Andi's Fair Surprise

Andi's Fair Surprise, one of the Circle C Beginnings books by Susan K. Marlow, introduces 6 year old Andi and her ranch family to young readers.  Written for ages 6-8, these chapter books take early readers on a rollicking ranch adventure in 1870's California. 

My 7 year old son was into this book before we left the post office with it and finished the first two chapeters by the time we got home.  He could not put it down.  I went to the Andi and Taffy website and downloaded the FREE activity booklet, with mazes, vocabulary, math, writing, history and crafts and printed it out for him.  We used it as a unit study for the next two days.  Then, without prompting, he wrote a short story about the book!  It is so exciting when something clicks!




The Circle C Beginnings books are great "living" books, portraying California ranch life in the 1800's.

Even weeks later, my son still has a renewed appreciation for his "farm life" and enjoying nature.  He frequently looks out the window for his "TV", watching our critters roam and play.  His cowboy make-believe has take on new aspects inspired by Andi's Fair Surprise.  He is teaching himself to throw a lasso, though the goats know they're safe for the time being...  He has finally summoned up the courage to try horseback riding again. 




I can't wait to get the whole set of these books.  I learned with my older sons - when something inspires a boy to read you get it!  Four books are available in the Circle C Beginnings series, with 2 more due out in August.  They can be purchased at Kregel Publications or personalized for your child at Andi and Taffy for only $4.99 each, $9.98 for 2 or $15.96 for all 4, plus shipping.  The FREE activity books and coloring pages can be downloaded at the Andi and Taffy website.

Other crew members reviewed some of the other Circle C Beginnings books as well as this one.  See what other Homeschool Crew Members had to say about this series.

We received one copy of "Andi's Fair Surprise" in paperback for us to evaluate and enjoy.  No other compensation was received for this review.

Kid Scoop

Teaching children to read is one thing.  Getting them to read is another.  This is where Kid Scoop's Reluctant Reader Solution comes in.  Recommended for grades 2-8,  Reluctant Reader Solution includes a 12 month online subscription to Kid Scoop newspapers, plus 365 fun activity sheets that can be used individually, or as provided in 60 mini-unit studies. 



The online version of the newspaper is kid-friendly, with lots of graphics and color.  Students can page through the articles online, print out activities and get drawn into the stories.  Kid Scoop also offers fun online learning games for kids as well as lots of tips for parents and teachers to use the newspapers to help foster love for reading.

The downloadable activity pages are organized into mini unit studies of about 5 pages each.  They can be used chronologically, by season, holiday or event, (St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day) or by theme (baseball, backpacks, skin protection).  There are even more thematic lesson resources on the website, offering everything from bugs to financial literacy to the Philippines.

For only $97, students and parents can take full advantage of Kid Scoop - The Reluctant Reader Solution, including 12 full-color issues of Kid Scoop News online, and 365 Kid Scoop Worksheets.  With Kid Scoop's unconditional money back guarantee, you just can't lose.

See what other Homeschool Crew members are saying about Kid Scoop - The Reluctant Reader solution.

We received one week free access to the online newspaper Kid Scoop and one free download of The Reluctant Reader solution with over 365 fun activity pages in 60 mini unit studies for  review purposes.  No other compensation was received for this review.