Historic Anniversaries for the 2012-2013 School Year
23 May 2012 4 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Christian, Kids, Children, Homeschool, teaching, history, Church history, homeschooling, Christian homeschooling, education, historic anniversaries, school planning
Each summer, I plan out our upcoming school year. Each school year, I’m taken by surprise … there are important historic anniversaries I’d like to observe with my kids, and I haven’t bothered to look them up. I either have to let them fall to the wayside, or scramble to fit them into our planned schedule.
For instance, this year we read Titanic: The Ship of Dreams by Robert Plant at the last minute. It worked out just fine, but next year I want to be prepared.
Just in case you struggle with the same issue, I’m posting some interesting anniversaries occurring during the upcoming school year. They may or may not be the dates you would pick, but I tried to hit the highlights of each year. I put the sinking of the Titanic on because it’s still 100 years ago, right? All the way until December… More
Books We Read: The French and Indian War (Hello Benjamin Franklin!)
11 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: Benjamin Franklin, Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, George Washington Carver, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied the French and Indian Wars as we lead up the Revolutions. We also spent a lot of time reading about Benjamin Franklin, and finished up reading about George Washington Carver.
More
Sopanification ~ The Enemy of Ear Potatoes Everywhere
08 May 2012 2 Comments
in Historical Minutiae and Philosophical Meanderings Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, science, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
For Ages 8 – 12
Do your parents remind you to use soap to wash behind your ears? Why do they do that?
Well, first of all, they don’t want any potato plants sprouting back there. Can you imagine how inconvenient it would be to have potatoes growing behind your ears? More
Books We Read: Colonial Culture
04 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, colonial culture, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied Colonial culture as we lead up the Revolutions (we’re continuing our study of Native Americans, as well). More
I’ve Joined Pinterest
03 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in Thinking Parents Tags: Danika Cooley, pinterest, Thinking Kids
I’ve joined Pinterest! You can follow me there for parenting articles, marriage resources, homeschooling coolness, children’s media and book recommendations, children’s crafts, gluten-free vegan recipes, and stories for children. You can find me at Danika Cooley. I’d love to see what you’re doing as well.
Surprise at the Well
30 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in Bible Story Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Kids, parable, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
For Ages 3 – 7
Based on Matthew 13:44-46 More
Books We Read: The Thirteen Established Colonies
27 Apr 2012 2 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied the Thirteen Established Colonies as we lead up the Revolutions (we’re continuing our study of Native Americans, as well). More
Castle in the City ~ Our Knight in Shining Armor
25 Apr 2012 18 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, edification, gossip, Homeschool, homeschooling, husband, Kids, marriage, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, spouse, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, verbal praise, worldview
We have a knight living in our home. He’s big, strong, noble and inspiring. Our knight wears shining armor, he loves Jesus and he guides us in the way we should go. He has spectacular ideas, he works hard to feed and clothe us, and he’s our hero.
My boys and I are blessed to be served and loved by so noble a character. Yet we don’t live in a castle, there’s no moat, and this isn’t a fairy tale. I actually live in the suburbs on the edge of a metropolis. We have tulips in our front yard, along with our fair share of weeds. My husband is wonderful, but very human. More
First Things First ~ Parenting with Purpose
23 Apr 2012 10 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
If your personal satisfaction is the priority of your own life, you will sacrifice the next generation. ~ Ron Mehl
Let’s face it: parenting is tough. It involves personal sacrifice, maturity and focus. There are decisions to be made, fires to be put out, and those growing children never seem to stop eating. Parenting is not for the faint-of-heart. More
Books We Read: Empires at Odds
20 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied Empires at Odds as we lead up the Revolutions (we’re continuing our study of Native Americans, as well). More
Dear Mom… Future Letters from the Children of the Social Media Generation
19 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, blog, blogging, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, discernment, facebook, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, Parenting, perspective, pinterest, Scripture, social media, twitter, wisdom, worldview
Dear Mom,
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work raising me. You did a great job. I’m sure that the fact that I lost the presidential race today had nothing to do with those embarrassing facebook posts you wrote about me in my teen years. More
Women, Children and Unbelievers ~ Titanic the Ship of Dreams: John Harper by Robert Plant
16 Apr 2012 6 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
“Women, children and unbelievers into the lifeboats!”
One hundred years ago, on April 15, 1912, the “unsinkable” Titanic hit an iceberg… and sunk. More than 1,500 people perished in the freezing cold waves that morning, including a man who loved Jesus more than his own life.
Before the sun rose, as the ship tilted rapidly into the ocean, John Harper stood on the deck of the Titanic, calling the attention of his fellow passengers to the state of their souls. More
Books We Read: Colonists and Native Americans (and some special fun)
13 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Colonists, Gladys Aylward, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, middle grade, Native Americans, Parenting, perspective, Picture Books, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, The Titanic, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied Colonists and Native Americans (we’re continuing that for a couple more weeks, as well).
Next week, we’re looking at empires at odds. Look for that post next Friday!
(Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
More
I’m on Twitter
12 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: #hsblogger, Homeschool, twitter
I’m brand new, and I’m a little confused, but I joined Twitter! You can join me if you’d like… @DanikaCooley
Storytime with the Little People ~ Christian Picture Books
11 Apr 2012 8 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Kids, kindergarten, Parenting, perspective, Picture Books, preschool, reading, Scripture, storytime, Sunday School, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
One of my favorite things about having preschool-aged kids was our storytimes. What could be better than snuggling on the couch, discovering new truths, exciting tales, and fantastic art for the first time with the little people I love?
In storytime, the book choice is important! There are many fantastic secular storybooks, but what of Christian picture books? Isn’t it difficult to find engaging and creative books for young children that glorify Christ?
Relax! I’ve got you covered. There are so many fantastic Christian books available that I really had to pick and choose. You’ll find a lot of great lists. Mine is eccentric… a little theology here, a fun parable there, and a missionary now and again. This is a list of our absolute favorites. When you’re done reading about our favorites, be sure to leave yours as well. Don’t forget to post a link, so we can all be certain that we’re locating the correct books. More
Books We Read: Queen Anne’s War and William Penn
06 Apr 2012 4 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, literacy, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied dissenters in America and the Age of Reason.
Next week, we’re looking at colonists and the Native Americans. Look for that post next Friday!
(Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.) More
Rainy Days
04 Apr 2012 8 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: board games, card games, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, family, game night, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, Parenting
“Mom, it’s raining… again!”
We hear that a lot in our home here in the green state of Oregon. We’ve learned to grin and bear the rain on our trips to the pumpkin patch, the State fair and our morning walks. But what about those torrential spring downpours? There are only so many times one can put on a pair of rain boots and play in the puddles, especially when the puddles become running rivers. More
Kids, It’s Not About Us… Seven Ways to Teach Worldview
02 Apr 2012 12 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness, Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, biographies, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Christian worldview, Church history, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
WordPress recently put up a fun map so that I can see where you all hail from each day. It’s been really fun to see so many different countries and continents highlighted! Welcome to my friends from across the seas, and to the north and south! I’m so glad you all come such a long way to visit! To my friends from America, welcome to you as well! 
This is a lengthy post, but I’ve broken it down so you can take what you’d like. It’s kind of the roadmap for our homeschool and for our parenting.
As a Christian who approaches media with (I hope) some level of discernment, and a homeschooling parent, I am often asked if I’m sheltering my kids. The questions tend to run along these lines: What will happen when they encounter the real world? What will they do when they encounter real movies and they’ve never, ever seen real films? How will your kids respond to outside influences? More
Books We Read: Restoration Colonies, the Age of Louis XIV… and My Favorite Book This Year!
30 Mar 2012 6 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Jesus, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Reformation, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied the Restoration Colonies and the age of Loius XIV.
Next week, we’re looking at dissenters in America and the age of reason. Look for that post next Friday!
(Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.) More
Jesus is Alive! by Josh and Sean McDowell ~ A Resource Worth Owning
28 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: Bible, Biblical, book review, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Easter, history, Homeschool, Jesus, Jesus is Alive!, Josh McDowell, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Resurrection Sunday, Scripture, Sean McDowell, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
We love Resurrection Sunday. We know that the whole point of the celebration is that Jesus is alive!
Every year, we choose one or two resources for the kids, which we give them as gifts on Resurrection Sunday. Sometimes, there may be a bowl of jelly beans available, but the focus of our gift-giving is Christ-centered books or media. (We don’t feel the gift-giving is necessary, but we enjoy it!)
Last year, I shared a fantastic set of books on theology that we gave our preschoolers. You can read about those in Theology for the Little Ones. This year, I’d like to share a fantastic book we’ve been using in our morning devotions, Jesus is Alive! by Josh McDowell and his son Sean McDowell. More
Our Four Year History Timeline
26 Mar 2012 6 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Elementary age, history, Homeschool, Kids, Lower Grammar, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, Sunday School, Tapestry of Grace, teach, The Wall Chart of History, Thinking, timeline, truth, Upper Grammar, worldview, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4
When I started homeschooling, things suddenly became a big deal that had never even occurred to me before.
Take the timeline, for instance. I’d read books with timelines in them; I’ve written books and articles with timelines in them. Timelines are really helpful. But to teach my kids to make their own timeline? That opened up a world of options. Really, I wasn’t prepared for all the ideas. There are whole companies that just specialize in timelines!
‘No big deal’, I thought. Our primary curriculum, Tapestry of Grace, doesn’t even recommend using timelines until the dialectic stage. That’s around Middle School age. So, I had plenty of time to think. (I really like the idea of the scrapbook-style timeline for the middle school age – it’s easily stored, and can be saved forever).
My kids had other plans. More
Books We Read: Charters, Creeds and the English Civil War
23 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we studied the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Roger Williams and the English Civil War.
Next week, we’re looking at the Restoration Colonies and Louis XIV. Look for that post next Friday!
(Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.) More
Trading the Future for a Cookie ~ A Story of the Resurrection Promise for Kids
19 Mar 2012 2 Comments
in Historical Minutiae and Philosophical Meanderings Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Christmas, Church history, Easter, Esau, history, Homeschool, Israel, Jacob, Jesus, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, Resurrection, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
For Ages 8 – 12 More
Books We Read: Plymouth and the Progress of a Pilgrim
16 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Colonialization, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Jesus, Kids, literacy, middle grade, New World, Parenting, perspective, Pilgrim's Progress, Plymouth, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, worldview
This week, we studied the Puritans in New England and enjoyed reading an annotated version of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
Next week, we’re looking at the English Civil War, and studying John Bunyan (which fits well, as he fought in the Civil War). Look for that post next Friday!
(Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
Living for Jesus ~ Stewarding Our Children’s Gifts and Talents
14 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Homeschool, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, Spiritual Gifts, stewardship, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
“Living for Jesus” is officially the last post in our series on raising kids to learn biblical life stewardship.
What Do You Mean You Don’t Want to Study Today?
12 Mar 2012 18 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: argumentative, Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, defiance, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, Parenting, perspective, rebellion, Scripture, strong will, strong-willed, teach, teaching, Thinking, worldview
It’s a common parenting quandry: you’ve asked your child to do their math, write an essay, empty the dishwasher, or take out the trash. Your request was reasonable, it was within the scope of their ability, and you asked kindly.
Yet, your child said ‘no’. Your child argued. He sighed and rolled his eyes. She stood still and stared at you.
Now what? Now that you have a power and control issue on your hands, where do you go from here? More
Colonial Indian Pudding ~ Gluten Free and Vegan
11 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Gluten Free Vegan Living Tags: Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Colonial, dairy free, egg free, first Thanksgiving, gluten free, history, Homeschool, Indian Pudding, Kids, Parenting, Pilgrims, Plymouth, recipe
It’s fun to try some of the foods eaten during the time periods we study. In altering a recipe, I never really know whether it tastes even remotely like it should. However, this was interesting and edible, though we may not serve it at Thanksgiving dinner (it was a bit gritty for our taste). Still, it was fun to make something that may have appeared at the first Thanksgiving – hosted by the remaining Plymouth colonists for their friends Squanto, Hobomok, Massasoit and his tribe. More
Books We Read: The Mayflower! … and Galileo
09 Mar 2012 4 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Galileo, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Kids, Mayflower, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, Picture Books, reading, science, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, William Bradford, worldview
This week, we looked at the colonization of America. We spent a lot of time studying the first European colonies, and enjoyed a few interesting books. We also spent some time learning about Galileo. (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
Next week, we’re looking at Puritans in New England. Look for that post next Friday! More
The Potter’s Workshop
07 Mar 2012 2 Comments
in Bible Story Tags: Bible, Bible Story, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Homeschool, Isaiah 29:16, Kids, perspective, Scripture, Sunday School, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
For Ages 3-7
Based on Isaiah 29:16
“Well, I’ll tell you something,” said Debra loudly. “The potter sure didn’t make me. In fact, I’m not sure there even is a potter!”
High on rows of shelves in the workshop, the potter’s pots gasped at Debra.
“What do you mean?” they all asked. “The potter made all of us! He’s our creator!” More
The Value of ‘NO’
05 Mar 2012 4 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, burden, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, grief, Homeschool, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, Thinking, truth, worldview
I was raised in a Christian household. Raised (correctly) to believe that the God of the Universe could heal any pain, could overcome any obstacle.
I truly believed that if I believed enough, prayed enough, obeyed enough, trusted enough… if I was enough… that God would answer my most heartfelt prayers. That He would heal my big sister. That she would be well. More
Books We Read: Potporri ~ Elizabethan England, Mary Slessor and the Great Awakening
02 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
This week, we finished up several of our unit studies (the Reformation, the Renaissance, Humility) and we prepared to jump across the pond and look at the colonization of America. (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
Next week, we’re looking at the New World, and Eastern Europe. Look for that post next Friday! More
Do You Have a Daughter? Are You a Daughter? Do You Know a Mother?
29 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: books, Children, Daughters, giveaway, Homeschool, Kids, Mother's, Parenting, reading
I’m having a giveaway on my facebook page! My daughter, Amber Nocole Vanderzanden, and I co-wrote a story called “Redemption” for Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters, and I’d like to give a copy away. Head to my facebook page to check it out! More
It’s Science… It’s Adventure… It’s Jonathan Park!
27 Feb 2012 4 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: Audiobooks, Bible, Biblical, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Creation, Creationist, history, Homeschool, Jonathan Park, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, Vision Forum, worldview
I happen to believe that when the Bible says that God created the earth and the heavens in just 6 days… He did. I also believe that He flooded the earth, and that Noah built a boat. I believe that what the Lord says is true, whether His words are found in John, Revelation, Daniel or Genesis. I don’t think it’s an accident that Jesus referred 6 times to the first 7 chapters of Genesis (Creation through the Flood) as though the events described actually occurred. I don’ t think it’s strange that there are over 200 New Testament references to the first 11 chapters of Genesis (Creation through the Tower of Babel). In fact, I think science is bearing out the Word of God in amazing ways. Creation always bears witness to the truth of the Creator. More
Books We Read: The Counter-Reformation, the Netherlands and Early American Missions
24 Feb 2012 3 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Kids, middle grade, missions, Parenting, perspective, reading, Reformation, Scripture, worldview
This week, we delved further into the world of Henry VIII and the Reformation in England, Switzerland and the Northern countries. We also continued our study of Shakespeare and Reformation Hymns. (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
Next week, we’re finishing up our study of the Reformation, Reformed Hymns, Shakespeare – and we’re heading for the Americas. Look for that post next week! More
A Temple to the Lord ~ Teaching Stewardship of the Body
22 Feb 2012 3 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, gluttony, history, Homeschool, immorality, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, self-discipline, sloth, stewardship, teach, the body, Thinking, truth, worldview
I don’t know if you’ve been wondering if I’m evergoing to finish the stewardship series I started in MINE ~ Teaching – and Learning True Stewardship. I know I’ve been wondering if I ever will. This is the second to the last post, so that gives me great hope. I got kind of stuck on the idea of writing about stewarding the body. Actually, to be perfectly honest, I struggle with the idea of writing about anything pertaining to parenting, or the Christian walk. I fall short so very regularly! Yet here is this burden on my heart… so I write anyway. This is not a post about weight. Take a deep breath. More
Science is Never for the Birds ~ Apologia’s Elementary Series
20 Feb 2012 28 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Apologia, Biblical, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Exploring Creation, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, homeschool science, Jeannie Fulbright, Kids, Parenting, perspective, reading, science, science curriculum, teach, teaching, truth, worldview
Science. The very word used to bring to mind long algebraic formulas, brain-numbing laws, and useless facts. Oh… and repetition. Lots and lots of repititious experiments. Mind you, it’s not that I don’t have a solid background in science. I was, after all, pre-med for almost two years before I up and decided to become an artist (and now I write – life is weird – or maybe it’s just me). It’s just that from the very beginning, science was a spiral of facts and disciplines, never spending enough time in any one area to truly interest me. Until college – and by that time, it was no longer interesting – it was brain-numbing. Sure, there were the occasional bright spots, like the day I caused an explosion in the lab, and we had to use that awesome shower. But for the most part, science put me to sleep.
When we decided to teach our kids at home (gasp), science had me sweating. The boys wanted to be scientists, and one of the great disappointments of their little lives was that the Christian school they attended didn’t allow them more time in the incredible science lab. How could I meet their needs? I didn’t even have a science lab! More
Books We Read: King Henry VIII’s World, the Huguenots and John Calvin
17 Feb 2012 3 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, Henry VIII, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, Huguenots, John Calvin, Kids, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Reformation, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, Thomas Cranmer, truth, worldview
This week, we delved further into the world of Henry VIII and the Reformation in England, Switzerland and the Northern countries. We also continued our study of Shakespeare and Reformation Hymns. I will share a couple of those resources in a few weeks. (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
Next week, we’re studying the Counter Reformation and the Netherlands - with some Shakespeare thrown in. Look for that post next week! More
Real Love
14 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Homeschool, Kids, love, Parenting, perspective, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, Valentine's day, worldview
Real love
has nothing to do
with flowers
or chocolate
or cartoon characters
on cardstock in little envelopes.
Real love doesn’t arrive on a certain day.
It isn’t pink, purple, or sparkly. More
I. Am. Way. Too. Old. To. Learn. Greek.
13 Feb 2012 4 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, foreign language, gluten free, Greek, Homeschool, Kids, Koine, Koine Greek, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth
Last June, I explained the path our family is taking for language study in It’s Greek to Me… Our Language Venture. We’re on track with Latin and Greek, and we’re taking a few months off of Spanish. As the boys improve their speed in writing, we’ll have a little more time during the week to add that back in.
So, what have we learned? We’ve learned that Mom (that’s me, folks) is way too old to learn Greek. It makes my brain ache. At this point, my nine-year-old is teaching me. Because he totally gets it. As does my 7-year-old. I, on the other hand, am lagging. More
Books We Read: Covenanters and Tyndale vs. Henry VIII!
10 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, worldview
Onward into the Reformation! I think my children are beginning to see an ongoing theme - Christians killing Christians over differing doctrinal beliefs, and a terrific grab for power through religious structure. So far, we’ve read books covering the persecution of Catholics, Protestants, Mennonites, and Covenanters.
Next week, we’re studying the Reformation as it continues its march through Europe. Look for that post next week! Also, in a few weeks, I’ll share a couple of the resources we’ve been using to study the music and literature of the Reformation. (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.) More
Drowning in Stuff ~ Teaching Stewardship of Belongings
08 Feb 2012 15 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Homeschool, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, stewardship, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
I’m just going to say it: I’m a reformed hoarder. I have owned more things in my lifetime than any woman my age has business owning in her lifetime. In fact, in my younger years there was a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I might one day be buried somewhere under a pile of paper, old clothes, and strange kitchen appliances. Thankfully, a few really brave friends stepped in to help before it was too late. With their help, and some Scriptural perspective, I have overcome. I no longer serve my stuff… it serves me. At least, I think so. There is the danger that I will look back at this post in four years and sadly shake my head, knowing that I had not yet mastered my own stewardship of belongings. Actually, that’s a likelihood. Thank God we keep growing! More
First Steps ~ Independence in Homeschooling
06 Feb 2012 6 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Homeschool, independence, independent study, Kids, Parenting, teach, teaching
Growing up is rough stuff. Little bodies work so hard to learn to control muscles large and small, developing brains strain to understand new concepts, and powerful emotions desperately seek acceptable ways to be expressed.
When we teach our babies to walk, it’s a long process: from the first tenative steps with our hands around their middles, to steps made clinging to one finger, to those first triumphant solo movements, our kids learn to walk with our assistance. As parents, we suffer with joy the inconvenience of helping our blossoming babies . We cheer their new found independence (even as we hide the knick knacks!). After all, our baby’s accomplishment frees us in some small way; it becomes our accomplishment as well. More
How to Bake a Homeschool ~ My Guest Post from Hip Homeschool Moms
03 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Hip Homeschool Moms, Homeschool, Kids, Parenting
I had the opportunity to guest post for the fantastic Hip Homeschool Moms today. Check it out!
As concerned, intelligent home educators, we all put a lot of time and effort into choosing the tools and supplements we feel will best enable us to teach our children. We worry and fret over our educational philosophy, our curriculum, our homeschool space, our schedule and our extracurricular activities.
As I was looking at our homeschool this year, reassessing the decisions we made and planning for the next year, I began to wonder: What if a homeschool was more like a cake? What if instead of planning, I was baking? …
Books We Read: Martin Luther, Menno Simons, and the Northern Renaissance
02 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Charlotte Mason, Children, Christian, Church history, history, Homeschool, Jesus, Kids, Martin Luther, Menno Simons, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Reformation, Renaissance, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
Last week, we continued our study of the Renaissance and its beautiful art, and the Reformation. Oh, what joy for an artist who loves Church history! Our reading was fascinating, and it gave us all the opportunity to delve into a truly tumultuous period of time. (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.)
This week, we’re studying more of the Reformation, focusing on the Northern states and including Martin Luther and the Covenanters – with some Shakespeare thrown in. Look for that post next week! More
The Ghost of Childhood Past ~ Anatomy of an Angry Parent
31 Jan 2012 25 Comments
in Thinking Parents Tags: anger, angry parenting, Bible, Biblical, Children, Christian, Christian parenting, Homeschool, Kids, Parenting, perspective, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth
Kathy was an excellent cook. Everyone said so. Her favorite dish was the pot roast she made every Sunday afternoon. First, she would carefully line her heavy pan with baby red and golden potatoes, peeled carrots, fresh herbs, and wedges of onions. Carefully, she would slice off a two inch chunk of pot roast, sear the remaining roast in olive oil and spices, and lay the prepared beef on top of her bed of veggies.
History by the Books ~ All Through the Ages by Christine Miller
30 Jan 2012 4 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: All Through the Ages, Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian homeschooling, Christian parenting, Christine Miller, Church history, Creation, history, Homeschool, Kids, list of books, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, Sunday School, teach, truth, worldview
Once in a while, I find a resource that I’m so excited about, I can’t put it down. All Through the Ages by Christine Miller is just such a resource. My wonderful friend, who introduced me to the various homeschooling styles and curriculums, loaned me her copy – and the rest is history.
Books We Read: Aztecs, Tainos and Anabaptists, O My!
27 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Anabaptists, Aztecs, Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Church history, historical fiction, history, Homeschool, homeschooling, Kids, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, Sunday School, teach, Thinking, truth, worldview
After delving into the Age of Exploration, we spent some time last week looking at the Aztecs, Mayas, Incas, Tainos… and the Anabaptists. In middle school, I spent three years in an enclosed class with a teacher who really, really loved the Aztec and Mayan cultures. We spent a lot of time talking about them. On our honeymoon, Ed and I visited Chitzen Itza and Tulum – two Mayan sites. So, this was a little like a trip down memory lane for me. There were lots of topics of conversation, for sure!
This week, we’re studying a little more of the Renaissance and Reformation, including Menno Simons, Martin Luther and the Covenanters. Look for that post next week! (Again, this isn’t a comprehensive list of our resources… just some of the extra reading we enjoyed.) More
The Little Woman Who Started a Great War
25 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: abolitionist, Abraham Lincoln, Bible, Biblical, books, Children, Christian, Church history, civil war, Harriet Beecher Stowe, history, Homeschool, Kids, Parenting, perserverance, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, Uncle Tom's Cabin, worldview
For Ages 8-12
In the nineteenth century, the best-selling book in the world was the Bible. Can you guess what the second best-selling book was? You might never read it in school. After all, the book isn’t really politically correct anymore. Then again, it wasn’t politically correct in 1852, either. More
Mr. Greatheart, A Hero for Jesus ~ “Eric Liddell: Finish the Race” by John W. Keddie
23 Jan 2012 3 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile Tags: Bible, Biblical, biography, books, Children, Christian, Christian Focus 4 Kids, Christian Focus Publications, Church history, Eric Liddell, history, Homeschool, John W. Keddie, Kids, literacy, middle grade, Parenting, perspective, reading, Scripture, teach, teaching, teens, Thinking, Trailblazers Christian Biography Series, truth, worldview
The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!
~ Psalm 16:3 (NLT)
Human beings love heroes. It is the reason that comic books movies are so popular, is it not?
Personally, I love the stories of the Christian saints who have gone before us. It is in the reading of their lives that I am reminded yet again that God has fitted each one of us with spiritual gifts, talents and abilities. He calls us to use those gifts to glorify Him and to grow His Kingdom. In reading the stories of those who served God with their whole lives, I remember that only God can see the impact our lives will have on those around us, and upon history – if we truly follow Him.
Those are the lessons that I wish to share with my children, and the reason we read so many biographies together. The boys and I just finished reading Christian Focus Publication’s newest addition to the Trailblazers series, Eric Liddell: Finish the Race by John W. Keddie. The book is written for 9-14 year olds, with a recommendation to read it aloud for ages 7-9. My boys happen to be 9 and almost 8, so we read it as a family. More
Books We Read: The Age of Exploration!
20 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in Confessions of a Bibliophile, Homeschooling Coolness Tags: Age of Exploration, Bible, Biblical, books, Children, Christian, Christopher Columbus, Church history, Henry the Navigator, history, Homeschool, Kids, King James Bible translation, Magellan, Parenting, perspective, reading, Reformation, Renaissance, Scripture, teach, teaching, Thinking, truth, worldview
Ah, the Age of Exploration. For a boy, it’s such a romantic time: adventure, drama and danger. It was also a heartbreaking moment in human history, one in which explorers and their kings decided to “harvest” entire populations for their own use. On the other hand, there were interesting moments of compassion, as well as some missionary work. In an attempt to give the kids a well-rounded view, we read from several sources. As I mentioned before, I won’t be talking about our “teaching texts” (our living books that cover history in a more comprehensive manner) in these posts, so this isn’t a look at our history program – just some of the books we enjoyed for enrichment last week. This week, we’re studying the Aztecs and a little more of the Renaissance and Reformation. Look for that post next week! More
