Transitional Homeschooling

What is “Transitional Homeschooling”?  It is the type of homeschooling you do, anytime your life is in transition.  I can think of several times..

-Moving

- New baby

-Caring for a chronically ill child

-You or your husband have a chronic illness

- Caring for an aging parent.

- Job changes- schedule changes

I am sure there are many other reasons, but this is a fairly good sample of possibilities.

It all begins well.. at the beginning!

Why are you homeschooling?

This answer will be different for each family. For me some of the reasons we have homeschooled, is to instill a love for God , a love of learning and a  love for family. I want my children to grow up seeking knowledge, having the tools in their tool belts to learn what they need learn as they face life’s adventures.

How you handle your transitional homeschooling will entirely be based on how you answered that question. There is NO WRONG ANSWER!

Once you have looked at the goals of your homeschool  and depending on the age of your children, transitional homeschooling can actually be very freeing. Generally during transitions, you will find that you strip down the fluff and stick to the basics. 

Our family happens to be a family that loves field trips and hands on activities, but truth be told, when you are struggling through a transition, these are not the best years for learning in that fashion.

In our 13 year homeschool career, we have gone through many transitions. 

Our Transitions

In our home we have dealt with….

~ A Chronically Ill Child

~ My Father Battled Cancer and Passed Away

~ My husband lost his job

~ I am now currently working outside the home

~ I currently have children at home, in school and in college..

In all honesty.. I think we have been homeschooling through transitions.. our whole homeschool career!

Depending on the Transition… your game plan will be different!

Prayer

Before we go any further… whether you are going through a transition or not, you must bathe your homeschool in prayer. However, it is especially important that you seek the Lord’s face when you are facing transition, to ensure that you are not making rushed, emotional decisions.

The Transition is the Lesson

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of still ‘schooling’ through the transition, I encourage you to look at the transition as the lesson. No matter what the transition is, there are life lessons that are sure to be learned during it.

It’s okay to take a break from academics. This is real life! Sometimes- life really is the lesson!

New Baby- caring for sick child- sick parent- or you are sick- moving… these are times when you can consider making the transition itself can be the lesson. It will be a passing transition, and the life lessons that can be learned here are great.

When you are caring for an aging or dying parent, or even in my case, where I was simply making my dad a priority, you are teaching your children a wonderful lesson. Compassion. Prioirtizing. Putting what’s first, first. I am so thankful that when my father was battling cancer, that I was able to have the time to spend with him, without worry of a ‘school’ schedule. Sure academically, it was not our most productive. But rather than feeling behind, we picked up where we left off. We worked and played, and spent time with the person we loved so much. Even though they were small, they were seeing all of this.

Another thing to remember is when you are dealing with stressful transitions, your children feel the stress, and they feel your stress. And during times like this, you cannot expect them to have the best school year of their life. For some of these situations, getting through, is half the battle.

Schooling

I remember focusing on bible time and prayer, because I needed it so much, and so did the kids. Academically, we concentrated on reading, when we did do our work. And then we supplemented with audio/video learning that could either be done in the car, or while I was working on something else.

HELP

Learn to at minimum accept help when it is offered… perhaps even get comfortable asking for help.

Classes

Are there classes that are taught by your homeschool group/ co-op that you can take advantage of during the crisis?

Friends

Is there a good friend who homeschools their kids, willing to take you child under their wing for a subject or two?  Are there friends, or kids of friends, that can come clean your house, or do yard work, so you can focus on the important things.

Take a look at what you have been covering.

Find resources that can help you teach those subjects.

When you have wee ones in the home, I would recommend lots of reading.. on the couch, or in the bed, read together as a family.  If you have readers.. all the way through high school, this may be  a way that your older kids can help with the little ones… sharing the reading responsibilities, have them help out with helping the little ones learn their reading as well.

Watching educational videos, lots of discussion.. you can watch a movie/documentary, have them write about, or dictate, or draw what they learned..

Now,  when your children are older, in junior high and high school, (feeling like you don’t have the time to take off) you will want to give them, perhaps, a more traditional type of education, even if that is not what you are typically used to. During transitions, it is not the time to rethink the wheel. You are going to want to look for something, laid out for you.. that they can independently work on their own, with minimal help from you.

Nuts and Bolts of Transitional Homeschooling

Take a day, or a weekend, and plan what you and your children are going to cover. All those grand ideas you have in your head will better serve your family, once they are on paper.. or in a planner of sorts! 

There is a saying, what gets planned, gets done!  This will also help the kids know what's on the agenda, in an otherwise, perhaps stressful time!

Use workbooks for the basics.. to keep their math skills intact.. and handwriting or vocabulary, whatever basic skills you want them to keep working on, get them some workbooks to keep working on..

For grades 3 and up, there is Switched on Schoolhouse. You can spend an afternoon or weekend to get all set up and then have them continue working pretty independently.

 http://www.aop.com/

MathTutor DVD – now this has helped us all along, even when not in transition, however, this is a great tool, when mom’s time is limited. These DVD’s can help your student by coaching them through their math. Now, this is not designed to go along with one particular curriculum, it will strictly teach the concepts.

At our local mom's night last night, one of our mom's, (Thanks, Gina!) reminded us how helpful Teaching Textbooks is.  You can learn more about them by visiting their website.. 

http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/

Los Angeles County Library One on One Live Tutoring – if you have a LA County Library card you can use this service! Live tutors will help you online with your homework!

http://www.colapublib.org/children/tutor/

If you are not in LA County, check with your local library.

Videos

Utilize Netflix or Amazon, for Documentaries on historical and sometimes scientific topics that you are studying.

There is a great company called ZeeZok, that actually sells study guides that go with movies, classic movies and newer movies, that turns them into an educational opportunity. We have used several of them, and quite enjoy them.

http://www.zeezok.com/z-guide-to-the-movies/

WORKBOX Type learning

Official site http://www.workboxsystem.com/

Check Pinterest for some great ideas - http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=workbox

This is great for transitional homeschooling as you can gather up everything for each child, stick it into a box of your choosing. You can even set up an ‘appointment’ box – for appointment, or errands.. and a reward box to inspire them to help the family with their good natured obedient behavior!

Time 4 Learning

 Online fee-based curriculum through the 8^th grade. May not be complete, but it has quite a bit available. And the kids can do this independently. Not Christian.

http://www.time4learning.com/scope-sequence/index.shtml

Khan Academy

Tutorials through highschool  Math, History, Science

Test Prep, Computer Science, Art History

https://www.khanacademy.org/

Audiobooks

Subscription service (fee) unlimited audio book rental

http://www.simplyaudiobooks.com/homeschool

Games

If your kids are small, I would recommend playing educational games to help them with their basics. Chances are if there is a lot going on, you are going to be limited on time you can spend with kids. Might as well have fun, while learning!
Rainbow Resource has a whole host of games.

http://www.rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?subject=19

List of Top Ten Educational Games

http://brightideaspress.com/2012/06/top-ten-educational-board-games/

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Lean on God.  Trust Him!

Remember, He made our children very resilient! 

Why Homeschool Conventions are Important!

Have I mentioned I love homeschooling? And I love homeschool conventions!!  If I had my way, I would spend all of my spare time at homeschool conventions around the country. Spare time! HA! That is funny, I actually don't have any spare time, do you? But I so enjoy fellowshipping with fellow homeschoolers!


This year I had the pleasure of attending both of our local conventions. I was able to meet up with friends from my homeschool group, meet up with friends that I have met on previous years while working the Growing Healthy Homes booth, as well as, meet up with vendors/friends that I have reviewed products for or have been able to get to know over the course of our homeschool journey! WHAT FUN!   Here is a photo of me and Heidi St. John, The Busy Homeschool Mom! I had not realized she was going to be at our convention, and was THRILLED when I walked by her booth on the way to mine! She was only a few 'doors' down from us!

At this last convention, I was able to hear the morning Keynote speaker both days, and what a blessing that was to me! The first day we heard Voddie Baucham speak on the Culture Wars. That was very good. Bringing it back to God! It was a great way to start the day, spending time around God's Word, before getting into the busyness of the day!  And then the second day we heard Jessica Hulcy! That was such a treat. I have learned so much from her during my homeschool journey. I was so thankful to be able to spend a few minutes with her at her booth... I forgot my camera!  I just LOVE HER!   My children LOVE KONOS!  She spoke to us about why we stand for homeschooling! What a wonderful reminder for all of us! Makes me think of Gal. 6:9 And Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. 


I was so blessed by just those two talks, and when you couple that with being around like minded people, discussing homeschooling for the entire weekend, there simply is no better way to spend a weekend!

Why are homeschool convention important? It is not simply because you can get great discounts in the vendor hall, and you can!  The real reason is, you need to have your tanks filled. All school year long you are giving to your children, to your entire family. You are wife, mom and teacher. When you attend a homeschool convention, you walk away, inspired, renewed and equipped to handle the year ahead. You will remember why you are homeschooling. You will reminded to focus on Christ, not your circumstances. To lean on Him, always, and He will guide you, sustain you, and nourish your soul! You will be equipped with practical hands on tools that will help through the day!  And yes, you will find excellent discounts in the vendor hall! Did I mention.. you will have the opportunity to meet some of your favorite homeschool people?

Were you able to attend your local homeschool convention? If not, I urge you, to find out the dates of your local convention next year and start saving and make plans to attend. Your family will not be sorry!  Even if you must travel to get to your nearest convention, it will be worth the effort and worth your journey!

Happy Homeschooling!!!

Life on Fast Forward

My blog has become very quiet, as my life, as become more busy! I have meant to sit down and blog for sometime now, but simply have not had the time. I know, it's summer, right? You would think it would be slowing down, but it hasn't quite yet for us!

Our family has been running double time  since about mid May!  You see, two of our sons graduated from High School this year. Our first set of High School Graduates!  And in Mid May our church held it's Annual Spring Banquet. This is what our church does every year for the high school students in our youth group as an alternative to prom. They all head down to the Disneyland Hotel, and have dinner, make memories and honor the graduating class. This year we had two... and two other high schoolers.. the whole family headed down to mark this occasion and I am so glad that we did!

Then just a few short weeks after that was one of the Great Homeschool Conventions here in Southern California. I had the privilege of working the booth and speaking on behalf of Growing Healthy Homes.  I just love homeschool conventions! Well I should actually say, I just love homeschoolers, so I love homeschool conventions. Thousands of families who have the same mind set on education! Oh, I could spend every day chatting with families!  It was also great fun meeting up with friends that I have made online, as well as, vendors that I have had the privilege of reviewing their products. And it was equally exciting to see members of our local homeschool group at the convention! (I am looking forward to another convention in a few weeks from now!)

Just one week after the homeschool convention we had our Homeschool Graduation! We celebrated the graduation of both the 8th graduates and 12th grade graduates. It was such a lovely time.  I am always challenged and encouraged by the words and scriptures that parents share with their children to either stay faithful during their final years of school, or, as it is in my case, as we launch them off into the world.



Things are beginning to slow down around our home.. well a little bit.  One of our high school graduates is currently working to help pay for his college bill next year.  Three of our children are off at Teen Camp with church this week.  And in a few short weeks, following the next homeschool convention, one of my sons is heading off to the Philippines on a church misions trip.

As we work each and everyday, I find comfort in this verse..
Luke 19:13, "...Occupy till is come."

We are busy occupying until He returns. And as we do, we give God all the glory! I am so thankful for the grace of God, that has allowed me to to teach my children for the last 12 years! We have 5 more years to go! I am thankful for God's enabling!  I know that if it weren't for God, our family would not be where we are today! He is faithful!

Praying for you and your family, praying for God's grace and God's enabling as you strive to live for Him, and to raise your family to bring glory to God!

The Genesis Code

Recently I had the opportunity to review a movie called 'The Genesis Code".
As a conservative Christian who believes in a young earth. I am a Creation apologist, and as such, I was excited to see that a movie was going to use science to prove the Genesis story, which I have already seen demonstrated in the past.

However, as I watched the movie, that is not what I found. This movie tried to use physics and the theory of time dilation to prove that both the view of young earth and an old earth can coexist based on your perspective... ie.. God's perspective or ours.

And that in the end, both were correct. While I am not a scientist, and I cannot go into all the reasons why I disagree with this, the one thing I know for sure, is that I disagree with what this movie is promoting, and therefore, I simply cannot endorse this film.

If you would like to read a more educated view and opinion of this movie, I looked up to see if the fine folks of Answers in Genesis had anything to say on the film, and fortunately they did. You can check out their thoughts here.

Cowgirls N' Angels

If you are looking for a film for the entire family, then look no further. Cowgirls N' Angels is a film that your entire family will enjoy, whether you have boys or girls, this will be a film that will keep their interest! And even mom and dad will enjoy this family friendly film! 


There are even some faces you will recognize in this film, such as, James Cromwell, Bailee Madison, Alicia Witt and Jackson Rathbone!  


Here is how the producers describe the movie....


Cowgirl's N' Angels is a heartwarming movie that tells the story of Ida, a feisty and rebellious young girls, who has dreams of finding her father, a rodeo rider.  While searching for her dad, she connects with the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a team of  young female rodeo riders run by former rodeo star Terence Parker.  Recognizing Ida's innate talent for trick riding, Terence recruits for her their ranks.  Accepted wholeheartedly by her new 'family', Ida finds a new passion that redefines her life, and may also help her find the father she's been searching for. 


What is the Creative Learners take?


This film has got a great story line, full of adventure, mystery and a rip roarin' good time! And all this with a great message.. and nothing that you have to shield your children's eyes from!  My 12 year old daughter thought it was wonderful!  She loved watching the horses, and the girls as they do tricks on the horses! She thought the movies was "Exciting!" and Fun!"


You will find yourself, laughing and cheering, and it you don't watch yourself. even crying.. just a wee bit! 


Check out Cowgirls N' Angels on Facebook  and you can catch the trailer below! 
Cowgirls N' Angels is in theaters now! 

Special Mothers: Omnipresent God

As a mothers of special needs children, I believe that we have come to realize that we depend on God every single day of our lives. For most of us, we rarely fall into the pattern of feeling self sufficient. Understanding that we wholly need Him to sustain us!

We also have the wonderful gift of seeing God in our children, both the children with special needs and our children without special needs. We see Him in their struggles and in their triumphs.

Our daily life requires a close walk with the Lord, for we are not able to carry the burden alone. If you are a Special Mother with a Special Children, check out my post today on CWAHM, called Special Mother's: Omnipresent God. 

A Plus TutorSoft - Pre Algebra - A Review

As you know, math is not a favorite subject around here. For me or my children. The main reason for that, is that I did not excel in math as a student, therefore I often struggle with feeling inadequate to teach them. My kids struggle with some of the same issues I did as a child as well.  When you add those together, it makes  a very difficult combination.

Because of both of these factors, I have been put on a journey to find math curriculum or products that will help me help my children. Today we are going to take a look at the program A Plus TutorSoft.

We have been using their CD program. (They also have books, and online programs) I have been very pleased with this program. It is complete, affordable and versatile.  When you purchase the CD program,  you are purchasing a complete math curriculum, with parental tracking, lesson plans, the math text, mutli-media lessons and interactive Q & A's, worksheets and exams (both with solutions guide) and progress reports!

What is the Creative Learners take on A Plus Tutor Soft?

We were using their Pre-Algebra Program with my daughter. She is a very reluctant learner, however, we were able to have her sit down and use this program.

The first few times we used the program, I sat down next to her. I did this for two purposes. One, for the purpose of review. I wanted to be able to see first hand how the program worked and how she worked with the program. Also, I wanted to be available in case she needed help or direction.  And then after a few lessons, I left her on her own to see how she would do, using this program independently.

We sat down together and started with the mutlimedia lessons. While we were sitting together she did very well. There were a few times that I needed to help reiterate something that was said, in order for her to understand. However, she would then be able to understand and proceed to the Interactive Q & A that would give her immediate feedback on whether she retained what she had just learned. She was able then to either go on or go back and relearn what we had just covered.  I found that when she used the program on her own, she needed to go back and revisit the information more than when I sat with her. However, I do not feel like that is due to any program failures. My daughter has a short attention span, and is easily distracted.  And without me sitting there, she was not always able to stay focused. However, this is typical of all of her studies.

However, with A Plus Tutor Soft, it was able to keep her interested, because it was interactive. She liked that the text was read to her. That helped her to listen and learn. I should also mention here that she has dyslexia, so we love the fact that the text is read to her! (The full curriculum book is also available on the CD. Your child can also read that on their own)  We also loved the fact that when she was stuck, she could listen to the text again, and in the end she would understand what was being taught. She also really enjoyed the Interactive Q & A. The Q&A section proved to be motivating for her to get through her work! That is a huge plus!

I have been very happy with A Plus Tutor Soft.  Another bonus to this program, is that you are able to use each level with more than one student. So if you have several kids in your family,  you will only need to purchase each level with your children.

You can currently purchase A Plus Tutor Soft starting at $79.99.

Passionate Parenting

Have you had a chance to visit CWAHM this week? My latest post is up and running!
This weeks article is called "Passionate Parenting".

I am sharing some of the key points from a teen parenting class we took at our church. I absolutely loved this class. Even now, I sit and go over the notes, reread the bible verse that were shared and spend time in prayer examining my parenting and asking the Lord to guide me each and every step of the way!

Whether you are in the middle of raising teens, or even have teens that are about to set out on their own, or if you have only wee ones under foot, the principles are relevant!

Head over to CWAHM and check out Passionate Parenting!  You can also find a list of all of my articles (3 to date) by visiting here.

The 5 Love Languages of Children - Review and Giveaway!

Have you ever wondered why you are not connecting with your child. You are spending time with them, taking them places, and telling them that you love them every day.. and yet, something  just seems to be a little off.

Then this handy book, The 5 Love languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell is the book for you!  You might be familiar with the original 5 Love Languages book, this edition of the 5 Love Languages helps parents to know how to translate those love languages into their relationship with their children.

When I first picked up this book, I was not sure if it was going to be a book that would apply to me or not. The title left me feeling like it was going to simply be about the parent/(young) child relationship.  This is not the case. Throughout the book, your are given examples of how each Love language applies to the various developmental stages, all the way up to teenagers!  This was a real blessing to me. I knew that I would get quite a lot out of the book simply, because of the content. I am very thankful, however, that I did not need to modify what I was learning to fit teenagers! The authors thought of that, and covered all age groups!

The first part of this book, focuses on explaining to you the Love Languages and how you as the parent can learn how to discern, perhaps, behavior patterns that you are seeing and what they mean.

However, for me the most useful part of the book, was the back 1/3 of the book, where the book looked at "Discipline and the Love Languages, Learning and the Love Languages, Anger and Love, Speaking the Love Languages in Single Parent Families/Marriage and finally the "What Might Still be Ahead" and "More Help for Parents" sections.  Once you have read the first 2/3'rds of the book, you will have full understanding of the 5 Love Languages. The back portion of the book, serves as  'where the rubber meets the road', giving you some real practical help!

When you visit the 5 Love Languages website, you will see that they have a FREE Study Guide to go along with this wonderful book!

No matter the age of your children, no matter the circumstances in your home, I recommend that you pick up  this book! It will help to knit your heart to your child's  heart, which will ultimately grow them closer to the Lord.

If you have small children, you are going to want to check out my review for The Perfect Pet for Peyton, where the 5 Love Languages are introduced to children. You can also follow Gary Chapman on Twitter, and Facebook.

I am excited to announce that I have been given the opportunity to give one (1) copy of The Five Love Languages of Children away. Please take a moment to enter to giveaway below!

Homeschooling: A Journey Worth Taking!

I will be graduating my first set of high school graduates this June. With that comes many trips down memory lane!  Here is a little something, that expresses my true sentiments...

Homeschooling.. it really is A Journey Worth Taking!!!

Happy Homeschooling my friends.. enjoy every minute... it goes by way too fast!

FREE Missions Trip To Italy!!!

How does that sound?  Well,  you could have a chance to win just that, by visiting Homeschool Mosaics. We are hosting our first monthly giveaway at Homeschool Mosaics, and we have a WHOPPER of a prize! Landry Academy is sponsoring this amazing giveaway.

 I suggest, that you stop reading this post and hop on over to Homeschool Mosaics now.. to learn more about all that is included with this prize. I will tell you that it is a 12 day trip!! Now go and enter for your chance to WIN!!!

Wordless Wednesdays - Youth Conference

Today was the beginning of the most anticipated of the school year, to date, for my kids! 

It's the WCBC Youth Conference! 

Praying for them.... can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for them..

This is a photo from day one.. 2300 teenagers all excited and having a great time listening to God's Word! 

The Homeschool Mom's Multiple Personalities

There is a new website that has taken the Homeschool Community by storm! it is Homeschool Mosaics!  Have you had a chance to check it out yet?  We had our official launch on April 2nd. We opened up with a rip, roaring good time at our Facebook Party! 

The site opened up with a month's worth of articles all about homeschooling! We have gathered 25 pretty awesome homeschool mom's, who each tackle homeschooling from a different perspective! I am honored and humbled to be a part of this amazing group of ladies! 

  

So, what is my column?  Yep, you guessed it, The Homeschool Mom's Multiple Personalities!  Are you a homeschool mom who struggles to balance all that is on your plate? Well, then this column is for you! 

I must admit, today was one of those days, that I really could tell that I had a lot on my plate. I was really thankful that this week, the kids were on spring break.. which allowed me to focus on some of my other work!  

Join me over at Homeschool Mosaics, as we look at the many roles Homeschool Mom's Play! Who are you today? 

Homeschooling - Nurturing the Entrepreneur

One of the awesome aspects of homeschooling, is that fact that our children can come up with their own home businesses.  As we see their passion grow in particular areas, we can help them turn their passion into an entrepreneurial adventure. 

Carol Topp has some wonderful books that are geared for the teenager who is interested in starting a business. You can find them here. 

My boys have come up with their own business,  it is a business is of making videos. I have put a few here in this post, along with further links at the bottom of the page. 

These videos are great for graduation videos, party favors, advertising and much more! 

This one is from their Summer Birthday Bash!

This one was made for my business. 

Here is a video that they made for a fundraiser - Every Right to a Beautiful Life - Team Miranda Sarah

This one is about our local homeschool group - C.H.E.A.V.  A Family of Homeschoolers. 

You can visit their Facebook Page and send them a message if you are interested in pricing. 

Not on facebook? You can leave a comment below and I will pass it along to them. 

What I love about their business, is it is fun, and it matches their personalities! What are you children creating? Can they turn that into a home business? 

Finding Your Way!

My column on CWAHM posted today! Have you had a chance to check it out.

This edition of my bi-weekly column is talking about Homeschooling Special Needs Kids.

Are you homeschooling a special needs student?  While homeschooling in of itself is challenging, add in special needs, and you have a very rocky road.  I hope that by sharing some of the lessons I have learned after homeschooling my special needs children for the last 12 years, you will find some practical tips and encouragement.

Check out my post on CWAHM and learn more about Homeschooling your Special Needs child.

If you have specific questions you would like me to address on my CHWAM column, post them here!

Wordless Wednesdays - Why I love Homeschooling

5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....Lift Off!!!

I cannot tell you the excitement I feel right now about our new website Homeschool Mosaics. Today is launch day, the website is officially up and running! Tonight is the HUGE Launch Party with over 60 sponsors hosting giveaways, just for you!!!

Homeschool Mosaics, is a place for you to find a new article everyday of the month to encourage you in your homeschool journey. We have assembled 25 ladies to share about homeschooling, from their unique perspective.  You will find homeschool how to's, you will find encouragement, you will learn about homeschooling methods, budget homeschooling and much much more!

Visit the site today, and you will find a month's worth of amazing articles, just waiting for you to read! And then visit the site each and everyday to find the encouragement you need as you travel down this journey called Homeschooling!

Don't forget to join us for the Launch Party Tonight! We are going to have a 'Blast'  and can't wait to share it with you!

GrapeVine Studies - The Resurrection

GrapeVine Studies have become my favorite bible study curriculum resource.
Recently our family had the opportunity to use The Resurrection bible study from GrapeVine Studies. And once again, we were not disappointed.

Before I get into this particular study, I would like to talk to you a little bit about the premise of GrapeVine Studies, and their bible studies. You can read about the first time I used GrapeVine Studies in my first review for them.

One of my favorite aspects of the GrapeVine Studies is that it makes studying the bible interactive. My family is a hands on kind of family, so this is a big deal for us. But even if your family does not need to be hands on, what I have come to learn is that everyone learns better, when we use different modalities to help concrete what we are learning.

GrapeVine Studies first takes a look at the big picture, giving your student a road map of where they will be going in the study before them. Then the big picture is broken up into the little details of the stories.You and your student will be able to spend time discussing, stick figuring, and for your older students they will be looking up terms in a bible dictionary or concordance. This is one of the aspects that I really love about these studies. You have the ability to teach all of your children, no matter their age at the same time. It is a wonderful study for the entire family. My high school students can do this study with added research and assignments, along with my  middle school student. And I must tell you.. they all still enjoy to draw!

 This study covers the events from the last supper to the ascension of Jesus Christ.  The lessons include The Last Supper, The Six Trials of Jesus Christ, The Cruxifiction, Jesus' Death and Burial, The Resurrection and The Ascension. It is a wonderful resource for your family to use with Resurrection Sunday coming up. This wonderful resource would be such a helpful resource to help your family have a deeper understanding of the sacrifice our Savior made for us.

In addition to a wonderful homeschool curriculum, these studies would be a wonderful resource for a family devotion materials.

These bible studies are very affordable (prices start at $8.95), and high quality. The Resurrection bible study is available in Beginner, which is for ages 5-7 and Multi-Level 7 and up.  I also would like to reiterate, that while the Multi-Level is for ages 7 and up, you really can use these studies for all ages. If you have a large family, this is a wonderful option for you, and allows you to teach all of your children at the same time. Also, if you have teenagers, that seem to not connect during bible studies, these bible studies will really help them to bring them into the study in a way that I have seen no other study have the ability to.

You can visit GrapeVine Studies for FREE Sample Lessons!

A Perfect Pet for Peyton

The wonderfully imaginative children's hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four - color illustrations (with hidden details) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love.  Based on Gary's highly successful book The 5 Love Languages, The Perfect Pet for Peyton tells a playful an entertaining story of 5 children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language.  Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle as they spend precious time together reading this book over and over again. 


The Creative Learners Take:


We love it!  My children are a little old for this book, however, my 12 year old and I did sit down with this book together, and read this story together. We enjoyed this sweet story. 


We follow a set of twins on their birthday, as they head off to their birthday party at the Perfect Pet Pal Emporium with their friends, where each of them, will not only have a fabulous time at the party, additionally, they will each go home with their perfect pet pal! 


As they spend their time at the emporium, the children interact with each other, and with the animals. Towards the end of the party, Mr. Chapman, explained to the children how each of us have a love language that we prefer. As Mr. Chapman worked with each of the children, he showed us, and the children what their preferred love language is, and match them with the perfect pet pal. 


Peyton, was unsure if there was a perfect pet pal for him, in the end, he was so pleased to find that there was! 


In addition, the book is beautifully illustrated! Throughout the book the children are encouraged to find hidden pictures, which really adds a fun and interactive element to the book. At the very back of the book, there is a Love Language Quiz that will help you child discover what their own Love Language! 


You can learn more about A Perfect Pet for Peyton at their website and more about all the Love Languages products by visiting here. 


You can even follow Gary Chapman on Facebook and Twitter. 


A Perfect Pet for Peyton is available at several booksellers, visit the  5 Love Languages website for a list of retailers. 

Now here is some really exciting news

I have one (1) copy of A Perfect Pet for Peyton to giveaway! Enter today! 

CWAHM - My First Post

My first post on CWAHM.com (Christian Working at Home Mom) posted today!
I will be posting every other Friday, with alternating topics.

This weeks topic is on having a Christ centered home and homeschool. Each post will share practical tips on how you can keep Christ the center of your home and your life.

On the alternating weeks I will be looking at Special Needs Home Education. I have educated several children with varying degrees of learning issues. My hope is that this column will share practical tools, as well as, some inspiration for the journey.

Won't you stop by and check out my first post?

Hope to see you there!