Cape Cod Pace

February Meeting coming up!

2012-01-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

This month's meeting: Testing and Evaluation

February 2, 2012

7pm-9pm

Lizzie's House

email miklizro at gmail dot come for directions or info

		Informal Hangout at Barnes and Noble for Mom's and Teens

Date:		Tuesday December 20, 2011
Time:		6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeats:		This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Location:		Barnes and Noble, Cape Cod Mall
Notes:		Sing out on the Yahoo Group if you are going, be nice to know who might be there to look for. No hassle, no sign up, no clean up, just come and hang out, fellowship and be refreshed together! All are welcome!

December Meeting Reminder!

2011-11-30T09:56:00.002-05:00

December 1st Topic: "Teaching Tips" 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Meeting at Ellie's home in Marstons Mills.
In keeping with the season of celebrating the incarnation of Christ our Lord & Savior we are going to have a little gift exchange.
If you have a book (home school related or just a must read) you would like to exchange bring it wrapped.
Don't stress out about it, I'll have extras! If you want to bring a goodie to share that would also add to the fun.

Thank you to all who participated and brought food to November's meeting!!!!

October Meeting Venue Announced!

2011-09-28T17:35:00.000-04:00

Oct. 6th marks the first "formal" meeting of this school year.
We are going to meet at the Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod located at 2391 Iyanough Rd. (Route 132) in West Barnstable, MA 02668 hosted by Chantry La Belle.

Our topic is "Organizing Your Time/Establishing a Schedule"
Seasoned homeschooling moms please be prepared to share your know how!
We can all use a tip or two in this area so come on out to learn and share!

We will start at 7p.m. sharp and end promptly at 9p.m.
Put it on your schedules now!!!!!!

Next month's topic is :

"Getting Dinner on the Table ~The same day you homeschool!"

(Could be subtitled "The CrockPot is Your Friend!!) Nov. 3rd meeting place in Marstons Mills at Ellie Leone's home. Bring your favorite recipe that is a family pleaser and easy to prepare.

Hope to see many of you there!!!!

Mark Your Calendars!

2011-09-17T18:40:00.000-04:00

Formal Hosted Meetings Sept.~ June, 1st Thursday of the Month

X Sept. 8th ~ Back to School kick off Family outing at Seagull beach Yarmouth 4 p.m. to 6:30

October 6th ~ Topic: "Organizing Your Time/Establishing a Schedule"

November 3rd~Topic: "Getting Dinner on the Table~ The same day you homeschool!"

December 1st~Topic: "Teaching Tips"

January 5th~ Topic: "Organizing Your Home/Gathering Supplies/Pre- Spring Cleaning"

February 2nd~Topic: "Testing & Evaluation"

March 1st~ International Night for the Whole family details to follow ~ Shirley Murray & Kathy Reggio (Other volunteers?) @ Christ Chapel

April 5th~Topic: "Curriculum Overview/Home Education with Style/Choosing a Curriculum"

April (TBA) SAT testing at Christ Chapel Members fee $3.00/Non-Members $25.00 per family

April 27th & 28th MassHOPE in Worcester (Book your room in January for best selection)

May 3rd~Topic:"Lessons Learned/Recap of MassHOPE"

June (TBA) for curriculum sale set up and 2012-2013 planning renewing of membership @ Christ Chapel. Members selling fee $3.00 Non-Members $5.00

We have 13 official families in PACE. Thank you for taking the time to sign up. Invite your friends who are considering homeschooling to any or all of the meetings.
They can join for free by Oct. 6th (postponed from the original cut off of Oct. 1st since we are meeting that night).

Be sure to renew your HSLDA memberships ASAP so we can maintain our group discount status. All of the above topics titles are taken from the Home Education 101 Mentor's Manual by Vicki Bentley. I will be facilitating the discussions but encourage others to share their experience/expertise in these areas. This is just a spring board for our "formal meetings".

I am prayerfully hoping this will be a blessing to all who participate.

The only other thing missing is a meeting place for each of of these nights. A few of you stated on your application that you would be willing to host.

Pick the topic you want to host and let me know ASAP so we can get the word out!!!! Remember you just provide the meeting place with our without refreshments. It can be a bring your own beverage and share a snack etc.

Just let me know soon so we can send out the announcements in a timely manner. Thanks again and welcome back to another school year!!!!!!

Grace & Peace,

Lori Chapman

FREE!!

2011-07-21T06:55:00.000-04:00

Fantastic list of sites to educate yourself (or your older kids) online for free.

From the fantastic blog, Marc and Angel Hack Life, here it is..

12 Dozen Places to Educate Yourself Online for Free

Important Info

2011-07-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

Calendar

Park Day

Crosby Park Playground, Main Street, Centerville. The park is in the hollow across from the General Store. The address for the store is 555 Main Street for your GPS.

Every Thursday at the Centerville Park from 12:30-2:30 (ish) Now through the fall as weather permits.
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 near-by.

Please note: Like our informal meetings at Barnes and Noble, Park Day is for fun, optional and sometimes lots of folks go and sometimes no one can.

Sing out on the Yahoo Group if you are going, that is the best way to find out. Make sure your settings are for individual emails not daily digest or web only.

If you are not on the Yahoo Group, please contact Lizzie at miklizro at comcast dot net and I'd be happy send you an invite.

All are welcome.

Monthly Informal Fellowship Meeting for Adults (and Teens)

The third Tuesday of the month at.....

Barnes & Noble at the Cape Cod Mall, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ish

These are ongoing as of tonight, Tuesday July 19th.

Sing out on the Yahoo Group if you are going, be nice to know who might be there to look for. If you are not on the Yahoo Group and want to be, email me at miklizro@comcast.net and I'll send you an invite.
No hassle, no sign up, no clean up, just come and hang out, fellowship and be refreshed together!
All are welcome!

Formal Hosted Meetings Sept.~ June, 1st Thursday of the Month

SO NOT UNTIL SEPTEMBER for these
We will meet on the 1st Thursday of the month for a formal topic of interest or Family Program(i.e.History Night/International Night/ Science Night/etc.)
at a member's home or local church (in the Mid-Cape area) TBA

Park Day!

2011-06-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Park Day!

Where:

Crosby Park Playground, Main Street, Centerville. The park is in the hollow across from the General Store. The address for the store is 555 Main Street for your GPS.

When:

Thursday12:00ish-2:30ish

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 near-by.

Please note: Like our informal meetings at Barnes and Noble, Park Day is for fun, optional and sometimes lots of folks go and sometimes no one can.

Sing out on the Yahoo Group if you are going, that is the best way to find out. Make sure your settings are for individual emails not daily digest or web only.

If you are not on the Yahoo Group, please contact Lizzie at miklizro at comcast dot net and I'd be happy to add you.

Mentoring Program

2011-06-06T09:28:00.002-04:00

John & Lori Chapman will be leading a mentoring program starting this Sept-April .

This is a coming along side new or those just needing a bit of encouragement & guidance in the early years of homeschooling

Go online and check it out at www.HomeEducation101.com written by Vicki Bentley,the guest speaker at the recent MassHOPE Leadership Retreat.Order your book online. Cost for the workbook is $27.99 plus shipping. This becomes a reference guide for you and gives you the ability to mentor others as you become a seasoned homeschool parent.

There is a preview of each volume available online at www.lulu.com/familyresources so you may look through the table of contents and some sample pages to see what the workbook is like.

We will be spreading it out over 8 weeks,7-9 p.m. meeting on the third Thursday of the month. Meeting place in the central part of the Cape.

Check your calendars and see if this would work. Your time will be well spent and all will be blessed for it.

Sign up at the June PACE meeting or email us at raccoon2@comcast.net You will need your book for the first night. Sept. 15th We encourage both husband and wife to come or take turns every other month.

Grace & Peace,

John & Lori

Park Day

2011-06-02T08:43:00.000-04:00

Park Day!

Where:

Crosby Park Playground, Main Street, Centerville. The park is in the hollow across from the General Store. The address for the store is 555 Main Street for your GPS.

When:

Thursday12:30ish-2:30ish

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.

NOTE: The folks at the general store were a little crabby last week when the huge hoard of younger kids went in with only one Mom and 2 teens. Perhaps we should go in smaller groups with more supervision?

Reminder for June Meeting

2011-06-02T08:38:00.002-04:00

Don't forget folks, this months meeting is TUESDAY, June 7th at Christ Chapel.
Not, as is usual, on the first Thursday which would be this evening.
We will be setting up for the book sale the following day and discussing upcoming events and activities and in general, hanging out and enjoying some fellowship.
Information is here.

Park Day!!

2011-05-25T18:18:00.001-04:00

Hey Folks!
It is finally nice out.
Come on out and enjoy the break in the weather!!

Crosby Park Playground, Main Street, Centerville

Thursday

12:30ish-2:30ish
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.

Book Sale

2011-05-18T11:05:00.001-04:00

Cape Cod Pace Used Book and Curricula Sale!!

When: Wednesday, June 8th 9am-1pm

Where: Christ Chapel, Centerville, Ma

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 7th from 6-9 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 $3.00 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 1:00, the end of the sale or they will go to PACE who will donate them as needed.

There will be the famous FREE table as well!

June Meeting Information

2011-05-18T10:58:00.000-04:00

June Meeting~Date June 7th 6p.m.-9p.m at Christ Chapel this month so we can set up for the curriculum sale!! If you are selling books, they need to be dropped off during the meeting or find someone who can drop them for you.

We will be doing the set -up for used book/curriculum sale on the following day, Wed. June 8th 9-12

You can print out the labels here. Two labels per book. One inside and one outside.
Cash only (unless individual seller is present and will accept personal checks)
Cost to sell:$3.00 for donation to the church. Books/curriculum should be sold in increments of dollars, priced to bless other homeschoolers.
Free table will be available.
All payments & unsold books to be picked up by 1p.m. or they will be donated to distribute as needed.

We will also be planning for the upcoming year
(many ideas including but not limited to: formal support(meetings with a topic at members' homes or a church location)
casual support meetings ( at Barnes & Noble including the teens)
Writing Co-Op,
Shakespeare Class and Club sign up sheet will be available, space is limited and there are specific requirements.
Formal Mentoring Program (workbook and 4-8 week commitment for both parents; for new or families with young children who need someone to come along side); several of our members already mentor.
park days, skating days,horseback riding, MassHOPE booksale, etc.
If folks can't make this meeting please send ideas/areas you are willing to lead/help to Lizzie & Lori via e-mail A.S.A.P. so we can include them at the June meeting.

3. Sign-up sheets will be at the meeting for above co-ops and programs plus deposit/payment and any other activities that need advanced planning/contact lists and collection of money by coordinator.

Announcement

2011-04-20T20:26:00.000-04:00

2nd day of spring clothing swap canceled to to conflicts with space

In anticipation of the mentoring meeting tonight..

2011-04-07T16:42:00.001-04:00

I offer this page to you, it is something I have worked on over the years.

People often ask why we do what we do. This page is our answer to the question.

If you homeschool and blog, I highly recommend working on an "our homeschool" page for yourself and for others.

Blessings,

Lizzie

Our Homeschool.

Spring Clothing Swap!

2011-04-02T15:20:00.002-04:00

Happy Spring to Everyone!

PACE will be hosting a spring clothing swap at Christ Chapel in Centerville,

Wednesday, April 20th and Thursday, April 21st from 9am-12pm
This is a chance to pass on your outgrown clothes and find some new treasures.

Details:

DROP OFF ITEMS: Tuesday April 19th, we will be dropping off our clothes between 9:00 a..m and 12:00 Noon.
The swap will be held Wednesday from 9:00 to noon and Thursday from 9:00 to Noon.
PACE is having their annual standardized testing in the building those days, please be mindful of the testing atmosphere, while in the fellowship hall.
Please keep your kids with you so we don't disturb the ones testing.

We will be using the transept between the fellowship hall and the sanctuary.

How can you help?
1)Tell other homeschooling families about this.
2)When you arrive you may sort the clothes yourself or drop them off.
3) At the end of the swap, we will be donating all of the extras to the Salvation Army or another organization.

If anyone would like to help at the end, please Terri at chickenlady17 at yahoo dot com

A few reminders:

Clean and items without stains are appreciated.

Books, curriculum and movies may be included.

Grocery bags will be a blessing for the 'shoppers'.

Thank you everyone who participated last time. I just love the shoes I found there. Please email me if you can help with this in any way.

See you in April,

~Terri G.

For What it's Worth

2011-03-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

I have made many a parenting mistake and expect to make many more. I have read up on discipline, spoken and read about discipline and disciplined in any number of ways. Most of them were wrong, because it was more about ME. I so often reacted as if their behavior were a personal attack. And sometimes, when I am tired or ill or fed up, I still do.

Reaching the heart of our children requires a certain maturity level and confidence I didn't have for many years. Heck, sometimes I stuggle to find it still.

When my children rebelled, to my shame, I even sometimes had an attitude of "how dare you behave that way?" and punished accordingly and arbitrarily.

It takes time and effort and patience to see behind the behavior to the root of the problem.

I'm getting better at it over time, hopefully they won't need counseling when they are grown. :)

In any case, I came across a post today that deeply touched me and I am sharing it because I think it's honesty and beauty are worth sharing. I really hope you get as much out of it as I did and that it is relevant to your life as well as mine.

Here it is:

It Takes Joy

Blessings

Lizzie

A Topic Near and Dear to my Heart and One I am Mulling Over

2011-01-03T11:08:00.000-05:00

Do Great Homeschools Really Need Socratic Dialog?

March 2010
by Lee Binz
The HomeScholar

The great homeschools have Socratic dialog. After reading, they enjoy deep and rich conversations about the nuances of great works of literature. They have meaningful discussions about historical perspective and relevant insights within classical and modern literature.

Meanwhile, I got comments like “Great book, mom…. What’s next?”

True confession: I really admire people who do literary analysis, but I simply wasn’t capable. I used a literature-based curriculum, so it seems strange to say it, but I hate literary analysis. We read books all the time. I used Sonlight Curriculum which requires a lot of reading, and I fed my book-hungry children even more literature from The Well Trained Mind, and other reading lists for the college bound. Much to my chagrin, we didn’t do any “literature analysis” we just enjoyed the books.

Feeling Guilty

The truth is I always felt guilty about not doing literary analysis. Every homeschool mom has her “thing” that keeps her awake at night, and literature analysis was my nemesis. On tests and worksheets my children seemed to do terrible in reading comprehension, and yet they were reading all the time. They read all day long and late into the night. The laughed and cried and gasped when they read silently to themselves. They begged me to continue when I was reading aloud to them. How could they do so poorly in reading comprehension questions when they seemed to understand what they were reading?

How do you know when you have succeeded in teaching your child English? When I was homeschooling, I was SO stressed out about literature analysis. It seemed like we always failed at reading comprehension and the review questions that were provided. I knew that I wanted my kids to LOVE reading, but I was still stressed about literature analysis.

Every year, I spent so much time looking at Progeny Press, Learning Language Arts Through Literature, and other curriculum choices. Why was I failing? Why couldn’t I teach literature analysis? Every time I asked my kids “how did you like the book?” I never got any insightful dialog about the deeper meanings of the literature.

Analyze This

I finally decided that my goal for literature would be the same as my goal for Bible study. I decided that my goal in teaching the Bible was for the kids to LOVE their Bible, not analyze the Bible. Therefore I would teach them to LOVE literature instead of analyze it. I didn’t want to “beat the love of books out of them” with analyzing everything.

In retrospect, it all ended up great. Ironically, they both ended up in a “Great Books” honors program, analyzing literature at a college level by their own choice! They are able to do college literary analysis in their honors class without a problem, getting great grades. Their only frustration with the class is reading the occasional book synopsis. “I would rather read the whole thing – they miss the best parts!”

Winning the War

I failed at teaching literary analysis. I may have lost that battle, but I won the war. My children LOVE reading. When the kids came home from college, I felt like I could finally say I had succeeded in my goal. “For fun” they went to the library to get some reading material. My son Alex read the entire Shakespeare collection, my son Kevin read CS Lewis and some Dostoevsky. I may have been stressed out when they were in high school, but I can honestly say that I achieved my goal: they LOVE reading.

With my wonderful 20/20 hindsight, I look at my college children and feel successful, but at the time I stressed over “reading comprehension” more than almost anything else.

Keeping the focus on “love of learning” is so hard, though, when you are faced with a kid who may only answer “fine” when you ask them about their reading. It is the love of reading that matters.

Copyright Lee Binz, 2010
You have permission to reprint this article as long as you don't make any changes and include the bio below.

Lee Binz, The HomeScholar, specializes in helping parents homeschool high school. Get Lee's 5 part mini-course, "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make Homeschooling High School." You can find her at http://www.TheHomeScholar.com.

Advent Resource

2010-12-06T14:09:00.000-05:00

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.

A Wonderful Find

2010-11-29T16:05:00.000-05:00

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.

Some Wonderfully Compiled Helps for Literary Analysis

2010-10-19T06:48:00.002-04:00

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 (grades7-10), we reviewed literary terms and would go a little deeper into someliterature together using a good lit. guide or a literature program. Now wetend to "fly solo", using the questions/techniques described in thefirst few chapters of The Well Educated Mind, and individual lit. guides forbackground info/springboard into discussion/analysis. We also enjoy practicinganalysis by analyzing films -- looking for themes and symbolism; repeatedimagery; etc. -- which overlaps a lot with literary analysis and is often aneasier place to start "seeing" how to find themes.

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

First, understanding what "tools" you are looking for in a text, andthen how those "tools" of literary elements are working to support atheme 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 onlineat either www.christianbook.comor www.rainbowresource.com:

Deconstructing Penguins
Check this out of your local library to help you see what literary discussionis about; while it is at an elementary student level, each chapter is a GREATexample 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 literarydiscussions by enabling you to identify and discuss the important themes of anywork of literature.

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

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide toReading Between the Lines (Foster)
Gives you a lot of information about common symbols and their meanings inclassic literature.

How To Read a Book (Adler)

Finally, a literature curriculum can guide you through what are some of theliterary 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 literaryworks, the program can be completed in a semester, which then allows you lotsof 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 yourannotations as specific examples in writing a literary analysis essay. GREATprogram!

Omnibus (gr. 7-12)
Full year Literature/History/Bible programs to lead you through the study ofthe great works, teaching with the emphasis on ideas, not simply information.Teacher and student texts; with daily lesson plans. Includes composition, logicand 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 levelsare 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 (seesamples 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 listof traditional literature to consider covering in high school, but gives veryhelpful background on each author, his/her times, and on the specific work as aspringboard into better understanding the work.

Past WTM forum threads with more ideas on Literature:

Park Day!

2010-10-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

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.

Good Article in the Wall Street Journal

2010-09-24T13:09:00.000-04:00

How to Raise Boys That Read

So, How is Your First Week Going?

2010-09-09T16:26:00.000-04:00

From Todd Wilson at Familyman Ministries

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

2010-08-27T08:52:00.001-04:00

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?

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

2010-08-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

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.

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

2010-08-11T09:18:00.000-04:00

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.

High School Classes

2010-08-11T08:37:00.000-04:00

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.

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/online_hs.htm

lists all the online courses available for free

http://free-ed.net/free-ed/

http://www.learner.org/resources/browse.html

http://www.academicearth.org/

new site that combines programming from all universitiesmaking it easier to find what you need

Monthly Meeting at Borders!

2010-08-05T08:05:00.001-04:00

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!

Bean Dip

2010-08-03T08:22:00.000-04:00

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.

Bean Dip! (for homeschoolers) at Get Off Your Butt Parenting

Teacher Discounts, Do You have Your Cards?

2010-07-30T08:39:00.000-04:00

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!

I've found the Mother Lode!!

2010-07-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

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

Free Literature.org

**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

Good to Know

2010-07-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

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.

AHEM: Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts

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.

Massachusetts Home Learning Association

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

Helpful Website

2010-07-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

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.

The Reading Teen: Parental Book Reviews

Park Day is Relocating This Week Only

2010-06-30T12:20:00.000-04:00

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

More Booksale Info!!

2010-06-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

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

Atthe sale we have two people working the check out. Usually Cindy Hobbsand Joanne Stewart do this. They are unable to help this year due toscheduling conflicts. We will need help manning the check out table.This can be done in hour slots. Please email me with your preferencefor 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.

Theremay be new homeschooling families who need help. Please take time tointroduce 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. Therewill be a bag sale table. This is where you put things that are notgoing to be sold and you wish to bless someone with. Shoppers can filla bag for one low price with whatever their creative hands can stuffinto it. The proceeds will go to Christ Chapel for the generousdonation of the building for two events. Please put your donations here.

A Clothing Swap Table Thisis where we can bring gently used clothing to help us declutter. Kidsand adult clothing are welcome. We will need someone to volunteer tobring 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. SabraStockdale at the Word Bookstore in Dennis will be hosting a usedhomeschool section in her store. If you would like to sell your booksat her shop, you receive store credit to apply to new or used books orBibles in her store. She also can order any items you need from hersuppliers. The PACE labels are acceptable to her, you can cover youraddress if you like. You set the price.Your books need to be put on amaster list for her to keep track of your sales. I will be bringing mybooks 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 aboutthis. I will keep our group posted about this new venture. Also, if youdo not want your books you can donate them to her or a local charity.

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

Ifthere is anything I have overlooked, please let me know. I just openedup this compartment of my brain, and I forgot what was supposed to bein it.

Your Sister,

Terri

Reminder

2010-06-11T09:14:00.000-04:00

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.

Great New Toolbar for Homeschoolers!

2010-06-02T11:04:00.000-04:00

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!

Monthly Meeting(s) Reminder

2010-05-31T07:26:00.000-04:00

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.

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

2010-05-08T11:58:00.001-04:00

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.

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)

Spring 2010 Newsletter

2010-05-04T19:01:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the Spring 2010 Newsletter

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 ofthe 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 wearyand overburdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

He will fill your mouth withlaughter 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.

Sites for free ebooks

http://manybooks.net

This one was my favorite for its easy format

http://www.free-ebooks.net/
Project Gutenberg
http://www.feedbooks.com/
http://www.epubbooks.com/
http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/freebooks.htm

These two are all Science Fiction and Fantasy (Thanks IT World!)

http://www.baen.com/library/

http://www.suvudu.com/freelibrary/

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.

Testing for Spring 2010

2010-03-01T16:18:00.000-05:00

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.

Revolutionary War Day photos

2009-09-19T19:45:00.001-04:00

Used book/curriculum Sale

2009-05-17T12:44:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again folks!
The PACE Used Curriculum and Book Sale!
If you are selling, the PACE meeting/book drop off night will be on Thursday from 6-8 at Christ Chapel in Centerville. If you are selling please also bring $3 for us to give to the church for the space.

The sale will be Friday from 9-12 at Christ Chapel in Centerville.

There will be the always fun free table as well as a clothing swap, new this year.

Please bring cash to make your purchases, taking a check will be the decision of the individual sellers.

Directions to Christ Chapel

Pick up of money and leftover books is at 1:00.

Ok, I'm Busy, Maybe a Quarterly Newsletter?

2009-02-28T18:43:00.002-05:00

Here is a gorgeous site with a treasure trove of art, historical maps, nature and more. I have yet to plumb its depths but what I did peruse was absolutely amazing, especially the maps.
Old Book Art

Found at our friends at Freely Educate.
If you are in the same boat as so many of us, this is the site to go for 100% free and fabulous materials for K-college.
Seriously, you need to spend time here, there is something for everyone of the highest quality.
The Visible Body, a 3D interactive program is extraordinary! I could go on forever. Go Here!!

Wonderful site for Poetry Lovers

2009-02-26T18:18:00.000-05:00

http://classicpoetryaloud.wordpress.com/

This month's Meeting

2009-02-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!
This month's meeting is at Border's in Hyannis at 6pm.
It is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship and a great latte!
Feel free to bring the older kids so they can "hang" a little too.
This is the perfect opportunity for that Trader Joe's run you've been meaning to make too!

2009 SAT information

2009-01-28T15:23:00.000-05:00

PACE Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-TASK) will be held at:

Christ Chapel 1200 Old Stage Road Centerville, MA 508.420.1200

April 21st,22nd & 23rd (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)2009
8:45 AM - to approximately 1p.m.
Order tests Now through March 17th . Tests will be mailed directly to me from Bob Jones Home Education Services one month before our test start date.
If you need the order form call~1.800.845.5731 or print it from their website.

Orders must be mailed, faxed or processed online:
~BJ Home Education Services
1700 Wade Hampton Blvd.
Greenville, SC 29641-0062

~Fax 1.800.525.8398

~Order online~ www.testing.bjup.com You will have to print out one form which you must sign and mail or fax.

You will need the following information to fill out your form:
I am your approved tester. (All of the parents who are testing the children are current with their registration as a BJ Home Education Services testers.)
Lori Chapman
78 Whistleberry Drive
Marstons Mills, MA 02648
508-428-3879

We will be testing grades 3rd-12th. Priority is given to children of PACE members. If we have room for more students then we will gladly offer testing to those homeschooling families that are not currently members of PACE. A donation of $5.00 will be collected (per family) for members and a fee of $10.00 from non-members(per family).This is to cover shipping (back to BJUP), phone calls and the rest will be given to the church for the use of the buildings.

If you are ordering tests you MUST sign up with me by March 16th. The sooner the better! E-mail anytime raccoon2@comcast.net, call after 3:00 PM 508-428-3879 or see me at the February or March PACE meetings.

The following information is needed at the time of sign-up:

1. Parent's name
2. Student(s) name including middle initial
3. Birth date of student
4. Grade level student is being tested ( order Spring of current grade)
5. Mailing address
6. Phone #
7. E-mail address

Bob Jones will provide test results (mailed directly to the parents) approximately four to eight weeks following receipt of the completed tests. The cost this year varies: January $40.00, February $44.00 minus a 15% discount bringing the cost down to $37.40 , March it goes back up to $44.00.( Paid directly to BJ Testing and Evaluation in U.S. funds when you place your order.)

Lori Chapman~SAT coordinator

Great New Literature Site

2009-01-24T21:12:00.001-05:00

Here is an amazing new literature site I found our about on ClickSchooling.
It's called Schmoop Literature and it is is a beta format.
Check it out here.

Clarification on the new CPSIA Act

2009-01-09T08:09:00.002-05:00

I forget who emailed me and asked had I heard about this new law but today there is a clarification that should allay many fears that were going on. The fear included that used children's books would not be legal to see, that would surely be a nightmare for me. Anyway, here is an update....

"Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards."

2009-01-01T08:12:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

This month in place of our monthly meeting at Borders we will be having a yankee swap.

Please note the the time and place change.

Join us for a Yankee Swap on Thursday, January 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ Chapel in the library. Light refreshments will be served.

Please bring a wrapped gift(perhaps a nice gift but not suited for you) We will be serving light refreshments. Any questions, please email me at chickenlady17@yahoo.com or Shirley Murray at ssmurray@cape.com .

See you next year.....Terri and Shirley

Best Resources for Christmas on the Web

2008-12-09T08:14:00.008-05:00

Welcome to what there is of the December Newsletter

Dear Friends,
I apologize for the brevity but once again have found myself in a time crunch.
In the wonder and insanity of this time of year we need to carve out those moments of absolute stillness to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Advent studies are a wonderful way to do that and I am going to share some of the best resources I know with you in this newsletter.
Our family settles in each evening to light the candles on our Advent wreath and read a chapter from Jotham's Journey. As I understand it, they are finally republishing the 2nd and 3rd in the series. I am thrilled about it and you can read about it here.
In these difficult times it can be hard to rejoice but what better time to do so than right now? "In this world you will have trouble, but you have overcome the world" goes a song from a cantata. We have a hope unlike any other and we celebrate it here and now with the time of our Savior's birth.
Nobody says it better than Linus, who quotes from Luke, "and the angel said unto them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you you is born in the city of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace and goodwill toward men.' That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."
I hope your Christmas season is full of joy and wonder.

Blessings,
Lizzie

Announcements:
Terri Gordon's Mom, Anne Moorehead, has passed away after a 2 year battle with cancer. Details and guest book are here.

Noel, Night of Everlasting Love, will be presented on December 20th and 21st at Falmouth Baptist Church at 6:30 pm, refreshments to follow the performance.
Directions to the church are here.

Don't forget about our very own Lori, Sean and Amy Chapman in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" December 12th and 13th at 7:30 and the 14th at 2:30 at The Cultural Center of Cape Cod. Tickets at 508-394-7100.

Flotsam and Jetsam
Best of the Web for Christmas
*****Teaching Mom's Advent Calendar
Bar none my favorite all time resource for all things Christmas.

a mini- study for Christmas from Homeschool in the Woods

wonderful site for Jesse Tree Devotions

A lovely Advent coloring book at DLTK

History of the Creche

All things Gingerbread here at Annie's, history, legend, stories, recipes and more.

Really great Christmas clip art

Nativity and other paper dolls, too adorable! print on cardstock for best results.

One of my favorite sites, art and the Bible

Christmas crafts for the younger set.

My Favorite Christmas Carols by my favorite artists, hope you find something to inspire you!
These are all clickable links to youtube videos of each song.

Josh Groban's O Holy Night
His album Noel is one of the most wonderful celebrations of the season I know.

Celtic Woman, Carol of the Bells
Can't help it, Irish heritage, these voices transport me.

Jars of Clay, When Love Came Down
Very sweet video of the song, watch for your favorite Veggie Tale guys!

King's College Cambridge, Once in David's Royal City
Nothing quite compares to a boys choir for some songs.

Sarah McLachlan's O Little Town of Bethlehem.
So beautiful, just Sarah and her guitar.

Selah, Rose of Bethlehem.
Not to be missed.

A little Educational Exercise
Christmas Logic Fun from Classical Academic Press!
Can you recognize the fallacies in these common Christmas statements!

Christmas Books!
Free online, some of our family favorites.

On the Lighter Side.
This months top timewasters!
The Christmas Carol Quiz
Here, find one you like!

Disclaimer: All opinions are those of the editor and are not to be construed as otherwise or authoritative.

Sorry

2008-12-01T07:37:00.001-05:00

I just posted on the wrong blog! Sorry, not a PACE related post.
Well, hope it gave you a chuckle anyway.
Blessings
Lizzie

Black Friday Sales, Christmas Freebies and More

2008-11-26T07:22:00.004-05:00

Head on over to Currclick this Friday at 10 am for 28 freebies and great discounts on lapbooks, copywork, penmanship, holiday ebooks and more!

This year About.com has an advent study up and it is pretty cool but nothing can top my old Christmas standby, The Teaching Mom's Advent Calendar. It has not been updated for "08" yet but it is still the best resource I have ever seen for all you could possibly want in an Advent study.

A little off topic but great for those of you planning next semester, someone on the WTM boards posted about this incredible resource yesterday. It has something for everyone and all FREE!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

Fall Newsletter

2008-11-12T18:02:00.009-05:00

Welcome to the Fall Newsletter of Cape Cod PACE

Psalm 95:1-6 (KJV)
"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker."

In this Issue:

My Turn, Your Editor's Welcome

Announcements

Flotsam and Jetsam: Best of the Web for Fall

Music to Celebrate Autumn

This month's audio book

This month's best book for the Fall

Well Folks, here it is! Our very first web edition of the newsletter. I hope you enjoy the new format. I am having a few formatting issues but they are mine alone, should be better next time. I am hopeful that it will be easier to look at past issues and find that link you were looking for or the picture you liked or the review you couldn't remember. It is cleaner look and I am excited about it.
Here we are again, coming up on the holidays. We have so much to be grateful for and so often forget to thank God for the everyday things. I hope your Thanksgiving pushes your family thankfulness into high gear. I PROMISE a fabulous Christmas Newsletter next month with goodies galore!
Grace and peace to you all,
YSIC,
Lizzie

Announcements
Don't miss this months meeting! Come hang out with us at Border's in Hyannis.
Bring the tweens and teens if you like. It is Thursday December 4th, 6ish to 8ish. It is a great way to fellowship and make that Trader Joe's run you've been meaning to make!

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM: BEST OF THE WEB FOR FALL
The Best site for Thanksgiving is at Annie's
just keep scrolling, it gets better and better the more you look. You will bookmark this site to return to again and again.
THIS MONTH'S AUDIO BOOK
Is actually a few of the earliest Thanksgiving proclamations. They make no bones about the fact that it is a religious holiday and that our nation embraced the principles on which it was founded.
Have a listen!
THIS MONTHS BOOK ON LINE
A fall family favorite here at our house, The Stories of the Pilgrim's, by Margaret Pumphries is a true classic. Enjoyable and educational for all ages it is illustrated with lovely black and white drawings.
You can read it here or download it here.
THIS MONTHS BEST MUSIC
I have long been a George Winston fan. His music soothes my soul. Autumn and Winter are two of my all time favorites. I hope you enjoy this lovely YouTube video.

Mark Your Calendars!

2008-11-11T14:05:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars and call for tickets A.S.A.P. Sean, Amy and Lori Chapman are in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" December 12th & 13th 7:30pm and 14th 2:30pm at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod (across from the South Yarmouth library on Main Street) 508-394-7100;Adults $12.00 Children $10.00

Cape Cod Pace

February Meeting coming up!

December Meeting Reminder!

October Meeting Venue Announced!

Mark Your Calendars!

FREE!!

Important Info

Park Day!

Mentoring Program

Park Day

Reminder for June Meeting

Park Day!!

Book Sale

June Meeting Information

Announcement

In anticipation of the mentoring meeting tonight..

Spring Clothing Swap!

For What it's Worth

A Topic Near and Dear to my Heart and One I am Mulling Over

Do Great Homeschools Really Need Socratic Dialog?

Feeling Guilty

Analyze This

Winning the War

Advent Resource

A Wonderful Find

Some Wonderfully Compiled Helps for Literary Analysis

Park Day!

Good Article in the Wall Street Journal

So, How is Your First Week Going?

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

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

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

High School Classes

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!

Bean Dip

Teacher Discounts, Do You have Your Cards?

I've found the Mother Lode!!

Good to Know

Helpful Website

Park Day is Relocating This Week Only

More Booksale Info!!

Reminder

Great New Toolbar for Homeschoolers!

Monthly Meeting(s) Reminder

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

Spring 2010 Newsletter

Testing for Spring 2010

Revolutionary War Day photos

Used book/curriculum Sale

Ok, I'm Busy, Maybe a Quarterly Newsletter?

Wonderful site for Poetry Lovers

This month's Meeting

2009 SAT information

Great New Literature Site

Clarification on the new CPSIA Act

Best Resources for Christmas on the Web

Sorry

Black Friday Sales, Christmas Freebies and More

Fall Newsletter

Mark Your Calendars!

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.