freebies

The Lamb: Fantastic Freebie Presenting the Gospel

I have linked extensively to GoodSeed in the past but they have an extra special freebie which is perfect for this time of the year. Plus I like GoodSeed and wanted to highlight them today. 🙂

The Lamb image

TheLamb

by John R. Cross.
This beautifully illustrated book will take them on a remarkable journey from Creation to the Cross, explaining the true significance of the baby in a manger.

By laying a foundation starting with creation, a clear identification is made between Jesus and the sacrificed lamb for forgiveness of sins. Issues like death are dealt with in an honest, straight-forward manner, but never is the child left hanging. Hope is always introduced. With a review at the beginning of each chapter and questions at the end, the concepts presented are reinforced many times and give you tools to check how much your child is understanding. Included with the book is a 60 minute CD, providing a word for word narration woven together with a specially written song tying in with the story.

Read the first three sections of the book in PDF format or register and access the entire FREE eBook. These guys are not spammy, they don’t send you dozens of emails- I highly recommend registering on their site.

If you have children or grandchildren and want to present the gospel to them in a way that is easily understandable yet full of truths you want to RUN over to GoodSeed right now and grab this amazing freebie. Whilse you’re there, check out the amazing free resources they have. Have I mentioned how much I really like and appreciate the ministry of Good Seed? And if you really like them, consider a donation or love gift… check out their financial policy here.

About GoodSeed

The ministry of GoodSeed believe that Christians need to be clear on the Bible’s primary message – the gospel – so that we can pass it on to others in a way that makes sense. Their materials are geared toward those who have little-to-no Bible background, which may be due to age (children), a remote location (tribal) or because a dominant religion hinders a clear explanation of the Scriptures.

Go check them out: http://www.goodseed.com/

Read Real Books, says Dr. Ben Carson

In February I shared with you how our family watched movie that profoundly affected all of us.

Here’s what I wrote:

Last year we bawled through, er watched the made-for-tv movie, Gifted Hands, the story of Ben Carson. I might be the only adult believer who hasn’t read the book yet… and I am asking myself why this is so. I cannot believe I haven’t read this inspiring biography. If you haven’t watched this movie with your children then please, run out to the video store and hire it. You will not be disappointed. And if you are, well I won’t say anymore.   This movie has affected me so profoundly… but time will tell, won’t it. (Maybe I’ll write how this movie and book has affected our parenting and homeschooling style)

Ben Carson was a difficult student, in his own words. He and his brother, were raised by their mother in poverty. She worked very hard to be a good example and she urged them to get a good education. She believed they could change their circumstances… they need not be destined to a life of poverty. She knew that if they could have a good education then they could have a better life.

No, she didn’t pay exorbitant amounts of money for private tutoring. In fact, she herself could not read! But she did limit their t.v. viewing to three shows per week and insisted that they read two books from the library each week. They also had to write a book report on each one.  As Dr. Carson recalls,

“But, she didn’t dictate what we had to read. And, as I began to read, I discovered one very important thing: Even though we had no money — no money for anything, between the covers of those books, I could go anywhere in the world; I could be anybody; I could do anything. My horizons began to open up.”

Sonya Carson also insisted that Ben memorise his time tables after school, before he could go out to play. She encouraged her sons to persevere… to try harder, to strive for excellence. I got the impression that she wasn’t oppressive… she wasn’t  a Tiger Mom, just incredibly persistent, determined and encouraging.

“Learn to do your best, and God will do the rest.”

~Sonya Carson

The movie, the life story of Ben Carson also challenged my eldest son. All this year he has applied himself diligently to his studies. You see, we have been free-range homeschoolers. Unschoolers, natural learners… whatever you want to call it. Anything but consistent and diligent in formal seatwork learning. I always believed that once a person has the tools of learning, the most necessary ingredient after that is desire or motivation. I’ve always believed that most people will learn what they need when they want to.

I had wondered if my son saw his early learning years as a drawback. He had gone to cadets and quite possibly didn’t relate to the many years of study that all the other cadets had experienced. Watching the Ben Carson story, challenged him to aim high, (something I’ve always told him… but he needed that revelation for himself).  We talked after watching the movie. And he decided to set aside 3-4 hours per day to study. If you are a school-at-homer or insist that you children do this amount of bookwork daily, you probably don’t think that much of his decision. But this type of decision is so much better when it is self directed by a student who has been unschooled his whole life. I can see the influence of Ben Carson’s life upon him.

And, bear in mind that we watched this movie at the beginning of this year (2011). Lots of people write rave reviews after using a resource for a week… but  the influence of this story is still going strong, nearly ten months later.

I could give you a thorough review and tell you so much more… but I don’t want to pre-empt any of it. I don’t want to get between you and the movie. I want you to watch it with your family. If you have not seen the movie Gifted Hands or read Ben Carson’s biography, I encourage you to. It is a fantastic family movie.

There are lots of trailers and excerpts of the movie to view on youtube but here’s something I thought fellow home educators might enjoy. It is an interview with Dr. Ben Carson, American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

http://vimeo.com/14668795

 

Inspired?

Galatians Bible Study with Teens

A commentary with a difference!

Letters to Brian and Daniel is written as letters to two young teenage friends of the author. It is a walk-through commentary on the New Testament book of Galatians. The book is twenty-four studies and it will guide through the book, highlighting the major points that the Apostle Paul was making in his letter to the Christians in Galatia.

There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter to keep focussed on the major points. There are extra Bible references to reinforce the teaching and may help the reader learn about cross referencing.

How We Used It

I used this book with my two boys, aged 14 and 16. It can be used for younger children or for older people who have never read through the book of Galatians, or for new believers. Especially helpful for those parents who are not fully acquainted with Galatians.

The book contains 24 lessons and they can be read through in any manner. They could be read one chapter per day or one chapter per week. We did about 3 chapters per week. There is minimal teacher preparation.

Our Lesson Format

Introduce
Each day I would ask the boys the main points from the earlier lesson. Most times, I simply looked back to the previous lesson’s questions as they emphasise the main points of each passage. Then we would read the passages aloud. The boys took turns in reading aloud from their own Bible.

Digging Deeper
I would read through the chapter in Letters to Brian & Daniel. I emphasised the areas where the author did. Some words or sentences are bold whilst others are in italics.  It’s all quite self-explanatory. Not at all cumbersome or confusing.

Examine & Expand
The boys would write a selection of the passage for copywork. I would simply select a key verse or small section from the reading. Often we would just write out the memory verse. This further reinforces their learning. Using the verses or chapter as oratory practice/ recitation would also be helpful.

Apply
We concluded with a short time of prayer.

Phrases & Concepts

Focussing on one book of the Bible at a time is an excellent way to learn. The Holy Spirit revealed a lot to us throughout our study of Galatians. The boys also became familiar with various Christian phrases. Not Christianese but terms and phrases that are constantly referred to in the Bible, especially by the Apostle Paul. I don’t necessarily want my children to be well versed in Christianese but I do want them to understand Paul and the other books of the Bible.

This book is not devotional in nature. The concepts it deals with are meaty. But it is written in a way that even children can understand. There’s no reason not to learn doctrine when there are truth-filled, helpful books such as this. Letters to Brian & Daniel will clearly impart wisdom on the nature of God, the nature of man, the sovereignty of God, salvation, grace, faith, law and freedom.

This handy guide already has discussion questions revolving around the central points of the passage! But don’t be fooled by its simplicity for the concepts examined are heavy. I was quite surprised at the understanding level that my boys displayed, thanks to the Holy Spirit and John Dunn’s book.

This is a fantastic resource for teens, families, small groups, pastors, parents… anyone and everyone who wants to dig into God’s Word.

It may be purchased through Koorong for $5.00 but the publisher offers it as a free download.

I thoroughly recommend this book and a study through Galatians. If you don’t know what to do next for Bible study, why don’t you grab a copy of this book and do it? It’s free. And meaty. Filled with practical nuggets of essential truths. Please let me know if you use it with your family for I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

What have you been studying with your family?

Homeschool Smorgasbord

Homeschool books

Homeschooling Freebies

Free copywork books

Proverbs 22:6 Academy produces quality copywork books as well as a heap of freebies for you to download and print. A few free titles are:

  • A Copybook of Love
  • A Copybook of the Months of the Year
  • A Copybook of the Days of the Week
  • Words of Wisdom Copywork

Konos Patience Unit Study

Early on in our homeschooling journey we dabbled with KONOS unit studies. Whilst we didn’t end up sticking with KONOS I learned an awful lot about teaching and devising a unit. In the following page you can sample the KONOS Unit Study philosophy with this free mini-unit on patience taken from the curriculum. Subjects covered include Bible, critical thinking, science, health, art, practical math, language arts, geography, and history. Very handy!

Garden of Praise

Garden of Praise is a large site that has been on the ‘net for many years. You’ll find many free online and printable teaching materials.

Practical Pages

Practical Pages freely shares notebook pages, minibooks and lapbook projects, handwriting charts and booklets, organizational tips and ideas

Recordings of Books on the Ambleside List

A list of free audiobooks of those used in the free, online, Charlotte Mason curriculum. DO check it out!
look out for the second list as well. (List found at Librivox)

Planning the new school year

Ebook: The New School Year – Another FREE book for you! Do you need help planning your school year? Download this e-book FREE from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.

100 Best Blogs for Christian Homeschoolers

Need some more blog reading to add to your day? Find the strength of community across the miles through the technology of blogs. Share with these families to find suggestions for lessons or curriculum, to be inspired by others’ walk with God, learn about homeschool politics and policies, hear from those who have gained the benefit of homeschooling, and more among these blogs.

Church History

Trial and Triumph free ebook. Originally published in 1999 by Canon Press, Trial and Triumph: Stories from Church History by Richard M. Hannula is now available free online, having granted Google books permission to display the title in full. This book is used in AmblesideOnline and it is an excellent resource. Trial and Triumph introduces the reader to church history via a series of short biographies. Starting with the early church and going through to recent times you’ll read captivating and inspiring stories of real people and real events. The short chapters are excellent for narration in its many forms (see my Activity Sheets for more info).

Divided: the movie

As you look on the church landscape, youth are leaving the faith in droves. The modern church, overall, is struggling to reach the next generation with the gospel. What has happened? Whether for good or bad, men, for many years, have been inventing solutions or brainstorming ideas without fully relying upon the foundation of God’s Word. God, however, is greater than man, and as the heavens are above the earth, so are His ways higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts (Is. 55:8-9). We have substituted the greater for the lesser – God’s wisdom for man’s ideas. Jesus said that he who hears His Word and does it, is like a man that built his house upon a rock, and when the storm came, it stood firm. On the other hand, he who rejects His Word, is like a man who built on the sand and when the storm came, the house fell (Matt. 7:24-25). Shouldn’t the church, as a whole, abandon the sandy ideas of man and shamelessly return to the firm rock of the Word of God? God’s Word sufficiently identifies how youth are to be reached.

For more information on this issue, please see the film Divided, which is a documentary on age-segregated youth ministry in America. Watch it for free (for a limited time) at www.dividedthemovie.com.

This message is not new. John and I have been of this train of thought for over 15 years. However, this was pre Internet time. Nowadays ideas like this move quickly, due to widespread Internet usage. Do we agree with everything in the movie? No. Do we agree with all the ideas ad methodology of Family Integrated movements? No way! Does the movie have a bias and a definite point? You bet! However, there is a of of truth and validity to be found here. It asks good questions. It raises some interesting issues. Questions and issues that are worth discussing and searching the Scripture about. If this info-docu sends you to God’s word for answers then I will rejoice in that. The Bible can stand up to it. All I would caution is to diligently study the scriptures rather than studying blog posts on the issues.

I’ll warn you though: this movie, this train of thought has its enemies or those that do not agree. It is quite controversial on the interwebs. Rather than listen to every argument or blog post written on the movie, why don’t you watch it… then search the Scriptures with ears listening for the heart of God.

 

 

Web Wanderings 5-3-11

Sunset Beach by Diane Romanello

Freebies

NASA has a four Solar System Math lessons available for free download.
Solar System Math – http://quest.nasa.gov/vft/

Remember when I raved on about the Wives of King David series? Well, if you have an e-reader you can download the first book, Michal, for free! What? Don’t have a Kindle? Neither do I! But you can download a kindle app to read on your iphone, computer or android phone? Just do a google search for ‘kindle + your system‘ and you should find it.

Christian reading

How to make your child a false convert

We haven’t even got the foundation straight by Paul Washer

Signs you are growing in grace

What Life In Jesus Looks Like

Homeschool

Khan Academy
A library of videos covers K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history. Each video is a digestible chunk, approximately 10 minutes long, and especially purposed for viewing on the computer.

The Relaxed Homeschooler – Mary Hood’s blog
I’ve read a few of Mary’s book and my favourite is The Joyful Homeschooler.

Chris Davis from the former Elijah Company has a blog! Although not every one agrees with him, he writes with insight and perspective. Interesting reading. He has done a 10 part series called ‘Please Don’t Homeschool Your Children’. Part One starts here. Once there you can follow along through the ten posts- http://chrisdavis.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/please-dont-homeschool-your-children/

Humour

The Manslater

When Joking Hurts: A Lesson from Proverbs

I’ve often been asked to share what our Bible study looks like using our methods as outlined in a Bible Based Education. Here is a quick lesson. Bear in mind that I didn’t write this lesson plan before hand…I was reading it in my Bible during my quiet time and thought it was too good (read: relevant) to not share with my children. 😉
Some times we go more in depth with our study and at other times this is it! It isn’t about the time spent nor the amount of work covered – it is a heart issue. So, here’s a lesson from Proverbs.

Verse:

“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”

Proverbs 26:18-19


“Ha, you’re hair looks real ugly like that sis!” followed by “Nah…only joking.”

Ever heard this kind of thing? I’ve heard it in my own home. I used to think I was just old fashioned or prudish but then I read Proverbs 26 and saw that I wasn’t alone! God has thoughts on it too! So I decided to share this lesson with my children. I’ll try my best to write it out as it happened, using the 4 step process. It isn’t word for word but I’m sure you’ll get the gist of it.

Four step Lesson Process – learn more here

Introduce

We’re all sitting around the kitchen table. I grab my Bible and say, “Hey guys, let me share this with you…what I was reading this morning.”

I read Proverbs 26: 18-19.

Then I ask them “Can you imagine what it would be like to have a wild man, a lunatic, running around shooting people with a gun? Horrendous! Can a mere ‘joking’ excuse that lack of self control?”

Digging Deeper

We use words, tone of voice and facial expression to convey a meaning. Are we guarding our tongue if we just let all manner of dribble spew forth and then think we can excuse it by adding a quick “only joking” at the end?

Read the passage 3 times, in different translations.

Discuss: Our words can be ones of comfort and encouragement or ones of hurt.

Cross-reference by using your concordance to look up other passages on ‘the tongue’. (We use my Thompson Chain Reference)

Share your findings.

Expand & Elaborate

Choose an activity from the Activity Sheets: e.g. Copy the proverb out in your best writing or- What can you learn from this story/book/passage?

Remember our family saying: If it’s not fun for all, then it’s not fun at all. Discuss further.

Application

Write in your Devotional Journal.

Is there an attitude or behaviour that I should avoid? Share.

Pray that Father God will help us to guard our tongue as we seek to glorify Him in all things.

Notes: The children narrated the passage to John over the evening meal. Later on in the afternoon, without making mention of this mornings lesson, I related the story about the boy, the fence and anger issues.

I also strewed the ‘Watch your words’ quote on the fridge.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I use the 4 step lesson process very naturally. You can download lesson templates and more in the download section.

Free Bible Tools

links

The Canadian Bible Society has some freebies: Bible Quiz, e-cards, Daily readings, History Bits and more, but I really enjoyed the e-scriptures; interactive Flash scripture movies. Available in English and French.

You won’t want to miss these if you are teaching younger children:

Free Bible Story Activity Ebooks. Each story includes a coloring page, word-search, crossword puzzle, and Bible quiz with memory verse.

OT Volume 1: 30 Bible Stories from God?s Creation to the Golden Calf (180 Printable Activity Pages) http://tinyurl.com/ymfyqj

OT Volume 2 : 30 Bible Stories from God Led Them to Wind & Chaff (188 Printable Activity Pages) http://tinyurl.com/ybzbay

NT Volume 1: 30 Bible Stories from Zacharias to Sabbath Healing (154 Printable Activity Pages) http://tinyurl.com/yht4u3

NT Volume 2: 30 Bible Stories from Lost Sheep to Day of Pentecost (158 Printable Activity Pages) http://tinyurl.com/yeqxrg

Parenting Today's Teens

I’m always on the lookout for helpful, proactive sites that encourage me in the role of parenting. Many sites are great but they don’t necessarily reach me, where I’m at… nor speak to our family and where we’re at. Some sites are beautiful to look at and are highly idealistic but I come away feeling inadequate or like I failure… as though we have fallen short. But I have been meaning to share a site that is not like that at all. It offers daily inspiration and tips and is one of the most practical sites I’ve seen in some time. It isn’t primarily for those picture-perfect homeschool families although they will still get a lot out of the daily tips.

Heartlight Ministries is written by Mark Gregston, the Founder and Executive Director. Heartlight Ministries is a Christian residential counseling program for struggling teenagers, located in East Texas. The Heartlight Ministries blog has a brief daily podcast which every parent will find helpful. If you’re on Facebook you can also like their page and will receive the tips via your newsfeed.

Click here for the Parenting Today’s Teens facebook page.

But wait! There’s more!


You can download the free, 107page ebook. But wait! There’s even more!

Another Free E-Book! Developing Rules and Boundaries for your Teen.

Why do I like this so much? Because it is *so* good. Here’s the message for today, which you can find here.

Teens Finding A Place Of Peace

Your home should be a retreat for your teenager from the pressures of their life, not a place of conflict and anguish.

With all the stresses on teens today, your home needs to be that one place where your teen can find peace, encouragement and unconditional love. It should be a refuge, where they gladly return for refreshment.

If it isn’t, they’ll seek refuge in other places, like the home of their peers. They’ll hang out with friends for as many hours as they can. And they’ll participate in whatever their peers are doing, just to fit in.

Parents, your most powerful tool against negative peer pressure is to have a home that your teen loves coming home to.

Go on, visit the site today… sign up to receive the emails and download the ebooks.
http://www.heartlightministries.org/parentingtodaysteens/
http://www.heartlightministries.org/e-book.html
Heartlightministries.org/troubled teens warning signs

Michal: first wife of King David

Knowing I was going to be laid up recently I had been on the lookout for a new fiction book. I don’t remember how I came to find out about this new series but I’m glad that I did. I have been wondering if I’d find a series to enjoy as much as I loved Gods and Kings… and this is looking promising.

The series is The Wives of King David by Jill Eileen Smith. The first book is Michal and whilst it is fiction I did gain a deeper insight into the life, times and culture of this era. I still don’t understand how David had many wives but this book gave me some thoughts to ponder.

The author’s research for The Wives of King David series was broad and in-depth, spanning Bible commentaries, Bible encyclopedias, Bible dictionaries, archaeological magazines, books on manners, customs, and life and times of the Old Testament eras. She searched websites for Bible places, Hebrew words, and interesting tidbits, studied maps and photos of Israel, made idea boards where she “cast” models and actors into the novel’s starring roles to help her “see” her characters, read books on women of the Bible, Bible cookbooks, and tried some of the recipes. As a final research tool, she traveled with her husband to Israel, giving her a final hands-on feel for the place.

I don’t know about you but that sounds like a *living book* to me!

I’d not read much about Michal before (unlike my studies of Abigail) but this book has gotten me into the word again. Funny, isn’t it… how facts when placed in a novel can really make a story come alive.

Interested in reading the first chapter? Head to the books website: Michal and download Chapter 1.

Suffice to say that I’m reading through the books of Samuel whilst I wait for the next book, (Abigail) to arrive.

Eat Fat to Lose Fat?

I’ve recently finished reading Eat Fat, Lose Fat: The Healthy Alternative to Trans Fat, by Mary Enig and Sally Fallon. It’s an interesting and helpful read.

Eat fat lose fat

Eat fat lose fat

Eat Fat, Lose Fat is similar to “Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats”. They both support the consumption of real food: tasty, nutritious, organic, good quality, traditional, seasonal and local foods as opposed to foods that are processed, fast-foods, dead foods, old, has additives or preservatives or comes prepackaged.

Like NT, the book challenges the reader to look at the dietary practices of indigenous cultures and compares them to today’s modern scientific methods. Interestingly, today’s modern, scientific, new information is starting to catch up! 😉

Chapter One dispels the myths surrounding coconut oil. Chapter Two is more of a scientific chapter as the authors explain what ‘fat’ is and its relationship to heart disease and cholesterol. I’ve learned that fats aren’t all the same. In fact, healthy fats are essential to protect the heart from disease. Not useful but essential. The next chapter goes into detail about various fats and their effects upon the body and the major organs and body systems. Following this is the section that informs why low fat diets re so unhealthy and dangerous and it examines the danger in many of the past but popular diets such as Atkins Diet, The Zone Diet, The South Beach Diet, juice fasting and ever Weight Watchers! A must read chapter!

Chapter Five looks at the principles of traditional, healthy diets. many things are discusses from MSG, fermentation, raw versus cooked foods, and superfoods. The next chapter details the four basic principles of the recommended eating lifestyle plan. There is a helpful section with loads of tips on how to take coconut oil. This section also contains shopping lists and menu plans. A large section of the book contains resources and recipes- featuring the star of the book – coconut oil!

This book is very similar to Nourishing Traditions but more laid out in what to do each day and each week. Some things I learned new and other things I knew but applying them is a different story.

  • Always, always, always eat breakfast.
  • Eat loads more coconut oil.
  • Take Cod Liver Oil.
  • Focus more on nutrition, especially good fats rather than calorie restriction. If you supply the body with necessary, good fats, the body is more likely to release the stored fat instead of going into ‘famine mode’.

I cook a lot with coconut oil. We’ve been using it for years, much to the dismay of John’s army nutritionist. However, combined with green smoothies and moderate exercise, it has helped to lower his cholesterol level and heal his fatty liver. So with that in mind I set about buying myself some Cod Liver Oil and have just started adding that to my diet. I actually find it easier to take than coconut oil, which I cook with but can’t take straight.

Do you take Coconut Oil or Cod Liver oil to help meet your nutritional needs? What brands do you use? How long have you used it? Do you find it beneficial? I’d love to hear about it, especially those who use Cod Liver Oil.

A Few Freebies- Christian, homeschool, blogging

free2Just a quick post to let you know of some goodies that found their way to my Inbox this morning.

Fifteen Books

This was doing the rounds on FaceBook but thought I’d put it here and hope that some of my blogging buddies join in too! It’s designed to be quick, so don’t take too long to think about it.

bkcl1o

Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.

1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J R Tolkein
2. Gods and Kings series by Lynn Austin
3. Redeeming Love & Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers
4. For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
5. Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach by Robin Sampson
6. Israel, My Beloved by Elizabeth George
7.  Hadassah: One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney
8. The Cross & the Switchblade by D. Wilkerson (when I was younger this had a profound effect on me)
9. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs by John Foxe
10. The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
11. Imitation of Christ by Thomas A. Kempis
12. So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore?
13. Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
14. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (it was my first ever AC book)
15. Pilgrim’s Press by Bunyan

…but I have to mention 3 other really good books and they are:
The Jesus I Never Knew,  The Bible Jesus Read and What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? by Philip Yancey

Joe's logbook and goals

For those who like the idea of CalorieKing but don’t want to record their food intake…or maybe for those that have other daily goals that are not to do with food/health/nutrition, then Joe’s Goals might just be the tool for you!

Joe’s Goals
http://www.joesgoals.com/

Joe’s Goals is a simple yet powerful tool to make tracking your goals the easiest part of accomplishing them. Use the simple single page interface to setup daily goals and track them with just a click. Watch your daily score to gage your success and use negative goals (or vices) to confront and overcome bad habits that finally need to get the boot. Share your success with your friends and family or post your personal score badge to your blog or MySpace page. Add as many Goals as you want and update them all from a single interface. Goals of others are to: read, pray, take vitamins, blog, drink water, clean teeth, eat fruit, money, lessons with children, maths, English, exercise, piano practice and much more! Anything you need to keep track of.

Maybe you’d also like Joe’s LogBook
http://www.joeslogbook.com/

Joe’s Logbook is a simple tracking tool that lets you organize your life using the power of your words. Track your activities by adding daily notes explaining your experiences, victories, and failures. Use the simple, single-page interface to setup and track the specifics of any area of your life. Use it to record your thoughts, track your spending, watch your health, and track your dreams and inspirations. Add as many Logbooks as you want and update them all from a single interface.

This could come handy for many things, including homeschooling. Want to read aloud to the children more? Do some exercise WITH the children? have the children cook a meal once a week?…Ah the possibilities are endless. Just remember to protect your privacy…this is the world wide web!

Enjoy!

Good homeschooling books

old-books-i-print-c10303396jpegIf you are looking at beginning homeschooling, need some ideas or encouragement, here are a few of my favourite books on the topic:

  • A Biblical Home Education by Ruth Beechick
  • For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
  • I Saw the Angel in the Marble by Chris and Ellyn Davis
  • Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson
  • Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach by Robin Sampson
  • Education in the Heart of the Home by Elizabeth Foss
  • Upgrade by Kevin Swanson (although mainly for the later years)
  • You Can Teach Your Child Grades 4-8 by Ruth Beechick (later years) and
  • The 3 R’s by Ruth Beechick (practical) and
  • Before Five In A Row by Jane Lambert (practical)
  • Leota’s Garden by Francine Rivers. This book is excellent to teach parents how to use metaphorical language and object lessons in their parenting and teaching.

A few other suggestions AFTER reading the books listed above:

  • A Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison
  • More Charlotte Mason Education  by Catherine Levison
  • When You Rise Up by R.C.Sproul Jr.
  • Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola
  • The Preschool Years  by Valerie Bendt
  • Reaping the Harvest – by Diana Waring
  • Easy Homeschooling Companion by Lorraine Curry
  • Things we wish we’d known by Diana Waring
  • Homeschooling: A Patchwork of Days, edited by Nancy Lande
  • 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy
  • Guerrilla Learning and The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn

Have I missed your favourite? Let me know by leaving the title in the comments.

Old Book Art

Old Book Art is a beautiful website..for everyone who appreciates art/illustrations in old books.

gathering-berries

Courtesy of Old Book Art

The Mission of Old Book Art

To provide & facilitate access to free illustrations: pictures, drawings, maps and other images scanned from antiquarian, public-domain books and other old documents. We have over 3,200 images in our gallery with more added regularly, all at no cost and most available at very high resolution. Most of these we have scanned and edited ourselves. We will also screen and provide links to other high quality resources.

Why Does the Site Exist?

Simply to share public domain resources. Zephyrus Books comes across a lot of antiquarian books with wonderful old illustrations in the public domain. Many of these are not available for public sharing anywhere on the internet, at least not in an easily accessible or larger scale format, so this site was started as a free resource for anyone looking for out of copyright images.

But I imagine that hot-linking is not wanted. Click the images and save them to your own computer, ready for uploading to your site. Provide a link back to Old Book Art, along with the image.

cicada1

Fabre’s Book of Insects. Courtesy of Old Book Art

Categories
Atlases & Maps
Children
History
Literature & Poetry
Nature & Natural History
Places & Travel

Browse books before purchasing

Harper Collins has generously made excerpts of many books available for viewing. At the site you can search the entire book for keywords and phrases and you can even go straight to each chapter!

HarperCollins has made the excerpts of this and over 500 other recently released books available here. Some of these titles might be of particular interest to homeschool families. With titles such as The Daring Book for Girls, The Dangerous Book for Boys, andAmelia Bedelia, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Katherine Paterson, and much more! How about The Writing Road to Reading ?

If you like the books you find, you can then buy the complete hardbound copy, (preferably from local suppliers) or you can purchase a downloadable E-book version.

Learn more here ! See the list of Australian suppliers here.

Homeschool Fear session with Robin Sampson

Robin Sampson – Homeschool Fear Session w/ Q&A to follow

EVERYONE is welcome to join in for this session in the HOTM online conference room! FREE! Everyone present will be entered to win a copy of Robin’s book, The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach (one e-book and one regular book to give away).

Date: Friday, August 8, 2008
Time: 10:30 EST
For Australian’s this will be late tonight or early hours of Saturday morning. Use the Time Zone converter to find the right time for you.

Below are instructions on how to log into the conference. You will need to log in from a Windows-based computer.

1. Click the link to the room: http://clients.audiovideoconference.net/conference.php?id=33090855
2. You’ll be prompted to download a small and very safe file.
3. Open the file and then log in. To log in simply enter your name. No password is required to listen to the talks.

If you want to read a little of what Robin may be sharing on, you can visit her blog and mull over these gems for awhile:

The worst part of religious thinking

Working harder is not the answer

Running out of gas

Daisy Petal Christianity

It has been a very hectic week here and I’m so tired but I would really love to stay awake and listen in. Will you be joining in?

HOWTA Book Study: Ch. 1

HOWTA

Chapter One
Homeschool Journey- Escape from Public School

 

 

 

 

In this chapter, Robin tells of their journey from public school to bringing the children home and the path they trod since. She likens their journey to the Exodus- the escape from Egypt. For those who are not familiar with this story, it might pay if we all refresh our memories. Start in your chronological bibles and read from Exodus 1 onwards. Briefly, the story tells about the Hebrews being set free, their walk in the wilderness, God providing, their looking back and of their entering the Promised Land- a land flowing with milk and honey.

 

Just as God set the Hebrews free, Robin tells of their story- their being liberated – being grateful for being home.albeit in a typical school-at-home setting. Then, Robin tells how she started to feel doubts, panic, unbelief just as the Israelites started grumbling after a few weeks of being led around the wilderness. Robin tells that she started to look back to Egypt, the ways of the school system. But it was about this time that she knew she needed to find a better way.

God provided nourishment each day! The Israelites didn’t need to hoard as God gave them fresh manna each day. During this parallel time, Robin started devouring information on learning styles, methods, and approaches. Soon the Israelites began to doubt and fear that they would ever reach the Promised Land and Robin seems to convey that she felt similar- that she was still ‘looking back to Egypt’. She felt that this was a fear based work and it wasn’t trusting in God as Jehovah Jireh-the Lord provides.

After time, Moses died and God speaks some VERY significant words to Joshua.
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.” This was the time where Robin and her family started feasting on God’s Word day and night!

All throughout the story of the Exodus we can see God’s mercy, His grace and His justice. We can see how God used an ordinary man to achieve an extraordinary task. Robin encourages us to leave Egypt but then to go the distance into the Promised Land. Robin tells us that the moment academics begin to direct us, or slow our pursuit of God, it (academics) goes from being a helpful tool to the ‘cares of this life’.

Robin goes on to tell us that simply changing resources and/or utilising different methods were only surface changes- that deeper work was necessary and that came from being in God’s word and coming to an understanding of the knowledge of God.

Articles to read for further study and reflection:
One Needful Thing
Academic Requirements

LINKS
Heart of Wisdom
Purchase the HOWTA book: buy the book and view many sample pages
HOW Teaching Approach: for articles and further reading.

Helpful tools.
Science ~ All about God’s Creation
Math ~ About God’s order
History ~ About His-Story, His plan for the world and the redemption of His people
Government ~ How God has established human government for specific purposes
Language Arts ~ How to tell others about God’s truth (both writing and speaking)
Literature ~ To read of how He has affected other lives
Economics ~ To understand stewardship, God’s rules about money
Arts ~ To appreciate God’s gifts of music, drama, dance, and art, as forms of worship to Him
Health ~ To learn of God’s plan for nutrition and health

Discussion starters: (or points to consider privately)

  • Where are you? Are you in Egypt? Greece? Wilderness or The Promised Land?
  • Are you hoarding or storing up nourishment instead of receiving it from God on a daily basis?
  • Do you look back to ‘Egypt’ (school system or other system)?
  • Share your journey of homeschooling.
  • On page 27, Robin talks about academics being important tools. What are ‘academics’ to you? Are they a goal…a destination? Why do we study English.or Maths?
  • Share anything that touched you or ministered to you from Chapter one.
  • Have you had, or are you experiencing, a paradigm shift or a renewing of the mind? Care to share? By what process is your mind being renewed? If you aren’t undergoing a renewing of the mind, are you ready to seek God…to leave Egypt and gain a ‘heart of wisdom‘?

HOWTA Book Study: Preface

HOWTATwo years ago, I had the opportunity to lead an email discussion group while studying the Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach (herein referred to as HOWTA) by Robin Sampson. I’d like to share the chapter summaries and things I’ve pondered here.

Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach Book Study

PREFACE
The first sentence sums it all up! The HOW TA begins with the Bible as the centre of education, with all subordinate studies taught through the light of God’s Word.. This tells us what we can expect from the book. Robin Sampson then goes on reminding us (or in some cases it might be informing one for the first time) that we need to make the very most of whatever time we have left.

Robin then shares what the Hebrews thought of ‘the heart’ in contrast to what or how the Greeks believed to be important. She tells us that the Hebrews believed;

  • The Heart is the centre of our Intellect.
  • The Heart is the centre of emotions.
  • And the Heart is the centre of our wills.

Robin then shows us the two trains of thought regarding wisdom.

1) Wisdom from God, as sought after by the Hebrews and

2) Wisdom of the world, as sought after by the Greeks.

Learning the differences between the two trains of thought have helped me in many ways. It has enabled me to see the worldview behind many things. It has been really important for me to see these differences, especially in the area of ‘education’ as I can see how far I had strayed from God’s Word in the training and teaching of my children.


Lord, help us to make the most of our time and resources. I don’t want to be idle, to waste my time on empty pursuits yet I find that I do these very things. Lord, bring me back to you more and more. Father, give me wisdom…that this wisdom may be seen as a witness by my husband, children and others that I come in contact with each day. Lord, renew my mind.

LINKS
Heart of Wisdom
Purchase the HOWTA book: buy the book and view many sample pages
HOW Teaching Approach: for articles and further reading.

Points for further reflection and study:

  • Have you ever been ‘awakened’ by a tragedy? Would you like to share?
  • What would you change if you realised you only had a short time left here on earth?
  • Have you learnt of the differences between Greek and Hebrew thought? Would you like to share?
  • Please check back next week (subscribe to the RSS feeds) as I share some more from this wonderful, insightful book.

HOWTA Book Study: Introduction

HOWTAIt’s HOWTA Book Study time.

Introduction

Who likes to cook? Prepare yummy nutritious meals for their family? Do you have a favourite cookbook? Are you the type who follows the recipe to the letter or do you like to add variation by supplementing or complementing the dish? Do you overly stress about meal planning? Do you even meal plan? How far in advance do you plan?

See, I reckon that we’d have many different responses here, based upon our different personalities and backgrounds. The HOW TA is similar in approach. Robin has recognised that we need to eat nutritiously! That we need to use some key ingredients, but that they may vary from time to time…but every recipe has a key ingredient that simply cannot be left out- the dish will not be right otherwise!

So we set about baking a cake. We assemble the flour, eggs, sugar, butter and choc chips. 😛 Then, we cream the butter and the sugar, add in the other ingredients and bake it in the oven. Next, we ice our cake with some fudge frosting cake, decorated with a few sliced strawberries on top, with a dollop of whipped cream. We try to exercise control as we have one moderate piece with a nice hot cup of tea. 😉

Here we have a basic recipe with ingredients, a method of preparation and an outcome.

Robin likens our endeavours of home education to this; we have the:

  • Ingredients ( Bible, books, video’s etc) and we have:
  • Certain methods ( 4 step method, copywork, narration, scrapbooking, literature based, etc) and we have:
  • A desired outcome (presentation and consumption of good ideas)

The HOWTA contains two main recipes. One is a recipe that we should consume on a daily basis and that is God’s Word. The second is a recipe for a unit study. Robin tells us that we are free to adapt this recipe to suit our family’s needs. Let’s dig in and have a closer overview of the Main Course eh?

The Main Course – the main dish/ingredient in our main course is the Bible.
Well, how many times have we said, “Well duh, of course!” and then continued on our merry way? Or am I the only one who has done that? 😳

HOW provides a Bible approach in the way of chronological readings along with various nutritious seasonings like Bible study tools. You need to work out the exact measurements for your own family though. That’s the beautiful thing about it! It isn’t purely a One Size Fits All meal. Have you ever eaten a pre-packed TV dinner? They’re okay when you’re in a pinch (they might serve a purpose) but ya can’t live off them regularly and expect to be healthy!

Okay, do we have any side dishes and side dish recipes? Of course- every good meal does! Ours include the study of history, science and life skills. Also included are living books, video’s, and the Internet. What about a sprinkling of geography, composition, religion, government, economics, and more? Sure thing! Robin tells us that all we need to complete our meal is a dish of maths, phonics, a foreign language and other electives.

Now, let’s move on to planning the meal! We have the recipes, we have the side dishes. We have the method of how to prepare it. Robin encourages us to NOT leave out the Essential Ingredient – the Bible. But this meal planning business? Well, the HOWTA even helps us with that. Four years worth of meal plans! Okay, a schedule or plan to cover 4 years worth of study. Then repeat that three times and you have 12 years worth of meal plans!

Robin tells us that if we use the HOW teaching approach we can use the recipes provided (the HOW unit studies available) or we can devise our own recipes by modifying the recipes. I’ve found it helpful to also use the method in other lessons.whether or not I’m using a HOW unit study or not.

The HOW Teaching Approach book is compiled into five sections.

1) Lessons from Exodus
2) Rethinking Education
3) HOW Methods
4) HOW Instructions
5) Resources

LINKS
Heart of Wisdom
Purchase the HOWTA book: buy the book and view many sample pages
HOW Teaching Approach: for articles and further reading.

Any comments or questions so far?

Updates: new downloadable freebies at Kerugma

Just a quick note to let readers know that I have added a few more downloadable freebies to the Kerugma site. You can find them at Kerugma, in the Download area, under Bible Study Resources.

Activity Sheets used in steps 3 and 4.

Observation Sheet : narration prompt, writing prompt or research aide

Lesson template: for devising your own lesson plans- based on Kerugma Bible studies

Idea Bookmark : for use with Kerugma Bible study

Vocabulary Worksheets

Outline of Author : Standard sheet for students to use when completing an Author Outline

Chapter Summary Form: this form can be used as a worksheet or simply as narration style prompts.

Book Report: We use these forms as part of our record keeping system.

Book Synopsis: slightly different to a book report. We use this form as well.

Attendance Sheet : Adaptable for any year

Australia, from the beginning: our course of study while reading the book by Eve Pownall. It is only a ‘bare bones’ framework but provides room for more.

What is Labour Day : worksheet for students to complete.

Kitchen Duties: see my blog post for details

Feel free to leave a comment in you have enjoyed the downloads, or if there is anything in particular that you’d like to see.

More coming as time permits…

Updated 19/07/2009

Free project book: Mary Cassatt

 

If you’ve always wanted to teach your child art appreciation but didn’t know how, this handy notebook will be an excellent free addition to your home.

Mary Cassatt was an American Impressionist painter during the late 1800’s. we love Cassat’s paintings in our family- she loves painting children and just captures a beautiful spirit within her work.

This free download at Homeschool e Store is 56 pages long and includes a research guide about Cassatt’s childhood, family and life.

 

 

 

Free Copywork Ebook from DownUnder Literature

I have previously written about the marvellous ladies and their products at DownUnder literature. They have some fantastic samples on their site but they also are featured as the free giveaway sample at Homeschool estore this week!

Beatrix Potter for Beginners Ball & Stick

This copy work eBook has been developed to provide a language-arts resource that helps a child develop the early writing skills that lead to good handwriting. Four complete Beatrix Potter stories, complete with their charming illustrations, were chosen because they have enduring value.

This copywork ebook suits those who want to fill their children’s mind with ‘living literature’ and not just the technical aspects of bending lines nicely. This ebook is very easy to use. There is one lesson per page. It begins with simple tracing and finishes with writing words in sentences in the line underneath.

Do check out Down Under Literature– they’re a relatively small but excellent company. Best of all, they’re Aussie…they’re home grown! 🙂

Activity Sheets Narration Freebie

I use a teaching method that I learnt from Heart of Wisdom called the 4mat system. I have modified it slightly to suit the needs of our family. I have found these steps to be very beneficial in not only our Bible study but when approaching all lessons.

I have created the anagram IDEA to help you remember the steps. (see the for a printable bookmark based on ‘IDEA’)

IDEA

  • I is for Introduce
  • D is for Digging Deeper
  • E is for Examine & Elaborate
  • A is for Apply to My Life

You can see more about this format of lessons over at the . However, I also wanted to mention the Activity Ideas that go along with steps 3 and 4. These are not all my own original ideas (is there really such a thing?) but I have complied the list. I have spent years gathering the various ideas and then compiled them into the four various activity types.

You’ll find many activities categorised within the following sections: Creative Drawing and Building Activities, Creative Drama Activities, Written Activities and Oral Activities. These Activity Ideas can be used with any learning activity and any subject. They can be as simple or as complex as you like! You might start to notice that your child has a particular bent for one type of activity and I have been asked if one should allow them to only choose the same activity each time. I will share what I have done with my children.

When my children were a little younger, I would encourage them toward choosing a variety of activities. This prevented them from only developing in certain areas an helped them to develop in a few areas. It’s like body building. When a child is young we don’t make them to 100’s of sit up’s each day in order to strengthen their abdominals. Rather we want them to play outside in a variety of activities which will strengthen the whole body.

Later though, as their interests and talents have presented themselves to me, I will allow them to narrow the choices a little. I have found that my older children do strongly desire one type of activity more so than anther and once they are older I believe this is important in allowing them to develop in the ways that God wants them to develop. But in the younger years, I try to aim for variation in order to expose them to more.

You can find the Activity Sheets for download on the (along with a few other freebies). If you use the Activity Sheets in any lessons (including your Bible times) please drop me a line and let me know.

Church History: History Lives series

History Lives series

Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church Volume 1
by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
Isbn: 1845500822
* This series is written from a Protestant perspective

Suggested age: 8-12 but I would easily say a student of 16 would be quite happy to read this book.

I love learning about Church History! But finding a good book that are not way above my head can be tricky, for me. Finding a good book that the children can learn from is also tricky. Not so with the series from ChristianFocus.

Volume One contains the history of the early and Ancient Church. You will read about Paul, Polycarp, Justin, Origen, Cyprian, Constantine, Athanasius, Ambrose, Augustine, John Chrysostom, Jerome, Patrick, and Benedict. This volume will allow you to discover the roots of Christianity and learn about issues such as worship; creeds and councils and the formation of the Bible.

This series is written in a fairly modern style, so it differs slightly from other books such as “Trial and Triumph“. It isn’t gory so it’s a good read to get an overview of Church History. This 240 page book has longer chapters interspersed with shorter, factual chapters.

If you’ve been wondering how to study Church history with your children, you’ll want these books! They aren’t too brief or dumbed down but they definitely aren’t textbook style, which puts many young people to sleep.

Volume 2 is Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church.
by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
Isbn: 1845500830

Ever wanted to learn about Gregory the Great, Boniface, Charlemagne, Constantine Methodius, Vladimir, Anselm of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Catherine of Sienna, John Wyclif and John Hus? Well, you’ll want to get Volume Two in the History Lives series.

The period known as the Middle Ages wasn’t just dark and oppressive. God was spreading the message of Jesus Christ to previously foreign lands. In this book, you’ll learn how the early Church moved on…you’ll learn about the Crusafes and the spread of Islam and the Reformation. You’ll also see how and when the Bible was translated into various languages

Through this book you’ll have opportunity to learn about and discuss with your children, issues like the rise of Islam, The Crusades,Creeds and Councils and the Renaissance.

At present, I don’t have the other volumes but they are:
Volume Three – Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church
Volume Four – Hearts And Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church

Each volume is approximately $10 – $15
Koorong:
Word:
Christian Bookworld:
Find a Christian Bookstore near you:

See more about this series here: http://christianfocus.com/series/show/40/-/d_series

If you read this and decide to read the series, or if you have read the series, drop me a line. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

p.s. [edited to add] How cool. Mindy Withrow, the author, just left a comment. How cool is that? She also left the link to the History Lives website, which you’ll want to visit: http://www.historylivesseries.com./
p.p.s. How cool. Mindy was also homeschooled! 😉

Crowns of Fire and other Aussie Nature Study Resources

Crowns of Fire is a rich, literary story of the Australian bush, originally written by Amy Mack (and I love her work) and it has been adapted by Michelle Morrow of Down Under Literature. The illustrations, by fellow Australian Cath Chegwidden, are just stunning! This book would be a timely addition to any homeschool library as it talks about the effects of drought and bushfire.

This 29 page hardcover book is available from Down Under Literature, who also publish and supply the fantastic Wonderland of Nature by Nuri Mass. But wait, there’s more! In addition to the Wonderland of Nature is a ‘must-have’ companion book: The Wonderland of Nature Journal CD which has three sections: How to Nature Journal, Discovery Sheets (excellent!) and Web Links.

For all things Aussie, and Nature, and Grammar, and Copy Work, check Down Under Literature for pricing details and generous samples. Tell them Susan said hi. 🙂

Parent to Parent Chat on ADHD ebook

I’ve just had the opportunity to read an ebook A Parent to Parent Chat on ADHD – The Book I Wish I Had by: Theresa Lode

Theresa (an online friend of mine and real funny lady) shares a little of their own personal journey as well as gives some down to earth and practical tips that she has learned along the way. This book is not for those wanting an official report on ADD or ADHD. Rather it is for the parent who wants to understand the condition a little more and gain real life ways to help the family flourish.

Theresa is a home educating mother but her ebook will not heap condemnation upon you if you don’t homeschool. Theresa writes in her humorous, bright and sparky way that will give you a chuckle as well as give you information and creative ideas.

The chapters are: The Gift that is ADHD, Getting a Diagnosis, Picking Your Health Care Team, The Heredity Link, Co-Morbid Conditions, Sensory Inte-WHAT?, To Medicate ? or Not, What We Decided to Do,
Diets and Supplements, Neurofeedback, Lifestyle, Dealing with Behaviors, Learning Styles, The Brilliance of ADHD, Education Options, What is Education Anyway?, Parent Stress, and You are the Expert.

For the low price of $24.95US this 26 page, honest and real look at parenting a child with ADHD can be delivered straight to your computer!

Visit the website today to look at a sample chapter and see what others are saying.
http://www.theartofaccounting.com/motherlodepublishing/

You might also like to visit Theresa’s blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Theresa/

Bible Study Scope and Sequence

HomeGrownKids Scope & Sequence
Our scope and sequence is a similar pattern to what we follow for history. (internal blog link) It is closely linked with my understanding of the Stages of Learning, which you can view here.

Birth to age 9 ( birth -G4)
>> If you have older children that are following the same sequence, it is easy to add simple but beautiful picture books into the junior schedule. Even better if the older children read it and discuss it with the youngers!>> Songs and memory work are of great benefit during this stage. (Colin Buchanan is a classic!!) We also go through the book, Training Hearts Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Shorter Catechism by Starr Meade.>> We go through the Old Testament – using a children’s Bible such as:

  • Day by Day Kids Bible.
  • Beginner’s Bible-NIrV ISBN: 0310926378
  • Family-Time Bible ISBN: 0842365761
  • Egermeier’s Bible Story Book ISBN: 0871622297
  • The Childs Story Bible by C. Voss

Devotional type of reading: Books like;

  • Little Visits with Jesus ISBN: 0570058074 might come in handy.
  • Little Visits with God ISBN: 0570058090

A few links(more to come)
http://gardenofpraise.com/bibleles.htm
Age 10-13 or (G5 – G8)
>> Review the same chronological cycle, if desired, but in greater depth. Pay attention to biographical stories and Christian fiction.
>> This is the time to develop or use a Bible timeline.
>> Songs and memory work are of great benefit during this stage. We also go through the book, Training Hearts Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Shorter Catechism by Starr Meade.

Bible reading:

    • Archeological Study Bible
    • Greenleaf Guide to the Old Testament

Studies:

    • How the Bible Came to Us by Meryle Dooney
    • Genesis, Finding Our Roots by Ruth Beechick

Books:

  • Ben Hur
  • The Bronze Bow
  • Adam and His Kin: The Lost History of Their Lives and Times
  • Discover Jesus in Genesis: An Illustrated Biblical Theology for All Ages
  • God King – A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah by Joanne Williamson Timeline: 700 B.C., Egypt/Judea
  • Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson Timeline: 1200 B.C., Judea
  • Victory on the Walls- A Story of Nehemiah by Frieda Clark Hyman Timeline: 445 B.C., Israel
  • Jotham’s Journey A Storybook for Advent By Arnold Ytreeide as well as Tabitha’s Travels and Bartholemew’s Passage
  • The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible
  • Life in the Great Ice Age and others like this
  • Twice Freed by Patricia St John
  • Runaway and others by Patricia St John
  • Lots of Bethlehem books

Age 14 through 17-18 or (G9 – 12)
>> Time to tie things all together using a chronological and narrative approach.
>> Doing a survey of the Old and New Testaments is good, as is doing a study on the Life of the Messiah.
>> Consider biographies, historical fiction and unabridged Bible readings.
>> Pay particular attention to discussing thoughts and ideas, updating the time-line or Book of Centuries.
>> Tie all studies in with a Book of Centuries (Timeline), good living books, and a Bible Encyclopedia and other study tools.
>> You may also consider learning a little about Church history as the students get older. Biographies are great for this, and there are too many good books for me to even begin to mention.

Bibles:

  • Narrated Bible in Chronological Order – Chronological accuracy, easy-to-read format. Includes: Moses’ laws by subject; Proverbs presented topically; Psalms arranged by sentiment; Paul’s teachings integrated into Acts.
  • Archeological Study Bible
  • Serendipity Bible for Study Groups

Studies:

  • How to Read the Bible for All its Worth
  • Wisdom Unit Study
  • Messiah Unit
  • Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Chuck Missler (Literary narrative style. Great read aloud for older students)
  • 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders (this is more visual than the one by Chuck Missler)
  • For the Layman- Survey of the Old Testament by Kenneth Levy. This survey is a non-denominational, historical overview filled with foundational information every student of the Bible should have. Using a workbook, Ken Levy guides students on a chronological tour through every book of the Old Testament. Students study how the Old Testament was put together, its major divisions, and what makes it unique using the workbook and cassette tapes.
  • For the Layman- Survey of the New Testament by Kenneth Levy. Life and ministry of Jesus, the growth of the early church, the letters of Paul, and more in this workbook with cassette tapes.
  • 100 Most Important Events in Christian History

Tools:

  • Proverbial Wisdom and Common Sense
  • Evidence That Demands a Verdict
  • The Complete Book of Who’s Who in the Bible – provides readers with a complete listing of people in the Bible with descriptions of their lives and accomplishments.
  • Manners and Customs in the Bible.
  • Student Bible Atlas (Here is a great study guide to go with the Holman Bible Atlas.)
  • The Kregel Pictorial Guide to Bible History (and others) ISBN: 0825424623
  • Victor Journey Through the Bible is our favourite
  • The Case for Christ and Case for Easter by Lee Strobel

Books:

  • The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson
  • A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers (good series)
  • Listen to Her Voice: Women of the Hebrew Bible by Miki Raver
  • Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse. This is the gripping story of a boy’s dramatic encounter with Christ on the Cross.
  • Lots of Bethlehem books
  • The Priest, The Warrior, and The Prince. Novella’s by Francine Rivers.

Church History resources

Bible Study Guides Bible Study Guide for all ages
Family Bible study!Positive Actions
Teaching a child’s heart and his head. Kindy, Junior High and High School. Teacher Manual and Student Book including memory verses and worksheets. Able to be used twice a week or 4-5 times a week.

Explorer’s Bible Study
Daily lessons from Preschool to Adult level, including activities, questions and maps. Apparently families are able to study the Bible together but using the different books for each level.

Deeper Roots
Has studies from grade 7-12. Inductive study.

Firm Foundations – From Creation to Christ
This curriculum is set up to chronologically teach through the Bible, from Creation to Christ! Extremely thorough.

My students will be completing a Survey of the Old and New Testaments and a great resource is the For the Layman series.

For the Layman: A Survey of the Old Testament and
For the Layman: A Survey of the New Testament
by Ken Levy
These are a set of cassette’s and a workbook where Ken Levy takes you through the Bible. Full of information and ties events and people together!

An excellent study! Study guide for the Holman Bible Atlas! This is a 69-page pdf download file.

Terrestria Chronicles

Here are the thoughts of my 12yods. He hasn’t done any formal writing so bear that in mind when reading his thoughts about the series, Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop.

Book: Terrestria Chronicles series

by Ed Dunlop


Name: John
Date: 2007

This book is an allegory, written by Ed Dunlop. It was written in 2006. It is set in medieval or castle-times. Mr. Dunlop writes the book from one person’s perspective: an omniscient perspective.

The basic plot about this story is good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, like many books. The main characters in this book are Josiah and Selwyn. Josiah is a slave boy to Argamor, an evil blacksmith. After making an attempt to escape with the help of a stolen file, he is caught and tied to a tree, where a flogging would take place. After being tied to the tree, the King arrives and frees Josiah of his Chain of Iniquity and his Weight of Guilt. The King then adopts Josiah into the Royal family, and Josiah is taken to the Castle of Faith.

The spiritual value of this book is pretty good, being an allegory. I think that other boys, and girls would enjoy this book. I would like my Mum to read it aloud to us, but we are still reading the Kingdom Series.

More information can be found at the Dunlop Ministries website.

Using the 5W's and a H

Do you use the 5W’s and a H to teach your children? I do! I have found it beneficial in more than one way.

When the children were younger and narrating orally to me, the would sometimes forget, especially with some literary books that seem to waffle a bit and take time to get to the point. I started by telling them to remember as many nouns as they could.

Then I came across the idea of 5W’s and a H. It’s not a new idea at all…but it helps me to teach my children to research, to think logically and to organise their thoughts. I made a sheet which listed the W’s and a H and how it could relate to each and every chapter, book, story or movie. I also made a blank sheet so that the child can fill it in while reading. It can be used for all ages.

What are the 5W’s and a H?

Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

I call it our Observation Sheet.

We have used these sheets for every subject, including Bible study. They can form as memory joggers or prompts when making a lapbook, writing an essay or a project. This sheet can easily be incorporated with other study skills such as mind-mapping. You can also use them as narration or writing prompts.

You can download a copy of the sheets below. Let me know if you use it, and if you find it beneficial.

Download link: Observation Sheet

Some Bible Based Freebies

My family has been laid down with a horrid flu-like virus/bug. It is nasty. Fever, nausea, body aches and vice-like gripping headaches have saw us all have a quiet, lethargic week. Just when I was starting to get back into the swing of things! I have found some goodies on the ‘net for those that like handy dandy tools and gizmo’s. Check out some of these:

INSTAVerse
Do you visit Christian web sites or receive daily devotional emails? Ever want to look up a scripture fast? InstaVerse? by WORDsearch will let you instantly see the actual Bible text for scripture references like John 3:16 ? just point your mouse at it, and the text pops up in your preferred translation! The best part is that InstaVerse with the KJV Bible is free!

Get InstaVerse!

Power Point Bible Maps
In cooperation with eBibleTeacher.com, SearchGodsWord.org is pleased to offer 41 FREE Powerpoint Bible Maps. Ideal for teachers and pastors, each map comes in three different sizes (640, 800, 1024) to suit your needs. Also available is the original PowerPoint file used in the creation of the image files.

Daily Wallpaper for your computer
Heartlight has joined together with Paperquote.com to bring you an exciting feature: Daily Heartlight Wallpaper! Now you can have a new Heartlight image appear on your desktop each morning when you log onto the internet. By simply downloading the free software, you will be downloading new wallpaper for your desktop in no time!

That’s about it from me for this week. I’m off to do some much needed grocery shopping to stock up on some fruit and veg as well as get some party food for tonight is a special celebration! Our youngest, ‘Master C’ , turns from single digits into double digits!!!! Double digits is a pretty big event in our home. Double digits is when one goes from being a boy to a MIT: a Man In Training. It’s special. 🙂

Christian Biographies

Christian Biographies

A few years ago, I felt strongly impressed of God to read more biographies of believers to my children. We have read some of the book published by YWAM and the Trailblazer books by Dave and Neta Jackson
New Creation Teaching Ministries is an excellent teaching ministry that John sat under for years.

John Bunyan
http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/297.html
George Muller
http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/326.html
John Newton
http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/285.html
Charles Spurgeon
http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/278.html
George Whitefield
http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/covers/288.html
John Knox
http://www.newcreation.org.au/studies/pdf/johnknox.pdf
all by Rev. Dean Carter
Great for adults and high school aged students.

And some more links from my bookmarks:

Christian Heroes
http://www.christianheroes.com/

Christian Biography Resources
http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bio.html

List of carefully chosen biographies for purchase at Grace and Truth
http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/biographies/default.asp

Biographies of Baptised Believers
http://www.21tnt.com/biographies.htm

Sword of the Lord Biographies
http://www.swordofthelord.com/biographies.htm

Fire and Ice: History & Biography
http://puritansermons.com/hist.htm

James Kiefer’s Christian Biographies
http://elvis.rowan.edu/~kilroy/JEK/home.html

Awake and Go! Biographies
http://www.watchword.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=4

Biographical Sketches at DesiringGod
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/

Spiritual Journeys of Great Christians at In Touch Ministries
http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/portraits/index_77957.html

Christian Biographies, Biographical Sketches, Puritan Biographies
http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/articles/default.asp?id=38

A few biographies at BibleBelievers
http://www.biblebelievers.com/biographies.html

Sir Wilferd Grenfell – To show the need to beware of FRAUD in “Christian” biographies
http://christianbeliefs.org/biographies/grenfell.html

Annie Johnson Flint
http://christianbeliefs.org/biographies/a-j-flint.html

These links are listed for your convenience and their inclusion does not necessarily signify that I agree with everything written on each site. The best policy is to “Examine everything carefully. Hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
1Th 5:21, 22,cf Acts17:11

Kingdom's Hope

Yesterday we started our new read aloud! Book Two in the Kingdom series. I blogged about Book One (Kingdom’s Dawn) and we zipped through it in excitement so we could start Kingdom’s Hope.

This book spans the time from Moses to Malachi. It is has on the edge of our seat each day. I get goosebumps while reading it. If you haven’t checked this series out yet, please do! It will be well worth your effort to source them.

Visit the website to learn more!

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