Schoolhouse Review: Samson's Classroom

SAMSON'S CLASSROOM is an online resource for K-5th grade that teaches sight words, spelling and reading comprehension.

There are three sections of games to Samson's Classroom.

SIGHT WORDS:   Sight words with Samson is proven to help early readers to master the 224 most commonly used words in the English language. The sight words are divided into lists that are taught in 5 steps.

Once they have finished all 5 exercises, they know the words.


SPELLING:   Spelling with Samson has over 5,000 words available. The teacher (parent) has the choice of creating their own lists or use one of the lists already included in the program. We have been using the ones provided.

My boy bug takes Tae Kwon Do, so his favorite part of the spelling is the missing letters part where Samson karate chops his way through the missing letters.


READING:   Reading with Samson gives students practice with their reading. My two bugs really liked this section a lot. There are so many different stories, very fun and engaging.

Again, my boy bug really enjoyed this. He asks me everyday if he can get on Samson's classroom. He will sit for the longest time and read these stories. He enjoys them so much that he started with the lowest level and is working towards finishing with the highest one. I am tickled pink that he is enjoying reading and spelling so much. You know it's a hit when they ask you if they can do something like this each and every day.

The swinging of the hammer was by far, the favorite! Everyone gathers around to see how many hammer points each one can get. This site is, and I quote, "TOTALLY AWESOME!!!"

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS:

I think, for the older bugs, it's a really good site for practice. For the little bugs, it will be a wonderful supplement to their phonics and language curriculum. I can see our family using this for a long time. As of right now, I have two bugs, ages 9 and 11, using this. They are really enjoying it. I highly recommend this site, especially for a child/children who enjoy online, educational games. This is great for daily work and for "busy work" when I need to help another bug and give them my undivided attention.

You can purchase Samson's Classroom for 1 student for $30/year or $50/year for up to 4 users. They have several different pricing plans.

We were given a family membership for this review.

Check out what other crew members are saying about Samson's Classroom.

Disclaimer: I received a family membership to Samson's classroom, free,  in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Math 911 Review

Math! What can I say. It is probably our least favorite subject around here. We are very hands-on , so when MATH 911 was offered, I thought it would be a change from textbook math.

For the purpose of this review, we were given a download with no expiration date. The version downloaded from the website is the standard version. We were given the option to upgrade to the Premier Version which also gives you access to additional math courses: Intermediate Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry, College Algebra and Pre-Calculus.

From the Website:

          Topics are arranged by chapter, section and levels. Within each level are all the types of problems that identify the concepts that your student must know in order to be successful in Algebra including Graphs and Word Problems.

~~~All problems are algorithmically generated

~~~10 minute learning curve    

~~~Step by Step solutions

~~~Only Free-form answers

~~~Dynamic Grade reports on all screen

~~~Needs no internet connection

~~~Can be networked

~~~Free Home Use for Teachers

~~~Free upgrades

~~~Free Install on New PCs

 

The cost is $49.95 for the complete Math911 program. There is also a free trial of introductory algebra available as a back-to-school special. 

 

When we first started using Math 911, I was a bit skeptic. After learning how to use the program, I found it to be a really good program. Downloading the software was easy. Once it is downloaded, you immediately begin with Into Algebra. I was very glad that this program started with this because the oldest bug is just now beginning with Pre-Algebra. I feel we both are benefiting from this program. I needed a refresher course and she is just beginning. Starting with the Introductory Algebra helped tremendously because I needed help remembering how to do Integers. We are moving slowly with the program but I feel that little by little we are learning and retaining much.

 

 

Check out the other Math 911 reviews.

 

 

Disclaimer: As a TOS crew member, I was given a free download of the Premier Version in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

 

 

 

                          







Reading Kingdom Review

READING KINGDOM is an interactive online reading program that teaches children 4 - 10 years of age how to read. It starts at the beginning and teaches your child how to read through the third grade. It teaches six skills: sequencing, motor skills, sounds, meaning, grammer and comprehension.

I decided to let my 9 year old son use Reading Kingdom. Before we began the set up, we were given a choice to choose the keyboard or the mouse to click on the letters. We chose the keyboard since he doesn't have much experience using one.

The program starts with a Seeing Sequences and Letter Land Assessment. Reading Kingdom really feels the need for this assessment.

The child sees a word or group of letters like this and in turn, the child clicks on each letter in the right order as the word given. It gets a little more difficult as he or she progresses. It gives the child practice with the keyboard also.

Big Boy was very happy when he was able to move on to the reading lessons.

How we used Reading Kingdom.......

I sat with Big Boy while he did his lessons. Not that it's required that you do this, I just enjoyed sitting with him, watching him learn. At first, he was excited about getting started with Reading Kingdom but during the assessment, he felt that is was boring and wanted to get through with it fast. After the assessment, the lessons were better and he felt better about the whole program. I would like for him to continue using Reading Kingdom as a supplement. In his words, "I like Reading Kingdom, it's fun!"

Go to Reading Kingdom and sign up for the free 30 day trial. If you like it and decide to use it, the cost is $9.99/monthly or $199.99/yearly. You can add another student(s) for $9.99 a month per child.

Visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew to read what others are saying about Reading Kingdom.

Disclaimer: As a TOS crew member, I received this product free of charge for my honest opinion and review.