A Devotional Thought for Today

I am speaking to you. Can you hear Me? Slow down and listen carefully. You are too busy and need to say no to some of the things that take you away from Me. Maybe you need to stop watching television or listening to music and allow there to be silence. Don’t be afraid of the silence; it is not your enemy. It is often in the silence of your life that I allow you to reflect on Me and what I have been leading you to be or do. It is also during these quiet times that I whisper My plans to you. Get ready; I have special things to share with you.

 

1 Kings 19:11-13 

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

 

Psalm 119:166 

I wait for your salvation, O Lord, and I follow your commands.

 

Dear God,

Forgive me for allowing myself to get so busy that I don’t slow down enough to listen to You. I am here before You today with my spiritual ears open to hear You speak. I commit to listening to You more faithfully and following Your direction.

 

In Jesus’ name,

Honing Your Scientific Skills, A Review

In our home, we have been fans of products from In the Hands of a Child for a long time.  I can attest that the lapbooking and notebooking products they sell are of the highest quality and the most reasonable prices.  Owners Kimm Bellotto and Niki McNeil began In the Hands of a Child in 2002 by trying to answer the question "What exactly is a lapbook?."  11 years later, what began with one lapbook has become a huge line of lapbook and notebook products for kids of all ages.  We received the Project Pack entitled "Honing Your Scientific Skills" for purposes of review. Honing Your Scientific Skills (6th-10th) retails for $12, but is currently on special for $5.
           My 13 year old is not a huge fan of science if it involves a lot of reading.  She is much more the hands on type child. I had been struggling with how to teach her one of the most essential skills in science - how to use the scientific method.  We worked on it last year with the co-op class she attended, but she really didn't grasp it.  When we  began using our project pack, I think she was a little skeptical, simply because the word 'science' was involved.   Once we really got into the project, she was hooked. This particular product is designed for kids in grades 6-10.  If you follow the suggested schedule for reading and working on parts of the project, it takes about 6 days to complete.  Since it is still summertime, and our schooling has been much more relaxed, we stretched it out and completed the project over 2 weeks, doing a little bit each day.
     Since my daughter is 13, she didn't want to assemble the project as a  traditional lapbook.  She has done many of those in the past, complete with the pasted together file folders, and wanted to do a more 'grown-up' project this time.  So, she completed each of the parts to the project and glued them onto cardstock, hole-punched the pages, and bound them in a folder. Each day, we read from the provided study guide pages together and discussed what we had read.  I love the way that the project pack is designed. All of the information we needed was at our fingertips.  The suggested schedule shows the parent which vocabulary words to look at each day, what topics to read about, which new activities to complete, and which activities to continue from a previous day.  It is so user friendly!  After the introductory material, we covered each step in the scientific method one-by-one.  Activities included many different types of foldables and even an experiment about plants to help students test their newfound knowledge of the scientific method.  Including the experiment, there were 20 activities to complete.  As a teacher, I think using the foldables for small chunks of information is a great way for students to focus their attention and process what they are learning.

     Caitlyn worked very independently on her project.  She will be using it quite a bit this year as a reference during her science class. I highly recommend this project pack for any homeschooling family with kids in the appropriate age range.  The only outside supplies you need are scissors, glue, cardstock or file folders, crayons / colored pencils (we like color), pen or pencil, and a few supplies from around the house for the experiment.  We received the pack as the downloadable version (lapbook e-book), but it is available in 5 different formats ranging from totally downloadable, to a cd format, to a combination print / cd format, all the way up to a totally printed format.  Prices vary slightly based on the format you select.  I love the download format because I can print what I need, and reprint if need be.  This time, we only printed the foldables / mini books.  Caitlyn and I did all of the reading from the provided study guide on the computer.  This saved paper and ink. Be sure to check out the In the Hands of a Child website thoroughly because they have specials offered regularly and have membership options available. 
     Our wonderful crew members have been using many of the lapbooks and Note Packs from In the Hands of a Child.   To read their reviews, click on the banner below.



   

Understanding Child Brain Development–a Review

I was recently given a copy of Understanding Child Brain Development, a production of The Family Hope Center, to view and review.  Having one child on the autism spectrum, I was especially interested to see how the things we have tried over the years to help him lined up with professional treatment suggestions. 

     Understanding Child Brain Development is a dvd version of a seminar for parents about brain development, developmental delays, other brain-related issues, and holistic treatment and therapies for brain issues.  While this is not a movie meant for entertainment, it is exceptionally interesting and enjoyable.  Matt and Carol Newell, the director and vice-president of The Family Hope Center, are the facilitators of the seminar.  Viewers of the dvd see the seminar slides as well as the Newell’s during the presentation.  As a perk to purchasing the dvd, you are given access to a printable document containing the slides from the dvd so that you can follow along without having to worry about getting all of the information down in notes.  I love handouts with seminars, so this was right up my alley!  I have a background in science and have studied neurological issues in great depth.  I can say unequivocally that the Newell’s are incredibly educated and well-spoken in the field of child brain development.

     I have been trending more and more toward holistic treatments and therapies over the past several years.  Because of that, I really loved to listen to the Newell’s approach to supporting, improving, and encouraging brain development in my children.  I can even see areas of activities that may be helpful to restoring connections in the brain of my brain injured husband.  I was very interested to hear how the Newell’s relate diet to brain function.  I have been trying for quite some time to make changes in the diet of my family and watch for changes in attitudes, behavior, and the like. Now I am working on eliminating (slowly) many processed and dyed foods from our diet to try and help my husband.  It is an excruciatingly slow process, mainly because he is a creature of habit and doesn’t like me removing some of his favorite foods from his diet; however, even if he can’t see results, I can. 

     This video would be an amazing gift to give to any parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver.  It has applications not only to children, but also adults.  It comes from the premise of focusing on the individual and his abilities instead of focusing on his disability.  I was really encouraged by the video.  As our Aspberger’s son was developing and maturing over the years, I learned (by trial and error) that certain foods and medications had huge impacts on his behavior.  My husband and I never told our son of his condition until he was almost 21 years of age.  We wanted him to focus on his abilities and not allow himself the luxury of hiding behind his diagnosis.  We treated his ‘quirks’ as areas where he looked at things just a little differently.  It was really neat to get some confirmation that a lot of what we were doing (and we know worked) were the same things that the Newell’s recommended in their seminar.  I will be watching this many times as I continue to search for things to help my husband.  I think that families with children, whether disabled or not, as well as families with members experiencing demetia or Alzheimer’s issues could really glean some great information from this video.

     One neat side note, Understanding Child Brain Development is available through IEW.  We have been using IEW for many months and love to watch Andrew Pudewa on the videos.  He actually is at the seminar that the Newell’s are conducting on the video and interacts with them during the video. 

To order the DVD, please call 610-397-1737 or you can order Understanding Child Brain Development from IEW.  You may also order by calling 610-397-1737.

     Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew have been using this video and reviewing it.  To read their reviews, click on the banner below.

 

Soar Like an Eagle!!

Eagles soar above most other birds as they gracefully ride the atmospheric currents. While other birds remain relatively close to the ground, eagles allow the wind to lift them gently to new heights. The wind beneath the wings of the eagle allows this majestic creature to rise into the heavenly realms and view what few other creatures have the pleasure of seeing. I am here with you to lift you to new heights. I am able to take you to places you’ve never been. When you allow My Spirit to be your strength, you experience much more than the average person. Come to Me, spend more time with Me, and let Me lift you to the lofty spiritual realms I have designed for you.  

 

Isaiah 40:31 

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

 

Ephesians 3:20 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

 

 

Dear God,

You enable me to soar and for that I give You praise and thanks. I understand that You are able to use the winds of life, even the storms of life, to lift me to places I otherwise would never reach. O God, I commit to spend more time with You in prayer and the study of Your Word so that You will be magnified even more in my life.

 

In Jesus’ name,

A Devotional Thought

Are you afraid? Feelings of fear engulf people each day. As My child, you have been given a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind, not a spirit of fear. My power is unlimited, My love is unending, and My mind is unequaled. As My precious son or daughter, you have all you will ever need. I understand there are times you are tempted to focus on your problems and struggles rather than on My strength. The chains of fear need not bind you. I have adopted you. You are mine. I have given you the privilege of calling Me Daddy. Come to your Daddy and experience the peace I have for you. Allow Me to embrace you, surround you, and engulf you with My love rather than being controlled by fear.

 

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

 

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

 

Dear God,

I bow before You today acknowledging that often I am overcome with fear. I confess that worrying and living in fear is a sin against You because it demonstrates a lack of faith. I want to focus on You rather than on my problems and me. I lift my family to You and place them in Your hands. I will trust You rather than worry. I lift our Grace family to You and ask You to work in and through us. Bring an awakening to my heart and to Grace.

 

In Jesus’ name,

America the Beautiful–a Review

For the first time in our homeschooling adventure, my kids are enjoying American History.  This, I am convinced, is due to using the America the Beautiful curriculum package from the Notgrass Company.

     Retailing for $99.95, this curriculum is an amazing find!  I have been using America the Beautiful with my 13 year old.  The curriculum package includes the gorgeous, hard-cover, full-color, America the Beautiful textbooks (part 1 and part 2), We the People (a collection of historical documents, essays, journal entries, etc…), The Timeline of America the Beautiful (full color with places for children to fill in events they are studying), Maps of America the Beautiful (again, full color), and the America the Beautiful Answer Key.  In addition to this curriculum set, we received the America the Beautiful Lesson Review workbook ($9.95, for 7th-8th graders) and the America the Beautiful Student Workbook ($11.95, for 5th-6th grade).  Lessons do relate to 10 different works of literature (sold separately) over the course of the curriculum. America the Beautiful begins with the pre-America exploration and currently goes through the beginnings of the 21st century.

     The overall America the Beautiful curriculum is geared toward kids aged 10-14, so my daughter is the perfect age to use it.  We love the layout of this curriculum.  The text is divided into units and each unit is divided into 5 lessons.  It is so minimal for teacher preparation.  I literally just assign a lesson to complete and my daughter reads the lesson and completes the assignments at the end of the lesson.  Assignments range from reflection type assignments which relate scriptural concepts to a lesson, to map work, workbook assignments, and timeline assignments.  On days when we are short on time, I am selective about which assignments she will complete for a lesson.  Most days, she simply reads and then works through all of the assignments.  It takes her about 2 hours to go through everything (if she is on task – you know how that goes with a teenager).  Lessons are written in a conversational style that is easy to follow, engaging, and memorable.  My daughter has had know problem with comprehension with these lessons.  I believe that the variety of assignments and the beauty of the pictures in the books really aids in her comprehension. So far, we have been able to locate books in the literature component at our library; however, it would be much easier for me to have the books available at home, so we are purchasing the literature package.  We have only gotten into the first novel and I really want us to have our own copies.  The two different workbooks that we received cover the same basic concepts; however, the Lesson Review workbook is more of a straight question and answer type workbook intended for the older students, and the Student Workbook contains crossword puzzles, word searches, etc… and is appropriate for the younger students, although my daughter loves that type of work and completed those pages for fun. The map and timeline activities coordinate with the units, but there is not necessarily a map or timeline activity for every single lesson.  The directions are very clear and my daughter really didn’t need any extra supplies for those assignments beyond some colored pencils. 

     This is one of the most impressive American History curriculum products we have ever used.  Written from a Christian perspective, America the Beautiful is historically accurate and theologically sound.  I love the fact that it is a cross-curricular product.  History, Bible, and Literature (as well as writing) are all included very thoroughly through America the Beautiful.

     We are enjoying America the Beautiful so much that I am purchasing the high school package for my son. He has been so jealous of his sister’s curriculum.  I can’t wait to get it and let him get to work!

     Other friends of mine on the Schoolhouse Review Crew have been using America the Beautiful.  To read their reviews, click on the banner below.

   

Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura–a Review

I am a huge proponent of reading a book before watching a movie based on a book.  When I was given a copy of Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura (distributed by Legacy Documentaries) I must admit, I was skeptical.  After viewing this documentary, I am a great fan! 

      Almanzo Wilder:  Life Before Laura was produced by Dean Butler. Yes, the same Dean Butler who rose to fame for his portrayal of the Almanzo Wilder character in the iconic Little House on the Prairie television series.  “Produced in partnership with the Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Association in Burke, NY. The program offers a unique look at Almanzo’s early life through original footage and re-creations shot on location at the Wilder Homestead, supported by visual and text excerpts from Farmer Boy.” This nearly hour long documentary is wholesome, entertaining, and educational.  It can easily be enjoyed by the entire family, although, children in the suggested reading age range (8-13) for the Little House books would benefit greatly.

      This high quality DVD includes scenes from the restored Wilder homestead in upstate New York, pullouts of the beautiful Garth Williams illustrations from Farmer Boy, reenactments of select scenes from Farmer Boy, descriptions of actual life during the post Civil War era, and loads of tidbits of insights and information about the real Almanzo Wilder.  Watching this DVD would be an amazing introduction to a study of the Little House books (Farmer Boy in particular) or a fabulous summary after reading the books.  I recommend it over the fictional tv series for an introduction to life in the pioneer days. 

      One aspect of the dvd that my daughter and I found really interesting was the great contrast between the homelife and economic status of the Wilder family versus the Ingall’s family.  It would be similar to someone from Park Avenue being compared to someone from a low-income housing project.  I appreciated the emphasis on work ethic, respect, and honesty.  My daughter, our resident Little House expert, loved the dvd.  She was never a fan of the tv series, simply because she realized it was inaccurate when compared to the books.  Not so with this documentary.  Butler has done a masterful job of communicating factual information in an entertaining fashion.

     Available for $21.95, Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura will be a great addition to any family’s dvd collection.

     Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew have been reviewing this dvd as well as a documentary about Laura Ingalls Wilder.  To read their reviews, visit the crew blog by clicking on the banner below.