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!