tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32115267291559129262024-03-05T13:39:21.495-05:00Finish Well!Encouragement for Home Educators Traveling the High School JourneyVirginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-6061908599793615362021-07-19T22:13:00.005-04:002021-07-19T22:22:50.266-04:00I'm Back to Homeschooling High School!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbvbeatji6sv3qvx2qV8xBCAEgqds0L-iFZD_y-UUsJghJapf0hy1g9I2DoLYaCW-5zdbVU8HxAXgc7gvEabfU9UF4CSy6efws4MQ88KwxPslKE-AOzNHoZDhA0LIDMZxzSoVm691cD2l/s235/Chihuly+art.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="235" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbvbeatji6sv3qvx2qV8xBCAEgqds0L-iFZD_y-UUsJghJapf0hy1g9I2DoLYaCW-5zdbVU8HxAXgc7gvEabfU9UF4CSy6efws4MQ88KwxPslKE-AOzNHoZDhA0LIDMZxzSoVm691cD2l/w400-h272/Chihuly+art.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My goodness! It's been nearly seven years since I posted on this blog! Back then in the 2013-2014 school year, I was teaching at a homeschool hybrid program across town. One of my sons was enrolled there for his freshman year. My other kids had been transitioning into public school and I wasn't homeschooling any of them for high school from Fall 2014 until just a year ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But I'm back! My youngest daughter, who is starting 10th grade, is still homeschooled and will continue with me until graduation. Not only that, I will teach high school and middle school language arts in a different homeschool hybrid program this school year. I am very excited about that!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last year, homeschooling was admittedly a difficult one for so many of us, due to COVID and whatever other issues life threw our way. (I'm a single mom who works part-time at a crisis hotline, and I just graduated from seminary. Full plate!) We did find our groove somewhere in there, and next month we will pick up where we left off.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So here are two resources that we have<i> really </i>liked for high school so far:</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Nonsense-Algebra-2nd-Mastering-Essential/dp/099944333X/" target="_blank"><b>No-Nonsense Algebra:</b></a> It's an inexpensive workbook on Amazon. The lessons are very straightforward, not overwhelming. The book comes with a code for free pre-recorded video sessions online, one for each workbook lesson. Each of these videos is less than 10 minutes. We watch the video. She does the lessons with me so I know she's understanding it as she works. It's virtually painless, unlike anything else we have tried. We will finish this up next year and then alternate the lessons in the related <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Algebra-Word-Problems-Made-Simple/dp/0999443348/" target="_blank"><b>Algebra Word Problems Made Simple</b></a> book partway through the year. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCfQSt1PxszP89BRaO9gvDCuclB0Iy_F5r7cBV_zwTh_gdazZ2-Nqtch1xRXREawI9tjXMiZjcowI5ff0Sq-woEp1nDXIzKiVXE9XwFOfKPX7azzaoa8OjvceMV0t0x8-FgYpxpeHHf3i/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="386" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCfQSt1PxszP89BRaO9gvDCuclB0Iy_F5r7cBV_zwTh_gdazZ2-Nqtch1xRXREawI9tjXMiZjcowI5ff0Sq-woEp1nDXIzKiVXE9XwFOfKPX7azzaoa8OjvceMV0t0x8-FgYpxpeHHf3i/w310-h400/image.png" width="310" /></a></div><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Friendly-Biology-Secular-Joey-Hajda/dp/1545277354/r" target="_blank"><b>Friendly Biology:</b></a> This program redeemed Biology for us. I had pulled my daughter out of a weekly class that was using the Apologia Biology book. Neither of us could understand it at all. Then I found Friendly Biology at our local used bookstore. We tried it out, and now we are both understanding, and even enjoying, Biology. It is for the student who needs to take Biology but isn't able to follow anything that's overly technical. It is written in a conversational approach by homeschool parents of 10. The dad has a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a masters in curriculum and instruction. The mom also has a master's in curriculum and instruction and is working on a doctorate in education. The book comes in either a secular or Christian edition. We have the secular one because that's what was in the store. There are some typos in the accompanying workbook, but that doesn't detract from the program. There is also a test book. You can also purchase access to video lessons online but we haven't done that yet. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP0aito37ahhJd-le-98Dtrt1s40fQKiM8AOR9NhdH45FcpchwTLCEf61RT7KTCszlVAGsgrMb6D0ifVQFqmoCYEaGIjtI6Ic0l2gNG9kASXnyP0LpG5Iez5Vp6cIXe5ATRwXIButPuAe/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP0aito37ahhJd-le-98Dtrt1s40fQKiM8AOR9NhdH45FcpchwTLCEf61RT7KTCszlVAGsgrMb6D0ifVQFqmoCYEaGIjtI6Ic0l2gNG9kASXnyP0LpG5Iez5Vp6cIXe5ATRwXIButPuAe/w320-h400/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In addition to this biology text, my daughter reads a lot of books and articles and watches a lot of videos related to anatomy and physiology. This is one of her key interests. When she watches a video or reads an article online, she sends the link to the email account we have set up specifically for her school stuff. Along with a workbook on Medical Investigation and some first aid and CPR classes later on, we're turning all of this into a class on Medical Skills, which is a legitimate high school course in the state of Florida. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>We also take a lot of field trips. In the spring we spent two days in St. Petersburg, Florida visiting the <a href="https://www.imaginemuseum.com/" target="_blank"><b>Imagine</b></a> modern glass arts museum, the <a href="https://www.moreanartscenter.org/chihuly/" target="_blank"><b>Chihuly</b></a> glass art museum (see photo at top of post), a glassblowing exhibition, a botanical garden, and more. </span></span><span>Over the summer, she visited the Ford's Theatre Museum (where Lincoln was assassinated), the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. We also visited Shenandoah National Park, Natural Chimneys, and Natural Bridge in rural Virginia -- all stunning for the geological formations. Then we toured a cathedral and a ship museum in Savannah, Georgia. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYApEWZpD2niXcJA1RndKzOoha2_kzey7h4MEp7izCK0T3eAtAVuoI8Lu1U7cGgvk1zUhD7iW7DX8_lXJbKbOfRWMx0MaEAmzy6Fy8lZ4Etihets1DiJvvkRQ29clQfjCGOFGC1qsWFkFF/s960/Skyline+Drive.jpg" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYApEWZpD2niXcJA1RndKzOoha2_kzey7h4MEp7izCK0T3eAtAVuoI8Lu1U7cGgvk1zUhD7iW7DX8_lXJbKbOfRWMx0MaEAmzy6Fy8lZ4Etihets1DiJvvkRQ29clQfjCGOFGC1qsWFkFF/w300-h400/Skyline+Drive.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnFwMq5eLW2gmy_-fp47VUFzPYMAH3RSWHNU8APt2nsxjPsOraZXMg9jmBO0hCW3mUgrzcQMebjrEN0b-JJzsxHP_TOxdM8eXuhX_hxx_w2lElIuCDNfhWR-HaKwOvAzYLH1BzkG5wX2v/s960/Natural+Chimneys+1.jpg" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnFwMq5eLW2gmy_-fp47VUFzPYMAH3RSWHNU8APt2nsxjPsOraZXMg9jmBO0hCW3mUgrzcQMebjrEN0b-JJzsxHP_TOxdM8eXuhX_hxx_w2lElIuCDNfhWR-HaKwOvAzYLH1BzkG5wX2v/w400-h300/Natural+Chimneys+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdae2Mpzo1ZCOGR0_UxnHvx0fj-o4xAzYKcot89q395KQ8RT04WxPf2ib97yPF6YEhDfDeYmheGGJlTSrUsv4_SLzCRxE85i4XpgzS8lJFfCwmrZUOr_aLw9uYNP1BX26sq8ZEoJcP0Yj6/s960/Natural+Bridge+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdae2Mpzo1ZCOGR0_UxnHvx0fj-o4xAzYKcot89q395KQ8RT04WxPf2ib97yPF6YEhDfDeYmheGGJlTSrUsv4_SLzCRxE85i4XpgzS8lJFfCwmrZUOr_aLw9uYNP1BX26sq8ZEoJcP0Yj6/w299-h400/Natural+Bridge+1.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioJG24jQmm1wozNqtvhbNml08997nTDhyflEFCoW9J5K1D1I-SYsxUvpWOJmlKExx3NohyphenhyphenqP9TO3UQaUdEESv27TRuHjHdoBeYqGoHgB9_xkkXtLzS4YPJuGBCZoijCWYRD1CD1R1lLGR/s960/CSJB+9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioJG24jQmm1wozNqtvhbNml08997nTDhyflEFCoW9J5K1D1I-SYsxUvpWOJmlKExx3NohyphenhyphenqP9TO3UQaUdEESv27TRuHjHdoBeYqGoHgB9_xkkXtLzS4YPJuGBCZoijCWYRD1CD1R1lLGR/w400-h300/CSJB+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmXym4rFhIOlWTGliiApdq9yjU0c55fhspcROavai5tcBs4qSH1V7rG-AAf-FkaLJy8sSBaKV3D7l7TXVom83-8bH-HyP0ZSXRs98oLZJYzt94xenS2PgMQd90B0Cwwvw0408hhSQX49h/s2048/Ship+model.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmXym4rFhIOlWTGliiApdq9yjU0c55fhspcROavai5tcBs4qSH1V7rG-AAf-FkaLJy8sSBaKV3D7l7TXVom83-8bH-HyP0ZSXRs98oLZJYzt94xenS2PgMQd90B0Cwwvw0408hhSQX49h/w400-h300/Ship+model.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Last spring, I took the time to plan out what classes my daughter needs to complete before she graduates. Since she's homeschooled, we have some flexibility in the number of credits and how they can be accomplished. For example, she is doing her World Geography a little each year, studying one continent per semester. She may do some of her classes with Florida Virtual School, or she may dual enroll in the local community college with online classes. She will take English (with me) and other classes at the homeschool program where I will be teaching. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty soon I'll write another post on what I'm teaching in my high school language arts class this year. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until then!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Virginia Knowles</span></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-70876625613984203842014-10-21T21:18:00.000-04:002014-10-21T22:46:42.191-04:00Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many people mistakenly believe that the "1812 Overture" is associated with the War of 1812 between England and America. However, </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture," composed in 1880, commemorates Russia's defense of its homeland against Napoleon of France. Still, it is a common accompaniment to Independence Day fireworks displays in the USA, especially since Arthur Fiedler's 1974 Boston Pops concert. Expect to hear cannons! Read more <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.bhso.org.uk/repert-173-Tchaikovsky-1812-Overture-Op-49.htm">here</a></span></b> and <a href="http://old.post-gazette.com/ae/20030704overtureae3.asp"><b><span style="color: blue;">here</span></b></a>.</span><br />
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<br />Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-66233933696591987902014-09-14T15:38:00.002-04:002014-09-14T15:40:13.854-04:00Essential Life Skills for Teens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;">Got teens? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;">One thing I know: They need life skills! I've had eight teenagers grow up in my
house. Four of them have moved out on their own, and two of these are married with children. Even after all that experience, I still have a long way to go with instilling life skills in my remaining kids! I've got some serious work to do here. I am thankful that it's not all up to me. My husband has taught them a lot, and so have mentors and other teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt;">Just a few thoughts...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">~*~*~</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Education is not just about stuffing
information into the brain. We need to know what to do with it, how
to apply it in daily life. No matter what careers our children choose and no
matter how technology changes, they will need some basic life skills.
Occupations may come and go, but in my opinion there are certain work skills
that will never become totally obsolete. They are applicable for both men
and women in almost any life pursuit. We must teach them to our children,
largely by our own example, but also by specific instruction. Let’s train
them well!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">General Life Management:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> how to manage time, set goals, evaluate options,
make decisions, plan details, use discernment, organize resources and space, control impulses<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Communication and Leadership:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> how to converse pleasantly and effectively, use
proper body language, write clear correspondence and reports, give oral
presentations with visual aids, debate logically and persuasively, offer
direction to colleagues and subordinates, and appeal to those in authority.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Finances:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> how to earn money, budget, manage a checking or savings account,
make wise purchases, avoid scams, stay out of debt, stretch and conserve
resources, interpret financial and economic data, make wise investments, do
personal and/or business bookkeeping, and most importantly, maintain
contentment in a materialistic society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Study Habits & Computer Skills: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">how to<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">master comprehension skills, find a quiet study
environment, organize study time, take tests effectively, use highlighters and
flash cards, do word processing and spreadsheets, send e-mail, locate reliable
information on the Internet, study in a group, participate in a group
presentation, submit on-line assignments, back up information to a flash drive,
design a blog or web site<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Job Skills: </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">how to </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">fill out an application, write a resume, go for an
interview, make an appeal to a supervisor, know what kind of behavior and
conversations are appropriate in various kinds of work settings, assess
strengths and weaknesses, explore long-term career options<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><b>Home Care: </b>how to perform </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">basic household chores that they will need now to
contribute to the family and in the future to care for themselves: cooking,
laundry, dishes, cleaning, organizing, lawn mowing, gardening, household
repair<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><b>Transportation: </b>how to take a public bus, drive safely, understand traffic rules, read a map, plan a route,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> fill a car with gas, add air or change a tire, check and add fluids, call for roadside assistance, perform basic auto repairs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><b>Health Care: </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, personal hygiene, body
change, avoiding substance abuse, mental health awareness, taking medications, monitoring health symptoms, basic first aid and nursing skills, caring for young children<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><b>Recommended Resources:</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1136043&item_no=884722" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Life Skills for Kids</b></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"> book by Christine Field</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.parentmap.com/article/ten-life-skills-for-teens" style="font-size: 18pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ten Life
Skills for Teens</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> article</span></li>
<li><a href="http://parentingteens.about.com/od/agesandstages/a/Life-Skills-Teens-Teaching-Independent-Living.htm" style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Life
Skills Your Teen Needs to Be Independent</b></span></a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">I'd love to hear what you are doing to help your teens develop life skills!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;">Virginia</span></div>
Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-146067414496423732013-09-28T09:52:00.000-04:002013-09-28T09:52:05.743-04:00Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China (With Links on Missions, Prayer, and Home Schooling)<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FFFFE5; line-height: 14.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6e7hnf8NI8ShSRjEzfzXdfkA0Y172Ge6Tri-rW8Rd9wdYEvHsJlL-_yK9dflVLcLZZaoGe78yOSfr2mtZ8sTEn12giRgf7gnrh99MpEtQlrxIhDljHYqU7ClLgJJWbWMBXCVQpz3nuT-p/s1600/Hudson+Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6e7hnf8NI8ShSRjEzfzXdfkA0Y172Ge6Tri-rW8Rd9wdYEvHsJlL-_yK9dflVLcLZZaoGe78yOSfr2mtZ8sTEn12giRgf7gnrh99MpEtQlrxIhDljHYqU7ClLgJJWbWMBXCVQpz3nuT-p/s1600/Hudson+Taylor.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hudson
Taylor (1832-1905) was raised in a devout Christian home filled with much Bible
reading and prayer. Often, missionaries
would come to visit the house and share their stories. At his birth, his
parents prayed that he would eventually become a missionary to China. Despite
his Christian upbringing, Hudson somehow managed to wander away from the faith
during his teen years. He had been working
at the bank where his co-workers were a bad influence. However, a problem with his eyes forced him to
return home for several months to recover.
During this time, he happened to pick up a Christian gospel booklet
called “It is Finished” in his father's apothecary shop. He promised
himself that he would only read the interesting story at the beginning and then
set it down when it got to the religious part at the end. However, he was
so fascinated that he read the whole thing. The Holy Spirit worked in his
heart to trust in Christ's “finished work” – his sacrifice on the cross for our
salvation. Hudson didn’t know it at the time, but that very day his
mother, who had been away for weeks visiting her sister, had been
gripped with a desire to pray fervently for her son. After
several hours of praying, a sense of peace came over her and she was
certain her son had become a Christian. Some time later, Hudson
mistakenly picked up his younger sister Amelia's notebook, thinking it was his
own, and read that she had been praying every day for his salvation for a
month prior to his conversion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Later
that year, Hudson became convinced that God was calling him to be a missionary
to China. To prepare for this, he had to
learn the Chinese language, get used to living simply without a lot of money or
comforts, and start training to be a doctor so he could go as a medical
missionary. (He didn’t finish his medical
training then, because it seemed urgent for him to go to China, but he did
complete them later when he was on furlough back in England.) On the way to China, his ship nearly ran
aground on an island with cannibals, but Hudson prayed and a strong breeze blew
them away from the shore. He arrived in
China at the age of 21. During his 51
years of service there, he faced many hardships, including civil war, people
who were hostile to the Christian “foreign devils”, riots, severe illness, more
eye problems, the death of his first wife and four of his children, deep
depression, lazy fellow missionaries, conflicts with the mission agency,
difficult travel, a fire which destroyed his supplies, and the Boxer Rebellion
in 1900, in which 56 CIM missionaries were killed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However,
Hudson Taylor’s work was still very fruitful. In his own lifetime, <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">he founded the China
Inland Mission, established 20 mission stations, recruited 849 missionaries to work
in China, trained about 700 Chinese workers, raised $4 million by faith
(instead of appealing for money), developed an evangelistic Chinese church of
125,000, and revised a Chinese translation of the New Testament. It is believed that he personally baptized about
50,000 people. To help his efforts at
reaching the Chinese people, he even dressed and wore his hair like them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hudson Taylor’s
legacy continues. After the communist
(atheist) takeover of China in 1949, the China Inland Mission removed its
workers from China and reassigned them to other countries. The name was changed to the Overseas
Missionary Fellowship, which still serves today in many Asian countries. Even though CIM missionaries left China, there
is still a strong “underground” Chinese church that grew from their efforts. John and Betty Stam, Lottie Moon, and Gladys
Aylward were some other famous missionaries to China, though they weren’t with
CIM. Although mission work is officially
forbidden, many Christians still go to China as teachers and build personal relationships
in order to share their faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hudson
Taylor’s work was birthed in the prayers of his family, and he became quite a
prayer warrior himself. His son Howard’s book, <u>Hudson Taylor’s
Spiritual Secret</u>,<b> </b>is about the
strength he gained from prayer. Here are few of Hudson’s quotes about prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"I
have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is
impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"Do
not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin
the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with
Him."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"You must GO forward on your
knees."</i> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">~*~*~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I compiled this information for a handout to supplement the study about China in the World Geography class I teach three days a week. I wrote much of it years ago, but added to it today using information obtained on-line. Here are some resources for further study:</span></div>
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<li><b><a href="http://www.ccel.org/ccel/taylor_jh" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">J. Hudson Taylor at Christian Classics Ethereal Library</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> - </span>includes download of free e-books</span></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biorptaylor.html" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">James Hudson Taylor at Wholesome Words</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - includes links to many other articles</span></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.omf.org/omf/us/resources__1/omf_archives/china_inland_mission_stories/james_hudson_taylor_1832_1905" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>James Hudson Taylor at OMF </b></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.omf.org/omf/us/resources__1/omf_archives/china_inland_mission_stories/cim_omf_history" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>CIM/OMF History</b></span></a></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here are several of my re</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lated blog posts about Hudson Taylor, world missions, prayer, and home schooling to make a difference in the world:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/p/missions.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Missions page</span></b></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">with links to helpful books</span></span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://continuewellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/03/christian-biography-report-questions.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">Christian Biography and Report Questions</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/sense-of-calling-for-life.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">A Sense of Calling for Life</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/07/nations-generations-home-schooling-to.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nations & Generations: Home Schooling to Make a Difference in the World</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://comewearymoms.blogspot.com/2012/11/all-saints-day-and-quotes-on-prayer.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">All Saint's Day and Quotes on Prayer</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://comewearymoms.blogspot.com/2010/07/what-are-you-looking-for.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What Are You Looking For?</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://comewearymoms.blogspot.com/2010/05/praying-for-our-children.html" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Praying for Your Children</b></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://comewearymoms.blogspot.com/2010/08/teaching-our-children-to-walk-with-god.html" style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>"Teaching Our Children to Walk With God" by Shiela Catanzarite</b></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2009/07/and-they-are-strong-and-bold-girls-and.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">And They Are Strong and Bold... (Girls and the Grand Adventure)</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2009/03/ship-in-harbour-is-safe.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">A Ship in Harbour is Safe...</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2009/01/to-b-olivia-with-love-boli-v-i-con-am.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">To Bolivia with Love (poem)</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-with-me-here.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">Come With Me Here</span></a></li>
</ul>
</h3>
Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-80942771145816390192013-05-29T11:02:00.001-04:002013-05-29T11:09:24.075-04:00Art Show Pieces and Another Graduate!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKpH7DHHnQHfbDwi7MyXtvwjBzMFfFOn9cyxFwiA4NdaS0TH9vB0CW_QM7OEf0pcipp6ItdBgcJFJOHegaauntPKBgXSSe31BHFRLkLPVR-L1U3dSnpZ13GkRwYOdmd9bX7vO-GgQyE5W/s1600/Still+Life+pencil+sketch+by+Lydia+Knowles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKpH7DHHnQHfbDwi7MyXtvwjBzMFfFOn9cyxFwiA4NdaS0TH9vB0CW_QM7OEf0pcipp6ItdBgcJFJOHegaauntPKBgXSSe31BHFRLkLPVR-L1U3dSnpZ13GkRwYOdmd9bX7vO-GgQyE5W/s400/Still+Life+pencil+sketch+by+Lydia+Knowles.JPG" width="331" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Still Life 1"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1wSmY7agdshP0tj29jTLWND5WsNrfhDR4AK7LzunRvDBHcGdZTuGOUdCBxiuVhZW_QtQHFs-Ou-Vx9O2-pOOKvXtU_lNYcsH2SCG3g-FDx5t76BBn-qxoHqX09rZ0BbWBQ5fBk-6envd/s1600/James+sculpture+of+peach+by+Lydia+Knowles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1wSmY7agdshP0tj29jTLWND5WsNrfhDR4AK7LzunRvDBHcGdZTuGOUdCBxiuVhZW_QtQHFs-Ou-Vx9O2-pOOKvXtU_lNYcsH2SCG3g-FDx5t76BBn-qxoHqX09rZ0BbWBQ5fBk-6envd/s400/James+sculpture+of+peach+by+Lydia+Knowles.JPG" width="310" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"James"<br />from the book <br /><b>James and the Giant Peach </b><br />by Roald Dahl<br />(Yes, those are the sea gulls carrying<br />the peach across the ocean.)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGp3JemOuHk2QGI7yGqWwncFSiBKGpwp2V694k1qhdtC00b70c1bJzh_NDIsrRdvMaeT5CP09ViPffmVotpN87TbKXgJBav-17JRdoA1q2uxYbJ56Xojgt4KYWj69A5BVWRxImRTAiwXE/s1600/Lydia+black+and+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGp3JemOuHk2QGI7yGqWwncFSiBKGpwp2V694k1qhdtC00b70c1bJzh_NDIsrRdvMaeT5CP09ViPffmVotpN87TbKXgJBav-17JRdoA1q2uxYbJ56Xojgt4KYWj69A5BVWRxImRTAiwXE/s400/Lydia+black+and+white.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lydia<br />
Photo by Joanna Knowles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My daughter Lydia was home schooled up through 9th grade, then transferred to a public school where she took primarily honors and AP courses for 10th and 11th. She was also president of the art club and a member of the drama set crew. (See </span><a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-transition-into-public-high.html" style="background-color: #fff3db; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Making the Transition into Public High School or College</span></a><span style="background-color: #fff3db; color: #1b0431; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">.) </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">She wanted to dual enroll at Seminole State for her senior year to take advanced math, science, and more art. She couldn't dual enroll full-time while enrolled in the public school, so she decided to re-enroll in the private home school program she had been in before. Next week, she will be our fifth graduate from The Regent Academy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> of the great perks about dual enrolling is the opportunity to take art classes from professional college level instructors. Lydia really liked her teachers there, and I guess they liked her too since two of her pieces were selected to be included in SSC Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition and the pencil sketch won a prize. She is trying to decide whether to go to art school after she gets her AA, or whether to major in science. Either way, I'm so proud of Lydia and her artistic accomplishments! She has three more large ceramic pieces sitting in our dining room now, and I'll try to photograph them soon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Virginia Knowles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/">www.FinishWellHomeSchool.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
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Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-52354430303056538332012-12-29T19:44:00.002-05:002012-12-29T19:44:25.152-05:00Ten Musical Pieces from Baroque to Romantic <br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The high school students in our home school co-op just read a lesson from the <b><i>Notgrass World History Curriculum</i></b> about music history. Here is a selection of 10 pieces from the composers featured in the chapter. I haven't personally listened to all of these. Some of them are full-length, and the students might want to just listen to several minutes. I hope they will be inspired to look up more pieces for these composers and for other composers in these musical periods. I will try to compile a list of 20th century links soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">For more information, be sure to visit these classical music sites:</span></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.classicalarchives.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">http://www.classicalarchives.com/</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.classical.net/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">http://www.classical.net</span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.classicalconnect.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">http://www.classicalconnect.com/</span></a></li>
</ul>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Baroque</span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><br /><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxofEmo3HA"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Antonio Vivaldi - Four Seasons</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8slQkKlSKkI" title="Handel - "Water Music" Suite in F Major HWV348 (1)"><span style="color: #cc0000;">George Frederic Handel - "Water
Music" Suite in F Major HWV348 (1)</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpf38dQpMzk" title="Bach - Brandenburg Concertos No.1 - i: Allegro Moderato">Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concertos No.1 -
i: Allegro Moderato</a></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></b></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Classical</span></u></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df-eLzao63I" title="Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Piano Concerto No. 21 - Andante"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #c00000; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><b>Wolfgang Amadeus<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Mozart<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>- Piano Concerto No. 21 - Andante</b></span></a></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #c00000; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tr0otuiQuU"><span style="color: #c00000; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ludwig van Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata
- Piano Sonata No. 14</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X9LvC9WkkQ" title="Johannes Brahms - Hungarian Dance No. 5"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #c00000; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><b>Johannes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Brahms<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>- Hungarian Dance No. 5</b></span></a></span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Romantic</span></u></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Antonin
Dvorak - New World Symphony</span></u></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><u><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rJoB7y6Ncs"><span style="color: #c00000;">Peter
Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake by the Kirov Ballet</span></a></span></u></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0cpKzDoOdA"><span style="color: #c00000;">Peter
Ilyich Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></a></span></b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa0Z6g1XJkU" title="Chopin - Valentina Igoshina - Fantasie Impromptu"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Chopin - Valentina Igoshina - Fantasie Impromptu</span></a></span></u></b></li>
</ul>
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<br />Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-87654626231241166742012-11-07T16:38:00.002-05:002012-11-07T16:42:40.920-05:00Using Free Kindle Books for High School Literature Classics <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dear friends,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41E8HG%2Br0qL._AA115_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Product Details" border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41E8HG%2Br0qL._AA115_.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am learning to love Kindle for high school literature. So far my son and I have read parts of the Iliad and more than half of Frankenstein.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, I don't own a Kindle, but we do have a desktop computer, laptops, and two iPods. You can get the Kindle apps free for any of these, as well as many other devices. I don't know if you can do the same thing with a Nook or other e-reader.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>My Top 10 Reasons for Reading High School Lit with Kindle</u></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can get a <b>huge selection</b> of classic literature absolutely<b> free</b>. Others are very inexpensive -- just a dollar or two.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can<b> read wherever you go </b>if you have a small enough device. All of these books in one place!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You <b>don't need a bookcase</b> for these books.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Parent and student can read together</b> on different devices. As long as both devices use the same Kindle account, it should be easily available to both. And if you paid for it once, you can read it off of multiple devices using the same account.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can <b>adjust</b> the font size, style, columns, color and background color to make it <b>easy on your eyes</b>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The device <b>keeps track</b> of where you left off. Or you can hit the bookmark button to mark you spot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can easily do a<b> search </b>on words that you need. This is great if you have an assignment on a particular person or topic in the book!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you don't understand a word or phrase, you can highlight it and a <b>definition</b> will appear. Or click on the More button and Google it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can <b>highlight good quotes that you want to remember</b>. Later, you can view all of your highlighted areas in one spot.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you will be <b>answering literature questions or writing an essay</b> based on the material, you can<b> highlight areas </b>that pertain to them, and then come back to them easily later on. This cuts down on having to write things down as you go. You can also take notes right in Kindle that will be linked to the relevant spot in the book.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know there are other benefits to doing literature with Kindle, but for now I will leave you with a list of links free Kindle classics. Please double check the free-ness of them before you order, just in case they decided to start charging for a certain title! I'm sorry if any of these are in the wrong categories or if anything looks weird. I don't have time to twiddle too much at the moment!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please note that I have not read all of these books. Use at your own discretion. Some may have material that is unsuitable for your family.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you find other free titles, please add them in the comment section!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>British
Literature</b></u></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frankenstein-ebook/dp/B0084BN44Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352320637&sr=1-1&keywords=frankenstein"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pride-and-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B008476HBM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352320733&sr=1-1&keywords=pride+and+prejudice"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Pride
and Prejudice by Jane Austen</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Christmas-Carol-ebook/dp/B0084BMUFA/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_22">A
Christmas Carol</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Dickens/e/B000APYNYE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Charles
Dickens</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/David-Copperfield-ebook/dp/B004GHNIQQ/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_15">David
Copperfield</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Dickens/e/B000APYNYE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Charles
Dickens</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Expectations-ebook/dp/B0082SWC30/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_20">Great
Expectations</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Dickens/e/B000APYNYE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Charles
Dickens</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oliver-Twist-ebook/dp/B0084ASM7Q/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_45">Oliver
Twist</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Dickens/e/B000APYNYE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Charles
Dickens</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Tale-Two-Cities-ebook/dp/B004EHZXVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352321880&sr=1-1&keywords=a+tale+of+two+cities"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>A
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens</b></u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Case-Jekyll-Hyde-ebook/dp/B0083ZR7BY/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_34">The
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Louis-Stevenson/e/B000AQ0JI2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Robert
Louis Stevenson</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Sherlock-Holmes-Illustrated-ebook/dp/B007JMW46U/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_19">The
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Illustrated)</a> by Sir <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Arthur-Conan-Doyle/e/B000AQ43GQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Arthur
Conan Doyle</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jane-Eyre-ebook/dp/B004GHNIR0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Jane
Eyre by Charlotte Bronte</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wuthering-Heights-ebook/dp/B004UJAOLM/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Wuthering
Heights by Charlotte Bronte</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Hudson-Shakespeare-ebook/dp/B004UK15TQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352320946&sr=1-3&keywords=julius+caesar"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Julius
Caesar by William Shakespeare</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gullivers-Travels-Timeless-Classics-ebook/dp/B0082ZJGSW/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_25">Gulliver's
Travels (Timeless Classics)</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Swift/e/B001HCV1RG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Jonathan
Swift</a></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robinson-Crusoe-Illustrated-ebook/dp/B007J4BXK6/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_40">Robinson
Crusoe (Illustrated)</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Defoe/e/B000AQ0H66/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Daniel
Defo</a>e</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-War-Worlds-ebook/dp/B0084BKZYS/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_32">The War of the Worlds</a> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">H. G. (Herbert George) Wells</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>World
Literature</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beowulf-ebook/dp/B0084C020E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352320903&sr=1-1&keywords=beowulf"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Beowulf</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Les-Mis%C3%A9rables-English-language-ebook/dp/B004GHNIRK/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_2"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b>Les
Miserables by Victor Hugo</b></u></span></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Anna-Karenina-ebook/dp/B008476UXW/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_9">Anna
Karenina</a> by </b></u></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leo-Tolstoy/e/B000APWJOK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Leo
Tolstoy</b></u></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Musketeers-ebook/dp/B004TP8ZZE/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_11">The
Three Musketeers</a> by </span>Alexandre
Dumas</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Iliad-ebook/dp/B00847VIBQ/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_27">The
Iliad</a> by Homer</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>American
Literature</b></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Tom-Sawyer-ebook/dp/B004UJTG6Q/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_8"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>The
Adventures of Tom Sawyer</b></u></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
by Mark Twain</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h3 class="newaps" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 6px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Huckleberry-Sawyers-Comrade-ebook/dp/B004UJISMY/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1352324015&sr=1-3&keywords=mark+twain"><span class="lrg bold" style="font-weight: bold;">The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer's Comrade</span></a> <span class="med reg">by Mark Twain </span></span></h3>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Dick-White-Whale-ebook/dp/B004TRXX7C/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_14">Moby
Dick: or, the White Whale</a> by </b></u></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Herman-Melville/e/B000AQ29JY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Herman
Melville</b></u></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Scarlet-Letter-ebook/dp/B0084BL4NY/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_17">The
Scarlet Letter</a> by </b></u></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nathaniel-Hawthorne/e/B000AQ0C48/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Nathaniel
Hawthorne</b></u></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Women-ebook/dp/B0082Z1CVQ/ref=zg_bs_157050011_f_18">Little
Women</a> by </b></u></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Louisa-May-Alcott/e/B000APYQLO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Louisa
May Alcott</b></u></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Other related blog posts:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: #fff3db; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/07/web-sites-for-free-high-school-and.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Web Sites for Free High School and College Level On-Line Learning</span></a></h3>
<div>
<a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/05/quotes-on-books.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Quotes on Books</b></span></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/01/high-school-literature.html"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>High School Literature</b></span></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Have fun, folks!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Virginia Knowles</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/"><b>www.FinishWellHomeSchool.blogspot.com</b></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-80298318933208765422012-08-30T12:47:00.003-04:002012-08-30T12:49:39.359-04:00What We're Doing for High School This Year<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What
We're Doing for High School This Year</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear
friends,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On
my other education blogs, I've been posting about what we're doing
for <a href="http://startwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-were-doing-for-elementary-school.html"><b><span style="color: red;">elementary</span></b></a> and <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://continuewellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-were-doing-for-middle-school-this_28.html">middle school</a> </span></b>this year. We also have two high
school students. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My
son, a sophomore, is continuing with our home school co-op. He is
taking/using:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>McDougal
Littell Algebra II</b></i></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://g.christianbook.com/g/product/2/293403.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 2 Volumes, 2nd Ed. -
By: Dr. Jay L. Wile
" border="0" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/product/2/293403.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apologia
<i><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1136043&item_no=293403"><span style="color: red;">Exploring Creation with Chemistry</span></a> – </b></i>we
also pur</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">chased the optional DVD but haven't used it much yet – it
will be more vital as the work gets harder</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://g.christianbook.com/g/display/4/410586.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Exploring America: History, Literature, and Faith--Curriculum Package, Second Edition" border="0" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/display/4/410586.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Notgrass
<i><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1136043&item_no=410586"><span style="color: red;">Exploring World History</span></a></b></i> for World History – I mostly
like this publisher, which we also used for American History last
year, but there are a few small things my son and I don't appreciate
as much, such as the slightly condescending tone towards those with
whom the author might disagree philosophically.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Christianity,
Cults and World Religions </b></i>(DVD and workbook) and other
resources for a half credit in World Religions</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Easy
Grammar</b></i> for English, along with a variety of literature,
vocabulary, and writing assignments. Many of the literature and writing assignments are associated with the Notgrass history curriculum.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Year
Book</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Away
from the co-op, he will be taking a half credit each in Health and
Computing. I haven't yet written out the agenda for either course
yet, but he has already finished a lot of computing hours with an
on-line curriculum, and I'm going to find a first aid & CPR class
for part of the Health hours.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I
enjoy learning along with my son for history and English. He likes
to read aloud to me, so we have a chance to discuss his lessons.
This is fascinating for me and I appreciate the one-on-one time I get
to spend with him. His English class is now studying C.S. Lewis's <i><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1136043&item_no=2926X"><span style="color: red;">Mere Christianity</span></a></b></i>, which I had not read in several years. It's
been a wonderful refresher and quite inspiring and challenging for
me. Lewis has such a way with words and ideas, and my son often
pauses to comment what a good point the author has made. (What makes
it extra interesting is that the 5th-6<sup>th</sup> grade English
class that I am teaching is reading Lewis's <i><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1136043&item_no=09423"><span style="color: red;">The Lion, theWitch, and the Wardrobe</span></a></b></i>. I find many of the same themes
there, just in fiction form.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My
husband tutors our son in Algebra 2 and Chemistry, and grades all of
the assignments for those two subjects. This is a huge load off of
my plate. I couldn't even imagine doing that right now, plus home
schooling three of his four younger siblings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
~*~*~*~</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My daughter, a senior, was enrolled in public school for her sophomore and junior years, excelling as an AP and Honors student and active in theater cast and crew. This year, she wanted to dual enroll full time at one of the local colleges, but the public high school would have restricted the number of courses she could take. She decided to re-enroll in the home school enrollment program from which her four older sisters graduated. At the college, she is taking General Physics, Analytical Geometry & Calculus, Technical Writing (on-line) and Ceramics. The only classes she is taking besides the college ones are AP Government and Economics on-line with <a href="http://www.flvs.net/"><b><span style="color: red;">Florida Virtual School</span></b></a>. These courses are free for Florida residents; she has taken Web Design, Latin 1 and Algebra 2 from FLVS before. I will probably not help her with any of her classes this year, as she is already far beyond me in all of those subjects. :-) See: <a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-transition-into-public-high.html"><b><span style="color: red;">Making the Transition Into Public High School or College</span></b></a>.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So
that's what we're doing for high school next year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Virginia Knowles</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/"><b>www.FinishWellHomeSchool.blogspot.com</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-42341960522845902282012-07-25T22:50:00.002-04:002012-07-25T22:50:25.226-04:00Web Sites for Free High School and College Level On-Line Learning<br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Dear friends,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">These web sites are recommended by my second cousin Margaret, who is home schooling a high school student this year. I haven't explored them thoroughly, but I'm sure you'll find something really interesting, either for you or your students! Christian home educators should be aware that these are non-religious sites, so use at your own discretion. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.coursera.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.coursera.org</a><span style="color: #500050;"> </span>-- free online college-level courses on all sorts of topics. </span></div>
<div style="color: #500050;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.hippocampus.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.hippocampus.org</a><span style="color: #500050;"> </span>-- they have recently revamped the website and have incorporated a bunch of stuff from <a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/">Khan Academy</a>. </span></div>
<div style="color: #500050;">
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;" target="_blank">http://ocw.mit.<wbr></wbr>edu/index.htm</a><span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">MIT's Open Courseware<span style="color: #500050;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Thanks for the info, Margaret!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">What are your favorite web sites for this? Leave a comment below!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Virginia</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #500050;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-41504787623869351632012-05-08T20:57:00.004-04:002012-05-08T20:58:17.266-04:00Quotes on Books<br />
<div align="center" style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Quotes on Books</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend; inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Groucho Marx</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.” Mark Twain</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that.” McCosh</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” Francis Bacon</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors.” Henry Ward Beecher</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“But if you love your children, let the simple Bible be everything in the training of their souls; and let all other books go down and take the second place.” J.C. Ryle in <b><i>The Duties of Parents</i></b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“That is a good book which is opened with expectation and closed with delight and profit.” Amos Bronson Alcott</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“Master books, but do not let them master you. Read to live, not live to read.” Bulwer</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">“When I get a little money, I buy books; if any is left, I buy food and clothes.” Erasmus</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are your favorite quotes about books? Add them in the comment section!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Virginia Knowles</span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/">www.FinishWellHomeSchool.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: #fffdf8; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-23044237951665562042012-01-18T13:53:00.004-05:002012-01-18T14:01:14.825-05:00High School Literature<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dear friends,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh my, it's been nine months since I last posted on this blog! I guess I've stayed busy enough on my other ones, though.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What prompted this post, after my long hiatus, is reading an article by Glynn Young called: <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: normal normal bold 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://faithfictionfriends.blogspot.com/2012/01/business-case-for-reading-fiction.html" style="font: normal normal bold 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Business Case for Reading Fiction</span></a>. </span> <span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">He </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font: normal normal bold 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">writes about an article that </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>he</i> read recently in the Harvard Business Review called</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/01/the_business_case_for_reading.html"><span style="color: red;">"The Business Case for Reading Novels."</span></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Apparently reading fiction can improve social skills, which in turn translates into more effective communication for business. Columnist Ann Kreamer writes,</span> <span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">"</span></span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Over the past decade, academic researchers such as Oatley and Raymond Mar from York University have gathered data indicating that fiction-reading activates neuronal pathways in the brain that measurably help the reader better understand real human emotion — improving his or her overall social skillfulness." </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mr. Young, an author and professional speechwriter, reflects on this article and adds his own thoughts about the effect that great classic fiction has had on his own life. He writes even more about his high school literature experience here: </span><a href="http://faithfictionfriends.blogspot.com/2012/01/miss-roark-and-louisa-may-alcott.html" style="font: normal normal bold 22px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Miss Roark and Louisa May Alcott</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I enjoy reading fiction, but don't read too much of it at the adult level just for lack of time. Most notably, I read half of Anna Karenina by Tolstoy last year. I teach middle school English, so I'm more "up" on that level.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I look back on my high school English classes, I don't remember a lot of specific titles. For the first two years of high school, we read mainly shorter selections from literature anthologies. We moved the summer before my junior year, and started at a new high school with a bazillion choices for English classes, and not all of them were heavy on the literature. I don't think we read anything notable the semester I took a Mass Media class from Mr. Yiasemedes. I know that when we read a play by Oscar Wilde in my Critical Reading and Writing class, I impressed with my classmates with a British accent while we </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">were reading out the script in class. That's also the year that we read poetry, and I wrote an essay which you can see here:<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2009/12/christ-came-down-poem-by-lawrence.html" style="text-align: left;">"Christ Came Down" poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti -- and a High School Poetry Critique and Analysis Essay</a>.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I also took a Bible as Literature class (even in public school) and we read <b><i>The Chosen </i></b>by Chai</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">m Potok. It was about two Orthodox (maybe Hasidic?) Jews in New York, and the concept I recall was that one read the Scriptures very deeply to extract as much meaning as possible, while the other read as much of it as he could, so he could catch the breadth. There is a time for each. I'm glad for that lesson in literature.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My sixth child (and first son)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> started high school this year. In his co-op English class,<b><span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://davidallenlang.com/">Mr. Lang</a></span></b> is having them read a lot of classic fiction, some of it on-line and some not. My son asked me to get him a copy of <b style="font-style: italic;">Animal Farm</b> by George Orwell for his homework assignment. My favorite used bookstore, Brightlight, had several in stock for a good price, so I decided to buy one instead of going to the library. He </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">read five chapters last night and says it's pretty good so far. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> On hearing this, his older sister, who is a junior in public school, asked me to take her to the library to get Orwell's <b><i>1984</i></b> just so she could read it, not because it was assigned. She grabbed another copy of <b><i>Animal Farm</i></b> while she was there so she wouldn't have to compete with her brother for it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My older girls all like a variety of fiction, some of them more into Brit Lit than others. I wasn't really the one teaching them literature in high school, since they were mostly enrolled in home school co-op classes, dual enrolled at the community college, or taking classes on-line with<span style="color: red;"><b> <a href="http://www.flvs.net/">Florida Virtual School</a></b></span>. They are quite proficient in writing essays on literature, and continue to read good books on their own, so I guess we didn't go too far wrong with our educational choices. S</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ad to say, though, I'm not exactly the expert on high school literature. However, my friend Cheryl Bastian has links to book lists on her web site's </span><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/cherylbastian.com/www/celebratehighschool" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>high school page</b></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">:</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/23628.html">101 Great Books</a></b></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/plan/hs-steps/21281.html">Poetry, Cultural and Historical</a> </b></span></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ouhsd.k12.ca.us/lmc/ohs/read/Engl4.htm">British Literature</a></b><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"> </span></span> </b></li>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Cheryl also has an extensive list of links in her sidebar for Glencoe free study guides for books like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Scarlet Letter, Julius Caesar, Animal Farm, 1984, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, The Canterbury Tales, The Tale of Two Cities, Hamlet, Frankenstein, and so many more. Check them out in the sidebar on this page: </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/a/cherylbastian.com/www/celebratehighschool">Cheryl's high school page</a>. </b></span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">If you have younger kids, Cheryl has a lot of other goodies on her web site, </span><a href="http://www.cherylbastian.com/" style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">www.CherylBastian.com</a><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, and her blog, </span><b style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cherylbastian.blogspot.com/">www.CherylBastian.blogspot.com</a>.</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are your favorite high school level fiction books?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Virginia Knowles</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><a href="http://www.finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/">www.FinishWellHomeSchool.blogspot.com</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">P.S. FYI, I found Glynn Young's blog via <a href="http://www.godspotting.net/2012/01/my-eavesdropping-eyes.html"><span style="color: red;"><b>My Eavesdropping Eyes</b></span></a> at <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.godspotting.net/">Godspotting with Sheila</a> </span></b>which I subscribe to in my Google Reader. I'd say it was quite a profitable bunny trail I took today!</span><br />
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</div>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-28758519196198840652011-04-13T09:19:00.002-04:002011-04-13T20:21:53.236-04:00A Word About Our Children's Future Families<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hello friends!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is an excerpt from my book <i>The Real Life Home School Mom: It's a Life in ReVision -- </i>which I just revised again last month. This particular section reflects some of those changes. You can read the whole book on-line or download if for free from the sidebar of my blog <a href="http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/">www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com</a>. I also have a few print copies available for sale for $20 plus shipping. You can e-mail me if you are interested in ordering one!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our kids really do grow up! One of my daughters is married and has a a sweet baby boy who will be visiting us this afternoon. Another daughter is planning to get married later this year. I remember that when our fourth daughter was born, our pediatrician quipped, "Buy a good ladder and hope they elope!" When the fifth one in a row was born, I told Thad we just ought to start a wedding business. One could be the coordinator, one the photographer, one the florist, one the caterer, etc. Now we have seven daughters and three sons! Yikes!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Virginia</span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; tab-stops: .5in .75in 1.0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A Word About Our Children’s Future Families</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12.0pt; tab-stops: .5in .75in 1.0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> In this chapter so far, we’ve been talking about our own families. I want us to look ahead now to the families our children will have in their adult years. The preparation starts now! I shudder when I think about the future of our society, and how family life is sinking further into the pit. The attack on the traditional nuclear family has been relentless. Children are expected to express their independence through hideous rebellion. Only a remnant of teenagers guards their physical purity, and many more compromise their thought lives. The concept of a faithful lifetime marriage is seen as all but obsolete. The distinction between the roles of men and women has been blurred and mutilated. The unborn, handicapped, and elderly are targets for destruction or neglect. It makes me all the more determined for our family to be a stark example of God's grace and hope, both now and in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> What will the future bring for each of our children? Will they marry and bear children? Marriage is not God's plan for every young adult. Consecrated single men and women can give undivided attention to ministry (see 1 Corinthians 7). Do our children even know that this is an option? Are they acquainted with godly single role models? Are they determined to live their lives for God’s glory rather than moping around waiting for a spouse? If our children <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> destined for marriage, how will they find God-fearing spouses? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> We may be a bit old-fashioned, but like many home school parents, my husband and I are somewhat attracted by the model of courtship, but not necessarily how it is presented by many in the home schooling movement, and not as a hard and fast rule. To us, this means that romantic relationships are reserved for adults who are logistically and emotionally prepared to make permanent commitments, rather than play around with a series of tender young hearts. The goal is serious preparation for marriage, so courtship is marked by maturity, purity, and a <i>reasonable </i>amount of guidance from parents. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> For many years, our family attended a church where most of the families shared these convictions. Most of the young people there hang out in groups, especially after basketball games, or for lunch after church. That was the example set for our children as they were growing up. However, that's not how it worked for my oldest daughter, whose husband was several years older and hadn't been exposed to that mindset. Nonetheless, after a few bumps (mainly as my husband and I adjusted to this change in plans), they are happily married and have a precious little boy. I constantly marvel at how my son-in-law cares for his little family. Our second daughter is more enthusiastic about the courtship model, and so is the young man who is courting her. They have known each other for several years. It is different with each couple. With seven daughters and three sons, I certainly need to bear that in mind! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> In recent years I have become aware of severe abuses of the courtship model within the home schooling movement. In some families, a young woman has very little say in her own future, being denied opportunities for academic education or job experience with the view that she is only going to ever be a wife and mommy. In this way, she is virtually trapped into either marrying young or living at home well into her adult years because she doesn't have the resources to choose another way. Her parents (and often those in her church or social circle) closely monitor her interactions with all young men, and in some instances, choose (or attempt to choose) her future husband for her. In these families, the courtship process is quite rigid and tightly controlled by the girl's father, leaving little room for spontaneity, authenticity, and romance between the young couple. Even if she is told that she has the final say on whether or not to marry a certain young man, she might have so little confidence in herself that she takes the first guy who comes along, reasoning that she might not get another chance. Quite often, the results of tightly controlled courtships are tragic, with couples discovering that despite this "guaranteed success formula" for choosing a mate, they really don't like each other at all once they actually have a chance to really get to know one another without constant chaperones. In one tragic case of a young couple married after a tightly-controlled courtship, the young man shot his pregnant wife to death. Yes, that's an extreme case, but there are also plenty of cases of divorce and infidelity among couples who followed the courting model. Other young women have been completely alienated from their families because they objected to unreasonable control over the courtship process by their parents. Many have even been thrown out of their homes because their parents think they are "in rebellion" and don't deserve to be part of the family anymore. Hello? Is this what we really want after a lifetime of investing in their lives through home schooling?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> We need to learn to finish well, with love and grace, not an obsessive need to control the lives and destinies of our adult children. I believe the process of our children finding their mates should be a joyous time of following the leading of the Holy Spirit and getting to know one another in natural ways. Yes, parents can be involved, but we don't need to depend on legalistic regulations and intrusions. We pray for our children, walk by faith, and wait to see what God will accomplish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> May I share a little of my own story? I first moved to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Florida</st1:state></st1:place>, far away from my parents, when I was 17 and in my second semester of college. Why? I was “in love” with a boy I had met on an overseas summer missionary team. It was a very volatile match, and two years later we canceled our wedding plans. Over the next year, I went on a few dates and learned the folly of chasing guys who weren’t interested in me. I also devoured Elisabeth Elliot's book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Passion and Purity</i>. I often wondered when I would meet Mr. Right. Then, when I was almost 21 and a college senior, I met “him” at church. Thad, who is four years older than I, had not dated for about three years because he was convicted by the Lord to keep his heart pure. As we got to know each other, he told me he would not pursue any relationship without the goal of marriage. What a relief that was for me, since I wanted no further part of the dating scene! Over the next year, the Lord's direction to marry was confirmed by our families and the pastors who did our pre-marital counseling. Our wedding was a joyous occasion, and I have reaped the abundant benefits of marriage to a faithful Christian man. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I want our children to be blessed with Christ-filled marriages, unless God calls them to sanctified singleness. I often pray for their future spouses, that God would raise them up in love, wisdom and purity. And I see that I must prepare my own children to fulfill Biblical roles in marriage. I want my daughters to know that there is no shame in pouring their lives into being wives and mothers, while at the same time not making this into some sort of legalistic expectation on them. I want my sons to revel in their responsibility to lead, protect, and provide for their families. I want them all to know that children are a precious gift and heritage to be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And I hope that when we are old and decrepit, they will still remember to honor Mom and Dad with tender care!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> How can a mom prepare her daughter to be a wife and mother? We can set an example, in big and small ways, as we live our daily lives. They will learn the essence of it as they see us relate to our husbands, nurture and discipline our children (including them!), plan and teach academics, organize, economize, cook, clean, sew, garden, decorate, fix things, tend to sick ones, show mercy to the needy, and so forth. It will be entirely natural for them to work alongside us and even to take over various tasks as the years go by. When they leave the apprenticeship of our homes, they will be equipped!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Likewise, our sons can be prepared for adulthood by watching their fathers cherish and serve Mom, discipline the children, make leadership decisions, provide and steward the family finances, maintain the house/yard/car/equipment, and all the other things that husbands do. Wise parents also make sure that their sons will be capable, in character and skills, to provide for their families without depending on income from their wives. We are looking out for our grandchildren!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">~*~*~</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">P.S. You can read about Mary's 2008 messianic Jewish wedding and see some pictures right here: <a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2008/05/marys-and-ryans-beautiful-wedding.html">Mary's and Ryan's Beautiful Wedding</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. And a grandson in the mix: </span></span><br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal bold 24px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font: normal normal bold 24px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2010/06/jacob-eliav-tindall-my-grandson.html" style="font: normal normal bold 24px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jacob Eliav Tindall</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2010/06/jacob-eliav-tindall-my-grandson.html" style="font: normal normal bold 24px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">My Grandson</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">, </span><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2010/06/shavta-haiku-for-baby-jacob.html" style="font: normal normal bold 24px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Savta & Bris for Baby Jacob</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2010/12/jacobs-first-chanukkah.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: small;">Jacob's First Chanukkah</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. </span></span></span></span></h3><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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</div>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-48415126290591302872010-12-22T11:02:00.003-05:002010-12-22T11:06:45.834-05:00Ever Wonder How the SAT and ACT Differ?I am frequently asked how the content of the SAT and ACT differ. This morning I was forwarded this link. Hope the information contained on the blog will help those who may have questions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.homeschoolnewslink.com/blog/?p=241">http://www.homeschoolnewslink.com/blog/?p=241</a><br /><br />Warning! There is an amazing amount of helpful information on the blog. You may find yourself immersed in gleaning wisdom :)Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266365420922713087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-43206566952345860532010-11-09T14:02:00.001-05:002010-11-09T14:06:50.613-05:00A Biblical Foundation for Communication: How We Should Speak & Write<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A Biblical Foundation for Communication: </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>How We Should Speak & Write</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>by Virginia Knowles</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Careful, Knowledgeable, Purposeful, and Useful</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (Prov. 20:15)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Honest, Accurate, Understandable, and Orderly</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:15 & 25)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. (2 Corinthians 1:13)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.” (Acts 25:25)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Pleasant, Encouraging, and Ready for the Situation</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15b-16)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov.16:21)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Bold, Gospel-Centered, and Spirit-Filled</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. (1 Corinthians 2:13) </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:29-31)</span><br />
<div align="center"></div>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-13080565714842322912010-09-30T15:13:00.001-04:002010-10-01T22:35:29.064-04:00Making the Transition into Public High School or College<span style="font-size: large;">Dear friends,</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While many families choose to home school all the way through high school without sending their students to any outside classes at public institutions, these options are increasingly common and even prevalent. In Florida, where we live, the public high schools are required to let home school students take classes and join sports programs, and many families have their kids take one or two classes there. Most of the young people we know, however, choose to take classes at the local community college starting in their junior or senior year of high school. This is called dual enrollment, because the kids can finish up their high school credits while getting a jump start on their college credits at the same time. (I myself did this for my last semester of high school in 1981.) The tuition is free, but books and fees are not. Some families use this to supplement courses completed at home or through a home school co-op, while others use this as the sole source of credits during a given semester or year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My oldest four daughters started dual enrollment during either their junior or senior years. This has been mostly a good thing for our family. Our oldest transferred to a nearby state university (while living at home) where she graduated in Journalism with honors. The next one decided to work full-time to fund her mission trips rather than continuing with college. Our third daughter is finishing up her AA degree and planning to transfer to the state university for nursing school. Our fourth daughter is currently dual enrolling, and planning to get an art degree from the state university. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, the community college where my older daughters have gone is no longer accepting dual enrollment students for our county, and our own county's community college is more restrictive with dual enrollment. We had already decided not to continue with our home school co-op this year, so my fifth daughter, a high school sophomore, was intending to do classes at home. She was going to continue getting some of her credits on-line through Florida Virtual School, which is free for Florida residents. However, a few weeks into the school year, we realized this wasn't going to work out very effectively. She wanted more structure and accountability than I could give her, since I am also home schooling her five younger siblings. She also wanted someone knowledgeable to actually teach her every day instead of just me supervising her in courses I never even took. We decided to take the plunge and do something new, which was to enroll her full-time in a public high school. She has been there for a few weeks, and so far so good! It has been quite a transition for her, though, but fortunately not too rough of one, and she's glad she is doing it. She's planning to graduate a year early since she started her sophomore year with 10 credits. She may just dual enroll at the college full-time next year instead of going back to the public high school. We'll see when the time comes. Our options are open.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What I have learned from this experience as well as dual enrollment made me think of several things to share with you. This is just a collection of random thoughts, not a comprehensive treatise.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">First, if you are thinking about any of these options, you have to weigh the costs and benefits. Some of the potential drawbacks include excessive peer pressure, academic content which may not reflect your family's values and religious beliefs, less flexible schedule, increased homework, etc. These might be "deal breakers" for your family. For us, they were challenges to consider and overcome. Our daughters are pretty solid in what they think already and are not as easily swayed by peers. The contrast in behavior they saw among some of the students from what they have been raised with only served to make them more grateful for our family's way of life rather than making them want to plunge in with their fellow students. If you are only thinking of enrolling your child in one or two classes and then picking them up from campus, the social environment is less of a threat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When other moms ask me for practical advice on dual enrollment and I shrug and tell them that I don't have a clue. My husband is the main one who handled the logistics for this, and I'm so thankful for his careful attention to detail! I am, however, the one who enrolled our other daughter in the public high school. In this endeavor, it really helped that she had been enrolled in a private school covering through our former church. This spared her from having to take final exams on courses she had already finished. They even accepted two high school credits she had completed during 8th grade. The official transcript paved the way. However, it is not impossible to transfer in credits if you have home schooled "under the county" rather than through a private school. Just check with the school to see what is necessary. My daughter's guidance counselor recommended that she take as many AP and honors courses as possible so she could get the most academic benefit with the least amount of riffraff among fellow students.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A potential student needs to be prepared to adjust to the requirements of a classroom education. For example, they have to get to class on time and be ready with everything they need. They can't just walk down the hall to their bedroom to get an assignment to turn in. If homework is late, they might have points deducted. There is generally a decent amount of assignments to complete each evening for each class. They have to keep up with the pace of the class and have the confidence to ask the teacher for help when necessary. In our case, all of this is exactly what our daughter wanted! We still do help her some with her studies. I heard my husband going over French pronunciation with her the other night, my oldest daughter gave her some pointers on a formal English essay last night, and I helped explain some world history concepts this past weekend. But for the most part, this is her job, and she takes it seriously. This is the same mindset every student needs to take, no matter where they are completing their education. These are the habits we have tried to instill through their years at home. We haven't always been very structured, but they've gotten enough of it that they have survived and even thrived during the transition into the classroom setting.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My older daughters all appreciated having friends from church going to the same college campus. They make a point to either enroll in the same classes or at least meet up for lunch. Right now, two of my daughters drive to campus together, too. There is safety in numbers. If a guy on campus gives one of them any trouble, the young men from church would be happy to settle the problem for them! It also helps reduce negative peer pressure because they already have good friends to hang out with on campus. For them, also, college is not so much a place to socialize as it is to learn. They want to do well and to focus on their classes. They also come home each evening and interact with us. We ask them about their classes and their conversations with others -- not prying, just caring. We can deal with anything that comes up, knowing that they are getting valuable opportunities to learn to deal with the big world beyond our home while still living at our home. In my mind, this is better than sending them off to live on a college campus after years and years of extremely rigid control. We know some young people who have truly gone off the deep end because all of the independence was dumped on them at once with no trial runs along the way. One young man likened it to holding someone tautly with a rope, then letting go all of the sudden. We need to be loosening the apron strings as we go, working ourselves out of a job. We launch them bit by bit into adulthood and work through the issues as they come up while we still have the opportunity to influence them.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am aware that some families in the home school movement have vehement opinions against public education, whether for high school or college. They believe that God has been banned from campus, and that inevitably all of the students will turn out to be heathens or socialists because of either the secular teaching or the peer pressure. I understand their concern. However, I do not want to make my decisions based solely on fear. I wouldn't send my daughters to campus if I wasn't confident they could handle it, even if there are a few bumps along the way. Some students can't handle it, and they shouldn't go. You have to make that decision as a parent. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since my daughter started public high school earlier this month, I have often reminded her that she is an ambassador for Jesus Christ, that she represents the King of Kings. I don't say this to make her feel awkward, or with the expectation that she is going to preach at her teachers or classmates every day. I do say it to remind her of her precious identity in Christ, that she is "more than a conqueror" through the love of God. Public schools may leave God out of the curriculum, but they can't ban him from campus! Why? Because there are Christian students and teachers there who are indwelt by the presence of God. The Unseen King walks every step of the way with his beloved royal ambassadors. The radiant life of Christ within them can shine. Yes, the devil can try to quench that, which is why I pray for my kids and try to encourage them and ask how they are doing spiritually. It's not a perfect situation, but neither is home schooling.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think that we need to actually prepare our students to be ambassadors, too. Last year, when I was teaching middle school English in our home school co-op, I had assigned them to read missionary biographies and write reports about them. Then, to further equip my students for life, I decided to teach them the vocabulary and concepts behind several major religions and worldviews including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, tribal religions, secularism, and communism/socialism. (Click these links to read the lessons for </span><a href="http://continuewellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/04/judaism-vocabulary-spelling-words-bible.html"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Judaism</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://continuewellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/09/islam-vocabulary-and-concepts.html"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Islam</span></strong></a><span style="font-size: large;">.) I know that most of these kids will eventually be in college classes covering these topics or become friends with students within these belief systems. I wanted them to know what the Bible says about each issue and how they can graciously relate to others without being completely ignorant or obnoxious. (What a turn off that can be! I still remember the YouTube clip I showed my students of a high school girl shoving "the gospel" down the throat of a Hindu classmate. She had no idea of what she was talking about, and no sense at all of respect for the dignity of others, no matter what they believe. Why do we then call it "persecution" if someone rejects our message? We bring it on ourselves… But I digress.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What I most want to encourage you to do is to seek out what God himself is leading you to do each year with each of your children. Listen closely to his voice. Then have the confidence that he has promised to grant wisdom and guidance to those who seek his will. He is not snickering up in Heaven with the angels whenever you mess up. He is eager to show you the way. Teach them the truth. Teach them grace. Teach them to follow Jesus with all their hearts. Do that and you will <strong>finish well</strong>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. Just two weeks after entering Lake Howell High School, Lydia made her solo stage debut singing "Not for the Life of Me" at their Broadway Night. You can watch her amazing performance here: </span><a href="http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/2010/09/this-girls-got-gusto.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>This Girl's Got Gusto!</strong></span></a> <span style="font-size: large;">Way to go! </span>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-64252468813696685422010-09-22T20:33:00.000-04:002010-09-22T20:33:27.256-04:00Finish Well Conference Coming Soon -- November 5-6, 2010!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dear fri</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ends,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finish Well is coming soon! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have you just started homeschooling in the high school years? Do you need some mentoring?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are you already homeschooling a high-schooler? Do you need some refreshing?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are you considering homeschooling your high school teen and need to learn some basics?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finish Well is a 2-day conference for teens and parents. Bring your husband! Bring your teens! We had an amazing time back in March and are looking forward to another great time of fellowship, learning, and refreshing. The theme of this November’s conference is “Laying a foundation for college and life.” We will touch on some issues that your child will face after graduation, teaching you and your children to lay a foundation that will not be shaken! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We hope you can join us for Friday afternoon, evening, and all day Saturday -- November 5-6, 2010. Mark your calendars, send in your registration, and tell your friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">See you in November!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Meredith Curtis</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finish Well! will be held at </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Safe Harbor Christian Church</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">730 Upsala Raod</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sanford, FL 32771</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For more information:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(407) 302-7870</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://joyfulandsucessfulhomeschooling.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://joyfulandsucessfulhomeschooling.com</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The pre-registration is $25 per family. It will cost slightly more at the door. Scholarships are available.</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Virginia's note: I have pasted in workshop descriptions below, but to get a brochure and registration form, please e-mail Meredith at <a href="mailto:Meredith@powerlinecc.com">Meredith@powerlinecc.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Friday Afternoon</u></strong></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Airsoft</strong>—Zack Nolette (teens, dads, some moms!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Teens! Parents! Grab your airsoft guns, goggles, plastic bbs, andbottled water and join the war! From 4 pm to 6 pm, we are holding “War Games” onsite! Waivers will be available online at http:// joyfulandsuccessfulhomeschooling.com </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and must be filled out and signed to participate. Let’s kick off this event with some fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Friday Night Session</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The Heart of the Problem</strong>—Pastor Mike Curtis</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many parents train their children Russian Roulette style: try to train them, but invariably one, or more, will wander from God. Is losing some inevitable? Pastor Mike addresses the heart of the problem and gives some down-to-earth advice on preparing our teens to be world changers, not just survivors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Saturday Morning Session</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Keeping Your Kids Christian Before and During </strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>College</strong>—Felice Gerwitz (all)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your kids’ faith will be challenged when they leave home. Felice offers suggestions to shore up their faith with the truth that only resides in Scripture. Whether or not you consider evolution vs. creation an issue, you can be sure secular text book authors and publishers take a no-questions-approach-attitude about evolution. Anyone who thinks differently is not tolerated in classrooms and university campuses world-wide. Felice will show you some simple solutions and explain that the facts of evolution are not always what they claim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Breakout Session 1</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The College Application Process & Going to College Debt Free</strong>—</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Julianna Curtis (all) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Julianna will walk you through the details of the college application process and show you how to go to college debt-free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>High School 101</strong>—Cheryl Bastian (parents) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Credits. GPA’s. Transcripts. Where do I start? Cheryl Bastian will explain the nuts and bolts of home educating through high school. Attendees will learn the high school lingo, how to establish goals and create a four-year plan, how to award credits, and how to organize records.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>A Christian Worldview of Economics & Government</strong>—Meredith </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Curtis (all)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Does the Bible have anything to say on economics and government? Meredith will talk about Biblical principles of economics, money management, business, government, freedom, socialism, free-market economics, and supply-side economics. She will talk about Greece, Rome, English Anglo-Saxons, and Israel’s forms of government. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fasten your seatbelts—it will be a fast ride!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Restoring Relationships</strong>—Mike Bastian (dads) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Forgiveness. Healing. Mike Bastian facilitates this work</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">shop from his personal experiences, with the purpose of encouraging Dads to initiate restoration and healing with their wives and children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Breakout Session II</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The ABCs of Transcript Writing</strong>—Cheryl Bastian & Laura Nolette (parents) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cheryl and Laura dispel common fears and worries as they equip parents with essential elements of transcript writing which include formatting the document, titling courses, assigning grades, and computing a GPA.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Post-Modernism on the College Campus</strong> (parents & older teens) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Post-modernism rules and reigns on college campuses. What is it? How can Christian students stand firm in their faith and contend with this heresy? Katie Beth will help you recognize post-modernism and help you combat this deception with the life-changing truth of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Raising Real Men in a Feminist Culture</strong>—Pastor Mike Cutis (all)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In an age of feminism and same-sex marriages, can Christian families raise sons who will lead their homes and live unashamedly for Christ? Pastor Mike will show you how to raise sons to be proactive, protective providers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Breakout Session III</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Can Families Do Business Together & Thrive?</strong> - Felice Gerwitz(all) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We've all heard a family who prays together stays together, but can the family who works together live happily ever-after as well? Felice will share the raw truth, funny and not-so-funny stories of working out of her home. If you have ever considered beginning your own business, you will not want to miss this talk.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Is the Bible Really the Word of God?</strong>—Pastor Mike (all) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today’s critics say that the Bible if full of errors and unreliable. Can we trust the Bible as our source of wisdom, knowledge, and practical instruction? Pastor Mike will share why the Bible is trustworthy and how to base your life completely on the Word of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>When Personalities Collide</strong>—Meredith Curtis (parents) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">More than learning styles, personalities tend to influence how students want to learn in high school. Mom and Dad’s personalities affect their teaching styles. Sometimes personalities collide, resulting in conflict, learning problems, and getting off track. Meredith will share ways to homeschool with your teens’ and your own personalities in view.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Put it into Practice!—</strong>Joel Walker & Katie Beth Curtis (teens)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do you want to try your hand at defending your faith in the classroom or standing for Christ with your peers? This workout session will help you put into practice many of the things you learned today. Oh, and you will have fun and have an opportunity to act </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">rather silly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Afternoon Session</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Girl/Guy Talk from the Playground to the Nursing Home</strong>— Pastor Mike & Meredith Curtis (all) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is just no way around it, guys—you have to talk to girls! Girls, we already know you want to talk. Learn to communicate effectively as relatives, friends, in courtship, and in marriage in a way that honors the Lord. Learn to translate, interpret non-verbal communication, and honor your brothers and sisters in Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Evening Session (7 p.m.)</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up</strong>—Pastor Mike Curtis</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The world takes Him out of Christmas and the public schools, and declares that He was a good, moral teacher, but He is just too divisive today. The reality is that no single person has changed the world as much as He has. Many have discarded Him as an </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">overly, embellished hero, and look elsewhere for answers. Some say, “Teacher”, some say, “Divine”. Will the real Jesus please stand up and change the world again!</span>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-18445114681283782352010-07-19T10:52:00.000-04:002010-07-19T10:52:48.166-04:00Nations & Generations: Home Schooling to Make a Difference in the World<strong>Nations & Generations: </strong><br />
<strong>Home Schooling to Make a Difference in the World</strong><br />
An excerpt from <a href="http://www.virginiaknowles.com/thereallifehomeschoolmom">The Real Life Home School Mom</a> by Virginia Knowles<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">~*~*~</div><br />
Like James and Amelia Taylor in the 1880s, one of my goals has been to inspire my children to see how they can make a difference in this world for God’s glory. "Nations and generations!" has been the cry of my heart, echoing the cry of God's own heart. We've studied cultural geography to learn about how people live and what they believe, and we've talked about missions, but sometimes reading a biography about a missionary who lived a hundred years ago is too remote. We need to know that is going on the world right now - and how we can participate! Learning about global current events via the Internet, newspapers and TV news has also been quite fruitful, though we have to fight the tendency to be armchair spectators. Just knowing about a crisis around the globe does nothing to alleviate it. I realize that the most important lesson will be personal example. What do they see me doing and what can we do together? We've always made a point to send both money and tangible items towards missions. Please understand that as I write the following examples, I am not trying to brag. Instead, I write to share a testimony of the Lord's faithfulness to our family as we are trying to serve him globally, as well as offer some practical ideas for your own families. <br />
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In the summer of 2005, my two oldest daughters, Mary (then 18) and Julia (then 16) traveled to Bolivia on mission trips hosted by our church. Julia returned to southern Bolivia in 2007 on a ten day medical team. She has a real heart for the people of Bolivia and for extending the Kingdom of God. After she returned from there the first time, she hung a Bolivian sugar sack over her bed. Then over the following weeks and months, she did something that I considered most unusual: she taped up a whole bunch of newspaper photos of people around the world who are suffering from war, famine, injustice, and natural disasters. My eyes welled with tears when I realized why she had done this. On her nightstand, heavily marked and highlighted throughout, was the book <strong><em>Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road</em></strong> by Timothy J. Keller. There are a lot of things I wish I had taught my children all throughout their home school years, but I’m glad to see that they are at least developing hearts for compassion, service, and world missions.<br />
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When the kids were young, they had so much fun stuffing shoeboxes with small items for needy children around the world, and then delivering them to a Samaritan’s Purse (<a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/">http://www.samaritanspurse.org/</a>) drop-off point. This is a worthy ministry organization that I highly recommend. Our children have also helped pack care boxes for pastors in the Ukraine and children in Mexico to be personally delivered by friends. <br />
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One year, the girls collected blankets from our friends and neighbors to be sent to Sudan for Voice of the Martyrs’ Blankets of Love program (<a href="http://www.persecution.com/">http://www.persecution.com/</a>). VOM has been a terrific resource to us. We've read their magazine articles about the persecuted church around the world, watched their excellent children's video (Stephen's Test of Faith), and subscribed to their children's quarterly, LINK magazine. On the topic of persecution, also be sure to check out the International Christian Concern web site at www.persecution.org for information on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, which occurs each November.<br />
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In 2001, we assembled gift baskets for Indian and Chinese students at UCF, followed up by a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner for them at our house. The kids worked hard to prepare the meal and decorate the house. They also had a chance to share their own talents with our guests: one sang a Thanksgiving hymn, one played the piano, etc. We got quite an education about Indian culture that evening as our guests shared about religious pilgrimages, arranged marriages, idol worship, and other Hindu customs. This was a wonderful extension to the unit study on Asia that we had been doing. Since it was Thanksgiving, we jumped on this opportunity to watch an animated video about William Bradford and the pilgrim colony with our guests. This naturally led into a discussion about the stark difference between the American form of government and the Chinese way, and introduced our guests to the Christian faith in gentle and winsome way.<br />
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For Christmas the year I was pregnant with Ben, my daughter Mary (then 16) gave me the gift of prenatal care -- for a woman in Africa! She ordered this gift in my honor through Harvest of Hope, an outreach ministry of Partners International. You can "send" such unusual gifts as goats for milk and breeding, native language Bibles, bicycles for church planters, school supplies, sewing machines for cottage businesses, emergency medical kits, well-building supplies and more! Call 1-888-887-2786 or visit <a href="http://www.harvestofhope.org/">http://www.harvestofhope.org/</a> to see a catalog of gifts in different price ranges.<br />
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One spring, we hosted a whole bunch of missionary kids for a party at our home while their mothers enjoyed an elegant tea at a friend's house. This was a great opportunity for my children to use their creativity to extend hospitality to our little guests. <br />
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Another year at Christmas time, some of my daughters helped me distribute little Christmas outreach packets to our neighbors, which included a greeting with an original Christmas poem and a Gospel of John. We hung these on doorknobs with pretty ribbon.<br />
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For the past several years, we have been committed to sharing as much as we can with Headson Makazinga, a village pastor and church planter in Malawi and Mozambique. The proceeds from my Learner’s Journal lesson planner go to him for Bibles, hymnals, conference expenses, and orphan care. We also produce and ship Chichewa language tracts for him to distribute. The children have helped with this endeavor.<br />
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Some families decide to sponsor a child through Compassion International or another trustworthy organization. This provides the child with money for food, clothing, and school expenses. Your own children can correspond with them, too.<br />
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Nations and generations! We can make a difference in the world if we look beyond the borders of our own countries and realize there are billions who haven’t heard of Jesus and his love.<br />
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This article is excerpted from the chapter "Aim for the Heart" in my book <a href="http://www.virginiaknowles.com/thereallifehomeschoolmom"><strong><em>The Real Life Home School Mom</em></strong></a>. You can read the PDF of the book for free by accessing it from the sidebar of <a href="http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/">http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/</a>. <br />
The story about Hudson Taylor started a little earlier in the chapter. Click here read it:<strong> </strong><a href="http://finishwellhomeschool.blogspot.com/2010/05/sense-of-calling-for-life.html"><strong>A Sense of Calling for Life.</strong> </a><br />
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Update: Mary (23) is a writer for Wycliffe Bible Translators, a major missionary organization. (See here: <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/Mary%20is%20a%20writer%20for%20Wycliffe%20Bible%20Translators,%20a%20major%20missionary%20organization.%20%20(See%20here:%20Baby%20Shower%20and%20Bible%20Translation%20--%20Afternoon%20at%20Wycliffe)">Baby Shower and Bible Translation -- Afternoon at Wycliffe</a>.) Julia (21) has now been to Bolivia four times. Last year, she was there for three months. You can see her blog about that trip here: <a href="http://www.juliaknowles.blogspot.com/">http://www.juliaknowles.blogspot.com/</a>. Joanna (17) has been to the Dominican Republic, as well as participating in Daytona Beach Week with Mission to Japan a few times.Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-55311974476173801102010-05-12T17:48:00.001-04:002010-05-12T17:53:02.809-04:00A Sense of Calling for LifeA Sense of Calling for Life<br />
by Virginia Knowles<br />
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One big goal of home schooling is to prepare our children for their role in the adult community as they move into the working world. This is not just an academic exercise in career planning, but a matter of the heart. You see, God has designed each one of us for a special spot in the scheme of history. At each season of life, he places us where our unique gifts and abilities can be developed and put to productive use. At times, it seems like our talents are hidden away, but he brings out each one of his treasures as he has need of them. <br />
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The saga of Joseph in Genesis 37-50, illustrates this concept beautifully. From Joseph's teen years, God gave him grand dreams for his life -- dreams which made his older brothers so intensely jealous that they sold him into slavery. From there he bounced back and forth between servitude and power. He was ultimately appointed second-in-command of Egypt, in charge of stewarding the nation through seven years of famine. Later, when Joseph had both excuse and opportunity for retribution against his brothers, he realized that though they had intended to harm him, it was all part of God's perfect plan. The Lord fulfilled the calling over a period of twenty years, even when Joseph was oppressed and “forgotten.” His purpose was not just to turn Joseph from a shepherd boy into a powerful ruler, or even to spare Egypt and the surrounding nations from starvation. These events ultimately played crucial part in Jehovah's redemptive plan for all nations in history through the earthly lineage of the Messiah. He also has a destiny for each of us which interlocks with his eternal agenda! He doesn't reveal the details all at once, but neither does he leave us clueless about where we fit in. He expects us to faithfully use the gifts he has given:<br />
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<em>“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”</em> Romans 12:6-8<br />
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Do your children have any idea of what God is calling them to do in life? Are they aware of how he has endowed them with gifts and talents to be used for his service? Do they have any inkling of how to use their spiritual influence to impact the nations for Christ? Not only do we have spiritual gifts, we also have “secular” talents which can be used for God's glory. He has equipped artists, engineers, nurses, car mechanics, chefs, linguists, inventors, receptionists, computer whizzes, bricklayers, research scientists, plumbers, authors, politicians, farmers, bookkeepers, and everyone else. What would we do without them? Where does your child fit in? What will he or she do for a living? Of course, not all of these talents will be used in a paying career. Some will be used in the family, among friends, in the church, and in the community. Perhaps we can't put a price tag on these efforts, but we can still appreciate their worth.<br />
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God's gifts and callings are not always apparent in young children, but are illuminated slowly over the years as they explore their interests and aptitudes. Often, God's direction for a person is affirmed by those who know him well. Other times, profile tests can be useful. It is important for us to be more aware of these things so we can plan a logical course of study leading to proficiency and enjoyment in the targeted occupation or ministry. In all our plans, let's seek the will of the Sovereign Lord, who can instantly change the course of our lives in very unexpected ways.<br />
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<em>“Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'”</em> James 4:13-15<br />
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<em>“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”</em> Proverbs 19:21<br />
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As we think about preparing our children for their calling in life, we can learn some lessons from the life of Hudson Taylor. I once read a biography of Hudson Taylor to my children which gave me some insight into home schooling. Hudson’s parents, James and Amelia, home schooled the children through reading aloud, dictation, grammar, French, Latin, arithmetic and plenty of heart-enriching nature study. More importantly, however, they were carefully trained in the Scriptures, having family devotions after breakfast and at afternoon tea. Next came a time of fervent prayer. James also gathered the children at bedtime for prayer with his arms around them. Then he would dismiss them to their own rooms for a time of private Bible reading, saying, “Learn to love your Bible, for God cannot lie. He cannot mislead you. He cannot fail.” Visiting preachers would delight the children with conversations about theology and missions around the family table.<br />
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This sounds like the ideal home school setting for spiritual growth, and indeed it was. However, there were some significant bumps along the way! At age 15, Hudson went to work for a bank, but unfortunately his materialistic and skeptical co-workers had a big influence on the boy. He wrestled with doubt about his childhood faith, and eventually turned away from it. Providentially, after several months, an eye disease forced him to quit his job. He sulked gloomily around the house, which irritated his father, who wasn’t aware of his son’s spiritual struggles. One day, shortly before he turned 17, he picked up a Gospel booklet in the parlor and decided he would read the story at the beginning but close it when it got to the “preachy” part. However, he read it all the way through, and was so taken by the concept of “the finished work of Christ,” that he was gripped with conviction and prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior. Unbeknownst to him, at that very moment, his mother, visiting a relative 50 miles away, was called by God to pray for the conversion of her son. She stayed on her knees in fervent intercession until she received assurance that her pleas had been answered. Hudson’s younger sister Amelia had also been praying every day for a month for her brother.<br />
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After a period of spiritual growth and local service, Hudson felt called by God to go as a missionary to China, where the Gospel was virtually unknown. He did not know until many years later that his parents had prayed, shortly before his birth, to bear a son who would bring God’s word to that very country. He did indeed! After going through medical school (while living austerely and trusting in God alone for his finances) he set sail for China. Adopting native dress and hairstyle, he was a faithful evangelist, Bible translator, doctor, and mission organizer. By the time of Hudson Taylor’s death at age 73, the China Inland Mission had recruited 800 missionaries, raised 7.5 million dollars and converted 30,000 Chinese people to Christianity.<br />
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I think this story can give hope to parents who are doing the best they can, but they have children who may or may not always “get” the message of the Christian life. Get a vision, lay the foundation, build on it wisely, and as you go, pray, pray, pray! Don’t get resentful if your child seems to reject your faith and values because that will only drive him further away. Wait and see what God can do. It could be that he doesn’t want you to depend on your efforts, but fully on his grace to save and transform your child’s life. He must get the glory!<br />
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This article is excerpted from the chapter "Aim for the Heart" in my book <strong><em>The Real Life Home School Mom</em></strong>. You can read the PDF of the book for free by accessing it from the sidebar of <a href="http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/">http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/</a>.Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-18765043243902962042009-12-11T12:07:00.000-05:002014-10-27T23:30:39.804-04:00"Christ Climbed Down" poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti -- and a High School Poetry Critique and Analysis Essay<b><span style="font-size: large;">“Christ Climbed Down” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note on the poet: Lawrence Ferlinghetti was born on 24 March 1919, in Yonkers, NY, the youngest of five sons of Charles S. (an auctioneer) and Clemence. His father, an Italian immigrant, had shortened the family name upon arrival in America. Lawrence restored the family name in 1954. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was a commanding officer during the Normandy invasion in World War II. Known for his novels, short stories, plays, screenplays and poetry, Ferlinghetti won numerous awards for his writing, and there is a street in San Francisco named in his honor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">CHRIST climbed down </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from His bare Tree this year</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and ran away to where </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">there were no rootless Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">hung with candycanes and breakable stars</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christ climbed down </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from His bare Tree this year</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and ran away to where</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">there were no gilded Christmas trees</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and no tinsel Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and no tinfoil Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and no pink plastic Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and no gold Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and no black Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and no powderblue Christmas trees </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">hung with electric candles </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and encircled by tin electric trains </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and clever cornball relatives</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christ climbed down </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from His bare Tree this year</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and ran away to where </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">no intrepid Bible salesmen </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">covered the territory </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in two-tone cadillacs </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and where no Sears Roebuck creches </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">complete with plastic babe in manger </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">arrived by parcel post </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the babe by special delivery </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and where no televised Wise Men </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">praised the Lord Calvert Whiskey</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christ climbed down </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from His bare Tree this year</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and ran away to where </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">no fat handshaking stranger </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in a red flannel suit </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and a fake white beard </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">went around passing himself off </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">as some sort of North Pole saint </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">crossing the desert to Bethlehem </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pennsylvania</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in a Volkswagen sled </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">drawn by rollicking Adirondack reindeer </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with German names </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and bearing sacks of Humble Gifts </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from Saks Fifth Avenue</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">for everybody's imagined Christ child</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christ climbed down </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from His bare Tree this year</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and ran away to where </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">no Bing Crosby carollers </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">groaned of a tight Christmas </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and where no Radio City angels </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">iceskated wingless </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">thru a winter wonderland </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">into a jinglebell heaven </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">daily at 8:30</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with Midnight Mass matinees</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christ climbed down </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from His bare Tree this year</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and softly stole away into </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">some anonymous Mary's womb again </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">where in the darkest night </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of everybody's anonymous soul </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He awaits again </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">an unimaginable and impossibly </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Immaculate Reconception </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the very craziest </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of Second Comings</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Critique and Analysis of “Christ Climbed Down”</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">By Virginia Quarrier for a 1979 High School English Assignment</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The underlying theme of Ferlinghetti’s “Christ Climbed Down” is that the modern Christmas is too secular for Christ, and that he disdains it. Each verse delves into what Christmas has become with Santa Claus, artificial Christmas trees, plastic crèches (nativity scenes), plastic Bible salesmen, Bing Crosby carolers and Radio City angels. Christmas has become a commercial season instead of the worship of a newborn savior. In fact, the first official Christmas was only a substitute for Saturnalia, only now it had a Christian name because Emperor Constantine had declared Christianity the state religion. People still lived it up and got soused.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The day that Christ was born was much different from even that. He was born n a smelly old stable. The magi brought him gold, incense, and myrrh. Christ is calling believers today to bring their gold (symbolizing their lives), their incense (symbolizing Christ revealing himself through us), and myrrh (a balm symbolizing that we are to be a healing ointment to the broken people of the world).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In each verse, Ferlinghetti says that: “Christ climbed down from his bare tree this year and ran away (or softly stole away)…” The Bible clearly shows that Christ does not run away from the problems of the world. He faced our sins on the cross, and surely he can face a commercial Christmas. It must break his heart, though. Instead of running away, he calls believers to spread the good news of what Christmas really is – and that’s not just a good spirit, helping each other, and giving. Christ calls his believers to worship him and focus on him, and not to take so much thought about material gifts, but to concentrate on the greatest gift: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The cross is inseparable from the manger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the last verse, Ferlinghetti says, “Christ climbed down from His bare tree this year and softly sole away into some anonymous Mary’s womb again…” Again, I disagree. Christ did not steal softly away. He rose in glory, and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father in glory. He is awaiting the time appointed for him to come again and take up his believers. Signs show that this time is coming soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ferlinghetti goes on to say: “where in the darkest night of everybody’s anonymous soul…” Christ does not await his coming in everybody’s anonymous soul, but only in those who have asked him into their hearts as told in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him…” And if the believer is obeying the Word of God, his soul will not be anonymous. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” commands Matthew 28:19. “For we are ambassadors for Christ…” declares 2 Corinthians 5:20. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to everyone that believeth…” announces Romans 1:16.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do agree with Ferlinghetti when he says that Christ’s second coming will be “the very craziest of second comings.” How many people come again through the clouds with trumpets, clothed in glory? Who else comes so unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night”?</span>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-79885735825168128452009-10-13T15:48:00.004-04:002009-10-13T17:39:51.235-04:00SAT Time Again! Thoughts, Helps, and PonderingsLast Saturday marked the first SAT testing date for the 2009-2010 school year. Students, mostly juniors and seniors numbering in the thousands, took the test. Some were confident. Some discouraged. Hopefully each student looked beyond the test and saw the gifts, talents, and unique personal qualities he or she has been given. Let's face it, the SAT will not be the first or the last challenge in the lives of our students. Success in life is not bound up in a test, and yet, the test for some, is an important tool. So how do we as parents find balance in this issue and then pass that balance on to our children? That is a question we all must ask and answer for ourselves. No matter what our answers, we can offer our students support, encouragement, resources, time, and a listening ear!<br /><br />If you have a student working through the SAT process, walk along side. Here are a few helpful resources:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0874477182/"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Official SAT Study Guide</span></a>, The College Board</li></ul><ul><li><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Tests-PSAT-2008-College/dp/0375766146/ref=pd_sim_b_7">11 Practice Tests for the SAT and PSAT</a>, The Princeton Review</li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-SATs-Third-College-Board/dp/0874477050/ref=pd_sim_b_26"><span style="font-style: italic;">10 Real SAT's</span></a>, Third Edition, The College Board</li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vocabulary-Cartoons-SAT-Word-Power/dp/0965242234/ref=pd_sim_b_44"><span style="font-style: italic;">Vocabulary Cartoons: SAT Word Power</span></a>, Sam Burchers</li></ul>This listing is limited to print resources. On-line resources, including classes, are numerous. Check local resources (virtual schools, colleges, libraries) as well. Our sons completed an on-line class (Critical Thinking and Study Skills) through <a href="http://www.flvs.net/Pages/default.aspx">Florida Virtual School</a> which was very beneficial. An out-of-state friend of mine attended a workshop on writing the SAT essay. You never know what helps are offered in your area, some free of charge. Ask trusted mentors in your circle of friends, they may be able to point you in the direction of tried-and-true resources.<br /><br />Recently I picked up <span style="font-style: italic;">SAT Perfect Score: 7 Secrets to Raise Your Score</span> by Tom Fischgrund, Ph.D. What an interesting read! I have not had a "perfect score student" and I am not sure I will, but I found the research thought-provoking. The author shares the results of his extensive study of "perfect score" students as well as what it took to ace the SAT. The results may surprise you. I blogged about it a few days ago at <a href="http://www.cherylbastian.blogspot.com/">http://www.cherylbastian.blogspot.com/</a>.<br /><br />For those who have students preparing for the SAT, keep in mind the deadline for the December sitting is just around the corner, October 31. Register at <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html">http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html</a><br /><br />Information about test dates and deadlines can be found at <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html">http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"To laugh often and much;<br />To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;<br />To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;<br />To appreciate beauty;<br />To find the best in others;<br />To give of one's self;<br />To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;<br />To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;<br />To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived —<br />This is to have succeeded."<br /><b>Ralph Waldo Emerson</b><br /></div>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266365420922713087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-41821794719962552102009-09-01T13:11:00.007-04:002009-09-01T14:09:59.980-04:00Ancient World History and Literature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5AhXmN0aS705IeLUZyOjS8_7FbWh9ZuF4yotcIwq7Hu4GFM9inVTujPrVsd5cEgWJP2TbTscLNxzwE0KAL0dauMyOcborCErCTsPRHlLJsjCNChgUC5wmG-NpbQA4scztodHdwAeg59f/s1600-h/IMG_3895.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376560900603240866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5AhXmN0aS705IeLUZyOjS8_7FbWh9ZuF4yotcIwq7Hu4GFM9inVTujPrVsd5cEgWJP2TbTscLNxzwE0KAL0dauMyOcborCErCTsPRHlLJsjCNChgUC5wmG-NpbQA4scztodHdwAeg59f/s200/IMG_3895.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Not long ago I was asked how I designed classes for our high school young adults. We have taken several approaches to formulating classes based on the strengths, interests, and future plans of the individual. Our oldest son had a great interest and gift for history. This was, by my understanding, his favorite subject in high school. He read constantly, checking out books of interest at the library.<br /><br />With his interest in history, we divided American History into Early American (to 1850) and Modern (from 1850 to present), and World History into Ancient (to the Reformation) and Modern (from the Reformation) so that we could allow time for him to dig deeper into his interest. His self-motivation led to a much more comprehensive course.<br /><br />For readers who are interested in more detail as to what we constituted Ancient Word History, here is our reading list for the course, for that student. Remember, he was a self-motivated reader and we simply allowed him to use a textbook as a framework and then dig deeper into areas of interest. By the end of the school year, he did less textbook reading and more primary source or living history reading.<br /><br />*Please do not use this as a comparison for what your student should or should not be doing. Comparing ourselves or our children to others leads to discouragement and discontent. It is in no way valuable. These examples are only intended as an encouragement, encouragement to think outside the textbook when designing courses for your student. My student might be a reader, but your student may have an opportunity to intern with a local businessman. Use what God has provided and pray about how He would be preparing your young adult for the plans He has, not the ones we best intention.<br /><br /><br />Our textbook was <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">World History and Cultures</span>, George Thompson and Jerry Combee, Abeka Books. God provided an opportunity for this student to tour many sites in Rome, including a day inside the ancient city wall. Though I could be discouraged that my other children may not have the same opportunity, I await the provision He has for each of them as they walk through their lives.<br /><ul><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><br /><ul><li><i>The Epic of Gilgamesh</i></li><li><i>Oedipus Rex, </i>Sophocles</li><li><i>Oedipus at Colonus, </i>Sophocles</li><li><i>Antigone, </i>Sophocles</li><li><i>Mysteries of Ancient China, </i>Rawson</li><li><i>Daily Life in Ancient Egypt, </i>Sameh</li><li><i>Mythology, </i>Hamilton</li><li><i>The Roman Way, </i>Hamilton</li><li><i>The Greek Way,</i> Hamilton</li><li><i>The Death of Socrates, </i>Plato</li><li><i>For the Temple, </i>Henty</li><li><i>The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone, </i>Giblin</li><li><i>The Great Wall, </i>Fisher</li><li><i>In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great,</i> Wood</li><li><i>The Republic, </i>Plato</li><li><i>The Young Carthaginian, </i>Henty</li><li><i>The Eagle of the Ninth, </i>Sutcliff</li><li><i>Anna of Byzantium, </i>Barrett</li><li><i>City of God, </i>Augustine</li><li><i>I, Claudius, </i>Graves</li><li><i>Claudius the God, </i>Graves</li><li><i>Don Quixote, </i>Cervantes</li><li><i>Julius Caesar, </i>Shakespeare</li></ul></ul>Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266365420922713087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-59781189972673301372009-08-26T08:40:00.003-04:002009-08-26T09:24:09.987-04:00It's SAT Time!A new school year! Like me, you're probably working through your high school student's four-year plan. I noticed "Make a plan to take the SAT". Did you?<br /><br />The day is upon us! It's time to make that plan as the deadline for regular registration for the first sitting of the test, nears. Here is a run through of what we need to do in the next week or so.<br /><br /><ol><li>Go to <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/">www.collegeboard.com</a>.</li><li>Click on "Register for the SAT" on the lower left-hand corner.</li><li>From the left sidebar, select "Test Dates and Fees".</li><li>Scroll down to "U.S. Registration Deadlines".<br /></li><li>You will see that the deadline for regular registration for the first sitting, October 10, is September 9. </li><li>To register, click on "Registering" in the left side bar. Follow the instructions.<br /></li><li>If you are not registering for the first test, glance through the other test dates and deadlines. Write these in dates in your calendar or on your digital reminder.</li></ol>The site has many helps and tools. If this is new territory for you, spend some time reading and familiarizing yourself with the information. If it is too much to digest in one sitting, bookmark the site and return frequently.<br /><br />Areas we have found helpful include:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html">Registration</a> <br /></li><li><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html">Test Dates and Fees</a></li><li><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/test_tips.html">Test-taking Approaches</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do">SAT Test Question of the Day</a></li><li><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/test.html">SAT Free Practice Test</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees/calensubj.html">Subject Test Calendar</a> (for the SAT Subject Tests)</li><li><a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/scores.html">Scores</a></li><li><a href="http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp">AP Credit Policy</a></li></ul>College entrance testing can be daunting, but with some planning and preparation, you can head off unnecessary anxiety. It truly does help to be prepared. Take those first steps this week.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266365420922713087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-17382402031788640692009-07-31T09:13:00.012-04:002009-07-31T18:08:46.351-04:00High School 101: Plan Well to Finish Well (Part II)Time for Part II. This will wrap up the remains of the notes from my first session.<br /><br />There are many ways to obtain hours towards high school credit. I highlighted the most popular from the list in my book:<br /><ul><li>Traditional textbooks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7kS_mR4ek_Hd773Q-k3e1oHL3Y6Gr66McjsFWEX0lbbcQJNHJNiK52ZNWHvT6qhSgpeO-YThUJLdIhGg0oep24hgLiDVv8Tccqp2lMZM1YZEMWLmNOnTAXo9I7_kNiJhcoBmbDersXqa/s1600-h/5408_237145735467_849490467_7868671_5532745_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364620185249206306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7kS_mR4ek_Hd773Q-k3e1oHL3Y6Gr66McjsFWEX0lbbcQJNHJNiK52ZNWHvT6qhSgpeO-YThUJLdIhGg0oep24hgLiDVv8Tccqp2lMZM1YZEMWLmNOnTAXo9I7_kNiJhcoBmbDersXqa/s200/5408_237145735467_849490467_7868671_5532745_n.jpg" /></a></li><li>Primary source documents</li><li>Literary works</li><li>Lab experiences</li><li>Independent study</li><li>CD/DVD supplemental material</li><li>Co-curricular activities</li><li>Travel opportunities</li><li>Hobbies</li><li>Tutors</li><li>Volunteer opportunities (cannot be also counted for community service hours)</li><li>Apprenticeships or internships</li><li>On-line classes (FLVS, Thomas Edison College)</li><li>On-line AP classes (PA Homeschoolers)</li><li>Dual enrollment (local community colleges)</li><li>CLEP testing (local testing centers)</li></ul><br />In high school, we keep two notebooks: the current year's portfolio and the cumulative folder. In session one I focused on the current year's portfolio. At the beginning of the new school year, I give our high school students a four-inch, three-ring binder stocked with tab dividers and plastic document sleeves. Our students label the tabs with current course titles. As course work is completed, it is our student's responsibility to file papers behind the labeled dividers. Items which are not "three-ring friendly" are placed in protective sleeves. This method is similar to the portfolio I kept for my children in the lower grades. Our students keep their weekly logs (see page 15 in<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"> Celebrate High School</span>) in the very front of the portfolio.<br /><br />The purpose of the portfolio is to verify course content, record the progress of the student, and verify course hours. Work samples vary from course to course. Math samples might include problems from the lessons, scratch work, and tests. Science work samples may include lab reports, assignments, photos of dissections, and tests. Research papers, writing assignments, study guides, magazines articles, interviews, book critiques, theater tickets, and primary source documents are also important. If the student aspires to attend art school, an additional art portfolio may be required for admission.<br /><br />At the end of the session I explained the similarities and differences of the most common college entrance exams.<br /><br />The <span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">PSAT</span> is a three-part test, offered once a year in October to prepare students for the SAT and determine qualification for National Merit Scholarship. It is not a college entrance exam. Students can sit for the PSAT in their sophomore and junior year, however, the score earned on the PSAT during the junior year determines qualification for National Merit.<br /><br />The <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>SAT</strong></span> is a three-part test measuring critical reading, mathematics, and writing. Scores on each test range from 200-800. All three parts are taken in the same sitting, however, scores from different sittings can be "mixed and matched" when determining the total score. It is offered seven times a year. Registration is through <a href="http://www.collegeboard.com/">http://www.collegeboard.com/</a>.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">SAT Subject Tests</span> are also offered numerous times during the year, but not every test is offered at every sitting. Check the College Board website testing schedule for details. Colleges, especially highly selective universities, may require three to five subject tests in addition to the SAT and ACT. The SAT Subject Tests include: Literature, U.S. History, World History, Mathematics Level I, Mathematics Level II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and various foreign languages. SAT Subject Tests are taken in eleventh or twelfth grade, but no later than December of the senior year.<br /><br />The <span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ACT</span>, offered six times a year, is a four-part achievement test measuring knowledge in math, English, reading, and science with an optional timed writing component. Not all colleges require the writing component. Each of the four parts are scored from 1 to 36 and the scores are then averaged to obtain a composite score. The composite score is the score most colleges require.<br /><br />The <span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0); FONT-WEIGHT: bold">College-Level Placement Examination Program (CLEP)</span> enables high school students to complete college-level independent study and earn college credit. Students use CLEP to earn dual enrollment credit for general education classes. Earning CLEP credit can also be a beneficial method of validating the student's ability to complete college-level course work. Students should inquire with their colleges of choice to be sure the credit will be honored. There are thrity-four possible exams. Each exam costs $70, a much cheaper alternative to earning college credit.<br /><br />I had time for one or two questions at the end of my workshop and then we dismissed for session two. I will post the notes for that session, Getting It On Paper, soon! Check back!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266365420922713087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-22679238889995103702009-07-30T16:16:00.007-04:002009-07-30T17:34:07.867-04:00High School 101: Plan Well to Finish Well (Part I)Hello fellow high school travelers! I wanted to post my notes for the first session I presented at Finish Well. I will do this in two blogs, to aid the digestion process :)<br /><br />Several travelers mentioned they wanted to get to more than one workshop in the first session (physically impossible) or that they could not attend, but wanted to. So, whatever circumstances kept you from attending my first workshop, here's the material we covered, though I go into more detail in my book <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cherylbastian.com-a.googlepages.com/bookstore"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Celebrate High School: Finish with Excellence</span></a>.<br /><br />Plan well to finish well! For those on the high school journey, that means sitting down while in eighth grade (ideally) and working with your student to develop a four-year plan for high school. During the session, I walked through this process with the attendees. We covered all the major points on page 5 of my book.<br /><br />The next step in developing the four-year plan is to consider important factors:<br /><ul><li>the student's career goals or plans after high school<br /></li><li>the educational or experiential requirements for those career goals (two-year or four-year school, vocational training, apprenticeship, internships, travel)<br /></li><li>the graduation requirements to meet the goals (selective college, highly selective college)</li><li>NCAA Collegiate sports requirements (for college athletes)<br /></li><li>scholarship requirements (state merit, Presidential, private)</li></ul>Once we considered the above factors, we compared the graduation requirements for each scenario, with the bottom line being to hone and to polish the student's talents and skills for use as God intends. The majority of students should consider taking (at a minimum):<br /><ul><li>4 credits in English</li><li>4 credits in Mathematics (generally Algebra I and higher)</li><li>4 credits in Social Studies (including American History, World History, American Government and Economics)*</li><li>3 credits in Science (two lab sciences)</li><li>2 credits in Foreign Language (two years of the same language)</li><li>1 credit in the Arts (Performing or Fine)</li><li>1 credit in Physical Education</li><li>1 credit in Computer Science/Business Education</li><li>5-8 credits in additional electives (based on intended career or parental preference)</li></ul>*I mentioned that our students took two years of World History: Ancient World History and Modern World History so that we could dig deeper and add more literature and primary source documents.<br /><br />With ALL this in mind, I had the attendees fill in what they could on one of the four-year plans printed on pages 7 and 10 of my book.<br /><br />I then presented the basics for determining credits, mentioning that there is not a standard formula for determining how many hours equal one credit. I explained the Carnegie Unit. Basically, a student earns one credit for working 45 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 36 weeks for a total of 120 hours. By adding just 5 minutes a day, the total hours becomes 150 hours. For a half-credit, simply divide the required hours in half, hence 60-75 hours. I did mention that one of our students worked on a traditional schedule (45 minutes to 1 hour per subject per day) and the other student used a block schedule (2 days of Physics, 2 days of Math and the other day for Literature~ fitting in writing and electives all five days). I cautioned parents to realize home education is a tutorial method of education (more concentrated) and mastery is more important that the hours worked. Mastery is the goal. If that takes 115 hours, it is still worth the one credit.<br />All of this material is covered in detail on pages 12-14 in <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.cherylbastian.com-a.googlepages.com/bookstore"><span style="font-style: italic;">Celebrate High School</span></a>.<br /><br />During the last fifteen minutes of the workshop I discussed documenting hours and organizing the high school portfolio (a three-ring binder with dividers and labeled tabs). Both methods must be student-friendly to encourage the recording and filing of important information. I also mentioned the major similarities and differences of the most commonly used college entrance exams. I will save those topics for part two of this blog.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07266365420922713087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3211526729155912926.post-72878424607559939322009-07-29T14:48:00.006-04:002009-07-29T14:55:29.155-04:00Bible Note Page using Read, Reflect & Respond ApproachDear friends,<br /><br />After a little twiddling with PDF uploads...<br /><br />This is a Bible study note page that uses the Read, Reflect & Respond approach. I designed it based on one that someone gave me when I was in high school. I use it for my own devotional times. Sometimes it takes a few days to complete a passage of several verses, but it is worth the effort. On the back, I like to write out extra cross reference verses.<br /><br />The file is PDF format. If you click on "More" and then save it as a file on your computer, then you can open it in full size and print it. If you try to print it without doing it, it will attempt to do it in Portrait layout rather than the necessary Landscape format.<br /><br />Feel free to pass it along.<br /><br />Let me know if you have any questions!<br /><br />Grace and peace,<br />Virginia<br /><br /><br /><a title="View Read Reflect and Respond Bible Note Page on Scribd" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 12px auto 6px; FONT: 14px Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/17782802/Read-Reflect-and-Respond-Bible-Note-Page">Read Reflect and Respond Bible Note Page</a> <object id="doc_393875576335043" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="500" width="100%" align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" name="doc_393875576335043"><param name="_cx" value="17965"><param name="_cy" value="13229"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=17782802&access_key=key-w18zl4jvezqq0dmqyrb&page=1&version=1&viewMode="><param name="Src" value="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=17782802&access_key=key-w18zl4jvezqq0dmqyrb&page=1&version=1&viewMode="><param name="WMode" value="Opaque"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value="LT"><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="NoScale"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value="FFFFFF"><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><br /> <embed src="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=17782802&access_key=key-w18zl4jvezqq0dmqyrb&page=1&version=1&viewMode=" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="opaque" devicefont="false" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="doc_393875576335043_object" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" salign="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="500" width="100%"></embed> </object>Virginia Knowleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13851255511747838013noreply@blogger.com0