Learning Along the Way - Homeschool Blogger

31 Days of Praying for My Children

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 23:44:00 -0600

I came across this blog post 31 Days and it reminded me of something I have always wanted to do for my kids but tend to forget about. I've seen this list (or a similar one) before. I took the verses, put a picture of my kids at the top of it and printed it out.
31 Days of Prayer for Your Child
1 salvation “Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).
2 growth in grace “I pray that they may ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’” (2 Peter 3:18).
3 love “Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to ‘live a life of love,’ through the Spirit who dwells in them” (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).
4 honesty and integrity “May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection” (Psalm 25:21, NLT).
5 self-control “Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be ‘alert and self-controlled’ in all they do” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
6 a love for God’s Word “May my children grow to find your Word ‘more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb’” (Psalm 19:10).
7 justice “God, help my children to love justice as you do and to ‘act justly’ in all they do” (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).
8 mercy “May my children always ‘be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful’” (Luke 6:36).
9 respect (for self, others, authority) “Father, grant that my children may ’show proper respect to everyone,’ as your Word commands” (1 Peter 2:17a).
10 strong, Biblical self-esteem “Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are ‘God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus’” (Ephesians 2:10).
11 faithfulness “ ‘Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],’ but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts” (Proverbs 3:3).
12 courage “May my children always ‘Be strong and courageous’ in their character and in their actions” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
13 purity “ ‘Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,’ and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions” (Psalm 51:10).
14 kindness “Lord, may my children ‘always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else’” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
15 generosity “Grant that my children may ‘be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age’” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
16 peace, peaceability “Father, let my children ‘make every effort to do what leads to peace’” (Romans 14:19).
17 joy “May my children be filled ‘with the joy given by the Holy Spirit’” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
18 perseverance “Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to ‘run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]‘” (Hebrews 12:1).
19 humility “God, please cultivate in my children the ability to ’show true humility toward all’” (Titus 3:2).
20 compassion “Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion” (Colossians 3:12).
21 responsibility “Grant that my children may learn responsibility, ‘for each one should carry his own load’” (Galatians 6:5).
22 contentment “Father, teach my children ‘the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength’” (Philippians 4:12-13).
23 faith “I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children’s hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them” (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).
24 a servant heart “God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, ‘as to the Lord, and not to men’” (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).
25 hope “May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
26 the willingness and ability to work hard “Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, ‘as working for the Lord, not for men’” (Colossians 3:23).
27 a passion for God “Lord, please instill in my children a soul that “followeth hard after thee,” a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).
28 self-discipline “Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire ‘a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair’” (Proverbs 1:3).
29 prayerfulness “Grant, Lord, that my children’s lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to ‘pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).
30 gratitude “Help my children to live lives that are always ‘overflowing with thankfulness,’ ‘always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ’” (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).
31 a heart for missions “Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3).

Wow-- time flies!

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 23:44:00 -0500

I will post something here again really soon, since we did a lot this summer that I want to share. But I realized I hadn't posted here in awhile and wanted to share a link to a useful post on The Homeschool Post. It's about schooling on the go. We're often on the go and I don't take advantage of the opportunities as much as I could. Read it here.

In the meantime, if you're in need of a deal, check www.BargainsRock.com! Sometimes homeschool deals are posted. There are lots of back-to-school specials and free school supplies to stock up on now!

Hooray for my little reader girl!!

Sat, 23 May 2009 00:15:00 -0500

I wanted to share with everyone a wonderful victory for Ana tonight. I worked at a book sale to earn free books for the kids. I let them come and pick some out. One book Ana picked was an "easy reader" (has less words on the page, easier words to read and sound out) about these toys she likes called Littlest Pet Shop. Here is the book:

Well tonight we were out late but she wanted to read the book aloud to me (which is a real change-- she never wants to read!). She started in the car while I had the light on in the parking lot. I asked Jesse if she was really reading it or making up the words. She was reading! So I told her when we got home she could read it. And read it she did! It was nearly 11pm by the time she finished, but she did it without getting too frustrated-- sounding out words, accepting instruction/correction. WOW! What a change in attitude! I am so proud of her.

WOW! I'm going to Cincinnati!

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:53:00 -0500

A couple of months ago I blogged about the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati and how I wanted to go hear Susan Wise Bauer, Amanda Bennett and more.
Imagine my surprise Friday night when in my email inbox was a message saying I'd won free registration! So just 5 days before the convention starts, I found myself yesterday rearranging my schedule, desperately looking for cheap (yet safe) lodging for me and the kids (my hubby could not change his schedule), and thinking about what I need to pack!
I will have to share some of the lessons learned here when I get back (or maybe on the laptop while I'm there!)....

When I grow up...

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:56:00 -0500

Wow! Very impressive! The Old Schoolhouse’s “WannaBe Series” is a very exciting addition to the e-books already offered by this publisher. “When I grow up, I want to be a Firefighter” gives a history of fire fighting in America, including the bucket brigade and why Dalmatians are the preferred dogs of firefighters. The language is easy for students to understand without talking down to them. There are many footnotes to further explain difficult or unfamiliar words.

A real-life firefighter explains what his career is like, what happens in the firehouse, and more. He explains the equipment used as well as the ranks of firefighters in the firehouse in a way students can understand. Readers also get to “meet” a real firedog. Activity sheets help students to apply what is learned, such as using the information to create a bar graph of the salaries for the various ranks. There are also a quiz, writing prompts, science activities, math activities, a vocabulary listing, “fill in the story” to use the vocabulary words, a word search, a crossword puzzle and copywork pages in both print and cursive. For the younger students, there are even a couple of coloring pages. A bonus at the end has sign language finger spelling for some common phrases associated with the job.

I really liked the end-of-unit Bible verse listing, activities and game ideas for pulling all that the student has learned together. An additional resource listing is helpful, along with some websites too.

I am looking forward to seeing what other occupations are included in this series. Even if your child doesn’t want to be a firefighter, I believe this would be a great study for learning about community service workers, like policemen, etc.

For more information, go here.

Cooking website discovery!

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:44:00 -0500

I came across a neat website today, "Recipes for Moms: Easy recipes and printable coupons for moms."
So cool!
And she is currently giving away Rachael Ray's Kid Food cookbook! Looks cool. Check it out here.

Homeschooler on American Idol!

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:24:00 -0500

Scott MacIntyre is a blind pianist who is currently in the Top 13 on American Idol. I just found out he is also a Christian and a homeschool graduate. Yay!

My chance to learn...

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:03:00 -0600

I love going to homeschooling conventions. I am always encouraged and refreshed after attending one.
Last year was the first time I heard about the MidWest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, and I was so impressed with the line-up of speakers. However, I could not fit it into my schedule.

This year I am drawn once again to this convention. It boasts a huge exhibit hall with over 100 confirmed vendors (see list here). There is an incredible line-up of over 60 speakers (see full list here), including the ones I really want to see-- Amanda Bennett, Carol Barnier, Dr. Jay Wile, Jim Weiss, and Dr. Susan Wise Bauer. And if that's not enough, the registration fee is extremely affordable! Individual registration is only $35 for three days, starting Thursday evening, April 16 and running through Saturday evening, April 18 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I am trying to work out my schedule to get there for the encouragement and teaching I would need right about now....
So go check it out!

I just LOVE free stuff.

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:40:00 -0600

Especially when it comes to homeschooling. Why should I have to pay a lot to teach my kids when there are so many resources out there that don't cost a cent?

Well, Homeschool Freebie of the Day is a gem. The Erskine family collects wonderful print resources, as well as audio!, for you to download each weekday! Some are old, out of print gems. Others are amazing $12 e-books!

Here's the line-up for this week:

Monday, Feb 16th: Great President's Day Resource Links! (links) Want to make the most of President's Day? Check out these Lesson Plans, virtual tours, poetry & the actual papers of presidents Washington & Lincoln!
Tuesday, Feb 17th: A Chinese Wonder Book (PDF ebook) This fascinating collection of Chinese stories and legends, edited by Maggie Hogan of Bright Ideas Press, is a great literature-based introduction to the rich history and culture of China. Includes a read-aloud guide.
Wednesday, Feb 18th: "Harriet Tubman & the Railway to Freedom" (MP3 audio) A classic old time radio dramatization of the story of Harriet Tubman and the activities of the "underground railroad" during slave years.
Thursday, Feb 19th: Blessed Is The Man: High School Unit Study Sampler (PDF ebook) "Blessed is the Man" is a wonderful High School Unit Study geared to Christian young men, and based on Psalm 1. Today's resource is this extensive 74 page preview of the complete four year curriculum - normally $10 on the publisher's website - but yours to download today! If you have growing boys in your household, DON'T MISS THIS!
Friday, Feb 20th: Creatively Simple: How to Make Butter in the Blender (PDF ebook) Learning to make butter is something everyone should do at least once. This simple ebook by Penny Raine can teach you how, using items you probably already have in your kitchen. Detailed instructions and lots of pictures.

You can get all of these on their respective days at www.HomeschoolFreebieOfTheDay.com

The best way to make sure you don't miss them is to subscribe. Then when you get the email, scan it to see which days you need to make sure to be there. I flag the message so I don't miss out on the ones I want. Happy teaching!

Gotta love this kid!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:32:00 -0600

This high school student spotted an error on a Kansas State Dept. of Education issued writing test. Oh I love it:

So while taking his state writing test last week, the East High junior saw something that didn't make sense: The word "emission" -- as in "the emission of greenhouse gases" -- was spelled "omission."

Brilliant! Not something spell check would catch, and many adults obviously skipped over it as well.

Stanford, who prefers math to literature and plans to study mechanical engineering or sports medicine, said he doesn't consider himself a fabulous proofreader.

"But when I edit my own papers, I'm a stickler for grammar and vocabulary and the correct use of words," he said. "It annoys me when I see mistakes."

That is SO like me! I verbally edit billboards and other mistakes I find. Yes, it's a sickness, but it's me!

In the interest of full disclosure to those who don't know: In my BK (before kids) days, I was an editor for a local newspaper, which was a life dream of mine. Unfortunately, I cannot edit all the papers in the world. *sigh* Wouldn't leave much time for homeschooling! ; P