A Baker's Dozen: Daily Life in a Large Family

Morphology {Product Review}

This last week the kids and I had the oppurtunity to review a brand new game Morphology. This game is so simple and easy to start playing. No need to spend an hour reading the rules before you begin. Morphology is basically Pictionary, but the with objects. 

The game is played with four or more players and lists the ages as 13 +, which I find a bit crazy. Hezekiah (7) was easily able to play the game and I believe any indpendent reader would do fine. 

The game board is fun with lily pads and little frogs as the game pieces.

The game is played in groups of two. One player chooses a card and decides to make one of the objects.

Tilly version of "sink".

Here's where it gets fun. Using all of the funky pieces provided, you "make" your object. To make the game more exciting, you roll the die, and one of six variables is thrown in. Things such as: use only your weaker hand, pick five objects, make it with your eyes closed. 

"swing"

"kiss"

The only one of my older children who wasn't completely thrilled with this game was Judah. He said, "It's too much like Creationary". But that is exactly what my other children love about it. 

My favorite part? If pieces are lost, you could easily replace them with objects from around your house.

This is a great family game that can be used my multiple ages. 

Timberdoodle sells a variety of awesome, brain stretching, family friendly games. If your not already a fan of Timberdoodle on facebook, become on now. By becoming a fan you'll be the first to hear about new products and great sales.

{I was given a copy of this game in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way}

 

Survive-O-Pedia {Product Review

The Survive-O-Pedia is our latest product that we are reviewing for Timberdoodle. I knew as soon as I saw this book it would be a hit with my kids. Seriously, what kid doesn't love to read about natural disasters, wild animal attacks and flash mobs?

This books is full of photos, colorful artwork and small digestible chunks of information.

I don't know any kid (or many adults) who don't love this type of book. The topics range from seriously life-saving (how and when to walk on ice and what to do it if you fall in) to slightly less likely disasters such as how to survive the Bermuda Triangle or a gorilla attack.

I can almost guarantee that if you hand this book to your kids...

...you living room will soon look something like this.

{I was given this product free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I have recieved no other compesation. I don't work for Timberdoodle...they haven't offered me a job yet.}

 

Lilla Rose Review and Giveaway!

I was contacted a while back my Linda Mink about whether or not my girls would be interested in reviewing the Lilla Rose hair products she sells. Um...yes! The girls were thrilled. 

Simply put, these things are amazing! They are heavy-duty and well constructed. Adalia and Tilly love the many different hairstyles they can sport with them. I love the fact that these actually fit in my daughters' thick hair and keep it in place! We often have trouble finding hair clips that hold their hair. And don't worry if yours isn't quite so thick, they come in different sizes.

Tilly is wearing one of the Lilla Rose headbands. I love the look of the colorful beads. So very Tilly.

And Kalina is wearing a flexi. 

One of my favorites are these little hair sticks.

Ranging in price from $8 to $24 these are worth every  penny.

Would you like to try one? Linda has generously offer to give an item to one of my readers. Simply click over to the website, then leave a comment here. I'll randomly pick a winner Thursday morning.

 

Body of Evidence {Product Review}

My oldest three students, Adalia (15), Judah (14) and Tilly (13) are all taking Biology this year so I jumped at the chance to review a DVD from the Body of Evidence series for Timberdoodle. 

Here is Adalia's perspective:

It was pretty interesting, and I could remember some stuff better after we watched it, but it would have been nice if it highlighted or circled, or did something to show exactly what they were talking about in the pictures, rather than just having it numbered. But over all it was like I said, pretty interesting, and a fun way to learn about the body. 

As far as my mom/teacher perspective, I thought this was great. Dr. Menton is talking to two students and showing them photos and slides on a laptop. Since my children are studying Biology through a textbook I felt this was a great supplement to their learning. When teaching science it is hard to beat having photos to look at when describing tissues, cells, blood, etc. 

The DVD's come with a study guide. I didn't realize until after we had watched the DVD that I should have given each students copies so they could read the questions ahead of time and follow along. We only watched the section on cells, because that is what we are studying right now. I will make copies and be better prepared when we watch the lecture on tissue.

The only one of my three who didn't like it was Judah. He said it covered everything that was already in his chapter- which is true, but both girls felt that hearing he lecture and seeing the photos reinforced their learning. But I have to say, Judah has a nearly photographic memory for recalling facts he's read, so he is not a good gauge.

Overall I think the price of $14.99 per DVD or $99.95 for the entire set it completey reasonable. I am considering purchasing the set for my students. Not only can Adalia, Judah and Tilly use them but I will then have them when my younger children are ready for Biology.

 

I received a free copy of Cells and Tissue in exchange for a review of this product. I have not been compensated in any other way.

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