run out of things to learn. Foreword by Former President Jimmy Carter. The easy-to-read physical map that introduces each region of the U.S. is followed by a lively essay with absorbing descriptions of the area's history, climate, natural resources, and physical features. Then, within each regional chapter, children can explore the individual states through illustrated historical time lines, full-color political maps, photo essays, and state-at-a-glance boxes. Additional features include special essays on the District of Columbia and the territories, comparative charts, a list of additional resources, and a detailed index.

My perspective: This is a beautiful hard back book full of vivid images and a wealth of state history knowledge. We are using this book to help complete the timeline and state facts notebooking pages. Additionally, my oldest son is reading this book to help with his state research topics. For example, in the Pennsylvania section her read about the Battle of Gettysburg and completed a notebooking page about this battle as well as the Gettysburg Address. 

The Look It-Up Book of the 50 States

Book description: Entertaining, up-to-the-minute, and easy-to-use, The Look-It-Up Book of the 50 States is an affordable family reference to each state of the union. Illustrated throughout with photographs, drawings, and maps, it provides a concise history of each state from the time it was first explored to the present day–as well as information on places to visit, wildlife, natural resources, and fun facts.

My perspective: This wonderful resource is full of beautiful glossy color information packed pages. With 2-3 pages dedicated to each state this is a perfect reading resource for upper elementary students to read on their own or for reading to younger children who want to learn alongside their older siblings.

Online Research Resources:
The About.com e-mail course of the 50 States is the guide I am using to dictate the order in which we study the 50 states. Each week about.com will send you an e-mail with 2 states and the links from about.com to help with your unit study. Beginning with the 1st and 2nd states, Delaware and Pennsylvania respectively, each following week you will receive an email with each subsequent state admitted to the union in their respective order. After I receive this email each week I go to Notebookingpages.com and print off the appropriate notebooking pages for the upcoming state studies.

Class Brain for a plethora of state information including symbols, geography, and other fun information

Golden Gate Weather Service for weather information

City Population for population information for each state listed by city

Info Please for elevation information for each state

Mining and natural resources for each state

Current Results  for precipitation and other weather related information

50States for all kinds of fun U.S. state related information

As we venture into this long unit study I am quickly learning to adapt and change as we go. Depending on the research subject matter from each state I am amending the type of notebooking and research. For example, CT is full of fun historical subject matter. I am having my oldest son do a bit more research during the week of CT in the hopes that he gleans more historical information from this important seaboard state.

Happy studying!!

Gratitude challenge 2011 days 12-20

I've fallen behind on my gratitude posting, not surprising really since schedules are not my forte. Nonetheless, this challenge has still been on my mind and heart everyday.

Day 12: On this cold and blustery day, I am thankful for the warm house I call home.

Day 13: I am thankful for a full night sleep. Jillian may not be the best napper during the day but she knows how to sleep through the night and that makes her lack of daytime sleep worth all the struggles.

Day 14: Today I am thankful for the little guy kicking inside my belly. So much of this pregnancy has been filled with thoughts and pondering of true blessings and miracles. If my twins hadn't arrived early the life that now grows within me would have never been possible simply by way of timing. I am excited to be this little guy's Momma, I know without a doubt he has a special purpose. Otherwise God would not have orchestrated all of the events of this year which made his life possible.

Day 15: Today is for my 4 year old daughter who is finally staying dry at night. There were days that I thought this milestone might never be reached but she has done it without much struggle.

Day 16: Today I am thankful for the simple things like hot tea and fresh brewed coffee with Almond Joy creamer. Sleep doesn't always come at night and these two drinks help me through my day when nothing else (besides prayer of course) does.

Day 17: November 17th was the 1st annual world prematurity day, so on this day I was incredibly thankful for my micro preemie twins born earlier this year at 26weeks 5days. Everyday I give thanks and praise for their health and well being.

Day 18: I am thankful for my first born. He is growing up into such a wonderful young boy. He is kind, caring, and so full of life.

Day 19: I am thankful that one of my babies has learned to put herself to sleep for naptime. I simply lay her in the crib and without a peep or whine she sleeps for hours on end. Thank you Britian for this and many other blessings you bring to our family.

Day 20: Today I am thankful for my husband who willing takes our children places that he knows they will enjoy. This afternoon he is ice skating with our oldest 3.

What are you thankful for today?

Gratitude Challenge 2011 Days 9-11

I fell a little behind in posting my gratitudes simply due to time constraints, they were on my heart each day though.

November 9th - with snow and rain falling all day I was thankful for a warm house and a working furnace.

November 10th - having completed a large grocery shopping trip I was thankful for the money in the bank to pay for all the food and necessities my family needed. My refrigerator still looks empty but I know there is food somewhere in the house for us to eat. :)

November 11th - Happy Veteran's day to all the men and women who have courageously served or are currently serving our nation to protect our freedoms. I am thankful for my husband, a veteran, for all the sacrifices he made as a young man to serve our country.

What are you thankful for today?