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Month: December 2007

Curriculum Planning

I’m going to stay with my 4 P’s: to pray, to ponder, peruse and plan. I tend to do that same thing each year- so why does the appearance of what we do always change? Because learning at home adventure is not static- because one size does not fit all, because each of my children are unique in their needs and interests, passions and gifts.

The 4 P’s

When planning the curriculum for each child, I have learned that the best way for me is [what I call] the 4 P’s: to pray, to ponder, peruse and plan. I tend to do that same thing each year- so why does the appearance of what we do always change? Because learning at home adventure is not static- because one size does not fit all, because each of my children are unique in their needs and interests, passions and gifts.

A few years ago, I loosely planned out the years for each of the children until they are 16years old. It was a very loose plan with lots of room for delights, interests and purposes. I then broke that down into the various years. Oh, this took a real weight off my shoulders! It is only a rough plan. It is very loose and fluid and can be modified and manipulated as needs either change or become apparent. We still use Real Life as much of our curriculum as we can. It is a great teacher and facilitator!

The 4P’s in More Detail

Pray

We need to prayerfully consider what we need to teach our children and what we need to put before them. I know that I have had to let go of many of my plans, my ideals in order to truly see the needs of each child. I have to let go and ask myself what I want my child to know and why I want them to learn it. (And for WHOSE glory or purpose?) Then after that, if I still have the go-ahead, I can look at the when, where and how to go about it.

Commit your homeschool plans to God. He cares! He has a plan and a purpose for you and for each of your children. So it makes sense to consult Him and find out what He wants.

Ponder

If you have time and inclination, now is a good time to undertake your own little bit of study and research the history of education. This will help you to see the why, where and how of education, thus allowing you to develop your own scope and sequence for each child. Do you know that each child has their own built-in scope and sequence? Yes, as much as ‘reformed schoolies‘ (people like me who were educated in the school system) have brought their children home to escape the cookie-cutter mentality, we can sometimes skip back into it by blindly accepting other people’s advice and knowledge. Do you follow a book or methodology for your scope and sequence? If so , why? Have you ever really looked at why you do what you do? If not, now is a good time to do so…all the while having a mind of ceaseless prayer. (I’m not saying it is wrong to follow another scope and sequence only that you should know why you do what you do).

Recognise and accept that there will never be a perfect curriculum, a perfect schedule or a perfect routine. Thus, there will probably never be a perfect homeschool year! Observe your child.

There are many things to consider when pondering the curriculum needs of your child. Here are a few that might help you:

  • Is the child able to be self governed?
  • How are their organisation skills?
  • Life skills?
  • Relationship skills?
  • Character maturity?
  • Academic skills and ability?
  • Spiritual, emotional, mental and physical development?
  • What are their primary learning styles? (Auditory, Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners, Visual Learners)
  • What is your primary teaching style? (workbooks, discussion, hands-on, minimal or maximum involvement?)
  • How do they prefer to express themselves within the learning process?

Peruse and Purchase

Now it’s time to ask questions, read reviews, look at websites and as much curricula as you feel necessary, according to your answers above. You may want to consider curriculum and resources that fit in with the answers above (this will be an individual process for each child.) Here are some questions you might like to consider while looking at each resource:

  • Grade level designed for:
  • Approximate price:
  • Illustrations
  • Copyright information
  • Consider resale value
  • Teaching Approach and Learning Style

and further:

  • Do I really need a curriculum to teach this subject?
  • Is the course content and worldview presented that which fits our goals?
  • Religious, secular, or multi-use, amount of religion in each subject.
  • Is the approach (mastery, spiral, unit study, hands on) appropriate?
  • Is it consumable, workbook, software, hardcover, softcover, spiral?
  • Teacher’s guide/key necessary or not? Tests available? Necessary?
  • Is it teacher led or done independently by the student?
  • How much teacher preparation is involved?
  • How complicated is it to use?
  • What attracts me to this curriculum? Content? Usability? Packaging?
  • Have I read various reviews on it? Positive and not-so-positive reports?
  • Does the nature of it appeal to my child?

Remember that the curriculum is just a tool. You are the best teacher for your child- not a curriculum package. It is a tool, a device, a helper to assist you in the teaching of your child.

Planning

After praying, pondering and now perusing, you will probably have made your purchases. The next step is planning. Schedules on paper can look good but often aren’t flexible or reasonable enough to work for many homeschooling families. They may look good in that “Teacher Planning Binder” but ask yourself if that is what your goal is…or is it something more?

I am good at planning and making schedules. I am not good at seeing them through! After years of making elaborate plans and beautiful schedules (on paper) I slowly started to see that I was expecting too much ‘busy-work’ from the children…that I was either copying other people’s family ways or trying to emulate what I knew (in school). Neither was working for us! I was also expecting way too much from them! It wasn’t until I recognised, accepted and embraced the notion of *seasons* that homeschooling became less tedious and more joyous. I now had time and energy to do the things that I wanted to do – real life learning-at-home, movies and discussions, Bible study, etc as I wasn’t covering the same old ground year after year.

Nowadays, my plans are very loose and flexible, which allows for real life. It also allows for us to be spontaneous and take advantage of every learning opportunity that arises.

One year, a Monet Exhibition was touring Australia and they were at the Art Gallery in our city. I was able to plan a mini unit on Claude Monet so that the children were familiar with his works when we went to the gallery to see the real life works. I’ve also incorporated mini units (which often means nothing more than reading a good book, watching a movie or documentary and discussing it) on Australian Studies, Current Events, World History, Geography, Science topics and births, deaths, funerals, and other real life topics.

I’ve also learned that it is easier to keep records of what we have done, rather than what we plan to do. Although it sounds obvious it did take me awhile to really figure it out though. Yes, it is far easier to simply and quickly record the day’s learning opportunities into a lined exercise book than look back over a years worth of plans to remember what we did and didn’t do.

Over planning also contributed to making me feel like a failure. Term after term, year after year I failed to achieve my plan. I would be motivated and inspired in the new year, compose a new plan and off I’d go- until the next real life out-of-my-control circumstance hit me and then I’d go down in a heap again. I like to aim high, but the goal must also be achievable, and reasonable and flexible.

Start with the End in Mind

What do I want to have covered with my children by the time they are 18? Pencil in the basic skills and possible resources and work backwards from there.

I now do not expect each child to do World History studies in 4 year rotational cycles. Oh it might look good (in that Teacher Binder) at the end of their formal education at home but is it necessary?  Why study history? To learn about the story of God’s people and see His plan and purpose throughout mankind. So then, how should I study? When should this be studied? And what resources should we use? I have found that providing regular access to very good books and movies and doing some informal thematic studies throughout the year do as much toward teaching my younger children the scope of world history than following a full 4 year course! (See our scope and sequence for studying history in our home) The same can be said for teaching grammar. Why teach it? Does it need to be taught in a spiral manner (touching on a little bit every year) or can it be grasped by copywork/dictation, exposure to fine literature, and a solid focus time when the children are a little older? I have found that to be true! So, I don’t teach much grammar in the early-middle years!

We don’t learn about some topics all year round. It just doesn’t flow for us! For instance, I have difficulty trying to do Australian and world history at the concurrently. So why should I? I can take time off from studying world history to spend on Australian studies. That’s fine. So why can’t I do the same with other subject areas? Well, we do! My science-loving son doesn’t study science all year round. I will give him focussed times of learning about science, and when he has completed that course of study, we put science on the back-burner and focus on other topics. Of course, we still continue to learn about science all the time, but not in a formal way- in ways that incorporated into our life.

Not every page in every book needs to be read or covered- if using traditional workbooks then much of it is repetitive. Look over it and see what your child needs to cover- don’t just hand them the book and tell them to do it.

I try to put a smorgasbord of worthwhile, beautiful and noble things before my children, especially in the younger-upper elementary years. I want to give them a taste of a wide variety of things. By the time they are a little older, I have, hopefully, been able to discern their interests, gifts and passions so I won’t require their focussed attention on an area that is not in line with their interest. This doesn’t mean that I put it away all together though! For instance, my eldest daughter, never really like art or picture study. She liked going to the Art Gallery but that was because she thought we might go to Macca’s afterward! She is also not accomplished at playing an instrument, but that never stopped me from exposing her to fine music and art. I continued to do so but in a gentle, discreet way. I did not require her to do these subjects as part of her homeschool study. However. that little girl has grown to be a 17yo young lady who likes modern opera, classical music, various styles of art and a range of other fine arts. I would never have thought so! But being an accomplished musician or artist is not the same as being able to respect and appreciate the finer, beautiful things in life.

So, while the children are young expose them to a wide variety of good and noble topics. Let them linger over them for awhile, soaking in the beauty, all the while studying it, although unbeknownst to them. As they mature if they show an interest or an aptitude for that area then by all means go back over the ‘pray, ponder and peruse‘ stages to facilitate their further learning. If they don’t show an interest in it, don’t stress. Not everyone can be a musician or a sculptor. But continue to expose them to these fine arts, in a gentle way. The best way is to do these things as a family. Don’t force them to listen to music- take them to a production or a musical!

Enjoy life with your children!

Scheduling

There are many ways to plan- break the book into term sections, then by month and then by weeks then by days. Voila! You can split the year into semesters, or terms…even then in a 10 week term you can do a focussed course for 5 weeks and then another course for the remaining 5 weeks of a term. Many homeshcoolers don’t follow a 4 term, 10 week on/2 week off pattern. It just doesn’t fit with a full time homeschooling family in many instances. Look at your own life,:see the patterns and rhythms to your family year. What do you think will work for you? Experiment with it. Try 4-5 weeks on and 1 week off or 5 weeks. Maybe go for 10 weeks but aim for 4 days of formal academics! (we aim to do formal lessons 4 days per week)

This is your family, this is your life, and this is your schedule. Use your schedule as your tool and always be on the watch so that you don’t skip into the bad habit of becoming a slave to the schedule. That is one sure way to kill of a spark of curiosity and dampen a love of learning. It’s more important that you spend time with your children than making plans that may or may not eventuate.

On the hard days, the bad days, go back to your goal and focus on that. Be prepared to just throw the books in for the day and concentrate on the most important thing. It is worth it! If your goal is to instil a love of learning in your child, then making him do every page in every book, every day of the week is probably not going to help you attain your goal. Learn to look outside the box and see real life as learning. Look for ways to turn everyday activities into learning opportunities.

Focus on your priority goals and be surprised at results. Every lesson that you learn along the way should be shared with your children. They will learn along with you, and these life lessons are the most important. This allows for births, deaths, marriages and all those other real life circumstances that will interfere with your lovely homeschool plans! But, they are most important- for they are real. Know your goals. Know your limitations. Know that God is in control.

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.< /br>
By Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

Geography the HomeGrownKids Way

I’ve found that much of our history and science study also ties in with the study of geography.

We have a rather relaxed approach to geography. (No surprises there eh?) Firstly, we learn about people in other lands. And then we learn about man’s discovery of that world and that of discovery of the new lands. Children love to trace maps and the early years can be a great time to start this. We have often placed a plastic sheet as a tablecloth over our table and we put either a large wall map of Australia, the World or the country that we are studying under it. We still have this now, in our study area. The children have learned heaps from it.

We have enjoyed a few books like, “Exploring the World Around Us” and “Planet Earth” both by John Tiner. Often biographies teach us a lot about different cultures. Sonlight Core 5 is excellent as a launchpad for a study of Eastern hemisphere countries…as are the Evan-Moor guides. Each of my children will do a continent/major country thematic study before they finish their formal education at home.

Around the World in 180 Days” by Sherri Payne is a multi-age, research based unit study which studies the world by continent.

A friend, Ruth, (who has a wonderful site) has a plan for the study of geography.

We started a new unit with geography using a book called, “Trail Guide to World Geography“. We also have and use “The Ultimate Timeline and World Geography Guide“, which is an excellent resource! I’m also reading to the children from a book called, “Global Geography” by M. Finkelstein while the children do notebooking and mapping activities to add to their geography binder. Runkle Geography is another excellent resource, which we haven’t gotten around to using yet. Gosh, a homeschool mum can’t do everything!!! 😉
We’ve also read “A Child’s Geography” by V.M. Hillyer but my children have enjoyed a homeschooler’s fresh writing on the subject. Another good book is called “A Book of Marvels” by Richard Halliburton. The boys enjoy that!

Anne is writing “A Living Geography Online for Children – and God’s Glory” and the first few chapters are available on her blog. If you like what you see, email her and she will send you the remaining chapters via email. Truly wonderful!
My children, especially the boys have learned a lot from various well written books such as the series written by Willard Price. Great source of geography, nature study, character, adventure and science wrapped up in a fairly easy-to-read, enthralling mystery for boys.

There are always so many resources – too many to choose from. If I could have my time over again, I’d evaluate the resources carefully, assess the needs of my children, articulate exactly what I want the children to know and then make a purchase. In hindsight I have done too much of many things and not much of it in depth. But, I live and learn.

line of books

 

 

History – Scope and Sequence

homeschooling_simplysusan1

HomeGrownKid’s Scope & Sequence for World History

Birth to age 9 ( birth -G4)
Old Testament History (Egypt, Israel, Mesopotamia) then Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, Middle Ages, Reformation & Renaissance, …. with read-a-louds. Use the Bible and Bible stories and easy (but not twaddle) biographies, fiction, and use drama, drawing, colouring in and other hands-on activities. Learn the basics of the different cultures. Use booklist from Heart of Wisdom.

Age 10-13 or (G5 – G8)
Review the same cycle but in greater depth. Discuss the possible world-views of people groups and major characters.
Use the Bible, stories and related works, deeper biographies, historical fiction, plays etc not necessarily in chronological order – the time-line or Book of Centuries will tie things in for the student. Books like “Kingfisher Illustrated History of the World” or the “Usborne World history” books are always a hit! Use the booklist from Heart of Wisdom.

Age 14 through 17-18 or (G9 – 12)
Time to tie things all together using a chronological and narrative approach. Possible books to use would be:

  • “Picturesque Tale of Progress” by Olive Beaupre Miller,
  • “A Brief Story of the World” by Niver,
  • “Streams of Civilisation”,
  • “Western Civilisation” by J. Spielvogel
  • Diana Waring Guides
  • Sonlight History Core
  • “TruthQuest History Guides” or
  • “Exploring World History” by Ray Notgrass.
  • Consider biographies, historical fiction and primary sources. Pay particular attention to discussing thoughts and ideas, updating the time-line or Book of Centuries. Tie all studies in with a Book of Centuries (Timeline), good books, and a Kingfisher or Usborne type History Encyclopedia. Use the booklist from Heart of Wisdom.

 

 

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Music and Art the HomeGrownKids Way

(originally written in 2003)

Music

We enjoy all styles of music from Colin Buchanan to Tchaikovsky, from Charlotte Church (Voice of an Angel) to the Military Bagpipes. We have studied Beethoven, Handel, and Mozart; Hymns, Choruses, Folk Songs, and all other forms of music. We have used book by Ann Rachlin, “The Famous Children” series and the “World Greatest Composer’s” by Mike Venezia. I use “Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers” by Patrick Kavanaugh.

Music links to help with your music appreciation lessons:

peaceline1

Art

We have learned about some artists such as, Albrecht Durer, Mary Cassatt, Caravaggio and Albert Namitjirra and also enjoyed doing some picture studies by various artists.

Art links to help with your art appreciation lessons:

peaceline1

Colouring Pages

There are so many colouring books to be found online that I’d be here all day trying to list them. Usually a google search will find you what you need. See also:

peaceline1

**I take no responsibility for the content on any pages that are linked from this site. At the time of publishing, all links are correct and *family-safe* but due to the ever changing nature of the Internet, I cannot guarantee that they remain that way. Parents should always supervise their children’s Internet viewing.

Are You Too Busy?

clipped from www.oldtruth.com

Perhaps the greatest danger confronting the Church and Christian people today, is that instead of realizing that the supreme need of the moment is this knowledge of the love of Christ, we spend our time and energy in organizing activities. We have made of activity an end in itself. We say we must be ‘getting busy’. And in a carnal manner we are attempting to do God’s work. But how little happens! It is not surprising. We are forgetting the true motive and the energizing power. We should not work as Christians simply because it is good and right for Christians to work. The motive is all-important. We must work because of the love of Christ. We must not work because we decide to do so or because we are told that now we are converted we must ‘get busy’.

blog it

I was reading the blog post over at OldTruth when this passage hit me. I would say this is not only true for the Church but for us, as homeschooling parents, mothers.

Perhaps the greatest danger confronting Christian homeschooling parents today is that instead of realising that the supreme need of the moment is this knowledge of the love of Christ, we spend our time in organising activities. I know I have been guilty of this at times.

We can make activity an end in itself. We purport this myth that we ‘must be busy’ and in a carnal manner we are attempting to do God’s work. But we struggle. We don’t seem to progress anywhere, which is not surprising. we can forget the true motive of why we decided to teach our children at home. We should not homeschool or spend time with our children just because it is good and right but because the love of Christ compels us.

Oh we can be so busy, rushing here and there, organising one activity after another, loading ourselves and our children up with a hectic academic schedule when sometimes we need to rekindle our first love- Jesus Christ. Take time to slow down and spend time in God’s word…letting it soak into your heart and mind. As the New Year approaches and many of us are busy planning the children’s curricula and schedules, don’t forget the most important thing – don’t do it FOR Christ…rather focus on Him and His glory, His majesty, His grace and let the rest fall into place.

Prodigal Children

I’ve been reading a good book called Gods and Kings by Lynn Austin. I have really enjoyed book one and am looking forward to the next books in the Chronicles of the Kings series.

Following the lives and legacies of King Hezekiah and his son Manasseh, this series takes readers through the history, drama and promises of the Old Testament. Embracing God’s law, following God’s will, and growing in faith is easier said than done for the father and son.

1. Gods and Kings
2. Song of Redemption
3. The Strength of His Hand
4. Faith of My Fathers
5. Among the Gods

I have to admit to not knowing an awful lot about this period in biblical history. But I have been digging deeply into my Bible and encyclopedia’s in an effort to make connections. Many things have touched me and spoken to me but something has been nagging at me…do you ever get those times when a thought just nags at you? When you think about it often for days or weeks? This is how it is with me at the moment. My pondering relates to the efforts of child raising and prodigal children. You may remember my previous posts about this. If not, feel free to look at the related posts at the end of this post. I’m just going to ramble here as this is where I process my thoughts. I don’t claim or pretend to have all my ‘ducks in a row’ or know what I’m talking about…I’m pondering. I know that there will be people who disagree with my train of thought…and I’m not looking to justify anything..however I can’t help but ask the question…(which I’ll get to in a minute)

Ps 27

I’m looking at the lives of three kings: Ahaz, Hezekiah and Manasseh.

Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
2 Kings 16:2

In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was ‘Miss A’ jah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.
2 Kings 18:1-3

Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done.
2 Kings 21:1-3

Many times we want ‘The Formula‘ for parenting yet it would seem to that there are no guarantees with our children. Ahaz did evil in the eyes of the Lord yet his son, Hezekiah did right in God’s eyes. Then again, Hezekiah’s own son who was raised knowing and obeying God’s ways went on to be king and do evil in the eyes of the Lord? How can this be? If Hezekiah followed the formula, then how did his own son turn out to rebel against God? How did Hezekiah come to follow God’s way and do right in the Lord’s eyes yet not have a Godly father? Hmmm, I know that I was not raised as a Christian. Far from it! Yet God had my name in His book! He called me and drew me to His sovereign and gracious self. He redeemed me! Despite my upbringing. He is THAT big!

Oh I know we all want that guarantee- that if we do A,B and C then everything will turn out okay. Controlled crying, attachment parenting, bottle feeding, TV or no TV, homeschool or school, whole foods or not, dresses only or not, workbooks or natural learning…ahh what’s a parent to do? If we base our lives on a methodology then we do need to be sure that we get it all right…that all our i’s are dotted and our t’s crossed. But what if it still doesn’t work? What if we know that methodology isn’t the right way? Then, we’re in a good place, I believe! For it is then, that we can be truly dependent upon Him for His grace, His power, His strength…that He may work in our lives and in the lives of our children.

I don’t want to read things in the Scriptures that aren’t there but this seems obvious to me. This seems to be glowing like a neon sign- “not your way but lean on Him“. So, what I will take from all this is that I will still try to live my life as pleasing to the Lord…letting my love and faith be evident. I will continue to point my children to Jesus Christ and His ways. In other words, I will continue to try and ‘walk the walk’ and not just talk the talk. Then, I will relax in the knowledge that God is in charge of the results, not me. He will do the calling and the drawing, in just the right time.

How about you? Do you come from a childhood home that was spiritually weak or strong? Did your parent’s faith directly influence yours in any way? I love hearing from you

Spontaneous lessons

I asked the boys to set up my speakers on a different computer today. with John home on holidays, has has moved my laptop into his study so that we could be together. Isn’t that sweet? 😎 However, while cleaning the home school study today, I wanted to listen to Paul Potts but needed my speakers connected to the girls computer. I am actually quite computer illiterate and haven’t a clue what to do so I asked my boys to help.

The boys are usually most willing helpers at any time but especially with computer or technical type gadgetry related issues. I think it makes them feel good to be able to do things that I can’t. However, John was ‘helping‘ ‘Master C’ to do it. In other words, he was leaning over ‘Master C’ , trying to rip the cords from his hands and completely take over the job! I gently suggested that they learn to cooperate…no response. I gently suggested that they learn to work it out – fast!

I went on with cleaning. ‘Miss A’ was cleaning the kitchen and I started talking to her about a Christian’s way of not provoking one another anger or exasperating one another, about preferring one another in love. I quickly realised that she has heard it all before. Not to say she can’t do with hearing it again but I should have been talking to the boys, not to her!

So, I asked the boys to stop what they were doing and I called them to the kitchen table to sit with me awhile. I explained my thoughts to them and then asked them for their thoughts on the matters I raised. We then got to talking about teaching each other and how that needs humility. I mentioned that I taught and gave opportunity to both ‘Miss A’ and ‘Miss R’ to teach and that next year, I shall put that on my planner. 😉 I need to teach John how to teach in love, in humility…that a teacher is not a dictatorial boss but a servant. I need to teach him those basics of communication…that once he knows what he wants to say and who he wants to say it to, he needs to think of how it will be received…for that is the mark of a teacher. (Uh oh, I feel another 5 W’s and a H lesson coming on. 😉 ) But more than just being the mark of a teacher, it is important and basic communication skills necessary for life.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

This morning’s life skill lesson took about 15 min, although it will now be an ongoing process of modeling (living by example), teaching and learning that I will be able to build upon. Today’s valuable lesson took all of 15min on a Saturday morning. There were no worksheets, tests, cut-outs, activity sheets nor any pop quizzes. There were no teacher planning notes or preparation needed. What was needed? A willing heart! A serving heart. A selfless heart. A willingness to stop my own activity and minister to the needs of my child, in love. A willingness to be proactive rather than reactive, for it is easier to deal with these things either before they rear their head or as it comes about naturally rather than leave it and have an ugly mess to deal with. It is simply living life with my children, according to Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

How thankful I am for these daily opportunities to minister to my children. Am I willing to stop the dishes or put down those teacher notes (or stop writing that blog post? 😯 ) and address my child’s need right at this moment? Do I remember that these lessons to be learned are far greater than knowing about Zeus or the Spartans or even the orbit of the earth? Each and every day that I am with my children is a precious gift…Lord, help me make the most of the time. Help me Lord, to treasure it, to guard it jealously.

What is most important? To teach my children about real life and the Creator of it all. If my child is not tending to his lessons and is being easily distracted, I’ll try to stop- observe him for awhile. The distractibility is simply often a sign that something needs to be addressed. Maybe he needs shorter lessons, different material or a different presentation of that material. Maybe he needs to have his attention span lengthened. Maybe he needs his emotional tank filled…there are so many things it could be. Stop, watch him, ask him how he feels, listen to him and then talk with him. And above all, pray for guidance. This is what I often do, but not always. It’s what I want to do more often.

When my girls fight or argue, the quickest and easiest thing to do is for me to speak sternly and tell them to stop it! But does it address the root of the issue? Oh, I need to remind myself not to be too quick to get back to those lesson plans or schedules for the matters of the heart do not follow a timetable. Sometimes…many times, I need to stop, watch, ask, listen and talk and above all, pray. Then after prayer, a similar process needs to occur: pray, stop, watch, listen.

Tomorrow or the next day, will I be willing to put aside my hustle and bustle to truly minister to the needs of my children?

Dreamworld Narration

John has given me permission to share his narration of our trip to Dreamworld. At the time of writing, John was 12 years old and has had no to little formal writing instruction, although he is quite widely read for his age. I have left it complete with grammar and spelling errors but I have removed the names of the friends that accompanied us, for their privacy.

(Be warned…this is long although you won’t see me complain! 😉 He enjoys writing, which is good. It means I have something to work with. As yet, we have not gone over this writing and edited it…it was more of a freewrite than a formal exercise. He makes a common mistake, just like me, in that he changes tenses.)

DreamWorld
28th October, 2007.

Yesterday, the 28’th of October, 2007, we went to DreamWorld. Today, the 29’th, I’ll tell you about it.

We woke up, got ready, and piled the Esky into the car. We get in our seats. Dad turns the keys. The tension builds up! Dad turns the keys a bit more, and the car doesn’t start. So, Dad and Mum went to buy jumper leads. We rolled the Van down the driveway, then the Ford, and we connected the batteries together. Then, Dad turned on the car and it starts. Finally, after forty minutes, we start moving. We stopped of at a petrol station, fueled up, and set off again. We stopped at the Heston’s house, picked up Nathan and Lauren, and we set off for DreamWorld. The seating places were simple. Girls in the front-back, boys in the back-back. In a van, you have three sets of chairs. We call the front ones the “front”, the middle ones the “front-back”, and the back ones the “back-back”.

We got to DreamWorld uneventfully, and parked in a lone park somewhere near the gates. We got out, walked up to the gates and prepared ourselves for the lineup that was sure to come. And it did come. After fifteen minutes, we got into DreamWorld, and we split into three groups. ‘Master C’ , Mum and Dad together. ‘Miss A’ N and L together, and Beck and myself (that’s John, by the way) together. Beck and myself traveled to the Giant Drop, where we waited in-line for ten or so minutes before we got on. On the Giant Drop, you travel 120 metres at a slow rate, and then you wait for around two minutes. After those two minutes have past, hold on tight. You plummet to the ground super fast – fast enough to leave your stomach at the top, anyway – and scream till your mouth bursts from the pain of having it open to long. After falling for around thirty seconds, it suddenly slows down and then you’re at land again. You walk off feeling pale and scared, then you go toward a gift shop to see your silly picture of you holding on to the rails for dear life. Now that it is over, you laugh at your picture. You weren’t laughing when you came down, I would like to guess! At the gift shop, you can either print your photo or just look at the silly faces you and your chair mates were bound to make. This ride is fun when it’s over, fun while it is at the top, but not fun while going down. Going on this ride after lunch is a stupid idea, unless you like the taste of vomit.

The next ride Beck and myself went on was the Tower of Terror. I had my eyes closed the whole time on this ride, so I will not be able to explain much, but I’ll do my best. First, we walked through a skull door and into a airconditioned metalic room. Waiting inline wasn’t too bad with the airconditioner. When the line started moving a bit, we saw ourselves walking over a city (a city out of clay/cement, of course) on a small glass platform that looked like it would break any second. But hey, if it could hold the person infront of us (who was rather weight challenged), it could hold us. After walking over that, we found ourselves in a red “spooky” room. It wasn’t spooky, but that was the effect they were trying to get across. In here, the airconditioning ended. It was boiling in this room, and we couldn’t wait to get out of it. We were in there for over twenty minutes. That’s the thing with DreamWorld. More time inline than inride. Once we finally got out, we walked onto some red chairs, strapped ourselves in and then suddenly the cart we were in sped off at 160 kilometres per hour. After three or more painful seconds, you get to the rise. You start climbing up a tower almost thirty eight stories high. This was freaky. Actually, it wasn’t freaky for me, because I didn’t see a thing. Sorry I can’t explain better, but I just couldn’t open my eyes or take my hands of the bar to wave them in the air like the “idiots” on the side of me. I only thought them to be idiots because they were screaming in my ear louder than my sister, and she screams loud. Too loud, in my opinion. Anyone who goes to DreamWorld has to go on this ride. Also, if they could please send their picture to me, I would be happy. My picture wasn’t too happy, though. This is even worse than the Giant Drop.

After we went on that one, that freaky one, we traveled into the Wiggle World. Uhh…lets just say, we were out faster than the Giant Drop drops. I can still hear “potato salad! Yeah, potato salad!” in my ear. We found ourselves in the water area. Having no bathers, we walked out, but not before a ride on the Reef Diver. Beck and myself thought this would be a nice relaxing ride. Hah! Relaxing my…err, hat. We thought it would only spin around, like a merry go round. It didn’t, it span around peacfully then rised itself to almost the hight of a three story building. Here’s the description of it on DreamWorld’s website:

“Forget the flippers, you won’t need them on this giant vertical whirlpool of fun”

They really could have taken the time to get a better description for one of DreamWorld’s best rides.

After we went on that, we went to Mick Doohan’s (or something like that.) “moto-coaster“. Actually, we didn’t go on till over an hour of waiting inline. Ridiculous, to say the least. After our boring one hour of waiting inline, we finally got on. I had my leg in the wrong way, so the whole fifty seconds (you heard me right. One hour waiting for fifty seconds) was painful more than you could imagine. This ride was, I’m sorry to say, pathetic. Too slow, too painful, and not worth the wait. After this silly ride, we went back for lunch, and found everyone else there. We bought a Frozen Coke, and sat down. The frozen coke was nice after three or more merciless hours in the hot sun, but it was expensive in comparison with the MacDonald’s one.

After lunch Dad took all of us to the Tower of Terror. ‘Master C’ started crying and crying because he was scared of the ride, even though he went on it before. Finally we got him to go on it (he didn’t really have a choice) and again, I closed my eyes. If I ever go on that ride again, I will keep my eyes open, I promise! Then, I will give you a good description.
After that blood thrilling ride that almost made me vomit, Beck, L and myself went out together and we went on the Claw twice, then we went on the Reef Diver. The girls wanted to be by themselves, and I wanted to be by myself too. This time, it wasn’t as scary. Last time, Beck must has been rocking the carriage, because this time I was fine except Beck and L screaming in the carriges infront of me.

After that, we went into the Vortex, whereupon we found ‘Miss A’ and N inside. The Vortex span around rather fast, I don’t know how fast though. It span around so fast that you couldn’t remove your hand from the side of it, though I’m sure it was the shape as well. It was shaped like the classic “UFO” that aliens drive in sci-fi movies.

After that, we went on the Cyclone. “Cyclone is one of the tallest high-speed gravity roller coasters in the Southern Hemisphere.” is a good description for this ride. I had my eyes closed this whole ride, so I can’t exactly tell you what it was like, but I can tell you I had my head bashed around quite a bit especially on those 360 loops. got off this ride uneventfully, and the pictures the computer took had my eyes open! I must have blinked them open suddenly. If I can do the Cyclone, I can do anything!

After the Cyclone, we went on The Claw again. I should probably explain this ride, as it is one of the “thrill rides”, so I will go on about it now.The Claw is a 360 swinger and spinner that often swings you to over nine stories high, and pushes you around seventy-five km/h in ten or so blood curdling swings. This is not as bad as the Tower of Terror, and it is no where near as high, but it is still not one for after a meal.

After we went on The Claw for the last time, also the last time The Claw would go around that day, we went back to the center of DreamWorld. It was nearing five-o clock, so we headed for the car. We got to the car and drove to the H’s house. We dropped off N, and L came home with us.

Well, that’s about all that happened yesterday, and I hope people can understand my weird style of writing and spelling mistakes.

Here’s an overall summary:

I think DreamWorld was a fun experience, and I am glad that Dad took us there. Thanks, Dad! At the end of the day, we were all tired but content.

My favourite rides were the Tower of Terror, The Claw, and the Reef Diver. The Giant Drop comes close in fourth.

I liked the Tower of Terror for it’s blood thrilling, freaked out type of style. I liked the Claw for it’s swinging motion, that made me feel sick but freaked out when I looked down. I liked the Reef Diver for its very small line up and peaceful but “scary” ride. And it should be obvious why I liked the Giant Drop. If it’s not obvious, I like the Giant Drop for its adrenaline rushing, blood-pumping fall.

Freewriting: Bravewriter and Heart of Wisdom

Dreamworld Narration – 10yo

‘Master C’ has given me permission to share his first attempts at written narration. This is not a narration from a book but from an event. It is of a day that we went, as a family, to Dreamworld. I have left it complete with grammar and spelling errors but I have removed the names of the friends that accompanied us, for their privacy. ‘Master C’ had recently turned 10 at the time of writing.

DreamWorld
28th Oct 2007

Opens at 10:00 Am – Closes at 5:30 Pm

Yesterday we went to DreamWorld. We all got up and got ready we started to get in the car then someone left a door open. So the battery was flat. Dad and Mum had to go down to the shop to get Jumperleads. When they came back we reversed both cars down the driveway and put the cars in place. Dad soon got the car working so we started on our trip to the H’s. There we picked up N, and L and left for DreamWorld.

It took abuot half a hour to get there. When we did get there it took another fifteen minutes to get in the gates. Then when we got in we had a small talk then we split up. Dad and Mum came with me and John went with Beck and ‘Miss A’ went with N and L.

Dad and Mum and I went to the Goldrush Country. And we went to the Rapid Water ride. When we got on it went under a cave with plastic people inside it. Then it got up to the heavy waves and we all got a little bit wet, then it came to the end and we got off.

We kept walking and Mum was trying to find the log water ride and we found it. We waited in the big line and when we finally got on it stopped at a place for a while then it started going again. It went up a small ramp in a building and then fell in water and we got a bit wet then it went through a small cave then we looked up and we saw a rhino and then we got out of the cave and there was another cave with a sign at the entry. It said, Heavy Waters Ahead. “Watch out heavy waters are ahead” said Mum and there was a little wave and we were out of the cave and turning around into a big building that made us go up then down out of the building into the water and splash! all this water went on us and we got soaked. Then it turned and that was the end of the log water ride. So we kept walking we saw a cart type thing go past us and go on top of a tower so I said “Lets go on that ride” and then Mum said “No I dont want to go on that” Mum looked scared but Dad said “Lets go on it” while Mum was looking scared. So we were heading through Wiggle World and we walked under a tunnel and then walked up a ramp and saw a skull. We looked at the top and it said “TOT” meaning Tower of Terror so we walked in.

There was a huge line so we waited we got to a bridge type of thing with glass under us and under the bridge was a small model of a city with sounds of police sirens. We walked past the bridge and there was a staircase with a big line on it. We got up the staircase and to safety zone 3 and we saw a big door with sign one sign saying ‘front row’ and one saying ‘back row’ and another saying ‘third row’. The door opened after a while and we saw a car type of thing. We stepped on the third row of the car and put small seatbelts on. I saw a man walk to a small room. I saw him press a button and I saw a camrea flash and we started moving really fast. It kept going and went up a huge mountain type of thing then it fell back down to where we came from. We got our bags and went away down a elevator. Dad pretended the elevator was ment to be scarey so he screamed loudly. When the elevator got down we saw a shop. We went to the counter and looked at the photo`s.

So we went to the motocoster where there was a huge line. When we finally got there I wanted to go into the sidecar, Dad wanted to go to Pole Positoin (position). Mum wanted to sit in the middle so we all sat in the middle for Mum. When I put something down it got stuck on my leg and it hurt. I was screaming the whole race. we finally got off and we went to go for lunch.

We were waiting for ‘Miss A’ and Beck and L, N and John. They came. Mum and Dad went to go to the car for some rolls with chease. When we were done we went in a group to the Tower of Terror again. I was crying so much becase I didnt want to go again but Mum foreced me to. So I did and I didnt care. I had my eyes a little bit open. John had his eyes closed fully when we did the Tower of Terror. We looked at the Photo and it looked good so we bought the Photo. The Photo looked funny becase someone in the bottem left.

We walked to the Claw Thrill ride. Mum went on it and we took Photo`s on our camara while Mum was on the Claw. Next we went to the Cyclone but I didnt want to go on. I wanted Mum and Dad to go on but they did not want to go on without me. So we walked to the bumper cars. Mum kept bumping me while i was trying to go in a circle so i bashed Mum for to bumps.

Then we walked to the IMax Theater we watched a space station documentry.

About a space statoin.

Then we walked out to a chair and waited for John, L, N, ‘Miss A’ , and Beck to come. We talked for a while then we walked out of DreamWorld and got in the car and we drove back to the H`s house. We dropped off N but L stayed with us. And we drove back to our house with L. We got back and ate and stayed up for a little while then we got told to go to sleep.

My Favorite rides Are:
Tower of Terror
Motocoster
Rapid water ride

The rides i went on:
Tower of Terror
Motocoster
Rapid water ride
Log water ride
Bumper cars
The End

Home Education in Australia, the Last 10 Years

We started learning at home in 1998- actually I made the girls do diagnostic testing, bought their books and get started on them in December, 1997. How do I remember this? Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of my mother’s graduation. It is 10 years since she passed away and went to be with the Lord. John and I had been investigating the notion of homeschooling for over 6 months and had taken the appropriate steps to start in January. My mother died on December 14, and we traveled interstate to take her body to her hometown for burial and to be with my Dad. We stayed with him, in my childhood home, until the New Year but it was over the Christmas break that I started homeschooling the girls. Two days after my Mum’s funeral the girls were hard at their workbooks! Now when I mention how keen, eager and enthusiastic I was I hope you’ll believe me! 🙄

💡 However, I really don’t consider that we have never parented in a home-based-learning way. Even though ‘Miss A’ went to school for Kindergarten and year 1, she had to come home every night and I would help her with spelling, reading, memory work and maths. Actually, it was this that made me even start thinking of learning at home. I couldn’t understand what on earth they did at school all day, if after being there for 6 hours she still needed even more work at home, when she was tired! There had to be a better way!

Hmm, I’m not really making a point in this post, am I? I guess I don’t really have a point. I have been thinking a lot about how the home education movement in Australia has changed and is now again, changing. As a 10 year homeschooler, I can see that there are positive changes but there are also some not-so positive ones. These changes affect everything from the overall movement and homeschool communities to the grass root level of a mother teaching her children at home.

 

There is so much curricula and so many resources available nowadays. Actually, it’s almost gluttonous! I remember the absolute joy and ecstatic, bubbliness that welled inside me when I found another Christian homeschooler, Anna from Fountain resources. Anna kindly lent me a few books and I couldn’t believe that someone, somewhere, had written a book on homeschooling! Now I know some of you might find that ridiculous (that I thought that way) but believe me when I tell you that books and resources were not that easy to come by 10 years ago, in Australia.

I remember when upon finding a good living book that we (a few other homeschoolers that I knew via snail mail) would share it around fervently, handling it as though it were gold. Those of us on email groups or printed family newsletters would delightedly share our latest good book finds and that book might end up going on a tour of Australia, as it was posted from one family to the next!

I remember when Anna told me she could order in a particular book for me! Whohoo! but it would take about 3 months to come in by boat. Did I care? No way. Three months was a long time but there was no other option. I had to learn to be patient, unlike these days when I can place an order and have it on my doorstep within 4 days. So I just waited and kept on with the marvelous task of teaching and discipling my little children, and getting together occasionally for a joyous afternoon with another family. Then the book arrived! Oh voi, what a happy mama I was! But you know what was really interesting? That book was not at all in keeping with my teaching style, nor my children’s learning style. But guess what? It didn’t matter! I used it anyway, because I was learning along with the children! I taught them using the book and just modified it to suit. Easy peasy. Nowadays though, one can purchase resources that are only suited toward a particular denomination and learning style and still own way too much! There’s just so much available, it isn’t funny. Yet in all this latest and greatest have I spent more or less time with my children? Am I learning to teach my children where they are at, which involves really knowing my children?

I remember that the idea of a field trip or excursion didn’t even enter my mind. All I knew was that I continued on with my jobs and the children naturally came everywhere with me. They saw me in action, living my life, learning about the world as we lived. After a few years, and a few more homeschoolers entered the scene, talk started of organising excursions. So we did…and I did. We went to the local Fire Station and the Police Station and a few other places like that. I found myself getting a little frustrated when the children would ask questions about the Police or Fire brigade, instead asking them, “Didn’t you listen when we were there?” or “Wait until next week when we visit the Police Station. You’ll find out then.” How sad is that? I taught my children to compartmentalise their learning and not to come to me with every little concern and question.Moving on from that can you guess what the very next issue to arise was then? Yup, socialisation: when, where, how, and with whom were the questions. Hmmm, maybe I should have asked myself WHY.

I remember the homeschool get togethers, with people from various walks of life: Christian, non Christian, Catholic, secular, Australian and foreign. Nowadays, there are so many splinter groups depending on country, religion, age, gender, learning style, and many other divisive issues that we have really lost a lot of valuable sharing and information. Oh, I know it’s good to talk to others who are like minded but I remember the specialness of when that would happen. Often now, sadly, it seems like we expect it to be ‘the norm’.

Hmmmm, as a movement in Australia, I wonder how much we have gained in the last 10 years. How much have we lost? I’d love to hear your thoughts regardless if you feel differently to me, or the same.

Teaching Character or a Code

A previous post brought forth a few comments. One of those comments was a concern with something I had written about not using the Bible to ‘teach character’. You can read the original post here. I really had meant to address this much earlier than this but time has gotten away from me. Even now, I will be doing a rush job with writing this response but I did want to write before we go on holidays and get back in the New Year. I will try to clarify my thoughts on ‘character’. As always, feel free to agree or disagree. All I ask is that you be polite as you let me know your thoughts. I absolutely love it when people ask me to clarify my thoughts or writing. It helps me to more fully process and consider things. So thanks to Pure and Sensible for bringing her concern to me and asking me to clarify. I really appreciate that.

I previously wrote

I can see some characteristics of God in people: strength, courage, boldness, humility- these are characteristics I want my children to learn?I don’t believe it always has to come only from Scriptures. In fact, I wonder if sometimes that can have a negative affect. I don’t teach my children character traits from the Bible.

Pure and Sensible wrote

Interesting POV. (I personally haven’t read LOTR and unfortunately, I don’t know what FOTR means, but I will keep this in mind as my children get older.) Precious woman of God, I’m mostly concerned and a bit conflicted inside about your thoughts of the Bible and character issues. I’m not saying that I totally disagree with what you said about teaching character traits from people. I love to read fictional stories and biographies for character lessons and use them quite often. And I definitely think that teaching character without modeling isn’t effective, if not useless. But, without the Word of God? You said, “I don’t teach my children character traits from the Bible.” I uphold the Bible as Truth and believe in training up my children using Scriptures. I want to teach God’s ways, not man’s opinions, and the only way to do this is to know Truth (by reading and applying the lessons learned from the Bible – being doers of the Word, not just hearers). God never changes, but man does. I probably just completely misunderstood the point you were trying to make. And I apologize in advance if I am misunderstanding you – I really do not want to offend you. I believe I’ve been to your blog before and have found it quite enjoyable.

I don’t use the word of God to teach a set rules/code of behaviour but I will proclaim the message of God and trust that the Holy Spirit will teach them what He wants to teach them. Their salvation is not dependent upon me teaching every character trait. It is dependent upon God! I can’t teach someone into salvation. What is the point, the goal of teaching the children? Is it that they become fine, moral, upstanding citizens or to usher them into the presence of the Almighty God? Two different issues and two different ways to go about it.

I teach character through modeling- real life- being an example. I use fiction and other good books. I use the lives of other people and other real life situations. I don’t use the word of God but I allow the Holy Spirit to use God’s word to teach me. Sounds like I’m being picky with words? I don’t mean to be…there is a difference.

The Bible is our greatest teacher for all things, including character. No doubt about that. But, how do I present it to my children? How do I learn best in my own life?

I believe that in the younger years, it is more appropriate to teach direct character as a code. Do this, don’t do that, work hard, be generous, be honest, etc. We are teaching knowledge of character and also instilling many character traits as habit. However, older children need to be handled differently. 😉 As do resistant children. I do not have my children copy out passages that deal with a particular character trait. There was a time when I did. But what was my goal? What message was I trying to teach them? The nature of God, and of His great grace or how to please Him by my actions? There was a time when I studied character like that…almost like a mini unit study. I found it was good for me in building knowledge of character but not necessarily wisdom or understanding of that character trait. I guess it comes down to that age old question: Why do you do what you are doing? How are you doing it?

As we read through the Bible, we will come to many direct and indirect character teaching points. Proverbs is a great example of direct teaching. The life of Joseph or Esther is an example of indirect teaching. Proverbs are especially good with young children and also adults who are already desiring to follow God’s word. But, if and when I get to a point where I want to reach a child’s heart…to bring them to the foot of the Cross…to see them come to know the Father God directly for themselves then there is that time when I stop talking about morals and conduct and ‘should do’s’. A time when we focus our learning on the nature of God without learning all about us and our response. The Cross is the power of God unto salvation, not a good, moral, polite, well mannered life. Then again, we also spend more time and energy learning about the nature of God than the nature of man…for it is in understanding the nature of God, and what he has done for us, that we can rejoice! The study of God, the nature of God will, I believe, do more to teach character to our children than any character curriculum.

The path to heaven is not through a moral code. Diligence will not see my child saved into the kingdom of God! No matter how diligent or generous or hard working or honest (or insert relevant trait here) they are. Character will not save a person from their sins. Only the Cross of Christ can do that. So what should I spend more time and energy on impressing upon my children?

I’ll try to give a real life example

We read about the life of Joseph and his many trials. I don’t focus on what character traits he does or doesn’t display at this point. We do see God’s providence in all his life and circumstances but we see this because we have the benefit of hindsight- a panoramic view. Sometimes, we need to try and see this in our own life as well. So at this point, ‘I don’t teach character’. Maybe it’s also good to remember the ages of my children at this point. 😉 Naturally I write from the position of having older girls and I can forget what it was like when I had a house full of toddlers. Something may happen in our life or the life of my child. She might struggle at work with her boss. I might casually say,

“Oh, I’m reminded of Jospeh and how he was in a situation where he didn’t choose to be, yet he was respectful toward his boss nevertheless.” Now that’s all I’ll say! She has studied the life of Joseph. I don’t need to elaborate any more than that. I’m very aware that whatsoever learning my children dig for themselves is often when true understanding occurs, rather than just head knowledge. I’ll plant the seed and allow her to ponder that. I do not have to be the Holy Spirit in her life. He can do that and teach her what He will. I don’t need to lecture her or tell her the same lessons that I have taught her for years…it can just build a resistance or resentment in their heart. But again, this is with my older children. She is nearly 17 and having been homeschooled her whole life, she has had much one-on-one teaching. 😛

Having their heart turned toward me is the most important key. Without their heart, all the character training in the world can still just mean that they’ll rebel against me and/or God, but in an outwardly polite way!:roll: Character must come from the heart. If the message of the Cross, if our salvation isn’t what compels us toward strength and depth of character then what is the point?

How does God parent you? How has your character grown and developed over the years?

Through life experience and drawing nearer to God, learning about His nature or by learning about the how, why, where and when of a character trait? I try to parent my children as God parents me, especially in the years as they are growing more toward adulthood. Knowledge of character is one thing and that can be taught. True depth and strength of character is more caught than taught.

A dangerous notion that I have tried to steer away from presenting (directly or indirectly) is that by our efforts, we can obtain salvation. Because we can’t. We can never go further than or beyond the Cross. It is the centrality of our faith and I don’t want to teach my children any different.

So I assess my teaching: What do I spend more time and effort on teaching? Good character, habits, behaviour or the Cross of Christ? What do the children hear that I believe is most important?

I don’t want to give them the notion that God is a doddery old man, sitting up there somewhere, waiting with a big stick to send me to hell because of my character traits – for the narrow way isn’t about behaviour, manners or character- it’s about the Cross of Christ.

On the other hand, I don’t want to send the message that grace is cheap- because it wasn’t. If it is that cheap, then maybe it isn’t grace at all. So having been shown grace I am free to show grace to others. I am not bound by sin.

I have asked my children, “In your opinion, what do you think is most important to Mum? Homeschooling, God, academics, character, being good, softball, Internet or books?” Well, only try asking your children this if you are brave…you may not like their answers! 😉 😆

Character is all good…but it should also be a fruit of the Spirit- a fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not a moral code or set of behaviour that we strive for. Again, it comes down to motive. What is our motive for desiring strong character? If the hope is to please God, then we will fail. If having been shown such great and marvelous grace, we are compelled to display more Christ-like qualities, then let us be imitators of Christ- and this will see us naturally grow in strength and depth of character.

Do you agree or disagree? Why do you do what you do? How does God teach you?

First job, resumes and all that…

When my daughter turned 15 we stopped paying for softball. Now softball is ‘Miss A’ ‘s delight. It is her passion. It is something that she has learned many valuable life lessons and skills from. She has worked hard and has reaped the rewards of that diligence. However, it was time for her to start to pay for it herself. 😉 Time to get a part time job and enter the wonderful world of The Workforce! What to do? Where to start? I had very little idea.

Firstly, she had to have her own banking account so we go to work on that. We decided to go with a bank that is Australia-wide as it will be needed seeing that we travel so much.

Then, she needed a Tax File Number. Hmmm, not as easy as the bank account. Most schools automatically do this for their students but homeschoolers have to do it the hard way 🙄 but the best way! 😛 My 14yodd has a TFN but doesn’t really understand what it is, nor how she would go about getting one by herself. ‘Miss A’ , the homeschooler, does but that’s because she has had to dig this information out for herself. So whilst it seems tedious or hard, it’s well worth it! Plus, in the process the student is still learning valuable life skills about the workplace environment, filling in forms, dealing with professionals, etc. (If it sounds like I’m putting my 14yodd down, I’m not. She fully admits to this herself and was happy for me to share this)

Next, she compiled her resume. She was a little concerned at first because the resume was, naturally, quite bare. I mean, if one needs a job to gain experience what experience could they have had to write on the resume? However, I think most employers are well aware of that catch-22 and they look a little deeper than the piece of paper. However, this piece of paper is often the first impression so it pays to do one’s best on it. I told ‘Miss A’ to research resumes on the Internet. She did. She then compiled her own resume and proceeded to deliver it to a few places.

Then, a friend from church suggested she try at a local Cake n Coffee House. She dropped her resume off, received a call back from the boss and then went in for an interview. The boss barely looked at the resume but spent a good deal of time talking with her. He also wanted to see me, which I thought was a good sign. usually I don’t think it is a good idea for Mums to attend interviews with their children. I believe employers desire to see fairly independent people but in this situation the boss asked me to attend as he realised and understood that ‘Miss A’ was still a junior and I would be responsible for getting her to and from work. I thought this was very good and wise of him. We all got to know each other. She started part time work within days. 😎

I have taken out the personal details but left the bare bones of ‘Miss A’ ‘s resume for others to glean some ideas from and see what is necessary in compiling their own resume. Once the basic resume is done it can be updated as necessary.

FULL ADDRESS
Telephone:
Email:

FULL NAME

Personal Details:
Date of Birth:
Address:
Telephone:
Mobile:
Email:

Profile and Strengths:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills acquired via study and real life relationships.
  • Strong sense of responsibility and ability to work independently.
  • Initiative and able to think on my feet.
  • Friendly and always enthusiastic to learn new things.

Objectives:
I am seeking the opportunity to expand my skills, knowledge and experience in a junior role. To gain more experience in the work force and become a valuable member of the work society I am involved in.

Education:

  • 1997-2007: *Surname* Homeschool: Currently working toward year 11 and 12 certificate, with intentions of studying to achieve School Leaving Certificate in 2008.
  • 2001: Basic First Aid Certificate

Work Experience:

  • 2003- 2004: ST Softball Association Under 13 Girls team Assistant Coach.
  • 2005- 2006: AW Softball Association U-14 Girls and Boys umpiring.
  • 2007: Junior Games Pathway 5 week Coaching program, E Primary School.
  • 2006- current: Cake House Barista.

Community Involvement:

  • Re Cycle 2006 with Community Church Brigade.
  • 40 Hour Famine August 2006, Community Church.
  • Junior Games Pathway 5 week Coaching program, E Primary School.

Computer Skills and Experience:

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Image Programs, Internet, etc.
  • Operating Systems used: Windows 95, Windows XP, Linux.

Strengths and Interests:

  • Softball
  • Nutrition, fitness and Health
  • Youth Group involvement
  • Church attendance
  • Reading and studying
  • Family

Achievements:

  • 2005: Coaches Award State National
  • 2006: Selected in Australian Youth U/17 Softball Development Squad
  • 2007: Captaining State U/16 Girls National Premiership
  • Receiving Most Valuable Player of National tournament
  • Selected in Australian U/19 Womens Squad.
  • Cake House Barista Course- Level 1.
  • Selected in U/19 Queensland Squad 2008.

References:
Name: Mr. _______
Position: State Head Coach U/16 Girls Softball Team
Phone:

Name: Mr. __________
Position: Current employer, *Name of Business*
Phone:

A few books that we read and discussed were:The Teenager’s Guide to Part-Time Jobs: Tips for Earning a Dollar by Samantha and David Koch

The Teenager's Guide to Part-Time Jobs: Tips for Earning a Dollar

and The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn

What's a blog and why are they popular?

Ever wondered what the big craze with blogging is? Or how a blog works? What system lies behind the success of the blogosphere? well, if you’re interested in starting a blog or curious as to the what,when, where, how and why of blogging you might like to watch this short, 3 minute video put out by the folk at Common Craft.

Short, easy to understand and to the point. You can watch the video or download the script to read. If you’re interested in blogs, it’s worth a look.

Activity Sheets Narration Freebie

I use a teaching method that I learnt from Heart of Wisdom called the 4mat system. I have modified it slightly to suit the needs of our family. I have found these steps to be very beneficial in not only our Bible study but when approaching all lessons.

I have created the anagram IDEA to help you remember the steps. (see the for a printable bookmark based on ‘IDEA’)

IDEA

  • I is for Introduce
  • D is for Digging Deeper
  • E is for Examine & Elaborate
  • A is for Apply to My Life

You can see more about this format of lessons over at the . However, I also wanted to mention the Activity Ideas that go along with steps 3 and 4. These are not all my own original ideas (is there really such a thing?) but I have complied the list. I have spent years gathering the various ideas and then compiled them into the four various activity types.

You’ll find many activities categorised within the following sections: Creative Drawing and Building Activities, Creative Drama Activities, Written Activities and Oral Activities. These Activity Ideas can be used with any learning activity and any subject. They can be as simple or as complex as you like! You might start to notice that your child has a particular bent for one type of activity and I have been asked if one should allow them to only choose the same activity each time. I will share what I have done with my children.

When my children were a little younger, I would encourage them toward choosing a variety of activities. This prevented them from only developing in certain areas an helped them to develop in a few areas. It’s like body building. When a child is young we don’t make them to 100’s of sit up’s each day in order to strengthen their abdominals. Rather we want them to play outside in a variety of activities which will strengthen the whole body.

Later though, as their interests and talents have presented themselves to me, I will allow them to narrow the choices a little. I have found that my older children do strongly desire one type of activity more so than anther and once they are older I believe this is important in allowing them to develop in the ways that God wants them to develop. But in the younger years, I try to aim for variation in order to expose them to more.

You can find the Activity Sheets for download on the (along with a few other freebies). If you use the Activity Sheets in any lessons (including your Bible times) please drop me a line and let me know.