Showing posts with label Geography lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Geography lessons. Show all posts

Friday, July 8, 2016

Student Atlas

51BX-2VXWjLStudent Atlas – Essential reference for students of all ages  8th Edition
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The fully revised 8th edition of Student Atlas includes all current border, place, name, and flag changes around the world. Designed with middle and high school students in mind, this reference guide includes a detailed introductory section on map skills, along with balanced coverage of each continent. The Student Atlas maps have accurate computer-generated terrain models with a key, scale bar, and locator map for every region in the world, and a country fact file shows key statistical data for each country and lets the reader easily compare nations.

Integrated text, illustrations, and exercises complement the maps, encouraging students to learn more about each topic, making Student Atlas the perfect reference book to stimulate an interest in the world, geography, and maps.

My thoughts

A good atlas is always good to have when studying geography.   The Student Atlas published at DK is regularly updated to highlight the changes happening in the world.   The 8th edition of the atlas has recently being published and I had the opportunity to take a good look at it.

As soon as you open the book, you can immediately jump into a specific area of our beloved planet.  From the main map of the world, you will obtain the pages where North America, South America, Europ, Africa, Asia, Antarctica and Australasia & Oceania are located in the book.   You can also find a more detailed table of contents where you will be able to identify specific items you wish to find.

The table of contents is like this:

Learning Map Skills:  amazing earth, mapping the world, How maps are made, reading maps, using the atlas.

The World Around Us: physical world, earth’s structure, climate and life zones, world population, world economy, borders and boundaries.

The World Atlas: nations of the world.

North America: Continental North America, North American geography, Western Canada, Eastern Canada, USA: The Northeastern States, USA: The Southern States, USA: The Great Lakes States, USA: The Central States, USA: The Southwestern States, USA: The Mountain States, USA: The Pacific States, Alaska, Hawaii, US Overseas Territories, Mexico, Central America, The Caribbean.

South America: Continental South America, South American geography, Northern South America, Southern South America.

Africa: Continental Africa, African geography, North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa.

Europe: Continental Europe, European geography, Northern Europe, the low countries, the British Isles, Ireland, Scotland, Northern England & Wales, Southern England,France, Germany and the Alpine states, Italy, Central Europe, Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe, European Russia, the Mediterranean.

Asia: Continental Asia, Asian geography, Russia and Kazakhstan, Turkey and the Caucasus, Southwest Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea.

Australasia & Oceania: Australasia & Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, Southwest Pacific.

Polar Regions: Antarctic, Arctic.

The maps included in this book are very colorful and packed with information.  For examples, you will be able to read about the physical geography and the political geography of a country as well as learn about the industry and the land use of the country.   When you select a specific area to study, you will learn more detailed information about the industry in that area, the landscape, the farming and land use, the population, the climate, as well as the environmental issues.

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Like I said this book is packed with information that can be used in your geography studies whether you are a student at school or homeschooler.

The Student Atlas is part of the Back to School Boutique of DK Canada.  This special boutique is offering numerous titles that can help your child in many subjects.   Check out the titles available in the Back to School Boutique to see what else DK Canada has to offer to help your child to obtain amazing grades.

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The Student Atlas 8th Edition is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote these books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

All About Our Home: Earth

My kids and I are part of a Coop with other homeschoolers this year.  It’s the first time we are participating to one.  What I particularly like about this coop is the fact that we study a specific theme for three weeks and then take a break for a little while.  This year, we explored the following themes so far: Pioneers, Weather, Winter Olympics and Canadian Government.   We have one more theme to cover this year with the theme of Earth coming up at the end of April.

So imagine my delight when DK Canada asked me if I wanted to review some titles on their Earthly Pleasures Boutique.

9781465414373HSmithsonian Earth   

About the book

Earth: The Definitive Visual Guide is an extraordinary survey of our planet produced in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution.

This stunning reference includes detailed, illustrated information about everything that makes up our planet, from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Antarctic ice sheet, as well as descriptions of more than four hundred of the Earth's most significant, unusual, greatest, and most dangerous features.

Specially commissioned new 3-D digital artwork provides a striking, informative guide to the features of our planet, explains the scientific processes that govern our world, and looks at the complex relationship between humans and the natural environment while providing a thought-provoking assessment on the state of the planet.

My Thoughts

This book is gigantic if you are wondering. With over 500 pages of detailed information on Earth no wonder that this book have a subtitled saying that it is the definitive visual guide.   Produced by the Smithsonian, the book contains thorough information on Earth and all that makes it so special to us.  From glaciers to deserts, you will find information on specific places on the planet like Gibson Desert for example.    Each section on a specific place found around the world will present the location, type, size, rainfall and temperature and sometimes show some photos from that place.  

The book is literally packed with illustrations, photos, graphs and much more on the planet, the land, the oceans, the atmosphere and the tectonic plates.

Here’s a quick view of the table of contents:

  • Planet Earth – The history of Earth, the anatomy of Earth with a view of its structure including the core, mantle, crust and more, the changing Earth
  • Land – mountains and volcanoes, rivers and lakes, glaciers, deserts, forests, wetlands, grasslands and tundra, agricultural areas, urban areas and industrial areas.
  • Ocean – Oceans and seas, coasts
  • Atmosphere – climate and weather (air masses and weather systems as well as precipitations, clouds and wind).
  • Tectonic Earth – North American, South American, Eurasian, African, Australian, Pacific and Antarctic.

While going through this book, I had great visual illustration of the surface currents in the oceans as well as the conveyor belt which we have learned in a recent lesson of geography.  I find the book is a marvelous book to own when you study Earth with your kids.   It is packed with detailed illustration which are fabulous to have when you read about a something like the different layers of the atmosphere or the circulation of air around the world.   These illustrations are very helpful to visualize the concept that is learned at the moment of the lesson.   Though I find the information contained in this book would be more for children in upper grades of school I also think that the illustrations can be use for all ages.  This is a great book to have when homeschooling multi-levels of school.

Smithsonian Geography a Visual Encyclopedia   9781465408853H

About the book

Created in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia explores every aspect of our world, from the North to the South Pole, and from the outer atmosphere to the fiery core and from natural processes to human impact.

Discover terrifying earthquakes, priceless gemstones, and storms that can destroy buildings. Understand how weather works, what causes the seasons, and the power of water to shape the landscape. Explore life on Earth, and countries and cultures from all around the world. Packed with facts, maps, explanations, illustrations, and photographs, Geography: A Visual Encyclopedia is the ultimate guide to our planet.

My Thoughts

This book is a great visual encyclopedia on everything related to geography on Earth.  

Table of contents:

  • Planet Earth – the solar system, the planets, how earth formed, the moon, scarred surface, inside our planet, magnetic Earth, Northern Lights, Earth’s crust, impact craters, moving plates, plate boundaries, earthquakes, ground shift, tsunamis, making mountains, volcanoes, eruption, cataclysm, hot springs and geysers.
  • Rocks and Minerals – elements and minerals, crystals, crystal types, crystal cave, igneous rocks, igneous intrusions, weathering, dynamic landscape, Coyote Buttes, sedimentary rocks, fossils, ancient life, rock strata, Grand Canyon, metamorphic rocks, rock cycle, and soil.
  • Water – water cycle, rivers and valleys, glaciers and ice sheets, iceberg, rivers of ice, ice ages, underground water, caves, sculpted in stone, lakes, lakes of the world, oceans and seas, world oceans, waves and currents, making waves, tides, coasts
  • Climate and Weather – atmosphere, air currents, climate zones, seasons, oceans and continents, cold desert, climate types, weather systems, cloud and fog, cloud types, rain and snow, storms and hail, tornado and hurricanes.
  • Life on Earth – a living planet, kingdoms of life, ecosystems, freshwater life, tropical forest, temperate forest, autumn color, northern forest, moorland and heath, temperate grassland, tropical grassland, desert, living deserts, desert in bloom, life in the mountains, arctic tundra, icy oceans, winter chill, life beneath the waves, deep ocean, coral reef, vital light, and on the shore.
  • The Human World – population, farming, transformed landscape, mining, industry, transportation, cities, modern cities, city lights, pollution, climate change, and conservation.
  • Mapping the World – the physical world, the political world, population density, North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Antarctica.
  • Country Factfile – North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Essentially, this book would be perfect for kids in grades 3-6 as it contains just enough information on each subject for them to retain.   It presents various aspects of the Earth’s geography throughout the book and put emphasis on specific places like for example the important lakes found around the world including the Lake Nakuru in East Central Africa where flamingos gather every year to have their babies or Lake Titicaca found at the border of Bolivia and Peru which is considered as the highest large lake in the world.   Each subject covered in this book is beautifully illustrated and accompanied with stunning photos.    I have just gone through the notions of seasons with my kids and the image included in this book is pretty self-explanatory.   The book not only present the geography of our planet but also the different kind of weather, precipitations, water cycle and so on.    A whole section of the book is about life on Earth and will present the kinds of plants and animals we can find on it.   Another section will highlights how humans can affect the planet and you can also get interesting facts about countries through the world.   I find this book is a great addition for your personal study of Earth’s geography.

9781465415929HWhat’s that Rock or Mineral?  

About the book

Compact and portable, What's That Rock, Mineral or Gem? is an indispensable beginner's pocket guide to identifying the 150 most common North American rocks and minerals.

My Thoughts

I love the What’s That books from DK because it forces the kids and I to open our eyes and explore our surrounding during the warmer months.    This new book from the series that DK has will provide a beginner introduction about rocks and minerals.   This particular book will be easy to slide in your backpack while going on an expedition with your family if you want to go find some special rocks or minerals.   To be honest, there is a possible trip to Northern Ontario for the family if my husband gets a contract with a former client.  If it happens, chances are we might go with the RV and bring the kids as well.  The town is a former mining town and I am sure we could find some gems in the outdoors while my husband is at his contract.   Though we will have to be careful not to encounter any bears while doing so.  

The book will introduce you to the world of rocks and minerals while guiding you in identifying the ones you might find in your outings.    Four main sections will concentrate on specific types of rocks and minerals:  Coarse-grained rocks, medium-grained rocks, fine-grained rocks, and minerals.   A rock gallery as well as a mineral gallery complete the book and would help you to find quickly the ones you have discovered. 

In a nutshell, this book is perfect for the amateur and those who love to learn more about things you can find in nature.

Smithsonian Nature Guide Rocks and Minerals  9780756690427H

About the book

The new DK Nature Guides form a comprehensive, accessible, and informative series of illustrated reference books that tackle key natural history subjects in DK's uniquely visual style. Produced in collaboration with expert consultants at the Smithsonian Institution, each guide is expertly written and will give you knowledge of the natural world at your fingertips.

From blue schist to blue granite, malachite to meteorites, and taconite to travertine, Nature Guide Rocks and Minerals is packed full of stunning images that reveal intricate details and unique characteristics of each rock and mineral.  Using close-up photographs of every specimen and profiles containing examples from all over the world,Nature Guide Rocks and Minerals brings revealing key facets and details perfect for quick identification.

My Thoughts

This book is a little more complete than the one previously shown.   It contains more example on how to identify the rocks and minerals you might find in your explorations in nature.   There is definitively more information about rocks and minerals in this book as well.   Each rock and mineral presented in this book will have its own profile which provide information on the hardness, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture, streak, luster, type, origin, temperature of formation, pressure of formation, structure, grain size, major minerals, minor minerals, color, precursor rock and fossils.   It will also present the chemical formula of the mineral, and example of the rock or mineral application, variants panel containing named varieties and additional specimens, the name or the mineral or rock group, as well as detailed information about it.   Fabulous pictures about the rocks and minerals found in this book are also included.

Essentially, the table on contents is divided into three mains sections:

  • Introduction -  what is a mineral?,  mineral groups and associations, classifying minerals, identifying minerals, what are crystals?, crystal habits, crystal systems, gems, what is a rock?, collecting rocks and minerals, equipment, organization, storage and cleaning.
  • Minerals – native elements, sulfides, solfosalts, oxides, hydroxides, halides, carbonates, borates, sulfates, molybdates, chromates, tungstates, phosphates, vanadates, arsenates, silicates, and organics.
  • Rocks – igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks, meteorites.

The book is packed with detailed information on a specific rock or mineral like the one showed below.

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In all, you will find over 270 pages of full profile of various rocks and minerals that you can found around the world.  This book is great to have in hand, easy to carry around and could provide much information to someone who would like to learn more about rocks and minerals.

9781465408976HEyewitness Earth  

About the book

The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures.

How are earthquakes recorded? How was the Grand Canyon formed? How much of the Earth's surface is covered by water? Where do icebergs originate? With full-color photography and 3-D models of geological equipment, rocks, and minerals, Eyewitness: Earth is the perfect guide for gaining a better understanding of the secrets of life on our planet and how animals, plants, and the environment coexist.

My Thoughts

Earth is a marvelous planet.  Of all the planets included in the solar system, it is the only one who can sustain life.   This book contains a clip art CD that you can use in presentation as well as a poster that you can use to emphasize the lessons on planet Earth to your kids.  

Below is the table of contents:

  • What make up the Earth?
  • Early ideas about the Earth
  • A cocoon of gas
  • Climate in the past
  • Watery planet
  • The properties of water
  • Realms of ice
  • The building blocks
  • Investigating rocks
  • Igneous rocks
  • Sedimentary rocks
  • Metamorphic rocks
  • The challenge of the ocean
  • Modern oceanography
  • Continental drift
  • Plate tectonics
  • The formation of the ocean floor
  • Exploring the interior
  • Earthquakes and seismology
  • Volcanology
  • Mountain Building
  • Plateaux and rifts
  • Weathering processes
  • Life from rock
  • Deposition
  • Glaciation
  • The age of Earth
  • Naming the Earth
  • Did you know?
  • Geoscientists at work

The book is packed with photos, illustrations, explanation as well as information about our beautiful planet.   I love seeing the image of what an iceberg looks like as well as detailed pages on the different types of rocks.  This specific book has a marvelous image representing the tectonic plates around the world.  The book will definitively help you discover the secrets of life on our planet and learn how animals, plants, and the environment interact with each other.

Eyewitness Endangered Animals  9780756668839H

About the book

Eyewitness: Endangered Animals takes a look at creatures around the world that are currently threatened with extinction, along with the ways that we can help them survive. Starting with an overview of biodiversity and the web of life, the book then examines the threats facing a wide range of species, including polar bears, sea turtles, tree frogs, river dolphins, jaguars, pandas, gibbons, and the California condor.

My Thoughts

This marvelous book will allow you to discover why some of the world’s amazing creatures are dying out – and what you can do to protect them.  The book comes with a clip-art CD as well as a poster that you can use as part of your lesson on endangered animals.    This book is packed with stunning photos , illustrations and information about the various aspects of endangered animals.    Here’s a quick view of the table of content.

  • Wildlife under threat
  • What is a species?
  • Adapting and Survival
  • The Variety of life
  • Links in the chain
  • Measuring risk
  • Watching animals in action
  • Going, going, gone
  • Lost and found
  • Boom and bust
  • The rise of humans
  • The impact of farming
  • A world without bees?
  • Crowded out
  • Damaged landscapes
  • Climate change
  • Global amphibian decline
  • Rivers in crisis
  • Polluted world
  • Wildlife for sale
  • Sharks in peril
  • Alien invaders
  • Fighting back
  • Saving habitats
  • Captive breeding
  • California condor
  • Grassroots conservation
  • Living with the relatives
  • The future
  • Species at risk

This book can give your kids a good understanding on why some species disappeared, why some are in danger of being gone forever and how we could protect the rest of the species throughout the world.   Mind you, not everyone would agree with some of the content of the book but I think it could be useful to have at home when you consider how humans have impacted the biomes of some of the animals presented in this book.

In conclusion, I am very grateful of DK for sending me these books.  As I am preparing my presentation for the first session of the coop on Earth, I know that I will have enough references to check out in order to present the continents, the oceans, the globe and the tectonic plates.   I am confident that these books will help me to bring the lesson on a visual level for the kids attending.    Mind you some of these books also cover some aspects of the theory of evolution which we don’t really believe in this household.  But I do believe strongly in exposing my kids to both side of the coin – evolution vs creationism – in order to prepare them for higher level of school and to be able to defend their faith.  

If these books do not interest you, don’t forget that there are many more books available on the Earthly Pleasures Boutique.  Swing by their website to discover other titles that could encourage you to garden more or simply discover our planet in a more in-depth way.

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Each of these books are available at your favourite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned title for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Asia: It’s People and History

999230_657265911002281_1188635828_nAsia: It’s People and History
Written by Bonnie Rose Hudson
Available at

About the book

Welcome to Asia: Its People and History!  Is the land of Asia a mystery to your kids?  Do they know who lives there?  Do they know how to pray for them?  Asia is home to more than fifty countries and territories and roughly three-fifths of the world’s population.  Could you use some help introducing your family to this vast land?  This sixteen-week course presents a brief picture of six nations.  It is by no means all encompassing.  Its purpose is to introduce your students to the people of Asia, share their stories, and spark curiosity.

I pray that the course does much more than that, however. I pray that through meeting just a few of our brothers and sisters who live in cities and villages with names that are hard to pronounce that your children feel more connected with those who are suffering for their faith in Christ. Through stories and activities, we’ll meet the people of Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Iran, and Vietnam. We’ll get to know the children of these lands and hear about their experiences. Most of all, we’ll pray for them and their families. Won’t you join us?

Who is Bonnie Rose Hudson?

Bonnie Rose Hudson works with both SchoolhouseTeachers.com and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine® as a curriculum creator and editorial assistant. Her heart’s desire is for every child to feel the love of God and know how special they are to Him. She would love for you to stop by and meet the star of her children’s series at Exploring with Jake , look through the 10/40 window of the world and join others in prayer at Looking Out the 10/40 Window, or stop by her author’s blog WriteBonnieRose.com for fun printables and discover how you can write for the homeschool market.

Our Thoughts

In the midst of the February blues, the Olympics, the running around to get 2nd and 3rd opinion for orthodontic treatment for my oldest son, we sat down numerous time in our living room to learn more about Laos in the pdf version of Asia: Its People and History.    The main reason why I decided to embark on this review team is that I knew it would introduce something different to our kids during what I consider the toughest month of the year when you homeschool and we have friends who are missionaries in a country in Asia – Thailand.  

The countries you will visit with this book are Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Iran, Vietnam. Each country is divided into 2-4 weeks of study which includes stories, discussion questions, history as well as fun activities.

So what do you know about Laos?   Well, I sure didn’t know much about that country so the kids and I embarked on a journey to discover more about it.  The first week, we learned about how Jesus came to Laos and how it impacted a specific village in one of the areas.   It was a moving story about how it is illegal to own a Bible in that country and how Jesus provided for a specific need for the main character.   The following week, you learn more about Laos itself and discover its history.   During the reading of that week, we got introduced at a map of the part of Asia where Laos is located.   Well, it turns out that it is one of the northern border of Thailand (the other one being Myanmar where our friends are the closest as they live near Chiang Mai).  Realizing that Laos was so close to Thailand was interesting.  The first part of that week, was a mini history lessons and the second part of the chapter was providing more information on what life as a Christian is in Laos.  At the end of the chapter, you are directed toward two downloadable free book from Kids of Courage in which you can learn more about the people of Laos: Bold Believers of the Hmong People and Bold Believers Among the Khmu of Southeast Asia.  There is also a crossword activity included for the kids to do.

During the third week, we read another story about a family of believers who were rejected by the villagers because of their faith.   The family was split in two because a brother at stayed in fear of standing up on his faith.  Though circumstances will reunite them in the end.  Reading this story, helped the kids and I realize the struggles that believers in many countries have to face on a daily basis.  Sometimes I think that we have it easy in North America and that it would be a great way to gleaned the true believers from the flaky ones if you see what I mean…  Again discussion questions are following this chapter in order to allow you and your kids to talk about what you have read.   Finally, this past week, we learned more about who lived in Laos by discover two of the hundred people groups that can be found there.   We also read some stories of Christians living in two provinces of Laos – Laos contains sixteen provinces.   And then at the end of that week, there is a printable puzzle that you can do with the kids.IMG_0385

During the weeks were we read and learned more about Laos, my daughter who is six years old and is a Sparkie at Awana was working on her Wing Runner Frequent Flyer Extra Credit Cards.  She had recently completed the Book Review verses and was finishing up the TakeOff section when she entered in the Passport section of the book.   This specific section introduce the importance of sharing the Gospel in other countries and how you need a passport to travel.  Anyhow, each pages of this book contains activities in the back of them – like coloring, find the image by following numbers and so on.   Well, she came to me one day last week all excited because at the back on the first thing she had to do in the Passport section there was a map of Asia and she learned fun facts about the country of Laos – People who live in Laos speak Lao and People eat a lot of rice in Laos.   She was trilled to show me the map and pointing at the country of Laos which was marked as well.  She decided that she would color the country just because we have learned more about it.     She was so proud to have Laos mentioned in her Awana book that it was simple priceless to see her excitement.  All I can say is thank you Bonnie for writing about Laos in this book.

My only disappointment is that there isn’t more countries of Asia included in this book.  But it’s a great introduction of Asia, the people living there and the history linked to the countries.   I would also have included some recipes in order to make the experience of visiting a country via this book more interesting and introduce the kids to different flavors from Asia.   On the other hand, I guess you could expand the exploration of a country on your own if you want to do that.

Needless to say, the kids are already looking forward to explore Bangladesh the next few weeks.   February being what it is I think this book is a great way to do something different while we wait for spring to come.   We enjoyed learning more about Laos and look forward to learn more about the other countries in this book in the weeks to come.

To make the study even more interesting, the author has put together a variety of bonus content linked to the countries found in the book.  You can find them on her website at Asia It’s People and History Bonus Content.

GREAT NEWS!

Two of my readers can get the DDF copy of the book

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Asia: It’s People and History is available on  The Schoolhouse Store, SmashWords as well as Amazon.ca and Amazon.com.

  

DisclaimerAsia

Thursday, September 5, 2013

A Child’s Geography Volume III Explore the Classical World

ACG3-Cover-Front

I always wanted to do the two books from A Child’s Geography – Explore His Earth and Explore the Holy Land – written by Ann Voskamp.  But it never happened.   But when the third volume in the series – Explore the Classical World  – this time written by Terri Johnson from Knowledge Quest became available for review, I jumped on the opportunity both curious about it and eager to discover something new for our geography. 

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“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Saint Augustine

This book will allow you to travel to far-off lands with your children as you discover the lands of Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, San Marino, the Vatican and Malta – countries all situated around the Mediterranean Sea.  In all, this gem of a book contains twelve countries to explore as a family and experience as well.

This series is geared toward grades one to six but it is also attractive to middle school students as well.  I know because my oldest son, who is in grade seven this year, is always eager to learn more about the countries where we travel – so far we have explore Greece and enjoyed it.   Terri is keeping the lively style introduced by Ann Voskamp in the previous two volumes – which by the way is making me wanting to get these titles as soon as we have finished this one because the style is engaging, fun, and allows you to interact with the writer. 

This specific volume – Explore the Classical World – will allow you to use your imagination in order to to walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Alexander the Great, the Apostle Paul... You will experience and understand ancient civilizations as well as great empires from what has been left behind and carefully preserved.   You will hear stories that were passed down from generation to generation, before the advent of paper and printing presses.  You can even do hands-on activities in order to allow you to taste and explore more the classic world.  Taste?  Yes, the book also includes fun recipes from the countries you will be visiting in order for you and your family to taste some of their delicacies. 

Fifteen chapters will provide engagin text,amazing photos, narration prompts which will allow your kids to cement the things learned, notebooking/timeline/mapping activities, helpful pronunciations for the mom as well as a glossary at the end of the book.   A CD is also included at the end of the book which is packed with activities on art, music, poetry and delicious food from each countries.  You can also pray for these countries with prayers provided for you. 

As homeschoolers, I am always hoping to find books that will attract the attention of my kids.  So far while exploring Greece together, I am impressed with the interaction of the kids when I read the text.  They are eager to look at the photos, to find specific places on the map and to answer the comprehension questions after I finish reading a section.   We also had the opportunity to discover a submersible bridge, see an Olympic vaulter in action which allowed us to imagine how the Minoans youth would jump over charging bulls (not to try at home!), and watched windmills running.   For chapter tree, I know that I want to try out a specific recipe – making homemade baklava.   I look forward to try something new in my kitchen!   Also included with this curriculum is a list of extra reading selections that you can used on top of reading this book.   My only small disappointment is that there isn’t more videos suggested in this section – like for example the Drive Thru History video on Greece which would be a great supplemental video to watch.   This specific video often comes in our discussions because we had watched it last spring and the kids remember some part of it like the Oracle of Delphi and the Diolkos road.   Reviewing these places with this book is fabulous because they know exactly what the author is talking about.  

Are you intrigued by this new title in the series A Child’s Geography?  You can download the first 3 chapters to read and try for yourself!  I am encouraging you to do so and discover on your own what this great book has in store for you and your kids.   I am very impressed with the way it is written to the point that I am putting the previous two titles on my curriculum to buy list.  (hint hint for whoever reading this that desire to bless our family!)

A Child’s Geography Explore the Classical World is available for purchase at Knowledge Quest for the price of 34.95$  US for the soft cover or 24.95$ US for the ebook version.     It is also available at amazon.com.

GIVEAWAYacgprize3

I am authorized to give away one digital copy of A Child's Geography: Explore the Classical World!  Follow the instructions below!

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But wait, it’s not enough – if you live in the USA, you can win a mega giveaway as well.  Check out the information below!

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Here is the final Prize LIST:  A Child's Geography Volume 3 with Wonders of Old Timeline Book ($34.95 + $24.95), Writeshop Primary Level (winners choice of A, B, or C) $29.95 + 4.95 + $16.95, NotebookingPages.com Treasury Membership ($99.95), Philosophy Adventure Physical set ($89.95), Raising Real Men prize package ($50), See The Light (2 DVDs) ($30), King Alfred's English and Baktar (Laurie White) ($13.89 + $10.95), A Journey Through Learning $50 Gift Certificate, Romans, Reformers, Revolutionaries Intro Pack from Diana Waring ($64.95), Lilla Rose (2 Flexi Clips) ($32.00), and 3 Months A+ Tutorsoft ($49.95).

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Disclaimer: Thanks to Knowledge Quest for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes as part of the Bow of Bronze Launch Team. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Exploring the countries where persecution exists

Last year, I got introduced to the Voice of the Martyrs Bold Believers Activity Books while attending a meeting at RVHEA on geography.   I thought the idea was interesting but found the activity books a bit expensive.   However, I discovered that they offer the PDF format for FREE on their website.

Click on the image below to access the download version of the Bold Believers Activity Books from Voice of the Martyrs.

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Have fun exploring the countries where persecution exists.

Geography Lesson using the Rubik’s Cube

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A while back – make that a couple of years ago… – I stumble on this page http://everything2.com/title/Flags+of+the+world+on+your+Rubik%2527s+Cube and found a fun geographic activity to do with your kids using a Rubik’s Cube.   Yes that very same toy that was popular back in the 80s…   I had one back then.   We have one now…  and no it is not the same one I used to play with back in the days.    Anyhow, I thought it would be cool to share the information I found on everything2.com because as homeschoolers we always are on the look out to spice up our lessons right?

So go ahead, check out the link above and have fun with your kids…