Road Trip Anyone?

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Going on a Road trip can be lots of fun, but not always for the little ones who will be seated for long periods of time in between all of the exciting places they will see. Having items on hand that keep them busy, happy, and excited about what is ahead is a great idea. Treats, road games, music, videos, and books like this one from i See Me. My U.S.A. Road Trip book is just the right thing to break out just before the trip to show all of the wonderful places you might see.

The i See Me My U.S.A. Road Trip is a personalized book which makes it super special to the child or children receiving it. Filled with pages about each state and of course pictures of the child and their name throughout the book. The book alone gives a great way to pass the time by counting how many times they see their picture, their name, or even a place they are visiting. Not to mention the learning aspect of it. Learning is always best when it is fun and can be applied to real life events.

If your trip is already planned and the places are in this book you can mark those areas with a sticky note or flag so the child knows this is a stop during the trip. The map which you can choose to add on if you wish is a scratch off map so they can scratch off which states they have been too. I know when my daughter received hers she got really excited because she will be traveling to two brand new states when she goes off to camp, that I haven't even been too yet, and they were in this book so it made it more real to her.

My U.S.A. Road Trip is a uniquely personalized storybook adventure that teaches children about state names and monuments. In the book, the child receives a personalized driver's license, hops in a magical car, and drives across America to visit each US state. An entire spread is dedicated to the child's home state, with fun facts about the state bird and state flower! The book can be personalized with a child's name, gender, skin tone, hair color, birthdate, and home state. It can also be photo personalized--upload a photo of your child's face, to be incorporated into the main character. This book introduces basic US geography to young children, and encourages curious minds to explore and discover. 


The i See Me My U.S.A Road Trip book can be found here by itself or here with a scratch off Map as well.

You can find out more about i See Me on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with i See Me. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

For those who need to get rid of a car fast try out WeBuyJunkCarsFast.com

Journey Homeschool Academy

Growing up, I always loved science, but I typically enjoyed my science classes. My teachers were generally okay, but I really hated the drudgery of memorizing seemingly random names and facts, that I was not going to use in the Career I imagined of having as a grownup. Now that I know a lot of home-schooled kids, I see the same thing: students who could really enjoy the sciences, but their parents haven't found ways to really engage them. Science is the hardest when it comes to home-schooling children of any age. I want to make sure they are ready for any testing beyond our home that they will have to take, and I want to make sure that they are learning what they need, but I want it to be somewhat fun so they stay engaged in what I am teaching. Finding a good program to fill in some spots in what I am already teaching is key. So if I could recommend one science curriculum for this year it would be Experience Astronomy or Experience Biology.  Tomorrow night, Luke and Trisha (the creators of these engaging science programs) are hosting an Open House you can get a look inside. If you have questions about the programs (or whether they’re EXACTLY what you need this year), they’re hosting a LIVE "Sneak Peek" call tomorrow night Tuesday August 27th at 8pm Eastern/6pm Pacific. They'll be giving you a virtual tour of the program, explaining how things work, and fielding any questions you throw at them. So get the kids in bed early tonight (or bring them along to check out the courses!) and we'll see you there. Be sure to register now so you don't forget. See you tomorrow! Register for the Experience Astronomy & Biology Virtual Open House MarksvilleandMe PS: The LAST DAY to register for either course is August 31. You have just a few days left to register. After registration closes you won't be able to register your kids until it opens again next Spring for the 2019-2020 school year.

Zapzapmath through the Summer

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Summer vacation is just around the corner for my children while others are well into their vacations. As a mom I don't want my children to fall behind with their math or reading skills so I like to keep things on hand so they stay on level and maybe gain a few things too. The object for me is to make it fun as well as educational.

I found a great Math app to add to our lineup called Zapzapmath which you can find out more about here. I have a list of specs below for you as well. I was able to get ZApzapmath Home Premium to try for my girls and so far my oldest is loving it but have to wait for my grand daughter to get her so she can check it out as well. Make sure to read below for a nice discount on this app before buying.  

What I love most about this is that one account can hold up to 3 children so you save even more if you have multiple children. I downloaded this on my Apple system, and it can also be downloaded on Android but please be aware that they do not support Kindle which was a bummer for us because they are the tablets we ended up going with when we upgraded everyone. 

This is great for both the child who loves math and those who need to like it more then they do. While playing each child can accessorize their Avatar and build their own little world. Just think while they are having fun they are also learning which is a win win. 

With zapzapmath home you will also get fun learning & math tools which are awesome to have on hand too. This is my opinion and one I think most parents will share with me. If you make learning fun then a child seems to learn better and they retain it much longer then if they just are working through something they don't like or do well at. Giving your child the right tools to succeed is so important in today's society, so why not make it fun too.

Zapzapmath goes from grades K-6 so this will take your little scholar a long way. You get 10 apps with over 180 games.

Check out the video below to find out more about Zapzapmath

Looking to give your kids quality screen time while having fun learning and practicing math? Zapzapmath Home comes to the rescue!  With Zapzapmath Home, you can enjoy:

• Enjoy over 180+ math games from K to Grade 
  Add up to 3 kid profiles
  With just one Zapzapmath Home Premium Membership. You get full access to all 10 apps:
  • Grade K to Grade 6  (7 Apps )
    • Over 180 fun math games covering all math topics
    
    Fraction Basics App
    • Learn fractions easily from all 12 animated videos
    
    Fraction Calculator + Decimals App
    
    • Check your fractions homework easily and speedily
    
    Multiplication Flash Cards 
    • Practice your multiplication in a fun and engaging way
    
    Download all of Zapzapmath Home apps here: https://www.zapzapmath.com:443/home
  
  “BestAppsForKids.com Review: 4.5 Stars - Excellent App!”
  All these for just USD19.99/year  
• but my readers will get 10% off  which brings the price to 17.99 USD at this link.

Find out more about ZApzapmath on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Camping Fun all Year Round for the Kids

Looking for a great gift for a child this Holiday Season? Look no further then this 20 Piece Camping Adventure Kit from Picasso Tiles. This is slotted for 3 years and up. We had children up to ages 15 playing with this and even the adults thought the pieces that came with it were awesome.   

There are 20 pieces in all 

• Camping Tent
• Gas Stove (2 AA Batteries required)
• Oil Lamp (2 AA Batteries required)
• Water Bottle
• 2 Walkie Talkies (3 AA Batteries required for each)
• Pan
• Shovel
• 2 Hot Dog & Steak
• 2 Plates
• First Aid Kit Box
• Binoculars
• Multi-function Whistle
• 2 Utility Knives
• Watch

The tent is great for having a little space for quite time in the corner or your child's room anytime of the year, and can be played with outside during nice days too.

We really liked the accessories and how easily the tent pops up and down for use as well as storage. We do however wish the tent was more resistant to stains. Although ours has not stained yet we know what we like in quality of items like this and had just wished for more parachute like quality of fabric for this, with that being said this is a fun product and well worth the price and wow factor in our child's eyes. Those are the real people who have to be happy with the product when the day is over.

Adventure is just around the corner. The tent pops up quickly as well as  folding down just just as easily and everything fits back into the bag that it was packaged into to store away in between use.




For real camping fun check out A Complete Camping Guide for Beginner

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Did you know this?

So we are on the way to the store last night and my husband is telling me about something he figured out about his phone after having it for almost a year. I was driving so I asked well what did you learn?  He said when he is taking a selfie or a picture he didn't like having to push the circle camera button so he learned he can just push the up or down button for the volume on the phone instead.

I quickly say well I wonder if that will work on my phone too. He has an android and I guess he just thought I was already doing it it that way so he took mine and sure enough my apple phone does this as well. Sometimes I feel like I am the last to learn these simple things.

Yes even old dogs can learn new tricks. Did you know this or is this new to you too?

Monkey Drum

Looking for a new to us instrument we settled on the Monkey Drum which reminds us all of a Karate' movie from years ago.

You can play it with two or one hand. My grand daughter had a ball with this one. Every time I use it the look on my face seems like it scares me but it doesn't. It is funny how our bodies react to different things that we come in contact with.

The size of this is quite nice with it being 6 inches in diameter. I do suggest if you have children to make sure you are near by just in case one of the beads or strings come loose. You just never know what a child may try to put in their mouths.

We are happy with this and my daughter plans to take this to school this year as part of show and tell. The Monkey Drum can be found below.

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star

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MarksvilleandMe

reviews

Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star

written by 

Tali Carmi

Recently I was able to read another installment in the Terry Treetop series called Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star written by Tali Carmi. Our family has been reading books from Tali Carmi for the last few years and we are always excited to see what her characters will be up to next. 

In Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star we learn more about Terry Treetops family. They are getting ready for Christmas and find that their tree still needs to be decorated but are having a hard time getting the star where it belongs. Next comes the adventure which you can read all about in the story.

You can find Terry Treetop and the Christmas Star on Amazon below.

About the Author Tali Carmi

Tali Carmi spent her childhood in the dessert, she memorized many of the books her parents read to her. She played with words and rhymes, writing her first book of songs at the age of 10.

As she grew she turned to other hobbies and a successful career.

Now she is back writing stories for young children.

You can find out more about the Author Tali Carmi at:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review or promote a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Reading Kingdom

* Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  

I have a daughter who even though in the fall of 2017 she will enter 5th grade she only just reads at the 1st grade level. Does it make me mad? It sure does. For me the education system has totally let her down. They change programs so often for reading that by the time a child catches on they change it or for those who struggle they totally get left behind.

I have been searching for a program that would help my daughter to learn to read, not memorize but truly learn to read. The Reading Kingdom came up for a review and I just had to reach out to the owner and let them know what is going on with my daughter and countless other children out there. I let them know where she was in her reading level as well as other information to help them help me pick out the right reading system for my daughter.







Even though the Reading Kingdom will only take her as far as third grade reading level it is a lot better then being stuck at beginning first grade level entering 5th grade. It is just unfair to those who are struggling.

So I started my daughter almost a month ago using the system and even though we would like to do it everyday, the lessons are really short, school and appointment were getting in the way, so we averaged about 3-4 days a week. Now that summer is here we are using it every day.

Like I said the sessions are pretty short so they don't get overloaded and as they learn sentences get longer, and harder. This system lets them learn at their speed.  Reading Kingdom isn't just about phonics it is so much more. The best part is that the sentences they do read are real sentences that make sense not sentences that just rhyme. Just take a look at the site and read for yourself or watch the video here.

When you first start your child takes a test to see where they are for their reading level. The system encourages you to not help. Believe me this is hard but I have found it works well. Every now and then I give my daughter high fives when she is doing great.

After the initial testing your child is ready to start at the level they are or should be ready for. The system is always reevaluating your child's learning so that things progress along well. My daughter after testing started at level 1. So we have a long way to go.

Once she used this I asked my daughter what she thought about it. She said it was way different then she learns at school, she likes it, it is fun, and she already feels like she is reading better. I know she is my daughter but I have even seen a difference in her reading.






Finally my daughter isn't struggling anymore. Matter of fact when she saw her therapist she actually wanted to read a book to her and me instead of us reading to her. She needed help with a few words but just weeks ago she didn't want to pick up a book at all unless someone else was reading it to her. This is already making a difference in her life. Both my husband, myself, and several of my children are avid book readers and with this program we might just have another one soon enough.

Key Benefits:

- The only program that uses the Six Skill Integrated Method developed by Dr. Marion Blank from Columbia University
- Program is adaptive and is personalized for each child
- Children can use the program on their own
- Teaches children to read and write with comprehension at a 3rd grade reading level in only 12-18 months
- Works on any device with an Internet connection (including Windows, Mac, iPad, Android, Chromebooks, etc.)

Everyone who tries this out will get a 30 day trial to see if it works for you and your child.  This system is great for schools, classrooms, home schoolers, and parents like myself who have found their child struggling. 

You can find out more about Reading Kingdom on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Reading Kingdom. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

15 Summer Activities for Kids

What are your kids doing this Summer? For many of us Summer time with the kids is a time to enjoy the outdoors, the sunshine and if you're lucky the ocean.

As much as kids love Summer holidays, keeping them busy can be a real chore! If you've not got the luxury of a Summer camp then it's up to you as parent to find things for the youngsters to keep busy with.

Failing that, your kids might spend all their time in front of a computer, tablet, phone or other screen and research has shown that spending too much time in front of a screen can have a detrimental effect on the health and well being of children.

Yes my girls watch Netflix and YouTube but I am blessed because they would rather be outside playing then cooped up inside. They like to swim, bike, hike, build forts etc. 

Studies have shown that taking part in nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, a daily walk in nature has showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression.

With what our family has been through in the last year this makes so much sense. So this mom is stepping up her game, introducing more nature-based activities, while not just turning fun into learning but also providing my children with new outlooks into the world. I may not totally enjoy nature, but I want to make sure that the opportunity for my child to make a decision in what they want to do with their lives is as broad as it can be.

One in four people are estimated to experience bouts of mental ill health and it's on the rise. Prescription medication of antidepressants are also at a record high level and the demand for more invasive treatments are also on the rise. Health and social care commissioners are examining and commissioning different options for cost effective services for mental health and one of these options is a daily walk of 90 minutes or more. We need to learn from the past when kids got excited to spend their time climbing trees and building dens rather than spending hours inside.

Joe at Nature Rated understands this all too well and has put together an info-graphic on 15 Summer activities to help your kids appreciate nature.

This is what it looks like:

From baking a blackberry pie to constructing a pond or insect hotel, there's plenty for the youngsters to get up to. Head on over to his site for step by step instructions to get your kids out and about enjoying nature.

MarksvilleandMe has already taken a look and has big plans for summer time activities for my girls and my grand daughter. Here is to better mental health with the help of nature. 

Rock N Learn

My 8 year old who is a bit behind in reading is enjoying these and once she is done these are going to my grand daughter next. I love how they learn with this set of DVD's and their site has even more learning DVD's to choose from.

We are interested in a few for our daughters. Learning through and with music is a great way to pick up things, while being able to remember and use it over and over again. Like the old school house rock cartoons which we own as well.

There is so much here that my daughter is still making her way through these DVD's over the summer to keep her ready for next year.


You get 10 DVD's in this set that each have their own place in teaching your child to read. Great for schools, home schooling, or just plain having around to help your child learn.


You can find Rock N Learn on their website and on Amazon.


What Rock N Learn has to say about their product.

Let’s Learn to Read is a series of 10 DVDs and optional activities that provide a fun way for kids to build reading skills, from beginners through second grade. Entertaining music, humorous characters, and engaging stories help learners stay focused. By covering phonics rules and sight words, this collection offers the best of both worlds. And it's sequentially paced to work well with our free worksheets. Learners move on from one DVD to another, as they are ready.

Phonics skills include vowels, consonants, blends, digraphs, diphthongs, silent consonants, rule breakers, and more. Over 170 sight words help build speed and accuracy for the most common words used in children’s literature.

 You can find out more about Rock N Learn on:

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Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Rock N Learn. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.

Match It! Trilingual Colors and Shapes

This is a great learning toy/puzzle for those who would like their child to learn new languages. Each piece matches up with the words in English, Spanish, and French. A great way to give your child a heads up on learning languages early in life.

The Learning Journey International Match It! Trilingual Colors and Shapes teaches shapes, colors, English, Spanish and French. Great for both home and school use. Colorful, fun, and easy to put together.


Match It! Trilingual Colors and Shapes can be found on Amazon or at the website near the bottom of this post.



What the The Learning Journey International has to say about their product.

This colorful set of 30 Match It puzzle cards will provide children with a great introduction to Colors & Shapes – and three languages! Match It! Trilingual Colors & Shapes cards feature a color or shape and the corresponding matching card show the word in English, Spanish and French. Simply match the two pieces together to complete the puzzle and start learning some new words! Each puzzle is self-correcting as no two puzzle cuts are the same. This is a fun way to learn about colors and shapes.  Contains 30 two-piece puzzles cards. Ages 3 + years.

You can find out more about The Learning Journey International on:

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#learningjourneytoys

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and The Learning Journey International. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Dauber Dawgs Dot Activity Book

This is a great item if you already have the Dauber Dawgs dot markers or even a different set from a different brand. You get 24 different animal sheets, and they are good enough quality to be able to copy if you have a copy machine. My husband scanned these so that my girls and grand daughters can do them all over again just by printing what they would like to work on.

My daughter likes to use the dot markers first and then she likes to go back in and color the rest of the picture.

Really nice for both young and old. Yes even us parents enjoy using these. Can be used at home or school for learning or just for fun.


You can read my post about the Dauber Dawgs Dot Makers here.










Dauber Dawgs Dot Activity Book can be found on Amazon.


What Cameron Frank Products has to say about their product.

Cameron Frank Products presents 24 activity sheets straight from Dauber Dawgs Dot Activity Book ANIMAL EDITION. These sheets were made exclusively for Dauber Dawgs Dot Markers. Each coloring page includes dots for you or your child to dot with their dot markers!

You can find out more about Cameron Frank Products on:

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#DauberDawgs

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Cameron Frank Products. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. 

Dauber Dawgs

Most of us adults might remember using these while playing bingo with our parents, but I have always loved the idea of using these with children to create art.

You can use these at home, pre-schools, and regular schools. I love that this set comes with so many colors and they are so easy to get going. You are just seconds aways from creative dot fun with Dauber Dawgs.

If you visit Cameron Franck Products website you can also print out more worksheets which is a great way to add more dot for your buck.

You can use these to learn colors, letters, numbers, etc. Plus you make some really great art along the way.

Dauber Dawgs are easy to hold and use which is great for young learners or those with developing hand eye coordination. Great for any young artist but I have to say even us adults had fun with these.


Dauber Dawgs can be found on Amazon.



What Cameron Frank Products has to say about their product.

Dauber Dawgs are dot markers specifically designed with the developing toddler in mind. These dot markers were made so that small and big hands could grip them easily. Each pack comes with 100 pages of downloadable dot marker activity pages. Start building a strong aesthetic foundation in your toddler today with a pack of Dauber Dawgs Dot Markers!

You can find out more about Cameron Frank Products on:

Website

#DauberDawgs

Disclosure:  MarksvilleandMe received one or more of the products mentioned above as part of a promotion with Tomoson and Cameron Frank Products. Regardless, MarksvilleandMe only recommends products or services we use personally and believe will be good for our readers. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive compensation.  If you would like MarksvilleandMe to review a product or service please contact us at marksvilleandme@gmail.com.