Finish Well!

High School Literature

2012-01-18T13:53:00.004-05:00

Dear friends,

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.

What prompted this post, after my long hiatus, is reading an article by Glynn Young called: The Business Case for Reading Fiction. He writes about an article that he read recently in the Harvard Business Review called "The Business Case for Reading Novels." Apparently reading fiction can improve social skills, which in turn translates into more effective communication for business. Columnist Ann Kreamer writes, "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." 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: Miss Roark and Louisa May Alcott

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.

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 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: "Christ Came Down" poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti -- and a High School Poetry Critique and Analysis Essay.
I also took a Bible as Literature class (even in public school) and we read The Chosen by Chaim 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.

My sixth child (and first son) started high school this year. In his co-op English class, Mr. Lang 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 Animal Farm 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 read five chapters last night and says it's pretty good so far. 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 1984 just so she could read it, not because it was assigned. She grabbed another copy of Animal Farm while she was there so she wouldn't have to compete with her brother for it.

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 Florida Virtual School. 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. Sad 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 high school page:

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: Cheryl's high school page. If you have younger kids, Cheryl has a lot of other goodies on her web site, www.CherylBastian.com, and her blog, www.CherylBastian.blogspot.com.

What are your favorite high school level fiction books?

Virginia Knowles

www.FinishWellHomeSchool.blogspot.com

P.S. FYI, I found Glynn Young's blog via My Eavesdropping Eyes at Godspotting with Sheila which I subscribe to in my Google Reader. I'd say it was quite a profitable bunny trail I took today!

A Word About Our Children's Future Families

2011-04-13T09:19:00.002-04:00

Hello friends!

This is an excerpt from my book The Real Life Home School Mom: It's a Life in ReVision -- 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 www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com. 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!

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!

Blessings,
Virginia

A Word About Our Children’s Future Families

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.

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 are destined for marriage, how will they find God-fearing spouses?

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 reasonable amount of guidance from parents.

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!

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?

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.

May I share a little of my own story? I first moved to Florida, 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 Passion and Purity. 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.

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!

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!

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!

~*~*~

P.S. You can read about Mary's 2008 messianic Jewish wedding and see some pictures right here: Mary's and Ryan's Beautiful Wedding. And a grandson in the mix:

Jacob Eliav Tindall, My Grandson, Savta & Bris for Baby Jacob, and Jacob's First Chanukkah.

Ever Wonder How the SAT and ACT Differ?

2010-12-22T11:02:00.003-05:00

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.

http://www.homeschoolnewslink.com/blog/?p=241

Warning! There is an amazing amount of helpful information on the blog. You may find yourself immersed in gleaning wisdom :)

A Biblical Foundation for Communication: How We Should Speak & Write

2010-11-09T14:02:00.001-05:00

A Biblical Foundation for Communication:
How We Should Speak & Write
by Virginia Knowles

Careful, Knowledgeable, Purposeful, and Useful

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)

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)

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (Prov. 20:15)

Honest, Accurate, Understandable, and Orderly

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)

For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. (2 Corinthians 1:13)

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)

But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.” (Acts 25:25)

Pleasant, Encouraging, and Ready for the Situation

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

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)

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)

The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. (Prov.16:21)

Bold, Gospel-Centered, and Spirit-Filled

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)

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)

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)

Making the Transition into Public High School or College

2010-09-30T15:13:00.001-04:00

Dear friends,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Judaism and Islam.) 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.)

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 finish well.

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: This Girl's Got Gusto! Way to go!

Finish Well Conference Coming Soon -- November 5-6, 2010!

2010-09-22T20:33:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,

Finish Well is coming soon!

Have you just started homeschooling in the high school years? Do you need some mentoring?
Are you already homeschooling a high-schooler? Do you need some refreshing?
Are you considering homeschooling your high school teen and need to learn some basics?

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!

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.

See you in November!

Meredith Curtis

Finish Well! will be held at
Safe Harbor Christian Church
730 Upsala Raod
Sanford, FL 32771

For more information:
(407) 302-7870

http://joyfulandsucessfulhomeschooling.com

The pre-registration is $25 per family. It will cost slightly more at the door. Scholarships are available.

Virginia's note: I have pasted in workshop descriptions below, but to get a brochure and registration form, please e-mail Meredith at Meredith@powerlinecc.com.

Friday Afternoon

Airsoft—Zack Nolette (teens, dads, some moms!)
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 and must be filled out and signed to participate. Let’s kick off this event with some fun!

Friday Night Session

The Heart of the Problem—Pastor Mike Curtis

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.

Saturday Morning Session

Keeping Your Kids Christian Before and During College—Felice Gerwitz (all)

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.

Breakout Session 1

The College Application Process & Going to College Debt Free—Julianna Curtis (all)

Julianna will walk you through the details of the college application process and show you how to go to college debt-free.

High School 101—Cheryl Bastian (parents)

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.

A Christian Worldview of Economics & Government—Meredith Curtis (all)

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. Fasten your seatbelts—it will be a fast ride!

Restoring Relationships—Mike Bastian (dads)

Anger. Bitterness. Resentment. Forgiveness. Healing. Mike Bastian facilitates this workshop from his personal experiences, with the purpose of encouraging Dads to initiate restoration and healing with their wives and children.

Breakout Session II

The ABCs of Transcript Writing—Cheryl Bastian & Laura Nolette (parents)

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.

Post-Modernism on the College Campus (parents & older teens)

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.

Raising Real Men in a Feminist Culture—Pastor Mike Cutis (all)

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.

Breakout Session III

Can Families Do Business Together & Thrive? - Felice Gerwitz(all)

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.

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?—Pastor Mike (all)

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.

When Personalities Collide—Meredith Curtis (parents)

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.

Put it into Practice!—Joel Walker & Katie Beth Curtis (teens)

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 rather silly.

Afternoon Session

Girl/Guy Talk from the Playground to the Nursing Home— Pastor Mike & Meredith Curtis (all)

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.

Evening Session (7 p.m.)

Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up—Pastor Mike Curtis

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 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!

Nations & Generations: Home Schooling to Make a Difference in the World

2010-07-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

Nations & Generations:
Home Schooling to Make a Difference in the World
An excerpt from The Real Life Home School Mom by Virginia Knowles

~*~*~

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.

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 Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road 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.

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 (http://www.samaritanspurse.org/) 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.

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 (http://www.persecution.com/). 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.

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.

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 http://www.harvestofhope.org/ to see a catalog of gifts in different price ranges.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

~~

This article is excerpted from the chapter "Aim for the Heart" in my book The Real Life Home School Mom. You can read the PDF of the book for free by accessing it from the sidebar of http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/.
The story about Hudson Taylor started a little earlier in the chapter. Click here read it: A Sense of Calling for Life.

Update: Mary (23) is a writer for Wycliffe Bible Translators, a major missionary organization. (See here: Baby Shower and Bible Translation -- Afternoon at Wycliffe.) 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: http://www.juliaknowles.blogspot.com/. Joanna (17) has been to the Dominican Republic, as well as participating in Daytona Beach Week with Mission to Japan a few times.

A Sense of Calling for Life

2010-05-12T17:48:00.001-04:00

A Sense of Calling for Life
by Virginia Knowles

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.

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:

“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.” Romans 12:6-8

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.

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.

“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.'” James 4:13-15

“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

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.

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.

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.

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!

~~~

This article is excerpted from the chapter "Aim for the Heart" in my book The Real Life Home School Mom. You can read the PDF of the book for free by accessing it from the sidebar of http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/.

"Christ Came Down" poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti -- and a High School Poetry Critique and Analysis Essay

2009-12-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

“Christ Came Down” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti

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.

CHRIST climbed down
from His bare Tree this year
and ran away to where
there were no rootless Christmas trees
hung with candycanes and breakable stars

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree this year
and ran away to where
there were no gilded Christmas trees
and no tinsel Christmas trees
and no tinfoil Christmas trees
and no pink plastic Christmas trees
and no gold Christmas trees
and no black Christmas trees
and no powderblue Christmas trees
hung with electric candles
and encircled by tin electric trains
and clever cornball relatives

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree this year
and ran away to where
no intrepid Bible salesmen
covered the territory
in two-tone cadillacs
and where no Sears Roebuck creches
complete with plastic babe in manger
arrived by parcel post
the babe by special delivery
and where no televised Wise Men
praised the Lord Calvert Whiskey

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree this year
and ran away to where
no fat handshaking stranger
in a red flannel suit
and a fake white beard
went around passing himself off
as some sort of North Pole saint
crossing the desert to Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
in a Volkswagen sled
drawn by rollicking Adirondack reindeer
with German names
and bearing sacks of Humble Gifts
from Saks Fifth Avenue
for everybody's imagined Christ child

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree this year
and ran away to where
no Bing Crosby carollers
groaned of a tight Christmas
and where no Radio City angels
iceskated wingless
thru a winter wonderland
into a jinglebell heaven
daily at 8:30
with Midnight Mass matinees

Christ climbed down
from His bare Tree this year
and softly stole away into
some anonymous Mary's womb again
where in the darkest night
of everybody's anonymous soul
He awaits again
an unimaginable and impossibly
Immaculate Reconception
the very craziest
of Second Comings

Critique and Analysis of “Christ Came Down”
By Virginia Quarrier for a 1979 High School English Assignment

The underlying theme of Ferlinghetti’s “Christ Came 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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”?

SAT Time Again! Thoughts, Helps, and Ponderings

2009-10-13T15:48:00.004-04:00

Last 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!

If you have a student working through the SAT process, walk along side. Here are a few helpful resources:

The Official SAT Study Guide, The College Board

11 Practice Tests for the SAT and PSAT, The Princeton Review

10 Real SAT's, Third Edition, The College Board

Vocabulary Cartoons: SAT Word Power, Sam Burchers

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 Florida Virtual School 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.

Recently I picked up SAT Perfect Score: 7 Secrets to Raise Your Score 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 http://www.cherylbastian.blogspot.com/.

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 http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html

Information about test dates and deadlines can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/calenfees.html.

"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one's self;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived —
This is to have succeeded."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ancient World History and Literature

2009-09-01T13:11:00.007-04:00

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.

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.

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.

*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.

Our textbook was World History and Cultures, 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.

The Epic of Gilgamesh
Oedipus Rex, Sophocles
Oedipus at Colonus, Sophocles
Antigone, Sophocles
Mysteries of Ancient China, Rawson
Daily Life in Ancient Egypt, Sameh
Mythology, Hamilton
The Roman Way, Hamilton
The Greek Way, Hamilton
The Death of Socrates, Plato
For the Temple, Henty
The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone, Giblin
The Great Wall, Fisher
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, Wood
The Republic, Plato
The Young Carthaginian, Henty
The Eagle of the Ninth, Sutcliff
Anna of Byzantium, Barrett
City of God, Augustine
I, Claudius, Graves
Claudius the God, Graves
Don Quixote, Cervantes
Julius Caesar, Shakespeare

It's SAT Time!

2009-08-26T08:40:00.003-04:00

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?

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.

Go to www.collegeboard.com.
Click on "Register for the SAT" on the lower left-hand corner.
From the left sidebar, select "Test Dates and Fees".
Scroll down to "U.S. Registration Deadlines".
You will see that the deadline for regular registration for the first sitting, October 10, is September 9.
To register, click on "Registering" in the left side bar. Follow the instructions.
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.

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.

Areas we have found helpful include:

Registration
Test Dates and Fees
Test-taking Approaches
SAT Test Question of the Day
SAT Free Practice Test
Subject Test Calendar (for the SAT Subject Tests)
Scores
AP Credit Policy

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.

High School 101: Plan Well to Finish Well (Part II)

2009-07-31T09:13:00.012-04:00

Time for Part II. This will wrap up the remains of the notes from my first session.

There are many ways to obtain hours towards high school credit. I highlighted the most popular from the list in my book:

Traditional textbooks
Primary source documents
Literary works
Lab experiences
Independent study
CD/DVD supplemental material
Co-curricular activities
Travel opportunities
Hobbies
Tutors
Volunteer opportunities (cannot be also counted for community service hours)
Apprenticeships or internships
On-line classes (FLVS, Thomas Edison College)
On-line AP classes (PA Homeschoolers)
Dual enrollment (local community colleges)
CLEP testing (local testing centers)

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 Celebrate High School) in the very front of the portfolio.

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.

At the end of the session I explained the similarities and differences of the most common college entrance exams.

The PSAT 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.

The SAT 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 http://www.collegeboard.com/.

SAT Subject Tests 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.

The ACT, 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.

The College-Level Placement Examination Program (CLEP) 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.

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!

High School 101: Plan Well to Finish Well (Part I)

2009-07-30T16:16:00.007-04:00

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 :)

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 Celebrate High School: Finish with Excellence.

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.

The next step in developing the four-year plan is to consider important factors:

the student's career goals or plans after high school
the educational or experiential requirements for those career goals (two-year or four-year school, vocational training, apprenticeship, internships, travel)
the graduation requirements to meet the goals (selective college, highly selective college)
NCAA Collegiate sports requirements (for college athletes)
scholarship requirements (state merit, Presidential, private)

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):

4 credits in English
4 credits in Mathematics (generally Algebra I and higher)
4 credits in Social Studies (including American History, World History, American Government and Economics)*
3 credits in Science (two lab sciences)
2 credits in Foreign Language (two years of the same language)
1 credit in the Arts (Performing or Fine)
1 credit in Physical Education
1 credit in Computer Science/Business Education
5-8 credits in additional electives (based on intended career or parental preference)

*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.

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.

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.
All of this material is covered in detail on pages 12-14 in Celebrate High School.

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.

Bible Note Page using Read, Reflect & Respond Approach

2009-07-29T14:48:00.006-04:00

Dear friends,

After a little twiddling with PDF uploads...

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.

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.

Feel free to pass it along.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Grace and peace,
Virginia

Read Reflect and Respond Bible Note Page

Joy & Success in Teaching High School -- PowerPoint by Meredith Curtis

2009-07-29T11:50:00.001-04:00

Joy & Success in Teaching High School

Understanding the Times and Defending the Faith -- PowerPoint by Meredith Curtis

2009-07-29T11:40:00.003-04:00

Understanding the Times & Defending the Faith by Meredith Curtis

Design Your Own Curriculum -- PowerPoint by Meredith Curtis

2009-07-29T11:14:00.001-04:00

Design Your Own Curriculum

Web Sites for Teens and Parents -- Make an Impact!

2009-07-29T08:08:00.000-04:00

Jane Pierce kindly sent the following web links and descriptions of organizations that are equipping teens to make an impact on culture.

Do Hard Things (Alex and Brett Harris)
http://www.therebelution.com/
This web site has lots of resources, book lists, etc. They also have a conference tour as well. (Alabama in August & DC in September) This is a YouTube clip from the Do Hard Things Conference.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_iZ9Jvupv4

Generation Joshua
www.generationjoshua.org/dnn/
Civic and political bent. They want to help parents train up the next generation of Christian leaders and citizens. There are meetings, on-line classes in a variety of subjects (that can be taken for credit), etc. Something that particularly interested me was that they have a book club. Students read the specified book and then about 1X month there is an on-line discussion. If you'll be using this for credit, the student can send in a short report and receive back a sort of 'certificate of completion' but their work is not actually graded. They also have scholarships (books and tuition only) that can be earned based on specified activities. This is very hands on, they encourage things like registering new voters, participating in campaigns, etc. Next week there is a national conference in Washington DC, where they'll be meeting a variety of leaders, having tours, classes and activities.

The Big Dig
www.focusonthefamily.com/events.aspx
An apologetics simulcast, sponsored by Focus on the Family. There may be something closer, but a couple of us are going to Plant City for the simulcast on August 8. The Big Dig is geared for teens and young adults.

Teen Pact
www.teenpact.com/
They teach the foundations of government with the legislative branch, beginning with one week at the state capitol. Their focus is on Biblical principles of government and family, and that God is the answer to America's problems, not politics. They also want to train the next generation of Christian leaders and citizens. There is optional 'homework' to do ahead of time (it's an important part of the process). This hands-on course makes 'civics' much more interesting.

Read, Reflect & Respond

2009-07-27T12:23:00.005-04:00

These are part of the class notes for Virginia's session on high school literature:

Read, Reflect & Respond
(The Real 3R’s of High School Literature)
http://www.virginiaknowles.com/ & http://www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/

Read, Reflect & Respond

Life has a purpose! Reading has a purpose! Down with ignorance and apathy!
Reflective reading feeds the spirit and inspires our souls. Readers become leaders!
Reading, reflecting and responding helps us learn to think more deeply and relate to others more wisely without being easily deceived. We will be prepared to meet life challenges and having something to say.
Reflecting and responding increases long-term retention of information, beyond the test.
Our response often includes practical application and action to transform our lives and culture.
Reading improves comprehension, logical thinking, creativity, writing skills, grammar, spelling, etc.
The reading, reflecting and responding stages overlap and can be simultaneous.
Research the Charlotte Mason method of education for more inspiration.
Use the RR&R techniques for art, music, movies, nature study, sermons, and life experiences.

Mom Tip: You need this as much as your teens do! Are you feeding your mind and your spirit so you can keep up with the many overwhelming demands of life? Are you going deep or just trying to get through the surface stuff? Take time to read, reflect, and respond -- and set the example for your teenagers!

Read

Choose carefully! Books can make a deep and lasting impression, so avoid exposure to much “twaddle” that dulls or pollutes the mind. Reading for amusement and relaxation is fine, but be careful. Be especially wary of Chick Lit (even Christian romances) and anything with occult or “dark” spiritual themes.
Make Scripture your priority! “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
Create a literature-rich environment with a well-stocked home library.
Kinds of reading: academic, pleasure or personal interest, skills, devotional, etc.
Formats: books, newspapers, magazines, web sites, blogs, books on CD or DVD
Genres: Scripture, realistic modern fiction, historical fiction, fairy tale, sci-fi, romance, mystery, poetry, song lyrics, plays, art, biography, history, science, how to, self-improvement, essays, etc.
A variety of genres enhances and balances. When studying a historical period, read novels, biographies, key documents, and poetry. Listen to music and speeches. Watch a movie or documentary.
Help your teens select books or do it for them.
Selecting good books takes a little research and a lot of discernment.
Check high school book lists and ask for recommendations from people you trust.
Click on “inside the book” at http://www.christianbook.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/ to read a chapter.
Do a web search on the author’s name or the book’s title to see what others say about it.
Share your favorites with your teens! Introduce a book like a friend.
Don’t be afraid to supplement with books at middle school or even elementary reading level. This can help a teen understand the basic information to better decode a harder book on the same subject.
Evaluate reading choices by pre-screening from front to back.
Is it wholesome, age-appropriate, and highly recommended?
Is it accurate and fair, without being too simplistic or overly biased?
Is it interesting, well written, and thought provoking? What is quality of the illustrations, if any?
Is the author reliable? (Your teens may want to read his/her other books later.)
Is this the right book for right now? Is it worth the time it will take to read, reflect and respond?
Encourage pre-reading preparation. Before reading, encourage your teen to browse quickly, ask questions and make predictions. Preview any study guide questions before you read.
Give plenty of time to read, in a quiet and comfortable setting.
Read with pencil and paper handy!
Read with (or to) your teen once in a while!

Mom Tip: What books are you reading now? What do you want to read soon? Write a list! Since your teens will soon be adults, you can share what you are reading with them or assign it to them to read.

Reflect

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” Francis Bacon

Study questions should require critical thinking, not just factual recall. More advanced questions will require a synthesis (combining) of information from different parts of the book. Go beyond the questions in a text book!

Background:

What kind of book is this and why am I reading it right now?
What is the significance of the title or cover art?
What is the author’s life background and worldview? What did he or she want to communicate? What is the author’s tone in this book (upbeat, harsh, relaxed, urgently persuasive, funny, reverent, etc.)?
When and where was the book written, and under what life circumstances, such as war?

Character, Setting, Plot & Style:

What universal themes, such as courage, pride, justice, greed, honesty, or jealousy, are woven into this book? Which one is most prevalent? What can I learn that is applicable to my own life?
What perspective can I gain about these themes from this time period, culture, and worldview?
Which character reminds me most of myself? What would I have done if I were that character?
Which characters are dynamic (developing & maturing) or static (unchanging)? How do main characters learn/grow from events in the story? How do their values, fears, motives, or conflicts change?
Are the characters believable? What flaws do the “heroes” exhibit? What virtues do the “villains” exhibit? Real people exhibit a mix of positive and negative behaviors and attitudes. Books for teen readers should show the realistic nuances of authentic human behavior and attitudes.
How would the story be different if written from a different character’s perspective or in another setting?
Do the characters speak in the same manner as I do? Are any special accents, idioms or dialects used?
What are the main events in this story? How does the plot rise, fall and twist? Do this a chapter at a time, and then for the whole book at the end.
How is cause-and-effect used in this story, especially in consequences for actions?
What symbolism is used? What does it mean? Is the symbolism effective, understandable & significant?
What other Biblical, literary or historical references are made in this book?
Are there any words that I don’t fully understand and need to look up in a dictionary?
How does sensory detail (what I vicariously see, hear, smell, taste, and feel) put me “on the scene”?
Does this book use flashbacks or drop hints about what might happen in the future?
Can I follow the clues and make predictions? Is the outcome too predictable or contrived?
Does the outcome give a sense of closure, or is it unsettling or confusing?

Discernment:

How does this information fit in with what I already know (or think I know)?
Humility is needed! We don’t know everything about the topic just because we’ve read a book or two.
Is what I am reading essentially true or in agreement with Scripture? (Obviously, no other book is perfect!)
Does this information contain logical fallacies or propaganda? Does it represent opinions as being hard facts?
Does this reading challenge my assumptions or stretch my perspective? Is this good or not?
What should I accept or reject from it? What do I need to fully absorb or apply?
Is this book what I expected? Did it answer any burning questions for me?

Aids in the reflection phase:

References: Bible, dictionary, encyclopedia, map, timeline, history/science text, commentaries, Google
Published study guides (Progeny or Total Language Plus) or parent-written study questions
Personal conversations, interviews with experts, discussion groups, literature classes, on-line forums
Journal to take notes, ask questions, and make comments as you read. I like a notebook or composition book.
Field trip related to story: art or history museum, zoo, bird sanctuary, horse riding, ethnic restaurant

Mom Tip: Are you truly thinking about what you are reading or putting your brain on auto-pilot? Does your reading motivate and inspire you? Does it make you draw in your breath or furrow your brow?

Respond

Communication Responses (Oral, Written & Artistic)

TOP TIP! START A READING JOURNAL! Copy key quotes into your journal, along with your reflective comments and questions. I highly recommend using a regular 3-ring notebook as a reading journal, especially if you are saving it with your academic records. You can also keep a chronological notebook journal with your diary entries, correspondence, quiet time notes, sermon notes, etc. Create a lifetime treasure!
Talk about it! This could be as you read or after you finish. You can do this as a parent and teen, as a whole family, or as a discussion group. Give a short “book talk” to introduce it to a friend or a group.
Read it aloud to someone, with expression, different character voices and sound effects.
Recite or write a passage from memory. This is especially good for poetry, Scripture, and famous speeches.
Do an informal oral or written narration, telling it back in your own words.
Prepare a short formal presentation to teach to your siblings or friends using a poster or Powerpoint.
Copy poetry, Scripture or quotes in your best handwriting, illustrate it, and give it as a gift.
Summarize the main events or points either in a paragraph or a list.
Write a complete, unbiased pro/con list about an issue as if you are investigating a potential decision.
Rebut an argument or stage a full debate on an issue.
Do a character analysis or compare & contrast characters or events within the story.
Write a journal entry for one of the characters telling an event or feelings from his/her perspective.
Write a short fable with a moral. Or, if you are reading a Bible passage, write a short story about it.
Pick a book that you think one of the characters might enjoy and tell why.
Give the story a different ending and/or write a sequel to the story.
Compare and contrast a theme in this book with the same one in another book.
Write an essay about the themes as they relate to Scripture.
Write a book review and design a book jacket.
Write a blog post or a personal letter to a friend about it. Include digital art or your own pictures.
Write an imaginary letter to a story character to share your advice or express admiration.
Write a letter to the author with your comments.
Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine about how the issues in it relate to current events.
Give a speech about the themes in it.
Attempt to emulate the style of writing by writing a similar story or essay.
Write a poem, song, or creative story about the key themes.
Turn the story into a play. You can produce it, film it, and then edit it using Windows Moviemaker.
Write questions and answers for a trivia game (like Jeopardy) or design a board game.
Draw a picture, diagram, map, or illustrated timeline.
Make a 3D sculpture, diorama, mobile, or collage.
Make a costume that one of the characters may have worn.

Mom Tip: Practice your own speaking and writing skills! Start responding to what you read and then sharing it with your family and your friends. This is also an effective way to share your faith. What kind of person are you becoming in response to your reading? Start a reading journal today!

Application Responses

Decide on appropriate action in response to character’s example or author’s persuasion – then do it!

Reach out to someone who is lonely or give help to someone who is needy.
Make your voice heard about an important cause.
Ask forgiveness of someone you have offended or forgive someone who has offended you.
Break a bad habit and start new wholesome ones to replace it.
Work harder at doing what you already know to attain a personal goal.
Learn a new skill mentioned in the book, such as cooking, sewing, wood carving, nature collecting, camping. Find project instructions in library books or on Google.

“Committing a great truth to memory is admirable; committing it to life is wisdom.” William Ward

Finish Well... Finished Well!

2009-07-26T15:29:00.009-04:00

Meredith, Cheryl and I felt so privileged to present the Finish Well workshops yesterday! We didn't know how many people would show up, so we were so blessed when about 40 ladies arrived. Each of us treasures the opporunity to mentor other mothers through the journey of home educating their children. We will try to post our workshop notes, PowerPoints, and/or videos soon, as well as other resources that will help you along the way. Check back!

Praying for Our Teens -- Not Just a Workshop!

2009-07-21T14:45:00.005-04:00

Dear friends,

"Praying for Our Teens" is not just a workshop title, it's something we mothers need to do every day!

I know that very few of you -- if any! -- will actually come to that session, and that's just fine with me. The real thrust of it is that I'm going to be there to pray for you, and so I know God will show up, too! If you want to request intercessory prayer for your teens, feel free to write it down and hand it to me at lunch. I'll be delighted to pray for you whether or not you come in the room for the prayer workshop.

When Cheryl asked me a few weeks ago if I would consider doing a second workshop session, I told her that I didn't think so since she and Meredith already have great ones during that time, but I would see what God laid on my heart. I prayed about it, that is what came to mind, and my husband Thad confirmed it when I mentioned it to him. When I brought it up to Meredith, she asked if Cheryl had already told me that they wanted to have a prayer room open during the day! Well no, but I have to say that so often "praying minds think alike" because we are trying to listen to the Lord's leading!

As the three of us prepare for Finish Well, our heart is for God to pour out his grace on your families, and that is not going to happen just by us telling you what we know about home schooling. We all need God's divine anointing! Let's all humble ourselves and ask for the guidance and strength to honor him in all we do. Please intercede for us, too, as we get ready for Saturday!
I will have handouts to give to anyone who wants them on Saturday. You can also find my tentative version on my web site at www.VirginiaKnowles.com/PrayingForOurTeens.

Praying God's most abundant blessings on you and yours,

Virginia Knowles, for Cheryl and Meredith

Getting Ready!

2009-07-19T15:42:00.004-04:00

Less than a week away! I'm so excited to meet new people and see old friends again! Working on my powerpoint yesterday, I was reminded about how blessed we truly are to educate our children at home. My third daughter will be a senior this year and that means there will only be two left at home the following year. My heart is sad...I have loved these glorious years homeschooling for the Glory of God! I treasure every minute now as the "babies" are growing up! Looking forward to refreshing and encouraging you at "Finish Well"--see you there!

Finish Well! Encouragement for Home Educators Traveling the High School Journey

2009-07-16T10:45:00.002-04:00

Dear friends,

Have you ever wondered how you will ever manage to home school your children through the high school years? Meredith Curtis, Cheryl Bastian, and Virginia Knowles would like to invite you to a free day of workshops to inspire and equip you!

Finish Well!

Encouragement for Home Educators

Traveling the High School Journey

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2009

Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Location: SafeHarbor Church at 730 Upsala Road, Sanford, FL
View Map

Contact: Meredith Curtis 407-302-7085 and meredith@powerlinecc.com

Speakers:

Meredith Curtis: www.joyfulandsuccessfulhomeschooling.com/
Cheryl Bastian: www.cherylbastian.com/ and www.cherylbastian.blogspot.com/
Virginia Knowles: www.virginiaknowles.com/ and www.virginiaknowles.blogspot.com/

Cost?

It is free!

Meredith, Cheryl and Virginia are all authors, so there will be books available for purchase.

Schedule:

9:00-9:15 AM Welcome by Pastor Mike Curtis (Meredith's husband)

9:15-9:45 AM Keynote by Meredith on "Joy and Success in Teaching High School"

~*~*~

10:00-11:00 AM Session 1 options

(Click on workshop titles for more information on them or scroll down through this blog.)

~*~*~

11:15-12:15 PM Session 2 options
(Click on workshop titles for more information on them or scroll down through this blog.)

~*~*~

12:15-1:00 PM Lunch -- bring your own!

1:00-2:00 PM Q & A with Presenters

~*~*~

If you are planning to attend, please post a comment below with your name, and tell us which specific workshops you are going to choose. This will help us plan for seating and materials. If you have trouble leaving a comment, just e-mail the information to Meredith at meredith@powerlinecc.com.

After the workshops, we'll try to post workshop handouts, and maybe even some video clips! Stay tuned!

Blessings,
Virginia Knowles

Design Your Own Curriculum by Meredith Curtis

2009-07-16T10:31:00.001-04:00

High school classes can be designed to meet both academic requirements and the needs of your children. Meredith Curtis shares how she weaves academic structure with delight-directed learning, using the EZ folder method to keep lesson plans and record keeping simple. Meredith has designed four years of high school classes using living books, customizing classes to her children and to other teenagers. She shares her experiences, offering practical tips to attendees who want to design classes for their high school teens.

This workshop will be offered during session 1 at 10 AM.

High School 101 by Cheryl Bastian

2009-07-16T10:30:00.001-04:00

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. Come hear practical tips for keeping a clear vision while on the high school journey.

This workshop will be offered during Session 1 at 10 AM.

The Three R’s of High School Literature: Read, Reflect and Respond by Virginia Knowles

2009-07-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

"Read, Reflect, and Respond" is a simple yet powerful approach to making the most out of high school literature, whether it is novels, biographies, or non-fiction. Learn how to go beyond mere regurgitation of factoids to life-changing application. Why do we read what we read? How can we train ourselves to think through the plot lines, issues, and worldviews? Then what do we do with what we've learned? Don't let your reading go in one eye and out the other. Read. Reflect. Respond.

This workshop will be offered during Session 1 at 10 AM.

Understanding the Times and Defending the Faith by Meredith Curtis

2009-07-16T09:03:00.000-04:00

Are your teens ready to enter the workplace or college and not be seduced by undermining "vain philosophies"? Meredith will present a way to pass the baton of faith in Jesus to the next generation by establishing the necessary evidence for our faith. She will give vital keys to teaching our teens the relevance of God's Word in politics, economics, science, philosophy, government, religion, and history, shaping their worldview to confront unbiblical views (humanism, socialism, post-modernism, and New Age) which presently face our world today. Our children can be world-changers!

This workshop will be presented during Session 2 at 11:15 AM.

Getting it On Paper by Cheryl Bastian

2009-07-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

High school is not a one-size-fits-all experience. High school is a time to refine the skills needed to polish a student's God-given gifts and talents. But what does that look like on paper? How do you tailor courses which will prepare your child for what God has planned for their future? Cheryl Bastian will walk parents through the paperwork needed for employment and college entrance, explaining how to write course descriptions to highlight your student's strengths, how to develop a transcript people want to read, and how to write supporting documents to reflect your student's educational experiences and character.

This workshop will be presented during Session 2 at 11:15 AM.

Praying for Our Teens by Virginia Knowles

2009-07-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

Home schooling through high school is not something we can successfully do in our own strength and wisdom. We need God's help! Raising teens for Christ in our "culture of compromise" requires spiritual warfare and divine guidance. During this session, Virginia will briefly encourage moms in how to pray for their teens according to the Scriptures. Then we will put this into immediate practice by interceding specifically for each others' families. Come be refreshed and strengthened in your spiritual foundation for home education and life.

This workshop will be presented during Session 2 at 11:15 AM.

Finish Well!

High School Literature

A Word About Our Children's Future Families

Jacob Eliav Tindall, My Grandson, Savta & Bris for Baby Jacob, and Jacob's First Chanukkah.

Ever Wonder How the SAT and ACT Differ?

A Biblical Foundation for Communication: How We Should Speak & Write

Making the Transition into Public High School or College

Finish Well Conference Coming Soon -- November 5-6, 2010!

Nations & Generations: Home Schooling to Make a Difference in the World

A Sense of Calling for Life

"Christ Came Down" poem by Lawrence Ferlinghetti -- and a High School Poetry Critique and Analysis Essay

SAT Time Again! Thoughts, Helps, and Ponderings

Ancient World History and Literature

It's SAT Time!

High School 101: Plan Well to Finish Well (Part II)

High School 101: Plan Well to Finish Well (Part I)

Bible Note Page using Read, Reflect & Respond Approach

Joy & Success in Teaching High School -- PowerPoint by Meredith Curtis

Understanding the Times and Defending the Faith -- PowerPoint by Meredith Curtis

Design Your Own Curriculum -- PowerPoint by Meredith Curtis

Recommended Reading Lists for Teens and Parents

Web Sites for Teens and Parents -- Make an Impact!

Read, Reflect & Respond

Finish Well... Finished Well!

Praying for Our Teens -- Not Just a Workshop!

Getting Ready!

Finish Well! Encouragement for Home Educators Traveling the High School Journey

Design Your Own Curriculum by Meredith Curtis

High School 101 by Cheryl Bastian

The Three R’s of High School Literature: Read, Reflect and Respond by Virginia Knowles

Understanding the Times and Defending the Faith by Meredith Curtis

Getting it On Paper by Cheryl Bastian

Praying for Our Teens by Virginia Knowles