Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

America’s REAL First Thanksgiving
St. Augustine, Florida, September 8, 1565
By Robin Gioia
Pineapple Press, Incorporated
P.O. Box 3889
Sarasota, Florida 34230

ISBN: 978-1-56164-389-9
www.pineapplepress.com  

Here, in the United States, when we think about the first Thanksgiving - which our elementary history books tell us originated in Plymouth, Massachusetts - we envision the  Pilgrims and Indians merrily feasting on foods like turkey, mashed potato’s, cranberry sauce, corn, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie and a varied assortment of bountiful harvest. However, we hear the real truth about the origins of this blessed holiday through Robin Gioia’s new book, aptly titled, America’s REAL First Thanksgiving.    

In this stunningly illustrated, 48 page hardcover book, Ms. Gioia reveals to us - from her accurate historical research - that the real first thanksgiving was held in St. Augustine, Florida on September 8, 1565 by the Timucua Indians, in honor of  the arrival of  Spanish Explorer, Admiral Pedro Menendez.  Together they feasted on foods such a cocido;  a blend of pork, garbanzo beans and onions. They also may have had venison, alligator, tortoise, along with a variety of vegetables including squash and maize (corn). 

The book begins with beautiful maps of the world in 1565, and then gracefully takes us into the history of  Spain, with its exploration of the new world. Then Ms. Gioia presents a narrative history of Florida, and the Timucua Native American Tribe. From there we head into the real first day of Thanksgiving, in St. Augustine, Florida, and learn about this city, with its rich history up to modern day.  At the end of the book there is a special cocido recipe for you and your family to enjoy, along with a descriptive timeline of events beginning in 1492 and ending in 1621.   

I can’t speak highly enough about the beautiful illustrations in this book.  My daughter, 11 yrs. Old, was mesmerized by the pages and fascinated by the content. We felt as if we were right there celebrating with the Timucua on that first Thanksgiving day. It is suggested by the publisher that this book is for ages 9 to 14 (reading level grades 4-8), however I think this literary find would be great for all ages due to the vibrant illustrations. If we are going to teach our children, let us start with teaching them the “truth” about the real first thanksgiving, and give them a healthy dose of the great history of Spain while we are at it. Add this to the list of books you must read with your family!

Product Review by Kelly Miller, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, July, 2007  

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

My friend "Annointed"  over at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/annointed/ posted what she was currently reading (which is wonderful by the way), and then asked her fellow bloggers what they were also reading, so this post is in response to that very question.  Here is what I am currently reading, and I hope you will keep this going and post what you are reading on your blog as well :-)

I am a bit "quirky" in the fact that I do not just read one book at a time, but  several.  The way I do this is to keep atleast 5 books ready on my reading table at all times, so when I get some free time I pick up the book that fancies me for the day(s).  So here are the latest finds:

1.  Holiness, Truth And The Presence Of God, by Francis Frangipane
(Click HERE)
This is for every believer that  cannot exist unless they truly find the fulness of God.  It is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to push into holiness and into complete humility.  This is "kicking my butt," and I can only read little bits at a time and chew, chew, chew some more on what I just read, then read a little bit more.  It IS worth is though, so I highly recommend it.

2.  Walk On - The Spiritual Journey of U2, by Steve Stockman 
(Click HERE)
I am finding out so much about this group and their authentic faith in Christ. I really had no idea just how solid they were in their faith, and the biblical roots of many of their songs.  I wasn't a huge U2 fan growing up, but heard their music radiating throughout the house because my brother was an avid fan. One of Bono's quotes is very intriguing to me.  He says, " I have this hunger in me . . . everywhere I look, I see the evidence of a Creator.  But I don't see it as religion, which has cut my people in two [referencing the ongoing wars between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland].  I don't see Jesus Christ as being any part of a religion.  Religion to me is almost like when God leaves -- and people devise a set of rules to fill the space."  Very inspiring and thought-provoking book indeed!

3.  Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World, by Joanna Weaver
(Click HERE)
Boy can we women relate to these two sisters in the Bible.  Some of us do Mary really well and some of us are Martha's, however it is nice to be able to read a book that looks at how to balance the two personalities so we can have a more meaningful depth of intimacy with Christ  amidst our busy days. 

4. Tales Of The Restoration, by David and Karen Mains (Pure One and I are reading this together)
(Click HERE)
A wonderful allegorical story about spiritual warfare, much in the likeness of Pilgrims Progress or Hinds Feet on High Places. This book has stunning illustrations.

5.  Magazines:  The Old Schoolhouse Magazine (Click HERE) and Spirit Led Woman (Click HERE)

SO . . . What ARE YOU READING??  I would love to know :-)

P.S. - I usually have more of a balance of reading material than this.  Quite frankly the stuff I am reading right now is a bit "heavy," but that just happens to be the season I am in right now (really doing alot of soul pruning), however I LOVE lighthearted books also, so let me know if you find a good one.

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

Tonight I received a sweet email from my "reviews" editor asking me how I was doing.  Then I found out that I had a book on our bookshelf that I completely forgot about, and it was one that I was supposed to review way back in August (IKES!) - some writer I am!  Well, my absolutely wonderful editor extended mucho grace, and is letting me review the book anyway.  Whoohoo, I am so excited because I really LOVE reviewing homeschool curriculum and books.  Thank you KATE for being a gem!!

<>< Kelly

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

I just HAD to recommend a great website for those of you with daughters.  It is called VISIONARY DAUGHTERS and contains wonderful resources for training and mentoring our daughters.  Please check it out :-)

Also, I am interested in reading a book that was mentioned on the site called So Much More, The Remarkable Influence of Visionary Daughters On The Kingdom of God, By Elizabeth Botkin and Anna Sofia. A very discerning book about the influences of girls on their brothers, fathers, and the males around them, from a biblical perspective.  Even though Pure One (our dd) does not have brothers yet, she has quite a few boys (playmates) that she is currently influencing, along with a Daddy that she has a tendency to "mother," and not in a good way.  It is my hope this book will bring truth to some of those areas where I may have not  trained "Pure One" to be a better influence and encourager to the men in her life.  I also think it will be good for me, as I grew up in a home where, even though I had a strong Father, the women were very much the dominant force. It will be nice to see things from a different angle, other than just through the Created To Be His Helpmeet  book, by Michael and Debi Pearl (which was great btw, but a bit legalistic in my humble opinion).

If you have already read So Much More, by the Botkin sisters or gone to the website,  I would love to hear your perspective.

<>< Kelly

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

Wings Like A Dove:  The Courage Of Queen Jeanne D'Albret
By Christine Farenhorst
P&R Publishing Company
P.O. Box 817
Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865-0817
1-800-631-0094
ISBN: 0-87552-642-X
www.prpbooks.com

In 1528 Jeanne D'Albret was the firstborn daughter of Henri d'Albret, King of Navarre, and Marguerite de Valois, his Queen, and the sister of  Francois I, King of France.  Growing up in a lifestyle of privilege in the French countryside of Lonray would lead one to believe that Jeanne's life was full of joy and endless days of carefree, however that was far from the realities this young one faced.  Though blessed with a myriad of servants, tutors, chefs, etc, at her call, she was denied the very essentials of love and affection from a mother and father, and raised by a Governess instead. At the tender age of twelve, and in a move to set an alliance with Germany Jeanne was betrothed to William De La Marck,  Duke of Cleves, despite repeated protests. Although too young to fulfill the duties of marriage, her life would never be the same again. She was now the political pawn of her parents and Uncle Francois.

After three years both the political marriage of France with Germany, and the unconsumated marriage of Jeanne and William ended in annulment. Then at the age of seventeen, and in a witty display of  tactic, Jeanne convinced the King that she should marry Antoine De Bourbon, Duke of Vendome. She fell madly in love with her new husband, however it wasn't long before they had to part.  Antoine was recalled to military service in Paris, and their relationship was forced to be developed through the use of letter writing.

We then see Princess Jeanne grow into womanhood where she begins to take initiative against the religious intolerance of her day. No more a child, but now a mother, Jeanne takes matters into her own hands as she boldly stands with the Huguenots despite her husband's cowardice and inability to embrace faith. In the face of tragedy and endless innocent murders, this Princess, now a Queen, makes her mark on history and stands for truth and justice.  I love these quotes from Wings Like A Dove regarding some of the accomplishments of Queen Jeanne D'Albret :

"Jeanne passed laws to protect the ministers who faithfully preached the gospel in her kingdom.  She abolished public processions and took images out of churches.  Where the majority of her inhabitants in her cities were Protestant, the cathedrals were given to them for their use; where the inhabitants were equally divided, the two faiths [Catholic and Protestant] shared the church buildings.  Monasteries were converted to schools; colleges were founded for higher education; the Bible was translated into Basque dialects; and ministers from Geneva continued to preach the gospel." [pg. 198] "During her reign, Bearn and the surrounding districts flourished.  Good husbandry, encouragement of the arts, and fair law all formed a huge contrast to the disorder, violence, and poverty in other countries.  No beggar was seen by the wayside, and no child was permitted to grow up without an education." [pg. 199] 

I cannot tell you what a joy it was to read this book.  I was captivated by the realism and felt as if I was transported to the time of the Reformation, and could see life through this courageous woman's eyes.  I saw her quest for truth and felt her longing for pure love. Christine Farenhorst has brought history alive through Wings Like A Dove, and I can't wait to read the other book(s) in this series, titled Chosen Daughters. It is refreshing to see a series which highlights the lives of ordinary women doing extraordinary things for God. What an inspiration for our young ladies!

Review by Kelly , The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC.

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

Homeschooling Mother's Bible Study:God's Encouragement
For Homeschooling Mothers
By Jan L. Burt
God's Encouragement for Homeschooling Mothers
5021 Pembrook Court
 Wichita KS 67220
http://www.homeschoolingmothersbiblestudy.com
email to: info@homeschoolingmother.com

I am excited to tell you about a new Bible study geared just for homeschooling Moms called the Homeschooling Mother's Bible Study: God's encouragement For Homeschooling Mothers, by Jan L. Burt.  Finally a study just for us that meets us in our daily lives as educators and mothers.The study comes in a few formats: comb bound, spiral bound and e-book, all with different prices to fit your particular budget. The one that I was able to review was the comb bound edition (90 pages), which was honestly quite plain in packaging, yet full of encouragement, wisdom and the refreshing waters of God's word. 

Jan Burt is a veteran home educator with five children, who takes us on a six week journey of faith and learning in God's word.  Each week is broken into five lessons that are short and impacting.  She includes organized memory verses, daily Bible reading portioned for each study, and even incorporates a list of her favorite homeschool books. I love the way that Jan Burt tells us why she wrote this homeschool Bible study. She says in the introduction,"So if by the wide expanse of experiences I've been through - both prior to my acceptance of Christ as Savior, and after that glorious event - I can encourage even one homeschool mom in her day to day weariness, then I can truly say all I've been through has been worth it!"

I happened to pick up this study during a time of great weariness as a home educator. We were struggling financially, I felt unsupported by my husband regarding homeschooling, I was feeling lonely, and struggling with time management, and the list could go on. I was hardly in the mood to focus on a homeschooling Bible study, but what ended up happening is within the short 10 minutes it took me to complete the study, was that I gained a whole new perspective and hope towards my current conditions.The study was about how the Lord doesn't use perfect people, but very real ones that may be weak at times and and full of weariness and fear, to fulfill His purposes and to do His will. When we are weak He is strong! When we feel that homeschooling is way beyond our abilities and the pangs of weariness set in, we are reminded that God has already given us all we need to fulfill His mandate to teach our children, and that we shouldn't let Satan steal that from us through discouragement and feeling we are not good enough.

So, I made a list of areas I needed the Lord to help me in.  It is amazing how much we absorb from day to day and forget to give to the Lord.  It wasn't a few days later that I started to see answers to each and every prayer, one by one that I had placed upon the pages of that Bible study.  WOW! How quickly we forget that we serve a mighty miracle working God! The study met me right where I was at, and took me right into the arms of my loving God, who cares about my every need, not only as His daughter, but as a homeschooling Mom.

I highly recommend this Bible study to you as a Home Educator, whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran.  Whether you want this as a personal study or in group format, you will walk away encouraged, energized and ready to handle what God has for you. Don't miss out on this personalized study just for you, the homeschooling Mom. Finally, something just for us.

Review by Kelly M., The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC.

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

Who In The World Was The Forgotten Explorer?
The Story Of Amerigo Vespucci
By Lorene Lambert
Peace Hill Press
18101 The Glebe Lane
Charles City, VA 23030
1-877-322-3445
www.peacehillpress.com
ISBN 0-9728603-8

From Peace Hill Press; The"books for the well trained mind," comes a series of biographies called Who In The World? which highlight the lives of some of the forgotten figures in history. We got the chance to look at the Story of Amerigo Vespucci, the true tale of a young man passionate to become an explorer, and his journey as a great captain and dicoverer. This 45 page soft-covered book was easy to read and had plenty of illustrations which can be colored by your 1st through 3rd grade children.

The book begins with a look at Amerigo Vespucci's childhood, in the city of Florence, Italy. As a young child Amerigo is fascinated by astronomy, maps and sea exploration.  His uncle Giorgio spends years teaching Amerigo, and in fact birthed within Amerigo the theory of westward exploration. His idea was that if one traveled west, via the Atlantic ocean, they would be able to find China much faster.
This was unheard of back in the 1400's where normal trade and travel were accomplished via the "silk road," which required long and arduous navigation through Europe and Asia.  At that time most of the countryside was ruled by the Turks, who despised Europeans, so the silk road became very dangerous for most travelers. Searching for another passageway to China and India was almost a necessity and Amerigo was passionate to find it.

Being a third born son to Anastagio Vespucci, a wealthy aristocrat, meant that Amerigo had opportunities that most third born sons didn't. At the age of twenty four he had the great opportunity to assist his uncle Giorgio, who was now ambassador to the King of France. Amerigo paid close attention to the way his uncle traded spices for sheep's wool and bartered for cedar wood. He was able to tell the character of  a merchant, and which months were the best to trade and sell certain goods. Two years later Amerigo was given the opportunity to become a
banker. Through banking came the opportunity to build a shipping business.  It wasn't long before this little boy, now a man, could see his dream fulfilled. 

In May 1499 the King of Spain asked Amerigo to pilot one of his ships that was sailing westward. Just seven years after Christopher Colombus headed west and founded South America, Amerigo was on his way to confirm the findings. In fact, Amerigo Vespucci impacted the world in a way most people do not realize.  He not only helped inspire many others to pursue their dreams, but also was the inspiration for the naming of both North and South America.

This is an endearing biography,and story of dreams fulfilled, that every child will enjoy hearing. Our family personally enjoyed reading this book, and the way it was written was easy to understand. It is a story that is off the beaten path and not told in the regular classroom, yet full of vital historical information, and depictions of life in the 1400's. A story with impact, heart and hope.  I highly recommend this book as an addition to your resource library, and as a supplement to your history studies. This book would go well with the Story Of The World, volume 2: The Middle Ages (400-1600 a.d.), by Susan Wise Baur, or similar curriculums.

Review by Kelly M., The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC.

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

The Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) Convention was this weekend and, as usual, I found some really great items.  It seems each year the Lord will end up giving me a theme, or general direction that our next homeschool year should go in.  This year it seems that I am heading more towards "hands on" (multisensory) programs. 

After finding out that my daughter has dyslexia (which was curriculum induced), I am veering away from standardized popular homeschool curriculums and leaning more towards a multisensory approach.  I was particularly impressed with The Madsen Method, which encourages utilizing the complete neurological functions of the brain, instead of fragmented portions.  I attended two of their workshops and learned so much.  To find out more about this absolutely awesome learning program for grammar, spelling, writing and reading, please click on title.  If your child has been labeled with a learning disorder, this program will debunk the labels and help seal all the  holes of mislearning that other curriculums have induced.

For Math we decided to go with the RightStart Program. Again, this is a multisensory learning approach to Math, using the abacus. To read the Old Schoolhouse review (by Heidi Shaw), click HERE.  For history we will be doing  The Story of The World Volume 3, Early Modern Times, by Susan Wise Baur.  Notebooking with this History program will be a wonderful multisensory experience for my dd.  I remember how well she responded to the other volumes of this series. To read the Old Schoolhouse Review of this classical history series click HERE.

For Bible we will be continuing Picture This , as we draw our way through the Bible.  For Science we will be doing Apologia (Astronomy - Young Explorers Series). So many great experiments!

If you have used any of these programs, I would love to hear your feedback, and how it worked for your family.  Please feel free to share.

<>< Kelly

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

My Only Child, There's No One Like You

By Dr. Kevin Leman & Kevin Leman II

Published by Fleming H. Revell

A Division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

http://www.revellbooks.com

Dr. Kevin Leman, nationally known birth order guru, and author of The Birth Order Book, along with his son Kevin Leman II, have created a series of individual children's books which specifically address a child's birth order position within the family. Firstborn, middle, youngest or only children are delighted to find out that they are special and unique in their own way, through these books.

I had the wonderful privilege of reading My Only Child, There Is No One Like You, with my only child, Kaitlin (now 10). Although this book is geared towards younger children (approximately 3 to 6 years),  it almost seems timeless and ageless in the sense that all single children should be able to relate.  As my daughter and I snuggled on the couch and began reading this 32 page, hardbound book, filled with colorful illustrations by Kevin Leman II, we couldn't help but find similarities between "Only Cub," and Kaitlin.  Even though Only Cub is a boy, Kaitlin found she could identify with his inquisitive questions such as, "Do you and Papa want another cub?" And his character traits such as self-confidence, caring for others, creative imagination, etc. The genuine personality of the "only child" is clearly seen through Only Cub's character.

You can't help but get caught up in the endearing story of this sweet cub finding his place within the family and in his community. If the other books are as celebratory and encouraging as this book is, then I have no doubt that you will want to get it for the "only child" in your life.  Whether it is a neighbor, cousin, or single child in your family, there is no doubt in my mind this book will be a wonderful gift, and highly cherished.  

Review By Kelly Miller, The Old SchoolHouse Magazine, LLC, January 2006 

Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

Time4Learning

Home-based Online Educational Program

2840 NE 11th St.Suite 201
Pompano Beach, FL  33062

Phone: (954) 781-7723

Fax: (954) 827-3600
Email: info@Time4Learning.com

http://www.time4learning.com

Our family had the wonderful opportunity to sample this self-paced, home-based, online educational program for one month, and I have to tell you how very impressed we are!

Kaitlin logged into the Time4learning site and was immediately met with a colorful welcome into the Student Launch Pad, which is the area where she could engage in the core subject studies: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  Within each subject she found a wide variety of choices, and  fascinating blends of video, audio and interactive presentations.  Since Kaitlin is a highly visual/kinesthetic learner, her ability to interact with the subject matter made learning come alive! 

After her core subjects were met, she could go into the Portfolio section and print out her progress for the week, day or month.  It showed her completed work, assignments, test scores, and attendance. This is an excellent area to remain informed on your child’s progress.  Then go back to the Launch Pad and take a trip into the Brain Buzzers Area  for some extra interaction with Art, Music and Health. There are also thematic research projects, and an Odyssey Writing Pad for easy-to-draft writing projects.  After core subjects are finished then it is off to the Playground area where your child can find even more online educational games and websites to explore.

Although Time4learning offers an extensive array of studies, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t an area for learning other languages.  However, I can’t complain because what Time4Learning does offer, in their grade-appropriate studies, is exceptional, affordable, easy to navigate, self-paced, easy to remember, and educationally sound curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten through 8^th grades.  Expect your child to ask if they can fo their studying at Time4Learning because once they have experienced it, they will definitely want more!

If you are ready to break free from the drudgery of pricey textbooks, and want a great core, supplemental or remedial online curriculum, then I highly recommend Time4Learning.  It is a personalized approach to learning that will meet your child right where they are at, and take them farther than they imagined. 

A sidenote:  I happened to lose my password and log-in information for Time4Learning, so I emailed the company and they immediately sent my password right to me.  No fuss at all, and the customer service was exceptional. They also have a money back guarantee if you child doesn’t like the program.  Go to http://www.time4learning.com/ for your risk free trial.

This Review By Kelly M. January 23, 2006

 Three Hearts For Home at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Kellyque777