Monday, December 6, 2010

Advent Resource


I am sorry that we are in the 2nd week of Advent and I just remembered this site.
The Teaching Mom's Advent Calendar is one of the resources I have returned to year after year to help focus on keeping Christ in Christmas and educating while I do it.
It doesn't seem to have been updated for awhile but that doesn't take away from it in the slightest.

Check it out at TeachingMom.

Read more...

Monday, November 29, 2010

A Wonderful Find

I stumbled across this the other day and had some more time to spend on it this afternoon.
What a treasure trove!  The Happy Hearts Homeschooling Library is a unique blog.
Within it, Alexandra share her find among public domain books that are of exceptional value to homeschoolers.

With the advent of affordable ereaders, finds like these become ever more available and usable.  I used to print these books out and put in a 3 ring binder and that used to cost me a small fortune. 
Now, I can use our readers to make shelves for all our reading and better utilize the treasures among public domain books.  If you want to find out more about ereaders and see if one would work for your family, my favorite resource is the blog at Good E-Reader.

My own review of the Barnes and Noble Nook has it's own page now.  You can find it here.





Read more...

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Some Wonderfully Compiled Helps for Literary Analysis

Complied by my friend Lori D on the Well Trained Mind forums and given permission to use here with thanks.

For our first few years of analyzing literature (grades 7-10), we reviewed literary terms and would go a little deeper into some literature together using a good lit. guide or a literature program. Now we tend to "fly solo", using the questions/techniques described in the first few chapters of The Well Educated Mind, and individual lit. guides for background info/springboard into discussion/analysis. We also enjoy practicing analysis by analyzing films -- looking for themes and symbolism; repeated imagery; etc. -- which overlaps a lot with literary analysis and is often an easier place to start "seeing" how to find themes.

BEST of luck in finding what works best for your family! Warmly, Lori D


First, understanding what "tools" you are looking for in a text, and then how those "tools" of literary elements are working to support a theme is very helpful. Some resources, all available at
www.rainbowresource.com (and you can see sample pages there):

- Story Elements series (by grade level)

- Figuratively Speaking: Using Classic Literature to Teach 40 Literary Elements (gr. 5+)
- Walch Toolbox: Prose and Poetry (gr. 6+)

Free online Literary Element definitions:


Jay Braiman: Definitions of Literary Devices:

http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm


Wikipedia: Literary Technique: List of Terms with Definitions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literary_technique


All American: Glossary of Literary Terms

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work...l/glossary.htm


Yorba Middle School: Literary Elements list:

http://www.orangeusd.k12.ca.us/yorba...y_elements.htm


Cyber English: Literary Terms:

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/


Jay Braiman: Definitions of Literary Devices:

http://mrbraiman.home.att.net/lit.htm



And a past thread that may be helpful:

Teaching Literary Elements??
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...light=literary


Second, using a resource that teaches you what to look for, how to look for it, and what the deeper meanings in the literature -- consider going through one (or more) of these *together* with your students, so you can learn together, and then can discuss the literature together. Most of these can be seen online at either
www.christianbook.com or www.rainbowresource.com:

Deconstructing Penguins
Check this out of your local library to help you see what literary discussion is about; while it is at an elementary student level, each chapter is a GREAT example of what guided discussion/analysis of a book can look like.

Teaching The Classics
http://www.centerforlit.com/

Overview program for teaching you how to draw students into meaningful literary discussions by enabling you to identify and discuss the important themes of any work of literature.

Reading Strands
Teaches you how to discuss literature. No worksheets or student book, but the information can be applied to all literature.
The Well Educated Mind
The first few chapters cover how to read the Great Books, annotating as you read, and what kinds of questions to be asking as you read. The bulk of the book is introduction/background to many classics, and ideas of what to be looking for in each.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines (Foster)

Gives you a lot of information about common symbols and their meanings in classic literature.

How To Read a Book (Adler)


Finally, a literature curriculum can guide you through what are some of the literary elements and how they are used in the works.


Christian Light Education (CLE) Reading -- (gr. 4-8)

Starting in grade 4, CLE's literature component, teaches literary elements, with teacher info and worksheets. While it does not include complete literary works, the program can be completed in a semester, which then allows you lots of time to *apply* what was learned in complete classic literary works.
www.clp.org


VERY gentle introductory programs:

- Lightning Lit. & Comp. 7 or 8 (for grades 7 and 8) = http://www.hewitthomeschooling.com/book/blight.asp
- Literary Lessons from the Lord of the Rings (for grades 7-10) = http://www.homescholar.org/LOTR%20Curr.htm

More In-Depth Programs:


Windows to the World (from IEW) (gr. 8-12)

One semester course which teaches how to annotate, and then how to use your annotations as specific examples in writing a literary analysis essay. GREAT program!

Omnibus (gr. 7-12)

Full year Literature/History/Bible programs to lead you through the study of the great works, teaching with the emphasis on ideas, not simply information. Teacher and student texts; with daily lesson plans. Includes composition, logic and aesthetics. Six levels, for grades 7-12. http://www.veritaspress.com/products.asp?dept=1071

Tapestry of Grace

A complete curriculum, for all grades, written at 4 levels. The top 2 levels are very helpful for guided high school Literature discussion.


And individual literature guides can be very useful:


- Garlic Press publisher =
http://www.garlicpress.com/home/gar/...iterature.html (see samples at www.rainbowresource.com)
- Progeny Press = http://www.progenypress.com/
- The Great Books = www.thegreatbooks.com
- Portals to Literature = www.rainbowresource.com
- Wikipedia articles on authors/works = www.wikipedia.com
- Shmoop free online = http://www.shmoop.com/
- Glencoe free online = http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/
- Sparknotes free online = http://www.sparknotes.com/sparknotes/
- Cliff's Notes free online = www.cliffsnotes.com


Also, the book "Invitation to the Classics" is not only a great list of traditional literature to consider covering in high school, but gives very helpful background on each author, his/her times, and on the specific work as a springboard into better understanding the work.


Past WTM forum threads with more ideas on Literature:

Literary Analysis?

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...light=literary


If Not Deconstructing Penguins, Then What?

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...light=literary



A question about using WEM for high school literature study

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...d.php?t=141258


How do you approach literature?

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...ad.php?t=42332


Literature study -- desperate plea for pros and cons

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...ad.php?t=16825


The Well Educated Mind

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...ad.php?t=21336


Doing Literature with my 9th grader

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...ad.php?t=94502



What are the benefits of doing a Great Books study as opposed to traditional route?

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...d.php?t=115693


Where do you start with a high school boy who has never read classic lit?

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forum...d.php?t=133932


Read more...

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Park Day!


Join us at the beautiful Crosby Park Playground, Main Street, Centerville on Thursdays from 1:00ish to 3:00ish!!

Relax and fellowship with other Moms while the kids enjoy this lovely area.  

Kids of all ages are encouraged to come out, not just the little ones!
Bring change for the 1856 General Store across the street or enjoy the library and the thrift store near-by.

Get Directions here!
The Park is just across the street from this address.
                                          

Read more...

Friday, September 24, 2010

Good Article in the Wall Street Journal

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Thursday, September 9, 2010

So, How is Your First Week Going?






From Todd Wilson at Familyman Ministries

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Friday, August 27, 2010

One of the Best, ," Why We Homeschool" letters ever written.

Coming up hard and fast on a new school year, rather than a newsletter, I wanted to share something with you.

I read this a long time ago on my message boards and printed it out then to keep in my devotional.  It came up again recently, this sort of message gets remembered and recycled, and I asked permission to use it here.  My virtual friend Tracy in Ky from the Well Trained Mind Forums, kindly gave me permission to use it.

Thank you Tracy! 

(In a humorous homeschooling side-note, her email to me stated that she had forgotten it herself and would post it on her own refrigerator. I loved that.)


"I am training my children in the way they should go. I am teaching them when I rise up and when I lay down and when I walk. I am teaching them that everything they do must be honorable to God and to His glory. I am training them to think biblically and to memorize scripture and to analyze culture in the light of scripture. I am teaching them that they must prefer God, and that taking the gospel to the nations is glorifying to God. I am teaching them that the glory of God is the point of the universe.

I teach them that they must master grammar because language is the medium through which God gave us His word. If they are to correctly understand the Word of God, they must understand grammar. The Word of God is comprised of words and phrases and clauses and nouns and verbs and indirect objects and past tense verbs and present tense verbs and modifiers. They must master this so that they know what God has said. Further, in order to take the gospel to others we must be able to articulate it in the language we are speaking. Grammar exists for God.

I teach them that they must become good spellers so that they can communicate the gospel clearly when writing. Spelling exists for God.

I teach them Greek so that they can read God's word in the language He communicated it so that they do not have to rely on other people to tell them what it says. I want them to read it for themselves in the original language, understanding all the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances in syntax and grammar and word meaning and logic so that they know what it says for themselves, because they have seen it for themselves in the language given by God. Therefore they can worship over God s Word and communicate clearly and with confidence to others what God has said. Greek exists for God.

I teach them history as God's working out of his plan in the universe, to His glory and for His purposes, thereby teaching them about their awesome God who frustrates the plans of the nations and sets up kings and deposes kings and wages war and determines history. My children are being taught that God rules sovereignly over history that nothing in history happens apart from the sovereign rule and purpose of God. As they see their God more clearly, they love Him more dearly and become jealous to see His name proclaimed among the nations. History exists for God.

I teach them logic as God's design for correct thinking and reasoning, so they can think clearly and reason well. If they are trained in correct thinking and reasoning then they can see better the beauty of the mind of their God as it is revealed in scripture. And then, as they take the gospel to others, they will not be misled by false doctrine. They will see through the humanistic mechanisms of our culture. They will understand better how to explain the truth of God in the face of the depraved and distorted thinking that so characterizes the world we live in. By teaching them logic, I am teaching them to protect themselves AND to better reason with those who are deceived. Logic exists for the glory of God. "


"My goal in homeschooling, as tedious as homeschooling can sometimes be, is the glory of God as I fulfill the role He has given me. So in a fascinating way, the goal/point/end of the universe is the same goal/point/end of my life--to glorify God. I glorify Him by doing what He has put me here to do.

My aim is that my children spend eternity in heaven with Christ, glorifying Him forever. So I strive to do everything I can to help them see Him more clearly and love Him more passionately. This is very glorifying to God: He is glorified and shown to be magnificent as we make Him the center of all we do. He is worthy of being the center of all we do.

So everything I do--whether it is grammar or phonics or logic or cooking or sweeping or holding my tongue--has a weight to it: the weight of eternity-- the weight of the glory of God. That helps propel me forward and gives significance to every single thing I do. And that makes me very happy deep within. I am blessed in that doing what God has given me to do *does* make me happy. Even on the bad days and hard days, the significance of what I am doing is big enough and outside of me enough to keep me from despair or throwing my hands up: sorrowful yet always rejoicing maybe? 





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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thursday Parkday! Weather Permitting, of course......

Join us at the beautiful Crosby Park Playground, Main Street, Centerville on Thursdays from 12:00ish to 2:00ish!!


Relax and fellowship with other Moms while the kids enjoy this lovely area.  

Kids of all ages are encouraged to come out, not just the little ones!
Bring change for the 1856 General Store across the street or enjoy the library and the thrift store near-by.

Get Directions here!
The Park is just across the street from this address.
                                           

Read more...

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

While we are on the subject of high school, let's talk transcripts!

Here are some great, free, transcript programs.  I have yet to choose one but I am in search of something I like

Teascript has both a free and a paid version so I am signing up to see if I like how it looks and feels.

Homeschool Tracker has a free and paid version as well.

PEAH, from whom I recently got free ID cards also has a transcript template for download.

There are a ton of templates and a lot of information to look and and download for your own here.

Donna Young is always a great place for freebies, her transcript templates are here.

There are a few paid programs that I have heard good things about as well.
Homeschool Tracker in one of the best.
Edutrack has tons of features.

Read more...

High School Classes

While I had already chosen materials for this year, I came across this website mentioned on the Well Trained Mind forums and thought I would share because I intend to use some of these in the future.

UCCP Open Access has complete, free, college prep and AP classes for you available now without even registering.  I would suggest looking for the suggested texts on Amazon used or half.com.

While we are on the subject of high school, here is a listing from my Free Resources list, especially for High School.
lists all the online courses available for free
new site that combines programming from all universities making it easier to find what you need

Read more...

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Monthly Meeting at Borders!

 

We are heading out on Thursday, June 3rd from 6PM til they kick us out at Borders in Hyannis!  Come and join us for fellowship and fun.

Teens come out and hang too. You can grab your own tables and have your own fellowship time.
 

Moms get your Border's Teacher Cards and get awesome savings!

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Bean Dip

There are often those of us whose family members struggle with our decision to homeschool.  
Sometimes it is a friend or an acquaintance, but there is always someone who thinks you are insane to homeschool your kids.  And they challenge your ability and right to do so, take to quizzing your kids, who freeze like a deer in a headlight to prove their point for them, and are outright obnoxious about something that isn't really any of their business.

Let's face it folks, homeschooling is challenging enough without feeling the need to defend our decision.

Enter a very old discussion on my Well Trained Mind forums that is resurrected by old timers like myself for the benefit of all.  It was written by a fabulous lady named Joanne whose practical advice had helped many.

I don't have permission to put it here, so I will direct you to it, I hope you read it and I hope it saves your sanity when dealing with folks who just don't get it and have no issues telling you.

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Teacher Discounts, Do You have Your Cards?

  Borders has a 25% off discount for teachers.  Apply in store with proof of homeschooling.  You can use your HSLDA card or an approval letter to show that you are a homeschooler.
More details are here.

 Barnes and Noble has a good program as well.  Print out the application here  then take it into the store with proof of homeschooling to get your card.
Save 20% off the publisher's list price on all purchases for classroom use* Get up to 25% off the publisher's list price during Educator Appreciation Days Receive valuable email offers and information on special Educator events.

 AC Moore also has a teacher's discount.  Getting your card takes a little longer but is surely worth it, especially when you add in those 40% off coupons that come in the flyers.
To apply for a teacher discount card, please mail a copy of one of the following requirements to the address below.

Home Schooler Affidavit or IHIP approval letter from School District or your state
Home Schooling Certificate

Please include your name, home phone number, email address and the address where the card should be mailed. Please also include the name of the school, the school address and phone number, and the name of the school principal.
Please mail your information to:
A.C. Moore
Attn: Teacher Discount Program
130 A.C Moore Drive
Berlin, NJ 08009
 
 Joann Fabrics has one as well.  Go to this page for information.  
You can register online but must show proof of homeschooling the first time you go in.. 
 Teacher Appreciation Days | Sat. & Sun., Aug. 14 & 15


Staple is one of my favorites.  You can enroll online here.
Teacher Appreciation Day
Davis Straits Road, Falmouth, MA 02540
Date: Aug 21, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon)

If you know of others, tell us by leaving a comment!




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Friday, July 23, 2010

I've found the Mother Lode!!

I have never seen a site with links to more free books than this one.  Have fun with it folks, I am.


**Scroll down to where it says continuing links to e-books and more

This one may have more ereader friendly ones as well....  World Ebook Fair

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Good to Know

I have always found it extremely helpful to keep current with homeschooling law and policy here in our state as well as our particular town.  I would strongly encourage you all to do so as well.  
It is important for any number of reasons; to be aware when our rights are being infringed upon, to not put anything in our home education plans not required by case law, to be able to confidently say "NO", when we are asked for extralegal information or are harassed with bureaucratic nonsense.  
For instance, twice now I have had to deal with the school insisting that I fill out their "official" form.  I will not do so and I will tell you why.  I have already given them every single piece of legally required information and they have no issues with the content of our home education plan.  My legal responsibilities are complete.  I wrote back with a cordial letter explaining that I have already complied with the law and I will not be using their form and why.  It likely didn't hurt that I added a CC to our region's HSLDA attorney.  In any case, it is simple bureaucratic nonsense and we do not need to cave in to their little whims. 
I urge you, in fact, to NOT do so.  Every one of us who caves in gives them that much more perceived power over every other homeschooler in their district.  It is bad precedent for all of us when some of us comply to extralegal demands.  
Here are the best sites for home school information in Massachusetts.  I urge you to become familiar with the case law and policy governing for everyone's sake, not just your own.

One of my favorites, become a "friend" and get the best newsletters around.  I have found them extremely helpful over the years and have made some important changes in reporting due to the information I've gleaned.

They have a really good section on case law and a very helpful  pdf called Information for Superintendents that I have sent in along with my home education plan a time or two when the schools I report to have changed leadership.  I am not a big fan of their other resources pages though.  I feel strongly that there are better ones out there.

Lastly, I encourage you to have a copy of your school's written policy at hand, if they have one, to refer to and to look over and see if they are requiring information you should not be providing.

Falmouth's homeschool policy is here under the Department of Pupil Personnel Services
Notice that they include a handy form for you to use.  I don't and won't use it.  If anyone would like me to email them a sample of the home education plan I use feel free to email me as ask.
If you know of the website for your school where the policy is listed please add it in the comment section of this post or email it to Lizzie Borden at miklizro at comcast dot net


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Thursday, July 1, 2010

Helpful Website

I wanted to share this with those of you whom, like me, are wary of the dreaded, "Young Adult" section in bookstores and libraries.  While I would prefer my kids never left the classics of the children's room, I know that isn't practical and so, forewarned is forearmed.

While I don't agree with every review that I have read on this site so far, I am grateful for the effort and the help.  

Let me know what you think and if you'd like to see more posts like this one by leaving a comment on the website.


Read more...

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Park Day is Relocating This Week Only


What:  Terri will be hosting a poolside potluck party at her home on Thursday.

Where: South Dennis
(no I didn't forget the street address, I don't want it plastered on the internet, see below for directions)

What Time:  12:00 to 3:00
Stragglers will be impressed into clean-up duty as always

Bring: swimsuit, towel, yummy food and sunscreen.
optional: pool toys, umbrella's and chairs

PLEASE: RSVP ASAP to get directions and because Terri needs a head count.
to Terri at 774-487-7948 or at chickenlady17 at yahoo dot com

Read more...

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

More Booksale Info!!

Good Morning!


I am here in a stack of books and realized I have dropped the ball at communicating some things about the sale.

At the sale we have two people working the check out. Usually Cindy Hobbs and Joanne Stewart do this. They are unable to help this year due to scheduling conflicts. We will need help manning the check out table. This can be done in hour slots. Please email me with your preference for time slot or let me know tonight. I will work the first hour. chickenlady17 at yahoo dot com      I have this weird feeling, I am not shopping. 

There may be new homeschooling families who need help. Please take time to introduce yourselves and offer help. I would love to help anyone shop, please ask. I can shop vicariously through you.

There is a great opportunity to get some deals thanks too Lori Chapman's great idea. There will be a bag sale table. This is where you put things that are not going to be sold and you wish to bless someone with. Shoppers can fill a bag for one low price with whatever their creative hands can stuff into it. The proceeds will go to Christ Chapel for the generous donation of the building for two events. Please put your donations here.

A Clothing Swap Table This is where we can bring gently used clothing to help us declutter. Kids and adult clothing are welcome. We will need someone to volunteer to bring the remaining items to the Salvation Army at the end of the sale. Please let me know if you can do this.

Unsold Books: Your books must be picked up or arrange to have someone pick them up for you. Sabra Stockdale at the Word Bookstore in Dennis will be hosting a used homeschool section in her store. If you would like to sell your books at her shop, you receive store credit to apply to new or used books or Bibles in her store. She also can order any items you need from her suppliers. The PACE labels are acceptable to her, you can cover your address if you like. You set the price.Your books need to be put on a master list for her to keep track of your sales. I will be bringing my books there. This is a new idea that I approached her about yesterday, she is not ready, so please see me if you have any questions about this. I will keep our group posted about this new venture. Also, if you do not want your books you can donate them to her or a local charity.

Please bring cash for the sale. In the past, some sellers have accepted checks. This is acceptable, but you must let the cashier know this. This is not the easiest for the cashiers, but we know impulse purchases can happen. You will receive your money at the end of the sale. If you are skilled at math and would like to help with the cash out please let me know.

If there is anything I have overlooked, please let me know. I just opened up this compartment of my brain, and I forgot what was supposed to be in it.
Your Sister,
Terri


Read more...

Friday, June 11, 2010

Reminder

Hey everyone, bonus month!  
We get to gather together again but this time at Christ Chapel, next week on Tuesday the 15th from 6-8.   Come on out and join us!
This is both fellowship and book drop off for the annual sale on the following day.  
Here, again, are the details for the sale.
 
Details for the Sale
Everyone is welcome to sell at this event, the more the merrier.  
If you would like to sell your used books and curriculum, here is what you need to do!
1. Print out this form to price your books, tape 2 labels on each book, one for the cashier and a back-up in case one gets lost.  
2. Drop off is Tuesday, June 15th from 6-8 at Christ Chapel in Centerville.  Our monthly meeting will be held there that night so we will be hanging out and gabbing as will some of our teens.  We will be setting up the tables that evening for the sale.   You also need to give Lori Chapman $2.00 to help defray the cost of using the building when you drop off your books.
3. If you can't get there that night, call around and see if you can drop them off with someone who is going to the meeting.
4. You need to pick up any unsold books at 12:00, the end of the sale or you may donate them to PACE who will get them to various charities that help home schoolers in need.

Read more...

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Great New Toolbar for Homeschoolers!


The Homeschool Gadget Toolbar is my new "find".  It has tons of great features all working together to make our homeschooling life simpler.  Plus handy dandy other things like weather and internet radio.

It also has a great Google search feature, instant access to the top 100 homeschool sites and blogs and communities and more. I have just begun to explore all it's features.

You can read a great review on it here.
And you can download it and try it for yourself here!

Read more...

Monday, May 31, 2010

Monthly Meeting(s) Reminder

Hey Everyone!
We are heading out on Thursday, June 3rd from 6PM til they kick us out at Borders in Hyannis!
Come and join us for fellowship and fun.

Teens come out and hang too.  You can grab your own tables and have your own fellowship time.
Moms get your Border's Teacher Cards and get awesome savings!

*Don't forget there will be another meeting this month on June 15th at Christ Chapel in Centerville so that we can do book drop offs for the Annual Book-sale on Wednesday the 16th.

Read more...

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Annual Used Book and Curriculum Sale, Wednesday , June 16th!! 9am-12pm

Details for the Sale
Everyone is welcome to sell at this event, the more the merrier.  
If you would like to sell your used books and curriculum, here is what you need to do!
1. Print out this form to price your books, tape 2 labels on each book, one for the cashier and a back-up in case one gets lost.  
2. Drop off is Tuesday, June 15th from 6-8 at Christ Chapel in Centerville.  Our monthly meeting will be held there that night so we will be hanging out and gabbing as will some of our teens.  We will be setting up the tables that evening for the sale.   You also need to give Lori Chapman $2.00 to help defray the cost of using the building when you drop off your books.
3. If you can't get there that night, call around and see if you can drop them off with someone who is going to the meeting.

4. You need to pick up any unsold books at 12:00, the end of the sale or you may donate them to PACE who will get them to various charities that help home schoolers in need.

Contact Lizzie Borden at miklizro at comcast dot net for more details!
(add the @ symbol and a . for where I spelled it out to avoid spammers grabbing my email)

Read more...

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Spring 2010 Newsletter

Welcome to the Spring 2010 Newsletter 
of 
Cape Cod PACE

In this Issue:
My Turn, Your Editor's Welcome
Announcements
Flotsam and Jetsam: Best of the Web
Curriculum Corner
Disclaimer


The image on the left, "Gulls",  is one of my favorite paintings of the gifted artist, Margaret Tarrant.  I feature her frequently in the newsletters.

My Turn, Your Editor's Welcome
Dear Friends,
Many of us are wrapping up our school year around this time.  The weather is getting nice at last and we long to be outside in the sun.  Here at out house we will be going later than usual due to circumstances beyond our control.  It is all totally in God's control though, so I am not going to sweat it.  

School changed mid-year for us in more ways than I can tell you and it was hard.
Mostly it was hard for me.  I had to realize that the home school in my head didn't really exist.  Maybe it never did.  In any case, we ended up changing from the literature and discussion based curriculum I had planned out for jr. high and high and high school to the all DVD program I never thought I would consider.  In some ways, it broke my heart.  I even mourned a little over each lovingly chosen book I now had to put away.  

When homeschooling gets hard, and it can get really hard, it is often difficult to see the forest for the trees.  We forget the big picture, caught in the minutia of the daily grind and we tire.  We get weary and discouraged.  Our good humor fails and our nerves fray.  

But we know where to get our strength don't we?  To whom we go to when we feel done in.  I consistently forget that I can do nothing in my own strength and it is God's pleasure to consistently remind me of it.  And even when I have been less than faithful, He is waiting for me to come to Him.  And I drink in His WORD and I am refreshed.  I arise again with joy and hope and courage, with more patience and a heart of service.  Thank God.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. .  .                                                                      - Lamentations 3:22-23
 
Come unto me, ye who are weary and overburdened, and I  will give you rest.                                                                                                                              - Matthew 11:28
He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
                                                                                                                             - Job 8:21

Announcements
 June Meeting, Christ Chapel, Tuesday 6-8pm
The monthly meeting will change venues and days in June to help facilitate the book sale.  We will be meeting Tuesday, June 15th from 6-8 at Christ Chapel in Centerville.
Anyone who has books to sell at the used book sale the following day needs to drop them off at that meeting.  There are pdf forms for you to use to mark your books and curriculum for sale here at Scribd.

Annual Used Book and Curriculum Sale will be Wednesday, June 16th from 9-12 at Christ Chapel in Centerville
Anyone is welcome to sell at this event.  All books need to be dropped off at the meeting the night before the sale all priced and ready to go.  The forms you need are here.  This is one of our favorite events of the year so come along and bring a friend!  You need to pick up any unsold books at 12:00, the end of the sale or you may donate them to PACE.

Flotsam and Jetsam: Best of the Web
This is my favorite section and I have some amazing resources to share with you!
On my radar these days are books for my daughter's new e-reader.  Have you heard of the Kindle, Nook and others?  I am dying for one but I have to wait.  Luckily I can console myself with my daughter's, not that I can pry it away from her that often.  Anyway, here are some sites with free books so you can load up your ereader to your hearts content.   If you have never heard of an e-reader or want some more information, I reviewed ours on my blog.

Curriculum Corner
I am a self confessed curriculum junkie, but some things I will always be grateful I have in my home school.
The Truthquest guides are one of those resources.  They are not a curriculum.  They have no schedule, tests or quizzes.  What they do have is the invaluable Godly, sequential, profound commentary on history written by an amazing homeschooling mom named Michelle Miller.   They are written to focus on two questions, Who is God? and Who Then is Mankind?   There are 7 total guides beginning in Egypt and moving all the way through contemporary world history.  They are also book lists of some of the finest materials available listed by age with many notes.  These have blessed our history studies in so many ways. I had never been taught, growing up, to apply the teaching "bring every thought captive to Christ" with schooling.  I am so grateful that I am able to teach my daughters differently.





Disclaimer: All contents of these pages are the opinion of the editor and are not to be in any way construed as otherwise or authoritative.  

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Testing for Spring 2010


Don't forget to order your Stanford tests from BJUP by March 7th and sign up with Lori Chapman if you are testing your kids this spring.

If you didn't get the info email and would like it, email me at miklizro@gmail.com and I will forward it to you.

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