I think teaching young ones to read is very frustrating and this week has really been no different. I have been working with my kindergartner in the book, How to Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons.
The first half of the book started off well. C. really enjoyed it. He looked forward to it and you could see his face light up as he read words and short stories. For so long I was thankful that I stuck with it, instead of going back to A Beka with which I used to teach D. how to read.
I do remember D. being slow at first. It was really quite painful. I guess I am just not that patient of a person and I struggled with teaching D. to read. I finally tried allowing her to read in her room at night by herself---as a "reward." It worked and within a short time, her reading took off.
I kept thinking the same would happen with C. I know he knows all his letters. For Pre-K last year, we worked through the Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Phonics books. He loved them and did very well.
As we continued moving along, the slowness was getting worse. Worse, I tell ya! So I ordered Explode the Code book 1 to reinforce what he was learning. Problem is, Explode the Code 1 is really a review. He knows all of it, but review is good. The real problem began when C. had to go from reading words written the funky way to being written the normal way. If he read the word "JAKE" for example in the "Teach Your Child" book written their special way, the A would have a line over it - showing that it was a long "A" sound. Then the E would be written very small. He could read that. But then you show it to him written the normal way, "Jake" he couldn't do it.
I was really starting to get frustrated. On Tuesday, during cheerleading practice, my friend and I did what any moms would do while their daughters were practicing cheerleading and the other kids were home with dad---we went to Lifeway! Just to browse....shop....explore....- I love Lifeway (well, most of it anyway). On the drive there, I was telling her all about my frustrations with teaching C. to read. So she says, "Yeah, we gave up on that book. It is too complicated."
Then she went on to say that some of it near the end is written at a higher grade level (or at least she thought it was) and to put it up. Yes, put it up! It isn't working, so put it up! Why didn't I think of that!!!????
Sometimes I get so caught up in "teaching" that I forget to teach! I homeschool because when I see something not working, I can adjust it. I can re-work it. I can fix it. I can change. I am not stuck with a book provided by a school that if it doesn't work, oh well. I homeschool because I want what is absolute best for my children.
She was right. It was time to shelve the book and move on to something else. My friend mentioned that the "How to Teach" book doesn't really go over the phonics rules. Of course C. didn't know that A says its name if an E is at the end because he wasn't taught that rule of Phonics. He wasn't taught blends. He was taught to read with funky letters and lines over long vowels.
I started looking through new phonics programs. My friend suggested to simply get him some books and allow him to read. Dick and Jane books for example. I went through my books and pulled out some old A Beka K5 readers. He sat down and read them fine. He enjoyed finishing a book. He needed some help along the way but for the most part did really well. I remember how boring and dry I thought A Beka was when I did it with D. Now I have T. next to teach reading too and I might just go back to A Beka for her.
Our homeschool convention is in May. I would like to go and look and phonics programs. A Beka will be there so I can always order directly from them for T. And I know that IF I go with A Beka and T. doesn't do well with it, I can shelve it, sell it, eBay it....whatever......but I can change and make school work for us!
Yes, I do love Homeschooling. I just need to be reminded of it once in a while.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Few of us do patience very well, and none of us do it naturally. - Love
Dare book, Day 1
I am very excited to be participating in Thankful Thursday. So, today I am thankful for:
- The small group my husband and I are in doing the Love Dare. I really wasn't excited about it at first because it isn't my typical kind of Bible Study (I would much rather be taught or work on a Precept Upon Precept study). However, my husband is really enjoying it and it is good to go through something together and to grow our relationship.
- Learning the art of couponing! I had no idea how much money I could save. Just getting started but there is a wealth of blogs full of information on how to do this.
- Our unit study for homeschool on Colonial America. Just finished studying the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock. Their stories are inspiring.
- Our homeschool group....my daughter begins cheerleading today at our competitive soccer league. I am so blessed to have a group that this is available for!
- God's provision in our finances. My husband is still out of work, after 7 LONG months, but we haven't gone without. God has been gracious in providing for us.
What do you have to be Thankful for? Join in over at Lynn's blog here.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reformation Heroes
On my previous post about Heroes, I really should have mentioned this book. We just completed a Unit Study on the Reformation through Tapestry of Grace. Because I had such an interest in the Reformation, I added a few books that were not part of the curriculum. REFORMATION HEROES was one of those books. It had an incredible amount of information on several people I had never heard of. Of course, we are bouncing between lower and upper grammar so we didn't get the entire book completed. The great thing about Tapestry is we will revisit the Reformation in 4 years, so this is a great book to have in our collection.
Even if your not studying the Reformation, this is a great book to have in your library. You may purchase it here (Ligonier Ministries - RC Sproul). The book is a hardcover book, very beautifully put together.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
Here is my menu plan for this week.
Monday - Tacos, Black Beans, Rice
Tuesday - Hubby's special grilled chicken, flavored rice, tossed salad, corn
Wednesday - Pizza Night
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Chicken Corn Casserole, Vegetable Medley Mix (roasted peppers and onions)
Saturday - Cheese Crusted Talapia, Green Beans, Special flavored Rice
Sunday - Hot dogs (quick dinner)
To join in, go to Organizing Junkie!
Couponing Update
Ok, so it has been two grocery runs now where we are using the skills I learned at the couponing training. Both runs we saved around $70! Pretty good so far, considering it takes about 12 weeks to get where we need to be to really see the savings.
It does take time to get things together. I have to be selective on what we buy. I have to take my time making my list, going through old coupons not on my new system yet and printing internet coupons.
If we can get our grocery bill to around $70 a week, I will be so happy!! I will post more updates as we move along in our adventures in couponing.
It does take time to get things together. I have to be selective on what we buy. I have to take my time making my list, going through old coupons not on my new system yet and printing internet coupons.
If we can get our grocery bill to around $70 a week, I will be so happy!! I will post more updates as we move along in our adventures in couponing.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday Rundown
I thought Friday would be a great day to highlight some things of the week, since I don't always get a chance to post daily. Here are some things I found of interest.
1. USA Today did a story on Mark Driscoll's trip to Haiti. So sad that relief workers are involved in some of the very evils we hear about from Haiti....you can read it here.
2. There are so many organizations seeking donations for Haiti relief but here is one started by Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald. Churches Helping Churches
3. John MacArthur on Grace to You also had some wise words and a few organizations he recommends to help Haiti. You can see it here.
4. Not related to Haiti, Albert Mohler posted a great article on our children and the online life of our kids titled "Like the Air they Breathe...." You can see it here.
5. Ken Ham and the Creation Museum will be on Nightline at 11:35 this evening. He was interviewed to discuss the new movie CREATION about the life of Charles Darwin. This should be an interesting interview. I will be setting our DVR to record it.
Thats all for now. Have a great weekend.
1. USA Today did a story on Mark Driscoll's trip to Haiti. So sad that relief workers are involved in some of the very evils we hear about from Haiti....you can read it here.
2. There are so many organizations seeking donations for Haiti relief but here is one started by Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald. Churches Helping Churches
3. John MacArthur on Grace to You also had some wise words and a few organizations he recommends to help Haiti. You can see it here.
4. Not related to Haiti, Albert Mohler posted a great article on our children and the online life of our kids titled "Like the Air they Breathe...." You can see it here.
5. Ken Ham and the Creation Museum will be on Nightline at 11:35 this evening. He was interviewed to discuss the new movie CREATION about the life of Charles Darwin. This should be an interesting interview. I will be setting our DVR to record it.
Thats all for now. Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Do You Have a Hero?
I started listening to a very interesting discussion on Albert Mohler's radio program....the subject was Hero's - Are there any left?
It does seem that looking to modern day people, there are few heroes. Those we esteem somehow always let us down. I know my kids really liked Tiger Woods, especially as they began their own golfing journey. They became disillusioned with him when they found out he was Buddhist. They have no idea about his recent behaviors and what all has happened.
As I was listening, I pondered the question myself. Who are my heroes?? I wasn't sure I really even had any but as I thought about it more and more, I could certainly think of a few. Here is a small list. I am going to divide them into 2 categories: Past/Present
Past:
Martin Luther - It didn't take thinking for long to realize that the admiration I have for Martin Luther most certainly qualifies him as one of my heroes. No, I don't agree with everything Martin Luther did or said. In fact, we have some deep theological differences. However, his courage and unwavering commitment to study God's word and help others study it themselves is amazing. I can't even begin to think about how he felt at the Diet of Worms, knowing he could be killed for simply not recanting what we take for granted these days, free speech. Martin Luther did so much in his lifetime that has allowed us to be in the church we are today. I think if I had to pick one single person, other than Biblical people or Jesus of course, it would be Martin Luther.
John Calvin and the other Reformers - we just spent a unit study on the Reformation. Of course, I already had much respect for Calvin. Our family is deeply indebted to his work and commitment to the Doctrines of Grace (yes, we are Calvinist). But again, just reading in detail about him and the other Reformers, we have a great nation and ability to have church because of the work they did under persecution.
Present
Kay Arthur - Thanks to Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries, I have learned the inductive study method and it has transformed my study life. I used to think I couldn't understand the Bible without study notes or commentaries. I am learning more and more to rely on this study method and then search commentaries rather than commentaries first. I absolutely love to study the Bible inductively!
John MacArthur - This man's ministry has meant so much to my family. It was because of his book Charismatic Chaos that our eyes were opened to the false teachings of charismatic churches I grew up in. Also his other books helped us see the incredible watering down of the gospel in seeker churches. My husband and I have learned so much from his sermons and teachings. The Gospel According to Jesus and The Truth War are two books that are a must read!
Albert Mohler - He probably wouldn't like being called a hero, but in reality I guess that is what he is. We are Southern Baptist and just admire his commitment to the SBC. He addresses the things that are wrong and sets out to fix them. His commentary on his radio show has really helped me to think through events with a very Biblical worldview. He sometimes helps me keep a level head! I love his Ask Anything Wednesday programs. I feel honored to be a part of the SBC when someone like Albert Mohler is a leader within it. I sometimes wish he would come back to the Central Florida area and be a full time minister in church so we could go to it. But then again, I hope he stays President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary long enough for my kids to attend.
Of course, these are just people. People who have been an encouragement to me in my life. I can think back through the years and see that those heroes have changed. They have fluctuated from Christian singers like Michael W. Smith and Petra to Beth Moore in more recent years. I guess as I grow and mature, my admiration for people grows and changes as well.
None of this would go without saying that no one serves as a better hero than Jesus himself. I praise God everyday to be one of the elect, chosen before the foundation of the world to be a follower of Christ. Jesus was the ultimate hero because he was perfect. He never failed. He never lets us down. He gave up his life, died on the cross to save us from our wickedness and sin. He defeated the powers of darkness and gives us eternal and everlasting life. No one could ask for a more perfect, loving, saving, giving hero than that!
I know as a parent, I will have the opportunity to work through the hero thing with my own kids. I pray they put Jesus first. I have already seen some maturity in my 9 year old who this time last year would have said Miley Cyrus was a "hero." However, her behavior change over the last year and unacceptable dress and dance at the concert, she has lost her hero status. Thank God my daughter sees the lack of good judgement and discerns that just because someone is popular, pretty and famous doesn't make them a good role model or hero.
I still have to finish listening to the rest of the program but thought the discussion was so interesting. I know there are many unsung heroes who are ministering to people everyday in the wake of persecution. Heroes right now are serving the people of Haiti. While many will fail us and let us down, its good to know that there are still people committed to the truth of God and can rightly serve as a hero.
It does seem that looking to modern day people, there are few heroes. Those we esteem somehow always let us down. I know my kids really liked Tiger Woods, especially as they began their own golfing journey. They became disillusioned with him when they found out he was Buddhist. They have no idea about his recent behaviors and what all has happened.
As I was listening, I pondered the question myself. Who are my heroes?? I wasn't sure I really even had any but as I thought about it more and more, I could certainly think of a few. Here is a small list. I am going to divide them into 2 categories: Past/Present
Past:
Martin Luther - It didn't take thinking for long to realize that the admiration I have for Martin Luther most certainly qualifies him as one of my heroes. No, I don't agree with everything Martin Luther did or said. In fact, we have some deep theological differences. However, his courage and unwavering commitment to study God's word and help others study it themselves is amazing. I can't even begin to think about how he felt at the Diet of Worms, knowing he could be killed for simply not recanting what we take for granted these days, free speech. Martin Luther did so much in his lifetime that has allowed us to be in the church we are today. I think if I had to pick one single person, other than Biblical people or Jesus of course, it would be Martin Luther.
John Calvin and the other Reformers - we just spent a unit study on the Reformation. Of course, I already had much respect for Calvin. Our family is deeply indebted to his work and commitment to the Doctrines of Grace (yes, we are Calvinist). But again, just reading in detail about him and the other Reformers, we have a great nation and ability to have church because of the work they did under persecution.
Present
Kay Arthur - Thanks to Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries, I have learned the inductive study method and it has transformed my study life. I used to think I couldn't understand the Bible without study notes or commentaries. I am learning more and more to rely on this study method and then search commentaries rather than commentaries first. I absolutely love to study the Bible inductively!
John MacArthur - This man's ministry has meant so much to my family. It was because of his book Charismatic Chaos that our eyes were opened to the false teachings of charismatic churches I grew up in. Also his other books helped us see the incredible watering down of the gospel in seeker churches. My husband and I have learned so much from his sermons and teachings. The Gospel According to Jesus and The Truth War are two books that are a must read!
Albert Mohler - He probably wouldn't like being called a hero, but in reality I guess that is what he is. We are Southern Baptist and just admire his commitment to the SBC. He addresses the things that are wrong and sets out to fix them. His commentary on his radio show has really helped me to think through events with a very Biblical worldview. He sometimes helps me keep a level head! I love his Ask Anything Wednesday programs. I feel honored to be a part of the SBC when someone like Albert Mohler is a leader within it. I sometimes wish he would come back to the Central Florida area and be a full time minister in church so we could go to it. But then again, I hope he stays President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary long enough for my kids to attend.
Of course, these are just people. People who have been an encouragement to me in my life. I can think back through the years and see that those heroes have changed. They have fluctuated from Christian singers like Michael W. Smith and Petra to Beth Moore in more recent years. I guess as I grow and mature, my admiration for people grows and changes as well.
None of this would go without saying that no one serves as a better hero than Jesus himself. I praise God everyday to be one of the elect, chosen before the foundation of the world to be a follower of Christ. Jesus was the ultimate hero because he was perfect. He never failed. He never lets us down. He gave up his life, died on the cross to save us from our wickedness and sin. He defeated the powers of darkness and gives us eternal and everlasting life. No one could ask for a more perfect, loving, saving, giving hero than that!
I know as a parent, I will have the opportunity to work through the hero thing with my own kids. I pray they put Jesus first. I have already seen some maturity in my 9 year old who this time last year would have said Miley Cyrus was a "hero." However, her behavior change over the last year and unacceptable dress and dance at the concert, she has lost her hero status. Thank God my daughter sees the lack of good judgement and discerns that just because someone is popular, pretty and famous doesn't make them a good role model or hero.
I still have to finish listening to the rest of the program but thought the discussion was so interesting. I know there are many unsung heroes who are ministering to people everyday in the wake of persecution. Heroes right now are serving the people of Haiti. While many will fail us and let us down, its good to know that there are still people committed to the truth of God and can rightly serve as a hero.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Does God Hate Haiti?
This is the title to Albert Mohler's blog post about the Haiti earthquake. You can read it here. It is an excellent read.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Already Gone
I have started reading Ken Ham's book (Ken Ham is the founder of Answers in Genesis) called Already Gone. I am probably only about half way finished with it but so far this book has some very sobering statistics and realizations for failures in the church.
Why do so many who are raised in the church leave as an adult? Ken Ham makes a compelling argument that goes back to the origin of man ---- how do you view the creation account in Genesis? How can your children defend what they are taught about the Bible versus science classes in school? How old is the earth? What about evolution?
I have heard Kay Arthur speak similar things - our foundation of our faith begins in Genesis. If we are unsure of God's hand in creation, our faith will fall. If we cannot accept the account of Genesis as anything but true, how can we accept anything else in the Bible?
I teach a "discipleship" class at my church and we are working through Precept's Discover 4 Yourselves book on God's Amazing Creation. What I found interesting is that these children who are in the class are there because mom & dad volunteer on Sunday mornings. It is only open to kid's whose parents serve. So these are kids who are in church regularly and who have parents who actively participate in the life of our church. Yet most of them thought the world was millions of years old. They had no idea what to do with Dinosaurs. They believed a giant meteor hit the earth millions of years ago and killed off the dinosaurs. They aren't sure about evolution.
One thing is clear....kids are leaving the church in droves. Ken Ham again points out that we are loosing them in elementary school - 5th grade or so - when young sponge like minds begin to analyze all they have soaked up and realize modern science teachings and the Bible don't match up. Science is proven, right? It is tested and proven. The Bible is faith, we have to believe that it is true and when it doesn't match science, then what?
Ken Ham makes an excellent point --- not only is the church failing by teaching "Bible story's," but parents are failing their children as well by not teaching at home. This doesn't have to be a homeschool thing...it is a God thing. As parents, we are command to train and instruct our children. Bible apologetics cannot be entrusted to the church alone, because the church is failing in that. Let me ask you this, does your church have a children apologetics class? Science class? Geology class? Most likely the answer is no. Children's Church and Sunday School are notorious for cute bible stories with some practical application.
I have to begin w/ me. I have to be willing to be humble before God and seek Him daily so that I can then go on to train my children in his ways.
Yes, God created the earth in 7 literal days. Yes, that means Dinosaurs where with man and on the ark.
More to come on the book. I am humbled by the statistics and praying for God to use me to be a true teacher of his word.
Why do so many who are raised in the church leave as an adult? Ken Ham makes a compelling argument that goes back to the origin of man ---- how do you view the creation account in Genesis? How can your children defend what they are taught about the Bible versus science classes in school? How old is the earth? What about evolution?
I have heard Kay Arthur speak similar things - our foundation of our faith begins in Genesis. If we are unsure of God's hand in creation, our faith will fall. If we cannot accept the account of Genesis as anything but true, how can we accept anything else in the Bible?
I teach a "discipleship" class at my church and we are working through Precept's Discover 4 Yourselves book on God's Amazing Creation. What I found interesting is that these children who are in the class are there because mom & dad volunteer on Sunday mornings. It is only open to kid's whose parents serve. So these are kids who are in church regularly and who have parents who actively participate in the life of our church. Yet most of them thought the world was millions of years old. They had no idea what to do with Dinosaurs. They believed a giant meteor hit the earth millions of years ago and killed off the dinosaurs. They aren't sure about evolution.
One thing is clear....kids are leaving the church in droves. Ken Ham again points out that we are loosing them in elementary school - 5th grade or so - when young sponge like minds begin to analyze all they have soaked up and realize modern science teachings and the Bible don't match up. Science is proven, right? It is tested and proven. The Bible is faith, we have to believe that it is true and when it doesn't match science, then what?
Ken Ham makes an excellent point --- not only is the church failing by teaching "Bible story's," but parents are failing their children as well by not teaching at home. This doesn't have to be a homeschool thing...it is a God thing. As parents, we are command to train and instruct our children. Bible apologetics cannot be entrusted to the church alone, because the church is failing in that. Let me ask you this, does your church have a children apologetics class? Science class? Geology class? Most likely the answer is no. Children's Church and Sunday School are notorious for cute bible stories with some practical application.
I have to begin w/ me. I have to be willing to be humble before God and seek Him daily so that I can then go on to train my children in his ways.
Yes, God created the earth in 7 literal days. Yes, that means Dinosaurs where with man and on the ark.
More to come on the book. I am humbled by the statistics and praying for God to use me to be a true teacher of his word.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Couponing
Have any of you tried it?
Really, I thought I was doing well by saving $5 at Publix on Coupons! I had literally no idea that there was this whole world of couponing taking place and that I was missing all the savings!
I attended a couponing training class last night. It was very informative and I learned so great ideas on couponing.
You can see the gal's blog here who led the class and sign up for her email list. I am excited to get started and see some savings!
Really, I thought I was doing well by saving $5 at Publix on Coupons! I had literally no idea that there was this whole world of couponing taking place and that I was missing all the savings!
I attended a couponing training class last night. It was very informative and I learned so great ideas on couponing.
You can see the gal's blog here who led the class and sign up for her email list. I am excited to get started and see some savings!
Monday, January 4, 2010
New Year
It is already 2010! I cannot believe how quickly time goes by lately. It seems that I as I get older, time goes by quicker and quicker.
So here I am, attempting to get this blog off the ground. It seems I have good intentions but then go months without doing anything. I want to get it going again so we will see if I can keep up.
Today we start back to Home School after a nice two week break. We begin a new unit in our Tapestry of Grace - Unit 3 of Year 2 - Of Crowns and Colonies. This is the day I have waited for ever since we started homeschooling...the beginning of American History. On the agenda today is a salt map of the United States. Another project is a book of each of the 13 original colonies...their agriculture, their customs, their jobs, etc. I got a great book from the library called Steve Carney's Kid's America. It has some fantastic crafts, folklore tales and other information related to Colonial America. I am looking forward to going through it and using some of the neat craft ideas.
Our study of the Reformation was awesome. I love it that my kids learned much about Martin Luther and John Calvin. My youngest named one of her Webkinz she got for Christmas, Luther. We still have not had our unit celebration on Renaissance and Reformation. I might combine it with the colonial unit celebration somehow. We had planned it for Saturday but pressing issues at my mom's house forced us to cancel for now.
I am thrilled the kids get to see a direct correlation between the time of the Reformation to Colonial America. I hope they learn and understand how precious their religious freedom is and never take it for granted. We could be heading to rough waters here in the US and Christians are facing more and more persecution.
I will try to post at least a few times a week and see if I can keep this up. I am still not sold on the title of the blog, so don't be surprised if the name changes....again.
So here I am, attempting to get this blog off the ground. It seems I have good intentions but then go months without doing anything. I want to get it going again so we will see if I can keep up.
Today we start back to Home School after a nice two week break. We begin a new unit in our Tapestry of Grace - Unit 3 of Year 2 - Of Crowns and Colonies. This is the day I have waited for ever since we started homeschooling...the beginning of American History. On the agenda today is a salt map of the United States. Another project is a book of each of the 13 original colonies...their agriculture, their customs, their jobs, etc. I got a great book from the library called Steve Carney's Kid's America. It has some fantastic crafts, folklore tales and other information related to Colonial America. I am looking forward to going through it and using some of the neat craft ideas.
Our study of the Reformation was awesome. I love it that my kids learned much about Martin Luther and John Calvin. My youngest named one of her Webkinz she got for Christmas, Luther. We still have not had our unit celebration on Renaissance and Reformation. I might combine it with the colonial unit celebration somehow. We had planned it for Saturday but pressing issues at my mom's house forced us to cancel for now.
I am thrilled the kids get to see a direct correlation between the time of the Reformation to Colonial America. I hope they learn and understand how precious their religious freedom is and never take it for granted. We could be heading to rough waters here in the US and Christians are facing more and more persecution.
I will try to post at least a few times a week and see if I can keep this up. I am still not sold on the title of the blog, so don't be surprised if the name changes....again.
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