What will I be when I grow up ? {Poppins Book Nook}

This months theme for the Poppins Book Nook is What will I be when I grow UP?

We have decided we are joining Peter Pan and the Lost Boys and staying forever young! I was quiet surprised at all the different versions of Peter Pan there were at our local library.

“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

A little background

The story of Peter Pan was originally written as a stage production and  produced as such in 1904 by J.M. Barrie.  He then rewrote the story in novel form which was first printed in 1911 titled Peter and Wendy.

Books
We started with these books to set the foundation of growing up.  They were fun and easy reads.  The pictures were beautiful too.

•  When I'm Big: A Guess How Much I Love You Storybook
• When I Grow Up
• What Will I Be?
• When I Grow Up

Then we followed the adventures of Peter Pan who never wants to grow up

•  Peter Pan (Audio Book)  This was an abridged version.
• Peter Pan
• Peter Pan Step Into Reading (Disney Peter Pan)
• Peter Pan and Wendy lovely illustrations
• Disney Magical Story: "Peter Pan" I think I enjoyed this one the most because it reminded me of my childhood.

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” ― J.M. Barrie

Video's

• Peter Pan (2003)
• Peter Pan 2 (Disney)

YouTube
Peter Pan from Milwaukee Ballet This is a beautiful retelling of Peter Pan.  It's nearly two hours long and well worth watching.

“Never is an awfully long time.” ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

Party Ideas

• Peter Pan + Neverland Party
• Peter Pan Themed Birthday Party
• Peter Pan Off To Neverland Themed Birthday Party
• Neverland + Tinkerbell Themed 5th Birthday Party
• Off To Neverland Birthday Party 

“If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!” ― J.M. Barrie

FREE Lap Pack
Jill from over at Enchanted Homeschooling Mom has made this FREE Poppins Book Nook pack for you with What will I be when I grow up Theme.

• An official interactive Poppins Book Nook bookmark for this month’s theme
• This month’s Passport pages to add to your lapbook
• Several lapbook elements centered around Pirates
• Reading response writing prompt

Do you have a favourite 'When I grow up ...' book ?  If so please share it in the comments.  If you have a blog and have blogged about it please link up with us and share. Looking forward to reading your adventures

Blessings
Chareen 

“Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.” ― J.M. Barrie

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Your Poppins Book Nook Co-hosts

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom ~ 3 Dinosaurs ~ To the Moon and Back ~ Planet Smarty Pants ~ Farm Fresh Adventures ~ Growing in God's Grace ~ Chestnut Grove Academy ~ Learning and Growing the Piwi Way ~ The Usual Mayhem~ Preschool Powol Packets ~ Monsters Ed Homeschool Academy ~ Adventures in Mommydom ~ Teach Beside Me ~ Life with Moore Babies ~ Kathy's Cluttered Mind ~ Are We There Yet? ~ Our Crafts N Things ~ Hopkins Homeschool ~ ABC Creative Learning ~ Joy Focused Learning ~ P is for Preschooler ~ Laugh and Learn ~ A Mommy's Adventures ~ Inspiring 2 New Hampshire Children ~ World for Learning ~ Ever After in the Woods ~ Golden Grasses ~ Our Simple Kinda Life ~ A glimpse of our life ~ Journey to Excellence ~ Happy Little Homemaker ~ Little Homeschool Blessings ~ Simplicity Breeds Happiness ~ Raventhreads ~ Water on the Floor ~ Learning Fundamentals ~ Tots and Me ~ As We Walk Along The Road ~ Stir the Wonder ~ For This Season ~ Where Imagination Grows ~ Lextin Academy ~ The Canadian Homeschooler ~ School Time Snippets ~ Peakle Pie ~ Mom's Heart ~ A Moment in our World ~ Finchnwren ~ At Home Where Life Happens ~ Suncoast Momma ~ The Library Adventure ~ Embracing Destiny ~ Day by Day in our World ~ Our Homeschool Studio ~ A "Peace" of Mind ~ Thou Shall Not Whine ~ SAHM I am ~ eLeMeNo-P Kids ~ Simple Living Mama

Poppins Book Nook Clip Art by Melon Headz

Connect with the Poppins Book Nook at

1. Enchanted Homeschooling
2. Facebook
3. Pinterest

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UberSmart Math Facts {Review}

Math Facts!  What was your first thought when you read that statement ?  For many of us we think of route drills, pages of speed drills at school and for many home educators we think of flash cards and frustrated children.  Today I would like to introduce to you the digital version of flash cards produced by UberSmart Software.


What we received

DOWNLOADABLE SOFTWARE for mastering math facts. It can be used by eight or more students and will enable your student to practice the following:

• Dot Cards (like adding domino faces)
• Keyboard Entry (Ten-Key Numbers)
• Flash Cards (add, subtract, multiplication, division)
• Addition/Subtraction goes up through the 9s
• Multiplication/Division has the option to set it to go up to 9's - 20's. (9's, 10's, 11's. all the way through the 20's

How we used it
After downloading and installing UberSmart Math Facts I took some time to explore the drop down menues at the top of the screen.

 Each menu is divided up between beginner and intermediate.

• Learn - contains dot cards and flash cards
• Practice - dot cards, keyboard entry and flash cards
• Test - Beginner (assessment test), intermediate (mastery test)
• Compete - Competition (here you choose the skill, age range and student)
• Report - You can choose to see any students progress from here.  There are seven report cards to choose from and each of these are available for the skill sets being practiced / mastered and then each of those are further divided by the number group from zero to nine followed by a combination of all the numbers.
• Maintain - here you have access to the students, admin passwords, updates and information. This is only accessible to the password holder.  This is where you add students and

Sir N took an Assessment and we were provided with a comprehensive report on screen which we were given the option of saving.  I am very impressed with this report it is well written and positive. The report covered the following areas:

1. His name, test duration and date
2. A summary of his ability to fullfill the prerequisites to successfully use the flashcard componant of UberSmart.
3. Counting skills
4. Sequencing skills
5. Relationship skills (greater than, less than or equals)
6. Odd and Even number skills
7. Keyboard Entry - UberSmart recommend a maximum entry time of 2.5 seconds per number 
8. Math Facts - addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Each skill is explained in the report and followed with a short report of where your student is in that particular skill set.

From the results of this assessment we used UberSmart to mainly practice keyboard entry skills.  This is practiced by showing a number and the student uses the keyboard to log the number they see.  At the end of each round an average time per keystroke is presented.  At the end of a practice an encouraging note pops up.  Once he reached keyboard mastery he started on facts.

When learning a single flash card is put on the 'table' and the answer is captured.  If an incorrect answer is given it turns red and is crossed out and the correct answer is displayed to the right.  At the bottom of the screen there is a progress bar and this fills up with a green line as the student progresses through his/her pile of cards.

 This is what the screen looks like if you want to use the dot cards to practice math facts

Once your student reaches mastery they are prompted via a message to attempt a test. During the test the cards move across the 'table'. The one in the centre is the one you are answering, the one to the left is a completed card and the one on the right is the next card in your pile.  There is a time requirement in the test and this is tracked along the bottom in the red bar and just above it is a green progress bar which shows you how far you are through your cards.  You have the option of turning off the time before starting the test.  Once you have mastered (100 %) in any number group for the skill set this will be noted in the drop down menu option in both the practice and test menus.

The mastery chart is my favourite. As you can see it is illustrated with little faces who are either sad and red or really bright happy green depending on your skill level.  I like this representation as I can see at a glance where the student is in their learning.


Cost of UberSmart Math Facts

• Standard Version for home use $24.95 this includes FREE upgrades and support and is licensed to run on all the computers in your home.
• Professional version licensing ranges start at $49.95 for 10 students.

Recommended Age Range

• Grades K - 6
• Any student needing reinforcement of math facts

System Software Requirements

• This is for Windows 7, 8, XP and Vista only.

Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a flash card, clutter free method of learning math facts that will accurately keep track your students progress then UberSmart Math Facts is for you.  It is both easy to install and use.  The reporting is comprehensive and you have numerous options available to you the parent to accurately see your student's progress and where they need help.

Blessings
Chareen

On a much needed break ... {HSMJ}

 In my life this week…
These past few weeks have been full of exhaustion the source of which I am unsure.  I realise that for me this is not a good thing.  God in His infinite wisdom knew I would need a break and a rest nearly nine months ago when we accessed discounted airline tickets for three of us to go to Queensland.  I am so grateful as I real need a break and a rest. 


Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

• Professor’s Perspective on Reading Aloud, Dr. Catherine Pakaluk
• A Bush Calendar by Amy Mack with Logbook This looks like a great add for doing Nature Journaling here in Australia.

My favourite thing this week was…

• Reading this gracious reminder by Lori over at Always Learning Requiring Husbands to Help Around The Home I had been feeling very frustrated with my spouse and children over this very issue.  I am really blessed as I have a spouse who fixes things for me, builds things for me if I ask and looks after our yard really well.  Sometimes it just takes a shift in perspective.

Things I’m working on…

• Tuesday's Treasures posts for all the remaining Tuesdays in August and the first couple in September.
• Getting birthday gifts for Miss J who turns 19 this month. 
• Finding some read alouds for my Kindle to take to South Africa in October.
• Reviews that are due while we are away in Queensland. (UberSmart Math Facts)
• Wizy Gizmo: Audio Drama Who Created Everything.

 On the WWW I’m reading…

• Titanic Mystery Solved with DNA Testing
• What are your thoughts on this article What to Pay the Babysitter
• I've seen some of these before but some are new These photos capture some of the world’s most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places
• Interesting 21 Mind-Blowing True Backstories of Famous Images
• Trim Healthy Mama Results: our first six months – and a chance to win a book!
• Our Homeschool Tradition - Back to School Pictures
• This was a really interesting read Global Parenting Habits That Haven't Caught On In The U.S.

 I’m cooking…

• I'd love to give these a go Bejeweled No-Bake Cream Cheese Bars (Low-Carb, Sugar-Free, THM:S)
• This one too Cookie Dough Ice Cream (S)
• I've tasted these and really want to make some when we get back from Queensland Worlds Best Paleo Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• This one too Rockin’ Roll Cake! (FP)
• Think I want to give this a go too Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken
• Java Caramel Swirl Ice Cream (S)

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
I'm really looking forward to seeing this new movie due out on 8 October: Left Behind (2014) - Nicolas Cage, Chad Michael Murray Movie 


Blessings
Chareen

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Mary's link up is back this week. I sure have missed it these past two months.