The awards banquet scheduled for May 8^th, this Thursday, will be cancelled since we only had one respond as planning to come.

Last year this event had great attendance, so we were wondering if the date just didn’t work for most of you.

We are considering rescheduling this event for Monday, June 2^nd, if we have enough interest. If you think you would like to participate on this date please email Teresa Burnett by this Monday, May 12^th. We were thinking of having the meal, doing awards, and then having some time for games and visiting. Please RSVP as soon as possible so we know if we need to reserve a place and make the needed arrangements.

On another note, the Planning Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22^nd from 6:30-8:30 at the Shawnee Library. I hope you will plan on coming so we can get feedback for next year's schedules. It is here where we all have a chance to share what we would like for PCHEA to sponsor in the upcoming year. This includes Meetings, Mom’s Night Out, Field Trips, Special Events, or…This is also where we talk about days and times that work well as well as find people willing to sponsor or co-sponsor the events. The more input and volunteers we have the more we can do. Again, please plan on coming to the planning meeting so we can get the 2008/2009 ( it’s hard to believe it’s that time again) school year off to a good start.

May 2008 Newsletter

2007 - 2008 PCHEA Officers

     Leaders:  Fredrick and Jeri Akin

     Co-leader:  Teresa Burnett

     Secretary:  Julie Cockroft

     Treasurer:  Kim VanBebber

PCHEA website: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/pchea

May 8th, Awards Banquet

Kindergarten & High-School Graduations

6:15 - 8:30 p.m., Lakeview Church of Christ*

            PCHEA will be providing deli sandwiches, drinks,  and paper goods. 

            We need people to sign up to bring  either , chips or desserts. 

            Please contact Teresa Burnett to sign up for what you can bring by May 5th.      

            If you’ve never been to an Awards Banquet and have questions fell free to call …

It was great last year!

  Skate Day   - Friday May 9th,  10:30am - noon               

$5 per skater,  Star Skate in Shawnee   (on 45^th Street, West of 177)

May 22nd, Annual Planning Meeting

Shawnee Public Library, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

            Please plan to come to the meeting with lots of great ideas to

            help us prepare for another great year for our PCHEA group.

Statement from Our New PCHEA Secretary Volunteer:
    

     My name is Donna Snyder.  [editor modified for privacy]

     I am interested in the secretary position to make new friends within the
PCHEA home school group.  I think it is a great experience to share knowledge
and to fellowship with other home schooling families.  I have enjoyed getting
to know the volleyball families and their children.  If I am secretary I hope
to encourage these friendships throughout my time as the PCHEA home school
group secretary.

Where have the heroes gone?

By: Teresa Burnett

     The other day as we were sitting and waiting for the oil to be changed in the Suburban, I pulled out a little booklet with various Bible scriptures and we took turns just randomly opening it up to see which verse we would land on. Bradley’s turn landed on the verse “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (KJV). This verse set in motion a lengthy discussion on what God’s plan is for us and how we can prepare ourselves to be available to succeed in life and let our light shine for Jesus. 

     All around us we are inundated with what the world deems important which are primarily beauty, athletic ability, and wealth. These things all focus on the outside of man. But the Bible says in I Samuel 16:7 (NIV) “…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” What are things we need to have in our hearts so we can be pleasing in the sight of God? The fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is a great place to start (Galations 5:22-23).

     The heroes of today are too often in their position not because of moral goodness, but instead because of beauty (Gisele), athletic ability (Tom Brady), or wealth (Bill Gates). While these people are beautiful, physically talented and wealthy, it is very frustrating to set our eyes on these things and virtually impossible to imitate. We can admire them but we can’t be like them. On-the-other-hand, we can be courageous like Gladys Aylward and Martin Luther, dedicated like David Livingstone, disciplined and generous like John Wesley, honest like Abraham Lincoln, persevere like Harriet Tubman…this list could go on and on.

     Our days are numbered so lets be wise and set our hearts and minds on things above and look for heroes with moral goodness that inspire us. We interact with heroes every day such as those so-called ordinary people like our grandparents, parents, pastors, youth leaders and any other person who may be ordinary, but when viewed through the lenses of moral character, in fact, do extraordinary things.

The “HERO Tales” books series by Dave & Neta Jackson have some wonderful stories about true heroes.  The following web site also has some great stories about great people who are true heroes:

http://www.kjvuser.com/profilesoffamouschristians.htm#18

February 2008 Newsletter

2007 - 2008 PCHEA Officers

Leaders:  Fredrick and Jeri Akin

Co-leader:  Teresa Burnett 

Secretary:  Julie Cockroft 

Treasurer:  Kim VanBebber

 PCHEA web site: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/pchea

  Skate Day        Friday, February 1^st

Star-Skate in Shawnee,  10:30am to 12:00.

45th St., Just off of Hw. 177.  Across the stoplight from Abuelita Rosa's (1-40 &177 area)

If you are planning to attend Skate Day on  Friday,  February 1st,  would you please contact Ghislaine Washburn.   The more we have the better!

We all pay at the door as we go in. . . . $5-$7 per skater ($5 per skater if we have 40 Skaters). 

Any adult w/ a skater under 6 gets to skate for free w/ one paid admission. This includes skates. This may help some of you w/ younger ones.

When All Is Not Well, Is It Well With My Soul?

 
      This topic has been on my mind all month, and I have wondered if I should do something lighter. However, nothing else comes to mind so I guess this is it. I know this area of my life is always needing a little, or sometimes a lot, more strength.

 
      We all go through bumps in life. Some are small, like a flat tire, getting locked out of the house, or a hectic schedule. Some are bigger, like a child who is struggling with his studies or

his attitude; a conflict with a friend or spouse; or an unexpected expense, a job loss or pay cut, leading to financial struggles. Others seem huge, like a serious illness or the death of someone

we love.

      During these trials and temptations the sorrow, pain and trouble is very real. All is not well, but can we, like Horatio Spafford, know in our hearts that “When peace, like a river, attendeth

my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul’”?

      The story behind this song is one of those HUGE bumps. Not only had the Spafford family lost much of their financial strength when recent heavy real estate investments were wiped out by the Chicago Fire, but they had experienced one of lifes deepest losses. Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters were on a ship that was wrecked and went down in 12 minutes. Only Mrs. Spafford survived. On his way to meet his wife it is thought that Mr. Spafford penned the words to this moving hymn near the sot were his children had drowned. Truly, all was not well. Grief was deep and Sorrows rolled like the waves of the sea he was observing, but he could experience “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” Phil. 4:7.  As Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

      We too can have this peace, but not on our own strength. We need to be walking close to

our Lord and Savior, and leaning on His ever lasting arms. Scriptures as well as hymns and praise songs, good music (which fits with Teresa’s notes last month) comfort us.  I don’t want to be trite. I know it is not easy, but it is our real hope.

 
      Remember, it is often that when it is well with our soul, when all is not well that we have our biggest Christian testimony to those whom we know.

 
“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 1:2

Jeri Akin

Geography Fair  -  Thursday, February 21^st

Lakeview Church of Christ,

   We will open at 6:30 for set up and will be ready to start visiting

"other" countries at 7:00.  If you would still like to participate

please contact Julie Cockroft to sign up for your country. . .

. . . It's NOT too late to be part of the fun of  PCHEA's 2008 Geography Fair!!

What does "participation" in the fair offer my child? Beyond the obvious learning obtained through the study of a country, your children will exercise and develop skills pertaining to organization, visual presentation, research, communication, responsibility, etc.  The fair encourages them to be outgoing and builds confidence.  They also have the opportunity to travel and view all the exhibits. In addition….

            1) Select a country: Then email it to Julie. Only one display is allowed per country,  so please

                communicate your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choice when registering by email.  People have already

                started to call and have made their reservations!

                     a. Table size: Tablecloths will not be provided. Tables are 30" x 96."

            2) Food: Bring 4 to 5 dozen bite-sized samples of a food eaten in that country or

                something that mimics it.

            3) Rubber stamp or small stickers: After "travelers" view your country display,

                you will stamp or sticker their passport.

            4) Music (optional): Music is often a huge part of a country's culture. You can bring

                a small CD or tape player to allow travelers to listen to music that is unique to your              

                country. We do have some electrical outlets but you would need a long extension

                cord if your player does not use batteries.

            5) Dress (optional) we highly encourage some of the children to dress in clothing that is

                native to their country. It can be authentic outfits or those you have creatively put together.

Remember that your display can be as elaborate or as simplistic as you wish and your time

allows. Each exhibit is different and is produced by children of different ages and abilities.

Make yours as elaborate or simplistic as you wish. This is NOT a competition. YOU decide

what information you want to convey (see suggestions below). You can work as a family or

join forces with another. This is great fun and excitement for the kids! As "travelers" walk by

and view the displays, they encourage the children and compliment them on their hard work.

SUGGESTIONS: If you've never experienced the Geography Fair, here are a few suggestions:

(just that--"suggestions")

            1) Research your country on the internet for facts and pictures. Read library books

                and/or watch library videos. Identify info YOU find interesting and want to convey.

                Ex: climate, history, folktales, economy, industry, language, music, money, religion,             

                clothing, etc.

            2) "Arrange" this info on a display board. You might want to include pictures (perhaps             

                from the internet), drawings, maps (printed or drawn) and so on. (Our kids did a       

                timeline and drew pictures to illustrate each event.)

            3) You might want to wear something that represents the country: costume, hat,

                jewelry, etc. (example: In Iceland fishing is the largest industry and one could dress

                as a fisherman in a rain slicker.)

            4) Display an item…perhaps a craft item made by your child.

            5) You can have a quick, little game or craft for "travelers" to make when they visit.

            6) Slide show on a laptop.

            7) Rocks & minerals native to that country.

The possibilities are truly too numerous to mention. Use your creativity and see what you and your children can come up with to make your display an interesting stop for other travelers. This is a wonderfully rewarding experience and is well worth the effort. There's no way to "mess this up!"

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Sleeping Beauty :  OBU Children's Theatre

Tickets are still available for Feb. 18th, Monday's performance of Sleeping Beauty at the OBU Children's Theatre. Tickets are $2.00 each for ages 2 and up. Children under 2 are free if they sit on a lap; otherwise they also pay $2.00. The theatre coordinator has told me that there may be some potentially scary moments for young children and it is up to your discretion on having your young children attend. According to the coordinator, these scary moments are no worse than the play The Big Friendly Giant if you saw that a few years ago.

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This mini unit study could be done the week before Valentine’s Day © www.TheHopeChest.net

Hope Chest Home School News, with Virginia Knowles, February 1, 2006

#9-1 part 2: The Heart of Home Schooling, Valentine Unit Study

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CRAFTS, GAMES AND COOKING

©    Make Valentine cards for friends and family using construction paper, lace, paper doilies, stickers, glitter, sequins, and whatever else you have on hand!  Try to think of someone who could really use a lift in their spirits.  Pinprick valentines were popular in the earlier days of the United States.  They were made by poking holes with a needle in a piece of paper to make a heart shape.

©    Every February we hang our Big Red Valentine Heart, which I made several years ago out of a large piece of felt edged with white lace.   It is about 26” by 23”, with ten 4 ½” by 4” felt pockets.  (It’s a good thing I made so many pockets, because we now have ten children!)  For labels, I used the computer to make name cards which stick up out of the pockets.  The children have a lot of fun making valentines and putting in small gifts like bite sized candies.  I usually put in candy or small presents, too.   This is one way to add a little extra affection to our family life! 

©    Julie Druck recommends a few fun games in her e-mail newsletter, “A Heart for Home.”  To play Blind Hearts, each person is provided with a sheet of paper and a red crayon.  They are told to close their eyes and see who could make the neatest heart and write their name in the center.  To playing Throwing Hearts, divide your players into teams of two.  Put a bucket in the center of the room, and let the players stand (across from their partners) at even distances from the bucket.  You can mark the distances on the floor with small heart stickers. Hand each of them several heart playing cards and have them try and see how many cards they can flick into the bucket.  The team with the most wins!  If you would like to receive “A Heart for Home”, you can send any message to: aheartforhome-subscribe@welovegod.org.   To send a personal message to Julie, write to thedrucks@netzero.com.

LANGUAGE ARTS

©    Read picture books with the theme of love and friendship.  You can look at your Christian bookstore, or find these at your public library:

o      Bub, or the Very Best Thing by Natalie Babbitt (love is the best)

o      I Want to Say I Love You  by Caralyn Buehner

o      Love Is—by Wendy Anderson Halperin (1 Corinthians 13)

o      I Love You the Purplest by Barbara Joosse

o      Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse (Eskimo setting)

o      If Kisses Were Colors by Janet Lawler (motherly affection)

o      Because I Love You by Max Lucado (God’s love, safety limits)

o      Our Nest by Reeve Lindbergh (animal homes, love)

o      Love You Forever by Robert Munsch (love of mother and son)

o      Friends! By Elaine Scott

©    Have your children find several poems that convey love and affection.  Copy them into your notebook.  (This is a great idea for those who are easing into a Charlotte Mason style of education.)  The Book of Virtues is a great place to start.

©    Write original poems to copy on to cards, using your very best handwriting.

©    Learn to say “I love you!” and “Jesus love you!” in Spanish, French, sign language or other language, such as that of your family’s cultural heritage.

©    Acrostic valentines were popular a long time ago.  Write a word, phrase or sentence beginning with each letter of the recipient’s name.

©    Write an essay about love.

©    Write letters to family members and make sure you send them on time so they will get there on or before February 14.

©    Practice spelling words like: love, heart, Valentine, compassion, charity, kindness, cardiology (or any word with root “cardio”, which means heart), etc.

©    How about a little educational game?  Let your kids write a list of words using the letters in the phrase “Valentines Day” -- like “daily”, “live”, and so forth.  You can’t use a letter twice unless it appears in the phrase twice (“a”, “e”, “n”).  You can’t make a new word just by adding “s” to another word.  This is obviously a spelling and vocabulary game, but here are some ideas to extend it into a GREAT math activity.  Try writing the words in columns marked for one letter words (1 point each), two letter words (2 points each), three letter words (3 points each), on up to 8 letter words.  Yes, there are at least four 8 letter words!  To score, count the words in each column and multiply by the points for that length of word.  Then add the column values together to get your total.  (I dare you to beat my score of over 950!  Let me know if you do.)  You can even plot the incidences of word counts on a bar graph, using word length on the x axis and number of words on the y axis.  You should get a bell curve showing lower counts for the outer edges (1, 2, 7 & 8 letter words) and higher count moving toward the middle (3, 5, & 6 letter words) and a sharp peak at the bar for 4 letter words.  Can your child explain why this happen