Games...

Now that swim team is almost over for the summer and we haven't started back to school quite yet, the boys are looking for fun things to do with their time. We do spend plenty of time outdoors. However, when we come inside, I don't want them spending all of their free time on TV and video games. So, I've listed some of our favorite board games that they enjoy playing along with my wish list of games that I would like to purchase this year.

Favorite Games:
Amazing Labyrinth by Ravensburger
Blokus
Carcassonne
Five Crowns
Made for Trade
Rush Hour
Spy Alley

Wish list:
Equate
Qwirkle Cubes
The Dangerous Book for Boys Game
Ticket to Ride

Besides games, my boys love to build things. One of their favorites is KEVA planks. Click on the picture below to see more pictures...




One other item on my wish list (because the boys have requested it) is Speed Stacks. It looks like loads of fun.




Check out this video...
http://www.speedstacks.com/videos/around_the_world-12

Your Story Hour

Your Story Hour contains hundreds of dramatized audio stories for children. The stories promote Christian character and values. You can purchase the CDs or download individual stories in MP3 format. They also have free Bible lessons with quizzes and an on-line magazine.

Staying Organized

I have two favorite products that I use to keep myself organized:

Motivated Moms is a printable chore planning system to help you have a clean and organized home and still have time for yourself!




Edu-Track: homeschool record keeping and lesson planning software

A book that has my younger boys...

JUMPING UP AND DOWN in anticipation - Hunter Brown and the Consuming Fire. The release date is set for September 9, 2009. This is the second book in the Codebearers series. The first book, Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow was one of their favorite books this past year. Part fantasy, part allegory and full of action and adventure. It kept my reluctant readers captivated from the beginning until the very end.



Watch a video clip:




http://www.codebearers.com/

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

There is a new Christian movie coming out this fall... The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry. The release date is September 18, 2009.

Set in 1970, the story centers around a 75 year old man named Jonathan Sperry (Gavin MacLeod) who starts mentoring three boys (Jansen Panettiere, Frankie Ryan Manriquez, Allan Issacson) to follow the Lord. What he teaches you... will last forever.

“The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry is a heartwarming experience for the entire family.”Pat Boone, Actor/Singer



http://www.sperrymovie.com/

Snead State Community College Youth Programs

Lego Engineering - In partnership with All About Learning

Video Game Making - Online:
Learn how to design and modify your own exciting arcade style video games.You`ll learn how to control characters, objects and outcomes in your game, then increase the difficulty level and add more features. Graphics Design and Graphics Animation topics will also be covered. Learn how to design your own version of PacMan and several others. This class is appropriate for Ages 10 and older. This course is taught by Senior Instructor Rob Mayo of All About Learning, Inc. This course IS instructor facilitated. You should have a fast Internet connection which should be faster than dial-up. If you have a DSL or Cable modem, then you should be fine. Your computer must meet minimum system requirements. This class is 7 weeks in length. Your 7 weeks will begin when you register and pay for this class at this website.
Cost: $129 per person

Lego Engineering - Online:
This class is an on-line version of our ever popular Elementary Engineering as an on-site class in a classroom. This class is held on-line. Once registered for this course, you will be sent a LEGO® kit with over 1,000 very advanced LEGO® parts and pieces. When you receive the kit in the mail, then you are ready to take the class. Yes, you keep the kit when the class is over! The class consists of engineering theory and instruction reinforced by immediate building, plus 6 very complex building exercises. This class is for the serious builder! Suggested for ages 8 and
older.
Cost: $129 per person

http://www.snead.cc.al.us/

The Greek Alphabet Code Cracker

This would make a great summer unit study! Learn all of the Greek letters from Alpha to Omega, and their phonetic pronunciation. Practice writing the letters, gather the clues from witnesses, and trace the path of the thief! You will first learn to sound out simple English words with the Greek alphabet, and then will go on to learn Greek words as well! This workbook text is an excellent introduction to Greek for students of all ages.
http://www.timberdoodle.com/Greek_Alphabet_Code_Cracker_p/025-330.htm