Posted in Question of the Week Archives
Please feel free to leave comments here in the archives. Scroll down to the last comment after Question #1 and click on "Post a Comment". Put which question you are answering in the Title line. I have cut and pasted comments to the questions to keep them all organized together and accidentally messed up some of my comment links. Also, on Question #3 when I cut and pasted the comments to get them here all together, it didn't copy people's avatars (little pictures by their names). Sorry about that! 
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Question #3
Do you do a devotional or Bible study with your children during school time? If so, what do you use? How do you keep their interest? Details requested on this one, please.
My Answer
Well, I'm asking this question because I have been trying to figure out exactly what to do in this area. We have done a variety of things in the past but have struggled with it a little bit more with my boys getting older. Right now, we are using some Bible dvd's that show the scripture passage on the television screen with a man's voice reading it. They have the option of following along in their Bible or on the screen. Sometimes we go over some discussion questions in a book called Search the Scriptures by InterVarsity Press. Other times, we just discuss what it means. Last month we went through the book of James. This month we are going through the book of Proverbs and adding in some memory verses using MemLok (I have the old version in a notebook but software would be more convenient).
Comments
Feb. 8, 2006 - Apology
Someone had left a wonderfully detailed comment yesterday and I messed something up here trying to move things around and accidentally deleted their comment. I am so sorry! I do remember that it talked about how the Bible is the center of their homeschool and she suggested a Bible curriculum called Christian Character by Gary Maldaner for my older boys. I had actually looked that up after reading her comment and have it on my list of possibilites. If you read this and recognize it as your comment that was deleted, please know that it was a complete accident and I apologize.
Thanks,
Dianne
Feb. 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 3FoldChord (24.29.167.51)
I either read to them for a Bible Story book that my mom read when I was little. Or I use some printed sheets with pictures/lines to write...it was a free sample DVD with my TOS subscription.... or I use Ki's things he brings home from Sunday School
my older two have devotional books, too
Feb. 9, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eyecorn (68.18.184.144)
I'm looking for teen suggestions, too!!
Michelle
Posted by qfbrenda (4.242.108.195)
During the day I sometimes read from Leading Little Ones to God, which is great for young ones. I also read from A Child's Story Bible by Catherine Vos. After we finish Vos's, I want to read through Egermeier's Story Bible. My oldest is almost nine and reads a chapter from his regular Bible most days.
In the evening with my husband, we read Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade. It is a daily (6 days per week) devotional based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. You study and memorize one question per week. Even you don't agree with every question (some might take issue with the one on infant baptism) there is so much meat you could easily skip a few of the questions and get lots out of it. There are enough devotions for about 2 years of study. I think it would be great for a wide range of ages.
I haven't had much trouble keeping their attention because they love for me to read outloud. They usually beg for more. :)
I've also heard great things about Bible Study Guide for All Ages, but I've never used it.
Feb. 10, 2006 - Bible and Devotions
Posted by IamHis (208.1.231.45)
We have a devotion every morning. my son has his own devotion book he does after he has breakfast. And while he is doing his I am doing mine. But he also has a Bible study he does everyday along with his Awana's verses. He is currently doing Kay Arthurs Bible Study 4 kids ages 9-12. There are 13 in all covering both new and old testament. If you kids are older than that try giving them an adult bible study. Kay Arthur is a wonderful bible teacher. Her studys are well written and easy to use. If you kids are teens they probably already know most of the stories but do they know how to apply it there life and make real for themselves? If you are unsure of this pick one for you and them to do together. And do it like discussion class. Everyone does their own study work and you get together once a week for a big dicussion on it. Ask the probing questions about application and understanding. Most adult bible studys also have memory verses so they will still be hiding God's word in their heart and learning how to study and apply it to their daily lives. I do so hope this has blessed you in some way. Some of the best prices on Kay Arthur studies for kids and adults is at http://www.libraryanded.com They sell the 4 kids for 5.99 each the last time I was there. It is a wholesaler who also sells to homeschoolers.
Tanya in Va
Feb. 10, 2006 - Devotions
Posted by Anonymous (24.19.31.216)
Currently, my sons (16 and 13) and I are going through a workbook called Fundamentals of the Faith published by Grace Community Church (MacArthur). In the past we have listened to sermons and missionary stories over the internet at OnePlace.com. John Piper, John MacArthur, and Alistair Begg are our favorites. We have also borrowed and watched DVDs like Acts and Ken Ham's Answers in Genesis. Their favorite devotion is simply reading through a book of the Bible a chapter each day. We read out loud dividing the verses among the three of us. Then we spend time together in prayer.
Feb. 10, 2006 - Devotions & Bible Study
Posted by WingsAsEagles (68.230.1.138)
My girls and I read the Proverbs chapter corresponding with the date, every morning before starting our studies. We discuss what the verses mean, and how we can obey them. They then copy a verse in a notebook and do some prayer journaling as well. This is kept separate from our ‘school day’, as I want the girls to develop this habit apart from academic studies. They need to grow this habit whether or not they are ‘doing school’ that day. It’s a daily happening, not just another subject plopped into their schedule between math and grammar.
During the day when we’re ready for a break, we hit the couch and work on a verse from the book Sword Fighting by Karyn Henley. An excellent resource for practical and applicable bible memorization.
Separate and apart from their devotions as described above, we were looking for a more academic “Bible” curriculum. I bought a used copy of 4th year (can’t believe I’m going to say this) Bob Jones Bible. It looks quite good. I’ve also just ordered Tapestry of Grace to beef up what I’m already doing in general. Once it arrives and we give it a good looking over, we’ll decide what to do about studying the bible in a more academic way.
I’ve found that the prayer journaling is a great way for the girls to ‘write as if unto the Lord’ (excellent handwriting) and is wonderful for showing them the hand of God. When they can go back and see prayers answered they get excited.
Love that!
Mrs. L
Question #2
What book (or books) are you currently reading for your own enjoyment or your own learning process?
My Answer
I just received Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U-la by Barb Shelton and have started reading it. It's going to take me a while to work my way through this but it looks wonderful! I am so excited that I was finally able to get this book and start planning for the high school years!!!
Comments
Posted by cudltot (64.12.116.139)
that are sewing books. I am just starting to try new things with sewing :)
Chrissy
Jan. 29, 2006 - I am reading...
Posted by homekeeper37 (71.241.136.127)
.....the Narnia books, re reading Child Training Tips, and parts of Homeschooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit.
Feb. 1, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eyecorn (64.12.116.139)
I'm intrigued by this senior high book. If you are able, please let us know how you like it. I have to start planning for high school,and I'm looking for some planning resources. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I have enjoyed reading your posts and recommendations.
Michelle
Feb. 2, 2006 - Hi
Posted by sherrydhoneycutt (64.12.116.139)
Hey,
Thanks for the comment in my journal :-) I always love "reading" questions!
I just finished up "Cane River" by Lalita Tademy and started on "Black Rose" by Nora Roberts for enjoyment.
I am reading "The Power of a Praying Parent" and "The Power of a Praying Woman" to enrich my life!
I'm reading "Little House in the Big Woods" aloud to dd5.
I also read from the Women of Faith Bible daily.
:-D
Glad you liked the recipe!
sherry
Feb. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by foreverinmyheart (71.132.130.227)
I recently finished Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Feb. 5, 2006 - What my family & I are reading
Posted by mom1025 (69.245.214.68)
Our current family read-alouds are Little Women & The Horse and His Boy
I have been reading (or in some cases re-reading) some of the following:
Created to Be His Helpmeet / Debi Pearl
Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview / Israel Wayne
Ignite the Fire / Teri Camp
In order to get some ideas for skills in which to train my 2 oldest daughters, I have been reading through the 'Keepers at Home' handbook.
And it is my goal to finally read through 'Understanding the Times' by David Noebel this year.
As you can tell, reading is one of my very favorite things to do!
Feb. 5, 2006 - I am reading...
Posted by homeskoolmom (208.252.179.24)
I am reading "Chosen by God" by R.C. Sproul to understand Reformed Theology more clearly. Also reading "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss for a ladies Bible study.
Reading "Hinds Feet on High Places" to my children.
And assorted books on adopting an older child.
If I am ever reading just one book at a time, there is something seriously wrong with me :)
Posted by creativehsmom (207.255.20.84)
I have the Barb Shelton book and I Love it!
I am currently reading Wisdom's Way of Learning by Marilyn Howshall. Barb speaks of her quite a bit.
Happy Homeschooling!
Cathy
Question #1
What is your favorite organizing tip that helps you in an area of your home?
My Answer
I learned this from another homeschooling mom several years ago so I can't really take credit for coming up with the idea....To help control paper clutter that would pile up constantly on the kitchen countertop, I got a file box that is open on top and put hanging files in it that I labeled -- one for each person in our family, one for 4-H, Awana, bills, and coupons. This now sits on the countertop and all I have to do when I come across other people's things is to drop them into the appropriate file. It also gives me a definite place to put an article I want to read later. When the box starts getting full, everyone has to go through their file and keep only what they really need. When someone has misplaced something they need, they know the first place to look is in their file. I am definitely a piler and not a filer so this has been great progress for me. It's amazing how easy it is to throw away all those "important" papers when you haven't needed them in several months!
Please take time to click on "Post a Comment" and share one (or more) of your favorite organizing tips!
Comments
Posted by 1crazylady5kids (68.111.108.17)
A posted schedule (MOTH), and a large calendar hanging on the wall where all the activities and appointments are scheduled for all to see.
So much for my Better Homes and Gardens membership!
Posted by boo4baby (67.134.186.79)
I think that each year our organization needs are different and changing. Right now there are two things that stand out.........keeping a family calendar hung in the kitchen so that everyone can see what is "supposed" to happen. Second, because I scrapbook, I used to keep a lot of my kids' artwork or school papers. Now I take a picture of it by itself or a picture of the child holding it. Then I can put the pictures in my albums!
Blessings,
Becky
Jan. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TEACHmagazine (67.40.22.155)
What a great question! I would have to say that the concept that revolutionized our home was what we call a "Before Breakfast Chore."
What is it? Just what it says, do it before breakfast! I love starting the day off with the dishwasher emptied and ready to receive new dirty ones! When my otehr daily live-in servants, my washing machine and dryer are busy chugging away - well, let's just say THAT is music to my ears. Other things we do before breakfast are gathering dirty laundry, making lunch, and dressing the little one.
Anyway, I have written a lot about these concepts and many many MORE in my bundles called "Many Hands Make Light the Work" and "Get Your Pack on Track."
Best wishes!
Lorrie
TEACHmagazine.com
homeschoolblogger.com/TEACHmagazine
We put the "Home" in Homeschooling and Homemaking.
Posted by PegiPoohBricker (4.224.84.199)
WEAR an apron with BIG pockets, collect odds and ends, paper scraps, pens and odd things that are loose in the house all day long in a home and put them in your pockets. Use one for trash and one for 'other stuff' and empty them periodically throughout the day. Also keep postie notes and a pen in your pockets so you can record grades, things you notice you are running out of to add to your grocery list (always on the refrigerator to be added to throughout the week by the way), or things you need to remember to do or pray for during the day. It will help keep your home running much smoother if you use pockets and postie notes to keep your home and mind clutter organized.
Jan. 26, 2006 - Organizing Cleaning
Posted by Babs (68.97.232.28)
First, thank you for the leaving your suggestions regarding math over at my place. As soon as I read it I came right over to check out your blog and your math links. I became distracted with your question of the week. Hmmm, maybe not a good start for focus and organizing.
Anyway, I've just implemented a new cleaning method. As a result of rushing around and dedicating several days of my life to cleaning trying to get ready for company (especially during the holidays) I've decided to clean for one hour per day. This is of course in addition to meals and dishes. Even though I do laundry throughout the week, Monday's cleaning is dedicated to laundry and ironing; obviously this takes more than my required hour. In addition, I'm enforcing the rule of picking up belongings around the house, especially the dining room, before bedtime. It's our dining room table that accumulates the papers. I'm hoping that by following my own rule the dining room table won't become so cluttered.
As I said this is something new for me. I use to try to clean at least one room per day; I've never been consistent. I think by scheduling my hour of cleaning I can eventually have a house that is clean and tidy and ready for company at a moment's notice.
Great question! I think I may try the expanding file idea. First I'm going to check out those math links and add you to my list of friends! I definitely want to come back for more visits.
Jan. 27, 2006 - I open my mail over the trash can
Posted by cudltot (152.163.100.201)
That way I immediately throw away the junk. I also get up earlier than the kids so I get a few moments to myself so I can think about what is on the agenda for the day.
Great question!
Posted by EmptyNestMom (70.177.127.207)
Of course I am prejudiced, but organizing my lesson planning using The Checklist (http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/checklist.html) is my favorite tip on being organized. I loved teaching the Eclectic way, using whatever curriculum I had on hand, and doing whatever subject inspired us at the time. Unfortunately, I found a lot of "missing links" so I had to create something that would give me a long-term plan to follow as well as a record of what we had already done. After school each day, I went through and pulled anything I wanted to keep for a long time and added it to my children's portfolios (http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/portfolio.html), another of my favorite organizing tools.
