Timberdoodle's 52 Essential Social Skills Review

I want to share with you a set of cards from Timberdoodle on social skills, 52 Essential Social Skills. These cards are geared for kids 5-9 years old or K-3rd grade and are manufactured by Mind Brain Parenting.  It is suggested to use one or two cards a week to complete the deck within a typical school year; however, you can choose the best pace for your situation.

Our set includes the deck and a sturdy tin box

 

While this can be used as a typical deck of cards for games, this set has a bigger purpose.  Each card contains a social conversation to help increase your child's social and emotional skills.

 

G is 8 years old and in 3rd grade so these have been fun to use with him!

 

Each suit in our deck has a specific focus area.  The heart cards are focused on self-awareness, the diamond cards are focused on self management, the spade cards are focused on social awareness and the club cards are focused on relationship skills.

 

Above you can see an example from each suit

These cards seem to be geared towards kids in a traditional school setting.

• Your friend told your teacher that you took her cookie from her lunchbox.  You didn't take the cookie but saw someone else do it.  How would you respond?  How do you get them to believe you?
• You bring a fancy pencil to class, and it falls on the floor.  Another student picks it up and says it's their pencil.  What would you do?  What would you say?
• You're playing soccer, but some students aren't playing fair.  The teacher on duty stops the game and says no one can play soccer for the rest of the week.  What would you do?  Why do you need to respect this decision even when you did nothing wrong?
• Your class is split into two teams to play a trivia game.  Your team loses.  Your friend from the winning team comes over to talk to you after the game.  What would you say to your friend?  Can you feel good and bad emotions at the same time?
  

We attend a weekly homeschool Co-Op and multiple sports and these settings present similar situations so it's been fairly easy to apply them to ourselves without any issue!  These ready-to-use cards are both practical and valuable for parents to use both at home or on the go.  I really like that these communication starter cards help kids learn valuable social skills like empathy, communication, self-awareness, relationship strengthening and so much more.  It's been fun to see how G thinks and talk about numerous life situations with him in a relaxed environment.  He is a very intelligent young boy with a great awareness for others!  Our family also absolutely loves playing card games so having another deck is a bonus.

 

There are additional card sets available as well.  You can also purchase the 52 Essential Interview Skills from Timberdoodle - we definitely need to check these out!

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  I received 52 Essential Social Skills in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Fun with The Elephants - The Elephant Preserve in Texas

Beverly received a very fun and unique birthday gift from one of her friends.  Last month, they went to The Preserve and did the Elephant Experience!  B met the beautiful Asian elephants, learned about their care and conservation, helped give one a bath, and had some fun photo opportunities as well.  What a unique experience!

B and her friend!

Another pose

B has a painting from the gift shop that was done by this elephant (Rosie) so she is posing with the elephant (also the artist).

A close-up of B's painting

What a fun experience!  I'm hoping one day to go myself 😉.  I'm so thankful for good friends.

Code Lab from Let's Start Coding Review

I have a fun product to share with you today, Code Lab from Let's Start Coding!  Code Lab is geared for kids 8 and older and is perfect to get kids started coding quickly.  No soldering or electronics experience is necessary!

What's in our Code Lab?  Our box included the Code Lab itself with over 60 built-in components, a USB cable and an instruction and reference book.

 

Our Code Lab Kit

 

A close-up of our giant, Code Lab circuit board itself.

The jumbo LEDs, 50 mini LED pixels, arcade buttons, and sensors make this kit super fun.

 

 

Code Lab's free software requires Windows, Mac or a Chromebook computer to work.  Our kids have been using Windows on a Nextbook for our Code Lab, just like with our Code Rocket previously.  The set-up was simple and it's working great.

Ok, so how does Code Lab work?  Well, each project starts with your student uploading a functioning program to their code lab.  Then, they tinker with the code to see what each line controls.  After watching the video explanation, your student will be ready to complete a challenge (that improves or changes their starting code).  Some of the project's include a bug hunt!  There, they will find and correct the bug planted within the code.  It's a lot of fun and the kids learn so much!

 

There are 100 sequenced projects that help teach your child C++ coding.  There are also hours of walk through videos that accompany the projects and explain how the code works so that kids can make changes of their own and increase their knowledge and understanding of the coding language.

Projects include:

• blink an LED
• play tones on a speaker
• hold button for LED light
• LED flashlightautomatic nightlight
• four note piano
• random tone generator
• LED color tuner
• LED pixel rainbow
• and more!

C teaching G about Code Lab

 

Students learn about loops, if statements, functions, variables, and code logic and bug hunting.  I love that these projects are self-paced so students can work comfortably.  They are not on their own though, the guided videos are great.  The kids have already completed numerous projects and I'm looking forward to seeing how many more they complete over the winter break!  If you are looking for a unique, educational gift for your kids - please check out Code Lab and look at some of the other products they offer as well.  They do not disappoint!

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Let's Start Coding for selecting me as a Let's Start Coding Blogger and Affiliate.  This post contains affiliate links.  I received Code Lab at a discount in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

Name Bookmarks and Amazing Name Print Activity Sheets from CrossTimber Review

{Disclaimer:  I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.}

If you are searching for personalized gifts for the holidays, I want to share with you Name Bookmarks and Amazing Name Print Activity Sheets from CrossTimber.  You may remember our previous review of their Your Amazing Name - Personalized Adventures for EVERY name, which F loves!  This time I was blessed to receive 5 of their Name Bookmarks.  I chose to get bookmarks for A, B, C, D and E.  My plan is to use them as one of their stocking stuffers (shh, it's a surprise).  I also received the Amazing Name Print Activity Sheets for G!

 

There are lots of choices for your bookmarks!

There are over 200 styles and designs to choose from when creating your personalized bookmarks.  Above you can see some of the selection for bookmarks with wings.  I ended up choosing one of these designs for A's bookmark because she loves birds.  You can choose from outdoor scenery, ocean sunsets, castles, lighthouses, Faith & Inspiration, meaningful symbols and so much more!  With all the choices it's easy to create a unique design for everyone.  I chose a faith design for B, a drum design for C since he plays the drums, a ladybug design for D, and a jewel design for E.  After choosing your design, you can choose your bookmark quote from 5 different categories - quotes from Presidents, Authors, Definitions of Encouraging Character Qualities, Bible verses to fit the name meaning or custom text.  I chose Bible verses for all of the kids.

A few of our bookmarks

 

A close up of D's

A close up of E's

 

Our bookmarks include each person's name in calligraphy, the meaning of their name and an appropriate scripture in each of the backgrounds I hand picked for them.  I love the way each of them turned out.  Each bookmark is laminated to give them extra durability.  The colors are bold and bright and I am hoping the kids enjoy them too.

As I mentioned above I also received the Amazing Name Print Activity Sheets for G.  They have his name incorporated into tracing, color sheets, mazes, word searches, and many other fun activities.  G loved them and his older siblings helped him with some of the "harder" sheets for him.

G tracing his name.

 

 I showed G how to write his name in red and he traced the bottom line in green.  I think he did a great job for 4.

G coloring his farm!

G following the letters of his name to solve the maze.

 

I love this picture that A colored for G.

 And this owl is pretty fantastic too!

The Amazing Name Print Activity Sheets are lots of fun!  I enjoyed seeing how G's name was incorporated into the various activities in creative ways.  There are various difficulty levels throughout the pages from simple coloring pages to challenging coloring and more.  If you are looking for fun personalized gifts and activities, we would highly recommend CrossTimber and their selection of name meaning gifts!

Be sure to click on the banner below to visit the Homeschool Review Crew blog to read even more reviews of CrossTimber.

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Operation Christmas Child Box Ideas

 

 

We have been filling Operation Christmas Child Boxes for many years.  It's a fun activity for our whole family to get involved in and we love coming up with new gift ideas and ways to bless others during the holiday season.  This year each of the kids filled up a box and we dropped off 7 boxes this weekend at our church for distribution!  Let me show you what we put in them.

 

B chose a girl age 2-4 and above you can see what we put in her box - stickers, paper pad, jumbo crayons, toothbrush, miniature doll, straw cup with washcloths inside, bandages, tissues, socks, bracelets, headband, hairbrush, stuffed bunny and baby doll.

 

B with her box.

 

E chose a girl age 5-9 and above you can see what we put in her box - a sticker book activity set, strawberry squishy, journal, colored pencils, toothbrushes, hair ties that look like a lollipop, flashlight, hairbrush, washcloth, tissues, bandages, small toy and a plush cat.

 

E with her box.

 

D also chose a girl age 5-9 and above you can see what we put in her box - a small journal, colored pencils, a marker set with activity book, a magic marker set, hair ties that look like a lollipop, flashlight, hairbrush, toothbrushes, washcloth, tissues, squishy key chain, socks, purple barrette, unicorn ball plush and a purple unicorn plush.

 

D with her box.

 

A chose a girl age 10-14 and above you can see what we put in her box - a small journal, colored pencils, pens, washcloth, soap holder, hair ties, barrettes, hairbrush, flashlight, socks, toothbrush, yo-yo, watch, beautiful necklace and a bear plush.

 

A with her box.

 

 

G chose a boy age 2-4 and above you can see what we put in his box - stickers, paper pad, jumbo crayons, toothbrush, bandages, socks, animal bracelets, water balls, tissues, activity pad, washcloth, car, flip car, sock plush and a monkey plush.

 

G with his box.

 

F chose a boy age 5-9 and above you can see what we put in his box - stickers, paper pad, several small packs of crayons, toothbrushes, bandages, socks, fun bracelets, tissues, activity pad, washcloths, several sets of cars, flip car, sunglasses, flashlight, a small elephant, an UNO game and an otter plush.

 

F with his box.

 

C chose a boy age 10-14 and above you can see what we put in his box - paper pad, pens, toothbrush, tissues, washcloths, combs, sunglasses, cool set of cars, flashlight, ball, yo-yo, sports watch and a dog plush.

 

C with his box.

I hope this gives you some ideas of things that you can put into Operation Christmas Child boxes.  You can check out our post from last year for more great ideas!

Flip Critts Review

We were recently given the opportunity to review Flip Critts!  What's a Flip Critt?  I'm glad you asked.  Flip Critts combine the ease of use of flip flops with the security and durability of a shoe.  They were created and designed by an 11 year old entrepreneur named Carter.  A lot of thought was put into their construction and they were made with "adventurability" in mind.

 

 There are numerous colors available as well as a variety of critters to choose from.  They come in kids sizes as well as adults!

 We chose a pair for D in maroon with dolphins on them.

 A close-up of the dolphins

I am so impressed with the construction of D's new shoes.  First, Flip Critts uses a Vibram Sole.  These are the kinds of soles used on hiking and climbing shoes known for their amazing grip.  The midportion or midsole is made of eco-friendly SweetFoam.  I didn't even know what SweetFoam was!  It is made in Brazil from SugarCane and is a fully renewable resource.  The SweetFoam makes the midsole soft and flexible.  It is also water resistant.  Finally, the footbed is made of comfortable memory foam.  I know what memory foam is!  Flip Critts have a unique toe bar that helps keep your shoe on your foot comfortably.

Headed to watch the fireworks.  D quickly put on her Critts before heading out the door.

Check out this short video which includes D doing a roundoff back handspring in her new Critts.  She especially likes that they are easy to put on and comfortable.

Flip Critts are fun, durable and truly unique!  You can check out more about Flip Critts on their Kickstarter Campaign.

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Disclosure: Huge shout out to Flip Critts for sending me a pair of Flip Critts for D in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own.