High School Prep Genius is from the same author as              College Prep Genius — Jean Burk; and her daughter, Judah Burk.

In November of 2011, I had the opportunity to review the College Prep Genius DVD Set.  I highly recommended it, as it is designed to increase standardized test scores; secure scholarships and gain financial assistance for college.  We continue to appreciate its value; therefore, I was excited to hear about High School Prep Genius, An Academic Guide to Excellence.

I knew I was out of my depth properly preparing my children for college, but I didn’t realize all I didn’t know until I read High School Prep Genius.  It is an outstanding guidebook to navigating high school and preparing for college.  It is a hefty, 7″ x 10″ soft-cover book, with 440 pages.  If the truth be told, the first 88 pages, the Introduction, with month-by-month timelines for goals, testing, applications and such, had me over-whelmed, distressed and disheartened with my lack of knowledge and pre-planning.  Honestly, I cried; and then I repented for my lack of initiative or laziness.  I persevered, and dug in; and the more I read on, the more the authors have been able to instruct, motivate; and encourage me.  They say, “Whether you are just starting your high school journey or nearing the end of the voyage, this book can be your compass.”  The situation is not hopeless!  Thanks to the Burk’s, “I have a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

I read the entire Introduction (Part I), and browsed the rest of the book before I presented it to my teenage son, for the two of us to read together.  The first thing we did was set up a 2 1/2″ binder with pocket dividers as his College and Career Notebook.  There are step-by-step instructions for this, with detailed forms to copy for accurate record keeping of:  Subjects, Credits, Goals, Extracurricular Activities, Awards Earned, a Student Profile; and Etc.  

The authors believe it is never too early to start thinking about college and career choices.  This is a mind set I haven’t had, but agree I must adopt in order to prepare my children for a successful future.  When our children reach middle school and high school age, it is our responsibility as parents to teach them how to make important decisions on their own; and weigh the consequences or benefits of those decisions.  High School Prep Genius walks us through how we might accomplish this task.

Each chapter of this book is written to the student, but it is suggested that you read it together, taking about an hour and covering one chapter a week.  After the content, there are several Think About It questions for the student.  I chose to type these and print them as worksheets that can be put into the student College and Career Notebook, as they are completed.  Our time, usually closer to two hours, consists of reading aloud together, my son answering the thought-provoking questions; and then discussion.  I appreciate the question prompts that often give me further insight into my son’s heart and mind.  There is also a section specifically for parents, aptly titled, Parent’s Homework.  Here I find information and suggested activities that help me assist my child in reaching his chapter goals.  The chapter we’re starting this week is Your Financial Independence.  My Homework leads me to discuss the importance of financial planning and budgeting.  Suggestions for how revenue should be allotted are included, as are book titles that could be helpful.

Chapters 1 – 6 are in the Foundation for Personal Success (Part II), and that’s where we’ve spent most of our time thus far.  “The key to success in life begins with a strong sense of self,” writes the author.  The student discovers and explores who they are or who they want to be through chapters on:  their personal development and interests, owning their beliefs, being healthy, gaining financial independence; and building a strong support system.

The next section, Part III, is the Foundation for Academic Success.  Chapters 7 – 12 are included here, and I’ve glanced ahead at the subjects we’ll be discussing:  Academic Development, Effective Studying, Tests and Papers; and more.

The fourth section (Part IV), chapters 13 – 18, is the Foundation for Future Success.  There are chapters covering: Standardized Test Prep, College Applications, and College Essentials, among others.  The authors remind us that, “High school is only a stepping stone to greater things; therefore, having a solid high school experience can lead to a productive future.”

At the back of the book, there are 39 pages of additional resources –

• Appendix A:  How to Build a Homeschool Transcript
• Appendix B:  Talent Searches
• Appendix C:  Great Books to Get You Started
• Appendix D:  Reduce Test Anxiety Through Relaxation Techniques
• Appendix E:  Admissions Terminology

Today is the day to begin!  24 billion dollars are awarded in college scholarships, and with a little planning and prep work there’s no reason your child or mine can’t be a recipient of some of these funds.  You can purchase High School Prep Genius, An Academic Guide to Excellence for $29.95, and I think it’s a worthwhile investment.  You don’t have to read my opinion of this book only, though.  You can read more than 50 of my Crew mates reviews when you click on the banner and follow the link below.

Blessings,

Disclaimer*   I received a copy of High School Prep Genius, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments.  I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted;  they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Spanish for You!  is a full-year Spanish curriculum built around a theme, instead of grade levels.  It’s actually designed in a way that I can use it with all of my children at the same time.  Created by Spanish teacher and author, Debbie Annett, for grades 3 – 8, it is concise and simple to use.  Currently, there are two themes available:  Fiestas – Celebrations, and Estaciones – Seasons.  Another theme, Viajes – Travels, is expected this summer.  Our study is based on Estaciones - Seasons.  We enjoy each of the four seasons, the outdoors, and the dramatic weather changes we sometimes experience; so this seemed a perfect place for us to begin!

 Curriculum includes:

Soft-bound text, Parent/Teacher Guide

Lesson Guides for Grades 3 – 8 in PDF format

MP3 audio download for each Lesson

Printable worksheets in PDF format

Flashcards, to download and print

and

Audio download of the entire book, recorded by a native speaker

This course is set up for 30 minutes or less a day, 4 days a week, consistently; and most importantly, following the specified order of the lessons.  However, the author encourages you to have fun, don’t stress, and modify your schedule if needed.  The Lesson Guides include clear instructions and a complete plan for the entire curriculum.

There really isn’t a lot of prep work for Estaciones.  I downloaded the files for the audio, worksheets, etc. and then I read a few pages of the text and Lesson Guides to familiarize myself with the course.  The Lesson Guides tell you what audio you’ll need to listen to, what worksheets you’ll need to print;  and which flashcards to use for each lesson.  I chose to print mine all at one time and put them in folders.  I also printed all of the flashcards.

The flashcards are not my favorite.  Ms. Annett even says that you might want to “use your computer to make cool flashcards.”  I haven’t figured out how to do that, yet; so I used the flashcards she includes with the curriculum.  Making my own flashcards in this way was time consuming.  Each sheet of flashcards must be printed and cut apart.  They’re black and white sketches, so we decided to color them.  Then we glued them to 3″x 5″ cards, giving me a place to write the Spanish/English words that correspond to each drawing.  The biggest issue for me is that, since I don’t already speak Spanish, it seems to take forever and a day to write the phonetic pronunciation of the word; so I know whether or not my student is pronouncing it correctly.  I’m sure I’ll get quicker as I learn, but presently I have to refer to the guide numerous times for each word.  I’d like to be able to print the flashcards in color, and I’d like the Spanish word and pronunciation set up to print on the reverse side; or separately, so I could cut it out and glue it to the back of the card.

Our first week we followed the Lesson Guides as they are set up.  We moved along, but didn’t feel like we retained much by the end of the week; so we chose to use the author’s modified schedule suggestion.  Our Day 1 is covered on Monday and Tuesday.  Day 2 on Wednesday and Thursday; and Friday we review.  Day 3 is covered Monday and Tuesday of the second week, with Day 4 on Wednesday and Thursday.  Again, Friday is a great day for review and testing.  The Audio files are an invaluable assistance.  The Teacher’s Text includes Ideas for Using Flashcards, and a variety of Games and Activities that we use for lessons and review.  Playing Charades is one of our favorites!  Flashcards are mixed up and stacked in a pile.  A card is chosen from the top of the stack, and acted out.  The correct word or phrase must be shouted in Spanish to win!  It’s noisy, but great fun!  So, we are spreading one week’s worth of instruction over two weeks of time; but I think we’re getting it and keeping it.  It is the easiest Spanish curriculum I’ve ever used!

We are still in Lesson 1, but we have covered a lot of material –

• The Months of the Year
• The Days of the Week
• Commands:  Look, Write; Draw
• Weather Conditions:  Cold, Hot, Windy, etc.
• Verb Conjugation
• and Grammar

We are learning to speak, hear, read and write Spanish!

A complete packaged curriculum for all grades, 3 – 8 can be purchased for $64.95.  Complete, select packages for grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 are $39.95 each.  You can find all of the available themes on the Spanish for You! website, under the Purchase Curriculum tab on the left.  If you’re still not sure if this curriculum will work for your family, please take some time to read the reviews written by my Crew mates.  Just click on the banner and follow the link below.

Bendición,

Disclaimer*   I received a complete package curriculum of Spanish for You! theme Estaciones, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments.  I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted;  they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

After I spent some time browsing Diane’s blog, learning more about her and her book, I couldn’t wait to read it!  The blog, by the same name, Papa’s Pearls, is a wonderful compliment to the book.  Appreciating family photographs, as I do, I love that Diane has set up a photo album of Papa.  It is a sweet connection to the man I’ve met while reading Papa’s Pearls:  A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children.

I read the story of Carol Joseph Flynn’s life aloud to my children, in the evenings before bed.  They always wanted more!  Each of the 17 chapters is like a snapshot of time, detailing actual tidbits of fact and history; woven with personal accounts, Papa’s wit and feelings, and the lessons he learned.  He was born in 1922, in San Francisco.  He rose above a life of hard knocks, becoming a good man, a respected leader; and a well-loved father and grandfather.  Because he lived through war time and The Great Depression, just as my children’s grandparents did, there was much material for discussion.  We could contrast and compare what Diane wrote of his life with what we know of their lives.  I read aloud the Introduction, at the beginning of the book, so my kids would know that Papa had already died and his daughter was writing about the impact he had on his family’s life.  My husband’s parents, my mother; and my grandmother have all died in the past 15 years.  Nearly every time I read a chapter from Papa’s Pearls, our memories were sparked to reminisce and talk about our own family heritage.  How Grandpa did “this”, always said “that”, or looked at Grandma “just so.”  What Gramma “believed” and how she shared her faith.  Papa’s Pearls is indeed full of love and wisdom from a life well lived, but it is so much more to us.  It is a tool that stirs our own memories, and unlocks our personal heritage.  No doubt, we will read it time and again!

                             An autographed copy of Papa’s Pearls is available for $21.97, on the Papa’s Pearls website.  Diane Flynn Keith is also a homeschool coach and mentor, and you can find her at Homefires.com, and Carschooling.com.

What a delight that Diane Keith could spend time with her dad, recounting memories of his nearly 90 years, before his death in December 2011.  She has written a fine tribute to him, his resilience and his positive out look on life; sharing with the world that we are loved more than we know.  Papa says:

“What’s the Worst Thing that Could Happen?”

“You gotta Use Your Street Smarts.”

“Tell Yourself You Like It.”

“It’s All about Family.”

“Be Grateful Everyday.”

and more.

“Tell Yourself You Like It,” is a prime example of Papa’s out look on life.  Being a plumber in San Francisco, Papa often had to work in the sewers.  When his young children asked him how he could stand the smell, he replied, “You just tell yourself you like it.  Then, it’s not so bad.”  Many years ago, my suburban raised husband got a job on a hog farm.  He was going to college and there was a house for our family, on the property, provided with the job.  The smell of the area was just animal-waste-ripe, and it seemed to permeate everything.  Every time we would leave the house, on our return up the driveway my husband would say, “Mmmm, smells like money!” and he’d smile.  We were just so thankful for a place to live and a dependable job!  We got through that time with genuinely grateful hearts and good attitudes.  We learned so many life lessons during that time, and some of them we didn’t even realize until we read Papa’s story.  Diane writes that her “Papa knew what research studies show.  People who have positive attitudes are winners in good times, and survivors in hard times.  You are what you think.  Tell yourself you like it.”

My crew mates have also written reviews of Papa’s Pearls:  A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children and Grandchildren, and you can find them when you click the banner and follow the link below.

Blessings,

Disclaimer*   I received an autographed copy of Papa’s Pearls, in exchange for my honest review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for your comments.  I enjoy hearing from you!

Contents of this blog are copyrighted;  they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace and may not be used without written permission.

Happy Mother’s Day, Momma.  I love you.

Always,

Sarah E.

Here’s a little something about me.

A list of ten things I like to do, in no particular order:

• Write.  That’s why I’m here on this page.  I like to write stories, poems, songs; and random blog posts!  Writing down characters, plots, and lyrics; that often weave their way through my brain, helps me focus my thoughts and make room for other things.

• Draw.  I have been doing this for as long as I can remember.  Holding a pencil in my hand feels as natural as breathing.  I like drawing from my imagination — abstract ideas and cartoons; and I like drawing things that I see around me — people, landscapes, and still life.

• Paint.  Watercolor is one of my favorite mediums.  I find it relaxing and challenging at the same time.  I was a color-inside-the-lines kind of kid, and painting with watercolors coaxes me outside of the box; and sort of forces me to go with the flow.

• Read.  I can’t think of a genre I don’t like.  I like both fiction and non-fiction — historical, fantasy, Christian romance, mystery and thriller, short stories; and poetry.  I also like reading The Bible.  I read nearly anytime and anywhere I can!  I’m afraid I may never be able to express the endless happiness that reading gives me.

• Spend time with my family.  I couldn’t ask for better people in my life.  My family is so much fun!  Whether we are on a Sunday drive, hiking, looking for adventure; or just hanging out, talking, laughing, and playing games — we enjoy each others company.

• Camp.  This is another great family activity!  We generally pitch tents and sleep on the ground in sleeping bags.  We’ve camped in the summer heat and the frozen cold of a spring day that was still too close to winter’s breath.  I like the great outdoors, camp fires and s’mores, lying under the stars at night; and soaking up every wonder of God’s creation.

• Sing.  I like to sing, but I don’t like to perform.  I like to sing spontaneously, around the house and in the car.  I like the sound of blending my voice with my mom’s and dad’s, and/or sibling’s voices, whether we’re praising God; or goofing off with our favorite tunes. 

As I read over this list, seeing my favorite likes in one place, I realize how thankful I am that God has allowed me to do so many things.  My family has never had a lot of money, but clearly The Lord has blessed me abundantly.

I’d love to hear what you like to do.  If you share your list in the comments below,  I’ll be sure to read them!  Thanks.

Warmly,

Sarah E.

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.

What are you planting this year? 

What are you cultivating in your heart and mind;

and in the hearts and minds of your children?

~

“Keep clear of personalities in conversation.

Talk of things, objects, thoughts.

The smallest minds occupy themselves with persons.

Do not needlessly report ill of others.

As far as possible, dwell on the good side of human beings.

There are family boards where a constant process of depreciating,

assigning motives, and cutting up character, goes forward.

They are not pleasant places.

One who is healthy does not wish to dine at a dissecting table.

There is evil enough in man, God knows.

But it is not the mission of every young man and woman to detail and report it all.

Keep the atmosphere as pure as possible,

and fragrant with gentleness and charity.”

- John Hall, Pastor (1829-1898)

~

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,

set your hearts on things above,

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:1-2

~

“A house is no home unless it contain food and fire

for the mind as well as for the body.”

- Margaret Fulle

~

May we sow seeds of heirloom quality.

[An heirloom seed is seed from a plant

that has been passed from one generation to another,

carefully grown and saved

because it is considered valuable.]

May we grow strong and sure,

seeing a heritage of fine harvests.

Blessings,

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.

When tragedies like the Boston Marathon Bombing, and the West, Texas Plant Explosion hit so close to home we are forced to face reality.  Our world is a mess.  It has been since the fall of man in The Garden of Eden, yet we are still surprised.  We shake our head at people in disbelief and dismay.  We pray and cry for the families of the wounded and dead.  We mourn the lives that are lost, but do we consider their souls?

As Christians, we do not have to fear death.  Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  In other words, I believe that alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m His just reward.  This life versus even more life eternal — I can’t lose!  So, truly, we live.

It breaks my heart, thinking about the unsaved, eternally separated from God.  Forever in darkness and anguish.  Only God knows the heart of man, and where on the other side the souls of the dead reside.  Do their spirits now dance with Him in glory, or not?

I scold myself, thinking, if it genuinely breaks my heart why do I sit and do nothing?  Every day I should be telling someone about the gospel of Jesus Christ!  It could be their last day.  I don’t have to be in church to teach it, nor do I have to be on a mission trip to share it.  I just have to be walking-it-out, living it day-to-day, keeping it on my lips.   The free gift of eternal life, that Jesus gave me, should always be on my mind; and the good news of it should be the first thing that I want to tell people.

The truth is, I could die to protect any stranger on the street.  I know where my eternity is, but I would want to make sure they had another chance to hear about God’s love for them.  Willing to die, but not willing to approach them and speak?  In a room, I don’t think I’d be the first to talk to them.  “Why?” I ask myself.  Am I that shy?  Am I afraid of what someone will think of me?  Again, “why?”

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” [2 Timothy 1:7]  I am praying for boldness in Christ Jesus, with every expectation that God will give it to me because He wants me to have it.  In the mean time, I consciously make myself move, in spite of my timidity.  I think it is a heartless and selfish thing to not share the hope of salvation with others.  That’s not who I want to be.  I want to be like fresh water for the thirsty, not the stagnant water no one can drink.

If I were told that, for one day only , the gas station on the corner is selling gas for one cent per gallon, I would be spreading the information like crazy.  I would not hesitate to tell everyone, and they would tell everyone!   We would post it on facebook.  We would tweet about it.  We might even stand on the corner and shout about it.  Friends, neighbors, and strangers.  We would be advising people to stock up, and not miss the opportunity.  A penny a gallon!  Wow.  Yet, salvation is free to each of us.  Jesus already paid the price.  Why aren’t we telling everyone to stock up on everlasting life?

Granted, we are not responsible for the choices others make, but we are responsible for what we choose — whether or not we tell them about our faith and God’s gift of grace.  Salvation is the greatest deal on earth!  Yet, many still don’t know about it.  We couldn’t force anyone to pump gas for a penny, and we can’t force them to believe on The Lord, Jesus Christ, but we should at least tell them of His loving offer.

The world may continue to fall apart before our eyes.  May every heartache it throws our way be kindling to a fire inside us, that ignites a burning desire to further the Kingdom of God and see souls saved.  We must speak.

Warmly,

Sarah E.

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.

Along with the cheerful laughter of children, and the Holy Spirit-filled music of a congregation praising God, I think the sound of rain is one of the most wonderful sounds on earth!  Whether it be the calm, soothing cadence of a spring shower, or the booming symphony of a torrential down pour; both are pleasing to my ear.

Rainy days of mist and drizzle are the perfect setting for cozy clothes, my favorite corner of the couch, and a good book.  While outside, the gently falling drops seem to wash the ground and fill it with life.  A soft, warm breeze rustles the newly sprouted leaves on the trees; and they appear to quiver with an excitement that mirrors mine.  When the sun breaks through the clouds, and I see the hills dressed in glistening, fresh green; pathways dotted with puddles, and a rainbow-painted sky — it’s in moments like this — I hear the world whisper God’s blessings.

“You heavens above, rain down My righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness flourish with it;
I, The Lord, have created it.“

[Isaiah 45:8]

We all know that rain does not always come so peacefully.  Sometimes, it comes with the crack and roll of a thunderhead.  Massive gray billows, charged with electricity, blanket the sky.  Minutes after they arrive, roadways may become rivers, and power outages common place.  Perfect family-bonding weather, at least for my family; with everyone safe at home.  I have great memories of playing board games and eating PB & J sandwiches by candle light, and nights falling asleep watching the lightning show outside my window.

I am constantly amazed and in awe of the raw power of a storm.  As I watch and listen to it rumble across the horizon, I can’t help but think of how awesome our God is!  He created these magnificent, uncontrollable, forces of nature; yet they are small and insignificant when compared to His infinite might!

“Summon Your power, God;
    show us Your strength, our God, as You have done before.”

[Psalm 68:28]

How thrilling it is!

“. . .His way is in whirlwind and storm,
    and the clouds are the dust of His feet.”

[Nahum 1:3]

The clouds are the dust of His feet!

I have never been one to shy away from a churning tempest.  You will not find me quaking under my bed or in my closet, no — I’ll be on the front porch.  The crisp smell of the rain hanging in the air, and the feel of the wind blowing across my skin, fills me with giddy anticipation and gives me goosebumps.  Thunder and lightning enrapture me!  If I were invincible, I would dance in a hurricane.  I’m not really crazy, though.  I know to be cautious and wise.  It’s not like I want to be electrocuted.

When I see a storm coming or watch the rain fall, I do not look on it as the embodiment of trouble or sadness, as some people do.  I am reminded of the cleansing of my soul.  Simply, I see God.

Warmly,

Sarah E.

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.

 I Am Not A Monkey’s Cousin   by Sarah Koshiol

I’m NOT a monkey’s cousin

Not a single person is

We’re over all the animals

No baboon’s my relative

We did not evolve from creatures

Crawling out of slime

We were all CREATED

Planned, before the start of time

In the beginning God created

A man formed from the dust

He breathed in him the breath of life

And breathes the same in us

He designed us each uniquely

Within that secret place

Gave us each a sacred soul

He sent His Son to save

So don’t believe their story

If they tell you you’re an ape

A child of the cosmos

Evolved from empty space

The blind hold up these foolish lies

The lost choose not to see

But I know there’s a Living God

Or else there’d not be me

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it,

and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

[Genesis 1:27-28]

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature –have been clearly seen,

being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

[Romans 1:20]

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for You created all things,

and by Your will they were created and have their being.”

[Revelation 4:11]

Warmly,

Sarah E.

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.

Presently, this is an experiment.  We are observing each other and asking the questions of ourselves, “How is my life affected, negatively or positively, without TV?” and “What changes do I see, in myself or others?”  I’ve noticed a few bad habits that have taken up residence over the years, but I have every expectation that they’ll be so malnourished during this time that they’ll slip away into non-existence.  “May I finish this show while I’m eating? It’s educational.”  “Instead of a story tonight, maybe we could watch a short movie?”  “I started watching this with everyone and it’ll be over in half an hour, do I have to go to bed on time?”  “It’s too cold, too wet or too hot; and it takes too much energy to be outside.  I’d rather watch TV for a few minutes.”  I want to re-establish good habits, and the desire for them.

Not nearly enough reading, drawing, and creativity has been going on around here lately.  My aim is to bring attention, once again, to what we’re missing when we spend more time watching how something is made, instead of making something ourselves; or watching someone else sing, praise, pray, or dig into The Word, instead of purposefully hiding God’s Word in our own heart.  We watch someone prepare a gourmet meal on The Cooking Channel, but end up with take-out pizza because we were sitting, watching TV instead of grocery shopping.  Ugh!  It’s my intention to see this thief eradicated, and balance restored.  I want my family engaged in living their own life, instead of watching others live theirs.  I want to re-establish good habits, and the desire for them.

How do you maintain balance in your home?  I’ll let you know how this works for us.

Blessings,

*Contents of this blog are copyrighted; they are the property of Knee Deep In Grace, and may not be used without permission.