One of my favorite magazines, Thriving Family, shared a link in their Aug/Sept 2011 issue where your child can listen to free downloads of the "Adventure in Odyssey" radio programs. I wanted to share this great resource with you.
These radio programs are designed for 8-12 year olds, but even older kids (or moms and dads) can get caught up in the stories. I remember several times listening to one of their radio programs on the way home from somewhere, then sitting in the garage listening to the radio until the story was over! We own several of the DVD's. They are great for road trips! Both "Thriving Family" and "Adventures in Odyssey" are part of the Focus on the Family Ministries.
The current free downloads are: "The Last I Do," "Do, for a change," and "For Trying out Loud." Click for your free download. Enjoy these character building stories!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Field Trip: A Night at the Opera
Last night we enjoyed a fun family night out. We attended the "Albert Herring" (by Benjamin Britten) Opera at a local university. I think the boys enjoyed it even more than my husband and I. Two things helped: it was funny and it was in English! An added bonus was that my kids had the opportunity to see/hear a small orchestra.
In the words of my youngest: "I was not bored--not even for a moment!"
Friday, April 19, 2013
All in the Name of Science
Next week we are doing several chemistry experiments that require bottle caps. That meant I had to purchase these:
It is a hardship, but we are committed to drink all of them over the weekend.
Science is that important to us.
We are just that dedicated.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Blog Post Find of the Day: "Parents, Sports and Church"
Check out this very well written and thought-out blog post from the Church and Culture Blog:
Friday, April 12, 2013
Home Education: Year 7, Week 29 (a few snapshots)
Happy Friday...Hope you had a good week! Here's a glimpse at our week... |
| Making a pie chart based on percentages |
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| Might as well take inventory of the candy bucket! |
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| Chemistry: separating salt from sand (here's the salt) |
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| Here's the salt-crusted sand. (We'll do step 2 next week.) |
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| No electricity.....so the math review seems a lot more fun in a hideout! |
Yes, I think my son is "just pitching his tent!"
Thursday, April 11, 2013
TOS (Book) Review: Before the Dawn, A Tale of Wycliffe and Huss (Salem Ridge Press)
My sons devour books. (at about the same rate that they devour milk and cereal!) This is of course a wonderful thing...until we run out of books to read! Oh, sure there are lots of books to read--but I mean good books. And by good books I'm referring to ones that are quality literature and that teach (or at least encourage) good moral values. In our day and time, it is no small feat to find such a book. How thankful I am to have been introduced to Salem Ridge Press Publishing and their books.
Salem Ridge Press was established in 2005 to "bring back the very best children's books of the 1800's and early 1900's." There are 30 titles on their website you can choose from. More are on the way! (There are books on Church History, World History, American History, Allegory, Adventure and books for Young Readers.) The publisher says he sometimes jokes that their number one rule is "No Kissing!" They do edit some of the writing and illustrations as they see a need. Modesty and wholesomeness are very important to these publishers.
Salem Ridge Press was established in 2005 to "bring back the very best children's books of the 1800's and early 1900's." There are 30 titles on their website you can choose from. More are on the way! (There are books on Church History, World History, American History, Allegory, Adventure and books for Young Readers.) The publisher says he sometimes jokes that their number one rule is "No Kissing!" They do edit some of the writing and illustrations as they see a need. Modesty and wholesomeness are very important to these publishers.
This is a review of a title from the Emma Leslie Church History Series: Before the Dawn, A Tale of Wycliffe and Huss. I choose to read the book first. I plan on assigning it as summer reading for my eldest in the next month or so. I think he will enjoy it as much or more as I have.
Before the Dawn is recommended for ages 12-adult. The cost is $14.95* for soft cover or $24.95* for hard cover. Before the Dawn can also be purchased as a 12-Book Christian History set.
Before the Dawn is recommended for ages 12-adult. The cost is $14.95* for soft cover or $24.95* for hard cover. Before the Dawn can also be purchased as a 12-Book Christian History set.
My interest in reading, and having my children read this book was for many reasons. 1) We have recently studied this period in World History. 2) I want my children to read about real heros 3) I have found out over the years that Historical Fiction is one of the most effective ways to learn history 4) I wanted my children (and myself) to be challenged and inspired by the martyrs that went before us. 5) I thought it would be interesting and novel to read a book written so long ago. (Before the Dawn was originally published in 1880.) 6) I wanted my children (and myself) to learn more about church history.
There were a few things I first noticed about the book before I even started reading it that were different from other historical fiction. There are a lot of "helps" in the book to give the reader a better grasp of what they they are reading. These "helps" include: 1) Definitions of difficult words are given at the bottom of many pages. This comes in very handy since many of the words used in the book are no longer used today. (My son looked at one of the pages as I was reading and thought this extra help was great!) 2) References from the Bible are also at the bottom of the page if there is a quote from the Bible on that page. 3) Maps in the front of the book 4) Important Historical Dates are given at the beginning of the book. 5) Historical Notes are given. This includes historical figures mentioned in the book. I found this to be most useful.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to a well-read 12-year old or older. It took a little effort to read in the "Old English" style of writing. (I mean, it was written in the 1800's after all!) This took me several chapters to get used to. I did get used to it, and I'm sure my kids will too. In fact, I think it is a benefit. It has to do the mind good to read a wide variety of literature. The language and words used can be very beautiful. Literature should not have to be overly-simplified for us or our children to enjoy it or learn from it!
There are three levels on which I experienced this book: simply enjoying a good read, learning some very important church history and most important of all, a spiritual eye-opening one.
The author, Emma Leslie, did a superb job in bringing together so many things that were taking place in history and the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century. The title, Before the Dawn, represents the time in History before the Reformation. There were many people (with Wycliffe and Huss amoung their leaders) who wanted reform...they were waiting (and waiting) for that glorious day to "Dawn".
Like most historical fiction, there is a fictional (yet believable) story woven throughout the historical events. Even though you know what will eventually happen to Huss, you get caught up in the fictional story of a young crippled boy named Conrad. This boy lives with his mother and grandmother, but with a father no longer present. No one seems to give him a straight answer about his father. His "grandam" particularly hates "Lollards" (those that are against the Catholic practices and beliefs of that day). His mother seems to be unsure of what she believes. Conrad has encounters with several (many of them famous) Lollards along the way. His beliefs are challenged and he eventually turns to "Lollardism", but will he turn to Christ? The reader follows Conrad on two journeys: to find his mysteriously missing father and most importantly, his spiritual journey.
On a spiritual level, God has used this book to cause me to think about martyrdom and what I believe---and what I would stand up for. It has helped me to look at my life and ask the question, "What are the most important things?". When God is trying to get my attention about something, he usually has to repeat Himself---at least three times. During the few weeks it took me to read Before the Dawn, I attended a "Secret Church" Simulcast. We prayed for the persecuted church. I'll never forget when David Platt quoted Pascal, "'I believe those witnesses that get their throats cut.'" Also during the time period that I was reading this book, my family and I watched "The Bible" miniseries on TV. During the last episode it showed how so many were martyred for their belief in Christ. Since the time of Christ many have died for their belief in Him. We need to make sure to never forget those that have led the way...or the ones that still stand strong today, no matter the cost. (AND to pass this on to our children!) God has used a book, a sermon and a movie to light a fire under me. What faith, what deep conviction and what great resolve the Christian martyrs have---and still have today!
Check out what the rest of the "CREW" had to say HERE.
(Reviews on American, World and Church History!)
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to a well-read 12-year old or older. It took a little effort to read in the "Old English" style of writing. (I mean, it was written in the 1800's after all!) This took me several chapters to get used to. I did get used to it, and I'm sure my kids will too. In fact, I think it is a benefit. It has to do the mind good to read a wide variety of literature. The language and words used can be very beautiful. Literature should not have to be overly-simplified for us or our children to enjoy it or learn from it!
There are three levels on which I experienced this book: simply enjoying a good read, learning some very important church history and most important of all, a spiritual eye-opening one.
The author, Emma Leslie, did a superb job in bringing together so many things that were taking place in history and the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century. The title, Before the Dawn, represents the time in History before the Reformation. There were many people (with Wycliffe and Huss amoung their leaders) who wanted reform...they were waiting (and waiting) for that glorious day to "Dawn".
Like most historical fiction, there is a fictional (yet believable) story woven throughout the historical events. Even though you know what will eventually happen to Huss, you get caught up in the fictional story of a young crippled boy named Conrad. This boy lives with his mother and grandmother, but with a father no longer present. No one seems to give him a straight answer about his father. His "grandam" particularly hates "Lollards" (those that are against the Catholic practices and beliefs of that day). His mother seems to be unsure of what she believes. Conrad has encounters with several (many of them famous) Lollards along the way. His beliefs are challenged and he eventually turns to "Lollardism", but will he turn to Christ? The reader follows Conrad on two journeys: to find his mysteriously missing father and most importantly, his spiritual journey.
On a spiritual level, God has used this book to cause me to think about martyrdom and what I believe---and what I would stand up for. It has helped me to look at my life and ask the question, "What are the most important things?". When God is trying to get my attention about something, he usually has to repeat Himself---at least three times. During the few weeks it took me to read Before the Dawn, I attended a "Secret Church" Simulcast. We prayed for the persecuted church. I'll never forget when David Platt quoted Pascal, "'I believe those witnesses that get their throats cut.'" Also during the time period that I was reading this book, my family and I watched "The Bible" miniseries on TV. During the last episode it showed how so many were martyred for their belief in Christ. Since the time of Christ many have died for their belief in Him. We need to make sure to never forget those that have led the way...or the ones that still stand strong today, no matter the cost. (AND to pass this on to our children!) God has used a book, a sermon and a movie to light a fire under me. What faith, what deep conviction and what great resolve the Christian martyrs have---and still have today!
One of my favorite quotes from Before the Dawn:
"...these new doctrines taught by Dr. Wycliffe: they are old, old truths that were taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles and the early martyrs of the Church; but as the Church grew worldly, proud, and self-seeking, these truths became buried and forgotten, except as they lived in the hearts of a few of God's chosen people."
Check out what the rest of the "CREW" had to say HERE.
(Reviews on American, World and Church History!)
*All prices were correct at the time of this posting. Prices are subject to change.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Preschool Sunday School~Jesus Talks to the Woman at the Well
This past Sunday boys and girls learned about the Bible story: "Jesus Talks to a Woman". This was literally the title of our lesson. Jesus talking to a woman was a pretty big deal back during Bible times! (We did not go into all that, of course, with our preschoolers...but it was something I took note of as I studied my lesson~!)
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| Puzzle Center: We made our own puzzles with cardstock paper. While we were waiting for parents to arrive, boys and girls took turns sharing their puzzles with friends! |
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| Our Bible Verse today was: "Jesus loves you." (John 15:12) This is what the woman at the well learned--and she shared it with her town! |
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| Art Center: Color Run (Use washable markers) |
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| As boys and girls used the water dropper (oh, so much fun!) I shared the teaching picture of the woman at the well and Jesus. We talked about how people got their water during Bible times. |
I did not get a final picture of the "color run" art project, but let me tell you--they were beautiful! (I teach preschoolers---so I can't get a picture of everything, right?) :)
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Weekend Project: 1 Corinthians 13:13 Sign
Last weekend I had a fun time making this sign for our home. The lettering came from one of those rub-on kits you get a the craft store. I found this one on clearance months ago for just a few bucks. The letters are designed to go on the wall. I didn't think the letters would show up on mine, so I opted to make a sign instead
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| My sweet daddy cut the wood for me. I painted it with acylic white paint, waited 24 hrs. and then put on the lettering. |
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| I just LOVE how it turned out! |
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Whatever Wednesday #8
Whatever Wednesday
What's new in our Homeschool...
We are starting some new books this week....
My oldest started on TOPS Analysis (chemistry experiments):
Their new reader...The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn:
For History....George Washington's World:
And my oldest cracked open this brand-spanking new curriculum...Winston Grammar Advanced:
What new (to me) product I'm using...
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner. (Lavender)
I really like that a little goes a long way and that it's all natural. I'm really trying to not use any chemicals to clean my house.
What new website I've discovered....
(I copied a free book report template from there today.)
What "Pinterests" me...
I'm watching out for all things "Colossal Coaster World". This is what I have pinned on my board so far.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do everything for God's glory." 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
April Edition of "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" (Free Digital Version)
Check out the most recent edidtion of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (April).
The first article I plan to read is: "Why Memorize Timelines?".
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Preschool Sunday School~~Easter Morning
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| Craft Center: The boys and girls enjoyed making "Jesus is Alive" plates. What a joy to share the true meaning of Easter with these children! |
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| Block Center: The Empty Tomb! |
We also enjoyed singing, working puzzles from Jesus' ministry (and one puzzle that depicted the resurrection) and hearing the Bible Story. Boys and Girls took turns praying to God and thanking him for rising from the dead!