TOS Review for Mayan Mysteries from Dig It! Games

Today I am sharing with you a fun, educational game called Mayan Mysteries from Dig It! Games.

Dig It! games is not your typical gaming studio. They are firm believers that digital games can have a positive influence on education. Games can provide critical thinking, independent learning, and encourage learning. The games use math, science, social studies, and language arts to make learning fun. Theey are interactive and really engage the players. 

Dig It! games offers a variety of games. Mayan Mysteries, Roman Town, and Loot Pursuit: Pompeii are just a few of the games they offer. For this review, we received a single user access to Mayan Adventures. The game is geared for students in 5th-9th grade. The single player user will get over 9 hours of  interactive learning while playing. The game can be played online or on an iPad.  The content in the game has been verified by a REAL LIFE Mayan expert, named Robert J. Sharer. They even included an encyclopedia with over 450 entries.

When signing up for this review, I knew Michael would love playing this games. At least I hoped he would love it. Thankfully, my gut instinct was right. He really loved it!

What is Mayan Mysteries?

Mayan Mysteries is a fun, educational game that allows kids to explore the ancient world of the Mayan Empire. In the game, kids will help Professor Quinn and his team solve a mystery and search for the mythical city of Ich'aak. They get to become archaeologist! They will explore Mayan pyramids, learn about the Mayan calendar, and search for ancient artifacts. While playing the game, kids will explore ancient Mayan cities while they track down the mysterious Landrone!




How to Play~

First, each child becomes an archaeologist. They get to help Professor Quinn and his associates track down the mysterious Landrone who steals ancient artifacts. During their travels, they will investigates clues to solve the mystery. They will travel through 8 Mayan cities, solve over 25 challenging puzzles, and explore over 200 Mayan topics. Players will see beautiful Mayan graphics and listen to original Mayan music while they are being transported throughout the Mayan world.

Set up was extremely easy! I logged in and just clicked Launch Game. The game opens up in a new window and off you go. The first thing you see is the dashboard. This is where the kids can keep track of their progress.

They will see what level they are on. They can see how many artifacts they have found and what achievements they have earned.

Michael immediately liked the comic book style of the game. This was a big hit hit since, Michael is into comics right now with all the super heroes out there right now.

As Michael move through the game, he learned about the ancient Mayan culture. Some of the ways he learned about the Mayan empire was though map work.

He searched for clues, found ancient artifacts, played puzzles, and learned a lot about the Mayan people and their culture.

An added bonus for homeschooling families is that their are downloadable lessons to go along with the game.

• Mayan Map
• Ancient Artifacts
• Mayan or Myth
• Temple in Tikal
• Mayan Number System
• Maya Water system

These lessons are a great way to bring the game playing into the classroom, especially if you were studying the Mayan empire!



So What Did We Think of the Game~

Setting up your account was a breeze. The game was explained well and was easy for players to get going. Michael LOVED it. He asked to play it immediately after school was done. He has worked through it rather slowly. He is actually working through it still. We have been having some issues with our satellite internet. We've had quite a few days without internet or EXTREMELY slow service, so this has slowed down his progress.

The only issue I had with the game was I really had no idea about what Michael was doing and learning. I would ask and he would explain, but I know I was missing some of it. If I sat next to him and watched him work at it then of course I would know, but I took that time to work with Therese on her spelling. I was out of the loop. A detailed report sent to parents or a separate log-in for parents to check on their students progress would be a wonderful addition to this program. It would give parents a way to check up on their kids. I think this would be extremely important for families using this as a curriculum. We just used it as a fun, educational game so it wasn't too important for me to have. It would have been nice though.

Michael has already asked about the other games offered. I hope they come out with more games for online play. A few dealing with American history would be great!!! I know Michael would love one dealing with War World I or War World II. The games are a fun way for kids to learn more about history. Therese has even asked about it and she's no that big into online games.

It would be nice if the games were available for other tablets other that iPads. Not everyone has an iPad.

Find out more and follow them on social media!

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Don't forget to stop by and see what they other ladies had to say. 

Some of them reviewed the Roman Town.

                                                 

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Halloween Scrap Table Runner

Recently, I was given the opportunity to become a pattern tester for Jen over at Faith and Fabric. If you haven't visited Jen's blog, I encourage you to do so. She blogs about her Catholic faith, quilting,  and crafts of course! A lot of her crafting follows the liturgical year, so I know you'll find some wonderful themed ideas to do.

For my first pattern, I received the Halloween Scrap Table Runner pattern. 

It's a wonderful pattern for beginners. I have been sewing for 25+ years, but I have never quilted anything before. It just seemed too daunting. Maybe it was all the exact measurements & angles. I never liked geometry. 

I know, I know......it sounds crazy. I can sew historical gowns, wedding gowns, and First Holy Communion gowns, but sewing a quilt intimidated me! 

This was my chance to step out of my comfort zone. After receiving the pattern, I checked my stash of fabric. I had 2 scraps that would work.....an orange and a ghost pattern. While searching, I did find a ton of Autumn inspired scraps. I may make a table runner with the same pattern but with fall fabric.

So off to the fabric store we went. Therese and I picked out the fabrics together. 

I cut out my strips and began setting the patterns of the blocks. Cutting out the strips seemed to take the longest. I'm sure it was just because I was anxious to get started sewing! Sewing the blocks was very easy. A newbie at sewing could do it. I promise. After making the blocks, you trimmed them to fit together in the quilt. This is where it got tricky. You have to be very accurate. I was missing my rolling cutter, so I had to use old fashioned scissors. I do think the rolling cutter would make it a lot easier.

My finished project isn't perfect. I already have more cut out to make another one. Hopefully it will be better than the first. If you look closely, you will see that my black pieces do not line up. I was going to fix it, but then it kind of grew on me. It looked kind of wacky, like Halloween!

I'm proud of it and myself. I overcame a fear of quilting! I can't wait for the next project!

Don't forget to check out Jen's blog!

Faith and Fabric

You can also visit her shops at

Craftsy

and

Esty

                                              

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With a Chick Chick Here and a Chick Chick There.....

We have 6 more baby chicks in our flock of growing chickens.

With two mama hens, no one is going to mess with these fuzzy little babies!

We have 2 black chicks, Skunk and Satin.
There are 4 golden chicks, Peanut, Lilly, Rosebud, and Daisy.


                                                   

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Saving a Hummingbird

This past week, Michael found a small hummingbird that was near death. So we made up some sugar water and fed him with a spoon. He drank and rested for about 20 minutes. Then off he flew!

We saved him!

                                           

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All I Need to Know I Learned While Homeschooling

All I Really Need To Know I Learned While Homeschooling

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned while homeschooling.
Patience was not at the top
Of this homeschooling mamas list
But it was there at the table while doing math.

These are the things I learned while homeschooling:

Share everything even your pencils and erasures.
Pencils will get lost.
Play fair.
Don't hit people or kick them under the table.
Keep your books on your side of the table.
Put things back where you found them or your school room will be a disaster.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Don't put drinks on the school table. They will get get knocked over.
Say you're sorry when you spill water on your brother's paper.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Stop petting the dog and cat.
The cat will always lay down on the page you are working on.
Warm cookies and hot chocolate are good for snowy days.
Skip school and play on the first warm day of spring.
Searching for the lost book will take some time.

Live a balanced life - Head outdoors!
Learn some, think some, and do some.
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a walk every afternoon.

When you go out into the world,

Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Written by me but inspired from All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

                                     

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Back to Homeschool Blog Hop Day 5 ~ 5 Tips for New Homeschoolers

Are you thinking of homeschooling? Is this your first year homeschooling? Are millions of emotions running through your mind?    Scared? Nervous? Excited? Eager? Hopeful? Confused? Happy?

If you're like me you have researched and researched until you feel like your brain can't hold anymore! You've pored over books and read numerous blogs to hear real life experiences. Even after all that "studying" you still have questions and doubts.

Jumping into the crazy world of homeschooling is scary, but very rewarding. When we started homeschooling, I thought it was going to be this amazing journey. My kids were going to love it! They were going to be eager little beavers ready for school all the time. They were going to love learning and LOVE doing their schoolwork. This was going to be fantastic!!!!

Then I woke up from my nice little dream.  Nine years later, I have some advice for you newbies. I have to admit that there are times I still feel like a newbie. I can't believe I am considered a veteran in the homeschooling world. That just seem crazy. Over the last few years, I have learned a lot. Most of it has been through trail and error. We have had success and we have had failure. Homeschooling isn't just about the kids learning. Mamas learn too!

O.K. back to the advice...

#1~ Nothing Goes As Planned!

We all start out with rose colored glasses on. We picture our kids sitting at a table working diligently on their schoolwork with smiles on their faces. Unfortunately, that isn't how it always is. Homeschooling will change just like the seasons. In your homeschooling journey, your life will go through numerous changes. Some will be good, while others will not be. You may have a new baby join your family, a death of a family member, kids make get sick, friends may move, co-ops may end. The list is endless. We all know that life changes day to day. Nothing is constant except God's love. We need to remember that change is good. It's O.K. if your schedule gets mixed up a little (or a lot). Maybe you don't get through the entire spelling workbook no problem. Be flexible. Go with the flow. Children don't just learn through books. They learn from every day life too. For many of us, who went to the brick and mortar schools, this can be a difficult thing to do. Trust me!

#2~ Don't Do School at Home

By this I mean don't get stuck in the traditional idea of school. Learning just doesn't take place at a desk. Learning can happen all around. Family vacations, like my friend Chris @ Campfire and Cleats. Their family takes some amazing vacations and her boys have learned so much! Field trips, baking, games, and just living life! Don't worry if they don't finish everything. Learning is not a race. Work at their own pace.The great thing about homeschooling is you can spend time going over topics and subjects until they get it. Teaching children how to read and encouraging their love of learning is much more important than memorizing useless facts. I always tell my kids, if you can read, the world is limitless!

#3~ Be Willing to Make Some Changes

This is a big one. Just because a friend recommended it and you bought doesn't mean it will work for your kids. Please don't make your kids (or yourself) miserable by sticking with a curriculum that brings out the worst in everyone. It's never fun to homeschool when you are stressed out and everyone is on the verge of tears or are already crying. Trust me, it does happen! Just Let it go! I bet you just sung the song from Frozen didn't you...it's O.K. I did too.

Another point just because it worked for one kid doesn't mean it will work for the next one. Try to figure out how your child learns and work with that. 

Source

Here is a great website that gives an overview of the different styles. I'm sure your library has some excellent resources for you to read.

Remember, education isn't one size fits all.

#4 Don't Compare Yourself (or homeschool) to Others

Falling into this trap is easy and harmful. We have friends that seem to do it all. We see other moms on blogs who have the perfect kids, the most beautiful school rooms, endless field trips, and lots of wonderful curriculum. We need to remember that not everything is always as it seems. The mom who seems so put together and so amazing, may have a room where she hides dirty clothes, dishes, and clutter. The mom with the amazing school room may have kids who cry and fight when they sit down to do schoolwork. God blessed us all with certain qualities and abilities. Our kids are different. Our home life varies from family to family. We need to be our best for our family. We need to find what works for our kids, not what works for someone else's. God made us all special. If we focus on what works well for us and our families, we will succeed. In the end it isn't about the big fancy school room. It's about the love of learning we are able to pour into our kids. For me, it's about raising little saints.

#5~ The Kids Will Not Want to Do School 

Kids are human! We have bad days, they have bad days. Math gets hard. Kids get frustrated. It's nice outside and the kids are fidgeting in their seats. When the day isn't going well, the best thing to do is find something else to. Watch an educational video, take a field trip, or take a walk and learn about nature. Find something fun to do. Play a board game, bake some cookies, or just head out for a play date. All of these things are learning too! 

Don't miss the posts from the other ladies joining in on the Blog Hop!

                                                

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Back to Homeschool Blog Hop~ Day 4~ To Be or Not To Be in a Homeschool Co-ops

Deciding to join homeschool co-ops or support groups can be a tricky decision. Many new homeschoolers join to find other homeschooling families and of course to "socialize" their kids. Homeschool groups can be a blessing or a nightmare. They can be a wonderful experience full of enrichment but they can also add stress. Families need to find the balance and what works best for their situation.

When we started homescooling a few years ago, we joined the only group I found in the area. It was  agroup that focused on fun activities, parties, and field trips. They met one to two times a week. The group was a good start for us. My kids made a few friends and had fun at the activities. I learned from the homeschooling mothers that were seasoned veterans at that point. I soaked in all their knowledge. Sadly after a few years, the group changed, it no longer worked for us, and we left. Actually we were kicked out. After helping plan events for the group and growing the groups numbers, a few of the other moms wanted to grow the group in a different direction. Things happened, things were said, and we felt like we could no longer be a part of the group. They were turning the group into a Christian group and we were no longer welcome. We were sad at first, but we remained friends with the families we wanted to and planned our own events. God had a plan for us. The next year we found a wonderful co-op geared for younger kids and we discovered a neighboring Catholic church had a homeschool group. So we joined both groups. It was great for the first 2 years, but then we became too busy. We eventually scaled back, left the co-op, and just focused on the Catholic group.

The last three years we were part of a Classically Catholic Memory co-op. We joined in on the first year and loved it. The 2nd and 3rd year, I helped run the group. We made lifelong friends and my kids learned a lot. Sadly, we had to end the group to families moving away. We didn't have enough moms for teachers, the costs of rent and insurance was too much for the remaining families to continue. 

This is our first year not part of a co-op in 5 years! We are still a member of the Catholic homeschool group. A few of the moms there are doing book clubs, a saint & virtue club, a home-ec club, and fun field trips will be planned. I think we will be O.K. Now that my kids are older and have made good friends, they bug to hang out with their friends.

So how do you find support groups?

Many state's homeschool websites have links to homeschool groups in the area. The only problem I have found is that many are outdated and groups have changed or no longer exist. A google search may turn up a few. I found word of mouth to be the best way to find groups. Talking to other homeschool moms is a great way to find out about other homeschool classes, field trips, etc. too!

What do homeschool groups and co-ops provide?

Anything and everything! They other classes for the kids, field trips, parties for holidays, filed days, book clubs, science labs, mom's night out, etc. Groups will vary depending what they are offering. Some groups are more fun based....parties and field trips. Other groups, like Classical Conversations or Classically Catholic Memory, are more focused on education. Before joining a group, it would be a good idea to figure out what you are looking for in a group.

How often do they meet?

This will vary for all groups. Some meet once a week, twice a week, once a month, or twice a month. I have found if it is an education/class co-op they tend to meet once or twice a week. If it's more of a support group, they will be 1 to 4 times a month. Co-ops are more structured since the kids are doing classes.

Things to keep in mind!

Before joining and getting too involved make sure to look at your schedule. Do you have other commitments...sports, drama, church groups, choir, piano lessons, scouts, etc. It's very easy to get over scheduled and stressed out. There was one year we belonged to 3 homeschool groups, had sports, violin lessons, choir, and scouts. It was too much time away from home. We were having a hard time getting school work in. It was crazy!

Don't be afraid to quit if it isn't the right fit for you and your family. Some moms won't click and not all kids will click. Not everyone will parent they way you do. We have belonged to coops where kids were well behaved on field trips, but other groups where kids were horrible and not leaving a great impression of homeschoolers. Don't be afraid to pick and choose who you hang with. We had one co-op that was heavy in girls, so we had to search for friends for my son. Things will work out. God will open a new door for you!

As kids get older, the homeschool group dynamics will change. As the mama, you'll be able to step back and the kids will begin to make their own friends. They'll find kids that they click with. Kids that share their own interests. We still belong to our Catholic homeschool group, but we now pick and choose what we attend,since we have "playdates" with the kid's close friends. We use the co-op for some fun classes and of course field trips! 

Don't forget to stop by and see what the other ladies are sharing today.

                                                

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Back to Homeschool Blog Hop~ Day 3~ Our Curriculum

A few weeks ago, I posted our curriculum. You can read about it here. Today, I'm going to share more about our curriculum and how we use it doing our homeschooling! Lesson planning is a big deal for me. I take a little bit from here and there to make up our curriculum for the year. Once I figure out what we will be studying for the upcoming year, I get down to work. 

First, I pick out the books and materials I want to use. 

Second, I start a simple outline. I break up our curriculum into 32-36 weeks. It depends on the subject. Once I have the schedule outline done, I get to work planning each week.

Here is what we cover each week.

The basic are covered every day. Religion, Latin, English, and Math are the basics in our house. Spelling, Geography, and Poetry are covered 4 days of the week. Science and U.S. History alternate during the week. Each one is covered 2 days. Friday is our fun day. We do art while listening to music. The other subjects covered are the things the kids want to learn about. This year, they wanted to learn more about trees and birds which is prefect for our nature study. We will continue our U.S. State study again this year.

Religion~ Faith and Life 6, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke, Baltimore Catechism, and Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year

English~ Voyages in English 5, Voyages in English 6, Editor in Chief, Diagramming Sentences, Catechism in Rhyme (handwriting)

Latin~ Latina Christiana 1, Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year, Chant CD Kit

Math~ Horizons Math 4, Saxon Math 65

Spelling~ All About Spelling 4, Spectrum Spelling 6 

Poetry~ The Harp and the Laurel Wreath, Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year

Geography~ Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year, Online Resources

U.S. History~ Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year, Pioneers and Patriots, History Study Time Travelers The Early 19th Century, History Study Time Travelers The Civil War

Science~ Classically Catholic Memory Delta Year, Online Resources, Fascinating Education Biology

U.S. State Study~ Library, Online Resources, Notebooking Pages

Bird Study~ Memoria Press What's that Bird?, Peterson Field Guide Birds, Peterson Field Guide Color in book, All About Birds website

Tree Study~ Memoria Press The Book of Trees, Peterson Guide Trees, Tree Book for Kids and their Grown-Ups 

Art~ 9 week study of various artists.... George Seurat, John James Audubon, Georgia O'Keeffe, Grandma Moses 

Music~ Chant Cd Kit, Catholic Hymn Study Year 2

            Music from the different time periods we will be covering in history   

                 ex. Civil War, Pioneer Days, War World I & War World II

Stop by and see what the other ladies are sharing!

                                                 

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Back to Homeschool Blog Hop~ Day 2~ Our Daily Schedule

Every homeschooling family has a different schedule. Mamas have to find out what works best for their families and themselves. Some kids are early risers, while others are night owls. 

Today, I am going to share our typical schedule. This is the schedule we try to follow but as most people know life doesn't always go as we have planned. 

7:00 a.m. ~ Wake Up...there are days we sleep to 8!

7:10- 7:30 a.m. ~ Feed dog & cats, Let out chickens

7:30-8:30 a.m. ~ Eat Breakfast

8:30-9:00 a.m. ~ Get dressed, Clean up & do morning chores 

* If we wake up late or have errands, morning chores are added to our afternoon chores.

9:00 a.m. ~ Prayer

9:15 a.m. ~ School

12:00 a.m. ~ The Angelus

                  ~ Lunch

12:30-1:30 p.m. ~ School

1:30-3:30 p.m. ~ Free Time

3:30-4:30 p.m. ~ Afternoon chores

4:30-5:00 p.m. ~ Free Time

5:00 p.m. ~ Prepare dinner

5:30/6:00 p.m. ~ Dinner....time varies according to when dad gets home.

9:30 p.m. ~ Bedtime...the kids read for a half hour to an hour at bedtime.

As you can see we are not early risers. We prefer to stay up and sleep in. The times listed are just estimates. I am not a rigid drill instructor. Chores can be done sooner or may take a little longer depending on what they are doing. I do like to start school at 9:00 a.m. with prayer first, but we have started as late as 10. 

We have a few breaks during the school time. They kids get a snack break and we have to stop and take the dog out a few times. 

On days we have errands to do, we get up, get ready, and head out. I like to get out and get everything done. On days like that school usually starts after lunch around 1:00 p.m. 

So there you have it! Our simple daily schedule. 

How days your day go?

~ Don't forget to stop by and see what they other ladies are sharing~

                                                     

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Back to Homeschool Blog Hop~ Day 1~ Stay Calm and Teach On!

As we start our 9th year homeschooling, I wonder where all the time has gone. It feels like we just started homeschooling Michael. At the age of 3 (almost 4), when his cousin was starting Kindergarten, he wanted to start school so bad. He was starting to read and wanted to learn more, especially about dinosaurs. I looked around online, read resources from our local library, and jumped right on into this crazy world of homeschooling. I have to admit when we started doing Kindergarten at home I honestly didn't think we would continue the following year. We were just having fun and doing "school" at home. Next year, he would start kindergarten and ride the big yellow bus to school. 

Well, when next year arrived, everything changed. Michael had continued to excel. He was fully reading and doing basic math. He thrived and loved learning at home. He didn't want to go to school. We had joined a small homeschool group and he had made friends.

So what is a mama to do?

I read everything I could on homeschooling. I had never really known anyone that had homeschooled but believed all the stereotypes about homeschoolers. You know the ones I'm talking about. That we are all extreme Christians, unsocialized, weird homeschoolers that wear denim jumpers and skirts all the time. O.K. I know that sometimes these things are true. Most of the time they are not. The funny thing is we fit into some of those stereotypes.We are devout Catholics and yes we wear skirts quite a bit. I'd say 90% of the time. However I do not own any denim jumpers.

I will say that  homeschooling wasn't what I thought it was.

It's not school at home!  It's so much more.

Homeschooling is creating a love of learning in your children. 

It's finding out what they love to learn about and digging deeper. 

It's letting them excel in areas that come easily to them, but working harder and at a slower pace in subjects that are more difficult for them. 

It's curling up on the couch and reading great books together. 

Creating science experiments in the kitchen that foam up, erupt, spill on to the table and drip onto the floor (and the dog). 

Sharing walks down to the creek to explore the creatures and plants God created to fill this world.

When homeshooling you have tons of patience. Just kidding. We are not perfect and we do not have the patience of Job. We are most certainly not saints. Trust me it would be nice if we were. 

Homeschooling isn't always easy. I'm not talking about the actually workload, but rather the dedication to keep doing it. Like any other job it can get tedious. You wake up some days and just dread the thought of having to teach your kids. Winter can be extremely hard, especially when you are snowed in and stuck inside for days. Every homeschooling mama experiences the dreaded homeschool burnout. You just have to figure out how to homeschool in a different way. Educational games, field trips, movies, computers, etc. One way we learned how to avoid homeschool burnout, is to take more breaks. We homeschool almost year round, but we take a week off every 7th week. Another blogger called it the Sabbath week. God created the world in 6 days and then rested on the 7th day. We apply God's way to our homeschooling. We homeschool for 6 weeks and then rest the 7th week. We have found this to be such a blessing for us.

 I'll let you in on another surprising fact, we don't know everything! I know, I know that is such a shocker. That's why we read and do our own research. Critics will love to tell you that we could never teach our kids as well as a "real" teacher but I think they forget that teachers don't know everything either. No one knows everything and non one is perfect! I do know that I know my kids the best. After homeschooling both my kiddos for the past few years, I know how they learn, what motivates them, I see when they have doubts, and and I notice when they are starting to struggle. Homeschooling gives me the opportunity to teach them how they need to be taught. I can help them learn all they need to know in order to succeed in life!

Homeschooling is figuring out what works best for your kid and going with it. It's about having fun and learning together.

Stop by a visit the other ladies for more advice and ideas!

Here are just a few of the ladies joining in this week.

Marcy @ Ben and Me

Debra @ Footprints in the Butter

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

Amy @ Homeschool Encouragement

Missica @ The Open Window: An Autism Blog

Misty @ Year Round Homeschooling

Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life

Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity

Clarissa @ Counting Our Blessings

Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool

Monique @ Living Life and Learning

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