THEATER

I grew up going to the theater.

 

I LOVED IT!

 

Now as the parent I look back at some of the Broadway shows I saw and think, "Yikes! I saw that?!"

Yet, I do love the theater and with a bit of discretion it can be quite the enhancing experience.

 

Recently, my niece was in the Wizard of Oz at a local performing arts theater

and we had the privilege of enjoying the show!

 

 

 

The cousins were all so proud!

 

Of course, my kids came home thinking they too would like to be in a show...

Being the resourceful types, we set about to turn drapery from Ikea into stage curtains...And voila!

Home theater is born!
 

 

 It's amazing that one simple add on to our play area has made our days SO much more fun...
and theatrical...as the kids practice their productions and songs. I LOVE it!!

Everyone gets involved...even Bear :)

And it wouldn't be a show without ribbon twirlers!

Putting together elaborate costumes and shows has been a favorite new
pastime when friends come over to play as well!

What a great way to create wholesome, musical fun!

Plus, it gets our kids out of their shells in ways we never imagined!

I love to see the talents God has given to each child shine through, and I'm thankful for the role
performing arts can play in our education. It's a pleasure to give the children the experience of theater.

It looks like The Sound of Music is coming up next...with rehearsals underway...

 

 

SO SO FUN!!
 

 "And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge,

and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze,

in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft."

Exodus 35:31-33

SERIES...LEARN TO LOVE READING

One of our most commonly asked questions about homeschool is,
"How did you get your children to love reading?"

There are a few answers to this question (all which hinge upon God's grace),
including modeling a love for reading as the parents, reading aloud to the children from the time they were young,
and younger siblings imitating older siblings (who love reading). These factors all contribute to our family's decided love for books, but one thing I noticed in all of my older children that officially kick-started their love for reading was that at the right age (which was different for each of their development) a book series was the final catalyst to drawing them in,
sinking the final nail in solidifying their own personal desire to read...for enjoyment.

Meanwhile, education is taking place as we select good books for our kids to read.
Things like history, Bible, relationships, science, geography, problem solving, and language arts
(to name but a few) are innately acquired without even realizing the extent. It's a win win.

This slow seeping acquisition is a critical reason to be cautious of content, to remember that just because it's recommended...doesn't mean we should read it. We're always growing in this area and we're still a work in progress, but the Lord has really encouraged our hearts over the years to become more and more careful about what we choose to read.

These things said, for all of my older children, it was a series that made them want to go back for more, a series that got them begging to go to the library, a series that landed us sifting through used book stores regularly hoping to find part of our sets (we love collections!), and a series that drifted them off to another time and place where their minds expand and they're learning.

Though there are countless excellent series to read, and millions of individual books worth adding to any library collection, here are a few series (some classic, some novelty) that have played a roll in teaching us to love reading around here.
I wonder which series will draw the attention of my up and coming little readers?? Time will tell...

FOR BEGINNING READERS...SETTING THE TONE:
The Bob Books, Bobby Lynn Maslen
Pathway Publisher Readers
Dr. Seuss
Dick and Jane, Gosset and Dunlap
Scholastic readers, Scholastic Inc.
A Beka readers, A Beka Book
Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish (both children's books and early readers) 
Eric Carle
Now You Can Read Bible Stories, Grolier Enterprises Corp.
Buiscuit, Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Little Golden Books, A Golden Book
Magic School Bus, Joanna Cole
Courderoy books, Don Freeman
Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel
My "a, b, c, etc." Books, Jane Belk Moncure

FOR INTERMEDIATE READERS:
Pathway Publishers Readers
10 Boys, 10 Girls...Who Made History, etc., Lightkeepers, Irene Howat
Little House on the Prairie Chapter Books, HarperTrophy (easy to read adaptations of the classics)
The Moody Family Series, Sarah Maxwell, Titus 2 Ministry
Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan and other authors-
(Though not a series, there are many different publications of Pilgrim's Progress and
my kids have loved reading the plentiful variety of this classic...most notably Little Pilgrim's Progress, Helen L. Taylor.)
Encyclopedia Brown, Donald J. Sobel
Trailblazer Books, Dave and Neta Jackson-
(These Heroes of the Faith books should be read with the understanding that they incorporate fiction along with fact.)
Treasury of Illustrated Classics, Modern Publishing
Great Illustrated Classics, Baronet Books
Heroes of America, Baronet Books
Portraits of Little Women, Susan Beth Pferrer (inspired by Louisa May Alcott's Little Women)
American Girl Collection, American Girl
Misty books, Marguerite Henry

FOR MORE ADVANCED READERS:
Pathway Publishers Readers
YWAM Biographies, Janet and Geoff Benge (our favorite Heroes of the Faith biographies)
Lamplighter Books
Trail Blazers, Christian Focus Publications (Heroes of the Faith biographies)
Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingles Wilder
The Caroline Years, Maria D. Wilkes
Elsie Dinsmore Classics, Martha Finley
Mildred Keith Classics, Martha Finley
The Kingdom Series (only...we found the Knight Series to have content we wouldn't recommend), Chuck Black
A Life of Faith, Mission City Press (based on the classics by Martha Finley)
The Children's Classics, Ferguson Publishing Company
Patricia St. John books, Moody Publishers
Chronicles of Faith, Barbour Publishers
Caddy Woodlawn books, Carol Ryrie Brink

As a note...the series above are listed by reading level and intentionally not by grade level or age because we have come to accept that all children begin to love and learn reading at their own unique pace. This is determined by God, the One who is in control of their development, and not by classifications. We have seen all of our readers come into their own enjoyment of reading at differing ages and stages and accept this as good, so I would never want to type cast any child's reading ability (or inability) based on such categories. When they are ready, they will be ready...and they will let us parents know.

It's our job in the interim to expose our kids to good books (and most importantly The Book- God's Word),
cheer them on, and wait patiently for their own love for reading to develop. With care, compassion,
and a dose of realistic expectations, I believe every child has the ability to learn to love reading.

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
Proverbs 18:15

HOMESCHOOL IN THE CAR

For us, the entirety of our "curriculum" does not involve online ordering, worksheets, or grades.

In fact, a good portion of our learning happens in the ebb and flow of life...naturally.

 

If we stop and consider how much we are actually learning through regular daily interactions as well as planned

educational events (not to mention education at our fingertips via the web) we realize that we are always learning!

 

One of my favorite places to take note of this alternative education is in the car. (It's all about perspective.)

Whether it's singing Scripture, discussing God's Word, or just addressing the multitude of quandaries that fill

a blossoming heart and mind, the car is a valuable resource for quality interactions and homeschool.

 

What is it about a car ride that digs out the burning questions in a child's mind?

 

In our family, for one thing, we have always purposefully instigated such questions in the car. When we have alone time out, in particular with one child, we are very intentional to check in, ask how things are really going, see if they have any questions for us parents, things like that. Perhaps this initiation is what has spawned such intrigue in the car...or perhaps that's just what kids do. Either way, I'm thankful for our conversations, thankful that God has given me a desire to pay attention to these talks and capitalize on their influence, and thankful for the opportunity to teach my children at home...and in the car.

 

 I love my crazy kids! How many more can we fit in this van??
 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Deuteronomy 6:5-8

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

Sometimes it's those spontaneous lessons over eggs and toast that make the greatest impact.

 

I'm thinking that's the nail we hit on the head today.

 

 

It's funny that something as simple as our white board Prayer Board can be such an

influence in our spiritual growth, but indeed it is. We use it all the time!

 

Today, it was a conversation-turned-lesson that encouraged all of our hearts and got the

wheels turning about how we can express more fruit of the Spirit. We have much to learn.

 

Anyway, it was a blessing to share this impromptu devotional time today through the blessing and privilege

of homeschool including lingering breakfasts and tangents together. I pray that God was and will continue to be

glorified as we prayerfully seek His grace that we might exude the fruit of His Spirit in our lives.

 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Galatians 5:22-23

HANDWRITING THANK YOU NOTES

I'm always looking for ways to make simple subjects like handwriting fun.

 

Thank you notes seem to be one of the best.

 

 

This "learning" thing doesn't have to be drudgery, and if there's a will, there's a way.

 

Thanks, thank you notes, for encouraging our handwriting {art time included} today!

 

"Do all things without grumbling."

Philippians 2:14

SUNSHINE

It's a long story really, how we've ended up with a parakeet named Sunshine, but nevertheless, we have.

 

 

And, since I'm in the business of trying to make schoolwork exciting...Sunshine became our source of inspiration today.

 

Yay Sunshine!!

 

 

If I'm completely honest with myself, this project was more fun for the kids than for Mom who had ample opportunity to practice the fruit of the Spirit...patience. I mean, let's face it, when you get toddlers involved in the big kid stuff it's really just a set up for sanctification. Fortunately, I view this as a plus...and memories are always selective. ;)

 

"The fruit of the Spirit is...patience."

Galatians 5:22

 

 

It was a joy, however, to see the kids use their artistic and writing skills to document a moment in time.

After all, "they've always wanted to have a bird!"

 

Good ol' Sunshine provided just the subject matter we needed for our art binders today...

 

 

 

...and how I LOVE homeschool! :)

...and these silly, loveable kids!!!

 

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

Matthew 6:26

PREPARING FOR CHINA

Learning is always more fun when we find ourselves invested and interested in our subject matter.

 

 

In this case, with our upcoming adoption and travels to China we've decided it's the perfect opportunity to do some research.

 

 

The fact that it's Chinese New Year certainly encourages our current enthusiasm,

but our adoption journey is the main reason China has captured our attention.

 

 

I must say, to think of Elka and Brodie actually experiencing the Great Wall in person after having learned about it makes me thrilled! They're the lucky siblings who get to accompany their dad to China once our adoption is complete (prayerfully this coming fall). Especially for Elka, who has dreamt of this moment for years, this trip will literally be a dream come true!

 

And, for Aida, who got to visit Beijing in 2011 on a mission trip with her dad,

studying what she has already experienced first hand definitely brings it all to life.

 

 

What a privilege it is to homeschool! What a joy to send my children to far off places in Jesus' name where they can grow in compassion for the world around them. May this be only the beginning for each one of them!

 

 

"Let the nations be glad and sing for joy."

Psalm 67:4

THE MUSIC IN OUR HOME

Every now and then a song comes along that moves our family.
This past month Yiruma's River Flows in You has been that song.

 

As I'd listen to instrumental holiday music while putting India to sleep this Christmas season, Yiruma's song would come on every here and there. Each time I found myself carried away and wondering more of the composer.

 

Finally, one day I looked him up, his song too...and I asked Brodie if he'd try to learn to play the song for me.

He obliged. :)

One of the greatest gifts God has offered our family is the gift of music. We never signed up for piano at the perfect age of five. We never took guitar lessons. But, what we HAVE always done is prayed...

 

We've prayed for God's will for our children's lives. We've asked Him to bless them with desires that align with His will for them. We've sought His ability to infuse our children with talents and interests that He would have them pursue and He has been abundantly faithful to do so.

 

 ^"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

 

We aren't the types to force our kids into things that WE think is right for them. We do a lot of listening, guiding, buffering, and every now and then we close a door. But, for the most part, we await God's plans for our children, try to say yes as often as possible, and believe with our whole heart that He will accomplish His will in each of their lives.

 

Apart from our failures, inadequacies, and the many things we will surely do wrong along this parenting journey, God WILL have His way with each child He's blessed us with. He WILL use them for His glory. His plans cannot be thwarted. The music in our home, despite our lack of formal lessons, proves it.

 

I listen intently to the melodies flowing through my son's fingertips...the one who never took a lesson. He plays beautifully.
There is emotion in his music that dwells beyond his years. He feels the song. And I do too.

 

I wash dishes in another room while guitar strings strum. A daughter, she too never a lesson, plays from her heart and God's heart as she sings for His glory and leads us all in worship. And I marvel at what I've not done to achieve all of this.

 

But God, this is His doing. He's given the children His song. He's given them gifts from Him.
What I do or don't do cannot thwart His plans. The music in our home proves it.

 

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me."

Psalm 27:10

 

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"

Psalm 95:1

 

(This is the song that started it all for Brodie.)

 

(And another inspiration.)

 

(Another excellent reminder that God is in control no matter what.)

 

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Proverbs 19:21



HOMESCHOOL DAY ON ICE

There are those homeschool day discounts that prove to be worth their while. Though I'm not one to search these out often on my own, every here and there a friend will encourage us to go. It was a fun day today on the ice with friends.

 

  Olia was the surprise of the day.
It was her first time on the rink and she got right in there with the instructor's games, making new friends and all! :)

Olia, you're so fun!



 Thank you, friends, for getting us out on the ice this Christmas!

'Tis the season!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

IN THE KITCHEN

Our kids have always loved time in the kitchen...What kid doesn't?!

 

Last year when Aida discovered her love for History in the Baking, we started to take our time in the kitchen more seriously. There are real life advantages in allowing children to explore food preparation in the home...
and homeschooling allows us ample time for such delicious fun!

 

The other day, Elka and Noble paired up all on their own and put together a healthy feast for lunch. They were beaming at their accomplishment! What stood out most was their attitudes as they worked together and served our family. One of my favorite blessings from homeschooling is watching siblings big and small work through life together. It's beautiful!
 

 

What a blessing homeschooling always proves to be...even in the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 "Give us each day our daily bread."
Luke 11:3