Say What You Mean - Review

 

Book:  Say What You Mean: Overcoming Social Anxiety So You Can Become a Great Conversationalist

Author:  JoJo Tabares

 
Publisher:  Art of Eloquence

   68 pages, e-book

 JoJo has written a course for those who would like to learn communication skills.  She focuses on people who consider themselves to be shy.  She shares her personal testimony of overcoming shyness and explains that it is simply a lack of communication skills.

The book includes five sections:

 "Introduction to Social Anxiety"

 "Achieving Comfort"

"Achieving Mastery"

"Achieving Excellence"

"For Further Study"

She goes into great detail in each category and gives many helpful suggestions.  Overall this is a good course for those who would like to improve in their ability to communicate well.

 

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

Zone Cleaning for Kids

Books:  Zone Cleaning for Kids

Authors: Jennie von Eggers, M.J. Flanagan, and Dena Wood. Illustrated by Maggie Brown.

Publisher:  Times Tales

This is a set of 3 spiral bound booklets, with a dry erase marker. The "Clean 'N' Flip" books include:

 

1. Laundry for Kids

 There are cute illustrations to show children how to do their own laundry. There are boxes for each step of the process. The child is to do the task and then use the dry erase marker to check the box as completed.  It quickly describes the process of wash, dry, fold, sort, and put away.

2. Bedroom Cleaning for Kids

 The illustrations are cheerful and adorable.  There are 8 tasks to complete from getting organized to making the bed.  It looks informative and helpful for children.

3. Zone Cleaning for Kids

 This is intended to help children clean the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The pages are nicely illustrated with cheerful colors. The instructions are simple and easy to follow.

Overall, I believe children would enjoy using these flip books to accomplish their chores. 

 

* Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

The Homeschool Student Planner

 

Book:  The Homeschool Student Planner

Author:  Joanne Calderwood

Website:  https://urthemom.com/planners

Description from the publisher:

"The Self-Propelled STUDENT Planner sets YOU and YOUR CHILD free to enjoy each school day. Providing a student with one of our planners gives him a sense of ownership of his work, which in turn fosters motivation and a positive attitude yielding an educational advantage over time."

 

 

My thoughts:

 

 I love the idea that students will do well when they are motivated and are able to work independently. These planners are a great tool for students to keep track of their work and record their educational progress.  

The planner begins with detailed instructions for both the parent and the child.  One of the things the author says that really stands out in this section is:  "Children are greatly motivated to excel on their own when parents set clear expectations and guidelines and then get out of the way."  

There are places to write out goals, notes, and document books that have been read. The student can fill out the work schedule for each week, in each quarter, of the school year. 

It looks motivational and easy to use.

 

   * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

 

A Quilt for Christmas

 

Book:  A Quilt for Christmas

Author:  Melody Carlson

Publisher:  Revell

   171 pages, paperback

 

Vera is a sweet, elderly lady who finds herself living in a strange town.  She had downsized her large home to move near her daughter's family.  When her son-in-law's job required them to relocate, Vera was left not knowing anyone in her new community.  Christmas was soon approaching and she was feeling  lonely.  Through a crisis with the neighbor's health, Vera is brought into contact with a variety of people who all join together for the purpose of making a beautiful Christmas quilt to bring cheer and happiness to their neighbor. We read how these complete strangers form friendships despite their differences.  It is enjoyable to read about their days and their activities during the Christmas season. 

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

Child Child by the Kindsmen Quartet

 This is a precious gospel song, called "Child, Child" -

By The Kingsmen Quartet. 

 

 

 

A Christmas in the Alps

 

 

Book:  A Christmas in the Alps

Author:  Melody Carlson

Publisher:  Revell

   169 pages, paperback

 

At the urging of her best friend in California, Simone travels to France for the Christmas season.  Her great-grandmother had left her a mysterious treasure.  We follow along with her on her first plane trip, watch her recover from her fears, and finally see her get settled in a beautiful town in France.  

Simone finds her relatives and visits a watch and clock factory owned by her family.  She spends time with her elderly aunt, who lives in a rich and beautiful home.  It is lovely to read about the sites, the culture, and the language.  I enjoyed reading along as Simone settled into a brand new life which seemed just right for her.

A nice feature of this book includes an epilogue. The story ends perfectly, but then we get to see how everything turned out beautifully for all the characters. This leaves one with a nice feeling and a sense of happiness.

Each year many of us look forward to a Melody Carlson Christmas story. These are always light and entertaining.  "A Christmas in the Alps" is another enjoyable addition to the Christmas collection. 

 

  * Disclosure - This book was provided for review purposes. *

 

 

 

 

Corrie Ten Boom speaking about God's Love and Prayer

 The following are two videos showing Corrie ten Boom teaching from Scripture:

1. "God's Love" -

2. "Prayer"  -