Principle Approach, Bible Principles

There's Hope!

2016-11-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings! How have things been with you? Our baby is now a few months old and he's doing very well. He gets lots of snuggles among his family- someone is usually snuggling him when lessons are being read aloud or if someone finished their work first.

My little guy. Sigh of contentment.

As I look at him and our other children, it's difficult not to think about their future. It's difficult not to feel concern. I believe that as parents you and I share this same concern for our children. Yet I think there is still hope.

I think there is still hope because there are still people like you and me who are concerned. I think there's still hope because being concerned means that we care. I think there is still hope because children are a heritage from the Lord, and they may take what they learn and apply it to their own lives and perhaps in our government and education.

Out of this concern and hope that we share among each other, this blog was birthed. It has been dedicated to helping others learn of the Principle Approach® method of teaching and learning and also about The Noah Plan© curriculum (which applies the PA method). And out of this concern, this blog will continue.

It's important to understand the why. Why does this blog focus on the Principle Approach®? What is the big deal about it? As believers, we know that we are transformed when we come into faith in Yeshuah/Jesus. Scripture tells us that this is done by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2):

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

In order for our minds to be renewed, we need to read, study, and learn Scripture. Then we can better walk it out. When we do this as individuals, His ways are lived out in us and it multiplies across our nation. When we walk in... live in the Spirit of the Lord, we have freedom. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). This is in our personal lives and also translates to government when it follows Bible Principles!

Think of how well our nation has lived and been able to help others during its better years in history. Contrast that with its decline. What has caused the decline? A turning away from the application of Bible Principles has caused the decline. Our Founding Fathers tried to safeguard us with our Constitution-- with the hopes that we would learn of the Bible Principles applied to its founding so that we could keep what they gave us... a Republic.

Who has time to learn? If we care about a chance at restoring our nation, we have to set time aside to learn. I know you're busy! I know you are wrapped up in so many commitments in life. I get it! I have nine children, am involved in volunteering, homeschooling, housework, etc., etc. etc.

So... as Cool Daddy continues to help me get Principled Academy.com's website redesigned, I'm working on other projects to help you learn with efficiency. Please pray for us as we endeavor to help serve you.

In the meantime, have you heard about The Foundation for American Christian Education's conference coming up shortly? I'm looking forward to being able to view the recordings as I won't be able to be there in person. Here's a link to the information on it. I hope you will be encouraged by it!

Reason for Hope Conference Restoring Biblical Principles to a Confused and Chaotic World November 11 & 12, 2016

Let us not lose hope!

Principle Approach Confidence... and Community...

2016-05-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

The purpose of Principled Academy is to help parents teach Bible Principles with confidence.

If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know that this is accomplished by sharing some of our journey, demonstrating word studies via Word Study Wednesday, explaining how to apply the 4R method, and sharing free notebeook pages...

And yet... yet there is something more that is wanting...

What if there is something else that you need? What if it's a sense of community? Would you love to have a Principle Approach homeschool community in your area?

Does this sound dreamy? Would it make your school year?

As we continue to formulate our plan to help you, will you please let us know what would benefit you and your family the most? Please answer these questions in a comment below or by e-mailing us via the Contact Us tab: 1. What subjects would you like in a Principle Approach Homeschool Co-op Community?; 2. How many hours would you like the co-op to be once weekly?; 3. Would you like it to be age-integrated or separated by grades? Any feedback you could give us will be of great help to us as we try to serve you.

Stay tuned! We have a special announcement coming up very soon!

Blessings!

GACE Summer Study and Support Group!

2016-05-23T13:40:00.004-07:00

Are you ready to better understand how to teach your children how to research Scripture and reason from It? This form of education is the background to America's Christian education and the heritage of education from the Founding Era.

It doesn't matter where you are at in your homeschool journey or if you have graduated your last homeschool student, or hope to help educate your grandchildren.

Join Stephanie from Healthy Homeschool 101 and myself for a 12 week Summer study! Anna-Marie from Principled Mom is graciously allowing the group to follow a reading schedule which she put together when she studied.

This is a facebook study group.

What You Will Need:

A copy of the Guide to America's Christian Education by James B. Rose.

Optional Reading:

A copy of Teaching and Learning America's Christian History by Rosalie J. Slater.

The Goal:

As a group, we aim to support and encourage each other, to discuss from the readings, and to help answer questions.

When is the Course?

We begin the week of June 9th, 2016 and end during the week of August 22, 2016. Order your books as soon as possible so you can join the fun!

What is the Cost?

Whatever you can purchase your books at and paper and ink. :-)

If you'd like to join the study group, click on the link for the GACE Summer Study and Support Group.

We'd love to have you join us!

Walking With Jesus Notebook Pages!

2016-05-22T14:01:00.001-07:00

Look at what's now available!

The complete set of notebook pages for Walking With Jesus is here!

Walking With Jesus notebook pages are beneficial for those who:

Want to save time by not having to create notebook pages themselves,

Want to save time by not having their students attempt to create notebook pages by hand,

Want a cohesive look throughout the notebook.

If you have visited my About page, you will already know about my passion to share Biblical truths! The Walking With Jesus notebook pages help your students to become more Biblically literate by learning:

The name of the One True God of Isaac, Jacob, and Abraham in Hebrew. His name is Yahweh (Isaiah 42:8 HCSB),

The name of Jesus in Hebrew. His name is Yeshua (which means salvation),

The word "church" is G1577 and more correctly rendered as "assembly" or "congregation".

The Apostle Paul's name is Shaul in Hebrew.

These words are used interchangeably in the notebook pages to help your students build their Scriptural vocabulary.

You can go to this link here and purchase it individually or as a set with the Walking With Jesus curriculum!

A big shout out to my family as they helped with scheduling so that I could accomplish this goal!

Click on this link to buy your 247 page copy of notebook pages for Walking with Jesus!

Blessings!

How to Write a Lesson from the Noah Plan Overviews

2016-05-18T08:17:00.003-07:00

Greetings! Today's post will hopefully encourage you as you write 4R lessons for your child. I'm picking History from the 6th grade overviews for you because that's what I have been working on this school year. :)

I don't know when I'll have completed lessons to share with you from the 6th grade overviews. My hope has been to have them available by this coming school year though I'm a mother of several children and life has been... happening. I'm still striving toward this goal; I can't guarantee a release date at this time.

So, for those who need to and would like to get the ball rolling themselves, I'll share with you how I approach it.

This is what the Noah Plan's Sixth Grade Overview looks like (in part) for the school year:

I didn't get the very left of the page in the photo, but each box represents a week. And at the top you see the left column is for Quarter 1 and the right column is for Quarter 2. You see that it's scheduled out for you while giving you the liberty to share the information laid on your heart to teach your children.

Step 1:
Let's take a look at Quarter 2, Weeks 7 and 8. In this portion, we continue learning about Ancient History and we're focusing on Rome. This is what we have to go from as a guide:

Don't let that stress you out!

I know that doesn't seem like much help, "In this week you cover this topic." On the back side of my overview printout is a list of History and Geography resources which help me to teach on such and such a topic. *I don't own all of the books (the budget only goes so far); I did order the books that I thought would benefit me the most to help me teach.

Step 2:
Open the books and find where the information is on Ancient Rome.

Step 3:
Read through the information and decided what I want to share the most with my students (there's lots of fascinating history to read!). Their ages and comprehension levels determine what and how much I share with them. For my High School students, I assign reading time for them from books that give them more information. This way I can keep my other children engaged.

Step 4a:
I sit and ponder and pray about what to pull from for the Leading Idea (theme) and the Bible Principle(s) that I want to impart to them.

In this instance, I'm choosing to use the Overview to help me with the leading idea and this is how I'm choosing to word it:

Leading Idea: "Ancient Rome's tyrannical government prepared the hearts of people to long for a Savior."

Step 4b:
Now that I have my leading idea, I'm going to use the Bible verse mentioned in Teaching and Learning America's Christian History by Rosalie J. Slater when reading on the topic about the timing of Messiah's birth, "But When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." Galatians 4:4

Step 5:
Now is when I can go in and type up excerpts that I want to share from the books that I've read. I can also include the Leading Idea and Bible Principle(s) to help keep my children and the lesson on topic.

Step 6:
Since I prefer a cohesive look throughout the notebooks, I design 4R notebook pages for my children. I will include a word study for them for their research and reason and relate questions.

Some questions for this particular example could be:

How did Yahweh provide for the Gospel (Good News) to move westward?
Yahweh's timing of Yeshua's ministry on earth is Providential. How do you know that Galatians 4:4 is talking about the timing of his birth corresponding with the maturing of Rome's government? Explain.
How could a government of tyranny prepare people to receive the Gospel message?
How can the oppression of modern day governments prepare people to receive the Gospel message in our time in history?
Galatians 4:4 mentions that Messiah was "made under the law". The Apostle Paul talks about several different laws. Revisit your notebook work from Quarter 1, Week 6. Which law is is that Messiah was made under?

These are thoughts that came to mind for me as I considered what to have my children search out and learn. You can probably come up with several others.

Here are pictures of some notebook work by a student of mine in our homeschool co-op this year:

Step 7: (Optional)
Depending on the budget and how creative I'm feeling at the time, I may come up with a hands-on project of some sort.

Feeling Better?

I hope this step-by-step with photos encourages you and helps you to feel able to do this... because you can do it! It's not so intimidating now, right? :-)

The Pay Off:

While it took some time out of my day to read, ponder, ask questions that I personally had from my own research, and to get it all ready for my kids, I learned so much! Which is a good thing! Our Heavenly Father wants us to seek Him and search His Word and using the 4R method helps us do this.

Why is it important for the parent/teacher to bother with all of this? Remember that the student cannot be greater than the teacher!

Luke 6:40, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher."

*Disciple means "taught one"... a student...

So, as I go to the Scriptures in every subject, I learn from my teacher, my Lord and Savior, Yeshua. And I become transformed being trained by His teachings... and become more like His character. Conversely, my children do because they not only have me as their teacher who is continually growing and changing, they are going to the Scriptures themselves and learning from Yeshua as well.

Do you see how this form of Classical Biblical-Hebraic education is richer than a parroting Greek Classical Model?

This is why I can't let this go in our homeschool! There is a tight grip on my heart to press through toward the prize!

In the end of this age, my children are not going to be examined for what out of context sentence they can parrot back to someone. Rather, they will have their hearts examined and how they chose to be self-governed under Messiah and lived their lives. And so will I... Teaching and learning with the Hebraic form of education helps me to understand not only what happened, but also the cause to effect which in turn helps me to think governmentally.

It's the principles we want to learn and commit to our hearts.

It's the principles we want to put into practice and live out... because we love and revere Him.

My prayer for you is that as you carefully consider how to go about educating your children, that you will stay the course and teach them diligently with Bible Principles. And in doing so, that you will grow and mature in the faith in Yeshua as well.

Blessings from our Messiah be upon you!

Survey: Principle Approach/ Curriculum

2016-02-14T18:40:00.004-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I've had a long break from blogging! I find that my schedule may begin to allow for me to blog a little here and there vs. hardly ever.

As I consider where to take the blog and how to design the curriculum I'm writing, will you help me by answering some questions? If you'd rather e-mail me your thoughts, that's fine. Otherwise, please leave a comment in the comments section. :-)

Free clip art from: http://www.clipartbest.com/check-in-box

Survey: Principle Approach Method / Curriculum

1. What is your number one complaint about trying to learn and apply this method (to any curriculum you are using)?

2. What is the number one problem with this method that you would love to have solved for you?

3. What would you like to see as a part of a Principle Approach curriculum that would make things easier on you?

4. What is the biggest thing that I could (try to) do to help serve you?

5. Can you think of anything else to share with me that is important to you which I may not have listed in this survey?

I will consider the feedback which you give me. Thank you for allowing me to help you in your journey and for all of your encouragement along the way.

Blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2015-11-25T07:30:00.003-08:00

There is much to be thankful for, isn't there?

As I look around the home we have been blessed with by our Heavenly Abba... I'm thankful.

Is it a blessing to have a roof over our heads, walls to keep the wind and rain from us, and beds to sleep in? Yes.

More than that, it's a blessing to have the love, joy, and relationships that fill our home.

Even beyond that, is the blessing of having our own copies of Bibles in our home. Myself, my husband... our children.

I love seeing my children reading the word of Yahweh. I love that they are learning about Him and His ways and His love for them and for the whole world.

Our Heavenly Father is amazing! His ways are so much higher than man's!

I'm thankful for Messiah Yahshua/Jesus. I'm thankful that the Apostle Paul and other believers traveled westward to teach about Messiah and the Good News. I'm thankful for all the people throughout history who helped to preserve the Scriptures. I'm thankful for the Separatists/Pilgrims who sought Yahweh's will for their lives-- that they endeavored to set aside the doctrines of men and to diligently seek Him. I'm thankful that they helped to spread the Good News even further westward. And there is much thanks for the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims survive and learn how to live in a new-to-them-world...

I'm thankful to be able to write curriculum for my children-- to teach them how to go to the Scriptures, like the Bereans, to see if it is so.

I'm thankful for you, my brothers and sisters in Messiah, who love Him and seek Him. How amazing to be a part of His Story in the roles that He has given us. Together, we are the hands and feet of Messiah-- even when we may not live remotely close to each other.

I hope your Thanksgiving Day is blessed and that your hearts may continually give thanks to our loving Heavenly Abba for all His goodness... ten thousand reasons that your hearts can find!

Blessings!

P.S.

Have you seen the recent post by The Foundation For American Christian Education? Here's a link to their article on "The True Story of the First Thanksgiving." Enjoy!

Our Principle Approach®-based Homeschool Co-op

2015-10-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Well this school year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ones for us yet. In previous years, I was able to share how to use the 4-R Method in Art when I wrote and taught Art lessons. This year, I find that I'm serving others in English, History, and Botany.

“Creative Commons Classroom” by William Creswell is Licensed under "Attribution 2.0 Generic."
Text and overlay are added by Principled Academy.

This is allowing me to put the curriculum I'm writing to the test with grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. We are, for the most part, in a one-room class. We meet with K-12th in one room for English, History, and Spanish. For Science we divide into two groups: Chemistry is taught by a very dear and sweet friend to grades K-7th and I'm teaching Botany to 8th-12th grades.

In English class, we're covering The Foundations of Language and spelling rules along with phonograms in support of the Spell to Write and Read program. We'll be using games for spelling and for English grammar to help reinforce what is being taught at home.

In History, we're covering some of Ancient History to the Protestant Reformation- as directed by The Noah Plan's sixth grade overviews. So far, it's working out well, I think, when teaching the Bible Principles and explaining things in a story-type manner.

Then we take a 15 minute break-- stretch, get the wiggles out, go potty.

Once break is over, the kids divide into the two groups for Science. In Botany, we're studying the systems and functions of plants. Labs are included, 4-R Method studies are applied, and we are also learning about one of America's first botanists, William Bartram. The students will be writing a paper based on what they learn. In addition to High School credit for science, they are able to get High School credit for a literary study based on Bartram's writings.

Afterward, we all meet in a one-room class again for Beginning Spanish. Vocabulary is sent home so that we may practice conversations in class.

I'm sending the kids home with some notebook pages to do during the week (for subjects other than Spanish)... increasing the challenge of research, thought, and study as the grade levels increase.

It's so lovely how the Bible Principles of each subject are not "grade-based," allowing for children in all grades... all ages... all learning abilities to understand what Scripture teaches regarding the various subjects.

At this point, things are going really well. I'm very impressed with how self-governed and respectful all of the kids are. Teaching them is an honor and I feel very blessed to be able to share with them and their parents the richness of the 4-R Method. My prayer is that they will draw closer to our Lord and Savior as they dig into the Scriptures to learn truth.

So, there are two gifts coming up for you. Yes you! Please be sure to check back soon! :-)

Planning My Principle Approach® School Year- Part 3

2015-09-24T15:43:00.003-07:00

Not too long ago, the Foundation for American Christian Education held a "Renewing the Mind" summer training course. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to attend on-line.

(Did you catch Part 1 and Part 2?)

How I'm Encouraged and Inspired:

A Few Things I Learned:

As you probably know, I have several children and several books from F.A.C.E. and not so much in the way of several hours to pour over every detail of each book. So, some areas of understanding have not been as strong for me as others.

I now have a better understanding about teaching reading and how to use different reading strategies.

I better understand how to apply the reading strategies with the Bible as a Reader.

Why we use Word Study vs. RIGGS

Beneficial Tips for Me:

Use tabs on the Curriculum Guides for quick reference of where to find content.

How to better incorporate oral reading and inflection in our lessons.

How to effectively group kids together for reading (which helps with co-ops, maybe literature clubs, and I think for families with multiple kids).

Midst daily life responsibilities, the joy of family and friends, and celebrating Yahweh's/God's Fall Feasts, I'm plugging away at the curriculum for this school year. I'm nearly ready to debut the first quartet lessons. I find that I can offer bits and pieces at a time vs. the whole curriculum at once as I was hoping. That's okay. I'm doing what I can as I'm able to. :-)

I do have an upcoming surprise for those who plan on using these lessons! I'm looking forward to introducing you to a special person and how he is sharing his gifts and talents to bless you!

Blessings upon you and yours as you pursue our Heavenly Father's will for your family and grow in Him and ever closer to our Messiah Yahshua.

Planning My Principle Approach® School Year- Part 2

2015-07-22T19:08:00.001-07:00

In Planing My Principle Approach® School Year- Part 1, I shared an evaluation of our last school year. This post reflects how things are coming along for our 2015-2016 school year, Yahweh willing.

Sorry about the typo! It should say 5th-8th!!!

I've decided to base the school year studies off of The Noah Plan® Curriculum's sixth grade overviews. Why? The following reasons are what I based my decision from:

1. Sixth grade is when the curriculum changes up a bit,
2. I see it as a "middle ground,"
3. Several readers have e-mailed asking for help with lessons and they have kids ranging from Kindergarten to 8th Grade.

I'd like to have polished lessons from each of the overviews to share with you all, however, that isn't within my abilities at this time. What I can do though is offer what we are using this year as a streamlined approach.

How does this work? If we remember that the Hebraic mindset is to teach the whole person, that it's a mentoring and discipleship approach to life and learning, and that learning to ask questions and reason Biblically is how believers are to approach life, it works just fine in layers. Kind of like cake layers, I guess one might say. Since there are layers of learning, it works to teach younger children basic concepts and then increasingly build upon that according to each child's age/ability of understanding.

Some need milk. Some are ready for solids. Yes? If you have multiple children you are teaching, serve up the milk (the basic concepts) to everyone at the table. The milk nourishes everyone! While they work on their notebook page, add solids to the portion of milk which your other children are able to digest.

Pictured below, there is a schedule beginning each week. Notice that the days are categorized as Days 1-5 vs. Monday, Tuesday, etc. This way you can easily adjust it to your preferred days. Since we personally use the Spell to Write and Read curriculum, the Orthography days reference to its use. However, you have liberty to use whichever spelling curriculum you find suits your family best. :-) The math curriculum and physical education is the same- left open to your personal preference.

Sorry about the typo! It should say 5th-8th in the legend!!!

How 'bout a sneak peek at the curriculum I'm writing for my family? It helps me to organize by color, which you'll see in the images below:

Sorry about the typo! It should say 5th-8th in the legend!!!

For parents who prefer to teach their children all at once, the color coded sentences of notes for them to copy from the board will be helpful. In the legend, you see "building blocks" of various colors. K-1st grade kids copy the green sentences. The 2nd-4th grade kids copy the green and the blue. The 5th-7th grade kids copy the green, blue, and purple sentences. Lastly, high school copies green, blue, purple, and orange sentences. All of the sentence colors can be found in dry erase markers!

Of course, parents who prefer to teach their children individually are able to do so. In this instance, there isn't a need to copy notes in multiple colors above K-1st grade. They just need to write the notes on the board in one color for the child they are teaching.

Reason and Relate questions are offered for further discussion. If the parent's preference is for the older kids to journal from the Reason and Relate questions aside from or in addition to the notes, that's totally doable.

Suggested assignments aside from note taking are offered for the various grades.

More than likely, you've noticed that I use the names Yahweh and Yahshua. I prefer to use the Sacred names. In Isaiah 42:8 He says, "I am Yahweh, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols." And in 43:11 He says, "I, I am Yahweh, and there is no other Savior but Me." (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is personal. I have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Yahshua HaMashiach (in English He is known as Jesus Christ the Messiah) and He tells me His name in the above passages of Scripture. :-)

The curriculum is still a work in progress. I'm plugging away at it this summer with every chance I get. In the style of Charlotte Mason, the lessons are short and concise. There's no need for parents to prep any lesson content. However, some suggested resources are mentioned for further study if the parent desires more and would like to be told where to specifically go for more information.

I'll be sharing about our journey with the Open My Eyes curriculum this school year. I hope that you'll follow it and find it a blessing.

What do you think of it so far? Are you interested in it? Drop me a comment or e-mail me via the Contact Us tab and let me know. :-)

Blessings!

Planning My Principle Approach® School Year- Part 1

2015-07-20T14:11:00.001-07:00

As I begin planning for my family's upcoming school year, I'm evaluating how last year went for us. This year, I'm using the evaluation format posed by Homeschool Tracker.

1. Evaluate Last Year

My plan last year:

Teach Dreamer from The Noah Plan® first grade curriculum. Teach Explorer from The Noah Plan® third grade curriculum. Write curriculum for Song Bird from the 5th grade overviews, write curriculum for Artsy Girl from the 8th grade overviews, and write curriculum for Scientist from the 9th grade overviews. (Quite ambitious, eh?)

How my plan changed as the year progressed:

It didn't go exactly as I had planned. I started out writing lesson plans based off of the overviews for our older three kids, but at a certain point it became too much for me on top of teaching from The Noah Plan® Curriculum for the third and first grades. Add to all that managing a co-op ministry, managing a drama ministry, and the birth of a little baby, the loss of a loved one which resulted in traveling miles over several states, and I fizzled out!

So, I ended up using the third grade curriculum as a spine for several of our older three kids' lessons- assigning them grade appropriate assignments and readings. Which is fine, because I'm a single individual. Uno. I'm not a whole Principle Approach® school with multiple teachers ya'll. And you know what? I have test results to prove that they are doing well with their education despite that we aren't following The Noah Plan® as purists (as much as I really would like to). :-)

How I feel I can improve the organizing and scheduling for this school year:

I've contemplated this deeply. I started out with making a grade specific planner to accompany The Noah Plan® second grade curriculum for Dreamer. That was actually a fun project for me so I decided to make one for her upcoming third grade year. Then, thinking about Sweetie Pie starting Kindergarten, I decided that I may as well make a The Noah Plan® Kindergarten specific planner. Can I say that I find this somewhat therapeutic? (If you're interested, I'll post on these planners soon.)

As I considered the school year more, I almost decided to toss the whole curriculum. I know, right? What was I thinking?! I sought counsel from friends and acquaintances (about other options), I talked with Cool Daddy, and we prayed. The outcome? We still feel led by the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) to use The Noah Plan® as a spine for our curriculum.

So, this means one thing. I need to write lesson plans and I need to streamline them for my family (and for myself). So, I'm writing curriculum based off of The Noah Plan® overviews for sixth grade for all grade ranges. I'll explain about how I settled to base it off of the 6th grade overviews later.

Did my kids accomplish all that I had planned?

No and yes. No in the sense that I had hoped to stick with each grade because I didn't want to feel like they'd be missing out on something. Yes in that they continue to love learning, to grow in their understanding of Scripture, in their personal relationships with our Savior Yahshua, and as a family. Really, it comes down to being flexible and relaxing (I really need to relax a bit... okay... a lot more than I have been lately)

Did I over-schedule or under-schedule?

I think things went well overall in this sense. I was really hoping for some areas in the pilot year of our homeschool co-op's new format to have worked out better: music lessons were dropped, debate was dropped, and a few other things that were especially important to our family. We'll just have to "shop" elsewhere to meet these needs... and maybe, just maybe consider not participating in a homeschool co-op...

Did I build in enough breaks, vacations, and fun family activities?

Yes! We love to celebrate Yahweh's Feasts! They are not only meaningful, they're 7-8 days long! Plus, we took time off to welcome our darling newborn daughter into our family. :-)

What can be done better this year?

Streamlining our curriculum and keeping it blended with the Charlotte Mason approach. And, I need to relax and enjoy it more this year!

2. The S-M-A-R-T Approach...

I'm keeping the lessons Specific (read as simple and concise); measurable with note taking, journaling/narrating, discussions; attainable with how it best suits my family; relevant to what matters to us; and time-bound with the wise approach of Charlotte Mason's educational observations.

3. Plan my yearly calendar

This is pretty easy because I'm breaking it down weekly and already have the dates for Yahweh's Feasts down. :-)

4. Lesson Planning

Yep. Moving right along with this. We have a lot of books sitting in the basket waiting for people in this house to open them up, read, and dialog about them.

So, tell me how your lesson plans are coming along. Or are they? What are you finding helpful? What are you struggling with? I may be able to help ya out in a blog post. :-)

Blessings,

The Noah Plan®- Third Grade Essentials

2015-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Have you a third grade student this coming school year? What about using The Noah Plan® Curriculum for third grade as a spine for your mixed ages/grades? In any case, you may find this list of The Noah Plan® Curriculum's third grade Essentials list helpful as you get your curriculum ordered in time for the school year. :-)

The Noah Plan®- Third Grade Essentials List per FACE (The Foundation for American Christian Education):

This is the Essentials list by F.A.C.E. and the purpose of sharing this is to help you prepare and budget as you need to before your school year gets started (page 427 from The Noah Plan®
Curriculum for Third Grade). The books in bold lettering are the ones that we own:

Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language (You can get by without this and use the free on-line version of Webster's 1828 Dictionary. However, the on-line version does not have all of Webster's entries. For instance, you will not find the entry for fulfill.).

Benjamin Franklin, Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

Christian History of the American Revolution: Consider and Ponder, Verna M. Hall
(You can get by without this... eventually I recommend them to read a bit at a time to educate yourself and decided what and how much to share with your children).

Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Vol. 1: Christian Self-Government, Verna M. Hall (You can get by without this... eventually I recommend them to read a bit at a time to educate yourself and decided what and how much to share with your children).

The Family and the Nation: Biblical Childhood, Rosalie June Slater

Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, Mary Mapes Dodge

How to Teach Spelling (we use Spell to Write and Read instead...)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis

NIrV Kids' Study Bible, Zondervan

The Noah Plan Curriculum Guides for:
English, History and Geography, Literature, and Reading (You can get by without these... eventually I recommend them to read a bit at a time to educate yourself and decided what and how much to share with your children).

The Noah Plan®: A Complete Educational Program in the Principle Approach for grades K-8 or 9-12, FACE (I don't own these...)

The Noah Plan® Self-Directed Study in the Principle Approach, FACE

RightStart Mathematics (while I love this curriculum, we now use CTC Math and love it!)

Spalding Education International-
Writing Road to Reading (we use Spell to Write and Read instead as it's simplified!)
The Comprehension Connection User's Gudie for McCall-Crabbs, for Book B-E

McCall-Crabbs, Standard Test Lessons in Reading (Book B- 3rd Grade)
We do own the McCall-Crabbs books for reading comprehension and I do like to use them. The kids and I appreciate knowing what reading level they are at.

StoneBridge Art Guide, Wendy Giancoli, FACE

Tales from Shakespeare, Charles and Mary Lamb

Teacher Guide: Christopher Columbus: Christbearer to the New World, FACE

Teacher Guide: Holland or the Netherlands and the History of Liberty, for Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, Rosalie June Slater

Teaching and Learning America's Christian History: The Principle Approach®, Rosalie June Slater (You can get by without this... eventually I recommend them to read a bit at a time to educate yourself and decided what and how much to share with your children).

Other books on their list that we own and have blessed our homeschool experience:

Children's Illustrated Bible, Selina Hastings, Dorling Kindersley

Leif the Lucky, Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

The Light and the Glory for Children, Peter Marshall and David Manuel

The Magna Charta, James Dougherty

Physical Geography, Arnold Guyot (Heads up, there are some ideas in his book that I don't subscribe to. I don't teach some things he believed because I disagree with them.)

Poetry of Emily Dickinson, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Henry Wadsworht Longfellow

Sebastian Bach: The Boy from Thurngia, Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher

Squanto: A Friend of the Pilgrims, Clyde Robert Bulla

Other Resources We Have Added and Enjoyed:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe audio drama series by Focus on the Family

Squanto audio drama by Focus on the Family

I'm excited for you! The Noah Plan® curriculum is such a blessing to our family and I can't imagine it any different for your family. I pray you enjoy your journey of growing closer to our Heavenly Father as you learn Bible Principles in every subject.

Blessings!

The Noah Plan®- Second Grade Essentials

2015-06-19T22:46:00.002-07:00

For this next post in my series of The Noah Plan® Essentials, I'm skipping First Grade and jumping into the Second Grade. Why? In my opinion, the Kindergarten and Second Grade curricula are more in depth than the First Grade curriculum (though I will get to the First Grade Essentials list before too long). You can read The Noah Plan® Kindergarten Essentials List by F.A.C.E. here.

**This post does contain an affiliate link.***

If you own some of the Essentials that F.A.C.E. recommends from previous grades, you'll happily spend less money on this school year or you'll have more money to apply toward other books. :-)

This is the Essentials list by F.A.C.E. and the purpose of sharing this is to help you prepare and budget as you need to before your school year gets started (page 382 from The Noah Plan® Curriculum for Second Grade). The books in bold lettering are the ones that we own:

Webster's 1828 Dictionary. (While you may use an on-line copy, I have found that not all words are in the on-line version. An example word would be "fulfill". So, a hard copy is best if you can swing it).

Benjamin Franklin, Beautiful Feet Books.

Benjamin West, Bradford Press.

Christian History of the American Revolution: Consider and Ponder, F.A.C.E.
(You can get by without this. It's a wonderful book to have, but if it overwhelms you in the beginning, wait until you practice the Principle Approach method using the curriculum.)

Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Vol. 1: Christian Self-Government, F.A.C.E.(You can get by without this. It's a wonderful book to have, but if it overwhelms you in the beginning, wait until you practice the Principle Approach method using the curriculum.)

How to Teach Spelling, Educators' Publishing Company
(We use Spell to Write and Read instead.)

Mes Premiers Pas de Francais, F.A.C.E.

NIrV Kids' Study Bible
We have it but rarely use it because I just am not a big fan of NIV...

The Curriculum Guides:

Noah Plan® English Guide
Noah Plan® History and Geography Guide
Noah Plan® Literature Guide
Noah Plan® Mathematics Guide
Noah Plan® Reading Guide
Noah Plan® Self-Directed Study Seminar and Principle Approach Methodology
(You can get by without these, but as you grow in your understanding and ability of applying the Principle Approach® method, you'll find them a huge blessing.)

Pocahontas (d'Aulaire), Doubleday

Right Start Mathematics, Grade 2 Lessons, Activities for Learning
I LOVE Right Start, however, I needed to "farm out" lessons and we are now using CTC Math (affiliate link) and we absolutely love it! The lessons are short and concise, the kids can re-take lessons and tests as needed individually, it is not in line with common core, it keeps track of individual student's records which are printable, and it grades lessons and tests automatically. This has been a huge blessing for me and our kids!

Starter Kit, Spalding Education International:
I have it and struggled so much with the way it is formatted!!! Thankfully someone introduced me to Spell to Write and Read by Wanda Sanseri! It's based off of Spalding's book but so simplified. I absolutely love it.

Tales From Shakespeare, (Lamb's)

Teacher Guide: "Switzerland and Liberty," F.A.C.E.
I don't own this...

Teacher Guide: "William Penn and the History of Religious Toleration," F.A.C.E.
I don't own this but I'm thinking that I should.

Teaching and Learning America's Christian History, F.A.C.E.

Heather's List of Essentials

In addition to what F.A.C.E. recommends, the following blessed our experience with the second grade curriculum (you may be able to find several of them at your local public library or at used book stores):

Children's Illustrated Bible, Penguin Group

Heidi, Random House Value Publishing
(I had never read the book before and I LOVE it!)

Historic Sailing Ships Coloring Book, Dover Publications, Inc.
(You might be able to find free coloring pages on-line though.)

John Cabot & Son, Goodnough, Troll Association, 1979

John Smith, Man of Adventure, Bostong: Houghton Mifflin

McGuffey's Second Eclectic Reader, Christian School Edition
(We found the collection inexpensively at a used book store.)

Men of Science, Men of God: Great Scientists of the Past Who Believed the Bible, Henry Morris.

Physical Geography, Arnold Guyot, American Christian History Institute

Planets, Evan-Moor Corp.

Pocketful of Goobers: A Story of George Washington Carver, Lerner Publishing Group

Strong's New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (but usually I use Blue Letter Bible)

Sun, Moon, Stars, Evan-Moor Corp.

Would I like to add more to our personal collection for second grade? Yes! However, I'll likely continue to teach with what we have considering that we have a budget for purchasing items for our High School kids. :-)

I sure hope this post gives you the ability to plan ahead and get you ready for the upcoming school year.

Blessings!

The Noah Plan- Kindergarten Essentials: Heather's List

2015-06-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to my series of The Noah Plan Essentials. You may read my first post for The Noah Plan Kindergarten curriculum here.

In addition to the essentials for Kindergarten found at my previous post, here is a list of other items which I found benefited our family in our first year using the Kindergarten curriculum:

Free printable coloring pages for the period of history or maps that we were studying. A quick on-line search helped me do this and was more affordable at the time than buying coloring books.

Beginning Geography, K-2, The Evan-Moor Corp.: Vol. 1,Continents and Oceans; Vol. 2, How to Use a Map; Vol. 3. (While I started out looking for free graphics on-line to make my own, I found having the books a time saver.)

These books have sheets that work with the K Geography lesson plans. They have proven to be a time saver for me (one less thing to prep).

The double-sided poster is helpful. It's large for little people to see well and it also folds up and can sit loose-leaf in the Evan-Moor book.

The world map from the Evan-Moor Beginning Geography book is a duplicate of the one from their Land Form and Bodies of Water map on one side. The other side is a little Fairy Tale Land map. This also is large and fold-able which allows for sitting in the book loose-leaf.

The Children's Illustrated Bible. Why? Because unlike the "beginner Bibles", the illustrations are more realistic. I believe the benefit of this is that it doesn't place doubt in our children's minds.

Learning About My Body by Evan-Moor Corp. The Noah Plan curriculum calls for, Me and My Body, Penguin Group, USA although we were unable to find a copy of it when we were initially ordering our books. It also calls for, Skeleton Inside You. I don't know what that book is like, however, there are coloring pages in the Learning About My Body book and that was satisfactory for me. In any case, it's helpful timewise to have these pages available.

A Child's Garden of Songs: The Poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson in Song by Ted Jacobs. We enjoy poetry and music. So, to help instill a love for both, it's especially nice to have some of Robert Lewis Stevenson's poetry put to music.This helped with our lessons about Robert Louis Stevenson when we had to be on the road.

Other than that, the usual supply of paper, paper reinforcement labels, pencils,crayons, or any other art supplies and creativity are needed.

Please feel free to ask ideas for substitutions if you find you need help with ideas for any specific lessons. I'll do my best to respond in a timely fashion.

Blessings!

The Noah Plan- Kindergarten Essentials

2015-06-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

When considering what to purchase for our Kindergarten school year using The Noah Plan Curriculum, I wished that I had known in advance what essential books I needed. It wasn't, however, until our curriculum arrived and I glanced through the lessons that I realized more books were needed than what I ordered from The Foundation for American Christian Education!

**This post does contain an affiliate link.***

In the back of The Noah Plan Curriculum (p. 295), a list of books and publishers is given. I am sharing the books in bold that I found were enough for me in my first year. I'll write comments about the others on this list by F.A.C.E.

And so, without further ado, here is the list to help you budget and plan for the upcoming school year with your Kindergartner (you may even be able to find of them at your local public library):

Essential Books for The Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons:

Abraham Lincoln (d'Aulaire), Doubleday

Aesop's Fables, Henry Holt & Co.

*American Dictionary of the English Language, Facsimile 1828 Edition, Foundation for American Christian Education (while there is an on-line edition, I have discovered that it is missing some words. So, I believe it's essential to have a hard copy in your home.)

Bambi, by Felix Salten (this is not the Disney version)

Child's Garden of Verses

Christian History of the American Revolution: Consider and Ponder-
I was overwhelmed with this my first year as I learned to navigate the curriculum. This is mostly for the parent's re-education vs. the lessons for your Kindergartner.

Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Vol 1: Christian Self-Government- I was overwhelmed with this my first year as I learned to navigate the curriculum. This is mostly for the parent's re-education vs. the lessons for your Kindergartner.

Early Reader's Bible, Gold 'n' Honey Books-
Some people prefer to have their children read right out of the Bible... it's up to you.

Fairy Tale Books (I struggled with this idea in the beginning... perhaps I'll share my conclusion with you in a future post...)

French Primer, Mes Premiers Pas de Français by F.A.C.E.-
This is fun to do. It comes with an audio CD for pronunciation. The CD is frustrating in that each vocabulary word is not on its own track. So you have to listen to everything all over to re-hear the word you want (unless this has been changed since we purchased it several years ago).

Little House in the Big Woods

Lullaby books-
If you can't swing these or find them at your library, you can always look some songs up on youtube.

Mother Goose and other nursery rhyme books-If you can't swing these or find them at your library, you can always look some songs up on youtube.

I find the following guides useful for upper-level grades:

Noah Plan English Language Curriculum Guide
Noah Plan History and Geography Guide
Noah Plan Lessons for Kindergarten
Noah Plan Literature Curriculum Guide
Noah Plan Mathematics Guide
Noah Plan Reading Curriculum Guide
Noah Plan Self-Directed Seminar and Principle Approach Methodology

Phonemic Awareness in Young Children: A Classroom Curriculum-
I didn't bother with this one (probably because of our budget at the time). And the curriculum we use works well for us so I haven't felt the need to buy it...

Right Start Mathematics-

We started out with this and love it. However, I needed help time-wise teaching a subject with so many various levels among our 6 school-aged children and we are now using CTC Math (affiliate link) and love it! The lessons are short and concise, the kids can re-take lessons and tests as needed individually, it is not in line with common core, it keeps track of individual student's records which are printable, and it grades lessons and tests automatically. This has been a huge blessing for me and our kids!

Starter Kit, Spalding Education International-
I have it and struggled so much with the way it is formatted!!! Thankfully someone introduced me to Spell to Write and Read by Wanda Sanseri! It's based off of Spalding's book but so simplified. I absolutely love it.

Stone Bridge Art Guide

Tale of Peter Rabbit

Tales from Shakespeare (Lamb's)

Teaching and Learning America's Providential History: The Principle Approach-
This can wait until later if you need to, but do get it when you are able to.

Teacher Guide: "Pilgrim-Pioneer Character Moving Westward" by F.A.C.E.-
We do not own this.

Uncle Remus Stories, Random House-We couldn't find this so we enjoyed Disney's film called, Song of the South.

Winnie-the-Pooh, Penguin Putnam, Inc.-
An absolute must.

In my next post, I'll share books that I thought were helpful even though they were not on F.A.C.E.'s Essential Book List.

Blessings!

Walking the Word (Guest Post)

2015-01-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I'm slowly getting ready to get back into blogging. Now that our baby is here, we're trying to get a routine down again (and you know how that is the first few months with a newborn). It looks like I'll begin blogging in February, but in the meantime my homeschooling friend, Theresa, is guest blogging on here today. Won't you welcome her as she shares about the perspective she has gained over the years with how Yahweh (God) has created His Instructions to suit all learning styles? I pray you are encouraged in your school year as she shares her heart and personal testimony.

I'll be in touch soon!

Thank you Principled Academy readers for allowing me to join you today. For more than forty years I have been following Yeshua (Jesus) and the longer I know Him, the more I realize how much I don't know and that there is so much out there to learn. One of the greatest joys in my journey has been to learn in new ways - no longer just reading, thinking, discussing - but literally and physically walking out my faith.

Yahweh (God) does speak to us in His Word. Many people learn through reading and hearing His Word spoken, but we forget that it has not always been available to us personally. Personal Bibles are a relatively new concept. For millennia, the faithful have learned primarily by hearing the Word spoken. Parables, analogies and word pictures are used throughout the Scriptures as visual aids and teaching tools and for hundreds of years, cathedral windows served as visual reminders of Scriptural accounts.

As a creative, artistic person, I enjoy and relate to "seeing" Scripture concepts this way and it has long been a part of my faith journey. Then, when I began walking in all of the Father's instructions, remembering the Sabbath and keeping the feasts, I discovered that in all His wisdom He designed our walk of faith to appeal to all of our senses and helps us to learn and remember in many ways. As a homeschooling Mom, I have researched learning styles in order to help my children. It strikes me that our Creator designed us all unique and that like our children, we all do our best learning in different ways. He desires His instructions and commandments to be approachable and available to all of us. After all His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30) He has designed His instructions to teach us in ways that we can understand.

Yahweh (God) calls us to be set apart and Holy just as He is holy. People should be able to see a difference between those who follow Him and those who do not.

But how does that happen? What does that mean? Isn't that being "legalistic" to follow rules? How do we walk in His way? Are we left on our own to figure it out? No! Just as He led the Israelites through the desert, He leads us by the hand and teaches us. He sets us apart. He makes us holy and washes us by the blood of Yeshua (Jesus) and He expects us to grow in our faith and in our obedience to Him. Most of us have been trained to think that grace and obedience to His instructions are mutually exclusive. But what loving parent would throw out expectations without teaching their child how to meet them? Our loving Father not only teaches us but qualifies us. In the New Testament we often think that we are saved by Yeshua and then that is it, because if we followed "laws" that would negate the mercy and grace of Yeshua. And we think the Israelites were saved by laws. In fact, Yahweh's grace is all through the Old Testament. In His mercy He saved the Israelites through the Passover blood on the doorposts in Egypt and carried them through the Red Sea. He sanctified them and dedicated them as His own and then He gave them instructions on how to walk in that holiness. Today it is the same for you and me. We are saved by grace, by the blood, believing in Him. We repent and begin the process of being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). We enter our Father's House and then we begin learning the house rules.

When I first began keeping Sabbath on the 7th day (Saturday) and researching His commands, it was overwhelming. I attempted to cram every article, book and audio teaching I could find into my brain. I was leaning on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), which gets me nowhere, fast! About the time I felt my head would explode, I slowed down, took a deep breath and tried to focus simply on the Word of Yahweh and not on all the other voices around me. Doing this revealed such treasures. I discovered the above mentioned different ways He teaches and realized that He has created physical rhythms and patterns to life that resonate with our bodies as well as our minds. Not only is there wisdom for readers and audio learners and "pictures" for visual learners, but there is whole body and life involvement for the kinesthetic learner.

Even in the natural world there is a school of thought that believes that what we do physically creates patterns in our brain and can change how we respond and think. For example, some believe that missing the step of crawling as an infant prevents certain things from developing in the brain. Also, studies have shown that doing something physical in combination with thinking, such as knitting or crochet, actually aids the brain in warding off symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Knowing this I cannot help but wonder if our Creator designed us to do some things in physical obedience so that they would be ingrained in our minds and hearts.

Many teachers say "Hebrew is an action language", but I didn't fully understand that until I was blessed by putting my faith and belief into action. The best example of that is the "Shema", a Hebrew prayer taken from Deuteronomy 6, that affirms our faith and desire to obey Him.

In English we see the word "hear" and we think of the physical ability to hear sound or listening. In Hebrew the word for hear is shema or shama which carries with it the sense of listening with the intent to obey. We can hear the Word and never respond. Or we can "shema" - listen and carry it out. So there is a physicality involved; there is a need to get up out of our chairs, so to speak, and do something about it. In other words, you love Him, you hear His instructions and because you love Him, you choose to obey Him. ("If you love me you will keep my commandments." John 14:15 NASB and "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." 1 John 5:3 NASB) Our faith needs feet and hands.

For me this physicality of obedience begins in the small things. For example, every day we make a choice to eat what Yahweh considers food. This has involved eliminating some favorites in our kitchen. But it is not a burden. To the contrary it becomes a delight. Right away we have made a choice and a change to do something for Someone we love. The physicality continues in the rhythm of the week.

We have six days of the week to do our work and focus on ourselves, our business and personal pursuits. The seventh day is a dedicated day of rest. Soon after we began observing Sabbath we started seeing a pattern in our lives and in our bodies. We looked forward to Friday in a new way! Friday is our date night with Yahweh and Saturday we rest and we study to grow closer to Him and spend time with each other strengthening our bonds of friendship and love. Now my body even seems to know that Sabbath is coming and it is time to rest. My body seemed to learn and understand the pattern before my mind.

The day, the week and then the month comes in a cycle. We watch the sky for the signs He has given. With the first tiny sliver of light, we know that the beginning of the Biblical lunar month has arrived. And by these months we count out the seasons and the feast cycles of the year. We watch. We learn. We obey. We rejoice. Each time we go through the cycle we are establishing a physical pattern that affects our spiritual lives.

The cycle of the feasts is amazing. This year will mark our 4th cycle through observing the feasts as a family. Each year we look forward to them with joy. One might think doing the "same old thing" each year would get boring. Never! Each year the Father reveals more of Himself and more of His Son to me and to my family through the feasts. We began simple and each year as we learn, we add more. I realize that most of us were taught that the feasts are the "feasts of the Jews" but Leviticus 23 begins by telling us that the feasts are HIS: The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying,“Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times... Leviticus 23:1 The chapter goes on from there to describe His feasts.

Each feast tells us something about the history and lives of the Israelites that came before us, but also about Yeshua and His life and how the Messiah delivers us. I would also say that each feast reveals something to me about myself. There are some specific instructions for the feasts, found in Exodus, Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy. Not everything can be completed without the presence of a Temple in Jerusalem, so, much of what we do is a memorial. One might understandably ask why we need to do this after the death and resurrection of Messiah. One reason would be that they were given to be "perpetual" or "forever". Another reason is that keeping the feasts is like walking out the Gospel. They tell the story of Messiah. The spring feasts have been mostly fulfilled by Messiah's first coming. The fall feasts prophecy of what is to come with His return. Once we are "saved" do we no longer need to know His plan of salvation? On the contrary - we should rejoice in that plan and share that plan. What better way to be a light and salt than to walk out the Gospel in obedience to the Gospel Giver? So each time we celebrate we are a living object lesson for our children, each other and anyone else who is interested to learn. We are setting an example of obedience and we are making physical patterns of obedience which train us up in righteousness and give an example for others on how to be His set apart people. When we walk in His ways we are living, breathing stained glass windows sharing His ways with those around us.

In the feasts we weep and we rejoice. We feast and we fast. We dance and we fellowship. We learn and we grow. We teach and we spread light.

If you have made it this far in the post, thank you for joining me. I wish we could sit over a cup of tea and discuss this further and pray together, but I appreciate the time you have given me today in reading this. I encourage you to "put on your sandals and start walking". Our Father has good plans for His children and He has given us times and seasons and instructions to meet with Him and learn from Him. When we walk this out we begin forming patterns and habits. We discover the joy of obedience. Please, do not take my word for it. Pick up your Bible and read it, searching for buried treasures as you go. Remember:

Enjoy the learning journey. May Yahweh bless you and keep you. May He shine His face upon you and be gracious unto you!

Theresa

February!

2015-01-06T08:10:00.003-08:00

Hi Friends!

How are things for you? Did you have a blessed 2014? Did you grow through some personal challenges and draw closer to the Lord through them? I did!

Most importantly, we have our little one here.

Isn't she just darling?!!

I love her.

I'm thankful to have had another healthy baby and safe labor and delivery. For those who have been praying for us, thank you!

As I soak up the preciousness of babyhood that is all too fleeting, I'm looking forward to some things in 2015. As they take shape, I'll share with you about them here. But in the meantime, I'm working out a blogging plan for this year. I need to make sure I schedule work hours for this and some other areas of work- I want nothing to steal time away from my family. They are growing up and before too long, one by one, they'll be leaving my nest.

Many thanks to you all for being patient with me for blog posts. Please look for more beginning in February.

Talk with you soon!

Blessings!

Making the Days Count

2014-06-30T22:06:00.001-07:00

Let me ask you: are you counting the days of summer passing by or are you making the days count?

Let's face it, many of us count the days. We only have yadayada days left until the school year begins. So many yadayada days until vacation. So many days until this has to take place so that this pending weight is lifted from me. So many days until (you fill in the blank).

Can our focus be on greater, eternal things? Can our focus rather be on making the days count? I hope this post inspires you to participate in the "Make the Days Count Challenge"!

Throughout life, most of us face ups and downs of one sort or another. After all, we don't live in a perfect world.

Would you be surprised that we have had our times when finances were so tight... we were at the mercy of Yahweh's provision? And provide He has! While we have always acknowledged that everything we have has come from Him, there were times when we really needed to wait on the Lord. Many a time He prompted someone to pass gently used clothing down to our kids, or buy staples for us, or give from their own labor in their gardens/farmettes. It was amazing... and humbling. And we have been so thankful!

It wasn't until we started facing struggles that we learned more people go through these same trials than most of us realize. Most of the time, we don't open up to each other because we were taught to keep such topics private. You just don't let others know about such things. Or we don't open up to each other because relationships and trust haven't been built. Which begs the question, what is taking priority in our lives if not to develop real relationships, loving each other and putting people first? (They will know that we are believers by our love, by our love...) Or we don't confide in each other because we are embarrassed about our circumstances. How sad that we either contribute to others feeling embarrassed... or that we allow ourselves to be embarrassed. Trials don't make anyone lesser.

If you are going through trials, here is a big sisterly (((hug))) to you. Trust in the Lord and cling to Him! This post is for you too, because even through trials, there are things we can do to make the days count!

So What's the Challenge? It's this.

Make the days count...

Build relationships by spending time with people and really getting to know them. This means you need to be transparent, too.

Listen for needs and think of what you can do to support each other, to build the body of Yeshua/Jesus up, the edify one another, to be there for each other as family should. Because we are family in Him.

Share what you have! Times are tough on a lot of people for various reasons. Make the days count by sharing out of your garden.

Make them count by purchasing from someone's farmette (free-range eggs, veggies, fruits, etc.). If you don't need them for yourself, bless someone else with it.

Take advantage of the u-pick prices and share fresh foods you purchase from local farms. Take the items to your congregation and set them out. At least one family will probably be greatly blessed and you support your local farmer.

Share your skills! Do you or your spouse or someone you know have the skills for auto maintenance? What about home maintenance? Or what about teaching someone how to do canning or just do it for someone who hasn't the know-how or supplies?

Share your time! Visit with each other- sit on the swing or the front porch or in your living room while you fold towels. Help them with some housework while you chat. Do some canning or meal prep as you talk.

Sometimes, people are not psychically able to or don't have the time to get out and take advantage of gardening or u-picking. Wouldn't it be such a blessing if you did this for someone?

Or invite other gals over to make lunches for your husbands for the week- share ingredients, recipes, and get to know each other more.

Share of your gifts, talents, interests! Sometimes even taking time to create something with what we have on hand helps us to make the days count and helps the recipient do the same.

It could be something as simple as making coasters with what you have on hand. You could hot glue pretty scraps of fabric to a recycled tuna can for the coasters to fit into. Maybe take a recycled bean can and hot glue pretty scrap fabric with some scrap lace to the outside of it, fill it with water, and hand select flowers from your garden to give to someone. Perhaps sew a little travel tissue pack cover out of felt you may have on hand to give away. Little things like this brighten people's days and show them love. It just takes some of our time.

We all have one life to live,

let's live it well by making the days count!

So, will you accept the challenge? What other ideas do you have? Won't you share them in the comments?

Blessings!

A Life in Balance (A TOS Review)

2014-06-11T23:00:00.002-07:00

If you have a child who is struggling with learning, I highly recommend that you read the book,
A Life in Balance: Discovery of a Learning Breakthrough by Learning Breakthrough Program. The Learning Breakthrough Program is an alternative to medication for the treatment of dyslexia, ADHD, and other issues which interfere with learning ability. The people behind developing this program- the methods and tools- have research to back up improvements in reading and concentration without the use of drugs.

In this post, I'm going to share a bit with you about our family's experiences in using some of the Learning Breakthrough Program products and methods with Song Bird. As a part of the TOS Review Crew, I received a PDF download of the Life in Balance book in exchange for my honest review. I have not, however, received any of the products. What I share in this post about our experience is through a Brain Power course our daughter is taking via a university we go through.

Before I continue, I want to let you know that this book is for parents who desire a way to aid their children who have struggles with attention and learning. It gives background information about Frank Belgau's journey to helping people of all ages with learning issues. It explains how it is an ADHD alternative treatment as well as a solution for Dyslexia treatment. It's a brain fitness program which offers brain training to help with reading improvement, concentration, etc. This includes the elderly who start to have a decline in their sensory and neural systems due to degeneration. In addition, high-level Navy pilots have used this program as a part of their vision training. It also gives insight into understanding how and why these methods work to improve cognition.

How I Used This Book In Our Homeschool

Song Bird is actually going through a Brain Power program that utilizes much of Learning Breakthrough's aspects. I want to respect my daughter's privacy, so I will not go into specifics about what she is personally going through. That is her story to tell if she chooses to at some point in her life.

She began with an evaluation that tested her in 12 different areas. This gave us information on where her strengths and weaknesses are. Essentially, learning issues happen when the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere are not communicating very well with each other. The exercises that Frank Belgau talks about in his book are to help make new neural connections in the brain so that the two hemispheres are working more cohesively.

Reading his book has helped me to better understand the process that it took in research, development, and also the why and how of the methods used.

I also feel greatly encouraged by the positive reminders I find throughout the book. We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made! It's amazing how the brain can be rewired! It's disheartening for us parents when we see that our child is frustrated because he/she isn't learning. And it can become discouraging for us parents as well. But, there is hope!

One of the key products Frank has developed is the Balance Platform. Song Bird isn't using the balance board yet... she needs to advance in skill and ability before she is able to. However, one of our other children who went through the same program (using some of Learning Breakthrough's products) helped our child greatly. We expect benefits for Song Bird as well.

Juggling is one of many exercises that helps develop the function of the brain. *The Learning Breakthrough Program has students use different colored bean bags with different weights. The university's Brain Power program we are involved with is not doing this! (The only reason one of Song Bird's bean bags is a different color is because the third blue one was misplaced and orange was the color that was on hand.) And it makes so much more sense for students to do so. This exercise helps to improve vision because it promotes the muscular structures which are responsible for tracking.

Also, the ball and stick is a beneficial exercise. Frank explains that, "The pendulum expresses some of the most basic principles of the physical universe. It is calibrated to the acceleration of gravity; it always responds according to the force that is exerted on it; and an individual's ability to control its motion precisely is both a gauge and an exercise of his relationship to three-dimensional space." ~A Life in Balance, p. 119

You see, the way the instructor can tell if a student is making progress, is by gauging how well they master a skill set. Once they do this, they are given another skill set to master... and so they continue until the they can display strengths where there once were weaknesses.

What A Life in Balance Covers

The book covers Frank's family background (it's an important backdrop); his teaching career; his research based on working with students with varying learning abilities; challenges and victories as he developed the program and tools; details about the tools and how they benefit students; the development and function of the brain... and how it can be strengthened.

What You Need to Know

These methods have helped our children. The thing is that parents and children need to stick with the exercises. And, in our case, we meet once weekly with an instructor who tests her. When the instructor sees that Song Bird has improved and mastered a skill set, Song Bird is given another exercise to practice.

Our children are individuals (no surprise) so their needs and personal areas for improvement are different. Song Bird is improving for who she is. Just like her sibling did for who they are. Individual progress in a program does not mean they will never be challenged or have difficulty understanding something, but it gives them the ability to have stronger mental acuity and personal improvements on areas of weakness.

How Much the Life in Balance Book Costs

The paper back book of A Life in Balance costs $16.94.

Connect With Learning Breakthrough!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningBreakthrough
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LearningBreak
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LearningBreakthrough

Read other reviews by TOS Crew members about Learning Breakthrough's book by clicking on the banner below.

If your child is struggling in areas, I hope you consider using the Learning Breakthrough Program.

Blessings,

The Courage of Sarah Noble and The Door in the Wall (A Progeny Press Review)

2014-06-04T06:35:00.002-07:00

In our family, we love to read. We have readers of all different levels, and while the kids get some daily reading in, I often times read out loud to my family a lot. This affords us many adventures together. In addition, we like to discuss and analyze literature. We have had the privilege of reviewing a couple of literature guides from Progeny Press: one for The Courage of Sarah Noble and one for The Door in the Wall.

The Courage of Sarah Noble

The book and literature guide is geared toward lower elementary children (grades K-3).

We have owned both of these books for quite a while (the books do not come with the purchase of the literature guide). The Courage of Sarah Noble literature guide is for lower elementary. Which is perfect timing for us because Explorer and Dreamer had not yet heard this story. This study guide corresponds with the book written by Alice Dalgliesch.

The Courage of Sarah Noble is set in 1707 and is based on a true story. This is a story about courage, loyalty, a love for family and home, friendship, and of course adventure. Sarah Noble travels afar with her father so she may be of help to him as he builds his family a new home. Through trials and fears, Sarah often recalls the encouraging words and instruction her mother gave her before leaving to, "Keep up your courage... Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble!" This helps her to work through scary aspects (especially frightful tales of Indians). She soon learns that some Indians are indeed friends, and she remains with them when her father returns to gather the rest of the family and bring them home. Do things really turn out all right for Sarah and her family? Do they become reunited?

This is a short story and the literature guide contains 38 pages consisting of pre-reading questions, discussion questions to help analyze the story, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and some references the Bible to go through as we make our way through the guide. In addition, there are some suggested optional fun activities to along with the story.

The Door in the Wall

The book and literature guide is geared toward upper elementary children (grades 3-5).

Now, this one I hadn't read to any of the children before. So, even Scientist, Artsy Girl, Explorer and Dreamer listened in as I read out loud to Song Bird. :-)

Knighthood awaits Robin (son of the knight, Sir Jon de Bureford). One day, when Robin's parents are gone and assuming that Robin is on his way to preparing for knighthood, he falls ill and loses the ability to use his legs. At this time, London is suffering from the plague and Robin is abandoned by the one servant who stayed behind! However, a kind monk, Luke, learns of Robin's situation and takes him to the monastery. Will Robin heal and become a knight? Or do other plans unfold for his life?

The literature guide contains 39 pages consisting of a synopsis, a section about the author/illustrator, background information, ideas for pre-reading activities, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and some references the Bible to go through as we make our way through the guide.

How I Used Progeny Press' Literature Guides in Our Homeschool

With morning sickness and fatigue, we have understandably worked at a slower pace than normal for our family. I have read the stories out loud and discussed the questions with our children. We also went over vocabulary.

The only activity, so far, they worked on was the art. Dreamer and Explorer drew illustrations after I read The Courage of Sarah Noble to them (nap time for mama while they did this). :-)

What I Like About Progeny Press' Literature Guides

Vocabulary words are already selected from the book- making it easier to be ready to look them up and discuss them.
I especially love the Scriptural references! Principle Approach/Bible Principles homeschooling mamas with enjoy this aspect because Bible Principles are already pulled out for you (not that you couldn't go with others, too). :-)
Suggestions for further reading as there are some books we have not heard of and it's always appreciated to receive recommendations from trusted sources.
There is an answer key provided at the very end (helpful for really tired mamas). :-)
I appreciate that the author background is available- saves me the time!
These guides are written with a Christian perspective.

Something I Would Like To See

Our family, like many others, is going gluten-free. It would be nice to have (and possibly a good selling point) activities involving food with gluten-free alternative ideas included. This is such a transition for us and I haven't the wherewithal right now to be creative and figure it out on my own. Just a thought. :-)

How Much These Progeny Press Literature Guides Cost

The Courage of Sarah Noble literature guide is $11.99 (e-guide or on CD).

The Door in the Wall literature guide is $16.99 (e-guide or on CD).

*You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0+ in order to download the e-guides.

How to Connect with Progeny Press

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/progenypress

Twitter- https://twitter.com/progenypress

Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/progenypress/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/user/ProgenyPress

More Reviews

Read more reviews on these and other literature guides by Progeny Press. Just click on the TOS Crew banner below!

Blessings to you!

What on Earth Can I Do? by Aplogia Educational Ministries {Review}

2014-05-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for a way to teach your children a Biblical worldview of stewardship with their lives? Apologia Educational Ministries has come out with What on Earth Can I Do? in an effort to help children see how other believers have spent their lives serving God/Yahweh with their lives. Apologia also has corresponding journals: What on Earth Can I Do? Notebooking Journal, What on Earth Can I Do? Junior Notebooking Journal, and the What on Earth Can I Do? Coloring Book. This homeschool resource is geared for grades 1-6 and the different journal options are available for where individual children fall within that range. (As a member of the TOS Crew, I received a hard copy of each of the above listed materials in exchange for my honest review.)

What on Earth Can I Do? is like a family devotional that may enrich your Christian homeschool. I think Principle Approach/Bible Principles homeschooling families will find it to fall nicely in line with God's Principle of Individuality and God's Principle of Self-Government (being governed under Jesus/Yeshua).

It may sound like the focus is on missionaries, and I guess it could be though not in the traditional sense. But the curriculum covers a whole gamut of people such as Charlie Chaplin, Maria von Trapp, Corrie ten Boom, Beehtoven, Winston Churchill (and many, many more), and also Parables from Scripture.

Analogies are also weaved throughout the book. These give added pictures to children to help get the point of each lesson across to them.

How What on Earth Can I Do? is Set Up:

There is a lesson plan laid out in the beginning of the book (lessons divided into two days). The children are to journal or color the pages that correspond with the lesson content covered each day. Some lessons do require some prep work ahead of time by the parent. A list of materials is given for each lesson that needs materials and most are commonly found around homes.

Each Lesson covers events and people in history. It then transitions into a question for thought: "What Should I Do?" Afterward, there is a scripted prayer regarding the question for consideration. (Depending on what you think about scripted prayers, you may or may not utilize this aspect of the curriculum.) Lastly, a Parable of Jesus/Yeshua to conclude the theme of the lesson.

How We Used What on Earth Can I Do? in our Homeschool

The lessons are long for our children- at least compared to how long we typically spend on lessons for 1st-4th. So, I broke the lessons up to be no more than 15 minutes which includes my reading out loud, discussion, and journaling/coloring. As with any curriculum, the mom and dad can flex it as they see fit for their individual homeschools.

I began with reading out loud to Song Bird, Explorer and Dreamer. However, Song Bird does retain information better if she reads it herself (she is a visual learner). There are various activities within the journals for the older kids to do: crossword puzzles, word searches, some sheets are for reflection or writing down a prayer from their heart, copying definitions of some vocabulary down, sheets for copying Scripture verses, etc.

One thing I noticed was that the crossword puzzles ask for information some children may not know (and which I don't personally find necessary to know)- such as the name of the actor that played the role of Prince John in The Adventures of Robin Hood. In fact, I don't think I even know his name. We aren't major movie goers in our family and we don't make it a point to memorize the names of actors and actresses, if you know what I mean. But we may be among the few.

When it comes to the journals, some of the pages are more for busy work (in my opinion). Word searches and such are fun and while they have vocabulary words from the book in them, they weren't really adding to learning the lesson content by having the kids reflect on the lesson. Rather, I do wish there were more sheets included for narration and reflection on the material we covered.

What I Like About What on Earth Can I Do?

The content is easy for children to follow.
I appreciate the different people who are used as examples.
I love how different areas of history are learned because of the different people we learn about. For instance, I didn't know the movie history behind Charlie Chaplin and the influence he had during WWII.
The lessons flow well from the intro to the conclusion; lesson themes are handled well in this way.
Each lessons give excellent food for thought for our children.
The layout is nice and the photos are nice visual aids.
The coloring book has pictures that relate to the lessons.
The Junior Notebooking Journal has a nice balance of coloring pages and other activities.
At the end of each lesson section in the journals, suggested resources for different media are offered.

What is Covered in What On Earth Can I Do?

Lesson 1: Your Story or God's Story?
Lesson 2: Who Put You in Charge?
Lesson 3: Will You be Found Faithful?
Lesson 4: Were is Your Treasure?
Lesson 5: Where Does Your Time Go?
Lesson 6: Whose Life is it Anyway?
Lesson 7: Why Isn't it Easy Being Green?
Lesson 8: What Will Happen When the Master Returns?

How Much What on Earth Can I Do? Costs:

What on Earth Can I Do? Hardback book $39. Purchase it here.
What on Earth Can I Do? Notebooking Journal $24. Purchase it here. What on Earth Can I Do? Junior Notebook Journal $24. Purchase it here. What on Earth Can I Do? Coloring Book $8. Purchase it here.

Connect with Apologia (it's about more than just science!).

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/apologiaworld
Twitter – https://twitter.com/apologiaworld
Google+ - https://plus.google.com/105053356034237782125/posts
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/apologia/

Read more reviews by TOS Crew members by clicking on the banner below. :-)

Blessings,

In God/Yahweh's Timing

2014-05-26T22:54:00.003-07:00

A while back I had mentioned that Cool Daddy was continuing his education. He already had two degrees and decided to go higher up.

He actually began continuing his education a few years back... but circumstances arose that interfered with him completing his last.semester.

I did not handle it as well as he did.

Nope. I was rather quite upset.

But Yahweh knew. He knew.

During that gap, we were scheduling field trips for our local homeschool community; we were led to run a homeschool co-op; for part of the time we ran two separate groups; part of the time we did an art outreach with a retirement home. It was fun, challenging, at times it was exhausting, and we learned a lot through these experiences. Something would had to have bent if he was taking classes then.

Super Busy was also born (he was a joyful surprise). We were blessed with Cool Daddy being able to focus on our son and enjoying the transition 100% with the rest of our family. :-)

We lost a loved one... and that was emotionally draining for us. I ended up traveling out of state to say good-bye. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to say good-bye one last time and to hold this precious loved one's hand one last time. It was very difficult to be away from Cool Daddy and our children for this period of time. But it was a time in which my family and I were ministered to. And that's okay. There are seasons to minister... and seasons to be ministered. If Cool Daddy was taking classes at this time, it would have been much harder on our family.

There are many other things that took place. Some wonderful. Some growing pains. Some that I wish didn't happen at all. Some that I wouldn't change for anything.

But it was a season full of growth for us in so many ways.

When we learned that now is the time for him to finish his last semester, we were floored with joy even though we found ourselves to be busier. We're still running a homeschool co-op. I joined the The Old Schoolhouse Crew. We have some life transitions taking place. And our family schedule has been a bit out of rhythm. All of the adjusting is worth it though.

The best thing of all, is that during this *gap*, Cool Daddy was growing and maturing in his relationship with God/Yahweh, and this equipped him for the theology classes he was taking. It is neat to read the comments from his professors. It's exciting, as his bride, to sit and observe his personal areas of growth in so many ways. I'm thankful.

And now, Cool Daddy is officially graduated. He has worked hard and it has paid off. He has excellent grades. And it's something he has wanted to accomplish. I'm happy for him.

The most exciting current news in our lives? We are expecting another child- all in Yahweh's timing! Due to this I have needed to cut back on blogging for a while and I need to step away from being a part of the TOS Crew team (on my end I need to do this for a time). I have a few more reviews that I am committed to seeing through and then I will blog as I am able to- I'm especially hoping to post Word Study Wednesday posts again. I hope you all keep on following my blog; I appreciate each and every one of you!

Blessings,

Micro Business for Teens: A Review

2014-05-21T00:59:00.001-07:00

Will there be employment for our children when they are old enough to work? Even if there is, will something suitable for them be available? Perhaps... perhaps they will need to create employment for themselves. One of the most impacting things in life is the ability for individuals to be productive according to their individuality. I'm thankful that there is Starting a Micro Business, Running a Micro Business, and Micro Business for Teens Workbook by Micro Business for Teens to help young adults consider what it is to be an entrepreneur.

These are books that we received as a part of the TOS Crew in exchange for my honest review. And they have arrived just in time to walk our young adults/ teenagers through the process of starting their own micro businesses for summer.

About Micro Business for Teens

Carol Topp is a CPA and the owner/authoress of Micro Business for Teens. She got started with helping young adults when she received calls from parents asking tax questions for their kids who were starting up their own businesses. In her efforts to help, she researched information to pass on to the parents. However, there wasn't anything sufficient available to advise young adults for the level of business they wanted to manage. Thus, Carol Topp put her wisdom and experience into action and has formed the Micro Business for Teens series!

These books are geared for children ages 10 years to 18 years. Scientist and Artsy Girl are the ones who participated in this. The books are easy to read and follow so, they were able to do most of the work on their own. They did need help with research in some areas for what they are considering to do, so Cool Daddy and I did step in to help them with that.

How We Used Micro Business for Teens in our Homeschool

Before Scientist and Artsy Girl dove into the books (they are eager to get started with their own micro businesses!), we watched a video of Carol Topp sharing success stories that some young adults have had with their micro businesses ideas. While not all micro businesses will meet the same levels of success, young adults are encouraged to consider what is successful for them individually.

Carol Topp gives excellent advice such as: considering the time to invest in a business; the benefits of being a sole proprietor; the business should be flexible; and to focus on the educational experience running a micro business affords. These are just a few of the topics she covers and each chapter in her books are essential to aiding young adults reach their goals.

Starting a Micro Business takes young adults step by step through the process of... starting one up. The main topics in this book are:

Chapter 1: What is a Micro Business?
Chapter 2: Getting an Idea: A Collection of Micro Business Ideas Best for Teens
Chapter 3: Problems and Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Chapter 4: Plan it First: Writing a Business Plan
Chapter 5: Financing Your Business Without Breaking the Bank
Chapter 6: Taking Care of Business: Extra Information to Get You Started
Chapter 7: Encouragement: Final Words to Motivate You

The next book is, Running a Micro Business. Once they have their game plan down for how they want to earn money, they get to learn about and prepare to implement:

Chapter 1: Sales
Chapter 2: Marketing
Chapter 3: Customer Service
Chapter 4: Record Keeping
Chapter 5: Bookkeeping Basics
Chapter 6: Using Software
Chapter 7: Legal Names and Numbers
Chapter 8: Reducing Risk
Chapter 9: Time Management

The Micro Business for Teens Workbook consists of corresponding worksheets for each book. The forms cover:

Evaluate your goals
Write a business plan
Examine potential problems before they sink your business
Learn how to set a price
Make a plan to start with very little money
Create a sales presentation
Design a flier, business card and website
Implement customer service strategies
Structure a record keeping system
Learn a simple bookkeeping system
Manage your time

What I Like About Micro Business for Teens:

Carol Topp encourages young adults to consider their gifts, talents and interests.
The books are not dumbed-down. Carol Topp speaks intelligently to young adults.
The information is easy to understand.
Visual aids are included.
The materials are concise!
Carol Topp (among some other adults) grasps the value that young adults have to offer. This series helps young adults to take action steps for being proactive before much of society deems them able to. It helps them to be productive with their time and lives!

Artsy Girl's Opinion:

"I like how Carol Topp uses simple methods to teach us. The format to create a business plan is easy to use.

"A few things I have learned are that it's important not to have business partners; it's important to have new customers pay in person so that they don't end up backing out of paying; and it's important to have a business plan in order to help me have a successful business. The most important of all, do not take out loans!"

Where Scientist and Artsy Girl are at With Their Micro Businesses

Under Carol Topp's mentorship via this book series, both Scientist and Artsy Girl have their own micro business ideas for the summer and are in different stages of writing out their business plans. We'll see where things go for them!

How Much Micro Business for Teens Materials Cost

Starting a Micro Business for Teens: Paperback $9.95 and the Ebook is $4.95.

Running a Micro Business for Teens: Paperback $9.95 and the Ebook is $4.95.

Micro Business for Teens Workbook: Paperback $14.95 and the Ebook is $9.95

Connect with Micro Business for Teens

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MicroBusinessForTeens?ref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolTopp

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caroltopp/

For more reviews on what TOS Crew members think about Micro Business for Teens, click on the graphic below:

Blessings!

Review: Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set

2014-05-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

Cursive is one of my favorite things. I can't recall how old I was when I learned how to write in cursive, but it is something I have wanted my children to learn. I want to help prevent it from becoming a lost art. Plus, I want my children to be able to read the Constitution of the United States of America and beautiful things such as Thank You cards and letters from elderly relatives. ~Through the TOS Crew, I received a copy of The Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set by Logic of English.

How Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set Works:

Included in the set you will find: Rhythm of Handwriting Student Book, Handwriting Tactile Cards, Rhythm of Handwriting Quick Reference, and student white board.

We begin with showing the flashcard for the letter we are focusing on. Next, we say the sounds of each letter (which are found on the back of the flashcard) and the students are to count the number of sounds they hear. If the students mispronounce any sounds, this is the time to help them correct their errors. Next, the parent models (with their pointer finger) the motion to write the letter while giving the directions for writing. The children are to repeat forming the letter while they say the directions aloud for about 2-3 times.

How We Used Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set in Our Homeschool:

The curriculum encourages students to learn handwriting first. Some of the benefits of doing so are:

Less motor skills are needed for writing cursive,
The letters 'b' and 'd' are not confused as with manuscript (so it helps to eliminate letter reversals),
It improves long-term penmanship skills

Dreamer knows how to print and she is just now learning cursive. We begin with using the Handwriting Tactile Cards. This isn't her favorite thing to do; she personally does not like using them because she doesn't like how the texture feels on her fingers. She is more of a visual learner than a tactile learner, so she prefers to look at the letters, talk about the strokes to make each one, and then write them. She was a good sport, however, and did use the tactile cards for much of the program for this review.

The student book contains sections of letters by category (swing letters, etc.). Each letter has an example along with arrows to direct the students with the direction of each beginning stroke. We have not made it to the student book yet. Dreamer is enjoying using the white board- it's kind of a novelty for her. :-)

While she has a little ways to go with exact strokes for the letters, she has made improvements. I think that, for Dreamer, the use of the student book will be a milestone for her. It's more of a permanent record of her improved abilities- kind of like a journal to look back on.

What I Like About the Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set

I love the laminated reference chart. It's perfect for quick reference- it explains how to describe the making of each letter along with the names and pictures of the different strokes. I also like that the letters are broken down into categories: swing letters, curve letters, loop letters, circle letters, slash letters, miscellaneous letters, bump letters and roll letters. In addition, there are steps found on the chart to teaching handwriting.
The reusable tactile cards and white board are nice aspects of this program, too. It saves on materials and then we don't have endless papers laying around or to punch and place in Dreamer's notebook. (This set does not come with white board markers or a white board eraser.)
The method of saying the sounds (phonemes) of the letters works really well as a reinforcement for the spelling curriculum we use.
The instructions are clear.
I love the white board! It's perfect for young children of various motor skill levels. This is from the Logic of English website about the white board:
- 11"x16"
- Double-sided
- Side one - Large handwriting chart for large-motor practice
- Side two - Six lines for writing words, phrases, sentences, and even short paragraphs
- High quality
- Stain resistant
- Will not peel

How Much The Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set Costs

The reusable resources that come in the The Rhythm of Handwriting Cursive Complete Set
are only $65.00.

**Please note that the Basic Phonogram Flash Cards do not come with the complete set (not sure why they are included in this graphic...). However, the cursive workbook does come with the complete set.

Connect with Logic of English

https://www.facebook.com/TheLogicOfEnglish

https://www.pinterest.com/logicofenglish/

https://www.youtube.com/logicofenglish/

https://twitter.com/LogicofEnglish

There are many helpful reviews by my TOS Crew team on this and other Logic of English products. Just click on the graphic below to read more. :-)

Blessings,

Review: "My Name is Handel: The Story of the Water Music" and "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" by Maestro Classics

2014-05-07T22:41:00.001-07:00

Our family enjoys beautiful music and good stories. Through the TOS Crew, we learned about classical music for children put to stories by Maestro Classics. We received a physical copy of "My Name is Handel: The Story of the Water Music" and a physical copy of "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" in exchange for my honest review.

Who is Maestro Classics?

This is a rather new children's music series by Bonnie and Stephen Simon. These cd's for children are comprised of works for the narrator and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. They expose children to beautiful music, history, and lively stories. In addition, they help families to enjoy and understand orchestral music.

How We Used Maestro Classics in our Homeschool

As of late, we have been on the road more than usual out of necessity. It's always nice to have audio dramas to take along with us. However, it was a lot of fun to have new stories to listen to as we traveled.

My Name is Handel: The Story of the Water Music

We have listened to a couple of audios about Handel, but neither were as lively as this narration. We also learned some very interesting {possible} information about the non-assuming Mr. Handel... information that one would not suspect scholars to have dug up. I know you are sitting on the edge of your seat; I hear you saying, "Come on, Heather. Spill it!" Sorry. You'll just have to purchase it and find out. :-)

This particular story is created for ages 5+ but even our Sweetie Pie at 4 years old and Super Busy at 2 years old were engaged listeners (and of course Cool Daddy and I enjoyed them as well).

The narrator, Yadu, speaks very clearly and paces the story with the music. While we listened to this on the go, I think it will make for a nice story to listen to prior to bedtime because of the relaxing music and the narrator's tone- they are harmoniously soothing.

What I Like About "My Name is Handel: The Story of the Water Music"

The story is organized and very easy to follow.
The music selection is beautiful.
I love the history behind the Water Music. It was explained with fun words creating fantastic imagery.
Our whole family enjoyed it.

What You Will Find with "My Name is Handel: The Story of the Water Music"

Along with the CD is a little booklet with information such as the history and background of the music, lyrics for the sing along songs, and little activities such as puzzles.
Facts about Orchestras
Terminology about musical forms and audio bits to help people listen for these examples the next time they listen to the story.
Interesting updated scholar facts (was Handel more than a composer, conductor and producer?)
Facts about King Edward.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

This is a treasured children's story written by a mother who was inspired by her two sons as they played with their steam engine toys. This CD is created for ages 4+ but our Super Busy at 2 years of age was an engaged listener of this story as well. Needless to say, Cool Daddy and I were, too.

We had not heard of this story before and it is a delightful tale. I love the selection of music which the composer selected. I don't know about you, but I enjoy the bagpipes- at least in certain instances. I can't get over how I love them combined with string instruments in this story (a first taste of this ear candy for me). The use of all instruments adds another dimension to this story.

What I Like About Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

It's inspiring to learn how the authoress was influenced by child play to write this story.
It's enjoyable to learn how her stories became animated with a special support team as she wrote this story. It's great for children to learn about this.
I like that children learn about how some people felt about steam engines transitioning out of use and existence.
I appreciate how the composer shares about choice instruments used for sound effects and to show emotions of the various characters.
Instruments are explained- such as the difference between Scottish and Irish bagpipes. Aye. That I do now.

Something I'd Like to See

Well, quite frankly, I haven't been able to think of anything! These stories are created exceptionally well, full of talent and complete. The quality is superb and professional. Considering this, I think they deserve a standing ovation!

Thank you, Maestro Classics, for the quality and creativity you have put into your products. You are an integral part of keeping breathtaking symphony music alive for future generations.

How Much These Products Cost

The Story of the Water Music is $16.98 on CD and $9.99 for an MP3 Download with printable PDF booklet. You can listen to samples and purchase it at their store, here.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel is $16.98 on CD and $9.98 for an MP3 Download with printable PDF booklet. You can listen to samples purchase it at their store, here.

You will also find activities at their website for your children at their Maestro Classics page. And, they offer educational materials including: Maestro Classics CDs Homeschool Music Curriculum Guides; Sheet Music; Home Projects; A Journey Through Learning (Lapbooks) resource to contact and several others.

Where You Can Visit Maestro Classics

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I'd love for you to learn more about what Maestro Classics has to offer. Won't you please read more reviews of these and other CDs by Maestro Classics that the TOS Crew has written? Just click on the graphic below.

Blessings to you all,