The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks Virtual World

Come travel the world, explore the continents, & learn...Wiglington & Wenks allows you to do all of this & more! *Warning*: Your kids will LOVE this website! It is a Virtual World intended to help 7-14-year-olds interact with history, geography, landmarks, inventions, nature, wildlife, the environment, and more.

Each traveler creates a virtual character who can travel to locations on every continent except Antarctica. Learning more about history and geography helps the traveler open up more locations or find more items.

Along the way, the traveler can interact with a diverse group of people — from Beethoven to Chief Joseph, from Genghis Khan to St. Patrick. The game sends them on a quest to locate and help these historical figures.

The travelers also have a chance to play games, design an island, dress up in costumes from many cultures, and interact with kids from around the world.

Start your child in Wiglington & Wenks by setting up a *FREE* account. You can then upgrade to a paid subscription ~or not [the free account is lots of fun!]. A paid membership will allow you to gain access to some of the special features that are only available if you buy one of the membership plans. They are reasonably priced at $5.99 for one month, $16.99 for three months, $29.99 for six months or $59.99 for one year. My son absolutely loves W&W, so we paid for 3 months...if he continues to ♥ it, I will go ahead and purchase the year plan. I'm honestly amazed at all he has learned and it is computer time that worthwhile. EnJOY!

Critical Thinking Co. ~TOS Review

Critical Thinking Co. is known for their award winning products that sharpen the mind and create real thinkers! Recently they sent me a copy of Language Smarts, Level C ($39.99). This is a language arts product targeted for grade 2 [it also introduces several skills and concepts normally taught in third grade]. It is a HUGE book (320 colorful pages!) that teaches language arts concepts and skills including vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, reading and writing skills. And it does so with a variety of fun activities.

This book can serve as a core curriculum for language arts or as a supplemental resource. We are using it as a core curriculum, 3 lessons a week, and I will stretch it through this coming year. I like that the lessons are short (10-15 minutes) my 8-yr.-old is able to work independently...I get him started and he 'thinks' his way through each lesson. You can check here to see what is covered at this level and check here for samples. Also, you can choose another level here. Overall, we ♥ this product! EnJOY!

Family Mint ~TOS Review

Family Mint is a *FREE* online money management tool, where the parents hold the money and act as the banker. You do not actually put money in an on-line bank, you are simply using an on-line tool to keep track of your child’s money and to teach them financial wisdom.

It is fast & easy to set up each child's 'bank'. They are then able to track their money and set goals for saving, spending, & giving. It is a simple tool that teaches money management.

Main features of this program allow your children to see on screen:

• Automated Allowance
• Automated Interest
• Matching Deposits
• Transactions
• Goals
• Children can personalize their goals with custom pictures

What I love about this online tool?...it's FREE, easy, & effective! Go HERE to sign-up and get started.

EnJOY!