A Day in the Life: Time-out For a Unit Study Approach

We are pretty eclectic around here. No one curriculum 'style' or 'method' defines us. We just pick and choose based upon interests, requirements and much prayer. We have been chugging right along in our home school this year, our third year. We made many mistakes in curriculum choices but as my wise oldest son says, "Hey! Anytime I get a chance to learn, it isn't wasted. I enjoy learning."

This week we were moving right along through Monday and Tuesday doing the same ol', same ol', when Wednesday rolled around. We decided that since we were heading into Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, and the Jewish people were celebrating Passover--what better time to 'slow down' and focus on Jesus, IN SCHOOL, the next three days. Amazing how He provided in that first day.

We started by reading from our Easter devotional booklet that we received from our church. We began to discuss Passover. My children are fascinated with History, particularly Christian and Jewish History. What better time to slow down than here and discuss?

What started as a research/writing assignment, turned into so much more. I asked the older boys to prepare a paper on Passover. Page one was to be notes and brainstorming, page two was their notes, page three a one page research paper on Passover using as many resources as possible (we have an almost seminary size library of tools), and finally--page 3--find Jesus in Passover. They were to use direct quotes from the Bible in all sources primarily.

As the boys began writing, many discussions sprang forth that ebbed over into every 'subject' imaginable. History-Jewish, Christian and secular. Science--unleavened bread, yeast, astronomy, and fungus. Math--calculate how many years it has been since the first Passover. Bible-praying for understanding, reading together-our 5 year old even read several verses, using study tools appropriately, and searching for Jesus in the Old Testament. Language Arts- reading and writing. Learning to cite sources and use footnotes. Life lessons- we live in an ever changing society. Rules change daily. Opinions change daily. Even the age of the earth changes almost daily. There is ONE constant and that is God and His Word. Before they 'leave the nest', I want them to be able to be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily. I want them to know that their God never changes and even when things go haywire, He is constant. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

It was an amazing discovery in Unit Studies. We had tried this route before with some other things, but this just sprang forth out of nowhere. No curriculum. No pre-made plans. Just a discussion on the importance of Jesus and what He truly did for us. He truly lead us and guided us through this and even dad was impressed! He even read some articles on Passover last night. True blessing! Not just academics, but rooting and grounding our children in Scripture.

We enjoyed this so much that I hope to utilize this type of learning, springing from our Bible readings, more often. It is a welcome and blessed break from the routine of day to day work.

Jmes 1:5~ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given to him.

(Linked up at: Raising Mighty Arrows)

Remember...

Sometimes God calls to remembrance those things oft forgotten from the past. Words He spoke into our hearts during time spent with Him. Precious promises we were standing on but then life got in the way. The floodwaters came and we forgot yet another promise from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah:

Isaiah 43:1-2~ But now, this is what the LORD says-He who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (NIV 84)

The Life Application Bible notes put it this way: Going through rivers of difficulty will either cause you to drown or force you to grow stronger. If you go in your own strength, you are more likely to drown. If you invite the Lord to go with you, He will protect you.

We have faced so many tough battles over the last four years. Although not quite finished yet, portions of it are in a series starting here. The Lord has been so merciful and gracious to my family. He has been my whole life in fact. Calling me to Himself while I ran about life my own way. Running away when I should have been running towards Him. You see, I was that one lost sheep from Luke 15:4. Jesus in all His mercy was longsuffering with me.

Recently we have faced more battles. More trials. More decisions.....

I was growing weary. Wounded. Weak....tired. 

Until recently He called to my attention to return and remember. To recall the "goodness of the Lord'. 

I stumbled upon notebooks. Many notebooks. FULL of Scripture, commentary, dates, times, battles and occasions. Notebooks scattered from 2009-2011 when the battle was raging with my sons, my daughter, and my health from the Our Story series I linked above.

Hebrews 10:32~ Remember those earlier days, after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. (NIV 84)

You see, these battles began before I even hit the altar. However, you see, He was calling me before they began. I began to 'dabble' in my Bible reading some. When crisis hit, I had my grandma called into prayer for me. To me, the very presence of her signified that God's presence came with her. She was THAT close to Him.

The day I hit that altar and decided I no longer wanted religion OR the world, but I wanted a personal relationship/discipleship with Jesus Himself, was when the battle began to heat up. In just 5 short months we would be facing an immeasurable crisis. It broke my heart but it brought me to Jesus.

Today, I am reminded that it is time once again, to remember the past. To recall to mind all that the Lord has done for us. To persevere and draw close to Him yet again.

Lamentations 3:19-21~ I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. (NIV 84)

Jesus promises to never leave nor forsake us. Though we may be going through the trials of life, though the wind and the storms may rage, we have a God who never changes. Who is not shaken by life. A God who keeps His promises.

Today, let's remember the goodness of the Lord. That the shed blood and broken body of our Savior was to bring us reconciliation to God. That we all have sinned and fallen short. But we have a merciful God who wills that none should perish, but all should be saved. Reach out to Him today. Wherever you are. Call upon His name. Cry out to Him. Remember the goodness of the Lord.

Whatever it is you were standing for and believing in, no matter what it looks like right now, walk by faith and not by sight. Take your eyes off of your problems and place them on your God. Remember....Remember HIM.

Stop by the blog today for some great encouragement mom!

We Choose Virtues--A Mosaic Team Review

I have heard the name We Choose Virtues praised and discussed often in Homeschooling circles. Imagine my delight to find out that the Review Team at Mosaic Reviews would get a chance to review some of their products! As believers in Jesus Christ, we want to instill Biblical values into our children. However, these products can still be used by anyone as there are not only options for versions of the Bible, but they have a secular choice as well. The main difference is that the Bible version has verses to go along with the cards.

For each virtue, there is a 'kid of VirtueVille' to help them remember it. The color and graphics are simply beautiful and so kid friendly!

I primarily used this with my 3 year old and 5 year old daughters. However, come assessment and game time, the 12 and 14 year old boys joined us! (shh--when I was teaching the girls the virtues, they were in the room and heard them as well. We have been discussing this with them through a study of Proverbs and other tools throughout the years.)

(How we introduced the card, virtue, kid, am not's, and the verse)

General Information and discussion about the products reviewed:

• The Teacher's Handbook (PDF format)- full of wonderful ideas to use any or all of their products. It gives you, the parent, or the teacher (recommended for use in schools as well), ideas and explanations for using the products. It does not, however, go into detail about each virtue. That is on the back of the Parenting and/or Teacher's cards. (more about those later).
• Printable Butterfly Awards- these come FREE in their kits in PDF form and are full of color! They may also be ordered separately. Award your child who shows consistent behavior in each virtue. My girls love butterflies so they were so excited when they got their award for being consistently "Gentle"

(The girls with their Gentle Butterfly Awards!)

• Kids of VirtueVille Coloring Pages- These also come FREE in the kits, or available extra in PDF form for $3.00. Sixteen pages of fun coloring each 'kid of virtue' and a word search! My girls simply adored learning about Oboe Joe and then coloring his picture!
• Family Character Assessment- These are FREE on their website: We Choose Virtues. Gets the whole family involved! This is a self assessment to determine where each family member's character is right now. We used this as a tool for discussion with the older boys. In many areas, I thought they were harder on themselves than need be. We discussed their strengths and weaknesses. We discussed their identity in Christ and that even though they were not a '10'- no one but Jesus is perfect. We discussed ways we could improve in this area.

(Self assessment in pencil, my assessment in ink. The older boys did this and it was a wonderful opportunity to build their confidence, discuss small weaknesses, and point them to Christ!)

• Virtues Flash Cards (NIV version)- my absolute favorite part!! These are sturdy, full color, beautifully illustrated cards. Whatever version you choose-(NIV, KJV, secular)-will determine what all is on the back. The Bible versions include a verse, the secular ones do not. The positives and the "I am Not's" are on the back. On the front is the virtue, as well as the kid that represents that virtue. For example--I am Obedient is Oboe Joe! These cards also come with another card that has fun game ideas on it and other ways to use these. 

The 'Scoop':

We Choose Virtues has multiple products and kits to choose from for any budget. They can be used in combination with other character building products or simply alone-no need to supplement. While we only used a few of the items, I am already starting to see more understanding in my children about certain character traits. Which ones are good, why they are good, and how to model the behavior. They also know the "am not's" and why they are not so good.

For information/questions about the product, email Heather: Heather @wechoosevirtues.com

For orders already placed, contact info@wechoosevirtues.com

They are running a promo special through the month of April. Use code HOME20 for 20% off of the Homeschool Kit! 
Another great deal is code VIRTUE15 for 15% off--I assure you that you will not be disappointed in any of their products!!

How we used these products:

(I used a comb binder to turn the coloring pages into a coloring book. This is Miss E learning our second virtue, Gentle.)

(Little A and Miss E coloring Oboe Joe!)

We also played Charades, which is one of the games listed on the Family Flash Card Games card that came with them. (I tweaked the game just a little.) The older boys even got involved with this! Each took turns acting out the appropriate virtue, then someone else acted out the opposite of that virtue. They loved this and everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves to see what they could come up with!

We absolutely enjoyed this product. My girls will commend someone, and point out which one, when an appropriate virtue is expressed. They are quick to point out when someone is not responding properly as well!

'Quiet time' has often been difficult around here. The girls have a hard time winding down and often are just as busy during this rest period as they are any other time. Today, however, I told Miss E that the TV was going off and she needed to practice Self-Control. She did it right away! I was so blessed and amazed. Little A? We are still working on those with her but she is so big hearted and often portrays kindness, helpfulness and she is a very good girl when it comes to sharing! 

The only tiny con that we encountered was some of the wording on the back of the cards due to their age. That was an EASY fix though, and I just used age appropriate words. This is one item that I see sticking around for a long time and we really enjoyed it!

Check out what the other Mosaic Review Team members are saying:
http://mosaicreviews.com/we-choose-virtues/

FamilyMint~a Mosaic Review Team Review

Ever wanted to teach your kids money management but wasn't sure how? Looking to teach them in a way that uses a variety of methods? Let me introduce you to FamilyMint's Money Management Certification Program. There are many options to choose from, depending upon your needs or wants. The price varies as well, however the most "expensive" package is only $29.99 at the Special Introductory Price-this option also allows you to purchase additional workbooks for 50% off the normal rate. The least expensive? FREE! Yes, free! This is the online application only and includes a 14 day trial of the Online Premium version as a bonus!
The workbook is recommended for grades 5 and up (ages 10+), but the online application can be used by anyone age 6-14.

The item that I received to review was Option #1. It comes with both the workbook AND the online component. For this product, you may choose to use 'real' money or just teach them using 'pretend' money. We opted to use their allowance and money they had already saved. Here is a picture of the workbook:

Upon opening the workbook, you will find an Introduction and Instructions. Then, it is divided into four sections: Tracking Your Money, Goal Setting, Budgeting, and Interest-Growing $. Follows is a Learning Summary, Worksheets and Forms, and Answer Key, Parent Checklist and on the back cover is a Certification of Achievement printed onto the same material as the cover of the workbook.

This is an example from inside the book on teaching how deposit slips work and having them fill one out for practice:

The second part, (or the only, depending upon the option you choose), is the Internet component. Here is where you access that. If you opt to go the Premium route, the workbook includes a code for you to access the online content.This is the image of my son's account: 

We used this program for a 6th grade, 12 year old boy and his 9th grade, 14 year old brother. The 9th grader filled out the workbook, the 6th grader primarily did everything online except the practice, (and real), deposit and check slips. They loved this program! Here is the 14 year old in action:

We always try to teach our children about Stewardship, and Biblical principals for handling money. This isn't included in this book as such, but it does mention saving for charity. My 12 year old set up an account primarily for Tithing as well. 

They were both especially excited about goal setting. Many ideas came to mind--my 12 year old actually created a long-term goal for a "college fund". He was so interested to see how his money was adding up and how long he had to go to reach his goal. They are given allowances each week and 'deposited' the money into their accounts. They then withdrew the money as per weekly expenses-example: tithing. 

They created short term goals as well. A particular video game was interesting to my 12 year old, so he set that goal. The 14 year old wanted a new hat, so he put money towards that. They had to figure how much of their money would be withdrawn into each account weekly. When their goal was met, we were more than glad to withdraw the money from their account for them, as they had learned the lesson of actually saving for something they really wanted, as opposed to just spending their money week after week on junk.

The parental control component also allows you, the 'banker', to set an interest rate for their accounts if you so desire. We chose to operate this much like a bank. The children wrote deposit slips to add money to their account, and then a check, (and a well prepared explanation), when they were ready to withdraw anything not considered and 'expense'.

Other than some user error--for example, mom 'forgetting' to withdraw/deposit the money on the parental portion (the kids did a really good job of doing it from their end), we really thought this was a well thought out, educational yet fun learning experience for them. Due to the 'bankers' error, it created problems on the bookkeeping end of the parental account. This in no way had anything to do with the product or the FamilyMint program, it was an oversight on this overextended mama. Overall, our experience was extremely positive and my children were very excited to learn about managing their money. The only cons I could see was the brevity of the workbook. However, considering the price and the online component, it is still a wise investment.

Day in the Life: K and Pre-K

This week we we wrapped up Unit 18 in My Father's World Kindergarten by studying about zebras. Since this is Miss E's favorite animal, it proved to be a very interesting week! We topped it off by driving by the Buffalo Park here to see the zebras out in the field. They had been rolling around in the dust so the girls thought it funny to see 'orange' zebras!

Our reflection verse for the week was, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)

This gave great comfort, not fear, as the trials we have faced lately grow in number and intensity. It was the perfect opportunity to remind us all of God's omnipresence. He is always present in our lives, watching over us with His love and compassion.

(Learning Geography)

Using Apologia's Zoology 3: Land Animals as a reference, we discovered many things about zebras. Above is a picture of Miss E showing where the mountain zebras are found--South Africa. We also reviewed where the kangaroos and penguins lived for Geography.

We have used Apologia Science all but one year of our homeschool journey. Needless to say, it wasn't a very interesting year. As the boys are getting older, we are switching things around a bit. My oldest prefers Abeka for most of his curriculum, so we will be primarily going that route for him. His younger brother? We are still deciding whether to use Apologia's General Science, (his older brother did their Physical Science), or to use the Science contained within another curriculum we have used in the past and LOVED-Heart of Dakota. Most of the girl's work will come from HOD next year. It is so easy to use, Christ centered, and they learned so much! (and it was fun--shh!!!)

(The girls pretending to be zebras for a day)

For Math, they worked on simple addition included in the program, plus the supplemental worksheets I have, along with beginning to learn to tell time. Miss E has that down on a digital clock, but now it is time to teach her 'old school' time telling. (wink wink)

We have also been reviewing a product for the Mosaic Review Team from We Choose Virtues, which has proven quite interesting. The one we are working on goes right along with a character trait they learned not long ago!

(Learning Math the Yahtzee way!)

All of my kids love board games, and the girls are no exception. Miss E plays a mean game of chess and now Yahtzee. Little A is learning, but she rolled a Yahtzee right out of the gate! Too bad she gave up early or she would have beat us all! Using the dice to count made for an interesting break from the repetition of the simple addition worksheets!

For reading, we continue to use Explode the Code and the many books we have laying around. Two that Miss E alternates reading from are the Circle C Series and an Angelina Ballerina series (targeted at 7 year olds and up).

Thank you for stopping by to take a 'peek' into our week! 

Update: My Soul Silently Waits

The first part of this story is here. 

A very scary early morning issue with my daughter that culminated into an ambulance ride to the ER with severe breathing difficulties. 

When we arrived home that day after her release, I was worried to say the least. Not only am I a mama, but a nurse as well. I knew night time was coming and they had warned us that she may get worse before she got better. Croup seems to attack the worse at night. Come to think of it--many things seem to attack at night. Especially around here.

Our son's seizures, (story here), seem to hit at night-not long after he falls asleep-or early in the morning. When I struggled with post-partum panic attacks, they struck at night-while I was sleeping. The ensuing and continuing anxiety attacks seem to worsen at night and awaken me from sleep. When I have issues with my heart, it usually happens at night.

My oldest son, the one with seizures, suffered night terrors when he was a young child.

My daughters struggle with nightmares from time to time.

As an ER nurse, many a child was brought in-you guessed it-late at night with fevers, croup attacks and so on. Heart attacks, strokes, seizures and more all made their way into the ER late at night. 

Needless to say, I have not always been a fan of the night. However, over the last several years, the night has been my 'quiet time' with the Lord so I began to see it's blessings as well.

As we were preparing for bed that night-placing our daughter in the room with us with a humidifier going-my mind was uneasy. As I was about to go to bed, some verses ran through my head. Almost back to back.

Psalm 91:5 (a)~ You will not fear the terror of night....(NIV 84)

Isaiah 54:13 (b)~ ......and great will be your children's peace. (this was actually part of the verse that I had been praying over my children the night before this happened, well, several hours before it happened)

Isaiah 55:11~ so is my word that goes out from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (NIV 84)

I was completely amazed at the way the Lord was speaking comfort into my heart. I am still in awe of His compassion, mercy and grace to reach out to a weary and worried mama. That He loves each one of us so much that He reminds us of His promises and His words. That He is involved in every aspect of our lives.

To me, I am sure He knows my fear and dislike of the night. Yet, that is when He chooses to reach me. To teach me and to encourage me.

I was soothed that night. I knew that, once again, God cared so much for my children and for me. That He would protect us and watch over us. That I could "lay down and sleep in peace, for He alone makes me dwell in safety."

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, check out this article from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Start right here and right now. Come with all of your baggage. Come with all of your sin. Come find rest for your weary soul.

Leaning on Him

Psalm 91 has always held a special place in the heart of my family. This week, over at our Online Bible study with Melissa Taylor, we have been looking at, pondering on and digging into parts of this Psalm.

The first night of my son's illness, I hand wrote all of this Psalm out for him on notebook paper. Then, I wrote a four page letter crying my heart out to the Lord in that same notebook. This handwritten note made the rounds. Hospitals in Cincinnati, Lexington, and Cleveland-he carried it with him just about everywhere. Every time I see this, I drift back to those memories and how the Lord HAS been our refuge and fortress; the One on whom I could lean and rely on.
So many things have been happening lately, almost a repeat, (but different trials), of our life four years ago. I am daily reminded of my need to rely on Him and lean on Him. Days slowly passing by wrought with battles. Constant reminders that NOTHING is in my control. Personal ministry battles, obedience issues with one of my children, battles with friends and family, reminders of illness in my family, a never ending to-do list, and just bone tired weariness. Mental, physical, and spiritual. Pushing through each day instead of calling out to Him and leaning on Him more often. How quick was I to forget our reflection verse from not long ago:


1 Thess. 5:16-18~ Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Through this study, I have had more opportunities than I care to count, to 'put into practice' the tools Karen recommends and the Sword of the Spirit, from the verses. The last four years have felt like everything is out of control. Yet, He encourages me with verses that run through my head, through some amazing friend's prayers, words of encouragement and email/messages/cards, and the assurance in His Word that He never leaves nor forsakes us. Even though we may feel like we are forsaken because of an out of control season in our life, His Word always remains true.


2 Corinthians 4:8-9~ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--(NKJV)


Hebrews 13:5~ Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (NKJV)
Praying that this process draws me closer to Him, as it did four years ago. That nothing is wasted. That I rely on Him to be my refuge and fortress in time of need.

One of my favorite songs: By Your Side, by Tenth Avenue North. Please hear the words.

Jennifer Newsom
OBS Executive Team