Latter-day Learning

Homeschool Binders: It FINALLY Clicks!

2012-02-16T09:43:00.009-07:00

Today I want share a post from two wonderful homeschool mothers. Last week Quinn and Jenny came to visit with me about helping American Heritage School with some homeschool related projects. They are relatively new to homeschooling and very eager to learn and help. While they were here, they spent some time walking through a few classrooms and talking with teachers. They were like kids in a candy store; taking pictures, notes, and mentally recording ideas for the one room school houses of their own. Following this visit they went home and put one idea to work, which they blogged about below.

At American Heritage School we are more concerned with impact than anything else. We love to see families incorporate the ideas, tools, and resources we've found so enriching and enlightening in education.

Thank you Quinn and Jenny and for your desire to share!

From http://homeschoolchic.com/blog/:

Recently Jenny and I had the opportunity to tour American Heritage School to learn more about their faith-based education strategies and the distance education programs they are developing. We were able to walk through classrooms, sit in on a bit of teacher lectures and look through some of the students’ binders.
The whole “student binder” concept blew my mind. I know it’s a relatively simple idea and I almost feel silly now to think that I didn’t think of it on my own before, but I’m SOOOOOO grateful to have seen how American Heritage does their student binders because it completely inspired me and our homeschool will NEVER be the same.

Prior to implementing binders, my visionary, chaotic nature was ruling our roost. Anything we worked on during homeschool time was set in piles in various spots in our house because I wasn’t quite sure what to do with them. Art was especially problematic because I LOVE encouraging my children to do art, so we have a LOT of their artwork that gets piled around the house, too.

Another primary issue is that because of this hectic style of homeschooling I was constantly feeling like our homeschooling wasn’t as effective as it could be. My kids were definitely learning, but our motivation waxed and waned too irregularly for us to create much predictability. I’ve heard of many homeschool moms say that there’s a time when your homeschooling feels wild but then it finally clicks and you find your groove.

Homeschool binders helped me find our groove. This one simple thing has impacted our household dramatically! My kids are excited for homeschooling each day and eagerly show off their binders to anyone who will sit with them long enough to see them (they’ve showed each other their binders multiple times, going through them page by page… so sweet!).
The concept behind the binders is that having children record what they’re learning will assist them in retaining the information, as well as seeing their progress. The binders are divided by tabs for each subject we’re studying. I probably should have gone with the packages of 8 tabs, rather than 5, but we’re making the 5 sections work just fine. Each of my children have all of the same 5 tabs: Writing, Math, Science, History and Art.

My children are all different ages and at different levels, so some of their work differs, but overall I teach these 4 subjects in a core format, spending individual time with each child as needed so they can learn the concepts they’re seeking. So far this has worked really well for us. For example, for math, each child works on a similar project, but at a different level (Tate works on subtraction, Claire works on addition and Norah works on counting).

I’ve used heavy cardstock to make dividers under some of the tabs. For example, under “Writing” we have 2 dividers for “Copywork” and “Stories” so their work can be organized. I’m going to do the same with Science, having dividers for each section of Science that we’re studying (we’re finishing up our Zoology learning today and Monday and will be moving on to Astronomy).

As a quick sidenote, I use the American Heritage Kindergarten Science Curriculum and have LOVED it so much because every lesson shows God’s hand in science. They have also done a great job at taking concepts that are big and making them very digestible. My kids LOVE Science because of this.

Now our homeschool time is much more easily structured. My kids love completing an assignment and then being able to put it in their binder. I can see how these binders are going to be treasures for each child every year.
Where is the evidence of my elementary education? In a cardboard box stuffed in a closet somewhere at my parents’ house. I assumed my childrens’ work would be kept “safely” the same way, but am thrilled about using binders. Now all of their artwork and projects can be kept in one easy-to-access place.

Best of all, each day feels like we’re actually progressing in our learning. I can easily see and measure where we’re at. I can use various curriculums as desired for each subject. I can supplement each subject with activities and worksheets that I like from anywhere and it all fits together and makes sense in their binders.

Hallelujah. I’ve been enthusiastic and committed about homeschooling, but now it has finally clicked that I CAN do this! At last I feel fully confident that I can provide an incredible education for my children. Woot! Woot!
It reminds me of this scripture, “…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise” (Alma 37:6).
This small and simple concept of homeschool binders has brought about a great transformation in our family’s learning and I will be forever grateful for American Heritage School for the idea!

Number One on iTunes Chart!!!

2012-02-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

This classical music video, featuring Steven Sharp Nelson and the American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic is currently in the number one position on the iTunes charts in the United States and Canada, and is in the top 10 in eight other countries around the world.

CBS News posted a review on their blog, calling the piece "pure amazing." On its current trajectory, the video will likely reach two or three million views before it plateaus. It was filmed partly at American Heritage School in American Fork, Utah (an LDS based private K-12 school) and partly at a recording studio, and all with a group of 13-18-year-old musicians inspired by Kayson Brown and great professional artists like Steven Sharp Nelson. See HERE for current iTunes rankings.

NEW FREE Videos for Home and Church Use

2012-02-02T10:17:00.001-07:00

On Sunday night I attended a fireside with John Uibel, executive producer of new film clips for the church. From the set in Goshen, Utah comes New Testament clips to be used for FREE at home and in the church. (3 new ones to be released each week.) They WANT us to share these beautiful and powerful messages Bible Videos - A Gift to the World -- with others.

Watch here "The Widow's Mite". A powerful reminder of the need for 'consecrated hearts'.

Scripture Study Resources for LDS Families

2012-01-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Scripture Study Resources for LDS Families - from "Discover the Scriptures"

Here are some resources and links that will help your family with their gospel study.

CES materials including seminary and institute manuals, scripture mastery cards and lists. The scripture mastery lists and cards are great to use as a family--even for those not yet at seminary age. You are never too young to start memorizing scriptures!

BYU has several FREE personal enrichment courses available online. Older kids (seminary age and older) and adults will enjoy learning about temples, prophets, books of scripture, and other gospel principles.

A Plain English Book of Mormon is an interesting website that offers the Book of Mormon text in simplified, modern language. Unlike Book of Mormon Stories (published by the Church) and other readers, A Plain English Book of Mormon follows the Book of Mormon text verse by verse.

Kingdom Kidz Club is a company that offers Bible songs that help your children memorize Bible verses in a fun and easy way. The catchy tunes are fun to sing and make it easy to take scripture memory on the go!

MyNauvooTrip.com offers a FREE Nauvoo kids pack (available soon, and created by Discover the Scriptures) that your kids will love. If you are planning a trip to Nauvoo, there is a lot of information on the site that will help you. If you aren't, your kids will still love the Nauvoo kids packet, which features stories from kids like them who lived in Nauvoo!

Read More

The Father's Role in Family Education; Neil Flinders

2012-01-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Father's Role in Family Education:
Preside, Provide, and Protect
Neil J. Flinders
This is the text of the keynote address Brother Flinders presented at the
LDS Home Educators Assn. Conference, October 13, 2007

The Substance of Human Life Learning and teaching, following and leading are the substance of human life. Remove these functions and very little is left. Recognizing and consciously responding to the significance of these four functions is the most important contribution a parent makes in the developing lives of their children-be it good, bad, or indifferent. Beyond providing birth and sustaining life, the central core of human existence is learning and teaching, and following and leading. Every individual forms their own pattern of pursuing these functions. The importance of the pattern we embrace is mirrored in the lives we live. It is inescapable; the process extends beyond the human family and appears in nature itself. Consider two examples-(a) a covey of quail and (b) trees.

Lessons from a Covey of Quail

Frequently I see a family of quail parading across our back lawn. Recently, I watched two or three adults and a dozen or more tiny tots scooting along, mimicking their parents' pecking in the grass. One of the adult birds was on guard duty, perched atop the highest rail of our pole fence. He or she constantly looked this way and that way, alertly following the group on their journey by running along the rail-ever ready to sound the alarm if a cat or other predator appeared. The smallest members of this covey seemed hardly big enough to fly. They were busily learning lessons of survival. The entire family was diligently doing first things first. It obviously was a life or death matter. I've watched such coveys diminish in number. Eat or starve. Watch out or die. Keep moving. Don't leave the safety of the group. Watch Mom and Dad; do what they do. Obey instantly. Work hard. They had an agenda and the agenda was constructed around definite priorities. You don't eat when you are supposed to fly. In the "eat and be eaten" world of quail, certain principles or patterns must be learned and taught. Failure spells disaster or death. Human life has its similarities but it involves moral agency as well.

Read Full Article Here

1,000 Good Books - Classical Homeschooling

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

From "Classical Homeschooling" we read the following:

This 1000 Good Books List is by no means exhaustive. It is a listing of the books that 25 homeschooling mothers have come up with over the course of a year’s time through discussions of criteria to use in choosing a good book, and many other discussions about individual titles to include or exclude. If you know of books that are good that are not included in this list, by all means, do not let their exclusion stop you from reading them with your children. And similarily, if a book is included on this list that you just plain don’t like for whatever reason, then don’t read it. We firmly believe in the parents right and responsibility to have the ultimate choice in choosing reading material for their children. We have posted this list as a place to start, not necessarily as a place to end; since many of us did not have the benefit of careful discrimination in our reading material in our own childhoods and education.

The criteria we used to judge inclusion are: Does the book have literary value? Does the book re-emphasize a Biblical worldview or the Judeo-Christian heritage in some way? Does the book teach, through whatever means, what is moral or just or true? Does the book encourage to love and good works? Does the book exemplify warmth, tenderness, courage, humor, and other values and characteristics that we desire our children to be exposed to? Does the book nourish the intellect and fire the imagination? Does the book cross age barriers to be enjoyed by all?

The Bible, the best of the good books and the greatest of the great books, is the backbone of this good books / great books list. The books listed are offered in addition to the Bible, but certainly never in replacement of it.
1000 Good Books

Farm Life for Children

2012-01-25T13:51:00.005-07:00

Compared to a hundred years ago, most of us don’t know much about farming except that chickens lay eggs and cows make milk. That’s why it is beneficial for city children to participate in 4H or attend county fairs or state fairs.

Little Hands on the Farm is a fun way to teach kids about agriculture This web article by Lisa Foust Prater tells all about the Little Hands on the Farm program. It started in Indiana and is now part of many state fairs. It helps children to understand how food gets to the grocery store. Count it for school! Include it as a field trip for your “Early American” or “Westward Expansion” studies. If you are studying plants or animals, it counts.

Helpful resources for your farm study include: Old Fashioned Farm Life Coloring Book, Prairie Primer Unit Study (unit study for Little House on the Prairie), and God’s Design for Life Series with the World of Plants and the Animal Kingdom.
Gotta love homeschooling.
Blessings,
Harriet, Lamp Post Homeschool

Join The Conversation

2012-01-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

"The emergence of New Media is facilitating a world-wide conversation on almost every subject including religion...may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet, particularly the New Media, to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration."

"Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true."

M. Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Using New Media to Support the Work of the Church." Speech was given at Brigham Young University-Hawaii’s graduation ceremony on December 15, 2007.

True Beauty

2012-01-25T08:17:00.003-07:00

Sister Elaine Dalton tells of how she learned as a young woman what True Beauty means.

Purpose and Importance of Good Literature - Lesson Plan

2012-01-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

Here are some ideas for a lesson plan on "What is the Purpose and Importance of Good Literature?"

1. To instruct and encourage us - Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patienc and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

2. To become wiser in God's Ways - Proverbs 1:5 "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."

Elder David B. Haight taught "Nothing touches the soul but leaves its impress and thus, little by little, we are fashioned into the image of all we have seen and heard, known and meditated; and if we learn to live with all that is the fairest and purest and best, the love of it all will in the end become our life."

The Lord taught "...Seek ye out of the best books words of widsom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." D&C 88:118.

Personal and Family Goal: "I will read only literature that fills my life with truth and beauty."

The 'Bottom Line' on Education

2012-01-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

I believe that the bottom line on education is that it's sole purpose is to help us become like the Savior - and do the things that we've seen Him do.

There are many other beliefs on this topic. So, I ask, what are True Principles? What has the Lord, himself, taught us about 'learning'. What is the purpose of earth life, of 'education', of all we do in our homes, families and in His church?

It's to help us become like Him. That is the bottom line.

He set the example and told us to follow Him and do the works that we have seen Him do. It's as simple as that. He is the Source of all truth and the Fountain of Living Waters. Many people are drinking from a source much further down stream. There, the waters are muddled and not clear. How did this happen?

Because of 'conspiring men' in these last days - we know that 'many plain and precious things' have been lost. This can lead to many being 'blinded by the craftiness of men'. Is it remotely possible that this could include our thoughts on education? Could it be true that the adversary, seeking to cause many to fall away - has 'prompted' many to do and say things that would further his purposes? Could that include ways some may have been misled as to the best ways for children to learn and progress? Would there be any way that even some of the 'philosophies of men' are wrong and that millions of our Fathers' children are being led astray - not because they are evil - but because they are surrounded by the 'midsts of darkness' and maybe are not holding to the iron rod/word of God (i.e. personal revelation).

I ask these questions for your pondering. You can find the answers for yourself. Perhaps even consider the 'great thinkers' of all time. How did they learn? Why did they inquire? What were the results of their observations? How did they receive the answers they sought? How did this benefit society? Would they have found these answers in any other way?

Recently there have been a large number of entries on a local yahoo site for homeschooling families. These messages were in response to an inquiry of a homeschooling Mom in tears because she wasn't sure she could 'do homeschool' and meet all the needs of her family. I understood where she was coming from and my heart went out to her in her time of need.

Many other moms responded and I was intrigued by their answers. Some rang true to me and were based on principles that I also knew and felt. Others seemed to be filled with fear and 'making sure' to keep-up with the man-made system and requirements and tests. Others seemed to be sincerely sharing and inquiring as to their own progression, understanding and seekings. We can ask, as did Joseph, 'which of all these are right?'

It is my belief that personal revelation for each of us - and in our families - is the very best way to go. What may be right for one child and family - may not work for another. We need guidance in our lives - different for that of our neighbor ....which may take courage and faith to follow. The Lord works with us one-on-one and teaches us to our understanding and willingness to follow.

Our circumstances are all different. Our spirituality, missions, gifts and talents, and the way that we can best use those to bless others' -- is intimately known by Him. He WILL guide and help us at to how best to be led by Him and how to do the right things for our families - no matter what any other person may say.

It is my deep belief that preparing for Zion is an imminent thing for us to be doing. From the scriptures we learn that Zion is the Pure in Heart and...the actual New Jerusalem will be built up by the same. How do we become or remain that? How do we ensure that the 'education' of our children is for that cause? How do we help them continue to be 'pure in heart' from their childhood on up? Is what we're doing now in our families - providing for that or are we too much into the systems of the world?

These are questions for us all to ponder. I hope that we'll, as instructed in D&C 88:118, "seek learning even by study and also by faith."

And...I take full responsiblity for the content of this article.
Heidi G.

The Angels Among Us

2012-01-16T14:49:00.009-07:00

American Heritage School is an LDS-oriented private, homeschool, and distance education resource for families. Very recently, we have been discussing the idea of helping our 7-12 grade age distance education students complete courses at a faster pace. Many of the students enrolled in courses are doing so in order to receive credit and a transcript toward a High School diploma and to prepare for the college admissions process one day. In many cases students work at a pace that “fills the vase” of time. Consequently, allowing a full year—which is customary in online education—to complete a typical “semester” course results in frustration to parents and students.

I’d like to share with you an email I received from one of our distance education teachers:

Peter,

I would like to share a story about my heroes for this semester. I graded Natasha’s final assignment today. She is the first of my students to complete the course and it is over a week early. Now you ask why is this so wonderful? Natasha’s mother died a few years ago and I have never heard reference to the father so she lives with her grandmother. Natasha has aspergers syndrome and cerebral palsy. She also had some bouts with migraine headaches during the semester. Her grandmother teaches school each day but helps guide Natasha in her homework along with her aunt. They do not do the work for her but explain things that she may not understand. She has overcome big obstacles and her grandmother has been a great support. That is why they are both my hero.

Enough said about taking a year to do a semester's worth of work.
Charmaine (Computer Technology Instructor)

Thank you for sharing this, Mrs. Anderson (teacher). And thank you to Natasha, Amanda Smith (aunt), and Alice Smith (grandmother). Whether we go from one year enrollment to a semester enrollment is not the most relevant point here. In the same way I feel when one of my children teach me a great lesson, we feel gratitude for our students and their families who teach us through examples of love and service—love and service we see so evident among our latter-day homeschooling and distance education families. You are truly angels in Natasha's life.

Peter Knecht
Assistant Director of Homeschool and Distance Education

What is an Education?

2012-01-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

Watch this short video clip entitled "What is an Education?" It's beautifully presented by TJEd and shares about all students' becoming thinkers, leaders and creators. Each of us have a unique mission to fulfill in this life. How can a personalized education prepare us for that mission? Which resources will best help our children to develop their God-given gifts and talents?
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This website, Latter-day Learning, is a compilation of the best resources we have found to help your families. We hope you'll learn from it and share it with others. We welcome your comments, insights, blogs, links etc. Together we can make a difference for all LDS families.

Constitution Class

2012-01-11T11:38:00.000-07:00

We have been counseled to study and learn about The U.S. Constitution. From Elder Oaks we read about The Divinely Inspired Consitution and from President Benson "The Constitution - A Glorious Standard". We would all do well to study and ponder on this miraculous document which can be seen as a covenant as well.

From Wallbuilders comes a list of Constitution Classes. Perhaps you could find one in your area to attend. Or...you could take a class through AHS or from from Scott Bradley - Lecture Series at "To Preserve the Nation or Cleon Skousen; Learn the Constitution. Whatever you choose to do - we encourage you to understand this inspired document so that you will be prepared to defend its' truths.

Faith of Our Founding Fathers

2012-01-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

A must-watch for all!

Why I Decided to Homeschool

2012-01-09T17:59:00.002-07:00

The past 6 days have been full of deep thinking and decision making. For a long time I have had a number of concerns which I put on the back burner, probably hoping the problems would resolve themselves with no further effort on my part. Since Baylee was an infant I have occasionally thought about homeschooling and told myself I would look into it when the time came to make a decision. I even purchased some books on the subject which I never opened, thinking I had plenty of time to make a decision. Ever since I observed the change that one year of homeschooling had on my sister Deidre's five young children almost six years ago, I've known that it can be a wonderful, uplifting experience for everyone involved. But when the time came for my daughter to begin school I decided since public school was the easiest option we would give it a try and if there was a problem then we would seriously look into homeschooling.

Read Full Article Here: "Our Big Decision" by Katie Garner
We thank Katie for her willingness to share with us and hope you'll follow her blog!

Vision for Our Learning

2012-01-07T12:47:00.003-07:00

I was half way through 3rd grade when Mom decided to start homeschooling. It was a difficult decision. No one we knew personally was doing homeschool, and it seemed that everyone we did know personally had serious doubts about it. I think Mom even had a slight stomachache about it during the whole first year. But she felt very strongly that it was something we should do – for a whole range of reasons– including her feeling that we just did not have enough time to learn and do the things that were most important. I am so grateful for her courage! The experiences I had during that second grade year, and in the homeschooling years that followed were transformative in my learning.

One of the first things she implemented in our learning at home was daily journal writing. In the years since, I know that this one practice was foundational in our ability to express ourselves in writing. Though a simple practice, it opened the way for well-honed writing skills by laying the necessary foundation of practice in self-expression. It also laid a foundation for self-reflection, thinking and feeling through the lessons of everyday life.

But that wasn’t all she had in mind. She also wanted us to learn to summarize and extract important truths from the thoughtful writing of others. At the time, Mom and Dad subscribed to U.S. News & World Report. Because I had developed an interest at a young age in political issues, particularly issues surrounding the Cold War, she asked me to read an article from the magazine every day and summarize it. To complete the assignment, she asked me each night to share my summary with the family at the dinner table. When I think back, I was far too young for such a task. But the experience exposed me to language and ideas that led further vocabulary and idea development. The daily reporting at the dinner table ensured I had something to share and always spurred more teaching and discussion.

It was some years later when Mom and I both received training in the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE) curriculum implemented at American Heritage School. As we sat and listened to the profound insights of their methodology, I got a bigger glimpse of Mom’s wisdom and a strong appreciation for what this methodology offered. Mom lit up with excitement as she listened
exclaiming that it was always what she had hoped to do but had not quite known how. This new methodology was grounded in enabling students to discern principles of truth from researching original writing. The skills required were what Mom had worked so hard to help me develop – that of reading, summarizing, and analyzing what principles could be learned. For example, my summary of an article on the national debt (which at that time was a major concern; what would they think now?!) led to discussions at the dinner table about principles of fiscal responsibility, stewardship, and accountability that taught my heart as well as my mind.

In the FACE Curriculum that process became integral to all learning as students continuously go through the process of reasoning principles from the area of study, relating them to the area of study and personal life, and recording them in writing or some other form. In that way the learning process went full circle with the end product being internalization and living the identified principles of truth.

My mom was part of an early pioneer group of homeschoolers who helped prepare the way for all of us who follow. We have more tools than ever to do this great work. I’ve felt particularly grateful for what I have learned from the 4-R Methodology of the Foundation of American Christian Education that embodies the vision Mom had for our learning. -Jenet Erickson

LDS Homeschool Support Groups

2012-01-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

From the LDS National Homeschool Association we get the following LIST of LDS homeschooling support groups across the world. Scroll down on the page to find groups listed by STATE and...at the bottom to find a few International Groups. We thank LDS-NHA for all the work they do in this cause.

There are many other groups that are not listed on that site. Some of those can be found on Facebook, Yahoo Groups, Twitter etc. and/or....by searching out local educational options for families - either through your state or county educational lists.

There is a new site LDS National Home Educators who produce a newsletter as well as blog entries for both new and experienced home schoolers. You might want to check them out!

Educational Reasons for Play Dough!

2012-01-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a great idea I came across today - concerning play dough earths. I can think of a myriad of other ways to use play dough in helping children understand principles of creation, geography, art etc. What a neat idea!

Read more on Pinterest!

SEEKING BLOG Entries from LDS Homeschooling Families

2011-12-30T09:33:00.001-07:00

Hello all,
Our mission for this site is to post the BEST resources, videos, materials, links, curriculum, online classes etc. for LDS homeschooling families seeking the most effective tools for their education. We would LOVE your input as to your favorite information and sites. We'll gather it all here - in one convenient location for your benefit and use and from the perspective of a restored-gospel view.

As well, we're looking for some great blog posts that we can place on our site. We would love to hear about your homeschooling experiences and provide your BEST ideas to other homeschooling families who are seeking more information and resources.

If you've been down the road a bit --- you can help those who are just starting out. Many have the same questions that you did when you began. Would you consider sharing with them --- so that they, too, can be successful in this endeavor?

This is what we ask of you:
1. Your post - even an old one - of homeschooling experiences, favorite things, blessings that have come to you, how you've been inspired, how your children have been successful etc.
2. 'Grab Our Button' and place it in on your site
3. Follow Us

In exchange for your post and we'll link to your blog from our site. (We'll post those we feel are in keeping with our mission and purpose.)

Thank you in advance!
Heidi G.-- contact me here: Latterdaylearn@gmail.com
(Photo from National LDS Homeschool Association Photo Gallery)

How My Son Learned to Solve a Rubix Cube

2011-12-20T14:08:00.002-07:00

I post this message today in a personal vein. A few years back my, then, 9 yr. old son Andrew, received a Rubix Cube as a Christmas gift from a friend. He played with it a bit and then...put it away. Two years later, when he was 'ready' (interested), he decided/determined that he wanted to learn how to 'solve' it. So...he spent a few intense days watching these video clips online from an expert whose mission was to teach others'.

I will admit that I wasn't too supportive. After all, there were 'life lessons' to be learned, chores to be done, textbooks to be read. But, at his insistence and....after seeing and feeling of his complete interest and determination - I decided to let him go at his own pace and follow-through on this passion.
After a few days of intense study and practice - he had mastered the algorithms and 'solved' the puzzle. He was thrilled, gratified and....accomplished. His friends were amazed, his family was intrigued and...his church leaders were impressed.

As a Mom I was actually surprised that he could do it and...fascinated to watch him do it over and over again; stumping others' and intriguing those who watched in wonder. I hadn't encouraged him to pursue it as my list of 'important things in life' (and in home school) did not include solving a Rubix cube. But, I learned some very important lessons from the experience and how I could parent better.

Each child comes with unique talents, interests and gifts. They have different learning styles and interests which make-up the package of who they are. If we make sure they 'do life' the same way as everyone else - we might be keeping them from developing their gifts and talents in the way that God intended them to do it and learning the most important things they were sent to learn. I believe that each of us have unique gifts and talents that we are asked to develop in order to bless the world. Perhaps we were 'commissioned' to learn and grow in areas unique to us so that our gifts could be better used to serve others' and build the Kingdom of God.

As parents we are entitled to personal revelation in and for our families. I continue to learn how and what to do with each of my children and how to best support them as they strive to become the most effective servants they can be. It's not always easy or convenient or....the way in which others' do it -- but...it's the right thing for us.

Some of the things I learned were that:
1. All children are interested and talented in different areas.
2. If we get out-of-their way (yet offer support) they will probably surprise us.
3. Learning how to solve a 'Rubix Cube" for Andrew meant memorization, dedication, brain-development, thinking for himself, motivation, mathematical skills, etc.
4. Andrew followed a project through until he was completely satisfied that he'd done what he set out to do. After a few months -- he went on to develop new skills (with the same intensity) in harmonica and yo yo's and....now, most recently, computer programming.
5. Andrew's learning style is more 'hands-on'. A classroom setting does not often work best for him. He learns better by actually 'doing'.
6. Andrew likes to listen, 'see' and...apply new skills. He listens to books on tape and ...church talk CD's each night. His memorization skills have been practiced and sharpened by the things he's personally undertaken.
7. Andrew learned that he could accomplish something that he set his mind to. That gave him confidence in himself and his abilities and....self-motivation to learn and study and become.
8. I needed to learn to listen to him and his interests and find ways to help him have the tools to succeed. We've found neighbor mentors when we've needed something extra and...they've often been willing to help for a short time. Many retired people appreciate feeling needed and often love to share their skills with the rising generation.

How to Start a Homeschool

2011-12-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

If starting a home school sounds like an overwhelming task, the following information give you some ideas. You're not alone. Many have tread the path before and would love to share what they've learned!

1. Obtain information; through home-schooling organizations, co-ops, other parents who've been successful. (Other parents are a great resource as they've learned from hands-on experience.)
2. You're not alone; Find a local support group and/or information center (often online). Many others have had similar questions and have found resources and answers.
3. Don't over-structure your home school; Some parents believe that their home school needs to be the same as public or private schools. That's simply not true. The benefit you'll have at home is working at your child's pace, his/her interests, and....guidance of the Spirit. Natural daily activities can be used educationally such as chores, playtime, reading, gardening, exploring, field trips, worship, service, arts and crafts, computers, world events, family and finances.
4. Ask for help; other families have done many wonderful things. Join yahoo groups and/or homeschooling organizations. Many offer regular training meetings, websites, curriculum information etc. Other moms are often very willing to answer your questions and visit with you about their experiences. This can often be the best way to connect, learn, and....find homeschooling groups and/or events to attend.

LDS Home Educators Association (LDSHEA) offers some wonderful resources/materials/books for Latter-day Saint families. They send out a free monthly newsletter filled with information about what is happening in the LDS homeschooling community and what Prophets have taught about education.

A Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd) is another powerful resource place with excellent information and training materials.

In Utah, Parents for Choice in Education has listed many options that are now available for families.

And...American Heritage School in American Fork is a private LDS-based school that also offers excellent Distance Education Classes for home school families seeking greater light and knowledge.

Cookie Swap

2011-12-16T07:45:00.003-07:00

From "Frugal Family Fun" we find some fun ideas for families on how to share the cheer of the holidays with those around us. One idea is to host a Cookie Swap. Here are some ideas and recipes that you may want to use.

What are some of the activities, events that you do in your home to celebrate this time of year?

Do you have family traditions that your children look forward to?

What events or activities help teach your children about the true meaning of the season and why we reach out to others' during this special month?

BEST Christmas Gift Ideas for Children

2011-12-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

From a local homeschooling group we get some 'BEST ideas for gifts for children' from actual mothers. These are items that are the most-used, long-lasting that their children have loved and been creative with.

Bouncers with handles
Large Safety Pins and material scraps for doll outfits etc.
Dress-Ups from D.I. -- or Savers
Mini Balls (put in kiddie pool)
Indoor Slide
Science Experiments (including making crystals)
Craft Supplies (Glue, glitter, good paper, markers and coffee filters, pipe cleaners, etc.)
Shrinky-Dinks (before Christmas- to make Christmas ornaments)
Good Books
Melissa and Doug coloring books
Dot to Dot books (the crazy cool kinds that go up to 300+)
Razor Scooters
Wooden Blocks
Lincoln Logs
Tinker Toys
Legos
Erector Sets
Calico Critters (not their furniture - which breaks) w/Playmobil Furniture
Littlest Pet Shop
Thomas the Tank Engine Train Set (fun w/Brio Network as it is all supposed to be the inside of a computer. Cute!)
National Geographic KIDS Magazine
Cricket Magazine (10-12 different kinds- all ages)
Duplos (legos' medium size)
Hot Wheels
Kitchen Play Set
Storyboards made out of Flannel or Felt
Tangrams

Christmas Eve Activities

2011-12-13T07:28:00.004-07:00

“Christ is not part of Christmas. Christ is Christmas.”- George Durrant

Christmas Eve is the perfect occasion for the grandest family night of the year as you focus on the birth, life, and mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ. After enjoying a delicious dinner or light supper, according to the tradition of your family, complete the evening by reading aloud the First Christmas from Luke, chapter 2, verses 1-13 and singing or listening to carols and other sacred Christmas music. You can also engage in a short program or activity according to the ages and interests of your family members. Following are suggestions for your consideration: (Note: Option #3 incorporates Luke 2 and carols into the skit.)

With a crèche (nativity set) as the centerpiece, talk about each figure and discuss what we can learn from it. For example, we can be obedient like Mary. We can be a defender of Christ like Joseph. We can share the good news like the angels. We can humbly seek the Lord like the shepherds. We can go to great lengths to bring gifts like the wisemen. And, filled with the flowing Spirit of God, we can guide others to Christ like the Star of Bethlehem. (Based on a quote by Elaine Cannon)
Read and discuss the “Three Levels of Christmas.” This Christmas Classic will be appreciated by mature members of your family. The article was written as a Church News editorial by William B. Smart, and appears in his book, Messages for a Happier Life (Deseret Book, 1989, pp. 33-34.) It is available on my website, please click here: The Three Levels of Christmas
If you’re one of the many families who enjoys re-enacting the First Christmas, you will be interested in this short, three-page Nativity skit that was published in the Friend magazine a number of years ago. It includes speaking parts, scriptural passages, and musical references and appeals to all ages. If you would like a free copy from my website, please click here: Nativity Skit
If you’d like a change from the children taking parts and dressing up in bathrobes, shawls, and white sheets, let the children manipulate hand puppets this year. (The skit, mentioned above, works well with either live actors or hand puppets.) Free patterns plus photos for creating simple costumed hand puppets can be obtained from my website by clicking here: Nativity Hand Puppets

May you and your family receive the blessings of a Christ-centered Christmas Eve and may your Christmas be a very merry one, Daryl Hoole (Meridian Magazine)