Splash Math Review

Splash Math Review

As homeschoolers we are constantly on the lookout for cool new programs. I was super excited to get a chance to try out this online program.  

Math skills are so important and something we fit in to our daily routine. This website offers so many different aspects of math; really is all around learning fun!

  This is the 2nd grade program.  It's so colorful. I really like this as it adds to the fun!

It is really easy to use; not only can you read it yourself, but it reads the problem to you.  This is so important if you have a slower reader.  

Check out this measurement study program!  

And this time program.  So fun!

This little fun guy pops up and let's you know you got it right! Whoo Hoo!

Excellent for use of numbers!  

Overall we really like using this program!  It offers so many different math elements and is an excellent addition to our school day! I can see the difference already in what our kids are remembering.  Learning is so cool when it is fun!

Be sure to check out SplashMath!!  You can register for free!! They offer grades 1-5!

*I was not financially compensated for this review. I was however given the 2nd grade program to try. Review is my opinion only.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Please do not copy, print, crop or alter this image in any way without contacting me first. Thanks!

Henry and Taylor Review and Giveaway!

Henry and Taylor (Sight Word Cards) Review and Giveaway!

As Homeschoolers, we are always looking for products that can make learning easier and more fun.  This is certainly one of those products!

Reading is one of those things we like to really focus on. And these cards certainly are super great to work on words!

Check out the word lists... all color coded and easy to use

These cards are amazing!  So bright and colorful!

These are on the back of the cards...love that everything is listed so nothing gets mixed up!

Ok, so my take on these cards? I LOVE THEM! They are laminated so nicely; so durable!!!  And they are the perfect size for little hands.  I also love how colorful they are...perfect for keeping the attention of the kids. Also, I really like how the "lists" are coded; so convenient for busy moms and teachers!

And the kids take? They are SO COOL!

So there you have it!  An excellent addition to any school or homeschool classroom!

Now for the giveaway that Henry and Taylor is giving away!

Henry and Taylor is generously giving away a set to one lucky reader ~ so get your entries in!

Giveaway closed - Congrats to Rebecca!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry)Visit Henry and Taylor and let me know what you love! 

2 (mandatory entry) "Heart" Henry and Taylor on Etsy! (all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)
*These two entries are mandatory*

3 RePin this on Pinterest(use the button below!)

4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC

5  Follow me on Twitter (link up above in right hand side of blog)
6  Follow me on Pinterest (link up above in right hand side of blog)

7 "TWEET" about this giveaway (use the button below!)

This giveaway begins July 28th and will end on August 18th(12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by Henry and Taylor . Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Winner must respond within 48 hours of winning notification email. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
Henry and Taylor generously provided the giveaway prize. Thank you to Henry and Taylor  for providing me with products to review; review was my opinion only.

Jaxon Learns to Ski (The Adventures of Jaxon Book 1) Book Review

Jaxon Learns to Ski (The Adventures of Jaxon Book 1)by Barbara League

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Photo Credit Author  Barbara League

Jaxon is a young boy who learns that before play sometimes comes responsibilities.  Jaxon learns about being patient and reaping the rewards to learning how to enjoy every achievement leading up to the moment of learning to ski.  Jaxon knows that his parents are not only teaching him, but are supporting him every step of the way.

This book instills great values. My kids enjoyed many different details of this 

book... right down to the hot chocolate! I love the art as well, every page is just adorable.  Super 

great read for any home library. I cannot wait for new books in the series!

 You can find Jaxon Learns to Ski on Amazon

Also, today (7/26/14) You can get it for free (for the Kindle Edition) on Amazon !

  Review was my opinion only.I was not financially compensated for this post. Thank you to
Barbara League for supplying the photo!

Izzy's Crossing children's book review

Izzy's Crossing

 Photo Credit Author Donna Zappala

Izzy's Crossing is the the story about an adorable Diamondback Terrapin Turtle. This is the sequel to WHAT KIND OF TURTLE AM I?, which is the introduction of Izzy.  In Izzy's Crossing, Izzy is about to lay her eggs, but does not know how to get there. This  wonderful story follows this cute sea creature through her adventure. Izzy meets many different animals along the way and sees many places.  Izzy uses creativity and turtle heart to find her way. 

I love how this story travels along with Izzy and teaches the kids about what happens when a turtle lays her eggs. The children can certainly relate through the adventure that the author paints through words. And I need to mention the pictures!  The illustrator paints a soft and wonderful picture to follow the story. Absolutely adorable! A definite must to any home library.

 You can find Izzy's Crossing on Facebook!
 and
You can find Izzy's Crossing on Amazon!



*Thank you to the author for sending me an e-copy to review. Thank you also to Donna Zappala for photo.
Review is my opinion only.

The Idea Box Kids - - Giveaway Time!

The Idea Box Kids - - Giveaway Time!

Have you read my review on The Idea Box Kids???  You can check it out HERE!

I love this shop & their super cool idea & experiment boxes!

Check out this cool Adventure Box

Inside the box, you will find 30, double-sided wooden “coins.” Each coin has different places to find and explore!  

Or how about the Summertime box???  No bored kids! Only happy, having fun little ones!

And I love, love, love this! It's a set of mini boxes!  How AMAZING would this be for birthday party favors or even for favors for kids at a wedding?!?! Not to mention they work great in the classroom!

Now for the terrific giveaway The Idea Box Kids is generously giving away!

Win your very own Idea Box!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS JoBeth!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry) Explore The Idea Box Kids  and let me know what you love!   
2 (mandatory entry)  "Like"The Idea Box Kids on Facebook! (say thank you for the giveaway on Mountain Laurel if you like! I would love the shout out!)

(These 2 are mandatory... all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)

3 "Heart" The Idea Box Kids  on Etsy!
4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC
  5  Follow me on Twitter (link up above in right hand side of blog)
6  "Share" this giveaway on Facebook (use the button below!)

7 Follow The Idea Box Kids on Twitter

 This giveaway begins July 7th and will end on July 28th(12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by The Idea Box Kids. Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
The Idea Box Kids generously provided the giveaway prize. Review was my opinion only.I was not financially compensated for this post, but did receive a science box for the original review.

The Idea Box Kids Review

The Idea Box Kids

As a homeschooling mom I am always on the lookout for fun and education activities. So when I found this amazing shop I was so excited! The Idea Box Kids shop has many different boxes of experiments to spark imagination and exploration.

Take a look at our Science Box

How cute is it packaged??!!

I love the excitement of my kids getting into this box!  They love to to anything related to science and fun! These boxes are filled with coins that have an idea or experiment on each side! What a great idea!

So here is the first coin that was pulled out of the box... now comes the fun!

 Looked at what they came up with ! This sparked so much conversation and creativity. They simply had a blast and learned a great deal. 

I love how the kids are able to pull out an idea from the box & we don't need any extra expensive tools to be able to learn new things and experiment! With so many boxes to choose from, and the ability to use them over again, there certainly won't be any shortage of looking for something to do!

 This a great tool to use for any type of learning!  I know we are loving using this as an addition to our curriculum but it would be amazing to use in any type of classroom setting and even birthday parties as favors!  I can't wait to try more of the boxes The Idea Box Kids has to offer!

*The Idea Box Kids generously provided me with a box for review. Review is my opinion only.

The Amateur Naturalist - Review and Giveaway!

The Amateur Naturalist

The Amateur Naturalist  has terrarium kits that are completely cool!! All materials you need are included!  It is so easy and fun, and now we have a great science project that can be displayed in the school room! 

We received the blue weevil bug.  And, I must say, this completely exceeded my expectations, down to how it was packaged!  Take a look!! ---->

So excited to unwrap it!!

All directions were very clear and the pictures were bright! Included was also a fact sheet about our bug!

 Look at our blue weevil!

The finished project that the kids completed!!

What kid wouldn't love one of these?? These are amazing for a homeschool science class, a gift for a teacher, or a birthday party!! I could totally see the kids having a blast putting these together at a party & being able to take the finished project home! 

There are several different options available (of which we will be adding to our collection!!)

Take a look at this gorgeous butterfly! How cool would these be to be given out as favors at an outdoor wedding??

Or how about this Horned Beetle!!!  Amazing!

Now, The Amateur Naturalist is generously giving away a bug kit to one lucky winner!!

So be sure to get your entries in for this great project!!

Congrats to #7 Paula!

So, to enter, just follow the instructions below!

1(mandatory entry)  Visit The Amateur Naturalist  and let me know what you love! 
2 (mandatory entry) "Heart" The Amateur Naturalist   on Etsy!

(all other entries are optional, but give you more chances to win!)

3 Follow me on Twitter (link above on the right hand side)
4  Follow Mountain Laurel by GFC
5 Check out The Amateur Naturalist ladies on Brilliant Business Moms and take a look around!
6  "Share" this giveaway on Facebook (use the button below!)

 This giveaway begins June 23rd and will end on July 14th(12:00pm EST)! Open to US only. Giveaway prize will be mailed by The Amateur Naturalist. Mountain Laurel not responsible for prize receipt. Winner will be chosen using a random number generator. Please make sure a valid email address is attached to your entries so I know who to message in case you are the winner!
  The Amateur Naturalist generously provided the giveaway prize. Review was my opinion only; I was provided with a bug kit to review.