tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41909034546581602312024-02-06T21:07:21.026-08:00Home Educating the Whole ChildPurposefully Homeschooling through Study, Work & ServiceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger269125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-80006604508267186632014-08-17T09:29:00.000-07:002014-08-17T11:32:30.930-07:00Promoting Creativity through Arts and Crafts<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>When our family initially started homeschooling and developed our philosophy of education, we decided that creativity was a trait that was important to us and one that we wanted to develop in our children. </b> According to one of my favorite books about creativity, one of the best gifts we could give our children is to provide them with ready-materials and time. It’s important to let them invent, create, and have fun. It sure makes a mess, but it’s worth it! Arts and crafts projects that don’t use pre-drawn patterns or designs allow children to create and develop according to their view of the world. Here are some ideas for some of the craft projects we did:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Paper mache’ — create sculptures or scenes using newspaper and flour & water glue. After it dries, paint with Tempra paints and add twigs, stones, dried moss, aluminum foil or mirror rivers and lakes, etc. Great fun! We once created the Garden of Eden doing this.</li>
<li>Sawdust and glue — similar to paper mache’ but using fine sawdust and Elmer’s glue instead.</li>
<li>Make kites — use a plain template and paint or color designs on the kite body to make your own design or check online or the library for books and kite shapes.</li>
<li>Wooden objects — children seem to enjoy crafting with wood, so we bought lots of different ‘wood’ things from the craft store and let them paint, decorate, hammer, nail, etc. to make things. Stencils are helpful in adding designs like planes, trains, etc. When homes were being built around the neighborhood, we would ask the contractor if we could take the wood scraps home. They were happy to get rid of them and they provided raw materials for some great homeschool building projects.</li>
<li>3-D art using foam shapes, twigs, dried legumes, etc. Fun to use a basic design on tag board and then glue objects on it to make a collage or work of art</li>
<li>Computer art — using simple programs that teach 3D animation, computer graphics, or photo editing.</li>
<li>Kits — lots of fun! Go to Michael’s or Craft Warehouse and look at all the kits that are available. Latch hook rugs, felt art, beading, etc. can all be fun for both girls and boys. Boys enjoy making latch hook rugs in an airplane theme!</li>
<li>Candle-making — either dipped candles, molded candles or rolled candles using beeswax. Kids especially have fun with this project: take an aluminum pie plate and hold a regular candle up in the middle of the plate. Then pour melted, colored wax into the plate. Gently dip the plate of wax in a sink full of cold water. The hot wax will rise to the top and will ‘hug’ the candle, making a candle holder. Work as a team, as hot wax can burn.</li>
<li>String art — look online for designs. A pattern looks somewhat like a dot to dot page, but without the numbers. Colored string is sewn on the page in sequences that create a woven effect and make beautiful pictures — of ships or buildings — etc.</li>
<li>Watercolor — really fun and helpful if you can find someone who is willing to give a few lessons first. Use ‘cheater’ techniques to help get started with watercolor (like dot stickers that keep paint from sticking somewhere when you first coat the page, etc.). Small paintings make great Christmas gifts for family.</li>
<li>Sewing. Boys love sewing machines! And so do girls. Make them earn their driver’s license first (to teach machine safety) and then give them small projects where they create designs — hot pads, pillows, and other small things are fun. Or, have them turn a t-shirt inside out and sew up the neckline and the sleeves. Turn right-side-out and stuff will pillow stuffing. Then stitch up the bottom. Sewing designs on paper is a good way to develop fine motor skills.</li>
<li>Theme quilts — have them make quilt blocks on a theme (we made one with a dog theme and another with an airplane theme). Use muslin for the blocks and cut them out in 10″ squares. Using fabric crayons, permanent markers, appliques, buttons, or photo transfers (where you print off photos onto transfer paper and then iron them onto fabric) to create blocks in the selected theme. Give grandma a block to make — and one to dad — and one for mom — etc. Then have the child sew the blocks together with printed fabric (also in their theme — they have fun going to the fabric store and choosing something that strikes their fancy). The quilt top is pretty easy to make. Add a back (stitch together like a pillow case with thin, rolled padding for the middle and then turn right side out). Tie with yarn and stitch up the turn-space by hand. Easy and really valued by the child when done!</li>
<li>Flower and weed arrangements. Make wicker and twig (or silk flower or dried leaf) arrangements or wall hangings. Cool glue guns, fabric ribbons (printed in themes kids like) etc. all work together to make small objects, arrangements, wall-hangings, etc. The fun is the process — and they make nice gifts for family members.</li>
<li>Ceramics. We had a great time with ceramics! A ceramics shop has green-ware that they will show you/your child how to clean (using tools kind of like a dentist uses). After it’s cleaned, they will bake it for you in a kiln for a small fee. Then have child apply a glaze and take it back to the ceramics shop to be processed in the kiln again. We chose projects like gazing balls, vases with multi-colored glazes that melted and make funny patterns, chess game pieces, etc. You can also get plain clay from them — like play-dough. Statues, objects, free-form pots, etc. can all be made. When done and dried they can be fired and glazed as well.</li>
<li>Model rockets and model airplanes — plastic or paper — ones that fly or are used just for decoration — all are fun and teach creativity and following directions. Allow your child to think ‘outside the box’ as they create on their own using the base kits that are available at craft stores.</li>
<li>Model airplane paints work great for painting designs on stones for paper weights. Be sure to buy the type of paint that is safe to breathe!</li>
<li>Legos. For art — never negate the value of Legos when it comes to developing creativity! So many skills are learned with Lego building. You might assign specific projects with Legos — a complete village or building or vehicle. Take a picture of the finished project to remember it by.</li>
<li>Photography. Art principles can be taught and artistic skills developed using photography as the vehicle. In addition to taking pictures, students can start a photography blog where they post their photos. Photography can easily be used to teach "across the curriculum". Nature study, composition and writing, art principles, and human relationships are just a few subjects that can be incorporated into photo studies.</li>
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<b>Happy creating! Children are only limited by time, resources, and their imaginations!</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-24995947117922971752014-08-12T10:49:00.000-07:002014-08-12T10:49:29.934-07:00Storytelling as an Educational Tool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WghMPTyNlo8/U-pTHob82CI/AAAAAAAAcyQ/_ksq20Q5G7Q/s1600/owl%2Bcute%2Bvintage%2Bimage%2Bgraphicsfairy004c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WghMPTyNlo8/U-pTHob82CI/AAAAAAAAcyQ/_ksq20Q5G7Q/s1600/owl%2Bcute%2Bvintage%2Bimage%2Bgraphicsfairy004c.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>For many generations, stories have been a meaningful part of childhood. </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christian classics, from authors like Arthur Maxwell, Josephine Edwards, and Eric B. Hare have held children’s interest at bedtime worship and on many happy afternoons. The art of storytelling is a craft that broadens horizons and transports a child to places far away and too many times in history. From the pages of The Bible Story by Uncle Arthur to the adventures recounted in the audio presentations of Your Story Hour with Aunt Carole and Uncle Dan, children have been held spellbound as lessons have been learned. Through stories, the world opens up in front of them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>A story is an account of connected events that are presented to a reader or listener.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It is a sequence of spoken or written words. These words can be read silently from a page or recounted orally. It can include narrative, prose, poetry, news facts, telling, or writing. There are many ways to recount a sequence of events in effective ways. Storytelling is a natural way to teach children to write and to introduce them to literature.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>According to Ruth Beechick, an educator who encouraged home education and wrote many educational books, stories can be a way of increasing a child’s knowledge and use of language. </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She states that parents to use stories regularly when interacting with their children can expect to the following rewards:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building of vocabulary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stretching a child’s knowledge of things and ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building a feel for fine sentences and larger language structures.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building a understanding of orderly sequence, cause and effect and other logical ways of thinking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Development of sense of wonder and imagination.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Building of closeness and security between parent and child. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>The first step to good storytelling is the implementation of the family story hour.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Reading stories aloud to your child from a wide variety of resources sets the stage for learning about language. A home library is something that can be established and built from early in a child’s growth and development. There are a wealth of quality reading materials available for kids. Bookstores, libraries, and a grandmother’s attic all contain treasures that can provide your child with many hours of listening pleasure.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Before expecting a child to put a story down on paper, it’s a good idea to spend time teaching a child how to orally tell a good story.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Children can be notorious for blurting things out in an excited and scrambled way or for communicating so sparsely that it is difficult to know what they are talking about. Other children talk without end, but are unable to bring out the main points of a story, getting stuck in minute details instead. While considering a child’s age and abilities, a thoughtful parent can help teach a child better ways of recounting events. You can start by asking the five important questions: who, what, when, where, and why? Then, ask for specifics to fill in the blanks. Details can include a request for descriptions, or sequences like what happened first, and a one sentence conclusion to evaluate and tie the recounting together in one concise thought. Practicing these skills daily with your child will help set the stage for the written story.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Once a child has had practice with oral storytelling and has gained adequate proficiency in the skill, it’s time to move along to writing stories.</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There are several ways to ease them into the process. Some ideas are:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ask the child to dictate their story, word for word, while you write down what they have recounted. Write it exactly as they dictate, making sure the words are the childs and not your own. Then, read the story back to them. Help them make any changes that may clarify or enhance the story. Once completed, many children enjoy drawing a picture to illustrate their story.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Use a pocket chart and index cards that you’ve written words on. Separate the words according to verb, noun, adjective, and adverb and place each in their own stack. Add prepositions and connecting words in other stacks. One the chart place the words “who, what, when, where, and why”, using one word per line. Then, have the child fill in the chart rows, choosing the cards in the stacks to create a story. Start with a noun and a verb and then fill in the blanks with the other appropriate cards. The end result will be a short story that they have “written” without having to deal with the mechanics of actually using fine motor skills. </span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A story starter is something that can be used to draw children into the writing experience. It is a paragraph that sets the stage for a story. The child reads the paragraph and uses it as a springboard for creative storytelling. Depending upon a child’s age and abilities, the story can be dictated to a parent or written down by the child.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A picture prompt is another way of encouraging a creative streak in the young storyteller. Provide the child with a picture or photo that is interesting or unusual. The purpose is to spark the child’s imagination as they use the picture as a basis to write their story. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>A story is a simple technique that can teach a child many things. </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The act of storytelling can teach, persuade, and help children understand themselves. A story is a powerful tool in the quest for positive character development. Use it as an integral tool in your homeschool for maximum effect. It will bring enjoyment and satisfaction to the entire family.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-36618790745525390902014-06-25T22:51:00.001-07:002014-06-25T22:51:27.462-07:00The 5 R's of Early Education<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21.46666717529297px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The 5 R's of early education are: read together, rhyme and play with words, set consistent routines, reward with praise, and develop a strong relationship. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21.46666717529297px;">{Dr. Pamela High}</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-60823535929933599732014-06-25T15:47:00.000-07:002014-06-25T15:47:02.591-07:00Success & Peer Groups<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 21.46666717529297px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I can't think of one great human being in the arts, or in history generally, who conformed, who succeeded, as educational experts tell us children must succeed, with his peer group...If a child in their classrooms does not succeed with his peer group, then it would seem to many that both child and teacher have failed. Have they? If we ever, God forbid, manage to make each child succeed with his peer group, we will produce a race of bland and faceless nonentities, and all poetry and mystery will vanish from the face of the earth.”</span></div>
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― Madeleine L'Engle, A Circle of Quiet</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-51675066268424782922014-06-19T00:27:00.002-07:002014-06-19T00:27:17.862-07:00Recipe for Genius<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvX-mOBc07s/U6KQup55KiI/AAAAAAAAcfo/lm1DTeO6X7g/s1600/MooreQuoteCard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvX-mOBc07s/U6KQup55KiI/AAAAAAAAcfo/lm1DTeO6X7g/s1600/MooreQuoteCard.png" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-90824285470148216872014-06-03T09:42:00.000-07:002014-06-03T09:42:36.034-07:00Two if by Tea<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/__v9DU9Ko1Uk/R5w2wAk_qeI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/j5huQJ54T5E/s1600-h/Piano+Tea3.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #0085e4; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/__v9DU9Ko1Uk/R5w2wAk_qeI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/j5huQJ54T5E/s400/Piano+Tea3.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160059471476533730" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(225, 225, 225); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>A favorite writer of mine is Ce'leste perrino Walker</b> who writes from Rutland, Vermont. I think I enjoy her writing because it her topics deal with real life things. In the Sept/Oct 2001 issue of <i>Vibrant Life</i> magazine she wrote an article that I've saved called </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">One if by Land; Two if by Tea</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">. In it she shares how a friend introduced her (and her French blood) to the gentle art of the English afternoon tea. She learned that tea is much more than a beverage in a cup, but rather something emotionally fulfilling, and a refreshing pause to the day. </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">To quote her: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">"Teatime fills a need for peace in our stressed-out society. Not only that, but the manner in which you 'take tea' lifts the spirits and fills the senses with beauty. Everything about tea time contributes in some small way to this: beautiful tea linens, gorgeous china, luscious tea, delicious tea biscuits or cookies (or other even more scrumptious treats). Teatime 'for the soul' can be compared to dropping everything to spend a few stolen moments in a beautiful garden."</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">She goes on to say: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">"I've decided to give 'teatime' a try. I'm not sure how it works. Maybe it's the special feeling you get from using the pretty teapot and china on yourself for a change. Maybe it's the ritual of preparig the tea, boiling the water, smelling the aroma of the tea as you measure it out, the rhythm of the procedure that won't be hurried. But teatime really is all they say it is."</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Her advice to her readers is</b> to take a little time for yourself this week and discover teatime, the pause that refreshes. Then thank the English. They were right all along. C'est la vie.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*The photo shown with the article reminds me of the children's teas that my mother used to conduct. She taught kindergarten for thirty years. Sometimes her school would have a benefit auction, and mother would donate a children's tea party. They were always popular and mothers and daughters would enjoy a lovely afternoon tea with all the trimmings at mom's house if they were the winners of the auction bid. Her beautiful children's china tea set was put to good use!</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-74071891285100188002014-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:002014-09-05T10:29:38.916-07:00Scripture Memorization<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 27.0833339691162px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“And these words which I command you</strong><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;"> today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7</span></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">These words clearly instruct that God’s word</strong> should be committed to memory and passed on from generation to generation. Committing portions of scripture to memory is vital in retaining knowledge of the scriptures.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=1&v=1&t=KJV#top" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Psalm 1</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jos&c=1&v=8&t=KJV#8" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Joshua 1:8</a> share that prosperity and success</strong> in life come from scripture memorization, as it creates familiarity with God’s word and causes the learner to meditate upon the principles of God which promote these things.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Memorization takes discipline, and that can become tedious</strong> if not handled with some creative care. A teacher-mom or dad can help speed along the process of memory work by building fun and interest into the process. In her book, <i>Building Your Child’s Faith</i>, Alice Chapin outlines some great techniques for accomplishing this. She recommends:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em 2.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Set up contests between adults and kids.</strong> Offer fun prizes. Draw up a “contract.” For instance, if the kids memorize the verses more quickly than the adults, the adults will take out the trash for a week. But if the adults memorize them first, the kids will do the supper cleanup for a week. Be sure to sign the contract to make it official!</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Help little children learn by repetition.</strong> Review while rocking, bathing, and playing with them. Repeat while driving or waiting in line at the grocery store.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Post current memory work on the refrigerator</strong>, closet door, or kitchen bulletin board. Or stretch a “clothesline” and clothespin verses for the month to it.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have memory charts.</strong> Award stickers, stars, or seals for each learned verse, prizes for every five stickers.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Purchase a Scripture songbook,</strong> and sing Bible verses right into the minds of the family. Or make your own music for favorite verses.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Use flannel-graph letters or verse flashcards.</strong> Mix up letters and words, and take turns straightening them out.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Write the verse on a chalkboard. </strong> Take turns erasing one word at a time. Repeat the whole verse after each erasure.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Print different verses on 5×8 cards. </strong> Cut each card into pieces. Put the pieces for each verse in an envelope. Pass out the envelopes, and use a timer to see who can put the verse-puzzle together the most quickly. Have each member read his or her assembled verse.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let the leader begin quoting a verse,</strong> stopping after every few words to ask another person to add the next four words, or two words, and so on. Have a stick of gum or a lollipop ready for the first person to identify where the verse is located.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let the small children use magic markers</strong> to print the verse of the week on sheets of construction paper. Add stickers or magazine pictures and use for placemats at dinner.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Give each youngster an empty photo album</strong> with see-through plastic pages. Insert weekly memory cards for an individual record of verses learned and for easy private review.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Once in a while assign short Scripture verses to be memorized</strong> by the following day. Celebrate completion of the assignment with a yummy treat.</li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-89900597849121408002014-06-01T08:40:00.000-07:002014-09-05T10:30:59.811-07:00Ideas for Keeping Summer Fun & Productive<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 27.0833339691162px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Summer can be a busy time.</strong><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;"> Family vacations, tending gardens, canning and freezing fruits and vegetables, swimming lessons, and more take up our days. For most homeschool families, the pace of home education changes during this time. Even for those who school year-around, the more traditional academics are usually set aside while my active pursuits take precedence for education. Even though we are busy with our children during these days, sometimes individual time and attention can be lost unless specific attention is given to spending time doing things together that promote communication and togetherness. In her book, </span><i style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;">Survival for Busy Women</i><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;">, Emilie Barnes shares a list of ideas that promote planned family events. She suggests that these be combined with a family conference (discussion time where family issues are discussed) on a weekly basis. Here are some of her suggested activities:</span></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em 2.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make a collage on love.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make and fly kites.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Assemble a puzzle.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Write and produce a play.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">View family movies or videos.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have family celebrations.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Exercise together.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have a make-up party.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have a fix-it night.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make a terrarium.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Write letters to grandparents.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cook and bake.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make and sail a boat.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Play board games.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tell stories.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Put on a puppet show.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Go on picnics.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Model clay.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ride bicycles.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Play charades.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Visit a farm.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have discussions and debates.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Have a fire drill.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Go to a pow-wow.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Make Christmas ornaments and candles in preparation.</li>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emilie Barnes shares that a list of family activities is limited</strong> only by our imagination! These times play a valuable part in establishing harmony, respect, and pride in the family unit.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-76253258136356061212014-05-31T05:30:00.000-07:002014-05-31T05:30:00.807-07:00The Whole Child<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>‘The popular method</b> of filling the student’s mind with that which is not practical and hurrying him through a certain course, in order that he may obtain a diploma, is not true education. True education begins on the inside, at the core, with that which is practical.’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodloe Harper Bell, Review December 26, 1882</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I love this quote</b> because it exhibits the need to develop the whole child. Too many times parents and educators compartmentalize a child's development, keeping intellectual learning separate from vocational skills, musical expression or physical ability. Seeing the child as a whole person and helping them develop in all facets of their being establishes the core of what true education really is.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-37511440865631727762014-05-29T05:30:00.001-07:002014-05-29T23:28:39.476-07:00Play is Child's Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5550/1840/1024/Janet%20and%20Marty%20and%20Salvador%20019.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #888888; float: right; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5550/1840/400/Janet%20and%20Marty%20and%20Salvador%20019.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Through play children learn much about life and develop skills</b> that will enhance their future. Through running, skipping, and hopping children develop gross motor skills. Fine motor skills develop through activities like stringing macaroni beads, finger painting, and cutting out paper hearts. Creativity and imagination are developed through role playing, and with proper tools like toy cars that could really drive, a child's sized kitchen, or dolls and stuffed animals, children learn to become adults as they mimic their behavior. Who knew that being a child could be so much work!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-20228712164200676942014-05-29T05:30:00.000-07:002014-05-29T06:54:37.043-07:00Lessons from the Animals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5550/1840/1024/DSC01618.jpg" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #33aaff; float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5550/1840/400/DSC01618.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;" /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Animals are an essential part of the homeschool!</b> The interactions a child has with animals can teach many things: responsibility, compassion, nurture, and care. The bond between animal and child can be very strong. It provides an opportunity for character development as well as the study of God's creation.</span><br />
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</b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>We've been 'ferret-sitting' for Levi</b> while he went on a camping trip with his mom and dad. Alice and Sid were exciting guests! When in their cages, they look and act so serene, sleeping in their hammocks or cuddling in their pocket-beds. But, once their cage doors are opened, they are energy PLUS! They scamper, romp, and attack imaginary enemies! Corners, crevices, and far-away places are favorites of theirs! Sid got into the sub-woofer of one of our computer speakers! He'd crawled into a funnel-shaped hole and we weren't sure he could get back out again. But, some gentle coaxing resulted in an innocent face eventually poking out of the hole and the energetic furry ensued again once he was out. Both ferrets love to attack feet! It was a funny sight to see the young adults in our home sitting on chairs with their feet tucked under them or perched on a countertop!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Do you have animals as a part of your homeschool?</b></span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-25016507184143605232014-05-28T16:07:00.001-07:002014-05-28T16:08:26.534-07:00Stories with Words & Pictures<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/__v9DU9Ko1Uk/RwwC-X_xgHI/AAAAAAAACLU/uQGcrSZ5VIY/s1600-h/EPSON007.JPG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/__v9DU9Ko1Uk/RwwC-X_xgHI/AAAAAAAACLU/uQGcrSZ5VIY/s400/EPSON007.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b><br />Do you remember stories like these? I used to love them as a child!</b></span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">This one came from a children's magazine that was given out at church each week and is from when my mother was a little girl. I remember sitting on my daddy's lap while he read the words and I read the pictures. I felt so grown up; I could actually read! Of course I was much to young, but felt so grown up. This story teaches a character lesson mixed in with the adventures of Sally and Billy. </span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Children can create their own picture stories.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> It's a great way to teach writing skills. Using words and pictures a story can be told and the process will engage the child from beginning to end. Stickers, rubber stamps, or small, cut-out pictures from magazines can be used as the picture part of any story. Just make it fun and creative!</span><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">I do not think that all the words used in this story are necessarily wise words to use in these times.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> Although said with endearment, describing the little girls as "fat" is not considered appropriate now as it must have been in the 1940's. Talking about the wisdom of words used to describe something and the feelings they evoke would be something good to talk about with your child. Not only can this story be used to teach creative writing, but it can be helpful in teaching kindness and in choosing words.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-13751885491310118332014-05-28T04:33:00.001-07:002014-05-28T04:33:33.479-07:00Guided, Planned, and Purposeful Learning<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7907840821390001033" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.600000381469727px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 516px;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgOw8Jdrku8/UKhUoZQQ35I/AAAAAAAAVak/hEG5sI8Bsxc/s1600/silhouettes12small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgOw8Jdrku8/UKhUoZQQ35I/AAAAAAAAVak/hEG5sI8Bsxc/s320/silhouettes12small.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px;" /></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Thoughts on Dr. Raymond Moore's belief in delayed formal academics:</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>It seems that the Moore's emphasized that learning begins at birth</b>. Some </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">of their books outline concepts to be taught starting from birth. They </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">share age-appropriate activities and events that help a child achieve </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">appropriate milestones for their age. So, it seems that their idea of </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">delayed education speaks of "formal" and "school-like" learning. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">Essentially, most early school concepts can be taught in a variety of ways. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">Teaching a child to write using finger-paints on a large sheet of paper </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">uses different motor skills (more appropriate) than using a pencil and </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">paper. The key is to keep learning age appropriate and to avoid burn-out.</span><br style="font-size: 13px;" /><b><br style="font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">In the beginning of my homeschool years I was fortunate to be able to </span></b><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>attend</b> a week-end series of lectures by Dr. and Mrs. Moore. One of the key </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">points that struck me was hearing Dr. Moore emphasize that from his </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">experience, most early-schooled children might do VERY well with early </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">learning when taught formally, but that by 4th grade they were generally </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">burned out and it was nearly impossible to bring back the love of learning, </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">exploration, etc. that most of us value so highly in childhood learning. </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">So, although a child may seem to be doing well and advancing properly --- </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">it could be possible that long-term damage could occur in the form of </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">burn-out.</span><br style="font-size: 13px;" /><b><br style="font-size: 13px;" /><span style="font-size: 13px;">Guided, planned, purposeful experiences that are age appropriate are never </span></b><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>out of line</b>. I believe it is wrong to hold a child back when they want to </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">learn. But, I would encourage them to learn in a relaxed, non-paper and </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">pencil, bookish manner. It is so much more fun and interesting for everyone </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">(parent and child) if collections, cooking experiences, field trips, </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">building, etc. projects are done to create that learning rather than </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">relying upon a book.</span></span><div style="clear: both;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-14366564090750668082014-05-27T12:01:00.000-07:002014-05-29T06:55:30.527-07:00Creating a Nature Journal<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://educatingthewholechild.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/dsc08910.jpg" sl-processed="1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3c96df; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://educatingthewholechild.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/dsc08910.jpg?w=320&h=240" height="240" style="background: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 20px; border-bottom-right-radius: 20px; border-top-left-radius: 20px; border-top-right-radius: 20px; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Spring is a wonderful time for exploring nature! </strong><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Most homeschool teacher-parents realize the importance of nature as they study with their children. It teaches so many things — of science, art, ecology, physical education, observation skills, and of God’s care. With thoughtful attention, even math, history, language arts can be taught in nature. Treasure and scavenger hunts in the back yard support observation skills and mathematics if designed properly. And there’s no better way for a primary age child to learn how to write the alphabet than with a stick in the sand. Following famous footsteps, like hiking along the Oregon Trail, combine nature with history. A well-prepared parent will be full of stories to share as the hike progresses. Nature provides many opportunities for a teacher-parent to create mini unit studies that enhance learning. It doesn’t need to be difficult or complicated. Try putting together a one-day unit study that uses nature as the classroom and teaches across the curriculum. You will be sure to have the interest of all ages! And after a long winter of dreary days, spring is the perfect time to implement this.</span></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Keeping a nature journal or notebook is an easy way to tie everything together. </strong><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I like the idea of using both to implement nature studies. A small journal with both lined and unlined pages works to write sentences and paragraphs about things observed. The blank pages work great for sketching, watercolor, or chalk drawings. And a notebook works great for quick notes and for collections. Gallon size zip-lock bags, punched with a three-hole punch, make pages. Using twelve gives students one for each month of the year. Page dividers, marked January through December, give the child a place to put notebook paper, their zip-lock bag for that month, and handouts from their teacher-parent that might be helpful in their nature study. Mini field guides, diagrams of the parts of trees or flowers, or scanned photos of birds, animals, or bugs give them guidelines as they search and identify in the outdoors. Plants and leaves gathered can be brought home to press and dry, and later can be glued or taped to notebook pages and marked according to identifying parts. A story could even be written about the objects in the notebook or about the events leading up to gathering what is shown. Scripture can be quoted and copied as it pertains to things seen or gathered. Handwriting practiced. A camera that takes photos that can be downloaded into a computer and then printed and put in a notebook is a great way for a child to document and learn. There are no age limits! From preschool through adulthood, this is a learning adventure that encompasses all ages! Creative, active, and enriching, a nature notebook is a fun way to enjoy God’s creation and apply it to everyday learning and lifestyle.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-27216998722294333142014-05-26T03:00:00.000-07:002014-05-29T11:23:42.289-07:00A Mother Like Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.46666717529297px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Young children love companionship and can seldom enjoy themselves alone.</b> They yearn for sympathy and tenderness. That which they enjoy they think will please mother also, and it is natural for them to go to her with their little joys and sorrows. The mother should not wound their sensitive hearts by treating with indifference matters that, though trifling to her, are of great importance to them. Her sympathy and approval are precious. An approving glance, a word of encouragement or commendation, will be like sunshine in their hearts, often making the whole day happy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; line-height: 21.46666717529297px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ellen White</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-78941474862454383642014-05-25T02:00:00.000-07:002014-05-29T06:57:28.626-07:00Teaching How to Think<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tCE_lrzHa8/U4D9alpMM3I/AAAAAAAAcFY/C6-OhsrMJ3Y/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tCE_lrzHa8/U4D9alpMM3I/AAAAAAAAcFY/C6-OhsrMJ3Y/s1600/IMG_5632.JPG" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Teaching children how to think can be difficult. </b> In contrast, teaching children to merely reflect the thoughts of others is simple by comparison. Ponder that for a minute. Requiring children to memorize and repeat correct answers can be done by practice and repetition. Sometimes it is necessary to learn this way, like in the case of memorizing times tables or equations. But the way a child learns best and retains knowledge is when he or she can reason and comprehend why things happen.</span></span><br />
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Knowing <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">how</em> and <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">why</em> helps him or her understand</b> and apply it to their field of knowledge and usefulness. When a child learns to think for themselves, they achieve a level of growth and autonomy that surpasses students who simply memorize facts and figures. Even the subject of spelling requires more than mere memorization. Critiquing words and how they are spelled based upon phonics and rules of the English language requires reasoning abilities. </span></span><br />
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Teaching thinking necessitates several things. </b> Using an inquiry method of instruction, where problems are directed to the student and where the student is given time to think and solve is one of them. Comparison and contrast, evaluation, and questioning are all necessary components in creating thinkers. Giving the student the ability to evaluate and make judgments teaches them to think for themselves. If you are asking your child to list, label, match, name, or recall information, you are teaching them to be reflectors of the thinking of others. But, if your instructional technique leads them to interpret, discriminate, defend, critique, appraise, or explain something, you can be sure you are on the pathway to teaching your child how to think. </span></span><br />
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This is the challenge of educating the student</b>, but one that reaps great rewards!</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-5287822890490705192014-05-24T11:09:00.001-07:002014-05-29T11:24:50.979-07:00Without Ever Ringing a Bell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2TjQGYuc6Y/U4Df8joXXkI/AAAAAAAAcFM/ZICca7lzmrQ/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2TjQGYuc6Y/U4Df8joXXkI/AAAAAAAAcFM/ZICca7lzmrQ/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Most mothers and fathers can provide </b>deeper security, sheerer closeness, sharper instincts, longer continuity, warmer responses, more logical control and more natural examples than the staff of the best care center or kindergarten. Without ever ringing a school bell, monitoring a recess or opening a course-of-study manual or even knowing the inside of a college, their teaching and care in their home are for their children under eight or ten easily superior to the most skilled professors outside it.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raymond Moore in Home Grown Kids</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-21812122666105643862014-05-23T10:06:00.001-07:002014-05-24T11:48:25.748-07:00Real Life Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eukLHbQU1EI/U39_bqOoI_I/AAAAAAAAcEc/IkNFJFViXKw/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eukLHbQU1EI/U39_bqOoI_I/AAAAAAAAcEc/IkNFJFViXKw/s1600/IMG_0144.JPG" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Classroom teachers try to imitate or approximate real life whenever they can, because they know such methods produce good learning. If you are teaching your child at home, you have an advantage over the classroom. Use it. Don't spend time trying to imitate the classroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruth Beechick</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-14091844352540576052014-05-19T22:27:00.002-07:002014-09-05T10:32:02.184-07:00A Student's Math Worksheet<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 27.0833339691162px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">On the inside cabinet door in our study area</strong><span style="font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;"> I’ve taped up bits and pieces of information that have inspired me throughout our homeschool years. Poetry, an encouraging note, a verse from scripture, drawings the children made, and photos of special activities all take up this space. This is one poem that found its way inside our cupboard door:</span></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A Student’s Math Worksheet</strong></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">This school year is like a Math worksheet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The Master has handed to you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The four basic functions are needed,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">In the work you are given to do.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Some problems require addition</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Of diligence, virtue, and faith.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">And some of them call for subtraction</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Of laziness, carelessness, hate.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">For choosing the right in decisions,</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Division you’ll need to employ.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Make good use of multiplication,</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">With cheerfulness, kindness, and joy.</span></li>
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<li style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Check over your work and be accurate;</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Small errors affect the whole sheet.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">And guard against streaks of indifference,</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Or splotches of ugly conceit.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">What note do you think will the Master</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Inscribe when the school year is gone;</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">On your sheet: ”Unsatisfactory”,</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Or will He write, “Very Well Done”?</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 27.08333396911621px;">Author Unknown</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-47270469782698332952014-05-13T10:59:00.001-07:002014-09-05T10:33:25.137-07:00Learning Manners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 27.0833339691162px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Teaching manners is important.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.5555562973022px; line-height: 27.0833339691162px;"> Children and youth are generally quite agreeable to learning how to behave graciously when the principles are taught in a positive and interesting way. Practice makes perfect. Over time, lessons learned will reap great results!</span></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One fun way for young children to learn manners</strong> is to sing about them. Here’s a song your children might enjoy. Sing it to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">T</strong>able manners, thank you notes,<br />
Shaking hands, happy host,<br />
Looking at the person’s eyes:<br />
I am learning!<br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">T</strong>reating others graciously,<br />
Being kind, thankfulness,<br />
Representing Jesus well:<br />
I am learning!<br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">L</strong>eaving others’ special things<br />
All alone: not a touch;<br />
Our family’s rules where’er I go:<br />
I am learning!<br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">C</strong>hewing with my mouth all closed;<br />
Tiny bites, shouting: No!<br />
Eating in the proper way:<br />
I am learning!<br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“P</strong>lease” and “Thank You” all the time,<br />
Never rude; fighting: Why?<br />
Living by “The Golden Rule”:<br />
I am learning!</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You can read more about teaching manners</strong><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">to children </span><a href="http://www.parentkidsright.com/html/manners.html" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">here</a><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-53680692956477723582014-04-05T20:23:00.002-07:002014-04-06T08:21:25.691-07:001st Corinthians 13 for Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uQZZv_crNM/U0DJZiPTWgI/AAAAAAAAbr0/KD5TASA4XTM/s1600/1-IMG_1790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uQZZv_crNM/U0DJZiPTWgI/AAAAAAAAbr0/KD5TASA4XTM/s1600/1-IMG_1790.JPG" height="320" width="257" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><b>If my child speaks in the tongues of men or of angels</b>, masters sign language at six months and Spanish and Mandrin Chinese by six years, but does not learn to love, she is only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If he has the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge-ABCs at a year, reading by two, writing chapter books in Kindergarten-but does not have love, he is nothing. If I volunteer for every mommy ministry-MOPS, AWANA, Sunday School, and if I give all I possess to the poor (or at least bring loads of groceries to the foodbank), but do not have love, I gain nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><b>Love is patient, love is kind</b>. It does not envy other mother's lifestyle choices or possessions, it does not boast in the areas of my children’s natural strengths (while covering for their faults), it is not proud of the way my child potty trained before your child. It does not dishonor others by insisting that my method </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">of parenting is the best, it is not self-seeking-hoping that you’ll notice how smart, talented or well rounded I am raising my child to be. It is not easily angered by perceived slights or misjudgments, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth that all of parenting is fueled and driven by God’s grace. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</span><br />
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<b><br />Love never fails-even where I have fallen painfully short</b> of God’s best for my children. But where there are competitions to see whose body bounces back best after childbirth, they will cease; where there are verbal fights over the correct methods of discipline, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge about the best way to feed and clothe and nurture a child, it will pass away. For we know in part and we parent incompletely, but when they are fully grown, what we thought we knew about raising our children will disappear. When I was a new parent, I thought, spoke and reasoned with immaturity and without grace. As my children grew, I asked God to give me the wisdom to put these childish ways behind me. For now we see our children’s future as only a reflection as in a mirror; one day we will behold their adults selves face to face. Now I know in part; then we shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<br />
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<b>And now these three remain: faith, hope and love</b>. But the greatest of these is love.<br />
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<i>Author unknown</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-26175867947372056952014-04-05T16:01:00.002-07:002014-04-05T16:01:42.984-07:00Lessons Learned from Observing Birds<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://sdahomeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/birds1aaabirdsandnestgfairy005.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="birds1aaabirdsandnestgfairy005" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1573" height="769" src="http://sdahomeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/birds1aaabirdsandnestgfairy005-570x769.jpg" style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(187, 187, 187); height: auto; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 97.5%; padding: 6px;" width="570" /></a></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This is a post written by my <i>Aunt Evie</i></strong> in which she shares lessons that she has gleaned by observing birds. Her article can be used as a mini unit study, encompassing the subjects of character development and science. Character qualities are shown below in italics and are linked to a description of the character quality being discussed. Each type of bird discussed is linked to a page that tells shares a picture, habitat, and qualities of the bird. These can be shared with children and discussed while reading Aunt Evie’s story. To add language arts to this bird unit study, lists of spelling words can be created from this post and writing assignments given. To include art, assign sketching or watercolor projects of the birds discussed. An energetic bird watching hike fits into the subject of physical education. I hope you enjoy her thoughts.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Just as the Bible uses many chapters, all different so God’s second book also has many chapters</strong>, and each one is full of character building lessons for those who look for them. One of my favorite chapters deals with birds and I would like to share a few of the lessons they have taught me.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">From the common <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Robin" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">robins</a> I have learned <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diligence" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>diligence</i></a></strong>. Early in the spring while other birds are just flitting about choosing nesting sites and going through their courting antics, the robins are busily building their nests. They have no time for nonsense! They are the first ones up in the morning and the last to retire at night. Their sturdy mud and grass nest is quickly finished. By the time most of the other birds have settled down to start making their nests, the robin’s babies are almost ready to fly.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killdeer" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">killdeer</a> I have observed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>courage</i></a> and <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/perseverance" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>perseverance</i></a></strong>. One hot day in late spring I watched a brave little mother killdeer standing over her eggs which were laid among the rocks on the edge of a sunny parking lot. There was no need to sit on her eggs to keep them warm. Instead, she stood beside them to shade them from the burning sun Cars came and went on the lot but she would not leave her eggs. Even when I walked up to her nest to look at the eggs, she stayed at her post of duty, though she was obviously upset by my nearness.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The lovely <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Waxwings" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">cedar waxwings</a> have taught me <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/refined" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>refinement</i></a> and <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/in+good+taste" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>good taste</i></a></strong>. They do not go in for flashy colors like some birds do, but in their quiet way they are as beautiful as any of the more showy birds. Every feather is always sleek and perfectly groomed and their soft conservative colors look so neat and smart. Their voices are as gentle and harmonious as their colors, and their family life seems to go on without any scrapping or fussing, They will sometimes sit side by side on a branch and pass berries to one another.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">From the beautiful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_warbler" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">yellow warbler</a></strong>, I learned something about the meaning of this text from God’s first book. “Be not overcome of evil, but <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=12&v=21&t=NIV#21" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>overcome evil with good</i></a>.” A pair of these sweet singing birds had just nicely finished building their nest when along came a mother cowbird and aid an egg in it. She expected that her egg would hatch before the yellow warblers eggs did and then her larger baby would crowd the others out and get all the food. Many little birds are thus forced to raise baby cowbirds which are bigger than themselves, instead of raising their own babies. But the yellow warblers have found a way to overcome this problem. I once found a very interesting nest that showed me how they do it. It seemed to be a very deep nest but when I began to take it apart, I found that it was three stories high and the first and second stories each had a large speckled egg in them. The cowbird had laid her egg in the first nest and the warblers had simply built another nest over top of the first one, covering the unwanted egg. Then the persistent cowbird had returned and laid another egg in the second nest. But the yellow warblers still did not give up. They built a third nest over the second one and laid their eggs in it. How often we try to do right only to find that something spoils all our plans Can be learn from these little birds to keep on trying and “overcome evil with good”? Next time someone spoils something you were trying to do, see if you can find a way to overcome evil with good.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patience" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Patience</a> </i>was the lesson that an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark-eyed_Junco" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Oregon junco</a> taught me</strong> one summer day. He was just getting ready to take a nice refreshing dip in our bird bath when an old robin hopped in and started splashing around. Since the pool was not big enough for two, the junco flew to a nearby rock and patiently waited his turn. The robin took his time, splashing and splashing, then just when at least he seemed to be finished he started all over again. he took so long that the patient junco finally fell asleep while he was waiting. Still the robin continued to splash. At last he flew to a branch to preen himself, but the junco did not notice he was too sound asleep. Suddenly, with a start, he woke up and seeing the pool empty at last he hopped in for his long delayed bath.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wood_Pewee" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">western wood pewee</a> once taught me a very striking lesson</strong>: <i><a href="http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=dare_to_be_different" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">dare to be different</a></i>. I watched him taking a bath at the edge of a lovely wooded lake. But he was not content to just wade into the water and splash around like other birds do. He had a style all his own. From the top of a post at the waters edge, he darted at the water, hitting it a glancing blow with his chest, just before he swooped upward again. Water splashed in every direction as he struck it. he repeated this several times until he was thoroughly wet, then he settled on the post to preen himself. Sometimes we need to have the courage to be different, not just for the sake of being different, but because it is the right thing to do.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Last but not least, I have learned from my pet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-capped_Chickadee" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">chickadees</a></strong>. They have taught me to <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_%28social_sciences%29" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">trust</a></i>. Birds generally do not trust anyone. Especially do they fear the human hand. It could close on them and take away their freedom and to a wild bird, freedom means more than any delicacy. But chickadees can be taught to be more trusting. As I held out to them my hand, filled with seeds, I thought of how our heavenly Father holds out his hands to us and calls us to come to Him. But we are so afraid that He might take away our freedom to do what we want to do, that we refuse to trust Him. But the chickadees learned one winter day that they could trust and eat from my hand and still be free. In fact, they were more free than ever. The rich food that I was offering them kept them warmer and better nourished than the meager food that they were finding for themselves and they did not have to work so hard to try to survive in the cold. So it is with us. If we will learn to trust our heavenly Father we will find more real freedom and satisfaction than we ever thought possible.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In an Audubon’s Nature Encyclopedia I found an interesting note about chickadees</strong>. It said that if you want to find birds in the wintertime, listen for chickadees. They have an air of confidence about them that leads other birds to follow them. I have found this to be very true. Wherever there is a band of chickadees, there will usually be other birds close by.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Those who learn to trust also develop an unconscious air of confidence in God</strong> that leads others to follow them. Would you like to lead others to your heavenly Father? Then first learn to trust and eat fro His hand, and your life will attract others and you will be able to teach them to trust your God. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. Matthew 4:19.</div>
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To continue this study, click <a href="http://homeeducatingwholechild.blogspot.com/2011/05/bird-who-went-people-watching.html" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">here</a>.<br />Copyright EvelynS@2014</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-5737993951529320692014-04-04T10:22:00.002-07:002014-09-08T11:36:04.718-07:00Preschooling<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV3x4USNqVQ/VA33DBKg-lI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/u4-_6cR9HCM/s1600/Mother-with-Children-Picture-GraphicsFairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV3x4USNqVQ/VA33DBKg-lI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/u4-_6cR9HCM/s1600/Mother-with-Children-Picture-GraphicsFairy.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s natural for parents to have role models</strong><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">; someone who is an expert in a field or who has experienced something before us and shares their experience with others. These mentors are important in helping us as we experience things in life that are new to us. During my children’s early years, Dr. Kay Kuzma was one of my role models. I loved her enthusiastic and positive outlook. Always positive, her energy and knowledge was contagious! I read all her books and listened to as many of her audio presentations as I could find. Recently I found my copy of her book, </span><i style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">Living with God’s Kids</i><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">. As I scanned its pages again, I was immediately transported back in time; a time when my children were young and when we were starting our homeschool journey. The words of Dr. Kuzma reminded me of the role model she was to me. When it comes to teaching preschool children, she believes that they learn best through play. Having freedom to choose the activities that they enjoy the most and being able to spend lots of time outdoors are two of her core values. She also believes that children can be guided and given activities that will help them with their development. Giving them daily home duties, lessons from nature, and reading Bible stories rounds out their early childhood days. Play, chores, nature study, and Bible stories established the core of her preschool curriculum. Knowing that Dr. Kuzma has a PhD in early childhood education, yet chose to teach her own children by such a natural method, encouraged me to focus my homeschool curriculum on the core values that she felt were most important.</span></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here is an example of the preschool schedule</strong> that Dr. Kuzma prepared for her children.</div>
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<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">She wrote down the things she wanted her children to learn during the year.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then she printed each activity that would help her children learn these things on a 3 x 5 card.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">She thought up about ten things she wanted the children to learn about on the first day.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Each day after that she thought of several more things to add to the list.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">An example of a day’s list looked like this: 1) go to the library and get 25 books; 2) clean room; 3) learn telephone number; 4) make bird feeder; 5) fold clothes; 6) make a picture book and tell stories about each picture; 7) learn A, B, and C on the piano; 8) listen to a story about honesty; 9) make granola; 10) practice roller skating.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Each day the children would sort through the cards and choose which activity they wanted to do that day.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cards for some activities that happened daily (like cleaning their room) were left in the pile each day.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The activities that were a one-time deal were put in a special box after the children signed the back of the card.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If the children were not interested in anything on any of the cards, she would ask them what they would like to have added and then she would write up their ideas on new cards for them to choose from.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The cards are only a jumping off point and should not limit learning. Every effort should be made throughout the day to use teachable moments as they happen. Common sense and taking advantage of things that happen in life should be utilized.</li>
</ul>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dr. Kuzma says that she got most of her ideas for activities by listening</strong> to the children express what they wanted to do or what they wanted to learn about. Other ideas came from children’s activity books that she had in her personal library. This method of preschool learning motivates children because it is truly one that follows the interest of the children being taught.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I found it encouraging</strong> that this method of instruction allows children to learn purposefully, but without forcing them into early, structured education. Instead of workbooks and copy work, her children were allowed to grow and develop naturally, learning about daily life at their mother’s knee. Dr. Kuzma’s approach allowed her to listen to the needs of her children and to establish routines and activities that expanded her children’s world and allowed them to learn much more than if they had been confined to a workbook each day.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">She ends her comments on preschool</strong> education with this sentence: ”If I can do it, you can!” Now, go take on the day!</div>
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[Information from <i>Living with God's Kids</i> by Dr. Kay Kuzma, chapter 4]</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-54827719017420914142014-04-02T22:49:00.001-07:002014-04-02T22:49:47.853-07:00How to Start Homeschooling<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 0.08in; orphans: 2; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 2;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://sdahomeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/kidpridewendysmith424646_4601761166939_758326011_n.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="kidpridewendysmith424646_4601761166939_758326011_n" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1620" height="434" src="http://sdahomeschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/kidpridewendysmith424646_4601761166939_758326011_n-570x434.jpg" style="background-color: #eeeeee; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid rgb(187, 187, 187); height: auto; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 97.5%; padding: 6px;" width="570" /></a></strong></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; margin-bottom: 0.08in; orphans: 2; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 2;">
<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The decision to homeschool is usually made with a lot of enthusiasm</strong>, but may also create a few feelings of anxiety and concern. The big picture can be overwhelming! By organizing your thoughts and gathering resources, the journey can be enjoyable and workable. Here are some tips that may help you as you begin the rewarding journey into homeschooling.</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 27.08333396911621px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.625em 2.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Develop your family’s homeschool philosophy.</strong> Reading books about homeschooling and the reasons for doing it is a good place to start. After learning about the perks of schooling your children at home, you’ll be ready to draw up your own philosophy. Writing it onto a document that you can re-read when you need re-evaluate can help you keep on track. Two excellent resources that will help you establish your personal philosophy are books by Ellen White and Dr. Raymond Moore. Both are Seventh-day Adventist pioneers: one in Adventist church history and the other who is known as the grandfather of homeschooling in America. Other Christian homeschool educators and some secular educators also have helpful ideas related to homeschooling and their books could be helpful as you develop your educational platform. This platform contains the principles that best help you achieve your educational goals and they become the core of your homeschool lifestyle.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Research homeschooling laws for your state.</strong> Some may require that you take a “how to” class if you don’t have some college credits. Others may require a cover school or specify how records are kept. Here is a link that tells about the<a href="http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/info.asp%20" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">laws by state</a>. The link also shares a <a href="http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere/info.asp%20" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">listing of nationwide homeschool support groups</a> by state. Most states require that you register with the local school district, completing an “intent to homeschool” form. It is a simple document that helps you meet local compliance regulations and will keep your child from being declared truant. This is only necessary after your child has reached the designated age required for enrollment.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Research legal defense organizations that assist homeschoolers.</strong> Decide if this is something that would benefit your family and then follow through to sign-up for the service you choose. This can create peace of mind and membership helps support the larger community of home educators throughout America. One such organization is the <a href="http://www.hslda.org/" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Home School Legal Defense Association</a>.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Set up a space for your children to learn.</strong> A relaxed approach could simply mean a bookcase, bean bag chairs, and a low table. Some like a more formal classroom set up with desks, chairs, and marker boards. Then, name your school. This is helpful for your children, as it gives them a school to name when they are out and about in the community and they are asked where they go to school. It gives them a sense of place and belonging.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Plan your course of study; </strong>a list of subjects that your student is to investigate. Your plan should include the subject matter, curriculum requirements and standards that you want your children to meet by the time the school year is over. World Book offers recommendations for a <a href="http://worldbook.com/typical-course-of-study?wbredirect=1&Itemid=216" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">typical course of study</a> on their website. Standards are outlined for preschool through grade 12. Additionally, your course of study can be expanded to include other aspects of the wholistic education that Ellen White outlines in her book, <a href="http://www.whiteestate.org/books/ed/ed.asp" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Education</a>. This would include the additional study of the scriptures, work, service and nature.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Start planning how you will implement your course of study.</strong> Choose resources, textbooks, and learning materials that will help you achieve your goals. A teacher lesson plan book, a journal, and a calendar are helpful tools. Some parents like to plan an entire school year in advance, yet others prefer to divide the school year into smaller segments, either quarter or semester. Allow yourself space to be flexible, as your homeschool should meet the individual needs of your children. Resources are available from your local teacher supply store, from curriculum companies online, and from your <a href="http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Adventist Book Center</a>.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Attend a <a href="http://sdahomeschools.com/its-curriculum-fair-time-again/" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">local or statewide curriculum fair</a>. </strong>This is highly recommended, as they are a great gathering place for vendors of educational materials designed specifically for homeschool families.</li>
<li style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Find or create a support group</strong> so that you and your children can interact and enjoy the companionship of like-minded individuals. Field trips, playdates, music recitals, science fairs, and art exhibits are some of the things that homeschool families can do in conjunction with other homeschoolers. Likewise, join online homeschool support groups such as <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/sdahomeschoolfamilies/" style="border: 0px; color: #878787; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">SDA Homeschool Families on Facebook</a>.</strong> They provide a safe place to ask questions, share concerns, and learn about resources that are specific to Adventist homeschool families. Additionally, some communities have a homeschool resource center or lending library where they can cooperatively share science equipment, physical education gear, resource and textbooks, musical instruments, and more. Reach out to others for support. Be a part of a larger community and make homeschooling a cooperative effort. Finding a mentor who is experienced in homeschooling can also be helpful. Their expertise can help you move forward in a positive way, avoiding the pitfalls that they may have faced.</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4190903454658160231.post-3056359190546963392014-03-14T06:30:00.000-07:002014-04-05T16:17:11.948-07:00Home Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARIs0nkrSH4/UyI87344FDI/AAAAAAAAbpY/S4nxttlPr3I/s1600/IMG_7759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARIs0nkrSH4/UyI87344FDI/AAAAAAAAbpY/S4nxttlPr3I/s1600/IMG_7759.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span>
</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Parents, remember that your home is a training school</b>, in which your children are to be prepared for the home above. Deny them anything rather than the education that they should receive in their earliest years. Allow no word of pettishness. Teach your children to be kind and patient."</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">Ellen White, Child Guidance, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Chapter </span><span style="background-color: white;">17</span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0