A unique children's book just in time for Easter.
Anthony's Amazing Journey
Anthony's Amazing Journey is the story of the Triumphal Entry as seen through the eyes
of the donkey foal. During the journey, Anthony learns about bravery, trust, and friendship.
Overcoming obstacles like shyness and being small in size, Anthony learns how important
it is to have a friend in Jesus.
About the Author
Bert Ballou has seven nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and nephews.
He noticed a disturbing trend recently of secularism dominating not only department
stores at the holiday seasons, but a shift in general away from Christian beliefs.
Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny garner more attention than Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving scarcely exists in the world of retail; Fat Tuesday takes excess to the
extreme while the end of Lent gets celebrated with an egg hunt and possibly "brunch".
This book is a sublte way of fighting back. God gave him a fresh angle on a familiar
story. This book is aimed at children on their level, but catches the adults that read to
them. No one should be afraid of Jesus, and hopefully this book starts a dialouge on
that very subject. The story doesn't end with the last page, its what happens after
getting to Jerusalem that we all hang our salvation on. Pun intended.
Order your copy today: http://www.anthonysamazingjourney.com/
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeschool. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Write Great Essays
Are your homeschooling parents and students struggling with essay writing?
The solution is available online. The Write Great Essays Workbook gives parents and students easy-to-follow lessons, complete with all the explanations, examples, and exercises they need to learn how to write great essays.
This proven workbook is ideal for students of all levels, from beginners to those who have struggled for years without achieving an “A”. Working through the Write Great Essays Workbook will benefit your students immediately and throughout their studies.
For more information, workbook sample and personal copy, see www.WriteGreatEssays.com or contact teacher@writegreatessays.com
Read what others have to say about the Write Great Essays Workbook:
“My marks went up a whole letter grade this semester after I worked through the Write Great Essays Workbook. I’m so relieved and proud.” Grace, Sacramento, CA
“There is something for every student in this workbook: from planning to writing to editing. Thanks for making it so easy to follow.” Mrs. Weston, Homeschooling Parent, Madison, WI
“I am so impressed with the improvements in my daughter's essay writing. She received top marks in her high school requirements this year. The lessons and steps in this Write Great Essays Workbook helped her master essay writing! Thank you very much." Mrs. Lee, San Francisco, CA
For 25 years, educator Liz Kind has specialized in essay writing, teaching students of all ages how to excel. Now, she has compiled these proven step-by-step lessons into student workbooks complete with easy-to-follow instructions and practical exercises to help students master essay writing.
www.WriteGreatEssays.com
Give your students the tools they need to excel at essay writing.
The solution is available online. The Write Great Essays Workbook gives parents and students easy-to-follow lessons, complete with all the explanations, examples, and exercises they need to learn how to write great essays.
This proven workbook is ideal for students of all levels, from beginners to those who have struggled for years without achieving an “A”. Working through the Write Great Essays Workbook will benefit your students immediately and throughout their studies.
For more information, workbook sample and personal copy, see www.WriteGreatEssays.com or contact teacher@writegreatessays.com
Read what others have to say about the Write Great Essays Workbook:
“My marks went up a whole letter grade this semester after I worked through the Write Great Essays Workbook. I’m so relieved and proud.” Grace, Sacramento, CA
“There is something for every student in this workbook: from planning to writing to editing. Thanks for making it so easy to follow.” Mrs. Weston, Homeschooling Parent, Madison, WI
“I am so impressed with the improvements in my daughter's essay writing. She received top marks in her high school requirements this year. The lessons and steps in this Write Great Essays Workbook helped her master essay writing! Thank you very much." Mrs. Lee, San Francisco, CA
For 25 years, educator Liz Kind has specialized in essay writing, teaching students of all ages how to excel. Now, she has compiled these proven step-by-step lessons into student workbooks complete with easy-to-follow instructions and practical exercises to help students master essay writing.
www.WriteGreatEssays.com
Give your students the tools they need to excel at essay writing.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Home schoolers swarm to defend education
As seen on www.onenewsnow.com:
A home school defense attorney is warning New Hampshire home schoolers about a piece of legislation being debated in The Granite State.
Mike Donnelly of the Home School Legal Defense Association is warning New Hampshire homeschoolers of HB 367. If passed, the bill would require home schoolers to double the amount of reporting currently required and would allow a school superintendant or principal to determine if the home school program should continue or be terminated.
The legislation has angered many home schoolers who showed up in record numbers when the bill was being debated in Concord. "There were about a thousand home schoolers there. It was a record-breaking crowd, never been that many home schoolers," Donnelly notes. "In fact some of the people at the state house said that they've never seen such a large crowd inside ever."
Donnelly says he and about 100 home schoolers were able to give testimony. "Well if it passed, this would become one of the most restrictive [home school] laws in the country," he adds.
He states New Hampshire's situation is in stark contrast to the trend in other parts of the country where states are reducing the regulations placed on home schoolers. Donnelly says that the legislation will come up for a vote in early- to mid-March.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=431394
A home school defense attorney is warning New Hampshire home schoolers about a piece of legislation being debated in The Granite State.
Mike Donnelly of the Home School Legal Defense Association is warning New Hampshire homeschoolers of HB 367. If passed, the bill would require home schoolers to double the amount of reporting currently required and would allow a school superintendant or principal to determine if the home school program should continue or be terminated.
The legislation has angered many home schoolers who showed up in record numbers when the bill was being debated in Concord. "There were about a thousand home schoolers there. It was a record-breaking crowd, never been that many home schoolers," Donnelly notes. "In fact some of the people at the state house said that they've never seen such a large crowd inside ever."
Donnelly says he and about 100 home schoolers were able to give testimony. "Well if it passed, this would become one of the most restrictive [home school] laws in the country," he adds.
He states New Hampshire's situation is in stark contrast to the trend in other parts of the country where states are reducing the regulations placed on home schoolers. Donnelly says that the legislation will come up for a vote in early- to mid-March.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Education/Default.aspx?id=431394
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Fun Learning Game for Preschoolers
Homeschool parents know that keeping a preschooler challenged and busy are high on the priority list, regardless of how many children are in the home. I devised a fun game one day for my preschool-age son which combines his love of toy vehicles with my desire to teach him math. It's called "The Car Auction Game", and it's very easy to set up and even easier to play.
Begin by having your child(ren) gather up eleven toy vehicles. Matchbox size is best, but anything will work. While he's doing that, you can cut eleven squares of paper about 2 or 3 inches wide each, and number them "2" through "12". The only other item you'll need for this game is a pair of ordinary dice. I usually rob these from one of our board games.
Have your child(ren) line up the cars in the order they wish, and then place a number beside or in front of each vehicle. Each participant takes turns rolling the dice. The vehicle corresponding to the number on the dice is "won" by the roller, and the game progresses until no more cars remain in the lineup. If a number is rolled that corresponds to an empty slot (meaning that car has already been won), the roller loses his turn and the next player rolls the dice. When no more vehicles are left to be won, each player counts up his winnings. The one with the most cars in his possession wins the game.
To increase my son's counting skills, I have him count up the dice on his roll and on mine. He also learns number recognition by comparing the count of the dice to the label on each vehicle. This game also provides an excellent tool for teaching a child how to deal with losing. Sometimes he wins a vehicle; and sometimes he loses his turn. The moments of sadness over losing a turn are quickly replaced by the joys over winning on another turn. It's a wonderful way to show our children that you can't have it all, but what you do get is pretty good!
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Begin by having your child(ren) gather up eleven toy vehicles. Matchbox size is best, but anything will work. While he's doing that, you can cut eleven squares of paper about 2 or 3 inches wide each, and number them "2" through "12". The only other item you'll need for this game is a pair of ordinary dice. I usually rob these from one of our board games.
Have your child(ren) line up the cars in the order they wish, and then place a number beside or in front of each vehicle. Each participant takes turns rolling the dice. The vehicle corresponding to the number on the dice is "won" by the roller, and the game progresses until no more cars remain in the lineup. If a number is rolled that corresponds to an empty slot (meaning that car has already been won), the roller loses his turn and the next player rolls the dice. When no more vehicles are left to be won, each player counts up his winnings. The one with the most cars in his possession wins the game.
To increase my son's counting skills, I have him count up the dice on his roll and on mine. He also learns number recognition by comparing the count of the dice to the label on each vehicle. This game also provides an excellent tool for teaching a child how to deal with losing. Sometimes he wins a vehicle; and sometimes he loses his turn. The moments of sadness over losing a turn are quickly replaced by the joys over winning on another turn. It's a wonderful way to show our children that you can't have it all, but what you do get is pretty good!
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Getting Started
Now that you have determined that homeschooling is right for you and your family, how do you begin? The first thing you need to research is the state legislation in your area. Links to your state's laws along with a comprehensive start up guide can be found at http://www.youcanhomeschool.org/starthere. If you live in Florida, another vital guide to homeschooling can be found at http://www.fpea.com/. More specifically, in the Jacksonville, FL area, check out http://www.herijax.com/ for local resources and support groups.
No matter where you are located, there is likely a group of other homeschool families that meets regularly to offer one another support and fellowship. Large cities are going to have more to offer in this realm. Some groups are designed to lend academic support to students, with parents sharing the teaching skills. Other groups meet strictly for social reasons, and still others fall somewhere in between.
Another helpful resource in some communities can be found in curriculum and school supply stores. Many of these retailers offer classes for parents on "beginning homeschooling" and "homeschooling the high schooler". Even your local library may have similar opportunities. Don't be shy! It never hurts to ask.
Great Deals on School & Homeschool Curriculum
No matter where you are located, there is likely a group of other homeschool families that meets regularly to offer one another support and fellowship. Large cities are going to have more to offer in this realm. Some groups are designed to lend academic support to students, with parents sharing the teaching skills. Other groups meet strictly for social reasons, and still others fall somewhere in between.
Another helpful resource in some communities can be found in curriculum and school supply stores. Many of these retailers offer classes for parents on "beginning homeschooling" and "homeschooling the high schooler". Even your local library may have similar opportunities. Don't be shy! It never hurts to ask.
Great Deals on School & Homeschool Curriculum
Why Homeschooling?
There are as many reasons for homeschooling as there are families doing it. If you are reading this, chances are you are considering it yourself. You may be having trouble communicating your child's needs to the school he's currently enrolled in. Or maybe the headlines about violence in the schools is getting the best of you. You feel that your child isn't being challenged at school. Propaganda about same sex marriage, premarital sex and other moral issues are permeating your child's classroom walls. You have religious views that conflict with the teaching in your local school system. The list of reasons goes on and on.
But is home education really the right thing to do? Will you be sheltering your child too much? What about socialization? Can you handle teaching subjects on a high school level one day? These are the dark thoughts that strike fear in the hearts of prospective homeschool parents. And fear is the ultimate paralyzer. If you are to free your child from the chains of public education, you must first free yourself from these doubts.
Sheltering your child is actually your job as a parent. No child is born with the ability to navigate this cruel world on his own. He needs his parents to act as a buffer, creating a bubble in which to grow and enjoy the lavishes of being a child. Innocence is lost all too soon, and it can never be regained. Like a sapling tree that needs to be tied to a strong stake, children need to operate within a close circle around their parents and extended family to give them support and encouragement as they develop and grow. As the tree grows it's own sturdy root system and trunk, so the child gains self confidence and knowledge. The tie to the stake is loosened around the tree. So the parent opens up the circle around the child, allowing him to make more choices and explore farther from the home. Eventually the stake is removed from the tree, for no wind or strong rain can uproot it from it's foundation. The child also becomes rooted in the teachings of the parents, and is unshaken by the perils of the world. Homeschooling gives parents much more control over the growth and development of their children.
Lack of socialization is probably one of the biggest myths that overshadows the homeschool community. Most homeschool parents are actually overwhelmed with choices for social outlets for their children. Music lessons, church activities, support groups, cooperatives and community sports and clubs are just a few of the many ways homechool kids interact and flourish as "normal" children. Because homeschool children interact frequently with people of many ages, they can often converse with adults just as easily as with small children. Public school children spend most of their days grouped with children the same age. Therefore they are ones who often lack the social skills needed to hold an adult conversation or to relate to the needs of infants and toddlers.
Hopefully by now you are feeling more at ease about homeschooling. It really boils down to parent involvement and responsibility. But do you have what it takes to teach in your home? What happens when Chemistry or Algebra is on the agenda? The answer is simple. Even the best teacher or college professor is not without resources. If you run into a subject that intimidates you, seek help! You can study the subject yourself, staying ahead of your child in the curriculum. This keeps your brain sharp and allows for free continuing education for yourself. Or you can hire a tutor. Nothing says you cannot use outside sources to enhance your child's learning. Think of yourself as both teacher and school administrator, hiring additional instructors as they are needed. Many communities also offer homeschool cooperatives, hybrid homeschool-private schools that rely on parent volunteers for teachers. Even local community colleges are courting the homeschool student, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers wanting to earn college credits while they finish high school.
Homeschooling is rewarding in so many ways. Students can progress at their own pace and explore in depth subjects of great interest to them, in addition to the typical reading, writing and math. Resources are endless. The Internet, computer software, libraries, educational television programs and dvds, conventional curriculum and even tutors are fair game. Families can plan their own fieldtrips to give students more hands-on opportunities to learn.
But most of all, homeschooling keeps families close in their relationships with one another. Children grow up respecting parents as authority figures, teachers, mentors and companions. Parents stay connected to children through the trials of growing up, offering the love and support that fosters self confidence and responsible behavior. It's a win-win situation, but it takes hard work and dedication. Some parents view it as a sacrifice, but it is definitely the best investment anyone can make in the future.
But is home education really the right thing to do? Will you be sheltering your child too much? What about socialization? Can you handle teaching subjects on a high school level one day? These are the dark thoughts that strike fear in the hearts of prospective homeschool parents. And fear is the ultimate paralyzer. If you are to free your child from the chains of public education, you must first free yourself from these doubts.
Sheltering your child is actually your job as a parent. No child is born with the ability to navigate this cruel world on his own. He needs his parents to act as a buffer, creating a bubble in which to grow and enjoy the lavishes of being a child. Innocence is lost all too soon, and it can never be regained. Like a sapling tree that needs to be tied to a strong stake, children need to operate within a close circle around their parents and extended family to give them support and encouragement as they develop and grow. As the tree grows it's own sturdy root system and trunk, so the child gains self confidence and knowledge. The tie to the stake is loosened around the tree. So the parent opens up the circle around the child, allowing him to make more choices and explore farther from the home. Eventually the stake is removed from the tree, for no wind or strong rain can uproot it from it's foundation. The child also becomes rooted in the teachings of the parents, and is unshaken by the perils of the world. Homeschooling gives parents much more control over the growth and development of their children.
Lack of socialization is probably one of the biggest myths that overshadows the homeschool community. Most homeschool parents are actually overwhelmed with choices for social outlets for their children. Music lessons, church activities, support groups, cooperatives and community sports and clubs are just a few of the many ways homechool kids interact and flourish as "normal" children. Because homeschool children interact frequently with people of many ages, they can often converse with adults just as easily as with small children. Public school children spend most of their days grouped with children the same age. Therefore they are ones who often lack the social skills needed to hold an adult conversation or to relate to the needs of infants and toddlers.
Hopefully by now you are feeling more at ease about homeschooling. It really boils down to parent involvement and responsibility. But do you have what it takes to teach in your home? What happens when Chemistry or Algebra is on the agenda? The answer is simple. Even the best teacher or college professor is not without resources. If you run into a subject that intimidates you, seek help! You can study the subject yourself, staying ahead of your child in the curriculum. This keeps your brain sharp and allows for free continuing education for yourself. Or you can hire a tutor. Nothing says you cannot use outside sources to enhance your child's learning. Think of yourself as both teacher and school administrator, hiring additional instructors as they are needed. Many communities also offer homeschool cooperatives, hybrid homeschool-private schools that rely on parent volunteers for teachers. Even local community colleges are courting the homeschool student, offering dual enrollment opportunities for high schoolers wanting to earn college credits while they finish high school.
Homeschooling is rewarding in so many ways. Students can progress at their own pace and explore in depth subjects of great interest to them, in addition to the typical reading, writing and math. Resources are endless. The Internet, computer software, libraries, educational television programs and dvds, conventional curriculum and even tutors are fair game. Families can plan their own fieldtrips to give students more hands-on opportunities to learn.
But most of all, homeschooling keeps families close in their relationships with one another. Children grow up respecting parents as authority figures, teachers, mentors and companions. Parents stay connected to children through the trials of growing up, offering the love and support that fosters self confidence and responsible behavior. It's a win-win situation, but it takes hard work and dedication. Some parents view it as a sacrifice, but it is definitely the best investment anyone can make in the future.
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