The Hidden Message of the Great Seal - Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.


The Hidden Message of the Great Seal by Michael Kanis from The Hidden Message LLC has been printed for the purpose of scholarly comment, verification of historicity, endorsements, and input. Michael Kanis presents the history and description of the national seal of the United States of America and uncovers foundational truths from the dawn of liberty that further suggest that these truths may rescue a republic in peril.


After the Declaration of Independence was passed on July 4, 1776, congress called on the same men who had written the declaration to produce the seal. The designers worked with great ingenuity to choose symbols with related meanings that could be interpreted together to reveal a hidden message. It is through a device called allegory that the message of our seal is concealed. The three – Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams – each offered a design and then they all agreed on one, which they submitted to congress. Together, the Declaration of Independence, the Great Seal of the United States, and the United States Constitution reflexively shape and define the identity of the new republic and are designed to express the values, principles, and mission of America.


This book explores and uncovers the meaning of the symbols and the message hidden within the seal. Of all the symbols on the seal, the unfinished pyramid and its meaning intrigue me the most. The pyramid stands for virtue, each layer represents a specific virtue, and these virtues were exemplified by Christ.

Benjamin Franklin thought all children should be taught the thirteen virtues in school. Read Franklins own words on teaching virtue to youth: “I think with you that nothing is of more importance for the public weal, than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue. Wise and good men are, in my opinion, the strength of the state; more so than riches or arms.”


I agree with Michael Kanis in his conclusion: “We are indebted to our American founders because they have named our virtues and embraced them, integrating them into our identity, our founding documents, and our system of government, going so far as to say that it is not possible for our republic to exist without virtue. They taught us that virtue is relevant, is a standard for what is worthy, can be defined, and should be the basis for our conduct.”


Michael Kanis has thoroughly researched and revealed how foundational truth from the dawn of liberty may rescue a republic in peril. I have enjoyed reading this book and encourage teens through adults to learn more about this national treasure we call the Great Seal of the United States.


The book can be found on Amazon for $29.95, but I have a coupon code for 50% off the cover price for my readers who wish to purchase the book from their website. As always, shipping is free. To receive the discount, apply coupon code: HOMESCHOOL at checkout. The discount is good through May 30, 2020.


Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Eating Healthy During a Pandemic

Although our daily routines have drastically changed during this coronavirus pandemic, one thing has not changed: the need to eating healthy. It is important to eat healthy foods to keep a healthy immune system in order to fend off invading pathogens like the coronavirus. Here are some steps you can take to eat healthy during this coronavirus pandemic.


Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are typically the best option for eating healthy; but if you are shopping online during these uncertain times, frozen fruits and vegetables offer the same nutritional value. When it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables, food safety rules have not changed. You still want to wash all produce.


Fish

The omega-3 fats found in fish promote a healthy heart and a healthy brain; but most importantly, these fats promote immune function so white blood cells can destroy invading pathogens. Frozen fish is typically less expensive and often higher quality than fresh fish. Dieticians recommend two servings a week.


Meat

To reduce the risk of a bacterial infection during this pandemic, you want to purchase meat with no added hormones or antibiotics. Organic is best; but if you cannot afford organic, be sure to read the labels to choose the next best healthy option.


Beans, Nuts, and Seeds

Dried beans, nuts, and seeds are a good source of protein. You can store raw nuts and seeds in the fridge or freezer to preserve their nutrients, which support a healthy immune system.


During this coronavirus pandemic, to minimize your exposure and to keep your shopping trip quick and easy, I highly recommend that you plan ahead. Plan out your healthy meals and make your shopping list according to those meals. Your availability of food choices may be limited during this pandemic, but eating healthy must be a priority to stay as healthy as possible.

Journey Through the Continents

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through HOMESCHOOL ON THE RANGE in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.


Homeschool on the Range has put together a unit study – Journey Through the Continents – for middle school and high school students. Throughout this unit study, students explore Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Please note, this digital download is in full color; but the images below were printed in black and white.

Each continent includes a geography section for students to read.  This section includes geographical location, physical features, climate, and more.

Each continent includes a history timeline for students to read. This timeline dates back thousands of years to share specific events in history and shows how each continent has progressed throughout the years.

Each continent includes a collection of featured videos that showcase the geography and history of the region. Students simply click on the link and it takes you directly to the video.

Each continent includes music appreciation. This is my first favorite part of this unit study. Students learn about different instruments around the world and even have the opportunity to re-create these instruments using household objects. Throughout this unit study, students will make a ghungroo, make a didgeridoo, make a mandolin, make a warble,, make spoon maracas, and more. I have daughters who participate in dance, so they had fun learning how to dance from other cultures.

Each continent includes art appreciation. Homeschool on the Range has selected specific forms of art that originated from each continent and students have the opportunity to create their own masterpiece. Throughout this unit study, students will create a mokuhanga, create a globe, create a topographical salt dough map, create a travel brochure, create a ceremonial mask, create origami, create a Chinese lantern, create a cork hat, create a stained glass votive, and more.  I like unit studies that offer hands-on projects and art makes learning fun!

Each continent includes a cooking section. This is my second favorite part of this unit study. When our grocery stores are able to restock from the coronavirus pandemic, our family will be tasting a bit of culture! In the past, when my girls gave world culture exhibits at co-op, we always shared a food from each country we had studied, so I know this will be a fun time in the kitchen. Throughout this unit study, students will make Ethiopian lentil stew, a meat pie, pavlova, Cornish pasty, cannoli, arroz con pollo, ceviche, empanadas, and more. We especially look forward to making a sweet treat – Nanaimo Bars!

Each continent includes many educational resources like map work, vocabulary, and research questions; but I especially like the provided reading list. Students read about famous folks, complete a notebooking sketch page, and write a paper explaining why the person was important in history.  Throughout the unit study, students can read and learn from the lives of the following famous folks – Nelson Madela, David Livingston, Pharaoh Khafre, Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, Richard Byrd, Kublai Khan, Mahatma Gandi, Michinomiya Hirohito, Steve Irwin, Elizabeth Kenny, Mary Mackillop, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Martin Luther, Leif Erickson, Jacques Marquette, Christopher Columbus, Simon Bolivar, Eva Peron, and Jose de San Martin.


Homeschool on the Range has also included a list of resources for further study. This unit study is very thorough and is a great tool for teaching students about the seven continents of the world.


Happy Homeschooling!

He Lives

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where the Lord lay (Matthew 28:1-5).


On this Easter Sunday, and every other Sunday, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet, many still question why we worship a dead Jew? Author and composer, Alfred H. Ackley, answers this question in the writing of this popular gospel hymn.


I serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, and just the time I need Him He’s always near.


In all the world around me I see His loving acre, and tho my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast; the day of His appearing will come at last.


Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind.


Chorus: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.


Join in this congregational singing and carry this musical truth with you throughout the day.

History on Horseback - Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.


History on Horseback The Early Years: 1493 to 1866 from Sonrise Stable Books is a non-fiction book for horse lovers or history buffs. Vicki Watson brings history to life from a unique perspective – the back of a horse. The paperback book is very readable for ages twelve through adult. Throughout its pages Bible quotations are taken from the KJV and quotations from historical sources use original spelling, grammar, and punctuation. There is no real objectionable content, however horses did sometimes meet unhappy endings. Vicki Watson minimized grim details and focused instead on the horses positive and unique contribution to our history. Horse were there for it all, working alongside man as his strong, faithful partner. Man provided the brain and horses provided the brawn. Together, they accomplished amazing things.


I am a horse lover and a history buff; but I still learned history in a fun way – on horseback! I hope you will read along with me as I share some highlights and takeaways from History on Horseback. Explorers brought the earliest horses from Spain to North America. After the Pueblo revolt, thousands of Spanish horses ran free or were taken by Native Americans. This time period became known as the Great Horse Dispersal and is considered the official beginning of the Mustang herds. The thoroughbred family tree can trace its genealogy back to one of three foundation stallions – the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, or the Godolphin Arabian. Conestoga horses were considered the first unofficial breed developed in America and they were suited for pulling the heavy wagons. Horses even delivered the good news. Preachers averaged 6,000 miles a year on horseback, preaching at different stops nearly every day. Circuit riders carried a simple message of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Vicki Watson even refers to a time in the Old Testament, when the Jewish people were forbidden to cross different types of animals. In the early days of the United States, there were no regulations against hybrid animals. The mule is the product of a male donkey and a female horse. Mules served our country in a variety of ways including farm work, towing canal boats, pulling covered wagons and stagecoaches, and assisting soldiers during times of war. Horses were also used in fighting for our independence. War horses are trained to respond more to a rider’s legs than to the reins, freeing the soldier’s arms to wield a sword or gun. The book even includes the names of some of Napoleon’s horses.

In the 1800s, there were many stagecoach companies operating in America, however Wells Fargo is the name most associated with stagecoaches in the Old West. Stagecoaches were usually pulled by a team of four, sometimes six horses. The lead horses were up front. The horses in the back were called wheel horses. For teams of six, the middle pair were called swing horses. By 1867, the company covered over 3,000 miles of stagecoach routes.

Vicki Watson is in the process of publishing more volumes to this series and she includes a preview of History on Horseback Volume 2 in the back of Volume 1. History on Horseback is a great way to supplement any history curriculum. A print activity guide will be available soon and it will include maps, timelines, questions, research and writing activities. You can register for the email list to be notified of product updates and new releases. You can learn more about Sunrise Stable Books through social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube.


Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Facts not Fear

I have been hesitant to share my thoughts in regards to the coronavirus pandemic; but after reading and watching several news reports, I feel like I should write a word of encouragement. Everyday we are flooded with more information; but it wasn’t until a recent local death and a county Stay Home order when I personally worried over the health and wellbeing of my family. My youngest daughter is living with a primary immunodeficiency disease and she requires weekly immunoglobulin therapy, so with her being high risk, I have taken every precaution to protect her and everyone else in my home. This brings me to my main point. While watching a local news report, one of my girls asked why they promoted “Facts not Fear” which led us to a family discussion. You see, there is something much worse than the virus itself, it is living in fear. When you live in fear, a reactive part of your brain takes control of your actions. You enter into a fight-flight-freeze response. When you are in this reactive state, your body starts to produce a steroid called cortisol to help you handle stress. This cortisol weakens your immune system. When your body is stuck in fight-flight-freeze response, your body wastes a lot of energy which makes your body weak and more vulnerable. Living in fear makes you more susceptible to get sick. If you have been living in fear with all the uncertainty around us, I would like to remind you that God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I pray that these times of uncertainty will cause us to put our confidence in the grace of God, for we can boldly proclaim with David, yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4). Yes, we need to keep updated with all the facts regarding the coronavirus pandemic; but as Christians, we do not need to live in fear.

Dolphin Research Center

Do you have a student who loves dolphins? The Dolphin Research Center has a new virtual field trip, video conference and distance learning program for all ages and grade levels. Thanks to web camera and internet technology, you can visit the Dolphin Research Center.


The studio-based programs are $95; but allows students to interact with an educator. Teachers and students have several programs to choose from. Each program is 30-60 minutes in length and includes pre-recorded video clips from around the facility as well as a question and answer session with a marine mammal expert.

Contact the Education Department at 305-289-1121 or email education@dolphins.org to schedule your distance learning experience.