Homeschool Resolutions

 

I am not one to set new year resolutions, but I do believe we should stop and seek the Lord’s direction in all matters of life, and this includes homeschooling. As we continue this homeschool year, into the new year, I want to remind you that God calls us as Christian parents to train up our children (Proverbs 22:6) and to teach them diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) so that they will know Him, love Him, and follow Him in every area of life. So, as we go into 2022, I would like to share three areas in which I purpose to lead my children as we continue to live this life to bring honor and glory to Christ.

First, I purpose to use a curriculum that is centered on Christ. Why? Scripture tells us to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). While I want my children to do well in their educational pursuits, I want to measure their success by God’s standards and not the world. Everything that passes through their mind needs to be filtered by the Word of God. We must remember, math is a thought, science is a thought, grammar is a thought; and every subject we teach should be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

Second, I purpose to use healthy habits that are centered on Christ. Why? Scripture tells us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1). I want to get physically active with my children and continue to teach my children to choose healthy food options that will be better for their bodies, so our healthy bodies will be equipped for service.

Third, I purpose to seek godly wisdom. Why? Scripture tells us wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7). Homeschooling can be hard and sometimes we need wisdom from others who have been there and done that. So, I encourage you to join me and attend a convention for homeschool moms, the Summer Summit, where speakers use biblical truths to encourage homeschool moms to live out God’s calling and stay the course.

As we go into the year 2022, I know we will finish another successful homeschool year if our home and school is centered on Christ. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13) and this includes homeschooling!

Our Star-Spangled Story

 

Our Star-Spangled Story is a one-year American history literature course designed for students in grades 1-4. Hundreds of color photographs and illustrations bring history to life as your student meets famous and everyday Americans who have shaped America’s star-spangled history.

Part one has forty-five narrative lessons for the first semester. Part two has another forty-five lessons for the second semester. By completing three lessons per week, you can finish this curriculum on one school year. Suggested hands-on activities and projects make history fun for children with varying learning styles and abilities.

Our Star-Spangled Story provides a full-color visual review of key people and events. Your family will love Star-Spangled Rhythms and Rhymes, a book of songs, poems, and dances from American history.

For each weekly unit, the Student Workbook includes one coloring page, one assignment where the student can either draw or write, and one review page for the unit. The Answer Key and Literature Guide has answers to all review questions and information about the literature we recommend. The lessons clearly explain what your student does each day, so you don’t need a separate teacher’s guide.

Our Star-Spangled Story Curriculum Package includes:

·         Our Star-Spangled Story Part 1

·         Our Star-Spangled Story Part 2

·         A Star-Spangled Timeline

·         Star-Spangled Rhythms and Rhymes

·         Student Workbook

·         Answer Key and Literature Guide

Notgrass History exists to glorify God by producing materials centered in His Word that help parents train their children to honor God with heart, soul, and mind.

Happy Homeschooling!

Morning Meditations on Colossians 3:23

 

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

I pray as we walk through this week, we will live out this verse in our daily walk. Whether we are washing the dishes, folding the clothes, cooking a meal, cleaning the house, traveling from one activity to another, or homeschooling our children, we need to remember that these acts are a labor of love. Sometimes we focus more on the “to do” list to please men, when scripture tells us that everything we do as we walk through this life should be for Christ. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and allow him to work through you this week so that your labor of love points others to Christ.

Career Exploration: Being a Veterinarian

 

I recently began writing a new series for the Homeschool Life Magazine and I am happy to share the article with you today from the Fall 2021 publication.

Choosing a career path can be extremely intimidating to a young person. In this Career Exploration series, I interview many different fields of study to help students explore the possibilities as they pursue a career path.

Meet Jenna Hunter, DVM from Main Street Veterinary Clinic located at 500 S. Main in Lumberton, Texas 77657.

Why did you choose this career path? 

I suppose you could say it was a calling.  I cannot remember a time that I didn't want to be a veterinarian. 

What kind of education, training, or background does your job require? 

Undergraduate and doctoral degrees were needed.  Like medical or dental school- you have to achieve certain pre-requisites to apply to veterinary school.  The veterinary program is 4 years, longer if you desire to specialize ( ie cardiology, surgery, critical care, internal medicine..)

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in this field?  

Personal attribute- Empathy.  I believe that this field- like any career path- takes dedication, intelligence, a passion to help others. Interpersonal skills are a must- from working with the veterinary team to talking with the clients.  A good thirst for knowledge and learning is a must as this field changes almost daily. 

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

For me, as a business owner as well, my day starts off with paperwork. However, then the good stuff starts.  Depending on the day of the week, my morning is either filled with all surgeries or all appointments.  We have a 2 hour down time to take care of patients dropped off for examinations, phone calls, lunch, errands or whatever is needed- sometimes it is still seeing emergencies/ patients.  The afternoons are filled with appointments until about 430.  Before leaving for the day, we round with the team on hospitalized patients and make phone calls to owners.

What do you like most about your work? 

That it is different every day.  This keeps you fresh and energized.  I love interacting with the clients and getting to know them and their pets through the years

What do you like least about your work? 

It is hard.  We have to sometimes make hard decisions- not always because a pet is suffering, but sometimes because of financial reasons.  Those are the hardest. 

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in your field? 

I feel that you have to really have a passion for this field and for helping animals and their humans.  It can be very rewarding but it is hard, it is trying and stressful as well.  You have to have strong will and compassion-- lots of compassion.  Veterinary school is competitive.  You have to have the grades.  You need to have volunteer hours and/ or working hours in a veterinary clinic to apply. So, if you feel this is the career for you, find a veterinarian, shadow a bit- see what it is really like behind the scenes.  Not all veterinary practices are the same.  Ours is very busy.  Others are laid back and more relaxed.  Experience more than 1 location to get a good sense of what really happens- each practice is unique.

Happy Homeschooling!

Homeschool Life Magazine Winter 2021

 

The Homeschool Life Magazine Winter 2021 issue will empower readers with homeschool help articles for preschool through high school, will enrich readers with curriculum giveaways, and encourage readers using biblical truths to live out God’s calling and stay the course.

Inside the Winter 2021 Issue:

·         Meet Your Child’s Need for Self-Expression Through Art

·         Hands-on History: Megaliths

·         Career Exploration: Being a District Clerk

·         Success with Math

·         Preschool Theme Day: Winter Wonderland

·         Seniors, Get Ready – It’s FAFSA Time

·         All About Reading

·         From Adam to Us

·         Adventures in Phonics

·         Write Shop

·         Exploring Creation with Astronomy

·         Teaching Character Through Literature

·         Early Learner K-2

·         Heroes of History: Clara Barton

·         How to Homeschool Using an Online Curriculum

·         Help! What Should My Kindergarten Student Know?

·         Virtual Field Trip: Explore Life with Polar Bears

·         Brain Training Benefits

·         Walk in the Word

·         Homeschooling Across America

The Homeschool Life Magazine is published four times each year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) as an online publication (Homeschool Life Magazine - Payhip) and as a print publication (Home (my-online.store)).

Homeschooling is more than an academic alternative – it’s a way of life!

2021 Blue Ribbon Winners

 

Throughout the year, I have had the opportunity to review many products through the Homeschool Review Crew. At the end of the year, the crew gets to votes for their favorite products (and many of mine made this list). Here are the results for the 2021 Blue Ribbon Winners!

Favorite Reading Resource: The Reading Game

Favorite Literature Resource: Progeny Press

Favorite Vocabulary Resource: The Critical Thinking Co. – Vocabulary Virtuoso

Favorite Language Arts Resource: EdAlive – Words Rock Online

Favorite History/Social Studies Resource: Home School in the Woods

Favorite Science Resource: Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science

Favorite Math Curriculum: CTC Math

Favorite Math Supplement: MathRider

Favorite Bible/Character Resource: Teach Sunday School – Easter Escape Room

Favorite Children’s Bible/Character Resource: Tommy Nelson – Roar Like A Lion

Favorite Fine Arts Resource: Artistic Pursuits, Inc

Favorite Fine Arts Resource: Practice Monkeys – Self Defense

Favorite Elective: The Fallacy Detective

Favorite Book/Book Series: YWAM Publishing

Best Resource I Didn’t Know I Needed:  WORLD Watch

Favorite College Prep Resource: ACT Mom

Favorite Helpful Tools and Resources: Fermentools

Favorite Preschool: BUCK Academy – Baby Buck

Favorite Elementary: YWAM Publishing

Favorite Middle School: Teaching Textbooks

Favorite High School: CTC Math

Favorite Product For Mom/Teacher: The HomeScholar

Kids’ Choice: Reading Eggs

Teens’ Choice: LightSail Education

Crew Favorite: Creating a Masterpiece

 

Happy Homeschooling!

Happy Thanksgiving

 

I read a church sign about a week ago that I has come to mind on several occasions while preparing for this day of thanksgiving. The sign read – Be thankful for who you have, not what you have. I have found myself driving down the road with tears in my eyes as I think about one person who is not here this year, my grandmother. Yes, I am thankful for the family and friends that the Lord has brought into my life; but this year, there is a sadness because my grandmother went to be with the Lord this year. So, this sign was a loving reminder to cherish the moments and to be thankful for who I have. Today, I want it to be known how thankful I am for my family.

David, you have stood by my side for 21 years. We’ve been through so much, since we first fell in love, and you have loved me through it all. Thank you for loving me, like Christ loves me, even when I do not deserve it. I appreciate you and all you do to take care of our family, even when I know you don’t like getting up at 4:30 in the morning for work, it is a labour of love.

Brieanna, you have grown up to be a beautiful young lady. I admire your courage to take a stand for your faith. I appreciate your hard work and dedication as you follow your heart pursing a degree in dance. God has given you a talent and I love watching my beautiful ballerina on stage. I love you to the moon and back.

Kaylee, you have brought so much joy to my life. You make me laugh (even if it takes me two seconds or two minutes to get the joke). I stand in awe of your artistic abilities as you put in long hours to create a masterpiece through drawing. You have a servant’s heart, not only for your family but others. It is a joy to watch you on the soccer field; but even more to see you share the love of the game with the boys you coach.

Isabelle, you have always amazed me. Through one health issue to the next, you remain brave and strong (stronger than me at times). I am so thankful the Lord has chosen me to take care of you. God made you unique and you are beautiful. My little girl is not so little, you are a young lady, dancing your way through this world.

This Thanksgiving Day, I pray that you will remember to be thankful for who you have and not what you have. Cherish your loved ones while they are here and let them know how much you love them and how much you appreciate them. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Using Literature to Teach about World War II in High School

 

Many of us use a curriculum to teach history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to teach about World War II. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time period, helps integrate the history curriculum, and enriches social studies. With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach about World War II in high school.

Bessie’s Pillow by Linda Bress Silbert is a story of resilience. May this pillow bring you peace. So reads the pillow entrusted to 18-year-old Boshka Markman as she prepares to board a train in Vilna, Lithuania. One of hundreds of thousands of Jewish immigrants who will leave Europe to escape persecution, she travels to America alone. This is not just a story about a pillow. It is a masterful blending of history and life in the early 20^th century as seen through one woman’s eyes. Based on the true story of Bessie Markman Dreizen. This story crosses genres life few others, offering a glimpse of what it was like for the thousands who came to America between 1880 and 1920 and a front-row view through a child’s eyes at the persecutions endured by the Jews of the Pale of Settlement at the hands of the Russian Czar.

Courage Through Faith by Shiloh Yazdani is a memorable, graphic novel for young adults. In 1944, Chris Bryson was fighting a war that had engulfed the world, but he was also fighting a war inside between what he’d built his life on and what he discovered to be true. In fellow Airborne member, Justin Latta, Chris saw a man whose faith guided him beyond the fear of death. Through some of the most notable battles of World War II, Chris was influenced by different people – some positive, other negative – but all add something to his fight. As the war dragged on, he found two different kinds of soldiers fighting beside him – those with courage to face bullets but not death and those with courage, through their faith, to face both.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand is an unforgettable testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit. In boyhood, Louis Zamperini was an incorrigible delinquent. As a teenager, he channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that carried him to the Berlin Olympics. Then with the start of World War II, the athlete became an airman. When his Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean, against all odds, Zamperini survived. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. Yet Louise’s willpower faced its ultimate test upon his heroic return home after the war when he grappled with PSTD, struggled to come to terms with the injustices done to him, and was set on the path of redemption by a momentous encounter with famed reverend Billy Graham.

Women Heroes of World War II: 32 Stories of Espionage, Sabotage, Resistance, and Rescue by Kathryn Atwood contains thirty-two engaging and suspense-filled stories from across Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union, providing an inspiring reminder of women and girls’ refusal to sit on the sidelines around the world and throughout history. Noor Inayat was the first female radio operator sent into occupied France and transferred crucial messages to the Resistance. Johtje Vos, a Dutch housewife, hid Jews in her home and repeatedly outsmarted the Gestapo. Law student Hannie Schaft became involved in the most dangerous resistance work – sabotage, weapons transference, and assassinations. Soviet pilot Anna Yegorova flew missions against the Germans on the Eastern Front in an all-male regiment, eventually becoming a squadron leader. In these pages, readers will meet these and many other similarly courageous women and girls who risked their lives to help defeat the Nazis.

These are only a few of my favorite books that teach about World War II, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the comments what you consider the best book to teach about World War II in high school.

Happy Homeschooling!

The Giving Manger - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

We are starting a new Christmas family tradition thanks to The Giving Manger from WorthyKids. The Giving Manger includes a hardcover book, manger, straw, and Baby Jesus. This book presents the new tradition based upon Matthew 25:40b – Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. In this heartwarming story, Anne and Ben discover the joy of giving and the true meaning of Christmas when their father presents a simple wooden manger. After he reads the Scripture, he presents a new family tradition – offering gifts to Jesus by serving and helping others.

Place the wooden manger in a visible spot in your home. Each day, through the month of December, place a piece of straw to the manger each time a kind deed or act of service is performed. On Christmas Day, place Baby Jesus in the manger. Refer back to the heartwarming story which reads, “You filled the manger by helping others. The Bible tells us that Jesus had no crib for a bed, but you gave him this manger full of love instead!”

Anne and Ben learn it is better to give than to receive. As your family works together to spread love and kindness this Christmas season, your hearts will be filled with more joy than ever before as you help your family shift the focus of Christmas from getting to giving.

Another bonus to this book is that it includes Manger Moments and Manger Memories! Manger Moments provide you with service ideas for children, teens, and families. Manger Memories provide you with a sheet to record your service through the years.  

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

Redwall Study Guide - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

For this review, I received a PDF digital download of the Redwall Study Guide from Progeny Press. This interactive study guide is written for grade levels 5-8. With the interactive file, students have the capability of entering their answers directly on the computer and saving their work in progress. The interactive file does not automatically grade the student’s work, the teacher still grades their work right from the computer, and can leave comments or notes within the file. You may also print off the study guide, purchase of the study guide entitles an individual teacher to reproduce pages for use in the classroom or homeschool. Multiple teachers may not reproduce pages from the same study guide. I print these study guides so the pages are easily available as we work through the chapters.

Like all Progeny Press study guides, the Redwall Study Guide includes:

·         A concise synopsis of the book.

·         Information about the author.

·         Background information pertinent to the story.

·         Suggestions for pre-reading activities.

·         Vocabulary exercises for each section of reading.

·         Literary analysis and terminology questions designed to give students a good understanding of writing technique and how to use it.

·         Critical analysis questions designed to help students consider and analyze the intellectual, moral, and spiritual issues in the literature and weigh them with reference to Scripture.

·         A complete answer key and suggestions for further reading.

As you can see from the image below, this study guide includes Book 1: The Wall, Book 2: The Quest, and Book 3: The Warrior. Our family reads one chapter each day, and then we complete one section each day, as we thoroughly study each aspect of the story.

Below is a picture of one vocabulary lesson.

Below is a picture of some questions within a lesson.

Below is a picture of digging deeper questions as well as optional activities within a lesson.

Redwall is an epic animal fantasy. It is the summer of the late rose in Mossflower Woods. As the animals gather at Redwall Abbey to feast in celebration of Abbot Mortimer’s Golden Jubilee, the dark clouds of war gather on the horizon. The evil, one-eyed rat, Cluny the Scourge, and his band of marauders have arrived in Mossflower country. Securing the church of St. Ninian’s as his base operations, Cluny seeks to conquer Redwall Abbey and take it as his own. Preparing the residents of Redwall to face this cruel rodent of legendary fame and his henchrats are Abbot Mortimer, the religious leader of the abbey; Constance, a fierce and battle-wise badger; and Matthias, an eager but clumsy and unsure mouse. Rising to a position of leadership, Matthias finds inspiration and encouragement in the tale of Martin the Warrior, in the wise counsel of Abbot Mortimer, in the battle skill of Constance the badger, and in the admiration of Cornflower, a young female mouse. The survival of Redwall Abbey will touch not only the inhabitants within its stronghold, but also the fate of hundreds of citizens living far beyond its walls.

Study literature from a Christian perspective with this Progeny Press study guide! Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.

Triad Math - Tier 3

 

Today, thanks to new amazing 21st Century technologies, there is a Six Tier Math Program that homeschool parents can deliver to their children that is vastly superior from other online or video-based math programs. For only $29 per month, you get unlimited access to Tiers 1-6 and this includes enrollment for your entire family! Each lesson includes a pre-test, printable notes, a video lesson, printable exercises, and a post-test. In Tier 3, Dr. Del presents the following math curriculum:

SAT Prep

This course, divided into three parts, prepares students for the SAT. Part 1 relies heavily upon George F. Simmons’ textbook, Precalculus Mathematics in a Nutshell, and covers real numbers, polynomials, linear equations, the quadratic equation, inequalities, functions, graphs, straight parallel, perpendicular lines, and other topics. Part 2 covers additional topics seen on the SAT, including percentages, markups and discounts, means, medians, and averages, as well as ratios, logic, progressions, series, probabilities, permutations, and combinations. Part 3 deals with preparation for the test itself – how often you should practice, get a good night’s sleep before the test, etc. This part also contains many practice problems so that your student will be familiar with the types of questions the test may ask.

The student is expected to work along with Dr. Del while watching the video and fill in the notes provided with that video. Then the student works exercises until they understand the topic. In math, you either understand it or you don’t. There is no such thing as sort of understanding it. This takes time and repetition which varies for each student. This is why self-pacing is critically indispensable. The student then takes a short quiz to verify they understand the topic. Then they move on to the next topic. And, all of this is recorded in the student’s record which you can review any time. If a student works hard and watches the video at least three times and still cannot understand the topic, then Dr. Del will give the student an online tutoring session, or create a supplementary video on that topic. There is no extra charge for this. His goal is for any student to succeed and excel in this Six Tier Math Program!

Claim your FREE $47 gift compliments of My Happy Homeschool and Triad Math!

Book-by-Book Bible Breakdowns - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Teach Sunday School offers a wide variety of Bible study tools such as the Book-by-Book Bible Breakdowns. To better understand the Bible, we should study in context each passage and these Bible Breakdowns help us dig deeper with a chapter-by-chapter view of each book in the Bible.

For this review, I was given Bible Breakdowns for the Old Testament and the New Testament. Both provide breakdowns of classic Bible stories with the Bible reference for specific chapter and verse. Each page, or book of the Bible, contains the following information:

·         Number of chapters in the book.

·         Type of book.

·         Date the book was written.

·         Time period the book covers.

·         Author of the book.

·         Breakdown of the book.

·         Popular verses in the book.

These Bible Breakdowns have been a great learning tool for our family. We have used these sheets to study different passages of interest, checking off each box as we complete the study. We simply read the passage aloud and had a family discussion of each passage. I do like how the sheets provide a list of the most popular verses within each book, and think this would be a great tool for working on Bible memory verses within each book.

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

Using Literature to Teach about World War II in Middle School

 

Many of us use a curriculum to teach history; but using literature to teach history can be a great teaching tool. I am continuing this history literature series with some of the best books to teach about World War II. Using literature to teach history illuminates the time period, helps integrate the history curriculum, and enriches social studies. With my love for literature and history, it only makes sense to combine the two, so I have gathered some of my favorite books that teach about World War II in middle school.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is an unforgettable Newbery-winning novel. A ten-year-old Danish girl’s bravery is tested when her best friend is threatened by Nazis in 1943. As the German troops begin their campaign to relocate all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family. Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz is based on an astonishing true story to survive at any cost. 10 concentration camps, 10 different places where you are starved, tortured, and worked mercilessly. It’s something no one could imagine surviving. But it is what Yanek Gruener has to face. As a Jewish boy in 1930s Poland, Yanek is at the mercy of the Nazis who have taken over. Everything he has and everyone he loves, have been snatched brutally away from him. And then Yanek himself is taken prisoner – his arm tattooed with the words PRISONER B-3087. He is forced from one nightmarish concentration camp to another, as World War II rages all around him. Can Yanek make it through the terror without losing hope, his will, and most of all, his sense of who he really is inside?

World War II Heroes by Allan Zullo is a Ten True Tales Series that tells ten true stories of real-life heroes from World War II. Pfc. Jack Lucas, just a teenager, is on patrol on Iwo Jima when two grenades land at his feet. Can he save his comrades lives? Lt. Col. James Rudder and his Rangers are climbing a 100-foot-high cliff on a secret D-Day mission. Can they survive the Nazi’s devastating firepower? Sgt. Forrest Volser is blinded and wounded from an attack by German fighter planes on his crippled bomber. Can he make it home? The world was saved by these and many more real-life heroes. You will never forget their incredible true stories.

World War II Profiles Series #2 by Aaron Rosenberg includes six bios in one! It takes more than one person to bring about change and innovation. Find out how key players from yesterday and today influenced and interacted with each other during some of the world’s most memorable periods. So much more than just your typical biography, Profiles focuses on six of the most prominent figures during World War II – FDR, Churchill, Eisenhower, Hitler, Stalin, and Hirohito.

These are only a few of my favorite books that teach about World War II, there are so many more out there! Feel free to share in the comments what you consider the best book to teach about World War II in middle school.

Happy Homeschooling!