Category Archives: subjects

Individual subjects

Plans for this school year 2011-2012

Posted on July 28, 2011 by

So we are counting down the days until we get back into the school swing. My two oldest attend our church’s private school and I am teaching the younger two at home. I have a preschooler and a 2nd grader. Here’s what the big picture looks like for this school year. Bible/reading: NP 2nd grade lessons Bible as Reader History: MWOG Literature, geography, science: NP 2nd grade lessons English: Rod and Staff Art: NPCG Art, … read on, my friend…

Posted in General Lessons | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

What I’m reading

Posted on February 3, 2011 by

So I’m on day three of my attempt to post every day this month. It’s a big challenge that @scotters tossed out and I sheepishly accepted. I don’t think I’ve posted this topic—ever. I noticed there’s no fiction on this list. Hmmmm…So what I’m reading (all but one on Kindle), in no particular order: 1. One Thousand Gifts is the hands-down best book I have read in a long time. Her writing is like, well, … read on, my friend…

Posted in Journal, Literature | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Sheltering and books

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

LIT’ERATURE, n. [L. literatura.] Learning; acquaintance with letters or books. Literature comprehends a knowledge of the ancient languages, denominated classical, history, grammar, rhetoric, logic, geography, &c. as well as of the sciences. A knowledge of the world and good breeding give luster to literature. There seem to be two camps concerning literature:  those who think you should shelter your children and those who think that difficult books are a tool for discussion. Of course older … read on, my friend…

Posted in Literature | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Seven Deadly homeschool sins and the Christian response

Posted on October 21, 2010 by

The seven deadly sins, as the Catholics have labeled them, are a great picture of sins that home educators often struggle with. I believe God can keep these sins far from our doors if we turn to Him. Lust Lust is a general lack of self-control. Whether it is the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh or the pride of life, this sin is a challenging one. We can lust after food, other … read on, my friend…

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Learning plans 2009-2010

Posted on September 19, 2009 by

Last year was challenging (but when is homeschooling not challenging really) because I have always struggled with doing things the “right” way using the Biblical Principle Approach. Actually the BPA is beautifully simple. Not necessarily easy, but simple. Adding a 5yo to my 6th and 3rd graders had me a bit stressed. I wrestled with the idea of individual subjects, of textbooks, of private school. Some health issues have added to my struggle and I … read on, my friend…

Posted in General Lessons, unit studies | Tagged , | 4 Comments

We are history

Posted on August 3, 2009 by

History to many people seems like a dusty book that you bring out and teach your kids when you have to meet state requirements or because you “have to.” History is not that at all. It is not a stale timeline or disjointed facts from long ago. It’s alive and it’s happening all around you right now. History, or His Story, is going on every second the clock is ticking. Yesterday is history, is it … read on, my friend…

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Chatting with The Science Mouse

Posted on June 22, 2009 by

This is our first of [hopefully] many interviews with creative types. The Science Mouse is a homeschooled kid with a penchant for all things scientific. With a little help from her mom she publishes The Science Mouse, a terrific monthly ezine for kids with a different theme each month. Tell us about you/your family. (hobbies, stuff you like, stuff you can’t stand) I have two sisters and two brothers. I like to swim and really … read on, my friend…

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making the most of public speaking

Posted on May 19, 2009 by

One thing all kids need is confident public speaking. The ability to persuade, inform and entertain is a priceless ability, and homeschooled kids have many terrific opportunities to hone their skills–and tools to help them do it better. TED talks are very popular, and with good reason. If you aren’t aware of TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) then visit their archives for public speakers and topics that run the gamut. They are interesting to watch, especially … read on, my friend…

Posted in Creative Homeschool, English | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Practical application of timelines

Posted on April 30, 2009 by

This is a guest post by JoAnne Bennett, a dear friend and mentor. She was kind enough to provide the following post and I’m so glad she did. We will use the time line for the facts which must be memorized for that unit.  As we do an overview to introduce the unit, I emphasize that these are the most important events.  We will add other significant events as they are discovered and discuss their … read on, my friend…

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Art preservation made easy–and fun

Posted on March 28, 2009 by

As parents, as I think even more as homeschooling families, we accumulate a plethora of art projects. And after a while you start to wonder what to do with it all. You don’t feel right tossing it but you certainly don’t want piles of artsy goodness all over the house. My friend Renae had a post the other day about saving art work and of course a quandary like that just gets my mind going. … read on, my friend…

Posted in Art, Celebrations, Creative Homeschool | Tagged , | 4 Comments